Following the success of the first Arable Scotland event in July, plans are already growing in momentum for the 2020 event.

The sustainability of Scotland’s arable production systems is a key concern and after a Twitter poll, break crops have emerged as the popular choice for the 2020 event.

Co-chairs of the event, Professors Fiona Burnett (SRUC) and Adrian Newton (James Hutton Institute), are excited by the pace and direction the event is taking. “The arable industry in Scotland is desperate to pick up the new innovations that are coming along and to run these in sustainable rotations that help financial margins as well as benefiting soils and sustainability,” said Professor Burnett.

“Novel crops suited to Scotland and marketable break crops like peas, beans and oats will be a key feature at the event next year, as will management techniques like intercropping and cover crops.”

Professor Newton added: “Innovation in the industry will continue to be a major piece of the event and hybrid wheats will be just one of the discussion points and commercial displays next season. We’re already expecting more companies to be present next year and the site at the the Balruddery Farm, near Dundee, is already being scoped out. We would encourage companies to get in touch early if they want to book space and particularly if they want to demonstrate winter drilled crops.”

More than 400 people attended the inaugural event in early July this summer to take in the useful field displays and indoor exhibits. The discussion forums were a particular highlight, so will be back next year in a new and improved dedicated space, added Professor Burnett. There will also be more opportunity to network and meet with people across the industry and supply chain.

Get in touch using the Twitter account #ArableScotland or via the dedicated website https://www.arablescotland.org.uk/.