April 2020 Farming Monthly National

INSIDE: Cereals 2020 goes online due to Covid-19 pandemic page 24

Farming

MONTHLY National

April 2020

Also in this issue...

Security

| Farmers warned of surge in tractor GPS thefts page 13

Could weeds be the answer to reversing insect declines?

Also inside this month..

The thought of weeds thriving in a farm’s arable crops is usually cause for concern, but it might be one way to help invertebrates to recover page 14

Pea drilling begins p20

Boosting on-farm biogas plants p32

Social distancing at Clinton Dairy p51

PLUS: Arable | Silage| Grain | Livestock | Forestry | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS April 2020

FEATURES 18

27

12 Security Coomunity & police keeping up the pressure on rural crime

16 Arable

32

41 Muck & Slurry

44

52 Potatoes

GEA spreading the cost of slurry

44 Livestock

Biox-M: effective natural sprout control

62 Forestry

Reducing lameness in cattle

Farmers embrace tree planting scheme

Sulphur: Why is it so important?

26 Grain Continuous mixed flow grain dryers from Perry of Oakley

REGULARS

35 Buildings Welfare and environment: Help in an uncertain market

38 Pig & Poultry It’s all a matter of husbandry

40 Grass & Silage Coveris expands stretch film capability

04 | Farming Monthly | April 2020

06 News Can AI help farmers with weather

14 On Topic Reversing insect decline

31 Energy LPG in farming

56 Machinery Latest machinery news

64 ATV ATV news...covered.

66 Motors Latest motors news

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64

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com

Could weeds be the answer to reversing insect decline?

p14

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ISSN 2044-0190 (print) ISSN 2044-0200 (digital)

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Can AI help farmers mitigate the impact of weather?

New global land use mapping, jet stream led forecasting and novel ag insurance to off-set price volatility to be discussed at Agri-TechE event ‘De-risking Agriculture Through Weather-Tech’. ow can you manage the risk created by weather? AI and data modelling are offering new ways to mitigate the impact: bespoke weather forecasting to optimise crop scheduling; a novel way to predict extreme events, and an insurance policy to protect against price volatility are to be discussed at an Agri-TechE event ‘Keeping a Sunny Outlook – De-risking Agriculture Through Weather-Tech’ on 29th April near Norwich.

The recent heavy rain was predicted back in December in a long range forecast by Weather Logistics, as CEO Chris Nankervis explains: “Large irregularities in the usual patterns of rainfall across the British Isles are largely a result of our Atlantic jet stream airflow, a high-altitude ribbon of fast-moving air that steers our weather systems. In recent years, this has resulted in a marked increase in the volatility of farming incomes.”

The decade of 2010-2019 was the hottest since records began according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), which also revealed that each of the last five years have been the warmest on record. Chris continues: “There are now concerns that stagnation of the jet stream is leading to changes in the Arctic and more extreme weather events. The impact of this would be more frequent and intense extreme weather conditions such

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as prolonged heatwaves, droughts and more widespread and severe flooding events.

“Unlike temperature, rainfall is irregular in both space and time.

However, using many computer models with input from several weather providers, we are confident that we now have the best tools in place to reliably inform growers about the likelihood of a soaker.”

Weather Logistics can detect disruptions in the jet stream throughout the year and uses this, and other data, to create bespoke weather forecasts. Farmers can use this information to improve decision-making such as delaying or bringing forward drilling or other farming operations to avoid adverse seasonal weather conditions.

Chris estimates that optimising crop scheduling for those in the horticultural industry could increase profit margins by up to 20% and ensure that delivery programmes are met with food retailers. He says: “Integrating long-term weather forecast data into decision-making platforms offers more efficient land use and the opportunity to optimise fresh produce supply, reduce pesticide use and improve smart water use.”

Joe Brooker, Senior Analyst at Stable Group Ltd, argues that, while weather predictions are useful, the risks farmers have to deal with are interconnected - and price and yield are the largest.

“Price and yield risk are linked.

06 | Farming Monthly | April 2020

Weather impacts production, which can impact yield, yield can impact price but this depends on scale, timing and other factors.

These factors can also occur independently. Weather can be volatile, but it is not as volatile as price.”

Stable Group Ltd has developed an insurance model that uses independent commodity indexes to protect against price volatility. Farmers are able to fix the price and the insurance will pay out if the price drops. The platform runs 62 trillion simulations per week to forecast prices and spot future pricing signals, balancing its risk portfolio across crop, geography, time and place.

The use of AI to manage complexity and mitigate climate change is being taken to the next level by Cervest. Chief Business Officer Mark Hodgson says the company is developing the ability to predict extreme events anywhere on the planet, so governments, businesses and communities can better manage their current and future exposure to climate risk.

“After three years of VC-backed machine-learning research and development, global data acquisition and modelling, and market testing, Cervest is bringing to market an independent climate data platform that enables users to 'score' risk exposure and make objective, informed decisions on the assets they manage – be they natural assets such as crops and land, or build infrastructure assets, such as buildings, roads, utilities.

“In 2020 we will be offering location-level risk by gathering discreet signals from a wide array of data sources that can be transformed into meaningful ratings and metrics that the food, agriculture, insurance and financial sector can use to help manage their exposure from extreme

precipitation and heat events, as well as other natural hazards such as flooding. We will be starting with UK and Europe before extending into the US.” Mark continues: “our unique Earth Science AI offers anyone a personalised prediction of climatic and extreme weather events in real-time on any area of land.

Anyone who owns or has an interest in a particular land-based asset – be they an individual, grower, business or government agency – will soon be able to access these personalised, dynamic predictions to make more informed decisions on how to respond.

“The platform also enables stronger collective decisionmaking and more resilient value chains. Climatic and extreme weather events do not discriminate. We need to make sure that everyone in a connected economy is as secure as possible from an increasingly volatile climate.”

Dr Belinda Clarke, director of Agri-TechE, event organisers, comments: “The falling cost of computing power and the convergence of technologies such as imaging, remote sensing and monitoring, AI and data modelling are enabling a big picture view that until now has been too complex to capture and comprehend. Weather is a great example of where a systems approach to decision making would offer immediate benefits – I am looking forward to hearing the discussion.”

The Agri-TechE Pollinator event ‘Keeping a Sunny Outlook – Derisking Agriculture Through Weather-Tech’ is taking place on Wednesday 29th April, 4pm, at Hethel Innovation, Norwich NR14 8FB. For more information visit agritech-e.co.uk/upcoming-events

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| News

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April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Farmer successful in significant inheritance dispute case A judgment has today been handed down in a long-running and significant inheritance dispute case between farmers Andrew Guest and his parents. he Court of Appeal has comprehensively dismissed an appeal brought by Andrew’s parents, David and Josephine Guest, following a High Court trial – the latest proprietary estoppel case within the farming industry.

The claim was brought by Andrew Guest because his parents went back on promises they had made to Andrew that he would inherit a substantial share of the family farm, which he had worked on for 32 years, for less than minimum wage, since the age of 16.

When the relationship between Andrew and his parents broke down in 2015, he was asked to find another job, move his family out of the farm’s cottage and was disinherited completely.

The High Court found that it would be unconscionable to allow Andrew’s parents to go back on their promises to Andrew and the Court of Appeal has today upheld that decision.

Agriculture specialists at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP represented Andrew Guest at both the High Court trial and the appeal.

Polly Ridgway, who acted for Andrew, said: “Andrew’s parents put in place a series of measures which were designed to leave Andrew, in his fifties, with no home, no job, no savings, and no pension, despite a lifetime’s worth of work. Thankfully, the Court was prepared to use its powers to prevent this clear injustice and, as a result, Andrew will now, in effect, receive his inheritance during his parents’ lifetimes.

“We are delighted to have helped Andrew achieve this result.”

The Guest family has farmed Tump Farm near Chepstow since 1938 and for three generations.

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As is common in farming families, Andrew left school at 16 and worked full-time on the farm. He often worked 60 – 80 hours a week, typically starting at 5.30am each day to milk the cows and not finishing until late into the evening.

Throughout Andrew’s time on the farm he was paid a low wage, which for many years was less than the minimum wage stipulated by the Agricultural Wages Board. Andrew, and later his wife and children, lived in a converted cottage on Tump Farm.

Andrew’s parents repeatedly led Andrew to believe that he would inherit a significant part of Tump Farm.

In 2012, the Guest family created two separate farming partnerships: one between Andrew and his parents at Tump Farm and the other between Andrew’s younger brother Ross and the parents at a rented, neighbouring farm.

Regrettably, the partnership between Andrew and his parents was short-lived and the relationship between Andrew and his father broke down. Indeed, it came to light during the latter stages of the case that the parents and Ross took to secretly recording conversations involving Andrew.

In April 2015, 32 years after Andrew left school and started working full-time on the farm, the parents’ solicitor wrote to Andrew dissolving the partnership, forcing Andrew to seek work elsewhere. They also gave Andrew, his wife and their children three months to leave their family cottage on Tump Farm. David Guest later made a further Will disinheriting Andrew completely.

Andrew brought a claim in the High Court against his parents.

Following a trial, His Honour Judge Russen

QC accepted Andrew’s evidence that his parents had repeatedly led Andrew to believe that he would inherit a significant part of the farm. The Judge further held that it was unconscionable for the parents to go back on those promises.

As a result, the Judge ordered Andrew’s parents to pay Andrew a sum of money which is calculated by reference to: 50% of the post-tax market value of the farming business carried on at Tump Farm; and 40% of the post-tax market value of Tump Farm.

This order, in effect, awarded Andrew a sum equivalent to what his parents had promised him he would inherit.

The Judge recognised that this would almost certainly mean that the farm would have to be sold in order to satisfy the Judgment.

The parents were then granted permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal solely on the question of remedy, i.e. what sum of money or other remedy the parents should pay to Andrew as a result of their unconscionable conduct.

The Court of Appeal roundly rejected Andrew’s parents’ arguments and upheld the High Court’s award.

Daniel Gill, who also acted for Andrew, continued: “Aside from being a significant decision in this area of law, the case also highlights the need for those involved in or contemplating bringing inheritance disputes to get expert legal advice as soon as possible so as to avoid the situation Andrew’s parents now find themselves in, i.e. having to sell the family farm in order to correct their own, unconscionable decisions.”

Witham Group keep the wheels of the Nation turning during COVID-19 crisis UK lubricant manufacturer, the Witham Group, has announced that it will continue to produce and distribute its products during the COVID-19 crisis. s a primary industry manufacturer, Witham Group is committed to fulfil its role within the supply chain to ensure that vital services throughout the UK continue, such as: • Our agricultural customers and farmers get their land work done ready for the harvest later in the year.

• Hauliers and transport companies keep delivering goods and services • Couriers and food delivery vans get serviced in their 24/7 operations • The maintenance and servicing of emergency vehicles is available • Crucial manufacturing businesses remain open and all processes and systems working Witham MD, Nigel Bottom said: “We would

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like to reassure customers that as a primary industry manufacturer, we’re operating as usual and supplying lubricants to all those who need them. As our supply of key raw materials is primarily based in the UK, we are continuing to manufacture and distribute our products, while adhering to Government social distancing guidelines.”

The Witham Group produce engine and machinery lubricants that are integral to the supply of Agriculture, food production, medical, emergency and infrastructure services.

Witham have implemented strict measures around social distance and personal hygiene at its lubricant manufacturing factory in Lincolnshire, and depots in Soham and Lowestoft, where day-to-day operations continue.

MD Nigel Bottom added: “In these challenging times, now and into the future we are committed to customer service and product supply and we are all available as normal, on email and telephone during our usual business hours”.

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| News

£1 million to support transition to future farming system

New projects funded to provide farmers with tailored on-farm advice to help them prepare for transition away from Common Agricultural Policy

ew projects to help farmers and land managers prepare for life outside the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy have been given the green light, Farming Minister Victoria Prentis announced today.

Nine organisations have been awarded a share of the government’s £1 million Future Farming Resilience Funding, which will support farmers as they prepare for the transition to a new farming system.

The seven-year Agricultural Transition period will start in 2021 and see the current subsidy system of Direct Payments – which pay for the amount of land farmed – phased out from 2021 and replaced with a new system that rewards farmers and land managers for the ‘public goods’ they provide, such as better air and water quality, improved access to the countryside and measures to reduce flooding.

After years of being in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, the resilience fund provides grants for a variety of different projects which aim to help farmers fully understand the changes ahead and identify how to adapt their business models – including one-to-one advice

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on farms or group information workshops.

Beyond this, the government will help increase productivity and support diversification through a transformative package of productivity grants, launching in 2021. Ahead of the future Environment Land Management (ELM) scheme being fully rolled out, farmers and land managers are also being encouraged to apply for Countryside Stewardship (CS) as an additional income stream so they can start delivering environmental benefits on their land now.

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said: We are transforming British farming to boost productivity, enhance our environment for future generations and support a strong food production sector.

Whilst we’re not switching off direct payments overnight, we recognise this is a time of huge change for the industry, and we want to help our land managers grasp the exciting opportunities our domestic agricultural policy will provide.

This funding is just one way we will support our hard-working farmers as they prepare for the transition towards a new farming system that works for the whole of the country.

The funding delivered today will go towards projects that provide support for farmers, including through information sessions, workshops, one to one advice on-farm and business reviews. This initial phase will be thoroughly evaluated to inform future decisions about expanding the Future Farming Resilience Funding in the future, so that more farmers have access to advice and guidance around future change.

This funding will go to rural-facing organisations across a range of sectors and regions in England and is set to benefit approximately 1,700 farmers this year.

The grants have been awarded following a competitive process from September to November 2019. The projects will be carried out by Bishop Grosseteste University, Brown & Co, Devon County Council, Ricardo-AEA, RSKADAS, Soil Association and SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College).

Farmers and land managers should follow these organisations on social media and sign up to mailing lists to hear about local information events and available support.

Heating oil distributors working hard to deliver essential heating oil & red diesel to rural communities across the UK during Coronavirus The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), the trade association for the liquid fuel distribution industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland says all its distributor members have been working hard for the past week in difficult conditions and are urging members of the public not to panic buy. ith heating oil order levels at double the seasonal norm, as many consumers are now either working from home or self-isolating, the heating oil distributors have been working extra hours to deliver heating oil to over 1.5m homes on oil across the UK who are dependent on oil to heat their home and for hot water.

Added to this, the same fuel distributors are also delivering red diesel to the farming community who have now started to work on Spring crops with the dry spell we are experiencing after the very bad storms of earlier in the year. Many construction sites are also still in operation and also require fuel deliveries adding to fuel delivery pressures.

Several of those, many of them small family firms, who are also experiencing staff shortages due to Coronavirus have been going above and beyond to get fuel out to their customers, so people have essential fuel.

Chief Executive of UKIFDA Guy Pulham comments: "We would like to reassure consumers of liquid fuel that as suppliers of essential heating oil and transport fuels, our UKIFDA Full Members are included in the key worker definition.

"COVID 19 has reduced productivity at some

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member depots with some tanker drivers and call centre staff self-isolating. Members are investing in additional IT to enable admin and call centre staff to work from home. Some Member drivers are also being based at refinery premises to aid deliveries straight from refineries but due to the unprecedented demand tanker drivers are experiencing queuing and long waits at refineries when collecting fuel and this has also added to overheads for many members.

"Their core staff continue to work very hard in the face of unprecedented demand - there really is no need for panic buying - and so it would be in the interests of your local community if consumers were encouraged to follow this advice.

• Be patient. We would advise heating oil consumers to obtain quotes from their local UKIFDA member distributors to get a true reflection of the marketplace for their specific requirements. You then know which distributor you're speaking to, have a quote for your own circumstances and can arrange a delivery time to suit.

• Tell them when you will run out so that they can prioritise and don't leave it until the last minute. Be honest.

• Explain your circumstances - perhaps you

are self-isolating or in one of the vulnerable groups classified by the Government or aged 70+.

• Don't order if you don't need fuel at the moment. This will help spread demand over a wider time period and better fit to resources available given that any driver who shows signs of the virus must self-isolate and thus adds to pressures on the distributors.

• Please also remember to check the level of oil in your tank on a regular basis as you may be using more heating oil when you are at home more than usual or when the temperature drops and don't leave ordering oil until the last minute when demand will be higher.

"Many of our members operate the Cold Weather Priority Scheme for those over 75 and some Members are temporarily extending this scheme to offer priority delivery to those in the age bracket 70+ and where possible those who have to self-isolate due to COVID 19.

Please check with your UKIFDA member what support they are providing for you.

Consumers can find details of all the local UKIFDA distributor members who supply their postcode and then compare prices by visiting https://ukifda.org/find-a-distributor/

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

Radical TGA mobility scooter delivers unique helping hand on Essex family farm Based in Belchamp Walter, the Hogsbjerg family have employed an unusual piece of machinery to assist with maintenance on Clarks Farm – a black and chrome, cultclassic mobility scooter known as a TGA Supersport. he Hogsbjergs purchased Clark’s Farm in 1948 and currently manage 1,500 hectares, trading as Griffin Farming. Their arable land cultivates crops such as Sugar beet, Rye and Barley and is combined with sheep grazing during the winter. Over 200 breeding ewes occupy the land and are managed by Castle Grazers. This busy and productive farm employs three full-time hands and is supported by a range of machinery including Fendt 820 tractors. However, the farm utilises a more unique piece of equipment that is currently uncommon in this sector – an electric mobility scooter. The TGA Supersport provides unique advantages as it is highly cost effective, eco-friendly and extremely versatile for transporting materials. In terms of purchase price, it is far lower than all RTVs and other compact land management vehicles.

The rugged 8mph TGA Supersport is popular for those seeking independence offroad and who do not wish to drive a traditionallooking mobility scooter. Popular with retired bikers, its design resembles more of a ‘Harley Davidson’ style motorbike than a traditional mobility vehicle. It's robust three-wheel design has the capabilities to tackle challenging terrain in the countryside whilst delivering remarkable

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manoeuvrability – hence a leading choice for people living in isolated areas. Its tight turn circle, 30-mile range and powerful performance are ideal for general tasks around the farmyard and fields with the added advantage of no engine noise or fumes. This means it can operate in barns and enclosed spaces without affecting livestock.

The adaptability of the Supersport is ideal for Clarks Farm as Alice Howard, family member, explains: "Our Supersport is a real asset. It is ideal for so many minor daily tasks from transporting sheep feed to kindling. We can zip around the yard and surrounding lands quietly and at no cost, its compact design means we

can reach areas that wouldn't normally be accessible. Being electric is a massive advantage especially with the rising cost of fuel and through its sturdy design, we have never had any reliability issues. Our Collies tend to join us on board after a hard day!”

Alice concludes: “In terms of traditional land management and farming equipment we know the brands that won't let us down. I'd put the Supersport up with these names for dependable performance, plus it is so much cheaper than all RTVs. It’s a fantastic piece of kit and fun to drive – I’d seriously recommend the TGA Supersport to other farm managers."

Covid-19 update: Eco Charger quad bike manufacturing is continuing during the lock-down, and we are taking orders for both the 2WD and 4WD Lithium models, as well as the existing Dominator and Eliminator II models.

Powering into the future – Eco Charger Quad’s new ‘LITHIUM’ range Eco Charger Quads, the UK’s leading designers/manufacturers of Electric All Terrain Vehicles (EATV’s) are excited to be launching their two new ‘Lithium Powered’ quad bikes at the Low Emission Vehicle Expo 2020 held on March 3rd & 4th at the East of England Arena. he new models are the Lithium PURE, a 72volt, 2WD bike – the first of a planned ‘work specific’ range and the Lithium POWER, an extremely robust 4WD workhorse.

Although based on Eco Charger’s successful Dominator and Eliminator 2 bikes, the new models represent far more than a change to power supply and a re-badging exercise!

The Eco Charger team have spent an intensive 12 months thoroughly exploring the potential for Lithium power supply whilst applying their unique blend of ‘engineering & design alchemy’ to create two very purposeful vehicles incorporating a host of new features within strikingly attractive bodywork. The result

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across the Lithium Range has been to achieve weight reduction, extended range, increased torque, improved towing capacity, higher top speeds, long battery longevity with faster charging plus most importantly improved offroad capability.

Eco Charger’s Founder/Director Fred Chugg comments, ‘Lithium power sources have most definitely come of age and represent a natural progression for Eco Charger and although there is a small additional cost consideration for customers, there are very definite advantages that come through the resulting improvements to power/weight ratio such as extended range and increased towing capacity.

The Lithium powered vehicles have been

carefully engineered to maximise these and other benefits. Furthermore to underpin our noted ‘green credentials’ the Lithium battery packs themselves are supplied by Aceleron Energy, an award winning ‘clean technology’ company whose products have a unique reputation for sustainability and recyclability and who have worked closely with us to ensure the perfect power solution.’

Discover more: https://ecochargerquads.com https://www.aceleronenergy.com

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| News

Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual pledges farming and rural community support as part of £32m Coronavirus Support Package NFU Mutual has pledged its support for farmers and rural communities as part of a £32m Coronavirus support package. he package includes donating millions to local and national charities, as well as rural and mental health causes, to help support the countryside through the pandemic.

At a local level NFU Mutual has set up a £1m Emergency Coronavirus Fund to be released through its Agency network to help local charities and communities across the UK, from the Highlands and Islands to rural towns and remote villages.

There will also be an added £750,000 donation to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, enabling donations of up to £1m to support national organisations - reaching the isolated and vulnerable experiencing stress and worry, as well as families facing financial challenges due to coronavirus.

