Essential Farm Machinery May 2024

Essential Farm

East Anglia and the Midlands

Next Generation Patented Drilling Blades

Drilling

Triton launched its unique deep soil engagement direct drill in 2018 to give plough based yields from direct drilling. 6 years later we are consistently achieving higher yields from the Triton than from ploughed trials on our own land. The Triton is the only all weather seed drill on the market that gives the flexibility to grow maximum profit autumn sown crops whilst reducing blackgrass from late drilling... several manufacturers are now also claiming all weather capability... if these are false claims then the farmer’s new approach will be thwarted.

and soil disturbance Downward

Buying a blade drill is now an open and shut case. Why? Because only the Triton drill has a slot closer SOIL SURFACE

Triangular tungsten tiles for reduced draught and soil disturbance

‘Inevitable’ rise in contracting charges on farm

• General upward trend this year

• Inflation starts to steady at 5%

• Accurate pricing remains vital

Higher charges by agricultural contractors are “inevitable” this year –due to higher machinery, labour and insurance costs, despite a drop in fuel prices.

Results from the latest annual survey of contracting charges were published last month by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC). Overall results highlight that some price rises are inevitable again this spring, it said.

“There is a general upwards trend in prices this year, although this varies across operations and, due to the nature of

surveys, some prices have increased substantially while others have barely shifted.”

Inflation

Inflation has hovered around 5% in recent months – although fuel prices have fallen to about 85p/ litre this year from £1/litre last year. But this drop has been more

in 2023. The cost of ploughing ranges from £74.19 to £81.46/ ha depending on soil type.

Essential Farm Machinery

Editor:

Johann Tasker T: 07967 634971

E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk

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

Essential Farm Machinery is published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties and the Midlands. It is mailed with Anglia Farmer and Midland Farmer magazines and is also available at selected farm machinery and supplies outlets.

© Countrywide Publications 2024 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Ltd, Suffolk T: 01502 725800

NAAC chairman Matt Redman said: “This is already a difficult and frustrating year for the whole industry, with high rainfalls and sodden ground frustrating efforts to get crops in the ground.

“However, all contractors must continue to review their price structures and keep steadfast on payment terms to ensure that businesses are able to continue to supply farmers with reliable, professional contracting services.”

need to keep pace with depreciation and replacement costs.

NAAC chief executive Jill Hewitt said: “The survey has highlighted again how individual charges vary widely across the UK, with businesses reaching different conclusions on rates needed to offer a professional service.

“However, the NAAC holds firm that contractors generally take significant financial risk, and their prices need to reflect costs, allowing contractors to remain profitable and sustainable, supporting their customer base.”

POWER, COMFORT AND VERSATILITY

McCormick X7 SWB. Stability, maneuverability and versatility.

The new X7 SWB from McCormick offers a powerful combination of power and performance in either 4 or 6 cylinder packages. A modern McCormick is packed full of features and technology, built from reliable, proven components. A true workhorse that delivers versatility day in, day out. With tailored warranty and finance packages to suit every farm, why not try a new McCormick?

Speak to your local dealer or call us direct to book a demo on: 01302 757550

Latest machines on demo at Cereals

More than 10 sprayer manufacturers will be showcasing their kit in the sprays and sprayers arena at next month’s Cereals twoday event.

Precision application will be a key focus for manufacturers demonstrating the latest machines to thousands of visitors at the two-day event on 11-12 June at Newnham Farm, near Baldock, Hertfordshire.

New models

Visitors can expect to see the latest models from Amazone, Bargam Agriculture, Bateman, Berthoud, Chafer, DroneAg (robotic demos), Fendt, Hardi, Househam, John Deere, Knight, Kuhn and SAM crop sprayers.

The Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena has long been a shop window at Cereals for the latest innovation and technologies – and this year will be no exception, says Harry Ford-

ham, Syngenta’s farming technology lead.

“The immense potential of precision application includes innovative concepts of satellite mapping with variable rate treatment, prescription application, optical sensor spot spraying, and drones – along with other techniques.”

Other working demonstrations will include machines from Agriweld, Case IH, Maschio Gaspardo, Hardi, Merlo, New Hol-

land and SDF. Automated and robotic equipment will be in action courtesy of AgXeed and Autonomous Agri Solutions.

Off-road experience

Back by popular demand is the Isuzu Off-road Driving Experience: a purpose-built off-road course for visitors to get in the driving seat and experience all the capabilities of Isuzu’s latest vehicles.

