Welcome to The Slug Circle

[skye @ bofin]

The Slug Circle is the BOFIN Knowledge Cluster around this project of those with special interest, including scientists and members of the public who have opted in, share experiences and knowledge and help shape the project. If you want to be able to contribute to discussions, please join BOFIN here.

The Slug Circle is a community within a project called SLIMERS. This stands for Strategies Leading to Improved Management an Resilience against Slugs. This project is led by BOFIN, partnered with CHAP, AGRIVATION, Harper Adams University, John Innes Centre, and Small Robot Company. It is funded by Defra Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK.

This is a collaborative project to develop cost-effective digital autonomous slug monitoring, forecasting and precision-treatment tools. This would address arable farming’s biggest pest issue that causes £43.5M crop damage/annum for wheat and oilseed rape in the UK and for which there is currently just one form of control – ferric phosphate pellets. The aim is to develop two commercial services from current proof-of-concept:
– Patch prediction and precision mapping & autonomous slug treatment using nematodes.

Find out more information on the BOFIN website and in the leaflet.

 

[skye @ bofin]

With the autumnal weather slowly creeping in, we have noticed the slugs are sliming in too! Help us with our research into these pests by sending yours in - click here to have a slug scout pack sent out to you today!

 

[skye @ bofin]

Join us at the 'SLIMERS - the benefits of beetles' webinar on 5 Oct at 8:30am. This webinar looks to explore how beetle behaviour interacts with slugs and how a better understanding of this can help slug control
REGISTER FOR WEBINAR HERE

 

[Griff1971]

Looking forward understanding more about beneficial beetles. Are any single species of particular interest?

 

[skye @ bofin]

SLMERS - A new strategy for slug management?​

In this week's episode we talk all things slugs as part of the Strategies Leading to Improved Management and Enhanced Resilience against Slugs (SLIMERS) project. Joined by Clive Blacker, director of Agrivation we took an in-depth look into how the project came to be, the protocol and Slug Sleuth involvement. Take a listen and visit our website (www.bofin.org.uk) to find out how you can be involved with the SLIMERS project.

LISTEN HERE...

 

[skye @ bofin]

Make sure to subscribe to the BOFIN YouTube channel to make sure you do not miss out on our new content. Clive Blacker visited last week to record some exciting content which will be released tomorrow!

 

[skye @ bofin]

Project partner @Cliveblacker joined @Tom @ BOFIN at his farm to discuss the SLIMERS project and take a look at how we can investigate the relationship between slugs and beetles - find out more by watching @bofinfarmers latest video.

 

[skye @ bofin]

Be sure to check out our latest video where project partner @Cliveblacker joined @Tom @ BOFIN to demonstrate how he will be completing soil scans for each of our involved farmers as part of the SLIMERS project #OnFarmTrials #Sustainability #Innovation

 

[skye @ bofin]

Check out the latest episode of The BOFIN Buzz: SLIMERS – A new strategy for slug management? @Cliveblacker joined us to discuss the SLIMERS project and how he will be completing soil scans for each of our Slug Sleuths. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/...---A-new-strategy-for-slug-management-e29om2m

 

[skye @ bofin]

Why is sampling the soil an important part of the SLIMERS project? Find out in this short video with project partner Clive Blacker as he explains the exact reason and how he plans to complete it!

 

[skye @ bofin]

Did you hear @Tom @ BOFIN on BBC Radio Somerset talking about the SLIMERS project and asking the public to help by sending in slugs? The host seemed to enjoy the name SLIMERS too Listen to the full clip by clicking here.

 

[skye @ bofin]

Will you be attending CropTec this year? Make sure to reserve your FREE ticket for the BOFIN event on Day 1 - 29 Nov 2023. The event will be starting at 11:30 in the Oak Tree within the Warwick Complex. We will be launching The Slug Circle to the public, lunch will be provided. Reserve your tickets here to make sure you get a spot - tickets have limited availability.

Get your tickets here.

 

[skye @ bofin]

NEW EPISODE OUT TOMORROW 05/01!

We are excited to announce a new BOFIN Buzz episode tomorrow where we are joined by Becci Berry discussing slugs, soil and an introduction to our new project TRUTH. We had a good long chat about the importance of beetles, especially regarding slug control

Make sure you are following to be notified by clicking here.

 

[skye @ bofin]

RESILIENCE, LONGEVITY & LANDSCAPE

Join us and special guest Becci Berry of Brimstone Farms in this exciting episode of The BOFIN Buzz. We take a look at some of the slug projects that Becci is involved in along with some focusing on the soil beneath us. Becci opens up about how she ended up becoming a farmer and some exciting announcements are made about upcoming projects. Let us know your thoughts below!

LISTEN HERE...

 

[skye @ bofin]

WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT: Slug-Spotting - training the SLIMERS AI (10 JAN @ 8:30am)

An exciting part of the SLIMERS project is the development of AI robots smart enough to precisely patch locate slugs and treat them. The first step of monitoring slug traps is now almost finished by our wonderful Slug Sleuths and we are excited to announce we are preparing for the next, exciting step.

This involves the use off hand-held rigs which will imitate the robots to test the programming system. To join our webinar, make sure to register by clicking here. All those who are registered will receive a recording once the webinar has finished, so don't worry if the time does not work for you!

REGISTER HERE...

 

[skye @ bofin]

Slug Circle Interviews: Insights from lab to farm!

Have you seen our latest YouTube video - Slug Circle Interviews: Insights from lab to farm! With special guests Kerry McDonald-Howard from CHAP and @Yapter our trusty #SlugSleuth. Some really interesting discussion about the
@slimersproject

 

[skye @ bofin]

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW : Farming for a Greener Future: A Look at Sustainable and Regenerative Practices with Farmer Charles

Join us in our latest episode where we are joined by BOFIN member Charles Paynter. Charles farms in North Bedfordshire and has been involved in many BOFIN projects. Charles' top priorities for farming include a focus on weeds, pests and diseases, adopting regenerative practices and practicing sustainable farming.

Make sure to let us know your thoughts below and follow to be notified when the next episode is released.

LISTEN HERE...

 

[skye @ bofin]

BOFIN Get Together: Explore latest approaches in slugs, soils and pulses!

Join us for an exciting event where we dive deep into the fascinating world of slugs, soils, and pulses. Get ready to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded enthusiasts!

Date: 6th Mar 2024

Time: 10:15 AM

Location: Low Carbon Agriculture Show - The Loft - Stoneleigh Park

At this in-person gathering, we'll explore innovative strategies and cutting-edge techniques in dealing with slugs, optimizing soil conditions, and enhancing pulse production. Whether you're a farmer, researcher, or simply curious about these topics, this event is for you!

Expect engaging presentations by industry experts, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities. Share your experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from others who share your passion for slugs, soils, and pulse.

Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts, gain valuable insights, and stay up-to-date with the latest project updates. Mark your calendar and get ready for an enriching experience at the BOFIN Get Together!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bofin-...n-slugs-soils-and-pulses-tickets-801440990577

 

[skye @ bofin]

NEW EPISODE: Bottoms-Up: A new approach is needed for farmings future

Join us in this special BOFIN Buzz episode where we are joined by farmer, Hannah Darby. Hannah joins us from her farm in Cambridgeshire to celebrate International Women's Day and on-farm innovation. We take a deep dive into how Hannah focuses on nature-based solutions for known problems and encouraging a bottom-up approach to farming; both of which she believes are crucial for farmings future!

Let us know your thoughts on the episode below...

LISTEN HERE

 

[skye @ bofin]

Year 1 Results - SLIMERS

Join us at Low Carbon 2024 where we caught up with Prof. Keith Walters to discuss the preliminary results of SLIMERS Year 1. Keith rereleased some very exciting insights and we look forward to the work going ahead in Year 2. Make sure to let us know what you thought of these results in the comments section. As always, make sure to get involved by joining the Slug Circle.