Midland Farmer - November 2023

November 2023

Midland

Farmer Serving the farming industry across the Midlands

Medicine man: Doctor turned farmer on agriculture, health and education

Perfect potatoes: Three-year plan to reduce carbon footprint

Arable Free tool to plan pest management

Clodhopper ‘My bank suspects me of money laundering’

Winter livestock Warning as bluetongue virus spreads

CropTec preview Opportunities and advice for growers

Professional services Where next for region’s farmland market?

Midland Machinery Latest horsepower at flagship Newark show

Tel: 01480 495956

www.flr-cropdrying.com

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

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

ADVERTISING SALES Wes Stanton | T: 01502 725866 E: wes.stanton@micropress.co.uk Danny Lewis | T: 01502 725862 E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk Dan Rice | T: 01502 725858 E: daniel.rice@micropress.co.uk Mat Roffey | T: 01502 725854 E: mat.roffey@micropress.co.uk Mark Tait | T: 01502 725803 E: mark.tait@micropress.co.uk

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 adam.gunton@micropress.co.uk © Countrywide Publications 2023 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd T: 01502 725800

Red Tractor scheme is due for major service

F

ew things frustrate farmers more than needless form-filling, inspections and red tape without any obvious benefit.

Little surprise then that so many growers and livestock producers are up in arms over plans by the Red Tractor assurance scheme asking farmers to demonstrate their environmental credentials by carbon footprinting their businesses.

The Greener Farms Commitment will also see farmers asked to track their progress across four other key areas: soil management, nutrient management, waste management and biodiversity.

Getting it right Red Tractor bosses argue that the move is vital because retailers are under increasing pressure to disclose how their farmer suppliers promote positive management of soil, water and biodiversity – both to consumers and investors.

They say farmers in other countries are already embarking on similar schemes and argue that the Red Tractor scheme puts British farmers in the driving position to demonstrate their green credentials to British consumers.

Many farmers are understandably less convinced. They see it as more cost for no benefit – or at least a move that will involve more on-farm ex-

Contents

pense to the sole benefit of big supermarket chains rather than food producers.

The situation has been handled badly by everyone involved. It’s easy to see why growers and livestock producers feel Red Tractor has gone too far – planning to introduce a new module which farmers feel will cost both time and money.

Truly independent Under-fire NFU leaders – who are represented on the Red Tractor board – have now promised two independent reviews examining the future for farm assurance and whether it offers good value.

Due to report by the end of January, it is vital that these reviews are truly independent – and seen to be so. It is also vital that assurance benefits primary producers, rather than merely lining the pockets of Britain’s big retailers.

For the Red Tractor assurance scheme to be successful, it has to have integrity and the confidence of everyone in the supply chain – from beginning to end. This includes farmers, processors, retailers and consumers themselves.

At the moment, confidence is sadly lacking.

Johann Tasker Editor

Vol 12 • No 11 • November 2023

News .................................................................... 4

Crop technology ........................................... 39

Arable ...................................................................7

Professional services .................................. 42

Potatoes and roots crops ............................ 27

Midland Machinery Show ......................... 44

Livestock ......................................................... 35

Clodhopper ..................................................... 46

SHORT OF STORAGE SPACE?

Competitive prices for all your agricultural & industrial requirements

67639

CONTACT US NOW!

BOWIE LOCKWOOD 02476 459000

sales@bowielockwood.co.uk

RIDBA

Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 3

News Red Tractor scheme faces 'value for money' probe

Many farmers believe the scheme involves costs but little benefit

• Review follows widespread criticism • Scheme accused of 'mission creep' • Impact on mental health examined

T

he NFU has commissioned an independent review of farm assurance schemes – including the Red Tractor – and whether they offer value for money.

It follows accusations that the union waved through a “greener farm commitment” by the Red Tractor scheme which will see farmers asked to prove their environmental credentials. The union denies the claim.

Growers and livestock producers have accused the Red Tractor of “mission creep” – arguing that the move threatens to pile costs on farmers while benefiting Britain’s supermarket chains and retail giants.

Reviews Following a heated meeting between NFU Council and the union’s officeholders last month, two reviews will now scrutinise how farm assurance schemes operate in England and Wales, and whether they provide value for producers.

The reviews will be asked to report by the end of January. The first will examine the governance of the Red Tractor, which many farmers say has overstepped the mark by demanding more from producers. The second will look more broadly at farm assurance.

Terms of reference for the Red Tractor governance review include examining the scheme’s decision-making procedures and transparency, including who is consulted when scheme standards are developed.

Effectiveness It will look at how Red Tractor engages with farmers, examine the effectiveness of these processes and identify obstacles which need addressing.

The second review – called Revolutionising Farm to Fork Assurance – will deal with wider and deeper issues around assurance. It will examine whether producers get fair value from assurance – and look at the relevance of assurance to different sectors.

Minette Batters: a 'difficult few days'

Red Tractor chief writes open letter to farmers Red Tractor chair Christine Tacon (pictured left) has written an open letter to assurance scheme members – saying she is listening to farmers and keen to 'find ways to move forward'.

Responding to criticism that Red Tractor's “greener farm commitment” is a step to far, Ms Tacon insisted she was working hard to protect the interest of farmers. And she added: “We understand the pressures facing farmers in all sectors.

“We want to offer a positive contribution and the views of our members matter to us very much. In the past couple of weeks, we have been having numerous daily conversations about the range of opinions expressed and continue to do so.”

Ms Tacon said she would continue to listen carefully to farmers’ feedback and work hard to better understand their point of view. “We need to explore every option for achieving as much flexibility as possible for farmers, without diluting the common industry approach.”

4 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

In an acknowledgement of the effort many producers go to when meeting assurance standards, this second review will also consider whether the “one size fits all” model is fair and correct. It will also examine the impact on farmers’ mental health.

Assurance NFU president Minette Batters said: “I’m very happy indeed that, after what’s been a difficult few days for all of us, the review into Red Tractor governance can now begin and we can start to build this second, far bigger, review into assurance as a whole.

“It’s time for that to happen, so we can look at what works and what doesn’t, and to make sure assurance is fit for purpose in the years ahead.

“It’s critical that this involves a wide consultation with NFU members through their boards, both regional and sector, and also that it is a collaborative review, undertaken across all the farming organisations.”

DAM WEATHER!!

There is nothing nicer than turning up to a job when its late in the season and the conditions are nigh on perfect. The sun was shining, 300mm, 225mm, and 150mm twin wall pipes, a wee dab of 160mm,

100mm and 80mm single wall all going in nicely. The digging was easy digging, machines not missing a beat, pipe and stone turn up ahead of time, everyone is happy, it’s almost too good to be true!

AND THEN IT RAINS!!

Then Storm Babet arrived to test our newly installed drains!!

We were forced to

pull off site early on that Friday

but when we returned on Monday the few drains we had installed already had been working overtime. The outfall was back to quarter full and the fields were

free of surface water so we could carry on draining.

SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST DRAINAGE UNIT 23 MEON VALE BUSINESS PARK, CAMPDEN ROAD, LOWER QUINTON, WARWICKSHIRE, CV37 8QR TEL: 01789 721258 WWW.DWCLARK.LTD

News

Farming doctor shortlisted for environment award

A

former doctor now working in agriculture says he is committed to building a bridge between farming, health and education.

Johnny Wake is managing partner of the 690ha Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire. He says he is on a mission to secure a sustainable future for the business for generations to follow – and for the estate to be carbon neutral by 2030, if not before.

The farm was previously purely arable with a rotation of wheat and oilseed rape. But the rotation has been widened over the past decade and the land is being farmed regeneratively in new and innovative ways.

Important role Dr Wake said: “The farming industry has an important role to play in mitigating climate change with naturebased solutions such as more sustainable soil and water management, increased biodiversity and greater energy efficiency.

“We believe that farming alongside nature is crucial which is why we en-

6 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

tered into the Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship agreement to protect and enhance our natural environment, increase biodiversity, improve habitats, water and air quality.

Last month Dr Wake won the prestigious Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners from the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) for his outstanding contribution to farming for food, people, the environment and profit.

The estate has now been shortlisted for the Farming Environment Award in this year’s Northamptonshire Food & Drinks Awards. The category is sponsored by the Weetabix Growers Group and Courteenhall is one of six finalists.

The award is designed to recognise farmers who have taken demonstrable action to reduce the environmental impact of growing wheat through carbon footprint reduction, promoting wildlife or regenerative agriculture.

Dr Wake said: “We’re delighted to have been selected as a finalist for the Farming Environment Award. We’re

Farming alongside nature is crucial, says Johnny Wake

a family-run business and our team work hard to build a wide variety of diverse and sustainable practices across our farming activities.”

The award winner will be announced on 1 November.

Arable New tool makes it easier to plan pest management • All main outdoor arable crops covered • Helps control pests, weeds and diseases • Includes proven and effective methods

A

new online tool makes it easier to create Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans – and receive payments under the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

The free IPM Planning Tool covers all the main arable and outdoor horticultural crops. It offers easy access to information about proven methods available for controlling relevant pests, weeds, and diseases.

Already tested by more than 100 farmers and agronomists, the tool has been developed by experts ADAS, NFU, SRUC and the Voluntary Initiative (VI) to help growers create crop specific IPM plans.

Practical support Project lead and ADAS technical director Neil Paveley said: “Thousands of farmers have created plans for Red Tractor using the VI IPM Plan – and we have worked closely with the NFU and VI to provide this alternative, more crop specific, IPM tool.

“This tool gives those who are completely new to IPM practical support to get started. For the majority of farmers who are already practising IPM to some degree, the tool could open doors to alternative techniques that may be more effective or suit their farm better.”

Farmers who sign up to Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme must implement a number of IPM methods. They include creating habitats for natural pest predators, using companion cropping to suppress weeds, reduce diseases and provide protection from pests.

Creating an IPM plan through the tool typically takes an hour. For agronomists, the tool allows IPM plans to be completed and easily updated for

multiple farms. Although it was created to support growers applying for the SFI, it can also be used to support Red Tractor requirements.

Deeper dive The tool is based on a combination of research and practical experience. For growers who want to delve deeper into each topic, it includes links to guidance provided by the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board, the British Beet Research Organisation and other organisations.

Voluntary Initiative chairman Phil Jarvis said: “Providing tools and knowledge allows growers to make informed and important farming decisions. This tool complements existing entry points, such as the VI/NFU IPM Plan, and assists farmers on their IPM journey.

NFU vice-president David Exwood said the tool helped meet the need for support software that could help growers address the ongoing loss of plant protection products and in-

More growers are practising Integrated Pest Management methods Left: Neil Paveley led the project to develop the online IPM tool

creased levels of pesticide resistance on farm businesses.

“Now, more than ever, we need to explore every tool in the box to ensure farming businesses can be resilient in the months and years ahead. One of those core tools is optimising our use of IPM to maintain effective control of pests, weeds and diseases.”

Positive response for easy-to-use system Growers have given the thumbs up to the IPM Planning Tool – describing it as easy to use with an easy-to-follow format.

Norfolk farmer Christopher Rutterford is among those who have tested the tool. He said: “I was most impressed with it as a way of formalising our IPM actions and being able to present the results in a recognisable and acceptable way.”

Mr Rutterford, who farms near Swaffham, said the tool made it easier to demonstrate the responsible nature of his crop protection procedures. He added: “I see it as a valuable means to systematise our own actions and to present these actions to others.”

The IPM Planning can be downloaded free at www.bit.ly/IPMtool

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 7

Arable

High hopes for candidate soft wheat on recommended list

N

ew feed wheat Bamford continues to generate high levels of interest just weeks before the launch of the latest cereals Recommended List (RL).

Bred by Elsoms Seeds, Bamford is the highest yielding RL Group Three soft wheat candidate variety this year, says Rodger Shirreff, national seeds business manager for Agrii, which has conducted extensive trials.

“We test varieties to identify those that offer the best return on spend for growers – not the varieties which simply offer the best gross output. Across all Agrii trials, Bamford has been the highest yielding wheat, regardless of group classification.

With Moulton in its parentage, Bamford offers solid disease resistance, says Mr Shirreff. This includes yellow rust (8) and or septoria tritici (7) – both scores which help growers plan spray programmes while protecting the crop in the periods leading up to applications.

“With an average specific weight of 78kg/hl Bamford more than makes the grade on its bushel weight and that contributes to the consistently high yields it achieves.

“On end use, growers have plenty of options in which to achieve premiums with the variety meeting the specifications for distilling, Group 3 biscuits and as a UK soft wheat for export,” he concludes. This type of flexibility suggests that Bamford will be easy to market.”

Boston-based first-time Bamford grower Danny Anderson, of P & N Anderson, says a challenging season for septoria was a good test for Bamford’s disease resistance credentials and the variety proved equal to the test.

