Midland Farmer November 21

November 2021

Midland

Farmer Serving the farming industry across the Midlands

Cowley Hill Lleyn: Young Staffordshire farmer wins top innovation award

Arable New mill meets demand for oats Root crops On-farm demo days for harvester Livestock Better payback from liming as fertiliser prices soar Clodhopper Why people must value food more

News AgInflation sees input costs soar

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Midland 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

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Midland Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the Midlands (Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire) or companies supplying goods and services to the sector. 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.

If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, please email your name, address and postcode as it appears on the wrapper to annie.fish@micropress.co.uk © Countrywide Publications 2021 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd T: 01502 725800

No short-term easing in sight as input costs soar

F

ew people predicted the massive increase in farm input costs we have seen over the past year.

In some cases – most notably fertiliser – costs seem to be out of control. Prices have more than doubled and are likely to go higher still. How high remains to be seen but the upward trajectory shows little sign of stopping any time soon.

The latest AgInflation figures – as reported on page 4 of this magazine – make sobering reading.

But they are already out of date because prices have continued to rise since they were compiled at the end of September.

Costs have risen so much that they will more than offset any accompanying increase in farm output prices. This means farm incomes and profitability will both be squeezed, with producers forced to tighten their belts.

Some farms will have secured enough fertiliser.

Many others haven’t. They will be wondering whether they can afford to secure supplies – and if they can, whether their order will be delivered to the farm.

High fertiliser costs have been driven by high

Contents

Vol 10 • No 11 • November 2021

News . ................................................................... 4 Arable . ................................................................. 9 Profile: Cowley Hill Lleyn............................ 15 Root crops..........................................................19 Livestock.......................................................... 29

SHORT OF STORAGE SPACE? 02476 459000

Technology & Innovation ...........................31 Midland Machinery Show.......................... 39 Property............................................................ 45 Final Say............................................................46

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gas prices. But there are other factors at play too in terms of delivery. The nation faces a shortage of lorry drivers with hauliers struggling to recruit staff or agency workers.

The meat processing sector also faces big challenges – most notably the shortage of abattoir workers which has seen pigs backing up on farms across the region because there is no-one to slaughter them.

Highly integrated just-in-time supply chains are great when they work. But everyone suffers when one link fails. In this case, farm businesses are under threat. Livestock enterprises are at the sharp end but arable growers are suffering too.

Being a regional magazine ourselves, we like to fly the flag for local farmers and agricultural businesses. But the truth is that we all operate in a global marketplace over which we have little control.

At times like these, it is difficult to see an upside.

If there is one, consumers will finally realise the dedication and hard work that goes into putting food on their plates – rather than taking farmers for granted.

RIDBA

Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association

NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 3

News Inflation sees input costs soar • Big rise in fuel and fertiliser costs • Further price increases expected • Farm businesses under pressure

F

arm input costs soared almost 22% in the year to 30 September – with huge spikes in fuel and fertiliser prices, confirm the latest agricultural inflation figures.

No farming enterprise escaped double digit inflation. Five out of nine inputs saw double digit inflation with unprecedented increases in the cost of fuel (+79.9%) and fertiliser (+51.2%), according to the latest AgInflation Index.

For many farmers, the increase threatens to more than offset any rise in output prices. Food prices fell by 0.7% during the same period, according to the unrelated Retail Price Index – squeezing margins for growers and livestock producers.

Further cost increases have yet to filter through, said the AF Group, which produces the AgInflation Index. Fertiliser prices have increased by 50% since the end of September – with supply chain disruption affecting farm businesses.

The index is useful tool for farmers to review their expenditure and procurement partners.But it also helps fully explain the drivers of current and future inflationary trends – and how best to withstand them.

Global disruption Norfolk farmer Tony Bambridge, of B&C Farming, said: “The need to track our costs is paramount to the health of our business and it is vital our customers understand the inflationary pressures we are facing.”

Soaring gas prices have had a knock-on effect on fertiliser prices – to the point where it has made ferti4 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

liser factories economically unviable to run. But it has proved difficult to pin down the reason behind the inflationary hike.

AF nead of crop production Matt Kealey said: “There’s no single reason for the increase in natural gas prices. It’s the result of a convergence of factors, nationally and globally. Supply continues to struggle to keep pace with rising global demand.”

Fuelling rises Mr Kealey added: “Stored gas levels are lower than normal in Europe because of last year’s cold winter and with the UK having comparatively fewer storage facilities, we are more exposed to price fluctuations.

“This has added to speculation that Russia, a major gas supplier, is withholding output for political reasons which, in turn, is fuelling price rises.

We are continuing to liaise with our suppliers and update members on both spot and future prices.”

Farm fuel costs climbed by almost 80% over the past year

[photo: Photoagriculture/Shutterstock.com]

David Horton Fawkes: “Deeply concerned”

Fuel prices continue to rise steeply as tight global energy supplies meet growing demand. Consumption in 2022 is expected to be around 5% higher than in 2020 when the US oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate was trading at US$37 a barrel.

AF fuel procurement manager Helen Thurtle said: Those days are a distant memory now as our European benchmark, Brent crude, is showing no signs of stopping with tensions apparent amongst OPEC members as to how much production should be increased.”

Brent crude was trading at US$85 a barrel in late October – but there was now the real possibility of it reaching $100 a barrel in a cold winter. “This would potentially drive a surge in demand and widen the supply deficit further.”

Farm businesses face ‘extraordinary pressure’

P

ressure on farm profits comes against the backdrop of international trade deals paving the way for more competitors to the UK market.

The Aginflation Index is an important barometer of farm input costs. This year the results are of particular importance – with justin-time supply chains buckling as the global economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

Many farmers will find the extraordinary financial pressures they are confronting difficult – threatening the very existence of their

businesses, says AF Group chief executive David Horton Fawkes.

“We are deeply concerned about the impact of these high rates of agricultural inflation on our Members and there has never been a stronger case or a better time for UK farmers to collaborate and work together.

“We must use the strength of our cooperatives to protect margins and safeguard our members’ businesses. Inflation is not slowing down and only by working together will we overcome the biggest challenges to farming for 50 years.”

Some sites are a bit of a squeeze getting into. The only access to this one was under a railway arch, even the BT6 had to breath in a little.

Although it was a tight squeeze for the drainer the aggregate lorries were too large which meant the aggregate backfill had to be tipped at the farm a few hundred yards away.

We

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the

the and

job

Autumn warm

temperatures.

It didn’t take long for The aerial view shows the

the weather to turn

wet areas of the field.

though.

Our client here was aware that the run off from the drains needed somewhere to go, so asked us to carry out ditching works ahead of the drainage.

It was needed as well, the mains were running as soon as they were put in.

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News

Peak District farm for sale for first time in 80 years

A

Peak District farm in the same family for four generations has been brought to the market for the first time in 80 years – with a guide price of £1.94 million.

Peaslows Farm and Farmhouse, in the village of Sparrowpit, extends to approximately 169.89 acres and, until recently, was the base of a highly productive dairy unit run by the father and son team of Winston and John Cartledge.

The farm housed a 230 head dairy herd producing an average of 12,500 litres. In total, approximately 370 animals were housed on the farm. John has recently relocated to Somerset to expand into different areas of farming, taking the dairy herd with him.

The land is predominantly permanent pasture divided into numerous grazing and mowing enclosures.

The farm benefits from a range modern steel portal framed farm buildings covering over 3,530 square metres.

Included in these are the milking parlour, dairy unit with 188 cubicles and mattresses, and further cubicle building with electric scrapers.

‘Exciting opportunity’ The dairy unit is on slats which provide 100,000 gallons of underground

The fully working farm is predominantly pasture-based

storage. There is also a one and a half million gallon slurry pit, silage clamps, a borehole water supply for the cattle sheds and solar panels delivering around £8,000 of benefit per annum.

The farm is being jointly marketed

by Savills and Bagshaws.

Savills farm agent Sam Thomas says: “The sale of Peaslows Farm offers an exciting opportunity to purchase a dairy or livestock farm in this beautiful part of the world and the ability to commence milk production immediately upon completion if desired.

