Farmers Guide August 2024

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OUT & ABOUT

With the Farmers Guide team

The Farmers Guide team has been busy this month, attending various shows, events and on-farm tests. Classi ed sales executive Samantha Wilson is pictured in front of a New Holland combine at the Royal Norfolk Show with members of the Ernest Doe team (l-r): Agricultural sales manager, North Walsham, Jim Pamment; New Holland brand manager, Ian Roberts; branch & sales manager, Littleport, Jon Coe; agricultural area sales manager, Marlesford, Steven Keal; and agricultural area sales manager, Marlesford, Tristan Parish.

And finally...

After a long, hard day on the combine, farmer John was finally sitting down to eat his tea when someone knocked on the door.

Annoyed, he got up to open it, only to be faced with a six feet tall aphid, who promptly punched John in the face and left.

The exact same thing happened the following night.

John took his bruised and battered face to the doctor, not knowing how to explain it –until the doctor said: "You're not the only one – apparently, there's a nasty bug about."

Farmers Guide senior sales executives Joanna Blower and Jana Moyes, and classi ed manager Nicki Procter, visited Claas UK marketing manager Georgina Garner this month to discuss future plans.

Machinery contributor David Williams was invited to Forrest Farms to see the Väderstad Inspire S 12m drill in action, see page 67. Pictured (l-r) are David, Väderstad's Ian Hale, farm foreman Robert Hale, and Väderstad's Tom Wyles and Andy Gamble.

Neale Byart interviewed Michael Bloom eld this month to nd out how P.G. Rix (Farms) Ltd is getting on with their Lemken ploughs and press. Turn to page 113.

Machinery editor Neale Byart has just returned from Belgium, where he visited two Joskin factories. He's pictured with Joskin founder and director Victor Joskin.

Editor Rachel Hicks headed to Sa ron Walden for a crop plot tour with RAGT managing director, Lee Bennett. Read about the new varieties and innovations discussed on page 48.

Neale Byart also chatted with Norfolk-based farmer Paul Howland about his John Deere T560i combine, which he purchased from Tuckwells . The dealer is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year – read more on page 56.

Not forgetting our sister title, Fruit & Vine, the team headed to Fruit Focus where they chatted to visitors and exhibitors. Pictured are Patrick Over, Aleks Cupriak, Will Taylor, Samantha Wilson and Zohra Mitchell.

FG director Greg Goulding and editor Rachel Hicks attended Groundswell, where Rachel interviewed musician-turnedfarmer Andy Cato about his Wildfarmed business. See the full video interview on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Cecilia Pryce Head of research, compliance & shipping

Will the new government bring new ideas?

full responsibility to educate ourselves while imparting what we fully know and understand to others.

Fertiliser matters

With the election well behind us, I really wonder how much of any manifesto will ever be ful lled, writes Cecilia Pryce, Open eld’s head of research, compliance & shipping. Will change happen? And if so, how and what form will it take?

UK agriculture is a complicated thing with divergence regularly appearing between our own nations and our closest trading partners in the EU. My question is, will the new occupants in Westminster have some new ideas or will they purely babysit the current UK agricultural policy? Much has changed since we ‘Brexited’ but do we really believe that there is a plan for the future? I recently read an agenda for a meeting which involved the following key words: land use network, strategic priorities, net zero, food production, sustainable land management, nature restoration, leadership and nally innovation. To be honest, they certainly create a ‘full house’ if you were playing conference bingo, but from where I sit there seems to be many meetings but largely with little in the way of visible action.

Maybe the word that is missing from the list is education. Meeting rooms can be full of individuals all trying to be the best they can be, but how many really understand their subject matter and bring input to meetings? Again, it comes down to the fact that those in the agricultural supply chain (whether it’s farmers at the start or retail consumers at the nish) do the job daily and are largely too busy to take on the daily education of those that are chosen to make the decisions.

In my mind there has never been more of a need for associations and groups to stand up and engage with the legislation and law makers but it needs to be done in the right way. The problem is those fully in the know are few and far between and as a result we seem to be ending up with mixed messages due to education gaps with the semi-educated trying to engage with the uneducated. The result of such a situation isn’t good, but regrettably it’s something witnessed on a regular basis. Maybe we should ask how many working in agriculture have any background in the subject or a relevant degree?

Maybe the new team in Westminster and others need to sign up to the NFU Cereals Development Programme, or perhaps the trade and the NFU should set up a new ministers’ equivalent?

Either way, in a world that seems more exposed to climate change uncertainties and macroeconomics, I feel it’s time we all really focused on what matters and make sure the right individuals are employed to explain issues in a clear, simple and knowledgeable way. If the key words at the start of this article were to be fully engaged with, then the future may be bright but if they are really just there to ll a bingo card then the proverbial ‘can’ may just get kicked down the road again. Or worse still, UK agriculture becomes, if it’s not already, a real-life experiment which could have very many unintended consequences for us all, while those that designed it feel no pain. In my mind, the future is bright – but only if we take

Harvest is the perfect time to consider grain nutrient analysis, says Open eld fertiliser trader Gemma King. Testing your harvested grains straight o the combine helps assess nutrient uptake and utilisation.

The test is suitable for cereals, oilseeds, and pulses, and unlike standard grain sampling, this analysis identi es the nutrient content of the crop. It includes testing for essential macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur, as well as micronutrients such as calcium, iron, boron, zinc, and manganese. This in-depth assessment helps diagnose nutrient de ciencies and provides accurate data for P and K o take calculations.

These valuable results also complement other crop analysis tools like soil sampling, helping to build a comprehensive picture of your crop’s health and performance. Having such an in-depth analysis maximises crop performance, optimises nutrient management plans, helps achieve yield targets, improves environmental practices, and ne-tunes your fertiliser strategy for the next season. FG

Price indicator (August 2024)

£175–185

£140–150................

£378–383

Feed wheat

Feed barley

Oilseed rape

Gemma King Fertiliser trader

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ADVICE

TOP TIPS TO STAY SAFE THIS HARVEST

Vehicles

With harvest time bringing a range of safety risks, Farmers Guide o ers some advice on keeping yourself safe.

Farmers are expected to be under more pressure than ever this year, after record levels of rain delayed farm operations. However, it’s essential that farmers and contractors do not cut corners and compromise safety.

Moving vehicles were the leading cause of farm deaths over the past ve years, according to the Health & Safety Executive. All sta should wear hi-vis clothing, and tra c management such as one-way systems and speed limits can help to reduce the risk of collisions.

When parking a vehicle, apply the handbrake, engage the gear system in neutral, turn o the engine and remove the key. If there is a loader or other implement on the front, lower it before turning the engine o .

As machinery will often not have been used in many months, it’s important to check brakes and tyre pressures, and grease moving parts. Ensure oil levels are high, to avoid losing oil pressure when the machine is operating. Always switch o engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance.

to clean it up. When turning, indicate in plenty of time and check more than once for road users on your inside. Finally, be respectful to fellow road users, but only allow them to pass when it is safe to pull over.

Fires

Additionally, claims data from NFU Mutual shows that collisions between agricultural vehicles and third parties were 61% more likely to occur during harvest months. The rural insurer advises farmers to ensure all equipment is roadworthy –check brakes and indicators and make sure you have re ectors and a beacon for your vehicle. Use the Tilly Checklist to inspect your trailer.

Also, be aware of vulnerable road users or hidden junctions, and make contractors aware of these junctions and commonlyused walking, cycling and riding routes. Familiarise yourself and your contractors with the speed limits for your vehicles, and if your vehicles leave mud in the road, remember

To reduce the risk of a combine re, NFU Mutual advises carrying out regular maintenance and cleaning cha and dust from hot spots in machines. Fire suppressant systems are also recommended – ensure it meets P-mark status. Additionally, ensure all re extinguishers on combines are inspected, serviced and maintained according to the manufacturer’s manual. Make sure harvest teams know what to do if a re breaks out – including where the nearest water source is. Keep bowsers lled to tackle spot res, and keep cultivators on hand to put in re breaks in the event of a crop re. The what3words app can help direct emergency services to res.

visit to a eld, so risk assess every situation, on every occasion.

Worker safety

Overhead power lines

Northern Powerlines, as part of its ‘Look Up, It’s Live’ campaign, urges farmers to ensure anyone working near power lines knows what to do in an emergency:

• If it’s safe to do so, drive well clear, and if not, stay in the cab and call 105

• If it’s unsafe to stay in the cab, jump well clear. Do not step down or make contact with the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together and make leaping strides away, so that one foot is always o the ground

Make sure all workers know what to do in an emergency, where potential hazards are, safe working speeds and weights for trailers, locations of rst aid kits etc, and have all the emergency contact details they need. Workers must be properly trained in how to use machinery safely and have any PPE required.

Lone workers should also let someone know where they are going, approximately when they will return, and check in regularly by text or phone. A number of apps are available that can track lone workers’ locations and send alerts if they are stationary for too long.

Child safety

Yellow Wellies advises that children should not be allowed in the farm work place (young children should enjoy outdoor spaces in a secure fenced area). Any access to the work area by children under 16, e.g. for education or experience, should be planned and fully supervised by an adult not engaged in any work activity.

Children under the age of 13 years are speci cally prohibited from driving or riding on any agricultural machine, and children under 16 must not drive, operate, or help to operate ATVs.

• Warn others to stay clear. Damaged power lines can stay live or become live at any time without warning.

Electricity can jump to an object or person so stay well clear – it’s not necessary to make contact with a power line to be in danger. Additionally, ground levels may have changed since your last

Look after yourself

And nally, in busy times it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself – but it’s essential to use sun protection, stay hydrated, eat regularly and take a break when you feel fatigued. Running on empty will impact your decision making and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, keep your mobile phone on you and charged at all times – it’s no good left in a tractor or truck – and keep a rst aid kit in the cab. FG

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Short stubble risks tyre failure

Moving towards min till systems that require cereal crops to be cut lower than in traditional plough systems can increase the risk of tyre stubble damage, according to Continental’s agricultural tyre specialist, Tom Godwin, who says: “Lower or shorter stubbles protrude at sharper angles, with the potential to damage tyres because the stalk will not be pushed over, and can instead dig in. This can cause damage to the lug

and, at low pressures, the sidewall, as it bulges under the weight of the tractor.”

He suggests that Continental developed its d. ne lug design with 5% greater lug coverage to protect the area between the lugs. Continental has also added a nylon layer beneath the tread to help make it more exible. In short stubble Mr Godwin advocates running at higher pressures than would

normally be expected.

“Harvest is a rare example of when it can be bene cial to run tyres at higher than normal pressure and we recommend up to 0.4 bar. When the ground is already hard, having a tyre at very low pressure will cause the tyre wall to bulge. If this happens when the tyre is constantly being attacked by stubble, it presents a weakness that can lead to tyre failure,” he says.

Crawfords Group sole UK distributor for Pellenc

Crawfords Group has announced its appointment as the sole agricultural distributor for French manufacturer Pellenc in the UK. This marks a signi cant milestone for Crawfords Group, establishing its

position as a premier provider of comprehensive solutions for vineyard, fruit-growing and professional customers.

Crawfords Group, which comprises Crawfords, Agwood, and Crawfords Automotive, has extensive coverage across Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire. The company is committed to providing a full range of services, including sales and comprehensive service and breakdown support for all types of machinery.

In line with this new appointment, Crawfords

Group has recently launched a dedicated division focused on delivering an end-to-end solution for vineyard, fruit-growing and professional customers. This strategic initiative establishes Crawfords Group as the ultimate ‘one-stop shop’ for all vineyard and orchard needs. The collaboration with Pellenc enables Crawfords Group to supply an extensive range of products, including tractormounted leaf removers, vine trimmers, pruning shears, strimmers, chain saws, and inter-row cultivation equipment.

Consider resistance testing to help wild oat control

Growers are being urged to consider getting seed samples tested to help plan the most e ective control strategies.

Understanding the resistance status and population pro le is essential to determine the best management techniques, cultivations, and herbicide choices, for this very competitive grassweed,

says South Midlands-based Hutchinsons agronomist, Michael Shemilt.

“Unlike black-grass, seeds remain viable in the soil for many years, so there’s always a risk problems re-emerge in the future.”

Resistance risks are greater in rotations dominated by cereal cropping, where there is more reliance on a limited

range of chemistry, he adds.

ADAS resistance testing shows that where resistance occurs, it is most likely to be to fenoxaprop, followed by clodinafop, mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron, and pinoxaden. Recent years have also found a few populations resistant to pyroxsulam, but there has been little resistance to cycloxydim.

Trial farmers needed for next stage of slug control project

One year on from the launch of a project to nd solutions to UK agriculture’s £45m slug control problem, farmers are being invited to sign up for trials to take the research to the next level.

Following a ban on metaldehyde, which was used to control slugs for decades, protecting the future of the last remaining chemical control – ferric phosphate pellets –has become of paramount importance.

SLIMERS, a £2.6M Defra-funded project, aims to reduce reliance on pellet usage through precision application of treatments to slug hotspots, and advance alternative biological control.

The British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) is now recruiting more so-called ‘slug sleuths’ who will be paid to take part in on-farm monitoring and trials to test the results from year one.

More information about the project, including links to project partners – CHAP, John Innes Centre, Harper Adams University and Agrivation – can be found at www.slimers.co.uk

FMC Corporation obtains GB registration for Isoflex active

FMC Corporation has received registration in Great Britain for a new herbicide active ingredient, Iso ex active. Iso ex active, FMC’s brand name for bixlozone, is a novel herbicide classi ed by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) as a Group 13 herbicide.

“Over the last three years, Iso ex active has been tested and trialed extensively with growers, distributors and industry bodies on key crops across Great Britain.

“Iso ex active has demonstrated an ability to be a signi cant component of an integrated weed management programme and is expected to help growers manage herbicide resistance,” said John Hutton, FMC Northern Europe business director.

This new active has exhibited pre-plant, pre-emergence and early post-emergence selectivity in major crops across the globe, including cereals, potatoes, oilseed rape and pulses.

Studies have shown that products powered by Iso ex active o er e ective control of challenging annual grass weeds and key broadleaf weeds. Research on the use of Iso ex active in additional crops and segments in Great Britain is ongoing.

Please ring George Bridgman on 07522 731193 or email george.bridgman@abfltd.co.uk or apply on line at www.abfltd.co.uk

Agroecology charter brings clarity to regen farming

Hutchinsons has o cially launched its groundbreaking Agroecology Charter to help growers and agronomists successfully understand and implement the intricacies of regen practices.

First announced at the Hutchinsons Agroecology conference in January, the Charter provides clarity on the practical implementation of the ve core principles of regenerative farming, the risks involved, and how best to make regen work on individual farms.

“To date, there has

been no globally accepted de nition of agroecology/ regenerative agriculture, other than the widely recognised ve key principles,” says services director, Mike Young.

“There is no industry recognised de nition of what these practices look like, how they should be implemented, the risks associated with the practices, or how these risks should be mitigated.

As a result, agroecology/ regenerative agriculture is often not implemented successfully and, in many cases, the intended

Report highlights exceptional growth in regenerative agriculture

Regenagri has announced impressive performance in its Impact Report, launched at the end of June.

The report reveals the signi cant adoption and impact of regenerative farming worldwide.

Franco Costantini, Regenagri CEO, says: “As extreme weather events become more frequent and the urgency of climate action intensi es, Regenagri’s work in promoting regenerative agriculture is more critical than ever.”

He references the 2023 IPCC report highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate climate change impacts, making Regenagri’s achievements timely and relevant in the global sustainability discourse.

outcomes are not delivered, resulting in signi cant ongoing agronomic and nancial implications.”

The Agroecology Charter addresses these issues by clearly de ning the meaning of Agroecological Farming (Regenerative Farming) and providing a framework to help growers and agronomists identify a clear pathway to implement the necessary management changes, while identifying the risks that may need mitigating in the process.

For more information visit www.hutchinsons.co.uk

“2023 was a year of remarkable progress for Regenagri, with the area of land under its certi cation tripling from 487,000 hectares in 2022, to over 1.46 million hectares in 2023,” says Mr Costantini.

He adds that the programme now supports more than 230,000 farms and 855 supply chain operators globally.

Looking ahead, Mr Costantini says that Regenagri aims to double its impact in 2024 by expanding

its programme to cover two million hectares of land, supporting 500,000 farms globally. He adds that Regenagri is committed to evolving its programme to meet future challenges.

“As the Regenagri initiative grows, we keep learning; from understanding the needs of farms and supply chains, to technologies and systems that support the integrity and scalability of the programme.” For further information, visit regenagri.org/

UK agricultural tractor registrations – June 2024

After a few months tracking close to the seasonal average, UK agricultural tractor registrations in June were lower than usual. At 869 machines, the monthly total was 23% lower than in June 2023 and was down by a similar amount, compared with the ve-year average for the same month. That meant the total number of tractors registered during the rst half of 2024 reached 5,882, 13% fewer than in the same period last year. That is also 8% below the average recorded between 2018 and 2022 and is the lowest total reached by this point in the year since 2020.

Month: 869 units -23.0% change (compared with June 2023)

Year to date: 5,882 units -13.2% change (compared with January-June 2023)

UK agricultural tractor registrations by power and region in January to June 2024

Above it is reported that the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in the rst half of 2024 was 13% lower than in January to June 2023. Now, we can reveal how trends varied between di erent power bands and the regions of the UK. In terms of power, there was a clear divide between the highest-powered machines and the rest of the tractor market. The number of tractors over 260hp registered was up by over 40%, compared with a year earlier. In contrast, there were nearly 20% fewer machines logged below that level (but above 50hp), with declines fairly evenly spread across the remainder of the power range. As a result, the over 240hp category accounted for 15% of all registrations so far this year, up from just 10% 12 months ago.

AG-LIME CALCIPRILL

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Maximise nutrient use ef ciency by correcting soil pH to the optimum ahead of Spring fertiliser applications.

Fast-acting Calciprill is a highly ef cient alternative to agricultural lime that will save you money and improve crop performance by making sure expensive NPKs are fully available to the crop. For clearly better results, choose Calciprill.

PLAN CAREFULLY TO GET BACK ON TRACK THIS AUTUMN

Hutchinsons technical manager, Dick Neale, and regional technical support manager, Alice Cannon, o er establishment advice following a washout 2023/24 season.

Soils, cropping plans, weed control programmes, and yield prospects have all taken a battering on many farms this year. Inevitably, there will be eagerness to get on with a new cropping avoid any lasting legacy of an exceptionally wet season.

The starting point is to use the spade to examine soil conditions in individual elds. This allows you to identify any issues, and plan remedial measures, either before or after harvest.

there is little urgency to rectify the issues – although deep ruts may need levelling with a cultivator.

year, but to do so requires careful planning to drainage, cultivations, and many

The key is to identify exactly what issues need xing and make plans from there. For example, is there compaction? How deep is it? Are there other drainage issues?

There is no one answer for every eld, as soil texture, cropping, drainage, cultivations, and many other factors all come into play.

Often in years like this, deep subsoiling is a go-to option, especially where eld operations in wet conditions have left an obvious mark. While this may be appropriate in some situations, it is wrong to treat all soils the same.

Often in years like this, deep especially where eld operations in mark. While this may be appropriate treat all soils the same.

Tramline ruts may well be compacted to depth, but if they are to remain tramlines next season,

In many cases, eld digs this season have shown that where soils have been ooded or waterlogged, depth of compaction can be quite shallow (e.g. 10–15cm), as the weight of water compressed the ground.

Farms that have moved from full inversion tillage to min-till systems may also nd the zone most vulnerable to compaction has moved closer to the surface, away from the traditional ‘plough pan’ nearer 30cm deep.

Going in with a subsoiler at 30cm when compaction is only 10cm deep will not x the problem and simply wastes time, fuel and money. For subsoiling to work, it must be at the correct working depth, so accurate machine setup and operation is essential. The point of the subsoiler wing should be just below the compaction zone, so compacted soil is physically lifted up and over the wing of the subsoiler foot, shattering in the process.

Tackling poor drainage

This season has clearly highlighted elds with underlying drainage issues, so now is a good opportunity to examine a ected areas and plan actions to ‘future-proof’ that land.

In some cases, new eld drains

Hutchinsons technical manager, Dick Neale.

Optimising the Future of Tillage

Experience

Now

Alternatively,

If planning to drill early, be sensible and consider black-grass and other grassweed risks.

may be needed, but given the high capital cost, and limited number of already busy contractors, that may not be possible this season.

Mole ploughing could be an alternative, which when done properly can make a real di erence to elds with poor drainage. Soil needs to be moist, and have a minimum clay content of 30% to hold the shape of the mole.

and bakes dry, potentially doing more harm than good.

Tackle grassweeds

Grassweeds are another big consideration this autumn, particularly where growers plan to drill early – possibly with a second, or third-year cereal. Additionally, control on some farms has been compromised by the weather, leading to higher seed return.

risks moving water

Moling must be planned carefully to identify where it will and won’t work, otherwise it risks moving water from one part of a eld to another. Pay particular attention to slope angles, existing drains, and variations in soil texture across elds, which all in uence e ectiveness.

Moling from a clay subsoil into a seam of sand, for example, may result in the sandy area becoming saturated and quickly losing structure, while going into a gravel area could actually help take water away.

Because of the need for damp soil, moling can start earlier in the season on uncropped land, unlike subsoiling which needs dry subsoil to shatter compacted layers.

It is usually done at 2m mole centres, at around 60cm deep, which itself will do much to lift and shatter soil, reducing the need for additional subsoiling.

Place for ploughing?

Although recent years have seen a signi cant move away from conventional ploughing, it could help alleviate shallower compaction, while also aerating soils.

It must be done well though, to the correct depth, and with full inversion. Extra care is needed on heavier soils, where drainage may be poor, as it can be more challenging to create a seedbed –particularly if land is ploughed wet

Key takeaways:

If planning to drill early, be sensible and consider blackgrass and other grassweed

eld to another. Pay existing risks.

At the Hutchinsons Cambourne black-grass site and elsewhere, we are seeing black-grass dynamics changing towards slightly later germination in autumn and spring – not surprising as the weed adapts to concerted e orts over recent years to tackle late September/early October populations.

If black-grass is not germinating in September and early October, drilling earlier should allow a more vigorous wheat crop to be established ahead of it, but this must be supported with a sequence of well-timed residual herbicides to control late-emerging populations.

Some products must be applied pre-emergence of crops (e.g. triallate), which o ers a good starting point, but follow this with strong residual chemistry in mid-October, post-emergence of the crop, but still pre-emergence of black-grass, and plan for another application preChristmas or in spring.

There is no one-size- ts-all solution, and consider other grassweeds too; take time to understand the problems and use this information when planning cultivations, cropping, drilling dates, etc. Brome for example needs managing di erently depending on whether it is soft/meadow brome or sterile brome. FG

• Use the spade to assess soil conditions eld-by- eld

• Select remedial cultivations carefully and set machines up properly

• Identify grassweed threats and manage appropriately

• Consider catch/companion/cover crops to break cereal-dominated rotations.

With over 20 years’ direct drilling experience, we know that Claydon drilling is good for your soil and good for your pocket.

It dramatically reduces fuel consumption, aids carbon sequestration and reduces soil erosion. Worms just love it. And importantly, yields are healthy too.

To discuss sustainable farming, call your local dealer or Claydon direct on +44 (0)1440 820327

Hutchinsons regional technical support manager, Alice Cannon.

CALCIUM: THE FORGOTTEN NUTRIENT

Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the earth’s crust and an essential nutrient for soil health and crop production, so why don’t more farmers focus on it?

Calcium concentration in the soil varies depending on soil type and mineralogy. Crops grown on sandy soils with low cation exchange capacity (CEC) are more likely to exhibit calcium de ciency, although calcium de ciency can occur in all soils. The availability of soil calcium is related to the calcium concentration from the soil CEC and the soil pH, which can in uence calcium availability from mineral sources like calcium carbonate.

When creating a calcium management programme, it is important to know not just the soil’s calcium content, but also the solubility of the calcium entering the soil solution for root uptake. Insoluble calcium sources may not meet the needs of the plant if the soil pH is not acidic.

Calcium sources

Calcium is present in a number of fertilisers and soil amendments. However, calcium sources have a wide water solubility range, and as a result, di er in plant availability. Common sources of calcium like lime (calcium carbonate) and gypsum (calcium sulphate) can have lower solubility

depending on the particle size, and the calcium becomes available to the plant over a longer period of time, weeks or months in the case of larger sized particles. In granulated products such as Omya Calciprill, the micronised (typically <100µm) are rapidly dissolved, making pH correction and nutrient availability immediate.

Deficiency symptoms

Calcium de ciency in plants expresses itself commonly as several internal disorders. Rust spot, internal browning and hollow heart in potatoes, blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers, tip burn in lettuce, bitter pit in apples and induced cavity spot in carrots are some examples which can severely a ect marketable yields. Poor root growth and the death of root tips are not so obvious but just as yield limiting in some arable crops and some diseases, such as club root in oilseed rape and other brassicas, favour low pH soil conditions.

Calcium is critical for healthy soil structure as it helps with occulation. The calcium cations pull

particles together to form aggregates, improving soil structure, creating better ow of oxygen and water through the soil and improving the environment for soil microorganisms.

In a healthy soil ecosystem, the microorganisms regulate the ow and storage of nutrients by decomposing plant and animal residue, xing atmospheric nitrogen, and releasing plant available forms of nutrients. Calcium is a key element for increasing soil organic matter content because it retains the organic matter in the soil for longer.

Omya Calciprill is a granulated calcium carbonate which dissolves rapidly in soil moisture, correcting soil pH quickly and releasing calcium ions for plant nutrition and soil health. Compared with other forms of calcium, Omya Calciprill protects the soil against acidi cation and provides plant ready calcium for uptake by the crop. It can be spread easily using existing equipment and should be applied regularly to maintain soil health and provide a continuous source of calcium for the growing crop. FG

STRIKING A BALANCE

problems. Another thing to add in late drilling's favour is that it can also contribute to BYDV and disease control.

Consequences of grassweeds

The potential yield gain from earlier drilling can be wiped out by the e ects of weeds in the crop. An AHDB led study conducted by Rothamsted and NIAB found that 100 heads black-grass/m2 causes 1.08 tonnes of lost yield. Black-grass typically has 5–10 tillers, meaning that plant counts of 10–20/ m2 are enough to lose more than 1 tonne in yield. Previous research from the mid 1990s arrived at a similar conclusion that 25 plants/m2 would result in a 10% yield loss on average.

Striking

a balance

– THE GREAT DRILLING DATE DEBATE

After a di cult autumn, there is an understandable tendency to drill earlier next season to

guarantee wheat area. But what impact could this have on weed control?

The dreadful weather during autumn and winter 2023/24 took its toll on wheat crops. The overall area fell by around 20% and many crops have been dogged by the e ects of poor establishment, including high weed numbers and lower yield potential. But with black-grass and Italian ryegrass a persistent problem on many farms, how can farmers strike the balance between the economic and weed control optimum for drilling?

“Drilling later is a straightforward way to reduce black-grass and Italian ryegrass numbers,” says Bayer agronomist, Jamie Oakley. “In benign autumn weather conditions, it works with no real downsides. But weather forecasts more than one week ahead are not particularly accurate, so there is always some risk and uncertainty until you actually drill the crop.”

Economic optimum

Drilling in mid–late September is generally considered the optimum time for maximising yield in wheat crops. Crops have time to become well-established before winter and are better able to cope with di cult weather conditions.

Analysis of 82 Recommended List varieties from 2010–14 showed a 0.27% yield loss for every day drilling is delayed after 1st September in a weed-free situation with no other agronomic issues. This would mean an 8.1% yield loss from delaying from 20th September until 20th October, equivalent to approximately 1t/ha in a typical wheat crop.

“There are also the psychological and practical bene ts to completing drilling early,” says Mr Oakley.“ You can focus on other tasks around farm and start planning for spring. But if weed populations are high, any peace of mind is illusory because weed control will become a drain on time and money until harvest.”

Weed control optimum

“There have been many trials which investigate drilling date, and they all reach similar conclusions that mid-October drilling is better for weed control for two reasons. Firstly, the peak germination period of black-grass and ryegrass is typically late September to mid-October. The more of this that happens outside the crop, the better as it’s easy to control with Roundup (glyphosate).

“Secondly, conditions are better for pre-em performance later in the season. Soil mobile actives like ufenacet bene t from additional soil moisture to reach the tiny roots of germinating weeds. Also, cooler weather slows down the degradation of actives so they control weeds for longer.

Mr Oakley points out that irrespective of when you drill, make sure there is time to apply residual herbicides ideally at the true pre-em timing. Many crops were left unprotected because of rain last autumn contributing to signi cant weed

Despite all the sound reasons to delay drilling, a dark cloud looms. If serious rain sets in like last year (and 2019), too much land will go undrilled. Set against this is the unlikelihood of such widespread bad weather again with many places receiving 50% more rain than average over autumn and winter.

“There isn’t a simple answer about when to drill. It’s about balancing the risks, using local knowledge and having a plan if things go wrong. The starting point should always be to get the crop properly established which helps weed control right through the season. Then look at prioritising elds by risk, start with the cleanest elds and nish with the worst. That way, if things do get rained o , the worst eld gets a spring crop which will help with long-term weed control – although I appreciate that spring drilling was di cult for many this year. In those high-pressure elds, going early is a false economy because you may have to write o the crop and drill again. If you end up drilling again, check the labels of any herbicides you’ve used carefully for rules on following crops.”

Mr Oakley emphasises that late drilling isn’t an all or nothing decision – even a few extra days delay can make a di erence.

“Early October is peak germination for blackgrass and ryegrass, so waiting another four or ve days will help to control many more weeds before drilling the crop. You can base these short delays on the weather forecast rather than sticking to a timetable. Having some exibility and being prepared to drill and spray at fairly short notice will help strike the balance between getting drilled up and good weed control.” FG

Graph 2: Italian ryegrass germination pattern

Graph 1: Black-grass germination pattern

A great fnish needs a great start.

Make a great start to your harvest with Gozai, proven over many seasons, varieties and locations. Whether you’re starting your potato crop’s haulm removal with a fail and/or spray, Gozai helps burn down the foliage, detach the stolon and aid skin set. Plus, you can combine foliar and tuber blight control with a Ranman Top and Gozai tank-mix.

STACK HERBICIDE ACTIVES FOR EFFECTIVE BLACK-GRASS CONTROL

Tackle higher black-grass pressures with a strong stack and sequence of herbicides.

After last year’s wet autumn wreaked havoc on drilling schedules, a greater percentage of arable growers are predicted to drill early this year. As a result, black-grass pressure will be signi cantly higher, with growers therefore advised to use a strong stack and sequence of herbicides to ensure adequate weed control.

“The best practice and most robust advice when it comes to tackling di cult weeds such as black-grass, ryegrass and brome is still to delay drilling until well into October,” explains Adama’s herbicides technical specialist, Dr Bill Lankford. “However, given the impact last year’s abysmal weather had on rotations, it is inevitable and understandable that many growers will be reticent to wait.

“With that in mind, growers should consider that if they decide to drill early, they will also need to apply a strong stack and sequence of herbicide active ingredients to ensure satisfactory levels of weed control are achieved.

“That’s especially important in a dry season when the lack of soil moisture will have a detrimental impact on residual herbicide activity. And, in addition to enhancing chemical controls, growers should also consider upping their seeding rates to o set the heightened weed pressure.”

di erent mode of action groups,” Dr Lankford continues. “In addition to new actives, growers should also use di ufenican, pendimethalin and chlorotoluron to boost protection in a coste ective way.

“For example, a programme which starts with a foundation application of aclonifen, di ufenican and ufenacet at the pre-emergence timing will be enhanced by the addition of Anthem (400g/ litre pendimethalin) at the same timing, or by a post-emergence treatment of Tower (250g/litre chlorotoluron, 40g/litre di ufenican and 300g/ litre pendimethalin).

“Similarly, where a foundation application of cinmethylin and pendimethalin is being used, the addition of Hurricane (500g/litre di ufenican) will help to power-up the pre-emergence treatment. This could then be followed by a post-emergence application of Tower or Omaha 2 (40g/litre di ufenican and 400g/litre pendimethalin) to extend the window of weed control.

“For the most di cult populations of grassweeds, our experience is that reduced rates of ufenacet or prosulfocarb can also be bene cial against black-grass and ryegrass respectively when included in an early post-emergence sequence,” Dr Lankford adds. “In these situations, a blackgrass programme may include Tower or Omaha 2 plus ufenacet at the post-emergence timing, or Tower plus prosulfocarb where ryegrass is being

The Hardi Aeon “sets a new benchmark for increasing food production during growing environmental and climatic concerns”, the company says.

It o ers “perfect tracking” with ComfortSteer axle steering with full suspension on both drawbar and axle, to give superior suspension for both eld and road work. Combine this with incredibly fast uid regulation, pressurised boom circulation and an exceptional boom management system, and the result is outstanding boom stability, spraying precision and drift control – translating into real savings for the grower, Hardi reckons.

The recently released Hardi PulseSystem elevates the Aeon to new heights, the company

Pre-emergence timing

New active ingredients such as aclonifen or cinmethylin will be essential at the preemergence timing to prevent black-grass plants from stealing a march on early drilled crops, but these herbicides will also require additional help to maintain weed control further into the crop establishment and early development phases.

“Growers are therefore advised to ‘power up’ their herbicide programmes by incorporating additional active ingredients from

Trailed sprayer designed to do more with less

adds. It’s a PWM system that o ers pressurised circulation, CurveControl, IndividualNozzle control, and a WideFlow rate with a single nozzle.

PulseSystem o ers exibility for the operator by controlling the nozzle open time from 30–100% at the same pressure and droplet size; the same nozzle can be used at several di erent driving speeds; drift is minimised and the optimal droplet size can be selected.

It reduces chemical consumption due to the correct application being applied across a eld even during turns with CurveControl. Individual nozzle control is a standard feature of the PulseSystem and spot spraying is simply achievable with an upload of a eld map,

rates to o set the heightened weed pressure.” targeted.”

Using additional actives, either as tank mix partners or to extend the herbicide sequence, will also help to delay the development of weeds becoming resistant to new actives.

Using additional actives, either as tank sequence, will also help to delay the resistant to new actives.

more buoyant than this time last year, as ever, and weed pressure likely to be as to protect new crops with a strong

“With commodity prices a little more buoyant than this time last year, the weather remaining as unpredictable as ever, and weed pressure likely to be as high as it has ever been, it makes sense to protect new crops with a strong programme of multiple herbicide actives,” Dr Lankford concludes. FG

further reducing chemical consumption. The Aeon is available with tank capacity of 4,200, 5,200, 6,000 and 7,000 litres, and boom widths from 24–39m. FG

Dr Bill Lankford, Adama’s herbicides technical specialist.

You’re almost there. Simply time your final application of Ranman Top fungicide to maintain protection against all genotypes of foliar and tuber blight as you go into harvest.

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Gerry Mee, Farmer, Shropshire

GIVE CROPS A BOOST FROM THE BEGINNING

Biostimulant seed treatments can help optimise crop establishment and build growing resilience into your cropping system from day one.

Optimising plant health from day one – by boosting seeds rather than treating plants – is key to building resilience in crops and agricultural systems, advises Stuart Sutherland, technical manager at Interagro.

“This last year alone has demonstrated just how tricky it is becoming to predict optimal planting times and manage crops e ectively.

“While they may not directly impact climate resilience, biostimulants applied to the seed are becoming increasingly valuable components of a broader strategy for building stronger, healthier more resilient plants better able to cope through the entire growing cycle,” continues Stuart.

“Their ability to help speed up emergence, enhance rooting and produce a more resilient competitive plant better able to fend for itself, should not be under-estimated,” he says.

“There were so many instances last autumn where growers could not get back into the eld after drilling to apply herbicide and nutrition, increasing the vulnerability of seedlings to weed, pest and disease competition early, not to mention the stressful conditions that followed.”

Applying a biostimulant seed dressing that can help seedlings emerge faster and produce a deep

expansive root system from the get-go, will help crops compete against di cult weeds and improve their ability to access available nutrition in the soil.

A recent biostimulant to the market, but which has demonstrated proven bene ts in the eld, is Interagro’s seed treatment, Newton.

Managing the balance of growth promoting hormones versus growth inhibiting hormones, Newton contains plant signalling peptides that not only stimulates faster germination, it also signals exceptional root and shoot growth and the defence systems of plants.

“With the help of research experts, seed customers and farmers we have developed extensive evidence on the merits of Newton, such as two days faster germination, up to 2.5 days faster emergence over naked seed, and four to ve days faster emergence over single purpose dressing –it doesn’t sound a lot but buying plants an extra couple of days faster establishment time can prove vital when it comes to a competitive edge and the weather.

“The research also shows Newton to be one of the strongest biostimulants on the market in terms of its rooting ability – a crucial contributing factor to

the improved nutrient uptake, frost heave resilience, and drought resilience growers are bene tting from on-farm.

“All this helps achieve more consistent yields under challenging growing conditions and means farmers can plant with greater con dence,” says Stuart.

“It can be co-applied with naked seed or coapplied with a chemical or nutritional dressing, and being non-microbial, means it will last on the seed if drilling gets delayed and you need to over-year – there’s no risk of decay like a microbial dressing would do,” adds Stuart. “Just ask your seed merchant for Newton or ask your mobile seed treater to apply it like you would a traditional seed treatment.”

For more information visit www.interagro.co.uk FG

Naked Seeds (left) and Newton treated seeds (right).

Knight Farm Machinery has introduced Knight Individual Nozzle Switching (K.I.N.S.) for

K.I.N.S., the latest sprayer technology development from Knight Farm Machinery, o ers users the potential to bene t from greater product application e ciency right through the season, from stale seedbed and

pre-em/early post-em weed control right through until the last preharvest pass with the sprayer. Developed, as is typical of Knight, using in-house design expertise, K.I.N.S. retains a conventional nozzle

body con guration, giving users the exibility to specify single, triple or quin nozzle bodies. Incorporating the company’s air-actuated switching technology, which has proven its reliability over many seasons of work,

the system allows individual nozzle switching without the need for the complexity and cost of a pulse width modulation system.

At the heart of K.I.N.S. is the incorporation of a ‘Smart Module’ which controls the nozzle switching and provides instantaneous response. For customers not requiring individual nozzle switching, the Smart Modules can be con gured to provide traditional section switching. However, for customers choosing this route the “Smart Module” concept could allow customers to upgrade from section control to full individual nozzle control at a later date.

In terms of early-season spraying onto stale seedbeds or for pre/post emergence, when blanket coverage is required but minimising overlapping is critical, K.I.N.S. can have a signi cant impact on the amount of product used and how e ective it is in doing its job. For high-accuracy application, resulting in lower costs, improved results and a minimal environmental impact, K.I.N.S. technology soon returns its investment, and o ers a viable alternative to the cost and complexity of PWM.

For more information, contact Knight Farm Machinery. FG

our first hybrid barley

INYS

Hybrid 6 Row Winter Barley - Feed

n Excellent yields in all regions of the UK

n Very high untreated yields ([93%])

n Low brackling and lodging

Currently on the candidate list, Inys is the rst 6 row hybrid from KWS. Inys was the highest yielding barley in both it’s NL1 and NL2 trialling years. Its yield is very strong in the West ([114]%), with high yields in the East (109%) and North ([106]%) too.

Coupled with a high untreated of [93]%, Inys is a step up in yield from all current hybrid barley varieties. It has a good all round disease pro le and is early to mature, making it an ideal entry for oilseed rape. It has shown no lodging on the 2 year NL report 2023 and low levels of brackling (7%) compared to other hybrids.

*INYS is a RL candidate variety - all data taken from Winter barley NL 2-year report 2022-2023.

www.kws-uk.com

DIRECT DRILLING

TRANSFORMS CROP ESTABLISHMENT ON WILTSHIRE MIXED FARM

An arable and dairy enterprise is one of an increasing number of mixed farms which are now adopting a more e cient approach to establishing a wide range of crops.

Spanning three farms and 600ha, half of which is owned, Cotswolds-based K.C. & A. M. Godwin & Sons grows 202ha of combinable crops, 80ha of Italian ryegrass as short leys and 60ha of maize, the remaining land being permanent pasture.

The dairy operation includes 300 Holstein Friesian dairy cows which are outside on grass for 180 days of the year, milked twice daily and average 11,000 litres under a high input, high output system. The business has supplied milk to Waitrose for the best part of two decades.

K.C. & A. M. Godwin & Sons rear their own replacements and fatten beef cattle, so at any one time there can be up to 900 cattle on the farm and the crops are supporting that. The business also fattens 1,000 store lambs annually and has 32,000 freerange hens which were introduced

three years ago as part of a move to diversify with minimal additional labour.

Direct drilling of arable and forage crops using the Claydon Opti-Till system has transformed establishment at the enterprise “Ploughing is a therapeutic activity, but on our own land we stopped doing it four years ago in favour of direct drilling. This has signi cantly reduced the time and cost of establishing our main arable crop, wheat, without any yield penalty,” says Rob Godwin, who alongside brother Phil manages the Godwin family’s arable and dairy business.

The third-generation family business has experienced numerous other bene ts from this approach, including improved timeliness and soil health, together with much reduced weather risk.

“Our income is derived solely from agriculture and with very little scope to expand the area we farm our focus is on increasing the output from what we have,” adds Rob.

“We grow mainly feed wheats, currently the hard Group 4 varieties SY Insitor and KWS Dawsum, together with the Group 2 KWS Extase, which is grown for feed. Our total annual wheat production is 1,200 tonnes and all of it is used on farm. The ve-year average for rst wheats is 10 tonnes per hectare, but yields are within a range from 8t/ha to 11.75t/ha and depend heavily on the weather.

“Until three years ago, any wheat not used in our dairy rations was sold; but in 2021 we established two 16,000-bird free-range chicken units which require around 28 tonnes each week. Poultry rations are produced in

our own mill, which allows us to utilise any type or quality of wheat without penalty and feed a much more consistent product. This approach generates large nancial savings. It reduces the number of vehicles coming onto the farm, improves biosecurity and minimises food miles, which customers increasingly demand.

“Three-quarters of our land is Cotswold brash, which is very productive because it takes all the manure from our dairy operations. Based on analysis by SOYL, we have been applying variable levels of phosphorus and potassium for the last 10 years, but with indices now in the fours we run the risk of nutrients being locked up in the soil, so now poultry manure is sold to other farms in the area.

“Until 2020, we used a combination of min-till and ploughing as the basis of crop establishment, even though it was time-consuming and costly. At that stage we had not even considered moving away from that approach; but in spring 2020, at the start of countrywide Covid-19 lockdowns, we were left with 35ha where winter oilseed rape failed. The combination of cold, wet, heavy soil on a steep bank and conditions which were not ideal was extremely challenging. It was di cult to see how or when we would be able to redrill it with spring barley using our conventional approach.”

Tough test

“When Claydon o ered to demonstrate one of their 4m Hybrid direct drills I felt that it would be worth giving it a go behind our 260hp New Holland T7260. It was a very tough test on land that is never good at the best of times and not normally used to grow spring crops. We weren’t expecting miracles,

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With high grain and straw yields, with a robust disease pro le, KWS Tayo offers a lot of potential to growers. KWS Tayo also has improved resistance to ergot thanks to PollenPLUS technology.

