The comprehensive demonstration provides a unique opportunity to not only see all the latest equipment at work, but also discuss new ideas with industry-leading experts in the new Knowledge Trail.
There is even the chance for operators to get a hands-on drive of the latest sprayers in a special area as well as 'hands-off' experience of using guidance and auto-steer equipped tractors and machines.
"Tillage-Live is organised by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) on behalf of the industry," says Duncan Russell AEA services manager and event organiser.
"Supported by many of our members, it allows visitors to talk to staff from these companies who know the machines best and have vast experience of how the equipment operates. This means the event not only provides access to the experts from all the major cultivation equipment companies, but from some leading tractor makers as well."
The realistically-sized working plots – from 0.5ha to 3ha – allow visitors to see the latest machines at work in fresh ground and feature range of equipment from ploughs and power- harrow/drill combinations right through to the latest min-till cultivators, drills and direct drills.
At the same time a new demonstration arena offers the opportunity for visitors to see a range of machines running one after the other. The Knowledge Trail, with five action areas offers the opportunity for visitors to gain valuable BASIS points by providing in-depth information on a range of important cultivation and establishment topics, which include:
• Focus on soil structure. Cultivation machinery expert, Philip Wright, will be digging a soil pit to explain how to identify compaction, its causes and how various implements can be used to repair the problem, as well as explaining how to prevent damaging the structure.
• Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF). The UK's leading expert, Tim Chamen, of CTF Europe, will be talking about the benefits that come from confining traffic to set wheelmarks and how setting up a system can be easier than many first imagine.
• Slug Pelleting Precision. Staff from Spreader and Sprayer Testing, the UK's largest and most experienced specialists, will provide practical advice on checking, setting up and calibrating slug pellet applicators to provide the best control and minimise pollution risks.
• Cultivations to control Blackgrass. BASF is providing detailed advice on how cultivations play a vital role in an integrated approach to controlling blackgrass and how this will improve efficacy of chemical applications.
• Container Cleaning. Detailed advice on how to clean and rinse containers from Prof. Paul Miller the UK's leading spray application scientist and independent expert, Bill Taylor. Plus an opportunity for operators to test their skills.
