December 2021 Farming Monthly National

INSIDE: Weigh to Win with Breedr page 60

Farming MONTHLY National

December 2021

I Archers Festive Tractor Run page 15

| Vogelsang launches Separator page 64

Also inside this month..

11-12 January 2022. NEC, Birmingham

Women in Farming King of Quads

Claydon Evolution drills

PLUS: Arable| Grain | Potatoes |LAMMA| Building | Security|Energy| Livestock| ATV | Motors

SEE US AT LAMMA 2022, HALL 9 Heavy Duty Discs - Mounted or Trailed Contact PFC for best cultivator prices Office 01805 603 363 www.pfc-eu.com

Andrew: 07967 300 578 info@pfc-eu.com

Heavy Duty Seed Bed Cultivator - Mounted or Trailed

2|

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

The UK’s No.1 Liming Product Optimises soil pH Increases available calcium Fast acting and long lasting Provides valuable nutrients Improves soil structure Flexible service options

Over £1 5.00 worth o Phosph f ate, Magne sium a nd Sulphu every T r in onne!*

*values accurate to Sept 2021 fertiliser prices

Customer service 0800 090 2376 limex@britishsugar.com limex.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

LimeX is a business of British Sugar plc

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

3

CONTENTS D e c e m b e r 2021

FEATURES 15

18 24 26 32 34 54 56

4|

40

Arable Two new Syngenta barley varieties added to the AHDB Recommended List

58

58

Livestock Hoofcount uses Siemens technology to ensure healthy herds have happy feet

64

62

82

Muck and Slurry Vogelsang launches separator for processing of digestate and liquid manure

Grain Use foliar N on spring wheat for maximum returns

FM REGULARS

Potatoes & Root Crops Tong highlights on-farm advancements and labour efficiencies at LAMMA

National

Women in farming Alexandra Wright shares her family’s journey with us

LAMMA LAMMA celebrates 40th year

Security Farming couple say high tech security system is wizard idea

Mental Health Mental health benefits of visiting UK Woodland's estimated at £185 million

Farming Monthly | December 2021

6 48 50

News Networking: The key to agri-tech success

Buildings Changes to cattle systems begin to bite

Energy Follow 4 steps for successful on-farm AD plant design

72 82 94

Machinery VADERSTAD LAUNCHES TEMPO L 16 AND 24 CENTRAL FILL DRILL

ATV Polaris Leads the Off-Road Industry Into the Future

Motors Subaru’s First Global All-Electric Vehicle SOLTERRA Makes World Debut

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

P 30

Farming MONTHLY National

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR 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 Jenny Hughes j.hughes@farmingmonthly.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION studio@farmingmonthly.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com ON THE COVER

North Warwickshire in snow

Highly innovative machinery to service the root crop, vegetable and allium/bulb market

Subscribe today!

Call us on 02476 353537 or visit our secure website at www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Available in

DIGITAL & WEB

For editorial, general enquiries or to advertise please call +44 (0) 2476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com Farming Monthly National is published monthly in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Printed in the UK No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher.

Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or publication. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as required and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies.

Full copyright applies. All rights reserved.

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Letter from the Editorial Team As we approach the end of 2021, we would once again, like to thank all of our readers, advertisers and contributors of editorial, for your continued support.

Even through these challenging times, we still continue to love what we do and take a huge pride in the magazine, bringing you all the latest industry news, as well new technology and the excellent services that are available, to help you manage your farm in an efficient and cost effective way.

We would also welcome you to write in, with anything that you would feel is topical and interesting.

Just email us to - editorial@farmingmonthy.com and we will consider it for publication.

All of us at Farming Monthly would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy & prosperous New Year!

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

5

| News

Temporary campsites inject millions to Britain’s rural economy T

emporary campsites set up in the wake of the COVID pandemic have given Britain’s rural economy a major shot in the arm.

According to figures from Pitchup.com – Europe’s largest outdoor accommodation provider – the campsites, set up on farms, showgrounds, rural pubs and even country estates, have generated more than £25m for the British countryside over the past 12 months.

And it’s not just so-called ‘honey pot’ areas that have shared in the spoils. In fact, many poorer rural areas benefited the most as tourists, eager to swap the rat race for an idyllic weekend, week, or fortnight in the country, headed to all corners of the UK. Areas such as Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, and Herefordshire, which usually lose out to more popular destinations like the West Country and Lake District, all shared in the windfall.

According to Pitchup.com, £9.8m was generated through pitch fees alone, with an extra £2.9m being spent with

6|

Farming Monthly | December 2021

campsite owners on firewood and farmfresh produce.

But the lion’s share of the money – £12.9m – was spent in local, rural businesses including pubs, shops, and restaurants, throwing them a muchneeded lifeline in the midst of the pandemic.

the pandemic when a lot of them may not have survived, and helped a large number of farms that are facing large reductions in support payments.

“It has also seen the British countryside step up to the mark to cater for the huge demand for staycations as people couldn’t holiday abroad.

According to Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, the boom in pop-up campsites started in summer 2020 after the government temporarily extended the right to open them from 28 days to 56 days without applying for planning permission.

The change, which involved an aspect of planning legislation called Permitted Development Rights (PDR), was enacted to help the power a post-COVID rural recovery but is due to revert to 28 days at the end of December.

Mr Yates said: “The 56-day extension to PDR had a tremendous, positive impact on the rural economy just when it was needed.

“Generating an extra £25m for the rural economy is a fantastic achievement and from that perspective, extended PDR has been a huge success. However, while the world is still suffering from the ongoing COVID pandemic, and livelihoods are still at risk, it is a shame the government has no plans to extend the initiative this year.”

“It has enabled pubs, shops, restaurants, and rural tourist attractions to negotiate

The decision by the Westminster government to end the extended PDR this year is at odds with the Welsh government which is currently consulting on a permanent extension to 56 days.

According to the administration, ‘temporary permitted development rights have been particularly beneficial in enabling the provision of additional capacity for campsites and broadening

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News the range of tourist provision available to cater for the increase in staycations’.

Mr Yates added that one of the most positive results of extending PDR had been bringing the tourism pound to areas of the UK that most needed a boost.

“Places like the Westcountry coast, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Norfolk Broads are always going to be popular,” Mr Yates said.

“However, while central England and the Midlands often attract day visitors, mainly to urban centres like Stratford-upon-Avon or Stamford, they haven’t attracted campers in large numbers.

“Thanks to the 56-day ruling, lots of temporary campsites were set up in these areas and campers flooded in, generating a whole new income stream for local businesses in some of the UK’s less visited rural locations.

“So, as well as being a shot in the arm for the rural economy as a whole, it has also helped ensure some poorer rural communities have shared in the gains.

While foreign travel will of course recover, we believe that the pandemic has prompted a permanent shift towards outdoor accommodation in the UK.” Mr Yates added that demand for next year was showing no sign of abating.

“Bookings for 2022 are already 145 per cent up on the same time in 2019 and one campsite has already taken 305

bookings for next year,” he said.

“If the 56 day extension were to remain in place on an ongoing basis, the impact on the rural economy would be very significant.”

One campsite owner who benefitted from the 56-day extension to PDR is Demelza Hoban from West Torrington near Wragby in Lincolnshire.

Demelza was furloughed during lockdown, but with the rise in staycations, she was able to leave her job and focus all her time on Grange Paddock Camping – the six-acre campsite she set up on the family farm.

Demelza said: “Running a campsite is the easiest and quickest form of farm diversification and offers a great way of helping rural communities recover from the COVID pandemic.

“Setting it up is one of the best decisions we’ve made. I can’t believe it has enabled me to give up my office job to concentrate on my real passion, the farm.”

She added that it wasn’t just her and her family that had benefited, but the wider economy too.

“My friends own the Adam and Eve pub in Wragby, just down the road from our farm,” Demelza said.

saying that they came from our campsite.

They were thrilled with the extra business and keep asking whether I’ll be doing it again.”

Sarah Wheeler, who runs Hever Campsite near Eden Bridge in Kent, described the extension to PDR as ‘provident for the campsite, campers and surrounding businesses.’

She said: “After two years of disturbed uncertainty due to COVID, a lot of people want to stay in the UK next year too. Our campers have expressed to us that they feel confident and safer staying closer to home and boosting the UK economy after such turmoil.

“Local businesses, pubs, cafes and tourist attractions, which had to close during the lockdowns, are trying to hold on by tooth and nail, relying heavily on the tourism our campsite generates.

They would massively benefit if we were permitted to open for extended periods again next year.

“I implore the government to help small businesses recoup our previous losses and offer our campers what they are asking for: more dates in their own country to have affordable holidays whilst supporting their own country’s economy.”

“They saw a notable uplift in customers in the last two years with the majority

RPA begins to make payments to thousands of rural businesses £1.7bn of payments delivered to farmers in the first few days of the payment window he Rural Payments Agency has paid out just over 97,500 claims, totalling £1.725bn for farmers in the first few days of the payment window, which runs between December and June.

The money will be repurposed for schemes which incentivise sustainable farming alongside profitable food production - rewarding farmers for actions that improve air and water quality, and protect wildlife and soil health.

The payments cover the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Countryside Stewardship (CS) revenue and Environmental Stewardship (ES) schemes. Eligible customers should expect to receive their full payment within the payment window which ends in June 2022.

In order to ensure that farmers are adequately supported throughout this journey, the farming resilience programme will be available throughout the first three years of the agricultural transition period to help those most affected by the phasing out of Direct Payments. This will help farmers plan and manage their businesses through the transition to the new system.

Payments are made direct to bank accounts via BACS transfer so farmers should ensure that the RPA has the most up-to-date account details on the Rural Payments service.

T

As announced in the Agricultural Transition Plan, Direct Payments will gradually be reduced over a seven year period, starting from this Basic Payment Scheme year. The biggest reductions will initially be made to the higher payment bands.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Be aware of fraud Claimants are also urged to remain vigilant against fraud. They should remember: • Your bank, police or the RPA will never ask you to reveal your online password, PIN or bank account details or ask you to make a payment over the telephone.

• Never disclose personal information to someone you don’t know or open unknown or unexpected computer links or emails.

• If in doubt, call the organisation back, ideally on a different telephone, using a number you are familiar with or you know to be official. You can find this on the organisation’s website, correspondence or statement. Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 without delay for advice and to register your concern

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

7

| News

NEW Harvest Tec 7 Series Application Equipement For 2022 Season P FC is launching the new 7 Series bale management systems for all types of large square baler. The 7 Series builds on the precision and functionality of the previous 600 Series while reducing the overall capital cost of a system.

The 7 Series has 3 key components. The components are plug and go systems so are easily upgraded to meet the

demands of the progressive baler operator.

The H2O precision moisture sensor and is the building block for additional 7 Series modules. Accurate measurement of moisture is key to understanding further improvements in the management of your baling operation. The H2O moisture sensor with its 24 years of infield experience is built for the latest generation of high density large square balers.

The technology used to read moisture is market leading +/- 1% accuracy with zero 8|

Farming Monthly | December 2021

calibration requirements in different crop types or density. The twin star wheels measure by pulsing an electrical signal through the entire bale flake profile. The PFC team is often asked ‘why we would pay more for your moisture sensor’, the simple answer is accuracy and reliability with ease of use whether it is integrated to the baler or as a smart device standalone system. Why should a baler operator accept data that is less accurate from a rub pad or moisture probe? With the twin star wheel system, the operator can have full confidence in the data produced.

In the near future a second generation RFID bale tagging system will complement the wet bale marker that provides a simple lowcost option to highlight bales that exceed the operators defined moisture limit.

Marking with a food grade colour of the high moisture bales allows the bales to be separated at the stacking point so that the number of waste or poor-quality bales are reduced.

The third component is the automatic variable rate applicator which is suitable for all large square balers. The new 7 Series is approximately a 20% saving in capital cost. The applicator uses when integration is available the balers onboard sensors such as the electronic bale length and weigh scale to monitors the balers performance, adjusting Baler’s Choice application in real time.

Baler’s Choice pH6.0 animal safe buffered acid. This is an integral part to assist in the baling of high moisture hay

and straw when the weather is fighting you all the way to the barn. We have all heard stories of straw baled too wet and turns out like cardboard or hay baled to wet and the usual comments of ‘leave it in the field for a few weeks to sweat’ or at worst self-combust. Once you exceed 16% moisture just as with grain there is varying degrees of spoilage unless using our high quality bale preservative.

NEW 7 Series is the most cost-effective tool to assist in your baling operation.

Improving your understanding of moisture in crops and being able to manage high moisture bales with the wet bale marker or utilising the ultimate bale management applicator system.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Adaptive Control system

Equipment for: Large Square / Round / Conventional

✓ Precision moisture sensor ✓ Auto Rate Control ✓ Baler intuitive ✓ Auto Pause ✓ Job records ✓ Animal / Baler safe preservative

HayBoss baler accessories designed for Massey and Fendt balers www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

9

| News

Their passion is farming and they are not shy to chase their dream

his is Andy and Abbie two first generation farmers based in Suffolk. Neither of us come from farming families but from a young age we've both wanted to be farmers.

We met and on our first date discovered we had the same dream! To one day have our own farm and business.

T

We farm using regenerative farming practices and we believe strongly this is the future of farming. We out winter our stock and they're purely grass reared.

We also try to not use chemicals as this damages the soil and we don't like the thought of eating those chemicals once we eat our meat.

We currently have a small herd and flock of all native breeds 13 cattle and 18 breeding ewes. We have mixed cattle breeds such as Shorthorns, Galloways, redpolls, stabilisers, Hereford crosses. Our sheep are Wiltshire horns, which are a self-shedding breed. We graze at Melford Hall Estate in Long Melford. We are very lucky with our landlords who have been very supportive and given us a chance. We'd like to expand, we don't currently live together or live close to our livestock which makes running and caring for our animals challenging.

We both work full-time still as well as our farming business, we're aiming to go part time next year. Andy is a herdsmen and has been to agricultural college, I'm learning as I go! (Abbie). We supply grass reared beef and lamb to the public, we're newly certified to do so. Our plan is to go part-time so we can concentrate more on our business and to expand massively within the next 5 years. We'd like to eventually buy some land near where we rent land and keep expanding.

One day having our own farm.

Abbie Bryant (26) 10 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

We're looking for some land to rent/ possibly buy in or very local to the long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk area. Or land with/to put a static caravan to live in. Or

somewhere to rent and live in with some land/rural. We're open to suggestions! As first generation farmers we do not have any land of our own and have had to make all of our contacts from scratch.

We work very hard and will aim to regenerate and look after your land well.

Please get in contact if you can help us or know someone that can.

For more information reach out to A & A Livestock on Facebook or @a_and_a_livestock on Instagram if you'd like to see what we do.

Andy Moye (24) www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

NFU calls for urgent action as fly-tipping cases surge he NFU is reiterating its call for urgent action to tackle fly-tipping on farmland, as new figures show the number of flytipping incidents in England rose to 1.13 million, an increase of 16% on the previous 12 months. At the same time, the number of fixed penalty notices and fines handed out is down year-on-year.

Government, local authorities, police and the Environment Agency need to work better together on sharing information to ensure more offenders are being prosecuted.

Adequate punishments that deter criminals dumping waste illegally and easier ways for the public to recycle rubbish will also help in the fight against fly-tipping which continues to have a devastating impact on farming businesses and rural communities.

Responding to the latest government figures, NFU Deputy President

T

Stuart Roberts said: “These figures are incredibly disappointing, particularly when the number of local authority enforcement actions, fixed penalty notices and fines handed out by the courts to offenders are all down. It also confirms what we heard from our members during the first lockdown that fly-tipping incidents spiraled out of control, particularly when waste and recycling centres closed.

“Fly-tipping continues to plague the lives of many of us living and working in the countryside. It’s not just the odd bin bag but old kitchen appliances, sofas and industrialscale amounts of rubbish, such as builder’s rubble and hazardous materials. This affects farmers working hard to produce food and care for the environment, but it also takes a huge toll emotionally and financially and impacts on mental health.

“Significant progress needs to be

made to stop it from happening.

Let’s start by properly punishing those offenders who are caught dumping waste illegally with punitive fines, so they act as a deterrent.

“It’s crucial that police, government agencies and local authorities work more closely together to tackle the problem by sharing information to ensure more offenders are being prosecuted. In some areas these relationships work well but we need to see a more consistent approach across the whole country.

“There is also a role for all of us in our own homes to recycle more and dispose of our waste responsibly.

Better education for householders about legal obligations when disposing of rubbish can help make people aware of their responsibilities.”

Case IH partners with MacDon Industries Ltd Co-branded combine draper headers will be offered at Case IH dealers across the globe ase IH has announced a partnership with MacDon Industries Ltd. to manufacture cobranded draper headers designed for Case IH Axial-Flow® combines. The new line of draper headers will be available to order in early 2022 at Case IH Dealers on a worldwide basis, with the exception of South America.

C

“Case IH and MacDon have a shared legacy and goal of making harvesting easier and more productive for North American farmers,” said Scott Harris, Case IH global president. “By pairing Case IH’s industryleading portfolio of Axial-Flow combines and a robust dealer network with MacDon’s draper header expertise and products, we aim to deliver a best-inclass harvesting package for producers.”

Based in Manitoba, Canada, MacDon has manufactured high-performance harvesting equipment for more than 70 years. Like Case IH, the company is known for working directly with producers and custom harvesters to make equipment that helps producers efficiently harvest crops and fuel the world.

“Innovating to help producers harvest more of what they grow is a top priority,” said Harris. “We look forward to collaborating with MacDon to offer a highefficiency draper header-combine solution that raises the bar for harvesting productivity.”

For more information about Case IH, visit www.caseih.com. For more information about MacDon, visit www.macdon.com.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

11

| News

Government urged to fix supply chain crisis to secure future UK food security coalition of leading food and farming businesses is warning the UK faces a deepening food supply chain crisis unless government takes urgent and meaningful action to fix the structural issues facing the industry.

A

Ahead of a major food and farming summit today, the organisations are calling on government to set out a positive food and farming policy that creates a resilient and sustainable supply chain to underpin domestic food security.

The summit takes place at the end of a year that saw the first ever mass cull of healthy pigs in the UK, a shortage of seasonal workers that threatened fruit and veg being left unpicked in fields, a shortage of lorry drivers, a limited choice of products on supermarket shelves and a rise in imports due to domestic supply chain issues. Alongside this, record inflationary pressures have affected energy, feed and fertiliser prices.

NFU President Minette Batters said: “Britain’s farmers are world-leaders in producing climate friendly food and, over the past 18 months, have been working hard to keep shelves and fridges full despite many being impacted by severe supply chain issues, particularly worker shortages. Government has tried to paper over the cracks with short-term fixes, but if we want to avoid this crisis continuing, long-term solutions are urgently needed to ensure a resilient supply chain that enables us to continue supplying everyone at home with fantastic produce, as well as leading on the global stage.

“A start would be a serious commitment

from government to, at the very least, maintain Britain’s food production selfsufficiency level at 60% and helping to create an environment for farm and food businesses to thrive and compete in the coming years.”

Jayne Almond, Director of Policy and Corporate Affairs, Food and Drink Federation, said: “There is no better industry than food and drink - from farm to fork - to level up the United Kingdom.

With a footprint in every constituency, food and drink provides local jobs and makes a significant contribution to the UK’s economic performance. However, supply chain issues and rising costs are challenging manufacturers like never before. This important summit must consider how we can work together to support our producers and manufacturers, while ensuring UK shoppers continue to get the food and drink they want, at the right price.”

Dr Zoe Davies, Chief Executive, National Pig Association, said: “The UK pig sector is still in meltdown as worker shortages continue to impact our ability to process the number of pigs we already have on farms. The entire food supply chain and government must pull together and resolve the backlog now or we will have no independent pig producers left.

Already 60% of the pork eaten in the UK comes from the EU – it would be a travesty to see this figure increase as more healthy UK pigs are culled on farms and their meat wasted.”

chain. Food retailers and producers are working hard to adapt to a post-Brexit world, ensuring supply chains can continue to deliver quality and affordable food for everyone.”

Ash Amirahmadi, Managing Director, Arla Foods UK, said: “The UK food and farming sector is experiencing shortages in a range of areas caused by local and global factors that are putting real pressure on the supply chain, increasing costs and, ultimately, prices. These strains are not going to go away as we work to become even more sustainable and compete for the best people to come into our industry. Collaboration between government, the industry and farmers is the only way to address this for the longterm and all of us at Arla are ready to play our part.”

Bob Carnell, Chief Executive, ABP UK said: “The UK is one of the most environmentally competitive beef producers globally. We have the opportunity to further enhance this position and become a global leader through improved use of data and technology at farm level and adopting a whole farm approach to sustainable beef production. To help deliver and give UK consumers and other markets access to the best beef in the world, we need to attract and retain more skilled workers from home and abroad and ensure a level playing field for quality British meat when compared to imports.”

Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability, British Retail Consortium, said: “The government needs a coherent food policy to maintain UK production, including a clear strategy for solving labour shortages throughout the supply

Severn Trent offer Midland farmers free training and a set of low drift nozzles evern Trent is inviting farmers in priority catchments to boost their knowledge and improve spray efficiencies in a virtual workshop, where they will receive a free set of low drift spray nozzles through the water company’s Swap Your Nozzles scheme.

Alex Cooke, Severn Trent principal catchment scientist says, due to the success of last year’s events, which saw 128 farmers, responsible for over 37,800 ha take part in the workshops, Severn Trent are delighted to announce they will be running another suite of events throughout January.

“The Swap Your Nozzles online sessions will be led by expert independent agronomist and trainer, Chris Tolley.

“Each event will cover topics from legislation, Local Environment Risk Assessments for Pesticides (LERAP) and buffer zones, through to choosing a nozzle and application considerations,”

S

12 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

she says. “Attendees can register for one NRoSO and two BASIS CPD points.

“Following the training there will be a Q&A session before delegates will be offered a choice of fully funded LERAP 3* or 4* nozzles and caps from a predefined list of options.”

Dr Cooke explains that supporting and educating farmers in this way delivers multifaceted benefits for the farmer and for the local environment. “Delegates will leave the event with the knowledge and tools needed to drive spray efficiencies and therefore farm profitability,” she says.

“These changes all have an impact on spray drift, and of course, will reduce one of the pathways in which pesticides reach watercourses and non-target plant species.”

The training is available to all farmers within Severn Trent pesticide priority catchments, and farmers are urged to sign up soon, as spaces are limited.

To sign up, please email

farming4water@severntrent.co.uk and provide the following information: • Event date on which you wish to book (see dates below) • Name, farm address and phone number • The Severn Trent water catchment you farm in • Maps of the fields you spray • Area of arable and grassland being sprayed within the catchment • A copy of a valid NSTS certificate for your sprayer For more information, please contact your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser or visit: www.stwater.co.uk/ about-us/environment/catchmentmanagement.

Workshops will take place on the following dates: Monday 17 January 18:30 – 20:30 Monday 24 January 18:30 – 20:30 Friday 28 January 09:30 – noon www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Networking: The key to agri-tech success ew agritechnology is arguably centred around bright ideas – but when it comes to turning those ideas into reality then having the right contacts is key.

N

And the Agri-EPI Centre’s Midlands hub is proof of that, having facilitated dozens of cutting-edge projects since it opened three years ago.

“We help people to get things done,” explains hub operations manager, Les Hurdiss. “My job is matchmaking companies and enabling development of practical, forward-thinking agricultural technology.”

The Midlands hub is located at Harper Adams University, meaning tenants have direct links to local farms, university researchers and – through Agri-EPI itself – assistance in securing commercial or grant funding.

Comprising 10,000sq ft of workshop space and 6,000sq ft of officing and meeting rooms, it offers flexible solutions for tenants, from one-hour conference slots to full-time premises.

Inspiring places “Our aim is to inform, inspire and innovate,” says Mr Hurdiss. This involves five

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

steps: Identifying farmers’ challenges, finding firms with ideas to solve those challenges, giving access to university faculties to prove the concept, securing funding, and facilitating partnerships with farmers or other businesses to get it off the ground.

The networking element is therefore key. “Sometimes people get as much out of chatting over a cup of coffee as they do spending hours in research.

“The hub is a great opportunity for early and midstage agri-tech companies to come to one place where they have all the facilities and opportunities to meet likeminded people, farmers and academics to bring their ideas to fruition.”

So what kind of innovations are existing tenants working on? The technology ranges from hydroponic growing systems to autonomous crop management, drones to livestock boluses, and waste management to insect protein. And there have been some notable successes, says Mr Hurdiss.

