Cereals 2023, a technical event focused on the UK arable industry, will open its doors to 60 urban schoolchildren for the first time this year.
The 14- and 15-year-olds are coming from schools in Nottingham, Loughborough, Derby and Leicester with the aim of inspiring them to look at potential careers in farming, engineering, science and technology, organisers said.
Organised by Agri-hub and the education branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), the event will take place on Tuesday, June 13, and Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Thoresby Estate in Nottinghamshire.
The visit will include tours of the NIAB Soil Hole, Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena and exhibitors like Rothamsted Research.
Science teacher at Nottingham Girls’ Academy, Syra Mahmood, said the event will give students the opportunity to see farm machinery, drones and robotics in action.
“This trip not only enhances the national curriculum but gives students from different backgrounds the opportunity to gain culture capital and knowledge,” she said.
“Girls are under-represented in STEM and so I hope this trip will drive interest in it and show how exciting and diverse the world of science is.”
Cereals 2023
As well as educating students, the event aims to offer innovation and practical advice to farmer visitors too.
The event is set to feature 400 exhibitors and sponsors, 80 speakers, four stages and 144 new exhibitors.
In the seminar area, topics like carbon trading, reaching net zero and environmental services will be discussed.
Farmers will also have the opportunity to quiz industry leaders, like NFU president Minette Batters and Minister of State for Food and Farming Mark Spencer.
There will also be an expanded agronomy zone feature dat Cereals 2023, including a larger variety of winter barleys.
Over 200 machinery demonstrations will take place, including:
- Sold-out Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena;
- Sold-out Drill Area;
- Mechanical weeding demos presented by Garford;
- Drone demonstrations;
- Check out the Bednar/ Case IH Arrive & Ride Experience;
- Robotics & automation demonstrations presented by Agxeed.
Event organiser, Alli McEntyre, said: “With so many exciting features on offer, growers will leave the event inspired, with lots of ideas to try out on their farms.
“And hopefully the school visit will inspire the next generation of farmers, scientists and engineers in this vibrant and diverse sector.”
