OFC Arable Conference at the Cereals Event

The Oxford Farming Conference will once again partner the Cereals Event in delivering the event's Arable Conference.

Three debates headlined by industry-leading farmers, scientists, policymakers and environmentalists take place over the two days, with plenty of opportunity for the audience to have their say.

Subject matter includes GM and the potential of novel and non-food crops; where resistant varieties will come from (and whether the sector can rely on the Recommended List) and the role of precision farming in achieving yield potential.

Al Brooks, 2016 Oxford Farming Conference chairman, says: "The line-up of panelists and speakers is outstanding, as is the range of topics being covered.

“We have speakers from around the world joining the panel sessions; and with GM and the reliability of the Recommended Lists being debated, we're certain to create some animated discussion – something we never shy away from at the Oxford Farming Conference."

Recognising that many visitors are pressed for time, the technical seminars have a new format. Each session will consist of an intensive 20-minute presentation from a leading expert followed by a 10-minute question and answer session. Topics to be covered include the Yield Enhancement Network’s role in maximizing yield potential; the loss of active ingredients; no-till establishment and the role of data in agriculture to enhance performance and increase returns. Visitors can also hear about black-grass control; the role of cover crops; preserving soil organic matter and effective OSR pest management.

The Arable conference marquee is at stand 830, all sessions are free to Cereals Event visitors. The line up for the Conference is as follows:

Wednesday 10 June

11.00 GM and the potential of novel and non-food crops; UK and international perspectives. 
Chairman: Al Brooks (OFC 2016 chairman and farmer)

Speakers:
Jack Bobo, senior adviser for agricultural policy, USDA
Prof Johnathan Napier, Rothamsted Research
Mark Buckingham, Europa Bio
Paul Temple, farmer

14.30 Where will all the resistant varieties come from? Can we rely on the Recommended List? 
Chairman: Dr Tina Barsby (CEO NIAB and OFC director)

Speakers:
Dr Susannah Bolton, HGCA
Dr Richard Summers, former BSPB chairman
Geoff Hall, Monsanto
Andy Barr, farmer & NFU Combinable Crops Board

Thursday 11 June
11.00 What’s the role of precision farming in achieving yield potential?  
Chairman: Martin Davies, Farmland Investment and OFC director

Speakers:
Steve Keyworth, Ursula Agriculture
Michael Horsch, Horsch Machinery
Clive Blacker: Precision Decisions
David White: farmer and director of RTK Farming