“A rural location close to the Derbyshire towns of Chapel-en-le-Frith and Buxton – and within an hour’s drive of both Manchester and Sheffield – mean it offers the best of both worlds while lending itself to diversification opportunities.”

Fund offers free advice

B

usiness support to help farmers adapt to the withdrawal of the basic payment scheme is now available from Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund.

The fund is designed to provide business support to farmers and land managers during the early years of the agricultural transition. Free advice is available from 19 organisations under the scheme.

Any farmer or land manager currently in receipt of direct payments is eligible to apply. Farmers are advised to apply sooner rather than later to avoid missing out on this phase, though a further phase of support will be available from 2022.

For full details, visit www.bit.ly/ futurefarmingfund

Photo credit: Savills

‘Traditional features’ He said: ‘’I will miss working everyday surrounded by the amazing landscape that the Peak District boasts. I will also miss being so close to two active livestock markets. I just hope the future owner gets as much pleasure from working at Peaslows as my family has.”

The stone built Peaslows Farmhouse dates back to 1876 and has three double bedrooms, underfloor heating in the kitchen and traditional features.

Stuart Roberts to step down from top NFU role

N

FU deputy president Stuart Roberts (right) has announced that he will stand down at the union’s officeholder elections in February 2022.

Mr Roberts confirmed his decision in a letter to NFU council members last month. He said his time as an NFU officeholder had been equally demanding, rewarding, enjoyable and – at times – frustrating.

“As consumers and governments ask more of the people who feed our nation, I’m proud of the progress the NFU has made in telling farming’s story, highlighting water issues, celebrating diversity and inclusion and raising the profile of farmers’ mental health.”

The Hertfordshire farmer said he was less satisfied when it came to farming’s safety record.

“We are yet to see the fundamental culture shift needed to prevent the catastrophic injuries and loss of life we see every week in our industry. There are no shortcuts: we must redouble our efforts if we are to make impactful, long-term change.”

Thanking NFU members, Mr Roberts paid

tribute to NFU president Minette Batters and vice president Tom Bradshaw. He added: “Exciting opportunities both personally and in my business have clarified that it is time to encourage others to step forward and lead.”

NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 7

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Arable State-of-the-art mill will help meet growing demand for oat products •

•

•

Multi-million pound milling plant Adds value for region’s growers Big potential market for drinks

W

ork has started on the construction of a brand new, cutting-edge oat processing plant in Northamptonshire.

The plant will be the largest, most modern oat-processing facility in Europe. On completion in 2023, it will be poised to meet and accelerate the already growing demand for oat ingredients in the food and drink industry.

The development is the initiative of ‘Navara Oat Milling’ – ajoint venture between three organisations. All three bring to the party different and complementary ares of expertise, as well as longstanding relationships in their respective supply chains and markets.

Navara is jointly owned by Frontier Agriculture, a crop production and grain marketing company; Camgrain, a farmer-owned cooperative; and Anglia Maltings Holdings (AMH), a food and drink ingredient manufacturer.

Growing demand The new mill will be located alongside Camgrain’s Advanced Processing Centre in a key arable region between Corby and Kettering. Frontier Agriculture will supply all oats processed at the plant via Camgrain members and its network of farm traders.

Frontier managing director Mark Aitchison,who is also chairman of the new joint venture said the mill would help to satisfy growing demand for oat ingredients in healthy food products and non-dairy drinks.

“Investment by the three strategic partners will help meet that demand. Our collective vision is to build and grow a dedicated oat supply chain, bringing farmer and food manufacturer closer together and delivering improvements that benefit each sector.

“We will work together on realis-

ing the huge potential of oats, embracing all that they can deliver in provenance, traceability and sustainability.

Navara will create supply chain efficiency and the food and drink industries will benefit.”

The joint venture would invest in growing oats as well as processing, said Mr Aitchison. “Collaboration with farmers supplying the new mill will see value added in areas such as agronomy advice, seed variety choice and development, quality and sustainability.”

Camgrain chairman Simon Willis said: “This is great news for our farmer members as it expands opportunities

for them with an increasingly soughtafter cereal grain and will involve them in projects such as the development of new varieties.”

As well as creating employment opportunities, the new mill will also mean lower food miles – reducing the distance oats need to be transported for milling. This would add value to the crop, suggested AMH group finance director George Thompson.

“We already work with oats in EDME, the natural food ingredients arm of our business, and have long desired to do more with this exceptional cereal. Navara Oat Milling provides the perfect opportunity.”

The oat mill will be a purpose-built state-of-theart processing plant

Big demand for home-grown oats The joint venture is launching at a time when the importance of nutritious, plant-based ingredients has become more widely recognised.

The three companies behind the joint venture believe provenance and sustainability are part of that agenda. They also believe that domestically grown and processed oats are part of the answer.

With its new, purpose built facility, Navara Oat Milling will be well positioned to support food and drinks manufacturers by providing consumers with healthy and nutritious choices.

The site is discreetly located and hidden by existing topography and vegetation. The location will be further enhanced by the additional planting of 6,500 new trees and shrubs.

Full planning permission has been approved and significant preparatory work has already taken place. Construction and project manager experts T H White will be the main construction contractor for the project.

The plant will provide an additional 120 jobs – 60 during the construction phase and 60 to operate the plant once complete.

NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 9

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Arable

SpotCheck identifies key oilseed rape diseases

B

ayer’s SpotCheck initiative has opened for the 2021-22 growing season with a new, simplified sample pack request process.

Oilseed rape growers and agronomists can request a sample pack direct from Bayer’s website.

Leaf samples will be assessed by ADAS experts for signs of light leaf spot and other key diseases, with the results helping growers to adapt their fungicide programmes accordingly.

Light leaf spot is an airborne polycyclic disease, capable of several infection cycles each season. The severity and incidence of the disease varies annually and driven by weather conditions – with temperatures between 4 and 20°C and wet conditions ideal for infection and spread.

Early detection makes for bnetter management decisions, said Bayer fungicide campaign manager Rosalind Martin. “Fungicides perform best when applied in a protectant scenario against light leaf spot, so it’s important to get the timing right.”

Launched in 2017, SpotCheck has helped hundreds of growers to make better-informed decisions on autumn and spring fungicide applications.

This year, a simplified process means growers and

agronomists just need to complete a short website form to obtain a sample pack.

The pack will arrive in the post direct to your preferred address, which can be returned to ADAS with leaf samples for analysis. Results will be emailed to you within seven working days of leaves arriving at the laboratory.

ADAS arable plant pathologist Philip Walker said light leaf spot was becoming more widespread. “Results from samples assessed since 2017 have shown positive signs of disease from all oilseed rape growing regions, indicating that light leaf spot is now endemic across the UK.” At the end of March 2021, light leaf spot was found in 59 out of 60 counties tested, covering most of the oilseed rape growing areas of England, Scotland and Wales. In addition, the number of samples that have tested positive has gradually increased year on year.

For details, visit www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk/ bayer-spotcheck/

Fungicide timing is critical to combat light leaf spot [photo: ADAS]

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Arable

Optimise crop nutrition to maximise yields

A

rable farmers are being advised to consider applying micronutrients and biostimulants to winter and spring crops this year.

Catherine Lamboley, newly appointed head of global plant care at Olmix, says biosolutions are increasingly seen a way to achieve sustainable, healthy plant production amid declining available chemistry.

“I am convinced that these new alternative technologies will accelerate the transformation of agriculture to achieve more sustainable and resilient production. Biosolutions are healthier for the environment.”

Although it easy to focus on key nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphate and pot-

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ash, Micromix Olmix sales manager Grant James says they will be largely ineffective unless the micronutrient balance is right “Micronutrients help macronutrients to do their job. Unless the plant is healthy and has sufficient access to everything it needs, then both quality and quantity will suffer.”

Manganese in particular can be deficient in both autumn and spring as the crop starts to grow away, says Mr James. A foliar application including manganese at three-leaf stage and tillering will prove beneficial, he adds.

Mr James advises applying Proplex – a mixture of biostimulants and micronutrients – at 0.5 litres/ha in the autumn; or 0.75 li-

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tra/ha if including Amix manganese in the same mix. “Manganese aids in photosynthesis so is important during crop growth,” he says.

