Anglia Farmer May 2023 by Countrywide Publications

May 2023

Anglia

Farmer Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years

News Minister pledges to boost pig sector Arable 'Golden opportunity' to grow sunflowers Technology Weather sensor improves farm irrigation

Professional Services 'Roadmap' for better business advice

Capel St Andrew Farms: Family business with strong Suffolk roots

Farm energy How agriculture could power UK homes Fen Tiger Fly-tipping scoundrels must be stopped

Cereals 2023: Special preview as event moves to new venue

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Anglia Farmer

OPINION Johann Tasker

EDITORIAL Editor: Johann Tasker | T: 07967 634971 E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk

Design: Mark Shreeve | T: 01502 725839 E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

Advertisement production: Jade Soanes | T: 01502 725840 E: jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk

ADVERTISING SALES Chloe Miller | T: 01502 725844 E: chloe.miller@micropress.co.uk Daniel Rice | T: 01502 725858 E: daniel.rice@micropress.co.uk Mat Roffey | T: 01502 725854 E: mat.roffey@micropress.co.uk Mark Tait | T: 01502 725803 E: mark.tait@micropress.co.uk Anglia Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties. To be included on the circulation list, a farmer must have a minimum of 70 acres of land, or 50 dairy/beef stock, or 50 breeding sows/250 growing stock, or 15,000 laying hens/broiler chickens. Intensive horticulture units are required to have a minimum of two hectares. Subscription is £18 a year (including postage). No responsibility can be accepted by the publishers for the opinions expressed by contributors. If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, please email your name, address and postcode as it appears on the wrapper to adam.gunton@micropress.co.uk © Countrywide Publications 2023 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Ltd, Suffolk. T: 01502 725800

Visit our website for all the latest farming news

Gene editing is brave new world for farming

t's a widely held belief – among the general public at least – that agriculture is a traditional occupation where little changes from generation to generation. But the truth is that farmers have always embraced innovation and new ways of doing things. The passing into law of the Genetic Editing (Precision Breeding) Act is a case in point. It might not have gathered many headlines in the mainstream media, but the green light for gene-editing has the potential to be a game-changer – especially for arable farmers. Scientists say the new law paves the way for faster development of higher-yielding, more nutritious and climate-resilient crops for farmers – creating beneficial traits that would otherwise take decades using traditional breeding methods. Gene editing is different to genetic modification. It involves tweaking plant and animal DNA in ways that could have happened naturally or through traditional breeding techniques – only much quicker – whereas genetic modification involves inserting genes from different species. In the coming years, we can expect to see UK farmers growing gene-editing crops which are more resistant to drought and disease, re-

Contents

SHORT OF STORAGE SPACE?

Livestock ........................................................... 51 Professional Services .................................. 55 Farm energy .................................................... 59 Final Say .......................................................... 62

Competitive prices for all your agricultural & industrial requirements

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Vol 43 • No 5 • May 2023

News .................................................................... 4 Arable .................................................................. 8 Profile | Capel St Andrew Farms ............. 25 Cereals Event preview ................................29 Technology | Precision farming ............. 42

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quire less fertiliser and fewer pesticides, and which are faster growing or have other beneficial traits. These are largely traits that benefit producers. But there could be traits that benefit consumers too. Scientists have already developed gene edited wheat with improved food safety and specially enriched Omega-3 oilseeds. Some people – and indeed some farmers – are against gene editing technology. The Soil Association, which represents organic producers and consumers, argues that it puts profit ahead of sustainable farming. Opponents argue that gene edited crops can be heavily patented and therefore play heavily towards corporate, interests, rather than environmental benefits. They argue that this would remove more independence and control for farmers over their own businesses. Ultimately, though, it won't be farmers who decide whether or not gene editing is acceptable. Consumers will have the last say – and if they judge that the benefits outweigh any disadvantages, gene edited crops will be here to stay.

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News Minister pledges to repair 'broken' pig supply chain Pig contracts to be regulated

ndustry leaders have welcomed a government pledge to repair what is widely seen as a broken pork supply chain – and say retailers must play their part too. It follows a Defra commitment to regulate pig contracts in a way that aims to give producers greater stability and security – and help them deal with rising input costs and labour shortages caused. Defra farm minister Mark Spencer said legally required written contracts would remove uncertainty and ambiguity, with most respondents to a public consultation supporting the government's approach to implement this through legislation. Mr Spencer said: “The pig sector has faced unprecedented challenges

over the last year, with rising costs and global labour shortages putting real pressure on producers and processors. “We are committed to working with the sector, and the regulations set to be introduced will ensure fairness and transparency across the supply chain – from pig to pork to plate – to help the sector to thrive in the future.”

Supply chain data As well as regulation on written contracts, the government has promosed to develop regulations to collect and share more supply chain data, particularly in relation to wholesale price transparency and national slaughter numbers. It says increasing the availability of this data within the supply chain will

Retailers have 'key role to ensure fairness'

upermarkets and other retailers must honour promises to purchase high welfare pigmeat from British producers, says the National Pig Association. NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson says Defra's committed to develop and collect more supply chain data will help producers better understand the market for pigmeat and forecast how much is needed more accurately. “We have lost almost one-fifth of our pig breeding capacity as a result of two years of crisis. Pig prices might be rising, but pig producers are still hurting badly, with huge financial holes to fill, and confidence remains low.” Ms Wilson says she is pleased with the pace Defra has worked to so far – and is keen that the policy remains a priority. Defra has also committed to 4 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

working with the industry on the next phase of policy development – fully engaging with the NPA. “The bottom line is that, while legislative changes can set the framework for reform between the producer and whoever they have their contract with, real change must also come from within the supply chain." Ms Wilson says retailers have a key part to play and adds that the government alludes to the need for change with its commitment to share their findings with the Competition and Markets Authority. “That will only change if pig farmers can see that retailers and processors have got the message that fundamental reform is needed if we are to secure supplies of high welfare, environmentally friendly assured Red Tractor British pork."

help market reporting services better reflect the entire UK market – helping to further reduce ambiguity for everyone in the pig sector.

Defra insists it sees a bright future for British pig producers

Clear message The National Pig Association welcomed the commitments, saying the government had addressed most of its key demands. But it said wider issues further up the supply chain – including the actions of retailers – must also be addressed. NPA chairman and Norfolk pig producer Rob Mutimer said: “We are very pleased that Defra has taken on board the very clear messages from the NPA and the wider industry about what needs to be done to fix our broken supply chain. “For too long, producers have been treated poorly and contracts have not been worth the paper they were written on – and we have seen some disastrous consequences of that behaviour over the past two years. “We believe the measures set out today, including legal underpinning for contracts that delivers a fair transparent and negotiable contract system, will help deliver a fairer and more sustainable environment for pig producers.”

Mark Spencer (below): committed to working with the sector

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News

Show season highlights best that food and farming have to offer

bumper season of regional agricultural shows gets under way this month – highlighting the best of our food and farming industries to an eager public. In the south of the region, the South Suffolk Show and the Hadleigh Show both take place ahead of the Suffolk Show on 31 May and 1 June. Elsewhere, events include the Essex Young Farmers County Show on Sunday, 21 May (see panel). Now in its 133rd year, the South Suffolk Show takes place on Sunday, 14 May, at Ampton Racecourse, near Ingham, Bury St Edmunds. A favourite show for thousands of visitors, it boasts cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and other attractions across 38.5ha.

Livestock classes The 184th Hadleigh Show will be held on Saturday, 20 May, in the parkland setting of Holbecks Park on the edge of Hadleigh. As always, livestock will play an important part of the day this year, with more than 150 classes of cattle, sheep, goats and horses. As with other shows, organisers hope to build on the success of last year, when many events made a long-awaited welcome return following two years of the pandemic.

Hadleigh Show secretary Tory Lugsden said: “We had the most incredible day and it's with huge thanks to our traders, competitors, volunteers and to all of our visitors that our day was so special after a very long two years off.” This year's Suffolk Show at Trinity Park, Ipswich, is set to be the county's largest two-day visitor experience – highlighting the importance of food and farming, coupled with being a great family day out.

Livestock are an important part of the Hadleigh Show

In the north of the region, the Royal Norfolk Show takes place on 28-29 June. With 700 trade stands and more than 3000 livestock entries, this year's Grand Ring Programme will be led by the RAF parachute display team. Later this season sees the return of two more popular one-day shows. The Wayland Show takes place at Watton on Sunday, 6 August. It is followed by the Aylsham Show, which takes place on its traditional August Bank Holiday date (28 August).

Essex Young Farmers plan bumper event

oung farmers in Essex are pulling out all the stops for their annual country show this month – and hope to surpass last year's event which attracted 18,500 visitors when it returned after the pandemic. This year's show – the most important event in the young farmers' calendar – is shaping up to be better than ever, says the Essex Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs. It will be held on Sunday, 21 May at Boyton Hall, Roxwell, near Chelmsford.

Event for all ages The show brings together young farmer volunteers from across Essex ranging in age from 16-26 during the week prior to the show to set up the many attractions on offer. Gates will open at 9:30am, beginning a day of entertainment for all ages. A special attraction this year will be a distinctive New Holland T6 tractor wrapped in Essex Police livery. It is being loaned by Basildon-based New Holland Agriculture through the Ernest Doe dealership. Police rural engagement officers hope 6 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

the seven-tonne Tug of War final. machine will help Entry to the raise awareness of show is free for specific crime prethose under 15. vention measures Children have the and to encourage opportunity to get people to report up close to livecrime and anti-sostock. cial behaviour. For older chilChief Inspecdren and adults, tor Terry Balding there are also fair said: “Our officers ground rides and will make the most shops including a of that interest by number of fashionopening up conable country clothversations with ing outlets. them about crime Police hope their liveried tractor will woo the crowds Run by Esprevention and sex Young Farmcriminal activity, which we know is under-re- er members, the bar will be open throughported by people in our rural communities.” out the day. Food stands will offer fare for The livestock area will be filled with a va- every palette – ranging from hog roasts to riety of animals including rare breeds, cattle, sweet treats including ice cream, strawbersheep and pigs. Attractions include tractors ries and doughnuts. and steam engines, the ever popular Sheep For tickets, call 01245 360442 or visit Show and the annual Essex Young Farmer’s www.essexyoungfarmers.com

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Arable 'Golden opportunity' to grow UK sunﬂowers • Good alternative arable break crop • Low inputs, including fertiliser and sprays • Market is mainly for bird feed to public

unflowers offer UK farmers an untapped opportunity to supply a growing market this season – and avoid high input costs. Suffolk seed merchant Grainseed reports significant interest in sunflowers due in part to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Both countries are major growers of the crop but production has fallen. In a normal year, Russia would produce about 16.5m tonnes of sunflowers, with Ukraine accounting for 10m tonnes. But conflict between the two countries has limited both production and processing capabilities. Demand could support 40,000ha of sunflowers in the UK – but so far only 300ha are currently grown here. “With climate change and increasing temperatures, the area will undoubtedly expand,” says Grainseed seed specialist Angus Fox. “Sunflowers can be successfully produced south of a line from the Wash to the Bristol Channel but now

8 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

there are more favourable areas to the north and west which can be considered too,” explains Mr Fox. The best-selling sunflower variety in Europe is Grainseed's Es Bella – with more seed available for 2023. The crop typically yields about 2.3t/ ha in the EU but UK growers should expect to achieve about 1.6-3t/ha. Even at this reduced level, the crop is profitable, says Mr Fox.

Profitbility “With climate change we can produce good yields of good quality sunflower seed for the bird seed market. Of [all the] spring crops, sunflowers are an attractive crop for UK growers in terms of profitability.” Bella is an early maturing sunflower variety with a high oil content of 48-50%. It has performed consistently well in trials and commercially in England, with good standing ability, disease resistance and high dry matter yield. Nicholas Watts, of Vine House Farm in Lincolnshire, is one of the UK's longest established sunflower growers. He planted his first crop in 1988 and grows about 40ha annually for bird seed sold to the public. Mr Watts started growing sunflower seed to help improve wild bird populations. “As a farmer, I was able to do something about it,” he says. His ad-

Sunﬂower expert Brian Fletcher with Angus Fox, of Grainseed

vice is simply to “get the crop established – there are no short cuts.” Agronomist and farmer Brian Fletcher has a wealth of experience of growing sunflowers and oilseed rape. “It is important to get the crop off well,” he says, and doing so will pay dividends at harvest (see panel). “There are quite a few similarities between these two crops, but it is always attention to detail in all aspects of growing – particularly in establishment – that sets the tone for a good crop,” he explains.

How to grow sunﬂowers Drilling

Marketing

Sunﬂowers grow well on potash rich clay and clay loam soils with an optimum pH of 6.5- 7.5, says Brian Fletcher. Drill into a moist seedbed from the end of April to mid-May when soil temperatures are above 7°C at a depth of 5cm. Sunﬂowers are sown at 110,000120,000 seeds/ha to achieve a population of 100,000 plants/ha on a 35-45cm row width when established. This ensures smaller, faster drying heads at harvest.

