Farmer BASIS

[Meallydave]

Hi all

just wondering how many farmers on here have done their BASIS?

Is it easy enough to do and worthwhile doing? My current agronomist is planning on retiring soon and I just thought it’s something I could do. It can’t be that difficult can it?

My agronomist tells me that he needs to collect points every year. Is that something I would need to do as well?

Ta

 

[eagleye]

a lot of weed identification, disease identification etc when I did it. Plus a project.
However you still need experience to get the best from chemicals, integrated pest management, nutrition etc.
access to trials data is important and keeping up to date with resistance in pests, weeds and diseases. Not just so easy as passing BASIS and away you go as an expert, but its a good start.

 

[snarling bee]

If you are interested in your crops, know your 'fops' from your 'azoles', and are prepared to learn, then go for it.
I think if you have a reasonable background knowledge then it shouldn't be too difficult. You will have to go to a reasonable number of field days, conferences and courses to keep up the CPD points, probably 10 half day events. Many farmers with BASIS are also members of NIAB/TAG, who are a good source of info and PD points.
I could be cynical and say that you just have to read the label, but there is a lot more to it than that. Its a bit like a driving test - pass your test, then you can learn to drive.
Lots of farmers and farm managers have done it.

 

[Meallydave]

How many acres would you need to walk to cover the cost of doing the basis course and getting the relevant cpd points?

 

[snarling bee]

What does your agronomist cost? £4 acre.
Cost is only part of it, its about having the interest to want to grow a cost effective crop, and perhaps make better decisions for the management of the whole business etc etc.
You will need to find time to go crop walking as well. If you have dogs that is no problem, but seriously if you don't do that already then don't bother with BASIS, just get another agronomist.

 

[Zippy768]

I don't think it's as simple as doing basis and doing your own agronomy. I imagine there is a whole lot of "keeping up to date" with this kinda job. And what can be mixed with what.

 

[snarling bee]

That's the beauty of NIAB, there is always help at the end of the phone from the regional agronomist. Go to the meetings and ask questions, listen and learn. There's even lots of info and expertise on here, for eg @Brisel.

 

[Longneck]

But as I understand it, you only have to keep up with points to stay on the register. If you are not planning on selling your service and just doing your own agronomy then just get the qualification and join NIAB to keep yourself up to date.

 

[T Hectares]

Another vote for BASIS + NIAB
It’s important to get another view and to keep up to date with new products etc, NIAB helps with this and accumulating points, I’ve missed the field days not happening, although we have had zoom meetings it’s not the same as getting out in the field
The farm received a grant of around half the cost of BASIS when I did mine, not sure if anything is around at the moment

 

[Meallydave]

Thanks everyone.
Sounds like there’s more to the whole job than what it looks like.

 

[Steevo]

It can’t be that difficult can it?

Sounds like there’s more to the whole job than what it looks like.

Is this Jeremy Clarkson's TFF profile?

 

[e3120]

But as I understand it, you only have to keep up with points to stay on the register. If you are not planning on selling your service and just doing your own agronomy then just get the qualification and join NIAB to keep yourself up to date.

Practically, yes, but is that enough to satisfy RT? If you put your basis no down, they'll revel in finding it's expired. Maybe best not to quote it and insist you do your own, lay, agronomy, if that's still acceptable.

 

[Boysground]

I did BASIS a few years ago when there was funding for it. I didn’t find it easy but really enjoyed it and passed. It was worth the effort and I have always felt it improved my understanding.

I never had any intention of doing all my own agronomy and have always had an independent agronomist. I just don’t have the time to keep up with everything and like a different set of eyes looking at my crops.

These days I am just a farmer member so don’t need as many points. But I do try to get as many as I can

I would always say to somebody, if you have the inclination to do basis you won’t regret it

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