Over 4000 Progressive farmers and agronomists from across the UK headed to the sixth CropTec Show in Peterborough last week seeking the latest technical and business solutions to improve the profitability of their businesses.

The CropTec Show’s renowned and extensively researched seminar programme proved popular, with standing room only in some of the sessions, as did the knowledge hubs, which provided quick-fire updates on a range of topical technical issues.

Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, group events director at AgriBriefing, which owns The CropTec Show, said: “This year’s event was the best yet. We were delighted to welcome so many visitors and it was clear that many chose to stay longer this year, clearly illustrating the regard in which CropTec is now held by arable farmers and their agronomists.

Stephen Howe, CropTec development director, said: “UK farmers are managing long-term businesses and, by definition, that requires understanding what the future may have in store and finding ways to adapt to change.

“This year’s CropTec Show has again shown there’s no better place to discover some of the answers to those questions, whether they were about the future of farm support; business expansion or contraction; the role of environmental schemes; machinery investment; or the future of our crop protection armoury.”

CropTec’s status was reflected in the number of continuing professional development points on offer (six each day) and the impressive list of companies participating in the BASIS and NRoSO knowledge trails.

The CropTec seminars and knowledge hubs featured over 30 of the sector’s leading experts. The seminars covered four of the most important areas underpinning profitability – crop protection, crop nutrition, crop breeding and crop establishment.

New for this year was the crop establishment panel session, which feature interactive debate with four expert growers on their approach to soil management to create the best conditions for their crops.

Two new knowledge hubs featured, one providing the latest advice on problem wheat and barley diseases and another on spray application technology. Blackgrass, biosolutions and oilseed rape establishment hubs also drew good audiences throughout the event.

The well-established sprayer demonstrations also proved popular, with the six machines on show making plenty of trips to the demonstration area.

Pick of the CropTec launches

The Small Robot Company, which is developing an autonomous robotic crop production service, chose CropTec unveiled Harry, a prototype precision-planting robot.

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Sulky Burel launched its new DX Eco#6 fertiliser spreader that achieves fertiliser savings of 8-10%, through automatic GPS shut-off and six-section spreading control.

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Kuhn UK launched a radar-equipped, automatic spread pattern control system for its Axis 50.2 twin-disc fertiliser spreader that optimises the spreading pattern in real time.

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Kverneland’s new flagship model in the Exacta twin-disc fertiliser spreader range also made its CropTec debut.

John Deere highlighted new drill and mobile app developments to improve machine efficiency and productivity at lower operating costs.

The Garford Robocrop Baby Leaf hoe also made its CropTec debut.

McConnel introduced its new high-performance lightweight, self-propelled crop sprayer, the Agribuggy A280, and Vicon’s new iXtrack T3, the first of a new generation of high-tech trailed sprayers, made its CropTec debut.

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Plenty of precision technology was on show. Kleffman Group showed My Data Plant that enables farmers to monitor fields regularly with the help of satellite data which is used to create field-by field-biomass maps every five days.

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UK based Drone AG launched a first-of-its-kind app that scouts fields for growers, in less time and in more detail using a smartphone and a small drone. SOYL launched four new or improved services for growers.

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Several smart crop management systems were on show, including HOBOnet/EnviroMonitors field monitoring system, that offers near real-time data from wireless sensors, alert notifications, and access via mobile devices.

Van Walt displayed some of its recently launched range of soil moisture probes and data transfer systems, while Prodata Weather Systems showcased the Davis EnviroMonitor system, a platform that combines weather data with intelligent software to help growers plan field operations.

Visitors looking to develop technological solutions to benefit the food and farming industries were also catered for. Exhibitor Farm491, the RAU Cirencester-based agri-tech facilitator, had members on the stand who shared their experiences of working with Farm491.

Improving decision support was the theme of Agri-Tech East’s stand, which showcased some exciting emerging agri-tech.

PGRO and BEPA launched the new 2019-20 PGRO Pulse Recommended Lists.  Limagrain UK highlighted its strong breeding programme that brought new and improved pulse varieties to UK growers, such as large blue pea LG Stallion and spring bean LG Cartouche, as reflected in the 2019/20 PGRO Recommended List.

Many agronomy developments were on show, including a successful microgranule starter fertiliser already in use on 600,000ha overseas launched by Kent-based JS Tech.

Ilex Envirosciences promoted its new Crop Rooter Plus product, which provides cereal crops with an early boost to root development.

Life Scientific introduced a new OSR fungicide and a post-emergence herbicide for broad-leaved weed control in winter and spring cereals.

BASF highlighted the benefits of its newly acquired InVigor hybrids and the Clearfield system on its stand, while DSV introduced new varieties of wheat, oilseed rape and forage crops.

Visitor Comments

wheat-daddy: The show goes from strength to strength, you have the blend of content and exhibitors just right which attracts the right visitors

emmaportor: Thank you #CropTec18 for a great show yesterday. I love hearing about new technology in the industry from people who speak with such passion

roryamck: Excellent day visiting @CropTecShow. A packed event with a wealth of information.

@CharlesAnyan: Excellent day at @CropTecShow, great to see so many familiar faces.

@ianholmes20: Good day today @CropTecShow - it has certainly developed over the last few years and is a really good event now.

The CropTec Show returns to the East of England Showground, Peterborough, on 27th and 28th November 2019.