Agronomy developments in abundance at Agrovista’s East Anglian trials

Arable farmers across East Anglia will be able to catch up with a range of innovative agronomy developments this summer at Agrovista’s comprehensive AgX regional trials site near Framlingham, Suffolk.

Soil husbandry is one of several key topics at the event, which will be held at Lodge Farm, Kettleburgh on 7th and 8th July, in partnership with host Tuckwell Farms.

The soil husbandry trials, now in their fourth year, are assessing the effect of different cultivation systems on soil health, ranging from ploughing to direct drilling. The large-scale plots are split, with one half having also grown a soil-conditioning cover crop ahead of the current wheat crop.

Over the life of the trials, the aim is to identify several parameters to see how cultivation techniques affect the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. “The aim is to identify what changes are taking place, which could have a significant effect on best practice in the future,” says trials site manager Josh Hart.

Several wheat fungicide programmes will be put to the test on the site. These will compare the efficacy of commercial programmes as well as those containing new chemistry about to enter the market.

“We will also be looking at various bioscience products to help keep plants in the best health to underpin our crop protection programmes,” says Josh. “This initiative should provide plenty of valuable take-home messages for growers looking to optimise their disease control programmes.”

Visitors will also have the chance to get amongst 22 varieties at the site’s comprehensive winter wheat demonstration which features popular Recommended List stalwarts, several newcomers and some promising candidates, including those within Agrovista’s extensive portfolio.

Image of trial sites in East Anglia Agrovista

Josh says: “The mix of old and new will enable visitors to compare and contrast pretty much any combination of varieties they may be planning to grow as well as several others that they won’t have even thought about.”

Members of Agrovista’s precision farming team will also be on hand to talk through the integration of precision farming into a farming business and how growers can benefit from the added value this technology offers, ensuring they achieve the best financial margin for each field.

In addition, Agrovista Rural Consultancy’s experienced business consultants will be available to discuss opportunities for environmental schemes in consideration of the current market and navigating the transitional period, to help farm businesses to maximise opportunities and improve efficiency.

Several live demonstrations of equipment available from machinery specialist Tuckwells are also taking place on the day:

• T3rra drainage software management

• The new Mazzotti 4080 self-propelled sprayer with individual nozzle control

• John Deere 4150 self-propelled and M740 trailed sprayer demos

• New John Deere 6R series tractors

James Stark, Agrovista’s regional sales manager, East, says: “We are delighted to be able to invite everyone back to our regional trials after a two-year absence due to Covid. We would also like to extend a special thanks to our host farmer, Tuckwell Farms, for providing such an excellent venue.”

Kris Grzelak, farm manager at Tuckwell Farms, says: “We are delighted once again to be a partner with Agrovista and to host their regional technical trials.

“This provides us and growers across East Anglia with an excellent opportunity to learn more about varietal choices and behaviour, disease control and many more interesting aspects of agronomy, not least improving soil health to protect long-term farm profitability.”

The site is at Lodge Farm, High Road, Kettleburgh IP13 9RS (what3 words: basket.staining.reworked). The open days take place on 7-8 July between 9.30am and 4.30pm. The first tour starts at 10am, the last tour is at 3pm.

All growers, whether they are Agrovista customers or not, are welcome to attend but are requested to book in advance at www.agrovista.co.uk/agx-fram-registration