Agrovista Seeds has appointed an eastern region seed sales manager to meet increasing demand from growers looking for technical expertise and advice.
James Barlow grew up on an arable farm in Nottinghamshire. After studying for a degree in agriculture at Lincoln University, he spent more than eight years with Gleadell/ADM Agriculture where he rose through the ranks to become head of seed.
“My main role is working with Agrovista’s agronomists, who are trusted first points of call for many of our growers,” says Mr Barlow, who will cover East Anglia and the East Midlands.
‘Best varieties’
“I supply those agronomists with key information to help customers make the best variety choices for their farms without having to go through a laborious decision-making process.”
Agrovista’s seed portfolio includes a mix of mainstream and own-brand cereals alongside oilseeds, maize, grass and cover crops – as well as dedicated environmental stewardship mixes.
Varieties are selected on a rigorous testing regime over several seasons and range of growing conditions. Wheat, barley and oilseed rape are assessed from Recommended Lists and breeders’ lines tailored to suit individual growers.
Agrovista’s wheat offer, for example, contains a shortlist of 10 of the technically best varieties that have the best chance of delivering a predictable outcome in terms of target yields and quality, reducing variability to a minimum.
The aim is to work with growers to get the best from the varieties they choose, through site selection, seed rates, drilling dates and input management, explains Mr Barlow.
“Agrovista is not afraid to give it a go, putting money behind these varieties,” he explains.
It is very much an area we want to build up,” Mr Barlow adds.
