INSIDE: LAMMA ‘18: UK’s leading event for farm machinery page 30
Farming
MONTHLY National
December 2017
Also in this issue... Arable
| Trust your senses when it comes to soil health page 12
Farming across the channel Also inside this month..
A group of 15 farmers in the AHDB Monitor Farm programme crossed the channel to visit French farmers – and discovered the grass isn’t greener on the other side page 08
Farm security alert! p21
Tree disease: Join the fight p37
Five steps to better calf health p25
PLUS: Grain | Livestock | Security | Buildings | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors
CONTENTS December 2017
FEATURES 06
11
10 Arable
21
28 Groundcare
CropTec Show review, Lettuce Fusarium Wilt, Soil Health
37
30 LAMMA
New ECHO hedgetrimmer
Show preview
15 Grain New varieties, margins at risk..more
18 Buildings UltraZED purlins for Cotswold Farm
REGULARS
21 Security Rural crime rises sharply, Top tips for ATV security
06 News UK Youth Ag Summit
08 On Topic 23 Livestock Transforming calf production, Five steps to better calf health
Farming not so different acroos the channel
26 Energy Latest energy news
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44 Machinery Latest machinery news
50 ATV ATV news...covered.
53 Motors Latest motors news
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Agriculture. Covered. EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com
Farming is not so different across the channel
p08
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December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 05
| News
UK Youth Ag-Summit delegates present outcomes in Parliament Three young delegates, who represented the UK at the recent Youth Ag-Summit in Brussels, presented the outcomes of the Summit in Parliament to an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture meeting. mily Davis, Luke Blomfield and Luca Steel, along with Alice Turnbull from the Youth AgSummit sponsors Bayer Crop Science, shared with the APPG and diverse industry audience their experiences from the Summit, which challenged 100 young people from across the world to consider tangible solutions to feeding a hungry planet, framed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. During the Summit, the delegates were split into teams of 10 and challenged to identify projects that would help solve a particular Sustainable Development Goal. At the end of the Summit each pitched a “Thrive for Change” project with the top three projects gaining funding from Bayer to help get the idea off the ground, Miss Turnbull explained. In addition, each of the delegates was asked to commit to “3 Little Things” that they would do to further the aims of the Summit
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when they returned home. For the UK delegates these included a commitment to reducing food waste, travelling to different countries to learn more about edible insects, and finding ways to improve the way in which the agricultural industry communicates career opportunities. The latter provoked debate at the APPG meeting after Miss Steel explained that agriculture was seldom mentioned by her career advisers. “Studying Biology at university meant that often the only career you are asked to consider is medicine or other aspects of human health, why can’t we talk about agronomy or plant science?” she asked. “It was only five months ago, two years in to my degree and through an extracurricular summer school that I learned what Agronomy was.” Miss Davis shared one of her highlights from the Summit, which suggested that agriculture could appeal better to young people through the use of the acronym PERFECT, highlighting the variety
06 | Farming Monthly | December 2017
of careers on offer in the industry. “How can we expect to recruit young people into the industry if they don’t know the careers exist? We need a PR department!” But showcasing examples of where agriculture has communicated successfully and changed consumer attitudes toward supporting farmers would be a good start, she said. Mr Blomfield suggested we could learn from other industries. “Seeking inspiration from outside the industry and learning from successful entrepreneurs has helped me in my drive to develop a business around edible insects.
Taking a leap of faith can ultimately pay off,” he suggested. That was exactly what each of these three young agricultural visionaries did when applying for the Youth Ag-Summit, Miss Turnbull said. “This was a great opportunity for all of them to develop their skills and ideas, and create a network of contacts that will last a lifetime. Having the chance to present the outcomes of the Summit and challenge the industry to help communicate better about the opportunities for young people is just one more step in their development as young leaders in our industry.”
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| News
Use Budget changes to facilitate succession planning Farming families could use changes announced in last week’s Budget to facilitate succession planning, according to accountant Old Mill. ne of the headline announcements was the abolition of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for certain firsttime buyers on property purchases up to £300,000. “This is a significant tax break for those looking to buy their first home,” says tax manager Victoria Paley. “However, it is also a good opportunity for farmers to pass on property to next generation at a reduced cost.” As an example, a retired farming couple may live in a £300,000 bungalow on the farm, which is now run by their daughter and son-in-law. The couple – concerned about how to fund their retirement without being reliant on the farm - own a rental property in the village. This provides a modest income of £400 per month, but they would prefer to have more substantial liquid funds available. Their grandson has recently returned from agricultural college and is keen to work on the farm, with a view to eventually succeeding his parents. “To release equity from the house, the retired couple could move into the village property and sell the bungalow to their grandson,” explains Miss Paley. “Under the normal SDLT rules, this would have incurred a charge of £5,000, but the changes mean that no SDLT should arise on this transfer. In addition, as they have always occupied the bungalow as their main residence, Principal Private Residence relief applies so that no Capital Gains Tax liability is payable.” The benefit still applies where the value of the property exceeds £300,000, with anything over this threshold incurring SDLT at a rate of 5%, up to a cap of £500,000. “These changes, effective from 22 November 2017, will generally save first-time buyers up to £5,000 and ease the financial pressures of
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getting on the property ladder,” says Miss Paley. However, the tax break will not apply where the value of the property exceeds £500,000, or if it will not be occupied as the purchaser’s main residence. “In these cases the normal SDLT rates will apply.” When it comes to Inheritance Tax, there remain ongoing rumours across the industry that there could be significant changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) in the future, explains Miss Paley. “HMRC is concerned that these reliefs are being exploited to benefit wealthy landowners, and has commissioned research to better understand their motivations and behaviours. Old Mill has contributed to this research, a summary of which has now been published by the Government,” she adds. “It is encouraging that the summary highlighted that the reliefs are crucial and that without them many farms would have to be sold to pay the IHT liability. It also noted that succession planning is generally focused on keeping the farm together to pass it on to the next generation as a viable farming business, with reducing tax being a secondary consideration.” However, it’s clear that APR also benefits individuals like wealthy investors who have negligible involvement with the farm itself, and it is those situations that the Government is seeking to target. “So while this report is encouraging, it is likely that HMRC will continue to investigate potential abuse of the reliefs and consider future changes,” says Miss Paley. “It’s therefore vital, when planning succession, to ensure that your case is entirely compliant with the letter of the law.”
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 07
| On Topic
Farming is not so different across the channel A group of 15 farmers in the AHDB Monitor Farm programme crossed the channel to visit French farmers – and discovered the grass isn’t greener on the other side. HDB Monitor Farms bring together groups of farmers who want to improve their businesses by sharing performance information and best practice around a nationwide network of more than 30 host farms. Monitor Farms are part of AHDB’s wider Farm Excellence Platform, which works with the industry to improve performance through knowledge exchange and benchmarking. The farmers from the west of England and Wales toured cereal growers and co-operatives in the northern French wheat belt to find out about their challenges and share experiences.
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Martin Williams, one of the hosts of the Hereford Monitor Farm, said: “If you feel the issues are easier or the profits greater on the other side of the channel then think again. Apart from language, the conversations held could have been in any farming group in Britain. “The costs of production on a 10t/ha wheat crop are identical, the cost of chemicals too are near identical, which was surprising when we are told the pound/euro situation is the cause of our prices. “This was a fascinating cultural exchange of knowledge. A superb visit.” AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager
Richard Meredith led the Monitor Farm group visit to Normandy and Picardy. He said: “After the poor harvests of recent years the farming community seemed to be looking for answers and quickly. We wanted to find out what the similarities with our own farming were.” The group heard how French cereal production is undergoing huge change. In particular, farmers are facing reduction in chemical availability, more greening and environmental work coupled with recent low yields and low quality harvests. Black-grass is a huge problem in France and new legislation means that chemical use in
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| On Topic
Farmers from the AHDB Monitor Farm groups visit France
agriculture must be reduced by 50 per cent. The group visited two co-ops, Cap Seine in Normandy, and Noriap in Picardy.They were shown the beginnings of precision farming software by both companies, which is already fairly commonplace in the UK. Yield maps, variable rate fertiliser and soil scanning were all relatively new to the country Glyphosate, such a hot topic here in the UK, is also under debate and French farmers are already unable to use it pre-harvest. Martin said: “We were particularly keen to find out how French farmers were tackling their challenges and whether there was anything we could learn from their co-operatives.
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“It was hard to see a conclusive answer, however. They were working to achieve profits and although they returned dividend to the members it felt as if there was not quite the ‘entente cordiale’ between parties we were expecting. “It seemed as if the co-ops were looking to add value in-house through chemical supply and upgrading of grain – we felt that there had been some recent transition from the original ideals of the co-op to a new commercialism.” One of the co-ops, Noriap, however, had a provision for new entrant farmers, which the group found interesting. Under the scheme, fledgling businesses get a cash injection and
Black-grass is a huge problem in France and new legislation means that chemical use in agriculture must be reduced by 50 per cent extended credit, as well as links to the local tractor factory. Martin added: “If you are sitting at home bemoaning your lot thinking our French neighbours are having it so much better, then please think again. After our trip the feeling is that we are so close as people. We met truly friendly, honest welcoming farmers, we have huge amounts in common as farmers and we are living the same life.”
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 09
| Arable
CropTec cements reputation as UK arable sector’s leading knowledge exchange event The CropTec Show’s unique blend of innovative trade stands and topical seminar sessions has again proved a strong draw for progressive arable farmers and agronomists looking to improve technical and business performance. ver 4000 visitors flocked to the two-day event, which was held on 29th and 30th November at the East of England Showground, Peterborough. More than 170 companies, many at the forefront of arable innovation, filled the exhibition halls at the show. They provided an ideal opportunity for key decision makers from farms across the country to discuss the latest crop science, technology, products, and services. The CropTec seminars and knowledge hubs – short, sharp presentations delivering key take-away messages – hosted more than 30 of the sector’s leading experts and also drew large audiences. The seminars covered four key areas affecting profitability – crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection and crop breeding, and several sessions were standing room only. The knowledge hubs examined black-grass control, oilseed rape quality and weed management, biostimulants, and data & analytics. CropTec also included a popular sprayer demo area where visitors could drive some of the most advanced sprayers in the market. New for 2017 was the Farm491 Farm Innovation Zone, where visitors were able to speak to a range of leading agritech innovators. Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, group head of events at Briefing Media, which organises The CropTec Show, said: “CropTec aims to give visitors the chance to explore a wide range of novel science and innovative technology in an informal atmosphere, creating the ideal forum to exchange ideas and experiences with exhibitors, researchers and other farmers and agronomists. “This year’s show certainly delivered on all fronts, attracting the biggest CropTec attendance figure to date. Visitors were able to glean information by networking with likeminded industry peers, from the wellresearched, topical seminars and from talking to expert staff in the exhibition halls.
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“This was our best show yet, and it was buzzing from start to finish. We received some fantastic feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike. “We are very proud to be working alongside some of the world’s most innovative farmers, researchers and companies, and we are already working on how to continue to improve the show in 2018.” Stephen Howe, CropTec development director, said the event’s focus on providing technical and business information to help growers and advisers control costs of production had attracted a high-quality audience. “That focus on costs, with the added element of benchmarking, is even more important today if our arable producers are to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic global market,” said Mr Howe. “With the UK due to leave the European Union in 16 months, short-term uncertainty about Brexit is in danger of throttling one of the UK’s most successful industries, and the main contributor and catalyst is politics, over which farmers have little control. “This emphasises the need for farmers to focus on things that they can control. CropTec provided plenty of opportunity for visitors to discuss many options to help safeguard their businesses, such as the future of farm support; business expansion or contraction; the role of environmental schemes; machinery investment; or the future of our crop protection armoury.” Sarah Rixon, commercial director of Adama Agricultural Solutions UK, CropTec’s principal sponsor, said: “CropTec 2017 has once again proven to be the event for professional arable growers and agronomists to access to the latest and best technological knowledge and advice. “The 2017 show was our fourth year as title sponsor and once again we were delighted to speak to so many ambitious, upbeat and optimistic growers and agronomists. “The industry isn’t without its fair share of challenges, from regulatory and environmental
pressures, to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the current Brexit negotiations. “It was heartening to hear about the novel ways in which growers are overcoming these hurdles, and also to share our ideas for how they can get the most out of the current range of available crop protection products.” The value that farmers put on The CropTec Show was highlighted in a stream of tweets during and after the event, including: Suffolk farmers @The_Barker_Boys: Enjoyed speaking @CropTecShow over past two days. Farmers really have an opportunity to challenge their farming systems… Yorkshire farmer and contractor @JSScholes1: Buzz words from @CropTecShow Soil management, phosphate management, challenge current thinking #interestingstuff Notts-based agronomist @ianholmes20: Good day at @CropTecShow today - some interesting seminar sessions and good to catch up with a number of people round the show! Lincs-based farmer @ChrisHewis: Well done to everyone at @CropTecShow for a successful event. Great to see the car park full until the end of day 2. Now an established event. Cambridge-based management trainee @JJ_Macleod: Great day spent @CropTecShow today. Highly recommend a visit next year! Yorkshire-based foreman @Farmertom08: @CropTecShow Good Show Today. Good Facilities, Nicely laid out. See you next year. Northamptonshire farmer @11smay: @The_Barker_Boys & @wormscience thanks for great talks @CropTecShow today very interesting and informative the best presentations of the day The CropTec Show returns to the East of England Showground, Peterborough on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th November 2018.
