Meeting 1
This is the first meeting so the main objective is to meet Andrew and George Booth, get to know the business, enterprise mix, land capability, mechanisation, etc - understanding their system.
Meeting 2
The main objective is to consider options for replacing the aging fertiliser spreader. What is the replacement policy, the options and how do you cost it? Also, inspect growing crops and market update.
Meeting 3
The main objective was a group exercise to capture the lessons/experiences from the 2011 season and hear about Robert Ramsay’s biomass crop drier.
Meeting 4
A key decision for the Booths' concerns the future grain drying and handling system. This meeting involved a visit to three farms to see different drying systems first hand.
Meeting 5
The main objective is to examine compost as a tool for improving soil structure. Also discussed a forward farm budget for the year.
Meeting 6
The main focus is to take time to really see the growing crops, discuss the agronomy programme, share experiences and discuss future crop management.
Meeting 7
The aim here is to extend the project by visiting a progressive arable farmer to review their business, taking any learning back to the Monitor Farm.
Meeting 8
Review of soil management including; crop nutrition, soil structure, nutrient availability, organic matter and use of compost.
Meeting 9
Reporting the MF’s crop performance and gathering growers’ experiences and lessons.
Meeting 10
Review and update on precision farming plus SGRPID field mapping inspections.
Upcoming meetings
The next meeting will be held on Thu 9 May.
As I write oilseed rape is not yet all in full flower and winter wheat crops have not yet all had a T1 fungicide.
Blog - April drilling disrupted by snow but Aberdeenshire crops still look as good as anywhere
Blog - Crops have developed slowly this spring and I’m already expecting a late harvest
USDA publish first forecasts of world supply and demand estimates for the new crop season
Cropping Systems Platform Open Day
27 Jun 2013
SGS, Alkerton Oaks Business Park, Stratford Road, Banbury OX15 6EP
25 Sep 2013
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, London, Greater London SW1P 3EE
AHDB Crop Research Conference (Student rate)
25 Sep 2013
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, London, Greater London SW1P 3EE