August 2013 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

August 2013

Inside this issue...

On Topic The Greener Revolution

Education Why get into agriculture?

SALTEX 2013 Show preview

Animal Health Badger research surprises

Farm Energy Regular renewables review

Slurry Handling Don’t muck about Also Inside: Ag Buildings | Livestock | Machinery |Farm Security | Pigs | ATVs | Motors

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Contents

37

53

August 2013

48 17

Features

Regulars

12 16 30 34 40 46 52 54

06 14 24 48 65 67

Storage Tanks Keeping your fuel safe and secure

Slurry & Muck Digging the dirt on your behalf

Tillage Tillage Show preview

SALTEX Getting ready for groundscare

Livestock Show roundup

Animal Health Current topics in Animal Health news

Pigs

News All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic The Greener Revolution: The demise of fertiliser?

Energy Farm renewables: This month with a focus on AD

Education Getting into agriculture

ATV The essential workhorse round-up

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH

Latest pig industry news

Farm Energy Shows...

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

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

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

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| News

Research busts myth that “There is no such thing as a poor farmer” Research from The Prince’s Countryside Fund reveals hidden crisis facing farming. recent survey from The Prince’s Countryside Fund released for National Countryside Week (22-28th July) reveals consumers are overwhelmingly supportive of farmers, yet know very little about the severe crisis affecting the countryside.

Following the brutal weather at the start of the year farmers are still counting the cost of losing livestock and reduced yields. A separate YouGov poll revealed that less than ¼ (22%) of the British public would describe the farming industry as in dire straits and facing the worst crisis since foot and mouth. And only 5% correctly estimated that over 100,000 animals died as a result of the snow and other poor weather this year between January and April.

National Countryside Week aims to raise awareness of the importance of the countryside to the UK and the serious issues facing our rural communities.

“We’re facing a silent crisis in the countryside. 1 in 4 farming households are living in poverty. Livestock farmers are struggling with reduced herds that will have a knock on effect for several seasons. Arable farmers are looking at a 30% reduction in crop yields. Farmers are seeing increased levels of indebtedness and the number of farmers quitting the profession is on the rise. 30 dairy

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06 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

farmers quit the industry in the month of April alone,” explains Prince’s Countryside Fund Trustee Lord Curry of Kirkharle.

“Summer might be in full flourish, but we need to remind people that farmers will be counting the costs of a brutal start to the year for some years to come.”

The YouGov poll also showed that the majority of the British public think a UK hill farmer earns more than they do, with 59% of the respondents thinking they earn more than double the average annual wage. The reality faced is significantly different. A recent report

by Rose Regeneration and Oxfam cites that average annual salary for a hill farmer in County Durham is £12,600 with some earning much less, just £8,000 per year - considerably less than the UK minimum wage based on a full time salary.

Similarly only 1% of those surveyed correctly stated that the average age of a farmer was 58, with the average age from respondent estimates being 13 years younger at 45. With 60,000 new entrants required it is vital that young people are inspired to join the industry.

Agriculture is at the heart of the British economy and approximately a £4.7 billion pound industry, and yet our survey tells us that 58% of respondents undervalued the income

generated by the British agriculture industry in 2012, and a massive 25% of respondents said they didn’t know what agriculture contributes to the British economy.

With 24% of the population living in rural Britain, National Countryside Week gives us an opportunity to remind people of the value of the countryside and reflect on how we can protect it and support our farmers. The photos of the floods and devastating livestock losses may have disappeared from our screens, but the stark reality is the true cost of the crisis is still being counted.

However there are positive signs with 88% of the British public thinking it’s important to maintain and protect rural areas in Britain, and the majority of those currently living in London confirming that they would rather spend their time in the countryside and value the farmers who work tirelessly to maintain it. 81% think it’s important to buy British produce when possible as a way of showing support for the British farming industry.

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| News

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August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

UK Agri-Tech Strategy Agricultural Engineers Association very disappointed. oger Lane-Nott, the Director General of both the Agricultural Engineers Association [AEA] and the Milking Equipment Association [MEA] has explained that both the AEA and MEA are very disappointed with the Government’s ‘UK Strategy for Agricultural Technologies’ which was launched recently. The fact that Farm Equipment was given, a couple of small paragraphs was verging on insulting to an industry that has a turnover of nearly £4bn in UK and is a fundamental part of agricultural production. There was no sign of any commitment to improving either Farm Equipment strategic pre-competitive R & D or applied research and Milking Equipment was ignored altogether.

The apparent Government obsession with biotechnology and biological research is understandable but there are other key contributing areas in the production of food. Phrases like “ the aim is to unlock a new phase of global leadership in agricultural innovation” are wide of the mark and certainly so without Farm Equipment being included.

While the funding going to Norwich Research Park (the John

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Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory) and others will be welcomed, there seems to be no place in this strategy for the Farm or Milking Equipment sectors.

Indeed the Leadership Council which is supposed to ‘conduct the orchestra’ to deliver the strategy does not have anyone from the Farm Equipment sector on it and this is despite Ministers being told of this at the Ministerial workshop held earlier in the year.

So while there are clearly some good parts of this strategy for some, there is still a long way to go before engineering for agriculture is properly recognised in the UK as a critical component in the challenge to deliver sustainable and affordable food.

The AEA and MEA welcomes that the Government is considering establishing a Centre for Agricultural Engineering and we earnestly hope that we will be central in its establishment and operation.

The AEA can only agree with Mark Kibblewhite, President Elect of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers who says, “This is a step in the right direction but the urgent strategic technological

Rating of empty premisis The CLA submitted a response to the Government’s empty property rates consultation, describing the proposals as “not going far enough”. he Association said the proposals to exempt newly-built commercial property completed between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2016 from empty property rates for the first 18 months still fail to benefit the rural economy.

CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “The consultation is a welcome step in the right direction, but it doesn’t go anything like far enough.

“These proposals offer no hope to farmers and rural businesses who were urged to diversify in recent years and, having done so, they are left unable to find tenants and face hefty business rates.

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challenge is to translate existing and emergent science into practical tools and processes for farmers. This is primarily a task for engineers and technologists. The balance of the strategy appears too weighted to supporting new science rather than its technological translation and this is disappointing. It should be doing even more to increase the

“If the Government wishes to encourage economic growth, it cannot continue to increase taxes on entrepreneurship and diversification.“ The Association said it has always opposed any increases in the rating of empty properties which have appalling ramifications for the rural economy Mr Cotterell said: “If increases are to occur, we need a much longer exemption period than the Government proposes to stimulate speculative development.

“If we are to see any real difference, we need at least five years of relief on empty premises.”

opportunities for engineers working outside the agriculture sector to bring their knowledge and skills to engineering for agriculture and bring this strategic sector in to the ‘mainstream’ of UK engineering, while recognising the distinct and specialist role of the agricultural engineering discipline itself.”

Next Auctions on 12th August 2013 & 9th September 2013 commencing at 10.30am

08 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

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| News

Young farmer wins keys to iconic Welsh farm Caryl Hughes (23) a young farmer from Wales has won the keys to an iconic one million pound farm in Snowdonia in the first ever National Trust Llyndy Isaf scholarship. aryl, from Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen, beat off stiff competition to win the opportunity to farm and care for this iconic 614-acre upland farm in Snowdonia for 12 months from September.

The farm, Llyndy Isaf, on the shores of Llyn Dinas near Beddgelert drew international attention in 2011 when a million pound appeal to rescue it was spearheaded by Welsh Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys and supported by Catherine Zeta Jones.

Caryl who will move into the farm with her dog Mist said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I intend to take full advantage of.

"It's not every day you get the chance to farm a 614-acre farm, especially not at the age of 23 and especially if you are female.

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"I'm a bit nervous of taking on Llyndy, it is a daunting challenge, especially because it hasn't been farmed for a number of years, but I'm really excited about it and all the new experiences and opportunities I'm going to get over the next year. I'm really looking forward to working with the National Trust and getting to know the whole team and all of the Trust's work - especially in agriculture.

"The scholarship appealed to me because it was a type of farming that I am familiar with and I'm eager to learn more about. I enjoy the variation that farming offers - from being out on the mountain in rain and thunder to sorting out paperwork. In my opinion everyone should see that farming is really important without farming we have no food for the country.

"My priorities will be to reestablish a flock here with good grazing management to retain this natural environment around us. That's Llyndy's unique quality and challenge all in one.

"Ultimately, I'd like to think that someone else will offer me an amazing job with a massive big farm at the end of it. I'm sure I will look back on the scholarship with pride, and the skills and experience I gain will live with me forever."

The scholarship was organised in partnership with the Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) and aims to encourage the next generation of farmers.

Jonny Williams, Rural Affairs Chairman Wales YFC, said: “The Llyndy Scholarship is a unique and innovative opportunity, groundbreaking within the

agricultural industry. I am extremely confident that Caryl will be an outstanding candidate and role model for all young farmers throughout Wales and beyond.

“I would like to thank the National Trust for providing Wales YFC members with this opportunity for years to come at Llyndy Isaf.

Trystan Edwards, National Trust General Manager for Snowdonia and Llyn said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for a young farmer to experience what it is like to run an upland farm.

“We are all really looking forward to working with and mentoring Caryl over the next 12 months, to help build her confidence and skills in stock management, business, and practical management through formal and informal training as well as work experience.”

Employers must check their workers’ status Warning comes from Old Mill accountants and financial planners, in advance of Real Time Information reporting requirements. armers should reassess whether their workers are employed or selfemployed, following a tightening of HMRC’s interpretation of the rules.

“With Real Time Information set to become compulsory for all businesses by October 2013, the question regarding employment status has never been more critical,” says Dan Knight, manager at rural accountant Old Mill.

Whenever an employer runs their weekly or monthly payroll, the information is automatically submitted to HMRC, revealing the

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employment status of every worker. And although the definition of self-employed workers has not changed, HMRC’s interpretation of it is becoming ever more stringent.

“Even if a worker was classed as self-employed a few years ago, any small change in the arrangement could tip the balance, so it is worth revisiting,” says Mr Knight. “Just because they claim to be self-employed doesn’t necessarily mean that they are in the eyes of the law.”

Where an individual has to perform work personally, has no control over which tasks to perform and works a set number

of hours for regular pay, they are likely to be employed. Someone who can send a substitute in their place, can decide when and where to work and what tasks to perform, and generally agrees a fixed price for their work – and hence is open to making a loss as well as a profit - is likely to be self-employed.

“The main difference from an employer’s perspective is the need to pay Class One National Insurance – equivalent to around £4500 a year for a worker on a £30,000 salary,” says Mr Knight.

Employees also get rights like statutory sick pay, pension, maternity entitlements and protection against unfair dismissal.

“If HMRC decides someone has actually been employed, rather than self-employed, they can reclaim any lost NI duty from the employer, together with additional interest and penalties,” he adds.

“The costs of getting it wrong can soon stack up – particularly if a

Daniel Knight

worker sues for unfair dismissal. It is therefore imperative that employers verify the employment status of all their workers at the earliest possible opportunity.”

For more information contact Dan Knight on 01305 268168.

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

Bees under threat from disease-carrying bumblebee imports, research reveals Stricter controls over bumblebee imports to the UK are urgently required to prevent diseases spreading to native bumblebees and honeybees, scientists have warned. he call follows the discovery of parasites in over three-quarters of imported bumblebee colonies tested. The study – the first of its kind in the UK – is published today in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

While wild species of bees and other insects pollinate many crops, commercially-reared and imported bumblebees are essential for pollination of greenhouse crops such as tomatoes. They are also used to enhance pollination of other food crops such as strawberries, and are now marketed for use in people’s gardens.

The trade is large and widespread: 40-50,000 commercially-produced bumblebee colonies – each containing up to 100 worker bees – are imported annually to the UK, and more than one million colonies are sold each year worldwide.

The team of researchers from the universities of Leeds, Stirling and Sussex bought 48 colonies of buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) from three European producers. Some colonies were a subspecies native to the UK and others were non-native. All were meant to be disease-free, but

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when they were tested using DNA technology, 77 per cent of the colonies were found to be carrying parasites. Parasites were also found in the pollen food supplied with the bees.

Screening revealed that the imported bumblebee colonies carried a range of parasites including the three main bumblebee parasites (Crithidia bombi, Nosema bombi and Apicystis bombi), three honeybee parasites (Nosema apis, Ascosphaera apis and Paenibacillus larvae), and two parasites which infect both bumblebees and honeybees (Nosema ceranae and deformed wing virus).

After the screening tests, the team conducted a series of carefully controlled laboratory experiments to find out whether the parasites carried by the commercially-produced bumblebee colonies were viable and able to infect other bees.

Lead author of the study, Peter Graystock of the University of Leeds explains: “We found that commercially-produced bumblebee colonies contained a variety of microbial parasites, which were infectious and harmful not only to other bumblebees, but

NFU backs water trial New trials aimed at unburdening farmers of bureaucracy when undertaking low-risk watercourse maintenance activities to help reduce flood risk have been given the backing of the NFU. he Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, Richard Benyon, confirmed in a letter to stakeholders the development of a more streamlined flood consenting system by mid-2015. The proposals will be trialled on main rivers (those regulated by the Environment Agency) in seven pilot areas starting this autumn.

The NFU will work with farmers, the Environment Agency, Natural England and Internal Drainage Boards to promote the trials and raise awareness of how to undertake maintenance such as dredging in an effective way which considers the environment.

NFU Deputy President, Meurig

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Raymond said: “There are many situations where farmers are able to carry out maintenance of watercourses, and we have been calling for a simpler system for them to get consent to do so. I am therefore pleased that the Ministers announcement goes a long way towards delivering that.

“The damage and losses suffered in last year’s floods remain only too clearly in the minds of many farmers. These trials will help those who are in a position to undertake dredging or other maintenance; but it will also be important that Environment Agency funding is available where it is appropriate.”

10 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

also to honeybees.”

The results suggest current regulations and protocols governing bumblebee imports are not effective. Currently, Natural England licences are only required for the non-native subspecies.

Although the licences require colonies to be disease free, colonies arriving in the UK are not screened to ensure compliance and the regulations do not apply to imports of the native subspecies.

The study argues that producers need to improve disease screening and develop a parasite-free diet for their bees, while regulatory authorities need to strengthen measures to prevent importation of parasite-carrying bumblebee colonies, including checking bees on arrival in the UK and extending regulations to cover imported colonies of the native subspecies.

As well as increasing the prevalence of parasites in wild bumblebees and managed honeybees near farms using the commercially-produced bumblebees, continuing to import bumblebee colonies that carry parasites is also likely to introduce new species or strains of parasites into some areas, the authors warn.

According to co-author of the

study Professor William Hughes of the University of Sussex: “If we don’t act, then the risk is that potentially tens of thousands of parasite-carrying bumblebee colonies may be imported into the UK each year, and hundreds of thousands worldwide. Many bee species are already showing significant population declines due to multiple factors. The introduction of more or new parasite infections will at a minimum exacerbate this, and could quite possibly directly drive declines.”

Although this is the first study of its kind in the UK, research in North America, South America and Japan suggests that parasites introduced by commercial bumblebees may be a major cause of population declines of several bumblebee species, including Bombus dahlbomii in Argentina, and Bombus terricola and Bombus pensylvanicus in North America.

Peter Graystock et al (2013).

‘The Trojan hives: pollinator pathogens, imported and distributed in bumblebee colonies’, doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.12134, is published in the Journal of Applied Ecology on 18 July 2013.

Is the Voluntary Code of Practice working?

Review of Voluntary code would draw out whether it can be improved. he Voluntary Code of Practice on Producer Contracts is a success and a stakeholder review would draw out whether or not it can be improved. This is the view of Dairy UK Director General Jim Begg twelve months on from the historic Heads of Agreement achieved at the Royal Welsh Show in 2012.

“The Voluntary Code has reached a penetration of 85%,” said Jim Begg, “and that’s a huge achievement. Whilst this figure may increase, the most important thing is that pretty much everyone has examined their business practices in the light of the Code.

Some companies, in discussions with their farmers, have decided to

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stick with their existing arrangements. That’s fine. But they have looked at it and talked through what’s best for them and their businesses.

“Although the Code has not yet been in place for a full production year, there is merit in looking at how it’s working. The objective would be to see whether the Code can be improved and to make more people comfortable with its operation. I will be discussing this with the farming unions very soon.

“The Code doesn’t change markets,” said Begg, “but it improves transparency and choice, so we shouldn’t underestimate the benefits of its existence.”

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| News

A leading French research institute chooses BouMatic as "Dairy Sector" partner BouMatic®, dairy equipment and chemical manufacturer, has been chosen as the partner for the "Research unit into animal feed most beneficial to dairy cows” at the ARVALIS Plant Institute, a French applied agricultural research organization.

RVALIS chose the solutions provided by their BouMatic dealer Proval, and in particular the investment in a 22/24stall Xpedia™ 360IX internal rotary system for their dairy unit, and has achieved impressive results since they started using this milking system.

In May, a BouMatic delegation, led by President Bob Luna, and 35 BouMatic dealers from Western Europe visited the French research centre at the ARVALIS experimental station of La Jaillière (Loire-Atlantique), as part of a training program between BouMatic and its dealerships.

Created and managed by farmers, the ARVALIS Plant Institute focuses mainly on agricultural research to improve the competitiveness and profitability of farming activities and operations. The organization has four hundred employees on 35 sites throughout France. The ARVALIS site of La Jaillière houses an experimental dairy farm and has three main research objectives: obtain new references in the feed value of animal forage and the performance of rations most beneficial to dairy cows, optimize the organization of work on a dairy farm, and achieve a high level of

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environmental performance.

"The choice of a BouMatic milking system by this highly regarded research institute demonstrates that our philosophy, namely to milk cows comfortably, quickly and completely, is essential to best milking practices, and it is a goal sought by specialists in the dairy world", noted Bon Luna during his visit. "The ARVALIS research centre is considered to be a recognized and respected leader in France. We are very proud to be its partner for dairy activities and, in conjunction with our dealer Proval who delivered quality installation of all equipment, we shall enjoy an on-going and fruitful collaboration," he continued.

About one hundred cows are milked on the ARVALIS dairy farm of la Jaillière using a 22/24stall Xpedia 360IX internal rotary. The milking results are impressive: over 9,500 litres per cow annually. The system is fitted with the BouMatic identification system, the new Escorter™ crowd gate, seven sort gates and three BouMatic scrapers. The rotary parlor is controlled by the SmartDairy® Management System that helps dairy farmers control and monitor all their activities and improve their milking results. "Our SmartDairy herd management program will

help us implement our experiments on studying the performance of rations distributed to our dairy cows," explains Pierre- Vincent Protin, ARVALIS Forage Production Manager.

HS2 and the rights of property owners A Midlands law firm is standing alongside the rural community in fighting for the rights of property owners on the proposed route of HS2. he recent safeguarding of the proposed route of HS2 by the Department for Transport protects it from any conflicting development. It also triggers the statutory rights of property owners within 60 metres of the route to serve a Blight Notice on HS2 Limited, the government-owned body charged with the overseeing the construction of the railway. This allows property owners to request that the government purchase their property at market value, under the terms of the Compensation Code.

However, Leamington Spa-based solicitors Wright Hassall agree with the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) that this measure does not go nearly far enough to fully compensate all affected property owners along the proposed route.

The CLA is campaigning for a Property Bond Scheme to help all property owners adversely affected by projects such as HS2. Its main purpose will be to give certainty to property and business owners. The intention would be to underwrite the open market, unblighted value of the property.

Property owners along the route have already suffered enormous difficulties due to the length of time large infrastructure projects take to complete –the earliest suggested completion date for HS2 is 2027.

Andrew Shirley, Chief Surveyor with the CLA,

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said “Those living on, or close to the route of HS2 have already suffered many years of disruption and uncertainty.

“Having your land, business or house affected is a deeply traumatic experience – these are not just properties, but homes and livelihoods.

“The government must move quickly to establish a Property Bond Scheme to underwrite property values and not just rely on the inadequate Blight Notice provisions currently on offer.

“Addressing the impacts of those being deprived of their property, or their enjoyment of their property, needs to be first, not last priority.”

Not only that, but under the current compensation criteria, only properties within 60 metres of the route will have a statutory right to compensation leaving many outside this boundary could face years of disruption and blight possibly without any recompense.

Paul Rice heads Wright Hassall’s agricultural team and deals with farms and rural businesses, as well as private property owners.

He is urging those affected to seek advice and not automatically accept any offer put forward by government.

He said: “Now that the route has been safeguarded, affected property owners will be very unlikely to get planning permission to

develop, upgrade, improve, extend or in any way alter land or premises along the line. This will leave many farming and other rural businesses in limbo while the compensation package continues to be fine-tuned.

“The experience of negotiating compensation packages on behalf of several property owners when the M40 extension was built in the 1980s gave us, as a firm, an invaluable insight into the way in which governments can fudge – or even try to avoid – their obligations.

“We will be doing everything we can to achieve the best possible compensation package for our clients and will add our voice to those of others campaigning for a better compensation deal.”

For more information, property owners can contact Paul Rice on 01926 880777 or email paul.rice@wrighthassall.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Storage Tanks

Bundedtanks.com is now offering an even greater range of products for farming and agriculture Always ready to respond to new requirements of customers and / or legislation Bundedtanks.com is continually updating and expanding their product range and for those wanting the best in remote tank contents reading, they have the famous Apollo gauge on offer. he demand for easy and reliable reading of tank contents is answered by the Apollo Ultrasonic. It is the original and probably the best remote reading tank contents gauge. Very easy to fit to almost any tank, it is most reliable and keenly priced.

Up until the end of August 2013 it is being supplied FREE with any Carbery Bunded Tank or Standard Fuel Point. Apollo can be retrofitted to steel and plastic tanks with ease. More sophisticated monitoring is available if required; check the website.

Tanks for awkward spaces are often asked for and Bundedtanks.com has solutions. Take the Carbery Ultra Slim 1000 litre heating oil tank; it is only 650 mm wide! This means that it will pass through all but the narrowest doors to install. Low profile tanks are also available; handy for siting behind a hedge or low wall.

Below ground tanks are available too.

Bundedtanks.com has always offered their popular service to build steel tanks (for heating or refuelling purposes) to customers own requirements and sizes. Often dual purpose tanks are produced with a separate outlet providing oil to power grain dryers.

Portable dispensing is a growing need in the

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12 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

farming and agricultural sector and there’s even more choice now of a variety of options for dispensing AdBlue, Petrol, Diesel and Water. To fill mobile AdBlue containers, one of the most cost effective options for bulk buying and storing of AdBlue is to invest in one of Bundedtanks.com’s refurbished IBC’s at just £69 plus VAT labelled and delivered. An IBC and pump kit for AdBlue is also available at £435. For static dispensing, best seller is the Carbery 6000FP at £2399 with free Apollo!

Security is, more often than not, an issue on many farms. A number of gauges, alarms and locks are available on Bundedtanks.com’s website as are replacement parts such as hose kits, filters and elements, new electric or hand pumps, etc. For maximum security Heavy Duty Steel tanks are made in a number of sizes.

These are produced from thicker gauge steel and robustly built with enhanced locking facilities.

Legislative compliance is still important and remember, the EA (Environment Agency) always works on “the polluter pays”! Don’t take risks, store all oil and fuel safely and use sump pallets for drums and smaller oil containers. Do have spill kits too alongside all refuelling points.

Inexpensive solutions are provided by Bundedtanks.com. – take a look.

E-mail: info@bundedtanks.com Tel: 0845 600 3572

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| Storage Tanks

Complete storage tank solutions from Neil Vessey Since 1972, Neil Vessey (Storage Tanks) Ltd has specialised in the supply of new and used storage tanks as well as ancillary equipment. rom our premises in North Lincolnshire, we supply all sizes/capacities of tanks (300 gallons/1,350 litres to 28,500 gallons/130,000 litres) to a diverse client base throughout the UK and overseas. New tanks are manfactured and used tanks are refurbished on-site in our fabrication unit which is equipped with overhead crane. Our 4-acre yard enables us to keep on stock a huge range of good quality used storage tanks of all types suitable for a wide range of applications.