“It also helps with nitrogen metabolism, enables enzymes to make proteins, and is a catalyst to important biochemical reactions which improves the efficacy of fungicides and plant growth regulators.”

Micronutrient deficiencies often do not become visible in the crop until the damage has been done, so Mr James recommends being as proactive with micronutrients as farmers are with major nutrients like N, P, and K. As well as important micronutrients, Proplex contains seaweed extracts which is said toalleviate abiotic crop stress – for example during drought, waterlogging or disease challenge. Active at low temperatures, it can reduce winter kill.

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PROFILE Cowley Hill Lleyn

Top of the flocks A 25-year-old farmer who started his own 160-ewe sheep flock has won a silver digital innovation award in the British Farming Awards.

D

espite coming from a farming family, William Roobottom lost interest in agriculture during his early teens. But his passion was reignited a few years later when he needed to earn a bit of money.

“I went back home and drove the tractors and helped dad out and fell back in love with it,” he says. Rather than pursing an accountancy career as planned, William decided instead to study agriculture at Bishop Burton College.

Graduating last year with a degree in agriculture with farm business management from Harper Adams Univer-

Right: William Roobottom won a silver Digital Innovator of the Year award.

Below: Showing is a key time of year for the flock.

sity, William says switching from accountancy to become a farmer was the best decision of his life.

Today, he runs a thriving flock of 160 pedigree Lleyn sheep at Cowley Hill Farm, Staffordshire. Breeding his own replacements, the aim is to expand to 300 ewes over the next two years and develop a secondary B flock.

“They are a good, easy lambing breed,” William explains. “We are go-

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ing to cross the poorer ewes and the better ewes will stay pedigree. We’ll breed our own replacements from the A flock and the not-so-good ones will slip into be flock.”

Marketing expert Easier to manage than some other breeds, Lleyns graze harder than some continental breeds and are more prolifcontinued on p17

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PROFILE Cowley Hill Lleyn continued from p15 ic, adds William. But his silver award was for being runner-up in the 2021 Digital Innovator of the Year category in the British Farming Awards.

As well as word of mouth, pedigree sheep for sale are advertised through Instagram, Facebook and YouTube – building on William’s expertise as a part-time marketeer for Datamars, the livestock data management specialists.

“Many breeders advertise in the breed magazine but people my age don’t tend to read it. I can’t believe how much I’ve sold through the Internet.

People just randomly call me on my mobile. It really does make it work.

“The secret in successful marketing is being consistent, explains William. “I post two videos every week on You Tube. They are always at half past seven on a Wednesday and Saturday morning – so people know when to expect it.”

Paying tribute to his family, William says parents Neil and Julie – and grandparents Graham and Rachael – encouraged him to start his own flock.

Decision-maker “It was important for them and for me that I have my own separate enterprise – and that they trust me to run it. We discuss decisions but at the end the day I get the final say after everyone has had their input.”

William also pays tribute to his sister Ellie, lambing helper Lauren Bates and girlfriend Sophie. “She puts up with me working at stupid o’clock at night – when really I should be sat with her watching television.”

Four main tups go into the flock in October – all pedigree Lleyns selected for their genetics as well as conformation to the breed standard. Ewes are vaccinated and scanned in early January ahead of lambing at the start of February.

Girlfriend Sophie helps Lauren at lambing. “It’s the busiest time of year

Splitting the ewes into tupping groups ready for the rams.

“

The secret to good marketing is consistency

William markets his pedigree sheep using YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

until March. After that it is encouraging the lambs to grow. They are vaccinated at one-month-old, with male lambs away at 16-20 weeks old.

“Lleyns are not as fast growing as Texels – but for me, the other breed qualities more than compensate for that. We cut the first haylage at the start of June – usually the same week that the showing season starts.

Future plans “We show the sheep at the Staffordshire Show and six weeks later we are more into hay. That’s when all the lambs go – usually to the Ross-on-Wye breeding sale in September – and that’s the sheep farming year.

“We scanned last year at 180% and then we lost 10-15%. I want to get better and I’m learning all the time. I enjoy the business side of things and it has to pay for itself – as much as I love the sheep, I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t make money.”

Passionate about what he does, Wil-

liam says he uses his YouTube channel to show people what farming is really like. “Clarkson’s Farm has done a really good job for farming – and I like to show real farming as it is,” he says.

As well as expanding the flock to 300 ewes, the goal for the next five years is to become renowned as a good quality breeder. “I never say the best because I have respect for other breeders who are better than me and have been doing it for years.

“Maybe in 20 years, I will get there.

But breeding top quality livestock is a long-term ambition – it doesn’t happen overnight. If I could just be mentioned alongside those top names, it would mean the world to me.”

COWLEY HILL LLEYN Twitter: CowleyHillLleyn Facebook: CowleyHillLleyn YouTube: CowleyHillLleyn NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 17

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Root crops Power company working with British Sugar to keep workers safe

T

wo of Suffolk’s largest employers have joined forces together to drive home the life-saving message of staying safe around electricity.

UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across the East of England, teamed up with British Sugar to warn of the dangers of contact with overhead power lines. It follows concerns that too many farmers are taking unnecessary risks.

A recent farm safety session held in Lakenheath sought to highlight the dangers of working close to power lines.

Attendees included contractors who deliver beet to British Sugar — as well as independent for farmers.

Among the points covered on the day were awareness of risks around the power network. Safe working practices — including requesting overhead power line plans ahead of harvesting and loading crops onto vehicles — were also highlighted.

Ros Forbes, a safety advisor at UK Power Networks who led the session, said: “We want to prompt collaborative working and positive conversations about safety which, ultimately, will help save lives.

“It was a hugely positive day where we took the time to remind people who work with British Sugar of the need to

have electrical safety front of mind with extra care always needed around overhead power lines.

“Our advice is always to be vigilant, to look up and around to see what electrical equipment is near you if driving or using agricultural machinery. British Sugar take safety very seriously and gave us tremendous backing and support to deliver our message.”

More important Clare Beaumont, Beet Delivery Service manager at British Sugar, said: “Nothing is more important than the safety of our colleagues and partners across

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“Working in collaboration with UK Power Networks is a proven way of ensuring the right messaging about electrical safety can be shared and understood. The day was a real success, with a lot of positive feedback from those present.

Ms Beaumont added: “It is an exercise we plan to repeat in future years.”

UK Power Networks say the four groups with the highest number of safety incidents around overhead power lines during the past five years have been road hauliers, farmers, tree surgeons and builders.

A recent ‘Think, Plan, Locate’ initiative has seen the electricity distributor join forces with others, including both the national Road Haulage Association and the NFU. It said safe working procedures were vital to reduce the risk of accidents near overhead power lines. These include manoeuvring, loading or unloading vehicles which risk coming into contact with electrical equipment.

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• Store hygiene • Post harvest treatment of stored crop

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Root crops

Better prices help fuel demand for precision beet hoe

M

onitoring emerging threats from pests, diseases and weeds is vital to ensure sugar beet crops are able to reach their potential – as well as for selecting new genetics and seed treatments, says plant breeder SesVanderhave.

“One of the ways we achieve our objectives is by mirroring and anticipating changes to commercial practice in crop management,” says SesVanderhave technical manager Tim Giles, who says the company operates an extensive UK trials network.

“Weed control is critical for all crops, and while sugar beet helps address grassweeds like blackgrass within the rotation, we need to consider potential resistance build-up as the products in the armoury become ever more restricted.”

The efficacy of available herbicides must be preserved to cope with climate change effects that may see invasive species emerging, says Mr Giles.

“You only have to look at how ragwort has spread across the country to see why.”

Increasing pressure Combine this with increasing pressure to reduce agrochemical usage, handhoeing labour and machinery costs – and it was a natural step for SesVanderhave to invest in a Monosem precision hoe from Toucan.

“This addition to our equipment line-up will increase accuracy and working the soil is a proven way to stimulate rooting, help warm the soil, prevent capping and run-off when we get a deluge, explains Mr Giles.

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Root crops

Grimme showcases Stanhay’s latest precision drill

S

tanhay and UK distributor Grimme unveiled the latest advancements in precision drilling at this year’s British Carrot Growers Association Demonstration Day. Visitors to the West Knapton event on 7th October were the first to see Stanhay’s new X Series drill – which comprises the X10 and the X30, with the latter taking centre stage on Grimme’s UK’s stand.