Many growers sell sunﬂower seed as bird feed directly to the public via farm shops. There is a ready and plentiful market with strong domestic demand. The market for crushing into oil is less developed in the UK due to the small quantity grown.

Crop inputs Sunﬂowers have a low nitrogen requirement. Land with a high nitrogen content should be avoided. Potash levels are more important. Fertiliser if necessary is applied to the seedbed. To prevent disease, sunﬂowers should not be grown more than one year in four. Seed is fungicide treated to protect from damping off and blight. Some crops need slug pellets and pigeons can be a problem until the crop has two cotyledons.

Now that’s a special combination!

Harvest The crop is desiccated when seed is at 30% moisture. This is when the ﬂower rays brush off the head easily. Harvest occurs when seed moisture is 15-20% dry matter, normally mid-September to October. The crop takes 140 days to reach maturity. Tines on the combine reel should be removed to prevent impaling the heads. Seed can be dried on cold air-drying ﬂoors down to 15% moisture. The dryer should be monitored while seed is being dried to prevent over-heating.

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Arable

Hybrid rye 'delivers outstanding efficiency' High yielding 11t/ha from 80kg N/ha

mpressive rye yields of almost 11t/ha are possible using as little as 80kg/ha of nitrogen with hybrid variety Tayo. In one Norfolk trial at North Walsham, the variety produced the same 10.84t/ha yield from both 80kg N/ ha and 120kg N/ha fertiliser regimes – underlining the crop's potential to help growers make cost savings. Results from the KWS and NIAB trials demonstrate that Tayo delivers outstanding Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE), says KWS technical trials manager Olivia Potter. "Hybrid rye has a lot going for it in terms of marketing opportunities, benefits to the rotations and drought resistance, but it's ability to produce high yields from relatively modest amounts of applied nitrogen is making it increasingly attractive. "We've known for some time that fertiliser requirements with rye can be roughly half that of a second wheat with savings of 100kg N/ha and more being achievable but Tayo seems to be capable of taking this even lower. A second wheat grown for feed is likely to require around 220kg N/ha, says Ms Potter. A regular hybrid rye would typically require 120kg N/ha. But Tayo has potential to cut this by a further third.

"When you consider milling wheat needs around 280kg N/ha, the opportunity to produce high yields of high value hybrid rye from 200kg N/ha less is very compelling."

Extensive benefits KWS hybrid rye product manager Dominic Spurrier says the crop's benefits extend far beyond just this cost saving. Growth speed gives the crop significant weed competition potential with diseases problems being less of an issue. “It’s a fast-growing crop with a long drilling window that stretches from mid-September through to early November with a harvest earlier than wheat, so it ticks a lot of boxes with regard to increasing demands for flexibility in the rotation, too. “It moves through stem elongation faster than any other cereal with trials showing the competition it exerts against blackgrass reducing the viability of seeds by 60% compared to wheat. Hybrid rye also has much higher resistance to take-all than triticale or winter wheat while inclusion of PollenPlus technology means ergot infection is now significantly reduced, says Mr Spurrier. “Growers should also factor in properties such as a straw yield being 25 – 30% higher than with wheat or barley and a water requirement 25% less than either of these, making it a perfect choice for lighter land or drought-prone regions.” Soil moisture deficit (SMD) reached in the late summer is forecast to become much more intense in future years, he explains. "Last year was very dry in many parts of the country and February 2023 has been the driest on record so

water tables in most areas are still significantly behind where they should be," says Mr Spurrier. “Growers on free draining, acidic or sandy soils are much more exposed to the effects of SMD on yields and rotational income, so rye has a valuable role to play in mitigating against this.”

“

Hybrid rye has a lot going for it

Top: An earlier harvest than wheat can tick a lot of boxes Left: Hybrid rye is a crop fit for the future, says Dominic Spurrier

Market opportunities In terms of marketing opportunities, demand is being driven by greater use of rye in pig finishing rations as well as increases in UK rye whisky production and from the food industry. It also has a role as an energy source for anaerobic dirgestion, adds Mr Spurrier. “Recent developments in rye breeding have opened up a whole new world of opportunities for producers by combining considerable benefits from agronomic and economic perspectives as well as providing reliable demand from growing markets. “The use of hybrid rye in pig rations is particularly interesting with inclusion levels of up to 60% possible in pelleted, liquid or meal-based feed for pig fattening. “Trials have shown not just significant cost benefits for such rations but also positive behavioural effects and reduced gut problems from the approach.” It’s a crop that is fit for the future too with future UK legislation likely to focus on reduced nitrogen and agrochemical use, he says. “All in all, hybrid rye fits well with current demands to move to more sustainable production systems requiring less inputs while also being able to cope better in terms of the greater variability in climate and growing conditions likely to be experienced in the future.”

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Arable

Warmer weather prompts rapid crop growth

combination of sunshine and warmer temperatures has prompted rapid crop growth – with reports coming in of mounting disease pressure. While nutrient applications have been top of the to-do list for many growers, fungicide programmes are also near the forefront of many minds, with some crops showing signs of disease. Farming 310ha in the Cambridgeshire fens, Hannah Darby grows winter wheat and spring wheat, as well as intercropping beans and peas with oats. The soil type presents some interesting challenges when it comes to soil health and crop nutrition. “We didn’t plant as much winter wheat as originally planned this season,” says Ms Darby, who recently moved farms. Taking on land with a blackgrass problem meant she was in no rush to drill much of the wheat area.

Hannah Darby says she remains focused on crop nutrition

Variable progress “While we were waiting to drill, the weather broke and so we opted for spring wheat instead. It means that we’ve now only got 15-20ha

of Dawsum which has followed sugar beet, and 80ha of Skyscraper.” The Dawsum has been a little backwards and soil disturbance from the beet harvester brought up some blackgrass seed. But the Skyscraper has three or four tillers and is looking good..

Healthy plants While many activities came to halt in March, the dry February provided a window to drill the spring wheat. Ms Darby is now focusing on crop nutrition. Disease is important but so is keeping the plants healthy, she explains. “While many fungicides have preventative activity, you get more from them if plants are strong to start with. Because we’re on the fen, we apply manganese, magnesium and copper early in the season to help the plant’s own defence.” A decision on whether to include a fungicide at T0 was being made as Anglia Farmer went to press. But a robust fungicide would be in the mix at T1, said Ms Darby Although spring had been wet, warm weather had added to disease pressure.

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Arable

Farming incentive 'stacks up for most growers' EXPERT VIEW After a rocky start, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is looking more attractive – and with good reason, says Charles Mayson

hen the government's Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) opened for applications, the response was distinctly underwhelming. Reluctance to sign up was partly because the SFI compared unfavourably with the Basic Payment Scheme. There was also a deep-rooted suspicion of Defra’s ability to deliver something that was simple-to-understand and easy to navigate.

But the the past few months have seen more acceptance that the BPS is finally disappearing into history. The money available under the SFI might be less than the BPS – but it can still make a meaningful contribution to a business. Farmers have often argued that fair commodity prices are preferable than a reliance on subsidies – and this may have switched the focus away from support payments.

Farmers can now choose from more management options

When the SFI was launched, returns in some sectors were buoyant – even though costs had rocketed. That said, the SFI can still bolster annual revenue by as much as £6,000 on a 120ha (250-acre) arable farm.

Flexibility A wheat price of £250/t has meant a certain bullishness – prompting some farmers to believe the SFI isn't worthwhile. But such returns never last – which makes it prudent to take advantage of whatever is on offer. The SFI is flexible and you don’t have to put all your land into it. Agreements last for three years, during which you can add more land or shift from ‘introductory’ to ‘intermediate’ levels – although you can’t downgrade in the other direction.

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There is also an additional ‘management’ payment of £20/ha on the first 50ha of land, which could earn an extra £1,000. Payments are quarterly and begin as early as the first day of the month after your application, which will help with cashflow. Any government policy will be a blunt instrument, so there will always be faults. But the broad direction of the SFI is laudable, with its focus on enhancing soils, reducing pollution and conserving nutrients.

Scheme standards The SFI is taking us in a direction where the nation’s farmers can produce food and look after the environment. We should be able to do both simultaneously. There are choices at an individual farm level, but overall it’s not a contest between the two. Existing standards cover arable and horticultural soils, grassland soils and moorland. Soon, six more will cover hedgerows, improved grassland, low-input grassland, ar-

“

The broad direction is laudable able and horticultural land, integrated pest management, and nutrient management. There is also the promise of fewer inspections. Rather than the over-zealous threat of penalties, Defra says visits will be made by advisers whose brief is to help farmers deliver what they’ve signed up to. We’re still in the honeymoon phase of SFI, so let’s hope these advisers do indeed prove to be collaborative. We certainly don’t want to go back to the bad old days when inspectors could lack empathy and be unduly harsh.

Mix and match In this new post-BPS world, farmers will increasingly have to ‘mix and match’ revenues from different public and private sources. In doing so,

the first consideration is whether the actions you want to take will fit your farming system. Longer term, you can still make big changes to your strategic direction – such as committing to a big tree-planting scheme, entering the market for biodiversity net gain or renewable energy. Meanwhile, looking at the SFI makes sense. We could have a new government next year and – with pressure on public spending – it is not impossible the SFI budget will get chopped. But my instinct is that it will survive for a few years roughly in its current form. Some farmers still argue that it is better to wait and see what’s on offer next year or the year after before committing to the SFI. But there’s only one ball you can play and that's the one that’s coming towards you. Right now, that ball is the SFI. Charles Mayson is founder of agricultural advisers CXCS. For more details, call 01981 590514 or email info@cxcs.co.uk

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Arable

Better disease resistance Enhanced ramps up rape protection clubroot resistance Higher yields and fewer spores

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New genetics to improve resistance against the growing threat of clubroot are also being introduced by DSV, says managing director Alex Doering. Caused by the pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, clubroot is a highly infectious, yield-robbing disease. Scotland has experienced heavy infestation in recent years, but there is growing evidence of clubroot problems in south-east England. In recent years, hybrid oilseed rapes with genetic clubroot protection have played an important role in keeping spread of the disease in check and also protecting yields for growers, says Mr Doering. DSV has been particularly successful in this area. Varieties such as DSV Crossfit CR and DSV Crocodile CR offer good protection without sacrificing yield, as has usually been the case before such varieties were introduced. DSV is introducing a new clubroot resistance mechanism called CRE1 with broader protection against more pathotypes. The first DSV CRE1 variety is expected to be EU-registered during winter 2023/24 – arriving in the UK a few years later. In the meantime, DSV is launching new variety RAP637 which has clubroot protection using partial resistance. It will also be TuYV resistant with Verticillium wilt tolerance and a good lodging resistance score.

ew genetic resistances to two serious and costly diseases affecting oilseed rape could be available to growers in the next few years, say breeders DSV. Breeder DSV says its Phoma Blocker trait – a new genetic mechanism for resistance to phoma stem canker in Europe – is already included in varieties going through UK testing, with enhanced clubroot resistance CRE1 close behind. Phoma stem canker in rape costs UK growers some £100m annually in lost yields and disease management, says Simon Kröger, DSV's leader for product management in oilseed crops. "Resistance to phoma results in better and longer lasting plant health with better lodging resistance as well as a longer and undisturbed assimilation process that supports growth through tough climate conditions such as early summer drought. "It also underpins optimum harvest date and can lead to higher yields as well as reducing the general level of phoma spores in the field." The main genetic disease resistance mechanism for many years has been RLM7, which is seen as an industry standard. But Mr Kröger says there is growing evidence it is becoming less effective. In DSV trials in Dyngby in Denmark, for example, on a scale of 0-10 with 0 being excellent resistance and 10 being high susceptibility to Phoma, varieties without any qualitative resistance showed an average score of 7.5 with a range of 6.5 to 8.5.

Wider range Varieties with the RLM7 gene showed a wider range of phoma susceptibility scores – from 4 to 9 – but of real concern is that the average was the same 7.5 as varieties with no disease resistance at all, says Mr Kröger. "When you consider 53% of oilseed rape varieties on the 2023/24 AHDB Recommended List for the UK rely on RLM7 as the mainstay of their protection against this yield-robbing disease, clearly this is a very worrying situation." RLMS provides some hope DSV Phoma Blocker adds a much-required 16 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

The main genetic resistance mechanism in rape has been RLM7 Left: Phoma stem canker costs growers £100m annually, says Simon Kröger

“

It underpins optimum harvest date

extra layer of future-proofed security, believes Mr Kröger. "At the heart of Phoma Blocker is LepR1 – a completely new type of genetic mechanism for phoma resistance in Europe. "While LepR1 by itself has been shown to have the best resistance to the most common phoma strains in field trials across Europe, we believe it is most effective when used in conjunction with other disease resistance traits. "DSV Phoma Blocker is made up of LepR1 with RLM7 and this combination achieved an average of score of just 2.3 in the Dyngby trials – compared to the 7.5 for RLM7 by itself." But the real advantage is that DSV now has varieties featuring all three different phoma resistance mechanisms: RLM7, RLMS and LepR1. These can be rotated in the field to minimise major breakdown of any one type of resistance, adds Mr Kröger. This has taken phoma resistance in rape several stages on, he adds. DSV already has Phoma Blocker varieties moving through the UK testing process, with the first of these set to be commercially available in 2024.

