This year’s CropTec show will see Frontier Agriculture offer guidance and advice on products and services designed to help farm businesses optimise decision-making for greater economic returns.
With Frontier’s precision farming experts SOYL also on stand alongside its environmental land management specialists, Kings Crops, visitors to the show can harness advice about risk management solutions across six key areas: agronomy, nutrition, digital tools, grain marketing, precision technology and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
“It’s getting harder and harder for growers to maintain profit margins and manage risk,” says Frontier fertiliser business development manager, Finley Hawkins. “Growers need to weigh up the cost of every expense against its potential return. At CropTec, we’re talking to farmers about the solutions that can help them maximise productivity and improve return on investment.”
According to the latest Farm Performance and Productivity Report from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the differences achieved in input and output values is one of the reasons that agricultural performance varies so widely in the UK.
“Return on investment is crucial to longevity and profitability,” says Finley, “but there are a lot of factors that influence it. For example, it could be achieved by lowering input costs, getting more for your crop when it comes to market or through funding opportunities – both public and private. At Frontier, we’re supporting growers to explore all these options.”
Business decisions supported by evidence and expertise
During the show, visitors can learn about the value of optimising crop inputs through precision technology via SOYL’s mapping tools, variable rate nitrogen (VRN) service and field grain analysis.
Finley continues: “While mapping can help to benchmark and monitor soil health and nutrient status, the VRN service uses remote sensing technology to assess crop canopy variation to inform targeted application plans. Come harvest, field grain analysis gives detailed insight into how efficiently fertiliser has been used on a field-by-field basis, with the data helping to shape next year’s strategy.”
Trading experts will also be talking about how Frontier’s range of structured grain contracts and pool marketing opportunities can aid risk management plans.
“There is no one-size-fits-all to grain marketing,” says head of grain (digital and procurement), Richard Johnston. “It’s important to tailor a grain marketing plan that matches your risk appetite. At CropTec, we’ll be talking about all the opportunities we have available as well as how growers can benefit from our relationships with some of the UK’s largest grain consumers and food processors.”
Getting the most from the SFI
With new options confirmed and the scheme now open for applicants, many growers are seeking guidance on the opportunities most appropriate for their business in light of Basic Payment reductions and an increasing focus on environmental management.
“The Sustainable Farming Incentive opens up new funding opportunities for growers but many, understandably, have questions about making the most of these in a way that works well alongside their wider rotation and crop production objectives,” says Kings Crops SFI delivery lead, Hannah Clarke.
“To support growers to make the most of these opportunities, we’ve developed a range of products and services to help them manage their scheme options and remain compliant. We’re excited to bring them to CropTec.”
CropTec will be held on the 29th and 30th November 2023 at its new venue at the NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire. Frontier can be found in Hall 2 at Stand 224. To find out more about the event or to register for your free pass, visit www.croptecshow.com
