Annual agronomy workshops are set to focus on soil health

The annual round of New Year agronomy workshops set to take place this month will see the focus placed firmly on down-to-earth measures.

The events organised jointly by SRUC, Scotland’s Rural Collage and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) will focus on soil structure and health.

Gavin Dick, AHDB cereals manager Scotland, said that soils were the foundation of farming and the industry recognised the need to increase soil health in terms of structure and nutrients.

Buy he added: “However, it can be a challenge, especially after a wet, stop-start harvest like the one we have just experienced.

“Discussions at the Agronomy Workshops this year will focus on practical measures which can work on farm to reduce the stress on the soil.”

Speakers will include Professor Fiona Burnett, head of SRUC’S soil research group, who will cover likely disease pressures for the year ahead and will also provide an overview of current fungicide performance data.

Dr Steve Hoad, SRUC’S team leader in agronomy, will also announce the top varieties to look out for in 2018, while Julian Bell from SAC Consulting will provide a cereals market overview and outline the importance of product specifications.

The workshops will take place in the Borders on 9 January, Perthshire (11th), Aberdeenshire (16th) and the Highlands (18th).