Even emergence “We drilled on 31 October last year into silty loam soil at a seed density of 180kg/ha. Bamford followed a crop of sugar beet, so we ploughed and established it using a Sulky Combi-drill. We were rewarded with even crop emergence and a relatively low weed burden to challenge the new seedlings.”

Bamford wintered well, despite some hard frosts, and it looked very forward so Mr Anderson went with just one split of liquid nitrogen applied at 840l/ha on 22 February.

“On advice from our agronomist 8 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

He added: “The crop showed good early vigour, but there was also an impressive second kick in early spring following its only application of nitrogen. The variety looks extremely robust. Its yield potential initially draws the eye, but its diverse genetic background could be a key to its future success.”

For insurance, P&N Anderson applied two plant growth regulators, opting for 1l/ha of Chlormequat at T0 with a litre of Chlormequat again plus 150ml of Trinexapac-ethyl applied at T1, given that the crop went into a very fertile soil.

“In my experience, growers now prefer to spread their risk across two or three different varieties, but that can often be compromised if all the popular high-yielding types have similar parentage.

“We saw what happened in 2021, when wheat varieties with Cougar parentage were identified as having potentially weaker resistance to septoria tritici, so a very high yielding variety like Bamford with a different genetic background could be a major positive for winter wheat.”

Dan Hutson, we went with a fourspray fungicide program applied between 19 April and 5 July. Despite a bad septoria outbreak which hurt some of our other feed wheats, both Bamford fields remained remarkably clean.

“We saw no signs of septoria in the crop. There was also a lengthy dry spell between April and June where we saw virtually no rain in three months, but again the crop stayed green showing no signs of stress.”

The crop was combined on 10 August. It yielded over 10t/ha with a bushel weight of 75.1kg/hl. “I’d have to say it was one of the easiest crops I’ve ever managed. It was robust, it stood well with no laid-over grain and appeared to have no real weaknesses.”

Clean crop Agrii agronomist Dan Hutson has worked with P&N Anderson for 4 years. He also recalls the crop being one of the cleanest he walked during a challenging Septoria year.

Bamford will be easy to market, says Rodger Shirreff

Positive feedback Toby Reich (pictured left), head of agricultural sales at Elsoms, says he is delighted with the feedback. Mr Reich describes Bamford as a significant milestone in the company’s 11-year wheat breeding programme.

“From seed merchants, advisers, influencers and the early adopter growers who’ve trialled the variety and multiplied seed for us, the feedback has been universally positive so far.

“I believe Bamford will establish itself as the winter wheat most likely to deliver the best return on investment in terms of its consistency to perform on-farm in all type of soils and rotations.

“It’s market flexibility, highlighted by Rodger, gives growers so many options for end markets, with a nice fall-back option for those who simply want to grow it as a barn-filler,” says Mr Reich.

“Widening the choice for growers by introducing a very high-yielding variety with a diverse genetic background can only be a positive for the whole supply chain.”

TAKES BLACK-GRASS CONTROL

TO THE MAX COME RAIN OR SHINE “For us, Backrow Max® is part of the mix every year – it’s not a case of ‘do we, don’t we’, it’s just something we always use” Keith Challen, Farm Director, Leicestershire

BACKROW MAX® PUSHES PRE-EM PERFORMANCE

TO THE LIMIT Strengthens the barrier against weed germination Prolongs the weed control period in wet conditions Boosts herbicide effectiveness in dry conditions Safeguards the crop from herbicide damage Backrow Max® is a registered trademark of Interagro (UK) Ltd

Scan the QR code to read about Keith’s story

www.interagro.co.uk

SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN BIOSTIMULANT

Arable

Crop Rooter® Plus 41 OF 47 INDEPENDENT TRIALS INCREASED YIELD

at us e Se

HN R JO CKE O 2 CR ALL H

www.ilex-envirosciences.com/crop-rooter-plus/

Need a whole farm recycling solution?

Harby Agriculture provides a simple & easy waste solution to suit your farm.

To find out more contact Harby Agriculture on 01664 444 189 or email helen@harby.co.uk

www.harby.co.uk Proud to be part of the Green Tractor Scheme

10 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

5

steps to tackle serious autumn slug threat

High slug numbers mean extra vigilance is needed to protect newly sown cereal crops this autumn, says Dick Neale.

S

lug populations have increased significantly after a wet summer, says Dick Neale, of agronomy company Hutchinsons.

Continued moist conditions this autumn have been in stark contrast to the past two years which were both much drier and lower risk.

“Continuous growth, breeding and egg laying, along with rapid volunteer growth and catch and cover crops have all combined to generate a significant population in almost all situations, not just after winter oilseed rape.”

Such high numbers make control more challenging. They require extra vigilance from growers and agronomists – especially during the crucial early stages of establishment when just a few minutes feeding on an individual seed or seedling can destroy the plant Post-emergence the above ground leaves can tolerate far more grazing and still survive.

“Ultimately, we will never control slugs,”says Mr Neale.

“The objective is to reduce the feeding population sufficiently to allow the newly sown crop to establish successfully.”

With this in mind, Mr Neale highlights five steps to help manage the risks from high slug populations this autumn.

1. Consolidate seedbeds Ensuring seedbeds are firm and well consolidated is the first step in reducing slug activity.

This makes it harder for them to move around and reduces the number of safe resting places compared with cloddy soils.

Doing so also improves seedto-soil contact, which will help crops establish faster and grow past the most susceptible stage for slug damage.

2. Monitor crops With high slug numbers in many fields, it is vital to check newly-sown crops frequently - possibly daily - to look for signs of damage, assess slug activity, and decide on pelleting requirements. Leave it too long between inspections and there may be no crop left to protect.

Ferric phosphate pellets work differently to metaldehyde, as slugs feed and crawl off into the soil to die, so are not visible on the soil surface.

This can make it harder to assess the effectiveness of pelleting strategies, other than through a reduction in crop damage, or the fact that all applied pellets have been eaten.

3. Ensure there are enough baiting points Slugs are generally random feeders. With higher

Late drilled rape needs nurturing

populations, it is imperative there are sufficient baiting points per square metre.

This increases the chances of slugs finding a pellet before the crop. In wet years like this, there acan be hundreds of slugs in a single square metre. This means one application of 40-50 or even 90 pellets may not be enough.

4. Repeat applications Equally, where pellets are being consumed very quickly, repeat applications may be necessary in order to maintain sufficient baiting points throughout the crop’s most vulnerable stage. Label restrictions vary, but many products cannot be reapplied within one week, so if a repeat application is needed before that, then products will have to be alternated.

5. Choose pellets wisely Pellet choice is not really an overriding issue when it comes to controlling high numbers, although in continuously wet conditions and frequent rainfall, pasta based pellets are more resilient than dry or steam processed pellets.

Recommended doses and the number of baiting points that dose will deliver do vary though, so consider options carefully. Some products also have limits on the number of applications that can be used, so always check the label carefully and consult your agronomist.

Slugs remain a concern on later drilled oilseed rape crops, with investment needed to get through the winter.

“The variable nature of oilseed rape makes it quite difficult to manage, especially in the autumn,” says Tom Astill of Bayer Cropscience. “You’ve got to manage it; it needs appropriate investment, but you don’t really know if you’ve got a crop until the spring.”

As well as slugs, cabbage stem flea beetle and rape winter stem weevil are also a risk, says Mr Astil.

“We’re trialling the use of Magic Traps in Lincolnshire and elsewhere around the country, which remotely monitor pests by taking photos of a trap and automatically evaluating what pests are present.”

Mr Astill says it will be interesting to see if the traps pick up any rape winter stem weevils – which could support insecticide decisions.

Disease risk in rape depends on variety, drilling date, weather and growth stage.

Later drilled crops will have higher risk from phoma, while light leaf spot will be more of a risk in earlier drilled crops. If you suspect light leaf spot, put leaves in a plastic bag and incubate in an airing cupboard for a few days to confirm.

“There could be higher risk of phoma this season with wetter weather, but varietal resistance on the whole is good, and larger crops should get away,” says Mr Astill.

Fungicide options to protect against Phoma, light leaf spot and powdery mildew, include Proline (prothioconazole) or Aviator Xpro (bixafen + prothioconazole), if needed.

AELS Bearings offers agricultural parts including: • CNH • Horsch • Simba • Kverneland • Agco • and many more!

• JCB after-market parts • Crankshafts • Tie Rods • Housed Bearings • Taper Roller Bearings • Belts & Chains • Pulleys & Sprockets • Metric & Imperial Ball Bearings • Oil Seals • Wheel Bearings • Disc Harrow Bearings All your power transmission needs Agricultural Lighting UFO Highbays with IK08 Poly Carbonate Shockproof Covering (ranging from 100-150-200 watts) Wall & Ceiling Battens IP65 Waterproof with Poly Carbon IK08 Shock Resistant Lens Exterior & Interior Floodlights (ranging from 50-200 watts) with options for • Security • Dusk till Dawn • Motion-Sensor Options

01777 860224

www.ledales.co.uk www.aelsbearings.com

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 11

Arable

‘Slug damage cut with silicon improved wheat’

W

heat seed enhanced with silicon means plants are stronger and more resisilient to slugs, suggests a study.

Trials by i2L show that applying the biostimulant Sirius boosts the natural level of silicon in wheat seed and strengthens the plant. Seedlings from this silicon-enhanced seed are stronger and more resilient to attack, it found.

Silicon is a natural element which plants actively take up to improve cell strength, cell adhesion and increase cuticle thickness – all of which improve plant health, making crops more resilient to pests such as slugs.

New benefit Previous trials using silicon to strengthen oilseed rape showed a reduction in cabbage stem flea beetle, whilst a similar study showed aphid reduction in sugar beet when silicon levels were increased.

“Silicon improves plant resilience to environmental stress and the trial data showed that plants treated with

Sirius also accumulated more silicon in seed,” says James Kennedy, managing director of manufacturers Orion FT. “The resulting increase of silicon in the seed translates to more silicon in the crop grown from that seed,” adds Mr Kennedy. “This is a major breakthrough and will offer a new benefit for those using Sirius.”

In the trial, seedlings grown from wheat treated with Sirius that had higher levels of silicon, were compared to an untreated sample. Slug feeding reduced from 65% to 45%. The emerging crop was also sprayed with silicon to create a physical barrier.

“This reduced feeding on the untreated seed sample to 32%,” says Mr Kennedy. “But the seed taken from the previous crop with higher silicon levels reduced slug feeding to just 23%, almost a third of the damage seen in the untreated crop.”

Drilling seed from a crop treated with Sirius, and subsequently spraying it post-emergence with silicon, showed the greatest benefit to early

More silicon in the seed means more silicon in the crop

“

This is a major breakthrough

season crop management when slugs were a threat, said Mr Kennedy.

“We recommend applying Sirius at a rate of half a litre per hectare, at an approximate cost of £20 per application. To benefit in the early autumn, apply soon after crop emergence at growth stage 11-13, follow-up applications can be beneficial.

“Sirius does not alter the pH of a solution, so it is easy to tank mix, which eliminates the necessity for multiple spray passes.”

Manufacturers of centrifugal, low volume and portable fans, air tunnels, drive over floors, grain stirrers and gas burners.

• Store hygiene • Post harvest treatment of stored crop

Potato and crop storage treatments protecting your profits since 1971 Unit 4, Five Mile Business Park, Washinborough, Lincoln LN4 1BF Tel: 01522 797222 Email: info@storedcrop.co.uk www.storedcrop.co.uk 12 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

PELLCROFT www.pellcroft.com sales@pellcroft.com 01526 342466

ROBIN APPEL LTD The Independent Grain Merchant

The spring crop with a valuable appeal • Maple • Green

• Yellow • Marrowfat

PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION Andrew Brown 01489 896388 andrew@robin-appel.com

Arable

How to choose SFI options that fit your farm • Look at what you're already doing • Be clear what you want to achieve • Don't choose options for payment

A

rable growers are being encouraged to make sure they choose the right options available under the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

More than 150 growers attending a recent open day in Cambridgeshire examined some of the latest opportunities within the SFI – and how to select the options that deliver the greatest benefits to individual farm businesses.

Organised byagronomy company Hutchinsons, the event was hosted

by PF England & Son on the family’s 180ha farm at Warboys. Growers were advised to approach the SFI by keeping it simple at the start and build things up gradually.

“There are many SFI options that can help mitigate the loss of BPS, but you have to do what’s right for your farm and not just chase the payments on offer,” said Hutchinsons environmental services specialist Matt Powell.

“Begin by looking at what you are doing on the farm already, and then identify where it might be possible to integrate options that align with the aims of the business, whether that’s soil health, the environment, or crop productivity.

“Be clear about what you’re doing it for, and what you want from it, rather than simply doing the bare minimum to ‘tick a box’ that will get you the most money.”

