December 2019 Farming Monthly National

INSIDE: Returning to Stoneleigh February: Dairy-Tech 2020 page 28

Farming

MONTHLY National

December 2019

Also in this issue...

Feature

| Aussie seeds shoot for new market page 15

Homes for local villagers Also inside this month..

Landowner’s 30 year commitment page 10

Kawasaki at LAMMA p54

Ready to tackle climate change p09

HVO fuel: A diesel alternative p49

PLUS: Arable | Muck| Grain | Fuels | Forestry | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS December 2019

FEATURES 06

12

12 Arable

26

34 Muck & Slurry

UK at risk of running low on carrot supplies after heavy flooding

49

49 Fuels

Bauer’s new portable S300 system

38 LAMMA

15 Feature

HVO fuel: A diesel alternative

51 Forestry

Show preview

Young farmers combat climate change

Aussie seeds shoot for new market

18 Grain What does the Early Bird Survey mean for markets and marketing

REGULARS

22 Buildings RIDBA handbook available

06 News World’s fastest tractor

26 Livestock High mycotoxin levels pose a risk

10 On Topic Homes for local villagers

32 Feeders & Bedders New equipment

45 Machinery Agritechnica and machinery news

04 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

50 Energy Prime opportunity for energy schemes

52 ATV ATV news...covered.

55 Motors Latest motors news

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

54

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Julie Smith j.smith@farmingmonthly.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jenny Hughes j.hughes@farmingmonthly.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION studio@farmingmonthly.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com ON THE COVER Bauer’s new portable plug & play S300 system

Landowner’s 30 year commitment to homes for local villagers

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

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Batteries supplied by DBS Leoch help to power world’s fastest tractor JCB’s Fastrac tractor reaches world record speed of over 153mph.

BS Leoch, part of Leoch, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of leisure and lifestyle batteries, has supplied batteries to help power the world’s fastest tractor. The two RELiON RB100 batteries were installed in the electrical circuit of the JCB Fastrac tractor, driven by TV personality Guy Martin, as it hit a speed of over 153mph to smash the world record.

JCB The JCB Fastrac tractor was designed and built by a team of young engineers in Staffordshire and secured the title at Elvington Airfield in York, where the feat was officially ratified by Guinness World Records. The story of the tractor's development and assault on the record was told in TV documentary: ‘Guy Martin: The World's Fastest Tractor’, broadcast on Channel 4 on 17 November 2019.

The RELiON RB100 is a 12V 100Ah deep cycle lithium battery is lightweight (saving approximately 30kg), compact and more powerful than its lead-acid counterparts, ideal for applications including, motorhomes, marine, solar energy systems and more.

JCB chief innovation and growth officer Tim Burnhope said: "Fastrac One really proved to us that there are no limits to what a young and dynamic engineering team can achieve. So we pushed boundaries and ideas, and looked at all

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aspects of the project to find solutions and make improvements.

"The biggest challenges have included aerodynamics, reducing weight and improving performance – getting a five-tonne tractor to safely reach 150mph, and stop again, is not an easy task, but we're all so proud to have not only reached these goals, but to have exceeded them."

Henry James, Managing Director of DBS Leoch added: “This is a remarkable success for JCB and its engineering team so we’re delighted to have helped in a small way by supplying the latest batteries for the innovative technology in this amazing machine.”

Soils – the first line of defence against flooding – cost the UK up to £1.2 billion a year We are witnessing some of the worst flooding on record in the UK, with damage costing the country up to £1.2 billion a year because of erosion, compaction and loss of organic matter. ane Rickson Professor of Soil Science at Cranfield University and President of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers takes a look at what’s happening in our fields and why healthy soils can help in the fight against flooding.

“Soil is so important because it effectively acts as a sponge to take in these extreme rainfall events that we are seeing across the country at the moment. But for soils to be really effective they have to be healthy, able to receive the rainfall, retain it and release it gently and slowly over a longer time span,” says Professor Rickson.

There is a lot of debate about what we mean by a healthy soil. Soils have physical, biological and chemical properties and these interact to ensure the soil is well structured.

Some soils types will be very effective at absorbing and draining rainfall such as sandy soils and others such as clay or compacted soils, which have small pore sizes, may not be able to cope and that’s when we get surface

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06 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

run-off that gathers in the valleys and can cause some of the flooding we are seeing at the moment.

We can change the pore structure by how we manage soils. For example, if we put very heavy machines onto soils while they are wet this will compress the soil leading to compaction, meaning you have got rid of the air spaces that could otherwise be filled with water. So it’s very important to avoid compaction by trying not to go onto the land if it’s too wet. But the ‘window of workability’ (when the soils are not too wet to traffic) may be shortened by more frequent rainfall events that are predicted, especially in winter.

Cover crops can really help too because their roots grow down into the soil and help bring in structures such as root canals which act as conduits for the water.

Flooding can cause huge impacts on agricultural land. For example, if you have a saturated soil profile you haven’t got any air space and roots can suffer if they are not able to get oxygen. Wet soils are also going to

affect your soil biology and nutrient cycling because the microbes can’t break down nutrients. Soil surface structure is affected by sediment being deposited on top of existing soil, which can lead to sealing of the soil surface, leading to more surface flow and flooding.

The flooding is having a real impact on farmers who may have to re-sow some of their crops because of flood damage. Here is the irony because you can’t use machinery on wet soils to alleviate the damage: you have to wait until they dry out. Ponds of water remaining on the surface for weeks mean farmers won’t actually be able to manage their land for some time to come.

Some of these issues are likely to become ‘the norm’according to future climate change predictions for the UK. Agricultural engineers are well placed to identify ways to mitigate and adapt to the effects of increasing rainfall, through innovate machinery design and better field engineering.

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| News

Witham launches winter deal on Antifreeze & Coolants As winter looms, anti-freeze and coolants prices could be set to rise due to some unique market influences such as Brexit. he Witham Group has tried to mitigate this uncertainty by securing a good early rate on orders from coolant manufacturers to ensure there is enough supply at the best price for customers.

Witham has also launched a special winter deal giving customers a free screenwash and de-icer spray with orders of 50 litres or more of Antifreeze and Coolants. The deal works like this: Order 50 litres or more of ANY Antifreeze/Coolants and get a: • FREE 5 litre Screenwash Order 75 litres or more of ANY Antifreeze/Coolant and get a: • FREE 5 litre Screenwash AND De-icer spray Witham’s new Antifreeze/Coolant range includes three products to suit varying budgets and different applications which protects engines from frost damage, overheating and corrosion in both older and brand new vehicles.

For all year-round temperature stability, the choice of correct coolant has never been more important.

Witham MD, Nigel Bottom commented: “We are encouraging customers to place orders for anti-freeze/coolants as soon as possible to get the best value price. We supply coolants in large quantities at this time of year and we wanted to give our customers extra

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help by giving away some winter essentials.”

To order, customers can either contact their local depot or order from Witham’s online shop – while stocks last.

Offer Terms & Conditions • Offer includes a free 5 litres of All Seasons Concentrated Screen wash with every 50 litres of Qualguard Anti-freeze or Coolant (orders of 75 litres or more will also include a free • 600ml De-icer spray.)

• Offer ends 1st February 2020 • Delivery charges are not included.

Further information About Witham’s Qualguard Anti-freeze & Coolants Witham offers a choice of three Antifreeze/Coolants to suit all budgets and performance needs: Qualguard Hybrid Concentrated Coolant • Latest generation of long-life universal coolant (containing anti-freeze properties) • Can provide over 5 years additional life to a vehicle • Suitable for more modern vehicles (2005+) • Meets majority of agricultural & commercial manufacturer specifications • Helps prevent rust and corrosion in cooling systems • Suitable for year-round use • Concentrated (just add water) • Available in 1, 5, 25 and 200 litre sizes

Qualguard Hybrid 50:50 Coolant • A pre-mixed version of the above concentrated coolant • Already diluted and ready to use • Suitable for year-round use • Available in 1, 5, 25 and 200 litre sizes • Qualguard Universal Blue Anti-freeze • A great all-round product • Protects iron & aluminium engines from frost damage and corrosion • Also acts as an engine coolant • Ideal for vehicles 10 years old or more • Perfect for vans, buses, tractors and plant machinery • Suitable for year-round use • Pre-mixed, ready to use • Available in 1, 5, 25 and 200 litre sizes See website for more details https://www.withamgroup.co.uk/shop/antifreeze -products/

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Farmers silently suffer scourge of flytipping, warns agricultural expert, as figures reveal incidents are on the increase An agricultural expert is warning of the hidden financial and emotional cost of flytipping, after it was revealed incidents reported to England’s councils in 2018/19 has risen to over one million incidents. ew figures from Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) showed that 1,072,431 incidents of flytipping were dealt with by local authorities in the past year, an 8% rise on the 998,000 in 2017-18.

Of the one million incidents, 3,395 were reported as taking place on agricultural land last year – 121 more incidents than the previous year.

But Hannah Hubbard, of Farmers and Mercantile Insurance Brokers (FMIB), said the true scale of flytipping on England’s farmland is not reflected in the figures, as the DEFRA statistics excludes the majority of private-land incidents.

“Flytipping is a scourge on the farming community,” she said. “Councils spend millions every year on clean-up costs but private landowners, such as farmers, are suffering in silence with little or no assistance or recourse.

“The burden of dumped rubbish falling squarely with farmers as they are liable for clearing it up at their own expense, or face prosecution. Moving the mess on to public land will not solve the issue, but exacerbate it, which farmers need to be mindful of.

“In one incident we encountered, a farmer was unwittingly branded a flytipper after falling victim to the crime.

“After finding tyres dumped over his hedge, he moved them on the other side of the hedgerow and informed the authorities. Although the

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08 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

waste was collected, he was slapped with a prosecution order for flytipping.

“Farmers are already faced with a myriad of difficulties, from economic uncertainty to market volatility, and having to fork out dealing with someone else’s mess just compounds these stresses.”

According to the latest National Rural Crime Network, flytipping is now the most common crime experienced by ‘specific rural business owners’, mainly farmers.

For victims of flytipping the average financial impact to the business owner was over £1,000 a time.

Despite the increasing blight of flytipping, Hannah said that a small number of farmers make claims for flytipping, as many have the kit and manpower to deal with such incidents.

But she stressed the importance of having sufficient protection for farming businesses, particularly in the case of repeat offences.

Many combined farm insurance policies cover the cost of flytipping – generally around £5,000 per incident and capped at £15,000.

“If a farmer’s land becomes a flytipping ‘hotspot’, costs can quickly escalate and the crime can soon turn from being a nuisance to crippling,” added Hannah.

She explained that, although any farmer can fall victim, there are a number of preventative steps farmers can take to deter would-be flytippers from targeting their land.

“Ensure that fields, particularly those by the roadside, are secure, with locked gates where

possible and create physical barriers, such as earth mounds, boulders and tree trunks, around the perimeter so that vehicles cannot gain access,” she said.

“Flytippers do not wish to draw attention to themselves, so ensure good visibility, by cutting back hedges and installing exterior lighting in strategic areas.

“If you witness someone in the act of flytipping, do not approach them as this can pose a safety risk.

“If you fall victim to a flytipping incident, be cautious, as the waste could be potentially hazardous.

“Thousands of the DEFRA incidents reported this year included asbestos, clinical, and chemical waste – and we have seen claims for asbestos and commercial refrigerator waste, which need specialist treatment, being dumped on farms.

“Secure the waste, so that animals and the public are not exposed to potentially dangerous material, and also to discourage further flytipping. Record as much detail as possible, take photos and report the incident to your local council.

“Finally, and most importantly, make sure that any rubbish dumped on your land is disposed of properly. Only use reputable, registered waste companies to help with disposal, and if you take the waste to a licenced waste site yourself, make sure you are registered as a waste carrier.”

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| News

UK farmers are ready to tackle climate change head-on UK farmers are ready to tackle climate change head-on with 85% feeling responsible as an industry to take action.

9% of UK farmers have already implemented innovative measures to tackle climate change such as using renewable energies.

Farmers are overwhelmingly optimistic, with 73% agreeing there are opportunities for the industry to thrive in the future.

Climate change has become an increasingly important issue for UK farmers, with 85% feeling responsible as an industry to take action. This is according to the latest Farm Forward Barometer from McDonald’s UK and Map of Ag. The UK farming community is tackling the issue of climate change head-on. 39% of UK farmers are already rolling out innovative measures like using renewable energies by installing solar panels and erecting wind turbines, upgrading to more efficient machinery and modernising farming practices.

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Looking ahead to the future The next few years will be crucial for the sector’s efforts to tackle climate change, with over a third (39%) of UK farmers planning to put carbon-reduction measures in place in the next 12 months, and a further 20% within the next two years.

UK farmers see putting these kinds of measures in place to tackle climate change as necessary to secure the future of their farm business. Nearly a third (31%) see environmental protection as being the most important factor in ensuring UK farming remains competitive globally. Despite some challenges ahead, UK farmers are positive in their outlook, with 73% agreeing that there are opportunities for the UK farming industry to thrive in the future.

Jim Williams, Head of Market Research at Map of Ag said: “UK Farmers are clearly ready to tackle climate change and it’s great to see that many have already put measures in place

to address the issue.

“Looking to the future, we expect environmental issues to become increasingly important to the industry, with such a large number of farmers telling us environmental protection is hugely important to the global competitiveness of UK farming.”

Nina Prichard, Head of Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing McDonald’s UK & Ireland said: “The research results are really encouraging, not only from a climate change perspective, but for the future and sustainability of the industry.

“Our farming industry is vital, not just to our business but to the UK as a whole. That’s why we’ve invested £35 billion with UK-based suppliers over the last 45 years and we’ll continue to invest in and support the 23,000 British and Irish farmers that help us make the food that we’re famous for. We want to use our scale for good to help the farmers who supply us to continue to tackle climate change.”

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

WRHA Company Secretary Richard Mugglestone (left) with Margaret and Paul Bellew at the opening of the final phase of the new development at Stretton on Fosse.

10 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

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| On Topic

Landowner’s 30 year commitment to homes for local villagers A Warwickshire landowner has spent 30 years helping to ensure that local families can afford to live in the rural communities they know and love. aul Bellew and his wife, Margaret, have been working in partnership with Warwickshire Rural Housing Association since 1989, providing land to enable local people to remain in the Warwickshire village of Stretton on Fosse.

The former butcher says he was inspired to make a contribution to the provision of affordable housing after inheriting part of his wife’s family farm and completing a number of barn conversions.

Paul explains: “We turned them into holiday lets and I was well aware, at the time, that there were local people who couldn’t afford homes in the village.

“I’d been brought up in a big family and we weren’t very well off, and it was very much instilled in us that giving was just as important as receiving. So, we decided to do something to balance things out, so to speak.”

Thirty years ago, Paul provided enough land to enable Warwickshire Rural Housing Association to develop its very first scheme of 10 affordable homes at Harolds Orchard back in 1989.

Twenty years later, he again provided land for the second phase of the development, which saw an additional four properties completed during WRHA’s 20th anniversary year.

Finally, in 2019, the third and final phase of the development was completed, when five affordable homes were built on Paul’s land.

This time the brand new development was named Dyas Green, in honour of WRHA Chairman and founder member, Derrick Dyas, who retired during the housing association’s 30th anniversary year.

All three phases of the development have been built specifically for people with a local connection to Stretton on Fosse, enabling local people to remain in the village where they have

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grown up, work or have close family ties.

Paul says: “When the first 10 homes were built in 1989, I was aware that there were a lot of younger people who simply couldn’t afford to get a mortgage and buy a property in the village.

“Although it has taken many years for all three phases of development to come to fruition, we feel very happy that, in some small way, we have helped to create something for the families of Stretton on Fosse to keep the village very much alive.

“I would encourage all landowners to consider giving a little piece of land at the right price to enable similar developments to go ahead in other villages.

“There is no doubt that 30 years after we started, the need for affordable housing for local people in our rural communities is as strong as ever.”