NFU Mutual is also making a £50,000 donation to affiliated charity, the Farm Safety Foundation, to support and extend its mental health work during this period of isolation.

The insurer is developing a range of insurance cover changes to protect its policy holders. These will include increased cover in key farming sectors, alongside continued availability of its existing uncollected milk insurance at a time when many insurers are ending cover, and free extended public liability cover for farmers selling their own produce directly to the public.

Despite the financial impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on business, NFU Mutual

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will continue to give back to its loyal customers through the Mutual Bonus, resulting in a total discount in premiums of £250 million from July 2020 to June 2021. This means the entire sum of NFU Mutual support is worth £282 million.

To help the majority of farmers who are selfemployed, NFU Mutual has announced it will include insurance for COVID-19 in Personal Accident and Group Personal Accident policies.

The cover will be available for new and existing customers. This will help keep income flowing in if the farmer and farm workers are unable to work due to contracting Coronavirus. It is expected to provide £12m worth of pay-outs for members affected by the illness in 2020.

The insurer has also brought in new procedures to enable claims to be processed and paid quickly and easily, and without the need for unnecessary contact. The insurer will continue to provide an automatic 15% increase in property sums insured, to ensure customers are protected if an Agent or valuations firm cannot access property that may have increased in value during the outbreak.

The increase to cover is worth an estimated £24 million.

The insurer is also providing £5 million to support its 300 strong local office network in towns and villages across the UK, which provide local NFU Mutual and NFU services.

In addition to the package, NFU Mutual will also continue to provide funding for the UK’s main farming unions as they work with government to keep agriculture running, as well

as providing adviser support at a local level.

This year NFU Mutual will donate £7.5m to farming unions to carry out their vital role (up from £7.2m in 2019).

Farmer and Chairman of NFU Mutual, Jim McLaren, said: “For over a hundred years we have stood by the side of farmers and we are determined to do everything we can to support our customers and the countryside through these difficult times.

"Our wide-ranging £32m support package includes financial support for rural charities, together with additional insurance cover to help our members. Our 300 Agent offices, based in the heart of our rural communities, will also be distributing funds to local causes.

“British farmers and growers are playing a vital role in the national effort, despite facing enormous challenges themselves. Adding protection for farmers will support the agricultural industry when the nation needs it most.

“Despite the challenges we are also facing, we will continue to offer a high level of Mutual Bonus this year, saving our loyal customers £250m in the form of premium discounts, because we recognise this is a difficult period for all.

“Streamlining our claims process is also making it easier for our members to get the payments they need, quickly and safely at this critical time.”

Emergency measures to support farmers during Covid-19 unveiled A series of emergency measures to support Welsh farmers during the Covid-19 outbreak, recognising the crucial role they play in feeding the nation, have been announced by Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths. n recognition of the challenges facing the sector as a result of Covid-19 and during what is normally a busy time of year anyway, the Minister has confirmed farmers will have an extra month to submit their Single Application Form (SAF), with the deadline now extended to 15 June.

In response to concerns about Crop Diversification requirements following the recent flooding and the added pressure and uncertainties Covid-19 brings, the Welsh Government has also confirmed it is removing the requirements completely for BPS 2020.

An additional £5.5m has been allocated to the BPS and Glastir 2019 support scheme which will re-open from today to support those farmers who are yet to receive their 2019 BPS and/or Glastir payments. Farmers will be able to apply for support through the scheme to

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alleviate potential cash flow problems.

The Minister has today also written to farming unions to thank them and their members for their work ensuring the continuation of the food supply chain.

Earlier this week, a new FarmWell Wales resource was launched with useful information and advice to help keep farm businesses and farmers resilient and plan positively for the future.

The Minister said: "We are facing a global pandemic the like of which we have not seen in peacetime. This is a worrying time for all families across Wales, especially in our rural and farming communities.

"Our farmers play a crucial role in feeding the nation and even more so during this global pandemic and it is vital they have our support.

That is why I am today announcing a range of measures to support our farmers and help them continue to fulfil this role

"By extending the SAF deadline to 15 June, we are giving farmers the time and space to focus on what's important now and still have time to claim. We have also listened to feedback from the farming unions and we are removing Crop Diversification requirements completely for BPS 2020.

"Finally, we have re-opened the BPS and Glastir 2019 support scheme so farmers who are still waiting for 2019 payments will be able to alleviate increasing cash-flow pressures by applying for the support scheme.

"I would like to sincerely thank farmers and everyone else in the supply chain for the heroic job you are doing ensuring food gets on Welsh plates. The situation we face is unprecedented but we will do all we can to continue supporting our valued rural communities across Wales.

The measures I have announced today will help our farmers keep doing the great work they do and help the sector during this difficult time."

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Security

Police praise countryside community spirit, pledge to keep up the pressure on rural criminals Police have praised rural North Yorkshire residents for their vigilance and community spirit, after two suspected stolen quad bikes were recovered within hours of their thefts. fficers in the county have pledged to continue targeting quad bike thieves – whose criminality is more damaging than ever at this time of year.

In the space of two days in the Yorkshire Dales last week, three people were arrested in connection with stealing quads, in two separate incidents.

At 8.30pm on Thursday 26 March 2020, witnesses called police with a report that a quad bike and a car had been driven at speed through Burnsall, heading towards Bolton Abbey, near Skipton. The bike, a red Honda, was followed by a silver Ford Fiesta. Vigilant local residents had used a WhatsApp group to share the suspicious circumstances with each other, and as a result contacted North Yorkshire Police with the information. A short time later, police officers on the A65 stopped a Ford Fiesta and asked the two occupants about their journey – considering the current Government instruction to avoid non-essential travel. Given the circumstances, the two people in the Fiesta, a 21-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, were both arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary. The man was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving, and possession of cannabis. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue. [Incident ref: 12200050836]

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The following day, at about 3pm on Friday 27 March 2020, a witness reported that he had seen a suspected stolen quad bike being ridden through Burnsall. The quad bike subsequently crashed into a hedge near Addingham, and the rider was detained by members of the public until police officers arrived. A man was subsequently charged with theft of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance, and has already appeared in court. [Incident ref: 12200051223] And in a third incident, on Sunday 29 March 2020, between 9.30pm and midnight, a red Suzuki King quad bike was stolen from Langthorne, near Bedale. Although no one has been arrested in connection with this incident, an appeal for information on social media has already prompted a good response from members of the public. Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12200051898.

Inspector Matt Hagen, of North Yorkshire Police's Rural Taskforce, said: "With the vast majority of people doing their bit to help stop the spread of coronavirus, it's almost beyond belief that thieves would continue to prey on rural areas, targeting quad bikes and other high-value equipment.

"Fortunately, here in North Yorkshire, police

officers work really closely with our rural communities, and people are used to keeping an eye out for one another. That community spirit, and great relationship between the police and the public, has led to three arrests and two bikes recovered last week.

"With lambing season in full swing, many farmers rely on their quads for their work at this time of year. And with restrictions in place due to coronavirus, it's more important than ever that farmers can keep working to put food on our tables. So we'll continue to target thieves who come to North Yorkshire looking to steal quads, and I'd ask people to continue to contact us with information about suspicious activity.

"Local residents are the best people to recognise when something is unusual or out of place – and if that's the case, we'd like to hear about it. Even when you are at home, your eyes and ears can help us bring rural criminals to justice. In an emergency – for example, if a crime is in progress, or someone suspected of a crime is nearby – call 999. If you don't need an emergency response, please report anything suspicious to us using the 101 phone number. Every piece of information helps us build up a picture and could prove vital in bringing criminals to justice."

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| Security

Farmers warned of surge in tractor GPS thefts Agricultural vehicle Global Positioning Systems (GPS) under new attack from rural thieves after thefts of GPS kit worth over £130,000 from West Sussex farms. NFU Mutual offers security advice to protect hi-tech farm equipment... armers are being warned of a new rural crime wave after 24 tractor GPS kits were stolen from West Sussex farming businesses in a recent spate of rural crime.

The GPS kits, totalling over £130,000 were taken from farm businesses in a 10-15 mile radius from late February. Other farms in the South East have been targeted, with latest reports of thefts coming in from Oxfordshire.

Rebecca Davidson, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, said: “Theft of GPS equipment is now a serious problem for farmers.

“We first saw thieves targeting GPS equipment from arable farms in East Anglia and the crime has now spread to other parts of the country. Thieves appear to be targeting farms in one locality, and then moving their activity to another area to avoid detection.

“Used extensively by farmers to ensure that seed, fertiliser and sprays are delivered in precise amounts while also making harvesting more efficient, GPS kits typically cost over £10,000.

“Rural thieves tend to target high-value but portable items - and this appears to be what is driving this rural crime trend.

“In an attempt to stop thieves targeting GPS kit, manufacturers now provide PIN numbers to prevent the equipment being used by others.

“Most GPS kit in use on farms today is fitted to tractors as an easily-removable accessory.

To prevent thefts, farmers have been removing

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the kit when it’s not in use and storing it under lock and key.

“Some tractors now incorporate GPS kit in the cab dashboard. We had hoped that this development would deter thieves – but we are now getting claims reported where thieves have smashed dashboards to remove GPS equipment, causing damage costing thousands of pounds to repair as well as the loss of the GPS unit.

“This trend is deeply worrying for farmers who are investing in hi-tech equipment to make their farms more efficient and reduce pollution.”

West Sussex farmer and NFU county chairman Mark Chandler explained that the most serious impact of GPS thefts was the disruption to farming operations.

“It takes about a week to replace a GPS system and get it set up ready for work, and that can mean missing a weather window putting a crop growth cycle at risk,” he said.

“These thefts are part of an ongoing crimewave with farmers feeling they are under siege from criminals ranging from hare coursers and opportunist thefts of tools to high organised gangs stealing expensive equipment.

“Crime is now a constant worry because police response can be very slow – it took 25 minutes for police to get to our farm the last time we were targeted.”

Tractor GPS security advice • Remove GPS guidance receivers, aerials and antenna globes from tractors when not in

use and keep them in a secure locked place whenever possible • Consider fitting security tethers or brackets to stop units being removed • Mark your post code on GPS units either with a UV pen, engraving tool of forensic marking system such as Datatag • Store machinery in locked buildings whenever possible • Where locking machines away isn’t an option, consider fitting mains or batteryoperated alarms to cover around the perimeter of areas where machines are stored • CCTV and intruder alarms will deter most thieves, but make sure they are checked regularly to ensure they will work when you need them and they are placed where they won’t be triggered by animals or foliage moving in the wind • Record machinery serial numbers and photograph kit to help police identify stolen items and increase the chances of them being recovered • Let employees know the security arrangements that are expected of them while working on the farm • Join local farmwatch or social media security groups to keep in touch with rural crime trends in your area • Encourage farm staff to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 13

| On Topic

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| On Topic

Could weeds be the answer to reversing insect declines?

The thought of weeds thriving in a farm’s arable crops is usually cause for concern, but it might be one way to help invertebrates to recover according to a new study by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). hey found that as the number of arable weeds increased, so did the number and diversity of invertebrates. This means more food for farmland birds and may mean more food for pollinators and more natural control of crop pests (biological control).

Researchers were keen to unlock the best way to improve insect number, so they reviewed 18 years of research into winter wheat, the most widespread global crop, to investigate the link between weeds in crops and invertebrate numbers on farmland. With popular agrienvironment options focusing heavily on the edges of the farm, such as hedgerows, woodland and headlands, the results suggest that the answer might lie closer to the crops.

By focusing on winter wheat, the study recognises farmers’ primarily role – providing food to a growing global population with good crop yields - whilst balancing increasing pressure to support and preserve biodiversity on their land.

The study showed that all groups of invertebrates increased as arable weeds increased. The relationship was stronger for invertebrates that eat plants, compared to those that are predatory, but both groups increased with weed cover. Increased weed cover also caused an upturn in chick food availability.

Professor John Holland, head of farmland ecology at the GWCT and one of the paper’s authors says: “We recognise that a weed free field poses a lower risk whilst also being kinder

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on the eye, however, they may not be the most profitable.

“If a balance can be achieved between having lower herbicide costs and higher levels of invertebrates, with potentially better biological control and crop pollination then that’s a win-win situation.”

Average weed cover varied from as low as 2.7% ground cover to 29%, with annual meadow-grass and knotgrass the most common species, followed by chickweed, black grass and the field pansy. The most common invertebrates were spiders, beetles and flies, followed by bugs and parasitic wasps.

Annual meadow-grass, knotgrass and chickweed appear to be the most desirable solution, balancing the diversity of invertebrate species they support with their impact on crop production.

This knowledge may allow farmers the confidence to tolerate certain arable plants which do not threaten their farming operation, knowing that these help support invertebrates, and therefore other farmland wildlife such as birds.

The data analysis and preparation of this paper was funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

The paper The Potential of Arable Weeds to Reverse Invertebrate Declines and Associated Ecosystem Services in Cereal Crops was published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems and is publicly available via open access here.

Weed facts • Annual meadow-grass grows nationwide and up to an altitude of 1,200m and is the most common grass weed in winter- and summer-sown arable crops throughout most of the UK. Annual meadow-grass poses little threat to crop yield but can delay ripening and interfere with harvest. It is encouraged by minimum tillage compared to ploughing. Residual herbicides control it both in cereals and other crops.

• Knotgrass is common on arable and other disturbed or trampled land. Knotgrass tends to be a worse weed in open and spring-sown crops, e.g. spring beans, sugar beet, kale, linseed and potatoes, than in winter cereals, beans and even wheat crops.

Dormancy is broken by winter chilling so spring cultivation can increase plant numbers. Shallow burial promotes emergence compared with deep ploughing, but ploughing will increase the persistence of seedbanks.

• Chickweed can be found all over Britain, especially in crops, usually below an altitude of 200m. It can grow at relatively low temperatures and may suppress overwintered crops or, if dense, severely restrict crop growth. Control by preventing seed production and re-establishment after cultivation. Early shallow tillage encourages the seed germination; when the seedlings emerge, the land should be tilled again and then drilled with the crop.

All information is taken from The Encyclopaedia of Arable Weeds, produced

by AHDB.

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Arable

Sulphur: Why is it so important?

Sulphur is sometimes overlooked when it comes to crop nutrition, with some viewing it as less essential than the “main three” nutrients, NPK. his approach is a mistake; sulphur is a vital building block of plant proteins and is a critical component in the delivery of both yield and quality. When applying the correct rates at the best timings, sulphur reveals itself to be indispensable to crop nutrition, and should be integrated properly in every nutrient management programme.

“Sulphur behaves in a very similar way to nitrogen in the soil,” says Natalie Wood, Country Arable Agronomist at Yara. “You’ll see leaching of the sulphate form just as you would with nitrates, so it’s sensible to treat sulphur the same as you would nitrogen. You wouldn’t apply all your nitrogen in one go and expect it to fulfil the crop requirement through the growing period. Sulphur is no different.”

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When applying sulphur in just one large application, it’s likely that a significant amount will leach away through the soil profile and become unavailable to the crop. Applications should therefore be little and often – as with nitrogen – to ensure availability to the crop throughout the growing season.

Sulphur also has a very close relationship with nitrogen. Without a sufficient supply of sulphur, nitrogen cannot be taken up and utilised effectively by the crop. “Increasing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) on farm is becoming more and more important,” says Natalie Wood. “Using sulphur effectively is an easy way to do that. With sufficient nitrogen and sulphur at each application, the two nutrients will work together… a better result for the crop, the environment, and your wallet.”

Yield responses to sulphur can vary from

season to season. 0.2-1.9t/ha have been the responses seen in recent years, but the type of sulphur applied makes a difference. “If applying elemental sulphur, it can take a long time (up to 8 weeks) for this to convert into sulphate within the soil,” adds Natalie. “The plant requires sulphate, so might present an unacceptable delay. By applying a product which contains sulphur already in that sulphate form, you can immediately guarantee availability in the soil.

That product should also contain nitrate (as ammonium nitrate) because both nutrients are necessary for optimal results.”

“Don’t get caught out – sulphur should be a cornerstone of your crop nutrition plan to ensure the highest yields and quality possible.”

For more information please visit www.yara.co.uk/crop-nutrition/fertiliser

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| Feature

Contact your nearest dealer: Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk

Michael Tait

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April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Arable

Fixation balansa clover in a trial plot in Yorkshire

High biomass clover offers new land recovery option A new high biomass annual clover, included in spring-sown catch crop mixtures alongside short term ryegrasses, could offer dual benefits for farmers struggling with ground that has been waterlogged and left uncropped over winter. ccording to forage crop specialist Germinal, the fastgrowing Fixation clover – launched by the company in the UK this season - can provide a boost to forage production as well as valuable soil conditioning, all within a short growing window.

“From results we’ve seen around the world, we can see great potential for Fixation, and in field trials in Wales we certainly saw significant biomass production from just 12 weeks growth,” says Germinal GB’s Ben Wixey.

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“Most notable was the fact that we saw root nodules within a few weeks, showing the capability for this fast growing leguminous plant to fix nitrogen in a relatively short period of time and therefore improve soil fertility.

“Grown in combination with rapidly establishing ryegrasses such as Italian ryegrass and Westerwolds, we see Fixation having great potential as a solution to currently uncropped land.

“Drilled in late April or May, as a short term soil conditioner, a mixture including Fixation would produce a valuable forage crop within

about three months. This would then offer the option of overseeding something like a hybrid brassica or stubble turnip or could be left to produce a second cut before drilling a crop like winter wheat in the autumn. In both cases, the rooting activity of the grass and legume mix will help improve soil structure and soil fertility, whilst the top growth will generate a silage crop for feeding or sale.”

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| Arable

Rain splash risk for chocolate spot spread With spring conditions triggering new growth, winter bean crops are under pressure from chocolate spot spread from the recent rain events. The mild weather has seen disease development of large lesions on lower leaves. rowers are reminded that the final application date for the widely used Alto Elite, to prevent chocolate spot infection on clean new leaves, is 20 May this year - along with other fungicides containing chlorothalonil.

For disease strategies in 2021 and beyond, however, Syngenta Technical Manager, Michael Tait, reported new fungicide chemistry for pulse crops has been submitted for registration. Trials have shown the Solatenol active is an ideal option for a T1 application, targeting the early

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development of chocolate spot and ascochyta.

Preparing for the new strategy, he highlighted Syngenta trials last season had also shown that a follow up treatment with Amistar gave its best results from the systemic activity, to protect against rust.

Climatic trends in recent seasons, with periods of prolonged hot, dry weather over the summer, has seen an increased threat of rust developing in bean crops, he pointed out.

Where Amistar had also been used alone as an early T0 treatment, which has been shown to be highly effective in boosting green leaf

area and yield, any further application would need to be with a mix partner for resistance management, added Mr Tait.

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Arable

Drilling begins for the UK pea industry as 700 UK farmers come together to help feed the nation Thanks to the mild and dry weather conditions the UK has been enjoying recently, the annual British pea production has begun, allowing around 700 farmers to take to the fields to officially begin the drilling season. n what is set to be seen as a Great British effort, seed producers, growers, harvesting machinery companies and freezers up and down the country are working tirelessly to ensure the UK continues to remain the largest producer and consumer of frozen peas in Europe, with Brits eating an average 9,000 peas per person every year.

Over the next two to three months, around 35,000 hectares - equivalent to about 70,000 football pitches - of pea crops will be carefully monitored as temperatures begin to rise and the plants start to grow, ready for harvesting and freezing in June, all the way through to August.

Russell Corfield, one of the UK’s pea growers, explains: “No day is ever the same.

We must plan the drilling carefully, field by field, so that the peas’ ripening is staggered as evenly as possible throughout the harvest. If peas get too ripe, they can’t be frozen at

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harvest, so we need to make sure they’re processed as soon as the pod goes pop!

“It will get increasingly busy for the industry leading up to the harvest season in the summer when we run our pea harvesters for 24 hours a day - it’s like running a military operation! One day you can be on top of your game and then the weather turns and you’re fighting the battle.

“Now more than ever there has never been a more pressing time to ensure we have a successful harvest and will be continuing to work hard to fill our supermarket freezers with Great British peas.”

Coral Russell, Crop Associations Manager at the British Growers Association, which runs the Yes Peas! campaign, explains: “British farmers are proudly recognised for their expertise when it comes to producing high quality peas, with the peas on our plate being the culmination of over four months’ hard work. Britain is 90% selfsufficient in pea production, meaning nearly all of peas in supermarket freezers going into your trolley or online order are most likely grown by

British farmers on a British farm, to the superior quality and flavour which we know and love.”

The harvesting process, which lasts an average eight weeks, is a military operation which takes place between June through to August, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, harvesting machines, known as viners, work in unison to harvest, shell and transport the peas from field to frozen as quickly as possible with the majority in just 150 minutes.

The expensive machinery and exact precision required during harvesting requires industry to work together to get peas from field to freezer as quickly as possible. There are 17 farmer groups up the east coast of the UK, from Essex to North of Dundee, and nearly half of these are co-operatives. The east facing seaboard and maritime climate is the perfect environment growing superior quality peas.

