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Five growers with experience of direct drilling were quizzed by attendees at the first No-Till Alliance meeting in a question-and-answer session. Mike Abram reports
More than 130 farmers attending the recent inaugural No-Till Alliance open day at Motts Farm, Southminster, Essex, were keen to find out more.
The five farmer experts -Jim Bullock, Worcestershire; Simon Cowell, Essex; Andrew Kerr, Essex; Simon Chiles, Kent, Surrey, Sussex; and Christopher Renner, Rutland - were kept busy on a range of topics.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO START DIRECT DRILLING?
First, make sure your soil structure was right for direct drilling, Mr Chiles advised. "Start using shallower and shallower cultivations until conditions are right for direct drilling."
Using a neighbour or contractor with direct drilling experience was also a good way to test the water, Mr Bullock and Mr Kerr suggested.
They would have experience with the drill, and how to set it up, Mr Bullock explained. "There is a learning curve with everything else when you direct drill, let alone starting with a new drill."
Direct drilling took more management, Mr Kerr added. "So why not try it first using a contractor? Also research what you want to do before you start, and end up with a drill...