With a qualified instructor in the passenger seat, drivers will get to experience the vehicle at different speeds and in a variety of conditions.

The event is an unrivalled opportunity for visitors to see all the latest machinery and vehicles in action, says organiser Alli McEntyre. “See how machinery performs in the field, get close to it and assess how it might fit into your business.”

The Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena is a shop window for the latest in the field

Fendt 600 Vario takes centre stage at Cereals

• New tractor in Cereals debut

• Ideal combine also on show

• Farm technology to the fore

Visitors to Cereals 2024 will be the first to see the new Fendt 600 Vario in the UK – alongside other latest models.

The Fendt stand will include the 620 Profi+, the Gen7 728 Vario, Ideal combine and the latest Rogator MY24 self-propelled sprayer. “It has been a busy couple of years at Fendt, with many new model launches,” says Fendt’s Ed Dennett.

Performance

The top model Fendt 620 Profi+ offers 209hp from its 4-cylinder 5 litre Agco Power Core50 engine that also features a DynamicPerformance system that can provide an additional 15hp regardless of forward speed.

“This tractor is a superb allrounder that can be used for towing heavy loads, carrying front tanks, or operating heavy mounted implements,” says Mr Dennett. “It is also extremely manoeuvrable.”

The 600 Vario can reach a top speed of 50kph at 1,250rpm and offers 950Nm from 1200-1600 rpm, providing a 10.2m turning circle. Fendt’s onboard central tyre inflation system VarioGrip is available on all tractors from the 600 to the 1000 series.

Soil health

Following this year’s wet conditions and relatively high red diesel prices, Fendt is advocating the gains that can be made by adjusting tyre pressures to pro tect soil health while reducing fuel consumption.

and Technology Fund grants can

be used to specify this technology on new tractors which will help operators reduce soil compaction, improve operational efficiencies and driver comfort,” says Mr Dennett.

Demonstrations in the popular Sprays and Sprayers arena will feature the new MY24 Rogator 600. The latest model comes with two ride heights and can be specified with various boom widths and axle configurations.

The Fendt 600 Vario is powered by a new 4-cylinder, 5 litre engine.

latest model is about driving efficiencies to save operators time and money without compromising on accuracy and output.

A fixture at Cereals, Fendt’s latest Ideal combine will be on show. With four models ranging from 476-790hp, the Ideal offers joystick steering and three harvesting strategies to reduce breakages, minimise grain loss

The combine comes with choice of two grain tanks: the

ond unload rate; or the Streamer 140 with 12,500 litre and 140 litre/second unload rate.

Fendt’s Gen7 728 tractor will be on show alongside the latest 1290 large square baler. The 303hp 728 was first shown at LAMMA 2023 and has since won a DLG PowerMix test.

“The 728 has the best combination of power and economy. A great all-rounder, it has the perfect balance of power and economy. We look forward to seeing visitors to the show and helping them to experience the Fendt range,” says Mr Dennett.

Right: Fendt’s Rogator 600 MY24 will be part of the Cereals demonstration arena.

Below: Fendt’s 728 Vario will be available for visitors to see.

Focus on regenerative farming at Cereals event

• Direct drilling and minimum-tillage

• Seminar and conference programme

* Special machinery demonstrations

Anew showcase for farmers and agronomist will take place at next month’s Cereals event in Hertfordshire.

Taking place adjacent to the main Cereals Event on 11-12 June, DirectDriller@Cereals will tackle how regenerative farming can make large scale arable units more commercially successful.

Themed around regenerating farm profit, DirectDriller@Cereals will include a full conference

programme featuring details on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship.

Hands-on experience

It will also include practical advice on elements of regenerative farming that can work on larger farms. This hands-on programme will be created and presented by the team at Direct Driller magazine.

“The SFI is going to be a real step change in the growth of direct drilling and regenerative agriculture in the UK,” says Clive Bailye, publisher of Direct Driller.

Larger professional farms are the ones that stand to ben efit most from this, believes Mr Bailye. Additionally, the natural capital markets are probably as valuable, if not more valuable, than growing food, he says.

“By engaging in regenerative farming, despite difficult years with poor weather and global prices, you can maintain a level of profitability to keep the farm business sustainable and contin ue to grow.”

The conference programme will have a separate entrance ticket to Cereals, which will in clude VIP parking, hospitality, breakfast, lunch – and a special area where visitors can view ma chinery demonstrations.