“We work with DIT to bring companies into Shropshire as a landing pad. When UPL (an Indian company) came to the site just over a year ago, they liked it so much they bought a

65-acre research farm down the road.”

Not only has that created new jobs in the area, but MagGrow – which is developing magnetic ultra-fine spraying technology with AgriEPI – is hoping to hold field trials at the UPL site next year. “The Midlands hub is real ecosystem with opportunities across the whole farmed sector.”

areas without new infrastructure. And farmers can rotationally graze paddocks without needing electric fencing; they simply input the new boundary on their phone and GPS does the rest.

All of this helps to improve grazing practices without disturbing the soil; a win-win for the environment, adds Mrs Budal. “We want to be part of making agriculture greener.”

NoFence Earth Rover Synne Foss Budal, general manager at Norwegian firm NoFence, has been renting office and warehouse space at the hub since April, making it the 10-year old company’s first overseas base.

“When we arrived we had 25 customers in the UK, now we have 140,” she says. “The real value comes from networking; getting to meet the right people, including Government policy makers.”

NoFence makes virtual livestock fencing; animals wear a GPS-connected collar which emits a sound when they get close to the pre-set boundary. “Instead of using their eyes to see the fence they learn to use their ears,” says Mrs Budal.

The benefit is that no physical fencing is required, meaning stock can graze conservation

Earth Rover has been renting office and workshop space at the hub since 2020. “It’s a great address to have as a start-up; it puts you on the agri-tech map,” says the firm’s David Whitewood.

Earth Rover is developing a robotic broccoli harvester, and is also pursuing grant funding to create a smart weeder using concentrated light imaging.

“Being part of the Agri-EPI community is very useful; we share ideas about industry requirements. The farm facilities at the hub are amazing and there’s a good support network among the other start-ups. There’s a lot of cross-fertilisation, which is what we need.”

For further information, visit agri-epicentre.com.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

13

| News

third-generation Meriden farmer has been named the inaugural winner of the Kenilworth and District Agricultural Society (KADAS) Young Farmer of the Year award for Warwickshire.

A

Charlie Beaty, who works at The Dairy Farm, a family-run farm on Maxstoke Lane just inside the Warwickshire county boundaries, is the first ever winner of the award.

The Young Farmer of the Year Award is presented by KADAS, and supported by Brian Dalby and the Warwickshire Agricultural Society.

Charlie, 26, will be presented with the trophy and a cash prize at The Kenilworth Show on Saturday, June 4 2022.

It is Coventry and Warwickshire’s largest one-day agricultural show and will take place on the grounds of the Stoneleigh Park Estate.

A panel of three judges hand-picked Charlie for the award after a nomination process which saw young farmers from all over the county put forward for the award.

The award recognises farmers under the age of 30 who have a great work ethic, demonstrate a real knowledge of their area of agriculture and are a positive ambassador for farming in the UK. 14 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Charlie is a Harper Adams University graduate and since graduating in 2017 has spent time working in Australia and New Zealand.

She now works the farm in Meriden with her dad and uncle – who follow on from her grandad who initially took on the tenancy of the farm in 1958.

Since returning to Warwickshire, Charlie has been named Senior Member of the Year for the National Federation of Young Farmers. She is also a regular columnist for Farmers Weekly.

Charlie said: “I was pretty chuffed to find out I had won the award and I’d like to thank the judges for choosing me.

“We have a really strong farming community in Warwickshire and I’m proud to be an active member with the Warwickshire Young Farmers.

“This is a time of change for farming and agriculture, but every day is different and I love it. I’m committed to improving and continuing to improve the farming business we run in this big period of change.

“I want to make sure that what we are doing is the as efficient and profitable as it can be. This will help us to navigate the reduction in support payments for agriculture and aid is in our drive to meet the National Farmers Union (NFU) targets by 2040.

“We’re all going to be tested in agriculture over the coming years and

without a doubt what we are striving to achieve now will be completely different in 10 years’ time.

“I’m proud to have won the award and with the young farmers we have coming through, I think agriculture has a strong future here in Warwickshire.”

Sam Evans, KADAS & Kenilworth Show Secretary, added: “Charlie was an exceptionally strong contender for this award and the panel of judges were very impressed with her nomination.

“She is everything that you would want in a young farmer, she’s enthusiastic, knowledgeable, forward thinking and is very approachable as well.

“Charlie deserves recognition for the fantastic work she is doing in the agricultural industry and is a muchdeserved inaugural winner of our Young Farmer of the Year award “This is a new award that the society launched this year in support of young farmers who are so important to the industry and it is an award that we see a great future for. We will be opening nominations again in the autumn and welcome nominations from across the Warwickshire agriculture committee.”

To find out more about the Kenilworth Show visit https:// www.kenilworthshow.co.uk/

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Click here to support Lestershire MS Therapy Centre www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Click here to support East Midlands Air Ambulance December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

15

| News

he Official CESAR (Construction Equipment Security and Registration) Scheme has reached a major milestone in its rollout across the construction plant and agricultural machinery industry. In November this year, the 500,000th machine fitted with the security marking system rolled off the production line.

T

introduction of the new Emissions Compliance Verification (ECV) product. The scheme can now be used for security and emissions identification and also asset management. It's this evolution of the original scheme that has enabled CESAR to reach this half-million milestone.

CESAR scheme, powered by Datatag and owned by the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) and the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association), was launched in 2007 to combat machinery theft across the industry.

Team members from the CEA, AEA, and Datatag met at one of the Midlands CESAR dealers, Sharmans Of Stamford, to celebrate the achievement. Stephen Howarth, AEA's agricultural economist, attended the event and commented, "It's great to reach such a great milestone for the Scheme and to celebrate it with a successful agricultural dealer."

Today over 85% of new construction and agricultural machinery in the UK is now fitted with the system as standard. The scheme has gone from strength to strength thanks to the

Dave Luscombe, CEA's head of special projects, was also delighted to be able to celebrate this landmark achievement, "The idea that we would one day achieve half a million pieces of

16 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

construction plant and agricultural machinery, that would be protected with CESAR, when the Scheme was launched back in 2007, was just a dream for everyone involved. Today we can all celebrate that dream becoming a reality and I would like to thank every one of our manufacturer members for the support that they have shown for CESAR over the years. Today we celebrate what has been achieved and look forward to achieving further success in the future with both CESAR and the ECV (Emissions Compliance Verification) Scheme."

Managing director of Datatag, Kevin Howells added "Our technology has been supporting the Scheme for nearly 15 years and has helped to create a proven deterrent for theft of construction and agricultural machinery. This milestone is an outstanding achievement and we look forward to celebrating the 1,000,000th machine in the not too distant future!" www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

The official CESAR scheme's success in deterring theft comes from the multi-layered technologies supplied by security specialists Datatag. These include the now-iconic and uniquely numbered tamper-evident triangular ID plates, hidden RFID transponders, microscopic Datadots, and a unique forensic DNA solution. Once fitted these technologies are almost impossible to remove successfully and when recorded on Datatag's secure database, are accessible to the police 24/7enabling them to identify any machine at the roadside night or day.

A further benefit to customers of brands fitting CESAR to their machines is that many leading insurers provide insurance premium discounts of up to 20% off for all protected and registered equipment.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

17

| Arable

or David Wroth of Bell Farm, Docking in Norfolk, his crop of peas performed so well last year, that this year he has doubled his hectarage, and even sees the possibility of peas becoming a replacement for sugar beet in his rotation.

“Season long the crop looked good, we had no disease issues and it stood well. It flowered earlier than other varieties in the area, quite noticeably by as much as twothree weeks.”

“Last year was the first year that we have included peas in the rotation, and this came about as we agreed to grow a seed crop of the large blue pea LG Aviator, for breeder Limagrain UK who are local to us.”

“We set a date when we would harvest the crop and stuck to it, and that’s the key with harvesting peas I think. This year we harvested the peas on 12/13th August.”

F

“There have been pea trials on the farm before, but we have never grown a crop commercially as it were, but LG Aviator sounded like a variety worth trying.”

The crop was really straight forward to grow, he notes. “The key was not rushing to drill in the spring until conditions were suitable – which was the 22nd March. The previous crop was sugar beet.”

“We established the crop using a single pass with a Cousins Patriot combination cultivator and then drilled with a HORSCH Pronto drill, at a seed rate of 90 seeds/m2.”

Crop inputs

“Most of the pods formed at the top of the plant which made for an easier harvest.”

He recognises that not being such a large farm, there is the advantage of a certain amount of flexibility at harvest.

“We didn’t come away with the highest yields in the world, but considering the season, we were pleased as they averaged out 3.5-4 t/ha.”

“The plan is that if the peas continue to do well, we may increase the acres year on year reducing the sugar beet in the rotation, eventually replacing the 40 hectares or so that is currently grown.”

“In the current scenario of very high nitrogen fertiliser prices, the nitrogen fixing ability of the peas is very valuable.”

PANEL LG Aviator will join the PGRO Descriptive List this year, as a fully recommended variety with a yield of 100% over control.

Pulse breeder for Limagrain, Will Pillinger explains that the reason for these high yields is because LG Aviator is a multipodded variety type. “For each node that LG Aviator produces, there are three pods; this means there are more pods at the top of the plant rather than spread through the plant, making for a more even maturity with less competition for light - and this is a significant characteristic in building yield.”

He notes that with this stunning and predictable plant habit, this new type of manageable green pea variety makes planning pesticide and nutrient applications far easier than conventional ‘semiindeterminate’ types. This also applies for predicting the harvest period, which is really useful.

Agronomically, there is much to like about the variety he adds. “LG Aviator offers one of the best resistances to downey mildew (8) and is highly resistant to powdery mildew. It’s early, and has good ratings for standing ability and straw length (rated 6) – making it one of the best agronomic packages of any other provisionally rated varieties.”

“Suitable for both human consumption and for animal protein, all of this makes for a very exciting variety and one that should perform well for UK growers.”

18 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

19

| Arable

wo new Syngenta barley varieties have been added to the latest AHDB Recommended List.

New winter hybrid barley – SY Canyon New on the 2022/23 AHDB winter barley Recommended List (RL), the hybrid feed barley, SY Canyon, is set to tick a lot of boxes for growers, says Syngenta seeds technical expert, Ben Urquhart.

As well as its high UK treated yield of 106% of control varieties, he says SY Canyon continues Syngenta’s recent heritage of breeding hybrid barleys with improved grain quality – with a specific weight of 71.2 kg/hl, the second highest figure of all varieties on the latest winter barley RL. “High specific weight offers farmers reassurance when it comes to achieving grain quality contracts,” explains Mr Urquhart. “Yield-wise, SY Canyon has also performed

particularly well in the West and consistently across different growing seasons. This is a trait of a dependable variety.

New on the AHDB spring barley 2022 Recommended List (RL) in the malting category is the Syngenta variety, SY Bronte.

“SY Canyon also has the highest untreated yield figure on the new RL, at 89% of the treated controls.

This, plus its good all-round disease resistance package, offers growers flexibility with integrated disease management.”

Currently under MBC evaluation for brewing, SY Bronte combines very high treated yield, excellent grain quality and strong agronomic characteristics, says Syngenta seeds marketing manager, Tracy Creasy.

Usefully, Mr Urquhart says, with a figure of -1 on the RL, SY Canyon is also early-maturing, helping to spread harvest workloads and provide an early entry for following crops, such as winter oilseed rape.

“SY Bronte has also shown consistency in its yields in different regions and over different seasons.

Agronomically, it has very good brackling resistance and good lodging resistance and, added to this, has a good combination of disease resistance and untreated yield. So it looks a consistent and secure option for the future.

“It also has the highest light land yield figure on the new winter barley RL, as well as good straw strength and good brackling resistance.

“Overall, SY Canyon could be an attractive option for growers looking to graduate from the hybrid Libra, and looking for Libra-like specific weight with higher yield.”

New spring barley – SY Bronte

“Quality-wise, SY Bronte has good specific weight, low screening levels, and a very high hot water extract.

“As a potential brewing variety, SY Bronte offers a valuable addition to spring barley choices going forward for growers in England,” Mrs Creasy adds.

Photo: SY Bronte Caption: Currently under MBC evaluation for brewing, SY Bronte combines very high treated yield, excellent grain quality and strong agronomic characteristics, says Syngenta seeds marketing manager, Tracy Creasy 20 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

Eurofins expands agricultural testing team oil, forage, and manure testing specialists Eurofins Agro UK has employed Sophie Cath in the role of business development manager. Miss Cath joins from Frontier where she specialised in commodity buying and selling inputs. “I grew up on a farm and studied agriculture at Aberystwyth University. I’ve been in the industry ever since, working with farmers, agronomists, and advisors, predominately in the south of England,” she says.

to understand the value of raw materials such as soil, slurry, and silage. “I have been involved in trials and precision farming applications in the past, so I am looking forward to working with our existing customers and expanding the business in the UK,” she adds.

Miss Cath will join an expanding Eurofins team with laboratories in Wolverhampton and Suffolk.

“Eurofins is at the cutting edge of agricultural testing, and it is great to be joining the business at such an exciting time,” she says.

Eurofins Agro UK offers a variety of agricultural tests to help farmers, and others in the industry, www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

21

| Arable

SPOTLIGHT ON SPRING CEREAL CROPPING OPTIONS fter many growers got forced into spring cropping following washout autumns in 2019 and 2020, better conditions for establishing winter crops this autumn were a welcome relief.

around 120 kg N/ha - but it does mean early drilling at higher seed rates into good conditions and a robust programme of fungicides and growth regulators, he notes.

A

While this will result in less dependence on spring crops in 2022, they remain important to the rotation on many farms, for agronomic, financial and logistical reasons.

For those still to decide which crops and/or varieties to sow next spring, Hutchinsons technical manager Dick Neale and national seeds manager David Bouch highlight some options to consider.

Spring barley

In terms of varieties, Mr Bouch says the main options are largely unchanged from last year, with Laureate, LG Diablo and RGT Planet leading the way on yield, quality and acceptance by end users. “Yield, specific weight and David Bouch screenings are all pretty similar, although Laureate performed exceptionally well last year.”

Barley remains the leading spring cropping option in many regions, especially those supplying malting, distilling and animal feed sectors. In recent years spring barley has also become a go-to option in less traditional areas among growers tackling black-grass.

“That’s still the situation, especially as there will be some fields that have taken a backwards step for black-grass control after the difficult conditions we’ve experienced in recent seasons,” Mr Neale says.

“If you’re growing spring barley for black-grass control on heavy clay soil, don’t Dick Neale rush out and get a malting contract then apply malting barley principles developed on predominantly light land. For blackgrass control, focus on maximising yield and crop competition, which in turn will dilute grain nitrogen and can still make a good malting sample.”

Pushing for yield does not necessarily require a lot of nitrogen - typically 22 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Mr Bouch adds: “We’ve seen several new varieties come through, but none add much in terms of yield and most still need end user backing.”

Newcomer Skyway is interesting given a 4-5% yield advantage over established favourites, however at the time of writing it was still being evaluated for brewing use. Likewise SY Splendor and SY Tungsten, which joined the Recommended List last year, also offer slightly higher yields, but still only have provisional MBC approval, he says.

Spring wheat There have been big improvements in spring wheat agronomy in recent years, with many growers achieving good results.

The crop is an efficient user of nitrogen, with most spring milling varieties able to achieve 13.5% protein from around half the applied nitrogen usually required by winter milling wheat, Mr Neale says.

Given spring wheat’s low tillering capacity, he believes success depends on high seed rates to ensure a strong established plant population and

reduce the risk of ergot infection during flowering. Generally this means sowing 500-600 seeds/m2, which should produce yields of around 8 t/ha.

Group 1 variety Mulika is still a firm favourite, despite having spent 20 years on the RL, Mr Bouch says.

Group 2 KWS Cochise picked up decent market share in 2021 and is likely to be popular again next spring, he adds.

Another Group 2, KWS Giraffe, joined the RL in 2020 and generated much interest, however with limited seed availability, it took only a small market share, which he expects to increase next spring. “It’s got the protein and specific weight growers need, and although yield isn’t the highest, it’s still almost 10% better than Mulika.”

KWS Chilham is another Group 2 worth considering, while for out-andout yield, several familiar Group 4s attract support. “They offer highest yields, but proteins are not as exciting."

Spring oats The UK spring oat area is relatively small, so seed volumes are limited and tend to sell out most seasons.

The crop provides a partial break from wheat and barley that is relatively cheap to grow and can be highly competitive against black-grass, Mr Neale says.

“It doesn’t need a lot of nitrogen, and disease-wise, the main focus is on keeping out mildew and rust, which should be fairly straightforward with existing chemistry. Standing ability is not too bad providing you adopt a sensible PGR programme.”

Mr Bouch says WPB Isabel is one of the biggest selling spring oat varieties, and is likely to remain popular given its yield and quality, closely followed by Canyon.

Newcomer Merlin is attracting attention for its quality, so is worth considering, he adds. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

A

new practical guide to assessing soil carbon promises to answer farmers’ key questions at a time when many are looking to understand their soil health.

Produced by Duchy College, Plymouth University, Rothamsted Research and the Farm Carbon Toolkit, the guide lists and answers key questions for robust on-farm monitoring of soil carbon and associated indicators of soil health. This is particularly significant given the recent announcement of the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme, which is reliant on a consistent approach to soil sampling.

“In the Soil Carbon Project we were trying to understand the relationship between farm management practices and levels of soil organic matter, as well as issues around how we monitor soil carbon,” says Stephen Roderick, project management at Duchy College.

Carbon sequestration plays a key part in climate change mitigation, but soil carbon’s importance goes beyond sequestering as much as possible, says Andy Neal, research scientist at Rothamsted. “What’s much more important are the co-benefits of getting organic matter into soil – organic matter affects how much water and nutrients the soil can store, and can limit the carbon footprint,” he says.

Willson, business development and technical director at Farm Carbon Toolkit.

“We have been looking at what’s happening at different depths, zero to 10cm, 10 to 30cm and 30 to 50cm; the important thing is to avoid sampling after cultivation, particularly if it has been ploughed. Leave the fields to settle after cultivation for at least three months,” she adds.

Farmers should send the samples off as soon as possible, although up to two weeks’ delay is acceptable if they are refrigerated – this slows the organic matter breakdown.

Analysis

Farmers should sample at the same time each year because seasonality can affect results. “If sampling just for organic matter, in theory the soil can be sampled at any time of year but be consistent with that approach. And if you’re sampling for nutrients at the same time, think about when that fits in best in rotation management.”

In the lab, there are a couple of options for testing organic matter and soil carbon – Loss on Ignition (LOI) and DUMAS. “LOI provides a rough idea of the soil organic carbon content and is generally slightly cheaper, however it is not standardised between labs making it crucial to stick with the same lab,” explains Jasper Newman, researcher at the University of Plymouth.

Location When it comes to sample location, it’s best to select fields which represent the variation across the farm, including differences in soil texture, cropping and management, says Ms Willson.

So what tips does the guide include?

There are three main options for sampling patterns within a field: Sampling in a ‘W’ configuration, in a linear transect or a grid formulation. The guide recommends at least five sample points although 15 is preferable. Samples can be aggregated but only on a field or zone basis and they must be well mixed before bagging.

Soil sampling – timing

Equipment

“Traditionally the sampling periods are the spring and autumn,” explains Becky

In terms of equipment, a soil auger is the

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

best implement for the job – but digging a hole and removing soil by hand is fine.

Clean buckets and sandwich bags are also necessary for collecting the samples.

The practical guide, which is based on the latest research, will help farmers, advisers and researchers to adopt the most consistent techniques for monitoring soil carbon – which will become increasingly important as focus on carbon intensifies, says Mr Roderick. “Robust estimates of soil carbon stocks can be a complicated subject; this guide is designed in collaboration with our research partners to answer those key questions.

“The learnings from the project have informed the Farm Net Zero project and now that the Soil Carbon project has come to a close, it’s activities will continue in Farm Net Zero with the support of the National Lottery Climate Action Fund.”

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

23

| Grain

Use foliar N on spring wheat for maximum returns armers growing spring wheat this year should consider applying foliar nitrogen to improve crop efficiencies and boost protein content in milling varieties.

F

Given that prilled urea or ammonium nitrate is only 60% efficient in ideal conditions – and can’t be taken up by the plant when the soil is dry or too wet – using foliar nitrogen in a tank mix with fungicides, PGRs or herbicides makes considerable financial and environmental sense.

“Although foliar nitrogen seems more expensive, it is 85-90% efficient, so on a per hectare basis it is comparable,” explains Doug Chaplin, managing director at Micromix Plant Health. “And as there is less loss of ammonia into the air or groundwater, it’s better for the environment.”

Producers may choose to use conventional soil-applied products early in the spring and then switch to foliar applications later, or take the foliar option throughout.

24 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

“You want to apply at the start of spring growth, and it’s best to apply little and often – typically whenever you’re applying fungicide or herbicides as a tank-mix to minimise the number of field passes and save on fuel,” says Mr Chaplin.

It’s important to choose a product which won’t scorch the crop though – for example Multi-N has a nonscorching formulation and can be applied in a low dilution, reducing the volume of water required per tank. “It can go on at 100 litres of water per hectare, at a rate of 5-90 litres/ha of product, depending on the nitrogen requirement.”

The formulation includes three forms of nitrogen: Ammoniacal nitrogen, urea thiosulphate and nitric nitrogen, which supply both slow and quick release nitrogen and a bio-available form of sulphur.

“The nitric form is instantly available once absorbed by the leaf,” explains Mr Chaplin.

“But the sulphur inhibits the nitrification of ammonia, so that becomes available nitrate following translocation to where growth is taking place. The fast-acting

sulphur is immediately incorporated into S-rich amino acids which are key components of grain protein.”

For milling wheat, Mr Chaplin suggests applying 5 litres/ha at growth stage 25, 15 litres/ha around GS32 (stem extension), and then 40 litres/ha at GS59 to boost the grain protein content.

“Last year, many producers opted to grow spring barley following the awful wet autumn, but margins were not that great, and this year the level of demand for malting varieties is unclear,” explains Mr Chaplin.

“So, many growers are instead looking to milling wheat as a spring option – which makes a lot of sense as the more profitable choice. But it will be important to maximise both yields and quality for optimum returns, which means giving the crop the best support possible.”

For more information visit micromix.com. Multi-N is available in the UK from Frontier – www.frontierag.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Shedding new light on grain assurance

Standards of imported grain versus that grown under domestic assurance schemes have been the subject of much debate within the cereals industry in recent months.

Our Economics & Analysis Director David Eudall discusses a new piece of AHDB research designed to demystify how trade assurance schemes operate and the costs involved, to provide the cereals industry with the information it needs for a balanced debate. ver recent weeks and months, AHDB has been working with a number of industry stakeholders to discuss and find solutions to the current debate in cereals markets on assurance, equivalence to imports and testing standards.

O

As part of these discussions, it’s vitally important that all involved have a clear understanding of why assurance is needed, the difference between farm and trade assurance and how the process actually works.

As ever, nothing is simple and in assurance that is the case. There are a multitude of assurance schemes around the UK, Europe and globally that all have reciprocal acknowledgement of each other’s standards and practices.

For example, TASCC in the UK is seen as equivalent to the European EFISC-GTP scheme and this underpins the links between trading counterparties assurance.

The links between assurance schemes allow trade to be confident that grain is meeting the legal requirements of food and feed safety laws. One question we have been asked is to explain how grain that is not from an assured source enters a supply chain. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

This is where ‘gatekeeping’ comes in. This, in practice, is the detail, contracts and testing required from a first-hand purchaser to ensure grain is of the safe standards required to enter a food and feed chain. This is more complex than first assumed and so the need to explain this in detail is important.

Ultimately, we want to ensure that all have the same level of working knowledge of assurance practices and protocols.

There is also a clear information gap with regards to the cost of testing grain, both on the scale of imported vessels but also for individual samples. AHDB sees this as a key piece of information needed to inform future discussions, so we’ve looked into this area to give clarity.

From an individual vessel perspective, the costs of testing everything required to enter the UK food and feed chain starts at around £1,500 and increases depending on vessel size, commodity and company used. For single samples, the cost of testing depends on the hazard being tested for. Looking for residues of pesticides will cost up to £150 per sample, while Dioxin levels are more expensive to test at over £500 per sample.

current and potential future assurance scheme costs is important when assessing the viability of any future assurance options.

The purpose of our research is singularly to ensure that information is equal across those involved in the debate. A balance of informative knowledge is hugely important in ensuring that final decisions are being made with the full picture in place.