For more information about the UK pea harvest or the Yes Peas campaign, please visit www.peas.org

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

Five factors influencing pre-em efficacy: • Soil moisture - residual pre-em chemistry needs soil moisture to work properly, so avoid applying to very dry seedbeds. But, timely drilling remains the priority, so it is not worth delaying drilling on account of pre-em conditions • Timing - apply within 24-48 hours of drilling • Temperature - avoid applying pre-ems in hot conditions and bright sunlight. Wait until evening/night or early morning when conditions are cooler and there may be more moisture form overnight dews • Seedbed quality - avoid cloddy seedbeds, which can cause a spray “shadow” of untreated areas allowing weeds to emerge • Application - use alternating front & back nozzles, limit forward speed to 12 kph max, lower boom height to 50 cm, apply products in 300 L/ha water. Use Syngenta’s Defy nozzle advice as a guideline.

Make the most of pre-em weed control in beet Pre-emergence herbicides will need to feature more prominently in sugar beet weed control programmes in order to mitigate the risks from poorer control later in the season, leading agronomy firm Hutchinsons says. hile post-emergence chemistry has given good results for many growers in recent years, the most effective desmedipham-based products are now in their last season of use and alternatives are generally less effective against larger weeds, says root crop technical manager Darryl Shailes.

“Desmedipham-based products gave a margin for error that will be less achievable from remaining post-em chemistry.

“While the pre-emergence herbicide in sugar beet isn’t as crucial as the pre-em in cereals for black-grass control, BBRO research shows there are very few years when it doesn’t contribute to overall weed control and it’s an important way of easing the passage for postemergence sprays.”

Furthermore, Mr Shailes says there is ongoing uncertainty about how Coronavirus will disrupt activities in coming months if growers, agronomists or farm staff have to self-isolate, so it is sensible to keep crops as clean and weedfree as possible from the outset, especially given sugar beet’s susceptibility to weed competition.

Tall, shading weeds, such as fat hen,

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volunteer oilseed rape, redshank and weed beet, can be particularly damaging to yield potential, so their removal is critical, he notes.

For example, research has shown that just one oilseed rape plant per m2 can cause a sugar loss of 500 kg/ha. Brooms Barn trials several years ago also showed a 10t/ha drop in yield from a fat hen population of 2.8 plants/m2, while doubling the fat hen number led to twice the yield loss compared with the weed-free yield.

Pre-em choices Chloridazon has been a favoured, inexpensive pre-emergence option for many years, but it is in its last season of use, and any remaining farm stocks must be used by 30 June.

The main alternatives are products based on ethofumesate, metamitron, quinmerac and dimethenamid-p in various combinations, Mr Shailes says.

Ethofumesate is primarily for grassweeds and is essential on fields with a challenging black-grass issue. It offers some postemergence usage, but he reminds growers that only 1000g of active can be applied per season.

“Metamitron will be the mainstay as it brings

good early control of knotgrass and fat hen.

Other chemistry should be mixed and matched to best effect according to label requirements and weed spectrum.”

Lenacil with chloridazon used to be an effective combination when applied at the correct dosage, but a label change means Lenacil can now only be used post-emergence from BBCH10, or fully expanded cotyledons, he notes.

Maximise efficacy Several factors influence the efficacy of preemergence sprays, and chief among them is soil moisture.

Despite the wet winter, conditions in many beet-growing areas are now quite dry following a recent spell of fine weather, which could hinder pre-em efficacy if it persists, and will be compounded on cloddy seedbeds, Mr Shailes notes.

“Ideally you need a decent clod-free seedbed and should wait for a bit of moisture before applying the pre-em, although generally it should go on within 48 hours of drilling.”

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Arable

Concept images of proposed autonomous guided vehicles, (c) WMG, University of Warwick

Bespoke autonomous guided vehicles designed for horticulture A new autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) is being developed that could help transform the horticultural sector and help tackle the labour shortage.

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prototype is being designed to meet the complex needs of commercial horticultural, following the launch of a project by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development

Board (AHDB), Leading automation experts from the WMG, University of Warwick are creating the model alongside three horticultural businesses; Crystal Heart Salad (lettuce propagators, Yorkshire), Valefresco (salads, Worcestershire), and WD Smith & Son (bedding plants, Essex).

It will have the potential to work in both glasshouse and outdoor environments to automate the movement of trays and boxes around the production area.

The winning AGV project was chosen following a competitive process where UK horticultural businesses were invited to pitch for WMG to help automate an area of their production. The project was launched by AHDB last year.

Grace Emeny, Knowledge Exchange Manager at AHDB, said: “With the lack of available labour an increasing pressure for many businesses, there is a growing need to automate more routine tasks to enable staff to be reallocated to more skilled jobs.

“There are two main barriers that prevent the uptake of automation. Many off-the shelf solutions don’t work for diverse horticulture production systems and often the return on investment doesn’t stack up in the current trading climate. WMG were tasked with addressing both of these challenges, which we

22 | Farming Monthly | April 2020

believe they are well on their way to achieving.”

Robert Harrison, Professor of Automation Systems, WMG, University of Warwick said: “We’ve been able to apply the cutting-edge technology developed in the automotive industry to the challenging environment of horticultural production.

“We reviewed existing AGVs to ensure there wasn’t an available product that could meet the growers’ needs and have run a full analysis on the potential prototype to ensure the investment could be repaid through offsetting future labour costs.”

A requirement of the winning project was that it needed to be applicable to the wider horticulture industry and solve a problem relevant to many businesses. The overall goal is for the prototype to be developed commercially and is likely to cost around £30,000 to £50,000 depending on its configuration.

James Bean, Crystal Heart Salad Co. said, “WMG have made several visits to our nursery.

They have carried out a study of our logistics and have identified a design of autonomous vehicle which can improve efficiency and remove low-skilled manual tasks.

“We are excited to see this move to the next stage, to conduct real-life tests of the technology. If it fulfils expectations, it will make a fundamental change to our business.

Grace added, “We know horticulture is at the forefront of a digital revolution in farming and our SmartHort programme is designed to help connect growers with automation and robotics experts to help accelerate innovation. This

project demonstrates the potential opportunities available from matching skills outside horticulture to meet the needs of the industry.”

“There are two main barriers that prevent the uptake of automation. Many off-the shelf solutions don’t work for diverse horticulture production systems and often the return on investment doesn’t stack up in the current trading climate. WMG were tasked with addressing both of these challenges, which we believe they are well on their way to achieving.”

The project is being funded by AHDB and match-funded by Innovate-UK-backed High Value Manufacturing Catapult.

Growers are invited to find out more about the project and to see how they can adopt automation in to their businesses at a special event, hosted by WMG, on 31 March 2020. To book, visit ahdb.org.uk/events.

To find out more about the SmartHort Automation Challenge, visit ahdb.org.uk/smarthort View video of the Concept of AGV in action https://vimeo.com/374159926

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

Exeter researchers discover a novel chemistry to protect our crops from fungal disease Pathogenic fungi pose a huge and growing threat to global food security. urrently, we protect our crops against fungal disease by spraying them with anti-fungal chemistries, also known as fungicides.

However, the growing threat of microbial resistance against these chemistries requires continuous development of new fungicides.

A consortium of researchers from the University of Exeter, led by Professor Gero Steinberg, combined their expertise to join the fight against plant pathogenic fungi.

In a recent publication, in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Communications, they report the identification of novel mono-alkyl chain lipophilic cations (MALCs) in protecting crops against Septoria tritici blotch in wheat and rice blast disease.

These diseases challenge temperate-grown wheat and rice, respectively, and so jeopardise the security of our two most important calorie crops.

The scientists’ journey started with the discovery that MALCs inhibit the activity of fungal mitochondria.

Mitochondria are the cellular “power-house”, required to provide the “fuel” for all essential processes in the pathogen.

By inhibiting an essential pathway in mitochondria, MALCs cut down the cellular energy supply, which eventually kills the pathogen.

Whilst Steinberg and colleagues show that this “mode of action” is common to the various MALCs tested, and effective against plant pathogenic fungi, one MALC that they synthesised and named C18-SMe2+ showed unexpected additional modes of action.

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Firstly, C18-SMe2+ generates aggressive molecules inside the mitochondria, which target life-essential fungal proteins, and in turn initiate a “self-destruction” programme, which ultimately results in “cellular suicide” of the fungus.

Secondly, when applied to crop plants, C18SMe2+ “alerts” the plant defence system, which prepares the crop for subsequent attack, thereby increasing the armoury of the plant against the intruder.

Most importantly, the Exeter researchers demonstrate that C18-SMe2+ shows no toxicity to plants and is less toxic to aquatic organisms and human cells than existing fungicides sprayed used in the field today.

Professor Steinberg said: “It is the combined approach of Exeter scientists, providing skills in fungal cell biology (myself, Dr Martin Schuster), fungal plant pathology (Professor Sarah J. Gurr), human cell biology (Professor Michael Schrader) and synthetic chemistry (Dr Mark Wood) that enabled us to develop and characterise this potent chemistry.

“The University has filed a patent (GB 1904744.8), in recognition of the potential of this novel chemistry in our perpetual fight against fungi.

“We now seek partners/investors to take this development to the field and prove its usefulness under ‘real agricultural conditions’.

Our long-term aim is to foster greater food security, in particular in developing nations.”

Professor Steinberg added: “I always wanted to apply my research outside of the ivory tower of academia and combine the fundamental aspects of my work with a useful application.

“The visionary approach of the Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) provided

me with this opportunity, for which I am very grateful. In my mind, this project is a strong example of translational research that benefits the public.”

Professor Sarah Gurr said: “This is such a timely and important study. We are increasingly aware of the growing burden of plant disease caused by fungi and of our need to safe-guard our calorie and commodity crops better.

“The University has filed a patent (GB 1904744.8), in recognition of the potential of this novel chemistry in our perpetual fight against fungi” “The challenge is not only to discover and describe the mode of action of new antifungals but to ensure that chemistries potent against fungi do not harm plants, wildlife or human health.

“This new antifungal is thus an exciting discovery and its usefulness may extend beyond crops into the realms of fungal disease in humans and, indeed to various applications in the paint and preservative industries. This merits investment!”

The study was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

The paper, published in the Journal Nature Communications, is entitled: “A lipophilic cation protects crops against fungal pathogens by multiple modes of action”, authored by G. Steinberg, M. Schuster, S.J. Gurr, T. Schrader, M. Schrader, M. Wood, A. Early and S. Kilaru.

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Arable

Cereals 2020 goes online The Cereals Event is to move online for the first time ever to support the industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. roducers may not be able to physically visit the Cereals Event this year, but they won’t miss out on any of the content as all the key features will now be delivered in a virtual sense, says event director Alli McEntyre. “These are challenging times and while we are disappointed to have had to postpone the event, we are determined to do our utmost to support the industry,” she explains.

“It’s really important to us that we deliver all of the content we had lined up for visitors so they can keep up-to-date with the latest information, products and innovations in the arable sector.”

The seminar sessions will now be run as

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video-based webinars, enabling attendees to collect valuable BASIS and NRoSO points.

“Farmers will be able to hear from top speakers covering a range of subjects, from the impact of coronavirus on trade to new plant breeding technologies, adapting to climate change, digital innovation and agricultural career options.”

Accessing the event via an interactive map on the Cereals website, producers will be able to ‘visit’ exhibitors and watch machinery demonstrations on 10-11 June, with live chats making for a fully interactive experience.

“We have had strong support from exhibitors for taking the event online, so there will be a full range of exhibitor led content on offer,” says Ms McEntyre. This will include video from crop

plots, sprays and sprayers and working demonstrations, as well as exhibitors’ own video content and new product launches.

“Visiting an online event is going to be a new experience for most people, but by working closely with exhibitors and stakeholders, we are aiming to make Cereals as interactive as possible,” says Ms McEntyre. “Farmers are rightly being celebrated for the key role they play, and we are committed to supporting the industry by bringing everyone together during this difficult time.”

The Cereals Event will be held online on 1011 June 2020. For more information visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk

Syngenta extends registration deadline for free hybrid barley germination tests After the continued difficult season, Syngenta is extending the deadline for growers to register for free germination testing of undrilled 2019 seed of its hybrid winter barley varieties that they are having to carry over for planting in autumn 2020. pen to UK growers only, the original cut-off for registering on the Syngenta UK website was the end of March 2020.

However, that is now being extended by four weeks.

Growers now have up until midnight on 30 April

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2020 to register, says Syngenta hybrid barley manager, Mark Bullen.

“As we said previously, we are not expecting major reductions in germination from overyearing hybrid barley seed,” says Mr Bullen.

“This is just our way of supporting growers in a difficult season.”

For further information visit www.syngenta.co.uk/syngenta-hybrid-barleygermination-testing

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| Arable

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| Grain

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| Grain

Continuous mixed flow grain driers from Perry of Oakley Ltd Perry of Oakley Ltd. are the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of materials handling & drying equipment. Perry’s range of driers consists of two continuous mixed flow grain driers; the top spec Savannah and the entry level Mistral. he Savannah Series driers have Perry’s own advanced PLC panel, which is designed and programmed in house, and the auto control, which uses both the exhaust air temperature and hot grain temperature to give advanced control of the drier, to maintain a consistent moisture content of the discharged grain. The Mistral series drier is controlled via a hard-wired control panel, though this is easily upgradable to the Perry PLC touch screen control panel.

The fans on both driers are controlled by an inverter, so there is the potential to save power and crop lift off by running the fans at reduced speed. The unique crop set up page within the control panel, automatically selects the initial

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fan speed best suited to the crop.

To promote consistent movement of the grain down the grain column, even in very wet conditions, all Savannah Series Driers are fitted with our pneumatically controlled Shutter discharge. As standard, the Mistral range of driers are fitted with Perry’s proven roller discharge (shutter discharge is optional). Perry have set in place dedicated aftersales care, including a technical support line to provide a first point of call for all technical enquiries on any Perry machine.

The key features of the Savannah & Mistral range, provide a truly commercial specification grain drier for use on farms and commercial grain stores.

Perry of Oakley Ltd. also manufacture a full

range of 8tph – 1000tph handling equipment including chain & flight conveyors, belt & bucket elevators, augers & screw conveyors, aspirator pre-cleaners, belt conveyors & much more!

The key features of the Savannah & Mistral range, provide a truly commercial specification grain drier for use on farms and commercial grain stores If you require any information on how Perry of Oakley Ltd. can support your grain handling and storage needs please contact Perry on 01404 890300 or sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Buildings

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| Cereals

But, what about the freebies?!

Don’t deny it, when you heard Cereals 2020 had been postponed, you wondered where your year’s supply of free hats, pens and mugs would come from, didn’t you? ell, luckily for you, you can still get your hands on a free hat or pen from Gibbons Agricultural all you have to do is ask them a question.

The company is continuing to support their customers during these challenging times, and have a tech-savvy solution up their sleeves to bring viewers a ‘virtual exhibition’ following the postponement of Cereals 2020.

As well as participating in the online event to be produced by Cereals, Gibbons will take to their popular YouTube channel to showcase their Plug&Cool range of specialist grain storage equipment. As part of the video, they are encouraging would-be-visitors to get in touch with any questions they would have asked them at the event, so they can be

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answered fully in the video by a member of their agricultural team.

So, back to that freebie – you just need to email them a short video of yourself asking them a question you would have asked them, had you visited their stand at this year’s Cereals event. Your video will be used in the virtual exhibition video, to be published on YouTube.

Just send your question to marketing@gibbonsgroup.co.uk before the end of May, along with the address you’d like your freebie posted to!

The full Plug&Cool range will feature in the video, including the best-selling grain fans, durable Pedestals and the new Multi-Zone Control Panel.

The Multi-Zone Control Panel is already proving popular with farmers who are starting to think about preparing for this year’s harvest.

The panel allows the independent control of any number of fans in up to four zones of a grain heap. This results in huge amounts of saved time and energy, as the panel will automatically turn on fans in hotter areas of the heap, leaving those in cooler zones switched off.

Unlike costly modular systems, users need only purchase one panel, which can be easily set up. There’s no need for an electrician to come out, and the panel is completely mobile, so can be moved between grain stores over the years depending on which stores are in use.

To speak to a member of the agricultural team today, give them a call on 01621 868 138 or email fans@gibbonsgroup.co.uk. You’ll be able to view the virtual exhibition video at youtube.com/GibbonsGroup.

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Grain

Wheat variety field lab provides insights into growing without chemical inputs Farmers have been discovering which wheat varieties perform best without chemical inputs in the second year of an Innovative Farmers field lab. he farmer-led research tested 22 different wheat varieties in plot trials on organic land to discover which types have traits most suitable for farming without chemical inputs.

The group of farmers and researchers came together after they identified a knowledge gap in the wheat seed market since most commercial variety trials do not take place under organic conditions.

The field lab, run through Innovative Farmers, part of the Duchy Future Farming Programme, brought farmers together with the Organic Research Centre to codesign the practical on-farm research. The trial is primarily taking place on Bradwell Grove Estate in Oxfordshire.

For the second year, popular conventional varieties like Zyatt and Skyfall did not perform as well as other varieties when compared within the trial’s organic conditions. This demonstrates the importance of organic testing to discover the varieties with genetic traits suitable for a non-chemical farming regime.

Assessments included disease susceptibility, protein levels, yield and growth characteristics, which provide valuable insight to farmers on variety choice. Some farmers in the field lab group have used the plot trials to inform decisions on trialling new varieties at fieldscale.

Adrian Hares, of Roundhill Farm, trialled three of the varieties on his own farm at field level so he could assess them when using farm-scale equipment. He said: “The advantage for us in being involved in this field lab is that it’s a trial on our own ground, on our own soil type, with our own weed burden and control regime. For example, one of the varieties was very tall which a lot of people like, but actually we need to be able to top weeds above the height of the crop because of our specific machinery. So, it is interesting to see what qualities apply to our situation. Collaboration is the way forward – standing in someone’s field and seeing what they’ve done is really valuable and we also use that time to compare

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techniques. Sharing ideas is a great benefit to Innovative Farmers and doing trials in this way, with researchers helping us, makes the data much more valuable.”

The trial is now in its third year and will continue to test wheat varieties in organic conditions to provide insights for any farmer looking to avoid or reduce inputs.

Dominic Amos, crop researcher at the Organic Research Centre, said: “It’s difficult for organic farmers to have confidence in wheat varieties as most current testing doesn’t give enough weight to the nutrient scavenging and weed suppression traits that organic farmers rely on much more in the absence of fertiliser and herbicide regimes. This group of farmers has therefore taken matters into their own hands to see how varieties perform under organic conditions and results are showing that less commonly used varieties could actually work really well under organic conditions. They are also finding that certain traits work better for different agroecological systems, proving that what works for one farmer may not work for another. By leading research and working as a small community to test the varieties, these farmers are providing vital insight for the whole arable sector by giving confidence to organic farmers and those looking to reduce their inputs.”

For more information on this field lab and others happening around the country, visit www.innovativefarmers.org.

Key findings: • Evolution, Costello and Revelation were the highest yielding in this year of the trial, but they also had the lowest harvested protein yield.

• The European variety Mortimer, which has recently been dropped due to a lack of interest from the non-organic sector, performed well for a second year in both grain and protein yields.

• Results can be used to identify those varieties that might outperform the yield protein trade-off, also known as the grain protein deviation, e.g Mv Fredericia for milling wheat and Costello for high yielding feed wheat.

Hallfreda – a new Swedish variety with bunt

tolerance – was tested for the first time this year and showed good potential as it gave high grain and protein yields, showed good resilience to disease and had a good canopy which appealed to the farmers in terms of weed competition.

• Heritage wheat variety Maris Widgeon performed as well as commonly grown varieties like Skyfall, both in terms of yield and protein levels.

• Ehogold, Edelmann, Mv Fredericia (AWC1) and Skyfall showed the most susceptibility to yellow rust, which remains the most damaging foliar disease for organic farmers. However, the 2019 season was particularly bad for this disease and most varieties in the trial had resistance scores reduced compared to the previous year.

• At two field meetings in spring and summer, farmers selected their favourite varieties based on their own desired qualities.

This revealed that different wheat varieties with specific traits are needed to meet the needs of different agroecological farming systems. For example, those who used an interrow hoeing weeding system preferred the Mv Fredericia variety because it was tall and erect at early stem extension. However, those who use other weed management systems preferred the variety Montana for it’s even canopy, high ground cover and a slightly more prostrate growth habit. This demonstrated the importance of variety testing to equip farmers with the genetic tools that best suit their farming system.

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| Energy

Five ways LPG can be used in farming Farming and agriculture play a crucial role in the health and vitality of the UK – supplying us with more than 60% of all the food we consume and providing daily sustenance to millions of people across the country. n order to meet this demand, farmers rely heavily on the cultivation of crops and the breeding of livestock to make a living – both of which require large amounts of energy to feed and maintain. This makes choosing the right energy supply vital to a farmer’s livelihood – with the right system in place, farmers can benefit from a powerful and reliable fuel supply to run a multitude of operations, no matter how energy intensive their processes may be.

LPG: Providing reliable energy for off-grid farming One such fuel source is LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). With a long list of operational and environmental benefits such as a lower carbon, cleaner burning alternative to conventional fossil fuels, its quickly becoming the go-to choice for farmers in the UK. Here, we look at how LPG is a great choice.

LPG: Keeping livestock warm and healthy Keeping animals warm is key to maintaining healthy livestock. Without it they can suffer, be prone to disease and even die if conditions aren’t kept at optimum temperatures1. This is particularly important to the rearing of poultry such as pheasants or chickens as constant access to heat can be key to their survival.

With LPG, farmers can maintain greater control over indoor temperatures, allowing them to maintain optimum moisture levels to aid in speedy feathering and weight gain amongst poultry.2 As a clean burning, smoke free fuel it also prevents animals from being exposed to harmful fuels or emissions3 and

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reduces the risk of contamination through feeds and litter when compared to oil-based fuels.