Broader protection will benefit growers, says Alex Doering

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smart-web temperature monitoring system is helping to maintain and monitor crop quality in a Norfolk grain store. Centralising the grain storage in a single location to ensure easier transportation and improve quality control has been a key priority for Waldersey Farms, near Downham Market. The business recently completed a two-year project to increase its grain storage and drying capacity. This involved the construction of a purpose-built facility designed and built by crop storage engineer Mike Bennett, of Bennett & Company. Established in 1981, the farm includes more than 2,600ha of winter wheat, 600ha of both oilseed rape and sugar beet and more than 400ha of potatoes, says Waldersey’s quality assurance manager Rebecca Young. “Before the new store, we har-

vested most of our crops below 15% moisture because we didn’t have the drying capacity, which meant we were often weather reliant at key times,” explains Ms Young.

Flexibility and control “Two new grain stores offering 15,000t of combined storage, along with new drying and cleaning facilities will enable the business to begin harvesting crops at higher moisture levels of 18%, offering us more flexibility and control. “Speeding the throughput of grain into the stores via improved drying and cleaning systems should also help us prevent backlogs from building up. This, in turn, means that the combines can keep working.” The new facility was onstalled by grain storage engineer Mike Bennett, of Bennett & Co. Work commenced in January 2021 and involved sinking more than 1,000

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ambient humidity and temperature – is fed back to the WTM control box located in an operations room.

Quick and reliable Data is then relayed in real time to a secure webpage which the grain store manager can accesses via mobile phone. This means any changes to grain store temperature and condition can be implemented at any time of day or night, from any location. “The WTM is an intelligent, instinctive system that’s easy to set up with all the data stored in the control box for increased security,” says Mr Bennett. “You don’t need a desk top computer in the control room.” This means risks to the computer from dust or humidity are eliminated. The software on the WTM is easy to use, with the latest WTM-2 model boasting more capacity and features, as well as faster and more reliable data storage. “The WTM-2 also produces more detailed grain quality reports that show readings from all the grain sensors in a store, rather than just a summary of the highest, lowest and average temperature readings,” says Mr Bennett. “The ability to control fan operation remotely and more precisely by pre-setting temperature and moisture parameters boosts grain quality and results in significant energy savings – reducing storage costs over time.”

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Arable

Variable soil quality hampers efficient crop production • Big differences in our soil quality • Challenge to sustainable future

major UK survey has confirmed significant variability in crop nutrients and soil quality – making it harder to grow crops cost-effectively. UK soil has far greater variability in its structure, nutrient make-up and ability to utilise nitrogen than previously thought, according to the fiveyear study of almost 50,000 individual fields carried out by NRM. The finding means farmers striving to boost productivity against a backdrop of greater environmental and sustainability demands are doing so with sub-optimal resources, says NRM analyst Sajjad Awan. "It's been a real eye opener just how variable our soils are. Some of this is undoubtedly being driven by climate change with the wetter, milder winters and drier, hotter summers now experienced affecting soil microflora and biology significantly. The study findings suggest a need to reshape some aspects of farm management, says Dr Awan. Although this might sound daunting, some simple steps can address many of issues, he adds.

Soil carbon Carbon content is a good guide to the overall organic matter of soils. Although carbon levels are low on many arable farms, they can be improved –

Soil nutrient content is extremely variable, says NRM analyst Sajjad Awan.

“

Better testing must become routine

and there are many beneficial aspects of doing so, says Dr Awan. "Generally speaking, we're seeing arable land containing 24% less soil carbon than that used for livestock, but within all soils there is tremendous variation in this." In arable soils, for example, NRM CarbonCheck shows the range is from 28t/ha to 178t/ha for total carbon stock measured at 30cm with the median being 86t/ha. For livestock this is about 113t/ha which is close to that of horticultural soils at 122t/ha. "If you're growing crops on land in the lower range of that scale, you will be struggling. Soil carbon content affects all manner of things including moisture retention, overall soil health and nitrogen use efficiency. "Using Farmyard manure (FYM)

and other organic materials can help– and so can reducing the number of cultivations, disturbing the soil less and avoiding soil compaction."

Reducing fertiliser While producers increasingly realise the importance of soil testing ahead of fertiliser applications, few appreciate the significance of testing nutrient offtake values in the grain post-harvest, says Dr Awan. "Knowing how much nitrogen, phoshape and potash is contained within the grain can give you a vital early indication of fertiliser needs for the following season. Again, our analysis shows this varies considerably from year to year.” The extent of these changes is highContinued overleaf

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Arable Continued from overleaf ly significant, says Dr Awan. Grain nitrogen offtake measured using NRM GrainCheck at harvest 2022 was around 4% lower than in 2021. "At a time when nitrogen prices are so high, understanding precisely what nitrogen is in the soil in the shape of soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) and the total soil nitrogen supply (SNS) can help save on fertiliser bills." Drier summers are also creating a greater number of soils with indices below 2 for phosphate and potash. Where summer droughts were experienced, there were 13% more soils below index 2 in the drier years than in an average year.

Drought conditions "Mineralisation of phosphorus in the soil is much reduced under drought like conditions and this is reflected in our analysis with the distribution curve visually skewed towards the lower indices. "Increasing soil organic matter helps soils retain moisture better and hold key nutrients more effectively whilst building vital resilience to future droughts.

"Minimising ploughing and disturbance of the soil will help get the biology working to its full potential as will the use of FYM and other organic sources of nutrition."

Variable manure But the NRM analysis shows the contribution of farmyard manure and slurry to farming systems is much more variable than previously thought with some applications contributing just 3% of that from others. “The differences are of a magnitude I don't think anybody was expecting. Focusing on N, P and K alone shows a 20t/ha application ranges from £100 to £3300 in terms of nutrient value. "It's another great example of how working with average values and making management decisions based on these can be so damaging to production and profitability." Limitations Analysis shows that a quarter of UK arable land is below index 2 for magnesium. This means many growers are trying to maximise production with a hugely important nutrient exerting severe limitations on this.

Survey tested thousands of samples.

"Magnesium is essential in the production of the chlorophyll that drives photosynthesis, enzymatic activation and protein synthesis. It's as least as important as phosphate and potash yet all too often gets overlooked. "A greater emphasis on individual testing, whether it be soil organic matter, soil nutrient status, nitrogen offtake in harvested crops or for a whole host of other analytics, has got to become a routine part of future farm management."

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Family farm with strong Suffolk roots PROFILE Potatoes and vegetables are key enterprises at Capel St Andrew Farms.

Suffolk coastal farm has profitable and sustainable food production at its heart – while taking its environmental responsibilities equally seriously. Based at Boyton, near Woodbridge, Capel St Andrew Farms is a family run business on the east coast producing high quality arable and root crops, while caring for and enhancing the surrounding marsh and countryside. The Greenwell family has been farming in Suffolk since the 1930s. Today, it grows some 2000ha of vegetable and arable crops, explains third generation farmer Andrew Greenwell, who studied agriculture at Newcastle before returning home. The business is structured such that Capel St Andrew Farms owns the land and grows the crops, while Capel Farming employs the staff, hires and owns machinery and undertakes contracting for Capel St Andrew Farms and other customers.

Coastal Suffolk soils are an advantage when getting potatoes into the ground Below: Attention to detail is key for the team at Capel St Andrew Farms

too. That means we need to generate a profit – not just for ourselves but for our contract farming customers as well.” Long periods of wet and dry weather can be a challenge. To increase resilience, the business continues to invest in irrigation – including more reservoirs. “We want to do the right thing for all the right reasons, but the planning process can be long and drawn out,” says Mr Greenwell. To keep a lid on costs, most inputs are purchased through Fram Farmers. Agronomy tends to be treat-

ment-based, rather than routine or prophylactic. And with fertiliser prices still high despite easing, nitrogen is under particular scrutiny. Machinery tends to be hired in rather than purchased. Crops include fieldscale vegetables Continued overleaf

Farming philosophy “Our overall aim is to be a sustainable and profitable farming business,” explains Mr Greenwell. “We want to be here for the long term – and we employ 20 staff who want us to be here for the long term MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 25

PROFILE | CAPEL ST ANDREW FARMS Continued from previous page and combinable crops. The mainstay is potatoes, encompassing some 460ha including about 35ha of seed crop. The main market is ware, with some prepack and service sector. All are sold via 3Ms. Other root crops include about 200ha of onions – both main crop marketed via Suffolk Produce and some sets. Early carrots are grown across 90ha of light soil under plastic and harvested between early June and mid-July. Local farmers working together in a marketing group benefit everyone involved, says Mr Greenwell. “It's good for our customers and it is good for us too – it helps us ensure continuity of supply which is really important, especially for the export and service markets.” Cereals include wheat, barley and some rye alongside oilseed rape. About 200ha of sugar beet is grown for British Sugar, with 6000 tonnes of maize grown across 150ha for the Agri-Gen anaerobic disgester at nearby Bentwaters Parks. The farm also grows 100ha of vining peas, mainly on contract for Angli-

an Pea Growers, which covers a swathe of coastal land between Nacton on the outskirts of Ipswich and the Bacton gas terminal in north-east Norfolk. In addition to the home farm and other owned land, some further land is rented on short term annual contracts for vegetable production, with some land let for pig production to Rattlerow Farms and Dingley Dell Pork.

Good relationship “It's important to have a good relationship with the people you work with – and that is what we strive to achieve,” says Mr Greenwell. “Good communication is vital so everyone knows what they are doing and what their responsibilities are.” Quality is key – and so are the right people. Onions, for example, are a specialist crop and require high expertise. Agronomist James Klug, of Deben Agronomy, has “fantastic local knowledge and completely understands what we are striving toi achieve”. When it comes to potatoes, the focus is on early salad varieties and first early bakers. It's a competitive market, targeted by an increasing number of growers looking to sell in Au-

“

We want to be here for the long term

gust rather than going into cold store. “It’s a time of year that has been squeezed,” says Andrew. “But neither is our sandy soil conducive to long term storage.” Farm manager and Capel Farming director James Reeves was at Newcastle with Mr Greenwell. It's been a wet spring, he says, with almost half the farm's annual rainfall falling before the end of April. The workload is shared with assistant manager Archie Hamilton-Russell, who joined the business two years ago. Also a Newcastle graduate, he is now in his third season, having completed his BASIS qualification. “It's been a challenging spring in some ways – but overall, we are positive,” says Mr Reeves. “The veg has gone in despite the wet weather although regionally and nationally the area planted will be down on last year. “This means contracts won't be where we want them but they are still at a sustainable level. That said, it means there is little margin for error – growing potatoes is a much higher stakes poker game than it was three years ago. We hope we get the yields and the quality.”

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Andrew runs Sahara desert for charity Suffolk farmer Andrew Greenwell is running one of the world's toughest races – raising thousands of pounds for East Anglia's Children's Hospices. The Marathon Des Sables is a six day running race that takes place in the Sahara desert. Covering 156 miles in southern Morocco, competitors have to carry their own food for the duration of the race – as well as spare clothes and sleeping equipment. In addition various items of compulsory kit – including a venom pump against scorpion stings and a survival kit – must also be carried. Water is rationed and is supplied by the organisers along the route and at

Environment The business takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Some land is under Countryside Stewardship – mainly AB15 options But it is not part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive due to its focus on spring cropping.

the camp each evening. “East Anglia's Children's Hospices is an amazing charity,” says Andrew. “It has three hospices and almost all their funding is raised through charitable donations. They are here to help children and families through what can only be the worst and most diﬃcult circumstances. “Any donation will be gratefully received and will go to a fantastic cause. It will also help to spur me on during what could be a tough few days in the sun.” To sponsor Andrew, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ andrew-greenwell-runs-mds

“It doesn't stack up for us,” says Mr Reeves. “Rather than cover crops, over-wintered stubbles are more appropriate for many early crops. But we are interested in conservation and have good barn owl numbers and wildlife on the marsh.”

Plans for the next three years include remaining focused on quality crop production. “To remain profitable, we have to be on top of our game,” add Mr Reeves. “We have to do the job well – for everyone, not just ourselves. That's exactly what we intend to keep doing.”

MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 27

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OROR COMMERCIAL OR COMMERCIAL • •INT TERNAL EXTERNAL INT TERNAL OR EXTERNAL •-INT TERNAL7th OR EXTERNAL See us at Agri Expo March RONS & SHED FLOORS • APR INT ERNALSTEEL OR EXTERNAL ••INT TTERNAL OR EXTERNAL FIXING STEEL FIXING • AN NAEROBIC DIGESTION • • • STEEL FIXING STEEL FIXING TANK ••AGRICULTURA STEEL FIXING • FOUNDATIONS ••• • APRONS &OR SHED FLOORS BRU UBASES SH, TAMP BRU USH, TAMP ORPOWER POWER • INDUSTRIAL, AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL, RAL A • BRU U SH, TAMP OR POWER • POULTRY UNITS AND POTATO• & ANAEROBIC DIGESTION • GRAIN, OR COMMERCIAL BRU SH, TAMP OR POWER ••BRU UUSH, TAMP OR POWER FLOAT FINISHES FLOAT FINISHES STABLE YARDS TANK BASES OR COMMERCIAL • INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL MACHINERY STORES FLOAT FINISHES • MATERIAL ADVICE AND • GRAIN, POTATO FINISHES & • STEEL FIXING FLOAT FLOAT FINISHES • PATHS, PATIOS AND • INT T ERNAL OR EXTERNAL COSTING MACHINERY STORES • BRUSH, TAMP OR POWER • •FOUNDATIONS FOUNDATIONS DRIVEWAYS • SILO BASES • PATHS, PATIOS, DRIVEWAYS FLOAT FINISHES • •FOUNDATIONS STEEL& PREP FIXING • GROUNDWORKS •& GROUNDWORKS FOUNDATIONS ••FOUNDATIONS • •POULTRY UNITS POULTRY UNITSAND AND • POULTRY UNITS AND PREPARATION • BRU SH, TAMPUNITS OR POWER •POULTRY POULTRY UNITS AND •U AND STABLE STABLEYARDS YARDS 01945 870 076 STABLE YARDS FLOAT FINISHES STABLE YARDS STABLE YARDS • •MM ATERIAL ADVICE AND ADVICE AND • nationwide coverage • www.sjstanberry.com •ATERIAL sales@sjstanberry.com • M ATERIAL ADVICE AND 01945 870076 • M ATERIAL ADVICE AND • MATERIAL ADVICE AND COSTING COSTING • FOUNDATIONS • nationwide coverage • sales@sjstanberry.com • www.sjstanberry.com COSTING www.agriculturalbuildingconstruction.co.uk COSTING COSTING • •SILO BASES SILO BASES • POULTRY UNITS AND Email: info@agriculturalbuildingconstruction.co.uk • SILO BASES Tel: 07981 031613 / 01945 660231 | Wisbech, Cambs SILO BASES ••SILO BASES STABLE YARDS RONS SHED FLOORS • •APR R ONS& & SHED FLOORS APR So•why should you call us today? R ONS & SHED FLOORS APR •RR M ATERIAL ADVICE AND ONS & SHED FLOORS • APR ONS & SHED FLOORS • APR • AN N AEROBIC DIGESTION • AN N AEROBIC DIGESTION • Free quotation • Competitive rates • All work fully insured • AN NAEROBIC DIGESTION • Skilled, committed staff • Highly professional service COSTING • AN N AEROBIC DIGESTION • AN N AEROBIC DIGESTION TANK BASES • Plant hireTANK availableBASES with operator Suppliers of Agricultural Buildings with TANK BASES •TANK SILOBASES BASES associated groundworks and concrete TANK BASES • GRAIN, POTATO && • GRAIN, POTATO flooring provided by our sister company • GRAIN, POTATO & SJ Stanberry & Sons Ltd GRAIN, POTATO ••GRAIN, POTATO && MACHINERY STORES MACHINERY STORES R ONS & SHED FLOORS • APR MACHINERY STORES Agricultural Building Construction Ltd operate nationwide, providing steel framed MACHINERY STORES MACHINERY STORES •N•PATHS, AND PATHS,PATIOS PATIOS AND buildings with associated groundworks. Our aim is to provide a high quality product • AN DIGESTION •AEROBIC PATHS, PATIOS AND at an affordable price combined with a customer service second to none. Buildings for housing livestock to storing grain in vermin-free and farm assured conditions. • PATHS, PATIOS AND • PATHS, DRIVEWAYS PATIOS AND DRIVEWAYS TANK BASES DRIVEWAYS • Silage clamps • Dairy housing DRIVEWAYS • Grain stores • Beef housing DRIVEWAYS • •GROUNDWORKS GROUNDWORKS • GRAIN, POTATO& & • Workshops • Sheep housing • GROUNDWORKS & See us at • General stores • Crop storage •GROUNDWORKS GROUNDWORKS & •MACHINERY & PREPARATION PREPARATION STORES PREPARATION PREPARATION PREPARATION • PATHS, PATIOS AND DRIVEWAYS • GROUNDWORKS & • nationwide • nationwidecoverage coverage• sales@sjstanberry.com • sales@sjstanberry.com• www.sjstanberry.com • www.sjstanberry.com PREPARATION • nationwide coverage • sales@sjstanberry.com • www.sjstanberry.com

01945 870076 01945 870076 01945 870076 01945870076 870076 01945 stand no. 181

Cereals Event preview Exhibitors queue up for Cereals 2023 • 400 exhibitors confirmed for event • Technology and latest machines • One-stop shop for arable sector

ext month's flagship Cereals event is set to host nearly 400 exhibitors and sponsors – including companies keen to attend the show at its new location. The two-day event on 13-14 June is being held for the first time at the Thoresby Estate in Nottinghamshire. Attractions include companies exhibiting for the first time too – and those returning after a break.

Technical event The show continues to be the leading technical event for the UK arable industry, with live demonstrations and areas dedicated to agronomy, technology, machinery, business, education, environment and renewable energy. Suppliers big and small will showcase their latest products, advice and information – providing visitors with a one-stop service from seeds to sprayers, crop varieties to cultivation equipment, and fertiliser to finance. Event organisers say the range of exhibitors means visitors looking for the latest machinery will be able to choose from plenty of stands and demonstrations – including min-till drills, spreaders, harvesting and baling kit. Monitoring quality Centre stage on the John Deere stand will be the HarvestLab 3000 system – now available on S-Series and T-Series combine harvesters. It uses near-infrared sensors to measure the quality of wheat, barley and oilseed rape as it is harvested. “Up-to-the-second analysis delivers numerous benefits,” says John Deere tactical marketing manager Chris Wiltshire. The technology gives farmers a continuous view of field performance – informing input decisions for the season ahead. “These include being able to know for certain whether wheat has met

The two-day event will showcase products from 400 exhibitors

“

Suppliers will showcase their latest products

milling quality specifications, the grain quality at an individual point of a field, and gaining an overall picture of which soils have converted nutrients into yield and protein.” Cultivation and controlled traffic farming specialist Bednar will be exhibiting at Cereals for the first time. It will be working closely with UK marketing partner Case IH, with a selection of high horsepower machines on display.

Eﬃcient cultivations “This will help farmers and their operators to understand the future of cultivations – efficiency while minimising labour inputs,” explains Bednar UK managing director Warren Rivers-Scott. “During the event, we will also host an exciting arrive-and-ride demon-

stration, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with 550hp+ tractors and 12m cultivators, reaching speeds of over 20kph.” Eyre Trailers returns after a fouryear break. It will exhibit a new trailer for draper headers.The company manufactures header trailers as an independent supplier for New Holland, Case IH, John Deere, Agco, Deutz and MacDon. “The marketplace has changed significantly from a rigid header to bigger combines using draper headers,” says Eyre managing director Bob Eyre. “Many trailers are made abroad but we are geared up to make them in the UK and interest is growing. We have come to Cereals to re-establish ourselves in this market. We are also developing a patented harvesting technique but that is for future shows.”

About the Cereals event Where: Thoresby Estate, Perlethorpe, Newark,NG22 9EQ. Once near the event, turn off sat-nav and follow Cereals Visitor or Exhibitor Parking signs. When: 13-14 June 2023 New for 2023 • Biomass demonstrations and seminars to get a working view of your renewable energy options • Bednar working demonstrations in partnership with Case IH

Working demos • More than 200 machinery demonstrations • Sold-out Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena • Sold-out Drill Area • Mechanical weeding demos presented by Garford • Working demo plots presented by Bednar, Case IH, Hardi & New Holland • Robotics & automation demos presented by Agxeed For tickets and full details, visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 29

Cereals Event preview

Crop plots progressing well at Cereals

emonstration plots of winter and spring crop varieties are progressing well at this year's Cereals site on the Thoresby Estate in Nottinghamshire. “Temperatures have been warmer, at around 14 degrees celsius, and not too much rain, which has been good for spraying,” says Mark Herriman, of Sencrop, which provided the weather stations.

Rain and shine The crop plots have a full suite of weather stations collecting data on rain, wind and sunshine – so rather than relying on information from a single source or a forecasting app, there is a full range of information specific to the trial plots. Netting to protect winter oilseed rape from birds over winter has been removed following flowering, says Will Davies, farm consultant at Ceres Rural, who is overseeing the plots. “The plots are starting to stand up tall the oilseed rape has received a Plant Growth Regulator (PGR) and fungicide and will be in flower shortly. Monitoring for pollen beetle is ongoing,” says Mr Davies. The winter sown crops – winter wheat,

The two-day event is being held at the Thoresby Estate, Nottinghamshire.

winter oilseed rape and winter beans – are developing well. Approaching growth stage 30 last month, the cereals were due to receive a growth regulator and fungicide. Rust pressure was reported to be low, but some overwintered Septoria was present.

Good conditions Crops certainly weren’t short of moisture through the winter,”says Mr Herriman. “Since the oilseed rape was planted it’s had 535ml of rain, which is interesting because we had 71ml in March and a very dry February. Looking towards the spring crops, much of these were drilled in good conditions, and

with plenty of soil moisture. “These have all had their fertiliser where required, and the February-drilled plots are up in-row and will now progress quickly in the milder weather,” says Mr Davies. Overall, the crops are progressing well. “The rain is starting to ease off, giving the ground a chance to dry out – hopefully we will get some nice spring weather with enough rain to promote growth,” says Mr Herriman. Last month saw the drilling of the final few crop plots, but much of April was given be given to final fertiliser applications and getting herbicides, PGRs and fungicides applied at the appropriate timings for the different crop types.

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Cereals Event preview

Extensive seminar programme aims to satisfy thirst for knowledge Ms Leeson will lead a seminar ex• Range of keynote arable speakers plaining the methods needed to im• Topics include latest Defra updates plement affordable, auditable, and statistically robust on-farm carbon • Private funding for green schemes measurement strategies at scale.

“We need to remove uncertainty in all stages of the process, from sampling strategy to sample collection, processing and analysis. Our mission is to provide confidence in soil carbon sequestration by providing a solid foundation of evidence from the field.”

ereals has a wealth of seminars this year – with opportunities to question politicians, environmental service providers and growers who have decided to adopt regenerative farming methods. The main stage starts with a session looking at privately funded environment incentives, with presentations on ecosystem services that provide farmers with new income to deliver greater biodiversity, protect wildlife species or curb pollution. Accurate and statistically robust soil carbon measurement is fundamental to the success of everyone who is accounting for or trading soil carbon, explains Annie Leeson, chief executive at AgriCarbon.

“

The goal is to forge a better future

Industry leaders Farmers also have an opportunity to quiz politicians and industry leaders – including Defra farm minister Mark Spencer and NFU president Minette Batters – on issues ranging from food security to trade deals. These sessions are likely to cover grant schemes, new arable and farm management technologies and everything in between. The goal is to uncover what the government is do-

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend this year's event

Land drainage hub addresses topical issues Now in its third year, the Land Drainage Hub – organised by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors – has proved a popular attraction at the Cereals event. Topics this year include an overview of UK drainage. This willexamine the ongoing importance of drainage in ensuring good soil structure and farm productivitty. A further topic will look at ways to make land drainage work in minimum tillage systems.

32 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

With the farming industry going through an unprecedented time of change, Cereals organiser Alli McEntyre says visitors to the event will find something for everyone in the seminar programme. “We have gathered together the most knowledgeable in their field, including politicians, experts and farmers to give Cereals visitors a head-start in meeting today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.”

ing to shape opportunities and forge a better future for British growers. Farming speakers will provide new insights and practical experience of the benefits of circular and regenerative farming methods. A seminar on ‘great soils, great crops’ will see soil scientists discuss their research. Keynote speaker and LEAF farmer John Renner will explain how he has improved his low-grade land to such an extent that it is now part of a high-yielding arable rotation. “I tailor soil management and fertility to individual fields and rotations,” he says. “Non-inversion tillage, added organic matter and crop selection to enhance soil structure are key.”

