That is the verdict of SAC crops specialist Dr Steve Hoad as he looks forward to an open evening for arable farmers at Cauldshiel Farm, Humbie, East Lothian, on June 29.
Together with HGCA, the UK body tasked to support arable crop research and development, SAC has organised a series of cereal variety trials at Cauldshiel and it is these farmers will be able to check the progress of at the open event.
Attention on the wheat trials will focus on disease management and fungicide treatments required by the different varieties. This is especially important in an era when there is a drive to reduce chemical and other inputs because of costs and consumer pressure.
Spring barley, much of which can be made into malt for the beer or whisky industries, is as susceptible to diseases as wheat. Again there will be demonstrations and discussion about disease control and fungicide use. There will also be discussion on how, by growing a blend of different barley varieties, farmers can defend their crops against pests and diseases without being so, reliant on chemicals.
Open days like the one at Cauldshiel are part of the Scottish Government's "Success Through Knowldege" campaign.