Developed over five years, the X Series rationalises Stanhay’s range, building upon the company’s field-proven air metering system and taking the best features from across the different models.

Both models share the same chassis. The X10 is a dedicated single line row-unit offering an economical solution for growers who don’t need multiline performance. The X30 is a multiline row-unit capable of seeding one to four lines of seed from each row.

Primarily designed to plant vegetables, flowers, herbs and salads, the

X Series can handle a broad range of seeds, including asparagus, brassicas, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, oilseed rape, parsnips, peas, sugarbeet, swede, and wheat.

Both the X10 and X30 have been designed to allow easy and precise adjustment to give uniform seed depth and soil contact, ensuring regular and even germination in all soil conditions.

“The X10 and X30 represent a massive jump forward in drill technology,” says Grimme vegetable product specialist Rob Wilkinson.

“Stanhay have re-engineered the seed release system to improve accuracy and added mechanical clutches on each row. The latch-up system is incredibly simple, and the X Series offers infinite and simple coulter depth control.”

Stanhay is also offering a range of optional extras for the X Series, including pre -coulter trash cutting discs; rearwheel rakes to prevent capping and a DiscEye metering unit camera monitoring system.

The new X Series drill is the result of significant investment

The ISOBUS electric drive comes complete with vari-rate and section control functionality. The X10 and X30 can also be configured to suit almost any grower requirement on both rigid and folding frames.

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See us at

Dealing with Dirty Water

stand 108

WrootWater Dirty Water Filtration Dealing with Dirty Water & K-Line Irrigation System Dirty Water Filtration & K-Line Irrigation System WrootWater After many years trying to find a solution for dirty water we have found a cost effective solution, not only is the system simple it also has a low power requirement.

This new system comes with a low capital cost, and with ease of use it suits all types of terrain. It also allows slow application rates to match ground infiltration.The system is modular so it is also easy to expand.

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Root crops

Funding targets wireworm problem

N

ew ways of detecting and mapping wireworm populations are to be investigated by agritechnology company B-hive Innovations to help the potato pest.

Awarded by the Farming Innovation Pathways (FIP), some £241,000 in funding will be used by project partners to develop technologies for visually detecting where wireworm may be present underground, prior to planting.

Wireworms are the larvae of the click beetle. The larvae grow up to 25mm long and are orangey/brown in colour with a narrow, segmented body. They have biting jaws and three pairs of short legs behind the head.

But insect infestations typically go unnoticed until harvest, by when it can be impossible to salvage the plant. Bhive Innovations will work with Branston and Barworth Research to help farmers make more informed deci-

sions when planting crops.

Branston agronomy director David Nelson said: “We are looking to investigate how we can help improve methods of wireworm detection – and use this information to make better management decisions and reduce often devastating crop losses.”

Wireworm is an issue that affects a variety of crops across the UK. But Mr Nelson said few chemicals were approved for treatment and those available were very expensive.

“New solutions can take years to be approved before launching to market, so developing technologies that predict likely damage levels will help target control measures and reduce levels of wireworm damage to tubers at harvest.”

The funding aims to enable solutions that solve ongoing industry challenges around productivity, sustainability, and achieving net zero emissions.

David Nelson says he is keen to prevent potato losses

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Once completed, findings will help develop innovative solutions across the sector.

B-hive Innovations managing director Vidyanath ‘Vee’ Gururajan said: “This funding is a huge boost for our research and development and will ensure real progress is made in countering wireworm.”

Mr Gururajan added: “Our project will add to our growing portfolio, as we look to continue developing more innovative solutions for reducing food waste and raising the productivity of potato growing.”

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Vigilance is vital in battle against carrot disease, says John Cairns

26 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

arrot growers should stay on top of foliar diseases right up until harvest, says ProCam agronomist John Cairns.

Fungicides that boast a short harvest interval are useful in ensuring crop yield and quality aren’t jeopardised in the final weeks of the season, says Mr Cairns, who recommends fungicides with multiple actives and modes of action.

“With weather patterns becoming increasingly variable and difficult to predict, carrot growers must ensure their crops remain protected against foliar diseases such as alternaria, sclerotinia and powdery mildew until as close to harvest as possible.”

All three of these diseases have the potential to reduce yield and affect quality in the final few weeks prior to harvest, says Mr Cairns.

Good field hygiene, disease tolerant varieties and a long rotation can prevent diseases spreading from one crop to the next.

Alternaria can spread rapidly if warm, wet conditions prevail, while powdery mildew will be the dominant threat in dry conditions. Meanwhile, sclerotinia tends to occur when carrots have filled

up and start to drop their leaves onto damp soils.

In addition to using integrated crop protection measures, Mr Cairns says growers should also use suitable fungicide treatments to prevent diseases taking hold – including during the final weeks of growth.

Armoury “With a good armoury of fungicides available for carrots it’s not too difficult to find products to target most key diseases, with the period prior to the canopy covering over key to successful control,” adds Mr Cairns.

“Unfortunately, things can get a little trickier as the harvest season approaches, not least because a lot of fungicides have a pre-harvest interval of up to three weeks which means crops can be left susceptible to new infections nearer to harvest.”

Even at this late stage in proceedings, new infections can still have a significant impact on crop yield and quality so it is vital to remain vigilant right until the last moments of the crop’s development.

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Livestock Better payback from liming as fertiliser prices soar • Growers urged to check soil acidity • Optimising soil pH has wideranging benefits • Use lime calculator for quantity and type

L

iming grassland this autumn could offer greater financial benefits than usual as fertiliser prices soar.

Grassland specialist George Fisher, of the AHDB Grass Campaign, is urging growers to check soil acidity – and to apply lime between now and Christmas if pH falls short of the optimum, This will achieve a greater financial payback this year as fertiliser prices reach a new record high. The price of ammonium nitrate has doubled since the beginning of the year – and could rise further before falling back.

In contrast, Dr Fisher says the price of lime remains relatively stable, providing an even better return on investment than in previous years.

Optimising soil pH will ensure its nutrients are available to the growing crop rather than lost through leaching or locked up in an inaccessible form.

This has environmental as well as financial benefits.

Nutrient release Raising the soil’s pH to its optimum by liming will not only increase its ability to release nutrients to the growing crop, but it will also optimise conditions for the soil’s biology and health.

This results in less wastage of expensive nutrients, less pollution into water courses and an improved soil structure, with all its associated benefits, says Dr Fisher.

All of this has been reflected in longstanding research, which shows grass yield can be 30-40% lower as pH drops from the optimum 6.5, down to 5.5.

Further gains from optimising pH include the more efficient capture of nitrogen by legumes while a growing body of evidence is beginning to suggest soils with a low or high pH can lose more carbon.

This highlights the importance of measuring the pH of all grassland

soils, and optimising pH at close to 6.5. “This ensures that all nutrients – whether from soil, a bag or livestock –are at the optimum availability for plant take-up, provided everything else is in place.”

Ground conditions “It doesn’t matter when you lime if ground conditions are suitable, but if you do it now, at the end of the grazing season, it has the winter to work its way into the soil and positively impact the pH next season.”

Once the pH is known, the amount of lime required can be determined using the Agricultural Lime Association website www.aglime.org.uk. It has a lime calculator to specify the tonnage of different products needed for different soil types.

Dr Fisher says it is not so much an issue of which product is used – with choices ranging from basic crushed lime direct from a quarry to enhanced, granulated products. Farmers should opt for calcium-based products, rather than those based on magnesium.

“You can work away on the physics

and biology, but if you don’t have the pH right, you will still lose nutrients. But get them all right and you reduce your chances of nutrient loss, leaching and pollution – and increase your chances of a healthy, high-yielding crop.”

Liming now will give it the winter to work its way into the soil, says George Fisher

Cattle at risk as lungworm spikes

F

armers should be alert for signs of lungworm in their cattle, with warm and wet weather causing a spike in cases.

Ben Strugnell, from Farm Post Mortems, reported his first case in store cattle as early as June this year with further cases in July and August. “Lungworm is so unpredictable and if cattle are still outside grazing, then they are most definitely at risk,” he said.

