Cereals event to promote growing specialist crops

Arable farmers could maximise returns by including specialist crops in their rotations – and they can find out how at the leading technical event for the UK arable industry.

As pressure to diversify and increase profits mounts, the Cereals 2017 event on June 14-15 at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire, will benefit from the addition of a brand new Specialist Crop Zone.

“We want to provide visitors with something a little extra this year,” said event marketing manager Natalie Reed.

“With high input prices and volatile grain prices, farmers’ margins are being squeezed.

“Crop diversification which provides added value but is still practical has never been more relevant.”

Nigel Padbury, seeds and marketing manager at Premium Crops, will be showcasing a variety of added value crops at this year’s event.

“Specialist crops can really make a difference on farm,” he said.

“Among our crops this year will be High Erucic Acid Rapeseed, which offers a £35/t premium over conventional rapeseed.”

As well as financial benefit, the inclusion of specialist crops in a rotation can also have agronomic advantages.

“It’s important to look at the bigger challenges surrounding growing crops, such as pests and weeds,” said Mr Padbury.

“Linseed attracts attention due to its ability to tackle blackgrass as well as minimising slug levels – growers should re-think their rotations and use specialist crops to confront these issues.”

Rapid changes in the food industry, with consumers becoming more health conscious, mean demand for specialist crops is rising.

Quinoa, for example, has seen a huge increase in demand due to its nutritious properties.