Mr Bacon, the managing director of Norwich-based weather service Weatherquest, will be discussing issues around climate change and what it could mean for farmers and growers in the region.
He will also outline how Weatherquest’s data is being used in research projects designed to develop crops that are more resilient to weather extremes. Delegates will be able to sign up for a free trial of the Weatherquest service.
The annual series of Farm Business Update events aim to inform farmers and land managers of developments in farming best practice, regulatory change, and new grant opportunities.
The events will include presentations from:
- the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) and Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) on the future of Countryside Stewardship schemes;
- the Environment Agency (EA) on Natural Flood Management;
- the Farming Advise Service (FAS) on cross compliance updates;
- local water companies on water quality and resource issues; and
- the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) on current and future grant opportunities.
All these organisations, together with the other lead partners, the NFU and CLA, will be on hand to talk on a one-on-one basis over the coffee break and lunch.
All the events run from 9.30am to 1pm, followed by a free networking lunch. The dates and venues are:
Wednesday 24 January – Writtle College, Writtle, Essex, CM1 3RR
Tuesday 30 January – The Farmschool, Annables Farm, Harpenden, Herts., AL5 3PR
Tuesday 6 February – Wortwell Community Centre, Wortwell, Norfolk, IP20 0HS
Thursday 15 February - Aldiss Park, Dereham Football Club, Norwich Rd, Dereham NR20 3PX
Thursday 22 February – Lavenham Village Hall, Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10 9QT
Wednesday 28 February – Abbots Ripton Village Hall, Abbots Ripton, Cambs., PE28 2PE
Farmers can book by calling the CLA, which is handling bookings on behalf of the partner organisations, on 01638 590429.