Preparing for what the future might hold for water

Finding a way forward through the current challenges facing arable farmers is the focus of Anglian Water’s hub at this year’s CropTec (November 29 and 30).

It is inviting farmers and agronomists to visit the hub (Hall 2, stand 214) to discuss the many issues surrounding water from abstraction licensing to the problem of pesticides in waterways, and to learn about support available from its eight catchment advisors.

With panel discussions at 11.45am and 1.15pm both days, plus an open invitation to drop in during the day for one-to-one conversations it’s an opportunity to tap into expert advice and insight, explained catchment advisor Julie Jackson who is also an arable farmer herself.

She said:

“With the impact of climate change we are already seeing, alongside difficulties with costs and commodity prices coming down many farmers are left wondering what the future holds.

We have a brilliant line up for our two panel discussions. As well as experienced farmers we have agronomists, scientists, seed breeders and policy experts who will all bring different perspectives.

We will hear about techniques and varieties that will benefit our water situation either because of drought tolerance or the reduced need for chemical applications because of resistance to pests and disease. With such a diverse range of experts it is a great opportunity to learn something that will be of direct benefit to your farming business.”

Farmers on the panel include Guy Smith whose farm in St Osyth, Essex is believed to be the driest in the country, Andrew Ward and Andrew Laughton both from Lincolnshire, contractor and farmer Martin Williams, Simon Day farm manager for AH Worth and Tim Harper, commercial director for Blankney Estates. Chaired by Jill Hewitt, chief executive of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors the other panellists include Alice Cannon of Farmacy, Pam Chambers, technical support manager for British Sugar, Ron Granger of Limagrain, Tim Hess, Cranfield Professor of water and food systems and Kelly Hewson-Fisher, Savills Head of Rural & Projects Research.

“All eight catchment advisors will be at the show over the two days and we would love to connect with as many of our farmers as possible. As a team, we want farmers to know that we are on their side. Our role is to let them know of any issues in the region so that we can work together to solve them. For example if we find increased glyphosate in our sampling we can discuss with them and it may prompt a different way of working, like using a crimper instead.

“It’s better for our water but also for the farmer’s bottom line.”

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