Farming Monthly National April 2023

Granttoboostdomestictreeproductionre-opens

Investmentin domestictree productionin Englandwillbe accelerated today(11April)with applicationsre-openingfor theForestryCommission's TreeProductionCapital Grant.Thefundingwilldrive theproductionoftreeseed andsaplingsthrough developmentsinmachinery, automationandthe expansionoffacilities.

Inlinewiththeaimsof theEnglandTreesAction PlanandGovernment ambitionstotrebletree plantingratesbytheendof thisParliament,theTree ProductionCapitalGrantwill supporteffortstobuild nurserycapacityandgrow long-termtreeseedand saplingsupply.

Thegrantwillenable supplierstoboostproduction ratesatpaceandhasbeen designedtocomplement theTreeProduction InnovationFund,which providessupportforresearch projectsthatenhanceUK treeproductionmethods.

Previousfundingrounds haveprovidedmachineryfor projectssuchasthe

EmmausCommunityTree NurseryinCornwalltohelp itmeettheneedforlocally growntreesandprovide employmentopportunitiesfor homelesspeople.Funding hasalsosupporting WarwickshireCountyCouncil expandandimprovetheir treenurseyexpansionand improvementsotheycan diversifythespeciesthey growandadapttofuture climateconditions.

Successfulprojectswillbe awardedupto£175,000in grantfundingtocoverupto 50%ofcosts,withmoney comingfromtheTree ProductionCapitalGrantas partoftheGovernment's £750millionNaturefor ClimateFund.Incomparison tothe2022application process,theminimumgrant valuewhichcanbeapplied forhasreducedfrom £10,000to£5,000enhancing accessibilityforsmaller projects.

Examplesofeligibleprojects includeinvestmentsinseed trays,developmentsin machinerysuchas transplantingsystemsand gradingmachines,improved polytunnelinfrastructureand irrigationsystems,orin biosecuritythroughimproved watertreatmentand refrigerationequipment. Applicationsareencouraged fromtreeseedandsapling suppliersofallsizesand sectors,aswellasnew entrantslookingtodiversify intothearea.

ForestryMinisterTrudy Harrisonsaid:

"ThisGovernmentis committedtobolstering domestictreeproductionand fosteringarobustforestry industry–actionsthatare necessarytorealiseour long-termtree-planting goals.

"NotonlydoestheTree ProductionCapitalGrant allowustomoderniseand enhancethesector,butit alsohelpstocreatenew greenjobsandtotackle climatechange,amongst myriadotherbenefits."

ForestryCommissionChief ExecutiveRichardStanford said:

"Fundingprojectsthat enhanceourwoodlandsand treescapesisfundamental toachievingGovernment's treeplantingambitionsand buildinganinnovativeand robustforestrysector.

"ThroughtheTree ProductionCapitalGrantwe havebeenabletosupport existingtreeand seedsuppliersofall sizes,andalsoprovide fundingtothosewishingto makeastartinthesector. Withtheapplicationwindow nowopen,Iencouragethose withrelevantprojectsto apply."

Thesecondroundofthe TreeProductionCapital Grantisnowopenuntil 31stMay2023.andwill provideupto£1.76millionof fundingduring2023/24and £3.43millionduring2024/25, subjecttosuccessfulbids. Applicantscanapplyfor projectsuptotwoyearslong, endinginMarch2025.

TheForestryCommission willbehostingawebinaron thegrantapplication processonFriday28April–signup:https://www. eventbrite.com/e/treeproduction-capital-grant-howto-apply-webinar-tickets609389088167

Formoreinformationandto apply,goto:https://www.gov. uk/guidance/tree-productioncapital-grant

Toreceivethelatestnewson thegrant,signupto theForestryCommission'sealert.

429FarmersRegistertoQuizExperts DuringRABDFDairyFundingWebinar

Morethan420 farmersregistered forthedairy fundingwebinar organisedbythe RABDFtoday(30 March)tohearaboutthelatest grantopportunitiesavailable forEnglishfarmers.

Inthehour-longwebinaron Thursday,30March,experts fromDefraandKite Consultingtalkedthroughthe optionsonthetable.They includedtheFarming EquipmentandTechnology Fund,AnimalHealthand WelfarePathwayand StewardshipCapitalGrants. Listenerswereinformedofthe availablefunding,including

someoptionscominglaterthis summer,suchasan InfrastructureGrantaspartof theAnimalHealthandWelfare Pathway.

RABDFChairmanDi Wastenagechairedthe webinarandsaid:"This webinardemonstrated thewealthoffunding opportunitiesavailablefor dairyfarmersandthe timescaleswehavetowork to.

"Therearesomegreat

opportunitiestobehad,but whatwasmadeclearisthat somerequirediscussionswith thewiderteam,suchasvets orfarmadvisorsand preparation.Othergrant optionsaremore straightforwardtoapplyfor. "Therewasagreat discussion,andIrecommend thatanyoneunabletotune intothewebinarlisteninvia theRABDFwebsite."

Theentirewebinarwillbe availableshortlytolistentoat rabdf.co.uk.Theteamatthe RABDFhavealsoproduceda summarydocumentofthe grantsavailable,whichcanbe accessedathttps://www.rabdf. co.uk/dairy-funding

WeatherInsurance–QualityBuilt-in W

ithspring2023 comingtoacloseit hasbeatailofwet anddryand everythinginbetween.Everyoneis awarethatnotwoyearsarethe sameandsowithanexceptionally dry2022whatareweexpecting? Thiswillbeaknowquantityat Christmassowiththeweather gambleinmindmakingtheweather isthebiggestdriverindecision makingtherightdecisionsnowis imperativewiththeseasonaboutto start.

Ifyouarehaybalingtheweatheris thebiggestdriverindecisionmaking. Withoutaweatherwindowtherecan benohaymade.Mowingwith conditionersornotwillnotmakea significantdifferencetothehay dryingspeedastheinitialwiltis fasterbutaftertwoorthree daysofteddingthecropwillbe atthesamestage.Mower conditionerismuchmore importanttoconsiderforsilage making.

Duringthedryingprocessthe grasswillfollowthesephysical rulesandsomanagementof theprocessmustworkwith theserulesinmind.

•grasswillbearound80% moistureatcutting

•itwilldryextremelyrapidly downtoaround30%

•fightingtoremovethelast15% moisture

•thecropwillabsorb5%moisture perhourforeveryhourofthe day

Dryingoffthetopwillallowthecrop tolosemoisture.

Thedryingprocessisreducedat nightsothiscausesthecrop moisturetoincrease.

•balingatamaximum15% moistureistheonlydrysafehay youcanbale

•16-18%moisturewillcause discolorationandmouldgrowth

•18%+willseeextreme discolouration

•25%willcausepotentialselfcombustion

Whenhayisdrybelow15%moisture

itwillstoreindefinitely.Haythatis balesat16%orabovewillhave variablespoilagelevels.Thedry balingwindowisusuallyverysmall andevenwithinthiswindownotall thecropwillbedryenough.Meadow grassismucheasiertogetdrybut thefeedqualityismuchpoorerthan Rye,TimothyorWesterwold grasses.Usingtheworldleading precisionmoisturesensorfromPFC willallowforbetterunderstandingof thehaymakingprocess.Addinga wetbalemarkerwillallowforthewet roundbalesorthewetflakesona squarebalertobeidentifiedfor storageseparation.Ifyouhavea significantmoistureissuethen manualorautomaticapplication equipmentwillallowBaler’sChoice tobeappliedtopreventmould growthandspoilageofthehay.

Thereareafewkeytoolstoaidhay makingandshouldalwaysbe followedifyouwantanedgeoverthe weather.

•Spreadfertiliserevenlyas overlappingwillcausehigh moistureareas

•Cutat90-100mmstubblelength toallowcroptobeheldoffthe groundandthiswillalsoprovide afasterregrowthforahigher annualyield.Asasimplerule placeyourfingerstotheground andthetopofthestubbleshould touchyourknuckles.

•Buythebiggesttedderyoucan affordanddriveslowly.7KPHis themaximumtoallowthetedder toworkefficiently.Forexamplea 12.7mtedderat7KPHwillcover 20acres/hourapproximately •operatethetedderatdifferent anglestothemownrowto maximisethecropliftingbythe tedder.Teddersdonotliftthe fullwidthduetotheangleof therotorandthetinesonly cleanthemiddlesectionwith partialliftingtowardsthepoint betweentherotors.

Useaprecisionmoisture sensortodetermineifyouhave amoistureproblem.Ifyouare strugglingwithmoisture,then Baler’sChoiceandthe applicationequipmentwillaid this.

Strawisalsotreatedinthesame wayforthoseregionssuchas Scotland,NorthernEnglandandmy regionoftheSouthwestwherethe climatecanbealittleunforgivingor thereishighhumiditycomingoffthe ocean.

Variablerateapplicationwillallowfor thehayorstrawtobetreatedwhen required.Ifthecropisdryenough thesystempausesthepump,asthe moistureincreasesthepumps appliesBaler’sChoiceatavariable ratemonitoringthebalers performanceandcropmoisturein realtime.

ThePFCfarmbalesaround 350tonnesofRyehayeachyearand in22yearshasnotyetbeenableto make100%dryhay.Baler’sChoice isanintegralmanagementtooltoaid againsttheinconsistentweatherand groundconditions.

•donotstackbalesthatare16% oraboveinabarnunlessyou arehappytoaccepttheriskof spoilageandselfcombustion!

Haymakingisascienceandan artformrolledintooneandwehave seentheskillstomakehaydiminish overthedecadesaswrappinghas beenasimplerrouteandtheend productqualityhardertodifferentiate comparedtohaybaleswhichyou canseeandsmell.

Thetoolsareavailablewithexpert supportintheoperationandhay makingprocess.Utilisetheservices availableatitwillpaydividendson theendmargins.Asafinalpointto consider,theadditionalmoistureyou balewithwillusuallycoverthecost ofthepreservativeinadditional tonnageofcroptosellsospenda littletogetitrightandtheprofitswill follow.

SuffolkBuilding Societyhas announceda changetoits lendingcriteria whichmeansitwillnow acceptmortgage applicationsonresidential propertieswithagricultural tiesorrestrictions,subject tothecustomermeetingour lendingcriteria.

AlthoughSuffolkBuilding Societyisanational mortgagelenderwith customersspreadacross theentiretyofEngland& Wales,itsrootsarefirmlyin thecountythatitcallshome andwherethereisan establishedagricultural community.Therefore,it understandsthenatureof

propertieswithagricultural tiesandthedifficulties farmersandothersin farmingareasmayhavein buyingandsellingthem.

Inmanyfarmingregions, thereareagricultural restrictionswhichwere appliedasaconditionwhen planningpermissionwas granted.Thisrestrictswhoa propertycanbesoldto–or potentiallyoccupiedby–so fewmortgagelenderswill acceptmortgage applicationswherethereare agriculturalrestrictionsin place.

Insteadoflaunchinga mortgagespecificallyaimed atpotentialbuyersof propertieswithresidential ties,Suffolk BuildingSociety ismakingits existingproduct rangeavailable toanyone considering buyingthistype ofhome. Propertieswillbe accepteduptoa 50%loanto value(LTV) subjecttothe valuer’s commentsonthe property’s mortgageability1. ,future saleability,and theapplicant complyingwith thetermsofthe restriction(s). Applicantswill needtoapplyvia amortgage broker.

SuffolkBuildingSociety’s HeadofMortgages, CharlotteGrimshaw, said:“We’repleasedtobe openforbusinessfor propertieswith agriculturalrestrictions.This typeofmortgagelendingis relatively nichebutwereallyhopeto helpfarmersandothers livingin agriculturalareasbybeing abletolendonthese‘tied’ properties.

“We’vealwaysbeenan organisationthatlooksto helppeopleinareaswhere otherlendersturnablind eye.Althoughwemaybe lessknowntothe agriculturalcommunity,this approachoflendingto peopleinnichemarkets, suchastheselfemployed, olderborrowers,orforself build,isonethatwe’rewell knownandrespectedfor. We’re abletodothisbecauseall ofourmortgage applicationsarereviewed byrealpeopleandnot computeralgorithmswhich meanswecanevaluate eachcaseonitsownmerit.”

SuffolkBuildingSocietywon theawardfor‘BestBuilding Society’,atSmartMoney People’sBritishBank AwardsinMay2022and wasalsoHighly CommendedintheBest SpecialistMortgage Providercategory.

SuffolkBuildingSocietynowacceptsmortgageapplicationson residentialpropertieswithagriculturalrestrictions

BradfordGreensowstheseed ofchangetorestorebiodiversity

Wholesalenative wildflowerseed supplier,Bradford Greenhas welcomedEnglish Heritage’splansto establish100wildflower meadowsathistoricsitesto celebratetheKing’scoronation. Thestart-upbusinessisbasedat BradfordEstatesonthe Shropshire/Staffordshireborder. Heretheyproducehigh-quality sustainablewildflowerseedtobe usedbyprivate,publicand charitableorganisations,aswell thegeneralpublicforarangeof biodiversityprojectsand wildflowerplantings.

initiativessuchasEnglish Heritage’sdedicatedKing’s CoronationMeadowsandcalls forfurtherrestorationofthe country’slostflower-rich grasslands.

“Ourancientmeadowsdrastically declinedafterWWII.We’velost 97%over70yearswhichhas hadahugelydetrimentalimpact onthewildlifethesehabitats sustain,”saysMsPugh.

“Thankfully,thereisgrowing recognitionofwildflowers’ multiplebenefits.Reinstating meadowsisagreatwayto createalastingandpositive legacyforfuturegenerations. “However,it’simportantto rememberthatfarmsofanysize ortypecanbenefitfrom prioritisingnaturerecoveryby establishingflower-richspaces,” sheadds.

Wildflowersnotonlyenhance biodiversity,buttheyalso improvesoilhealth,aswellas deliveringaestheticand wellbeingvalueforlocal

communities.

AstheGovernment’sland management,farmingand environmentalpoliciescontinue topromotemorenature-friendly approaches,theintroductionof nativespeciesisbeingactively encouraged.

Creatingflourishingnatural spacesthatsupportpollinators andotherwildlifedependson havingthehighestconcentration ofnativewildflowerspeciesto attractbeesandotherinsects.

“Therearefinancialincentives beingintroducedthroughthe CountrysideStewardship schemeandincreased opportunitiesforfundingfromthe privatesectorbyworkingwith businessessuchasYourPact. Thismeansmorelandowners canfollowEnglishHeritage’s exampleandmaketheirown contributiontoreversing biodiversitylossintheUKasa result,”saysMsPugh.

BradfordGreenDirector, Bethan Pugh,recognisesthevalueof

TheFarmthatRaisedMe TalesfromaBreconshireValley

Onetime farmer,David Jones,raised ona traditional borderland farmbetweenHay-on-Wye andtheBlackMountains, writesabouthislifeand thelivesofthosewho workedonthefarm,ina seriesofcaptivating episodesfromavanished world–farmingtalessetin themidstofavividlyevokedlandscapeofhills andwildlife.

Affectionate,evocativeand illuminating,alivewith dialoguebutnevermistyeyed,thesestoriestrace day-to-daylifeona traditionalWelshMarches farmbeforetheonsetof modernfarmingpractices.

Structuredaroundthe seasons,thebooktraces thenarrator’schildhood andteenageyears,living andworkingamonga close-knitcastof stockmen,horsemen, shepherdsandfarm workers,underthe watchfuleyeofhisfather. Aswellassheepand

horses,thefarmishometoa celebratedherdofpedigree HerefordCattle,whichattracts buyersfromaroundtheworld. Bookendingthenarrativeisthe enigmaticfigureofthe grandfatherheneverknew–affectionatelyknownasJohny

GoBuy’Em–whomadehis unhurriedprogressfromfarmto farmastrideasmallWelshcob, buyingupstockandquietly growinghisempire.

Governmentclimateactionplanisnaïveanddangerous

OF&G(Organic Farmers& Growers)are callingfor strongertargets andamuchmore coordinatedplanofaction followingtheGovernment’s announcementsoftheirNet ZeroGrowthPlanandNature MarketsFramework.

TheUK’slargestcertifierof organiclandisurgingthe governmenttolistentothe waveofcriticismbeing levelledatDowningStreet fromexperiencedpractitioners andscientistsacrossthe country.

Theybelievethegovernment’s decisiontofocussonarrowly oncarbonandtoleavemuch ofthebiodiversityincentivesto theopenmarketisnaïveand dangerous.

“TheoverallreductionofGHG emissionsmustremaina priorityofclimatemitigation, socarbonoffsettingcannotbe allowedtobecomea'getout ofjailfreecard',”saysRoger Kerr,OF&Gchiefexecutive.

“Tomakeanyrealheadway, carbonfarminginitiativesmust beinterwovenwithpositive biodiversityoutcomesand ecosystemprotection.While governmenthasciteda separateinitiativefor biodiversitynetgain,these twothingscannotbeviewedin isolationastheyare inextricablylinked.

“TheUKhasaBiodiversity indexofjust50%which meansithasretainedonlyhalf ofitsbiodiversity.When biodiversityindexesare compared,outof240 countriesandterritories,the UKisranked12thfromthe bottom,withEnglandseventh fromthebottom1.Biodiversity netgainisonlyasticking

1 https://www.rspb.org.uk/globalassets/ downloads/projects/48398rspb-biodivesityintactness-index-summary-report-v5-1-1.pdf

paster,weneedtobetaking positiveandprogressive actionorthiscountrywill continuetolosemuchofits richnaturaldiversityandfail futuregenerationswhowill lookbackatusinhorror,”he adds.

OF&Ghassetoutotherareas thatmustbeaddressedin responsetoDefra’slatest commitmentto‘openupmultibillion-poundopportunitiesfor farmersandlandownersinthe carbonmarket.’

Theseincludeatransitiontoa fullysystems-basedapproach, asachievinggreater sustainabilityinfarmingwill notsucceedbyadoptinga seriesofsinglepractices someofwhichmaydirectly conflict.Instead,OF&Gcallfor incentivestosimultaneously addressclimatechange,the declineofbiodiversity, deforestation,waterandair pollution.

MrKerrhighlightsthatfor decades,organicfarmers havebeenearlyadopters, undertakingpractisesthat sequestercarbonintandem withsupportingnature. “Theycannotnowbe penalisedbyafailureto properlyrecognisetheirhard workatatimewhenweneed toseeamassiveshiftright acrossourfoodsystems.” Additionally,OF&Gstatethat anactivity-basedapproach shouldbeincentivisedrather thantakingaresults-based approach.

“WeagreewithAntónio Guterres,secretary-generalof theUNwhorecentlystated thatbenchmarksandcriteria regardingnetzero commitmentsareoften ‘dubiousormurky’which ‘feedsacultureofclimate misinformationandconfusion, anditleavesthedoorwide opentogreenwashing.’What isrequiredare‘credibleand

transparenttransitionplans,

addsMrKerr.

“Policyemphasisshouldbeon buildingasuiteof managementtechniques whichassuresthatcarbon capturecontinuesregardless oftheseasonorthecrop. Otherwise,anygainscan easilybereversedbya changeofmanagement practices.”

Lastly,OF&Gcallforeffective safeguardstobeputinplace, topreventtheriskofthesale ofcarbonremovalcertificates leadingtoyetfurther increasesinlandprices.

“Accessinglandisalreadyan issueformanyfarmers, especiallyyoungpeopleand newentrantstofarming,”says MrKerr.“Wemustsurely striveforahealthy,resilient, andproductiveagricultural sector.Notonethatis exposedtoabusebyhedge fundsandmulti-national corporations.

“Thereismuchmoreatstake thantheselatestgovernment proposalsaccountfor.Itis essentialthatwebuilda narrativethatstronglylinks emissionsandbiodiversityand reallyhelpsfarmerstodeliver realbenefitsthatwilllastmore thanthelifetimeofone parliament.”

2 https://www.politico.eu/article/unitednations-boss-antonio-guterres-davos-yourethe-problem-climate-change/

TheKing'sCoronation:Thelifeofaroyalhorse

KingCharlesIII's coronationistaking placethisspringon Saturdaythe6thof May,andthis momentous occasionissuretoinvolveplenty ofceremony,elaborate decorationandage-oldtraditions. Equineenthusiastswillbegladto knowthatmanyofthesetimehonouredpracticeswillalso involvethepalacehorses,which havebeenanintegralpartofthe Britishmonarchyforcenturies. Theroyalfamilyisknownfor theirenduringloveofhorses.If yousharethispassion,the equineexpertsatHorse& Countryareheretohelpyouget inspiredbythelifeofpalace horsesandlearnhowtogive yourfour-leggedfriendtheroyal treatment.

TheRoyalMews

ThestablesatBuckingham Palaceareoneofthefinest workingstablesstillinexistence andareknownastheRoyal

Mews.Here,thepalacehorses aretrained,exercised,and lookedafterreadytoperform royalduties,suchaspullingstate carriagesorcoachesduring specialoccasions.

Onesuchoccasionwillbethe coronationofKingCharlesIIIthis May,wheneighthorseswillbe taskedwithpullingtheiconic GoldStateCoach.Thiscoach wasbuiltin1762andhasbeen usedforeverycoronationinthe BritishMonarchysince1821.It hasalsobeenusedforjubilees andtotransportbridesduring royalweddings,butasitweighs fourtonnes,itmustalwaysbe pulledbyhorsesatawalking pace(RoyalCollectionTrust). Asaninstitution,theRoyalMews goesbackasfarasthelate 14thcenturyunderRichardII, andasaresulttheyhaven't alwaysbeeninBuckingham Palace.Infact,forapproximately 100years,theKing'sMewswere locatedatCharingCross,which isthecurrentsiteofLondon's NationalGallery.Itwasin1825

thatthestableswerebuiltinto thegardensofthepalaceand becametheequineinstitutionwe seetoday.

Caringforpalacehorses

Theroyalfamilyhavetwohome breedsatthepalacestables, namelythe30WindsorGreys andClevelandBayswhopullthe statecoachesandcarriages. AccordingtooneoftheRoyal Mews'liveriedhelpers,theirday startsataround5:30amwith muckingoutandtackingupthe horsesreadyforthemorning's activities(TheRoyalFamily). Thistendstoincludetwo sessionsofexercisetokeep themfit,healthy,andwelltrained,andisfollowedbya thoroughgroomingoftheircoat andcleaningoftheirtack. Liveriedhelpersalsogetthe opportunitytorideoutforofficial occasionslikecollectingnew ambassadorstopresenttheir credentials,RoyalAscot processions,andtheTroopingof theColour,andmusthelpthe

horseslooktheirabsolutebest. Thisrequiresplentyofgrooming, suchastrimmingandbraiding theirmaneandtail,aswellas makingsurealltheirtack,such asthebridle,reinsandblinkers areallsparklingclean.Afterall, thesearesomeofthemost photographedhorsesinthe world!