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Winter Hybrid Rye

Rob Godwin and his brother Phil focus on increasing the output from their arable and dairy business at Chippenham.

K.C. & A. M. Godwin & Sons’ new 4m Claydon Evolution drill arrived in February 2024.

but felt that at least it would give us an opportunity to see the drill working on our own land, try it for ourselves and get a feel for what it could do in the worst conditions we were ever likely to face.

“The Claydon Hybrid established a crop in conditions where we would not have been able to drill anything using conventional methods,” Rob adds. “It went into moisture and emerged well, so on the strength of that we bought the demonstration unit. It was the rst one sold in our immediate area and soon after, we were asked to do demonstrations and contracting work with the drill.

“Initially, my brother was not a fan of the Claydon, but we conducted a trial where part of a eld was mintilled, rolled and then combi drilled. The remainder was established with the Claydon Hybrid. At harvest, there was nothing between the two approaches in terms of yield, but the cost and time savings in the Claydon’s favour were signi cant and particularly important as we are always busy doing other things.

“All cereal straw is used on the farm and sometimes we buy more in to meet our requirements, although doing so brings the risk of introducing blackgrass. We don’t have an inherent grassweed problem on this land and to keep it clean we hand rogue cereal crops to prevent the situation from developing. We have experimented with inter-row hoeing but found it di cult to get the timing right as our soils are often

too wet when we would need to go through them, so weeds become too advanced.

“We set the cutter bar on our New Holland six-walker combine as low as possible to leave short stubbles as this allows the Claydon to work easily and reduces the likelihood of stubble pushing up in front of the tines in soft conditions. We drill wheat with the Claydon whenever conditions allow, and it does a brilliant job even after maize and cover crops.”

Supportive soil

“Our farm produces 11 million litres of slurry annually and ve million litres is applied to the wheat via a 24m dribble bar on our slurry tanker. This provides the equivalent of 150kg/ha 27N 35SO3, which directly replaces the rst application of sulphur nitrogen fertiliser in the spring and the wheat receives two further applications of straight nitrogen.

“The extremely wet conditions in autumn 2023 continued into the spring, with 350mm of rain between 1st January and the end of March, signi cantly more than average. Even on our kind of land that made it di cult to apply slurry, but it was noticeably easier on the land drilled with the Claydon, which is much more supportive because most of the soil and root structure from the previous crop remains undisturbed.

“Our ryegrass leys can become compacted by forage harvesters, trailers, balers and 4,000-litre

Stubble turnips drilled with the Claydon Evolution help to feed the 1,000 store lambs.

slurry tankers, so we tend not to drill direct in these situations. After the grass has been sprayed o we do one pass with a Sumo, leave the land for six weeks, then drill wheat with the Claydon at 8kph. That approach works well across a wide range of conditions and allowed us to get spring barley in the ground this year when others struggled because of the wet weather.

“Some of our drilling is with variable seeding, but instead of cutting rates I use the normal 175–200kg/ha on our good land and double it on the poorer soils. Although the Claydon Hybrid will work at 12kph, on our Cotswold brash soils we nd that 10kph is perfect when one-pass drilling behind wheat, maize or grass.

“The Claydon has also been used to establish maize and the crop was as good as it was following the Sumo and power harrow, just much quicker and cheaper. Following wheat we also use it to establish stubble turnips which help to feed the 1,000 store lambs which come onto farm for six months and are followed by maize. We also use the Claydon to overseed existing leys, keeping the same 150mm row spacing but replacing the standard A-share with Claydon’s low disturbance kit to keep the grass intact.”

FETF upgrade

“We drill 400ha in the autumn and 200ha in the spring with the Claydon on our own and customers’ farms, which is a lot for a 4m unit. Last autumn we took advantage of the FETF (Farming Equipment & Technology Fund) grant programme to upgrade our Hybrid, which by then was three years old and had covered 1,825 hectares. We sold it for just £8,000 less than we paid for it, so every hectare drilled cost less than £4.50, which is exceptional value for money. Our new 4m Claydon Evolution mounted drill arrived in February 2024 and incorporates several improvements, such as the front discs which will be useful to slice through any trash and maize stalks.”

With more frequent extremes of weather, the Claydon Opti-Till System is particularly relevant because it is e ective in all conditions, minimises risk and provides su cient capacity to exploit narrow weather windows. This allows all agricultural seeds which can be air-sown, from herbs and grasses to cereals and maize, to be drilled at the right time, in the right conditions and ultimately produce the high yields required to make farming businesses more weather and nancially resilient. FG

Claydon Opti-Till system has reduced the time and cost of establishment without yield penalty.

J.J.METCALFE & SON LTD

Willow Garth Farm, Newby Wiske, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 9ET T 01609 771124

E info@jjmetcalfeandson.com www.jjmetcalfeandson.com

Sprung Tine Drill Conversion

JJM Universal Fine Tine is designed to deliver superior performance in a variety of soil types, ensuring optmal seed placement and minimal soil disturbance

•Ultra low soil disturbance

• Exceptonal seed to soil contact

•Minimal soil movement

•Tungsten carbide along leading edge

• Curved seed tube for optmum seed fow

• Universal system to ft a wide range of sprung tne drills - Kverneland TS Evo, Kuhn Megant, Horsch Finer, Kongskilde Vibroseeder and Köckerling All Rounder.

Expanded range includes spring tine drills

Due to the increased use of traditional spring tine drills for direct drilling, J.J. Metcalfe & Son has expanded its range to include spring tine drills.

JJM Universal Fine Tine Visit our website www.jjmetcalfeandson.com or call 01609 771124

the rear of the point, ensuring

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J.J. Metcalfe & Son is renowned for its application of tungsten carbide on direct drill conversion systems for tine drills, and this continues with its latest product. Tungsten carbide is applied to the 12mm leading edge and the rear of the point, ensuring the seed tube stays above ground. This design minimises draft and soil disturbance while maintaining excellent penetration and ease to pull, the company explains.

Available to purchase as a complete coulter, it consists of separate parts, like other J.J. Metcalfe & Son systems, allowing for only the worn parts to be replaced as needed.

separate parts, like other J.J. Kongskilde

This coulter is compatible with Kverneland TS, Kuhn Megant, directly. FG

Nutrients for increased plant growth and root development

Trialled and tested for UK climate

Helps deliver consistant, higher yielding crops

FUTURE FARMING: DRONES FOR PESTICIDE APPLICATION

Applying plant protection products from drones has moved a step closer after British regulator HSE-CRD granted an extrapolated trials permit (ETP) for a slug pellet product.

The decision paves the way for an Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMU) and the rst commercial application of a pesticide to food or feed crops in the UK by drone.

The development is o the back of two years’ work by Sta ordshire-based technology company AutoSpray Systems, which rst identi ed a market for heavy lift drones in UK agriculture back in 2019.

That autumn, similar to the one just passed, prolonged rain prevented growers from accessing land to drill seed, or to apply products like slug pellets or pre-emergence herbicides to crops established before it turned wet.

The company’s co-founder Andy Sproson said that Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations have not explicitly excluded aerial application from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for some time.

However, use must be justi ed and to do this, AutoSpray systems wrote a speci c risk assessment which was submitted to the CAA and the case accepted in December 2022.

Another missing piece of the puzzle was a pesticide regulatory framework, and the data to show how the product behaves when applied from UAVs.

Andy has found HSE-CRD very helpful since approaching them about expanding agricultural drone use, advising on the necessary information to succeed with the company’s permit application.

“Firstly, we had to prove our competency to the CAA. Thankfully, we were able to do so, as the company has CAA Recognised Assessment Entity status. We also needed to outline the bene ts of using drones in this way,” he explained.

These include application to land when ground machinery would damage crops and/or soil structure, cause compaction and increase runo /pollution risk.

Drones can also be used to target applications when a blanket approach is not appropriate, or larger machinery is not as e cient, like when spraying o patches of grassweed.

“We also required the backing of an existing product authorisation holder, and we now have this with Certis Belchim, which distributes Sluxx HP ferric phosphate slug pellets in the

UK,” said Andy.

With the ETP granted, AutoSpray Systems and Certis Belchim will now conduct ballistics testing straight away.

This will demonstrate to regulators that the spreadability of the Sluxx HP pellet is as good as its proven to be from conventional applicators.

Once this data is submitted to CRD, an EAMU should be granted

soon after and growers with access like AutoSpray Systems – will be

soon after and growers with access to a large payload drone – like the XAG P100 Pro imported by AutoSpray Systems – will be able to apply Sluxx HP slug pellets from the air.

XAG specialist agricultural drone broadcast cover crop seed into

In work carried out last year, the XAG specialist agricultural drone broadcast cover crop seed into standing cereals at speeds of 3035kph.

Work rates of 15-20ha an hour is possible with one drone, multiple batteries, a generator, and fast charger. The same will apply to slug pelleting.

“It’s the rst time a new application method has been made available to growers for many years and o ers an option that complements conventional machinery,” said Andy.

FG

correct timing, it is also essential to ensure they are used at the correct dose and spread evenly at the correct baiting point density: the latter is a ected by a range of factors including pellet size, evenness of spreading and application rate and consistency. In most combinable crops, the optimum baiting point density is 40–50 pellets per m2.

Key characteristics

In essence, there are four key characteristics which should be considered when selecting a slug pellet:

1. Molluscicide e cacy and speed of activity

2. Spreading accuracy

3. Palatability

4. Colour retention.

SLUGS…

…AN INCREASING PROBLEM

The 2023-24 winter was the eleventh wettest year on record – providing ideal conditions for the grey field slug.

Additional wet weather throughout the remainder of the winter months and into spring, plus an unsettled summer, have provided the perfect environment for the grey  eld slug (Deroceras reticulatum) to prosper, with populations booming as a result.

Slugs are hermaphrodites and can lay multiple egg batches; a single D. reticulatum can lay at least 500 eggs within their life span (this is a conversative estimation – at the other end of the scale, a single slug could produce 2,500 o spring)

SFI incentives (herbal leys and cover crops) will create perfect habitats for slugs to thrive, while the adoption of direct drilling reduces mechanical soil disruption, providing a safe environment for egg batches, and therefore slug viability.

At the same time, the likely increase in early drilled cereals in autumn 2024 will put large areas at threat from slug damage if the weather conditions remain favourable.

To mitigate this risk, integrated slug management practices should be employed, including seed bed consolidation, using correct drilling depth, trapping to assess populations, etc., as per AHDB advice and a good quality pellet applied when slug number thresholds are reached.

Molluscicide selection and application advice

It’s essential to choose a good quality slug pellet/ bait and to apply accurately and on time.

To maximise the e cacy of molluscicides, slug pellets should only be applied when pest populations have reached threshold, and only when weather conditions are favourable: it is not advisable to apply slug pellets immediately prior to heavy rainfall as this can lead to the rapid

degradation of slug pellets, especially if they are of a poorer quality.

The best time to assess slug populations is when the weather is mild and soil is damp, with the most e ective method being to use refuge traps: each trap or shelter should consist of a tile, hardboard sheet or 25–30cm plant pot saucer which will provide a refuge underneath which slugs can gather. Each trap should be baited with a suitable food source (two heaped teaspoonfuls of chicken layer’s mash is recommended), but it is important not to use slug pellets for this purpose.

The traps allow free movement of slugs which are more likely to visit in mild and moist night-time conditions and stay until the following morning when they can be counted.

In each eld, nine traps (13 in elds >20ha) should be set out in a W pattern, with the traps concentrated in areas known to su er damage. The following thresholds indicate a risk when soil and weather conditions favour slug activity:

E cacy: To maximise slug control, molluscicide pellets should take e ect as soon as possible after ingestion: a pellet with an appropriate amount of ferric phosphate will disrupt gut activity and suppress the slug’s appetite as soon as it has been ingested, thereby stopping grazing and protecting the crop even before the slug’s ultimate demise. With an anhydrous ferric phosphate content of 2.94%, Gusto IRON pellets provide the optimum dose of molluscicide to combat slugs in a range of agricultural and horticultural crops.

Ballistics: Only pellets of a uniform size, shape, weight and consistency will spread accurately and evenly to the desired working width. Adama says its Gusto IRON pellets are the ideal size and shape for optimal baiting point density – at 2.5mm by 2.1mm they spread accurately to wide operating widths and provide the optimal number of baiting points when applied at typical eld rates.

Palatability and colour retention: an independent trial (conducted under controlled conditions to maintain a warm, wet and humid environment) showed that Adama’s wet processed Gusto IRON slug pellets retain their shape, colour and palatability for a minimum of 14 days. They also remained mould-free for the duration of the experiment, Adama claims.

Calibration

To ensure slug pellets are applied accurately and to achieve the optimum number of baiting points all spreading equipment should be calibrated in accordance with the machinery manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure they are producing an even and accurate spreading pattern.

To reduce the impact any subsequent wet weather has on the longevity and e cacy of slug pellets, a pellet which remains palatable and mould-free should be used: Gusto IRON is manufactured using a two-stage drying process which the company says ensures the ideal balance between persistence in wet weather and palatability over a long duration.

In addition to applying slug pellets at the

In addition to regular calibration checks (prior to the start of the spreading season and before each subsequent application), all pellet spreading equipment should also be tested to the required standard to ensure it can spread the desired product over the declared working width in an even and uniform pattern: in order to comply with the NSTS (National Sprayer Testing Scheme) Sustainable Use Directive, all pesticide application equipment over ve years old should be tested every six years. If equipment is less than ve years old it needs to be tested by its fth anniversary, and then every six years thereafter.

Care should also be taken to ensure that it is positioned at an appropriate height for the machine on which it is mounted (usually 110cm for quad-mounted applicators) and operated at a sensible forward operating speed of around 12kph to ensure slug pellets are applied evenly and consistently over the entire spreading width.

BARLEY VARIETY REMAINS

“SPOTLESS” IN HIGH DISEASE YEAR

In a season characterised by wet weather and high disease pressure, one Lincolnshire grower says his LG Caravelle winter barley crop has remained “spotless” with excellent yield potential.

Brian Hammond, farm manager for the 810ha Westmoreland Farms Ltd, started growing winter barley again for the rst time in several years last autumn, putting all his faith in Limagrain UK’s 2-row variety, LG Caravelle, which is being grown for seed.

Almost 70ha is in the ground for the coming harvest, forming part of a varied rotation centred around combinable winter and spring crops, potatoes, sugar beet, carrots, vining peas, and onions.

“We wanted to grow winter barley mainly because it’s harvested earlier, which gives us a good window of opportunity to establish following crops, and cover crop mixes ahead of spring cropping. Also, it is a lot cheaper to grow than winter wheat; we’ve got some very light land that doesn’t favour wheat, and want a crop that’s done most of its growing by the second week in May.

“LG Caravelle stood out as one to try, mainly because of its very high yield potential, and its excellent disease resistance pro le.”

That faith seems to have been rewarded thus far. Mr Hammond says crops sown in early October established quickly and were just emerging as the weather broke later that month, but showed excellent vigour, despite saturated soils and tough growing conditions. Around half of his LG Caravelle is on very light sandy soil after early-lifted potatoes, while the remainder is on medium bodied loam following winter wheat or spring barley.

“The LG Caravelle did have to withstand a

lot of surface water for two or three days, but it established very well considering the conditions. There is the odd thin patch in some elds, but out of 170 acres, we’ve barely lost anything, which is amazing compared with what some have faced.”

Staying ‘spotless’

Importantly, Mr Hammond says all of his LG Caravelle has remained “spotlessly clean”, despite very high disease pressure throughout this season.

“In 40 years of growing crops, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a winter barley look as clean. With winter barley varieties in the past, we’ve often found disease will get in during the winter and early spring, then never really seem to go away.

“But this year, we’ve got three or `four spotlessly clean main leaves on every tiller.”

also applied at ag leaf emergence.

“Brian has been bang-on with fungicide timings, which has made a lot of di erence in such a high disease pressure year. The crop is looking spotless, but when you’re growing crops for seed, it’s vital that you achieve the best quality you can.”

With such high yield potential and large reserves of residual soil nutrition left behind after the preceding potato crops, Mr Pocklington says that extra attention has been given to managing any potential lodging risk, especially as the weather has been so unsettled. Crops received growth regulators at T0 and T1, plus a growth regulator at ag leaf emergence – this latter application targeted more at minimising any

says the fact crops have stayed brackling risk.

Mr Hammond’s Frontier agronomist, Josh Pocklington, says the fact crops have stayed so clean is testament to LG Caravelle’s strong genetics, supported with well-timed fungicide applications. These included uxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin and prothioconazole at T1, followed by pydi umetofen and prothioconazole at T2. Folpet was

Mr Hammond recognises the farm’s very light soils will always struggle to produce high yields, with 7.5t/ha generally considered a good spring barley yield for that land. However, he is hopeful that this year’s LG Caravelle could challenge that

Mr Hammond recognises the farm’s produce high yields, with 7.5t/ha generally that land. However, he is hopeful that this trend.

“Unless we’re suddenly disappointed once the combines start going, my plan is to certainly grow LG Caravelle again next season – probably increasing the total area to nearer 100ha. It really does seem to suit our lighter land nicely.”

once the combines start going, my Caravelle again next season

Brian Hammond, farm manager for Westmoreland Farms Ltd.

Pour yourself more profit.

Buccaneer is the highest yielding winter malting barley on the market.

AHDB trials show it out-yielded its nearest competitor in all regions of the UK, delivering an increase equivalent to almost 690kg/ha*. When grown on contract, that could equate to over £160/ha†!

With an outstanding disease profile and excellent grain, it’s set to be the growers’ choice this season.

Sought after by brewers with contracts available, it’s time to get your orders in!

Speak to your seed merchant today about availability.

BUCCANEER Winter Barley

At a recent BASF webinar on sugar beet, experts summarised disease threats likely to be faced in the coming season and discussed fungicides for foliar diseases.

MASTERING FOLIAR DISEASE CONTROL IN SUGAR BEET

Despite the challenging early season which saw most sugar beet crops drilled later than normal, there is 102,000ha of sugar beet in the ground with 85% of crops now at the established 6 true leaves stage. In order to get the most from these crops, mastering disease control is crucial, to keep the canopy healthy and photosynthesising at its most e cient rate to maximise root weight and sugar content.

BBRO’s head of science, Prof Mark Stevens, provided a roundup of potential foliar disease threats in the season ahead.

Foliar disease

The key foliar diseases for sugar beet are powdery mildew, rust and cercospora leaf spot.

With no reports of any early foliar disease at the time of the webinar in mid-June, Prof Stevens reminded growers that it is critical to try and limit the impact of foliar disease by reacting as soon as it appears in the crop, with broad spectrum fungicides critical for control.

“These diseases are there and waiting as the mild winter and potential hygiene issues have allowed them to survive overwinter. If we can keep the canopy healthy throughout the summer and into autumn, we can hopefully keep it photosynthesising at its most e cient rate, maximising root weight and sugar content. Sugar beet can often gain up to 40% of its yield potential from 1st September onwards,” he said.

in conjunction with ADAS and BASF. He said: “We targeted cercospora leaf spot because, in previous seasons, we had struggled with its control where the beet was stressed.”

Priori Gold was applied across all plots in the rst week of August, followed four weeks later with a strip treatment of either, Priori Gold (azoxystrobin + difenoconazile), Revystar XE (Revysol + Xemium) or Caligula (carboxamide + triazolinthione), all at full label rate.

Mr Green added: “We had intended to do a three-spray programme; unfortunately, it became a two-spray programme as it was too wet to get back on the eld. We monitored the crop for green leaf area and the standout product for me was the Revystar XE, at 1-litre/ha in 150 litres of water; right to the point of lifting you could still see with a drone the exceptionally green canopy.”

BASF business development, Iain Ford,

BASF business development, Iain Ford, shared the following comments: “Revystar XE has label control claims for all of the key foliar diseases – cercospora, powdery mildew, rust and ramularia. It is a wellbalanced co-formulation for sugar beet, with both active ingredients giving excellent disease control.

Powdery mildew and rust

Powdery mildew tends to be the rst disease to come into the crop, usually from July. Prof Stevens explained: “It’s really important that growers start to manage this as soon as they see disease as it can decrease yield by up to 20%. Varietal resistance should also be checked to guide fungicide programmes.

Rust can decrease yield by 15% and tends to like slightly cooler conditions, with growers likely to start seeing symptoms of this disease from August through to October.”

Cercospora leaf spot

This disease has recently become established as a prevalent foliar disease in the UK. It is favoured by warm wet conditions which are now more common. Prof Stevens commented: “This disease is a big concern; BBRO now monitors for spores of the disease, via a new project, through May and August alongside producing a forecasting model for growers to show which crops are at the greatest threat each day.”

Controlling foliar disease

Craig Green, an independent agronomist in Norfolk, carried out strip trials, with each strip 2ha in size, in a 40ha crop of Wren last season

balanced co-formulation for sugar giving excellent disease control.

last year all showed yield Revystar XE. Yield was improved as the rst or second spray in the yield was achieved when two

“Results from ve trials last year all showed yield improvements from using Revystar XE. Yield was improved whether Revystar XE was used as the rst or second spray in the programme, and the highest fresh yield was achieved when two sprays of Revystar XE were used.”

Longevity of activity

Trials carried out by BBRO for BASF over the last two seasons, both of which saw hard frost in December that a ected crops, showed that Revystar XE treated crops withstood frost better than those treated with competitor products.

Iain said: “As a result of better disease control, Revystar XE treated crops maintained a greener healthier canopy for longer and so were better able to withstand the frost, which helped to maintain yield.”

British Sugar’s head of technical support, Andrew Dear, told growers why the ability to withstand frost is so important. He said: “The impact of frost is two-fold, causing signi cant losses to growers, and in the factory; it is incredibly di cult to process frosted beet and can slow the factory throughput down which has knock on e ects for the entire lifting process.

“Maintaining that green leaf area and protecting the crop is incredibly important for its sustainability both for the grower and for British Sugar.” FG

Professor Mark Stevens, BBRO’s head of science.

Over-yeared winter wheat seed comes with health warning

Growers should check over-yeared seed condition before planting this autumn to ensure plant populations do not disappoint.

That’s the advice of Certis Belchim’s seed expert Adam Nears, who says there is likely to be a reasonable quantity of seed carried over from last autumn following many months of wet weather.

“Growers worked hard to take drilling opportunities as they occurred, but there is still a proportion of winter wheat seed sat in sheds this summer.

“There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be used this year, but it will need a health check and must be drilled into the most appropriate situation for successful establishment.”

Adam believes the most important piece of advice is to get samples of over-yeared seed germination tested.

“Reductions of 10-20% are common, but in much poorer conditions, where moisture or rodents and insect pests are present, for example, the gure can be much higher.”

Seed merchants o er germination tests for customers, or samples can be sent to an independent laboratory like NIAB, which charges about £60/sample.

NIAB’s basic analysis includes germination,

BUILD

thousand grain weight and a seed rate chart, to ensure establishment hits the target plant population.

Adam said that conventional seed treatments may have been applied to the seed, like a single purpose dressing (SPD), with or without take-all product Latitude (silthiofam).

These treatments have no negative e ect on seed viability and the active substances will remain e ective when sown within 12 months of treatment.

Where the germination of a treated seed lot is found to be poor, growers should not be tempted to dump or burn treated seed, as regulations stipulate that it must be disposed of by a specialist contractor, but this comes at a price.

“By far the safest and most economical way of dealing with any over-yeared treated seed is to

plant it, even if you need to use a very heavy seed rate,” says Adam.

A nal consideration is the situation into which you are planting over-yeared seed.

Mobile seed cleaning and dressing contractors cannot run treated seed through their equipment a second time to apply additional treatments.

So, if seed is only treated with an SPD, it will be ill advised to plant it into a eld where take-all risk is high, such as a second or third wheat, as the crop won’t be protected against the potentially devastating soil-borne pathogen.

Adam says in these cases, it would be best to plant into a lower risk rst wheat situation and use fresh seed treated with and SPD + Latitude in the second wheat slot, where Latitude typically gives a 0.55t/ha yield response. FG

• A full mix of active ingredients to combat annual broad‑leaved weeds and grass weeds, including black‑grass

• Diferentmodesofactiontohelpweedresistance strategies

• Provenformulationsforreliableperformance

Sow the best seed for the best crops

Farm-saved seed is a great way to keep seed costs down and get the best crop establishment. NAAC trials have shown that big, well graded, correctly treated seed, will give you the best chance of getting your crop o to a good start.

Seed straight o the combine sometimes looks almost good enough to sow. However, closer inspection nearly always reveals a signi cant amount of cha , bits of straw, small seed and broken or pest damaged seed. It is also usually quite easy to nd various weed seeds that have somehow escaped the weed control programme.

Chances are at least some of these weed seeds are resistant or becoming tolerant to the ever more limited range of herbicide

products that are available to use. Mobile seed processors have also found stones and even bits of metal which could damage or block the seed drill.

Organiser of new potato show reports good progress

Getting all these undesirable things out of your seed helps to get the best crop establishment and reduces the risk of spreading resistant weeds around your farm. Some farmers have raised concerns that some fungicidal seed treatments may have some undesirable e ects on bene cial microbes in the soil. Recent independently conducted studies have found that seed treatments have a very minimal e ect on these helpful microbes.

Please contact your NAAC Mobile Seed Processors for further information: www.naac.co.uk FG

Mobile Seed Processors

Plans for the two-day agricultural event – Potato Days UK – are going well, according to organiser, the DLG. This new event will be held at Nocton in Lincolnshire, hosted by Dyson Farming. Visitors from across the entire potato production value chain will be able to experience live machinery demonstrations, trials and research plots as well as indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Show director, Dr Lars Huf said: “Preparations are progressing well and we will begin to build our show site in mid-August. With help from our partners Grimme and Dyson Farming we planted almost 12ha of potatoes in early May, and these have established well and will be harvested at the event. In addition, our 10 trials plots, demonstrating innovative approaches and new varieties are also looking good.”

Exhibitor interest has been strong with major manufacturers Grimme, AVR, Dewulf and Standen all planning to bring machinery for the harvesting and load line demonstrations, which will happen on each day of the event. Elsewhere on the purpose built show site,

visitors can meet with manufacturers and businesses involved in this important agricultural sector. A programme of talks and presentations has been curated by the DLG, in association with the University of Lincoln, UK Food Valley, Dyson Farming Research and industry organisation, GB Potatoes.

Taking place on 4th and 5th September 2024 at Nocton Farm, Nocton, Lincolnshire, LN4 2GR, Potato Days UK is a free-to-attend event and o ers visitors a unique and immersive opportunity to engage with the industry. Visit www.potato-days.uk for more information. FG

GRASSWEED CONTROL

With the memory of a very wet autumn 2023 and challenging spring ’24, it is clear that preparation is more important than ever to ensure success on farm.

While most sights are currently set on bringing home the harvest safely, it is important to remember that it won’t be long thereafter and growers will be faced with drilling their next crop. E orts made now may help to ensure the best possibility of doing that successfully, especially where grassweeds present an immediate challenge on farm.

Avadex has been available in the UK since 1961 and to this day continues to be a foundation in many grassweed programs, says Gowan Crop Protection. Avadex, containing tri-allate, provides an outstanding additional contribution to grassweed management when applied as part of an integrated grassweed control strategy.

continues to provide blank ‘dummy granules’ for this purpose as the rst of several key steps needed to ensure that Avadex Excel granules are utilised safely and e ectively. Calibration and patternation testing goes hand in hand with good applicator maintenance ahead of use and all three are key if you want to ensure that you get accurate application of the product thereby getting the best possible return on investment from the application of Avadex Excel 15G.

Avadex, however, is a little di erent to what many growers are accustomed to using. While Avadex is formulated, as ‘Avadex Factor’, a liquid capsule suspension formulation, the highest loading formulation is the micro granule ‘Avadex Excel 15G’. UK and Ireland business manager for Gowan Crop Protection, Hank King, explains that while most growers regularly test their sprayers with an annual NSTS test and are very familiar with safe and responsible applications of liquid pesticides there appears to be less awareness of the best use guidance for applications of granular pesticides.

“Given Avadex Excel’s unique formulation it’s sometimes easy to forget that you are applying a pesticide and it is critically important to ensure that the product is being applied in accordance with the label at all times. That means ensuring that all sta applying the product use the appropriate personal protective equipment, are appropriately trained and therefore hold the necessary PA4G certi cation which is something that can be easily overlooked if one is not careful,” explains Mr King.

So, in order to be best prepared, and have the best chance at success, ensure that your enterprise is equipped, trained and ready for the season ahead.

Gowan Crop Protection has always advocated the importance of ensuring your granular Avadex Excel applicator is calibrated annually and

Any grower needing any further information or some ‘dummy granules’ for applicator calibration is invited to get in touch via the Gowan website uk.gowanco.com and the Gowan UK team would be delighted to help. FG

AGRONOMY UPDATE FROM AROUND THE UK

could be that we are seeing a new strain of the disease. Next season, we may need to include a T0 or anticipate a change to newer varieties.

East

Paul Dunham, Norfolk Cereal crops look well ahead of harvest. However, we have concerns about the amount of sunshine at grain ll, and we expect bushel weights to be down.

As harvest begins, Agrii agronomists across the country reflect on cereal crops and give their latest thoughts on potato, sugar beet and fruit agronomy.

mildew and rust, and cercospora is always in the back of our minds.

Disease control has been a challenge, particularly in certain varieties – controlling brown rust in Crusoe and septoria in Skyscraper especially. Despite this, we are happy with the results of disease control programmes. The key has been to keep intervals tighter, not letting these extend beyond three weeks between each fungicide timing.

We are managing more spring barley this season than usual. Our initial fears were that it would not be a very tall crop. It has moved along well since then, and we expect average yields.

Sugar beet looks promising, especially crops established in good time and on well-drained land. As the crop canopy closes, our focus has moved from herbicide programmes to the rst fungicides.

The rst fungicide sprays will be based around Angle (azoxystrobin + difenoconazole) plus Innocul8, which is an interesting new biostimulant that we have found boosts the plant’s ability to withstand disease and abiotic stress. We had some success trying Revysol (mefentri uconazole) on sugar beet last season and plan to look at it further this year, but this will be planned for second sprays.

Potato crops are similar to sugar beet. Overall, they look good, but the quality of the establishment in the spring has played a large part in their prospects.

We only have main crop potatoes, and so far, we haven’t seen much blight. However, we hear how early crops elsewhere in Norfolk are struggling under the pressure. Blight spray intervals are being kept at seven days, which we will maintain.

to manage this up until harvest. Similarly, some elds of beans and peas have seen high levels of root rot, which is not unexpected given how waterlogged some elds have been.

West

Sarah Hookway, Warwickshire

The later drilled and patchy wheat crops have turned out much better than we expected. They have tillered and lled out well. Spring barley prospects are mixed, but goodlooking crops are not hard to nd.

Those crops destined for storage received an application of Fazor (maleic hydrazide) at the end of July.

We began the rst fungicide sprays in the third week of July before the disease had a chance to take hold.

Oilseed rape desiccation happened in the middle of July. Crops locally look full of potential, with plenty of pods that have lled well. Some crops on brashier soil were harvested in early July. However, we don’t expect harvest to di er much from normal for most crops.

North

Douglas Bain, Angus

Disease pressure has been high all spring. Brown rust has romped away in varieties like Crusoe, and we have seen a bit in Champion at a later stage. T0s have been critical to keep on top of disease control this year, especially as applications have been delayed by poor weather. Those crops that had one have been a lot cleaner throughout the spring. It is often said that T0 does not always provide a yield bene t, but we expect this year will be di erent.

Potato crops are keeping us very busy at the moment. On average, they are two to three weeks behind a typical year. We expect yields to be back because of the later plantings and slower growth due to cold weather.

After such a wet start to the year, potato beds went very dry at the beginning of July. We irrigated some, but the capped surface meant the water didn’t always end up where it should.

Winter beans seem very tall this year, with podding a bit sporadic. Spring beans are shorter. There have been a lot of problems with black bean aphid this year, which we have had to keep a close eye out for.

Our primary considerations are powdery

Unsurprisingly, considering the weather, chocolate spot is coming into crops. We will be applying fungicides

Where farmers want to reduce their fungicide applications to just two, we usually recommend growing Extase to help us manage disease levels. However, this year, Extase has struggled with yellow rust. It

Blight sprays ranged from seven to four completed at the start of July, depending on the planting date. Blight pressure is yet to build up, but we are maintaining robust programmes because of the threat. Spring barley looked great at the end of May, but it has gone backwards in the colder weather in June and needs sunshine. Earlier sown wheat crops are fantastic, but anything sown from October onwards has struggled through the season after such challenging conditions for establishment. This is especially true for anything following potatoes. Disease control in winter wheat has been a challenge. T1s based on Revysol (mefentri uconazole) and Imtrex ( uxapyroxad) worked well. T2s

season after such challenging

This is especially true for

Disease control in

T1s based on Revysol

Where farmers want growing Extase to help levels. However, this

winter

programmes to the rst

We began the rst third week of July before to take hold.

Paul Dunham, Norfolk.

Sarah Hookway, Warwickshire.

were a mix of Univoq (fenpicoxamid) and Solatenol (benzovindi upyr). We were concerned at the start of June, but they just held on under tremendous pressure.

Early-drilled Skyscraper has been especially tricky to keep free of disease, and Dawsum has su ered terribly from ascochyta. We expect a change in the varieties grown next season, with Bamford being in high demand this summer.

We are struggling to get a feel for the prospects of oilseed rape crops. It has looked good all season but is very short, and we are still determining the extent of the podding through the canopy. We won’t have to wait long to nd out.

South Ryan Williams, Kent (top and stone fruit)

for scab, leaving plenty of inoculum to carry over the winter.

Every year poses challenges, but when we have a mild winter like we had, combined with continued wet weather and high pest pressure last season, it has made this year challenging. Right from the get-go, we have been running 10–14 days ahead of last year, which has kept us busy since February.

Buds started to open at the end of February, about two weeks earlier than

usual, meaning the scab risk period began sooner this season. We maintain a robust tight interval spray programme throughout the growing year to protect the new tissue with alternative modes of action, particularly for the more susceptible varieties. Programmes were particularly robust at the start of spring because of the carry-over from last year.

Codling moth pressure has also been very high, which we put down to the mild winter and a partial second generation late last summer. We’ve had growers contact us to say they have had counts of 150 moths when the threshold is ve or more in a period of two consecutive weeks. We have never seen anything like that.

Rainfall and high winds have limited spraying windows and increased disease and pest pressure.

Scab is ever-present, and the conditions have been conducive to its development this season. Last season’s pressure has exacerbated the apple scab threat. It was the worst year agronomists here have ever known

Programmes to control codling moths began in June, and we will keep them robust because of the pressure growers face.

Later stone fruit crops will need to be monitored for spotted wing drosophila (SWD), particularly on farms growing a mixture of varieties with di erent maturities. We strongly encourage growers to maintain good hygiene practices when harvesting early crops to reduce pressure later in the season but are prepared to step in where needed.

Despite the challenges, we crops have responded to

Despite the challenges, we have been encouraged by how crops have responded to good crop management and are optimistic for harvest. FG the winter.

and the conditions harvesting early crops to reduce pressure later in the season but are prepared to step in

Ryan Williams, Kent.

Douglas Bain.

RAGT FIELD DEMO TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

LATEST INNOVATIONS

BYDV-resistant wheats, pelleted seed cover crops and a new milling wheat variety featured at a recent field demo tour hosted by RAGT and attended by editor Rachel Hicks

RAGT managing director Lee Bennett hosted members of the farming press at the recent eld tour, to share details of research the breeder has been carrying out as well as showcase its latest varieties.

Sowing innovation –pelleted seed

Mr Bennett introduced a new sowing concept which is designed to boost cover crop and companion crop establishment whilst saving growers time and money.

Developed and patented by RAGT, the top secret method involves ‘glueing’ up to four di erent seeds together in a water-soluble coating, producing a pellet with a similar mass to compound fertiliser which can be broadcast into a standing crop of wheat as far as 36m, up to 15

days prior to harvest –pictured above.

enough physical mass to deter ea beetle, a companion crop ideally needs to be planted and left to establish before sowing oilseed rape into it, but no-one wants to drill twice.

“But everyone has a fertiliser spreader, so they will be able to broadcast the companion crop straight into standing wheat, let it establish and drill rape into the established companion crop after harvest.

“The big advantage is that broadcasting costs just £5/ha compared with £33/ha for direct drilling. And it takes about a quarter of the time, so we have created massive cost and time savings and much better establishment.”

Broadcasting a pelleted long-term companion crop mix of vetch, oilseed radish and phacelia into wheat just before harvest (6th Aug 2023) produced 7.4t/ha of dry matter, compared with 2.4t/ha from nonpelleted seed direct drilled into stubble nine days later. On average, trials indicated there was an uplift of 50% of biomass when drilled before harvest.

Standout performance from Genserus wheats in BYDV trials

The e ectiveness of BYDV resistance in RAGT’s Genserus wheats was obvious within the demo plots.

A total of 20 September-sown wheats were put to the test in the two-replicate trial – including eight BYDV-resistant varieties and a range of conventional (susceptible) varieties. All received Recommended List-protocol fungicide and PGR treatments, but no insecticide.

Plots were inoculated with BYDVinfected aphids, some during the autumn, some during autumn and spring, and some in spring only.

All Genserus plots looked tabletop level and green across the trial, with no BYDV symptoms apparent across the various inoculation timings. These included hard feed wheat RGT Grouse and its likely successor RW42265, plus new milling wheat RGT Gold nch, which is up for AHDB RL recommendation this autumn, and RW42396 – an early sowing, very clean, hard feed variety in National List trials.

across the board,” said Mr Bennett.

“I’ve seen what damage can be done by spring BYDV infections in Ireland, but farmers don’t spray for aphids in the spring.

“The results here beg the question: What value is there in drilling late if you do get spring infection? The aphids in this trial weren’t put in until the last week of February yet the BYDV they’ve transmitted has still caused signi cant damage.

“Genserus varieties o er seasonlong control of BYDV, so you don’t need to worry about getting the sprayer out in a wet autumn, or applying and timing often-multiple sprays when you can travel. And you don’t have to worry about resistance and you’re not going to kill bene cials – it’s a hugely positive PR story for UK farming.”

New milling wheat available this autumn

Mr Bennett explained that RGT Gold nch, the UK’s rst high quality wheat with breadmaking potential that features resistance to BYDV and OWBM, will be available for farmers to sow this autumn.

“RGT Gold nch gives growers the opportunity to produce insecticidefree wheat, which is particularly attractive for crops intended for the human food chain,” he shared.

For growers keen to take as much cost as possible out of oilseed rape production, OSR and companion crop seed could be combined into the same pellet and sown into the standing wheat crop, he added.

Mr Bennett explained: “One of the key areas we think this would be useful is establishing companion crops for OSR. “To create

These techniques will be tested on six farms this autumn against standard farm practice.

Further applications of the technique include establishment of short-term cover crops between cereals and long-term covers between winter and spring crops, as well as establishing companion crops for wheat. Pelleting stubble turnips is also being trialled this season.

Results from the site show the e ectiveness of the technique.

“There is no dwar sm and no discoloration or loss of photosynthetic area in any of the Genserus varieties,” Mr Bennett observed.

A few of the conventional varieties had tolerated BYDV relatively well, but many others within the plot had su ered, including RGT Illustrious and Crusoe.

In this season’s spring-inoculated plots, some susceptible varieties have su ered less stunting than earlierinoculated plots, but not all.“ Extase is still badly a ected, and there seems to be just as much leaf discoloration

“Importantly, the variety also has outstanding foliar disease resistance scores, including 9s for yellow and brown rust, 8 for mildew and 7 for Septoria tritici.”

Given the level of interest, RAGT has accelerated seed production, so there will be C2 seed available for drilling this autumn.

RGT Gold nch o ers complete protection when BYDV strikes, Mr Bennett explained. “In RAGT trials last season where plots were inoculated with BYDV-carrying aphids and received no insecticide treatment, RGT Gold nch scored 106% against Skyfall’s 95% and Extase’s 92%.”

RGT Gold nch suits well-bodied land and can be sown from early September to the end of November. FG

Lee Bennett, RAGT managing director.

RGT Gold nch is due to be added to the RL this autumn.

Symptoms of BYDV were obvious in the susceptible varieties.

APF show returns to Ragley Estate

APF 2024 will take place at Ragley Estate, Warwickshire, on 19th–21st September.

APF 2024 is by far the largest woodland, forestry, fencing, arboriculture, trees and timber show in the UK, with 300 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors expected over the three days of the show in September, organisers say.

One of the unique aspects of the show is that much of the machinery can be seen working under realistic conditions on the demonstration circuit. In total there will be over £80 million worth of machinery and around 2.5 miles of working machinery frontage to look at.

The machinery and equipment covers every aspect of tree and timber management – everything from seed to sawmill. It is not just focused on woodlands but covers maximising returns from all timber on the farm including

individual trees. You will be able to see a huge range of machinery for producing woodchips for wood red boilers, rewood processing machinery and portable sawmills for producing planks and fencing materials from individual trees. Much of the machinery on show is designed for use in smaller woodlands and can utilise your existing tractor, telehandler or excavator.

Excellent grants are now available for tree planting and woodland management and you can get advice on all aspects of these from experts on site.

One of the key features of the show is the Fencing Village. All the major fencing manufacturers of equipment and materials are exhibiting and you can watch all the machines

in action and see the latest materials and techniques. On Thursday 21st the show will host the British Quick Fencing championships using the latest Clipex fencing and Friday will see the traditional British post and wire fencing championships.

Although the show features the latest stateof-the-art machines, more traditional woodland management is not neglected. The British Horse Loggers will be demonstrating how horse extraction can be used on sensitive sites and you can even try your hand at handling a timber horse. There is the largest display of traditional woodland crafts in the UK. Craftsmen and women will be demonstrating such skills as charcoal making, basket weaving, coracle making, oak swill baskets, rake making, clogs, wheelwrighting, pole lathe turning, dug out canoes, hazel hurdles amongst others. If you want to know what a Sussex Pimp is this is the place to nd out!

In addition to the above you can watch some high-quality events including the World Pole Climbing Championships, the European Chainsaw Carving Championships, the APF UK Tree Climbing Challenge and the UK Forwarder driving championships. You can also have a go at tree climbing with a rope and harness and axe throwing.

Discounted advance tickets can be bought on the website or you can buy them on the gate priced £25. Full information about the show including a full list of current exhibitors can be found on the website www.apfexhibiton.co.uk. For further information contact the organisers directly. FG

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EXTREMELY HIGH THROUGHPUTS - EXTREMELY CONVENIENT

The 5th generation BiG Pack is made for the highest output and advanced operator comfort. Packed with features like twine boxes that open and lower hydraulically and hold 15kg balls. The adjustable VFS is laid out for even heavier bales, double-knotters that produce no twine tails, the KRONE PowerClean and much more!

Don‘t forget to ask your local dealer about our

NEW BUTTERFLY MOWERS AND TWIN ROTOR RAKES

Massey Ferguson has added two new butterfly mowers, and six new models of the RK twin rotor rake to its range.

The new heavier-duty MF DM 9614 TL o ers a 9.6m working width, while the larger MF DM 10114 TL has a 10.1m working width. The two new models will be available alongside the established and streamlined MF DM 8612 TL and MF DM 9614 TL mowers.