Without this knowledge and information, there would be a risk that decisions are being made which could then harm or disadvantage the UK food and feed supply chains. It is not our view to try to persuade one side of the argument or another but to inform and educate on how the assurance process of our supply chain works today.

David Eudall Economics & Analysis Director AHDB

The cost of sampling compared to December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

25

| Potatoes

Sustainable Sprout Control

• Is a naturally occurring product, in widespread use in the food industry,

reducing the risk of acrylamide

• development when crop is processed,

• Is approved for use on organic potato crops, • Has no harvest interval or MRL, • Does not leave persistent residues in the fabric of stores and boxes used for storage, • And is therefore suitable for use in stores, which may subsequently be used for the • storage of other crops or seed potatoes, • Is effective at higher storage temperatures,

• Sequesters carbon during growth, removing 1t of CO2 for every 1,000t of potatoes • treated, • And should be a component of the sustainability plan for every farm and every • customer; effectively carbon neutral.

Biox-M is the natural and sustainable sprout control for potatoes.

iox-M is a well-established and highly effective treatment for the control of sprouting in potatoes in store. Biox-M is in widespread use in the UK and on the continent on crops destined for both fresh, processing and organic markets.

B

Approved for use in the UK in 2012, the 2020 harvest season was the first to see widespread adoption of Biox-M as the principal product for sprout control. Many store managers used Biox-M for the first time in 2020/21 and, with what proved to be a 2 million tonne trial, have made great strides in understanding and implementing best practice in store management. The industry has gone into the new season much better prepared and with much greater familiarity and confidence than a year ago. Confidence in using Biox-M was very much in evidence at BP2021, where growers, packers and processors were sharing their positive experiences with the product.

Biox-M is very much part of the wider sustainability toolbox, which customers and consumers increasingly expect growers to consider. Biox-M comes from a naturally occurring perennial crop, spearmint (mentha spicata), grown in a number of countries around the world – India, China and the US are large exporters. Carbon is sequestered in the crop and in the soil (perennial crops sequester carbon in soil much more effectively than annual crops). Spearmint oil is extracted by a simple process of steam distillation. To deliver a uniform product with a minimum level of carvone, the oil is blended to produce Biox-M. No synthetic, persistent or harmful chemistry is involved.

26 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

THE COMPLETE HANDLING SOLUTION

Designed with you in mind INNOVATIVE DESIGN FROM FARM TO PACK

www.tongengineering.com e: sales@tongengineering.com t: +44 (0)1790 752771

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

BIOX-M

| Potatoes

Exceptional sprout control in fresh and processing crops

Contact:

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Peter Hall peter@junopp.com 07973 172722 Nick Tapp nick@junopp.com 07775 785748 www.junopp.com 27 December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

| Potatoes

GRIMME UK’s VARITRON 470 takes centre stage at BP2021

RIMME's market-leading VARITRON 470 four-row self-propelled harvester took centre stage, at the recent BP2021. The latest model offers unparalleled performance and driving comfort and can be equipped with an extensive range of separators.

G

The VARITRON 470 achieves a high degree of manoeuvrability thanks to its pivoting rear axle which can be fitted with tracks or wheels when ordered. The popular terra trac system gives extreme soil

protection in all conditions with very little soil compaction.

GRIMME has incorporated several automatic features, including Speedtronic and Visual Protect, which can be conveniently controlled from the premium cabin, increasing harvesting efficiency.

The company also introduced its latest CleanLoader, which is designed to reduce the amount of clod and haulm found in the harvested crop.

Fully road legal, the CleanLoader doesn't

require an external power source to operate, thanks to an on-board 46KW, fourcylinder diesel engine. This efficient unit provides exceptional fuel economy, using as little as 50 litres of fuel within 12 hours, and can reach 120 tonnes per hour.

Integral to the CleanLoader is GRIMME's RH24-60 self-emptying receiving hopper, with a generous volume of 21 cubic meters.

The hopper automatically feeds onto twin coil units to ensure even and constant crop flow through the machine. The first set of coils separates debris from the soil, with the second coil unit delivering additional

Potatoes – Every tuber is in safe hands with Haith.

IN-FIELD

+44 (0) 1302 831911

28 |

sales@haith.co.uk

Farming Monthly | December 2021

PROUD SPONSORS OF

IN-TAKE

BOX TIPPLERS

WASHERS & DESTONERS

POLISHERS

GRADERS

OPTICAL SORTERS

TURNKEY SOLUTIONS

INNOVATION COMBINED

www.haith.co.uk

Strategic Partner www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Potatoes

separation or pregrading of the crop depending upon conditions.

Once inspected, the crop is transferred from a picking table onto the 120cm wide cart elevator with high capacity pockets for fast loading times.

A further benefit of the CleanLoader is that its elevator has a 25 degree (or 6.5 meters) pivot range, removing the need to constantly reposition trailers during filling, and with an impressive seven-metre overloading length, it is possible to leave the trailer out of the field completely, discharging over any small hedges and ditches.

As well as the VARITRON and CleanLoader, GRIMME also focused on spring machinery, promoting its range of tilers, destoners and planters during British Potato.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Away from machinery, GRIMME had a working demonstration of HarvestEyeTM on-stand. Developed in partnership with B-Hive, HarvestEyeTM is a unique system that effectively samples the crop from the whole field at harvest. The insights allow growers to market their crops more profitably and underpins better planning by looking at the whole field instead of conventional sampling.

"For more information about GRIMME and its machinery, visit www.grimme.com/UK, call 01205 822 300 or email sales@gimme.co.uk.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

29

| Potatoes

LATEST VERSION OF HAITH'S ROTA-TIP RECENTLY LAUNCHED AT BRITISH POTATO 21 ith over 170 machines sold, Haith's Rota-tip range is the potato industry's most popular box tippler, and visitors to this year's British Potato were the first to see the next generation of the class-leading machine.

W

The Rota-tip PRO, which has had a patent application granted, took centre stage on Haiths Stand.

The Rota-tip PRO features allelectric drives and a new mechanism to allow it to take boxes of varying heights, which will be clamped to ensure they're secure and that the contents are not spilled during the process.

Haith has also added a powered rotation lid to the new Rota-tip PRO. In previous models, the web lid is fixed, but in the latest version, the lid extends just before the tipping process starts.

www.scottsuk.com 54B

To make transportation easier, the new Rota-tip PRO has a narrower footprint than previous models. The 300mm difference means that the new Rota-tip PRO takes up less space, making it ideal for small packhouses and facilities.

Haith Group has exhibited at every British Potato show, and once again, the company was one of the event sponsors as the company continues to support the industry and the potato growers that have put their trust in the company's products.

Haith's strategic partners GRIMME also had a strong presence on the stand as both companies made their first appearance at British Potatoes since formalising their working relationship.

To find out more about Haith and its range of vegetable handling equipment, please visit www.haith.co.uk, email sales@haith.co.uk or call 01302 831 911.

See us at

Hall 8 Stand 900

6000

6 row fixed front/ rear mounted

6 row hydraulic folding

36B

30B

4 row fixed front or rear mounted 30 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Email: sales@scottsuk.com

22B

3 row fixed front or rear mounted

2 row fixed front or rear mounted

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1205 270128

| Potatoes

Tong highlights on-farm advancements and labour efficiencies at LAMMA eading vegetable handling equipment manufacturer, Tong Engineering, is looking forward to returning to the NEC Birmingham to exhibit once again at the UK’s largest farm machinery show LAMMA, on stand 7.668 in Hall 7.

L

Since the industry last met at LAMMA, Tong has launched several new products and equipment advances and is set to highlight how these latest developments are proving invaluable in improving postharvest operations by minimising labour requirements whilst maximising capacity and yield.

One of the company’s newest machines, the FieldLoad PRO, is proving to bring a dramatic reduction in post-harvest loading times. The FieldLoad PRO receives and cleans crop at high capacities straight from trailers filled by the harvester, ensuring soil and debris is removed from crop in the field, whilst significantly reducing unnecessary transport of crop from field to farm. The machine is fully configurable to meet exact requirements and is designed to be extremely versatile; it is suitable for multi-crop use, working effectively on potatoes, carrots and onions. Customers

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

can also choose any Tong cleaning unit as part of the machine, including the advanced EasyClean separator available with Auto-Touch HMI controls. The Tong high-speed PU coil cleaning system and star coil cleaning units are also available.

Another new product launch from Tong which is already transforming post-harvest box filling for growers worldwide, from the UK and Ireland, to Australia and the USA, is the new Tong MonstaFill box filler. Built to combine high capacity and gentle box filling, with reduced forklift movements, the MonstaFill box filler ensures a continuous box filling process. The simple in and out forklift action to remove full boxes and subsequently present empty ones makes for a seamless process; there is no waiting for the forklift and the machine can be easily operated by one forklift.

“We are delighted at how our new product developments performing,” says Richard Knighton, Sales Manager at Tong Engineering, “it is always great to see new products come into their own. One customer in the UK is achieving throughputs of up to 90 tons per hour when using the MonstaFill with our latest FieldLoad PRO field-loading machine. The MonstaFill has transformed their daily

throughput capabilities so much that the subsequently ordered a further two MonstaFill machines to advance their potato handling operations even further.”

In addition to the new product launches from Tong, optical sorting advancements are increasingly taking centre stage as growers look to reduce the reliance on the workforce to achieve efficient grading and sorting. Tong prides itself on its experience and expertise in integrating a wide range of optical sorting equipment from best-in-class manufacturers, and is looking forward to speaking to vegetable producers at LAMMA to discuss how the new camera technologies can be specified to replace traditional manual sorting facilities for great efficiencies.

“We look forward to seeing farmers and growers from all over the UK at Lamma to discuss the latest handling advancements and their requirements for the year ahead.

We welcome visitors to come and see us on our stand in Hall 7 where they can be sure of a warm welcome with light refreshments,” says Richard.

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

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

31

This month, Alexandra Wright shares her family’s journey with us, on being a first-generation farmer and how determination and vision has seen their business go from inception to success have always been around animals and farming and grew up on a small holding where my dad and his friend reared calves, I can remember from a young age the pens of calves and also the older stock and having a favourite. I attended our local agriculture college Brooksby Melton and studied Animal Care but loved the farming module of the course.

Fast forward a few years and I met my now husband Adam, who was a herds person on a dairy farm at the time. We have always toyed with the idea of having our own farm, and we applied for a council farm in Wales, but due to not having any stock to our name or machinery we didn't get a look in. It's ironic as what we are doing now is what we wanted to achieve on our own farm.

My husband is a herd manager on an Organic Dairy farm and I have always taken the children to the farm to see the calves and help feed them and thought it may be fun to have a few at home to rear and sell on...which is where Castle View Cows was born!

The initial idea was to buy a block of five calves off the farm, rear them until around six months old, sell them and then start again. With all good ideas things evolve and now we have small but modest herd of ten, seven heifers and three steers. Six of the heifers are in calf and due at the start of May, these were all AI so we could choose a specific bull and we do not have the facilities to house a bull.

Our aim is to breed and produce lovely durable stock, which can be sold on or slaughtered for grass fed beef.

It has been a tough two years, as we have started from scratch with nothing but an old truck as equipment. I bucket fed all the calves twice a day whilst being a full time mum to our three young children and working part time.

Over the time we have purchased 32 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

two old International tractors and various other machinery, which all need work but will be so useful to us. As for land we had two acres across the road where the ponies are kept, but now rent over twenty acres of grass, some we use for hay and silage, the rest for grazing the cows. My favourite thing to do is finding small pockets of grass land and finding out who owns it and then speaking to them about our vision with the hope they'll let us rent the land for as little as possible. We have been really lucky this year and found a lovely nine acres of grass land with buildings which we are using this winter.

We do all the work ourselves as well as raising a family and both working full time, it's tough but it is so rewarding. I go and check the stock everyday with my three helpers in tow, while I am checking everyone is happy and eating, the children are playing on bales or having cuddles with the heifers.

Raising the children to know where their food comes

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

from and giving them knowledge about the food chain is really important to me, we recently sent one of our steers to slaughter and the children helped bucket feed him from a day old calf and saw the end product of lovely grass fed beef.

We hope to keep growing the herd and as a birthday present this year I took delivery of six Kerry Hill ewes. An amazing addition to Castle View Cows and I have the same vision for our sheep as with the cows.

Being first generation farmers is hopefully showing our children anything is possible with hard work and a vision.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/castleviewcows

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

33

| LAMMA

Tickets now available as LAMMA prepares to celebrate 40th year he LAMMA Show returns to the halls of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) on 11-12 January 2022 to celebrate its 40th year as the UK’s leading agricultural machinery, equipment and technology show.

T

“To celebrate this important milestone in LAMMA’s history, we are not only looking at our past, but focussing on the future of our event and the UK farming industry,” says Kate Walsh, Event Manager of LAMMA. “We are planning some exciting new features at the show and re-inventing others.

LAMMA’s beginnings are deeply rooted in bringing the best of farm machinery innovation under one roof and looking to the future; something we aim to continue for the next 40 years and beyond.”

The Farm Safety Zone, sponsored by Safety Revolution, returns to the show for the fourth consecutive year. Key organisations, charities and industry figures will raise awareness on vital aspects of farm safety and how to minimise risk and accidents on farm.

34 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

The Farming 4.0 Trail is centralised around the theme of “The Future of Agriculture”, highlighting the role data, robotics and other devices will play in

achieving Net Zero. Exhibitors already on the 2022 Trail include Airial Robotics, Crop4Sight, Agrifac, Bayer, and more.

Also with an eye on the future, LAMMA has partnered with the Institution of Agricultural Engineers to offer the 2021 Young Engineer Award, celebrating upcoming agricultural engineers. The award winner will be announced at the show.

“We are delighted to be part of LAMMA’s celebration of this historic moment,” says Sanjeev Khaira, Director of Arc Media, which recently acquired LAMMA from previous owners AgriBriefing. “The show’s longevity and success are testament to the vision of its founders, evolving and growing from strength to strength and bringing the industry together year after year. We look forward to seeing its continued growth and support for the industry through future challenges.”

Over 700 manufacturers, dealers and distributors will fill 11 halls at the NEC, showcasing the latest products, knowledge and services available for farmers and producers in all corners of agriculture, including potatoes, barley, dairy, poultry, horticulture and much more.

Sponsored by Kramp, registration for LAMMA 2022 is free of charge; visitors are strongly encouraged to pre-register at: https://www.lammashow.com/shownews/visitor-registration-opens-forlamma-19

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

35

| LAMMA

Why do so many in the farming community buy from Perry of Oakley?

T

he machines last

The Perry machines are built to last and we have our records going back well into the 1960s so if a machine needs a replacement part, we know exactly what it is and we can get it manufactured and out to you quickly.

We are so confident in the longevity in our machines that our agricultural range of handling (up to 60tph) comes with a 10 year guarantee*.

We are reliable Our customers know we are only ever a phone call away if they need support. Our sales and technical support team have over 400 years of experience in the agricultural sector and can help with every problem our customers may have with grain handling, drying and storage. The Perry team are based around the UK and our factory is in Devon, complete with in-house design engineers and full manufacturing capability so we can respond quickly; even on a Sunday if necessary as we know farming is not a Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm job.

36 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

UK-based spares and stock We are constantly expanding our warehousing facility at the factory in Devon so we can manufacture and store more spares and stock enabling us to respond even quicker during peak times when you need us to the most.

Continual product development In the last 12 months we have developed two products to assist in the safe and efficient use of grain driers; the fire detection systems and the moisture control system. The fire detection system can be retro-fitted to any make of drier, providing vital early warnings of fire helping you reduce the damage to the drier and surrounding plant. The system can be stand alone or integrated into your control panel. A moisture control system is also available after extensive testing. Using well proven moisture measuring technology and a unique sampling system to ensure accurate moisture readings the system can reliably control the output from the drier. The system is compatible with any PLC controlled Perry drier and can also be

adapted to control other makes of drier.

We also developed a new range of modular augers with capacities ranging from 20tph to 125tph, to be supplied from stock making them an ideal quick solution.

Full range of drying, handling and storage solutions The extensive range of continuous flow driers, chain & flight conveyors, aspirator pre-cleaners, belt & bucket elevators, belt conveyors, U-trough and tubular screw conveyors, and now also storage bins and silos, means the Perry team will be able to find the right combination of machines to meet your needs and budgets.

Contact Perry today Contact Perry of Oakley today for all handling, storage & drier requirements on +44 (0)1404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk, and receive a free, no obligation quotation. *Terms & Conditions apply

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Grain Driers Belt Driers Chain & Flight Conveyors Belt & Bucket Elevators Belt Conveyors Curved Conveyors Intake Conveyors Screw Conveyors Twin Trace Conveyors

Since 1947

British Family-Run Engineering Company

Visit our website to view the full range!

Find out more on the Savannah & Mistral Range of Continuous Mixed Flow Grain Driers, plus all other Perry Machines at LAMMA ‘22 11th - 12th January ‘22 Hall 8, Stand 8.720 NEC, Birmingham

Perry of Oakley Ltd. Visit us online at

www.perryofoakley.co.uk

sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

+44 (0)1404 890300

The UK’s Most Experienced Manufacturer of Grain www.farmingmonthly.co.uk 37 2021 | Farming Monthly | Drying, Handling & StorageDecember Equipment

| LAMMA

Suzuki’s King of Quads to reign supreme at LAMMA

uzuki is looking forward to attending the 40th anniversary LAMMA Show taking place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 11-12 January and will be located in Hall 18 Stand 18.744.

S

Suzuki will have its market-leading KingQuad 500 and 750 models on display, which are the perfect machines for a wide variety of agricultural applications, from farming and land management to equestrian use and more.

All Suzuki KingQuads benefit from a number of key features that make them a delight to ride. The classic Suzuki T-shaped seat is extremely comfortable for all-day use and the ergonomic riding position means that these machines are easy to handle and steer.

38 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

The front suspension, steering system, power steering system, rear stabiliser, and the chassis frame all combine to deliver excellent straight-line stability as well as sure-footed handling when cornering and improved maneuverability. This also makes the machine easier to ride as shock levels are reduced and less rider effort is required when travelling over diverse terrain. The super-smooth automatic gearbox also delivers proven reliability as well as strong engine braking for confident downhill travel.

The Suzuki KingQuads also have a range of features such as additional storage compartments and a handlebar-mounted headlight, which directly contribute to enhanced usability and practicality. In addition, the multi-function instrument panel is easier to view and also includes a

service reminder icon. Then, once the ATV is with an Authorised Suzuki Dealer for its service, the work itself has been made easier through the redesign of some body parts that make some components such as the fuel filter, easier to access.

Understanding its customers and the environment in which they work is part of Suzuki’s ethos. To this end, Suzuki understands that ATVs are an important and valuable asset, which is why it provides a theft deterrent system as standard.

The CESAR Security System powered

by Datatag is the official security initiative of both the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) and the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) and comes FREE on all new Suzuki utility ATVs. This Suzuki Datatag kit will give each ATV a www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

unique ‘fingerprint’ with an identity that cannot be erased, however hard a criminal may try. This acts as a strong theft deterrent and a tool for recovery should the worst happen, as well as reducing insurance premiums.

Safety is paramount, and Suzuki also offers free EASI training with all of its ATVs. As well as the product briefing and handover from the Dealer, Suzuki also strongly recommends the free, five-hour certificate course with the

European ATV Safety Institute (EASI).

Covering pre-ride checks, riding in different conditions, and negotiating obstacles, it’ll help keep you, and your ATV, safe and productive long-term.

These popular and hard-working ATVs will be back on display at LAMMA alongside a team who will be on hand to answer any questions or to put you in touch with your local Authorised Suzuki Dealer for a test ride.

Mark Beeley, Head of Suzuki GB’s

ATV Division said, “We are really looking forward to getting back to seeing people for real at LAMMA in January. It is an important show for us and our Dealers so we are delighted to be able to return. The show gives us a great platform to network with members of the agricultural community and to showcase our ATVs which we believe are the King of Quads.”

For more information, visit: www.atv.suzuki.co.uk

TRADE UP

AND GET 10% OFF RRP

325-425CC QUAD

KINGQUAD 500X

BY TRADING IN ANY

ON SUZUKI

SEE US AT LAMMA, 11 & 12 JANUARY 2022, NEC, HALL 18 STAND 18.744

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

39

Our experience harvests results

CROP MOISTURE MONITORING

SEE YOU THERE!

You can find us at: NEC HALL 8 STAND 8.810

New grain moisture monitoring systems from Kentra help growers manage crop drying operations, we explore the technical world of Kentra crop drying and discover the capabilities and possibilities of Kentra’s unique products.

Kentra, the Yorkshire-based manufacturer of mixed flow crop dryers, has introduced two new moisture measurement and recording systems for growers, and an automated moisture monitoring system ideal for use at the grain intake, adding to its exisiting range of crop moisture management The high-accuracy products come from Canadian manufacturer Dryer Master, whose long established DM510 control system fully automates the grain drying process with minimal manual intervention.

“The new DM100 is a lower cost, less sophisticated version that still provides an element of control to relieve the workload of whoever is managing the dryer” Grain moisture is measured at the discharge point and adjustments to the discharge rate are made automatically when operator-set 40 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

high, low and target moisture levels for each of three discharge speeds are hit.

Unlike the fully automatic DM510, the DM100 requires the speed set points and moisture targets to be adjusted periodically to maintain optimum performance.

The new Moisture Monitor Pro records grain moisture and temperature at the discharge – with the option to add an intake sensor as well – to help operators achieve consistent results from fully manual control.

As with the DM510 fully-automatic and DM100 semi-automatic systems, values are shown on a colour display, are accessible remotely using a mobile phone and can be downloaded to farm computer records.

“The sensor is fitted in the grain flow line – for example in a duct where grain passes from the intake pit to an elevator – and Load Monitor automatically starts logging as soon as the sensor detects grain flowing across it” “The finished record includes a consignment identifier and time stamp, and compared with sampling, using Load Monitor means there is no delay to tipping incoming consignments and the moisture reading will be fully representative of the bulk.”

These features are also common to Load Monitor, a system that records the average moisture of entire lorry or trailer loads of grain at the intake.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA Kentra Grain Systems was formed in 1989 to design and manufacture grain dryers that meet the challenging requirements of British farmers.

Today, the range of mixed flow dryers produced from heavy-duty galvanised steel features a unique column design for effective drying of all free-flowing combinable crops and control systems, axial flow fans and designed, developed and manufactured in-house.

The modular construction of the dryer allows for maximum flexibility in model selection.

So if you need a throughput of 10 tonnes or in excess of 100 tonnes per hour our range of dryers and user-friendly management software give you complete, real time control over your harvest.

3 yr

WARRANTY Throughputs up to

120 tonnes / hr

Grain drying demands real time control and automated decision making at your fingertips. Kentra brings you both and more.

Low power requirement

Our ever changing climate ensures it has never been more challenging to produce a consistent quality harvest.

• CONTINUOUS AND EVEN GRAIN DISCHARGE

Kentra has been at the forefront of continuous flow grain drying technology for well over 30 years.

• REMOTE INTERNET MONITORING AND CONTROL

Our range of dryers and user-friendly management software give you complete, real time control over your harvest.

• TOUCH SCREEN CONTROL FOR EASE OF USE

For further information please telephone: www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

01423 326665

PROUDLY MADE IN THE UK

Sales@kentra.co.uk www.kentra.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

41

| LAMMA

DYNO POWER TESTING BETTER PERFORMANCE | INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY | MONEY SAVING • • • • •

Horsepower Increase Torque Increase Great Fuel Saving Fantastic discounts available on multiple bookings Nationwide Service

SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEMATIC ADBLUE SYSTEMS WHEN FACING A COSTLY REPAIR BILL ON YOUR AdBlue SYSTEM THERE IS ANOTHER OPTION, IT MAY WELL BE THE LAST RESORT BUT... NO MORE AdBlue PROBLEMS, EVER

Call us today for any of your specialist software solutions for ANY agricultural or construction machine.

Office: 01271 268013

ed@tractortuninguk.co.uk

Mobile: 07919 181218

www.tractortuninguk.co.uk

42 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

NEW BEMA SWEEPERS ON SHOW AT LAMMA 2022

isitors to LAMMA 2022 will be the first to see Bema exhibit the Kommunal 580 Dual and Kommunal 450 Dual - the latest additions to Bema's range of sweepers.

V

Designed for municipal use, the Kommunal 580 Dual and Kommunal 450 Dual were launched during lockdown.