Keeping control: LPG and the drying of crops LPG can prove an effective tool in the drying of crops, grains and fruit too. As a highly efficient fuel supply, its grain drying technology can convert up to 90% of the LPG used, lowering fuel consumption and resulting in potential cost savings for farmers.4 Its high levels of control also allow for ideal drying temperatures to be consistently maintained, reducing the risk of ‘over drying.’ The result is a more evenly dried, higher-quality grain that consumers want to buy.5 Improving dairy lines with LPG Dairy farms are also taking advantage of LPG, thanks to the on-tap instant hot water that it can provide, and ease of use. The regular washing of milk lines and storage tanks is an important part of any dairy farm operation to prevent the risk of legionella bacteria from forming. However, the heating of electric water tanks can be expensive to run and often requires time to heat, meaning fuel bills can be high.

Through LPG, dairy farmers can receive instant hot water solutions, enabling them to clean milk lines quickly and efficiently. LPG water heating can also offer potential cost savings and eliminates the need for large water storage tanks as the water can be heated instantaneously.

Heating for horticulture It’s not just edible crops that bring in profits for farmers, but commercially grown plants,

too. As farms look to expand their offering, the growing of flowers and plants is now a big business, so it’s essential they are kept in optimum temperatures to reduce the risk of them being damaged. With LPG heating systems, farmers are given greater control, ensuring their plants are given everything they need to thrive. It’s clean burning properties also reduce the risk of contamination over oil, keeping plants safe and healthy.

Heat your farmhouse LPG is not only suitable for use around crops and livestock, it can be used in the home too.

For those living off-grid, LPG provides a low carbon alternative to conventional fossil fuels with no risk of oil spills.

One its major benefits is that in can be used for a range of domestic functions, anything from heating a farmhouse to providing an instant and controllable gas flame for cooking.

It also offers flexibility in terms of storage as bulk domestic tanks have the option to be located above or below ground, ensuring they’re positioned subtly out of view.

Alternatively, if energy needs in the home are less substantial, gas cylinders can be used, which are easily manoeuvrable and can be stored in a convenient location. You’ll also benefit from an automated ordering system that will keep you topped up, completely free of charge.

Of course, as well as this, LPG can help reduce and offset carbon emissions in comparison to other fuels. So, with so many great uses and also a help to the environment, LPG is a great choice of fuel for farming.

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Energy

Top tips to boost your on-farm biogas plant Despite the best laid plans, operating an on-farm AD plant is rarely a straightforward process. smooth commissioning phase followed by a stable operational period, delivering the return predicted in the business model, is in reality a fairly unlikely series of events. In fact, the UK AD industry is currently operating at an average load factor of 73%1. To put this into context, a 1 MWe plant running at 70% efficiency is losing a potential income of £1,000 per day, even before factoring in feedstock costs.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps that AD operators can take to increase their output – and their profits. Adrian Rochefort of specialist AD consultancy FM BioEnergy gives his top five tips for boosting your biogas yield…

Take professional biological advice There are several reasons why your gas output could be lower than expected: from poor feedstock management, to trace element deficiency or inhibition of the biological metabolic process. Every digester is different and you won’t be able to remedy the situation until you know what’s causing it.

A specialist biological assessment of your plant will allow you to determine the cause of reduced gas production, and the best remedial action to take to bring the biology back to full health and quickly restore gas output. We offer a free initial biological assessment, enabling you to make an informed decision and avoid the ‘trial and error’ approach to increasing your biogas yield.

Select the right diet The best performing plants are those which are designed around their feedstock – not the other way around. After all, there’s little point investing in a digester designed to operate on 100% maize if you are in the north of England, where maize is difficult to grow.

However, even the most meticulously planned plants can sometimes hit dietary problems. A poor harvest can leave some digesters suffering from reduced gas output. In these cases, sourcing an alternative, readilyavailable and high yielding feedstock is crucial to bridge the gap. AD Super Energy is one such example and is ideal for boosting gas quickly; nutritionally well-balanced, it is the perfect complement to many diets. Other good options range from high protein wheat syrup to rapidly digestible whey permeate and even fibrous products such as draff and brewers’ grains.

As with any dietary modification, due consideration needs to be given to the type of material being introduced. Highly digestible materials bring a greater risk of biologically shocking your digester, so a slow-digesting, fibrous material could be perfect to give stability. Likewise, some of the greatest yielding feedstocks are high in protein or fats, which can cause complications at high inclusion rates. A proper nutritional assessment should be carried out on your existing diet before taking on new material. Seek advice from an expert AD nutritionist if you are in any doubt.

Optimise your silage Correct management of your feedstock is key to maximising its biogas potential. If you

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are processing silage, it is vital to preserve its energy (thereby maximising your biogas yield) by preventing aerobic degradation and symptomatic heating in the clamp. This can be achieved in a number of ways: • Ensure your clamp is well-compacted (a good rule of thumb is 250kg of dry matter per m3); • Maintain as clean a clamp face as possible, ideally using a shear grab to cut into the face.

Avoid leaving ledges or debris at the base or edges, as this will cause further aerobic degradation; • Only remove what you need – don’t be tempted to take a week’s worth of feed and leave it in the feeder or in a pile on the ground, as it will degrade and yield less gas; • Aim to feed out of your clamp by a depth of 2-3m per week; • Peel back sheeting only as far as required for feeding (i.e. expose as little of the top as possible).

In addition, silage additives can help to preserve the quality. For example, Silasil Energy XD is accredited by the German Agricultural Society (DLG) for reducing storage losses and increasing methane yield. It also protects against yeast and moulds, and reduces fermentation time in the clamp to as little as two weeks.

Consider using bespoke additives If a plant is lacking in vital trace elements, it will yield less gas and suffer process disruption.

Through detailed laboratory analysis, biological experts can determine whether a plant is nutritionally deficient and prescribe the right trace element additive formula to get it back to full health.

Operators should avoid purchasing off-the-shelf supplements without first knowing the biological makeup of their digester. Laboratory testing and detailed understanding of the results are crucial, as an excess of trace elements can be just as harmful as a deficiency. In this way, a bespoke supplement tailored to your digester’s needs can be developed, optimising your plant’s efficiency in the quickest time.

For plants using high nitrogen feedstocks, such as chicken litter, an ammonium binder such as BC.ATOX Ncon can also prove invaluable.

Nitrogen breaks down into ammonium and ammonia; the latter being toxic to bacteria. Left untreated, this is detrimental to the AD process and will hinder biogas production. An ammonium binder will ensure the operator gets the best out of their substrate and prevent acids from building up.

For plants using fibrous feedstocks, such as grass, maize or wholecrop rye, the use of enzymes may pay dividends. Adding the right enzymes will expose the cell membrane, speeding up digestion and

Adrian Rochefort of FM BioEnergy

improving gas yields. Again, it is important to first consult an AD specialist who can test your feedstocks and prescribe the correct enzymatic blend.

Don’t ignore biogas leaks Often forgotten, the issue of biogas leakage is more widespread than most operators realise. In fact, over the last eight years, 85% of the 964 plants we have surveyed in the UK and Germany were suffering from biogas leakage.

Identifying and fixing a leak is a simple and affordable process which should form part of any responsible plant operator’s ongoing maintenance programme. Not only can it prevent a more serious and costly incident from occurring, it often results in a 12-month payback on the survey price.

Finally, once your plant is running at its optimal level, you’ll want to keep it there.

Regular screening and analysis of your digester contents, backed up by ongoing support from an expert AD biologist, will enable you to make informed decisions going forward, maintain a steady gas output, and pre-empt any problems before they impact your biogas yield – and your profits.

For a free assessment of your digester’s biological health, contact: T +44 (0)330 678 0981 E info@fmbioenergy.co.uk

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| Energy

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April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Energy

Avoid costly solar PV business rate pitfalls Hidden business rates charges are catching out farmers and many rural businesses with solar PV installations, but taking expert advice could prevent this. upermarket chain Lidl has recently hit the headlines after being stung with a 528% rise in business rates because of solar PV installations on its store roofs – and many farms could also be in line for a costly bill if they don't take action, warns independent power and energy consultant Roadnight Taylor.

"Although a lot of farming businesses may fall into the category of being agriculturally exempt, others won't, so it's important to get your array expertly and independently checked to find out if you have a business rates obligation," explains senior consultant Richard Palmer. "Modelling business rate implications for solar installations at different scales and configurations can inform the feasibility of a project and mitigate your liability."

Farms using more than 90% of the generated electricity on-site will fall under the agricultural exemption, as long as the electricity is being utilised for agricultural purposes only, but bizarrely the worst hit are those using between 50% and 90%, says Mr Palmer. "Those using below 50% will see the liability six to eight-fold lower. The issue with Lidl is that it's using most of the generated electricity on-site,

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and it is not agriculturally exempt."

Additionally, complexities around temporary micro-generation exemptions can lead to farmers mistakenly concluding that they are not liable for business rates.

Farmers can easily get caught out, explains Mr Palmer. "For example, a farming tenant with an existing array of 120kWp who wanted to add a further 30kWp would have inadvertently lost his agricultural exemption as he would now be consuming less than 90% of the generated energy on site. However, we advised a solution whereby the landlord invested in the second array to sell the electricity to the tenant. This avoided a potentially significant business rates liability."

Many farms and estates have diversified their businesses and created downstream supply chains such as farm shops and food processing. In these cases, existing or adding solar PV, and indeed battery storage, could make a business liable for rates.

Navigating these hazards is where expert energy flow data modelling becomes invaluable. "Models provide both technical and financial detail to inform business decisionmaking. Knowledge is power – and we have built a bespoke business rates model to

account for this specific risk," says Mr Palmer.

"If you have an existing array, a business rates liability could be accruing year-on-year. A new farming client to us wasn't aware that his 140kWp array was amassing cost at a rate of £7,500 per annum," he warns. "But we were able to advise a strategy to stop this issue in its tracks.

"The key message here is to get good advice," says Mr Palmer. "Working with an independent specialist that not only understands the policy issues and nuances – but also has the technical, datascience and commercial expertise associated with deploying solar – can help a business insulate its existing solar assets from business rates impacts, and can make an informed decision on new investments." · Roadnight Taylor provides a Solar PV Healthcheck service that assesses all the key factors in the performance of existing or new solar arrays, including reviewing the liability for business rates and recommended ways to reduce the liability. To find out more, visit https://roadnighttaylor.co.uk/services/pvhealthcheck/ or call 01993 830571

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| Buildings

Another steel framed building for beautiful Micklefield Hall A recent project was the design and manufacture of a 100’ x 50’ x 16’4” building for one of our valued customers, Jamie Rankin.

We constructed the building on the estate at Micklefield Hall – a stunning country house wedding venue in Hertfordshire.

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e got in touch with Jamie and he was happy to tell us about this family run business as well as the interesting history of Micklefield Hall.

Tell us more about Micklefield

Hall “We are a traditional farming estate. We work with a specialist grass fed beef grower and follow conservation agricultural techniques for best practice and to enhance the environment and sequestrate carbon back into the soils. We grow trees for use in our wood boiler, for timber and again to enhance the biodiversity for the benefit of wildlife. We let buildings for commercial use and we run a wedding business from our 16th century barn.”

Micklefield Hall has been with the family for over 50 years as Jamie’s parents in law bought it in 1967. “Anna lived here as a child and we took over from her parents in 1998 when they retired and to inject new life into the place. The next generation will takeover from us on 1st January 2026!”

What is your aim/vision for Micklefield Hall?

“Every wedding to be the best day of the couple’s lives. To generate profit to continue to develop the estate and maintain the properties, many listed. To enhance the environment for the benefit of wildlife and nature to maintain

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and create a beautiful place to live and be.”

What is the reason for and purpose of your new building?

“Good quality farm buildings are essential and are best built as a strong umbrella structure so that they can be adapted for different uses as required. The world is always changing and farming is no exception and so versatile buildings are essential. This barn has been constructed for the processing of wood for the biomass boiler that serves the wedding barn but the open nature of the building would allow it to be readily adapted for an alternative use.”

Were there any specific material or design requirements for the build?

“Yes, it had to be level with the adjacent building and to have concrete walls and both roller shutter doors and personnel doors at either end. There is a dividing wall within and concrete walls within the building. The cladding to be of a colour to fit the setting.”

Jamie therefore chose Juniper Green for the roof, end and side cladding as well as Juniper Green plastisol finish for the gable end personnel doors. The 2m high and 140mm thick concrete panels to both sides and ends as well as the concrete panels for the dividing wall that you can see on the photos were manufactured and supplied by Graham Heath

Construction’s sister company Concrete Panel Systems.

What were the aims and objectives of the build?

“A quality barn which will last and is versatile to accommodate the inevitable changes of use that come with time.”

Why did you choose Graham Heath Construction?

“Because I have used them [Graham Heath Construction] before and the product is good and the people reliable.”

Are there any features of your building that you are particularly pleased with?

“It fits the space well and is a good versatile size.”

How has Graham Heath Construction made a difference?

“They [Graham Heath Construction] have delivered to my expectations, thank you.”

When we asked Jamie if he had any other comments, he said “I would recommend Graham Heath as a reliable company, good communicators who deliver their promise.”

It has been a pleasure to work with Jamie and the team once again at Micklefield Hall and we look forward to working with them on their next building!

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Buildings

Welfare and Environment; Help in an uncertain market?

A recent survey published by AHDB gives a picture of the reasons and perceptions that have influenced and continue to influence UK pig producer decisions on investment in infrastructure. There has been little investment in pig buildings over the last five years, despite the ageing of buildings and equipment “much of which is reaching – or has already exceeded, its recommended lifespan he biggest barriers to investment were Brexit, the cost of buildings and lack of capital, for which we could rephrase as ‘uncertainty’ and ‘lack of decent investment appraisals’.

Nothing new then. The other barriers cited from the survey were: • Uncertainty about what future welfare codes and legislation will entail, for example enrichment, farrowing crates and space allowance • Availability and retention of skilled staff • Impending retirement, with no-one to take over the business • The unknowns around future environmental legislation • A lack of knowledgeable people to help advise and construct new buildings (see below) • Not enough funding/grants to spend on buildings. (Pig World, March 2020. Buildings Supplement)

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It is highly likely that the rest of the livestock sector would hold similar views. The current market for livestock buildings looks as if it could be very quiet if data from surveys is to be believed. However, history shows that both animal welfare and environmental impact can be useful ingredients in unlocking financial decisions at farm level.

All livestock in the UK are currently housed in existing buildings. All current health and welfare problems in cattle, poultry, pigs and sheep related to environmental factors, causing £ millions losses per year, occur in existing buildings. These losses, inefficiencies in the agricultural sector at a time when margins are tight in all sectors, can be reduced by improving building function around an existing frame. A building upgrade may not carry the same financial turnover as a series of new builds through 2020, but it will help to pay the bills better than no investment at all.

The agricultural sector receives grants that

help management and investment decisions, and the current government has suggested that it will focus support for farmers post-Brexit on issues including animal welfare and the environmental impact of agriculture. In the recent past, the author has been involved in improvements at farm level that utilise grants in these two areas to improve performance at farm level. A classic improvement is based on typical steel framed buildings for cattle, constructed in the past 50 years. If the roof sheets still don’t need replacing, the ventilation capacity will be a fraction of what the current stocking density and production management truly requires. The sidewall cladding will have similar issues and improvements will give good return on investment. Present an investment case that improves animal welfare and/or reduces environmental impact, and unlock a grant to make investment happen.

The industry has been told that they will be supported to improve and maintain the

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| Buildings

environment, and the potential is massive.

Current diffuse pollution levels from agriculture would cause a ruckus in national media if they were created by any other industry, and the status quo is not going to continue. A common example is created by the tardiness of the UK sector to cover slurry tanks and lagoons. A quick glance at annual weather data will demonstrate how much volume in a slurry tank/lagoon had once been clean rainwater; easily 25% of a 4m deep tank in many parts of the UK. How does this impact on the environment? It impacts directly by reducing available storage and forcing inefficient application of the nutrients in the slurry at inappropriate times. One quarter of all time and money spent on subsequent slurry application is on spreading pure rainwater turned into dirty water.

A clear indirect impact of poor slurry management on animal welfare is slurry backing up in slatted floor systems and

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impacting on gaseous ammonia levels inside the house. Air quality in turn influences the prevalence and severity of respiratory disease, and animal vice. Cattle and sheep predominate in those parts of the UK with higher rainfall, grassland/ upland areas, and areas of natural beauty, and the agriculture industry is going to be paid to be stewards of the land. Grants to support construction of roofs over manure stores have appeared before and will come again. A clean-up act is required.

A further item from the AHDB survey is that producers hold back from investment because of a lack of knowledgeable people to help advise and construct new buildings.

Centralised independent advice ceased two decades ago with the demise of ADAS and SAC buildings groups, and there appears to be little knowledge of BS5502 or the RIDBA Farm Buildings Handbook in the production sector.

So who can supply that advice? When a producer selects products for investment,

whether genetics, fertiliser, tractors or nutrition, the products are sold with at least a modicum of background data. Buying a tractor on its colour may be fashionable but there will be a raft of technical data to support the colour choice. And the evidence is clear; farmers do not buy on price alone. A well designed and appropriate building needs to be sold on its intrinsic values, and if one or more of those values supports animal welfare (with evidence) and reduces environmental impact, it may attract government support as well. In the current market, every little bit helps.

Jamie Robertson. Livestock Management Systems Ltd. Contact j.robertson@lms2004.co.uk Jamie is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, and has worked in the area of environment and animal health for 35 years. Jamie is available to RIDBA members for discussion and guidance on matters related to building design and animal health.

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Pig & Poultry

It s all a matter of husbandry: Finland s largest piglet operation profitable despite forgoing docking! uccessful husbandry of longtailed pigs is always a special challenge. This is made clear by numerous studies, for instance based on the frequency of tail injuries. However, Timo Heikkilä demonstrates that there s another way. He s Finland s largest piglet producer and also a customer and partner of many years to Lower Saxon farming house supplier WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp.

The Finn has developed a special concept for keeping pigs with nondocked tails. His practice is successful to the point that his farm was recently selected by the European Commission as an exemplary husbandry operation for long-tailed pigs.

Timo Heikkilä s farm with 3,500 sows, 6,000 piglets (between 7 and 30 kilograms) on the flat deck and 1,200 gilts (between 30 and 140 kilograms) is located in Rusko in the south-west of Finland, 200 kilometers west of Helsinki. Here in Finland, docking tails has been banned since 11 November 2002.

Still, we started keeping long-tailed pigs in January 2003, Heikkilä reported. And his results are proof that his approach is right: merely two percent of animals arrive at the slaughterhouse with damaged tails.

Eliminating stressors “The main cause of tail-biting is stress”, emphasized Heikkilä.

According to him, stress is caused by a number of factors: “for instance, preventing animals from feeding at the same time. Also, the environmental control is often not adjusted properly, leading to poor ventilation or draft. Another factor is a lack of material for activity or playing”, he added. “Simply by eliminating these stress factors, much can be achieved”, Heikkilä confirmed.

High-barley feed Heikkilä therefore encourages pig farmers intending to switch to keeping long-tailed pigs, advising: “To reduce stress for animals, I recommend installing long troughs, meaning a 1:1 feeding place ratio. Also, animals are best supplied with a liquid feeding system.” Timo Heikkilä has been working successfully with WEDA liquid feeding for years. This ensures my animals receive highbarley feed. I m rather skeptical towards wheat, since it contains less crude fiber, he reported.

Hygiene systems are essential Timo Heikkilä exclusively feeds pelletized purchased compound feed. Pelletization prevents

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contamination of his animal stock with salmonella via the feed. Also, he uses acids for feeding. Not least, Heikkilä considers solid hygiene to be essential for liquid feeding: Our system is equipped with the latest WEDA hygiene technology. It includes regular cleaning of tanks with UV light, rinsing the entire system with lye and cleaning the outlet pipes in the house. This way, Heikkilä does not give germs and bacteria any chance to develop.

A favorable house climate Another pillar of his concept is a favorable house climate. To achieve this, harmful gas pollution must be reduced. In Rusko, this is managed in three ways: by lowering ammonia levels, by channeling supply air directly to the pens and through a sealedfloor portion of two thirds.

Especially the latter keeps down manure surfaces in the compartments.

Extra portion of straw to stimulate play instinct For Timo Heikkilä, providing a sufficient amount of material for activity and play is vital: We rely on straw, quite puristically, but it must be of good quality, he stated. As soon as we realize the animals start biting, we toss an extra quantity of straw into the pen. This distracts them and immediately motivates them to play. Timo Heikkilä sees the installation of long troughs to avoid feeding competition among the animals as the first step in a successful transition to keeping

38 | Farming Monthly | April 2020

long-tailed pigs. In my experience, it is key to plan all measures ahead instead of only reacting once problems are

already present, Timo Heikkilä summarized, taking stock of his successful husbandry concept.

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| Pig & Poultry

Yorkshire winner of Zoetis - NFU Poultry Trainee Award: and first for the egg industry Leah Page-Stott, who works in her family’s free range egg production business in Yorkshire, is the winner of the 2019 Zoetis-NFU Poultry Trainee Award. he National Farmers’ Union has joined Zoetis in sponsoring the award that began in 2007 and has been won by trainees from all sectors of the poultry meat industry.

