New independent aronomy group to benefit East Anglian farmers
A new independent agronomy group has been established in East Anglia to help the region’s farmers maximise the profitability of their businesses by providing access to the latest, completely unbiased technical advice relating to all aspects of crop production.
Apex Agronomy has been founded by independent agronomists Robert Hurren, Mike Warner, John Tunaley, John Clarke and Ruth Naudé, who collectively advise progressive farmers producing more than 100,000 acres of combinable crops, sugar beet, vining peas and potatoes throughout East Anglia. Each has at least 15 years experience of helping farmers to contend with the challenges of fluctuating markets and weather patterns, while all are members of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC), as well as being BASIS, FACTS and ICM qualified.
Explaining the rationale behind the new group, spokesman Robert Hurren states:
“The manufacturers and distributors who supply the farming sector have become ever-larger but fewer during recent years, which has greatly reduced the choice available to growers in terms of where they purchase crop inputs. That trend is continuing and farmers are now bombarded with an array of information which is often marketing-led rather than technically-based.
“We aim to be at the forefront of agronomic innovation and being part of a formal group will give us an identity as well as providing us with greater access to the key influencers within the agricultural industry, including independent researchers, scientists, plant breeders, agrochemical and fertiliser manufacturers/distributors, together with other prominent organisations and individuals. It will also give us the ability to conduct our own farm-scale trials to evaluate new innovations, which should enable us to dissect some of the marketing jargon and get to the real technical foundations.
“As independent agronomists we are absolutely committed to providing our clients with the best possible information, enabling us to assist in managing their crop inputs in such a way as to achieve optimum yields and maximum returns. We work closely with them and are part of the decision-making process on their farms, advising on all aspects of crop planning and production throughout the year. In addition to making recommendations on agrochemical and fertiliser inputs, we also provide specific advice on rotations, variety selection, seed rates and dressings, soil structure issues, nutrient management, gross margin analysis, legislative issues such as NVZ rules and regulations, together with ELS, HLS and Cross Compliance.
“The fact that we are not tied to any manufacturer or distributor means that we are able to recommend the products which are best suited to each client’s individual circumstances, enabling them to be purchased at the best possible prices, either directly or through a buying group, which ensures complete price transparency. This is one of the biggest core benefits of independent agronomy.
“We believe that this is the right time to launch the new group, which will highlight the professionalism of our agronomists and ensure that our clients benefit from the best possible advice. In addition to our collective core strengths in agronomy, as individuals we each have specific strengths and interests, such as irrigation, soil management, conservation, precision farming and crop trials. These resources can now be shared confidentially through the group, ensuring that we are all able to provide our clients with a fully researched, totally independent package of technical information.
“Another benefit of being part of a group is that we will be better able to provide cover for each other in the event of illness or during holidays. We firmly believe that all of this will be of a real benefit to our clients.”
Always with an eye on the future, Apex Agronomy is keen to encourage young agronomists into the independent sector and has already taken on Scott Martin as a trainee.
“Succession is a concern in the field of independent agronomy and we believe that being part of a strong group gives us the ability to take on trainees as well as other more established agronomists. We are delighted to have Scott on board,” adds Robert Hurren.
Further information about Apex Agronomy is available at www.apexagronomy.co.uk or from Robert Hurren on 07766104047.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Further media information and photographs are available from:
Julian Cooksley, Kendalls Communications.
Tel: 01394 610022 Email: julian.cooksley@kendallscom.co.uk
CAPTION
Apex Agronomy will help professional farmers to maximise the profitability of their businesses by providing access to completely unbiased technical advice on all aspects of crop production. The Apex Agronomy team are, from left to right: Scott Martin (trainee), John Clarke, John Tunaley, Ruth Naudé, Robert Hurren and Mike Warner.
Further press information is available from:
Julian Cooksley
Kendalls Communications
Tel: 01394 610022
Email: julian.cooksley@kendallscom.co.uk
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