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
|
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.
|
“ 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.
|
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 /
|