Events

Events

Farming Futures Event Plan

Over the coming months we have lots of events planned for farmers and land managers. There will be one in every region of England and there should be something for every sector as well as events covering renewable technologies. Details on dates, locations, topics and other events are listed below - check this page regularly for updates.

5th March 2010, 9am-1.30pm
Free workshop on soil nitrogen: the critical link between inputs, outputs, profit and climate change
Venue: Midloe Farmlink, St Neots, Cambridge
For arable farmers, a profitable future lies in the efficient use of inputs, managing soils sustainably, and responding to shifting consumer demands. Cost savings and good environmental practice will go hand in hand.
This FREE Farming Futures workshop will explore the science behind good nutrient and soil management, and the central role of Nitrogen and nitrous oxide in the debate.
76% of the UK's nitrous oxide emissions come from agriculture and nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Roughly half of these emissions come from soils as a result of nitrogen fertilizer application onto crops.
Hear from leading scientists and industry experts about how you can improve the management of nitrogen in crop production to help improve margins and tackle climate change. They will outline the fundamental principles of the soil and crop systems on your farm and identify the 'win-win' solutions to cutting costs and reducing nitrous oxide emissions. There will also be a farm walk to demonstrate some of the things farmers are already doing, such as variable application systems and use of precision technology, as well as rotational cropping and control traffic farming.
Attendance is free but you must book in advance (limit 40)
Please contact William Frazer, Farming Futures on 020 7324 3637 or email farming@forumforthefuture.org

5th March, 9-1.30pm
East of England Soil Nitrogen Workshop
at Midloe Farmlink, St Neots, Cambridge
Soil nitrogen: the critical link between inputs, outputs, profit and climate change
What can you do to make your land fit for the future?
For arable farmers, a profitable future lies in the efficient use of inputs, managing soils sustainably, and responding to shifting consumer demands. Cost savings and good environmental practice will go hand in hand.
This FREE Farming Futures workshop will explore the science behind good nutrient and soil management, and the central role of Nitrogen and nitrous oxide in the debate.
76% of the UK's nitrous oxide emissions come from agriculture and nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Roughly half of these emissions come from soils as a result of nitrogen fertilizer application onto crops.
Hear from leading scientists and industry experts about how you can improve the management of nitrogen in crop production to help improve margins and tackle climate change. They will outline the fundamental principles of the soil and crop systems on your farm and identify the 'win-win' solutions to cutting costs and reducing nitrous oxide emissions. There will also be a farm walk to demonstrate some of the things farmers are already doing, such as variable application systems and use of precision technology, as well as rotational cropping and ensuring good soil drainage.

10 February, 2010 - 9am - 5pm
South West Climate Change Fair - A sustainable future for your farm
Venue: Exeter Racecourse

This FREE event is aimed at farmers who are interested in exploring the opportunties climate change may pose to their businesses.
We will provide a wealth of new ideas, innovative solutions and the latest view from industry experts in order that they can save money, save resources and increase margins through improved management of water, energy, fertiliser, feed and other resources.
Farmers, growers and rural businesses can also hear about the opportunities that may arise from energy crops, new markets and niche products.
There will be plenty of trade stands as well as:
A series of workshops and presentations from experts highlighting how farmers, growers and land managers can profit from climate change and better resource management
One-to-one advice from a team of specialists available throughout the day
An opportunity to share ideas and best practice with other farmers and growers
The event is free and open to all, but you will need to reserve a place. To do so, please contact Claire Wyatt on 02073243670 or email farming@forumforthefuture.org

17th February 2010 - 10am - 3.30pm
Farm Resource Efficiency 2010
Venue: Bishop Burton College, Bishop Burton, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 8QG

Specifically aimed at farmers and land managers, this free event will show you how you can reduce costs through improved management of water, energy, fertiliser, feed and other resources. Through a series of workshops, presentations and trade stands, you'll discover the latest technology, innovations, and sources of grants and funding available to help you capitalise on climate change and improve the sustainability of your farmland and your business.

This free event is organised by Farming Futures, FWAG and supported by Yorkshire Forward and Lantra.

'Save and Profit' from this unique event and...
Find out if on-farm wind generation or growing energy crops could be for you
Hear about precision farming, the future of pig farming, and how carbon footprinting can work for your business
Find out about grant and funding opportunities available for business development
Gain expert one-to-one advice from a team of specialists throughout the day
Share ideas and best practice with other farmers and growers
Enjoy a free lunch that has been locally sourced
To book a place, call 01845 527850 or email yorks@fwag.org.uk

22 March, 2010 - 10am - 3pm
South East Renewables Workshop
Venue: The Barn at Chilton, Town Hill Farm, Chiltern, Buckinghamshire HP18 9NA
Farming Futures is working with the CLA to host this expert workshop in the issues surrounding on-farm renewable energy technologies. We will hear from experts in the areas of Wind, Biomass and AD, as well as planning, environmental permits, grid connection, Power Purchase Agreements and grant funding. There will be an opportunity to discuss some of the specific details surrounding your installation, and get first hand information.
To register, please call 0207 324 3670 or email farming@forumforthefuture.org
For more information, click here.

Non Farming Futures Events:

17 and 18 February 2010 - 8am to 5.30pm
The Energy Now Expo
Venue: Malvern Showground, Worcestershire
The Expo is a two-day conference and exhibition showcasing the latest renewable energy technologies and services for farmers and landowners - wind, biomass, biofuels, biogas, ground source heating, hydro and solar. Entrance to the exhibition is free, and both NFU and CLA members can attend the conference and workshop programme for £75 compared with the regular price of £99.
Visit http://www.energynowexpo.co.uk/ or call 01293 854405.

