AHDB open day

AHDB are calling for an ambitious grower to host a new Strategic Cereal Farm for the next six years to bolster the national network of farms.

Strategic Cereal Farms put cutting-edge research and innovation into practice on commercial farms in the UK.
AHDB are looking for a farmer in our West and Wales or South West regions who can join the network later this year.
For the first time, the selection process will consider whether applicants can help answer key research questions raised by levy payers.
We would like to hear from potential hosts who have an interest in any of the following areas:
  • Integrated pest management: specifically, tackling Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), cabbage stem flea beetle management and ergot risks, as well as testing biopesticide efficacy, variety blends and cultural weed control methods
  • Nutrient management: specifically, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), using in-season tests to adapt crop nutrition, unlocking nutrients from organic materials and testing how management impacts crop available nitrogen
  • Several other topics, including testing biostimulant efficacy, cover crops (mixtures, destruction and effect on following cash crops) and companion crops
 
 
Strategic Cereal Farm hosts will:
  • Identify goals and agree research questions to tackle during their six-year tenures
  • Permit trials or demonstrations to be conducted on their farms
  • Be comfortable with public speaking
  • Attend steering group meetings
  • Contribute to public-facing events on their farms (up to two events each year)
  • Share their journeys via key communication channels, including the AHDB website, social media and the farming press
Hosts receive support from AHDB staff, experts, researchers and consultants.
An analysis of hundreds of levy-payer responses, submitted to the AHDB research ideas letterbox, has identified key areas for levy investment, including topics suitable for exploration within the Strategic Cereal Farm network.

 

How to apply

Farmers can express an interest in hosting a Strategic Cereal Farm by completing the simple application form. 

The appointed farm will join the network of Strategic Cereal Farms, which currently cover Scotland and England (East and North)

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AHDB

We deliver transformational projects to drive productivity and boost farming and supply chain businesses. We want the industry to thrive in a rapidly changing world and continue to produce high quality food, maintain our beautiful landscape and leave a legacy for generations to come.