AN open day in Herefordshire will bid to help farmers increase their crop yields.
The ADAS Open Day will take place at Brinkley Hill Farm, Brockhampton, on Tuesday June 18 and will feature demonstrations of some of the novel approaches which are being explored to enhance yield in winter wheat.
The day will also feature demonstrations by ADAS and industry experts on crop protection and nutrition of cereals and oilseed rape, as well as weed management, soil management, and the full recommended list of winter wheat varieties.
The event will run from noon to 4pm, with free admission and a free hog roast. BASIS and NRoSO points are available. For more information call Philip Bounds on 01432 820444.
ADAS, which is an independent science-based environmental and rural consultancy, says that much of the land in Herefordshire is capable of yielding around 20 tonnes of grain per hectare but most cereal crops have a large unfulfilled potential for growth and grain formation.
Leading farms and research trials in the area often achieve 12 tonnes/hectare, but the average commercial farm produces fewer than eight tonnes/hectare, with no increase for more than 15 years.