January - April 2010
Free woodfuel and energy crops courses in the South West - Lantra approved. Click here for the energy crops leaflet and here for the woodfuel leaflet.

March - April 2010
Free Energy Crops Technical Training Days in every English region. Run by the National Non-Food Crop Centre. See http://www.nfuonline.com/x43805.xml for more information.

Feb 08 - March 2010
How to succeed in a changing environment - Land Based Advisory Service workshops
Business Link's Land Based Advisory Service are running a series of workshops over the coming years for land based industries with the aim to help land based businesses to adapt and improve their performance against a background of constantly changing environments, ranging from climate change to regulatory requirements.

Examples of events:

- Earth, Wind & Fire - Profiting from alternative energy - delivered by Paul Holmes-Ling
Business Diversification & Possible grant opportunities - delivered by Matthew Berryman, CLM (Sussex, Surrey, Kent) Chris D'Olley (Hants & Oxfordshire).

- Prepare to meet thy Planner - delivered by Nick Ide, Batcheller Thacker (Sussex, Surrey, Kent) Andrew Lord (Hants & Oxfordshire)

All workshops are FREE and open to all - please book by visiting www.ruralbookings.co.uk or call 0845 600 0 006. Some of the events are eligible for BASIS points.

Resources from past Farming Futures events:

2010

2nd February 2010
Climate Change and Your Farm 2010
Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate

13 January 2010
The case for renewable energy generation for farmers and land managers
Burrough Court, Melton Mowbray
Presenation - Economic incentives, Philip Wolfe
Presentation - RDPE, Mike Stubbs
Presentation - Solar for farmers, Sam Usiskin
Presentation - Biomas heating for farms and countrys estates, Richard Harvey
Presentation - Business link, George Cooke
Presentation - Farm Wind overview, David Roe
Presentation - On-farm AD, Owen Yeatman

2009

9 December 2009
How can we keep red meat on the menu?
FAI Farms, Oxford
Click here to view the agenda
Presentation - Dr Duncan Pullar, Cows and sheep
Presentation - Mike Gooding, Developing practical solutions for sustainable agriculture
Presentations - Martin Nesbit, Reducing farming's greenhouse gas emissions
Presentations - Ruth Clements, Managing health in the face of changing climate
Presentations - Tara Garnett, Living with livestock
Presentations - Heather McCalman, Plant breeding for animal production efficency and emission reduction
Presentations - Chris Reynolds, What can improved feeding do to increase efficency and reduce emissions

2 December 2009
Free workshop on the business case for investing in renewable energy for farmers and land managers
Burrough Court, Melton Mowbray
Presenation - Economic incentives, Philip Wolfe
Presentation - RDPE, Mike Stubbs
Presentation - Solar for farmers, Sam Usiskin
Presentation - Biomas heating for farms and countrys estates, Richard Harvey
Presentation - Business link, George Cooke
Presentation - Wind farm overview, David Roe

23 November 2009
What is the future for uplands farming?
Scarthwaite Hotel, Lancaster
Click here for more information

17 November 2009
Irrigation in a changing climate: save water, save money, get fit for the future
Luddington, Vale of Evesham
Presentation - Adapting to a changing climate
Presentation - AgriTech Services (UK) Ltd
Presentation - Local water resources, availability and pressures
Presentation - Irrigation equipment, changing technologies
Presentation - Improve your irrigation scheduling

29th October 2009
The North East Renewable Energy Event
Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham
Presentation - 'Making money from wind', Mark Newton, Fisher German
Presentation - 'Practical and legal aspects', Paul Liddle, Sintons

30 June 2009
Expert workshop: Farm AD technology
The New Connaught Rooms, 61-65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5DA. Advice on all issues surrounding anaerobic digester.
Click here to view the agenda
Presentation - Fertiliser and Regulation, Bryan Lewens of Andigestion Ltd
Presentation - Fiona Hildick, Tradelink Solutions
Presentation - Making a successful planning application, Gillian Pawson of GP Planning
Presentation - Financing anaerobic digestion projects, HSBC's John Barker
Presentation - Tim Evans, Renewable Zukunft
Presentation - The power purchase agreement, Tim Foster of Smartest Energy

11 February 2009
Renewables in the South East, Friars Court, Clanfield, Oxfordshire, OX18 2SU
Click here for Oliver Harwood's presentation on the CLA's work to deliver opportunities for farm renewable energy
Click here for Paul Holmes-Ling's presentation with an overview of farm renewable energy technologies and how they work
Click here for Fiona Hildick's presentation on generating a return from energy production on farm
Click here for Douglas Jackson's presentation on setting up an Energy Supply Company (ESCo).

2008

27 June 2008
Focus on renewable technology in Northumberland
Click here to view photos from the north east event at the Fenton Centre
Click here to view the agenda
Click here to view north east event poster
Click here to view the north east event feedback

19 June 2008
Focus on beef and sheep, Sheepdrove Farm, Berkshire
Click here to view photos from the beef and sheep event at Sheepdrove
Click here to view the agenda
Click here to view beef and sheep event poster
Click here to view the beef and sheep event feedback

18 September 2008
Focus on AD in East Anglia
Click here to view the agenda
Click here to view East Anglia event poster
Click here to see Nicola Currie's presentation on the CALM tool (GHG calculation)

24 September 2008
Focus on renewables in the West Midlands, Walford and North Shropshire College
Click here to view the agenda
Click here to view West Midlands poster