Farmers from across East Anglia will converge on a field in Lincolnshire today to join thousands of visitors at a major annual showcase of arable agriculture.

Eastern Daily Press: Cereals event 2016, Chishall Grange, Cambs.Cereals event 2016, Chishall Grange, Cambs. (Image: Submitted)

The Cereals 2017 show at Boothby Graffoe on June 14 and 15 will explore a myriad of ways for farmers to improve their efficiency and profits through precision machinery, optimum crop choice or using expert advice to produce a more effective business strategy.

Stretching over 64 hectares on a working farm, the 40th exhibition will bring an estimated 24,000 visitors together with nearly 500 exhibitors to showcase the latest arable innovations, giving manufacturers the chance to launch new products.

Organiser Jon Day said: 'Visiting Cereals gives arable farmers the opportunity to see what they should do, what they could do and what they would like to do.

'We've seen visitors return year after year, whether for the latest technical information, to review and compare machinery or simply for the networking opportunity.'

Key attractions at the show include:

• The Soil Pit – Farmers will have the chance to view crops 'underground' in the soil profile, while experts will be on hand to discuss topics including cultivation techniques and the rooting habits of different cover crops. Visitors are also encouraged to bring a sample of their own soil to discuss how specific issues can be rectified on their own farms.

• Working demonstrations – Millions of pounds worth of static machinery will be on show, and there will also be five hectares of working demonstrations where the performance of tractors, cultivators, drills, subsoilers and aerial drones will be put to the test.

• The Arable Conference – Topics ranging from Brexit to the re-authorisation of glyphosate weedkiller will be discussed by speakers including National Farmers' Union president Meurig Raymond and Liz Bowles, head of farming at the Soil Association.

• Knowledge Trails – To help visitors seek out the information they need, six Knowledge Trails have been introduced on the topics of managing blackgrass; precision and efficiency; adding value and managing costs; Brexit-proofing your business; weeds, disease and nutrition; and 'getting the most from oilseed rape'.

• Fields of the Future – A new display for 2017. Technology has progressed rapidly over the past few decades and is likely to play a big role in revolutionising farming practices. Giving visitors just a hint of what is in the pipeline is the Fields of the Future display, collating innovations and research from some of the country's leading universities and businesses.