Do you have what it takes to host a Strategic Cereal Farm?

Posted on 25th February 2025

by organicresearchcentre

The AHDB are calling for an ambitious grower to host a new Strategic Cereal Farm for the next six years to bolster their national network of farms.

Strategic Cereal Farms put cutting-edge research and innovation into practice on commercial farms in the UK.

They are looking for a farmer in the West and Wales or South West regions who can join the network later this year.

For the first time, the selection process will consider whether applicants can help answer key research questions raised by levy payers.

Henny Lowth, who oversees the Strategic Cereal Farm programme at AHDB, said:

“Strategic cereal farmers are open-minded and receptive to new ideas. They host trials and demonstrations that tackle key challenges.

“As they share their experiences with other farmers, they make a positive difference to farming in the UK.”

Strategic Cereal Farm hosts need to:

• Identify goals and agree research questions to tackle during their six-year tenures
• Permit trials or demonstrations to be conducted on their farms
• Be comfortable with public speaking
• Attend steering group meetings
• Contribute to public-facing events on their farms (up to two events each year)
• Share their journeys via key communication channels, including the AHDB website, social media and the farming press

Hosts receive support from AHDB staff, experts, researchers and consultants.

Strategic cereal farmers often build their confidence during their tenures, which is often cited as a major benefit of participating in the programme.

An analysis of hundreds of levy-payer responses, submitted to their research ideas letterbox, has identified key areas for levy investment, including topics suitable for exploration within the Strategic Cereal Farm network.

They would like to hear from potential hosts who have an interest in any of the following areas:

• Integrated pest management: specifically, tackling Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), cabbage stem flea beetle management and ergot risks, as well as testing biopesticide efficacy, variety blends and cultural weed control methods
• Nutrient management: specifically, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), using in-season tests to adapt crop nutrition, unlocking nutrients from organic materials and testing how management impacts crop available nitrogen
• Several other topics, including testing biostimulant efficacy, cover crops (mixtures, destruction and effect on following cash crops) and companion crops

How to apply

Farmers can express an interest in hosting a Strategic Cereal Farm by completing a simple application form.

The appointed farm will join the network of Strategic Cereal Farms, which currently cover Scotland and England (East and North).

Complete the application form

Read more: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-host-a-strategic-cereal-farm