The Bema Kommunal 580 Dual is available as a PPN or snow brush PPN and in six working widths from 1250 to 2050mm. The main brush of the 580 Dual is now 580mm in diameter and is offered with a steel/PPN, steel flat wire/ PPN and Bema's weed brush.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

The 450 Dual has a new, wider 450mm diameter brush with easy change, making the move from PPN to snow brush PPN effortless. If required, the 450 Dual can be supplied with a steel/PPN mixture brush, steel flat wire/PPN brush or the Bema Weed brush, which offer a 400mm diameter reinforced drive.

The 450 Dual also features a 480mm diameter rotary side brush, with Bema's side control feature - which can be fitted to either the left or right-hand side of the sweeper. As with the main brush, the side brush can be specified as PPN, steel/PPN, steel flat wire / PPN, steel flat wire or a weed brush.

Bema will also have the Jumbo and 30 Dual sweepers alongside several snow ploughs and attachments for tractors and John Deere vehicles on Stand 20.320 in Hall 20. Howard Marshall Engineering will also have a significant presence on the same stand as it showcases its attachments manufactured and supplied to John Deere dealers.

For more information about Bema and its range of sweepers, please visit www.bemasweepers.co.uk, call Phil 'the brush' Bryant on 0743 627 2292 or email philip@bemasweepers.co.uk.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

43

| LAMMA

LAMMA launch for Claydon Evolution drills

The largest model in Claydon’s new range of Evolution mounted drills is the 6m M6.

C

laydon, European market leader in direct strip seeding with its Claydon Opti-Till® System, will launch a new range of mounted drills at LAMMA 2022 (NEC Birmingham, 11-12 January 2022).

Building on the company’s 20 years’ experience of this technology, the nine Claydon Evolution models take direct strip seeding to the next level. With working widths of 3m, 4m, 4.5m, 4.8m, 5m and 6m, they incorporate 9, 13, 15 or 19 tines and most feature a 1910-litre hopper, with the 3m 3MF and 4m 4MRF having a 2700-litre tank split 50:50 between seed and fertiliser. Typical daily outputs range from 20ha for the 3m Evolution which requires a tractor of at least 150hp to 40ha for the 6m version which needs a minimum of 300hp.

Claydon Evolution drills combine new levels of operational functionality with the tried and tested features which have made Claydon Opti-Till® the crop establishment system of choice for growers who want to reduce costs, increase productivity and improve soil health. All models feature as standard a hydraulic fan, Artemis metering control, tramlining facility, front tine/7" Ashare configuration, together with a double rear toolbar and road lights.

The Evolution line-up, which includes a 5m unit and 4m rigid grain/fertiliser model, incorporates a range of new features to improve operational functionality. Seed depth adjustment is now controlled hydraulically, improved access to the metering unit allows easier calibration, while front-mounted discs which are operated hydraulically from the tractor seat can be specified for seeding into high residue situations.

The 1910-litre hopper on seed-only Evolution models holds 160litres more than current Claydon Hybrid mounted models, while Evolution 3MF and 4m 4MRF versions hold an additional 600 litres. This reduces downtime and increases output, while second and third hopper options for applying multiple types, varieties and sizes of seed further enhance versatility.

44 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Lowlander ® Manure Spreaders 3 Year Warranty | Details available upon request

Twin Vertical Auger TVA | 6 – 40 tonnes Horizontal Beater & Spinning Disc HBD | 8 – 40 tonnes

Hall 6 Stand 730

www.gtbunning.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1362 860352

bunning spreaders

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA Other features include quick-fit knockon/knock-off coulter options for the standard leading tine and A-Share to low disturbance twin disc and tine options. Multiple seed tool options allow a wide range of crops to be drilled across different soil types and situations, while the quick-change facility allows fast, easy modification when required. A large, easily accessible toolbox incorporated into the step frame is also standard equipment.

Options include GPS variable seed rate capability, pre-emergence marker arms, front disc toolbar stone protection, micro fertiliser applicator, low-disturbance twin tine kit, slug pelleter, blockage sensors and a light and vision kit.

The strong, rugged design of the Claydon Evolution keeps running costs

to a minimum with reliable operation and minimum downtime, enabling fuelefficient farming and minimal soil disturbance in all sowing scenarios, without compromising crop establishment or yields. The drill operates accurately, reliably, and inexpensively across a wide range of situations, the simple, robust design and great flexibility allowing it to be used in the autumn or spring to establish any crop that can be air sown. The split hopper design of the 3m 3MF and 4m 4MRF models provides additional versatility, allowing fertiliser to be applied at the time of drilling.

CLAYDON LEADING TINE TECHNOLOGY At the heart of all Evolution models is Claydon’s tried and tested two-tine technology which Suffolk arable farmer

Jeff Claydon developed in 2002. A major benefit is its ability to cope with extremes of weather which are becoming increasingly frequent. It delivers exceptional versatility in all climatic conditions, soil types and crops, yet moves soil only in the growing zone. The front tine removes compaction, aerates the soil and creates drainage in the rooting zone, whilst the seeding tine deposits seeds in the surface tilth. Zonal cultivation means that the previous rooting and soil structure is not destroyed, allowing worms to thrive and soil biota levels to improve.

The young plant germinates quickly and develops strong roots, tapping into the moisture in the unturned soil to extract nutrients. Sowing in strips also allows more light into the crop and more air to infiltrate the rows, aiding healthy plant development. As the soil structure is retained it can support the weight of heavy following traffic, allowing post drilling operations to be conducted over a much longer period and with significantly less soil damage.

Effective in all conditions, from prolonged dry conditions to following periods of heavy rain, the Claydon Evolution minimises risk and provides sufficient capacity to exploit narrow weather windows. This allows all agricultural seeds, from herbs and grasses to cereals and maize, to be drilled at the right time, in the right conditions and produce the high yields required to make farming businesses more resilient.

The new Claydon Evolution M3F drill.

Claydon Evolution drills are part of the company’s comprehensive range of tractor-mounted and trailed models from 3m to 8m wide. Claydon’s product line also includes Straw Harrows from 3m to 15m which reduce weed burdens and slug populations, the 6m TerraStar® light rotary cultivator for situations where more soil movement is required, together with TerraBlade inter-row hoes from 3m to 8m wide which provide a low-cost, mechanical method of controlling weeds in combinable band-sown crops.

The new Evolution range will be available for delivery from autumn 2022 and will replace the current Hybrid range of mounted drills. It will be priced between the Hybrid mounted range it supersedes and the Hybrid Trailed drill range.

The new Claydon Evolution M4.8 drill. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Further details about Claydon Evolution drills are available from Claydon authorised dealers, a list of which is available on the Claydon website (claydondrill.com/dealersdistributors). Alternatively, contact Claydon on 01440 820327, email info@claydondrill.com, or visit claydondrill.com and click on the product of choice.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

45

| LAMMA

LAMMA LAUNCH FOR AGRICAST'S NEW STEALTH POINT he UK's leading manufacturer of replacement wearing parts will reveal the latest addition to its range of low disturbance subsurface cultivation points at LAMMA 2021.

T

Agricast will be showing visitors to Stand 328 in Hall 20, its new Stealth Xtra (STX) point.

Compatible with the HE-VA Stealth and Evolution machines, Agricast's STX point has been designed to offer several improvements over the original design.

The new point can also be retrofitted to any existing subsurface cultivator or subsoiler using Agricast's in-house fabrication service.

The Agricast STX point features an innovative system to prevent the point from moving from side to side, thus reducing wear on the 15mm-thick, 500mm Hardox leg. Agricast has designed the point so that wings can be bolted onto it, giving farmers the option of lifting more soil if desired. Agricast has also improved the durability of the shin and added a larger Tungsten tip on the nose.

Another area in which Agricast has innovated is to the rear of the point, where the bolt is hidden in the shadow of the wing, significantly reducing wear to 46 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

the fixing bolt, which is a common problem.

The STX is the third part to be added to Agricast's range of low disturbance points, joining the Low Disturbance Xtra LDX and the Grassland Xtra – GLX, which was launched in December 2020.

The GLX, Agricast's fastest-growing product, is designed for medium-depth cultivation, with minimal soil disturbance, and is backwards compatible with the Sumo GLS and grassland legs.

Agricast's range of packers will also be taking centre-stage at LAMMA, with the company showcasing its STP-650 - steel tensioned packer and LCP-600 low-cost packer using recycled rings.

Designed with a shouldered profile and customisable spacing to leave an open surface, which dries out quickly in the wind, Agricast's packers reduce smearing and soil flattening. In the last 12 months, Agricast has manufactured over 30 packers for a wide range of machines, including new OEM machines and replacements for Spaldings, Horsch, and Sumo.

Agricast's PRR 610 and 710 will also be on show. Developed over 18 months, both rings offer outstanding durability and enhanced poor weather performance.

Improved traction is achieved thanks to

the small cutaways on the outside of the wheel, allowing it to shatter or fissure hard, dry soil effectively. As well as being around 30% cheaper than the original, Agricast's boron steel Press Roll Rings offers greater durability, being 6mm thick.

"LAMMA is an incredibly important part of the farming calendar, and we missed exhibiting last year," says William Robinson, Agricast's managing director.

"We are really looking forward to January and having the opportunity to showcase some of our most popular products, like the packers and PRRs. It will also be fantastic to be able to introduce people to our latest product – the STX. We will also be talking about the next generation of our Grassland Xtra point, which will be available in or around quarter two of 2022."

Established in 1987 and based on the family's Lincolnshire farm, Agricast is the UK's leading Cambridge roll ring specialist and also supplies a wide range of press rings, disc blades and subsoiler wear parts. The company also offers bespoke alterations and fabrication services.

For more information about Agricast and its products ahead of LAMMA, please visit www.agricast.net, email info@agricast.net or call 01673 857 619.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Spaldings to focus on Tillso and SPL Ultra highperformance soil-engaging parts at LAMMA espoke soil restructuring tines from Tillso sporting different point and wing combinations will feature alongside the SPL Ultra range of soil-engaging parts on the Spaldings stand at the LAMMA show.

B

Spaldings is sole distributor of Tillso’s Sabre system, a multi-component assembly of points and wings designed for efficient restructuring of compacted soils; the designs result from intensive studies of soil mechanics.

The system comprises a common point and shin and four soil-lifting wing assemblies to suit different soil types and working depths.

Steve Constable, Spaldings managing director, said: “To reinforce the relationship between Spaldings, as sole UK and Ireland distributor, and Tillso as the innovative manufacturer behind the Sabre products, Tillso’s owner Chris Lane will join us on the stand to talk through the features and benefits of the system.”

The partnership marks a return to the LAMMA event for Tillso, said Chris Lane: “We haven’t exhibited at the indoor show, so being with the technical team on the Spaldings stand will be a great opportunity to explain to farmers how we arrived at the Sabre designs, how they work beneath the surface, and how users can be sure of getting the best results in different situations.”

The retro-fit components are available for a number of different manufacturers’ subsoilers, and also cultivators fitted with soil-loosening tines.

A one-piece delta-shaped wing is used on the Ultralite for 150-250mm working depths and 400-500mm spacing, while the Mono’s is designed for 225-400mm and 600-750mm spacing.

Tillso’s Lite and Max products have a cast supporting frog with separate leftand right-hand bolt-on wing assemblies formed as a wide wing slat or with two chisel-like wing slats for deeper working.

Chris Lane explains: “They are all calculated to apply controlled tension to compacted soil, which fractures as it is lifted and falls off the wings to permanently rearrange the soil aggregates.”

The Spaldings exhibit will also include items from the SPL Ultra range of premium-quality points, wings and shins for leading makes of cultivator and subsoiler, as well as the laser scanning technology that measures wear patterns and 3D printer for prototypes used in the development of these parts.

Original wearing parts for Grimme machinery will also be shown as Spaldings is an approved national dealer for these components.

Vegetation control

TMC Cancela, the leading manufacturer of mulching pasture toppers and forestry mulchers, will also be represented at the show, highlighting Spaldings’ growing machinery range supplied direct to farmers and supported by the company’s own technicians and local service agents.

Planned exhibits include a TDE swing arm side-shift mulching flail mower, a heavy-duty TMS two-way flail mower for front- or rear-mounting, and a TMK ground-preparation forestry mulcher that leaves a ready-to-plant finish in a single pass.

For a clean sweep Cleaning up after mud-spattered tractors and other farm vehicles is a task for powered or fixed brush sweepers from a comprehensive range produced by Padagas, including bucket sweepers for clean-and-dump operation.

There are pallet fork, tractor linkage and loader-mounted brushes for all situations.

All Spaldings products are available to order online (spaldings.co.uk), through the knowledgeable telesales staff or face-to-face with a nationwide network of sales representatives.

Products are backed by a return-to-base or on-site maintenance and repairs service provided by Spaldings and independent technicians.

The TMC Cancela range of flail toppers from Spaldings include this TDR-220 swing offset model.

Tillso Sabre Max, Lite, Mono and Ultralite soil restructuring point, shin and wing assemblies mounted on different legs.

Padagas brushes for yard, track and road sweeping come in rigid and rotary formats with buckets fittings for collection. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

47

| Buildings

Changes to cattle systems begin to bite

lthough the subject of heat stress has been mentioned before, some of the predictable changes in cattle systems in the UK are beginning to bite on animal health and welfare.

A

The first change is that as cattle become more productive, they process more energy and need to dump more sensible heat to maintain energy balance. The second is that increased production requires increased moisture throughput, with a high yielding dairy cow consuming water in excess of 100 litres per day.

This means a building with 200 dairy cows will have a throughput of more than 20,000 litres of water per day, with at least 16,000 litres of that being excreted back into the system.

The final change is that our cows are increasingly likely to be housed all year round, so livestock building systems have to operate at ambient temperatures above 15c.

One question that has bounced around the livestock building sector for more than ten years is: ‘Is there a requirement for insulated roof sheeting and can the additional cost be justified?’. My response 48 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

has been that, in terms of hard data, we don’t know.

Our understanding of physiology and relevant meteorology can provide an estimation of the risk from heat stress, in the same way location data and meteorology can give risk guidance for wind loading on structures. We need more data.

Just over 18 months on from the emergence of Covid-19, on farm meetings in the UK have begun again and it was a pleasure to be working in the south-west of England recently.

The focus was how to manage heat stress in dairy cows, and the sun duly shone providing air temperatures above 24c from mid-morning until mid-evening.

My contribution was on using building design to maximise wind driven ventilation without losing control of air speed in the winter months and ensuring there is no restriction of ventilation by stack effect.

The progressive information came from Mark Scott, of Cargill, which like the meeting sponsors Crediton Milling Company is an animal nutrition company, supplying the energy in aspect of our cattle systems.

The question of return on investment from adding costs to our cattle buildings is answered more easily if we know the costs of a system being out of balance. Mark and his colleagues at Cargil have installed temperature and humidity sensors on dairy units around the UK which provide constant monitoring of the thermal humidity index (THI).

This data is useful because there is a temptation to think that our UK air temperatures are seldom stressful, with air temperature data from overseas significantly higher than typical UK summer temperatures in cattle buildings.

In fact, it is more useful to adopt THI as a measure of thermal conditions experienced by cattle than air temperatures because, as air temperatures rise, cattle increasingly rely on dumping moisture from the body into the environment.

Moisture loss by respiration increases twofold when air temperature increases from 12c to 24c.

This works well in hot, dry climates, but is not so easy in a maritime climate like the UK, with relatively high but normal air humidities. It is hard to dump energy as moisture in a damp atmosphere.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings The data collected from 26 farms in the UK can be accessed at www.weatherdatauk.provimi.eu, with the primary observation that from south-west Scotland to south-west England, there are a significant number of days where cattle reproduction and performance is being limited by THI.

the building as possible. Some general rules are: •

Locate fans to move air in same direction as predominant wind direction, where possible.

•

Locate fans in series to ensure the moving air column does not accumulate inside buildings.

•

Locate fans so that air flow passes around the cattle, not above.

•

Balance fan types and capacity to available power supply and running costs.

•

Persuade the client that the cost of automatic control, probably for temperature and humidity, provides

Managing heat stress on UK cattle units Where the number of days per year of THI above 65 is very low, the opportunity for return on investment will also be low.

However, the evidence that UK cows are becoming heat stressed is clear.

Managing heat stress can be done at the design stage of buildings and also retrospectively. For example: •

Drainage slopes prevent the accumulation of moisture.

•

Sidewall cladding to provide wind driven air movement without losing control of winter air speeds.

•

No restriction of the stack effect by the inlets and outlet areas.

•

Roof material.

•

Roof slopes.

•

Water troughs.

good value.

The addition of mechanical ventilation also provides the possibility of adding water to livestock systems and increasing the rate of energy from a body by evaporation.

Spraying of water – or misting – may be particularly valuable in THI hot spots such as collecting yards, but never where ventilation is compromised.

So, I return to the original question: ‘Is there a requirement for insulated roof sheets?’.

The current information on THI in UK cattle buildings strongly suggests there is a need, and that return on investment will depend on the scale of current losses.

Jamie Robertson RIDBA Livestock Consultant

The role of the wind is so important in managing ventilation and thereby energy and moisture management in a cattle building, that the location of individual buildings has a critical impact. It is tempting to think our weather is unpredictable, but the facts prove the opposite. It is useful to refer to local meteorological data for a level of predictability about the impact of weather on a building.

Even with drainage and natural ventilation optimised there will still be predictable benefits from helping cows stay cooler. Nutritionists have a role by providing products that change pathways of energy metabolism and can help to reduce body temperatures by 1-2c.

Remember, access to clean and cool water helps too.

After that, our systems need more help. Mechanical ventilation is used extensively around the world to cool livestock by increasing air speed across their bodies and increasing the rate of heat loss. As long as the airborne heat and moisture entrained in the fan-driven air leaves the building and is not allowed to accumulate, cow health and welfare will benefit.

The Hot Cows Road Show in July included presentations from Robin Hibberd, of Hydor, on the requirements of and benefits from mechanical ventilation. The main requirement for managing heat stress is to provide large volumes of air across the backs of as many cattle in www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

49

| Energy

Follow 4 steps for successful on-farm AD plant design

By Steven Cotterill, 3D CAD Designer for Anaergia UK

hether you’re developing a small-scale digester or a large biomethane facility, embarking on a new onfarm anaerobic digestion project can be a daunting prospect. A comprehensive design phase to determine the most successful layout for your site can reduce the risk, ensuring your plant remains profitable for years to come. Here are Anaergia’s four design cornerstones to set your on-farm AD project on the path to success…

W 1.

Follow the process flow

At a well-designed on-farm AD facility, process dictates positioning. In so far as the site footprint will allow, design the layout of your plant to follow the flow of material. This will enable feedstock to be pumped or conveyed over the shortest

distance possible, reducing the likelihood of downtime from blockages and lessening wear and tear on feed equipment, process pumps, macerators and conveyors.

This design principle can be applied across the whole site. A compact layout is more cost-effective, as a smaller footprint means less land, less concrete and less labour will be required to build the plant. However, make sure to factor enough space into your design for landscaping, planting and shielding, which are often required by planners.

2.

Enable easy access to equipment

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Finally, consider DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations). Avoid siting equipment that will need regular maintenance within a DSEAR zone, to reduce the time that operatives will spend in this high-risk area.

3.

Maintenance is vital for successful AD operation, so ensure that forklift trucks, small vehicles or lifting machinery can easily access key equipment such as tanks, pumps and mixers. This will give service engineers the flexibility to quickly remove, repair and if necessary, replace parts and equipment, reducing downtime.

Ensure that high level equipment

50 |

can be easily reached via steps or access ladders with a sufficient platform for working, or that there is room for a cherry picker or scissor lift. If the plant has a flexible membrane roof, you will also need to allow access for cranes, as the lifetime of the membrane is shorter than the subsidised life of UK AD plants and it will need replacing.

Protect your people

The health and safety of site operatives and visitors is paramount and, as stated above, full consideration to DSEAR and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) must be followed. The potential for explosive atmosphere increases near to pressure relief valves, as these are a final safety measure of biogas release should the flare fail to light when excess biogas is not being consumed.

Therefore, as well as siting key process equipment away from ATEX-zoned areas, try to avoid locating any electrical equipment or instrumentation within the biogas release zone. If this is not possible, then ensure that equipment or instrumentation are correctly ATEXrated.

Establish clear personnel routes throughout the facility. Inside the reception building, provide designated walkways for operatives to follow, as well as barriers and/or handrails to protect people from tipping vehicles and bucket loaders. Arrange process pumps and www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy traffic light system may also be required.

Locate the weighbridge as close to the operations office as possible to enable efficient communication between drivers and site personnel. If the weighbridge needs to be located further away, then ensure there is a serviceable automated ticketing system.

Make certain there is enough turning and reversing space for vehicles delivering feedstock or collecting digestate. If delivery vehicles are tipping into a reception building, it should be high enough to accommodate the bulk trailer at full tipping height.

Factor in enough parking spaces to accommodate all staff and contractors and situate car parks as close to the reception as possible. This will ensure that new personnel arriving on site can easily and safely get to reception prior to signing in and being inducted.

associated pipework away from walkways to avoid trip hazards and consider placing pipe runs and electric cables above head height on support frames to keep floors clear for access.

Take into account the maximum number of personnel that could be on site at any one time and ensure there are adequate facilities available. In the unlikely event that operatives come into contact with large quantities of digestate or feedstock, it is important to make sure that the site includes good washing facilities and

toilets in both clean and dirty areas.

Showers, changing rooms, laundry rooms and a sufficient-sized mess room for operatives and contractors are also essential.

4.

Take care of transport

When designing your AD facility, consider vehicle movements in and out of the site, as well as within the site boundary. A traffic management plan is a good starting point and depending on the number of vehicles expected on site, a

Fueling a sustainable world

Finally, ensure that the bund size is adequate (110% of the largest vessel or 25% of total tank volume, whichever is higher) and that vehicles can easily access it, whether via a ramp or flood gate.

To conclude, a comprehensive site design coupled with strong 2D and 3D concept artworks can help developers to visualise their proposed on-farm AD plant and correct any potential layout issues before building works commence, saving both time and money. For expert AD design and layout advice, contact ukoffice@anaergia.com

Anaerobic digestion | Wastewater | MRF

Anaergia, the leader in anaerobic digestion and organic waste processing Design & build Operations & maintenance Servicing Upgrades & refurbs Investment support

Contact our organic waste specialists +44 (0)1480 477608 uksales@anaergia.com www.anaergia.com

13 UK AD

1,700 global AD &

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk installations organics reference sites

End-to-end AD service provider

Patented in-house All organic technology Decemberwaste Total UK coverage 51 2021streams | Farming Monthly |

| Energy

HRS agrees ‘anaerobic digestion dangerously overlooked’ n August 2021 the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its sixth assessment report on climate change which painted an alarming picture of the global effects of climate change and the need for immediate action to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the environment.

I

In particular the IPCC report identified that urgently tackling emissions of methane is a cost-effective and rapid way of helping to reduce the future effects of climate change. However, given this emphasis on the need for rapid action, it is disappointing that the deployment of anaerobic digestion (AD)

around the world falls far short of capacity.

Both the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have recognised that AD is ‘a readily available low-cost technology that can help reduce these emissions.’ However, despite some positive developments, such as the European Union’s Methane Strategy, AD and its potential to mitigate methane emissions, deliver clean renewable gas and sustainable organic biofertiliser is seriously overlooked by many policymakers.

In the wake of the latest IPCC report Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive of the World Biogas Association,

52 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

warned: “Research from the WBA and other biogas trade bodies… has demonstrated our industry’s potential to deliver a huge reduction in global GHG emissions, especially methane, within the next few years… We are issuing our own warning to world governments that it is dangerous to overlook the recognised power of AD as an immediate solution.”

With experience of delivering heat exchange solutions and systems to AD plants around the world, HRS Heat Exchangers wholeheartedly agrees with these comments. Not only is AD underutilised around the world, but in many situations where it is deployed, the overall efficiency of biogas production or spare heat utilisation is less than optimum. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

HRS produces a range of systems which are specifically designed to improve the efficiency of AD plant operation, add value to digestate production (which is a valuable, renewable and low-carbon organic fertiliser and soil conditioner) and prolong the life of AD plant components. Among these systems are our Digestate Pasteurisation System (DPS), Digestate Concentration System (DCS), and the Biogas Dehumidification System (BDS Series).

HRS also manufacture a range of heat exchangers for use in biogas production including the HRS Unicus Series of scraped

surface heat exchangers for use in thermal hydrolysis to increase biogas production, the G Series for exhaust gas cooling and heat recapture, and the DTI Series for feedstock and digestate heating.

