T he online survey is an integral part of the Syngenta Black-grass Focus Week , in the run up to Cereals ‘ 16 . The battle with Black-grass has dominated arable agronomy for the past decade . And for most of that time , the yield-robbing weed has been getting progressively worse on most farms , according to Syngenta Communications Specialist , Cat Gray .
“ But we are increasingly receiving reports that many growers are getting to grips with the problem and , using a full combination of cultural and chemical controls , there is some optimism that they can both control and successfully reduce weed populations going forward ,” she reported .
The survey aims to establish the actual extent of problem Blackgrass on farms . It will then look at the various agronomy options that can be employed , and rate the effectiveness that growers consider they provide .
It will also address what herbicide timings growers use , and again how effective they consider the various options .
Finally , it will look at the cost implication of the various measures employed , and seek to put a whole farm cost on Blackgrass control , which includes the effects of cultural and chemical control measures across the whole rotation .
“ We have tested the survey with a group of growers , and included their positive comments to ensure it will provide useful and thought provoking data that can help on farm with their future agronomy
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decisions ,” added Cat .
Hertfordshire farmer , John Haynes , reported Black-grass undoubtedly has an extremely serious effect on the whole farm profitability and productivity . “ But with the package of agronomy we ’ ve employed over the past three years it is getting better and the measures appear to be working .
“ Completing the survey has already stimulated the thought process in my head to assess all the aspects of what we do , and to help prioritise on the bits that we see working most effectively for our farm and system ,” he advised .
“ We use herbicides at all the key timings , with the pre-crop stubble and pre-emergence applications seen as the most effective options ,” added John .
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“ We are looking to maintain our rotation using as many tools as possible , before going down the spring cropping route .”
The quick and easy to complete Black-grass Survey will run prior to Cereals 2016 , through to the end of June , added Cat Gray . “ We will have some provisional data for growers at Cereals , but a much better full analysis post the event and in time for this autumn ’ s Black-grass Action Plan .”
The Syngenta Black-grass Focus Week 2016 seeks to share the secrets of the success of some of the growers who have got the problem in check . It also looks at some of the latest science and agronomy that is bringing new control techniques to the fore . Black-grass Focus Week highlights include :
• Seeing is believing - join us at our black-grass trials sites
• Independent trial days showing new research into integrated black-grass management , including HYVIDO ®
• Farm walks with ‘ Black-grass Beaters ’
• Videos and online support from our application experts
• Test your expertise in our online Black-grass Knowledge Zone
• Learn about the future of weed control - innovation in the making
• Join the discussion on Twitter using # BGTips
Growers can take part in the Black-grass survey now through the Syngenta website .
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Cereals 2016 15th-16th June 2016
The technical event for the arable industry , join over 25,000 farmers , agronomists and industry professionals at Crishall Grange , Cambridgeshire . www . cerealsevent . co . uk
AD & Biogas 2016 6th-7th July 2016
Building on its extraordinary success to date , UK AD & Biogas is now expanding the tradeshow to cover not just the exceptional opportunities in the UK AD market , but also around the world as the global AD industry starts to take off . Showcasing the very best AD technology for sewage treatment , food waste , farm and small-scale plants as well as community and micro-scale AD plants , alongside the latest innovations , gas upgrading and biomethane vehicle technology . adbioresources . org / uk-ad-biogas-2016
G . Yorkshire Show 12th-14th July 2016
The Great Yorkshire Show features the best of British farming and is England ’ s premier agricultural show . Held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate it gives first-hand experience of agriculture and rural life . www . greatyorkshireshow . org
Royal Welsh 2016 18th-21st July 2016
The role of the modern Royal Welsh Show is a rounded one . As well as its principal function of showcasing the cream of Welsh livestock and the high quality food and drink produced in Wales , it encompasses the wider spectrum of farming and rural life and successfully bridges the gap between town and country . It provides something to interest everyone through its kaleidoscopic range of activities including forestry , horticulture , crafts , countryside sports , Sports Village and a 12 hour programme of exciting entertainment that continues throughout each of the four days of the event . www . rwas . wales / royal-welsh-show /
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