Royaltrainingstartsoncethe horsesarebetweenfourandfive yearsold,andentailsa combinationofharnesstraining, drivingandridingsessions.Once theymeetthestandardsofthe coachmen,they'rereadyto participateinoccasionslikestate visitsormorelarge-scaleevents likejubileesorcoronations. Thetrainersevenintroducethe horsestomusicandbackground noiseoverspeakerstohelpthem getaccustomedtothecrowds andloudenvironmentstheywill soonbeworkingwithin. Givingyourhorsetheroyal treatmentRoyalhorsesmightlive inpremiumstablesandbe trainedbyateamofexperts,but youdon'thavetoliveinapalace togiveyourfour-leggedfriend thebestpossiblecare.The Queen'sloveforhorsesmeant

theybecameahugepartof palacelifeduringher70-year reign,andifyousharethis passion,thereareplentyofways youcanelevateyourhorse's qualityoflife.

Oneofthemainareasoffocus whencaringforahorseistheir long-termhealth,asyouno doubtwantyourequinefriendto livealong,happylife.Aswellas keepingupregularcontactwith theirvetandadministeringany medicationstheymayneed,one ofthemostimportantthingsto investinishigh-qualityfeed. Justlikeus,horsesneeda balanceddietthatsuitstheirage, size,andexerciseroutine,sotry tomaketheinvestmentingood qualityforage,hay,saltlicks, supplements,andfreshfruitand vegetables.Anotherwayowners cangivetheirhorsetheroyal treatmentisbygivingtheir stablesabitofamakeover. Whetheryoufixwaterdamage, blockdraughts,oraddmore ventilationduringthesummer, creatingthemostcomfortable environmentforyourhorsewill maketheirstablefeelliketheir veryownpalace!

Quote

"Equineenthusiastswillnodoubt belookingforwardtoseeingthe palacehorsesattheirbestduring theKing'scoronation.Horse loversknowjusthowintelligent theseanimalsare,andpalace breedssuchastheWindsorGrey andClevelandBayplayan importantroleinmanyofthe time-honouredtraditionsinthe Britishmonarchy.

"Ifyou'reinspiredbythepalace horsesandwanttotreatyour ownhorselikeaKingorQueen, investinginhigh-quality,easily digestiblefeedwithplentyof addedvitaminsandmineralsisa greatplacetostart.Youcanalso tryestablishingamoreregular, early-morningexerciseroutine, asthisnotwillonlyhelpyour horsestayinpeakphysical condition,butalsohelpyouform anevenstrongerbondtogether."

•KatieAllen-Clarke fromHorse&Country

AgstudentsshareexperienceasdeadlineforNFUMutual CharitableTrust2023CentenaryAwardapproaches

Previouswinnersof theNFUMutual CharitableTrust CentenaryAward areencouraging students undertakingapostgraduate agriculturalcoursetoapply aheadofthisyear'sdeadline. Theannualawardscheme providesbursariestopayupto 75%ofcoursefeesforselected studentswhoareundertakinga postgraduatecoursein agriculture(MastersorPhD) withintheUK.

CreatedbytheNFUMutual CharitableTrustin2010to celebratetheruralinsurer's 100thanniversary,49agricultural studentshavereceivedbursaries tohelpfurthertheirstudiesto date.

The2023awardisopento individualswhohavegained,or areexpectedtogain,a2:1or aboveinagricultureorarelated degree,andhavebeenaccepted orprovisionallyacceptedona MastersorPhDcoursein agricultureintheUK,duringthe 2023/2024academicyear. Fourareasofinteresthavebeen identifiedforeligiblestudents, andoneofthesemustformpart oftheapplicant'spostgraduate course:

•Theapplicationofscience andinnovativetechnologies toenhanceproductivity, efficiency,andprofitabilityfor UKfarmingbusinesses

•Buildingresilienceand safeguardingthephysical andmentalwellbeingof thoselivingandworkingin theUKagriculturalindustry

•Tacklingtherisksofclimate change,whilstmaintaining foodsecurity,toimprovethe sustainabilityofUK agriculture

•Identifyingopportunitiesfor supportingnatureand biodiversityinthe

developmentof farmingandland management practicesintheUK.

Thejudgingpanelwill lookforstudentswho arenotonlyexcellent academicperformers butalsohaveareal passionforUK agricultureand demonstratepotential tobecomeafuture industryleader.

JimMcLarenMBE, NFUMutualChairman, said:"AtNFUMutual wearepassionate aboutprotectingrural livesandlivelihoods.

"OurCentenaryAward aimstochampion researchand innovationforUKagriculture, whilstalsosupporting outstandingindividualswhohave adrivetomakeadifferenceto theindustryintheirfuture careers."

ColinMarkham,fromTywyn, Gwynedd,wasoneofthree postgraduateagricultural studentstoreceivethe CentenaryAwardbursaryin 2022,helpingfundhisMSc AgriculturalEconomicsatthe UniversityofReading. ExplaininghowtheAwardwill helphimachievehis ambitions,Colinsaid:"Itisareal honourtohaveNFUMutual supportingmypostgraduate studies.

"Mylong-termcareeraspiration istobecomeanagentofpositive changewithintheagricultural industry,andmyupbringingona hillfarmintheSnowdonia NationalParkhasgivenmea deep-rootedappreciationfora thrivingagriculturalindustry,and theroleitplaysinsupporting ruralcommunitiesandbroader

societyacrosstheUK." FrancesThomasfromPowys, whoisstudyingMScAgrifood InnovationatAberystwyth University,alsoreceivedthe awardlastyear.

"Mymaster'scoursewillprovide mewithknowledgeandexpertise ofmeasuringenvironmental impactsandeffectivewaste managementstrategieswithin foodsupply chains,"Francessaid.

"Ifyou'reinterestedin undertakingpostgraduatestudies inagriculture,Iwouldencourage youtoconsiderthisscheme.The bursaryIhavereceivedwillmake ahugedifference."

Theclosingdateforthe2023 awardisSunday30thApril. Informationaboutthescheme, alongwithanapplicationform, canbefoundonnfumutual.co.uk bysearching'CentenaryAward', orbycontactingtheAward's emailaddress:centenary_ award@nfumutual.co.uk

ExhibitorbookingsflyingforMidlandsMachineryShow

Exhibitorbookings forthisyear’s MidlandsMachinery Showareflying, with60%ofspace alreadybooked. Thisdemonstratesthekeenness ofexhibitorstogettheir machinesinfrontoffarmersata timeofyearwhentheyareless busyonthefarmandonthe

refinedlowdisturbance cultivators.

“We’vehadagreatstartto bookings,withexhibitors maintainingthemomentumthey gainedatlastyear’sMidlands Machineryevent,”saysshow organiserElizabethHalsall.“Last year’sshowsawover230 exhibitorsandwearewellonthe waytothatsomeseven monthsbeforethe show,whichattracted over6,200visitorslast year.”

Theeventiswell locatedforeasyaccess, justofftheA1,says ThomasSands,director atSandsMachinery. “It’sveryeasyforus andourcustomersto getto;wehavealarge customerbaseinthat area.

theShowcomesattheperfect timeofyear.“Farmershavethe timetovisitandmakedecisions onpurchasesforthefollowing year,withawiderangeof exhibitorsonshow.

“Withfreeentryandparking,we cannotcomplimenttheshow teamenoughfortheirsupport andorganisationpriortoand duringtheshow.”

RichardWesternisoneofthe leadingtrailerandspreader manufacturersintheUK,andthe company’sAmyTaylorsaysthe firmalwayshasagoodshow, whichiswhyit’sbookedagain. “Thevisitorsarealwaysrelevant –they’reourtargetmarket.It’s wellorganised;theorganisers makeitveryeasyforusandwe getgoodenquirieswhichcan turnintosales.”

lookoutfornewequipment. Theevent,whichwillbeheld from8-9NovemberatNewark Showground,offersfarmersand contractorstheopportunityto viewthelatestkit,fromnew tractorstorobots,precision sprayerstodrills,andevermore

“Intermsofvalueformoney,it’s oneofourmostrewarding shows,”headds.“We’vebeen exhibitingsincedayone,inthe samelocation.”

KevinKirby,whodealsinsecond handcombineharvesters,says

Thirty-twopercentofvisitors orderedanewproductwithin threeweeksoftheshowlast year,asadirectresultof attending. Formoreinformationvisitwww. midlandsmachineryshow.com

FarmingMinistervisitsuplandfarmers inDartmoor,ExmoorandCumbria

FarmingMinister MarkSpencerhas beenvisitingupland farmersin Dartmoor,Exmoor andCumbriato speaktothoselivingandworking insomeofEngland’smosticonic landscapesandhearfirst-hand abouthowgovernmentcan supporttheircommunities.

Theministervisitedtenant farmersonDartmoorandthe ExmoorHillFarmingNetworklast week,andthisweekhasvisited morefarmersintheLythand WinstervalleysinCumbriaand metwiththosefromacrossthe LakeDistrictandPenninesatthe J36AuctionMartonWednesday.

Thevisitsfollowedonfroma roundtablediscussionwith uplandfarmersand representativesfromfarming organisationsinLondonlast month.

Detailedplansforour EnvironmentalLand

Managementschemeswere announcedearlierthisyear,with over130actionsinallschemes applicabletouplandfarmers acrossmoorland,grasslandand uplandpeatoptions.

Uplandfarmerscanalsobenefit fromthenewHigherTiercapital offer,whichwillfundfarmersto carryoutworkstopreparefor habitatcreationandrestoration.

Reflectingonhisvisits,Farming MinisterMarkSpencersaid:

“Uplandfarmersdoabrilliantjob asthecustodiansofsomeofour nation’smostimportantand iconiclandscapes.

“Notonlydotheyproducesome ofthiscountry’sfinestproduce, buttheydosowhilelookingafter terrainthatdrawstouristsfrom aroundtheworldtosupportlocal economiesandhabitatswhich arecriticaltowildlife.

“Ithasbeenaprivilegetohear directlyfromthemaboutthework

thattheydo,aswellastolisten tothechallengestheyfaceand wheretheyneedsupport.

“Ilookforwardtocontinuingto hearfromfarmersoverthe comingweeksaswemakesure thatourimprovedEnvironmental LandManagementschemes haveacompellingofferforevery typeoffarmertosupportthemto producefoodsustainablywhile protectingandenhancingthe environment.”

Defrawillalsosoonbeopening anotherroundofapplicationsfor theLandscapeRecovery scheme.Uplandfarmersand commonersarealreadyinvolved insomeofthe22projects receivingfundingthroughthefirst roundofthescheme. Alongsidetheseschemes, uplandfarmerswhoworkon nationalparkland,accountingfor 74%ofalluplandareas,may alsobenefitfromtheFarmingin ProtectedLandscapesscheme whichhasbeenextendedby anotheryear.

Planforcleanerwatermustaddress nitrogenpollutionfromfarming

TheSoilAssociationurgesthe governmenttointroduceacoherent plantoaddressthesignificantvolume ofnitrogenpollutioncomingfrom farmingoperationsandencouragea rapidshifttonaturefriendlyfarming acrosstheUKifitistoachieveitsaimforcleaner andplentifulwater.

SoilAssociationHeadofFarmingPolicyGareth

Morgansaid:

"Thisisamissedopportunityforjoinedup environmentalpolicies.Thegovernmentneedsa coherentplanifitistoreachitsowntargetofa40% reductioninnitrogenpollutioninourrivers.

"Thismustaddressthesignificantvolumeof nitrogenpollutioncomingdirectfromfarming operationsintoourrivers.Weknowitwillbe impossibletocleanupBritishriverswithoutarapid shifttolowerinput,nature-friendlyfarmingacross theUK.Andthisrequiresamoveawayfrom artificialfertilisersandashifttowardsnature-based solutions,asalreadydemonstratedbyorganicand agroecologicalfarmers.

"Thiswillrequireamixofpositiveincentivesand soundadviceforfarmerstosteerthemontheright coursecombinedwithrobustregulationtoachieve theoutcomesourriverssodesperatelyneed."

ThomasPlant'sCustom-Wrapped ExcavatorBenefitsChildren'sCharity

TheThomasGroup isawell-known groupofcompanies providingarangeof servicestothe construction industry,includingplanthire, haulage,toolhire, accommodation,andGPS machinecontrolservices.

Thecompanyiscommittedto givingbacktothecommunity, andoneofthecharitiesthatthey havepartneredwithrecentlyis theJosephSmileChildren's Charity.Thecharityoffersa rangeofservicestofamilies, includingrespitecare,home care,andsupportforsiblings. Thecharityaimstoimprovethe qualityoflifeofchildrenand familiesdealingwithlife-limiting illnesses,providingthemwiththe supporttheyneedtolivetheir livestothefullest.

ThomasPlantHiresupportsthe JosephSmileChildren'sCharity isthroughfundraisingevents. Thecompanyhasorganised variousevents,includingcharity walks,sponsoredbikerides,and golfdays,tohelpraisemoneyfor thecharity.Inadditiontothese events,ThomasPlantHirehas recentlycreatedaone-offvinylwrappedexcavator.The excavator,whichfeaturesthe charity'slogoandbranding,will beusedonvariousconstruction sitesacrosstheUKtoraise awarenessofthecharity'swork andgeneratemuch-needed funds.

TheVolvoEC140excavatorisa uniqueadditiontothecharity's fundraisingefforts.Theexcavator willserveasareminderofthe importantworkthatthecharity does,helpingtoraiseawareness ofthechallengesthatfamilies withsickchildrenfaceonadaily

Thecompanybelievesinmaking apositiveimpactonthelivesof others,andtheirsupportofthe JosephSmileChildren'sCharity isatestamenttothisbelief.By partneringwithcharitieslikethe JosephSmileChildren'sCharity, ThomasGroupissettingan exampleforotherbusinessesto follow,inspiringthemtosupport worthycausesintheirlocalarea.

IanMcmillan,HeadofBusiness DevelopmentfortheThomas Group,said,"Supportingthe JosephSmileChildren'sCharity hasbeenanincrediblyrewarding experienceforus.Weareproud tobeabletocontributetoan organisationthatdoessuch importantworkforchildrenand theirfamilies.Ourpartnership withthecharityhasstrengthened overtheyears,andweare committedtocontinuingour supportinthefuture."

TheJosephSmileChildren's Charityhasexpressedits gratitudeforThomasGroup's support,statingthatthe company'scontributionshave madeasignificantdifferencein thelivesofthefamiliesthey serve.Thecharity'sfounder, Joseph'smother,expressedher appreciation,saying,"Iam overwhelmedbythesupportwe havereceivedfromThomas Group.Theircommitmenttoour causehasbeenunwavering,and wearegratefulforeverything theyhavedonetohelpusmake adifferenceinthelivesofsick childrenandtheirfamilies."

ThomasGroup'sinvolvement withthecharitybeganwhenan employeewhosechildhad receivedsupportfromthecharity suggestedthattheygetinvolved. Sincethen,thepartnershiphas grown,andThomasPlantHire hasbecomeoneofthecharity's biggestsupporters.

Oneofthewaysinwhich

basis.Thehopeisthatthe excavatorwillcapturethe attentionofthepublicand encouragethemtodonatetothe charity,generatingmuch-needed funds.

ThomasPlantHire'scharitywrappedexcavatorisjustone exampleoftheircommitmentto givingbacktothecommunity.

TheThomasPlantdivisionofthe Groupwillbeexhibitingat Plantworxandhastakenthree standsintheindoorandoutdoor GetConnectedZonesandwillbe demonstratingOngradeMC, machinecontrol.Visitwww. plantworx.co.ukforfurther informationandtoregisterto visit.

Environmentalandbiodiversityfunding availableforfarmersintheMidlands

Applicationsarenowopenforthis year’sroundofSevernTrent’s EnvironmentalProtectionScheme (STEPS)matchfunding,whichoffers upto£30,000,forfarmsinpriority catchmentstoinvestinprojectsthat improvewaterquality.

Sinceitsinception,over2,000STEPSgrantshave beenawarded,andoverthecourseof2023theaim istocontinuetopartnerwithmorefarmersand landownersacrossSevernTrent’s48priority catchments.

TobroadentheoutreachofSTEPS,thisyearmatch fundingisavailableforClosedTransferSystems (CTS),whichenablefast,cleanandsafechemical transfertoandfromsprayers.CTSareagreat alternativeforpesticidemanagement,particularlyif yourfarmenterprisecan'taccommodateafull-size

Withashorterapplicationwindow,SpringSTEPS fundingcanbeappliedforuntil31stOctober,with themainSTEPSwindowclosingon31st December.

DrAlexCooke,principalcatchmentmanagement scientistatSevernTrent,explainsthatboth elementsoftheSTEPSschemeprovideflexible fundingforawiderangeofon-farmenvironmental projects.

“ThemainSTEPSmatchfundingisavailableto thoseinprioritycatchmentstoaddressissuessuch asnitrates,pesticidesandcryptosporidiumreaching

pesticidewashdownarea.

Arangeofbiodiversityfundingisalsonow available,undertheremitof‘SpringSTEPS’.This extracomponentofSTEPSfocusesonhelpingto improvebiodiversityandprotectnaturalhabitats.

watercoursesandhelptokeepourrivershealthy,” saysDrCooke.

Sheaddsthatfarmerscanchoosefromanarrayof fundedoptions,buttoensureapplicationsare competitiveshewouldstronglyrecommend choosingapriorityitem,specificforthecatchment. Forexample,thiscouldincludethenewclosed transfersystem,pesticidewashdownareas,cover cropsorlivestockfencing.

“‘Farmer innovation’ optionsarealso available,”says DrCooke.“In instanceswhere themainSTEPS optionsaren’t appropriatefor yourfarming business,these optionsallow farmstosuggest analternative waytohelp protectwater qualityandthe environment,that benefitsthe individual enterprise,”sheexplains.

“SpringSTEPSworksinasimilarformattothe

widergrantprogrammebutoffersfundingoptions specificallyforbiodiversityprojects.Theseinclude diverseherballeys,wildflowermargins,pollinator meadowsandbirdseed,”DrCookeexplains.

Sheencouragesfarmersandlandownerstovisit theSevernTrentwebsiteatStwater.co.uk/STEPS orcontacttheirlocalagriculturaladviserto investigatetheiroptionsandeligibility.

STEPSoptionsinclude:

Pesticidecatchmentareas:

•NEW!ClosedTransferSystems(CTS)for pesticides

•Pesticidewashdownareas,includingroofing

•Riversidegrassmargins

•Biobedsandbiofilters

•Alternativeweedmanagementingrassland fields

•Precisionpesticideapplicationequipment

Nitratecatchmentareas:

•Covercrops

•Grassmargins

Cryptosporidiumcatchmentareas:

•Livestockfencingalongwatercourses

•Hardbasesfordrinkingtroughs

•Roofedlivestockhandlingandmanurestorage areas

•Constructedwetlands

ThemainSTEPSapplicationwindowcloses31st December2023.

SpringSTEPSbiodiversityoptionsavailable

•Annualpollinatormix

•Plantingherballeys

•Wildflowermarginsandminimeadows

•Feedingfarmlandbirds

•Floweringsummercovercrops

•Springsownbirdseedcrops

TheSpringSTEPSapplicationcloses31st October2023.

Howtoapply:

1.Checkyouareinaprioritycatchmenthere: www.stwater.co.uk/steps

2.Toincreaseyourchancesofasuccessful application,seekadvicefromyourlocalSevern Trentagriculturaladviseronwhatoptionswould bestsuityourfarmandmakethegreatest positiveimpactontheenvironment

3.Filloutyourapplicationonline:www.stwater. co.uk/stepsbefore31stOctober2023forSpring STEPSandbefore31stDecember2023for STEPS.

THEBIGSHOWISBACKWITHABANG-LINCOLNSHIRESHOWRETURNSFOR2023

LINCOLNSHIRE’S biggestannual event,the LincolnshireShow, willbemakingits grandreturnthis June.Hostedandorganisedby theLincolnshireAgricultural Society(LAS),TheBigShow willtakeplaceatthe LincolnshireShowgroundand issettowelcomemorethan 60,000visitorsacrosstwo dayswithabrand-new timetableofevents.

Nowinits138thyear,The LincolnshireShowwilltake placeonWednesday21and Thursday22June2023,with ticketsnowonsale.

Thisyear’seventwillseethe additionofnewzonesand breath-takingentertainmentin theMainRingaswellasarange offavouriteexhibitorsand

spectacularlivedemonstrations, withfurtherdetailstoberevealed overthecomingweeks.

TheBigShow2023issetto welcomemorethan60,000 visitors,whocanexpectan action-packedtwodays, includingcompetitions,delicious localproduceintheFoodCourt, beautifulblooms,localart,and handmadecraftsinthe LincolnshireLifestyleMarquee.

AndrewBuckley,chairmanat LincolnshireAgriculturalSociety said:“Wecan’twaittowelcome visitorsbacktotheLincolnshire Showthisyear.Wereallywantto encouragefamilies,young peopleandindividualsto comeinandjoininthefun. Weofferanamazingarrayof exhibitors,live demonstrationsand interactivedisplaysthatare lovedbyall.”

Withexcitementalready mounting,thisyearalso welcomesthenewLAS president,HMLordLieutenant,TobyDennis.

Andrewcontinued:“Abig welcomealsotothenewLAS president,HMLord-Lieutenant, TobyDennis.It’sgreattohave himonboardforwhatissettobe anotherfantasticshow.Wearea greatcharitywhichaimsto educateyoungpeople,families

THEBIGSHOWISBACKWITHABANG-LINCOLNSHIRESHOWRETURNSFOR2023

andindividualsaboutfood, farmingandthecountryside.All profitsareusedtofund educationalwork,supporting localchildrenfromaround Lincolnshire.”

Apopularfavourite,the Schools’Challenge,will alsoreturntotheExo Centrethisyear,where localschoolsshowcase theirselectedSchools’ Challengeentry.Withten challengestochoosefrom, theeventaimstoinspire youngpeopletogaina betterunderstandingof Lincolnshire’srich agriculturalhistory,its horticultureandland-based activities.

ReturningthisyearwillbeThe LincolnshireKitchen,where visitorswillbeabletotakeaseat andwatchtopchefscookwith

localproduceandcreatetasty treats.

Meanwhile,otherhighlightsfrom theeventwillincludeimmersive livestockandequineclasses takingplaceacrossbothdays, andthechancetovisitthe AgriculturalLinetosee machineryfrompasttopresent. Andrewcontinued:“Thisyearis settobeourbestandbusiest yet,andwe’reexcitedto

welcomevisitorsonceagain.We havesucharichanddiverse historyofagriculturein Lincolnshire,andThe LincolnshireShowisalwaysa fantasticopportunitytocelebrate that.

“Thisyear,we’veworked hardtomakeitashowto remember,withsomelongstandingclassicssuchasthe AviationZone,butalsoafew newsurprisestoo–watch thisspaceforfurtherexciting announcements.”

TheLincolnshireShowis organisedbytheLincolnshire AgriculturalSociety,whichis aregisteredcharity.

Tobuyticketstothisyear’s LincolnshireShow,ortofindout moreaboutexhibitingor sponsorshipopportunities,visit www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk

Chartingfarmingpodcastreturnswithsocialmediasensationguest

BeccaWilsonandLizzieMclaughlin setuptheirpodcastalittleovertwo yearsago.WithBeccaafifth generationYorkshirefarmerand Lizzieaself-confessedtowniefrom Middlesborough,thegirlsfoundconversationin theirdifferences.Wantingtocombinetheir farmingandnon-farmingperspectives,they decidedtosetupapodcastto askthequestionssotheir listenersdon’thaveto.

Beccasays,“thestrengthof thepodcastreallyhasbeenin ourdifferences.Sometimes, consumershavequestions aboutfood,farmingandthe countrysidewhichtheyworry aboutasking,butwe’rehereto helpwiththat!”

Aimingtoshowcasetothe publicwhatreallygoesinto producingourfood,thestories behindourfarmsandthe breadthofcareersthatare availableinagriculture,the girlshavefeaturedsomevery recognisablefaces.Lizziesays “byspeakingwithwell-known faces,ithelpstobridgethegap withthepublicevenmorewith thissenseoffamiliarity.”

Now,backwitharebrand,the firstepisodeof‘Beccaand Lizzie:ThePodcast’hasjust beenreleased,withguest, AntonyThomas.Ant,widely knownasKeepingCows Moovinonsocialmedia channels,hasnearly750k followersonTikTokandover halfabillionvideoviews acrosshischannels.Thecattle hooftrimmingvideoshave reallycapturedtheattentionof thepublicandsomeseeAnt asfarming’sanswertoDr PimplePopper!Whilstthese videosaresatisfyingcontent forsome,Beccasaysit’smore thanthat,“it’saboutpeople learningaboutthecareand attentionthatgoesintokeeping

cowshappyandhealthy.Animalwelfarereally isapriorityforourfarmers.”

Inabidtoreachanevenbroaderaudience,the girlsarealsoreleasingasecondseries,under thetitle‘WhatIKnowNow’.Thisserieswas createdafterthegirlschattedaboutwhat advicetheywouldgivetotheiryoungerselves.

Chartingfarmingpodcastreturnswithsocialmediasensationguest

Lizziesaid“mentalhealthisarecurringtheme fromourpreviousprojectsandthisnewseries allowsourgueststoexplorethistopiceven further,especiallyintheruralcommunity.”

Fromheartbreakstobigbreakstotaking breaks,thispodcastfeaturesguestsfromall walksoflifeastheyreflectonwhattheyknow

now.Withamorereflectivetone,thisseries aimstoinspirepeopletotakealeaporsimply knowthatthey’renottheonlyonewho’s wingingit.

Youcanlistentobothseriesonalltheusual podcaststreamingplatforms.Keepuptodate withthegirlsonInstagram:@becca.and.lizzie

KelvinFletcheropensupfarmforfamilies who’vehadasickchildinhospital

FormerEmmerdale actorKelvin Fletcherhosteda freeeventonhis 120-acrePeak Districtfarm,for familieswho’vestayedata RonaldMcDonaldHouse.

OnWednesday12April2023, thesoapstar-turnedfarmer, alongwithhiswifeandfellow actorLizFletcher,openedtheir impressive18th-centuryworking farmforanEastereggtreasure hunttofamilies,who’vebeen throughthetraumaofhavinga sickchildinhospital.

Thecouple,whomovedfrom Oldham,GreaterManchester,to afarmnearMacclesfield, Cheshire,in2021,reachedoutto RonaldMcDonaldHouse CharitiesUK,acharityproviding free‘homeawayfromhome’ accommodationforfamilieswith

childreninhospital,withtheir generousoffer.

Mum-of-fourLizsaid:“We’ve beenhugesupportersofRonald McDonaldHouseCharitiesUK formanyyears,sinceseeingthe benefitoftheirserviceswhena closefamilymemberwasin hospital.Towelcomethemand theirfamiliestoourfarmthis Easterisanhonour.”

RonaldMcDonaldHouse CharitiesUKisanindependent Charity,whichoperates14 HousesacrossEngland,Wales, andScotland,providingfree ‘homeawayfromhome’ accommodationandsupport. TheHouseskeepfamilies together,closetotheirchildrenin hospital.Theyprovideaplaceto sleep,cookandretainsome senseofnormallife;alifelinefor familiesataverystressfultime, especiallywhentheyarefarfrom

home.ARonaldMcDonald Housesaveseachfamilyan averageof£1,240inout-ofpocketaccommodation expenses.

TheFletchersopeneduptheir farmtothepublicforthefirsttime thisEaster,welcomingfamilies for‘FletchersontheFarmEaster Wonderland’.Ticketsforthe schoolholidayeventproved popularbuttherearestillafew timeslotsremainingforthefinal fewdays.

Kelvinsaid:“It’sbeenwonderful welcomingsomanypeopleonto thefarmandthekidshavereally enjoyedtheEastertrailand meetingourpigs,pygmygoats andevensomenewbornlambs. “Thefreeeventweheldfor RonaldMcDonaldHousefamilies wasextraspecial,asitgavethe mostdeservingpeopleafunfilledafternoonout,afterthey’ve

beenthroughthemostdifficult timesoftheirlives.

“Seeingthesmilesonthe children’sfaceswaspriceless.” Thefamilies,who’dstayedat RonaldMcDonaldHousesin Manchester,Birmingham,Arrowe ParkandAlderHey,battledcold, wet,andwindyconditionsto haveagoatanEastereggtrail aroundthefarm.Afterthetrail, theywatchedaninteractiveshow andmet‘Alice’andtheEaster Bunnyinabeautifulbuntingadornedtepee,whichprovided much-neededshelter.Small eggsthelittleoneshadcollected wereexchangedforafull-sized

SandbachinCheshire,wasat theeventwithherhusband Adamandtheirthreechildren, Imogen,13,Ralph,four,and Bonnie,20months.Shesaid: “WestayedatArrowePark HousefromSeptemberuntil November2021afterBonniewas bornat23weeks,weighingjust 655g.Wethenstayedatthe ManchesterHouseforafew weekslastsummer,when Bonnierequiredastayon intensivecare,afterbothher lungscollapsed,andsheended upbackonventilation.

“She’sdoingwellnow,althoughI trynottogettoocomplacent. She’sstillonoxygenandhasa

chocolateegg,whileparents enjoyedawell-earnedhotdrink andtookinthestunningviewsof

fewlittleissuesbutshe’sdoing betterthanweeverthoughtshe would.

“Whenwewereinvitedto Fletcher’sFarm,weknewitwas anopportunitywecouldn’tpass up.Unlessyou’vebeenina RonaldMcDonaldHouse,you don’tunderstandhowimportantit istohavethosefamilymoments, whenyoucanmakememories andtakepicturestocherish forever.Itwasareallyhappy occasion,whichweallenjoyed aftereverythingwe’vebeen through,allthankstoKelvinand LizandRonaldMcDonaldHouse CharitiesUK.”

TofindoutmoreaboutRonald McDonaldHouseCharitiesUK, visit:www.rmhc.org.uk

thePeaks. MumRachelMorgans,from

LIGHTSUPWESTMINSTER,HIGHLIGHTING POTENTIALFORBETTERENERGYSECURITY

AreplicaVictorian SewerLamphas beenerectednear ParliamentSquare todrawattentionto theuntapped potentialofbiogasderivedfrom cowpooandfoodwasteasa renewableenergysource.

AftertheGovernmentattheend ofMarchannouncedamajornew strategytodeliverenergy securityandnetzero,theUK's biggestdairycooperativeArlais drawingattentiontothisoften overlookedsourceofclean energy,callingforanewplanto harnessitspotentialtopowerthe UK'shomesandbusinesses.

Tappingintobiogaswasoncea

stapleofVictorianBritainafter Birminghamengineer,Joseph EdmundWebb,patentedasewer gasdestructorlampfuelledby emissionsfromLondon'ssewers. Todaywecanonceagain harnessthepowerofpootohelp solvetheUK'senergysecurity crisiswithanationwidestrategy foranaerobicdigestionoffarm andfoodwaste.

Arlaiscallingforanewnational anaerobicdigestionstrategy incorporatinglargercommunitybasedfacilitiesgenerating biogasesthatcanbefedintothe gasgridorusedintransport,and smallscaledigesterscreating energyforuseonfarm.Itisalso championingbetterandmore affordablegridconnectionsto

facilitateananaerobicdigestion revolutionandatthesametime helpmorefarmersinstallsolar powerandotherrenewables.

Forexample,Arla'sC.A.R.E programme,anindustry-leading setofwelfareandsustainability standards,requiresallfarmersto haveaGreenEnergyPlanfor increasingtheuseofrenewable sourcesontheirfarm.

JamesPirie,vicepresidentof logisticsatArla,explains:"Dairy farmershavethepotentialtoplay amajorroleinthefutureofthe UK'senergysecurity,using naturalresourcestoprovide moreenergyindependence. Withbetterinfrastructureand networksupport,Britain's

livestocksector,includingArla farmers,havethepotentialto turnnearly91milliontonnesof manureandslurryand10million tonnesoffoodwasteinto8billion cubicmetresofbiomethane, enoughtopower6.4 millionhomes."

"Throughinitiativeslike theArlaC.A.R.E programme,ourUK farmersareworking hardtoacceleratethe transitionto sustainabledairy.Ifwe puttherightpolicy changesinplaceand giveourfarmersthe supporttheyneed,we canunlockthe potentialforevenmore farmstoscaletheiruse ofrenewableenergy sourcesandensurea moresecureenergysystemfor thefuture."

StephenTemple,ArlaFarmer explained:"Cowslurryhasthe potentialtopowercommunities acrosstheUKandbeusedasa

naturalfertilisertonourishthe landwefarm.Unfortunately installationofananaerobic digestortomakethishappenis notcheap,andoperationand maintenancehavetobelearnt,

issuessowecanbetterutilise

InNovember2022,Arla announceditwouldpowerseven lorriesinitslogisticsfleetwith slurryandwithfood wastefromits distributionsitein Hatfield.Thedigestate by-productofthe anaerobicdigestion processisastable naturalfertiliserthatis alreadyusedbyArla farmersacrossthe country.

butthebenefitssoonoutweigh theobstacles.We'rehopingthat withtheGovernment'shelpwe canresolvethedifficulties farmersfacewithgrid connections,costlyinstallations, andregulatoryandplanning

Tofindoutmoreabout Arla'sC.A.R.E programmeandhow Arlafarmersareturning cowpoointopower, visitwww.arlafoods. co.uk/food-for-thought/ renewable-energy/

*Biomethane:Thepathwayto2030, ADBA **Co-operative,AnimalWelfare, RenewableEnergyand Ecosystem

thisinvaluableenergysource."

Claydonexpandstomeetrapidgrowthin globaldemandwithhelpfromLEPgrant R

ecorddemandfor itsinnovative ClaydonOpti-Till agriculturalcrop establishment machineryhasled progressivefamily-ownedUK manufacturerClaydonYield-oMeterLtdtofurtherexpandits factoryinWestSuffolk.And demandisstillrapidlyincreasing. Thecompletionofanew purpose-builtbuildingatthesite inWickhambrookwillmorethan doubleproductioncapacityand createnumerousadditionaljobs.

Supportedbya£267,400 GrowingBusinessFundGrant fromtheNewAngliaLocal EnterprisePartnership(NALEP), theprojectwillhelpthe40-yearoldcompanytomeetan exponentialincreaseinorders. Theseareexpectedtogrow furtherin2023asthebusiness workswithitsdealerand distributorpartnersinexistingand newmarketstodevelopsalesof itsEvolutionandHybriddrills, StrawHarrows,TerraStar®light

cultivatorsandTerraBladeinterrowhoes.

“Unlikemanyothercompaniesin theUKfarmmachinerysector whichimportmachinerymade overseaswedesign,testand manufactureallourproductsfrom scratch,employlocalstaffand benefittheUKbusinesseswhich supplyus,”explainsChief ExecutiveOfficerJeffClaydon.

Anarablefarmer,Jefffounded thecompanyin1981to manufacturetheClaydonYield-oMeter,thefirstdevicetoprovide anaccurate‘real-time’readingof cropyieldsonadisplayinthecab ofacombineharvester.In2001, whengrainpricesfelltolevels whichmadecombinablecrop productionuneconomicusing traditionalestablishment methods,JeffdevelopedtheOptiTillDirectStripSeedingSystem toreducecostswithoutadversely impactingoutput,thereby securingthefutureofhisfamily’s farm.

Today,farmersallovertheworld aresavingtheequivalentofupto £250perhectareonthecostof establishingcombinablecrops acrossthewidestrangeofsoil typesandconditionsusingOptiTill,whichcombinesstubble managementandstripseeding techniquesthathavebeen provenover20years.Compared withtraditionalmethods,they enablefarmingbusinessesto operatemuchmoreefficiently, profitably,andsustainably,using just10percentofthefuel requiredforatraditionalploughbasedsystem,withsignificant yield,soilfertilityandenvironment benefits.

Europeanmarketleaderindirect stripseedingtechnology,Claydon hasseendemandforitsproducts growten-foldsince2010.With manymarketsstillatan embryonicstageandits distributionnetworkgrowing rapidlythecompanyexpects salestogrowexponentially during2023,despitethe undoubtedchallenges.Likemany

otherUKcompanies,Claydonis havingtodealwiththeongoing adverseeffectsofBrexit,which hasmadetransportingits productstoEuropeconsiderably moredifficult,timeconsuming andexpensive.

EXPANDINGTOMEET DEMAND

In2015,Claydonwasawarded theNewAngliaLocalEnterprise Partnershipgranttohelpthe businessdevelopinthreestages. Thefirstofthesewasthe constructionofnewoffices adjoiningthecompany’sexisting productionfacilitytohouse additionalstafftosupport customersintheUKand overseasmarkets.Planning permissionwasawardedin March2016andworkstartedin Julythefollowingyear,with Claydonemployeescompleting thegroundworks,construction andfittingoutofthebuilding involvingsuppliersand contractorsfromacrossthe Angliaregion.

Blendinginwiththeexisting workshopbuildingand surroundingcountrysideto minimisetheirvisualimpact,the two-storeyofficesprovide365m2 ofaccommodationforupto27 fullandpart-timestaffonthetop level.Thegroundflooris dedicatedtovisitors,withtwo meetingrooms,adealertraining

andpresentationstudiowhich canaccommodate50people, togetherwithcommercial-grade cateringfacilities.A£100,000 investmentinsolartechnologies provides100kW/hofelectrical energy,reducingtheuseof electricityfromtheNationalGrid atthesiteandminimisingthe company’scarbonfootprint. Thesecondstageinthe company’sdevelopment,which hasjustbeencompleted, involvedtheconstructionofa newassemblybuildingonthe footprintofderelictformerfarm buildingsandismuchneeded, JeffClaydonstates.

“Thecompanyisgrowingrapidly andmassively,ahighlyskilled teamisinplace,butadditional productioncapacityisneededto manufactureClaydonOpti-Till® productstofulfildemandfrom marketsallovertheworld, includingtheUKwheresales havedoubled.Momentumis buildingstrongly,helpedbyour presenceatoverseastrade shows,togetherwiththeongoing expansionofourglobalnetwork ofimporters,agents,anddealers in22countries,whoselocal knowledgeandsupportgives potentialcustomersconfidenceto investinUK-manufactured products.

“Despitehugeuncertainties causedbyBrexitandCovid-19,in July2021wedecidedtogo

aheadwiththenewbuildingto markthecompany’s40th anniversary.Claydonstaff completedthefootingsinthe winterof2021andconstruction startedinsummer2022.The projectwasmanagedin-house but,duetodifficultiesinobtaining contractorsandmaterials, progresswasslowerthan anticipated.”

Measuring36mx36mand8mto theeaves,thenew1296m2 clear-spanbuildingwas constructedfromsteelsupplied byAJNSteelstockLtdinKentford nearNewmarketand manufacturedbyanotherSuffolkbasedbusiness,AngliaSteel PortalsLtdatRedLodgenear Mildenhall.Thebuildingwas erectedandcladbyEastAnglian companyS&JFabrications, whileStreetCranesinSheffield suppliedandinstalledthefour 3.2-tonneoverheadcraneswhich willbetterutilisethespaceinthe newbuildingandallowitto operateefficiently.

Claydon’sfocusnowisrecruiting additionalstafftofilltherangeof vacanciesavailableatits Wickhambrookfactory.Withthe requirementforstaffinthe assemblyandyardareaaloneset totriplein2023,thecompanyis lookingtofillrewarding opportunitiesacrossallsectorsof itsbusiness,fromdesign, procurementandsalespositions towelding,painting,fabrication, andassemblyroles.

AnexcellentexampleofUK manufacturingatitsbest, ClaydonYield-o-MeterLtd representsatremendoussuccess storyandremainsawholly family-ownedbusiness,one whichisbeingsteeredintothe futurebyJeff’stwosons,Spencer (CommercialDirector)andOliver (OperationsDirector),whoadds: “Thissignificantinvestmentwe havemadeinthesenew productionfacilitieswillhelpusto takeaquantumleapforwardto meetdemandforClaydon productsandisakeypartofour long-termplantodevelopthe potentialwhichexistsalloverthe world.”

JeffClaydon(right)andOliverClaydoninthenewassemblybuilding

VäderstadTempoisanew generationhigh-speedplanter, deliveringanunmatchedprecision atdoublethespeedoftraditional planters.No-till,min-tillor conventionaltillage–Tempo performsexceptionallyinall conditions.Thecropsgetsthe beststartpossiblewhichresults inanevenemergence.

Sunflower

Sugarbeet Sorghum Pumpkin

Cotton

Maize OSR Beans

nutrientdeficienciesacrosstwothirdsofUKsoils

NRMhaspublished itsannualsoil summaryreportfor 2021-2022,with consolidateddata fromthousandsof soilsamplesacrosstheUK. Resultsonceagainshowthat mostsoils(twothirds)are deficientinthekeynutrientsof magnesium,phosphorusand potassium,continuingatrendof almost30years.

AstheUK'sleadingproviderof soilanalysis,NRMhasbeen gatheringsoilanalysisdatasince 1995.Thisyear'ssoilsummary includesdatafromsoilsamples collectedbetweenJune2021and May2022,helpingfarmersand theiradvisorsunderstandcurrent nutrientsstatusacrosstheUK, benchmarkagainstotherfarms withcurrentdata,andimprove soilhealthtooptimisecrop production.

Forthefirsttime,NRMhasalso publishedconsolidateddataon planttissueandgraingathered fromitsCropCheckand GrainCheckanalysisservices. Thiswillhelpfarmersoptimise productionandformafullerview ofhowtheirsoilsandcropsare doing.Earlyanalysisofthedata supportstheideathat,while sufficientlevelsarepresentinthe soil,nutrientsmightnotbe availableforcropstoutilise.

'We'reusingoursummarised datathisyeartohelpfarmersand theiradvisorsunderstandwhyit's importanttoanalyseallyear round,'saidSajjadAwan, AgronomyManageratNRM. 'Onekeyfindingwasthatwheat cropshadalmost10%less nitrogenandaquarterless phosphorusinspring2022than in2021.Wehadacolderand drierspringin2022,which preventedsoilmineralisation,a necessaryprocessthatallows nutrientstobetakenupbythe crop.Thesituationwasmade evenworseduetothesoil moisturedeficitduringthehot anddrysummer,whichwasthen exacerbatedbyrapidcrop growth.Thisiswhycropscouldn't takeupalltheyneededtothrive.

'It'simportanttokeepaneyeon weatherconditionsthroughout theyear,asyoumightneedto makequickdecisionstoimprove cropperformance.Thisisall madeeasierwithrobust laboratoryanalysis,whichreveals howyourcropsaredoingand whatyoumightneedtochange.'

CropCheckmeasuresthe nutrientscerealcropscontainat keygrowthstagesthatcoincide withthefertiliserapplication window.GrainCheckmeasures

analysishelpsfarmersmake betterdecisionswitheachnew seasonforoptimalcrop productionandyield.

'Therearesomefascinating trendsalready,andthesetruly demonstratetheimportanceof analysingthroughouttheyearto adjustplansbeforeit'stoolate,' continuedSajjad.'Notonlydoes thishelpcropperformance,butit alsoimprovesnutrientuse efficiency.Thishelpsprotectour planetbyreducingnitrateand phosphatelossestothe environment,whichcancausea lotofissues.Farmingsustainably andtransitioningtogreener practicesactuallygoeshandin handwithincreasedproductivity. Usinginnovativecropanalysisto guideourmanagementdecisions isahugepartofthis.'

'Cawood'scorevaluesinvolve supportingsustainablefood productionandasafer,healthier planet,'saidSeanStevenson, CommercialDirectorofCawood Agriculture.'AstheUK'sleading providerofagronomicanalysisin theUK,Cawoodisinaunique positiontogatheralargeamount ofsoilandcropdatafor representativeresults.Weare strongadvocatesofsharingthis insightfulinformationwiththe industrytohelpfarmersmeet theirgoalsandtransitiontomore sustainablepractices.'

NRM'sannualnationalsoilsummaryshows

Furtherevidencethatfolpethelpstoprolong theeffectivelifeofsinglesitefungicides

Newmodellingwork indicatesthatthe inclusionofthe multi-sitefungicide, folpet,canmore thandoublethe effectivelifeoffungicide treatmentprogrammescontaining ‘atrisk’singlesitemodesof action.

Speakingatanonlineseminar hostedbyADAMAAgricultural SolutionsUKLtd., DrMike Grimmer oftheADASCrop DiseaseManagementteam outlinedthefindingsofanew roundofmodellingworkinwhich itwasfoundthattheadditionof folpetcanextendtheeffectivelife ofprogrammescontainingthe azole,mefentrifluconazole,and theSDHI,fluxapyroxad.

Themodellingworkwas designedtoassessthe usefulnessoffolpetasatankmix partnerinseptoriaapplication programmesandtoquantifythe effectoffolpetontherateat whichdiseaseresistance developsto‘atrisk’singlesite modesofaction.

Theprojectstudiedtheeffectof addingfolpettotwoscenarios:a UK-relevanttreatment programme(SDHIappliedtwice) wherebothsinglesiteactives wereappliedinmixtureattheT1 andT2spraytimings,andaUK/ EU-relevantscenario(SDHI appliedonce)whereonly mefentrifluconazolewasapplied atT1,followedby mefentrifluconazoleinmixture withfluxapyroxadatT2.

Themodellingworkassessedthe expectedeffectivelifeofthe treatmentprogrammes(thetime betweentheintroductionofthe fungicidesandthemomentat whicheffectivediseasecontrolis lost)andinvestigatedhowthe additionoffolpetcanextendthis effectivelife.

Withouttheinclusionoffolpet,the effectivelifeofthetreatment programmeswaspredictedtobe 13yearswhenusedattheirfull rateintheUKscenario,and10 yearsintheEUscenario.

Theadditionof1.5litresoffolpet ateithertheT1orT2timing extendedthisto17yearsinthe UKprogramme,whileits inclusionatbothoftimings extendedtheeffectivelifeofthe partnerproductsto27years (table1).IntheEUscenario,the additionoffolpetatT1extended theeffectivelifeofthesinglesites from10yearsupto18years. AddingfolpetatT2alsoextended theeffectivelife,butbyamore modesttwoyears(upfrom10 yearsto12years).Meanwhile, theinclusionoffolpetatboth timingsextendedtheeffectivelife from10to28years(table2).

“Thislatestroundofmodelling workclearlyshowsthatfolpetcan substantiallyincreasethe effectivelifeoftypicaltreatment programmes,”DrGrimmer explains.“However,theextentto whichfolpetincreasesthe effectivelifeoftreatment programmesdependsonhow folpetisused,withthetimingof itsinclusion,aswellashowmany applicationsaremadeandat whatrateallhavinganimpact.”

Thestudyalsohighlightedthat increasingthedoseof'atrisk’ singlesitefungicidescan decreasetheireffectivelife.

“Theover-archingmessageis thatrelyingsolelyonsinglesite modesofactionandusingthese productsattheirmaximumrates willresultintheseproducts experiencingarapiddeclinein efficacyasresistancedevelops,” DrGrimmeradds.“Amore sensibleapproachisthereforeto includeamulti-sitefungicidein springsprayprogrammes,not onlytoimproveoveralldisease protectionefficacy,butalsoto maintaindiseasecontrolas resistanceselectionprogresses.”

Alsospeakingattheseminarwas AndyBailey,ADAMA’sfungicides technicalspecialist,whooutlined howandwhenARIZONA(500g/L folpetSC)shouldbeusedin wheatandbarleyprogrammes.

“Inwheat,thekeytimingto includefolpetisatT1whenitwill boostprotectionandhelpcrops tostayaheadofthedisease. UsingfolpetatT1willhelpinall scenarios,”heexplains,“witha subsequentapplicationatT2 helpingtomaintainprotectionand keepingtheuppercanopy greenerforlonger.This subsequentlyenablescropsto capturemoresunlightwhich ultimatelytranslatesthroughto betteryields.”

Inhighriskseptoriasituations, suchaswhereasusceptible varietyhasbeendrilledearlyina wet,mildyear,MrBailey recommendsusingfolpetatthe T0timing,withsubsequent applicationsmadeatT1andT2 “topoweruptheprogrammeand provideseason-longprotection”.

MrBaileyalsoexplainedthat folpetprovidesprotectionagainst ramulariaandnetblotchin barley,aswellasactivityversus rhynchosporium.“Inwinterbarley thekeytimingfortheinclusionof folpettocontrolramulariaisat T2,”hedescribes,“butimproved

helpingwithresistance managementofthesekey diseases.”

Likewise,theT2timingisalso keyforprotectingspringbarley againstramularia,withatwosprayapproach(atT1andT2) givingthebestresults, particularlywheredisease pressurebuildsearlybecauseof wetterspringconditions.

“Inscenarioswhereresistance managementistheabsolute driverinallcrops,itisadvisable

tomaximisethedoseofthe activeingredientwiththelowest riskofresistance,”MrBailey adds.“Inotherwords,useafull ratedoseoffolpettoprotect'at risk’singlesitemodesofaction, and,wherediseasepressure allows,reducetheselection pressureexertedonthelatterby applyingthematanappropriate doseinmixture.”

Formoreinformationabouthow andwhentousefolpetvisit https://www.adama.com/uk/en/ cereal-disease-hub/multi-site

resultscanbeseenwhenitis appliedattwospraytimings, withprogrammesthatinclude folpetatT1contributingtothe controlofnetblotchand rhynchosporiumandalso

EdenobtainsauthorisationforMevaloneinPoland

EdenResearchplc (AIM:EDEN),the AIM-quoted companyfocused onsustainable biopesticidesand plastic-freeformulation technologyforuseintheglobal cropprotection,animalhealth andconsumerproducts industries,announcesthatits flagshipbiofungicide,Mevalone, hasreceivedregulatory authorisationinPoland.The certificationwillallowfarmersto applyMevalonetotheirwineand tablegrapestoprotectandtreat outbreaksofBotrytiscinereaas wellasonapplestopreventpostharveststoragediseasesthereby helpingtoreducefoodwastein thesupplychain.

SumiAgroEuropehasbeen appointedastheCompany’s exclusivedistributerofMevalone intheterritorywithproduct distributionexpectedto commenceimminently.SumiAgro hasextensiveexperiencewith Mevalone,havingpreviously supportedEdenwithsignificant

labelextensionsinFrance. Polandrepresentsasignificant newmarketforEdenandthe commercialisationofMevalone, givenitistheEU’slargest producerofapples,producing almost2.5milliontonsannually.

Edenexpectstoreceive additionalregulatoryapprovalsin duecourseinadditionalCentral Europeanmemberstatessuchas Germany,Austria,andHungary, wherehighlevelsofwine productionarefound.Central Europeisastrategictarget marketforEdenwiththeultimate addressablemarketforEden’s productsbeingcomparablein valuetothatofSouthernEurope andpotentialsalesofMevalone estimatedtopeakat€3.2m.

SeanSmith,ChiefExecutive OfficerofEden,said:

“Ourregulatoryapprovalin Polandmarksthebeginningof ourcommercialpushintoCentral Europe,andweareexcitedby furtherapprovalsintheregionin duecourse.WhilethePolish

grapemarketisrelativelysmall whencomparedwith neighbouringCentralEuropean countries,weareencouragedby theopportunitiesthatliewithin theapplessegmentforpostharveststoragediseasecontrol. Pre-harvestapplicationof Mevalonehelpstoprotect producefromdiseasesthatcan developduringthelongstorage period,furtherdemonstratingthe versatilitywithinourproduct offering.Weareproudtobeable toprovidefarmerswithahighly effectivecropprotectionsolution thatnotonlysupports sustainabilityinagriculturebut alsohelpstoreducefoodwaste inthesupplychain.

“Furthermore,wearedelightedto continueourpartnershipwith SumiAgro,acompanywith significantinfluenceacross CentralEuropeandtheabilityto gainmarketshare.Weexpect distributionofourproductto commenceimminentlywith meaningfulsalestoberealisedin theupcomingseasons.”

SUPPORTINGTHENEXTGENERATIONOFAGRONOMISTS

Agriculturestudents fromleading universitiesand collegeshavetaken partinacompetition designedtoprovide auniqueinsightintotheroleof themodernagronomist.

Theinitiativewasorganisedby Hutchinsons,andattracted around120studentsfromWrittle UniversityCollege,TheRoyal AgriculturalUniversity(RAU), HarperAdamsUniversity(HAU), NottinghamUniversity, RiseholmeCollegeandBishop BurtonCollege.

Studentshadtheopportunityto visitoneofthreeHelix demonstrationfarmsin Oxfordshire,Yorkshireand Shropshire,wheretheywere givenpracticaldemonstrationsof theroles,responsibilitiesand technologyavailableto agronomistsinthefield.

Attendeesthenhadtoanswer questionsaboutwhattheyhad learnt,fromwhichthreewinners werechosen,eachtakinghome £100prizemoney.

“SinceHutchinsonswasformed 85yearsago,theroleofthe agronomisthaschanged markedly,andparticularlysoin thelast10years,sowewanted togivestudentsatasteofwhat thejobentails,andthe technologiesavailabletohelpus makebetterdecisionsfor growers,”thefirm’stechnical director,StuartHillsaid.

“Theagronomist’srolenowgoes farbeyondadvisingoncrop protection,coveringanything fromstrategicbusinessplanning andcostings,integratedcrop managementandagroecology, soils,nutrition,traitsanddigital technology.”

Integratedsolutions

Thisholisticapproachtocrop managementwasclearly demonstratedbyagronomist AmieHunter,whoexplainedhow cropprotectionwasjustoneof thefourpillarsofintegratedcrop management,theotherthree being;agronomicstrategy,risk assessment,andcultural methods.

ICMcoveredeverythingfrom rotation,varietychoice,and cultivationpolicy,tocover cropping,nutritionandcrop protectionstrategies.Allwere interlinkedandrequiredaclear understandingoftheprocesses involvedinordertomake effectivedecisions,shenoted.

“ICMisn’tnew,butitcanbequite hardtomanagegiventhatthere aresomanydifferentfactorsto consider.Thisiswhere technologysuchasOmniais

SUPPORTINGTHENEXTGENERATIONOFAGRONOMISTS

reallyhelpinggrowersandusas agronomists,bybringing everythingtogetherinone accessibleplatform.”

“Theindustryhasdevelopeda hugeabilitytomeasuredatain thepastfewyears,sothe challengenowishowweusethis effectivelytomakemoreinformed decisions.”

forme:Oneisthecurrentlevelof sophistication,it’sfascinatingto seetheamountofdatathatcan becollecteddowntoasquaremetrelevel,andhowdifferent datasourcescanbelayeredto helpmakedecisions.

“Thesecondthingisthatit’svery clear‘businessasusual’simply isn’tanoptionforfarmers.It’s refreshingtohearanagronomy companybeing forwardthinking andrealistic aboutthe directionthat farming’sheading in,talkingabout areaslikesoiland agroecology.It justshowshow multidimensional farmingis.”

Winningstudent BogdanDiedov, BScAgronomy, RAU

Thirdyear agronomystudent BogdanDiedov, hasapassionfor sustainable agriculture,and recognisesthe needfor innovative solutionstofeed agrowingworld population.

DigitalFarming,andmethodsto improvesoilhealth.”

Aftergraduation,Bogdanwants tobecomeanagronomistand believessustainablepracticesare keytohelpingfarmersreduce theirenvironmentalfootprint, conserveresourcesandmaintain soilhealth,makingthefood systemmoresustainableand efficient.

“Asanagronomist,Iam fascinatedbythepotentialof biotechnologytosolve agriculturalproblems.Iwantto explorehowbiotechnologycan improvecrops,pest,anddisease control,andresourceefficiency.

Encouragingnewentrants

TheHutchinsonsFoundationisa three-yeartrainingprogramme focussedprimarilyongivingnew entrantsarouteintoagronomy, althoughitalsosupportsthose wantingtopursueacareerwithin thecompany’sotherspecialist servicesandtechnicalroles.

Therearetwomainroutesinto theFoundation;eitherdirectly fromUniversity,orthosewho haveworkedonafarmin differentrolesandarelookingto re-trainorspecialise.

Welcomeinsight

Oneofthoseattendingthe OxfordshireeventwasSarah Langford,fromafamilyfarmin Suffolk,studyingforaGraduate DiplomainAgricultureatRAUin Cirencester.Sheisalsothe authorofRooted:StoriesofLife, LandandaFarmingRevolution.

“Twothingshavereallystoodout

“Iattendedthe Hutchinsons eventhopingto gainaninsightintothelatest researchinagronomy,network withindustryprofessionals,and learnaboutpotentialcareer opportunities.

“Theeventexceededmy expectations,providingvaluable informationandpossible connectionstohelpmeinmy futurecareer.Keyfindings includedlearningaboutOmnia

Theprogrammeallows individualstogaintheir professionalqualifications,andall thetechnicaland“softer”skills trainingneededtobecomea successfulagronomist.Itisafully employedrole,withagood percentageoftimeoutwith colleagues,shadowing,and learningfromthem.

Hutchinsonsalsooffersayearlongstudentplacement programme.

Tofindoutmoreaboutthecareer opportunitiesacrossHutchinsons, gotowww.hlhltd.co.uk/about-us/ careers

Chocolatespotspreadhitsnewbeangrowth

CoolandwetconditionsthroughMarch haveincreasedtheriskofchocolatespot onestablishedbeansthisseason,aswell asthethreatfromdownymildewonnew leafgrowthandforlateremergingspring beans.

Manyautumnsownbeancropshavebeenhithardby harshwinterfrosts.Belowaveragetemperaturesand heavyrainthroughMarchhadalsostoppedearly springrecoveryandincreaseddiseaserisk,warned SyngentaTechnicalManager,SimonJackson.

“Thathasbeenexacerbatedwhererainsplashhas spreadchocolatespotsporesfromexistinglesionson lowerleaves,ontonewgrowth.PGROdiseasereports havehighlightedhighlevelsofchocolatespotinsome crops,alongwithcercospora.

“ThesequenceofAmistarandElatusErahasproven tobehighlyeffectiveasafungicidestrategyforboth chocolatespotandrustcontrolinbeans.Thedecision forgrowersandagronomiststhisseason,willbeto assessinwhichordertoapplythem,”Simonadvised.

“Wherechocolatespotisalreadypresentinthecrop andconditionscontinueencouragethedisease,it wouldbeadvisabletostarttheprogrammewithan Amistarapplicationfromfirstflowering(GS60),”he advocated.Thestrategywillbeparticularlybeneficial astemperaturesstarttowarmupandsoilmoisture

levelsarenotlimiting growth.

Fieldassessments indicatecropsthatare lookingparticularly stressedand strugglingcouldwell benefitfrom supplementarytrace elements,suggested Simon,principally manganeseand magnesium,alongwith zinc.

Resultsoflastyear’s ADASYENbeancrops showedthat,althoughtherewasnodirect correlation,thebetterperformingcropshad receivedfoliartraceelements. Withrapidcompensatorygrowthinwarmer conditions,cropsareexpectedtoquicklybuildbig canopies,reportedSimon.

However,thatwilltendtomakethemmore susceptibletochocolatespotastheseason progresses.“ThekeytimingforElatusEra applicationislikelytobearoundearlytomid-May foroptimumdiseasecontrol.”Thatleavestheoption forafinalAmistar+tebuconazoletreatmenttowards theendofMayorearlyJune,tofurtherprotectfrom rustinfectionthroughtotheendofthegrowing season.

Slowprogressfor springbeancropsso farthisseasonwill focusagronomyon providingadequate nutritiontoincrease plantstandand prolonggrowthforas longaspossible,along withdiseasecontrolfor greenleafretentionto boostyields,advised Simon.

“Dependingondisease pressure,mostspring cropsstillbenefitfrom atwo-sprayfoliardiseaseprogramme.Thatislikely tobeanAmistartreatmentinearlyJune,followed byElatusErainearlyJulywhenthecropshavebuilt afullcanopy,”headded.

PGROhasalsoreportedthatweatherconditions experiencedthisseasoncouldalsoresultin increaseddownymildewinfections.Thediseaseis typicallyanissueonemergingspringbeans,but hasalsobeenwidelyidentifiedonthenewgrowthof winterbeansinsimilarhigh-riskspringconditions.

AnEAMU(20130917)isavailableforthefungicide SL567A,containingthehighlysystemicmetalaxylM,tocontroldownymildewinfectiononemerging leavesinfieldbeancrops.

NoFussingwithMilly T

oday,eBooksare growingin popularity,and makeupa significantportionof totalbooksales worldwide.Ifyou've wantedtowriteabookyour entirelifeorifyouhaveagreat ideayouwishtosharewiththe world,doingsohasneverbeen moreconvenientandaccessible thanwiththeuseofeBooksand e-commercetoday.

So,IcaughtupwithMillyFyfe whohaswritten‘NoFussMeals forBusyParents’e-cookerybook whichwaslaunchedin December2022andhasreally startedtogaintraction.Itisan extensionofherfoodblog.

www.

nofussmealsforbusyparents.com andpodcastcalledThe CountrysideKitchenmeets, whereshe’sbroughtallthe recipestogether.Thee-bookhas beenforewordedbyHRHThe PrincessRoyalwhichisan incredibleendorsementand she’scurrentlymanagingthePR forthisprojectandhopesto reachandinspireanevenbigger audienceaswellasraisingvital fundingforTheFarming CommunityNetwork.Adonation fromeachsalegoestothat incrediblecharitywhichhas supportedherinthepast.

Notfromafarmingbackground

Millyjoinedtheyoungfarmers whenshewas14andnever

lookedback.

Thrustintoa worldof competitions, event organising,charityfundraising andhavinglotsoffuntoo.Stock judging,publicspeakingand cookerywerethecompetitions sheenjoyedandexcelledin whichhashelpedtocarveher careerintoAgricultureaswellas makingfriendsforlife.

In2012shebecamethe chairmanfortheNational FederationofYoungFarmers Clubsrepresentingtheviewsof 25,000youngpeoplefromacross Englandand Wales.Notabad achievementfrom anon-farming female!

Shemether husbandthrough theYoung Farmersand marriedin2015. Theynowliveon hisfamilyfarm, whichisamixed livestockand

arablefarm,situatedinrural Northamptonshirewithtwoyoung childrenaged4and5whoare verymuchapartoftheirfarming life.

Milly’sobjectivesweretobreak downthebarrierstoallowmore peopletohaveagoatcooking fromscratch.Herrecipesare simplewitheasytoaccess ingredientsthatmostpeoplewill haveintheircupboards. Therefore,shewantstoinspire morepeopletoenjoythebenefits ofknowingwhatgoesintothe mealsweeatandcomeaway fromtherelianceofprocessed conveniencefood.Wholefoods

aresomuchbetterforyour healthandhelptosupportour ruraleconomy,withpeople buyingasackofpotatoesora bottleofmilkfromavending machineforexample.Itkeeps peopleinruralareasandhelpsto bringtourismtoo.

AsidefromdonatingtoThe FarmingCommunityNetwork, MillyalsoendorsestheRed TractorSchemewhoaimsto underpinthehighstandardsof Britishfood&drink,providing assuranceinourfoodchain.

Inaworldofrisingcosts,British foodisnotthecheapestthough wedohaveveryhighandwellmaintainedstandardsbutthereis muchmorewecandotogain trust,providingconsumerswith knowledgeandassuranceafter all,weareaskingconsumersto puttheirmoneywheretheir mouthsare!

Withitscredibilityshattered throughnumerousanimalwelfare standards,failingtoregulatethe useofpesticidesonfarms,and mislabellingofproducts,Iasked Millywhetherthisschemeis misleadingitsconsumersandthe UKFoodsystemingeneralandif itneedsanoverhaultoregain trust?

“Weallneedtoplayourpartin supportingUKfarmingandfood productionandhelpingto showcasetotheconsumerthatit isabrandtogetbehind.TheUK hassomeofthetoughest regulationsandwelfare standardswhenitcomestofood

productionwhich mustbeupheld, scrutinised,and learntfrom. WhilsttheRed Tractor Assurance schemehas comeunderfire oflate,asa farmingindustry wemustcometogethertowork throughviablesolutionsandwork collaboratively.”

SomethingIlovedtoreadin Milly’sbookisthatshetriesto highlight‘What’sinseason’and whatyoucandotoproducea tastymealusingthose ingredients.Urgentactionis requiredtosecureahome-grown supplyofsustainablefoodandas Millyquotes,“Sadlytheretailers havemadeittooeasytobuy whatwewant,whenwewantit, whichhasahugeimpacton climatechange.It’sabsurdthat webuyFrenchBeansfrom KenyaandTomatoesfrom Morocco.Andwhenthereisa worldissuesuchaswaror severeweather,ithasahuge impactonthosegoodsreaching ourshores.Weneedpeopleto valueourownfoodsupplyand paymoreforthis.”

TofindoutmoreaboutMilly’s projectsyoucanfollowheron socialmedia:@MillyFyfeor @NoFussMealsForBusyParents TopurchaseacopyoftheEcookerybookNoFussMealsfor BusyParents,visithttps://www. millyfyfe.com/store/No-FussMeals-for-Busy-Parents-E-Book-

p516676969

What'sinseason?

Asparagus,beetroot,broccoli cabbage,carrot,cauliflower, cucumber,swede,jerseyroyal newpotatoes,turnip,lettuce& saladleaves,celeriac,purple sproutingbroccoli,Frenchbeans, radishes,heldabeans,rocket, othermushrooms,rhubarb, samphire,otherpotatoes, spinach,springonions, watercress,wildnettles, mushroomportobello,onionand parsnip.

WrittenbyOliviaShave

Instagram:@ecoewe

Millyinthekitchen–creditPaulRogers

MillyinthefieldwithElmothebull–creditRoyKilcullen

MillywithRODEmicrophone–credit MillyFyfe

MillyatWestminsterAbbeygivinga readingfortheLoveBritishFood Harvestservice(inthepresenceofThe DuchessofCornwall)–creditLove BritishFood

MillyonthefarmwithhusbandAndrew andboysAngusandDougie–photo creditPaulRogers

WhichGrainDrierShouldIBuy?

obile?Batchor continuousflow? Whatcapacity? Whichfueloption? Thelistofdecisions canbelongand knowingwhichisbestforyour specificrequirementcanbea challenge.

PerryofOakleyofferacomplete rangeofdriersthatcoversevery optionyoumightneed,frommobile tocontinuousflowdriers.Plus,they havetwocontinuousflowdrier rangestosuitavarietyofbudgets andrequirementssotheyare incrediblywell-placedtohelpyou maketherightdecisionforyour needs.

BeingaBritishmanufacturerthey canrespondquicklyifany problemsareencountered,and haveawarehouseofspareparts andstockintheirDevon-based factoryreadytodespatchas required,especiallyduringharvest.

Herearethedrierranges:

MobileDriers

whenthedrierisfull,anditis quickertocollapsedownifmoving thedrier.Withnocentreaugerthe heatedairflowismoreuniformin theconeplenum.Thisincreases performanceandprovidesmore uniformdrying.Inaddition,noheat istransferredtothecentreauger whichmeanslessfuelusage.

Theycomewithavarietyoffuel optionsincludingdiesel,kerosene orgas-fired.

Mobiledrierstendtobeusedon smallerfarmswherethereisless needforthebenefitsofa continuousflowdrier.

ContinuousFlowDriers

Perryofferacosteffective continuousflowdrierrange knownastheMistral,withsimilar capacitiesavailableaswiththe mobilerange.TheMistralrange isdesignedtobeanentrylevel staticdrierforfarmerslookingto dryupto30tphofcombinable crops.

Itcomeswithrollerdischargeas standardbutcanbeupgraded topneumaticshutter discharge.

Thecontrolpanelishardwired,butcanbeeasily upgradedtothePerrytouch screenPLCcontrolpanel whichallowsremoteaccessto thepanelfordiagnosticsand adjustments.

Itcanalsoutiliseawiderange offueloptionsincludingdiesel, kerosene,gas,steam,coal usingheat-exchangersor biomassheatsources.

TheSavannahdrierscomewith pneumaticshutterdischargeand PLCtouchscreencontrolpanelas standard.

Boththecontinuousflowranges canhavethePerryGrainSentry FireDetectionandAutomatic MoistureMeasurementfitted ensuringoptimaldryingconditions areachievedandanyfiresare detectedasquicklyaspossible.

Allthegraindrierrangesoffer remotemonitoringandoperation viasemi-automaticorfully automaticcontrolpanels,saving yousignificanttime.

TheAGREXmobiledrierrange spansfrom7to42T.Modelsfrom 7.5to25Thavetheuniquefeature ofanexternalaugerwhichmeans thataccessforservicingiseasier, especiallyifthereisaproblem

ThetopendofthePerry continuousflowdrierrangeis theSavannahSeries.The Savannahdriersareaheavy dutycommercialspecificationbuilt toBS6399andBS5950.Widths from2mto8msingleand12mdual columnwithcapacitiesfrom5to 150tph.

Theyarealsoallfullycompatible withthePerryhandlingand comprehensiverangeofstorage optionsfromtotebinsthroughto hopper-bottomandflat-bottom silos.

ContactPerrysforallyour handling,storage&drier requirementson(0)1404890300 oremailsales@perryofoakley. co.uk,andreceiveafree,no obligationquotation.

Full range of drying, handling & storage, including:

Grain Driers

Savannah or Mistral Series - 5 to 150tph.

Mobile Driers

Agrex Mobile driers - 7 to 42T.

Belt Driers

Perfect for drying most nonflowing products.

Chain & Flight Conveyors

Agricultural, Heavy Duty & Industrial ranges.

Curved Combinations

Feed elevator boots, enter buildings along roofline.

Levelling & Travelling Conveyors

Maximise grain store capacity.

Belt & Bucket Elevators

Single or double lift, up to 1,000tph.

Belt Conveyors

Widths from 300mm to 2,000mm, 1,000tph.

Intake Conveyors

Trench or Mechanical Reception Hopper.

Screw Conveyors

Diameters from 150mm to 1,000mm.

Twin Trace Conveyors

Standard or Heavy Duty specification.

Tote Bins & Silos

Capacities from 1 to 20,000T.

Visit our website to view the full range!

UKbarleyexportsintotheEUholdingfirmpace

MRCpublished thelatestUKtrade datafigures,withan updateforgrain importsandexports uptotheendof February.Asiswellknown,dueto alargesurplusofdomesticfeed wheatthisseason,thepaceof wheatexportshasbeenstrong overthepastfewmonths.Dataup totheendofFebruaryshows wheatexportsat927.1Ktsofarthis season(JulytoFebruary),upmore thanthreetimesfromthesame pointlastyear.Thoughit’s importanttoremember,large endingstocksarestillforecastthis seasonwithlargeavailability andlacklustredomesticdemand.

thefive-yearaverage.Inthemonth ofFebruaryalone,theUKexported 97.5Ktofbarley,thehighest volumeforthatspecificmonth since2015/16,andjustabovethe samemonthin2019/20.

Ofwhathasbeenexportedsofar thisseason,99%hasgonetothe EU.Onaverageoverthepastfive years(2017/18–2021/22),88%of barleyexportshavegonetothe EU,suggestingthisyearthereisa muchgreaterproportionheadingto thecontinent.

Whenlookingatprices,BlackSea feedbarleyforFOBhasbeenmost competitivegloballyoverthepast fewmonths.Asat07March,the mostrecentUKspotfeedbarley price(FOB), was€241.00/t. For comparison,as at08March, BlackSeafeed barleywas €239.00/t. Althoughone monthago,this givesan idicationof pricingtoBlack Seabarley.

accordingtotheEuropean Commission,comparedtotheir5yearaverageof8.43Mt,hencethe requirementforstrongimports.

Exportprospects

Lookingahead,asmentioned previously,UKbarleyexportshave beenforecasttositat1.0Mtthis season.LookingattheEU specifically,basedonthe proportiongoingtotheEUsofar (99.3%),wecouldexpectaround 993KttogototheEU,meetingthe five-yearaverage.BasedonHMRC datauptoendofFebruary,this wouldmeanexportstotheEUfor theremaining4monthsofthe seasonwouldonlyneedtoreach 56Ktamonth,muchlessthanwhat we’veseenexportedoverthepast fewmonths.Thatposesthe question,istherepotentialforusto exportmorethanpreviously anticipated?

Havingsaidthis,globalpricesare falling,andUKbarleycouldface increasedglobalcompetition.Large barleystocksinRussiaand Australiacontinuetoweighdown onprices,thoughmuchlikewheat, barleymarketsremainreactiveto anynewsonthewarinUkraine.

Ithasalsobeenwellreportedthat oatexportshavebeenupthis season.Inyesterday’sfigures,up totheendofFebruary,UKoat exportstotalled128.7Kt,alsoup morethanthreetimesonthe season.

UKbarleyexportshavebeenless infocusthisseason.TheAHDB’s mostrecentsupplyanddemand estimatespegsfullseason2022/23 barleyexportsat1.0Mt,down 162Ktonthefive-yearaverage.So, whatisthepicturesofar?And whataretheexportprospectsfor therestofthismarketingyear?

Exportssofar

UptotheendofFebruary,theUK hadexported774.8Ktofbarley,up 38%ontheyear,butdown14%on

Accordingto theEuropean Commission,asat10April,theUK remainedthelargestoriginforEU barleyimports,makingupa52.0% share,closelyfollowedbyUkraine makingupa44.6%share.EU Commissioncustomsurveillance datapegsbarleyimportsfromthe UKat903.6Ktasat10April, indicatingthestrongexport campaignseeninFebruaryhas continuedoverthepastfewweeks too.

Nearly50%oftotalbarleyheading totheEUisgoingtoSpain includingUKorigin,Ukraineand othersusingEUCommission customsurveillancedata.Using HMRCdataJulytoFebruary,41% ofUKbarleyexportsweredestined forSpain.Spainexperienceda poorharvestthisseason, producing6.6Mtofbarley

ItwasconfirmedtodaybyChina's CommerceMinistrythatChinais reviewingtheirlevyofanti-dumping tariffonAustralianbarleycoming intothecountry.Thiscomesafter newsonTuesdayofAustralia reachinganagreementwithChina toresolvethedispute.Ifbarriers arelifted,Frenchbarleywould havetocompeteagainstcheaper AustraliansuppliesforChinese demand,whichcouldinturndrive downEuropeanprices.

StratégieGrainscurrentlyestimate BritishbarleyimportstotheEUto sitatjustover1Mt,notfarfrom AHDB’sestimate.Couldwesee UKbarleyexportsslowdown slightlyforthelastfewmonthsof theseason,astheEUseesarise inRomanianandBlackSea barley?

NewOilseedRapeManagerforLimagrainUK

lantbreeder

LimagrainUKhas strengthenedits arablemarketing teamwiththe appointmentof LiamWilkinsontopositionof Oilseedrapeproductmanager.

Inhisnewpost,MrWilkinsontakes ontheresponsibilityforthe marketingofLimagrain’s highlysuccessfuloilseed rapeportfoliowhichhas beendrivenbyitstraitloadedoffering-bringing valuabletraitsand characteristicstothe market,suchasTuYV,Pod ShatterandStemHealth.

Limagrain’shybridAurelia, istheUK’smostwidely sownvariety,whilst Ambassadoristhenumber onevarietygrownin Europe–illustratingthe strengthofthebreeder’s UKandEuropeanportfolio.

Limagrainisafarmer ownedinternationalcooperativegroup, specialisinginboth agriculturaland horticulturalseeds.Asthe fourthlargestbreederand seedsmarketing companyintheworld,it employs10,000people withaturnoverofmore than2.5billioneuros annually.

MrWilkinsonworkedasa trialsofficerforFrontier, andlatterlyNIAB,before joiningLimagraininearly 2020.

Hehasextensive experienceoftheoilseed rapecrop;previously holdingthepositionof arabletechnicalofficerfor oilseedrape,withthe breeder.

“Limagrain’soilseedrape varietieshavedominated theUKAHDB

RecommendedListforseveral yearsandcontinuetodoso,”says MrWilkinson.

“Thereareobviouschallengesfor OSRgrowersaroundclimateand pests,howeverit’svery encouragingtoseetheprogress breedersaremakingbybuilding furtheronthetrait-stacked approach–whichhashelpedmany

growersreturntooilseedrape,by offeringon-farmsecuritythrough robustgenetics.”

“We’vealreadystartedwiththe introductionofAtticaandLG Wagnerthisyear,andIlook forwardtointroducingmore varietiesinthecomingyears. Infact,it’sareallyexcitingtimeto beinvolvedinOSRgenetics.”

BDCSystemsLtddesignsanddelivers upgradedgrainhandlingplantfollowingfire

n2021,WFWells& Sons’graindrier caughtfireandhad tobereplaced.A five-brother partnership,andthe thirdgenerationtofarmnearBath, WFWells&Sons’farming enterprisegrowsOSR,winter wheatandbarley,springbarley andbeans,plusmaizeandhasa dairyandbeefherd.

“Thedriercaughtfireasaresultof anaccumulationofdust.Thedry weathermeantthatthecropwas particularlydustyanddirtyandthe

locationofthedrier,whichhad beeninstalledinatightspace, meantthatitwasdraggingindust ladenairwhichwassettlingonthe burnertubes,”explainedAndrew Wells.

“AfterthefireIcalledAndrew Head,SalesDirector,BDC SystemsLtd,withwhomIhavea longstandingandtrusted relationship.Hequicklyconfirmed thecauseofthefire,which coincidentallyalignedexactlywith theviewofmyinsurer,”continued Wells.

Despiteanewdrierhavingtofit withinthesametightspaceasthat ofthedestroyeddrier,andthetop ofthedrierhavingtoprotrude throughtheroofofthegrainshed, HeadworkedcloselywithWellsto re-designtheplantsothattherisk offirewasgreatlyreduced.

OnHead’srecommendation,and followingdiscussionswiththe insurersaroundBDCSystems’ abilitytoprovidethebestvaluefor money,Wellsdecidedtoinstalla Svegma37tphcontinuousflow drierwitha4mfootprintsofittingit intotheexistingspacewas potentiallyachallenge.

Thecarefuldesignofthenewplant allowedtheSvegmatofitsafely intothetightspacebyrotatingit 180degreesenablingdust-free freshairtobedrawnintothedrier’s furnaces.

WorkingcloselywithBDC Systems,Wellsnowhasafutureproofedplantwhichtakes advantageofthemostuptodate grainhandlingequipment.

Fromthefieldgrainisnowtipped intoalargegravitydischargeintake bunkerfromwhereitiselevatedvia anexistingbeltandbucket elevator,anddroppedthroughan Aagaardheavydutyaspirationprecleanertoremoveanylightdust andchaff,helpingtoreducethefire risk.

Thegrainisthentransportedviaa SkandiaSEI35/14,60tphbeltand bucketelevatorwhichfeedsa SkandiaKTIFFR20/33,60tphflow andreturnconveyor,tothe Svegmadrier.Oncefull,the overflow/surplusgrainfromthe drierflowsbygravitybacktothe intakebunker.

TheSvegmaisfittedwithvertical turbocleandustextractionfansand dustextractedispneumatically conveyedtothedustboxbya

KongskildeTLRblower,ratherthan remainingairbornearoundthe furnaces.

Thedrierisdischargedthrougha SkandiaKTIFb20/33,60tphchain andflightconveyorwithgrainbeing transportedthroughanexisting reciprocatingcleanerordirectto storeusingtheexistinghandling system.

WellsalsochosetodeployBDC’s MoistureMonitoringSystem(MMS) tomonitorthemoisturecontent (mc)ofthecropgoingintoandout ofthedrier.Shouldthemcfall beloworriseabovethepredefined levelsanemailortextmessage alertissent,allowingany necessaryadjustmentstobemade remotely.

ThedrierwassuppliedwithBDC Systems’PLCtouchscreencontrol panelincorporatingthedrier,grain

handlingequipmentandMMS controlsenablingWellstoremotely viewandadjustthedriersettings aswellasloggingalldrierdata including:drieroperating temperatures,dischargespeeds, incomingandoutgoingmoisture content.

BDCSystemsworkedwithWellsto configurethecontrolpanelsothat achemicaltopreventgrainbeetle infestationcouldbeapplied,using anexistingapplicator,tothegrain oncedriedandonitswaytothe grainstoreviatheSkandia conveyor.

“Theupgradedplantisadreamto use,”saidWells.“Idarednotleave theolddrierincasetherewasan issue.NowIamnolongertiedto thegrainshedduringharvest.The remoteaccesstothecontrolpanel meansthatIcanlog-inandcheck what’shappeningandmakeany

modifications,includingshuttingthe plantdown,regardlessofwhereI am.”

Wellscannotoverestimatethe valueofworkingwithgrain handlingexperts,suchasBDC Systems,whohaveawealthof knowledgeandareabletolookata project,nomatterhowbigorsmall, andhavethevisiontodesigna bespokesolutionthatmeetsa farmer’sindividualneeds.

“AndrewHeadevenprovidedthe answertothechallengewefirst struggledwith.Howtoextractthe grainfromthefiredamageddrier–hetookonelookandtoldustoget ademolitionteamin!”Wellsadded. “Wedidandtheywerebrilliant, dismantlingthedrierwithout damagingthesheditself,leaving thewayclearfortheinstallationof thenewplant!”

GRIMMEUKREPEATINGONE-TO-ONE EXACTADEMOSFORPOTATOGROWERS F

ollowingthe successoflast year's demonstration programme, GRIMMEUKis onceagaingivingpeoplea chancetoseetheGL420Exacta potatoplanterinoperation.

Unlikeothermachinery manufacturers'demonstrations, GRIMMEUKhasadopteda personalapproachwithgrowers abletoseetheplanterput throughitspacesonaone-toonebasisattheirfarm.

TheGL420Exactaplanterisa four-rowmachineofferingonepasssoilcultivationandplanting.

GRIMME'suniqueplanterdesign achievesaminimaldistance betweentuberdischargeandthe followingridgeformplates.This smalldistanceensuresthatthe tubersalwayslieinthemiddleof theridge,evenonverysteep slopingground.

Themechanicalcoupling betweenthefurrowopenerand ridge-formingplatecreatesan exactplantingdepth.

TheExactahasbeendesigned forfieldsofallsizes,withits compactdesign,withoutrunning wheels,avoidssoilcompaction behindthecultivatorandmakes iteasytouseinsmallor irregularly-shapedfields.

"Lastyear'sproduct demonstrationswerereallywell received,"saysPatrickGraf Grote,managingdirectorat GRIMMEUK."Bytakingour machinestothegrower,they couldseethemrunninginreal conditionsalongsidetheircurrent machinery.Theyhadthe opportunitytoseehowwellthe machinescopedwiththeir particularsoil,fieldsand conditions,andtheyhadtimeto talktoourproductspecialistsat length.Ithink2023's demonstrationprogrammewillbe

Growersinterestedinseeingthe GL420Exactaplanterin operationattheirfarm,alongside theirexistingmachinery,are welcometorequesta demonstrationbycalling01205 822300oremailing sales@grimme.co.uk

Formoreinformationabout GRIMMEandtheExactaplanter, visithttps://products.grimme. com/en

Fromsinglemachinestocomplete turnkeysolutionspotatogrowers trustHaithtohandleit.

justaspopular,ifnotmoreso, thanlastyear."

Potatogrowersare facingadifferent propositionwhenit comestoweed controlthisspring comparedto2022 followingdelayedplantingof muchoftheUK’smaincrop, accordingtoCorteva Agriscience.

AwetMarchsawplantersunable totravelandseedstocksstuckin shedswhilealmost120mmof rainfell,representing80%more rainfallthanistypicalforthe month,accordingtoMetOffice data.

SouthWestandSouthEast Englandweretheworst-affected regions,whilegrowersinthe NorthWestandNorthEastwere sparedsomeoftherainbut battledmorefrostsandsnow.

Whileplantingisnowwell underway,Cortevasays maincroppotatoesarelikelyto havebeendrilledlaterthan plannedand,whereApril showershavecontinued,residual herbicideprogrammesmaynot havebeenappliedinatimely manner,ifatall.

Thebulkofweedcontrol

workloadinpotatoesiscarried outusingresidualchemistry appliedtoridgesshortlyafter planting.Weedsevadingthe scopeofresidualsaretackled withapost-emergencespray, typicallyinMay.

CraigChisholm,Corteva’sField TechnicalManagerforpotatoes, said:“Therearethreemain reasonswhyweedcontrolis importantinpotatoes.Thefirstis protectingthecropfromyieldrobbingcompetitiveweeds,and thesecondisensuringharvest machineryisnothamperedor sloweddown.

“Butperhapsthemostimportant reasontokeepweedsincheckis toreducetheriskofblight throughshelteringleavesor contributingtoamorefavourable microclimate.”

Craigadvisesgrowerswhoare unabletogettheirpreemergenceherbicidesonto insteaduseapost-emergence approachasthecropencounters warming,moistconditions.

Titus®isasulfonylureaherbicide containingrimsulfuronforcontrol ofbroad-leavedweedsin potatoes.

Appliedinmixturewith metribuzin,itprovidesthemost comprehensivepost-emergence weedspectrum.

“Titusismosteffectiveagainst small,actively-growingweeds, andshouldbeappliedbeforethe cropprovidesasheltering canopy,whichmaycompromise activity,”headded.

“Titusissafeacrossallvarieties, butshouldnotbeappliedtoseed crops,andusersshouldcheck thattheirvarietyislistedas tolerantofmetribuzinbefore includinginthemix.”

Theselectiveherbicidehasbeen amainstayforpotatogrowersfor almostthreedecades,witha weedspectrumthatincludes cleavers,chickweed,redshank, mayweedandoilseedrape volunteers.

Titushasalsodemonstrated excellentactivityonsome grasses,notablycouch.

Craigsaid:“ThequalitiesofTitus arewellknowntopotatogrowers andagronomistsinan environmentwherethereare relativelyfewtoolstodoan importantspringjob.”

WetMarchandAprilshowerslikely toimpactpotatoherbicideplans

SustainablePotatoSproutControl

Biox-Mistheonly100%naturalandsustainablesproutcontrolforpotatoes.

Attentiontodetail

Farminghas alwaysbeen aboutattentionto detailtogetthe bestfromcrops andlivestock.Inspiteof generationsoflaboursaving andinformationgathering devices,thereisstillnothing thatquitebettersthehuman eyeatspottingthefinedetail andmakingthecorrect decisionontheday.This couldnotbemoretrueofthe newworldofpotatostorage followingthedemiseofCIPC.

Biox-M,alongwiththeother newsuppressantsintroduced since2021,arevolatile-they wanttoescapefromthestore, sokeepingthestoreclosed followingtreatmentis

enormouslyimportant,ifyou wishtohavegoodefficacy. ThereisasmallriskofBiox-M condensingorcoalescing,if thecroptemperatureisnot eventhroughoutthestore beforetreatment.Turningoff refrigerationandambientair exchangeonthedaybefore treatmentandmanagingthe storetoevenupthecrop temperatureisnotanoptional extra.Atemperaturegradient acrossthestoreduring foggingalsorisksanuneven distributionofthefogatthe momentthataneven distributionisessential.

Everystoreisdifferentand shouldbemanaged accordingly.Itisalwaysgood practicetokeeprecords,as

detailedaspossible,ofcrop andstoreconditionduringthe storageseason,butmost importantlyintheleadupto eachtreatment.Agoodsetof recordsofstoreandcrop temperaturesacrossthestore, ofthedatewhenthestoreis re-openedagain,refrigeration orambientairexchange switchedbackon,allowsthe storekeepertorecordthe factorsthatdeliverthebest efficacy,andtoworktowards extendedtreatmentintervals.

Biox-Mhasbeeninmarketfor morethanadecade,anda greatmanygrowershave becomeveryfamiliarwiththe needforattentiontodetailand areincreasinglyconfidentwith theirstoremanagement..

•Isanaturallyoccurringproduct,inwidespreaduseinthefoodindustry,

•Isapprovedforuseonorganicpotatocrops,

•HasnoharvestintervalorMRLbeyondtheone-daymandatorywithholding periodaftertreatment,

•Doesnotleavepersistentresiduesinthefabricofstoresandboxesused forstorage,

•Andisthereforesuitableforuseinstores,whichmaysubsequentlybe usedforthestorageofothercropsorseedpotatoes,

•Iseffectiveathigherstoragetemperatures,reducingtheriskofacrylamide developmentwhencropisprocessed,

•Sequesterscarbonduringgrowth,removing1tofCO2forevery1,000tof potatoestreated,

•Andshouldbeacomponentofthesustainabilityplanforeveryfarmand everycustomer;effectivelycarbonneutral

AUTOMATEDPALLETISING SOLUTIONSFROMVERBRUGGEN

TongEngineeringis pleasedto announceits appointmentas UKdistributorfor Dutchpalletisingsolutions manufacturer Verbruggen.Manufacturedto ensurequick,efficientand uniformstackingofbags, boxesandcratesonpalletsor sheets,Verbruggenpalletisers offerpreciseproductstacking capabilitiesatanyspeed, resultinginapalletiserfor everythroughput.Withvarious

automaticandsemi-automatic options,aVerbruggen palletisingsystemnotonly bringsasignificantreductionin labourcostsanddowntime, butalsoutilisesloadingspace inthemostefficientway.In additiontoitscomprehensive palletiserrange,Verbruggen solutionsalsoinclude wrappingmachines,strapping machinesandcheckweighers, allofwhichwillbepartof Tong’sofferingasUK distributor.

Newanalysispointstohigherprofitfrom multi-cutgrass,evenatmodestmilkprice

uttinggrassina multi-cutsilage systemhasthe potentialtobeover £700/hamore profitablethana traditionalthree-cutapproach, evenifmilkpriceisdropping towards40pence/litre(p/l).

Moreover,despiteincreased silageproductioncosts,the financialbenefitofmulti-cutgrass overthreecutshasmorethan doubledinthelastfewyears.

Thosearethefindingsfroma newanalysisconductedbyVolac –usingpreviouson-farmtrial resultswhichfoundthatfresh-cut grassfromafive-cutsystemhad thecapacitytosupportan additional3,506litres/haofmilk fromforage.

Thiswasafterfivecutswere foundtodeliver18,582MJ/ha moremetabolisableenergy(ME) thanthreecuts,saysVolac silagescientistDrMarkLeggett, duetofivecutsyieldingmore totaldrymatter(DM)overthe seasonandhavingahigher averageME.

“Applyingamilkpriceof25p/lat thetimeofthetrial(2019)to theseextra3,506litres/haofmilk showedmulti-cutwas£333/ha moreprofitable,”saysDrLeggett.

“Thiswasafterdeducting £544/haofextracostsfor applicationoffertiliserandslurry, aswellascontractorchargesfor cutting,raking,harvesting, cartingandclampingthetwo additionalcuts.

“Now,bringingthisuptodateby applyingahigher,butstill modest,milkpriceof40p/lhas revealedthefinancialadvantage ofmulti-cutoverthree-cutsto havemorethandoubled–to £752/ha.Again,thiswasafter deductingtheadditionaloutlay forthetwoextracuts,thistimeof £650/hatoreflectcost increases.”

Thesignificanceofthislatest analysis,saysDrLeggett,isthat withfertiliserandcontracting costshavingincreasedover recentyears,andmilkprices droppingbackfromthehighsof 2022,farmersmaybe questioningthevalueofmaking multi-cut.“Clearly,it’snota systemthatsuitsallfarms,”he says,“butforthisparticular analysis,itsextrabenefitwas clear.

“Theotherimportantfindingfrom theoriginaltrialwasthemulti-cut grasswasalso2.8%higherin crudeprotein.Producinghigher qualitygrassbycuttingyounger andmoreoftenwithmulti-cut

maynotallowproducersto reducethetonnageof concentratepurchased. However,itmightmeanalowercostconcentrate,withlowerME andlowerprotein,canbefed.It mightalsomeanlessimported proteinisused.Alternatively, higherqualitygrassmaybeused tohelpimprovemilkyield.”

DrLeggettnotestheDMyield andqualityresultsfromthe originaltrialwerefromfresh grasssamples.Hesaysthe benefitsofimprovedgrass qualitywillnotbeseenunless thecropispreservedcorrectly. SofurtherVolacresearchlooked atmulti-cutconservation–this timeacrossfourcuts.

DrLeggettsays:“Comparedwith leavinggrassuntreated,thework foundthattreatingwiththe additiveEcosyl–whichappliesa millionLactobacillusplantarum MTD/1bacteriapergramof forage–reducedDMlosseson allfourcuts,andontwoofthe cutsbymorethanhalf.The resultsalsopointedtobetter proteinpreservationbyusingthe additive,andthenumberof enterobacteria–theundesirable bacteriaassociatedwithslurry–inthetreatedsilagewasupto 100,000timeslower.

“Usingaprovenadditiveto improveconservationofamulticutcropisanimportant consideration,sinceshorter intervalsbetweencutsallows lesstimeforslurrybacteriato decline.Also,thehigherprotein contentofyoungergrasscan contributetobufferingofthe fermentation.Thecombinationof highbufferingandtheactionof slurrybacteriacanleadtoDM andnutrientlosses.Withfarmers lookingtoimprovemilkfrom forage,itmakeslittlesenseto producemulti-cutasawayof improvingforagequalityifthat qualityisthenlostduring ensiling.”

Higher metabolisable energy (ME) yield per hectare from multi-cut grass (five cuts) versus conventionally cut grass (three cuts)

Source: Volac on-farm trial, 2019

Newgrassguideoffersuseful forageplanningadviceandmore

FieldOptionshas publishedthe2023 editionofitsgrass, cloverandforage cropguidewhich,in additionto providingfulldetailsofthe company’scovercrops,forage cropsandspecialistgrass,clover andherbageseedmixtures,also containsusefulagronomicand forageplanningadvice.

Thenewpublicationalso containsdetailsofthecompany’s specialistfertilisersandsilage inoculantsalongwithguidance forhowandwhentheseproducts shouldbeused.

“Withfarmmarginscontinuingto besqueezedbyhighinputcosts, livestockfarmersneedtodoall theycantomaximiseproduction fromhomegrownforage,”

explainsSimonMontgomery, TechnicalTeamLeadatField Options.“Oneofthemost effectivewaysofachievingthisis torejuvenateexistinggrassland leysand,whereapplicable,to introducenewcropstooffset bought-infeedandfertiliser costs.

“The2023editionofourGrass, CloverandForageCropGuide thereforecontainsplentyof usefulinformationtohelpdairy, beefandsheepfarmersimprove theirproductionefficienciesby maximisingthevalueofgrazing andcuttingleysandforage crops,especiallyintermsofcost permegajouleofenergy.Italso containsalotofusefulforage planninginformationandcrop establishmentadvicetoensure growersgetthebestresultsfrom reseeding.”

Thenewguidealsoprovides adviceonpestcontrol,weed controlandsoilhealth,aswellas thelatestresultsfromField Options’extensivegrassand clovermixturetrials.“Italso containsfindingsfromour independentprogrammeof maize,fodderbeetandcover croptrials,allofwhichare carriedoutsothatwecan recommendprovenproductsto givegreaterassuranceof performancetocustomers,” Simonadds.

The2023Grass,Cloverand ForageCropGuidecanbe viewedanddownloadedforfree atwww.field-options.co.ukMore informationandadviceisalso availablebycontactingField Optionson01544262500orvia emailatinfo@field-options.co.uk

HUNDREDSOFWOOLLYHATS GIFTEDTOFARMERSTOSUPPORT RURALMENTALHEALTH

Hundredsofwoollyhats havebeengiftedto farmersacrossEngland andWalesaspartofa campaigntosupportthe mentalhealthofpeopleinrural communities.

Thehatshavebeenknittedaspartof nationalcharityTheFarming CommunityNetwork’s(FCN)‘Wool andWellness’campaignwithBritish Wool,whichlaunchedinwinter2022.

TheWoolandWellnesscampaign encouragesmembersofthepublicand thefarmingcommunitytotakeupthe challengeofknittingahatusingwool, stitchinginanFCNHelplinelabel (03000111999)–andthengiftingit toanotherperson.

keepusallwarmduringthecold weather,whilstalsoensuringtheFCN contactdetailsarecloseto hand.Wewanttoremind everyonethattheyare partofasupportive community,andthat thereishelpathandfrom ourcharityshouldpeople needtospeakwith someoneinconfidence.”

Alocal‘KnitandNatter’ groupinGower,Wales hasseenover60hats knittedaspartofthe campaign–oneofmany localinitiativestaking placeinWalesand England.KnitandNatter wasstartedlocallyin 2019atTheBeaufort

Armspub,Kittle.

FCNsupporterCarolynDyche,who organisesthe‘KnitandNatter’group, said:“Livinginalargeruralareacan oftenresultinpeoplefeelingisolated andlonely,whichcanhaveahuge negativeimpactonmentalhealth.

“Knittingisalovelyhobbyor occupation,butitcanbeasolitary one.Asagroupwehavewelcomedthe opportunitytoknitforFCN’sWool andWellnesscampaign.Knittingfor farmersistherapeuticforusandour hatsareknittedwithsomuchtender loveandcare.Wehopethatin receivingourhatsfarmerswillknow thatwecareaboutthem,thinkabout them,andthattheyarenotalone.”

Thecampaignhopestoraise awarenessoftheimportanceofgood mentalhealthinfarming, encouragingpeopletokeeptheFCN Helplinenumberclosebyincasethey needtotalktosomeonewho understandsfarminglifeaboutany pressures,worriesorconcernsthey maybehaving.

Sincelaunch,thecampaignhasseen hundredsofwoollyhatsgiftedto farmersinEnglandandWales.

LindaJones,FCNCymruNational Manager,said:“TheWooland Wellnesscampaignhasbeenwellreceivedbypeopleinrural communitiesinWalesandEngland. Itallowspeopletoutiliseagreat naturalproduct–wool–ina supportiveway,knittinghatsthatcan

Thegroup’shatsareavailablefor farmerstocollectatMonmouthshire Market,wheretheycanbepickedup fromFCNvolunteerswhowillbe presentwithintheMonmouthshire RuralSupportCentre.

FCNAmbassadorandNorthWales farmerWillEvanssaid:“’Wooland Wellness’isagreatcampaignfor encouragingfarmerstolookoutfor oneanotherandraiseawarenessofthe workofTheFarmingCommunity Network.Thecharitydoessome fantasticwork,supporting approximately6,000peopleeachyear fromfarmingandalliedindustries, andI’mproudtobeanAmbassador forFCNinWalesandthewiderUK.”

Moreinformationaboutthe‘Wool andWellness’campaignisavailable here:https://fcn.org.uk/wool-andwellness/

RSABIFITNESSAMBASSADORSHIGHLIGHTBENEFITSOFEXERCISE

A

farmingcouplefromthesouth-westofScotland arehelpingtoinspirefarmersandcrofters,and othersworkinginScottishagriculture,about thebenefitsofkeepingfit.

JacalynDunlopandGrantNeilson,whonowruntheirown fitnessbusinessG&JCoaching, havevolunteeredtheirservicestohelpagriculturalcharity, RSABI,promotethebenefitsofexercisetomentaland physicalhealth.

JacalynandGrantcamefirstandthird intheirrespectivecategoriesinthe 2022Britain'sFittestFarmer competition,launchedfiveyearsago byFarmersWeeklytospark discussionsaboutphysicalandmental healthinfarming.

Jacalyn,whogrewuponHolehouse Farm,nearOchiltree,nowworks fulltimeinthefitnessbusinesswhile Grantcombinesworkingonthefamily farm,ParkFarmnearEastKilbride, withfitnesstraining.

Thepairaredelightedtobehealth andfitnessambassadorsforRSABI anddeterminedtohelppromotethe benefitsofregularexercisetopeople workinginScottishagriculture.

InaseriesofvideosfilmedforRSABI, thepairsharetheirtoptips,including howfarmerscanfindtimetokeepfit andhealthyandbuildlookingafter themselvesintoanon-negotiablepart oftheirdailyroutines.

Afterthepairstartedtraining together,themutualmotivationand accountabilitytheyofferedeachother helpeddrivetheirfitnesscareersand hasseenthembothnowbecome personaltrainers.

TalkingintheirRSABIambassador videos,JacalynandGrantdiscusshow stayingactivehelpsimprovetheir mentalwellbeingandpromoteroutes tofitnessthatarebothrelatableand accessibleforthoseworkingin agriculture.

RSABIhassupportedBritain'sFittest Farmerforseveralyearsandentries arenowopenforthe2023competition whichaimstogetfarmersthinking andtalkingabouttheirphysicaland mentalhealth.

Farmersofallagesareinvitedtotake partinoneofthreequalifiers throughouttheUKincludinganew eventforthisyeartakingplaceatthe RoyalHighlandShowonSunday25 June.

"Weoriginallyenteredthefittest

farmercompetitiononabitofawhimanddidn'tknow whattoexpectfromitasitwasthefirsttimeeitherofus hadentered,"saidJacalyn.

"Thecommunitytheeventbringstogetherisincredible withabigfocusontheimportanceofpromotingfitnessin farming.Andtheeventreallyopensthefloorto conversationsaroundmentalhealth."

Beforeturningtofitness,Grantwasstrugglingwithhis mentalhealthaftersustaininganinjuryplayingrugby, leavinghimunabletocontinuedoingthesportheloved.

RSABIFITNESSAMBASSADORSHIGHLIGHTBENEFITSOFEXERCISE

Hestartedtraininginthegymandworkingouttofillthe voidandfounditwasarelease.

"Ithinkwhenpeoplestarttolookatthewiderbenefitsof fitness-whichformepersonallywouldbestrengthand mentalhealthbenefits,ratherthanjustasawaytolose weight-itbecomeslessofachoreandmoreofachoice whichiswhenyoucanstarttoseethetruevalueofit," addedJacalyn.

"We'repassionateaboutencouragingmorefarmersto prioritisetheirfitnessandhelpthemunderstandthe

benefitstheywillgetfromdedicatingsometimeintheir daytobeingactive,asidefromfarming.

"Manyfarmersfindthemselvessittinginacycleofeat, sleep,farmrepeatbutit'ssoimportanttocreateabitof spacebetweenyouandthefarm-goforawalk,run,cycle, doanonlineworkout,usethespaceandresourcesaround youtoworkfitnessintoyourevery-daylife."

CarolMcLaren,ChiefExecutiveofRSABI,thanked GrantandJacalyn,whoarealsoplanninganewfitness competitionforyoungfarmers,fortheworktheyare doing.

"JacalynandGrantaretruly inspirationalandwehope thatbysharingtheirtips andadvicemoreandmore farmersandcrofterswill becomeawareofthe benefitsoflookingafter themselvesbothphysically andmentally.

"Thatcouldbejustmaking timetogoforawalk,or goingallouttotakepartin achallengesuchasBritain's FittestFarmer.Themain thingistodosomething youenjoyandtotakethat firststep!"

RSABI'sfreephone confidentialhelpline–0808 1234555–isopen24hours aday,everyday.The servicesofferedinclude practical,emotionaland financialsupportforpeople inScottishagriculture. Importantly,RSABIcan provideafreecounselling servicewhich,ifurgent,can bearrangedquicklyafter receivingtheinitial enquiry.

Formoreinformationand towatchJacalynand Grant'svideospleasevisit theRSABIwebsitewww. rsabi.org.uk,whereyoucan alsofinda24-hour confidentialwebchat service.Youcanalsofollow RSABIonFacebook, Twitter,LinkedInand Instagram.

Tofindoutmoreabout Britain'sFittestFarmer visit:https://www.fwi.co.uk/ ms/events/britains-fittestfarmer/about/

LessonsinLife,LoveandFarming

"Igrabthemotionlesslamb,whichisfrighteningly slippery,andscrambleonmyfeet,swingingits littlebodyaroundtohelpitbreathe.Iseeitschest move,thenitsneezesandstartsbreathing.It's stunnedbythedeliveryexperience.AsamI.I'm highonadrenaline.Tearsarestreamingdownmy face.Ipopthelambdownonthegroundandstart franticallyrubbingitstinybody...Lookingback,I canseethatthiswasoneofthefirstmomentsof questioningwhetherI'mtrulycutoutforfarming, realisingthattheanswermightbe...yes"

ged18,Zoë Colvillemoved fromKentto Londonto trainasa hairdressera busy,up-marketLondon hairsalon.Forsevenyears, shesurvivedmainlyon cigarettes,croissants,and heroverdraft.Herjobwas everythingsheeverwanted butitwasalsoahugely stressfulwayofliving.So whenhermentalhealthtook aturnfortheworseanda suddenfamilybereavement causedherlifetoshift unexpectedly,shedecided tomovebackhometoKent withherboyfriendChrisand tostartlivingalesschaotic lifestyle.

Zoëhadneverconsidered farmingasacareerand, despitespendingsomeof hischildhoodonafarm, Christrainedasaplumber. Theybeganmixingin farmingcircleswhenChris decidedtotraintheirnew puppyasashootingdog, somethinghe’ddoneasa childwithhisfather.Pretty soon,heboughttheirfirst sheep-32pregnantewes.

Sevenyearson,thecouple havemorethan500sheep. ZoëandChrisrentpockets oflandalloverKentand farmsheep,cattleand pygmygoats.Zoëhas learnedabsolutely everythingsheknowsabout farmingthehardway–on thejob.Theworkshedoes

isphysicallyandemotionally demandingandsheisoutat allhoursandinallweathers, sevendaysaweek.The couplealsotaught themselvesbutcheryby watchingYouTubevideos andstartedanonline businesssellingtheirown meat.

Zoëhascometorealisethat natureisbothastrict teacherandabalmto soothethepressuresof everydaylife.Sheisnow happierandmorecontent thanshehaseverbeen. Shevlogsdailyaboutthe upsanddownsoffarming lifeonInstagramas @TheChiefShepherdess andhas40Kfollowers.

Gen-CcombinesCHPupgrade withmajorE60servicetoslash downtimeatGPBiotecADplant

BycombiningaCHP panelupgradefrom Gen-Cwithamajor E60engineservice, ADplantoperator GPBiotecmore thanhalvedthetimetheirlegacy enginewasrequiredtobeoutof action.TakingjustFOURDAYS intotal,thejointprojectlimited expensivedowntimeand protectedthecompany’sprofit margin.The10-year-oldassetis nowrunningmoreefficientlyand isfitforthedigitalage,with instantrestarts,remote monitoringandaccuratefaultfindingtransformingtheir operation.

beingupgradedtoallowitto inject700m3ofbiomethaneto thegasgrideveryhour.The plantisfedbyamixtureof biodegradablewastefromnearby abattoirsandfoodprocessing plants,aswellasenergycrops, andalsoproduceshigh-quality digestatebiofertiliser.

comprehensiveCHPsupport offering.

PaulcontactedGen-Cand,inthe processofenquiringabout servicingandpartssupply, outlinedtoManagingDirector JamesThompsononeofhiskey frustrationswiththeoperationof hisMWMengine.Itisa complaintwithwhichmanyCHP operatorswillbefamiliar–despiteowningtheassetand payingthousandsofpounds eachmonthtoamaintenance companytoensureitssmooth operation,theenginewas directlycontrolledbyacompany inGermany.Paulhadnoaccess himselftothecontrolsordata andwaseffectively‘lockedout’of hisownengine.Thismeantthat evensimpleprocesses,suchas restartingthesystemafteragrid fault,becameacomplexactivity andincurredsignificantadditional cost.

UnlockingthesecrettoCHP success

GPBiotecoperatesananaerobic digesteratthefamilyowned GreatPorthamelFarmnear TalgarthintheBreconBeacons, mid-Wales.Runningsince2013, theplantcurrentlyhasa ~1MWelectricalgeneration capacitybutisintheprocessof

Multi-brandenginesupport

Theelectricaloutputisprovided byone499kWcombinedheat andpower(CHP)MANengine andone499kWMWMengine. WhenGPBiotecDirectorPaul Joneswaslookingforacompany thatcouldserviceandsupply sparepartsforbothengine types,Gen-Ccamehighly recommended.TheYorkshirebasedCHPsupportcompany specialisesinbiogasand providesengineupgradesand sparepartsforallmajorbrands, includingMANandMWM.By workinginclosepartnershipwith anetworkofservicingexperts,it isabletodeliverafully

“AlthoughtheGermansupport companycouldaccesstheCHP controlsystemwheneverthey wantedto,Ihadnoaccesstoit myself,”confirmsPaul.“Isimply wasn’tallowedtoconnecttoit, soiftheenginestoppedinthe middleofthenightandneeded restarting,Icouldn’tdoathing.”

Undertheexistingmaintenance contract,theenginewasduefor anupgradeatanadditionalcost, butPaulwasreluctanttopayout moremoneyandstillnothave accesstohisownsystem.When JamesThompsontoldPaul aboutGen-C’suniqueopenaccesscontrolpaneloffering,it seemedtheidealsolution:“By

replacingalocked-inCHPcontrol panelwithadigital,open-access Motortechversion,weallow operatorstohavefullcontrolover theirownasset.Nomorewaiting hours,orevendays,forathirdpartytorestartyourengineor sendoutanengineer;CHP ownerscaninsteadremotely restarttheirownCHPviaa phoneortabletwithinseconds, monitortheirengine’s performanceandadjust individualvariables,and accuratelydiagnosefaults–with nomonthlyfeesattached.It reallyisagame-changerfor anyonelikePaulwho’s previouslybeenstuckina locked-incontract.”

Acombinedapproach

ForPaul,itwasaneasy decisionnottorenewhis existingcontractandinstead commissionGen-Ctoupgrade hisenginecontrolpanel.But knowingthattheCHPwasalso dueforamajorservice,hewas keentominimisedowntime. “Everyhourthattheengineisn’t runningisanhourwe’renot generatingpowerorincome,” heexplains.“OurMWM TCG2016-V12enginewasdue foramajor24,000-hour(E60) service,whichcantakeuptoa weektocomplete,whilethe installationofaMotortechopen panelupgradecantakeuptoa fortnight,dependingonthe situation.Theenginebeingout ofactionforuptothreeweeks wouldhavehadasignificant

financialimplicationforus.”

Tolimitdowntime,Jamesspoke tohisservicingpartnerWarren VesseyofGenV,expertsin majorandminorCHPservices, toseeiftheupgradeandE60 workscouldbetimedtocoincide. Duetothoroughplanningand efficienton-siteproject management,inJune2022GenC’sengineersandtheGenV teamworkedtogetherand completedboththeE60service andthecontrolpanelupgradein justfourdays.

“We’vecarriedoutsimilar combinedservicingandupgrade projectsbefore,”explains Warren.“UnlesstheCHP packageisverysmall,thereare fewissuesaswearegenerally workingondifferentpartsofthe installation.”

Thesesharedexperiencesmean thattheengineersinvolvedare familiarwitheachotherand enjoyagoodworking relationship.“Tokeepdown costs,wejointlyrentedanearby housefortheweekandmadethe mostofthegreatweatherwehad lastsummer,enjoyingbarbeques togetherintheeveningsoncethe day’sworkwasdone,”enthuses James.

Instantaccess,efficient operation

Sincetheinstallation,monitoring andrunningtheenginehas

becomemucheasierforPaul andtheGPBiotecteam.“Ifthe enginestopsduetoa straightforwardissuesuchasa changeingaspressure,Ican nowconnecttoitviamyphone andremotelystartitwithout havingtoreturntothesite.It’s madearealdifferencetoour dailyoperations.”

Aswellasthespeedyproject completiontimeandthebenefits ofhavinganopen-accesscontrol panel,forPaul,dealingwithUKbasedcompanieslikeGen-Cand GenValsomeansthatany furtherwork,suchas modificationsorobtainingspare parts,willbemucheasier.

“Before,orderinginsparesfrom Europewouldtakeaminimumof twoweeks,whereasGen-Chave mostpartsinstock,rightherein theUK,fornext-daydelivery,”he says.

Jamesadds:“Forus,theGP Biotecengineupgradewasa straightforwardprojectwithno majordifficulties.Ourengineers andtheGenVteamworked togethertokeepdowntimetoan absoluteminimumfortheclient, andGPBioteccannowenjoythe enhancedmanagementand time-savingbenefitsofafully serviced,efficientCHPengine that’sreadyforthedigitalage.”

Tofindoutmoregotowww.genc.co.uk

FMBioEnergylaunches5-in-1easydosetraceelementtabletPLUS‘best forBritish’grasssilageadditive

ADexpertsFM BioEnergy launchedtwo excitingnew productsatthe WorldBiogas Expo2023:arevolutionary easy-dosing5-in-1trace elementdigesteradditiveAND abrand-newsilageadditive designedtogetthebestbiogas outputfromBritishgrass.

Handy,safe,andconvenient Manufacturedanddeveloped byFMBioEnergy’sGerman productpartnerSchaumann

BioEnergy,BC.PRO5Gisan all-in-one,handy-sizedtablet containingthefivemaintrace elementsrequiredforbiological stabilityinananaerobic digestionplant:nickel, selenium,cobalt,tungstenand molybdenum.Theuniquetablet designmakesiteasierthan everforplantoperatorsto ensureoptimumdigesterhealth andmaximisetheirbiogasyield bysimplyaddingoneofthe individually-wrappedcoated tabletsintotheirplant’sfeed hoppereachday(basedona 1MWplant)–withnomixing,

measuringorpouringrequired.

FMBioEnergy’sGeneral Manager,TimElsome,says: “Ratherthanhavingtostore, carryanddispenselarge, unwieldytubsorbagsoffreeflowinggranularadditives,one week’ssupplyofBC.PRO5G caneasilybecarriedinone hand.Muchlikeadishwasher tablet,thetabsarecoatedwitha water-solublefilm,meaningthey aresafetohandle.No unwrappingorpreparationis required–justliketakinga multivitamintokeepyourbody healthy,simplydroponetablet perdayintoyourdigestertokeep thebiologystable.”

Reflectingthehealthofthe industry

Timcontinues:“AstheAD industryhasmatured,sothe

generaloperationalstandardsof plantshaveimproved,withfewer sitesrequiringemergency interventiontostabilisetheir biologycomparedtofiveormore yearsago.Whilewestill advocateregulartestingand monitoringtogaugeoverall digesterhealth,dailyuseof BC.PRO5Gwillkeephealthy plantsoperatingwell,dosingthe correctbalanceofthefivekey traceelementsneededtoensure ahealthybacterialenvironment toaidtheproductionofbiogas. Thefactthatit’savailableina safe,easy-to-dose,one-a-day tabletformmakesthisproducta realgamechanger.”

NewUK-specificsilageadditive FMBioEnergyisalsoexcitedto revealthelatestadditiontoits rangeofaward-winningsilage

additives.Specificallydeveloped foruseonUKgrasssilage, SilasilSGpreservesthebiogas potentialofBritishgrassinthe clamp,helpingon-farmAD operatorstogeneratemore methaneandmoreprofit.

“Previousgrasssilageadditives weredevelopedforEuropean grasses,whichareinherently differenttothosegrowninthe UK,”explainsTimElsome.“The UKhasacoolerandwetter climatethanmainlandEurope,so ourgrasssilagehasalowerdry mattercontentthanitsEuropean counterparts.SilasilSG addressesthesedifferences, helpingtoreducestoragelosses, preventreheatingattheclamp faceduringfeedout,andprotect againstyeastandmoulds,which cancausebiologicalinstabilityin thedigester.”

RotaryLobePumpretrofitworks wondersatbiogasplants

Atonesmallandonemuchlarger biogasplant,atwhichboth, farmerswereexperiencingmajor problemswithexistingprocesses, Borgerhasrecentlysecurednew ordersforitsprovenRotaryLobePumps.

AtthefirstADplant,theoperatorneededa reliablepumpfortransferringhighlyabrasive biogassubstratefromafermentertoa secondaryfermenter.Theexistingpumpfroma differentmanufacturersufferedfromextreme wearontherotors,whichhadgreatlyaffected theefficiencyandqualityofthefeedstock process,resultinginincreasedlabour, maintenanceandrepairs.

Incontrast,thenewlyinstalledBorgerRotary Lobepump,whichhastobeabletocopewith pressureof4bar,isveryeasytoservice.Its Maintenance-in-Placedesignrequiresonly basictools.Thespeedofthe32-80m³/h Borgerpumpiscontrolledbyafrequency converterdependingonthelinepressure.

Similarly,atasecond,muchlargerbiogas

plant,afarmerandhis teamwereveryunsatisfied withtheperformanceof the40pumpsithad installedforitsAD process.Afterjustafew weeks,thepumpsshowed worryingsignsofsevere wearandtearonthe rotors.Therewerealso frequentoccurrencesof damagetothesealsand gears.Theoperatorofthe biogasplantconducteda year-longtesttofindthe optimumpump-typeforhis requirements,putting severaldifferentmakes throughtheirpaces. Finally,hedecidedto retrofittheentireplantwith RotaryLobePumpsmade byBorger,whichbenefit fromrotorsthathavebeen developedspeciallyforthebiogasapplications.

Fibrousmatterinrenewableresourcesis capturedintheprofilegroovesoftheBorger profilerotor.Thisconstantlyexchangingfilm

formsallovertheseal betweentherotorsandthe casing.Theexceptionally highlevelofpump efficiencyenablesthe premiumprofilerotor operationtobevirtually freeofwear.

BorgerRotaryLobe

Pumpsareself-priming, valveless,positive displacementpumps.The evenrotationoftherotor paircreatesavacuumon theprimingsideofthe pump,whichcanbe definedbythedirectionof rotationofthedrive.This vacuumdrawstheliquid intothepumpchamber. Withfurtherrotation,the pumpedmediumis conveyedpastthepump wallintothepressurearea.Uptosixchamber chargesaredisplacedwitheachdriverotation, dependingontherotortype.Whentherotoris atastandstill,thepumpsealsoffalmost completely.

Vogelsangcompletesfinancialyearwithclearboostinsales

TheVogelsangGmbH&Co.KG clearlyaugmentedits2022salesat 173millionbyalmost20percentyear overyear.Asaresult,despitemore difficultconditionsduetotheUkraine warandongoingdelaysindelivery chains,themechanicalengineeringcompany succeededinincreasingitssalesathomeand abroad.Thesegmentsagriculturaltechnology, biogas(feedtechnology),andpumps(industry) werethemaindriversofsalesgrowth.The companyalsomanagedtorecordaclearboostin saleswithregardtospareparts.

“Ourwideproductportfolioandinternational orientationhavebeenasourceofgreatstabilityfor usintherecentyearsofcrisis.Wearepleasedthat lastyearwewerealsoabletolaunchmorenew productsandmodificationsandsetnewsector impulses,”declaredHaraldVogelsang,CEOof VogelsangGmbH&Co.KG.Toenrichthe

portfoliowithadditionaldistributingtechnology withoutairsuction.

ThisproductdiversityisVogelsang'sresponseto themarket'spronounceddemandforhighperformance,tailor-made,andinnovativesolutions. Lastyear,thecompanywashonoredfor thefourthtimeinarowas“Germany's InnovationLeader”.

Expeditingdigitalizationandautomation

Inthenextfewyears,Vogelsangplans toinvestfurtherindigitalizationand automation:Roboticsisintendedto relievetheburdenonhighlyqualified expertsofroutinework,enablingthem toconcentrateonceagainontheir complexcoreactivity.Thecompany alreadydeploysweldingrobotsinsheet metalprocessingandplansthepartially automatedassemblyofsealsinthenear future.Inaddition,Vogelsangisfittingits productswithintelligentcontrol technologytoadjustoperating parametersdynamicallyandinthisway makemachinesandcomponentseven moreefficientanddurable.

companywithadditionaltechnicalexpertsand youngtalents,thecompanyrecruitedabout150 newemployeesworldwidelastyear,including23 trainees.

Portfolioremainsorientedtocustomerneeds

Theproductslaunchedlastyearincludethelargest industrialgrindersfromVogelsangtodate,the RedUnitXRL260,thenewcompactsealsupply systemAutomaticSupplyUnit(ASU),andthehighperformancepumpsoftheEPandVYseries. Likewisenew:theHiConeprogressivecavitypump withuniqueconicaldesignandinnovative adjustmentsystemaswellastheDebrisLiftUnit (DLU)forfullyautomaticheavymaterialdisposal.In addition,theUniSpreaduniversallinkageisnow alsoavailablewithahosingsystem.Thenew ExaCutECMprecisiondistributorexpandsthe

HaraldVogelsang:“Supportingcustomerswithour technologyandexpertiseintheirfieldofactivityis ourdrivingforce.Wearealwaysworkingon improvingproductsandprocessesthrough innovations.Thisiswhywearecontinuingtoinvest heavilyinresearchanddevelopmentasthe‘source ofourideas’.Inaddition,weaimtofurtherestablish ourselvesinmarketslikethechemicalorfood technologyindustryandalsotoexpandour internationalpresenceandbecomemore accessibletocustomersthere.”

Moreover,thefamilycompanywillberepresented atseveraltradefairsthisyear,including AGRITECHNICA,fromNovember12-18,in HanoverandtheBiogasConvention&TradeFair, fromDecember12-14,inNuremberg.

Moreat:vogelsang.info

Renewablypoweredaeroponicfarmscan significantlyreducetheenvironmentalimpactof freshproducecomparedtoimports,newstudyfinds

Anewresearch papertitled“The roleofaeroponic containerfarmsin sustainablefood systems–Theenvironmental credentials”hasfoundthat windorsolarpowered aeroponiccontainerfarmscan significantlyreducethe environmentalimpactoffresh producecomparedto importingintotheUK.Thelife cycleanalysiswaspublished inthejournalScienceofThe TotalEnvironmentby researchersfromBrunel UniversityLondonandLettUs Grow.

Thepaperexploresthe environmentalcredentialsof aeroponiccontainerfarmsand theirpotentialrolein sustainablefoodsystems. Aeroponiccontainerfarmsare anewmethodoffarmingthat useasoillesstechniqueto growcropsinacontrolled environment.Thismethod involvessuspendingtheplant rootsinanutrient-richmist, whichhelpstooptimisecrop growthandreducewater usage.

Thestudyexaminesthe environmentalimpactsofan aeroponicfarmcontainer systemintheUK,acrossafull setof19sustainability indicators.Itfoundthat

aeroponiccontainerfarms showcompetitiveperformance againstconventionalmethods. Theresultsofthestudyare significant,asthey demonstratethataeroponic containerfarmscouldoffer lowerimpactfoodwhen comparedwithimports.This couldalsoimprovefood securityintermsofavailability, stability,andaccesstofood.

"Thisoneofthefirststudiesof itskind.Itevaluatesaeroponic verticalfarming's environmentalcredentials underrealworldscenarios.As withanyagricultural technologyinnovation, containerfarmsarebest placedtobenefitthe environmentinspecificuse cases,locationsorforspecific crops.Thisresearchandits conclusionsmakeacrucial firststepinallowingusto makeeducateddecisions aboutwhereandhowan aeroponiccontainerfarm shouldbeusedtocreatea positiveimpact."saidJack Farmer,studyco-authorand ChiefScientificOfficerat LettUsGrow

Oneofthemostcrucial takeawaysfromthestudyis thattheenergysourceis criticaltoreducemostofthe environmentalimpactsof aeroponics.Anaeroponic

containerfarmsystem generates1.52kgCO2eq./kg peashootsusingthe2021UK grid.However,utilisingsolar orwindpowerlowers greenhousegasemissionsof aeroponiccontainerfarmsby upto80%,meaningthat growingproducelocallyin renewablypoweredaeroponic containersproducesless emissionsthanimportingfrom mostofEurope.

Thisresearchisacrucialfirst stepinadvancingthe conversationaroundtherole ofaeroponicsinsustainable foodsystemsandhow renewableenergyintegration canfitintothisjourney.It providesevidencefor policymakersanddecision makerstounderstandthe benefitsandtrade-offsof aeroponicswhencompared withimportedfoods, showcasingexamplesofwhen theaeroponicproduction systemdeliversfoodswith competitive(andsometimes better)environmental performancethansimilar importedproducts.

Ifyou’dliketoreadthepaper infull,itisopenaccessand availableinVolume860ofthe ScienceofTheTotal Environment.

CarnbucksettoutiliseNI'splentifulwindresource topowerc.55,000homes&businesseseachyear

REShassubmitteda planningapplication forits12-turbine CarnbuckWind Farm,locatedinthe townlandsof Carnbuck,Magheraboyand Moneyneagh,nearCorkey,Co. Antrim.Adjacenttotheexisting GruigWindFarm,Carnbuck wouldbecapableofgenerating enoughclean,low-cost renewableelectricityforan additional55,000homeseach year,ifconsented.

Theproposedschemecomprises 12turbineswithanoverall installedcapacityofaround 50MW,inadditiontoanenergy storagefacilitywhichwillhelp maximisethegeneration capabilityandefficiencyofthe site.

Onshorewind,togetherwith largescalesolar,isnowthe cheapestformofelectricity generationandcanbedeployed quickly.Italsoincreasesenergy securitybyreducingrelianceon importsandbuildsourresilience topricefluctuationscausedby fossilfuels.Thismakes developmentslikeCarnbucknot justgoodfortheenvironmentbut alsofortheconsumer.

DavidMcVeigh,Development

ProjectManageratRES, commented:"Theurgentneedto reducecarbonemissionsisever pressingandwind,asafreeand inexhaustibleresource,hasa crucialroletoplay.Recent analysis[1]hasshownthat NorthernIrelandconsumers saved£500mbecausewind farmsproduced42%ofour electricitylastyear."

"WhiletheUN'slatestclimate reporthighlightsthe environmentaldevastation causedbytheongoingclimate crisis,itclearlystateswehave thetechnologyatourdisposalto tackletheworsteffectsofglobal warming,whichiswhyweneed toactfasttoutiliseourexpertise andtakeadvantageofthe deliverabilityofsuitablewind farmdevelopments."

Followingpublicconsultations heldinMarch2022andJanuary 2023,REShasreviewedthe feedbackreceivedfromthe communityandkeyconsultees, togetherwiththefindingsfrom theenvironmentalandtechnical studies,inordertoinformthe detaileddesignoftheproposed windfarm.Thesitelayouthas beencarefullydesignedto minimiseimpactsasfaras possible,includingasharedsite entranceandsomeinfrastructure

withtheexistingGruigWind Farm,whichwillreducethe environmentalfootprintandtraffic movementsassociatedwithwind farmconstruction.

Ifapproved,notonlywill

CarnbuckWindFarmhelpdeliver onNorthernIreland'sPathtoNet Zeroaims,itwillcreateskilled, sustainablejobsandhelptodrive acleanerandmoreresilient economy.Theprojectwillprovide avitaleconomicboostby delivering£3.3millionpotential inwardinvestmentintothelocal areaintheformofjobs, employment,anduseoflocal servicesduringthedevelopment, constructionandfirstyearof operationalone.It'sestimated thatthedevelopmentwould involveacapitalspendofaround £65million,ofwhichnearly£30 millionwillberealisedwithinthe NorthernIrelandeconomy.

InNorthernIreland,REShas developedand/orconstructed22 onshorewindfarmsequatingto nearly380MWandcurrently operatesover150MWofwind projects.

Forfurtherinformationabout CarnbuckWindFarm,visithttp:// www.carnbuck-windfarm.co.uk/

ADandBiogasIndustryAwards 2023winnersannounced

Thewinnersofthe2023ADandBiogas IndustryAwardswererevealedata prestigiousgalaceremonyattheVox inBirmingham,UK,on29thMarch.

RunbytheAnaerobicDigestionand BioresourcesAssociation(ADBA)and theWorldBiogasAssociation(WBA),theAwards celebrateexcellenceandinnovationintheglobal anaerobicdigestion(AD)andbiogassectoracross 12categories.

ChrisHuhne,ADBAchairmanandhostforthe evening,said:"Congratulationstothisyear's winnersandhighlycommendedentries.Thequality ofthe2023submissionsmadethetaskofthe judgesparticularlydifficult-thisisreflectedbythe numberofmultiplewinnersinsomecategoriesandwethankthemfortheirdedication. Commiserationtothosewhodidnotreceiveaprize -theymusthoweverholdtheirheadsuphighand beproudofbelongingtothecrèmedelacrèmeina vibrantandfastexpandingindustry.Inaworldin crisis,anaerobicdigestionandbiogasareoffering maturesolutionstoclimatechangeandenergyand foodsecurity,withrecentinvestmentsbyglobal playerssignallingthegrowingrecognitionofits commercialviabilityaswell.Thefutureisbrightfor thissectorsokeepupthegoodworkandwelook forwardtoanevenmoresuccessfulAwards competitionin2024."

CharlotteMorton,WBAChiefExecutive,added "Thisisaveryspecialyearaswereceivedan unprecedentednumberofentriesfromover20 countriesreflectingtherapidlygrowinginterestin

thisexcitingglobalindustry,whichalonecould deliverhalfoftheGlobalMethanePledge,onethird oftoday'sglobalnaturalgasconsumption,anda 10%reductionintotalglobalgreenhousegas emissions.

The'WomeninBiogas'awardintroducedlastyear hasonceagainbeenthemostsuccessful.Ifeel verypassionateaboutthisawardandwhilstADBA andWBAaredoingextremelywellonthatfront,this isnotthecaseformostofourindustry.Yet,the evidenceisclearthatcompanieswhichembrace diversityperformbetterthanthosethatdonot,so wemustcampaignhardtoattractmorewomeninto thesector.Iamalsodelightedtoseethatthenew 'ResearchandInnovation'awardreceived numeroussubmissions,demonstratingthe innovativenatureofourindustry.Wewerealso proudtointroducetheEducationCampaignofthe Yearaward–highlightingacriticalfactorin supportingthegrowthofthesector.

Congratulationstoallourwinners,highly commendedandfinalists.Wethankeveryonefor yourfantasticsubmissionsandencourageyouallto continuedoingwhatyoudotomakeourindustry shine."

Thewinnersandhighlycommendedentriesto the2023ADandBiogasindustryAwardsare:

1.Health,SafetyandWellbeing AwardsupportedbySGNCommercialServices

Winner: BioCapital-LondonandsitesacrosstheUK,UK

HighlyCommended: DavidParkinson,BioteCH4Group-Howden,UK

2.WomeninBiogas AwardsupportedbyBiogen

Winner: KathyPuffer,BiogasEducationHub-Tillson,USA

HighlyCommended: LucyHopwood,NNFCCLimited-York,UK

3.ADHerooftheYear AwardsupportedbyFutureBiogas

Winners:

RedeMulheresdoBiogás(WomeninBiogas Network-Brazil),SaoPaulo,Brazil Dr.ThomasHenryCulhane,SolarCITIES,IncLandO'Lakes,USA

HighlyCommended: YadiraBajonFernandez,CranfieldUniversityCranfield,UK

4.BestADandBiogasSupportServices (Professional)

Winner: NNFCCTheBioeconomyConsultants,NNFCCLtd -York,UK

HighlyCommended: PPAYALtd-LanarkshireandsitesacrosstheUK, UK

5.BestADandBiogasSupportServices(O&M Process)

Winners: MarchesBiogasLtd–Ludlow,UK REVYEnvironmentalSolutionsPvt.Ltd–Vadodara,India

6.NetZeroCircularSolutions

Winners:

EnergyIndependentNetZeroFarmingCircular Solution,BennamannLtdandNewHolland Agriculture-UK

HighlyCommended: EntsorgaItaliaS.p.A.-Tortona,Italy

7.EducationCampaignoftheYear

Winner: BomaMohammedChi,CommonInitiativeGroup/ RRECAMGroup-NkolmbendeNtouessong, Cameroon

HighlyCommended: BiogasEducationHub,KathyPuffer–Tillson,USA

8.Bestbiogasplantbelow1Mwe-equivalent AwardsupportedbyAlltech

Winner: BioenergyCrete-HeraklionCrete,Greece

HighlyCommended: AlternityBiogasEnergy(divisionofMcCullaIreland) -Lisburn,CountyAntrim,UK

Thebestbiogastopowerandpromplant-KIS Group-Varanasi,UttarPradesh,India

9.Bestbiogasplantabove1Mwe-equivalent

AwardsupportedbyBlended

Winner: WarrensEmeraldBiogas(TheBioCapitalGroup)NewtonAycliffe,Durham,UK

HighlyCommended: Anaergia'sBiomethanePlant"EasyEnergia Ambiente",AnaergiaInc–Pontinia,Italy RenevoADplant,Norway,poweredbyAntec, AntecBiogasAS–Oslo,Norway

10.Micro-ADInitiative

Winner:

MicroBiodigestorMamiña,MechaSpA&C+UDD –Iquique,Chile

HighlyCommended: WatasumiWastewaterTreatmentforSMEinFood andBeverageIndustries-Onna-son,Japan

11.RisingStar

AwardsupportedbyBorea

Winners: KristinaRabecaite,PPAYA–Lanarkshire,UK MuhindoGideon,BiogasSolutionsUgandalimited –Kampala,Uganda

12.Research&Innovation

Winner:

SMALLOPS–Badajoz,Spain

HighlyCommended:

Methaneslipmeasurementinoffgasfrombiogas upgrading,VaisalaLtd(UK)andVaisalaOyj (Global)–Birmingham,UK

ThebatchQUBE(aka'FlowerpowerKenya'),Qube Renewables–Naivasha,Kenya

EvinoxandMinibemsmergetocreatethe leaderinenergy-efficientheatnetworks withaninvestmentfromSETVentures

Heatnetwork technology providersEvinox andMinibemsare mergingand receivegrowth capitalfromSETVentures.This capitalinjectionenablesthetwo companiestocementtheir leadingpositioninsmartheat networktechnologyensuring enhancedenergyefficiencyand costsavingsforheatnetwork operatorsandresidents.

suppliedover15,000unitsfor projectsacrosstheUK,including prestigiousdevelopmentssuch asBatterseaPowerStation, LondonCityIslandand Riverlight.

