Exploring winter and spring wheat agronomy

Exploring winter and spring wheat agronomy PR31 Growers of arable crops who wish to expand their knowledge or improve confidence to adjust agronomy decisions. It will also be useful for anyone who has previously grown wheat and is now reintroducing them to farm rotations or thinking of doing so. A course exploring the agronomy of wheat for growers and prospective growers keen to learn more and who already have some practical experience. A one day classroom-based course TBC Bryce Rham, Independent Crop Consultant

Both winter and spring wheat will be covered, including how they overlap each other and the benefits this can have for the rotation. The day is structured around the needs of a small group, with time allowed for questions and discussion.

Introduction to wheat production in the UK:

• Why grow wheat?
• Where does wheat fit?
  • Relative profitability
  • Rotational position
• End uses and comparative market sizes –
  • on-farm feed,
  • sell as feed,
  • sell for milling or distilling,
  • higher value niche markets,
  • export.

Farming systems

• A focus on traditional agronomy practices.
• Consideration of the requirements of alternative approaches such as controlled traffic farming, organic systems, and regenerative agriculture.

Farm level considerations

• Rotational control of weeds
• Soil borne pests and diseases
• Climate and soil type considerations
• Winter or spring sown?
• Labour use peaks

Field level agronomy

• Variety choice, sowing date, seed rates and treatment
• Autumn and spring control of weeds, pests, and diseases
• PGR use and fertiliser requirements including trace elements

At the end of this course you will be able to:

•    Maximise return on investment from growing a crop of wheat
•    Be able to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of adding wheat to the crop rotation
•    Maximise yields and quality by making the best agronomic decisions throughout the growing season