Neil Vessey (Storage Tanks) Ltd delivers the complete solution with the supply and installation of a wide range of storage tank ancillary equipment including pumps, alarms, and fuel monitors.

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Fuelling a safer environment Vehicles, plant and machinery all need fuelling - and on site fuel needs safe storage in bunded diesel and bio-diesel tanks. n addition, you need an integrated pump, hose and automatic cut-off nozzle, often with a flow meter and filter incorporated in the fuel management system to log and control the fuel being used.

Dispensing the fuel also calls for equipment to be contained in an area of the tank that offers protection against accidental spillage and overall you’re looking for complete environmental compliance.

Southern Tank Services offer a supply and installation facility backed by many years of experience. In fact, they are celebrating 10 years in the fuel tank business and can offer a wide range of solutions in plastic and steel tanks with a variety of pump options, ranging from a hand pump or 110v or 240 v ac and 12v or 24v dc battery powered pumps.

The medium density polyethylene tanks are available from 1,300 to 15,000 litres with pump and equipment to suit the

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Our in-house and highly skilled team of fitters can install pumps and pipework to tanks and carry out pipework installations at customer’s premises if required.

Additional services include storage tank disposal management encompassing onsite assessments to ensure all environmental and bunding requirements are met. Operating from the same site as Neil Vessey (Storage Tanks) Ltd, Plantcraft Ltd offers those looking for long, medium or short-term storage tank hire a complete service including delivery and ancillary equipment rental.

For more information please call 01724 850224 or visit our website www.neilvessey.com

majority of end user requirements.

Southern Tank supply EnviroBulka steel tanks that have been designed with site, yard and farm use in mind.

They offer a generous sized fuel cabinet to store the pump and hose as well as barrels and spill kits, with high security and the ability to fuel other appliances, such as grain dryers, generators and boilers.

Meeting the Environment Agency’s regulations is paramount and their dislike of gravity diesel tanks has prompted Southern Tank Services to develop a system that allows the same ground level bunded tank to re-fuel tractors and vehicles while being able to maintain a pressure regulated fuel supply for grain dryers.

While the system can be used with most tanks and existing pipework it has become very popular in use with the EnviroBulka range of tanks.

For more information contact Southern Tank Services on 01722 714514 or visit www.tankservices.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 13

| On Topic

On Topic

costs. ence on fertilisers and cut farming New technology to lessen depend

Novel technology breakthrough may help the environment whilst feeding the world

About Azotic Technologies Ltd Azotic Technologies Ltd was established to develop and commercialise a natural nitrogen technology that provides a sustainable solution to fertiliser overuse. Azotic Technologies has identified a new platform nitrogen technology; the Company will commercialise technologies based on this platform through appropriate partnerships in R&D and routes to market.

Azotic Technologies management team have proven experience in the development and commercialisation of new technologies within agriculture.

Its combined expertise will benefit the advancement and marketing of our natural nitrogen technology which is designed for our 21st Century needs in agriculture. Visit www.azotictechnologies.com

14 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

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The Greener Revolution new nitrogen-fixing technology has been developed which will help transform agriculture.

This patented technology enables all crops to take up nitrogen from the atmosphere rather than from expensive and potentially environmentally damaging nitrogen based fertilisers.

The benefits are potentially massive: less reliance on nitrogen fertilisers; reduced nitrogen pollution of the environment from the use of nitrogen based fertilisers; and reduced fertiliser costs for the grower. Sustainable agriculture will depend on the greater use of biological nitrogen fixation at a time when more food is needed to feed an increasing population.

Nitrogen fixation, the process by which nitrogen is converted to ammonia, is vital for plants to survive and grow. However, only a very small number of plants, most notably legumes (such as peas, beans and lentils) have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere with the help of nitrogen fixing bacteria. Most have to obtain nitrogen from the soil, and for a huge proportion of crops currently being grown across the world, this means a reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser.

Professor Edward Cocking, Director of The University of Nottingham’s Centre for Crop Nitrogen Fixation, has developed a unique method to put nitrogenfixing bacteria into the cells of plant roots. His major breakthrough came when he found a specific strain of nitrogenfixing bacteria in sugar-cane which he found could intracellularly colonise all major crop plants. This ground-breaking development potentially provides every cell in the plant with the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.

The implications for agriculture are enormous as this new technology can provide much of the plant’s nitrogen needs.

A leading world expert in nitrogen and plant science, Professor Cocking has long recognised that there is a

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critical need to reduce nitrogen pollution caused by nitrogen based fertilisers. Nitrate pollution is a major problem as is also the pollution of the atmosphere by ammonia and oxides of nitrogen.

In addition, nitrate pollution is a health hazard and also causes oxygen-depleted ‘dead zones’ in our waterways and oceans. A recent study estimates that that the annual cost of damage caused by nitrogen pollution across Europe is £60 billion - £280 billion a year (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, UK – March 2011).

Speaking about the nitrogen fixation technology, which is known as N-Fix, Professor Cocking said: “Helping plants to naturally obtain the nitrogen they need is a key aspect of World Food Security. The world needs to unhook itself from its ever increasing reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers produced from fossil fuels with its high economic costs, its pollution of the environment and its high energy costs.”

N-Fix is neither genetic modification nor bio-engineering. It is a naturally occurring nitrogen fixing bacteria which takes up and uses nitrogen from the air. Applied to the cells of plants (intra-cellular) via the seed, it provides every cell in the plant with the ability to fix nitrogen. Plant seeds are coated with these bacteria in order to create a symbiotic, mutually beneficial relationship and naturally produce nitrogen.

N-Fix is a natural nitrogen seed coating that provides a sustainable solution to fertiliser overuse and nitrogen pollution. It is environmentally friendly and can be applied to all crops. Over the last 10 years, The University of Nottingham has conducted a series of extensive research programmes which have established proof of principal of the technology in the laboratory, growth rooms and glasshouses.

The University of Nottingham’s Plant and Crop Sciences Division is internationally acclaimed as a centre for fundamental and applied research, underpinning its understanding of agriculture, food

production and quality, and the natural environment. It also has one of the largest communities of plant scientists in the UK. Dr. Susan Huxtable, Director of Intellectual Property Commercialisation at The University of Nottingham, believes that there is likely to be huge interest in the N-Fix technology.

“There is a substantial global market for the N-Fix technology, as it can be applied globally to all crops. N Fix has the power to transform agriculture, while at the same time offering a significant cost benefit to the grower through the savings that they will make in the reduced costs of fertilisers. It is a great example of how University research can have a worldchanging impact.”

The N-Fix technology has been licensed by The University of Nottingham to Azotic Technologies Ltd to develop and commercialise N-Fix globally on its behalf for all crop species. In the commercial world N-Fix know-how is unique to Azotic.

The Azotic management team has significant experience in agriculture, technology development and subsequent commercialisation. Peter Blezard, CEO of Azotic Technologies added: “Agriculture has to change and N-Fix can make a real and positive contribution to that change. It has enormous potential to help feed more people in many of the poorer parts of the world, while at the same time, dramatically reducing the amount of synthetic nitrogen produced in the world.”

The proof of concept has already been demonstrated. The uptake and fixation of nitrogen in a range of crop species has been proven to work in the laboratory and Azotic is now working on field trials in order to produce robust efficacy data. This will be followed by seeking regulatory approval for N-Fix initially in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Brazil, with more countries to follow.

It is anticipated that the N-Fix technology will be commercially available within the next two to three years.

On Topic

| On Topic

The University of Nottingham More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. The University aims to be recognised around the world for its signature contributions, especially in global food security, energy & sustainability, and health. The University won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2011, for its research into global food security.

About Professor Edward Cocking Professor Cocking was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1983. He is also a Fellow of the World Innovation Foundation and Society of Biology. He was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for International Research on Plant Nitrogen Fixation by the University of Toledo, USA in 2004.

He was a member of the Ministry of Agriculture's Agro-Food Quality Link Programme Management Committee 19911996. The Professor also has an extensive research record with publications relating to plant cell protoplasts, plant cell and molecular biology and nitrogen fixation in plants. He belongs to the exclusive group of “highly cited researchers” according to the ISI Highly Cited Database (http://isihighlycited.com).

Professor Cocking has followed the philosophy of Norman Borlaug “Father of the Green Revolution” who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to world food supply, and is a member of the International Advisory Board of The Norman Borlaug Institute for Global Food Security.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Slurry

When it comes to slurry, stop mucking about!

Slurry and Muck are a valuable resource and an essential factor in the production principles of meat, milk and even seed crop production, says Bob Painting s with all things, Mother Nature is best at what it does - but that doesn’t mean that we can’t help her along a bit.

When it comes to growing successful crops, the circle of life is evident - especially when it comes to adding nutrients to the soil.

Considerable levels of N P and K which are added to the crop eventually find their way back to animals in feed. These are returned in the "waste" products as slurry or muck, both directly and in yard washings thus completing the natural process. The amounts of N P and K can be easily and accurately measured by the farmer using low cost and easy to use kits directly on the farm so that the actual nutrient values can be ascertained.

When it comes to spreading, particularly of slurry, there are many ways of preventing or at least minimising loss both to the atmosphere and in "run off". Injection is the most common, both deep and at root depth where it can most easily be used to maximise plant growth.

In these days of NVZs covering many areas it is important to make sure that particularly the nitrogen, is quickly taken up by the plant or locked in the soil. Chemicals can be added to help fix the nitrogen rather than the treatment be allowed to run off and pollute water courses.

There is a considerable loss of N as ammonia gas to the atmosphere which can be controlled using different spreading methods

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16 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

rather than simply blowing the product out of the machine rear, which is often frowned upon by environmentalists. These techniques have been developed by various manufacturers and include both types of injection as well as "slipper" spreading which just deposits the product, gently, on to the land. Products also exist to fix the nitrogen in the land rather than let it simply be lost or washed away with following rain.

As with slurry, a number of systems exist to spread muck with minimum atmospheric loss.

These involve side and rear distribution as well as controlled spread width techniques. This is important when calculating optimum spread rates.

Our Agronomists tell us the optimum amounts of fertilizer that can be added to maximise plant growth in various conditions. If the amount of goodness in slurry or muck in known then bagged fertilizer "straights" can be added as needed without overdosing – which, of course, can be as bad as under fertilizing.

As ever, the many manufacturers in the UK and Europe seek to optimise distribution yet government has added another problem. The amount to be added depends on the time of year which, in the past, was determined largely by the time it was best to cross the land with minimum soil damage caused by very heavy machinery and tractors ie. when it was

frozen. However, these times are now classed as times of maximum run off - and to be avoided - thus stopping damage to watercourses, fish etc.

Manufacturers have tried to combat this by fitting even bigger (and in some cases more wheels) to reduce soil compaction but being careful not to compromise row widths if not on established grass swards. Current temperature and rain levels in this changing environment will also have a major effect as farmers seek to produce food in the most economic fashion.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Slurry

Aerial view of Diamond Light Source

KCP: The specialists KCP are the UK’s leading experts in the provision of specialist maintenance services, delivering forward thinking solutions to your environmental maintenance, manufacturing and production process problems. hilst their fleet of bespoke vehicles operates throughout the UK and Ireland – delivering a first class service across the Landfill, Industrial, Commercial and Food and Drink industries – they also offer a comprehensive service to the UK’s farming and agriculture industries, working in partnership with farmers and regulatory bodies. In particular, they provide expert assessment of all slurry tank, confined space and reed bed needs.

KCP offer farmers an efficient and effective way of managing and handling farm slurry. Research has shown that the dairy industry, and to a lesser extent pig farming, can suffer from problems relating to slurry storage and ancillary drainage – crusts forming as a result of bedding options employed, in particular sand, is a common problem. KCP have discussed these issues at length with a number of organisations, including DairyCo, and are confident that their experienced

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and trained staff have the solutions to deal with these issues reliably, efficiently and safely.

The safe extraction and dispersal of difficult waste is essential. Many farms have restricted access, which can compound this problem. However, KCP have bespoke vehicles that can be tailored to each farm’s individual requirements. The company’s HGV-mounted vehicles have 8500cfm blower pumps capable of suction at vertical depths of up to 125m and horizontal distances of 300m and as a result, are able to move a range of materials from grains, sludge and slurries to gravel and ball bearings. Their blow-off capabilities enable them to distribute reusable material on the farm, and to discuss options with Anaerobic Digestion plants.

KCP’s highly qualified team are all trained in Confined Space Entry and carry out safe and expert assessments of large tanks and sumps – this is crucial when carrying out risk assessments and

KCP operators: Experts in their field

Confined entry: No problem

the emptying of slurry towers due to the presence of lethal gases.

They also use an ATEX-approved CCTV system that allows them to conduct a thorough inspection and review of pipework and drains.

KCP actively wants to link up with progressive or monitor farms to perform work, at a reduced rate,

to build a case study to be shared across the UK – this will identify benefits and cost analysis, comparing tank sizes, herd size, frequency of works, disposal of material, etc.

Call 01290 332297 for a free quote and an honest assessment or visit www.kcpltd.net

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Slurry

Hi-Spec slurry and manure spreaders A complete range of machines to meet every requirement. ne of the problems with surface application of liquid slurry is the loss of ammonium nitrogen into the atmosphere. To avoid this, Hi-Spec is able to provide a complete range of spreading and injection options for its vacuum tanker range.

Hi-Spec vacuum tankers are available in a wide range of sizes and specification, from 800 gallons up to 4500 gallons. On the larger tankers to keep ground compaction to a minimum, these can equipped with a high speed tandem axle, that incorporates

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commercial specification braking and a steering rear axle.

A new option for Hi-Spec vacuum tankers is the Flotagrip 600/65 R23 tyre. Wider than a conventional 21.3 diameter tyre, but not as high, this has a high load and speed rating of 8000kg/tyre at 40kph.

For filling, to keep filling turnaround time to a minimum, the tankers can the fitted with a number of filling options. Larger tankers can be equipped with a 11,000 litres/minute vacuum pump, filled via a 6 inch diameter Autofill arm that is hydraulically

18 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

operated from the cab.

The intake system can also incorporate a Vogelsang Rotacut 5000 chopping unit to avoid any potential blockage to the injectors caused by straw or silage in the slurry. The chopping unit itself features an auto-reverse function to avoid the risk of potential blockage.

For applying the slurry, tankers can be fitted with a wide range of trailing shoe, dribble bar or injector options.

A new option for Hi-Spec tankers are the Bomech range of dribble bars and disc injectors that

are fed via a Vogelsang Dosimat distributor head. Each of the disc and injector units is individually sprung for optimum ground contour following and can be set to work at depths of between 1cm and 10cm.

An alternative is the complete range of Vogelsang dribble bars, with working widths from 7.5m up to 24m. These feature twin ExaCut distributors feeding the outlets, whilst a RotaCut 5000 cutting unit is fitted on the tanker inlet. The tanker can also be fitted with a rotating agitator, making this ideal for units using sand bedding.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Slurry

Maize strip-till system The benefits of strip-tillage crop establishment, including reduced fuel use, improved soil structure, greater rain retention and better traffic travel, are now available to maize growers. esigned specifically to allow the injection of slurry into tilled soil strips, and the subsequent drilling of maize into those same cultivated bands, the XTill has been developed by German slurry equipment specialist Vogelsang to create not only a method of min-tilling maize, but also a much-improved way of applying slurry to land so that its odour is contained, risk of any runoff is minimised, and its nutrients are made available exactly where required by crop rooting systems.

The 6m folding XTill weighs just 2.5t, and can be easily handled by most tanker-mounted external linkage systems with category 3, 3N or 4N ends. It comprises eight width-adjustable units on parallelogram linkages, each of which is pressured hydraulically and depth-controlled individually.

These units consist firstly of a cutting disc with a centre base for accurate depth control, each followed up with an angled star wheel which clears stubble and other trash. Slurry is then fed from

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the tanker down a pipe and coulter running in each opening, with angled pairs of notched discs then following to refill the slot with loose soil. Finally, pairs of angled steel or rubber press wheels firm loose soil back into the slot. In addition to the S-spec slurry version Vogelsang is also offering a Bspec version of the XTill without slurry injection equipment for use with liquid fertiliser systems.

“Slurry can be applied at depths from 15-25cm, and it is retained within the pore spaces of the tilled band of soil,” explains Sion Williams, Vogelsang UK agricultural sales manager.

“Using the placing precision made possible by GPS-guided steering systems, maize can then be drilled along the same rows, at 3.75-5.0cm depth. Where slurry injection has been carried out, this can be done as little as four to five days later, or as much as six weeks.

“In this way there’s no risk of scorch to the germinating seed, and roots can grow straight

downwards towards moisture and nutrients contained within the tilled strip. In dry conditions, water evaporation is prevented by the previous plant matter on the surface, and the non-inversion of the soil, while in heavy rain the movement of water is aided by the tilled soil rows.”

Mr Williams points out that further benefits of minimum tillage maize establishment include reduced potential for weed establishment, courtesy of reduced soil/weed seed disturbance, and improved soil water storage capacity, as the process eliminates the need for multiple cultivations, which can reduce numbers of soil pore spaces.

“In addition, travel conditions at harvest for the forage harvester and trailers are improved, as the untilled soil strips help support their weight, while because fewer passes are made and less soil is moved, to establish the crop, fuel costs for maize establishment are lower under the XTill system, and the structure of the soil is improved because none is inverted and far less is moved.”

An online cost reckoner at http://www.vogelsang.info/xtill/en/k ostenrechner.php allows potential users to calculate how much the system could save them in establishment costs. More on the XTill concept can be found at www.vogelsang.info/xtill/en/index. php.

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Slurry

A valuable commodity Gone are the days of slurry being a headache and for one Yorkshire farm, their slurry is a valuable commodity that forms an important part of the integrated farming business. ocated near Barnsley, J & E Dickinson in recent years have made a considerable investment in their slurry handling and storage systems, so that they can fully capitalise on the benefits that the slurry from their pig and dairy units provides.

And slurry is something they have no shortage of, with the farm running a 300 cow Jersey dairy herd, in addition to 800 breeding sows and a 5000-place finishing unit.

All the slurry and manure is retained on the farm for use on the 400ha of arable and pasture, in a fully integrated system which sees the high butterfat milk from the dairy herd being sold locally for cottage cheese and yoghurt production. In return the farm has back all the whey from the yoghurt plant, which is fed to the pigs, and the slurry from the pig and dairy units is spread both on the pasture for the dairy unit, but also on the arable land which grows crops used for animal feed.

Whilst the main farm houses the dairy herd and fattening unit, a second neighbouring unit is home to the breeding unit. As the farm is also located within an NVZ, during the closed period, slurry from this unit is transported to the main farm for storage.

“We have recently built a new one million gallon storage tank, which is filled over the closed period, plus we have an existing half million gallon tank,” explains unit manager

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20 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

Steve Higginbottom. “Between them, this gives us just enough capacity to get through the closed period but we do have an additional old tank if we need extra overflow capacity.”

For complete flexibility the farm operates two 2,500 gallon Hi-Spec tandem axle slurry tankers which are operated by Paul Robson.

The oldest of the two, which was bought in 2009, is fitted with a 6.0m Bomech trailing shoe and used for both spreading onto bare ground but also for transporting slurry from the breeding unit to the storage tanks during the closed period.

The second tanker which was bought last year, is fitted with a 12m Vogelsang dribble bar for spreading into standing crops. It was also specified with a full length sight glass, sprung drawbar and steering axle to reduce scuffing and increase tyre wear.

“Having been very pleased with our original Hi-Spec tanker which has had a lot of heavy use, because it is used all winter to ferry slurry to the storage tanks, we also chose to stay with Hi-Spec because they provide a complete machine,” says Steve. “Other manufacturers we looked at would only supply the tanker and we would have had to buy the dribble bar separately and pay a local engineer to mount it.”

“I particularly wanted the Vogelsang boom, because having seen one at JSR Farms, I was

impressed by the built quality, but also by the folding mechanism which means the dribble bars fold upwards so that they cannot drip. We have also adapted the boom slightly with shutoffs to avoid spreading slurry in the tramlines, partly to avoid run-off but also so that if you do run out half way down a tramline, you are not running through slurry and creating ruts going back down it.”

In addition to spreading using the two tankers, using an underground pipe network, a local contractor, Miles Simpson, is also brought in to spread slurry using his umbilical system with a 12m dribble bar onto the grassland and some of the arable land.

“The slurry is a valuable by-product and has the potential to save us a lot of money,” says Steve. “We use an advisor, Martin Pickering, who provides us with a complete nutrient plan,

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Slurry

T-T offers complete slurry livestock management systems Whatever your requirements, T-T has the solution. ur reliable, heavy duty product range is available as individual off the shelf items, but we can also use our expertise and knowledge to provide a bespoke system tailored to meet your farm’s needs.

PTE Vertical Pumps and PTS Submersible Chopper pumps can be used in reception and storage tanks to break down solid matter before onward pumping.

TBM submersible mixers can be used in the mixing and homogenizing processes, within reception and storage tanks before being pumped or, feeding an SM separator where the solid fraction is removed and can be used for composting whilst the liquid is sent back to the storage tank or used for irrigation with a PTH pump.

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Steve Higginbottom - Dickinson Farms

application rates and how much additional bagged nutrient we need to apply, plus he also handles all the NVZ documentation.”

“Weather permitting, generally during the spring we will do three applications of slurry onto the oilseed rape, and two into the wheat and barley, working on the

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basis that the slurry has an N value of 38-40. We also regularly soil test but find that all the P and K needed comes out of the solids applied in the autumn. For the future we are also looking at using GPS steering for greater accuracy, especially when on bare ground or on grass and to also record field application data.”

PTH and PTO driven pumps are designed for pumping raw separated slurries carry distances to irrigation point around the farm, for example via spreader plate/dribble bar.

T-T’s diverse range goes further, why not speak to our sales team about engine driven pumps, high volume wash-down sets, clean water pumps and much more.

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Slurry

Tramspread contractor Optimising slurry trailer pumping unit nutrient value Tramspread has redesigned its slurry and digestate contractors pump trailer unit. he unit is configured with engine and pump on the rear, fuel tank and compressor in the middle over the wheels and hose spool on the front. It has a hose carrying capacity of 1,600m to 2,000m of drag hose, dependant on hose diameter.

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The drag hose is carried on two Tramspread galvanised detachable spools and are loaded on to the pump trailer using a 3-point linkage hose reel frame mounted on the tractor front linkage.

The spools locate onto two transport positions on the front of the trailer.

The trailer can be equipped with

either a new or second-hand 160hp diesel engine connected to a high output solid handling pump complete with priming system and mounted at low level at the rear of the trailer for ease of access to attaching suction and delivery hoses.

Over the twin sprung high speed axles there is a large 900 litre fuel tank over which is mounted a 170 FAD compressor where either new or second-hand can be specified.

Also over the fuel tank is a work area with two large tool boxes.

The trailer chassis is of heavy-duty construction with hydraulic brakes and full road lights.

The specifications are: Length 8.6m, Width 2.4m, Wheels and tyres 435/50R 19.5 Options available: Full SIL remote control, flow meter, air brakes Prices from ÂŁ36,000.00 (not including hose reel and spools).

Further information Tel: 01449766133 email: info@tramspread.co.uk or visit www.tramspread.co.uk

22 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

Over the past few years, livestock farmers have had to contend with the dramatic hike in fertiliser prices, with the price of some fertiliser products almost tripling in price since 2007. hese increases, combined with the pressure to reduce production costs, have forced farmers to re-examine fertiliser inputs and optimise the use of slurry to reduce fertiliser costs.

Aside from the increase in fertiliser prices, some areas also have to contend with NVZ’s and the Nitrate Directive regulations, which now control the application of N and P, restricting the application of N and preventing many farms from applying chemical P fertiliser. This is most common on farms where the soil test shows P in the Index 3 - 4 range, or on dairy farms or intensive beef units, where high levels of concentrate are being offered.