First season grazing cattle and cattle that had a lack of exposure to lungworm when they were young can be particularly susceptible1.

Sudden heavy pasture larval challenge, due to prevailing weather conditions such as those

seen at the moment, can lead to reinfection.

Responsible Animal Medicines Advisor Mark Pass says farmers must treat animals as soon as they see any symptoms. “From picking up lungworm from the pasture to developing symptoms can be as little as one week.

In a heavy burden, then it can be a matter of days,” he said.

Mr Pass added: “The long-term impact of lungworm can be devastating as it can stunt growth, cause irreversible lung damage thus increasing an animals’ susceptibility to pneumonia, reduce milk production as well as causing death.

NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 29

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Technology & Innovation Innovation programme to boost future of farming • £17.5m in first round of funds • Three strands to programme • Goal is to increase productivity

A

new long-term funding programme to support farmers, growers, foresters and other businesses to embrace innovative ways to maximise productivity and drive sustainability has opened for applications.

The Farming Innovation Programme will support ambitious projects to transform productivity and enhance environmental sustainability in England’s agricultural and horticultural sectors, while helping to meet net zero targets.

Defra has made £17.5m available for the first round of the three funds which make up the Programme. The fund opened for applications on 20 October. Further funding is likely at a future date.

The first fund to open is the industry-led R&D Partnerships Fund. Farmers can bid for funding to develop new technologies and practices that will help them overcome challenges and exploit new opportunitie.

Eligible applications include funding for the use of artificial intelligence and low-emission machineries to opti-

“

Innovation will help address farm challenges

Applications include funding for artificial intelligence

mise the production process – and the development of climate-resilient crops.

Early next year, Defra will launch the Farming Futures R&D Fund. This is for strategic projects aimed at tackling climate change by reducing the environmental impact of food production agriculture.

The third of the funds – the Projects to Accelerate Adoption Fund – will launch later in 2022. It will to support farmer-led projects to trial the viability of new on-farm innovations and technology.

Defra minister Jo Churchill, said: “Innovation is vital to address the challenges facing the agricultural and horticultural sectors. New ideas, technologies and processes will play a key role in helping farmers, growers and businesses to become more productive.

Net zero “The Farming Innovation Programme will enable the sector to be more environmentally sustainable and resilient, whilst helping it achieve its net zero ambitions. I encourage all eligible businesses and individuals to apply.”

The Farming Innovation Programme expands on the recent £14.5m Farming Innovation Pathways competition. It saw huge demand and highquality applications to innovate the horticulture and farming industry,

when launched earlier this year.

The winning projects will contribute to helping businesses and researchers transform food production, meet the growing demand for British food, and help the sector to move towards net zero emissions.

Defra has also confirmed the projects which will receive funding under the Farming Innovation Pathways funding.

Winning applicants are now able to develop their ideas. They include: • a fruit-scouting robot that monitors the growth-stages of crops, up to determining fruit ripeness, size and optimal picking time • a model to use soldier flies to create a low-cost, protein-rich animal feed from farm waste • a new approach to protect vegetable seeds against parasites and pathogens without the use of pesticides.

• a fruit and vegetable growing method which harnesses natural daylight to boost the nutritional and flavour characteristics of crops.

UKRI challenge director Katrina Hayter said: “Solving these challenges will result in maximising productivity, reducing emissions, and making our farms more resilient and sustainable.

Further information on the new funds is available via Defra’s Future Farming Blog at defrafarming.blog. gov.uk.

NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 31

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Technology & Innovation

Fund helps boost farm profits and reduce pollution risk

A

scheme which provides funding to farmers who want to improve their profitability while enhancing water quality has issued more than 2,500 grants.

The Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS) provides up to £10,000 of match funding. It has seen over 2,500 farmers make investments to improve their efficiency and productivity, while also enhancing water quality and the environment.

Adopting technology, such as GPS and automatic sprayer shutoff, can have huge benefits for producers, the environment, and water companies alike, says Severn Trent agricultural advisor Peter Bowman.

“With chemicals under constant review, it’s important that as an industry, we’re using pesticides and fertilisers appropriately to achieve maximum results while considering their environmental impacts,” says Mr Bowman.

“GPS technology can help reduce overlapping, decreasing the quantity of pesticides and nitrates applied, therefore, lessening the chemical load in the environment, resulting in efficiencies and financial savings.”

Efficiency savings One farmer who has taken advantage of the funding is Thomas Mold, who farms a 109ha sheep and arable farm alongside his parents in Warwickshire, while holding down a full-time job as an after-sales engineer at Horsch.

“As my parents are taking a back seat, we’ve reduced the sheep numbers and put more land into arable production. We grow wheat, oats, spring crops and beans in rotation with grass,” he says.

“I’m always looking to make things as efficient as possible. The funding

Match-funding worth £10,000 is available to farmers.

Farmers are investing in precision farming technology

HOW TO APPLY Farmers in the Midlands have until 31 January 2022 to apply for up to £10,000 of match funding to help protect water and the environment, as part of STEPS. The STEPS grant provides livestock and arable farmers with funding for a wide variety of infrastructure and land management improvements to prevent pesticides, nitrates or cryptosporidium reaching watercourses.

To find out if your business is eligible for a STEPS grant, please visit www.stwater.co.uk/steps. from Severn Trent has allowed me to purchase GPS, helping to improve the accuracy of applications, reduced overlapping and ensured the spray ends up exactly where it’s needed.”

Mr Mold says he was surprised when he realised how much it costs to remove chemicals from water and therefore, does all he can to minimise the environmental impact of food production, especially as it has a knock-on effect to customer bills.

Mr Mold also joined Severn Trent’s Swap Your Nozzles training, which the company offers in pesticide priority catchments to encourage more efficient spraying techniques. Producers who attend also receive a free set of low drift spray nozzles.

“Using low drift nozzles has given

me more flexibility with my spray days around work, as the nozzles help us to operate in a wider range of weather conditions. It’s useful to keep up to date with any changes in regulations.”

Also taking advantage of STEPS is James Burton. Along with his father-inlaw, Alan Bryer, he manages Lane End Farm, a 170ha mixed holding in Derbyshire. The enterprise includes 250 beef cattle, 121ha of arable, 49ha of grassland and free-range eggs.

The farm’s STEPS investments to date include covering the cattle handling system and installing livestock fencing. But with pesticide reduction a key focus for the Derwent catchment, more recently the pair have applied for grants for the arable enterprise.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve sustainability,” says Mr Burton.

“When we purchased our latest tractor, we had GPS installed to help us reduce overlapping with seed, fertiliser and pesticides, which greatly reduces costs and helps protect water.

“On top of the GPS, the funding has allowed us to fit section control on the sprayer, so we have three shut-off zones on each side. The grant helped to pay for the valves and lines to do this, meaning applications are now accurate within three inches, which is fantastic.”

Mr Burton says he is now able to use pesticides in a more targeted way, reducing inputs and preventing excess leaching. This is especially important because many of his fields slope towards watercourses, making the pesticide risk to water high.

NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 33

Riseholme College making precise moves Institute of Technology to help fill skills gap in agriculture

L

incolnshire's Riseholme College has recently completed a £1.3m capital investment project in precision farming and agri-food, as part of the College’s role in the Government backed Institute of Technology (IoT).

The Centre for Agri-food Technology was completed earlier this summer and represents a regional hub of precision farming systems, which will be used to deliver a range of higher-level courses using technology and ‘big data’ to help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

This use of precision technology will ‘map’ soil type and soil nutrients and will make the most efficient use of inputs which will help UK farmers to compete on a global stage.

College Principal, Bill Meredith said; “While there is a huge amount of technology available in the market, it is not being fully utilised. We need to train new entrants to the industry about the new technologies that are crucial to the evolution of the agricultural sector. It is equally importantly that the current workforce also has access to update their skills and knowledge.”

“Our role in the IoT is to provide skills training and knowledge transfer around precision agriculture and agri-food technologies. Our focus is on arable farming at this stage, but we will be bringing it into livestock management as well,” Mr Meredith said.

An exciting announcement was released last week about the introduction of new ‘bite-sized’ qualifications that will be delivered through the IoT at Riseholme College, to help boost the agricultural industry.