Easy wins There could be some easy wins though, especially where SFI options cover things that farmers are – or should be – doing already. Red Tractor standards, for example, require an Integrated Pest Management Plan to be in place.

“The SFI offers £989 per year towards this, said Mr Powell. “Likewise, for farmers already assessing soils on a regular basis and doing a soil man-

Select options that deliver the most benefits, says Matt Powell Left: Notice boards at the open day outlined advice for growers

“

Do what’s right for your farm

agement plan, there’s £5.80/ha, plus £95 per agreement, available towards that.”

Mr Powell acknowledges that the soils payment has been reduced from previous rates. But he says it is still worth doing, not least because understanding soils is fundamental to growing productive crops.

“Don’t forget, payments are often designed to subsidise the cost of doing various options, rather than being set at a level where it’s a moneymaking exercise.”

While some payments would go towards things that farmers are doing already, other options could be used as a catalyst for change, to deliver wider benefits for soil health, the environment, or crop yields.

Careful thought is needed though, to select options that maximise these wider benefits, said Mr Powell.

Continued overleaf NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 15

Arable “Both brown and white mustard are brassicas, but brown mustard produces softer stems that generally snap easily when you drill into the cover; whereas white mustard produces more lignified, upright stems that can be problematic if not managed correctly.

“Nutrients in brown mustard may also be released more readily than in white mustard due to the latter taking longer to breakdown. Both have a place, but must be used appropriately.”

Fodder and tillage radishes are another example.

Both produc a “punchy” tap root that could penetrate the soil profile, but tillage radish generally has a shorter growth habit than the tall stems of fodder radish Tjos could pose issues for those looking to direct drill into cover with a tined machine.

“Again, these examples highlight the importance of taking your time to get any SFI option right, rather than just doing the minimum to chase the money available,” said Mr Neale.

Continued from previous page

Weighing up options Cover crops are a prime example of why it is important to target measures to individual situations, said Mr Powell.

Multi-species winter cover crops are likely to be a popular SFI option among arable farmers. they attract an annual payment of £129/ha under the 2023 scheme. But again care must be taken to decide the most appropriate eligible mix.

“If you’ve not grown cover crops before, it’s worth trying a small area first, and maybe experiment with two or three different mixes to see what works in your soils and growing conditions “Multi-species mixes are best, because if you compromise on the number of species, there is a greater risk that you don’t achieve the cover required if there are problems during establishment.”

Hutchinsons technical manager Dick Neale says anyone considering SFI cover crop options must be clear about what they want to achieve – and their own growing conditions – before 16 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

deciding on the most species mix and management approach.

Leguminous plants, for example, often struggled to perform immediately on soils that had not grown legumes for a number of years, due to the lack of rhizospheric bacteria needed for nitrogen fixing symbiosis in the soil, says Mr Neale.

This has been seen at the Warboys site, which features trials of several cover mixes eligible for SFI options, such as legume fallow, which is worth £593/ha.

In such cases, Mr Neale says it is better to introduce legumes slowly to let bacteria populations build, rather than going all-in with a legume-based option that may then struggle to establish, potentially jeopardising the payment.

Species There are also key differences within individual plant species that were important to recognise. Mustard, which is in many cover crop mixes, is just one example, explains Mr Neale.

Carbon is crucial for healthy soils, says Dick Neale

“

Multi-species cover crop mixes are best

Other benefits The annual payment available via the SFI is just one of many wider benefits that cover crops can offer to soil health, nutrition and following crops.

Quantifying these is challenging, but a cover crop assessment can give a valuable insight.

Analysis of a MaxiCatchCrop mix grown at the Warboys site found that it had put on 22.8t/ha of freshweight in a 6-8 week period between the end of July and September, equivalent to 5 t/ha dry weight.

This contained 1.6 t/ha of carbon, equivalent to around 20 t/ha of farmyard manure, said Mr Neale.

“It just shows, that even with a relatively short-lived catch crop, it is possible for an arable farm without livestock to grow large amounts of its own carbon, which is so crucial to feeding healthy soils.”

The analysis also revealed that the cover contained 143 kg/ha of nitrogen, 115 kg/ha potassium and 15 kg/ha phosphate. Mr Neale says the plants have taken a lot of that nutrition out of the soil – but it isn’t not being lost.

“It’s surprising how quickly that material will breakdown and release nutrients back into the soil, providing you’ve chosen the right mix and manage it correctly from sowing through to termination.

“The economic value of cover and catch crops can be significant, but it’s difficult to demonstrate, so if you’re growing a cover crop, it’s worth getting it assessed to see what the cover is delivering.”

Crop drying, ventilation and storage systems specialists.

Flach & Le-Roy Ltd is an industry leader in designing and delivering high performance drying, ventilation & storage systems.

We have been supplying top quality drive-on and box store drying and storage installations to the arable farming industry globally for over 27 years and our business is continuing to grow.

Drive-on Floor Systems • Letter Box Duct Systems • Control Systems Centrifugal & Axial-Flow Fans • Gas Burners • Walling Systems

35 years experience in the industry

10 year Guarantee Manufactured in England

“Drive on Dry off ” systems

Flach & Le-Roy Ltd

Telephone: 01480 495956 Mobile: 07774 141512 Email: enquiries@flruk.com Website: www.flr-cropdrying.com

J & B G ra y P a ilto n P a s tu r e s F a r m P a ilto n , R u g b y W a r w ic k s h ir e CV23 0QN

INDEPENDENT TASCCIndependent ASSURED GRAIN STORE TASCC assured grain store within 3 miles of junctions on the Located within 3 milesLocated of junctions on the M1, M6, M1,M6, M69 and A14.

M69 and A14.

We can offer individual storage. Drying and

We can offer individual storage. Drying and cleaning cleaning facilities. Handling of infested loads as facilities. Handling of infested loadscereals as well as rolling well as rolling and pulses on site. cereals and pulses on site.

Agents fomoisture DICKEYjohnmeters moisture meters Agents for DICKEYjohn The DICKEYjohn Mini GAC 2500 The DICKEYjohn Mini GAC 2500 The Mini GAC 2500 hand-held has proved proved to be The Mini GAC 2500 hand-held has the UK’s most accurate moisture meter. to be the Consistently UK’s mostproving accurate moisture its accuracy and reliability meter. Consistently proving its accuracy andis using the lasest 149MHz technology and than similar UK technology models. reliability using thecheaper lasest 149MHz and is cheaper than similar UK models.

Offering a range of agricultural and commercial trailers for sale, including: • Low Loaders • Dump Trailers • Multi Purpose Trailers • Pallet/Bale Trailers • Dropside Tipping Trailers • Half Pipe Tipping Trailers • Hydraulic Beavertrail Trailers • Fuel Bowsers

Email : store@jbgrayfarming.co.uk

Email : store@jbgrayfarming.co.uk Tel: 07973 159903 Visit our website at: 159903 Tel: 07973 www.graygrainstorage.co.uk Visit our website at:

To discuss your next trailer, contact us today

& 028 8776 7410 ) info@pftrailers.co.uk 8 www.pftrailers.co.uk

www.graygrainstorage.co.uk

TRACK

&

www.envirotyre.com Collection & environmental recycling of agri, truck, industrial, car tyres & tracks. Suppliers of heavy-duty sidewalls for silage clamps.

Collection throughout the UK. PLEASE CALL 0345 331 2747 18 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Arable

Two-pass strategy ensures best start for oilseed rape • Lower costs and higher yields • Much better establishment rate • Good results and no disturbance

A

two-pass strategy is giving early drilled oilseed rape the best opportunity to grow away from pests on a Staffordshire farm.

The approach is saving time, fuel and labour – and improving soil health, says Staffordshire farmer David Roberts, of DS Roberts and Son. It follows the purchase of a Multicast Duo and Multicast 200 applicators to establish the crop.

The strategy has resulted in higher rape yields. It involves the simultaneous application of a companion crop and slug pellets with direct drilled rapeseed into stubble – with good results and minimal soil disturbance.

Mr Roberts runs the 400ha fourthgeneration family farm near Tamworth in partnership with his father Denis. Two seasonal staff are employed to share the workload at busier times of the year.

Establishing high-yielding winter crops is a key goal. “Our current rotation is two wheats followed by oilseed rape, which although agronomically challenging, is still the most profitable rotation for the business.

Applicators Up until 2021 Mr Roberts still employed a minimum tillage approach to rape establishment using a subsoiler and followed by two passes with a cultivator to prepare the soil before drilling. Slug pellets were applied separately, so was rolling.

“Together with occasional poor weather post-harvest, this often delayed our rape establishment, pushing the rape crop back several weeks and putting us under pressure during an already congested early autumn window.

“With a lengthier rape establishment process, we also needed extra labour to complete the task, so when we lost one of our seasonal staff in 2021 the idea of simplifying the whole process from six or seven passes to just two was a logical move.”

To get the rape away earlier and reduce some of upfront costs, Mr Roberts purchased two new applicators from Cambridgeshire based manufacturer Techneat Engineering, mounting a Multicast Duo on the front linkage of a John Deere 8370R tractor.

Formerly known as the Terracast Duo, the Multicast Duo uses two separate tanks, metering units and control systems.

Cover crop This enables Mr Roberts to apply rapeseed and a cover crop mix of buck wheat, Berseem clover and fenugreek that is direct drilled into stubble using a rear-mounted Cousins low-disturbance drill.

The Multicast 200 – originally marketed by Techneat as the Terracast V2 – is mounted on top of the Cousins machine via a T-frame. It is used to apply slug pellets in the same pass.

Both applicators use powerful hydraulic fans and Garmin GPS speed controllers to ensure each product is accurately applied via a distribution header.

“From an operator perspective the applicators were quick to set up, easy to calibrate and with in-cab control systems it’s easy to monitor application rates and check when you’re going to need to refill the hoppers.

Top: The twopass system takes just a week to establish 140ha of oilseed rape Inset: Three in-cab rate controllers monitor the rapeseed, companion crop and slug pellets.

Below: Staffordshire farmer David Roberts says the new system has helped boost yields

“As our first tractor lifts a band of soil to establish the rapeseed in, simultaneously applying slug pellets and the companion crop, our second tractor follows behind with a set of rolls to roll the new crop down tight – effectively sealing in any moisture.

Key pests The two-pass strategy has been used to establish more 130ha of oilseed rape in the past two seasons. “It has successfully enabled us to get the rape away earlier, helping it to grow away from key pests such as cabbage stem flea beetle and slugs.”

“The applicators have ensured that what was once three separate tasks is now a single pass. And with the ability to establish 140ha of rape in a single week, bad weather is less of a factor when it comes to getting the crop in the ground.

“Although time saving is the key driver for us, it’s hard to ignore the economic benefits of reduced fuel and less labour, as well as the environmental pluses of protecting our soil,” says Mr Roberts.

“In 2021, using the minimum tillage approach of several passes to establish our rape we achieved average rape yields of 3.7t/ha. But the new two-pass approach and direct drilling into stubble saw us achieved average yields of 4.1t/ha this year.”

Beyond lengthening some of the pipework when setting up the applicators, no special modifications were required, and Techneat was hands-on in helping us with advice and support on tray testing once we were ready to calibrate.

“Given our initial success we may extend the use of the applicators to apply starter fertiliser when establishing our winter wheat or possibly on winter beans, should we decide to widen our current rotation to include pulses.”

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 19

Arable

Consider boron in your rape crop this autumn

C

hallenging conditions for oilseed rape are making it increasingly important to maintain the momentum of established crops this autumn.

Crop nutrition expert say growers should pay special attention to foliar nutrition – and in particular boron – to ensure oilseed rape is sufficiently robust ahead of winter months and has the best chance of withstanding cabbage stem flea beetle.

“Larger rape plants are much more likely to withstand the adult grazing and larval phase of flea beetle attack and will be more robust when it comes to freezing temperatures,” says Chris Bond, product manager for crop nutrition and plant health at FMC.

Nutrient deficiency FMC carries out annual tissue testing to monitor trends in crop nutrients. In recent years, it has identified declining levels of boron in rape. In 2021, 26% of tested crops were deficient.

This year it jumped to 42%.

“Over the past three years we’ve seen boron deficiency creeping up,” says Mr Bond. The micronutrient is particularly important after the fourleaf stage because it influences crop growth and frost resilience over winter by strengthening cell walls.”

“

We’ve seen boron deficiency creeping up

Join us at

BP2023

Now available with integrated optical sorting

THE COMPLETE HANDLING SOLUTION

FROM FIELD TO PACK

> Cleaning & Grading > Washing & Polishing > Box Handling

www.tongengineering.com e: sales@tongengineering.com t: +44 (0)1790 752771

20 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

‘Good choice’ Mr Bond recommends an autumn apLeft: Boron deficiency levels creeping up, plication of boron mixed with other says Chris Bond, FMC product manager micronutrients to optimise Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and give the crop a boost.