Whatever your biogas project, from small on-farm crop and manure digestion to large municipal waste treatment HRS Heat Exchangers has the solutions to increase AD plant efficiency, prolong operational life and maximise both the economic and environmental benefits.

By Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

53

| Security

Active Farm Solutions systems are modular and easy to install allowing you to track and secure the widest range of assets in the market GPS Tags Small, battery-powered device which requires minimal installation and will last up to four years before it requires a battery change. The device is ideal for moveable assets such as farm machinery and trailers. The tag will notify you of unlawful movements via text and email.

GPS Autosteer Tracker Criminals have been targeting Autosteer units due to their ease of removal and high value. Our Autosteer GPS tags will sense any tampering, or removal of the Autosteer unit and send an instant alert to your device, along with GPS location for tracking and recovery.

Perimeter Protection Protect your farm from trespassers. Our light beam sensors are battery-powered and easy to deploy, protecting gateway openings or your whole perimeter. You'll get instant alerts via SMS and email.

CCTV Our cameras are easy to install and can operate via 3/4G sim cards or WiFi. Get alerts and view the incident via the Smarter Technologies' camera app.

Protect and secure your farm, staff and assets, without disrupting your everyday routine PERIMETER SENSORS

BOLUS/COLLAR

GPS AUTOSTEER TRACKER

Electric Fence Theft Monitoring Ensure that you can act to save any livestock that may no longer be contained. Receive an alert if an electric fence is powered down or stolen.

GATE SENSORS

WATER/FUEL LEVEL

MOTION SENSORS TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY SENSOR

Monitoring and Recovery CCTV

Our monitoring and recovery service has a higher than 90% success rate of returning stolen assets.

FEED LEVEL SMOKE DETECTORS NOXIOUS GASES

Motion Sensors

5KM ORION COVERAGE

Our motion sensors are designed to monitor and notify you of any unauthorised movement of fixed or mobile assets.

Beacon & Siren Our Beacon or Siren allows you to have a visual or audible alert to form part of your first response.

Units are controlled through the dashboard to allow them to be managed and configured so that relevant alerts are triggered.

Simple, powerful technologies give farmers a detailed, full-scale view of assets, equipment, and livestock. Get a clear picture of what’s happening on the ground with constant data sent to connected devices 24/7.

GPS Tags

GPS Autosteer Tracker

Perimeter Protection

CCTV

Electric Fence Theft Monitoring

Monitoring and Recovery

Motion Sensors

Beacon & Siren

Door/Gate Sensors

Door/Gate Sensors Easy-to-install, wire-free, battery-powered sensors that attach to a door or gate to notify you instantly via SMS and email when unauthorised personnel or potential intruders enter.

54 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Enquire now: info@activefarmsolutions.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk V1

| Security

Farming couple say high tech security system is wizard idea

A

farming couple have given the thumbs up to a high-tech solution to the age-old problem of farm gates being left open and livestock straying or being stolen.

Llion and Sian Jones, who farm 750 acres at Maelogan Fawr over 1,000 feet up on the Hiraethog Mountain above Llanrwst, have been piloting an advanced piece of kit that alerts them if a gate has been opened and say it has given them real peace of mind.

The Dewin Open:Close technology has been developed by award-winning Anglesey-based dewin.tech – dewin is Welsh for wizard.

The system is part of the ‘Internet of Things’ revolution, which allows objects and sensors to be connected via the world wide web.

It taps into the wireless technology of LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Access Network) that’s especially suited to rural areas where communications infrastructure often falls short.

Llion and Sian, are part of the Wales-wide Farming Connect network and Maelogan Fawr is a demonstration farm which is why they were chosen to pilot the project and they have been mightily impressed.

Sian, the third generation of her family to farm here, said: “The sensor was put in three months ago on the gate which leads up to windfarm site on our farm because there is quite regular traffic up there and we can’t see it from the farm.

“Llion and I get a text message on our phones when the gate opens or closes and after 20 minutes if the gate is still open, we get a warning.

“That happened this week when a maintenance man went up there and left the gate open – we had cattle with calves in the field there and they could easily have escaped down the lane but we were able to close the gate in time.

“It’s a really good system and gives us peace of mind.”

The company, dewin.tech, is based at the M-SParc Technology Park on Anglesey and was founded by Geraint Hughes and Meinir Lloyd Jones.

It was crowned Welsh Mobile and Emerging Technology Start-Up of the Year in September.

To develop Dewin Open:Close, they formed a technology partnership with Dr Rob Shepherd from EvoMetric, a specialist in data sensor networks.

within a 10-kilometre radius taking in perhaps dozens of farms and hundreds of gates, each with their unique identity so that only an individual farm was notified if one of its gates was opened.

Each Dewin Open: Close sensor, costing £40, is powered by a long-life battery and its applications extend far beyond agriculture.

All aspects of the hardware have been developed to withstand anything from the harshest of weather to rodent damage and it is straightforward to install using a simple guide prepared by dewin.tech

They could see its application for farming and also for the utilities and environmental sectors and believe it could easily be rolled out across the country using LoRaWAN network coverage. Possible applications can include monitoring access points to key sites in rural areas, be it gates or doors.

Geraint said: “This is becoming more extensive, so the infrastructure is in place for us to deliver this and for it to be a success. A LoRaWAN ‘gateway’ hub was already installed on Llion and Sian’s farm, and this communicates with the Dewin Open:Close sensor every few seconds.

“If the gate opens it sends a text to their phones via the free ‘Telegram’ app. The LoRaWAN hub, which costs up to £1,500 to install and deploy, could cover the area

He added: “This is a game-changer for so many sectors, the application is incredibly advanced and we are proud to have got to this point and launched the business.

“It may be a bold move given we are in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, but we believe this will be well received, and the feedback we’ve had already is very positive.

“We have so much talent and innovation in North Wales and this is an example of that, and there is more to come – this is just the start for dewin.tech.”

For more information, visit the website www.dewin.tech or follow dewin.tech on social media at @TechDewin

Tel: 01455 891929 M I D Business Centre/Sapcote Rd, Burbage, Hinckley, LE10 2AU

NationWide Service

http://www.multiindustrialdoors.co.uk sales@multiindustrialdoors.co.uk

• Galvanised Roller Shutters

• Steel Fire Exit Doors

• Plastisol Colour Coated Roller Shutters

• Fast Acting High Speed Doors

• Insulated Roller Shutters

• Dock Leveler/Loading Bay Installations

• Sectional Overhead Doors

• PVC Strip Curtains

• Steel 10 Point Locking Security/Personnel Door

• and many more products

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

55

| Mental Health

Mental health benefits of visiting UK Woodland's estimated at £185 million Visits to the UK's woodlands boost mental health and save society £185 million in treatment costs annually New research proves immense benefits of trees and woodlands for people's wellbeing.

Nation encouraged to visit a woodland or park this National Tree Week to enjoy the benefits of being close to nature. isits to the UK's woodlands boosts mental health and is estimated to save £185 million in treatment costs annually, a landmark report published by Forest Research finds today (4 December).

V

The report, published during 'National Tree Week' and funded by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and the Welsh Government, is the first time the health and wellbeing benefits of the UK's woodlands have been quantified.

For England specifically, woodlands save £141 million costs associated with mental health illnesses, including visits to GPs, drug prescriptions, inpatient care, social services and the number of days lost due to mental health issues. The figures are based on evidence of the reduced incidence of depression and anxiety resulting from regular visits to woodlands.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the prevalence of mental illness has increased. Access to trees, woods, forests, and other natural environments including urban parks and green spaces has become even more important for individuals to support and maintain their wellbeing. Of visits to all greenspace over the past 10 years, from farmland and countryside to parks and playing fields), 14.1% of these were made to woodlands.

In urban areas, trees and woodlands are essential for 56 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

communities, supporting wellbeing, reducing pollution and improving quality of life. Supporting this, the report finds that the value of street trees through avoided antidepressant costs related to mental health issues is £16 million.

The report also finds that longer term, the value over the next 100 years is estimated to be just over £11 billion for the mental health benefits of visits to woodlands, and a further £1 billion for the mental health benefits of street trees.

Forestry Commission Chair, Sir William Worsley, said: "This report demonstrates just how vital it is to invest in healthy trees and woodlands. It makes medical sense, because it will mean better health for all; economic sense, by saving society millions of pounds and it makes environmental sense, helping us to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

"This National Tree Week, let's all step outside, enjoy trees in town and countryside and reap the benefits of being close to nature."

Stephen Buckley, Head of Information for mental health charity Mind said: "Spending time outdoors – especially in woodlands or near water - can help with mental health problems such as anxiety and mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with being outside in nature. Being outside in natural light can also be

helpful if you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people during particular seasons or times of year. Although many of us feel like hibernating in winter, getting outside in green spaces and making the most of the little daylight we get can really benefit both your physical and mental health."

Almost half the population say that they are spending more time outside than before the pandemic, while the majority of adults surveyed by Forest Research agreed that their level of happiness when in woodlands and nature has increased.

As recent hosts of the climate change summit COP26, and President of the G7, the UK is leading the climate change agenda. Today's report highlights the role of nature as our most precious asset, reiterating the reliance of economies, livelihoods and well-being on nature.

The Government has committed to trebling tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament. It's new England Trees Action Plan will deliver unprecedented rates of tree planting, helping to create diverse treescapes across the country which will benefit wildlife, the environment and people's wellbeing.

Read the 'Valuing the mental health benefits of woodlands' report here.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Christmas can be a challenging time

RABI is always here for you At RABI, we understand that the festive season can present a complex mix of pressures. After all, farming life doesn’t stop for the holiday season. Any time of day or night, there’s someone you can talk to, every day of the year.

Call us 24/7 on: 0800 188 4444 rabi.org.uk/kooth Registered Charity Number: 208858 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

57

| Livestock

Hoofcount uses Siemens technology to ensure healthy herds have happy feet

Data-driven insights support Hoofcount's approach to improving animal wellbeing through its innovative footbaths for cows Siemens' technology offers the agricultural sector the opportunity to scale up agritech and the potential for IoT connectivity

S

iemens has partnered with footbath manufacturer Hoofcount to use technology to improve the health and welfare of cows.

The collaboration will use Siemens' data capture and control technologies to help farmers make informed decisions to better tackle lameness, a major problem in dairy herds.

Hoofcount, based in Preston, is utilising Siemens' expertise in combining the real and digital worlds using LOGO, an intelligent logic module for small automation projects in industrial settings.

LOGO manages the control of the key mechanisms of Hoofcount's footbaths, such as chemical and water pumps, and animal feed controls.

Controllers allow Hoofcount to track the cows that go through its footbaths and provide valuable data on the herd, which can then be displayed on an HMI screen for visualisation. The baths can be controlled remotely and have the capability to feed data up to the cloud for analytics.

Lameness is caused by bacteria picked up on the hoof which leads to restricted mobility, pain and behavioural changes.

These impacts, including animal suffering, increased CO2 footprint, loss of milk production, decreased fertility, increased treatment, increased trimming costs and unnecessary labour, are estimated to cost several thousands of pounds per year for a 100-cow herd.

While across the UK dairy industry, the financial impact of lameness is estimated to be well in excess of £100 million.

These impacts are a major focus for the whole food and beverage sector's supply chain. But regular foot baths for cows help to reduce and prevent hoof illness and lameness.

Anthony Marsh, Dairy Engineer and Founder of Hoofcount, said: "When we first introduced footbaths in the UK in 2012, we were already ahead of the game because they were quite new.

But, with the rapid advancements in technology, we've reached a point 58 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock where we need to go that extra mile and be revolutionary again. And, to keep leading the way, we needed that input and expertise from Siemens.

"Working with Siemens has given us a thrust for producing the technologically advanced Hoofcount. Simply put, we have transformed our footbath into a pioneering piece of equipment that will eventually help cattle farmers in making data-driven decisions."

With its humble beginnings as a small family firm in rural Lancashire and a deep understanding of farmers' and their animals' needs, Hoofcount has developed its range of automated footbaths suitable for every farm.

Every Hoofcount footbath is designed, folded and built in its continuously growing workshops in Lancashire, with the company producing around 300 footbaths a year.

The footbaths are optimised to reduce water and chemical usage, thereby reducing overall operational costs. They are easy to maintain and have a built-in cleaning system which takes under three minutes using two chemical pumps after the set number of cows have passed through.

Hoofcount's simple Smart Controller allows users to monitor and change settings from a mobile device, as well as receive important notifications.

With the standard footbath being perfect for herds of up to 200 cows, they have also been specially designed to work with robot systems such as the Excel footbath, which is for farms with larger herd numbers.

Hoofcount's footbath production has more than doubled each year, enabling the company and its business to also grow twice as much.

Its footbath cycle has been proven to keep cattle healthy, improve herd feet, reduce the loss of milk production and increase fertility.

Accordingly, data from its customers has shown that using the footbaths has seen a reduction in lameness, as well as a financial saving of up to £8000 per 100 cows per year.

technology that can transform the welfare of farm animals – a crucial factor in running healthy farms – makes Siemens proud.

"Through Hoofcount's close work with Siemens, its design philosophy has been underpinned by industrial learnings such as the use of open standards. The technologies used by Hoofcount are scalable and have the ability to be connected to IoT devices when the need arises. The possibilities are endless. Smart controls will allow farmers to monitor and control the footbath via an app, regardless of location."

Anthony Marsh added, "Clearly, our partnership with Siemens enables us to be ideally positioned to move forward quickly and sustainably, and to scale the technologies as and when required with the assurance of benefiting from Siemens' industrial expertise.

"Hoofcount is certainly well-positioned to continue market-leadership and assist cattle farmers grow their business whilst ensuring farm animals' health is a top priority."

And, as a growing family business, Hoofcount prides itself on supporting farmers across the world.

Accordingly, Hoofcount footbaths are now being shipped to over 16 countries across the world including Canada, Germany, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

Lee Fletcher, Business Development Manager, Siemens Digital Industries, said: "Creating closer ties to the agriculture industry and bringing the latest www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

59

| Livestock

Weigh to win with Breedr reedr, the free livestock performance app, has launched its Weigh to Win competition again this winter, encouraging farmers to maximise their cattle growth rates and efficiencies.

B

The firm – which marries agri-technology with practical farm advice and networking – has got two Honda TRX420 Fourtrax quad bikes, worth £7,999 apiece, up for grabs.

The competition will be split into two categories; cattle over 12 months and under 12 months, with predicted growth rates helping producers to manage their stock for maximum efficiencies. In addition, Breedr will be offering specialist advice and support throughout the competition.

“I started Breedr with the simple aim of helping farmers like my parents prove the quality of their livestock to improve their returns,” explains co-founder Ian Wheal.

The smartphone app syncs automatically with digital weigh heads – or weights can be entered manually – ensuring all of the animal’s information is in one place. In addition, it syncs with the Cattle Tracing System (or ScotEID) and predicts daily liveweight gains so that producers can sell finished cattle at the optimum time or weed out poorer performers.

Last year’s winner in the over 12-months category was Andrew Hyde, who keeps 450 head of beef cattle at Woofferton Grange, Ludlow, Shropshire. He buys British Blue x dairy calves from a dedicated rearer at 12 weeks old and finishes them on contract for a large supermarket. “We get them in at

about 130kg and finish them at around 600kg liveweight, at 20-22 months old,” explains Mr Hyde.

His winning group of 46 cattle averaged an impressive daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of 1.88kg over the five months from 1 November to 31 March, which he attributes to grazing them over the summer, growing their frames so they were ready to respond to a fast-growing diet over the winter. “We used to select finished stock by eye, so now sometimes we’re shocked by the actual weights – I was definitely surprised by the way they grew last winter.”

Winning the under 12-month category was Jamie Paterson, farm manager at Little Spott Farms, Dunbar, Scotland. He manages 130 Limousin x Charolais suckler cows across 400 acres of grassland, rearing the calves to sell as stores at seven to eight months old and 400kg liveweight. “We try to keep things simple – we calve inside in March and April before turning them out to grass over the summer,” he explains.

Mr Paterson creep feeds the calves at grass from August onwards – and this year replaced his barley and mineral mix with a specialist high-quality calf blend. “It pushes them on a bit quicker; if we can sell calves a month or more earlier, then at an extra cost of £30/t of feed it’s a worthwhile return on investment.” As a result, his winning batch of 35 animals averaged a DLWG of 1.44kg.

Mr Paterson weighs the youngstock once a month, moving them into different groups according to their size and weight. “Using Breedr to record the weights with EID tags is really easy. Plus it predicts their weights – so if you haven’t weighed for a week or so you can still see which ones to pick and sell; it’s pretty much bang on every time.”

•

For more information visit breedr.co/ weigh-to-win or call 01243 210286. To enter, simply download the free Breedr app, scan your cattle passports, weigh the animals using the crush mode, and keep track of weight gains by weighing roughly every six to eight weeks.

Breedr will be offering advice and support throughout the competition – keep up to date by joining its Facebook group.

Research reveals serious threat to dairy industry and human life from parasite

Collaborative research led by the University of Kent's School of Biosciences has found the prevalence of the parasite Cryptosporidium to be greater than presumed, equating to a serious threat to the dairy industry and human life. ocusing on specimens of farm-based cow herds across Belgium, France and the Netherlands, consisting of 57 farms in total, the parasite was found to be 20-25% prevalent across all countries.

F

These findings indicate that Cryptosporidium, which causes severe sickness in cows, has reached such levels as to be of major concern to the dairy cattle market of western mainland Europe.

Researchers screened for the parasite in young calves and their mothers. This led to the discovery of different strains of Cryptosporidium, suggesting that the parasite is not inherited from the mothers, but might be accumulated from the environment.

60 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Coinciding with several outbreaks in recent years, researchers anticipate this might also spread in humans, especially when increased flooding may cause sewage to spread into water reservoirs.

Cryptosporidium is dangerous owing the severe and lethal sickness it causes in dairy livestock and the threat it holds for human life, especially for young children or immunocompromised individuals.

The parasite is also concerning as it becomes infectious in chlorine, meaning that traditional methods of stopping parasitic spread act to increase chances of infection, rather than preventing.

Dr Anastasios Tsaousis, Reader in Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology at Kent and the corresponding author of the

paper, said: 'This research is of major importance in terms of product value in the dairy farm industry and safety to human life.

The findings indicate Cryptosporidium levels to be so high as to be of severe concern to the European and UK dairy market.

'This confirms the importance of an One Health approach when studying an outbreak akin to Cryptosporidium: we must consider its impact on human life, animal wellbeing and the environment.'

The paper, 'Cross-Border Investigations on the Prevalence and Transmission Dynamics of Cryptosporidium Species in Dairy Cattle Farms in Western Mainland Europe', was funded by a European grant by the Interreg-2-seas and it is published in Microorganisms.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

Tackle tick-borne diseases with Ruminant Health & Welfare anessa Swinson, veterinary lead of the APHA cattle expert group and RH&W steering group member, warns that both babesiosis and tick-borne fever in cattle have been diagnosed well into November this year, far later than normal.

V

“These have likely been precipitated by the warm weather supporting tick populations later into the year,” she explains.

“For example, babesiosis-positive samples have been submitted at consistent levels throughout this grazing season, demonstrating that babesiosis is not fitting with the seasonality we once thought occurred for this disease. This means the new RH&W web pages, pointing to resources to tackle them, are really timely.”

The new resource will help farmers and vets tackle a range of tick-borne diseases, including tick-borne fever, tick pyaemia, www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

louping ill and babesiosis. In tick-dense areas these conditions can seriously affect production and, in some cases, force changes in grazing pattern to reduce the risk to susceptible stock.

Although tick-borne diseases are generally confined to recognised regions or hot-spots where impact is high, new tick risk areas are emerging. Sheep and cattle grazing in these areas can suffer from unpredictable disease incidents.

“The majority of submissions received have been from South-West England, with small pockets of localised infection also detected in North East and North West England, and North West Wales. This shows the significant difference in geographical prevalence of disease throughout England and Wales, which is likely to keep changing.

The geographical prevalence of tick-borne disease is also important with regard to human health,” adds Vanessa.

The new web pages pointing to tick-borne diseases resources are the first in a suite of guidelines that will draw together facts and information to help farmers and vets to deal with high impact, low prevalence diseases which can have a devastating effect on farm.

RH&W has identified lead poisoning and Botulism as the two next conditions to be tackled, and is working in three other key areas over the next two years to help improve cattle, sheep, and goat production across the UK. These are: Priority diseases and syndromes, welfare opportunities, and future farming systems.

“We hope to be a catalyst for real change,” says Nigel Miller, chairman of RH&W. “The RH&W steering group, including Vanessa, is a unique collection of individuals who can share information across the four nations and collaborate to find solutions.”

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

61

| Muck & Slurry

Slurry pump helps with efficiency at resourceful organic dairy farm t an organic dairy farm in Lancashire, where the ethos is firmly on maximising efficiency over maximising output, a Landia chopper pump is playing a vital role in the use of slurry as fertilizer.

A

Using energy captured from solar panels at the allelectric, 100hectares farm, the 7.5 kW pump transfers slurry 510m, directly from the main dry cow house to the external lagoon, making considerable savings on fuel and labour.

“First, we tried a diesel pump” said Ian Pye from Old Holly Farm near Garstang, but the process was costly and took up way too much time. Every drop of slurry is important to us, so we wanted a simple and longlasting solution, which to be honest, we believed we could achieve with Landia, but given their

62 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

pedigree, thought would be too expensive.

However, this just wasn’t the case at all with cost, and five years on, the decision has been more than justified; very good value for money, actually. It just works; very reliable. Compared to scooping up slurry with a tractor and then transporting it, sending it directly to the lagoon with a decent pump is a no brainer”.

When manure from the farm’s 140 cows is particularly thick (depending on time of year/diet/ maternity), it is moved 100m to the lagoon in the yard, but the vast majority of time, the Landia Chopper Pump (which for flexibility, was supplied with a moveable control panel), sends the slurry straight to the lagoon.

Continually breaking down solid particles, the pump’s knife system prevents harmful

debris from entering the pump’s casing, so that it remains clog-free.

Ian Pye added: “In five years, all we’ve ever needed for the pump has been a new float switch, which is very good going. Even then, it was all very simple and economical; quick turnaround, with a part that our electrician could fit easily. Some companies can make the supply of spares unnecessarily difficult and very costly, but we’ve had nothing but friendly and helpful support from Landia. From day one, they listened hard to understand what we wanted to do, and how they could help us best achieve our goals”.

A supplier to the Arla dairy co-operative, which has one of the world’s largest externally-validated climate data sets from dairy farms, Old Holly Farm is run almost entirely by one person; Ian Pye.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

63

| Muck & Slurry

Vogelsang launches separator for processing of digestate and liquid manure ogelsang GmbH & Co. KG is launching an innovative press screw separator. The XSplit separator is easy to maintain and enables a dry matter content of up to 40 percent for liquid manure and digestate processing.

“It’s becoming increasingly important to our customers to fully exploit digestate and liquid manure in the best and most efficient ways – whether as fertilizer for plant cultivation, as bedding, for soil improvement or for power generation in biogas plants. The separation technology rounds out our portfolio for even more efficient management of digestate and liquid manure,” says Harald Vogelsang, Managing Director Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG.

V

screw separator and optimized the technology behind it: the drive is located at the solids outlet and not, as is customary on the market, at the inflow of the raw medium. In contrast to conventional separators, liquid cannot get into the drive. This means a shaft seal is no longer required, which in turn reduces maintenance effort and costs. Vogelsang's QuickService concept also enables direct access to the screen and press screw for quick service.

The biogas specialist audience will see the XSplit for the first time at the BIOGAS Trade Fair (December 7th-9th, 2021) in Nuremberg. Vogelsang already demonstrated the XSplit to the agricultural specialist audience during its inhouse event held at the company's headquarters in Essen (Oldenburg) from November 15th-19th, 2021.

New drive arrangement reduces maintenance costs The XSplit helps biogas plant operators and contractors to separate digestate and liquid manure for further use optimally.

Vogelsang has taken up the tried and tested method of solid-liquid separation of liquid manure and digestate using a press

64 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

• •

Easy-to-maintain and low-wear thanks to new drive arrangement Individually-adjustable pressing area and elastomer sealing disc

Reliable plugging A high-quality elastomer sealing disc, against which the press screw works in the separation area, ensures reliable plug formation, without extra aid and with almost zero initial leakage. The pressing area and thus the dry substance content can also be adjusted quickly and individually in just a few steps. With its optimized technology, the press screw separator from Vogelsang achieves a dry matter content in the solid fraction of up to 40 percent, making it capable of meeting a wide range of requirements relating to liquid manure and digestate processing. In developing the separator, the company also placed great emphasis on a very good cost-benefit ratio for the user.

