There are many factors involved in sustainable agriculture and a special selection of seminars at the Cereals Event will explore how farmers can strengthen all the different pillars of sustainability.
From financial and mental strength, to healthy soils and the environment, running a sustainable farm business draws together many different elements, all of which will be discussed in the Sustainable Solutions seminars, in association with the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.
“We have some of the top researchers, scientists and farmers coming together to discuss hot topics like regenerative farming, climate change and business resilience,” said Alli McEntyre, event director.
Collaborative farming could be one answer, with a session on June 31, bringing together three businesses who are working in different ways to combine their strengths.
“Collaborative farming brings many benefits to farming businesses; we all know the saying that two minds are better than one,” said Holly Beckett at Focussed Farmers, who is chairing the session.
Collaborative farming can come in many forms and it’s important that all parties are singing from the same hymn sheet and are clear about the aims, objectives and overall vision of what they are trying to achieve together.
“When that is clear, people coming together to achieve their goals increases ideas, motivation, productivity and resources and at a minimum, doubles the driving force required to achieve more than one can alone,” she said.
Effect of climate change
Climate change is an increasing challenge for arable producers, with extreme weather resulting in either too much or too little water, and one seminar at Cereals on July 1, will examine how best to manage this.
Nuffield scholar Rob Burtonshaw will explain the productivity and environmental benefits of investing in drainage, helping to reduce runoff and increase soil resilience.
This not only leads to greater crop productivity, it mitigates risks of soils and pesticides entering watercourses.
He said:
“Drainage is a long-term investment, I would expect a scheme to still be performing at least 20 years after installation, and on the right soil a great deal longer than that.
“It also can bring benefits to the bottom line.
Income is improved by increased yield and quality; there is also better crop uptake of soil mineral nitrogen which reduces inputs.
“However, maintaining drainage is important and cleaning ditches and clearing outfalls is a simple and cheap way of improving the efficiency of the drainage system,” Burtonshaw concluded.
