- Farmers are invited to come along to the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) Land Drainage Hub to sort out their wet patches at the Cereals event on 11-12 June 2024
Conversations will be taking place both days at 10.30am and 1.30pm on the NAAC’s Land Drainage Hub, to try and help resolve some of the unanswered questions on land drainage.
The ‘Conversation about Drainage’ will be taking place alongside the NAAC Drainage Hub, made up of company stands expert in land drainage. There will be a demonstration area, hosting a drainage trencher and plow and the audience will get to learn how the machines differ and operate, alongside discussion on the importance of drainage.
Commenting, Rob Burtonshaw, Farm Servicers Ltd and NAAC Land Drainage Chair said, ‘We will be challenging the devastating impacts of climate change by looking how to offset increases in rainfall with appropriate water management systems. The past year has highlighted the vital importance of well drained land, and we have all seen the impact on improved trafficability, crop growth and yields.’
Speaking will be contractors Rob Burtonshaw, Farm Services, and George Firth, Lincolnshire Drainage, with farmer Will Oliver reviewing the impact of drainage on his land on the Leicestershire/Warwickshire border.
The team will aim to answer questions including:
• Why bother with drainage
• How will it help soil structure and management
• DIY or get a contractor in
• Costs and how long will it take to pay back in yield and benefits
• Where to start to get a scheme in the ground
• Do we need extra Government funding?
Jill Hewitt, NAAC CEO added, ‘The benefits of drainage are proven, but the main obstacle is the investment cost. However, drainage is the building block of all soil management, and we will be calling on Government to review how to incentivise drainage to benefit productivity, flood protection and profitability on farm.’
This will be essential information for anyone considering if drainage could improve the land on their farm. Come and join the debate!
The Drainage Conversation will take place at the NAAC Land Drainage Hub at 10.30am and 1.30pm.
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