All new models are equipped with the latest heavy-duty, spur gear cutterbar and a conditioner is tted as standard. There is a choice of the tined ‘KC’ version, or ‘RC’ roller, which now features drive to both rollers and a more aggressive ‘steel on steel’ option, for heavier crops such as lucerne.

‘Pro’ models include Isobus control, allowing operators to automate functions to improve ease of use and forage quality. Conditioning intensity can be adjusted to match the crop and produce a uniform dry matter.

The Pro models also connect the front and rear mowing units, o ering manual or automatic side shift for the front mower, to reduce missed areas on hills. The system automatically adjusts the ground pressure, via MF’s TurboLift, in relation to the rear mower. GPS section control lifts the mower on the headland to avoid previously worked areas, while the rear mower automatically raises and centres when reversing.

All ‘Pro’ models are also available with a belt grouper that transfers crop to the centre to form swaths from 1.6–3m wide. New sensors on the system monitor the belt units’ position and automatically adjusts this to maintain the optimum centre of gravity.

Meanwhile, there are six new MF RK twin rotor rakes with working widths from 7.6–10m. Building on the proven design, the new models feature Isobus operation (Pro), speed related height adjustment, as well as section control and maintenance-free rotor heads.

A new exHIGH speed-dependant raking height system automatically raises and lowers the machine to maintain the optimum working height, reducing contamination and increasing output.

All rotors feature maintenance-free heads, while a standard switch box or load sensing on the Pro models, allows individual control of the rotors. Section control is available on all new models to increase accuracy and reduce contamination by automatically lifting and lowering the

rotors according to the GPS position. A new MyMemory option makes it faster and easier to change between elds by saving the working height, working width and swath width before switching to the transport position. A new gearbox design allows all models below the largest MF RK 1102 TRC Pro to fold to less than 4m high without removing any tine arms. FG

With working widths of 2.45m-5.25m, the Combi-Disc brings together subsoiling and disc elements in one frame and HE-VA’s clever design allows all the components to be adjusted hydraulically on the move.

• Subsoiling legs - restructure soils to 16” (40cm) deep.

• 510mm discs - cut and mix to 5” (125mm) deep.

• Long leg stagger - reduced soil squeeze means lower HP requirement.

• Shearbolt or hydraulic auto reset leg protection.

• 600mm or 700mm single or 600mm twinV-Proflepressroller.

• Mounted and trailed models.

• Optional Stealth, low disturbance legs & points.

Distributed

Wet weather underlines the importance of mole draining

After months of rain, manufacturer Ceres stresses the importance of mole draining, and says its UniMole is perfect for the task.

Always remember, the most important asset on your farm is probably your land. Soil health and drainage are essential to safeguard against adverse weather and constant changes on the farming landscape.

After a succession of increasingly rainy months, causing further crop damage, compaction and reducing yields, there is now a cost-e ective mounted mole drainer that works – the Ceres UniMole Mole Drainer is the perfect machine for the task. The UniMole brings you the best of both worlds, combining a traditional trailed beam mole drainer with the speed, manoeuvrability and convenience of a mounted machine.

The Ceres UniMole creates minimal surface disturbance with its unique hydraulic entry and withdrawal system, which allows its leg to run smoothly in and out of the ground. The hydraulic ram automatically extends and contracts, which reduces ground heave, as well as lessens the pressure exerted on the tractor. This prevents the unsightly exposed crater at the end of each run, which is normally associated with mole ploughing, making this machine perfect for zero till, minimum till and pastureland.

The wide beam creates a high pressure point over the foot and bullet, to prevent premature lift and shatter and reduce ground disturbance,

and allow the ceramic expander to create an even force to consolidate the subsoil. The leg creates an open slit, which allows circulating air to dry out the consolidated substrate and create an even longer lasting drain. The risk of debris and trash build up is greatly reduced not only by the angle of the leading edge, but also by the large 560mm diameter serrated disc which has ample clearance within the frame to prevent congesting and aid free rotation.

The UniMole is built with longevity in mind, not only for long-lasting land drains, but also the lifespan of its components. These include the Hardox 450 full-length skid, leg and headstock pin inserts, which o ers up to four times greater life expectancy than mild steel. The leg is also

protected by a choice of two sizes of shear link, which provides a safeguard when using the UniMole in unfamiliar ground. Both main pivots have greaseable sprung steel bushes with EN24 pins. The hard-wearing ceramic expander, which comes as standard, maintains its shape throughout wear by rotating freely on its axis, and it has a convenient stowing position when out of work.

The Ceres team believes that the UniMole o ers the best all-round performance, whether on grassland, stubble, pre-worked or in-crop conditions, bringing an over 100-year-old design up-to-date and making it suitable for e cient, modern farming and contracting applications. FG

TUCKWELLS: SUPPORTING FARMERS FOR 70 YEARS AND BEYOND

In 1965, Tuckwells was appointed one of the UK’s rst John Deere dealers and is now one of the popular brand’s main dealers in the region, employing over 300 people across 10 locations in Su olk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Kent and East Sussex.

With a wide selection of the John Deere range on o er, the choice of combine harvesters has just been bolstered by the arrival of eight new models. With four models each in the new T5 and T6 walker combine ranges, the new releases come with an impressive range of engine power outputs, starting with the T5 400 with its 305hp 6.8-litre engine right up to the 466hp 9-litre engine boasted by the T6 800 model.

The new models promise improved levels of comfort and convenience with some features shared from the agship John Deere combine – the X9 – such as the 3.68m3 cab with electronic dust sealing door and pressurised cabin to keep dust and debris from entering the cab. They are also equipped with 10 12V and USB outlets in the cab for powering or charging additional equipment.

In 2024, family-run agricultural dealer and John Deere specialist Tuckwells is celebrating its 70th anniversary of trading, alongside the arrival of new combine models. and debris from entering the cab. They are also the cab for powering or charging additional additional operator comfort. The

touchscreen control.

The new models come with increased grain tank sizes: 13,500 litres for the T6 and 11,500 litres for the T5, with unloading speeds of up to 150 litres per second, allowing a full T6 model to be unloaded in just 90 seconds.

Smart farming features prominently on the new models, with advanced John Deere Ag technology such as the StarFire7500 integrated receiver and the G5Plus CommandCentre display that o ers a 12.8in high-de nition screen with intuitive menu functions. Optionally you can equip the T5 and T6 with the G5Plus extended monitor for additional functionality including Machine Sync, whereby the combine driver controls the tractor’s speed, direction and position for more precise o oading.

Good dealer relationship a priority

Arable farmer David Nunn, of R J Nunn & Sons, has been operating in Stowmarket since 1937, and is currently farming 800ha in total. He has been dealing with Tuckwells for around 20 years.

“They are local to us and have provided great service, which as far as I am concerned is the most important thing,” David explains. “For me, the product is almost second to this. You can buy a tractor from anyone, and of any brand, but if the after sales support and specialist knowledge isn’t there, the make of the equipment you choose is almost irrelevant. We are all farming more and more, with fewer people so the reliance on machinery becomes ever greater and we simply cannot a ord unnecessary downtime. I really cannot fault Tuckwells in that regard. They hold quite a bit of equipment in stock and if they can’t get a problem xed quickly, they will get another machine out to

Dealer view

Tuckwells agricultural sales manager Tom Mason, commented: “David and James have been running John Deere combines since 2008 with the rst being a John Deere S690i with a 30ft platform and a rape extension header. Their current machine is a John Deere S790 complete with tracks and a 35ft extending platform. David and James have always embraced technology and recognise the value in spreading this across all farming operations.”

use them, and the fact that the operating systems are very similar across the range makes it easy for any of us to get in any machine and just use it.

“We use the John Deere Greenstar system across the board, which simpli es things. Using this system also makes it easier to manage if things go wrong. The specialist service team have a complete understanding of the Greenstar system and if anything goes wrong, they can ‘dial’ into the machine and often diagnose, or even x it, remotely, which can save both time and money.”

An optional ActiveSeatII delivers fully adjustable electronic controls, electronic suspension and all-round cooling for additional operator comfort. The CommandPro joystick provides a customisable control unit that can store di erent settings for di erent operators on a

ll the gap.”

tractors, a combine and a sprayer, all of which

JCB telehandler, again purchased through

David is currently running four John Deere tractors, a combine and a sprayer, all of which were supplied by Tuckwells. He also has a JCB telehandler, again purchased through Tuckwells. “We have ended up with a John Deere eet as much due to the brand being represented by Tuckwells as anything else; but I have to say that my team really like driving them. We employ two operators, and they really understand how to

David’s current combine is a John Deere S790i rotary tracked model, which is just coming up to its fth harvest, and he admits that it makes the farm ‘over-combined’ by design. “Being overcombined saves on drying costs, as we can do more when the weather is dry,” David explains. “The rotary combine is di erent to a straw walker version and means we must combine when the sun is shining, as it just won’t cope with the dampness that the evening brings, which is another reason we choose to be over-combined.” He opted for a tracked version as it is more stable and causes less eld damage when the ground is soft.

David is very pleased with every aspect, from its comfort to its performance, and particularly likes the Greenstar synchronising facility whereby the combine and trailer-pulling tractor will ‘talk’ to each other and the tractor is e ectively controlled

David Nunn, of R J Nunn & Sons.

by the combine, keeping it perfectly positioned without operator input.

He has no current plans to upgrade the combine, or any other machine, at this time. He does, however, say that “any machine is always for sale if the right deal can be put together”. “The relationship we have with Tuckwells is such that they usually tell us when we are replacing or upgrading a machine, and that arrangement seems to work well,” David concludes.

16 years of John Deere combines Farm owner Paul Howland works just under 300ha of arable cropping, as well as managing around 1,500 pigs, close to Beccles in Norfolk. He has had a relationship with Tuckwells for over 20 years and has been harvesting with John Deere combines for 16 years. His current combine, a ve-year-old T560i, is the second of this model that he’s owned, and his third John Deere combine in total.

“We have a great relationship with Tuckwells and they have a superb service technician, Joe, who I speci cally request as he knows the machine well,” explains Paul. “I give him a hand where I can, which helps me learn more about the machine. Joe lives locally, so if I have a problem, he will pop down to have a look. However, with remote access through the Greenstar system, Joe or anyone else in the team at Tuckwells can access the machine, even if they are out on another job, take it over

remotely and tell me whether it can be xed remotely, or needs a scheduled visit. I really couldn’t ask for better service.

“The cab is amazing – it’s quiet, very comfortable and great to work in. We blow it down every morning and I am meticulous about looking after it,” Paul comments.

“I am pleased with its fuel e ciency and its performance is phenomenal. We get a great sample out of all crops, especially OSR.

“I went with a straw walker, rather than a rotary, because I need the straw quality for our pigs and it’s easier when I am rolling bales out if the straw is a decent length. Visibility from the cab is excellent and the lighting is superb. Although this is the second one of these models I have bought, we speci ed this one with a double drum, as it provides extra threshing capacity. We run it with a 25ft header, but it can take up to 30ft, which for a small machine is pretty impressive.

“What I really like about the header is that by simply using a button in the cab I can push my cutter bar right forward, so that I don’t have to spend two hours putting a Zurn header on when harvesting OSR or other tall crops. I also like that I can rig the side knives easily. I can go from being set up for barley to rigged for OSR in just a couple of minutes, which is amazing. The

Greenstar system is clever. If I’m combining when I started, maybe because the crop has guessing what to change I press a

Greenstar system is clever. If I’m combining and think that the sample isn’t as clean as when I started, maybe because the crop has become drier and more brittle, rather than guessing what to change I press a button on the main screen and it provides a list of possible improvements, such as changing cylinder speed by a certain amount. I accept the suggestion and it will change the parameter automatically and, after doing so, it will ask if the problem is xed. If not, it will make further suggestions until it’s sorted. It takes much of the guesswork out of setting the machine up.”

Just before Farmers Guide visited, Paul had returned from a refresher day and had seen the new T5 and T6 models. “You would be hard placed to see much di erence between the new models and my machine, but I think that’s simply because it’s a proven recipe and there really isn’t much that needs changing. It’s got a new cab, which is nice, and a great idea is the air tank that they have put above the back wheel, up high, so that you can blow your lters down, which is handy,” he observes. However, Paul has no immediate plans to upgrade. “We usually run a combine for ve or six seasons, but this one could easily do another ve or six, so I am in no rush to change.” FG

Dealer view

Paul’s local sales rep, Tom Miller commented:

“Tuckwells have a great relationship with Paul and we recognise that he often has to work around the clock this time of year, like many farms. So, having people in the service team like Joe Almond, our technician who mainly looks after Paul’s combine, is vital to help minimise any downtime.” often has to work around team like Joe Almond, our

Farm owner, Paul Howland.

8M working length produces an optimum mix of soil and crop residue

8 rows of tines with 130mm spacing

Working depth 2-18cm

Equipped with easy shift on the move depth control

CLAAS: "SETTING THE STANDARD"

IN FORAGE MACHINERY

an obstacle before automatically resetting.

German manufacturer, Claas, unveiled its latest forage technology to the farming press at its factory in Bad Saulgau, southern Germany, at the end of June. Machinery editor Neale Byart reports.

Among the latest products to be unveiled were no fewer than ve new Disco large-scale mowers, two swathers, a baler and four tedders.

huge range of mower combinations with working widths ranging from 8.3m right up to 10.8m.

These models can be operated at just 850rpm and incorporate drive protection for each mowing unit, featuring the latest Walterscheid overload clutches. The C model boasts a tine conditioner, while the RC model has a roller conditioner. The latter of these can be tted with an optional double roller drive with a scissor gear unit.

Claas also took the gathered media on a tour of its factory site and explained how, for the past two years, it has been undergoing extensive restructuring and expansion to increase its production capabilities, and gave an insight into developments within the world of autonomous harvesting.

Disco large-scale mowers

For a quarter of a century, Claas claims to have been setting the standard in large-scale mowers when it comes to area output, durability and e ciency. To mark the anniversary, it has launched ve new mower products consisting of four new mower-conditioner combination units and a single XXL mower. This means that Claas now o ers a

Entry level mowers for smaller tractors

The new Disco 8500 C Trend and 8500 RC Trend entry-level models bring some of the tried and tested features of the larger mowers in smaller working widths. This makes them ideally suited for tractors in the lower–mid range, with short wheelbase and power output from 160hp. The focus therefore was on the stable, lightweight construction, with a centre of gravity close to the tractor, and a low rotational and tractive power requirement.

The basic spec includes the proven telescopic arm concept, Active Float ground pressure –adjustable from the cab – and the fast-acting nonstop collision protection that pivots the arm over

Claas now o ers a range of mower combinations with working widths ranging from 8.3–10.8m.

The conditioner plate incorporates Hardox reinforcement for extra durability while saving weight. Further weight savings have been made by doing away with the LS hydraulic blocks and hydraulic collision protection, which also reduces the purchase price.

High output, lower fuel consumption

The 9.3m Disco 9300 C Comfort and 9300 RC Comfort models are the next step up from the 8500 series and o er many of the same features. In addition, the V-shaped steel tines of the 9300 C model are designed to deliver higher throughputs with reduced fuel consumption.

Suitable for tractors of 180hp and upwards, both models are easy to adjust when it comes to conditioning intensity and deposition width.

The Comfort models can be equipped with optional automatic control of the Active Float system. When working on slopes, the ground pressure – a key factor determining forage quality, sward protection, power requirement and slope safety – can be individually adjusted on each side using the optional automatic slope system. This eases the driver's workload and, says Claas, ensures consistently high results at all times.

Largest mower has increased working width

The largest model in the Disco range now has a 10.8m working width, up from 10.7m thanks to an increase in the arm's adjustment range. The working width can also be reduced hydraulically or

The Disco 8500 is mounted close to the tractor making it suitable for use with short wheelbase tractors from 160hp.

in synchronisation. Despite its large working width, the whole unit folds to a height of under 4m for road transport. As well as hydraulically controlled lifting, lowering and width adjustment, the unit can also be automatically adjusted using the programmable headland management system.

Faster, e cient baling and wrapping

The Rollant and the Rollant Uniwrap have been popular models of baler and baler-wrapping machines for many years.

The Rollant 630 RC Uniwrap incorporates much of the tried and tested technology from the previous existing models, but with added features to improve on its design and functionality. It combines good ground clearance with a low centre of gravity and has been strengthened in the important areas such as chassis frame, drive shafts, drive chains and rear tailgate mounting for improved durability.

It also o ers a larger chain oil container, now holding 7.2-litres, for reduced maintenance and longer service life. To satisfy the demand for ever increasing bale weights, the frame and tipping cradle have been redesigned to be more stable and to allow adjustable bale diameter from 1.25m to 1.35m.

An optional Maximum Pressure System Plus, or MPS Plus for short, can be added to the Rollant. This pivoting 3-roller segment in the tailgate provides extra pressure to produce better compaction throughout the bale. The pressure supplied is controllable from the cab and can be adjusted between 60 and 120-Bar.

For bale wrapping, the 630 RC can use either net or lm and, using technology adopted from the Uniwrap 400, it utilises a hydraulic brake on the wrapping table for reduced lm consumption. The wrapping drive operates at 36rpm, which speeds up the wrapping process, allowing the 630

to add six layers of wrap, with a 52% overlap, to a bale in just 23 seconds. There is also storage for up to 12 replacement rolls of lm beneath a large maintenance ap where it is kept both clean and dry.

Swathing with or without a conditioner

Designed for dairy farms that do not need a conditioner because they require longer wilting processes or have less powerful tractors, the Disco 9300 Direct Swather is a large-scale mower o ering full-width deposition for fast, e ective wilting, integrated central swathing for e ective eld clearance, 18m mowing width consolidated to 12m swath and mowing with one-sided swath laying for clearing the eld margin.

Without the conditioner, the Direct Swather can be operated with tractors from 180hp and is suitable for all crop types and conditions. The tapered auger is placed close and parallel to the mowing discs to ensure consistent and reliable crop pick-up, even when the growth is uneven. Blockage of the auger outlet is prevented by a shear bar and knives. The top mounted auger drive enables the auger to be swung open hydraulically, allowing the unprocessed crop to be deposited across the full mowing width and can be swung open or closed individually or together via Isobus, even while mowing.

The Disco 9300 C Auto Swather uses a conventional steel tine conditioner to pick up the crop and feed it to the cross-conveyor belt that produces an airy and uniform swath. The resultant swath wilts quickly, even with dense crops and short periods of fair weather. Manufacturing processes have been optimised for durability, while keeping the weight down, with laser welding and Hardox reinforced components and new drive rollers reduce noise levels for improved operator comfort. It also has a new stand design enabling easier attachment and removal while

A CEMIS 100 terminal speci cally for operating the wrapper o ers direct access to all key functions.

Strengthened drives and e cient lubrication with large chain oil container guarantees a long service life.

For bale wrapping, the 630 RC can use either net or lm, operating at 36rpm.

The Rollant 630 RC Uniwrap is the rst to feature the pioneering Y-shaped design that is the hallmark of the Claas product family.

All Saints Hotel, Bury St Edmunds 7:45am - 2:30pm

delivering space-saving storage in the folded position. The Auto Swather Disco 9300 requires a tractor with an output of 400hp or more but produces a swath of a quality that requires lower power down the harvest chain. As with all Disco mowers, the 9300 models come with a Max Cut mower bed and Active Float suspension, and like all large-scale mowers the side arms have either mechanical or hydraulic non-stop collision protection.

More power and wider working width

The Claas tedder range already covers working widths from 4.5m up to 13m and now, with the launch of four new Volto models, they go all the way up to 15m.

The new models are the 1300T, 1300TS, 1500T and 1500TS. The new 13m and 15m models are available with a self-steering chassis (TS version) or without (T version). All four models feature a new frame and chassis concept, with optimal ground-contour following and soil protection, while o ering simple operation and

folding. The new chassis comes with a wide axle and large tyres, to minimise rolling movements and deliver smooth and safe road travel, as well as a compact width, length and height when folded for improved rear visibility and manoeuvring. They also come with a completely redesigned and stronger Permalink drive that delivers more power for less torque, due to an increase in shaft speed by 50%, and has been engineered for continuous peak performance across the full working width. A redesigned Permalink HD nger clutch and modular, oil lled rotor drives are unique features that set these models apart from others on the market. All new models feature Max Spread technology with spreader arms angled at 29.3 degrees for optimum spread and a cleaner rake even in damp conditions or in heavy crops. The 1300 models have 12 x 1.5m rotors and six spreading arms, while the 1500 models have 14 rotors. The spreading angle can be adjusted from 12 to 16 degrees on the rotors without tools and the raking height is adjusted centrally with a crank handle on the chassis frame.

Claas global product team manager greenline, Dirk Röhrich is pictured at the event.

The new Volto tedders o er advanced Permalink HD nger clutches for maximum ground contour.

The Auto Swather Disco 9300 produces a swath of a quality that requires lower power down the harvest chain.

From highly automated to autonomous forage harvesting

Speaking about how Claas de nes the future route to autonomy, Magnus Rupp, project manager within the Claas Business Unit for Tractors and Implements broke agricultural development down into three eras: Mechanical, where machinery was developed to replace manual labour; Automation, where driver assistance technology such as Isobus and GPS steering lead on to hands-o co-pilot technology, such as the Claas CEMOS for tractors and combines or Active Float for mowers; and nally, full Autonomy, with the development of machines such as the AgXeed tractor or robotic milking machines, that are completely hands- and eyes-o , and can be operated from a distance.

The use of autonomy within a forage harvesting system does, however, throw up its own challenges, especially in regards to the larger working widths of mowers, tedders and rakes. Added to this is the fact that grassland elds tend to be more variable in terms of size, contour and inclines, and experience wider environmental conditions. Another consideration is the higher risk of wildlife hiding in the sward.

As part of its path towards full autonomy, Claas is working with various outside partners to help develop features and functions that lay the foundations for full autonomy. This includes work with companies such as Thermal Drones to develop technology that can identify wildlife, or inanimate objects such as manhole covers, in elds ahead of autonomous mowing so these can be avoided.

In the future, this technology will not only be used on autonomous machines, such as the AgXeed, but also with autonomously driven tractors and harvesters that follow a previously planned route but have a driver and steering system.

Working in the eld during the event was an AgXeed AgBot 2.055 W4 paired with a Claas Volto 1300T tedder. “While in practice this is fairly straightforward to prepare, the reality is a little di erent,” explained Philip Kamps, product manager for AgXeed. “Thanks to job and lane planning, the use of the tedder is relatively easy to prepare, and the overview of the surroundings is very good thanks to the mown crop. Nevertheless, some work is still needed before the fully autonomous tedder with a large working width can be used commercially on a large scale. For this, the entire area in front of the implement must be secured by sensors.

“To achieve the goal of uncompromising work quality, the complex automation of parameters

such as driving speed and rotor speed, as well as monitoring the spread pattern, are also required, which currently does not allow for guaranteed economic use,” adds Magnus. “Until then, further automated work and functional processes will be incorporated into the forage harvesting chain, thereby easing the burden on the driver, and some of these solutions are already available on the market.” As to when we will see fully autonomous machinery harvesting grass, Magnus suggested this could still be “at least 10 years away”.

Roadmap for the future

With the product portfolio continuously developing and products becoming larger, more complex and more intelligent, the Claas Bad Saulgau production and assembly site has been undergoing

a programme of expansion and restructuring over the last two years.

Operating under the codename ForageGO!, the site will see over €50m of investment in plant infrastructure and production facilities by 2025. The improved facilities will include a new 9,500m2 logistics centre, the roof of which will be covered with a 950kWp solar panel array.

The site, which employs around 800 people, is the Claas Group’s centre of excellence for forage harvesting, and the rst phase of the project saw the production of Volto tedders and Jaguar crop ow modernised and transferred to a new assembly hall. Site manager and managing director of Claas Saulgau GmbH, Uli Nickol, explained: “This phase makes a major milestone on our roadmap and lays the foundation for future growth.” FG

All new Volto tedder models feature Max Spread technology for a cleaner rake even in damp conditions.

As part of its path towards full autonomy, Claas is working with various outside partners to help develop features and functions that lay the foundations for full autonomy.

The Claas Bad Saulgau production and assembly site has been undergoing a programme of expansion and restructuring over the last two years.

The Bad Saulgau site, which employs around 800 people, is the Claas Group's centre of excellence for forage harvesting machinery. The improved facilities will include a 9,500m2 logistics centre.

The

NEW DRILL COMBINES HIGH WORK RATES WITH CONSISTENT SEED PLACEMENT

Forrest Farms in Stowmarket, Su olk, has been trialling the new Väderstad Inspire S 12m drill this summer, establishing bird feed mix on land owned by the Forrest family and other areas which are looked after under contract farming agreements. The business, managed by James Forrest, includes approximately 1,600ha of arable crops, in three main blocks up to 12 miles apart, and soil types range from chalky boulder clay to sandy clay loams.

The farm started its move away from an entirely plough-based crop establishment system in the early 2000s, and now most of the land is prepared for drilling using one of the farm’s two Väderstad TopDown cultivators, with additional working by a Rexius cultivator press or a Väderstad NZ springtine cultivator, but only if needed. The farm’s eet of three drills includes a Väderstad Rapid 8m, a Väderstad Tempo precision drill for maize and sugar beet, and there is also a power-harrow combination drill which James describes as a ’last resort’ for challenging conditions.

“Like most other growers, we are trying to reduce our operating costs while giving crops the best opportunity to establish in optimum conditions,” stressed Robert Hale. “We farm a large area, so making the most of limited weather windows is essential, but we also look after our soils while aiming for good yields of high-quality produce.”

Influenced farming strategies

The farm relies heavily on Väderstad implements. “Approximately 35 years ago we bought our rst Väderstad NZ 6m cultivator which was quickly followed by a Rapid 6m drill,” commented James. “I’ve always been impressed by the amount of research and development that Väderstad puts

“We are all trying to get more done with fewer sta , while weather windows get shorter,” explained Forrest Farms farm foreman, Robert Hale.

into its new products, and as the cultivator and drill ranges have evolved and improved they have had a big bearing on how we prepare our land and establish our crops. I don’t believe that there is a better drill than the Rapid, but it’s not available in a 12m version which is why we looked at the Inspire.

“We are always keen to reduce the number of passes and are experimenting with direct drilling oilseed rape with the Tempo, but I still rmly believe that cultivations at an appropriate depth to optimise conditions for crop establishment are the right thing to do.”

Higher output a priority

The 8m Väderstad Rapid drill performs well across the range of soils, but Robert commented that achieving even higher work rates remains an objective. “As soon as I heard about the new 12m

Väderstad Inspire specification

Väderstad Inspire when it was announced last autumn, I was keen to trial it, as I believe it is just what we need to achieve even better timeliness,” he continued. “We always prepare proper seedbeds ahead of drilling, so most of the time we just require a seeder that achieves consistent seed depth and e ective seed to soil contact at high working speeds, rather than a drill that also moves large amounts of soil.”

Establishing bird feed mix as part of an environmental stewardship programme this summer provided an excellent opportunity to try out a demonstration drill lent by Väderstad UK, just before harvest and ahead of the autumn drilling season.

Väderstad Inspire

Väderstad UK sales and marketing manager, Andy Gamble told Farmers Guide that

the new Inspire drill has already generated signi cant interest from UK farmers currently using 6–8m competitor-brand drills within conventional and min-till crop establishment regimes, but who want to achieve higher work rates without compromising on results. With no cultivation elements, an additional attraction is that it meets requirements for grant contributions towards the purchase cost.

Choice of front tools

Unlike most other large-width seeders, the Inspire is available with a front levelling board. “It isn’t designed to carry as much soil as the version used on the Rapid, but it breaks up clods and crusts e ectively, and levels the surface ahead of the double-disc coulters,” said Robert. “This is one area of the design which I feel could be improved; utilising slightly more aggressive longer kinked tines instead of the straight light standard tines, and I have been told these will be available as an option shortly.”

Proven double-disc coulters

The double-disc coulters feature pairs of 380mm discs with an almost at pro le. The two discs are mounted with a small stagger and at a very shallow working angle which means that the gap between remains constant as they wear. The double-disc coulters are mounted on 96 separate legs, and attached to the frame through Väderstad’s TriForce triangular, threerubber mounts, which maintain working pressure while allowing a greater range of movement than traditional four-face square rubber mounts.

A hydraulic controlled weight transfer system ensures that working pressure remains equal across the full width of the machine, and allows 40–80kg of downforce to be applied through each coulter to suit the conditions.

Simple design

The shallow-angled pairs of discs create a narrow opening. Seeds are delivered between the front of the discs and the disc axle, and carried down to

The drill is very simple, relying on pre-cultivations to create a seedbed, and using proven double-disc coulters to plant the crops.

the base of the slot as the discs revolve. The narrow openings are easily closed and sealed by the following wide press rollers.

The press rollers are followed by a single row of sprung levelling and covering tines, operating between the seed rows.

Accurate and versatile metering

Seeds are supplied through eight Fenix 3 metering units. “They are extremely compact which means there is space for eight of them, below and each side of the hopper,” explained Andy Gamble. “Unique for this drill size, it allows manual or GPS section control in eight, 1.5m sections. SeedEye is an option for seed-only machines, allowing users to specify the number of seeds per square metre required, rather than having to compromise using calibrations based on 1,000-grain weights.”

Väderstad regional aftersales manager, Ian Hale said that SeedEye is proving extremely popular for its ease of use and accuracy, although seed needs to be clean. “Using dirty seed means that SeedEye will count bits of dirt and dust too,” he said.

Massive work capacity

During the extended farm trial, the average drilling speed was 11.5kph giving spot rates of nearly 14ha/ hr, although the drill performed equally well at higher speeds up to 14kph. “We have a complete mix of eld sizes and many are irregular shaped but, even so, achieving 100ha of drilling per day wouldn’t be di cult for our blocks of cereals,” Robert explained. “Obviously, bigger and more regular shaped elds allow the drill to work more e ciently, but even in much smaller elds you still nish quicker using wider implements.”

E ective depth control

Many wide drills struggle to achieve accurate ground contour following and constant seed depth, but Robert described the Inspire’s performance as exceptional. The tractor’s load-sensing hydraulics respond to feedback from the drill’s ground pressure monitoring system. “I just set the required working pressure on the in-cab display, and the hydraulic management system reacts to keep it constant. It compensates for both lateral and longitudinal ground undulations and everywhere I have checked in the eld, the seed depth has been the same.

“With all 96 coulters individually mounted across the four sections, it’s clear that it would cope equally well with uneven land prepared by ploughing too.”

E-Services

The Inspire is Isobus-compliant allowing operation from the tractor controls, and it comes standard

An active pressure control system ensures even seed depth across the 96 coulters, even on undulating ground.

Väderstad E-Services allows wireless drill set-up and control through an iPad app.

The low hopper allows safe, easy lling and the folding arrangement makes the drill easy to transport.

Horizontal tank augers keep the eight Fenix 3 metering units supplied.

Robert said the drill is simple to operate, and there is an excellent view from the tractor of the two outer sections.

Unit 6, Martells Quarry, Slough Lane, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex

with Väderstad E-Services, using an iPad and app to set up, adjust and monitor the implement. Bluetooth connectivity also allows the iPad’s use outside the tractor for convenient calibration and checks. “We are already used to the bene ts of SeedEye on our own Rapid drill,” con rmed Robert. “It’s easier to use as well as more accurate, so I wouldn’t want to go back to a conventional calibration system now.”

LED work lights are also standard on the Inspire, on the wings and over the Fenix 3 metering system.

Complements other drills in the line-up

“We o er the Spirit drill in working widths up to 9m, which can be used with or without cultivation elements,” Andy explained. “That is wide enough for most farms, but the new 12m Inspire drill provides the extra productivity that the biggest farms and contractors are looking for.

“Often there is no need for extra cultivation by the drill during planting, especially if seedbeds have already been created. Many farmers do it regardless, but often just because their drill has cultivation elements tted. The Inspire allows higher working speeds, a lower power requirement and saves fuel, and helps meet the objective of reducing soil movement too.”

Tractor ideal for the task

The 12m drill was pulled by the farm’s Claas Axion 960 Terra Trac. “With up to 445hp available, it has way more power than needed, but we like the front wheel and rear rubber track arrangement

for drilling as ground pressure is minimal, and it turns tightly on headlands without creating ridges. Using it partnered with the Inspire drill gives us an opportunity to change the way we work, so instead of doing the eldwork rst and nishing with the headlands, we can start with the headlands and nish in the middle. Even though it’s a very wide drill it’s extremely easy to pull, so the Axion’s fuel use is minimal.”

Verdict

Robert said he is very impressed by the Inspire 1200 S. “The work rate is incredible. During

the period we trialled it, the variable weather highlighted the bene ts of this sort of drill. With the land pre-cultivated, we had no problem getting the bird feed mix drilled whenever conditions were suitable, and ahead of forecast rain.

“This sort of machine can increase working e ciency, but it can also reduce stress and fatigue during the busy drilling season. We are all used to working long days when required, but being able to complete the drilling in a signi cantly shorter time reduces the demands on everyone involved,” he con rmed. FG

Pictured with the Väderstad Inspire S 12m drill (l-r): Andy Gamble, Robert Hale, Ian Hale, Väderstad marketing coordinator, Tom Wyles, and Robert's dog, Mango.

Family-run Austrian manufacturer Pöttinger has been in the agricultural industry for over 150 years. From its humble start in 1871, when it introduced its rst forage cutting machine, it has grown to become an internationally successful producer of grassland, tillage and seed drill technology, with six manufacturing bases across Europe, and 19 sales outlets around the world.

and cost-e ective mowing. Available with working widths of 2.62m or 3.04m, the low-weight Novacat F has a compact three-point linkage mounted headstock that keeps the centre of gravity close to the tractor and also makes it easy to use, even with smaller tractors.

Founder, Franz Pöttinger, started out as a locksmith, blacksmith, well digger and watchmaker, before realising that the mechanisation of agricultural practices was the future; settling on manufacturing and supplying agricultural machinery. Fast forward to 2024, and Pöttinger now o ers a huge range of grassland and arable products, as well as digital agricultural technology.

New front mower

Careful mowing is the basis for high quality forage, and the Novacat F front mower is designed for smooth

The proven cutter bar is just 4cm high, for best crop ow, and being only 28cm deep it delivers good ground tracking. Gimbals on the cutter bar guide arms provide multidimensional freedom of movement and the arc of movement allows the mower to oat over all ground undulations. The weight of the mower is carried either by the tractor hitch, or optionally by two suspension springs between the headstock of the mower and the mounting bracket on the tractor.

For road transport, the side guards are folded upwards, with hydraulic folding available as an option, and because of the way that the guards fold, access is provided to the cutter bar for cleaning or blade changes.

Pöttinger unveiled 16 new products at the grassland specialist’s recent European launch. Farmers Guide machinery editor, Neale Byart, shares the details.

PÖTTINGER BRINGS NEW MACHINERY FOR GRASSLAND HARVESTING

Front mower with auto curved side shift

Opticurve is a new technology that features automatic curved side shifting on the Novacat F 3100. Existing straight line side shift can often leave several centimetres uncovered, even if the tractor drifts sideways when cornering or on steep terrain. This system, which adds side shift on the front mower, produces a perfect overlap with the rear mower and ensures the tractor drives along a clear track free of forage when cornering and working on steep ground.

The curved movement means that the entire working width of the cutter bar can be used, and the e ective width of the mower combination maximised. It also ensures that the rear tractor tyre does not run over grass that has not yet been cut, because the mower shifts towards the inner radius of the curve, and that no forage is

left behind because of the perfect overlap between front and rear mowers. Automation of the sideshift can be provided by an optional Isobus package that monitors the turning angle of the tractor and the inclination of any slope to reduce operator workload.

New mower combinations

The Novacat H 9500, with a working width of 9.46m, and Novacat H 11200, with a working width of 11.14m, are a pair of new robust mowers with oversized drive elements. A central T-gearbox, together with the long cardan shafts, promises to deliver reliable power transmission and smooth operation. The Novacat H 11200 can be powered by a tractor of just 160hp, while the smaller Novacat H 9500, requires only 130hp. As with the Novacat F, the cutter bar of the two new models is just 4cm high and 28cm deep and a centre pivot

The Novacat F 3100 o ers Opticurve technology so the entire cutter bar width is used.

Access is provided to the cutter bar for cleaning or blade changes.

The Novacat F front mower is designed for smooth and cost-e ective mowing.

mounting provides a travel of +/- 22.5 degrees for best ground tracking. Hydraulic weight alleviation provides uniform pressure to the ground across the whole width of the cutter bar, to ensure that the best cut is always achieved, and if the mower collides with an obstacle, the cutter bar folds back. If this happens, it is pivoted back into the working position by activating the spool valve.

the cutter bar for easy cleaning and blade changes.

The mower units can be lifted either together or separately and, for transport, the mower combination can be folded backward hydraulically, with the guards folding up automatically, for a transport width of 2.2m. The folding guards also ensure good accessibility to

New front drum mowers

The Eurocat F3100P o ers working widths of 2.7m and 3.05m, and delivers a clever combination of low weight with high strength.

A compact three-point headstock keeps the centre of gravity close to the tractor, allowing a lighter tractor to be used, and the weight of the mower is carried either by the tractor hitch or by two optional suspension springs between the headstock of the mower and the mounting bracket on the tractor.

Four equally sized mower drums deliver the best results in all

conditions. The arc of the blades is the same for all four drums to ensure a clean and tidy cutting pattern, and each drum has the same area of ground contact to ensure perfect ground tracking.

Gimbals in the guide arms provide multi-dimensional movement and an arc of +/- 8 degrees allows the mower to oat over undulations. They also promise to handle well when working on steep terrain. The cutting height of the drums can be adjusted between 40mm and 65mm from a central point and the side guards fold up for road transport. Hydraulic folding is also available as an option. Like other mowers launched, the guards

fold away to provide access to the mower drums, for cleaning and blade changing.

Innovative and e cient alpine tedders

With its Austrian heritage, it comes as no surprise that Pöttinger has developed tedders speci cally for the Alpine region, to add to its portfolio of existing Alpine speci c products; but steep, bumpy terrain is not just restricted to the Alps and these products may also be suitable for farmland in hill-laden parts of the UK. Designed to make hay harvesting e cient, whether tedding silage or hay, the HIT V 4240 Alpin with 4 rotors, and the HIT V 6260 with 6 rotors are designed to provide uniform and gentle wilting and drying of the crop to preserve nutrients and produce high quality forage. At the centre of these two new models is the weight optimised Dynatech rotor unit that, together with the sweeping shape of the tine arms and the times of di erent lengths minimise disintegration losses and conserve the forage. The rotors have a diameter of 1.38m and leave a tidy spread pattern.

An optional Multitast jockey wheel on the pivoting headstock tracks the ground ahead of the tine path and reacts to each undulation. This makes sure that there is always the same gap between the tines and the ground to keep the forage clean and conserve the sward. The centre of gravity is kept close to the tractor, which helps when operating on steep terrain,

The Novacat H 9500 and Novacat H 11200 robust mowers with oversized drive elements.

A compact three-point headstock keeps the centre of gravity close to the tractor, allowing a lighter tractor to be used.

The cutter bar of the two new Novacat H models is just 4cm high and 28cm deep, while a centre pivot mounting provides a travel of +/- 22.5 degrees for best ground tracking.

The HIT V Alpin tedders are designed to provide uniform and gentle wilting and drying.

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BALE GRAB RANGE

and two hydraulic cylinders stop overrunning, even when operating downhill.

The drive train on both new tedders is equipped with sealed constant velocity joints for consistent, smooth and backlashfree drive to the rotors with the bene t of added durability.

Manoeuvrability and neat raking

The new Top VT 6820 S and Top VT 7620 S twin rotor rakes with side swath placement are a product

of Pöttinger’s focus on quality forage, conservation of the soil and machine durability. The new models are designed to rake large swaths with a low power requirement. The Top VT 6820 S has a working width of 6.80m, while the TOP VT 7620 has a working width of 7.6m. Angled tines lift the crop slightly to ensure it is swept cleanly without dragging the forage across the ground, and ve-wheel chassis and rotor mounted gimbals ensure precision guidance of the tines over uneven ground. An optional Multitast

jockey wheel, when added, detects undulations ahead of the times and lifts the rotor as required.

The raking height can be adjusted hydraulically from the tractor cab, or manually using a hand crank. The steered chassis delivers good manoeuvrability and provides a turning angle of 80 degrees, so that the rake follows exactly in the tractor’s tracks. With ground clearance of 50cm, they have no problem driving over swaths and, for road transport, the swath curtain folds in automatically, and the

METTRON WEIGHING

transport height remains under 4m.

High output rake with compact dimensions

The Top VT 12540C is the latest product in Pöttinger’s range of four rotor rakes. It features a compact design and low weight and promises to deliver great manoeuvrability. Its light weight makes it ideally suitable for safe use on steep ground. It has angled tines, like the 6820 and 7620 models, and can also be equipped with the optional Multitast jockey wheel system. The chassis can

The Top VT 12540C is the latest in Pöttinger’s range of four rotor rakes.

be equipped with either four or ve wheels, and has the same raking height adjustment and automatically adjusting jockey wheel as the aforementioned models.

Gimbal-mounted rotors mean that there is plenty of movement to ensure precise three-dimensional ground tracking, and the front rotor units feature hydraulic weight alleviation combined with mechanical suspension on the rear units for uniform distribution of ground pressure. The working width can be adjusted hydraulically, whenever needed, and the width of swath can be set between 1.2 and 2m.

Multipurpose loader wagon

To meet a wide range of requirements in the eld, the Jumbo series of loader wagons has been extended with the introduction of the compact 5000, to supplement the existing 7000 and 8000 models.

The Jumbo is a multipurpose loader wagon that combines the tasks of crop collection, chopping, compaction and transport, all in one machine. The Jumbo 5000 is available in six new models ranging in capacity between 32 and 54m3 and can cleanly collect the crop in all conditions thanks to the six row allrounder pick-up with an e ective

width of 1.89m and the seven row Profi pick-up with a width of 2.35m.

The pick-ups are controlled from both ends of the steel cam track and their trailing tines are prevented from digging into the ground and damaging the sward.

The central component of the Jumbo 5000 is the loading rotor with its optimised tine geometry and a tine thickness of 10mm.

The loading rotor has a diameter of 800mm and, thanks to the helix eight row tine arrangement, it can actively feed the forage smoothly through the chopping system. The loading rotor transfers the forage from the pick-up smoothly,

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even when the crop is wet and short.

The Powercut short-chop chopping system, with 45 knives, ensures that the forage is cut to just 34mm in length, allowing it to be compacted e ectively in the clamp. The knives are all individually protected against foreign objects, which prevents ine cient downtime, and the Easy Move swing-out knife bank makes it easy to change and reverse the knives. An optional Autocut knife sharpening system, with an electro-hydraulic drive, allows for sharpening of the knives fully automatically and directly on the loader wagon. FG

Gimbal-mounted rotors ensure precise three-dimensional ground tracking.

The Jumbo 5000 is available in six new models ranging in capacity from 32–54m3.

Multiple crop & row confgurations on a single machine. Working speeds up to 18kph with accuracy to 1cm to plant location. British Design & Manufacture.

Garford Robocrop Guided InRow, Inter-Rows, Band and Hooded sprayers are custom built to our clients’ individual requirements. Contact us to fnd out how we can build your hoe, for you. info@garford.com 01778 342642 www.garford.com

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GROUNDSWELL REVIEW

Almost 8,000 visitors passed through the gates of the two-day regenerative agriculture festival, proving that interest in the sustainable farming practice is still on the rise.