Cover crops

Visitors will also be treated to a drilling and cover crop demon

stration area, part-sponsored by Aitchison Agri. “We are really looking forward to the deep–dive into the regenerative subject matter,” says managing director Neil Ford.

Cereals event director Alli McEntyre says a range of companies will showcase the latest technologies and services around the demonstration area at the event. This will include ways regenerative farming can make sense within farm budgets.

“We are so pleased to partner with the team at Direct Driller to provide a practical, cost-effective approach to what can often be seen as blue-sky thinking. We are sure visitors will take away a great deal of knowledge.”

Networking opportunities will be available with other farmers who are interested in similar subject areas. The aim is to help visitors reach their own decisions on what is right for their farm, say organisers.

Left: Interest is growing in direct drilling and regenerative agriculture

Working demonstrations at Cereals 2024

More than 200 machinery demonstrations will take place at next month’s Cereals 2024 event on 11-12 June in Hertfordshire.

• Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena

• DirectDriller@Cereals Drill Arena

• Build a Drill

• Agriweld, Case IH, Maschio Gaspardo, Hardi, Merlo, New Holland & SDF working demo plots

• Robotics & automation demonstrations presented by Agxeed & Autonomous Agri Solutions

• Isuzu Offroad Driving Experience

• Drone demonstrations www.cerealsevent.co.uk

Hugh Pearl Lane Drainage has over 60 years experience of contracting, and can supply all of your drainage and trenching requirements from design to construction.

How advanced baler technology drives on-farm efficiency

• High capacity consistent output

• Improved system for crop intake

• Good for transport and storage

Ahigh-density square baler is helping Grosvenor Farms in Cheshire produce the perfect bale at harvest – for both feeding and bedding livestock.

The estate grows some 900ha of cereals and oilseed rape – with a good proportion of the straw used for bedding youngstock or as an important ration component for the 2,600 milking cows.

Baling is a priority job where nothing is left to chance, says operator Dan James. The decision to upgrade to a Kuhn SB 1290 iD high density square baler – with twin plunger technology – was not taken lightly, he adds.

“Consistent size and quality of the bales is the biggest advantage and that’s important for everyone involved, from transport and storage through to using them.

“We’re not going over the top with the bale weights because they’re often being handled on units with smaller tractors, but they are well-shaped and even, so everyone knows what they are dealing with.”

Used for the first time for the 2023 harvest, the baler is an SB 1290 iD, incorporating the innovative Twinpact double plunger

system first introduced by Kuhn on its earlier LSB range.

Better handling

With a split impact design, this allows bales with up to 25% higher density to be produced, without any increased demand for tractor power, creating the option for improved handling, transport and storage efficiencies.

It’s also easier on the baler operator, reducing the rhythmical and persistent rocking that is the norm for square balers, says Mr James.

“We produce 450-480kg bales – well within baler capacity and optimum size for the units where they are being used. It’s important we can control the output and deliver a consistent size and an even shaped bale, whatever the conditions.”

straw feeds through. In good conditions the baler has operated at up to 150 bales per hour without any problems.”

Crop intake

Last year was a wet summer in Cheshire, adding to the challenge for the baler operator, but the new machine coped well with the varying conditions. The main combine has a 40ft cut but the swath flow into the baler has not been a problem.

“On the odd occasion when there’s a build up at the intake, it’s simply a case of easing off the power momentarily and the

Kuhn’s SB balers are developed with an improved crop intake system compared with earlier models. There’s a new crop guard, combined with increased torque on the rotor and feeder fork driveline, so models have up to 15% higher intake capacity.

“We control the baler through the tractor’s ISOBUS terminal, and this gives you all the information you need to manage the crop intake and throughput.

“It’ll tell you if you’re getting close to the limit before there are any problems. There’s also a moisture sensor on the baler, which is a useful guide to keep an eye on conditions.”

The SB 1290 iD comes as standard with a double-knotter binding system with electronic twine monitoring for increased density bales. There was a small issue with one of the knotters when the baler first arrived, but that was quickly sorted.

“There have since been no problems at all.” Hydraulic fans within the knotter compartment – keeping the area free from debris – is another valuable feature, says Mr James.

Twin axle

The baler is a twin axle machine and very stable in transport, with a rear steering axle when in the field for increased manoeuvrability at the headlands.

Efficiency is not only about operating capability but also routine maintenance, which is particularly important for Mr James, who starts every day by cleaning and greasing his equipment.

“This baler has been designed with full accessibility for maintenance and inspection in mind, whether that’s in yard at the start of the day or anything that you might need to do in the field,” he says.

