10 November 2016
Easton and Otley College, Easton, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5DX
Are you getting the benefit from precision farming? We will be asking the big three questions at this event.
- What’s the latest thinking in crop production and protection technologies and
where can we derive value from this? - Can farmers realise the full extent of performance-enhancing developments in
precision farming systems and techniques? - What higher-level skills development must we prioritise in the next generation of
machinery operators and from where will we get the best return on investment?
Click to see the official flyer, including full details of the event and how to register.
Through a programme of presentations, demonstrations and discussions, delegates
will be able to update their understanding of the key issues facing the arable sector
and look at how new technologies are being applied to solve them.
RNAA Lecture
The programme includes the annual RNAA Leadership Lecture which, this year, will be given by
Professor Rob Edwards, Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University.
In the field
In addition, practical and interactive field-based activities from John Deere and Ben Burgess product specialists will illustrate the effect that machine optimisation and
precision farming techniques have on achieving maximum productivity and efficiency.
This Agri-Tech Week event organised jointly by Easton and Otley College and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).
4 BASIS Points are available for attendees of this event.
Programme
10.30 Registration and Refreshments
11.00 Welcome and Introduction
Professor David Richardson, Vice Chancellor of UEA, and President of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association
11.10 Session 1: Keynote Address: ‘The Changing Face of Crop Protection’
Professor Rob Edwards, Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development at Newcastle University
A combination of regulatory pressures, environmental concerns and pesticide resistance together with a shortage of new actives entering the market are forcing a major re-appraisal of our dependence on agrochemicals for crop protection. Learning lessons from the health sector, we will need to use a much more sophisticated approach to safeguard our crops, including a move to preventative interventions, faster adoption of new technologies, better stewardship of our remaining chemical arsenal and the use of predictive tools. In this presentation some recent developments in crop protection research that reflect this shift in approach will be discussed.
12.15 Lunch and networking
A delicious locally sourced buffet lunch and a chance to get ‘hands-on’ with the latest tractor and combine simulator trainer.
13.00 Session 2: ‘Optimising machine & productivity efficiency’
David Purdy, Carl Pitelen and Mark Cann from John Deere and Ben Burgess
A masterclass from John Deere and Ben Burgess’ product specialists illustrating the importance of operator training and understanding the effect machine optimisation and precision farming techniques has on deriving maximum productivity and efficiency in the field. These are practical and interactive field-based activities that will be very much ‘hands-on’. Bring your boots!
14.45 Session 3: Is it Worth It?
David Jones of Morley Farms plays the Devil’s Advocate and David Purdey responds with the technologist’s argument.
Drawing out the lessons learned, a provocative debating session that looks at the return on investment of precision farming techniques with opposing arguments presented by leading practitioners followed by a tightly chaired live debate with audience contributions.
15.30 Concluding Remarks and Close
Greg Smith, Chief Executive of the RNAA, and David Henley, Principal of Easton & Otley College
Time
Thursday 10th November 2016, registration from 10.30 (event starts at 11.00 and finishes at 15.30)
Cost
£20 – includes a buffet lunch, soft drinks and all teas/coffees during the day plus conference pack. Parking at Easton & Otley College is free of charge. Student concessions are available – see website for details.
Booking
Please book in advance by calling the RNAA booking line on 01603 748931 or by emailing briony.harris@rnaa.org.uk
You can also register by post downloading and returning the form on this pdf document.