Hundreds of workers could benefit from free ‘bite-sized’ courses which are designed to upskill and reskill, helping to get more people into higher wage and higher skilled jobs.

Funding through the In-Work Skills Pilot programme has been secured by Riseholme College to deliver a short modular course to help plug skills gaps in key sectors such as agriculture and food manufacture.

The bite sized course will give farming businesses and employees new skills and opportunities to engage with the latest technologies, to help improve productivity, reduce emissions, pollution and soil erosion.

The new short course will be rolled out by the College from late autumn this year and will focus on Agricultural Technology, Data Handling and Communications. Utilising Institute of Technology facilities and resources, businesses and employees will gain practical and theoretical learning opportunities to help achieve optimum farming results with the smallest environmental impact.

Bill Meredith continued; “The margins are tiny in agriculture and precision farming can help reduce costs which in turn can help to raise margins. Transferring knowledge and increasing skills in new and existing technologies that can support more precise farming techniques.”

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Technology & Innovation

Uncertain role for agri-tech in net zero target • More profit and better productivity • Greater skills and support needed • Technology can reduce emissions

M

ost farmers are happy to embrace technology – but many doubt its ability to help them meet net zero targets, reveals a survey.

The nationwide study by the Agri-EPI agri-technology centre sought to understand how and why farmers are using agritech, identify barriers to its use and explore the technologies farmers think will be most useful in the future.

It found that 78% are using some form of agritech, with the highest adoption rates among younger farmers and those with large farms. The biggest reasons for its use are increased productivity and profitability.

The same percentage (78%) of farmers believe it is important to reduce their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Continued on p36

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to transform agriculture [photo: University of Lincoln]

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Technology & Innovation Continued from p35 This rises to 94% of farmers under 45.

But only 35% are confident that technology will help them reach net zero carbon emissions.

Greater skills One reason could be that farmers need greater skills and support to understand the benefits of technology – and to adopt it successfully, suggested AgriEPI chief executive David Ross.

The research found only half of farmers rate their skills in using agri-tech as ‘good’, with less than half (43%) of all farmers interviewed feeling well-supported in introducing or making better use of existing technology.

“While the majority of UK farmers recognise that agri-tech has an important role in supporting their priorities of productivity and profit, we are struck by the fact that only around a third felt tech has a role to play in environmental sustainability.

“Technology is one of the solutions to helping farmers reduce their emissions – agri-tech that helps farmers be more efficient and productive usually offers a win-win for sustainability.”

Mr Ross said the research findings

“

Farmers told us they need accessible training

were an important insight for everyone with a role in developing, evaluating and promoting technology – particularly the agri-food sector, policy makers, agri-tech companies and the R&D community.

“The farmers we spoke to told us they need accessible training, funding, and more evidence and independent advice to help them make the best use of agri-tech,” said Mr Ross.

Partners He added: “We want to collaborate with partners across all of areas to ensure the benefits of agri-tech is make clear

and the avenues to adoption are easily accessible.”

Of the farmers interviewed who are using agri-tech, popular technologies include machine guidance systems (40% reported they are using this), soil mapping (35%), livestock growth monitoring (30%) and variable rate application (28%).

Robotics and automation for a variety of purposes featured strongly in farmers’ thoughts on the tech that will be important for the future, along with the capability to integrate data gathered by different systems on the farm.

What is Agri-EPI? The Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation (Agri-EPI) Centre aims to accelerate the adoption of precision agriculture and engineering technology.

Set up by the government, it seeks to sustainably boost productivity, reduce emissions and increasing profitability across the whole agri-food chain. It is exploring ways optimise

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Midland Machinery Show Flagship event focuses on profit and efficiency • Latest equipment and machines • Green power takes centre stage • Jam-packed seminar timetable

T

he phasing of direct payments means there will be a special focus on efficiency and the need for profitability at this month’s Midlands Machinery Show.

Due to take place on 9-10 November at the Newark Showground, the event will give visitors an insight into the latest equipment and advice to help their farm businesses adapt and thrive, says organiser Elizabeth Halsall.

“Featuring 100s of exhibitors including national manufacturers, distributors and regional dealers, live demonstrations and a packed seminar programme, there will be something for everyone, from the smallest producer to the largest arable contractor.”

New this year will be a green power demonstration, featuring the latest electric tractors and telehandlers from the likes of Kramer and Manitou, as well as large machinery and groundcare demonstrations.

Red diesel changes Changes to red diesel regulations, new machinery grants and how to work successfully with your contractor are just some of the topics being covered in a seminar with the National Association of Agricultural Contractors.

Such discussions are particularly relevant as over 90% of farmers use contractors, says the association’s Jill Hewitt. “With the decline of subsidies, I think more farmers are going to be looking to contractors rather than investing in machinery themselves.”

Other topics featuring in the seminar programme include how to opti-

mise machinery sharing with the Lincolnshire Machinery Ring, succession planning with Wilkin Chapman solicitors and rainwater harvesting with JRH Water Management.

There will also be a focus on the environment, with a range of technical topics from carbon audits to steps towards net zero. Farmers and growers are brilliantly placed to benefit from the transition,” says Bruno Gardner, managing director of NFU Enzero.

Challenges However, climate change does bring challenges – and increasingly uncertain weather patterns have directed arable farmers’ attention to optimising grain quality post-harvest to maximise returns.

Exhibits will include new technology to improve the efficiency and throughput of grain cooling and drying. The benefits of storing grain correctly cannot be ignored any longer,” says Richard Flach, of specialists Flach and le-Roy.

“

There will be something for everyone

Supporting the next generation of agricultural engineers is vital. The Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award is back for its fifth year – championing upcoming talent in the sector.

“The award aims to support young people from diverse backgrounds and skill-sets to develop the abilities they need to embark on successful agricultural careers,” says Simon Eccleston, of the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.

Tickets for the Midlands Machinery Show are now available. Entry is free but advanced registration is essential. Information and tickets from www.midlandsmachineryshow.com.

Exhibitors will include a range of machinery manufacturers

Visiting the show When: Tue 9 - Wed 10 November 2021 8am - 5pm (Tue) and 8am - 4pm (Wed) Where: Newark Showground, Lincoln Rd, Newark, NG24 2NY Parking: Free ample parking, coach parties welcome Why attend?

• 1000s of like-minded professionals • Meet up to 300 UK exhibitors • Ride and drive 4x4s and pickups • Source latest products and services • Expert advice: From land management, crop- growing and animal husbandry to caring for the environment, our industry experts will be on-hand to give information and advice.

Seminar programme Addressing some of the biggest issues and challenges of the day. Our seminar themes this year include diversification, planning, mental health, recycling waste and product innovation.

NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 39

Midland Machinery Show

New grain handling technology on display at this month’s show Andrew Head, managing director of grain handling firm BDC Systems, says this season has seen some farmers struggle to get crops dry in time to meet market and storage requirements.

• Better systems maintain quality • Efficiency key as gas price soars • Increase in enquiries from farms

A

catchy harvest, increasingly uncertain weather patterns and the loss of the basic farm payment are focusing attention on ways to maximise returns by optimising grain quality post-harvest.

New technology to improve the efficiency of grain drying and cooling – while speeding throughput and protecting the crop while in storage – will be on display at this month’s Midlands Machinery Show.

“It is critical to look after corn after it has left the combine,” says Richard Flach, co-owner of grain drying specialist Flach and leRoy. “The benefits of correctly and efficiently handling and storing grain post-harvest cannot be ignored any longer. All too often farmers spend vast sums of money on a new combine – which they replace after five years – then just stick the grain in a shed until sold.”

Mr Flach reports a marked increase in enquiries for grain handling and storage systems.

Improving efficiency is also a key priority – more so now in light of significant increase in fuel and gas prices.

Younger generation With quality systems lasting up to 40 years, family farms with a keen younger generation are currently reviewing on-farm facilities while they still have the basic payment to help finance replacing or upgrading equipment.

“Farmers can save on fuel costs by maximising the sun’s operating latent heat when on-floor bulk drying,” explains Mr Flach.

“Justify the cost of investing in technology which promises efficiency: Will that investment make for financial sense when only used for two months a year?”

