MORE than 4,000 farmers from across northern England are expected to flock to the second Grassland North event at Eden's Newton Rigg College.

Around £5 million worth of the latest grassland management equipment will be on display at the college's Sewborwens Farm on May 13.

The free event, organised in conjunction with agricultural machinery supplier Carrs Billington, will include working demonstrations from leading companies, Kuhn, Krone, Fendt and Massey Ferguson.

There will also be opportunities to discuss the latest forage management, including fertilisers, grass seed and preservative.

Visitors can also see a display of vintage tractors.

Preparations for the event began last September when 30 acres of grassland was sown at Sewborwens Farm in readiness for the silage making demonstrations – these include trials drilled with high yield high sugar seed.

Matt Bagley, head of agriculture at Newton Rigg College said: “We are delighted to be working with Carrs Billington once again to provide a practical, highly relevant event which should be a must for any forward-thinking farmer. Grassland North is a key event for farmers interested in seeing the latest equipment and technology from what is a fast moving high tech industry. The practical demonstrations, plus the opportunity to see our state of the art dairy unit, and attend our uplands conference are a winning combination, and should not be missed.”

Tours of the state of the art dairy are an important addition to the event's programme with the college's dairy team and staff from Fullwood on hand to escort visitors and answer questions. The dairy features a 30:30 Fullwood herringbone parlour, modern cubicle housing and full AI and veterinary handling races.