In addition to the land for new homes, Paul and his wife, who have now moved to neighbouring Mickleton to be nearer their daughter and two granddaughters, also gifted land for 10 allotments and an unspoilt orchard space for the people of Stretton on Fosse.

Paul adds: “If you have lived a country life, you know how important these things are to people. We wanted to do what we could for the village that we were fortunate enough to call home for so many years.”

Warwickshire Rural Housing Association Company Secretary, Richard Mugglestone, commented: “Forging close partnerships is vital in our work to develop affordable homes for local people where they are most needed.

“We are extremely grateful to Paul for providing land in a village where people are being forced to move away due to high house prices. These new homes have transformed the lives of many people during the past 30 years and will continue to do so in the future.”

Warwickshire Rural Housing Association (WRHA) is committed to providing affordable homes in rural Warwickshire for local people and families who would not otherwise be able to afford to live within their own communities.

WRHA was established in 1989 and now manages over 500 homes in 43 rural communities in the county.

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Arable

UK at risk of running low on carrot supplies after heavy flooding More than half of UK carrot growers have been hit by recent flooding. roducers in the main carrot growing regions in the North of England and the Midlands have been unable to lay down straw to protect crop from frost.

Growers say now real risk of the UK running low on domestic carrot supplies next Spring.

British-grown supplies of carrots - the UK’s favourite vegetable - are at risk of running low next Spring after the recent heavy floods, growers warned this week.

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“Unlike 2018, this year has generally proved to be an excellent growing season for carrots with both quality and yields above average. However, since mid September unprecedented levels of rainfall have made field operation extremely difficult with very few entirely dry days recorded over an 8-week period” More than half of the UK’s carrot-growing areas have been hit by the recent flooding, which continues to prevent them from being

12 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

able to put straw down to protect the crop from potential frost damage.

Commercial carrot growers across the North of England and the Midlands including Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Lancashire, have all been affected.

The harvesting of carrots is continuing, but flooded land has prevented growers from using the machinery and equipment necessary to spread straw. Growers are warning more wet weather or a frost could wipe out large amounts of the UK’s carrot harvest.

Coral Russell, from the British Carrot Growers Association, said: “The flooding has caught a lot of growers out. It has stopped them spreading straw as they usually do at this time of year. They [the growers] are sitting on a wing and a pray and hoping that we get a dry weather spell to be able to put down straw to protect the crop.

“More than 50% of the carrot growing area in the UK has been affected. The only exception being those grown in East Anglia and Scotland.

If we have a frost now or more wet weather then all the carrots that are not covered with straw will get damaged and be unsuited for the market. They’ll be rotten.”

Mark Strawson, from Nottinghamshire, and

one of the UK’s biggest carrot growers, said: “Unlike 2018, this year has generally proved to be an excellent growing season for carrots with both quality and yields above average.

However, since mid-September unprecedented levels of rainfall have made field operation extremely difficult with very few entirely dry days recorded over an 8-week period. The worst affected areas are the East and West Midlands and Yorkshire where soils have been at field capacity for several weeks.

“This protracted wet period has not allowed growers to cover crops with straw which is vital to protect them from frost over the winter. With such a small area protected to date and field conditions remaining poor there is a very high risk of crop loss should the weather now turn cold. Such a situation would severely disrupt supplies to retail customers.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

LG’s oilseed rape varieties claim top 6 positions on 2020 -2021 AHDB Recommended List It’s the top 6 positions for breeder Limagrain UK’s oilseed rape varieties on the 2020-2021 AHDB Recommended List. In pole position sits conventional variety Acacia at 109.4% of controls, this is closely followed in by hybrids; LG Ambassador (108%), LG Aurelia (107.5%) and LG Artemis (106.6%) with conventionals Aspire (105.8%) and Aardvark (105.3%) completing the top line up. t’s certainly an exciting time for the Limagrain OSR breeding programme as this is the first time that any breeder has achieved this leading position with this many varieties, and is a reflection of our focus on breeding high yielding, trait-loaded varieties aimed specifically for the UK farmer,” points out Vasilis Gegas, Limagrain’s OSR European Portfolio Manager.

Acacia is the highest gross output conventional variety for the east/west and north regions, with a gross output of 109.5% and 107.6%, respectively.

“The variety is very vigorous in both the autumn and spring, combined with good disease resistance and short and stiff straw,” says Dr Gegas.

“Acacia is suited to the main OSR drilling window but is also useful in a late sown slot.”

“LG Ambassador is the first of Limagrain’s fully loaded hybrids on the AHDB Recommended List to really show the benefits of our breeding strategy,” he continues.

“This highest yielding hybrid for the east/west (Gross Output 108.4% of control) has shown itself to perform across the UK and Europe, showing

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the variety is resilient across a wide geographical area.”

LG Ambassador offers an outstanding package of traits associated with Limagrain’s hybrids including; TuYV resistance, pod shatter resistance and RLM7 giving the variety strong protection against stem canker resulting in a resistance rating of 8, which along with a Light Leaf Spot resistance rating of 7, ensures growers shouldn’t lose yield in unfavourable conditions.

“LG Aurelia is another of Limagrain’s fully loaded hybrids, setting a new benchmark for hybrid performance in the UK.” Not only does LG Aurelia offer an extremely high gross output, and the Limagrain full compliment of traits such as TuYV resistance, pod shatter resistance and RLM7 against stem canker, it also offers the most robust disease resistance ratings of any variety on the AHDB Recommended List with a rating of 8 for both stem canker and light leaf spot resistance.

LG Artemis is another high yielding hybrid for the east/west (106.6%) and north (106%) that once again comes with Limagrain’standard combination of TuYV resistance, pod shatter resistance. Combined with outstanding early

vigour, stiff straw, early maturity and a high oil content Artemis is certainly an interesting prospect for growers for next season.

Aspire is a conventional variety, recommended last year and offers very high gross output for the east/west and north regions - as was proven in harvest 2019 with a gross output of 105.8%.

Add to this, its TuYV resistance, a strong disease profile, the opportunity to early drill, as well as short and stiff straw, and it’s clear to see that Aspire is truly a farmer friendly variety that makes for an easier harvest, with the potential to increase gross margins.

Finally, of Limagrain’s top 6 varieties on the 20202021 AHDB Recommended List, Aardvark is a conventional variety that thinks it is a hybrid, offering high gross output potential across all regions of the UK, with a UK gross output of 105.3% over control.

It is very vigorous in both the autumn and spring, competing with hybrids. It has short and stiff straw, as well as good disease resistance.

“This excellent agronomic package makes the variety suitable for the early and main drilling window.”

CF CropTec focus on encouraging greater understanding of fertiliser use efficiency (NfUE) and soil testing Helping growers understand more about Nitrogen Fertiliser Use Efficiency (NfUE) and the critical role of accurate soil testing in optimising N applications was the main focus of the CF stand at CropTec 2019. n 2019 farm trials, the combined approach has delivered increases in margin over fertiliser costs (MOFC) of £280/ha in some crops whilst in others 10% higher yields have been seen from 15% less N, says the company’s arable agronomist Allison Grundy.

“Whether you look at it from a production efficiency or environmental point of view, getting the most out of bought-in fertilisers will be one of the most important management areas UK growers will face in the coming years.

“Keeping N applications to the economic optimum required to deliver yield and quality whilst achieving the maximum return on investment is a key objective for all growers and understanding NfUE and the importance of soil N supply is absolutely fundamental to this.”

In simple terms, NfUE is a measure of Nitrogen fertiliser recovered by the crop, she explains “NfUE gives growers a valuable picture of how much Nitrogen fertiliser is actually used by the crop and an insight into the impact their fertiliser choices are having on their production efficiency.

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“It can also highlight where potential environmental concerns might lie which is an increasingly important factor in modern production.”

Trials have shown ammonium nitrate (AN) convincingly outperforms straight urea in wheat production in terms of NfUE with an average value for Nitram (34.5%N) of 74% compared to just 66% for urea, she says.

“This difference of 8% NfUE is the equivalent of an additional 16% total loss of Nitrogen from urea and in crops with an application rate of 200kg/ha N this would be equivalent to a loss of 32kg/ha N. “In other words, simply using Nitram resulted in crops recovering an extra 16% or 32kg/ha N than they would have done with the same application rate of urea.”

As well as making the correct fertiliser choice to maximise NfUE, understanding the contribution soil N is making to crops is also critical, Allison Grundy adds.

“Unlike conventional soil N tests, CF N-Min measures not only the Soil Mineral Nitrogen (SMN), the amount of Nitrogen in the soil at the time of testing, but also accurately predicts

Additionally Available Nitrogen (AAN) which is what will become available to the crop between the spring and harvest.

“Adding these to an estimate of N already contained in the crop gives a true picture of Soil Nitrogen Supply (SNS).

“This can then be used with CF N-Calc to produce fertiliser recommendations based on yield and quality aspirations whilst minimising the potential environmental impact and ensuring the investment in Nitrogen is made full use of.”

Combining the commitment to improve NfUE with N-Min can have a significant effect on margins too, she says.

“In 2019 trials alone, we’ve seen this approach increasing margin over fertiliser costs by £280/ha in oilseed rape and adding 1.0t/ha to wheat yields.

“In Spring barley we’ve seen a 10% lift in yields combined with a corresponding 15% drop in N requirement.

“It’s a relatively simple way for growers to increase their own production efficiency and help industry meet future environment objectives.”

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Arable

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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| Feature

Aussie seeds shoot for new markets A growing customer base in Europe, a low Australian dollar and increasing domestic sales is helping a South Australian small seed company flourish. aracoorte Seeds and its export arm South Australian Seed Marketers has achieved significant growth in the past two years with exports steadily increasing to account for about half of all sales.

While the company has more than 400 seed types available domestically, its export portfolio is focused on about 20 key forage varieties including lucerne (alfalfa), clovers and some grasses.

Major export destinations include the United States, the Middle East, China, Europe and South Africa.

Naracoorte Seeds Managing Director Jamie Tidy and his wife Peta have travelled to the European Seeds Association’s Euroseed Congress the past two years and are starting to see the benefits of meeting in person with industry leaders.

Their trip to the 2019 conference in Stockholm last month was partially funded by a South Australian Export Accelerator grant.

Jamie and Peta Tidy at Euroseeds 19 in Stockholm in October.

Tidy likened the Euroseed experience to speed dating – a number of fast-paced meetings with businesses from all over Europe – which had led to exports to Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, France and The Netherlands.

“We sold quite a few containers while we were over there,” he said.

“Export wise you don’t

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necessarily need to have a huge team of sales reps. The people overseas just want reliable supply and a genuine relationship and we think there’s a lot more opportunity within our region.”

Naracoorte is in the South East of South Australia, a region known as one of Australia’s leading small seed growing areas.

Lucerne seed has been a big growth area for Naracoorte Seeds in recent years and accounts for almost half of the company’s exports.

Saudi Arabia is its biggest lucerne customer, where it is grown in the desert under huge centre pivot irrigation systems fed by underground aquifers. The lucerne is then cut into hay and fed to cows housed in enormous air-conditioned dairies.

More than 80 per cent of Australia’s average annual lucerne seed production of 9700 tonnes is in South Australia’s South East around the area of Keith, Naracoorte, Tintinara and Bordertown, encompassing more than 16,000 hectares of irrigated and dryland Lucerne.

“For our part of South Australia it is the biggest commodity product outside of grain,” Tidy said.

“Some crops are more specialised than others, which we try to have reflected in the price but then crops like lucerne – everywhere else in the world it’s called alfalfa – is such a relevant variety everywhere because it’s deep-rooted, drought tolerant, conserved for fodder and can be

grazed by sheep, cattle, goats, horses and buffalo all over the world.

“Lucerne is the king of forage – you can do hay, you can graze it, seed, silage, pasture mixes with companion species and the bee keepers flock to it now.”

While Lucerne has helped drive export growth for almost a decade, Naracoorte Seeds has been exporting South Australian seed since 1989. One of its early export success stories was selling significant amounts of Haifa White Clover seed to China from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s to green the city of Beijing ahead of the 2008 Olympics.

Tidy said the lower Australian dollar, which has fallen from USD$1.05 in 2013 to $0.68 now, had made Australian seeds significantly more competitive on global markets.

“Six years ago when the Aussie dollar was on parity with the US dollar we just couldn’t compete on the export market so definitely the growth in exports in the last couple of years have reflected the lower Australian dollar and us being more competitive not only from a growing perspective but currency as well,” he said.

Tidy’s business partner Joshua Rasheed is currently in Argentina trying to establish a new export market.

A Haifa White Clover seed crop.

“No one is putting any effort in there and in business if you zig when others are zagging or zag when they’re zigging then that’s when opportunities come,” Tidy

said of the Argentinian venture.

“You can learn a lot by sitting down with people, find out how their business works, what their distribution network is and all those little things rather than going in completely blind.”

Naracoorte Seeds was started in 1962 by John Clarkson and was bought by Tidy’s parents Bob and Gini in 1980. Jamie and Peta joined the business in 2004 and took over its running in 2009. The company has grown to about a dozen staff members.

Tidy said the combination of long-term staff, strong relationships with about 100 growers and the company’s location in the heart of one of Australia’s leading small seed production areas were among the company’s reasons for success.

He said while the domestic market was potentially finite, it was also growing.

Michael Tait “We only do seed, we don’t do fertiliser, we don’t do anything else and we customise specific seed mixes depending on grower needs,” Tidy said.

“The last two years we’ve had that growth and we’ve been able to sustain it both domestically and in export markets across a range of seed types.

“Thankfully we’ve been able to retain staff, which has allowed us to maintain those vital relationships out in the field. Our 60th birthday is coming up and we’re very proud of that.”

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Arable

CropTec’s unique arable innovation showcase proves a hit with progressive farmers and advisers Thousands of farmers and agronomists who took a well-earned break from the relentless rain to visit the recent CropTec Show at the East of England Showground were rewarded with a wide array of agricultural innovation and expertise to help make their business more efficient, productive and profitable. ore than 170 exhibitors attended the show, providing a fascinating mix of new technology, crop science and services.

The acclaimed CropTec seminar programme, together with a comprehensive line-up of knowledge hubs providing key takeaway technical messages, also pulled in the crowds, featuring leading industry specialists and farmers covering some of the most talked-about and pressing topics in the arable farming sector.

Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, group events director at AgriBriefing, which owns the CropTec Show, said: “CropTec continues to deliver a high quality audience in a challenging year.

Registrations were on par with last year despite the industry being faced with the consequences of one of the wettest autumns in living memory, the uncertainty over Brexit and a general election looming.

“However, farming is a long-term business, and the mood amongst our visitors, which includes some of the most progressive farmers and their advisers, was one of resilience.

“They came to CropTec to catch up on and discuss the latest developments in the arable sector and to network with some of the best minds in the business. Judging by the intensity and quality of conversations on the trade stands, and the packed seminar sessions, they found plenty of information to help overcome current and future challenges to help make their businesses more robust.

“None of this would be possible without the support from our exhibitors and visitors, and those who contributed to the seminars and knowledge hubs. We are very grateful to all of them.”

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16 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

Some of the most important agronomy topics in the arable sector came under the spotlight in the one of the most comprehensive knowledge exchange events in the UK agricultural calendar.

CropTec’s highly informative seminar programmes involved 16 speakers covering four key areas – crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection and crop breeding.

Each session examined how the application of science, research, new technology and knowledge exchange could help the UK crop production industry remain profitable.

In addition, CropTec’s popular Knowledge Hubs, a series of quickfire presentations delivered by leading farmers and industry specialists, provided key takeaway messages.

Four popular hubs returned – the role of biosolutions in crop protection, blackgrass control, optimising OSR establishment, and the latest spray application technology, while two new highly topical hubs, slug behaviour and control and management strategies to boost soil health proved a strong draw.

The largest sprayer demonstration yet also drew a stream of visitors keen to try out their pick of the 11 machines from leading manufacturers.