In Northern Ireland, for example, many farms now apply no chemical P fertiliser, with slurry being the only form of P fertiliser available to supply P to areas of

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the farm that have a P requirement. A soil sample must demonstrate crop needs before chemical P fertiliser may be applied.

Value of slurry The nutrient content of slurry can be highly variable, and is affected by many factors such as animal type, diet, duration of storage and, most importantly, the Dry Matter (DM) content, ie the extent to which it has been diluted with parlour washings, dirty water or rainwater.

Table 1 summarises typical values for the nutrient content of dairy slurry with varying DM contents.

Table 2: Typical Nutrient contents (kg per 2000 gallons) for undiluted pig slurry Phosphate and Potassium The fertiliser replacement value of Phosphate (P) and potassium

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| Slurry (K) from slurry is generally considered to be up to 90-100pc.

In other words, 1kg of P or K from slurry will replace 1kg of P or K from chemical fertiliser. Unlike nitrogen (N), the Phosphate (P) and K in slurry is generally not affected by the time of application or the method, ie splash plate, trailing shoe or injector.

Nitrogen fertiliser value The nitrogen (N) fertiliser replacement value will depend to a large extent on the weather conditions at the time of application.

Approximately 50% of the total N content of slurry is in the form of ammonia, and is immediately available for plant uptake.

However, ammonia N is very volatile and in summer, much of the ammonia can also be lost to the air, especially when weather conditions are warm, sunny and dry.

Cool, overcast, damp conditions at the time of application will result in reduced N losses and improved N efficiency.

The fertiliser replacement value of slurry N is generally higher in the spring and the growth response from a spring application of slurry is generally much higher than a summer application. This would tend to explain the frequent poor growth response to slurry applied after first cut silage. With a

summer application, the P and K fertiliser value is the same.

Economic value of slurry Based on current prices (early September 2011), of CAN (27%N) at £270/t, Triple Super Phosphate (45% P2O5) at £500/t and Muriate of Potash (60% K2O) at £370/t, the value of slurry can be calculated: See Table 3: Value of 2000 gallons of slurry at today’s prices Method of Application – Splash Plate or Trailing Shoe Historically, most slurry has been applied using the splash plate but this can lead to excessive losses on N. However, where some regrowth has occurred, splash plates lead to contamination of silage swards and offer little opportunity for slurry to be applied to grazing swards.

Trailing shoe application will dramatically increase the efficiency of slurry N utilisation, compared to a splash plate, and reduce grass contamination.

Research in N Ireland (AFBI/AgriSearch), has clearly shown that slurry can be applied to grazing areas using a trailing shoe, without adverse effects on cow performance. Replacing 80 and 150 kg/ha of chemical N from slurry resulted in a saving of £36 and £50/ha (CAN costed at £270/t) in N inputs alone.

Table 1: Typical Nutrient contents for dairy slurry at different DM contents Table 1 Slurry DM content

Total Nitrogen

Total Phosphate

Total Potash

Nutrients (kg per 2000 gallons) 2%

14

5

18

6%

27

11

32

10%

36

18

45

Table 2: Typical Nutrient contents (kg per 2000 gallons) for undiluted pig slurry Table 2

Table 3: Value of 2000 gallons of slurry at today’s prices

Table 3 DM Content (%)

Total Total Nitrogen Phosphate

45

45

Total Potash

53

Total Nutrient Value

Dairy Slurry 2%

30

6%

59

10%

84

Pig Slurry Undiluted

128 128

Discover how to maximise profitability and comply with new legislation at CropTec 2013 CropTec Event visitor registration opens with BASF announced as headline sponsor. isitor registration is now open for CropTec, the new, specialist technicallyfocused event based around knowledge exchange. Designed to help farmers improve profitability, CropTec will be held at the East of England Showground on October 30th & 31st 2013.

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Following one of wettest years on record, the information requirements of farmers and their advisers have never been more important. This is being driven by the need to comply with the increasingly complex and rapidly changing legislation surrounding the storage, handling and

application of agrochemicals, fertilisers, muck and slurry. This need, together with the escalating cost of inputs and the changes in their availability and application requirements make it essential that farmers, their operators and advisers understand those changes and the technology which is available to help maximise profitability.

Topic areas At the heart of CropTec 2013 will be four significant topic areas which are becoming inextricably linked: Crop Nutrients; Crop Protection; Plant Breeding and Managing Precision. Each of these areas will be supported by a

dedicated seminar programme, together with a demonstration area providing opportunities for visitors to learn about current and future compliance issues, and the technical advances designed to improve the profitability of their farming businesses.

Relevant trade stands In addition, the organisers are inviting relevant trade stands and farming organisations to attend to provide the specialist advice and support that the industry requires to enable all those involved to improve profitability in a sustainable way.

Visit www.croptecshow.com

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Energy

Excellence in AD and Biogas storage solutions KIRK GROUP succeeded at the UK AD & Biogas exhibition this year, with one of the largest stands at the show and a busy traffic of visitors throughout the two days. eeping in line with our business philosophy of always providing excellence in Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Storage Solutions and our continued efforts and commitment to improving our products and services, we were delighted to make use of the show to launch advancements in our BIODOME® Gas Holders. Already known as the industry-leading for biogas storage, our gas holders now have new and improved specifications, together with increased performance and safety levels.

Recent strategic relationship developments and investment in R&D have resulted in a change to the equipment offered for both gas train pressure relief and air envelope regulation. We are now in a strategic position of being able to offer and supply weighted-type relief devices, fully furnished in stainless steel, to maintain integrity and operability in all conditions, along with check valve mechanisms offering increased reliability, particularly in shutdown conditions.

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Louise Wallace, Commercial Director, the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) comments: “Kirk Group, one of our founder members, have exhibited every year since our very first show back in 2010. They have watched the show and the industry go from strength to strength and it’s fantastic to see them so busy on their stand this year. We could not have put the show together without the involvement of our members, showcasing the range of technology, equipment and services available across the AD industry therefore it’s great to have exhibitors like Kirk Group returning year on year as a result of generating quality leads at our event.”

Andrew Peace, Managing Director at Kirk Group comments: “I was very impressed with the quality of visitors at the exhibition this year. Throughout the two days we experienced a healthy traffic to our stand and it was enjoyable catching up with existing clients and meeting new contacts within the industry. This year we also took part in the seminar

programme which increased our visibility at the show and allowed us to share are expertise with the visitors.”

Recently we have also completed the installation of the first ever BIODOME® Single Membrane Roof on top of one of the largest tanks we have ever built for our client in Malaysia, Kubota Corporation. With our

portfolio of successfully completed projects throughout the world growing at a rapid pace and always looking to increase our presence in the different markets which are making use of anaerobic digestion, we are very excited to see how the rest of the year will plan out for us.

OUR PROJECTS: GROUP

www.kirk-group.co.uk +44 (0) 1282 677095

Global Specialist in Liquid & Biogas Storage PRODUCT PORTFOLIO GLASS FUSED TO STEEL TANKS EPOXY COATED STEEL TANKS CONCRETE TANKS BIOGAS STORAGE STEEL FABRICATION

GROUP

Global Specialist in Liquid & Biogas Storage KIRK GROUP is a global specialist in liquid and biogas storage solutions for water, wastewater, anaerobic digestion and biogas infrastructure.

DRYHOLME

www.kirk-group.co.uk

We work in partnership with specialist technology providers throughout the world to construct a range of projects from simple water storage tanks, to complex schemes utilising biowaste for the production of biogas as a renewable energy source.

www.kirk-group.co.uk WESTRY AD PLANT

MANDAU AD PLANT

BINTULU AD PLANT

24 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

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| Energy

Dairy transforms slurry management with anaerobic digestion A Wiltshire dairy is using anaerobic digestion (AD) to transform its slurry management and comply with NVZ regulations. he EnviTec Biogas unit generates annual revenues of more than £750,000 for Stowell Farms in Pewsey, and it helped secure backing for state-of-the-art housing and handling infrastructure for 500 cows.

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“In fact, backing the AD side of a dairy business should be a no-brainer because it’s almost index linked and for us it represented a better investment than wind or photovoltaics.”

Farm manager Gavin Davies was faced with finding significant capital investment to improve the

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dairy unit at East Stowell and to meet slurry storage regulations.

Mr Davies said: “The revenue and savings from producing your own heat and power are considerable, but the benefits are much more wide-ranging than this.

“An AD plant helps with slurry management, which means there’s no need for a lagoon and that in turn reduces odour.

“The digestate produced at the end of the process saves us a lot of fertiliser costs and unlike slurry the nutrients are readily available.”

The AD unit is capable of producing 4.1 million kWh of electricity and 3.55 million kWh of surplus heat.

Electricity produced by the plant is used on the farm and sold to the grid under the 20-year Feed in Tariffs. About 85 per cent of the

electricity is exported, the balance being used on the farm.

Heat is used on the farm, and there are plans to pump the surplus to a leisure centre and two schools in Pewsey.

Mr Davies said: “Farming is a commoditised business, so predictability of income is at a premium, but the income and savings we get from AD are pretty much set and they are long term.

“That allows us to make much more informed and forwardlooking business decisions.

The plant is fed with maize silage, waste feed and slurry – all

of which are produced on the 1,315 hectare (3,250 acre) beef, sheep, arable and dairy operation.

Mr Davies uses an education centre overlooking the new milking parlour to show bankers and other funders how AD can contribute to the commercial viability of well-run dairies.

He added: “In fact, backing the AD side of a dairy business should be a no-brainer because it’s almost index linked and for us it represented a better investment than wind or photovoltaics.” www.envitec-biogas.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Energy

Anaerobic Digester silage and clamp design An in depth look at best practice for efficient feeding of your anaerobic plant. hat is good silage for an anaerobic plant? In truth, it is little different from good silage for a dairy cow. The principals for good silage production and ensiling remain the same. We should be aiming to grow and harvest the crop at the target dry matter and energy levels to optimize the silage quality as with any traditional silage plan. So here we will consider the clamp design and operations to ensure we make the most of the incoming crop.

Maize silage for AD plants tends to be chopped to shorter lengths than for cattle feed and contractors will often use a special Biogas knife cylinder within the forage harvester to achieve this. From here the rules of good ensiling are no different from those followed by livestock farmers for years. Put simply, speed, good compaction and the minimization of possible contaminants are the key.

Ensiling & Compaction Speed of ensiling is vital to the preservation of the crop. The bacteria types Lactobacillus and Streptococcus are already present on the crop and these under the

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correct conditions will convert carbohydrates into lactic acid. This is a relatively strong acid and as levels within the clamp rise, the action of the bacteria will cease and the material will become stable and effectively pickled.

These bacteria are anaerobic and will not tolerate high oxygen levels.

It is therefore imperative that the levels of oxygen in the clamp are reduced as quickly as possible, and the clamp then sealed. If we produce conditions with higher oxygen levels then butyric acid producing bacteria can thrive and this does not produce stable crop conditions. The aim should be to fill the clamp as fast as possible and seal the silage with an airtight cover.

Compaction of the crop has little to do with minimizing the storage space and a lot to do with oxygen reduction. Whilst good tight compaction is the goal, there is more to this than might fust appear. Contrary to the "bigger is always better" rule, good compaction is not achieved by simply using a massive vehicle.

Material should be ensiled in thin layers and compacted. The use of

larger vehicles can work against the aims here. As the wheels of the vehicle pass over an area, the crop is compressed and the oxygen rich air is squeezed out. As the wheel passes onwards the crop recovers and rebounds slightly sucking air back in again. The anaerobic bacteria within the clamp produce carbon dioxide; this can be squeezed out and replaced by oxygen rich air in cases of "over rolling". This is the complete opposite of what we are trying to achieve.

Keep It Clean Minimization of contaminants within the crop needs to be considered right hack to the field.

With maize harvesting this is less of an issue than with wilted grass silage but the principals are the same. Soil contamination is the common enemy here. The header on the forage harvester need to be set up to minimize the amount of soil going in the front end, but the tyres of the haulage traffic also need to be considered. In Europe it is common for the haulage trailer to drive up onto the clamp to discharge. Whilst this poses all sorts of stability issues, its also

introduces soil contamination if this is the same tractor and trailer that travelled in the field. Good practice would see the trailers discharging onto clean areas and a "clean" vehicle transferring the crop to the heap. Consideration to wheel washes should be made in wet muddy harvest conditions.

The Importance of Clamp Design So how does the design of the clamp influence the operator's chances of meeting the goals for high quality silage? Layout is important to give the best conditions for ensiling, but the key element is in minimizing losses once the clamps have been filled, and more importantly when they are being emptied. The most crucial element that needs to be determined is the area of the silage face as the crop is being used. As soon as the face is opened, the silage is exposed to high levels of oxygen and the bacteria that Silage Clamps at Nottingham University, Sutton Bonnington have been dormant find conditions I where they can start to break down the energy stored in the silage to form a secondary fermentation. To

Come and see us at EBEC on stand E25

26 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

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| Energy

minimize this, we need to minimize the exposed face. Good compaction will limit the depth of this fermentation but reducing the exposed face is the aim to minimize in clamp losses. The age-old rule observed by dairy farmers was a target use of 2' per day. For a typical 6 month winter, this means a dairy needs around 360' of clamp or about 110m. This is not too hard to achieve, as the summer cropping will result in 2 or 3 grass silage cuts together with a maize harvest later in the season.

To store and get access to this, most livestock farms would use a 3 bays clamp system with each bay about 36m long.

An AD plant runs 365 days a year so the requirements are twice those of a traditional dairy farm.

That suggests we need 220m of clamp space but the crop is usually all harvested in a single operation. It is conceivable that someone may build a single space 220m long clamp but it is hardly practicable or economic. A three or four clamp system is more common. So we will assume a 4 clamp system with each around 55m long. It should be noted that no allowance has been made for the loss of storage associated with the ramp up onto the clamp. This will generally add 4-5m to the overall clamp length. We now need to calculate the height and width of the clamps to achieve the target storage tonnage.

Height v Footprint?

Obviously the greater the height, the smaller the footprint of the clamps. This obviously saves costs in construction but also collects significantly less rainwater.

This rainwater needs to be treated as dirty water and is usually a greater volume than can be accommodated by the AD plant so needs to be handled in a separate system. The aim should be to reduce the footprint where possible so higher walls should be

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considered. But just how high should we go? Traditionally clamps were built 2-3m high but today's AD clamps go much higher. Experience suggests that around 5.0m is the sensible maximum depth. Above this and the vertical flow of effluent though the crop during the initial ensiling process leads to increased losses at the base of the clamp.

We can now calculate the size options for a silo. Assuming a target capacity of 10,000 tonnes of maize silage, at a density of 725kg/m3 we need 13,800m3 of storage space. Using the 4 bunker system with each clamp 55111 long and lets assume 15m wide, the walls need to be 4.2m high to get the required tonnage. If we increase the height to 5.0m we can reduce the widths to 12.6m. This reduces the amount of collected rainfall by around 375,000 litres over the 4.2m high clamps (allowing for an additional 10m wide apron area). In a 4 bunker system it is common to leave both ends of one bay open to allow silage to be fed to the digester whilst ensiling takes place.

Leaving all the clamps open at both ends increases the overall footprint without any significant operational benefits.

Wall Design We should now consider the design of the walls. The design criteria for silo walling in the UK has been used for the least 20 years and is set out in BS 5502 part 22. This is now becoming outdated since the upper limit given for compacting vehicle weight is 10 tonnes. Today's silage contractors are regularly using industrial loading shovels for filling and compacting clamps and these regularly exceed 20 tonnes. It is clear that the BSI code is not suitable to give us the design information we need. As a result ACP (Co~lcrete) Ltd has been utilizing a North American code to

overcome this issue. The loads generated in clamps with high walls and high compaction loads are massive. Traditional methods of wall construction cannot be adapted to suit these pressures so ACP have designed an entirely new product range using a 280mrn prestressed panel. The enormous leap in unit load capacity offered by these panels has been achieved whilst still retaining all the economic and practical benefits of using

prestressed wall panels. The rapid construction and relatively slender section of prestressed concrete wall panels have been appreciated by livestock farmers for the last 30 years, now the requirements of the AD plant operator can also be met by these new 280mm panels. A good silage clamp for an AD plant is perhaps not that different from a good silage clamp for a livestock farmer.

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Energy

28 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

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| Energy

Growth of global solar & wind energy continues to outpace other technologies Global use of solar and wind energy continued to grow significantly in 2012. olar power consumption increased by 58 percent, to 93 terrawatt-hours (TWh), and the use of wind power increased by 18 percent, to 521 TWh. Although hydropower remains the world’s leading renewable energy, solar and wind continue to dominate investment in new renewable capacity and are quickly becoming the highestprofile renewable energy sources, write Worldwatch staff in the Institute’s latest Vital Signs Online trend.

Global solar and wind energy capacities continued to grow even though new investments in these energy sources declined during 2012. Global investment in solar energy in 2012 was $140.4 billion, an 11 percent decline from 2011, and wind investment was down 10 percent, to $80.3 billion.But due to lower costs for both technologies, total installed capacities grew sharply.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installed capacity grew by 41 percent in 2012, reaching 100 gigawatts (GW). Over the past five years alone, installed PV capacity grew by 900 percent from 10 GW in 2007. The countries with the most installed PV capacity today are Germany (32.4 GW), Italy (16.4 GW), the United States (7.2 GW), and China (7.0 GW).

Europe remains dominant in solar, accounting for 76 percent of global solar power use in 2012.

Germany alone accounted for 30 percent of the world’s solar power consumption, and Italy added the third most capacity of any country in 2012 (3.4 GW). Spain added the most concentrating solar thermal power capacity (950 MW) in 2012 as well. However, Italy reached the subsidy cap for its feed-in tariff (FIT) program in June 2013 while Spain recently made a retroactive change in its FIT policies, meaning growth in solar energy will likely slow in these countries in the near future.

Due to slowing global economic growth, easing demand, and oversupply, there were significant net losses in the Chinese PV industry, which supplies more than half of the world market. The net losses have been exacerbated by growing trade wars between China and both the European Union (EU) and the United States after these regions accused Chinese companies of dumping solar panels on their markets.

Meanwhile, China’s domestic demand is likely to grow. The

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country’s 12th Five-Year Plan aims to reach 21 GW installed solar capacity by 2015 and 50 GW by 2020.

Total installed wind capacity edged up in 2012 by 45 GW to a total of 284 GW, an 18.9 percent increase from 2011. In keeping with recent years, the majority of new installed capacity was concentrated in China and the United States, which reached total installed capacities of 75.3 GW and 60 GW, respectively.

The United States was the world’s top wind market in 2012.

Overall capacity increased 28 percent as the country added 13.1 GW, double the amount it added in 2011. Increased domestic manufacturing of wind turbine parts, improved technological efficiency, and lower costs helped spur this increase, but the greatest catalyst was the threat of expiration of the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC)— which provides tax credits for kilowatt-hours produced by wind turbines—at the end of 2012.

A slowdown was originally expected in 2013, but the U.S. Congress extended the PTC until the end of the year, which bodes well for many U.S. and European wind turbine and parts manufacturers that benefit from it.

The EU remained a dominant region for wind power, as it passed an important milestone by installing 11.9 GW of new capacity to reach 106 GW, representing 37.5 percent of the world’s market.

Currently, wind accounts for 11.4 percent of the EU’s total installed generation capacity. Germany and Spain remained Europe’s largest wind markets, increasing their total installed capacity to 31.3 GW and 22.8 GW, respectively. The United Kingdom was third in new installations in 2012, at 1.9 GW, followed by Italy with 1.3 GW. “Although policy uncertainties and changes will likely challenge the growth of solar and wind in the future, these technologies are nonetheless well poised to grow,” said Matt Lucky, report co-author and Sustainable Energy Lead Researcher at Worldwatch.

“Declining solar technology prices, while challenging for current manufacturers, are helping solar to reach near grid-parity in many markets. With the decreasing cost of operating and maintaining wind farms, wind power is already cost competitive with conventional power energy sources in many markets.”

Further highlights from the report: • In 2012, installed capacity for concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) reached 2.55 GW, with 970 megawatts (MW) alone added in 2012.

• The Asia-Pacific region now accounts for 17 percent of global solar use, leaving it behind only Europe.

• Asia’s 15.5 GW of new installed wind capacity, the highest of any region in 2012, ensured that it remains on the heels of the EU. • Political instability continued to slow growth in Africa and the Middle East, but installed capacity grew by 9.3 percent in 2012 compared with 2011’s rate of 2.6 percent

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Tillage

Tillage-Live: Bigger and better Tillage-Live takes place at West Hall Farm, Welton, Lincolnshire LN2 3QF on Wednesday 11 September 2013 from 08.00 hrs to 15.00 hrs. he show offers visitors the opportunity to get to grips with the latest in cultivation equipment and soil management technologies.

“This year’s Tillage-Live is packed with useful information. The Knowledge Trail provides visitors access to valuable, in-depth advice from industry experts on a whole variety

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of topics and as the largest cultivation demonstration in the UK there is the opportunity to view the latest cultivation equipment from ploughing to min-till on show, “ said Duncan Russell of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA).

Stations on the knowledge trail will include the ever-popular soil pit helping visitors to

understand what is happening beneath the surface as a result of cultivation, as well as guidance on weed control strategies in cereals and oilseed rape from sponsors BASF. Here visitors can talk to the experts about the weed problems on their own farms and get support on coping with Black-grass resistance which is becoming increasingly problematic and widespread. By completing the knowledge trail visitors can gain NRoSO and BASIS CPD points.

All the latest news about the event is available on the website www.tillagelive.uk.com including details of pre-booking (£7.50/car, compared to £10 on the day). For group rates contact FarmSmart Events.

For further information go to website www.tillage-live.uk.com

Tillage Live Knowledge Trail: Weds 11th September 2013 at West Hall Farm, Welton, Lincolnshire, LN2 3QF 1) Weed control, across the rotation, and effective OSR establishment - BASF, the events Crop protection partner will be focusing on making the most of your cultivation philosophy and give clear guidance on weed control strategies 2) Focus on soil structure - Cultivation machinery expert, Philip Wright will be digging a soil pit to explain how to identify compaction, its causes and how various implements can be used to repair the problem as well as explaining how to prevent damaging the structure.

3) Slug Pelleting Precision/Get Pelletwise The Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG)

30 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

will be on hand to provide practical advice on checking, setting up and calibrating slug pellet applicators and on best application practice to provide the best control and minimise pollution risks.

4) Soils and tyres – agricultural tyre specialists Michelin will be showing the impact of loading, setting and tyre selection on your most valuable asset beneath your feet.

5) Precision Cultivations– looking at the benefits of targeting your cultivations strategy to the areas that need it most.

6) Maize establishment – with the

increasing use of maize as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion plants (AD) on farm, a new crop is entering the arable rotation.

Seeding experts Amazone will be looking at best practice on how to give the crop the best start.

7) Precision Farming, GPS and autosteer, New Holland will be showing how to make the most of your implements with options for autosteer and guidance.

NRoSO and BASIS points have been applied for. Delegates will receive on arrival a card to complete by attending each station, in order to claim their points.

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| Tillage

OSR Micro-Wing put to the test Cousins of Emneth, in partnership with crop production specialists Hutchinsons, have produced an OSR system which gives minimal soil disturbance, maximum output with low power requirements and minimises weed grass germination. he Micro-Wing is based on a V-Form soil loosener with shallow working Micro-Wing tines. Its seeding and razor ring ‘leg zone’ press wheels focus consolidation over the seeded areas within the cultivated ‘leg zone’ to give consistent seed depth and coverage with minimal moisture loss.

Shallow working at a target depth of 75 – 100mm avoids destruction of natural soil fissures and worm burrows

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promoting a robust root system with subsequent increased nutrient and water uptake.

Its tines disturb less than 20% of the soil with each pass which requires less horse power and so provides good fuel economy.

Because the seedbed is largely undisturbed by this targeted system, most weed seeds are left on the ground surface, avoiding the germination of black grass seed previously buried and broadleaved weeds. The minimal

disturbance of the seedbed also allows for optimum residual activity from grass weed herbicides, a key building block in the control of grass weeds throughout the rotation.

Carrington Farms of Lincolnshire are planting h around 700Ha of winter OSR annually and have taken delivery of Cousins first 5.5m ‘rape seed ready’ V-Form.

Farm Director James Thompson reports they are very impressed with its performance

on freshly harvested stubble.

“It's the only system that incorporates a very low disturbance, minimal leg design with zonal packers. The machine also allows us to band slug pellets and fertiliser, reducing total amounts used and applying only where the crop requires.”

The new Micro-Wing tine and Razor ring ‘Leg Zone’ can be retro fitted to all Cousins VForms.

Cultivating Success...

TopDown Carrier

NZA

Swift

Cultus

www.vaderstad.com

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August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Tillage

CESAR at Tillage Live CESAR was launched into agriculture in September 2009 at The Tillage Show in Gloucestershire after gaining approval from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA). he scheme had reached 40,000 cumulative registrations a year later and now, mid 2013, the unique triangular registration plate is a familiar sight on a wide range of equipment on farms up and down the country and the CESAR scheme is the most successful scheme of its type anywhere in the world with over 120,000 machines now protected and registered.

CESAR will be exhibiting at Tillage Live (Lincoln, September 11th) courtesy of Datatag the power behind the scheme and the suppliers of the ‘cutting-edge’ technology used in CESAR security systems. CESAR adopters Sands Agricultural Machinery and Amazone will also be exhibiting in Lincoln where visitors will see the now familiar triangular registration plate on their large and impressive self-propelled crop sprayers.

CESAR systems, of which there are 3 derivatives, can be used to protect a wide range of equipment including tractors, telescopic handlers, loader and excavator end attachments, combine harvesters, forage harvesters, quad bikes and sprayers. Many

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leading manufacturers including John Deere, Massey Ferguson, JCB, Manitou and Merlo fit CESAR as standard during the manufacturing process. However, CESAR can also be fitted to existing equipment and a network of manufacturer’s franchised dealers, independent dealers and service providers have been trained and approved to fit CESAR. CESAR and Datatag will promote ‘Total Farm Protection’ at Tillage. Using CESAR and Datatag security systems everything from a laptop computer to a combine harvester can be protected and registered. All the CESAR and Datatag security systems work by giving each piece of equipment a unique and permanent ‘fingerprint’ using a mix of state of the art security marking technology that includes tamper evident triangular registrations plates, warning signs and decals, Radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponders, forensic liquid DNA, microscopic Datadots® and UV stealth etching technology using special stencils.

Each system has a bespoke mix of technology that suits the equipment being protected.

32 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

CESAR security systems have to be fitted by an approved, trained and CRB vetted installer.

‘CESAR-It’ days, organised in conjunction with the police and leading insurers, are a cost effective way of having older, but never the less still valuable, equipment fitted with CESAR. As well as acting as a powerful deterrent and a valuable aid in recovery CESAR equipped machines also attract insurance premium discount of up to 25%, making the initial investment a smart move!

Special Datatag ‘self-fit’ security systems are available for trailers and horse boxes, 4x4 vehicles, motor bikes and equestrian tack.

These systems use sophisticated security marking technology but are easy to fit with full fitting instructions being provided and on-line registration taking only 10 minutes.

Any of the CESAR or Datatag security systems can be bought separately or as a cost effective alternative the Datatag ‘total farm protection’ system, which protects 6 major pieces of equipment and dozens of smaller items can be

purchased as a ‘package’.

The Total Farm Protection package consists of: • 2 CESAR systems for tractors, telescopic handlers or similar • 1 compact CESAR system for a quad bike, ATV or similar • 1 CESAR attachment system for an agricultural attachment like a muck rake or bucket • 1 Datatag 4 x 4 system for any make of 4 x 4 vehicle • 1 Datatag trailer system for an agricultural trailer or horse box • 1 Datatag home/farm marking system • 1 Datatag Tack Room system to protect 3 saddles and other items of tack Thieves know that it is impossible to remove all traces of a Datatag ‘fingerprint’ which is why CESAR and Datatag act as a powerful deterrent against theft. If proof were needed it is a fact that CESAR registered machines are 4 times less likely to be stolen than unregistered machines.

For more information go to www.cesarscheme.org or www.datatag.co.uk

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| Security

Cost of rural crime falls nearly 20%, but still costs UK £42.3m New figures from leading rural insurer NFU Mutual reveal rural theft cost an estimated £42.3 million during 2012 across the UK– an annual fall of 19.7% in ‘agri-crime’ year-on-year. riving this reduction was a significant fall in claim costs for tractor and quad bike thefts, which accounted for more than one third of the cost of

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all NFU Mutual thefts claims, down 32% and 17% respectively.

In contrast 2012 saw a slight increase in NFU Mutual claim levels for livestock theft, but

nothing like the three-fold increase experienced the previous year.

The figures, based on claims data, have been released to coincide with the publication of the annual NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey, a nationwide survey of 220 of its branch offices located throughout the UK countryside.

Unlike other crime reports, NFU Mutual’s includes claims for crimes against rural homes, farms, commercial premises and vehicles.

Commenting on rural crime and the Survey results, Matthew Scott, Chief Claims Manager at NFU Mutual, said: “It’s great news that after four years of rises rural crime fell significantly last year. The fall is a vindication of the tremendous efforts made by country people, police, NFU Mutual and agriculture vehicle manufacturers to improve security and beat crime.”

He warned country people not to become complacent and continue to make security a priority on their farms, businesses and homes.

“Rural crime is still taking place at significant levels. In 2013, whilst numbers of thefts are slowly declining, we have seen some worrying spikes in high value tractor thefts – and a recent spate of tractor GPS guidance system thefts showing that thieves will steal anything of value from farms".

“At NFU Mutual we work closely

with country people to improve security and beat crime. To-date NFU Mutual has invested more than £400,000 funding police specialist units to coordinate activity on agricultural vehicle crime for the good of the whole industry.”

The national estimates reveal that the fall in rural crime was fairly consistent across most regions of the UK during 2012, ranging from 12% in the East of England to 32% in the Midlands. Only Scotland saw an increase year-onyear (+12%), but this only represented a growth of just over £200,000.

According to 220 NFU Mutual agencies surveyed the trend for items most commonly targeted by rural thieves remains largely unchanged with tools, quad bikes and oil/diesel again topping the list.

While agencies suggest tractors and metal are less commonly targeted than last year, garden equipment makes a debut in the annual top ten list of targeted items, at number five.

For more information visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 33

| SALTEX

Get ready for Register now and visit the biggest SALTEX Show ever to meet around 300 suppliers of the machinery, tools, vehicles, turf, soils, seeds, aggregates, artificial or natural surfaces, playgrounds, landscaping equipment, street furniture, arboriculture, horticulture, safety, security, training and education services designed to help you do your jobs as effectively as possible.

OG SALTEX is the UK's leading event for grounds care, sports, amenities, estates and green space management and you can egister as a visitor free of charge.

From turf care and specialist machinery to landscaping and playgrounds, over 300 SALTEX exhibitors bring the latest products, equipment and expertise to Windsor Racecourse for three days in September.

Exhibitors cover the complete range of grounds care services, many taking advantage of the event's outdoor location to show their products at their best with live demonstrations.

• Machinery & Tools • Turf, Seed, Sand, Soil • Sports Surfaces & Facilities • Play Equipment • Commercial Vehicles • Landscaping • Arboriculture & Horticulture • Education, Training, Development • Security, health and safety Free to visit, and free to park, SALTEX attracts the industry's leading suppliers and buyers.

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Close to 10,000 individuals attend SALTEX each year - from groundsmen to park and leisure amenity officers, from greenkeepers to estate managers - they all have one thing in common - managing the green space around us. SALTEX is perfect for seeing what tools, machinery, materials and equipment are new to the market in one place and at one time.

Visitor registration is now open ay www.iogsaltex.com This year’s SALTEX is already at least 10 per cent larger than last year’s event - and there is still time to go before the doors open on Tuesday September 3.

Brintex event director Jon Gibson reports that by the end of June, over 28,000 m2 of stand space had so far been booked by 200 plus exhibitors, a number of whom are returning to SALTEX after a short break or are exhibiting for the first time.

“New exhibitors this year include China’s HDK Electric Vehicles and play equipment company Husson UK, as well as Makita (power tools) and Riko (tractors),” he says.

“We also welcome back exhibitors such as

Hitachi Power Tools, Husquvarna (outdoor power products) and Kompan (play) while, from the turf care equipment sector, Ransomes Jacobsen, Simon Tullett Machinery and Toro/Lely (turf care) plus John Deere main dealer Godfreys (Sevenoaks).

“With a short time still to go, we are confident that not only will this year’s exhibitor list and their products appeal to everyone in the turf care and open space industry, but also that the exciting programme of education and special attractions and events will provide even more added-value to the time spent at the show by visitors.”

Visit www.iogsaltex.com for the latest exhibitor list.

Free advice, debates & seminars at SALTEX 2013 A comprehensive programme of FREE advice sessions, educational seminars, open debates and networking events at this year’s SALTEX (Sports Amenity & Landscape Trade Exhibition) at Windsor Racecourse in September will add an unprecedented level of added value to the time spent at the show by groundscare and open space management visitors. n addition to the IOG’s daily Ask the Expert sessions – where groundscare industry experts will be offering FREE one-to-one advice sessions on every sports surface, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, golf and bowls – there will be a series of workshop-style panel debates featuring some of the country’s leading grounds professionals.

These debates will cover issues such as multi-use sports venues and surfaces, ‘doing more for less’ to fit budget, how to attract young people into industry, and effective grounds management training.

In addition, representatives from key National Governing Bodies of Sport will also add their weight to this year’s SALTEX: • The Football Association is planning a presentation on its National Facilities Strategy and its impact on grassroots football and playing fields; • The England & Wales Cricket Board will present the ECB’s National Club Strategy; and • The Rugby Football League’s (RFL) Pitch Improvement Programme will be discussed – for example, the RFL’s efforts to protect playing fields, its aims to establish partnerships with Sport England and other NGBs, as well as its plans for the training, education and support of volunteer groundsmen.

Also being planned are: • A major presentation on thatch management for bowling greens; • Exclusive SAPCA-sponsored sessions entitled ‘Delivering expectations for natural

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34 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

sports turf’ and ‘The design and construction of multi-use games areas’; • A day-long series of golf-focused seminars programmed by the British and International Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA); • The National Contractors Forum open debate; • A pesticides workshop hosted by the Amenity Forum; and • A seminar targeted at arboriculturists and called ‘The tree clinic – keeping your trees healthy’.

Also, BALI will be staging its AGM at SALTEX (on Wednesday September 4) and the Service Dealer Heritage Awards will take place on Tuesday September 3.

The BIGGA Golf Education Day (Wednesday, September 4) will appeal to greenkeepers at courses of every size and type and will focus on drainage, bunkers, composts and disease management.

The day will start with ‘Greens drainage mission possible’ presented by Andy Wood, course manager of Robin Hood Golf Club.

Then Stuart Yarwood MG, golf course manager of Lymm Golf Club, will discuss ‘Sand traps and money pits’ before the ‘Go in green…come out clean’ presentation by Dr Simon Watson, Syngenta technical manager EAME turf and landscape. He will discuss winter disease on golf greens.

Hosted by John Moverley, chair of the Amenity Forum, the panellists for the ‘Integrated control of pests, weeds and

diseases: What does this mean in practice?’ session will include Paul Singleton, chairman of the Forum’s Education and Training Committee; Will Kay, managing director of Languard; Sheffield Council’s David Wain; and IOG regional advisor Ian Norman.

Commenting on the forum content, John Moverley says: “We are all aware of the need to take a more integrated approach to pest management but there remains many questions as to exactly what this means or how we can achieve it. These include addressing issues of effectiveness, costs and environmental factors.’’

The nation’s arboriculturists will welcome the SALTEX Tree Clinic seminar where ‘Keeping your trees healthy’ will be discussed by Rhoderic Taylor, consultant and Fellow of the Arboricultural Association, and Julie Sadler, Arboricultural Association member, Level 3 arboriculture examiner and a local government arboricultural officer/planning department.

Meanwhile, the open debate planned by the National Contractors Forum will focus on the ‘Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulations’ and the ‘Biodegradable Waste Directive’. The panellists will not only present the facts surrounding these issues but will also discuss the impact on contractors and their employees, and what can be done to mitigate the negative implications for the wider industry.

Visit www.iogsaltex.com for the up-to-date programme and full details of presenters/panellists/speakers and timings.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| SALTEX

Wessex and SnowEx at SALTEX Broadwood International will display selected Wessex ProLine mowers and SnowEx winter salt, grit and brine spreaders at this year’s Saltex. hen only the best will do the Wessex ProLine RMX-560 and RMX-680 roller mowers have proved to be highly popular with councils, contractors and sports complexes and the latest models will be on show.

Wide area mowing offers cost-efficiency and the triple deck mower leaves a finish equal to a cylinder mower on fine turf, at a fraction of the cost. New this year is the Wessex FRX professional outfront flail mower which builds on the performance and popularity of the previous model.

Considered one of the best for cutting long grass on roadside verges as well as leaving a premium finish on sports turf, this is the ideal all-rounder for councils and contractors. For

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mounted mowers the Wessex ProLine RMX 240 and RMX 360 are widely used for quick and effective mowing in public parks, playing fields and areas of amenity grass.

Whilst the country is bathed in sunshine and enjoying a heat wave it seems hardly the time to be thinking about winter maintenance for snow and ice. Planning ahead, however, pays dividends and it’s worth looking at the wide range of the SnowEx spreaders that are on show at Saltex, from the 2300 litre capacity VMaxx SP-9300 to walk-behind pedestrian models. The versatility of SnowEx spreaders is demonstrated with a trailer mounted SP-8500 and an SP-6000 rigged on a Navara pick-up.

The Bulk-Pro and Mini-Pro utility spreaders are ideal for councils, contractors, farmers and

estates with the facility to mount them on commercial vehicles, 4x4’s, UTV’s, ATV’s, tractors and fork- lifts.

The use of brine solutions for winter maintenance is an increasingly popular practice and the SnowEx VSS liquid de-icers are leading the way. To complete the picture there will be several professional pedestrian drop spreaders and brine sprayers for taking care of walkways, footpaths and shopping precincts.

See the range of equipment at SALTEX stand no.N04.

Contact Broadwood International on 01420 478111, email sales@broadwoodintl.co.uk or visit www.broadwoodintl.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 35

| SALTEX

SALTEX 2013 launch for Hyundai Power Equipment September’s IOG Saltex Show will be the venue for the formal launch of Hyundai garden, estate and amenity machinery, being marketed as part of the fast-growing Hyundai Power Equipment product line distributed exclusively in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Genpower Ltd, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. tarting off in 2009 with Hyundai petrol and diesel generators, the range has expanded to include Hyundai leisure inverter generators, air compressors and water pumps, all available through a network of Genpower-appointed specialist dealers.

Visitors to IOG Saltex 2013 will be first in western Europe to see the newest additions to the Hyundai Power Equipment line-up, encompassing hand-held and walk-behind machines suitable for a variety of grass and grounds maintenance applications.

Among the engine-powered products being launched by Hyundai Power Equipment in September are three self-propelled and two push lawnmowers, hand-held and wheeled string trimmers, a multi-tool and a pair of brush cutters. The stand will also feature three chainsaws, a petrol-engined hedgetrimmer, two backpack blowers, a hand-held blower-vacuum and three high-performance pressure washers.

Selected models from the Hyundai generator, air compressor and water pump ranges will also be on display.

All of the equipment to be shown at IOG Saltex is available through a growing number of

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appointed Hyundai Power Equipment sales and service dealers throughout the UK and Ireland.

Genpower Ltd is actively seeking to appoint new dealers capable of providing end-users with levels of support that strengthen the high reputation being achieved by Hyundai-branded products in other market sectors around the world.

Visit www.hyundaipowerequipment.co.uk or www.genpower.co.uk for more information.

Three high-performance pressure washers are among the new garden, estate and farm maintenance machines that will be launched by Hyundai Power Equipment on Stand A32

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| SALTEX

Polaris BRUTUS: The world’s first UTV with Power Take Off Leading off-road vehicle manufacturer Polaris has announced the BRUTUS range, the world’s first purpose-built side-by-side utility vehicle with front-end Power Take Off. ased on the Polaris RANGER, BRUTUS comprises three models – BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HD PTO. The line was built to be the most versatile, most capable and most comfortable side-by-side utility vehicles ever created, enabling users to complete more tasks without spending more time and energy. The new BRUTUS models are specifically engineered for individuals and businesses that seek durable all-round task vehicles.

The ability to operate several front-end attachments provides users with new levels of versatility, and ultimately, a cost-effective and more productive work solution. The Pro-Tach™ attachment system, standard on the BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HD PTO, delivers the capability to change from one attachment to the next quickly and easily. Creating levels of productivity never before seen in its class, a revolutionary, front-end PTO system on the BRUTUS HD PTO draws power directly from the vehicle’s engine. The high efficiency, mechanical PTO maximizes power to a line of purpose-built, out-front commercial attachments. Featured in the complete line of attachments are three PTOpowered attachments – angle broom, finishing mower and snow blower – and three hydraulically-powered attachments – snow blade, pallet forks and materials bucket – allowing users to sweep, mow, blow, lift, plow and scoop with just one machine.

The BRUTUS product line is an outcome of the strategic alliance formed between Polaris and Bobcat in 2009. The co-developed vehicles combine the strengths of both companies with Polaris’ expertise in utility vehicles and the powersports market, and Bobcat’s experience in work vehicle technology and attachments.

“The introduction of the BRUTUS product family is part of our

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commitment to offer customers innovative and relevant vehicles that best suit their needs,” David Longren, Polaris Vice President, Off-Road Vehicles (ORV) and ORV Engineering said.

“Through our 60 years of engineering experience, strategic alliances with other industry leaders and our incredible network of dealers, we are able to provide the commercial market with the most productive, reliable and versatile vehicles.”

The BRUTUS models offer a 24-horsepower diesel engine with hydrostatic transmission which delivers all the torque and power needed to get the job done. An innovative treadle pedal allows travel in forward or reverse without shifting gears, providing an ideal setup for commercial applications. BRUTUS vehicles provide a classleading six inches of suspension travel, which combined with On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive, allows for safe and comfortable transportation of passengers and cargo over virtually any terrain.

For optimal use of attachments regardless of weather, the BRUTUS HD PTO comes standard with a fully-enclosed, factory-installed cab with heat, defrost and air conditioning. Available Lock & Ride® PRO-FIT™ cab components are predesigned for the BRUTUS and BRUTUS HD frame and lock on tightly for a secure cab system. A full line of cab, storage and vehicle protection accessories also are available for the BRUTUS line to meet each customer’s unique needs.

BRUTUS models are the first side-by-side utility vehicles that use a multi-link coil over De

Dion rear suspension to deliver superior ride quality. The rear suspension supports a 566.9kg (1,250lb) cargo capacity and minimizes suspension sag when fully loaded. The suspension also maintains class-leading ground clearance when towing a trailer, with its best-inclass 907kg (2,000lb) capacity. A pallet-sized rear cargo box features Polaris’ exclusive Lock & Ride® cargo system for easy installation and removal of worksite accessories.

In addition to the BRUTUS line of work utility vehicles, Polaris’ commercial offerings include current vehicles utilised by customers as reliable daily workhorses. The portfolio consists of models from the hardest working, smoothest riding family of RANGER® side-by-sides and SPORTSMAN® all-terrain vehicles, as well as the GEM® and Goupil lines of premium compact electric vehicles.

The BRUTUS, BRUTUS HD and BRUTUS HD PTO can be seen at the Saltex exhibition on 3rd to 5th September at Windsor Racecourse, stand number A30 and will be available to order through select Polaris dealers.

For more information on BRUTUS and the complete Polaris commercial vehicle offerings, visit www.polaris-britain.com or call Polaris Britain: 0800 915 6720

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 37

| SALTEX

STIHL extends professionals’ choice New products plus more advanced technologies added in 2013. ne of the most respected brands in the outdoor power tool sector, STIHL has driven more advanced engine technologies into its product line-up this year and entered two entirely new product groups to make outdoor professionals’ tasks easier, quicker and simply more efficient. IOG Saltex visitors will find an extended range of quiet and efficient cordless power tools, a new backpack battery, new advanced chain saws plus more hard-working products for brushcutter users.

An entirely new range of floor sweepers has also arrived this year, plus innovative new tools for construction and hard-landscaping, including a world-first two stroke engine with electronic fuel injection that drives its most advanced cut-off saw, plus a new concrete saw to cut deeper with STIHL. Cordless range keeps growing (and going!)

Joining the range in 2013, and on show at IOG Saltex, STIHL has extended both the scale and endurance of its cordless power tools, adding its first long-reach hedge trimmer plus a second cordless chain saw for extra hardworking use. It has also introduced an extra long-lasting backpack battery to its cordless line up: the new AR 900 is competitively priced and efficient to run; powering each of the hedge trimmers for example, throughout a full working day. That makes STIHL cordless technology a truly practical (and quiet) choice for professionals’ use.

More additions from the world’s best-selling chain saw brand STIHL introduced its advanced, self-tuning M-Tronic engine to a selection of tools in 2010, and has now added the technology to more professional chain saws including the popular mid-range MS 261 and more powerful MS 362 which both arrive with the M-Tronic engine in autumn of this year. Further extending the MTronic range and arriving this autumn too, the new MS 661 C-M is a heavy-duty chain saw for forestry use, and whilst STIHL is keeping details under wraps, it is known to set another world standard in the 90cc class.

At the other end of the professional scale, and this time for arborists’ use, STIHL has added its lightest ever top-handled chain saw to the range this year. Perfect for tree pruning work, the MS 150 TC-E has already been applauded since its introduction this spring with trained arborists appreciating its performance and light weight.

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efficiently for up to an The lightweight, powerful STIHL HSA 86 hedge trimmer runs quietly and available this year. battery backpack 900 AR STIHL new the with hours eleven impressive

New backpack brushcutter, new cutting heads plus hard-wearing trousers for operators’ use Those clearing tough grass and weeds from verges and embankments will welcome a new backpack brushcutter from STIHL this year: the new FR 460 TC-EM is the first backpack model to feature the M-Tronic self-tuning engine, making it particular easy to use and maintain.

Every brushcutter operator will be interested in its new DuroCut mowing heads which allow simple insertion of pre-cut lengths of tough mowing line. The DuroCut heads launched in summer 2013 and are compatible with every one of STIHL’s 28 petrol-powered grass trimmers, brushcutters and clearing saws. Also new to the range for brushcutter users, the FS PROTECT brushcutter trousers are tough yet breathable, and include an accessory patented leg protection – providing additional impact protection to the front lower leg.

Clean up with STIHL : New floor sweeper range STIHL entered a new market of floor sweepers this year, with a range of three models for sweeping both in and outdoors.

The STIHL floor sweepers include ‘push-tosweep’ models plus one with battery powered brushes, and all help users sweep up effortlessly and efficiently, indeed about six

times as fast as with a conventional broom.

They are ideal for sweeping pavements, forecourts and yards quietly outdoors, as well as large indoor areas like leisure and shopping centres, workshops and warehouses too.

A world-first in construction, plus a new concrete saw to cut deeper with STIHL For those working in the construction and hard-landscaping sectors STIHL – the world’s best-selling cut-off saw brand, has introduced its most advanced 12" cut-off saw ever this year.

The new TS 480i cut-off saw features a genuine breakthrough in technology: STIHL’s most advanced two-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection (another world-first from the brand).

STIHL has also entered the concrete saw market for the first time in 2013; its new GS 461 model cuts up to 40cm deep making it ideal for wet-cutting window or door openings and concrete pipes for example.

Visitors to the STIHL Group stand at IOG Saltex can see its extensive product range and talk to the experts for advice and information.

For more on the professional range visit www.stihl.co.uk/pro or request a copy of the new dedicated Local Authority/Contractor brochure by calling : 01276 20202.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Livestock

Livestock Event achieves record attendance The Livestock Event attracted a record 9,130 visitors on Wednesday, day one at its NEC, Birmingham venue, while overall attendance was up 10% on the year at 15,740 head. escheduling the event from its traditional September date to July has been a huge success with the visitor number on the first day the highest in 10 years,” says Nick Everington, chief executive of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.

“The main trade halls buzzed throughout, the technical demonstrations proved a huge attraction and the inaugural Careers Seminars were packed out as were the other Farm Health Planning, Feed Science Forums and Business Debates, a trend which differentiates the Livestock Event from other shows.

“In addition, moving the cattle in to the trade halls was an overwhelming success with 190 dairy stalls booked and 79 stalls for the inaugural National Charolais Show. We have had nothing but praise from cattle exhibitors who enjoyed the very modern facilities and once again, we have had a clean show.”

He adds: “We look forward to continuing to build on the event’s success in July 2014 and creating the opportunity for all livestock

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farmers to get away from their farms to gain more knowledge and do business which is going to help them to progress their enterprises.”

Visit www.livestockevent.co.uk

40 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

Fibre cement is the ideal SMP’ly the best at roofing and cladding Livestock & Dairy 2013 material for livestock buildings

After a very successful show at this year’s Livestock and Dairy Event at the NEC in Birmingham , SMP Concrete Products Ltd continue to gain ground in the agricultural housing sector with their unique range of pre-cast concrete products for both beef and dairy farmers.

Ged Ferris of Cembrit provides an overview.

ommonly seen on agricultural buildings across the UK, fibrecement was first manufactured in Europe at the end of the 19th Century. The manufacturing process was invented by an Austrian Ludwig Hatschek after 7 years of experimentation with paper making technology and various quantities of cellulose, reinforcing fibres, cement and water. The resultant mixture creates fibre cement board, the ideal light-weight building material.

Immediately after it is formed fibre-cement is still pliable. This means it can be moulded into various shapes including adding a repeated wave formation in the wet material, to create corrugated sheets. The addition of the corrugations dramatically increases the strength of the board as well as improving its water carrying and shedding capacity.

The sheets can be laid to lower pitches than smaller element pitched roofing products which is just what is needed when large volumes of space need to be sheltered from the weather. Since the 1920s, in its 6” profile format (6 corrugations – 6” or 150mm from crown to crown) it has been the material of choice for the roofing and cladding of agricultural buildings in the UK. Fibre cement corrugated sheets are the most practical roofing and cladding method for most livestock buildings. Unlike steel it copes very well with demands placed upon it. The internal atmosphere of a livestock building is aggressive and the volume of methane, urea and condensation (produced by a herd of over wintering cattle, for example) can subject the roof covering to sustained attack. Fibre cement offers outstanding resistance to

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stablished in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone in 2001, SMP Concrete Products entered the agricultural precast market with a revolutionary portable cubicle system which has been developed over the last 12 years to gain it prominence in today’s agri market place.

SMP have developed a unique cubicle bed whereby the entire cubicle steelwork, either for the portable cubicle or adjustable cubicle system can be easily installed and removed from the concrete bed with minimal effort which now holds UK, Irish and European patents.

Over the past number of years the product range has increased to include cattle slats, cattle drinkers, slurry channels, feed troughs, and blocks and the recent development of a double sided feed trough and a sand kerb

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this internal atmosphere, as it is rust proof. This corrosion resistance is an important factor from an aesthetic point of view as fibre cement weathers to a matt dark appearance which blends into the countryside, the initial “bright” cement colour remaining just a memory. In contrast steel tends to look more dilapidated as it ages and appears more visible over time.

Cemsix corrugated sheeting from Cembrit, is competitively priced and available in a series of colours and profiles with a full range of complementary accessories including cranks, barges, vents and lights.

Cemsix benefits include: • 30-year guarantee • tested for fragility in accordance with ACR (M) 001:2000 • tested for Fragile Roof Assemblies (to Class C classification) • meets all necessary fire regulations in accordance with BS 476-3: 1958 achieving an EXT.S.AA designation • conforms to BS EN 494:1994 Class C1X • full BBA certification: 03/4409 CE marked Cemsix is available from two depots which offer nationwide coverage. There are three colouration types, all with matching accessories; traditional grey fibre-cement corrugated sheet, Cemscape/Sherwood ‘preweathered’ matt fibre-cement corrugated sheet and coloured corrugated sheet incorporating our unique three stage coating process.

Cemsix corrugated sheet can be fixed to steel or timber purlins, and is ideal as a single skin application.

for dairy farmers wishing to bed their cows with sand.

The sand kerb is designed to create a cubicle ‘heel stone‘ behind which sand can be placed to bed the cow. The kerb is uniquely shaped to reduce the risk of the animal pushing forward while lying in the bed, while also maintaining minimum sand spillage from the bed.

The kerb is easily fitted to an existing concrete floor or foundation by simply bedding it with sand or mortar and bolting down through the recessed holes in the kerb.

For further information on our products please visit our website www.smpconcrete.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Livestock

John Deere at the Livestock Event John Deere’s latest tractors and Gator utility vehicles were shown at the Livestock Event 2013, where the company once again sponsored the machinery demonstration area, which this year featured nine different makes of mixer-feeder wagon. he new single-fuel 6M Series tractor range made its first appearance at the NEC, represented by three different models from 125 to 150hp working in the demonstration area and one on static display. One of these was the 6140M 140hp (EC 97/68 rated) model, which features the highest power level yet from a John Deere four-cylinder tractor. The versatile 6M Series includes tractors from 115hp to a new top of the range 170hp model.

The XUV 855D Gator 4x4 utility vehicle has a number of additional new features for 2013. These include a dash-

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mounted digital instrument cluster, a larger 27.6-litre fuel tank, improved engine braking and a redesigned descent control system. This follows the introduction of a new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system earlier in the year, which is now standard on the XUV 855D Gator with olive & black livery, and optional on the green & yellow version; the latter model was on display at the event’s Farm Safety & Security feature in the main machinery hall (16), which was opposite the

John Deere stand.

This year’s machinery demonstration area featured mixerfeeder wagons from BvL, Faresin, Harry West, JF-Stoll, King Feeders, Redrock, Shelbourne Reynolds, Tanco and Trioliet, all of which were being demonstrated on both days of the event. This feature was designed to allow visitors to compare models

New Vredo DZ Agri Air Overseeder was a finalist at Livestock Event 2013

from different manufacturers, working under the same conditions.

A 2008 model 6420SE 110hp tractor equipped with a 40kph PowerQuad transmission and with 3201 hours on the clock was also on display on the John Deere stand, to highlight www.MachineFinder.com. This is the company’s dedicated machinery website service showing photographs, descriptions and locations for customers to find and buy all makes of used equipment.

Richard & John Campey

The new Vredo DZ Agri Air overseeder from JC Machinery made its debut at Livestock Event and celebrated by being awarded a certificate for reaching the finals in the RABDF Machinery and Equipment Awards. xhibitors were invited to enter the award, presented by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, designed to recognise the economic importance of their products to the livestock farming sector.

John Campey of JC Machinery was delighted to receive the certificate on behalf of Vredo. “This was the first time the Vredo Agri Air Overseeder had been shown and we were very happy that the

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judges saw fit to highlight its potential benefits to the British farmer.”

The criteria for entering a product included the economic advantages to the farmer, running costs, servicing requirements, safety features, energy usage, potential market and list price.

RABDF's chief executive, Nick Everington says: "As organiser of Livestock Event, we were pleased to continue this award to recognise those exhibitors who

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excel in technical innovation and demonstrate real cost benefits to livestock producers."

The exciting new Vredo DZ Agri Air series of overseeders is specifically designed for small areas which may have slopes or undulating terrain. Extremely stable and manoeuvrable the DZ A Agri features a pneumatic hopper for accurate seed calibration.

They are all equipped with the famous proven Dual-Disc System which delivers a germination rate

of 96%. The pairs of discs, set 7.5cms apart, guide seed into a Vshaped slit in to the sward, whatever the soil conditions – clay, peat, loam or sand, wet or dry.

“We are sure it will be an enormous success in the UK over the coming years.” added John “This was just the start, we will be taking The Agri Air Series to AgriScot in Edinburgh in November, and hope to generate as much if not more interest there.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

T4 debut at Livestock Event topped off eye-catching New Holland display New Holland’s brand new T4 tractor range made its eagerly-awaited debut at the Livestock Event last month. he machine joined an impressive line-up of New Holland machinery on show at the NEC Birmingham on July 3rd and 4th when visitors came from around the country to the UK’s leading showcase for livestock equipment and services.

As well as the T4, the Livestock Event gave customers a chance to see New Holland’s Roll Belt Baler after its own highly successful first showing at the Cereals Show 2013.

The T5 and TD5 were on hand for inspection too, alongside New Holland’s Forage Harvester, Roll Baler and Telehandler, together with skid steer loaders.

Completing the line-up was a Precision Land Management (PLM) display, illustrating how agricultural businesses can achieve greater efficiency with precision farming and autoguidance products – cutting costs and time.

New Holland Marketing Manager Richard Spencer said: “The T4 is set to become the tractor of choice for livestock farmers who carry out extensive hay and forage, feeding and loader applications – so its arrival at Livestock was a big event.

“The T4 pulled the crowds by itself but we expected a lot of interest too in our array of market-leading machinery thanks to state-ofthe-art technology, ultrareliability and service that is second to none.”

The T4 range has been completely redesigned and

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upgraded to feature five premium tractors to replace the existing T4000 and the entry-level models of the previous best-selling T5000 range.

This tailored offering produces 74-114 hp and benefits from state-of-the-art Common Rail technology with an efficient Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation system for Tier 4A compliance, plus deluxe VisionView™ cab and advanced options such as a Dual Command™ transmission.

The T5 and TD5 showedoff their well-known allrounder

capabilities, such as outstanding maneuverability, while the Roll Belt Baler’s new design pick up and “endless belt” design will help to deliver significant productivity gains.

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Livestock

Bigger, better and British Tomahawk - Built in Britain, making an impression worldwide. n the midst of their 30-year anniversary manufacturing Feeder Bedders, Teagle have announced the launch of another new model in its newly developed range of Tomahawks.

The New T7100 mounted models follow on from the T8100 and T8500 introduced at the back end of 2012. The T7100 replaces the previously popular T808 models with bigger capacity and increased output without detracting from the manoeuvrability and clear sight lines of its predecessor.

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“ The New T7100 models are available in three formats: with side chute (T7100), swivel chute (T7100SC) and the unique Tomahawk ‘Dual Chop’ system (T7150SC-D).”

Attention to detail is a key driver of product development within Teagle, this mantra is clear to see in the New T7100 model incorporating sympathetic curves and clean lines improving the overall appearance of the machine whilst enhancing visibility for the operator.

An increased capacity of 20% in the bale

chamber compared to the T808 series improves fodder containment and reduces waste. Three-point linkage attachment for easy access and manoeuvrability is now further enhanced with the introduction of the new time saving Teagle quick-release system.

Despite all the cosmetic makeover the main objective in the design and development of the T7100 is improved output and this is achieved with the incorporation of Flowplus technology into the mounted range of Tomahawk Feeder Bedders. Flowplus a 3-year UK based project was introduced into the new T8100 and T8500 trailed Tomahawks last year. Focussed on producing a consistently high and controlled flow of material from the discharge chute, that

can be reliably repeated with all fodder materials, even at low fan speeds.

The Flowplus design is based on controlled transition of material through the crossbeater, fan and chute and includes; modified bed conveyor slats and a high flow hydraulic valve to improve tumbling of material in the bale chamber for a consistent feed rate, a simplified bale restraint to effectively meter material flow, as well as improved delivery chute design.

The New T7100 models are available in three formats: with side chute (T7100), swivel chute (T7100SC) and the unique Tomahawk ‘Dual Chop’ system (T7150SC-D).

For more details please contact our Sales Desk on 01872 560592.

Spreading fresh, well rotted or semi-solid farmyard manure, poultr y litterr, compost or waste products, the TITTAN delivers an ev en, fine and wide spr ead pattern. Lar ge beaters combined with a high tip speed speed ensur ensure a f ine shredding action is achiev ed.

call our SSales ales D Desk: esk: 01872 560592 or visit: w www.teagle.co.uk ww.teagle.co.uk

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| Livestock

Worried about TB? We can help by providing a personalised Farm Bio-security survey. ith TB spiralling out of control and costing farmers an average of £12,000 + for each TB Break down and Defra statistics showing that the situation is only getting worse with 5103 new out breaks in 2012 while Defra is still failing to act. We as farmers are all left with only one choice to do nothing or to act ourselves.

TB Busters are the only company to provide a tailor made biosecurity service that is customized to each individual farmer by doing a full Farm biosecurity survey and suggesting the best way to reduce the impacts of TB on your agricultural business. Be it though badger proof fencing around your farm yard, the setup of TB Isolation units or AFU (approved finishing Units) with or without grazing, badgers proofing water tanks and feeders or using are badger proof mineral bucket Stands.

After the survey we give you an individual Quote to upgrade your farm biosecurity with the full list of improvements for you to decide whether you wish to do the work

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yourself or we can do it for. The survey cost around £50 depending on your location and this can be taken off the quote if are specialist biosecurity team to do the work for you.

The badger proof mineral bucket stand The badger proof mineral bucket stand is the only stand that can be easily moved by hand as it screws into the ground so it cannot be pushed over by badgers or livestock. The stands are made completely from steel so are extremely durable. The stand holds the mineral buckets at a height that badgers cannot reach them. This stops the spread of TB through transfer of saliva by badgers and cattle eating out of the same mineral buckets. This is one of the most common ways TB is spread. Yet the mineral buckets are still easily accessible for cattle to eat from and fit all size of mineral buckets on the market.

The stands cost only £65-£75 each which is the best price on the market.

The badger proof mineral bucket stands have been farm tested and recommended by the

South West TB Farm Advisory Service as a badger proof biosecurity measure. More test information is at http://www.southwest-

tbadvice.co.uk/biosecurity/bictoncollege-biosecurity-project Visit us at: www.tbbusters.co.uk Email: tbbusters@yahoo.co.uk or call Alan J Hughes: 07890325264

New from Wessex The BF-180 bale feeder and bedder. irst seen and very well received at the Livestock Show, Wessex has introduced the BF-180, a bale feeder and bedder in one machine.

The benefit can be immediately seen in having one machine to do both jobs efficiently and effectively while minimizing the capital outlay. It should be noted as well that the BF-180 spreads and doesn’t chop so there is minimal dust, there are no blades to replace and fuel consumption is reduced, which constitutes a further saving.

The machine is built to a compact design and ideal for use in and around buildings, feeding and spreading round bales using either a telehandler or tractor. It has a 180 degree rotating bed, featuring hydraulic feed control and sequential feeding with side shift by up to 60cm. The spread distance ranges from 0m to 7m making it highly versatile in all types of feeding and bedding situations.

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Bale loading is straightforward and done from the cab and there is an extending loading arm for different sized bales.

As you would expect from Wessex the construction of the BF-180 is heavy-duty to ensure a long service life. It does make a great deal of sense to consider the benefit of a combined feeder bedder and reducing capital outlay that would have been spent on the need for two machines.

A demonstration can be easily arranged by contacting Broadwood International on 01420 478111 www.broadwoodintl.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Animal Health

Surveillance cameras reveal how frequently badgers enter farms Badgers are being caught on camera raiding food stores at farms in the south west as part of research to help prevent the spread of bovine tb between badgers and cattle.

urveillance cameras installed on 75 farms in the south west have captured footage of badgers visiting farms a part of the Farm Assessment Toolkit project by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) to help farmers take steps to ‘badgerproof’ farm buildings and reduce the risk of tb spreading from wildlife to their herds.

A separate project by the South West TB Farm Advisory Service to research the best materials farmers can use to help ‘badgerproof’ areas of their farms, has captured footage to show just how persistent badgers can be in trying to get access to buildings and fields.

Ian Vernon, from the AHVLA Wildlife Team running the Farm Assessment Toolkit project, said: “We had a fantastic take-up from our volunteer farms and we’ve spent the last few months installing cameras - the final ones

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will be going up in August. We’re also starting to conduct individual surveys to understand badger activity near the farm buildings and to record details of farming practices and landscape features.

“There’s still a lot of work to do collating and analysing data, but we’ve made good progress and we’re starting to see images come back from the cameras installed this year.”

“In some cases farmers have had no idea badgers are entering their buildings. On one of the farms from last year’s surveillance the cameras picked up images of badgers frequently visiting the feed store by squeezing under the gate. The farmer was able to fix a piece of wood to the bottom of the gate to prevent this.”

“Ultimately, the study will help farmers consider whether to install biosecurity measures for their farms.”

Over a four week period the cameras count the number of

46 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

badger visits to buildings, helping the AHVLA to develop a method to assess the risk of badger visits to any given farm, as well as to feed back to the individual farmers involved.

AHVLA is now writing to farmers with the results of the surveillance so they can consider additional measures such as secure gates and lockable feed bins to help protect areas which are susceptible to wildlife visits.

The South West TB Farm Advisory Service have been filming badgers as part of a project with Bicton College in Devon to test badger-proof equipment, such as fences and feed bins.

The advisory group filmed badgers accessing a field to use a latrine by squeezing through a 10.5cm gap between gate and post. Following further adjustments to the gate, the badger was unable to gain access despite repeated attempts lasting more than 2 hours.

Anthony Pope, lead Advisor of the South West TB Farm Advisory Group said, “The determination of badgers to enter the enclosure was quite astounding and highlights the challenge farmers have in keeping them from accessing different areas of their farms.”

“We hope that the project will inspire people to come up with new ideas for future badger proof equipment to reduce contact between badgers and livestock and reduce the risk of spreading bovine TB from badgers to cattle.”

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| Animal Health

Ceva helps vets promote responsible use of anti-infectives Ceva Animal Health was proud to support Herefordshire-based Belmont Veterinary Practice’s recent client workshop on the safe and responsible use of medicines, specifically anti-infectives. he initiative, held last month, was attended by sheep, beef and dairy farmers from across the region and aimed to explain when, why and what the responsible treatment options should be when it comes to using anti-infectives, as well as vaccines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories on farm.

Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as one of the largest threats to animal health and best clinical practice includes their responsible use on farm and in practice, at all times.

Recognised as a highly important topic for today’s practising vets, it is also imperative that clients clearly understand the reasoning and methodology behind responsible anti-infective protocols.

The workshop, organised as part of the XL Vets group Farm Skills programme on safe and effective use of medicines, was co-hosted by

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Belmont’s large animal vets Roger Serres and Dominic Alexander. Through informal discussion, debate and hands-on sessions, a broad range of topics were covered relating to everyday life in livestock farming, as well as more technical aspects such as the pharmacokinetics of anti-infectives.

Roger Serres explains: “The prerequisites for the use of any medicine on farm are user safety, animal safety and safety for the general public. We actively encourage clients to seek our support and advice to make sure all medicines are used responsibly and sustainably to minimise risk and avoid any unnecessary financial losses.”

Ceva both sponsored and provided literature support for the event. Ceva also funds antimicrobial sensitivity tests as a part of its Cevolution™ offering to enable responsible, evidence-based treatment approaches.

Ceva’s Managing Director Alan Doyle said: “Resistance is a serious issue, not only in the UK but internationally and it is our duty to address the problem meticulously, in order to preserve our veterinary medicine box for future animal health. Encouraging routine culture and sensitivity testing is a logical first step as it helps take the predictive element out of treatment choices to ensure best efficacy.”

Ceva provides sound advice and support on the appropriate use of anti-infectives. The Cevolution™ range of injectable anti-infectives includes Marbox®, Cevaxel® RTU, Florkem® and Spectam®Injectable, alongside the NSAID Meloxidyl®, and most are presented in Ceva’s proprietary, anti-shatter CLAS vials for safety and convenience. For further information contact Ceva Animal Health Ltd on +44 (0) 1494 781510.

Parasites are the priority prior to housing Now is the time to start giving parasites the priority and considering a plan for their control before housing time arrives. attle can pick up infections with gut worms only while grazing at pasture, but not during their time indoors.

Therefore using an effective broad spectrum anthelmintic at housing should keep cattle virtually free of the majority of internal and external parasites until turnout.

The application of Dectomax® Pour-on for Cattle from five weeks before housing will both significantly reduce gut worm burdens and ensure cattle are lice free, subsequent to dosing and right through to turn-out. In addition, treated cattle will be protected against lungworm during the late grazing season.

Housing time is a great opportunity to simply and simultaneously treat a broad spectrum of parasites that are practically impossible to eliminate on farms (except for the mange mite). All these parasites are in some part responsible for subclinical or clinical production losses, so their control at housing is well worth planning and doing effectively.1 Stock performance levels over the current grazing season can give an indication of the impact of parasites on the farm and the effectiveness of control programmes already in place. For example, the growth rate of calves and fattening beef cattle and the body condition score of adult beef cows may be below expectations.

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There is evidence that external parasite infestations, not just internal ones, such as lice and mange can also lead to reductions in productivity (as well as damaging hides),1 probably as a result of reduced appetite and less efficient food conversion.2 Therefore these parasites are also a treatment target when the opportunity arises at housing. In some cases it could be worthwhile contacting your vet and undertaking some diagnostic sampling for a more accurate assessment of parasite burdens at this time of year.

A broad spectrum wormer given at or before housing ideally needs to treat inhibited or arrested stages of the stomach worm O.ostertagi.

The infective larvae are ingested off the pasture in autumn, but instead of maturing, they undergo a period of delayed development in the wall of the stomach. These larvae can then emerge, en masse, in the late winter months causing extensive damage, resulting in profuse, unresponsive, severe diarrhoea (referred to as type II Ostertagiasis).3 Dectomax® 0.5% Pour-on solution for cattle will treat both adult and inhibited larvae of O.ostertagi for 35 days after application. If administered from five weeks before housing, treatment will also help reduce contamination of the pasture with O.ostertagi eggs during the late

grazing season and at turn-out.

Pre-housing is an ideal time to assess parasite burdens on each individual farm to allow the tailoring and targeting of control programmes accordingly, ensuring maximum return on costs. Using a broad spectrum, convenient single dose of an anthelmintic such as Dectomax® 0.5% Pour-on for

cattle prior to, or at housing can improve herd health status, prevent specific diseases and ultimately help lead to better productivity. Housing time provides a plum opportunity for parasite control so take time to plan ahead and make the most of it.

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Education

McDonald’s invites young British farmers behind the counter Student farmers work alongside McDonald’s employees during the final stage of a twelve month journey behind the scenes of its world-famous supply chain. cDonald’s hosted young British farmers behind the counter of its UK restaurants for the first time last month where they served customers as part of a training programme designed to provide them with unique insight into what consumers are looking for in the food they buy.

Three young farmers in the final stages of the inaugural year of McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme, worked alongside crew members for the chance to speak to customers firsthand and prepare food using ingredients they have seen grown, reared and harvested.

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“ It’s rare that farmers get the chance to meet customers, and I’ve loved seeing them enjoy the quality beef that I’ve played a part in producing.”

Over the last 12 months, each student has traced the entire agricultural supply chain from farm to restaurant front counter. They have been mentored by some of the UK’s most progressive farmers and leading food companies that supply ingredients for McDonald’s menu such as potato and Fries specialist, McCain.

Research commissioned by sector skills council Lantra shows that only 1 in 10 people working in the UK farming industry today are aged between 16 and 24 and more than 50,000 new farmers equipped with the right skills will be needed over the next decade to replace retiring workers.

McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme aims to help young people looking to work within agriculture kick-start careers in the industry by providing them with the blend of farming and business acumen needed to succeed in today’s modern farming sector – from land management and animal husbandry

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through to marketing and IT skills.

Warren Anderson, Vice President, Supply Chain, McDonald’s UK, commented: “People are now more interested and curious about where their food comes from than ever before. Research shows that over half of UK adults consider how food is produced when deciding which products to buy, which means successful farmers today need an exceptional understanding of the entire process – from farm through to customer.

“We buy the majority of the quality ingredients we need for our menu from over 17,500 British and Irish farmers. To keep on doing this we need to ensure we support the next generation of passionate food producers, and giving young farmers the rare opportunity to talk to and serve customers in our restaurants will hopefully help them set up and run successful farm businesses in the future.”

Milly Wastie, Chairman, National Federation of Young Farmer’s Clubs (NFYFC), commented: “We desperately need to attract more young people to work in agriculture, but often they aren’t aware of what career options there are or what working in farming actually involves. It’s fantastic that companies like McDonald’s are committed to supporting young farmers looking to break into the industry. There’s no better way to get young people excited about farming than showing them the whole supply chain from field to customer and giving them the experience to serve customers in restaurants too. The Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme really illustrates the blend of business and technical skills needed to work in the sector today and will set these young farmers up for successful future careers.”

Charles Clack, one of McDonald’s inaugural Progressive Young Farmer students, commented: “The range of practical and business skills I’ve learnt in the last 12 months has really opened my eyes to what a career in farming is all about. From working on a beef

L to R: Chris Fox, Christina Ford & Charles Clack

farm that supplies McDonald’s to spending time at processors like OSI Food Solutions and McCain I’ve learnt the importance of long term relationships throughout the supply chain to produce quality ingredients.

“There’s so much more to farming than I think many people realise. It’s rare that farmers get the chance to meet customers, and I’ve loved seeing them enjoy the quality beef that I’ve played a part in producing.”

McDonald’s serves 100% British and Irish beef, 100% Freedom Food pork from British farms and 100% free-range eggs on its UK menu. The Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme forms part of Farm Forward, McDonald’s long-term programme developed in response to major challenges facing British and Irish agriculture.

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| Education ture student at Chris Fox, 21, Agricul ty and one of Harper Adams Universi sive Young McDonald’s first Progres Farmers

Name: Chris Fox Age: 21 Course: BSC in Agriculture at Harper Adams University Location: Lincolnshire Third year agriculture student Chris Fox grew up on his family’s sheep, beef and arable farm in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire – where he hopes to work alongside his dad once he has completed his studies at leading agricultural university Harper Adams. Chris is one of the first students to complete McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Training programme, designed to help young people kick start careers in the farming sector by providing them with the blend of farming and business skills needed to succeed in the industry.

Over the last 12 months, Chris has traced the entire agricultural supply chain, from farm to restaurant front counter, and been mentored by some of the UK’s most progressive farmers and food producers.

The experience has given him an understanding of the whole supply chain, from growing and rearing produce on the farm to serving food to customers at the restaurant counter.

As part of his placement, Chris spent several months working on a progressive beef farm in West Lothian where he was mentored by the Aitken family. There he learnt not only the practical skills a farmer needs, but also the commercial acumen needed to run a successful farm business.

He also spent time with some of the leading food companies that supply ingredients for McDonald’s menu including OSI, which supplies the McDonald’s 100% British and Irish beef patties, and potato and Fries specialist McCain.

In the final stage of the programme, Chris is now serving alongside crew in restaurants for the chance to speak to

eterinary Science Christina Ford, 21, Biov ms University and student at Harper Ada Progressive one of McDonald’s first Young Farmers

Name: Christina Ford Age: 21 Course: BSC in Bioveterinary Science at Harper Adams University Location: Somerset Christina Ford is one of the first students to complete McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme, designed to help young people kick start careers in the farming sector by providing them with the blend of farming and business skills needed to succeed in today’s farming sector .

Christina comes from a farming background, having worked alongside her parents and brother on their 180 acre pig and suckler cow farm in Nempnett Thrubswell in Somerset all her life. Before joining the

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customers firsthand and understand what they look for in the food they buy as well as preparing food using ingredients he has seen grown, reared and harvested.

“I was over the moon when I heard McDonald’s had selected me for the training programme,” says Chris.

“Most farmers never have the opportunity to see the wider supply chain they are part of and understand exactly what happens to their produce or how much the other businesses involved in the process depend upon it.

“I’ve loved being in the restaurant and going full circle. It’s been great to see customers enjoy the quality ingredients I helped to produce on farm and at the different food producers that supply McDonald’s menu.

“I never thought customer service was important to farming before, but understanding what your customer wants and knowing what they look for in their food is vital to running a successful farming business. It’s made me realise how much more there is to farming than just producing the raw ingredients – it’s also about being business savvy and understanding your customer.”

Chris believes this is a very exciting time for young farmers, with the opportunities as well as challenges brought by technological advances and growing global food demand, as well as the industry’s need to attract more young people into the sector.

However, he recognises that he is in a privileged position in having a farm within the family, and thinks many young people are put off the sector by misconceptions about what the job actually involves.

“There are opportunities for would-be young farmers out there, but I don’t think they are made aware of the options open to them. You have to put your heart and soul into this job, but you get a lot of enjoyment from it and the industry is really on the up.

“It’s great that companies like McDonald’s are giving this boost to help get more young people into farming.”

programme she spent two years studying Bioveterinary Science at leading agricultural university Harper Adams.

Over the last 12 months, Christina has traced the entire agricultural supply chain, from farm to restaurant front counter, and been mentored by some of the UK’s most progressive farmers and food producers.

The experience has provided her with an understanding of the whole supply chain, from growing and rearing produce on the farm to serving food to customers at the restaurant counter.

As part of her placement, Christina spent several months on a progressive pork farm in Suffolk, where she learnt not only the practical skills a farmer needs, but also the commercial acumen needed to run a successful farm business. She also worked with some of the leading food companies that supply ingredients for McDonald’s menu, such as

icultural Business Charles Clack, 21, Agr at University of Management student onald’s first Reading and one of McD ers Progressive Young Farm

Name: Charles Clack Age: 21 Course: BSC in Agricultural Business Management at University of Reading Location: Devon Charles Clack is one of the first students to complete McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme, designed to help young people kick start careers in the industry by providing them with the blend of farming and business skills needed to succeed in today’s farming sector. Charles comes from a farming background, and has worked alongside his parents on their beef and arable farm in Exeter in Devon all of his life. Before joining the programme he spent two years studying Agricultural Business Management at the University of Reading.

Over the last 12 months, Charles has traced the entire agricultural supply chain, from farm to restaurant front counter, and been mentored by some of the UK’s most progressive farmers and food producers.

The experience has provided him with an understanding of the whole supply chain, from growing and rearing produce on the farm to serving food to customers at the restaurant counter.

As part of his placement, Charles spent several months on a beef farm in Dorchester, where he was mentored by progressive farmers John and Richard Hoskin. The family team manage over 550 hectares at Maiden Castle Farm near Dorchester and have set the standard for sustainable beef production on a large scale. The family was one of the first to take the dairy industry’s unwanted black and white male calves, and they have introduced their own breeding programme which enables them to create top cuts of beef whilst maintaining high standards of animal welfare. During his time with them, Charles learnt not only the practical skills a

pork supplier Tulip, and potato and Fries specialist McCain.

In the final stage of the programme, Christina is now serving alongside crew in restaurants for the chance to speak to customers firsthand and understand what they look for in the food they buy as well as preparing food using ingredients she has seen grown, reared and harvested.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing behind the scenes of the whole supply chain, especially in the restaurant as it’s not something farmers usually get to experience,” says Christina.

“I feel like I’ve now gone full circle and I’ve loved seeing customers enjoy the quality ingredients I helped to produce. Seeing how much customers care about the quality of the food they eat really makes you realise how important the rigorous standards at every step of the supply chain are.”

“I especially enjoyed exploring the

farmer needs, but also the commercial acumen needed to run a successful farm business.

He also spent time with some of the leading food companies that supply ingredients for McDonald’s menu including OSI which supplies the McDonald’s 100% British and Irish beef patties, and potato and Fries specialist McCain. In the final stage of the programme, Charles is now serving alongside crew in restaurants for the chance to speak to customers firsthand and understand what they look for in the food they buy as well as preparing food using ingredients she has seen grown, reared and harvested.

“The range of practical and business skills I’ve learnt over the last year has really opened my eyes to what a career in farming is all about. From working on a beef farm that supplies McDonald’s to spending time at OSI and McCain I’ve learnt the importance of long term relationships throughout the supply chain to produce quality ingredients.

“I’ve now gone full circle and experience every stage of the supply chain. There’s so much more to farming than I think many people realise. It’s rare that farmers get the chance to meet customers in restaurants, and I’ve loved seeing them enjoy the quality beef that I’ve played a part in producing.”

Charles believes that there has never been a better time for young people to get into farming, with the challenges posed by greater consumer demand for improved sustainability and welfare standards combined with the rise in use of technology in agriculture.

“Farming is a job for life that requires commitment. It’s intensive work but the satisfaction and sense of achievement you get is worth it all.

“Young farmers are in high demand so it’s fantastic that a company like McDonald’s is concerned with the future of agriculture and supporting young farmers at the start of their farming career.”

marketing and business side of things. I wouldn’t otherwise have had the chance to learn about these aspects but I think they are really important for anyone going into farming.”

Christina thinks it’s difficult for most young farmers to get a foot in the door – despite the fact that many of the farmers neighbouring her own family farm are approaching retirement age. She relies on her local Young Farmers Club for support and advice, but thinks many of her peers suffer from a lack of information as to potential career choices.

“It’s hard for young farmers to really understand the variety of roles within farming and what working in the sector really involves. It’s a great industry to be coming into – to have the backing of a major company likes McDonald’s really proves this.”

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Education

The skilled agricultural staff retention challenge

By Ian Williams, Chairman and agriculture specialist at independent accountants Campbell Dallas. arming is experiencing a new retention challenge. Talented agriculture staff are leaving farms for other engineeringbased career paths, such as the oil and gas sector. The UK offshore industry is struggling with a large scale skills gap and is looking to the skilled agriculture workforce to assist. As energy firms recruit former farming staff, agriculture is facing its own skills shortage that needs filled quickly.

The government’s £160 million cash injection could see the UK become a centre of agriculture technology excellence. New cutting edge technologies and products will be cultivated in the UK and this may present new opportunities for career progression and personal development.

Steps must be taken to ensure farming retains staff before they are attracted by the bright lights of other industries.

Gaps in knowledge and expertise Skills shortages are commonplace across Britain’s engineering sectors. But the oil and gas industry faces a problem that is perhaps tougher to crack. While smart graduates are being filtered into large companies’ development programmes, mid to senior level engineers are edging ever closer to retirement.

Energy firms are turning to accomplished employees in alternative sectors with transferable talents. Agriculture workers have been targeted to plug the oil and gas personnel leak due to their mechanical engineering knowhow.

Andy Johnstone, of recruitment business Carlton Resource Solutions said: “Our clients have specifically requested agriculture engineering apprentices and this is due to their high level of skill in various areas such as hydraulics, diesel engines and other machinery. Modern farms and agriculture colleges are providing firstrate training and their efficient means of working is attractive to oil and gas firms.”

The proficiency of workers on British farms has proved to be popular among other sectors, but the oil and gas skills switch issue is just the tip of the iceberg. As older farmers move swiftly into retirement, crucial farming knowledge can be lost. Hiring replacements is an expensive exercise and hours spent training new

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employees means time away from day to day business. Downtime costs the industry vital time, money and produce.

The Future of Farming group from DEFRA recommend that 60,000 new entrants are needed for the associated agriculture industries over the next 10 years. This is a brave target but can be tackled by bold initiatives like the EDGE Apprenticeships scheme in Norfolk and Suffolk. Boosted by a £1.4 million investment from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, the idea was developed by a consortium of local farmers. Many feel that initiatives like these are suitable for the short-term, but sustained interest in the farming industry must come from a change in image.

New look for the industry Flat caps and tractors are a dated farming misconception. This old-fashioned notion is influencing new graduates and farming employees to move away from agriculture jobs.

It has been noted that once younger generations have returned back to the family farm after university they are now less likely to carry on the business. Instead, they are looking elsewhere to alternative career paths in other industries. But, running a successful agriculture firm takes more than farming knowhow. A sense of business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit are necessary not only for the farm to survive, but to financially prosper.

Overhauling farming’s reputation will rejuvenate businesses’ bottom lines.

Bright lights, big salaries The oil and gas industry is a global marketplace. The draw of international travel is an alluring prospect as offshore firms often serve up relocation packages. Oil and gas companies offer clear and defined personal development plans with prominent signposts that point to speedy promotion.

Perhaps the farming industry does not provide enough information in regard to the opportunities to move up through the ranks. Changes must occur to halt the influx of personnel who jump to join the offshore workforce.

The Future of Farming group also indicated in their report that the agriculture sector is perceived as a family-run industry only, as only 8 per cent of those surveyed were firstgeneration farmers, compared to 84 per cent

that operate in established family businesses.

Purchasing land has never been trickier for first time entrants. Legislation should be improved to prevent those keen on a beginning a farming business from being priced out of a highly competitive market.

Working conditions on UK farms are tough.

Extreme British weather, remote locations and long hours contribute to employees’ feeling unsettled. While the North Sea offshore sector shares some of these qualities, the two-week rotas provide periods of rest that are attractive to prospective applicants.

Future of farming Effective employee engagement is intrinsic to farming employee retention. Replacing staff who join the oil and gas industry is costly, but farm bosses must begin to question why staff cross to other sectors. Long hours and a misty career path may impact their decision, so motivators to remain within farming must be made obvious. Businesses should create their own incentives and rewards for loyalty to ensure key skills and expertise are kept within the farming realm. Investments in training and development would be highly welcome as these future skills are fundamental to attracting new talent.

The oil and gas sector is burgeoning and shows little sign of slowing down. It is financially strong, but faces its own issues. I foresee that the oil and gas industry will target the farming sector as decommissioning looms large and the skills gap becomes deeper.

Talented people are at risk of moving to the offshore arena and the farming sector must fight to retain them. Agriculture is an industry of huge spectrum and scale and must continue its legacy of excellence.

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| Education

Secretary of State launches new dairy at Walford Walford and North Shropshire College last month welcomed over 200 VIPs, students and their families to the official opening of its new dairy at its Walford Campus near Baschurch. he event marked the completion of the first phase of an ambitious £3.2m development plan for Walford, which will be finished by the end of 2013.

The Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP, Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will perform the official opening joined by representatives from local firms Minshall Construction and Fullwood, both of which have cosponsored the event. Minshall Construction (based in Market Drayton) has been responsible for the construction of the new dairy at a cost of £500,000. Ellesmerebased Fullwood have supplied the technology for the state of the art robotic parlour and a new herringbone parlour which will operate alongside the robot at a cost of £250,000.

Work on the new dairy started in December 2012 and was completed on time, with the new facilities due to become operational just days after the official opening. The new parlour will increase milking capacity by 50% to 300 cows, securing the

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long-term viability of Walford Farm as a commercial unit but also providing a fantastic showcase and teaching resource for College students.

The new dairy will be known as the “RD Park Dairy Centre”, named after Walford’s first Principal the late Don Park – known to everyone as “RD”.

Rather befittingly RD Park wrote in the old student magazine "Walfordian" in 1971 about developments at Walford, "Distinguished though the past has been, I am more than certain the best years are still to come". Owen Paterson will be joined for the official opening by Robert Park, Don’s son who grew-up on campus. The official opening will take place in the new dairy building and forms part of the Walford Annual Awards, which celebrate the individual achievements of over thirty of the year’s most outstanding students at Walford.

Andrew Tyley, College Principal and Chief Executive saw the event as one of lasting significance: “The new dairy makes a powerful statement about our confidence

and commitment to the dairy industry and the role of Walford in training future generations of farmers. The official opening was a memorable occasion and a oneoff opportunity for us to use the dairy building as a venue before it went into operation. We could not have found a more fitting guest of honour than our local MP Owen Paterson, who is also Secretary of State. I am delighted that he was able to join us to mark this fantastic celebration. I also want to pay tribute to our Farm Manager, Neil Ridgway who has been the driving force behind the new dairy. He has worked like a Trojan over the past year, overseeing the new development whilst managing the day to day operations of the farm in the middle of a massive building site”.

Neil and his head herdsperson Mike Lutman are over the moon with the new dairy and champing at the bit to start operations. The College has taken delivery of an additional 100 cows from a farm dispersal in Carmarthen, which will allow the farm to ramp up milk production within days of bringing the new dairy into use. Neil

Ridgway notes: “We managed to procure an excellent addition to the herd, which arrived at just the right time for the new parlour. It was a fantastic investment and meant that we could hit the ground running pretty much from Day 1.

The opening was a very proud day for me and the farm team – especially Mike Lutman who has worked in the dairy for over thirty years. He has embraced the new technology like a man re-born”.

The next phase of construction works at Walford is already underway, with a new Rural Skills Centre and Enterprise Hub scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Former Chair of the College’s Farm Advisory Committee, Bruce Udale is organising a public event on Sunday 22 September which will provide an opportunity for farmers and the wider public to visit the farm and see the new dairy working.

For further information about Walford and North Shropshire College, visit www.wnsc.ac.uk or call 01691 688000.

10 reasons to consider a career in farming 1. Farming is a modern and progressive career. As well as the skills you need out and about on the farm, it’s essential to have strong technical and IT skills, a thirst for knowledge and an interest in the latest innovations.

2. Two days will never be the same. Today’s farmers have a very varied role that encompasses everything from buying and selling livestock, to meeting consultants and marketing their produce.

3. You can run your own business. Farmers are entrepreneurs and need to have a strong head for business to keep their farming enterprises running smoothly. Cost, profit, business planning, and contracts all have as much impact on the farm as the crops and livestock.

4. You can divide your time between indoors and outdoors. Farmers are often out and about on the farm in all weathers, but they also need to spend time in the farm office on the business and admin side of things.

5. There are lots of opportunities to diversify. As well as going into different types of livestock and crops, there is also the chance to develop and market niche products, set up a farm shop and generate renewable energy.

6. You might think you have to come from a farming background to succeed in the industry, but that’s not the case at all. Young people from all backgrounds can make a success of it, especially those that have an interest in science, business and technology.

7. We need more young people in the industry. Research commissioned by sector skills council Lantra shows that only 1 in 10 people working in the UK farming industry today are aged between 16 and 24 and more than 50,000 new farmers equipped with the right skills will be needed over the next decade to replace retiring workers.

8. There are some great training opportunities out there to help young people kick-start careers in the industry. I’ve just completed McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Training Programme which provided me with the blend of practical and business skills needed to succeed in today’s farming sector, and took me behind the scenes of every step of the McDonald’s supply chain.

9. The industry will continue to grow. The UK population is increasing year on year, and more and more farmers are needed to grow, rear and harvest the food we eat.

10. There’s never been a better time to get into farming. More than ever, consumers are looking for high-quality, local and ethically-sourced food on the high street, creating a huge opportunity for British farmers.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Pigs

Midland Pig Producers welcomes RSPCA approval of ground-breaking pen A pioneering farrowing unit which has been designed with the highest animal wellbeing considerations in mind has received official backing from the RSPCA, it can be revealed. he 360° Freedom Farrower, created by Staffordshire-based Midland Pig Producers (MPP), is an innovative concept in farrowing pen design allowing the sow to move around freely while continuing to protect the piglets and the handlers. Traditional farrowing crates were banned by the RSPCA under their Freedom Food Farm Assurance Codes because they prevent the sow from turning around and only allow limited movement forwards and backwards.

MPP’s revolutionary alternative, which provides the sow with greater freedom while maintaining a footprint no bigger than traditional farrowing crates, has now been officially confirmed as meeting the RSPCA’s Welfare Standards for Pigs May 2012 criteria.

These highly-regarded welfare standards are developed to promote best practice in the care and welfare of commercially-farmed pigs at all stages of their lives. Specifications include ensuring farrowing quarters are designed to offer some form of protection for piglets from crushing, maintaining a temperature suitable for piglets by provision of supplementary heating and ensuring that farrowing crates enable the sow to turn around easily.

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The 360° Freedom Farrower, the design team lead by MPP Managing Director Martin Baker, goes way beyond traditional constraining units used widely across the UK. The user-friendly system has easily adjustable penning bars to allow pig producers to confine the sow immediately prior to farrowing. After she has farrowed, the bars are moved back to increase her space while the sloping sides of the reclined penning bars gives her support, should she want it, when she lies down.

The piglets can safely move out the way of the sow by going to the end sections of the pens and have the benefit of additional heat through water-heated panels. As a result of the improved welfare of the sow they are heavier at weaning which brings considerable economic benefits.

Martin Barker said: “We’ve known for some time that our 360° Freedom Farrower breaks new ground in pig farming standards and I’m absolutely delighted our efforts have now received the official seal of approval from the RSPCA – one of the UK’s leading animal welfare charities.

“MPP has always maintained it is committed to developing welfare-conscious farming

practices and the design of this pen is just one example of how we are continually adapting to deliver greater comfort and wellbeing to our pigs. The RSPCA’s animal welfare standards are notoriously stringent and I hope this independent verification will give us with greater credibility for what we are trying to achieve within modern farming.”

Better supervision improves piglet survival The Pig Site: A new review finds that piglet survival can be improved - both numerically and cost-effectively - by more supervision around farrowing iglet survival can be improved by a range of management procedures, many of which occur in the perinatal period and require the supervision of farrowing by trained staff, according to a new study.

First-named author, R.D. Kirkden of the University of Cambridge in the UK and co-authors there and at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences add that, although this incurs additional labour costs, there is some evidence that this can be economically offset by improved piglet survival.

In a review published in Journal of Animal Science, they say that pre-weaning mortality varies greatly among herds and this is partly attributed to differences in farrowing house management.

They go on to describe the various management strategies than can be adopted to decrease mortality and critically examine the evidence that exists to support their use.

Firstly, they consider which management procedures are effective against specific causes of death: intrapartum stillbirth, hypothermia, starvation, disease,

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crushing and savaging. The most effective techniques include intervention to assist dystocic sows, measures to prevent and treat sow hypogalactia, good farrowing house hygiene, providing newborn piglets with a warm microenvironment, early fostering of supernumerary piglets, methods that assist small and weak piglets to breathe and obtain colostrum, and intervention to prevent deaths from crushing and savaging.

The provision of nest-building material and modifications to the pen to assist the sow when lying down may also be beneficial but the evidence is less clear, according to Kirkden and coauthors.

Because most deaths occur around the time of farrowing and during the first few days of life, the periparturient period is a particularly important time for management interventions intended to reduce piglet mortality.

A number of procedures require a stockperson to be present during and immediately after farrowing.

Second, the researchers

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consider the benefits of farrowing supervision for pre-weaning mortality in general, focusing particularly on methods for the treatment of dystocia and programmes of piglet care that combine multiple procedures.

Finally, they discuss the need

for good stockmanship if farrowing supervision is to be effective.

Stockmanship refers not only to technical skills but also to the manner in which sows are handled because this influences their fearfulness of humans.

Hot weather monitoring Thompson’s Tip from ACMC’s veterinary advisor. xtremely hot weather can pose problems on pig farms. Producers should particularly monitor temperatures in their AI storage cabinets and water flow rates, says Paul Thompson, veterinary adviser to pig-breeding company ACMC. AI cabinets should be checked twice daily to see that they are maintaining the required temperature. The shelflife of sperm that has overheated will be seriously reduced, he

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points out.

Water flow in piggeries is important at all times of the year, but during extremely hot weather it is vital to ensure that flow-rates are fast enough to ensure all classes of stock have access to clean water in sufficient quantities.

As a minimum, finishing pigs between 20 kg and slaughter need flow-rates of 1-1.5 litres per minute while sows need 2 litres per minute, he says.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Pigs

JSR Agent for West Africa, Ayodele Oniku

JSR Genetics delivers first shipment of pigs to Nigeria JSR Genetics has delivered its first shipment of pigs to Nigeria, as part of a supply agreement established with the Institute of Agriculture Research & Training (IAR&T), Ibadan. he new agreement saw JSR deliver 20 Large White, Geneconverter 500 and 750 boars to a brand new boar stud in Nigeria at the end of June. The IAR&T is part of the Obafemi Awolowo University and is one of the foremost national agricultural research institutes in Nigeria.

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“We were all so pleased that the pigs arrived safely at their destination and can report that they are settled in and are doing well after their quarantine period.”

The institute works closely with resource-poor farmers throughout south-western Nigeria and aims to

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improve the genetic potential and yield of crops, livestock and other commodities. It also works to improve agricultural technologies, increase and maximise overall productivity and provide training for national agricultural development.

JSR Agent for West Africa, Ayodele Oniku, worked alongside the team at JSR and the IAR&T to oversee the delivery and JSR also provided two weeks of training to two members of staff from the institute, who will work at the stud.

This included classroom training covering biosecurity, collecting and processing semen and serving and farrowing on farm.

Ben Rawson, Key Account Manager at JSR Genetics, is pleased that this first shipment to Nigeria was such a success and believes that a positive precedent

has been established for the future: “When I joined the JSR Genetics team I was presented with the task of completing a sale of boars to a Nigerian boar stud that had been in progress for some time. As Africa strives towards a more sustainable future, we deal with many enquiries from the continent, but with finances being very tight and controlled heavily by the government, many of these never get past the quote stage.

“However, working with the IAR&T was different, and with perseverance and lots of hard work from Ayodele Oniku, we secured the finances and were able to deliver the boars to the stud in late June. With delegates from the IAR&T having visited JSR Genetics for an intensive two-week

training programme, we feel safe in the knowledge that the boars will be well looked after and that this will create a blueprint for future orders going to Africa.”

Dr Kingsley Adesehinwa from the IAR&T, said: “We were all so pleased that the pigs arrived safely at their destination and can report that they are settled in and are doing well after their quarantine period.

Everyone at the Institute is very appreciative of the help and support received from JSR, and especially for their perseverance.

We are very much looking forward to supplying semen from the stud across Nigeria and seeing the result of everyone’s hard work.”

Visit www.jsrgenetics.com

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Buildings

A new generation of farming rooflights Market leading rooflight manufacturer Brett Martin has launched its new range of Farmlite GRP (glass reinforced plastic) rooflights with Superlife™ surface protection. eveloped to withstand challenging agricultural environments, Farmlite GRP incorporates outstanding UV protection to provide long term clarity and quality transmission levels, whilst preventing ‘yellowing’ and degradation for over 20 years.

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GRP has been the rooflight material of choice for over half a century, but its performance and appearance can be compromised by the effects of age and weathering. Utilising the company’s 50 years of experience in the rooflight industry, Brett Martin has improved this industry standard by increasing its strength with typical glass fibre content of at least 33%, guaranteeing Class B

non-fragility for 25 years and reducing discolouration for better all-round productivity.

Each Farmlite sheet comes with Superlife™ enhanced UV protective finish as standard, so the long term yellowing effects of UV radiation are greatly reduced and stay clearer for longer than traditional, unprotected GRP. By maintaining their natural, clear translucency, Farmlite will help to provide healthier, more diseaseresistant livestock and improved conditions for farm workers.

As well as improved clarity for longer periods, each sheet is also more resistant to surface erosion and weakening when compared with unprotected GRP. With greatly improved durability, Farmlite GRP will continue to be fit for purpose for at least 25 years under normal conditions.

Available in weights of 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0kg/m2, Farmlite GRP sheets are stronger than traditional GRP as they have a higher glass fibre content of at least 33% compared to as little as 25% in some cases. The new system is also expected to remain Class B non-fragile in accordance with

54 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

ACR(M)001:2011 for 25 years – when fixed according to NARM guidance note 2004/1.

Manufactured to EN 1013 under the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, Farmlite comes with a full range of GRP sheet options that helps to achieve the required safety levels, U-values and fire ratings as stipulated in current Building Regulations. It can be used in single skin, double skin and triple site assembled

applications where necessary.

Rooflights make a vital contribution to every building, from improving internal conditions to reducing energy use and running costs. With the company’s new Farmlite GRP rooflights with Superlife™ Protection, Brett Martin has once again set the standard for the industry with a range that will transform agricultural buildings across the UK and Ireland.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep

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August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 55

| Buildings

Galvanaizers remain ongoing favourites Pillar Wedge Ltd, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing has become the partner of choice for over twenty years for one of Lancashire’s most long-standing companies. he Heywood-based plant has provided its specialist hot-dip galvanizing treatment to steelwork used on dozens of prestigious projects for Kirkham-based J Wareing & Son Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of steel-framed buildings. The firm produces an array of bespoke steel structures, ranging from purpose-built livestock buildings and stables for the agricultural sector, to industrial units and warehouses.

“Having our steelwork galvanized by the team at Pillar Wedge is vital, especially with agricultural structures such as livestock buildings,” Sally Wareing, of J Wareing & Son Ltd, revealed.

“Not only do farm buildings have to stand up to the natural elements such as rain and snow, but also animal waste, urine and slurry, which are all highly corrosive.

Galvanizing the metal frame ensures it is protected long-term and guarantees our clients a

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56 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

sturdy, resolute structure.”

Amongst more recent agricultural initiatives the two firms have worked together on are two sheep holding units for United Utilities, measuring almost 10,000sq ft each, a 48 metre by 21.5 metre grain store for Baxters with a fully galvanized steel frame and walls, and a 32 metre long silage building for Moss House Farm in Preston. Pillar Wedge and J Wareing & Son Ltd’s ongoing partnership has also seen them work together on more than 150 farm buildings for Orkney Islandsbased agricultural specialist J & W Tait Ltd.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Royal Welsh

Royal Welsh record breaker The Royal Welsh Show celebrated 50 years on its permanent site at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, where it settled in 1963, by breaking records. he show drew the highest-ever attendance of 241,781 and more new supporters from across Wales and the rest of the UK were signed up during the event to create a record membership of 19,700.

The show also attracted an attendance of nearly 1000 overseas visitors from 40 countries.

The RWAS did not set out to break new records and last year’s attendance of 241,099 appeared unbeatable until the biggest one-day figure of 72,315 on day three of the show made the possibility achievable as any doubts that

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the recession might slow down the upward trend were swept aside by the swathes of visitors converging on the showground.

The presence of the Prince of Wales, a former President of the society, and the Duchess of Cornwall, helped to swell the crowds who enjoyed four days of sunny weather. Later, the Prince sent a message of thanks to the society for the warm welcome they had received.

The show’s organisers were delighted with the success of what they described as a

trouble-free show.

“This is a people’s show and the people have spoken out in the past few days,” said the chairman of the Royal Welsh board, John Davies. “We have managed once again to replicate the success of the society in the name of our nation. As we reflect on 50 years at Llanelwedd our forefathers must be looking down and saying ‘job well done!’.”

The success of the show which generates around £40m a year would also give a huge boost to the economy, he said.

Machinery finance the focus for Kuhn at Welsh Zero percent finance schemes offering farmers opportunities to spread new machinery investment costs were a focus on the Kuhn exhibit at Royal Welsh Show this year. pecifically, the company highlighted a new 4 + 44 months payment arrangement that is available on its Deltis and Altis mounted sprayer ranges, which include models suited to the requirements of many Welsh livestock farms.

The offer on Deltis and Altis mounted sprayers also applies to trailed sprayers in Kuhn’s range

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and relates to orders placed with Kuhn dealers before the end of August 2013. The scheme provides 0% finance on 50% of the retail price, with four monthly payments at the outset followed by 44 equal monthly instalments to settle the balance.

Kuhn is also currently providing three year finance schemes on drills and drilling combinations and

its standard 15 month scheme on straw blowers, diet feeders, fertiliser spreaders, ploughs and power harrows.

Kuhn Finance is a partnership between Kuhn Farm Machinery and De Lage Landen, a fully

owned subsidiary of Rabobank Group.

Further details on Kuhn Finance are available by calling 0845 366KUHN or 0845 3665846, or by visiting the finance section at www.kuhn.co.uk

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Telehandlers

Historic fleet deal for JCB as Fork Rent invests £53 million in 2013 Major deal delivers on Fork Rent’s commitment to its customers.

CB has announced that it had won one of the biggest single orders in its history after securing a deal for 900 machines worth more than £53 million from leading UK plant hirer Fork Rent.

The deal for Loadall telescopic handlers cements Ipswich-based Fork Rent’s position as the UK’s biggest hirer of the product and with the most modern fleet of this type of machine.

The machines are manufactured at JCB's World HQ at Rocester, Staffordshire and all are to be delivered during 2013.

Fork Rent Chairman Guy Nicholls said: “Fork Rent and JCB have a great working relationship that spans over 25 years and that enables us to provide our customers with the latest technology and most highly specified machines. This latest investment in new plant delivers on our commitment to offer customers the highest level of service back up in our industry, reliability and peace of mind.”

The deal will also mean that Fork Rent becomes the first major plant hire company to buy the new JCB 540-200 Loadall, Europe’s highest-reach rigid frame telescopic handler, capable of reaching a height of 20 metres. Fork Rent is adding the 540-200 model to its fleet as part of its commitment to offer customers the most innovative and productive equipment available in the market. Many of these machines are fitted with JCB’s new and unique Ecomax Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB engines manufactured at JCB’s engine factory in Foston, Derbyshire.

Guy Nicholls added: “Fork Rent strives to be

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58 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

at the cutting edge of developments in the materials handling industry. As the first company to invest in JCB 540-200s, we can rightly claim to be reaching new heights in our industry with these machines. With fuel-efficient JCB Ecomax engines under the bonnet, customers can also look forward to lower fuel costs as well as exceptional reach. We are also proud to have bought more JCB telehandlers than any other UK company.”

The JCB Ecomax engine meets Tier 4 Interim / Stage IIIB/ emissions standards without using costly diesel particulate filters (DPFs) or exhaust after-treatment fluids, such as AdBlue. The benefits for customers include better visibility from the cab, lower servicing costs and improved day-to-day running costs, with Ecomax-powered JCB Loadalls using 7% less fuel compared with outgoing models.

Fork Rent purchased its first JCB machine in 1987, and since then, the company has invested in more than 5,500 JCB machines through JCB dealer Watling JCB. The company now offers the full range of JCB telescopic handlers from the ultra-compact JCB 515-40 right through to the high-reach JCB 540-200.

JCB’s UK & Ireland Sales Director Dan Thompstone said: “Fork Rent’s reputation for investing in modern and up-to-date machines is well known across the industry. JCB’s reputation for innovation in construction equipment is equally well-known. So we’re delighted that Fork Rent is investing in machines that will deliver meaningful benefits to their customers, with fuel-efficient JCB Ecomax

engines for lower running costs and 540-200 models offering much higher reach.”

With a lift capacity of four tonnes, the new JCB 540-200 – which has a lift height of three metres greater than its nearest JCB rival – was designed with the customer firmly in mind. With faster cycle times, it will set a new benchmark for productivity and satisfy a growing demand from customers for increased lift heights and better forward reach capabilities.

Fork Rent Plc, the UK’s largest privately owned self drive plant hire company, has a fleet of over 3000 machines including JCB backhoe loaders, compact excavators, large excavators, dumpers, access equipment and utility vehicles, in addition to a significant fleet of the highest specified Loadall telescopic handlers.

“Fork Rent strives to be at the cutting edge of developments in the materials handling industry. As the first company to invest in JCB 540-200s, we can rightly claim to be reaching new heights in our industry with these machines.

With fuel-efficient JCB Ecomax engines under the bonnet, customers can also look forward to lower fuel costs as well as exceptional reach. We are also proud to have bought more JCB telehandlers than any other UK company.” www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

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

Anker of Coates - Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777 Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk Ravenhill - Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.ukAugust 2013 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Telehandlers

More output with CLAAS telehandlers Six new SCORPION models announced. ollowing the introduction of the SCORPION telehandler in 2005, CLAAS now presents a completely new SCORPION series which, particularly in the upper performance sector, adds another prong to the fork in terms of output, comfort and efficiency. CLAAS presents six new models with lifting heights between 6.0 m and 8.8 m and lifting capacity between 3.0 and 5.5 t.

Developed for agricultural use CLAAS has been dealing with telehandler technology for use in agriculture for 20 years and has the extensive know-how to match. This expertise has been systematically incorporated into the development work for the SCORPION telehandler at the CLAAS partner Kramer, based in Pfullendorf, Germany. And with considerable success as since 2006, CLAAS has seen a seven-fold increase in the number of units sold.

Since May 2008, CLAAS telehandlers have been manufactured for the global market in a newly constructed factory in Pfullendorf.

More output and comfort In today's agricultural sector, the telehandler is the key machine for materials handling – whether in the upper performance sector with a contractor, at biogas plants or in conventional use on livestock farms for feeding and bedding down. In many countries, the market is increasingly demanding greater lift capacity in the upper segment, beyond the 5.0 tonne limit, and more driving dynamics at the same time, as well as comfort in the middle and lower segments.

CLAAS meets these demands with its three new 9055, 7055 and 7044 models in the large SCORPION

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series and three new models in the small series – the SCORPION 7035, 7030 and 6030. While the maximum lifting capacity used to be 4.4 t, the two new top 9055 and 7055 models can lift up to 5.5 t - at a maximum lift height of 8.8 m or 7.0 m. In addition, these models have even higher breakaway forces and more hydraulic power.

New chassis - lower centre of gravity A new frame concept was developed for both series which enables them to lift heavier loads. A significant feature is the very low pivot point of the telescopic arm in the frame. In the lowered position, the telescopic arm is completely flush with the frame and thereby ensures a high level of stability and an unobstructed view to the right of the machine. Furthermore, thanks to the new chassis the maximum tyre size is now much larger at 600/5526.5.

Loading system redesigned The entire loading system has also been redesigned. Thanks to the new building technique and the kinematics system, the new SCORPION models achieve a very high breakaway force of 72 kN and a residual lifting capacity of 2 tonnes.

The lifting, tilting and telescopic rams are now fitted with end-of-travel damping, which prevents impacts in the loader. Furthermore, the loader now has a load stabiliser with automatic function for vibration damping.

Working hydraulics - new pressure release The new telehandlers are equipped with load-sensing working hydraulics with increased performance. The SCORPION models 9055 and 7055 now have a

60 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

conveying capacity of 187 l/min and the SCORPION 7044 conveys 140 l/min. The three smaller models offer a choice between a 100 l/min gear pump or 140 l/min load sensing working hydraulics.

A new feature is the pressure release for the third control circuit on the swan neck of the telescopic arm.

By pressing a button, this allows the connections to be depressurised with the engine running, so enabling attachments to be changed more easily and, primarily, more quickly.

New drive concept The increased loading capacity and hydraulic power of the new telehandler required an equally powerful drive concept, which CLAAS developed, as with all other machines, according to the CLAAS POWER SYSTEMS (CPS) principle.

This concept uses new-generation Deutz engines, which are characterised by an increased torque with economical fuel consumption and meet the standard stage IIIb (Tier 4i) exhaust emission requirements. The two largest models, the 9055 and 7055, are fitted with 4.1 litre 4-cylinder engines with an output of 115 KW/156 hp, whilst the 7044 the smaller SCORPION 7035, 7030 and 6030 models are fitted with 3.6 litre 4-cylinder engines with an output of 90 KW/122 hp (at

2300 rpm, in accordance with ECE R 120).

The air ducting concept for the engines is unusual: The cooling air is sucked in from the upper section of the engine bonnet. It flows through the cooler, is channelled past the engine block and exits the engine compartment at the top, in the rear section of the engine bonnet, together with the exhaust gases. This air ducting concept prevents dust and dirt from being stirred up and sucked in. Clean air is sucked in from the top, rear section of the machine even for reversing the ventilation system.

Transmission with more thrust and SMART ROADING function An important aspect of the CPS concept of the new telehandler is the intelligent hydrostatic VARIPOWER drive, which constantly and automatically coordinates speed and thrust, continuously up to a maximum speed of 40 km/h.

The three SCORPION 9055, 7055 and 7044 large series models will be available from October. The smaller SCORPION 7035, 7030 and 6030 models will be supplied from February 2014.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

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August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Machinery

The Rollason Engineering team with their new McCormick tractors (from left): senior service technician Dave Gilkes; Jamie Warrender, garden machinery sales and service; dealer principal Charlie Rollason; parts manager Simon Holloway; and service technician Roy Stubbins

New McCormick tractor dealership handles sales, service and parts in south Midlands An enthusiastic new team at Rollason Engineering, a farm and garden machinery retailer that also undertakes service and repairs, is getting behind the McCormick tractor range. he business, located alongside the Fosse Way near Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire, has been awarded the McCormick sales, service and parts franchise for the south Midlands by GB distributor AgriArgo UK. “I’m really impressed by the

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enthusiasm shown by the Rollason staff for their new tractor enterprise,” says AgriArgo area sales manager Tim Lawrence.

“Charlie Rollason and his team are determined to make a success of supporting our tractor users in the area.”

The company’s McCormick

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territory, which is bisected by the M40 motorway, extends southwards from Coventry to Woodstock in Oxfordshire, and westwards from Northampton across northern Warwickshire to Redditch.

Charlie Rollason has long had an affinity with farm tractors and machinery from the days when his father ran a contracting business from the yard. He started his career by working for a local dealer for a time before becoming a selfemployed ‘man in a van’ providing on-farm servicing and repairs.

“We now represent some topquality implement manufacturers in the area, notably Lemken and Vicon, as well as Suzuki quads,” he points out. “The ‘McCormick’ name is another mainstream brand to put above the door and means we can cater for every farmers’ needs.”

Rollason Engineering employs two full-time service technicians: Dave Gilkes has past experience with heavy earthmoving plant while Roy Stubbins looked after a drainage contractor’s machinery before joining the business. Both are having comprehensive technical training on McCormick tractors.

Jamie Warrender recently joined the company to manage ATV and garden machinery sales and service. These three relative newcomers to the business join parts manager Simon Holloway, who has plans to extend his store to hold a bigger stock of parts, consumables and sundries such as tools, clothing and hydraulic hoses, mainly from the Granit range.

Dealership principal Charlie Rollason looks after tractor and machinery sales but still dons a pair of overalls when the workshop is especially busy.

“This is the best team we’ve had

in a long time,” declares Mr Rollason. “They’re very capable technically, have a positive attitude to customer service, especially during critical harvest periods, and they get on well with our farmer customers.”

Apart from the line-up of sparkling new red and silver tractors in the yard, at least one of the current McCormick tractors can be seen every week at Rugby market – it’s all part of efforts to raise the profile of McCormick in the area, which began with stands at the Kenilworth Show and Upton House Horse Trials.

“I took on the McCormick range largely because of the breadth of product available, which suits the different farming and other rural enterprises we serve,” says Charlie Rollason. “We have the GM and X10 Series mechanical and hydrostatic drive compacts from 25-50hp for our equine, parks and utility customers, right up to the 230hp X70 six-cylinder tractor for arable farmers.”

Between those extremes are tractors like the new 85-113hp McCormick X50 series for livestock, horticultural and groundscare applications, and the mid-range 90126hp X60 and MC series fourcylinder tractors, which perform in stock and arable farming roles.

“Before taking on the McCormick range, I talked to users and other dealers and the positive responses reassured me I was doing the right thing,” says Mr Rollason. “People like the tractors; they say they are reliable and easy to use, and they’re priced right.

“A good tractor franchise is a key foundation for an agricultural engineering business like ours,” he adds. “I believe we have that in the McCormick range.”

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| ATV

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

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

Craven Arms, Shropshire Tel: 01588 673325

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

Bromyard, Herefordshire Tel: 01885 488884 Chester, Cheshire Tel: 01829 749391 Romsey Agricultural Machinery Ltd Shorts Farm, Sherfield English, Romsey, Hampshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01794 323159 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Providence Foundry, Foxholes, Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 3QQ Tel: 01262 470221 August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 63

| Machinery

The professional touch with New Kubota GR2120S Leading manufacturer of groundcare solutions, Kubota, has launched the GR2120S ride-on mower designed to provide the perfect finish for professional gardeners.

aunched following the success of the GR2120, the updated ‘S’ model features a new side discharge or mulching option, offering users more control where collection is not required. The GR2120S also offers increased ground clearance, allowing it to travel over more challenging terrain with ease.

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Powered by a 21hp diesel engine, the ride-on mower features simple to use hydrostatic transmission (HST) with a single pedal, making speed and directional changes extremely smooth.

The GR2120S’ easy to adjust cutting height utilises a simple dial system at the base of the

64 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

operators seat, ensuring that operators can easily switch from fine lawn work to rougher working areas.

The mower also comes with performance enhancing additions, including Kubota’s revolutionary Glide Steer system enabling greater manoeuvrability, whilst the 4WD drive makes accessing

difficult areas easy.

Comfort has also been taken into consideration for the design and the mower has been fitted with an easily adjustable high back seat. In addition, the GR2120S features Kubota’s ‘Cushion Ride’ suspension system, featuring twospring-loaded shock absorbers and a flat operator platform.

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| ATV

#meanmower is born Introducing Honda’s new fire spitting 1000cc 109hp... lawn tractor!

Multi-market Quadzilla MBX750 hits the showrooms All new model designed to appeal across all market sectors.

nnovation, pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary pieces of engineering is what Honda is all about. So when Honda (UK) teamed up with their title winning British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) partner, Team Dynamics, to create what is believed to be the world’s fastest lawn mower, you know it’s going to be special.

Meet Mean Mower...

The brief for Project Mean Mower was very straightforward. To build a super-fast mower which retained its original look, but, crucially, could still cut grass. The staggering result is a machine capable of reaching an estimated 130mph and 0-60 in just four seconds with an ear splitting roar reaching 130db.

Mean Mower has already been put through its paces by reigning BTCC champion and Honda Yuasa Racing driver Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden - check out the video here http://bit.ly/MeanMower For more images and all the latest updates on Mean Mower activities follow Honda (UK) on Facebook and Twitter or simply use #meanmower.

The Birth of Mean Mower Team Dynamics re-engineered a Honda HF2620 Lawn Tractor from the ground-up, adding an all-new fabricated chassis, custom-made from 4130 chromoly, to provide a strong, safe but very light platform.

A 1000cc engine from a Honda VTR Firestorm was used, along with a bespoke suspension and wheels from an ATV. Every effort has been made to retain as much of the look of the original mower as possible. The cutter deck was custom-made in fibre-glass, to reduce weight, while, in a stroke of pure genius, the grass bag provides a happy home for the fuel tank, a high capacity oil cooler and a secondary water cooling radiator.

The ability to still cut grass was also a key element of the brief, and the super-fast mower still can, admirably, thanks to two electric motors on the cutter deck, spinning 3mm steel cutting cable at an incredible 4000rpm. The mower can cut grass at around 15mph, more than double the flat-out speed of the original HF2620 from which it

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is derived.

Based on feedback from Honda Yuasa Racing drivers, three times BTCC champion Matt Neal and reigning champion Gordon Shedden, the mower features a custom-made paddle shift sixspeed gear system. Additionally it has a custom-made Cobra sports seat, a Scorpion exhaust system and a steering rack taken from a Morris Minor.

The result of this remarkable feat of engineering is a lawn mower setup and geared to achieve a top speed in excess of 130mph, weighing just 140kgm, producing 96Nm of torque and an incredible PTW ratio of 532bhp/tonne. In testing to date the mower has topped 100mph on a circuit, belting out a remarkable 130db at threequarter RPM and 98db at idle.

Kate Saxton, Manager – Corporate Affairs, at Honda (UK) comments: "Honda is a great believer in collaboration, pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary pieces of engineering. This project provided the perfect opportunity to not only highlight the breadth of our product offering but to also promote our sporty heritage and support our reputation as an innovative company. Above all else, we love a challenge!”

Safety is paramount to the project, so every effort has been made to make the mower stable and secure. To achieve optimum balance ATV wheels have been used – ideal because ATV racing is held on rough off-road tracks.

Super-soft tyres ensure optimum grip and excellent handling on the tarmac.