As the first winner from the egg sector, Leah was presented with the award by Thomas Wornham, chairman of the National Farmers’ Union National Poultry Board, and now receives the £2000 training grant from Zoetis to help further her career. ”The NFU is pleased to be working with Zoetis to promote training within the poultry sector,” said Aimee Mahony, NFU poultry adviser. “The poultry sector is innovative and progressive, opening a door to an exciting career for many. It is encouraging to have three young people of such high calibre as our finalists. They are embracing training courses already on offer and by furthering their skills they will continue to be successful while enhancing their own personal development.”

James Porritt, Zoetis national sales manager for poultry and pigs, stated: “This is an exciting new chapter for the award with the NFU joining us as sponsors. The poultry industry deserves more recognition for the career opportunities it provides, and past winners and finalists have shown the tremendous potential to progress into managerial roles within a few years.”

Leah Page-Stott was competing against two other finalists – Aaron Fulcher who works in broiler production with P D Hook in Norfolk and Jack McAlister who works at the Joice & Hill layer hatchery near Peterborough. All three finalists were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament and attended the award dinner later in the day.

Leah Page-Stott grew up helping with chickens. Her family has the free range egg business LCS Agriculture at Newbridge Farm, North Duffield, near York, and see her having an important role in planned expansion.

She began officially working for the business in 2017, keen to establish good relationships with feed suppliers, pullet rearers and the packing centre. She sat in on meetings and audits, taking notes and asking questions – and in a short time was running a 12,000-bird unit.

“I was responsible for introducing the birds to their new environment,” said Leah. “I would ensure I was there when they woke up and I would be on site until they went to bed, making sure all birds are up on the system before the lights went out. “ Leah is now completing level 3 apprenticeship in poultry. Her training adviser Ricky Isley of Poultec stated: “For someone of her age, Leah is showing exceptional dedication. She is taking on a lot of responsibility within the business, and every time I visit her she explains the improvements she’d like to make.”

She is looking to further knowledge of poultry management, in particular using the £2000 training grant for a distance learning course with Scotland’s Rural College.

Darnell Page, director of the business LCS

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winning group

Agriculture, commented: “Leah enjoys spending time with her birds and at times has been caught singing to them, believing that a happy bird will always give back. Her flock is proving to be a great flock with an obvious improvement in feather coverage compared to our previous flocks by improving our enrichment.”

Her career seems set to move forward this year. Darnell Page said Leah would be overseeing both the 12,000-bird site and a new site for 32,000 birds, responsible for staff at both sites and all audits, sampling and ordering, adding: “As a company we are expanding and, with support, we hope Leah will be a big part in this.”

Jack McAlister became bored working for a financial services call centre and by searching the Government website promoting apprenticeships he saw an opportunity at the Joice & Hill hatchery a few miles from his home at Market Deeping. In the last 18 months he has worked in every area of the hatchery, made deliveries to customers and spent time on breeder farms.

He was given additional responsibilities after only five months and is now training to supervise the chick take-off, dispatch and culling areas and to have a role in health and safety, along with becoming a designated first aider and forklift operator.

Hatchery manager Anna Healy said his positive attitude and enthusiasm led them to send him on a broad range of training and exhibitions to further his understanding of the industry and seek new solutions for everyday

award winner 2019 aimee mahoney, thomas wornham and john kenyon

issues they face.

Despite being brought up in a family involved in the poultry industry, Aaron Fulcher chose to work in catering for six years after two years’ study at Norwich City College. He didn’t see a future in catering and turned to the ‘Indeed’ app to search for other jobs.

He joined P D Hook in April 2016 initially as a chick team member setting up poultry sheds and tipping chicks. He soon become recognised as one of the most competent members of the group, and moved on to join the team on a 247,000-bird site at East Wretham in Norfolk.

The new role led to him being promoted as relief manager for broiler farms at Old Buckenham and Winfarthing where he is responsible for the day-to-day running of the 230,000 birds on these sites and he is seen as a potential farm manager in the future.

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Grass & Silage

Coveris further expands silage wrap stretch film capability Building on its longstanding expertise of more than 35 years as a leading supplier of stretch films, Coveris now expands its capacities and further invests in its Kufstein plant. Following on from the recently announced major investment programme in Winsford UK, the second phase of this programme is now launched which expands and upgrades the technical capabilities in Kufstein, Austria through investment in a 5-layer specialist Agri Extrusion line. he Winsford UK investment in new generation extrusion and pre-stretch assets creates a dedicated UK cell for stretch film production, expanding its industrial capacity and extending its capability to manufacture agricultural stretch film applications in the UK. The 5-layer extrusion investment in Kufstein significantly enhances its position as Centre of Excellence for Agri production and will allow

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Coveris to extend its product range to include additional premium quality silage films for high speed wrappers and challenging bale sizes.

The new equipment will be installed and commissioned during quarter two 2020, and together with the Winsford investment increases Coveris silage wrap capacity to ~30k tons. “This investment of 5-layer extrusion capability into Kufstein is an exciting development for Coveris as we seek to significantly expand our offering within the

Global Agri films market. We now have Agri manufacturing centres in both Austria and the UK, allowing us to offer our clients a wider service proposition to add to our outstanding product and technical know-how built up over many years. Our reputation for high quality products can now be enhanced further through accelerated product development and innovation�, comments Martin Davis, President Business Unit Films on the Agri investment programme.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

GEA'S kit is great for spreading the cost of slurry UK farmers are being urged to consider slurry separation systems that can help them comply with tighter environmental controls, avoiding the need to create more storage space or paying the economic price of transporting the manure away.

EA, a company with 40 years' experience supplying high-tech kit for the farming industry, is offering a leasing facility to spread the cost of its robust and reliable manure decanter, which can significantly cut the overall volume of slurry and poultry waste, while recovering the fibre to produce compost or bedding for crops and grass.

Farmers and landowners can be fined for non-compliance with government legislation introduced for managing the waste from cows, pigs and poultry, especially if their land is in a nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ). NVZs are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution.

While farms in NVZs are more likely to comply – because of the pollution threat to water courses, waterways and wetlands of excessive agricultural runoff from fields, particularly when hit by a lot of rain – there have been calls for the environmental agency to increase policing and impose stiffer penalties on those that persistently flout the rules.

Dairy herds of around 200 cows alone can

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produce on average 12,000 litres of manure a day, resulting in around half the volume again of water for washing. Farmers must be able to store all the slurry they produce, reduce the volume by sending it off farm or by spreading on fields with a low risk of runoff. Separating manure by decanter centrifuge manages the solid and liquid fractions individually, with greater flexibility and efficiency.

A manure decanter is a continuously operating centrifuge developed specifically to dewater liquid manures and digestate. Its efficient capture of solids means there is little or no settlement in storage lagoons and tanks so regular agitation and digging out is not needed.

Solids can then be used as good quality fertiliser under the right conditions and in compliance with legislation.

Chris Clarke, GEA's Business Manager – Environmental, said: "The younger generation of famers react differently and are more inclined to accept new technology for improving nutrient separation, while older farmers sometimes have a different mind-set rooted in tradition, despite modern herds being of a size that means there is more slurry than land.

"We can ease the problem for all farmers by allowing them to get more out of their land by cleaning it up. A manure decanter can be customised to meet requirements, whether from a herd of 200 cows or 2,000 strong. It processes up to 80cu m of slurry an hour, extracting more than 85% of the liquid fraction.

It's economical, affordable, reliable and simple to use."

For further information visit https://www.gea.com/united-kingdom/manuremanagement.jsp

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Muck & Slurry

Farmers warned not to ‘cut corners’ as they scramble to catch up after slurry delays A Farm insurance expert is warning against farmers ‘cutting corners’ and taking dangerous and potentially fatal risks in the scramble to catch up on the delayed slurry season. att McWhirter, of Farmers and Mercantile Insurance Brokers (FMIB), is urging farmers not to overlook the necessary precautions needed in managing slurry on farms.

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“The start of this year saw widespread flooding and unprecedented rainfall, hampering farmers plans to start slurry spreading,” he said.

“We are at the stage now where stores are overflowing, and farmers are understandably desperate to get out into the fields,

42 | Farming Monthly | April 2020

but incidents involving slurry are all too common on farms and the potential risk to life cannot, and should not, be underestimated.

“Hydrogen sulphide – the most dangerous gas emitted from slurry – nullifies our sense of smell, so anyone exposed will not be able to detect danger. It causes difficulty

in breathing and disorientation, which can lead to collapse and death.

“When it comes to slurry mixing, farmers need to ensure they do not take unnecessary risks in the interests of time and savings and instead give the process the extreme care, caution and respect

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| Muck & Slurry that it requires.”

Matt said that, before embarking on any mixing, farmers should plan the job, assess the risks and decide on appropriate precautions to work safely.

All staff should be trained and a robust and comprehensive risk assessment should be carried out.

Fencing around the storage facility should be checked and suitable warning signs should be in place.

All cattle should be moved out of slatted sheds before mixing and the building checked to ensure noone is present who shouldn’t be.

When the mixer is running, no-one should stand over mixing points and other areas where gas may be emitted, such as slats. Covers should be in place over mixing points and receptions pits.

It is vital that all children are kept indoors, well away from the building.

“Detectors for hydrogen sulphide are strongly advised and always use specialist contractors for the most dangerous aspects of the jobs,” added Matt. “Most importantly, remember that no-one should work alone and always follow advice from the Health and Safety Executive.”

Matt also warned that the wetter weather will contribute to more mud on the roads, as the fields are already sodden and soft – adding

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another layer of risk.

“Leaving mud behind on the road is not an innocuous act – it can be a highly dangerous one, as it can cause other road users to lose control of their vehicles and skid, which can lead to serious or even fatal collisions,” said Matt.

“It is an offence if mud creates a danger or inconvenience to road users and all efforts must be made to remove it. Not only do farmers face being prosecuted under the Highways Act, but they are also leaving themselves open to claims of negligence, if someone is injured. Furthermore, they could be forced to pay clean-up costs by the council.

“Farmers should take steps to minimise mud deposits on the road, and to have a robust cleanup plan in place.

“Mud should be cleaned from vehicles, as far as practicable, before being driven onto the road, paying particular attention to the wheels, and tractors should be driven at a low-speed on roads, to prevent residual mud from falling off.

“Try to keep road travel to a minimum, stick to minor roads where possible, and ensure adequate and appropriate signage is used and displayed with maximum visibility to other road users. Don’t let mud build up and instead look to clean up at regular

intervals, as well as at the end of the day.

“In some instances, farmers feel they have fulfilled their duty by putting up signs but this is simply not sufficient.

“As we continue to feel the effects of climate change, wetter weather in slurry season could become more common, so being mindful and responsible will be even more imperative.”

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Livestock

Strategies and technologies towards reduced lameness in cattle David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University. ameness is the third most impactful disease in dairy cattle, with respect to economics and animal welfare Lameness is not a single disease; it has multiple causes and, as such, is difficult to assess, diagnose and treat effectively Whilst new technologies aimed at diagnosing lameness are available (or in production), a key factor in reducing prevalence thereof throughout the UK, is a necessary change in perspective and an overhaul of the management practices commonly used in the dairy sector What is lameness Lameness is considered one of the most detrimental diseases (behind reproductive issues and mastitis) currently affecting the dairy industry globally. Associated economic losses include reductions in milk production, limited reproductive performance and increased animal mortality, emphasised by escalated levels of animal culling. Lameness in cattle is defined as any variation/defect which causes abnormalities in a cow’s gait and can include a variety of leg and foot conditions. However, studies suggest 90% of lameness is directly related to diseases of the foot. Diseases of the foot are split into infectious and non-infectious diseases, of these, previous research has suggested that the most commonly occurring are sole ulcers, with an estimated individual cost of £518.73 per case, followed by white line disease estimated at £300.05 per case. The most prevalent infectious disease, on the other hand, is suggested to be Digital dermatitis (DD), though estimated costs per case for this are low, £75.57 per case, it is, however, highly contagious and therefore poses a further risk to the herd as a whole.

Prevalence and economic impact The prevalence of lameness in dairy cattle has been difficult to assess, however trends suggest that despite increased understanding of the

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economic impacts, the adoption of strategies to reduce lameness is low, with average levels across England and Wales showing minimal reductions within the last 10 years (36.8% in 2010 and 31.6% in 2018). In comparison, evidence from multiple scientific studies has shown significant variance in lameness prevalence worldwide, ranging from <5% in Norway up to >50% in parts of the US with a suggested global average of around 25% reduction. As such, it is clear to see that lameness is still an important issue within the UK, with the cattle sector demonstrating aboveaverage global prevalence. Furthermore, across multiple studies within the UK, a large variance in levels of prevalence between farms have been observed, from as low as 6% on one farm to 65% on another. This suggests that individual farm management strategies likely play a crucial role in lameness prevention.

Economic impact assessments of lameness in dairy cattle, or cattle in general, are a difficult concept to accurately measure as factors which are influenced by lameness are varied. However, determinations of expenditure and losses are regularly performed and readily available.

Expenditures include; increases in labour, the requirement of specialists’ time (hoof trimmers or veterinarians), purchasing of therapeutic treatments, potential costs of diagnosis and costs of implementing control and prevention strategies. Losses associated with lameness are linked to reduced returns including: loss of milk production, lower-quality milk, non-saleable milk (due to antibiotic use), reduction in reproductive performance, increased culling, reduced animal welfare and a general reduction in health, potentially increasing susceptibility of lame animals to other diseases or complications.

Figures generated in 2009 calculated losses to the cattle industry in the UK of >£127 million, with individual cases costing on average £323.47 each, with around 10% of culls associated with

lameness. An issue that has previously been highlighted is the lack of understanding by farmers/producers of the true costs associated with lameness; it’s suggested this leads to a cycle of reduced efforts placed into prevention and control and therefore overall higher economic impacts.

Factors associated with lameness Through evaluating the impacts of lameness within the dairy industry, a large amount of data has been collected and analysed to assess factors which may be influencing lameness.

Factors which may increase lameness: • Damaged concrete in yards • Cows pushing/turning sharply at parlour entrances or exits • Grazing cattle on sheep grazed pastures • Utilising automatic scrapers • Not treating cattle within 48 hours of lameness detection • Housing cattle for extended periods of time (≥61 days) • Fast rises in the amount of concentrate fed • Low body condition scores • Allowing claw overgrowth • Animals being within the first 120 days of lactation • Larger herd sizes • Autumn block calving • Having Holstein-Friesian only breeds Factors which may decrease lameness: • Use of deep bedding (>5cm) • Early lactation claw trimming • Increased routine claw trimming • Increased routine footbath use • Use of flooring that reduces or prevents slurry accumulation in yards • Herd sizes of less than 30 animals • Higher parity animals • Organic farming practices • Treating within 48 hours of diagnosis • High level of leg cleanliness • Inclusion of mixed breed dairy systems

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| Livestock Understanding factors which may have an effect on lameness can give researchers an indication of elements to investigate further and farmers information on farm level changes which could be implemented.

Strategies for combating lameness Due to the understanding that lameness has such a high impact on cattle welfare and productivity, several research trials have looked to find effective and novel strategies to combat it.

Research over the past 20 years has looked at the effects of supplementation of cattle diets with biotin in order to improve foot health. Several studies have found positive correlations between a biotin-supplemented diet and reduced cases of DD, as well as other lameness diseases. Milk production has also been shown to increase under these conditions. Due to these beneficial effects, biotin supplements are now commonly available to buy to fortify traditional feed.

A relatively newly proposed strategy for combating DD related lameness involves feeding trace minerals (such as zinc) to cattle. To date, no specific evaluation of DD levels in relation to trace mineral consumption has been carried out in dairy cows. However, in the case of steers, research has proved a positive correlation. In at least three studies, trace element feed mixes, which provide increased levels of trace minerals, proved effective at reducing occurrences of DD lesions. Potential secondary benefits are associated with this strategy as other research suggests that increasing trace mineral levels also stimulates increased milk production.

Finally, this strategy has been studied in combination with biotin supplementation and in dual treatment experimentations, benefits to both hoof health and milk production have been observed simultaneously.

Biosecurity is becoming a more prevalent issue within the agricultural industry, particularly, where cattle are concerned, with regards to the reduction of diseases such as bovine tuberculosis. However, as noted, a significant proportion of lameness in dairy cattle is associated with infectious agents. As such, a reduction in the transmissive ability throughout farm systems via biosecurity measures could vastly improve lameness control. Studies have isolated ‘hazards and critical control points’ (HACCP) associated with lameness which should be considered including: poor management of biosecurity breaches through lacking a closed herd system, low biosecurity between age groups, contamination of equipment and a lack of hygiene/disinfectant between lameness treatments.

Improvement of diagnostics is noted across multiple lameness studies as an essential requirement in increasing treatment efficacy and, thereby, reducing animal welfare and economic burdens. A regular finding of diagnostic research in dairy cattle is the underestimation of lameness presence by farmers even when regular daily or weekly routine analysis is performed. This underestimation of the risks may be linked to a general overestimation of the effectiveness of new or current diagnostic techniques, where there is often a lack of a consistent “best available” reference test for comparison. Due to the multifactorial nature of lameness, no single test is likely to offer high robustness across all lameness associated ailments. However, one improvement with regards to diagnosis which has been noted is simply the use of routine claw trimming and routine locomotion scoring with shorter durations between testing events demonstrating higher lameness reductions. Claw trimming provides an opportunity for visual inspection, allowing early-stage lesions to be diagnosed and treated, whilst locomotion scoring often leads to skewed diagnosis for the worst lameness cases only. Some evidence

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does, however, note that the cost-effectiveness of frequent trimming should be balanced against specific lameness incidence levels at each farm.

Furthermore, there is a significant amount of work being undertaken to try to reduce the labour burden and inevitable human error associated with manual diagnostic assessments by utilising new technologies. Automated technologies still encounter issues of inefficiency due to the lack of a “best available” reference test; yet studies have suggested beneficial effects. The three main categories of automatic lameness detection technologies fall into are (1) kinetic (measuring forces applied), (2) kinematic (measuring the mechanics of animal movement) or (3) indirect approaches (often look at pattern changes from sensors applied). Kinetic examples include the use of pressure plates or platforms in parlours or integrated into automatic milking systems, which can detect abnormal weight-bearing by animals. Kinematic systems use cameras linked to algorithms that can detect abnormal cow gaits automatically and flag these for attention. Indirect approaches include technologies such as: infrared thermography (measuring inflammation causing temperature changes in hooves), GPS tracking (which can observe changes in behaviours), and on animal cattle monitors (SCR Heatime, Silent Herdman and Rumiwatch). Indirect systems measure various parameters and can use a change in pattern from normal behaviour to flag up potential illnesses which can include lameness.

Due to increasing understanding of the economic and welfare costs of lameness, an emerging strategy has been the launch of healthy hoof/feet programmes backed by key industry bodies. Programmes look to provide information and resources for farmers, towards assisting in reducing lameness prevalence. Such programmes are often facilitated by mentors/experts to give tailored advice or training. Examples of programmes include; ‘Healthy feet programme’ (UK - AHDB), ‘Healthy Hoof programme’ (New Zealand - DairyNZ) and ‘Master Hoof Care’ (USA - Iowa state university college of veterinary medicine). Whilst it will likely be beneficial to have strategies aimed at combating lameness, to date there is a lack of direct assessment of the quantitative effects these programmes are having on lameness in dairy cattle within their regions.

Finally, a potential strategy for combating lameness within dairy herds is through financial incentives/penalties, it is hoped that these may encourage increased lameness diagnosis and treatment. For example, in Holland, milk

produced by severely lame cows was prevented from being collected for sale (linked to European parliament regulation EC 853/2004 from the Farm Animal Welfare Council FAWC).

Subsequently, Holland is currently one of the countries with the lowest prevalence of lameness, suggesting strategies such as this may have played an important role in changing attitudes towards lameness control. Currently in the UK, similar strategies appear to be affecting the diagnosis and treatment of mastitis as similar legislation is in place with regards to milk quality (high somatic cell count is related to mastitis presence) where milk over certain thresholds is deemed “unfit for human consumption”.

Summary Lameness in dairy cattle is both a UK-wide and worldwide disease of high concern.

Prevalence in the UK remains above the global average rates, despite evidence of decreases in the last 10 years, and increased awareness of the economic and animal welfare effect this condition has on cattle. Lameness presents a significant challenge due to its multifactorial nature and, as such, each case must be specifically assessed in order to provide the best treatment and inform farm management responses accordingly. Whilst evidence suggests increased communication with regards to the importance of lameness control (through specific programmes), there appears to be a continued lack of awareness of the true costs, both economic and animal welfare-related, within the industry. Though some novel treatments and diagnostic tools are being developed to assist farmers with lameness control, evidence suggests that simple changes to frequency and accuracy of lameness observations alongside regular hoof care may allow for the highest diminishment in cases for the lowest financial input.

Background information: This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer Programme and Advisory Service is delivered by Menter a Busnes on behalf of Welsh Government. Lantra Wales leads on the delivery of the Farming Connect Lifelong Learning and Development Programme.

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Livestock

Lameness could cost dairy farmers up to £10,000 per 100-cow herd each year!

The biggest financial penalties are NOT attributed to milk loss.

ameness is costing dairy farmers in excess of £180 per case, depending on the cause and severity of the lameness1,2.

With a wide range of lameness prevalence across the UK dairy herd, causing estimated losses of up to £10,000 per year for a 100-cow herd3, lameness represents a significant cost economically and, more importantly, has important welfare implications.

Yet, contrary to most assumptions, milk loss is NOT the main contributor to this economic impact. As part of the ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ initiative, Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of Ketofen® 10% (ketoprofen), is drawing attention to studies that show most of the losses are caused by impaired fertility2,4. The company believes that tackling lameness early is key to limiting the financial impact of lameness.

Lameness can be difficult to detect in the early stages, if a mobility monitoring programme is not in place. A lame cow with a mobility score of two requires prompt treatment, but most of these animals can still keep up with the rest of the herd- so may not be detected. As cattle are a prey species, they will tend to try and mask the signs of lameness, which means that careful observation by a trained monitor is necessary to pick up early indicators. Other early signs to look out for include altered feeding and social

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patterns, alongside evidence of generalised pain and discomfort.

Recent studies looking into attitudes around lameness in cattle found that most farmers assume the main financial impact of lameness is caused by a loss of milk combined with the costs associated with medical treatment5. In fact, when researchers analysed the source of economic losses in more detail, they found that fertility failures accounted for almost 40% of these losses, with increased culling rates and milk loss contributing around 25% each2.

Researchers also found that the cost of lameness treatment represented just 10% of the total financial outlay and veterinary fees only contributed about 1% - much less than initially assumed2.

Financial loss associated with poor fertility resulted from an increase in the calving to conception interval by up to 50 days, with an increase to the risk of delays in cycling by up to 3.5 times4.

Gemma Robinson BVM BVS MRCVS, ruminant veterinary adviser at Ceva Animal Health feels the studies provide good evidence for the benefits of early treatment: “Fortnightly inspection and treatment significantly reduces the cases of lameness on farm – improving welfare and production. An 85% resolution of the signs of lameness has been reported 35 days post treatment by combining foot trimming, hoof blocks and analgesia – with no milk withdrawal necessary, if analgesics such as Ketofen® 10% are selected6. With this approach, farmers can be confident they are waving goodbye to pain rather than profits.”

To find out more about the ‘Wave Goodbye to Pain’ initiative, contact your veterinary surgeon, visit www. wavegoodbyetopain.co.uk or search #wavegoodbyetopain on social media for information and tips on how to recognise lameness and instigate a management programme.

RABDF urges farmers to check contact details on Government websites The RABDF is urging farmers to check their contact details are correct on websites such as the RPA and Cattle Tracing System (CTS), following the temporary closure of offices due to coronavirus. rom Friday 27 March most RPA sites were closed as part of coronavirus measures. As a result, farmers will be contacted when necessary by phone or email.

Likewise, any correspondence with the RPA or government services should be made by email or online where possible.

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Post is not being delivered to these sites, nor will post be sent from these locations.

However, BP5 paper forms have been issued as planned.

This means all general letters, such as those asking for confirmation of information will be done over the phone or by email.

For customers where there is no valid email address or there is a regulatory or customer

requirement for items to be sent in hard copy, options are being discussed. Plans will be confirmed in due course.

Further details can be found on www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19information-for-farmers-landowners-and-ruralbusinesses . Farmers are asked to check the page for regular updates on the contingency arrangements.

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| Livestock

Mastitis prevention practices crucial ahead of antibiotic supply reductions Chief vets are urging farmers to be more diligent with mastitis prevention practices due to supply problems with seven key intramammary antibiotic products for lactating cows. he Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has recently been informed that more than half of the lactating cow intramammary antibiotics on the market have been withdrawn due to falling outside of quality standards,” explains Alison Clark, Progiene Business Unit Manager. “While VMD has said it will work with veterinarians to ensure animal health needs are met if the remaining products are not suitable, delays in treatment can cause significant consequences for dairy businesses.”

Along with compromising animal welfare, costs associated with mastitis carry a huge financial burden. Reports show mastitis costs the UK dairy industry £144 million each year, with the average case costing £200.

“Mastitis has a huge economic impact on dairy farms. Associated costs are due to a decrease in milk yields and fertility, extra labour, treatments, penalties for high somatic cell counts and the dumping of milk due to antibiotic usage. It can also increase replacement and culling costs since infection will affect yield for future lactations,” explains Ms Clark. “The national average is 40 cases of mastitis per 100 cows – that’s a total cost of £8,000 per year.”

A plan for prevention To safeguard their dairy herds, Ms Clark recommends producers adopt a

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comprehensive prevention plan for contagious and environmental mastitis. This includes: • Create and follow treatment protocols • Record all clinical cases • Assess housing management and hygiene • Conduct an annual milking machine test • Pre dipping with an effective, quick acting biocide • Use a post milking teat disinfectant, preferably a barrier • Allow cows to stand for 20 minutes post milking to allow teats to close properly • Consult with vet regarding use of dry cow therapy • Cull chronic carriers While barrier and post milking teat dips are essential to kill mastitis causing pathogens, Ms Clark says producers should select a chlorine dioxide based product like UdderGold Platinum rather than iodine dips.

“Maximum pathogen killing power for chlorine dioxide is 10-20 seconds, compared to 30-60 seconds for iodine. As dairy producers know, it is essential to minimise prep time as much as possible to avoid potential issues with a cow’s oxytocin reflex to drop milk,” she says.

“Chlorine dioxide also has a 12 hour killing period to protect for longer between milking, while iodine only lasts for 20 minutes. This extended period of protection not only safeguards an individual cow, but also her herd mates from contagious mastitis pathogens.”

UdderGold Platinum, which is the only VMD licensed teat dip in the UK has proven to be highly effective at reducing new intramammary infections, with a 77% reduction rate in three clinical trials in the USA and UK. “This chlorine dioxide product allows producers to take a belt and braces approach to killing a broad spectrum of pathogens like bacteria and yeasts to prevent contagious and environmental mastitis cases,” explains Ms Clark. “With a reduction rate of 77% which costs £200 per case, the monetary benefit is £34.60 per cow per year, even when taking the cost of production into account.”

Safeguard of antibiotics Along with protecting herd welfare and production, stepping up prevention practice is crucial to reducing antibiotic usage in the dairy industry.

“Antibiotics used to treat mastitis are third generation, which means they are used in human medicines. There is a huge worry about the impact of human health if they become resistant,” stresses Ms Clark. “We have a duty of care to make sure we are using antibiotics responsibly and implementing preventative practice to reduce usage as much as possible.”

Understanding animals' emotions SRUC teams up with Waitrose on pioneering project. cotland's Rural College (SRUC) has teamed up with a leading UK supermarket in a pioneering project to assess the emotional expressivity of animals in the supply chain.

The project will have a particular focus on recognising and promoting positive expressions of animals' welfare and quality of life.

Professor Françoise Wemelsfelder, an animal behaviour and welfare specialist at SRUC, has begun working with the Waitrose & Partners Animal Welfare Development Group – an expert panel of scientists, vets and farmers aiming to achieve the best quality of life they can for farm animals supplying Waitrose produce.

A key part of the project is the Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA), a system developed by Prof Wemelsfelder that focuses on the expressive 'body language' (for example: curious or scared) that animals show when they interact with each other and their environment.

The system integrates such observations into a framework that can offer real insight into an animal's emotional state.

She said: "For any given species, you need a list of about 20 terms to describe both the positive and negative aspects of the animals'

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emotional range. Is the animal relaxed, playful, confident or curious? Is it tense, frustrated, agitated or bored? Then you scale the intensity of this expressivity. It's bored? Well, how bored?

It's content? How content? The scale starts at zero for 'not at all content' and goes up to ten for 'couldn't be more content'."

Scoring a significant number of terms in this way allows patterns to emerge that give an indication of the animal's general mood.

"It's the integration of individual assessments into the framework that makes the science robust," said Dr Wemelsfelder. "It can become a sharp tool for measuring something quite subtle. But as with any method, you need to provide sufficient support and training to make sure the system functions well."

Prof Wemelsfelder and the Animal Welfare Development Group will be working with supply chain team leaders and farmers to devise lists of descriptors for dairy cows, pigs, laying hens, chickens, veal calves and ducks, that will convert into a toolkit app.

The Waitrose & Partners field team, who visit farms regularly to ensure welfare standards remain high, will then have an on-the-go way of monitoring the animals' emotional state.

Prof Wemelsfelder said: "There is so much knowledge among the farmers already about

the way animals express themselves, but a lot of it is implicit and goes unspoken. The toolkit will formalise this and give people confidence to say, 'Let's do something with the knowledge that we have.'"

Andrew Booth, who chairs the development group, said: "We know that Waitrose & Partners has always led the way when it comes to animal welfare, but what we wanted was to create a framework to assess this welfare, to show what we're doing well and to identify areas for improvement."

John Gregson, a member of Waitrose & Partners' CSR and Agriculture team, added: "If people in our society are going to continue eating meat, then we're probably going to eat a bit less of it, but I think we can aspire to eat better meat – and that's meat from an animal that has been raised well, with its wellbeing in mind. Who wouldn't want that?"

Colin MacEwan, SRUC's Commercial Director, said: "Having access to a superb supply chain with quality suppliers gives our researchers an excellent opportunity to grow our relationship and continue to build a lasting partnership that will allow both Waitrose and SRUC to explore further innovative industry-led research."

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| Livestock

Lungworm vaccination crucial ahead of 2020 grazing season Veterinary professionals are urging farmers to vaccinate against lungworm (husk) ahead of the 2020 grazing season after a significant increase of cases last year. ccording to Gareth Hateley, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Cattle Expert Group Veterinary Lead, cases diagnosed and reported to the GB Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis network were up by 44% between the 2018 and 2019 grazing seasons.

Scotland had the biggest increase in cases at 58%, followed by a 37% increase for England and Wales.

“The mild and wet conditions of 2019 were ideal for lungworm larvae to survive in pasture for longer and to contaminate new areas – and this could continue in 2020 if conditions are looking similar,” explains Mr Hateley.

“Changing weather conditions create protection challenges for producers that rely on preventative wormers,” says Helen Carty, SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer, who sits on the Steering Group of Control Of Worms Sustainably (COWS).

“Farmers across GB are able to turn cattle out longer – up to two months longer in some cases.

We’re seeing a lot of cases towards the end of the later part of the extended grazing season when protection from preventative wormers has worn off, leaving livestock vulnerable,” explains Ms Carty. “We’re also finding that long acting anthelmintics limit the ability of cattle to build up immunity against lungworm as they will be exposed to fewer larvae. When cattle are then exposed to contaminated pastures,

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producers will be at risk for a significant lungworm outbreak.”

According to Mr Hateley, animals exposed to lungworm later in the grazing season can have much more severe disease if they have been unable to develop immunity.

“We certainly saw this happening last year from herds using long acting anthelmintics during longer turnout periods,” he says.

Building immunity Lungworm infestation occurs when cattle eat grass contaminated with larvae from the worm Dictyocaulus viviparus, which migrates to the animal’s lungs. Once there, they develop into adults and produce eggs that are then coughed up and swallowed. Eggs that hatch in the digestive system are then passed out of the animal through faeces as larvae to contaminate pasture – ultimately starting the lifecycle over again once consumed by grazing livestock.

“Unlike long acting anthelmintics, which kill the parasite and reduce or even prevent ongoing exposure and necessary build up of immunity, vaccination allows cattle to develop immunity to lungworm through the use of irradiated larva in the husk vaccine,” says Mr Hateley. “When cattle receive vaccination prior to turnout, the irradiated larvae will migrate through the lungs just like ones they pick up on the pasture.

However, since the larvae are irradiated, they can’t fully develop which allows the animal to develop protective immunity but not infection.”

Work with your vet

As lungworm cases increase throughout the UK, so does the financial impact it has on farming businesses. Research from the University of Liverpool found the overall cost of an incident to a dairy producer is £140/infected cow, severely knocking milk production and fertility rates. The damage it causes to the lungs also opens the door to secondary infections like pneumonia and can lead to death.

To safeguard against financial losses and the potential for future developing resistance with long acting anthelmintics, both Ms Carty and Mr Hateley urge producers to work with their veterinarians to develop a farm parasite control plan that should consider vaccination against lungworm with BOVILIS® Huskvac. In light of the coronavirus outbreak, APHA urges farmers and vets to continue to follow social distancing guidelines.

“The most effective way to prevent lungworm infection in cattle is to build immunity through vaccination. While wormers can be used to control disease, they may limit exposure to lungworm larvae meaning calves remain susceptible to infection in future years,” concludes Ms Carty. “Fortunately, wormer resistance is not currently recognised as a significant issue in cattle yet – however, we should be looking at ways to minimise our use of wormers to slow the development of resistance.

Vaccination is one significant way in which we can do this.”

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| Livestock

Year on year progress reflected in genetic update National genetic averages will be recalculated in AHDB’s next bull proof run on 7 April 2020 reflecting the genetic progress made by dairy breeds over the last five years. reeders will see a reduction in predicted transmitting ability (PTA) values for all traits except Somatic Cell Count, however rankings will stay the same.

A new genetic index will also be introduced for Digital Dermatitis and sit alongside the existing Lameness Advantage index.

Marco Winters, AHDB head of animal genetics, said: “Farmers are seeing year upon year improvements in their herds as a result of effective breeding programmes.

“Holsteins lead the way with significant

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growth in milk production, weight of fat and protein, and lifespan which is now shown in days rather than lactation.”

The base change uses 2015 born females as the average population with the new figures representing the average change for the breed.

The final figures showing how each breed is affected by the base change will be published on AHDB’s website following the April release.

Holstein Type Merit will be updated and the weighting on type traits (Maintenance, Body Condition Score and Udders and Feet and Legs) will change in the calculation of economic breeding indexes £PLI, £SCI and

£ACI. “Now is the perfect time for farmers to review their breeding programmes to ensure their next choice of bulls continues to meet their aspirations,” continued Mr Winters.

“If they’re fully milk recording, our herd genetic report will show them the strengths and weaknesses in their herd to identify where improvements can be made.”

You can access the latest information about genetics, breeding indexes and herd genetic reports at dairy.ahdb.org.uk/breeding

NSA update on NSA Sheep Event and NSA Scotsheep 2020 As the ongoing Coronavirus crisis continues to affect all aspects of life including the many popular agricultural events held each summer the National Sheep Association (NSA) after taking time to review current Government recommendations is pleased to be able to announce its new plans to proceed with its popular summer events, but a little later in the year than previously planned.

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SA Sheep Event, the flagship event of the organisation will now take place on Monday 19th October 2020, once again at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern,

Worcestershire.

NSA Sheep Event 2020 Organiser, Helen Roberts comments: "The NSA prides itself on being a member led organisation and delivering our iconic event is incredibly important to us. However, with the Government advising against attending mass gatherings and further action relating to social distancing and self-isolation and unnecessary travel, NSA felt there was no other option at this time than to postpone our main event until October and we are very grateful to have this date made available to us.

"This will be a difficult year for the nation as a whole, and for the NSA and many other associations and businesses, and we will all be affected by the financial outcome of this scenario but we do hope both our NSA members as well as all sheep farmers and the wider sheep industry will support as we now recommence plans for what we are confident will be a fantastic event once again."

Also taking place this year is NSA Scotsheep, the main event of the industry in Scotland. Differing slightly from the NSA Sheep Event in Worcestershire, NSA Scotsheep is set to take place on farm, kindly hosted in 2020 by Robert and Hazel McNee at their home at Over Finlarg, Tealing, Angus. The event had been planned for early June but has now tentatively been moved to Wednesday 8th July, a date that the NSA Scottish Region executive committee is aware is rather hopeful in the current climate but one they still hope can be achievable.

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NSA Scotsheep Organiser Euan Emslie says: "We have very tentatively set a new date which most importantly suits the hosts who need to fit this event around their farming operation. NSA Scottish Region understands that this date is optimistic and that it may need to be reviewed again in light of the future situation with COVID-19 but in the hope we can continue we have lodged our application for the necessary licenses and will keep the situation under close review."

Should NSA Scottish Region not be granted a license for the July date, then NSA Scotsheep 2020 will regrettably have to be rescheduled until next year with a new date at the beginning of June hopefully to be secured.

Willy Millar, NSA Scotsheep 2020 Chairman, adds: "We are really disappointed to have to postpone this event although current circumstances give us no choice. The committee also realises that choosing a date in early July brings risks so we are looking at alternative dates for the first couple of weeks in June next year, should the restrictions on social distancing and gatherings of people not be lifted in the next few months.

"Our firm belief is that NSA Scotsheep is a crucial event for the farming community and sheep industry in Scotland and further afield.

There is no doubt that people will be keen to get back to a more normal way of life as soon as possible while following government advice on the situation".

Plans for both NSA events are well underway with many new and existing attractions set to take place, providing visitors with an opportunity not only to get up to date with the latest information in seminars and workshops, but this year, perhaps more importantly than ever before, the events will offer a much

needed opportunity to meet up with farming friends from both near and far.

Further updates on the future of both events will follow as needed.

To find out more about what is happening at NSA Sheep Event 2020 visit the event website at www.sheepevent.org.uk and for more information on NSA Scotsheep 2020 please visit www.scotsheep.org.uk

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| Livestock

Covid-19 market disruption is now of serious concern for UK sheep sector With the direct and indirect impacts of Covid-19 growing daily, NSA is seriously concerned about the impact seen on the sheep trade.

SA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: "We can only start from a position of absolute respect and commitment to the measures put in place to reduce the spread of the Covid -19 virus. It is the number one priority that the health of society is protected at this time.

However, the result is proving highly damaging for many businesses, and industries, and the sheep farming sector is now amongst these."

NSA is growing more concerned by the day about market prices and the knock-on effect this will have to farming communities. Mr Stocker explains: "The shutdown is having a really damaging impact on the sheep trade now. The trade collapsed at the start of this week with prices down by £1 per kg liveweight – on a 45kg lamb that's between £40 and £50 a head less, on a value

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that was maybe just over the £100 mark.

"The main underlying reason is the closure of the restaurant/catering trade, both here and in the EU, and the heavy reliance we have on lamb being a 'fine dining' product. We are hearing of export loads now being cancelled – and here at home, the supply chains that serve the catering trade and the domestic supermarket trade are quite different. We made Defra aware of this issue and the reasons behind it last Saturday morning, and now it's become apparent that it is having the same, if not worse, impact on the sheep dairy trade with many with a perishable product having no market at all."

NSA is concerned about the impact a shift like this will have on the sheep sector, Mr Stocker adds: "The one saving grace is that most of our sheep farmers producing lambs for meat are busy lambing at the moment and not selling

lambs, although there are still plenty that are. For the sheep dairy sector, although relatively small in size, probably every farmer is affected due to them supplying into the chain every day. While this has all been brought about by Corvid -19 there couldn't be a starker warning of the impact of sudden disruption to our export

markets and it raises the spectre of Brexit and the dangers that lie at the end of this year's transition period."

NSA is following the situation, talking to many in the industry, and will be exploring options with Government as the situation develops.

Five steps to improving hygiene Simple steps to improving hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of diseases on farm. nimals gathered together in sheds are highly vulnerable to diseases and whilst the nation looks to maintain a good level of human hygiene, farmers can also take steps to protect their livestock too.

Sorgene® Xtra is a Defra approved, broad spectrum environmental disinfectant which contains a stabilised blend of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. It is totally effective against viruses, bacteria and hard to kill fungal spores. Disinfectants can reduce the spread of diseases dramatically if used carefully and consistently. Helen Ainsworth, from BASF, offers five points of advice for farmers.

“A focus on hygiene is one of the simplest and most economical ways to reduce the spread of disease. Sorgene Xtra can be used for general hygiene, spraying or specific disease control dependent on the concentration used.”

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To make the most of disinfectant and reduce the spread of diseases, Helen suggests: 1 Thoroughly disinfect all accommodation. This is best achieved by pressure washing the sides and floors of livestock housing with a quality detergent before spraying with a disinfectant.

2 Bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms are often present on clothing and boots. Farmers should be sure to wear clean overalls and dip boots in disinfectant to reduce the risk of introducing harmful diseases.

Before entering livestock buildings it is also good practice to wash hands with a bactericidal soap.

3 Any equipment that is being used in conjunction with livestock should be disinfected in a solution of Sorgene Xtra before being used. Solutions should be changed frequently.

4 Livestock housing should be mucked out and disinfected regularly. Ideally farmers should remove old bedding and replenish with generous amounts of fresh bedding every day.

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5 In the case of lambing, any sick ewes should be isolated and penned separately. Once lambing begins, any lambs that show signs of disease should also be separated and treated according to their symptoms. This will help to reduce contaminating other ewes and lambs during the lambing period.

“We have the tools to reduce the spread of viruses to an absolute minimum. Farmers can protect themselves, their friends, family and livestock by simply keeping their sheds and equipment clean, using a disinfectant properly,” concludes Helen.

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| Grassland | Livestock & Muck

Holstein UK Announce Winners of 2020 Master Breeder Awards Classified as a ‘Master Breeder’ Holstein UK are delighted to be able to bring you some welcome good news during this period of unprecedented uncertainty for the whole of the UK.

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oday we would like to share with you the fantastic news that a record 19 high-performing herds have surpassed qualification to be named as winners of the 2020 Master

Breeder Award.

Master Breeder rewards Holstein members whose herds achieve a high standard in both classification and production and therefore breed productive, trouble-free long living cows that display desirable traits and conformation.

Cows and heifers in each herd are allocated points according to set criteria and only animals carrying the member prefix, and which are recorded as having produced a lactation within the last two years, are eligible for inclusion in the calculation. A herd achieving an average score of 4 points or more and a total point score of 150 or more, will qualify the member as a Master Breeder.

