April 2013 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

April 2013

Inside this issue...

Grass & Silage Challenging times

Farm Energy Solar, Wind, Biogas

On Topic Foot & Mouth vaccine breakthrough

Beef Expo 2013 Pre-show feature

Buildings Considering a new farm building?

Also Inside: Forestry | Animal Health | Energy | Machinery | Pests | Fencing | ATVs | Motors

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Contents

26

40

April 2013

16 71

Features

Regulars

13 26 29 32 34 37 40 44

06 16 19 52 62 65

Pig & Poultry Latest sector news

Grass & Silage Latest news

Grain Latest news

Fencing Need to renew your boundary?

Precision Precision farming news

Sheep Sheep sector news

Beef Expo

News All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic Foot & Mouth vaccine breakthrough

Energy Solar, Wind & Biogas

Machinery Latest machinery news

ATV The essential workhorse round-up.

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH

Pre show feature

Cereals preview

Buildings Farm buildings news We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or agriculture in general? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as necessary and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved 2012.

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

Connect with us: Published in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Fax: +44 (0) 2476 353571 Editor Andrew Poulton Editorial Assistant editorial@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Director Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com Senior Advertising Sales Jenny Tranter j.tranter@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Sales Edward Hickinbottom e.hickinbottom@farmingmonthly.com Accounts Manager Cheryl Arnold c.arnold@farmingmonthly.com Production studio@farmingmonthly.com Subscriptions subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com For editorial and general enquiries or to advertise please call Tel: 02476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com

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| News

Hot or cold water high pressure washers: which is right for your business?

With so many different types of high pressure washers on the market, choosing the right model to suit the type of cleaning work you do can be difficult. Here, Kärcher explains the difference between hot and cold water machines. old water high pressure washers clean effectively thanks to the high impact pressure they provide. Machines with high water flow also help to flush away dirt and rinse quickly.

Cold water machines are great for quick cleaning jobs as they are relatively light, easy to transport, take up little storage space and are quick to set up. They are also cheaper to buy than hot water versions and can be cheaper to service. However, for cleaning jobs where there is a lot of dirt and grease to shift or deep cleaning work to be done, a hot water cleaner may turn out to be a lowercost long term option.

Hot water pressure washers increase the water temperature to up to 80°C (or up to 150°C for steam cleaning). Cleaning with hot water is quicker than with cold water because hot water shifts oil and grease more easily, and the reduced impact pressure makes

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them gentler to sensitive surfaces.

Objects cleaned with hot water also dry more quickly, so the finished result is often better, with lower likelihood of streaks.

Although hot water machines need diesel to fuel the burner as well as electricity to power the motor, running costs can often be lower than cold water machines due to this increased cleaning efficiency and the reduced labour and detergent costs. Most Kärcher hot machines feature the eco!efficiency mode, which optimises the machine’s settings to function at its best but with diesel consumption reduced by 20%. Kärcher invented the hot water pressure washer many decades ago, and has been working ever since to refine them as much as possible.

For further information on how Kärcher can make a difference visit www.karcher.co.uk or call 01295 752 142

06 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

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| News

Kids Country Food and Farming Day backed by Barclays volunteers The East of England Agricultural Society’s Food and Farming day on the 5th July will be getting a helping hand from volunteers at Barclays. he Food and Farming day – which is part of the Society’s education programme Kids Country, will educate children where food comes from and the importance of agriculture.

The event is attracting strong interest and within weeks the Society has had to increase the number of school attending. Over 4000 school children around the region will be taking part in the fun at the Showground in July.

Martin Redfearn, national head of agriculture at Barclays said: “Barclays has a proud tradition of supporting our customers and communities in ways other than simply helping them to access finance and other services. I personally have long been a passionate supporter of the East of England Agricultural Society and in particular of its work in helping food buyers and consumers reconnect with where their food comes from, and the farms and farmers who produce it.

Once our agriculture team spotted the need for volunteer support at the showground's children’s day to carry on that great work we sent a message around the organisation to see if

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anyone wished to help. We had a great response and the Barclays team will work hard to ensure the children have a fun learning experience on the big day" The Society organised the big day as part of its Kids Country education programme and decided to devote the day to educating children about where food comes from and how to value it. During the day children are to get up close and personal to food and animals of all types.

The event will feature everything from making sausages to climbing into the cab of a combine harvester, handling day old chicks to being alongside a top class professional livestock show. A sheep show, working dogs theatre, gun dogs and gamekeepers will also be there ensuring children go home totally exhausted and with an understanding of just how they should treasure British agriculture.

Paul Tate, project manager of the Society explained: “I was welcomed to a meeting with a member of the local Barclays Agricultural team to discuss support for our Kids Country programme. I think their manager was taken by surprise as to the

range and depth of our plans but within days he was in touch pledging support with volunteers from within Barclays staff.

Everything seemed to swing into action and within a few more days we had a list of volunteers which really will make all the difference to delivery of the big day. The range of activities planned seem to be growing weekly and the plan is to have 1000 butter tub ukeleles made and played by children for a grandstand finale.”

CEO Jeremy Staples said “ What Barclays Agriculture is doing for us really will make a difference and we hope to use them as an example for other corporations to get involved in the vital work of promoting and supporting agriculture and rural life”

No hiding place for hares as new ‘management plan’ says no to close-season Government gives green light to shooters & landowners to decide future protection of hares in England. ildlife organisations have reacted with shock and frustration after guidelines for the management – and shooting – of hares were published without any discussion of a potential ‘close-season’.

A Code of Practice for brown hare management in England has been drawn up by the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC), but a coalition of animal welfare groups claim that it fails to give hares even the minimal protection given to other ‘game’ species.

Care for the Wild, the Humane Society International, Blue Hare, and the Hare Preservation Trust are concerned that the current tally of around 350,000 hares hunted each year out of a national population of 750,000 is leading to dangerously reduced numbers in many parts of the country.

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Philip Mansbridge, CEO of Care for the Wild, said: "I think people would be shocked to know that the people who shoot hares are the ones who get to decide on whether or not there should be a close-season. The government needs to step in, involve wildlife organisations to get some balance, and give these animals a break.”

The call for a close-season has been backed by BBC Springwatch presenter Chris Packham. In a recent interview with Philip Mansbridge, he described the lack of a close-season as: “Disgusting.

It’s out of date, it’s irresponsible and it’s immoral.

“This is an embarrassment for the UK. I wish you the greatest success with this and I’m sure most people would. It’s outrageous,” he added.

Of greatest concern in the new

Code is the encouragement of shooting during February, which it claims ‘avoids the main breeding season’. Wildlife organisations, backed by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, believe that shooting during this period can remove up to 60% of breeding females, with the knock-on effect of leaving young hares unprotected to die.

“February is a crucial part of the breeding season,” said Mr Mansbridge. “We know that pheasants are killed during the winter so allowing hare shoots during this month keeps the season going. This is clearly a financial issue, not one of hare management.

"The time has now come for the government to get a grip, thoroughly research the need for greater hare protection, and actually talk to wildlife

organisations about wildlife. We’re calling on Richard Benyon to implement a draft voluntary code for a close season until we’re in a position to put one into law – as it is in Scotland.”

A century ago there were around 4 million hares but the population has been reduced by about 80%, mainly because of farming practices that have reduced their habitat, and the annual kill. Previous government plans to double the hare population by 2010 failed.

Care for the Wild is a charity dedicated to the conservation and welfare of wildlife around the world. To find out more, visit www.careforthewild.com. To see a full version of Chris Packham’s opinion on a hare close season, see http://youtu.be/Ll9em0WK1CQ.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

‘Accident on the farm’... are you protected? arming is one of the most respected jobs in the working world, but also one of the most dangerous.

A significant proportion of agricultural workers are selfemployed, so an unexpected loss of earning due to accident or death, at work or at home, could have a catastrophic effect on family finances. Yet despite the risk many don’t take out Personal Accident Insurance.

It can be difficult to access an insurance policy online that will give immediate protection, due to the ‘high risk’ associated with agricultural jobs. With busy lives, if something’s not easy to buy it can get forgotten or left until later – which might be too late! novastris, an innovative new insurance provider, addresses this problem. novastris covers many agricultural roles as standard, providing instant access to

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Personal Accident insurance to protect them and their families should they be unable to work due to accident or injury. Also, their family would be financially supported in the case of Accidental Death.

The cost of a policy for a 28 year old self-employed farm worker would start at £2.44 per month, providing Accidental Death cover with a tax free cash lump sum payment of £10,000.

Optional extra benefits include: • Cover for home alterations to increase accessibility • Funeral expenses • Cover for dependants in the event of the insured’s injury or death • Bereavement package to support immediate family members by covering the cost of counselling sessions www.novastris.com

Dairy farmers to unite for a better deal Dairy farmers will have more power to get a good deal in the marketplace under changes coming into effect on Monday 8 April, Farming Minister, David Heath has announced. nglish dairy farmers will be able to join forces in new cooperatives, pooling their produce for sale to processing companies. The change will give farmers more power to influence contract terms, conditions and prices than they might have had if negotiating as individuals.

Farming Minister, David Heath said: “Dairy farmers will now have a louder voice in the market place to negotiate on contractual terms and conditions as well as prices. Better collaboration will give the industry the platform it needs to fulfil its potential.

“Now it’s up to farmers and processors to work together to re-shape the industry and take advantage of all opportunities that exist.”

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Producer organisations, which are already widespread in other European countries, could cover up to a third of UK production.

In July 2013, the Government helped to secure the industry’s agreement of a voluntary Code of Practice on contracts between farmers and dairy processors.

Under the Code, contracts are freely negotiated, fairer and more transparent and farmers have the ability to leave contracts more easily if they are unhappy with the price they receive.

The Rural Payments Agency will take applications from dairy farmers who want to form producer organisations from Monday 8 April.

Cattle keepers set new online reporting records Cattle keepers are continuing to break records for making transactions online.

ore than 91 per cent of all cattle movements, births and deaths were reported electronically in February – the highest ever figure and a 5.5 percent increase on the same time last year.

Justin Chamberlain, the RPA’s Customer Director, said: “Every month more and more farmers are switching to electronic reporting.

The CTS website and self service phone line are convenient, trusted and time saving and allow cattle keepers to report transactions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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“Farmers are increasingly doing more of their business online and I would encourage them to also make their Single Payment Scheme applications electronically. More than 42,000 people have already found out how quick and easy it is to use and ultimately it will save you more time to spend on your business.”

The latest figures from the Rural Payments Agency’s British Cattle Movement Service equate to 1.27 million transactions being made electronically out of a February total of more than 1.38 million.

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| News

Neonicotinoid study NFU reaction to DEFRA study.

FU lead on bee health Dr Chris Hartfield said: “The Defra study shows that there are still significant question marks over the science and evidence around bees and neonicotinoids. A number of studies have shown that dosing bees in the laboratory with neonicotinoids has harmful effects on their behaviour and life cycles. However, this latest Defra research is one of several field studies showing that these harmful effects on bees are not seen under normal field situations. These studies also suggest that laboratory dosing can exaggerate the exposure that bees would experience in ‘real-life’ field situations.

“We need to be careful not to get drawn into a game of ‘research study top-trumps’.

Defra’s latest research is one more study, with limitations and flaws like all other studies.

However what it does show clearly is that we do not have an adequate understanding of the levels of exposure to neonicotinoids experienced by bees under field conditions. And

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without that fundamental understanding it is clear that we cannot quantify whether and how harmful the impacts are to bees under field conditions.

“The European Commission has decided to manage the risks identified by EFSA around neonicotinoids and bees by banning the use of these insecticides. The Defra study shows that this precautionary approach by the Commission is neither proportionate nor justified by the current evidence we have available.

“Everyone who works to improve bee health would like a silver bullet and a single target to aim it at. But the reality is that bees continue to face multiple challenges of pests and disease, the fragmentation, degradation and loss of habitats, changing climate, invasive species and chemicals they encounter in their environment. We do not have the evidence to point the finger of blame for widespread declines in pollinator populations at any single factor.”

Spaldings ‘heads up’ Discover Spaldings combine header extensions customised for each individual. paldings have announced the expansion of their combine range to include header extensions. Spaldings header extensions are designed to OEM specification, with the options of electrical or hydraulic drive. The header extensions are available for a wide range of brands such as Claas, Case, New Holland, John Deere, Agco and Deutz Fahr.

“The technology in our header extensions makes it possible to reduce your crop losses therefore increasing your yields by up to a mighty 250kg/ha” says Roger Chase, Agricultural Sales Director for Spaldings. “Our header extensions earn their keep making them a logical, sound investment”.

The header extension comes from the world market leader for rape harvesting technology. The header extension has a working width from 3.6-10.7m, one of the largest available on the market with each sideknife blade at 1.35m. With a Schumacher cutting system and oil-bath gear box that’s maintenance-free, means down time is reduced. Then to cut down time even further the header

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extension has quick release fasteners for quick and tool-less installation and disassembly.

Adding to the already mentioned benefits of yield increase and decreased down time the option of hydraulic sideknife drive comes with a self contained hydraulic system and consists of the gearbox, hydraulic pump, hydraulic tank, hydraulic hoses with quick coupling and preset valves. This has a short set up time and ensures no interference with the existing combine hydraulic system.

All Spaldings header extensions are tested in accordance to ISO9001 and CE approved.

Header extensions are made to order on 4-6 week lead time, contact our sales representatives with details of your combine model, header model, year of manufacture, size of header and serial number for more information on 01522 507 600 or from Republic of Ireland 1800 255 455, email: agsales@spaldings.co.uk or for details of any other products supplied by Spaldings, view the catalogue at www.spaldings.co.uk

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

Helping farmers deal with the latest extreme weather conditions Natural England is reminding farmers that it is continuing to make Environmental Stewardship scheme derogations available to help farmers cope with the recent heavy snowfall and continued wet ground conditions. atural England are temporarily lifting some of the land management requirements that normally apply to Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements, so that farmers and growers have more flexibility to

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deal with the impact of the recent extreme and unseasonable weather.

Natural England has confirmed that, following the recent heavy snowfall in many areas, livestock farmers who will need to provide

Mass public support as farmers struggle in the snow The NFU has been inundated with requests from the public to help livestock farmers affected by the severe winter weather.

housands of sheep are feared dead and access to many farms is still restricted due to snow drifts several metres high in areas such as west Cumbria, the Pennines, the Peak District, Shropshire and north Wales.

Farmers have been working around the clock to try to beat the elements but the unrelenting nature of the snow, wind and freezing temperatures has left a devastating picture.

NFU President Peter Kendall said: “We have been overwhelmed with dozens of calls and emails from members of the public and we thank them for the messages of goodwill. The best way of helping is to donate to the three main farming charities – RABI, The Addington Fund and The Farm Crisis Network – and we are liaising closely with them to ensure those farming families in financial difficulty get the help and support they need.

“The weather has completely knocked the stuffing out of the industry over the past year which has been unrelenting with heavy rain, floods and now this long winter. We will continue to work

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with our members in the worst affected parts of the country identifying areas where we can help them get through this difficult and traumatic time.”

“I would also encourage shoppers this Easter weekend to buy British to show their appreciation for the hard work of our great British farmers.”

The three key farming charities are: The Addington Fund, who help with animal feed costs. A story on their website, Latest cold weather brings difficulties for livestock farmers, has details on how to donate.

RABI helps farming families in financial difficulty as a result of emergencies, such as adverse weather. Visit RABI's Just Giving account link here FCN helps farmers by providing practical and pastoral support whenever they face difficulties, whether they relate to the farm business or the farm household.

The Helpline is available from 7am to 11pm every day of the year – 0845 367 9990. Donations to FCN’s work can be made via Just Giving.

10 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

their livestock with additional feed can continue to be covered by an Environmental Stewardship derogation. This is a temporary relaxation for the remainder of March and through into April, to support farmers through this spring’s continuing cold snap and deep snow cover. To help cut ‘red tape’, under these circumstances it is not necessary to contact Natural England for consent before carrying out supplementary feeding. The derogation covers agreement holders who may have an agreement that would otherwise include restrictions on carrying out supplementary feeding on Stewardship land.

Wet ground conditions as a result of rain and snow melt also continue to present problems at the moment. In the parts of England where wet ground conditions will make it necessary to delay carrying out specific Environmental Stewardship options, agreement holders should

contact Natural England as soon as possible for advice about a derogation.

Geoff Sansome, Natural England’s Director for Land Management, said: “Farmers continue to face extremely severe conditions on their land this winter as a result of the recent appalling weather so far this spring. Natural England’s land management advisers continue to provide help and advice wherever they can to support the farming community and we will ensure that appropriate derogations are available to support farmers at this critical time in the farming calendar.”

Farmers and land managers with Environmental Stewardship agreements can get derogation advice online at www.naturalengland.org.uk/es , by calling Natural England on 0300 060 0011, or from their local Natural England adviser.

Next Auctions on 15th April 2013 & 20th May 2013 commencing at 10.30am

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| News

BKT clearly confirms its leading role at SIMA The large attendance and interest of the operators confirm the extraordinarily positive period of the India based everrising tyre manufacturer. “A further step forward opposing the current dropping market trends thanks to consistent price and quality” confirms MD of BKT Europe” t the end of the Paris show distinguished by its large attendance as a sign of a still vital sector, BKT once again proves to be a major player in the off-highway tyre market.

Great numbers of customers and visitors, hosted at the BKT stand, have shown an actual interest in the new AgrimaxForce range and the many other product novelties presented by BKT on the occasion of the exhibition, including: • Agrimax Spargo, the narrow tyre for row crop applications, equipped with VF technology for operating heavy loads at equal pressure values compared to a standard tyre; • Trac Super, the radial tyre for the Municipality segment, perfect for being employed on large lawns featuring excellent stability on sloping land; • AgrimaxTeris, developed for equipping state-of-the-art harvesting and reaping vehicles, shows optimum traction features and is able to reduce soil compaction; • FL 630 Super, the radial tyre for trailers, designed for keeping a uniform and homogeneous footprint on the land; • Agrimax RT600, suitable for working lawns requiring particular care.

In addition to its product innovation, BKT cannot have gone unnoticed to the audience having

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occupied indoor and outdoor advertising spaces at the exhibition centre with the brand new visual slogan WOW presented on the occasion of this international prestige event.

Definitely satisfied has appeared the management, and particularly Ms Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe, who commented: “The success obtained during this new SIMA edition has further strengthened our role as major global player.

The massive advertising presence has definitely placed BKT in the focus of attention, confirming the brand value. Another important step forward and part of a steady rise, demonstrating the company’s excellent health, and clearly going against the run of the global economy thanks to offering both price and quality”.

On the occasion of the event, Mr Arvind Poddar, the President, confirmed the company’s determination to invest into growth opposing this difficult period of global economic crisis. “Since its foundation, BKT has always proven its proneness to future orientation. This means anticipating the users’ needs, investing in new technologies, and continuously increasing our professionalism. Growth forms the basis of BKT’s vision,” Mr Poddar continues, “in this period more than ever, the world needs companies and people to have

confidence in. BKT is ready to face the challenges that are typical of the current global economy, certain of having the right qualities to get the better and become a firm point of reference in the off-highway tyre sector.”

More about BKT at bkttires.com

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 11

| News

EU Ministers changes to CAP proposals are ‘largely in right direction’, says CLA The CLA has said that the Council of Ministers’ decisions on CAP reform have bolstered the proposals.

LA Deputy President Henry Robinson said: “We are pleased EU Agriculture Ministers - in the wake of the European Parliament’s decision on CAP last week - have improved the proposals in two areas which could have caused major problems for UK farmers, those relating to the definition of ‘active farmers’ and payment capping as a result of lobbying by the CLA and other industry bodies.

“The active farmer requirement would have been a bureaucratic nightmare for farmers and the

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payment agencies in England and Wales, and imposing capping would have sent entirely the wrong message on the desirability of farms consolidating and taking advantage of economies of scale.”

However, Mr Robinson said it was “disappointing” that the Council of Ministers has chosen to take Europe’s farmers one step further away from a level playing field when it comes to switching money between the agricultural pillar (Pillar One) and rural development pillar (Pillar Two) of the CAP.

He said: “We ought to be moving towards a system that reduces distortions between farmers in different countries.

Instead, we are increasing these distortions by supporting the ability of member states to switch payments between the pillars.

“Nevertheless, the Ministers support for tailoring the Commission’s greening requirements to the needs of different types of farm is welcome.”

The CLA Deputy President added: “We are cautiously

optimistic Environment Secretary Owen Paterson’s plan to tie the Commission’s greening proposals into English agri-environment schemes will prove to be a fair and sensible way forward.

“We will continue to examine the details of what the Council of Ministers has said and work with the Environment Secretary, Defra and industry partners to secure CAP reform that works for farmers and the environment.”

Surprise EU ‘direct payment to farmers’ cut Extremely unwelcome news to farmers throughout the country. he European Commission have, without warning, announced a proposal to cut direct payment to farmers by 5% in 2013.

The cut arises under the “Financial Discipline” measures of the

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Common Agricultural Policy. This move comes as a surprise to most.

Andrew Bays of BCM, specialists in rural property operating throughout Southern England, comments: “This is

extremely unwelcome news for farmers throughout the country.

For such a cut to suddenly materialise in a period when farmers have experienced such prolonged terrible weather makes this far worse. Many farmers will

have committed to expenditure through 2013 and it does seem unfair for such a cut to suddenly raise its ugly head”.

For further comment, please contact Andrew Bays at BCM on 01962 763900.

It’s all in the genes preventing rapeseed crop failure Understanding what affects the resistance genes in rapeseed crops is the focus of a new Marie Curie Fellowship research project being led by Dr Henrik Stotz at the University of Hertfordshire. apeseed crop failure is not only an economic problem; it is a major concern for food security as well as for biofuel production. Climate change and increasing populations threaten our global food security, driving an urgent need to develop crops that suffer fewer losses from diseases yet still produce good sustainable harvests.

Dr Henrik Stotz, Marie Curie Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire’s School of Life and Medical Sciences, said: “Certain types of rapeseed have developed resistance genes to prevent infection from the fungus that causes phoma stem canker – the major cause of rapeseed failure.

Stotz continued: “Plant breeders are therefore introducing plants with these resistance genes. But, we have found that the gene can be quite easily rendered ineffective by changes in the genes of the fungus. We need to better understand how this happens and

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12 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

develop strategies for deploying crop resistance for rapeseed which can then be applied to a wide range of crop systems.”

The project “DURABLE RESISTANCE Understanding factors affecting durability of crop resistance genes" is funded from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° 302202.

This two-year Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowship is worth over ⇔278K. The University of Hertfordshire has already benefitted from many Marie Curie Fellowships throughout FP7, but this is the first to be awarded to the School of Life and Medical Sciences. It is hosted by Professor Bruce Fitt, from the University‘s Crop and Environmental Protection Research Group, and Dr Andreas Kukol, from the University’s Biochemistry and Bioinformatics Research Group.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Pig & Poultry

Pig & Poultry LIVE: Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Opportunities. ig & Poultry LIVE returns to Stoneleigh Park on 15 May tackling the issues that really matter to pig, poultry meat and egg producers and the wider industry.

This year the event, run by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) in partnership with ABN, has an exciting new format with the content voted for by the industry itself, as well as an expanded trade exhibition and greater networking opportunities.

The mornings challenging debate, chaired by Martin Redfearn Head of Barclays Agriculture, will tackle the industry’s number one issue ‘Welfare; science or perception, what’s our future?’ featuring leading figures from across farming, retail and animal health and welfare.

Setting the scene, Ed Garner, communications director at Kantar Worldpanel will present a unique insight into consumer shopping behaviour in relation to animal welfare.

A distinguished panel including Andrea Gavinelli, head of animal welfare at the European Commission, RSPCA’s, head of farm animals Julia Wrathall, Morrison’s head of agriculture David Evans and NFU president Peter Kendall; with scientific expertise from Sandra Edwards, professor of agriculture at Newcastle University and Stephen Lister, Crowshall Veterinary Services will then lead this crucial debate into the key drivers of welfare and what the next steps should be for the sectors.

After a networking lunch with exhibitors, leaders from both within and outside the sectors including AB Agri’s chief executive David Yiend and John Ryan of Great Place to Work® address another key topical issue, the industries need to attract, develop and retain the

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Pig income concern Specialist agricultural accountants Moore Thompson have raised concern over a third successive fall in pig farm income. new report by Defra has estimated that incomes are expected to fall by around 50 per cent in the period 1 March 2012 to the end of February 2013.

The report says that Average Farm Business Income for pig farmers has dropped despite an increase in livestock output, driven by firmer prices for finished pigs.

“Feed costs, which account for over half of the input costs on these farms, have continued to increase in 2012/13 as a result of higher cereal and soya prices,” say Defra.

As well as a drop in farm income for pig producers, Defra also estimate that dairy farm incomes have fallen by 40% in the past year.

Soaring feed prices and the wet and cold weather experienced throughout the autumn and winter has seen average dairy farm income forecast to fall substantially to £50,000.

Defra say that average milk prices increased by around 1% over the 12 month period, while prices for cull, store and finished cattle have also increased.

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best people. This interactive café style afternoon will give the pig and poultry sectors an opportunity to share their views and discuss a range of issues relating to people and how some creative thinking can help secure a bright future.

“For pig and poultry producers and those in the wider supply chain who want to drive their businesses forward, Pig and Poultry LIVE is the business event of the year and should not to be missed,” said David Gardner, RASE chief executive.

“We have a fantastic line-up of speakers, so join the debate, share your thoughts and ideas and help the sectors move towards sustainable and profitable futures.”

Tickets cost £85 + VAT per person, with discounts available for RASE, NFU and NPA members, as well as ABN customers. Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.

For more information and to book your place, visit www.pigandpoultry.org.uk.

However these increases have been offset by a lower throughput of cattle together with a large increase in costs, notably feed.

Andrew Heskin, a partner in Moore Thompson’s Farming Sector team, said: “The report from Defra raises the issue of a substantial drop in the income of our pig producers.

“This is of great concern to all those who work with pig farmers in our communities.

“Despite an increase in pig prices, the sudden rise in feed, mainly due to the bad weather, has had an extremely negative financial impact for our farmers.

“Unless there is a substantial drop in prices for feed and other outlays, we will continue to see a drop in income.

“Defra and the Government as a whole must find a solution to this problem, or risk losing thousands of pig producers altogether.”

Being at the heart of the Fens, Moore Thompson has always provided specialist accountancy advice to agricultural and horticultural businesses with an agricultural team that knows the farming business inside and out.

Swine dysentery elimination is priority The BPEX Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP) is focusing this year’s activity on the elimination of swine dysentery. ig producers have asked for this for two main reasons. Firstly, it is one of the most economically damaging infections a herd can contract and it can spread rapidly through a herd via faeces. Pigs with dysentery can deteriorate in condition very quickly, with severe cases leading to death.

The other reason is that, despite its virulence, control methods are relatively straight forward and simple measures can be taken to protect against reinfection. BPEX’s Veterinary Projects Manager Helen Clarke states that, if everyone follows the same simple principles, we can make huge progress towards eliminating swine dysentery regionally and nationally.

Helen said that BPEX’s first steps would be to focus on cleaning and disinfection. “A consistently high standard of C&D builds the foundations for any

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disease control programme. It’s an extremely effective way to break the on-farm cycle of reinfection with diseases like swine dysentery.”

With over twenty PHIP cluster groups across the country, producers are now well-positioned to start a united effort to eliminate swine dysentery.

BPEX will be working with clusters as well as individual producers and vets to help them establish the best methods of controlling swine dysentery in their region. Helen is encouraging producers to get in touch to discuss these before their next cluster meetings and to order BPEX’s cleaning and disinfection DVD: email pighealth@bpex.ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 647 8877. Producers can also use these contact details to join the PHIP if they haven’t done so yet.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Pig & Poultry Thompson’s Tip:

Provide cover for summer infertility any pig producers will be taking in batches of replacement gilts in split weights. But Paul Thompson, veterinary adviser to pigbreeding company ACMC, reminds producers that, while it may seem very early to be

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thinking about summer, they should consider ordering extra replacements to cover production shortfalls caused by summer infertility — particularly if their herds have a history of this problem.

Harbro launches new Layers Range and expands Specialist Poultry Team Harbro starts off 2013 with the launch of a new range of poultry compounds aimed specifically at commercial egg producers. sing only the finest quality ingredients, including the highest bushel weight grain, the new Laygold range has been formulated to provide commercial egg producers with a choice of nutritionally sound products, ensuring they have a feed which best suits their flock and production requirements.

The range includes:Laygold Super, a high energy feed for pre-lay stage or mature hens where maximum egg size needs to be achieved.

Laygold Vigour is designed for a multi-age flock, providing the retail egg producer with good egg quality, size, rich yolk colour and taste. Laygold Vigour contains ‘Oleobiotec’ - exclusive to Harbro, this revolutionary product helps to improve microbial imbalances which in trials was shown to increase percentage lay, egg weight, egg mass and increase hen liveability.

Laygold Elite has been formulated for mid to end of lay flocks where egg size is not essential but where consistency and quality need to be controlled.

In addition to launching Laygold, Harbro is pleased to announce that Robert Thompson has joined the business as poultry specialist to look after compound feed customers in Scotland complementing Harbro’s homemixing service and reinforcing the company’s prowess as a leader in the manufacture and supply of

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poultry nutrition. Robert will work closely with Doug Steele who will continue to work with home-mixing customers and compound customers.

Mr Thompson has over 30 years’ experience in the poultry industry, originally working in England in pullet rearing, he returned to Scotland in the early 1980s to work in the family’s poultry business selling chicks and pullets across the country along with providing advice on rearing and layer management.

Mr Thompson commented “I welcome the chance to work with a team which is dedicated to supporting the UK poultry industry and is actively developing and improving the nutrition of laying poultry.

The range offers producers the flexibility to feed diets formulated specifically for laying flocks and the quality assurance which allows them to feed with confidence.” says Mr Thompson.

With accredited production sites ideally located throughout the UK and its own fleet of vehicles, the Harbro team of poultry specialists is supported by an office-based customer services department which is on hand to deal with ordering, delivery, pre-emption and any other queries.

To discuss your feeding requirements contact Robert Thompson on 07828 627619 or Douglas Steele on 07775 724 766

14 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

Red Mite X concentrate An effective control for Red Mite and other insect pests in poultry housing. arrier Red Mite X Concentrate is a totally different approach to the control and eradication of Red Mite in Poultry Housing, with a high dilution rate of 1:20 parts water.

The product gives excellent cleaning, anti-bacterial results in Poultry/Animal Housing and also disinfects. The unique formulation has added benefits in controlling Red Mite and other Blood sucking / Biting pests. It controls Red Mite using a physical mode of action.

The formulation has a slightly sticky consistency which when applied directly to insect pests, breaks down the wax coating causing dehydration and death. A similar reaction is caused when applying to Red Mite eggs.

Red Mite blood suck from birds and if they are not controlled with a suitable insecticide, they can cause anaemia and even death in poultry.

Shake container thoroughly and dilute the whole contents of the 500ml bottle into 10L of water, ensuring the mixture is stirred well.

Red Mites live in the poultry housing 95 per cent of the time.

After they have had their fill of blood from the birds, they travel upwards into the poultry house and live and breed in the crevices and roof structure of the hut.

Where infestation exists, felt roofs should be lifted and the whole area thoroughly treated.

Continue treating the rest of the hut – thoroughly wetting the entire infested/affected area.

Do Not Rinse, allow the product to dry naturally.

Quick Turnaround: Poultry can be returned to the treated area once dry.

Barrier Red Mite X Concentrate is non-toxic and safe to use around feed areas, egg layers and foodstuffs.

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Organic Farming Systems: This product falls into the exempt category of products which use only plant oils as active ingredients, as listed in Annexe IIB (Pesticides) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (as amended) and is therefore suitable for use in organic farming systems.

Our poultry range of products also includes Red Mite Concentrate, Red Mite Powder, Scaly Leg Spray and Anti-Pecking Spray for direct application to birds and poultry. Barrier V1 Concentrate Disinfectant (High Dilution 1:40 parts water). Fast turnaround where immediate access and re-stocking is necessary. Apply to all internal structures, walls, ceilings, floors and posts, manually through a knapsack sprayer or through a pressure washer, orchard sprayer or similar. Independently tested at 1:40 parts water against a wide range of organisms and has an effective kill rate against a wide range of bacteria including all types of Salmonella, E Coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Aspergillus.

Available from all Poultry Suppliers & Agricultrual Merchants.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| On Topic

On Topic Potential to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease

Professor David Stewart

Dr Bryan Charleston

Foot and Mouth vaccine breakthrough New foot-and-mouth vaccine signals huge advance in global disease control. cientists have developed a new methodology to produce a vaccine for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Because the vaccine is all synthetic, made up of tiny protein shells designed to trigger optimum immune response, it doesn’t rely on growing live infectious virus and is therefore much safer to produce.

Furthermore, these empty shells have been engineered to be more stable; making the vaccine much easier to store and reducing the need for a cold chain. This is important research because it represents a big step forward in the global campaign to control FMDV in countries where the disease is endemic, and could significantly reduce the threat to countries currently free of the disease. Crucially, this new approach to making and stabilising vaccine could also impact on how viruses from the same family are fought, including polio.

This collaborative research was led by Professor David Stuart, Life Science Director at Diamond Light Source and MRC Professor of Structural Biology at the Department of Medicine University of Oxford and Dr Bryan Charleston, Head of Livestock Viral Diseases Programme at The Pirbright Institute Dr Bryan Charleston, whose team at The Pirbright Institute has developed a detailed understanding of the immune response to FMDV in cattle and is leading the vaccination trials work, says, “The FMDV epidemic in the UK in 2001 was disastrous and cost the economy billions of pounds in control measures and compensation. As a result of the outbreak the Royal Society recommended new approaches should be developed to control the virus should it happen again.

“This important work has been a direct result of the additional funding that was provided as a result of the 2001 outbreak to research this highly contagious disease. Using our detailed knowledge of the immune responses to FMDV in cattle we were able to define the characteristics that needed to be incorporated into the new vaccine platform to induce protection.”

Professor David Stuart, explains, “What we have

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16 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

achieved here is close to the holy grail of foot-andmouth vaccines. Unlike the traditional vaccines, there is no chance that the empty shell vaccine could revert to an infectious form. This work will have a broad and enduring impact on vaccine development, and the technology should be transferable to other viruses from the same family, such as poliovirus and hand foot and mouth disease, a human virus which is currently endemic in South-East Asia,” Key results were published in the journal PLOS Pathogens. on Wednesday 27th March 2013. The work is principally funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK (Defra) and the Wellcome Trust.

Clinical trials of the synthetic shell based vaccine on cattle carried out by Dr Charleston and his team have shown it is as effective as current vaccines.

Whilst a commercial product is still several years away the team hopes that the technology can be transferred as quickly as possible to make it available to a global market.

Professor Stuart says; “Instead of using infectious virus as the basis for the vaccine, which is the main traditional method of vaccine development, the team using a methodology developed by Professor Ian Jones from the University of Reading synthetically created empty protein shells to imitate the protein coat that forms the strong outer layer of the virus. By using Diamond’s visualisation capabilities and the expertise of Oxford University in structural analysis and computer simulation, we were able to visualise something a billion times smaller than a pinhead and further enhance the design atom by atom of the empty shells. Through information gained at Diamond, we also verified that these have essentially the same structure as the native virus to ensure an appropriate immune response.”

Fine adjustments have been made to the empty shell to improve stability to produce a vaccine that is inherently more stable than live virus based products.

This makes transporting and storing the vaccine

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| On Topic

Aerial view of Diamond Light Source

On Topic

Cow infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus

much easier, as the pre-clinical trials have shown it to be stable at temperatures up to 56°C for at least two hours. The disease is endemic in central Africa and some parts of the Middle East and Asia (ref. World map), so this is a major advantage over the traditional vaccine, which has to be produced and stored in a chilled and stable environment.

Dr Charleston adds, “The ability to produce a vaccine outside of high containment and that does not require a cold storage chain should greatly increase production capacity and reduce costs.

Globally there is an undersupply of the vaccine due to the high cost of production and this new development could solve this problem and significantly control footand-mouth disease worldwide.

“Furthermore, the complete absence of some viral proteins from this new vaccine will also allow companion diagnostic tests to be further refined to demonstrate the absence of infection in vaccinated animals with greater confidence.”

Professor Stuart, concludes, “Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most economically important diseases in livestock worldwide. With approximately 3 to 4 billion doses of vaccine administered every year, you can start appreciating the pertinence of our work.

What we achieved is down to the continued support of our many funding agencies, the individual and collective perseverance of the entire collaboration and access to 21st century scientific tools to push the boundaries of scientific research.”

Nigel Gibbens, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer comments on the work, “This vaccine is a major breakthrough that has the potential to be an invaluable new weapon in the fight to eradicate footand-mouth disease. There are many more years of work and research to be done to get this vaccine ready for use, but this is undoubtedly an exciting leap forward. Once available, vaccines of this type would have clear advantages over current technology as a possible option to help control the disease should we ever have another FMD outbreak.

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Hoof of cow infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus

“This vaccine has been developed using some truly groundbreaking techniques which are a credit to the quality of British scientists working in the field of animal health.”

Development of the vaccine was supported by a Translation Award from the Wellcome Trust. Richard Seabrook, Head of Business Development at the Wellcome Trust, said: “Most people in the UK will remember the foot-and-mouth outbreaks of the 1960s and early 2000s, but FMD is a daily scourge for millions living in countries where the disease is endemic. An affordable vaccine is urgently needed to alleviate the huge economic burden that the disease places on the farming industry, particularly in the developing world. This vaccine still has some way to go before it will be available to farmers but these early results are very encouraging.”

Dr Charleston concludes, “We hope that a broad range of research groups working on vaccine development for viruses related to foot-and-mouth disease will be interested in taking our discovery forward to help tackle other major global disease challenges.”

The research was carried out by a UK partnership between The Pirbright Institute, which receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and grant funding to research FMDV, and Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron facility, which receives funding from Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and Wellcome Trust, along with the Universities of Oxford and Reading. As well as vaccine development, The Pirbright Institute, is a centre of excellence for foot-and-mouth diagnostics and is home to the World Reference Laboratory for FMDV virus.

References Rational Engineering of Recombinant Picornavirus Capsids to Produce Safe, Protective Vaccine Antigen Claudine Porta et al. PLOS Pathogens March 2013 http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal. ppat.1003255.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Animal Health

New research finds that cattle and badgers with TB rarely meet The two species may actively avoid one another, research by the Royal Veterinary College and the Food and Environment Research Agency finds. irect contact between badgers and cattle is rare, suggesting that it as a result it may be rare for bovine tuberculosis (TB) to be passed on through the two species meeting each other on pasture, new research by the Royal Veterinary College and the Food and Environment Research Agency published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection (Cambridge University Press) reveals.

Researchers investigated direct and indirect interactions between badgers and cattle by fitting automated high-tech proximity loggers to animals and placing base stations at badger latrines located on pasture, in an area of south-west England with a highdensity badger population, over a period of 12-months.

Direct interactions (within 1.4 metres) between badgers and cows at pasture were very rare, with only four out of over 500,000 animal-to-animal contacts recorded between the two species.

Indirect interactions (visits to badger latrines) were far more

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frequent than direct contacts, with 400 visits by badgers and 1700 visits by cattle recorded. This suggests that indirect contacts might be more important than direct in terms of disease transmission at pasture.

During the study half of the badgers tested positive for TB, however the infection status of individual badgers did not affect the frequency or duration of their visits to latrines located on pasture grazed by cattle.

Bovine tuberculosis caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis is endemic in cattle in parts of England and Wales and its control is hindered by the presence of infection in the European badger. While M. bovis is clearly transmitted between cattle and badgers, it is has not previously been known where, when or how often transmission occurs.

Dr Julian Drewe from the Royal Veterinary College who led the study, said: “Our findings reveal that direct contacts between badgers and cattle at pasture are surprisingly rare, despite ample opportunity for interactions to

Bovine TB incidence still on the rise Thousands of cattle slaughtered. housands more cattle were slaughtered due to bovine TB in 2012 compared to 2011 according to new statistics released by Defra today.

The number of cattle slaughtered in Great Britain as reactors or direct contacts increased by 10% to 37,753 in 2012, and this figure does not include those slaughtered as inconclusive reactors.

The latest statistics also reveal that the number of farms tested has increased by nearly 18% as new measures have been put in place in an attempt to get ahead of the spread of bovine TB in England and Wales. This has resulted in an increase in the proportion of lower risk herds being tested which will have affected the headline incidence

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rate, influencing the decrease from 4.9% in 2011 to 4.5% in 2012 and Defra and National Statistics have warned that the incidence rates are subject to further revisions.

Commenting, Carl Padgett, Past President of the British Veterinary Association, said: “These statistics make for sober reading as we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of cattle slaughtered in the last year.

“The figures remind us that urgent action is required to help us get on top of this disease. We need to ensure compliance amongst farmers with the tougher cattle control measures, a strong push from the Government on cattle and badger vaccination, and support for measures to tackle the disease in badgers through piloting a targeted, humane cull.”

18 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

occur, suggesting that the two species may be ignoring or even actively avoiding one another. The study was conducted in an area with a high badger population, so it is likely that such direct contact will be even less frequent in areas of the country where there are fewer badgers.

“Indirect visits by both species to badger latrines were significantly more common than direct contacts between badgers and cattle, which suggests that these represent the more typical

nature of interspecies contact.

Future research aiming to quantify TB risk to cattle from badgers might be best to focus on indirect contacts occurring at latrines and on contacts occurring away from pasture, for example in farm buildings.

“This clearly has disease management implications, and more work is now needed in this area to look at how such contact can be limited, to reduce the number of cases of bovine TB in the future.”

Protect finishing lambs Reduce threat from Pasteurella and Clostridial Disease. ith lamb prices climbing on weaker sterling during March and an early Easter, sheep producers are being urged to realise full value for the 2013 crop by making sure valuable finishing lambs on the farm are vaccinated against pasteurellosis and the main clostridial diseases.

“As the industry struggles to cope with the coldest March since 1962 and the impact of the Schmallenberg virus, losing lambs to easily preventable diseases this summer really is throwing money away,” says MSD Animal Health livestock veterinary adviser Drew McGurren MRCVS. “Pneumonia continues to be a significant cause of death in unvaccinated lambs. The disease can have a variety of causes, including the stress of adverse weather conditions, but many outbreaks are caused by pasteurellosis. Pasteurella are a group of bacteria, with Mannheimia haemolytica and Bibersteinia trehalosi being the most important types to cause disease in sheep. Flock problems usually start with sudden deaths, often in very young lambs. But occurrence can be sporadic in individual sheep.”

He warns that the colostrum lambs receive from the ewe shortly after birth only gives them

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protection for a limited time against pasteurellosis and the clostridial diseases like pulpy kidney, braxy, blackleg and tetanus.

“It’s true that if ewes are vaccinated properly with Heptavac-P Plus in the run up to lambing then the lambs will also gain immunity. But this so called passive immunity only lasts for so long. Lambs that receive a good intake of colostrum only have antibodies against pasteurella for up to four weeks and clostridia for up to 12 weeks. This means that some early season lambs may already be unprotected and if the cold spring continues are at real risk from these prevalent disease threats unless they are vaccinated themselves.”

Drew McGurren recommends vaccinating finishing lambs with Ovivac-P Plus, pointing out that the cost of one severe outbreak of pasteurellosis equates to many years of vaccine use for the average flock.

“The vaccine can be used from three weeks of age and the primary course involves two vaccinations 4-6 weeks apart. An annual booster can be given thereafter, but most lambs are slaughtered before then or start on Heptavac-P Plus instead if they are to be kept as breeding animals.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Solar power is the way forward for farms and rural businesses If proof were needed that solar power can be an efficient and cost-effective means for running a farm or rural business, the fact that Yorkshire Dales Meat Company has decided to install a second 49.82 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system after only one year is. ast year, Yorkshire Dales Meat Company installed solar panels on the main roof of its state-of-the-art meat preparation facility, in conjunction with Wakefield-based Investment Renewables. The solar panel Yorkshire Dales Meat Company originally installed with Investment Renewables has proved so successful in reducing a significant proportion of the company’s electricity costs that it is planning to install another.

Yorkshire Dales Meat Company has seen a huge reduction in the company’s carbon footprint since installing the solar panels, with the annual CO2 displacement figures far higher than expected. Yorkshire Dales Meat Company prides itself on using natural resources and sees minimising its impact on the environment as a vital part of the running of the business.

To further reduce the company’s carbon footprint, Managing Director, Stephen Knox has planted a two and a half acre

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broadleaved wood and created a three and a half acre trout lake adjacent to the meat preparation facility. The company also recently developed a more sustainable packaging solution for its products, using recyclable materials and delivers its products to customers on returnable trays.

Managing Director of Yorkshire Dales Meat Company Stephen Knox said: “We’ve definitely been convinced of the huge benefits for a sizeable rural business like ours using renewable energy from the prospective of reducing running costs but also in terms of reducing any impact on the surrounding environment.

“If we hadn’t been so convinced, we wouldn’t be looking to make further investment into renewable energy.”

Yorkshire Dales Meat Company is a family-run catering butchers supplying top UK restaurants, hotels and event venues with the highest quality meats.

The business also supplies

Yorkshire Dales Meat Company factory

ASDA supermarkets throughout Yorkshire with a range of burgers, meatballs and steaks.

The ecological policies Yorkshire Dales Meat Company has put in place have resulted in a more ethical and sustainable business, able to demonstrate to its customers the positive impact the company’s methods are having on the environment. By keeping customers informed about this aspect of the business Yorkshire Dales Meat Company is also in a strong position to inspire other companies to adopt stronger eco-policies.

Wakefield-based Investment Renewables specialises in the installation and maintenance of small - medium scale Wind Turbines and Solar PV systems. It holds full MCS accreditation in both technologies and is a member of the Real Assurance Scheme. It only offers products that are MCS accredited, guaranteeing eligibility to receive the Government-backed incentivised payments for onsite generation of clean energy through the 'Clean Energy Cashback Scheme' FITs.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Energy

CIS thin film solar significantly outperforms expectations in dull 2012 SEG Commercial, part of the Save Energy Group and a leading renewable energy provider for UK business, is pleased to report better than expected green energy generation from its solar photovoltaic installations in 2012.

espite some of the worst weather conditions since records began, particularly April, June and July the company’s premium quality CIS Thin Film technology outperformed expectations and easily secured its return on investment.

Using the example of a dairy

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farm, owned and managed by The Crown Estate in Dorset – England and the second of three Solar PV installations - the company presented a 33.6kWh on-roof system to be positioned on one of their barn roofs. Due to the nature of farm production it was recommended they use Solar Frontier TUV certified panels, as

they are designed with a resistance to ammonia which will play a significant factor in the longevity of the system.

Solar Frontier CIS Thin Film panels were introduced to the UK

by SEG Commercial in early 2012.

The superior yield performance of the technology, even under challenging low light conditions, has served installations well throughout the UK. Detailed estimates indicated early on that the CIS PV system would offer a better yield per kilowatt installed and therefore faster payback and a higher return on investment for the client.

The project was completed a year ago and when the system came online England was heading straight into what proved to be one of the wettest and certainly gloomiest spring and summer periods in recorded history.

Commercial Business Manager, Wolf Dietrich, explains: “Under these extremely challenging conditions, during which we frequently observed periods of successive days with dull and low light, the Solar Frontier CIS Thin Film PV system generated a total of 29,255kWh, compared to our

20 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

“The company presented a 33.6kWh on-roof system to be positioned on one of their barn roofs. Due to the nature of farm production it was recommended they use Solar Frontier TUV certified panels, as they are designed with a resistance to ammonia which will play a significant factor in the longevity of the system.” predicted yield of 28,488kWh under normal conditions. This means that the actual generation was 102.3% of the output predicted by our standard simulations, which incorporate long-term climate averages. We are naturally delighted with this impressive result that underscores the performance of this technology for the UK marketplace. We look forward to a year of normal generation for the farm and therefore an even more impressive output.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

No longer a painful overhead - instead an effective contributor to the business With so many businesses now having to take action to curb their energy consumption along with the financial benefits in generating your own energy, UK farm producers can lead the way. ynics sow uncertainty around the reliability and even the capability of clean, renewable energy to satisfy our everyday consumption requirements. Certainly in most cases when retrofitting, we are still some way from being totally selfsufficient but although the Feed in Tariff (FIT) has been reduced from its heady, ‘unsustainable’ point of

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introduction, it nevertheless supports the growing up-take of Solar PV electricity, whilst the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is bringing sustainable Heat Production into the spotlight to ease installation costs.

Those who have chosen the green route for their businesses are already experiencing the many benefits to be drawn along the

Solar farm Proposed at Stonepit Farm, Hartwell Lark Energy is planning to develop a 15 megawatt solar farm on approximately 96 acres of land on the site at Stonepit Farm, Hanslope Road, Hartwell.

journey to 100% renewable energy generation.

So here’s the thing – why not combine sustainable technologies to improve production efficiencies and maximise available tariff income(s)?

Hybrensys devised a strategy focused on bringing together a mix, or hybrid, of clean technologies, fit for purpose and coupled with a fresh approach to funding should customers request it.

“By complementing technologies such as highefficiency Heat Pump and storage systems as primary energy source to a farrowing house or poultry production unit, farms can rid themselves of oil and significantly reduce their reliance on gridelectricity…” “…Next, by adding a solar PV array, for example, even less gridelectricity is used by the new system and heating demand can be geared around daytime PV and cheaper off-peak (night-time) grid-

electricity…” says Hybrensys’ founder Andy Miles.

“With today’s escalating fossilfuel costs and threats to its availability, the financial benefits of generating your own energy cannot be ignored, so now’s the time to future-proof your business.

I also think the day when the business cases for ‘renewables’ stand up on their own without subsidies is looming…which should quieten the cynics!”

In addition to sustainable heat & power systems, Hybrensys provides Energy Monitoring and Management Services to help businesses across many sectors understand and actively manage their energy spend and reduce their carbon footprint.

Ask Hybrensys about joining the ranks of cleaner, brighter businesses and a more financially stable future: For more information call 07825 178 534 or 01392 581 041 You can also email info@hybrensys.com or visit www.hybrensys.com

image courtesy of juwi

nce complete the solar farm would produce clean, renewable energy for the local electricity grid, providing enough power for approximately 3,000 homes. It would also contribute towards Northamptonshire County Council and South Northamptonshire District Council’s aim to reduce

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emissions by 34% by 2020.

Lark Energy held a public exhibition on Tuesday 12 March in Hartwell, Northamptonshire about the proposed solar farm.

The exhibition was part of an informal public consultation and we plan to submit a planning application during the spring.

Following this there will be a statutory consultation period.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Energy

Windcrop’s new power to boost farm income and eco-credentials The country’s largest installer of small-scale wind turbines is giving farmers the chance to buy a turbine and earn a projected net, tax-free income of between £31k and £78k over 20 years*. n the last four years Windcrop Ltd has earned its reputation by installing fully-financed, 15 metre high, wind turbines. Now it has developed a new model for farmers, with capital available to invest in renewable energy, to more than double an initial £20,000 outlay.

Windcrop’s managing director, ex Lotus Commercial Engineer John Moore, explained: “We’ve grown from a small start-up business to the leading installer by earning our own return on investment through the Government’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT)**. Now we are really excited to be able to offer farms and smallholdings the chance to do the same. This is an attractive business opportunity to use renewable energy to increase profits, as well as cutting the cost of rising energy bills and demonstrating a commitment to sustainable energy.”

The new environmental and economic opportunity comes with a unique performance promise. John added: “We’re actively encouraging farmers to get in touch about our new Earn with Windcrop model. But we recognise that with any investment opportunity the first question will always be what risk is involved?

“Our forecasting systems provide reassurance by showing the expected energy generation and financial returns in advance. And if the turbine does not generate the minimum amount of energy expected in the first five years we guarantee to buy it back.”

Windcrop has offices in East Anglia, Yorkshire and Cornwall. It has already installed over 450 fully-funded turbines across the

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22 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

UK, the majority of which are at farms, to generate free, environmentallyfriendly electricity from small patches of land.

John added: “All the benefits of our original offering remain the same.

Windcrop was established to make it easier to adopt small-scale renewable energy. We pride ourselves on providing a hassle-free process by taking on all the planning and using our innovative installation technique to minimise disruption. We’ve simply created a second option to give customers a risk-free way to maximise the financial returns and we are looking forward to talking to farmers across the UK.” For more information visit www.windcrop.co.uk or call 01603 882152

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| Energy

Small wind turbines pay big dividends Energy costs are constantly increasing and there’s no better time to take future costs into your own hands.

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April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Energy

24 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

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| Energy

What does the budget mean for AD? At least it doesn’t take long to make it through all of the green (and not so green) measures in the recent budget. he Chancellor’s statement that “creating a lowcarbon economy should be done in a way that creates jobs – not costs them” set a similar tone to last year’s line that “environmentally sustainable has to be fiscally sustainable too.”

Overall there is certainly little to comfort those seeking a strategic vision for economically and environmentally sustainable growth.

The reality is that the two are in harmony, not conflict. The green economy is one of the only sectors to have shown strong expansion over the last few years. This isn’t just about the long term – as important as it is to promote future energy and resource security – but about how we create jobs and growth now.

The biogas sector has demonstrated just that in the last few years, doubling the number of plants in the UK and developing the early stages of infrastructure which sits at the heart of the

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closed loop economy and sustainable farming. The industry has created jobs in construction, agriculture, waste management and more, and is bringing products and expertise to markets which will stretch far beyond our shores.

This export potential is perhaps the most significant argument for strong support from the Treasury.

Growing the industry and expertise in technology which is likely to be used around the world has obvious benefits, and interest in anaerobic digestion is growing in a huge range of markets. To achieve this, a long term commitment to renewable energy support needs to be joined to coherent policy across waste and agriculture which releases the feedstock required to build the industry.

That may not be a new message, but Budget 2013 has done little to increase UK’s chances of realising growth and a greener economy.

UK reaches AD milestone The burgeoning anaerobic digestion ( AD) industry in the UK has reached a “significant” milestone, as the number of AD plants outside of the water industry has passed 100 for the very first time. he official figures gathered by bioeconomy consultants NNFCC and WRAP, reveal that the number of AD plants in the UK has nearly doubled since September 2011, when a comprehensive baseline report was published.

There are now 106 anaerobic digestion plants outside of the water industry, processing up to 5.1 million tonnes of food and farm waste every year and with an installed electrical capacity of more than 88MWe. There are also more than a dozen other plants currently under construction.

"This is a significant milestone for the anaerobic digestion industry in the UK and highlights the broad range of companies turning to AD for waste management and to generate renewable heat and electricity," said Lucy Hopwood, Head of Biomass and Biogas at NNFCC. "Recent actions and innovations in technology development, training and process optimisation have led to greater opportunities and a more robust industry. For investors anaerobic digestion is an easy win with good returns, support from a number of Government incentives

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and low investment risk," she added.

Commenting on the announcement a Defra spokesperson said: "AD is a valuable technology that can turn food and farm waste into renewable energy and valuable fertiliser, we welcome the continuing development of the sector from 54 plants when the AD Strategy was published in June 2011 to more than 100 now," "Working with stakeholders, we continue to take forward the AD Strategy and Action Plan which is tackling the barriers to further uptake of AD." Nearly half of the AD plants currently in operation are 'community' digesters, where food waste is collected from multiple sources, like supermarkets, hospitality providers and households, to be converted into heat, power and fertiliser.

A further thirty per cent use 'agricultural' feedstocks, like slurry, manure, crops or residues. The remaining digesters are 'industrial' sites treating on-site waste such as brewery effluent and food processing residues.

See us at Sustainability Live 2013 Stand P30

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April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Grass & Silage

Stop pasture turning yellow this spring Buttercups and dandelions are likely to be a much bigger problem in grass fields this spring according to David Roberts, grassland agronomist for Dow AgroSciences. uttercups favour wet soils and dandelion seeds will readily germinate on the surface of exposed soil in swards poached or damaged in last year’s wet weather.

“Buttercups love having their feet in damp soil and creeping buttercup spreads rapidly along the ground by rooting runners, quickly suppressing grass growth around it,” says Mr Roberts. “They are slightly toxic when growing but rarely eaten by livestock unless there are large populations or grazing is tight.

“On the other hand, dandelions contain minerals and vitamins and animals like them.

However, as with all perennial weeds, where they grow, grass does not. One weed can take the place of many grass plants. This reduces grass yields at a time when farmers are

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desperate to replenish silage stocks and optimise milk production from grazing.

“Dandelion seeds can be carried by the wind for miles and established plants can survive for many years – so it is essential to control infestations before they get out of hand.”

Creeping buttercup and dandelion plants sit flat to the ground so mechanical cutting is not helpful. But a broad-spectrum herbicide will give good control. However, this must be applied much earlier in the spring than sprays against other common perennial weeds such as docks and thistles.

“It is no good waiting for buttercups and dandelions to flower before spraying, as they will be well past the stage when they are most receptive to herbicide by then,” advises Mr Roberts.

“Farmers should think back to last year and remember which fields were the most yellow in late spring and summer. Treat these during April, while the weeds are still green and actively growing.

Forage quality under the spotlight Silage makers can now source all their ensiling needs from one firm for the first time, maximising their chances of making top-quality forage. ast year’s appalling weather meant many farmers were left with substandard silage, highlighting the importance of attention to detail at every stage of the process. “The weather really was against farmers last year, but by using the most effective available ensiling aids, some still managed to produce good quality forage,” says silage specialist Kelvin Cave.

“With concentrate feed costs at historic highs, it is more important than ever that farmers make the most of their forage crops, and that means preserving as much nutrient value as possible throughout the ensiling process. Farmers cannot afford to continue losing the 20% or more of ensiled dry matter every year that they have accepted as normal.”

Following the recent launch of ClampTiles, Kelvin Cave Ltd now covers every step of the ensiling process; from Safesil preservative, applied while cutting; to ClampNet, which protects against pests and spoilage in the clamp.

“Time and again, we hear from farmers that

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26 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

the key to top quality silage is to get every stage of the process right,” says Mr Cave. “That means cutting at the right time, compacting the forage to eliminate oxygen, sealing it correctly, and managing the fermentation process to ensure minimal dry matter losses in the clamp and during feed-out.

“However, as we saw last year, the British weather doesn’t always play ball, so having a little extra help in the form of a silage preservative can be extremely beneficial,” he adds. “Using carefully designed tools like the SilaPactor to increase silo compaction density, and ClampFilm or O2 barrier to eliminate shoulder waste means virtually every penny’s worth of valuable forage ends up in the cows.”

Completing the package are ClampNet and ClampTiles, which make clamp management neater and more effective. “There is no need for piles of old tyres, which are usually magnets for dirty water, midges and rats,” says Mr Cave.

“They are also potentially dangerous to stock as the wires in the tyres break down, and have never been a really effective way of weighing

down silage sheets.

“As farmers ourselves – we run a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle in Somerset everything we design has the farmer in mind, so it’s effective and easy to use,” he adds.

“Money, particularly in the dairy industry, is tight at the moment, so every investment a farmer makes must stand up financially. Forage is one of farmers’ most valuable and essential assets, which can protect against fluctuations in feed supplies and input costs. It’s essential that they make the most of it.”

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| Grass & Silage

Continued wintry conditions prompt ensiling advice Reduced winter arable plantings, poor harvest 2013 yield predictions and a prolonged winter all have the potential to see farm feed costs rise this year, with livestock farmers advised to make sure their ensiled crops are properly protected against aerobic spoilage and nutritional losses by using an effective oxygen barrier silage sheeting. ith winter plantings on the UK’s arable farms down by an estimated 20%, and poor yields forecasted for harvest 2013, farm feed prices are predicted to rise throughout 2013, adding significant costs to the UK livestock units. That is according to Jennifer Hitchman, Ruminant Forage Specialist for Silostop, who advises dairy and beef farmers to do all they can to protect the dry matter content and nutritional value of this year’s grass and maize silage crops.

“According to the HGCA and AHDB, the total area of land sown to winter cereals and oilseeds has seen a shortfall of almost 20% compared to last year,” Miss Hitchman explains. “Winter wheat alone is down by 25%, whilst winter barley and winter oats are down by 19% and 30% respectively as a result of last year’s wet summer and the early onset of a prolonged winter.

“In short, this all points to a shortage of feed crops and an increase in farm feed prices later in the year which could hit farm profits hard.”

A shortage of spring seed and wintry conditions which have continued well into March are likely to exacerbate the problem, with many arable farmers unable Hitchman Jennifer to sow spring crops to make up for the shortfall in winter seeding.

“The simple rule of supply versus demand dictates that feed prices are likely to increase, especially if the predictions of a poor harvest come true,” Miss Hitchman adds. “Livestock farmers therefore need to do all they can to protect ensiled crops from aerobic spoilage and loss of nutritional quality in order to safeguard their business’s bottom line.

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“All too often livestock farmers are guilty of falling at the last hurdle when making silage,” she describes. “After going to the time, effort and expense of growing and caring for grass swards and maize crops, and waiting for an opportune weather window to harvest the crops, it makes little sense not to ensile them properly.”

Miss Hitchman believes that as many as 80% of dairy farmers still believe that conventional black plastic silage sheeting is the best method of covering clamped crops. “Research has shown that these traditional plastics don’t go far enough in preventing crop spoilage,” she states.

“Conventional black plastic can allow up to 400cm3 of oxygen to pass through each square metre of film in 24 hours, leading to significant spoilage and wastage.

In contrast, the latest Silostop oxygen barrier sheeting allows just 3cm3 of oxygen to pass through, ensuring that stored crops retain as much of their nutritional value as possible.”

“Crops which are not properly sealed from atmospheric oxygen can see dry matter losses of up to 37% from the top 40cm of a clamp.

This results in large volumes of wasted silage as well as additional costs associated with purchasing replacement silage and supplementary feeds.

“Spoiled crops will also contain elevated counts of yeasts, moulds and clostridial spores which will have a detrimental impact on the health, productivity and condition of beef and dairy cattle. It therefore makes sense to take extra care and attention when storing winter forage to protect against feed shortages, impaired productivity and higher input costs.”

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April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Grass & Silage

Growing relationship between universities and Waitrose to use Welsh grass for food packaging The Sustainable Ryegrass Products (STARS) project will be led by the BioComposites Centre at Bangor University and the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University and informed by industry partners including Waitrose. unding of almost £600,000 from the Welsh Government’s Academic Expertise for Business (A4B) programme is supporting the project, which will see a biorefining process used to isolate and extract sugars and other components from ryegrass and convert them into low carbon products.

These will include biofuels, platform chemicals and pulpmoulded packaging products for retail applications such as food packaging.

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“A key objective of the project will be the creation of products with a lower carbon output than those produced from oil. Activating a green industry in this way is a global aim and we hope to demonstrate an integrated approach to land utilisation.“ The project will collaborate with six industrial partners representing all links in the SME supply chain from biomass cultivation and harvesting to processing and commercial end-use - and will demonstrate the production of these materials at a pilot scale.

To inform the process, Waitrose will research public engagement in the bioeconomy and the adoption of green products.

Quentin Clarke, Head of Sustainability at Waitrose, said: “Waitrose is working hard to use easy to recycle, sustainable materials for its packaging, so there is a natural synergy between this project and Waitrose’s approach to “Treading Lightly” and reducing its environmental footprint.

“Moving to easily recycled fibrebased packaging for foods, where this can show positive environmental benefit, is something we’re keen to develop and a key element of this project will be engaging with the public from an early stage to ensure we are delivering solutions that meet their needs. We look forward to trialling prototypes with key stakeholders.”

Minister for Economy Science and Transport, Edwina Hart AM,

said: “It’s good to see two Welsh institutions working with such a wide range of partner businesses, both indigenous and multinational, on a novel project with commercial potential.

“I am pleased the Academic Expertise for Business programme is supporting this collaborative working and partnership between industry and academia with the aim of developing and bringing new products to market.”

Dr Joe Gallagher from IBERS, Aberystwyth University commented ‘’The STARS project takes previous research in this area to the next level which is a demonstration at commercially relevant scale using the BEACON (www.beaconwales.org) pilot-scale facilities and working with a supply chain to bring this concept to the public’s attention.

“The project aligns with the UK government’s strategy on mitigation of climate change and need to support the rural economy.” STARS will also benefit from complementary research and innovation programmes such as BEACON focused on biorefining and bio-products from renewable feedstocks such as plants.

Dr Adam Charlton, of Bangor University’s Biocomposites Centre, welcomed the Welsh Government’s support for the project and said the complementary expertise of the two Welsh universities and industrial partners would be key to its success.

He said: “A key objective of the project will be the creation of products with a lower carbon output than those produced from oil. Activating a green industry in this way is a global aim and we hope to demonstrate an integrated approach to land utilisation.

“We don’t want to displace existing agricultural activity, but aim to provide farmers with an opportunity to diversify and find alternative applications for surplus grass produced in the UK. “Through forging relationships with world-class organisations with significant market insight, the project offers real possibility to commercialise a number of product streams from ryegrass.”

28 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

SCOTGRASS: Tickets now available SRUC Crichton Royal Farm, Dumfries DG1 4AS 10am - 5pm. By kind permission of SRUC Dairy Research Unit. cotGrass provides a unique opportunity to not only see the latest equipment at work, but also discuss new ideas with leading industry experts.

The working demonstrations of grass conservation machinery, products and services will feature several new developments.

• Working demonstrations • Static exhibitors

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• Silage clamp demonstration • Grass and silage advice Details: ScotGrass 2013 Tuesday 14th May 10am - 5pm SRUC Crichton Royal Farm, Dumfries Tickets £10 per car on the day, or save 25% at £7.50 per car by pre registering!

Visit www.scotgrass.co.uk for more information.

See us at Scotgrass

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Goole Farm investment The Co-operative Farms is building a brand new graindrying facility at its estate in Goole, which will more than double its current capacity, following a £350,000 investment. ork is already underway to replace the existing 30year-old equipment at Pasture Farm in Swinefleet with a new building, intake system, grain dryer and conveying equipment.

When it is completed and ready for the harvest in July, it will dry more than 44 tonnes of grain per hour, double the current capacity. It will also increase the storage capacity of grain on site by 600 tonnes to 8,400 tonnes, which it produces for milling into flour and for animal feed.

The new grain drier and handling equipment is being installed by Northallerton-based manufacturer and supplier, Allmet, and the shed is manufactured by agricultural steel building specialist, Minshall Construction.

The new facility will also feature a covered 200 tonne bunker with a 14m intake trough below, with a further 600 tonnes of undercover wet grain storage, which can be utilised as dry grain storage at the end of the season. It will also include a new 44 tonne lorry loading silo, which will allow dry grain to be loaded straight from the

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drier onto trucks.

Jack Parsons, The Co-operative’s Farm Manager at Goole, said: “This major investment in our operation at Goole will bring many benefits, especially increased efficiency, by dramatically improving the whole process for drying and storing our grain harvest.

“It will stop us having to double and even triple handle grain before it reaches dry storage, and we will no longer have to store wet grain outdoors. It will also radically reduce the amount of maintenance required, compared to the old machinery.”

The Co-operative Farms has been farming the land at Goole since 1917, when the estate was purchased by what was then the Co-operative Wholesale Society.

It produces up to 7,000 tonnes of high- quality pre-packing potato crop grown annually, which are delivered into Co-operative Food stores across the UK. Over the course of a year, it also produces vining peas, winter wheat, oilseed rape, winter barley and sugar beet.

HGCA board bolstered with four new appointments The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has appointed four new members to the HGCA Board. obert Lasseter, Paul Temple, George Lawrie and Charles Matts will take up their posts from 1 April 2013. They replace outgoing grower board members, Arthur Hill, Rad Thomas, Stewart Vernon and MAGB’s Colin West.

Jonathan Tipples, HGCA chairman, said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul, Robert, George and Charles onto the Board and look forward to working with them in the future.

“It was a very difficult selection process due to the high calibre of applicants, which is testament to the value the industry places on our work.”

Robert Lasseter farms 160 hectares in Dorset, running a four-year rotation of winter wheat, spring barley, winter barley and oilseed rape as well as breeding Freedom Food finished pigs. He is a Nuffield scholar and is actively involved with the NFU, where he currently sits on the national crops board and has previously served as regional board chairman and on the governance board. He is a non-executive director at Wessex Grain.

Paul Temple farms 312 hectares in partnership on the East Yorkshire Wolds, producing cereals for seed, oilseed rape, vegetables and beef. The farm has participated in the GM Field Scale Evaluation trials and is part of the Higher Level Stewardship scheme. Paul is a past Vice President for the NFU,

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chairman of the COPA COGECA Cereals, Oilseeds & Protein Group and founder of the European Biotech Forum. He currently sits on the National Non Food Crops Centre Board.

George Lawrie grows spring barley for seed in partnership with his brother on their family farm in Kinross, Perthshire. He has worked extensively with the NFUS, where he is treasurer, past chair of the Land Use and Environment Committee and also represents NFUS on HGCA’s Research and Knowledge Transfer Committee.

He is chairman of Scottish Agronomy, a co-op based in East Scotland that provides trials and advice to members, who farm around 50,000 hectares of cereals and potatoes.

Charles Matts farms in a family partnership on 630 acres in Northamptonshire, mainly growing arable crops alongside sheep on a permanent pasture.

He is managing director of the Brixworth Farming Company (BFC), a farm management company responsible for 6500 acres of combinable crops and founder of the Joint Venture Farming Group. Charles is Chairman of the NFU Mutual Midlands Regional Advisory Board and a member of the Agricultural Land Tribunal.

All HGCA Board appointments are for a three year term. For more information on the HGCA Board, visit www.hgca.com/getinvolved

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Grain

New grain store will benefit region’s farmers A new, highly-advanced 25,000-tonne grain processing and storage facility planned for a site near Beccles in Suffolk has been granted planning permission.

apable of drying, processing, conditioning, separating and storing oilseed rape, wheat and barley, the project is being developed by Future Grain Ltd, a consortium of local farmers and landowners.

Scheduled to be completed in time for the 2014 harvest, the facility has been shortlisted for a Defra REG grant. It is being supported by AtlasFram Group, the UK’s foremost farm inputs purchasing and crop marketing cooperative, together with independent merchant Dewing Grain Ltd, both of whom have been appointed as marketing partners.

“We regard this as a wonderful opportunity for farmers in Suffolk and Norfolk to invest in and benefit

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from what will be a state-of-the-art facility, at a fraction of the cost of constructing their own on-farm store,” stated Simon Thompson, a Director of Future Grain Ltd. He added: “The average cost of constructing on-farm grain storage now exceeds £200 per tonne. For around half that amount Future Grain Ltd will provide its farmerowners with a sophisticated processing and storage facility which will significantly enhance the value of their crops. The unit will help to shorten the supply chain and to provide better integration, traceability and transparency between the grower and the consumer. We have already had significant interest from local growers who are keen to invest

30 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

because they understand the benefits it will bring to their businesses.”

AtlasFram Group and Dewing Grain will work with Future Grain Ltd in operating the store and marketing owners’ grain. The AtlasFram Group, which is based in Suffolk, has 1250 Members throughout the UK and operates its own Crop Marketing Division in conjunction with strategic partner ADM Direct, providing a comprehensive grain marketing service for its Members’ cereals, oilseed rape and pulses. Aylshambased Dewing Grain Ltd, which will be responsible for managing the new store, offers a range of specialist marketing services, particularly for malting barley.

“This is an exciting project

which we believe will be a great interest not only to our Members but also other growers in the region,” stated Richard Anscombe, Chief Executive of AtlasFram Group. “Central storage of this type represents the way forward because it allows farmers to benefit from access to an approved, state-of-the-art facility at much lower cost than would otherwise be possible, with the significant benefit of being able to add value to their crops.”

Located on the former airfield at Beccles, the site has good road links and easy access to East Coast ports, Future Grain provide an on farm collection service, a 24/7 operation with a significant added value marketing opportunities.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Ultimate fan control Inverter drives for grain drying fan units.

0% of our centrifugal fan units for grain drying supplied in 2012 were fitted with inverter drives” claimed Welvents Joint Managing Director Mike Sharp.

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The inverter drives ensure there is no increased current when the fan starts, so the only time the fans get up to FLC (full load current) is when it reaches full speed. This feature is very useful

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where the electricity supply is restricted, sometimes saving the need for an expensive electricity upgrade.

Fan speeds can be varied from zero to flat out – so the fan output can be matched exactly to the area to be dried. Welvents unique fan speed controller will automatically control the fan speed by measuring the pressure in the main air ducts comparing it to a setting typically 5” swg and then converting it into a signal to the inverter setting the fan to the right speed.

The fan can thus be turned on from when the first load is tipped in to the store, with the pressure controller increasing the speed as more and more drying area is opened up.

The inverter system also provides the flexibility to slow the fan down overnight to allow the heat source to cope with the poor ambient overnight conditions.

Welvent use the Group Schneider range of inverter drives.

Contact Mike Sharp: mike@welvent.com

New generation of driers The 2013 range of Master Driers that were released at the Grain Event and at the Lamma show incorporate many new features. he popular 12 Ton Model is fully Galvanised and the whole range introduces ‘New Age’ Technology which can be personalised to meet individual requirements, with capacities from 10 Ton - 45 Ton and flexibility in specification.

The principle of drying remains the same, but, the emphasis has been to make Master Driers ‘user’ friendly. They offer efficient drying and simplified operation with manual or automatic programmes. The new operating systems are incorporated in both the Electric and PTO driven Driers.

These operating systems include an Audible Alarm or Auto ‘Cut Off’ which will alert the Operator when the Drier is loaded, to avoid overflow of grain. Also included is an internal Moisture Meter for monitoring temperature and moisture, together with an Automatic ‘Cut Off’ of the Burner at a predetermined moisture.

The Master Eye Telephone Combinator Messaging System will keep you in touch with your Drier, alerting the operator when drying is completed or if the Drier is in need of attention.

One unique feature option available on all models is the “3

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Stage Burner”.It is designed with three fuel nozzles which operate in any sequence to give a wide range of temperatures. The main advantage is that it is not necessary to change the fuel jet which simplifies the operation of the burner when drying different crops.

Electric Drive Models are becoming more popular as they can be fully automated and are operated by a small Siemens Computer Unit with ‘Touch screen’ controls.

Incorporating a comprehensive menu control panel which gives the Operator many options depending on the crop being handled, allowing for burner ‘operating control’ and ‘top up’ facilities to compensate for shrinkage. All programmes are offered with full Automatic Mastermatic ‘Touch’ Screen Control System with manual override, all of which allows the crop to be dried to meet individual circumstances.

Masters have also introduced a new range of square section fully galvanised wet grain bins to complement its range of grain driers. These are available from 3 – 30 Ton capacities and are supplied as a flat ‘self-assembly’ kit.

Visit www.masterfarm.co.uk

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Fencing

We love talking electric Fence post failure talk fencing!

The problem of fence posts rotting was the subject of the Farmers' Union of Wales Brecon and Radnor county branch annual general meetings.

Join the conversation today!

he issue, which has been constantly highlighted by members over recent years, is a costly and time consuming issue for most farmers and the guest speakers were Ian Smith, of Postsaver Europe Ltd, and Eifion Price from Llandre Sawn Wood Ltd based at Hundred House, Llandrindod Wells.

Mr Price said: “Many farmers and landowners are unaware of the growing problem of premature fence failure associated with the ban on traditional copper, chrome and arsenic preservatives in favour of more environment-friendly options following the EU wide ban of CCA preservatives in 2004.

"These ‘greener’ preservatives are far less effective and mean perfectly good fences are being scrapped because timber posts have rotted through at ground level within a few years.”

Mr Price added that preservatives were improving with time since the ban in 2004. He explained that stakes need to be dried to the correct moisture content before being tanalised white wood to 28 per cent and red wood to 38 per cent - to allow the tanalising to penetrate further into the stake.

Llandre Sawn Wood are currently upgrading their drying plant with a biomass generator using their own waste. The tanalising process is also remotely operated by the preservative suppliers to ensure the correct amount of chemical is in the posts.

Mr Smith said: “Our product was designed to protect the most vulnerable part of a fence post from rotting organisms. Postsaver is a tough, double layer polythene and bituminous sleeve developed by brothers Richard and Jim George in response to changes in EU preservative legislation.”

Savvy entrepreneurs Richard and Jim George, who spurned a £160,000 deal on the Dragons’ Den TV series, have seen sales of their anti-rot fencing post sleeves soar by 75 per cent. The brothers, from Malvern, Worcestershire, stunned the panel of multi-

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32 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

millionaires on the hit BBC 2 programme when they declined four offers for a stake in their Gloucestershire-based business.

Mr Smith said: “Postsaver’s patented dual layer composite sleeves simply slide over fence posts and are easily shrunk onto the ground line section with a blow torch. They work by keeping preservatives in and the causes of decay away from the vulnerable part of the post thus dramatically extending lifespan and give substantial long term cost savings.

“They have been in production for 20 years and we’ve sold millions of them all over the world.

Add to this 12 years of independent field tests without any material signs of decay and AWPA (American Wood Preservers Association) approval proving that Postsaver really will dramatically extend the life of your posts saving you time and money over the dramatically extended lifespan of your posts.

“Postsaver now has a working relationship with Llandre Sawn Wood to supply posts with the sleeves already applied. We were very impressed with Llandre’s professional approach to timber treatment and the fact that they are putting the sleeves onto the post for virtually the same price as the sleeve itself.”

Members asked about the cost of the Postsaver sleeves and Mr Price explained they added around 90 pence to a 3-4 inch post but given the extra life-span of the post and the cost of erecting a fence then it could be argued it is a very cost-effective solution.

FUW Brecon and Radnor county executive officer Aled Jones said: "Both meetings were very informative and gave members a great deal of information on the problem and possible solutions.

“Postsaver and Llandre are happy to attend similar meetings with farmers in other Welsh counties. Ian Smith, of Postsaver, can be contacted on 0791 747 5366 and Llandre on 01982 570 329."

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Fencing

Hampton Steel Ltd, supporting Young Farmers Clubs Hampton Steel Ltd, UK manufacturer, is the proud sponsor of the Northamptonshire Young Farmers Fencing Competition on 25th May and the North Bucks Country Show, 1st June. roviding the product for both shows’ fencing competitions, visitors will be able to enjoy a wealth of talented fencing specialists from across the counties.

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“Hampton’s manufacture the longer, labour saving and more cost effective, 500m rolls of hinge joint and Hampton XNET™ stock fence and 2000m rolls of high tensile barbed wire.”

Hampton’s manufacture a wide range of wire fencing products for farmers, supported by competitive prices and excellent customer service. Centrally located in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, Hampton’s extensive list of products includes hinge joint stock fencing, mild steel and high tensile barbed wire, line wires and staples, chain link fencing (both knuckled and barb topped), hexagonal wire netting and their new, extremely strong,

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versatile and user specifiable, fixed knot fencing system, Hampton XNET™.

Featuring a smooth animal and fleece friendly X shaped knotted joint, Hampton XNET™’s wires are locked tight to provide a superior fence with superior strength. An optional hinged lower or upper section is a simple addition to the configuration; thereby helping to inhibit access by burrowing or scaling animals. The advanced technology of the design makes the high tensile Hampton XNET™ almost self-supporting requiring fewer posts and making it easier to erect.

Hampton’s manufacture the longer, labour saving and more cost effective, 500m rolls of hinge joint and Hampton XNET™ stock fence and 2000m rolls of high tensile barbed wire.

‘We are extremely proud to be supporting the Young Farmers Fencing Competitions and will be present at both shows to answer visitor enquiries. It is imperative to us that we are as well known to the younger farming generation as we would hope to be with their fathers

and grandfathers. While traditional fencing methods will live on from generation to generation, our product range is always evolving and we are here to help with both traditional hinge joint fencing through to our more innovative Hampton XNET™.’ Peter Matten, Sales Director of Hampton Steel Ltd. For more information visit www.hamptonsteel.co.uk

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Precision

The Precision Farming event 2013 Practical advice for putting precision farming into practice. n exceptionally high number of visitors and exhibitors attended this year’s Precision Farming event.

Farmers, students, agronomists and contractors were in force looking at the latest systems and services designed to improve accuracy, cut costs and increase efficiency.

“The event has been running for 17 years and we were delighted with the number of visitors considering the dry weather leading up to the event,” says organiser Andy Newbold of FarmSmart Events. “Whether you want to investigate autosteering or understand how to spread fertiliser more accurately, you are a GPS novice or an experienced campaigner, the event has definitely become one of the best places to get advice and guidance about what’s on the market.”

It was also the launch pad for Ursula Agriculture’s announcement that it is ready to compete commercially. The company has pioneered a new approach to precision agriculture by delivering, state of the crop intelligence, on time to aid and inform agricultural decision

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making. Five new products were launched and Director Steve Keyworth commented; “This is an exciting time for us. We’ve come a long way from our first tentative flights in 2011 to today when we are launching a range of farm intervention products, which we think will strike a chord with farmers, growers and their

34 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

agronomists. There’s a lot more to come too in 2013 and we are very excited by the prospects,” continued Keyworth.

The seminars were packed and the programme kicked off with Simon Griffin from SOYL introducing the company’s new performance mapping algorithm.

One simple Performance Map can analyse trends built over a number of seasons from information hidden in a bank of yield maps.

The Performance Map then forms the base for an investigative ‘roadmap’ to improve yields.

Presentations were also given

by Clive Blacker from Precision Decisions, talking about how to manage variable canopies for the coming season. Professor Simon Blackmore from Harper Adams University presented the latest developments in Precision Farming, highlighting new technologies such as machine vision, mechanical weeding, laser weeding and unmanned aerial vehicles and Farmer Andrew Martin from Broadstream Farming talked about his experiences with new precision technology.

The exhibition area displayed a wide range of control terminals, GP receivers and systems and visitors were able to talk to suppliers about soil sampling, find out how to map fields to vary fertiliser rates, see systems to control sprayers and spreaders as well as a range of computer software to manage, map and record applications.

The events crop protection partner BASF was promoting its agronomy tools for cereals. Its Green Area Index (GAI) app for use in oilseed rape provides an accurate and consistent assessment of the crops’ green

area index (GAI) from a digital photograph. The size of the oilseed rape crop canopy is a critical indicator for several management decisions regarding nitrogen and growth regulation application.

Garford Farm Machinery was promoting a new addition to its hoe range and the latest version of its row weeder, the Mark II. This machine locates individual plants and is able to weed both between the plants and between the rows to give full weed control.

John Deere won a SIMA 2013 silver medal for its new Remote Display Access (RDA) system.

Available commercially later this year it allows remote access to the on-board GreenStar display unit.

This means that the operator working on a tractor, combine harvester, self-propelled sprayer or forage harvester can receive immediate, real-time assistance from the fleet or farm manager, or directly from the dealer – for example, to get support for machine and implement set-up (including ISOBUS), optimisation and troubleshooting. With this technology, potential machine downtime or insufficient use of the equipment in the field can be significantly reduced.

Summing up Andy Newbold said: Once again the event provided a great opportunity to find out the latest thinking on making precision farming work and getting to grips with the kit.

The plugfest was particularly well received throughout the day, as growers considered their options.

This year’s attendance is testimony to farmer’s appetite to learn and the absolute necessity of using every tool to its best on farm.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Precision

Leader of the pack Compatibility is key for precision management systems. arm Works™ continues to lead the pack in precision farming management by focusing on software and hardware solutions that rely on compatibility.

Data compatibility and the ability to process large amounts of data can become overwhelming, but the right system in place can make a huge difference in making informed

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management decisions about future operations.

Data import and export options for the majority of manufacturers make it easy to view and analyse yield data while the Connected Farm™ adds additional wireless communication between the office and field. Data transfer time between office and field can be reduced or eliminated, and

URSULA Agriculture launched Unmanned aerial system set to take off.

ast month saw the launch of URSULA Agriculture Ltd, a commercial company built on the solid research and technical excellence. URSULA Agriculture is pioneering a new approach to precision agriculture by delivering timely, state of the crop intelligence to directly inform agricultural decision making and intervention. Its advanced analysis algorithms combine Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), satellite and agricultural data to deliver results that increase yield, optimise inputs and improve efficiency.

Over the last few years we have carried out a continuous flying and data collection programme using our own UAS. This has taken place over arable farms across England and Wales working with individual farmers, growers’ organisations and other specialist service providers in the agriculture supply chain. Data capture focused on a number of crop varieties including winter wheat, vining peas, oilseed rape, sugar beet, and potatoes backed up by extensive in field validation. Through a combination of sensors and cameras together with advanced remote sensing techniques and know how, the team has moved its knowledge forward to a stage where it can enter the market.

Today URSULA Agriculture is introducing five main product families. First up URSULA Performance™ which is aimed at detecting a wide range of crop

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has the added bonus of fuel savings.

The same DCM-300 modem that is used for wireless data exchange can be enhanced for many other functions within Connected Farm.

For example, the modem can be connected directly to a vehicle’s CAN bus to deliver live data such as fuel, engine and performance indicators via the web. Tracking asset location, movement and use is also possible, and enables the efficient deployment of both vehicles and operators during busy periods such as harvest.

Farm Works’ long-standing field software, now called Mobile, not only facilitates collection of boundary, sampling, and scouting data but also variable rate application of product.

Once yield or other point data has been analysed in the office with Mapping, application maps can be produced for use on a variety of manufacturer displays or Mobile, ensuring that the correct areas of crop cover and fields are being treated. The result being a more efficient allocation of resources that leads to cost savings and, hopefully, greater yields.

Two new additional rugged handheld computers with internal GPS are now available from Farm Works. The Juno® T41 and Yuma® 2, with different specification and accessory options, are part of the constantly evolving software and hardware portfolio designed to bring powerful field data logging within reach of farmers, agronomists and contractors alike. More information can be found at

www.farmworks.com/uk/products/co mputers Portable RTK level accuracy for topographical mapping is also available with the WM-Topo™ system. The system includes a Trimble Nomad handheld computer and a pole-mounted GNSS receiver.

The lightweight WM-Topo system can be carried into hard-to-reach areas such as ditches and steep terrain, muddy fields, and fields with mature crop cover. The system can be used as an alternative to, or to supplement, survey work previously conducted on the FmX® integrated display, providing a more portable option for data collection in terrain that is difficult to access. Farmers and drainage and levelling contractors alike can use the WMTopo system to collect topographic data across a field, which can then be used to create a 3D model of the field in Farm Works Surface.

Also available from the iTunes and Google Play stores, the Connected Farm app can now calculate recommended nitrogen rates using NDVI crop readings taken by the GreenSeeker handheld crop sensor.

This is an easy-to-use measurement device designed to assess the health of a crop.

More information on the app can be found at www.farmworks.com/products/conne ctedfarmapp.php, and more on the handheld GreenSeeker at www.farmworks.com/products/green seekerhandheld

performance issues from emergence to maturity, vigour and senescence.

URSULA Scout™ provides intelligence about disease and weed infestation and includes the Blackgrass service introduced at LAMMA in January. URSULA Compliance™ provides farmers with detailed agrienvironment analysis to support their Single Payment Scheme submissions. URSULA Farm View™ provides whole farm analysis including 3D models for tackling slope and drainage issues. Finally URSULA Trials™ where URSULA algorithms are applied to imagery gathered by our UAS to enable rapid assessment of individual plots over a whole variety trial scheme.

URSULA Agriculture will provide UAS or satellite data appropriate to the application, processing and analysis, in field validation and delivery of data in a format compatible with Farm Management Systems and GPS enabled machinery.

“This is an exciting time for us,” said Director Steve Keyworth. “We’ve come a long way from our first tentative flights in 2011 to today when we are launching a range of farm intervention products which we think will strike a chord with farmers, growers and their agronomists. as well as specialist service providers up and down the agriculture supply chain. There’s a lot more to come too in 2013 and we are very excited by the prospects,” continued Keyworth.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Pests

Implementing rodent control Sometimes it’s best to seek qualified, professional help. ats and mice can inflict a great amount of structural damage as well as being a health hazard. They have been known to gnaw the insulation from electrical cables, create flooding by puncturing pipes, and even chew holes in gas pipes.

Rodents require three things – food, water and harbourage. By using the following good housekeeping techniques it should be possible to keep your premises rodent free: Minimise the attractiveness of food storage/preparation areas by ensuring that all areas are kept clean and that any gaps into buildings or storage areas are filled Outdoors, don’t forget waste disposal areas close to the building. Rubbish should be kept in metal bins with close-fitting lids to prevent access by rodents and flies. Remove rubbish and piles of discarded vegetation. Get rid of piles of scrap wood, gathered leaves, boards, pipes and abandoned equipment where rodents can hide. Cut back weeds and clutter around buildings where possible.

To keep rodents from entering a building, fix and replace cracked or broken doors and windows and keep drains and drain covers in a good state of repair.

Proofing involves using physical barriers at specific points where pests are most likely to gain access to a building, for example from sewers via a drain. Rats and mice can squeeze through very small spaces and within a building, spaces between the floors and ceilings, behind skirting boards, ducts and conduits, and timber and plastic casings to pipes and cables all provide perfect areas for harbourage.

There are several ways to spot if rats or mice are present. Mice

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produce between 40 – 100 droppings daily, 3-7mm long. Rats average 40 – 50 droppings a day, each roughly 13-19mm. In a large infestation, a strong odour may be detected from the rodent’s urine, and shredded paper or burrows outdoors may indicate nests. If you do spot signs of an infestation, particularly within a roof space, it is imperative that your suspicions are confirmed by a professional - to the untrained eye, the droppings of bats can look very similar to mice droppings.

While pest prevention can be common sense, effective pest control requires in depth knowledge of the biology and behaviour of the pest in question, knowledge of the relevant legislation and also experience of which professional product will be most effective. It may be tempting to save money and attempt to control an infestation yourself but if you cannot satisfy the above criteria you could make a small problem a major one.

36 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is a trade association, which promotes the highest standards of professionalism within the industry.

All member companies involved with the eradication of pests must be adequately trained as defined under the Control of Pesticides

Regulations 1986.

If you require the help of a Professional Pest Controller, you can search for you local BPCA member at www.bpca.org.uk , alternatively call us on 01332 294288.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep

EID and robust traceability system is a must

By Joanne Pugh, Senior Communications Officer, National Sheep Association. ne of the most frustrating regulatory burdens for sheep farmers is recording and reporting stock movements. But even more frustrating at the moment is that paperwork sent to local authorities allegedly sits in a pile for several days (or longer in some cases) before being inputted. How does that protect our industry in a disease outbreak? And how can electronic identification of sheep be justified when the higher-level reporting system is paper-based, out-of-date and desperately slow?

In Scotland and Northern Ireland they already have a solution – everything is electronic, offering a reporting system that is as close to real-time as they can manage. Should they be unfortunate enough to suffer a disease outbreak, the authorities there would be confident in knowing where sheep were and if they had moved into or from a high-risk area in recent days.

In England and Wales, we are still waiting.

Wales are looking at the ScotEid system, to see if it can be made to work in Wales. But

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progress is slow and industry organisations, including NSA, are still waiting to hear word of any breakthrough. The Welsh Government took the decision some time ago not to have a joint England-Wales database – something the NSA was bitterly disappointed about – and we are still taking every opportunity possible to stress the importance of having databases that easily ‘talk to each other’, are able to cope with cross-border movements and will not require farmers to learn two different reporting systems, depending on where sheep move from and to.

But what of England? It received less media coverage than the Virgin Train fiasco, but the tendering process for the English database was also challenged and had to be repeated. The official reason given by Defra was that none of the companies that tendered came in under the maximum price set (which was £3m) – and that is even more worrying than allegations that the tendering process was not handled correctly.

NSA and others have made it

clear to all companies involved that the industry does not want an expensive ‘bells and whistles’ system, but rather a simple database that will do simply what is required and cost farmers no more than the cost of a stamp or a phone call, or indeed nothing at all if they record movements online.

There is no doubt that EID can be an incredibly efficient and helpful management tool – but only for those people who want to use it that way. What we absolutely do not want is a database that anticipates every farmer will want to ‘bolt-on’ various options to run all their farm records. Some farmers already have software in place to do this and some farmers are simply not interested, meaning a complicated and expensive national database just is not necessary. It is also important not to confuse the optional software and hardware with the mandatory database needed to complete report and record movements.

And there is always the risk of industry having to pick up the cost of the database further down the line. Heaven forbid this ever happens, but if it did we would be very grateful of an affordable database rather than an all singing and dancing one.

While it seems ridiculous that the tendering process has had to be repeated, there are some positives – it has given the industry opportunity to reiterate what it wants and it

has encouraged more companies to throw their hats into the ring.

When the process closed on 6th March 2013 two of the original three companies has re-tendered and two more had joined them – but we know nothing yet of what the offers are, how they compare and how close they are to that £3m figure that Defra will not go over. We do know the tenders will be considered by a completely different procurement team to the first one, meaning no offer will be judged with prior information or preconceived ideas.

Defra assures us repeating the tendering process will not delay the delivery date of 2014 – and for the sake of the whole industry we hope that is true. Few farmers are fans of eartags and movement forms, regardless of whether they are electronic or not, but they are vital. Knowing where sheep are and if they have recently moved is not a ‘nice-to-have’ – it is ‘need-tohave’.

Another foot-and-mouth would be horrendous, but it would be far worse if we did not have an effective movement database.

Having a robust traceability system would allow us to identify the risk, act appropriately and restore trade more quickly. And that could reduce the risk to the lamb price – something every sheep farmer can see the value of.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Sheep

NSA takes sheep into the heart of London Support offered to Campaign for Wool’s exhibition. he presence of 20 sheep in the center of London proved to be a huge draw last month, with hundreds of people visiting the courtyard of Somerset House to take a look at the unusual sight.

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“We handed out more than 400 leaflets providing information on the role sheep play, including putting delicious British lamb on consumers’ plates, contributing to the UK economy, maintaining iconic UK landscapes and keeping rural communities alive.”

The National Sheep Association (NSA) took the sheep to London to support Campaign for Wool’s exhibition in the west wing of Somerset House – and their presence not only provided a massive draw for the exhibition but also created the opportunity for NSA and a team of volunteers to talk to visitors about the many

roles sheep perform, as well as providing wool.

Joanne Pugh, NSA Senior Communications Officer, was at the exhibition for three days. She says: “The interest from the general public was overwhelming, with incredible numbers coming to take a look on each of the three days, despite the cold weather and persistent rain. We had a team of volunteers to answer questions and were startled by the level of interest visitors had, from basic questions about the breed of sheep, all the way through to really in-depth queries about production systems and how to support the nation’s farmers.

“We handed out more than 400 leaflets providing information on the role sheep play, including putting delicious British lamb on consumers’ plates, contributing to the UK economy, maintaining iconic UK landscapes and keeping rural communities alive. The leaflets carried the Red Tractor logo and encouraged people to eat British lamb, helping make our three days in London a really effective way to promote a positive message about our industry.”

38 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

The sheep, a selection of Cotswold, Kerry Hill and Lleyn ewe lambs, were kindly provided by Sir Anthony and Lady Bamford from Daylesford Farms at Stow-on-the-Wold on the Cotswold Hills. NSA is very grateful to Daylesford Farm Manager Richard Smith for his help, and also the willing

volunteers who came to London to engage with visitors to Somerset House.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep

Tagging business grows Dual EID Tag sales 50% year on year Saves time and errors.

Scottish Borders based livestock tag manufacturers, Roxan ID has reported a 50% year-on-year growth in sales.

he company, which manufacturers the Tagfaster tags and applicators alongside a range of Rubba Tags and other tags for sheep, cattle and other livestock has seen sales growth across Britain and to worldwide export markets.

Roxan ID Managing Director, Brian Eadie, commented on the enviable performance of his firm: “In February 2012 we sold just over 40,000 tags, for February 2013 we are on course to sell more than 60,000. We are 50% up on where we were a year ago.”

“I believe a lot of our growth is due to the fact that we listen to our customers. Farmers are, quite rightly, very particular about working with the best possible

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products and are never shy in coming forward with constructive criticisms and suggestions for product improvement.”

“We are now dealing with farmer customers all over Britain, as well as exporting to countries from Iceland to New Zealand – the home of sheep and sheep equipment manufacturing.

Listening to these far flung customers and constantly improving our products and services to give them what they want is a costly exercise, but it has certainly paid off in sales growth.”

In the most recently available study of sheep tag readability conducted by the government backed ScotEID project, Roxan tags came out on top with readability rate of over 95%.

he Dual EID tag for sheep and goats, sold by Symtag Ltd, makes tagging quicker and easier, reducing the chance of mixing tag pairs up and saving valuable time.

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“The visual part of the dual tag is currently available in six colours – orange, blue, green, light green, purple and white.”

The dual tag is one of the few on the market worldwide with detachable links. The links connect the EID tag and visual tag together as one for ease of handling, saving time and helping to avoid errors occurring when trying to pair up loose tags. The joining link is strong enough to hold the tags together during handling, but separates quickly with the remaining connector being easily removed, so it does not risk snagging when on the animal’s ear.

Alan Symonds of Symtag said: “Since the introduction of EID the technology behind our EID tags

has evolved quickly. We have responded to our customer feedback and are now delighted to introduce the dual tag with a detachable link. Feedback so far from customers indicates that having the two tags connected in this way will save considerable time and headache when tagging lambs”. The visual part of the dual tag is currently available in six colours – orange, blue, green, light green, purple and white.

To find out more about Symtag’s dual EID tag and Symtag’s complete range of cattle, sheep and goat tags call now on 01934 750410, email info@symtag.co.uk or visit www.symtag.co.uk

Shearwell Data

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April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Beef Expo

is returning to Malvern for Bigger and better than ever, NBA Beef Expo 2013 with new branding Beef�.

British of Festival “A theme, the on g focusin activity two days of exciting The first day will see three farm tours in the west Herefordshire area,

2013

followed by the annual Beef Expo Industry Dinner.

all about your products and technical Thursday 23rd May, will provide the ideal forum for producers to learn and advice on production techniques with the developments in the industry. Visitors can access the latest information and the Beef Breed Society trade cattle of Show ular trade stand area set between the National Spring Spectac around the whole event. The overarching visitors of flow natural a with help should stand/demonstrations of cattle. This al event. technic profile theme of efficient and profitable beef farming will also add to this high

40 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

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| Beef Expo

New classes for National Spring Spectacular Show at Beef Expo 2013 Beef Expo 2013, organised by the National Beef Association, will this year play host to an expanded National Spring Spectacular Show (NSSS), with classes for cows with calves at foot added to the haltered cattle classes and a new haltered class for cattle purchased through the ring for less than £1250. hese additional classes will be held alongside the usual haltered cattle classes at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, and have been introduced to encourage entries from a broad spectrum of exhibitors and to demonstrate the exceptional quality cattle on beef farms across the UK, explains Beef Expo 2013 chairman Neil Lloyd.

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“Entries for the National Spring Spectacular Show close on Monday 15th April.”

"These new classes have been designed to appeal to commercial producers who we know are producing top quality cattle of all breeds on a daily basis.

"The usual haltered classes always attract strong entries and we hope that by broadening the range of classes on offer we can attract new exhibitors to the event and build on the success of last year."

Further building on last year's event and aimed at encouraging the next generation of cattle breeders and stockmen is the Young

Show Stars Challenge which returns following a successful debut in 2012.

This competition will see teams of three young people aged from 14 to 23 compete in a variety of challenges designed to test their skills in cattle presentation, showmanship and promotion. Their stockjudging skills will also be put to the test, with competitors having to judge a class of four finished cattle, with one of the team having to give verbal reasons on their assessment of the cattle.

Judges for the cattle classes and Young Show Stars Challenge have been drawn from across the UK, with the prime cattle classes being judged by noted showman Elfed Williams, Sennybridge. Mr Williams is no stranger to the show ring, having shown at all the major primestock events in the UK and won the reserve championship at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on no less than five separate occasions, as well as having picked up a host of championships at summer shows across the country.

Noted show calf breeder Wendy Morgan of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, will have the job of placing the new cow and calf classes and championships, while Sussex-based Jason

Wareham will be in charge of the Baby Beef classes and Young Handlers classes.

Judging of the Young Show Stars Challenge is similarly split, with cattle preparation being assessed by two leading showmen, Stirlingbased Dougie McBeath and Shropshire-based Paul Tippetts, while the master judge for the stockjudging is Monmouthshire farmer and showman Tim Bodily.

The competitor's showmanship and parading skills will be put to the test by Stirling's Sarah Jane Jessop, with Chrissie Long adjudicating in the presentation and promotion element of the competition.

Crystalyx and Farm Forward are the main sponsors for the National Spring Spectacular Show, while the Three Counties Agricultural Society is lending considerable support to the Young Show Stars Challenge.

Entries for the National Spring Spectacular Show close on Monday 15th April, while entries for the Young Show Stars Challenge close on Friday 5th April. Schedules for both events are available from the event website www.beefexpo.co.uk or Euan Emslie Tel; 01430 441 870: Fax 01430 448432 or email euan@nationalbeefassociation.com

Apparently ZEE TAGS do fall out...

...eventually

Trials show 99.4% of ZEE TAGS stay in the ear

www.coxagri.com www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

If your tags aren’t lasting a lifetime, switch and save with high-retention ZEE TAGS – visual and electronic ID

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Beef Expo

Stopping badgers eating JFC launch first interlocking cattle footbath your profits!

TB Busters Badger Proof Mineral Bucket Stand.

B Busters are the only company to provide a tailor made bio security service that is customized to each individual farmer by doing a full Farm bio security survey and suggesting the best way to reduce the impacts of TB on your agricultural business.

The badger proof mineral bucket stand is the only stand that can be easily hand as it screws in to the ground so it cannot be pushed over by badgers or livestock which are made completely from steel so is extremely durable and stops the spread TB through transfer of saliva by badgers and cattle eating out of the same mineral buckets which is the most common way TB is spread. Yet the mineral buckets are still easily accessible for cattle and fit all size of mineral buckets on the market and Only cost £65£75 each that’s the best price on the market.

So, with TB Costing farmers an average of £12,000 for each TB

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JFC are delighted to announce the addition of the FB7 Narrow Interlocking Footbath to their range of quality plastic products. his enables Stockmen to join together two, three or even four footbaths together in sequence without the worry of slippage and a gap appearing between baths.

Stockmen can now put clean water in the first bath either as a cleanser or as a receptacle for urine and feaces leaving the remaining baths containing medicated solutions cleaner and working more efficiently and also with greater efficacy. The JFC FB7 at 690mm wide and is designed to fit in standard cattle races which are predominately 738mm in between panels, with its’ low entry height of 150mm this ensures that animals are less nervous when entering the footbath.

With its’ flat bottom and 5 antislip bars it is designed to slow the cows’ progress through the bath ensuring that the feet are adequately bathed in the solution without aggravating any interdigital

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breakdown, can you afford not to invest in TB bio security leaving your cattle venerable to Tb? The badger proof mineral bucket stand that have been farm tested and recommended by the South West TB Farm Advisory Service as a badger proof biosecurity measure. More test information is at http://www.southwesttbadvice.co.uk/biosecurity/bictoncollege-biosecurity-project

lesions.

For further details contact JFC on 01691 659226 email sales@jfcuk.com or visit www.jfcuk.com

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42 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Beef Expo

The Cross Compliance headache By now only Martians from Mars have not heard about Cross Compliance. t’s not something Grandad would have liked but then Grandad had to manage without the Single Farm Payment. I am reminded of the comments my good friend Harry Cotterell made recently when he pointed out that Agriculture UK turns over a massive £6.5bn, of which over £3bn is European payments. It’s a sobering thought.

Many farms are only breaking even, despite working like devils.

On top of a demanding workload, farmers have to observe regulations that are designed to protect the environment, not the farmers’ pocket.

Take the Protection Zone, for example, which is not always treated with the greatest of respect. You can easily lose a half per cent of your ground while you are carefully observing the 2m Protection Zone. This doesn’t sound much – indeed it isn’t much, but it’s yet another £32m that farmers have to give for the environment. The “environment” is without doubt a hungry mouth.

And farmers don’t gain much; protecting the hedge bottom doesn’t provide any kind of

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hygienic weed barrier against your crops, it merely moves the conflict zone further out into the field. Or take 10m manure margins against ditches, farmers may not apply organic manures for the 10m of land adjacent to a ditch – remember this may be on the other side of your hedge – not even your ditch at all perhaps. But your crop loss can easily be onethird where there is no muck. More farmers’ money for the hungry mouth.

We discuss these items continually with the inspectors we meet and can confirm to you that they are now taking a more black and white view. One inspector recently informed us that the “Poor Old Farmer” excuse – playing soft Sammy in other words – is now being firmly rejected by the RPA and the dreaded Deliberate word is being employed. Accidental breaches are not as accidental as some would like. Of course we recognise that environmental concerns are vitally important; they have their place, damaging soils and poisoning wildlife is not what we should be about. What I’m saying here is that operating within

Cross Compliance has a cost burden, despite all the payments, think about it – exporting cow muck off your farm because of your NVZ loading will not be the smartest move you can make.

How did the farm get fertile in the first place? From the very same cow muck which is subject to Storage Requirements, Closed Periods, Farm and Field Loading

Limits, Height of Spreading and Frequency of Application. Cross Compliance is here to stay until at least 2020, it’s part of the Single Farm Payment landscape. Failure to observe rules in the field and rules in the office leads to damage on the payments – part of that £3bn which is so vital.

Our work in this area has taught us that nothing stands still.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Buildings

Agri Buildings Show successful despite weather This year’s show near Edinburgh proved to be well attended even though snow threatened to mar the event. xhibitors seemed consistently busy and there were very few spare seats in the seminar hall at this year’s Agricultural Buildings Show held at Ingliston near Edinburgh last month.

Ann Newbold of FarmSmart Events said: “Despite the recent snow, I’m pleased that a good number of farmers and agricultural professionals turned out to gather expert advice on all elements of farm building design, construction and practicality from the top quality exhibitors and highly knowledgeable speakers who also supported the event.”

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“Each of the seminars was extremely well attended and I could see how high the level of interest was from attendees.”

A wide ranging seminar programme showcased impressive examples of farm buildings shortlisted for the forthcoming FAB Awards, as well as offering both livestock and

arable farmers sound advice on building design.

The FAB Awards, which will be presented in April, reward functionality and sustainability whilst primarily showcasing buildings which deliver highest aesthetic benefit both in themselves and to their surroundings.

In contrast, seminar speakers Jamie Robertson, Keith Redpath and Graeme Lochhead all emphasised the fact that practicality is their primary consideration when installing a new building.

Jamie Robertson of Livestock Management Systems urged farmers not to always put basic finances first when considering a new building but instead to concentrate on the three key animal health considerations of moisture management, fresh air and wind chill which, if addressed correctly, will offer better long-term returns on investment. Jamie highlighted the importance of farmers working alongside farm building designers who have a complete understanding of animal health as well as engineering.

44 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

Keith Redpath, a farmer from near Kelso, spoke to a capacity audience of his recent project, the installation of a £700k grain storage system. Designed specifically to meet Keith’s requirements, and those of the farmers he works in co-operation with, the system is also required to generate income by storing grain for third parties.

Keith anticipates that within ten years the investment will have been paid off. Part funded by a Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) grant, the system prioritises minimum maintenance and efficient processes, with the on floor dryer having a capacity of 6000 tonnes.

Changes in materials, engineering and technology have led to enormous changes in farm building design and construction, even in the years since Graeme Lochhead, from Lochhead Planning and Design, has been working in the industry. Graeme’s focus, as well as highlighting how farm buildings have changed over the centuries, looked to the future.

Graeme highlighted the need for buildings to change in

response to animal evolution and development. With dairy yields constantly increasing, and therefore heat output of animals rising, buildings have to adapt in order to service the needs of the farmer and his herd. Giving greater consideration to handling systems, lighting and dairy parlour waiting time and how this can help reduce animal stress was also a key lesson.

Out with the seminar programme, exhibitors, some of whom were relatively new to the UK, and particularly Scotland, were displaying existing as well as new products, including innovative cow comfort water beds and a wide range of bedding machines.

Summing up the event, Ann Newbold said: “Each of the seminars was extremely well attended and I could see how high the level of interest was from attendees. I was also pleased to see that not only the new and innovative products but also the tried and tested products from our exhibitors were attracting people and helping to cement the position of exhibitors within Scotland and beyond.”

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| Buildings

Proper farm building ventilation A building designed for the purpose will always be preferable to a general purpose construction and will provide better quality of housing for valuable livestock. oncern has been expressed about the extent to which farmers understand the importance and value of providing adequate and appropriate ventilation in livestock buildings.

It was mooted to more than 50 members of the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA), most of whom are agricultural building contractors, by Jim Loynes, former ADAS buildings design specialist and now assistant head of engineering at Harper Adams University College.

Mr Loynes, BSc (Hons), CEng, MIAgrE, was talking about the natural ventilation of livestock housing to RIDBA’s quarterly council meeting, held at Patshull Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club in Pattingham, in the college’s home county of Shropshire.

In his presentation Mr Loynes said that a “general purpose” building was invariably what a farmer paid for when what he really required could only be provided by good design.

He said the design process needed to start by calculating the outlet area at the ridge of a building (the gap required to allow stale air out) and then considering how this area can be replicated at the inlet (openings below the eaves to allow fresh air in).

The size of the inlet gaps or open ridge needed to be based on the building’s dimensions and expected stocking densities, with a main concern being that rain could enter

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the building through an open ridge. However, this had been solved with the development of a protected open ridge.

“The open ridge and protected open ridge have both been available for some time now.

However, either farmers don’t know about the benefits of good ventilation or don’t want to pay for an open ridge or protected open ridge to be installed. Or is it a question of ease of installation?” he asked the RIDBA members.

In his opinion, alternatives to the open and protected open ridges, such as “crowncranked” or “two-piece” ridges, did not provide adequate outlet area for most livestock housing densities even though sufficient inlet area could be formed using spaced (often referred to as Yorkshire) boarding.

Suppliers such as RIDBA members needed to know exactly how the farmer intended to use the building and what animals he intended to house in it (in terms of numbers, breed, housing period, feeding, bedding, slurry system and so on), and perhaps more importantly, which QA scheme (such as Red Tractor) the farmer aimed to satisfy.

“Unless you know exactly this, in my opinion there is no way you can provide a building with even adequate natural ventilation openings in it,” said Mr Loynes.

“Furthermore, when considering stock housing, a general purpose building, which is one the purchaser can adapt to meet his needs, will not satisfy the needs of the stock.

Over-design may be a better solution as it is easier to close up a building than to open it up to ventilation.”

A well-designed ventilation system (natural or mechanical) helps to remove dust, excess moisture and bacteria from a livestock building while providing a minimum air flow rate and a draught-free lying area for stock.

He referred to RIDBA’s Farm Buildings Handbook which includes an updated version of the SFBIU’s design guide which caters for larger livestock, and is available to farmers through www.ridba.org.uk.

Farmers requiring more advice about ventilating their livestock buildings can contact Mr Loynes on jloynes@harper-adams.ac.uk or RIDBA on secretary@ridba.org.uk.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Buildings

EPA Products put spotlight on service With a large dispatch warehouse carrying over £350,000 worth of stock, EPA have everything you need.

PA Products Ltd is a traditional family business located in Kimpton Hertfordshire. The Company was formed in November 1995 to provide custom built control panels and equipment for Ventilation, Lighting and Alarm monitoring equipment for both the poultry and pig industry.

The focus and attention is to provide high quality reliable equipment at the best price, and to offer a professional service to customers, with strong product knowledge and support.

A key point in supporting the customer is to be able to provide telephone support and next day delivery of products and spares from stock, for this to be possible EPA Products Ltd has a dedicated dispatch warehouse with over £350,000 worth of stock from a fuse to a complete ventilation and lighting system to meet welfare requirements.

Control panels are built to customer’s specification from a basic system to a full computerized or custom produced HMI control system. Stock control systems for Feeder Track, and Winch control equipment are available for next day delivery. EPA Products Ltd is proud to be distributors of Ziehl Abegg Agricultural Fans, Rotem Computers and Turbovent.

New for spring 2013 is the dedicated flickers free Led Lighting Controller. Supplied as a retrofit unit compatible with most systems, or your own custom built lighting control panel.

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| Buildings

Robotic milking success Skandia factory extends Good building design is key. airy farmers are increasingly turning to robotic milking to free up valuable labour, but getting the building design right is essential if it is to work well.

Most producers find it best to house cows throughout their lactation, so that they have easy access to the milking machines.

However, this means it is even more important to provide healthy and comfortable living conditions, to maximise cow welfare and productivity.

“To get the right cow flow and group sizes to work, the whole system really does have to be well designed,” says John Allen, partner at Kite Consulting. Key considerations include passage width and layout, location of the robots, cubicle size and comfort, lighting and air flow. “Ventilation is a massive issue – a lot of older buildings are very poorly ventilated, especially during the summer months.”

Andrew Foote, who milks 60 cows at Worthen Farm, Pyworthy, Devon, installed robotic milking machines three years ago following a review of the business. “We used to sell freshly calved heifers, but the threat of TB restricting our trade

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Major extension to Skandia factory reflects company’s success. meant we decided to concentrate on milking instead.”

The existing cubicle building was extremely dark and in need of updating, so he stripped off the solid walls and replaced them with Highlight ventilated wall sheets to let in more light and air. These colour coated metal sheets are 25% perforated in the form of tiny holes, improving overall ventilation but with less risk of draughts or water ingress. “We have solid walls up to cow height, and the Highlight above that, which projects a lot of light into the shed and creates a nice air flow,” says Mr Foote.

“We have skylights and a vent in the roof ridge, which takes warm, moist air up and out of the shed. It’s definitely a healthier, more pleasant environment.” The cows are bedded on sand cubicles and are milking an average of 3.2 times a day. “I’m quite happy with that, and the cows are very relaxed and content,” he adds. “They can take themselves off for a drink or something to eat, be milked when they want, and lie down when they want – it’s really working very well.”

For more information visit www.unitedroofingproducts.com or call 01884 839302.

kandia Elevator, the leading manufacturer of grain handling systems in Europe, has extensively extended its manufacturing facility in Vara, Sweden. The 7 million Euro, 4800 m2 extension has been added to the factory in response to increasing product demand from customers across Europe, including the UK where the company is represented

by BDC Systems. Sales to the UK account for 14% of global sales, making it the largest market outside Sweden.

Established in 1914, Skandia designs and manufactures innovative grain handling systems for end users of all sizes from small farms up to large-scale grain production facilities. The company’s mission is to continue to set new standards in grain conveying technology through customer research and product development.

Skandia has led the way in manufacturing processes for grain handling systems for a number of years. The company introduced lean manufacturing in 2009, lean product development in 2011 and Six Sigma process improvement procedures earlier this year.

The new extended facility features

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two new state-of-the-art punching machines together three new production line robots, a number of new assembly and packing lines as well as extended storage facilities.

This additional capacity will help the company achieve its target of increasing production, which stood at 2500 machines in 2010/11, and trebling its turnover between 2010 and 2015.

Andrew Head, Managing Director of BDC Systems comments: “Skandia’s continual investment in R&D and manufacturing facilities has resulted in a range of market leading products that meet the needs of our UK customers in terms of value for money, high quality and durability and longevity.”

For further information, contact BDC Systems Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1264 710987, Fax: +44 (0) 1264 710987.

Email: info@bdcsystems.com website: www.bdcsystems.com

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Buidings

Farm buildings handbook Showtime for Ecosheet An updated edition of the agricultural buildings bible that is a vital reference for farmers and estate managers is now available from the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA). lso aimed at contractors and designers, the pocket-sized Farm Buildings Handbook is on its second update (the first was in 2009) since it was first published

by MAFF in 1961.

This latest RIDBA issue of the Farm Buildings Handbook will cover all aspects of farm construction, from planning through to fit-out of all types of buildings, under sections such as legislation and regulations, construction technology, buildings for livestock production, storage and other purposes, and buildings for diversification.

New to this latest update is a section on preparing to build which contains advice to ensure the design and construction of a new farm building not only runs smoothly but delivers a result that all parties are proud of.

Significant changes to planning laws have been captured and provide valuable guidance on how to ensure planning applications are submitted in a manner that

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affords the greatest chance of success.

And with alternative revenue streams being utilised to maximise farm incomes, another section gives insight into how to deal with planning matters associated with a building’s proposed change of use.

With all farm buildings required to be CE Marked by July 2013, another new section explains the implications - contractors being forced to charge higher prices to help them meet the cost of accreditation.

The Farm Buildings Handbook was written by Richard Langley, lecturer at Harpers Adams University College, and updated and extended by Jim Loynes, former ADAS buildings design specialist and now assistant head of engineering at the college.

Sponsored by steel building specialists A Steadman & Son to keep the cost down to £12, it is available direct from RIDBA at http://www.ridba.org.uk/Farm_Buil dings_Handbook.htm

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Ecosheet, made in Luton by 2K Manufacturing, will be shown at the Pig and Poultry Live event for the second time.

uge interest from the pig market has meant that sales of Ecosheet, the recycled plastic panel for farmers, have grown so much in the last six months that they have had to hire extra staff to double production.

Many farmers have started to routinely replace the rotting plywood ends of their arcs with Ecosheet. Its durability, toughness, resistance to urine and insulating properties create a great long-term solution. “Farmers have commented that their pigs don’t seem to be as interested in chewing on the Ecosheet as they do the plywood’”said Peter Ball, 2K’s Sales Director. Ecosheet is non-toxic and lacks any appealing

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smell or texture as far as pigs are concerned.

Smaller poultry coop makers looking to make the cleaning out of hen coops easier have also found this plastic board more forgiving of regular washing out than wood in the fight against red mite. Ecosheet can be used in conjunction with a wood or steel frame to create all kinds of animal housing.

Ecosheet is widely stocked across the UK and Ireland amongst a range of farmer’s merchants including Mole Valley, Wynnstay, Carrs Billington and McVeigh Parker. For a full list of stockists visit www.ecosheet.com

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| Buildings

Cemsix provides perfect solution for Welsh dairy farm A large-scale installation of Cemsix corrugated fibre cement sheets from Cembrit, has recently taken place at a dairy farm in Wales. he natural ventilation properties and robust construction of Cemsix were ideal for Longford Farm, where animal welfare and environmental considerations are also of utmost importance. Cemsix helps create the perfect year round conditions to ensure maximum production is maintained.

Father and son, Henry and Charlie Hart, run and live the farm situated in the rich and fertile vale of Llanddewi Velfrey, Pembrokeshire. Set amongst the scenic rolling hills of the valleys, the emphasis on the building was to be as weather efficient and robust as possible. As one of three farms the Hart family own, it was important that the project was completed with a guarantee of lasting results. The open sided structure maximises daylight and ventilation, which are essential requirements for a functional and pleasant environment for the animals.

“We particularly appreciate Cembrit’s fibre cement sheeting for roofing.” said Henry Hart, Farm Owner. “In addition to the wellknown benefits such as the level of porosity and corrosion resistance of fibre cement slates, we can be sure that the sheets are guaranteed to provide great results for a long time, whilst meeting the specific needs of our farm.”

The building was constructed

by John Morris construction and Prescilli Fabrications who worked with Cembrit to get the material on site in time to coincide with the building schedule. The building was specifically designed for all of the farm’s needs, particularly those

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related to the ventilation for the cow shed.

Ventilation is vital in large buildings like this one, as huge amounts of warm and moisture laden air needs to be extracted to provide a pleasant internal atmosphere for the livestock.

Rather than installing any mechanical ventilation, the building features open sides and ridge ventilation, along with a bespoke designed roof sheet detail. Every 6th column of sheets is raised from eaves to ridge by fixing to a 50mm batten installed on the top of each purlin. This creates an air gap along both sides of the sheet significantly increasing the opening area through which humid air can escape.

Cembrit’s Cemsix was awarded an Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), for its environmental credentials.

Incorporating the latest technological advances, Cemsix allows designers to clad agricultural or industrial buildings in a Class 0 fire rated, rust and rotproof material that will last for decades. Manufactured using Portland cement, together with a formulation of superior blended synthetic and cellulose fibres and reinforced with strengthening strips and available with superior colouration systems, Cemsix is produced to the highest European standard.

Using skills built up over 80 years, Cembrit offers a wide range of cladding panels, corrugated sheet and natural and man-made roofing slate. Quality levels at group factories are rigorously maintained to high standards with

many products manufactured under the control of ISO 9001 and British Board of Agrément. Cembrit UK is a member of Cembrit Holding A/S (formerly the Dansk

Eternit Holding A/S) of Denmark, one of Europe’s major building material producers of fibre reinforced cement products for the roofing and cladding industry.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Forestry

Confor welcomes Defra’s Chalara management plan with reservations Confor broadly welcomes the revised plan for England, in which it participated, and the £1.5m funding, but questions where the additional resources are coming from and how adequate they are, while the Forestry Commission is currently struggling to deliver services to woodland owners. n particular, the grant scheme related to the plan is not yet finalised, but the success of the plan hangs on this.

There are also some practical questions, such as: There have been between 10 and 12 million ash planted over the last five years in the UK and Government is expecting the replanting to be mainly completed next winter. The plan states that the choice of replacement species will be on an individual site-by-site basis to be approved by the Forestry Commission. Nurseries can only guess as to how much take-up there will be and which species to sow this year, assuming seed availability, and assuming the FC system can move faster than it currently is. Otherwise nothing will be approved.

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"While we broadly welcome this updated plan, the devil is in the detail, much of which is not yet clear.”

The Defra plan reflects the current knowledge and thinking and sets out key actions and next steps in a complex, uncertain and evolving scenario. Defra's four key actions/objectives are below, with Confor comment after each: Objective 1. Reducing the rate of spread.

This sounds laudable, but Confor's support depends on: a) Adequate and equitable funding for woodland owners, at least to cover costs of removal and re-planting. The plan states that this will come from existing RDPE funds, but that suggests that other woodland management and creation work will lose out. Confor understands that there is currently a high value of grant work "in the pipeline" and is concerned as to what happens to this. b) No loss of woodland officer time - there is a substantial backlog of work at a crucial time prior to the end of the current RDPE and Government targets on woodland creations. The Forestry Commission put some Chalara work out to tender in January, but it is not clear if that will free up woodland officers. c) Evidence that it is good use

of scarce resources and proportionate. Some evidence (Cambridge model of spread) suggests it may only buy three or four years' time, but what is the cost?

Much of the above depends on what appears in May/June, as buds burst. Everyone is well aware of this and a rapid review may be required.

Objective 2. Developing resistance.

This is largely research that Confor welcomes.

Objective 3. Encouraging citizen, landowner and industry engagement in surveillance, monitoring and action in tackling the problem.

Confor is content with this part of the plan. It is good to engage people with trees and the challenges they face, but the scientific value of lay input is unclear. Confor strongly supports landowner and industry engagement and will do what it can to help.

Objective 4. Building economic and environmental resilience in woodland and associated industries.

This section is a priority for Confor, which it broadly supports, but some details may be contentious. For example, how will decisions be made about areas of special interest that merit wider, even compulsory action? Such decisions should not be made on emotion, but on the best scientific evidence.

Confor particularly welcomes the recognition of support for: • Forest managers and their supply chains • Wider economic impact of tree safety work • Environmental resilience, including deer and squirrel control • Best practice to be made available Research is a fundamental element of all of the above. Confor welcomes the research and funding announced, but questions whether that is sufficient. "The £1.5m of money into research for genetic resistance announced today is in addition to the £8m the Government has already allocated for research into various pests and diseases which could affect our trees."

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Caroline Harrison, who is Confor's lead on plant health, commented, "While we broadly welcome this updated plan, the devil is in the detail, much of which is not yet clear. We will continue to seek a reasonable, equitable, realistic and proportionate deal for woodland owners and the supply chain. It will be interesting to see what appears this summer, but our major concern is for research to support appropriate action on Chalara, find and breed resistant

strains, build general resilience and to identify and minimise future threats. At the same time, we need to remember that woodlands suffer from a wide range of pests and diseases, many of which are increasing in intensity. Action to address these is mostly inadequate and requires greater resources, including for supporting research. It is vital that action is based on the best scientific evidence and advice."

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| Energy

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| Machinery

Weaving a spell over northern Europe Scandinavian countries benefit from British made machinery. n these tough economic times it’s hard enough trying to purchase a British designed and manufactured piece of farm machinery, let alone find a British company that is busy exporting its products to other EU countries.

However Weaving Machinery is

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one such British company. It seems that Scandinavian farmers from Denmark, Sweden and Finland find the Weaving Big Disc grain and fertiliser drill system ideal for their farm soil conditions and seed types. It could also be the fact that there seems to have been over the last few years a

growing trend and interest throughout the farming world in grain and fertilser placement.

Managing Director Edward Weaving commented “we have been amazed at the number of orders we have received from Scandinavian countries. Our Big Disc drill seems really popular. We

found that over there farmers use Min-Till rather than conventional systems and our simple, double wheel system uses less horse power which cuts fuel costs and lets them drill even in their wetter conditions” More details are available from Edward Weaving tel: 01386 49155

McConnel stays ahead of the competition with new front mount machine Front-mounting is now available on McConnel’s PA5360 Power Arm – enabling customers to create a purpose-built hedge-cutting and verge-mowing platform for the best in comfort and visibility. he machine features three-point linkage, an integrated road lighting kit, and a unique hydraulic break away system to protect it from contact damage.

The features are among 15,000 different specification options available allowing customers to create the perfect build for their needs.

McConnel marketing manager Wayne Brown said; “Frontmounting reduces driver fatigue,

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aids precision and even boosts safety by allowing an operator to concentrate on the road ahead. It also improves comfort and allows contractors to work longer and smarter.”

Other key features available on the PA5360 include: • 65hp high-powered hydraulics • The world’s most advanced Power Arm control system, REVOLUTION • McConnel’s Easy Drive System, a hands-free verge-

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flotation system which can increase mowing speeds from 4 km/h to 18km/h • A choice of 18 different cutting attachments The 60-series is one of McConnel’s best-selling series – combining the value of a mid-

range model with the high-tech feature set of a professional-spec machine.

For more details on the PA5360 and the huge range of customisation options available, please check out the McConnel website at www.mcconnel.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

Farmstar Limited - Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786 Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900 Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk Sharnford Tractors Ltd - Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH www.farmingmonthly.co.uk T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

Anker of Coates - Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777 Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk Ravenhill - Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Machinery

New AXION 800 unveiled at SIMA CLAAS offered a sneak preview at the SIMA show of the new AXION 800 which is due to be launched later this year for sale in 2014.

he new AXION 800 range is based upon the higher powered AXION 900 range launched this year and incorporates many of the design and technology features found on that tractor.

Like the AXION 900, the new AXION 800 range features a long wheelbase, with 50/50 front/rear weight distribution and a ‘wasp waist’ front axle design for an increased steering angle and optimum manoeuvrability. The new AXION 800 also uses the new spacious 4-pillar cab design,

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which is fully suspended and is mounted further forward for greater visibility.

The AXION 800 range will consist of four models with CIS and CEBIS variants, with power outputs from 200hp up to 270hp, so fitting in between the 145 to 184hp ARION 500/600 range and the AXION 900 which ranges in power from 280hp up to 400hp.

The AXION 800 is the first tractor to meet the latest Stage IV (Tier 4f) exhaust emissions regulations. To achieve this, the 6cylinder FPT engine is fitted with a

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two-stage emissions system consisting of a maintenance free diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC/Oxicat) in combination with an SCR catalytic converter.

The 6.7 litre engine features a wide 500 rpm constant power band and 8% more torque that current models, so provides increased power at lower revs, and hence reduced fuel consumption, and is also fitted with the VISCTRONIC fan to further save fuel. In addition, the engine can be used at full power at all times without limitation.

As with the larger AXION 900, the new AXION 800 is built around a fully integral frame that incorporates a self-supporting crankcase and embedded sump.

This robust design allows a high capacity front linkage to be fitted without any additional bracing, so maintaining maximum manoeuvrability.

Initially the new AXION 800 will come with a HEXACTIV transmission and a CMATIC variable option will follow in due course. Another new fuel saving development is a patented de-

coupling function for the front PTO. The AXION 800 also features a new system developed by CLAAS POWER SYSTEMS to completely disengage the front PTO when it is not required, and so save fuel.

Until now, even when the front PTO is not engaged, the gears in the transmission still rotate and so use up power. The new mechanical clutch means that when the front PTO is not required, the entire front PTO transmission can be disconnected from the engine, which will save an additional 0.4 litres of diesel per hour.

“The new AXION 800 range is based upon the higher powered AXION 900 range launched this year and incorporates many of the design and technology features found on that tractor.” www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

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| Machinery

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| Machinery

New large square balers from John Deere Following a strategic cooperation agreement with the Kuhn Group, announced in May 2011, John Deere has been selling limited quantities of its high capacity 1400 Series large square balers in the UK and Ireland, which are now available for the 2013 season. here are three basic models in the range, the 1433, 1424 and 1434, respectively producing bales 80cm wide by 90cm high, 120cm by 70cm and 120cm by 90cm. Bale length ranges from 60cm up to 300cm, and can be controlled electrically from the tractor cab as an option.

ISOBUS is standard on 1400 Series balers, to allow the operator to adjust and control various settings from the tractor cab, including bale density and precutter knife selection. The tractor’s existing ISOBUS monitor can be used if available, including John Deere’s GreenStar 2 1800 or GreenStar 3 2630 touchscreen displays. Tractor power requirement is from 115hp.

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The balers feature a heavy duty, high capacity rotor with direct crop intake from the pick-up and fewer wearing parts, for increased performance in all crops and conditions.

Depending on the model, 1400 Series balers are available with either 2.1 or 2.3m RotoFlow or precutter pick-ups with pivoting wheels.

Precutter models have 10 knives with individual spring protection on the 1433C, or 23 hydraulically protected knives on the 1424C and 1434C, giving a minimum length of cut of 70mm or 45mm respectively. The balers also feature a single tie knotting system, and hold 24 rolls of twine.

The pre-compression chamber and packer

design, with a high capacity plunger working at 46 strokes/min, allows the baler to adapt to changing windrow conditions and produce a consistently hard, dense and well-shaped bale.

This helps to improve bale handling, stacking and ease of transportation, and results in a more attractive bale to feed or sell.

The balers also feature cam clutch protection of the drivetrain components for extra reliability, a rear roller chute with last bale ejection, and steered tandem axles with high flotation tyres as standard. Single axles are optionally available on the 1433 RotoFlow and 1433C precutter models, fitted with larger profile tyres.

SOUTHAM AGRICULTURAL SERVICES Fields Farm, Station Road, Southam CV47 2DH

Tel: 01926 813426 Fax: 01926 817908 http://southamagri.co.uk

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April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Machinery

Morris Corfield & Co Limited Benthall Works, Shropshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01952 881000

Oliver Landpower Limited Home Park Works, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8LW Tel: 01923 265211

Newton Street, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9PJ Tel: 01588 673325

A14 Telford Road, Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4LD Tel: 01869 329988

Westington Works, Docklow, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0SJ Tel: 01885 488884

Wandon End, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8NY Tel: 01582 727111

Wilfred Scruton Limited Maxwell House, Riccall Grange, King Rudding Lane, Riccall, York YO19 6QL Tel: 01757 249799

Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd East Cowton, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 0DX Tel: 01325 378552

Providence Foundry, Foxholes, Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 3QQ Tel: 01262 470221

Bellard Court, Platts Lane, Duddon, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0EU 01829 749391 58Tel: | Farming Monthly | April 2013

Nigel Quinn (AMS) Limited 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston Lancashire PR4 6JR Tel/Fax: 01704 822272 Mobile: 07973 519491 www.nigelquinnams.co.uk

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| Machinery

Kubota’s new ride-on makes short work of garden chores Oversized lawn and no time to tackle it? Why not spend more time enjoying the garden and less time tending to it, with Kubota’s new powerful T1880 ride-on mower. uilding on Kubota’s long standing legacy of quality and reliability, the T1880’s performance packs a powerfulpunch thanks to its wider cutting width and mulching facility, putting an end to emptying pesky grass boxes.

Powered by an 18hp petrol engine, the ride-on mower features hydrostatic transmission (HST) with a single pedal, making speed and directional changes extremely smooth. Cruise control for a constant mowing speed and a one-step parking brake, ensure that the T1880 is both simple to use and uniquely fun to drive.

The adjustable cutting height,

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controlled from a simple dial system at the base of the operators seat, ensures that you can easily switch from fine lawn work to rougher areas of the garden.

The T1880 also features Kubota’s innovative ‘infinity’ mower deck, providing the unit with a cutting width of over a metre. In addition, the ‘infinity deck’ also allows the user to quick change between three different cutting modes, including a mulching mode – completely removing the need to empty any grass boxes, and encouraging a richer, greener lawn.

Featuring an easily adjustable

high back seat and Kubota’s ‘Cushion Ride’ suspension system, which features two-springloaded shock absorbers and a flat operator platform, for easy mounting and dismounting, the T1880 ride-on mower provides an

unrivalled smooth ride.

For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions for the garden and groundcare visit your local dealer, log onto www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000.

Sweeping partner Hitch a SweepEx push broom to a skidsteer, traditional category II three-point hitch, a telehandler or fork lift truck and you have the ideal labour saving partner. learing slurry and sludge has never been easier with this unique, modular brush system that is designed to ‘squeegee’ wet surfaces, offering a highly efficient sweeping solution.

It’s hard to believe a product so simple can be so effective and with no moving parts, belts or chains and no motor it is a safe and maintenance-free option.

Attachment to the host vehicle is quick and simple, giving you an easy change brush system that can be complete in just five minutes.

What is also surprising is the way the SweepEx tackles bulky materials. You can choose the Pro broom for medium to heavy sweeping or the Mega broom with its eleven rows of bristles for maximum sweeping power.

The latest in the range is the MegaMax C-broom that takes the concept of the push broom and adds side retainers which will hold bulk volumes of material in front of the brush without spillage.

All SweepEx brooms dramatically reduce sweeping times and in the case of the MegaMax you eliminate spill lines and so reduce the time clearing up even further.

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Hard wearing polypropylene bristles with a high-tensile steel broom head and mounting hardware, both in a heavy-duty powder coated finish, ensure the brooms are durable and designed for a long life.

You can sweep up to 450 miles before changing bristles.

Such is the versatility that SweepEx brooms will sweep small rocks, mud and snow as well as slurry and compost, and they can be found working in everything from livestock and livery yards, grain stores to builder’s merchants, landscape maintenance, golf courses, recycling centres and saw mills to mention but a few.

Contact Broadwood International on 01420 478111 to arrange a demo and visit www.broadwoodintl.co.uk for more details.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Machinery

New Holland upgrades its industry leading Horizon™ Cab on the T6 and T7 tractor ranges With in-cab noise levels as low as 69 dBA, the Horizon™ Cab on the T6 and T7 tractor ranges is universally recognised as offering operators excellent levels of comfort, while the SideWinder II armrest is a benchmark in terms of ergonomic operation. ollowing customer consultation, New Holland has launched an upgraded version, for both the T6 and T7 ranges, which will further enhance comfort and intuitive, ergonomic use.

Enhanced day-long operating comfort Driver comfort was at the heart of the Horizon™ Cab upgrade and new items have been included to enhance the operator’s environment. The air conditioning controls, lighting panel, additional storage slots and the radio have all been grouped in an ergonomic cluster within the roof lining. This enables operators to fine tune these controls on the move whilst keeping their eyes on the road for enhanced safety.

Charging points have also been provided for mobile telephones and other electrical items to enable operators to stay in touch at all times. A handy USB and auxiliary port are integrated into the radio for the connection of an MP3 player, while Bluetooth connectivity allows easy phone pairing.

The Horizon™ Cab now features additional storage solutions, including elasticated straps on the rear of the instructor seat, which are ideal for keeping paperwork tidy. An additional net has also been added to the front of the instructor seat. This is accessible from ground level and can be used to tuck items such as gloves away.

The Horizon™ Cab is now equipped with the T8 range’s steering wheel as standard. The thicker wheel enables a more comfortable and natural grip.

SideWinder™ II models have a tinted rear window as standard.

This will protect operators from the harshest rays when mowing or grain carting during the height of summer. Additional protection is provided by an optional integrated rear sun blind, which is neatly stored away when not required.

Upgraded CommandGrip™ multifunction handle: even easier

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operation New Holland listened to users, and has installed backlit technology on the CommandGrip™ multi-function handle. The control icons are backlit with clear white LED lights, to make selecting the desired function when working late into the night even easier. The buttons now feature soft touch technology, which delivers low effort operation, reducing fatigue and enhancing the driving experience.

Widescreen farming: the optional IntelliView™ IV colour touchscreen monitor For operations which extensively use guidance, the optional, 26.4cm IntelliView™ IV colour touchscreen monitor will be the default choice.

Mounted to the SideWinder™ II armrest, operators can select from a whole host of parameters quickly and easily and follow guidance paths with greater ease. The larger screen allows tractor functions and guidance information to be clearly displayed on a single screen, there’s no need to fill the cab with

60 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

multiple monitors.

A host of luxury options A host of luxury options are available on both tractors: the heated enlarged wing mirrors have an electronically adjustable top section. The manually adjustable wide angle lower section has been designed to counteract blind spots and is similar to those found on heavy goods vehicles, for the best possible view when manoeuvring in confined spaces, trimming

verges or for keeping an eye on the front edge of tillage implements.

Customers looking for a touch of luxury will select the leather steering wheel option with detailed stitching, which is standard on all Auto Command models. A thick pile branded floor carpet completes the luxury pack for the ultimate in farming comfort.

The Horizon™ Cab is standard on all T6 and T7 models.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

AGCO invests in land to expand Fella factory and secures future of Feucht site Fella, AGCO’s green harvesting brand, is set to grow thanks to significant investment in 2.6ha of land adjacent to its existing site, which is being used to expand the manufacturing, assembly and office areas at its factory at Feucht near Nuremberg, Germany. his investment in additional land will allow Fella to increase its current floor area by more than 60% and help it achieve its ambitious plans to double turnover in the next five years. Since 2011, when Fella was fully incorporated into AGCO, the brand has expanded rapidly and is returning record results.

“In 2012 we achieved the highest ever turnover in Fella’s 95 year history,” says Reinhard Brunner, Fella Managing Director. “A 30% increase in turnover, compared with the previous period, saw nearly 9,000 hay and silage making machines leave the factory in the calendar year.”

This success, he adds, is undoubtedly largely due to the takeover by AGCO and the ambitious growth strategy it is putting in place at Fella, which is now the Corporation’s Centre of Excellence for Green Harvest machinery.

With the new factory facilities and office expansion, Fella is now taking a further important step forward in meeting planned growth objectives.

“We are delighted our highly efficient Fella team has achieved such recent success and we are looking forward, full of optimism, to a

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secure future,” adds Erhard Korndörfer, Facility Manager at Fella.

Fella, is a leading manufacturer of green harvest equipment producing a wide range of high quality machinery including drum mowers, disc mower conditioners, tedders and rakes.

Fella is in an excellent position to enjoy

sustained growth in the world market.

Since its full incorporation into AGCO in 2011, the brand has grown strongly, backed by investment and strong leadership and is now set to continue to drive forwards as the Corporation’s specialist green harvest technology brand.

The Eagle has landed Bomford has introduced a new top-of-the-range reach arm flail mower, the EAGLE, which is a completely new machine that has been designed specifically to meet the needs of high hour, professional users. he new Eagle flail mower features a telescopic outer arm, giving it a maximum reach of 8.85 metres and the whole arm is mounted on a kingpost so that it can be slewed through 180 degrees for bidirectional left or right-hand cutting.

In designing the new Eagle, the Bomford design team looked at the specific demands of both contractors and other professional users of this size of machine, such as drainage boards and rivers authorities. Every working part was reviewed based on an analysis of warranty reports, and interviews from other high capacity users and their machines. These findings have lead to the robust and individual design characteristics of the new Eagle.

The new Eagle is axle mounted and features a separate mainframe containing a 135 litre oil tank that is mounted on rubber bushes to

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reduce vibration from the key hydraulic components.

The Eagle can be specified with either a gear or a piston system, and has an oil capacity of 137 litres, and features a full flow automatic oil cooler and as part of the overall design review, wraparound steel hoses are used on the first arm and kingpost for durability and improved hose routing, along with weight saving.

The arm design incorporates two large diameter rams for slewing the arm through 180 degrees and a completely new forward hydraulic break-out system ensuring a positive control of the machine, whatever the work conditions, or position.

The Eagleis designed for use with either the 1.2m or 1.5m wide Pro-cut flail heads, or other heads such as the Pro-Saw, Ditch Cleaner, Rotary Head. The head is mounted on a brand new hydraulic turntable design that can be

rotated through 180 degrees to allow the head to be perfectly aligned regardless of the position of the arm, this new design incorporates a hydraulic motor and worm drive for accurate and reliable operation.

Incorporated into the arm is a new wear-pad system for the hydraulic arm that is designed to be easy to adjust and provide greater support. Each wear pad can be quickly and simply adjusted using four external bolts, which apply pressure to the wear pad via a ‘V’ wedge system. The pads are also mounted on the edges of the arm to avoid torsional twist, thus presenting the cutting

attachments at the correct angle for work.

The new Eagle is controlled using the updated and advanced Bomford ICS (Intelligent Control System) control unit. This provides fully proportional and programmable control of the flail mower, which also features electronic head float control and electronic reversal of the rotor.

The standard specification also includes full road lighting and as is standard on all Bomford machines, the Eagle comes filled with oil and ready to use.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 61

| ATV

A new class of Polaris Ranger: The XP900 With over thirty new features, the new XP900 lives up to the motto, ‘hardest working, smoothest riding’. verything about the Polaris XP900 sideby-side vehicle is new and it is all the better for it.

Take the engine first.

The new ProStar 900 is a Twin Cylinder 875cc four-stroke that pumps out 60hp with incredible class-leading torque across the power band.

There’s a new engine management system to keep the power smooth at all speeds and all that power lets you easily tow up to a ton or haul 453.6 kg in the cargo box. Access to the engine is simplicity itself, just lift the cargo box to check the oil and top up when needed.

This new cargo box, say Polaris, is the best yet with more tie-down points, optional box dividers and an easy gate release. There are also dozens of

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Polaris Lock and Ride accessories to suit all work and leisure purposes.

The all-new chassis gives you by far the smoothest ride in Ranger history, built around a ‘centre spine’ for greater rigidity, with a 12.7 cm longer wheelbase and 2.54 cm more suspension travel. The suspension itself is Dual Arm with IRS, the wheels are stamped steel and with all that power you can relax knowing you have four- wheel hydraulic disc brakes with dual bore front callipers.

What’s also different is it’s a quiet ride with the engine placement behind the seat and below the cargo box.

Now what about the ‘office’?

A redesigned cockpit fits more people more comfortably, featuring a 3-person split bench seat that also flips up for easy access to under seat storage. If you want a seat that slides forward and back to accommodate adults of all sizes there’s a Limited Edition

model that offers just that. The new drivercentred console features a full range of instrumentation and quick readout gauges to keep you full informed as you travel.

If you want to add more creature comforts there is the all-new Lock & Ride ‘PRO-FIT cab system which is also in a class of its own. Full cab installation takes less than five minutes, with windshield, roof, rear panels and doors pre-designed for the frame and all locking tightly to keep out the weather.

In all, there are thirty seven new features on the Ranger XP 900, together with a new class of accessories, all of which live up to the Polaris Ranger motto of ‘hardest working, smoothest riding,’ and adding up to a great deal for your money.

Well worth a visit to your nearest Polaris dealer to see for yourself. For more on the new Polaris XP900 contact Polaris Britain on 0800 915 6720 or visit www.polaris-britain.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Biker Warehouse London Road Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 6HG Tel: 0845 2692269 www.bikerwarehouse.co.uk

Greenlow ATV Greenlow House, Royston Road Melbourn, Nr Royston Hertfordshire SG8 6DG Tel: 01763 260239 www.greenlow.co.uk

Extreme Quads Unit 5 Fleet Road Ind. Est. Holbeach Lincolnshire PE12 8LY Tel: 01406 420002 www.xtreme-sport.co.uk

North Cornwall Motorcycle Centre Hospital Road Stratton, Bude Cornwall EX23 9BP Tel: 01288 355162 www.ncmc.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Quad Zone Mill Cottage, Clows Top Nr Kidderminster Worcestershire DY14 9HP Tel: 01299 832699 www.quadzone.co.uk

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 63

| ATV

Gator gets a makeover

FARR LH400 ATV

Now better than ever.

Just £4499.99+VAT.

ollowing customer feedback, John Deere has introduced a number of additional new features on the XUV 855D Gator 4x4 utility vehicle for 2013. These include a digital instrument cluster, a bigger capacity 55A alternator and a much larger 27.6-litre fuel tank, to enable longer working days.

The dash-mounted instrument cluster displays the odometer, ground speed, fuel level and coolant temperature, engine rpm, a clock and the four-wheel drive indicator. It can be adjusted for different tyre sizes to ensure that the ground speed is accurately shown, particularly when using sprayer or spreader attachments, or driving on the road.

Engine braking has also been improved, to provide better performance in hilly conditions.

The vehicle’s descent control system has been redesigned to enable the clutch to stay engaged, providing more controlled deceleration down to around 3mph.

In addition, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) intake now draws in 50 per cent more air to reduce heat, as well as the amount of water ingested by the CVT system and the clutches. This leads to less belt slippage and improved durability overall.

This follows the introduction of a new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system earlier this year, which is now standard on the XUV 855D Gator with olive & black livery, and optional on the green &

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yellow version.

The 25hp XUV 855D Gator has a top speed of 32mph (52kph) and features true on-demand fourwheel drive, activated by a dashmounted electronic switch, and allround suspension, adjustable at the rear. Ground clearance is 267mm (11in), total payload is 635kg and towing capacity is 680kg.

The Gator’s standard four post ROPS frame can be optionally upgraded to a deluxe full glass cab if required, and further options include tool carriers and cargo box dividers, a front mounted load rack, a bull bar and side extensions. A rear bumper and horn are now standard.

Price of the new 2013 model John Deere XUV 855D 4x4 Gator utility vehicle starts at £12,227 (⇔14,385 in Ireland) for the base machine in green & yellow livery, fitted with standard seats and Terrahawk all-purpose tyres. The power steering option adds £512 (⇔602) to this model, while the olive & black version with power steering as standard starts at £12,843 (⇔15,110). All prices exclude VAT.

64 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

ictured above is the FARR LH400 ATV, supplied as standard fully road legal with a High/Low range gearbox, electric switchable 2 and 4 wheel drive, a front mounted electric winch and a tow bar; all included in the retail price of £4499.99 + VAT. To assist farmers with the harsh weather and conditions throughout the lambing season, FARR have introduced a 24 month

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0% finance package on all of their Quad Bikes and Utility Vehicles.

With monthly payments ranging from £154.00 for the FARR LH300 ATV up to £329.00 for the FARR HS800UTV, owning a FARR AllTerrain Vehicle has never been so cost effective.

For more information on the finance packages available please call FARR All-Terrain Vehicles on 01392 444887 or email sales@farruk.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

The new Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 R-Design Dynamic design and sporty drive twinned with the option of Polestar performance. he new R-Design versions of Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 feature an outstanding blend of a renewed sports appearance, a dynamic driving-focused chassis and engine output up to a substantial 329 horsepower with the Polestar performance option.

"The new R-Design models are a perfect match for performance-minded individuals with a passion for exquisite details. In the new S60, V60 and XC60 R-Design, we have turned up the visual volume of these popular models with meticulous attention to detail," says Doug Speck, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Group.

"The S60 and V60 R-Design with lowered RDesign chassis, T6 engine and the optional 19inch wheels hit all the right notes. Just let the ultra-comfortable new sport seats embrace you while you enjoy the intense driving experience," adds Doug Speck.

New generation R-Design interior The new sport seat comes as standard in the R-Design cars. It features a blend of black Nubuck textile and perforated leather. The embroidered R-design logo with a blue ‘R' confirms the sporty aura. Full leather seats are available as an option in the R-Design and standard on the R-Design Lux. "With great hugging side support all the way from the thighs to the shoulders, the new sport seat makes a perfect addition to the incommand feel of a true driver's car while the

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seat retains the traditional comfort that has been a Volvo hallmark for decades," says Doug Speck.

The Adaptive Digital Display features the option to switch between three layouts with different configuration and functionality Elegance, Eco and Performance. In the RDesign versions, the Elegance theme boasts a radiant blue colour.

The design team has dedicated much attention to all the interior details that emphasise the distinctive R-Design aura.

"By blending inlays with a perforated look, black leather and contrasting stitching, the design team has created an interior with all the details in perfect harmony, crowned by the black headliner. The new stainless steel tread plate with a bright blue ‘R' in the R-Design emblem is another exquisite detail," says Doug Speck.

Sporty ride with up to 329 horsepower R-Design models can be combined with all the engines available for the standard versions.

The range spans from the D2 diesel with 115 horsepower (not available in the XC60) to the 3.0 litre, six cylinder T6 petrol turbo with 304 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque.

The T6 buyer can boost performance to 329 horsepower by opting for the Polestar software that charges the specially designed sport accelerator pedal with an extra 25 hp.

Corner Traction Control Just like in the standard variants, a range of

electronic systems that sharpen the sporty driving experience backs up the chassis in the R-Design cars.

Corner Traction Control, which uses torque vectoring to provide smoother cornering, is now also standard on the XC60. The DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) system also has several other functions that improve driving and safety properties, such as: ▪Advanced Stability Control. With a gyroscopic roll-angle sensor the anti-spin system can deploy faster and with greater precision.

▪Engine Drag Control prevents the wheels from losing their grip during engine braking on a slippery surface.

▪The DSTC system also has a sports setting that makes it possible for the driver to disable the anti-spin function.

Driver-orientated appeal The new Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 R-Design will be available in all markets that sell the standard versions of these models. Volvo Cars expects that about 10 per cent of buyers will choose the R-Design version, but this increases to over 30 per cent in some markets such as the United Kingdom and Australia.

"Of the R-Design models, more than half of the volume will be snapped up by buyers who drive other car makes today. These cars also play a vital role in lowering the age of our customer base," says Doug Speck.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Motors

David Cook Motors Middleton Road, Chadderton, Oldham, Lancashire OL9 9LA Tel: 0161 624 1441 www.davidcookmotors.co.uk

John Pease Motor Group Manor Street, Braintree, Essex CM7 3BH Tel: 01376 345540 www.johnpeasemotorgroup.co.uk

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Furrows The Shrewsbury Garage, Benbow Business Park, Shropshire SY1 3EQ Tel: 01743 454444 www.furrows.co.uk

Hepworth Motors 208 Hudderfield Road, Holmfirth, W. Yorkshire HD9 3JL Tel: 01484 683172

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

SsangYong showcases its LIV-1 concept SsangYong has unveiled its next new concept car at the Seoul Motor Show in South Korea. he LIV-1 (Limitless Interface Vehicle) is a large SUV (sport utility vehicle) and features an easily controlled four wheel drive system via an interface.

Designed to look robust, purposeful and sporty, the car features a sizeable body with large bumpers front and rear, yet with slim A and B pillars, a glasshouse silhouette and full length glass roof. An automated sidestep is included for safety and convenience.

Very much a car for the future, the LIV-1 is designed for driving safety and pleasure with ‘limitless potential’ for the driver to create a driving environment that meets his or her needs.

Flexibility is the key design concept for the interior, where lines and curves come together to create a refined and inviting environment to achieve what is described as a lounge for the future. High gloss piano black on the centre fascia and contrasting aluminium detailing imbues the interior with the premium feel appropriate for a top-line SUV. And as you would expect, this futuristic interior features all the latest technology to meet IT needs on the move. The car’s drivervehicle communication interface is based on the 3S-Cube, the core of SsangYong’s future technology. This combines the elements of Smart Link, Safe Way and Special Sense to allow the vehicle to be remote-controlled using a smart device and to provide entertainment both within and from outside the vehicle.

Smart Link is a roof-and-glass system created from nano tube technology that removes frost quickly via remote control for safe winter driving, while Safe Way ensures safe driving by actively preventing

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collisions in blind spots and at intersections.

Special Sense allows the driver to arrange instrument cluster items to suit personal taste, the interface controlling the sound, seats and interior lighting to create a bespoke personal driving space.

User-vehicle interaction takes place through five displays, including a 10-inch monitor in the centre fascia and a 7-inch monitor in the headrest. The touch-panel displays featured in the LIV-1 provide clear information while continuing the futuristic theme.

LIV-1 follows several recent concept cars from SsangYong, and along with the XIV (eXciting User-

Interface Vehicle) series and SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle) shown at Geneva earlier this month, clearly illustrates the design direction the

brand is taking and what can be expected in the future.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Motors

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Drive away an Amarok from ÂŁ289 a month.* Now available with an optional 180PS engine, automatic gearbox and BlueMotion Technology.

Pop into your local Van Centre today.

*Plus VAT and initial rental. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. Business users only. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Contract hire quotation based on Amarok Startline 2.0 TDI 180PS. Offer based on a 3 + 35 payment profile and 10,000 miles per annum. Further charges may be payable when the vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required.

68 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Abridge Van Centre.

Apple Yard, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ. Tel: 0844 412 8201 Search online for Volkswagen vans Abridge.

Alan Day Van Centre.

Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London N11 3UT. Tel: 0208 226 2032 Search online for Volkswagen vans Alan Day.

Breeze Van Centre.

Yarrow Road, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset BH12 4QY. Tel: 0844 412 8224 Search online for Volkswagen vans Breeze Poole.

Gilder Van Centre.

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 1XS. Tel: 0844 412 8264 Search online for Volkswagen vans Gilder.

Gilder Van Centre (Newark).

2 Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2ET. Tel: 0844 811 2417 Search online for Volkswagen vans Gilder.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre.

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TL. Tel: 0843 509 2833 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston).

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7EF. Tel: 0843 509 2836 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous Bilston.

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull).

Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, East Yorkshire HU13 9PB. Tel: 0844 412 8904 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Hull.

JCT600 Van Centre (York).

Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York, North Yorkshire YO30 4WW. Tel: 0844 412 8292 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 York.

Pentraeth Van Centre.

Henffordd Garage, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5RW. Tel: 0844 412 8312 Search online for Volkswagen vans Pentraeth.

Robinsons Van Centre.

Heigham Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4LX. Tel: 0844 412 8327 Search online for Volkswagen vans Robinsons.

Sinclair Van Centre (Swansea).

Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, Gorseinon, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA4 9GW. Tel: 0844 811 2986 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Swansea.

Sinclair Van Centre (Cardiff).

Tyndall Street, Wharf Road East, Cardiff CF10 4BB. Tel: 0844 873 4690 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Cardiff.

Vindis Van Centre.

Low Road, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EL. Tel: 0844 873 4683 Search online for Volkswagen vans Vindis.

Vindis Van Centre.

(Northampton) Gambrel Road, Weedon Industrial Estate, Northampton, NN5 5BB. Tel: 01604 315 852 Search online for Volkswagen vans Northampton.

Volkswagen Van Centre.

(Peterborough) Storeys Bar Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5YS. Tel: 0844 412 8240 Search online for Volkswagen vans Peterborough.

Wayside Van Centre (Milton Keynes) Bilton Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK1 1HW. Tel: 0844 873 4382 Search online for Volkswagen vans Milton Keynes.

Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for all Amarok ordered by 30th September 2013 and is not available in conjunction with any other offers.

This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

Subaru confirms pricing for all new Forester Subaru UK has confirmed On-The-Road prices for the all new Forester when it goes on sale in May. he new model will be launched with highly competitive pricing which represents virtual carry over from the outgoing model, despite an array of improvements in safety, refinement and dynamics.

Prices will start at £24,995 for the 2.0D X, rising to £30,995 for the range topping 2.0i XT. (Please see below for a full breakdown of on-the-road prices).

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“All the engines have significantly improved CO2 and economy figures over the outgoing model.”

The new, fourth-generation Forester goes on sale across the network in May and will build upon the model’s reputation as a goanywhere, user-friendly SUV with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a more spacious and better appointed cabin.

Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the Forester, while a low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity contribute to

improved refinement and a typically engaging drive on the road.

The engine line-up will include 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol

70 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

units, while Subaru will return to its Forester roots with the introduction of a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 240ps. All the engines

have significantly improved CO2 and economy figures over the outgoing model.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Daniel Craig closes down NYC for live drive In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood movie, actor Daniel Craig revealed the all-new Range Rover Sport as part of a dramatic drive through one of the world’s most dynamic cities. he fastest, most agile and responsive Land Rover to date was put to the test by the British actor, who was entrusted to deliver the vehicle for its first unveiling to the world.

After skilfully handling the car and driving it through closed off streets, Craig delivered the all-new Range Rover Sport to a packed crowd of guests including Zara Phillips MBE, Jade Jagger and Yasmin Le Bon at the Skylight at Moynihan Stationon 8th Avenue, where the vehicle was officially revealed for the first time.

The dynamic and thrilling drive was filmed as part of a short film titled ‘The Delivery’. It was broadcast live by Land Rover at www.newrangeroversport.com and saw the British brand stage a global reveal live on the streets of its biggest market.

Directed by action film 2nd unit director Jonathan P B Taylor, lauded for his work on Fast & Furious, Spiderman, Captain America and more recently Die Hard, the film tells the story of a driver tasked with delivering a top secret package. Starting at the Land Rover manufacturing plant in Solihull, UK, the car is shipped under the cover of darkness in a large container over to Manhattan. It is then unveiled and driven expertly through the streets of the city, over Manhattan Bridge and through a closed off tunnel, in a bid by its driver, Daniel Craig, to get it to the launch venue on time.

Craig was attracted to working with Land Rover not only because of his love for the British brand and its vehicles – but also because both he and the brand share a link with the charity S.A.F.E., of which he is a patron. Land Rover, having previously donated a Land Rover Defender to the Kenyan NGO and UK Charity 4 years ago, is delighted to continue its support and is donating an additional vehicle to the charity later this year.

The donated Land Rover will be used by the S.A.F.E. team to assist in accessing hard-to-reach areas to educate, inspire and deliver social change. Using accessible, mobile street theatre and community programmes, S.A.F.E.’s team of local professional performers educate their communities on an

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array of issues, from HIV to female circumcision to safe drinking water. S.A.F.E. founder Nick Reding attended the event in New York with Craig to talk about the charity and said: “Land Rover has generously given us a vehicle in the past, and this event is a great global platform for us to reach out and talk about our work.

Land Rover is helping us get the message about what we do and why it works out to so many more people around the world than we could usually hope for.”

Speaking ahead of the official world premiere at the New York International Auto Show, Land Rover Global Brand Director John Edwards said: “The All New Range Rover Sport is an extraordinary car and we have revealed it in an extraordinary way – live on the streets of its

biggest selling market. It turned heads and it stopped traffic in one of the world’s most dynamic cities in the world.

The new Range Rover Sport represents a step change in engineering and technology; it is almost half a tonne lighter resulting in significant CO2 savings and its faster, more agile and more dynamic than ever.”

The all-new Range Rover Sport will go on sale during the third quarter of 2013. Full information including the full film ‘The Delivery’ is available to view at www.newrangeroversport.com now.

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 71

| Motors

FREELANDER 2

4HE CALM BEFORE DURING AND AFTER THE STORM

With all the performance and reliability you’ve come to expect, the latest Freelander 2 with a remodeled interior. Features such as touch-screen audio and phone, a redesign items, make the Freelander a pleasure to travel in.

Call us today to book a test drive.

Barretts - Ashford

'UY 3ALMON n +NUTSFORD

2OCAR -OORE

01233 506 070 www.barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk

01565 632 525 WWW GUYSALMON KNUTSFORD LANDROVER co.uk

01484 516016 www.rocarmoo

Barretts - Canterbury

,ANCASTER n 2EADING

(UNTERS $E

01227 475 475 www.barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk

0118 404 0077 WWW LANCASTER READING LANDROVER CO UK

#HIPPERlELD n (ERTFORDSHIRE

#OLLIERS n %RDINGTON 7EST -IDLANDS (UNTERS n .O

01923 263 030 WWW CHIPPERlELD LANDROVER CO UK

08430 225 688 www.colliers.landrover.co.uk

08451 276 506 www.hunters.d

08451 236 726 www.hunters.n

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| Motors

2 sets new standards for driver and passenger comfort, ned centre console, and improved stowage for small

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01937 531 531 WWW ARMSTRONGMASSEY LANDROVER CO UK

01673 842 101 www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk

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derby.landrover.co.uk

0844 324 1720 WWW HARTWELL OXFORD LANDROVER CO UK

01422 363 340 www.copley.landrover.co.uk

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01205 722 110 www.duckworth.boston.landrover.co.uk

08433 833530 www.kentdale.landrover.co.uk

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April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 73

| Motors

HRH The Prince of Wales reinforces his support for Britain’s countryside and the next generation of farmers The Prince of Wales visited a Land Rover driver-training programme, where applications for a new Bursary scheme that aims to support British countryside communities, were officially opened. uring the visit The Prince of Wales again highlighted the urgent need to help Britain’s rural economy, and called for more support for countryside communities.

Visiting Kitridding Farm, near Kirby Lonsdale, to meet a variety of beneficiaries and experience training first hand, His Royal Highness announced details of the new Land Rover Bursary in partnership with The Countryside Fund. The scheme will offer a bursary to five individuals or groups who can demonstrate that the use of a Freelander 2 for a year would enable them to support their rural community.

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“Land Rover announced in January a three-year partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund.”

During the visit, The Prince spoke to a number of young people currently benefiting from his charity about their ambitions and the challenges they faced. Matthew Alexio, a hill farming apprentice from Cumbria, said: “When you’re brought up surrounded by landscape like this, you never want to leave it. Hill farming gives the satisfaction of rearing livestock and the peace of mind that the landscape is being preserved. If we weren’t supported by apprentice schemes like this, there would be no one our age entering hill farming. We are the future of farming and have a responsibility to manage the countryside.”

The Prince showed off his own skills by taking part in a training session where he drove a vehicle on a miniTerrapod, an off-roading mobile unit that uses

74 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

a combination of steep slopes, low friction surfaces and other obstacles to emphasise the grip and traction abilities of the vehicle.

In his speech HRH the Prince of Wales said: "I really want to use this opportunity today to express my warmest possible gratitude to Land Rover for their really remarkable generosity in ensuring we now have this splendid scheme.

"Land Rover, as a fully-fledged supporter of the Prince's Countryside Fund, is creating a bursary of its own with the gift of five Freelander 2s for a year which can be won by five individuals who can demonstrate that they will be using the cars for the rural community.

"It is this sort of willingness to be involved that makes a fantastic difference in ensuring we can maintain the priceless national asset that is our British countryside."

The Countryside Fund beneficiaries learnt a variety of skills from winching to how to drive safely off-road. Laura Schwab, Marketing Director of Land Rover UK, said: “Having reliable and dependable transport to work in the countryside is essential and we hope these bursaries will benefit entrepreneurial farmers.

Driving skills such as towing and winching are crucial when it comes to being able to use a vehicle such as a Land Rover Freelander 2 to its full potential. At Land Rover Experience we aim to be able to teach these specialist skills to anyone needing them, either for day to day travelling around the countryside or more specific working needs.”

Victoria Harris, Director of The Prince’s

Countryside Fund said: “We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for our Land Rover vehicle bursary and are excited about the variety of people and businesses that we are expecting to apply. 4x4 vehicles are crucial in helping rural businesses get around the countryside for their daily business needs and providing this opportunity to our rural communities is a fantastic thing to be able to do.”

Land Rover announced in January a threeyear partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund. The partnership involves the support of rural communities by offering Freelander 2 vehicles to five groups or individuals who demonstrate how the use of the vehicle will benefit their community. They could be a young entrepreneur starting a rural enterprise, an apprentice hill farmer or an organisation offering free transport to rurally isolated people or access to training opportunities for young people dedicated to building a sustainable future for rural communities.

More detail on application criteria can be found at www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Holdcroft Subaru Leek Road, Hanley Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Tel: 0800 881 5546 holdcroftsubaru.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Peartree Cross, Ashburton, Newton Abbott, Devon TQ13 7RB Tel: 01364 652302 www.devon-subaru.co.uk

Newcastle Subaru 53 Queen Alexandra Road West, North Sheilds, Tyne & Wear NE29 9AA Tel: 0191 257 3309 www.newcastlesubaru.co.uk

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 75

| Motors

Isuzu D-Max scoops Pick-Up Of The Year award The widely-acclaimed Isuzu D-Max has collected yet another accolade – the prestigious 2013 VansA2Z Pick-Up of the Year Award, announced in London last month. aunched last June, the D-Max has quickly established itself as a worthy successor to the highly popular Rodeo and has become a big sales hit, elevating the Japanese brand to second place in the UK pick-up sales rankings*.

Neil McIntee, editor of VansA2Z.com, said of the D-Max: “There’s a seemingly endless supply of torque from the 2.5 litre commonrail diesel engine, a full choice of body styles and

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2013-Pick-Up William Brown, Isuzu UK General Manager, commented: “This is a terrific accomplishment for Isuzu in a very competitive market, and demonstrates just how well the D-Max balances its tough and rugged capabilities with exceptional every day refinement. We’ve worked hard in the UK to ensure the vehicle’s strong attributes are matched by its pioneering warranty, impressive standard specifications,

Isuzu D-Max, Eiger, Yukon and Utah. Prices start at £14,499 (CVOTR) for the entry-level Isuzu D-Max 4x2 single cab and rise to £21,999 (CVOTR) for the top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max Utah 4x4 double cab automatic.

The Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a completely reengineered, 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and is available with a six-speed manual or fivespeed automatic transmission. The pick-up is also covered by an industry leading five-year /

Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Carstins West Midlands 01676 533145 unityautomotive.co.uk

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Boston 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

trim levels; it’s an accomplished mud-plugger, it can match load capabilities with the best, and its external dimensions make it feel nimble to drive. The icing on the cake is the generous five year/125,000-mile warranty.”

The judges’ full citation is at: http://vansa2z.com/Vans-of-the-Year-Awards-

76 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

low contract hire rates and high residual values. It’s very gratifying to see those efforts recognised with this award.”

The Isuzu D-Max range includes single, extended (with rear-hinged side access panels) and double cab body configurations. Double cab models are available in four specifications:

125,000-mile warranty.

Isuzu UK continues to present customers with additional great value offers, and recently introduced ‘Work’ and ‘Work Plus’ accessory packs, each saving buyers hundreds of pounds on the cost of the individual constituent parts.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Holdcroft Isuzu Staffordshire 0800 881 5546 holdcroftisuzu.com

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

York Van Centre North Yorkshire 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

R. Hunt Isuzu Hampshire 01264 860532 www.rhunt.co.uk

Sheaf Motors Derbyshire 01246 296969 www.sheafmotors.co.uk

Culverwell Cars East Sussex 01580 880567 www.culverwells.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

April 2013 | Farming Monthly | 77

| Motors

Winchester Group takes on Isuzu franchise The Winchester Group comprising of Winchester Motor Company, Garland Motors Ltd of Aldershot and Aldershot Used Car Centre is proud to announce the addition of the Isuzu Pick-Up franchise to their portfolio. inchester Motor Company was founded in 1965 by ex-Fleet Air arm fighter pilot Robert Mills-Goodlet and his wife Pamela. The company held the Volkswagen franchise until July 2003 when their son Mark took the decision to take on the Skoda franchise and remain as just an Authorised Repairer for Volkswagen.

In 2008 Winchester Motor Company took on the Skoda franchise in Aldershot by purchasing Garland Motors; again a family run Skoda retailer with thirty years history of serving their customers in Aldershot.

Last year, Garland Motors took the decision to relocate to a new purpose built Skoda showroom on Ash Road, Aldershot and use the original site to dispose of the part exchanges generated by the two franchise sites, but having an under utilised seven car showroom it was evident that there was the opportunity of taking on another franchise.

‘I looked at a few options’ said Managing Director Mark MillsGoodlet, ‘but the obvious choice was the Isuzu Pick –Up franchise.

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Last year Isuzu introduced the new D-Max Pick-Up range giving class leading fuel consumption, emissions and towing ability and sales are up nearly 100% on last year, a very exciting time to be joining the brand’.

‘Garland Motors is able to display the range of Isuzu PickUp’s in the comfort and warmth of their seven car showroom, which means our customer do not have to huddle under an umbrella when

78 | Farming Monthly | April 2013

viewing the vehicles’ said Sales Manager Anthony Hawkins. ‘We also have a dedicated Fleet Sales Executive, Colin Mallett who can cater a finance plan to please nearly every customer’.

‘We have had a great start’ said Mark Mills-Goodlet, ‘We have already sold our first Isuzu Pick-Up before we go live with the franchise on March 22nd ‘.

For any Isuzu sales, fleet sales, parts and accessories or service

enquiries please contact Garland Motors Isuzu on 01252 763444.

We are located at 20, Waterloo Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU12 4NU.

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