“Ultimately, it’s about the consistent size and shape of bales, which has been the stand-out difference, and also you want to have confidence in the back-up from the dealer and manufacturer.”

Above: The Kuhn SB 1290 iD baler has proved to be a sound choice, says Dan James

Above: Consistent quality and size is the key to good bales

A new dimension in handling

The JCB Folding Grass Forks are perfect for the handling of silage or any loose material. Extensively tested to ensure efficiency and productivity and maximised for your machine, available in 12ft, 14ft and 16ft wide models. Scan the QR code for more information and to request a price.

Two more butterfly mowers added to range

Kverneland has extended its range of butterfly mower conditioners for 2024 with the introduction of the 5387MT and 5395MT.

The two new models fit between the 5087MT and 53100MT Vario, giving more choice for farmers and contractors. In addition, both models have the ability to be fitted with BX swath groupers.

Based on the 3300-series mower platform, the two new butterfly models achieve fixed cutting widths of 8.75m and 9.5m respectively, using pairs of beds mounted on a linkage-mounted, folding frame.

Cutting discs

Where the 5387MT uses 3.2m eight-disc beds, the 5395MT uses 3.6m nine-disc beds. Common to both models is the use of round cutting discs, each carrying two ProFit quick-change blades.

Both models feature Kverneland’s proven QuattroLink

bed suspension system, which uses a multi-link mechanism that affords 700mm of vertical movement and 30 degrees of transverse movement.

This pull-type suspension enables each bed to react to and negotiate demanding ground conditions – even at high forward speeds. QuattroLink provides a non-stop safety break-back mechanism across the full working width of the mower bed.

Semi-swing steel tine conditioners are used on both models. A range of adjustments for the conditioning plate at the front and rear of the hood mean both models offer fine-tuning of the conditioning intensity to suit different crops and conditions.

As non-ISOBUS butterfly mowers, both the 5387MT and 5395MT are supplied with incab switch boxes that provide easy set-up, with an extensive range of adjustments that can also be made on-the-move.

Adding the BX belt-type

swath grouper to the 5387MT and 5395MT adds yet more flexibility to mowing. The full cutting width can be placed into a large single swath, with each grouper placing the outer swaths onto the central row.

Raising the BX swath groupers out of work allows three in-

dividual swaths to be left – and these can also be spread out across the full working width using the butterfly mower’s integral, wide spreading hoods.

Prices start at £55,767 for the 5387MT, with the BX swath grouper version priced from £72,318.

New models extend choice for farmers and contractors

BUILT FOR DOERS

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Harvesting • MF 7278 AL combine (2006) - 24’ PF, v tidy • MF 7274 combine (2004) - 22’ table, 208hrs •

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Hundreds

Extensive machinery fleet dispersal for retiring contractors

Arange of grassland equipment went under the hammer last month –auctioned off by Cheffins on behalf of Bromell Contractors in Warwickshire.

The sale followed a decision by twins John and Jay Bromell, who are now in their 70s, to retire after a lifetime dedicated to farming and contracting. The auction on 3 April included a fleet of tractors, alongside arable and grassland implements.

Hugely successful

Cheffins chairman Bill King said: “John and Jay have had a hugely successful farming career and the range of machinery sold is testament to their continual investment to grow the business and keep pace with the latest

technology.”

The tractor line up was dom inated by John Deere, with nine of the 11 tractors featuring the green and yellow livery. But the most recent addition to the fleet was a Massey Ferguson 8S.225, which was purchased in 2022.

The newest John Deere was a 2020 6215, with a further two 2019 tractors of the same model. Buyers also had high interest in some older examples – two 2010 John Deere 7530s and a 2010 John Deere 6930, offering buyers some modern classics.

A 2017 John Deere 8400i forage harvester sold for £98,000, with a 2017 John Deere 360 Plus maize header, and 2017 Zurn ProfiCut 530 wholecrop header, which were both available as separate lots.

Other grassland machinery included three Claas Liner rakes, JD triple mowers, a brace of Claas Volto 770 tedders, along with four John Deere and Massey Ferguson balers. Two bale wrappers included a 2012 Kuhn SW4004 and a 2010 McHale 991.

On the spraying front, a trailed JD 840i 36m and selfpropelled John Deere R4040 36m sold well, while the loaders included a duo of JCB models –a 2019 JCB 419S loading shovel and smaller JCB TM310 telescopic pivot steer loader.

John and Jay Bromell spent a lifetime building up their business