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| Arable
Look out for lettuce Fusarium wilt, growers urged An outbreak of an aggressive disease has been reported in UK lettuce crops for the first time and growers are being urged to look out for symptoms to get diagnosis early. ettuce Fusarium wilt has previously been found in mainland Europe, but the identification of this strain of the disease in Lancashire, in October this year, was the first time it has been confirmed in the UK. The pathogen was identified as Race 4, which is a particularly aggressive strain with no known treatments or resistant varieties currently available. In The Netherlands, growers are having to move production to new, uninfested glasshouses, or to only grow lettuce in the winter in cooler temperatures. Protected and fieldgrown lettuce crops are worth £142.7m* annually to the UK economy. John Jackson, Managing Director at Seven Oaks Nurseries, said: “Glasshouse lettuce growers are extremely concerned about the outbreak and their future as lettuce growers. In 40 years of growing
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lettuce, I have never had a disease that could not be controlled by chemical application, soil sterilization and environmental control. “If the disease spreads significantly, we may be in a situation, as in Holland, where lettuce cannot be grown in the soil. This would put many growers in a very difficult situation, looking for alternative crops, most of which would need significant capital expenditure at a time when margins are already tight.” AHDB Horticulture has contracted University of Warwick to deliver a technical review to compile detailed information on management options to help minimise the impact on the UK lettuce industry. The full report will be published in early February 2018, but information will be shared with industry as the review proceeds. Jon Knight, head of crop health and protection at AHDB, said: “Despite the strict rules in the UK
regarding quarantine and sourcing of plants from other countries to keep the probability of new threats coming in as low as possible, unfortunately the Fusarium wilt has still found a way through. “We will be collaborating with experts in countries where the disease is already present to collate all relevant information about how to prevent the disease and what control options are available. We will be communicating this to the UK industry as a matter of urgency.” Kim Parker, crop protection scientist at AHDB, said: “The control of this disease is particularly difficult as spores survive for a long time in soil and crop debris and there are no effective plant protection products, no available resistant varieties and soil sterilisation has limited effect. “We are therefore stressing that avoidance is the best strategy and urge growers to review their hygiene measures on both the nursery and with their plant
propagator to avoid the disease getting on to their sites.” Growers who suspect lettuce Fusarium wilt in their crops should send samples for diagnosis. As part of an AHDB project, Dr John Clarkson, at University of Warwick, will accept samples for free testing. Visit horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/lettucefusarium-wilt-and-root-rot for further information. An event will also be held in Lancashire on 14 December 2017, where ADAS Associate Plant Pathologist Tim O’Neill will be presenting on ‘Practical measures to reduce the risk and impact of lettuce Fusarium wilt - utilising knowledge of other Fusarium wilt diseases’. To book visit: horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/event/lett uce-fusarium-wilt-technicalworkshop
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 11
| Arable
Trust your senses when it comes to soil health Farmers should be relying on their senses to grow sustainable crops for the future, that was the key message from international biological farming expert Gary Zimmer speaking at QLF Agronomy’s soils event. ary encourages producers not to rely on just traditional methods to measure soil health. “It’s not all about science, you can tell a lot by using your senses,” says Gary. “There’s no substitute for feeling the texture, looking at and smelling your soils. They’re a living system home to trillions of organisms,” explains Gary. He adds that producers should be ensuring that they provide soils with the necessary nutrients to maximise the activity of soil organisms. “This is the fundamental principle of biological farming,” says Gary. He adds that the ultimate goal for the industry should be to increase food production using less inputs. But for crops to reach their full genetic potential, Gary adds that producers need to concentrate on balancing soil minerals and ensuring they’re working with nature. “Biology has the answer to unlocking the true value of our soils and the true measure of soil health is its capacity to function without intervention.” To achieve this, Gary recommends that farmers assess soils using a range of methods, including tissue testing, soil sampling using the standard P, K, Mg and pH test, as well as testing for macro and micro-nutrients, such as Boron and Manganese, which are essential for plant development. He adds that they also
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shouldn’t overlook their own instincts. As an outcome of these tests, Gary explains that it is vital that farmers don’t just concentrate on feeding their crops. “Growers should also be feeding their soils by ensuring soil microorganisms have access to sufficient carbon, this can be supplied by the application of a liquid carbon-based fertiliser,” says Gary. Tim Parton, farm manager at Brewood Park Farm, Staffordshire, has been farming biologically since 2014. He explains how using a liquid carbon-based fertiliser has enhanced his soil biology to boost crop performance. “I’ve been applying QLF Agronomy’s liquid carbon-based fertiliser, Boost, in conjunction with a liquid fertiliser for the last 12 months and have found it greatly benefits crops,” says Tim. To aid nitrogen uptake, it’s vital that carbon is readily available to soil microbes. “Carbon is the most critical nutrient for the growth and health of soil microbe populations and small soil animals, all of which work symbiotically to directly support the health and productivity of the soil.” Tim adds that he routinely looks for earthworms as they’re a key indicator of healthy soils and has seen a dramatic increase in worm populations since implementing biological farming practices. “By providing a source of feed directly to soil microbes I’ve also seen crops establish faster
Gary Zimmer discussing cover crops
and stronger and it’s enabled them to cope better with pest and disease challenges. “Boost is a combination of balanced crop nutrients with complex carbon sources, it feeds the soil biology and enhances plant nutrient availability to help improve plant performance, root growth and crop quality.”
Gary Zimmer’s six founding biological principles 1 Test and balance your soils. Feed the crop a balanced and supplemented diet 2 Use fertilisers that do the least damage to soil life and plant roots 3 Apply pesticides and herbicides responsibly while relying on customised management practices to reach maximum genetic potential 4 Create maximum plant diversity by using green manure crops and varied rotations 5 Manage the decay of organic materials and the balance of soil, air and water 6 Feed the soil using carbon from compost, green manures, livestock manures and crop residue
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| Arable
Take a more precise approach to production costs
Start with soil to manage variability
With UK agriculture facing some of the greatest uncertainty in recent history, arable farmers must get a tighter grip on production costs and crop agronomy in order to remain profitable post-Brexit. hat was one of the key messages from the recent Hutchinsons technical conference in Peterborough, where speakers urged less focus on the big economic challenges largely beyond farmers’ control and more on improving the resilience of businesses to a volatile and competitive future outside Europe. Doing so required a clearer understanding of true production costs and more precise agronomy to manage the yield variation on all farms, the 350 delegates heard. Gross margin analysis only accounted for less than half of total growing costs, so all “fixed” costs should be included when assessing cost of production, Hutchinsons precision technology manager Oliver Wood said. This includes operational costs, such as labour and machinery. Figures presented by Sebastian Graff-Baker of Andersons put total costs for growing a crop of wheat in 2017 at £1,012/ha, comprising £472/ha of variable costs (seed, fertiliser and sprays) and £540/ha labour and machinery. At a wheat price of around £130/t, that equated to a breakeven yield of 7.8t/ha, but including rent pushed total costs to £1,357/ha and the yield to 10.4t/ha, he said.
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Combining such financial information with yield map analysis for individual fields and farms often revealed a “mosaic of profit and loss”, he added. “If we want to raise farm profitability and become more sustainable then we need to look at what’s causing this yield variation and find ways to address it.” Make the most of farm data The Hutchinsons Omnia precision farming system, which combines financial benchmarking with multilayered crop agronomy analysis, provided an ideal way of identifying and addressing in-field variability, Mr Wood said. “We need to improve productivity, but it cannot happen at any cost.” Omnia analysis of one winter wheat crop put the average total cost of production at £995/ha, equivalent to a breakeven price of £134/t at an average yield of 7.4t/ha. That left a slight margin at current wheat prices, however, combining this data with actual yield maps revealed that costs ranged from £95/t on the highest yielding areas (hitting around 12t/ha) to £221/t on the worst parts of the field (where yields were as low as 3t/ha). “This information is a powerful business planning tool that helps farmers and agronomists identify areas that are costing more than
the breakeven price to produce. The precision application maps can then also help us target agronomy to specific areas to tackle this variability.” Suffolk grower and AHDB strategic farmer, Brian Barker, from Lodge Farm, near Stowmarket, said Omnia was a major part of future decision making processes on his 513ha farm. The software had already been used to merge yield data from the past 10 years to create field performance maps that highlighted good and bad areas, allowing agronomy to be targeted accordingly. “With cost of production, I’m a great believer that if you don’t manage it you can’t change it. Omnia gives me the opportunity to look at how all the attributes of my farm, soil, fertiliser plans, etc, change, and I can monitor it much more easily by having it all in one place. “I’m a great believer in farming to our potential, but at the same time we need to drive down our cost of production to lower the risk from market volatility.” Since using Omina, Mr Barker said there had been a £3,500 reduction in fertiliser spend across the farm through more precise applications. [Panel] Start with soil to manage variability
Soil health was widely recognised as being the starting point for managing inconsistencies across fields and various speakers highlighted practical advice for growers, which included: • Get to know your soil and how different components interact - consider chemical, biological and textural components, organic matter, nutrient content, pH, etc • Basic soil tests offer limited information, so consider a detailed Healthy Soils assessment on representative fields, combined with regular soil testing and visual inspections • Examine soils for structural issues (e.g. compaction) ensure it is done when soils are moist enough (typically October to April) • Earthworms play a key role in improving soil health, so do all you can to maximise numbers, through increasing organic matter, reducing tillage intensity and rotational changes • Assess earthworm numbers by digging test pits of 20x20x20cm with a fork, laying soil out and identifying worms by hand. Ideally take 20 samples in a ‘W’ shape for fields up to 35ha • Worm populations of >16 per soil pit (>400/m2) are beneficial to productivity • Cover crops can help address soil issues, but only if they are carefully targeted to individual situations.
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 13
| Potatoes
Contact your nearest dealer: Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk
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| Grain
Double Layered TUYV resistant oilseed rape featured at CropTec alongside new wheat and maize varieties DSV UK previewed its first ever ‘double layered’ PNN hybrid oilseed rape at CropTec 2017 alongside new maize and wheat varieties. emptation, which has just been drilled in RL candidate trials this Autumn, is the company’s first ever oilseed rape to feature full genetic resistance to Turnip Yellow Virus (TuYV), says DSV UK managing director Mike Mann. “There are worrying signs that TuYV is becoming a growing threat to UK producers with indications it is now endemic across the UK with 2017 seeing a growing number of cases so there is real pressure on breeders to address this through genetics. “It’s a potentially serious situation as the disease can have a significant affect on both yields and oil content and can rob you of production without you really knowing it. Even insecticide treated sites can show 5 – 7% loss, and in an untreated situation this can reach 20% or more.
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“Working with our colleagues in Germany, we’re confident that virtually all new DSV varieties will carry TuYV resistance with trials across Europe showing very impressive results.’’ Temptation is the first of these to be introduced to the UK and has genuine genetic resistance to TuYV being impervious to the greater effects of the disease, he explains. “Temptation also has excellent early vigour, typical of other DSV varieties like Incentive 45 and Sparrow 45 – so called because of their outstanding growth in the first 45 days after drilling. “It is also our first doublelayered PNN variety. In the past DSV’S single layered PNN varieties have had multi-gene resistance to light leaf spot and phoma stem canker but Temptation adds another additional layer with its TuYV resistance.”
DSV also has three new wheat varieties, currently in their second year of National List trials, which are showing great promise, Mike Mann adds. “We have a high yielding feed wheat with excellent disease portfolio, a group 3 biscuit variety with very strong agronomic characteristics and an excellent bread maker featuring the highest combination of Hagburg falling number, specific weight and protein levels of all the current NL2 varieties and controls.” Expedia is DSV’s new maize variety being marketed this year in the UK, he says. “Following the success of Movanna and LikeIt for UK growers, Expedia is a mid to early variety with an exceptional yield, a strong disease package and excellent vigour making it ideal for both dairy farmers and the AD sector.”
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 15
| Grain
Grain & oilseed margins at risk due to higher freight costs
Higher global freight rates are expected to have an increasing influence on grains & oilseed trade dynamics and trade flows in 2018 as the cost of dry-bulk sea freight increases. Rabobank anticipates the margins of grain & oilseed importers and exporters are at risk.
n its latest report “A Bigger World to Sail: Impact of Rising Freight Rates on Global Grains & Oilseed Trade,” Rabobank anticipates that increasing time charter rates as well as high bunker fuel costs will lead to higher freight costs in the coming years. As a result, Rabobank expects a shift in the movement of commodities worldwide with higher freight rates eroding the competitiveness of exports which come from farther afield. Global dry bulk time charter rates and bunker fuel costs are expected to continue to stay strong in 2018 and 2019 The Baltic Dry Index – an indicator of global commodity freight costs – has increased almost 60% since January 2017 as additional supply of new bulk freight capacity has slowed. With demand growth for dry bulk capacity forecast to surpass supply growth of dry bulk capacity in the next two years, dry bulk time charter rates are forecasted to increase between 10% and 20% YOY in 2018 and 2019. At the same time, crude oil prices have increased to their highest level in two years in 2017, appreciating to over USD 60/bbl (Brent Oil), making bunker fuel for vessels more
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expensive and adding to the rise in freight rates. With more than 85 percent of global G&O trade (more specifically corn, wheat, soybeans, and soymeal) transported by dry bulk carriers, the higher freight costs will have increasing influence on G&O trade dynamics and trade flows in 2018-2019. G&O exports from Australia to Asia to benefit, while more distant G&O exporters will face pressure With Asian countries being net importers of grains and oilseeds and relying heavily on dry bulk carriers to supply G&O products, G&O exporting countries closer to Asia, like Australia, stand to benefit while more distant G&O exporting regions like South America, US and Black Sea will see their competitiveness impacted as freight rates increase. To stay competitive, G&O exporters at a greater distance from their destination will need to reduce their G&O purchasing costs, supply chain costs and margins to trim their FOB price in order to remain competitive. Asia to face higher G&O import costs With Asian countries importing a total of 242.5 million metric tons in grains and oilseeds in 2016, Asian countries rely heavily on dry bulk
carriers to supply their G&O products from South America, US, and Black Sea. Increased freight rates will drive up the landed costs of G&O imports such as wheat and soybean to Asia, resulting in higher ‘cost of goods sold’. Faced with higher freight rates, both G&O exporters and importers should position themselves to preserve their margins. There are a number of strategic options for them to do this, such as choosing an appropriate shipping strategy, improving supply chain efficiency and choosing an appropriate origination and procurement strategy. Consumers should be ready to face increasing food prices. Importers may also opt to pass the rising freight costs to customers, which will result in increased food prices. According to FAO’s latest “Food Outlook – Biannual Report on Global Food Markets, November 2017” report, the cost of importing food is set to rise in 2017 to USD 1.213 trillion, a 6 percent increase from the previous year and the second highest tally on record. Consumers should be ready to face increasing food prices.
Wembley continues its consistent , high yielding performance on the new AHDB Recommended Lists with Mentor still the only clubroot resistant recommended Variety The new 2017-18 AHDB winter oilseed rape Recommended Lists show LSPB’s hybrid variety Wembley maintaining its consistent performance in the East-West region. While specially-recommended Mentor continues on both North and East-West lists as the only clubroot-resistant variety. embley has once again performed extremely well in Recommended List trials, proving its continuing high gross output over the four trial years between 2014 and 2017 as shown on the latest RL. In addition to this, it has low gross output variability both in the UK figures shown and in the detailed East-West data where its low variability is even more marked. Many growers now look to consistency as measure of performance that is as equally important as outright yield. The variety also brings good agronomic
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characters to growers with stem stiffness and high resistance to lodging - good autumn vigour, spring vigour and early flowering time plus resistance to light leaf spot and stem canker. Mentor is the only winter oilseed rape variety with a specific recommendation for clubroot on the North and the East-West regions of the AHDB Recommended List. It is recommended for growing on land infected with clubroot and is resistant to common strains of clubroot, although not all. Clubroot is an increasing problem in oilseed rape crops and one that had been intensified
by too-close rotations. Once land is infected with clubroot spores, it could be up to 15 years before it is likely to be clean again. Preventative action is built round rotations that alternate oilseed rape with cereals and break crops such as pulses. Looking beyond the current year, LSPB’s upcoming varieties Crome and Walker are now starting their journey through the official trials system and showing promise. In the longer term, there are further improved oilseed rape varieties progressing now in private trials and planned for official trials in due course.
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| Grain
Gleam winter wheat (from Syngenta)
Syngenta gets five highyielding cereal varieties added to Recommended Lists High yield coupled with agronomic characteristics that are set to make them practical to grow. These are core benefits shared by all five of the new Syngenta winter cereal varieties being added to the AHDB Recommended Lists for 2018, says the breeder’s seed manager, Samantha Brooke. ew Gleam winter feed wheat “The first thing you notice about our new hard Group 4 winter feed wheat, Gleam, is that it is very highyielding. But importantly, it has also delivered its yield consistently across different seasons, in different regions, and in first and second cereal positions,” says Mrs Brooke. “Stable yields are useful with volatile grain prices. “What’s also significant is that Gleam can be drilled over a wide window, from about the middle of September onwards. “In our trials, Gleam shows it produces a lot of tillers and it has held on to those tillers well. So its yield comes from producing a
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good number of smaller ears, rather than a few, heavy ones. But its ears contain good-sized grains with a good specific weight.” Also from a practical viewpoint, Mrs Brooke says Gleam is earlymaturing and has very good straw strength, and arrives with good resistance to Septoria tritici and yellow rust, plus orange wheat blossom midge resistance. It continues Syngenta’s expansion into winter wheat, following recent introductions of Shabras and Graham, she notes. New hybrid feed barleys Adding to Syngenta’s highyielding hybrid winter feed barleys on the AHDB Recommended List, new hybrids Hyvido Belmont and Hyvido Libra are set to occupy slightly different market positions
Hyvido Belmont hybrid winter barley (from Syngenta)
Hyvido Libra hybrid winter barley (from Syngenta)
to each other, Samantha Brooke believes. “Hyvido Belmont is a bit like the current hybrid, Hyvido Bazooka, in that it offers growers outstandingly high yield,” says Mrs Brooke. “It also has no major weaknesses to the more difficult barley diseases, and it has produced a good specific weight. But for farms where an even higher specific weight is important, then Hyvido Libra could be more appropriate. “Libra is slightly lower-yielding than Belmont but is the best quality hybrid barley, in terms of specific weight, that we’ve ever bred.” New winter malting barleys The two new high-yielding winter malting varieties, Electrum
and Coref, being added to the 2018 AHDB Recommended List continue Syngenta’s heritage in malting barley breeding, says Samantha Brooke. Both are also early-maturing, she notes. “Of the two, Electrum is likely to come to the market sooner than Coref because there will be more Electrum seed available,” explains Mrs Brooke. “A year or two down the line, Electrum could be a good partner in the marketplace alongside Craft, which is also an up-and-coming variety, because end users like to have more than one variety to choose from, in order to spread risk.”
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 17
| Buildings
Farmlite GRP: Long term, increased productivity With optimum daylight key to healthy and productive livestock, Brett Martin Daylight Systems’ Farmlite GRP is a costeffective range of long lasting, high performance glass reinforced polyester rooflights with anti-yellowing technology. eveloped to withstand challenging agricultural environments, British-made Farmlite GRP incorporates outstanding UV surface protection to provide long term performance and minimal loss of light transmission or ‘yellowing’ for up to 20 years. GRP has been the rooflight material of choice in the farming industry for well over half a century, but if an inadequate grade of GRP is installed as a rooflight, its appearance and especially its performance can be compromised quickly by the effects of age and weathering. Inferior performance grades of GRP are unfortunately commonplace in farm buildings as construction costs have been driven down and rooflight quality has suffered as a result. These lower quality rooflights are characterised by the alarming speed by which they deteriorate, suffering rapid surface erosion and advanced yellowing often within months of installation. Utilising the company’s 50 years of experience in the design
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and manufacture of GRP rooflights, Brett Martin has developed the Farmlite GRP rooflight to help combat these problems by providing a more durable, naturally translucent and longer lasting agricultural rooflight. Each Farmlite GRP rooflight sheet comes with dual action UV surface protection and specially formulated UV resistant resins as standard, so the long term effects of weathering are greatly reduced and as a result stay clearer for longer than the traditionally used inferior grades of GRP. By maintaining their natural translucency, Farmlite rooflights provide free, quality natural light which is proven to encourage healthier, more diseaseresistant livestock and improved conditions for farm workers. Farmlite GRP rooflights can also contribute to energy savings by helping reduce the consumption of electric light in the farm building. As well as improved clarity for longer periods, each sheet is also more resistant to surface erosion and weakening. With greatly improved durability, Farmlite GRP will continue to be structurally strong and fit for purpose for at least
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25 years under normal working conditions. In terms of composition, Farmlite GRP rooflights are stronger because they contain a glass fibre content of at least 33%. Some rooflights commonly used in the farm buildings sector have as little as 25% glass fibre – which equates to 25% less reinforcement and 25% less strength than Farmlite. Manufactured in the UK to EN 1013 under the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, Farmlite GRP rooflights are available in all the common agricultural profiles, including Big 6, and in a range of strengths to achieve whatever safety level is required as well as U-values and fire ratings as stipulated in current Building Regulations. It can be used in single skin, double skin and triple skin site assembled rooflight applications or as wall lights in all types of agricultural buildings such as barns, sheds, milking parlours’, animal housing, stables and equestrian buildings. What about the cost? Surprisingly this advanced technology is affordable and available at very little additional cost compared to the performance
improvements offered. For example, assuming a 10% rooflight area of 30m2 on a farm building of 20m x 15m the cost of Farmlite rooflights would be approximately only £60£90 more than lower grade GRP sheets which will deteriorate within a year. It is clear that the additional price for Farmlite rooflights is negligible in comparison to the clear benefits of long term durability, protection from yellowing and quality light transmission. Farmlite GRP rooflights form part of Brett Martin’s extensive range of GRP sheets for roofs and sidelights which are available in over 900 profiles, a wide range of options and choice of product performance. Rooflights make a vital contribution to every building, from improving internal conditions to reducing energy use and running costs. With the company’s Farmlite GRP rooflights, Brett Martin Daylight Systems has once again set the standard for the industry with a range that will transform the performance of agricultural buildings across the UK and Ireland for minimal extra cost.
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| Buildings
UltraZED purlins selected by agricultural specialist for new grain store at TV farm As a specialist contractor dedicated to constructing the various types of properties required by the farming industry, Cheshire based Fowler & Gilbert makes extensive use of the structurally advanced profiles produced by the Hadley Group - including for a recently completed grain store at one of the UK countryside’s most popular locations. owler & Gilbert’s business is in fact almost exclusively concentrated on agriculture, serving clients across the country involved in arable, beef, dairy and other types of production: designing and constructing barns, byres, stables and many other types of building. The contractor chooses to utilise Hadley Group’s industry leading UltraZED and other profiles due to their exceptional load-carrying capabilities, low weight and design flexibility, as well as their ready availability. Simon Turner, Project Manager for Fowler & Gilbert, commented: “90 per cent of what we do is for agricultural clients providing nationwide coverage, and we have used Hadley Group profiles for a long while now. We know that we can rely on good service support, while there is also the simplicity of specifying UltraZED purlins, and the other profiles, via the Tekla design software that we employ.” In the most recent contract order delivered for Fowler & Gilbert, Hadley Group’s Midland premises manufactured a total of 200 UltraZED purlins for the construction of a large new grain store at the Cotswold Farm Park, frequently seen by viewers of BBC television’s Countryfile programme.
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The construction of the grain store also consumed 225 C Sections and 275 Eaves Beams as well as Rafter Column Stays, Apex Ties and Hanger Cleats. Rigidity and racking resistance are provided by elements such as SRS Diagonal Ties and Heavy Duty Diagonal Tie Bars, plus DTWTS or Diagonal Tie Wire – Tube Struts. Hadley Group’s UltraZED purlins are produced from high tensile steel and have been developed to outperform conventional products; offering excellent strength and spanning characteristics as well as weight savings of between six and 13 per cent. They are CE marked to BS EN 1090 Execution class 4 and are available in a choice of 59 different depth and gauge variations. As well as being compatible with industry favourite Tekla software, UltraZED purlins can also be specified using Hadley Group’s own DesignSuite PRO™ software, speeding the order of cut to length sections that can be delivered direct to site and which are very rapid to install. The purlins also provide a generous 70 mm face for fixing sheeting or other cladding materials, while facilitating the free movement of air within the building. For more information on UltraZED and Hadley Group please visit www.hadleygroup.com
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 19
| Buildings
Safe use of fibre cement sheeting The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) No Time to lose campaign aims to raise awareness of occupational cancers in the workplace, and specifically highlights silica dust as one of the top carcinogens to cause cancer, amongst other health conditions. ilica dust is found in many materials including fibre cement sheeting which is used regularly by many industries including the rural building contractors. “The reason that silica can be dangerous is due to the very fine particles. They’re much smaller than even a tiny grain of sand; and because they are so small they can be breathed deep into the
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lungs”, says Judith McNultyGreen, Technical Information Manager at IOSH. “The body’s natural defence systems can’t get rid of this, so the particles will then damage lung tissue and can cause cancer, silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” When carrying out works on materials including fibre cement sheeting e.g. cutting or drilling; the works should be carried out outside or in well-ventilated
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spaces, using low speed, and low dust cutting tools which are connected to a dust extraction filter vacuum cleaner. Keeping the work environment clean and removal of debris as soon as possible is also required and at the end of the work, remove dust from clothes, tools and working area and avoid dry sweeping when cleaning up. “Some materials which contain silica can sometimes be removed or substituted for a different
material; however if this is not possible, employers should be monitoring and assessing the exposure levels and identify the specific jobs and tasks that require further controls,” says Judith. “All employees at risk from silica dust exposure should be provided with information about the possible risks, how exposure can be reduced and given training to understand how to use the controls correctly. “Our No Time to Lose campaign website has free resources businesses can download to raise awareness and control silica dust exposure at work. You’ll find everything from factsheets, posters and leaflets, to case studies, presentations and infographics.” If, after control measures have been put into place and silica dust is still an unacceptable level, operatives should use personal respiratory protection. Although this level of protection is considered the last resort in British legislation. The reality is that respirators are often necessary to achieve adequate control. As respirators are often a very effective way of reducing exposure, for high-risk tasks, this level of control is not to be relied upon on its own- it may not give enough protection and will only protect that one person who may be wearing them at the wrong time or for too long. If there is a chance that workers could develop health related conditions following the use of silica, health surveillance should be considered, this is a legal requirement in Britain. This could be simply as asking the individual about symptoms and making a record of the job and the exposure they receive. In Britain, exposure to silica is covered by The Control of Substances hazardous to health regulations, following this, employers have a responsibility to carry out risk assessments in situations where there is exposure to silica and, where the risks are not adequately controlled, to investigate effective control measures and then follow the obligations to check and maintain the control measure. Further information on managing silica dust can be found at www.notimetolose.org.uk See JorisIde at LAMMA 2018 on stand 846.
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| Security
Farm security alert as rural crime rises sharply Latest NFU Mutual theft claim figures show theft is rising sharply – up 20% in the first half of 2017 - so it is a good time to improve security. hile we are seeing a resurgence in high-value tractor theft this year, the main targets are quads, compact tractors, and other all-terrain vehicles – basically kit which is easy to transport and sell-on,” says Tim Price, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual. “We’re seeing thieves repeatedly targeting farms in some parts of the country. And it’s not just at night. Thieves will now strike in daylight when farmers’ backs are turned. This means it’s vital to remove keys from quads and secure them when not in use during the day.” Because no two farms and country properties are the same there is no standard solution for farm safety. Whether you run a smallholding, a farm, a rural business, or live in the countryside the same factors need to be taken into account to assess the risks and decide the most effective and
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practical solutions. To understand how thieves select easy targets, go to the nearest public road to your farm can be seen from and see how tempting it looks through a criminal’s perspective. Are there obvious signs that security is tight such as yard gates, security lights and CCTV? Are buildings secured – or doors left open? Are farm vehicles such as tractors, quads, Land Rovers and trailers on view – or been locked away? Are there people about? The answers to these questions can help you decide whether better security is needed - and what form it should take. For large or complex businesses, professional assistance is well worth considering to target harden premises. Police forces can often provide crime prevention advice, and NFU Mutual Risk Management Services can offer consultations on farm
Chris Piggott and Clive Harris looking at CESAR marking
security, fire prevention, safety and pollution prevention. NFU Mutual farm machinery security checklist: Farmyard • Use security lighting in yards and drives • Lock up tools, equipment and vehicles out of sight • Fit and use yard gates to prevent thieves having easy access • Use a CCTV system to deter thieves • Put up security warning signs • Join a FarmWatch scheme • Shut and secure buildings to reduce temptation from opportunist thieves • Keep high value tools in a security cage Machinery • Remove keys and secure cars, tractors, and other vehicles when unattended • Fit CESAR marking systems to tractors, quads and other selfpropelled farm vehicles • Have the Vehicle Identification Number etched on vehicle
windows • Consider fitting immobilizers and tracking devices on tractors and quads Physically secure ATVs using suitable locking devices or heavy duty security chain and padlocks • Record machinery serial numbers • When buying a tractor quad do due diligence checks yourself – before handing over money • Join local Farm and Rural Watch schemes, Livestock • Padlock field gates • Ensure stock is clearly marked and records are up to date • When possible graze livestock in fields away from roads • Check stock regularly - and vary times of feeding/check ups • Ask neighbours to report any sightings or sounds of unusual activity like sheep being loaded on to vehicles at night For more information, visit: www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 21
| Security
PARABEAM - Simply THE most effective farm security Every farm is a unique layout of entrances, gateways, buildings, and dwellings etc. Hence, it is difficult to be aware of unwanted activity on your property. magine having permanent security guards positioned in strategic places on the site to warn of intruders. This is exactly what our wireless driveway and perimeter alarm systems provide. Detection Only point-to-point infrared beams are reliable in an outdoor situation. Combining long range wireless and the latest solar recharging and battery technology, security beams can be easily installed in strategic areas around the site with no wiring. With a 40m and a 200m beam
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span available, coverage of important areas can easily be achieved. Alerts As well as multiple beams, multiple wireless receivers can be located in different rooms or buildings which identify individual beams. The wireless receivers have alert outputs which can be used to drive deterrents like sirens and strobe lights etc. Outputs can also be used to trigger mains lighting. Alerts can also be received by pager & even more popular - text alerts to up to eight mobile phones allows you to receive alerts from almost anywhere in the world!
Affordable Parabeam systems are modular. A basic effective system can be achieved with a single beam and receiver or a more sophisticated system can be achieved by using a combination of beams, receivers, deterrents and text alert.
Parabeam systems are an easy DIY install which avoids costly electrical installation. Tel: 01904295250 www.parabeam.co.uk
Simple steps to tighten your ATV security Paul Wood, BRP Commercial & Network Development Manager UK & Ireland. he way farmers move around their property has evolved, from walking to riding horses, now to driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). In 2017, these vehicles are now the main workhorse for any farm, no matter the location or size, due to their ability to tackle any terrain and move heavy items from A to B with ease. So if they are stolen, the loss can potentially affect how a farm runs effectively on a day to day basis. According to figures from NFU Mutual’s 2017 Rural Crime report, the cost of rural crime to the UK reached £39.2m and ATVs are one of the top targeted item for thieves.
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This has led to farmers becoming more security conscious and investing in preventative measures to ensure this does not happen to them or if it does the vehicle can be traced and returned. Here are some top tips to ensure your ATV is secure: • When purchasing an ATV ensure the dealership you purchase it from fits a tracker system. • Ensure that you record all the serial numbers of the vehicles/machinery you may have on site as it will help you identify vehicles if one is stolen. • Make sure you are lighting the right places on your farm (tool sheds, fuel tanks and outbuildings) and install motion
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sensor lights that will automatically illuminate areas if any movement is detected. • Report all incidents of theft and any suspicious behaviour to the police because if it is not, the police will not know it is happening. • Keep all vehicles out of sight and weld a metal cover over the hasp to protect the building’s padlocks from being cut with bolt cutters. • Ensure that any storage areas are locked with padlocks, hasps and deadbolts. • Regularly prune any trees or shrubbery that could potentially block the light sources. • Regularly tour your farm to look at spots that are in permanent
darkness as well as vulnerable areas such as gates, fences and doors that could be damaged and may need fixing or replacing. • Do not leave any vehicles outside when you have finished with them and ensure the keys have been removed and placed somewhere safe within the house. • Display signage at the front of your farm telling visitors where they cannot go. BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) designs, manufactures and distributes motorised professional, recreational and powersport vehicles. Its Can-Am brand provides utility users with innovative, economical, comfortable and versatile ATVs and SSVs.
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| Livestock
Remote weighing and temperature sensing to transform calf production Beef and dairy farmers will soon be able to weigh their youngstock and take their temperature several times a day, without having to lift a finger. new project, which should be available on farms within the next three years, brings together the latest technology to remotely weigh and record data on calves and youngstock through to mature cattle. “Not only will this help farmers to fine-tune their management to maximise performance, it will also enable them to identify sick animals at a very early stage, improving recovery speeds and reducing the use of antibiotics,” explains Alan Beynon, director of PrognostiX, which is developing the technology.
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Working with the Nottingham University and British Telecom, the PrognostiX team expects the smart solution, named Y-Ware, to have far-reaching benefits for the industry – from practical farm improvements to retailer traceability. “By inserting a small bolus into the calf’s rumen, and combining it with long-distance LoRa wireless technology, we can pull together all the data in one place,” explains Mr Beynon. “With identification capability it offers similar benefits to electronic ear tags but with far more data recording and the bonus of being completely tamper-proof.” The project secured funding through Innovate UK – and at
£1.13m over three years is one of the biggest grants awarded through the scheme. It is also a true application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology within livestock farming. “It’s very exciting – we’re taking technology developed for other industries and developing it specifically for agriculture to deliver real benefits at significantly lower cost – so it will be accessible to all,” says Mr Beynon. PrognostiX is developing the bolus and wireless weighing platform, with BT working on the software and Nottingham University the algorithms to turn statistics into meaningful alerts to farmers. “The idea is to locate the weighing platform by a water trough – whether inside or outside, it doesn’t matter,” explains Mr Beynon. “Each animal will then be weighed every time it drinks, and the information – along with its temperature – will be processed by the Edge hub before it is sent wirelessly to the farmer’s computer or mobile device.” By developing unique Edge technology to process data at the point of collection, the system only sends alerts when needed – for example when an animal has a temperature or isn’t gaining weight, which saves on battery usage and minimises the data package required. It’s also possible to keep other farm records, such as medicine usage, on the bolus, keeping everything in one place. Unlike other boluses, which are designed for adult cattle, the Y-
Ware bolus can be used in calves from 14 weeks of age. With incredibly accurate growth and performance data, farmers will be able to alter farm management to maximise efficiencies, says Mr Beynon. “In due course we will be able to gather data from other sensors – such as housing temperatures and humidity – and use that to create the optimum farm environment for animal health and welfare.” The project secured funding through Innovate UK – and at £1.13m over three years is one of the biggest grants awarded through the scheme. Pneumonia and scours are the most common health problems in calves – typically costing £82 and £57 per affected calf, respectively. “Using this new technology to reduce the incidence of disease will yield considerable savings in medicine use alone,” he adds. “When you consider the amount of time farmers spend rounding up animals to weigh them or treat them for disease, the labour saving will also be considerable, with less stress and improved health and safety for all involved. This really is game changing technology.” For more information contact PrognostiX on 01392 872893, visit www.y-ware.org or email: info@prognostix-uk.com
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 23
| Livestock
New product launch - Moocall HEAT We are very happy to announce the launch of a brand new Moocall product Moocall HEAT. t is a new heat detection system, available for dairy or beef operations. To celebrate our launch, we have a superb special offer, if you are willing to put down a 20% deposit on a Moocall HEAT system, we will include a FREE calving sensor. Most heat detection methods involve looking at the cow to try and determine when the cow is in eheat. Moocall HEAT is different, it uses nature to its advantage and monitors the bulls behaviour and his interaction with cows. Think of it like a chin ball for the 21st century. It doesn't need to be monitored or adjusted, and sends the information straight to a farmer’s phone. The product • A rechargeable collar (8 weeks battery life) to be worn by either a stock bull or a vasectomised bull. • RFID Moocall ear tags - one worn on each cow or heifer. These are passive, so they are designed to last the lifetime of the animal. Moocall HEAT measures bull and cow interaction over time, to build up a picture of the animals in the field. Then based on frequency
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of interaction over time, alongside bull activity and mounting behaviour it can accurately detect which cow is in her standing heat and alert the farmer via sms message and app update. Current testing is showing it to be incredibly accurate - over 98% accurate in our extensive testing to date. What it tells you • The exact time cows or heifers are in heat; • Whether a cow or a heifer repeats; • Due dates and when you can assume they are in-calf; • Bull health (mobility, virility & fertility); • Cow fertility over time. Moocall BREEDMANAGER Your Moocall HEAT sensor will automatically update the Moocall BREEDMANAGER mobile application. This means that heats, repeats, due dates and more will all be auto-updated within your herd management app. You won't fully appreciate the value of this until you use it, but trust us, it's incredible. For example, if you had Moocall HEAT on a stock bull, Moocall BREEDMANAGER will let you
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know when each cow was in heat, when the bull inseminated her, watch her to make sure she doesn't repeat (and let you know if she does) and then mark her in calf once she doesn't repeat, and let you know the due date. Oh, we'll also remind you before she is due to calve so you can get your Moocall calving sensor on there! On a vasectomised or teaser bull, all of the same information would be added, the only difference is you need to tell us when you inseminated her, and to which bull. Don't worry, we make it really easy to do this. To find out more about Moocall BREEDMANAGER, visit www.mooclal.com. By the way, Moocall BREEDMANAGER is free for anyone to use manually, regardless of owning our sensors or not, so be sure and spread the word. How to order Moocall HEAT The Moocall HEAT system is now available for pre-order. See www.moocall.com or call 0203 627 1126 for details.
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| Livestock
Five steps to better calf health UK dairy and beef producers concerned about calf health can now ask their vet for a detailed, score-based audit of their youngstock rearing system, thanks to the launch of a new checklist tool from MSD Animal Health Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the United States and Canada). he comprehensive and interactive checklist – developed in conjunction with vets and nutritionists experienced in investigating youngstock management problems – helps practitioner and farmer work closely together to draw up a workable action plan to improve calf health. “This new checklist-based tool explores, records and scores calf health performance across five core areas (see supporting graphic) to identify the strengths and weaknesses of any rearing unit’s environment and processes,” said MSD Animal Health ruminant veterinary adviser Kat Baxter. “Working through a series of 10 questions within each core area – designed to tease out where a
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rearing unit is in terms of accepted best management practice – allows vet and farmer to quickly pinpoint any areas needing attention. What’s more, repeating the checklist every six or 12 months is a great way to keep things on track, allowing both parties to monitor progress against agreed targets,” she added. Five steps to better calf health: • Set goals and measure • Implement good colostrum management and feeding protocols • Feed calves correctly • Maintain low infection pressure and vaccinate • Ensure a healthy rearing environment Farmers interested in how they can use the new checklist to improve their youngstock rearing efficiency should contact their vet for further information.
NOAH conference examines the future of animal health in light of Brexit ‘Brexit: what’s the future for animal health?’ event puts progress and sentiment under the microscope. OAH’s conference recently brought together more than 100 delegates from across the animal health sector to discuss and debate the future of animal health, as Brexit negotiations continue. The conference – chaired by NOAH Chief Executive Dawn Howard and opened by NOAH Chair Gaynor Hillier – examined progress from Government, industry response so far and sentiment across the sector ahead of NOAH’s next Brexit Barometer report. A series of key-note speeches set the scene for the day, providing insight into the current regulatory and political context. Speakers included Nigel Gibbens, Chief Veterinary Officer for the UK, Professor Peter Borriello, Chief Executive of the VMD, Sue Hayman, MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and
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Rural Affairs and Rick Clayton, Technical Director of AnimalhealthEurope. A panel featuring David Caffall, Chair of the Agri-Brexit Coalition, Mike Murray, Head of Quality and Environmental Standards, ABPI, Chris Laurence from the Canine and Feline Sector Group and David Calpin from the BVA, explored what organisations and stakeholders across the industry have in common, how our industry is working together and how we can do more in the future to achieve common aims. This was followed by a session focusing on opportunities for innovation, trade, food production and animal health and welfare and what needs to be done to ensure these can be capitalised upon. The session featured thoughtprovoking presentations from Julie Girling MEP, South West England and Gibraltar, Nick von Westenholz, Director of EU Exit and International Trade, NFU,
Professor Janet Bainbridge, CEO for Bioeconomy, Department of International Trade and Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute. The conference closed with an interactive session testing sentiment on the six key opportunity areas outlined in NOAH’s Brexit Barometer. Feedback and insight from this session will be revealed in NOAH’s second Brexit Barometer report – due out later this year. NOAH Chief Executive Dawn Howard comments: “While there are undoubtedly opportunities which are within our
industry’s grasp as the Brexit process unfolds, it is clear that the only way to capitalise on these is through collaboration across the industry and continued close dialogue with Government. It is encouraging to see that there are already many areas of convergence and ways in which organisations and stakeholders across our sector are working together and we look forward to continuing to support our members throughout the Brexit process to help deliver a successful outcome for our industry.” Dawn Howard
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 25
| Energy
Funding boost for renewable energy storage projects A system to capture biogas from a wastewater treatment plant, store it as thermal energy and sell it to the electricity grid is among the next wave of projects to receive money from the South Australian Government’s Renewable Technology Fund. he $3.2 million 1414 Degrees project at the Glenelg Waste Water Treatment plant in Adelaide was among four recipients in the latest round of funding, which is also helping to pay for the 100MW lithium-ion battery Elon Musk’s company Tesla has built at a wind farm in the state’s Mid-North. South Australian company 1414 Degrees has spent almost a decade developing its Thermal Energy Storage System (TESS) technology to store electricity as thermal energy by heating and melting containers full of silicon at a cost estimated to be up to 10 times cheaper than lithium batteries.
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In March the South Australian Government announced the $150 million Renewable Technology Fund, which is designed to accelerate the transformation to the next generation of renewable energy technologies. The wastewater treatment plant project will use $1.6 million in government funding to help build a 0.25MW/10MWh thermal energy storage device that holds heat generated from the combustion of biogas produced on site. 1414 Degrees Executive Chairman Dr Kevin Moriarty said
SA Water already generated electricity to power its operations from the biogas as it is produced by wastewater treatment processing at the site. “The 1414 Degrees technology will instead burn the biogas and store the thermal energy, so the heat and electricity can be harnessed to better coincide with SA Water’s operational needs and times of high electricity market prices,” he said. A tonne of silicon can store enough energy to power up to 28 houses for a day. Its high latent heat capacity and melting temperature of 1414 C make silicon ideal for storing large amounts of energy. The process also generates clean useable heat, which can easily be utilised for district heating or industrial purposes. “We can extract about half of the energy as electricity and the rest is available as heat. If we can use that heat, which is required by industries and households around the world, we can achieve 90 per cent or more efficiency from the renewable sources,” Dr Moriarty, pictured below, said. “There’s a number of solutions out there from batteries to pumped hydro but the one thing missing is something that’s proven, scalable and is going to provide a low-cost solution that can be adopted everywhere. “If we are going to solve the issues around renewable energy we have to solve the issues around storage. “South Australia is a particularly
26 | Farming Monthly | December 2017
good laboratory because it’s one of the first places in the world where a very large proportion of renewable energy is exposing the issues around incorporating these technologies into the electricity grid.” South Australia leads the nation in the uptake of wind energy and rooftop solar with renewable sources accounting for more than 40 per cent of the electricity generated in the state. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energy has been the cause of intense debate in Australia in the past 12 months. In March the South Australian Government announced the $150 million Renewable Technology Fund, which is designed to accelerate the transformation to the next generation of renewable energy technologies. Companies from around the world have already submitted more than 80 proposals for technologies that include batteries, bioenergy, pumped hydro, thermal, compressed air and hydrogen. Other funding recipients announced recently include: University of South Australia $3.6m grant towards a $7.7m project at the Mawson Lakes campus that includes hydrogen production and a 50kW hydrogen fuel cell, a 0.45MWh flow battery, 3.2 million litres of chilled water storage and 1.8MW of ground and roof mounted solar PV. The project will cut campus emissions by 35 per cent and reduce peak demand on the grid.
Planet Ark Power and Schneider Electric $1.95m grant towards a $13.9m solar PV and battery project at a major distribution centre in Adelaide’s north. The project includes a micro-grid management system optimising 5.7MW of solar PV coupled with 2.9MWh of battery storage and integrates with SA Power Networks’ Utility Distribution Management System. Sun SHIFT $1m grant towards a $2.69m modular and relocatable solar PV and battery storage project at the Heathgate Resources Beverley mine. The project will pair 1MW of solar PV with a 1MW/0.5MWh battery, and integrate with the existing on-site gas power plant. South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said the $150 million Renewable Technology Fund was putting the state at the cutting edge of renewable energy technologies and had attracted attention around the world. “The incredible response to the Renewable Technology Fund and the diverse range of technologies represented in this round of funding shows how much potential exists in this industry of the future,” he said. “The Renewable Technology Fund will not only help deliver clean, reliable and affordable power, it will also create new energy and renewables jobs in South Australia and make our businesses more competitive.”
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| Energy
World Biogas Association celebrates first birthday at COP23 Global biogas association celebrates first year of achievements. he World Biogas Association (WBA) is today celebrating its first year of achievements at the UN COP23 Climate Change Conference in Bonn as global leaders come together to review progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The WBA was founded a year ago at COP22 in Marrakech with the aim of demonstrating the huge contribution that biogas can make to reducing emissions and supporting policymakers to create an environment that will encourage the development of biogas globally. Biogas, produced through reprocessing organic wastes and purpose-grown energy crops in anaerobic digestion plants, can be used to produce renewable heat and power, clean
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transport fuel, and nutrient-rich biofertiliser, and has the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%. In its first year, the WBA has published: a report on the contribution of biogas to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); three factsheets on how biogas can improve urban air quality, mitigate climate change, and meet the UN SDGs; and five reports on biogas markets in the US, Netherlands, Italy, Australia, and Poland respectively. The WBA is now working closely with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group on a report into increasing the uptake of separate food waste collections around the world and helping cities understand how biogas technologies can help them resolve issues around food waste. WBA President David Newman
David Newman
is speaking at an event at COP23 this Thursday (9th November) titled ‘Solving the nexus between waste, energy and agriculture – biogas technologies as a global solution’, which will examine how biogas can help to meet international climate goals and the UN SDGs. Celebrating WBA’s achievements from its first year, Mr Newman said: “It’s incredible to think that a whole year has already passed since we established the WBA at COP22 in Marrakech to be the voice for biogas around the world. We already have over 50 members from five different continents, and we’re growing all the time as those working in biogas across the planet look to the WBA to represent them at the highest
political levels. “I’m delighted to be speaking here at COP23 to share the many benefits of biogas with politicians, policymakers, industry, and academics from all over the world. This crucial summit is the perfect precursor to our report with C40 on how cities can use biogas to resolve issues around food waste collection and treatment. “Biogas has enormous potential to provide solutions for waste management, renewable energy, sustainable farming, and food security in every country of the world, and the WBA is looking forward to celebrating even more achievements in our second year as we spread this message to policymakers and politicians far and wide.”
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 27
| Groundcare
Reach for the top with the ECHO HCA-265ESHD Safety is a major consideration when cutting high hedges, so dispensing with the need for ladders, steps and platforms is good news. he ECHO HCA265ES HD articulating hedge cutter is the latest addition to the ECHO range and offers an overall length of 2446mm (cutting length - 536mm), making it ideal for cutting tall or wide hedges with no need for a platform or ladder. Operators can adjust the angle of the cutting head with one
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hand, helping to reduce downtime for repositioning. The cutting head also includes nine cutting angle presets through 135° for maximum versatility. Looking over this new hedge cutter it’s easy to see why ECHO has become a world leader in the development of hand-held power equipment for professionals. Clearly the designers understand the requirements of the
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applications and optimise performance, durability and ergonomics. In other words, ECHO has considered the environment in which the machine will be used, and the job it will be doing with no compromise to quality. The HCA-265ES HD features a heavy duty magnesium gear case with needle bearings caged in the cutting head, providing added durability and less downtime. The cutting head itself can be folded 180°, making it easier to transport and store between jobs – ideal for the professional user. The hedge cutter also features triple edged blades and a faster cutter speed stroke rate – 4696 (1/min). This effective combination provides a faster slicing, cutting action, ensuring a clean and tidy finish. The blades on the cutting head are nickel-plated and laser-cut for long lasting sharpness, helping the HCA-265ES HD to tackle a variety of different hedges. The HCA-265ES HD features a powerful 25.4cc professional grade engine, capable of tackling the toughest of jobs. There is also an Easy Start system which allows
the user to start the machine faster and with little effort. The shaft grip handle has been ergonomically designed, with the controls grouped close together for easeof-use, better manoeuvrability and control. A tool-less air filter cover allows for easy access even with gloves on, making it easier to clean the air filters while the commercial-grade felt air filter helps to keep dust and debris away from the engine, ensuring longer service intervals and better engine performance. All of which adds up to reduced down time in maintenance, leaving the professional more opportunities for increased productivity and able to take on extra jobs. Take a look at the ECHO range and one thing overall is apparent. ECHO only builds equipment to one standard and that’s professional. ECHO tools are hardworking, tough, durable and dependable, and an exemplary two-year professional warranty shows this. Find out more from your local authorised ECHO dealer. You can also visit www.echo-tools.co.uk or call 0800 597 7777 for more information.
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| LAMMA
Spaldings Limited Lincoln, Lincolnshire T: 01522 507500 www.spaldings.co.uk
World of Power Buxton, Derbyshire T: 01298 213101 www.worldofpower.co.uk
Lakedale Power Tools Croydon, Dartford & London T: 020 8683 0550 www.lakedalepowertools.co.uk
Ermin Plant (Hire & Services) Ltd Gloucester, Gloucestershire T: 01452 526616 www.erminplant.co.uk
Charles H Hill Ltd Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire T: 01526 388281 www.charleshhill.co.uk
Mawsley Machinery Brixworth, Northampton T: 01604 880621 https://mawsley.stihl-dealer.co.uk
DM Chainsaws Arundel, West Sussex T: 01243 554065 www.dmchainsaws.co.uk
Davenport Western Yeovil, Somerset T: 01935 425311 www.davenportsaws.co.uk
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 29
| LAMMA
LAMMA ’18 – UK’s leading event for farm machinery, equipment and services Farmers, contractors and other rural businesses looking to improve their bottom line have an excellent opportunity to quiz hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers of farm machinery, equipment and agricultural services when the LAMMA show returns to Peterborough in January. he event has cemented its reputation in recent years as being the biggest and best of its type. Last year, over 850 exhibitors provided an unmatchable array of equipment and expertise for over 40,000 visitors. With exhibitor bookings for LAMMA ’18 matching last year’s pace, visitors are in for another unmissable event. LAMMA is now recognised as the place to do business, and many farmers will be looking to take advantage of the change and opportunities that lie ahead through considered investment in machinery and systems that can help reduce costs and/or raise productivity. Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, group head of events at Briefing Media, which owns LAMMA Show, said the event continued to grow in size and stature and remained a key diary event for the industry, in the UK and beyond. “LAMMA is a highly informative event, while retaining its informal, friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to talk through new opportunities and to make new contacts, and also to catch up with old friends. “Last year we heard of many positive conversations that resulted in a significant amount of business, and we fully expect that to continue at LAMMA ’18 as key decision makers
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across agriculture continue to gear up for the future. It’s shaping up to be another excellent event.” Most leading manufacturers will be attending, many showing new tractors, combines, drills and cultivation equipment. In addition, LAMMA’s ethos of hosting smaller agricultural engineering and machinery companies from across the UK continues, giving visitors access to a vast array of innovative products. The popular Workshop Area returns, offering supplies to suit simple repairs to sophisticated projects, as does The Dealers’ Den, with its plethora of second-hand kit. Although LAMMA’s core business is machinery and equipment, other sectors including agronomy, business and farm management advice also feature. Professional development continues to feature strongly at LAMMA, which has become a platform for knowledge exchange. Visitors will be able to collect six BASIS and two NRoSO points on both days of the event. For the first time at LAMMA, visitors will also have the opportunity to collect points for the Dairy Pro training and development programme. Two points per day are available for attending and extra points are offered on certain exhibitor stands.
Details of how to collect points at LAMMA ’18, including which exhibitors will be partaking in knowledge trails, will be available in the Visitors section of the LAMMA website. With so much going on, key sectors are zoned around the showground to help visitors find what they need with the minimum of fuss. Livestock supplies, forage machinery and associated equipment are grouped together as is postharvest technology and roots machinery. To help plan their trip to LAMMA, those intending to visit can sign up for the event newsletter to find out all the latest show news and exhibitor updates (go to www.lammashow.com and click on the newsletter sign-up sidebar). Details of the new LAMMA ’18 app will also be available on the website. This follows last year’s successful app launch, which was downloaded by 5,000 visitors who benefited from a range of features, including exhibitor search and directions, to help them make the most of the show. Visitors also have access to free Wi-Fi across the site at designated hotspots, to ensure they can use the app as well as browse the internet. For further information on LAMMA ’18 go to www.lammashow.com. You can follow LAMMA on Twitter – @lammashow – or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lammashow
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| LAMMA
JC Machinery return to LAMMA 2018 to showcase Imants and upgraded Vredo Agricultural ranges JC Machinery will be joined by Vredo on their stand for LAMMA 2018 as they showcase the upgraded Vredo Agri Twin and Agri Air overseeder range and Imants rotavator along with their series of spaders. Stand R63 oth the Agri Twin and Agri Air series will be on display with the new Crop Drill System (CDS). This innovation allows the machines to sow arable crops directly on corn stubbles without any tillage at a 15cm row distance, whilst keeping its well-known features for grassland overseeding. This makes the machines the only ones on the market that can overseed on grass and arable land. All Vredo’s overseeders are equipped with the famous Dual-Disc System which delivers a germination rate of 96%. The seed is covered with soil to protect it from external predators and extreme weather conditions, guaranteeing a quick germination and deep rooting of the seeder. Each machine on display has its own speciality from the up to 5.8-meter width of the Agri Twin, the air injection of the Agri Air or the reliable standard overseeder. The recent upgrade of the entire range has also brought with it a raft of benefits for customers over the last year. Everything from the aesthetics to the functionality has been scrutinised and reworked to give a more customisable machine for the perfect overseeding experience.
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A Vredo truck with 24-meter dribble bar will also be joining the overseeders alongside the Imants spaders and rotavator on stand R63. Like all Imants machines they adopt the fundamentals of providing maximum
performance and minimum fuel consumption and machine stress. Imants spaders leave no plough pan, give better incorporation of organic material and leave a perfect seed bed and soil structure in one pass.