Tramspread-Storage-Mix-190x133-09-21.qxp_Tramspread-Storage-Mix-190x133-advert 01/09/2021 09:51 Page 1 For more information, visit: vogelsang.info

For over 30 years Tramspread have supplied and manufactured slurry equipment. Our products have been rigorously tested by our contracting division and we trust them to do the job every time.

BAG TANKS

NURSE BAGS

RECK SLATTED FLOOR MIXER

For sales and help or advice adapting your farm to meet DEFRA’s Clean Air Strategy contact: East of England & Republic of Ireland: John Tydeman - 07730 438469 West of England & Wales: James Peachey – 07884 869034 Scotland & Northern Ireland: Mike Kitching - 07717 576625

RECK PTO MIXERS

STORAGE SEPARATION & MIXING

HEXA-COVER www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Call: +44 (0)1449 766133 Email: info@tramspread.co.uk SEPARATORS Visit: www.tramspread.co.uk December 2021STALLKAMP 65 | Farming Monthly |

| Muck & Slurry

Mastek machines available on the Farming Investment Fund grants T

he long awaited Farming Investment Fund grants are finally here, we spoke to Mastek to get an overview on their range of machines which are available for grant funding.

Mastek offer a range of dribble bars and trailing shoe applicators to fit tankers of all makes and sizes.

The first in the line-up of machines shown below is their new 7.5m Micro Trailing Shoe. This machine is fixed to the tanker using fixed brackets and features a clever sequencing valve which unfolds the arms then tilts them to the ground all on the same hydraulic circuit.

The company offer what they refer to as a “junction box” as standard which allows filling points to be fitted to the rear of the trailing shoe. The micro shoe features the company’s micro supercut macerator, this is proving to be a very compact yet reliable macerator.

Second up is the well-known 7.5m Professional Universal Dribble Bar weighing in at only 450kg, the machine simply replaces the slurry tankers existing 66 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

door meaning fitting is quick and simple Mastek pride themselves on being able to fit to any make of tanker including Joskin, Pichon and all the Irish slurry tanker manufacturers. The machine features sprung break away and stone trap as standard. This machine is very popular on tankers from 1300 gallon up to 3000 gallon.

The final machine in the line up is the companies vertical fold dribble bar known as the Hybrid Dribble Bar. This machine can feature 3 or 4 point linkage or can be bolted to the chassis of any suitable tanker. This machine is available in widths of 10 or 12m and features hydraulic accumulator break away and a junction box on the rear to allow for easy filling.

Mastek fit their own award winning “SuperCut” and “Micro SuperCut” macerators to their range of dribble bars and trailing shoes which are designed to handle long fibre and debris by using 6 unique V-shaped cutting discs to shear long fibre and plastic. Each hose outlet has a one-way air valve, this gives an even flow and helps to prevent blockages. Mastek told us they have machines working on farms using sand bedding and although these customers see increased wear the overall lifetime of parts is very impressive compared to other macerators on the market.

Slurry Systems, Dribble Bars and Trailing Shoe Applicators

FARMING INVESTMENT FUND GRANTS

OPENING OCTOBER - Call us for more details

Mastek offer their own line up of flow meter with either a touch screen tablet display or the popular ISOBUS version allowing the user to view the flow meter on their tractor display screen with no need for an additional display box cluttering up the cab. These flow meters can record the amount of slurry applied to individual fields, something which is becoming more and more essential for farm nutrient records.

The team at Mastek comprises of Mark Roberts who covers the North of the UK and Scotland and Ben Willcox who covers the South of the UK and Wales. Mastek have a growing network of dealers throughout the UK who can offer you a solution to fit your tanker.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

01939 220079

www.mastek.ie

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

67

| Muck & Slurry

Tramspread to distribute Roelama in UK ramspread has become the sole UK distributor of Roelama slurry applicators.

The Roelama range is manufactured in the Netherlands and includes trailing shoe machines with working widths of 6.4 to 12 metres.

T

“Roelama manufactures high quality, easy to maintain trailing shoe applicators that can be used with an umbilical system or mounted to a tanker,” says Tramspread managing director, Terry Baker.

The Sleepflex and Sleepflex Farmer models can be specified with trailing shoes or cutting disks and have a vertical, three or five-part, hydraulic 68 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

folding mechanism. The swinging arm for the drag hose has been neatly designed to prevent the hose from running underneath by angling it away from the machine at all times.

“The Sleepflex Farmer is a professional machine. It has adjustable wheels and 20-centimetre row distance spacing to maximise precision nutrient application,” explains Mr Baker.

The Sleepflex is a 12-metre unit that is suitable for larger farms and contractors. It features an integrated lift, fully electrical hydraulic steering, and two turning points on the swinging arm which enables the operator to reverse without crossing the drag hose.

“This helps to manoeuvre the wider

width machine in tight spaces,” he adds.

Both machines require less maintenance than some competitors due to the design needing fewer turning points which reduces greasing. “There are also some optional extras such as section control and flow meters that will appeal to those looking for a precision led approach to nutrient application,” says Mr Baker.

Tramspread now offers the Sleepflex Farmer in working widths of 6.4, 7.2, 8 and 8.8 metres and the Sleepflex at a working width of 12 metres. The 12metre model will be available to view on the Tramspread stand at LAMMA in January. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

69

| Muck & Slurry

Greencrop solutions for slurry and dirty water

The John Deere 6120M is No.1 in the Best Utility Tractor category.

G

reencrop offers a range of dirty water and slurry spreading solutions to handle slurry, digestate from AD Plants, dirty water from livestock farms and washing plants.

With new legislation taking effect as soon as 1st January 2022 in Scotland leading towards the banning above ground slurry application in 2025. Slurry spreading will have to change to shallow injectors, trailing shoe or dribble bars.

capacities of 30m3 up to 140m3. These are all built to customers specifications.

Plus, a full range of slurry, dirty water equipment and umbilical kit including, pumps, layflat reelers, splash plates, flow meters, monitoring systems and Oroflex hose.

For further details check out our website: www.greencrop.co.uk

We can therefore be grateful for supporting grants having been made available in November of this year Greencrop can supply a full range of all the above equipment, including a great budget range of dribble bars up to 7.5m spreading width, able to mount on existing vacuum tankers from the rear door, without having to weld on any mounting brackets, with the ability to still use the splash plate if needed.

www.greencrop.co.uk

Fitting the tanker mounted dribble bar is very easy. We supply a new galvanized rear door with mounting brackets welded to it. Fit your existing gate vale to this door.

Forklift lifting points mounted on the machine, allowing the DB to fit to the rear door, which can be bolted on at the correct height.

Nurse Tanks

Tankers

The machines are very close coupled to the tanker, retaining good weight distribution.

All dribble bars from 7m wide upwards are fitted with boom brake back as standard.

The units are fitted with an easy access single vertical macerator which is selfsharpening and reversable. 50mm outlets and pipes (so less blockage) at 250mm spacings.

Our dribble bars range from 6m to 14m with single macerator on tanker models. Twin macerators are fitted on umbilical machines from 9m up to 15m. Greencrop dribble bars can be specified to mount onto a tanker which can be removed and used as an umbilical machine.

Our trailing shoe applicators range from 6m to 12m, tanker mounted or umbilical mounted. Shallow injectors machines range from 3m up to 6m.

Greencrop also supply Nurse tanks with 70 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Sepcom AD Separators Mounted Reeler

Dribble Bars

For more information please contact Howard Chantry Mobile: 07881 787997 Office: 01328 701992 howard@greencrop.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

two are one of the biggest British manufacturers of farming machinery and their award-winning muck spreaders are being praised by customers for their high product outputs and excellent back up support.

K

In 2021 Ktwo have continued to be recognised as the best British manufacturer of farming machinery. Their most recent award wins include BUILD Magazine’s Construction & Engineering Awards 2021 Best Trailer & Muck Spreader Manufacturer (they won UK Leading Innovators in Agricultural Machinery in 2020), SME’s British Made Awards 2021 Best Agricultural Trailers & Muck Spreaders Manufacturer and EU Business News Agriculture and Farming Awards 2021 Best International Trailer & Muck Spreading Machinery Manufacturer.

Robbie Polson, Ktwo Managing Director, says ‘’We pride ourselves on our innovation and quality, and we are very proud to be recognised as the Best Trailer & Muck Spreader Manufacturer in the UK and internationally. We continue to improve our products around our customer needs, and our improved MK5 versions of our Ktwo Bio and Ktwo Evo spreaders have been very well received by customers which is a credit to our fantastic team.’’

The Ktwo Bio range of rear discharge muck spreaders with twin horizontal beaters are designed with the most accurate of applications in mind and are the perfect choice when spreading higher value products. Whilst the Ktwo Evo range of rear discharge muck spreaders with twin vertical www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

beaters are designed to cope with the most demanding conditions whilst at the same time providing extra accuracy and the highest outputs available.

Ktwo launched the improved MK5 versions of the Ktwo Bio and Ktwo Evo in 2020 and the improvements further increased volume and ease of emptying which has been well received by farmers and contractors nationwide. ‘’We received our new Ktwo Bio 1600 in 2020.’’ Explains Adrian from Thoresby Farms in Nottinghamshire, ‘’we love it due to the high output and spreading accuracy.

One of the key features for us was the hardened beater tips and wear plates due to spreading pig muck which has a high stone count.’’ Adrian was also very pleased with the support from the Ktwo team, ‘’The machine is very reliable, and we have good back up support from Ktwo on wearing parts. Ktwo supported us all the way in getting 100% output of the machine, all the time. ‘’ Ktwo have continued to focus and grow their service team to support their customers and provide a high standard of backup assistance.

Robinson Contract Services, who were the first to receive the new MK5 Ktwo Bio’s in 2020, have always recommended Ktwo both for their machines and as a company.

Their General Manager explains ‘We have always had excellent backup from the Ktwo team regardless of whether this has been for parts, advice or joint head-scratching when problems have arisen. The Ktwo Bio’s spread pattern and distance remain

consistent across all manure types, enabling us to operate at the most common tramline widths without the need for lots of extra wheel marks and compaction in between - which is always a bonus with the customer! The Ktwo spreaders are also liked by the staff at Robinson Contract Services due to their ease of use (always a bonus when using seasonal staff), their ability to handle all products we’ve put through them and the fact that we can maintain them easily, to a high standard, inhouse.’’

Will Green of Green Agricultural services says ‘’Having run Ktwo Bios in the past I have switched to Evos due to a change in workload. I have always found the support from Ktwo fantastic. The machines have always been brilliant, the build quality and spread patterns are outstanding. I would recommend them to anyone, not only for the machines but for the support Ktwo provide. These spreaders are a cornerstone of my business and will continue to be so for many years to come.’’

Ktwo’s award winning spreader range also includes the versatile and popular Ktwo Duo muck spreaders and the lighter duty Ktwo Eco muck spreaders. All models come with a host of optional extras to suit most requirements.

Ktwo’s demo team cover the UK, to arrange a demo contact the Ktwo team today on +44 (0)1844 299290 or email sales@ktwo.co.uk For more information visit: www.ktwo.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

71

| Machinery

Precision farming kit eligible for new Government grants

Following the Government’s recent announcement that it is making £27 million available to farmers to invest in productivity-boosting equipment, LH Agro has confirmed that a range of its Topcon precision farming technology is eligible for grant funding.

O

n Tuesday 19th November, Farming Minister, Victoria Prentis announced that farmers and growers in England can apply for ‘Farming Investment Fund’ grants to buy new equipment and infrastructure which will help to improve production efficiencies.

LH Agro, Topcon’s preferred distributor in the UK, has subsequently confirmed that the grants can be used to offset the costs of the following eligible equipment: •

Topcon CropSpec canopy sensors: £11,250 grant funding

•

Topcon sprayer ECU (section and variable rate controller): £1,850 grant funding

•

Topcon yield monitoring ECU (for combines and root crop harvesters): £1,850 grant funding

•

Manure spreader ECU (section and variable rate controller): £1,250 grant funding.

“At a time when input prices such as fertiliser are at an all time high, it’s pleasing to be able to announce that financial assistance is available to reduce the cost of investing in an array of precision farming equipment which can help to reduce input usage,” explains LH Agro Managing Director, Richard Reed.

72 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

“The time and money saving benefits of RTK and GPS enabled auto-steering and implement guidance systems are well documented, with improved accuracy and reduced drilling overlaps and misses at the crop establishment phase a given,” Mr Reed explains. “But precision farming technologies can also improve the accuracy of fertiliser and spray applications later in the cropping calendar, with real-time crop sensors such as Topcon’s CropSpec system (now available at a starting price of just over £1,000) enabling growers to ensure fertiliser inputs are applied at the right rate, the right time and in the right place.

“Aftermarket sprayer control ECUs and manure spreader controllers which add variable rate and section control capabilities to existing implements can also improve farm production efficiencies, as can aftermarket yield monitors which feed vital harvest information back into the farm manager’s office.

“We’re pleased to see that the Government recognises the value and benefit of these technologies and look forward to working with farmers to take advantage of this latest grant scheme.”

For more information about the Topcon equipment mentioned, please visit www.lh-agro.co.uk or call LH Agro on 01480 496367.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

Inspire

Introducing Inspire 1200C/S

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Full control in 8 sections! This is a key feature of the new 12 metre seed drill Inspire 1200C/S. Väderstad Inspire 1200C/S is built to combine capacity with sound agronomics.

Visit vaderstad.com to learn more.

Where farming starts December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

73

| Machinery

V

äderstad has launched Tempo L 16 and 24 Central Fill with a central hopper for handling bulk seed and fertiliser. The new drill is to premier at Agritechnica 2022.

Filling a large capacity central hopper rather than individual seed and fertiliser row units increases daily output. The Tempo drill then accurately meters the seeds and fertiliser via two fans in the front, to each row unit individually.

Intuitive metering technology removes the need for a central motor metering out seeds. Instead each row unit regulates the number of seeds needed to assist its individual high-precision PowerShoot seed metering system.

74 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Tempo L Central Fill will be available in either 16 or 24 row options, which allows for row spacing alternatives from 450 to 762mm, depending on model.

To match the high-capacity output, the machine is equipped with a new hopper that holds 2200 litres of seeds and 5000 litres of fertiliser, making a total of 7200 litres.

Väderstad’s high-speed precision planter Tempo L already holds the world record for planting over 502 hectares of maize in 24 hours, a record set in Hungary in 2017. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

75

| Machinery

rone’s general purpose forage wagon offers a new level of versatility and gentle and fast unloading of a wide variety of cargo, including vegetable and root crops. The GX machine is available in two sizes – 44m3 and 52m3 – with two optional discharge rollers. The GX 440 rides on tandem axles and the GX 520 on a tridem unit, with both models featuring standard Isobus operation.

material. Telescoping sides reduce loadover heights hydraulically by up to 700mm.

Cargo is unloaded by a powerful fabric belt floor that is operated by two chains.

Together with the see-through headboard the belt floor forms the unloading unit, which is operated by two hydromotors. This is an extremely gentle way of unloading, because the forage moves slowly and consistently to the rear without squeezing.

After the machine is cleared, the chains pull the unloading unit back to the front end.

The strong floor belt offers 50t break strength and a PVC surface, which help to reduce friction for non-stick operation. The tensioned floor moves in either direction and will not billow up in empty hauls. The belt also offers cushioning when loading strain vulnerable crops like potatoes. The two reversible flat-link chains withstand high loads with break strength of 25t each.

K

The unloading mechanism only slightly shifts the centre of gravity, preventing the risk of tipping over. At the same time, the body remains in its horizontal position, allowing the machine to unload in low buildings.

The GX has a low deadweight with sides made of light-weight yet strong and smooth GFP panels with narrowly spaced stanchions for maximum stability. Its enclosed chassis and the sloping mudguards minimise build up of waste

76 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

The unloading unit is driven by two hydraulic motors (a 200cm3 motor on the GX 440 and two 250cm3 motors on the GX 520), providing two unloading speeds of 8m/min and 16m/min. This is achieved with a low horse power tractor requirement. The floor drive can be reversed for loading the machine through the tailgate.

Optional discharge rollers can be bolted to the tailgate when not in use. They are easily and conveniently attached with two bolts on either end, which fix two claws to the tailboard or to one side wall.

KRONE’s unique ExactUnload rate control unloads by distance travelled, allowing operators to enter the length of the silage pit. From then on, the unloading rate is controlled automatically relative to the tractor’s forward speed. When the machine reaches the end of its preset course it is cleared out completely.

GX’s slim and hydraulic drawbar ensures maximum manoeuvrability and its suspension translates into smooth rides in the field and on the road. Its hydraulic operation makes attachment/removal very easy and increases the ground clearance to up to 70cm for smooth clamping or managing rises.

GX’s steering system can be mechanical or electro-hydraulic. The forced steering system controls the rear axle in a tandem setup and the front and rear axles in tridem setup.

Provided an electronic axle steering system is in place, the steering angle is controlled relative to the current ground speed.

Manual operation is possible too when travelling on a slope or steering along the edge of the clamp.

General road safety features include the double rear lights, with optional reflective strips all-round. Crop covers are also available to ensure no material is lost in transport and no crop is lost on the way to the clamp.

The GX is an ISOBUS machine where the operator selects all auto functions and can operate the GX from the ground via a radio remote control.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

ew Holland Agriculture extends its congratulations to Scottish apprentices, John Connolly from Agricar, Dundonald, Craig Farmer from Bryson Tractors and Keiran Hay from Fife Tractors, who have all successfully completed their City and Guilds National Certificate in Land-based Engineering. The scheme encourages anyone with an interest in agricultural machinery to consider a career in land-based engineering. The qualification balances theory with practical tasks including servicing and maintenance on a wide range of equipment.

N

The scheme which commenced in 2017

V

icon’s non-stop round balerwrapper combination, the FastBale, is now available with film-on-film capability, in addition to traditional net tying.

Film tying is exactly the same as net tying – only the material used to secure the bale is different. The revised process sees film used to tie the bale before it leaves the chamber, and with it comes several advantages.

Thanks to film’s pre-stretch capabilities, the film-on-film process reduces bale expansion as it leaves the chamber, www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

when New Holland Agriculture and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Oatridge campus joined forces to create the fouryear agricultural engineering qualification for Scottish school leavers. The National Certificate in Land-based Engineering allows applicants to begin their apprenticeship by studying for a year to attain the certificate and then undertake a further two years study to gain their SVQ level 2 once employment within the agricultural industry had been secured. If a New Holland dealership is willing to employ an applicant without a National Certificate, they can proceed straight to the SVQ. The apprentices now have the potential to progress through further training and experience towards becoming one of New

Holland’s Master Technicians.

creating a denser bale than the netwrapped equivalent. And with it, less oxygen is trapped inside the bale, contributing to an improvement in forage quality.

Disposal requires users only to deal with plastic as a single waste stream – not a combination of plastic with net.

“Film-on-film is yet another extension of the FastBale’s impressive capabilities,” explains Vicon baler specialist Mike Howell.

“With film stretched to catch the edges of the bale, this bale tying technique builds on the bale qualities that Vicon is known for – superb bale shape and high density.”

Mark Barnes Product Support and Brand Service UK & ROI said “It’s really great to see the first output from this program which is receiving good reviews from both employers and students alike.

Graduation from the program is only the first step in what is potentially a very exciting career path. We look forward to seeing the recent graduates in the New Holland Basildon Training Centre as their knowledge and experience grows on the way to becoming a New Holland Master Technician”.

FastBale’s revised film-on-film injection system can also be used with rolls of net, for those operators who prefer total flexibility with silage quality. Including rolls in use, the non-stop baler-wrapper has the capacity to carry up to 10 rolls of bale wrap, plus two rolls of either net or film for tying.

The film-on-film option adds £4,170 to the cost of FastBale.

When it comes to waste recycling, film-onfilm provides additional benefits for farmers.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

77

| Machinery

ritish farmers took to the streets of the City of London on Saturday 13th November to showcase their role in producing the best of British climate-friendly food, commitment to caring for the farmed landscape and progress towards a net zero future.

B

New Holland Agriculture worked in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, the National Farmers Union, Surrey Docks Farm and Red Tractor to a produce dairy-themed entry trailer which

78 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

was towed by a New Holland T6.180, the world’s first 100% methane powered production tractor. Recently crowned Sustainable Tractor of the Year 2022, the methane tractor was also joined in the parade by a New Holland Forage Harvester.

The Worshipful Company of Farmers were joined on the parade by New Holland personnel, the NFU’s group of student and young farmer ambassadors, Red Tractor farmers, and youngsters from Surrey Docks Farm.

Mark Crosby, Marketing Manager UK & ROI, New Holland, said: “Participating in The Lord Mayor’s Show this year has even greater significance as we return to proudly showcase the best of British farming. New Holland is a strong advocate of British manufacturing as the clean energy leader, with our Basildon factory producing the first commercially available methane powered tractor. It’s an honour to play a part in the procession and highlight the importance of British agriculture."

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

Case IH Puma 140-175 tractors refined and refreshed for 2022 ase IH Puma 140-175 tractors benefit from a number of new features for Model Year 2022, designed to enhance productivity and enrich the operating experience. Following on from the success of the updated long wheelbase Puma 185-240 series, the new Puma 140-175 standard wheelbase series – with maximum power from 155hp-200hp – is upgraded across areas including vehicle presentation, driveline behaviour and cab ergonomics.

C

The profile of the series remains the same, with three versions which focus on specific customer requirements. The entry level Puma 140-165 is the economic choice, the Puma 150 and 165 Multicontroller provides customers with more automation, and the Puma CVXDrive delivers premium productivity.

New productivity features and cab enhancements The new Puma 140-175 models build on the positive feedback and reaction from customers of the recently-revised long wheelbase Model Year ‘21 Puma 185-240 tractors, with enhancements and improvements aimed at benefiting both owner and operator.

A redesigned entrance with Magnum-style steps provides easier access, while in-cab upgrades include phone mount, USB power ports and a tablet mount to ease in-cab management. Interior materials have been upgraded to premium-quality, automotivetype cab trim, and a new premium Case IH leather steering wheel will increase the driving appeal.

Visibility on the Multicontroller and CVXDrive models is improved thanks to a new wider-sweeping low- mount wiper which covers 60% more area, and there is also a new cool-box available for refreshments. For loader users a new advanced joystick, with integral forward/ reverse shuttle and gear-changing features, will improve cycle times.

At the rear of the new Puma models, top link stowage ergonomics and the hydraulic connections have both been improved for greater robustness. Other enhancements include LED marker lights and an air-line connection for inflation and air cleaning.

CVXDrive improvements Puma CVXDrive models have been subject to transmission upgrades, with Case IH engineers having focused on developing

the driving experience by improving the shuttle and acceleration/deceleration behaviour, and enhancing the drive pedal sensitivity. There is also now greater Multicontroller sensitivity and position detection, with an override capability added to the cruise control pedal, which customers will appreciate when turning at the headland. CVXDrive settings can be easily customised via the AFS Pro 700 display.

New Case IH customer packages Three new packages available for the Puma 140-175 tractors will make it easier for customers to choose their ideal specification. The Selection Package, for entry level Puma 140-165 models, meets essential customer requirements. Puma Multicontroller and Puma CVXDrive tractors are available with two packages, Advanced and Professional. The Advanced package pre-selects the most common features many customers require for daily operations, while the Professional package is focused on AFS technology, being guidance-ready and with the AFS Pro 700 display.

The new tractors are available from spring 2022.

Case IH Maxxum models enhanced for 2022 he Maxxum 115-150 tractors, the mainstay of the Case IH tractor range suiting the widest breadth of buyers across the company’s customer base, has been subject to a number of updates and refinements, with changes to areas ranging from the operator environment to transmission operation.

tractors can be also had with the Advanced pack, a set of technology features which professional customers will appreciate for daily operations. Lastly, Maxxum Multicontroller and Maxxum CVXDrive models can be specified with the Professional package, providing access to the latest technology features to unlock the full potential of the tractor.

The six-cylinder Maxxum 150 at the top of the range – all other models are fourcylinder tractors – has gained five horsepower in unboosted rated power to produce 150hp, meaning it moves 5hp ahead in power when compared to the next model in the line, the four-cylinder Maxxum 145. All other changes, though, apply to the entire range, with changes to the new Maxxum models focused on fit and finish, reliability and customer features that are targeted towards enhancing driver comfort and productivity.

