Farming Monthly National April 2024

Farming Farming

Prioritise safety this silage season

Page: 76

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Farming Unions urge major retailers to back British farming

Industry writes to retailer CEOs as challenging spring across the UK brings sharp focus on food security

UK farming Unions are calling on major retailers’ commitment to support the industry during this difficult time in response to extremely challenging and disruptive weather this spring.

Exceptional rainfall and a succession of damaging storms haveimpacted livestock, arable and horticultural sectors and disrupted individual farm businesses the length and breadth of the country.No area of the UK has escaped with lambing, calving, planting and field work all proving very difficult and bringing additional cost to the business.

In a joint letter on behalf of the NFU, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers’ Union, it seeks major retailer commitment to support the industry during this difficult time.The letter states:

“These challenges come at atime when many of our members are already struggling to remain viable due to the perfect storm of sustained and spiralling production costs, low market returns, and increasing levels of regulation. This latest challenge, whilst not new, is more acute than ever, and is compounding the pressure on our members.

“Farmers and growers continue to bear the lion’s share of the risk within their supply chains, and this is unsustainable.We are in discussions with our respective Governments on further support to assist the industry in navigating these short-term challenges, but we also recognise the important role which retailers have to play in helping the industry to withstand this latest crisis.”

The UK Unions ask major retailers to implement the following measures in support of their members:

1. Steadfast commitment to local sourcing: We ask that you honour existing sourcing commitments which you have made with respect to local suppliers. Sending a clear signal of support to these producers would send a powerful message and give comfort at a time where our members’ wellbeing is already under severe strain.

2. Fair Supply Chains: You will understand average food prices in the UK are already some of the lowest in the world despite our members producing it to the highest standards. We ask, therefore, that you respond promptly to any request from our members for a review of the terms of their contracts, including price.

3. Flexibility on product specification: Producing food in these extreme conditions presents a significant challenge and our members will do their utmost to maintain their exceptionally high standards of production. However, in the face of these unprecedented challenges it is possible that what we produce may now not fully conform to the exact specification previously agreed. We urge you to show understanding and flexibility in these circumstances; our food will still be produced to exceptionally high standards of quality and safety.

4. Rapid payment of suppliers: One of the immediate short-term implications for our members is the pressure on cashflow due to the increasing costs of animal health, feed and labour. Therefore, ensuring rapid payment to suppliers across the supply chain will be a significant help to our members to keep their businesses functioning.

5. Promotion of local suppliers: Your customers already have a solid commitment to supporting local suppliers and we know from our own recent research that their commitment is stronger than ever. We ask that you continue your promotional efforts in support of local suppliers; we know that UK consumers want to keep on enjoying the high-quality food which we produce.

6.

The letter concludes: “It is no exaggeration to say that the current challenges are some of the most acute the industry has faced in a very long time, and we need your support more than ever to maintain food production across the UK and safeguard our food security. Our members will continue to work tirelessly in the face of this latest adversity to maintain their high standards of production and welfare that your customers have now come to expect. We now urge you to support our members’ efforts.”

AB Agri announces new managing director at its nutrition business AB Neo

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B Agri has today announced the appointment of a new managing director to lead its specialist neonate nutrition business, AB Neo.

Heidi Burrows assumes the role on 15 April 2024, bringing a diverse breadth of experience to AB Neo following a tenure of over 15 years at sister company, AB Vista, where she held leadership roles spanning commercial, operational and regulatory departments.

On the appointment, Heidi said: “I am delighted to be joining AB Neo as managing director.

As a neonatal business with a strong grounding in research and its own Centre

of Excellence trial farm, AB Neo is uniquely placed to help customers meet the nutritional needs of all young farm animals – today and in the future. We have an ambitious growth strategy, and I am excited to be joining the team as we set off in pursuit of our goals and look to support the business’s growth.”

Following four years as AB Neo managing director, Ian Wellock moves into a role at AB Agri sister company, Premier Nutrition as Senior Pig Nutritionist. Commenting on his appointment, Ian said: “It is a pleasure to be joining the team at Premier Nutrition, it is a thriving business within the AB Agri group and I look forward to being part of its ongoing success.”

Welsh trailer firm helps TV presenter Matt Bakerin new “life-changing” Channel 4 series

AWelsh trailer maker has teamed up with TV presenter Matt Baker in a mission to give an aspiring farmer a “life-changing” opportunity.

In his new Channel 4 series, Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker, the Countryfile and former The One Show presenter follows the journey of seven prospective farming tenants as they try to secure a 10-year tenancy with the National Trust.

Over the course of eight, hour-long, episodes viewers will see the potential tenants being put through their paces in a series of rural tasks under the guidance of some of the country’s leading farming experts to help the National Trust select the applicant who will take on the tenancy.

Having enjoyed a long and trusted relationship with Ifor Williams Trailers over the years, Matt enlisted the Welsh firm to help transport sheep stock to a 340-acre vacant farm on the Wallington Estate in Northumberland so the prospective tenants can prove their credentials in practice.

Matt, who previously bought a livestock trailer from Ifor Williams after returning to the Durham hills

where he grew up to help run his family farm, said: “For a long time I’ve wanted to tell the story of tenant farming in Britain and how it fits in with our agricultural processes.

“I think a lot of the general public areunawareofthe concept of tenant farming and how it works and so I’ve been passionate about this for a long time. With the help of the Tenant Farmers Association I floated the idea with the National Trust who obviously have a lot of tenant farmers and a lot of property and land, they really liked the idea, and we pitched it to Channel 4.

“We’re basically following the selection process of the National Trust as they choose their newest farm tenant.

“We supersized the process of what potential tenants would normally have been doing – which is usually more of a form filling exercise– and made it into a TV series.”

The series examines every skill area the National Trust would require from a new tenant, from stock handling and land management through to wildlife and general conservation.

Matt said: “It’s like a practical job interview. Because it’s on the actual farm they’re looking to take on, the National Trust got to see the hopefuls on that very farm to see what they would do, to see their ideas brought to life.

“With every single task, and every single ‘theme’ they are going through, we brought in experts from that world so they would all leave with the best possible chance of acquiring a future tenancy, because for me, it was very important that those who were unsuccessful learnt from the process.

“All the applicants were all rural experts in some way, shape or form. Nobody was entering into it that didn’t have rural expertise. And every one of them could have been the potential tenant of the farm. In my eyes the selection process was really key in finding that tenant.”

The would-be tenants spent three weeks on the farm, living in the farmhouse and getting stuck into the work required, including lambing through the night.

Viewers will see sheep being transported to the mixed grassland farm via an Ifor Williams livestock trailer. In another episode, the action focuses on a local livestock mart where the trailer is called into action again.

Matt said: “For me, Ifor Williams Trailers is such a part of the rural community that I was delighted we had the authenticity of a good livestock trailer. They’re so reliable, so useful. They have the highest level of craftsmanship. With the design features, they’re just so dependable, reliable and they’re fantastic to tow and easy to reverse, very important when you’re on camera!”

“At the end of each episodetwo tenants are taken for an in-depth, full-on business meeting with the National Trust where they get to discuss at length their visions.

“I’m really proud of it to be honest and I think viewers are going to be fascinated by it,” said Matt.

“At the end of the day, this is a life-changing opportunity – it’s a 10-year tenancy. It’s not like they’re winning a trophy, they’re actually changing their lives.

“The opportunity they have is to acquire their own dream farm. And what they are acquiring let me tell you is a dream farm, it’s absolutely beautiful.”

Previously, Matt used a trusty Ifor Williams Trailers 10x7 TA5 livestock trailer to move sheep around

the country as he sourced different breeds of sheep for his parents’ farm in the Durham Dales.

The journey was documented in his series, Our Farm in the Dales, which followed Matt’s family’s progress as they made vital changes to secure its future for coming generations after his mum, Janice, was injured.

Ifor Williams also stepped in to help Matt tow his rickshaw around the UK in 2021 when he completed his famous charity Rickshaw challenge in aid of BBC Children in Need. They donated a bespoke flatbed trailer to transport the McLarenmade rickshaw from place to place during Matt’s fundraising venture.

Ifor Williams Trailers show manager Dafydd Jones said: “We’ve known Matt and his family a few years now and are always happy to help out when we can.

“We’re proud to be a part of rural life here in Britain and beyond and feel very privileged to play a small role in sharing what makes the countryside special in Matt’s TV projects. We’re really looking forward to seeing the series when it screens.”

Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker is the latest series to emerge from Matt’s production company, Big Circus Media. Other shows include Matt Baker: Travels with Mum & Dad and behind-thescenes documentaries ‘Waitrose at Christmas’, ‘Hotel Chocolat: Inside the Chocolate Factory’and BBC1’s ‘My Life At Christmas’.

Matt said: “Rural television is really important to me. I have grown up in that world, and presented Countryfile for years. The majority of the programmes we’ve done with our production company have been about Britain and the British landscape.

“Tenant farming, was something I really wanted to highlight in a way that will hopefully encourage TV audiences to connect with and for them to see the reality of the ups and downs that go with it.

The eight-part series is being shown on Channel 4 on Saturday nights and Matt is now also looking for aspiring farmers to take over the tenancy of the vacant Llyndy Isaf Farm, a National Trust farm in Eryri (Snowdonia) which will be featured in a second series of Our Dream Farm. Applications close at midnight onSunday, April 14. For more information go to:https://farmapplication.co.uk/

Countryside way ahead on rooftop solar but England's full potential overlooked, reveals CPRE research

• Rural constituencies have almost three times more domestic solar capacity than those in urban areas

• 48 of the 50 English parliamentary constituencies with the highest domestic solar generation capacity are in the countryside

• More solar panels are urgently needed on roofs and car parks in all parts of the country

• Financial initiatives and practical support could help mirror successes in Germany and Japan

People in the countryside are leading the way on solar power generation, reveals new research from CPRE, the countryside charity. 48 of the 50 English parliamentary constituencies with the highest domestic solar generation capacity are in rural areas, reflecting the far higher number of homes with solar panels.

On average, each rural constituency has domestic solar panels with a total generating capacity of 12.5 MW, compared to just 4.5 MW in urban constituencies. But both figures are still far too low to meet the government's net zero targets. They show how opportunities to generate huge amounts of cheap, low-carbon electricity are being missed, something people's purses – let alone the planet –can ill afford. Cost is often a hugely significant barrier, with the average domestic installation bill coming in at more than £6,000

Published today, a new report from CPRE demonstrates that, with the right financial initiatives and practical support in place, the rooftops of homes, warehouses and car parks across the nation could act like clean power stations, cutting carbon emissions, slashing energy bills and protecting our countryside.

The report argues that lessons should be learned from countries including Germany, where cash incentives for installing solar panels are as much as double those offered in the UK, and Japan, where homeowners can have solar panels installed for free in exchange for buying the electricity they generate.

It isn't all about roofs, however. Since 2023, it has been a legal requirement for a canopy of solar panels to be installed on all new car parks in France. CPRE research has shown that installing solar panels on the UK's car parks and new buildings could generate 31 GW, nearly as much energy as ten new nuclear power stations and more than seven times the amount currently produced by rooftop solar and solar farms combined.

Taken together, all suitable roof space and car parks in the UK could generate a whopping 117 GW, substantially more than the government's total solar target of 70 GW by 2035.

CPRE planning and policy lead Jackie Copley said: "We're calling for a rooftop solar revolution. It's unacceptable that developers are not required to include solar panels on all new homes. The time for change has come. The government must set a target for generating at least 60% of the UK's solar energy from rooftops and make it easier and cheaper to install panels on existing homes and commercial buildings."

Favourite television presenter announced as host of a new podcast series for Farmstrong Scotland

Most people know Sarah Stephen from her work as a television presenter. Not everyone will be aware that Sarah - who many still refer to by her maiden name Sarah Mack – runs a successful diversified farming business along with her husband David in Aberdeenshire.

The team behind the wellbeing movement for farmers and crofters, Farmstrong Scotland, were delighted when Sarah agreed to host its exciting new podcast seriesBlether Together.

"Working on the BBC's rural affairs programme Landward gave me a huge insight into rural life, the best part was the interesting people and the huge diversity of businesses that I met along the way. This podcast is going to feature a wide range of contributors who are challenged daily with the ups and downs of making a living in rural Scotland. My aim is to create an environment where our contributors will feel comfortable enough to honestly share their stories.

children. The family's mixed enterprise includes 3,500 breeding ewes, 250 beef cattle, renewables, malted barley, meat boxes and holiday cottages.

"Many will know John as the chairman of Farmstrong Scotland but what we delve into in the podcast is why he is personally so passionate to get the movement set up," reveals Sarah. "Because of the relaxed, intimate style of these podcast chats, this first blether ends up being a very honest discussion about the ups and downs of John's farming life."

Although she thankfully ended up with a very happy childhood, Glasgow-born Sarah didn't know her father, William Watson, who was killed by the IRA while serving with theArgyll & Sutherland Highlanders in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. She didn't learn until later in life that her paternal grandfather had a farm in Perthshire.

Although I'm not born and bred into farmingand if you ask me technicalities of cattle and sheep, I might look a wee bit perplexed –David and I have worked hard to develop our farming business in its entirety and I am delighted to be able to support Farmstrong Scotland with this new venture," said Sarah.

Podcasting continues to skyrocket in popularity, with people liking the flexibility of listening to the recordings at a time to suit themselves rather than being tied to catching a radio broadcast.Blether Togetheris being backed by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, along with continued support from Farmstrong Scotland's founding funders Movember and the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland. NFU Scotland are also supporting the 2024 series as media partners, sharing the episodes with their network to help reach as many people as possible.

"ForBlether TogetherI will be chatting to farmers and crofters across Scotland to learn more about them, their businesses, challenges and the positive steps they take to manage their wellbeing," explains Sarah.

In the first episode, Sarah meets up with fourthgeneration farmer John Scott, who farms in Easter Ross in the Highlands, with his wife Fiona and their four

It was while working at Grampian TV that Sarah met David Stephen, who grew up on a dairy farm near Inverurie. The pair made their home in Oldmeldrum and went on to have four sons. The cattle and sheep farm also grows soft fruit, but it was following an inspiring trip to visit farming friends in New Zealand that Sarah & David instigated further farm diversifications, including a Farmshop, wedding venue and luxury lodges to maximise the opportunities at the historic Barra Castle site.

"As a young girl growing up in Glasgow, I never imagined that I would end up married to a farmer," said Sarah. "But I have found the farming and crofting communities to be very welcoming and I'm very proud to be able to support them through this Farmstrong Scotland podcast. I hope people will enjoy listening to it as much as I am recording it."

Alix Ritchie,ProgrammeDirector forFarmstrongScotland,said it wasa "pinch me moment" to think that within such a short space of time-less than a year fromits launch-that the movementwas launching its very own podcast. "I can't thankSarah and our supporters enough for helping to make this exciting new podcast series happen," said Alix.

"Right at the very heart ofFarmstrongScotland is the notion that to be able to farm and croft wellyouneedto look after yourself,makingthispodcastaperfect fit.Takea little time for yourself andjoinus as weBletherTogether..."

Podcasts will be released monthly, with each one lasting no longer than 30 minutes. They areavailable on all the usual channels, and can also be downloaded by visiting theFarmstrongScotland website.

Farmers: Are you paying the correct minimum wage?

The minimum wage has increased, but employers who are paying salaries rather than hourly rates could be unknowingly offering less than the minimum wage.

“With the increase in minimum wage, farmers who are paying salaries and expecting people to work 50-60 hours a week are in serious danger of paying that person below the minimum wage,” explains Paul Harris, CEO at staff specialist, REAL Success.

And there could be serious fines

if employers are found to be doing this. “For someone working a 55-hour week, which is common in the agricultural sector, the minimum wage for someone over 21 years old would be £32,718.40,” he adds.

“But for someone working 37.5 hours a week, which is more of a standard week, the minimum wage would be £22,308.”

However, if accommodation is provided with the job, there could be an accommodation offset. “This is £69.93 a week, which can be added to the salary if the person is not contributing to the accommodation, and assuming

the person lives in the accommodation full-time,” Paul explains.

“The issue is, the industry needs to face up to the fact that people cannot be working for 10 days on and two days off, with 10-hour days – people need to be working shorter weeks.”

It is a criminal offence for employers not to pay the minimum wage or national living wage. “Farmers need to check now if their staff are being paid the right amount of money.” For

NFU responds to opening of Farming Recovery Fund

After months of extreme rainfall which has created a growing crisis for British farmers across all sectors, the NFU has welcomed the opening of Defra’s Farming Recovery Fund, which was announced in January to support farmers impacted by Storm Henk.

Relentless heavy rain, including from storms like Henk, since October 2023 has left vast swathes of agricultural land saturated and in many cases still under water, with many arable farmers unable to plant crops and losing those that were in the ground.

The rain, combined with unseasonal low spring temperatures, is also having a brutal effect on livestock farmers, with a bleak attrition rate for lambs born this spring already clear.

Initially the fund will be available to a group of areas hit hard by Storm Henk in January. These are Gloucestershire,

Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, West Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.

In welcoming this, the NFU has been particularly pleased that eligibility for the fund will be kept open by Defra for other areas affected, something the NFU had pressed for. Counties under review at this stage are Berkshire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and Derbyshire.

NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said: “People should be in no doubt about the immense pressure UK farm businesses are under thanks to this unprecedented and constant rain. It’s no exaggeration to say a crisis is building. While farmers are bearing the brunt of it now, consumers may well see the effects through the year as produce simply doesn’t leave the farm gate.

“Combined with input costs which have been soaring for

two years, the awful impact of this extreme weather on farmers cannot be overestimated. I have real worries for not just the financial situation of many NFU members, but also the impact this is having on them personally.

“The Recovery Fund is very welcome against this background. Defra ministers who have driven this forward will have the thanks of many of our members for whom it will be a lifeline. I’m also very pleased that ministers have taken the decision to keep eligibility for the fund open for others affected.”

She added: “It’s very encouraging that ministers have been in listening mode on this and have acted on what is not only a terrible situation for farmers to be in, but also a growing issue for UK food security. This is a good start, and I hope Defra will remain open and flexible in recognising the other areas where help is urgently needed given the impact of this endless rain goes far beyond the impact of Storm Henk.”

CABINET SECRETARY VISITS MOOR PROJECT THAT AIMS TO MAKE 'MAJOR CONTRIBUTION' TO NET ZERO JOURNEY

The Scottish Government's Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, has visited one of Scotland's most ambitious peatland restoration, forestry and woodland creation projects and has heard how the scheme will make a major contribution to tree planting and carbon capture targets.

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, visited the Glen Dye Moor Project in Aberdeenshire which expects to capture over 1.4 million tonnes of carbon over its lifetime.

Par Equity ('Par'), the Edinburghbased forestry investment fund manager, and Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc, established the project which is being implemented by Scottish Woodlands Ltd with the support of the Confederation of Forestry Industries (Confor).

The Cabinet Secretary said:"I'm really pleased to have the opportunity to see this landscape sized woodland creation and peatland restoration scheme in its early stages of development.

"Importantly, the visit also provided me with further insight into the care and consideration that a scheme of this size and complexity can face. I was therefore particularly interested to hear about the stakeholder consultation to date, local employment opportunities, and the potential to facilitate education and recreation on the site.

"Added to this, the Glen Dye scheme has the potential to make a major contribution towards Net Zero, whilst also delivering important biodiversity benefits."

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive, Confor, said:"There are few projects that offer the same potential across commercial forestry, native woodland creation and peatland restoration as Glen Dye. This is a scheme that is entirely in keeping with the Scottish Government's own objectives on the journey to net zero."

Ms Gougeon met the project partners on Glen Dye moor and toured site which extends to 6,356 hectares (c.15,700 acres) and sits to the eastern edge of the Grampian Mountains and the Cairngorms National Park, approximately 10 miles south of Banchory in Aberdeenshire.

Tom Croy, Investment Director, Par Equity, said:"We are delighted that

the Cabinet Secretary could see for herself how this project offers a tremendous opportunity to make a major contribution to tree planting, carbon capture and commercial forestry targets. The partners involved are driving forward this project as quickly and effectively as possible."

Neil Crookston, Regional Director, Scottish Woodlands, said: "The feedback from our consultation has been very positive and we look forward to making real strides in getting tree planting proposals approved as soon as possible as we take forward the project."

Following extensive public and statutory consultation, applications are being made to undertake significant peatland restoration work across c.1800 hectares and new tree planting across c.3000 hectares, comprising up to 1,000 hectares of productive conifer and 2,000 hectares of native woodland.

Par and Aviva Investors established an investment fund to acquire the 6,300 hectare site at Glen Dye Moor, with the project forming part of Aviva Investors' focus on decarbonising its real assets portfolios.

Major new cereal fungicide MIRAVIS Plus granted GB authorisation

An eagerly awaited fungicide product that has delivered substantial yield gains in wheat and barley trials has received authorisation for use in Great Britain, confirms its manufacturer, Syngenta.

On 03 April 2024 Syngenta received the official decision by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for the approval of the active substance pydiflumetofen. On 05 April HSE also authorised the product MIRAVIS® Plus, which contains pydiflumetofen, for use on a wide range of arable crops, including winter and spring wheat and barley, says Syngenta cereal fungicide portfolio manager, Lizzie Carr-Archer.

“MIRAVIS® Plus contains an SDHI known as pydiflumetofen (ADEPIDYN® technology) and will be available to the market in a co-pack with the tried and tested triazole fungicide, prothioconazole,” Ms CarrArcher explains.

“More detail on MIRAVIS® Plus will be provided at an upcoming launch, but key points to note include that trials have shown it is extremely effective against the important diseases of Septoria tritici in wheat, and net

blotch and Ramularia in barley. It has also been shown to provide robust potency against Rhynchosporium in barley, and significant reductions in Fusarium head blight in wheat and in DON mycotoxin.

“ADEPIDYN® technology has been undergoing rigorous development in the UK for the last seven years and is already registered and used successfully in many wheat growing countries around the world, Miravis being the leading fungicide brand in the Canadian market. In the UK alone, it has been tested in over 500 trials, with a visible increase in green leaf area retention and significant yield improvement results, including yield increases in barley even in the absence of disease.

“Since announcing ADEPIDYN® technology in GB in 2021, we have had an opportunity to conduct two full years of additional trials. This extensive testing and track record should give added confidence to British growers and advisors looking to use MIRAVIS® Plus in the 2024 fungicide season.”

The NFU is calling for a halt to proposed changes to rules requiring growers pay recruitment fees of workers, which it fears could have a substantial financially damaging impact on farming and growing businesses.

New requirements to SMETA (SEDEX Members

Ethical Trade Audit) workforce audits unveiled this week will require UK farming and growing business to pay for the recruitment and transportation fees of the seasonal workers they employ.

The NFU is calling for the change to be paused until there is proper industry consultation, alignment on how it will be fairly implemented and the financial cost impacts and risks to farming and growing businesses are fully understood.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “I am shocked that a decision such as this, which could have detrimental financial implications on our farmers and growers – already struggling with high input costs, extreme weather events and challenges in the supply chain – has been decided

without the consultation of the people and businesses it will affect.

“We care deeply about the welfare of the skilled people who come to our country to help produce the nation’s food and many horticulture and poultry producers have high numbers of workers return to their businesses each year because they are so well valued. Paying the recruitment fees of workers could mean that many businesses are no longer commercially viableand will drive food price inflation. It is unclear how the change in standard will be applied fairly and transparently across the supply chain.

“Time and time again, we have kept up the drumbeat of the need for fairness in the supply chain, but this total lack of assessment and understanding of how farming and growing businesses will be impacted will undermine that work.

“It is vital that the proposed changes are paused until there is a full consultation with all stakeholders and a full assessment on the impacts the proposed audit changes will have to the commercial viability of growers, food inflation and UK food security.”

Minister right to continue to develop Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales S

oil Association Head of Policy Wales Andrew Tuddenham said: "Rural Affairs Minister Hew Irranca-Davies is right to continue to develop the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and introduce this in 2025 as a delay puts organic and nature-friendly farmers at further significant disadvantage in Wales.

"These farms need specific support to continue to provide benefits to nature, climate and people but they're now receiving less under the Habitat Wales Scheme and the Organic Support 2024 payment than what was previously available through Glastir. Nature-friendly and organic farmers have told us that they may be able to hang on a little longer, but not forever given that their costs are rising. Organic farming is also proven to be a highly effective system for addressing the nature and climate

emergency as its the only standard that bans the use of artificial nitrogen and severely restricts the use of pesticides.

"The area of land managed organically in Wales dropped by 7% last year. Its therefore encouraging to hear the minister recognise the need for certainty for farmers and commit to provide this in the next few weeks. In particular, we want to see confirmation of specific support for organic in the SFS. We're calling for SFS Optional actions to be available in 2026 - to give organic and naturefriendly farmers a clear choice. And we want to see a detailed transition plan for the SFS that clearly sets out what transitional schemes, SFS layers and SFS actions will become operational during transition and what will happen to legacy schemes during this time."

Nature may impact GDP - the folly of investing in industrial farming

Damage to the natural environment is slowing the UK economy and could have a bigger impact on GDP than the global financial crisis or Covid-19according to a new report led by the Green Finance Institute.

The report warns that the farming sector is facing higher levels of nature-related financial risk and labels the declining health ofsoils- which are vital for food production - as a "chronic" and "ongoing" risk.It also warns of the impact of declining pollinator numbers.

In response to the findings, the Soil Association is calling for investors and governments to back nature-friendly farming.

Soil Association Policy Director Brendan Costelloe said: "This report shows that we cannot survive without nature and highlights the folly of investing in industrial farming practices that deplete the wildlife we depend on to produce food. UK food production, and every business which depends on that, is threatened by the catastrophic declines in wildlife we are seeing and by degradation of one of our most vital resources for survival – soil.

"Farmland makes up 70% of Britain and we can't fix the decline in nature and reduce the associated financial risks without a transformation in food and farming. Many farmers are working with nature and many more are keen to do. But we remain too dependent on over-intensive, chemical-reliant methods that destroy habitats such asindustrial livestock systemsfed on imported soy.

"These new findings are a rallying call to investors to back nature-friendly farming. If they want to safeguard our precious natural capital and secure long-term returns on their investments, they must divest from agricultural practices that drive biodiversity decline, and invest inagroecologicaland organic farming that allows food production and nature to flourish together, while also delivering resilience in the face of climate change.

"It is also vital that the government acts on its promise to deliver a land use framework, which can help to scale agroecological farming across the country and give greater protection from harmful farming to sensitive locations. The consequences of not acting now are dire, for the whole of society."

New Manifesto to support Agricultural Contractors

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has today launched a new manifesto to ensure that the importance of contractors is recognised in agricultural policy across the UK.

Over 91% of farms use a contractor and many farmers are now reliant on their services.

Three key asks have been identified including: Policy and decision makers must consider the role of contractors. This cannot be underestimated, and it is essential that our farmers ‘without’ land are recognised alongside their fellow farmers ‘with’ land in policy and funding opportunities.

Contractors and farmers should be allowed/trusted to use their skill and professionalism to judge when inputs can be applied. This should not be managed by calendar dates set in Government legislation and guidance, which take no account of changing climate.

they are leading a new era of professional land managers and need to be recognised in all relevant policy development. This is especially important as our sector, like farmers, continue to suffer due to the wet winter and spring’.

The manifesto considers a number of additional issues which are also impacting on the industry, including requests:

Contractors must remain at the forefront of Government funding and policy to bring forward new technology in agriculture.

Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive commented, ‘In the run up to an election it is important to reflect on the vital input of our sector - as contractors may be ‘farmers without land’ but

• Government support is needed to cultivate the next generation of farm staff, whether working for contractors or farmers. Investment in training needs to extend to contractors to provide the next generation of technical operators on UK farms.

• To retain a focus on food security and ensure that productive farmland can be used for sustainable farming.

• The safety and mental health of our sector is supported by Government, with awareness of the pressures faced in agriculture.

• It is critical to the future of our soils to provide pump-prime funding for land drainage and encourage farmers to make this a priority. Drainage is the building block of all soil management and without welldrained soil, management techniques such as regenerative farming and direct drilling will struggle to be successful on some soil types.

Pictures by Mandy Jones

HarvestPro and Digital applicator

In the dynamic realm of agriculture, innovation serves as the cornerstone of progress. For hay and straw producers, ensuring the quality and nutrient richness of their yield is paramount to success. In this pursuit, the integration of cutting-edge technology becomes indispensable. Enter PFC (profitable farming company) and their groundbreaking solutions: the HarvestPro Precision Microwave Moisture Meter and Digital Preservative Applicator. Together, they revolutionise the process of baling hay, offering producers a path to enhanced security and superior product quality.

At the heart of this transformative duo lies the HarvestPro Precision Microwave Moisture Meter. Crafted with precision by our partners in Denmark, this device provides real-time moisture readings, empowering producers to optimise baling conditions with unparalleled +/- 0.5% accuracy and adding an average of one hour per day to your baling time. Gone are the days of guesswork and uncertainty; with this advanced tool, hay and straw producers can achieve optimal moisture levels consistently, resulting in superior bales each time. The brilliance doesn't stop there. By harnessing the power of the HarvestPro Precision Microwave Moisture Meter, producers gain the ability to preserve the integrity of their harvest throughout the baling process. By accurately determining moisture levels, they can make informed decisions regarding the application of preservatives, ensuring maximum efficacy without the risk of under or over application. This not only enhances the quality of the final product but also extends its shelf life, reducing the risk of spoilage and waste.

receiving the optimal level of protection against mould and spoilage.

The significance of this combination cannot be overstated, especially in the context of hay and straw production. As staple components of livestock feed, the quality of these products directly impacts the health and productivity of livestock. By utilising the HarvestPro Precision Microwave Moisture Meter and Digital Preservative Applicator from PFC, producers can ensure that their animals receive a nutrient-rich diet free from contaminants, promoting optimal growth and performance.

Moreover, for producers operating commercially, the economic implications are substantial. For straw producers it opens the weather window when we have a season like 2023 and allows operators to bale closer to the combine in confidence. Clearing fields before impending rain or dew as the evenings draw in by maximising the quality and longevity of their product, they can command higher prices in the market, thus increasing profitability and securing long-term sustainability.

The reduction in spoilage also translates to significant cost savings over time, further bolstering the financial viability of hay and straw production operations.

Beyond economic benefits, the adoption of these cutting-edge technologies represents a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By minimising waste and optimising resource utilisation, producers can minimise their ecological footprint, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

When the HarvestPro Precision Microwave Moisture Meter is paired with PFC's Digital Preservative Applicator, the applicator offers precise control over preservative application rates, further enhancing the preservation process. With customisable settings tailored to the specific needs of each baling operation, calibration depending on liquid viscosity and high-capacity pumping system delivering up to 10L/min producers can rest assured knowing that their hay and straw are

In conclusion, PFC's HarvestPro Precision Microwave Moisture Meter and Digital Preservative Applicator represent a paradigm shift in hay and straw production. By combining advanced technology with precision engineering, they offer producers a pathway to enhanced security, superior product quality, and increased profitability. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, embracing innovation is not just a choice but a necessity. With PFC's groundbreaking tools at their disposal, hay and straw producers can embark on a journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

Cycling farmer and forager to cover 1000 miles across Britain for charity

Somerset farmer, Nick Bragg, of Frogmary Green Farm, is embarking on an extraordinary cycling challenge alongside a Krone BiG X forager, to raise awareness and funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

The challenge involves a 1,000-mile route starting at Northumberland County Show on 26 May, travelling south via Suffolk Show on 30 and 31 May, before finishing at the Royal Cornwall Show on 5 June.

Mr Bragg explains the ambitious journey will span multiple counties and stop at several farm shops and Krone dealerships, to gather local community support and raise nationwide awareness of RABI’s vital work.

“In 2019 I cycled 3,000 miles across Canada for the charity, so I was ready for the next challenge. Lots of people have cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End, so I wanted to go one step further by using the forager to symbolise the agricultural community’s strength and resilience,” he says.

“With the support of Krone, we designed the event to engage a wide audience, beyond the farming community, and hope to collaborate with both farming personalities and celebrities to help garner support.”

The 11-day route has required careful planning to accommodate both cyclists and Mr Bragg’s 3.2m wide Krone BiG X forager, neither of which are allowed on the motorway.

He explains the mapped route consists of

multiple hills, totalling an elevation of over 5,000ft, making the journey extremely tough yet inspiring.

“I’m clocking up around 20 hours of fitness training a week to prepare myself for the challenge. I just really hope it’s not still raining by then!” adds Mr Bragg.

Also cycling the route for support will be three of Mr Bragg’s farming friends, while a wide range of drivers will take the wheel of the forager.

With the support of key sponsors, the challenge aims to raise over £10,000 for RABI and donations can be made via: https://www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cycling-farmer-vskrone-forager?utm_term=dPYpM7zXk. RABI regional manager, Zoe Gascoyne, applauds Mr Bragg’s determination: “The challenge is an enormous undertaking in aid of the farming community across the UK and RABI is gratified to be the recipient of the funds raised.”

To officially launch the challenge, Northumberland County Show secretary, Kerry Robson explains the forager will be leading the procession of ‘tractors through the ages’ display in the Show’s main arena on 25 May.

“We are excited to showcase the BiG X at the show and support the vital work RABI does for the local community,” she says.

The team will be travelling the following route and are encouraging the public to visit them at each stop.

• 25-26 May – Northumberland County Show

• 27 May – Fodder Farm Shop, Great Yorkshire Showground

• 28 May – Butterlands Farm, hosted by Kelvin and Liz Fletcher

• 29 May – Sharmans of Grantham

• 30-31 May – Suffolk Show

• 1 June – Adcock Agri, Chelmsford

• 2 June – Goodwood Farm Shop

• 3 June – Dorchester

• 4 June – Compass Tractors, Bridgwater

• 5 June – Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, Lifton

• 6 June – Royal Cornwall Show

If you are unable to see Mr Bragg and the forager on their route, they will also be on the Krone stand at the Royal Welsh Show from 22 to 25 July.

You can also follow the challenge via Krone and Frogmary Green Farm social media or by following the hashtag #CyclingFarmerAndForager.

Labour’s housebuilding policy announcement –comment from Leaders Romans Group / Boyer

In relation to Keir Starmer setting out his policy for housebuilding today, planning, land and new homes experts from Leaders Romans Group (LRG) have provided some comment.

Lawrence Turner, Director, Boyer

"As the UK's housing crisis continues to worsen, the need for a joined-up approach to deliver more homes is urgently required. Addressing the housing crisis needs to encompass the use of brownfield and greenfield sites, the establishment of new settlements and the carefully considered release of Green Belt land. The latter is something that the current Government has avoided for the last 14 years. Kier Starmer is correct when he says: 'We cannot build the homes Britain needs without also releasing some land currently classed as greenbelt'.

"It is important to recognise that Green Belt land does not solely comprise areas of pristine countryside. In fact, many Green Belt areas are used for industrial purposes, golf courses, or intense agricultural activities – which Keir Starmer refers to as "grey belt." This distinction is crucial, as it dispels the misconception that all Green Belt land is environmentally valuable and must be preserved at all costs.

"The concept of Green Belts was initially introduced in the 1950s and 60s in conjunction with the establishment of New Towns. However, no New Towns have been built since the 1960s, yet Green Belt land continues to be vigorously protected. This has resulted in a situation where the most sustainable locations for housing development, close to job opportunities and amenities, remain untouched within the Green Belt, while development sprawls out into less sustainable areas in the open

countryside.

"In 2008, the Labour Government's Regional Spatial Strategies identified sustainable locations for new homes and proposed the release of Green Belt land for development. Unfortunately, the rise of the Localism agenda in 2010 led to the revocation of regional planning and with it a significant reduction in housing delivery and Green Belt release – and the housing crisis has only deepened in the years since. This highlights the dire need for a proactive approach to addressing the shortage of housing in the UK.

"Releasing Green Belt land for housing development could potentially unlock new opportunities for sustainable, well-planned communities. By focusing on infilling within existing urban areas and utilising brownfield sites within the Grey Belt, we can minimise the impact while still meeting the demand for new homes."

Tim Foreman, Managing Director of Land and New Homes, Leaders Romans Group (LRG):

"While I agree with much of what Keir Starmer is saying, I'm not sure if there is anything terribly revolutionary in it.

"We have heard talk like this before from governments but the problem is that when planning applications go in on this type of land, they are held up for years or refused at a local level.

"The ideas are good but the policy must have some teeth to make sure that the land is released in a timely manner to help with the chronic shortage of homes.

"I also am slightly worried about the proposal that 50% of the homes built on this land are designated Affordable

Homes. Tis percentage seems to keep creeping up and with the current high cost of materials and labour already affecting our sector I am worried that development sites will be financially unviable if they have to provide this percentage of affordable homes.

"I think our problem is serious enough that a housing task force needs to be set up with a clearer plan on what the mission is and more authority to step in if things are held up."

Ian Barnett, National Land Director, Leaders Romans Group (LRG)

"Keir Starmer's announcement about building on the Green Belt attracted some contentious headlines. A sensible discussion on the Green Belt is long overdue. But can it remain sensible in this febrile environment?

"We must move away from images of 'concreting all over the Green Belt'. The idea that housing developments are primarily 'grey' may been true of post-war development when the Green Belt was introduced, but is not today. As a result of changes in approaches to development today, new communities have the potential to be attractive, primarily 'green' spaces which significantly boost both the aesthetic and biodiverse qualities of the land.

"Furthermore, we must look again at the definition of the Green Belt. As Starmer quite accurately pointed out, much of it isn't even green: contrary to a widely-held belief that the Green Belt is a bucolic ring of verdant countryside open to all, much of it is inaccessible and/or preserves and protects unattractive edge-of-settlement brownfield sites – those which have potential for sustainable development.

"We have seen so many changes since the Green Belt was first introduced, including the New Towns programmes of the 1960s and 1970s – places like Milton Keynes, Basingstoke and Crawley were villages when the Green Belt was first

introduced.

"It is therefore imperative that the Green Belt is reviewed in order to deliver enough homes in the right places and protect land that deserves to be protected. But because development is so sensitive, so complex and has so much scope for subjectivity, a review of the Green Belt can only be delivered though a national or at least a strategic regional plan, led by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities. The Green Belt began as a national policy and must remain as such.

"It is important to note that a review of the Green Belt does not necessary mean a reduction in the Green Belt, which is how it is often presented. It means that that areas worthy of protection are included and those – such as the car park that Keir Starmer referred to in his speech – are potentially repurposed, and quite possibly in such a way that increases their aesthetic value.

"To gain political and public support, the Green Belt needs to be reframed on the basis of expansion. Since 1955 when the Green Belt was introduced, the UK population has grown from 51,063,902 to 68,497,907. The housing crisis demonstrates a desperate need for sustainable new settlements and we have adequate measures, such as AONB and conservation area status, in place to ensure that this is done sensitively. We need to move away from the idea that there's something intrinsically unattractive about development: twenty well designed houses, in sympathetic landscaped surroundings can benefit the natural environment, rather than detract from it.

"I believe that Keir Starmer is very much on the right track in accepting that the Green Belt must be reviewed to address the housing crisis. I believe it is possible to expand the Green Belt overall, while also delivering more homes. But a strategic approach is the only way in which this can be achieved."

E-Tickets now on sale for Pembrokeshire

E-Tickets are now on sale for this summer’s Pembrokeshire County Show, the largest county agricultural show in Wales. Preparations are coming together well for what is set to be a fantastic two days of livestock, competitions, attractions and much more.

General entry tickets for the show, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, 14 & 15 August, are now available at an ‘early birds’ rate online from the website. Ticket prices have had to increase slightly to cover costs but still remain below 2019 charges. The early bird rate for Adults is £15, children £8 (5-16 years), Carers as well as children four years and under are free. Please visit: www.pembsshow.org to purchase your e-tickets.

Adam Thorne, President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society said, “At the event in August visitors will be able to tickle their tastebuds in the Castell Howell Food Hall, marvel at the livestock classes, enjoy watching the dog agility, be wowed by the showjumping, explore the horticulture, arts and crafts entries. Shop ‘til they drop in the Country Market area, which will showcase over 40 quality local and award winning product and craft stalls and much more.”

Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society

Membership packages are also available and these include admission to the Show and the Members’ Area. Purchasing membership of the society will support its aim to promote, advance and improve

agriculture, horticulture and rural crafts and skills by the improvement of livestock and the demonstration and showing of livestock, machinery, crafts, products, methods and processes connected with agriculture and agricultural education in particular by the holding of an annual show. Full details are available on the website: Become A Member | Pembrokeshire County Show | Pembs Agricultural Society (pembsshow.org)

Pembrokeshire County Show 2024

Putting together this event is hard work and requires an enormous effort by the staff, volunteers and trustees of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society. The Society is indebted to so many for their commitment and support in helping host the event.

A special mention must go to the county show sponsors. Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is proud to have many local, regular, sponsors who make the event possible.

Sponsorship Director, Richard Cole, said, “Sponsorship and Pembrokeshire County Show have been a successful combination for the last 45 years. Sponsors have enjoyed promoting their businesses through the varied mediums of banners, announcements, show rings, buildings, equine and livestock classes and championships over the years. It isn’t too late. If you'd like to discuss becoming a corporate sponsor please complete the form on our website: www.pembsshow.org

PERFECT STORM WARNING FOR BYDV INFECTIONS IN SPRING BARLEY

The mild and wet conditions which have dominated the first three months of 2024 could culminate in a perfect storm for BYDV (barley yellow dwarf virus) infections in spring barley.

That is the warning from Dr Bill Lankford, herbicide and insecticide technical specialist at ADAMA, who explains that an early aphid migration is predicted to coincide with when crops are at their most vulnerable.

“In England, the first aphid migration of the year rarely threatens spring barley, as crops are usually far enough ahead that they have advanced beyond their most susceptible 2-5 leaf growth stage,” Dr Lankford explains.

“However, the mild conditions in January, February and March mean temperatures rarely fell below the minus 5oC needed to reduce aphid populations. And, whilst the majority of spring barley would normally be sown and out of the ground by the end of March, large areas are still to be drilled, leaving a significant potential for aphids to find and infect new seedlings as soon as they emerge.”

The latest modelling work from Rothamsted Research suggests that the first flights of Bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) are predicted to take place in the first half of April in England, with Grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and Rose-grain aphid (Metopolophium dirhodum) expected to follow soon after.

“That’s two to three weeks earlier than normal, with the number of aphids also predicted to be in the top 25% of historical levels,” Dr Lankford continues. “As such, there’s a high risk that barley plants could become infected with the BYDV virus almost as soon as they emerge from the seedbed, with subsequent aphid migrations exacerbating the problem by spreading the virus further into the field.”

To protect yields, and the potential for crops to attain a malting premium, growers are advised to factor a suitable aphicide treatment into their early season spray programmes.

“In Ireland, where the convergence of aphid activity and crop emergence occurs more frequently, yield losses of 0.5-1.0 tonnes per hectare are commonplace in untreated crops, so it’s worth protecting crops from the outset,” Dr Lankford continues.

Grain aphid migration is predicted to start early this year, putting

Assuming the aphid population threshold is exceeded, the best line of defence is to apply an insecticide when the crop is at growth stage 13-14, with Dr Lankford recommending the use of a pesticide with a lower impact on the beneficial insects which feed on and, therefore, help to control pest populations.

“In situations where a pyrethroid pesticide is deemed necessary, MAVRIK® (240 g/litre taufluvalinate) not only provides fast-acting contact control of aphids in cereals, but also has a lower residual impact on beneficial insects compared to other pyrethroids,” Dr Lankford explains.

“This reduced toxicity enables populations of advantageous insects such as ground and rove beetles, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybirds and parasitic wasps and flies to recover more quickly after crops have been sprayed, therefore ensuring there’s a strong population of predators ready and able to contribute to the control of any subsequent influxes of aphids. MAVRIK also has the added advantage of being very fast-acting which means it halts feeding damage quickly.”

MAVRIK also remains stable at higher temperatures compared to alternative insecticides, with work carried out at BTL Bio-Test Labor Gmbh Sagerheide in Germany showing that temperatures above 15oC reduced the efficacy of lambda cyhalothrin CS formulation against Grain aphids. “Meanwhile, aphid knockdown and the persistence of MAVRIK continued to be robust at 20 and 25oC, which makes it the more effective option if and when the mercury finally starts to rise,” Dr Lankford concludes.

spring barley at increased risk of BYDV infection.

Optimising the Future of Tillage

Experience precision farming like never before with the introduction of E-Services for TopDown and Opus.

Now these machines can seamlessly utilise prescription maps for automatic, in field machine adjustments.

Alternatively, with a touch of a button the driver can dynamically adjust the working depth or intensity of the discs, tines, levellers or packer while in operation.

Arable supply chain in focus on new Cereals seminar stage

Tracing the arable supply chain – from seed in the field to products on the shelf – is the theme of a brand-new seminar stage at this year’s Cereals Event (11-12 June 2024).

Created in partnership with leading industry associations, the Seed to Shelf stage, sponsored by KWS, will host two full days of informative seminarsfrom plant breeders, agronomists, farm contractors, and farmers through to grain marketers, processors, retail brands and retailers.

“We understand the critical role the arable supply chain has in producing sustainable food sources that feed our country now and for future generations, and we are delighted to be the sponsor for the Seed to Shelf feature at Cereals 2024,” says Dr Kirsty Richards, conventional crops product manager at KWS.

“The schedule is full of informative seminars that explore a range of diverse topical matters that all impact the future of agriculture. We look forward to seeing you there.”

The jam-packed programme will kick off with opening remarks from NFU president Tom Bradshaw and Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries, Mark Spencer, followed by what

looks to be a lively panel discussion on regenerative agriculture and the future of crop breeding.

Among the panellists is Bill Angus of Angus Wheat Consultants Ltd, who says the topic of regenerative agriculture always makes for a contentious debate due to the many interpretations of the phrase. “My definition is that regenerative agriculture is what farmers should have been doing for the past 30 years or so but were incentivised not to do it. So now, we have to repair the damage of past agricultural policies.”

As far as the future of crop breeding, Bill feels a shift in how varieties are marketed will drive forward innovation. “Ultimately, a lot of varieties are bred for the Recommended List. Therefore, there has to be a mechanism where breeders are incentivised – not necessarily financially – to develop different traits. The genetic variability is absolutely there though.”

This session will be followed by an update on the latest advances in crop protection, nutrition and agronomy, chaired by Agronomist & Arable Farmer editor, Richard Lawrence.

Getting seed into the ground and up and away requires good kit, and a panel discussion with key

figures from big-name manufacturers will ask how machinery can help growers meet sustainability targets.

Lancashire farmer and Youtuber Olly Harrison is also set to appear on the panel. “Machinery manufacturers have recognised that they’ve got to be producing sustainable machinery,” he comments. “Some of the technology that’s available on drills now, for example, allows us to use no-till techniques to protect the soil which is vital. I’m looking forward to hearing more from the manufacturers about their plans for the future and the direction which machinery is heading in.”

Keeping with the machinery theme, the NAAC will head up a session on the economics of using a contractor, while recruitment specialist Guy Moreton will be discussing how to recruit the next generation across the whole supply chain.

Session

Welcoming remarks

Turning focus to the business end of the supply chain and Charlie Reeve, Farmers Weekly business reporter, will be joined by grain traders and other key industry experts to discuss what’s happening in global grain markets, and the direction of travel for UK prices.

RegeneraFveagriculture and the future of crop breeding

discussion on the merits of that.”

Seminars are an important part of the offering at Cereals, concludes event manager. “The sessions are renowned for raising thought-provoking questions on some of the biggest challenges and scenarios the industry faces. Having a dedicated space for the first time to delve deeper into the breadth of the supply chain will no doubt be invaluable for visitors.”

• For the most up to date programme and speaker line up, visit https://www.cerealsevent. co.uk/seed-shelf-stage-sponsored-kws

• Register for Cereals Event and the inaugural DirectDriller@Cereals Event at it www. cerealsevent.co.uk

Confirmed speakersso far Agenda

Mark Spencer, Minister for food, farming & fisheries, Defra

Tom Bradshaw, President, NFU

EmmaGillbard, Deputy arable editor, Farmers Weekly

Openingremarksfrom the secretary of state and the NFU president

Interlinking all of these topics is the growing influence the environment – and its protection – is having right the way across the supply chain. But what are future prospects when it comes to green premiums?

This year’s Cereals Event will raise the question in a session chaired by Farmers Weekly editor Andrew Meredith, joined by experts from the oat, wheat, and barley markets who will share their perspectives on the future of green premiums.

CropprotecFon, nutriFon and agronomyupdate

“What we have continually heard from producers in recent years is they are willing to adapt to market requirements if the reward is adequate,” says Mr Meredith.

Farmto fork: How machinery canhelp growers meet sustainability targets

“It has been encouraging to see innovation in the marketplace already from startups like Wildfarmed and new schemes from established players, like Carlsberg.

“I hope our panel of experts will be able to share insights on whether the majority of cereal growers should expect to have to comply with additional growing standards linked to environmental outcomes in future and have a lovely

Kim Hammond-Kosack, Leaderof FuncFonal Genomics, Wheat Pathogenomics, WGIN and PHI-base, Rothamsted Research

Bill Angus,Co-founder, AngusWheat Consultants Ltd

Henry Barber,Plant breeder, KWS

Anthony Hopkins, Headof policy & businessmanagement, BriFsh Societyof Plant Breeders

RichardLawrence, Editor, Agronomist & Arable Farmer Magazine

MaT Tilt, Editor,Farm Contractor & Large ScaleFarmer Magazine

Olly Harrison, Lancashirefarmer and YouTuber

StephenHowarth, Council secretary, Agricultural Engineers AssociaFon SimonBrown, Managingdirector, Amazone Ltd

Nigel Honeyman, HarvesFngmarkeFng specialist, New Holland Agriculture

Paneldiscussion covering key topicsrelaFveto the future of plant breedingincluding the importance of regeneraFve agriculture to breeders,the place for heritage geneFcs, using geneFcsto increase tolerance to pests,diseases and weeds,aswell asthoughts on geneFcmodificaFon.

Anupdate on the latest advancesin crop protecFon, nutriFon andagronomy.

Apanel discussion on machinery developments and how these canhelp growers meet the growing number of requirementsto farm more sustainability.

TheQ&A part of this session will alsogivevisitors an opportunity to speakdirectly to manufacturersregarding what they needfrom machineryof the future.

SUBSTANTIAL REMEDIAL WORK NEEDED TO RESET MAIZE GROUND AFTER WET WINTER

Effective soil preparation will be vital to ensuring that this year’s maize crops get off to the best possible start. That is according to Simon Montgomery, Technical Lead of ProCam’s Field Options division, who warns that the exceptionally wet winter could have done significant damage to land earmarked for maize.

“After several months of waterlogged conditions during which large areas of maize ground have been sitting under several inches of water, soils will need a lot of work to get them into the best possible condition ahead of drilling,” Simon Montgomery explains.

The main effects of the winter’s remarkably wet conditions will be soil compaction, silting and nutrient losses.

“Soil compaction will be especially bad on ground

which was harvested in wet conditions last autumn, or where farmyard manure has been carted onto wet fields in readiness for spring spreading,” Simon continues. “The wet conditions will also have caused valuable nutrients to be leached out of the soils, and for those left bare over the winter to silt up and become anaerobic.

“The extent of the damage will vary from field to field and according to topography and soil type, but it’s safe to assume that the majority of maize ground will need at least some remedial management to ensure the new cropping cycle starts well.

“The quickest, simplest and most cost-effective way of determining soil condition is to grab a spade and dig a test pit in a handful of locations per field.”

Beyond visual inspections to assess the physical damage incurred, Simon also recommends soil sampling to understand the extent to which nutrients have been lost: “Residual nutrient reserves will have been depleted by leaching, so it’s a worthwhile investment to get soils tested properly,” he explains. “The key is to test not only for soil-stock nutrient levels of the main macro- and

Soils damaged during last year’s wet maize harvest will need significant work ahead of the new drilling season.

micro-nutrients, but also to test for plant-available nutrients. Analytical services such as ProCam’s SoilSense test will give a more in-depth understanding of the soil, its potential, and how it should be managed.”

Mr Montgomery also explains that growers shouldn’t rush back into fieldwork too soon. “It’s understandable that farmers and contractors will want to start fieldwork as soon as possible, especially as workloads are already under pressure due to the wet conditions. But it doesn’t make sense to travel on land until it is able to withstand heavy machinery.

“Where possible, wait for the conditions to improve sufficiently. Otherwise there’s a danger of inflicting further damage onto already compromised soils.”

When conditions are right, growers should focus on aerating soils to remediate the anaerobic conditions. “Incorporating manure will help to improve soil structure, but the worst affected ground might require an extra cultivation pass to break up the more severe cases of compaction or silting. Either way, there’s no point skimping at this stage in proceedings.”

Mr Montgomery concludes that workload planning could also be a challenge this spring. “Cropping schedules and workloads are likely to be

As well as producing a second forage crop, under-sowing maize with ryegrass or Westerwolds also helps to protect soil structure at harvest.

significantly hampered this spring, especially if conditions remain cool and wet for the next few weeks. There’s a danger that this year’s window for maize drilling could coincide with first cut silage making. If this happens growers should prioritise the latter to ensure they gather a good first cut of grass before focusing on maize drilling.

“If drilling is delayed by more than a week, a starter fertiliser will help the crop to catch up, but growers might also want to look at a slightly later variety of maize to suit the season’s conditions. However, there’s always a chance that the most popular varieties will sell out, so plan ahead wherever possible.

“Undersowing maize with ryegrass or Westerwolds to protect soils at harvest, and to produce a secondary forage crop, is also worth considering this year, especially if harvesting is likely to be pushed back as a result of late drilling. Grass seed can be sown between the rows of maize when the main crop is at the 4-6 leaf stage and after weeds such as fat hen and redshank have been taken out.”

For more information about maize varieties, how and when to under-sow, and SoilSense, visit https:/ /www.field-options.co.uk

Optimise your yield with Atfarm

Precision is the name of the game when it comes to ensuring crops are getting the right nutrients. However, factors like wet weather can make this more complicated for farmers. Natalie Wood, Yara's Agronomy Operations Manager, discusses how Yara's Atfarm system helps make farmers' lives easier and enables them to make better management decisions. Particularly when it comes to fertiliser applications.

Take away the guesswork with Atfarm

Excessive rainfall can make it difficult for farmers to calculate exactly what nutrients their crops need. The very wet autumn and winter has meant soils have been without oxygen, and anaerobic soil conditions means farmers need to think differently about managing their crop nutrition. The good news for them is that tools like Atfarm take away the guesswork.

"We don't necessarily know how much mineralisation has happened over winter due to different factors such as the temperature and amount of rainfall," says Natalie. "However, we can use systems like Atfarm and the tools within it to

get a definitive value about how much mineralisation there is, or how much nitrogen is left in the soil. This then allows farmers to make a more informed decision and helps them choose their nitrogen rate accordingly."

Tools to help you improve yields

As a key period in this season's crop nutrition programme approaches, farmers can utilise key functionalities within Atfarm to improve nutrient use efficiency and achieve healthy yields.

"There are quite a few functionalities within Atfarm itself," explains Natalie. "There are various ways that you can look at your biomass and mapping of your fields, including variable rate mapping, and you can also use tools like the N -Tester, which will give you that definitive value in terms of what your crop has taken up and a nitrogen recommendation based on that. Farmers can use these tools to grow homogenous crops and to improve overall nutrient use efficiency after what has been a difficult start to the season."

A system based on two decades of research

Atfarm isn't something that's brand new. The algorithms and the precise calculations itprovidesfor farmers are the result of over 20 years of research.

"The actual algorithm that we use within Atfarm for the variable rate application maps comes from the N-Sensor technology that we've had for over 20 years now," says Natalie. "We've gathered a lot of data over that time which we feed back into the software, year on year."

Using the N-Sensor technology helps farmers get the most out of satellite maps. Rather than just using NDVI (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) to assess the health and density of vegetation with its nine different shades of green, N-Sensor can detect 27 different colours. This provides farmers with a lot more information on nitrogen uptake throughout the growth cycle and across seasons.

Using N-Tester to determine nitrogen uptake

Another key part of the Atfarm toolbox for this stage in the growing season is N-Tester. The N-tester looks at the level of chlorophyll in the plant and, as this directly relates to the amount of nitrogen, farmers can better determine nitrogen levels in the crop.

"To determine the amount of chlorophyll in the

plant, you pinch the leaf between the sensor, and it looks at the amount of light that goes through it and picks up the different wavelengths that are relevant for chlorophyll," says Natalie. "That will also tell you how much nitrogen is in the crop as they are related, and you can get a recommendation based on the level that's in the crop."

When using the N-Tester device, Natalie recommends taking at least 30 non-destructive samples to get a representative analysis across the field.

"Do it just like a soil sample in that W shape to get a good representative sample," says Natalie. "Though if you've got very different soil types or a good area versus a poor area, then you treat them differently. Take samples in the poor area, samples in the good area, and then either use the average or play around and do some variable rate on either of those sides."

Help with variable fertiliser application

Within Atfarm, farmers can create variable rate maps which they can use as a visual aid to help them homogenise crop growth. There's a standard NDVI map, an optimised map which uses N-Sensor technology, and a nitrogen uptake map; all of which can help with variable fertiliser application.

"What we don't want are poorer areas being under

fertilised and conversely areas where we are putting too much nitrogen on," says Natalie. "What the software does is create a variability map with different colours denoting the levels of variation. There are different options such as levelling where you can apply more nitrogen to the poorer areas, or you can select protein applications to boost all the areas up to a certain level."

Another thing farmers need to do within the variability map is set their target rate."So, for example if you wanted to apply 80 kilos of nitrogen, you'll have your target rate at 80 and then it will ask you to set some upper and lower limits," explains Natalie. "If you've got quite a variable field, you'll want to set those quite widely to try and even it up."

Stepping into precision agriculture

To get more information on Atfarm or sign up, the easiest way is go to app.at.farm. Sign-up is free and it's a great way to take your first steps into precision nitrogen applications.

"Log on, have a go, add a field and see what you think of the system," says Natalie. "It's a great way into precision nitrogen applications because you don't necessarily need to spend money on big pieces of kit. You've got that variability map that you plug straight in if you have got that variable rate option on your spreader."

Yellow rust ‘lurking’ in wheat needs costeffective early control, growers urged

Aperfect storm of late-drilled fields, susceptible varieties and the mild winter means yellow rust is now lurking in many winter wheat crops, says Syngenta cereal disease expert, Joe Bagshaw

With its potential to inflict as much as 50% yield loss, it will be important to tackle this early, he maintains, before it has chance to spread up the plant.

“Unlike Septoria tritici, which is favoured by earlier drilling, yellow rust tends to be more of a problem in later-drilled winter wheat,” explains Mr Bagshaw. “Clearly, later drilling has been commonplace this season because of the washout weather. But several key varieties that are suited to later drilling also have low yellow rust resistance ratings,” he adds.

on the reductions in yellow rust and yields achieved with different fungicides.

“On top of that, winter temperatures simply haven’t been cold enough to kill off the lower leaves where yellow rust is lurking.

“All this means we now have a bank of infection in the base of many wheat crops. This will need controlling before it spreads up to the top three leaves, because these leaves contribute about three quarters of final yield.”

With yields already likely to be depressed to some degree because of later drilling, Mr Bagshaw says it will be vital to do the best possible job of safeguarding remaining yield potential, but to do so costeffectively.

“Understandably, growers will be looking for cost-effective fungicides in the early part of the season. But it’s important to ensure these fungicide also provide proven yellow rust activity wherever this is a threat.

“Consult the fungicide dose response curves on the AHDB website, which show results

“Solatenol (benzovindiflupyr), which is the SDHI fungicide in Elatus Era, has repeatedly given toplevel results in yellow rust situations. It also provides excellent value for money for protecting crops at the important T1 fungicide timing, which starts the process of protecting the top three yieldbuilding leaves.

“After the rains, it’s also clearly important to stay on top of Septoria tritici. Where later-drilled wheat crops contain lower levels of Septoria tritici, they should be in a more preventative situation than earlier-drilled fields. This again makes Elatus Era a good option to consider at T1 in these later-drilled situations,” he adds.

In addition, Mr Bagshaw says tank-mixing a multi-site fungicide with an SDHI is always an important consideration for resistance management in Septoria tritici situations, to help protect the activity of SDHIs for the future.

“An SDHI which offers good value for money makes it an easier decision to include a multi-site in the tank mixture, and to apply that SDHI at a suitably robust dose for better disease control,” he adds.

Fungicide performance data for new cereal product (Miravis Plus) released

AHDB has released fungicide performance data for a newly authorised cereal fungicide – Miravis Plus.

The data shows that the product has useful activity that can help farmers manage several major diseases in wheat and barley.

Miravis Plus (Syngenta) contains the active substance pydiflumetofen (also known as Adepidyn technology), which was approved for use in Great Britain by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) earlier this month. It is a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide.

The product has been tested under code in winter wheat and winter barley trials for several years, as part of the AHDB fungicide performance project.

ADAS' Jonathan Blake, who works on the trials, said: "We test products under code so we can release independent performance data as soon as approval for use has been granted."

To maximise differences between treatments for each target disease, the fungicide performance cereal trials use high-risk locations, highly susceptible varieties and one spray timing. As a result, the trials provide a tough test for fungicides and yield differences recorded may not be seen in commercial situations.

A particular strength of the trials is that they reveal the relative performance of fungicide products. The dose-response curves on the AHDB website have been updated to show how Miravis Plus compares to the other products tested in these trials.

Wheat fungicide performance

In the wheat trials, Miravis Plus has been tested against septoria

tritici since 2019 and against brown rust and fusarium since 2020.

Against septoria tritici, Miravis Plus is highly active in both protectant and eradicant situations, performing comparably to or better than existing standards when applied at or above a half-label rate, with the result remaining consistent over the trial years.

Single-spray average yield responses in septoria trials (over the last three years) indicated that Miravis Plus increased yield by 0.4 t/ha compared to Peqtiga (fenpicoxamid), the next most effective solo active, when compared at a full-label dose.

NIAB's Stuart Knight said: "Against brown rust, Miravis Plus has demonstrated useful activity when applied on its own, and it will add to the efficacy of products it is partnered with. However, it is not as active as other SDHIs, such as Vimoy (isoflucypram, Iblon), Elatus Plus (benzovindiflupyr, Solatenol) or Imtrex (fluxapyroxad)." On fusarium, the trials are inoculated and mist-irrigated at flowering to ensure high disease pressure. The dose-response graphs indicate that it has excellent activity when compared with the azole standard Proline (prothioconazole).

Barley fungicide performance

In the barley trials, Miravis Plus has been tested against ramularia, rhynchosporium and net blotch, with good results against all three diseases, reports SRUC's Fiona Burnett.

Against ramularia, Miravis Plus has consistently shown much stronger control over three seasons of testing compared to the previously leading product Myresa (mefentrifluconazole), which was itself more effective than the other long-established standard prothioconazole. This is

particularly good news for growers, who have grappled with ramularia control recently because of fungicide-resistance issues.

Against rhynchosporium, Miravis Plus is highly active in both protectant and eradicant situations. It has consistently performed as well as or better than existing standards, such as prothioconazole, Imtrex (fluxapyroxad), Ascra Xpro (bixafen + fluopyram + prothioconazole) and Myresa (mefentrifluconazole). On average, Miravis Plus increased yield in the rhynchosporium trials by 0.3 t/ha (over the last three years) compared to Imtrex (fluxapyroxad), the next most effective solo active, when compared at a half-label dose.

Against net blotch, Miravis Plus gave consistently better control than the existing azole-based standards (listed above). It was also notably better than the other straight SDHI in trial, Imtrex (fluxapyroxad).

Resistance management

Miravis Plus is an SDHI and is limited to one application per crop. To prevent or slow resistance, SDHIs should be alternated with applications of fungicides with different modes of action and used in tank-mix with an effective partner from a different mode of action group. This is in accordance with the FRAG-UK guidelines:ahdb.org. uk/frag

Miravis Plus is authorised for use in winter and spring wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, spelt and durum wheat. It can be used up to and including growth stage 65 for barley and oats, and growth stage 69 for other cereals.

For further information, including fungicide performance data, visit:ahdb.org.uk/fungicideperformance

New plant sap analysis

Anew plant health test offered by Eurofins Agro UK can identify nutrients in cytoplasm and vascular bundles.

PlantSapCheck offers growers an accurate way to identify the nutrient composition of plant material, as Eurofins Agro UK specialist Shane Brewer explains:

“We now have the technology in our UK laboratories to test pressed plant material that has been frozen and thawed. This analysis determines all the nutrients in the sap and the cytoplasm to provide a picture of plant nutrient uptake.”

Using just 200 grams of fresh plant material, the test shows the dynamics of nutrient uptake in the sap flow and cellular fluid.

“This provides a snapshot in time and identifies key markers for plant health, like calcium, which will help to manage a nutrient input programme for horticulture and fruit crops,” says Mr Brewer.

He further suggests that being able to accurately chart how calcium is taken up by the plant will help growers take actions to improve the firmness of a plant’s cell wall and cell membrane.

“Calcium forms the bridges between pectin chains and cell walls, which directly impact on the firmness and permeability of the cell. Knowing how this is tracking in real time, with test results provided in five days or less, will help growers to make decisions that can save time and money whilst also providing better quality plants and fruit,” he adds.

The report provided by Eurofins’ laboratories in the UK will also offer benchmark figures that have been generated using target values gathered from thousands of tests worldwide.

“We are a network of over 900 labs and data is shared globally to offer greater insight to each individual test report. Target values for calcium, pH, ammonium, potassium and more, are all offered to help growers understand how their plants are performing,” says Mr Brewer.

The new plant sap test complements the already available dry matter test to offer growers the data to correlate the two indicators of plant health. The dry leaf tissue analysis will also take place in the UK, meaning results will be delivered faster to growers.

“We now have the technology and resources to offer plant sap and dry leaf tissue analysis, in the UK, which will help our growers to check the progress of their crops more easily and frequently by submitting an online request via their portal or the website,” he concludes.

Dry matter can also be tested, with both plant sap and dry matter reports available in five days or less

Eurofins Agro UK is offering PlantSapCheck, a new way to analyse the nutrient composition of plant material.

DOES EARLY DRILLED OILSEED RAPE REALLY GET THE BEST YIELD?

Does early drilled oilseed rape really get the best yield?" asks Chris Guest, managing director of LS Plant Breeding Ltd (LSPB, soon to rebrand as NPZ UK).

We've seen a negative drift in yields on farm in recent years, and this is in direct contrast with what we see in our own breeders trials and in official trials.

This contrasts with the significant improvements in genetics with the switch to hybrids added to, for example, the introduction of RlmS resistance to stem canker,featured in the recommended varieties Murray and Vegas, along with the candidate Maverick.

So, what is the reason why growers are not seeing these genetic improvements translated into an ever-larger oilseed rape heap in their barn after harvest?

“Some challenges are outside the direct control of growers and have clearly made an impact – from climatic changes to the neonic ban and loss of chemistry."

But Chris argues there is another factor which is within growers' control – their crop management strategies – and in particular their choice of sowing dates.

Looking at on-farm situations, most rape is now drilled in early August with some growers now even getting crops in at the end of July, if they can, in a bid to get crops up and away to avoid the worst of any flea beetle damage.

However, if you look at both breeders and official trials, their average drilling date is significantly later - late August or even well into September- and this difference in drilling date could explain the yield

gap between on-farm yields and trials yields. He continues, "LSPB have been carrying out research and trials on later sowing recently, and we can see results that indicate growers targeting that really early window have lesser yields than they should expect. This is to be expected, based the work we have done in terms of crop development linked to temperature accumulation and the issues faced with a crop being too developed before winter, with early stem elongation leading to reduction in side branching.

Moving to later drilling dates will of course depend on your farm situation, but if you are considering the change, a key prerequisite is to choose hybrid varieties - they are quick to get going with good autumn vigour added to strong springre-growth.

All LSPB oilseed rapes are hybrids - and LSPB's high yielding winter varieties Murray, Vegas and Candidate Maverick fit the bill exactly.

Look at some of the worthwhile benefits from later drilling to balance those of early drilling:

• Later drilled crops tend to be at less risk from CSFB larvae as it gives the adults less time for adults to lay their eggs in the crop.

• If there is a blackgrass problem, then later drilling gives time to create a stale seedbed.

• Weeds are often smaller and easier to control in a later-drilled crop, important with the everdiminishing choice of herbicides.

• Where clubroot is an issue, later drilling shouldalways be utilised as a cultural control method to reducethe risk of infection.

LSPB has a series of trials this seasonlooking at the later drilled position in comparison to current 'normal' sowing dates. Results from these will, we believe, reveal the facts that will drive the sowing date debate forward.

We can then see whether moving some or all of a farm's oilseed rape sowing into a later sowing position will help varieties on the farm live up to the promise of the breeders' genetics."

Openfield begins journey to net-zero by exploring electrified vehicles

Openfield Group, the British farmerowned co-operative, has teamed up with Voltloader to trial fully electric trucks in an ambitious bid to reduce Carbon Emissions.

This innovative partnership will see grain loads moved from Openfield member farm gates to their consumer customers using Voltloader’s all-electric fleet, which is currently focused on the bulk haulage industry.

Teaming up with Voltloader helps Openfield begin their ambitious plan to explore opportunities for alternative fuels for their transport operation. As they use Voltloader for some local deliveries they will gain useful insights into what they will need to do to meet their overall net-zero commitment, whilst at the same time reducing their haulage carbon footprint today.

Openfield recently launched a new Environmental, Social, and Governance plan, which includes a commitment to become net-zero by 2040 and becoming the leading partner of net zero solutions for seed, fertiliser, grain and storage. Their recent own fleet expansion means that in addition to Openfield’s increased service offer, by moving over half of their own grain, they now have a direct

influence over their road haulage environment impact.

“Green House Gas emissions from the transportation of grain and oilseeds are the single largest contributor to Openfield’s tonnes of CO2 equivalent footprint”, says Richard Jenner, Member Service Director. “Whilst we seek to become netzero by 2040, we are also committed to supporting all our consumer customers and farmer members on their own journey to net zero. Using vehicles powered by diesel alternative fuel options, such as electric, HVO and biomethane, will reduce our transport emissions by 70% to 85%”.

Recent loads have included deliveries into consumers at Bawsey, Long Buckby and Stoke Ferry from farms in the region of Voltloader’s base in Whittlesey. Currently the payloads are in excess of 24 tonne (up to 29 tonne for diesel HGVs) and the range for trucks on one charge is around 150 miles. However, Voltloader’s ultra-rapid 200 kW charging capability at its Whittlesey site allows the trucks to be topped up in only 90 minutes allowing a greater daily range for vehicles. This will further grow with their vision to expand along the A1 in Lincolnshire and Cambridge and into East Anglia.

LIQUID GOLD: STORED GRAIN PEST PROTECTIONPrioritise Grain Store Preparation to Preserve Profit

Stored grain pests can wreak havoc, that’s why investing time in preparing grain stores ahead of harvest is essential, to help prevent infestations from the insects that jeopardise grain quality, ultimately reducing yields and the profit potential.

“If buildings are not thoroughly prepared in advance of storage, the long-term consequences can be an economical and logistical nightmare,” warns Ken Black, Account Manager at Envu.

Planning and an integrated, proactive approach to grain store preparation is key to protecting future harvests and reducing the risk of costly insect damage. The optimum time to prepare stores is 6-8 weeks before incoming grain, as this allows ample time to treat any lingering pests, in advance of filling the store.

“Primary insect pests, like grain weevils and sawtoothed grain beetles, that can lurk in the store from the previous year, will quickly attack any new stored crop. They will leave hollowed-out grains, which can drastically affect a crop’s farm gate value,” says Ken. “Damage from these pests will also leave stored grain vulnerable to secondary insects like the red rust flour beetle. In turn, insect activity creates ‘hotspots’ in any grain in the store, leading to the growth of damaging mould and fungi.

“The high risk of pest damage can be easily avoided with good cleaning and treatment measures before any new grain arrives,” stresses Ken. “Cleaning stores thoroughly will help remove any pests that have survived from the previous harvest and will also mean that any treatments are far more effective.”

Cleaning – Best Practice for Grain Stores

“The earlier you can prepare a store by thoroughly cleaning it out and monitoring for insect activitythe better,” Ken asserts. “Systematically clean ledges and dispose of any old dust and debris as quickly as possible, well away from the store. Don’t leave vacuums within the store as the pests can easily crawl out.

“Remember, it’s easy to overlook some areas that can harbour insects over the winter - such as roof space, ventilation tunnels, underfloor ducts, pipes and crevices. Removing grain and dust from these areas will eliminate insect habitats and make the environment as hostile as possible for any potential pests,” says Ken.

Monitoring For Insects is Crucial

Monitoring is an essential part of the grain store preparation process. “Once thoroughly cleaned, the use of sticky pheromone traps is crucial because these can indicate if any pests are still present. These should be placed in corners and at wall-floor junctions every five metres around the store and checked on a weekly basis,” Ken advises.

Monitoring traps can confirm whether insect populations have been entirely eliminated within the store. They will highlight whether or not there is a requirement for the use of an insecticide treatment post-harvest.

“No evidence of insect pests after cleaning and disinfection is a good sign,” Ken suggests. “However, if insects do persist after the cleaning programmes, consider treating the store with a preventative, residual insecticide like K-Obiol™.”

“Applying a storage building treatment such as KObiol™ EC25, six weeks before harvest, will control any active insect pests left in the store, including saw-toothed grain beetles, grain borers and grain moths, while providing two months protection to the fabric of the building.”

Protecting Grain Stores with K-Obiol™

With unrivalled efficacy against the most common insect pests, K-Obiol™ will provide the highest level of protection for grain store facilities and valuable stored grain. Proven to be highly effective, K-Obiol™ is available in two formulations, both provide preventative and curative protection against stored product insects and will prevent damage for up to 12 months.

K-Obiol™ is approved for use on all cereal grains including wheat, barley, maize, rice, oats and triticale and is accepted for use by the Brewing Research International (BRI), the National Association of British and Irish Millers (NABIM) and the Trade Assurance Scheme for Combinable Crops (TASCC).

When applied at its recommended rate, the residue level of K-Obiol™ is four times lower than the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for grain (0.25mg/kg). K-Obiol™ is a low odour formulation that has no effect on seed germination; and, as it has no withholding period, any grain treated with the product can be processed straight away.

To find out more about how K-Obiol™ can protect your harvest this season visit https://www.lodi-uk. com/agricultural-products/stored-grain-protection.

Rapeseed’s premium over soyabeans continues: Grain market daily

• UK feed wheat futures (May-24) closed at £179.95/t yesterday, up £2.05/t from Tuesday’s close. New crop futures (Nov-24) closed at £205.00/t, up £4.05/t over the same period.

• Forecasts of continued dry weather in Caucasus, a key wheat area in southern Russia, support the bullish direction of prices as concerns rise over crop condition. In addition, India is reportedly struggling to replenish national wheat stocks as a result of higher domestic prices and challenging weather. This could require the nation to import wheat from the global market for the first time since 2017.

• Paris rapeseed futures (May-24) closed at €441.75/t yesterday, down €9.00/t from Tuesday’s close. The new crop futures contract (Nov-24) closed at €465.50/t yesterday, down €0.25/t over the same period.

• Weakness in the vegetable oils complex weighed on old crop Paris rapeseed futures (May-24) however pressure on new crop (Nov-24) was limited by expectations of a tighter outlook next season, see below for more on this.

Rapeseed’s premium over soyabeans continues

Paris rapeseed futures have continued to hold a strong premium over Chicago soyabeans futures since last discussed in February. As of yesterday’s close, old crop Paris rapeseed (May-24) held a €41.23/t premium over old crop Chicago soybeans (May-24). Also, as at yesterday’s close, new crop Paris rapeseed (Nov-24) held a €62.06/t premium over new crop Chicago soyabeans (Nov-24).

What’s supporting the premium?

Soyabeans hold the lion’s share of production in regard to the major oilseed complex, accounting for 74% of global production last year. Therefore, soyabean markets usually carry a strong influence over the direction of the complex. However, recently, rapeseed has shown signs of a moderate disconnect as soyabean futures come under pressure from ample supply, while rapeseed is supported by a rise in the oil markets and forecasts of a tightening balance.

Crude oil markets began trading upwards

in the New Year and have continued their upward trajectory into March and April. Nearby Brent crude futures surpassed $90/ barrel in early April, a price not seen since October 2023. Support came largely from increasing global geopolitical tension as well as an anticipated tighter balance for the remainder of the year. While the oil market has softened slightly since the April high, prices remain firm which is providing some support to the biofuels market.

Furthermore, looking towards the new marketing year for rapeseed,forecasts suggest the balance is tightening. The latest balance sheet from Statistics Canada forecasts a planted area of 8.658 Mha for harvest 2024, a 3% decline from harvest 2023 and 1% decline over the five-year average. Rapeseed planting is also forecast down in the EU due to adverse weather conditions in key producing regions, at 5.975 Mha, down 3.6% on the year (EU commission). For 2023/24, the EU and Canada, the first and second largest global producers of rapeseed, accounted for 44% of global rapeseed production (USDA) so therefore a contraction of planting next year applies notable pressure on the global supply and

demand balance.

Chicago soyabean futures initially came under pressure in February due to harvest pressure from South America andhigher forecasted US area and stocks for 2024/25. Some short-term support came from uncertainty over the Argentinian crop throughout March. However as of late, soyabean production estimates for Brazil and Argentina have remained firm, pressuring global prices. What could this mean for the premium going forward?

Tensions in the Middle East have now been factored into the market and limited escalation has seen oil markets pressured, filtering through to the wider vegetable oils market. However, a heavy

global soyabean balance, as well as the likelihood of a tighter global rapeseed balance next year will likely continue to offer support to the premium.

Credit: Matt Darragh, Trainee Analyst, AHDB www.ahdb.org.uk

All Your Grain Drying, Storage & Handling Needs Fulfilled by a British Manufacturer

From the moment the grain arrives in your yard to the point it leaves, Perry of Oakley have a grain handling, drying and storage solution to meet your requirements.

Looking for a new grain drier?

Perry of Oakley Ltd have the answer, with their two ranges of continuous flow grain driers with capacities from 5tph to 150+tph on wheat.

The entry level, Mistral series continuous flow grain driers (5 to 30 tph) come with roller discharge as standard and can be upgraded to pneumatic shutter discharge. It also has a hard-wired control panel, upgradeable to a Perry touch screen PLC with remote access for diagnostics and adjustments.

The larger Savannah series continuous flow grain driers (5 to 150+tph) are heavy duty commercial specification driers that come with pneumatic shutter discharge and PLC touch screen control panel as standard.

Both ranges can utilise a variety of fuel options including diesel, kerosene, gas, steam, coal using heat-exchangers or biomass heat sources.

Other upgrades available also include the Perry Grain Sentry Fire Detection and Automatic Moisture Measurement ensuring optimal drying conditions are achieved reducing fuel costs and any fires are detected as quickly as possible.

Centrikleens are also available to reduce dust & chaff problems.

Need more storage?

Pery offer a comprehensive range of storage options from 1 to 20,000 tonnes, from tote bins through to hopper-bottom and flat-bottom silos. Or maybe you need replacement silo accessories, either way Perry of Oakley, can supply it all.

At the smaller end of the scale the Perry square hopper bottom tote bins can store from 1 to 100 tonnes (based on wheat at 750kg/m3). The tote bins are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can be manufactured with forklift channels to allow the bins to be moveable, making them ideal for filling mobile driers.

With capacities from 35 to 3,000 tonnes (based on wheat at 750kg/m³) the hopper bottom silosare in the middle of the range and are available with both45 and

60 degree hoppers. Diameters are from 3m to 13m, with custom diameters available to suit existing bases.

At the top end of the capacity range are the flat bottom silos with a modular design, manufactured using highgrade steel giving superior strength-to-weight characteristics protected by galvanising to Z600 standard ensuring a long service life. Their capacities range from 30 to 20,000 tonnes based on wheat at 750kg/ m³ andrange from 3m (30 tonnes storage) to 32m diameter (20,000 tonnes storage), with custom diameters available to suit existing bases.

Time to replace or extend your handling?

Perrys also do a comprehensive range of grain handling equipment to move the grain to and from the driers and in and out of the bins. Perrys have their own designed & manufactured standard range and are also well known for bespoke machines designed to fit your specific set up so if you have an awkward area you need handling for then Perrys will be able to design you a solution.

Perry design & manufacture everything from mechanical reception hoppers and trench intakes, standard elevators and conveyors, curved combination, tubular screws, levelling & travelling conveyors, and, twin trace conveyors.

Why buy from a British Manufacturer?

Based in Devon, Perrys are only a few hours away, have cheaper transport costs, and, no potential delays bringing goods into the country.

Plus, Perrys answer the phone even out of hours, and as they design & manufacture their own branded equipment from their factory in Devon everything is right here in Britain including a warehouse of spare parts and all the support you’ll need.

From a single machine through to a whole plant

To discuss your next project or your individual machine needs please contact Perry of Oakley today on 01404 890300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

Farmers invited to celebration of innovation at Corteva’s Cereals 2024 stand

Five years on from the launch of Corteva Agriscience as a global pureplay agricultural company dedicated to delivering the solutions farmers need to thrive, Cereals 2024 visitors are invited to join a two-day celebration of the milestone.

Corteva has brought to market a vast array of new innovations to UK growers since 2019 including its fungicides, oilseed rape herbicides, a number of impressive seed varieties and, most recently, biological products.

With an impressive development pipeline, the company is inviting anyone attending the show in June to visit stand 612 to mark the occasion, meet the team and hear more about what the future holds.

Crop plots, CPD points, delicious refreshments and a warm welcome awaits those who are keen to see how the crop protection and seed portfolio fits into a modern, sustainable farming system.

Pioneer winter oilseed rape and maize hybrids have been drilled for the show. AHDB

Recommended List winter oilseed rape variety PT303 – the first sclerotinia-tolerant hybrid for the UK – will be demonstrated alongside the NextGen hybrids PT312 and PT315, which were both launched in 2023. PT312 provides sclerotinia tolerance, TuYV resistance and pod shatter tolerance while PT315 delivers pod shatter resistance and TuYV resistance.

For maize growers, Pioneer hybrid P7034 – which is suitable for grain production – and an example of the required combine header for grain maize harvesting will be on show. The team will talk about the PACTS grain trial results that illustrate achievable yields from different areas of the country and the potential of maize for grain across a range of geographies.

Containing the InatreqTM active molecule and the patented i-Q4TM formulation, Univoq has a unique site of action, meaning there is no cross resistance to any other chemistry used on farms today.

Following three years of successful use on farm, cereal fungicide UnivoqTM has established itself as a key component of disease control programmes in wheat, showing consistent, strong performance at both the T1 and T2 timings. Advice will be on hand at the show for those wanting to know how to get the best out of the product using the flexibility in timing and rates.

Also being showcased will be cereal herbicides

Zypar® and Pixxaro® – two well-established herbicides containing ArylexTM active – for the control of broad-leaved weeds in winter and spring cereals, and Broadway® Star, a herbicide that delivers outstanding performance in winter wheat against yield robbing grassweeds as well as a wide spectrum of broad-leaved weeds.

Oilseed rape growers keen to talk about weed control strategies can come and explore Corteva’s range of robust herbicides, including Belkar®, Astrokerb®, Kerb® Flo 500, and Korvetto®. Belkar is a post-emergence autumn applied herbicide for use on winter oilseed rape, and contains Arylex active, together with picloram.

Astrokerb and Kerb Flo 500 are residual herbicides delivering control of grass and broad-leaved weeds in winter oilseed rape. Korvetto is a selective postemergence spring applied herbicide for use on winter oilseed rape and contains Arylex active.

Stand visitors will hear about Corteva’s novel, new growth nutrition seed treatment, Ympact®. Ympact enhances seedling growth, and optimises metabolic energy and stress tolerance. It supports crops in the early stage of growth giving even crop establishment and an increase in early vigour. It increases root system development and improves the conditions for plant resistance to abiotic stress factors.

Just over a year on from Corteva’s acquisition of Stoller and Symborg, the company’s growing position in biologicals continues apace. UK farmers already have access to solutions such as BlueNTM – a biostimulant containing bacteria that enables plants to fix nitrogen from the air and make it available to the plant – and KinsidroTM Grow+, a novel low-rate humic s11ubstance used to mitigate stress in crops. Both are being demonstrated at the event.

For the maize crop, Corteva has two new crossspectrum grass and broadleaved weed herbicides that are available for the first time this year.

Corteva will again be holding easyconnect demonstrations on its stand for sprayer operators who want to learn more about filling their machines with crop protection products faster, easier and safer. Easyconnect is supported by a large number of crop protection manufacturers – including Corteva – so it can be used with a wide range of products.

CPD points are on offer for anyone that visits the Corteva stand and completes the knowledge trail.

New tractor first at Cereals

Cereals 2024 will be the first chance to see the new Fendt 600 Vario. The Fendt stand will include the 620 Profi+, the Gen7 728 Vario, IDEAL combine and the latest Rogator MY24 self-propelled sprayer.

“It has been a busy couple of years at Fendt, with many new model launches, and it is great to have these models at Cereals for visitors to see working,” says Fendt’s Ed Dennett.

The top model Fendt 620 Profi+ offers 209hp from its 4-cylinder 5 litre AGCO Power CORE50 engine that also features a DynamicPerformance system that can provide an additional 15hp regardless of forward speed.

“This tractor is a superb all-rounder that can be used for towing heavy loads, carrying front tanks, or operating heavy mounted implements. It can reach a top speed of 50 km/h at 1,250 rpm and offers 950 Nm from 1,200 rpm to 1,600 rpm. It is

also very manoeuvrable, providing a turning circle of just 10.2 metres,” adds Mr Dennett.

VarioGrip, Fendt’s onboard central tyre inflation system (CTIS), is available on all tractors from the 600 Vario to the 1000 series. Following this year’s wet conditions, Fendt is advocating the gains that can be made by adjusting tyre pressures to protect soil health whilst reducing fuel consumption.

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

The Cereals ‘Syngenta Sprays and Spraying Arena’

demonstrations will feature the new MY24 Rogator 600. The latest model comes with two ride heights and can be specified with various boom widths and axle configurations. It also has improved nozzles, plumbing and tank cleaning to reduce maintenance and make life easier for operators.

“This latest model is about driving efficiencies to save operators time and money without compromising on accuracy and output,” says Mr Dennett.

A fixture at Cereals, Fendt’s latest IDEAL combine will be on show. With four models in the range ranging from 476hp to 790hp, the IDEAL offers joystick steering, three key harvesting strategies

that enable the machine to minimise breakages, minimise grain loss or optimise grain purity, and a choice of 2 grain tanks; the Streamer 210 with a 17,100 litre capacity and a 210 l/s unload rate, or the Streamer 140 with 12,500 litre and 140 l/s.

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

“The 728 has the best combination of power and economy. A great allrounder, it has the perfect balance of power and economy. We look forward to seeing visitors to the show and helping them to experience how the Fendt range can support their farming ambitions,” concludes Mr Dennett.

Crowd-drawing working demonstrations at Cereals 2024

Seeing machinery in action is critical for farmers who are interested in buying any new kit. But it’s not always easy to arrange – so visitors to the Cereals Event will be delighted to know that there will be 200+ demonstrations happening across both days of the event this year.

“This is one of Cereals’ biggest years for demonstrations,” says event manager, Alli McEntyre. “The co-located DirectDriller@Cereals – co-hosted with Direct Driller Magazine – adds even more working demonstrations to the line-up.”

So what can visitors expect to see across the varied working demonstration areas on 11-12 June? Here’s just a sample of this year’s demonstrators.

Cultivation

Low disturbance and one-pass systems have gained popularity, as understanding has evolved of how soil biology and structure can support sustainable long-term productivity, while addressing cost efficiency. Agriweld will showcase two such cultivators – the Multi Till 5T 3m rigid model and the Min Disc 3m rigid model - on its

working demo plot close to its stand.

The Multi Till 5T offers a step change in seedbed preparation and efficiencies, according to company owner, Dean Foster. “It can go into most conditions and produce a good seedbed in one pass – and we know it has saved one operator in Scotland around £15,000 in fuel alone.”

A five-in-one adaptable trailed cultivator, it features a leading set of 460mm Oblique Disc System (OSD) discs, auto reset legs, a double set of mixing discs, and an Agri-Packer roller with hydraulic depth control. Each of the low disturbance cultivator’s components can be used independently, or in five combinations, giving the operator maximum versatility. The Multi Till 5T is available in 3m, 3.6m fixed body form or in folding form at 4m, 5m and 6m widths.

The demo will be a great opportunity to show how low disturbance cultivation can help overcome challenges like moisture loss and surfacing of blackgrass seed. “Traditional rollers aren’t ideal for low disturbance tillage, so it will also give visitors the chance to see how the Agri-Packer can help weatherproof the seed bed,” says Mr Foster. “And we’ll be able to demonstrate the ease of use of the easy-clean scraper bar.”

The Min Disc will also be put through its paces, with low disturbance legs, two rows of 460mm discs, and Agri-Packer roller offering hydraulic depth control. The demonstration will show how the Min Disc alleviates compaction and creates a positive seed bed; lifting, shattering, and aerating the subsurface across the whole width of the machine. The Min Disc is available in 3m fixed body width or in folding form at 4m, 5m, and 6m widths.

Direct drilling

Direct drilling can bring cost advantages; reducing mechanisation costs as well as fuel, input and planting costs – and it can also benefit soils and, subsequently, crop yields. Visitors interested in direct drilling can visit the Maschio Gaspardo demo areas to see a range of machinery in action –including its flagship pneumatic seed drill, the Gigante Pressure Direct Drill.

“It’s been in the fields in Europe for about three years now and has done very well,” says product manager, Alastair Newton Hall. “It’s a well thoughtout, simple to use drill and it’s an excellent contender for the UK direct drill market.”

Available in 3m, 4m, 5m and 6m models, the drill features disc coulters, spaced at 150mm or 180mm - which spectators will see allows for good ground clearance and trash flow - as well as depth gauge wheels to control depth and independent seed press wheels to optimise seed-to-soil contact. The seeding unit achieves up to 260kg of downforce.

A versatile ISOBUS-controlled drill, it also comprises a twin hopper pressurised tank, allowing

for the application of both seed and fertiliser – with an optional third unit for applications like slug pellets. Visitors will be able to see how the drill’s low centre of gravity and steering drawbar facilitate ease of manoeuvrability. And the forward-mounted hopper and electrically driven twin metering units are easily accessible for seed roll changes, calibration, and cleaning. Centralised greasing is standard, and an optional following harrow is available.

“We are looking forward to attending Cereals with a range of machinery and technology that completes the agronomic cycle,” Mr Newton Hall adds. “It’s our second biggest show so we will be taking as much machinery as possible for visitors to see, both static and in demos.”

From its showcase of ploughs, cultivators, power harrows, combi drills, fertiliser spreaders and sprayers, Maschio Gaspardo will also be showcasing an ISOBUS-controlled fertiliser spreader, which has achieved a 40m spread of pelleted lime in recent SCF spreader testing. And in the Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena it will have its high-specification ISOBUS-controlled Tempo Ultra mounted 24m sprayer, comprising a 2,000-litre tank as standard - with the option to add an additional 1,500-litre tank to take its total capacity up to 3,500 litres – and vertical folding boom.

Drainage

Cultivation and drilling are impossible tasks if the ground is compromised, with farms already experiencing the effects of worsening extremes of weather. Visitors might want to consider next steps

in drainage, and the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) Land Drainage Hub has talks and demonstrations lined up to provide technical and practical advice.

“Increasingly, farmers are assessing more substantial and long-term drainage solutions to improve soil condition and resilience, to reduce the risk to crops from extreme conditions like flooding and drought,” says NAAC chief executive, Jill Hewitt.

This year’s NAAC drainage demos will involve the display and static running of two pieces of contractor-operated drainage machinery; a 13.8m long by 3m wide drainage trencher and an 11.2m long by 3m wide drainage plough. During the demonstrations, NAAC drainage chair, Rob Burtonshaw, will be heading up discussion alongside fellow speakers to give attendees a rundown of the machinery and – importantly – provide advice and details on the processes, investment, and return, including improved yields and productivity.

“Drainage can be undertaken by farmers themselves, but there are limitations to it,” says Ms Hewitt. “Contractors have access to machinery and precision technology which allow them to deliver more effective, tailored drainage solutions that will last for 30-50 years, which would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. We’ll be holding the demo twice a day across both days to give visitors the opportunity to join some very beneficial discussions.”

Automation

With robotic and autonomous technology gaining traction year-on-year, the AgXeed demo area will

not disappoint, with the return of the highly accoladed AgBot 5.115T2.

An autonomous solution for high-capacity work on broad arable land, the 156hp AgBot has been designed to replace a 160hp manned tractor –where high-value crops are grown and/or there are extreme shortages of labour. “It’s been commercially available for three years now,” says head of sales, Peter Robinson. “And with robotic and automatic technology included in the Improving Farm productivity Grant in England –some 30 farmers have submitted eligibility applications for Agbots – it’s a great time to be out demoing.”

On soil-preserving crawler tracks, giving a 42cm crop clearance, and with an adjustable track from 1.9m to 3.2m, the AgBot 5.115T2 will be demonstrated with an Amazone 3m Cenio cultivator. But it is able to handle a host of cultivators, seeders, spreaders, and sprayers, to carry out a spectrum of field work - unsupervised for up to 20 hours between diesel refills. The demos will provide an opportunity for spectators to see autonomous field work in motion while discovering how it delivers a return on farm in costs as well as data. The AgBot reduces running costs on average by 25% and fuel usage by around 15%, notes Mr Robinson.

And while it still needs checking once a day, planning, robot operation, and data can be accessed from the AgXeed portal, which is accessible via both a desktop and mobile application, enhancing its autonomy and optimising operations and efficiencies.

Connectivity

Connected technology can aid arable operations to improve productivity and reduce costs, and visitors will find how connectivity can aid their fleet and business at the Case IH demo area.

“We’ll be showcasing a wide variety of tractors and harvesting equipment from across our range, including the Puma 260 CVXDrive,” says marketing manager UK & Ireland, Neil Macer. “But something very special at Cereals for us will be our UK unveiling of the much anticipated 260 series combine – we’re really excited about that.”

Exhibiting with the theme ‘Case IH Connect: Farming REDefined’ in its static and working areas, the manufacturer will be demonstrating the latest connected technology incorporated into its machine portfolio.

“We’re looking forward to Cereals and discussing connected technology solutions which will enhance growers’ operations, from ground preparation to harvest,” he adds. “We want to help them not only improve productivity and reduce costs, but also to increase uptime and streamline connectivity.”

A team of Case IH specialists will be on site across both days for drop-in or pre-booked advice “We’re finalising the working demos, and we’re looking forward to the conversations that come from them at the event.”

• To register for tickets and find out more about the event – including the co-hosted DirectDriller@Cereals event - visit www. cerealsevent.co.uk

• Cereals Event ticket holders have access to all areas and demonstrations, except the DirectDriller@Cereals Conference Theatre, which is ticketed separately and includes allday hospitality, food, and parking.

Visitors can expect to see the below list of exhibitors participating in working demonstrations,

but more demonstrations may soon to be announced, so keep an eye on the website:

• Agriweld

• AgXeed

• Autonomous Agri Solutions

• Case IH

• Hardi

• Maschio Gaspardo

• NAAC

• New Holland

• SDF Farming Technology

• Merlo

• Isuzu

• Plus exhibitors in the Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers Arena

And in the DirectDriller@Cereals Drills Arena:

• Aitchison

• Claydon

• Dale Drills

• Horizon Agriculture

• John Deere

• Maschio Gaspardo

• Moore

• Novag

• Simtech UK

• Weaving

• WOX Agri Services

• Bednar

Case IH will be returning to Cereals 2024 on 11-12 June with a brand new stand that will showcase its connected services and latest machinery

The 'Case IH Connect: Farming REDefined' stand will incorporate one of the largest working demonstration plots on the Cereals site, and provide the first opportunity for UK farmers to see a new Axial-Flow 260 Series combine harvester and the latest harvesting innovations. At the heart of the hospitality area and static machinery displays, visitors can experience a live Case IH Connect Room where the team will show how the brand's connected services enhance productivity and optimise operations. Meanwhile in the field, the demonstration team will be operating tractors using a range of automated and GPS technology, plus showcasing the capabilities of the new Case IH Farmlift telehandler.

As well as the new Axial-Flow 260 Series, the Case IH team is inviting all Cereals visitors to take

a seat in a Puma 260 CVXDrive – the most powerful Puma ever and the recent recipient of 5 stars in Profi's Tractor Test.

"From our ever-evolving Farmall with a 100-year legacy to the new Quadtrac 715 and Puma 260 CVXDrive, the continual innovation from the Case IH brand is certainly capturing the attention of both new and existing customers," says Case IH UK and Ireland Marketing Manager, Neil Macer. "If you then add in our comprehensive connected technology solutions and full UK & Ireland RTK coverage, we are really empowering farmers with the tools they need to thrive in today's dynamic agricultural landscape. We very much look forward to welcoming visitors to the stand at Cereals and showing them all that the Case IH brand has to offer."

aren’t interested. I don’t think it was ever meant on purpose and I’m sure if I wanted, I could have started tractor driving too but it just was expected and reserved for the men.

I worked for a long time as a beauty therapist, which I was good at and liked but something just never felt quite right. Then, we were all thrown a spanner in the works (pardon the pun) when lockdown came and forced me to stop working. I was also dealing with a recent ADHD diagnosis.

In November 2021, I was sitting in my parents dining room when Daniel and I, decided it would be fun to start a YouTube channel to show farming life. Some cameras, a computer, a lot of optimism and hey presto…..Fenland Farming Adventures was born.

For a while Daniel was the main character with Grumpy Grandad (our dad) until I joined the farm part time in September 2023. I have a base level that if I don’t crash or put anything in a ditch, it’s a great day! It’s an even better day if I don’t have to pee on an open field, not as easy for us ladies but when you gotta go!

I do find I enjoy my own company with such a

busy home life, but it can also be a lonely day with only the tractor to chat to. I find it helps me greatly by updating our audience on what we are up to that day, it’s like talking to my friends. Somethings I do to keep myself in check is make sure I have all the resources I might need for the day like a fully charged phone and plenty of snacks.

Learning on the job is often how most farmers learn to farm, my dad and brother however, have had to show me somethings a few times before I get it right. My skillsets are different to theirs, but I believe women bring great dynamics to agriculture. I help them in small ways to save time like putting things where they belong. I am conscious of the fact that I haven’t got the knowledge to fix things like my dad and brother do, but I know in time I’ll learn.

I want to be seen as a member of the team that can be relied on so try to keep myself fit and

get plenty of sleep. Farming can take its toll on your body even with the best intentions and safe practices, so I will try to do anything that helps me mentally and physically.

I’m part time but farming for most is a 24/7 lifestyle, not just a job. If the weather is right, you are farming! A great support network is essential, I am so fortunate that I have a great family who make me laugh in tough times, who I can talk to if I feel down or who just offer to make me a cup of tea when I’m cold. As a family at Fenland Farming Adventures, we have gained an amazing community of likeminded people who love farming just as much as we do. I look forward to my future on the farm, all of the things I will learn and encourage all women to consider agriculture as a possible career….maybe just ask for a portable loo on each field!

We would love for you to join us over on our YouTube channel just search @fenlandfarmingadventures. We are also on Instagram, have a facebook page and a website where we sell our merchandise www. fenlanderclothing.co.uk

POTATO GROWERS SEEK OUT SEAWEED BIOSTIMULANT AS SCORCHING SUMMER PREDICTED

With extreme weather conditions becoming increasingly frequent, an importer of a seaweed-based biostimulant is urging growers to prepare for another hot summer.

Marcus Palmer, whose company MJP Supplies is the UK distributor of Algifol, wants potato growers to plan ahead, especially if another scorching summer is coming.

Mr Palmer says that if potatoes are to be given the greatest chance of surviving drought conditions, the first of three applications of Algifol should take place at the rosette stage and can be mixed in with the first blight spray.

A second application at tuber initiation will help increase disease resistance and the crop's ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as last year's mid-30s temperatures.

A final application of Algifol is recommended four weeks before burn down or harvest.

"As Algifol is so concentrated, we recommend using just one litre of it per acre, making it one of the most cost-effective biostimulants on the market," says Marcus. "Even though you're only using a small amount at a time, Algifol is proven to make a real difference."

Ryan Wrisdale of the Louth Potato Company has applied Algifol regularly since 2018. "In that year, just like in 2024, we had a very wet winter and spring. This was followed by drought conditions over the summer," he says. "As we don't have an irrigation system, we could not water our 20-acre crop of early and second early potatoes. After a few weeks, the plants suffered from stress due to a lack of water and were not growing.

"We applied Algifol with every blight spray on a seven-day interval. This meant that the plant was fed through the leaves with Algifol applied little and often. This kept the plant alive, and the potatoes gained more weight and size, resulting in a bonus of an increased yield after we thought it was too late.

"We also gained a good-sized potato, which was amazing as, at one point, we thought we were going to have a disastrous crop. The potato crop yield averaged between seven and ten tonnes to the acre that year."

For more information about Algifol or to make a purchase, with a one litre can costing just £21.99+VAT, visit www.mjpsupplies.co.uk, call 07702 293 727 or emailmarcus@mjpsupplies.co.uk

A RESEARCH FUNDING ALLOWS B-HIVE TO DELIVER DEEPER INSIGHTS FOR APPLE GROWERS

GRI-TECH business B-hive Innovations has joined forces with UK premier fresh fruit grower Adrian Scripps Ltd to attract prestigious Innovate UK research funding aimed at accelerating agricultural innovation. The groundbreaking 12-month project will allow apple growers to obtain greater insights into the size, count and variability of their fresh produce at the point of harvest, allowing data-driven decision on crop usage.

The research project will enable a significant extension of the capabilities of B-hive’s flagship technology HarvestEye, which already provides crop-level sizing insights to potato and onion farmers.

The project is being co-led by head of machine learning at B-hive, Dr Mercedes Torres Torres, and James Simpson, managing director at Adrian Scripps, with preliminary work underway to test a range of produce varieties.

Mercedes said: “At B-hive, our objective is simple -

to empower growers with the tools they need to deliver long-term, sustainable growth by increasing marketable yields and reducing waste. This has been proven for a number of years now with potato growers, who trust our technologies to deliver better forecasting of their root crops.

“It is exciting to be expanding the technology to operate with other fresh produce. This doesn’t come without its challenges, and we’ll need to undertake some modification to both the hardware and software of the system to ensure it is accurately producing the results we require for the world of fresh produce.”

James Simpson said: “We desperately need clear,

consistent information on the size and count of our apple crop as early as possible after harvest to allow us to meet the demands of retailers, who typically use set product sizes. We’re thrilled to be able to help develop technology that will revolutionalise our industry and are privileged to have the backing of Innovate UK in this year-long venture.”

B-hive plans to implement apples size and counting into HarvestEye later in 2024’s harvest season, following the conclusion of the research programme, with testing underway since late 2023.

Andrew Gill, general manager at B-hive, said: “This research marks the next step in HarvestEye’s evolution, but also represents part of a strategic move for B-hive into new sectors of the agricultural industry. We’re excited about the future, as we begin to help even more fresh produce growers with their technological needs.”

HarvestEye is a patented technology that provides accurate insights on root crops during harvest, as the crop is lifted. Fitting onto existing harvesting and grading equipment, it gives valuable information to growers on the size and count of root crop, while also mapping variability, informing long-term sustainable planning.

The latest version, Harvest Eye 2.0, operating with potatoes and onions, was unveiled in 2023 with a new handheld version being launched recently at Fruit Logistica 2024. Subscription, rental and lease options are now available for packers, processors and seed growers.

For more information about B-hive Innovations visit https://www.b-hiveinnovations.co.uk/

Further information on Harvest Eye is available at https://www.harvesteye.com/

Further information on Adrian Scripps is available at https://adrianscripps.co.uk/

Keeping crop in good condition to the end

Biox-M is

the only 100%

natural and sustainable sprout control for potatoes.

As we head towards the end of what is likely to prove to have been the shortest storage season for many years, final storage treatments need to be considered with care. Products with what is effectively no harvest interval, such as Biox-M (spearmint oil), offer considerable flexibility for movement, which can be uncertain as crop can be called from store at little notice.

Biox-M applied to crops, which have come through the storage season well, but for which final movement is

uncertain, also delivers good longevity of sprout control as stores are emptied. When product is well applied, growers are finding good control for six weeks or more, which, in such a short season, should see crops through to the end in good order.

As ever, attention to detail when applying volatile products remains essential:

• Most crops should now be dry, but vigilance is always essential to avoid condensation during treatment, a particular risk if crops were very wet when put in store.

• Many crops have been unusually dormant this season, but store-keepers should avoid complacency and keep an eye out so as to avoid be caught out by late season sprouting.

• The warm spring may also be putting pressure on sprouting as we head into April.

• And keeping stores tightly shut following treatment remains as essential as ever, and it is worth considering extending the closed period if there is no reason to open the store. Leave the product to work well.

• Is a naturally occurring and truly sustainable product, in widespread use in the food industry,

• Is approved for use on organic potato crops,

• Has no harvest interval or MRL beyond the one-day mandatory withholding period after treatment,

• Has flexibility of timing of application,

• Results in minimal weight loss in store,

• Does not leave persistent residues in the fabric of stores and boxes used for storage,

• And is therefore suitable for use in stores, which may subsequently be used for the storage of other crops or seed potatoes,

• Is effective at higher storage temperatures, reducing the risk of acrylamide development when crop is processed,

• Sequesters carbon during growth, removing 1t of CO2 for every 1,000t of potatoes treated,

• And should be a component of the sustainability plan for every farm and every customer; effectively carbon neutral.

s potato planting continues apace, to make up for lost time, growers are being warned that wet soils over the winter and spring could increase the risk of wireworm damage in potato crops this season. Research over recent years has identified high soil moisture as a precursor for pest activity, with wet areas and flood plains increasing pressure levels.

Coupled with other risk factors of reduced cultivations in the autumn last year and the capability for overwinter cover crops to harbour wireworm populations, there is a double whammy of potential problems in potato crops planted this spring, warned Syngenta Technical Manager, Andy Cunningham

“Wireworm is an increasing issue in cereal rotations, particularly where there’s grass weeds in stubble or left as cover - be that with stewardship scheme compliance or limited chance for cultivations in the autumn that disrupt the pest,” he highlighted.

“Weather conditions have severely curtailed growers’ opportunities for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) cultural controls of wireworm.”

Results of Syngenta trials in Lincolnshire last year showed Nemathorin incorporated at the wireworm rate of 15 kg/ha at the time of planting reduced the proportion of wireworm damaged tubers to just 2% of the harvest, compared to 9% in untreated areas.

Furthermore, the severity of damage was also reduced, with no tubers in the Nemathorin treated

areas showing more than five holes, and significantly fewer with 1 to 5 holes. Over 2.5% of the untreated crop had an unacceptable 3 or more wireworm holes.

He also reported trials had shown using Nemathorin at a higher rate of 30 kg/ha in a highpressure field situation had halved the number of tubers seriously affected by wireworm.

The application of Nemathorin at 30 kg/ha is permitted where PCN or free-living nematodes are being targeted.

“PCN remains the most serious soil pest of potatoes – hitting yields in the current crop and, if left unchecked to multiply, the future viability of fields for potato growing in the rotation,” he added.

In an average of eight recent trials where PCN was present, Nemathorin delivered an average yield increase of more than 17 t/ha over untreated. In the same trials, Velum Prime achieved just 4.5 t/ha extra yield.

In terms of financial reward, Andy calculated on a 40 t/ha crop the Nemathorin returned over £2050 per ha margin over input cost, compared to less than £500 with Velum Prime.

“Furthermore, when the soils in all the trials were analysed, the Nemathorin treatment held the multiplication rate down to 2.5, compared to 9 in the untreated. In the Velum Prime treatments, the PCN continued to multiply at a rate of 7.5 times.

“IPM measures for all soil pests, including variety selection, rotation interval, adapting harvesting dates and target markets can all help growers and agronomists mitigate against damage,” advocated Andy. “But where there is a risk of losses, the use of Nemathorin could provide additional protection to yield and assure the sustainable long-term viability of potato production.”

Metribuzin pre-em treatment confirmed safe for Elland

The list of maincrop potato varieties to which metribuzin can safely be applied as a pre-emergence herbicide treatment has been extended with the addition of Elland. Tests on several other varieties are also showing promising initial results, with trials ongoing to assess the crop safety of ADAMA’s 70% w/w metribuzin product, SHOTPUT®.

“ADAMA UK has spent several years testing a collection of newer potato varieties for metribuzin selection,” explains Dr Bill Lankford, ADAMA’s Herbicides Technical Specialist.

“As a result, several new varieties have been added to the list of those to which Shotput can be applied at the pre-emergence timing, with Elland (an early maincrop variety from Cygnet PB) the latest to be added.”

Several other early and maincrop varieties were also tested in 2023, with initial results indicating that an additional eight varieties (see list below) displayed no commercially unacceptable symptoms of metribuzin sensitivity when pre-

emergence applications of Shotput were made at both the 0.75kg/ha and 1.5kg/ha rates on sandy loam or clay loam soils.

“At present, the latter results are provisional, with more trials scheduled to take in due course to validate the findings,” Dr Lankford explains. “So far, the results look very promising, and we are confident that Shotput will soon be approved for growers to use on a wider range of varieties. We look forward to publishing an updated list of Shotput-approved varieties once the necessary testing regime has been concluded.”

Provisional information

The following varieties were tested in 2023 only, and all were found to show no commercially unacceptable symptoms from the preemergence application of Shotput: Baby Lou, Georgina, King Russet, Lucera, Soraya, Tyson, Edison, Babylon.

For more information about Shotput visit www. adama.com/uk

Bill Lankford

Tong Engineering, leading UK manufacturer of custom-built vegetable handling solutions, is excited to announce openings for apprenticeship positions in fabricator, sheet metal worker, engineering fitter, and engineering machinist roles. The company’s 2024 apprenticeship scheme presents a fantastic opportunity for individuals passionate about engineering to kickstart their career in a dynamic and innovative environment, based at the company’s modern manufacturing facility in Spilsby, Lincolnshire.

As a growing family business dedicated to excellence in engineering, Tong is committed to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals. The apprenticeship program offers hands-on training and mentorship from industry experts, as well as significant scope for personal and professional growth.

"Our apprenticeship scheme is designed to offer invaluable opportunities for those looking for a successful path to a fulfilling career in industry,” says Jim Worley, Process Improvement Manager at Tong Engineering. “We are always pleased to welcome aspiring engineers each year, to join the Tong team through our established apprenticeship program. It’s a great chance for individuals to gain valuable experience, develop essential skills, and lay a strong foundation for a successful career in engineering. We are proud to say that several of our engineers started as apprentices at Tong, including some of our management team.”

The available apprenticeship positions include: Fabricator: Ideal for individuals with a passion for working with metal and crafting a wide range of handling machines.

Sheet Metal Worker: Suitable for those interested

in shaping metal sheets into various forms and structures.

Engineering Fitter: Perfect for candidates who enjoy assembling and fitting components to create complex machinery and complete handling systems.

Engineering Machinist: Tailored for individuals with a keen interest in operating machinery to produce precision-engineered parts.

Applicants for the Tong apprenticeship scheme will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, work on real projects, and contribute to the development of industry-leading engineering solutions for the efficient handling of vegetables, destined for growers and producers in the UK and worldwide.

The closing date for applications is 28th June 2024. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information about Tong Engineering, its apprenticeship program entry requirements, and details on each apprenticeship position, visit www. tongengineering.com/careers, where you will also see details of how to apply.

Laura pictured on the family farm near Turriff

Beauty is worth preserving

Preserving our heritage craft skills and stories for generations to come is of utter importance to British Lifestyle. Heritage Crafts encompass a rich tapestry of traditional skills and techniques passed down through generations. These crafts are deeply rooted in cultural heritage and contribute to the fabric of British identity.

Unfortunately, some of these crafts are under threat due to various factors, including high energy costs, overseas production, and waning interest.

The Heritage Crafts charity maintains a Red List of Endangered Crafts, which highlights skills at risk of extinction in the UK.

Across the nation, British brands and skilled artisans are embracing time-honoured techniques to keep heritage crafts alive. From independent makers to established brands, handcrafted goods have experienced a surge in popularity. These artisans work diligently to create products that celebrate British craftsmanship, whether it’s boatbuilding, barge painting, or other traditional skills.

In a world where modernity often overshadows tradition, these heritage crafts serve as a bridge between the past and the present, weaving stories of resilience and creativity.

Founded in London, Folde is the shared jewellery design studio of Robyn Smith and Birgit Toke Tauka Frietman. Folde meaning earth in Old English, seeks to celebrate natural materials and British craftsmanship in jewellery that speaks of everyday luxury.

These two young, innovative creatives that collaborated have found a shared love for horn working, and over time were able to deepen their understanding of the craft, it’s history and the unique properties of horn. Birgit states “I think what I find most profound is how tangible the endangerment is. With just two other workers in the UK specialising in horn work and whose work is quite traditional and different from what we do at Folde, and the scarcity of accessible resources on the craft, there is a true sense of loss. Loss of knowledge, appreciation, but also respect for the material.”

Both designers find it important that they protect the value of our land and animals, and that every designer/maker should consider what’s deemed waste in our current systems and processes. Especially when working with animals, other living beings.

Of course, Food, Farming and Fashion have been interlinked for many years but recently we’ve become so disconnected and so reliant upon speed! Fast food & cheap fast fashion have had severe consequences. Ditching these would lift a huge burden off our planet.

We must do more and celebrate makers such as Birgit & Robyn that are inspired to work with nature and not against it, to create a circular economy where materials such as horn never becomes waste. By developing Folde and following circular economy principles, this allows them to have a lower ‘embodied ecological impact’ and in practice means the process for gathering the materials for their project are less environmentally damaging.

London to inspire students to adopt a more circular approach.

By incorporating such beautiful, simplistic yet incredibly stylish designs with tradition combining Robyn’s skills in silversmithing and Birgit’s focus on organic materials, they’re breathing life into the fashion world, utilising Highland horns that’s a by product from our meat industry. We must be evaluating and assessing what we can do to utilise a waste product, asking ourselves why it’s now deemed a waste product, and how we can try to shift this system and have the revenue go back to farmers, and support more of a circular vision. We want to have that connection and by using materials that we understand how it’s been bred, farmed, slaughtered, and become far more sustainable than we are.

The jewellery/fashion industry is a perfect platform to spread this understanding and awareness. It can engage a new audience and create a new type of excitement around an almost forgotten craft. So, at Folde, Birgit and Robyn hope to reach a wider audience with their collections, but also with how they share their learnings via social media and soon their technical journal. Birgit also shares her wealth & passion at the University of the Arts

I constantly hear or see stories relating to comments that it isn’t worth it? There’s no money in it! Well, it is and there is! Farmers need to also take responsibility and initiative to think out of the box to sustain their livelihoods by connecting with businesses that demonstrate there is a use for materials such as horn.

Environmental and ethical consciousness lies at the core of their practice. Each piece handcrafted in their London studio using recycled silver and made in small batches or as one-of-a-kind pieces.

Instagram @foldejewellery

www.foldejewellery.com

Written by Olivia Shave

IOGESTreceived an order as a general contractor to build a biomethane plant for INA in Sisak, central Croatia, including site preparation by 2026. The biomethane produced in Sisak could be delivered to Croatia's gas system, while the residue remaining from the production could be used as an ecologically acceptable fertilizer.

Located in Sisak, the project will be carried out in the tried and tested BIOGEST PowerRing technology, which has advantages regarding energy efficiency and operational safety as well as the space-saving modular design, underscoring its suitability and effectiveness for the Croatian market. During fermentation of mostly agricultural residues (straw, manure, slurry, and different types of biodegradable waste), the residues are transformed into high-quality organic fertilizer that substitutes for chemical products.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with INA Group on this biomethane project in Croatia. Our innovative PowerRing technology will play a vital role in transforming agricultural waste into renewable energy, contributing to the country's green energy transition and showing the potential of biomethane as a sustainable fuel source,"remarked BIOGEST's CEO, Martin Schlerka.

Biomethane is the only renewable energy source that can be carbonnegative, as it significantly reduces methane emissions from agricultural operations. BIOGEST's plants produce not only pipeline-quality green gas but also an organic fertilizer that helps reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

ADBA Scottish Conference

DBA is the UK’s trade association body for anaerobic digestion and bioresources.

At the 2023 conference in Scotland, ADBA re-established the rationale for Anaerobic Digestion – or AD, as it is commonly referred to – as the Scottish Government looks to achieve net zero by 2045 – 5 years ahead of the UK as a whole. Having established the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ of AD in Scotland last year, we intend to outline the ‘when’, the ‘where’ and the ‘how’ at this year’s conference.

The announcement on 18 April that the Scottish Government was dropping its targets to reduce carbon emissions by 75% to 1990 levels by 2030, and introducing a new set of measures to achieve Net Zero by 2045, will undoubtedly drive proceedings at the conference on anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogasto be held in Aberdeen on 23 May — with the current energy minister due to address the event alongside representatives from the leading opposition parties on what is expected to be a General Election year (see ADBA’s press release).

Scotland was the UK’s engine room during the industrial revolution, its oil and gas industry was the basis of the UK’s economic growth in more recent years gone-by and its natural resources and renewable energy potential can and will be the powerhouse of the UK’s green economy in the future.

Scotland’s wind sector alone can already provide power to the equivalent of one-third of the homes across the UK and with a multitude of wind and solar projects to come online in the future, this will substantially increase between now and 2050.

However, when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun does not shine – the energy system will need a back-up. AD is one of the very few dispatchable technologies that can provide that.

The International Energy Association has forecast that AD will be the second-fastest growing sector across the world by 2050. If Scotland were simply to grow in line with the IEA’s global average between now and 2030, it would have approximately 180 AD plants by then.

However, in order to realise this potential and to secure that back-up to the energy grid amongst other benefits, we need the Scottish Government to provide a regulatory and policy landscape that is conducive to that growth and unleashing the

potential of our industry in Scotland.

We need the Scottish Government to recognise the opportunities anaerobic digestion presents to help achieve our net zero targets, to decarbonise hardto-reach sectors such as agriculture and transport, to be a central pillar in the operation of Scotland’s circular economy and to provide coherence to Scotland’s just transition in a way that joins up the oil and gas sector with others such as farming.

Following a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the future of AD in Scotland, we will be using our conference to restate the case for it, outline the industry’s asks of both the Scottish and the UK Governments to enhance the capacity of it in Scotland and engage with key sectors particularly prominent in the economy of the North East, namely oil and gas, food and drink and farming.

For those in those industries who are interested in AD, want to find out more about it, we will outline why and how you can make it part of your organisation’s sustainability plans, particularly as focus turns to scope 3 emissions. Our event will platform sessions that provide practical advice from legislators, regulators and similar organisations that have been there, done it and can share their journey with you.

We will tackle some of the commonly-held misconceptions and provide ample opportunity for you to network and discuss any misapprehensions you have in starting your journey and investing in AD.

For seasoned-AD pros in Scotland, we will also include content that gives you the regulatory and legislative updates you need, thought-leadership and best practice you want and exhibition of the newest technology and techniques to optimise and galvanise your operations.

Come to the ADBA Scottish Conference on 23rd May in Aberdeen. We look forward to seeing you there and to driving forward the growth of AD in Scotland!

Take your visit one step further. Delegates of the ADBA Scottish Conference are invited to free-ofcharge visit the local AD plant at the conference venue P&J Live. The site visits are 10:00, 11:00, 14:30 and 15:30. For more information and to request to attend the site visit, please tick the box expressing your interest on your registration form or contact Montana Hull, Event Manager, at montana.hull@adbioresources.org and +44 (0) 795 665 4359.

Powerlift performance from Börger’s super strong mobile separator

örger’s BioSelect, which is designed for the easy and highly effective separation of slurry at farms and biogas/AD plants, is now available as a tailored mobile unit.

Suitable for a car or truck trailer, the new Powerlift Separator can be built (capacities between 25 m³/h and 150 m³/h), to suit a specific application(s).

The entire mobile set-up, including feed-pump, macerator, liquid-phase pump, control technology, as well as the Separator, is all designed and manufactured in one, compact unit by Börger.

The Powerlift can be extended hydraulically to a discharge height of more than 4.30m, so that even large dump trucks can be filled easily.

The Börger rotary lobe pump (benefitting from Maintenance-in-place) feeds the BioSelect, and at the same time sucks the medium to be separated through the macerator (a Börger Multi-Chopper),

which then shreds the fibres, depositing impurities into the debris collector.

Achieving Dry Solids (DS) content up to 38%, the Börger Separator is load-triggered, whilst the feed pump ensures that volumes do not exceed capacity. The high-density solids-discharge-pump determines the degree of thickness, so the user can (for example) thicken 4 per cent dissolved solids (DS) content liquid into 12 per cent DS, to make it suitable for a tanker. Likewise, liquid manure and fermentation residue can be thickened to 22 per cent DS, without making any mechanical adjustments to the machine.

• Rotary lobe pumps

• Separation technology

• Stainless steel tanks

• Agitator technology

• Macerating technology

• Liquid feeding technology

Proposed Changes to On Farm Buildings Planning

armers all have buildings or barns that are old, not in use and therefore redundant. However, this could all change as new rights are being put forward in plans to make planning regulations on conversions of barns and other agricultural buildings easier.

number of homes per unit up to 10 and an overall maximum floorspace changing of use to 1000sqm. Additionally, in each home they can have a maximum floorspace of up to 150sqm.

This said the building must be standing and not knocked down and rebuilt. With the permitted works on a conversion being –installing/replacing windows and doors or adding water, drainage, gas, and electricity supplies.

A review has been undertaken by the government about the state of a national shortage of affordable homes. With the understanding being that they want to reduce the planning red tape that is slowing down the building of new properties. This would apply to agricultural permitted development (PD) rights, allowing the process to be more efficient and hopefully more successful. Allowing farmers to bring back the use of some of their buildings that are not part of their agricultural unit could also reduce pressure on developers building new homes on greenfield sites.

The first planned changes are to Class Q homes (agricultural buildings converted to dwellings), which is trying to encourage developers into creating a greater number of smaller available homes. This will be achieved by allowing farmers to have a maximum

There also seems to be the suggestions of rear extensions to Class Q conversions being allowed in the future, with this previously not being granted. With single storey extensions up to 4m on the back of buildings, provided the land is hard surfaced and within the overall floorspace limit.

These proposed changes would also apply to AONB and national parks excluding the potential extension policy.

Finally, there are also changes being proposed for PD rights to Class R (change of use from agricultural to commercial). Which would extend the legislation to buildings used for forestry and equestrian purposes to allow different uses e.g. outdoor sports or fitness use. They would also allow a mix of uses and double the floor space up to 1000sqm.

These are proposed changes, however there is a strong consensus that these will happen, allowing greater opportunity for UK farmers to diversify and make better use their redundant buildings in the future.

Credit: The Farm Consultancy Group www.fcgagric.com

Proposed planning reforms would boost the rural sector

here has long been a feeling that the planning regime has stifled economic growth in the countryside. So, it is encouraging that the Government is now recognising the importance of planning reforms which will support and boost the rural economy.

Since the introduction of national Permitted Development (PD) rights, farmers and landowners have had greater opportunities to convert, expand and build on their land. We have many clients who have used these rights to diversify and generate alternative income without the requirement for a full planning application. However, there have been frustrations about some of the limitations.

A consultation launched in July 2023 by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities proposes beneficial changes to PD rights for farms and rural businesses, including increasing the limits on conversions to housing and allowing greater flexibility to encourage farm efficiency and diversification.

An existing PD right, Class Q, allows agricultural buildings to change to residential use within limitations for the floorspace converted, the number of dwellings created and with only specific modifications allowed to make them habitable. We have had great success maximising Class Q conversions on many farms, however, the starting point is currently that they need to be on an existing agricultural unit. This has often prevented Class Q being an option for an outlying redundant barn, or where a building has been altered to a different use. The consultation looks to extend Class Q to former agricultural buildings no longer on an established agricultural unit and to potentially include other rural uses, including equestrian and forestry.

Other beneficial changes include increasing the number of dwellings from five to ten, but with a maximum floorspace of 1,000sqm, and allowing single storey rear extensions up to 4m deep to facilitate the conversion of smaller buildings.

This should capture a greater number of redundant buildings and be an attractive option for many farms and estates. In addition, Class Q conversions are currently prohibited within Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks, so it has been proposed that they should be extended to those areas. This might help landowners in

designated areas, who are facing the same challenges as those based elsewhere in the country, although admittedly, this proposal is being strongly resisted by some stakeholders.

Landowners should also be aware that the ability to convert buildings from agricultural to commercial use under Class R could be expanded. Currently, property owners can convert to storage, distribution, hotel, and commercial use, but this may be expanded to cover outdoor sport, recreation and leisure, and some limited industrial processes. The right may also apply to other rural buildings’.

New farm buildings

In addition, the size limit for new farm buildings erected under agricultural development PD rights on farms over 5ha (Class A) and under 5ha (Class B) could increase by 500sqm and 250sqm respectively (to 1500sqm and 1250sqm). The volume allowance for extensions may also increase to 25% (from 20%) without prior approval.

The Government also indicated it may alter the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) or PD rights to provide ‘clarity to applicants’ on farm diversification and increasing biodiversity, although there were no such changes in the revised NPPF in December 2023. There has also been a call for evidence to see if further changes are needed to support the building of slurry stores, farm reservoirs or help the implementation of nature-based solutions.

While some of the changes are quite simple, they would offer greater choice and flexibility of uses which is welcome to most in the sector. The updated limits would better reflect the needs of the modern farming industry and indicate to some local authority planners that appropriate larger farm buildings and diversification projects should be encouraged in the countryside, not resisted. At a time when the rural sector is facing huge uncertainties, it is pleasing to see proposals which could lead to more prosperous rural communities.

Contact Richard Clews (Planning) or Yasmin Peach (Land Management) for further information of any aspect of this article. The contents first appeared in our latest issue of Land Business. For more download the Autumn/Winter 23 edition of Land Business.

NFU Mutual urges farmers to prioritise safety this silage season following wet spring

• NFU Mutual urges farmers to prioritise safety in difficult field condition

• Waterlogged fields increase silage harvest hazards

• Pre-harvest field checks and machinery maintenance essential for safe working

NFU Mutual is urging farmers to take extra safety measures during first-cut silage-making following one of the wettest winters on record.

The UK's leading rural insurer is concerned that waterlogged fields could increase the risk of trailers overturning on hillsides, together with blocked machinery and mud left on roads.

After the eighth wettest winter on record*, spring has continued to bring very heavy rainfall to many livestock-rearing areas. In the south west, usually the region where farmers start silage making earliest, March has brought double the average rainfall.**

The wet weather has left many farmers weeks behind with slurry and fertiliser spreading but mild temperatures mean grass in some areas is ready to cut earlier than usual.

Bob Henderson, NFU Mutual's Head of Engineering, said:"After a winter of exceptionally high rainfall in most livestock farming regions, famers need to make contingency plans for their first cut to make sure they can cope with very wet field conditions.

"Just how much of a problem waterlogged fields will depend on the weather in the week before harvesting. If we get a dry spell, most fields will dry up well, apart from poorly-drained spots.

"However, continuing rain is likely to lead to higher risks of machinery getting bogged down, mowers and forage harvesters getting blocked and a higher risk of tractors and trailers losing grip and turning over on slopes.

"Farm incidents tend to happen when people

are tired, machinery is pushed too hard or work continues in unfavourable conditions. It is vital to carefully assess field conditions and working within safe limits. No cut of silage is worth someone's life or limb."

Evita Van Gestel,of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services, added:"Last winter was a nightmare for farmers and now the wet spring is making conditions even worse. The prospect of very wet fields means checks on brakes, tyres, trailer couplings, and hydraulic pipes are even more important than usual.

"To reduce the risk of accidents it is important to make sure all drivers are trained to operate the machinery they will be using, and are warned about any hazards in the fields including, steep slopes, wet patches and slippery la

NFU

Mutual silage safety checklist

Before silage harvesting:

• Make sure you have identified and assessed the hazards on the farm, in the field and the tasks that will be conducted during silage harvesting, and know how to manage the risks

• Walk silage fields before cutting to identify wet spots and any potentially dangerous slippery slopes

• Put in place a system for keeping in contact with lone workers

• Make sure new staff are properly inducted and trained for the work you give them – in particular the dangers of working with and around farm machinery

• Teach staff about the principles of "Safe Stop": Make sure the handbrake is fully

applied; controls and equipment are left safe; stop the engine; and remove the key, before leaving the vehicle or accessing the machine

• Put in place measures to ensure children are kept away from working areas

• Make sure staff know the safe working loads of trailers and don't allow trailers to be overfilled

• Ensure vehicles and trailers are road legal with fully maintained and working brakes, lights, indicators and flashing beacons. Also check the age, condition and pressures of tyres. Consider using a third party to inspect trailers, with accreditation such as the 'Tilly Your Trailer' scheme

• Consider letting local people know when you will be taking silage trailers on local lanes via neighbourhood social media sites to help people reroute journeys as this will cut delays and incident risks

Working in the fields:

• Make sure tractors have sufficient power and braking capacity to control trailers on slippery hilly fields

• Regularly check moving parts of mowers, tedders, forage harvesters and balers, including guards and PTO shafts for wear or damage

• Switch off engines and ensure parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance - remove keys as well to prevent accidental starting (Safe Stop!)

• Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of overhead power lines and check that your machinery will safely pass under wires and restrictions, especially where there is a risk of overturn

NationWide Service

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with vehicles potentially being at a different angle

• Take special care to check for vehicles following behind before turning right into fields or yards, as this is a common cause of accidents

• Regularly clear up any mud deposits from roads – alert drivers with signage where mud may be present

• Be aware of potential walkers in fields with public rights of way and stop the vehicle if people are in close proximity

• Keep a mobile phone on you at all timesnot left in a tractor or pick-up cab

• Take regular breaks to eat, drink and rest to stave off tiredness

Working on silage clamps:

• Keep people away from moving vehicles

• Ensure a filling plan is followed and that sight rails are visible at all times

• Never overfill a silage clamp as this increases the risk of vehicles overturning when rolling or filling

• Only use vehicles that are suitable for the task – fitted with an approved safety cab or Roll over Protection Structure (RoPS), welllugged tyres, suitably weighted etc

• For indoor clamps, keep away for the first 72 hours as this is when dangerous nitrogen dioxide gas can form in large quantities

• Keep clear of the edge of the clamp (at least 1m) when (un)sheeting or removing tyres. If possible, use a mobile working platform or a hook orapole to keep away from the edge of the face

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•andmanymoreproducts

Become a Livestock Vaccination Champion on World Animal Vaccination Day

This World Animal Vaccination Day, NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) is calling on vets and farmers to sign up to become a Livestock Vaccination Champion herehttps:// www.noahlvg.co.uk

World Animal Vaccination Day takes place each year on 20 April, reminding everyone of the importance of vaccines to any animal health plan or programme. Disease prevention through vaccination helps ensure that animals do not have to suffer unnecessarily, and that farmers do not have to cull herds to control and/or stamp out preventable disease. Vaccinating animals can also slow further spread and prevent disease transmission between species.

NOAH’sLivestock Vaccination Guideline, drafted by veterinary experts,provides practical guidance for vets, SQPs and farmersbased on current veterinary clinical experience and research in relation to dairy, beef and sheep. It supportstailored appropriate vaccination programmes at a flock or herd levelto help realise the true potential of vaccination across these sectors, introducingthe concept of two categories of vaccination to support head and flock health planning.

Dawn Howard, NOAH’s Chief Executive explains: “We believe this resource is invaluable to support the health and welfare ambitions of UK livestock farmers.It demonstrates a proactive, best practice approach to vaccination in these sectors to enable farmers and veterinarians to make decisions to ensure that animals are protected from disease, their health and welfare is safeguarded, and they remain productive.”

Within the Guideline, diseases which fall under Category 1 vaccinations are considered to be ‘core’ as they potentially pose a threat to all cattle and sheep in the UK. That is not to say that every animal should receive every Category 1 vaccine, . butut the Guideline suggests that , the planning decision is switched from ‘why vaccinate?’ to ‘why not vaccinate?’ when drawing up the plan.

Category 2 vaccinations are fordiseases for which the level of threat to herd or flock health and welfare will vary on an individual farm basis. Decisions on the appropriateness of using all vaccinations should be based on the health status of the animals, their welfare, their productivity and the cost benefits of vaccinating against each disease.

£1 million available for dairy innovation projects

The Digital Dairy Chain is preparing to launch the second round of its Collaborative Research and Development Funding Competition from 6 May, with £1.1 million of grant funding available for successful entries.

The coveted competition is run by the UK's national innovation agency, Innovate UK, with the aim of supporting innovative projects focused on improving dairy production and the supply chain.

A total of £2 million was awarded through the Digital Dairy Chain project when the first contest opened to applications in Spring 2023. The seven winning projects were awarded grants of between £200-350K, which has been invested in work taking place predominantly across Cumbria and South and West Scotland.

embraced by the dairy industry and transformative innovation will be the outcome.

"Therefore, my message is simple, if you have an innovative project idea, collaborative partners on-board and are considering applying, visit the Innovate UK website and read the competition guidelines. Read them carefully and then join us for an online Q&A session or for the Innovate UK briefing webinar to ensure you stand the best chance of submitting a winning application."

The Digital Dairy Chain's Programme Director Stuart Martin said: "The quantity and quality of applications received in the 2023 collaborative competition was irrefutable proof that appetite for R&D in the dairy sector is high. We have shown that where there is funding, support and expertise, they are being wholeheartedly

Professor Des Gibson, who leads Albasense, one of the 2023 winning projects, also offered his advice for anyone submitting an application when the Innovate UK portal opens in May.

"Ensure the problem you are solving is explained together with associated cost effective underpinning intellectual property and how the project team will deliver and manage the work. Moreover, provide analysis of market opportunity, entry routes and unique selling points."

For more information and links to Innovate UK briefings events and guidance please keep an eye on the Digital Dairy Chain's website:www.digitaldairychain.co.uk

SOIL LEACHING THREATENS ANIMAL HEALTH POST TURNOUT

Following the recent relentless heavy rainfall, concern has been raised about forage quality because of mineral leaching from the soil. Iodine, in particular – an essential micronutrient required by cattle – has been lost as a result, and nutrition specialist Nettex suggests this could compromise animal health.

“Whether grazing cattle later in the spring or making silage, we’re encouraging farmers to test grassland soils to ascertain if vital minerals have been lost. Should this be the case then our EnduraBol High Iodine bolus will compensate for deficiencies in this key mineral, as well as vitamins A, D and E, and any identified shortfalls in copper, cobalt, selenium, manganese, and zinc,” says Nettex’s Emily Hall.

According to NADIS (The National Animal Disease Information Service), iodine is essential as a constituent of the thyroid hormones, in particular T3 and T4, and 80 percent of the iodine in the body is found in the thyroid gland.

“An iodine deficiency is linked to thyroid enlargement, calves being stillborn, and iodine deficiencies have also been implicated in poor growth rates, poor milk production and retained placenta,” says Ms Hall.

Soil health is the main contributor to iodine losses and heavy rainfall that causes surface run off, and soil degradation, has left many parts of the UK at risk. Soil testing specialists Eurofins Agro UK provide thousands of soils tests and suggest that with such heavy rain this year, farmers should be analysing soil more regularly to establish mineral losses.

“This year’s heavy rain can have a harmful effect

on soil health. Our tests are designed to provide data relating to the physical, biological, chemical and carbon characteristics of soil. In relation to leaching, the tests also offer data for the essential main and micronutrients along with the plant available nutrients, soil stock nutrients, and supply capacity,” explains Eurofins Agro UK specialist Shane Brewer.

Understanding the effect of adverse weather conditions using soil testing offers farmers the opportunity to subsequently adapt nutrient management programs to put back into the soil minerals that are lost through leaching. However, this is a long-term strategy and livestock farmers are advised to act sooner with appropriate supplementation.

“A bolus is a cost-effective and easy way to mitigate nutrient deficiencies to protect animal health when soil and the forage quality has been compromised. We suggest farmers act now to provide livestock with the nutrients needed to improve health and yield,” concludes Emily Hall.

‘Growing Healthy Calves’ Webinar to Provide Practical Tips and Advice to Improve Dairy Calf Performance

MSD Animal Health UK Limited (a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK)) is hosting a ‘Growing Healthy Calves’ webinar to provide dairy herd managers and their staff with valuable insights and practical tips to ensure the well-being and optimal growth of dairy calves.

The SenseHub® Youngstock system uses electronic ear tags to assess the behavioural patterns of calves from birth to 12 months of age, to identify any signs of potential ill health or opportunities for welfare improvements.

“Using SenseHub to monitor calves reduces the farm’s exposure to labour market shortages and ensures that each and every calf gets off to the best possible start so that it can make a positive contribution to the herd’s income sooner,” explains Samantha Carmichael, Senior Technology Solutions Marketing Manager for MSD Animal Health’s Ruminant Business Unit.

The hour-long webinar, which is free to attend and open to all, is scheduled to take place at 7pm on Wednesday 15th May and will be hosted by Juan Pedro Campillo, MSD Animal Health’s Global Dairy Technology Marketing Manager, and UK Veterinary Advisor, Kat Baxter-Smith. Together they will discuss the key challenges facing dairy calves during their first 12 months, and explain how preventative care protocols which include the use of the SenseHub® Youngstock monitoring system can help herd managers and their staff to identify and mitigate these challenges as cost-efficiently and effectively as possible.

“The webinar will explain how the insights provided by SenseHub can be used by herd managers, their staff and the farm’s vet to fine-tune youngstock management protocols in order to optimise the lifetime productivity of each animal entering the herd. We’ll also be discussing other key aspects of youngstock management such as preventative disease practices and vaccination protocols, with the webinar concluding with a question and answer session in which participants will able to quiz the expert panel.”

Find out more

To register for the event go to https:// animalhealth.getfeedback.com/preview/ 31IzeNQv

To find out how more about SenseHub and the SenseHub Dairy Youngstock application plan, please call the SenseHub team on 01207 529000 or send an email to allflexuk@msd.com

Alternatively visit https://www.msd-animal-healthhub.co.uk/farmers/livestock-monitoring.

SenseHub is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease in animals. For the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of disease in animals, you should consult your veterinarian. The accuracy of the data collected and presented through this product is not intended to match that of medical devices or scientific measurement devices.

New udder wipes offer premium hygiene performance alongside enhanced comfort

Anew range of single-use antibacterial udder wipes, providing safe and effective cleaning and disinfection prior to milking, has been introduced by Coventry-based specialist cleaning product manufacturer EcoTech (Europe) Ltd.

Drawing on EcoTech’s extensive experience in high-performing products for a broad spectrum of cleaning tasks, each Dirty Cow udder wipe is made from a fabric comprising PET and viscose, which delivers maximum durability.

It is also a softer fabric, addressing concerns among some farmers about the harsh sensation created by some products on the market.

Dirty Cow leaves no residue on the udder and teats, through its specially formulated chemical combination which complies with all relevant industry standards.

It offers rapid and effective cleaning and disinfection performance against a broad range of organisms, bringing peace of mind for both farmers and the dairy brands they supply.

Ashleigh Brownhill, commercial director at EcoTech (Europe) Ltd, explained: “Wiping the udder to ensure it is clean and free from bacteria is not just good practice from a hygiene point of view; it has been shown to stimulate milk flow and therefore cut the time taken to milk each cow.

“Our research has shown

there is clear demand for a softer, residue-free product which does not compromise on cleaning and disinfection performance and that is exactly what farmers can now access through the Dirty Cow range.”

Dirty Cow wipes measure 20cm x 20cm and come in a convenient bucket, containing 1,000 wipes, which dispenses a single product at a time, keeping the remainder fresh and clean until they are needed.

For further information visit https://www.ecotecheurope.com/dirty-cow/

Moo-ving rescue: Hero vets save dozens of cattle from overturned lorry

Ateam of vets have been hailed heroes after their quick actions saved the lives of dozens of cattle from an overturned lorry.

The incident saw the double-decker vehicle carrying 40 cattle flip over at Gobowen, Shropshire, prompting an urgent call to the veterinary teams at Brownlow and Park Issa farm vets.

Their swift response, supported by local farmers and the emergency services, resulted in the successful rescue of 33 cattle under hugely challenging conditions.

David Martin, clinical director at Brownlow, which is part of IVC Evidensia Farm Vets, and the on-call vet who received the emergency call, hailed the efforts of everyone involved.

He said: "Responding to emergencies like this is

always stressful, but seeing our training in large animal rescue come to life in collaboration with the emergency services and the local farming community was extraordinary.

“Our deepest thanks go to everyone involved,

especially our off-duty Brownlow and Park Issa large animal team, for their remarkable dedication and immediate action. They are all absolute heroes.”

The livestock lorry overturned on a busy A-road early on Sunday afternoon, posing severe risks to the animals onboard.

The rescue team used a "mobile handling unit" borrowed from a nearby farm to move the cattle safely from the overturned lorry to a secure area.

all sorts of emergencies, from car accidents to rescuing animals from water or getting them out of precarious situations."

Vitoria Hipolito, a vet involved in the rescue, said the incident demonstrated the strength of cooperation between vets, the farming community and emergency services.

She added: "As farm vets, we work shoulder to shoulder with the farming community, and this incident demonstrated that unity.

About 15 local farmers assisted in the operation, bringing the tools and extra hands needed to make the rescue operation work.

It took more than two hours before the team could safely open the lorry's back door, and about five hours in total to free the last of the cattle.

Sadly, five of the animals had to be put to sleep at the scene to prevent further suffering, and two others died because of injuries they sustained in the crash.

David highlighted the significant contributions of Park Issa vets Vitoria Hipolito and Suzanne Vos, saying they each played pivotal roles in the rescue operation.

He added: “They both rushed to help on their day off, and their expertise and dedication were crucial in managing the situation. Suzanne stepped in to cover emergency calls, which allowed us to focus on the rescue operation at the crash site.

“This incident really tested our emergency response and, in the end, strengthened it. It was also an invaluable learning opportunity, particularly for team members who hadn't faced such a largescale emergency before.”

David further stressed the value of continuous training, adding, "It underlines how important it is for us to keep training in large animal rescue and first aid, something that as part of IVC Evidensia, colleagues at our practices are able to routinely undertake. Being prepared like this helps us tackle

“It was a complex rescue operation, with five fire and rescue engines on the scene, including Shropshire’s only animal tender, specifically equipped for animal emergencies like this one.

“The livestock lorry had up to nine separate pens, each requiring manual release. As we freed the cows in batches, our joint efforts allowed us to systematically assess, treat, and safely move them into waiting vehicles.”

Steve Moorhouse, watch manager at Ellesmere Fire Station, described the incident as “complex” and said it was “thanks to the swift response of the vets” in attendance that they successfully managed to rescue the cattle.

He added: “Time was of the essence to remove the animals as quickly as possible, ensuring their safety as well as everyone involved in the incident.”

Best of both worlds: Estrus detection aids and timed cattle breeding

Breeding cattle via artificial insemination (AI) by pairing visual estrus detection aids and timed AI protocols is a win-win

Using artificial insemination (AI) with a cattle herd doesn't require as much time or labor as you might think. With the advent of timed breeding protocols and quality visual estrus detection aids, AI has become more effective and efficient.

"You're listening to the cows just a little bit, but you still have that scheduling of it and utilising your AI tech," says Adrienne Lulay, independent beef sales representative for All West Beef/Select Sires.

Lulay joined the Kansas State University's Beef Cattle InstituteCattle Chat podcastwith their team of veterinarians to discuss AI and offer some tips on getting the most from cattle breeding programs.

Both Lulay and Bob Larson, DVM, professor at Kansas State University, agree that implementing estrus detection with visual breeding indicator aids can help improve the results of AI breeding.

Looking back

In the past few decades, AI breeding protocols have

come a long way. Larson notes the move from daily estrus detection to timed AI as being a significant shift.

"Really, one of the big constraints to utilising artificial insemination in beef cattle was the need to estrus detect twice a day every day and then follow that up with insemination twice a day," says Larson.

Only a handful of cows or heifers were bred daily, and often the beef producer had to be their own AI specialist.

"That's a lot of skills to train someone to do, and then they only do it once a year," adds Larson.

The advent of timed AI protocols became a gamechanger in allowing professionals, like AI technicians or veterinarians, to breed many females effectively and quickly. But, timed AI wasn't a cure-all.

"It didn't perfectly get all the heifers or cows to ovulate

when you wanted them to," says Larson. "Now, over the last few years, we've added back some estrus detection."

Estrus detection support

If you are using timed AI, you can pair it with visual estrus detection aids, like breeding indicator patches, to enhance your breeding program.Then, you can breed the first cows or heifers exhibiting strong estrus intensity and hold off on breeding a second group until more are in estrus.

"We get the best of both worlds – the estrus detection and timed insemination," says Larson.

Lulay estimates that adding an estrus detection aid to a timed AI breeding provides a 10% increase in conception rates.

"There's definitely very obvious heat detection aids now that are available," says Lulay. "Something like an ESTROTECT patch or even just chalking their back so you know they actually went into heat. You can check just a couple times a day, and you can peel off those cows that were in heat."

There can also be some cost savings when an estrus detection aid is part of the breeding program by reducing the drugs required.

"You can skip your GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) shot at that timed AI because so few of them actually need it because you saw they came into heat," says Lulay.

Using estrus detection aids can be a way to alert you that something went wrong in the protocol.

An example Lulay shares is a breeding project where the cows weren't exhibiting any estrus with breeding indicator patches after the producer implemented the breeding protocol.

"None of the cows were coming into heat, and there were no activated patches," says Lulay. "It turns out they had flip-flopped their hormone injections. The patches tipped us off that something wasn't right."

Having someone who can accurately determine the signs of estrus intensity with the assistance of estrus detection aids should also be considered.

"A well-trained person who can read the cows with the assistance of estrus detection aids is usually pretty good at getting the right timing for insemination," says Larson.

Listen to the whole conversation by visiting theCattle Chatpodcastepisode at the following link:https://bit.ly/ CattleChatAI.

For more information on breeding indicator patches, visitESTROTECT.com

The ESTROTECT Breeding Indicator is the industry standard for optimising cattle breeding efficiency and economics. With millions and millions of units sold around the world, ESTROTECT is the only breeding management tool tested in a multitude of university studies by researchers.

W Protect Valuable New Season Lambs by Focusing on Immunity-Led Disease Prevention

ith many flocks struggling with the impact of the Schmallenberg virus1 and lamb prices continuing to trend 40% up on last year2, sheep producers are being encouraged to protect valuable young lambs from preventable disease threats this spring and early summer.

“It’s important to remember that lambs are born with no antibodies to give them protection to ubiquitous disease threats and therefore rely in early life on passive transfer of immunity from the ewe in her colostrum – but this must take place within the first few hours of life. This passive immunity then starts to wear off after three weeks, leaving many lambs vulnerable to a variety of infections,” said MSD Animal Health livestock veterinary adviser Dr Kat Baxter-Smith.

Unnecessary losses from clostridial diseases, such as pulpy kidney or from pastereurellosis, are a particular cause for concern with young lambs during the spring and early summer. According to data from Farm Post Mortems Limited, there’s often a large peak of pulpy kidney in the spring when lambs aged between two and eight weeks of age are affected3. On further investigation, in almost all the cases, neither the dams nor their offspring have been protected by vaccination.

Dr Baxter-Smith says that it is impossible to control the multiple and varied stress-related ‘trigger’ factors (e.g. a sudden change in the weather, alteration in diet or parasite infection) for clostridial diseases and other common infections, such as

pasteurellosis, so vaccination of young lambs from three weeks of age is strongly advised.

She points out that coccidiosis is another key disease in lambs that is often triggered by stressful events. This is because any maternally derived immunity (gained from ewe colostrum) to this particular infection is known to wane at four to six weeks of age.

“After this, young lambs become particularly susceptible to the Eimeria parasite oocysts, which, once consumed from the environment, hatch and then invade the intestinal wall. This can then cause diarrhoea, weight loss and slow growth rates.

“Oocysts are ingested when lambs lick contaminated objects or ingest feed or water contaminated with faeces. If coccidiosis has been diagnosed, ask your animal health product supplier about the strategic use of an easy-to-administer, single oral drench alongside sound hygiene practices, which will allow some immunity to develop in your lambs without loss of performance or disease,” she said.

References:

1. Cases of Schmallenberg have been rising across the UK since autumn 2023. Between 1st December 2023 and 16th January 2024 a total of 63 cases had been confirmed to AHPA. The majority of cases were in stillborn lambs. APHA (@ 31st January 2024).

2. Farmers Guardian (@ 1st March 2024)

3. Farm Post Mortems Ltd. data

British Wool announces new ambassadors

British Wool has launched an ambassador programme, enlisting two representatives per nation across the UK.

With a high calibre of ambassadors, the programme follows on from the success UK competitors experienced in the world sheep shearing and wool handling championships at last year’s Royal Highland Show.

British Wool’s six ambassador roles will be to support the organisation and fibre through

good advocacy and best practices, encouraging farmers to be stronger together by supporting British Wool. The ambassadors’ passion for the industry will also hopefully work to motivate the next generation whilst also flying the flag for British Wool in their specific areas.

The ambassadors in England will be ladies' shearing competitor, training instructor and NSA Regional Chair in the South East Susie Parish with world shearing record holder and well-known face Matt Smith making up the other half of the team in England. In Wales,

Gwion Evans, the world shearing champion and Ffion Jones, world wool handling team champion and flying the flag in Scotland will be world wool handling champion Rosie Keenan and national shearing team member Hamish Mitchel.

Gareth Jones, head of member engagement at British Wool, says: “We are thrilled with the standard and talent of our ambassadors. They are all extremely skilled, passionate, and knowledgeable individuals who can bring a lot to what we do here at British Wool.”

On top of helping to promote British Wool across its different media platforms, the

ambassadors will also gain useful insight into the governance of the organisation and what goes into marketing its members’ wool.

Gareth says: “British Wool represents 35,000 sheep farmers in the UK. We collect, grade, market and sell wool on behalf of our members to the international wool textile industry for use in flooring, furnishings, and apparel.

“As a collective marketing organisation, everything British Wool does is about adding value to our members’ wool and we look forward to working with our ambassadors in promoting this to a much wider audience.”

Tenant farmers under pressure as landowners reclaim land for economic benefit

The National Sheep Association (NSA) believes traditional farming practices could be threatened as large landowners seek to reclaim farmland in favour of economically beneficial environmental practices.

At a recent meeting of the NSA Northern Region and the Farming Network farmers said they were being squeezed out of short term lets and Farm Business Tenancies (FBT) as landowners take back land, in most cases to get involved in large scale tree planting, rewilding and other environmental projects. In some cases, others at the meeting claimed that this trend appears to be linked to tax benefits of being active in farming and land management.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker was in attendance at the meeting and says:"NSA is hearing of an alarming number of cases involving the loss of significant areas of land on five year FBTs, leaving farmers with unviable holdings either owned or on a full agricultural tenancy.It is clear this is a common problem in parts of the north of England, where a high percentage of farm land is tenanted and owned by large private estates, corporate organisations such as water companies, and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs)."

The practice of estates reclaiming land on short term lets is often driven by landowners and agents seeking to reduce tax liability, and

increase income through government and private schemes including carbon offsetting, biodiversity net gain, and tree planting. But significant changes are also being driven by Natural England related to stocking reductions and Countryside and Higher Level Stewardship renewals.

Mr Stocker continues:"In some areas we are seeing a breakdown in traditional sheep farming and grazing practices, with holdings becoming unviable, and tenants often not having the opportunity to benefit from the schemes that land is being entered into.This is not new, it's a trend that has been going on for some time, but there is plenty of evidence tosuggest it is increasing rapidly at a time when food production has been recognised as fragile."

NSA is keen to work with The Farmer Network and the Tenant Farmers Association, both of which are closely connected to this issue, in order to raise awareness of this problem and to highlight some of the consequences of policy decisions such as carbon credits and schemes that exclude farming.

Farmers currently affected by this issue (whether in the north of England or further afield) are encouraged to contact NSA to provide a more accurate view of what is happening. To contact NSA please emailenquiries@nationalsheep.org.ukor telephone 01684 892661.

A positive outlook at the British Pig & Poultry Fair

The British Pig & Poultry Fair is less than a month away – and a lot has changed in the two years since the last Fair. So what does the event have in store?

“It’s most certainly been a challenging couple of years for everyone in the pig, poultry and egg sectors, but it does feel like the tide is turning, and there are some positive outlooks ahead,” says David Grint, CEO at the RASE. “Our industry never fails to impress me with its resilience, adaptability, can-do attitude and innovative answers to the biggest of challenges.”

And this year’s Fair will hopefully provide plenty of answers, inspiration, and optimism. With around 7,500 visitors and 336 exhibitors, attendees can enjoy the opportunity to network with friends and colleagues, meet with key suppliers and buyers, and browse the wide range of new products to reach the market.

As ever, the Poultry and Pig Theatres bring together some great speakers to explore the hot topics of the day, including the popular Pig, Egg, and Poultry Outlooks, which will consider the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“I don’t think there’s been a more interesting time to be in poultry meat, in terms of the amount of change that needs to happen,” says Justin Coleman at Moy Park. “There are some big issues to deal with – but the public still has an insatiable appetite for chicken, so it will be interesting to see where this all lands.”

In the pig sector, while the UK and EU herds have likely stopped contracting, further

rationalisation looks likely to continue in the US and elsewhere, affecting global trade, says Mark Haighton at Sofina Foods. “What is the

demand going to be for pork versus other proteins and what is happening with the meatfree agenda? That messaging doesn’t seem to be as potent as it once was.”

Minister of State Mark Spencer will be speaking about farming policy ahead of the upcoming election, while Defra’s Janet Hughes will explain the new environmental schemes and grants.

Other hot topics include attracting, recruiting and retaining the next generation of farming talent, along with how to successfully market to the next generation of consumers.

This year’s key themes are innovation, collaboration and sustainability, and the Fair has a new Innovation Theatre to profile the latest cutting-edge products and ideas. Visitors can hear how new software can predict early onset of respiratory disease in pigs, or can take the stress out of contingency planning in the event of disease outbreaks or natural disasters.

They can also learn about generating potential new income streams from farming insects, or how new technology can help them to reach net zero by turning animal bedding into valuable crop nutrition.

Ultimately, profitable and sustainable production depends on solid relationships, networks and knowledge-sharing throughout the supply chain, says Danny Johnson, General Manager at Fair partner ABN. “It’s about taking a joined-up approach to achieve efficiency, performance and growth, and ensuring there’s a viable future for the next generation.”

Note new venue and days for 2024!

The 2024 Fair will be taking place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, at the NEC, Birmingham. Visit the website to book your FREE ticket www.pigandpoultry.org.uk

The full seminar line up is available here: www.pigandpoultry.org.uk/forums-2024

minimise

wet winter on silage, farmers

Heightened risks of soil and slurry contamination in first-cut grass silage after the wet winter, due to increased wheel ruts in fields and delayed slurry applications, will require extra vigilance with silage-making this season, an expert is urging.

According to Ecosyl silage specialist Peter Smith of Volac, uneven, rutted field surfaces left by machines such as fertiliser spreaders travelling on wet land increase the risk of soil bacteria, such as clostridia, getting into silage crops at harvest.

“Clostridia feed on the sugars and proteins in grass,” says Mr Smith. “But they can also feed on lactic acid, which is the beneficial acid produced during fermentation which preserves silage. They waste up to half the dry matter (DM) and a fifth of the energy contained in the

lactic acid they consume. Clostridia also produce compounds that make silage less palatable, which can reduce silage intakes.

“Meanwhile, late slurry applications reduce the time available for slurry bacteria to decline before first cut is taken. Enterobacteria, which are found in slurry, waste about 40% of the DM and 16% of the energy contained in the grass sugar they ferment.”

Ideally, Mr Smith says there should be a 10week gap between slurry application and cutting grass for silage. For anyone who typically cuts on 15 May, this means slurry should have been applied by 6 March, but few farmers managed this, he adds.

“Always apply slurry as soon as possible after taking a cut of silage as this can reduce slurry contamination as the sward might be able to

Fermentation dominated by undesirable

Enterobacteria (commonly found in slurry)

grow through the applied slurry layer. But there’s less chance of this with heavy grass crops,” he points out.

“To reduce soil bacteria risks, roll rutted and uneven fields, where this is an option. But be aware that if there is heavy grass cover, rolling can check grass growth. Also, when making silage, make sure machines such as tedders and rakes are set up correctly so they are not constantly raking soil into the grass. Far too many rakes and tedders scratch the ground when the tractor is stationary, showing that the machine is set too low.”

Wherever slurry or soil contamination is a risk, Mr Smith says wilting cut grass rapidly to 30% DM will help by allowing unwanted microbes less time to act on the crop – although this is not always possible, he acknowledges. “You don’t want to ensile grass too wet in these situations. Drier silage is more forgiving,” he adds.

“Equally, treating with a proven silage additive is important. By dominating the fermentation with large numbers of efficient, lactic acidproducing bacteria from a proven additive, it will help to quickly reduce the pH and overcome the undesirable bacteria – leaving a more palatable silage of higher energy to feed.

“Research on the additive, Ecosyl, has shown it to produce a very fast pH fall soon after ensiling, with DNA fingerprinting – a technique used in forensics – providing visible evidence of its effect. While untreated silage quickly

Fermentation dominated by ‘good’ Lactobacillus plantarum MTD/1 bacteria, which Ecosyl provides

Enterobacteria

became dominated by enterobacteria, there was very little growth of enterobacteria in the treated silage as the beneficial MTD/1 bacteria in Ecosyl dominated the fermentation.

“Whenever silage is made, best practice clamp management techniques – such as effective consolidation, sealing and weighting – are always important. But when there are heightened risks of soil and slurry bacteria contamination, their importance for creating the correct clamp conditions cannot be overstated.”

Untreated silage Ecosyl-treated silage

Retrofit part halves trailing shoe row spacing

Vogelsang has launched a new DoubleFlow linkage option for its trailing shoe slurry applicators that enables the operator to halve the row spacing from 25 centimetres to 12.5. This doubles the surface area coverage operators can achieve without affecting tractor forward speed.

“The DoubleFlow runner divides the drop hose into two outlets, using a Y shaped piece, which splits the row spacing when spreading liquid manure to enable operators to cover more ground with a narrower spreading belt,” says Vogelsang’s Andy Hayhurst.

The new DoubleFlow trailing shoe part is easy to retrofit and can be added to the Vogelsang UniSpread and BlackBird trailing shoe linkages from May 2024.It has been designed to fit the flow optimised PrecisionFlow nozzle that existing Vogelsang customers will recognise from the BlackBird.

Mr Hayhurst suggests Vogelsang’s trailing shoe applicators are becoming more popular in the UK due to the PrecisionFlow spout used, which ensures precise slurry positioning.

“This is especially important on grassland to

improve forage quality and reduce the risk of slurry contaminating the green crop,” he adds.

The lightweight design of the Vogelsang trailing shoe applicators features a new runner design which is made from Hardox steel blades and wear-resistant plastic. This offers operators a hard-wearing and robust design that is easy to operate and maintain.

“The steel blades can be replaced individually. Operators will also benefit from the long service life of the applicators and low cost of spare parts,” concludes Mr Hayhurst.

Vogelsang’s new Y shaped DoubleFlow part can be retrofitted to double the surface area coverage of a trailing shoe applicator.

The durable, lightweight, steel blade design is long lasting and places slurry accurately onto the soil to reduce crop contamination.

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

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Are Your NVZ Records Up To Date?

If your farm is located in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ), I am sure you are aware there are some extra rules and records you must keep. With 2023 out of the way, now is the time to ensure your NVZ records are up to date.

You will need to have the following in case of an inspection:

• Proof that you have planned your nitrogen applications (this could for example be a nutrient management plan, which can be funded by option NUM1 in the SFI).

• Application records of all nitrogen applied to your fields.

• Application records of all manure applied to your fields.

• Calculations showing the kgN/ha of available N applied to your fields, and proof of compliance with Nmax values for given crops.

• Calculations showing the total kg of N applied from manures to any one field.

• Your total farm nitrogen loading (based on average animal numbers over the past year)

• Slurry calculations to show compliance with 5 months storage requirement (6 months if you have pigs or poultry)

• A risk map showing no spread zones, high risk areas, and location of temporary FYM field heaps.

The deadlines for these records vary. Application records should be kept up to date after every application, while the various calculations may be done at the end of the application period. The total farm limit calculationmust be completed by 10thof Aprilof the following year.

If you would like some help updating your NVZ records, please get in touch with Ellice atellicehahne@fcgagric.comor contact your local FCG office.

Credit: The Farm Consultancy Group www.fcgagric.com

AGCO and Trimble Close Joint Venture, Form PTx Trimble

Leading ag tech deal creates an industry-leading, mixed-fleet precision ag platform serving farmers globally

AGCO and Trimble have announced the completion of their joint venture known as PTx Trimble. It combines Trimble’s precision agriculture business and AGCO’s JCA Technologies to form a new company that will factory fit and retrofit precision technology to meet the needs of farmers.

AGCO has acquired an 85% stake in PTx Trimble, and Trimble will hold a 15% stake. Going forward, the PTx Trimble JV will be consolidated into AGCO’s financial statements.

“Farmers worldwide need technologies that support them to be more productive and profitable while minimising the environmental impact of their

operations,” said Eric Hansotia, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “PTx Trimble will provide farmers greater access to nextgeneration precision ag tools, no matter what brands of tractors and implements they operate.”

The formation of PTx Trimble enhances AGCO’s comprehensive technology offering around guidance, autonomy, precision spraying, connected farming, data management and sustainability.

“Farmers are the real winners here,” said Rob Painter, Trimble's President and Chief Executive Officer. “By combining our expertise and resources through this JV, we aim to accelerate the pace of innovation. With a focus on open technologies, customers will benefit from tech solutions available

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and adjusted earnings per share in the first full year post-close.

AGCO’s consolidated precision ag revenue is now expected to exceed $2.0 billion by 2028, and the transaction is expected to be accretive to AGCO’s revenue growth, adjusted operating margin profile

AGCO financed the transaction through a combination of $1.1 billion in recently issued senior unsecured notes, a $500 million term loan facility, other borrowings and cash on hand.

to farmers across a broad range of tractor and implement brands.”

300 tractors headline bumper April vintage auction

Over 2,700 lots, including several one-ofa-kind tractors, steam engines, vehicles, motorcycles and automobilia, will be going under the hammer in the first Vintage Auction of the year held by machinery auctioneers Cheffins at its Sutton sale ground.

Some 300 tractors are included and top of the bill is a stunning 1928 Foden C Type, which was treated to an extensive nut and bolt restoration by its previous owner, creating what is believed to be one of the finest examples of a C Type in existence. The restoration began in 1988 when in the ownership of Vincent Allen of Houghton Le Spring in Co Durham, before Bruce Nicol purchased it in 2007. Pre-sale estimates are between £200,000-£220,000.

market again is a privilege.”

One of the earliest Ferguson Brown tractors, which was almost certainly a pre-production demonstrator and includes the first manufactured Coventry Climax engine, will go under the hammer at the sale. The tractor, which carries the serial number 5, was originally supplied on steel wheels to Imperial Motors of Hereford and was brought into preservation in the 1970s.

Tom says: “No 5 possesses the correct features for such an early machine, including the paired-plug head and shallow sump. It is a stunning example, and its early serial number signifies its huge historical importance. It is entirely possible that the only earlier example of a Ferguson Brown still in existence is number 1, which is owned by Massey Ferguson.

Tom Godsmark, associate at Cheffins, says buyers will be excited by the variety and quality of machinery on offer. “This is a mammoth sale, with some hugely important historical tractors alongside some models that have been subject to extensive restorations. Some of these machines haven’t changed hands for several decades and being able to offer them to the

One of the oldest tractors in the sale is a 1915/16 Overtime Model R, two-cylinder petrol tractor, believed to be one of the earliest working models in the UK. This mid-war example was rescued from the undergrowth in 1959 and was a mainstay on the rally and show circuit until 2018. Various invoices from the restoration are still present and its current vendors bought it in 2021 and have treated it to a full repaint to match the original chassis.

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The line-up extends to an immaculate 1973 County 1164, six-cylinder tractor and a 1932 Fordson Model N, which is one of only a handful of ‘transitional’ models produced when manufacturing moved from Cork in Ireland to Ford’s Dagenham site in Essex. This model was assembled in England, but used many Irish parts, as can be seen from the ‘Made in Irish Free State’ legend on the fuel tank and found on the flywheel during the restoration. This model spent over 60 years on one farm in Northamptonshire before undergoing a five-year restoration with its current owner.

The pick of the vehicles is a 6.2-litre V8 Bentley TType Mulliner Park Ward 2-door coupe, which is an immaculate early example and one of only 79 righthand drive models built between 1966 and 1971.

Coachbuilt by H.J Mulliner Park Ward Ltd of Willesden, it features rare early type internal door handles, and the Burr Walnut woodwork is in superb condition. It still has its original box of tools and a jack, while the hardback owner’s handbook is also present. It carries an estimate of £50,000-£60,000. Vintage Land Rover enthusiasts have 11 vehicles to choose from, including an early racing green Series I, through to Series III models.

There are 55 motorcycles comprising a 1929 Velocette KSS, 1928 James Model 12 V-twin, and a 1929 Douglas EW, many of which are to be offered without reserve. As usual, there is a wide selection of automobilia and petroliana, including Price’s Motorine U.C.L – a countertop upper lubricant dispenser in unrestored and original condition.

2021

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MF 9S Series wins prestigious Red Dot Design Award

Massey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is delighted to receive a Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024 for its flagship MF 9S Series tractors. The international jury only awards this sought-after seal of quality to products that feature an outstanding design.

“We are honoured the MF 9S has been chosen for this special award,” says Thierry Lhotte, Vice President & Managing Director Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East. “This confirms our commitment to developing pioneering designs to help our customers enhance their productivity, which the distinguished jury has recognised with the Red Dot Award.

“Developed for farmers by farmers, after seven years of intensive customer consultations and testing, Massey Ferguson first introduced this radical, yet practical design on the MF 8S Series, which received a Red Dot Design Award in 2021. Now, the MF 9S Series builds on the design’s success of the Protect-U and cab, delivering outstanding performance, reliability and an enhanced user experience, along with innovative technology specifically tailored to meet farmers’ different needs,” adds Mr Lhotte.

Distinctive design

Six models in the MF 9S Series offer powers from 285hp to 425hp and feature Massey Ferguson’s distinctive Protect-U engine and cab installation, which delivers unrivalled visibility and comfort. Key to its success is its distinctive design’s unique 18cm gap that isolates the encapsulated engine from the cab.

All MF 9S tractors are equipped with Massey Ferguson's renowned Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission, which offers new power management to deliver additional torque and horsepower.

Equipped to a superb specification, the MF 9S Series combines ultimate comfort and productivity with optimum connectivity from MF Guide and MF Connect fitted as standard.

The MF 9S also introduces additional efficiency enhancing options, including MF AutoTurn, AutoHeadland, TIM (Tractor Implement Management) and a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS). The MF By You customisation centre also offers a wide choice of factory-fitted equipment for the MF 9S Series. This special service enables tractor owners to increase productivity and comfort, boost performance and operations.

Atwo-row KOSMA M pumpkin drill has been added to KUHN Farm Machinery’s range of precision planters, offering patch growers an accurate and cost-effective option for pumpkin establishment.

The bespoke drill has been specially designed to cater for the growing number of pumpkin patch diversifications across the country. It features two KOSMA row units spaced at 100cm, and new seed discs, with four holes at 4.5mm diameter to guarantee 100cm between each seed, offering 10,000 seeds/ha.

A vacuum fan forces the seed onto the disc for accurate placement and the proven row units feature a 50mm VE rear rubber roller, wide gauge wheels and mechanical drive wheels.

Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable and connected services product specialist, says the drill will appeal for a variety of reasons. “The KOSMA M 2.5m will suit pumpkin growers across the country looking for a drill capable of accurately establishing crops for years to come. We have used wellknown components from our existing machines to offer buyers a precise drill with proven reliability.”

As well as being a suitable drill for larger patches, the unit could also appeal to several smaller producers looking to improve establishment by purchasing a drill together. KUHN says it can cater for customers requiring specific features and is willing to work with users to achieve the right product.

List price for the unit is £14,400.

International design prize for nextgeneration Axial-Flow combine

The bold new look of the nextgeneration Case IH Axial-Flow combine, set to take the capacity of the Axial-Flow design into a whole new sector and introduce a distinctive new style, has won an internationally-acclaimed prize, taking a Red Dot Design Award for product design. Judged annually, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the world's largest design competitions, and its label has become established internationally as one of the most soughtafter marks of quality for good design.

Core details of the new Case IH AF series

Axial-Flow were revealed at Agritechnica 2023, and the new combine recently made its full global debut in North America. It is designed with a renewed focus on helping users to maximize output per engine hour while minimizing losses and grain damage, retaining the proven Axial-Flow principle of rotary threshing and separation.

Major advances in the new AF include a 775hp engine, an active dynamic cleaning system, 20,000litre grain tank, 210 litres/ second unloading rate and headers of up to 15m (50ft). Users benefit from performance-enhancing technology including AFS Harvest Command, to minimize losses,

maximize throughput and protect grain quality, helping experienced users get even more from their combine, and inexperienced ones quickly become proficient operators, to assist in tackling labour challenges.

The new technology is packaged within a fresh Axial-Flow style that introduced a new look to the range, designed to show that this is a very different class of combine. The design team from Case IH and its parent CNH will receive the Red Dot Design award for the AF at a special 'Red Dot: Best of the Best' ceremony, to be held at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany, on June 24.

design director at Case IH parent CNH.

"The receipt of a Red Dot Design Award is a great honor for the design team behind the new Axial Flow," says David Wilkie, industrial

"We wanted to create a look that showed this combine is much more than a refresh of existing ideas in terms of internal engineering, and is something really very different. I'm really pleased the Red Dot jury recognized our efforts to create a style that matches the AxialFlow AF's considerable substance."

Kubota’s new industry enhance hydrogen

Kubota has underlined its commitment to contributing towards a climate-neutral, sustainable future by joining Allianz Hydrogen Engine, an organisation which pools knowledge from industry and research.

The move is the latest initiative by Kubota Business Unit Engines Europe (KBUEE), which is advancing the use of several alternative fuels such as hydrogen. Kubota’s own concept 3.8 litre 114hp H2 hydrogen engine has already been publicly unveiled and has already been attracting widespread industry interest.

Kubota is positioning social, environmental and governance best practice at the core of its operations to tackle the challenge of developing more carbon-neutral products and solutions.

Kubota’s in-house engine development programme provides a wide range of established and new, leading-edge hybrid and hydrogen models, which are ideally suited for future generations of machinery for a range of sectors.

Commenting on the decision to join Allianz Hydrogen Engine, which is based in Germany and was founded in 2021, Xavier Hamel, senior product manager, product promotion office for KBUEE, said:

“The use of hydrogen to power engines in a variety of equipment applications offers a multitude of advantages for operators and the wider environment.

industry alliance to engine development

“Our recently developed Kubota H2 hydrogen engine eliminates carbon dioxide emissions and by keeping the size or footprint of the existing engine, we have maintained the variety of accessory selections and compatibility with customer applications.

“One of the largest mobile generator manufacturers in the world and Kubota have agreed on the development of a dedicated hydrogen generator equipped with a Kubota hydrogen engine,” he said. “As hydrogen powertrain technology is already advanced it can be adopted across many markets and sectors, and when hydrogen is made from ‘green electricity’ it contributes greatly to the creation of a climate-neutral mobility industry.

“We are confident that our partnership with Allianz Hydrogen Engine will greatly underpin our commitment to the environment by sharing insights and findings,” said Xavier Hamel.

Andreas Kufferath, from the board of management of Allianz Hydrogen Engine, welcomes Kubota as a new member of Allianz. Allianz Hydrogen Engine is looking forward to the cooperation and exchange with Kubota.

Kubota’s compact, high-power density, fuel efficient engines are already widely used in the global agricultural and construction industry forging a reputation for reliability and robustness.

Versatile Equipment Ltd has been appointed by Bobcat as the company’s new Authorised Dealer for the counties of Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire in the UK. This continues the recent expansion of the company’s Bobcat dealership in East Anglia and now into the East Midlands region, adding the three new counties to Norfolk and Suffolk that Versatile took over in the second half of 2023.

Lee Chater, Managing Director, and co-owner of Versatile Equipment, said: “We are delighted to expand our responsibility for the Bobcat brand into Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. Last year, we opened a brand new depot based at impressive facilities at Willow Grove Farm in Lakenheath, when we took on Suffolk and Norfolk for Bobcat. Located only six miles from the Cambridgeshire border, our Lakenheath operation is ideally situated and has the personnel in place to serve the additional areas.”

As well as the new areas in East Anglia and the East Midlands, Versatile Equipment has been the

Authorised Bobcat Dealer for Greater London, Essex, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and Surrey for the last three years. The company is dedicated to increasing Bobcat’s share of the construction, rental, agriculture, landscaping, industrial, recycling, waste management and other markets in all the areas for which it is responsible.

John Christofides, Regional Sales Director for Bobcat EMEA, commented: “We have been very impressed with the investments in facilities and manpower that Versatile Equipment has made at the new branch in Lakenheath, which offer excellent storage, service and showroom space as well as ample external areas. With its proximity to the Cambridgeshire border and the other two counties, the Lakenheath operation provides a perfect base for Versatile Equipment to serve Bobcat in all three additional counties.”

Quality Service for Customers in Every Market

As well as sales of the entire Bobcat range of machines and attachments, Versatile Equipment offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support customers in its area. This is backed up by a substantial stock of

brand new; Certified Used and second hand Bobcat machines for sale. Customers also benefit from Versatile’s on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance.

Specialist Rental Fleet

For general hire and more specialist applications, Versatile Equipment runs a state-of-the-art rental fleet of compact loaders and attachments, which is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The company has a team of experts who are on hand to offer customers advice they might need regarding the best machinery to hire for their work.

Lee Chater added: “Not only do we offer one of the UK’s largest rental fleets of compact loaders, we also have a huge fleet of attachments to increase the versatility of the machines. We can cater for a wide range of needs - whether you want to rent a skid-steer or compact track loader with just a bucket or with a selection of attachments to undertake numerous tasks. All machines in our hire fleet are under three years old, fully certified and have a thorough Pre-Delivery Inspection prior to delivery to a customer.”

A Growing Product Range

In the last three years, Bobcat has entered the European wheel loader market for compact wheel loaders and small articulated loaders, as well as

launching the company’s new generation R-Series telehandlers and compact loaders. The product portfolio has now been further extended with a new range of compact tractors from 25 to 58 HP, together with new lines of mowers and turf renovation equipment.

The Bobcat R-Series telehandler range for agriculture and construction provides a choice of 21 models with Stage V engines. There are eight machines aimed at agriculture covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.3 tonne with lifting heights from 6 to 8 m, complemented by 13 more for construction covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.1 tonne and lifting heights from 6 to 18 m. The Bobcat range also includes a brand new selection of nine rotary telehandler models.

The Bobcat range offers 10 skid-steer loaders including the brand new R-Series S86 model, complementing these wheeled machines with a selection of five compact track loaders, including the latest R-Series T86 top-of-the-range model. Bobcat also offers an extensive portfolio of miniexcavators from 1.0 to 9.4 tonne, including two electric models and a full range of light compaction machinery.

For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit www.bobcat.com

Kverneland Group UK Ltd has extended its range of butterfly mower conditioners for 2024 with the introduction of the 5387MT and 5395MT. These two new models fit between the 5087MT and 53100MT Vario, giving more choice for farmers and contractors. In addition, both models have the ability to be fitted with BX swath groupers.

Based on the 3300-series mower platform, the two new butterfly models achieve fixed cutting widths of 8.75m and 9.5m respectively, using pairs of beds mounted on a linkage-mounted, folding frame. Where the 5387MT uses 3.2m eight-disc beds, the 5395MT uses 3.6m nine-disc beds. Common to both models is the use of round cutting discs, each carrying two ProFit quick-change blades.

Both models feature Kverneland’s proven QuattroLink bed suspension system, which uses a multi-link mechanism that affords 700mm of vertical movement and 30 degrees of transverse movement. This pull-type suspension enables each bed to react to and negotiate demanding ground conditions – even at high forward speeds. QuattroLink also provides a non-stop safety breakback mechanism across the full working width of the mower bed.

Semi-swing steel tine conditioners are used on both models, and with a range of adjustments for the conditioning plate at both the front and rear of the hood, the two models offer fine-tuning of the conditioning intensity to suit different crop types and conditions.

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

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

Raising the BX swath groupers out of work allows three individual swaths to be left – and these can also be spread out across the full working width using the butterfly mower’s integral, wide spreading hoods.

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

Over £2.4m worth of vintage and classic tractors, steam engines, vehicles, motorcycles and petroliana were sold on Saturday 20 April at a packed-out Cheffins’ Vintage auction in Sutton, Ely.

Offering one of the largest entries of vintage and classic tractors, top price on the day was for a stunning 1928 Foden C Type, with the hammer eventually falling for £190,000. The C Type had undergone an extensive restoration creating one of the finest examples in existence. From a similar era, a 1921 Marshall steam road roller made £38,000, while a 1915 Overtime model R was sold for £40,000.

Buyers of classic and modern classic tractors had a wealth of options. In the red corner, an immaculate 1977 Massey Ferguson 1200 articulated tractor made £56,000, while a much smaller and iconic Massey Ferguson 135 with a cab, and just 855 hours on the clock, fetched £13,000. The blue corner served up a Ford 7810 Silver Jubilee tractor, which always attracts strong demand, with the hammer falling at an impressive £46,000. Alongside this was a popular County 1164, which made £40,000.

Trade for rare tractors continues to be strong, with a 1936 Ferguson Brown Model A, only the fifth one ever made, going on to fetch £38,000. Tom Godsmark, associate at Cheffins, says the April

vintage auction is a real highlight, and this year it offered something for everyone, with a starstudded lineup.

“The trade for classic and vintage tractors continues unabated as buyers look for tractors they remember seeing or operating from their youth. Ford variants such as County and Roadless, along with Muir Hill, are in demand. MB Tracs are also increasingly popular, with later high horsepower models commanding excellent prices. As is the case with all lots, tractor condition, hours and rarity are the determining factors in achieving premium prices.

“The sale was a huge success, with over £2m worth of equipment sold in one day, in excess of 700 online bidders, and a packed car park in Sutton, made for a strong trade and some notable prices,” adds Tom.

Alongside the tractors was a large selection of motorcycles, which achieved over 80% sale rate, and a top price of £12,500 was paid for a 1929 Velocette KSS, while a 1928 Sunbeam Model 5 ‘Long-Stroke’ made £8,100, nearly double its pre-sale estimate. Petroliana and automobilia were again in high demand and the Prices Upper Cylinder Lubricant cabinet achieved £3,000 against an estimate of £800£1000, while an extremely rare Wayne 800 petrol pump restoration project finished at £2,600.

All prices stated were subject to a buyer’s premium between 6 and 10% + VAT.

Goodyear Farm Tires Ready For Cologne Showpiece

Goodyear Farm Tires will shine the spotlight on its growing prominence in the European agricultural market and further expand its dealer partner network at The Tire in Cologne this June.

The three-day show from June 4-6 will see Goodyear Farm Tires display its innovative and flagship Low Sidewall (LSW) range, fresh from opening a new Technology Development Centre in

interested in selling our products.

"We have a number of partners across Europe already but we want to expand that number and give farmers the most convenient and accessible solution possible for accessing Goodyear Farm Tires products."

The LSW assemblies which will be on display have proved a huge success for farmers across the world. Operating at up to 40 per cent lower inflation pressures than standard tyres, they provide increased crop yield thanks to reduced soil compaction.

France in April which makes the products more accessible to the European market.

Goodyear Farm Tires - which will exhibit on stand CO19 in Hall 6.1 – will also offer the opportunity for dealers across Germany and the rest of Europe to join its partner programme.

Lindsay Hart, Sales Director for Goodyear Farm Tires Europe, said: "We look forward to returning to Cologne for what is always a significant event for any business operating within the tyre and wheels sector.

"We are extremely excited to be exhibiting, not only showcasing our growing range of products headlined by our LSW range but also to meet old and new acquaintances from across Germany and beyond.

"In line with the ongoing expansion of Goodyear Farm Tires in Europe, we are actively seeking new dealer partners and distributors who would be

Featuring a larger rim diameter and smaller sidewall than a conventional tyre, the LSW possesses exceptional flotation properties, enabling easier travel on wet soil as well as reduced power hop and greater stability, which minimises road lope.

Previously, all production and assembly of LSW products took place in the USA but the launch of the new Technology Development Centre

in France means they will now be delivered to European countries at a faster pace and with greater flexibility.

During The Tire, Goodyear Farm Tires will also give a nod to its proud history by displaying popular vintage tyres featuring the authentic diamond pattern the company is renowned for, including the Super Rib and Sure Grip All Service.

Experts from Goodyear Farm Tires, including Global Agricultural Product Manager Scott Sloan, will be on hand to answer the queries of visitors to the stand.

Titan International has been manufacturing Goodyear Farm Tires in America for more than a decade and purchased the licence for the European and UK markets in 2015. It has also made a significant investment in new plant and equipment to manufacture tyres specifically for the European market.

BKT obtains 'Excellent Level' certification from Caterpillar for second consecutive year

The prestigious Caterpillar award recognises the Indian multinational's dedication and commitment for 2023-24 reaffirming previous achievements in 2022-23

BKT, the Indian multinational company and leading global Off-Highway tire manufacturer continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence by achieving the Excellent Level certification from Caterpillar Inc. under the Supplier Excellence Recognition (SER) Process for the second consecutive year.

The Excellent Level certification is the highest honor that Caterpillar Inc., the world's leading equipment manufacturer for the construction and mining industries, bestows on suppliers, who consistently meet stringent production and quality requirements, under the SER Process. BKT's attainment of this esteemed certification for the second consecutive year highlights its exceptional performance and adherence to Caterpillar's exacting standards.

This significant milestone is an important testament to BKT's unwavering commitment and focus on delivering superior quality, not only in its products but also within its meticulous manufacturing processes and careful customer support services.

"Being honored again by Caterpillar with the ‘SER Excellence Level Certification’ is a proud moment, as it reconfirms the excellent teamwork that BKT pursues throughout the entire manufacturing process. Moreover, this recognition is a further stimulus for us, as we continue to strive towards new ambitious goals - without ever losing sight of our mission - to cater for the needs of the industry by offering increasingly high-performing and distinctive products that combine innovation and safety," - expresses Mr. Arvind Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director at BKT

Sumitomo’s intelligent new sensor detects loose wheel nuts to reduce the risk of run away wheel accidents

Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), the maker of Falken Tyres, continues to develop its SENSING CORE intelligent tyre technology with a new wheel detachment function set to reach production vehicles for the first time this year. SENSING CORE is a flexible, sensor-less analysis and monitoring system with many different applications, including tyre pressure and wear, uneven loads and hazardous road conditions.

In recent years, accidents and injuries caused by detached wheels have become headline news in markets such as Japan, especially during the winter season, when car and truck drivers switch over to winter tyres and may not tighten the wheel nuts sufficiently. Whilst many commercial vehicle operators use mechanical clips on the nuts as a visual check, they are not 100 percent reliable and rely on the diligence of the driver to check each of them before each journey.

The Government of Japan has expressed its desire to end loose wheel accidents and SRI believes that SENSING CORE’s wheel detachment function is one step towards reaching this goal. In 2024, the function will be fitted to a car as standard equipment for the first time by an OEM customer. Discussions are ongoing with additional vehicle manufacturers.

Like previously developed ‘pillars’ of SENSING CORE, the wheel detachment function works independently of tyre make, model or size. It analyses wheel-speed signals and other information from the vehicle’s controller area network (CAN) to detect whether any wheel nuts are loose – by as little as one millimetre.

SENSING CORE grew out of SRI’s original deflation warning system (DWS), an indirect tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Fifteen OEMs from Europe, Japan, China and India fit its DWS to their cars. Now SENSING CORE is the centrepiece of the peripheral services SRI is developing to meet the future challenges of CASE vehicles and mobility as a service, under the SMART TYRE

CONCEPT umbrella.

“We envisage that SENSING CORE will make a significant contribution to the evolution and further development of mobility in the coming autonomous driving society,” said Dr. Bernd Löwenhaupt, Managing Director Sumitomo Rubber Europe GmbH. “We will not only utilize the data obtained by SENSING CORE, including road condition data, for vehicle control, but also pursue technological development with our eyes on the future integration of the data with societal information via cloud services.”

SRI’s fleet trials of cloud-based TPMS with a rental company in Japan have already helped to demonstrate the efficiency, cost and safety value of tyre-based information. Another future application of SENSING CORE is in cloud-based tyre-wear monitoring. In this scenario, software in the cloud receives usage information from the vehicle and accurately predicts the resultant tyre wear. When a tyre is ready for replacement, an alert is sent to the driver or fleet manager.

SENSING CORE’s benefits will be experienced by even more drivers in the coming years. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024, SRI announced its investment in Viaduct, an AI-powered, connected-vehicle analytics company with whom it has been working on a proof-ofconcept since 2023. SENSING CORE will integrate with Viaduct’s product to predict tyre health across a vehicle fleet.

HB Dennis bags five-star reviews with TreadReader

HB Dennis Airside Service has boosted transparency and bagged rave customer reviews with TreadReader’s DriveOver ramp tyre measurement system.

Based north of Dublin, close to the city’s airport, the garage specialises in Land Rovers and operates a low-volume, high-quality business model.

It installed TreadReader’s DriveOver ramp in May 2021, following a recommendation, and has found it to be not only a precision tool for assessing tyre condition, but also a boon for customer service.

“In the past, I’ve known incidents where people don’t believe you when you say their vehicle needs new tyres. They think you’re just trying to sell them something,” says HB’s director, Laurence Poole.

“The system gives us a lot of transparency. It generates a printout of all four tyres, which we give to each client. They can see a 3D image of the tread, which highlights different zones across each

tyre and displays the depth. It’s really quite a thorough and clever piece of kit.”

“The ramp is positioned at the front of the workshop, so the camera shows the vehicles coming in, which adds an extra layer of evidence for the client. From an operational perspective, it speeds up our ability to do a tyre tread inspection and the accuracy is excellent.”

Each scan carried out by the DriveOver ramp inspects up to 400,000 measurement points with accuracy to within 0.2mm. By scanning the full width of the tyre and 50-60mm around it, the

system achieves a level of accuracy and consistency far greater than conventional analogue and digital gauges, or competitor systems which only take a single-line scan.

TreadReader DriveOver is suitable for all workshops, car dealers and tyre suppliers, irrespective of the size of the operation.TreadReader Drive Over is available as a surface mounted system, as fitted at Airside Service which requires no groundworks or a flush in-ground system.

For Laurence, the DriveOver ramp’s chief benefit is customer service. He describes an occasion where a client wanted to check whether their vehicle actually needed new tyres, and the system was able to provide an immediate and definitive answer in seconds.

“We had a client come in one day who had been told, by a different garage, that they needed new tyres. We said, ‘just drive over this; it’s a free test and it only takes a moment’. I looked at the results and said ‘no, you don’t need new tyres’.

“We got a five-star Google review because we were honest, and they became a regular client. This just gives us that layer of transparency and honesty that we need in the industry. It’s been a great tool for us.”

The garage is planning to expand into airport parking, offering a concierge collection service with ‘while-you-travel’ vehicle repairs. It intends to install an additional DriveOver ramp at its forthcoming offairport parking site.

MK Dons scores again with a new KingQuad from Suzuki

On the 16thMarch 2024, Suzuki GB was pleased to deliver a new KingQuad 500XP to MK Dons Football Club. The handover took place during Suzuki GB’s Family Day held at Stadium MK ahead of the club’s game against Crewe Alexandra, withMaintenance Manager Shane Nedley present to welcome the new ATV to the grounds.

around the stadium.

This new KingQuad 500XP in Flame Red replaces the Dons’ previous 500X in Terra Green, bringing power steering to aid in all-day use at the club.

Suzuki’s current range comprises of three versatile models; the KingQuad 500X and 500XP as well as the KingQuad 750XP (XP denotes independent suspension and power steering). These robust utility ATVs are the culmination of years of refinement and their high levels of technical specification and ease of handling make them suitable for multiple applications including hill and lowland farming as well as estate and commercial land management.

Director of Motorcycles, Marine and ATV, Paul de Lusignan and Director of Finance and Corporate Operations, Martin Lloyd were proud to complete the handover with Shane who will be using the ATV in land and ground maintenance duties in and

It is an incredibly versatile ATV which benefits from selectable 2wheel/4-wheel drive, fully independent suspension and an advanced engine braking system. In addition, the 493cc fuel-injected engine’s cylinder head and piston are specially designed to provide power and torque across the entire rev range, making the KingQuad equally suitable for towing (with an impressive maximum capacity of 600kg), use with attachments, or just as an extra pair of legs. Suzuki’s exclusive T-shaped seat also allows maximum rider manoeuvrability and delivers allday comfort.

Shane said, “Suzuki GB’s ongoing support for the club is hugely valued and a new ATV as part of the sponsorship package will be greatly received by the grounds team. The previous 500X has been a delight to ride and we are looking forward to utilising this new 500XP model with its added comfort and practicality.”

For more information on Suzuki’s KingQuads, visit:https://atv.suzuki.co.uk

WHEN LAMBING WAITS FOR NO ONE

Agile. Powerful. Dependable. Robust. Farmers know, nothing comes close honda.co.uk/nothing-beats-my-honda

York House School uses Polaris RANGER to make a big impact

C

ustomer use of the Polaris RANGER is diverse and far-reaching, ranging from agriculture and forestry to wildlife sanctuaries and conservation; but sometimes the stories that are the most heartwarming are those where a small decision has made a huge impact on someone’s happiness.

Enter York House School and their decision to use the RANGER to improve a student’s educational experience.

Located in Hertfordshire, York House School is a leading co-educational independent school for girls and boys aged 3 to 13, set in a historic listed building alongside modern purpose-built school facilities nestled within a beautiful 50acre site. A year ago, the Estate Management team chose to purchase a Polaris RANGER XP 1000 Crew from their local Polaris dealer,Taylors Tools, for a variety of reasons, the most significant being its ability to safely transport a student with a medical condition to outside areas of the school; allowing him to join his classmates in the fields for outdoor

education for the first time.

Jason Jaekel, Estate Manager said: “The Polaris has truly transformed a particular pupil’s experience here at York House School, which is something we’re very proud of. With specific risk assessment criteria that need to be met before he can be transported in a vehicle, we meticulously tested a range of UTVs and found that, during our test of the Ranger, the safety equipment built into the Polaris was extremely comprehensive. The RANGER XP 1000 has a three-point safety belt which is vital, the seats are also very comfortable, and it rides smoothly over offroad terrain, so we are now able to safely and confidently escort this student, and any other students that need it, around the site.”

York House School prides itself on providing a broad and enjoyable education for its pupils, encouraging wonder and adventure throughout the learning experience; a sentiment that is similar to Polaris’ own “Think Outside” motif. Now, with the introduction of the Polaris RANGER, York House School

continues to ensure all of its students can enjoy its extensive facilities—including its multi-use sports pitch and smallholding with rescue animals—as well as its huge range of co-curricular activities and clubs.

The RANGER XP 1000 Crew model features 33 centimetres of ground clearance, along with 27.9 centimetres of suspension travel on the front and rear, smoothing out even the most severe ruts and rough terrain. There’s also a three-mode throttle control switch with standard, work and performance settings for optimal throttle control and performance.

Inside, the RANGER Crew features contour-fit bench-style seats for up to 6 riders, as well as electronic power steering and a premium tilting steering wheel.

Outside of student transport, the RANGER has a number of other uses that aid the school environment, including the ability to showcase the school grounds to prospective students and parents with space for up to 6 riders, and offering a transportation option for parents, grandparents and guests in any weather.

Jaekel continued: “We’ve fitted a full cab with a roof, doors, and a heater system, so we can take guests on tours in all weather conditions and temperatures, maintaining a high standard

of comfort whilst showcasing our fantastic facilities. Not only that, we have previously driven parents and grandparents to the far fields so they can watch their children or grandchildren playing sports from a safe and warm environment – the tip-out windshield helps to see everything from the comfort of the cab.”

When it comes to estate work across the 50acre site, the RANGER comes into its own, easily accessing every metre of the school’s grounds thanks to its on-demand all-wheel drive. In contrast, its Versatrac Turf mode feature that unlocks the rear differential and drives just one rear wheel means that the Estate Management team can drive on the sports grounds without marking or tearing up the grass, also meaning the team can access these areas in all conditions without concern; even in the wet.

For more information on York House School, please visit their websitehttps://polaris-orv. cmail19.com/t/d-l-eeejy-juhjjuxkk-i.

For more information on the Polaris RANGER, please visit the Polaris Britain website.

To discover more ways that RANGER is helping customers around the world, check out our Ranger Stories series onYouTube.

KYMCO UK increases ATV safety awareness for new customers with free course

KYMCO UK has boosted its commitment to ATV safety by joining forces with the European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) –an industry safety body, which offers new KYMCO ATV customers with a free training course aimed at encouraging increased safety awareness.

The agreement provides new KYMCO ATV purchasers with EASI’s ‘ATV RiderCourse’ at zero cost. The interactive hands-on learning experience, normally with an RRP of £180 +VAT, promotes the proper and safer use of ATVs.

Neil

Keeble, National Sales and Marketing

Manager at KYMCO UK, said:“KYMCO is proud to support EASI – benefitting our customers with an important free rider safety and education course, with each new ATV purchased through our authorised dealer network.

“The ongoing awareness of safe and responsible usage of our ATV range is important to KYMCO, our dealers and customers alike. EASI’s ‘ATV RiderCourse’ will ensure a good understanding of safe and considerate ATV usage.”

Andy Heitman, Chief Executive Officer of EASI, added:“We are delighted to be supported by KYMCO UK, the British distributor of the Taiwanese ATV manufacturer. KYMCO UK’s sponsorship not only bolsters its reputation as a responsible ATV company, but more importantly highlights its commitment to safety and education for its dealer networks and customers.”

The training courses offered by EASI’s UK division improves operator skills, safety levels and awareness of ATV capabilities which are also known as quad bikes.

KYMCO remains a top three utility ATV brand in Europe and is now expanding its presence in the UK through a rapidly growing dealer network. KYMCO’s ATV range is designed to deliver the highest levels of performance, functionality and reliability. For more information please visitwww. kymco.co.uk

Kawasaki Brute Force Enjoys Major Updates For 2024

The established benchmark for the maximum performance sector of the ATV market, Kawasaki's 750 cm3 V-Twin Brute Force has been significantly updated for 2024 with new – even more purposeful – looks plus an array of practical and welcome standard spec additions.

Undergoing its first major update in a number of years, the 2024 model retains the universally praised high-performance 750 cm3 VTwin engine and tough, durable chassis that has made it a longtime-success, bringing it up to date with new, more powerfullooking "tough & rugged" styling.

In terms of that distinctive new look, new fenders, a new grille, a new 3D emblem, and various carefully considered design touches throughout give the

machine an eye-catching, advanced yet unmistakable tough look that makes it clear this model is still at the top of its class ready to take on all challengers.

That enhanced equipment includes TFT colour instrumentation, all-LED lighting (including a new handlebarmounted LED light), furthering the Brute Force 750's evolution into a more modern adventure and hard working ATV offering sports ability along with all-dayworking utility features.

The clear, easy-to-read 11cm (4.3inch) high-grade full-colour TFT LCD screen sits at the centre of the handlebars, making it simple for the rider to see speed, odometer, and other relevant information while a new LED light mounted to the handlebars turns with the 'bars and is complemented by highly effective LED headlights. And

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for people to see you forging ahead, red LED rear lights are also part of the new spec. In terms of that spec, the new Brute Force will be available in European Kawasaki ATV dealers for 2024 in either a distinctive Grayish Blue colourway or Camouflage with the "camo" model enjoying the additional benefit of handguards as standard fitment.

Refreshed too, the newly designed front and rear carriers feature compatibility with the

KQR (Kawasaki Quick Release) system while both include built-in tiedown points, while the rear plastic cover also incorporates antislip grooves to help keep loads in place.

Whatever the use – recreational or utility – the Brute Force owner is likely to spend many hours in the saddle, so electronic rider aids remain a core function with electrically selectable 2WD-4WD and the welcome assistance of electronic power steering while the ondemand front differential control makes directional changes plus tough climbs and descents precisely controllable.

With front disc brakes, and a fully enclosed rear brake plus double wishbone long travel suspension front and rear, the 2024 Brute Force has a standard spec that is the envy of the competition. Add an impressive inventory of tried and trusted genuine accessoriesplus that lusty work and play hungry water-cooled, fuelinjected, CVT equipped 750 cm3 V-Twin engine - and the 2024 Brute Force is set to fiercely protect its place as the default dominant leader of the ATV pack.

ISUZU ANNOUNCES D-MAX BEV: UNCOMPROMISED FUTURE OF ELECTRIC PICK-UPS

Isuzu Motors Limited has set its sights on the future of automotive innovation with the unveiling of its first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the Isuzu D-Max BEV. The prototype of this uncompromising vehicle will be showcased to the public at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show from the 27th of March to the 7th of April 2024.

The Isuzu D-Max BEV represents a substantial step forward in the evolution of pick-up trucks, combining the rugged performance and versatility expected of an Isuzu vehicle with the environmental benefits of electric propulsion. Developed to meet a wide range of commercial and passenger vehicle needs, the D-Max BEV boasts a 1-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing

capacity, and a full-time 4WD system with newly developed e-Axles in the front and rear, offering exceptional performance on rough terrain while minimising noise and vibration.

With a lithium-ion battery capacity of 66.9kWh and a maximum output of 130kW, the electric D-Max delivers impressive power and instant torque, with a linear acceleration feel characteristic of BEVs. Moreover, its maximum speed of over 130km/h (81mph) makes it suitable for a variety of applications, from urban commuting to off-road adventures.

Isuzu is committed to promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, with the D-Max BEV representing a significant milestone in its journey towards a carbon-neutral world. The company

plans to launch the D-Max BEV in select mainland European markets in 2025, with further expansion to the UK, Australia, Thailand, and other countries based on market demand and the development of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Alan Able, Managing Director of Isuzu UK, expressed his excitement about the launch of the D-Max BEV, stating, "The Isuzu D-Max BEV represents a new era for pick-up trucks, combining the legendary toughness of the D-Max with electric technology. We are proud to work with a manufacturer committed to creating a carbonneutral future and announce this innovative vehicle to the UK market, providing our customers with an

environmentally friendly option without compromising on performance or reliability."

Isuzu Motors International Operations Thailand (IMIT) spokesperson added, “The Isuzu D-Max BEV represents a new chapter in our commitment to sustainable mobility. With its innovative electric powertrain and rugged design, it demonstrates our dedication to providing customers with reliable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.”

The Isuzu D-Max BEV will be on display at the Bangkok International Motor Show, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of electric mobility.

INEOS AUTOMOTIVE SIGNS THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP

INEOS Automotive is partnering with the Mars Badminton Horse Trials as its Official Vehicle Supplier until 2026. The three-year partnership will see a fleet of Grenadier 4X4s provide support for the event, which has been held at the world-famous Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire for 75 years.

Visitors to the 2024 event, being held from Wednesday 8 until Sunday 12 May, will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Grenadier and experience first-hand the

vehicle’s go-anywhere capabilities and modern driving dynamics on the estate’s very own offroad course.

The Grenadier is the ideal companion for those in the equestrian industry who need a hardworking vehicle that still provides modern comfort and refinement. The Grenadier’s 3.5tonne towing capacity is available with both civilian and commercial towing attachments, and with more than 2,000 litres of load space it is perfect for carrying equipment and towing heavy trailers over the roughest terrain. To

PARTNERSHIP WITH BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS

improve safety, handling and driveability, Trailer Stability Assist comes as standard.

Tom Johnson, Head of UK, MENA and Ireland for INEOS Automotive, said: “We are excited to be involved in the Badminton Horse Trials as we’ve had so much interest in the Grenadier from people in the sector. The vehicle is the perfect combination of refined and robust for drivers who depend on their vehicle in different environments, it can handle tough rural conditions, has great towing capability but also has the modern comfort and refinement

today’s drivers expect.”

Jane Tuckwell, Event Director of the Badminton Horse Trials, added: “We are very grateful to INEOS Automotive for their support of Badminton Horse Trials and much look forward to seeing the Grenadier 4X4s in action during the event.”

To find out more about Grenadier prices, technical specifications and options, visit www.ineosgrenadier.com

Hyundai Motor UK has announced pricing and specifications for the new Tucson, enhanced with a more dynamic appearance that embodies the company's progressive vision for future mobility.

The new Tucson inherits the essence of the previous model's "Parametric Dynamics" design language while evolving with a more refined and powerful aesthetic. The front fascia features a redesigned front with thin, angular lines in the radiator grille, complemented by hidden "Parametric Jewel" daytime running lights (DRLs). The front bumper and skid plates are also new, extending seamlessly from side to side and creating a dynamic and visually wider stance. At the rear, the skid plates are integrated into the bumper moulding and enlarged horizontally, reinforcing the impression of a wider wheelbase. Redesigned alloy wheels on all models further accentuates the car's dynamism and enhance its overall proportions.

The interior of the new Tucson prioritizes spaciousness and practicality, achieved through a redesigned dashboard with a new horizontal crash pad design that creates a sense of openness. Physical heating and ventilation controls and a redesigned centre console with buttons for regularly used functions feature on the new centre console, whilst the automatic and hybrid powertrains feature a wireless charging pad housed in the centre armrest. New Tucson also receives an updated driver’s cockpit, with a 12.3” drivers supervision instrument cluster and the latest connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC).

Standard on all new Tucson models, the awardwinning connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) is the latest version of Hyundai’s’ ccNC and offers a range of content including natural language voice recognition and real‒time navigation. Features can be continuously updated to the latest specifications via Over‒the‒Air (OTA) wireless software updates. The ccNC is also home to the display for the reverse view camera and supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®.

New Tucson continues to offer customers a range of powertrain options based around the 1.6-litre petrol SmartStream efficient turbocharged engine. Available options include the conventional engine in a 6-speed manual with 2WD, electrified 48-volt Mild Hybrid with 7-speed dual clutch transmission with 2WD or 4WD, Hybrid 6 speed automatic transmission in 2WD or 4WD or Plug-in Hybrid 6 speed automatic transmission in 2WD or 4WD.

The new Tucson range starts with the Advance 1.6T 6-speed manual, priced from £32,000. The Advance trim includes 17” alloy wheels, body coloured door handles and mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry. Interior features include premium cloth trim with leather steering wheel, height adjustment for driver and front passenger seats, customisable interior lighting and front and rear USB-C charging points. The Advance trim level is also available with the powertrain combinations of 1.6T 48V Mild Hybrid 7 speed dual clutch transmission 2WD, 1.6T Hybrid 6 speed auto 2WD and 1.6T Plug-in Hybrid 2WD.

Priced from £34,500, the Premium 1.6T 6-speed manual builds on the Advanced trim level with the addition of 18” alloy wheels, metal TUCSON branded scuff plates, premium combination cloth and leather seat trim, with electrically adjustable and heated front seats, rear heated seats, heated steering wheel, smart electric tailgate and rear window sun blinds. The Premium trim introduces the KRELL audio system with 8 speakers and subwoofer and a wireless charging pad for compatible devices, along with the addition of the Junction Turning function to the Forward Collison Avoidance Assist safety system already standard on the Advance trim. DCT and Hybrid models also feature smart adaptive cruise control with stop/go function and Highway Drive Assist. The Premium trim level is also available with the powertrain combinations of 1.6T 48V Mild Hybrid 7 speed dual clutch transmission 2WD, 1.6T Hybrid 6 speed auto 2WD and 1.6T Plug-in Hybrid available in both 2WD or 4WD.

From £34,500, the N Line trim level adds a number of external styling changes to enhance the models sporting aesthetic, with bespoke 19” N Line wheels, body coloured wheel arches and N Line design package with changes to both front and rear bumper design. Interior changes include N Line interior design package with red accents and stitching and details, such as the red ring around the engine start/stop button, and N Line seats in textile faux suede trim in Obsidian Black. The N Line trim level is also available with the powertrain combinations of 1.6T 48V Mild Hybrid 7 speed dual clutch transmission 2WD, 1.6T Hybrid 6 speed auto 2WD and 1.6T Plug-in Hybrid available in both 2WD or 4WD.

In addition to the N Line, customers can also chose the N Line S. Priced from £37,000 , the N Line S adds to the N Line specification with electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, rear heated seats, heated steering wheel, matrix LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function, the KRELL premium audio system, surround view monitor, blind spot view monitor, parking

distance warning with front, side and rear detection zones, and parking collision avoidance assist on DCT and Hybrid powertrains. The N Line S trim level shares the powertrain options with the N Line model.

The Ultimate trim level, available from £37,000, built upon the classy styling of the Premium trim, with the addition of 19” alloy wheels and matrix LED headlamps. Interior equipment is also enhanced, with the addition of driver’s seat position memory function, ventilated front seats and the option of Black, Moss Grey or Cypress Green leather seat trim. Safety additions include the surround view monitor, blind spot view monitor, parking distance warning with front, side and rear detection zones, and parking collision avoidance assist on DCT and Hybrid powertrains. The Ultimate trim level is also available with the powertrain combinations of 1.6T 48V Mild Hybrid 7 speed dual clutch transmission 2WD, 1.6T Hybrid 6 speed auto 2WD and 1.6T Plug-in Hybrid available in both 2WD or 4WD.

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai and Genesis UK, commented, “Tucson has been a phenomenally successful model for Hyundai, with private buyers and company car choosers alike making it their SUV of choice. The significant interior and exterior updates for the refreshed Tucson will ensure that its popularity continues.”

All new Tucson models come with Hyundai’s industry leading 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Roadside Assistance package, 5 Year Annual Health Check, and 12 Year Anti Corrosion Warranty.

The C02 and technical data has not yet been confirmed, as such the prices listed are indicative and could be subject to change once the C02 and technical data has been confirmed.

Customers purchasing their New Tucson on a PCP product through Hyundai Capital will also benefit from deposit contribution of up to £2000 Offer only available from 3rd April 2024 to 1st July 2024.

CMA CGM Group joined Flexis SAS founded on March 22, 2024, by Renault Group and Volvo Group for the next generation of electric vans. CMA CGM, through PULSE, its energy fund, acquired a 10% stake in Flexis SAS and has confirmed its interest for a strategic investment up to EUR 120 million by 2026. Volvo Group and Renault Group, holding each a 45% stake in Flexis SAS, plan to invest respectively EUR 300 million over the next three years.

A coalition of three champions in their respective fields to address the needs for electrified vans

number one company for automotive logistics.

The three companies are renowned for their leadership in:

• Electric vehicles and software, as well as LCV manufacturing for Renault Group

• Transport solutions with expertise in tailored services, uptime, and productivity for Volvo Group.

• Logistics, notably for the automotive industry, and as a pioneer in the decarbonization of supply chain for CMA CGM

New expectations for electrified vans are emerging as professional customers are facing increasing pressure from climate change and CO2 regulations, while e-commerce and logistics are booming. The European market for electrified vans is expected to grow by 40% per year in average until 2030.

To address this market, Volvo Group, Renault Group and CMA CGM Group are creating Flexis SAS, to lead the decarbonization of transport and logistics sectors. A coalition of three leading companies with an agile start-up approach, Flexis SAS combines the industrial expertise of world class automotive manufacturers and the know-how of the

A new generation of light commercial vehicles manufactured in France

The vehicles will be built on a new fully electric LCV skateboard platform that will offer high modularity for different body types at a competitive cost, and breakthrough on safety requirements.

Adopting the new connected electronic platform, the vehicle will onboard unprecedented capabilities to monitor users’ delivery activity and business performance, reducing up to 30% the global cost of usage for logistic players.

The connected services will enable customers to benefit from up-to-date vehicles during their whole lifecycle The van itself will offer outstanding compacity for urban mobility, and high polyvalence for tailor made solutions with different battery capacities, as well as the first 800V architecture on the market for vehicles in this category.

The vehicles will be produced in Renault Group’s Sandouville plant, expert in the LCV manufacturing, which will recruit 550 people over the next four years.

THE ROAD TO WORLD CAR 2024 and the WORLD CAR FINALS POWERED BY BREMBO concluded today with the live announcement of the winners in six award categories at the New York International Auto Show.

The TOYOTA PRIUS is the 2024 World Car Design of the Year.

“We went back to drawing board to reimage the Prius, considering whether to create a commodity, turning it into more of a taxi or creating something that would capture hearts. Ultimately, we choose to create something people can love not only for its rational benefits, but also emotional experience," said Yasushi Ueda, Chief Engineer for Prius. “It is an honor to receive the Best Design award –inside and out, the new Prius is a car that not only looks great, but also is fun to drive."

A jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists from 29 countries selected the winners by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their on-going professional work. The vote results were tabulated by KPMG.

All vehicles eligible for other World Car award categories are automatically eligible for World Car Design of the Year. This year there were seventy (70) eligible vehicles in total.

A design panel consisting of six highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote. The design experts are in alphabetical order: Gert Hildebrand (Germany – Owner, Hildebrand-Design), Patrick le Quément (France - Designer and President of the Strategy Committee - The Sustainable Design School), Tom Matano (USA – Academy of Art University, Former Head of Design –Mazda), Victor Nacif (USA - Chief Creative Officer, Brojure.com and Design instructor, NewSchool of Architecture and Design), Shiro Nakamura (Japan - CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.) and Frank Stephenson (UK - Founder, Frank Stephenson Design).

The short list of finalists was then announced on February 26, 2024 at the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS). The 2024 Top Three in the World DESIGN finalists are the Ford Bronco, the Ferrari Purosangue and the Toyota Prius.

Racing Green Automotive, the newly launched prestigious automotive marque redefining the essence of Range Rover, is pleased to announce advancements in its product offering as it looks toward market expansion.

Following the debut of the Prototype Racing Green Automotive "Fintail Edition," the company has harnessed the latest technology in Carbon Fibre manufacturing to produce its first body styling package. This milestone marks the commencement of its dealer program, granting authorised partners the

exclusive opportunity to offer the Fintail Edition directly to discerning clients. Each build will be registered in the Racing Green Automotive database, ensuring unparalleled quality and authenticity. This approach streamlines access to the global luxury car market, with particular emphasis on the lucrative USA and Middle Eastern luxury segments.

In continuation of the commitment to elevating and enhancing the "Fintail Edition" range, Racing Green Automotive is proud to unveil plans for two new product lines: the exclusive "Redefined" parts range and the formidable "FintailXXEdition." Both offerings showcase

unique interpretations of our brand's iconic aeronautical theme and design language, further solidifying Racing Green Automotive's position as a beacon of luxury and innovation in the automotive world.

Exciting developments are also unfolding within the Racing Green Automotive Range Rover Sport and Sport SV programs. Inspired by their esteemed big brother, this synchronised lineup will introduce a series of editions meticulously crafted to honour their rich sporting heritage, boasting even bolder and more aggressive designs.

Furthermore, Racing Green Automotive is delighted to share its upcoming plans to introduce power upgrades for Range Rover drivetrains. These enhancements are set to elevate performance, with anticipated horsepower gains of approximately 30bhp, promising an unequaled driving experience.

Additionally, progress is advancing swiftly on the development of a quad sports exhaust system, poised to intensify the exhilaration of the ride and unleash the full potential of the exceptional Range Rover engines.

Honda has launched a state-of-theart, dog-first technology, PAW-S, (PAW-sensor), for our beloved furry friends. This ground-breaking, vehicle entry activation system allows your dog to access the car boot, and a plethora of canine-friendly amenities, without owner intervention.

Honda’s Pet Activated Wireless System, or PAWS, is exclusively available in all new e:Ny1 models ordered from 01 April 2024. It can also be retrofitted to existing models at local retailers across the country.

A bespoke PAW-S tag, available in vehicle

complementary colours such as Black Pearl and Aqua Topaz, will automatically open your locked car boot when it senses your dog approaching the car.

To ensure no mishaps while driving, once your dog is in the car, the door will close and cannot be opened from the inside. Smart technology ensures that your dog is safely secured in the boot.

PAW-S was designed for dogs, by dogs. Honda’s pet product team surveyed more than 300 dogs, across 52 different breeds, to find out what makes them wag. This insight was used to create a first of its kind, nose-activated

infotreatment system. Features include:

• Fully functional sat nav, with alerts for nearby parks and woodland areas.

• A contact list of their canine pals for impromptu playdates.

• Sophisticated climate control for maximum canine comfort.

• Engaging, interactive video footage of birds and fish in their natural habitats.

• Walkie-talkie feature for easy communication with the front seat driver.

Drivers can prioritise their canine’s comfort without compromising their safety or reducing storage capacity for dogless trips. PAW-Sequipped vehicles feature:

• ISOFIX points for dog harness attachment.

• A Honda-branded collar.

• Recessed spill-proof bowl holders.

• Bowl holder inserts, so that the boot retains functionality.

For drivers looking to press pause on barking, whining, and scratching in the back of the car, Honda’s PAW-S technology combines safety and entertainment to make drives more enjoyable for everyone – whether you’re travelling four miles or 400 miles, with a Chihuahua or a Great Dane.

Your vehicle’s boot can be customised to suit the unique needs of your breed, with optional extras such as:

• Automatic unfolding steps, allowing small breeds easy access.

• Removable ‘accident’ corner, for dogs that may not be able to wait.

• Paw-activated treat dispenser.

• In-built toy, with rope, squeak and chew options.

Annie Mal, Head of Pet Products at Honda, said: “After the success of our Pet Co-Pilot Front Seat two years ago, which received great a-paws, we have been working tirelessly with our canine colleagues to grow our dog-friendly offering. Our Pet Activated Wireless System was designed to ensure your dog's comfort on every single journey.

“Whether you’re heading to the local dog park for ‘walkies or embarking on a bigger trip for a much-needed holiday, PAW-S means that your dog will be calm, content and ready to take on whatever you have planned.”

Honda’s Pet Activated Wireless System will be available for other domestic animals in the next six months, with optional extras catering to cats, rabbits and pygmy goats launching first due to popular demand.

Kia UK is launching its latest quarterly offers, including attractive rates on select finance options starting from 2.9 per cent APR for Kia’s fully electric models. Offers run from 02 April until 30 June and are available from across the Kia UK dealer network and online.

EV6 – 2.9 per cent APR

All grades of the fully electric Kia EV6 are now available with a 2.9 per cent APR, no customer deposit, and a generous £2,000 Finance Deposit Contribution (FDC) [2]. This includes the recently introduced EV6 ‘Horizon’, which sits between the entry ‘Air’ and sportier ‘GT-Line’ grades and is priced from £45,995 on-the-road (OTR).

Niro EV and Soul EV – 2.9 per cent APR

All grades of the Niro EV, including the ‘Horizon’ grade, are available with 2.9 per cent APR, no minimum customer deposit, and a £1,000 FDC [2]. Similarly, the Soul EV is available with the same APR on select finance options with no minimum customer deposit required, and a generous £1,500 FDC.

EV9 – 4.9 per cent APR

The 2024 ‘World Car of the Year’ and ‘UK Car of the Year’ is now available with a 4.9 per cent APR on finance with no minimum customer deposit [3]. The multi awardwinning EV9 is available in three distinctive grades, offering seating for up to seven people.

7.9 per cent APR on all non-EV Kia models

All Kia models – including HEV and PHEV but excluding fully electric models – are available with 7.9 per cent APR and no minimum deposit.

Kia EV Finance Upgrade

Existing finance customers of any Kia model who are looking to make the switch to any of the fully electric Kia models can save £500 with the Kia EV Finance Upgrade. This is a great saving to help customers get behind the wheel of our EV models, including the fully electric 7-seater EV9 2024 ‘World Car of the Year’ and ‘UK Car of the Year’.

1 Year Free Kia Charge Plus

Kia’s fully electric models, the EV6, EV9, Niro EV & Soul EV each benefit from a 1 Year Free Kia Charge Plus subscription [1]. Voucher codes will be provided directly to new customers of these fully electric models following the registration of their vehicle.

Exclusive to Kia customers, Kia Charge is designed to simplify public EV charging and offers seamless access to more than 692,500 connectors across the UK and Europe (April 2024). Kia Charge Plus provides a 15 per cent discount versus the standard Kia Charge Easy tariff across most networks, excluding bp pulse, Pod Point and Ionity. Kia Charge Plus also waives the session fee, making electric motoring even more attractive.

Enhanced Finance Deposit Contributions

Kia’s generous FDCs ensure the latest offers are made even more appealing for both new and returning customers.

Savings include: £2,000 off an EV6 (all grades) or XCeed (petrol or PHEV); £1,500 off a Sportage (petrol or HEV), Niro HEV or Soul EV; £1,250 off a Stonic, Ceed, Ceed Sportswagon or ProCeed; £1,000 off a Niro EV, Picanto or the outgoing Sorento; £500 off a Niro PHEV, Sportage PHEV, or New Sorento.

Volvo Cars reports sales of 78,970 cars in March, an increase of 25 per cent compared with the same month last year, and an all-time high for global sales during a single month. Volvo Cars’ new fully electric small SUV, the EX30, contributed to the sales growth, as well as a strong sales performance in Europe and the US.

Volvo Cars’ line-up of electrified models, with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain, grew by 24 per cent compared with the same period last year, resulting in 33,558 cars sold, which makes up a 42 per cent share of all cars sold globally. Fully electric cars constituted 23 per cent of all cars sold during March.

Total sales for the first quarter of 2024 amounted to 182,687 cars sold globally, an increase of 12 per cent compared with the same period last year.

“These numbers reflect the strength of our strategy and product diversity – offering fully electric cars alongside plug-in hybrids and mild hybrids in the right mix,” says Björn Annwall, Volvo Cars’ Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO. “We are making good progress towards our annual sales target of at least 15 per cent growth, and in the months ahead we will focus on ramping up sales of our EX30,” he adds.

European sales in March grew 33 per cent compared with the same period last year, reaching 39,756 cars. Electrified cars in the region had a similar growth rate of 34 per cent, resulting in 24,856 cars sold. Sales of electrified cars accounted for 63 per cent of all cars sold in Europe this March.

In the US, sales of Volvo cars reached 15,315 cars, which is an increase of 50 per cent compared with March 2023. Sales of electrified cars grew by 25 per cent compared with the same period last year and accounted for 24 per cent of all cars sold in the US.

Sales in China reached 14,005 cars, an increase of 21 per cent compared with the same period last year. During March, 1,039 electrified cars were sold in China, a decrease of 28 per cent compared to the same period last year.

For March 2024, the Volvo XC60 remained the top-selling model with sales reaching 22,402 cars (2023: 18,090 cars), followed by the XC40 with total sales of 20,557 cars (2023: 20,556 cars) and the XC90 at 10,826 cars (2023: 9,828 cars).

Suzuki Motor Corporation showcased the all-new Swift Concept at the Japan Mobility show in Tokyo in October 2023 and introduce it in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in April 2024 as its fourth generation global compact supermini. The all-new Swift represents an automotive advancement aimed at uplifting the driver through succession, evolution and innovation.

In addition to its stylish exterior design in a compact size of just 3,860mm long, the Swift features excellent visibility, a spacious cabin and ample luggage space. The initial development goal was to create an all new hatchback style that is undoubtedly Suzuki and with all the technology you need.

SPECIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS

A full equipment and technical specification list is available on the PDF version of the more detailed press pack on the Media website.

Standard equipment for Motion grade is very comprehensive and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, navigation, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, Adaptive Cruise Control, wireless smartphone link display audio, keyless entry & start, Driver Monitoring System, Dual Sensor Brake Support (upgraded), Lane Departure Warning and Weaving Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and enhanced Traffic Sign Recognition.

Ultra grade adds 16-inch polished alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, rear passenger heater outlet and electric folding door mirrors incorporating side turn indicators.

Swift is available in eight metallic colours with a further four dual tone colours available optionally incorporating either a Black Pearl or Grey metallic roof depending on the chosen body colour.

During development of the colour choices for new Swift, particular attention and effort was given to the formulation of Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic. This new shade has a very vivid depth of colour thanks to a new three layer coating process. Burning Red Pearl Metallic is also formulated in this way.

After electroplating of the body shell from bare metal and then primed, a base colour coat is first applied followed by a clear colour coat and then finished with a further clear coat. The result is a very striking appearance that evokes a new

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGN

The muscular appearance of the new Swift is further established by blacked-out pillars creating the appearance of a floating roof that adds a sense of lightness, while a high-tech look comes in the form of a piano-black front grille and L-shaped signature lamps that conform to the cars flowing body lines. The LED headlamps have been revised to an inner lens + light rod type that give them a wider appearance when illuminated.

At the rear, the car has a new and distinctive sculpted tailgate with a wide rear bumper design and an integrated rear hatch spoiler and boot side spoilers helping to give new Swift a look of balanced stability. The rear combination lamps are also of the same design type as the front and when illuminated, provide a three dimensional appearance.

Inside, a new high quality dual-tone design is featured with centre controls angled towards the driver and a prominent nine-inch infotainment display fitted as standard equipment.

The standard equipment heated front seats are of new design with reshaped cushioning between the shoulder and side bolsters creating a more sculpted look. This design is accentuated by the use of a geometric pattern on the upholstery surface and a dual tone ‘Melange Grey’ and black cloth is used for both Motion and Ultra grades.

generation of Suzuki quality.

Chief Engineer, Masao Kobori comments “The Swift has always been designed to be fun to drive, and the new car is no exception. But in order to respond to peoples diversifying lifestyles, we focused not just on design and driving which have always been Swift strengths – but also on making every aspect of daily life with a Swift more exciting and satisfying. That was the concept that guided our development from the start.“

Key dimensions

• Length: 3,860mm

• Width: 1,735mm

• Height: 1,495mm (2WD)

• Height: 1,520 (4WD)

• Wheelbase: 2,450mm

• Track: front/rear: 1,520mm/1,520mm (2WD), 1,515mm/1,525mm (4WD)

‘HEARTECT’ LIGHTWEIGHT PLATFORM

The new Swift rests on the established platform known as “HEARTECT” that delivers enhanced fundamental vehicle performance due to being both light and highly rigid. A comprehensive overhaul of the underbody’s structure and component layout during development resulted in the adoption of a highly rigid frame that enhances collision safety and has a continuous, smooth and curving form to help disperse energy quicker.

Adopting Suzuki’s latest generation platform strategy minimised the size of the engine compartment which has enabled maximising the space available for cabin occupants and luggage.

Reduced NVH

During development, various measures were taken to reduce noise, vibration and harshness to assist with greater ride comfort and also make the cabin environment even quieter than the outgoing model. For the first time on a Suzuki vehicle, sound and vibration adhesive has been applied to the under body to reduce transmission of noise and vibration into the cabin, particularly on bumpy roads.

Aerodynamics

spoiler. Under body spoilers and strakes are also included and the whole body exterior is optimised for better aerodynamics. This includes a smooth front bumper assembly which is free of ornamentation and trim elements.

New design 16-inch alloy wheels offer an ideal balance of aerodynamics, weight and strength. This design makes the wheels appear larger than their actual size and the wheel cutouts are smaller with a disc shaped outer rim to assist aerodynamic performance. Additionally, latest technology tyres offer 15 per cent lower rolling resistance than those fitted on the previous model.

Z12E Engine Technology

An all-new and highly efficient three-cylinder petrol engine with multi-point fuel injection has been developed for the new Swift which offers enhanced fuel economy, improved torque and even lower CO2 emissions than before. The maximum power output is 82PS with a slightly higher torque figure of 112Nm at just 4,500rpm, acceleration time to 62mph is improved by 5% to 12.5 seconds for the manual model and 11.9 seconds for the optional CVT.

Compared with the outgoing K12D engine, higher fuel efficiency has been achieved by optimising cylinder turbulence for faster combustion, utilising an intermediate locking mechanism on the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) intake and increasing the flow rate of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve.

Hybrid Technology – Enhanced Hybrid System

Fuel efficiency is further enhanced when paired with the self-charging hybrid system powered by a lithium-ion battery with capacity of 10Ah to improve energy recovery efficiency.

The new Swift introduces a number of new aerodynamic design aspects including Suzuki’s first use of a torsion beam cover for the rear axle and Swift’s first tailgate side spoiler and roof end

Fitted as standard equipment for the new Swift, the 12V Mild Hybrid system is a compact and lightweight unit that incorporates an Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) which acts as

| Motors

both a generator and starter motor, the ISG is belt driven and assists the engine during vehicle take off and acceleration and also generates electricity through regenerative braking. The ISG unit has a power output of 2.3kW with a torque figure of 60Nm. Suzuki‘s 12V Mild Hybrid is particularly light weight with the components of the system adding less than 7.0kg to the overall weight of the car.

For the Swift Motion with manual transmission the Hybrid system helps reach a CO2 emissions figure of just 99g/km (WLTP regulation) plus achieve a fuel consumption figure of 64.2 mpg (WLTP) on the combined cycle.

SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS - HIGHLIGHTS

Standard Active safety equipment for both Motion and Ultra Swift grades includes an upgraded Dual Sensor Brake Support system using a millimetrewave radar (previously lidar) combined with a monocular camera. This system has enhanced collision mitigation with improved night time and intersection visibility and with its improved functionality can detect pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and vehicles in front.

The system monitors the road ahead by means of milliwave radar. The radar technology enables it to work even at high speeds, in darkness, and in rain or other bad weather. The system prevents or mitigates a collision by means of three functions which are Warning, Brake Assist and Automatic Braking.

Driver Monitoring System (DMS)

A camera built into the instrument panel monitors the drivers eyes and a near-infrared LED illuminates the drivers face to enable monitoring in low light. If the system detects that the driver is drowsy, falling asleep, or looking away from the

road, it sounds a warning alarm and displays an alert message on the information display.

The system detects driver drowsiness by monitoring the degree of eyelid closing and yawn frequencies. If this is detected at speeds of approximately 43mph or more, the monitoring system will advise the driver to take a break by sounding an alarm and displaying an alert message on the information display.

Lane Departure Warning / Lane Departure Prevention Function:

When the vehicle is travelling at vehicle speeds of approximately 37mph or above and is departing the lane without the driver using a turn signal, the system vibrates the steering wheel and lights a warning indicator in the instrument cluster to draw attention to lane departures caused by factors such as inattention to the road. Under these conditions, the driver will also notice an automatic input from the steering wheel to ensure the car remains in its correct direction of travel.

DRIVER COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Suzuki Connect

First introduced on the S-Cross Hybrid model in 2022, Suzuki has now introduced Suzuki Connect*1 in the UK and European markets for the new Swift.

Suzuki Connect utilises the vehicle’s data communication module (DCM) to connect users to their vehicles in real time, enabling users to take advantage of convenient functions via the Suzuki Connect smartphone app*2.

By connecting the vehicle via the Suzuki Connect app, available on Android and iOS, users can access a wide range of convenient connected services, including the ability to monitor and receive notifications about the status of their vehicle in real time, remotely lock and unlock the vehicle, and view information such as driving history and the location of their parked car.

Users can also choose to receive maintenancerelated information and warning light notifications via the Suzuki Connect app, and if an issue is detected, vital diagnostic information can be seamlessly shared with their registered Suzuki dealer, allowing for faster and more comprehensive after-sales support.

9-inch Display Audio System with Navigation and Smartphone Connectivity

The audio system for both Motion and Ultra grades has a full colour 9-inch High Definition display that includes the audio control, standard equipment navigation system, rear view camera image and

connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android devices via USB and WI-Fi.

Apple CarPlay is the smarter and safer way to use an iPhone in the Swift. Apart from making calls it also facilitates receiving directions for optimised traffic conditions, listening to music, accessing email, text messages and more. Android Auto device users can also enable Google Assistant voice commands to access a wide variety of supported apps.

well as strong customer retention within its network of new car dealers and authorised repair centres.

Service Activated Warranty – Up to Seven Years Cover.

Low cost of ownership is ensured with the inclusion of Service Activated Warranty to all Suzuki customers. Introduced in April 2023, Service Activated Warranty is offered free of charge once the car reaches the end of its manufacturer warranty period and is then booked in for its next scheduled service within the Suzuki Dealer network. This warranty stays in place until the next qualifying service and is then simply renewed again up to a maximum vehicle age of 7 years / 100,000 miles - whichever comes first.

As an enhancement to Suzuki’s well renowned product reliability record, Service Activated Warranty offers ‘Peace of Mind as Standard’ as

NEW SUZUKI SWIFT 24MY

Major components are covered, and should a customer decide to sell their car between services and within the seven-year qualifying period, the warranty can simply be transferred to the next owner – again free of charge.

Additionally, Service Activated Warranty can also be applied to a qualifying Suzuki that has been purchased privately or has a gap in its dealer service history providing it goes through a Suzuki Vehicle Health Check in the first instance.

KIA EV9 SECURES DOUBLE WIN AT THE 2024 WORLD CAR AWARDS

The Kia EV9 has achieved a remarkable dual victory at the 2024 World Car Awards. Revealed during a live announcement at the World Car Awards ceremony at the New York International Auto Show, the EV9 secured prestigious titles for both World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle.

Selected by a jury of 100distinguished automotive journalists representing 29 countries, the World Car Awards recognised the Kia EV9’s innovative design, spacious seven-seat interior, and competitive price point. Based on the E-GMP platform, the EV9 is the first Kia to feature fourthgeneration battery technology for improved performance.

Established in 2003, the World Car Awards are renowned globally as a premier standard for automotive excellence and leadership, celebrating remarkable accomplishments within a rapidly changing automotive industry. Prior to the 2024 event, Kia had already claimed three wins at the World Car Awards – the Telluride as World Car of the Year and the Soul EV as World Urban Car in 2020, along with the Kia EV6 GT taking World Performance Car of the Year in 2023.

“We are hugely honored that the 2024 EV9 has been named the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. This triumph is a testament to our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and design excellence. The Kia EV9’s continued success will drive us to keep delivering exceptional vehicles that redefine the

driving experience for customers around the world,” Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia said.

Two wins in the World Car Awards add to an already impressive haul of accolades for the Kia EV9. Since its introduction as Kia’s first dedicated three-row EV SUV, the EV9 has collected a number of prizes, including winning ‘Family Car of the Year’ at the 2023 TopGear.com Awards, overall ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Premium Electric Car’ at the 2024 DrivingElectric Awards; and most recently being named ‘UK Car of the Year 2024’ by a panel of 30

of the UK’s top automotive, business, and tech-focussed journalists.

“EV9 is a clear representation of Kia’s vision, and further evidence of our dedication to quality. This award cements Kia’s standing as the frontrunner in sustainable mobility solutions that go beyond conventional automobiles. We share this honor with our global teams who contributed their utmost efforts to drive EV9’s success,” said Sean Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America.

We proudly announced it to the world at Climate Week NYC in September last year, and now it’s becoming a reality: we’ve built our last diesel car.

On a cloudy Thursday in early February, the plant in Ghent, Belgium, produced its last dieselpowered car, a V60. And just the other day, the plant in Torslanda, Sweden, saw its last XC90 diesel car roll off the production line.

These events mark a huge milestone in Volvo Cars’ 97-year history. With this move, we’re taking a big step towards our ambitions of becoming a fully electric car maker, as well as achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Goodbye diesel, hello electric

For a long time, our diesel engines were synonymous with reliability and efficiency, and they meant a great deal to us for many decades. Indeed, the success of our diesel cars played a significant role in our evolution into a premium brand.

In recent years, the electric revolution has evolved quicker than most of us could have imagined – and it’s largely propelled by tightening regulations around tailpipe emissions, as well as customer demand in response to the climate crisis and a desire for cleaner urban air. Only five years ago, the diesel engine was our bread and butter in Europe, just like it was for most other car makers. The majority of the cars we sold in Europe in 2019

ran on diesel, while electric models were just starting to gain traction.

Today, most of our sales on the continent are electrified cars. Last year, we increased our sales of fully electric cars by 70 per cent, and our global electric market share by 34 per cent. The figures speak for themselves, underscoring that the allelectric direction we’re now heading towards is the right one to take, and we do so with our flag held high.

While our future indeed is fully electric, our mixed portfolio includes some excellent plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid models, which will act as a perfect bridge towards that future.

A history of pride

As we say farewell to our diesel cars, let’s explore how it all began and unfolded. Here are some key milestones in our diesel history:

• 1979. Neither Sweden nor Europe is a diesel market. Those who buy diesel cars tend to be taxi drivers or long-haul travellers. But people have slowly begun to see the benefits of the more efficient diesel engines and demand is on the rise. So, we listen to our customers and introduce our first-ever diesel car: the Volvo 244 GL D6. The engine is powerful, very efficient and the world’s first six-cylinder diesel engine for passenger cars.

• 2001. The diesel car scene gains momentum. When we launch the Volvo V70, it’s also finally time for us to introduce our first self-built diesel engine. This five-cylinder engine, manufactured at the Volvo powertrain plant in Skövde, Sweden, is to become a huge success and will power many Volvo cars across Europe. It’s made in several different versions and is so powerful that it’s even being used on the racetrack in a car called the S60 Challenge. Also, our friends at Volvo Penta even decided to make a marine version of this engine.

• 2008. Time for our next big diesel milestone: the launch of the Drive-E lineup – featuring small yet highly efficient 1.6-litre diesel engines. With the sun on your face and the wind at your back, you can go 1,300km on a single tank, and CO2 emission levels are so low that they get classified as ‘green engines’ in Sweden. The Drive-E engines are flexibly built and work well in different Volvo models. With their balance of efficiency and performance, they mark a big step forward in diesel technology.

• 2012. We launch the Volvo V60 D6 plug-in hybrid, which is a unique car: it’s the world’s first plug-in hybrid fitted with a diesel engine. At the time, it is our most technically advanced model ever – electric, hybrid and a muscle car

all at once. And it’s truly something of an engineering wonder. Depending on the driving mode, it can go as far as 50 kilometres on electric power, has a total range of up to 1,000 kilometres, and with 215 horsepower from the diesel engine and 70 horsepower from the electric motor, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

• 2013. For the second time in history, we launch a completely self-built diesel engine family: Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA). The combination of higher injection pressure and the unique i-ART technology is considered revolutionary in the diesel industry. Our customers can enjoy better fuel economy, lower emissions and high output. The new engines are used in a variety of models and become a success in the second-generation XC90. They live on until the end, powering the very last diesel-powered V60 and XC90 we build.

• 2023. We move away from combustion engines by selling our stake in Aurobay, the combustion engine joint venture company we have together with Geely Holding.

Isuzu UK celebrates its second year as the Official Automotive Partner for the extreme obstacle course series, Spartan Race, which will run alongside the pickup brand’s ongoing partnership with Tough Mudder, the most popular obstacle course event series in the UK.

The original Tough Mudder partnership, which began in 2019, exhibited the Isuzu D-Max as an exceptionally tough and capable 4x4 pick-up. This collaboration aims to demonstrate Isuzu UK’s movement into the extreme adventure sector, as the flagship Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 mirrors the ethos of the competitive extreme obstacle event.

For the obstacle event series, the Pick-Up Professionals have provided a limitededition Spartan-branded Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 to recognise the joining of the two exciting brands, with the start of the race to be announced by a Spartan standing in the vehicle’s load bed. In addition to displaying

the course graphics, each truck will be utilised as a support vehicle for the hard-working organisers and hardy participants tackling the gruelling courses.

Spartan Race and Tough Mudder are two fierce obstacle course racing events that are renowned across the world, requiring participants to push themselves both physically and mentally. Spartan’s signature obstacles focus on the extreme, testing agility, upper body strength, and endurance. In the Spartan Beast event participants must complete a half-marathon in addition to 30 obstacles, pushing the demands of the human body to extremes, whereas Tough Mudder emphasises team-oriented challenges that encourage camaraderie, which is evident in the various obstacles including the Isuzu-sponsored ‘Mud Mile'. Although the two events began as separate entities, both events offer a unique and rewarding experience for individuals and groups of all fitness levels.

Head of Partnerships at

Spartan Race EMEA, Donald Young, stated, “We are incredibly excited to start this year’s UK leg of the Spartan Race. Our shared ethos with Isuzu UK highlights our common drive to showcase our capabilities. Isuzu and their Arctic Trucks model embodies what we look to achieve in Spartan, which is to conquer the most daunting and extreme obstacles and challenges.”

Isuzu UK’s Head of Marketing, George Wallis, commented: "Through this exciting partnership with Spartan, we're thrilled to be at the forefront of open-air challenges. Just like the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35, the Spartan races are inspired by extremes, and we're equally excited to see participants pushing their limits to get ahead of the competition, just like us. This partnership presents an incredible opportunity for us to solidify our position as the ultimate outdoor adventure pickup."

The Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 is a professionally re-engineered vehicle that incorporates significant enhancements to the body, frame, suspension, wheels, and tyres, whilst retaining Isuzu’s five-year/125,000-mile warranty and 1-tonne payload with 3.5-tonne towing capacity. This new halo model has been developed and engineered to handle the most challenging landscapes easily while offering a distinctive presence and authentic performance thanks to the 35” all-terrain tyres and Bilstein suspension upgrade, making it the perfect adventure pick-up for thrill seekers.

For more information about the extreme Spartan courses such as event dates,

locations, and its various event categories, please visit www.spartan.com

BMW Neue Klasse models scheduled for launch in 2025 will be able to store electricity and function as a power outlet. They are equipped with technology for bidirectional charging –i.e. the ability to both accept and supply electricity.

With the latest design studies, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse sedan and the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X SAV, the BMW Group is showing what the next generation of core vehicles from the BMW brand will look like. They represent the range of technological innovations with which the company is showcasing its future viability.

With the world premiere of the BMW Vision Neue

Klasse X, BMW is now announcing another innovation set to enter series production: the ability to charge bidirectionally. This technology makes it possible to use the high-voltage battery of an allelectric vehicle as an energy storage device and to return the cached electricity to either your own household supply or the power grid at a later stage.

This makes it even easier for BMW customers to actively contribute to the energy transition and promotes the sustainable generation and use of renewable energy. Functions such as “Vehicle to Home”, “Vehicle to Grid” and “Vehicle to Load” will therefore be available to BMW customers for the first time. This move also underlines the ongoing expansion of the BMW Group Charging offer.

“We are constantly improving our range of charging products and services in order to maximise the benefit to the customer,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development. “Starting this summer, we will be offering cost-optimised charging together with our partner E.ON in a number of markets. And with the Neue Klasse we will be taking the next step: bidirectional charging. Vehicle to Home and Vehicle to Grid, all fully integrated into our comprehensive charging ecosystem – BMW Connected Home Charging. Using the vehicle, the My BMW App, the BMW backend – plus a BMW DC Wallbox Professional and their photovoltaic system, customers will be able to control the energy flow in such a way that home charging is possible off grid at times. And, of course, they will also be able to lower their charging costs by feeding the electricity stored in their BMW back into the power grid.”

Vehicle to Home: electricity for your household

In the technology’s initial stage, bidirectional charging will enable customers to essentially use their vehicle’s high-voltage battery as a stationary energy storage device. Here, the carbon-neutral electricity generated by the customer’s photovoltaic

system is temporarily stored in the vehicle’s battery with the help of the BMW DC Wallbox Professional and then subsequently fed back to power other consumers in the home, making the customer independent from the external power grid for a time and reducing their energy costs.

Vehicle to Grid: feeding into the network

The second stage of bidirectional charging will allow customers to make a portion of their battery’s capacity available externally. This energy capacity can be used for both charging from the grid and discharging electricity into it at appropriate times. Access to the energy market is provided by BMW cooperation partner E.ON. To do this, customers will need the dynamic electricity tariff from E.ON, who will manage the charging process together with the BMW backend to enable revenue generation from the energy exchange. This function will only become available in the various markets once the necessary regulatory measures have been adopted.

Vehicle to Load: the car as a power bank

The vehicle to Load function allows energy stored in the vehicle to be used for powering external electrical equipment. This means the Neue Klasse can double as a form of mobile power bank for charging an e-bike, for example, or supplying energy to electrical equipment while camping.

Regardless of which type of bidirectional charging is used, the customer's desire for mobility always comes first. This is ensured by intuitive and easy operation in the My BMW app, which can be used to control the entire BMW Connected Home Charging ecosystem.

Accelerating the energy transition

Bidirectional charging not only ensures greater supply security. By both accepting and supplying electricity, electric vehicles can make a significant contribution to the share of electricity consumption coming from renewable sources. Using the storage capacities provided by high-voltage batteries allows supply and demand in the area of green electricity to be better coordinated. For example, electric vehicle storage systems can selectively absorb peak wind and solar energy generation and release the electricity again during periods of low generation (night, lulls) in supply. This makes it possible to reduce the start-up of fossil power plants and their emissions during such periods. In this way, electric mobility is becoming an ever more integral part of the energy revolution. With bidirectional charging, CO2 emissions can be reduced both in the area of mobility and in power generation overall.