CropTec also offered a total of 12 BASIS and NRoSO points, reflecting the value that these well-respected independent training bodies put on show attendance. Plenty of members took advantage of the associated knowledge trails, involving 28 exhibitors offering points for successful completion of activities on their stands.

Cambridge farmer David White said he was pleased to attend CropTec again this year in three roles, farmer, exhibitor and speaker.

“As RTK Farming director we have supported

the CropTec Show since its early days and it is without doubt one of our most important shows of the year. On the RTK stand we met many of our subscribers and informed other farmers to our signal offer in their areas.

“The varied and topical seminars were again well supported as was the Soil Hub on the BASE UK (Biodiversity Agriculture Soil and Environment)/Direct Driller magazine stand where I was asked to be on two of the panels discussing aspects of Conservation Agriculture.

“The Peterborough Show ground has excellent facilities and is the perfect location for a winter show of this nature. I look forward to attending again next year.”

Simon Parker of Corteva Agriscience UK and Ireland said: “There was a great buzz about our stand at CropTec with farmers and trade wanting to know about our current and future pipeline as well as seeking advice on which products to use in a season that is already presenting many challenges for our customers.”

Horsch UK’s Stephen Burcham said: “CropTec has again proved to be a very successful event for us enabling us to meet the professionals of the farming industry. The seminars again provided some thought provoking information in a very difficult autumn.”

Garford’s Harry Coppin said: “CropTec is a very good show – we met some fantastic people and had great conversations about low soil disturbance mechanical weed control.”

Cambridgeshire-based farmer and contractor Matt Redman said: “CropTec is a great little show that specialise in all sorts of technology coming forward. It’s a great opportunity to talk to people on the know in the stands, and to talk to speakers at the seminars

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| Arable

and knowledge hubs. I went to look at sprayers mainly and found the demo feature very useful, being able to try out the machines and talk to the demo drivers.”

Kent farm manager Tom Reynolds said: “This was my third time at CropTec, but I hadn’t been for a couple of years. I was pleasantly surprised at the standard of the show and the range of new technology that was there. It’s also a great way of picking up BASIS points – the knowledge trail was well worth doing and the people on the stands were very engaging.”

Many exhibitors chose CropTec to launch new or improved products or to highlight latest research. Here’s a taster of what was on offer.

Advances in field data management was a key theme. xarvio showed its FIELD MANAGER crop production optimisation system new to the UK that provides field-specific insights into crop status of crops.

Visitors were able to preview the latest version of Geofolia, the data management system from Landmark Systems, which will be available next year, as well as the recently released Greenscan crop satellite image analysis feature, included as standard within the Geofolia package.

Hutchinsons’ recently launched TerraMap soil scanning system made its CropTec debut.

Results are used in conjunction with additional field information to create variable rate plans.

SOYL launched a suite of new analysis tools that supply growers with a range of financial performance metrics across their land and the farm rotation.

Streamlined data systems that aim to smooth information transfer were a welcome highlight. DataConnect is a new cloud-to-cloud system created by Claas, field mapping specialist 365FarmNet and John Deere,

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enabling customers to exchange data via a common interface as well as control and monitor their entire machinery fleet.

Hutchinsons has been collaborating with leading machinery and data management systems such as Claas, Väderstad and Muddy Boots, enabling users of its Omnia Precision Agronomy to benefit from much improved streamlined data connection.

Pottinger introduced its new 12" CCI 1200 ISOBUS terminal that offers a comprehensive function package and that many functions required by SEED COMPLETE, Pottinger's complete precision farming package.

Kuhn Farm Machinery demonstrated its latest ISOBUS-compatible in-cab control technology at CropTec, with visitors able to take part in an interactive demonstration of the new CCI 800 working with the CCI A3 joystick.

Sly Agri’s Precision Planting 20/20 Seed Sense system drew plenty of attention. The system links sensors measuring soil organic matter, soil moisture, cation exchange (soil type) and residue in furrow (to indicate hairpinning) to specially designed coulters that enable automatic adjustment of seed depth, rate, and amount of fertiliser to suit conditions.

Alternative weed control was another key theme, including several new machinery developments. Horsch promoted its new Hybrid Farming System at CropTec, aiming to provide a solution to weed control without glyphosate, by combining the best practices of organic farming and conventional farming.

Garford Farm Machinery highlighting through videos and literature the latest development of its guided hoe at CropTec that uses the company’s Robocrop guidance system for high accuracy and high output.

Claydon developed two new heavy-duty

models of its TerraBlade inter-row hoe designed to provide low-cost, mechanical weeding in combinable, band-sown crops.

Rothamsted Research launched a new improved version of its Croprotect app at the event to provide guidance on pest, weed and disease management, especially where effective pesticides are not available.

Two larger sprayers models in Vicon’s latest trailed range, the iXtrack T-series, made their CropTec debut. The iXtrack T4 comes with 3,400, 4,000 and 4,600-litre tank sizes, and the range-topping iXtrack T6 model boasts 7,200 litres.

APV’s Liquid Fertilizer LF 600 M1 frontmounted applicator also made its show debut.

Soil health was another key topic and included some fascinating research. Fera gave visitors the chance to catch up on the latest information about the Big Soil Community, which aims to provide farmers with the right knowledge to help maintain or improve soil health and grow healthier crops while adapting to climate change and other environmental variables.

Cranfield University highlighted a BBSRCfunded study, Using roots to bio-engineer soil.

The main aim is to develop a framework to select and combine complementary root traits in cover crops that prevent soil resource losses and improve crop growth conditions.

UKSO demonstrated updated information that helps growers identify the risk of bare-soil water erosion.

PGRO and Pulses UK launched a new online Pulse Agronomy Guide and the PGRO Recommended Lists for combining peas and spring and winter beans.

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Grain

Analyst Insight: What does the Early Bird Survey mean for markets and marketing?

As rain continues to fall across the UK, progress in winter plantings remains hampered. ccording to the Environment Agency, England received 143% of the long term average rainfall in August-October, making 2019 the third wettest year in the last 20. Furthermore, rainfall in November has totalled 101% of the long term average so far.

The rainfall has significantly delayed plantings of winter wheat. The Early Bird Survey results suggest the area intended to be planted to wheat is 1.65Mha, a drop of 9% year-on-year and the lowest planted area since 2013.

Many will be intending to carry wheat planting into the New Year with a number of varieties suitable for planting late into January, albeit with associated yield and development penalties.

In other wet years we have seen yields impacted. The most recent example is harvest 2013, the wet 2012 autumn led to yields of just 7.4t/ha, 5% below the previous five-year average (excluding 2012). While it is still monumentally early to be estimating yields for harvest 2020, we can look at possible scenarios for plantings and yields.

Anecdotal reports have suggested that wheat plantings could be down by as much as 20% for harvest 2020. Accounting for an uptick in spring wheat plantings and improved conditions in the New Year, I have provisionally worked with an area drop from 10-15%.

Using a yield of 7.5t/ha to 8.0t/ha gives a plausible production range of 11.6Mt to 13.2Mt. What does this mean for the domestic wheat market?

While the area intended to be planted to wheat is down, and production of wheat is more than likely to be down significantly, the impact on prices is likely to be capped.

Crop conditions elsewhere in the world have

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18 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

been less challenging than they have been domestically. The International Grains Council has provisionally estimated the wheat harvest area up marginally year on year. If the crop develops well, domestic markets may well be capped at import parity.

Moreover, the large crop for harvest in 2019/20 increases the chance of high carry out stocks, which could cover some of the shortfall in supply next season, further limiting price gains.

As we move into the New Year, crop conditions, both domestically and globally, will be an increasingly important watch point for determining where UK wheat prices are at.

Rampant rise in spring barley Another key takeaway from the Early Bird Survey is the sharp rise in spring barley planting intentions, up 28% on the year at 915Kha. This poses a large risk for a barley market which is already pricing ÂŁ18.00/t under wheat.

Large barley yields during 2019 harvest pushed barley production to its highest level since 1988, at 8.2Mt. If yields were around the five-year average for both winter and spring barley, and using the Early Bird intentions, total barley production could easily top 8Mt for the second season in a row.

We could yet see further rises in spring barley area, should the weather remain dismal into the New Year. While we would also see a decline in winter barley area, the price risk associated with the barley market should not be ignored when making planting decisions.

The risk of two large barley crops two seasons in a row, is heightened by the potential for tariffs into the EU, which would likely increase carryout whilst pressuring prices.

Oats also a risk As with spring barley, oat plantings are also

expected to rise sharply on the back of delayed winter crop plantings. The intended oat area is provisionally estimated at the highest level since 1976, 200Kha. This creates a risk for a market which is already heavily depressed by the 1.1Mt crop harvested in 2019/20. Ex-farm milling oat prices in the spot market have fallen considerably on the year, however, it is worth noting that a high proportion of oats are grown on futures linked contracts and these will not have declined to the same extent.

Contracts for oats are one way to reduce income volatility, particularly with the open market likely to be pressured by consecutive large oat crops.

Understanding the risks of a low price, high cost year There is no escaping the fact that 2020/21 will be a high cost season for many, be that through changes to establishment techniques or through sunk expenditure on seed, feed and lost crops (OSR).

Understanding the relative cost and price of each crop can help to determine a strategy for marketing. Knowing that a crop is going to be high cost, with relatively low prices (e.g. spring barley) highlights the need to focus on minimising costs to maximise returns. Whereas, if prices are high and costs are low, then the price risk is comparatively lower.

Additionally, taking the “long view� on crop marketing and business planning will be crucial in smoothing volatility in pricing.

Looking at net-profit for feed wheat crops over a long period of time highlights the importance of using the good years to offset the bad. Understanding your costs of production and the direction of markets in challenging years, can help to increase returns and offset losses.

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| Grain

Introducing‌ The Mistral!

Grain drying is a Perry speciality, and enormous expertise has developed the company into a leader in this field. erry are world renowned for manufacturing continuous flow grain driers, and have been successfully doing so since 1955. The new Mistral range of grain driers are available with capacities from 5tph to 30tph and is suitable for a wide range of cereal crops including wheat, barley, oats and maize, Perry continuous flow grain driers are now in use in many countries across the world.

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The launch of the Mistral follows the recent release of a brand new range of flat bottom & hopper bottom silos Grain is elevated to the top of the drier column and enters the drier tower through the reserve section. When in full operation the entire drying column is filled with grain; discharge of dried grain occurs via a roller discharge to provide a constant flow of grain.

This results in grain gradually working its way down the drying column, firstly in contact with

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hot air, then cooling air for the last 25-30% of the column. The discharged grain is then both of the correct moisture content and temperature for long term storage.

The design of the drier is such that the grain column is completely ledge free reducing dust and chaff residue. The tapered design of the air

ducts promote even air flow and ensure uniform drying across the whole grain column.

To find out more about the new Mistral drier, Perry SiloMasters silos and all other products & services in the Perry range contact Perry of Oakley Ltd. on +44 (0)1404 890300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Grain

20 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

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| Grain

Gibbons' best-selling grain fans will be on display

What should you ask Gibbons Agricultural at LAMMA? See the Airspear® MAX at LAMMA

Interested in grain storage? Then you have probably heard of the Plug&Cool range – a comprehensive offering of specialist grain storage equipment from Gibbons Agricultural. eatured in all major publications and exhibited at Agricultural shows in the UK and Europe, the range was a best-seller last harvest and the Gibbons team are encouraging potential customers to visit them at LAMMA ‘20 and ask them some important questions…

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What makes their Plug&Cool Pedestals so durable? How confident are they in the reliability of their high-performance fans?

And, how will a Plug&Cool control panel increase post-harvest profits?

Visitors to the LAMMA show will be able to ask the team all of these questions and more in Hall 8, at Stand 8.700.

The full Plug&Cool range will be showcased at the stand, from the agricultural fans to the Airspears® and the team will be on hand to point out some innovative design features, such as the unique dualadaptor sleeves on their Pedestals.

Visitors to LAMMA can also find out more about the company’s extensive range of agricultural services. With 50 years of

engineering experience behind them, Gibbons offer customers everything from lighting to pump systems, making them a single point of contact for all electrical and mechanical needs.

To get in touch with Gibbons Agricultural before the show, you can reach them on 01621 868 138 or email them at fans@gibbonsgroup.co.uk

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Buildings

RIDBA publishes Third Edition of the Farm Buildings Handbook The third edition of The Farm Buildings Handbook has now been released. he Farm Buildings Handbook is published by the Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association (RIDBA) and is an invaluable information source for anyone involved in farm construction.

The third edition of the Handbook supersedes the second edition published in February 2013.

The latest edition includes updates and additional items, in order to better reflect current best practice and changes in technology.

We recommend this book to farmers, estate managers, contractors, designers and anyone involved in agricultural construction who may not have the complete knowledge of the requirements involved, for example, how much space to allow livestock and how much waste stock produces. The book offers the reader a range of relevant information and data that can be used to help plan, design and potentially specify a new farm building or facility.

The latest edition of the Farm Buildings Handbook covers all

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aspects of farm construction, from planning through to fit-out of all types of buildings, with sections including: legislation and regulations, construction technology, buildings for livestock, storage and machinery as well as other areas for diversification. The book aims to be a guide for what needs to be considered when planning a farm building from asbestos and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) to energy supplies and slurry storage.

RIDBA would like to acknowledge the original contributors of The Farm Buildings Handbook along with Jamie Robertson (Livestock Management Systems Ltd) and Mike Bennett (Bennett & Co. (Crop Storage Engineering) Ltd) for their contribution to the latest edition.

RIDBA also extends its thanks to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) whose contribution has been invaluable.

Copies of The Farm Buildings Handbook can be purchased on the RIDBA website for £14.99 (plus postage).

What could be simpler than a

By Jim Rogerson of FarmPlus Buildings. here’s nothing simpler than a farm building, yet why do the majority of people get this wrong? Sure farm buildings are simple, everyone can do a simple basic building, and we probably all can and do.

The biggest problem with getting a good job done comes down to a bit of time and money.

In this instance time should play the biggest role, because if you are controlling the job yourself then you probably aren’t paying yourself anyway. So if you spend extra time getting it right, it probably doesn’t cost you anything. Yet the benefits can be far reaching.

Simple mistakes can be made, especially late in the year: “We are desperate to get some cows undercover”.

“I need the cheapest option to get some cattle off the land”.

“We have a gap here close to the house, its wasted space, we might as well use it for now, and we’ll use it as a garage/workshop later”.

Yet mostly, once cattle go into a building, it is very difficult to turn the building back to anything other than cattle housing.

Did you stop and think is it in the right place to get rid of all the muck?

Does the ground slope away from or to the house?

Water runs downhill naturally, so

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does dirty water and muck....

With this adage in mind and a bit of thought, a simple well designed farmyard will help to wash itself with every bit of rain. To put it simply, if you can keep the farmhouse and yard at the top end and direct all the muck to the low end, cleaning will be a lot simpler and life a lot more pleasant with a lot less ear-ache from the housekeeper!

Just because you wear wellington boots to walk through the cattle field and gateways, it doesn’t mean it’s alright to need them around the farmyard. When you are designing your building make sure you know what you really want and design it for the real use. £2,000.00 goes nowhere with vets bills, antibiotics and loss of growth rate or even lost/dead animals. All too often these factors are just put down to a fact of life, especially on a farm, just by buying/using the cheapest options at the beginning.

Very few open sided buildings work well for animal housing as far as ventilation and air exchange work and people say to me, “oh it will be alright with one side open”.

After buying a smoke machine some 5 years ago and testing buildings I can assure you they don’t work. They may work reasonably well on a cold, wet, windy day when all of us are glad of shelter but if you get a good spring day with the sun shining, with a bit

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| Buildings

farm building? of warmth in the building you will find there is probably no air movement at all and if there is any, it is going out through the back side of the building.

Animals need basic simple shelters: • Shelter from the wind.

• Shelter from the rain.

• Shade from the sun.

• Plenty of fresh air movement above animal height.

Left alone in nature, animals will always find natural shelters, behind a wall, hedge, shelter belt, in a hollow, all with movement over the top of them so they always have fresh air to breathe in.