Boron also has a part to play in flow“Bo-La is a mixture of boron and ering, explains Mr Bond. “Although molybdenum, which can address boron flowering is quite a way off, the rape deficiencies but also help boost NUE starts to develop florets at the base of as in order to take up nitrogen, molybthe plant as early as the autumn – so denum is needed,” he says. making sure the plant has enough bo“If you’re looking for a ‘multi-viron to influence this is important as it tamin’ for your crop, Stoker is a good ultimately could impact yield.” choice. It contains boron and molybdeAbove: Foliar nutrition vital for robust crop (picture Blackthorn Arable)

num but also manganese and magnesium, which support photosynthesis, and sulphur which is another important element.

Rape crops come under heavy fire in the autumn and winter months – but a small investment in foliar nutrition can give crops a boost and help them emerge from the winter in a competitive state, adds Mr Bond.

“These products can be applied with other crop protection products, such as autumn fungicides or grass weed programs,” he explains.

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 21

Arable

How stacked spray programme can tackle resistant ryegrass • Trials shed new light on solutions • Weed can be managed successfuly • Use all available tools in the field

A

stacked and sequenced spray programme applied accurately in favourable conditions can help combat resistant ryegrass, says an agronomist.

Rob Adamson of Procam says a careful balance of cultural controls, herbicide choice and adequate soil moisture will help growers get on top of the troublesome weed – despite increasing concerns of it spreading.

Ryegrass can be tricky to control even in a good eyar. Resistant strains are becoming increasingly common and ryegrass produces a huge number of highly dormant seeds which germinate continuously throughout the year.

Worrying levels “Last year’s warm and dry conditions, paired with a migration back towards early drilling, meant many pre-emergence treatments ran out of steam and were ineffective against later germinating seeds,” says Mr Adamson.

22 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

“Across the country, we saw worrying levels of ryegrass because of a lack of soil moisture which prevented herbicides from working as they should.

This is a perfect storm in areas worst affected by resistant ryegrass, including Essex.”

But Mr Adamson says there is hope.

Despite a diminished toolbox of effective herbicides, ProCam trials show that even high populations of ryegrass with tough resistance profiles can be managed in winter wheat.

The trials purposely targeted challenging ryegrass populations to determine how various herbicide stacks perform under the worst pressure possible. They reinforced the importance of stacking herbicides with different modes of action.

“Historically, flufenacet has been the core component of ryegrass programmes – but there are increasing instances of poor efficacy. A diversity of other molecules used in mixture or sequence is therefore essential.”

Diverse mixture Mr Adamson says diverse mixture can effectively overcome the resistance.

The registration of Luxinum Plus (cinmethylin) last year provides a useful alternative and gives growers and agronomists a reprieve from the reliance on flufenacet.

“Our trials – which are also being carried out next year – clearly showed that cinmethylin is inherently the strongest molecule on ryegrass. However, a lot still depends on the availability of soil moisture to enable cinmethylin to be effective.

“Because ryegrass germinates continuously, one application of one active ingredient will not provide seasonlong protection. An over-reliance on cinmethylin will also expose it to the risk of resistance developing, which we must work hard to avoid.”

Growers should therefore consider a sequence of treatments – utilising both this new molecule alongside other modes of action. And when conditions are dry, Procam trials suggest preserving the strongest tool in the box until moisture is available.

This doesn’t mean that pre-emergence treatments should be excluded, but that actives with good levels of persistence such as diflufenican and alco-

“

It's a perfect storm in worst-affected areas

Procam trials purposely targeted challenging ryegrass populations

nifen (Proclus) should be deployed at this timing instead.

“That way, the stacked programme will get off to an early start, with cinmethylin still available to be used when soil moisture is more readily available,” says Mr Adamson.

At post-emergence, when moisture levels were improving, the trials indicated that Luxinum Plus and Parade (pendimethalin and picolinafen) gave good levels of control as a follow-up to Liberator (flufenacet and diflufenican) and Proclus.

Alternatively, where Luxinum is deployed first, the three-way combination of chlorotoluron, diflufenican and pendimethalin in Tower provided a robust follow-up. In both scenarios, programmes benefitted from using five or six actives.

Pre-emergence Avadex was also shown to have a good benefit at the pre-emergence timing, taking the total number of active ingredients available to seven.

“Even in high-pressure scenarios, deploying a stacked and sequenced programme of cinmethylin used alongside a diverse range of other modes of action enabled the two trials to achieve 94% and 99% control of ryegrass populations,” says Mr Adamson.

“A lot hinges on how the season unfolds, with the decision on when and which actives to use dependent on when rain falls and when subsequent flushes of weeds are likely to emerge,” he explains.

If the season starts off dry, the strongest active should be preserved.

On the other hand, if conditions are wet from the outset and weed germination is likely to happen sooner, the strongest option should be used first.

“Either way, a stack and sequence is critical to maximise the duration of activity, and minimise later flushes of troublesome grass weeds.”

Cultural controls help get most from herbicides The chemical toolbox is only part of the story for successful ryegrass management, says Rob Adamson (pictured above). “Success is judged on the number of grass ears and subsequent seed return in the summer,” he adds.

Preventing any ryegrass weeds that successfully establish from tillering too heavily is essential to the protection of subsequent crops.

This comes down to ensuring the current crop is as competitive as possible.

Seedbed preparation, crop nutrition and drilling date all important considerations, says Mr Adamson. “The protracted germination of ryegrass means that, unlike in a blackgrass situation, delayed drilling is not as useful.

“Although this tactic will still give an

opportunity for a stale seedbed to be established, it could be counter-productive if the crop is drilled too late, as this would allow competitive ryegrass plants to overpower the weaker and thinner wheat seedlings.

“Thankfully, recent weather conditions mean there’s good soil moisture available this year, which means there should be the opportunity for growers to remove the first flush of ryegrass and to drill wheat into a clean seedbed.

Any subsequent weed growth should then be nearer the pre-emergence application.

“In the worst affected regions, it will make sense to use cinmethylin – the strongest active – pre-emergence to get ryegrass control off to the strongest possible start.”

Tel: 01455 891929

M I D Business Centre/Sapcote Rd, Burbage, Hinckley LE10 2AU

Nationwide Service

www.multiindustrialdoors.co.uk sales@multiindustrialdoors.co.uk

• Galvanised Roller Shutters

• Steel Fire Exit Doors

• Plastisol Colour Coated Roller Shutters

• Fast Acting High Speed Doors

• Insulated Roller Shutters

• Dock Leveller/Loading Bay Installations

• Sectional Overhead Doors

• PVC Strip Curtains

• Steel 10 Point Locking Security/Personnel Door

• and many more products

INDUSTRIAL DOOR Specialists

Manufacture • Service • Installation

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 23

Arable

High vigour wheat varieties could combat blackgrass Variety choice is the key to success

D

rilling high-vigour winter wheat varieties in the New Year could be a viable option for producers battling to get blackgrass problems under control this autumn.

With 2023 being a particularly bad year for the weed, drilling until as late as February could allow for cultural and chemical weed controls to work to their best advantage, says Sarah Hawthorne, of seed breeder DSV. But variety choice for the subsequent crop is critical, she warns. “Last year was almost perfect for blackgrass to take hold and there are real concerns over high seed burdens carried over in many parts of the country.

“While many have managed to drill much of their land as planned, others have stubborn areas where spring cropping is being considered. But latedrilled winter wheat crops have a lot going for them with varieties that can drilled as late as February with very little drop in yield.

“Spring crops can also affect planned rotations for several years, whereas with a later drilled winter wheat crop, as long as you pay correct attention to management, conventional harvest dates should not be affected too much.”

Latest harvest results Group 4 wheats DSV Champion and DSV Oxford have mid-February as their latest safe drilling dates on the latest AHDB recommended list. In fact, DSV Champion delivers a yield of 107% and DSV Oxford 105% of con-

24 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Right: Variety choice is always important, says Sarah Hawthorne Below: DSV Champion: perfectly suited to later drilling windows

“

It has the highest scores on the list

trols when drilled after 1 November.

“Champion is the highest yielding Group 4 hard wheat when drilled after 1 November and the second highest overall on the list in this drilling slot,” says Ms Hawthorne.

AHDB recommended list harvest results for 2023 show DSV Champion achieved the joint highest yield overall with 106% of control for the season and five-year average. DSV Oxford is not too far behind at 105% of controls for 2023 and 104% for the five year average.

When it comes to late-sown performance in the harvest results, DSV Oxford achieved a yield of 108% of controls when drilled on the 27th of January, at the trial site at Terrington, Norfolk. And both DSV Champion and Oxford yielded 106% of controls at Framlingham, Suffolk – the second highest score for the trials site – from plots drilled on 2 December.

Disease pressure The high vigour and robust agronomy packages that suit both varieties to the later drilling slot are the direct result of the location of DSV’s UK breeding station in Wardington, Oxfordshire, says Ms Hawthorne.

“Wardington-bred varieties experience higher disease pressure than many others in the UK, so new wheat varieties emerging from it have greater exposure to more testing growing conditions and associated diseases.

“DSV Oxford’s yield of 104% of controls on the current RL sits just

behind DSV Champion’s 106%, with particularly strong performance seen in the West at 105% and a very strong overall untreated yield of 89%.

Protein content is 11.3% which is exceptional for a such a high yielding Group 4 and specific weight is 76.0 kg/ hl which is acceptable for this type of variety, particularly when considering its outright yield.

“On the disease resistance front, DSV Oxford scored a 9 for yellow rust resistance in the new recommended list. This is complemented by a sound overall agronomic package including 6 for mildew and fusarium resistance with the added benefit of OWBM resistance.”

Development speed DSV Champion is the highest yielding Group 4 feed wheat on the 2023/24 RL with a yield 106.3% of controls, says Ms Hawthorne.

“When it comes to later drilling, it has the highest scores on the list, being five days ahead of the average in terms of speed of development to growth stage 31.

“It’s also the top variety when drilled on heavy soils and second on light soils which shows its versatility and suitability to a wide range of sites.

“It has a medium length straw, with very little lodging seen over five years of trials in the UK and it boasts some of the best scores for yellow rust and Septoria on the RL with orange wheat blossom midge resistance, too.

“All these contribute to it achieving an untreated yield 93% of controls.”

Openfield’s Duncan Durno says DSV Champion is perfectly suited to later drilling windows.

G.R. BOURNE & SON DITCHING, DRAINAGE & GROUNDWORKS CONTRACTOR G.R. BOURNE NE R. BOUR G. DITCHING & DR AINAG

E CO CTOR RAOR NTCT CORA ENT New Cut Ditching /CH AINAG &ditching DeING epe DIT nin gDR and Re-PrReNew cut • Deepening ks / Mudding Ban g ofil filin ing Pro Ban ks / Mu and dding g / Deepening hin Ditc 360 Exc New Cut avators 8-20 tonne + 15m ch Rea g Lon g•Rea + 15m • Re-profiling banks Mudding ch tonne Lon 8-20 Ree360 orskets d Cutt avat Excing Buc & Tree She arsShears & Tree Reed Cutting Buckets Spil sby, Lincolnshire and tree shears Reed cutting buckets Spilsby, Lincolnshire Tel: 079615

38107 or 017548906 54890683 61538107 or 01783 Email glyn Tel: nbo079 urne @btinternet internet.com Email glynnbourne@bt.com

360 excavators 8-20 tonne + 15m long reach

T: 07961 538107 or 01754 890683 E: glynnbourne@btinternet.com Spilsby, Lincolnshire

GIVE OUR FRIENDLY TEAM A CALL TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU!

Providing a complete range of automation services. From the supply of robotics to the repair of a bag stitcher and diagnosis of a panel fault, no task is beyond our team.

AGRISTACK PALLETISERS Fast, reliable and robust, suited to all types of packaging

STRONG AGRICULTURAL ROOTS, SIMPLICITY & RELIABILITY WITH A PERSONALISED APPROACH

01945 479 388 • 07584 055 341 info@agristack.co.uk • www.bradleyengineeringltd.co.uk Middle Drove Enterprise Park, Middle Drove, Wisbech, PE14 8JT NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 25

UK MANUFACTURER OF

RUBBER & POLYURETHANE COMPONENTS We are on

Stand 156

at BP2023

STARS & DISCS

SEGMENTS & COILS

SPONGE PRODUCTS

ROLLERS

PINTLE PRODUCTS

TRACK WHEELS & TYRES

WEB DRIVES

01480 49 61 61 sales@cliftonrubber.com www.cliftonrubber.com

One Machine.

Many possibilities.

Proceed is a whole new category of seeding machinery. With an unmatched level of precision, it works with full capacity to fit every farmer’s needs. This one machine can increase the yield potential of a full range of crops, such as cereals, oilseed rape, sugar beet, peas, maize and more. Proceed simply offers more than any previous seeding machine, making farmers ready for a fast-changing future.

