The seeds have been sown in Somerset for the UK’s major national grassland event.
Aiming to meet all farmers’ needs - from seeds to feeds - Grassland UK takes place on 80 acres of farmland next to the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, on Wednesday, May 10th.
The site at Bridge Farm, Pylle, just a stone’s throw away from the Showground, is currently being prepared by local farmer Mark Dunford. Dual purpose Grass Max seeds have been sown on 37 acres of the site in readiness for demonstrations at the show.
Mark, Tim Kerridge from DLF Trifolium and Brendan Paul from Dalgety used a Kockerling over seeder on the land last drilled in the Autumn of 2002 when they were preparing for the 2003 show.
Instead of ripping the leys up and starting from scratch with new seed, the revolutionary German machine allows the leys to be regenerated – saving time and money.
The double wire tines of the Kockerling create an effective scarifying effect, dragging away trash, removing dead plants and weeds from the surface while at the same time vibrating the seeds into the soil. The process gives a higher yield and improved quality of grass, and so increases animal output.
“We are rejuvenating the three year old grass by this method to prolong its productive life rather than ploughing it all up and having to start again.” explained Tim.
“We look after the site to ensure it provides first class grass for a first class show. The results of our efforts should be knee high in time for demonstrations in May.” said Brendan Paul.
Dalgety are joint sponsors of the show with fertilizer company Terra and NatWest.
Thousands of farmers and representatives from agricultural businesses are expected for what is the only grassland event being held in the country this year.
This triennial show, first held 20 years ago and organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society, will feature 80 acres of grass trials and working demonstrations and over 100 trade stands. Leading manufacturers will be demonstrating their latest machinery, and experts will be on hand with a wide range of technical and financial advice, and a full programme of seminars is being organised.
Interest in this specialist show, aimed at farmers and agricultural contractors, has been brisk and plots for trial demonstrations are being snapped up. Entries for trade stands close on 28th February, entries for demonstrations close on January 31st and further details can be obtained by ringing Rachael Hann at the Showground on 01749 822 200.
Ticket prices £8 in advance or £10 on the gate, and can be booked on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222. The show runs from 9.30am to 5pm.
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Grassland Growing Strong
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