Sky Agriculture and OPICO, in co-operation with Oakbank, are running a ‘No-till and Cover Crop Roadshow’ from the 4-7th July 2016. The venues are listed below (see notes) and all growers interested in no-till, min-till and cover cropping are encouraged to attend.
The aim of the meetings will be to help farmers learn more about the benefits and pitfalls of integrating different cover crop species and mixtures into their rotations, alongside how best to navigate a smooth transition to a no-till cultivation system.
Christophe DeCarville, Sky Agriculture Product Manager said, ‘Direct drilling is not a magic wand to farm without the plough. To ensure a no-till system is successful, growers need a transitional period when soils need to be improved and rotations altered. Cover crops can be an integral part of this process and these roadshows aim to help growers look at their whole system to ensure that no-till can work for them, cutting time and input costs whilst nurturing the soil.’
Demonstration plots will assist discussion and Christophe will outline some of the key aspects to consider when moving to a direct drilling system, using his twenty five years’ experience with cover crops and no-till in many parts of Europe and the world. Seed and conservation specialists, Oakbank, will be on hand to answer grower’s questions on the suitability of species and mixtures in different soil types and rotations.
Commenting, James Woolway said, ‘The OPICO dealer network has been quick to take on demo drills from the Sky Agriculture range and we are delighted to be running these technical events, supporting growers who are considering a move to a no-till system.’
4th July 6pm Caldecote Manor Farm, Abbotsley, Cambs – PE19 6XQ
5th July 9.30am Pond Farm, Little Ellingham Road, Hingham, Norfolk – NR9
6th July 9.30am Alnwick Rugby Football Club, Greensfield Ave. Alnwick – NE66
6th July 6.30pm Pytchley Golf Lodge, Pytchley, Northants – NN14 1EY
7th July 9.30am Deep Mill Diner, Gt Missenden, Bucks – HP16 0DH
7th July 6.30pm Rural Innovation Centre, R.A.U. Cirencester – GL7 5PU
