Following the success of its Meet the Processor events in recent years, HGCA is experiencing similar enthusiasm from growers for a programme of events scheduled for spring 2014.

The initiative this year includes visits to five flour millers, a feed mill and a maltster. In addition, HGCA hopes soon to be able to announce details of two similar events in Scotland. This year’s programme offers the chance to see modern milling machinery, cereal and seed laboratories, test bakeries, export depots and maltings in action.

"What these events are all about is getting to know your market,” said Suffolk grower Andrew Blenkiron. “So I view the role HGCA has played in setting the visits up as a fantastic opportunity for farmers to really understand the end market's requirements. Every £1/t in premium, whether a deduction or a gain, is well worth the effort, no matter how many loads you send to the processor."

HGCA is keen to point out that, due to limited places, the events are for cereals growers only. Places are also on a first come, first served basis, and attendance is at the discretion of individual hosts.

To book, visit hgca.com/events or call HGCA Events on 024 7647 8723.

Meet the Processor dates 2014:

Millers

• · 12 March – Rank Hovis, Andover, Hampshire
• · 18 March - EB Bradshaw & Sons Limited, Driffield, East Yorkshire
• · 20 March - FWP Matthews, Chipping Norton, Oxon
• · 25 March – Rank Hovis, Trafford Park, greater Manchester
• · 29 April - Whitworth Bros Ltd, Wellingborough, Northants

Maltster

• · 10 April - Warminster Maltings, Warminster, Wiltshire

Feed Mill

• · 8 April - Crediton Milling, Devon