Every effort has been made to use Honda parts, where possible, including brakes and several motorcycle components. Almost everything else has been custommade by Team Dynamics and its partners.

Team Dynamics Team Manager, Pete Crolla, concludes: “One of the key challenges is that this has never been done before, to our knowledge, and so there are few learnings to call upon.

From an engineering perspective, retaining the look of the mower, and the ability to still cut grass were the biggest challenge.”

eading quad and ATV distributor Quadzilla has introduced the all-new MBX750 model, a highperformance, sports/utility, 4x4 machine boasting an overhead cam, liquid-cooled, single cylinder motor producing 48.3hp in unrestricted form, a CVT drive, long-movement suspension and full UK road legal equipment.

The MBX750 is unique in that it is designed to appeal across established market sectors, targeting the serious highperformance utility market, where rapid deployment across rough country is required and the standard tow hitch and winch will expand its potential use, through to the growing sports and leisure market, where the highperformance engine and suspension package, combined

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with its rugged good looks will continue to keep the longestablished Quadzilla name at the top of the quad and ATV buyer's hit list.

"We have spent a lot of time developing this model to appeal across the utility, sports and leisure market sectors, explains Quadzilla sales manager, Henry Maplethorpe.

"We are certain that it will quickly prove a popular choice across these multiple market sectors, particularly with regard to the high standard spec and the attractive introductory price."

The Quadzilla MBX750 is available from August the 1st from Quadzilla dealers nationwide at £6399 including VAT. For further information visit www.quadzillaquads.com

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Motors

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

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

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

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

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

Manic Quads Units 19 / 20 Highfield Ind. Est. Folkestone, KENT CT19 6DD Tel: 01303 259625 www.manicquads.co.uk

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Hyundai encourages adventure The UK has spectacular potential for an adventurous get away. ith falling numbers of Britons travelling abroad for holidays in recent years (according to the Office for National Statistics), Andy Torbet Scottish explorer, extreme adventurer and BBC TV presenter - has been working with Hyundai to show that you don’t need to get

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on a plane to feel like you’ve got away from it all because the UK itself has spectacular potential for adventure.

Whether you’re looking to get away with friends, family, or simply for some alone time, Andy and Hyundai demonstrate how to escape the stresses of everyday

life and enjoy the outdoors.

Showcasing an option for where you could go providing you have a capable vehicle, Andy took his versatile New Generation Santa Fe SUV off the beaten track to the Scottish Highlands.

The adventurer packed his Santa Fe full of all the essential

adventure kit and then embarked on a seven hour road trip from London to Glencoe. From sea kayaking to island hopping, there are so many activities that can be done in the UK to suit all abilities and budgets.

Andy Torbet takes his Santa Fe on an expedition

The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Pricing announced for all new crossover. ll new SX4 S-Cross goes on sale on 1 October - priced from £14,999 for SZ3 1.6 petrol with manual transmission.

The new SX4 S-Cross goes on sale on 1 October and Suzuki is pleased to announce pricing and specification details for the range starting at £14,999 for the SZ3 1.6-Litre petrol.

It has only been a few months since the new SX4 S-Cross was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and its key features speak a clear language: Suzuki once again shines as a true expert in the field of crossover and four wheel drive cars.

SX4 S-Cross is the latest of Suzuki’s world strategic models and makes strong statements in styling, impact safety, driving performance, handling as well as offering low fuel consumption and low emissions.

Striking crossover styling gives a remarkable, bold and sporty look. The distinctive design offers ample room for passengers and luggage and the world’s first double sliding panoramic glass sunroof has the largest opening area in this category. Next-

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generation four wheel drive technology with the internationally acclaimed handling of the Swift, and cutting edge active and passive safety features leave no room for doubt: The new SX4 S-Cross is far more than just a crossover vehicle – it’s the perfect fusion of familyfriendliness and safety, performance and emotion.

When Suzuki’s designers and engineers began developing the SX4 S-Cross they realised they needed to “think bigger” to be able to respond to customer expectations with regard to crossovers in Europe and other parts of the world.

Suzuki created the new SX4 S-Cross by combining its compact car know how with technologies honed for sport utility vehicles. As a result of focusing on giving the new S-Cross distinctive crossover styling, class leading space for passengers and luggage, nextgeneration 4WD performance and one of the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment, it achieves a remarkable combination of styling, utility, safety, performance and fuel economy. It

is a model which can offer great driving enjoyment and versatile family usage to many more people in a wide range of situations.

Suzuki will build the new model at the Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary; Magyar Suzuki plays an important role as Suzuki’s European production centre and the launch of the new model will mark the start of an expansion programme in which it will extend its exports to more countries, increase its production volume, and establish itself as an important manufacturing base for Suzuki’s global strategy.

A range of eight exterior colours will be available for the UK market including a new option – Crystal Lime Metallic.

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Carstins West Midlands Tel: 01676 533145

Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544

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Bulldog Twyford Reading, Berkshire Tel: 0118 9321 331

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon Tel: 01364 652302

Newcastle Subaru Tyne & Wear Tel: 0191 257 3309

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New Forester priced Subaru’s most popular model will feature host of improvements and new technologies at a highly competitive price.

Subaru dealers get top marks in Driver Power survey Subaru UK’s dealer network has again scored highly in the 2013 Auto Express Driver Power survey, further improving its ranking in the influential annual survey of 46,000 UK motorists’ satisfaction in their cars and dealerships.

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

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

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

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efficiency and a more spacious and better appointed cabin.

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

The engine line-up will include 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol units, while Subaru will return to its Forester roots with the introduction of a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 240ps. All the engines have significantly improved CO2 and economy figures over the outgoing model.

Black magic The ‘shockingly affordable’ Dacia Duster is now available in a Goodwood Festival of Speed special Black Edition. aving taken the UK by storm since arriving at the start of this year, with over 4,000 orders to date already, the award-winning smart-buy SUV now looks even meaner for the price.

The Dacia Duster Ambiance dCi 110 4x2 Black Edition is loaded with extras, including a striking brushed black vinyl wrap finish, luxurious ash leather interior, hi-tech Kenwood media system and stylish 18” alloy wheels. The media system includes a 6” high resolution screen, Garmin satellite navigation with TMC traffic information, DAB, Bluetooth with hands-free calling, ipod connectivity, DVD playback and rear USB connection.

With an on-the-road price of just £17,575, the Romanian SUV continues to blow the competition away when it comes to value for money.The Black Edition was a oneoff creation released to celebrate the historic Goodwood Festival of Speed – the largest car culture event in the world held in July. Overwhelming interest at the event has resulted in the car now being available to be ordered by UK customers with first deliveries from October.

Phil York, Dacia’s UK Marketing Director, said: “The Dacia Duster

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Black Edition is a mean, more upmarket version of what is already a great selling vehicle. I challenge anybody to drive home such a great looking SUV, with or without 4x4, with so much kit for anywhere near the money.”

Already the nation’s “most affordable SUV” by a mile, Dacia Duster is also winning over more fans after being hailed one of its least depreciating new cars.

Dacia, a subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault, has made an enemy of the unnecessary and makes a simple range of cleverly designed, high quality vehicles which unashamedly favour function over frivolity. Its jaw-dropping prices are clear and straightforward, whether you buy online at the Dacia Store on www.dacia.co.uk or through its nationwide retailer network.

Dacia only launched officially in the UK in January 2013, but has already cleaned up nine major awards, including a hat-trick of trophies at the carbuyer.co.uk 2013 awards, including Car of Year and 4x4 of the Year, plus Scottish Car of the Year for Duster, and Best Supermini under £12,000 for Sandero with What Car?.

he results were published in the July 31 issue of the popular weekly motoring magazine.

The 50-strong Subaru dealer network rose from an already creditable eighth place in 2012, up to second in 2013, beating all of its nearest rivals for motorists’ trust in their dealers, and only losing out on the top-spot to luxury car brand Lexus.

Motorists taking part in the survey rated Subaru dealers in particular for ‘helpfulness and attitude’, ‘standard of workmanship’, ‘value for money’ and ‘technical knowledge’.

Overall, 89.28 per cent of Subaru owners were satisfied in their dealer, with one reader explaining that their local dealer was “very courteous, always helpful and keenly priced.” In Driver Power survey results published earlier in the year, Auto Express listed both the Subaru Legacy and Subaru Forester in the top 100 most satisfying cars to own according to British motorists.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-chief of Auto Express commented: “When it comes to keeping customers satisfied, Subaru dealers certainly know what’s important. They may not have the flashy premises of some rivals, but it’s relationships that matter and Subaru customers really value theirs with their

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dealers.”

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK, said of the result: “This result – our highest ever in the Driver Power survey – is testament to the considerable time we've invested on assessing the performance of dealers in after sales care. We survey every service customer in real time, and so are able to jump on problems before they become an issue.

This result proves the effectiveness of this programme.

“In addition we don’t focus on having expensive, fancy premises to enhance the customer experience; for us its about good technical knowledge and developing relationships with our customers. A second-place ranking puts our dealers well ahead of many of the prestige car makers and all of the mainstream ones and is proof that the brand holds customer satisfaction close to its heart.”

Every Subaru model is sold with a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty and a 12-year manufacturer anticorrosion warranty as standard, while all vehicles come equipped with a choice of efficient petrol and diesel Boxer engines and benefit from Subaru’s enviable record for build quality and durability.

To find out more about the Subaru model range, visit www.subaru.co.uk.

August 2013 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Off-road, redefined.

The Amarok edition. Now with even more style, luxury and convenience.

Including edition decals, contrast door mirrors, 18" Durban alloys, privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors and RNS 315 satellite navigation with BluetoothÂŽ connectivity.

The Amarok edition. From ÂŁ329 per month*.

*Plus VAT and initial rental. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. Business users only. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for all Amarok ordered by 30th September 2013 and is not available in

70 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

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Abridge Van Centre.

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull).

Sinclair Van Centre (Swansea).

Apple Yard, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ. Tel: 0208 045 6006 Search online for Volkswagen vans Abridge.

Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, East Yorkshire HU13 9PB. Tel: 01482 908 520 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Hull.

Alan Day Van Centre.

JCT600 Van Centre (Newark).

Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, Gorseinon, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA4 9GW. Tel: 01792 447 578 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Swansea.

Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London N11 3UT. Tel: 0208 211 4784 Search online for Volkswagen vans Alan Day.

2 Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2ET. Tel: 0163 691 8116 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Newark.

Breeze Van Centre.

JCT600 Van Centre (Sheffield).

Yarrow Road, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset BH12 4QY Tel: 01202 900 304 Search online for Volkswagen vans Breeze Poole.

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S9 1XS. Tel: 0114 404 0021 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Sheffield.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre.

JCT600 Van Centre (York).

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TL. Tel: 01743 600 031 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston).

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7EF. Tel: 01902 546 561 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous Bilston.

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

Pentraeth Van Centre.

Henffordd Garage, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5RW. Tel: 01248 208 036 Search online for Volkswagen vans Pentraeth.

Sinclair Van Centre (Cardiff).

Tyndall Street, Wharf Road East, Cardiff CF10 4BB. Tel: 02921 150 093 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Cardiff.

Vindis Van Centre.

Low Road, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EL. Tel: 01480 731 255 Search online for Volkswagen vans Vindis.

Vindis Van Centre (Northampton).

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

Volkswagen Van Centre (Peterborough).

Storeys Bar Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5YS. Tel: 01733 349 336 Search online for Volkswagen vans Peterborough.

conjunction with any other offers. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Finance providers may pay us for introducing you to them. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS. Finance providers may pay us for introducing you to them.

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| Motors

Great Wall’s Chinese revolution rolls into Warwickshire Chinese carmaker assigns Tredington-based Cross Roads Garage Ltd as official dealer for Steed pick-up, priced from £13,998 hose in the West Midlands area looking for a high-quality, high-value pick-up vehicle can now experience first-hand the new Great Wall Steed – the first Chinese vehicle to go on sale in the UK - as the manufacturer has appointed Tredington-based Cross Roads Garage as an official dealer.

Located near Shipston-on-Stour, the dealership is around 30 miles from Worcester, Coventry and Oxford.

Joining Great Wall’s established network of more than 50 outlets in the UK, Cross Roads Garage will begin with sales of the Steed pickup and provide owners with dedicated parts and service facilities.

Cross Roads Garage Managing Director Jon Mathers started working at Cross Roads back in 1985 in the parts department, before turning his hand to sales. 28 years and 4,500 car sales later, he is now the owner of the largest Subaru dealership group in the UK. With four national awards for customer service and automotive excellence, Cross Roads Garage is already well known amongst the community for its new and quality used car sales and its service and repair centre, both of which will continue alongside its new partnership with Great Wall.

Cross Roads Garage’s extensive experience

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of operating in the local area means that the dealership has a thorough understanding of the needs of businesses and consumers in the Shipston-on-Stourarea. Expectations are high that the Steed pick-up will prove popular amongst trade and recreational users alike.

The generously equipped Steed is already attracting interest from buyers of both new and used pick-ups across the UK, thanks to its combination of robustness, practicality and unrivalled value, with prices starting from £13,998 (CVOTR).

Not only is it the most affordable 4x4 doublecab pick-up to buy, but it is also the most economical to run. Powered by a newlydeveloped 2.0-litre, 16-valve turbocharged diesel engine, the Steed delivers class leading fuel economy of 34.0 mpg (combined). It also has best-in-class insurance ratings – 7A for the Steed S and 8A for the range-topping Steed SE. “Cross Roads Garage has been following the development of Great Wall in the UK closely, even prior to launch in 2012. Having evaluated the Steed first-hand, we are greatly impressed with its build quality and the aftercare and support that Great Wall offers; we strongly believe that it represents excellent value for

money. We’re incredibly excited and proud to join Great Wall in the early stages of its history in the UK and to introduce the Steed to the community in Tredington and the surrounding area,”says Jon Mathers.

“We see Great Wall as an exciting addition to our current business activities, and have high hopes for our partnership with the company – our combination of extensive experience and excellent customer service means we are perfectly placed to meet the needs of Great Wall customers. ”So that the buying and ownership experience of a Steed is as rewarding and trouble-free as possible, all dealers – including Cross Roads Garage – have committed to the ‘Great Wall Promise’ which includes inflationproof servicing plans and free service pick-up and drop-off. All Steeds now come with a sixyear / 125,000 warranty – the only vehicle in its segment to do so.

For further details about Great Wall call Jon Mathers on 0844 662 6864 or visit the dealership at Tredington, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, open from 08:30am to 18:00 Monday to Friday, and 09.00am to 17.00 on Saturday.

Land Rover strengthens sailing support Brand named team partner of Round The World Yacht. and Rover is supporting the GREAT Britain entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as an official Team Partner. GREAT Britain, a 70-foot, monohull, state-of-the-art ocean racing yacht, was unveiled to large crowds in London’s Trafalgar Square on 31 July.

Land Rover’s support of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race further strengthens its ties with global competitive sailing, which dates back to 1988 when the brand first sponsored Cowes Week. In May this year, the manufacturer announced a threeyear sponsorship of the Extreme Sailing Series of global challenges.

Land Rover is one of several Team Partners from across the UK’s private sector supporting the UK Government’s GREAT campaign under the pillar of Adventure. The project brings together a cross-section of partners from the private sector to sponsor the GREAT Britain yacht over the next 16 months and participates in an international campaign that will link up with UK trade and tourism marketing

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initiatives.

Mark Cameron, Land Rover’s Global Brand Experience Director, said: “The sport of sailing and the philosophy of Land Rover go hand in hand, with our shared values of adventure, inner strength and a competitive spirit. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a fantastic initiative and, with the entry of the GREAT Britain yacht, provides a perfect platform to deepen Land Rover’s involvement in sailing as well as support the Government’s efforts to celebrate what is great about Britain overseas. As a major British brand we are thrilled to be involved.”

Unveiling GREAT Britain in Trafalgar Square were Sports and Tourism Minister, the Rt Hon Hugh Robertson MP, and Sir Robin KnoxJohnston, Clipper Race chairman, founder and the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world.

Sir Robin Said: “This is a unique project and I am very proud that the Clipper Race can provide a powerful platform to promote Great British trade and tourism to a global audience. We look forward to working with Land

72 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

The GREAT Britain Clipper convoy

Rover and the other GREAT Britain brand partners, along with the UK Government, through the Prime Minister’s office, to deliver a highly effective international marketing campaign.”

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is being staged for the ninth time. The fleet of 12 matched Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts will depart from London’s iconic Tower Bridge on 1 September 2013. The teams of 20-strong crew members will tackle the 40,000-mile challenge over 11 months and eight legs,

visiting 15 ports on six continents.

Each crew member has gone through a pioneering training programme, which transforms novices and relatively inexperienced sailors into highly skilled racing yacht crew. The opportunity to enter this race is open to any individual aged 18 or over, with or without sailing experience. Every yacht is skippered by a professional sailor who is charged with the task of guiding the crew of amateur sailors in the world’s longest ocean race.

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| Motors

The only pick-up to carry a 6 year / 125,000 mile warranty*

Auto Services Perth Ltd Perthshire Tel: 01738 210000 www.autoservicesperthltd.co.uk

David Cook Motors Lancashire Tel: 0161 624 1441 www.davidcookmotors.co.uk

Class leading insurance

Cross Roads Warwickshire Tel: 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

Furrows Shropshire Tel: 01743 454444 www.furrows.co.uk

Hepworth Motors West Yorkshire Tel: 01484 683172

Class leading fuel economy

t Leather interior t Heated seats t Galvanised body panels t Air-conditioning t Keyless entry t Six speed manual transmission t Steering wheel audio controls t Bluetooth速 hands free

08430 08430 227144 227144 greatwallmotor.co.uk greatwallmotor.co.uk

2.5T TOWING

*6 year / 1www.farmingmonthly.co.uk 25,000 mile warrant y comprises of the first 3 year / 60,000 Standard Limited Manufacturer's Warrant y with an ex tended 3 yeAugust ar / 125,0002013 mile (wh| ichFarming ever comes soMonthly oner) Ex ten| de73 d Power tain Warrant y. Terms and conditions apply. For full details ask your local dealer or visit greatwallmotor.co.uk. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. America.

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| Motors

D-Max up for grabs in the fifth series of Wales’s Fferm Ffactor Isuzu UK has renewed its agreement with Fferm Ffactor, Wales’ hugely-popular agriculture-themed reality television show, to be headline sponsor for the fifth consecutive year. he Japanese-marque will once again supply a brand-new Isuzu D-Max pick-up as the prize for the series’ overall winner.

Fferm Ffactor is S4C’s hit television show that aims to find the best farming talent in Wales.

The new series of the hugely popular Fferm Ffactor will be broadcast from October 2013.

William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK, commented: “Fferm Ffactor has grown in popularity year-on-year and the 2012 series was one of the most viewed TV programmes in Wales. Isuzu UK is proud to be playing a significant

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role in the new series, which once again will finish with the winner driving off in an Isuzu D-Max. Farming is a critically important industry across Wales and there is no better pick-up for the rugged Welsh farmland terrain than the Isuzu D-Max.” Last season saw 10 contestants competing against each other in a series of challenges, which tested their practical skills and farming expertise. Eventual winner, 34year old Anglesey farmer, Dilwyn Owen, drove away from the series finale in a fully-specified Isuzu DMax Yukon. Owen commented: “I’ve had a fantastic six months

76 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

with my Isuzu D-Max. It proved invaluable during the winter months, thanks to its large loadlugging capabilities and its ability to shrug off the worst of the snow.

I wish all the contestants the best of luck – it’s a tough competition but demonstrates the quality of Wales’ farming expertise.”

The Isuzu D-Max range includes single, extended (with rear-hinged side access panels) and double cab body configurations. Double cab models are available in four

specifications: Isuzu D-Max, Eiger, Yukon and Utah. Prices start at £14,499 (CVOTR) for the entrylevel Isuzu D-Max 4x2 single cab and rise to £21,999 (CVOTR) for the top-of-the-range Isuzu DMax Utah 4x4 double cab automatic.

The Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The pick-up also comes with a pioneering five-year / 125,000-mile warranty.

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Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Carstins West Midlands 01676 533145 unityautomotive.co.uk

R. Hunt Isuzu Hampshire 01264 860532 www.rhunt.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Boston 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Alexander & Duncan Herefordshire 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

Ashburton Motor Works Devon 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

Garland Motors Ltd Hampshire 01252 367373 www.isuzu.co.uk

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

York Van Centre North Yorkshire 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk

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| Motors

Eco-friendly dealership development green-lighted One of the most environmentally-friendly vehicle dealerships in the UK opened for business recently, selling and servicing all Fiat Group Automobiles products under one rain-catching roof. he roof is just one of a raft of green, money-saving features that have been designed into the new two-acre T H White site in Hillmead, Swindon.

The rain-water harvesting system provides water for car washing and toilet flushing. Even used water from the valeting bays is recycled.

Waste engine oil is stored and used to heat the building while solar panels on the front and roof of the showroom also provide energy for heat and light – with low voltage LED bulbs.

It’s all part of a plan to reduce the size of the carbon footprint of the huge Fiat Brand Centre, which plans to sell more than 1,000 Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Chrysler, Abarth and Fiat Professional vehicles all out of one site.

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“Big showroom but small footprint,” says Peter James, dealer principal, T H White Swindon. “We have worked hard to make the site as environmentally-friendly as possible and even joined up with the local residents’ association to ensure the development fitted in with its forestry surroundings.

“We extensively re-planted the area with trees and shrubs and laid boulders along the front aspect. It’s a very eco-friendly site – even our fences are made of recycled plastic.”

More than 25 staff have started work at the development, which opened this week (29 July). The vast showroom is divided into separate sections for each of the FGA marques, with distinct branding, decoration and furniture

Peter James - Dealer Principle

featured in each area.

“We are delighted that T H White has developed this superb new site,” says Tim Head, dealer development director, Fiat Group

Automobiles UK. “It’s a remarkable building with excellent fuel, water and energy saving features. It certainly paves the way for vehicle showrooms of the future.”

Green light for Bentley SUV Bentley Motors has confirmed that it will proceed with the development of the Bentley SUV, the company’s fourth model line. he SUV will be made in Crewe and will go on sale in 2016. It will create over 1000 jobs in the UK. Over the next three years Bentley will invest more than £800 million in its headquarters at Crewe and the development of new models.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who was present together with Dr Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Group for the announcement at Bentley headquarters in Crewe, said: “This £800 million investment and a thousand new jobs from Bentley is fantastic news for both Crewe and for the UK as a whole. It is another important milestone in strengthening our economy.

“One sector that we know is sprinting ahead in the global race is our booming automotive industry. One vehicle rolls off a production line somewhere in the UK every 20 seconds and we have just launched the Government’s Automotive Industrial Strategy to help continue this success for years to come.

“I am delighted that Bentley will be building their new vehicle here, not only creating a

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78 | Farming Monthly | August 2013

thousand jobs, but safeguarding many more, as well as increasing training opportunities for highly skilled apprentices. ”Dr Winterkorn said: “The Volkswagen Group believes in the UK as a competitive location for industrial production. Bentley fans all around the world are looking forward to the brand’s first SUV. Together we will make this new Bentley another true Bentley – powerful, exclusive and successful.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “This is a welcome commitment to the UK from a major international car maker. Our automotive industrial strategy proves this government’s commitment to working with world-class companies like Bentley to create jobs and promote exports.“Bentley was the first firm I visited as a government minister and serves as a real example of high value manufacturing.

They

export more than four out of every five cars they make in the UK to the rest of the world.”

Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, added: “This is excellent news for Bentley and for the UK. Bentley is increasingly successful and this new fourth model line will leverage the success of the global SUV market. The support of everyone involved with the Company has been fundamental to this decision, which will ensure sustainable growth for the company. ”The SUV will be a thoroughbred Bentley true to the brand hallmarks of luxury, performance, quality and craftsmanship. The styling will set it apart from any other SUV on the road and will be true to the Bentley design DNA. It will be the most luxurious and most powerful SUV in the market. The response from customers to a Bentley SUV has been extremely positive in the last 16 months.

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