Farmers looking for ways to improve efficiencies will have access to multiple solutions at this year’s Cereals Event.

Smaller weather windows and ongoing labour challenges mean arable farmers must work smarter, not harder, by utilising technology and data to improve efficiencies. That could mean using larger kit to reduce the number of passes, investing in technology to improve accuracy or finding ways to analyse and utilise data more effectively.

This solutions-led approach is reflected in the range of innovative technologies and services that exhibitors will showcase, all aimed at supporting farm businesses in the future.

AHDB

Visitors to the AHDB stand can expect a full day of insight-packed sessions focused on helping arable businesses make smarter, more sustainable decisions. Topics range from making more profitable planting choices using early market data to how digital tools can reduce pesticide reliance and improve fungicide efficacy. Attendees will also gain practical advice on the variety of data available, from seed rate conversion tools to variety selection and blends.

Cover crops and carbon are also on the agenda, with sessions exploring how farmers' experience can guide cover crop choices and how AHDB’s environmental baselining is turning data into actionable strategies.

Those looking to tighten their farm business finances can learn how to use tools like Farmbench to benchmark performance and guide decision-making. Nutrient management will also be discussed, with updates on RB209 and how it can better support on-farm planning.

“A shortage of data is not the issue,” says Henny Lowth, AHDB cereals and oilseeds senior knowledge transfer manager. “The challenge is developing ways to make sense of it to empower farmers and improve decision-making.”

Maschio Gaspardo

Maschio Gaspardo UK will be launching two new machines into the UK market, including the world’s largest power harrow and a new-generation combination drill.

The 10m Jumbo X folding power harrow has an adjustable working width of 9-10m, bringing the potential to increase productivity by at least 25% over standard machines. Its size also optimises available tractor power, while reducing fixed costs per hectare, says Mike Bywater, sales and marketing manager UK.

“Increasingly unpredictable weather makes tillage a complex activity to plan and manage. Having a 10m machine allows large-scale operators to work more efficiently in tighter weather windows,” he explains. It is fully equipped with ISOBUS.

The 3m Alitalia combination drill also prioritises large-scale efficiencies thanks to a 2,000-litre twin hopper, which reduces downtime for refilling. Its design focuses on precision seeding, and twin metering units allow for half-width section control.

Fendt

Fendt has also prioritised accuracy and minimal downtime in its updated Rogator Gen 2 self-propelled sprayer. Improved Optinozzle technology reduces drift by automatically selecting nozzle combinations relative to speed and maintaining the optimum nozzle pressure/application rates as speed changes. This allows the operator to drive at various speeds and generally faster. The ContiRinse system also saves operator time by enabling the wash cycle to commence while the chemical is being applied, delivering up to an 80% reduction in cleaning time.

Fendt’s Ed Dennett says the technology allows for spraying in marginal conditions as drift is always minimised, helping to increase the number of days operators can safely spray. “The combination of technology will enable operators to spray faster, more of the time,” he says. “This will make better use of weather windows, enabling operators to spray in higher winds, helping to increase forward speed to cover the ground faster, and reducing downtime with faster cleaning and set-up.”

Stocks Ag

Stocks Ag has upgraded its Ag Turbo Jet with a hydraulic fan to meet the demand for working at wider widths and deliver operational efficiencies.

The new Turbo Jet 10 Hydraulic facilitates higher application rates at working widths from 10m to 15m. It can be integrated with different host machines, allowing two tasks to be carried out at once with high accuracy, explains Tim Farrow, technical director at Stocks Ag. “This could include putting grass seed through a 12m harrow or applying Avadex granules behind a drill, for example.

“You’re doing multiple jobs with one operator and one pass up the field, at a wider working width, which ultimately aids efficiency,” he adds. The Turbo Jet 10 Hydraulic can also be run at faster forward speeds and set up to apply full width, in bands or in rows as required.

· The Cereals Event will take place from June 11 to 12, 2025, at Heath Farm, Leadenham, Lincolnshire, LN5 0QE. Tickets are £15 for both days of the event or £20 on arrival. For more information, visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk.