Summer Field Trials Trip

On June 18th, 2025, the Nordic Field Trial Network held a one-day study tour in Skåne, Sweden, bringing together colleagues from across the Nordic and Baltic regions. Participants visited innovative field trial and breeding sites, sharing experiences and exploring practical approaches to modern field research. The excursion fostered collaboration across organisations and borders, with 57 participants representing four countries.

NFTN Summer Field Trials Trip Report – June 2025

On June 18th, 2025, the NFTN Summer Field Trip took place, gathering 57 participants from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Latvia for a full-day excursion across Skåne. The tour provided an opportunity to observe best practices, strengthen collaboration across borders and organisations, and foster a lively exchange of ideas among colleagues in the field trial community.

Purpose of the Tour
The main aim of the trip was to see current practices in field trials, plant breeding, and genetic resource preservation. By visiting practical sites and research facilities, participants gained hands-on insights and were able to discuss fieldwork, technological challenges, and future directions directly with the experts. The excursion also served as a platform for informal networking, bringing together people from academia, industry, and research organisations.

Tour Stops

Hushållningssällskapet (HS) and Nordic Beet Research (NBR) – Borgeby

We started our visit at Hushållningssällskapet and Nordic Beet Research in Borgeby, where the hosts provided a detailed look into their extensive field trial work. Participants had the chance to explore trial fields and equipment, learn about trial design, data management, and statistical methods, and hear about future strategies and ambitions. A special thanks to Pernilla Wahlquist, Ulrika Dyrlund-Martinsson, Frederik Persson, Hushållningssällskapet and Joakim Herrström, NBRF for sharing their expertise and for their warm hospitality.

See the NBR presentation (PDF)

Lantmännen – Svalöf

Our next stop was Lantmännen in Svalöf, offering valuable insight into large-scale breeding trials, with over 140 hectares and more than 80,000 plots under management. The group discussed the organisation’s workflow from field assessment to greenhouse and lab analyses, and learned about their approaches to breeding and innovation. Many thanks to Desirée Börjesdotter for hosting us and for the engaging exchange.

See the Lantmännen presentation (PDF)

NordGen – Alnarp

The final visit was to NordGen, the Nordic genetic resource center. This was particularly interesting for participants working with seed multiplication and genetic conservation. The team learned about seed management, experimental protocols, and the long-term strategies securing gene pools for future use. The technical perspectives and focus on diversity impressed many in the group. Special thanks to Jan Svensson and his team for his openness and detailed explanations.

Participants and Organisation

A total of 57 people joined the trip:

Denmark: 31
Norway: 15
Latvia: 1
Sweden: 10

Notably, we welcomed a large delegation from Nibio (Norway), and enjoyed meeting colleagues previously encountered at NFTN’s inaugural conference in Apelvoll back in 2023.

Gender balance:

Female: 20
Male: 37
The programme aimed to show a balance between field sites and laboratories, reflecting the wider gender distribution within the field trial sector.

Logistics and Social Programme

The trip was supported by well-organised coach transport from Denmark, including early-morning and late-night departures, with strategic pick-up points such as Copenhagen Airport. Most Swedish participants joined at the first stop in Sweden. The group enjoyed plenty of refreshments throughout the day, a lovely lunch in Borgeby, and “fika” at Lantmännen.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Bo JM Secher for leading the planning, and our gratitude to all the hosts for their openness and generosity. We are also very grateful to the Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ) and the NTN for sponsoring the tour.

Photos from the Day

Below you can find a selection of photos capturing key moments from each stop of the study tour. The images reflect both the professional discussions in the fields and laboratories, as well as the social atmosphere and lively exchanges among participants. From hands-on machinery demonstrations and group talks in the trial plots to networking during meals, these impressions give a glimpse into a productive and inspiring day across Skåne.

Hushållningssällskapet (HS)