Growers wanted for paid trials

The search is on for foward-thinking farmers to take part in trials exploring soil health, the potential of pulses and sustainable slug control.

The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) is inviting farmers to host and run trials on their individual farms. Participants will receive full back-up and support from BOFIN and other project partners – and be paid for their involvement.

Huge success

BOFIN founder Tom Allen-Stevens said: “We’ve had a hugely successful year across three projects. We’re looking to build on this success in 2024-25 and welcome farmers wanting to help shape the future of our industry.”

Farmer-owned BOFIN works with scientists and researchers to secure a more sustainable future for agriculture. It is looking for participatnts for three Defra-funded projects :

• The Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems (NCS) project. Participating farmers known as Pulse Pioneers compare the effects of pulse crops on soil health and subsequent crops.

• The Thriving Roots Underpin Total soil Health (TRUTH) project. Farmers known as Root Rangers are using soil testing tools – including a novel sensor – to inform their practices and evaluate new genetics and bioproducts.

• The Strategies Leading to Improved Management and Enhanced Resilience against Slugs (SLIMERS) project. Farmers known as Slug Sleuths are trialling ‘slug resistant’ wheat and new ways of combating slugs.

Farmer-led solutions

BOFIN member and Cambridgeshire farmer Rhys Jones is a Slug Sleuth and Root Ranger.

Mr Jones said it was important that growers were part of the conversation about the industry’s future.

“Being involved with agricultural trials helps us to look at new ways of doing things and means we can influence the direction we go in,” said Mr Jones.

Kent farmer and Slug Sleuth Andrew Barr said: “There’s so much we need to learn, and farming keeps changing and evolving. I’ve been frustrated in the past that academic trials were not targeted to what farmers really need solutions for.”

Results from previous academic trials had not always been well communicated to farmers, said Mr Barr. “That’s not the case if we do the on-farm trials that we think are necessary, in conjunction with the academics.”

For full details about the projects, please visit www.bofin.org.uk

Call to prioritise fire safety at harvest

Fire chiefs are calling on farmers to prioritise safety this harvest – and protect their businesses for future generations. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service says it responded to 396 incidents on farms during the year to June 2024. Incidents included 44 fires in standing crops, 52 incidents involving baled straw and 63 fires involving stubble. Rural fire officer Oliver Everott (left) said farmers needed to devastating fires which could destroy their business and endanger lives. A serious fire on a farm could affect the financial stability of even the most well managed business, he added.

“Fire safety on farms should not be a mere tick-box exercise. It should be fully valued, understood and integrated into the daily routines of all farm worker.”

He added: “In the past year, we have seen some devastating emergencies.”

With a background in farm management, Mr Everott has extensive farming knowledge as well as professional fire safety expertise. Essex fire service says this makes him exceptionally well-equipped to address fire safety challenges specific to farms. Farmers are strongly encouraged to book a free fire safety visit from Ollie.

For details, call 07500 105715 or email oliver.everott@essex-fire.gov.uk.

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