This month, Farmers Guardian headed to Agri-TechE's REAP Conference in Peterborough and caught up with some speakers, industry professionals and researchers to find out what the key takeaway messages were from the conference, what research and innovations are on the way into the industry and what technology is currently being utilised on farms.

Speakers

Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-Tech

Dr David George, researcher at Newcastle University

Todd Jex, agronomist and Agri-TechE Ambassador

Ali Capper, hops and apple grower at Stock Farm and chair of British Apples and Pears

Dr Nadia Radzman, biologist at The Sainsbury Laboratory at Cambridge University

Louise Penn, farmer, agronomist and Agri-TechE Ambassador

Penelope Bossom, managing Partner at Overbury Enterprises

Ryan McCormack, farm manager at Dennington Hall Farms

Join podcast host, Ash Ellwood, as she visits a family arable farm based in Leicestershire, which has recently diversified its farming business by creating its own fresh oat drink.

The diversification is led by founder and family member Miles, who has not only found a market for his farm-grown oats but also created an opportunity to return to the family farm, after completing university and working in London.

We learn about the whole 'grain-to-glass' process, how the oats are grown and marketed, and also get their top tips for growers looking to incorporate new ideas on their own farms.

In this episode, join Ash Ellwood as she chats with three industry experts all things grass-weed control.

Take a deep dive into the recent dry summer and its impacts on weed pressures and seedbanks, as well as the availability of new and existing chemistry. Learn how growers can balance their herbicide timing and spending to minimise resistance on farm, and discover top tips for minimising resistance.

With mostly dry weather continuing into autumn so far, we also discuss the risks and rewards associated with drilling early, as well as what growers can do to manage grass weeds in an early-drilled crop.

Speakers

John Cussans - Weed science principle consultant - ADAS

Dr Will Smith - Technical lead - Gowan Crop Protection

Mark Hemmant - Technical manager - Agrovista