Moisture monitors “Those who understand the benefits of hot air temperature driers – such as the Svegma continuous flow dryer – have seen how successfully they can manage wet, tricky and unpredictable harvests.”

BDC Systems has already seen increased interest in its Moisture Monitor System, which samples grain from both incoming and outgoing elevators.

“If grain is getting dried to 14%, it detects when moisture content goes above or below 14% and sends a text message. The system is remotely controlled to

ensure correct levels are maintained.”

Double-drying systems make for increased efficiency, says Jorge Semiao, marketing manager at grain dryer manufacturer Alvan Blanch. “Recirculating hot air saves fuel. These systems might retail for more money but there is huge operative efficiency.

Smart controller “We are soon launching a smart controller which reads both the grain’s input and output moisture levels and then automatically manages the drier to achieve desired moisture output,” adds Mr Semiao.

“Over the past two years 20 UK installations have trialled the system; the results and accuracy are great. The controller can be fitted to existing systems and has proven to reduce fuel costs.”

Efficient grain storage keeps crops in top condition

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40 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

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From machine and hand laid asphalts to surface dressing and pothole repairs. We’re a family business with lots of experience to cater for your every need.

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NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 41

Midland Machinery Show

Latest in clean power on show

V

isitors to the Midlands Machinery Show will have the opportunity to see the latest electric work vehicles.

Introducing the new Avant E6 loader, a battery powered electric loader, is Avant Machinery. “We want to give everyone a real-life practical demonstration of what benefits a zero emissions machine can offer,” explains Richard Jenkins at Avant UK. The firm will be demonstrating the machine’s capabilities together with different attachments. “We span a large range of sectors with our machines and attachments, which appeal to many businesses and industries,” says Mr Jenkins.

“So we want to demonstrate a range of versatile attachments that benefit all and show that a zero emissions machine doesn’t have to be a one trick pony,” he adds.

There will also be an opportunity to ask any burning questions.

“The industry is starting to think more about zero emissions but have their concerns and doubts towards this next step. We want to tackle these preconceived ideas head on, by showing the machines in action and proving the capabilities in a practical application.”

For those interested in zero emission grass cutting, whether as a homeowner, contractor or for municipality – Iseki Tractors will be demonstrating its Raymo mower. The radio-controlled mower is beneficial from a safety point of view too.

Reesink Agriculture will be showcasing FarmTrac’s flagship model, the FT25G - the industry’s first all-electric tractor. Powered by a 72V lithiumion battery and onboard charger, it can be charged from a domestic socket to 100% in eight hours.

The FT25G is powered by a 72V lithium-ion battery

For visitors wanting to continue the sustainable theme, NFU East Midlands is holding their annual environment conference on ‘Carbon – opportunity, not problem’, says show manager Elizabeth Halsall.

“With the agricultural industry making steps towards net zero, it’s great to be able to demonstrate electric machinery in practice and allow visitors a chance to answer their burning questions.”

M EI R AG R I C U LT U RE

orward of the leading edge

efore the wing comes into

reventing smearing by the

of the wing in order to fracture the soil before the wing comes into contact with it, reducing wing wear and preventing smearing by the

to ensure effective vertical

he wing. The 200mm length

f attack helping to reduce

wing.

Working widths: Hydraulically folding: Number of legs: Attachments:

front of the legs, help to

Leg spacing:

e soil at the surface. Fitted

Maximum working depth:

llow the soil conditioner to

Minimum power requirement:

ass leys.

mitas-tyres.com

The Meir’s 25mm wide point is positioned forward of the leading edge

Soil Conditioner Specification

4m 6m The 200mm wide wing lifts the soil 40mm to ensure effective vertical No Yes Yes fracturing as the soil drops off the rear of the wing. The 200mm length 6 8 12 of the wing provides a shallower angle of attack helping to reduce Cat 3 linkage surface disturbance.

500mm

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3m

Removable 275mm straight discs positioned in front of the legs, help to ‘crimp’ the surface preventing mixing of the soil at the surface. Fitted 50hp/m with hydraulic protection, the discs also allow the soil conditioner to

Working widths:

3m

4m

6m

Hydraulically folding:

No

Yes

Yes

8

12

6

Number of legs: Attachments:

Cat 3 linkage

Leg spacing:

500mm

Maximum working depth:

275mm

Minimum power requirement:

50hp/m

work directly into thick cover crops and grass leys.

points centred either side of

The Meir’s roller is fitted with deep angled points centred either side of

Meir Soil Conditioner

urface. Adjustable scrapers

ckier going. Hydraulically

els as an optional extra.

each leg to leave a weather proof, firm surface. Adjustable scrapers ensure the roller remains clean in stickier going. Hydraulically adjustable rollers are available on all models as an optional extra.

Effective Soil Loosening, Reduced Soil Disturbance Tel: 0044 (0) 1652 653326 Email: info@daledrills.com Web: www.daledrills.com Pepperdale Farm, Howsham, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire

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42 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

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NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 43

Property Average farmland values at highest level since 2018

A

rable farmland prices in England have risen to £9,700/acre in Q3 2021 – the highest quarterly average since early 2018.

Matthew Sudlow, head of estates and farm agency for land agents Strutt & Parker, says the rise is a reflection of historically low levels of supply in the marketplace, combined with firm demand from a wide range of buyers.

“We predicted back in July that there would be a rise in average values in Q3 given the market sentiment was positive. This has proved to be the case, with a number of sales going through at more than £10,000/acre.”

Given the relatively small number of transactions each quarter, however, the average for the whole of 2021 may more reliably reflect price trends. Mr Sudlow says this is currently £9,200/ acre – which has been the average since 2017 – with 60% of sales agreed at £810,000/acre in 2021.

Fewer than 10,000 acres came to the market in Q3 2021, which is about half the level typically expected, according to Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database, which records details of all farms, estates and blocks of publicly marketed farmland in England over 100 acres.

This takes total land launched for sale so far in 2021 to 48,100 acres, com-

pared with 48,200 acres at the same point in 2020 and 65,200 acres at the same point in 2019. To date, only 157 farms have been marketed openly this year in England, which is about 40 fewer than usual.

“This does initially feel surprising, as the market has certainly felt much busier than it did this time a year ago.

But this is probably because the private market is also active. We estimate private sales account for about 25% of the market nationally, and up to 40% in some regions.”

Demand is coming from a wide range of prospective buyers. But even taking private sales into account, there are some areas where there are virtually no farms left unsold because demand continues to outstrip supply.

Green investors There has been no let-up in interest from lifestyle buyers, while farmers with rollover money to invest continue to be very important in some regions. The number of green investors, buying for rewilding or carbon-offsetting purposes, is growing, although remains a small proportion.

Such is the strength of demand, every farm over 500 acres marketed in the first half of 2021 has already sold or

Tighter supplies have helped to push up land values

“

A number of sales have passed £10,000/acre

is under offer. Launched to the market in June, one 1,045-acre commercial estate in Lancashire – has already completed.

“The speed of this transaction is unusual, but it does highlight that the journey to completion can be smooth and quick with the right preparation ahead of a sale,” added Mr Sudlow, who said he expected the amount of land marketed to remain low for the remainder of the year.

“The farming industry is facing some pressing challenges – including rising input costs, labour shortages and the impact of the phasing out of basic payments to name a few – but this is not expected to have any significant impact on supply in the short term.”

Opportunity to reclaim inheritance tax

F

amilies could reclaim thousands of pounds in inheritance tax from falling property prices brought about by the end of the stamp duty holiday, says NFU Mutual.

House prices fell an average of 3.7% in the UK in July compared to June, and they were down 4.5% in England. Inheritance tax is based on the value of property at death. If the property is sold by the executors within four years of death at a lower value, overpaid IHT can be reclaimed.

But the tax rebate is not automatic and

has to be pro-actively reclaimed. A Freedom of Information request submitted by NFU Mutual financial advisers shows 3,630 families reclaimed inheritance tax this way in 2020/21. But a slump in property prices could lead to more.

NFU Mutual financial planner Sean McCann said: “With house prices starting to dip, it’s important families are aware of this ability to reclaim inheritance tax that could save them thousands of pounds.

