HISTORIC Weston Park is to provide the backdrop for a new event focused on advice and support for arable farmers from across the region this month.

The site on the Staffordshire and Shropshire border will play host to the inaugural Arable Event, on June 18 and with exhibitor spaces now sold out it promises to be a popular and useful day for all.

Demonstration plots of a wide range of crop varieties have been planted specially, with experts on-hand to discuss the characteristics and benefits of each of them.

There will also be an array of commercial and technical trade stands featuring leading agricultural suppliers and associated support services and advisers, plus official bodies such as HGCA.

The day is free to attend and open to farmers from across the Midlands, with fast-track entry available to anyone who pre-registers. Tablet computer technology will be used to speed guests through the gates on arrival.

The opportunity is being put together by agricultural supplies and grain business, Wynnstay Group and GrainLink, and is being supported by a host of other leading companies, including Syngenta, HSBC, GrowHow, Morris Corfield, Rea Valley Tractors, Bidwells and Farmplan.

Chief executive of Wynnstay Group, Ken Greetham, said: “This is the first event of its kind in this region with the aim of the day being to provide as much insight and up-to-date information as possible to arable farmers ahead of the new harvest and drilling season.

“Prominent names from the industry will make presentations on the day covering topics ranging from the current and projected state of global grain markets to plant breeding technology, finance and the detail of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. There should be something that everyone can benefit from and put to work for the good of their own business.”

Crop specialists will be providing guided tours of the demonstration plots, giving farmers the chance to dig deeper into the characteristics and management of the varieties. Sinar will be operating a free moisture meter calibration and testing clinic and the event qualifies for continuous professional development points under the BASIS and National Register of Sprayer Operators schemes.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

More information is available at www.thearableevent.co.uk and the event has a Twitter feed at twitter.com/ArableEvent. Anyone wishing to attend should book online as soon as possible to secure their place.