So the starting point for animal housing has to be shelter and air exchange.

Animals like having a wall to shelter behind but need plenty of air movement over the top of them.

All of us probably understand about trying to keep the prevailing wind and rain to the closed side of a building, yet we all fail to leave enough openings in the ridge to allow warm stale air to rise up naturally and exit the building as soon as possible.

I hear all too often that we need a big tall building with lots of air for all these animals. The basis of this is totally wrong. What is needed is a high rate of natural air exchange to keep your animals healthy, which overall will reduce vets visits and antibiotic use (possibly saving you

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thousands of pounds annually), all for a bit of time planning and no more expense than a couple of thousand upfront to begin with.

All too often I get told we have to put a fibre cement roof on livestock housing to stop the condensation, I put it to you that this idea has had a disastrous effect on animal health because it absorbs the condensation and hides any ventilation problems.

You only get condensation through a build-up of humidity and if this is happening there is a ventilation problem.

You have to do something to increase the air exchange.

A bigger volume of air won’t increase the air exchange it will probably only exasperate the problem.

Your starting point needs to be air exchange and getting the correct number of air exchanges per hour.

This needs to happen every day of the year, not just on windy days. The cheapest solution is always the stack effect from warm air rising, and, in reality a lower ridge height will allow the air to leave the building quicker. In a tall building the warm air rises, cools and comes back down before reaching the ridge.

Fresh air is free, where else can you get free animal health.

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Buildings

Creating your perfect steel frame building Graham Heath Construction supplies buildings throughout the UK for the agricultural, industrial and equestrian industries and since its opening in 2003, has grown significantly. he team can design, supply and fit a steel frame building for a customer as an off the shelf design or a fully bespoke build and will beat any genuine like for like quotation (T&C’s apply).

All the steel frame buildings are CE marked, which certifies that the fabricated structural steelwork complies with all relevant European Union standards and regulations.

Graham Heath Construction is proud to be a UK manufacturer with all materials being manufactured on site in South Cheshire and has a trusted fleet of drivers for nationwide delivery.

Due to company expansion, Graham Heath Construction can now guarantee delivery in 6-8 weeks from the date of order confirmation (excluding Christmas period). They also offer building refurbishments and internal fitouts through partner company ACL Industrial Refurbishment & Development Limited.

This steel framed building specialist will be exhibiting at LAMMA ‘20 and providing a number of promotional offers during the exhibition as follows: • Livestock Building: 100 x 40 x 15ft from £16,500 • Grain Store: 80 x 60 x 20ft 1,000T from £28,750 • Grain Store: 120 x 60 x 22ft 1,500T from

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£43,500 • Straw Store: 120 x 60 x 30ft from £42,000 • Workshop: 60 x 30 x 12ft from £11,995 Visit Graham Heath Construction on stand 11.438 in hall 11 at LAMMA ‘20, NEC, Birmingham from 7-8th January for more

information.

Graham Heath Construction provides customers with a fully bespoke steel frame building or off the shelf design in 6-8 weeks (excluding Christmas period) and are now offering building refurb and internal fitouts.

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| Buildings

Herefordshire farm invests in a-maize-ing irrigation lagoon Firestone Building Products has supplied 9,000m² of the company’s GeoGard EPDM lining membrane for an irrigation reservoir project at a 1000 hectare farm just outside the Herefordshire town of Leominster. he Herefordshire estate invested in an irrigation lagoon as part of a transition from cultivating potato crops to maize. Hereford-based Agri Management Solutions (AMS), a specialist in irrigation solutions, helped the farm to achieve planning permission for the development and specified Firestone’s hardwearing GeoGard EPDM membrane for the project.

Explains director of AMS, Peter Gwynne: “While not all irrigation lagoons require a lining due to the type of soil in the location, where a lining is required Firestone Building Product’s GeoGard EPDM membrane is our preferred system because it is easy to install, is tear and puncture resistant, is UV stable, and is hardwearing enough to offer an extended service life.

“A water storage facility of this kind is a major investment and a business critical asset so we never compromise on the quality, performance or longevity of the lining system.”

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AMS excavated the lagoon and compacted the surface, working with lining installation specialist, Turtle Productions, to install the GeoGard EPDM membrane.

Turtle Productions began by laying a geotextile fleece directly onto the compacted ground and AMS then lifted the 15.24m x 30.48m rolls of GeoGard EPDM lining into position at the top of the bank using lifting equipment. The installation team was then able to manoeuvre the rolls of membrane into position and unroll the EPDM sheets, covering the whole excavated area with a 150mm lap between sheets. These were then joined together using Firestone’s Quickseam Splice Tape, creating a continuous lining that allowed the lagoon to be filled with water as soon as the last seal was made.

Mark Hennell from Turtle Productions continues: “We have eight operatives on the team who have been fully trained by Firestone in the installation of the GeoGard EPDM lining system. We were able to install all 24 large sheets of membrane within a week, creating a

facility with a service life that’s likely to exceed 50 years.”

Following installation of the GeoGard EPDM lining membrane, the AMS team backfilled the anchor trench to fix the lining in place, enabling the lagoon to be filled and become fully functional straight away.

Andrew Cooper, lining sales manager for Firestone adds: “We’re seeing increasingly high demand for irrigation lagoons in the UK, building on the huge portfolio of projects using the GeoGard EPDM system across Europe, the US and Australia. The large sheets we can offer and the ease of creating robust joints between sheets makes our GeoGard EPDM system faster and simpler to install for large projects like this, and its proven resilience makes it the ideal solution.”

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Livestock

High mycotoxin levels in silage pose a risk to dairy farmers this winter A high risk of mycotoxin contamination in this year’s forage is posing a challenge for many producers and could be responsible for struggling milk yields and excessive feed waste and underutilisation, experts warn. ob Kendal, regional sales manager at Alltech U.K. says, while many producers have lots of forage available this year due to a bumper harvest, we have had a record number of mycotoxin related enquiries, and a number of silage test results have shown high levels of penicillium.

“This is thought to be linked to poor clamp consolidation at harvest due to overflowing clamps, which has meant aerobic conditions have been allowed to build up presenting the perfect environment for penicillium mycotoxins to spread,” says Mr Kendal.

“The problem has been further compounded during feed-out, with poor clamp faces allowing

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26 | Farming Monthly | December 2019

further air penetration resulting in surface mould.”

Mr Kendal warns that once mould is visible, damage may have already been done. “Even a low level of mycotoxin contamination in silage has the potential to have a detrimental impact on rumen function. Therefore, producers need to be testing forage for contamination regardless of whether they think they have a problem or not, as mycotoxins can go unidentified.”

The Alltech 37+® service tests forage for over 50 different strains of mycotoxins, which helps producers and nutritionists identify the presence of mycotoxins sooner. If there is a problem, it then allows a nutritional solution to be developed and implemented to tackle the

identified issue.

“Incorporating a mycotoxin binder into the total mixed ration (TMR) can help reduce the long-term risk of health and performance issues, which will ultimately help reduce feed waste and underutilisation. But, it’s worth ensuring a broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder is incorporated into the TMR, such as Mycosorb A+®, which covers mycotoxins originating from penicilliums, which pose a risk in grass silage.

“With high levels of good quality forage around this year, hopefully it should be a good winter for dairy farmers. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for mycotoxins and test your forage to help maintain cow health, FCE and milk production,” concludes Mr Kendal.

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| Livestock

Revised genetic index will help increase cow lifespans

The genetic index which predicts dairy cattle lifespan has been revamped to make it more accurate and indicate longevity in additional days rather than lactations.

he change will help dairy cattle breeders identify bulls whose offspring should live more healthy, productive and longer lives in their herds.

Previously expressed in lactations which meant very little difference between the best and worst animals, the index’s scale has now been increased to approximately -305 to +305 days enabling producers to make more precise decisions.

The update to the Lifespan Index (LS) takes effect from the December AHDB Dairy proof run, which will be published next week (3 Dec).

Marco Winters, head of animal genetics with AHDB Dairy, said: “The new figures give producers a more meaningful prediction of the extra lifetime expected from a bull’s daughters and make a greater distinction between individual bulls.”

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“we feel confident we can further increase genetic progress for this trait, so cutting a herd’s replacement rate and its costs of heifer rearing” Lifespan reflects many contributory factors, ranging from fertility and somatic cell counts to leg, feet and udder conformation.

The index has a strong correlation with an animal’s average daily lifetime yield, which is a key contributor to its lifetime profitability.

Producers have made progress in their cows’ lifespan, which has steadily increased since LS was included in AHDB’s Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) in 1999 (see graph).

“By helping to differentiate individual sires and moving to a larger and more meaningful scale, we feel confident we can further increase genetic progress for this trait, so cutting a herd’s replacement rate and its costs of heifer rearing,” he said.

LIFESPAN INDEX Q&A Why is lifespan so important?

It is estimated to cost over £1,800 to rear a Holstein dairy heifer from birth to the point of calving. Around 70% of farmers pay back this investment during the animal’s second lactation.

More precisely, the average

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number of days at which payback occurs is a staggering 530 after first calving! Any measures which can therefore be taken to extend an animal’s productive life beyond this point will help improve its return on the large initial investment. Using the Lifespan Index when breeding cattle can help producers improve their herd’s survival rates by hundreds of days.

How does the new scale work?

The new scale for Lifespan Index (LS) will run from around 305 days to +305 days, with positive figures being desirable.

Daughters of a +305 Lifespan Index bull are predicted to live, on average, 305 days longer than daughters of a sire whose index is zero. Equally, they are predicted to live 610 days longer than daughters of a -305 LS bull. As with all UK genetic indexes, zero represents the average.

How are Lifespan Indexes calculated?

The Lifespan Index is calculated from actual daughter survival, when that information is available.

When it is not, it is either calculated from the animal’s own genotype (if it has a genomic index), or from predictive traits such as type traits (legs, feet and udders) and Somatic Cell Count Index, all of which are correlated with lifespan. Where necessary, information on ancestors’ lifespan will also be included in the calculation of the index. This – and all other predictors – will diminish in their importance as the animal acquires progeny lifespan information of its own.

Aren’t many animals culled for low production rather than survivability?

An important feature of the

Lifespan Index is that it predicts involuntary rather than voluntary culling. As there is such a strong relationship between milk production and lifespan (because low producers are generally culled earlier from the herd), Lifespan Index is corrected for milk production. This correction

ensures the index is more a measure of daughters’ ability to survive than of their failure to produce milk, which itself would be apparent from Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for production.

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Livestock

Dairy-Tech 2020 Having established itself as the leading dairy show for new products, innovation and ground-breaking technology, Dairy-Tech will return to Stoneleigh Park on Wednesday 5 February.

his year’s show will be no exception when it comes to new products, with a huge array set to be showcased.

With the future of dairy farming reliant on innovation, innovative changes and the development of technology, it is clear to see from the show’s previous success, how these tools are at the forefront of industry thinking – with farmers continually looking to improve efficiency. This year visitors can expect to see more brand new concepts across the show floor as well as developments on what has evolved over the past 12 months.

Expert speakers will be discussing and debating the key issues facing dairy farmers and profiling what’s new on the horizon through the Dairy and Innovation Hubs. As previously, the Dairy Hub will offer advice, political insight, guidance, knowledge and take home messages for current on farm issues whilst the Innovation Hub will continue to expand horizons, ways of thinking and introduce new concepts.

Expect to see Dairy Hub discussion on emissions from the industry and the imminent effects of Defra’s Clean Air Strategy on dairy

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farms. Robert Craig, grass based farmer and Dave Craven from Grosvenor Farms will go head to head in a low v high input systems session discussing the carbon footprint of their farms, highlighting how their practice contributes to this, and what measures they’ve undertaken to reduce their contribution.

Focus will shift on the Innovation Hub where it’ll be all things new – products, ideas, technology, concepts and techniques. Slots will cover the positive effects of satellite intelligence, biological solutions for reducing emissions and emerging agri-tech with an exclusive app store section – identifying the latest apps farms need to download.

Sessions across both hubs will aim to answer questions such as: To what extent will innovation and artificial intelligence really play in future dairy businesses? How much could be saved by adopting best practice when it comes to emissions from slurry? How can we meet future demands with genetics to breed healthy and sustainable herds? What drivers are the key to optimum efficiency?

The Skills Studio will return – acting as the one-stop-shop for all things career development featuring student debates, CV

clinics and business skills. The event will also host a number of animal health workshops, with specialist speakers, on planning for TB, calf health and mastitis.

As part of the event’s brand new machinery and innovation hall certain exhibitors will host test-drive demo slots throughout the day, enabling visitors to try out any machinery in a ‘try before you buy’ type concept, staggered across specific time slots in an exclusive area of the event.

To support the importance of wellbeing throughout the sector we will be hosting a Wellness Clinic. Operating on a drop in basis, visitors will have the chance to call by and receive a free check up. The tech-zone will return, where visitors can road-test new technology, as will the research centre, a collection of universities comprising of advice and guidance relevant to the whole spectrum of dairy jobs and dairy systems on the market.

Our popular foot trimming demonstrations will also continue to showcase the use of thermal imaging to detect lameness problems not picked up by the human eye.

Tickets are now on sale; they cost £17 when booked in advance at www.dairy-tech.uk with

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| Livestock

concessions in place for RABDF members and students. All pre-bought tickets are eligible for our personalised itinerary service, a copy of which will be emailed out ahead of the event.

The itineraries are in place to ensure visitors utilise their time efficiently and will advise which exhibitors match up with the categories of interest they have outlined during registration

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as well as suggesting the most relevant seminars and workshops to attend. The event opens at 8:00am and closes at 5:30pm and will be signed from all main routes; parking is on site and is free of charge. For any queries please call 02476 639317 or email office@rabdf.co.uk

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Muck & Slurry

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| Livestock

CowAlert by IceRobotics Your trusted partner in tackles early lameness slurry and agricultural waste water management detection It is estimated that on average farmers only recognise 25% of lame cows by sight, while figures show that the average cost of a lameness case is £320 per cow (Willshire & Bell, 2009).

Founded in 1985 by Peter Russell, Midland Slurry Systems Ltd specialises in the supply and maintenance of agricultural waste water treatment and animal slurry management across the UK. Since Peter’s retirement, the company remains a family concern with Giles and Ben Russell taking on the management of the business as we continue to grow. e pride ourselves on a full service and bespoke offering to our customers – from initial advice outlining suitable options through to installation, commissioning and after sales service care. Our time spent in the industry has shown that no two jobs are the same, each site poses its own individual challenges. We bring to bear experience gathered from a wide range of installations and servicing, from farms with 80 cows to larger scale dairies with 2,000 cows and every herd size in

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eveloped by IceRobotics, the Edinburgh-based agri-technology company, CowAlert is the only available on-farm system which offers very early diagnosis of lameness, enabling early intervention which is the key to lameness control. Using a rear legmounted sensor – an ‘IceQube’ – the unique system continuously monitors the lameness status of each cow and delivers data which is both highly accurate and timely, further informing on-farm decisionmaking and productivity by reducing the number, severity and duration of lameness cases.

Douglas Armstrong, CEO of IceRobotics commented, “After years of high levels of lameness, we believe it’s time to challenge and tackle the issue of lameness in the dairy herd. We understand the impact, scale and cost of lameness and are totally committed to helping dairy farmers counteract this through early intervention and prevention.

There’s a common misconception that a 25% lameness figure is acceptable, but in reality, 5% lameness is totally achievable by the help of our technology.”

Trine Campbell of Cuil Farm, Castle Douglas, has been using the CowAlert lameness module since early 2018. The system has helped them to free up valuable time and get on top of lameness, reducing incidence from around 10-12% to

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just 5% over the last two years: “Previously, mobility scoring was something we did in a hurry, just before a visit from the foot trimmers. It was both difficult and time consuming as we did it during milking, when cows were able to hide their lameness as they rushed to get past. When the new CowAlert lameness module came out beginning of 2018, we started using the amber and red alerts to select cows for the trimmers in addition to routine trims, based on a schedule of 2 trims per cow per year. For the last couple of years, we have succeeded in further reducing our mobility score to an average of around 5% lameness (score 2&3).