Defra schemes A further session on publicly funded environmental incentives will be led by Defra future farming programme director Janet Hughes. She will provide an update on the government’s land management schemes to encourage greater on-farm biodiversity, landscape and wildlife protection. New technology and climate change will also be key topics. A new feature for 2023 will looki at ways precision farming can pay for itself. It will explore best practice in precision farming with progressive farmers, advisers, and precision technologists. The first session will looks at ‘mustsee machines to help you farm more precisely’, including nitrogen sensors, spray nozzles, protein monitors and variable seed rate drills. Speakers will include AgAnalyst precision technologist Clive Blacker, BBLeap founder and precision spray expert Peter Millenaar and Yara head of agronomy and business development Mark Tucker. At the new Cereals Stories stage, first-time farmers will tell their stories about how they got into the industry – and what they have contributed and continue to give back. Speakers include Cereals host farmer Gregor Pierrepont, discussing his family connection to the Multiple System Atrophy Trust; farm contractor and influencer Olly Harrison; and NFU student and Young Farmers' ambassador Erin McNaught. For full seminar programme details, visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk

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Experts from Catchment Sensitive Farming will be on hand to offer farmers advice and grant support at this year's Cereals event. Face-to-face advice is increasingly important when it comes to ensuring farmers are best placed to deliver environmental benefits, says CSF adviser Mark Taylor. “It's a great way of meeting farmers,” Mr Taylor explains. “Previously we worked with farmers in high

priority areas. But now every farmer is in a catchment of one sort or another – right across the country.” A CSF crop plot at the Cereals event will showcase different conservation mixes – including wild bird mixes and pollen and nectar. The aim is to highlight the benefits of signing up to Countryside Stewardship, says Mr Taylor. “Farmers will be able to come along, see what the mixes look

Specialist advice on added-value crops A number of added-value specialist crops will be showcased at Cereals – including spelt wheat, canary seed and linseed. Alternative crops targeting specialist markets can generate a valuable additional source of farm income – so long as they meet specification, says Nigel Padbury, of seed suppliers Premium Crops. Crops will include staple added-value crops like winter and spring linseed, including a high omega-3 variety, high erucic acid oilseed rape varieties and some spring sown options, high pro-

tein wheats, naked oats and canary seed. A spelt wheat crop plot will highlight a special contract for growers. Also special will be two cover crop mixtures – one sown as a precursor to a spring linseed crop and the other as a precursor to a canary seed crop. “We will be showing how you can produce a cover crop that will give you a good entry into what is really quite a small seeded spring crop. It will do all the things you want from a cover crop, while providing a good seedbed for a small seeded crop afterwards."

Is seasonal food necessary? The UK’s reliance on food imports is often criticised, but for all their vulnerabilities and drawbacks, imports undeniably improve the quality and scope of our diet. Yet the act of importing requires an earlier harvest and a longer journey to the plate, often compromising the taste and nutritional quality of the produce in question.

like and get advice on how to grow them. The Defra team will also be on hand to talk about the Sustainable Farming Incentive and other environmental schemes too.” Other plots looking at soil structure and soil health. “We hope to have a living mulch crop with an understorey companion crop to the cash crop which can to help reduce inputs such as pesticides, fertilisers.”

Root systems These plots will highlight how root systems developed by companion crops can help improve soil structure and soil health, explains Mr Taylor. A maize plot will demonstrate the importance of crop establishment, including the practicalities and timing of under-sowing maize and how it can be managed and supported throuygh countryside strewardship.

The crop plots at are among the popular attractions at Cereals

“By doing that, farmers can reduce soil erosion and water pollution – and improve water quality. It gives the harvesting machinery something to travel on, and it's going to provide that green cover over winter. “Green cover rather than bare maize stumble can reduce soil erosion, improving soil health and water quality. “When it grows on and dries up a bit, it could also offer an additional income through grazing or a cut of silage,” says Mr Taylor. Maize is an increasingly important crop, he adds – especially where farms have been operating a short rotation. “It is great for bringing another crop in but of course there are issues associated with maize and we are keen to promote best practise.”

Breeder focuses on rape and pulses Seed breeder LSPB has increased its presence at Cereals as it returns to the event to highlight some new varieties at the event. Crop plots will include varieties which have gone through national list trials, said the company's Michael Shuldham. The main focus will be on oilseed rape although the LSPB will also showcase some pulses, including spring bean Lynx. “It's a variety really favoured by end-market users,” said Mr Shuldham. High-yielding green pea variety Carrington – which is on the 2023 PGRO Descriptive

List for combining peas – will also be showcased, he added. The crop plots look good, despite the wet spring and a cold snap during April. The oilseed rape has established well – a testament to the vigour of LSPB varieties, said Mr Shuldham. “Everything has come up really nicely,” he added. LSPB's RMS gene was coming into its own, suggested Mr Shuldham. "Hopefully when we get to June time, we'll really be able to see our stay-green stems – we've some top yielding varieties with good disease resistance."

Herein lies the issue of lengthy supply chains: we lose more of the elements that make vegetables so beneficial to health. The same is also true if food is grown out-ofseason. A study that examined the vitamin C content of broccoli for example found out-of-season broccoli had close to half the vitamin C content of in-season broccoli. So what’s the answer? With the use of controlled environment horticulture (CEH), crops can be produced in favourable conditions at any point of the year - using technology to optimise light, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, water volume and so on. Largely found in glasshouses and vertical farms, these systems are capable of producing high quality food within a stone’s throw of the plate they will be consumed on. Trade disruption, labour shortages, energy costs and climactic pressures are highlighting the strength of CEH, so much so that UK policy is making increasingly favourable overtures to the sector to grow its market share. But while impressive, such systems will not be the last word in modern domestic food production for the UK. Our Spotlight on Controlled Environment Horticulture research found sizeable increases in the planted area would also be necessary to offset imported food. And – while the food we eat is a cornerstone of our overall health – without considering other elements, such as physical activity and mental health, we are unlikely to feel the benefit of an enhanced diet. We could address all of these elements separately, going to the gym, meditating, eating a balanced diet, but there is one option that simultaneously tackles everything together. Allotments, gardens, greenhouses – there are several ways we can grow our own food. It is a big step, but studies show the benefits go far beyond a sense of achievement. Seasonality is perhaps not necessary, but desirable? Certainly. CEH provides greater flexibility in how we can meet our nutritional requirements, particularly if that production reduces the time between being picked and eaten. Yet controlled systems will only ever supply a proportion of what is needed. For the rest, locally produced, seasonal food could benefit not just our physical health but a range of other factors such as the prosperity of our local community or our mental wellbeing.

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MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 35

Cereals Event preview

Claydon to exhibit latest crop establishment machinery

uffolk-based Claydon Drills will demonstrate its latest Opti-Till establishment machinery at this year's Cereals event on 13-14 June in Nottinghamshire. The Opti-Till System is based around Claydon trailed and mounted drills from 3m to 8m wide – all of which incorporate the com-

pany’s own tine technology to help growers reduce costs, increase productivity and improve soil health. Claydon will demonstrate the latest Evolution mounted drill and straw harrow at the Thorseley Estate event. It will also exhibit a 4.8m Evolution drill, 4.8m TerraBlade

Claydon's mounted Evolution drill will be on demonstration at Cereals

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Increased output Larger hoppers reduce downtime and increase output, while second and third hopper options for applying multiple types, varieties and sizes of seed are available. The Evolution line-up, which includes a 5m unit and 4m rigid grain/fertiliser model, incorporates new features to improve operational functionality. Seeding depth adjustment is now controlled hydraulically, with improved access to the metering unit for easier calibration. Multiple seed tool options allow a wide range of crops to be drilled across different soil types and situations. All models feature a hydraulic fan, metering control, tramlining facility, double rear toolbar and road lights. Daily outputs range from 20ha for the 3m Evolution which requires at least 150hp; to 40ha for the 6m version which needs at least 300hp.

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Grange Machinery celebrates growth at Cereals Grange Machinery heads to the Cereals Event in the midst of an exciting year for the family-run company based in Holderness, East Yorkshire, with expanded distribution and a major new product line. The company manufactures agricultural machines and wearing parts that offer affordable solutions to farmers across the UK, Europe and as far afield as New Zealand. The Grange Machinery product range helps lower the cost of crop establishment whilst improving soil structure and efficiency in the field, using technology based on the family’s own farming experience. It specialises in adaptable low disturbance toolbars and standalone looseners which offer solutions to many cultivation and seeding challenges.

Expanded dealer network Grange Machinery has seen rapid expansion of its dealer network this year, signing up leading businesses Peacock and Binnington to cover North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, and MANNS with branches in East Anglia, Kent and Leicestershire. Midlands dealership B&B Tractors is the latest to join the network. Established in 1991, B&B Tractors has four depots covering Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire. “We are very pleased to have B&B Tractors on board. We feel the product range we offer will enhance and compliment the current B&B product portfolio perfectly. They are a progressive dealer offering high quality products with a vision of where farming practises are moving to. We’re looking forward to working with them and growing the brand in their area,” commented Rhun Jones, Grange Machinery managing director.

The Strip-Till Preparator Grange Machinery has added an important new product line this year, aimed at helping farmers reap the benefits of strip-till cultivations. Designed with input from farmers looking for the perfect tool to help establish their maize, sugar beet or brassica crops, the Strip-Till Preparator has been developed over several seasons. “We designed and built three prototype machines which had various changes and additions to the frame and the general layout in the row to achieve a truly effective and versatile implement,” explains Rhun Jones. “It’s essential to get the design of this type of machine exactly right to make the perfect strip to allow targeted planting and application of fertiliser, making the best use of costly inputs, preserving moisture and improving soil quality.” Three independent rows of cultivation discs can be hydraulically adjusted whilst working in harmony with a low disturbance tine and point, a unique feature which allows the Preparator to create a perfectly cultivated row that is ready for planting. A zonal Guttler prism roller ring performs the final part of the cultivation pass to break down any clods that have flowed through the system as well as consolidating the row in readiness for a planter. Another unique feature that the Preparator offers is the option of applying either granular or liquid fertiliser behind the loosening tine. Leg spacings can be specified at different row centres to suit a range of sowing systems and crops. Hydraulic front cutting discs are fitted for trash management and to provide minimal disturbance. Available in 3m, 4m and 6m working widths; horsepower requirement is from 210hp. The Strip-Till Preparator is now in full production and can be seen working this season.

Meet Grange Machinery on stand 651 at Cereals to find out how this innovative range of equipment can boost margins on your farm.

Grange Machinery managing director Rhun Jones

Colin Blood, sales manager at B&B Tractors added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Grange Machinery and feel that the addition of a deep cultivating range will be highly valuable to our offering. As some of our branches are in mixed farming areas, the grassland aerator will be well received and we are also looking forward to offering products such as the low disturbance subsoiler for customers moving into regenerative agriculture.” B&B Tractors will also be exhibiting at Cereals, showing examples from the Grange product range.

The Strip-Till Preparator is designed to create a perfectly cultivated row to establish maize, sugar beet and brassicas

For more information contact: Oliver Beekes Tel: 07387 824748 obeekes@grangemachinery.co.uk www.grangemachinery.co.uk

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London •

38 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

Nottingham

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Paris

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Milan

Cereals Event preview

New grain handling system installed following farm fire • Dust accumulation causes blaze • System redesigned to reduce risk • Remote ability to shut down plant

farming family who suffered a fire in their grain dryer had it redesigned and safely installed for the following harvest. WF Wells & Sons is a five-brother partnership and the third generation to farm at Camerton, near Bath, Somerset. The brothers grow winter wheat and barley, spring barley, spring beans, oilseed rape and maize to feed their dairy and beef herd. “The dryer caught fire in 2021 as a result of an accumulation of dust,” says Andrew Wells.

Expert view “Dry weather meant the crop was particularly dusty and dirty and the location of the dryer – which was installed in a tight space – meant it was dragging in air laden with dust which was settling on the burner tubes. After the fire, Mr Wells called Andrew Head, sales director for grain drying experts BDC Systems. He confirmed the cause of the fire, which aligned with the view of the insurers. Mr Head also worked out how to extract the grain from the fire-damaged dryer – instructing Mr Wells to call a demolition team. “We did and they were brilliant, dismantling the dryer without damaging the shed itself, leaving the way clear for the new installation.” Fire risk Despite the new dryer having to fit within the same tight space as the destroyed dryer – and having to protrude through the roof of the grain shed, Mr Head worked closely with Mr Wells to re-design the plant and greatly reduce the fire risk. Following discussions with insurers around the need to provide best value for money, Mr Head safely installed a Svegma 37tph continuous flow dryer with a 4m footprint into the available space. The design of the new plant enabled the Svegma to be rotated 180 degrees enabling dust-free fresh air to be

Right: The new dryer has vertical dust collection fans Below: The local fire brigade were called to tackle the blaze

drawn into the drier’s furnaces – future-proofing the plant which includes the latest grain handling equipment.

Gravity discharge Grain from the field is now tipped into a large gravity discharge intake bunker. A belt and bucket elevator then drops through an Aagaard heavy duty aspiration pre-cleaner to remove light dust and chaff. Grain is then transported via a Skandia SEI35/14, 60tph elevator which feeds a Skandia KTIFFR20/33, 60tph flow and return conveyor to the Svegma dryer. Once full, the surplus grain from the dryer flows back by gravity to the intake bunker. The Svegma is fitted with vertical

“

It was dragging in air laden with dust

turboclean dust extraction fans and dust extracted is pneumatically conveyed to the dust box by a Kongskilde TLR blower, rather than remaining airborne around the furnaces. The dryer is discharged through a Skandia KTIFb20/33, 60tph chain and flight conveyor with grain transported through a reciprocating cleaner or direct to store using the existing handling system.