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| Sheep & Lambing
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| Energy
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| LAMMA
Next generation combination seed drill and mounted grass rake at LAMMA ‘18 KUHN Farm Machinery will be showcasing two of its newest machines at the LAMMA Show in Peterborough on 17th and 18th January 2018: as well as its next generation combination seed drill – the VENTA 4030 + HR 4040 – KUHN will also be displaying its new mounted, single rotor grass rake, the GA 4431. he VENTA 4030 + HR 4040 is KUHN’s all-new, next generation combination seed drill. The power harrow element – HR 4040 – uses straight blades and a Duplex gearbox, enabling rotor speed to be adjusted according to soil conditions. The VENTA seed drill features a 1,800 litre seed hopper and uses a fluted metering unit with large splines for larger seeds (wheat, barley, peas, beans, etc.) and small splines for smaller seeds such as rape and alfalfa. Seeding rates can be set from the tractor cab at between 1 and 430 kg/ha. A remote calibration “start button”, located close to the VENTA’s metering unit, makes calibrating the machine easy to achieve without the need to go back into the tractor cab to access the drill’s main control panel. A speed sensing radar ensures
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precise seeding at up to 15 kph and it is possible to shut-off every second row for special applications. KUHN’s precision coulter bar, the SEEDFLEX system, takes care of seed placement, with widely offset double discs mounted on a parallelogram to enable fast and accurate seeding. These maintenance-free coulters perform well in all soil conditions, from ploughed to min-tilled land. Following press wheels control seeding depth and ensure good soil to seed contact for consistent germination. Tillage and seeding are carried out independently thanks to a roller frame design which effectively separates the two functions. This patented design allows for a more compact unit and enables the two units to be uncoupled in less than 10 minutes. The VENTA 4030 + HR 4040 is suitable for use with tractors with a power output of up to 234 kW or
34 | Farming Monthly | December 2017
320 hp. Single rotor, mounted grass rake KUHN will also be displaying its new single rotor, mounted grass rake, the GA 4431, at LAMMA. The GA 4431 is one of three new grass rakes from KUHN: the GA 4431, GA 4731 and GA 5031 work across 4.40 m, 4.65 m and 5.00 m widths respectively and have been designed to be simple to operate and compatible with lower powered tractors. KUHN’s MASTERDRIVE GIII system features on each of the new machines. This patented, two stage gearbox uses a bevel and spur gear reduction system which has proven to be exceptionally reliable on the company’s larger twin and four-rotor grass rakes. The gearbox is totally enclosed, requires minimal maintenance, and with no crown wheel and pinion, has a reduced wear potential which means fewer breakdowns, even during intensive use.
The new single rotor GA machines have been designed to reduce the time spent changing from road to field mode: an ergonomic support arm and central locking design make the changeover quick and simple. Windrow deflectors and guards are operated manually or can be operated hydraulically as an option. The headstock provides the raking rotor with a windrow clearance height of more than 40 cm and excellent contour following capabilities. This ensures excellent forage quality conservation and makes the machine easier to manoeuvre when working in tight spaces or on uneven/sloping ground. Raking height is easily adjustable via the use of a handoperated crank handle and enables the rake to be fine-tuned to suit the terrain and to minimise soil contamination.
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| Muck & Slurry
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December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 35
| LAMMA
Save on costs and reduce compaction with CRFs at LAMMA ‘18 Farmers looking to save on labour, operating and maintenance costs, while minimising compaction and improving sustainability, should look no further than LAMMA 2018, to find out how Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF) can help to streamline operations. his innovative technology will be showcased by ICL Speciality Fertilizers on stand 723 at the event, and the team will be on hand to demonstrate the benefits. “CRFs work in a very simple way, that’s proven to be successful,” says Scott Garnett, ICL senior agronomist. “Each granule has a special coating, which controls the release of the fertilizer to the plant, working in conjunction with the soil temperature, to release nutrients only when required by the crop. “Recent trials have compared the difference between two onion crops, one treated with a single application of CRF - Agrocote, and the other with a course of three standard nitrogen applications throughout the season,” he explains. “The trial has shown significant cost savings associated with application, a reduction in compaction, as well as a yield increase in the crop treated with the CRF.” Scott explains that while this trial was in an onion crop, similar results can be applied to most arable and vegetable crops. “As only one CRF treatment is required
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during the season, farmers shouldn’t need to go back onto the fields for further applications later down the line, saving them time, or the cost of employing a contractor,” he says. “And those looking to reduce compaction, or that have trouble getting onto wet fields later in the year, will benefit greatly from only having machinery on the land once, early on in the season.” It is also important to note that, on top of these cost savings, CRFs can help to relieve issues that can are often caused by poor management of conventional nitrogen programmes, including leaching, volatilization and denitrification. “Because nutrients are released, only when required by the plant, there is minimal excess in the soil. This means that the risk of nitrates leaching into watercourses is reduced, as is the volatilisation of ammonia into the atmosphere, and the efficacy of the fertilizer isn’t compromised through denitrification,” explains Scott. Those interested in finding out more about CRFs can head to the ICL stand (723) and meet the team at LAMMA on 17 and 18 January 2018
Scott Garnett
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| LAMMA
Join the fight against tree disease The threat of tree disease gripping our countryside, roadside trees and hedgerows is one of our biggest issues at the moment. ur trees and woods are less able to withstand the impacts of pests and diseases since they're already under great pressure from pollution, urban development and climate change. The loss of millions of trees in the wider countryside, fields, hedgerows and on roadsides will have a catastrophic impact on our landscape and biodiversity. Chalara, dieback of ash (ash dieback) is the most well-known UK tree disease but there are many more. Ash dieback has swept across the countryside since it was first identified in 2012. The loss of millions of ash trees from our landscapes will have a direct impact on soil erosion, water management, livestock shelter and wildlife habitats. The Woodland Trust is at the forefront of tackling this issue and developing solutions to fight against tree disease, including: · Conducting research so we can understand more about the
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spread and possible prevention of pests and diseases · Surveillance of pests and disease spread across the UK with volunteer and citizen science schemes · Encouraging resilient landscapes through responsible tree procurement and planting · Working to influence MPs and improve legislation Your support is vital in our fight against tree disease. You can help protect the countryside from tree pests and diseases by applying for one of the Woodland Trust’s ‘targeting tree disease’ packs. You can renew your landscape, restore existing woodland and hedgerows and regenerate countryside that is threatened by disease. The packs contain 45 one to two year old trees which the charity has chosen from species carefully selected to best replace trees which will be lost to disease and to strengthen the landscape against other threats. Applicants can choose three species from oak, wild cherry, silver birch, hornbeam and beech.
Image: WTML/V Cheston
The packs are made up of large trees suited to growing on large plots of land. The packs cost £62 and also include 1.2m protective tubes and stakes and have been subsidised by the Woodland Trust to help with the fight against tree disease. The Trust is aiming to plant 64m trees by 2025 and all its trees are grown in the UK from seed sourced from locations also throughout the UK.
Please see The Woodland Trust on stand 749 at LAMMA.
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 37
| Forestry
38 | Farming Monthly | December 2017
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| LAMMA
Gibbons Agricultural Fans prepares for LAMMA With just a month until LAMMA ’18, Gibbons Agricultural Fans is busy putting the final touches to its preparations. The Essex-based grain conditioning fans provider will be showcasing its high-performance crop store equipment to thousands of visitors attending the UK’s largest agricultural event. he Gibbons stand (3A150) will include centrifugal grain cooling fans and hot spot airspears for visitors to peruse, while members of their team will be on hand to answer questions and distribute brochures, giveaways and other marketing literature. Gibbons’ steel and aluminium grain store fans are rated at 0.132.2kW and are available as single phase or three phase in most sizes. Via its trusted shipping partner, Gibbons can deliver orders large and small across the UK and beyond. In order to satisfy nationwide demand and make it as easy as possible for farmers in all parts of the UK to access its fans, Gibbons is now supplying the full range via a network of exclusive resellers located across the country. On display at the Gibbons stand will be a 2.4 x 1.6-metre map marking the location of each Agricultural Fans UK reseller. Prospective distributors are invited
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to apply for one of these exclusive positions promptly in order to avoid disappointment, with the following benefits available: • Prominent exposure at LAMMA ’18 and future agricultural trade shows • Inclusion on the Gibbons Agricultural Fans website, in trade magazine articles and in social media campaigns • Bespoke marketing – reseller logo can be added to email footers and other marketing materials • Plentiful stock available for immediate despatch • Potential for ordering on a consignment basis Along with its grain conditioning fans, Gibbons will also be promoting its extensive range of electrical services for agricultural buildings which include mains power, control boards and panels, lighting and wiring. Gibbons Agricultural Fans Manager Josie Knight is looking forward to the company’s debut appearance at the annual show: “We can’t wait to meet farmers from Britain and abroad to chat
about the ups and downs of this year’s harvest and to see how we can help them going into 2018. “LAMMA offers us a great chance to show farmers not only our best-selling grain store fans but also our comprehensive range of agricultural products and services that can save them money and make their lives easier. “Dealing with several contractors for electrical and mechanical services is time consuming, inconvenient and
expensive, therefore having a single point of contact makes life so much easier for our clients, while costs can be reduced by combining jobs in a single site visit. Plus, our engineers will attend site at a time that suits the client in order to minimise disruption.” For more information, call Agricultural Fans Manager Josie Knight on 01621 868 138 or email fans@gibbonsgroup.co.uk
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 39
| Energy
40 | Farming Monthly | December 2017
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| LAMMA
RMIG Bridge Slot Perforated Sheets The perfect solution for grain drying floors. or farmers, harvesting is a critical time of the year for preparing grain for drying and storage. With RMIG Bridge Slot perforated sheets, we offer you an ideal product to utilise for the design and manufacture of ventilated drying floors. RMIG Bridge Slot sheets are perfect for using where grain, seed and cereals need to be stored and kept dry under certain moisture conditions. Our sheets are manufactured with openings as small as 1.2 mm, giving 10% airflow. This makes them the best choice for drive-on floors suitable for drying rapeseed and other larger cereals, such as wheat and barley. Recent years have seen a movement towards the biomass sector using the same type of floor to dry woodchip and waste wood, thereby benefitting from the government’s RHI scheme for recycling. To meet current market demands, we have developed 2500 mm x 1250 mm x 5 mm sheets as a standard size available from our Warrington plant, which
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enables us to offer a quick and efficient service to your UK delivery location. If you are looking to replace or upgrade an existing floor, we can produce made-tomeasure sheets, which are also available in other materials. In addition, we can include the fabrication, for example, if the sheets need to be fitted into an existing channelled floor. With the correct layout and support structure beneath them, RMIG Bridge Slot sheets are ideal as drive-on drying floors for heavy loading/unloading vehicles with buckets, such as telehandlers and tractors. Please contact our UK sales team in Warrington, who can offer advice on planning your floor layout and show you the best way of utilising RMIG Bridge Slot sheets. If you are planning to attend LAMMA ‘18 in January, please come along and visit us, see our product range and discuss the advantages and flexibility of bridge slot sheets for your drying requirements. You will find us in hall 8, stand 827. Call 01925 839610, email: info.uk@rmig.com or visit www.rmig.com for more information.
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 41
| LAMMA
Vogelsang presents precision distributor and agricultural pump technology at LAMMA ‘18 Vogelsang Ltd. is exhibiting easy-to-maintain technology for the agricultural industry at the LAMMA Show (January 1718, 2018) in Peterborough, Great Britain, at stand R54. he focus will be on the ExaCut ETX precision distributor for the precise and safe distribution of nutrients as well as the VX series rotary lobe pumps under the motto "Pumps for Life". “We observe the market and react immediately to the increasing demands of agriculture. With our precision distributors and rotary lobe pumps, we support farmers and contractors in accurately spreading liquid manure material. Vogelsang has decades of expertise and offers reliable technologies with long service lives,” says James Tolson, Managing Director of Vogelsang Ltd. Precision distributor ExaCut ETX: Cost effectiveness for liquid manure spreading As a recognised manufacturer of modern spreading technology, Vogelsang offers precision distributors that provide optimal distribution even at large working widths. The ExaCut ETX presented at the LAMMA Show, achieves the best possible cost effectiveness in liquid manure spreading with its high cutting force and distribution accuracy, combined with low wear and power requirements. While conventional eccentric-based precision distributors run very unsteadily because of their symmetry, the ExaCut ETX
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features a sophisticated system of counterweights for alignment. This innovation keeps vibrations to a minimum during operation. In the ExaCut ETX, the cutting blade moves eccentrically on the cutting screen. This cutting principle reduces the power requirements and significantly extends the service life. The precision distributor makes it possible to spread different liquid manure quantities flexibly with one strainer. The ExaCut ETX is also equipped with a heavy material separator for easy removal of disruptive matter such as stones. Efficient pump technology for the agricultural industry Vogelsang’s VX series rotary lobe pumps can be used reliably and are easy to maintain. Thus, they meet the high requirements of the agricultural industry. Numerous technical innovations from Vogelsang enable long pump service lives, which significantly reduces operating costs. The patented InjectionSystem ensures that foreign matter is injected directly into the pumping chamber and does not collide with the lobe tips; and at the same time, the system offers improved self-sealing. The Quality Cartridge makes it possible to replace all seal components of the VX series in one step. This significantly reduces the
maintenance requirements and the risk of gear damage due to an installation error. In addition, Vogelsang relies on pulsation-free HiFlo lobes, which are easy to change and ensure absolutely smooth running.
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| LAMMA
Durability, performance & technology from Teagle Teagle Machinery has launched two new models to extend its line-up of Titan Rear Discharge muckspreaders. n 2013, Teagle introduced the Titan 6, 8 and 9 to complement its Titan 10 and 12. The following year a dedicated 2,500m2 Manufacturing Hall was commissioned incorporating Welding Bays, Shot Blast Facilities, a massive oven to cure the 2-part paint process and an Assembly Line. The latest models, Titan 15 and 17, top off the current range and extend the load capacities of Teagle Muckspreaders to just over 20m2. These extra-large capacity models are specifically designed for heavy-use operators. As part of the development process, these machines have been put through their paces by large scale operators demanding high output, reliability and the latest technology. The Titan 15 and 17 incorporate high speed Commercial Axles with 406 x140 brakes and a dual Air and Hydraulic combination braking system as part of their standard specification. A wide variety of hitch and tyre options ensures not only the specific demands of large scale operators are fulfilled, but critical compliance to European homologation standards are also addressed within the design. In addition to this impressive specification, Teagle has “raised the bar� in the design of the Titan 15 and 17 through a series of updates to improve service intervals and durability. These enhancements will also be rolled back into smaller models in the range. Continuous
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Improvement is the mantra of this family owned, British manufacturer who employs 10% of its workforce of 150 in Research and Development. The latest technology complements the robust design and fine, even spread pattern associated with Teagle muckspreaders. LED lighting systems are fitted as standard and the operator can choose a new electronic bed
speed control system. Weigh Cell technology has been fully integrated into the large capacity Titan models with options including GPS communication and the latest variable rate application technology. Titan 15 Models start at ÂŁ35,550. For more details contact Jim Squires UK Sales Manager, Teagle Machinery Tel: 07794 689899 / e-mail jim.squires@teagle.co.uk
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| Glamping
Robert D Webster Ltd Owstwick, Hull HU12 0LH T: 01964 670251
Goole, N. Humberside DN14 7DZ T: 01430 430624
Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 4RF T: 01262 420226 www.robertdwebster.co.uk
Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk
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Andrew Symons South Molton, Devon EX36 3LZ T: 01769 574455 Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040 Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430
www.andrewsymons.co.uk
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| Machinery
ZETOR presents several New Holland T6.175 innovations at Agritechnica Dynamic CommandTM ZETOR arrived at the 2017 Agritechnica trade fair with a number of innovations. The most eagerly anticipated innovation is the introduction of our first series tractor featuring our attractive new design – the MAJOR HS 80. ZETOR is also showing visitors the new UTILIX and HORTUS tractors with 40 to 70 HP. Updated PROXIMA and FORTERRA tractor models were also on display. At the trade fair, the company was also addressing business partners interested in buying ZETOR components such as engines, transmissions, and powertrain units.
Tractor Wins Machine of the Year 2018 Award in the Mid Class Tractor category at Agritechnica 2017.
he New Holland T6.175 Dynamic CommandTM tractor was crowned “Machine of the Year” 2018 in the Mid Class Tractor category by a jury panel of journalists representing leading European agricultural publications. The machine received the coveted award for its technical innovation and the benefits it brings to customers, with selection criteria focusing on innovative features, performance, productivity, cost of operation, ease of use and operator comfort. Carlo Lambro, New Holland Agriculture Brand President, stated: “This award is testament to New Holland’s long-standing leadership of the mixed farming and dairy segment. It is a well
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ETOR TRACTORS’ key innovation is its first series tractor featuring the new attractive ZETOR DESIGN: the MAJOR HS 80. The idea to develop a new ZETOR tractor design emerged almost three years ago. The objective was clear: to create a product with strong aesthetic value and to give the ZETOR brand a new iconic vision that reflects the company’s values. The new design is characterised by distinct shapes that give the tractor a dynamic, strong look, emphasise emotions and express energy. The tractor also features functional innovations. The operator’s view from the cabin to the surrounding area is enhanced
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and the new location of the lights illuminates a larger working area in front of the tractor. “Introducing the new design in MAJOR series tractors is just the first step. We will gradually dress all of our tractor models in this new look,” adds Robert Todt, Sales Director of Zetor Tractors a.s.. The introduction of the new design is accompanied by continued work on upgrades and expansion of the existing product portfolio. That includes presentation of two new tractor models at the AGRITECHNICA trade fair: the UTILIX and the HORTUS with a power range of 40 to 70 HP See our web site www.zetor.com for more news.
deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the development of the T6.175 Dynamic Command tractor, from our engineering teams to the whole Basildon plant team, developing a tractor meeting the specific requests made by our customers.” New Holland Agriculture has enriched the T6 Series offering with the new T6 Dynamic CommandTM, an all round multipurpose tractor. These new T6.145, T6.155, T6.165 and T6.175 are the only models in this segment featuring a new 8-step semi powershift transmission on the market. They are extraordinarily versatile tractors that will be an asset to the fleets of arable, livestock, dairy farmers, contractors and hay and forage operations.
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| Machinery
Kubota presents its new generation of M7002 tractors at Agritechnica 2017 Kubota presented its new M7002 tractor, successor to the well-known M7001 model, at this year’s Agritechnica (Hanover, Germany, 12-18 November). The large-scale upland farming tractor, with up to 170 horsepower, has greatly improved features and is easier to use, with better customisation options and manoeuvrability. he main innovation in this M7002 model is the new 6-speed Powershift transmission, under load in 30/15 or 54/27 if equipped with creeper. Some of its specifications have also been improved, such as the increase in maximum permissible weight to 11,500 kg, offering a greater payload, together with efficient engine performance focused on increased power and lower fuel consumption. This all increases the productivity of the tractor, which can be driven at a speed of 50 km/h. The tyre size range has been increased, with the incorporation of 600/60R28 sizes for the front axle and 710/60R38 for the rear axle, minimizing compaction and maximizing traction. Technology is another of the strengths of the new M7002 tractor thanks to improvements in the operation of the main joystick and the increased HMS header memory making work notably easier. Autosteer has been optimized, giving it a new “nudge” function, for example. Thanks to this, the driver can see the distance from the set route in centimetres, and several HMS settings can be created, up to a
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maximum of 20. High levels of comfort inside and out The Japanese manufacturer knows that working in comfort ensures high productivity, so the new Kubota M7002 adds suspension and low-noise options to the comfort features already recognized in its predecessor, the M7001, as well as other new elements. These include the Deluxe MSG95AL741 seat, for greater comfort during tough working days. Along these lines, it also includes LED working lights for better visibility and a higher quality finish inside the cabin. Finally, to complete the benefits of the new M7002, Kubota has increased the customization options based on the standard model. This means it is possible to fit electric rear-view mirrors and an internal light for greater visibility.
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CLAAS wins one gold and four silver medals The German Agricultural Society (Deutsche Landwirtschafts- Gesellschaft, DLG) has again invited entries for the Innovation Award as part of Agritechnica 2017. The aim of the awards competition is to draw attention to groundbreaking innovations in the world of agricultural technology. CLAAS wins one gold and four silver medals this year. old for CEMOS AUTO THRESHING - automatic threshing control for CLAAS strawwalker and hybrid combine harvesters. CEMOS AUTO THRESHING is another module which contributes to the automation of the combine harvesting process. This new assistance system provides fully automatic adjustment of the threshing concave clearance and the threshing drum speed in tangential threshing units, adapting dynamically to the prevailing threshing conditions. In this way, the threshing process in the threshing unit is continuously and automatically optimised to its technical performance limits. There is no need for lengthy set-up adjustments. However, it is possible for the combine harvester operator to intervene at any time if he so wishes. CLAAS has been awarded a silver medal for the following innovations. AXION 900 TERRA TRAC - the first half-track tractor with full suspension of the entire machine The AXION 900 TERRA TRAC from CLAAS is the first half-track tractor with full suspension. Its key innovation is the inclusion of the suspended TERRA TRAC crawler track system. The TERRA TRAC crawler track system is based on technology currently in use in combine harvesters but has been specially adapted to meet the requirements of tractors. With its
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suspended crawler tracks, the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC combines the advantages of a tracklaying tractor in terms of traction and soil protection, with the more convenient drive characteristics of a conventional standard tractor. CEMOS for tractors: the driver assistance system for optimum tractor and machine settings CEMOS for tractors is a new, dialogue-based driver assistance system for optimum adjustment of your tractors and implements. CULTI CAM stereoscopic row camera for mechanical hoeing With increased restrictions on the use of herbicides and development of resistance, it is becoming increasingly important to find innovative mechanical crop protection solutions. This applies not only to specialist crops and organic farms, but also to conventional row crop cultivation. With this in mind, CLAAS is now launching a new, high-resolution 3D row guidance camera for steering row crop hoes as a joint development with Einböck, Hatzenbichler, Carre SAS and Bednar FMT. Large Vehicle Alert System warns car drivers of agricultural machinery in road traffic The Large Vehicle Alert System presented by CLAAS is an innovation that creates more safety in road traffic and should therefore also generate considerable interest outside of agriculture.
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| Machinery
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| Machinery
‘Friendly’ Midlands Machinery Show 2017 brings agricultural community together Inventive machines – there were plenty on show. Innovative ideas – many were shared. Yet the key talking point during the Midlands Machinery Show 2017, which took place on 22 and 23 November at Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire, was the opportunity provided by the show to bring the agricultural industry together. eturning for the fourth year and organised by the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, the two-day farming event saw a record-breaking 4,300 visitors through the gates on day one alone. The event featured around 250 exhibitors, who used the show as a platform to launch new products, demonstrate advances in agricultural technology and show off their diverse range of machinery and innovation. Yet the show provided much more than this for exhibitors and visitors alike. Andrew Guest of Andrew Guest Ltd, winner of Best Stand Overall at the show, said: “One thing that we have picked up on at Midlands Machinery Show this year is the friendly atmosphere. People are interested in the machinery, but are just as interested in having a conversation and really getting to know each other. We have had a really successful two days, making a number of sales but also some important connections. “We are already looking forward to coming back next year – being a Newark based business this is a local show for us and so we look forward to seeing it continue to build and grow.” Providing a platform for networking opportunities was indeed top of the agenda for
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the organisers of the Midlands Machinery Show this year. During the course of this year’s show, Newark Showground was delighted to host the official website launch of social media based farming group #clubhectare, which has over 400 members with a range of agricultural backgrounds. The launch marked an important moment for the group which, after initially providing a way for farmers in an often isolating industry to connect back in 2012, have continued to recognise how the changing world can help the agricultural industry to stay in touch. Giving young farmers the opportunity to network and build relationships was another key offering provided by the show. Lauren Clark, county development officer at Notts Young Farmers Clubs, said: “The Midlands Machinery Show hosted the first ever Young Farmers Club 'talk to DEFRA' discussion, which took place on the first day of the Show at the Lady Eastwood Centre. "There was a great turnout of members from across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and the meeting included thought provoking discussions about future agriculture policies post-Brexit. “Giving members a voice and encouraging discussion on the future of their industry is something that Young Farmers Club strive to achieve, and the Show provided us with the
opportunity to do exactly that.” George Taylor, show manager, said: “We have been delighted with the record number of guests we have had through the gates this year – after day one we were up by almost 45% on visitor numbers compared to last year, which is something really special. “It is really great to see the show growing year on year, and also to receive such positive feedback from both guests and exhibitors. We pride ourselves on the personal and friendly feel of the show, as well as the networking opportunities it provides for farmers and exhibitors to interact with one another and share ideas. “The support we receive from our steering committee, sponsors and ‘founder members’ is marvellous. We are looking forward to building on our relationship with Woldmarsh Producers Ltd who provided an excellent ‘try before you buy’ service for a range of 4x4s and cab pickup trucks this year, as well as with Flach & LeRoy Ltd. We would also like to say a big thank you to our media partner, Farmers Weekly. “The dates for next year are 21 and 22 November 2018 and we have taken bookings for exhibitors already - it is exciting to see the buzz and positive atmosphere the show creates for the agricultural industry.” For more information on Midlands Machinery Show visit www.midlandsmachineryshow.com
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| ATV
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| ATV
Polaris
judged best in show
The goal at the Kennel Club’s Emblehope and Burngrange estate in Northumberland is to create a Centre of Excellence for gundog training. t’s a long term project but when you look around it’s easy to see why the area has so much potential. Bracken filled gullies, rough pasture, expansive wetlands and heather all contribute to offering training opportunities for gundogs of any age or stage. The estate has recently invested in two Polaris offroad vehicles, a Ranger 6 x 6 and Sportsman 570 ATV, supplied by authorised Polaris dealer Davies Tractors of Riding Mill, to help manage the beautiful moorland which stretches to around 7,550 acres. Emblehope is a busy, working hill farm with sheep and cattle. It is also a site of Special Scientific Interest so it is important to minimise damage to the ground in maintaining the estate. A gamekeeper for over thirty years on
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a number of estates across Scotland, Raymond Holt, as fulltime gamekeeper at Emblehope, has the task of ensuring this. “We needed a vehicle to carry loads across the estate without tracking and causing erosion,” he says. “Crates of partridges for release pens, pen sections, bags of feeding, water, people and dogs during training and competitive events – it’s all in the day’s work and we judged the Polaris Ranger 6 x 6 to be the best for what we do.” The Ranger fulfils a lot of roles. It’s out at night on predator control, negotiating difficult terrain and going places even the quad can’t go, taking on steep gradients in the knowledge there is the comfort and safety of the cab. It boasts a powerful 40HP 800 twin engine with EFI for fast starts, 907 kg of towing capacity and a rear dump box capacity of 567kg. The Polaris
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Sportsman 570 on the other hand is used as an all-purpose vehicle for carrying smaller loads on quicker journeys around the estate. “The Polaris is a brilliant quad,” says Raymond, “very capable with a big wide platform and very stable. We use it for feeding the pheasants – we have fitted a spinner on the back for broadcast feeding – and as a general patrol vehicle.” As a Centre of Excellence for Working Dogs, Emblehope welcomes the full range of working
dog activities such as Field Trials including Pointer and Setter Spring Stakes, gundog working tests and training days, live game training days and working trials through to shooting and gundog activities. The shooting estate offers pheasant and partridge shooting while the varied terrain and woodland cover offer opportunities for all breeds of gundog to demonstrate their natural working abilities.