Proceed

Wheat

Barley

Beans

Maize

Oats

OSR

Rye

Sugar beet

And many more Sunflower

Learn more at vaderstad.com

26 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

No-till

Min-till

Strip-till

Full-till

Cover crop farming

Conservation Agriculture

Regenerative farming

Organic farming

Potatoes and root crops Event organisers gear up for British Potato extravaganza • Industry showcase welcomes visitors • Two-day exhibition of latest products • Networking opportunities for farmers

F

inal touches are being put to this month’s British Potato event, which takes place on 22-23 November at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

The two-day industry extravaganza brings together thousands of visitors with scores of businesses from across the potato sector – making it an important networking opportunity for everyone in growing, handling, processing and retailing the crop.

Exhibitors will include Pace Mechanical Handling, which designs and installs robotic and automated packing lines. The company has already confirmed that 2023 will be its bestever year, with interest from the potato industry playing a significant part in its success.

Record turnover “Orders from potato growers and packers represent about a third of our sales in 2023, so it’s a very important sector for us, and we’re looking forward to exhibiting at the British Potato event,” says Pace managing director Nick Cesare.

“We’ve had an excellent year so far, and in the first eight months of 2023, we have beaten our previous best year, which was 2018, when we saw turnover reach seven figures. I think we’ve benefited from several factors.

“Potato packers and growers are looking for ways to cope with labour shortages, and they’re looking to pack more quickly and effectively. Automation and robotic packing and palletising are therefore increasingly popular with them.”

One potato grower who has benefited from installing a bespoke Pace packing line is Lincolnshire-based OGE Chapman & Son, which supplies potatoes to fish and chips shops.

It uses the system to grade and pack potatoes into 25kg sacks, which are

then placed on the pallet.

“We installed the Pace palletising system five years ago, and it was one of the best things we’ve done,” says Jamie Chapman.

“We needed to reduce our labour costs, so, with Nick’s help, we installed a sack placer and stitch line. ”

Reliable machine By installing the sack placer, the company no longer needed a man there to do the job, says Mr Chapman.

“As that person was checking the quality of the stitching, we installed a stitch line too. Stitching can be temperamental, but the machine never lets us down.”

As well as reducing labour, the Pace system has increased Chapman & Son’s capacity and throughput.

“On a good day, we can pack up to 100 tonnes. Before, this would have been two days’ work.”

New products Meanwhile, potato handling experts Haith Group will launch several new products at this year’s show. They will include the company’s new potato dryer and the latest version of its Queen’s Award-winning Rota-Tip. Visitors will be the first to find out about the Haith ProDry, which uses an innovative fan and belt system to

The event brings together all the major players from the British potato sector

“

It's a very important sector for us

speed up potato drying time.

As well as being quicker than conventional sponge dryers, the new new system eliminates any potential bacteria build-up.

Haith’s 2024 version of its market-leading Rota-Tip box tippler has been enhanced by introducing an infeed and out-feed box stacking and destacking functionality, which speeds up the box emptying process and dramatically reduces forklift movements.

Haith sales manager Rob Highfield said: “Our new potato dryer and the 2024 version of the Rota-tip have been developed in response to customer feedback and so should attract a great deal of interest from people looking for the latest innovations in potato handling.”

Advance tickets for the British Potato event are free and give visitors fast-track access on the day. To register for your ticket, visit www.bp2023.co.uk.

Packing specialist celebrates double milestone One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of packaging machinery will celebrate two significant milestones at this year’s British Potato event.

GIC will mark 30 years of producing intermittent vertical form fill and seal packaging machines machines. It will also celebrate 20 years of manufacturing continuous motion machines when it attends the event at Harrogate.

“This year’s British Potato Show coincides with two very special milestones for us,” says GIC

managing director Andy Beal. “The design of both machines has changed considerably over the years, but our focus on manufacturing high-quality machines that offer efficiency, longevity and reliability has not wavered.”

The company’s latest machine will be taking centre stage on Stand 230 in Hall 2 at the show. It is a high-speed continuous motion vertical form fill and seal packaging machine capable of cycling at 100 packs per minute.

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 27

Potatoes and root crops

Progress in quest to lower potato carbon footprint

P

otato supplier Branston says it is novel fertilisers as well as the potential making good progress in reduc- for reducing fertiliser inputs and recying the carbon footprint of the cling nutrition in the field.” crop – from growing through to storIn both these trial fields, researchage and transport. ers established a base-line plot with no Climate change, increasingly unpre- nitrogen applied. They then set up furdictable weather events and consumer ther plots with varying levels of nitroexpectations are focusing the attention gen application, from both conventionof the potato supply chain on the tran- al and novel sources. sition to net zero, says Andrew Blair, “We’re already noticing differencfield technical manager at the UK’s es in the colour and vigour of the canlargest potato supplier. opies, and it will be interesting to see Funded by Innovate UK, Branston is what variation we get in yield at harmid-way through a three-year net zero vest,” says Mr Blair. project – working with growers as well as agritech firm B-hive Innovations, Nutrition levels the University of Lincoln, and crop Scientists are also assessing how much storage technologists Crop Systems. nitrogen can feed through the leaf as The goal is to establish a production the crop is growing. New technoloprocess that will achieve the lowest pos- gy such as R-leaf has the potential to sible greenhouse gas emissions while change the way growers, agronomists still producing a commercially viable and scientists think about crop nutricrop, says Mr Blair. tion, says Mr Blair.

In this year’s Net Zero field trials Developed by Crop Intellect, this – undertaken with&David photosynthetic Service RepairArmstrong of root crop handling machinerycatalyst is sprayed onto Farms in Lincolnshire and Arbikie the leaf – turning atmospheric gases Farming in Scotland – our main focus such as nitrous oxide, nitric oxide and Service & Repair of root crop handling machinery is on optimising crop nutrition. Nitronitrogen dioxide into nitrate that can gen fertiliser is an essential element in be used by the plant.

Service & Repair of root crop handling machinery growing a crop of potatoes, but has a significant carbon footprint.

Real-time analysis “As with most other conventional “R-leaf could enable growers to reduce field crops, a good dose of fertiliser is the fertiliser application at planting needed to encourage plant growth and knowing they can top up through the boost production,” says Mr Blair. growing season,” adds Mr Blair.

“We are looking at the potential to “We’re evaluating a new system reduce reliance on synthetic fertilis- from Piketa, which will give in-field, reers through of different trials – from al-time nutrient analysis via the leaves.

With over 50 years’ 50crop years’ experience inWith theover root With over 50 experience years’ in the root crop handling industry, specialists industry, specialists experience in thehandling root crop of machinery. machinery. handling of industry, specialists of

machinery.

us on3a stand Visit us onVisit stand 1753a 175 LAMMA 2017 Visit us onat stand 3a at 175 LAMMA 2017

Reductions in emissions are possible across the supply chain, says Branston.

This has the potential to save the cost of lab analysis and allow growers to respond immediately by feeding the crop what it needs when it needs it.

“The carbon footprint of producing synthetic nitrogen fertiliser is already well documented. What we’re particularly interested in for the Net Zero project is what happens as the crop grows and the fertiliser breaks down in the soil.

“On this project we’re working closely with Lincoln university looking at soil health and gaseous emissions at field scale throughout the growing season.”

Nitrous oxide – a greenhouse has 265 times more potent than carbon dioxide – is released from the soil as synthetic nitrogen-based fertiliser is broken down. Lincoln university is measuring this greenhouse gas throughout the growing season across all the fertiliser plots.

“They are also collecting and analysing the CO2 and other gases that are released from the soil, across the fertiliser trial and the range of different types of cultivations that are also part of the net zero field trial.”

Sprayed Foam Insulation Specialists

at LAMMA 2017

01406 350608 Stand 201 sales@statechsolutionsltd.co.uk 01406 350608 We provide electrical and mechanical www.statechsolutionsltd.co.uk 01406 350608

FOR A FREE QUOTE CALL:

01405 812682

maintenance breakdown support Unitand 4, Railway Lane, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincs PE12 9UN sales@statechsolutionsltd.co.uk ales@statechsolutionsltd.co.uk Polyurethane sprayed foam insulation leaders for all root crop handing machinery. www.statechsolutionsltd.co.uk Crop stores, workshops, barns. Frost damage www.statechsolutionsltd.co.uk Also supply a wide variety of spares.

protection, insulation upgrades, condensation.

01406 350608 www.statechsolutionsltd.co.uk sales@statechsolutionsltd.co.uk

info@webstersinsulation.com www.webstersinsulation.com

Unit 4, Railway Lane, Spalding, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincs PE12 9UN it 4, Railway Lane, Sutton Bridge, Lincs PE12 9UN

Unit 4, Railway Lane, Sutton Bridge, Spalding, Lincs PE12 9UN 28 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Crow Tree Farm, Crow Tree Bank, Thorne Levels, Doncaster, S. Yorkshire, DN8 5TF

Why

?

The only completely natural product.

Stand-alone.

Truly sustainable.

Excellent efficacy.

Sequesters carbon during growth.

Flexibility of timing.

Minimal weight loss in store.

Curative and preventative.

No MRL. One day withholding period.

No persistent residues on crops or in stores.

Technical Manual

Approved for use on organic crops.

May be used in multi-use stores.

The logical choice.

Peter Hall peter@junopp.com 07973 172 722

Nick Tapp nick@junopp.com 07775 785 748

MAPP 16021 www.junopp.com

Potatoes and root crops

New chief executive for British potato growers

A

n independent organisation set up to represent growers following the demise of AHDB Potatoes has appointed its first chief executive.

Former NFU Scotland chief executive Scott Walker took up the new role with GB Potatoes last month.

With some 25 years of experience in the farming sector, he brings a wealth of experience to the new body.

Strategic plan GB Potatoes was established after growers and processors voted to abolish AHDB Potatoes – the sector based body run by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

The board of GB Potatoes said it was delighted to welcome Mr Walker to the organisation and looked forward to working with him to develop the organisation’s strategic plans and day-to-day activity to benefit members and the industry at large.

The part-time role of chief executive at GB Potatoes complements Mr Walker’s other part-time work with the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, where he leads on engagement with government bodies, the supply chain and business leaders..

Delighted “I am delighted to be joining GB Potatoes,” he said.

“It has achieved a lot in its first year and I am eager to use my experience to build on what has already been accomplished. It is important that the potato industry has its own strong clear voice and I look forward to making the industries voice heard.”

The objective for GB Potatoes was simple, added Mr Scott.

“We are here to ensure a viable future for GB potato production. For anyone who has been sitting on the fence about joining GB Potatoes I urge them to get on board.

Scott Walker: Securing a future for British potato producers

The organisation was a platform for the supply chain to tackle the long list of issues facing the industry and to be a respected voice to government and address emerging challenges while realising opportunities.

The leading UK The leading UK manufacturer of manufacturer of rubber grading rubber grading scrscreens eens for all typfor es of all gtypes rading equof ipmegrading nt . equipment.

There’s still time to test your soils!

Richard Austin Agriculture have specialised in PCN testing for over 30 years and can arrange a GPS sampling service to meet your exact needs.

We also offer Nutrient & Organic Matter testing to meet SFI requirements.

Call us on 01205 722755 or visit our website for more information!

30 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

•Rubber grading screens • Rubber grading screens •Rubber web covers •Sample ri•ddRubber les web covers •Perforated washer belts

• Sample riddles • Perforated washer belts Contact AGRI-WEB Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 2891275913 Web: www.agri-web.co.uk Email: info@agri-web.co.uk

Contact AGRI-WEB Ltd Tel: 02891275913 www.agri-web.co.uk Email: info@agri-web.co.uk

SJSTANBER Y&SONSLTD

OR COMMERCIAL • INT TERNAL OR EXTERNAL • STEEL FIXING • BRU USH, TAMP OR POWER FLOAT FINISHES

Concret Flo ringSpecialist Concrete Flooring Specialist SJ STANBERRY & SONS LTD

• FOUNDATIONS • POULTRY UNITS AND STABLE YARDS • MATERIAL ADVICE AND COSTING • INDUSTRIAL, AGRICULTURA RAL A • SILO BASES

See us at Agri Expo - March 7th

• INDUSTRIAL, AGRICULTURAL OR COMMERCIAL • INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL • STEEL FIXING • BRUSH, TAMP OR POWER FLOAT FINISHES

OR COMMERCIAL RONS & SHED FLOORS • APR INT TERNAL OR EXTERNAL • AN NAEROBIC • DIGESTION TANK BASES • &STEEL FIXING • FOUNDATIONS • APRONS SHED FLOORS • POULTRY UNITS AND POTATO• & ANAEROBIC DIGESTION • GRAIN, • BRU U SH, TAMP STABLE YARDS TANK BASES OR POWER MACHINERY STORES • MATERIAL ADVICE AND • GRAIN, POTATO & • PATHS, PATIOS AND FLOAT FINISHES COSTING MACHINERY STORES DRIVEWAYS • PATHS, PATIOS, DRIVEWAYS • GROUNDWORKS• & GROUNDWORKS & PREP • FOUNDATIONS PREPARATION

• SILO BASES

01945 870 076 • POULTRY UNITS AND STABLE YARDS • nationwide coverage • www.sjstanberry.com • sales@sjstanberry.com 01945 870076 • MATERIAL ADVICE AND • nationwide coverage • sales@sjstanberry.com • www.sjstanberry.com

COSTING • SILO BASES

www.agriculturalbuildingconstruction.co.uk Email: info@agriculturalbuildingconstruction.co.uk Tel: 07981 031613 / 01945 660231 | Wisbech, Cambs

So why should you call us today?