The Master Breeder Winners 2020 ABERCORN, D J Wallace, County Antrim BENEKNOWLE, P J Andrews, Devon CHEDHUNT, R & K M House & Son, Somerset DEONA, D Johnston & Co, County Londonderry DROINTON, A W Mackellar, Staffordshire

EDENORDINARY, H Mitchell & Sons, County Down FORDWICH, W J Kerr, County Antrim GEUFFORDD, Breeze Farms Ltd, Pembrokeshire GLADWAKE, W & P Ives, Hampshire GOITRE, G Benyon Thomas, West Glamorgan HEATHERSGILL, T Graham & Son, Cumbria HUDDLESTONE, Huddlestone Farmers Limited, West Sussex MAESYRAFON, E Evans & Son, Dyfed MILWR, Pierce’s, Cheshire ORMOND, D J & G Davies, Dyfed SHAWDALE, D E & M A Booth, West Yorkshire WILLOFARM, D & G Throne, County Tyrone WILLSBRO, Wills Brothers Limited, Cornwall WOODMARSH, M & J C Gould, Shropshire Over 120,000 type classifications have been completed in the last 12 months, highlighting the continued popularity of this service as a tool for identifying cows which thrive in modern production systems. Most classifications are carried out for private farmers, but many are also undertaken on behalf of the AI industry to progeny test UK Holstein sires.

Sue Cope, Chief Executive Officer for Holstein UK, commented: “Congratulations to

the 19 herds which have met the qualification standards for this year’s award. The Holstein UK Master Breeder is an important status which carries credibility and desirability. It demonstrates the breeders’ strengths in rearing and progressing cattle to an outstanding standard and offers the herd a level of superior ranking and greater value.”

Social distancing at Clinton Dairy keeps the milking parlour running during the Coronavirus crisis The government guidance on social distancing during the Covid-19 outbreak is clear, but achieving it in a milking parlour while caring for hundreds of dairy cows can bring its own challenges. t Clinton Dairy in East Devon the team have successfully adapted their entire milking operation to ensure they can follow all of the essential guidelines, while keeping up with growing demand.

The dairy is run by the Clinton Devon Farms Partnership (CDFP), a Clinton Devon Estates farming business, which manages two organic dairy farms, Otter farm and Dalditch farm.

Across the two sites, a herd of 750 cows graze locally.

Farms Manager Sam Briant-Evans explains: "We have essentially had to split the milking parlour in half, with one member of the team at the very front and one at the back. Each will look after a section of the parlour, wiping the cows clean and putting the milking units on them as they come in. We do this twice a day and although this is different to how we normally do things, the team have adapted very well to it."

The dairy supplies milk to the firm Muller, producing 5.4million litres of milk each year. It also runs a 24/7 fresh milk vending machine at the nearby Otterton Mill visitor centre.

Sam continued: "At the end of the day we

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are very lucky in that we are still selling our milk and as long as we are adhering to the guidelines, can carry on pretty much business as usual. We don't have the option to work from

home, the cows still need to be fed and milked, so we have to change the way we do things in order to continue to operate and get through this really difficult time."

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Potatoes

Revolutionary late blight potato fungicide launched in co-formulation A revolutionary co-formulated fungicide for the prevention of late blight in UK and Irish potato crops will be available for farmers to use during the 2020 growing season. orvec Endavia is a liquid combining oxathiapiprolin with benthiavalacarb in a single fivelitre bottle, providing protection from late blight for up to 10 days after application.

Oxathiapiprolin was launched by Corteva Agriscience as Zorvec Enicade in 2018 and, sold in co-packs, played a huge role in 2019 spray programmes as temperatures and humidity piled the pressure on farms.

The co-formulation pushes the boundaries of traditional spray programmes by delivering market-leading persistence, providing unrivaled duration of protection, tackling any late blight present in the plant while also moving in the plant to protect new growth.

Alister McRobbie, category manager for potatoes at Corteva, said: "Potato growers and

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agronomists have been left in no doubt over the qualities of Zorvec, following a season of incredibly high pressure throughout last summer.

"The strengths of the active ingredient create a protectant and curative product with demonstrable movement into new growth.

"Trials of the co-formulated product have demonstrated fantastic performance in the control of late blight, and we expect it to be a hugely valuable tool for UK and Irish potato growers in managing the increasingly aggressive strains of late blight now present."

Being co-formulated with benthiavalicarb enables users to target Zorvec Endavia at the rapid growth phase of the programme, where the properties of Zorvec will be most effective, providing growers with the cleanest possible start to their programme.

"Zorvec Endavia provides the same marketleading protection in a single bottle for those looking for an alternative to co-packs," Alister added.

"The inclusion of a second active ingredient provides important protection against the risk of resistant late blight strains developing."

Farmers can apply Zorvec Endavia at 0.4l/ha up to 4 times during a season but are limited to three sprays in a block.

As well as controlling late blight in potatoes Zorvec Endavia has a label claim for downy mildew in onions, shallots and garlic.

Application rates differ; the product can be applied to onions and shallots at 0.5l/ha three times during the growing season, with a maximum of two sprays in a block.

Biox-M: Effective natural sprout control Biox-M is a well-established treatment for the control of sprouting of potatoes in store, in widespread use in the UK and on the continent on crops destined for both fresh and processing markets. he withdrawal of approval for CIPC as a sprout suppressant is sinking in. There will be stores treated with Biox-M for the first time this season, and many more in the new season. It is essential that growers and store managers gain familiarity with a new product which requires particular diligence in store and crop management.

Biox-M has been approved for use as a sprout suppressant in the UK since 2012 and has been used on a wide range of British potato varieties with excellent sprout control. For crops destined for fresh and organic markets, Biox-M is well understood and in general use; it is part of the

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normal toolbox. The processing sector is now seeking to learn as much as possible from the 2019 harvest. Trials using Biox-M in large commercial processing crop stores on the continent have proved highly successful, and a significant number of British growers of processing crops are undertaking commercial scale trials with the 2019 crop.

Biox-M: • is 100% naturally occurring spearmint oil, extracted from leaves of spearmint (mentha spicata) by steam distillation • suppresses sprouting in potatoes by causing local necrosis of the bud meri-stem with no visible damage to the skin of the tuber • should be applied just before eyes first

‘blink’; do not wait for sprout development • is approved for use on organic potato crops, and can be used in multi-use stores • is widely used on crops grown for the fresh market, with longevity of control well in excess of normal commercial requirements • can be used on processing crops stored at up to 10oC, thus allowing store managers to address concerns about the development of acrylamide • has no harvest interval and no MRL • is applied to stores as a hot fog using existing technology • leaves no residue in buildings or boxes

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| Potatoes

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April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Potatoes

Perthshire potato business secures £1 million from HSBC UK to increase production FIMM Potatoes has used HSBC UK backing to purchase a new optical potato grader.

Perthshire farming business that supplies table and seed potatoes to the UK, Europe, North Africa and Middle East is modernising its operating processes after securing £1 million in support from HSBC UK. Muthill-based FIMM Potatoes will use the facility to purchase a best-in-class optical potato grader. The huge multi-level, fully automatic potato sorter (approximately 50 x 30 metres) includes innovative technology and intelligent controls which will help increase throughput by up to 100 per cent.

The new equipment will also relieve FIMM’s 10-strong team from much repetitive manual labour, allowing them to focus on additional duties and developing technical skills to help the business continue to innovate and grow.

Mike McDiarmid, Director at FIMM Potatoes, said: “We have a young and talented management team in Mitch Hayfield and James McDiarmid who are driving the business, continually looking at ways to improve efficiency on the farm. It is an important time for the sector and the new optical grader will modernise our equipment and help to safeguard the business.

“HSBC UK has a strong understanding of the agriculture landscape and they were very supportive of our short and long-term plans for growth and seeing the benefits our proposed developments will make to the business.”

John Robertson, Agriculture Director for East of Scotland at HSBC UK, said: “FIMM demonstrated a clear strategy for improving and growing its operations. We were delighted to help with the purchase of the new grader which will have a hugely positive impact

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on the business and its customers.”

The finance was allocated from HSBC UK’s national SME Fund, which aims to actively support UK businesses realise their ambitions for growth and navigate Brexit. The new £14 billion SME Fund has recently been announced by HSBC UK, with £650 million committed to supporting SMEs in Scotland.

HSBC UK has announced a package of support for businesses dealing with COVID-19: • £5bn to help businesses that need support • Preferential financial solutions for ventilator businesses • Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan

Scheme launched • £100 Small Business Loan fee waiver • Relationship managers proactively contacting customers to see what help their businesses need • Launching a helpline to support any customer queries (08000 121 614, open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday) • Offering repayment holidays to free up cash within businesses • Reviewing overdrafts or trade loans to allow stock to be held for longer • Providing trade finance solutions to support customers with their supply chains

Branston boosts team with Sales & Marketing director promotion National potato supplier Branston has strengthened its sales & marketing team, having promoted its account director into the role of sales & marketing director. ucia Washbrook, who has over 12 years’ experience in the food manufacturing industry, started at Branston as national account manager in 2014 and has worked her way up with a series of promotions to a new position on the senior team.

James Truscott, managing director at Branston, said: “We’re thrilled to be promoting Lucia for a third time, having seen her progress within the team over the last six years.

“Lucia has made an outstanding contribution to Branston during her time here and she has

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developed the skills and knowledge that perfectly suit her new role of sales and marketing director.”

Lucia added: “I’m really pleased to be taking on a new role at Branston, it’s a huge privilege.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with the fantastic team over the past six years and I look forward to continuing to be a part of the company’s growth and development plans.”

Branston is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of potatoes, with sites in Somerset, Lincolnshire and Perth. There are a number of vacancies available at Branston. For more information visit www.branston.com

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| LAMMA

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April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 55

| Machinery

New folding forks boost JCB wheeled loader productivity New hydraulic-folding forks designed for shifting large quantities of forage and similar materials were launched at the LAMMA show to further boost the productivity of JCB’s highest-output wheeled loaders, especially when working on silage clamps.

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he new heavy-duty Folding Grass Fork comes in two sizes with increased load volume capacity at 5.50cu m for the JCB 419S and 6.70cu m for the ultimate clamp-filling machine,

the JCB 435S. Both versions have been designed and engineered for optimum strength and weight, which together with the increased volume capacity, maximises the performance potential of the JCB loaders, resulting in increased productivity when filling forage crop storage clamps for winter cattle feed or anaerobic digester energy production.

John Smith, Managing Director, JCB Agriculture, said: “The front-end implements produced by our JCB Attachments division are performance-matched to each machine in the extensive JCB materials handling range, from fixed and telescopic boom skid-steer loaders, through compact wheeled loaders and telescopic handlers, to the industry’s only purpose-built agricultural wheeled loading shovels.”

The new Folding Grass Forks are supplied

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complete with the relevant couplings and fittings, and like all JCB agricultural attachments are certified ‘ready to work’ on the chosen host machine.

The 3.62 metre wide, 5.50cu m Folding Grass Fork is designed for existing JCB 419S loaders or the latest Euro Stage V version featuring Dynamic power management, which provides a regular output of 107kW (144hp) and 660Nm of torque, or maximum outputs of 145kW (195hp) and 881Nm when outright performance is needed.

JCB Q-fit or Industrial couplings are available with the 5.50cu m fork, while the 4.40 metre wide 6.70cu m version built exclusively for the JCB 435S comes with the heavier-duty Industrial couplings only.

The JCB 435S to Euro Stage V emissions specification in Europe has 171kW (230hp) and 840Nm of torque for routine work but Dynamic peak power is 9.5% higher than its predecessor at 188kW (252hp), with 25.5% more peak torque at 1186Nm giving a real boost to the machine’s already impressive performance.

Both sizes of the new JCB Folding Grass Fork have hydraulically-deployed side extensions that

fold-out and fold-in on 65mm wear-resistant hardened pins and bushes. This provides maximum capacity in work and a convenient transport width of 2.97 metres with the wing sections securely locked when travelling between farms.

An optional lighting kit and tine guard are available for added safety when on the move, and when the fork is not in use, an integral storage dock keeps hydraulic hose couplings out of the dirt.

The wear-resistant 65mm x 40mm x 1190mm steel tines have smooth wear plates to prevent build-up of material. They are spaced 200mm apart and welded into a 125mm x 240mm main beam, which is reinforced and protected by a 305mm x 25mm thick strip of high wearresistance steel on the underside.

A prominent ‘JCB’ logo is laser cut into the perforated central back-plate, while square tube uprights retain the load across the rest of the fork while providing a clear view ahead when manoeuvring the loader to drive into a pile of grass or maize.

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| LAMMA

Andrew Symons South Molton, Devon EX36 3L T: 01769 574455

Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040

Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430

www.andrewsymons.co.uk

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| Machinery

Trailed sprayers offer sensible investment Fendt is advocating trailed sprayers as a sensible investment for farmers looking to invest in new technology without committing to a self-propelled machine. “Our new range of Rogator trailed sprayers give farmers the technology, stability and capacity of a self-propelled machine whilst making best use of existing tractor capacity,” says James Wallington, sprayer specialist at Fendt. railed sprayers require a lower initial investment and cost less to service and maintain. “The need to have a self-propelled sprayer to benefit from the latest technology is dissipating,” says Mr Wallington. “The new range of trailed sprayers are all based on the self-propelled Rogator 600 which has been one of the best in the market for years,” he explains.

The trailed sprayers are based on the same single beam chassis, and benefit from the same spray pack which includes individual nozzle and electric plumbing control.

The Fendt range features capacities of 4400, 5500, and 6600 litres. Each can be specified with a wide variety of boom sizes, up to 36 metres, with individual nozzle control and Optisonic height control. “The new booms use four ultrasonic sensors that are mounted on each boom rather than the original three or five sensor arrangement. This helps to provide a better average height across the whole boom, especially in challenging crop conditions or over tricky terrain,” says Mr Wallington.

The sensor arrangement and construction of the boom has been

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designed by Fendt to reduce drift by maintaining a constant height which increases accuracy and the overall efficiency of the sprayer.

“The set-up has a wide variety of options which offer the operator solutions to different field characteristics. It gives the operator control to adapt to typical changes in terrain such as heavily rutted tramlines or significant variations in gradient,” explains Mr Wallington.

The trailed sprayers are Isobus compatible which reduces the likelihood of additional costly technology investment. The range of capacities caters for customers across the industry, from the mixed dairy and arable farm right up to the biggest arable units.

“These machines will stand the test of time. The individual nozzle control, electric plumbing, new double wishbone suspension set up and stability control are at the forefront of spraying technology now and will still be competitive in five years’ time. If you have a tractor with time available to pull a trailed sprayer, these machines represent a cost-effective way to use high end spraying technology without having to tie money up in a self-propelled machine,” concludes Mr Wallington.

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| Machinery

Trailed sprayer for orchard and vineyard operation KUHN has launched an advanced version of its top-of-the-range orchard sprayer, offering fruit growers improved coverage and penetration when applying crop protection products. he Antis 2 trailed mist sprayer, specifically designed for applying crop protection chemicals in orchards and vineyards, is available in three tank sizes; 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 litres. Each version can be used with either a round or v-shaped mist blower, both of which use an inverted suction turbine to provide accurate and comprehensive mist coverage.

Fitted with the v-shaped stack blower, the Antis has been tested on apple and plum trees on farms in Kent and Herefordshire. At both locations, the trials proved that the mist sprayer can apply an accurate and consistent coverage of chemicals to a height of up to 25 feet on

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trees with and without leaves.

With the latest Antis 2 model, greater flexibility in nozzle placement is possible through vertical adjustment, with a maximum of 26 jets possible. Other improvements on earlier models include the addition of a chemical induction hopper and improved visibility of tank level and pressure gauges from the tractor cab.

On the latest model, the inverted air intake is positioned at the front of the machine to minimise the recirculation of sprayed products.

Its location towards the front of the sprayer also prevents the pick-up of debris and foreign objects such as vegetation which could obstruct air intake and reduce the machineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operational efficiency.

Spraying functions are controlled via an in-

cab control panel, with an optional DPAE Bravo regulator enabling operators to continuously adjust the flowrate according to forward speed, and to operate left/right section control functions.

The Antis has a galvanised steel, corrosion resistant chassis which features all the necessary design elements to comply with the latest spraying standards and traffic regulations (DREAL 40km/hr approval).

An optional Cat I and Cat II articulated/pivoting drawbar, which is fitted as standard with a wide-angle driveshaft for improved reliability, enables easier turning on the shortest headlands. Other options include a stainless steel mixing sieve, stainless steel bottle rinser and low pressure wheels and tyres.

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| Machinery

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| Machinery

New CLAAS UK Parts warehouse opens for business As the grass harvesting season starts to get under way, the supply of parts to CLAAS customers and dealers throughout the UK and Ireland has further benefitted from the opening of the new CLAAS UK Parts warehouse at Saxham. he new building is part of the second phase of the complete redevelopment of the CLAAS UK headquarters, which is nearing completion.

The opening of the new central UK Parts warehouse has revolutionised parts handling at Saxham, where as the business has increased over the years, this resulted in parts needing to be stored in five individual buildings.

The new building has a floor area of 4,336 square meters, which is equivalent to 17 tennis courts, and a total capacity of 42,000m3, so making it capable of holding enough malting barley to enable local Bury St Edmunds brewers, Greene King, to brew around 357 million pints of their best selling Old Speckled

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Hen bitter!

Now, under one roof the new building is more than capable of accommodating the 47,000 line items or 850,000 individual items that are held in stock by CLAAS UK, with space to spare for future expansion. For larger items there is now 45 metres of cantilever racking and the amount of bulk racking has been doubled, while a mezzanine area holds 70% of the total contents of the previous warehouse over three levels. All parts are identified and located using a scan and bar code system and a new ‘Serpentine’ row system has been installed to provide improved pick rate accuracy and efficiency.

For greater efficiency and increased flow of parts through the building, the ‘Goods In’ area is 60% larger than before, the ‘Packing’ area

has been doubled, and ‘Dispatch’ is 40% bigger. The secure customs area for airfreight to Ireland has also been doubled.

The opening of the new CLAAS UK Parts warehouse follows the recent expansion of the worldwide CLAAS Parts Logistics Centre at Hamm in Germany. Here currently a team of 490 employees are working around the clock to ensure that the flow of parts around the world remains at its normal high level during the Corona pandemic. The latest information on parts supply from Hamm can be found here: https://www.claas-group.com/press-corporatecommunications/press-releases/security-ofsupply-with-utmost-commitment/2215422

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| Forestry

Farmers embrace tree planting scheme ahead of ELMS changes Farmers in Shropshire have planted nearly 4,000 native trees after Severn Trent gave out tree-packs at two local events, to test engagement and appetite for tree planting on marginal land. r Alex Cooke, Severn Trent senior catchment scientist, explains that due to such a high level of takeup from farmers, the water company is now looking into rolling out the scheme to all community members, across the whole Severn Trent region, as part of its commitment to plant 1.3 million trees by 2030.

Farmers took an average of 118 trees each, to plant on nonagricultural or marginal land, to bring a multitude of benefits including: • Wildlife habitat creation and connection • Reduced pesticide runoff • Water quantity improvements through flood regulation, reduced runoff and soil erosion • Improved soil quality • Increased resilience to tree disease and climate change “The government’s incoming Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) is set to reward

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farmers for providing environmental benefits, such as those tree planting can bring, and we want to help those in our catchments meet the criteria,” says Alex.

However, feedback surveys from the events showed that the majority of farmers in attendance didn’t fully understand the term ‘public goods’, which is a key foundation of ELMS, with 40% of those only associating the term with improved biodiversity, rather than other benefits such as soil and water quality.

“Therefore, our future tree-pack events, starting this autumn, will provide a knowledge sharing opportunity to help give farmers the tools and information they need to fully embrace future changes,” she says.

To find out more about the support and grants on offer from Severn Trent, please visit: https://www.stwater.co.uk/aboutus/environment/catchmentmanagement/steps1/ or contact your local agricultural adviser.

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| Forestry

Soil Association welcomes call for legally binding target to end deforestation The Soil Association welcomes the recommendation for government to introduce a legally binding target to end deforestation in supply chains published in a new report from the Global Resource Initiative Taskforce. he report provides an important set of recommendations to “ensure that the UK’s global commodity supply chain footprint on land, natural resources and ecosystems is sustainable, avoids deforestation and other environmental degradation, and supports jobs, livelihoods and investment in resilient and sustainable food system”.

Clive Thomas, Senior Policy Advisor for Forestry at the Soil Association, said: “We welcome this landmark report which highlights the importance of preserving wildlife-rich habitats across the globe for our own wellbeing. When the time is right after this pandemic, we urge the government to join the dots between climate, nature and human health and accept the recommendations in full. We must ensure, through trade negotiations and domestic action, that we not only secure a sustainable future for our homegrown food, farming and forestry sectors, but that our global footprint is sustainable as well.”

The report suggests that the UK must act at home – within the UK’s domestic land-use strategy and overseas commodity supply chain footprint – and globally, through new partnerships for collective action.

Key recommendations: Act at home: • Publish a Strategic Sustainable

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Commodity Action Plan, by Autumn 2020, setting out actions for government, business, finance and other stakeholders; • Introduce a legally binding target to end deforestation within UK agricultural and forestry commodity supply chains, as soon as practicable, by no later than 2030, beginning with commodities and derived products that contribute most significantly to deforestation before extending to other supply chains; • Introduce a mandatory due diligence obligation on business and finance, strengthen and extend mandatory public procurement requirements and promote mass market business engagement, beyond the leaders, including through a new sustainable food service sector plan.

Act globally: • Convene a global call for action on deforestation and sustainable supply chains in the lead up to COP26, to build long term multilateral partnerships for collective action between producer and consumer, governments, companies, finance institutions, farmers, foresters, forest communities and indigenous peoples.

• Mobilise global funds, public and private, to tackle deforestation and land-use conversion and support sustainable production and trade in agricultural and forestry products.

Forestry graduates double Tilhill, the UK's leading forestry, timber harvesting and landscaping company, has seen a record number of entries into their yearly graduate programme. he scheme enables graduates to join the forestry team at one of their offices across the country as an Assistant Forest Manager. They then build up their knowledge through being trained, mentored and encouraged by the experienced professional staff within the team.

Tilhill has worked hard over the years to promote forestry as a career in both schools and Universities. The industry has an acknowledged skills shortage therefore the Company has also worked with organisations within the forestry industry to promote forestry as a career within schools. This has already attracted a diverse range of new entrants to the industry and is believed to have contributed to halting a decline in numbers of forestry degrees and forestry training in colleges according to the Royal Forestry Society's Skills Forum members.

Simon Lloyd, Chief Executive, Royal Forestry Society (RFS) said: "It is very encouraging to know that companies like Tilhill are recruiting, training and developing so many more young

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foresters. The RFS 2017 report "A forestry skills study for England and Wales" identified serious skills gaps across the forestry supply chain.

This was the basis of a call to action for the forestry sector. Forestry now has a higher profile as a result of climate change and more young people are seeing it as an attractive and worthwhile career choice. Enrolment in degree level forestry related courses has grown. We expect this trend to continue and hopefully accelerate."

Tilhill has also played their part in promoting forestry careers through their graduate blog which features Assistant Forest Managers describing their roles and opinions on the industry which leads to a valuable insight into the world of forest management through the eyes of someone starting out in their career.

Tony Lockey, BSW Group Learning & Development Manager said: "The recent rise in applications for positions in Tilhill is very pleasing and I partly feel it is due to the popularity towards anything forestry and tree related in light of environmentalism and a role which is now being more heavily promoted. We

promote our industry in schools, colleges and with local communities regularly. We are on a wave of interest and enthusiasm towards our sector."

Rob Baker, Tilhill Assistant Forest Manager North Highland, joined Tilhill as a graduate last year and offers his insight into how we can continue moving forward and encouraging more applications into our industry.

"We need to keep selling the good news stories that forestry professionals deliver on a daily basis. The more positive visibility the forest industry gains the better. The only way to educate the public is for the industry to be more open and engaged. If we can highlight the great work that takes place then the stack of applications will only continue to rise.

"I was fortunate enough to grow up on the doorstep of a woodland and had the opportunity to enjoy them as soon as I could walk. It is no accident that this early exposure led me down the career path that I have chosen – with this in mind I think there is definitely scope for early years education to increase the uptake in careers in the forestry sector."

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| ATV

Suzuki ATV Suzuki ATV dealerships continue to support the farming industry and smallholdings

Suzuki has reported that it is focusing on assisting its ATV dealers during the Covid-19 outbreak so that customers in the farming industry continue to receive the best servicing support possible. he pressures on British farming, especially now in the heart of the lambing season, mean that it is vital that key workers are able to rely on their equipment in order to meet the unprecedented challenges they now face, says the Harvey Day from Suzuki.

While ATV test ride facilities and in-dealer showroom services are suspended, the farming industry is seen as an essential business.

Suzuki ATVs are used by a large number of key agricultural workers. Therefore, where possible, full servicing facilities remain available to customers.

Suzuki’s warehouse remains open, but under stick social distancing, and a big thank you to the crucial members of staff working hard to ensure that servicing parts can be supplied. Suzuki is staying in regular communication with its ATV dealerships which are adhering to government guidelines while adapting the way they operate in order to meet customers’ servicing needs.

We caught up with some of our dealers to find out how their

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dealerships are adapting to a different way of working in order to support customer service while ensuring that both their team and their customers stay safe during what is traditionally the busiest time of year for ATV dealers servicing farms and smallholdings.

They have put measures in place according to Government advice and are able to provide spare parts and servicing to farming industry key workers and those customers with smallholdings.

While Suzuki have had to temporarily close their showrooms, dealers are still able to offer customers servicing support via the phone, FaceTime, WhatsApp and other video conferencing tools. Some have had to move people and equipment around in their workshops to accommodate the social distancing guidelines and ensure their staff are not working in confined spaces.

Suzuki are proud to be supporting such a critical business as farming at such a busy time of year for them during the lambing season. And are therefore doing everything they can to make sure

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that everyone working at the dealerships to support servicing needs, and their customers stay safe so that they can take care of themselves and their families’ welfare.”

Customers who require assistance, have routine mechanical queries, repairs or servicing requirements, can contact their local ATV dealers directly. Their details can be found at https://atv.suzuki.co.uk/find-a-

dealer/ While the Suzuki customer services team is working remotely, they can still be contacted from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday – Friday and can be reached on 08085 011959 option 3, or via email at customerservices@suzuki.co.uk For further updates on the current situation please visit the Suzuki website and Twitter @SuzukiATVsUK

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| ATV

Polaris

Polaris unleash the next generation of ATVs

Polaris announces two new ATV models that redefine industry standards and take every ride to the next level; the Sportsman XP 1000 S and Scrambler XP 1000 S. 020 Sportsman XP 1000 S The strongest and most capable Sportsman yet; the Sportsman XP 1000 S. Boasting the industry’s first 55-inch width for unmatched capability and high-speed stability, the Sportsman XP 1000 S also features a powerful and reliable ProStar 1000 engine, high clearance front and rear A-arms for class-leading ride height, and

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incredible front and rear rack capacity, allowing riders to go further, haul more and dominate any trail with confidence.

At 55-inches (140cm) wide, the Sportsman XP 1000 S is not only the widest ATV in the industry, but it’s also stronger than ever before.

With an entirely new chassis, it has been designed to tackle the roughest terrain imaginable, paired with 27-inch (67cm) Duro® Powergrip tyres with a unique tread pattern engineered for maximum

grip in varied terrain. Ride quality has been enhanced with the help of Electronic Power Steering, Engine Braking System, Active Descent Control and on-demand All-Wheel Drive.

Ready to be put to work, the Sportsman XP 1000 S also boasts industry-leading front and rear rack capacities at 91/136kg (200/300lbs) respectively, as well as a 1590kg (3,500lb) winch fitted as standard.

No matter where the journey leads to, the Sportsman XP 1000 S can handle anything riders need along the way.

Available in Ghost Grey that features a metallic silver paint finish and bold Orange Burst springs.

2020 Scrambler XP 1000 S Engineered for ultimate performance, the new Scrambler XP 1000 S is a whole new class of ATV. Not only does the Scrambler XP 1000 S boast an aggressive 55-inch wide stance, the widest in the industry, but it also provides topclass performance with its punchy ProStar 1000 engine. To handle the added force, there’s a stronger drive system, incredible ground clearance thanks to its front and rear high-clearance A-arms, and factory-fitted 27-inch Duro® Powergrip tyres on 12-inch rims for

ultimate grip. The Scrambler XP 1000 S provides 29-centimetres of front suspension travel and 35.5centimetres of rear suspension travel.

Boasting the industry’s first 55 inch width for unmatched capability and high-speed stability, the Sportsman XP 1000 S also features a powerful and reliable ProStar 1000 engine Improving the overall ride quality and control, there’s Electronic Power Steering (EPS) helping riders to go all day without fatigue, Engine Braking System (EBS) with Active Descent Control (ADC) technology for smooth, controlled descents on steep declines, and true on-demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) that engages all four wheels automatically when more forward traction is needed and reverts back to two-wheel drive when it isn’t.

With a Black Pearl paint finish, the Scrambler XP 1000 S has a metallic black paint finish with striking Indy Red suspension, aarms and front bumper.

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| Motors

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in the UK: Celebrating six years and 50,000 units On April 1 2014 Mitsubishi Motors launched the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV onto the UK market. Competitively priced with high standard specification and powered by an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain, employing an electric motor on each axle for true all-wheel-drive EV performance, the new Outlander PHEV was an instant success, amassing 10,000 registrations within the first ten months and boosting the plug-in hybrid market tenfold in the process. oday, with many competitors now following Mitsubishi into the plug-in hybrid market, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV remains a best seller in the UK, having recently passed the 50,000 registration milestone, just prior to the public health restrictions being put in place.

The enduring sales success of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV isn’t limited to the UK - it has also consistently been both Europe’s and the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in the years since its international launch.

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With a growing acceptance of the need for people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, the role of the plug-in hybrid has never been more important. A recent survey of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV customers revealed that 90% charge regularly, 68% charge daily and overall more than half the average daily mileage is driven in Electric Vehicle mode, reducing fuel use, lowering emissions and improving air quality in urban areas where conventional internal-combustion engines are at their least efficient.

The latest-generation Mitsubishi Outlander

PHEV is fitted with Mitsubishi’s latest 2.4-litre, Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and a more powerful, higher-capacity EV powertrain to help it achieve WLTP CO2 emissions of just 46g/km and a 28-mile EV range. With the average daily commute in England and Wales less than 10 miles* each way, that makes it entirely possible for most owners to drive to and from work without ever using a drop of petrol in the process.

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| Motors

Powerful, progressive and versatile: The all-new Kia Sorento The all-new Kia Sorento is revealed for the first time today. Powerful, progressive and versatile, the fourth generation of Kia’s flagship SUV is designed and engineered to take on everything life throws at it.

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aising standards in the midsize SUV class for space, efficiency and quality, it sits at the heart of Kia’s reinvigorated global SUV line-up, which also includes the Stonic, Seltos, Sportage and

Telluride.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, comments: “The Sorento’s evolution over the last 18 years echoes that of the Kia brand as a whole. While the car was initially launched in 2002 as a utilitarian allterrain vehicle, the fourth-generation Sorento has been transformed into something altogether more desirable. It is an important model for Kia, particularly now that it also represents the first use of electrified power in our flagship SUV.” The Sorento’s redefined exterior design – with sharper lines, high-tech details, and elongated proportions – gives it a more

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confident and mature presence. Inside, its attractive cabin also introduces premiumquality materials, cutting-edge infotainment technologies, and a stunning new design.

The Sorento is the first vehicle to be based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform.

Paired with a larger body to maximise cargo and luggage space, the platform ensure the Sorento is one of the most versatile and spacious three-row SUVs on the road.

Furthermore, the Sorento’s innovative interior packaging means it can offer all this while accommodating Kia’s new ‘Smartstream’ electrified powertrains – the first time that hybrid power has featured in the Sorento lineup. As a result, the new model offers greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and higher performance than its predecessors.

This will be Kia’s most high-tech car ever, thanks to its progressive connectivity, driver assistance and infotainment technologies. Its

user-friendly twin digital displays deliver advanced graphics, new telematics features and smartphone connectivity.

A mainstay of Kia’s global line-up, more than three million Sorento models have been sold worldwide since it was launched in 2002. In that time, Europe has accounted for around 300,000 of these.

Manufactured in Korea Like its predecessor, the Sorento will be built for Europe and many other markets at Kia’s Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea. The car will also be built for North America at Kia’s West Point, Georgia, USA production plant.

European sales are due to commence in the third quarter of 2020; the car will be available to order in most of Kia’s global markets by the end of the year. It will be sold in Europe with Kia’s unique seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard. The UK on-sale date, pricing and specification will be announced in due course.

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| Motors

50 years of Range Rover: Land Rover and Anthony Joshua celebrate Golden Jubilee for luxury SUV with unique snow art Land Rover begins 50th anniversary celebrations for the original luxury SUV with snow art installation at its Arjeplog cold weather test facility in Sweden and World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua OBE. and Rover has begun a year of celebration marking Range Rover’s golden jubilee by creating a giant piece of subzero art at its cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, close to the Arctic circle in Sweden. The 260m-wide artwork filled the centre of the steering pad at the test track where all future Land Rover models are put through their paces during development.

Land Rover’s Arjeplog facility uses a frozen lake to provide the perfect conditions for engineers to test and assess the latest models.

Renowned snow artist Simon Beck created the 53,092 sq m anniversary logo by walking more than 45,000 steps across the powdery surface inside the steering pad, accompanied by a quartet of the latest Range Rover SV models.

Since 2014 the expert engineers, craftsmen and women at Special Vehicle Operations have been responsible for designing and producing the fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive Range Rover models in the luxury SUV’s 50year history. The elevated luxury, performance and capability of the SV family represent the pinnacle of Range Rover development.

Arjeplog is also home to the Jaguar Land Rover Ice Academy, where customers experience the thrill of dynamic ice driving, under careful instruction from world-class driving experts. World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua OBE experienced the extreme conditions as part of the celebrations, where he learned the art of winter driving under the expert supervision of Academy instructors.

World heavyweight champion, Anthony

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Joshua, said: “I’m really looking forward to June because the Range Rover family will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of Britain’s finest exports and I’ll be defending my world title belts. I’ll be travelling to my fight with Kubrat Pulev in London on 20 June in my new personalised Range Rover SVAutobiography and I can’t think of a better way to arrive.

Nothing can match its combination of comfort and capability – I guess that’s what you get after five decades of experience.”

The luxurious Range Rover family will mark 50 years of pioneering innovation and peerless refinement in June, on the anniversary of the introduction of the two-door Range Rover in 1970. Since then, the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar have expanded the family into a four-strong line-up of the world’s most desirable and advanced SUVs. The original Range Rover was the four-wheel drive SUV that introduced anti-lock brakes, electronic Traction Control and Automatic Electronic Air Suspension while the 2012 Range Rover pioneered aluminium body architecture in large SUVs. In 2015 the Range Rover was the first vehicle to be fitted with Land Rover’s innovative All-Terrain Progress Control – now available across the Land Rover line-up.

Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Land Rover, said: “Over five decades the Range Rover has evolved into the most desirable luxury SUV in the world. Its peerless combination of sophisticated design, refinement and capability has struck an emotional chord with customers all over the globe.”

The team of skilled engineers and designers at Land Rover SV have applied their unique expertise to a succession of Range Rover models and four examples were available in Arjeplog for Joshua to try, as he learned to circle the slippery 260m-diameter steering pad and negotiate the various ice tracks carved into the frozen lake, including: • Range Rover SVAutobiography – Longwheelbase pinnacle of the family is the most elegant and refined Range Rover ever, mixing airline-style Executive Seats and power-close rear doors with a choice of engines that includes an efficient Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain.

• Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic – Standard-wheelbase Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic combines heightened interior refinement with 565PS Supercharged V8 pace for a compelling mix of driver-focused performance, sophisticated luxury and all-terrain capability.

• Range Rover Sport SVR – The biggest selling SV model to date and the fastest and most dynamic Range Rover ever produced.

The latest 575PS Range Rover Sport SVR can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds (0-60mph in 4.3 seconds) and hit a top speed of 283km/h (176mph).

• Range Rover Velar SVA Dynamic – The World Car Design of the Year 2018 reengineered to deliver heightened comfort and performance, providing effortless grand touring in an understated yet purposeful package.

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| Motors

Flying across the Midlands: Škoda’s powerful Kodiaq VRS joins local Air Ambulance Service ŠKODA’s most powerful SUV, the Kodiaq vRS, has joined the local Air Ambulance Service fleet, helping emergency teams provide lifesaving critical care to patients across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.

KODA’s rugged 4x4 has been signed up to aid the air ambulance team with on-theground support.

The air ambulance is consistently in high demand, and alongside other emergency services across the UK, is working harder than ever. Already this year, the specialist team has undertaken 619 combined missions alongside the children’s air ambulance and covered 9,708 miles on the road.

The charity’s helicopters do not fly at night and instead rely on their rapid response road fleet to get to incidents quickly and safely.

Powered by a twin turbo charged 2.0-litre TDI engine and equipped with four-wheel drive, the Kodiaq vRS fully meets the team’s needs to gain access to even the most remote sites across the Midlands.

The advanced drivetrain delivers 239PS and can sprint from 0-62mph in just 7.0 seconds. Its vast reserves of torque – the highest figure ever delivered by a production ŠKODA model – also

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means that power is on tap whenever it is needed. To ensure a comfortable drive for passengers, the engine’s performance is delivered to the road as smoothly as possible, thanks to the Dynamic Chassis Control and progressive steering.

It’s not just power and all-wheel drive that makes the Kodiaq an ideal choice for the emergency services, its cavernous interior has space to comfortably transport both passengers and life-saving equipment. Critical care teams can also rely on the Kodiaq to keep them connected to base with the 9.2” touchscreen display with full smartphone connectivity and integrated Wi-Fi and WLAN. Richard Clayton, Director of Operations at the Local Air Ambulance Service, said: “It is more imperative than ever, that our fleet of critical care cars are able to meet the demands of the job. The reliability, versatility and power of the two new Kodiaq vRS models will enable us to continue to respond rapidly to emergencies across the Midlands.”

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The introduction of the two ŠKODA Kodiaq vRS models bolsters the local air ambulance’s critical care fleet, which already consists of two ŠKODA Superbs, to provide 24/7 support to the emergency teams, 365 days a year.

To ensure the vehicles were up for the challenging demands set by the local air ambulance, the conversions were tailored to their exact specific requirements, with Halls Electrical Limited, a ŠKODA approved convertor, completing the necessary specialist work.

Bespoke conversions for emergency service fleets can be provided through ŠKODA’s ‘onestop’ shop package. Alongside

hassle-free finance solutions, ŠKODA fleet can provide the vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements, and fleet managers have the peace of mind that the conversion, breakdown recovery, service, maintenance and repair requirements are built into one package.

For more information about ŠKODA emergency service vehicles, visit: www.skoda.co.uk/fleet/emergency -services The Local Air Ambulance is funded by charitable donations.

For more information visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk

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April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 73

| Motors

2020 Mazda CX-5 continues winning formula The multi-award-winning Mazda CX-5 range has been updated with the launch of the 2020 Mazda CX-5, which now features efficiency improving cylinder deactivation on manual petrol models. While across the range, you can now opt for Polymetal Grey Metallic paint for the first time. ince the launch of the original Mazda CX-5 in 2012, 60,000 have found homes in the UK, while sales of the secondgeneration model have now passed the 25,000 cars mark.

Thanks to this popularity, the CX-5 has always been carefully updated without changing the successful formula that has won so many customers over.

Launched in June 2017, the secondgeneration CX-5 was updated in the summer of 2018 with additional standard safety equipment and a power increase for the high-output 2.2litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine, while a small update last year saw the introduction of Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM as standard across the range and a revised climate control panel.

Now the 2020 Mazda CX-5 continues this gentle evolution with the introduction of cylinder deactivation on manual 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol models, which delivers a reduction of 8g/km of C02 when measured on the WLTP cycle. Inside, the 2020 model year SUV is marked out by changes to the central command screen, which now sees the mapping extend to the full extent of the physical monitor to give a larger and clearer colour touchscreen.

Always an SUV praised for its dynamic ability, Mazda’s unremitting commitment to driver engagement saw subtle tweaks to the CX-5’s suspension set-up in the 2019 update,

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which further refined the CX-5’s well-regarded balance of agile handling and comfortable ride quality. A thicker front-anti roll bar, smaller rear anti-roll bar and revised front stabiliser bushings combined with new urethane material in the rear damper top mounts and amended damping valve structures to deliver the improvements. In addition, the 2019 updates saw the introduction of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system – GVC Plus, which now features direct yaw control to enhance stability at speed.

As a result, the 2020 Mazda CX-5’s dynamic set-up is unchanged, although improvements to sound insulation have further enhanced cabin refinement.

The 14-model range features six petrol models and eight diesel models. Matched exclusively to front-wheel drive with a choice of automatic and manual transmission across all petrol models, the 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol is available in all three trim grades: SE-L, Sport and GT Sport. As before, the 2.2-litre SkyactivD diesel is offered in 150ps and 184ps outputs.

The popular 150ps engine is matched to SE-L and Sport grade with front-wheel drive, while the 184ps version is paired with all-wheel drive in Sport and GT Sport grades. As with petrol CX-5s there’s a choice of automatic and manual gearbox across all diesel models.

In the UK market 73 per cent of CX-5 sales are taken by Sport models or higher and the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport features 19-inch silver alloy wheels, a reversing camera and a powerlift tailgate, while inside it features an eight-way

power adjustable drivers’ seat, black leather, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and a windscreen projecting colour head-up display, plus a Bose 10-speaker audio system.

Step up to the flagship GT Sport and exclusivity is enhanced further with a unique 7inch colour TFT dial display and a premium steering wheel design with a chrome centre bezel and high-grade stitching. As you’d expect for a luxury SUV, the GT Sport features a host of equipment highlights over and above the wellequipped Sport including: front seat ventilation and heated outer rear seats. In addition to the extensive safety kit tally found across the range, the GT Sport’s standard Safety Pack includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Smart City Brake Support and 360o View Monitor, while externally it’s marked out by 19inch bright alloy wheels.

Commenting on the launch of the updated 2020 Mazda CX-5, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson said, “the CX-5 showcases how Mazda can make an SUV that’s stylish, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium badged rivals.

The CX-5 is a sophisticated, practical and stylish SUV, that delivers an outstanding balance of ride and handling”.

Available to configure and order from the 1st April 2020, full details and pricing of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 range can be found here: www.mazdamediapacks.com

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

April 2020 | Farming Monthly | 75