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| ATV
Honda ATV
All wrapped up for Christmas
Honda (UK) offers complimentary Rider Safety Pack with all new sales of entry-level TRX90 ATV. onda (UK) is offering a complimentary Rider Safety Pack with the purchase of any new TRX90 ATV ordered between now and Friday 15th December 2017 – the perfect stocking filler for children receiving Honda’s entry-level model this Christmas. The Rider Safety Pack comprises a Nitro X512-V helmet and a pair of purpose-made riding gloves. The promotion follows a similar one run by Honda (UK) in July and August, in support of Farm Safety Week, offering a Rider Safety Pack with all sales of any new Honda ATV or Pioneer sideby-side. Steve Morris, Head of Power Products for Honda (UK) comments: “As the UK’s leading manufacturer of ATVs, our commitment to safe and responsible usage is everything. The TRX90 is the perfect machine for new riders, and by following some simple rules and wearing the correct equipment it will give years of enjoyable and safe fun. A good quality helmet and pair of gloves is a must, so with their free pack our younger customers finding an ATV under the tree this Christmas will have everything they need to get out there and start enjoying it.” The TRX90 is Honda’s entrylevel ATV – designed for children. A tough off-roader offering a great
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introduction to the world of ATVs, it is packed with features to make riding easy, comfortable, enjoyable and safe. Its 86cc four-stroke engine offers smooth power delivery, excellent fuel economy and crisp throttle response, as well as Honda’s trademark reliability and durability. Ergonomics have also been carefully considered to suit the junior rider, with a comfortably low seat height of 660mm, front brake lever positioned closer to the grip and single-shock rear suspension offering a high level of comfort. Simple and safe riding is assured with the easy-shift four-speed manual gearbox, automatic clutch and adjustable throttle-limiter. As part of Honda’s longstanding commitment to the safe and responsible use of its products it also offers free EASI® training on all purchases of an ATV or Pioneer side-by-side utility vehicles. The EASI courses take up to five hours and aims to improve operator skills, safety levels and awareness of the capabilities of Honda’s ATV and Pioneer products. Honda’s complimentary helmet and gloves offer is available on any new TRX90 bought from an authorised Honda (UK) dealer between 13th November and 15th December 2017 inclusive. Honda’s offer of free ATV or SXS Rider Training is an ongoing commitment, available with any
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new Honda ATV or Pioneer bought from an authorised Honda (UK) dealer. Please visit www.honda.co.uk or ask your local dealer for more details of either offer. Follow @HondaUKPower on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
keep up-to-date with all the latest news on Honda’s power products or visit http://www.honda.co.uk/ATV for further information on Honda’s range of ATV and Pioneer products.
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 51
| ATV
Kawasaki
The Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS – More is better
Whoever first said “Less is more” was wrong.
ore is more and the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS is a prime example of why more is better. It’s been designed to offer high performance off-road and boasts industry leading features including speed variable electronic power steering (EPS). The 2018 model also has more torque than before, so its 750cm3 four-stroke liquid-cooled SOHC 8valve V-twin engine has even more all-day working performance in store for when you need it. But although the Brute Force has a name that puts you in no doubt about its capability for work and the power it has on offer, the latest 750 delivers more than just mighty outright power and 567kg towing ability. Alongside an engine that gets things done with the same determination as you, the 750cc brute Force also benefits from greater chassis control and a host of new features. Simply put – the more you experience the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS, the better it gets. Examples of the way the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS marries power and refinement is most obvious in its speed sensitive electronic power steering, electronically selectable two/four-wheel drive and double wishbone front suspension matched by an independent rear suspension. Those are the features that enable
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this Brute Force ATV to negotiate the toughest terrain with the finesse to match the engine’s 50ps and 59Nm of torque. While the electronic power steering gives the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS effortless handling, the revised steering column also contributes to improved handling and the electronic suspension isn’t just speed variable, it also acts as a damping system to reduce bump steer. Further control over tricky terrain is afforded by the double wishbone front suspension (with five-way adjustable spring preload), which gives the Brute Force 750 plenty of wheel travel and minimal body roll. The controls fall easily to hand and the handlebar grips aid rider control and help reduce vibration. The Kawasaki Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS has been designed for durability, ease of maintenance and all-day comfort. It’s a tool that gets the job done and it won’t let you down, whether you’re tending livestock in the hills, repairing a run of fencing or managing a large estate, this Kawasaki ATV is here to help and has been engineering for a life of hard work to ensure it gets the job done. For more information on the Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS and Kawasaki’s range of Mule utility vehicles, visit www.kawasaki.co.uk.
For more information, or to view the whole utility range from Kawasaki, visit: www.kawasaki.co.uk For more information MKM Agriculture Sun Valley Works, Wood End Marston Moreteyne, Bedfordshire MK43 0NJ 01234 768889 www.mkagri.com
Southam Agri. Services Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH 01926 813426 http://southamagri.co.uk
Contact your nearest dealer
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| ATV
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| Motors
Out in front: Amarok wins ‘International Pick-Up Award 2018’ Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Amarok has won the 'International Pick-up Award 2018' (IPUA 2018). ike its predecessor in 2010, the new Amarok, now with high-torque V6 engines, has also succeeded in winning over the jury of transport journalists. "We are very grateful to have received the IPUA 2018 and feel honoured by the decision of the international expert jury. With the new Amarok, we've once again listened to what customers want and been able to achieve more power, more torque and also better capability for deployment on any terrain. This is more than just pure luxury and lifestyle," said Dr Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Brand Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, at the presentation of the International Pick-up Award 2018 in Lyon. "I promise that we will continue to deliver the best solutions for our customers in
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order to make their lives and dayto-day work easier," stressed Dr Scholz. The jury rated the Amarok as the epitome of 'work hard, play hard', a core element of the entire pick-up segment and described the Amarok as a "top pedigree workhorse". The clear design, the fantastic feel and the finish, in short the workmanship, were specifically cited by the jury as being key factors in their decision. The size of the double cab with room for five people, the benchmark in the segment, also impressed with its modern design. The ergoComfort seats for driver and front-seat passenger, adorned with the AGR logo of the 'German Healthy Backs Society', also won over the jury, who in addition highlighted the unique eight-speed automatic transmission and broad V6 engine specification in the segment. The jury members were
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particularly taken by the on- and off-road capabilities of the V6 Amarok: "The engine's refinement and elasticity set a new standard in the segment." And they added in their explanation of why they awarded the accolade: "Performance is not a challenge for the Volkswagen Amarok V6. Its wide selection of 3-litre TDI engines, which range from 120 to 190 kW, fulfils the power and torque desires of all customer groups." The second-generation Amarok with its V6 engine is a hit with customers: this year, to the end of October, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has already supplied customers with 65,200 vehicles from the Amarok range (same period last year: 57,600 units). This represents an increase of 13.2 per cent. The awards for Van of the Year 2018 were also presented in the course of the awards ceremony at
the gala reception held during the 2017 Solutrans International Transport Show: here the Volkswagen Caddy TGI, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' CNG-powered delivery van and family MPV, also secured a place among the top three. The International Pick-up Award IPUA is awarded only every two or three years by a selection of the IVotY (International Van of the Year) jury members, a group of renowned trade journalists from 25 countries. Sixteen of them evaluate the nominated vehicles independently of each other according to previously defined criteria. The Volkswagen Amarok won the IPUA in 2010 and so becomes the only pick-up to win this accolade for a second time.
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| Motors
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| Motors
Unbeatable ŠKODA KODIAQ storms to victory in the 2017 TopGear Magazine Awards The ŠKODA Kodiaq has added to its remarkable collection of industry accolades with a new title: TopGear Magazine Family SUV of the Year. aving already been crowned one of the magazine’s Best Cars in the World in 2016, ŠKODA’s innovative seven-seater SUV has reinforced its reputation as the most complete offering in the sector with its 2017 title. The Kodiaq saw off fierce competition to take top spot in a sector of the market where premium brands often dominate. The TopGear Magazine judging
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panel praised the Kodiaq’s attention to detail, along with its exceptional value for money. Commenting on the Kodiaq’s award, Charlie Turner, Editor in Chief of TopGear Magazine said: “The Kodiaq is a brilliantly thoughtthrough, well-executed product.” ŠKODA’s game-changing large SUV has been grabbing headlines since its arrival earlier this year. It has triumphed in numerous comparison tests and has won five key industry awards, including Auto Express Best Large SUV and
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What Car? Best Large SUV. The Kodiaq is ŠKODA’s first seven-seater of the modern era, and the brand’s first foray into the large SUV sector. Launched in the
UK in March, the range is set to expand further with the introduction of new Scout and Sportline models. Prices for the Kodiaq range start from £22,190.
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| Motors
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| Motors
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| Motors
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| Motors
Jeep® Compass: all-new compact SUV delivering unsurpassed 4x4 capability Jeep® Compass: all-new compact SUV delivering unsurpassed 4x4 capability, world-class driving dynamics and a distinctive, authentic Jeep design. he all-new Jeep® Compass offers an unmatched combination of attributes that includes legendary and best in class 4x4 off-road capability, contemporary and authentic Jeep design, excellent on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom and a full array of advanced user-friendly connectivity and safety technologies. The new vehicle represents a key addition to the Jeep portfolio as it allows the brand to tackle the
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compact SUV segment, an extremely important and growing segment worldwide, that is expected to grow by almost 20 percent to 7.5 million in 2020. In Europe alone, this segment counts over 1.6 million today and is expected to achieve more than 2 million units by 2020. In the UK, the all-new Compass offers two petrol and three diesel engines for a total of six different powertrain combinations and four different configurations: Sport, Longitude, Limited – the top-of-therange trim in terms of refinement, standard technological contents
and equipment – and Trailhawk, offering best-in-class Trail Rated 4x4 capability through specific standard features designed for customers demanding the most in terms of off-road capability. Sport, Longitude and Limited will be available from February while the Trailhawk will arrive later in the year. With the introduction of the allnew Compass, the Jeep brand completes its offering in the UK, covering every single SUV segment. The new model will provide a compelling proposition to customers, by combining the
In the UK, the all-new Compass offers two petrol and three diesel engines for a total of six different powertrain combinations legendary Jeep off-road capability with a distinctive design and a variety of user-friendly technologies that ensure a safe, comfortable and connected everyday driving experience. Jeep Compass will be available in Jeep showrooms in the UK in February 2018.
December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 61
| Motors
Always travel first class with new Range Rover SVAutobiography The luxury SUV has a new benchmark thanks to the introduction of the Range Rover SVAutobiography. he new model delivers a combination of craftsmanship and technology, epitomising the pinnacle of luxury travel whether driver or passenger. Available exclusively in long wheelbase, the Range Rover SVAutobiography combines advanced new convenience features, including rear doors that close at the touch of a button, to create a sanctuary for relaxation that doubles as a mobile technology hub. A comprehensive range of powertrain options includes an advanced new plug-in hybrid electric-petrol, with an EV range of up to 31 miles, and an uprated 565hp V8 supercharged petrol engine. Executive Class rear seats are central to the appeal of the luxurious new model. Combined with the long-wheelbase body, they offer rear legroom of over 1.2m while deep seat foams with new comfort interlayers deliver enhanced passenger wellbeing. With a powered 40-degree recline capability, hot stone massage function, heated calf and foot rests, the rear cabin promises a peerless passenger experience. A dramatic fixed centre console
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extends the full length of the cabin and the new model also allows passengers to close the rear doors using conveniently located buttons on the rear console. Electrically deployable rear tables and integrated 10” Touchscreen rear entertainment screens ensure customers can use the 4G WiFi connectivity to work or relax in comfort, while a concealed refrigerator between the twin rear seats can hold two wine bottles or four 600ml bottles. The right-hand rear seat folds to accommodate long items and customers can also specify a Power Deployable Veneered Loadspace Floor for the first time, making loading and unloading luggage easier than ever. With convenience features providing a first class customer experience, the attention to detail delivers new levels of sophistication. An exclusive new Zenith clock features on the rear
centre console, inspired by the Elite 6150 watch. Its knurled bezel complements the finish on the start/stop button, gear selector and pedals. Jaguar Land Rover’s elegant and intuitive Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with twin high-definition touchscreen controls is a ‘digital butler’ fit for the 21st Century. Information can be swiped from one screen to the other, delivering unrivalled functionality and ease of use. Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover, said: “The Range Rover SVAutobiography is the epitome of luxury, comfort and refinement. Our standard-bearer for quality and precision exemplifies the attention to detail and sophistication that has been a hallmark of our most luxurious SUV stretching back almost 50 years.” The Range Rover SVAutobiography will be hand-
finished exclusively at the SVO Technical Centre in Warwickshire, UK, and makes its global motor show debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on 29 November 2017. The event will see the new Range Rover SVAutobiography presented alongside the extreme Discovery SVX and the powerful Range Rover Sport SVR, as well as the standard wheelbase SVAutobiography Dynamic, for the first time. John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said: “The SVAutobiography badge identifies our most luxurious vehicles in the same way the SVR and SVX monikers denote our most potent and capable derivatives. The arrival of the enhanced Range Rover SVAutobiography further strengthens the peerless luxury pillar of the SV family.”
Powertrain
Fuel Type
On the road price (from)
4.4L SDV8 339HP SDV8 SV Autobiography LWB
Diesel
£167,850
2.0L P400e PHEV 404HP P400e SV Autobiography LWB
Petrol PHEV
£168,015
5.0L V8 S/C 565HP V8 S/C SV Autobiography LWB
Petrol
£177,030
62 | Farming Monthly | December 2017
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December 2017 | Farming Monthly | 63