RONS & SHED FLOORS • APR • AN NAEROBIC DIGESTION Suppliers of Agricultural Buildings with associated groundworks and concrete TANK BASES flooring provided by our sister company SJ Stanberry & Sons Ltd • GRAIN, POTATO & Agricultural Building Construction Ltd operate nationwide, providing steel framed buildings with associated groundworks. Our aim is to provide a high quality product MACHINERY STORES at an affordable price combined with a customer service second to none. Buildings for housing livestock to storing grain in vermin-free and farm assured conditions.

• PATHS, PATIOS AND • Silage clamps • Dairy housing • Grain stores • Beef housing DRIVEWAYS • Workshops • Sheep housing • General stores • Crop storage • GROUNDWORKS & PREPARATION • Free quotation • Competitive rates • All work fully insured • Skilled, committed staff • Highly professional service • Plant hire available with operator

01945 870076

Potatoes and root crops

How computer system cuts storage costs

P

otato growers are optimising the use of home-generated energy for crop storage – thanks to a new computerised system.

Launched by Crop Systems, SmartSola enables users to make optimal use of their use of home-generated energy, while minimising their use of boughtin power – reducing their exposure to high energy costs.

The system monitors the energy generated from all available sources – solar power, hydro, wind or biomass – and then deploys and monitoring it to ensure optimum benefit across up to 10 potato stores.

Low running costs Kent-based potato grower Philip Smith says SmartSola helps keep 3,500 tonnes of his crop in just-harvested condition at Monkton Court Farm, near Ramsgate. The system performs excellently and delivers low running costs, he says.

“We use around 300,000 kWh of electricity every year across our four stores,” says Mr Smith.

“With costs so high, we need to ensure we make best use of home-produced solar energy as possible.

The farm usually stores crops at 2.7ºC with a 0.2ºC differential.

When the solar panels are producing enough power in the day, Mr Smith takes the opportunity to over-cool to 2.5ºC – using SmartSola to intelligently control the store run times.

The best storage systems keep crops in justharvested condition

“Then if the next day is dull and the panels cannot produce enough power we can avoid using mains electricity because the energy we need to run the store is effectively stored in the potatoes.

“The programme offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing the store manager to prioritise stores or set different parameters for each store. It has worked extremely well for us and has become an important tool in our store management.”

The HarvestEye system helps growers achieve more marketable yields

HarvestEye managing director Vidyanath ‘Vee’ Gururajan said: “Having an understanding of the territories where we are looking to grow – such as North America and Europe – will play a vital role in our day-today operations to make sure we can achieve our ambitious growth plans.

“We want to reach more growers and packers, as they face increasing challenges to maximise profit from their produce, and Harry will be key to establishing this network.”

Solar panels “Stores are switched on as the solar energy becomes available. On many days, stores run entirely on the energy generated by our own solar panels, avoiding imported energy completely.

Expansion plan for potato monitoring device

A

monitoring device which measures potato size, shape and variability as the crop is lifted is set to gain more customers thanks to a new appointment.

The company behind HarvestEye has appointed sales and marketing expert Harry Tinson as its new general manager – bringing global experience in B2B sales to the team from the engineering and transport sectors.

Mr Tinson has several years of experience in aftermarket sales and marketing, having overseen JCB’s international network of 750 aftermarket dealers. He later moved within the Bamford group to lead on the strategic development of global aftermarket sales and operations.

At HarvestEye, Mr Tinson will be responsible for ensuring that the business continues to innovate its harvest insights technology, enhance grower experience and expand the company’s presence in both domestic and international markets to drive revenue.

32 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Fitting to harvesting or grading equipment, HarvestEye provides growers with whole-field visibility on the size, shape and variability of their crops. This helps growers target agronomic performance – ultimately leading to a more marketable yield.

Mr Tinson said: “HarvestEye is dedicated to advancing the agri-tech sector and, following a tremendous six years since the company launched, I can see it has phenomenal potential to accelerate its growth even further.

“With HarvestEye having started to establish significant presence in a selection of global markets, particularly in Western Europe and through its partnership with Elders in Australia, I’m looking to spot opportunities where we can make the biggest impact to support more customers on mass.”

Left: Harry Tinson – global experience

CORNERSTONE CORNERSTONE -I SYSTEMS -I SYSTEMS I

CORNERSTONE CORNERSTONE SYSTEMS SYSTEMS LTD CORNERSTONE LTD SYSTEMS

ILTD I

ILTD

LTD Temperature Monitoring and Control Systems Temperature Monitoring and Control Systems

Efficient crop storage solutions savecrop you energy maximise Efficient storageand solutions savecrop you energy and maximise crop quality while in store. We specialise in manufacturing wireless and quality while in store. We specialise in manufacturing wireless and wired custom automated systems for a variety of crops. wired custom automated systems for a variety of crops.

The CROPSENSE system has been completely The CROPSENSE system has been completely redesigned with user interaction, remote accessibility and CORNERSTONE redesigned with user interaction, remote accessibility and SYSTEMS intelligent power ciency atheart the heart of the design. intelligent ciency at the of the design.

LTDeffieffi Features include include... ... power Features

Our systems offer precision environmental Our systems systems offer offer precision precision environmental environmental Our monitoring with intelligent, power monitoring efficientwith with intelligent, intelligent, power efficient efficient monitoring power 'Ci control built from over 30 yearscontrol control experience. built from from over over 30 30 years years experience. experience. built

'Ci 'Ci

Features include ...

•Long term data logging and analysis.

•Long term term data data logging logging and and analysis. analysis.

•Long • Remote access and reporting.

•Remote Remote access access and and reporting. reporting.

• Designed and built in the UK, Cornerstone Systems ers the full package using Designed and built in the UK, Cornerstone Systems offers theoff full package using Power monitoring monitoring and control. control. and • Power monitoring and control.

•Power • • Automated email reports. our •Automated Automated email reports. reports.

• email our own engineers.

From design and build, to installation and long-term own engineers.

From design and through build, through to installation and long-term • Email and SMS alarm notification.

•Email Email and and SMS SMS alarm alarm notification. notification.

• servicing of your CropSense systems.

We even offeven er customisation of systems to servicing of your CropSense systems.

We off er customisation of systems to •Full •Full Colour HD Touchscreen.

Colour HD Touchscreen.

•Full Colour HD Touchscreen.

RSTONE

meet your specific requirements.

YSTEMS meet specifi c requirements.

Call now to discuss your requirements Call now your toordiscuss your requirements or LTD an on-site demonstation. to arrange to arrange an on-site demonstation.

Key Features and Benefits:

Key Features and Benefits:

PSENSE system has � been completely Robust Design and Manufacture

ed with user interaction, remote Full accessibility and � Secure, System Remote Accessibility � Robust Design and Manufacture nt power efficiency at the heart of theEmail design. � Automated and Texts

� Secure, Full System Remote Accessibility � Automated Email and Texts

� Battery Backup d built in the UK, Cornerstone Systems offers the full package using ineers. From design and build, through to installation and long-term

� Full Turnkey Solution Cornerstone Systems Ltd. Cornerstone Systems your CropSense systems.

We even off er customisation of systemsLtd. to � Battery Backup � Intelligent Control for Power Efficiency pecific requirements.

Whitebridge Way Whitebridge Way � In-House Full Turnkey SolutionSystem Software Customisable Stone Stone s and Benefits: � Integral Monitoring, Control and Data Staffordshire Staffordshire � Intelligent Control for Power EffiStorage ciency sales@csluk.net sales@csluk.net ST15 8LQ ST15 8LQ sign and Manufacture � In-House Customisable System Software

01785 818020 01785 818020 www.csluk.net www.csluk.net

ll System Remote Accessibility d Email and Texts ckup y Solution Control for Power Efficiency Customisable System Software onitoring, Control and Data Storage

nerstonesystems.co.uk

� Integral Monitoring, Control and Data Storage www.cornerstonesystems.co.uk

�

Call now for

your free on-site www.cornerstonesystems.co.uk demonstration

�

�

Call now for your free on-site Call now for demonstration

your free on-site demonstration

01785 818020

01785 818020

WATER WHEN & HOW YOUR CROPS NEED IT • Booms for lane widths 10 - 96 metres • Hosereels from 150 - 750m pipe length • JCB-engined, silenced pumpsets • Raindancer remote monitoring & control

01785 818020

• Fixtures, fittings, pipework and more... visit our website: briggsirrigation.co.uk call us on 01536 260338 or email: enquiries@briggsirrigation.co.uk

Whitebridge Way, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8LQ sales@cornerstonesystems.co.uk

Whitebridge Way, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8LQ sales@cornerstonesystems.co.uk

Whitebridge Way, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8LQ sales@cornerstonesystems.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 33

C

40

er

rating o eb v el

years

1979-2023

Want to join our unique integrated supply chain?

We are the largest Wagyu Beef producer in the UK.

We are actively recruiting calf rearers and growers nationwide.

KEY BENEFITS OF OUR SCHEME:

Annual reviews based on cost of production Long-term customer contracts Fully integrated beef scheme Premiums based on meat quality Hardy breed with great temperament

For more information and an informal chat, please contact melissa@warrendale-wagyu.co.uk

34 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Specialists in fruit and vegetable long term storage 3 Efficient Refrigeration Systems 3 Ambient Cooling/Refrigeration Conversions We’ve got all the boxes ticked for what you need for an efficient cooling system to keep your produce in perfect condition.

Call us to discuss your requirements Tel: 01945 870204 Email: barriedodd@potatostorage.co.uk www.potatostorage.co.uk

Livestock Warning to UK as bluetongue virus spreads across Europe • Disease sparks fear for UK sheep flocks • Keep a close eye out for deadly virus • Care needed when buying livestock

B

ritish sheep farmers are being urged to remain vigilant following confirmation of a new bluetongue strain spreading rapidly in the Netherlands.

Concern about the proximity of the BTV-3 virus to the UK – and eastern region sheep flocks in particular – prompted an emergency meeting of representatives from more than 40 key industry organisations last month.

Sheep Veterinary Society president Joseph Henry said: “What we are advising is three-fold. Farmers need to beware when buying animals in, especially from Europe, take action to report any signs of the disease, and at all times, remain vigilant.”

BTV-3 is transmitted by biting midges which affect all ruminants.

The existing BTV-8 serotype vaccine will not offer cross-protection against the new strain, making any likely outbreak difficult to control, said Dr Henry.

“It is so important that we follow the advice to take action and prioritise good biosecurity measures while remaining extremely vigilant to the disease at this stage. It remains extreme-

ly difficult to protect against midges and a vector borne disease.

“There is always a role for good biosecurity and insecticides – but it’s important to differentiate between products licensed for use on animals, and those designed for use on building and vehicles.”

Symptoms of BTV-3 can vary across ruminants. In sheep, they include drooling, mouth lesions, high fever, lameness, swollen heads and sudden death. Cattle can showsimilar clinical signs as well as teat, eye, coronary band and nose lesions.

The risk of bluetongue reaching the UK is increasing, say experts

“

Be aware when buying animals

Increased risk NFU chief animal health and welfare advisor Cat Mclaughlin said the disease had reported on hundreds of

farms across the Netherlands. It had since been reported in Belgium, she added.

“Due to the nature of bluetongue’s ability to spread via infected midges, and current warm weather conditions, the risk of it reaching the UK is increasing, so we must adhere to advice and do all we can to keep it out.”

National Sheep Assocaition chief executive Phil Stocker said: “We’d strongly advise farmers to beware when buying livestock from Europe, and to request pre-movement testing of animals prior to departure.”

“All imports of live animals are subject to post-import testing with restricted movements until a negative post-import test result has been confirmed, so caution is key.”

Farmers compete for top honours at English Winter Fair

S

tiff competition is expected as farmers go head to head in the pedigree and commercial classes for livestock and carcasses at this month’s English Winter Fair.

Held on 18-19 November at the Staffordshire Showground, the fair covers the full livestock lifecycle – from farm to butcher.

Alongside the fair’s own classes are several breed society classes, which are always wellsupported.

“It’s a really good show – one of our breeder’s carcasses won in the commercial section

last year,” says Paul Sneyd, director of operations at the Hereford Cattle Society.

“It’s really important to have the live and dead classes, because at the end of the day we’re selling to consumers, and it’s about showcasing the carcass as well as the breed.”

The number of Hereford or Hereford cross cattle has increased by about 6% over the past year. The South Devon is another native breed targeting commercial farmers It is holding its national calf show at the fair for the second year running.

In the sheep lines, the Ryeland Flock Book Society will be holding its national lamb show The best young handlers in the country will be going head-to-head for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Young Shepherd of the Year award.

RBST senior conservation adviser Tom Blunt says: “It’s the second year we’ve held the championship at the English Winter Fair – the timing and location are ideal and the show itself has been very supportive in terms of encouraging the next generation.”

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 35

COME SEE US AT THE SOUTHERN COUNTIES FARMING & MACHINERY SHOW || 15 NOVEMBER || NEWBURY SHOWGROUND

36 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Winter livestock

Good harvest yields reported for maize • Crops yield 'surprisingly well' • Late-drilled crops perform best • Simpler to clamp and manage

E

arly indications suggest a bumper harvest for maize production this year with high yields of good quality material that should clamp and feed well.

Fears that the relatively cold, wet spring and challenging drilling conditions could result in later maturing crops for many growers have been largely abated, says KWS UK maize specialist Andrew Cook.

“The anticipated later harvest has not materialised for the main part and there have been some really good crops taken,” he explains.

Starch content Mr Cook says he is seeing yields of up to and just over 20t/acre (50t/ha) freshweight, harvested at a target dry matter of 32-35% and with more manageable starch contents than last year’s 35% plus levels.

“Last year’s summer droughts reduced yields significantly and this in turn concentrated the starch in the smaller cobs which presented quite a few problems for producers and nutritionists trying to balance high inclusion maize rations in order to avoid acidosis.

“This year’s crop should not only be simpler to clamp, it should be much easier to manage in rations with more usable starch contents of 30-35%.

This should make it the perfect partner for the large quantities of grass silage cut in most parts of the country this year.”

Drill timings Later-drilled crops seem to have been the ones that have produced the best results, says Mr Cook.

“Maize producers who decided to drill early are probably the ones seeing the most variable results in the field and ultimately in the clamp. Cold soils hampered germination and establishment and this poor start has been carried through the season.

“Those crops that were sown into warm soils romped away. This was helped by the relatively warm weather in June and September which helped bring harvest dates back on track.

“Growers choosing ultra-early varieties drilled at the correct soil temperature – about 8ºC in lighter soils and 12ºC in heavier soils – have generally achieved good results.

“There’s a growing school of thought that energy-boost varieties drilled 7.5cm deep at conventional timings are the most reliable and consistent way to produce consistent maize crops against a backdrop of increasingly variable conditions.

“Early and ultra-early maturing varieties take less time, heat units and light exposure to mature and produce higher levels of starch than later maturing varieties.”

High performance Two KWS varieties have delivered particularly strong performances in 2023, says Mr Cook. They are Temprano, which is one of the earliest maize varieties available in the UK; and moderate starch variety Papageno.

“KWS Temprano has delivered strong yields and quality this year, particularly in regions with less than optimum maize growing conditions, while the clamp-filling variety Papageno has done particularly well in the more favourable areas.

“Feeding wise, Temprano has the potential to produce starch contents approaching 40% so if you’re growing these varieties, regular forage testing will help identify the best inclusion rate, but in general this should be below 50% of rations.

“In contrast, Papageno typically contains about 32% starch, making it more suited to high levels in TMRs and other rations.”

While high starch maize varieties can offset the high protein content of predominantly grass-based rations, high maize inclusion diets should generally contain some later-maturing types.

“A variety like Papageno is a good choice for this as it delivers high energy Anticipated later harvest has not maeterialised, says Andrew Cook

High yields and good quality expected for 2023 crop

“

There have been some really good crops

yields with only moderate starch content, thereby reducing acidosis risk.

“Generally speaking, however, we’re seeing higher volumes of optimum drymatter cobs and plants with more manageable starch levels, that will ensile relatively safely and reliably and balance this year’s grass silage very well.”

Weed control Specific lessons from 2023 and the importance of varietal choice and balancing maize types in rations, are around weed control decisions “With later drilling often resulting in larger numbers of weeds in seedbeds being seen, I am more convinced than ever that pre-emergence herbicides are a very worthwhile investment. “ Wider window “Young maize plants do not like competition so a pre-emergence spray will not only help deal with that, it will provide a wider window for the application of a post-emergence spray subsequently.”

KWS continues to see a bright future for UK maize, says Mr Cook. “The increased investment we have made in breeding and screening trials recently has resulted in some very exciting varieties being added to the portfolio for 2024 with a strong portfolio for subsequent years too.”

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 37

SEEDING COMBINATION SOLITAIR DT

EFFICIENT LIGHTWEIGHT.

The UK’s No.1 Liming Product

P2O5 - 9kg/t MgO - 8kg/t SO3 - 7kg/t

Maximum efficiency combined with highest precision – the new Solitair DT was designed according to these standards. The result is a seeding combination that is convincing in practice and saves diesel with ease.

OUR DRIVING FORCE: YOUR SUCCESS! Find out more on lemken.com/en/solitair-dt

w. lim ww

Save £££’s on fertiliser this year with LimeX

ex .co .uk

Scan for quote

Customer service

0800 090 2376 LimeX is a business of British Sugar

See us in hall 2, stand 334

11593 DGPS ANGLIA FARMER ADVERT 2022 FF FINAL_11593 DGPS ANGLIA FARMER ADVERT 2022 FONTED 22/12/2022 13:26 Page 1

38 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Crop technology How to meet arable challenges and maximise opportunities • Focus on better business resilience • Ideas to generate additional revenue • Fertiliser costs and climate change

F

orward-thinking arable farmers can access exclusive updates and insights from industry leaders and innovators at this month's CropTec event.

Top speakers to tackle the sector’s most pressing topics have been lined up for the two-day show. It takes place on 29-30 November at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

The first session of a packed seminar programme will focus on ways to improve business resilience by breaking down access to new markets.

Speakers will discuss Defra policy, emerging support schemes and environmental markets.

This first session will be chaired by NFU chief economics advisor Rohit Kaushish on day one of CropTec. Mr Kaushish said: “Farmers are looking for new diversified income opportunities to manage market risk and uncertainty and are increasingly being approached by project developers in environmental markets about new potential income streams.

He added: There are a lot of questions being asked at the moment on the potential of such markets at farm level. It is therefore a really good time to be exploring these markets in detail.”

The session will be repeated on the second day, when it will be chaired by NFU vice-president David Exwood.

Changes to government policy and the high costs of production made this topic particularly pertinent, he said.

“In a fast-changing world, having more opportunities to provide new and diverse income streams for farms is vital.”

Former NFU president Sir Peter Kendall will chair the second semniar which will delve into issues around crop nutrition. Experts will explore

A packed seminar programme will run during the two-day event

“

New income streams are vital

Specialist knowledge on hand at show

T

his is the first year Croptec has been held at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre – and organisers say it promises to be a special event.

“With the arable sector facing such historic changes, our seminar programme is designed to equip growers with the knowledge they need to meet the challenges head on and maximise opportunities,” says CropTec event directore Verity Hyland.

“Our seminar programme brings together the specialist knowledge of scientists, plant breeders, agronomists and policy makers with the ‘boots on the ground’ expertise of some of the country’s most innovative farmers This will create a unique learning opportunity.”

Experts will discuss the latest developments in agritechnology

the importance of low carbon crop nutrition, while looking at the future of fertiliser policy in a changing climate.

Panellists include Mark Tucker, business development and head of agronomy for session sponsor Yara; and independent agronomist David Boulton, from Indigro.

Input costs Sir Peter said: “Anyone who has lived through the last 12 months of fertiliser prices will be considering really carefully all available options for plant nutrition in their system. Now is a great time to plan for the future.

“I am looking forward to being part of this year’s CropTec at its new location. The show comes at a great time of year when we have the chance to review our previous harvest and plan for the spring season ahead of us.”

Session three will focus on the experiences of three innovative farmers – and what others can learn from success and failure. Chairman Andrew Francis, from Team Ag, said: “It's always good to chalklenge how you go about doing the day job.”

The final session of the day will tackle crop protection techniques amid changing regulations. Speakers will include David Schaffer (RAGT), James Bairstow (Strutt & Parker), and Dave Bench (CropLife UK).

For full details and your free CropTec ticket, please visit croptecshow.com NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 39

Crop technology

How drone technology is transforming UK crop production

D

rones are set to transform UK crop production – helping farmers keep a lid on costs at a time when growers are keen to optimise profitability.

Although drones have been used to monitor crops for a number of years, the benefits they could bring to increased productivity, cost reduction and the environment are only just starting to be understood, says Agrii's lead pilot and technology trial manager Jonathan Trotter.

While initially the biggest steps forward are likely to be in the area of research and development, these could soon translate into an extended range of services and field applications with drones at their heart, he believes.

Huge potential "The potential is huge. We are already starting to use drones with our customers to effectively identify early indications of potential localised problems such as nutrient deficiency or pest infestations before they become a major problem.

"As well as leading to more precise applications of fertilisers and pesticides, these are saving growers' time, money and labour as well as delivering significant environmental benefits. But it really is just the tip of the iceberg.

"There are so many possibilities including swarms of drones applying specific agrochemicals to crops as well larger individual machines capable of carrying larger payloads, all controlled remotely and working with real-time data at an individual plant resolution.

"The issue moving forward is not really the potential of the technology, but ensuring it aligns with the legislation surrounding it and, to a degree, helping shape this."

Future policy Agrii is putting itself at the very centre of this process, says Mr Trotter. It is working closing with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other key bodies to establish safe working practices and operational strategies for the future, he says.

"We want to explore what is going to be possible and make sure it complies with all guidelines and legislation so growers and the wider industry can get the most benefit out of it.

"Such developments are likely to start on a trial-plot scale but we would then be looking at how we can take these forward to see if they would be viable options on a field scale.

"Data-driven decisions are the future of effective and resilient farm management practices and the more data our agronomists have at their fingertips, the better the advice they can give in the field."

“

It's really the tip of the iceberg

One agronomist already using drones to help clients get a clearer picture of their crops' requirements is Agrii's Andrew Lowe (pictured above).

"We've been developing various systems over the last two to three years and we're starting to see some real benefits for producers now," he explains.

"For the last 12 months, in particular, we've been concentrating on developing systems that can create an accurate green area index (GAI) in both wheat and oilseed rape.

"It's much more accurate than satellite imagery as this can only distinguish

between brown and green, so if you have blackgrass in there or other weeds, it will say it is all crop. The drones allow us to filter all this out to give as accurate a GAI as possible.

"These GAI results are then taken in by the system together with soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) results and, combined with a realistic target for yield, an accurate assessment of nitrogen requirement is produced."

Other advantages But there are already many other advantages to drone use in agronomy other than better nutrient management, he points out.

"It's really useful in oilseed rape for the timing of the flowering spray for sclerotinia, for example, and also for the timing of glyphosate pre-harvest timing.

"Walking through a rape field when it is fully podded is almost impossible. You get about 5m in and that's about as far as you can go, whereas the drone can tell you how far podded the crop is or how flowered it is.

It means you can time glyphosate application much more accurately.

"Another example is early plant counts in wheat just after the crop has started establishing. If you identify a thin crop you can decide to put some growth regulator on to try and help it tiller, roll it or make the decision to put some early nitrogen on.

"We're also using the drones to develop a wheat yield prediction system that, once a crop has headed up, will estimate what the yield of that field is going to be.

"You can also use drones to find disease or pest hotspots in the field that you would otherwise not see and that might be the start of something bigger emerging. That way you can get in there and take some early pre-emptive action."

NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 41

Professional services Farmland market levels off, but outlook still positive • Average arable land values plateau • Market outlook remaining positive • Forecast for period of stabilisation

F

armland values have plateaued following eight successive quarters of sustained growth, suggest the latest estimates.

Arable land prices have averaged £10,900/acre so far during 2023, according to Strutt & Parker’s farmland database, which records sales of farms, estates and blocks of publicly marketed land larger than 100 acres.

This is slightly lower than the £11,100/acre during the first six months of 2023 – but the same as the 2022 average, which itself was 15% higher than in 2021, says Matthew Sudlow, head of Strutt & Parker's farm agency.

Interest rates “Despite rising interest rates and a squeeze on farm profitability, the farmland market remains extremely resilient. Although it appears the growth in values has slowed in some locations, this is only because there have been fewer sales at £12,000/acre or more.”

In other words, the market remains robust. “Some 60% of the arable land traded in England this year has still sold for more than £10,000/acre,” says Mr Sudlow. This compares to 33% in 2021, highlighting the continued strength of the market, he adds..”

Prime farms The feeling among agents is that demand is more variable than it was a year ago. But prime farms in popular areas still sell well. Buyers include farmers with rollover money to spend, private individuals, the investment sector and green investors.

Traditional farmer buyers have accounted for around 40% of transactions so far in 2023. Historically, this figure tends to be 50-60%. But this year some significant purchases are being made by a handful of overseas buyers.

42 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Matthew Sudlow: Demand is more Right: A 197acre block of land marketed by Strutt & Parker with a guide price of £2m, sold in September 2023.

“

The market remains extremely resilient

“They like the fact it is easier to buy at scale in the UK than in some other European countries,” says Mr Sudlow.

“The UK’s appeal is being enhanced by our industry’s enthusiasm for adopting regenerative farming.”

Drill timings The amount of land brought to the open market during the first nine months of the year stood at 65,600 acres – some 9% above the five-year average. There also continues to be plenty of activity on the private market, but overall supply remains constrained in historical terms.

Mr Sudlow says the outlook remains positive, but greater polarisation in values is a possibility. “With demand becoming more variable, location is once again becoming an increasingly important factor in determining the price.

“The expectation is that the market is set to remain buoyant in perennially popular areas of the country, such as the Cotswolds and counties close to London. But traditionally less popular regions focused on productive farming may struggle to achieve the same level of interest as they would have seen last year.”

End of bull run 'no reason for concern' Lower levels of farmland coming onto the market remain a talking point with questions about a possible rise in the amount of land available – especially if farmers choose to sell up in the face of a challenging harvest, high input costs and falling Basic Payment receipts..”

Solid investment “While this is clearly a possibility, there is little hard evidence it is happening yet,” says Matthew Sudlow of Strutt & Parker. Overall, the sentiment is that farmland remains a solid investment, with a proven track record of capital growth.

“The value of arable farmland has risen by 29% over the past 10 years and by 351% over the past 20 years. Since 2000, arable farmland has outperformed the commercial and residential property sectors, and equities, delivering an annualised return of 7.8%.

The return from gold (8.9% per year over 20 years) has been slightly higher, although gold started from a very low base in 2000.

“While it feels as if the bull run in the farmland market might be over for now, our forecast is that we are in a period of stabilisation, rather than facing any significant decline in values.”

Want to diversify your business, but don’t know where to start?

We understand the opportunities and challenges of diversifiying and can provide expert insight and quality insurance advice for farmers.

Scan the QR code or search ‘NFU Mutual Farming Diversification’ for the latest trends and real-life case studies.

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers.

Midlands Machinery Show

New machines galore at flagship farm event • Product launches and upgrades • Multi-function machines popular • Something for everyone at show

On the Chandlers stand, there will be three new pieces of kit for visitors to see – the Fendt 728 tractor, the Valta Q series and the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup.

The Valta offers improved precision technology and driver comfort, while winner of Tractor of the Year 2023, the Fendt 728 includes a new six-cylinder engine, optional 60in track width and a new generation of the Fendt Cargo front loader.

V

Double cab The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is the pickup version of the Grenadier SUV; with its similar boxy looks it has been designed as a double cab to seat five people. Stretched by 305mm compared to the SUV, it has a maximum payload of 760kg.

BA Bush and Son will be unveiling the new VDR 900 VF Technology tyre, which is designed to handle 40% more load than a conventional radial tyre, or the same load at 40% lower pressure.

The VDR 900 also features stronger lugs with a larger contact patch to give better traction, which decreases slippage, reduces fuel consumption and increases overall productivity. This not only enhances the tyre’s self-cleaning ability but also allows for better grip in the field.

isitors will be treated to a range of freshly launched products at this month’s Midlands Machinery Show in Nottinghamshire.

Aimed at an ever-evolving market, the two-day event takes place on 8-9 November at the Newark Showground. “It’s great that so many exhibitors find the show the best place to launch their new products,” says show organiser Elizabeth Halsall.

As farmers attempt to do more with less and find equipment which has multiple functions, one new product that will be exhibited at the show is a new model of the Arcusin Multipack machine – the Multipack E14.

“This machine will collect and tie conventional bales into packs which can then be transported mechanically, eliminating the manual work previously associated with the handling of small conventional bales,” explains Arcusin director Stephen Gillman.

“The main differences to previous models are; when the bales are fed into the machine, they are now compressed horizontally as well as vertically, this machine has five knotting twines for a pack, using bales of up to 1.2m in length, and it comes with a new touch screen control panel.”

A vital cog in farming operations is fuel, and a new app from MeritAgCheck aims to help farmers keep a handle on fuel management by tracking and monitoring fuel consumption.

44 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

Destoner “The VDR 900 benefits from Ascenso’s unique Mudbreaker technology, which consists of a vertical cleat on the lug which breaks down the soil and stops it sticking to the tyre,” says Matt Smith of BA Bush and Son. New to the UK market is the Husarya stone picker, which removes stones with a diameter of 2.5-50cm, has a working depth of 20cm and is up to 5.5m wide. It launched in Poland to address a common problem in both Poland and the UK – to remove stones from fields prior to cultivation.

Clockwise from above: This month’s show will include a range of new tractors, machines and four-wheel drive vehicles

“It’s exciting to have such a range of new products at the show, once again demonstrating the innovative nature of agriculture,” says Mrs Halsall.

“One of the brilliant things about the show is that it brings together the relevant people, businesses, and organisations to create two focused and dynamic days.”

Registration and parking are free but preregistration is required for the Midlands Machinery Show. NRoSO and BASIS points are also available.

For details and tickets, please visit www. midlandsmachineryshow.co.uk

About the show Organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS), the Midlands Machinery Show showcases the latest range of tractors, machinery, services and technology to farmers, machinery operators, contractors and landowners.

NNAS is an agricultural charity; its objectives include promoting and organising the show, as well as supporting young people with careers in agriculture, through its annual Education Awards and Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship awards.

Mark Weatherhead Nicest selection of MF Combines within the UK

OFFICIAL SUPPLIER

HERBERT SPARE PARTS

GOOD QUALITY

HERBERT USED MACHINERY

Quality Parts and Reliable Service

NH TD80-4 C/W LOADER 5980 HRS

ALL parts for HERBERT handling systems available

Used machinery - Sold as seen or part/fully refurbished

Current stock available includes: • 1800 (6ft) MultiGrade • 1200 (4ft) Contractor EXCLUSIVE MANUFACTURER • 900 (3ft) Grading System Plastic Grading Screens • 1800 Grader Module available sizes: 30, 35, 40, 42.5, • Hywall Goose Neck Elevator 45, 47.5, 50, 52.5, 55, 57, 60, 65, • 2400 Cleaner Modules 68, 70, 75 & 80mm • Clod Seperator • Various conveyors & elevators Service work undertaken by experienced engineers

Contact us NOW 07770 885651 sales@hub4parts.co.uk

Thomas Scott Seating

Celebrating 96 years in business 1924-2020 Tractors & Telehandlers • MF 230 • Low hrs, p/steering.

• MF 240 • p/steering.

• MF 6480 • Dyna 4, v tidy.

• MF 3060 • 4 autotronic, v tidy.

• MF 6120 • v tidy, Dyna shift, 4,700hrs.

• New Holland TOSO & loader -5,900hrs.

• Caterpillar 407 ag telehondler (20091 • tidy.

• Various forks & grapples.

Harvesting • MF 7278 AL combine (20061 • 24' PF, v tidy.

• MF 7280 AL combine (2012124' PF, v tidy.

• MF 7274 combine (20041 • 22' table, 208hrs.

• MF 30-14' FF-v tidy.

• MF 40 RS -20' PF-v tidy.

• Vicon RV2160 Round Boler, v tidy.

• Krone 1270 Big Boler (20121, 44,389 boles.

• Krone 1290 HOP Boler-tidy.

• New Holland 940 Square Baler.

• New Holland 980 Big Bale.

• Lely 280 MC combi mower.

• Claas Liner 3100 twin rotor rake 10m.

CYl

KRON.

• Kv Taarup 4232 3.2 trailed mower.

• New Holland 377 baler.

O ther Equipment • Dowdeswell DP7F, 7f, v tidy.

• KV LOBS Sf & 4f.

• Flat Lift Force • 2 leg HD buster.

• Knight Raven 3 leg combination, vgo.

• Vicon PO-EDW weightcell, vgo.

• Vicon RO-EDW extension hopper.

Forklift seats and seat spares for all types.

Full stock of GRAMMER seats and spare parts in stock.

KAB SCIOX tractor seats.

Full range of economy tractor seats.

Truck seats from GRAMMER, KAB and ISRI.

Seat repairs, covers and spare parts for all ranges.

• Kuhn Axis 30. 1 spreader extension hopper.

• Cousins 6.2m hyd rolls.

• Cousins 1Om hyd rolls with rings.

• Richard Western 121 dump trailer.

• Armstrong & Holmes 14.51 trailer, v tidy.

• Bamford 9' topper.

• Major 1,600g vacuum tanker.

• 80" mounted rotovator.

• 450 & 600 workshop heaters.

• A full range of Nugent trailers.

Excavators • Yanmar St & 3 buckets • Case CX, 5 ob, St & 3 buckets

Call 01236 421835 e: info@drivers-seats.com www.drivers-seats.com NOVEMBER 2023 • MIDLAND FARMER 45

FINAL SAY Clodhopper

Banking fiasco It's seldom good news when the bank gets in touch, says Clodhopper

I

t’s a familiar theme – and one that makes my blood boil: you’ve likely heard about celebrities and dodgy politicians who have had their bank accounts closed or denied. We might even smile at their misfortune. But when it happens to you, it is no laughing matter.

So some background. Our farming company has had a business account with the same bank since early 1950. Various associated accounts and business loans have been added and settled and a long and successful working relationship has evolved.

But the role of the local agricultural manager has long been made redundant, so I have had no real contact with my bank in recent years. My business bank account just ticks along, quietly in the background. That’s until just a few weeks ago.

It started with a sudden call from a 0345 number and a voice message asking me for my account information. I didn’t play ball – including when the gentleman on the end of the line informed me that my account would be closed unless I contacted the bank within the next few weeks.

I assumed by the tone of the call and the pronunciation of some of words that it was in fact a scam. But after a week of calls and other in-

46 MIDLAND FARMER • NOVEMBER 2023

quiries, I decided to visit my local bank branch and played the voicemail to the assistant.

The call turned out to be genuine – much to my surprise. I then received a letter through the post confirming as much. So I rang the number in the letter, passed the security checks and was then asked questions about my income and investments.

These were not questions I was comfortable to answer on the phone. So I requested they be sent to me in a letter. No letter arrived and a few days later my phone rang with another call from the 0345 number.

The person on the end of the line asked me the same questions again – and I gave the same answer: please put your request in writing. I am still waiting for a letter from the bank, probably to the annoyance of the young man from the 0345 number who had to apply for an extension.

Money laundering The inquiry had apparently been triggered by a sudden spike in my income. Being of a certain age and with no interest from the children in the business, the spike in income was because I had sold some of my investments.

It was this that raised the bank’s suspicions.

They suspect me of money laundering. Yet

“

no-one at the bank, it seems, is interested in my business. I still await this letter – assuming, of course, that in the age of email there is still someone working there who knows how to properly address an envelope.

I have, of course, been a loyal customer for decades. I have a good agricultural history of paying off my various debts on various land and property purchases. But apparently all this counts for nothing. I am guilty until proven innocent.

What happens if I simply don’t answer their questions? Why are my investments outside the bank any of their business? I could switch banks after 50 years but it would be a hassle. And in any case, I assume a new bank would ask me very similar questions.

It seems old established family farming businesses such as mine are no longer good business for banks. Yet the youngest daughter of a good friend was offered a credit card with the click of a mouse after she passed her driving test. It had a large credit limit too.

It also seems to me that the banks which us poor folk bailed out a few years ago are up to their old tricks. Older, more sensible employees have gone and only the jobsworths remain. But don’t forget – they are always by your side.

They suspect me of money laundering

Download our brochure today

For all your farm & fencing needs

www.mcveighparker.com

November 29-30, 2023 NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

New for Sprayer test drive Don’t miss your opportunity to test drive some of the latest sprayers from big names such as Bateman, Horsch, Sands Machinery, Farol, John Deere and Amazone.

Join us at our NEW VENUE

NAEC, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire November 29-30, 2023 In partnership with

Sponsored by

To register for your free ticket, scan the QR code or visit

SCAN ME