Organisers of the Cereals 2021 event are adamant that it is on target to open its doors to physical visitors on June 9 and 10 this year, following a series of meetings with farmers, exhibitors and health and safety advisers.

After a year of online-only events due to Covid-19, Cereals is being planned to return to Lincolnshire in June. “All of our farmers and exhibitors are so keen to get back out into the field and meet real people again,” said event director, Alli McEntyre.

“The site is drilled up and growing nicely and with our new farmer advisory board we are now formulating the seminar programmes and live action exhibits.”

She said the safety of visitors and exhibitors remained paramount, so the team is following the latest health and safety advice, with Covid-19 measures likely to include social distancing, hand sanitisers, open air theatres, and more entry points to reduce queues.

“We will update exhibitors about our biosecurity plans in early March and early June,” added Ms McEntyre. “Although navigating the site might feel a little different, we are extremely positive about our ability to deliver a vibrant and bio-secure outdoor event.”

Following a successful webinar in November, the Cereals team invited 16 arable producers from around the UK to join its new advisory board. Encompassing a range of farming styles – from organic and regenerative to high output, precision-driven units – the board is aimed at ensuring Cereals delivers practical, relevant and innovative content for its visitors. “We are committed to having more farmer representation among our speakers, and to ensure utmost editorial integrity in our seminar programmes,” said Ms McEntyre.

New features will include a 'Market and Farm Diversification' theatre – dedicated to grain marketing topics and diversification advice – and the Sustainable Solutions theatre in association with the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs. This will focus on sustainability in all of its guises, from financially strong family farm structures to environmentally friendly practices.

Another feature will be the Innovation and Tech demo ring, which will have working demonstrations of the latest novel equipment and a practical drainage area.

The Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena will also be back with a more challenging track to reflect real farm conditions, while the NIAB Soil Pit, crop plots and working machinery demonstrations will offer plenty to see and discuss.

However, if national health measures do change, the event will move online again. Tickets will go on sale from February 1 – visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk