December 2012 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

December 2012

Inside this issue...

On Topic GM crops: Feeding the world?

LAMMA 2013 25 page preview feature

Animal Health Liver Fluke problems?

Grain Grain and grain storage special Also Inside: Arable | Education | Energy | Machinery | Buildings | Shooting | ATVs | Motors

Protecting the livestock of local farmers Fibre Cement Profiled Sheeting Rust, rot and corrosion resistant

British made for Great British farmers Call 01283 722588 or visit www.marleyeternit.co.uk/profile for more information

Contents

17

68

December 2012

57 33

Features

Regulars

14 18 22 24 25 30 31 57

06 16 21 26 67 70

Animal Health Liver Fluke epidemic?

Arable Latest news

Forestry Ash disease and more

Security Security & crime prevention

Shooting Round-up.

Buildings Latest news

LAMMA

News All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic GM crops..feeding the world?

Education Education & training news

Energy What’s new in the energy sector?

ATV The essential workhorse round-up.

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH

What will be at the show?

LAMMA review

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

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

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

Competition Subscribe Win 5 books for Christmas T

he Good Life Press is small, family-run, business based in Lancashire which has gained a considerable reputation over the years for having the most comprehensive selection of titles for farmers and smallholders. With over 250 titles in stock we have aim to get orders out within 24 hours and what’s more – if you’ve got a query we are just at the end of the phone so you get to speak to a human being.

Visit our bookstore at: www.goodlifepress.co.uk Amongst the top 10 best sellers this month are: Lore of the Land by John Seymour The Sheep Book for Smallholders by Tim Tyne A Guide to Traditional Pig Keeping by Carol Harris The Sausage Book by Paul Peacock Build It!.....With Pallets by Joe Jacobs One lucky reader can win a copy of each of the 5 books above... simply answer the question, complete the entry form below and send it to us by 24th December. You can also enter online at www.farmingmonthly.co.uk. Good luck!

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Winner of last month’s competition to win the John Deere book is: Mr J.A. Hughes, Twycross

| News

“Like a choral song”

Exciting 2013 for CWC

Manchego DO Gran Reserva announced as World Champion Cheese.

Country Women Countrywide (incorporating Farm Womens' Clubs) share their upcoming events for 2013.

traditional unpasteurised ewes’ milk cheese from a historic Spanish estate has been named World Champion 2012 after wowing judges at the World Cheese Awards in Birmingham.

The Manchego DO Gran Reserva, from Dehesa de los Llanos in the province of Albacete, becomes the first champion from mainland Spain in two decades of the international award scheme, which was topped in 2011 by a French Ossau Iraty and in 2010 by Britain’s own Cornish Blue.

Chosen from among more than 2,700 British and international cheeses, the Manchego was described by this year’s final judging panel as “a stunning cheese - light, with high notes like a choral song and an aromatic, long finish”. In all, 255 judges from around the world took part in the awards, staged alongside the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC. Of the 2,781 cheeses judged, 50 cheeses were awarded Super Gold medals – the full list of award winners is available from www.finefoodworld.co.uk/wca “This Manchego is an exquisite example of an artisan cheese made with incredible skill,” commented Bob Farrand, coorganiser of the World Cheese Awards. “It was obvious to the panel of judges that this was a world-class cheese and they were

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ountry Women Countrywide members have a lot to look forward to in the coming year - see below for details: WEEKEND IN HEREFORDSHIRE : 22 – 24 February 2013 - Three Counties Hotel, Hereford To date 57 people have booked and bookings remain open until 31 December. Any local members are welcome to join the gathering for Dinner and entertainment on the Saturday evening. Bookings and further details from Mrs Ionwen Williams, Llanwarne Court, Llanwarne, Hereford HR2 8JE Tel : 01981540385 Email : ionwen33@googlemail.com The Southern Counties' Lunch Hosted by Sussex CWC Gather from 11 am on Wednesday 1 May at The Spur Restaurant, Slindon, Arundel, Sussex BN10 0NE Cost for 3 courses : £28.00 Bookings to Mary Passmore Tel : 01273 452028 EVERYONE WELCOME

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glowing in praise for the cheesemaker.”

The World Cheese Awards, run by the UK’s Guild of Fine Food, is the largest and most respected competition of its type in the world.

This year it brought together 2,781 cheeses from 30 countries under one roof, making this the Big Cheese of international competitions. Many of the winning cheeses will now be available for sampling at the World Cheese Deli at BBC Good Food, which runs until 2 December.

Judges included cheese experts from the USA, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Greece, South Africa, Portugal and Russia.

The competition is truly global with only 25% of entries from the UK. Others came from Ireland, New Zealand, the USA, Spain, Croatia, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Cyprus, Slovakia, Canada, Australia, Greece, Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark and Russia.

Over the last decade the World Cheese Awards have been held in Dublin, Gran Canaria and London, and most recently at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC.

WALKING IN WARWICKSHIRE : 11 – 13 October 2013 in Kenilworth Please book direct with Chesford Grange Hotel by 10 August 2013 Tel : 01926859331 and quote ‘Walking Group 111013’ Double room £55 pp per night, single room £60 pp per night dinner, bed and breakfast.. More details on the website at www.countrywomen.co.uk Anyone wishing to receive the CWC newsletter please contact Jenny or Christine (details below) and they will be added to our mailing list.

Contact details : Jenny Flake, Church Farm, Coombes, Lancing, Sussex BN15 0RS Tel : 01273 452028 OR christine@countrywomen.co.uk

Next Auctions on 10th December 2012 & 14th January 2013 commencing at 10.30am

06 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

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| News

New cooking show looks Up for a good read? for farming housewives who love to cook C

Ralph Needham, farmer (and Farming Monthly reader) suggests his book as an ideal Christmas present.

Budding Delia Smith? Your opportunity awaits... o you live on a Farm with your family? Are you known for baking the best cakes in town? Are you famous for your hearty pies? Do you produce your own jams? Do you just love

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to cook? If so we would love to hear from you!

Please contact Josie Williams at E: contact@fulwell73.com T: 0207 183 9252 M: 07583696609

Countrywide commit Key appointments strengthen Countrywide’s farming focus.

ountrywide, the leading suppliers of products and advice to the rural community, is continuing to strengthen its commitment to the agricultural sector with two key appointments.

From November, Colin Hair and Paul Selby, two of its most experienced managers, will take up the new roles of Livestock Business Manager and Arable Business Manager respectively.

As Arable Business Manager, Paul Selby – who has an outstanding track record in the arable industry, including roles as National Business Manager at Masstock Arable UK and National Sales Manager Dalgety Arable will head the seed, fertiliser, crop protection, grain and amenity sectors, working with both on farm and in store Countrywide teams to develop a more co-ordinated service.

Colin Hair, with over 23 years experience in the industry will, as Countrywide’s Livestock Business Manager, bring the same focus to the livestock side of the business, using his expertise to consolidate the Compound Feed and Livestock sales and support activities.

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“Our aim,” says Countrywide Direct Sales Director Alistair Folly, “is to ensure that farmers can benefit from all that Countrywide has to offer. This has been a very difficult year for everyone, and getting the right product – with the right advice and back up - just when you need it, can make all the difference to success or failure.

Colin and Paul, with their in-depth experience, understand and appreciate the needs of farmers and the difference that expert help can make.”

“Countrywide has so much to offer farmers,” says Paul. “Farmer owned, with a real understanding of agricultural issues, we are highly professional, yet also flexible and approachable. Both on the arable and livestock side, we combine a wide range of expertise, products and services and great attention to detail. More and more farmers are finding this a better way of working.”

Following the success of acquiring Heart of England Grain and the Hacketts grain, seed and fertilizer business – also Sterling Sires, one of the world’s leading genetics suppliers and Blade Farming, Europe’s largest fully integrated beef farming operation -

onscience Hill was first published just over a year ago, but as a result of widespread acclaim the first printing was soon sold out, little wonder when you consider that it became the top seller, for a time, in a local branch of Waterstones, whilst Wrights bookshop in Louth, hailed it as one of their best ever sellers.

By popular demand the book has been reprinted, in good time for Christmas so it would make an ideal present for anyone who is remotely interested in the way that farming and the countryside has changed over the last 60 years.

They are certain to enjoy the book and it’s easy to see why, because in this well illustrated 280 page book, Ralph Needham gives a personal reflection of his life in farming.

He includes plenty of humour, with anecdotes about some of the unusual situations he finds himself in whilst delivering pedigree bulls to their new owners in various parts of the country.

You will read about drinking funny coloured milk as he accepted the obligatory cup of tea after making a delivery to a new owner - and the reason he declined refreshment at another farm.

You will learn of interesting rural characters he has met over the years and some of the exploits they got up to.

And then there are some of his more frightening experiences and the way events unfolded, sometimes in a most unpredictable way.

In this fascinating read he describes the way both of his Grandfathers took totally different routes to start on the farming ladder. One of them went to North America in the 1890`s, when despite severe hardships that would have daunted many men, he earned sufficient money to commence farming in his own right on his return to England. Learn how he combined grain in California with 24 mules, whilst his other

Countrywide is actively looking for further opportunities to grow the business with other selected business acquisitions and also by bringing new skills and expertise into the business.

“Our new structure, with Paul

grandfather started to breed Shire Horses producing an outstanding animal that sold for £2000 in 1920.

Ralph Needham has spent his lifetime farming near Louth.

In his conversational style of writing he describes his experiences as a pedigree livestock breeder, his involvement with the YFC, his success in orchid growing and a great many other topics.

Finally the book includes the opening few pages of, “Mantrap, Destiny’s Talisman”.

This is the first of a trilogy of novels set in rural Lincolnshire that describes how the lives of 5 generations of a poor cottage farmer change when a new owner purchases the estate.

Ralph comments, “The book normally retails at £12.00, but as a very special concession to readers of FARMING MONTHLY, a signed copy of the book can be purchased for £10.00 of which I will donate £2.00 to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.”

If you are interested in purchasing Ralph’s book then please send a cheque for £10.00, plus £2.00 p.p (£12) payable to R H NEEDHAM at Hall Farm Pedlar Lane South Cockerington Louth Lincolnshire LN11 7EX

and Colin heading up Arable and Livestock, will give us the maximum opportunity to grow our business by understanding our customers’ needs and how we can best serve them,” concludes Alistair Folly.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

New Chief Executive for RWAS A senior officer in Dyfed-Powys Police, Chief Superintendent Steve Hughson, has been appointed chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society. r Hughson has been in charge of frontline policing for the whole of Dyfed and Powys as head of the four police divisions in the force area.

A farmer’s son from Newbridge-on-Wye he has become a well known figure throughout Mid Wales since transferring to Dyfed-Powys Police from the London Metropolitan Police in 1992. He took the lead in the creation of a partnership with the National Farmers Union and the Farmers Union of Wales to tackle the issue of rural crime.

“During his long career in the police service he has focused on supporting rural farming and his appointment brings sound management experience and vision to the helm of the society,” said Mr John Davies, chairman of the Royal Welsh Board of Directors.

Steve Hughson comes from a strong farming background of many generations and takes an active role in running the family hill farm situated on the edge of the Cambrian

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08 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

Mountains and largely dedicated to sheep production. He is a past member of the Young Farmers Club movement and stock judging competitor at the Royal Welsh Show. He has supported Nantmel Agricultural Show as vice chairman and outdoor secretary. He has also supported the Royal Welsh Show for many years and has worked to improve its approach to traffic and wider event management and this has made a substantial contribution to the success of recent shows.

Married to Andrea, he has two daughters, Katie and Stephanie, both enthusiastic equestrians. He is passionate about outdoor activities and is a founder member of the annual WAAT4 endurance event in the Brecon Beacons which has raised more than £100,000 for local charities including Brecon Mountain Rescue and Wales Air Ambulance.

Although not yet fluent in Welsh, he is improving his knowledge of the language and is enrolling in an intensive learners course at

Bangor University in readiness for his new role.

“I am patently aware of the huge contribution the Welsh language has made to the success of the society and the show,” he said. “It is for that reason that I shall be committing myself to developing further my Welsh speaking skills.”

He will retire from the police shortly and take up the post in March next year alongside the outgoing chief executive, David Walters, who retires in May.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Turkeys for Troops launched for British soldiers Injured British soldiers will be tucking into a home-grown farm-reared turkey dinner this Christmas thanks to a number of donations from producers up and down the country.

he NFU’s UK Turkeys website has teamed up with Connect Packaging and has launched its Turkeys for Troops campaign which, with the help of the Ministry of Defence, will feed scores of soldiers, past and present, for their Christmas day meal.

Farmers will be delivering their turkeys to Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire, Headley Court in Surrey, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, the Royal Star and Garter in Richmond, the Royal Hospital in Chelsea as well as units in Colchester and Edinburgh. It is expected that up to 1,200 dinners will be served as a result.

Kent-based turkey farmer Clive Wreathall, whose son Scott will be heading to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for training, is just one farmer who has thrown his support behind the campaign “We are only too pleased to be supporting Turkeys for Troops, particularly as my eldest son, who is 21-years-old, is about to join the Army. Our Armed Services personnel deserve our full support.”

Lt Col Mel Pears, Commanding Officer of the 15x (NE) Personnel Recovery Unit in Catterick, said: “I would like to, on behalf of every soldier under my command, say thank you to the NFU. The wounded, injured and sick of the 15x (NE)

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PRU are very pleased with this practical demonstration of support, a gift of turkeys this Christmas.

“It will provide happiness and comfort to each family during what will be a reflective and emotional time. I would like to add my personal thanks to those involved with providing this gift knowing that people are thinking of our injured troops at this time makes a real difference.”

NFU President Peter Kendall said: “We are extremely proud of the generosity shown by those turkey producers who have donated towards this campaign. From the farmers, to the Ministry of Defence and to our packaging partners, there has been nothing but genuine goodwill behind the idea of Turkeys for Troops. We sincerely hope they enjoy tucking into some really fantastic British produce for their Christmas meals.”

Connect Packaging managing director Robert Davidson said: “Connect Packaging has provided high quality packaging for UK turkey producers for many years and we are delighted to support the turkey industry’s Turkeys for Troops initiative. We are proud to be part of this

campaign that will deliver the best British farm fresh turkeys to our wonderful soldiers.”

Shoppers who want to find a turkey reared near to them can logon to www.ukturkeys.co.uk, where they can search using their postcode and browse from more than 300 producers.

Buying a local bird supports your local farmer, supports the local economy and the countryside, and is just one example of how British farmers are helping to put food on plates this festive season.

Kingswood phone App A smart phone app for the popular Kingswood herd program is now available. ark Allen is one of the first farmers to use the app and he said; “We’ve been using the Kingswood herd program for a few years and it’s a great benefit to be able to use it on my phone. I can look up an animal’s data when I’m working with it and I can also add in details on the phone which really speeds up the process.”

George Megarry of TGM

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Software said; "With so many farmers now using smart phones this should prove to be a useful addition to the range of Kingswood products. It will give farmers more choice in how they use the program when they’re not in front of their computers.”

For more details contact TGM Software Solutions on 028 92 689681 or visit www.tgmsoftware.com

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bellard Court, Platts Lane, Duddon, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0EU 10 |Tel: Farming 01829 Monthly 749391 | December 2012

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

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| News

‘Ugly veg’ rule change means more British produce on sale Over three hundred thousand tonnes of British produce, enough to fill 2,500 Boeing 747400 freight planes, is estimated to have reached supermarket shelves this year after retailers relaxed product specifications for fruit and vegetables following a difficult growing season. he NFU says growers across the country have welcomed the efforts being shown by major supermarkets to make use of imperfect, weather-marked produce, including potatoes, parsnips, sprouts, swedes and apples, rather than rejecting them on the grounds of appearance.

So far this season, concessions made by the major retailers include: an early move by Waitrose to accept shorter carrots, thinner parsnips and smaller strawberries; a decision by Morrisons to incorporate smaller than usual versions of broccoli, leeks, sprouts, swedes, apples and pears into its value ranges; a commitment from Sainsbury’s to use all fruit and veg that meets regulations and stands up on taste, also incorporating them into products such as ready-prepared

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salads, mash in ready meals and fillings in bakery products.

Walter Simon, a Pembrokeshire potato grower and member of the NFU’s horticulture and potatoes board, said: “I am delighted that retailers have responded to an exceptional growing year by relaxing their specifications on potatoes and, importantly, telling consumers about the reasons for any slight changes they may notice in the potatoes they buy.

“The packing sector is working extremely hard to market the British crop and deliver the very best of what we have available, including potatoes that might have been rejected on the grounds of size, shape or colour in any other year.”

Apple grower Ali Capper, from Worcestershire, said she had benefitted from changes in specifications applied to apple colour and skin finish.

“It’s reassuring that retailers have recognised what a challenging year it has been for growing tree fruit throughout Europe,” she added. “Supply is very short so a sensible approach to specifications that allows more perfectly edible fruit through supermarket doors is welcomed.

This more relaxed approach could be extended into future years to ensure that the minimum amount of fruit is wasted at farm level.”

Earlier this year, the NFU called on retailers to adopt a more realistic approach to sourcing ‘out of spec’ fruit and vegetables in its Catalyst for Change report to prevent thousands of tonnes of perfectly edible fruit and vegetables being wasted every year and to reduce imports.

NFU chief horticulture and potatoes adviser Hayley CampbellGibbons said: “In accepting to buy weather-blemished and wonky produce this season, shoppers are sending a very clear message that they are happy to eat food that may not pass a beauty contest, but still tastes great.

“Nobody wants consumers to compromise on quality, but just because a carrot is bent, or the skin of an apple is marked, it’s perfectly useable, can offer great value and most importantly reduces wastage in the food chain.

Let’s hope that retailers carry on with this sensible approach to sourcing so that more of the food we produce in Britain can actually make it onto the shelf.”

CLA Committee Chairman takles Lord Smith on flooding Charlie Ainge, also a Somerset farmer shares his views. he CLA has told the Environment Agency it should transfer the responsibility of major drainage systems on the Somerset Levels and Moors to farmer co-operatives or Inland Drainage Boards (IDBs) if budget cuts mean it is not able to manage and maintain flood defences.

Charlie Ainge, Somerset farmer and Chairman of the CLA’s national Business and Rural Economy Committee, met Environment Agency chairman, Lord Smith, on 30 November to show him the flooding encountered by farmers in the South West.

Mr Ainge said: “We asked Lord Smith to consider allowing the IDBs or another appropriate body to take over the work where the Environment Agency is unable to do it. As long as clear objectives are laid out for the drainage boards, I think many of the farmers down here would consider contributing towards the cost rather than having to endure another year like this one.

“We expect flooding down here in the winter months, but the failure to maintain the major

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drainage channels means the land remains saturated for longer, compounding spring and summer flooding. That means we cannot grow enough quality feed to carry our animals through the winter and we now have to buy in feed just to ensure they get the energy they need.”

Mr Ainge farms at Wedmore in Somerset, where 190 acres of his 200-acre livestock farm are under water. He warned Lord Smith that the continued lack of investment in flood and water management systems could lead to livestock farms becoming unviable on the Levels and the Moors.

The meeting with Lord Smith came on the day Defra announced an additional £120million spend on flood defence, but CLA Head of Environment Derek Holliday said the funding will do little to help alleviate problems on the Somerset Levels.

He said: “This money is targeted at capital projects but what is needed in the South West is spending on maintenance to keep the main rivers and drainage channels free so there can be better management of the flow of water.”

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 11

| News

12 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

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| Machinery

New LB 4 series brings a boost to large baler performance A radical redesign, a considerable increase in efficiency and new innovations characterise the newest generation of large square balers from Case IH: the LB 4 series. he new four-model range comprises the LB324 (baler dimensions 80 x 70 cm), LB 334 (bale dimensions 80 x 90 cm), LB 424 (120 x 70 cm) and LB 434 (120 x 90 cm).

The all-round square baler for all crop types On the new LB series virtually all key component areas have been revised or redeveloped. These include an extremely rugged central frame and a new pickup and rotor system for efficient crop gathering and transfer to the bale chamber.

Case IH development engineers have kept some of the proven components from the previous LB series, including the extremely reliable double knotter system. On the latest machines, one of the key options is a new compressed air cleaning system to ensure reliability by keeping knotters clear of dust and debris. This is a further enhancement to the improved current knotter cleaning system and is used for extremely dusty conditions.

New design - new advantages The exterior appearance of the new LB series reflects the completely new design. For the first time, extremely rugged and high quality composite synthetic materials have been used for the body panels. In addition to saving weight, this also greatly reduces the quantity of dust that enters the baler and does much to keep dust deposits off the machine itself. The entire front section of the body can now be easily opened upwards to provide access to all drives for maintenance and servicing, as can full-width panels at either side.

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More pickup performance Many of the LB 4 balers’ key innovations can be found in the new pickup, which now has a 2.40m working width. A swath windguard, available in a rake or roller version and manuallyadjustable to match crop conditions, works with an additional intake auger plus central feed roller to ensure rapid and loss-free material transfer, even with bulky harvest material.

The pneumatic jockey wheels on the pickup can be adjusted for different working conditions without the need for tools. New heavy-duty materials and components are used for the pickup fingers, for greater strength and cleaner gathering in all types of crop, including biomass materials such as maize straw.

Pickup height is easily adjusted for thorough crop collection whatever the type or condition, and minimises the risk of damage to the pickup. The large pneumatic jockey wheels together with the adjustable suspension system ensure maximum protection to the pickup, even when working in rough fields at high speeds Optimum crop flow and faster compression chamber filling While designing the plunger system, Case IH engineers focused on boosting crop flow rate, and the use of new materials and a revised layout have resulted in faster straight-line crop flow within

the baler, optimising transfer from pickup to the pre-compression chamber and to handle the large capacity efficiently. The plunger speed has now been increased to 48 strokes per minute to provide the higher capacity. The result is an increase in performance over previous models depending on operating conditions.

Compact and manoeuvrable In spite of their higher performance and capacity, new LB series balers feature a very compact construction and are less than 3m wide on 600mm-wide tyres. Transport speeds of 40kph are possible.

New service deck At the rear of the new LB 4 balers is a new service deck, accessed by safe and convenient steps, which allows any maintenance work to be performed safely. An optional Comfort Package includes a deck safety rail, large dust-tight toolbox and a water tank for hand washing.

AFS innovations Modern control and AFS management systems are already standard on LB balers, with a choice between AFS 300 and topof-the-range AFS 700 colour monitors to control the ISOBUScompatible machines. It is also possible to operate the balers through the terminals of other manufacturers’ ISOBUScompatible tractors.

New steering aid helps improve bale consistency The Case

IH AFS monitor continuously supervises and displays all key baler functions including the knotters. On LB 4 models, a new visual steering aid assists operators in picking up very small or irregular swaths and ensures uniform, sturdy bales are formed even in difficult conditions. On the AFS Pro 700 monitor, images from several video cameras can be displayed simultaneously.

A GPS logger is available as an option for recording bale moisture and, together with a bale weighing system, can be used for complete bale documenting. Data can be exported onto a USB drive if required. With GPS data logging and computer mapping software, all data relating to the baling process can be viewed at any time.

Two bale ejection possibilities The standard bale ejector empties the chamber, which opens wide for easier removal. The additional partial bale ejector ejects only the finished bale while keeping the next incomplete bale in the chamber, allowing the bale chute to be folded away for transport.

Fewer stops Twine storage space has been increased to accommodate a total of 32 balls, meaning more time spent baling and fewer stops for refilling.

New Case IH LB 4 series balers are available for the 2013 season and can be ordered now.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Animal Health

Wet weather leads to increase in Liver Fluke Bimeda has just the answer in Bimectin Plus. t is that time of the year again; Housing is here and cattle are now being housed. It must be borne in mind that cattle have spent the summer grazing in the wettest conditions we have seen for many years.

These conditions have been ideal for development of a number of parasites including stomach worms (Trichostrongylosis), lungworm or husk and liver fluke (Fascioliasis).

Liver fluke (Fascioliasis) is caused by a specific flatworm, known as Fasciola hepatica. This parasite has a complicated life cycle that typically takes from 9-20 weeks to progress from beginning to end. Immature stages of the liver fluke are also able to survive in a cyst-like structure, similar to Dictyocaulus. The encysted fluke can survive in this state for up to 2 years, particularly over mild winters. This has knock on effects for control measures as it means that once fluke is established, control programmes must be followed year-in, year-out. Liver fluke levels have been rising consistently in the UK over recent years and farms on all types of land, including those on traditionally drier land must now

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ensure fluke surveillance and control strategies are in place. The mild weather of last winter coupled with the record rain fall of this summer have being ideal for high fluke and snail levels this year in particular and many abattoirs are reporting high levels of liver condemnation than previously seen. Remember that sub-clinical fluke in cattle causes reduced profitability due to lack of thrive, reduced food conversion efficacy, lowered fertility and reduced milk yield. So just because your stock do not have obvious symptoms such as bottle –jaw, diarrhoea and weight loss does not mean your stock are fluke free.

Trichostrongylosis (Ostertagiasis) is caused by a family of roundworm parasites.

One of the most notable parasites in this group is Trichlostronglus Ostertagii. These parasites cause Parasitic Gastroenteritis (PGE), of which there are two types. Type 1 PGE is caused directly by the presence of large numbers of roundworms within the intestine, each feeding on the intestinal lining, thereby depriving the bovine host of nutrients. Type 2 is caused by immature worms burrowing into the lining of the

intestine and re-emerging in large numbers mid-winter. Type 1 PGE is the type most commonly encountered during the summer grazing season. These parasites typically develop from egg to adult within 21-28 days, in warm weather 21 days is more common.

Lungworm or Husk (Dictyocauliasis) is caused by a roundworm which effectively lodges itself within the windpipes of the bovine host. This leads to obstruction of the airways, along with collapse of the air sacs (known as alveoli) within the lung.

It is not uncommon for bacterial or viral pneumonia to develop secondary to lungworm infestation. Lungworm is most commonly seen in young grazing stock which, cough when excited or roused. The duration of the life cycle of these worms is similar to that of the roundworms. However, part of the development is spent on pasture within a cyst-like structure, where the immature

worm can quite easily overwinter.

This allows the infestation to persist from one grazing season to the next.

Lungworms, stomach worms, external parasites and liver fluke can all have a devastating economic effect on the cattle herd.

Bimectin Plus is the recent addition to the Bimeda product range which can help you to control all of theses parasites.

Bimectin plus contains Ivermectin and Clorsulon, two potent anthelmintics. Clorsulon is a potent flukicide, causing adult liver fluke to become unable to metabolise sugar and to die of starvation. This powerful combination allows you to control adult liver fluke, internal and external parasites in one injection.

For more details on Bimectin Plus or any of the Bimeda product range please go to www.bimeda.co.uk or ask your local stockist.

or even housed this will help reduce the challenge the animals are receiving.

Rumen fluke has been diagnosed on some farms but unless you have a problem liver fluke is still the main threat. The

treatment for rumen fluke is oxyclozanide which only kills adult liver fluke so using it at this time of year could leave animals at risk from acute liver fluke.

Visit www.scops.org.uk for further information.

Fluke season: “As bad as expected�

Wet weather has amplified the problem. he SCOPS group put out a fluke alert at the end of summer warning that due to the wet summer the fluke risk would be high and to make sure prescribers discussed the situation with their farmers The fluke challenge has, as anticipated, been very high this year and the traditional treatment times are no longer applicable.

None of the flukicides are persistent so the minute the stock graze fluke infested pasture again they get reinfected. The fluke numbers are so high at the moment sheep may show clinical disease 4-5 weeks after treatment.

RE-treatment times are not exact and will vary from farm to farm but local sources of information like VI centres may give a guide on the current situation. NADIS www.nadis.co.uk) also give forecasts for the UK. In the autumn acute disease caused by the immature fluke is

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most prevalent in sheep so treatments should kill these immature flukes and triclabendazole (TBZ) is the treatment of choice unless it is not effective on your farm. Resistance to some flukicides does occur but reinfection is more common.

Another reason for drenches apparently not working is underestimating the weight of the animals especially adult ewes. Any underestimation could make the dose inadequate and severe consequences can occur. There are very limited medicines available to kill the very young flukes so make sure farmers investigate any apparent treatment failures so you can make good decisions on how to control fluke for the rest of this year and the years to come.

Anthelmintics on their own may not be enough in very badly affected areas so if animals can be moved to any dry ground available

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| On Topic

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| On Topic

On Topic

Transgenic crop plants and agricultural development in the developing countries

By Shanthu Shantharam, Professor, Seed Science Center and Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products (BIGMAP) Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA shanthus@iastate.edu

GM crops: The potential to feed the world?

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| On Topic

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“A close examination of safety issues reveals that according to leading biotechnology regulatory agencies, they are no more or no less risky than conventional GM crops developed through breeding and mutagenesis.”

The era of new biology really started with the discovery of the structure of Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) that was conclusively shown to be the basis of genes and their expression. Modern biology has witnessed phenomenal advancements in the last fifty years and is considered the 'golden age of biology'. This new growth gave rise to a variety of techniques and tools with which to manipulate basic macromolecules of a cell. It is the precise manipulation of the DNA molecule that resulted in the development of gene splicing or recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. Applying the tools and techniques to manipulate or alter DNA gave rise to one of the most transformative technologies of recent times and became known as 'modern biotechnology' in the late seventies. Since then, 'modern biotechnology' has developed into a multi-billion dollar global industry. The first generation of transgenic crop plants with just input traits like insect resistance, virus resistance and herbicide tolerance developed to

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make growers life easier, was commercialized in 1996. Since the advent of transgenic crop plants, they are grown in almost thirty countries of the world and occupy more than a billion acres.

However, the development of GM crops has been accompanied by lots of cooked up controversies regarding their biosafety, environmental safety and public health, in addition to the suitability of the GM crops being sustainable to developing countries agriculture. The anti-GM protestations have taken an ugly turn, with many non-governmental organizations and civil society groups vandalizing test plots, throwing fire to the agricultural technology laboratories and even threatening the lives of research scientists. The opposition to GM crops technology takes its origin in Europe and is spreading like wildfire into global agriculture.

India and the Philippines have become a flash-point for the implementation of GM crops. It is not certain how these antitechnology movements will ever agree to resolve technology issues in the near term. Just like the African continent completely missed the first green revolution, many parts of the world might miss the biotech revolution, which some say can be the harbinger of an ever-green revolution.

A close examination of safety issues reveals that according to leading biotechnology regulatory agencies, they are no more or no less risky than conventional GM crops developed through breeding and mutagenesis. In fact, leading scientific bodies like the leading science academies of the world have decreed that modern day transgenic crops developed through gene splicing technology are a part of the continuum of the quest for improving crops and animal species for the betterment of the world. They also argue that necessary precautions are being taken by regulating the technological development to make sure that no unknown dangers crop up. Wherever cultivation of the first generation of biotech crops has occurred, both ex ante and post-ante assessments have shown that they have increased the yield potential in real terms and in addition, there is measurable positive socioeconomic impacts on growers and communities. For example, cultivation of Bt cotton in India has resulted in the country being elevated to the position of second largest grower of cotton within four years; Bt maize cultivation has accrued similar benefits in addition to controlling secondary fungal infections by alkaloid fumaricin. Bt and Herbicide Tolerant (HT) GM crops have lessened the quantum of applications of insecticide and herbicide, reducing the chemical

load on the agricultural landscape.

There is irrefutable empirical data to show that the biotech crops are scale neutral and they can benefit a wide range of farmers in the developing world. By saving on excessive chemical application, GM crops have brought measurable cost benefit to the growers and have improved the health of farm workers by lessening exposure. All of the above points clearly demonstrate that biotech crops are both economically and environmentally sustainable in developing countries.

“What is really needed are regulatory agencies that the public can trust” In addition to the first generation output traits of biotech crops, the second generation of biotech crops are making the foray into agriculture - the input trait biotech crops, also known as biofortifed crops. Using both the marker assisted breeding and transgenesis, major food crops like rice, corn, sorghum and wheat have been modified to provide increased nutrition like the micronutrients and vitamins that are sorely needed in the poor countries of the world. The power of transgenic technology is that traits that are in organisms that do not normally breed with the crop plants with which they do not have sexual compatibility, can be transferred by splicing the piece of DNA coding for the chosen trait into the recipient organism. In other words, biotechnology offers a powerful tool to break down species barriers and transfer traits across species, genera, and kingdoms of living organisms. The opportunity for improving crops and animals using this gene splicing technology is limitless and is already happening in many laboratories around the world.

What is really needed are regulatory agencies that the public can trust and who can assure them of the safety of biotech crops and the utility of the same.

Growers can then decide on the economic benefits of these crops and the consuming public will decide whether they will buy such crops.

Modern biotechnology is only the second technological intervention that agriculture has faced in its 10,000 year history, and the one that will truly transform the face of agriculture in areas of the world where the major backbone of economic activity is agriculture. All stakeholders must come together to objectively assess the safety and potential of this powerful technology for the welfare of humankind.

On Topic

enetically engineered crops developed by using the gene splicing technology are also known as Transgenic Crops. Use of the term Genetically Modified (GM) crops just to identify transgenic crops is not really inappropriate as all cultivated plants in today’s agriculture have been modified albeit using conventional genetic techniques like mutation breeding, selection and modification or even using domestication. In this sense, all plants in agriculture are GM crops. This distinction is important in order to understand the role of genetics in crop improvement throughout the development history of modern agriculture. In fact, in the 10,000 year history of agriculture, modern science of genetics made its debut just about 150 years ago, when Gregor Johann Mendel demonstrated the role of inherent factors (genes) being responsible for visibly identifiable traits or characteristics.

The concept of genes underwent phenomenal evolution along with astounding developments in modern biology or new biology.

Prof. Shanthu Shantharam, Iowa State University, USA

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Arable

GM industry fund parliamentary group to promote return of GM crops to Britain A way to ‘feed the world’ or merely a marketing ploy to lock farmers in to higher cost products? eneWatch UK warned today that the GM industry is funding a major push to return GM crops to return GM crops to Britain by promoting misleading claims in parliament that they are needed to “feed the world”. George Freeman MP's AllParty Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture is being used by Monsanto and other GM companies to lobby on behalf of their business interests.

Funders of the APPG include the industry body the Agricultural Biotechnology Council (ABC), which represents the major GM crop companies (BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, Pioneer (DuPont), Monsanto and Syngenta). Other funders include the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board

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(ADHB) (1). The funding is provided via Front Foot Communications, which is run by the Secretary of SCIMAC, a grouping of industry organisations along the UK farm supply chain, established in 1998 to support the introduction of GM crops in the UK. In July 2011 the Prime Minister and the Science Minister David Willetts appointed Freeman as Government Life Science Advisor and he has been a vocal advocate of GM crops.

“Lobbyists from the GM industry have infiltrated parliament and are promoting GM crops to government as a way to ‘feed the world’” said Dr Helen Wallace, Director of GeneWatch UK, “But the sad truth is they only want to expand the market for their products and lock farmers into a treadmill where they continually

pay more for patented GM seeds and expensive chemicals”.

The ABC met ministers in June, with George Freeman MP and representatives of taxpayer-funded research institutes and the NFU, to promote a pro-GM agenda (2). UK scientists are being encouraged to call for weaker regulation of GM crops in Europe and to help expand GM crops into Africa, on the grounds that more research on GM crops is needed to “feed the world”. However, the pipeline of GM crops awaiting approval in the EU consists mainly of herbicidetolerant and pest-resistant GM crops that are already on the market in the USA. These crops are causing major problems for farmers in the USA and elsewhere as resistance develops to the weedkillers used and the toxins in the plants, leading to superweeds and superpests (3).

Last week the AIC, one of the members of the grouping, published a report arguing that the AHDB should have much greater control over the research agenda and fund more work on GM crops.

The report was timed to feed into a government consultation on technology in agriculture (4).

“This is a carefully co-ordinated push to grow GM crops commercially in Britain and put GM foods back on supermarket shelves” said Dr Wallace, “But the GM industry’s claims are totally disconnected from reality: costs for farmers will go up, not down, if they have to pay for patented GM seeds and expensive chemicals.

Non-GM farmers will be forced to pay the costs of segregating their higher-value products and will lose markets if there is any accidental spread or mixing of low-value GM crops”.

DSV achieves three recommended list firsts SV achieved three highly significant firsts in the 2013/14 HGCA Recommended Lists –which not only sets a new precedent for the company but also has implications for the direction of future plant breeding, believes DSV UK managing director Mike Mann. he company’s new hybrid semi-dwarf oilseed rape variety Troy is the highest yielding semi-dwarf ever tested by the HGCA, Marathon oilseed rape has the highest overall seed yield and DSV’s first ever UK wheat variety Chilton becomes the new group two top performer.

“The achievements of these three new varieties are significant in many ways,” he says.

“For a start it’s genuine testament to the breeding skills and insight of what is really still a relatively small player in global breeding terms, but also because it shows the importance of breeding strong genetics specifically for the UK.” Against a backdrop of large areas of lodged crop and low yields last year due to adverse weather conditions, Troy has the best combination of yield and standing power in the HGCA top ten oilseed rape varieties nationally and is the highest yielding hybrid in the Northern region – which bore the brunt of last year’s poor weather.

Not only does Marathon achieve top seed yield with 105% of the control it also has the best stem and lodging characteristics of the top five yielding varieties on the list, following in the footsteps of DSV’s hugely successful Compass oilseed rape variety.

As well as being the highest yielding group two winter wheat outright with an outstanding quality profile, DSV’s new variety Chilton shows the most stable performance in the group with

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a yield that has varied by a maximum of only 2% either side of its average over the last four years. Other group two varieties have suffered yield fluctuations of up to 11% over the same period.

“The bottom line is these are ‘real world’ varieties developed to be tolerant of all sorts of conditions and with an inherent genetic stability that lets them express their full potential in a wide variety of locations and environmental ranges.

“As a breeder this is the direction we have been committed to for several years – developing strong, versatile and dependable varieties that cope with adversity well – but as an industry, it is something we have all now got to embrace.

“The world is changing, demands on agriculture are growing and there is strong evidence that our weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable with greater fluctuations in rainfall and temperature than ever.”

Growers are adapting to these changes in their management and breeders owe it to them to make the same adjustments and focus more on varieties that give them security of production, Mike Mann says.

“The time when marketing varieties that can only perform well when conditions are just right or using statistics based on highly favourable years, is rapidly coming to an end.“

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| Arable

Major breakthrough in deciphering Bread Wheat’s genetic code Achievement expected to increase wheat yields sustainably in the face of climate change, help feed a growing population and speed up development of wheat varieties with enhanced nutritional value. cientists have unlocked key components of the genetic code of one of the world’s most important crops.

The first analysis of the complex and exceptionally large bread wheat genome, published in Nature, is a major breakthrough in breeding wheat varieties that are more productive and better able to cope with disease, drought and other stresses that cause crop losses.

The identification of around 96,000 wheat genes, and insights into the links between them, lays strong foundations for accelerating wheat improvement through advanced molecular breeding and genetic engineering.

The research contributes to directly improving food security by facilitating new approaches to wheat crop improvement that will accelerate the production of new wheat varieties and stimulate new research. The analysis comes just two years after UK researchers finished generating the sequence.

The project was led by Neil Hall, Mike Bevan, Keith Edwards, Klaus Mayer, from the University of Liverpool, the John Innes Centre, the University of Bristol, and the Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Helmholtz-Zentrum, Munich, respectively, and Anthony Hall at the University of Liverpool. W. Richard McCombie at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Jan Dvorak at the Univerisity of California, Davis, led the US contribution to the project.

The team sifted through vast amounts of DNA sequence data, effectively translating the sequence into something that scientists and plant breeders can use effectively. All of their data and analyses were freely available to users world-wide.

Professor Neil Hall said: “The raw data of the wheat genome is like having tens of billions of scrabble letters; you know which letters are present, and their quantities, but they need to be assembled on the board in the right sequence before you can spell out their order into genes.”

“We’ve identified about 96,000 genes and placed them in an approximate order. This has made a strong foundation for both further refinement of the genome and for identifying useful genetic variation in genes that scientists and breeders can use for crop improvement.”

Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “This groundbreaking research is testament to the excellence of Britain’s science base and demonstrates the capability we want to build on through the agri-tech strategy currently being developed.

“The findings will help us feed a growing global population by speeding up the development of new varieties of wheat able to cope with the challenges faced by farmers worldwide.”

Wheat has a global output of over 680million tonnes; bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) provides over a fifth of the calories that we eat.

As the global population and the demand for wheat rises, major efforts are underway to improve productivity by producing varieties that

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can withstand adverse weather and disease, and that provide greater yields. However, until now the very large size and complexity of the genome have been significant barriers to crop improvement.

Klaus Mayer said: “Bread wheat is a complex hybrid, composed of the complete genomes of three closely related grasses. This makes it very complex and large; in total it is almost five times bigger than the human genome.”

“Because of this, we took a novel approach to analysing the data, and we have been successful in turning it into accessible and useful resources that will accelerate breeding and the discovery of varieties with improved performance - for example better disease resistance and stress tolerance.”

Breeders and researchers are now able to select plants with desirable combinations of genes using the genetic landmarks in the wheat genome. These landmarks can be incorporated directly into breeding programmes to make more reliable and deliberate choices of wheat varieties that exhibit specific traits.

Professor Mike Bevan said: “This research enables breeders and researchers to generate huge numbers of genetic markers to identify regions of the wheat genome carrying useful traits. This is one of the key practical uses of the genome resources we created.

“With markers, breeders can track the genetic makeup of plants when new varieties are being bred. Plants lacking the desired traits can be eliminated more efficiently, and those with desired characteristic identified more quickly, speeding up the production of new varieties from a far wider range of wheat varieties, including wild relatives that have many useful traits such as disease and stress tolerance.”

The researchers made this rapid progress by developing a new strategy that compared wheat’s genetic sequences to known grass genes (for example from rice and barley), and also comparing these to the simpler genomes of wheat’s ancestors. This revealed a highly dynamic genome that has undergone genetic loss as a consequence of domestication.

Professor Keith Edwards commented: “Since 1980, the rate of increase in wheat yields has declined. Analysis of the wheat genome sequence data provides a new and very powerful foundation for breeding future generations of wheat more quickly and more precisely, to help address this problem.”

The analysis is already being used in research funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to introduce a wider range of genetic variation into commercial cultivars and make use of wild wheat’s untapped genetic reservoirs that could help improve

tolerance to diseases and the effects of climate change. The wheat breeding community and seed suppliers have welcomed the research.

The sequence data has been deposited at the European Nucleotide Archive and is also available from databases in the UK www.cerealsdb.uk.net/) and Germany http://mips.helmholtzmuenchen.de/plant/wheat/uk454survey/index.js p). Researchers from the European Bioinformatics Institute, Kansas State University, and the United Sates Department of Agriculture were also vital to the project’s success. The research was possible thanks to major funding was form the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the EU and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Professor Douglas Kell, BBSRC Chief Executive, said: “In the face of this year’s wheat crop losses, and worries over the impact on prices for consumers, this breakthrough in our understanding of the bread wheat genome could not have come at a better time. This modern strategy is a key component to supporting food security and gives breeders the tools to produce more robust varieties with higher yields. It will help to identify the best genetic sequences for use in breeding programmes.”

“The complexity of the wheat genome means that there is still more to learn and international efforts to complete a full sequence are vital to further maximise the potential of new wheat varieties.”

Following this announcement, BBSRC has urged for a redoubling of efforts by the International Wheat Initiative www.wheatinitiative.org) and the associated International Wheat Genome Sequencing Expert Group www.wheatgenome.org) to promote completion of the full sequence to progress further advances in wheat varieties at the earliest opportunity.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Buildings

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| Education

RAC raises the goalposts Royal Agricultural College apply for University title. ollowing the announcement by David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, about the application by a number of specialist higher education institutions, including the Royal Agricultural College, for university status and title, the Principal, Professor Chris Gaskell CBE, said: “We welcome the announcement from the Minister that ten institutions have been granted the opportunity to apply for university status and title, and that the Government has taken this step to recognise quality over quantity in higher education.

“We are very pleased to confirm that the Royal Agricultural College will indeed be taking up this opportunity.”

“The Royal Agricultural College

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is a world-class higher education institution. The first agricultural college in the English-speaking world, and based in Cirencester for over 165 years, we have a strong reputation for the quality of our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, our research and our connections with the industries we serve.”

“Our decision to apply for the change in title reflects our view that ‘university’ best describes what the institution does and aspires to do; university title will benefit our students, their employers and the industries to which they contribute – and agriculture, food and land management are some of the most important industries in the world today.”

MERL annual lecture Minister contends that human intervention through partnership is the only way to protect countryside. uman intervention is the only way we are going to protect the countryside we love. The countryside didn’t just happen – it was created by humans,” Richard Benyon MP, Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, told a packed audience at the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) Annual Lecture at the University of Reading on Thursday (29 Nov).

He outlined the importance of the work that the current Government had contributed to the protection of the countryside but recognised the limitations of what Government could do in the future. He called for a joint stewardship of the countryside through a broad partnership of interested parties, including wildlife trusts, conservation groups, research organisations individual charitable donors and importantly, farmers and landowners.

“Any Government is not going to be able to spend any more than it is today on support for farmers.

We therefore have to look firstly to farmers and landowners themselves, building on their enthusiasm, their know-how, their knowledge,” the Minister said.

Mr Benyon went on to talk passionately on other themes linked to the future of the British countryside, including species protection and the role of culling,

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as a conservation tool. “Making the decision to control an abundant species because of the damage it is doing to the population of another species is never easy. But if we want a countryside that is rich in wildlife, for our children and our grandchildren to enjoy, we need to start looking seriously at these options now.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Reading said: “Richard Benyon’s stimulating and thought-provoking lecture raises very important issues that are at the heart of the future of the UK, and indeed the world. Our research at the University in the areas of food security, climate change, planning, sustainability and agriculture, will contribute to our understanding of a sustainable future for the countryside.”

Commenting on the role of universities in the area of food security, the Minster said: “How can you make farmers grow more food without causing greater damage to the environment? Of course, it can be achieved, and work done by farmers, and certainly by this great University, show that production can increase alongside an enhanced or protected environment.”

Richard Benyon MP was giving the MERL Annual Lecture 2012 at the University of Reading’s Museum of English Rural Life.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Forestry

Ash dieback disease advice from Natural England Helping Environmental Stewardship agreement holders and SSSI owners to deal with ash dieback disease. ver the next week, Natural England will be contacting the owners of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with advice on how they can help combat ash dieback disease (Chalara fraxinea) and providing important additional information to Environmental Stewardship (ES) customers on how to protect agrienvironment payments should the disease be found in young trees planted as part of Stewardship scheme.

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Geoff Sansome, Director of Land Management at Natural England, says: “Natural England is working closely with Defra, the Rural Payments Agency and the Forestry Commission to determine how we can best combat this disease and support those whose landholdings may be affected by it. We are getting in touch with our more than 60,000 Environmental Stewardship customers and SSSI owners to provide practical advice about the ash dieback disease and to ensure

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that land managers know what action they can take to help protect their Enviromental Stewardship payments in case the disease is identified on their holding.”

Advice for ES and other land management agreement holders: A key part of the advice is reassurance to Environmental Stewardship agreement holders that in view of the exceptional circumstances of ash dieback disease and the possible requirement to remove ash saplings that have been planted or managed under an ES scheme, Natural England will endeavour to protect their Environmental Stewardship payments under the scheme’s force majeure terms.

(Under standard ES scheme rules, the removal of trees forming part of an ES agreement would normally result in the terms of the agreement not being met, which can result in the recovery of grant payments).

To apply for force majeure, any agreement holders who receive a formal notification of the presence of the disease of their land need to inform Natural England in writing

within 10 working days of by contacting: Natural England, Customer Services, PO Box 530, Worcester WR5 2WZ or email cs.worcester@naturalengland.org. uk.

Agreement holders should also be aware, that this arrangement does not cover trees planted after the 30 October 2012, which is the date that the legislation was put into place to prevent the movement of ash seeds and plants.

Guidance for owners of SSSIs On a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) normal procedures will remain in place for works which require consent from Natural England or the Forestry Commission. Existing consents and licences will remain valid unless Natural England or the Forestry Commission advises otherwise. Anyone who has a SSSI on their land and is concerned that it may be affected by the disease should contact Natural England’s Customer Services team at Natural England, Customer Services, PO Box 530, Worcester WR5 2WZ, email cs.worcester@naturalengland.org. uk. or phone 0300 060 0011

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| Forestry

Top quality hedge laying Come out of the forest.. ...to save the trees at Championship event Held by the kind permission of the Earl of Yarborough on The Brocklesby Estate in North Lincolnshire, the 34th National Hedge Laying Championship welcomed almost one hundred of the country’s top hedge layers, competing for regional style honours and the Supreme Champion’s title in October this year. ne mile of hedging on the Brocklesby Estate has now been treated to some of the best hedge laying practice in Britain today, following the National Championship event held this autumn. A total 94 Cutters competed for more than twenty prizes, each tackling one of the eight regional hedge laying styles predominant in the UK today.

Different regional styles have developed over many years to suit the climate of an area, varying farming practices and the type of trees and shrubs that grow in a hedge, and in fact more than thirty different styles have been recorded across the UK. The eight styles seen in the National Championship for example, ranged from the extra sturdy ‘Midland Bullock’ – designed to withstand the weight of large cattle leaning against the hedge, to the densely-packed brush of the ‘Devon’ style which is normally sited on top of a bank and designed to secure sheep and lambs.

Taking the title of Supreme Champion at this year’s Championship event, Colin Clutterbuck of Bristol layed a top quality example of the North Somerset style hedge which sees stems held in place by alternating stakes on either side of the hedge, with some of the stems woven around to secure the stakes.

Along with the prized Supreme Champion’s trophy, Colin won a STIHL MS 150 C-E chain saw from Supreme Champion sponsor,

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STIHL GB. The MS 150 C-E chain saw is the lightest ever petrol model from the world-leading STIHL chain saw brand, and whilst it is certainly light in weight, it is no ‘lightweight’ when it comes to its task. Combining its power with an especially narrow saw chain means the new chain saw delivers a powerfully clean cut, and so is particularly suited to the pruning of branches and to tending young trees. It should be ideal in fact, for the hedge layer’s task and details on the new chain saw are available from the STIHL website : www.stihl.co.uk or from over 650 STIHL Approved Dealers nationwide.The National Hedge Laying Society’s website is full of useful information on hedge laying, including advice on planting and maintaining hedges, guidance on choosing a hedge layer and a Directory of contractors nationwide : www.hedgelaying.org.uk

Global forestry experts call for broadened approach to tackle climate change and deforestation on sidelines of U.N. climate talks

orestry experts have called for a new approach to managing land and tackling climate change – challenging the ongoing debate that forests have to be sacrificed for the sake of rural development and food security.

Governments, policymakers and scientists worldwide have been experimenting for years with different approaches to managing rural landscapes, from watershed management to habitat restoration, but these efforts are rarely done in concert to address climate change challenges.

“It is time to look at new ways of solving old problems,” said Peter Holmgren, Director General of the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in a keynote speech at Forest Day 6, a daylong event held on the sidelines of the United Nations climate talks in Doha.

“Climate change needs to be dealt with across sector boundaries. Forests and forestry must be looked at through the lenses of agriculture, food security and broader sustainable development. It is time for forestry to come out of the forest and contribute more broadly.”

Andreas Tveteraas, Senior Adviser to Norway's International Climate and Forest Initiative, supported this view: “The challenge is to do both forest conservation and increased food production [and not at] the expense of forests.

No doubt if a government has to choose between them, then the forests will always lose, so the challenge is to promote forest management in a way that goes hand in hand with feeding the population.”

A landscape-based approach, which looks at the synergies and trade-offs of managing a broad resource mix, has been hailed as a new way to bring together the agricultural, forestry, energy and fishery sectors to better manage the world’s resources while offering opportunities for climate adaptation and mitigation.

“The window to stay in a twodegree world is closing very rapidly,” said Mary Barton-Dock, Director of Climate Policy and Finance at the World Bank.

And in the context of a changing climate, she added, “A landscape approach is going to be essential to meet the growing need for food without invading forests.”

“Food security challenges are not something of the future,” said Deborah Bossio, Soils Research Area Director at the International

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Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

“We are moving beyond the era where land is plentiful and are now faced with increasing land scarcity.

Forest conservation can contribute and be a part of climate-smart agriculture.”

Nearly 4 billion hectares of forests cover the earth’s surface, roughly 30 percent of total land area. Yet the world is in the HYPERLINK "http://blog.cifor.org/12350/scientist s-pinpoint-activities-drivingdeforestation-and-urge-countriesto-take-action-at-doha/"grip of huge changes that are redefining pressures on forests, including urbanisation, increasingly meatbased diets, population growth and a booming demand for timber and agricultural products.

“Everything you thought you knew about deforestation in the 20th century is no longer true,” said Doug Boucher, Director of Climate Research and Analysis at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

“Population growth has decreased all around the world in rural areas, yet we are seeing massive urbanisation and the growth of urbanised industries interacting with each other… so we have to be alert to emerging drivers.”

Keeping forest people’s livelihoods on the climate change agenda Wu Hongbo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, highlighted invisible income forests provide to rural livelihoods.

“Formal cash contributions of forests to developing economies are at US$326 billion. This is more than twice the size of total official development assistance (ODA) flows.”

Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister for Water and the Environment in Uganda, highlighted the need to ensure that rural livelihoods are tackled as part of the climate change agenda.

“The challenges we are talking about tie intrinsically in with the eradication of poverty in our countries.”

Forests play an essential role within this broad approach of addressing conservation, rural livelihoods, biodiversity and food security, said Barton-Dock.

“Trees are really still our heroes in that they are working across our needs for water, our need for carbon and for the needs of local people. Moving towards landscapes will help us move towards sustainability.”

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Security

Tracker success Insurer urges farmers to fit trackers after device leads police to stolen quad bike. armers are being advised to fit trackers in their quad bikes after a vehicle with a hidden device onboard was recovered by police in Somerset within hours of being stolen from a Devon farm.

Thefts of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) are becoming an increasing problem but a tracker can ensure farmers are quickly reunited with their property, and save on inconvenience and cost in the process says South West insurer Cornish Mutual.

Farmer and Cornish Mutual Member Michael Pidsley decided to have a £350 tracker fitted to his new £4,500 Suzuki 400cc ATV after his previous quad bike was stolen just nine days after being bought.

His decision paid off when thieves stole his new machine from his farm near Honiton. The device triggered an alarm on his mobile phone enabling him to then track the vehicles whereabouts online and quickly guide police to a site in Somerset where the vehicle was found with minor damage.

Michael said: “You can set the

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tracker up to raise the alarm if the vehicle travels more than a set distance from the farm, which was what I did. When the alarm went off on the phone we were able to log on to our PC, see where it was and phone the police. The bike had £500 worth of damage done to it and a trailer and steam cleaner have not been recovered but that has been dealt with under our insurance policy with Cornish Mutual. The main thing was that we had the bike back and working quickly and so I would definitely suggest to other people that they look into having a tracker fitted.”

Trackers can be thumbnailsized and fitted in hidden locations on vehicles. Specifications vary but most are designed to detect illegal movement of the vehicle, using a motion sensor, and have GPS positioning technology to detect if a vehicle has been taken beyond a defined range. This can also be used to pinpoint the exact location of stolen vehicles.

For more information about Cornish Mutual, visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk or call 01872 277151.

Security problem? Don’t call us..we’ll call you!

Simple to use device calls up to four numbers when triggered by an intruder. o you want to be instantly alerted when you have an intruder on your land or property?

Do you want a covert device that can be positioned almost anywhere?

Do you need to secure an area where power is an issue and cabling is not viable?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, then the Poacher Catcher could solve your security issues.

The Poacher Catcher alerts you immediately to an intruder. It is a small, battery operated selfcontained unit which will monitor an area 24 hours a day. When an intruder is detected, Poacher Catcher will silently telephone up to 4 pre-programmed recipients so that appropriate action can be taken immediately.

The Poacher Catcher can also be programmed with a timer function. This allows activation periods to be set according to property use.

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Requiring minimal user setup, the Poacher Catcher is positioned correctly using a ‘walk test’ and then goes live 30 seconds later.

For further information, call

07775 602 766 or visit www.poachercatcher.co.uk The Poacher Catcher is manufactured in the UK by AKStevenson Ltd

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24 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

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| Shooting

Shoot and reload in comfort with MacWet

BASC challenges police spot checks

Suitable for all shooting disciplines, MacWet have developed a technologically advanced glove which really is ‘all grip and no slip’. he first of their kind on the shooting glove market, MacWet gloves are made from a uniquely responsive fabric which automatically adjusts to the climate to maintain maximum comfort, sensitivity and feel at all times. With an unrivalled grip, the high quality, high performance gloves have a superb fit for maximum control across all weather conditions.

The unique, breathable Aquatec fabric used on the palms and fingers of the gloves minimises the effects of humidity, perspiration and precipitation by actively drawing moisture away from the hand to the outside of the glove, where it is used to increase grip.

Whether conditions are dry, wet or humid, the gloves remain soft to the touch and with a natural drying time of just 5-10 minutes, comfort and feel are never compromised.

For a superior ‘second skin’ fit, the gloves, sold in pairs are available in 14 different sizes and 2 cuff lengths, all with adjustable cuff straps to ensure you remain comfortable whilst out shooting.

The lightweight Aquatec fabric and skin-tight fit of the MacWet gloves provides excellent trigger feel and sensitivity for complete control, so unlike traditional shooting gloves, there’s no need to expose your trigger finger for shooting. Popular with police shooting teams, the gloves ensure maximum grip and protection for your non-trigger hand from the heat of the barrel; you can even reload swiftly and safely without removing the gloves.

In wet or humid weather, the

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unique attributes of the MacWet gloves really come into their own. So with 100% grip even when wet, it is easy to see why the gloves are becoming essential shooting equipment for professionals as well as amateurs.

Top ladies shooter Becky Bream agrees they really do offer the ‘all grip, no slip’ qualities as promised: “I have worn MacWet gloves for three years now, they give a great grip, have a nice snug fit and are very comfortable. You really don’t notice them at all!”

Graham Evans from the Wales and GB Clay Shooting Team agrees: “In 35 years of shooting in top class events I never wore gloves; now I can’t shoot without them, they are brilliant!”

Extremely durable and machine washable up to 40°c, the gloves, starting at £27.99 a pair are available in two seasonal options to suit different weather conditions.

The mesh glove, developed specifically for warmer weather is available in 6 different colours and is designed to aid circulation around the hand, with light, cool and breathable mesh fabric on the back of the glove. While for cooler weather, the new Climatec glove, available in 4 different colours is windproof, water resistant and features a fleece lined fabric on the back of the glove for extra comfort and warmth. Please visit www.macwet.com for more information on the ‘all grip, no slip’ gloves.

When performance really counts, choose MacWet.

The UK's largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), has challenged a North Wales Police plan to carry out spot checks on legally held firearms and ammunition in breach of Government guidelines and without consulting stakeholders. he operation is due to start on 3rd December in South Gwynedd and will involve uniformed officers conducting unannounced checks on firearms storage and security.

BASC's objections include: 1) A uniformed police presence could compromise firearms security by announcing the presence of firearms in a home.

2) The police do not have automatic legal powers of entry to inspect firearms security.

3) The spot checks go against Home Office guidance, which states that home visits should be arranged by prior appointment at a mutually convenient time.

BASC also believes that uniformed officers without specialist firearms licensing training may be unaware of the details of legal requirements for firearms security. For example the method of secure storage is not specified in law which says that "reasonably practicable precautions" must be taken.

BASC has written to the Chief Constable of North Wales Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales

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to call a halt to the plan. BASC is also writing to every BASC member in the affected areas of Dwyfor, Eifionydd, and Meirionydd.

BASC's director of firearms Bill Harriman said: "We would rather be working with the police to improve security than working against this type of dragnet operation. BASC does not support this initiative and is advising members that they are not obliged to co-operate with it.

We believe if there is cause for concern with an individual, they should be dealt with on a caseby-case basis. We are advising members that they do not have to give police officers access to their home for the inspection of security unless the police are acting to protect life and property under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, they have a magistrates' warrant, a revocation letter has been served or they intend to seize a firearm used in a crime."

Any member who needs advice can contact BASC’s firearms team on 01244 573010.

Top tips to help market shoots Country Sports South West (CSSW) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) have published an online marketing guide for shoots. he guide contains top tips for selling your shoot and filling any let days you may have for the season.

It includes advice on websites and online marketing, hospitality and accommodation, testimonials, pricing and payment options, adding value and long-term strategies.

Annette Cole, senior manager of

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Country Sports South West, said: "Quite often there are simple areas in which a shoot can maximise its presence either on the internet or by improving customer service and value for money. Part of Country Sports South West's role is to offer advice to shoots through development and promotion. We have put a marketing sheet together so it can

be used as an easy reference guide for shoots of all sizes, so they can effectively market their services."

Country Sports South West is a project which aims to ensure that the South West region becomes a premier tourism destination for country sports and celebrated for its local game and fish. The project also aims to improve the visitor

experience and participation in country sports while developing rural tourism businesses.

The guide is available to download from the Country Sports South West website www.countrysportssouthwest.co.u k

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Energy

Gloucestershire farmer praises solar switch trend A Gloucestershire farm is reaping the rewards after a decision to switch to green energy.

fter a £160,000 investment, Berkeley Heath Farm near Dursley has completed the installation of new roof and ground-mounted solar panel arrays – a decision the farm’s climate conscious owner Tony Cullimore says is only the beginning of his green energy plans.

Mr Cullimore says that since March this year, the 186-acre farm has used 95 per cent of power generated by the solar panels, selling five per cent back to the grid.

The panels, installed by specialists Solar Solutions Malvern, are roof-mounted on three of the farm’s south-facing barns and a new 80-metre ground array in a nearby field. Together they generate almost 90 kilowatts of power with the potential to return a £750,000 profit for the farm after 25 years in the feed-intariff programme.

Famous in the county for its unusual animals, including a herd of American Bison and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Berkeley Heath Farm is one of the industry’s successful examples of farm diversification – mainly due to Mr Cullimore’s decision to develop a large proportion of his land to house Cattle Country Adventure Park.

The family-run park, which provides a 30-acre indoor and outdoor play area together with an educational centre, has thrived since opening 18 years ago.

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The growth of the adventure park and the farm convinced Mr Cullimore that studying green energy options was the ‘best and only way forward’.

Mr Cullimore, 61, said: “It has been well documented how important a role green energy is now playing across the farming industry. There is undoubtedly some nervousness amongst farmers on what is a relatively new trend but with research, advice, and working with professional installers, we’ve found a perfect solution to match our environmental ambitions.

“For me, protecting the environment is vital so being able to generate almost all of our electricity via the sun is tremendous. We’ve got a safe, low-maintenance solution and are making our land work that bit harder for us. It’s also exciting to show our visitors what we are doing, especially children who come on school visits.

“Planning permission was a possible concern when we looked into the technology a few years ago. But the Government quite rightly treat each application on its own merit and have sensibly removed some off-putting technical regulations which make the process with the local authorities far easier than some landowners may think.

“With 75 per cent of land in the UK being used for agriculture, I can’t shout loudly enough how important green energy is – it’s the

26 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

best and only way forward for our rapidly changing industry.”

Mr Cullimore added that the farm is also gaining from the installation of less well-known energy sources. An innovative ground source heat pump has been installed and a wind speed project is underway to evaluate the installation of a low-level wind turbine.

David McCann, managing director at Malvern-based Solar Solutions said: “Berkeley Heath Farm is an excellent example of how a farm with traditional and commercial interests can benefit from green energy.

“Tony has taken a long-term view and really led from the front.

Unlike many other farmers he has seen the future benefits and how carbon-emissions can be off-set for the gain of his business. He

has looked at new sources such as ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers – two relatively unexplored methods of generating power, but ones which are due to be rewarded by new incentives in 2013.”

Mr McCann, who set up Solar Solutions Malvern in 2010 and who specialise in the agricultural sector, added: “Berkeley Heath Farm is a first class sustainable case study for the agricultural industry. They have diversified into new commercial areas but more than anything else, backed up their concern for the environment by making an investment for the future. They are reaping the rewards where they’ll see an annual return on investment of between 18 and 20 per cent.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

Significant solar savings Let it shine! – How to from Freewatt unlock your solar potential.

Solar is still a lucrative investment.

olar Photovoltaic systems have now been installed in many places: roofs of domestic house, colleges, churches and schools. We have also installed systems on barns or factory roofs as well as free standing in fields.

When the Feed-in tariff came into force many customers – mainly domestic households – exploited the high kWh support, which made installations very lucrative. These numbers are still very attractive nowadays, but with the drop in Feed-in tariff and the increase in electricity prices installation for day-time user of electricity is getting most lucrative.

The export of electricity for smaller systems is paid with 4.5p per kW whereby many industrial size users are buying electricity for 9 – 10p per kW. For large users of electricity the use of solar PV will put a considerable dent in the electricity use figures, which will reduce cost.

The feed-in tariff which will pay 11p to 15.44p per kW (depending

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on size) will off-set those electricity costs even further.

This is most beneficial when the use of electricity is linked to high consumer units like refrigeration, which chill food products during the summer months.

With the current cost of an installation, a payback within 5 years can easily be achieved.

This has been recognised by a number of farmers in Lincolnshire: Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese, Cambridgeshire Estate or John Saul. These food producers have had a system installed by Freewatt Ltd from Stow.

Freewatt, an award winning Lincolnshire enterprise, was set-up in 2008 and has installed over 500 systems from 2kW to megawatt size. A team of experienced and skilled installers are guaranteeing the workmanship. The hardware is often German made panels with inverters from SMA. Freewatt is a Woldmarsh approved supplier and will be present at the LAMMA show in Newark. Please pay us a visit!

A new way to gain access on to the Renewable Energy train. n the past few months we have witnessed a new surge in commercial solar PV installation across the country.

This comes as a natural response to the new financial instruments that are being introduced in to the market that can allow you to lift a PV project without parting of your hard earned cash.

So how does this work exactly?

After many years of installing and operating commercial solar PV systems we know now that within a properly designed PV system there is a guaranteed fixed income locked in the project for 20 years.

By utilising this revenue stream as a security and also as a mean of payment you could be enjoying the free electricity that you generate while the system literally pays for itself. On top of this you will be also able to offset all the

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financing costs back via your annual tax and reducing your total project cost to minimum while securing your energy source and an income asset for life.

To find out more about the facts and the figures of this growing trend go to www.solarpowerintl.co.uk/commer cialservices

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Energy

Crunch time for wind energy?

1st December saw significant changes to FiTs. s winter approaches cuts to the feed-in tariff for small-scale wind energy are being implemented, reducing the return on investment from small onshore developments overnight. So does this mean the end of small-scale wind energy developments? On the contrary says Graham Hygate, of Fine Energy: it simply means that the choice of company you work with needs to be made more carefully.

Many farmers have been approached by developers offering a land rental option for wind turbines. In this type of arrangement farmers and landowners benefit from a guaranteed rental income along with a bonus based on the wind resource achieved each year, thereby sharing in the income from the feed-in tariffs and from the sale of exported electricity. Developers whose investors are part of the supply chain, such as wind turbine manufacturers, will still be able to offer these attractive land rental deals. Access to turbines and

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close control over manufacturing costs will be essential in the post 1st December world. Speculative developers will struggle to survive.

Recent exchanges in the House of Parliament and disagreements aired in the popular press have demonstrated that there remains some uncertainty in government around renewable energy policy.

However, given a backdrop of global political instability, persistently high oil prices and precariousness in energy bills, organisations as varied as the National Farmers Union and the Energy Saving Trust are encouraging the uptake of wind energy installations on private land. The latest figures from the Energy Saving Trust estimate that the average yearly energy bill will balloon from £1,225 in 2012 to between £2,200 - £4,000 in 2020 and that fuel poverty could affect one in three homes by 2016.

Thankfully, it is also true to say that the opportunity for wind energy projects is still ripe for exploring.

28 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

Avonmouth opens Bristol’s first food waste anaerobic digestion (AD) plant has officially been opened by Defra minister David Heath. he plant which will produce enough renewable energy to power around 3,000 homes is operated by Wessex Water subsidiary GENeco will treat 40,000 tonnes food waste from homes, supermarkets and businesses across the south west – preventing it from going to landfill.

Based at Bristol sewage treatment works in Avonmouth, the plant can produce 10 GWh of energy a year from biogas generated through anaerobic digestion treatment – a process in which bugs break down biodegradable material to produce methane gas.

Charlotte Morton, ADBA, chief executive, said: “This is an excellent example of the entrepreneurial potential of the UK’s water sector, demonstrating just how much can be produced from our waste food through anaerobic digestion, not only helping Wessex Water to significantly reduce its carbon footprint but also making a valuable contribution to improving the UK’s energy and food security.

“ADBA looks forward to seeing many more businesses across a variety of sectors following the lead

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of GENeco and Wessex Water in improving the sustainability of their operations whilst making the most from their food waste through anaerobic digestion.

“AD has the potential to deliver 10% of the UK’s domestic gas demand, with remarkably 60% of this coming from the food waste we have historically sent to landfill.

“It is projects like these that will help to build the UK’s reputation as a world leader in the digestion of food waste – and what’s particularly exciting is that we can all help in this by supporting separate food waste collections.”

Mohammed Saddiq, general manager, GENeco, said: “Anaerobic digestion has a huge role to play in the closed loop economy and the new facility at Avonmouth is an excellent demonstration of that, taking local food waste and generating extremely low carbon energy and a quality fertiliser to return to food production.

“I am very pleased to be joined

by Defra Minister David Heath and the chief executive of the Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association to open the plant.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Buildings

Bunker Walls: designed to meet all requirements The flexible grain storage solution from Moore Concrete. nsuring that sufficient storage facilities for grain, feed and other inputs are available the year round

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is a key requirement on every farm. And if these storage facilities can be used with a high degree of flexibility, then so much the better.

The good news is that leading Northern Ireland precast manufacturer Moore Concrete has come up with an innovative storage solution that meets all of these requirements to a tee. The company’s new Moore Concrete’s new bunker walls, which were launched at this year’s Balmoral Show, constitute new, fully registered, designs, which provide optimum shape and profile for the storage of grain, fertiliser, aggregate and other bulk materials.

“Their curved shape has been developed to allow the free flow of materials to the very bottom of the silo,” Moore Concrete’s Keri McGivern explained.

“They also have a straight portion to the base to allow ease of emptying. The new bunker wall is designed to be portable, allowing farmers to change width of bays in line with their business demands or crop yields. Recesses for fork toes are incorporated in the base. Corner units for the

30 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

bunker walls are also available.

Significantly, there are no protruding feet unlike conventional “L”Shaped retaining walls and materials can be loaded from one or both sides.”

The new Moore Bunker Wall is Community Design Registered.

The specification of the new

bunker wall units is as follows: · Available in 1.5m (5’) 2.4m (8’), 3.0m (10’) & 3.6m (12’) High · 1.2m (4’)Wide · Corners available For further information contact Moore Concrete on (028) 2565 2566

Ecosheet on show Versatile product can be seen at LAMMA 2013. cosheet, the innovative recycled plastic panel, will be on show at the forthcoming LAMMA exhibition in January. Easily worked with woodworking tools to make your own lambing pens, pig arks, field shelters and other types of animal housing, Ecosheet’s durable versatility make it suitable for a number of applications both inside and out on the farm.

‘We’ve seen it used for

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everything from silage pits to duck houses, it’s designed to cope with even the recent British Summer!’ said Peter Ball, Sales Director of 2K Manufacturing the producers of Ecosheet.

A maintenance –free alternative to plywood, Ecosheet is widely stocked by leading farmers merchants across the country it will be also be available for discussion on the Solway Recycling and Agri-cycle stands.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

New 15m Straw Harrow on display at LAMMA Of particular interest to users of wider minimal cultivations type drills, looking for a similarly wide straw harrow to keep ahead of the drill. or strip or minimal tillage drilling systems to work properly, effective weed control is essential if the weed burden is to be controlled and crop competition eliminated to ensure optimum germination levels.

The Claydon Straw Harrow has proven to be an invaluable part of not only the Claydon Strip Drilling System, but also those using other drilling systems, because it provides a quick and cost effective means of encouraging chitting for more effective herbicide control. The interest in the use of straw harrows has also been reflected in the high demand that Claydon has seen for the Straw Harrow since it was launched 18 months ago.

Currently the Claydon Straw Harrow is only available with a working width of 7.50 metres, but at LAMMA 2013, Claydon will be exhibiting a new trailed 15 metre version. This will be of particular interest to users of wider minimal cultivations type drills, looking for a similarly wide straw harrow to keep ahead of the drill.

Like the current model, the new 15m Straw Harrow is designed to only stir the top 1.02.5cm in order to encourage chitting and to expose slug eggs. The new 15m Straw Harrow is designed for use behind a tractor of at least 200hp and can be operated at forward speeds of up to 20kph, giving it the ability to cover around 162ha (400 acres) a day. For optimum performance, the new Straw Harrow is ideal for

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use with a GPS steering system so that overlaps are kept to a minimum When unfolded, the robust frame is supported by four hydraulically adjustable depth wheels and the Straw Harrow consists of five banks of 16mm diameter long-life spring tines, which can also be hydraulically adjusted to achieve a more ‘aggressive’ action.

Wet weather demand for Hybrid drill In addition to the new 15m Straw Harrow, Claydon will also have on display the latest Hybrid drill.

This autumn has proved a stern test of all drilling systems and has highlighted the problems that some do have in far from ideal conditions.

The Claydon drill was originally designed by Jeff Claydon to enable him to improve timeliness and reduce costs on his wet, heavy clay soils in Suffolk. Central to his design was the principle of only cultivating the area around the seed, so leaving an uncultivated strip between each seed row. Apart from therefore only cultivating the immediate growth zone around the seed, so reducing power requirement and cost, by leaving the uncultivated strip, this helps support subsequent machinery, such as a sprayer, enabling them to operate in ground conditions where they would not normally be able to go without causing rutting.

Likewise this autumn, users have found that

on fields that have previously been strip drilled, this has enabled them to continue drilling when more conventional drills have had to be left parked up.

As a result, Claydon has received a considerable number of calls from arable farmers asking if it would be possible to hire a drill in order to enable them to continue drilling.

Whilst not a regular service offered by the company, where possible requests have been met from the current stock of used drills.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 31

| LAMMA

Zürn & Laforge products to be shown Risborough Agricultural Ltd to show all-make products at LAMMA 2013. est known for adaptations to John Deere prime movers, Bucks-based importer of Zürn and LaForge products, Risborough Agricultural Ltd, is keen to demonstrate the wider appeal of these quality products at LAMMA 2013.

“LAMMA allows us to show the same high quality and performance advantages can be applied to all makes of tractor and harvesters,” emphasises Managing Director Jim Dance.

Zürn’s ‘Profi’ Rape Header

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Extensions and Compact Side Knives proved particularly effective during the difficult 2012 harvest.

Previously available primarily for John Deere combines, these highly effective products are now available for all makes. Purely mechanically driven, rather than hydraulic or electric, they offer less complexity, less hassle, but more crop flow!

Moving headers is another major headache for combine operators.

Zürn has answered this problem with dedicated header transporters

for both John Deere and New Holland combines.

The most complete UK range of tractor front hitches, PTO’s and automatic lift controls for all makes of tractor will be shown from Laforge. In Standard, Premium or Heavy Duty styles and with clockwise or anti-clockwise drive PTO’s, they are also suitable for tracked tractors from John Deere and Challenger.

Also from Laforge is the Easymass weight system; farmers can easily change weights to achieve the

best performance through correct weight distribution. 600kg, 900kg and 1800kg modules are available in green, black or grey, each with the option of an additional 600kg weight. As an added bonus, the smaller weights will fit directly onto John Deere tractor weight blocks, so no hitch is required.

To learn more about how we specialise in ‘all-makes’ visit Stand G36 on Avenue H.

Teemore Engineering launches the Agri-Plastics range of calf hutches The challenge of calf rearing has been made considerably easier for dairy farmers, throughout the UK and Ireland, courtesy of the launch by Teemore Engineering of the Agri-Plastics calf hutch range. anufactured in Canada, the hutches are renowned internationally as the toughest of their kind on the market today.

“Both group and single calf options are available,” confirmed

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Teemore’s marketing manager Ray Foy. “What makes these hutches different is the quality of the plastic used in the manufacturing process. As a consequence, they have a 50% better impact strength,

32 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

a longer life and being totally opaque, ensure high Ultra Violet protection at all times. In fact, the hutches come with a ten year guarantee.”

In essence, the Agri-Plastics hutches guarantee the perfect environment in which to rear young calves.

Ray Foy again: “Each group hutch can cater for up to 6 calves.

Innovative features include a unique roof-based variable ventilation system, plus operator access front and rear, to facilitate easy cleaning and feeding. The entrance at the rear is facilitated by a three-in-one door “As a result, the group hutch can be easily accessed in order to facilitate the inspection of individual calves,” Ray Foy continued.

“A front mounted penning system is included with both the single and group hutch options, thereby providing calves with an additional exercise area at the

front of their accommodation.”

As milk producers know only too well, giving calves the best possible start in life is fundamentally important to the long term future of their businesses.

“The Agri-Plastics hutches give farmers total control over their calf rearing practises,” Ray Foy concluded.

“Teemore will also supply all the feeding bottles and buckets required to ensure that the needs of each individual calf are met in full.

“Both the group and single hutch options will be featured on the Agri-Plastics stand at this year’s Winter Fair, which will be in tandem with the Teemore exhibit.

“Teemore Engineering will be exhibiting on Stand Number is B23. All visitors will be made more than welcome on the day.”

For further information, please telephone Teemore Engineering on (028) 6774 8377

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

New Kubota M110GX handed over D.J Carter & Sons of Purton add new model to their stable, joining previously purchased M6040. he first Kubota M110GX tractor to be sold in the UK was handed over to its new owners at the Newbury Show in mid-September. Sold by Kubota dealers John Day Engineering of Newbury to dairy farmers D J Carter and Sons of Purton, Wiltshire, the new 110hp tractor joins a 60hp Kubota M6040 that was also purchased earlier this year by the Carters.

“The Kubota M110GX is a thoroughly modern tractor,” says Chris Day of John Day Engineering. “It is quiet,

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comfortable and well specified for field work but is also of the right size and agility for working in smaller yards. I do not know of any other tractor that offers the same affordable balance of a great cab, brilliant manoeuverability and modern ergonomics as the M110GX”.

Gerald Carter, of DJ Carter and Sons, says the farm was first introduced to Kubota tractors last year by a

cousin, Phillip Neville. Mr Neville is on the sales team of Jon Day Engineering and arranged for the Carters to try a 95hp M9540 to get a feel for what Kubota had to offer.

“We found the M9540 was better than our existing tractor,” says Mr Carter. “We liked the M9540 although we didn’t require such a powerful tractor then and opted for the M6040 which was perfect for our farm at the time.

Then we were offered the chance to try the larger 130hp M130GX.

It was easy to drive, quiet and comfortable. We ordered the M110GX, as it is of the right power for our current needs, and we are very impressed with it.”

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 33

| LAMMA

P & D Engineering Fleet Lane, Bredon, Tewkesbury, Gloucester Gloucestershire, GL20 7EF Tel: 01684 772912

Cooks Midlands Limited Horsepool Grange, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicester LE67 9TW Tel: 01530 249191 Fax: 01530 249199

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6UW Tel: 01933 673900 Fax: 01933 675858

Ripon Farm Services Ltd Willow Bridge Works, Carlton, Stockton On Tees, Cleveland TS21 1EB Tel: 01740 630254 Fax: 01740 631097

Hayward United Farmers Limited Heliport Site, Ellough, Beccles, Suffolk NR24 7XD Tel: 01502 475111

Keith Davies Agricultural Hem Manor Farm, Hem Lane, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9PT Tel: 01952 463840

34 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

Romsey Agricultural Machinery Limited Shorts Farm,Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6DX Tel: 01794 323159

Craggs of Conder Green Thurnham Mill Buildings Conder Green, Lancaster Lancashire LA2 0BD Tel: 01524 751405

TRP Pride Parkway, Enterprise Park, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 300111 Fax: 01529 300310

Cranworth Farm Services High Common, Cranworth, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7SX Tel: 01362 820391

Fax: 01362 820077

Yorkshire Handlers Limited Unit 4-5, Fryors Close, Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY Tel: 01904 489988

Fax: 01904 489061

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Väderstad at LAMMA LAMMA 2013 will see the launch of Vaderstad’s zerotillage Seed Hawk 30.

Learn how to lock down energy costs for 20yrs Visitors to the LAMMA 2013 show will be able to learn how they can lock down energy costs for 20 years at the Evance Wind Turbines stand, in Hall 8a. isitors can also discover the average wind speed for their property location and therefore the potential benefits of the R9000 small wind turbine. A demonstration model of the R9000 – the UK’s No 1 small wind turbine – will also be on the stand.

“With energy prices due to increase by up to 10.8% farmers will see a huge impact. Many could lock down electricity costs and gain some energy security if they install a small wind turbine.

There is also an additional income from the Feed-in Tariff scheme.” said Kevin Parslow, CEO of Evance Wind Turbines.

“The R9000 wind turbine is small and unobtrusive but makes a significant impact to energy savings. Across the UK we are seeing more farmers installing two or three R9000 turbines, as our 10kW and 15kW solutions deliver maximum energy generation and are versatile.”

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his machine offers unique features such as the two-knife openers on 25 cm row spacing with individual press wheels and are designed to optimize seed and fertiliser placement in both wet and dry conditions.

Tines create an ideal seedbed and the contour-following twoknife system eliminates hair pinning when seeding.

Minimising the number of passes reduces soil compaction too, which could make the difference between drilling and

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not drilling in a wet year.

The Seed Hawk 30 series will primarily be sold in France, Spain, England, Russia and Latvia and is available in 6-8m models. The economic benefits of zero tillage could see establishment costs reduced by 90 per cent compared with conventional drilling.

The retail price for the Seed Hawk 30 Series 600C is £77,595 and 800C is £83,995. For further information contact the local dealer.

Already over 1,500 Evance turbines are helping farmers, landowners and homeowners reduce their energy costs and operate more sustainably.

Steven Fox, dairy farmer and owner of two Evance R9000 turbines, commented, “during the last few years farmers have had to look seriously at the overheads of running a farm, and like many, reducing energy costs was top of the list for me. We are excited about the prospect of the turbines reducing our energy costs by nearly 50%.”

The Roberts family explored renewable energy to see how it could help to reduce the running costs of their 300 acre organic farm in the Snowdonia National Park. “We are now using mainly green energy - the Evance turbine will enable us to be almost energy self-sufficient,” stated Alwyn Roberts.

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Energy

AGRATECH NW LTD Unit 8 Dale Mill, Burnley Road East, Lancashire BB4 9HU Tel: 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk LW VASS (AGRICULTURAL) LTD Springfield Farm, Bedfordshire, MK45 2AX Tel: 01525 403041 www.vassgro.co.uk CENTRAL CROPSPRAYERS LTD Unit B, Sandford Ind. Park, Shropshire SY13 2AN Tel: 01948 840187 Mob. 07850 744335 AGRITRAC (WILLITON) LTD Unit 5, Roughmoor Ind. Est, Roughmoor, Somerset TA4 4RF Tel: 01984 633005 www.cropsprayerparts.com 36 | Farming Monthly | December www.farmingmonthly.co.uk FLOWGRO LTD Barton Turns Farm,2012 Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent, Staffs DE13 8ED Tel: 01283 712172 www.flowgro.co.uk

| LAMMA

Krone to launch higher specification Swadro LAMMA 2013 will see the introduction of Krone’s Swadro 1400 Plus. his will be a higher specification version of the existing Swadro model – with working widths of 11-13.5m that offers hydraulic axle height control for easy lowering into transport position. Although this version does not come with folding tine arms, it does not exceed the 4m transport height.

A stronger driveshaft

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helps to cope with very difficult conditions and constant use. The maintenance-free rotor gearboxes have heavy-duty and unlubricated Duramax cam tracks, which come with a 3-year warranty. These cam tracks from Krone’s modular system are used on all rakes, from the single-rotor model to the Swadro 2000 flagship. The tine arms run in sealed races and require no lubrication at all.

Each rotor carries 13

tine arms for even cleaner work and features the impressive Krone Jet Effect, which raises the leading end of the rotor first, preventing the tines from scratching the ground during lift-out and lowering. The rotors lift out to a height of 380mm for clean, easier headland work.

An Electronic Comfort rotor height control system allows the operator to select the work depth of the first rotor from the tractor

cab. Servomotors set the remaining rotors automatically and to identical depths. As standard, one rotor can lift out separately from all others.

Swadro 1400 Plus is equipped with the ISOBUS ready electronic system, and offers multiple comfort features that free the operator to concentrate on the work at hand.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Finance

Day & Coles Newton Close, Park Farm Ind. Est. Wellingborough Northants NN8 6UW T: 01933 673900 Tony Styche Ltd Manor Farm, Ryehill, Hull, N. Humberside HU12 9NH T: 01964 623503 R.F. Hayden The Workshop, Drayton House Farm, Nr Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 7BG T: 01865 891646 Bruce Hopkins Shennington Depot, Shennington Airport, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 6NW T: 01295 680711

38 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

LAMMA sees UK debut range of new JCB machines JCB’s latest generation of Loadall telehandlers for the agricultural market make their UK debut at LAMMA 2013 showcasing the benefits of the new range’s fuel-saving Tier 4i Ecomax engine. eveloped to meet the EU Stage IIIB/US Tier 4 Interim emissions standards, the JCB Ecomax engine has no requirement for costly diesel particulate filters (DPF) or for exhaust after treatment fluids, resulting in low cost, efficient operation for customers. It can also be run on standard engine oils.

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The new Loadall range also offers high back-off brakes, contributing a 2% efficiency gain; button-style gear selection on servo joystick; transmission dump integrated into brake pedal and variable speed cooling fan,

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

reducing noise and fuel use.

“JCB has looked at every aspect of Loadall performance, from the engines to transmissions and hydraulics. We have completed more than 110,000 hours of testing and invested more than £80 million to deliver the most efficient range of engines for our customers, each designed specifically to work with our agricultural and construction machinery,” said Tim Burnhope, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer.

Visitors to the show will also see JCB’s new generation of fuelsaving Fastrac 8000 Series tractors - the JCB Fastrac 8280 and the new flagship of the range, the JCB Fastrac 8310. The 8280 is a 279hp (208kW) machine offering 1195 Nm of torque and is a direct replacement for the incredibly successful 8250.The brand new Fastrac 8310 is a 306hp (228kW) machine and comes with 1310 Nm of torque and has been introduced to satisfy the demands of the progressive user, who is constantly looking for increased power and torque in order to

enhance productivity. New features include a Sisu Stage IIIB/Tier 4i, 8.4 litre engines

delivering more power and torque with up to 10% fuel savings.

Master Drier 2013 Range Models from 12-45t available. n 2012 Master Driers celebrated their 30th anniversary of supplying the UK Agricultural industry with its highly acclaimed range of mobile grain Driers. From small beginnings back in 1982 supplying a small 5 Ton drier we have grown to become one of the leading Grain Drier suppliers in the UK. Our range today covers models from 12-45 tons incorporating tractor pto drive or electric drive with the option of full automation with Mastermatic control systems and “touch” screens. Add to this dust extraction, a three stage burner system and a 450 mm diameter centre auger and you are looking at the very best in mobile grain drying.

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This year we are also introducing our brand new moisture meter that can be ordered as part of the Drier or can be fitted on to your existing mobile grain drier. This will provide you with the exact moisture of the crop throughout the drying cycle from loading to unloading.

For those who want upgrade your Drier come and talk to us about ‘trade ins'’ and financing.

For those of you who value pre season Services we are offering some very special deals. Could even be free for the early birds!

But hurry offers end on February 28 Telephone: Master Driers 01787 228450 or visit www.masterfarm.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 39

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| Pests

Stewart Morley

Wharfedale Tractors Ltd

Lyndon Tucker

Cranworth Farm Services

The Workshop, Bonds Farm Morley Lane, Pilling, Preston PR3 6BY Tel 01253 799124 Mob 07802 638385

Unit 1, Riffa Business Park, Harrogate Road, Pool-in-Wharfedale, North Yorkshire LS21 2XB Tel 01132 841117

Oldwalls Garage, Llanrhidian, Swansea SA1 1HA Tel 01792 391007

Cranworth Common, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7SX Tel 01362 820077

42 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Weighbridges improved Scare’m!

New software features for 2013 enhance Griffith Elder weighbridge products.

New vineyard/orchard product to be shown at LAMMA.

s an ongoing development of Ton-Tel TM weighbridge software, the software team have developed further products to use with their weighbridge indicators.

The new development at the entry/mid level of weighbridges is the new WB6IR weighbridge indicator that can be infra red activated from the tractor cab.

The working applications are for all the multi axle weighing products that require axle sets to be weighed and added together.

This unique product allows a farmer to record the empty tare weight of tractor and trailer combinations to the indicator memory then on weighing a load from the combine, the driver can apply the tractor + trailer tare weight without the need for getting out of the cab.

This development will save vital time in the tipping cycle and eliminates the need to re-weigh the vehicle or the need to stop and get out of the vehicle. The indicator printer will automatically produce a ticket and record the transaction to its memory, should

he self launching bird scaring kite is without doubt the leader in its field. Not only is it the strongest and toughest on the market but it is designed by a farmer for farmers using only the highest quality materials. It quietly patrols your fields 24 hours a day. The Hawk protects even more acres than the standard kite. The hawk is very realistic and a natural deterrent to many birds from Pigeons and Rooks to Geese and Cormorants.

Scarem comes in a complete kit and is so easy and quick to assemble and to move from one field to the next in a matter of minutes. It really works!

Please visit the Scare’m team at the Lamma 2013 where they will be showing the new

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the ticket get lost or destroyed.

The Ton-Tel TM Agricultural Storage software was designed by in house programmers in consultation with farmers, contractors and grain merchants and an ongoing development has been the creation of an archive to store data from the main database.

This feature will allow data to be backed up (in an encrypted format) to maintain database performance and allow retrieval to other computers for reports and analysis.

For further information on these features please contact sales@griffith-elder.com

Vineyard/Orchard Scare’m.

Scare’m is designed by a farmer for farmers through extensive self testing - About eight years ago John was having trouble with pigeons on his farm along with every other arable farmer in the country. “I have found since designing and using the Scare’m on my oil seed rape crop my yields have increased massively along with my profit margins and it is so easy to use and looks after itself allowing me time to get on with other jobs on the farm”.

Contact Scare’m! at Tawney Barn, Tawney Common, Nr Epping, Essex CM16 7PX Tel: 01992 524991 Mob. 07802 628011 or email: john@gallowayfarms.org website: www.scarem.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 43

| LAMMA

New Holland T5 Electro Command Brings semi-powershift technology to the T5 range. ew Holland has further extended the T5 range’s appeal to livestock, mixed farmers and contractors with the addition of the acclaimed Electro Command™, semipowershift transmission. The truly all-rounder three-model range, developing between 99-114hp will benefit from a state-of-the-art transmission, alongside proven class-leading Common Rail technology for Tier 4A compliance and the segment’s benchmark, deluxe VisionView™ Cab. “The T5 Electro Command will become the tractor of choice for intensive transport, hay and forage and mixed operations, courtesy of its efficient transmission.” Stated Luca Mainardi, Head of Tractor and PLM Product Management.

“Furthermore, the T5 Electro Command will be an exciting prospect for municipalities and road maintenance operations thanks to an ideal range of working speeds and outstanding all-round visibility.”

Electro Command™ transmission: 40kph ECO at 1870rpm reduces fuel consumption and enhances comfort The Electro Command™, semi powershift transmission is an optimised version of the acclaimed transmission currently fitted to the popular T6 range. This highly efficient transmission, features 16 forward and reverse gears, and enables operators to select up to eight gears via up or downshift buttons on the dedicated transmission lever without physically moving it.

This lever falls naturally to hand whilst working.

Range changing is further facilitated by the addition of three buttons on the right hand Command Arc. The gear selected is displayed on the easy to read instrument cluster, for at a glance gear consultation.

The Electro Command with Creeper will become the default choice for vegetable growers and other row crop operations. An additional clutch pack and reduction gearing provides an additional 16 gears below the standard gearing, to deliver a total of 32x32 gears which achieve speeds as low as 280 metres/hour. The Creeper function is intuitively engaged courtesy of a switch on the Command Arc. Comfort Ride™ Cab Suspension: increased operator comfort in the benchmark deluxe VisionView™ Cab The T5 has redefined the concept of medium sized tractor comfort with the industry-leading deluxe VisionView™ cab. When specified with the optional Comfort Ride™ Cab Suspension, the T5 offers an unsurpassed operating environment.

Familiar to users of the T6, T7 and T8 ranges, it acts to counteract even the harshest bumps and

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44 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

reduces operator fatigue courtesy of a silky smooth ride, even when driving on uneven roads or across cultivated fields.

Outstanding manoeuvrability: exceptional agility and a wide tyre offering The T5 range is synonymous with outstanding manoeuvrability, a prerequisite when negotiating tight yards and headlands. T5 Electro Command’s compact dimensions have been maintained within a 2380mm wheelbase, a mere 3cm longer than Dual Command versions.

Enhancing reliability is a cornerstone of New Holland’s development strategy, and the rear hub diameter has been increased to a full 275mm.

These heavy duty rear axles have significantly enhanced overall machine durability.

The T5 Electro Command can be equipped with 540/65R38 tyres to reduce soil compaction and increase the load capacity in transport operations.

Terralock™ system and heavy duty brakes: improved traction and manoeuvrability and superior stopping performance The T5 Electro Command range benefits from New Holland’s acclaimed Terralock™ traction management system. Once engaged, the system automatically controls four wheel drive and differential lock engagement through continuous dialogue between speed sensors, the brake pedal and the rear linkage. The system will automatically disengage during tight turns for example, on the headland. Furthermore, this advanced system eliminates the ‘scrubbing’ effect on tyres when turning as the wheels are free to turn and not locked together, consequently, productivityimpacting soil scaring is also reduced. This system is also automatically disengaged when forward speed reaches 15kph for enhanced transport efficiency.

In line with the transmission enhancements, all T5 Electro Commands will benefit from a heavy duty braking system. Brake disk life has been further extended to enhance the already impressive stopping performance. This means that when transporting even the heaviest fully laden trailers, the T5 Electro Command will stop safely and securely.

Powerful and efficient engines: high efficiency Tier 4A compliant Common Rail engines develop up to 114hp In line with New Holland’s long standing roadmap for sub-120hp machines, the T5 Electro Command will benefit from cutting-edge Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (CEGR) technology for Tier 4A compliance, developed in collaboration with FPT Industrial. The entire engine installation has been optimised both in terms of packaging, to

ensure the T5 Electro Commands’ dimensions remain unaffected as well as delivering outstanding performance. The cooling demands of sub-120hp machines are inherently lower than their high power counterparts, making CEGR the perfect solution.

The T5 Electro Command enables significantly lower fuel bills thanks to the concurrent implementation of an exceptionally efficient CEGR system together and the introduction of Common Rail technology to the 3.4 litre F5C engine.

Auto PTO: effortless PTO implement management New Holland has introduced its popular Auto PTO feature to the T5 Electro Command. Engaged via a specific switch on the B Pillar, the system is set to automatically disengage drive to the PTO when the implement reaches a predefined distance from the ground, and to reapply it when the implement returns below the pre-set threshold.

This system requires zero operator input and protects the PTO shaft from reliability impacting torsional stresses during raising or lowering.

A pre-defined PTO speed is effortlessly maintained courtesy of the fully automated Engine Speed Management (ESM) system: operators simply select the desired PTO working speed and the system keeps the engine speed constant, regardless the load variations, by up or downshifting gears within the selected range.

Advanced PLM™ solutions: full compatibility with EZ-Pilot™ increases yields and reduces input costs The entire T5 Electro Command range can be specified with guidance solutions to suit individual farming requirements. Operations wishing to enhance precision will opt for the EZ-Pilot™ system. A steering wheel motor is fitted within the steering column itself, which steers the tractor via the received guidance correction signals. All parameters can be checked or set via the intuitive colour touchscreen FM 750 or super wide screen 30cm FM 1000, cab mounted monitors. When combined with the low profile AG25 receiver and used in conjunction with RTK correction signals, accuracy as high as +/- 2.5cm can be achieved.

When used together with advanced PLM Software, accurate and uniform fertiliser coverage optimises valuable inputs. Row crop operations and vegetable growers will also be able to carry out precision sowing or between-bed weeding.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Horsch to launch self propelled sprayer at show LAMMA 2013 sees company showing UK customers latest Leeb PT 270 sprayer and Maestro 12 CC. orsch will be showing UK customers the latest Leeb PT 270 self-propelled sprayer and Maestro 12 CC drill at the LAMMA show. Visitors to the Horsch stand will see these new machines alongside Horsch’s wide range of cultivation and drilling equipment, including the recently launched Terrano MT. Leeb PT 270 Self-propelled sprayer Horsch has launched three new sprayers to the UK, the selfpropelled PT 270 and trailed GS 8000 and GS 6000, which it claims are the most technically advanced sprayers on the market today.

The PT 270 is designed for reliable, precision spraying over large fields at speed. It features a mechanical axis drive instead of hydraulics motors for better traction in hilly terrain and reliable 50 km/h road use and has a 270hp Deutz engine that uses only 0.6 to 0.8 l/ha of fuel. Horsch Leeb’s own specifically designed boom control can maintain a 25cm boom distance from the crops but ideally operates 40cm to 50cm above the crop. An 8000 litre tank is housed within a compact design that

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ensures the sprayer is easy to operate and manoeuvre.

The pneumatic nozzle control allows for individual, intelligent application techniques for an excellent wetting and penetration of the crop with a droplet size of 300 microns. The sprayer pipe can be specified with various nozzle body combinations including a single nozzle body with a 50cm horizontal spacing, double body with 25cm spacing and quadruple body with intermediate nozzles.

A 25cm nozzle spacing keeps drift to a minimum by ensuring the boom remains just 40cm to 50cm above the crop. To enable this, Horsch Leeb has designed one of the most advanced boom contour following systems available. All sections of the boom can go above and below horizontal to keep the optimum boom height that is essential in nearly all spraying operations.

Available in working widths up to 36m, the steel sprayer boom uses positive-mode connections for durability and ease of use. The PT 270 is fitted with a rotary pump for low wear and long life performance, while the cleaning

system uses the displacement principle for less water consumption and faster cleaning.

A stainless steel tank is designed for a long life and easy cleaning without leaving any residues, and its 8,000 litre capacity can be refilled in just eight minutes.

Maestro 12CC single-grain seed drill A smaller model of the worldrecord breaking Maestro 24, which drilled 448.29ha in 24 hours, the 12-row Maestro 12CC features same robust design and revolutionary new pneumatic single grain technology. The precision control brings new levels of speed to seed drills. Due to its exact grain singling, the Maestro can be universally used for maize, soy, sunflowers, sugarbeet and rapeseed.

Developed in-house by Horsch, the small, electrically-driven metering devices and be

controlled independently and are designed to ensure the distance between the fertiliser and seed remains consistent. Few moving parts ensure the metering devices are accurate and robust.

The Maestro 12CC features a 2800 litre fertiliser hopper and 12 seed rows at 50cm spacing, each with a 70 litre seed hopper feeding its own seed metering device. A high coulter pressure up to 300kg gives effective operation up to 15km/h and can be adjusted centrally via a hydraulic drive. The horsepower requirement is very low needing only a 100hp tractor can pull this efficient machine.

All rolling tools at the parallelogram-controlled units like scrapers, coulters, depth control and press wheels have been equipped with new solid bearings.

Trash wheels in front of the fertilizer and seed coulters are available as an option.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 45

| LAMMA

Kuhn introduces larger head option to Poly-Longer Kuhn has added a 1.5m flail head option on its 5.5m Poly-Longer long-reach hedgecutter to increase the machine’s working capacity and improve its overall reach. he 1.5m head has 28 Tflails as opposed to 24 on the standard 1.2m head.

Also available on the standard 1.2m head machine to improve reach, particularly into the more difficult-to-access areas, is an SRS (Shift Rail System) mechanical head sliding mechanism providing +/- 40cm movement on the flail head.

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“Models of the Poly-Longer available in the UK will have a starting price of £21,491” Kuhn’s Poly-Longer long-reach hedgecutter was launched in 2010 and sits in between the company’s smaller Agri-Longer and larger Pro-Longer models as a massmarket machine.

Poly-Longer hedgecutters are available with a choice of single lever on/off electronic controls or electronic proportional control from a joy stick, with the latter providing the ultimate in operatorfriendly operation. Overall, the Poly-Longer is robust and simpleto-operate with a compact designed head operating with a 57 hp motor. The head is fitted as standard with ‘T’ flails that operate at 2900 rpm rotor speed.

Hydraulic drive motors are fitted with oil coolers as standard, therefore allowing the machine to maintain full operating power in the most demanding working conditions and with the additional benefit of a reduced oil capacity that ultimately cuts

46 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

running costs. There are separate and fully independent pumps serving the rotor and arm movements.

Parallelogram arm construction means that a single control operates the main and outer booms simultaneously, and improves the clearance as the ram is located within the structure. All hinges are flanged and protected for minimal play and good hose holding. All machine joints, including the hydraulic rams, are enclosed and greased-for-life for minimum wear and maximum durability. The Poly-Longer has an hydraulic safety break back system with 120º power slew angle. Hoses are protected through either metal casing or

braided sleeves and a new pivoting plate feature reduces wear at a key point.

The Poly-Longer is designed with its hitching system close to the frame of the machine, which shortens the overhang and aids stability and operator visibility. The PTO shaft is centred, which reduces noise and extends component life. Road lights are included as standard on all models.

Models of the Poly-Longer available in the UK will have a starting price of £21,491. The 1.5m head option is available for an additional £1,910 whilst the SRS option adds £298 to the standard model price.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Save costs on bedding

Erentek at LAMMA

Bauer to launch ‘Green Bedding’ system at LAMMA 2013.

Why buy new, refurbish and make do!

new source of bedding material for dairy cow cubicles that promises cost savings over alternatives such as sand and sawdust will be launched at LAMMA 2013 (January 16/17, Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, England) by slurry handling specialist Bauer.

At the core of the ‘Green Bedding’ system is a new high performance separator designed to achieve significantly higher dry matter levels in fibrous material separated from slurry. The material is dry enough to be used daily for bedding cubicles and on farms in the USA and other European countries is proven to provide a comfortable bed.

“On-farm experience shows that cows like this bedding; they lie down for longer periods, have reduced leg damage and we’ve seen reductions in mastitis and cell count where farms have switched from other types of bedding,” says Adrian Tindall, UK and Ireland sales manager. “The Green Bedding system saves the cost of buying in and storing traditional materials and it reduces the volume of slurry to be stored and spread on the land.”

At the heart of the system is a new de-watering machine developed by the Bauer Group company FAN Separator that can achieve significantly higher dry matter than the screw separators commonly used to improve slurry management and utilisation.

“The working principle is the

e have been in the air brake industry for over 15 years and are involved with all aspects of the industry from research and development to training. We have worked with an array of organisations great and small such as the M.O.D, P.S.V market and rail sector. We supply original equipment to manufacturers and farmer’s alike, ensuring safety standards are met and legislation is always complied with. As an independent company we are able to respond quickly to changes and market needs.

Within our small team we have combined experience and knowledge of over 150 years within the air brake industry. With a truly international customer base, we are able to dispatch same day to any part of the world.

In the current economic climate it has never been more important to find ways to reduce costs. Our solution to this is to refurbish your existing trailers, machinery and vehicles by using our conversion kits that you can install yourselves.

We are there from conception to completion, helping and guiding you through every stage, providing

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same but thanks to its new screw design, pressure control and extrastrong build, the Green Bedding separator can consistently extract more moisture,” explains Adrian Tindall.

The new system is complementary to the Bedding Recovery Unit devised by FAN Separator that Bauer also supplies: “Both have a place on dairy farms looking to reduce the cost of buying-in bedding material,” says Mr Tindall.

The Bedding Recovery Unit (BRU) with its integral drying system produces a soft and easy to handle fibrous material of at least 40%DM that stores well before use. Material from the Green Bedding separator is typically up to 36%DM and needs to be used daily.

“While the £200,000 cost of a BRU system is economically viable for very large herds and has the advantage that the material it produces can be stored, the Green Bedding system at around £40,000 makes this a viable approach on smaller units,” says Mr Tindall. “Either way, with traditional materials costing typically £50 per cow per year, there are savings to be made in addition to the superior comfort and convenience of this material.”

The new Green Bedding separator will be shown at LAMMA 2013 alongside Bauer’s complete range of screw separation machines, pumps, couplings and other slurry system components.

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drawings, handbook and technical advice, hopefully inspiring confidence in your abilities to undertake this yourselves.

However we can recommend engineers within your area.

“In the current economic climate it has never been more important to find ways to reduce costs.”

Refurbishing air brake systems is our fortay and we are now stretching further into the market and getting more requests for Landrover kits.

Our parts comply with DIN 74324 73378, BSAU110, 74310, EN286/2and are TUV approved No. 01049819001 and all Bertocco products conform to UNI EN ISO 9001; 2000 If you wish to know more about us, please visit us on www.erentek.co.uk, or perhaps you would like to email us on sales@erentek.co.uk, or alternatively you can give us a call on 01522 720065.

t See us a 3 1 0 2 LAMMA 7 ll Ha 5 Stand 72

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 47

| LAMMA

Fail to plan...plan to fail Performance without compromise Tax planning should be left to the experts - allowing you to do what you do best: running your agricultural businesses.

uncan & Toplis have ten offices across the East Midlands but also act nationwide. We have clients from Cornwall to Scotland but mainly in Lincolnshire. Our offices are at Boston, Grantham, Lincoln, Louth, Melton Mowbray, Newark, Skegness, Sleaford, Spalding and Stamford.

We work closely with our clients to help them realise the potential of their business or personal ambitions. Whether livestock, arable, contracting in or out – all have tax planning opportunities to be exploited.

We provide a range of services that allow our clients in the agricultural industry to concentrate on running their core business, specialising in assisting clients with the change in generations and the tax planning thereon.

Duncan & Toplis have over 80 years’ experience of working in agriculture, which is why we are considered to be one of the leading agricultural accountants

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With a Tomahawk it’s Black and White. n 2013 Teagle are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the first Tomahawk Bale shredder with two special edition production machines from their exciting new range of Feeder Bedders. Both machines will be available in a draw that will see two winners receive free use of one of the Tomahawks for 12 months.

The first machine, a Tomahawk 8500, sets a new standard in performance and features a wider body and crossbeater for easier loading and greater throughput, a larger fan for increased blow distance, up to 25m, as well as Hardox as standard in the fan housing for outstanding durability.

The second machine, a Tomahawk 8150, features the unique ‘Dual Chop’ system which incorporates a set of retractable blades that can be repositioned at the touch of a button in the tractor cab, changing straw output from short chop (around 25mm) to no chop, and back again when desired in a matter of seconds.

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in the country. We currently deal with over 500 farming clients but have room for more.

For further details please contact Mark Chatterton on 01636 640321 or email mark.chatterton@duntop.co.uk www.duntop.co.uk

48 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

This system is popular on farms where short straw is required for a combination of cubicles or addition to a TMR system, as well as long straw being required for bedding down loose yards.

Visit us on our stand at LAMMA for your chance to win the use of one of these machines for a year.

Also new in 2013 is an update to the Centerliner Fertiliser Spreader, with the application of Stainless Steel throughout the spreading system for superior durability. Top end models now feature connectivity to GPS systems for control of Auto Shutoff and Variable Rate as standard, with weigh cells also being available.

All Teagle Feeder Bedders and Fertiliser spreaders are available with competitive finance packages for the 2012/13 season.

For machinery from a name you can trust go to www.teagle.co.uk for more details. Alternatively, please contact Teagle on 01872 560592.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS IN 2012

www.zetor.co.uk

ZETOR UK LIMITED (UK importer of Zetor tractors)

LW YA R N O L D LT D (Hereford & Worcestershire)

Unit B5, Paragon Way, Bayton Rd Industrial Estate, Coventry, CV 7 9QS, Tel: 02476 363382, Fax: 02476 369850

Criftens Farm, Upper Sapey, WR6 6ES Tel: 01886 853637, Fax: 01886 853512

www.zetor.co.uk

www.zetor-dealer.co.uk

BRAD FARM MACHINERY (Suffolk)

T U N S TA L L T R AC T O R S (Cumbria)

41c Lady Lane Ind. Estate, Hadleigh, IP7 6BQ Tel: 01473 827060, Fax: 01473 824184

Foggy Gill, Fell End, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4LN Tel: 01539 620636, Mob: 07817832978

www.bradfarm.co.uk

www.tunstalltractors.com

SMITHFIELD TRACTORS (South Wales)

TREBOR JONES & SON (North Wales)

Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, LD2 3SR Tel: 01982 553221, Fax: 01982 552048

The Mount, Llanfyllin, SY22 5LE Tel: 01691 648411, Fax: 01691 648163

www.smithfield-tractors.co.uk

hwww.farmingmachinerypowys.co.uk

MARRS OF METHLICK (Aberdeenshire)

WHARFEDALE T R A C T O R S LT D (Yorkshire)

School Brae Garage, Methlick, AB41 7DS Tel: 01651 806910, Fax: 01651 80691

Unit 1, Riffa Business Park, LS21 2XB Harrogate Road Tel: 01132 841117, Fax: 01132 843110

www.marrsofmethlick.com

www.wharfedale-tractors.co.uk

Tractor is Zetor. Since 1946. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 49

| LAMMA

GEA Farm Technologies acquires Milfos International Limited GEA Farm Technologies has increased its expertise in pastoral based dairy farming with the acquisition of the Milfos International Group. ith its headquarters based in Hamilton, New Zealand, Milfos is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative dairy technologies offering a comprehensive range of milking, cooling, stalling and automation solutions along with service and maintenance programmes focused on grazing farm applications

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“Milfos, exporting to more than 20 countries, was formed in 1987 and has more than 100 employees.”

This acquisition clears the way for GEA Farm Technologies to fully participate in growth opportunities within all pastoral farming markets worldwide and specifically within the key market of New Zealand.

“This acquisition is another

important step in the GEA Farm Technologies Total Solutions Strategy. The Milfos product portfolio enables us to better meet the requirements of grazing markets by offering best-in-class tailored solutions. In addition, our combined sales channels will strengthen our position in Asia Pacific and increase GEA Farm Technologies influence in emerging markets” says Dr. Ulrich Hüllmann, CEO and Segment President of GEA Farm Technologies.

“This acquisition offers significant benefits to our customers. Our companies share strong common values and innovative spirit. These elements are at the heart of our daily activities and our drive to deliver technological advances that create sustainable value for our customers into the future” says Jamie Mikkelson, CEO and Co-

50 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

Shareholder of Milfos International Ltd. Paul Gerrard, Managing Director of GEA Farm Technologies UK, added: “This acquisition will further bolster our product range and help us to be the Total Solutions provider to all dairy farmers.”

Milfos, exporting to more than 20 countries, was formed in 1987 and has more than 100 employees. It has a strong background in precision stainless steel manufacturing and the

company has diversified into electronics, plastics and mild steel products. With a policy of adopting in-house manufacturing the company controls all aspects of the product life cycle, including research, design, production and delivery.

“This acquisition is another important step in the GEA Farm Technologies Total Solutions Strategy.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

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

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

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 51

| LAMMA

Vicon extends sprayer range at LAMMA New high-spec systems to be introduced at show. icon is using Lamma to introduce two new models at the top end of its trailed sprayer range. Called iXtrack C Pro, the 4,000 and 5,000 litre sprayers are packed with specification, meeting operator requirements for high-output, high precision GPSbased spraying systems.

With steel and aluminium booms available from 18-45m, and the option of boom guide automatic slope correction, the iXtrack C Pro is also fully isobus 11783 compatible allowing display of sprayer functions and control from any compatible tractor terminal or using the IM Tellus dual screen display.

Equipped with GEOspray auto boom section control, operators can

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create up to 15 boom sections across the working width of the boom. Each section can include any number of nozzles giving total flexibility to the allocation of section control to precisely suit overlaps in awkward field shapes.

Reflecting the iXtrack C Pro’s status as a flagship machine, the new versions benefit from iXflow boom recirculation with air nozzle shut-off, resulting in faster nozzle switching to give immediate spray pattern formation.

When nozzles are closed, all liquid passing the nozzles is recirculated back to the tank, avoiding any dead-ends in lines and reducing the risk of sediment that can occur in spray lines with some chemical products.

52 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

When opening boom sections for spraying, the iXflow system automatically uses the return line as a secondary feed line, effectively filling the boom from both ends. This gives an instant delivery of liquid and pressure at the nozzles.

Nozzle activation is by compressed air, supplied from an on-board air reservoir and pto-driven compressor. Nozzle closure is instant and positive, reducing the risk of drips and creating a fastacting system without a pressure drop.

Such a high specification delivers the ultimate in spraying accuracy and efficiency, particularly when combined with auto section control and auto stop/start on headlands.

Addition features of the iXtrack C Pro include to

iXclean Comfort, Vicon’s automatic control of suction valve functions that is combined with digital tank level indicator and programmable auto tank fill. Simply dial in the number of litres required and the sprayer will stop filling once the required volume has been pumped on-board.

ENFO sprayline rinsing with prime and purge control is also part of iXclean Comfort, while the more sophisticated iXclean Pro option gives a one-touch fully automated cleaning process that leaves residue levels below one per cent.

Vicon iXtrack C Pro models also have a choice of autotrac drawbar steering or axle steering, turbo high pressure agitation, sliding adjustable axle with Twinflex suspension, hydraulic braking and dual 250-litre capacity fast fill spray pumps.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Farmstar Ltd P. Tuckwell MARR, DONCASTER DUNMOW Tel: 01302 786786 Tel: 01371 875325 BRIGG, LINCOLNSHIRE COLCHESTER Tel: 01652 654944 Tel: 01206 230283 NEWARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RAYLEIGH Tel: 01636 671628 Tel: 01258 783311 www.farmstar.co.uk www.tuckwell.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Ravenhill Ltd HEREFORD Tel: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill-ltd.co.uk

Lower Quinton Garages J & S Lewis Ltd STRATFORD UPON AVON LANCASHIRE Tel: 01789 720265 Tel: 01942 682828 www.lqgltd.co.uk www.jslewis.co.uk December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 53

| LAMMA

Pacepacker has stacks to show at LAMMA Leading agriculturalists install Pacepacker’s winning bulk packing and palletising equipment. ecent winner of six industry awards for high value engineering, company strategy and export growth, visitors to Pacepacker’s LAMMA Stand 233, Hall 2 will see new vegetable packing technology, as well as bulk bagging and palletising turnkey equipment solutions already in use at many agricultural and animal feed packers including Preva, I’ Anson, Fred Hartley, and Walter Harrison’s.

Users of Pacepacker’s award winning technology include premium potato packer Preva Produce where a Pacepacker production line now bags and palletises ten 10-25kg sacks of potatoes per minute.

Premier animal feed manufacturer, I’Anson Bros Ltd, has installed three TBC systems during their 30 year relationship with Pacepacker, as Chairman and fourth family generation owner Chris I’Anson explains: “As technology has advanced we have looked to Pacepacker to provide the very latest automated systems to meet our growing demand.”

As a robotics systems

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integrator, Pacepacker launched a pre-owned Blu-Robot palletising system in 2011 which provided both automation-shy SME manufacturers and seasonal packers an economical alternative to first-user systems. The BluRobot, which typically incorporates a high quality FANUC robotic arm originating from the automotive industry and is approximately 35% of the way through its expected 100,000 operational hour lifespan, has been successfully installed within Walter Harrison’s. Pacepacker’s fully automated turnkey packing and palletising solution created a more flexible and versatile production operation for the wild bird feed packer – while ensuring costs are kept to a minimum.

“While we do provide fully turnkey lines much of our equipment can be retrofitted to existing lines to aid our customer’s expansion and growth strategies,” explains Paul Wilkinson, Pacepacker’s Business Development Manager, “as customers’ production requirements change during the lifespan of a machine, we look to

54 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

offer upgrade options which provide a solution at the fraction of the cost of a new system.” Fourth generation family farm Fred Hartley Estates upgraded their existing packing line with Pacepacker’s high-speed T24 sack placer and has since reported a 100% increase in their output – with the line now achieving a throughput of 20 tonnes of potatoes per hour. “I am delighted with the system and feel that Pacepacker has filled a gap in the market; there are high speed machines that can handle hessian sacks, but the T24 is the only system that I’ve come across that can manage paper bags at highspeed,” comments owner Fred Hartley.

At this year’s LAMMA Show

Pacepacker will debut the Fanuc M20 pick and place robot with Pacepacker prototype cradle gripper to handle flow pack products including onions and peppers. This new system picks up 10 flow packs per minute and stacks them in a wide variety of orientations into crates and trays.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

MONMOUTHSHIRE Harold R Johns Ltd 01291 689278

DERBYSHIRE Alkmonton Tractors Ltd 01335 330460

WILTSHIRE Chippenham Farm Sales Ltd 01249 651059

WARWICKSHIRE Lower Quinton Garages Ltd 01789 720265

HULL Robert D Webster Ltd 01964 670224

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 55

| LAMMA

Celebrating 60 years of New smart system for agricultural advance front loaders This year marks not only the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation, but also 60 years since the granting of Livery to the Worshipful Company of Farmers. he Worshipful Company of Farmers therefore used this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show to highlight both the role of UK farming in feeding the nation over the past 60 years, but also how the farming industry is advancing to meet future food production needs.

To demonstrate the advances made over the past 60 years, for the first time the Company was allowed to have two machines within their section of this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show, which was held on 10th November.

To represent the start of Her Majesty’s reign there was a 42hp 1952 Fordson tractor, which heralded a time when mechanisation was changing agriculture, and enabling the industry to raise productivity in order to meet the increasing food production needs of a country coming out of rationing.

In 1952 the world population stood at about 2.5 billion, rising to 7 billion currently and is expected to reach 9 billion by the year 2050.

Not only will this require a rise in agricultural productivity, but this will need to be achieved from a shrinking farmed area.

To achieve this, farmers will rely on increasingly larger and more sophisticated machinery, and to reflect this, the Fordson was joined in the Lord Mayor’s Show by the latest 588hp Claas Xerion 5000 tractor. Just as the Fordson heralded advancing farm mechanisation in the 1950s, so the Xerion 5000 with its high productivity and advanced computerised operating control systems, demonstrates the

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sophisticated machinery and techniques that farmers will need to meet future food demand.

This year’s Lord Mayor’s Show, which is the oldest and largest civic procession in the world, celebrated the taking of office of the 685th Lord Mayor of the City of London.

With some half a million people lining the procession route, and many more viewing the parade on television, this massive audience provided the Worshipful Company of Farmers and UK agriculture with an ideal opportunity to promote the important economic role that farmers play in producing food for the nation.

The contrast between the Fordson and the Xerion demonstrated not only how agriculture has advanced over the past 60 years but also the advanced and dynamic industry it has become.

A key role of the Worshipful Company of Farmers is to help promote the better understanding of agriculture and its role in society, but to also provide aid and support for young people within the industry and encourage the development and advancement of agriculture.

John Reynolds, Master of the Farmers Company said, “We are indebted to Claas for allowing us to show the Xerion 5000 and for their support in arranging this entry. Thanks are also due to Past Master Andrew Streeter, who very kindly agreed to drive his immaculate vintage Fordson in the parade. This year’s entry really was something special.”

56 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

RTP loader will be shown at LAMMA alongside other selected machinery.

esigned to make repetitive tasks easier and more accurate, a new return to position (RTP) option is now available for use on selected H Series front loaders fitted to John Deere 6R Series tractors.

RTP automatically returns the front loader and its attachment to a choice of four preset positions, covering two boom heights and two attachment angles. It is compatible with H340, H360 and H380 non self-levelling (NSL) and mechanical self-levelling (MSL) loaders, depending on the model.

Lift capacities of these loaders range from 1800 to 2150kg and lift heights from 4.1 to 4.5m.

With this option, the tractor uses the integrated CommandCenter display, which is standard on 6R Series models, and must be equipped with electronic independent control valves (EICVs) and an electrically operated

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joystick control. The loader is fitted with two sensors to detect the loader height and attachment angle. A complete loading cycle can be accomplished with just four clicks of the joystick, thus increasing productivity and reducing operator stress.

All H-Series loaders feature a simple mounting system, with a single-point hydraulic connection allowing the loader to be quickly removed or reattached. In addition, the standard Euro carrier accepts a wide range of compatible loader attachments.

A new RTP loader will be shown alongside John Deere’s latest 6M Series tractors on the company’s stand at LAMMA 2013 in January, together with displays on the new DirectDrive tractor transmission and HarvestLab constituent sensing on 7080 Series selfpropelled forage harvesters.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Rising grain prices generate enthusiasm in storage at UK Grain 2012 High grain prices and a difficult harvest contributed to the large numbers of farmers turning out for UK Grain, Britain’s only event dedicated to the challenges of grain storage and marketing. echnology to store, manage and protect grain was a significant feature of this year’s event, held on Wednesday 7th November at the East of England Showground.

Remote sensing now enables farmers to monitor grain temperature in bins and silos, even via smartphones. Ever more sophisticated sampling equipment can help farmers understand more fully the quality of grain they have in store. While innovative ventilation systems make the challenges of emptying flat stores, ever more simple.

“Farmers are coming to understand that grain in store is still a living crop that needs regular inspection and, when appropriate, treatment” said Andrew Newbold of event organisers FarmSmart.

“Visitors to UK Grain found food for thought whether they were looking to make a major capital investment in new storage capacity, or were seeking ways to upgrade how they managed grain

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in existing buildings.”

The current volatile markets were not ignored at UK Grain.

“It has been an exceptional year,” said Mr Newbold. “Harvest yields have often been disappointing, but the real challenge has been the extreme variability in quality. That is why our seminars on grain marketing, led by AHDB’s Jack Watts, proved so popular.”

Jack Watts took a detailed look at the UK, European and World markets in a year where yields are low and prices are high. Looking at some of the key factors Jack highlighted the weather “The poor summer of 2012 has likely to have cost the UK wheat industry 4 million tonnes of grain. So it’s a huge issue.” He went on to talk about the global market, “The World has never been so reliant on South America for the production of both feed grain to maize and soya beans. So it’s going to be an interesting winter as we see the progression of the crop in South

America.”

There is also enthusiasm for developing new storage facilities and Warwickshire farmer William Forsyth faced endless questions having explained how a single

modern unit had replaced a range of old, unsuitable buildings on their farm. “With grain prices higher than ever, it makes sound sense to have the right facilities to protect valuable crops in store.”

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Grain

Changing grain store design New legislation means that any manufacturer marketing frames that are not CE marked after July 2014 wil be committing a criminal offence. t present Grain stores should be designed to withstand the loadings given for a class 2 building in BS 5502 Part 22, although as they are agricultural buildings no one actually checks that this is the case. So the farmer is relying on the frame manufacturer he chooses, to be competent in design as well as fabrication, erection and cladding. In future this will change.

At present the Loadings in BS 5502 are changing as are the categories. It is expected that grain stores will move from Class 2 to class 1, which will mean an increase in the loading to the same as an industrial building, plus of course the loadings caused by the grain. This change is expected to be complete by the middle of 2013.

Separate to this, from July 2014 all structural steel frames such as grain stores will have to be CE Marked to BS EN 1090, any frame manufacturer who markets frames that are not CE Marked after that date, will be committing a criminal offence. This will be policed by Trading Standards who are used

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to enforcing CE Marks for a large variety of products.

The loadings for the CE Mark will still be taken from Class 1 buildings in BS 5502 Part 22, but the calculations to ensure that the steelwork will carry those loads will be to the Eurocodes.

To obtain a CE Mark the frame manufacturer will need to have a factory process manual in accordance with the requirements of BS EN 1090 and to ensure that all their employees work in accordance with the process manual. They will also need to use the correct loadings for Class 1 buildings in BS EN 1090 and use the Eurocodes to calculate the structural steelwork required.

Once they are confident that all is in place then they must employ a Notified Body (an independent 3rd party, accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service).

The Notified body will check that their process manual is fully in accordance with BS EN 1090 and that the employees are working in accordance with the manual, they will also check that the design is to the loadings for a class 1 building (including the grain loadings) in

58 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

BS 5502 part 22 and that the calculations are in accordance with the Eurocode. If this is the case they will be granted a certificate to be able to CE Mark their frames. The Notified Body will then have to call back annually and check the records of frames supplied to ensure that all continues to be in accordance with BS EN 1090.

So From July 2014 all grain stores supplied throughout the EU must be CE Marked and the client can be assured that, if that is the case, an independent third party has confirmed that the contractor has the systems in place to design the building for the environmental loads for its location and the extra loads from the grain, and that their fabrication processes comply with BS EN 1090.

RIDBA will be working with other trade association to ensure that this is policed by Trading Standards.

RIDBA has already taken the decision that Fame Manufacturer Members must be Certified to be able to CE Mark their frames from July 2014, if any cannot their name will be removed from the RIDBA

membership list. So if a client ensures that any frame manufacturer he uses is a RIDBA Corporate Member then he can be assured that his frame will be CE Marked.

RIDBA will also ensure that their Members ‘plate’ the building. That means that the CE Mark, which will state the use of the building and any extra loadings from grain or other products, will be permanently fixed to the building so there can be no argument about what the building was designed to do.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Perry introduce new grain drier Perry of Oakley Ltd, with their 65 years of experience, are the UK’s oldest manufacturer of grain drying and handling equipment. ounded in 1947 by Tom Perry a farmer’s son the company has gone from strength to strength and now employs 70 staff and exports grain drying and handling equipment worldwide. Perry also manufacture a range of Biomass and woodchip handling equipment and supply industrial specification handling equipment to a variety of sectors including: Feedmills, Pet food manufacturers, mineral handling, breweries, and recycling industries.

All our equipment is designed and manufactured in house at our in Devon and is supported by our UK dealers and our own support engineers.

We stock a large amount of spare parts and accessories at our factory for all of our conveyors, elevators and driers. To enable us to offer customer’s the piece of mind that if during harvest they experience a failure, spare parts are never far away and there is a contact available at the factory out of hours during the harvest period.

UK manufactured equipment for UK farming.

The range of handling equipment includes: • Mechanical intake pits for trailer tipping.

• Belt and bucket elevators • Belt conveyors • Chain and flight conveyors • Levelling conveyors to maximize store filling.

• Screw conveyors and augers For 2013 we are pleased to officially introduce our new model grain drier.

This drier incorporates many of the features that have been tested during Harvest 2012 and are the culmination of the first 18 months of an ongoing research and development program.

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

The main features are: • Capacities from 8.5tph up to 100 tph • Heavy duty shutter discharge design • Large touch screen PLC panel with remote connectivity.

The drier is available in widths from 2 to 8M and is designed to BS6399 and BS5950 for structural strength. The burners can be supplied suitable for Kerosene and Diesel or even gas if required.

These are 3 stage burners to minimize the need for nozzle changes once set up.

The discharge mechanism is manufactured in all galvanized finish and is of a very heavy duty design.

This PLC with 12” touch screen control provides the operator with the ultimate in drier control features and information recording and connectivity.

Features: • Auto set up for different crop types and moisture contents. Simply enter your crop details and the drier automatically selects suggested speeds and temperatures.

• Automatic recording of all drier temperatures and speeds.

• Fully intuitive touch screen display.

• Remote display and control of the drier available via the internet.

• Alarm messages can be sent by text or e mail.

• Full alarm history and diagnostic screen to make fault diagnosis easier.

If connected to the internet Perry staff can connect to the drier to assist with overcoming problems and operational questions.

The panel has been enhanced during the

course of the season making use of customer feedback adding such features as auto screen turn off when left for a set period.

As an optional extra the drier PLC has an in house designed plant control panel for the farm’s handling equipment.

This panel has been developed with dealer and customer input to incorporate the best features possible and as standard will control 10 elevators or conveyors and several blockage probes.

Each machine can be started or stopped in manual mode by touching them on the screen.

In automatic mode the desired route can be started in sequence by pressing the start button on the panel.

A unique feature of the panel is that without the need for a lap top and reprogramming additional routes can be programmed on the screen after entering a password.

Whilst viewing the plant control panel all the drier readouts can be clearly seen and the drier can be stopped and started.

The panel will be being demonstrated on our stand at Lamma show. Further details on all Perry handling equipment and grain driers can be obtained from our website www.perryofoakley.co.uk, by calling 01404 890300 or emailing sales@ perryofoakley.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Grain

Precision laser cutting A high-tech reality at Kentra. emember the film Goldfinger, when James Bond found himself in mortal peril from a high powered ‘laser’ as it cut through a solid metal table? At the time this was pure fiction. Fast-forward to today where Kentra Grain Systems now employs the very latest in laser cutting equipment to improve component production across its range of grain dryers.

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From Bystronic of Switzerland, this new machine is centred on the most advanced form of laser technology – the optical fibre laser.

Kentra’s Managing Director, Barry Higginbottom says: “ We have previously been using a CNC Turret Punch, but with this new technology we can now improve our service in terms of better

product quality and component interchangeability. This enhances the ‘modular’ concept that underpins our dryers and makes system modification and expansion much more straightforward in the field. This system is a major step forward for us and for our customers. It provides a higher quality finish to components at faster production speeds and can cut through steel up to 20mm thick. The ability to produce more complex shapes to a higher accuracy and consistency adds to this machine’s amazing capabilities.”

Kentra, of Kirk Hammerton near York, has been manufacturing grain dryers for more than 20 years and its market leading products are well proven in the field. Rugged and reliable, their standard modular dryer line-up provides a wide-ranging choice of throughputs from 6 to 60 tonnes/hour to suit any type of crop and all drying operations large or small.

Kentra will be exhibiting at ‘LAMMA 2013’ on 16-17 th January on stand no.196 in Hall 1A.

Wet weather woes Agricultural accountants concern over wheat yields. pecialist agricultural accountants Moore Thompson say this year’s wet weather could be disastrous for the finances of local farmers.

According to the recent figures, this year saw one of the worst wheat harvests, with yields down by 15%, while on-farm stocks are at their lowest level for 12 years.

This year’s UK crop currently 0.3 million tonnes short of total domestic use, which has resulted in imports making up the difference.

Autumn sowings are now at their lowest levels in recent years, with the Farming Online autumn sowing survey revealing that only a third of UK winter wheat crop has been established.

Bad weather has delayed sowings, and further spells of cold and overcast weather mean soils are unlikely to dry out, allowing for autumn drilling.

Late autumn sown wheat generally produces yields 11 to 18% lower than wheat sown and established in September. Wheat sown in the spring generally has a penalty yield of around 30%.

If wheat is sown in the next couple of weeks and established

by December, then wheat yields

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could be no larger than this year’s figures. This represents a 13% reduction in production due to the bad weather and delayed sowings.

Andrew Heskin, a partner in Moore Thompson’s Farming Sector team, said: “The wet weather experienced throughout the summer and the autumn has caused chaos for our farmers, hitting them hard in the pocket.

“With high energy and fuel prices the cost of production has already sky-rocketed, so the last thing that was needed was wet weather and a poor wheat harvest.

“We are urging farmers to ensure they are as cost-effective as possible, taking advantage of all the tax reliefs available to them.

“With good financial planning, farmers and producers can offset some of their losses.

“I would urge any agricultural business, which has not already done so, to seek proper financial advice.”

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

60 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Quality matters

Early planning savings

The Robinson service revolves around ensuring that their customers come first.

Bowie Lockwood understand that coping with recent weather conditions means that next year’s grain storage requirements might not take precedent at the moment but would like to highlight the cost savings of their 2013 package.

obinson Structures specialise in the design, fabrication and construction of agricultural steel frame buildings including grain stores, livestock buildings, hay barns, equestrian facilities and general purpose buildings, as well as industrial units and other bespoke structures.

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Services and products such as groundworks, roofing, cladding, concrete panels, doors, electrics, gates, barriers, louvres, etc are all available in-house for a full turnkey service.

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Their fabrication facility in the heart of the East Midlands is ideally situated to service the whole of the country, reinforcing their position as one of the country’s leading agricultural building contractors.

Robinson Structures provide an informal approach to their many customers, offering early design and cost advice and can also prepare planning applications.

The company ethos revolves around the satisfaction of their clients with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude. Robinson Structures have decades of steel fabrication experience, so customers can guarantee that the product they receive is of the highest quality with long lasting durability.

Robinson Structures will be exhibiting at both the LAMMA Show at the Newark & Nottinghamshire Showground on 16th & 17th January 2013, and at the Agri Expo at the Kent County Showground on 6th March 2013.

For more information please call 01332 574711 or visit www.robinsons.com

fter coping with some of the most difficult growing and harvesting conditions for many years, you could be forgiven for not considering your 2013 grain storage requirements a priority. But early planning could save you money and worry next year. Bowie Lockwood Structures is now offering a 2013 Grain Store package, building on the success and popularity of its 2012 campaign.

For an investment of £65,000, Bowie Lockwood Structures will plan and construct a 50’ by 100’ grain store, ready for use, complete with wall panels, concrete floor, electric roller shutter door and personnel door.

John Bowie said “The earlier you can place your order, the better.

Planning is a service we offer but please remember this can sometimes add over three months to the order process and should be borne in mind when scheduling your new building.”

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James Harrison, Bowie Lockwood project manager, whose family farms in Warwickshire, added, “The wet conditions this year have caused great loss and disruption to the farming community, but they have hit our site operations hard too.

Our site teams have been working round the clock in many cases to complete buildings in time for harvest.”

If you are considering a new Grain Store for the 2013 harvest, now is the time to consider your options.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Grain

EcoCropDry in strong demand Save money whilst keeping your crop in peak condition. aunched at the UK Grain event on the 7th November 2012, EcoCropDry is the only crop storage control system on the market that continually monitors the temperature and humidity of the stored crop and matches the output of the fans and heaters to the exact requirements, to dry and condition the crop EcoCropDry can be installed on both ambient air and heater assisted, new and existing raised floor, on floor duct and pedestal systems and does not require the replacement of the existing fans or heaters.

Controlled by an easy to use touch screen onsite control, EcoCropDry uses wireless sensors to monitor the temperature and humidity of both the stored crop and the external conditions, the PC based unique software , then controls the volume of air supplied by the fans via a variable speed drive and if present and required, controls the operation of heaters.

The condition of the crop is continually monitored and recorded and the store owner can instantly view and print off storage reports at any time either for their

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own records or for future buyers , either on site or remotely on any pc using a pay as you go 3G GSM data modem.

There are no monthly ongoing data or control costs.

EcoCropDry uses proven and reliable technology, according to EcoCropDry Director Eddie Bradley “The reliable technology incorporated within EcoCropDry has been industry proven over many years, we are simply bringing its benefits to the crop storage industry” EcoCropDry was extensively tested prior to its launch, on a working farm in the Cotswolds storing 1500 tons of grain. The results for the 2011/2012 storage season show that not only was the crop stored in optimum condition, but based on the energy savings alone the pay back on the initial capital investment was just two storage seasons.

Where electrical supplies are limited , EcoCropDry can avoid expensive off site infrastructure costs and capacity costs, as both the start up current and running current of the fans can be greatly reduced and limited to not exceed the supplies capacity.

62 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

The unique EcoCropDry software is adaptable so that each system exactly matches the requirements of the store and its stored crop.

Speaking at UK Grain EcoCropDry Director Andrew Porteous said “The interest in EcoCropDry at UK Grain and on our website has been incredible, we always knew that being able to ensure the crop is dried and conditioned in peak condition whilst also saving over 50% on energy costs, would ensure strong demand, to find out more about EcoCropDry and to view videos of a working system, visit our website www.ecocropdry.com or call us on 01386 701397” Getting a price on an EcoCropDry system specifically designed for your store could not be easier, according to EcoCropDry Director Andrew Porteous “ all we need to design your EcoCropDry system are the actual dimensions of your store and the size and number of the fans and heaters installed plus a copy of your electricity bill - we can then produce a detailed cost and payback calculation”.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Cemsix keeps grain dry in Drayton At least 21,000t of grain and rapeseed protected from the elements. embrit, the roofing and cladding expert, has recently been used for a grain store that will hold at least 21,000t of grain and rapeseed. The building has been designed for maximum energy efficiency, with Cembrit Cemsix in green, specified as a longstanding and durable roofing material.

The PX Farm is located near Cambridgeshire in Dry Drayton; a village which has a rich history, having been inhabited since the Iron Age. At the heart of Dry Drayton is Scotland Farm. Owned by the Peck family since 1950, the farm is contracted out to PX Farms Limited, which is owned and run by James Peck.

Originally the farm was mixed with sheep, pigs, poultry, beef cattle and a large dairy herd, but today the farm produces feed wheat, oilseed rape and field beans.

The new building is a huge 3000 square metres and 13 metres high and has had photovoltaic panels installed which turn to follow the sun to produce solar energy. The panels will provide the power to dry thousands of tonnes of grain and will save around 40% of the farm’s annual electricity bill. Adding to its environmental credentials is Cembrit’s Cemsix, which was awarded an Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).

“Agricultural buildings materials need to be well proven in terms of function and form,” says Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager at Cembrit.

“Farm owners are conscious of the suitability of

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the building for its proposed purpose and its contribution to the profitability of the farm.

Therefore Cemsix is often the material of choice for roofing and cladding. Fibre cement is a long-lasting and resilient material due to its resistance to rot and its moisture and heat ameliorating characteristics. The weatherproof sheets are not affected by oxidation so are completely free from rust corrosion. The Cemsix sheets have also has been awarded EPD status, which improves the building’s environmental credentials.”

Scotland Farm has been designed to provide secure crop storage for the next 25 years at least. Cemsix is a durable and robust material that will ensure that the grain is stored properly for years to come. Cemsix has the advantage of being slightly porous, which means that high levels of water vapour or humidity within agricultural buildings can be absorbed by the sheets and gradually released into the atmosphere. This contrasts with steel where moisture condenses on the underside of the roof and drops back onto the contents inside.

The store has been divided into three equal size bays – two for wheat and one for forrapeseed, which has closer-spaced ventilation inlets; and each bay can hold 7,000t of grain. The new building has a unique design; a braced box with a complex array of roof restraints and tubular diagonal bracing to withstand big loadings.

Incorporating the latest technological

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

Using skills built up over 80 years, Cembrit offers a wide range of cladding panels, corrugated sheet and natural and man-made roofing slate. Quality levels at group factories are rigorously maintained to high standards with many products manufactured under the control of ISO 9001 and British Board of Agrément. Cembrit UK is a member of Cembrit Holding A/S (formerly the Dansk Eternit Holding A/S) of Denmark, one of Europe’s major building material producers of fibre reinforced cement products for the roofing and cladding industry.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 63

| Grain

Can you keep up with Chief UK prospers 50tph from your combine?

Over 50 years experience in grain handling systems.

Complete systems from Danagri-3S. ith the outputs of modern combine harvesters increasing all the time, Silos and the latest in-bin drying systems give the ability to take everything the combine can harvest in a day and give simple and economical drying of crops.

Danagri-3S Ltd have an extensive range of silos from GSI which range from 51 tonnes to 25000 tonnes capacity in a single bin, complimented by a range of fans, heaters, drying floors, aeration kits, unloading equipment, stirrers, grain spreaders, ladders, catwalks and control systems that make modern silo plants into labour saving and fuel saving investments for the long term. DMC Stirrers can be retro-fitted to any make of bin and allow the operator greater flexibility in drying grain.

For filling and emptying any system, Danagri-3S Ltd offer a range of above, floor, level floor or the new Dry Pit intake hoppers which allow you to tip up to 30

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tonnes and immediately get the trailer back to the combine, together with a range of elevators, conveyors, heavy duty auger conveyors or our Grain Pump conveyor system can move grain at up to 250 tonne per hour.

Danagri-3S Ltd also offer the renowned range of Farm Fans Grain Driers which can be supplied either in Batch or Continuous Flow versions.

For further information contact Danagri-3S Ltd Tel 01746 762777 or see our website at www.danagri-3s.com.

64 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

hief Industries UK Ltd, and PhĂŠnix Rousies Industries in France, are part of the Chief Industries Inc. Group based in Nebraska, USA. Together, the Chief companies manufacture and supply a comprehensive range of top quality grain storage silos, grain dryers, grain cleaners, conveyors and ventilation systems for worldwide distribution.

Chief Industries has over 50 years experience in grain handling systems, incorporating state-ofthe-art design and manufacturing, supplying flat floor silos with capacities ranging from 30 to 30,000 tons, hopper bins with capacities ranging from 2.5 to 1,400 tons, and grain dryers capable of drying up to 300 tons per hour. By designing complexes of a number of silos, the grain storage and drying possibilities are infinite.

Chief UK has seen significant growth in 2012, particularly in sales of grain dryers, which are manufactured at its own factory in the UK for worldwide supply. The home market has also shown greater activity, which has been helped by taking over the

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representation of Marot cleaners in the UK, which are also represented by Chief in Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. With a good team of experienced personnel Chief UK can provide top quality solutions, whatever your requirements in grain storage and quality.

See us at LAMMA 2013, Stand G80, where will be happy to discuss any questions relating to your storage plant requirements.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

BDC provides new 1200 tonne drying and storage facility for R.P. Watts Lincolnshire farm impressed with performance.

DC Systems has supplied R P Watts farm at Baston Fen farm in south Lincolnshire with a new grain handling and storage system. The requirement was for 1200 tonnes of drying and storage facilities with the scope for future expansion.

BDC Systems designed a new plant which is being used to dry wheat and rape. It consists of two, 600 tonnes, 42 feet diameter, eight ring drying and storage silos.

Each silo has a full drying floor and three down auger stirrer units.

Both silos are connected via a transformation duct to a common 22kW centrifugal fan and gas burner.

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“It is easy to use, quick and copes well with grain of different moisture content.

We are very pleased.”

Filling and discharging the silos at speed was also a critical part of the system, so BDC Systems

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decided to use an 8” Hutchinson grain pump. This unit is rated at 90 tph on wheat. It consists of a continuous loop of eight inch galvanised steel tubing with heavy duty chain and paddles to move the grain. Within this loop is a three metre long intake section and also the two inlets from the silo discharge augers. There is an out-loading spout to load material from the silos directly to lorries and two outlets to feed the silos.

Separate discharge augers and power sweeps discharge the grain from the silos into the grain pump.

Access to the top of the silos is via a spiral staircase attached to the silo wall sheets. Each silo has a three metre wide access platform at the centre filling cap.

Access ladders and support towers for the grain pump are positioned at each end of the system.

Robert Golland, Farm Manager, has been impressed by the performance of the installation. “It is easy to use, quick and copes well with grain of different moisture

content. We are very pleased.”

The whole package was sourced from Global Industries in the USA and supplied through their UK agent, BDC Systems. The client carried out the groundworks using farm staff and the installation and electrics were carried out by specialist contractors recommended by BDC Systems.

Robert Golland concludes: “BDC Systems' knowledge and service has been very good, with their representative Walter Russell providing excellent support.”

In addition to the stirring silos, BDC Systems can supply complete solutions for grain drying, cleaning, handling, storage and ventilation. The company is a true one-stop shop and its total capability is highlighted in new literature. Contact BDC Systems Ltd, Prospect Farm, Broad Road, Monxton, Andover, Hampshire SP1 1 7DA. Tel: +44 (0) 1264 710987, Fax: +44 (0) 1264 710987. Email: info@bdcsystems.com website: www.bdcsystems.com

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Grain

Grain quality and sampling An essential tool for growers, say’s the HGCA. he 2012 harvest has shown that grain quality cannot be taken for granted. Specific weight has been a big issue with impacts across the supply chain. Despite these difficulties, it is important that lessons are learnt to make the industry stronger for future seasons.

The weather has been the root cause of this year’s problems.

According to the Met Office, the UK had 30% less sunshine than usual during the June grain-filling period, as well as heavy rain at other key times of year.

Unfortunately, bad weather will always be a risk to farmers but there are ways to manage a proportion of this risk and one of the aims of HGCA’s research programme is to better prepare the industry.

HGCA’s ‘Investing in Innovation’ strategy focuses on all aspects of the grain chain from the field to storage and sampling, then on to end uses. Since 2011, a number of research projects have been commissioned under this strategy to ensure that growers have the best information when they grow, store and sell their grain.

Accurate grain sampling is an essential tool for growers to check if their produce meets contract specifications, also, it can give useful information about how different fields and varieties are performing. In good years, sampling may be under-valued,

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because quality is generally good but, in poorer years, its importance is plain to see.

