It’s fair to say there is a bit of a lull before harvest. For many arable farmers, this is the time of year to look at options to be  – and do – even better. That’s probably why there’s been a spike in interest in the JVFG.

Joint venture machinery agreements

Spreading the news about how well joint venture machinery agreements work is one of this summer’s  tasks for JVFG Chairman Antony Pearce and group consultant Jamie Gwatkin.

Antony Pearce and Jamie Gwatkin give their analysis of the benefits of joint venture machinery agreements

They are presenting their analysis of the benefits of joint venture machinery agreements at the summer open day of the HGCA’s Leamington Monitor Farm.

At this open day, on Thursday June 18th, the invited farmers will be looking at the Monitor Farm’s work over the last year. As well as hearing the expertise from JVFG, the visiting farmers will also take part in discussions led by Simon Draper, agronomist and soils specialist.

Plenty to discuss

The host farm business, managed by Robert Fox, is highly diversified, with a large enterprise around general storage and document storage, as well as machinery and labour sharing with another arable farm. Robert farms 400ha of owned and rented land, with a rotation of winter wheat, winter barley, winter oilseed rape, spring beans and spring barley. His challenges in the coming years include black-grass control, improving soil quality and introducing controlled traffic farming at Squab Hall.

From this to future harvests

The results of Harvest 2015 have already been determined by the choices and operations farmers have already made from establishment to date, and of course the weather has had an influence. But harvesting ideas, practical tips and inspiration can take place at any time of the year.

If you are interested in attending this HGCA Monitor Farm event and hearing the JVFG analysis then please email Richard Meredith, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Regional Manager, Cereals:   west@ahdb.org.uk   or call  07717 493015