1. Velcourt Research and Development

2. Aim of the Department To provide totally independent advice to the farm management team and agronomy service clients Evaluate new technologies Knowledge transfer / demonstration activities Profit generation

3. Skill set within the team Sub-Saharan Agriculture Southern and Central European Agriculture Crop production Agrochemical and nutrition Plant breeding and Genetics Project management Protocol design Statistical Analysis Proposal Writing

4. The Functions of the Department

5. Trial Logisitics Trials sited on Velcourt Farms in commercial crops. In 2014 we will combine approximately 5000 plots, across 10 counties, on 22 farms. Choice of Soil Types/Climates We can provide clients with most soil types as well as specific weed, disease and insect pressures.

6. Our strengths in Research Complete Independence Research shaped with an industry viewpoint Problem solving and providing applied solutions Use of data to guide farm management team and advise third parties through the Agronomy Service. On-farm evaluation of new technology Data from replicated small plot trials statistically analysed and interpreted. Proven track record in Knowledge Exchange Grade A influencer in the Industry Project Management and Coordination

7. Clients ► Major Agrochemical & Seeds Companies: BASF, Bayer Crop Science, DuPont, Dow Agro Sciences, Syngenta Crop Protection & Seeds, Nu Farm, Makhteshim AG, De Sangosse, Gleadalls, Stoller, Monsanto, Pioneer Seeds, Limagrain, Plant Health Care, Pelka, Jordans-Ryvita, United Phosphorus ► Major Fertiliser Companies: Yara, Agrium, Omex, Koch Fertiliser, Gleadalls.

8. Publicly Funded, Collaborative Projects

9. Collaborative projects Velcourt are/have been involved in a total of 6 co-funded projects with the Technology Strategy Board. Achieving the genetic potential of oilseed rape: an integrated approach to controlling soil borne diseases (Lead) Protecting the malting and brewing quality of UK barley cultivars through effective FHB disease control strategies (Lead) SYIELD: Networked Mimic Sensors for Crop Enhancement & Disease Control A Novel Monitoring and Forecasting System for the Integrated Management of Bean Seed Beetle

10. Prediction of F1 hybrid performance in Winter Oilseed Rape Developing a UK Forage Soya for on-farm feeding to Dairy Cows (Lead) Developing a remote real time soil nutrient sensor ( Lead)

11. Technical Information flow to Farm Managers

12. Farm Manager Technical Training In field crop training Indoor agronomy training Weekly technical Updates Telephone Access

13. Knowledge Transfer Events

15. Summary Wide ranging skills and experience within the department and all projects closely linked with practical Farm Management Experience in Knowledge Transfer at many levels. Widespread geographic coverage in the UK to give robustness to results and the ability to match particular weed, disease or pest pressure. Proven business and research excellence with the ability to deliver