GREEN THEMES TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Organisers of this year’s Midlands Machinery Show say growing interest in agricultural sustainability is reflected in the range of exhibitors booked for the event held on November 8-9 at the Newark Showground.

Also, for the fourth successive year, the event will be hosting the NFU’s East Midlands Environment Conference on the first day.

The ‘green’ theme will be reflected with exhibits including electric vehicles, minimum tillage and precision application technology, nutrient and water management, energy generation, waste reduction, and monetising carbon and biodiversity net gain.
 
For example, say the organisers, camera-guided mechanical weeders - a technology attracting increased interest - will be on display on the Keith Rennie Machinery stand this year. 
  
Also making its debut at the show is CSX Carbon, which will be demonstrating how farmers can access natural capital markets while receiving a fair financial return for environmental land management practices.

Renewable energy is another way farm businesses can cut energy use and costs. Darren Wells from Lincs Solar Solutions reports a dramatic increase in enquiries for solar PV over the past 12 months due to energy price rises. “However, this also means customers are experiencing a shorter return on investment as a result,” he says.
 
“We’ll be on hand at the show to discuss how panels on agricultural and domestic roofs can significantly reduce energy bills – and also outline the finances and logistics around large ground-mounted installations.”