Moisture content Mr Wells also chose to deploy BDC’s moisture monitoring system to keep an eye on grain going into and out of the dryer. Should moisture vary beyond predefined levels, an email or text message alert allows adjustments to be made remotely. The dryer was supplied with a touch screen control panel incorporating the drier, grain handling equipment and moisture controls. This means Mr Wells can remotely view and adjust the dryer settings as well as recording all operating data – including temperatures, discharge speeds, incoming and outgoing moisture content. “The upgraded plant is a dream to use,” said Mr Wells. “I dared not leave the old dryer in case there was an issue. Now I am no longer tied to the grain shed during harvest. " The remote access to the control panel means that I can log-in and check what’s happening and make any modifications, including shutting the plant down, regardless of where I am.” MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 39

Cereals Event preview

Electric UTV is official vehicle at Cereals

The Nipper can travel up to 75 miles on a single charge.

isitors to Cereals will be able to see a range of on-farm electric utility terrain vehicles, courtesy of industry newcomer Electric Wheels. A full range of all-terrain vehicles for sale and hire will be exhibited. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about making the switch to what claims to be a cheaper and greener form of farm transport.

Versatility The Nipper is designed for versatility. It is perfect for accessing hard-to-reach parts of a farm, has an electric rear tipper and can travel up to 75 miles on a single charge. Also on display will be the HiSun Worker, offering similar capabilities to the Nipper, and the HiSun Beast. Visitors will also have the opportunity for an exclusive first look at a prototype that Electric Wheels’ engineering team have customised. A flatbed has been fitted to a

long-wheelbase model of the Beast, said to have the largest load capacity of any electric UTV on the market. Visitors to the stand can enter a prize draw to win the rental of a UTV for a week. “We are delighted to be attending Cereals for the first time this year,” says Electric Wheels managing director Chris Hurdle. “We look forward to meeting farmers

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Technology | Precision farming NIAB welcomes ‘green light’ for gene-editing technology • Law paves way for gene editing • 'Benefits farmers and consumers' • 'Revolution for food production'

new law paves the way for the faster breeding and development of high-yielding, more nutritious and climate-resilient UK arable crops, say scientists. The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act became law earlier this spring. It covers precision-bred plants and animals developed through techniques such as gene editing – creating beneficial traits that would take decades using traditional breeding. The act sets in motion changes to allow farmers to grow crops which are drought and disease resistant, reduce fertiliser and pesticide usage, and breed animals that are protected from harmful diseases. NIAB chief executive Mario Caccamo said the new law took gene editing out of the scope of restrictive rules applied to genetically modified organisms. In doing so, it paved the way for a more straightforward route to market for innovative plant varieties, he added. Gene-editing has already helped develop wheat with improved food safety, oilseeds with enriched Omega-3 oils and barley with potential to improve livestock productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Prof Caccamo added: “Gene editing offers significant opportunities to support healthier, safer and more sustainable farming and food production systems, at a time when such advances are urgently and increasingly needed." Although the new law represents a significant milestone, it is not the end of the process. For gene-editing to deliver, Prof Cacccamo said secondary legislation in the coming months must not go above and beyond rules currently applied to conventionally bred plant varieties.

World leader The government said the new law would helping to make England a world-leader in agri-food innovation. Defra minister Mark Spencer said a new regulatory system would now facilitate greater research and innovation in precision breeding.

Scientists have used gene editing to develop crops with beneficial traits

“

Gene editing offers significant opportunities

“The Genetic Technology Act is fantastic news for British consumers and farmers. Precision breeding technologies are the future of food production not just at home but around the world – and this [law] will put our nation at the forefront of this revolution." Some 40% of crops globally are lost every year to floods, pests and other events. Defra chief scientist Gideon Henderson suggested the new law would help support resilient UK food production for decades to come. “This is an important time for agricultural science,” he said. “The ability to use gene editing to make precise, targeted changes to the genetic code of organisms, in a way that can mimic traditional breeding, enables development of new crop varieties that are more resistant to pests, healthier to eat, and more resilient to drought and heat.

Engineered plants trick pests and replace pesticides

obacco plants have been engineered to manufacture an alluring perfume of insect sex pheromones – which could reduce the need for pesticides. Researchers at the Earlham Institute in Norwich used precision gene engineering techniques to turn tobacco plants into solar-powered factories for moth sex pheromones. These pheromones mimic the signals of female insects, trapping or distracting 42 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

males from finding a mate. Nicola Patron, who led the research and heads the Earlham Institute's synthetic biology group, said creating genetic modules with the instructions to build new molecules could turn a plant such as tobacco into a "factory" that needed only sunlight and water to thrive. “Synthetic biology can allow us to engineer plants to make a lot more of something

they already produce, or we can provide the genetic instructions that allow them to build new biological molecules, such as medicines or these pheromones.” The Earlham team hope their work will pave the way to routinely use plants to produce a wide range of natural products. Dr Patron said this process could be much cheaper than building complex molecules using chemical processes.

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MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 43

Technology | Precision farming

Special sensor helps improve farm irrigation management

new sensor claims to help arable and vegetable growers manage their irrigation, fieldwork and disease protection more precisely. Sencrop says its new Solarcrop irradiance sensor will help farmers curb costs and boost their productivity. It says the user-friendly low-cost system operates with large reach and exceptional accuracy. As well as accurate weather forecasting, producers can link real-time solar irradiation, rainfall, humidity, temperature and wind data in one simple app, says Sencrop co-founder Martin Ducroquet. Based on crop type and growth stage, this data is used to predict evapo-transpiration rates and soil moisture availability – helping farmers identify when and how much to irrigate without needing expensive localised soil probes.

Extreme weather “Much of the UK is getting drier – and more extreme weather events are becoming the norm,” said Mr Ducroque. “In addition, the environmental issue around irrigation is no longer in question; producers can massive-

ly reduce their water consumption by optimising irrigation systems. “We want Irricrop to change the world of irrigation, by making this new solution accessible to all. This evolution is completely consistent with our original mission, to standardise precision agriculture.” One sensor can monitor up to 10 fields across 10 miles. Based on two years of research and development and patented technology, Solarcrop is said to measure solar irradiation to an accuracy of 2%. Combined with Sencrop's Raincrop and Windcrop sensors – and individual field and crop information – soil moisture surplus or deficit can be accurately forecast for the coming seven days, enabling producers to better plan irrigation and field work. Sencrop has a network of more than 2,000 connected stations across the country. The stations generate ultra-precise and hyper local information like temperature, humidity, wind speed and rainfall. The company says the ability to measure solar irradiation maximises farmers' ability to manage climatic risks, as well as diseases and pests

The system will help reduce costs and boost productivity, says Sencrop.

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– including blight and cercospora, so growers and agronomists can act on highly tailored risk-based advice.

Low-cost The low-cost plug-and-play service means everyone can use it, not just those with deep pockets, says Mr Ducroquet. The sensors are extremely quick and easy to install – and farmers can choose the appropriate subscription package for them. Combined with accurate weather forecasts and real-time monitoring, farmers can optimise their use of inputs – for example only spraying and undertaking fieldwork when weather conditions are right, claims Mr Ducroquet.

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MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 45

Technology | Precision farming

Measure and monitor to boost incomes from biodiversity EXPERT VIEW Improving farm biodiversity can be a valuable revenue source, explains Glyn Jones.

he government’s shift towards paying farmers and land managers for environmental goods and services means understanding farm biodiversity is more important than ever — especially if businesses are to be as profitable as possible. Biodiversity refers to all forms of animal and plant life, both farmed and wild, and ranges from different crop varieties to birds, pollinators and pests. And good biodiversity is vital to productive agricultural systems. Having a variety of different species and organisms on farmland helps to maintain soil fertility, contributing to pest and disease control and helpsing to pollinate crops. There are also economic gains to be achieved from working to increase biodiversity. As part of government support through the Sustainable Farming Initiative and Countryside Stewardship schemes, selecting options that reduce artificial herbicide use in favour of natural weed control can save input costs as well as preserve the health of beneficial insects. Meanwhile, regenerative agricultural practices, such as reduced tillage, can help cut fuel costs and prevent the loss of organisms in the soil, which can benefit future crop health, productivity, and long-term profitability. Outside the farm gate, there are also developing markets that could offer opportunities to generate income from farm biodiversity. Similar to carbon credits, commercial and private biodiversity schemes could enable farmers to diversify their existing arable operations in future.

Understanding potential So what is the best way for farmers and land managers to measure, monitor – and ultimately profit – from their land’s biodiversity? The first step is to create a baseline to establish a starting point for a farm or estate business. Carrying out a natural capital assessment will help iden46 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

tify the quality and quantity of any natural assets across a landscape and give a framework that future management decisions can be built on. There are tools, such as Natural England’s Biodiversity Metric 4.0, that provide the basis for estimating the number of credits a parcel of land can produce but this also requires information on the habitats size, condition, connectivity and location. There are other tools, such as Fera's Land360, that use the latest satellite imagery to build a clear picture of the different aspects of natural capital within a farm’s boundary, including fields, margins, hedgerows, woodland and water features.

Remote sensing technology can be used to analyse the quantity and quality of the natural capital available and define habitat parcels — distinct areas of land that contain different features for plants and wildlife. This process can be complex, so enlisting the support of remote sensing experts can be invaluable in ensuring you capture and interpret data accurately. Ultimately, there is no one-sizefits-all solution for enhancing farm biodiversity, but by having a detailed, precise baseline, growers can consider the financial trade-offs when making decisions about their crops and land management practices. It’s only when you fully understand the extent and quality of existing biodiversity on a farm that you can explore opportunities to improve it, and potentially reap the financial rewards associated with it. Glyn Jones is head of plant science at Fera Science. See www.fera.co.uk

“

The first step is to create a baseline

Wildlife and biodiversity can generate economic benefits

What is Land360? Fera’s Land360 is a tiered service that offers different approaches to measuring and monitoring natural capital. The Mapping+ package combines the latest software, remote sensing tools and scientific expertise to set a baseline for farmers. The comprehensive service involves producing an accurate digitisation of farmland using satellite imagery. The Land360 Scoring+ package goes further to understand the quality of the natural capital of the landscape. Scoring+ takes the Mapping+ information and assesses the quality of this

natural capital to give farmers a clearer picture of the assets they have on the farm. Land360 uses scientific ecological and biodiversity scoring to help build a strong picture of the quality of natural capital. The final tier, Ecosystem+, sees scientists combine the collected Land360 data with farm management records to identify bespoke opportunities for future revenue streams. Understanding the extent and quality of environmental assets on a farm sets a benchmark and forms a vital foundation for exploring opportunities to improve natural capital.

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48 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

Technology | Precision farming

New G5 display for 2024 John Deere tractors

ohn Deere has integrated its new G5 CommandCenter display into all 6, 7, 8 and 9 series machines ready for the 2024 model year. The new G5 Plus CommandCenter includes documentation, data sync, JDLinkTM connectivity, variable rate application, section control and AutoTracTM guidance as standard on all six-cylinder 6R, 7, 8 and 9 series tractors. The G5 Plus CommandCenter was designed to provide a consistent user experience. It does so by providing full-screen viewing of more modules, shortcut keys and precision agriculture capabilities.

Improved design Operators can expect an easier setup and increased operator confidence thanks to a customisable interface. John Deere says an improved design provides a better operating experience and maximises uptime. Features include includes AutoTrac, section control, data synchro-

nisation, documentation, over-the-air updates and remote display access. Users can easily switch between languages with the option to set active and alternate languages. The 12.8-inch screen is 33% larger than the previous display, comes with 1080P high definition and a faster processor. The update is said to ensure the highest levels of precision agriculture efficiency, ease of use and operator comfort. On the 6R machine, a redesigned steering column and new steering wheel provides the next level in comfort, especially on the road. A new dampening system is available on both Premium and Ultimate seats. The 2024 7R model features a new steering system with a 50% increase in steering capacity. This is made possible by larger steering cylinders, which are fitted as standard to all 7R machines. To enhance operator comfort during transport, the 7R features a new automotive type steering system.

The new G5 Plus CommandCenter on a 6R machine

This naturally re-centres itself and improves line holding. Known as reactive steering, the feature can be easily activated via a softkey. Two additional front brake discs enhance the operator’s experience and transport performance. All 7, 8 and 9 tractors have a new high-resolution corner post display and a built-in StarFireTM 7000.

MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 49

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50 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

Livestock 'More support needed for farming to reach net zero' • UK farming lags behind other sectors • Private funding would boost support • Further encouragement still required

ore public and private investment is needed for livestock farmers to reach net zero, the government has been told. The warning follows a raft of government announcements on green finance, net zero and energy security. The National Sheep Association said the plans were welcome but fell short and failed to specify the investment needed for agriculture. The anouncements set out how the government plans to enhance the UK's energy security, seize the economic opportunities of low carbon transition and deliver the government's net zero commitment by 2050. Defra ministers have pledged to maintain funding at £2.4bn for farming and the environment for the duration of the current parliament. But the department estimates that agriculture still accounts for 11% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions. Welcoming the government's commitment to develop a consistent approach for measuring emissions, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said it was likely private money would have to bolster public funds for farming to reach net zero targets.

“While other industries have seen high levels of investment, Defra policies are currently inadequate to enable targets to be met, and new future farming schemes are not being adequately measured and evaluated in terms of their contribution to net zero.

Lagging behind “Defra is being widely blamed for a lack of investment in policies that lead us to net zero and as a result agriculture is lagging behind improvements being made in some other industries such as the energy sector where moves towards renewables are clear to see.” The government’s strategy outlines a Defra target of securing £1bn of private funding for nature recovery by 2030. And it pledges to work with the British Standards Institute to develop clear rules for farmers to access private payments for nature provision. Mr Stocker said the existing £2.4bn budget provided some comfort – but was inadequate if a true value was placed on the public goods already delivered by agriculture, let alone meeting future climate, nature and natural resource challenges.

Sheep producers would benefit from clearer help and guidance

“

Defra policies are currently inadequate

How untapped potential can be realised Huge untapped potential on UK farms could help deliver net zero – but the National Sheep Association says change is needed for farmers to take full advantage of the government's green finance strategy. Farmers can already generate an income from sequestering carbon, looking after water and providing for nature. But NSA chief executive Phil Stocker says more changes are needed to planning, taxation and tenancy rules – as well as good advice. “Farmers are rightly nervous of getting involved due to being uncertain about brokering the deal, the

Challenges ahead “We absolutely should expect future governments to not just continue this investment into our industry but to increase the budget based on the challenges ahead. “While agriculture needs to reduce emissions, we also need agreed methods to take account of the entire carbon cycle including the role of sequestration in soils, grassland, and farm habitats such as hedgerows. “The more we can reduce emissions the more offsetting sequestration opportunities arise to create income for the farm business, so to focus on both makes sense. “We also need to make sure these private funding opportunities are made accessible for your average farmer not just for large operators or wildlife organisations who have the ability to produce a glossy prospectus.” Changes are needed to the green finance strategy

actual values being offered, and whether they will need this themselves to offset their own farming activities in the future. “There is little point in selling carbon credits today and in a few years’ time finding we have to offset our footprints by buying from others, potentially at a higher cost. “We urgently need the government and Defra to implement the frameworks that allow this to happen so that farmers can spread income opportunities across food production and delivery of public goods and services.”

MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 51

Livestock

Multi-cut grass delivers higher profits from milk • Benefits outweigh additional cost • Not suitable for all farm systems • Can mean less imported protein

multi-cut silage system can deliver £700/ha more profit than a traditional three-cut approach – even when farmgate milk prices are at 40p/litre, says a study. Despite higher silage production costs, the financial benefit of multi-cut grass over a traditional three cuts has more than doubled in the last few years, according to a new analysis by Volac. The study used on-farm trial results which found that fresh-cut grass from a five-cut system had the capacity

to support an additional 3,506 litres/ ha of milk from forage – outweighing the additional cost. Five cuts were found to deliver 18,582 MJ/ha more metabolisable energy (ME) than three cuts, says Volac silage scientist Mark Leggett. Five cuts yielded more total dry matter (DM) over the season with a higher average ME, he explains. “Applying a milk price of 25p/l to these extra 3,506 litres/ha of milk when the trial was undertaken in 2019 showed that the multi-cut sys-

Good preservation is vital for quality silage

Supplement meets pre-calving nutrient demands

uckler beef producers looking to deliver essential nutrients to cows without making increases to body condition scores could benefit from a new supplement. Formulated to support the health and performance of pre-calving cows and heifers, Rumenco’s CalverMaxx is a high-sugar product that provides a readily available source of energy to support calf growth, colostrum production and future cow fertility. The high sugar content provides rumen support by feeding rumen microbes to boost rumen function, says Rumenco nutritionist Alison Bond. In return, this will optimise available nutrients as forage is consumed. This type of supplement is highly valuable to pre-calving cows and heifers by delivering essential nutrients, says Dr Bond. But it also avoids excessive weight gain and larger calves, which contribute to calving difficulties.

Body condition “With a daily intake of 200-300g per day, the energy delivered from CalverMaxx is not enough to cause cows to become too fat in late pregnancy – especially when on a forage-based diet,” says Dr Bond. 52 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

The pre-calving supplement is the latest additon to the Rumenco range

“Cattle at the ideal body condition score of 2.5 and even over-conditioned cows will not have weight gain. But there will be adequate intakes to deliver those essential vitamins and minerals, while also providing support to the rumen.” Pre-calving nutrition has a significant impact on cow and calf health, especially in the final stages of pregnancy. During the last six weeks of

pregnancy, cows are under considerable metabolic stress as the udder prepares for lactation and colostrum production begins. “The calf is also growing rapidly and demands a high amount of nutrients,” says Dr Bond. “Providing the correct balance of energy, minerals, and vitamins during this period is essential to prevent metabolic diseases and optimise colostrum production.”

tem was £333/ha more profitable, says Dr Leggett. This was after deducting £544/ha of extra costs for application of fertiliser and slurry – as well as contractor charges for cutting, raking, harvesting, carting and clamping the two additional cuts. With milk prices now about 40p/l, the financial advantage of a multi-cut system over the traditional three-cut approach has more than doubled to £752/ha – even though ag-inflation means an additional cost of £650/ha. Dr Legett says the latest analysis shows that it can still be worthwhile making multi-cut silage even though fertiliser and contracting costs remain stubbornly high and milk prices have dropped back from the highs of 2022. “Clearly, it’s not a system that suits all farms – but for this particular analysis, its extra benefit was clear,” says Dr Leggett. The original trial showed that the multi-cut grass was also 2.8% higher in crude protein, he adds.

“Producing higher quality grass by cutting younger and more often with multi-cut may not allow producers to reduce the tonnage of concentrate purchased.

Correct preservation “However, it might mean a lower-cost concentrate, with lower ME and lower protein, can be fed. It might also mean less imported protein is used. Alternatively, higher quality grass may be used to help improve milk yield.” The DM yield and quality results from the original trial were from fresh grass samples. But the benefits of improved grass quality will not be seen unless the crop is preserved correctly. To take account of this, further re-

search looked at multi-cut conservation – this time across four cuts. It found that treating the grass with silage additive Ecosyl reduced losses on all four cuts compared with untreated grass. Dr Leggett says: “The results also pointed to better protein preservation by using the additive, and the number of enterobacteria – the undesirable bacteria associated with slurry – in the treated silage was up to 100,000 times lower.” Using a proven additive to improve conservation of a multi-cut crop is an important consideration, since shorter intervals between cuts allows less time for slurry bacteria to decline, says Dr Leggett. “The higher protein content of younger grass can contribute to buffering of the fermentation. The combination of high buffering and the action of slurry bacteria can lead to DM and nutrient losses. “With farmers looking to improve milk from forage, it makes little sense to produce multi-cut as a way of improving forage quality if that quality is then lost during ensiling.”

Mark Leggett: Benefits go beyond profit

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Professional services 'Roadmap' seeks to supercharge farming transition 'Exciting future' for UK agriculture

xperts say four recommendations could encourage more farmers to adopt practices that are good for their businesses as well as for the environment. The independent farming, finance, and agrifood strategic working group was commissioned by Defra to find ways that will accelerate private investment as more farmers transition to low-emission and nature positive production methods. A number of barriers mean the private sector is reluctant to invest in the switch to a greener future, says the group's Financing a Farming Transition report. Those barriers include lack of data and low confidence. The report sets out four recommendations to overcome these challenges (see panel). It says adopting these measures could rapidly unlock private sector finance – encouraging food production and environmental improvements while diversifying farm incomes. Farmers need greater financial support to deliver a resilient and secure food system while meeting the UK’s

Report pinpoints potential sources of investment Banks are exploring the potential for discounted loans to farmers who meet environmental outcomes – helping to cover the cost of the transition. Lenders are looking to support natural capital projects, with some banks keen to supply measurement and monitoring tools. Supermarkets and food manufacturers are exploring premium payments for farmers who measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Buyers of ecosystem services are seeking to pay farmers for carbon improvements, habitat creation and flood risk reduction.

ambitious environmental goals – including the creation and restoration of at least 500,000ha of wildlife habitat, says the document. Hertfordshire farmer and former NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts, who co-chairs the working group, said the environmental benefits provided by growers and livestock producers were becoming more important. “We are seeing a change that we believe will, in time, place these environmental outputs on an almost equal financial footing with the other farming products.” Mr Roberts said this opportunity could only be unlocked through transparency in standards, data, monitoring and reporting. “Delivery of multiple outcomes has the potential to enable an exciting future for UK agriculture – but only if farmers, financiers, supply chain partners and politicians work together to embrace the opportunities.”

Private finance The report says unlocking sources of private finance to accelerate the farming transition is critical for food, environmental and economic security – as well as for reaching the UK’s net zero goals. Additional sources of finance are central to diversifying farmers’ revenue streams, it says. They will incentivise farmers to find innovative ways to increase food production while delivering environmental benefits. Although the agriculture sec-

Environmental benefits from farming are becoming more important Lord Benyon (below): Public and private partners

tor currently accounts for 11% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, lack of action could see this proportion increase to 30% by 2030 as other sectors reduce emissions more quickly. Targets have also been set for 60% of England’s soils to be sustainably managed by 2030, with a 40% reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution from agriculture into the water environment by 2038. Defra minister Lord Benyon (below left) said the government would continue to work with farmers and other partners across the private sector to support investment in nature-friendly and productive farm businesses.

Four recommendations Improving data availability Better and more accessible data – including free mapping software – would help farmers, banks and the private sector integrate natural capital improvements into businesses and decision-making processes.

Priority environmental outcomes A clear vision from the government – including outcomes for soiul, water and biodiversity – would help the private sector and farming community know where to invest their time and resources.

Market clarity and guidance Greater clarity and formal guidance on high-integrity environmental markets – including standards and details on the tax treatment of ecosystem services – will provide confidence for investment.

Aggregation model support Better support – including funding and a community of practice – will encourage landscape-scale environmental improvements and greater capacity for farmers to attract private finance. MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 55

Professional services

Consultancy teams up with rural mental health charity

arm business consultant Savills has teamed up with rural charity You Are Not Alone (YANA) to highlight the importance of looking after your wellbeing. Agricultural advisors and consultants in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk are handing out leaflets and other materials – including car stickers and an air freshener to keep in tractor cabs – as part of their regular client visits. Matt Riddington, part of the food and farming team at Savills in the East of England, will be taking a two-day mental health first aid course with YANA in July. He said: “Farming or working in the countryside is usually a good way of life but it is a demanding and stressful occupation. So, it’s not surprising that many people involved with agriculture can feel isolated, depressed or unable to cope as well as normal.

Raising awareness “YANA does great work across the region and we’re delighted to be raising awareness of such a worthwhile cause. We have already started to hand out the packs and they have been very well received." Mr Riddington said the mental health course who enable him to provide further help. “The sector is experiencing significant changes and its imperative that anyone feeling any concerns is able to access the care and support required.” YANA provides confidential help-

Emma Haley, from rural mental health charity YANA, with Matt Riddington, of Savills in the East of England

line support and funded counselling for people in farming and other rural businesses in East Anglia – building a better understanding and investing in mental health first aid training and suicide prevention. YANA charity manager Emma Haley said: “One in four people in the UK will experience poor mental health so it is important to know that you, or the person you are concerned about, are not alone. “Those who work in farming and other rural businesses are often reluctant to seek support for depression, stress or anxiety. But talking about your problems and seeking appropriate help can make it easier to cope and improves your quality of life." Anyone worried about themselves or others involved with farming can call the confidential YANA helpline on 0300 323 0400 or email helpline@ yanahelp.org. To discover more about YANA, visit www.yanahelp.org.

£21m guide price for coastal Suffolk farm

coastal Suffolk farm extending to some 1379 acres (558ha) is being offered for sale as a whole with a guide price of £21m. Cedar Farm at Alderton is a productive and predominantly light land farming unit within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) The sale includes a whole farm irrigation system, a number of residential properties and some 50,000 square feet of buildings. 56 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

Planning woes hit farm diversification

“In addition to accommodation and welfare facilities for seasonal workers, there are planning permissions granted for barn conversions and the erection of five log cabins,” said Oliver Holloway, of agents Clarke & Simpson.