Meanwhile, the Maxxum range has been improved in the areas of presentation, experience, build quality perception, ergonomics and visibility, in order to provide an even better working tool for both owner, and an even better experience for the operator.

T

New specification packages Maxxum models are now available with three specification packages. Maxxum and Maxxum Multicontroller tractors can be ordered with the Selection package, a set of commonly-sold options covering most customer needs, while Maxxum, Maxxum Multicontroller and Maxxum CVXDrive www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Externally, there is a redesigned cab entrance with Magnum-style steps. Once seated, operators will find a raft of small but significant changes to make their daily lives easier, including a phone mount, USB power ports and a tablet mount. Ahead, a new wiper arrangement covers 60% more of the screen more area, while the driving experience can be enhanced by premium leather steering wheel and new advanced joystick options.

In the cab, these tractors inherit many features from their larger cousins to improve the operator experience. These

include premium-quality, automotive-type cab trim, improved visibility, enhanced ergonomics and a new cooled storage compartment – essential for long working days.

Transmission upgrade On Maxxum CVXDrive models, transmission operation has been enhanced to introduce additional ‘clever’ CVT operating features. In response to customer research, driving characteristics have been improved to maximise shuttle and acceleration/deceleration response, while drive pedal sensitivity has been refined, sensitivity and position detection of the Multicontroller enhanced, and cruise control pedal override incorporated.

Externally, Maxxum models now benefit from better top link stowage ergonomics and hydraulic connections, making life easier when coupling and disconnecting implements. There are also new LED marker lights, plus a new air-line connection for inflation and cleaning.

The new tractors are available from spring 2022.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

79

| Machinery

J Riley working demonstration to be held on 27 January 2022

80 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

Riley’s extremely popular biennial working demonstration will return in late- January 2022. An unmissable-fixture for everyone with an involvement in sugar beet harvesting and the wider industry, the event is widely regarded as the best place to see the latest advances and developments in harvesting technology from the UK market leaders, as well as being an enjoyable day out.

J

The event will showcase Vervaet’s new rollerbed primary cleaning system which can be specified in place of the existing highly-regarded turbine-only layout on the high- output six-wheel Beet Eater 625 Evo. Announced last spring, the first production rollerbed-equipped machines went to work for the 2021/2 sugar beet campaign with two machines sold in the UK, both of which have been working extremely well. This will be the first time the rollerbed is shown at a public working event.

machine in

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Intended to offer another option for potential customers already operating a rollerbed-type suitable soil types, its

addition makes Vervaet the only harvester manufacturer to offer their customers the option of both primary cleaning methods. Additionally, the Vervaet system discharges onto a central cleaning turbine rather than a trace, eliminating a potential problem area. The central turbine is a well-proven method already in use on over 160 Vervaet harvesters currently operating in the UK. The compact and extremely manoeuvrable four-wheel Q-616 remains the most popular harvester in the Vervaet range. The model continues to be enhanced with minor updates annually, in line with Vervaet’s policy of continual improvement, and a 2021 machine will also be in action.

Refreshments will be provided including the famous hog roast by North-Norfolk butchers H.V. Graves which is always highly appreciated by visitors. The location will be Little Witchingham in central Norfolk by kind permission of H Jones (Farms) Ltd. The post code is NR9 5NY, and signs will be in place on the day (Thursday 27 January 2022).

The image shows a rollerbed-equipped Vervaet Beet Eater 625 Evo at work in the UK earlier in this beet campaign.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

81

| ATV

Polaris Leads the Off-Road Industry Into the Future, Taking UTV Performance & Productivity to the Next Level with the All-New, All-Electric RANGER XP Kinetic All-New Electric Powertrain Elevates the Industry’s Hardest Working, Smoothest Riding UTV to a Whole New Level of Capability, Durability and Performance olaris (NYSE: PII), the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, has harnessed the power of electrification and is once again pushing the industry forward with the introduction of its highly anticipated RANGER XP

P

82 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Kinetic – the hardest working, smoothest riding UTV ever built.

Featuring an entirely new electric powertrain born from Polaris’ partnership with Zero Motorcycles®, RANGER XP Kinetic establishes a new standard for UTV performance and productivity, delivering uncompromised

capability, unrivalled durability and refined performance.

“Time and again, Polaris has demonstrated our commitment to riderdriven innovation, delivering what our riders need and going beyond what they imagined was possible,” said Mike

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Speetzen, CEO of Polaris. “Building on this rich legacy, we continue our relentless pursuit to create unmatched riding experiences and are partnering with Zero Motorcycles® to harness the incredible capabilities of electric for our customers. The new RANGER XP Kinetic is a powerful example of this.”

THE WORLD LEADER IN OFF-ROAD

With industry-leading horsepower and torque, RANGER XP Kinetic offers more power than ever to pull more, haul more, and get more done. The electric powertrain’s instantaneous torque delivers precise control when pulling or towing heavy loads. In addition, the industry’s most advanced drivetrain performs with less moving parts for lower maintenance costs and more uptime for increased productivity. Plus, the quiet electric powertrain means easy conversation with family and friends, the ability to work in the early morning without waking neighbours, quiet operation around animals and offers stealthy entry and exit to hunting spots.

“The RANGER XP Kinetic is built for our hard-working customers who take pride in their work, value accomplishment, and are always looking for ways to maximise their productivity,” said Steve Menneto, President of Polaris Off-Road. “The RANGER XP Kinetic unlocks the benefits of electrification to enable these customers to drive efficiency and get more done, giving them the power to do more than ever before.”

“Electrifying an already class-leading product is a very complicated undertaking, but with Polaris we had the advantage of starting with both the best UTV in the industry and a very talented and collaborative team,” said Sam Paschel, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “The combination of Zero Motorcycles’ technology, our passion for electrification as a powertrain solutions provider, and Polaris’ dedication to consumer-led innovation has created an all-new electric Ranger that delivers an incredible rider experience.”

RANGER XP Kinetic is available as a 3-seat model and will feature a Premium and Ultimate trim. The Premium trim contains a single 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers an estimated range of 45 miles (70 kilometres), while the Ultimate trims delivers 29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of 80 miles (130 kilometres).* The Ultimate trim also offers a 18-centimetre infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology.

UNCOMPROMISED CAPABILITY The all-new RANGER XP Kinetic offers uncompromised capability to help customers get more done and features the most horsepower and torque ever found in a utility side-byside. Industry-leading 110 HP and 140lb-ft of instant torque delivers maximum capability for confidently hauling and towing heavy loads even over the toughest terrain. Together, www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

THE BEST MEMORIES ARE MADE OFF-ROAD Never at rest, we are always moving, searching and pushing beyond. Our shared passion for the outdoors is what drives us, and determination and inventiveness are what defines us as we pursue new off-road experiences.

0% FINANCE

TWO YEAR

WARRANTY

Subject to terms and conditions and credit approval.

Keep up-todate on our socials 0330 041 5141 www.polarisbritain.com

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

83

| ATV

the unmatched horsepower and torque gives customers the power they need, when they need it, for the ability to effortlessly tow 1134kg and haul an industry-best 567kg. RANGER XP Kinetic also features a class-leading 35.5-centimetres of ground clearance to confidently rise over obstacles, and is equipped with 74-centimetre, 8-ply Pro Armor X-Terrain tires for maximum traction and durability to crawl over rocks and ruts. And with 25.4centimetres of suspension travel, XP Kinetic smooths out the bumps so customers can ride comfortably in challenging terrain – no matter where the job takes them.

RANGER XP Kinetic has been torturetested in extreme conditions and treacherous terrain and is backed by a 1-year factory-installed warranty, 3-year electric powertrain coverage, and 5-year battery coverage**. What’s more, the electric powertrain does not require oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs or clutch maintenance. Scheduled maintenance costs are expected to be 70% less than average maintenance costs for similar fuel-powered vehicles.*** RANGER XP Kinetic also features a fullcoverage front bumper and full-body skid plate for added vehicle protection while riding on tough terrain.

UNRIVALLED DURABILITY REFINED PERFORMANCE RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers unrivalled durability so riders can maximise their uptime and improve productivity. The electric powertrain features fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance and more uptime.

84 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Capable and durable, RANGER XP Kinetic also delivers refined performance with clean, quiet operation for easy conversations with friends and

family, stealthy trips to remote hunting spots, and quiet operation around horses and other livestock. The electric powertrain delivers smooth, precise control when operating at low speeds, so customers will have full control and confidence while towing, backing up to a trailer, or spraying a fence line. The instantaneous torque also delivers faster acceleration for an exhilarating ride on the family property.

RANGER XP Kinetic also offers smart performance features to help customers maximise productivity. A 12V cargo box outlet is convenient for powering accessories like sprayers or charging portable batteries. A new shifter design includes high, low, neutral and park, but features a new, integrated switch for forward and reverse so customers change directions with the flip of a switch, making tasks like plowing fast and efficient.

In addition to high and low gear,

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

RANGER XP Kinetic also has three drive modes for maximum versatility optimised to driving conditions and range management: Eco+: Optimises torque and top speed for maximum range and light duty jobs.

remaining range and the battery state of charge directly on the 18-centimetre screen. You can even drop a waypoint on your charging location and see how far away you are from your next charge at any given time.

same great Pro Shield cab systems for tight sealing and all-season rider comfort. Additional accessories available include easy-to-install Pro HD winches for added pulling power and Lock & Ride Storage to keep tools and gear secure while riding.

FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING Standard: Optimises throttle response for everyday driving and moderate-sized jobs Sport: Optimises throttle response for spirited driving and the toughest jobs ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY POWERED BY RIDE COMMAND RANGER XP Kinetic is available with a 18-centimetre infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology that lets you work smarter and delivers peace of mind. Customers will have the ability to see estimated

Convenient charging options are designed to fit specific customer needs and are as easy as plugging into a standard wall outlet. Whether customers are looking for an overnight charge, or a quick top off during the lunch hour, they are covered. XP Kinetic comes standard with a combined Level 1 / Level 2 EV charge cord that allows you to charge from a 120V or 240V outlet.

Factory-installed on-board charging rate is 3kW for the Premium trim and 6kW for the Ultimate trim. Both can reach full charge from 0% in as-fast-as 5 hours as equipped.†† With the available accessory onboard charging system, rates can be boosted to 6kW for Premium and 9kW for Ultimate for up to 50% faster charge times. A 240V power supply is recommended for fastest charging and can deliver over 4x faster charging than a standard 120V outlet.

CUSTOMISATION RANGER XP Kinetic is compatible with 95% of RANGER XP 1000 accessories including the

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Plus, Polaris has designed new accessories specific for RANGER XP Kinetic, including a fast-acting electric heater kit so customers can ride in comfort in the colder months, as well as an upgraded 3kW on-board charger for maximum fast charging. With a whole portfolio of off-road accessories, consumers can build the ultimate machine for work, play, or anything in between.

RANGER XP Kinetic will arrive in dealerships in Summer 2022. * Range estimates based on manufacturer data on typical customer driving usage and conditions. Actual range varies based on conditions such as external environment, weather, speed, cargo loads, rates of acceleration, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle usage. ** Warranty coverage period, terms and conditions may vary by market. ** Manufacturer estimate based on average scheduled maintenance costs over the course of a 5-year timeframe. †† Estimated charging times based on a 240V power supply.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

85

| ATV

Compact, light and capable package

A

new Honda Pioneer 520 side-by-side UTV which replaced a conventional ATV earlier this year is proving ideal in its role on a Norfolk smallholding.

A competitor brand ATV was used until 2006, when registered smallholders Kevin and Pauline Waddington replaced it with their first Honda. The Honda TRX500FM Foreman proved better suited to the working environment than the machine it replaced and remained extremely reliable during its 15 years of use.

When the TRX500FM was due for changing last year, the couple decided to replace it with a larger UTV capable of carrying two people and with an integral load bed. PFK Ling Ltd, the local Honda authorised dealer, had supplied the Honda ATV and provided excellent aftersales back-up, so the Power Equipment Manager, James Bengeyfield was contacted for advice regarding its replacement.

86 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

Compact package “Although we wanted a machine for general transport around our site, the loads are not exceptionally heavy or bulky, and having a vehicle which is compact and light is far more important than the biggest possible load capacity,” explained Kevin. “At only 1,270mm wide, and weighing just 483kg the Honda Pioneer 520 seemed ideal as it wasn’t much wider than our existing conventional ATV but could carry loads up to 380kg on the rear cargo bed and had two good-size seats.”

The Pioneer 520 was added to Honda’s line-up last year complementing the larger Pioneer 700 UTV, and Honda’s best-selling range of conventional ATVs. It has a powerful and flexible 518cc, liquidcooled and fuelinjected petrol engine, and an efficient mechanical five-speed transmission with full auto, semi-auto and manual operating modes. Drive to the front and rear axles is through shafts for reliability and avoids the additional maintenance and repair costs of chains or belts used on many competitor machines. Flotation tyres minimise ground damage and rutting and provide plenty of grip.

Two seats are standard, and the tipping rear load bed carries up to 204kg, while an optional rear hitch allows trailers up to 454kg to be towed.

Designed for work Kevin also briefly considered a UTV of another brand but dismissed it when he found out that it had an air-cooled

engine. “A lot of our heaviest towing work is at low speeds, and I was worried that the enclosed, air-cooled engine might overheat.

“With its liquid-cooled engine, I was confident that the Honda would maintain the correct operating temperature whatever the working conditions and weather. We preferred the Honda’s overall design anyway, so requested a demonstration.”

The Waddingtons borrowed a Pioneer 520 demonstrator from PFK Ling and during an extended test-drive it proved popular. “There were obvious advantages over our existing ATV such as its ability to carry larger loads and a passenger, but we were also impressed by the light steering and excellent manoeuvrability. We found it easier to www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV Kevin and Pauline, and it is used daily for travel around the smallholding. Much of its use is on soft, wet grass but the combination of large flotation tyres and the vehicle’s light weight mean there is very little ground damage even when driving across the same areas several times per day.

Pioneer better option “We also briefly considered buying a compact tractor, but the extra weight would restrict its use in wet conditions, and it could also carry only one person. The Pioneer 520 was a better option for our situation,” Kevin confirmed.

Kevin said that the Pioneer 520 is easy to look after and there is little daily maintenance. Like the previous TRX500 ATV, the Pioneer will be returned to the dealer for annual servicing. Fuel consumption is low. “We always have

get in and out of the cab rather than straddling the ATV seat, and we both preferred the conventional steering wheel to handlebars.”

Convenient load carrier An order was placed with PFK Ling for the Pioneer 520.

During its first few months on the farm its main tasks included transporting chainsaws and additional forestry equipment to sites where trees have fallen or need clearing, then extracting the wood in the rear load bed or trailer. Livestock on the smallholding includes goats, chickens and geese, and the rear load-bed is ideal for carrying bales of sawdust and straw for bedding, and feed from the store to the pens.

The Pioneer also provides comfortable transport for

petrol on site for our mowers and other machinery, so it wouldn’t have made sense to look at a diesel-powered alternative. The Honda uses very little petrol, and the engine is smoother and quieter than a diesel which contributes to the ride quality and comfort.”

Chose the right vehicle “The Pioneer is comfortable to ride in as a passenger and it’s very easy to drive,” added Pauline. “The steering is light – even with 4wd selected. It’s easy to manoeuvre in areas with limited space, and I very much like the automatic transmission which adjusts constantly to suit the speed and working conditions. It has given us the additional load carrying capability that we wanted without being too big and heavy. It always feels stable and safe, and I’m very happy with our decision.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

87

| ATV

Kawasaki announce complete he 2022 utility range will feature the popular Kawasaki MULE Pro DX, Mule Pro DXT, Mule SX 4×4, and Pro-MX vehicles.

Also included in the range is the BRUTE FORCE 4x4i EPS ATV, which will be available in two colours.

T

The MULE Pro DX and MULE Pro DXT remain the flagship vehicles in the range, with both machines retaining their current specification for 2022. At the core of each machine lays a 3cylinder, OHV water-cooled, 993cm3 Bosch fuel injected diesel engine; a feature of particular interest to multivehicle users pursuing a “single fuel” policy. Driving through a dual range CVT, both vehicles offer selectable 2WD and 4WD delivering 17.8 kW @

For more information

88 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

3600rpm and 52.1 Nm of maximum torque at 2,400rpm.

For the MULE Pro DX, a spacious tipping load bed and impressive towing ability mean that almost no task is too big to ask of it. The MULE Pro DXT helps to push the range into new customer bases, thanks to the additional ability to move work crews into difficult or environmentally sensitive locations with minimal impact.

Featuring such user-friendly features as tilt adjustable steering wheels and speed sensitive electronic power steering plus front and rear independent suspension, both these sturdy vehicles certainly make light of heavy work and leave their operators fresh at the end of

•

each demanding day.

The entry-level MULE range will again be comprised of the MULE SX 4×4 and Pro-MX. Both models offer outstanding value for money and boast selectable 2WD and 4WD with Hi-Lo dual-range transfer case and a rear differential lock.

The MULE SX 4×4 relies on a sturdy and ultra-reliable OHV 410cm3 petrol engine delivering 9.9kW (13.5 PS) of motive power. Its 500kg towing capacity and 181kg load bed maximum are more than enough for many users while such “creature comforts” as a tilting steering wheel and Independent MacPherson strut front suspension, the SX faithfully delivers all day, every day.

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

e 2022 MULE and ATV line up

Its range partner, the MULE Pro MX cuts a real dash, not simply due to its sprightly turn of speed but, equally, an automotive styling approach redolent of a sturdy pickup truck. The singlecylinder CVT transmission equipped 695cm3 engine delivers 32.8kW (45 PS) for year-round working in even the harshest conditions with the added benefit of electronic power steering as standard fitment.

default option when value, reliability and rugged build quality are required.

The 2022 range will be available from August and will cost:

Completing the 2022 range is the 749cm3 Brute Force ATV models.

Featuring the powerful 37.3 kW {51 PS} @ 6,750 rpm water-cooled fuel-injected V-Twin engines, a 4×4 drive train and Electronic Power Steering (EPS), the ATVs will be available in Super Black or Camouflage Real Tree Xtra Green.

•

MULE Pro-DX – £11,999

•

MULE Pro-DXT – £13,199

•

MULE SX 4×4 – £7,299

•

MULE Pro-MX – £9,199

With disc brakes both front and rear plus the luxury of double wishbone suspension at both ends, the MULE Pro MX is both work and price friendly.

Offered in traditional Kawasaki Timberline Green, the MULE SX 4×4 and MULE Pro MX are, for many, the

The variable speed EPS, carefully considered ergonomics and vast spread of smooth all-conquering power make the Brute Force a logical number one choice when rugged power combined with a small vehicle footprint are required.

•

Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS – £7,799

•

Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS Camo – £8,099

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

89

| ATV

Polaris Delivers Its Most Powerful & Advanced SideBy-Sides of All Time With RZR Pro R and RZR Turbo R

olaris Off-Road, the leader in off-road vehicle innovation, is once again making history for the offroad industry, redefining its wide open lineup with the all-new RZR Pro R and RZR Turbo R. The two new machines are the most powerful, strongest and advanced sideby-sides ever developed by Polaris.

P

The all-new RZR family offers a host of innovations that establish new standards for the wide open category, delivering a driving experience that pushes the limits of what the most demanding and passionate off-roaders expect.

These new models raise the bar for power, strength and control. RZR Pro R features the most powerful engine ever put into a stock side-by-side—a naturally aspirated 2.0L, four-cylinder motor that puts out 225 horsepower—making it far and away the new leader in off-road power. Meanwhile, a one-piece chassis coupled with a fully-welded roll cage, strengthened unitized hubs, and massive boxed steel A-arms provide a level of strength that’s rarely, if ever, available from a stock side-by-side. In addition, both RZR Pro R and RZR Turbo R elevate overall control thanks to the industry’s widest stance at 74 inches, and the most dynamic and sophisticated suspension ever designed by Polaris with all-new DYNAMIX DV, an intuitive system that utilizes input from the vehicle and terrain to continuously optimize rebound and compression damping. RZR Pro R and RZR Turbo R don’t merely lead the pack, they leave it in the dust.

90 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

“RZR Pro R and Turbo R are dynamic, powerful reminders that innovation, superior performance and quality begin and end with Polaris. We’re committed to continually leading the way,” said Steve Menneto, President of Polaris Off-Road.

“The reality is, passionate off-roaders are reinforcing their stock chassis and suspension, often spending thousands of dollars to make their machines stronger.

RZR Pro R and Turbo R bring that nextlevel strength straight off the showroom floor.”

In addition to enhanced power, strength and control, Polaris has engineered more than 70 accessories for the new models – many developed in partnership with some of the most trusted aftermarket brands in the industry – helping owners create a style and overall experience with their vehicle that’s truly their own. Using these accessories, Polaris expertly curated three unique collections, which will resonate with key usage segments and feature a variety of different terrains: Desert, Dune and Rugged Trail.

Also a first in the off-road segment, is the introduction of Pro Armor five-lug wheels, which adds style to your vehicle and can be paired with 32” or 33” tires. Along with these new wheels, Pro Armor will launch a full suite of aftermarket accessories that fit the vehicles, including cages, roofs, windshields and storage.

RZR PRO R RZR PRO R 4 Designed completely from the ground up,

RZR Pro R establishes an astounding precedent thanks to the most powerful engine ever put in a stock side-by-side.

The naturally aspirated ProStar Fury 2.0L, four-cylinder engine pumps out a whopping 225 horsepower and, coupled with a larger clutch and belt, delivers power to the ground with instant response for fast acceleration. Three user-selectable throttle control modes— Sport, Rock, Race—adjust throttle sensitivity and ensure the power is there when and how it’s needed. What’s more, the ProStar Fury harnesses its immense power thanks to a higher level of overall sophistication, delivering usable power throughout the powerband for optimal performance at any stage.

But all that power would be futile without the strength to properly manage it.

Polaris achieves this through a next-level chassis and roll cage design, and dramatically upgraded suspension components. RZR Pro R features a stout one-piece chassis coupled with a fully welded one-piece roll cage, massive boxed steel A-arms, and enhanced driveline shafts and knuckles, allowing riders to push the limits. Dual Path Clutch Cooling breathes longer life into belts, and a new torque limiter helps protect the front drive from power surges. Unitized hubs bring added durability and simplify maintenance. Bottom line, the RZR Pro R is the most capable RZR to ever hit the market.

RZR Pro R complements its undeniable power and strength by offering definitive control for the rider. A commanding 74inch stance provides maximum stability www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV through rough terrain, while the MaxLink 29-inch suspension soaks up whoops effortlessly. Hold steady and minimize bump steer with the patented thru-arm rear toe link to help manage the massive travel so you can maintain control even through the wildest terrain. All-new DYNAMIX DV offers the industry’s first and only independent compression and rebound suspension system, allowing users to get the full range of motion out of the shocks. It also includes four new suspension & steering modes that monitor inputs from driver and machine 200 times per second, automatically adjusting compression and rebound damping independently to make the ride as smooth as possible and keep the wheels in contact with the ground. And while the chassis and suspension provide maximum control of the 225 horses, the innovative RIDE COMMAND system keeps everything from suspension mode monitoring and entertainment to GPS and route tracking, right at your fingertips.

“The unparalleled engine, chassis and suspension package on the RZR Pro R is arguably that of a Baja race title contender, straight from the factory.

There’s nothing even close to it on the market today,” said Reid Wilson, Vice President of Polaris RZR. “To replicate its strength and dynamic suspension on any other factory machine would cost thousands of dollars in aftermarket parts and service.”

acceleration off the line.

•

•

225 Horsepower – The naturallyaspirated, 2.0L, four-cylinder, liquidcooled and fuel-injected ProStar Fury is the biggest engine ever put in a stock side-by-side, and it’s cooler running, well balanced and reliable.

Instant Power Delivery – A larger clutch and belt take the power from the revolutionary ProStar Fury 2.0L engine and smoothly deliver it to the ground, giving you instant

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Suspension to Stay Planted – Fully boxed steel front A-arms with threepiece stabilizer bars and FOX® 3.0 Live Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks provide 27 inches of usable travel up front, while stout, boxed trailing arms with patented rear toe link, high-clearance radius rods, three-piece stabilizer bar and another set of FOX® 3.0 Live Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks offer industry-leading 29 inches of usable travel in the rear.