GROUNDSWELL 2024: BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER

The aim of Groundswell is to aid farmers and those curious about regenerative agriculture in discovering more, and to build relationships with likeminded people.

This year’s guest speakers were a big draw for visitors, and included John Kempf, Joel Williams, Odette Ménard, Josef Holzer and Andy Cato.

In total, 300 speakers took to the 10 main stages, and event goers joined farm-wide practical demonstrations and walks covering every aspect of agroecological and regenerative farming practices – from mob grazing to hedgerow and dung beetle safaris, tru e hunting and soil water in ltration demonstrations.

The content centred on the principles of regenerative agriculture – minimising soil disturbance, keeping the soil surface covered, maintaining living roots, maximising crop diversity, re-introducing livestock to the farm.

Keynote speaker John Kempf is passionate about the potential of well managed agriculture ecosystems to reverse ecological degradation. Speaking early on the opening day, John, who is best known for hosting The Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, explained to a packed seminar tent how plants with abundant health perform

di erently from common expectations, describing the fundamentals of managing agronomy from a biological perspective, and how to produce exceptional crop responses during a regenerative agriculture transition period.

Speaking to a large crowd at A nity Water’s Rainfall Simulator, Odette Ménard, a soil specialist from Canada, emphasised the importance of planting immediately after harvest, how each minute a ects germination and the ability for the root system to do its job of minimising soil, water and nutrient losses. Odette discussed the reinvention of agriculture and the vital roles of above soil plant architecture in supporting insects, and below soil, the bene cial actions of plant roots.

Austrian farmer, Josef Holzer farms steep ground; addressing a packed seminar tent, he spoke about the importance of mulching, terracing and the use of plant roots to help with water in ltration and retention through permaculture, and supporting biodiversity, not only for the bene t of farming, but for the life and health of the farmers and their families.

Josef highlighted the need for people to enter the agricultural industry, commenting: “The most

important number in agriculture is not the size of your farm or the horsepower of your tractor; the most important number is brains per hectare, which are developing good, new, innovative ideas. It’s important to have good people in farming, to have good ideas, which is why events like Groundswell are so important, to connect and motivate people.”

The growing awareness of the intricate links between the soil food is grown in, food nutrient density, and human and animal health, was debated by two pioneering doctors, Dr David Unwin and Dr Jenny Goodman, in a thoughtprovoking session. The duo connected the ‘dots’ of soil, farming and health, and how good regenerative farming practice ticks all the boxes.

Meanwhile, Wildfarmed co-founder Andy Cato gave an honest account of his journey into regenerative farming in conversation with food strategist Henry Dimbleby, author and co-founder of Leon Restaurants. In the evening Andy switched into his better-known role, that of Groove Armada DJ, drawing a huge crowd for a party in the Earthworm Arms bar. He also chatted with FG editor, Rachel Hicks – visit the Farmers Guide Facebook page to watch the full video interview. FG

Latest innovations and the future of weeding technology

Garford Farm Machinery announced a new agreement with electrical weed control manufacturer RootWave, just ahead of the Groundswell event. The partnership with RootWave will see the two manufacturers co-develop new weeding technology and products, integrating electrical weeding into precision guided toolbar systems, for high-value and high-intensive crops as well as broadacre arable applications.

Microbe application across agriculture and horticulture

Forming part of the Lallemand Inc business, which focuses on the various applications of yeast, bacteria and fungi in baking, fermented beverages, human and animal nutrition, as well as for pharmaceutical uses, the Lallemand Plant Care unit specialises in developing products for the application of these microbes in the agricultural and forestry sectors, covering broadacre crops as well as specialist horticulture segments. The Plant Care side of the business started around 16 years ago, and over this time the company has grown and grown, both organically and also via the purchase of other businesses as well as actives from companies such as Bayer.

The RootWave system uses electricity to boil weeds and their roots. This makes electrical weeding highly e ective and, because it is non-chemical and does not disturb the soil, it is compatible with both organic and regenerative farming systems.

Garford has calculated that by using the eWeeding technology, across a variety of di erent systems, estimated costs would come in between £55 to £120 per hectare – signi cantly lower than chemical herbicide costs.

Garford’s new exible hooded sprayer concept, Flexi Hood was also on display. Incorporating oating side shields with a exible fabric membrane, Flexi Hood has been designed with a spray band that can be adjusted down to 90mm.

“It allows us to go much narrower than we ever have before, and also gives us greater clearance between the hoods for the crop to go through,” explained Allan Knight, Garford’s technical sales and marketing manager (pictured).

“This makes it an attractive proposition for a number of crop applications, from saplings and root crops to fresh produce, salads and herbs and even bulbs,” he added.

The innovative design has enabled Garford to reduce crop clearance by half, from 200mm to 100mm, and the Flexi Hood can be used in raised bed or at-bed situations.

Younger generation embracing regen ag

Experts in complex biostimulant products and sustainable agriculture, Maxstim business development manager Tony Kelly said Groundswell this year was busy, and commented there seemed to be a wider range of ages visiting, with more of the younger demographic in attendance compared to previous years. He commented this perhaps is due to the younger generation having a keener interest in regenerative agriculture over conventional farming.

Lallemand Plant Care o ers a range of foliar biostimulants, biofertilisers, biopesticides and biofungicide solutions, and is continually researching, testing and developing products, studying plant-microbe interactions in order to nd the most e ective natural solutions.

Making silicon bio-available

Amstel Agro o ers a range of crop-speci c biostimulants based on a patented and stabilised form of orthosilicic acid, or soluble silicon.

Silica strengthens the cell wall, signi cantly increasing resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors. However, while silicon and silicon compounds are bene cial to your crop, they can be di cult to absorb. Consequently, your crop will not receive enough orthosilicic acid. Amstel Agro uses a patented method to stabilise silicon acid, which allows your crop to bene t from the positive properties of silicon. As a result, Amstel Agro says, growers can expect reduced inputs, increased yield and signi cant ROI. The company explained that the bene ts of its SF-Y product include:

• Higher yield and better quality

• Guaranteed higher absorption of silicon

• Liquid, making it easy to administer

• Better protection against diseases and insects

• Higher resistance to heat, cold, drought and a high salt content

• Improved crop growth and development.

Dan Gulliver of Amstel Agro commented: “Silicon is an important element for plant growth and health; it assists nutrient uptake, frees up phosphorus in the root zone, strengthens cell walls, increases photosynthesis and resistance to pests, diseases and climatic stress. But frequently it is included in products as potassium silicate which isn't very bioavailable to the plant, and therefore not as e ective.”

Maxstim business development manager Tony Kelly (left) is pictured with company agronomist, Phil Kingsmill.

Pictured are Amstel Agro consultant, Niels Piest (left) and Dan Gulliver.

Kelp-based product boosts plant defenses

The Atlantic Mariculture team enjoyed meeting lots of like-minded people.

Director Amabel Hamilton explained that the business farms kelp on the west coast of Scotland, rather than wild harvesting it. From this sugar kelp they produce several products, including Liquid Kelp which is the agship product. The general biostimulant and fertiliser is approved for organic use by the Soil Association, and is made using low energy

fermentation technology.

The company is also launching Liquid Kelp Plus later this year, which has been further re ned with superior nutrient concentration and bioavailabilty.

Liquid Kelp boosts plant health, and is packed full of nutrients, trace elements, and amino acids – all of which are readily absorbed. It also contains compounds which are unique to kelp products, which help

Biostimulant seed treatment o ers yield security

Interagro marketing manager Sarah Ferrie is pictured on the company’s stand at Groundswell, where she and technical manager Stuart Sutherland were chatting to visitors about the company’s biostimulant range.

Particular interest was being shown in Newton, which is a natural, 100% organic plant-sourced biostimulant seed treatment which not only ensures vigorous crop establishment, it also helps to build stronger, healthier, more resilient plants that will thrive under stress, delivering higher yield and margin gains. According to Sarah, it’s the natural alternative to traditional seed treatments but can also be the perfect addition to them.

Replicated trials show Newton brings forward seed emergence by several days, and fuels exceptional increases in rooting for better nutrient uptake and resilience against drought and other environmental stresses. Trials using Newton have showed yield increases of 5% in winter cereals and 10% in spring cereals when compared to naked (untreated) seed, proving it can help to secure your yield and margins.

Using technology to boost regen ag

Agricultural machinery specialist, Tuckwells, was exhibiting at Groundswell and giving demonstrations of direct drills, mechanical weeders and grass rakes from a number of its franchises such as Kverneland and Ryetec, alongside a range of John Deere tractors.

The team were keen to talk to visitors about the precision technology behind the equipment, and the after-sales support they can o er growers.

plants to resist abiotic stresses such as heat and drought. In addition, it can improve soil structure, reduce leaching, improve water and air movement through the soil.

The team is always looking for farm trial partnerships, so would welcome conversations with farmers interested in trying out the product at a discounted rate.

New pneumatic drill on o er

The Fentech Agri team were showcasing the company’s entire direct drill range, talking to visitors about the dual products they’re adding to the folding drills, as well as launching the 3m pneumatic grass drill.

The lower part of the new pneumatic drill is identical to the underside of the mechanical version, but instead of a sponge metering seeds out of 20 slots, they are air blown.

It has a fertiliser applicator as well, meaning it quali es for the seed and fertiliser FETF grant, giving customers who have successfully applied for the grant a 60% reduction in the purchase price.

According to Paul Chapman (pictured), Groundswell visitors already have a good understanding of low disturbance farming, and so for him it’s a great event which always throws up some good conversations and generates serious sales leads.

Vineyard expansions are big business

O ering vineyard establishment services as well as vineyard management, VineWorks head of vineyard services Chris Buckley (pictured on the left with viticulturist Patrick Martin) commented that 2023/24 has seen a large establishment boom – in fact, this has been their busiest yet, he reckons.

This business was predominantly vineyard expansions, and he says the vineyard management side of the business is thriving.

“We’re seeing a move slightly away from the trinity of sparkling varieties,” he commented. “Growers are now experimenting with more variation in the grape varieties, with an increase in the number of varieties for still wines being planted, as well as Piwis as they are becoming more understood in terms of how to get the best out of them.”

Pictured (l-r) are: George Whelan, Sam Barton, Gary Buckle, all from Tuckwells, with Adam Burt and Simon Wills representing Kverneland.

Dr Adrian MacLeod; co-founder, Amabel Hamilton; director, David Pratt; and co-founder, David Stewart Howitt.

Salmon-based soil improver

Pelagia has designed and manufactured a high quality, cost e ective, organic soil improver, Sea2Soil. Sea2Soil is a responsibly sourced hydrolysed marine protein, providing a full range of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, macronutrients and micronutrients, which Pelagia says produces a healthier, more productive soil.

The hydrolysed liquid fertiliser is produced from farmed salmon (Salmo salar) in accordance with Regulation (EU) 1069/2009. Characterised by a uniform nutritional composition of naturally occurring nitrogen, minerals, trace elements and amino acids, Sea2Soil enhances soil biology naturally and improves nutrient absorption, promoting plant growth and soil health.

Naturally high in fat content it also promotes the growth of bene cial fungi which perform important functions within the soil in relation to nutrient cycling, disease suppression and water dynamics.

On a regenerative journey

Weaving Machinery has been specialising in the development of no-till equipment for over 25 years. Today the company is widely recognised as one of the leading UK seed drill manufacturers. Weaving’s products include the popular GD Disc Drill and Sabre Tine Drill as well as a complementary range of low disturbance cultivators.

This year Weaving teamed up with Agrii with the aim of taking visitors on a journey to explore the impact of low disturbance farming and growing in a regenerative system, looking at soil health/structure, establishment techniques and moving through the decisions you’d likely make throughout the crop’s lifecycle.

Direct drills and mechanical weeding solutions

Keith Rennie Machinery returned to Groundswell this year, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the company’s No-Till mounted tine drills – which are now available with an additional mini-seeder for companion crops. The team was also speaking with visitors about the KRM Soladrill that can drill direct or conventionally.

The Carré Comb Harrow and Carré Robotic Camera Guided Hoe were both also on display, both of which o er mechanical weed control suitable for organic farming systems.

Pictured (l-r) are membership manager Bryony Petty, project lead Zoë Charnock, chair Johnnie Balfour, and executive assistant Claire Deakins.

Benefits of pastured livestock systems

The Pasture-Fed Livestock Association promotes the unique quality of produce raised exclusively on pasture, and the wider environmental and animal welfare bene ts that pastured livestock systems represent.

The PFLA directors have developed two new visions – one for the organisation (farmer-focused) and one for the Pasture for Life brand (consumer-focused). The key aims of Pasture for Life are to be recognised as:

• The leading and only certi cation mark for 100% grass-fed/pasture-fed, grain-free ruminant meat and dairy in the UK

• A trusted brand recognised alongside other major UK assurance schemes

• Quality product renowned for its highly nutritious properties and bene ts to the environment and animal welfare.

Virtual fencing system proves popular

Nofence is the world’s rst commercial virtual fencing system for livestock, where the animals’ grazing spaces are managed using a GPS collar, which communicates to an app and web portal using mobile networks.

According to Nofence global VP sales, John Smout, the company received over 250 enquiries across the two days of the event, with there being a lot of excitement around what farmers can do with the virtual fencing system when it comes to regenerative agriculture – and particularly soil health. This is because Nofence provides a route to regenerative farming which removes some of the logistical barriers, as well as reducing labour requirements.

John also pointed out that animal welfare is at the heart of the company’s ethos, with the system monitoring livestock movement and agging any concerns.

Pictured (l-r) are Pelagia (UK) adviser Paul Davey, farmer Jonathan Hodgson, and Pelagia (UK) business development manager Grant James.

Pictured on the NoFence stand are product manager Anna Marida, support associate Oliver Brisbourne, and global VP sales, John Smout.

Pictured (l-r): Brad Jex, Thomas Goodman, Richard Roe, Sarie Weaving, Todd Jex, Andrew Richards, Mike Lane, Tom Perrott, John Harper, Becca Cook, Neil Harper, Tim Horton, Simon Weaving and Harry Clark.

Push towards regen ag

The Sumo team reported a steady ow of visitors to their stand with good levels of enquiries, and found they were predominantly speaking to the decision makers. According to sales coordinator Frankie Chalcraft, FETF grants are pushing growers more towards the low disturbance equipment, such as direct drills, strip till drills and stubble rakes, although the Trio is still Sumo’s top seller. Second-hand machinery values are high, due to demand, and nance options are also important for growers right now, Frankie explained.

Reducing carbon losses

Erth Engineering, alongside Dales Agri Sales, were promoting the Panbuster, which increases aeration within soil by increasing pore space within the soil – this improves drainage in wet conditions as well as helping plants to deal with dry conditions, as the increase in pore space increases available water to the plant.

A well aerated soil warms up more quickly in the spring and cools down more slowly in the winter, thereby increasing production each end of the season. The end result is increased grass production and sequestering of carbon in the soil.

Traditionally, farmers have used inversion techniques to improve aeration; however this causes oxidation of carbon in the soil and carbon release into the atmosphere. By employing a Panbuster farmers can reduce carbon release, Erth Engineering explains.

Also on display was the Agriseeder direct drill, which enables farmers to establish crops with minimal soil movement; there is c. 5% carbon release compared to traditional inversion methods. The Agriseeder is an extremely e cient and cost-e ective way to put crop in the ground so it allows the farmer to grow less pro table crops which can improve the soil. By introducing more productive species and by keeping the land productive, more carbon is sequestered.

Cloud-based livestock management software

Shearwell Data Ltd is an animal identi cation and software management business, providing livestock farmers with visual and EID sheep and cattle tags, EID readers, weighing and handling systems.

The company was discussing its new MyFarmWorks cloud-based livestock management software at Groundswell. Accessed via computer or phone, the software can be used to record and manage statutory information, weights and treatments, and upload and download data to and from Government agencies. Shearwell is currently o ering a free one-month trial to farmers.

Pictured are Erth Engineering director, David McCoubrey (left) and Matty O’Neil of Dales Agri Sales Agency Ltd.

Pictured are Shearwell’s Holly Govier (left) and Liz Speller.

Chris’s Story: A wildlife corridor to support farm biodiversity

A Scottish farmer with a passion for nature creates a 100-acre wildlife corridor, transforming his land with native broadleaf trees. Preserving farm biodiversity was core to Chris’s project goals.

Chris Addison-Scott received subsidised trees through the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme to support the transformation of a parcel of arable land on his Fife estate.

Looking to balance the needs of a complex farm business with his nature-based goals, Chris explained the minimal impact the scheme has had on productive land. Clever woodland design means his 1,000 new trees will have a signi cant impact for nature without taking up too much space.

“Several years ago we had sown an area of canary grass and it so happened that this area connected a large piece of woodland on a couple of neighbouring estates,” explains Chris. “By planting more trees we have created a perfect wildlife corridor, linking over 100 acres of diversi ed cover.”

Planting for wildlife and biodiversity

Wildlife corridors are essential as they bridge the gap between wildlife habitats, helping to restore and preserve genetic biodiversity. The tree species chosen will provide shelter and food such as berries, fruits, nuts, seeds and nectar-rich owers for birds, mammals and other wildlife. They will also attract bene cial pollinators, which are critical to sustaining agriculture and food production.

Chris’s family has been farming on the Kinloss Estate since his great-grandfather bought the farm in 1887. In those days it was mainly down to grass, but his father started to actively farm in the mid1960s, which he has continued. The farm has now evolved into a mixed enterprise growing cereals, with some land leased for grazing and growing broccoli. He and his wife Margo also let holiday

approach, compared with other woodland creation schemes.

“So far after one growing season the new trees are doing really well, with perhaps less than 5 per cent losses,” he said. “MOREwoods has worked really well for us. I would de nitely recommend it as a way to increase nature on your land.”

Reap the benefits on your land

cottages and host the annual Fife Show, which attracts as many as 10,000 visitors on show day.

In addition to the subsidy, Chris was drawn to the simplicity and accessibility of the MOREwoods

Trees should be in every landowner’s toolbox. They boost productivity, resilience and the health of the environment, with no need for trade-o in food production. If you’re looking to plant trees on your land, MOREwoods can provide the trees, funding and expert advice you need to achieve your goals. Chris is one of thousands of landowners who has bene ted, with a combined 4,000 hectares of woodland in the ground since 2009. That’s millions more trees creating a brighter, healthier future for businesses, communities and nature.

From protecting crops and livestock to harvesting your own wood fuel, Trust experts will provide tailored advice on the best species and methods to reach your goals. Once your application has been approved, they will visit your site, help design your woodland, create a bespoke species mix and arrange tree delivery and protection – all with generous funding of up to 75%.

MOREwoods is funded by Lloyds Bank to support sustainable farming

Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885).

Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark.

Image by Simon Cusworth/WTML

Image by Philip Formby/WTML

Image byLaurie Campbell/WTML

Image byJohn Bridges/WTML

PARASITE FORECAST

MONITOR GRAZING STOCK TO REDUCE ECTOPARASITE THREAT

Warm and wet conditions over the last 12 months have created a ‘perfect storm’ for the activity of flies, midges and ticks, increasing the severity of threats posed by these important ectoparasites.

The UK climate is undoubtably changing; average temperatures and rainfall have increased in recent decades, extending spring and autumn seasons. This has ultimately increased the abundance and distribution of several important ectoparasites including ies, midges and ticks. The impacts of this have been particularly felt over the last 12 months with outbreaks of the midge-transmitted bluetongue (BTV-3) and Schmallenberg viruses causing severe economic losses.

Following the warmest spring on record, with high levels of rainfall, many of these important ectoparasites became active earlier than usual this year.

What are the risks?

All species of ies, midges and ticks can have signi cant impacts on stock health, welfare and productivity from the nuisance they cause. Even non-biting species such as head ies, which feed on bodily secretions, can cause intensive irritation and self-trauma, increasing the risk of secondary infections.

Distraction by ies (‘ y worry’) will also reduce feed intake and therefore performance, with production losses of up to 0.3kg average daily gain in growing cattle and 0.5 litres daily milk yield in dairy cattle. Increased levels of stress hormones resulting from y disturbance can also compromise immune responses, increasing the risk of infectious disease.

Speci c species of ies, midges and ticks also act as ‘vectors’ for several di erent important diseases of sheep and cattle. The sheep tick (Ixodes Ricinus) is the most common species of tick in the UK and is particularly problematic in hill and upland systems, being found widely in woodland and rough grazing as it favours dense vegetation.

Peaks in tick activity occur during the spring

and autumn, however milder winters are triggering activity earlier in the year, lengthening the risk period for important diseases transmitted by these parasites.

Midges (Culicoides) also thrive in relatively warm and wet conditions. Midge numbers generally peak in September after building up over the summer, however this peak is shifting later with the changing climate. Midges can transmit both bluetongue and Schmallenberg, closely related viruses which cause abortion and foetal deformities. The bluetongue risk for the UK this year remains high as the virus is widely circulating in midges in the Netherlands and a vaccine is unlikely to be available in time to prevent a further outbreak.

Table: Diseases transmitted by ies, midges and ticks.

Supalyx Garlic facts

What to look out for:

• Warm/humid conditions across late summer and autumn

• Monitor stock regularly for signs of irritation and discomfort

• Pay particular attention to stock grazing near areas of standing water ( y/midge breeding sites) and avoid grazing these areas during peak activity periods

• Generalised signs of illness (separation, reluctance to walk, drop in feed intake)

• Fever, depression and nervous signs

• Large numbers of ies clustering around udders (summer mastitis)

• High numbers of aborted lambs/calves.

Treatment and prevention

Control of y, midge and tick numbers across the season is vital to minimise the risks posed to all grazing stock. Whilst complete eradication is impossible, correct application of ectoparasiticides can be used for the control of ticks and blow y in sheep and biting ies in cattle. To e ectively control numbers, it’s also important to remove stock from breeding hotspots including areas of standing water, decaying vegetation and manure, as well as ensuring a good level of hygiene across the farm. Natural repellents such as the oil fraction of garlic can also help to discourage ies, midges and ticks, with research showing lower levels of infestation when stock are treated with garlic extracts. FG

*References available on request.

• Full speci cation mineral and vitamin supplement suitable for all classes of cattle and sheep

• Helps to balance potential de ciencies often found in UK forages, supporting stock health and performance

• Contains garlic compounds as a natural means of helping to discourage ies and biting insects

• Also includes vitamin B1 for where there is a risk of CCN (cerebrocortical necrosis) and vitamin B12 to help support growth rates on cobalt de cient pastures

• Not intended for animals producing milk for human consumption

• Meat withdrawal 21 days.

FLY AND MIDGE RISK

PUTTING DAIRY HERD HEALTH CENTRE STAGE

When investing in a diet feeder, farmers all need a durable machine that will quickly produce a great, consistent feed mix.

Metabolism is the collection of chemical reactions in the body responsible for the conversion of food into energy for maintenance, growth, and reproduction. It is also fundamentally required by the immune system, a function known as immunometabolism. Whether invasive pathogenic bacteria go on to cause conditions such as metritis, for example, is most likely determined by how e ciently the immune system (largely stemming from within the gut) responds to them.

Immunometabolism is most signi cant during the transition period from late pregnancy to early postpartum, with vast changes in metabolism and immune function occurring at the onset of lactation.

Metabolic disorders such as ketosis, milk fever, grass tetany and downer cow syndrome, all commonly encountered during this period, tend to be precursors for many other diseases and conditions. For example, if a cow gets milk fever, she

is considerably more predisposed to conditions like mastitis and infertility.

Rumen health is the basis of gut health and immunity. It is largely dependent on the physical presentation of the feed, i.e., ease of sorting and bre damage. This impacts on dry matter intakes and rumen ll scores, which are linked to acidosis/SARA in the milking herd and negative energy balance in transition cows.

It’s important to start with a good-quality forage which is full of valuable nutrition and appealing to eat. This is the foundation of an e ective ration. Balance this forage with other feed ingredients to ensure that the cow has access to adequate levels of energy, protein, starch, and other vital macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Present this carefully balanced diet in an evenly mixed ration that cannot be sorted, ensuring forage bres are chopped to a precise length for stimulating saliva production, increasing rumination,

and optimising rumen pH.

When investing in a diet feeder, all farmers are seeking the same thing: a durable machine that will quickly produce a great, consistent feed mix day after day.

health and productivity.

The Keenan system is uniquely and independently certi ed by the Carbon Trust to increase feed conversion e ciency, improve herd performance and reduce methane production per litre of milk. By delivering a feed that is more easily digestible, the Keenan system improves rumen e ciency, meaning less energy is wasted into the environment, the company concludes. FG

The Keenan system delivers on this and more, the company reckons. With over 40 years of nutrition-based engineering and huge investments into feeding technology, Keenan describes itself as the nation’s number-one diet feeding system. Best known for its agship MechFiber machine and the patented ‘mechanical bre’ TMR produced from it, the Keenan system was built on the need to optimise cow

agship MechFiber the patented bre’ TMR produced built on the optimise

2024 FAIR WAS A “BREATH OF FRESH AIR”

The British Pig and Poultry Fair 2024 was one to remember, according to Hydor, which has exhibited for a number of years.

Along with the new location for 2024, the British Pig & Poultry Fair also attracted new visitors, new exhibitors, and a new lease of life for the fair. Hydor, part of EG Agri, has been exhibiting alongside its sister companies Bowden & Knights, Animal Aids, Farmtech Services, and All Agri for a number of years and agrees that this year was one to remember. This year’s event highlighted the latest advancements in farming technology, animal welfare, and

sustainable practices, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend event for the sector. The team from Hydor enjoyed two busy days at the fair, showcasing their expertise in ventilation systems.

John Lack, business development manager at Hydor, emphasised the company’s commitment to helping farmers navigate changing ventilation requirements to maintain healthy livestock. He highlighted the importance of proper ventilation in

preventing diseases and ensuring livestock comfort. “At the fair, we aimed to help farmers understand and comply with the latest ventilation standards,” said John. “Our team was on hand to provide clarity and solutions for both new builds and retro ts, ensuring e cient and cost-e ective air movement. It was also a great opportunity to help farmers that are wishing to meet the Red Tractor standard too, as ventilation plays a key part in this.”

Biosecurity was a key topic around the event, supported by the other brands of EG Agri. Bowden and Knights noted that the star of the show was the Igeba fogger, for which it is the exclusive UK distributor. Igeba foggers are reliable and robust options that are designed for use with water-based insecticides, acaricides, fungicides and disinfectants. Thermal fogging is ideal for creating an even distribution of active substances and is very economical for large spaces.

As always, the fair provided

invaluable networking opportunities, and was the perfect place to make new connections. Attendees connected with customers, suppliers, and industry leaders, sharing experiences and solutions to common challenges.

As the fair concluded, there was a sense of optimism and determination throughout the hall. The British Pig & Poultry Fair 2024 highlighted the remarkable progress within the industry and reinforced the collective commitment to innovation and sustainability. The insights and connections gained by all who attended will undoubtedly drive the sector forward, inspiring continued growth and improvement for British pig and poultry farming.

Andy Mann, managing director of EG Agri stated: “The event’s success sets a positive tone for the future, with the innovations and ideas presented promising to shape the industry’s path forward. As a group of businesses within the agriculture sector, we look forward to the next Pig & Poultry Fair.”

For more information about Hydor, please visit: https://hydor.co.uk/ FG

WORMER RESISTANCE: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM NZ?

A study has revealed that 98% of UK farms tested showed resistance to one or more of the group 1, 2, and 3 wormers (Riddy SF, 2023). This alarming statistic highlights a major problem for the sheep sector, with roundworm infestations being one of the leading causes of production losses in lambs.

shown that the resistant worms in NZ are the same families that are causing problems in the UK – Teledorsagia and Trichostrongylus – demonstrating we are at the same risk of resistance development.

a group 4 or 5 wormer in their worming regimes.

Administering a break dose of a group 4 wormer can help slow the development of resistance by eliminating worms that have survived groups 1, 2 or 3 treatments.

While wormer resistance does not seem to be reversible, as an industry we can work together to slow down its development, to help prevent future problems and ensure our current wormer classes continue to work into the future.

There are several ways of slowing resistance building, but there is no one silver bullet. This is why it is valuable to look to other countries and learn from their experiences. One particularly instructive place to look is New Zealand, as farmers currently face a severe crisis with wormer resistance, for several di erent reasons.

The rise of wormer resistance

Following changes to New Zealand’s agricultural policy that put pressure on farmers to maximise e ciency and productivity, many sheep farms were lost. For those that remained, the need to cut costs while making full use of farmland led to increased sheep numbers and higher stocking densities – inevitably escalating parasite pressures.

As a result, some farms experienced a build-up of wormer resistance, due to multiple factors including overuse and misuse of anthelmintics, absence of wormer group rotation and under-dosing, often through lack of understanding rather than malpractice.

Annual resistance studies carried out by Gribbles Veterinary have

Some Kiwi worm management regimes still use a suppressive approach where lambs were treated every 28 days. To overcome resistance, farmers have increasingly used combination products of dual or triple-active ingredients. These are often sold in large quantities without much veterinary oversight, and intense competition amongst vendors has kept the cost of these products relatively low; both contributing to overuse.

In terms of resistance development levels in NZ, studies from the past two years have shown the South Island experienced a 50% increase in wormer resistance to a triple active when compared to the gures in the previous year. This trend was replicated in the North Island where a 15% increase in resistance was recorded (McKenna P, 2016).

To avoid a similar scenario being replicated at home, a robust worm management plan is essential to tackle resistance.

Best practice

Regular faecal egg counting (FEC) will help identify worm burdens and post-drench FEC testing can help assess the e cacy of anthelmintic treatments within the ock. In addition, faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) through the vet can identify patterns of resistance, allowing farmers to make changes when potential resistance is highlighted. In New Zealand, when resistance is detected, larval cultures can be used to give more detail – for instance, which species of worm is resistant to which group of wormer.

A key part of managing the resistance puzzle is the introduction of the newer groups, to clear out resistant worms in mid-late season lambs, and incoming quarantined stock. However, in 2022, a survey showed just 19% of farms used

The introduction of an annual dose of a group 4 wormer has been proven to help slow the development of resistance to groups 1, 2 and 3 (Leathwick DM et al, 2009).

It is also useful to try and avoid grazing lambs on high-risk pasture, such as those which have previously held lambs in the current season.

A proactive grazing plan can help tackle wormer resistance, as the

lifecycle of the host-speci c parasites is disrupted by a di erent species grazing the pasture. Using cattle to ‘clean up’ after sheep, or vice versa, is a fundamental tool for managing both parasite and pasture quality. Older, more parasite resistant sheep (e.g. ewes) may be used for the same purpose with careful planning. By adopting a comprehensive approach incorporating newer wormer groups, such as group 4, coupled with regular FEC and weighing, and importantly proactive grazing management, UK farmers can safeguard their ocks and ensure sustainable sheep farming for the future. FG

Kaz Strycharczyk of Black Sheep Farm Health.

BEEF EXPERTS SHARE PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR A CHANGING WORLD

A series of recent roadshows in Scotland discussed the challenges facing beef farmers and how to overcome them.

farmers have taken advantage of strong cull cow prices to cull out underperforming cows, lack of labour is one of the reasons contributing to herd dispersals currently.”

trends and EID.

Our climate is changing, policy is changing and our beef industry is changing, said SAC Consulting beef specialist, Sarah Balfour, during the recent Big Beef Roadshows across Scotland. The events, which were attended by over 400 farmers, saw industry experts share practical advice on nutrition, bull fertility, current market trends and EID. Speaking to Farmers Guide, Sarah noted that beef farmers are facing a variety of challenges, not least the changing climate. Winters are getting longer and springs and summers are getting wetter – reports suggest straw is likely to be relatively scarce in certain areas this year, as record-breaking wet weather delayed spring eld work.

Input costs also continue to be a challenge, while the nished beef price currently sitting low is squeezing margins, and making budgeting and forward planning di cult. The industry needs a system in place to prevent the beef price dropping below a certain level, Sarah believes.

The lack of clarity on government policy going forward is another concern. “Farming is a business like any other, so there needs to be a steady cash ow, there needs to be forecasting and budgeting. All that becomes quite di cult when there’s so many factors that a ect farmers’ businesses which are outside their control,” she added.

There is a worrying downward trend in the number of suckler cows in both Scotland and the UK as a whole, with lots of cattle being dispersed – despite the price of store cattle being the strongest it’s been for some time. “One of the main reasons for this is the lack of available labour on farms,” Sarah noted. “Although many suckler

However, despite this, there was plenty of positivity among farmers at the roadshows. After a long, wet spring and delayed turnout, the meetings were a welcome opportunity for farmers to get together and have a chat – and learn that other farmers are facing the same problems they are, Sarah said.

Key take home messages

“One of the themes that was discussed at the events was not necessarily making big changes, but more ne-tuning and adapting your current farming practices and business to improve e ciency. The smaller changes add up to make the big changes,” Sarah commented.

Becoming less reliant on labour is important, and one way to do this is selecting the right breed for your system and what you want to achieve. Each of the host farms for the roadshows had very di erent systems and di erent breeds, “but they all work”.

“For upland hill farmers, it's about making best use of hill ground and being able to outwinter with the hardier native breeds if possible. It's really about adapting systems to suit your farming environment. That goes hand in hand with reducing labour.”

Improving suckler herd fertility was also highlighted as a key way to improve cow margins and therefore business pro tability. Sarah stresses the importance of routinely fertility testing stock bulls – as a three-year trial run by SRUC vets found on average one in ve bulls fail a fertility test irrespective of age or breed – in order to avoid the hidden costs such as reduced weaning weights.

“It's an area of interest for me. Those herds which are performing well are those with high levels of

fertility. Improving performance within a beef herd relies on optimal fertility,” Sarah advised.

Additionally, getting the basics right with nutrition is important, ensuring the energy, protein and bre are right as a starting point. Rationing is a guide, but it needs to be looked at and adapted, based on daily liveweight gain performance. Many attendees also stressed the value of creep feeding calves, as younger calves are more e cient at converting feed to kilos of liveweight gain.

Sarah concluded: “Going forward the more self-su cient a farm is, the more resilient it is. The roadshow meetings highlighted that it’s not about one system being better than another, it’s about maximising your own system.”

The roadshows, funded by the Universities Innovation Fund, were held at Corskie Farm, Garmouth, Hilton of Beath Farm, Kelty and Knockenjig Farm, Sanquhar. They were brought to fruition by Sarah, and her nutritionist colleagues in the livestock team at SAC Consulting, Lorna Shaw and Karen Stewart. FG

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Sarah Balfour, SAC Consulting beef specialist.

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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF INNOVATION

Galebreaker marked its 40th anniversary with an event focusing on enhancing livestock welfare and optimising farm productivity.

Hosted in Ledbury, where the familyowned business is headquartered, the event showcased insights from industry leaders, including specialists from Lallemand Animal Nutrition and the Agri-Tech Centre.

Jeremy Scudamore, Galebreaker's owner and managing director, re ected on the company’s evolution from its beginnings on a Ross-onWye dairy farm in 1984 to a leader in exporting fabric-engineered solutions in over 30 global markets.

"We're pioneering the next generation of smart farm building control systems, operated via mobile apps, complemented by consultancy services to protect livestock from challenges such as heat stress.”

Galebreaker's technical director, Andrew Gardner, discussed the current economic pressures on

farmers, highlighting the importance of innovation and technology in farm management.

"Tight margins mean farmers need solutions that deliver clear return on investment. Through our research projects, we aim to demonstrate how innovation can help farmers lower their carbon footprint while boosting productivity.”

He noted how increased energy costs, consumer demand for high welfare produce, and climate change create a challenging environment for UK farmers, many of whom operate on farms with poor livestock housing. “Animal welfare standards are constantly evolving, and facilities must keep pace.”

Mr Gardner also detailed the ACCED project, funded by Innovate UK in collaboration with SmartBell, which

used AI-powered ear tags and sensors to monitor cow behaviour and adjust environmental controls to optimise housing and increase productivity.

“By understanding how cows behaved and using the data to control our systems, it allowed us to make precise adjustments such as activating vent tubes. This led to more cost-e ective and accurate ventilation, reducing heat stress and milk yield losses,” he explained.

Dr Nico Vreeburg, Lallemand’s technical support manager for ruminants, north and east Europe, advocated for rethinking conventional barn design to better accommodate natural air ow, reducing heat stress and enhancing dairy cow comfort.

"Never has one cow died from too much fresh air, but many su er from

not enough," he stated, emphasising the importance of open plan barns with automated side curtains and ventilated roofs, instead of solid walls.

Meanwhile, Duncan Forbes from the Agri-Tech Centre highlighted the role of emerging and established technologies like robotic milking and precision feeding systems in boosting farm e ciency.

"Adopting advanced technologies can transform farm productivity, helping to manage resources more e ectively and sustainably," he said.

As Galebreaker looks to the future, the focus remains on advancing technologies and services that improve animal welfare and productivity. The addition of Chloe Rodriguez as animal health and welfare lead strengthens the company’s on-farm consultancy. FG

DID YOU KNOW….

Fertility can be significantly impacted by Heat Stress –affe cting calving patterns and impacting profitability. Scan the QR code below to talk to Galebreaker about reducing the impact of Heat Stress through proper ventilation and our grant eligible products.

Galebreaker owner and managing director Jeremy Scudamore, with his wife and co-owner, Caron.

GPS collars are used to create virtual boundaries, allowing for precise control of grazing areas, Nofence explains.

VIRTUAL FENCING TECH TRANSFORMS LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT

Nofence says it is transforming livestock management with its innovative virtual fencing technology, which o ers farmers a modern solution to traditional fencing challenges. This allows for more exible and e cient farming, freeing up time and providing peace of mind. The technology uses GPS collars to create virtual boundaries, allowing for precise control of grazing areas without the need for physical fences.

Since 2018, Nofence has sold over 120,000 collars in various countries. The company says it remains committed to quality. "The main goal has been, and will always be, quality, so we can deliver reliable Nofence collars to anyone who wants to use this technology for their animals," says Nofence CEO Joachim Kähler. Nofence's virtual boundaries, managed through an app, o er a exible and e cient alternative

suitable for various terrains. Farmers can easily alter grazing boundaries, create exclusion zones, and monitor livestock movement from their phones.

The UK market is receptive to virtual fencing due to Government focus on sustainable farming and land preservation. Nofence has around 350 cattle farmers and 95 sheep and goat farmers using its collars in the UK.

At the Rhug Estate in Wales, virtual fencing has signi cantly improved operational e ciency. Managing a 7,000-acre organic farm with challenging terrain, Emyr Owen, estate farm manager, found virtual fencing made monitoring cattle wellbeing and tracing their whereabouts much easier.

Receiving push noti cations if an animal hasn’t moved in four hours allows for targeted interventions, saving time and resources. Nofence's

collars support sustainable land management by preventing overgrazing and promoting biodiversity. This aligns with broader conservation goals, making Nofence valuable for both farmers and environmentalists, the company adds.

Nofence continues to support farmers raising cattle, goats, and sheep, helping utilise new grazing resources and strengthen their livelihoods. "We're here to make a di erence for farmers. They can utilise new grazing resources and get better oversight of their animals," Mr Kähler emphasises.

Founded in Norway in 2011, Nofence has grown to have 80 employees worldwide, with o ces in Norway, Great Britain and Spain. The company says its commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned it as a leader in virtual fencing technology.

The company recently launched an online store to make it easier for customers to purchase collars and supplementary equipment. This convenience ensures farmers are well-equipped to manage livestock e ciently.

Nofence is revolutionising livestock management by providing a versatile, e cient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fencing, the company concludes.

For more information or to inquire about Nofence’s collars and existing subsidies in the UK, please contact Nofence’s sales team. Visit its online store for easy purchases and additional equipment as you navigate a busy grazing season. FG

BRITISH WHITE CATTLE FIT INTO FARMER’S CS PLANS

After the withdrawal of BPS, George Kershaw introduced British White cattle to his farm, as part of their Countryside Stewardship scheme.

George Kershaw farms 250 acres divided between Malmesbury and Swindon, 75 acres of which is 20-year-old woodland, with the remainder being permanent pasture on heavy clay. This means the farm has avoided arable cropping and leans more toward grassland management.

Up until last year, they kept up to

500 ewes and made enough haylage for them for bad winters.

They also have around two acres of solar panels, which were installed when the FIT subsidies were high, and a woodchip boiler which heats several houses. In theory, the woodland should provide enough cord wood to feed the boiler, though in practice it does not, but they are about to have

the ash which will help a little.

“The sheep have never been particularly pro table, and the withdrawal of BPS made the situation even worse,” George explained. “We therefore decided upon a sharp change of strategy and cut back the number of sheep signi cantly.”

The farm has successfully joined the Countryside Stewardship scheme on Higher Tier to create a woodland pasture. A signi cant element of this is the SP8 supplement which encourages the use of ‘native breeds at risk’ pedigree stock.

“The breed that we have gone for is the British White, one of their main advantages being that they are relatively docile, which is an important consideration for us as we have not kept cattle before,” George explained. “Additionally, whilst there are not many herds compared to some of the larger breeds, there are enough of them to give su cient numbers to be able to start a herd and have access to good bulls and AI.

“We also have the British White Cattle Society which, through our breed secretary Sarah Cook, gives useful advice and acts as the linchpin in forming a community of like-minded, and helpful, farmers. The animals with their trademark black ears, nose and socks are very beautiful.”

George added: “Having begun with a herd of 10 heifers and cows plus four calves, we plan to start with a very low grazing intensity. Our initial plan is to maintain the pedigree registrations and breed them for the meat market, but we'll see how that goes and keep an open mind about how large to grow the herd. These are exciting times in many ways and it will be fascinating, as well as nancially signi cant, to see if our change of direction is successful.”

Learn more about the breed, and how it can be used for farming support schemes, on the BWCS website: www.britishwhitecattle. co.uk. FG

Stand-Alone Squeeze

NEW FLOCK HEALTH MINDSET REAPS DIVIDENDS

Preventing disease and adopting treatment strategies based on data has helped one Lancashire hill farm to boost scanning rates and improve flock health.

For Mick Handley, signing up to Dalehead Veterinary Group’s Flock Health Club proved the turning point for adopting a new mindset to ock health, supported by vet Karen Swindlehurst and fellow shepherds.

Improvements in ock health have focused around the following ve areas…

Fluke control

High rainfall means uke infection is a big risk for farmers across the area and was highlighted as one of the main areas for immediate attention through the Flock Health Club. Mick and his father, Malcolm had always treated sheep for uke four times in the winter: pre tupping, when ewes went to the fell post-tupping, at scanning and at lambing. However, they were suspicious that treatment wasn’t working.

“We had a couple of rough winters and ewes in poor condition with scanning results around 115% for the hill ewes,” Mick recalls.

Through testing, Karen identi ed that the ock had resistance to triclabendazole, which was being used in the ock. Karen also began using the farm as a sentinel unit to identify when uke was emerging in a season and allow more e ective, targeted treatment. Now, six lambs are blood tested every four weeks from around September.

“With testing we have managed to reduce this ( uke treatment) to as low as two doses this past winter and seen an increase of 15–20% in scanning results since starting the testing,” says Mick.

Karen adds: “If we dose at the right time, it makes a big di erence to body condition, fertility and scanning rates. And we’re not blanket treating when we don’t need to.”

