Download Mr. Keith Norman, Technical Director, Velcourt

Velcourt Research and
Development
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
Skill set within the team
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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
The Functions of the Department
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.
Our strengths in Research
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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
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.
Publicly Funded, Collaborative
Projects
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
• 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)
Technical Information flow to
Farm Managers
Farm Manager
Technical Training
• In field crop training
• Indoor agronomy
training
• Weekly technical
Updates
• Telephone Access
Knowledge Transfer Events
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