•

Own the Experience – RIDE COMMAND puts the controls right at the fingertips, whether it’s keeping track of the ride group with the innovative GPS technology, monitoring suspension and ride settings, or setting the playlist to blast through the Rockford Fosgate® audio system. Fold-flat storage and bolstered bucket seats with four-way adjustability and multi-point harnesses bring next-level comfort and convenience to the thrill ride.

•

Stopping Power – 4-wheel hydraulic discs with triple-bore front and dualbore rear calipers and aluminum top hat rotors give the rider definitive response at the pedal and bring the machine to a halt.

Selectable Throttle Control – Select from one of three throttle control modes (Sport, Rock, Race) to adjust throttle sensitivity, ensuring you have the right power, just when you need it.

STRENGTH •

Stronger Driveline – The shafts and knuckles in the RZR Pro R are stronger than ever before and a new torque limiter helps protect the front drive from sudden surges during power-on landings.

•

Dual Path Clutch Cooling – Totally redesigned air flow system minimizes heat for a longer belt life and more ride time.

•

Robust Components – A one-piece chassis coupled with a fully-welded roll cage, strengthened hubs, and massive boxed steel A-arms provide increased rigidity, durability and strength in all conditions, giving you the confidence to go further, more often.

CONTROL •

POWER •

•

•

74-Inch Stance – Wide stance provides maximum stability through rough terrain, while the MaxLink 29inch suspension with rear toe link soaks up the terrain and keeps the 32-inch Maxxis® Rampage Fury tires planted and tracking, even at high-speeds.

DYNAMIX DV – Conquer the terrain with four new suspension & steering modes that monitor inputs from driver and machine hundreds of times every second and automatically adjust compression and rebound damping independently to help keep all wheels in contact with the ground.

The RZR Pro R will begin arriving in dealerships early 2022.

RZR TURBO R / RZR TURBO R 4 Like the RZR PRO R, RZR Turbo R delivers unprecedented performance straight from the factory in a remarkably refined package. As part of the Polaris Wide Open Family, the RZR Turbo R is firmly planted on a 74-inch stance across a one-piece chassis equipped with DYNAMIX DV and unyielding boxed steel, long travel suspension. Under the hood, a turbocharged four-stroke twincylinder liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine delivers 181 horsepower to the five-lug 15-inch wheels wrapped with 32inch Maxxis® Rampage Fury tires.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

91

| ATV The brawny stance of RZR Turbo R shares the same uncompromising front suspension as the RZR Pro R. The boxed dual steel front A-arms with threepiece stabilizer bars and FOX® 3.0 Live Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks offer the same 27 inches of usable front suspension travel as the RZR Pro R, providing an unprecedented level of performance for a turbocharged side-byside. Moreover, RZR Turbo R boasts a rear suspension package that represents a massive step-change in performance and strength from its predecessor, the RZR Turbo S. Substantial tubular trailing arms with boxed gusseting coupled with patented rear toe link, high-clearance radius rods, stabilizer bars and FOX® 3.0 Live Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks keep the rear end planted and tracking with a generous 28 inches of usable travel. Combined, the factory suspension package and redesigned chassis make the RZR Turbo R a dominant force whether challenging the wide open terrain, or hard-charging through trail systems.

The enduring strength and capability of the suspension, paired with the power of 181 horses, delivers the stability to tackle challenging terrain, while the one-piece chassis and fortified roll cage maintain

92 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

the integrity of the machine and peace of mind for the rider. In short, RZR Turbo R is unmatched among turbocharged sideby-sides, delivering uncompromising performance to die-hard off-roaders who demand the absolute best.

“Just like the RZR Pro R, there are no compromises with RZR Turbo R,” said Wilson. “It represents a dramatic evolution from its predecessor, RZR Turbo S, combining unparalleled performance and strength, with next-level technology and innovation.”

STRENGTH •

One-Piece Chassis – The one-piece chassis is built to last and allows the machine’s superior suspension components to operate at peak performance and soak up the whoops.

•

Boxed Steel Suspension Componentry – RZR Turbo R is engineered with boxed front dual Aarms and a massive suspension system, designed to capably withstand the most rugged and demanding off-road terrain.

Strengthened Components – A strengthened roll cage and unitized hubs, combined with a one-piece chassis, offers a level of overall strength rarely seen from a bone stock side-by-side.

POWER •

181 Horsepower – Powering RZR Turbo R over dunes, trail and rock is a factory-installed turbo engine designed for strong corner-to-corner acceleration with the power on demand to stay out in front.

•

•

Low-End Power Delivery – RZR Turbo R has a lower low gear that offers plenty of torque at low RPM, and rolls on the power smoothly up into powerband to capably crawl around demanding terrain.

CONTROL •

74″ Wide Stance – The widest stance RZR offered

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV coupled with the revolutionary MaxLink 28” Suspension system soaks up the bumps and holds the line.

•

Optimized Wheelbase – With a 96inch wheelbase on the 2-seat and 125-inch on the 4-seat, riders will feel the stability and optimal turning radius for tackling tighter, more challenging trails.

•

DYNAMIX DV – Just as with the RZR Pro, the RZR Turbo R conquers any terrain with four new suspension & steering modes that monitor inputs from driver and machine hundreds of times every second and automatically adjust compression and rebound damping

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

independently to keep all wheels in contact with the ground.

•

•

28″ Of Usable Travel – The revolutionary MaxLink 28” Suspension system attaches the front shocks directly to the lower arms, allowing for the use of longer shocks delivering a massive 27 inches of travel in the front and 28 inches in the rear, while patented rear toe link keeps the rear suspension tracking, delivering a more comfortable, controlled ride.

bolstered bucket seats with four-way adjustability and multi-point harnesses bring next-level comfort and convenience to the thrill ride.

•

Stopping Power – 4-wheel hydraulic discs with triple-bore front and dualbore rear calipers and aluminum top hat rotors give the rider control at the pedal and bring the machine to a halt.

The RZR Turbo R will begin shipping Spring 2022.

Refinement and Rideability – Innovative technology like RIDE COMMAND and Rockford Fosgate® audio, coupled with the refined design of fold-flat storage and

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

93

| Motors

Subaru’s First Global All-Electric Vehicle SOLTERRA Makes World Debut ubaru Corporation today unveiled the new battery electric vehicle (BEV) SOLTERRA In developing SOLTERRA, the brand’s first BEV to be launched globally, Subaru aimed to exceed the various customer expectations for BEVs and make it a practical vehicle so that customers can choose it comfortably and confidently, as the vehicle will be the cornerstone of Subaru’s future BEVs. At the same time, as a Subaru SUV, Subaru aimed to make it a vehicle that existing Subaru customers can feel that it truly is a Subaru.

By filling it with new values that a BEV can offer and the value of “enjoyment and peace of mind” that Subaru have cultivated over many years, SOLTERRA has been built as an authentic SUV in an environmentally friendly package that can be used with peace of mind like the existing Subaru SUV models.

Global Platform, we have jointly developed the e-Subaru Global Platform together with Toyota Motor Corporation as a BEV-dedicated platform.

The e-Subaru Global Platform enables a driving experience with superior driving dynamics, that brings high stability and handling linearly responds to driver’s steering operation.

High capacity battery packs are placed under the floor as it is a BEV, and by utilizing that battery as a part of the structure, a low center of gravity and high body strength and rigidity are realized.

The seamlessly shaped hexagon grille expresses the energy efficiency of a BEV. The body with the horizontal axis starting from that hexagon and the dynamic fenders bulging out from the inside show the strength as an SUV.

•

Low instrumental panel and top mounted meters, a first for Subaru, located on the instrumental panel and visible above the steering wheel realized the spacious interior.

•

Utilizing the know-how cultivated with the highly recognized Subaru

94 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

By devising the skeleton shape of each part of the body and optimizing the material strength, SOLTERRA achieves both weight reduction and superior collision safety at the same time.

•

In the event of a collision, the structure that transfers the load to multiple body skeletons efficiently absorbs the collision energy. It protects not only the vehicle occupants, but also protects the high-voltage equipment in the BEV.

For more details, please visit the SOLTERRA special webpage. https://www.subaru-global.com/solterra/

•

•

e-SUBARU Global Platform

•

Driving Performance/AWD System

Exterior and Interior •

Safety

SOLTERRA has adopted a new system that drives the front and rear wheels with separate motors.

Taking advantage of the expertise in AWD technology precisely controlling the four tires that SUBARU has accumulated over many years, the agile response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear, SOLTERRA fully utilizes the grips of the four wheels and offers a driving with confidence and peace of mind.

Like the other SUBARU SUV models, SOLTERRA features the XMODE AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads, the capability is further enhanced.

SOLTERRA is the vehicle which takes an important role for SUBARU, the company aiming at “delivering happiness to all,” to face the challenges of global warming and climate change and continue to deliver smiles in the future.

The vehicle has been jointly-developed

by Toyota and SUBARU, which entered into a new business and capital alliance in September 2019. They brought together technologies and knowledges that are expertise of each under the slogan "Let's make ever-better cars together" and the engineers of both companies developed it together while engaging in a friendly rivalry.

The launch of the SOLTERRA will start by the middle of 2022 in the markets including Japan, the United States, Canada, Europe and China.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

95

96 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

97

| Motors

Volvo Cars signs zero-emission road transport declaration at COP26, reveals groundbreaking internal carbon-pricing mechanism olvo Cars Chief Executive Håkan Samuelsson will today join industry and government leaders to sign the Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans at the UN climate change conference COP26.

Simultaneously, to further accelerate its carbon footprint reduction, Volvo Cars today also announces the introduction of an internal carbon price of 1,000 SEK for every tonne of carbon emissions from across its entire business, in line with its ambition to become a climate-neutral company by 2040.

The Glasgow Declaration, unveiled as part of World Transport Day at COP26, signals a commitment by industry leaders and governments to phase out fossil-fuel vehicles in leading markets by 2035 and globally by 2040.

Volvo Cars also has its own climate action targets that go above and beyond the commitments in today’s declaration.

Already by 2025, it expects more than half of its global sales to consist of fully electric cars. By 2030, it aims to be a fully electric car maker and sell only pure electric cars.

The signing of today’s declaration signals the company’s endorsement of 98 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

the Race to Zero ambitions, as well as the hope that industry and governments can jointly realise an accelerated phase out of fossil-fuel vehicles that is more closely aligned with Volvo Cars’ own timeline.

“Our plan to be a pure electric car maker by 2030 is one of the most ambitious in the industry, but we can’t realise zeroemission transport by ourselves,” said Håkan Samuelsson. “So I am pleased to stand side by side here in Glasgow with industry colleagues and government representatives in signing the declaration. The time for climate action is now.”

With regards to the internal carbon price, Volvo Cars is the first car maker to move from words to action and implement such a carbon-pricing mechanism across its complete operations. The price is also set at a significantly higher level than what is being recommended by organisations such as the International Energy Agency.

The company deliberately aims to futureproof its organisation and be ahead of the regulatory curve, as it anticipates and is in favour of more governments implementing carbon pricing in the coming years.

Under the scheme, every future car project will undergo a ‘sustainability sense-check’ and a CO2 cost is imposed for every anticipated tonne of carbon emissions throughout the car’s lifecycle.

The aim is to ensure that each car model would be profitable even under a strict carbon-pricing scheme, steering project-, sourcing- and manufacturing-related decisions towards the most sustainable option on the table.

“A global and fair price on CO2 is critical for the world to meet its climate ambitions, and we all need to do more,” said Björn Annwall, Chief Financial Officer at Volvo Cars. “We strongly believe progressive companies should take the lead by setting an internal carbon price. By evaluating future cars on their CO2-adjusted profitability, we expect to accelerate actions that will help us identify and reduce carbon emissions today.”

The company has also decided to significantly boost financial transparency, giving the financial community further insights into the success of its electrification strategy and its overall transformation. Starting in 2022, Volvo Cars will disclose individual financial performance figures for its electric and non-electric business with every quarterly report.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

ŠKODA Karoq: A mainstay of the model range ince its introduction in spring 2017, the ŠKODA Karoq has contributed substantially to the Czech car maker’s success. Alongside its older sibling the Kodiaq, this compact SUV has won over numerous customers and car magazines worldwide, playing a key role in shaping the development of the ŠKODA brand in recent years. More than 500,000 units of the Karoq have rolled off the production lines since 2017. In 2020 and in the first half of 2021, it was ŠKODA's best-selling SUV and the brand’s second most popular model overall after the Octavia. The freshened ŠKODA Karoq will make its debut in a digital media presentation on 30 November.

Martin Jahn, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says: “With its generous amount of space and typical ŠKODA functionality, the Karoq has delighted our customers right from the start. It was our most popular SUV model during the past year and the first half of 2021 – which illustrates its importance within the model portfolio. I am convinced that we will build on this success story with the new edition of the Karoq and attract new customers to the brand.”

Introduced in 2017, the ŠKODA Karoq represented the second stage of the ŠKODA SUV campaign, making this model series a key part of what has become a genuine success story – in 2020, this vehicle segment already accounted for almost 40 per cent of ŠKODA’s global sales figures. Indeed, in www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

2020 and the first half of 2021 the Karoq was ŠKODA’s most popular SUV and the Czech car maker’s second bestselling model overall, behind the Octavia. More than 500,000 units of the Karoq have rolled off the production lines since 2017, and it’s currently available in 60 countries worldwide. ŠKODA manufactures this model in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well as in Russia and China.

An exciting design and typical ŠKODA virtues The Karoq was launched with the same exciting design language as the Kodiaq, complete with crystalline elements, dynamic shapes and sharply defined lines. It also continued the ŠKODA convention of having SUV model names start with a K and end with a Q. Its name harks back to the language of Alaska’s original inhabitants, the Alutiiq. Its compact dimensions make the Karoq the perfect car for urban environments, while its off-road mode and high ground clearance as well as an optional all-wheel drive system ensure it excels just as much on more challenging terrain. With its exceptional spaciousness and large luggage compartment, it is the ideal car for families and lifestyle-focused customers.

Optional VarioFlex rear seats are just one of many Simply Clever features offered by the functional Karoq. It also offers superior active and passive safety, numerous assistance systems, even better comfort and a wealth of advanced connectivity features.

Numerous awards from the international automotive media In addition to its great popularity with customers, the ŠKODA Karoq is very highly regarded by the international motoring press, as evidenced by the host of awards it has won since its debut in 2017. In its first year of sales, the Karoq received instant honours from the most prominent car magazines in Germany, the largest single market for ŠKODA worldwide. Auto Bild awarded it the “Golden Steering Wheel” as the best small SUV, while auto motor und sport honoured it with the “AUTONIS” award for best new compact SUV design. The KAROQ also beat the competition to win Auto Zeitung’s “Auto Trophy” as the best import SUV in the price bracket up to 25,000 euros in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

In 2018 it won the title as the best import vehicle in the compact SUV and offroader category in the auto motor und sport “Best Cars” readers’ choice award; this was complemented by the Czech and Greek “Car of the Year” awards and the “SUV of the Year” award in Bulgaria and at “The Fleet News Awards” in the UK. The German company car magazine firmenauto has presented the ŠKODA Karoq with its “Company Car of the Year” award for three years running, from 2019 to 2021, in the compact SUV and crossover category. In 2021, in addition to winning “Best Family SUV” in British What Car? magazine, the KAROQ has also brought home two awards in Russia, where it was declared Autoreview “Car of the Year” and “Best compact 4×4 Crossover” at the Za Rulyom Grand Prix awards.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly |

99

| Motors

KIA TACKLES ‘EV RALLY OF SCOTLAND’ WITH THE BEST-SELLING E-NIRO AND EV6 • Four Kia electric vehicles to tackle a 1,200-mile ‘e-tour’ of Scotland • EV rally sets off from Glasgow • EV6 and best-selling e-Niro models to take in every corner of Scotland over five days • Drivers include former British and Scottish rally champion David Gillanders, and BTCC driver Jack Goff ia UK is taking part in the EV Rally of Scotland (evros.uk), which sets off from Glasgow today. Four Kia vehicles are taking part in the 1,200-mile ‘e-tour’ of Scotland, with the new Kia EV6 and best-selling eNiro proving the viability of fully electric road-trips.

Following the COP26 climate conference, the EV Rally of Scotland is a five-day drive around every corner of Scotland. The journey starts today on 8 November, and finishes on Friday 12 November, taking in many of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, including sections of the North Coast 500, John O’Groats and the Isle of Skye. The erally is being completed exclusively on 100 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

electric power, showcasing the range and charging capabilities of Kia’s latest and most popular EVs. Drivers taking part in the challenge with Kia include former British and Scottish rally champion David Gillanders, reunited with his former rallying co-driver Graham Neish; and British Touring Car Championship ace Jack Goff. They are joined by Sam Clarke from the Gridserve charging network; Linda Grave, an entrepreneur in the UK’s burgeoning EV charging industry; Bob Murphy and Martin Symes from SWARCO Smart Charging UK Operations; Sara Sloman, Head of Future Mobility Partnerships at at Elmtronics; and journalists David Ward and Stephen McTaggart from The Herald and Paul Clifton from the BBC.

The EV6 is the latest all-electric Kia to be launched in the UK, and the first of 11 EVs due to make up Kia’s global EV line-up by 2026. The new EV6 is capable of driving up to 328 miles on a single charge (WLTP combined), while the e-Niro – Kia’s best-selling EV – has a driving range of 282 miles (WLTP combined).

So far this year, Kia has sold 11,762 electric vehicles in the UK, accounting for 14.4 per cent of the brand’s total sales this year. The launch of the new EV6 pushed Kia to the top of the UK’s EV sales charts in October.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

KIA TEASES CONCEPT EV9

ia revealed the first official images of the Kia Concept EV9, an all-electric SUV concept that embodies the company’s commitment to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

Following the launch of EV6, the Kia Concept EV9 is an intriguing glimpse into the future direction of the all-electric SUV, combining progressive design, state-of-the-art tech, and an advanced all-electric powertrain in one pioneering package.

The first visuals of the concept SUV show an ultramodern exterior design, the schematics of which hint at a contemporary recreational treatment that’s brought to the fore by an upright and capable stylistic stance.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

The renderings illustrate a highly conceptual cabin that has been honed to give the driver and passengers a light, flexible and adaptive interior space as the experience of the journey evolves. A stunning interactive ultra-wide display and a radical new take on the traditional steering wheel are just two of the standout interior features.

The Kia Concept EV9 preview images have been revealed ahead of AutoMobility LA, which starts next week. Kia unveiled its all-new electrifying take on the SUV form at 11:15 a.m. PST (19:15 GMT) on 17 November at the LA Convention Center.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly | 101

| Motors

PEUGEOT REVEALS UPDATED 3008 AND 5008 MODELS EUGEOT has announced model year updates for the popular 3008 and 5008, as both models celebrate five years since they were launched.

Both models have proved customer favourites and have collected a host of awards since coming to market, including ‘European Car of the Year’ 2017 for the 3008 and What Car?’s ‘Best Large SUV 2020’ for the 5008, with the latter also collecting the title of ‘SUV of the Year’ four years in a row at the Company Car Today Awards. Over the past five years, the 3008 alone has achieved over 80,000 sales in the UK, cementing the model as a key competitor in the segment.

The changes to the new PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008 models include styling updates like the introduction of gloss black door mirrors on Active Premium, Allure and Allure Premium trim levels, complementing the frameless front grille and awarding the models a sportier look.

Inside, a new, premium ‘Belomka’ cloth with a half ‘Mistral’ leather effect trim

102 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

complemented by ‘Akinite’ Copper stitching is now standard on GT trim.

Both models feature PEUGEOT’s next generation digital i-Cockpit® technology with a 12.3-inch digital head-up instrument panel, a compact steering wheel for improved driving dynamics and, from Allure upwards, a 10-inch high definition capacitive colour touchscreen with Connected 3D Navigation, offering a three year subscription to TomTom(R) Live updates and SpeedCam / Danger Zone alerts The new 3008 is available with two advanced plug-in hybrid options; HYBRID 225 with two wheel drive and HYBRID4 300 offering enhanced performance and four wheel drive, capable of driving up to 39 miles (WLTP) in zero emissions Electric Vehicle mode.

With an 11% BIK rate, the 3008 Hybrid is also an affordable option for company car drivers. Since the plug-in HYBRID powertrain joined the 3008 range, it has accounted for over 11.7% of sales.

Customers can also choose from efficient petrol and diesel engines, including the option of an 8-speed Automatic transmission.

The new 5008 features a class-leading modular interior with seven individual seats. The third row can be folded away under the floor when not required, as well as fully removed, while the second row seats are all adjustable and each benefit from ISOFIX fittings. To maximise load carrying capacity, the second and third row seats can be folded to offer a flat load area and a generous 2150 litres of space behind the front seats.

The new PEUGEOT 3008 and 5008 come with the latest driving aids and safety features to protect their occupants and other drivers. Technologies available include PEUGEOT’s innovative Night Vision technology, which allows drivers to view pedestrians and animals on the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel up to 200m, beyond the scope of the headlights. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Lane Positioning Assist further enhance safety and driving pleasure.

For more information, visit: https:// www.peugeot.co.uk/

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

KUMHO APPOINTED AS STANDARD TYRE SUPPLIER FOR THE HYUNDAI STARIA

yundai has selected the Kumho PorTran KC53 as the standard tyre for its new Staria MPV. The KC53 was primarily designed for European vans and LCVs, and it is an upgraded version of this pattern that is now supplied in two sizes – 215/65R17C 108/105H and 235/55R18 104H XL – for fitment to the Staria.

The popular tyre is recognised for its high durability, low wear rate and notable handling performance, and is tailor-made for the climate and road conditions that prevail in Europe.

Hyundai’s new premium MPV is specifically aimed at the mainland and Korean markets. It boasts a futuristic exterior design and a roomy interior that can be readily adapted for a range of purposes from camping to general relaxation. Based on Hyundai’s futuristic mobility blueprint, known as ‘inside out’, the Staria extends the spatiality and openness of its interior design to the outside world, and is recognised for its userfriendly, aesthetically pleasing format.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Namhwa Cho, Executive Vice President of European Sales for Kumho Tire said: “The popularity of Hyundai’s Staria in Europe underscores our technological prowess. We will strive to further establish our position in the European market by expanding our product line-up and accommodating ever more vehicles.”

Kumho has seen a rise in its European sales, thanks to the improved profitability of its high-inch premium products and a revamped sales network. In addition, it has built on its technological leadership to expand its sales base. By leveraging partnerships with such pre-eminent football clubs as Tottenham Hotspur and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the tyre maker has also increased its brand recognition and strengthened its online and digital marketing activities.

For further information on Kumho and its products for passenger cars, SUVs, vans, trucks and motorsport use, see www.kumhotyre.co.uk.

December 2021 | Farming Monthly | 103

THE ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX

LOVES WORK LOADS

BUSINESS CONTRACT HIRE FROM ONLY

£255

† MONTHLY RENTAL PLUS VAT INITIAL RENTAL £2,295.00 PLUS VAT Followed by 47 Monthly Rentals.

Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply.

DRIVEN TO DO Model pictured is a DL20 including optional special paint finish from £264.44 +VAT a month plus Initial Rental of £2,379.96 +VAT

York Van Centre

York 01904 470170 yorkvancentre-isuzu.co.uk

Culverwell Cars

East Sussex 01580 880567 culverwell-isuzu.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton

Suffolk 01449 781131 jeffriesofbacton-isuzu.co.uk

Startin Tractors

Warwickshire 01827 880088 startintractors-isuzu.co.uk

SMARTER. STRONGER. SAFER. All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data. Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1 – 27.6 (10.2 – 11.2). Mid 31.4 – 36.4 (7.8 – 9.0). High 36.0 – 39.4 (7.2 – 7.8). Extra-High 29.0 – 30.8 (9.2 – 9.7). Combined 30.7 – 33.6 (8.4 – 9.2). CO2 emissions 220 – 241g/km. †Example based on 8,000 miles per annum, non-maintained. Subject to status. UK residents 18+. Rental amounts shown are on the specific model stated plus VAT @ 20%. This offer excludes fleet and Members Affinity scheme sales, is only available through participating Isuzu dealers and is not available in conjunction with any other offers or with BASC, NGO or NFU member discounts. This offer is only available through Lex Autolease Ltd trading as Isuzu Contract Hire, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Offer ends 31.01.2022. Vehicle must be returned in a good condition to avoid further charges. You will not own the vehicle. If the vehicle has exceeded the maximum permitted mileage then a charge of 9.3p plus VAT @20% per excess mile will apply. The All-New Isuzu D-Max is Smarter Stronger Safer compared to previous model. Terms and conditions apply.

104 |

Farming Monthly | December 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk