Wheat testing at Gothelney Farm

Monday 1st September

12-4pm

Join  Fred Price at  Gothelney Farm to better understand and get hands on in the testing process that happens after harvest to begin characterising the milling quality of wheat grown by the network. Think of your school science lab and this is a little  of what we are hoping to recreate on the day.

We will be testing for protein content, gluten, hardness, moisture and hagberg falling number. 

Fred is going to show us how all of these different tests are carried out and we'd love you to bring samples from your back garden wheat trial or your first year at field scale or anywhere in between. 

We'd love to test interesting or unusual varieties or mixes and see what results we get. 

It's a great opportunity for farmers to see where they are at with their crops and for millers and bakers to build connections to smaller scale producers and enjoy seeing the process by which wheat is tested for ‘quality’

This could be the start of a direct sale market place for the network, linking farmers directly to local bakers and mills willing to explore more creative collaborations. 

Over the past 3 seasons Fred has worked with the True SW project in this way after harvest.  We recognise that this is a great opportunity to characterise the potential and quantity of wheat grown by all farmers in the SWGN.  But also a wonderful opportunity to pair crops with homes, discuss seed & cropping plans, reflect on what’s working and not working (in the field, mill & bakery), while building friendships, cementing values and setting intentions.

Please bring samples of 500g weight (200g minimum weight) - they do not need to be clean or dry.  

If you cannot attend in person you can post your samples to Fred in advance to be tested on the day 

Gothelney Hall, Charlynch Rd, Bridgwater TA5 2PQ)

Schedule

• 12:00 Arrive
• 12:30 Testing begins
• 13:30 Break for lunch - Please bring your own snacks, lunch, bottle of water and flask of tea/coffee as there will be no food or refreshments provided on the day.
• 14:30 Wrap and on chat
• 16:00 Close

Please try and car share where possible

We look forward to welcoming you

Robyn Minogue, SWGN

If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact Robyn on swgrainnetwork@gmail.com