The type of ukicide used is also varied through the season depending on the age of uke identi ed to achieve the best outcome using vet advice.

Better understanding of worms

Rather than routinely worming every 6–8 weeks through the summer, the Handleys now make treatment decisions based on faecal egg counting (FEC), which is carried out through the Flock Health Club. Testing has also identi ed resistance to white drench.

Mineral status

Having identi ed cobalt de ciency through blood testing, all lambs now receive a vitamin B12 injection in June. Ewes also receive a cobalt bolus and a copper bolus pre-tupping. Mick says improved mineral status has been re ected in improved lamb thriftiness. “We think lambs are continuing to thrive better, grow better and there are not as many poor doers,” he says, adding that they’re probably also getting more lambs to a saleable weight, and quicker.

Vaccinating

As part of the disease prevention strategy, the ock is vaccinated against a number of key diseases. All in-bye ewes, which lamb indoors and are subject to higher stocking rate pressures, are vaccinated against enzootic abortion.

All new breeding females are enrolled on a Heptavac P Plus vaccination programme and receive two doses 4–6 weeks apart, followed by an annual booster. Lambs are also vaccinated against key clostridial diseases and pasteurella using Ovivac P Plus.

Reducing lameness

Adopting the FAI Farms Five Point Plan for controlling sheep lameness has enabled Mick to reduce lameness to manageable levels, with work ongoing. Following veterinary guidance, lame sheep are now identi ed and treated promptly either with a topical spray or an appropriate injectable antibiotic, depending on the degree of lameness. They will then be managed in a separate eld until lameness is resolved.

“Before we would have left them running with the ock and foot bathed and sprayed them, but it would have taken them longer to improve, and some might not have come right,” Mick says.

Treatments are recorded using EID and any animals that are treated 2–3 times will be culled. The xed handling system will also be washed and disinfected between mobs, and lime mixed with the sawdust used in the handling pens to reduce infection spread.

All in-bye ewes and wintering hoggs are vaccinated against footrot using Footvax once a year, although Mick is considering moving to six monthly vaccinations on Karen’s

advice. The 4–5 stock tups bought in annually will be quarantined for a minimum of three weeks and vaccinated. Mick adds: “Lameness in the tups has been reduced now we use Footvax every six months because

we found they were the highest risk group,” Mick explains. “It means less tups are required as they cover more ewes and they’re more viable.”

Use of the vaccine should also help reduce antibiotic use. FG

Sheep farmer Mick Handley and his vet Karen Swindlehurst.

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

THE NEW ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS

Trials show Konquest Gel o ers a suitable alternative to antibiotic treatment for DD, writes independent veterinary consultant for Provita Eurotech, Dr TB Barragry.

Provita Animal Health developed Hoofsure Konquest Hoof Gel in conjunction with Queens University Belfast and Dr Roger Blowey, specialist in cattle (dairy). Konquest Hoof Gel is a proprietary concentrated blend of organic acids and essential oils. It is formulated to possess bio-adhesive and potent penetrating action, so it sticks to the skin and hoof, breaks down bio lms and e ectively gets to the source of infection.

A recent study by Dr Nick Bell and Dr James Wilson compared Konquest to a conventional topical anti-microbial treatment for digital dermatitis. A total of 245 cows from six farms were enrolled and randomised into two groups. The control group received the topical anti-microbial spray after thorough cleaning and drying, and the other received Konquest under a ‘bikini wrap’ which was removed after 24 hours. Both groups noted a reduction in lesion size and an improvement or cure with regards to lesion appearance (using the M-score system), with just one application. “With the need to reduce the use of antimicrobials in the dairy industry, Konquest should be considered a suitable alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments,” researchers said.

Bene ts of Konquest:

• Can be used with or without a bandage

• Highly concentrated

• Stable in all temperatures

• Rapid and potent penetrating action

• Advanced bio-adhesion, sticks fast

• Reduces lameness

• No antibiotics or copper.

Hoofsure Endurance

Cattle: Digital dermatitis (DD) is now one of the most common foot diseases attributable to lameness and is virtually impossible to eradicate once it appears clinically on farm as it is ever present in the farm environment. Hooves soaked constantly in slurry show an increased incidence of this disease and also it can predispose animals to heel horn erosion known as “slurry heel.”

Because of the change in underfoot conditions and the increased incidence and risk of lameness during housing, it is essential to apply a footbath daily to housed cattle. This is a really worthwhile investment because it helps to prevent the appearance of lesions of DD. Clinical lesions of DD/ Mortellaro act as a huge reservoir of infectious bacteria, which can then spread this hugely costly disease to the rest of the herd.

Sheep: Over 80% of ocks are a ected by lameness with 15–20% ock incidence. There is anecdotal evidence that scald bacteria is

46%. This trial also showed that with Hoofsure Endurance, there was a reduction in hoof infection from 57% at the beginning of the trial period to 37% at the end of the trial period.

particularly active this year. If a lamb is lame, it will take longer to reach market weight. If the ewe is lame, milk production goes down and in consequence, meat production of the lamb goes down.

With innovation at the heart of Provita, the dedicated research and development team have now developed a new improved formula of its Hoofsure Endurance. Utilising proprietary technology, the new formula o ers 33% faster acting bacterial kill and provides more contact time on the hoof. It is also cost-e ective with 5,000 cow passes achievable per 20-litre drum (in 200-litre footbath).

Safe and proven

Numerous reports have been published demonstrating the rapid e ectiveness of Hoofsure Endurance when used regularly as a preventive or treatment agent. Amongst some of the published ndings are the following…

Hoofsure Endurance compared with copper sulphate: A US trial performed in University of Kentucky using three herds of 120, 170 and 200 milking Holsteins compared Hoofsure Endurance to copper sulphate footbath in parallel experiments. Hoofsure Endurance reduced digital dermatitis levels by 49% while copper sulphate had reduced it by

Hoofsure Endurance compared to formalin footbath: In eld studies carried out by the Royal Veterinary College London, an evaluation was performed on 90 lame cows in a 24-week split footbath study comparing Hoofsure Endurance to formalin footbath. Hoofsure Endurance reduced digital dermatitis by 62% and with formalin the reduction was 54%.

Konquest compared to oxytetracycline spray: A trial reported in the US in 2022 compared the e cacy of Hoofsure Konquest Gel to oxytetracycline spray in 284 bovine cases, when directly applied to the foot lesions. Cure rates from the antibiotic spray and Hoofsure Konquest Gel ranged from 66–76%, and there was no statistical di erence between the e cacy of two treatments. Hence Hoofsure Konquest has the potential to reduce antibiotic usage as a treatment for lameness problems.

Hoofsure Endurance for sheep: A recent independent study showed that 65% of sheep with feet problems showed improvement after one pass through a footbath containing Hoofsure Endurance at 2% (in-house data).

For more information and seasonal o ers, please contact Provita directly. FG

*References available on request.

Before treatment with Konquest.

One minute after Konquest treatment.

12 days after treatment.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF MODERN SOLUTIONS

As Newquip is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary in January 2025, the company shares some of its biggest innovations.

Over the last 25 years, Newquip says it has earned a reputation for supplying customers with pig and poultry equipment that’s built to last whilst continually developing modern farming innovations.

As the sole mainland UK supplier of Big Dutchman pig and poultry equipment, it is proud to supply and install its German partner’s latest innovations to the UK market.

One of the company’s most popular products is the Big Dutchman Natura, a welfare-friendly aviary system for organic, free range and barn egg production. Designed with a focus on bird welfare without compromising on functionality and e ciency, the aim is to replicate the birds’ natural environment, so they are free to exhibit their natural behaviour and lay their eggs in optimally designed nests. Natura by name, natura by nature, this aviary system was the rst of its kind when it was launched 35 years

ago, revolutionising free range egg production worldwide, Newquip explains.

O ering versatility as well as high levels of productivity, customers have the choice of a range of Natura systems to suit their individual requirements, as well as the size of their house. Newquip says it has a

wealth of experience in building modern multi-tier systems that make the most of the available space, with designated areas for the birds to perch, feed and forage. Many farmers are choosing to move from at-deck to multi-tier Natura systems to increase production and ensure the long-term pro tability of their business.

Today’s farmers must also keep an eye on their carbon footprint, as we work towards 2050 net-zero targets, set by the government. The upshot is that whilst environmentally friendly options are good for the environment, they can also bring

multiple bene ts to the farmer’s bottom line.

Residue treatment solutions allow producers the opportunity to achieve a practical balance between producing su cient levels of healthy food and the need for environmental protection. Big Dutchman has developed several innovative composting systems for egg farms including the CompoLiner. Composting poultry excrement automatically, it works via microorganisms degrading the organic material, which then creates a compost that can be used as a valuable organic fertiliser.

To nd out more about Big Dutchman’s latest products, contact the Newquip team directly. FG

www.bigdutchman.com

CompoLiner

COMPOSTING POULTRY EXCREMENT AND BROILER MANURE – FAST AND

FULLY AUTOMATICALLY

• Composting means volume and weight reduction

• Easier storage and transportation

• Compost is a valuable organic fertiliser

• Capacity up to 360 m3

• Controlled and closed process

• Low energy cost

• Possibility of connecting an air purifer

• Signifcant reduction in moisture content

• Improvements in nutrient availability for growing crops

SIRE LINE BOAR OFFERS “EXTRAORDINARY” PERFORMANCE

maximum ham and loin value, and consistent, top grading P2 measurements.

Together, these factors contribute to a common industry goal: pigs out the gate quicker, reduced feed consumption and higher meat yield driving productivity as a result.

In an industry fraught with challenges, Rattlerow says its OMX Sire Line Boar epitomises genetic excellence and top on-farm performance.

The OMX Boar, bred by Rattlerow Farms, represents the culmination of over 25 years of breeding precision and cutting-edge genetic selection. Its genetic composition is at the heart of its superiority, the company says. Through advanced selective breeding, Rattlerow Farms has meticulously curated a high performing sire line that is bred to be positive for the BETTERgen muscle+ gene, a proven gene marker for lean meat and carcass uniformity. As focus shifts towards

sustainable production, e ciency is more important than ever. The OMX’s genetic makeup is optimised to maximise feed conversion e ciency, ensuring that every ounce of feed translates into optimal growth. Moreover, its progeny exhibit world-class accelerated growth rates of up to 1,152g daily gain while maintaining a lean carcass.

The OMX is also engineered to deliver e ciency at processing; meat yield characteristics include exceptional killing out percentage,

In an industry fraught with challenges, resilience is paramount. The OMX produces robust, vigorous piglets at birth which leads to higher weaning weights and reduced prewean mortality. Easy2Manage has always been a top priority within Rattlerow’s breeding objectives, so it should come as no surprise that the progeny are calm and easy to handle, with incredibly low levels of vice. It is no secret that calm, contented pigs are the pigs that perform the best.

It is crucially important for breeding animals to be in the best possible physical condition to allow them to produce top tier progeny. As well as advanced terminal sire line genetics, Rattlerow o ers on-farm back fat testing, performed by its experienced team using high quality equipment.

Bene ts of on farm back fat testing include:

Enhanced reproductive e ciency: Maintaining optimal back fat levels is crucial for reproductive success in breeding animals. Data from monitoring back fat levels in sows and gilts is very important to ensure good longevity of breeding animals, especially in their early parities.

This can provide useful data for nutritionists and can also help identify reasons for shortfalls in performance, which can help netune feeding strategies to promote steady and healthy growth of the young breeding females.

Reduced risk of production losses: Producers can mitigate the risk of production losses due to suboptimal fertility because of incorrect body condition.

Data-driven decision making: Provides valuable data that can inform decision-making processes on farm. Analysing trends in back fat measurements over time allows producers, nutritionists, and vets to make informed adjustments to farm’s management practices, leading to continuous improvement in animal health and performance. FG

Maximising proftability through improved genetics and management advances

Rattlerow is

From

Rattlerow. Let us be the diference.

DEVON DAIRY FARM FINDS ANSWER TO ITS MASTITIS PROBLEM

I don't need to work the calculations out to know using Cobiotex is cheaper than getting a case of mastitis," Alan explained.

A bedding additive has allowed one dairy farm to reduce environmental mastitis, from over 25% of the herd a

ected to 6%.

A year ago, a signi cant number of cows at East Avercombe Farm, South Molton, were contracting mastitis in the fresh period. The Hoskin family, who milk 130 all-year-round calving Holstein cows, worked with their vet and found the issue was environmental rather than contagious mastitis.

Management of environmental mastitis involves minimising the

Free mobile scheme to reuse waste polythene launches

Oxfordshire-based

Polythene UK has launched a free national waste polythene collection service, using a van with an onboard compactor to collect, compact and bale the polythene, allowing it to be reused.

number of bacteria that can cause mastitis at the teat end.

Passages in the farm’s cubicle housing are scraped out constantly using a robotic scraper, with cows bedded on EnviroBed in the cubicle housing and EnviroBed and straw in the loose housing for the close-up dry cows. Every 2–3 weeks, the loose pens are cleaned thoroughly, and fresh straw is applied daily. Bedding

Polythene UK aims to o er that recycled material back as the 30% post-consumer waste in customers’ future orders.

is also applied daily to the cubicles.

After mentioning the problem to EnviroSystems’ Sarah Taylor, the family decided to try Cobiotex, a multi-strain bacterial bedding additive which forms protective bio lms over the bedding and cubicle surfaces.

The bio lms work by out competing the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including those linked to mastitis (E. Coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus) and digital dermatitis (Treponema, Dicholeobacter), reducing the risk of these diseases spreading.

Alan Hoskin said: "We haven't changed anything else, and since using Cobiotex in our dry and fresh cow housing, cases of mastitis have dropped signi cantly, from 25% to just six cases, in the last six months. Our cell count has also remained consistently low over the winter in the mid-70s.”

The Hoskins apply Cobiotex once a week on top of the cubicles and loose housing bedding. "It is an expensive product, but it goes a long way, and we can't a ord not to use it.

"The armoury to ght mastitis is becoming less and less. Nowadays, drugs are dearer, there are fewer available, and the withdrawal periods are long, so we must keep on top of it. For us, using Cobiotex is the only way forward,” he added.

With limited grazing around the building, the family has identi ed that grazing cows outside at night is also a risk factor for environmental mastitis, as cows lie in the soiled elds – so this year they will not be doing that.

EnviroSystems managing director Liz Russell says Cobiotex also means potentially 'irritating' bedding additives, such as lime, can be cut, and mastitis/digital dermatitis treatments or antibiotic use are also reduced. Farmers also report less bedding and labour is needed, as the product is applied only once a week, unlike lime, which is daily.

Positive results can be seen in as little as three weeks when using Cobiotex and there are also no adverse health risks to humans, animals or the environment. FG

Bedding Additve

Producing a more hygienic and controlled bedding environment.

Polythene UK’s van has a polythene baling/compactor tted inside which enables the company to help customers recycle their waste polythene without the expense of buying or hiring a polythene compactor themselves. This will potentially save customers a £3,000 initial cost, as well as the ongoing maintenance charges. Polythene UK says its service is free of charge, and takes away the hassle.

To mitigate the environmental impacts of the van, each trip will have a minimum of two purposes. Once the company has collected the waste lm and recycled it,

Managing director, James Woollard said: “Hopefully if we have solved the commercial issue of collecting the waste polythene we will always be able to o er customers a cheaper end polythene lm/bag/cover because the recycled waste polythene is far cheaper than the virgin grade oil by-product currently being used.

“Polythene has a particularly poor CO2 e ect on the planet –unless it’s being recycled, in which case it’s then it’s transformed to one of the most positive packaging products on the planet.”

Visit www.polytheneuk.co.uk for more information. FG

Once a Week Treatment

6 strains of bacteria

Scan to visit our website and order online

Reduces the Risk of Environmental Mastts

Reduces the Risk of Digital Dermatts

Reduces Somatc Cell Counts

Alternatve to Harsh and Irritatng Additves such as Lime

www.envirosystems.co.uk

01772 860085

GREEN ENERGY

F&S Energy specialises in providing PPAs to the agricultural sector, aiming to provide a route to market for smaller independent energy producers.

F&S Energy’s customers range from 30kW up to a few MW in size. Since its founding in 2011, F&S has witnessed rapid market growth. Initially, the Feed-In Tari scheme incentivised landowners to install renewable generation. More recently, volatile energy prices and declining renewable costs have caused another surge in renewable generator installations.

PPAS: WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

Farmers are also increasingly turning to renewable energy to diversify income streams, enhance sustainability, reduce running costs, and contribute to environmental conservation. Where there is an excess of generation, this can be sold to an electricity supply company through a PPA for additional revenue. Power purchase agreements (PPAs) are contracts between electricity generators and electricity supply companies, for the sale of electricity.

There are several types of PPAs available from F&S:

Fixed price: A xed price PPA where F&S calculates a price per kWh exported. The rm would then pay this xed rate for all power exported over the course of the contract.

Track and fix: This tracks the electricity market with the value from the exported power passed through to the generator, with an option to lock in to a xed price at any time during the duration of the contract.

linked price. This approach can provide the greatest returns for a generator over the longer term, but the generator takes on the risk, and returns uctuate over the short term according to wholesale energy price movements.

Wholesale pass through: The industry bene ts associated with each generator are passed through and all power generated is sold at an index

Peer-to-peer (p2p) trading: P2P trading is an approach that enables customers to buy and sell electricity directly with other customers. F&S Energy facilitates P2P trading relationships, o ering a platform for farmers to trade renewable energy e ciently.

prices compared to traditional sales, the company says. The online portal facilitates people making matches. Either by registering and using the portal yourself, or signing an LOA which gives F&S Energy the authority to register and make the best match possible on your behalf. There are no admin fees included.

Engaging in P2P trading also shows electricity consumers exactly where their electricity is coming from. FG

With P2P farmers can maximise revenue by selling electricity directly to consumers and achieve better

Protecting your solar panel investment

Solar Panel Cleaning Services Ltd has over a decade of experience providing solar panel cleaning services to farming and agricultural clients. The company says it has established itself as a leading cleaning provider, advisor, and trusted partner in the solar PV renewable energy industry.

Agricultural solar PV systems often su er the most from dirt accumulation. This includes dust and soil from farming activities, pollen and plant debris from exposure to agricultural environments, bird droppings and lichen growth due to the panels’ placement in rural environments.

The company says it understands rst-hand the importance of preserving farmers’ solar PV investment and, in doing

so, ensuring optimal solar panel performance and e ciency, preventing the growth of lichen. Therefore, it advises cleaning agricultural solar panels at least once a year, with the frequency increasing as necessary.

In a working farm or agricultural business context, consistent solar panel cleaning is essential for maintaining the integrity of a solar system and ensuring a reliable solar energy supply. Solar Panel Cleaning Services Ltd says it o ers highly experienced, bespoke, and environmentally informed agricultural solar panel cleaning services, with the bene ts of lichen removal and the use of its solar panel cleaning robots as well as its trusted manual and mechanical cleaning equipment. FG

C-Zero Markets are established traders of Green Power and Green Gas Certificates.

C-Zero Markets can assist in the Ofgem registration and submission of claims for your REGOs and RGGOs to help maximise the value from your renewable assets.

Our team of experts have the tools and techniques to help you formulate and implement your trading and carbon strategy.

If you would like to know more about how C-Zero Markets can help your company and its operations, please contact us...

Have you claimed your REGO revenue?

Growing demand is driving up the value of the REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) market – increasing potential returns for renewable energy producers.

REGOs are certi cates issued by Ofgem for each megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable source and they cost nothing to claim. As green tari s have become more popular with consumers, so has the need to obtain REGOs to evidence their credibility.

“Originally REGOs traded for pennies; as recently as 2020–21 prices were averaging only 66p per REGO, but at the end of last year prices peaked north of £20,” said Mike Ridler, director of Carbon Zero Markets (C-Zero), a company that helps generators bring their REGOs to market.

C-Zero's head of environmental markets, Clare Haigh, explained:

“REGOs are no longer small change – leaving REGOs unclaimed or sitting in your Ofgem account can leave substantial value on the table, whilst also preventing them from doing their intended job of rewarding investment in renewable technology.”

C-Zero’s team helps generators register with Ofgem to obtain REGOs and takes care of administering the export data inputs needed for the claims. It also helps nd the best route to market. “Some counterparties only deal in large volumes so we play an important role in aggregating volumes from smaller producers to make larger batches attractive to these buyers,” added Clare.

Visit: www.czeromarkets.com or contact C-Zero directly. FG

Warning over dirty solar panels

Solar panels are a signi cant investment but dirty solar panels can be one of the biggest factors in reduced e ciency.

Dust and debris often accumulate on panels during very dry summer months, and panels on pig and poultry sheds are particularly at risk yearround, as roof-mounted extraction fans dump dust directly onto their surface. Testing shows losses of up to 40% for heavily soiled PV panels, which can equate to thousands of lost kWh per annum, says Hugh Crane (Cleaning Equipment) Ltd.

The company designed the SolaTecs system to combat this. With no motor or electrics, the brush head is connected to a pressure washer to drive the internal impeller. The high-

pressure water is then distributed through the brush to rinse o any dust and debris. A reach of up to 15m for roof mounted systems is available, or shorter modular poles for ground arrays.

The drive mechanism is built from stainless steel and alloys for extended periods of use. The spinning brush means the system is much less labour intensive than some other options on the market, the company says. It also e ciently removes heavily ingrained dirt.

An entry level option is available for smaller budgets, or smaller numbers of panels. This is a telescopic pole with a wide brush on the end that is water-fed and can be connected to the mains water. FG

EXPLORING THE RISE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES

A recent landmark conference saw industry experts give farmers advice on the routes into energy generation, storage, and transmission.

The Renewables Conference, was hosted by Midlands and South West law rm Lodders, at Merevale Hall, Atherstone on 16th May 2024. It attracted more than 100 delegates and provided insights into how renewables projects are steered from the drawing board stage right through to build.

Alastair Frew, partner and head of the renewables team at Lodders says: “There is growing interest in renewables within the landowner community, and we are supporting more individuals than ever through the complex documentation required to create renewables schemes on their land. These can range from solar PV developments, battery storage schemes, and wind farms, to installing gas generators or anaerobic digestion equipment.”

Providing practical guidance on renewables opportunities were a range of speakers including Simon Murrells of Innova Renewables, Nick Green of Savills, Hugh Taylor

of Roadnight Taylor, Peter White of Gopsall Accountants, and James Collier of Howkins & Harrison.

“There were clear themes running through the talks on the day,” Alastair explains, “including the National Grid Electricity System Operator’s (NGESCO) connections reform coming into force in January 2025, the continuing demand for solar PV, and the need for battery storage in certain locations, to feed the nation’s seemingly limitless demand for electricity which is in turn driven by internet cloud storage and data centres. We also tackled the thorny question of hydrogen and when the technology will come of age.”

With the UK aiming to reach net zero by 2050, and achieve decarbonisation of the electricity grid by 2035, Alastair emphasises the importance of landowners seeking specialist advice with regards to renewables, particularly if approached by an operator or developer looking to install a scheme

on their property. He says: “If you pool the right expertise to support your renewables project, whether this be specialist accountants and lawyers or the engineers, you have a much better chance of making your scheme a reality. Lodders’ team of renewable energy experts can help ensure landowners get the deal, whether they are developing land to produce solar energy for a whole new settlement, erecting a single wind turbine, putting in an energy

from waste plant or gas reserve power station, or even installing a row of public car-charging points.”

Lodders is a premier law rm in Stratford upon Avon, Birmingham, Cheltenham, and Henley in Arden. Founded more 240 years ago, the rm o ers expert legal advice across a range of legal services including private client, commercial law, real estate, and family law.

For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk FG

Advice for the future, grounded in experience

For more than 235 years, Lodders has been helping those who live and work in the countryside to prepare for the future, whatever it brings.

Our tailored, personal advice combines essential legal clarity with a deep understanding of the rural environment and the families that depend on it.

Lodders Solicitors LLP Stratford upon Avon / Cheltenham / Birmingham / Henley in Arden

Lodders’ Renewables Conference speakers (l-r): James Collier, Howkins & Harrison; Peter White, Gopsall Accountants; Alastair Frew, Lodders; Nick Green, Savills; John Rouse, Lodders; Simon Murrells, Innova Renewables; and Hugh Taylor, Roadnight Taylor.

The Juwel plough & furrow presses VarioPack and FlexPack

Basis for a reliable eld emergence.

Create optimum growing conditions for your crop with the LEMKEN Juwel and use the positive e ects of the turning soil cultivation to reduce the weed pressure. You can order the Juwel series from 3-7 furrows and always with the Optiquick adjustment center for independent adjustment of front furrow width and pulling point. Choose from a wide range of plough bodies and options for your speci c needs.

VarioPack: For deep reconsolidation, cutting and crumbling on medium to heavy soils.

The combination with a furrow press provides both reconsolidation and crumbling at the right time. Keep the moisture in the soil and create the ideal soil environment for the root system.

FlexPack: For reconsolidation and crumbling on medium to light soils.

Check out the Juwel 8i: convenient ISOBUS operation and guide-function for automatically dead straight furrows or target furrow.

With autumn cultivations just around the corner, Farmers Guide visited Lodge Farm just outside Colchester to find out how they were getting on with their Lemken ploughs and press.

PLOUGHS & PRESSES

RETURN TO LEMKEN PROVES A SUCCESS FOR ESSEX FARM

With around 2,500 hectares of arable land in total, P.G. Rix (Farms) Ltd, based at Lodge Farm grows around 800ha of cereals and 250ha of beet, as well as maize, peas and mustard on a smaller scale.

The mainstay of their business is, however, potatoes and onions, with around 400ha of the former in the ground and over 500ha of the latter, meaning ploughing forms an important part of their operation. As such, they take their choice of ploughing equipment very seriously, and have gone all-in with Lemken.

Returning to Lemken

According to Michael: “When I rst joined the business at Lodge Farm, the team were using Besson ploughs; but when it came time to replace them, we decided to have a look at other options.

“We had seen lots of older Lemken models, like the Euro ploughs, that were maybe 15–20 years old and still going strong. This was a good sign that they should stand up to the heavy usage that they would likely get here.

Farmers Guide caught up with farm manager Scott Whittlestone and machinery operator Michael Bloom eld to discuss why they chose the Lemken brand and how the decision has worked out so far for them.

“We also knew Steve Plumb, the local area sales manager for Lemken, and he was always telling us just how good they are. With that in mind, we arranged for a demonstration and were immediately impressed with what we saw and how they performed.”

the Juwel 10 with its larger headstock and 160mm box beam. We have had this for around four years without any problems. We also currently run a six-furrow Juwel 8 and an eight-furrow semi-mounted reversible Diamant 11,” Michael explained.

When asked how the move to Lemken ploughs has worked out, Michael is quite emphatic. “I like them. Out of all the ploughs I’ve used I have found that Lemken pulls the easiest. I don’t know if it’s something to do with the W52 bodies, which I believe were designed for black-grass so they have a long sweeping body.

Following this, the decision to buy was an easy one, Michael reckons.

“The farm had actually used Lemken products in the distant past, before my time, so this was a return to the brand for Lodge Farm. We started with a seven-furrow Juwel 8, which we ran for around four years before moving up to

has hardened steel mouldboards and a hard face on the bottom side of the point, which seems to last really well.

“The points aren’t reversible, but due to the durability of the hardened steel it saves downtime with less frequent replacement of worn parts.

“I 10 with a Fendt

724 for the sixand our Fendt

“I have found that other ploughs with shorter bodies try and force the ground over, whereas these have a nice gentle curve that turns the ground completely upside down and leaves it very uniform. The Juwel 10 is the Duramax model, so all the stays on the boards are xed. I genuinely can’t fault it. We do nd that the Lemken products last as long, or longer, than other products before wear parts need replacing, especially the Duramax that

“I pull the Juwel 10 with a Fendt 936, use a Fendt 724 for the sixfurrow version, and our Fendt crawler on the eightfurrow plough.

“The features that I particularly like include the headstock damping, which is good on rough terrain and puts less load on the tractor and helps extend the service life of components on both the tractor and the plough, and the hydraulic depth and transport wheel, which is controllable from the cab. This gives me easy control of working depths

Machinery operator, Michael Bloom eld

Farm manager, Scott Whittlestone

and when making changes due to soil conditions.” When it comes to maintenance, Michael is also full of praise. “I like the easy change mouldboard system. On many ploughs you might have eight bolts to undo, but on these they are held on with two tabs, so you just need to take o the shin and slide the mouldboard forward and it’s o .”

Michael is equally enamoured with the Lemken VarioPack WD press. “Many presses are designed to be picked up on the linkage of the tractor, but Lemken have put it on wheels so you can just tow it. This makes it much easier to get it down the road, especially when they are 3m wide or more like ours.” Lemken is also not averse to a little bit of customisation if it’s required. Michael

explains: “We asked Lemken to modify the hitch, by adding a neck. This makes it much easier to hook it onto the back of the tractor. It means that I don’t have to keep getting out of the cab to wind the arms down low enough every time I want to pick it up.”

Commercial sense

Farm manager, Scott Whittlestone, explained how the move to an all-Lemken lineup has made commercial sense and how, ultimately, it saves money and reduces downtime. “We need the three di erent ploughs for our various operations, so it makes sense that we have them all from the same range to keep the stocking of wearable parts simpler, as they are interchangeable between the three ploughs.

“It also means that if we have two ploughs working at a time, we can drop one into the yard that maybe needs some parts swapped, and simply and quickly connect up another and keep working while the rst one is having wearing metal changed.

“We do keep a good stock of wear parts, which are supplied through the Colchester branch of Ernest Doe, and because of the interchangeability of parts we can have the three ploughs on a rota of working and having parts changed –never leaving us in a situation where we haven’t got a plough ready to work when we need one.

Michael can wear one out in the eld, drop it in the yard, simply connect another that has already been serviced and be ready to go back out in the eld in just a matter of minutes. The worn one can then be xed without su ering any signi cant downtime.”

Precision seedbed

Scott purchased the VarioPack WD press, which they use on the Juwel 10, mainly for onions and beet.

“The elds are over-winter ploughed and then, after the frost has broken down the soil, the aim is to then go in with a onepass operation in the spring with a cultivator to create a precision seedbed without drying the soil

out too much. “Before we had the press, we found that one pass after ploughing wasn’t leaving the soil rm enough, and with loose soil we just weren’t getting the seed-to-soil contact needed,” Scott explains. “If we took multiple passes, then it tended to dry the soil out. The press not only saves us time but helps provide much better soil conditions.

“We are, in fact, looking to buy a second press for the smaller plough as we are changing our strategy. We are looking at ploughing our onion and beet land earlier in the year, around early autumn when the conditions are drier, so we would need both ploughs going and both with a press because at some point we will have a plough available to go behind the beet harvester, ready for wheat drilling, so it makes sense to have as many options available as possible.

“For any warranty or service work we go through Ernest Doe and have a good relationship with them, as well as direct with Lemken. Lemken area sales manager, Steve Plumb, is very local and, if he sees us out and about, he’ll stop and check in with us to make sure everything is ok. We couldn’t ask for better service than that.” FG

Scott and Michael are considering purchasing a second press for the smaller plough as they are looking to change their ploughing strategy.

Lemken was asked to modify the hitch by adding a neck.

The headstock damping works well on rough terrain.

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Plough parts save Yorkshire grower

£13.5K a year

Yorkshire farms manager Will Jones has saved up to £13,500 a year on plough metal by introducing XHD tungsten-tipped original Kverneland plough parts.

Albanwise Farming relies heavily on its nine-furrow RN100 plough. “We’re 170m above sea level which means a late wheat harvest, and this is followed with 1,500 acres of winter barley, with malting quality as the goal,” Will explains. “Ploughing gives us seedbed quality along with e ective weed management on our chalky int soils.”

The farm had been spending around £17,500/year on plough metal, but three years ago switched to non-genuine tungsten parts to reduce costs.

“Initially, I saw Kverneland’s XHD as a clever sales pitch, so I went to

farms manager Will Jones.

the aftermarket sector to save money on tungsten,” he says. “Farmstar also provided XHD points that we tted to one left and one right-hand body, as a comparison.”

After just three days and 225 acres ploughed, the aftermarket tungsten parts had worn out, and the Kverneland XHD parts had barely taken the paint o .

“It was a light-bulb moment, and although the initial investment was considerable, the savings are colossal,” Will says. “Downtime was enormous, but now we only have to swap metal once during the season, and that’s impressive considering how often we had to stop and remetal. XHD means we’re now only spending £3,000–4,000/year on plough metal,” he concludes. FG

New min-till disc combinations help cut costs

The 2023 harvest showed great results from PFC’s new min-till disc combinations, the company says, helping to improve soil health and reduce establishment cost.

The 3m setup with high or low disturbance leg options on the Awemak Sherp are protected by sprung auto reset. The standard hydraulic 3-point linkage couples directly to the Ozyrus discs with minimal downtime to separate and connect as required. Using hydraulic linkage allows ultimate precision adjustment to the depth control of both the Sherp disturbance legs and the 3m discs. This setup is a version of a Horsch Joker.

The Ozyrus discs have as standard, two rows of 12 discs with 560mm diameter, active side screens, de ector board between the row of discs, straw tines, hydraulic

depth control, LED lights and steel ring packer. There are various rear rollers and packers available with the option of doubling up to have a twin roller or packer.

The Sherp and Ozyrus combination allows on-the-go adjustment of the working depth of the two components to suit ground conditions and soil types. Having the ability to separate the two components facilitates more varied jobs – chitting grain after harvest being the main consideration, and utilising the discs to work the top 1cm then reconnecting before drilling to work the ground, preparing an ideal seed bed. FG

EFFECTIVE SPREADING SYSTEMS

Flexible, reliable and easy to maintain:

As a pioneer in agricultural technology, Vogelsang leads the way in environmental friendly spreading equipment. The dribble bar systems combined with the ExaCut distributor give the highest application of liquid manure nutrients.

Dribble bars are available in working widths of 7.5m right up to 36m and are retrofit-friendly.

For more information visit www.vogelsang.info/en-uk/dribble-bar-systems

VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

Contact us at: 01270 216 600 | sales.uk@vogelsang.info vogelsang.co.uk

SLURRY

As Defra seeks to ban splash plates from 2025 onwards, and grants for slurry application equipment look likely to end soon, farmers have a short window to comply. Andrew Hayhurst from slurry specialist Vogelsang suggests that there are options available to farmers and stresses that short term xes may not o er long term cost savings.

TOP TIPS TO OVERCOME SLURRY LEGISLATION

splash plate ban is likely to be retro tted tanker dribble bar systems. Whilst these will be a lower

can also be speci ed with the new DoubleFlow

mounted trailing shoe system we o er the Blackbird. This comes in working widths from 12–30m. It can also be speci ed with the new DoubleFlow linkage option that enables the operator to halve the row spacing from 25cm to 12.5. This doubles the surface area coverage operators can achieve without a ecting tractor forward speed,” he says.

Slurry stores

Further legislation that will require all slurry to be covered by 2027 will also have an impact on

machinery e ciency.

While farmers have a short window to comply with rule changes, there are options available – but beware short-term fixes.

investment than a trailing shoe applicator, we suspect that dribble bar systems are not a truly

sustainable option,” he says.

Vogelsang o ers the Unispread with working widths of 6–10.5m. The system can be speci ed with either a dribble bar or trailing shoe and is ideal for tanker mounting but can also be mounted on a

pulling arm for umbilical use.

Mr Hayhurst says that parts of Europe have already banned dribble bar systems and that the UK is likely to follow suit. He further suggests that it could be false economy for farmers to choose the

lowest cost option.

“When

is compacting more land and using more fuel.

“The use of tankers with smaller, lower cost applicators is often not as e cient as wider working width alternatives. More hours are needed to cover the ground, during which the tractor is compacting more land and using more fuel. Making use of grants to invest in a wider trailing shoe system would help to mitigate against this and o er a future proof solution,” he adds.

Wider trailing shoe options

Vogelsang’s Swingup and Swingmax models o er farms the opportunity to tanker mount wider working widths starting at 12–18m for the Swingup and moving to a maximum width of 36m for the Swingmax.

“For farms looking for a dedicated tanker

However, using a separator is likely to alleviate

“When storage is no longer receiving rainwater, slurry will become thicker and present a greater challenge for any dribble bar or trailing shoe applicator. A good macerator can help with this. However, using a separator is likely to alleviate the likelihood of slurry damaging application equipment,” he says.

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) is o ering £7,613 towards a separator, based on a purchase price of £19,033, as an investment with the potential to reduce storage requirements by up to 30%.

Absorption is signi cantly improved using

Dribble bar applicators, with a working width of at least 6m and an expected purchase price of £10,500, will be met with £4,200 of grant funding. Larger dribble bars, with a working width of at least 10m and an estimated cost of 13,500, will

qualify for £5,400.

will ensure the crop is parted to enable the slurry

This will also make it easier for the soil to absorb

“Keeping slurry homogenous using mixers, and separating out dry matter, will provide the best quality liquid for application. Using a trailing shoe will ensure the crop is parted to enable the slurry to be applied to the soil and not tarnish the crop. This will also make it easier for the soil to absorb and make plant available the nutrients in the slurry,” says Mr Hayhurst.

End of grants?

It is likely that more grants will be available this year. However, following years of the FETF and the Slurry Infrastructure Grant, the end of these grants looks to be coming soon.

Trailing shoe and injection systems qualify for a more generous 50% grant, with the government estimating that a 6m injection system will cost £17,968 and the same sized trailing shoe £14,750. There is a further grant for larger trailing shoe systems with working widths of more

than 8m.

“Securing a grant now could reduce the investment cost of a longer-term option such as a trailing shoe before it is too late,” he says.

We expect that, during this decade, all farms will also apparent that because there are soil and crop

“The writing is on the wall. Farming is being asked and encouraged to reduce emissions, reduce run o and make better use of all natural fertilisers. We expect that, during this decade, all farms will be moved towards trailing shoe applicators. It is also apparent that because there are soil and crop health bene ts, along with operational

savings, that farmers who take advantage of the grants and invest now will save money,” he concludes. FG

Vogelsang advises using grants to invest in wider working width dribble bar and trailing shoe systems.

a trailing shoe system.

STRONG UPTAKE OF DROP IN REEL SYSTEM

4in right through to 12in. The system is in place for the safe and secure connection of pipes under pressures of manure and air from 1-Bar through to 14-Bar. The couplings are certi ed and tested for this application and are a game changer for a simple high performing coupling system, Wox reckons.

The company adds that it produces a comprehensive range of couplings and adapters which allow the slick operation and interchangeability between traditional Bauer and Stortz ttings. This includes anges and adapters for all manner of road crossings, pumping and mixing solutions.

Since the launch of the Scorpion reeler at LAMMA in January 2024, sales and supply of the drop in reel system have had a strong uptake, Wox Agri Services says.

The grant window has proven to cause a few delays in preparation to supply within the paperwork trail; however, Wox expects sales to increase on the year as demand for high performing durable equipment grows.

The Scorpion Drop in reeler system can carry up to 1,000m of 6in pipe and couplings in a

random wrap form for maximum utilisation of space for deployment and retrieval.

Along with Metal 360 shug couplings as a coupling of choice the set-up is aimed at the swift application of liquid manure supply and application. The Metal 360 couplings are supplied across the UK in all sizes from stock of

It produces a range of pull couplers for the dribble bar and trailing shoe, which are fully able to withstand the rigours of pulling the drag pipe in the eld with the maximum load on withstanding the pulling and twisting when engaged with headland turns and manoeuvres.

Fixed Tempest reelers allow the option of carrying quantities from 800–1,200m of 6in pipe, both front or rear mounted with the front pipe squeezers. The reelers are proven in heavy duty applications for pipe retrieval and as we see the ever-increasing demand for output mounting 7.25in is becoming more commonplace.

Pumping expectations are always increasing, and the Walrus PTO pump is now well established as a fully operating pumping and mixing station with jetting capacity to match. The Walrus pump unit is now fully available as an engine driven unit, with options on engine and pump size and types to be brought on line in the near future. FG

Getting the most out of slurry

To get the maximum bene t from slurry, application is key – research shows grass yields increase by 25% when a trailing shoe is used, compared to a traditional splash plate.

Hi-Spec Engineering provides a wide range of spreading options for its vacuum tankers, which range from 750–3,500 gallons. Options include its own design of trailing shoe, the Trail-S, which is available in working widths of 7.5, 9.0 and 10.5m and a 7.5m-wide dribble bar.

The Hi-Spec trailing shoe features a robust chassis mounted mast that ensures the tanker and shoe are supported and balanced. It uses a unique folding system to keep the overall transport height below the height of a standard Hi-Spec 2600 tanker.

The 9.0m and 10.5m trailing shoes also feature a unique hydraulic self-levelling system, whereby each arm of the trailing shoe will lift as it passes over a side incline. This ensures that the shoe continues to work perfectly over the incline without excess pressure being applied to the outer boots, Hi-Spec explained.

Hi-Spec’s trailing shoe features hardened trailing shoes that gently part the grass and allows the slurry to be placed onto the ground via a specialised rubber boot. The grass covering will then prevent valuable nutrients escaping and the placement of the slurry to the roots ensures a reduced grazing turn-around. It can also be used as a dribble bar if needed without any contact with the ground.

The Success of SDS Spreaders in Challenging Conditions Simon Williams, managing director of SW Hire, highlights the resilient build and contemporary features of Richard Western SDS machines, noting their efficient spread rotor and durable central auger. Emphasizing their suitability for various tasks, Simon underlines the minimal maintenance required for the SDS spreaders, making them an essential asset for the hire fleet.

The new Hi-Spec Dribble Bar has a working width of 7.5m, and folds down to just 2.55m for transport. FG

Simon Williams S.W. HIRE

TANKER RANGES OFFER RELIABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY

Road safety, reliability and manoeuvrability are key features of Major tankers for John Nurse’s pig finishing enterprise.

Farm contractors have high expectations for machinery, so it’s no surprise to see Major tankers as their choice equipment, the manufacturer says. Major tankers stand out because of the exceptional design and build: “All our tankers have a separate chassis supporting the barrel, unlike other tankers where the tank and chassis are one unit,” says James Cox of Heysham-based Major Equipment Ltd. “This means 80% of the weight is carried on the tanker’s axle and the remainder is carried on the tractor drawbar. This design prevents cracking from the stress of pulling heavy loads and for longer distances.”

Major o ers four classes of tankers – Agri, Contractor, Alpine, and Tandem – for speci c use or requirement. All barrels are produced from 6mm steel and tted with road safety features including breakaway cable, hydraulic brakes, and rubber bu ers on drawbar for easier towing and smoother journeys.

These features are important for John Nurse and his pig nishing enterprise at Harleston, Norfolk. He uses the 4,000-gallon, tandem axle Major Tanker to collect all the liquid waste and surface run-o and recycle it to local farmland to help improve soil fertility. “Some of my customers are located up to 30 miles away, so road safety specs are very important to me,” begins John.

“Manoeuvrability is also a big point – the rear steering axle is an absolute necessity to get in and out of small eld gates.

“I feel I have a very reliable and e cient dirty water management system,” adds John. “The galvanising and robust design of the Major 4000TDM gives me long-term reliability and a lot of exibility with my customers.”

Major has three options for precision slurry application. The dribble bar is the simplest system and works well on both grassland and arable crop. The trailing shoe is optimal for applying slurry in heavy clay soil and works in grass longer than 8cm.

The Major Dribble Bar comes in 7.5m, 10m and 12.5m working widths. The Trailing Shoe comes in 6.4m and 7.5m working widths. Major also o ers the TX-Xtreme Trailing Shoe for use in rough and undulating ground conditions. All units are tted with the powerful Vogelsang macerator and are galvanised for extra protection against corrosion. Either system can be used with an existing splash plate. The 7.5m Dribble Bar and 7.5m Trailing Shoe applicators can be easily retro tted onto any tanker make or model.

The Disc Injector or shallow injection system is very e ective at returning nitrogen back to the soil. The Major 5.2m Disc Injector combines soil fertilising and furrowing with a working depth from 20mm to 60mm. It works best on short grass swards, placing slurry 5–6cm below the surface. FG

“Without

Victor Jennings, Dairy Farmer Co. Cork, Ireland

• Low centre of gravity, contractor specification tanker

• Heavy duty commercial specification axle

• Three models: 2150, 2300 and 2670 gallon capacities

• Galvanised or painted finish options

• Choice of slurry application units in working widths from 7.5m - 12m

“A spreader for everyone”

Alongside its portfolio of slurry tankers and rear implements, Joskin also o ers a vast range of muck spreaders for all uses – from smallholdings to the biggest farms and contractors.

It o ers narrow and wide body muck spreaders. Narrow body spreaders can be tted with large diameter tyres, giving better pull on the eld and causing less soil compaction.

The Siroko, which comes standard fully galvanised, is the small capacity (8–16m³) Joskin spreader for farmers who want a simple and reliable machine to do their own work.

speed and design. Ranging from 11–24m³, it is available as a single axle, or as a twin axle which comes standard with hydraulic axle suspension.

The Ferti-Cap and Ferti-Space2 are the wide body models with a capacity from 9–30m³. With the wheels tted under the body, it makes them the perfect machines when lots of road work is involved, Joskin said.

Both the Tornado and the Ferti-Space2 are also available in a Horizon version, i.e. with horizontal beaters for spreading the lighter materials. Other common options are ow metre, weigh cells and Isobus control.

The Tornado is the heavy-duty all-rounder which will ensure a thin and even spreading of all materials thanks to its beater

All four models are available as custom-built machines, as well as the famous Advantage series. FG

Pillow bags o er easy, long-life slurry storage

The new Serena pillow bags o er a long-life easy storage solution for liquid fertiliser, slurry (not sand based), digestate, water and many other uses. The bag sizes range from 0.7–1,000m3. PFC recommends the 600m3 bag (approx. 130,000 gallons) for large volume storage. It is the most cost-e ective and putting up multiple bags allows for easy site management where storage volumes exceed 600m3, the company says.

Bags can be grant aided when used as a permanent store; planning would be required. The bags meet all SAFO regulations for the Environment Agency when the site is bunded. Because the bags are sealed there is no contamination by rainwater, and the gas can be

tapped o for use as a renewable energy. The bags have a life expectancy of 20 years.

As there is no air in the bag a crust does not form when storing slurry. PFC recommends a circulation of the product after three months – easily achieved by using an umbilical pump. When speci ed with a connection point on the two front corners of the bag the liquid can be sucked out and pumped back in causing it to circulate and prevent sediment forming.

When used as a temporary store there are no planning requirements, but PFC recommends a soil bund. When bunded and at least 100m from a water course, insurance is available to cover product loss and bag replacement. FG

• Liquid fertiliser, slurry and digestate storage

• Up to 1000m3 capacity

• Approximately 20 plus years life

• The most cost-effective storage bag with premium support

• No grants required for the positive price benefits far out-stripping the concrete or steel options

• Ordering now to become compliant to the 4/6 month (non-NVZ and NVZ) storage requirements

• Siroko: vertical beaters, light and simple

•Ferti-CAP: vertical beaters, multi-talented

•Tornado: vertical or horizontal beaters - the all-rounder

•Ferti-SPACE2: vertical or horizontal beaters - high capacity, versatility

Tanker range o ers something for everyone

Veenhuis works hard to ensure its products are reliable, durable, and as bespoke as possible – and with nearly 80 years’ experience, there’s almost nothing the manufacturer hasn’t been asked for, says Su olk dealer Agri Industry Solutions (AIS).

The slurry tanker range includes four versions, starting at the Ecoline and moving through to Perfektline, Pro line and the Premiumline. There are multiple axle and loading arm options, with  tank capacities up to 30,000 litres.

While the entry level lines are more a ordable, Veenhuis will not compromise on the features it thinks are important, according to AIS director Tim Merrell. Ensuring

tankers have always carried injectors so while other manufacturers have had to adapt their equipment to carry dribble bars etc, Veenhuis has been perfecting robust tool carrying for years, Tim added.

Some of the equipment Veenhuis considers to be standard is not needed in the UK, so the basic range allows them to keep costs down when those features are not required.

Veenhuis also describes itself as a pioneer in e cient slurry injection since the 1960s. It o ers a range of slurry injectors (Euroject twin, Euroject Pro, Premiumject, Farmject and Fullject), and cultivation injectors (Terraject 200/300/400 and Terraject disc injectors).

Long service for Borger pumps at biogas plants

At three Singleton Birch biogas plants in Northern Lincolnshire, four rotary lobe pumps made by Borger have completed 10 years of uninterrupted service.

Operating at the main Singleton Birch 2MW site in Barnetby, which has three 2,800m3 digesters, two Borger pumps are an important part of a process that at full power utilises imported maize (70 tonnes), sugar beet (40 tonnes) and chicken litter (10 tonnes) for its feedstock.

The principal Singleton Birch facility contributes 86% of the power required for the 2.3ha Singleton Birch site, which produces lime products.

At two smaller (500kW) AD plants at Elsham, near Scunthorpe, and Willoughton, near Lincoln, a Borger pump operates at each, transferring liquid feed over ow into a drying system.

Birch Energy renewable energy manager, Danny Mason, said: “The equipment is very reliable; easy to maintain, and

bit of advice, Borger’s Richard Marcinkowski is just a phone call away; always ready to help us out. This gives us great peace of mind that our AD operation won’t be a ected by any downtime.

“The pump application here means that wear and tear is inevitable, but Borger always keep right on top of the servicing schedule and the ow of spare parts, so that we are never without.” FG

LATEST UPGRADES ON POPULAR CONTRACTOR TRAILER

Tramspread’s latest purpose-built Contractor Trailer benefi ts from considerable development, 25 years after the fi rst model.

Tramspread had been producing slurry spreading booms for a decade when it begun contracting with an umbilical spreading system in 1998. For this task company founder Terry Baker designed the rst purpose-built Contractor Trailer engine driven pump unit (EDPU).

It was 24ft long and tted with a used Iveco six-cylinder turbocharged engine driving a Bauer SM3500 pump via a Comer gearbox. It was controlled by a Murphy control panel. Remarkably, this original engine is still working for Tramspread

Contracting with over 25,000 hours on the clock.

The contracting enterprise expanded rapidly, and a second Contractor Trailer was soon produced. These early single-axle versions used commercial trailer axles without suspension and carried a tractor-mounted 1,200m or 1,400m hose reel.

The second-generation Contractor Trailer was introduced in 2013 having been redesigned using rst-hand contracting experience. It was new from the ground up, with a longer 8.6m chassis, twin-

axle running gear, suspension, 435/50R19.5 wheels and tyres and hydraulic brakes. The front section was recon gured to carry two 1,000m random wrap hose spools. A larger fuel tank placed between the axles more than doubled capacity to 900-litres. A compressor was placed above the front axle, with room for a work platform and two large tool boxes over the second. The EDPU sat at the rear and was skid-mounted for easy removal if required.

These purpose-built units carried everything needed by a slurry spreading contractor with a self-contained engine-driven pump, compressor for blowing out the drag hose, hose spool carrying locations and storage for oils, tools, couplings and anything else needed. No straps were needed, saving time during loading and unloading, with the spools secured by locking pins.

Field testing of the prototype by Tramspread Contracting identi ed the need for a longer drawbar and greater rear ground clearance when reversing up lagoon banks, and these features were incorporated into production versions which proved to be very successful.

Further modi cations in 2022 saw the Contractor Trailer widened by 200mm to accommodate Doda and Cri-man pumps speci ed by some customers and higher-output compressors.

Current standard speci cation includes a six-cylinder FPT engine and air-brakes. Compressors of 140 CFM, 180 CFM, 260 CFM and 425 CFM outputs can be tted, and a suction hose transport kit is optional. Remote control options include a Tramspread Teletram 2020 GSM system or Tramspread SIL Vision IV radio remote control. FG

Tramspread supplies and manufactures a wide range of slurry handling equipment, all thoroughly tried and tested by our own contracting operation for over 25 years. Many of our products qualify for FETF grant funding including separators, dribble bars, hose reels and drag hose, trailed segmented hose reels, PTOdriven (mobile) pumps, fow-meters and remote control for engine-driven slurry pumps.

• Monitoring of Rainstar operation

• Optimize your irrigation management

• Automatic Error messages

• Irrigation control via mobile devices

• Team management

• Automatic reports

•

Röhren- und Pumpenwerk BAUER Ges.m.b.H. 8570 Voitsberg, Austria +43 3142 200-0, sales@bauer-at.com, www.bauer-at.com

•

High quality, low emission slurry equipment

Kerry Mechanical Engineering is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality, low-emission slurry equipment. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Listowel, Co Kerry, Ireland.

The company specialises in retro tting existing tankers with new features and o ers a comprehensive range of low-emission slurry equipment, including dribble bars and trailing shoes in various widths and con gurations to meet all customers’ requirements.

Some of its main product o erings include trailing shoes, dribble bars, slurry tankers, macerators, umbilical equipment and many more. The company says it is constantly working on new product development initiatives to further enhance its

o erings and meet the evolving demands of the market.

KME places a huge emphasis on the design and build quality of all its products. It works closely with its engineers to ensure all products meet customer needs and use high quality materials. All its products are very easy to maintain and service, and KME says it is always available to assist customers with any issues or queries they may have.

The company currently supplies products to customers throughout Ireland and the UK through its expanding dealer network, and it is in the process of expanding into additional EU markets.

For more information contact KME directly. FG

Investing in nurse tank “an easy decision”

Manufacturer Richard Western says investing in its nurse tank NT50 should be an easy decision for those harvesting silage or carrying out umbilical slurry work. Government grants are also available for 50m3 nurse tanks.

The NT50 has four inlet/outlets and top-to-bottom sight glasses, full-opening high clearance hydraulic rear tailgate and a hydraulic tipping body allowing any sediment to be just tipped out. It is dual-use with applications such as a deep-sided silage trailer with a 200mm tapered body or silage work. The hydraulic tailgate has a double B seal all around plus cattle clamps to make the trailer liquid-tight.

The NT50 tri-axle model comes standard with BPW axles with rear

steering and can have an optional front steer axle. The recommended tyre size is the 600/55R26 with a large carrying capacity. This is important as when being used as a stationary nurse tank, the slurry weighs 50 tonnes plus the weight of the trailer estimated at 10 tonnes; this weight is carried on the six wheels and two hydraulic jack legs. The Richard Western hydraulic drawbar is also strongly recommended on all tri-axle trailers as this improves ride and tractor traction on uneven ground.

The product is complete with a single displacement tipping cylinder. All Richard Western products are shot-blasted on site before the two-pack application of primer and topcoat to protect the product for long life. FG

National expertise Local knowledge

a pig or

a 40 mile

Bury

• Tractor & Operator Hire

• Spraying

• Cultivations

• Base Fert

• Straw Purchasing • Combining • Baling & Chasing

• GPS Marking • Various Drilling Services

Domestic Services:

• Driveway/Hardstanding Chemica Application

• Pressure Washing

• Lawn Care

UK Delivery

Man with a Van Service

• Turfing/Seed Planting • Hedge Cutting • Grass Cutting • Garden Waste Removal • Re-Graveling Driveways • Weed Control

• On site box repairs

• Fast, efficient, professional service

• Flexible to suit your needs

• Large or small quantities

• Box alterations, re-branding and other work considered

• Store cleaning also offered Lincs based – will travel

Managing director Julie Goulding julie@farmersguide.co.uk

Director Greg Goulding greg@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 694454

Editor Rachel Hicks rachel.hicks@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 694459

Deputy editor/Livestock editor

Sarah Kidby sarah.kidby@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 694450

Machinery editor Neale Byart neale.byart@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Machinery contributor David Williams david@farmersguide.co.uk

Multiplatform journalist Aleksandra Cupriak aleksandra@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Sales director Zohra Mitchell zohra.mitchell@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Senior sales executive Jana Moyes jana@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 694457

Senior sales executive Joanna Blower joanna@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 694452

Sales executive William Taylor will.taylor@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Sales executive Rosanna Sweet rosanna.sweet@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Sales executive Alex Coe alex.coe@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Classi ed sales manager Nicki Procter nicki@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 694456

Classi ed sales executive Samantha Wilson samantha@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 694455

Marketing manager K.M Sharp km@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Marketing executive Patrick Over patrick.over@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Publishing assistant Kat Morton kat.morton@farmersguide.co.uk 01473 691888

Waste Management Building Merchants & Aggregates

Skip Hire Euro Bin Hire

Hire & Construction

The timed online dispersal sale of machinery used at Kates Hill Farm, Hadleigh, Su olk was arranged by the Clarke & Simpson Auctions team, and was on behalf of the Smith family, following the death of farmer, Nigel Smith last year.

INTRIGUING MIX OF VINTAGE AND CLASSIC TRACTORS SOLD FOLLOWING DEATH OF SUFFOLK FARMER

Nigel farmed approximately 80ha of arable land at Hadleigh until 2000, when he retired. Most of the land was sold, but 20ha of grassland and shing lakes were retained. The tractors and implements were either mothballed or used for light tasks including grounds maintenance. Everything was kept under cover and well preserved, so the lots o ered at the auction were very attractive with low hours, little corrosion and many items ready to return to work.

Intriguing mix of lots

Creating most interest was the farm’s eet of International Harvester tractors, including several classics in superb original condition. The star of the sale was an International 956 XL 4wd on a Y-su x plate, which achieved a winning £14,000 bid. More unusual lots included a Belarus crawler and Laverda combine which had both been used on the farm, as well as several implements and

mechanical devices that had been made up in the farm workshop demonstrating Nigel Smith’s design and fabricating skills. “If we couldn’t buy what we needed, then we either made it from scratch or adapted existing machines,” explained Nigel’s son, Mark Smith, at the preview day.

Strong demand continues

Clarke & Simpson partner and auctioneer, James Durrant described the sale results as very pleasing. “The tractors were the stars. Few remained local and most were bought by collectors from across the UK, which demonstrated the bene ts of our online bidding system,” he commented.

“It was an interesting sale, as it’s becoming rare to come across these family farms where machinery has remained largely unused and protected in sheds in this way.

“We have plenty of auctions booked for the rest of this year,

This Belarus 750 4-cyl diesel engine steel-track crawler was an unusual lot. Registered on an N-plate in 1974, it had been kept under cover and remained in very good, original condition, although the engine hadn’t been started recently and the donkey engine that starts the main engine had developed a fault. It was sold with its front weight pack, spare track pins, a full rear linkage, drawbar and PTO and made £4,300.

including an additional collective sale. Between the two collective sales before this harvest there were more than 4,600 lots o ered, and we have another collective booked in for this autumn.”

Online the right decision

Mark Smith was present during the preview day visit by Farmers Guide, and he con rmed after the sale that the Smith family members were pleased with the results. “Apart from only eight, small electrical lots, everything sold, and the Clarke & Simpson team did a very good job. James Durrant looked after most of the organisation, and it helps that he knows what he’s talking about, understands everything that’s on o er and knows what it’s worth. Everything ran smoothly and I was

sale completion.

“The International 956 XL tractor was clearly a highlight, but we were also pleased that my father’s Rover car sold so well. He enjoyed driving it, looked after it well and if anything needed doing then it was done.”

Mark said he believes that the online sale format worked better than an on-site sale with bidders present. “Times are changing, and selling online meant we opened up the sale to a much wider audience. It costs less for the auctioneers to put on, so less for us as vendors too, and it doesn’t matter what the weather does on the sale day as everyone is bidding from home. If people want to visit and inspect lots before bidding, then that remains an option. It was the right way to go in our situation, and we were very happy with the overall result.” FG

all the sold lots were e ciently removed within two days of the

A selection of highly desirable Case IH and International Harvester tractors created the backbone of the farm eet for Su olk farmer, Nigel Smith, who died last year.

An elderly Howard Bantam 2-stroke engine-powered Rotavator in aged condition appeared complete and capable of work and sold for £25.

This farm-made PTO-driven, three-pointlinkage mounted winch sold for £90.

This 1967 McCormick 434 was split into its main components including the engine, back-end and some of the tinwork. It made £500.

This McCormick 434 2wd tractor, carrying a D-su x plate was on a mix of Good Year Traction Sure Grip 12.4-11-32 and Firestone All Traction Field and Road rear tyres – both with 30% tread and perished, plus a mix of Good Year and Firestone 7.50-16 front tyres, and it was sold with its Quicke loader. In tidy, original condition, it made £2,000.

Vintage binder canvasses often come up at farm sales. This set achieved just £2 and was bought for the buckles which remained in good condition by a binder owner and user.

One of the newer implements on o er, this Rekord PTO-driven straw chopper carrying local Brad Farm Machinery, Hadleigh dealer stickers made £480.

These two micro-vans had been kept under cover. The Honda Acty TN550 was on a C-pre x 1985 registration, and it had recorded 97,101 miles. With no current MOT, it made £700.

The Daihatsu EFI High Jet beside it was registered with a P-pre x and it had been on the farm from new. It had recorded 95,392 miles and its last MOT expired in 2020. The winning bid was £400.

A locally made Ransomes TS90-12-4 4f conventional plough which had been owned from new achieved a very respectable £500.

Another unusual lot, this Laverda M152 combine harvester had been stored under cover since working its last harvest in 2,000. It carried a T-su x 1979 registration and had worked only 2,024 hours. It came with a 14ft header, was on 18.4-30 Good Year drive tyres and 11.5-15 Pirelli rear tyres. It carried its Burgess supplying dealer stickers and sold for £3,100.

This Bamlett 2-row potato planter sold for £95.

Three petrol chainsaws were on o er. (l-r) An Echo CS360WES made £40; and Echo CS4400 also made £40 and a Zenoah Komatsu G500 AVS sold for £65.

The other steel-track crawler was an International BTD6, carrying an E-su x registration. Although the tractor had a front-mounted hydraulic pump and spool it had no rear linkage. It came with a swinging rear drawbar. The track plates were worn, but the crawler was in lovely, original condition. It sold for £2,800.

An International B100 Drott, registered with an N-su x in 1974 came with a 4-in-1 bucket, JCB backhoe and four rear buckets. The track plates were worn, and the engine was partially dismantled. It sold for £1,100.

Four rear digger back-hoe buckets were included with the International Drott crawler.

A Sealey wire rope puller with a supply of wire rope made £110.

The Bentall roller mill and hopper sold for £65.

Avid Farmers Guide readers

Pictured inspecting the International 956 XL are farmers David and Stephen Copsey of Priory Farm, Little Horkesley, near Colchester. “We already own approximately 17 International Harvester tractors,” explained David. “Our farm is mixed arable and livestock, including a herd of Simmental cattle, and we were keen to look at the International and McCormick tractors on o er here today.

“We both read Farmers Guide from cover to cover every month. It’s easily the best of the farming magazines we receive and our postman jokes with us about it, as he knows how much we look forward to its arrival. The only problem is that we can’t open the envelope and start reading it too early, or we won’t get any farm work done for the rest of the day.”

A ‘barn- nd’ Rover 420 GSI Turbo saloon, carrying an L-pre x 1994 plate, had travelled 97,818 miles before the last MOT expired in May 2012. Before Nigel Smith, it had one previous owner and came with a quantity of old MOT certi cates. The Rover hadn’t been running recently but had been kept under cover. The interior was in very good condition, and it sold for £3,600.

Owned from new, this Massey Ferguson MF30 disc coulter drill was in excellent order. It carried Riches dealer stickers and was on Good Year TS Grip 12.4/11-28 wheels and tyres which appeared sound and retained plenty of tread. It achieved £650.

The Ruston & Hornsby single-cylinder diesel engine (left) made £190 and the RA Lister & Co single-cylinder diesel engine with a water cooling system (right) sold for £200. The Lister remained bolted to the oor in its working location where it had been used to power a Bentall roller mill. It had been purchased new by the farm.

This Claas Markant conventional baler didn’t appear to have done much work, and it had been kept under cover so was in tidy condition. It made an impressive but well deserved £1,900.

A small Thwaites 2wd manual-tip dumper with a single-cylinder Lister diesel engine hadn’t been run recently but was tidy having been dry stored. It appeared complete and sold for £210.

On the left, a Draper Expert petroldriven water pump with a suction hose in superb condition made £50, and the SIP Medusa 950 compact generator beside it also sold for £50.

This farm-made heavy duty grader blade achieved £210.

A very genuine International 785 4wd on a 1983 A-pre x registration sold well. It had worked only 4,144 hours and was on a mix of Taurus and Good Year 13.6R38 rear tyres with 50% and 30% tread remaining respectively, but which were both perished. It was displayed on 9.00-20 commercial wheels and tyres but sold also with its correct front wheels shod with 12.4R24 tyres which were no longer serviceable. The cab was tidy for its age although the seat needed recovering, and the frame was free of signi cant corrosion. The 785 4wd made £7,800.

These pigeon decoys sold well at £30.

This Kongskilde Triple-K, manual folding spring-tine cultivator sold for £110.

A Lely single disc fertiliser spreader in good order made £45.

A quantity of unused 25kg paper potato sacks made £10.

This tractor PTO-powered Kongskilde sucker-blower was sold with pipework and made £500.

secured this

Appearing in good order, this 6.5hp petrol generator was described ‘as new’, with a note that it required a new petrol pipe. It sold for £170.

This Maschio 3.4m Recotiller power harrow with Riches supplying dealer stickers had been on the farm since new. It sold for £550.

Team sprayers tend to attract strong demand, and this 750-litre, 12m mounted model with a bout marker sold for £210.

A Carier 4m spring-tine drill with Eastern Counties Farmers dealer

been owned from new and remained tidy. It made £130.

An intriguing farm-made tool carrier included the rear end of a Fordson tractor combined with a pair of cage wheels, allowing hydraulic linkage mounted implements to be utilised behind the farm’s International crawler. Hydraulic lifting e ort used the oil supply from the crawler’s add-on hydraulic system. It made £110.

Livestock equipment included these galvanised water troughs. Sold separately, they achieved £30–95 each.

The tractor most considered to be the star attraction – this International 956 XL 4wd had been on the farm from new, carried a Y-su x plate and was registered in 1982. It still had its original Petric supplying dealer stickers and had worked only 6,304 hours. The tractor was on Good Year Super Traction Radial tyres, 16.9R38 rears with 90% tread and 12.4R28 fronts also with 90% tread. The cab condition was superb for its age although the seat needeing re-covering. It sold for £14,000.

This Flemstofte 8ft spring-tine cultivator had been on the farm from new and made £60.

aged

This farm-made tractor linkage-mounted drive speed reduction system utilised an old Standard 8 car gearbox. It sold for £25.

concrete- lled at roll made £440.

This 70cm anvil had seen a lot of use but sold well, achieving £150.

A BMC 6-cyl diesel engine and gearbox from a BMC 10t lorry sold for £160.

stickers had

An

Al-Ko linkage-mounted, PTOdriven cement mixer made £65.

A farm-made,

Five stoneware bottles sold as one lot made £8.

£170

Dowdeswell 3f reversible plough.

A box of various wheel spanners (left) made £2, while the two smaller trays of vintage spanners sold for £30.

This Wheel Horse 141 garden tractor with an 11hp Briggs & Stratton engine was one of the bargains at just £75.

Pictured (l-r) vendor, Mark Smith with his dog, Polly and Clarke & Simpson team members, porter and vehicle consultant, Harvey Shand; auction manager, James Mann; and auction coordinator, Max Pinn.

FARM DISPERSAL SALES - Summer 2024

Saturday 10th August at 10.30amGAINSBOROUGH HILL FARM, Walsall, WS9 0ND County 1164 with Hara Cab, Ford 7840 and Case 1594 4WD’s Land Rover Discovery Sport (19), Major, MF65, MF 20 Loader, Farmall A, 13 Trailers, Machinery, Baler, General Implements & Arable Equipment, Collectables, Workshop Items and Tools, Rural Bygones, Anvils and Collectables, Furniture, Non-VAT Household and Garden Items

Fri 16th August at 10.30amSTREETWAY FARM, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 0DL 2 Case 140 and 155 Puma Tractors, Isuzu Utility D Max Pickup, Diesel Yard Forklift, 2 McCormick Model M and Model H Vintage Tractors Arable Equipment and Combi Drill, 6 Trailers and Bowsers, Machinery, Potato and Irrigation Sundry Items, Grain Dryer, Store Equipment, Bagger Weigher, Spare Wheels, Tyres and Tractor Sundries, Workshop Items, Incubators, Sundries and E ects

Sat 24th August 2024 - Sale Nr Uttoxeter, Staffordshire Reserved for Sale of Marquee and Events Equipment Together with Two Vintage Tractors and Sundries. More details will be available soon.

Catalogues available to download from our website or call 01889 562811

www.bagshaws.com

JOHN Deere 6x4 Gator4SD diesel, 2005, vgc, totally refurbished & resprayed. £5,250 ono. R Lane Tel 07831 615912 (Cambridgeshire)

RWM 150 mid range waste baler, in working order, perfect for dry paper, cardboard & plastic materials, to create recyclable bales of up to 150kg. £2,000 ono. A Brankley Tel 07977 042084 (East Yorkshire)

WELGER RP 435 belt baler, 2008, E- link In-cab controller, 28,000 bales (genuine), one owner. £11,950. Contact Nick 07802 850212.

JOHN Deere 459 baler, wide pick up, hydraulic drawbar, 2008, in very good working condition. £9,500. C Mount Tel 07721 379713 (Rutland)

SINGLE bale spike for front loader, no brackets. L Wilderspin Tel 07938 565851 (Cambridgeshire)

HESSTON 4900, serviced, ready to go, stored under cover. £7,995. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

SIX double packs of fine twine, 2023, excellent condition, half price. £60. S Younger Tel 07963 414468 (Shropshire)

VICON SP461 conventional baler, very good condition, done very little work, used on one small farm from new. £2,500+VAT. A Hawtin Tel 01327 3507477/07738 951502 (Northamptonshire)

SINGLE bale spike, Chilton brackets. £150+VAT ono. G Hammersley Tel 07966 024670 (Staffordshire)

RITCHIE bale squeezer, 1st class order, with pin & cone, brackets & dual purpose adjustable brackets to fit nearly anything. £500 ono no VAT. B Gould Tel 01638 663310/07894 470640 (Suffolk)

NEW Holland 945 baler, good condition, well maintained, just finished 2000 bales hay, changed for newer model. £3,000+VAT ono. J Robinson Tel 07946 715189 (Essex)

NEW Holland 378 wide pickup baler & Cooks flat 8 bale sledge windrow, good condition. £2,700+VAT ono. D Buckmaster Tel 07515 480495 (Suffolk)

NEW Holland 4990 Hesston 6 string baler, same as Massey 190 Hesston 4x4 baler, 84k bales, will make a 550kg bale, selling due to upgrade, south Cambs. £6,750+VAT. L Farrer Tel 07766 084808 (Cambridgeshire)

JCB big bale grab, c/w JCB Q fit brackets & pipes, will pick up 3 big 4x4 Hesstons or 4 big 4x3 bales, south Cambs. £1,750+VAT. L Farrer Tel 07766 084808 (Cambridgeshire)

NEW Holland 378, good working order, need a good service & TLC. £1,500. J Fisher Tel 07776 474384 (Essex)

2013 Claas Variant 365RC, very tidy, bale count 10,500, auto chain lube, drop floor, wide angle PTO, 380/55-17 tyres, 1000 PTO, Communicator control box. £11,750+VAT. M Mark Tel 07977 586196 (Hampshire)

HESSTON 4900, good working order, stored inside with new tyres. £5,750+VAT. C Eagle Tel 07889 954360 (Norfolk)

TWIN bale spike with Euro hitch brackets. £400 no VAT. T Bonsall Tel 07977 598930/01335 310258 (Derbyshire) GOLD Strand fine bale twine, 13 packs, new & unused. £235 ono. C Law Tel 07850 877794 (Leicestershire)

KVERNELAND Taarup 7517 bale wrapper, manual levers & control box, road lights all in gwo, always stored inside.

HORSCH JOKER 6 CT

£36,000

2019, roll pack packer, hyd depth control, Vogelsang macerator, as new SR00007400

DEUTZ-FAHR C9306 TSB

£130,000

2019, 7.2 header, 1157 eng hrs, 910 drum hrs DZ-6229018846

CLAAS DISCO 3200C CONTOUR

£15,500

2019, wear skids, Max Cut mower bed, 7 discs, spreader hood CL-F8503265.A

CLAAS ARION 650 POA

2017, 50kph,185hp, 6065 eng hrs, 540/65R28 fronts, 650/65R38 rears, 4 spools CL-A3608905.A

KAWECO PROFI 2-23 TRI

AXLE

£75,000

2019, 650/65R30.5 hyd axle susp, hyd steering, a/brakes, 16000 L/min vacuum pump, 8” fill arm KC-XNF1316AAKH000523

CLAAS LINER 3600 HH £41,000

2021, 620/40R22.5 tyres, hydraulic rotor height CL-G0602878.A

eng hrs, 1643 drum hrs CL-C6501220.B

McHALE PROGLIDE R3100 POA 2018, mower conditioner 1X-1002620

CLAAS LASER PILOT & BRACKETS £1,550 2018, left hand CL-JL221137/1

PICHON

£90,000 2015, 22700L, 24m Vogelsang, water cooled 15000L/min, sprung drawbar, tri axle DJ-CU-6493

VICON ANDEX 804

CLAAS LINER 4000

£38,000 2018, 4 rotor grass rake CL-G0501354.A

JOHN DEERE 750

£14,000

2021, 6 bogie wheel chassis, 15.0 55-17, individual rotor lift VI-UKGRACB8PL2H00590

VICON EXTRA 124

£4,100

2018, triple blade top hats, plain bar mower, belt driven VI-KT476874

CLAAS LINER 4700 TREND £54,000 2022, 4 rotor grass rake CL-G1901016.A

CLAAS ARION 620 CIS CLASSIC POA 2017, 40kph, 150hp, 5700 eng hrs, 420/85R28 fronts, 520/85R38 rears, 3 spools CL-A3608857.A

BAUER POLY 191+

£68,000 2017, filling arm, 19,100L cap, tyre inf, 710/55/30.5 tyres, Isobus, 18m Vogelsang boom OT-VA902806HVB37232

2018, 1300ha, following harrow, full weight kit, hopper extension JD-1AZ750ACAJD775215 CLAAS 218 MEGA

£44,950

KVERNELAND TAARUP 2532H

£3,495 2012, 3m bar contour mower 7H-KT422121

CLAAS LINER 4700 TREND

£45,750 2022, 600/55x22.5 wheels CL-G1901012.A

CLAAS JAGUAR 960 4WD

£25,000 1994, 6m header, 4159 eng hrs, RH V knife, straw chopper,

BATEMAN RB35 POA 2008, 32m OT-2008106

CLAAS LEXION 770 TT POA 2014, V1050 Vario 3298 eng hrs

CL-C6600857.B

£160,000 2017, 3m pick up, 20 blade cylinder, 3816 eng hrs, 2594 cylinder hrs CL-49702041.B HORSCH LEEB PT 280 £149,000 2019, GPS prepared, c/w sprayer operating terminal, induction bowl, boom lights HS-25000309.A

BALERS & BALE HANDLING (cont)

JOHN Deere 550 baler, 1988, string tie only, in working order, but does have its quirks (reflected in the price), but does the job, more than happy to discuss, or show you on viewing, video available on request, selling due to upgrade. £1,800+VAT. T Stiff Tel 07919 478811 (Norfolk)

COOKS flat 8 sledge, looks a bit rough, but good working order. £200 but will accept more. J Bonner Tel 07823881473 (Northamptonshire)

JOHN Deere 580 round baler, very good condition for age, own farm use only. £4,000+VAT ono. N Hamer Tel 07940 536327 (Shropshire)

CHERRY products bale squeeze, picks up 48 conventional bales, fits on Volvo industrial headstock, good working order. £1,500 ono. J Bonner Tel 07823 881473 (Northamptonshire)

NEW Holland 378 conventional baler, owned from new, for spares or repair, everything works apart from 2 broken twine needles, always stored inside. J Bonner Tel 07823 881473 (Northamptonshire)

EIGHT balls of New Holland branded string, Big Spool Type 72, shed stored, plastic wrap has deteriorated, but string is fine. £80+VAT. K Garrod Tel 07932 150466 (Norfolk)

REKA big bale shredder for biomass burner, virtually new condition, c/w professionally removed electronic panel, 20m of big bale conveyor, high output double motor drive, 7m discharge auger. I Leonard Tel 07831 601213 (Norfolk)

MARSHALL BC25 10T flat trailer, c/w f/& r/bale raves, bought new 2012, always stored inside, never been rained on, extremely light use, not even taken out of the shed the last 2yrs, only used to move few loads of bales each yr. £5,500+VAT. C Naylor Tel 01676 533246 (West Midlands)

PZ Haybob in need of TLC. £275. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)

McHale R5 bale handler, 2017, in excellent condition. G Fieldsend Tel 07830 468996 (North Yorkshire)

TWOSE bale handler/rollers. £500+VAT. L Fincham Tel 07827 013267 (Suffolk)

WELGER AP730/830 baler, chamber reducer plates & Bale Bandit drawbar, plates reduce bale size to standard 18” bale, rear tow bar is suitable for towing a Bale Bandit or similar accumulator, good condition.

sieves, auto contour, 1 owner

Machinery

JOHN DEERE 5105GF 2021, 1252hrs, 24 x 12 Power Reverser transmission, 380/70R28 – 280/70R20, front linkage.

Premium Used Machine

Stk No. A1076654 POA

JOHN DEERE 6155R 2017, 5126hrs, Autoquad 50kph transmission, 650/65R42 – 540/65R30, front & cab suspension, Autotrac ready.

Stk No. 41075736 £59,950

CLAAS 7055 TELEHANDLER 2016, 3548hrs, Ecospeed 40kph, 500/70R24, boom suspension, Kramer carriage, pallet tines.

Stk No. 31077523 £39,950

AGRI-HIRE 18T GRAIN TRAILER 2020, 560/65R22.5, sprung drawbar, hyd tailgate, hyd front window, air brakes, ABS.

Stk No. 11077404 £18,500

MCCONNEL PA6570T 2012, 1.2m head, 3-point linkage mounted, belt drive head, XTC controls.

Stk No. 21072714 £13,500

JOHN DEERE 6110R 2016, 6239hrs, Powerquad 40kph transmission, 460/85R38 – 420/85R24, front suspension, JD 623R loader.

Stk No. B1074460 POA

JOHN DEERE 6145R 2018, 3860hrs, Direct Drive 50kph transmission, 520/85R38 – 480/70R28, front & cab suspension, Autotrac ready.

Stk No. 11078048 £55,000

MANITOU 630-105 TELEHANDLER 2019, 450/70R24, pin & cone carriage, pallet forks, rear PUH.

Stk No. 61073031 £52,500

JOHN DEERE 592 ROUND BALER 2007, 2.2m pickup c/w Castor wheels, 500/45R22.5 tyres, bale discharge ramp.

Stk No. 11074643 £9,750

POTTINGER SYNKRO 3020 2022, 3m mounted stubble cultivator c/w Tegosem 200 seeder.

Stk No. A1062843 £16,495

JOHN DEERE 5075GL 2021, 324hrs, 24 x 12 Power Reverser transmission, 360/70R24 – 280/70R16.

Premium Used Machine

Stk No. A1074186 POA

JOHN DEERE 6155R 2017, 6114hrs, Direct Drive 50kph transmission, 650/65R42 – 600/65R28, front & cab suspension, Autotrac ready.

Stk No. 11077879 £49,950

CLAAS 741 TELEHANDLER

2019, 2011hrs, Hydrostatic 40kph, 460/70R24, boom suspension, Kramer carriage, autolube.

Stk No. B1078021 £57,000

BAILEY 10T HIGH LIFT

2016, 560/60-R22.5, sprung drawbar, hyd tailgate, front window, tandem commercial axles (leaf sprung), air & hyd brakes.

Stk No. 11077058 £17,500

GRANGE 6M LDT 2021, 6m mounted subsoiler,

be

rev cam

2021 JCB 531-70 1000hrs, joystick control, a/c, road legal with lights and number plate, auxiliary hyd, roof and windscreen guards, belly guards, maintained by JCB and Ardent from new & JCB l/link tele

2022 MANITOU MT625 6M TELEHANDLER as new condition, 500hrs, Kubota eng, auxiliary hyd, a/c, 2 wheel, 4 wheel and crab steer modes, Trackunit tele, road legal & radiokit

2022 MANITOU MT1840 COMFORT as new conditon.1691hrs, a/c, hyd chassis levelling( sway), stabilizer legs, road legal, radio/speaker kit, tele, amber beacon, green s/belt, ex mirrors, white noise rev alarm, wheel nut ind, belly plates and rev cam

2023 JCB 540-140 ex condition with 499hrs, Stage V eng, a/start/stop, maintained by JCB & Ardent from new, a/c, hyd chassis levelling (sway), hyd fork pos, stab legs, road legal, radio/speaker kit, l/link tele, amber beacon, green s/belt beacon, ex mirrors, white noise

2023 JCB 540-180 as new condition with 499hrs, Stage V engine, maintained by JCB & Ardent from new, a/c, a/start/stop, hyd chassis levelling (sway), hyd ork pos, stabiliser legs, road legal, radio/speaker kit, l/ link tele, amber beacon, green s/belt beacon, ex mirrors, white noise rev alarm, wheel nut ind,

FenlandTractors Limited

DIGGERS / DOZERS / DUMPERS

MASSEY Ferguson 860 digger, 7416hrs, genuine machine, we are 2nd owners, JCB backplate, 4 in 1, grain bucket & pallet tines, selection of rear buckets also, 1995. £12 750+VAT ono. J Kilby Tel 07713 086755 (North Yorkshire)

766036 (Norfolk)

MATROT DC135 combine side knife, electric motor, 2009, never been used, shop soiled, c/w bracket & cover. £850+VAT. B Turnham Tel 07896 124031 (Northamptonshire)

JOHN Deere header trailer to suit maximum of 30', excellent condition. £5,000. R Gent Tel 07961 448052 (Lincolnshire)

BUCKET for McConnel PA. £20 ono. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

CATERPILLAR 312B, 2003, 10250hrs, tracks & digs, but does need a bit of attention to one of the planetary gears, but will still do a job, sale due to requiring hammer & rotation lines. £10,000+VAT. T Blundell Tel 07845 546945 (Oxfordshire)

JCB JS130, 2013, 2 owners from new, looked after by the same JCB fitter from new, c/w one bucket, 10050hrs & will rise, double acting circuit & rotation lines, Case drain also, tracks 70%, standard hitch. £19,950+VAT. P Bowers Tel 07944 272762 (Essex)

Spare parts for diggers, dumpers & forklifts

Quality spares at discounted prices

Over 16,000,000 references

Instant prices, stock availability & product details

SIMBA 4m Freeflow drill, bout/pre-em markers helper springs, needs 5 leading legs & seed chutes, otherwise good. £3,000+VAT. J Pickett Tel 07973 177623 (Kent)

2020 Horsch Sprinter 6ST, 1400ha, very good condition, Isobus only, new Bourgault points, small seed, grain & fert feed rollers. R Howard Tel 07969 682180 (Nottinghamshire)

AMAZONE RP-AD 402 4m combination drill, good working order, straight out of work, markers included. £2,000. S Taylor Tel 07939 047288 (Suffolk)

2023 Horsch Avatar 8:16SD, Nitro Bar system, hyd fan, coulter press cab, double hopper + mini drill. £189,950. Claas Eastern, Tim Smith 01529 303093/07730 780510, Mark Manders 07825 667894.

2013 Amazone Cayena 6001-C 6m grain & fert drill, very good condition, 4589ha, pre em & bout markers, 36 tines at 16.6cm rows, needs 200hp, will drill both direct & into any seedbed, tines only done 500ha since replacement. £30,000+VAT. W Boulton Tel 07801 529956/07515 324535 (Buckinghamshire)

HORSTINE Farmery drill unit for oilseed rape, cover crop, used behind Sumo Trio 3m. £1,000+VAT. R Garner Tel 07767 418452 (Norfolk)

6m System P drill, used for many years – brilliant drill, good condition, always barn stored. £7,500+VAT. R Garner Tel 07767 418452 (Norfolk)

VADERSTAD Rapid 300S Super XL 3m drill, 2003, track eradicators, good condition. £12,000+VAT. J Brooks Tel 07776 421444/01502 677201 (Norfolk)

Solitair 8 3.5m combination drill with power harrow, very good condition, 9yrs old, owned from new, used only on small farm, only done 473ha. G Catling Tel 07748 827519 (Suffolk)

VADERSTAD

LEMKEN

51087669 JOHN DEERE 7R330

2020, 1775hrs, Signature Edition, 50K AutoPowr CommandPro, TLS, HCS, air seat, A/C, 227L/min hyd pump, PUH, 5ESCV, 3spp PTO, AutoTrac Ready,

41089023 JOHN DEERE 6195R 2020, 2205hrs, Premium Edition, AutoPowr, 50K, AutoTrac Ready, A/C, Activations, TLS, HCS, air seat, 3ESCV, air/hyd brakes,

£149,950

71091186 JOHN DEERE 6R 215 2022, 765hrs, AutoPowr, 50K, A/C, AutoTrac Ready, Activations, TLS, HCS, air seat, 4ESCV, PUH, front linkage, LED Ultimate light package

11092940 JOHN DEERE 6R 185 2023, 1032hrs, Ultimate Edition, AutoPowr CommandPro, 50K, AutoTrac Ready, Activations, TLS, HCS, air seat, A/C, PUH, 4ESCV,

51083949 JOHN DEERE 6155R 2018, 4457hrs, AutoPowr, 50K, AutoTrac Ready, TLS, HCS, air seat, A/C, 4ESCV, front linkage, PUH, air/hyd brakes, 540/65R28 £74,950

11091124

£59,950

31093150 JOHN DEERE 5115M 2022, 100hrs, PowerReverser 32F/16R with Hi/Low, 40K, air seat, A/C, 3SCV, PUH, front linkage + PTO W/1SCV, hyd brakes

11091353 JOHN DEERE 6215R 2022, 1335hrs, Premium Edition, AutoPowr, 50K, AutoTrac Ready, Activations, TLS, HCS, air seat, A/C, 4ESCV, PUH, front linkage, air/hyd £129,950

11092942 JOHN DEERE 6R 185 2023, 1020hrs, Ultimate Edition, AutoPowr CommandPro, 50K, A/C, AutoTrac Ready, Activations, TLS, HCS, air seat, PUH, 4ESCV, 155L/min £135,750

JOHN DEERE 6R155 2022, 465hrs, AutoQuad Plus, 50K, AutoTrac Ready (no activation), TLS, HCS, 3ESCV, 155L/min hyd pump, additional hyd oil reservoir, £99,950

11091501 JOHN DEERE 6R 130 2023, 445hrs, AutoQuad, 50K, AutoTrac Ready, Activations, TLS, HCS, 3ESCV, PUH, air/hyd brakes, NEW TRELLEBORG 540/65R24

11094626 JOHN DEERE 5075E 2021, 115hrs, Powr Reverser 12F/12R, 35K, air seat, A/C, PUH, 2SCV, front wafer weights, turf tyres, Ag tyres also available.

41090090 JOHN DEERE 6R 150 2023, 140hrs, AutoPowr, 50K, AutoTrac ready, activations, TLS, HCS, air seat, A/C, 155L/min pump, 4ESCV, hyd top link, front linkage+PTO, reversible fan, £119,950

11093064 JOHN DEERE 6130M 2013, 4435hrs, PowrQuad Plus, 40K, TLS, air seat, A/C, PUH, 3SCV, 110L/min hyd pump, hyd brakes, 480/65R24 540/65R38

SULKY 3m corn drill to fit on power harrow. £400+VAT. J Earl Tel 07860 117313 (Cambridgeshire)

JUKO 4m drill & Kongskilde Vibrocompact harrow, up & over linkage on harrow, full working tramline kit on drill with pre-emergence & bout markers, control box included, complete setup & would go straight to work.

£1,500+VAT ono. A Holden Tel 07776 288821/01603 872356 (Norfolk) Richardson Machinery Sales Ltd

VADERSTAD Tempo TPF8 maize drill, 2018, 8 row 75cm, recently completed 2024 drilling season now showing 4600ha, red Vaderstad control box, recent new fert discs, good condition throughout. £45,000+VAT ono. S Bloomfield Tel 07884 115091 (Norfolk)

DALE Drills MTD 480 4.8m mounted tine drill, 2013, hydraulic fan, Claydon following harrows, 12.5cm row spacing with 12.5mm tungsten tipped Dale Drill seed coulters, PS8000i control box with electric drive metering, excellent wet weather drill. C Lane Tel 07760 369492 (Northamptonshire)

CLAYDON Hybrid 3m drill, 2014, marker arms, pre-em markers, tramlining, Artemis variable seed rate, vgc. £24,950+VAT. P Batt Tel 07850 017044/07592 592727 (Kent)

ACCORD c/w Rau Siecam cultivator, 4m, three rows of tines, gutter packers, then two rows of Suffolk, double tramline pre-em markers, good condition. £2,750+VAT. A Masters Tel 07771 521796 (Norfolk)

HORIZON DSX 75-20, 2021, 7.5m but can easily be reduced to 6m, grain & fert, only done 1050ha. £75,000 ono. D Hald Tel 07765 447368 (Suffolk)

HORSCH CO4 drill, 2000, duet coulters, pre-em & bout markers, hydraulic fan, cleated tyres. £12,500. C Collins Tel 07785 561747 (Essex)

WEAVING 4.8 m Sabre Tine drill, 2018, 3 row, GPS, Isoscan metering unit, c/w double pre-emergence markers, only done 534ha. £19,500+VAT ono. P Hogsbjerg Tel 07889 580443 (Essex)

HORSCH Pronto DC6, great condition, Isobus & screen, new cultivation disc, 2011, ready to go. £26,950+VAT ono. W Lucas Tel 07790 602023 (Derbyshire)

THREE Vicon/MF tine drills for spares or repair, each drill has had various parts taken off, one of them has been working relatively recently & largely intact. Offers. M Sills Tel 07587 142844 (Essex)

SUMO Versadrill 3m hydraulic folding, system Moore tandem Unidrill direct drill, 16 row, linkage headstock, 4 hyd reset subsoiler legs, tandem front press wheels, radar metering, Stocks slug pelleter. Offers. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire)

MASSEY Ferguson 30 4m drill & Hablet harrow, stored under cover. S Jaques Tel 01754 763319 (Lincolnshire)

JOHN Deere 750A 3m drill, 2004, virtually new discs, bearings & bushes. £24,000 ono. R Parker Tel 07968 158347 (Hertfordshire)

EQUESTRIAN

SHIRE mare, black with 4 white legs, 16yrs, proven breeder, 17.1hh, genuine reason for sale. POA. K Smith Tel 07940 049960/01335 330346 (Derbyshire)

IFOR Williams 505 horse box, has been kept inside, new floor, in good condition. £2,150+VAT. L Shaw Tel 07903 601099 (Bedfordshire)

2012 Peugeot Boxer 440 L3 HDI 2-horse Equitrek horsebox, 4005kg g/ weight, 2198cc diesel, 28,000mls, man 6sp, 3 seats, r/compartment with portaloo, small kitchen unit c/w cupboard for water/gas (no sink or hob), MOT Sept 2024, collect. £20,000 ovno. I Lanham Tel 07971 677060 (East Yorkshire)

FARMHAND F600 Turbo, powered by Detroit diesel, 2385hrs, 260hp. £2,800 ono. A Graves Tel 01524 701284 (Lancashire)

Alligator silage shear, triple ram, extremely heavy duty, pin & cone mountings, good condition. £1,200+VAT ono. O Hancox Tel 07446 938936 (Cambridgeshire)

SILAGE wrapper, owned since new, fantastic machine, never let us down, c/w 7 rolls of 550 black wrap, only selling as we have moved to a larger wrap, fair condition. £750+VAT. J Keeler Tel 07766 281822 (Norfolk)

ALBUTT buckrake as new, barely used, 10' push-off with JCB bolt-on brackets. £4,000+VAT. P Williams Tel 07974 7089524 (Powys)

1998 Claas Maxi swather, one owner from new, used and maintained every year, selling due to purchase of a new larger machine, stored under cover, to include some spares, Essex/Suffolk border. £16,000+VAT. J Harrison Tel 07836 553066 (Suffolk)

CASE Thirty Plus inoculant applicator, 2014, for silage which will fit on round or square balers c/w three nozzles, 30 gallon tank, pressure gauge, control box & mounting metal brackets. £1,200+VAT. C Leggott Tel 07967 975638 (Lincolnshire)

GENERATORS

GENERATORS: diesel & PTO, quality used & new, est 25yrs. JSP UK Ltd. Tel 01432 353050 Mob 07774 742182 (Hereford)

(Cambridgeshire)

BAILEY 18T BEETEAPER air brakes, rollover sheet, sprung

John Deere 6830 40kph PowerQuad, TLS, Air seat, 3 SCVS, just 5370 hours

1998 John Deere 40kph Powerquad, reverser, TLS, 4 SCVS,

2012 John Deere 50kph Autoquad, sus, 3 SCVS, only

1987 John Deere A nice original example. SCVS, front weights,

1973 Ford C/w pick up hitch, ing. Very original,

2009 Chieftain C/w sprung drawbar, and sprung Keeble Delta Brock 700mm steel subsoiling tynes,

2005 Vaderstad CR300

AS Marston ACE 14T Grain Trailer - Air/hydr. brakes, sprung drawbar and axles, rollover sheet 1991 Ford 8630 Powershift Done 6935 hours, c/w 3 spools, pick up hitch and drawbar, nice classic!

SCVS 2015 John Deere 6125R Quicke Q55 front loader, 40K AutoPower, TLS, pan roof, 5129 hours

1995 John Deere 6600 C/w Quicke 670 loader, 2 SCVS, PUH, good tyres, 13,476hours 1995 Massey Ferguson 6170 Dynashift - Nice original example, front links, 5338 hours! 2000 Bailey Beeteaper 18 Ton Air brakes, hydraulic tailgate, wide wheels. sprung axle and drawbar Vaderstad CRL825 Carrier Yr 2015, hydraulic levelling paddles, double soil runner packers

Quality used equipment specialist in East Anglia & East Midlands!

Over 700 used machinery items on our website: benburgess.co.uk

JD 8RX370 ’23, 1789 hrs, AutoPowr 40k, 5 ESCVs, warranty to 3000 hours/2026

£260,000 REF: 11085312

JD 8370R ’20, 6100 hrs, AutoPowr 50k, cab suspension, prem radio, PUH

£138,000 REF: 71097598

JD X91100, 574 hrs, ProDrive XL 40K, HD40X header and trolley, 4600 CC

£595,000 REF: 91096498

Kramer KT559 ’23, ex-hire, 1125 hrs, EcoSpeed 40K, air seat and radio

£108,000 REF: 11088968

JD V461M ’29, good condition, 20,358 bale count, bale ramp, prem pick up, £25,000 REF: 31096187

JD 8RX370 ’23, 706 hrs, AutoPowr 40k, commandpro, 5 ESCVs, 4600 cc

£285,000 REF: 11085311

JD 7R350 ’23, 500 hrs, AutoPowr 50k, CommandPro, 5 ESCVs, AutoTrac

£250,000 REF: A1026059

JD S790 21’, ProDrive 40k, HarvestSmart, ActiveYield, G4 4600 disp, AutoTrac ready

£279,000 REF: 21097835

Kramer KT407 ’23, ex-hire, 229 hrs, EcoSpeed 40K, air seat and radio

£94,500 REF: 21088817

KUHN GA 15131 ’18, good condition, 4 rotors single axle, £21,750 REF: 91098618

JD 8RX410 ’23, 1803 hrs, E23 40k, cab susp, air seat, 5 prem ESCVs, 4600 CC

£315,000 REF: 11087557

JD 8R410 ’23, 928 hrs, E23 50K, ils, air seat, 5 prem ESCVs, ACS-2, 4600 CC

£239,500 REF: 11088837

JD 6250R ’23, 967 hrs, ex-hire, AutoPowr 50k, 4 SCVs, Commandarm, elec mirrors

£170,000 REF: B1025729

JD T670HM ’23, new, 92 drum hrs, ProDrive 40k, 730X, £325,000 REF: 51089636

Kramer KT457 ’23, ex-hire, 267 hrs, EcoSpeed 40K, air seat and radio

£90,000 REF: B1025357

KUHN AXERA 1102 ’12, average condition, hydraulic drive, c/w crane, £3,750 REF: 51095905

All prices subject to VAT and accurate at the time of printing

JD 8RX410 ’23, 1123 hrs, E23 40k, air seat, 5 prem ESCVs, 4600 CC £330,000 REF: 81096465

JD 8R410 ’23, 1698 hrs, E23 50K, ils, ultimate comfort pack, 5 prem ESCVs

£232,000 REF: 11088826

JD 6250R ’22, 2730 hrs, AutoPowr 50k, 4 SCVs, CommandPro, PG to 3750 hrs

£128,000 REF: 31092905

JD T560 ’19, 470 hrs, ProDrive 40k, Harvest Monitor, Dual Range Drive

£187,500 REF: 11097967

Kramer KT407 ’23, ex-hire, 570 hrs, EcoSpeed 40K, air seat and radio

£87,000 REF: 11088820

KUHN AXIS 40.2HEMC ’24, new, 30-42M working width, 1800l hopper extension

£TBC REF: 11098016

HAYTER Beaver trailed gang mower runs @2.6m wide & will run on as little as 32hp, south Cambs. £975. L Farrer Tel 07766 084808 (Cambridgeshire)

STOLL twin rotor rake, will rake 6m in one pass, good condition, for sale due to upgrade, south Cambs. £3,850 ono. L Farrer Tel 07766 084808 (Cambridgeshire)

used, 5m long, 2.5m wide front with rubber trim, 1.2m wide at back, 1m centres of fork slot. £3,000+VAT. R Rayner Tel 07808 066655 (Cambridgeshire)

ducts to make grain pedestals. £50 ono the lot. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

MASSEY Ferguson 2190 baler, 2012, serviced yearly, all good, low bale count. £39,950. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

VICON Haybob 300, new tyres, rea gates, safety frame & some spare tines, all in gwo. £1,250 ono. C Law Tel 07850 877794 (Leicestershire)

2017 Kuhn GA7932, 6 wheel bogie. £7,950. Claas Eastern, Tim Smith 01529 303093/07730 780510, Mark Manders 07825 667894.

PZ hay turner, old but still working, spare springs & tines. £100. J Wakeley Tel 07989 889675 (Hertfordshire)

New, top spec with Starcut blades, full warranty

£22,750 more photos and full spec at www.writtlefarmmachinery.co.uk

07748 004794 01245 442224

PASTURE topper, 9', 2024 - as new, 3 point linkage, adjustable skids, Leeds Welding Company. £2,350. J Butterfield Tel 07768 340423 (West Yorkshire)

KIDD flat roll, 8' wide (8'8" wide with frame), 30" diameter, 3t, good condition. £900 ono. C Law Tel 07850 877794 (Leicestershire)

MASSEY Ferguson DM255P mower, 2.55m working range, 2016, perfect working condition, one owner from new, sale due to retirement. £3,750+VAT ono. D Marden Tel 07709 796147 (Surrey)

8-METRE grass harrow, hydraulic fold. £650. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)

KRONE Vendro 560 tedder, 2022, perfect working order , only for sale due to change in farming policy. £7,000+VAT. F Playford Tel 07719 488504 (Norfolk)

SCHUDDER (Kuhn) 360 Hark haybob, only been used twice by owner just like new. £3,950 ono. R Brown Tel 01494 837641/07778 041144 (Buckinghamshire)

KUHN GMD 3125 F, 2017, very good condition, new PTO, guard will be fitted before sale. £9,495+VAT. L Shaw Tel 07949 078781 (Bedfordshire)

FRANSGARD RV-390 haybob, in good working order, including spare tines, springs, etc, plus manual, kept under cover. £750+VAT. T Sinnott Tel 07710 481806 (Leicestershire)

very tidy & in good working order. £40,000. R Hankins Tel 07973 265378/07763 770168 (Northamptonshire)

NEW polypipe, twin walled, perforated & non perforated, ranging in size from 150 to 600mm, in 6m lengths, Milton Keynes area. C Smith Tel 07831 479966 (Buckinghamshire)

OLD irrigators with 250m of good polythene pipe. £300 each. S Leggate Tel 07779 59210 (Lincolnshire)

HOSE reel slurry irrigation machine make, model, age unknown, no longer tows, for spares or repair, collection only from location in field (currently firm & dry), can help load for buyer, eg to low loader. WhatsApp or email contact preferred. A Roberts Tel 07792 291376 (Shropshire)

BRIGGS RB50 50m boom, 72m working width, working order.

LANGLEY herd of British Friesians, have for sale a selection of down calving heifers due September/October to British Friesian bull, well grown, very good conformation, excellent pedigree, BVD free. J Carnell Tel 07768 645124 (Buckinghamshire)

DUTCH Spotted shearling ram, pure bred. J Fyfe Tel 01455 552789/07719 717141 (Leicestershire) RUNNER ducks, 1 month old, various colours. J Garner Tel 07789 981140 (Norfolk)

ANGLO Nubian billy, just over 12 months old, looking for a job this time, really friendly lad, easy to deal with, unregistered. £170. C Butterfield Tel 07515 511839 (East Yorkshire)

RED Boer does, 4 months old, choice of 4, by pedigree buck Firbeck Red Diesel, wormed & up to date with Lamivac. Starting from £125; two Red Boer buck kids also available, one full pedigree. C Butterfield Tel 07515 511839 (West Yorkshire)

ANGLO Nubian Goats (3), registered, two 2023 nannies & one unrelated billy, all are tame & friendly. E Bunting Tel 07889 640199 (Essex)

BUTLEY Herefords, registered pedigree bulls & females, quiet & easily handled, all bulls halter trained & guaranteed under Hereford Society rules, TB4 area. www. butleyherefords.co.uk. DC Smith & Sons Tel 07971 694912/07885 594143 (Suffolk) BEEF Shorthorn bulls (2), 16/12 old, well grown & ready to

& a few cows with

£3,200+VAT. A Cade Tel 07769 976968 (Cambridgeshire)

IRRIFRANCE irrigation reel & gun, good condition. £750+VAT. J Gibson Tel 07931 930369 (Nottinghamshire)

LAND/PROPERTY

SMALL cider business (to be relocated), potential for expansion, logo/branding, goodwill/customer base, full range of picking, pressing & bottling equipment, 7000L matured cider + containers, chance to buy traditional apples from organic orchard. S Younger Tel 07963 414468 (Shropshire)

LIVESTOCK

TWO pedigree Beef Shorthorn bulls, Glenariff Ramos, DOB 03.04.2021, roan, polled, has been shown & calves on the ground & Glenariff Seattle, DOB 20.04.2022, red & white, polled, quiet, first young bull offered by Northern Dancer, SAC Hi Health, TB4. N Barrett Tel 01553 672440/07578 765342/07717 821891 (Norfolk)

IN-CALF cows, autumn calving, Blue & Limousin X, in calf to Limousin & Blonde bull, good cows, very quiet. S Jaques Tel 01754 763319 (Lincolnshire)

PEDIGREE Limousin bulls (2), 15 months & 11 months old, Wilodge & Loosebeare pedigrees, quiet, well grown, should make excellent easy calving bulls, more photos available. £1,400 & £ 1,100 ono. A Richardson Tel 07710 077299/01206 386089 (Essex)

SHEEP feeder, rope pull dispenser, for use behind a quad bike. £250 no VAT. T Bonsall Tel 07977 598930/01335 310258 (Derbyshire)

2022 DRT Cow Catcher in excellent condition, pin & cone brackets, calf shelf, head yoke with forcing gate, can be folded up to fit on an Ifor Williams type trailer for transport. £3,500. S Scott Tel 07849 001379 (East Yorkshire)

GALEBREAKER roller screens (4)

6.1m wide & drop 2m, one 3.1m wide & drop 3.2m, one 4.6m wide & drop

2.8m. H Cason Tel 07587 579123 (Suffolk)

CALF milk mixing machine, good condition. £950+VAT ono. N Hurton Tel 07803 087415 (Nottinghamshire)

TEN cattle hurdles, c/w gate. £800 ono. P Brown Tel 07850 356634 (Cambridgeshire)

WYDALE feeders (calves, lambs, goats), 3 x 5 space milk substitute feeders & hanging brackets, limited use from new, some fittings available, retirement sale - see other listings. Best offers - cash on collection, your own transport/loading required. F Wapples Tel 01406 330644 (Lincolnshire)

TUBAR cattle crush, manual neck squeeze, front & rear doors, more photos available upon request. £375+VAT. B Burton Tel 07775 877136 (Nottinghamshire)

PETER Allan Major creep feeders, c/w covers, 8 available. £225. J Hicks Tel 07539 367336 (Oxfordshire)

28FT cattle / sheep trailer . Comes with sheep decks also cattle gate all alloy decks on super singles . £5750. J Hicks Tel 07539 367336 (Oxfordshire)

WATSON bulk feeder. £850+VAT ono. D Smart Tel 01223 861482 (Cambridgeshire)

WATSON creep feeder. £850+VAT ono. D Smart Tel 01223 861482 (Cambridgeshire)

MACHINERY

HEAVY duty hydraulic rotary brush to fit buckets from 7'6" wide, new nylon brushes & end bearings, fixing brackets fully galvanised, in vgc. £800. A Towns Tel 07751 917839 (Lincolnshire)

FLAME thrower weed killer in weathered condition. £20. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)

BAC loading shovel heavy duty 7cu/m toe tip bucket, last used on Volvo 110 & JCB 435S for loading FYM & digestate. £4,250+VAT ono. S Bloomfield Tel 07884 115091 (Norfolk)

WASTE recycling compactor 16A, used but good working order. £3,500. J Hockley Tel 07815 616680 (Hertfordshire)

cement mixer, starts & runs well, decent drum. £420. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)

see other listings. Offers. Collection by appointment – cash on collection, you arrange loading/transport. F Wapples Tel 01406 330644 (Lincolnshire)

LIVESTOCK calf transport crate, great condition. £40. D Marden Tel 07709 796147 (Surrey)

SHOTBLASTING gun c/w 20kg of shotblasting grit. £50. R Sinkler Tel 01377 270251 (East Yorkshire)

Quality used equipment specialist in East Anglia & East Midlands! Over 250 used machinery items on our website: doubledaygroup.co.uk

JD X91100 ’23, 1745 hrs, ProDrive XL 40k, SF7000, HD40X header and trolley

£595,000 REF: 81096500

New Holland T7.190 ’18, 4831 hrs, Power Command 50k, 4 ESCVs

£53,500 REF: B1094196

Class Arion ’16, 5593 hrs, Hexashift 50k, front susp, front pto, air brakes

£46,000 REF: A1099015

Case Puma 240 ’19, 4839 hours, CVX 50k, cab susp, AutoSteer ready

£70,000 REF: 71093198

Kramer K14.5 ’21, 493 hours, load stabiliser, 1250mm bucket, 1000m tines

£28,000 REF: 11081499

Claas 78 ’93, manual, air con, C390 header and trolley, £25,500 REF: A1025869

New Holland TM140 ’03, 9185 hrs, Power Command 40k, front suspension

£27,500 REF: A1097273

John Deere 7270R ’17, 6853 hrs, E23 50K, 3 E-SCVs, AutoTrac ready, £72,500 REF: 11094388

Fendt 828 ’16, 6050 hrs, Vario 65k, front linkage, 4 SCVs, hyd top link

£75,000 REF: 31096662

Caterpillar TH336 ’13, 5454 hrs, Powershift

4 speed, air con, pallet tines

£28,750 REF: B1096960

CLASS Lexion 780 ’16, 1902 hrs, chopper and chaff spreader, trimble guidance

£179,500 REF: A1099109

JD T670 ’20, 513 hrs, ProDrive 40k, Harvest Monitor, AutoTrac

£170,000 REF: A1024732

New Holland T6.145 ’17, Electro Command 40k, air brakes, front suspension

£45,000 REF: A1098644

New Holland T7.210 ’15, 4400 hrs, Auto Command, air brakes, front susp £43,000 REF: A1093316

John Deere 7R310 ’23, 622 hrs, AutoPowr 50k, front linkage + PTO, 4 SCVs

£219,500 REF: A1098839

Claas 7035 Scorpion ’17, 5204 hrs, VariPower 40k, air con, pallet tines

£44,500 REF: D1095577

All prices subject to VAT and accurate at the time of printing

NH TX34 ’93, 4203 eng hrs, average condition, 17ft header, straw chopper and trolley

£16,500 REF: A1097529

JD S670I ’23, 75 eng hrs, DualRange Drive, AT ready, 630F header and trolley, £285,000 REF: B1094147

John Deere 6155R ’17, 4773 hrs, AutoQuad 50k, cab susp

£58,750 REF: A1025093

John Deere 6215R ’20, 5968 hrs, AutoPowr 50k, 3 E-SCVs, AutoTrac ready £POA REF: A1098711

Case Maxxum 140 ’15, 7872 hrs, 50k, 4 SCVs, air con, air brakes, trimble RTK

£32,500 REF: C1098791

Merlo TF35.7 ’19, 5112 hrs, PUH, air con, pallet tines, Merlo headstock

£38,750 REF: C1096899

For more information contact Ashley Brighton on 07769 226 685 or 01406 540293

wide – as new

2021 Chapman TH2 tow rake, electric depth control for equestrian use

2011 Kuhn 2190 round baler, variable chamber – serviced & ready

Buckets/bale spikes/squeezers/transport boxes – call for super prices

Portequip beef & calf creep feeders – ex stock – shopsoiled prices

Fleming 5/6/9ft toppers ready for work – bargain deals

KRM 6m direct drill SM-P 20 acre only – why buy new? – surplus on farm

Rabe 6 furrow vari-width plough/ demo model at price to clear

Used Tomlin/Fleming/Teagle finishing mowers – ideal for compact tractors

KRM Bredal F2WS 3200L fertiliser spreader – well cared for

Suton 7’ hydraulic brush attachment to fit bucket

Chain harrows – trailed & mounted models 10f/16f – excellent value

Used JCB/Merlo/Manitou replacement headstocks – enquire for details

Ferguson 35 tractor, red, SDF model from collector – for sale

£4,500

£1,850

£7,500

£7,000

£1,000

£5,500

Kverneland hydraulic drill frame attachment for power harrow – up & over £200

Bearcat 70080 petrol engine chipper/shredder – 3” capacity

Pettit 3t trailer hydraulic tip – wide wheels – new wood

Hayter/Toro lawnmowers – stock clearance – superb prices

Wide selection of complete new wheels/tyres – suit Deutz tractors range

£750

£1,475

Parris Tractors Ltd

Cutli e Farm

Sherford

Taunton

Somerset

2008 John Deere 6830 Premium, 5334hrs, very tidy

CASE

2018 Case Puma 165, 3279hrs, Powershift 50kph + air brakes, front & cab suspension, 3 electric spools, 3 speed PTO, LED work lights, big screen, deluxe seat, exhaust brake, f/tyres 480/65R28 70%, r/tyres 600/65R38 ...£53,000

2021 Case Optum 300 CVX, 2135hrs, GPS ready, front linkage + SCV 900 tyres, 5 spool valves ...............................................£117,000

December 2020

Case Quantum 110N, 2232hrs,40kph, f/ linkage & PTO, electric hydraulics, 4 r/electric spool valves, 3 mid mount spool valves, f/ tyres 280/70x16 75%, rears 360/70x28 75%, immaculate .........................................£34,000

2018 Case Puma 240, 6300hrs, front linkage, Power Beyond, guidance ready, tyres worn ..........................................£57,000

February 2022

Case Puma 240 CVX, 3499hrs, f/linkage & PTO, full RTK guidance, super deluxe seat, climate control, f/weight, mid mount valves, f/ tyres 600/60x30 35%, rear tyres 710/60x42 60%, this tractor has everything you can think of, including heated rear screen ...........£95,000

NEW HOLLAND

2023 New Holland T8.435 SmartTrax, 275hrs, front linkage, 1 f/service, f/suspension, full guidance, air brakes, 5 r/spool valves, Cat 5 drawbar, PLM Telematics, Cab Luxe pack, tyres 650/65x34 Michelin, 30” tracks .........................................................£215,000

JOHN DEERE

December 2015

John Deere 5100GN, 991hrs, front linkage & PTO, front tyres 230/70x18 80%, rear tyres 340/85x28 90% ..................................£27,500

2008 John Deere 6830 Premium, 5334hrs, 40kph, TLS, cab suspension, seat cover ftted, rear wheels slightly rusty, front tyres 420/85x28 10% BKT, rear tyres 520/85x38 99% BKT, rest of the tractor very very tidy ..................£37,500

MASSEY FERGUSON

2016 Massey Ferguson 7720, 6025hrs, 50kph, front linkage and PTO, Datavision, front tyres 480/70x30 0%, rear tyres 520/85x42 60%, very tidy, just a small bit of rust on a front wheel ..................................................£43,500

2019 Massey Ferguson 7720S Dyna 6, 3157hrs, 50kph, front linkage, front service, full RTK guidance, Power Beyond, air brakes, ABS, extra work lights and electric mirrors, front tyres 540/65x30 60%, rear tyres 620/70x42 70% ...........................................................£63,000

2015 Massey Ferguson 7626 Dyna 6, 8168hrs, front linkage & PTO, air brakes, extra work lights, front hydraulic service, Power Beyond, climate control, factory exchange transmission 1 year ago, front tyres 600/70x30 80%, rear tyres 710/70x42 80%

DEUTZ

2017 Deutz 5090G, 1610hrs, on grass tyres, 2 speed PTO, 2 manual spools, air con

DUE IN

2021 Case Puma 200 CVX, 4500hrs, 80% tyres, all the usual extras

2017 Deutz 5090G 1610hrs, on grass tyres 2019 Massey Ferguson 7720S Dyna 6 3157hrs, 50kph

Massey Ferguson 7720 6025hrs

Valtra T194V

£75,000 4336 hours, 57kph power shift, on trelleborg 650/65 r42 & 540/65 r30 at 40% 61055061

Valtra T254V

£89,000 2791 hours, silver metallic, trelleborg

JCB Loadall 526/55, 1996, 9328hrs, 4ws, 4wd, air seat, a/c, PUH, LED work lights, tool carrier headstock, 2 sets of weld on brackets, tyres 400/70-R20 Vredestein 75% tread, Datatag, handbook & parts book, spare filters, average. £15,000+VAT ono. J Carlisle Tel 07768 008865 (Bedfordshire)

TWO buckets off my 2022 Avant A36535, heavy duty general bucket, 1600mm wide, straight edge, 460l volume, 150kg; also have an Avant hydraulic grab, as well as an Avant bucket broom available listed separately. £550+VAT ono. H Riste Tel 01823 793676 (Somerset)

MANITOU 634 120 LSU telehandler c/w forks, 2012, I am second owner, excellent condition, very careful owner driver, has been regularly serviced as per the schedule, tyres 20%. £29,000+VAT ono. J Bament Tel 07778 682261 (Wiltshire)

RABE Raven 2300 V80, 2010, 5f, combination wheel, manual f/ furrow width, shearbolt style legs, pin adjustable skimmers, done very little work still a lot of original wearing metal with plenty of life left, probably best you could find. £8,000+VAT. A Knight Tel 07473 130769 (Worcestershire)

07811 342050 (Norfolk)

Email: hydramex@hotmail.com Field Farm, Charlton Road, Evenley, Brackley, Northants NN13 5GH

condition, gross weight 2780kg, powered by 40hp Perkins engine. £21,500+VAT. D Dye Tel 07778 547601 (Norfolk)

AVANT A41569 hydraulic grab attachment, 2022. £1,750+VAT; also have an Avant bucket broom attachment as well as an two Avant 1600mm heavy duty buckets also available . £2,100+VAT ono. H Riste Tel 01823 793676 (Somerset)

MATBRO bucket, pin & con, 1.98cu/m. £950+VAT. P Skinner Tel 07711 405100 (Northamptonshire)

LEMKEN 4 furrow plough c/w slatted bodies. £900+VAT. J Earl Tel 07860 117313 (Cambridgeshire)

RANSOMES TS90 4f, TCN boards, c/w skimmers, rear disc & depth wheel, can load. £275. B King Tel 07712 334848 (Essex)

LEMKEN Vari-Opal 5+1 plough, slatted boards, press arm, 2008, some spare wearing metal, more pictures available on request, good condition. £6,950+VAT. A Bacon Tel 07866 904116 (Essex)

DOWDESWELL DP7E plough, in working order, 5 furrows, c/w trash boards, fair condition. £500+VAT. M Whitlock Tel 07745 819890 (Cambridgeshire)

KVERNELAND press arm off an LS 95 plough. £250 ono. J Balls Tel 07827 015508 (Suffolk)

POTATO EQUIPMENT

FLOWER bulb hot water steriliser, 1T capacity (40 nets or 2 half tonne boxes), diesel fuel burner with digital control & circulation pump, c/w cages for lowering in pallets, always stored & operated under cover. £700+VAT ono. W Tyrrell Tel 07985 476263 (Lincolnshire)

Refurbished Power Harrows:

• All New Bearings and Seals in the Trough and Gearbox

• Blade Holders All New are fitted

• New Genuine Kuhn Tines fitted

• New Packer Roller Kit fitted

• Shot Blasted, Repainted and New Stickers

• New PTO and Guards fitted as standard

• Models of Power Harrows used: HR3001, HR3002, HR3003, HR4001, HR4002, HR4003 and HR4004

• Front or Rear Levelling Board as standard

• Cam Clutch new fitted on all machines

• Wheel Track Eradicators are available as an optional extra

All Seed Drills Totally Refurbished:

• New Main Frame with Extra Strength

• New Coulters and Pivot Bushes

• New Metering Device

• Vertical Folding Markers Power Harrow mounted

• New Disc Marker Pivots and Discs

• All New Hoses and Hopper Cover

• New Hopper Extension and Double Step

• Tramliner c/w 2 or 4 Shut Offs and Low Level Sensor

• All Shot Blasted, Repainted and New Stickers

• S-Type Following Harrow Standard on complete combinations

• 2 Rows of Coulters as standard – 3 rows optional extra

• Pre Emergence Markers available as an extra – £825

• Hydraulic Coulter Lift – £850

Refurbished Combinations

3m – from £13,650

Kuhn 3001 3002 3003

Power Harrow:

• New Maxi Packer Roller & Clod Board

• Accord 3m DA Seed Drill c/w Tramliner

• 2 row Suffolk Coulters

• Vertical Folding Markers fitted on harrow

• Hopper Extension

• Step and S-Harrow

Email: simon@andrewguest.co.uk

4m – from £14,650

Kuhn 4001 4002 4003

Power Harrow:

• New Maxi Packer Roller & Clod Board

• Accord 4M DA Seed Drill c/w Tramliner

• 2 row Suffolk Coulters

• Vertical Folding Markers fitted on Harrow

• Hopper Extension

• Step and S-Harrow

12 Months Warranty on our combis

TONG MT chain hopper, always stored inside single phase with variable speed control, 10 long x 6' wide x 7'6" high, 4' high to chains, chains are 15" wide, for sale as no longer growing potatoes, can be seen running. £850+VAT ono. W Tyrrell Tel 07985 476263 (Lincolnshire)

By Teo

Teodorczyk

REEKIE 4153S destoner, 2008, thee web with stone box, one brand new web, good condition. J Brocksopp Tel 07974 669997 (South Yorkshire)

Sprayers

Diet

DOWNS 5-6T potato hopper, good condition. £1,500+VAT ono. J Bourne Tel 01530 222286 (Leicestershire)

WALTHAMBURY 720 auto weigher good working order when taken out, viewing welcome. D Lunn Tel 07941 072957 (Cambridgeshire) LILLISTON Rolling cultivator, 3.5m. £400. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)

WALTHAMBURY bag conveyor, 12" flat belt with rollers on end, 6' long belt, 7' long in total, 3 phase electric required, can be seen running, been stored under cover. For sale as no longer growing potatoes. £250+VAT ono. W Tyrrell Tel 07985 476263 (Lincolnshire)

GRIMME 1500 potato topper. £450+VAT ono. J Bourne Tel 01530 222286 (Leicestershire) REDUCE HARVESTING DAMAGE WITH RUBBER WEB COVERS QUICKSPLICE WEB JOINERS RUBBER GRADING SCREENS PERFORATED RUBBER WASHER BELTS Tel: 028 9127 5913 Email: info@agri-web.co.uk

MASTER Super 120 Grain Dryer 12T

2019, 363hrs, 12T, auto lube, retractable screens, cyclone cleaner, stored inside.

BEDNAR Swifterdisc Short Disc 12m

2018, 12m working width, front levelling paddles, good discs, good packer, depth wheels, hydraulic folding. Stock No 11018773 £55,950

IDROFOGLIA ICX110-50/FL Pump

Quiet Iveco engine water pump, 1500L bunded fuel tank, Caprari MEC 80/4-3A, 100hp @ 2200 RPM, automatic priming.

Stock No 21018138

£32,450

IDROFOGLIA G4D 90/G450 Reel

Hydraulic turntable, jack, staker legs and trolley lift, Sime Mariner 2 speed gun, Nortoft text control, centre finish.

Stock No 21018125 £24,050

VÄDERSTAD CR525XL Short Discs 5.25m

2015 year, very good condition, good steel, ring packer, ready for work.

VÄDERSTAD Rapid RDA400S Drill 4m

2016, very good wearing metal, track eradicators, interactive depth control, centre tyre packer, pre-em and bout markers.

Stock No 11018761

£47,950

IDROFOGLIA ICX160-40/FL Pump

Quiet Iveco engine water pump, 1500L bunded fuel tank, caprari MEC 100HT-2A, 126hp @ 2200 RPM, automatic priming.

Stock No 21018132

£35,950

IDROFOGLIA G5SD 100/D550 Reel

Hydraulic turntable, jack, staker legs and trolley lift, Sime Mariner 2 speed gun, Nortoft text control, off-set trolley.

Stock No 21018124 £34,750

VÄDERSTAD CR500 Short Discs 5m

2011, excellent condition, excellent rings and discs, complete with paddles, crossboard, one very nice example.

£25,500

HORSCH Sprinter 8ST Direct Drill 8m

Grain only, full width front tyre packer, bout markers, rear following harrow, covering discs, good tyres, very good condition.

Stock No 11018598

£42,950

AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT FOR SALE AT AMTEC

Join the growing list of satisfied clients who have already improved their irrigation efficiencies by more than 25%

We provide farmers with expert advice on how to choose the right system set-up for their needs, and help select the correct equipment from our extensive range which includes diesel pumps, silent diesel pumps, hose reels, rain guns and spare parts.

Scan the QR code to view our stock of irrigation pumps and reels!

01691 791460

MF 8S 225

Dyna 7 Exclusive, 2021, 2200hrs, front links & PTO, 50kph, air brakes, led lights

MF 7719S

2022, 3900hrs, Dyna VT Exclusive, front links & PTO, 50kph, air brakes, led lights

MF 8732

2018, Dyna VT Exclusive, 5900hrs, front links & PTO, 50kph, air brakes, Trimble 382 guidance

MF 7718S

2021, 1600hrs, 50kph, air brakes, front axle & cab suspension, 4 spools

MF 7718S

2022, Dyna 6, 2600hrs, front linkage & PTO, 50kph, air brakes

MF 6718S

2019, 1700hrs, Dyna VT Exclusive, front links & PTO

MF 7720

2015, 5200hrs, Dyna VT Exclusive, front links

MF 7722S

2020, 3300hrs, Dyna VT Efficient

MF 7722

2016, 9900hrs, front links & PTO, Dyna VT Exclusive

NH FR780

2020, 2040hrs, Auto guidance ready, led light package, leather heated seat

MF 362

N reg, 3700hrs, 4wd, 12x12 shuttle, very nice original condition

JCB 434S

2011, 8900hrs, c/w 12 foot buck rake fork and tiptoe bucket, excellent condition

Redrock 4500 Tanker

2024, over hedge boom, rain gun, air/ hyd brakes, rear steer, wide Angle PTO

NH FX40 2005, grass machine, nice tidy condition

Welger Rp 202 Classic 2005, 1700 bales only, off small holding, excellent condition

Please contact your Local Field Sales Manager or William Riddleston

RICHARD WESTERN SF18 PLUS £24,500

2022, trailers, 560/60 R22.5 floats, Wabco LSV, LED lights, black paint, high speed axles W3-20505

RENAULT 103 £5,500 1998 RE-2150509.A

CLAAS SCORPION 756 £49,950 2019, Vario transmission, 6890 engine hrs, 4 wheel drive, air con, trailer brake, PUH, hyd locking, boom suspension, rear weights CL-K3700095.A

CLAAS AXOS 330 £32,500 2009, 40kph, EGR engine, 5325 engine hrs, 340/85 R24 fronts, 420/85 R34 rears, 2 spools, FL100 loader, air con, PUH, loader, With FL100 loader Serial X0431261, 540/1000PTO CL-A2200611.A

CLAAS SCORPION 756

VARIPOWER PLUS £65,000 2020, Vario transmission, 3850 engine hrs, 4 wheel drive, air con, trailer brake, PUH,

CLAAS AXION 960 TERRA TRAC

£255,000 2021, 40kph, AdBlue, 1548 eng hrs, 710 fronts, TT rears, 6 spools, Stage V, tracks, f/susp, f/PTO, f/linkage, Eco PTO, GPS steering, a/c, Isobus, a/brakes, elec hyd, Power Beyond, CEMOS, cab susp, creep, wty to 8/2026 or 4000hrs CL-A4200213

CLAAS AXION 850 £95,000 2021, 50kph, AdBlue, 4175 eng hrs, 600/70R30 fronts, 710/70R42 rears, 4 spools, f/susp, f/link, GPS, a/c, Isobus, a/brakes, PUH, Power Beyond, cab susp, Maxicare Protect valid to 09.09.2025 or 5000hrs CL-A5101450.B

boom suspension, rear weights, CL-K3200723.B

SCHAFFER 4670

2021, 4-cylinder Kubota, lifting capacity 2300kg, 3051 engine hrs

£29,500

OT-14466C022

CLAAS TUCANO 430 £85,000 2010, Vario header, 25kph, 2071 engine hrs, 1609 drum hrs CL-83800686.B

CASE PUMA 220 £82,500 2019, 50kph, 220hp, AdBlue, 1300 eng hrs, 540/65 R30 fronts, 650//65 R42 rears, 4 spools, Puma 220, f/susp, f/linkage, GPS, a/c, Isobus, a/brakes, elec hyd, PUH, Power Beyond, cab suspension IH-PU220HJE551854

WELGER RP245 £19,500

2015, 500/55R20 tyres, very good condition, 35000 bales

OT-174553964.A

CLAAS ROLLANT 540 RC £32,000 2022, Rotocut baler, 1120 bales, 19.0-45R17 tyres, Cemis 1200

CLAAS DISCO 3200C £12,900 2021, mowers, wear skids, crop spreader

CLAAS LINER 2800 £9,950 2010, rakes and tedders,

CL-98701710.A

CLAAS AXION 830 CMATIC CEBIS

£119,000 2021, 50kph, 235hp, AdBlue engine, 1272 engine hrs, 600 fronts, 710 rears, 4 spools, front suspension, front linkage, Eco PTO, GPS steering, air con, Isobus, air brakes, electric hyd, PUH, Power Beyond, cab suspension CL-A5100996.A

COVENBROOK

Sprayer Specialist in the Eastern & Southern Counties

New and used sprayers and parts stocked for:

Berthoud • Househam Chafer • Agrifac and most other makes

Hypro • Teejet • Lechler Altek • RDS • Dual Pumps Enduramaxx • Stocks Fan Jet

Sands self-propelled 2008 8000hrs, 4000L tank, 24m boom, rowcrops and intermediate wheels

Berthoud Racer trailed sprayer, 2004, 3200L 24m, in exceptional condition no weld on boom, xed drawbar

GM-R trailed sprayer, 2008, 3200L 30/24m, steering axle, Teejet 844 controller

All the above without GPS

GM-R Voyager Trailed sprayer, 2014, 3200L tank, 24m variable geometry boom, auto-steer axle, full GPS guidance and 12 section auto shut o Call Graham for more information

graham@gm-rsprayers.co.uk www.gm-rsprayers.co.uk

90% & 380 rowcrops, Stocks slug pelleter included, section control, fully refurbished by Househam in 2020, genuine reason for sale. J McNair Tel 07703 273760 (Essex)

HOUSEHAM Spirit 24m/3000L, 2015, 3313hrs, individual nozzle control, Norac boom height, 320/ 85 R32 wheels & Xeobib VF520/60 R28 flotations, all excellent condition, extras inc boom lights & air seat, owner operator from new. £63,000+VAT. D Waite Tel 07721 617133 (Lincolnshire)

12-METRE 500L trailed sprayer, Honda engine, was pulled by quad bike, average condition. £750+VAT. J Bourne Tel 01530222286 (Leicestershire)

GEM Sprayer Slimline 12/24m with additional tank (1000L), full working order. £1,500. L Hogarth Tel 07889 232373 (North Yorkshire)

Crop Sprayers Ltd incorporating VASSGRO

&

LITETRAC LT350, 320hp Volvo engine, Allison hi speed auto Powershift, auto steer & screen, 105hrs, c/w frame, 6000L stainless tank, 36m trifold Chafer boom, Hypro pumps, or sold separately for fert use. £139,995+VAT ono (depending on requirements). N Smith Tel 07798 907927 (Norfolk)

UNIMOG Forward Control, 2015 LWB 4ws, 238hp, tyre inflation system, 7700hrs, 650 or 710 wheels available, 5300L stainless tank, 24m booms for suspension fert, Trimble rate & section control, Krone flow meter, tractor can be sold separately. Offers. N Smith Tel 07798 907927 (Norfolk)

2000-LITRE sprayer, 21m booms, washout tank, 4 way nozzles, a good spare pump, 3 sets of wheels 2.10/9544 & 600/55-26.5, 13.6-R38, good condition. £3,500 ono. A Askew Tel 07803 551272 (Cambridgeshire)

Vision 4, 32m,

boom twin lines, triple nozzles, blue boom lights, LED lights, headland auto lift, 10 section GPS controlled, GPS steering, wash tank, climate control, rowcrops & floats, absolutely immaculate condition throughout. A Hobbs Tel 07768 976042 (Hertfordshire)

2015 Sands Horizon 4000, 3738hrs, 24m VG booms, twin line (duo react nozzle bodies), Norac Ag Leader, 9 section, r/cameras, toolboxes, blue LED boom lights, wash down kit, VF 600/60R30 (new 2022), 380/85/ R34 rowcrops. £110,000+VAT ono. W Heygate Tel 07816 102682 (Northamptonshire)

£40,950

John Deere 750A 3m Direct Drill 2020, vgc, Stocks Turbojet seeder, Isobus

Tel: 07599 552864

SPREADERS

KUHN Axis 30.1 fertiliser spreader with border control, spool valve, hydraulic on/off, manual rate setting, no costly electrics or weigh cells, vgc. £2,850. A Towns Tel 07751 917839 (Lincolnshire)

PARKING Jack off Marshall 70 muckspreader, good condition. £30. S Younger Tel 07963 414468 (Shropshire)

SULKY X36 fertiliser spreader, 12–28m discs, weigh cells, good working order, Tribord system. £2,300+VAT. L Hull Tel 07947 674007 (Lancashire)

STOCKS Ag Fan Jet Vario applicator, c/w on/off switch & speed adjuster, works well. £625 ono. M Church Tel 07787 563743 (Norfolk)

KRM MW2 spreader, c/w Patchwork controller, always barn stored, v tidy condition. £5,000+VAT. R Garner Tel 07767 418452 (Norfolk)

STOCKS Ag Fan Jet Pro65 spreader, 3yrs old, electric shut off, vgc. £550 ono. M Snare Tel 07774 643874 (Norfolk)

HORSTINE Farmery Avadex spreader on Logic LGP trailer, c/w Honda engine, PTO, NSTS tested in 2022, fair condition. £1,850+VAT. M Whitlock Tel 07745 819890 (Cambridgeshire)

AMAZONE ZA-M 2201 fertiliser spreader, 1.5t hopper, headland disc, been on a small farm, low use, excellent

Hipperson

766036 (Norfolk)

KUHN fertiliser spreader twin disc 24m spread, 1991, in very good solid condition, hyd driven, well looked after, straight off a local farm, c/w control box. £600. S Burbidge Tel 07517 386285 (Lincolnshire)

NEW & EX DEMO GATES FOR SALE

VADERSTAD 3m Topdown with Biodrill 180, good condition, good roller, will split Biodrill away if required. Topdown £20,000+VAT, Biodrill £3,000+VAT. R Garner Tel 07767 418452 (Norfolk)

REGALTANKS

TILLAGE TACKLE

R Garner Tel 07767 418452 (Norfolk)

GALUCHO RDR double press/packer, 4m, 24” rings. £2,100+VAT. B Turnham Tel 07896124031 (Northamptonshire)

SIMBA 4m single row press/packer with 34” rings. £1,500+VAT. B Turnham Tel 07896 124031 (Northamptonshire)

SKH crumbler, 3.5m, pigtail tines, good rollers, all working. £2,200+VAT. B Turnham Tel 07896 124031 (Northamptonshire)

BEET HARVESTERS TIM & THYREGOD 2–3 ROW

Beet buckets – choice of standard & toe tip

BEET CLEANERS – CHOICE OF CTM & TODD with picking tables etc

BEET HOES CHOICE OF 6 & 12 ROW HYD FOLD

Standen - Househam - FMA - Kongskilde

TERRADISC CULTIVATORS 3 & 4M

Dutch & combination harrows – 3 to 6m

BOMFORD 8M VIBROFLEX HYDRAULIC FOLD

Dalso 6m hyd/fold pigtail cultivator with rear discs

FLAT LIFTS – SUBSOILERS 2 TO 5 LEG

Westfeld 3 phase 10” grain auger x approx 42’

STAINLESS STEEL WATER/FERTILISER BOWSERS

Choice of 10,000 - 18,000 - 25,000 litres on air or hyd brakes

6T LOW LOADER – HYD LOWERING REAR AXLE

12 ton Marston tipping / fat trailer with lift off side

14T LARRINGTON ROOT CROP AIR/HYD BRAKES

Griffths 28’ fat trailer with steel foor & front/rear ladders

14T ALLOY LORRY CONVERSION – ROLL SHEET

Pettit grain trailers 5 & 12 ton very old and very good

50’ NEAN COMBINE / MACHINERY TRAILER

full MOT wells & outriggers on air with rear lift – choice of 2

HOW IT ALL WORKS

• You call us with your postcode

• We view your building on Google Earth as we talk

• We send you a quotation

• If the quotation is accepted we will arrange a site visit to carryout accurate measurements on site

• We manufacture liner

• Appointment is made to install

• Product comes with 10 year guarantee

• Continuous length with no joints

• Thermo plastic ultraply membrane • Welded outlets

ESTABLISHED FOR 40 YEARS ALL OPERATORS ARE FULLY CERTIFIED

FRONT press cw levelling paddles, as new condition. £1,575 ono. R Edwards Tel 07967 828571 (Herefordshire)

CAMBRIDGE rolls set consisting of main roll 7’9” & 2 smaller rolls 4’3” each. £400+VAT. P Starsmore Tel 07753 936466 (Northamptonshire)

WEAVING 6m stubble rake, hydraulic folding, good condition. £5,000+VAT. R Botterill Tel 07958 975594 (Leicestershire)

WEAVING Kelly 6m harrow, 2017, hydraulic chain tensioning & folding, ideal shallow cultivator. £14,995. S Taylor Tel 07939 047288 (Suffolk)

GARFORD Robotic Mk2 camera guided 3 row hoe, 2017, for between row & inter-row work, used on small area of organic veg, excellent condition. £16,000. S Green Tel 01621 779500 (Essex)

SIMBA SL600 with drawbar conversion, from SL700, approx 2010. £20,000 plus VAT C G Bonner & Son Tel 07850 226574 (Buckinghamshire)

KUHN HR 4004 power harrow, 2009, 4m, good condition, works well, trailer included, near Huntingdon. £8,750+VAT. R Rayner Tel 07808 066655 (Cambridgeshire)

MASSEY Ferguson chisel plough, 2.4m, fair condition. £300. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)

6-METRE straight tine seedbed cultivator, hydraulic fold, not used for several years, average condition. £400. C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)

RINALDI R2 MTL 75cm p/harrow, 2014, excellent working condition, c/w BCS attachment, full details of model here: https://www.ciampelli.com/en/ milling-machine-rinaldi-r2-mtl-75-cmpower-harrow-mill-grader-for-2-wheelstractors_pr598.php. £1,750 ono. T Martin Tel 07930 537901 (Bristol)

HORSCH Terrano FG 4.5m + Horsch Optipack cultivator in excellent working order, always stored under cover during winter, c/w variety of wide & narrow A shares current set very good. £8,750+VAT ono. J Hughes Tel 07967 222339 (Shropshire)

3-LEG flatlift c/w flexicoil on back, average condition. £800. G Dunn Tel 07768 904984 (Cambridgeshire)

BOMFORD Flexitine 3.5m. £775.

C Gowler Tel 07831 746953 (Cambridgeshire)

MCAVOY mounted moledrainer, new Ransomes type double leg & adjustable mole fitted, hyd assist rear wheels, 12' length beam with floating top link, purchased new & very strong. £1,250+VAT. P Mortimer Tel 07850 101377 (Berkshire)

MICHAEL Moore trailed double press, 3.8m wide. £800+VAT. M Whitlock Tel 07745 819890 (Cambridgeshire)

KUHN bolt on tine kit for 4m HR4002D power harrow. Offers. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire)

Richardson Machinery Sales Ltd 51-103532

See our ad on page 27 Suppliers of cultivation equipment airseeders & slug pelleters

Vaderstad NZ 8m Cultivator 2011, vgc

£24,950

Tel: 07599 552864

TWO-LEG subsoiler. £350+VAT. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire) CONCEPT 4m SpeedTill. £1,750+VAT. P Freeman Tel 07711 145124 (Lincolnshire)

COUSINS Type 28 4.6m press, 2007, not used in the last 6yrs, ready to work, average condition for age. £7,750+VAT. J Sills Tel 07398 716782 (Essex)

CONVERTED 4m Rapid lift, 3-point linkage with drawbar to tow implements behind like Grange, Rytec, Agriweld, etc, 3 & 4m width possible with hydraulic folding, shearbolt protection, Grange style legs. £9,000+VAT. G Taylor Tel 07874 004171 (North Yorkshire)

CONVERTED 6m Rapid lift, fits on 3-point linkage with drawbar to tow implements behind like Grange, Rytec, Agriweld, etc, hydraulic folding, depth wheels, shearbolt protection, Tillso Ultralite legs, box of spare wearing metal. £13,000+VAT. G Taylor Tel 07874 004171 (North Yorkshire)

GALUCHO Top Tilth 3m, transport kit, very good working condition. £1,950+VAT. J Green Tel 07415 387696 (Bedfordshire)

KONGSKILDE Delta 3m, very good condition. £1,950+VAT ono. J Green Tel 07415 387696 (Bedfordshire)

LELY Roterra 3.5m power harrow, good used condition, runs up fine, has levelling board, tines 90%, will need a new plastic PTO cover. £800. S Burbidge Tel 07517386285 (Lincolnshire)

Autopower 50kph, Autotrac ready, 4 electric spools, front linkage, air brakes, 650/85R38 40% tread & 600/70R30 90% tread, good condition. £51,950+VAT. R Shepherd Tel 07791148812 (Nottinghamshire)

BIG Pack-style McCormick wafer weights, 16 x 50kg wafers, never used, 800kg in total, shop soiled condition. £600. J Murrell Tel 07770 692891/01603 712222 (Norfolk)

JOHN Deere 7530 Premium, 2007, good clean tractor, 5600hrs, tyres 650/540, front linkage, ready to go. £47,000+VAT ono. R Bond Tel 07866 530980 (Norfolk)

John Deere 6215R £54,000 +VAT

7264hrs, 50kph Autopower, Greenstar/autotrac ready, c/con cab, deluxe a/seat, p/seat, 4 deluxe e/spools, Premium light pack, a/brakes, f/linkage, deluxe mirrors, twin beacons, 710/70R42 & 600/70R30 70% tread, really lovely, barn stored

info@jamesmurrell.co.uk 01603 712222

Norfolk www.jmurrell.co.uk

FENDT 1800kg Big Pack weight, c/w drawbar bracket, vgc. £2,800. J Murrell Tel 07770 692891/01603 712222 (Norfolk)

2015 John Deere 6125R, 40kph Autoquad, 2015, cab suspension & TLS, main dealer serviced (Tuckwells), immaculate condition, owner driver, 3900hrs. £45,000+VAT. S Skinner Tel 07790 987130 (Northamptonshire)

JOHN Deere rear mudguards, bought for old 1640 but never fitted & now a Ford man. £120. J Wakeley Tel 07989 889675 (Hertfordshire)

MASSEY Ferguson 5465 Dyna 4 loader spec tractor (hi vis roof, double pump hyds to loader), 2009, 8300hrs, 2.5T f/linkage & f/PTO + 2 additional sets of spools to front, f/tyres 60%, r/ tyres 40%, extra fuel tank, c/w with MF 975 loader. £23,000+VAT. S Peach Tel 07802 566020/07802 566030 (Hampshire)

2021, 1600hrs, 50kph, air brakes, front axle & cab suspension, 4 spools

A DOWNING AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS

£28,500

McCormick MTX150 2008 front linkage excellent condition

Tel: 01945 410099•07850 731409 www.adowningengineers.co.uk

FENDT 818, 2007, 10,360hrs, front linkage, hydraulic top link, 4 rear spools, LED rear work lights (UTV lights), front 540/65R30 40%, rear 650/65R42 40%, 1 owner, from an arable farm, good condition. £37,500+VAT. L Shaw Tel 07903 601099

KUBOTA B1610 compact tractor, 1020hrs, used on allotments, vgc. £6,000 ono. D Smart Tel 01223 861482 (Cambridgeshire)

TRAILERS

AS Marston 12t grain trailer, super singles with good tread, very good condition, 2006. £6,500. C Mount Tel 07721 379713 (Rutland)

KRAKER walking floor trailer, new MOT, weigher 120yd, very clean. £19,995+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

45-FOOT taughtliner trailer. £2,995 R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

AS Marston 10t trailer, c/w hydraulic tailgate, in good condition. £6,500+VAT ono. D Lunn Tel 07941 072957 (Cambridgeshire)

FAST tow ex army 3.5t trailer, sprung axles with lockable chemical container, used behind Unimog or Land Rover to transport IBC & chem to sprayer, in good condition, great for taking diesel tank to combine, owner retiring. £275 no VAT. P Williams Tel 07966 273748 (Lincolnshire)

2002 Weightlifter 57yd artic bulk tipping trailer, MOT, grain TASCC Assured, PM weigher. £6,400+VAT. M Doubleday Tel 07808 766070/01945 773326 (Norfolk)

SALOP 9t tipping trailer, tips well & has brakes, in good condition apart from couple small holes on front bulkhead, good tyres, has grain chute, south Cambs. £2,250+VAT ono. L Farrer Tel 07766 084808 (Cambridgeshire)

1700hrs vgc £5,450

Massey Ferguson 6480 Tier III c/w loader 2008

Merlo 32.6L Pano handler 4000hrs 10 reg

Massey Ferguson 590 2wd MP 1980 tatty £4,750 Kubota GR2120 4wd mower c/w collector 2016

Gyrax HD2800 topper very heavy duty 2008

Sicma King 4000 4m p/harrow gwo

Kverneland CLD 5m folding cultivator vgc

JCB 412S loading shovel 2000

£2,995

£2,995

£2,750

£6,995

post knockers in stock and ready to go £3,250 Einbock 12m grass harrows £3,995 Low loader trailer twin axle duals c/w front crane £6,995

Massey Ferguson 6290 Powershuttle £18,450

RDA 660 trailed press c/w

Machinery

£25,950 Stewart GX20 Dump Trailer 2023, Hardox body, full spec, vgc

Tel: 07599 552864

27-FOOT x 8' flat bed trailer. £800. S Taylor Tel 07939 047288 (Suffolk)

18-FOOT x 7' flat bed trailer with working light board, wooden boards solid. £650. S Taylor Tel 07939 047288 (Suffolk)

SMALL Tye tipping trailer, sides & bottom rotted, but main frame OK. £50. M Goody Tel 07810 715818 (Cambridgeshire)

COUSINS Type 24 CF LT SB 4m folding press with leading tines, levelling paddles, two rows of 24" rings & tow bar. £3,950. S Taylor Tel 07939 047288 (Suffolk)

TRACTOR trailer dolly, tyres worse for wear but all hard, except one which just needs some air in, now surplus to requirements, south Cambs. £900 ono. L Farrer Tel 07766 084808 (Cambridgeshire)

BAILEY 16t Beeteaper trailer, 2012, roll over sheet, front window, 560 tyres, hyd & air brakes, hydraulic back door with grain chute, only been used for grain, very tidy & straight. £15,950+VAT ono. J Bird Tel 07973 346801 (Leicestershire)

CLAAS JAGUAR 950 4WD £235,000 2021, PU300 i36 grass header,

HORSCH LEEB PT280

£182,400

2017, GPS steering & section control, sprayer operating term, Induction bowl, 1626 spray / 5314 eng hrs / 68977ha, 2 sets of wh, MTU S6 285hp T4 eng, Muller Comfort ISOBUS term, four wh steering, wh track 2.25m, 50 km/hr trans, Michelin Spraybib 480/90R50 row crop wheels, Bridgestone VF710/70R38 flotation

CLAAS VOLTO 870

£7,350

2012, hyd folding, pivoting headstock, CKL suspension, 6 arms per rotor, 8 rotors, 8.7m working width, good condition

Mowers

HORSCH AVATAR 6.16 SD

£99,000 2022, Triple hopper (3000/2000/270l), Seed/fert seed flow sensors, Bout markers, Cat III lower linkage drawbar, Air brakes, 710/50-26.5 floatation tyres, Catching rollers & uniformers, Notched closing press wheels, ISOBUS with screen

CLAAS LINER 4000

£39,950 2018, 15m working width, 4 rotor rake, 620/40 R22.5 tyres, 6 wheel undercarriages, hyd rotor height, a/brakes, external drive lines, ProFix tine arms, well maintained, vgc

KUHN VKM 305 2010, f & r safety flaps, hyd side shift, rear roller, hammer fails, 3m w/w, side skids £4,285

KVERNELAND FXE H 280 2018 MY2019, hyd side shift, hammer flails, counter knife, 1000rpm gearbox, 6 spline PTO, 2.8m w/w, up to 6cm cut dia, opening rear hood £4,375 MASCHIO BUFALO 280 2017, f or r mounted, hammer flails, double skin, toothed counter blade, 1000 PTO, side skids, f & r safety flaps, adj rear roller, hyd offset £5,595

Tractors

CLAAS ARION 420 2018, 40kph, 100hp 5,465hrs, 3 spools, eco PTO, a/c, a/brakes, PUH £36,850

Moisture meter, weigher, 620 tyres, steering axle, air, LED lights, auto lube, 8,878 bales, excellent

COUSINS V-FORM

VARIANT 560 RF £37,500 2023, ex demo 2154 Bales, pick-up with roller crop press width 2.35m, Castor

CLAAS VOLTO 800

£16,950

2020, Subsoiler, 7 leg, hyd folding, f depth wheels - steel, razor ring packer, new wearing metal, will be fitted, r lights, excellent condition, approx. 200 acres, immaculate

CLAAS LINER 3600 HH £29,950

2019, hyd rotor height adjustment, operator control box, 620/40 R22.5 tyres, hyd brakes

£11,950 2023, 6 rotor tedder, 7.7m, Teds 3x 3m mower swaths, Spare wheel and bracket, headland curtain, lights and markers, max spread system, barn stored, only 250 acres, superb condition

KRONE 1400 SWADRO

£21,500

2015, 500/50-17 transport tyres, Krone delta control box, 4 wheel under carriage rotor, manual height adjustment rotor, r work lights, 13.5m raking width, 4 rotors, smart machine in very good condition

CLAAS ARION 640 2008, 50kph, 165hp, 8,950hrs, 4 spools, weights, a/c, a/brakes, PUH, cab suspension

£34,950

CLAAS ARION 640 2009 50kph, 165hp, 5,600hrs, 4 spools, f weights, a/c, a/brakes, PUH, cab suspension £36,950

CLAAS ARION 650 2013, 50kph, 184hp, 8,950hrs, 4 spools, eco PTO, a/c, a/brakes, electric hyd, PUH, Power Beyond, f linkage & PTO £39,800

CLAAS ARION 650 2016, 50kph, 185hp 5,200hrs, 4 spools, f linkage, eco PTO, GPS ready, a/c, a/brakes, electric hyd, PUH, Power Beyond £55,000

CLAAS ARION 650 2017 50kph, 185hp, 4,360hrs, 4 spools, f linkage & PTO, eco PTO, a/c, a/brakes, electric hyd, PUH £64,500

CLAAS ARION 660 2019, 50kph, 205hp, 3,840hrs, 3 spools, flinkage, eco PTO, GPS ready, a/c, electric hyd, PUH, Power Beyond £82,500

CLAAS ARION 630 2020, 40kph, 177hp, 3,000hrs, 3 spools, FL120 Loader, eco PTO, a/c, air brakes, electric hyd, P.U. hitch, loader, Power Beyond £64,950 All prices are excluding VAT & delivery. Nationwide delivery available, please enquire.

CLAAS ARION 650 2020, 50kph, 184hp, 3,500hrs, 3 spools, linkage, eco PTO, a/c, a/brakes, electric hyd, PUH, Power Beyond £71,300

CLAAS

635mm, 500/85R30 r, L& R v knife, C-Bar brake, dust extr, yield/Q Meter, grainmeter, yield mapping, yelematics, CEMOS auto, cruise control, a/comp, power spreader, straw chop, rev camera

CLAAS LEXION 570 £55,000 2007, V660, 3077/2015hrs,800 & 500 tyres, dust ext, QM, in cab control for RotoPlus concaves, GM,fridge, card reader, printer. Price is Ex Yard, not including service & delivery

CLAAS LEXION 670 M £179,950 2017, V770, 1513/959hrs, 500/680 tyres, Montana, laser, C-Bar brake, dust ext, QM, GM, YM,TM ready, air comp, 3D, diff lock, CF reader, printer

CLAAS LEXION 670 TT £189,000 2017, V770, 1435/1072hrs, knife, side risers, 3D, dust ext, 3D, air comp, fridge,TM ready, LED, GPS S7, QM

CLAAS LEXION 750 TT

V750, 30k, 1665/1100hrs, knife, laser, C-Bar brake, dust ext, QM, GM, TM ready, air comp, chopper, chaff, printer, LED

CLAAS LEXION 770 TT £199,500 2017, V1080, 30k, 2005 /1487hrs, LH knife, laser, C-Bar brake, dust ext, QM, GM, YM, C pilot, air comp, power spreader, auto slope, TM ready, leather, LED, discharge adjust

CLAAS LEXION 780 TT £225,500

V1230, 30kph, 2222/1700hrs, twin knives, C-Bar brake, dust ext,QM, GM, YM, TM ready, C pilot, air comp, power spreader, auto

CLAAS LEXION 7700 TT £289,950 2020, V1080, 40k, 1194/856hrs, twin knives, C-Bar brake, F

CLAAS

the serial plate. £1,650 ono. S Bloomfield Tel 07884 115091 (Norfolk)

DEMICO single axle low loader, 1991, c/w front bogie axle, 10t axles, 20t gross, hyd ramps, hyd brakes, wooden floor, in need of a few repairs, lights, etc. £2,500+VAT ono. H Arnold Tel 07818 403088 (Norfolk)

CHIEFTAIN 10m low loader tandem axle, 2011, front bogie axle pivoting drawbar (8t axles), 24t gross, hyd ramps, air spring brakes, tandem 17.5" wheels all round, steel floor front third, Keruing wood on rear 2/3rds, c/w outriggers. £5,750+VAT. H Arnold Tel 07818 403088 (Norfolk)

AS Marston 14t grain tipping trailer, new thick rollover cover, hydraulic lifting, good tyres, hydraulic brakes, manual swinging tailgate, front ladder, good condition. £6,500+VAT. R Rayner Tel 07808 066655 (Cambridgeshire)

AS Marston 8t trailer, very good condition, grain chute, always stored in one of our buildings. £3,300. J Tomkinson Tel 07706 431044 /01449 736395 (Suffolk)

HGV artic curtainsider trailer, 40’ long, 8’ wide, 7’9” internal load space, 1.3m from ground to bed, 1978(?), curtain & buckles in good condition, one tear in curtain, LED lights, hydraulic brakes, 11R22.5 tyres/4 wheels, wood floor.

2003

HENTON

(Oxfordshire)

FW Wheatley trailer with name plate. £275. P Beales Tel 07584 189359/01284 828360 (Suffolk)

TYRES & WHEELS

FLOTATION wheels (4), 650R75-30 Michelin Axiobib tyres, 40% good, no cuts or repairs, strong, heavy duty wheels by Specialist Wheel Services Ltd, all in good condition. £1,500 no VAT. P Williams Tel 07966 273748 (Lincolnshire)

TWO 18.4x38 tractor tyres, one 20% tread, one 50% tread, ideal for dual wheels. £150 ono. B Handley Tel 07821 273987 (Lincolnshire)

BOSTON

COMBINES:

JOHN DEERE: T670i, W540, 9580 WTS, 2066, 2264, 2258, 2058, 1188, 1177, 1166, 1085, 1075, 1065, 985, 975, 965, 955, 952, 950, 630, 530, 8820

CLAAS: Lexion 600, 580T, 570T, 480, 460, 440, 430, 218, 118, 116, 115, 114CS, 108, 106, 105, 98, 96, 85, 76, 70

NEW HOLLAND: CR9080, CR980, TX66, TX68, TX36, TX34, TX32, TF78, TF46, TF44, TF42, 8080, 8050, 8040, 1500’s, 133

MASSEY FERGUSON: 7278, 40RS 38, 34, 31, 29, 27, 865, 760, 750, 665, 504

DEUTZ FAHR: 6090, 4090, 4080,4075, M3630, M3610, M2780, M2680, M1002

LAVERDA: 152, M120 CASE: 1660

TRACTORS:

JOHN DEERE: 8520, 8400, 8200T, 7800, 7530, 7430, 6930, 6900, 6800, 6430, 6110, 3650, 3130, 2140, 2040, 1640

FORKLIFTS:

JCB: 531-70, 530-70, 525-58, 520-4, 414, 926

CLAAS: Targo C50, K50 Ranger

MATBRO: Telestar, Teleshift, 280, 270, 250

MANITOU: 2600, MLT 633

MERLO: 40.7, 30.6 Multifarmer, 28.7, 26.6

JOHN DEERE: 3800, 3420, 3415, 3200

MASSEY FERGUSON: 8295

TEREX: 250

BALERS:

NEW HOLLAND: 1210, 1010S, D1000, BB940, 841, 835, 7070, 750, 740, 654, 650, 644, 640

JOHN DEERE: 680, 644, 592, 590, 582, 578, 575, 550, 342, CASE: RBX435

CLAAS: Quadrant 2200,1200, Rollant 255, 280, 180, 46, 44, Vari, Hesston 4900, 4800, 4750

VICON: LB12000, LB8200, MP800, RV1602

WELGER: D6000, D4000, 520, 435

VICON: LB12000, LB8200, MP800, 1601, RV1602

MASSEY FERGUSON: No.5, 2190, 2170, 2160, 190, 187, 185

SUPERTINO: 60-120

MOWERS:

KUHN: Alterna 500

JOHN DEERE: 328, 228, 131, 1360

POTTINGER: Novacat, Eurocat

KRONE: AM20, 32P, AMT

PAIR of Firestone tyres, holding air when taken off, 30% tread, 650/65R/42. £100+VAT ono. B Beesley Tel 07803 266361 (Leicestershire)

NEARLY new B F Goodrich All-Terrain tyres, 265/65-R17. £695+VAT. P Skinner Tel 07711 405100 (Northamptonshire)

MITSUBISHI L200 pick up, 140000 on clock, great motor, passed MOT no problem. £8,500. J Fisher Tel 07776 474384 (Essex)

FORD Ranger 2002, single cab, good engine 2.5 diesel, spares only. £500. K Smith Tel 07960 049960/01335 330346 (Derbyshire)

ISUZU Trooper 3.1 diesel, spares or repair, R reg, LWB manual, very good engine. K Smith Tel 07940 049960/01335 330346 (Derbyshire)

TRELLEBORG 680/55 26.5, low ground pressure tyres, more photos by request. £200 ono. R Cooke Tel 07932 400804/07931 185775 (Lincolnshire)

VEHICLES

MAN 440 26 TGA Taughtliner, 6 wheeler, drawbar spec, auto, long MOT. £5,000+VAT. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

VOLKSWAGEN Transporter long wheel base Caravelle 2L TDI automatic, air con, parking sensors, 45000mls. £17,500. R Hopkinson Tel 07976 424263 (Lincolnshire)

DEUTZ-FAHR DX 120, 1982, only 3800hrs from new, in working order, sold as seen, c/w spare windows, lights, paint & other bits, with some finishing touches, any questions or to view please call. £7,000 ono. S Lumley Tel 07500 266973 (Suffolk)

MITSUBISHI Shogun LWB, 2005, 170,000mls, MOT Oct 2024, automatic, good condition for age, new battery, radiator & alternator. £2,250 ono. B Handley Tel 07821 273987 (Lincolnshire)

TOYOTA Hi-Lux 4wd single cab, 2010, 101228 mileage, good tyres, serviced regularly. £4,000+VAT. J Williams Tel 07870 193138 (Essex)

ISUZU Dmax Utah, 2015, 74500 miles, all terrain tyres, roller shutter, great condition. £10,250+VAT. N Garratt Tel 07583 316792 (Derbyshire)

MITSUBISHI L200 Barbarian, 18 reg , MOT till Jan 25, just had full service, new brake pads/discs, 4 new tyres, very low mileage 23400. £19,995+VAT. H Taylor Tel 07985 655527 (Norfolk)

DEC 2015 (65) Mercedes Sprinter 313CDI MWB hi roof, silver, towbar, 2143cc, 123,000mls, good tyres, service history, MOT Sept 2024, used to transport horse carriage to shows only, but now purchased dedicated horse box. £10,000 ovno no VAT collected. I Lanham Tel 07971 677060 (East Yorkshire)

ALUMINIUM cab, Daihatsu Fourtrak, 1550mm wide, 1870mm long, 790mm tall. £50. N Black Tel 07944 674733 (Essex)

& CLASSIC

UNIQUE threshing machine, Dania 3D, 1948, c/w straw puncher, has been dry stored & is in good condition for its age.

HOMBURG

Plus

controlled hydraulic controlled functions, 500m pipe, 4wd pipe drive, hydraulic slew

£16,750 JPM low loader trailer, 24’ long, loading skids, sprung drawbar, air & hyd brakes

£10,950 ALPEGO TR 56-280, front & rear 2.8m flail mower, hydraulic offset £8,300

ALPEGO TL33-220 verge mower 2.2m working width, hydraulic right hand offset, wide angle PTO

SPEARHEAD Sniper 280 HD front & rear 2.8m mower, hydraulic offset £7,700

Used Machinery

CLAAS Arion 640 Hexashift 50kph, 2010

POTTINGER 6m power harrow, 2017, good condition

SPEARHEAD Orbital 726T reach mower, 2017, wheel kit

COUSINS 3.5m

Kverneland

McHale 691HB bale handler, several

McHale R5 soft hands bale handler, several

Teagle 8500 Chief feeder bedder

Moulton FY4 yard scraper

Kawasaki Mule Pro DX

Kawasaki Mule Pro MX

Bomford 2.8m flail mower

PlantMec 8’ & 10’ yard brush

PlantMec hydraulic bucket brush

Walter Watson 8’ x 36” flat roll

Walter Watson 10’ x 36” flat roll

Walter Watson 12’ x 36” hydraulic rotating

USED MACHINERY IN STOCK

Deutz 5090D c/w loader

Deutz Agroplus 410 DT front linkage & front PTO

Deutz Agritron 430GS 2500hrs only, 2011

Deutz Agri 110 6 cylinder c/w loader 2008 good condition

Deutz 6185 Powershift 2019 low hrs

Ford New Holland T90 c/w loader

Claas Arion 610C, 2015

Massey Ferguson 5612 Dyna 4 2014 c/w loader, low hrs

Landini 5-110H 2011 c/w loader 2400hrs only

Lely Roterra 4m power harrow

Lely 770 6 row tedder – 2 in stock

Kverneland NGH 4m heavy duty power harrow c/w packer roller, as new, very little work

Dowdeswell 4 furrow good condition

Lemken 4 furrow reversible plough

Kuhn FC202 mower conditioner

Kuhn MDS1141 QL fertiliser spreader

Kverneland 4032 trailed mower conditioner

Kverneland 3m CTS stubble finisher c/w DD packer

Kverneland 4m power harrow, as new, hardly used

Teagle 40/40 tub feeder/bedder

Teagle 80/80 SC feeder/bedder

Teagle 2010 80/80 SC feeder/bedder good condition

Kverneland feeder bedder

Kidd Mk3 Professional Post Bumper as new

McHale 660 2018 round baler x 2

Krone V150 XC baler 18,000 bales c/w ALO trailed wrapper

McConnel 5 leg Shakaerator

Fleming o set 8ft grass topper

Twose 6.3m Cambridge rolls c/w breaker rings

Kawasaki 750 quad bike road legal

Agco DM255/P mower conditioner, very good condition

Bomford TW 4.6m heavy duty batwing grass topper

Bailey 12t trailer, rollover sheets, complete refurb by Bailey 2 yrs ago, as new – 2 available

Welger RP235

PlantMec 319 Q-bedder, 2020

Twose hedge cutter

Hi-Spec

RANSOMES RCC223 heavy cultivator points (as fitted to old drag types), new/unused, non genuine, marked 253. £65/bundle of 5. G Howell Tel 07903 089391/01728 723683 (Suffolk)

MCCORMICK IH434 very original narrow tractor, clean & tidy, serviced, low hrs (3940), starts & runs well. POA. G Brown Tel 07774 676440/01945 700142 (Cambridgeshire)

VINTAGE electric power hacksaw, full working order. £100+VAT. D Driver Tel 07747 016492 (Suffolk)

PETTER AVA1 5.5hp vintage 1T dumper, starts every time. £350. C Naylor Tel 01676 533246 (West Midlands)

ANTIQUE wooden sack weigher, wood treatment done & stained, add a 25kg weight on one side and pop a sack on the other, fill the sack until the base moves & the three pieces at the top are in line. £75. R Rayner Tel 07808 066655 (Cambridgeshire)

DB990 red tractor, needs renovating, a good project. Offers over £1,500. G Dunn Tel 07768 904984 (Cambridgeshire)

AVON HM Tourist Classic car tyres, 5.50-16/80L 4 ply tube type, tread as new, stored out of sunlight, buyer to collect. £20 the pair. A Thomas Tel 07778 532790 (Norfolk)

SELECTION of 15’ x 6’6” four wheel trailers. £300 each. . A Cooke Tel 07899 076774 (Lincolnshire)

LANZ binder, 95% complete, missing drawbar, tractor end of PTO shaft & some sails. £700 no VAT. A Cooke Tel 07899 076774 (Lincolnshire)

INTERNATIONAL Harvester 634, 2wd, 1970, barn find, runner, contact for pictures. £3500+VAT ono. B Beesley Tel 07885 455785 (Leicestershire)

RANSOMES threshing drum, very sound, 54” drum, in good working order. £2,450 no VAT. A Cooke Tel 07899 076744 (Lincolnshire)

FOSTER threshing drum, 54” drum, very sound, excellent working order. £3,850 no VAT. A Cooke Tel 07899 076774 (Lincolnshire)

IH Fairway 12, sound, unrestored, needs rear tyres & seat, high top gear. £1,500 no VAT. A Cooke Tel 07899 076774 (Lincolnshire)

FORDSON N, 1942, good runner, high top gear. £2,300. A Cooke Tel 07899 076774 (Lincolnshire)

CASE L, 1935, good runner & tinwork. £3,000. A Cooke Tel 07899 076774 (Lincolnshire)

FIELD Marshall Series 1, good running order, needs front tyres. £7,750. A Cooke Tel 07899 076774 (Lincolnshire)

FIELD Marshall Series 3A, totally original, excellent runner & tyres. A Cooke Tel 07899076774 (Lincolnshire)

DEUTZ-FAHR DX 4.50, 1984, in full working order, 8000hrs, any questions or to view please call. £7,500 ono. S Lumley Tel 07500 266973 (Suffolk)

DEUTZ-FAHR DX 3.90, 1989, 8000hrs, in full working order, had top half engine rebuild recently, any questions or to view please call. £8,500 ono. S Lumley Tel 07500 266973 (Suffolk)

INTERNATIONAL 955 4wd, 1980, W reg, for work or play, runs well. £7,000+VAT ono. B Beesley Tel 07803 266361 (Leicestershire)

BAMFORD roller & grinder mill, good condition, rollers turn freely. £800 ono. J Bonner Tel 07823 881473 (Northamptonshire)

(East Sussex)

WANTED

10-FOOT flat roll, prefer 30" diameter, but must be good condition. A Crawley Tel 07974 748588 (Hertfordshire) Good Quality Woodland Grown Oak Required. (Not Hedgerow Trees)

We can help with woodland management schemes and felling licences - must be good quality.

Whatsapp photos to 07848 459863 or email to hugh@whippletree.co.uk Call 01763 208966

NORDSTEN NS3040 4m seed drill, Suffolk coulters, piggyback lift type, blue or red type. P Rice Tel 01366 328787 (Norfolk) MASSEY Ferguson 6499 engine side panel, left hand side. D Bastable Tel 07770 273630 (Kent)

430, 510, 520, 530 SPRAYERSWANTED

Bateman and Sands self propelled sprayers

John Deere 00, 10, 20 & 30 Series tractors

Please email your machine to info@jamesmurrell.co.uk or call

MENGELE grass pick up and maize header to fit SH40N, etc, mid 90s onwards please. GDO Howell 07903 089 391 & 01728 723 683, gdohowell@aol. com. 59-103637

01603 712222 Norwich, Norfolk www.jmurrell.co.uk

CLEAN & genuine Case 956XL or 1056XL tractor wanted, to be worked & looked after for nostalgic reasons, if you would like your tractor to go to a good home please get in touch. K Potter Tel 01223 290349 (Cambridgeshire)

01473 691888

The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of agricultural tractors and machinery and be able to demonstrate a professional and enthusiastic approach

• Performing diagnostics, repair and maintenance work on a variety of machines

• Working within our fully equipped workshop and on field service when required

• Knowledge of modern tractor electrics is preferred although training will be given to our franchises including McCormick, NC, Suton, KRM & Ovlac

• Self-motivated and a willingness to learn

• Ability to work on own initiative to a high standard of work

• Overtime may be required during busy periods

• Excellent pay, van provided

• Job Type: Full-time

For more information, please contact Andrew Downing on 01945 410099/ 07850 731409

Seed specialists join Agrovista

Agrovista Seeds has appointed two seed specialists to help meet increasing demand from growers looking for technical

TRAINEE AGRONOMIST

SCOTLAND & SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

We are seeking trainee agronomists to join our well established team. Candidates should be passionate about the agricultural sector.

Apply to join our 2-year Trainee Agronomist programme if you have a qualifcation in Agronomy or Crop Science, or have relevant work experience.

TO APPLY

PLEASE EMAIL OUR HEAD OF HR, WITH YOUR CV: SARAHBARCLAY@PROCAM.CO.UK

WWW.PROCAM.CO.UK

TWITTER @PROCAMUK

manager James Barlow has taken on responsibilities for the East Midlands, East Anglia and the East, whilst northern seed sales manager Marc Lanham is looking after Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland.

James grew up on an arable farm in Nottinghamshire and gained a degree in agriculture at Lincoln University. He joins Agrovista after more than eight years with Gleadell/ ADM Agriculture where he rose through the ranks to become head of seed.

Marc gained an HND in

agriculture at Bishop Burton College. After creating a successful business as a self-employed contractor providing agricultural labour and services throughout Holderness, he joined Nickerson (LG UK) as a seed specialist in 2011 and was promoted to northern seed manager six years later.

make the best variety choices for their farms without having to go through what can be a laborious decision-making process.” decision-making process.” expertise and advice.

James says: “Our main role is working with Agrovista’s agronomists, who are trusted rst points of call for many of our growers. We supply those agronomists with key information to help customers

James Barlow.

Mark Lanham.

Chandlers announces colleague’s sad passing

Chandlers Farm Equipment paid tribute to its ‘friend and colleague’, Wallingford parts manager Phil Harper, who passed away suddenly in early July.

The business operated a skeleton sta on site at Wallingford on the day of the funeral, 11th July. Family owers only were requested, with those

Douglas House children’s hospice.

Managing director Gavin Pell said: “Phil will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The management team at Chandlers would like to pass on our condolences to all his family, friends and customers.”

wishing to make a donation

directed to the Helen &

A post on Chandlers’ Facebook page attracted a number of comments, including one from a customer, George Nielsen Ford, who said: “As a very small customer, he never made me feel any less valued, always went above and beyond to nd spares for brands you don’t even sell! The parts department in the sky has gained an excellent team member, sadly, very much at our loss.”

New lead for NIAB agronomists

NIAB has appointed Dr Mark Fletcher to the new role of head of agronomy services.

Having joined the crop science organisation in early July, he leads a team of 20 agronomists and consultants who deliver technical and consultancy services across the country. He also oversees the translation of NIAB’s wideranging research programme, including member-funded agronomy trials, into on-farm advice to support productive, resilient, regenerative farming for members, customers and stakeholders.

Mark is the primary contact in NIAB’s external interactions relating to strategic agronomic issues, alongside dealing with technical enquiries and production of the portfolio of agronomy publications

available to subscribing members.

Mark joins NIAB from Agrovista where he led the northern agronomy team for the past seven years, advising on an extensive client base on combinable crops, potatoes, vegetables and fruit. Originally from a mixed family farm in Northern Ireland Mark attended Queens University of Belfast and the University of Reading. He has held management positions within British Polythene Industries, Syngenta, Westland Horticulture and Agrii. His research interests include plant physiology, nutrition and disease management. Syngenta, and Agrii. His and disease

Key appointment for QMS

Holly McLennan, a CIPR-accredited public relations practitioner, has been named as Quality Meat Scotland’s director of communications and external a airs. This role will lead QMS’s work in promoting the bene ts of red meat as part of a sustainable Scotland, as well as showcasing its important role in supporting Scotland’s economy.

New rural consultant for SFI

the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate and overseeing internal and external communications at Food Standards Scotland. This included communicating complex and challenging messages to industry, some based remotely and non-English speaking, after events such as EU Exit and the coronavirus pandemic.

Agrovista has appointed Tamsin Roark as rural consultant for the east of England, to help meet increasing demand from farmers requiring guidance on the Sustainable Farming Incentive and other agricultural policy initiatives.

Tamsin has a degree in agriculture from Bishop Burton College and started her career as a barley technician at Limagrain. She later worked at Pilgrim Foodservice, then as a business and performance analyst for three local authorities,

before taking up her role with Agrovista Rural Consultancy in January.

Tamsin, who primarily covers the east of England and part of the Midlands, advises mainly Agrovista customers, working closely with company agronomists who can provide valuable detail on each of their farms and additional advice on which options might work best.

She also works with new farming customers looking for support. Most of her work is SFI related, and she also advises on capital grants and helps with nutrient management plans, which she will take on fully once she is FACTS quali ed. barley technician at

RASE appoints trustee

It is the nal piece in the jigsaw of QMS’s bid to make Scotland the choice for premium red meat.

its journey.”

than a decade of public

Holly brings more than a decade of public relations experience, including leading on communications for the Scottish seafood sector at

She will be responsible for leading a team of seven communications professionals, across a broad suite of specialist functions including market intelligence, reputational risk management, media relations and corporate, stakeholder and public engagement.

She will be responsible across a broad suite of specialist intelligence, reputational relations and corporate,

The Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) has elected Dr Hosein Khajeh-Hosseiny, founder and executive chairman of Trinity Natural Capital, and Trinity AgTech, as a trustee. He will work with the RASE Board to provide guidance and support for the society’s initiatives.

David Grint, RASE chief executive o cer says: “Hosein’s perspective and expertise will be invaluable in guiding our organisation in the next stage of

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the ag sector, as it faces increasing demands to produce more nutritious food with fewer resources and minimising environmental impact. resources and minimising environmental

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