Cedar Farm comes with a £21m guide price

armers in England could miss out on revenue from agritourism this year thanks to the UK’s failing planning system, claims camping specialists PitchUp.com. The number of standard minor commercial planning decisions – including those for agritourism projects – fell by more than 50% between 2017 and 2022, according to government statistics published last month. Yet the propor- The system is tion of decisions failing farmers, made by local plan- says Dan Yates ning authorities after the statutory eight week limit almost doubled – frustrating hundreds of disappointed applicants. PitchUp says delays to a public consultation into permanently extending Permitted Development Rights (PDR) for camping could see farmers and other landowners miss out on vital revenue from agritourism. PitchUp founder Dan Yates said: “You’d think with far fewer decisions overall, planning authorities would be able to hit the deadline on all but the most complex of applications. “But the figures show this isn’t the case at all, In fact their performance has sunk to a five year low which has a huge impact on farmers trying to set up diversification projects.”

With 691,900 cubic metres of summer and winter abstraction licences, the farming business has been centered around the production of high value vegetable crops. “This has been complemented by a traditional combinable crop rotation on the heavier soils and active and sensitive management across the grass and woodland areas,” said Mr Holloway. The farm offered a unique opportunity to acquire a sizeable thriving arable holding which benefited from a future inheritance planning and investment strategy. “Farms of this size in Suffolk coming to the open market have been few and far between in recent years.”

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I asked a group of farmers recently and got mixed reactions. The usual responses of “you can’t farm by numbers”, but also some quiet nods. Farm data is a powerful tool that can help farmers significantly improve their operations in a variety of ways. Could farm data be the latest input used by farms? With the right systems and detailed analysis, the returns can be close to that of a decent NP&K application. One of the most significant benefits of using farm data is improved yields. With last harvests’ grain prices, having an extra tonne per hectare to sell makes a huge difference to the bottom line. The average spread of yield within a farming operation is around 40%. Meaning with an average yield of 8 tonne, one field will yield 4.8 and another 11.2. Working with a farm this season, their yield was higher than average, but their spread of yields achieved was far wider. The analysis showed that a contributing factor to the wider yield spread was an extended drill window of 6 weeks for winter wheat. By narrowing that to 2 weeks they could achieve a far tighter range of yield, also reducing the risk of adverse weather whilst maintaining a higher overall output. Financially, the data showed it was viable to invest in a second-hand drill and still see an increased net margin. As we see input cost inflation, any efficiencies that can be found to optimise inputs are worth exploring. Working with another farm, we analysed their chemical pricing versus the wider market. They were purchasing their chemical at a decent price and using a fair split of R&D vs generic brands. Digging into the detail, their application rates were on average 16% higher than similar farming operations achieving similar yields. With farms on average spending £200/ha on chemistry, that’s £32/ha efficiency to explore. Continuing with the farm, we unearthed several factors leading to their higher rate - but paramount was a desire for a low-risk crop. However, with the financial data revealing the cost of this approach, they adjusted for this season, aiming for a far lower cost of production. Evidently, farm data is a valuable resource that can help farmers make more informed decisions and improve their operations. Is it as valuable as fertiliser? I think that may depend on the farm. However, the benefits of using farm data are clear. From improving yields to optimising inputs and reducing costs, the potential returns of using farm data are substantial.

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Farm energy How UK farms could power homes and businesses Anaerobic digesters on farms could help end UK's energy crisis

dairy farmer has called on the government to make it easier for farmers to use cow slurry as a renewable energy source. Norfolk milk producer Stephen Temple wants the government to tap into biogas, saying it is a major unused energy source. His own anaerobic digester has been turning slurry into energy for a number of years. The AD plant uses slurry from the farm's dairy herd, plus maize, low quality silage and whey from the onfarm cheese-making business. About 25% of the energy generated is used on the own farm with the rest exportsed to the national grid. Like other farmers who supply milk to dairy company Arla, Mr Temple views the untapped potential of biogas as a potential way to help end the UK energy crisis. Arla says the plan could also support the UK’s energy independence.

Clean energy Mr Temple said: “Cow slurry has the potential to power communities across the UK and be used as a natural fertiliser to nourish the land we farm. Unfortunately installation of an anaerobic digestor to make this happen is not cheap. “We’re hoping that with the government’s help we can resolve the difficulties farmers face with grid connections, costly installations, and

regulatory and planning issues so we can better utilise this invaluable energy source.” Last month, Arla helped erect a replica Victorian sewer lamp near Parliament Square to draw attention to the untapped potential of biogas as a renewable energy source derived from livestock slurry and food waste. It came after the government announced a major new strategy to deliver energy security and net zero. Arla said slurry was an often overlooked source of clean energy – and a new plan could harness its potential to power UK homes and businesses.

Energy strategy Biogas was once a staple of Victorian Britain after Birmingham engineer Joseph Edmund Webb patented a sewer gas destructor lamp fuelled by emissions from London’s sewers. Arla said farm and food waste could do the same job. It wants a new national anaerobic digestion strategy incorporating larger community-based facilities generating biogases that can be fed into the gas grid. It is also championing better grid connections to help more farmers install AD plants. Arla vice president James Pirie said: “Dairy farmers have the potential to play a major role in the future of the UK’s energy security, using natural resources to provide more energy

Biogas could power thousands of homes, says Stephen Temple

independence.” Mr Pirie said Britain’s livestock sector had the potential to turn nearly 91 million tonnes of manure and slurry and 10 million tonnes of food waste into 8 billion cubic metres of biomethane – enough to power 6.4 million homes.

Beware of energy efficiency exemptions

andlords who applied for exemption from Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for let residential property in 2018 are reminded that their exemption expires this year. Landlords needed an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of at least Grade E to let out residential property – unless they were eligible to register for a valid exemption which allowed them to continue to rent the property out. Alexander Macfarlane, head of building consultancy at Strutt & Parker, said: “Any

exemptions on the PRS Register last for five years, so this means there will now be property owners who have exemptions that have expired or will shortly do so.

Improvements “The rules state that at the end of the initial five-year period the landlord either needs to have made improvements to raise the EPC banding to an acceptable level, or they must apply for another exemption.” Properties found on many rural estates

and farms can be challenging to raise to the required standards without risking damaging the fabric of the building. This meant many rural property landlords registered for an exemption. Mr Macfarlane said: “Landlords need to be aware when reapplying they cannot rely on the fact that they had an exemption before. “The purpose of the exemption is to afford a landlord time to make necessary improvements, rather than act as a mechanism for avoiding making improvements.” MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 59

Farm energy

New Holland invests in alternative fuels Better profits and zero emissions for farmers

ractor maker CNH Industrial says taking a majority stake in methane energy company Bennamann will help it develop alternative fuels for agriculture. CNH announced the stakeholding in Bennamann earlier this spring. The two companies have worked together for a number of years to capture and store methane emissions for energy – aiming to deliver a carbon negative fuel system for farming. “By consolidating our share in Bennamann, we are offering our customers a full energy production, storage and distribution service,” explained CNH Industrial agriculture president Derek Neilson. “This solution can transform farms into mini-energy hubs that can satisfy their own energy needs, produce their own natural fertiliser and sell any excess gas on the open market. It also enables them to generate their own electricity. “This makes us a true alternative energy enabler, able to serve myriad applications and contribute to a carbon negative future.” Reducing emissions such as methane and CO2 from biowaste and operations is one of agriculture’s greatest environmental challenges. But alternative fuels can enhance a farm’s productivity while offsetting its carbon footprint.

Huge challenge To help farmers meet this challenge, CNH has been pioneering sustainable 60 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

Above: The New Holland T7 methane powered Bennamann tractor at Trenance Farm, Cornwall

“

This solution can transform farms

alternative energy sources for agriculture for more than two decades, including the first tractor running on compressed natural gas – the New Holland T6 180 Methane Power. The tractor maker's relationship with Bennamann began in 2019 when the two firms jointly developed a liquefied natural gas fuel tank for a prototype machine. CNH then acquired a minority stake in the business. On a pilot farm in Cornwall, the shared technologies are capturing fugitive emissions from farm biowaste – specifically livestock slurry. The gas is then purified into biomethane that is subsequently either compressed or liquefied. Both types of biomethane can be used as vehicle fuel, to generate electricity, and even supply household or

farm power. Byproducts of the conversion process can then be used as a natural fertiliser.

Energy independence CNH and Bennamann say the system they have developed provides energy independence from fossil fuels for the Cornish farm. It has reduced input costs – and could also generate an additional revenue stream. This work has also led to the introduction of the world’s first liquefied fugitive methane tractor prototype, the New Holland T7 Methane Power LNG, which is operationally carbon negative when fueled by Bennamann’s system. CNH says investing in Bennamann furthers the tractor maker's commitment to lower CO2 emissions in agriculture. A 120-cow farm using methane capture technology can reduce the CO2 equivalent of 100 European households – about 780 tonnes annually. It says it has now progressed beyond the prototype phase and will install the CNH Industrial-Bennamann solution on multiple farms over the next year. This will start with compressed fugitive methane solutions, moving to liquefied in the future.

Waitrose tests biomethane on flagship farm

upermarket chain Waitrose believes methane-power could improve the sustainability of its flagship Leckford Estate farm in Hampshire. The retailer has pledged that its UK farm supplier network will be net zero by 2035. And it is using its Leckford farm as a testbed to identify the best techniques to help achieve this goal across the industry. This includes trialling the use of biomethane to power tractors, investing in a biomethane facility to harvest “fugitive methane” currently going into the atmosphere from ani-

mal manures and food processing by-products. Waitrose suggests this new facility could save the equivalent of 500 tonnes of carbon emissions annually from going into the atmosphere. The biomethane captured will be converted into an eco-friendly fuel alternative to power vehicles. Other initiatives include using hydrogenated vegetable oil to power food processing and farming activities. Waitrose is also working with the Small Robot Company to “drive innovation” in the low-emission autonomous machinery sector.

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MAY 2023 • ANGLIA FARMER 61

FINAL SAY Fen Tiger

Rubbish decisions Fly-tipping remains a scourge on the countryside – and farmers are paying the price, says Fen Tiger.

hat is the difference between private land and public land? The answer, apparently, is about 12 inches. Last month, a farming friend received a call from a near neighbour to tell him a lorry load of tyres had been dumped on his land. On closer inspection, he discovered alongside the tyres were several tree stumps. A trail of mud on the road led my friend to a nearby farm that operates alongside a lorry and tyre business. Of course, after contacting the police no physical evidence could be obtained and the matter could not be taken any further. The culprits had managed to dump the waste half on the grass verge and half in the gateway of my friend's field – leaving him to bear the cost of clearing it away.

Illegal waste Now, I have known other farming associates who, when presented with the same problem, somehow manage to move any illegally dumped waste entirely onto the grass verge – making the clear-up a job for the local council. That's understandable and easy to do – if a little naughty – when the waste in question is a fridge or an old mattress. But it is much harder when confronted with a lorry

62 ANGLIA FARMER • MAY 2023

load of tyres and half a forest. So my friend contacted the local council. A person who can only be described as a jobsworth reluctantly agreed to visit the site. Eventually, having had a good look around, he told my friend that the tyres were on private land – despite a significant overlap. The council employee insisted that the tyres were 12 inches away from the council’s property. My friend asked if the council could help. But he was swiftly told no – and the council employee couldn't recommend any firms that could either. It seems that this local council – alongside many others – enjoys making life as difficult as possible for local businesses. To make matters worse, the local council recycling centre has stopped accepting any sofas. The result is that nearby roadsides are rapidly becoming littered with lounge furniture of various shapes, sizes and colours. On further investigation, my friend found two or three firms who said they would be willing to take the tyres. But their disposal would cost from £2000 upwards – and couldn't include any large lorry tyres.

“

Why not? Because the local council had imposed so many rules and regulations on the firm, making it difficult to dispose of large tyres properly and economically, so the company had to transportthem further afield. Some organisations claim that fly-tipping incidents like this are on the decline. I'm not so sure. Farmers and landowners have simply stopped reporting incidents because nothing gets done. Instead, they are clearing away the waste themselves.

Blocked gateways In this area, as soon as one pile of waste is cleaned up, the next pile appears. It doesn't matter whether gates are locked or gateways are blocked – the culprits dump their illegal rubbish anyway. Even when caught, fines are seldom and punishment is ridiculously light. Unless the dumpers can be caught red-handed or filmed, the chance of prosecution is slight. It is unacceptable that local councils refuse to clear waste from private land – especially as they make waste disposal so difficult with too many regulations and permits that are unworkable. Once again, local farms and local rural residents suffer alongside the majority of the public. Like many others, my farming friend faces a bill for thousands of pounds and the dumpers are likely to return very soon.

Even when caught, fines are seldom

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Straw Bale Moisture Meter

Moisture Meter Clinic 2023

Marrison Agriculture are holding our annual moisture meter clinic in Hingham on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th May 2023. Please call to make an appointment. Call now for special offers on moisture meters, aeration pedestals and post-harvest storage equipment.

Sinar 6070

Sinar 6300

Sinar 6095

Sinar 6096

Marrison Unit 8 Ironside Way, Hingham,Norfolk, Norfolk,NR9 NR94LF. 4LF MarrisonAgriculture AgricultureLimited, Limited, 1 Ironside Way, Hingham,