Grassland & Muck 2017 is delighted to be teaming up with Yara once again to help farmers maximise grass efficiencies with cutting edge research and technology.
The triennial event, organised by the Royal Agricultural Society for England (RASE), returns to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 24-25 May 2017. Promising a bumper display of machinery, live demonstrations and grass plots, along with timely advice and technical forums, the two-day event has something for every grassland farmer.
“With 145 acres of working grass and machinery demonstrations, Grassland & Muck is the biggest and best grass, forage and muck event in the UK,” says David Gardner, chief executive at the RASE. “In 2014 we had nearly 13,500 visitors – 94% of whom rated the event as good or excellent; and over 230 exhibitors – 96% of whom met their objectives.”
Next year promises to be just as fulfilling, with visitors able to get advice and see displays across the whole spectrum of grass management, from the latest varieties to relieving soil compaction, nutrient management, harvesting, ensiling, feeding and muck spreading. “It really is a vast site, with plenty of room to see machinery working: In 2014 we hosted more than £20 million of equipment and 76% of visitors planned to make a purchase as a result of their visit,” adds Mr Gardner.
Yara is partnering the event for the fourth time, providing farmers with practical solutions to improve grass efficiencies. “Farmers are well aware that forage is the cheapest form of feed, and are striving to boost grass yields and quality,” says Mark Tucker, head of marketing and agronomy at Yara UK. “What we need to do is pass on the latest research, technology and advice to help them to reach the next level.”
Such research has shown that soils and grass crops are commonly deficient in zinc, calcium and selenium, which can impact on plant and livestock health. “In response we have developed a new product, Zincote, which is currently being trialled in Ireland,” says Mr Tucker. “We’ve also been analysing the profitability of different feeding and grazing systems.”
Precision farming is becoming increasingly common in the grass sector, and there will be plenty of new technology on display at the event. This includes new developments to Yara’s tractor-mounted N-Sensor to measure a grass crop’s nitrogen requirement and vary fertiliser applications accordingly, leading to improved production efficiencies.
“Preparations for Grassland & Muck 2017 are roaring ahead, and stand sales are now under way,” says event organiser Alice Bell. “With 92% of 2014 exhibitors planning to book at next year’s event, space is likely to sell out fast.” For more information visit www.grasslandevent.co.uk or contact 02476 858 284.