Getting to the roots of cover crops: unlocking their potential through farmer-led research

The SHOWCASE Project focuses on fostering collaboration between researchers and farmers to co-design farming interventions that benefit biodiversity and production at the same time. In this workshop, we are focusing on winter cover crops, which are a promising farming intervention with many benefits.

In the morning, we will delve deeper into cover crops (including species selection, establishment, maintenance, and termination). Hear from pioneering farmers, leading industry experts, and academic researchers about the benefits of cover crops and how they can enhance biodiversity. Learn about the latest research on cover crop management, including the benefits of selecting frost sensitive species.

In the afternoon (lunch provided), you will have the opportunity to get involved in co-designing your own cover crop trials with support from the Innovative Farmers Network and the University of Reading.

Date: 22.11.2024

Time: 10:00 - 15:15

Location: The Manor Farm, Wilton, Marlborough SN8 3SS, UK

Agenda

10:00-10:30 Arrival and refreshments

10:30-11:40 Introduction to cover crops and species selection

Talk from Harry Moffatt, Oakbank

Talk from Michael Kavanagh, The Green Farm Collective

Introduction to alternative termination methods, including a SHOWCASE case study with Amelia Hood, University of Reading

11:40-12:00 Cover crop diversity & new experiments with Tom Sizmur, University of Reading

12:00-12:20 Initial brainstorm about research questions based on morning talks with Laura Gude, Innovative Farmers Network

12:20-13:00 Lunch

13:00-13:50 Introduction to farm and farm walk with David Lemon, Manor Farm

13:50-15:00 Co-designing new trials in breakout groups (tea/coffee served at 2) with Laura Gude, Innovative Farmers Network

15:00-15:15 Closing remarks

This project receives funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 862480.