We no longer use manual mobility scores and only rely on the automated mobility scoring system on CowAlert. We feel this is a more accurate and consistent measure of cow foot comfort as it’s measured 24/7, not just in a quick run-by!

“The lameness module also lets you move alerted cows onto a trim list, and from here you can enter a diagnosis once the cause is found for easy tracking of each animal. In this last year the percentage of cows trimmed with diagnosis of diseased claws has reduced from 16% in October 2018 to 9% in August 2019, and we are seeing less and less severe foot lesions,” Trine concluded.

Visit CowAlert at DairyTech on stand I26 within hall 1 to find out more on their early lameness detection module.

between. We also count anaerobic digestion (AD) plants and pig farmers amongst our customer base.

Offering a full range of products from slurry scrapers, pumps, mixers, separators, sand bedding reclamation systems, umbilical systems, to dirty water irrigation, pipe and fittings, we are confident we have something to suit most farmers. We work with industry leading suppliers including McLanahan, Landia (UK), Storth Machinery and Briggs Irrigation to deliver the most cost-effective solution for your needs.

December 2019 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Feeders & Bedders

A winning combination Wessex International’s award winning BFR-180 modular feeding and Crossfire bedding machine is 100% British product, and is effectively two machines in one. You can save as much as 20% on feed bills, feeding round bales, and spread without chopping and with minimal dust. s a bale feeder, the BFR-180 can feed round bales of hay, haylage, straw and silage from either side and only requires one tractor or telehandler to operate. Maintenance is low with only four grease points and no electrics. Fit the Crossfire straw spreader attachment and bedding and feeding can be undertaken with the same machine, bed from one side and feed

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off the other. What’s more, unlike conventional straw choppers it spreads the straw in its baled length with minimal dust and projectiles and up to ten metres. This is good for the health of the stock and increases the effective life span of the bedding area.

Should you want high level feeding into a trough or manger you simply attach the Wessex Sidewinder to the BFR-180 and you’re able to extend to the left while leaving the right

free to feed or bed with the Crossfire. The unique combination system of the Wessex BFR-180 really is something that needs to be seen in operation and Wessex say they are booking demonstrations now, so it’s a good time to see the award winning combination work. Wessex International 01264 345870 www.wessexintl.com

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| Feeders & Bedders

20 year old purpose built Combi-Feeder still going strong – is this a Rekord?

Hurley farmer (and co-creator) Chris Wathes tells us why this machine is so good. hris Wathes is a farmer who knows what he wants – and if it's not available, he's not above making it.

Farming around 550 acres out of Hurley, Warwickshire – Chris's operation is predominantly beef, around 100 head – though this was 200 head before he went into “semi-retirement” as he puts it (though I don't think he's near ready to put his feet up yet!)

Having modified other bits of kit to suit his particular needs, Chris is no stranger to the “A-Team” school of thought. A self adapted silage pusher built from an old snow plough and other bits and bobs is testament to that. Having single cattle sheds rather than an “ally” meant he needed something unavailable to buy – and this attachment now meets his needs perfectly. Make a note Hareland!

So when Chris decided that his Parmiter silage feeder wasn't exactly fitting the bill (even though he had tinkered with this too)...he got to thinking. What improvements could be made to meet his needs?

Enter Ray Green at Rekord Machinery, a friend and willing accomplice in the creation of what is now the Rekord Combi-Feeder, a machine so good and built so well that Chris still uses the first machine that was made - even today!

Chris described his dilemma, “The Parmiter was doing the job but I felt it could have been done better. When it comes to silage feeders you've got ones that handle round bales, some square

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– other machines chop it and blow it...I didn't want that. I wanted a solid, reliable machine that would handle round or square bales and clamp silage with no chopping and no fuss”.

“I also wanted the machine to be able to handle the misshapen or collapsed bales at the bottom of the stack – not just the perfectly round ones from the top – the Combi-Feeder does it all”.

Chris offered to put a bale in and demonstrate and with that, jumped into the Tele (a Merlo hydrostatic model) and shot off to grab a bale.

As if by design, it turned out to be a bit of a turkey once the netting came off – perfect for a demonstration of this machine's ability. Once loaded, Chris positioned his trusty Fiat ready for a feed run along the nearest shed.

“I want to show you the extension mechanism – if it grabs a bale and doesn't hold it, it sends it back down and tries again. You can feed into a trough/manger as well as onto the floor, dispense feed from the left or right or out of the back (courtesy of the separate frame) – it's ideal”.

The machine is so versatile that it will not only feed out silage but hay, straw, roots, meal and by products.

As far as maintenance goes, Chris just washes it down once a year and sprays it with waste oil.

The only attention that the machine has needed was when a pin came out of the main feed chain – a quick one to fix and a minor niggle after 12 years of service.

As far as construction goes, the

machine is bulletproof and built like a tank from good quality steel.

You could drive into the thing and not leave a scratch on it – which Chris admits he's done in the past,

For more information on the Combi-Feeder contact Ray at Rekord on 01827 712424 or email ray@rekord.com

quite by accident of course.

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| Muck & Slurry

Purpose built tanker on display at LAMMA 2020 A particular feature of Hi-Spec tankers is the option to be able to have a tanker purpose designed and built to meet the customer’s specific needs, and just such a tanker will be on display on the Hi-Spec stand at LAMMA in January. he high specification Hi-Spec 3500 TD-S tanker has a capacity of 3,500 gallons (15,911 litres). This comes as standard with a sprung drawbar and commercial 150x150 sprung parabolic tandem axles, complete with a forced steering rear axle, which have been fitted with 710/50 R26.5 Nokian Country King tyres.

The customer has also specified 420x180 load sensing air brakes, a bolt-on ball type hitch and central greasing point for the rear axle. To keep turnaround time to a minimum, they have also opted for a 6-inch autofill system, with a 10-inch overhead emptying funnel complete with a 6-inch breather valve..

The tanker has also been fitted with a wideangle Walterscheid PTO shaft, lockable toolbox, bolt-on galvanised mudguards, rear LED lights, work lights and strobe flashing beacon.

Also on display at the show will be a Hi-Spec 3500TD-R tanker with recessed twin axles, a high capacity 14,000 litre Jurop vacuum pump and an 8-inch autofill system and flow meter.

The tanker is fitted with the latest Vogelsang Blackbird 12-meter trailing shoe, which was launched at Agritechnica and received an award from the DLG who organise the show.

The new design provides precise application thanks to the optimised position of the distributor heads and new design of the skids,

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resulting in a coefficient of variation of less than 2% in tests.

XCEL 1250 spreader Also on the Hi-Spec stand will be the HiSpec XCEL 1250 rear discharge spreader.

Unlike other rear discharge spreaders, the XCEL 1250 is unique in that it uses a rotary chain and flail system to achieve a good break up of material, which is then spread using a pair of spinning discs.

The Xcel 1250 has the capacity to achieve an even spread pattern up to 24 metres. It has a capacity of 12 tonnes, typical discharge time is 3-5 minutes and it is able to spread all types of material such as farmyard manure, sludge cake, muck lime, wood mulch and chicken compost.

V12 Vertical Auger feeder

Completing the display will be a V12 vertical auger feeder. The Hi-Spec Vertical Auger range of feeders is available in both single and twin auger variants with sizes from 7m3 up to 32m3.

The Vertical Auger range uses a low pitch mixing and chopping auger that creates a simple cycle action and is fitted with eight selfsharpening knives. A specific feature is its ability to quickly and efficiently incorporate complete bales into the mix, due to the unique knife arrangement, which also allows the Vertical Auger mixer to be used with lower horsepower tractors.

The V12 model on display features two feedout doors and is fitted with a 36-inch feed-out elevator on the left-hand side with a fully programmable weighing system.

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| Muck & Slurry

Vogelsang receives DLG award for innovative liquid manure spreading technology DLG awards test mark for BlackBird trailing shoe linkage with two ExaCut ECQ precision distributors. he liquid manure spreading and distribution technology from Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG has been awarded by the DLG (German Agricultural Society). The new BlackBird trailing shoe linkage with a working width of 15 meters, equipped with two ExaCut ECQ precision distributors, was tested. The DLG test showed that the liquid manure is distributed with a coefficient of variation of less than two percent. This was awarded top marks by the examiners. In addition, the precision distributors were classified as particularly userfriendly. According to DLG examiners, maintenance work is comparatively simple and can be carried out within a very short time.

"We are delighted to receive this award from the DLG. The test mark underpins our position as an innovation leader in the agricultural

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sector and confirms our claim of developing customer-friendly and economical products", says Harald Vogelsang, Managing Director of Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG. Test criteria fully met In the "Functionality and working quality" module, the trailing shoe linkage with the precision distributors achieved excellent distribution qualities in tests with liquid cattle and pig manure. In all trials to determine the average distribution, the DLG awarded the best possible rating of "very good (++)". In three out of four trials, the mean deviations found were well below two percent (1.8/1.1/ 1.8). The outlets of the distributor are fed with liquid manure very quickly at the start of spreading with a maximum of two seconds preventing a Vshaped imprint.

Also in the "Handling, operation and maintenance" module the trailing shoe linkage

with the ExaCut ECQ precision distributors was convincing: The DLG examiners rated the distribution system as user-friendly and emphasised the very good accessibility to the two 2 of 4 distributor heads and the lubrication points.

To replace the cutting tools of the precision distributors, the DLG testers needed on average less than 20 minutes. No special tools were required. The DLG rates this result as comparatively fast and easy maintenance.

The award-winning Vogelsang systems for precise liquid manure spreading and distribution can still be seen at Agritechnica in Hanover until 16 November 2019: Hall 23, stand B35.

For more information, visit: vogelsang.info

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| Muck & Slurry

Bauer’s new portable Plug & Play S300 system provides slurry separation benefits in more than one location A new portable version of Bauer’s smallest slurry separator enables farms with more than one storage area to benefit from improved slurry management at lower cost – or for two or more small farms to share a single unit. eing exhibited at the LAMMA show in January for the first time, the Plug & Play S300 mounts a pump, the Bauer S300 screw-type separator and an automatic control panel on to a compact steel frame.

Slots in three sides of the frame enable the separation set to be moved, loaded on to a trailer and placed in position using pallet tines on a farm loader.

Once set-up, the Plug & Play S300 is capable of separating up to 15cu m of slurry an hour into liquid and solid fractions, with dry matter content of the solids at about 32%.

“Separation in this way can have a significant impact on storage capacity requirements and

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management of slurry as a resource,” said Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland. “The liquid fraction can be applied from a lagoon through a dirty water irrigator and the solids stored and spread separately to grazing or conservation grass, or to crop stubbles as and when required.”

Slurry in-flow to the S300 separator is regulated by an automatic pressure control system to ensure consistent results and, as with all Bauer slurry separators, adjustable weighted discharge doors provide resistance to help the stainless steel screw squeeze liquid through a choice of long-life screens.

It is a well-proven unit built to the same high standards of quality and durability as the larger separators in the Bauer range – the 5.5kW S655 and S855, the

7.5kW S855 HD, and the 7.5kW S855 GB – all of which are available individually for gantry installation alongside the slurry store or as part of a portable Plug & Play set.

Regarding the Plug & Play S300 introduction, Thomas Kampl, product manager for Bauer

separation technology, said: “By expanding the ‘Plug & Play’ family, we continue to adapt our standard solutions to meet the needs of livestock farms and, in this instance, provide smaller farms with the opportunity to profit from the economic and practical advantages of separation.”

See us at LAMMA: Hall 7 Stand 958

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| Muck & Slurry

Informing drilling decisions at MMS Given the tricky drilling conditions this autumn, visitors to the Midlands Machinery Show on 20-21 November may find it useful to compare the options face to face with machinery experts. he first decision is whether to opt for conventional tillage, mintill, no-till or strip-till. There are a lot of benefits associated with no-till, including building organic matter and improving soil structure, and there will be plenty of options to see at the show.

James Dale from Dale Drills will be showcasing the Eco M no-till drill, which comes in widths from three to eight metres. “The drill has individual depth control on each drilling assembly ensuring even seed depth and crop emergence,” says Mr Dale.

Although it is a no-till drill, it can be adjusted to work as a conventional or min-till drill, and it can suit a smaller tractor. “It’s easy to pull with a 120 to 150 horsepower tractor, which means a saving in fuel - and there is less weight on the ground,” he explains. “This drill is good for wetter seedbeds, like we have been experiencing this autumn.”

When considering going to a no-till system, it’s best to phase it in, rather than switching straight over, says Mr Dale. “You need to reduce the tillage over time; the soil structure has to build up over four to six years.”

Among the conventional options to consider will be Lemken’s mounted three metre Zirkon 12 with a Soltair 9 combination drill. “The combination drill, along with the plough, is seeing a revival this autumn due to current weather conditions,” says Craig Brown, area

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sales manager at Lemken.

“It has always been the farmer’s back-up machine in the back of the shed but over past few years they have proved invaluable, with later drilling windows for blackgrass control. They offer the ability to drill straight after the plough or in wetter ground conditions when trailed drills are unable to travel,” he adds.

For those thinking of strip tilling, Claydon is bringing a four metre Hybrid T4 trailed drill, boasting a reduced cost of establishing crops as well as improved soil condition and reduced erosion. “Instead of using 150-180 litres of fuel/ha to establish a crop using a plough-based system, Opti-Till uses 10-15 litres/ha (average 12 litres/ha), which includes stubble management and drilling,” says Jeff Claydon, CEO of Claydon Drills.

But why should farmers consider strip-till?

“Our view is that using no-till alone poses significant risk – particularly on heavier soils - as you are much more at the mercy of wet seasons or dry seasons and may struggle to get seed in the ground.”

The Hybrid drill sows directly into the stubble, with benefits to the soil structure, drainage and undisturbed worm burrows. “Working in tune with Mother Nature rather than trying to dictate to her is essential,” says Mr Claydon. “This includes the use of a good rotation to help control weeds and good timing of operations to allow crops to develop to best advantage in healthy soils that are in excellent condition.”

But is every farm suitable? “Yes – providing that the soil is well-drained, is reasonably sound and work is done when conditions are suitable.”

Mzuri will also be showcasing a single pass strip-till drill – the Pro-Til 3T with a dual tank for fertiliser and seed. “Our trial farm originally came from a max till system, but what was important to us was to achieve consistent establishment without ruining our soils,” says Ben Knight, knowledge exchange manager and trial farmer at Mzuri.

One benefit of this type of drill is the independent coulters, which ensures easy adjustment and constant seed depth control.

“We have people using these drills on everything from sand to heavy clay. It copes well drilling into high residue cover crops and allows the soil to restructure whilst benefitting the soils earth worms and eco-system. “It might not be the first drill out in the season but our focus is soil health and making sure the seed goes into a fantastic environment for quick and even establishment.”

On the min-till side, KRM will be showcasing its tine drill, which can be used solo or with a cultivator on the front. “The advantage is that you don’t need a very big tractor,” says sales representative Ted Barker. “Trailed drills can’t get on the land in this weather. Using a lighter tractor and a light drill means that you can still use it even when the weather turns against you.”

For a full list of exhibitors across the agricultural industry and to book your free tickets visit www.midlandsmachineryshow.com

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| LAMMA

New tractors, combines and loaders ready to launch at LAMMA Some of the top names in tractor, combine and loader manufacturing will be exhibiting their latest machines at LAMMA. Several have revealed new and upgraded models that will take centre stage on their stands, with further announcements expected in the run up to the show. e take a look at some of the innovative kit on offer so far, as well as some interesting workshop items that will help fitters keep equipment running smoothly.

Tractors A new range of more powerful stepless transmission tractors will be represented by the top model in a line-up making its UK debut on the Argo Tractors stand at the LAMMA show.

