FAR CEO Nick Pyke says the programme has been designed to ensure that there is something relevant for all cropping farmers, whether they specialise in grain and seed production or fodder crops. “The programme features twelve research presentations looking at the key issues influencing profitability and sustainability on cropping farms. There will also be demonstrations from our eight Platinum sponsors, Adama, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, BASF, Bayer, DOW, John Deere, PGGW Grain & Seeds and Syngenta. Gold and Silver sponsors will also be on site for attendees to visit throughout the day. These companies add value to CROPS by featuring new products, cultivars, technology and machinery, specifically for cropping farmers.

“Our international guest speaker this year is Extension Specialist Nicole Anderson from Oregon State University, who will outline some of the issues being faced by seed producers in Oregon and how they match up to and differ from those being faced by growers here. Nicole is well known to New Zealand seed researchers and also to many seed growers who have met her on previous trips.”

Another feature for this year’s event is a tent where farmers will be able to access information around farm compliance, including data recording. FAR, ECan and Irrigation NZ staff will be on hand to discuss issues such as how to develop Farm Environment Plans and the process for resource consent applications, which, for many Canterbury farms, are due in the next few months. The same tent will have information on the Ashburton Groundwater Project, which is monitoring nitrate levels in farm wells, and about how ProductionWise®, FAR’s farm recording system can be used to speed up compliance applications.

Over 600 people are expected to attend CROPS 2016, what is thought to be New Zealand’s biggest one-day outdoor agricultural extension event. The event runs from 9.00 am-5.30 pm, and concludes with dinner. It is being held at FAR’s Chertsey Arable Site, on SH1, north of Ashburton.