“Inheritance Tax is assessed on the value of a person’s estate on the date of death

and the tax must normally be paid within six months. But if property is sold within four years of death for a lower price, the overpaid inheritance tax can be reclaimed.

“The number of these reclaims dipped last year due to the buoyant housing market, but are likely to increase if house prices continue to fall.

“With inheritance tax allowances frozen for the next five years, more and more families are being caught in the net. It’s important to take advice to ensure your family doesn’t pay more tax than they need to.”

NOVEMBER 2021 • MIDLAND FARMER 45

FINAL SAY Clodhopper

Food for thought People need to value food more – and pay a proper price for it, says Clodhopper

H

ome-grown food is important – as farmers we all know that. But less so the general public, with UK food self-sufficiency falling to just 60%.

It wasn’t always this way. In 1984, for example, UK self-sufficiency in food was nearer 80%. But today it seems that most people want cheap food and the majority don’t care much where it comes from.

Some organisations blame the cheaper supermarkets – but they are only businesses providing a service for their customers. If the British public want British food then they will have to pay the price. And stop moaning when their stomachs are full.

Recent weeks have seen food shortages in some supermarkets. Why? Because there is a shortage of lorry drivers and other workers.

But who is to blame in the eyes of the public?

That’s right, farmers.

We face a mountain of problems. Fertiliser prices are sky high, nobody can get hold of glyphosate and abattoir workers are in short supply too. It’s back to that labour shortage again.

Name your price My phone hasn’t stopped ringing this autumn, with other farmers asking if I can spare a few hours helping them out. Despite being semiretired, I still enjoy sitting on a tractor seat but I don’t want to work 12 hour days seven days a week.

46 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

The days of carting potatoes or beet along the busy main roads for hours on end are long gone for me. But a normal working day? I have been told by more than one farmer to name my price as a stand-in drillman.

Defra secretary George Eustice insists there is labour shortage. Try telling that to pig farmers. Mr Eustice should get out more and see the situation for himself. Pigs are still backing up on farm because abattoirs can’t get the staff to process them.

So what is the labour shortage all about?

There simply aren’t enough lorry drivers in this country. They don’t want to come here from other European countries. The number of agency drivers has fallen dramatically.

More complicated One estimate suggests that until this year up to 80% of the drivers were non-British.

Why have they returned home? The popular answer is Brexit. But it is more complicated than that – and also down to a change in the tax law.

“

It’s back to that labour shortage again.

Most agency drivers set themselves up as contractors which allowed them to pay corporation tax rates – therefore earning good money. But this loophole has been closed and with the pandemic the foreign drivers just went home.

Who can blame them? Not me. Like all business owners, the need to cut costs is always relevant. When you get rid of your own staff and contract out to a single agency which relies heavily on workers from overseas, trouble is seldom far away.

All of this has led the NFU to ask Defra to delay cuts to the basic payment scheme. I believe such a delay would be wrong. As farmers we have known for years that the scheme was going to be phased out.

Plan for change Every farm business has had ample warning to prepare for that eventuality – and it is unacceptable for farms who haven’t planned for change to push for the inevitable to be delayed. It is wrong to carry on regardless and hope things will turn the corner.

The farming industry has no God-given right to public money – certainly not when our schools and hospitals need it more. We need to stand on our own two feet – and I say that as someone who has received payments during my farming career.

If farming is to survive, we must change with the times. I cannot help thinking back to days gone by when volatile prices saw feed wheat fall to just £58/tonne. It wasn’t that long ago either. We all had to adsorb the costs.

Food for thought indeed.

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MT765C

MT775E

MT775E

MT775E

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2014, 5129 Hrs, 240 HP 32m Chafer Boom Tyres: 620/75R34 (50%)

2009, 9327 Hrs, 360 HP Speed: 40Km/h Track: 30 Track %: 60

2015, 6094 Hrs, 400 HP Speed: 40Km/h Track: 30 Track %: 40

2018, 4000 Hrs, 400 HP Speed: 40Km/h Track: 30 Track %: 50

2015, 3235 Hrs, 400 HP Speed: 40Km/h Track: 30 Track %: 50

2015, 3279 Hrs, 420 HP Speed: 40Km/h Track: 30 Track %: 30

£85,000.00

£57,500.00

£87,500.00

£118,000.00

£120,000.00

£119,000.00

LESS THAN

1500 HOURS

716

720

724

828

828

828

2015, 3936 Hrs, 210 HP Tyres: 540/65R30 (90%) 650/65R42 (95%)

2016, 4674 Hrs, 250 HP Tyres: 600/65R28 (70%) 650/65R42 (70%)

2017, 4794 Hrs, 290 HP Tyres: 600/70R30 (50%) 650/85R38 (60%)

2016, 3450 Hrs, 290 HP Tyres: 600/70R30 (50%) 710/70R42 (60%)

2019, 1066 Hrs, 290 HP Tyres: 600/70R30 (95%) 710/70R42 (95%)

£84,500.00

£86,250.00

£109,995.00

£98,950.00

£156,000.00

MF 1525

MF 7624

MF 7626 Dyna-6 EX

MF 7718

MF 7720

MF 8740 S

£14,500.00

£55,450.00

£54,850.00

£62,950.00

£65,250.00

£143,500.00

2018, 2794 Hrs, 170 HP Tyres: 480/70R28 (70%) 520/70R38 (70%)

£84,850.00

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2014, 3471 Hrs, 240 HP Tyres: 600/60R30 (60%) 710/60R42 (60%)

2013, 3853 Hrs, 260 HP Tyres: 480/70R30 (70%) 620/70R42 (80%)

2017, 2102 Hrs, 185 HP Tyres: 540/65R28 (70%) 650/65R38 (70%)

LESS THAN

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2017, 1603 Hrs, 185 HP Tyres: 540/65R30 (70%) 650/65R42 (70%)

LESS THAN

1500 1000 HOURS

2019, 2750 Hrs, 400 HP Tyres: 620/75R30 (95%) 710/75R42 (95%)

LESS THAN

1000 500 HOURS

T120H

T151

T174EA

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£34,000.00

£64,950.00

£77,650.00

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MANITOU MLT 735

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MF 9306

2005, 8100 Hrs, 130 HP Tyres: Front 50% Back 50%

2011, 7250 Hrs, 160 HP Tyres: 480/65R28 (60%) 580/65R38 (40%)

2018, 3150 Hrs, 185 HP Tyres: 540/65R28 (40%) 650/65R38 (40%)

2019, 1389 Hrs, 185 HP Tyres: 540/65R28 (85%) 650/65R38 (90%)

2020, 566 Hrs, 180 HP Tyres: 540/65R28 (90%) 650/65R38 (95%)

2020, 400 Hrs, 200 HP Tyres: 650/65R42 (95%) 540/65R30 (95%)

Year: 2015, 4258 Hrs Powershift Transmission 3950 Hrs

Year: 2010, 3500 Hrs 130 HP Powershift Transmission

£39,500.00

£35,750.00

£44,850.00

£41,250.00

£42,000.00

FORD RANGER

ISUZI D-MAX

MITSUBISHI L200

MITSUBISHI L200

NISSAN NAVARA

VW AMAROK

£22,490.00

£22,990.00 (NO VAT)

£21,290.00

£12,990.00

£14,990.00

£16,990.00

2016 (16) 2.2 Limited Auto Double Cab 42,757 Miles

2018 (18) 1.9 YUKON Auto Double Cab 33,894 Miles

Year: 2015 4200kg Lift

2017 (17) 2.4 Barbarian Auto Double Cab 31,500 Miles

Year: 2015, 4525 Hrs 7m Reach, 4200kg lift 460/70R24 (40%)

2016 (65) 2.4 Di-D 4Life Manual Double Cab 36,350 Miles

Year: 2018, 4200 Hrs 7m Reach, 3500kg lift Tyres: 405/24 Mitas (10%)

2015 (65) 3.0 Outlaw Auto Double Cab 89,900 Miles

Errors and omissions excepted. All prices +VAT

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Year: 2012, 3691 Hrs Tyres: 405/70R20 Hydrostatic Transmission

£27,245.00

2015 (64) 2.0 BiTDi Auto Double Cab 77,100 Miles