The McCormick X7.624 VT-Drive with up to 230hp for draft work and 240hp for pto-driven implements and road transport is the most powerful model in the latest X7 Series, which also features lower running costs thanks to engine service intervals extended to 1200 hours, a more comprehensive 360deg LED lighting package set into a new cab roof panel, and new control features in the Premiere cab.

The range, which starts at 180hp, is powered by Betapower 6.7-litre engines by FPT. Power and torque are channelled through the new ZF Terramatic TMT20 transmission that provides seamless ground speed adjustment, with high levels of mechanical efficiency across the zero to 50kph envelope.

Zetor UK’s "New Design" Proxima tractors make their UK debut at LAMMA. The range has many new features, including upgraded air-conditioning packages as well as transmission and engine cooling upgrades. It comes in three variants; the CL, GP and HS.

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The CL is the entry level unit (80-110hp), ideally suited to yard work and general farm work. The GP is being reintroduced to the range and also weighs in at 80110hp – straightforward work horse with a minimum of electronics. The HS delivers 80120hp and features Power Shuttle transmission, 24 x 24 gear box and, like the full range, is powered by the Zetor engine.

Valtra will launch a new addition to its tractor series, on sale in the UK in early 2020. The F Series, a new vineyard and orchard tractor, comprises four models from 75 to 105hp. Models range from 1.3 to 1.5m wide with standard equipment such as heated and airconditioned cab.

The F Series comes with a 24speed transmission, available with either a mechanical or hydraulic forward-reverse shuttle and Powershift. The versatile hydraulics produce from 68 to almost 100 l/min of output depending on the model. The fourcylinder 3.4-litre common rail engine complies with Stage III B emissions regulations for narrow tractors.

A new design for Valtra’s heads up display (HUD) SmartGlass will be on show. This enables the operator to see vital tractor information in the centre of the windscreen. Valtra SmartGlass is based on transparent display technology laminated between two glass surfaces, making it very robust.

The updated Valtra Guide automated steering system will also be on show. Settings now appear in the map screen and can

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be changed or checked without having to exit the screen. Selecting fields and creating waylines has also been made simpler.

Fendt’s planned line-up for the NEC includes the latest models of proven favourites, including the new 942 tractor that produces well over 400hp from its MAN sixcylinder, 9-litre engine. It is fitted with TA300 vario transmission.

Other models on display include 828, 718, 516, 312 and 200 models and the MT 943 tracked tractor.

Visitors will also be able to sample the new Fendt 700 Series cab, or “driving workstation”, using Virtual Reality headsets. The cab is built around two new armrests. It will be available from July 2020.

Combines Fendt is introducing its IDEAL 10 combine harvester to LAMMA, which features a MAN 16.2-litre, 790hp (max), Stage V emissionscompliant engine. The Ideal 10 features a new cleaning system, together with the Dual Helix separator, a combination said to deliver the highest grain quality and the least grain losses. It's the first combine, in Europe at least, that can be operated without a steering wheel.

Loaders Manitou and sister company Gehl will display machines from their wide range of telehandlers, articulated loaders and tracked and wheeled skid-steer loaders, including the new Manitou MLT 420-60H on show for the first time at LAMMA. This is the smallest machine in the range weighing in at just 4.19t,

but can lift 2t to 4.35m or 0.9t to a maximum reach of 2.65m. It features hydrostatic four-wheel drive powered by a 56hp Kubota engine.

The larger MLT 630-105, a workhorse capable of lifting 3t to 6.1m will also be on show, as will the MLT 737-130PS+ that can lift 3.7t to 6.9m. This features a completely new cab offering easy access, optimal visibility, and operator convenience thanks to the JSM® (Joystick Switch and Move) mounted on the floating armrest.

Two wheeled skid-steer loaders will be on display. The compact Manitou 850R has a lift capacity of 386 kg, while the Gehl R165 has a 748 kg working capacity. The final machine on display will be a Manitou 1650 RT tracked skidsteer loader with over 1t operating capacity at 50% tipping load.

The Cargo T955 Telehandler is Fendt's first offering in the telehandler sector, raising the bar in terms of innovation, the company claims. It sets new sector standard with its unique lifting cab with vibration damping and durable build quality.

Avant launched its new biggest and strongest loader to date during 2019, but 2020 will be the year of the 800 series, says the company. The new machines offer more lift height, higher lift capacity, better reach and are more powerful and versatile while retaining Avant’s compact and ergonomic design. The 800 series can be transported on a car trailer in Europe (combined weight of loader and trailer under 3500kg).

The top-of-the-range TL43.80HF Agri telescopic loader will be

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| LAMMA

shown for the first time on the Doosan Bobcat stand at LAMMA. This heavy-duty machine combines several new features, taking lift capacity (max 4.3t) and lifting height (almost 8m) and breakout force to unprecedented levels.

Bobcat will also show the TL30.60 model, which, with the TL43.80HF, is part of the newly expanded range of seven telescopic loaders for the farming market, covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.6 and 4.3t

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with lifting heights from 6 to 8m.

The stand will also feature tracked loaders from Bobcat, including the first appearance in the UK of the S70 quad-tracked concept machine, featuring quadtracks bolted on to the frame of the loader. The company’s smallest compact track loader, the T450, will also be on display.

Schäffer is launching its new electric loader at the event. The 23e is the world’s first compact loader with lithium-ion technology and a top speed of 20kph. It

delivers emission-free operation, a significant advantage when working indoors. Customers can choose between two lithium-ion battery packs – the standard battery system (6.7kWh) for most farm work, or the power battery system (13.4kWh) that doubles operating time to several hours.

Schäffer’s 8620 T loader on display at LAMMA is fitted with the recently added option of 100kW/136hp engine. It three different motor options, two speeds and two heights and is aimed at larger farms, biogas plants and agricultural contractors.

Also on show is the popular Schäffer 6680 T compact loader, now equipped with the SCV-Plus cabin.

Workshop Majorlift, a major player the garage and truck and bus sectors, is making its first venture into the agricultural market at LAMMA. The product range of assorted lifting products easily adapt to agricultural requirements, enabling them to be priced very competitively, says the company. It can also design and manufacture bespoke products.

Anti-puncture tyre sealant specialist OKO is also a first-time exhibitor and will be demonstrating sealing strength and talking tyre life, explaining how its products help avoid downtime, expensive tyre repairs and early tyre replacements.

Sykes-Pickavant’s puller range has been extended with the new 17700000 Universal Internal / External Puller suitable for large span applications. It features a setting sleeve system to ensure accurate pulling.

Liftmaster Commercial is expanding its range of service equipment for the agricultural market. The AFJ2000, a twin-ram 20t capacity air-operated floor jacking beam can get under most agricultural vehicles, but with extensions can lift vehicles with

jacking points or axles over 1m from the floor.

Liftmaster is also introducing Wireless Mobile Columns that can lift most tractors, leaving the wheels free. It uses two mobile lifting units positioned at the front and rear of the tractor, with a total lifting capacity of 15t. These rechargeable wireless operated lifts can be used on any loadsupporting level floor, inside or outside.

Ehrle GmbH is introducing its latest German-made high-pressure cleaner, the HD923. This machine delivers 14 litres of hot water per minute, more than almost any other 240V volt machine available in the UK. This is particularly suitable for farm use, cleaning and flushing away heavy deposits. The washer can also produce steam.

Tyres Continental has launched a new range of advanced agricultural tyres. The Continental TractorMaster VF Hybrid tyre has a tread pattern that maintains grip in the field and offers a quieter, more comfortable driving experience on the road.

It also includes pressure sensors to help the operator reduce soil compaction in the field and reduce wear on the road. The VF technology allows the tractor operator to carry the same load at a reduced pressure.

Seating TEK Seating, is unveiling its Rancher LGV95/H152 AHD, a low back air seat ideal for the agricultural market. Featuring integrated controls and powered adjustment for weight and height settings, its cushions provide optimum comfort levels to enhance cab ergonomics.

LAMMA’20 will take place at the NEC on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th January 2020.

Parking and entry to the event are free.

For further LAMMA information see www.lammashow.com

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| Machinery

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| LAMMA

CEAT broadens its agricultural product line with the launch of a new range of tyres for high power tractors and combines Tyre manufacturer CEAT Specialty has launched two new range of tyres for agricultural applications aimed at the high power tractor and combine segments. Each features new design ideas designed to boost productivity. he full range of CEAT tyres will be at display in the Lamma Show on 7th and 8th Jan-2020 (Hall -18, Stand – 18.656) CEAT TORQUEMAX: UNLEASH YOUR TRACTOR’S POWER Engineered to ensure constant and smooth transfer of torque from the tractor to the ground, particularly during fieldwork, the new CEAT Torquemax range of high power tractor tyres have been designed to provide low rolling resistance and to have a long working life, regardless of the field or road demands placed on it.

Key elements of Torquemax design include a new casing with stepped lug design and lower lug angle at the shoulder, to push you forward through the toughest soil conditions. In spite of its mighty power, the Torquemax cares for your crops, the extra-wide footprint along with rounded shoulder ensures minimum soil compaction, with resulting yield gains possible from protection of crop, thereby raising productivity

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The Torquemax range is also being launched in IF (Increased Flexion). The Torquemax IF tyres are designed to give 20% higher load carrying capacity at same pressure as compared to the conventional radial tyres.

CEAT YIELDMAX: MAXIMIZE YOUR YIELD WITH THE NEW RANGE OF COMBINE TYRES With a flexible radial carcass and deep tractive lugs that help provide high traction, the CEAT Yieldmax is a new tyre for the harvester market. The Yieldmax is designed to work as part of modern sustainable and precision farming by minimising harvesting’s impact on the soil.

Key design features include interlug terracing at the base of the lugs, which helps to maximise the tyre’s self-cleaning capability.

Durability is enhanced by a rounded lug base, designed to make the tyre more robust and resistant to stubble and sharp stones. These features also contribute to optimal lateral stability, even on difficult and very uneven terrain, plus low vibration levels and high comfort in all working conditions

Available in 650/75 R 32 and 620/75 R 26 sizes, the Yieldmax offers increased load capacity without necessitating a move to a wider tyre.

Come and experience the exciting range of CEAT tyres at the Lamma Show (Hall-18, Stand -18.656) !

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| LAMMA

Tong launches new TongHUB online portal at LAMMA 2020 Leading vegetable handling equipment manufacturer, Tong Engineering, is exhibiting at the UK’s largest farm machinery show LAMMA, for the second year at the event’s new location, the NEC Birmingham. ollowing a strong year for sales of the company’s high-quality grading and washing solutions, Tong is looking forward to meeting vegetable growers and packers to discuss the latest innovations and advanced handling systems for 2020, as well as marking the start of the company’s 90th anniversary year, and launching the company’s new online operators manual platform, the TongHUB. “After kickstarting our anniversary celebrations at the renowned British Potato event in Harrogate in November, we are very excited to begin 2020 with such a key event in our calendar, LAMMA,” says Nick Woodcock, Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. “We are very proud to have reached 90 years in business, and to say that for the last 38 of those years we have attended LAMMA every year, since its very first show in Lincolnshire, is certainly something to celebrate!”

With engineering roots dating back to 1930, Tong has grown into an Internationally renowned manufacturer of high-quality vegetable grading, washing, polishing, processing and box handling equipment, with more than 165 employees. The company’s milestone year is set to be particularly monumental, with a new state-of-the-art Tong production facility also scheduled for completion in Spring 2020.

Alongside anniversary commemorations, Tong is set to introduce the latest development in the company’s strive to ensure ultimate ease of operation, and minimum downtime across its complete range of vegetable

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handling equipment. The new TongHUB will provide Tong customers with a personal online equipment library in which all essential equipment documentation, including user manuals and spare parts specifications, will be available at the touch of a button, whether in the office or in the field.

“The new Tong HUB is an online portal which gives customers an exceptionally user-friendly, and ultimately convenient way to access valuable equipment information quickly and easily,” explains Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering.

“Each time customers buy more Tong equipment; manuals and documentation are added to their TongHUB profile, keeping everything in one place and directly accessible by logging in from their PC or mobile device, whenever and wherever they need it,” says Edward. “We are very excited to demonstrate the usability of the new TongHUB to our visitors at LAMMA, presenting yet more time-saving benefits when you choose Tong equipment.”

“Ongoing developments such as this continue to bring great efficiencies for our customers, both in the field and packhouse,” adds Nick. “Throughout 2019, growers have once again faced some very challenging harvesting conditions. The relentless rainfall meant a very difficult time for many of our customers; with some experiencing several acres of flooded land at a very crucial time,” says Nick. “As such, our next generation EasyClean has been working in some of the most extreme, wet and heavy soil conditions. Its steadfast

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performance within our industryleading Caretaker mobile grader, and new FieldLoad PRO fieldloader, really has proved invaluable once again.”

“We look forward to seeing farmers and growers from all over the UK at Lamma in January, to discuss the noticeable efficiencies

that our latest cleaning, grading and washing equipment is bringing to the post-harvest crop handling process, as well as discussing their requirements for the year ahead.”

For more information on Tong's latest range of handling equipment visit www.tongengineering.com

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| LAMMA

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| Agritechnica

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

Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040

Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430

Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

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| Machinery

Greater functionality for ARION tractors Greater functionality and ease of operation are central to updates made to the CLAAS ARION 600 and 500 range of tractors for 2020. he ARION 600/500 range of tractors comprises seven models ranging in maximum power from 125hp up to 185hp. All are available in three different specification levels – CIS or CIS+ with the DRIVESTICK control or CEBIS with the CMOTION multifunction controller and touchscreen terminal.

For 2020, all ARION 600/500 tractors will be powered by the latest Stage 5 compliant engines.

Power outputs remain the same as currently, but do benefit from an improvement in the torque curve at lower revs of between +6% and +14%. For operators, this will provide more torque further down the engine speed range, so will be beneficial for instance when pulling away.

Externally, the 6-cylinder ARION 600 now shares the same smaller SCR catalyst mounted on the front right hand ‘A’ pillar as the 4cylinder ARION 500, so improving visibility. In addition, new decals on the bonnet panels clearly identify these new Stage 5 tractors.

In addition to these engine updates, operators of CEBIS specification tractors also now

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benefit from a number of new features that provide them with greater functionality.

With ISOBUS now a standard feature on many implements and machines, as standard ISOBUS UT will now be integrated within CEBIS throughout the whole CLAAS tractor range. This will allow the CEBIS TOUCH screen to be used as a universal terminal instead of needing a separate terminal to set-up and operate ISOBUS machinery. However a terminal such as the CLAAS S10 will still be needed for more advanced ISOBUS functions, such as TC Geo (mapping and variable applications) and TC SC (section control). In addition, ISOBUS sockets are also now optionally available on both the front and rear of the tractor.

With camera’s also being more commonplace on machinery, another new feature is the ability to now link these to the CEBIS screen, again avoiding the need for an additional screen in the cab.

For greater safety, the camera can also be set to appear on the screen automatically when reverse is engaged.

All CEBIS specification tractors now have the ability to link an engine speed memo button to an

external PTO button. This new feature means that an external PTO button can be used to increase the engine speed, making it ideal for operations such as powering a slurry pump, and so avoiding the need to have to continuously get in and out of the cab.

Externally, the cab access steps now have a flexible bottom step, similar to that found on combines, so as to avoid damage when operating on rough ground. All tractors are also now fitted as

standard with an air connection at the top of the left hand steps, making it easy to connect an airline for cleaning down or inflating tyres. The poles on the battery have also been redesigned and extended so that it’s easier to connect jump leads or power leads for fuel pumps.

For greater visibility, all Stage 5 tractors are now fitted as standard with LED flashing beacons. A further new option will also be the availability of a tinted rear window.

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| AgriScot

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| Machinery

Agritechnica 2019: Motor for innovation in agriculture 450,000 visitors – more than 130,000 from outside Germany – digitisation, automation and robotics provide impulses. gritechnica 2019 closed its doors with resounding success.

"With 2,820 exhibitors and 450,000 visitors - more than 130,000 of them from outside Germany - Agritechnica has once again impressively demonstrated its outstanding position as the world's leading trade fair for agricultural technology," said Dr. Reinhard Grandke, CEO of the DLG. "The guiding theme 'Global Farming – Local Responsibility' focused on the current challenges of agriculture, such as increasing productivity and protection of the climate, environment and resources worldwide. The exhibitors presented innovative solutions for future questions of the industry and society.

Agritechnica 2019 showed implementation strategies for the local challenges of the world's agricultural regions. New methods, driven by digitisation, automation and robotics, are the greatest trend setters here."

The following preliminary conclusions can be drawn: Number of visitors continues to be at a high level 450,000 visitors (including estimates for the last day) emphasise the appeal of Agritechnica worldwide. With 30 percent international professional visitors, it is the global meeting place of the farming community. The visitors were very satisfied with the exhibition programme of Agritechnica, as the survey results indicate.

320,000 visitors from Germany The survey among the visitors shows that farmers, contractors and machinery rings from all regions were extremely well represented with an estimated 320,000 visitors. German farmers used Agritechnica to discuss the perspectives for their farming operations under, for them, currently uncertain basic conditions, to decide on future strategies and to prepare investments.

Record for international visitors More than 130,000 visitors came from 152 countries, most of them from the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Italy and Russia, followed by Switzerland, France and United Kingdom. The

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trade fair saw an above-average growth in the number of visitors from Russia, Italy, Poland, Ukraine and the US. The interest of international politics in Agritechnica has significantly increased. For example, numerous ministers and trade delegations from around the world gathered information on future strategies for agriculture at Agritechnica.

Share of foreign exhibitors grew to over 60 percent 2,820 companies from 53 countries, including the world's leading manufacturers, showed a complete range of tractors, machines, implements, spare parts and accessories. The share from outside Germany once again increased to 62 percent.

Agritechnica is internationally the No. 1 platform for innovations. It opens up access to the international markets.

Successful premiere of "International Farmers‘ Day" The "International Farmers' Day" celebrated its successful premiere at Agritechnica 2019.

This year the focus was on the two agricultural nations France and United Kingdom. The custom tailored information and discussion programme attracted over 11,000 visitors from these countries (+30 percent).

Investment confidence continues to be high Despite varying basic conditions, the mood in the industry was optimistic. This is also reflected in the high basic investment confidence. As shown by the visitor survey, two-thirds of the farmers, contractors and machinery rings surveyed intend to invest in the next two years.

Systems & Components: Keen interest in guiding theme "Assisted Farming" and new innovation competition Assistance systems for agricultural machines and interaction with the upstream and downstream areas, as well as alternative fuels and electrification in the hybrid combination were at the thematic focus of the exhibitors from the supplier industry. Over 700 companies presented the latest solutions from components to machines. The innovative power of this industry was impressively presented with the new "Systems & Components Trophy".

DLG Specials combines environmental protection and high-tech - central meeting point of science and practice At the DLG Special "Protecting Yield and Nature", solutions for current topics captivated both visitors and representatives of the media.

The Special "Acre of Knowledge" organised together with the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) showed visitors, among other things with video conferences, possibilities for large- and smallscale agriculture on various continents to benefit from innovative technology.

DLG-AgrifutureLab: Hotbed for inventive spirit For the first time, Agritechnica bundled the international agricultural start-up scene in the "DLG-AgrifutureLab", giving company founders the opportunity to present their new business ideas and find investors. Innovative ideas also find faster access to the market and give new momentum to the entire industry.

LAND.TECHNIK-AgEng conference at the Agritechnica: Network node for engineers At the start of the Agritechnica more than 1,100 engineers, developers and scientists came to the 77th international LAND.TECHNIKAgEng conference of the VDI Wissensforum (Knowledge Forum of Association of German Engineers). Here developers from around the world discussed the latest issues in agriculture and advanced the innovations in agricultural technology.

Agritechnica for young and digitally networked decision-makers Young farmers, pupils and students from Germany and abroad were caught up in the fascination of live repairs in "Workshop Live"; the platform for profession and career "Campus & Career"; and the forum events offered at the "Young Farmers Day". And the "Young Farmers Party" extended networking beyond the end of the trade fair. A large number of agricultural bloggers used Agritechnica to meet, discuss and further expand their networks.

The DLG will organise the next Agritechnica from 14 to 20 November 2021 (exclusive days on 14 and 15 November) at the trade fair grounds in Hanover.

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| Machinery

Photo credit: RJ Photographics

Precision drives efficiencies at the Midlands Machinery Show Precision agriculture and connectivity were hot topics at the Midlands Machinery Show last month, with new technology and efficiencies in the spotlight. armers from across the country headed to the Newark Showground to see the latest machinery, peruse almost 300 exhibitor stands and discuss innovative technologies in the dedicated seminar theatre.

Smart farming proved a particularly popular topic, with John Deere and Fendt focussing on how connectivity can improve efficiencies.

“Through JDLink we connect machines to the farm office, allowing customers to track their fleet and monitor machine health, as well as transferring agronomic information straight from the field,” says Jack Howard, precision agriculture specialist at John Deere.

“We’re trying to maximise time in the field; we had a good selection of agricultural students and discussion about connectivity from both a customer and dealer point of view.”

There are benefits on the agronomy side too, he adds. “The latest apps make it very easy to keep track of machinery, get advice on seed,

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spray and fertiliser rates and monitor machine productivity by working together with, and being connected to, the dealer, farm adviser and other suppliers.”

Fendt discussed smart farming as another way to improve efficiencies and brought along its FendtONE system which offers integrated connectivity between the office and the machines, merging them into a single operation unit.

With around 300 exhibitors there was plenty for visitors to see, and the new ride and drive feature attracted a lot of attention alongside the live demo area, says event manager Elizabeth Halsall. “Feedback from visitors was very positive with a full range of tractors and machinery in action and a friendly environment in which to do business.”

Among the highlights from the show were the Agricultural Engineering Awards, which were presented to six promising young apprentices. “Every winner received an award of £500, which they each plan to spend on

specialist tools to help them throughout their careers,” says Mrs Halsall. “It’s wonderful to recognise excellence in the upcoming generation, and to give them a helping hand for the future.”

The Midlands Machinery Show will return to Newark Showground for its 7th year on 18 & 19 November 2020. If you wish to learn more about the show or would like to book an exhibition stand, please visit www.midlandsmachineryshow.com.

About the show Now in its 7th year, the Midlands Machinery Show is organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society and is a platform for SME and large agricultural businesses to show their diverse range of machinery and innovation to those who work and have an interest in agriculture. Last year 10,000 visitors attended over two days.

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| Fuels

HVO Fuel: A diesel alternative that is mobile and filterable to temperatures of -32oC Farmers around the country are reporting problems with diesel filters clogging too quickly. he National Farmers Union Scotland (NFU Scotland) has suggested this is due to FAME biodiesel content in the fuel, while another report is that it may be the quality of the base diesel that has been imported to the UK. Meanwhile, regardless of cause, it is apparent that the catalyst of these problems is the cold weather.

On 28th November, Simon Lawford, Technical Sales Manager, Crown Oil gave a presentation at the Association of Manufacturers and Suppliers of Power generating Systems (AMPS) Conference 2019 at the Midlands Hotel in Manchester on their new product Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (Crown HVO Fuel) revealing that the sustainable fuel is strongly suited to replace diesel year-round, thanks to remaining filterable and mobile at temperatures of -32oC and below.

He further revealed that the fuel has approvals of 23 manufactures, including Scania, DAF, Volvo, among others, thereby not voiding their warranty.

Crown Oil has also carried out an independent test between red diesel and Crown HVO fuel, which has demonstrated that HVO’s emissions and measured variables are considerably less (see tables right).

Advising farmers, Lawford says: “The farming industry is currently experiencing difficulties with red diesel; although a root cause has not been identified, it seems that the

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issue is the FAME biodiesel added to red and white diesel, the presence of which is mandated by the RTFO or potentially lowquality diesel entering the UK’s supply chain coupled with the cold weather.

Lawford added: “Not all FAME is the same, meaning that it can be produced from a number of different feedstocks, which will affect the overall performance of the material, although this should be governed by the EN 141214. With the increase in bio requirements mandated by the RTFO, more and more double-counted material is required, whilst maintaining overall levels of FAME in EN590 fuels below the 7% maximum. This increase, therefore, brings into focus the potential for unforeseen quality issues in the overall fuel blend.

“It is difficult for fuel suppliers like Crown Oil to remedy this, as we do not import the fuel, we simply distribute it, but we are monitoring our Diesel for issues and we don’t believe we have had a problem. However, we are thrilled to be able to offer an environmentally-friendlier premium alternative that will keep farmers going in the meantime. For those experiencing problems with a larger quantity of gas oil, fuel testing and swap services can be a solution.”

He concluded by noting: “Crown HVO fuel offers the best overall coverage between environmental, operational and performance parameters. What’s more, the fuel provides the best platform on which to build a legislatively compliant fleet of farm machinery.”

Run One: 67% load – 134 kW

Run Two: 84% load – 167 kW

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| Energy

Prime opportunity for energy schemes There has never been a better time for landowners to seek ground rent from energy schemes, with some worth up to £8m over their lifetime. But there are some important pitfalls to avoid, warns power and energy consultant Roadnight Taylor. he average landowner’s chances of getting an energy scheme are greater now than ever, says CEO Hugh Taylor.

“However, there has also never been a more appropriate time to be prudent and not sign up with the first developer that knocks at the door.”

Landowners now have prime opportunities to rent out land for schemes of a wide range of scales – from 2MW to 50MW – and from gas gensets on a quarter of an acre connecting at 11kV, to a solar installations on 200 acres connecting at 132kV, explains Mr Taylor. “Wind, solar, gas gensets and battery storage all represent good potential opportunities for landowners with the right sites.

“Depending on their site, landowners can expect ground rents of over £800/acre for solar leases of 30 to 50 years. Gas gensets can return up to £150,000/year and battery storage,

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currently a trickier market, over £50,000/year.”

However, as scheme developers specialise in specific technologies, scales and voltages, signing up with the first developer is likely to leave landowners with no scheme at all, he warns. “If a landowner lets a developer apply for a grid connection, it may well be the wrong technology and scale for the site’s specific grid connection opportunity – so this ties the site to a developer who will never get a scheme off the ground.”

It’s therefore vital to get expert, independent advice first, and to secure grid rights for the appropriate technology and scale – and definitely not in the developer’s name, says Mr Taylor. “Only then can landowners safely invite competing bids from a number of the best developers, putting themselves in the best position to negotiate optimal terms.”

He also urges landowners to be proactive and act quickly. “Headroom to export and

import electricity to and from the electrical grid is limited, but is also changing all the time.

Failed projects are releasing capacity and Network Operators are reconfiguring and reinforcing their networks – and re increasingly monitoring them in real time – to enable more connections. But Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) issue spare capacity on a strictly first-come first-served basis – and if there is capacity on your part of the network, it sure as hell will only be enough for one scheme – so landowners must act fast to get ahead of their neighbours.”

Roadnight Taylor will be exhibiting at LAMMA on 7 & 8 January at the NEC, Birmingham. For independent advice on how to secure the best terms for an energy scheme and to find out if you land has genuine potential for a scheme, visit them in Hall 7 Stand 7.112

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| Forestry

Young Farmers to plant more than 9,000 trees to combat climate change First 735 trees to be planted on Saturday 16 November 2019. embers of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) from across England and Wales are planting more than 9,000 trees over the next two months to help in the fight against climate change.

Sixty YFCs, involving members aged 10 to 26, will be involved in the planting of the sapling trees, supplied by The Woodland Trust, with many YFCs aiming to plant a tree per member.

The project is part of a national YFC initiative called #ProtectYourFuture, launched by YFC members earlier in the year.

Young farmers chose to plant as many trees as possible as their contribution to making a positive impact on the environment for the next generation. The campaign was launched by NFYFC earlier in the year and supports the Government’s Year of Green Action.

YFC members will be planting trees to support local community projects, such as at a learning disability centre, supporting the landscaping of new grounds at a local football club, community farms and improving habitats along a river.

NFYFC’s Chairman Katie Hall will be planting 735 sapling trees in Gloucestershire on Saturday 16 November 2019 with support from local YFC members, Gloucestershire NFU and Gloucester City Council.

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“The Woodland Trust is delighted to be working with NFYFC to get so many trees in the ground across the country.

Trees play a vital role in our lives” Katie Hall said: “YFCs ordered sapling trees from The Woodland Trust earlier in the year, so it’s amazing that 60 of our clubs are now receiving the packs and starting to plant the trees.

“This year YFCs have been focusing on ways to improve the environment through our Protect Your Future campaign and it’s great to see so many of our members making a positive impact on their local environment. The trees are a real symbol of hope for the next generation.”

The thousands of sapling trees have been supplied by The

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Woodland Trust for YFCs to plant across the UK. John Tucker, Director of Woodland Outreach at The Woodland Trust, said: “The Woodland Trust is delighted to be working with NFYFC to get so many trees in the ground across the country. Trees play a vital role in our lives. They provide shelter and shade, protect our soils, filtrate our water, provide a home for wildlife, add value to our streets and give us a place to relax and unwind.

“They play a pivotal role in the fight against climate change, cleaning our air, storing carbon and producing oxygen, and that’s why we need them like never before. We hope as many people as possible will follow the example of the young farmers up and down the country, plant trees and dig in for all our futures.”

The government launched its 25 year environmental plan in 2019 and started with a Year of Green Action driven by the #iwill4nature campaign.

The #iwill campaign, Defra, and a group of 25 environment and youth-sector partners want to keep young people at the heart of environmental social action.

NFYFC is one of the 25 partner organisations that make up the Environmental Steering group of the #iwill campaign.

For further information about the #ProtectYourFuture project at www.nfyfc.org.uk/ProtectYourFutur e/ProtectYourFuture

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| ATV

Honda ATV Honda Pioneer increases efficiency for Borders livestock farm

ATVs are an essential tool for Scottish Border farmers J Hume & Son, looking after 3,000 ewes in the Yarrow Valley. pproximately half are owned with the other half contractfarmed on approximately 2,200ha of challenging hilly ground. The sheep are South Country Cheviots, and the farm breeds its own replacements with excess lambs sold from the farm or through local markets.

There are also 100 Blue-Grey hill suckler cows which are put to Angus Charolais bulls for spring calving, with progeny sold at 16 months.

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“Of the side-by-side UTVs we tried, the Pioneer was the most like an ATV in terms of its capabilities off-road and it has proved almost totally reliable” The farm is run by Callum Hume and his brother, and business partner, Duncan. The first all-terrain vehicles operated were Honda ATC 3wheel models run by Callum’s grandparents during the 1980s and, since then, the farm has owned a succession of 4-wheel ATVs, mostly Hondas and usually running two at a time.

“We tried other brands but quickly returned to Honda for their better reliability,” commented Callum. “They are changed every two years as they cover a lot of ground and we depend on them. Currently we run two TRX420 Fourtrax 4wd machines and, since April this year, they have each recorded 4,500 miles. Our local dealer JMT Manufacturing Ltd at Forth, Lanarkshire gives excellent back-up. When problems occur the engineers can usually cure the fault immediately, but we know that if the repair takes longer then a loan machine will be available.”

Additional load capacity Callum explained that when the additional contract-farmed flock on 1,400ha was taken on in 2017, increasing the workload, it was obvious that a vehicle with more load capacity was needed. “We put out three tonnes of feed blocks per week for a period each winter and it takes one conventional ATV with a trailer five days to complete the task, because of the large area we have to cover. We looked at alternatives including several load carrier UTVs but when the Honda Pioneer 700-2 arrived for a demonstration, it didn’t return to the dealer.

“Shaft drive was considered a big advantage with no belts or chains to service or fail and, of the machines we tried, the Pioneer had by far the best off-road performance including good ground clearance, essential for our hilly ground.

It has greater pulling ability than our ATVs and handles a trailer on our steep slopes with ease, partly because the additional weight on the tyres results in better traction. We had considered replacing our current ATVs with larger models but the lighter TRX420 is ideal for our hill ground and, if it’s muddy enough for them to get stuck, the rider can usually recover them singlehanded. The TRX420s are superb for gathering livestock and we are convinced there is nothing better for that job, apart from our Border Collie.”

Improved efficiency Callum said the Pioneer is proving a good investment and, with feed blocks loaded into its rear cargo bed and a trailer, distribution is completed in just one day per week. The Pioneer with its full cab and canvas doors has become especially popular with its users during periods of poor weather.

Fuel consumption is reasonable, despite the farm’s demanding terrain and the heavy loads carried, and the 30-litre tank is filled every 4 or 5

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days after approximately 90 miles travel. The two conventional TRX420 ATVs continue to be used for routine transport and cover greater distances.

Since the Pioneer’s arrival in early 2018, there have been no breakdowns apart from a faulty battery, and Callum said that although the conventional ATVs are usually updated every two years, the Pioneer will be kept for longer.

“Of the side-by-side UTVs we tried, the Pioneer was the most like an ATV in terms of its capabilities off-road and it has proved almost totally reliable. It’s well made, saves us a lot of time when we need to carry supplies out to the fields, and is reasonably economical. When we do replace it, then it will definitely be with another Pioneer,” he added.

Honda TRX420FM2 Engine – single cylinder, 420cc, liquid-cooled, petrol Transmission – 5-speed, manual.

Drive – mechanical shaft Tyres – 24-8-12 front, and 24-10-11 rear Ground clearance – 183mm Load capacity – front rack 30kg, rear rack 60kg. Trailed load 385kg Honda Pioneer 700-2 Engine – single cylinder 675cc, liquid-cooled, petrol.

Transmission – 3-speed automatic, mechanical torque converter.

Drive – mechanical shaft Tyres – 25-8-12 front, and 25-10-12 rear Ground clearance – 270mm Load capacity – rear load bed 386kg. Trailed load 680kg.

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| ATV

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| ATV

Kawasaki Kawasaki exhibits the built tough MULE and Brute Force Range at LAMMA 2020

With no less than four MULE variants for 2020 and two ATV’s, there is a wide field of choice across the Kawasaki agricultural range this season. n display from 7th to 8th of January at the Birmingham NEC venue, LAMMA show visitors can experience the Kawasaki BRUTE FORCE ATV line first hand. The popular fuel injected 750 V-Twin 4×4 platform comprises of two versions – one with camouflage and the other two with a vibrant blue or a black colourway that will appeal to leisure users and those using the vehicles for such things as public event security and other commercial ventures.

Equipped with speed variable Electronic Power Steering, handling these machines is effortless. Add shaft drive, selectable two and four wheel drive plus front and rear double wish-bone suspension and the features of Kawasaki’s 2020 ATV’s speak for themselves.

The MULE PRO and SX range is no less impressive encompassing a variety of engine capacities and vehicle sizes. With demand from

those who need a machine with formidable carrying and towing capacity to those that prioritise diminutive size and manoeuvrability, all the bases are covered.

Smallest in the MULE range for 2020 is the now fuel injected MULE SX 4×4. For tight spaces and budget friendly running costs, this 401cc air-cooled petrol-engined wonder is often users’ first taste of MULE ownership.

Underpinning the SX is the dramatically styled MULE PRO-MX, with automotive style doors and dashboard plus all the necessary practical touches such as a generous tipping load bed and impressive towing capability.

Spearheading the MULE line in the coming season are the aptly named MULE PRO-DX and PRO-DXT models. The first choice of many demanding professional users these vehicles represent the pinnacle of the MULE line and each comes fully equipped to conquer any task asked of it.

For more information

Southam Agri. Services Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH 01926 813426 http://southamagri.co.uk

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Satisfying single fuel type commercial users with their rugged and reliable 3-Cylinder diesel engines, the PRO-DX and DXT feature electrically selectable 2WD and 4WD, LED lights, large volume tilting cargo beds and, in the case of the PRO-DXT, the ability to quickly convert from one row of seating to two rows, an advantage for working parties and those suddenly needing to transport people in place of loads safely and securely.

Ensuring their well-deserved place among the very best ATV’s and Utility Vehicles available, the hard working, dependable, fully featured and stylish Kawasaki MULE and ATV range for 2020 is once more the default choice for professionals.

Don’t miss out on these fantastic Kawasaki models and spending time with the helpful Kawasaki team members during the highly anticipated 2020 LAMMA show.

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| Motors

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| Motors

The all-new Forester e-BOXER Forester has grown to become Subaru’s top-selling model in the UK and is a popular choice amongst customers who trust it to be safe, capable and reliable. The fifth generation Forester commemorates Subaru’s heritage and marks the future of ‘Confidence in Motion’ with e-BOXER. ew from the ground up, Forester comes to the UK with a completely new powertrain, the e-BOXER, which combines an electric motor with two of Subaru's core technologies: the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Now built on the Subaru Global Platform, a cutting-edge redesign of the body and chassis, Forester offers advanced safety performance and a dynamic driving experience. Plus, new technology ensures that Forester e-BOXER is safer than ever as EyeSight driver assist technology, Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Driver Monitoring System are all standard across the range.

A refreshed and more substantial exterior design ensures the most spacious and capable Forester to date, featuring a high-quality interior, versatile boot space and 220mm of ground clearance. Perfectly suited to any on or off-road adventures, the upgraded X-Mode dial can now switch between two modes adapting to the most extreme weather and road conditions.

Forester e-BOXER combines a 2.0 direct injection horizontally opposed petrol engine with an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph.

Paired with an updated Lineartronic

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transmission and Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive, Forester e-BOXER achieves smooth, linear, acceleration and highly responsive torque. Power-split adjusts according to the driving condition and alternates between 3 driving modes: EV driving, Motor Assist driving and Engine driving.

EV Driving: At low speeds, Forester eBOXER is powered by the electric motor alone for quiet, zero emission driving. It can drive in full electric mode for distances of about a mile and reach speeds of up to 25mph. This is normally experienced in urban conditions with stop-and-go traffic where a 10% improvement in fuel economy can be seen compared to the outgoing 2.0L variant.

Motor Assist Driving: At medium speeds, the motor and the engine work together to improve power and performance. Motor Assist driving improves off-road ability as it generates earlier torque when using X-Mode and also assists when towing. Forester e-BOXER’s towing capacity is 1,870 kg.

Engine Driving: At higher speeds Forester eBOXER is driven solely by the petrol engine.

According to speed and driving conditions, the engine will recharge the battery in preparation for the next use.

Making hybrid the Subaru way, the new technology used in the Forester e-BOXER design is arranged in a symmetrical layout.

The electric motor assist and battery pack are

aligned longitudinally with the heavy motor placed near the vehicle's centre of gravity. The battery and other components are positioned above the rear axle which plants the car on the road giving noticeable handling improvements and achieving a balanced weight distribution.

Forester e-BOXER has a natural braking feel and offers a seamless transition between EV and Engine driving.

The Subaru Global Platform is a cutting-edge re-design of the body and chassis that advances performance and delivers superior driving capability. Body strength has been increased by 40% compared to the outgoing Forester allowing the frame structure to absorb more energy in the event of a collision and the more rigid framework reduces noise and vibration while contributing to more responsive steering. In addition, a rear stabiliser is now attached directly to the body which significantly reduces body roll to ensure a comfortable, controlled ride and improved handling. Giving confidence in every aspect of the driving experience, the Subaru Global Platform furthers Subaru's commitment to building the safest cars on the road.

Subaru has been voted Best Manufacturer for Safety Features in the 2019 Driver Power Survey and, as safety is a top priority, the Forester e-BOXER comes with a suite of driverassist and safety features as standard: EyeSight driver assist technology functions

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| Motors

optically using two stereo cameras which are mounted either side of the rear-view mirror. It monitors for hazards up to 110 metres ahead and includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, PreCollision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection identifies vehicles approaching from the rear. It offers three main functions to improve visibility and to help minimise common causes for accidents: Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Reverse Automatic Braking uses sensors mounted in the rear bumper to detect obstructions when reversing. The driver is alerted to any identified obstructions with audible warnings and an image from the reversing camera on the touchscreen. If there is a high possibility of collision, the system applies the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of a collision.

A brand-new technology for Subaru, Forester e-BOXER is equipped with a Driver Monitoring System to complement its existing safety technologies and to encourage attentive driving. A camera installed on the visor of the multi-function display monitors the driver’s seat area to support safe driving. It uses facial recognition technology to detect if the driver’s gaze has wandered or if the driver is dozing off and alerts occupants if this occurs.

If the driver looks out of the window or across at a passenger for an extended period of time, the system will recognise that the face direction is not forward and a warning will sound to alert the driver to focus on the road ahead. The system will also function if it

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identifies that the driver is drowsy. Facial recognition technology monitors that the driver’s eyes are open and will alert the driver if they frequently or continuously close their eyes. The system can even mute the audio to ensure that full attention is given to the warning sound. Warnings will only occur while driving and the system will not alert the driver when stopped or when the indicator is on.

As a secondary function, the Driver Monitoring System uses personal recognition to adjust vehicle settings. The seat position, door mirror angle, display screen content and air conditioning settings can be set and synced to a recognised driver. The memory can be set for up to five people so removes hassle when there are multiple drivers.

Forester e-BOXER is built with permanent Symmetrical All Wheel Drive as standard so can manage the majority of off-road situations.

However, X-Mode can be used for added assistance if extreme driving conditions are encountered. X-Mode takes control of the engine, transmission, Symmetrical AWD, brakes and other components to help safely navigate slippery surfaces, rough roads and climbing steep hills. When X-Mode is activated, Hill Descent Control will maintain a constant speed when travelling downhill, allowing the driver to control the steering and Hill Descent Control to manage the brakes.

New for Forester e-BOXER, X-MODE now has two modes: SNOW/DIRT for use on slippery road surfaces such as snow or gravel and DEEP SNOW/MUD for surfaces where the tyres can become buried, such as deep snow and dry dirt. A dial switch has been adopted to make it easier to switch between the two modes which is particularly helpful when trying

to free the tyres if you’re stuck. In X-Mode, Motor Assist activates from standstill to generate earlier torque and acceleration to further improve off-road ability.

A refreshed exterior design enhances Forester’s rugged style with strongly contoured bodywork and prominent wheel arches. New alloy wheels are introduced on both trim levels and the XE Premium increases to an 18” alloy wheel. Forester e-BOXER is very well specified with Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED headlights, equipped with high beam assist, and LED front fog lights standard across the range. XE Premium adds a touch of extra luxury with privacy glass on the rear windows.

Forester e-Boxer is 20mm wider and 30mm longer than the outgoing variant and the increased exterior dimensions provide improved passenger comfort as the distance between the front seats has correspondingly increased by 20mm and the longer wheelbase has equally afforded an extra 30mm of space between the front and rear passengers.

Incorporating all of the comfort and convenience you would expect in a family SUV, Forester e-Boxer has an intuitive 8" multifunction colour touchscreen that is easy to use and contains Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, DAB radio and Bluetooth® connectivity. The interior benefits from a new electronic parking brake and 8-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats. In addition to heated front seats, XE Premium is equipped with heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

Priced from £33,995 OTR, Forester e-Boxer is available in eight colours and is in dealerships now.

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| Motors

Volkswagen expands techfriendly Touareg line-up Volkswagen has expanded the line-up for its acclaimed Touareg SUV, adding entry-level, mid-range and high-end specifications with a focus on technology to double the number of available variants on offer. The models arrive shortly after the brand announced its 48-hour test drive programme would be expanded to include the Touareg. he Touareg is now additionally available in SEL Tech and Black Edition trims – both new to the third-generation model – with a focus on technology, and the Black Edition also focusing on design. An entry-level SE trim is also now open for order, taking the starting price for the luxury SUV down to £45,445 RRP OTR. Entry-level SE trim sits beneath SEL trim in the Touareg range. The new start point for Touareg ownership gets 19-inch Osorno alloys, a Discover Pro 9.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Gesture Control and integrated voice control, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control amongst its standard equipment. For the SE, most of the SEL’s standard-fit equipment has been kept, with luxury fittings like leather upholstery being reserved for the higher-end models to enhance the value of the entry-level car. The highly praised 231 PS and 286 PS 3.0-litre V6 TDI engines are available on this trim.

Mid-range SEL Tech trim builds upon the popular SEL, boosting

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the technology on offer by adding Volkswagen’s acclaimed Innovision Cockpit system, with 15” integrated control panel and 12.3-inch digital cockpit, an electric tailgate with electric opening and power latching.

Identifiable by 19-inch Tirano alloy wheels, the SEL Tech also benefits from heat insulating, 80% tinted glass from the B-pillar backwards.

This trim starts at £50,995 and is available with both diesel engines, as well as the powerful 340 PS, 3.0-litre V6 TFSI unit. The R-Line, R-Line Tech and Black Edition also share this engine range.

Topping out the Touareg range is the Black Edition, priced at £58,745 RRP OTR in 231 PS 3.0litre V6 TDI guise. This car builds upon the R-Line Tech trim, adding a black finish to the 21-inch Suzuka alloy wheels, as well as an assortment of black trim pieces to the car’s exterior, including the radiator grille, roof rails, mirror housings, side window trims, and air intake fins.

Even more generously, the Black Edition benefits from a panoramic sunroof and IQ. Light matrix beam headlights as standard, providing additional luxury and safety to this Touareg’s

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overall package. As individual options, these would cost £1,260 and £1,420 respectively. The Touareg’s air suspension with automatic self-levelling function is also standard on the Black Edition, while an Easy Open function for the tailgate, and Park Assist package with Area View, further add to its technology arsenal for the Black Edition.

The largest Volkswagen SUV is the latest car to benefit from Volkswagen’s 48-hour test drives, joining the e-Golf in the programme which allows customers to test the mettle of Volkswagen’s most innovative and technology-focused models even more thoroughly than the traditional, single-day test drive.

The attractive specs and test drive offer come shortly after the Touareg was named the Caravan

and Motorhome Club’s best Towcar in its largest, 1,700 kg-plus weight category, proving another dimension of its considerable capabilities, and strengthening its kudos as a talented tow-car.

Brian Luckie, Touareg Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “The Touareg is already a versatile all-rounder, combining the luxury of an executive car, the capability of a tough, off-roading SUV, the practicality of a family estate and dependability that comes built-in with the Volkswagen roundel.”

“By offering three new trims, we’re further expanding the audience for the Touareg, injecting more variety and all-important choice into its line-up, to suit even more of our customers.”

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| Motors

Next generation Nissan Juke arrives in UK showrooms The eagerly anticipated next generation Nissan Juke has arrived in UK showrooms, with first customer deliveries already taking place. esigned, engineered and built in the UK, the new Juke retains its distinctive exterior design, while interior practicality, cabin and boot space have all been enhanced. The newcomer is also equipped with the very best of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, including Propilot – a driver assistance system that keeps the car in lane and at a safe distance from vehicles ahead.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both

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available to mirror your smartphone, while a full suite of connected services, including Google Assistant integration, can also be used to share routes or talk to your smart device.

One of the first people in the UK to drive away in the new model was Patricia McIntosh of Norfolk. A loyal Nissan customer since 1972, her brand new Juke Tekna is her 27th model from the Japanese brand and was bought from her local dealer, Crayford & Abbs in Holt.

“I’ve owned 27 Nissans over the years and this will be my fifth Juke. They’re utterly reliable,

economical to run and really comfortable.”

Kevin Abbs, director at Crayford & Abbs, said: “When Pat came in to drive the new Juke for the first time she was blown away by the fantastic ride and equipment. It was great to see her so excited about her new car.”

The Nissan Juke range starts from just £17,395 for the entry-grade Visia, with rangetopping Tekna+ versions from £23,895.

The next generation Juke is available to order now from your local Nissan dealership.

Find more details at nissan.co.uk

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