Following this year’s grain quality issues, HGCA has decided to review its guidelines for grain sampling and a new publication will be available for next year’s harvest. In the meantime, the basics of sampling remain the same. Most importantly, samples need to be representative of a load or store, so a composite sample should be made. HGCA’s grain sampling worksheet outlines an easy-to-follow method, it is available at hgca.com/publications.

Variability in quality has been another feature this year, not just between regions, but on farm. This has highlighted how technology could be used to give better segregation of loads. HGCA is currently researching how yield maps can be used to improve soil management but there is scope for the same technology to be used to create crop management zones on farms so variety choice and end use can be tailored to onfarm conditions.

HGCA is using the Recommended Lists to gain a better understanding of the impact of regional weather patterns on crop development. Proposals are in the pipeline to set up weather stations at core trial sites across the UK as part of the new cropping systems platform project. This also involves two pilot schemes in

66 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

Oxfordshire and Cornwall. The work involves HGCA working with local education and commercial partners to carry out regular inseason disease observations and determine if the resulting yield and quality meet the requirements of local end users. Growers will then be able to access specific realtime data on weather, crop development and quality from the trial site to help with their on-farm decision-making.

Other research will also assist in finding markets for grain and

oilseeds. HGCA has just agreed to invest £500,000 into animal feed research focusing on DDGS and oilseed meal. This will help to optimise the use of co-products as a replacement for soybean in pig and poultry feed formulations.

Some of the issues this year have been unavoidable, but in future a better understanding of regional conditions and markets, together with effective sampling and monitoring of crops, will contribute to keeping farms productive and profitable.

Dancorn offers savings Economical, low cost drying & storage solutions. ollowing the difficult 2012 harvest Dan-Corn will continue to provide their economical and low cost drying and storage solutions to farmers seeking to upgrade or expand their existing facilities in two main areas, storage and drying.

Storage in silos has always been a very effective way to store grain but by adding a stirring system, the silos become a positive and economical drying facility for individual capacities of up to 1000 tonnes.

Stirrers allow the use of a higher level of heat than used in conventional bulk stores, speeding up the drying process but without the risk of capping which can occur when quickly extracting moisture from the grain. They also allow the use of mechanical handling equipment to load and discharge the system freeing up telehandler’s for other farm duties.

If additional storage is not

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required but fast grain drying is needed, Dan-Corn’s range of static and mobile grain dryers offer compact, clean burning and virtually dust free operation with the added unique heat recovery system helping save on fuel costs year on year. The single height dryer range are compact at only 2.4m wide and 4.5m high although the DCC243CELP model is capable of 28.5 t.p.h. in continuous flow dry and cool mode and 46.4 t.p.h. if operated all hot. All dryers can be operated as batch dryers and utilize a particularly intuitive and logical touch screen control.

Dan-Corn will be at LAMMA with a working demonstration of how the system works and will be able to furnish visitors to their stand with more detailed information regarding this and other products from their range.

For further information call 01223 837279 or e-mail bsc@dancorn.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Brine time ATV Brine has many advantages over using salt for ice control. he Wessex ATV brine sprayer is based on the popular WS618p sprayer but it has a 1½ metre boom with three individual clusters of nozzles for various applications. It’s the perfect solution for paths, pedestrian walkways and shopping areas, in fact anywhere with restricted vehicular access.

Spraying brine is an altogether cleaner operation than spreading salt and it is effective much faster since salt needs to attract moisture before it starts working. And brine will not get carried by foot into shops like salt, which is good news for retail shopping areas.

The Wessex brine sprayer’s 55 litre tank holds enough brine to cover 1250 square metres or a 1.5 metre width over a kilometre distance, and that’s a lot more economical than salt. The nozzle clusters are a clever operation. A fan nozzle gives a fine spray for applications in light snow

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or frosty conditions. A pencil jet nozzle gives a high pressure jet of brine, enough to penetrate the surface of the ice and speed up the process of treating compacted ice.

Then there is a five jet nozzle for pre-treatment. With the brine already on the ground, even if the water has evaporated, when the frost or snow descends there is a salt presence to deal with it. Areas that have been treated before a heavy fall of snow will also be more easily ploughed because the ground surface won’t be frozen.

Finally, in those areas inaccessible to the ATV, such as steps, narrow paths and doorways, there is a hand lance to effectively spray the brine and help make access safer. Wessex is celebrating 50 years of manufacturing high quality accessories. Broadwood International 01420 478111 www.broadwoodintl.co.uk

FARR more models now available ATV and UTV line-up complete.

ARR All-Terrain Vehicles are pleased to announce the release of 3 new models to complete our current range. These include the FARR LH300 ATV, FARR LH400 IRS and the FARR LH400 UTV. All of our models are supplied as standard with a high/low range gearbox and are fully road legal. With prices starting from £3299.99 + VAT, these represent excellent value for money.

Finance can be arranged through UK Asset Finance and is

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available on all machines.

We currently have dealers for our products based all over the UK, for further information or to find your nearest dealer please visit www.farruk.com or email sales@farruk.com. Alternatively, please call our Exeter main office on 01392 444 887.

NEW DEALERS REQUIRED NATIONWIDE!!!!!! If you are interested in becoming a dealer and selling our very popular products please call 07714 399 029.

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 67

| ATV

Polaris meets The Boss Rural crime partnership In the USA Polaris has a long – standing relationship with ‘The Boss’ compact winter maintenance specialists.

Honda works with police to tackle criminals in the country. onda (UK) has recently loaned East Herts Rural Special Team one of TRX420 ATV and accessories with the aim of helping the force tackle and reduce rural crime in the area.

The ATV has been used daily in patrols in rural locations by Specials and regular officers, having a very positive effect - both in responding to incidents, and acting as a deterrent. Would-be criminals are put off by seeing the ATV and knowing what it’s capable of.

Since starting patrols in a particular area on the ATV, for example, complaints about crime and anti-social behaviour in that area have dropped significantly.

Additionally, at this year’s Sawbridgeworth Fayre the ATV enabled an officer to reach all areas of the park quickly and as a result assisted in the arrest of a wanted man.

Police teams also used the ATV at the GM crop protest in Rothamsted, Harpenden. The bike was used to patrol large areas of land which were

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oss snow ploughs are designed, built and tested in Iron Mountain, Michigan, where snow, ice and harsh winter conditions are a way of life. Now Polaris owners here can benefit from The Boss technology with its introduction by Farmquip, the UK and Ireland’s sole distributor.

The Boss set the bar in creating ground breaking technology to make snow ploughing fast, easy and efficient. The specially engineered plough for Polaris UTV and ATV use is built to the same standards as the full-size Boss ploughs and offers a tough, contractor grade solution to handling snow removal.

Featuring a high performance wear plate the plough comes with optional curb guards and snow catcher, whilst a high performance hydraulics package is standard.

The hydraulics are enclosed to protect against corrosion and freezing, with a chainless lifting system to reduce snowplough bounce during transportation. A revolutionary hitch system makes the plough easy and incredibly fast to attach to a UTV. Teamed

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with a Polaris Ranger Diesel for example you have the traction and power to deal with the most extreme terrain and conditions, with in-cab control.

But clearing snow with the plough is only part of the story.

The Boss TGS 800 tailgate spreader is quickly attached to the rear of the Polaris. The rotary ‘paddle action’ makes the spreader a true gritter, so you can spread rock salt, grit, sand and other de-icing materials to provide traction on ice. There’s an adjustable feed gate and material deflector, a high torque motor and Variable Speed Control among the many features, together with the option of the smaller TGS 600 model.

The combination of Polaris and The Boss offers an all-round compact winter maintenance unit ideally suited to contractors, local authorities, small estates, hospitals, airports, in fact anywhere you’re dealing with snow and ice without the need for large gritting lorries.

For more information contact Polaris Britain on 0800 915 6720 or visit www.polaris-britain.com

68 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

cordoned off, and as a result, helped to prevent protestors from entering prohibited areas.

The partnership came about as the result of a discussion between East Herts farmers and rural crime officers at a Barn Meet earlier in the year where the idea of using an ATV to help patrol some of the areas of land which are inaccessible to normal 4x4 vehicles was debated.

Honda Authorised Dealer, Taylors Tools (based in Herts) has also donated the Rural Special Team a trailer for the ATV and will also look after servicing and maintenance.

“Rural crime is a big problem and we are very happy to support Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Rural Specials,” said Phil Webb – Head of Honda (UK) Power Equipment.

“These officers face many challenges in the course of their work, but despite everything that’s thrown at them, they do a fantastic job - all in their own time – and provide an essential service to rural communities.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Suzuki's Trade-In offer returns Due to the success of last year's trade-in offer, Suzuki is pleased to announce the re-launch of the campaign. ustomers are able to receive ÂŁ300 off a new Suzuki KingQuad 400 or 500 when they trade-in their used ATV, regardless of the make, model or condition.

The scheme is running from 1st October to 31st December 2012, which comes in time for the difficult conditions and tougher terrain that the winter brings. The trade-in campaign gives customers an incentive to upgrade their ATV in time for the busy season ahead.

Gareth Lumsdaine, ATV Sales and Marketing Manager, Suzuki GB commented, "We were extremely pleased with the success of the trade-in campaign last year. Its popularity amongst customers convinced us to re-launch the offer."

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The offer is available on the KingQuad 400 Manual, KingQuad 400 Auto, KingQuad 500 and KingQuad 500 Power Steering.

In addition to the trade-in campaign, Suzuki is also offering customers a free branded workwear kit upon the purchase of a new Suzuki utility ATV. Customers can also take advantage of the courtesy ATV scheme, whereby a new Suzuki ATV is loaned to a customer when their utility ATV is taken to an authorised dealer for service or repair work.

For further information on Suzuki’s promotions, please visit www.suzuki-atv.co.uk.

Day & Coles Agricultural Ltd

Southam Agricultural Services

Oakes Bros Ltd

Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6UW Telephone: 01933 673900

Fields Farm, Station Road, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH Telephone: 01926 813426 www.southamagriservices.co.uk

Newbury, Berkshire Telephone: 01655 281222 Horsham, Sussex Telephone: 01403 790777 Winchester, Hamshire Telephone: 01962 7941000 www.oakesbros.co.uk

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December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

Isuzu D-Max launches eye-catching ‘vision’ pack Even greater refinement and luxury for the tough, off-road pick-up

n response to customer demand, Isuzu UK has launched a new audio, navigation and communication upgrade pack for the all-new Isuzu D-Max pick-up, designed to appeal to trade and recreational users alike.

From late October, buyers of the Isuzu D-Max Yukon and Utah models will be able to specify the ‘Vision’ pack, which comprises of a Pioneer Satellite Navigation unit, a rear-view parking camera and enhanced audio capabilities, all for just £900 (+VAT). The launch of the Vision pack is further evidence of Isuzu’s intention to become the number one pick-up brand in the UK.

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The new unit also features significantly increased audio capabilities, including CD/DVD playback; MP3 compatibility; micro SD; USB, iPod and Parrot Bluetooth hands-free connectivity; and Bluetooth media streaming.

Full functionality of steering-wheel controls is maintained.

The rear-view parking camera aids driver visibility when reversing. The camera is mounted to the rear bumper, and integrates with the new head unit to automatically display the camera image on the screen when reverse gear is selected.

The touch-screen Pioneer unit comes complete with custom-built surround and replaces the factoryfit unit, fully integrating into the dashboard of the pick-up.

William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK commented: “The addition of the ‘Vision’ pack adds even greater refinement and luxury to the already highlyspecified Yukon and Utah models, without compromising the brand’s legendary reputation as a manufacturer of tough, off-road pick-ups.”

The new 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 D-Max Utah 4x4 double cab automatic.

The Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a completely re-engineered, 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The D-Max is covered by a five-year / 120,000-mile warranty.

70 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

al dealer Contact your loc

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon - 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk - 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire - 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear - 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire - 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

R. Hunt Isuzu Hampshire - 01264 860532 www.rhunt.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire - 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

York Van Centre North Yorkshire - 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Boston - 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Sheaf Motors Derbyshire - 01246 296969 isuzusales@sheafmotors.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen - 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Alexander & Duncan Herefordshire - 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk - 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire - 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk

Holdcroft Isuzu Staffordshire - 0800 881 5546 holdcroftisuzu.com

Culverwell Cars East Sussex - 01580 880567 www.culverwells.co.uk

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| Motors

Auto Services Perth Ltd 6 Bertha Park View, Inveralmond Ind. Est., Perth, Perthshire PH1 3EE Tel: 01738 210000 www.autoservicesperthltd.co.uk

Bob Gerard Ltd London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire LE8 9GF Tel: 0116 259 2224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

72 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

Brenwood Motor Co Unit 2, Waverley Road, Kirkaldy, Fife KY1 3NH Tel: 01592 655550 www.brenwood.co.uk

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

John Pease Motor Group Manor Street, Braintree, Essex CM7 3BH Tel: 01376 545540 www.johnpeasemotorgroup.co.uk

NMG 4x4 Centre Wroxam Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 8TN Tel: 01603 401044 www.nmg-uk.com

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| Motors

SsangYong launches Korando CSX Commercial SsangYong is adding a new low priced 4x4 light commercial model to its Korando range - the Korando CSX. deal as a small delivery van, go-anywhere vehicle for service engineers or simply a light commercial to ensure you reach your destination whatever the weather or terrain, the 4x4 Korando CSX makes the perfect business partner.

And with a price from just £15,995 on the road ex VAT and a 5 year limitless mileage warranty, it is also a sound commercial business decision.

Arguably one of the best looking light commercials thanks to Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Ital Design who penned its lines, this latest addition to the Korando range is also a highly practical workhorse. The completely flat load area is accessed via a high lifting tailgate or two side doors, and packs a useful 1,312 cubic litre load volume. There’s a load deck length of 152.5 cm, and 96.5 cm between the wheel arches. The car also carries a very practical 433 kg payload, and willingly pulls a 2 tonne trailer.

Under the bonnet, the Korando CSX is powered by a new lower CO2 version of the Korando power

I

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unit. Developing 149ps@4,000rpm, this advanced 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesel engine produces 360Nm of torque with CO2 emissions reduced to 157g/km.

And for when the weather turns nasty and the going gets tough, the new CSX features an impressive Torque on Demand 4x4 system and is equipped with ESP with Hill Start Assist, and mud & snow tyres as standard.

The low price doesn’t mean basic though, and drivers will enjoy the luxury touches of roof rails, tinted glass and rear parking sensors, while inside there is a leather covered steering wheel and gear shift, cruise control and a Kenwood MP3 CD & RDS radio with iPod & Bluetooth connectivity, remote audio controls and six speakers.

“The new Korando CSX is the third light commercial vehicle (LCV) to join the SsangYong lineup, and offers a highly practical and affordable vehicle for those with a specific business need,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “Highly competitively priced, extremely

well equipped and backed by a 5 year limitless mileage warranty, SsangYong is the only manufacturer to have that much confidence in its commercial vehicles to give its customers this level of reassurance.

“SsangYong has a growing reputation for building extremely competent off-road vehicles, and the new Korando CSX builds on this pedigree. It’s an honest, reliable and highly capable LCV, and pound for pound will outclass many more expensive rivals.”

Torque on Demand 4x4 The Korando CSX features a Torque on Demand four wheel drive system which constantly monitors the level of grip available and distributes power to the wheels that need it most. Under

normal driving conditions the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels so the car runs with the efficiency of a family hatchback. However, if the front tyres begin to lose traction, power is automatically fed to the rear wheels to ensure safe, stable and dependable progress is maintained with grip from all four wheels. An all wheel drive lock mode is also provided to ensure a 50/50 spread of torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25mph, essential for when low speed traction and control is needed such as when driving up a slippery track or off a muddy building site towing a work trailer.

Further information is available from: www.ssangyonggb.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 73

| Motors

Multi-purpose Movano

Award for crossover SUV

Vauxhall and VFS collaborate on new caged tipper.

Mazda CX-5 wins car of the year in Japan. he CX-5 was the first model to adopt the full range of Mazda’s SKYACTIV* technologies including new engines, transmissions, body and chassis. It offers a predictable and refined driving experience together with outstanding environmental and safety performance. Mazda say that this is “the first model to fully embody Mazda’s new design theme, KODO – Soul of Motion. With finely-honed vitality and dynamism, its styling is reminiscent of a cheetah about to pounce on its prey”. Whatever we think your sheep are safe...

The CX-5 equipped with Mazda’s new-generation SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine boasts powerful driving comparable to a 4.0-liter V8 gasoline engine vehicle thanks to 420 Nm of maximum torque. At the same time, it achieves an SUV class-topping fuel consumption of 4.6 l/100 km with only 119 g/km of CO2 emissions.

In approximately nine months since sales of the CX-5 started in February, Mazda has received 37,000 orders in Japan, more than 33,000 in Europe and over

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auxhall has partnered with commercial vehicle conversion specialist VFS to produce a new Movano Caged Tipper. The latest conversions are available as a purpose-designed cage for the existing Movano Tipper core conversion, or a custom-built VFS caged tipper based on a Movano chassis cab. A utility cab conversion based on the Movano double cab is also available to provide even greater versatility.

The cage is two metres high with a galvanised mesh and rear doors that open to 270 degrees.

The vehicle includes a full height sliding door and a rear header bar with marker lamps for optimum visibility. The assembly is painted in dark grey to match the original tipper body structure, while all handles, latches and door retainers are highlighted in ‘traffic’ yellow.

The tail-lift features a folding aluminium platform and the external controls are mounted within a dustproof and waterproof enclosure, while an instrument panel and operation instruction signage are all included.

The cage is available on Vauxhall core conversion tippers or alternatively a custom-built VFS caged tipper is available on Movano chassis or crew cabs.

“The Movano Caged Tipper is the ideal vehicle for a wide range of trades and public services, including waste and scrap collection and construction,” said Steve Bryant, Brand Manager, Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles. “It offers customers the flexibility to easily load and carry different payloads, while the cage provides excellent space and security.”

The cage is available from £1,560 + VAT and the tail-lift is available from £2,480 + VAT. Prices for specific custom builds are available from VFS on request.

For further information on customised Vauxhall fleets, Vauxhall fleet services and this conversion please visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/movano or www.vfs.co.uk

74 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

128,000 globally, and sales continue to be strong.

All passenger vehicles with an expected annual sales volume of over 500 units, announced or launched in Japan between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012 are eligible for this year’s Japan Car of the Year award. The last Mazda to be named the Car of the Year Japan was the MX-5 in 2005. The CX-5 is the fourth Mazda to win the award.

Executive Officer Kiyoshi Fujiwara commented, "We are thrilled to have the CX-5 receive such a coveted award and appreciate the warm support and encouragement of our fans.

Spurred on by this honor, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the task of crafting cars that only Mazda can, in order to continue winning the support of our fans and customers into the future.”

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Holdcroft Subaru Leek Road, Hanley Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Tel: 0800 881 5546 holdcroftsubaru.com

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Culverwell Cars Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5DG Tel: 01580 880567 www.culverwells.co.uk

Newcastle Subaru 53 Queen Alexandra Road -West, North Sheilds, Tyne & Wear NE29 9AA Tel: 0191 257 3309 www.newcastlesubaru.co.uk

Shukers (Subaru) Shrewsbury 7 Battlefield Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 4AE Tel: 01743 450045 www.shukerssubaru.co.uk

December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 75

FREELANDER 2

4HE CALM BEFORE DURING AND AFTER THE STORM

With all the performance and reliability you’ve come to expect, the latest Freelander 2 with a remodeled interior. Features such as touch-screen audio and phone, a redesign items, make the Freelander a pleasure to travel in.

Call us today to book a test drive.

Barretts - Ashford

'UY 3ALMON n +NUTSFORD

2OCAR -OORE

01233 506 070 www.barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk

01565 632 525 WWW GUYSALMON KNUTSFORD LANDROVER co.uk

01484 516016 www.rocarmoo

Barretts - Canterbury

,ANCASTER n 2EADING

(UNTERS $E

01227 475 475 www.barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk

0118 404 0077 WWW LANCASTER READING LANDROVER CO UK

#HIPPERlELD n (ERTFORDSHIRE

#OLLIERS n %RDINGTON 7EST -IDLANDS (UNTERS n .O

01923 263 030 WWW CHIPPERlELD LANDROVER CO UK

08430 225 688 www.colliers.landrover.co.uk

08451 276 506 www.hunters.d

08451 236 726 www.hunters.n

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01937 531 531 WWW ARMSTRONGMASSEY LANDROVER CO UK

01673 842 101 www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk

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(ARTWELL /XFORD

#OPLEY n (ALIFAX

derby.landrover.co.uk

0844 324 1720 WWW HARTWELL OXFORD LANDROVER CO UK

01422 363 340 www.copley.landrover.co.uk

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$UCKWORTH n "OSTON

+ENTDALE n +ENDAL

norwich.landrover.co.uk

01205 722 110 www.duckworth.boston.landrover.co.uk

08433 833530 www.kentdale.landrover.co.uk

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December 2012 | Farming Monthly | 77

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78 | Farming Monthly | December 2012

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