The crop trial partnership between Frontier Agriculture and Shuttleworth College continues to expand each year, with increasing numbers of varieties being grown and evaluated. The trials provide farmers with valuable insights into the performance of new genetics while creating invaluable learning opportunities for students studying agriculture and land-based industries.
Freya Peverell, Farm Trader at Frontier Agriculture, said:
“The ability to support crop trials at Kingshill Farm allows Farm Manager Shane Durham to select new varieties based on actual growing conditions on the College farm, including resistance to disease, early drilling varieties to support student assessments and varieties which provide high yields to develop the skills of learners in grain marketing and trading.
“Shuttleworth College is in a unique position to be able to demonstrate the importance of trials work and develop the knowledge of our learners. Overall, it was a fantastic day, with perfect weather and a great group of people.”
Shane Durham, Head of Farm Operations and Resources at Shuttleworth College, added:
“Hosting Frontier Agriculture’s open day at Kingshill Farm demonstrates the value of bringing together education and industry. The crop trials provide an excellent opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience of modern arable farming practices while supporting valuable research that benefits the wider farming community.
“As a working commercial farm and learning environment, Kingshill Farm offers a unique setting where students can see first-hand how crop performance is assessed, analysed and applied in real-world farming decisions. We are proud to support Frontier Agriculture’s trials programme and to play a role in helping farmers evaluate the latest crop varieties under local growing conditions.”
Frontier Agriculture is the UK’s leading crop production and grain marketing business, working with farmers across the country to deliver sustainable crop production, agronomy advice, grain marketing services, crop nutrition and precision farming solutions. Through extensive research, innovation and on-farm trials, Frontier supports growers in making informed decisions that improve productivity, profitability and environmental sustainability.
Shuttleworth College is one of the UK’s leading land-based colleges and forms part of The Bedford College Group. Located within the historic Shuttleworth Estate, the College offers a wide range of agriculture and land-based courses, including Agriculture, Animal Care, Countryside Management, Equine Studies, Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering. Students benefit from hands-on learning across Kingshill Farm and extensive practical facilities, developing the technical, business and management skills required for careers in the modern agricultural sector.
The College’s Agriculture programmes combine classroom learning with practical experience on its commercial farm, allowing students to develop skills in crop production, livestock management, agricultural machinery, business management and emerging farming technologies. Through partnerships with industry leaders such as Frontier Agriculture, students gain valuable exposure to the latest innovations shaping the future of farming.
To find out more about the courses available at Shuttleworth College, visit https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/colleges-and-campuses/shuttleworth-college/
For more information on Frontier Agriculture, visit https://www.frontierag.co.uk/