Minibemshasdeveloped advancedcontroltechnology whichoptimizestheoperationof heatnetworksinreal-time,using algorithmstopredictand optimizetheflowofheattomeet demand.Byvastlyimproving

theindustryasawhole."

"Wearethrilledtobepartnering withEvinoxtoofferacomplete solutionforheatnetwork operators,"saidMinibemsCEO SimonGunter,whowillcontinue asExecutiveChairmanofthe combinedentity."Combining EvinoxsmartHIUswith Minibemsoptimisation technologywillhelpheatnetwork operatorstomaximizeefficiency andreducetheenergybillto residents."

"Sinceouroriginalinvestment inMinibemsin2019,wehave beenexcitedaboutthe magnitudeoftheproblemto solveinhowweheat buildings,"saidAntonArts, ManagingPartneratSET Ventures."Thisbusiness combinationcreatesthe undisputedleaderthatwill boosttheefficiencyofheat networksandachieve emissionreductionsatscale. Wearepleasedtosupport thesevisionarymanagement teamstoachievetheir ambitiontogether".

Heatnetworks,alsoknownas districtheatingsystems,supply heattooneormultiplebuildings fromacentralsource,suchasa boilerorheatpump.These systemsarebecoming increasinglypopularto decarboniseheat,however,they canbeinefficientandcostlyto operate.

Evinoxprovidesafullrangeof equipmentandservicestoheat networkoperators.Thecompany haspioneeredremotely connectedheatinterfaceunits (HIU)designedforeasy installation,operationand maintenance.Evinoxhas

networkefficiency,energy consumption,carbonemissions, andcostsforheatnetwork operatorsandresidentscanbe reducedbymorethan50%.

"Thisisapowerfulstepto addressthepressingneedsof ourindustryforeffective decarbonisationsolutions,"said TerryMahoney,Managing DirectorofEvinox."Bycombining ourexpertiseandtechnology,we canofferatrulycomprehensive rangeofproductsandservices thatguaranteeenergyefficiency. Wearelookingforwardtothe opportunitiesthismergerwill bringforourcustomersandfor

Thispartnershipensuresthat heatnetworkscanfulfiltheir commitmenttodecarboniseheat, byreducingthecarbonintensity by1tonperapartmenteachyear inexistingnetworks,aswellas byenablingtheuseofheatpump pumpsasalow-carbonsourceof heat.IntheUKalone,over£500 millioningovernmentfunding hasbeenmadeavailabletodrive adoptionto20%ofbuilding stock.

Thecombinationwilltradeas EvinoxGroupandhasover100 employees,workingfromoffices inChessingtonandBournemouth intheUKandamanufacturing facilityinBrasov,Romania.

ForsterGroupjoinsforces withcleanenergyexpert

Industry-leading solarandintegrated roofingprovider, ForsterGroup,has partneredwith renewablesexpert, ChrisRoberts,asitcontinuesto driveexcellenceacrossthe energysector.

Withanaward-winningtrack recordspanningover30years, ForsterGroupprovides innovativeroofingandsolar servicestohousebuilders,public sectorandcommunitybodies, socialhousinglandlords, commerciallandlordsand tenants,andtheagriculture sector.

commitmentto supportingasmart, affordableenergy transition.

Chrishasbeenatthe forefrontoftheUK renewablesindustry forover20years havingfoundedand managedavarietyof successfulstart-ups focusingonsolarand batterystorage.Asa founderandNonExecutiveDirectorof theUKsolarPV standardsbody, Microgeneration CertificationScheme, Chrishasbuiltstrong relationshipswith well-known industryleaders acrosstheUK. Chrisalso managedtheUK Government'sfirst multi-technology renewableenergy grantschemeClearSkies.

JohnForster, ChairofForsterGroup, said:"Havingworkedwith Chrisonanumberof initiatives,Ireallyvaluethe knowledgeandexpertisehe canbringtoForsterGroup.It isgreattohavehimonboard.

contributetowardsScotland'snet zerotargets."

Bringingawealthoftechnical expertiseandunderstanding, ChrisRoberts willsupport ForsterGroupindevelopingits operationalstrategy,maximising itsofferingtoclients,while drivingforwarditsCommitment toExcellencethroughtheForster Standardandthecompany's

"Theenergywehaveusedfor mostofthelastcenturyis changingandconsumersnow haveabetterunderstandingthat carbon-basedfuelsneedtobe phasedoutfaster.Our increasinglyelectricenergy futureneedstocomefromsmart, affordable,renewablesources andChriswillbeinstrumentalin helpingusshapeourstrategyto maximiseopportunitiesand

Commentingonhiscollaboration withForsterGroup,Chris Roberts,said:"I'veseen,firsthand,theimpactForsterGroup hashadontheenergysector overthepastthreedecadesso it'sincrediblyexcitingtojointhe team.I'mlookingforwardto helpingthemdeveloptheir operationalstrategy,offering somefreshideas,inordertohelp thecompanyreachevenmore customerswhocouldbenefit fromsolarenergy."

74MWGoodWesolarprojectserves astemplateforUKutility-scalefarms A

new74MW photovoltaic(PV) developmentin Greecethatuses GoodWe’shighperformancestring invertersisbeinghailedasa modelforcountriesliketheUKto replicate.

thattheentireprojectwillbe completebySeptember2023.

Duetotheirclearlevelisedcost ofenergy(LCOE)benefitsand technologicaladvantages, GoodWe’sleadingGW250K-HT 1500Vdcstringinverterswere selectedandinstalledonthe farm.Crucially,withtheirability torunat temperaturesranging from-30to60 degreescentigrade, theselectedinverters cancopewith intenseheatwithout losingefficiency.

DavidSanchez,EMEASales DirectorfromGoodWesaid:“The projectinThessalonicareally showshowGoodWecanmakeit possibletoroll-outsubstantialPV installationswithmarket-leading technology.”

Generatingenoughenergyto meettheneedsofuptotwo cities,thesolarfarmin Thessalonicaisoneofthe biggestofitskindinGreece,with 134independentPVplantson thesite.ThePVarrayshave beenputinplacealreadyand furtherconstructioniscurrently underway,withtheexpectation

Thessalonica, situatedinthe Northernpartof Greece,receivesanaverageof 219sunshinehourspermonth, makingitanidealplaceforlargescalePVprojects.Installations liketheoneinThessalonicawill becrucialinhelpingtoachieve theGreekgovernment’sgoalofa 55%reductioningreenhouse emissionsby2030,and80%by 2040.

Hecontinued:“WiththeUK continuingtoexpanditslargescalePVprojects,thework undertakeninGreecehelpsus betterunderstandhowwecan deliverontheUK’sNetZero goals.Duetoitsabilityto functionatawiderangeof temperatures,GoodWe’sHT rangeofinvertersare increasinglybeingrecognisedas avitalpieceofequipmentfor solarfarmownersandcountries whoareonthepathtocarbon neutrality.Welookforwardto moreprojectslikethisasthe globalsolarmarketcontinuesto developandmorenationsmove towardrenewablesourcesof energy.”

FormoreaboutGoodWe,please visithttps://en.goodwe.com.

PoweringUpBritain A

sustainableenergy experthas cautiously welcomedthe Government’slatest announcementon itsstrategytoprovidefurther energysecurityandhelpthe transitiontoNetZero.

TheEnergySecuritySecretary, GrantShapps,announcedawide rangeofstepsinhis‘Powering UpBritain’strategytoscaleup theUK’sgreenenergy capabilities.

Thestrategyincludesplansto relaxplanninglawsaround onshorewindandencourage moresolarinstallations,aswell assupportfornewhydrogen schemes,andmuchmore.

theUKeconomyaswellasour transitiontoNetZeroand ongoingbattleagainstclimate change.

“‘PoweringUpBritain’offers reassurancetoindustry stakeholdersthatgovernment remainscommittedto implementingpolicychange followingaperiodofdormancy whentherehasbeenalotoftalk about,butlittleaction.”

DarrencitedtheGovernment’s intentiontoreformandspeedup theplanningprocesstoattract investmentintonewsolarand onshorewindprojects,a£205m budgetforthenextroundofthe ContractsforDifferencescheme, andcontinuedsupportforgreen hydrogenproductionprojects underthe£240millionNetZero HydrogenFundasreasonsfor stakeholderstobeoptimistic.

Headded:“Despitetherebeing noformalannouncementyeton theoutcomeoftheNPPF consultationintoonshorewindin England,thegovernmenthas onceagainrecognisedits importanceasanefficient,cheap andwidelysupported technology.

roof-mountedPVforindustrial andcommercialproperties,so theGovernment’splanfor ‘widespreaddeployment’on thosetypesofbuildinglooksset toseethatinterestrisefurther, especiallyaspublic-facing organisationslooktoenhance theirESGcredentials.

“Andthebuzzaroundgreen hydrogencontinuestogrow.Itis expectedtobeakeysolutionfor poweringindustryandheavy transportinthefuture.

“TheGovernment’sambitions givemecomfortthatourefforts todateworkingwithkeyplayers onsomeofthefirstgreen hydrogenschemesintheUKwill paydividends.”

However,despitethemany positivesthatcanbedrawnfrom thePoweringUpBritain proposal,Darrenstillhas reservationsoverremaining policygapsandhowtheseare likelytocontinuetohinder progressattheraterequired.

DarrenEdwards,Headof Sustainability atleading propertyconsultancyFisher German,washappythatShapps’ announcementprovidedaliftfor manypartieslookingtodeliver greenprojectsbuthasconcerns theproposalsdonotgofar enough.

Hesaid:“Thisannouncementis alongoverdue acknowledgementofthecritical importanceofenergysecurityto

“Thisinitselfisencouraging,with greaterflexibilityforlocal authoritiesexpectedtounlock newonshorewindprojectsinthe nearfuture.Thiswillbemusicto theearsofclientsthatmissed outontheopportunityunderthe RenewablesObligationand Feed-inTariffschemes.

“Onsolar,theGovernment’s clarificationthatdeployment shouldbefocussedon brownfield,industrialandonly lowtomediumgradeagricultural landisalsohelpfulandwill enableustoadviseandsupport clientsappropriatelymoving forward.

“Oneareawhereweareseeinga hugeincreaseinenquiriesis

“TheUKhaslongheldan ambitiontobetheworldleaderin theracetoNetZeroandwhilst thismostrecentannouncement goessomewaytoreminding peopleofthat,therecontinuesto bekeypolicygapswhichwill undoubtedlyholdbackprogress.

“WestandbesidetheUSand Europeinthebattleagainst climatechangebutatthesame timearecompetingwiththemfor globalinvestmentinrenewables andcleantech.

“Thefundingpackagessetout withinthereportpaleinto insignificancewhencomparedto the$369bnsubsidyplan announcedbyJoeBidenlast yearundertheInflation ReductionActandthe€250bn beingmootedbytheEuropean Union.”

Gamingthesystemmay costconsumersone£billion

Majorwindfarms areagain renegingon theirpromiseto deliverpowerto thenationalgridatagreed prices.

Ayearago,NetZero

Watchreportedthatthe MorayEastwindfarmhad becomefullyoperational,

buthadrefusedtoactivate itsContractsforDifference (CfDs),underwhichithad promisedtosellcheap powertothegrid.This gamingallowedittosellat elevatedmarketprices instead,costing consumershundredsof millionsofpounds.

Lastweekthewindfarm

advisedthatitwillputback thedateforactivation another12months.In addition,theCfDstartdate forPhase1oftheHornsea 2windfarm,whichbecame fullyoperationalinAugust lastyear,hasalsobeen pushedbackinto2024.

DelayingitsCfDmayhave earnedMorayEastas

muchashalfabillion poundslastyear;puttingit backanotheryearcould easilybringinanother hundredmillionpoundsat currentmarketprices.

Hornsea2couldearna similaramountin2023/24.

Windfarmsareentitledto dothisundertheCfD schemerules,andthereis

scopeforfurtherdelays. MorayEastwillbeableto putoffafinaldecision aboutwhethertoactivate itsCfDuntilMarch2025. Someofthephasesof Hornsea2willbeableto delayuntil2026.

AndrewMontford,NetZero Watchdeputydirector, said:

HowlongdoGovernment andcivilservicethinkthey cangoonpretendingthat thesewindfarmsaregoing todelivercheappower?It isadeliberate,cynical deceptionanditneedsto stopnow.”

Footings&Floors

ConcreteFinishing areahighly experienced industrialand residentialconcrete installationcompanybasedin Essexworkingthroughoutthe SouthEastofEngland.

WeatFootings&Floors

ConcreteFinishinghavethe capabilityandskillsetforall yourconcreteneeds,nomatter ofsizeorsurfacefinish

required.Weofferavarietyof servicessuchas:

•PowerFloated

•EasyFloated

•DappleBar

•Tamp&BrushFinish.

•Installofsuspendedprecast floors,polystyrenedesignor traditionalblockandbeam.

•Preparationforconcrete consistingofmembranes, mesh,andinsulation.

Ourinstallteamsareallhighly experiencedandholdall therelevantIndustry qualifications.Eachgang consistsofaqualified SSSTSandfirstaid trainedtoensurethatall CDM requirements aremet.

Ourmobile operations managers areonhand toassist onsiteand liaisewith clientswhere needed. Theywillvisit sitesona regularbasis toensure program

datesandsiteschedulesare meetthroughoutthecourseof yourproject.

WorkingTogether

Weofferastart-to-finishclient experienceandprideourselves onourhighlevelofcustomer serviceandproductfinish throughoutyourproject.

WhyChooseUs?

Weworkwithawholearrayof differenttypesofclientsto producehighqualityinstallsand concretefinishingacrossallof ourresidential,commercialand agriculturalprojects.Whynot takealookatourgallerypage andseeforyourself.

HOWSTEELAGRICULTURALBUILDINGS PREVENTTERMITESONYOURFARM

Steelagricultural buildingsare preferableto thosemadeof woodforavariety ofreasons.Inthis article,wewilldiscussthe efficiencyofsteelagricultural buildingsconcerning controllingatermite infestation,andthestepsyou couldtaketopreventtermites onyourfarm.

WHYKILLTERMITES?

Atermiteinfestationwon’t directlyharmyouoryour livestock,butitcancause irreparabledamagetoyour structuresandpossessions. Termitesfeedonwood,paper, insulation,treesand shrubberyaroundyourfarm, butwillalsoeatthroughplastic insearchoforganicmatter.

Theonlymaterialtermiteswill notseektoingestismetal,as itcontainsnoplant-based cellulosewhichmakesup mostofatermite’sdiet.So,if you’relookingtoprevent termites,werecommend replacingthewooden structuresandtoolsonyour farmwithmetalalternatives.

CANTERMITESGET THROUGHMETAL?

Althoughtermitesdon’tsetout toeatmetal,theycangetinto yourbuildingthrougheventhe smallestofgapsinyourmetal structures.Soit’simportantto regularlymaintainyourmetal facilitiesfordamagetoprevent theingressofthesecreepy crawlieswhichcanvery quicklycreateatermite infestation.

Termitesusuallyonlybreed onceayearbutcanproduce hundredsofthousands dependingonthesizeofthe

originalcolony.Soonce they’rein,it’sdifficulttoget themout.

WHYBUILDSTEEL AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGSTOPREVENT TERMITES?

Termitescanliveinwoodfor severalyearsifnotthoroughly exterminated,andeatawayat thewoodenbeamsthat supportyourbuildingsuntil theirstructuralintegrityis irreparablydamaged.Woodis porous,soitdoesn’ttake muchexertiononthetermite’s parttogetthroughandgrow itscolonyrightunderyour nose.

However,metalisnaturally non-porous.Sothetermites wouldexperiencefarmore difficultyinlivinginsidethe metalwallsofyour steelagriculturalbuildings.

THEBENEFITSOFSTEEL AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS

Thebenefitsofsteelbuildings areplentiful,especiallyinthe agriculturalsectorandin relationtothecontrolof termites.

•Cost-Efficiency

Thecostofinstallingasteel buildingonyourfarmisfar lessthanthecostofreplacing woodenstructuresdueto damageinflictedbytermitesor killingthetermitecolonies insidethem.Steelbuildings haveanextensivelife expectancy,soinstallinga steelbuildingisanaffordable long-terminvestment.

•Strength

Unlikewood,steelisresistant torotting,shrinkageand moulding,whichcreates

substantialweatherability againstharshstormsandhard rain.Theunlikelihoodof damagetoyoursteelbuilding willofferassurancethatitwill notbecomedamagedand allowtermitestoingress.

•FastInstallation

Steelbuildingsareeasyto manufactureandcanbevery easilyinstalledonyourfarm. Woodenstructurestakefar longertobuild,andthereisno guaranteethattermiteswon’t begintheirinfestationonthe dayofinstallation.Sosteel buildingsaredefinitely preferable.

HOWCANKITBUILDINGS DIRECTHELP?

HereatKitBuildingsDirect, wemanufactureand installsteelagricultural buildingsthatwillhelpyou preventtermiteinfestationson yourfarm.Weusehigh-quality materialsandguarantee efficientdesignandfast installationwithoutcutting corners.

Wehaveover20yearsof experienceprovidinglandownerswithbespokeand durablesteelbuildingsthat keeptheirfarmsecurefrom termitesandfunctioning optimally.

Ifyou’dliketolearnmore aboutourservicesorwould likeaquoteforasteelbuilding ofyourown,pleasedon’t hesitatetocontactustospeak toamemberofourteam!

RIDBAAwards2023 entrydeadlineextended

Followingseveral requestsfrom members,the entrydeadlinefor thisyear’sRIDBA BuildingAwardsisbeing extendedbyonemonth. Thenewdeadlineforyouto submityourentriesisApril28. It'sanexcellentopportunityfor youtoshowcaseyour businessandprojectstothe restoftheindustryand potentialcustomers,whether youwinornot!It'seasyto entersoclickthebuttonbelow todoitnow.

Apanelofexpertswilljudge theentriesbeforewe announcethewinnersand presentthemwithtrophiesat aceremonyattheGraduate HotelinCambridgeonFriday, September22. Entertheawardsviathelinks below!

•ENTER:Commercial buildingaward

•ENTER:Residentialand officesaward

•ENTER:Farmstorage buildingaward

•ENTER:Industrialand productionbuildingaward

•ENTER:Livestockbuilding award

•ENTER:Newproduct/ serviceaward

•ENTER:Outstanding workmanshipaward

•ENTER:Training programmeaward

AJNSteelstockistheheadline sponsorofSeptember’s awards.Premium sponsorsJosephAsh Galvanizing,Barrett SteelandSTRUMIS,and event sponsorsSteadmansandKing spanwillalsosupportthe event.

ThankyoutoalloftheRIDBA BuildingAwards2023 sponsors.

Increaseinquadtheftsputtingextra pressureonfarmersinlambingseason

Asharpriseintheftsof quadbikesisputting extrapressureon sheepfarmersatthe busiesttimeofyear.

Latesttheftclaims figuresfromruralinsurerNFU Mutualshowa26%annualincrease inthecostofquadtheftbringingthe totalvalueto£2.8min2022.A continuedincreaseintheftsthisyear haspromptedawarningtofarmers torampuptheirsecurity.

Quadtheftsatbusylambingtime canleavefarmersstrugglingtolook aftertheirsheepwhentheyareat theirmostvulnerable.

Withthievestargetingthemany sheepfarmswherequadsareavital tool,NFUMutualisadvisingfarmers totakeextrasecuritymeasuresto avoidbecomingvictims.

BobHendersonfromtheAgricultural EngineeringTeamatNFUMutual said:"Quadsareavitaltoolfor farmerswhooftenlookafter hundredsofsheepsingle-handedly.

"Ashortageofnewmachineshas driventhepriceofsecond-hand quadshigherandthishasledtoa feeding-frenzyfromcriminalgangs whostealthevehiclestosellonin theUKandacrosstheglobe.

"Farmersarewakinguptonoisesin theirfarmyardstofindthatthieves havecutthroughtoughenedlocks andsmashedbarndoorstosteal theirquads.

"Thetheftsleavefarmerswithextra workwhentheirsheepandnewbornlambsneedconstantattention, andbadweathermeansquadsare oftentheonlywaytogettothemin remotehillyareas.

"Thesupplychainproblemswhich aredrivinguppricesarealsomaking itdifficultforfarmerstosource replacementmachineswhentheir quadsarestolen."

Tohelpprotectfarmers,NFUMutual isworkingwithquadmanufacturers toprovidecustomerswithfree trackingandimmobilisation equipmentonvehiclesboughtto replacestolenquadsandATVs, followingapaidclaim.

BobHendersonadded:"Today's criminalswillspendtimewatching farmstoseewherequadsarekept andthencomebackwithtoolsto breakinandstealthem.

"Toreducetheriskofbecominga victimofquadtheftit'svitalto alwaysremovekeyswhennoton themachineandalwayssecureyour quadwhenit'snotinuse.

"Thievesoftenwillreturntoafarm wheretheyhavestolenaquadinthe hopeofbeingabletostealits replacement.Tobeatrepeatquad thefts,we'reworkingwith manufacturerstoprovideour customerswhohavehadaquad stolenwithfreetrackingdevicesand immobilisers."

DCChrisPiggott,fromtheNational ConstructionandAgriTheftsTeam (NCATT),whichformspartofthe NationalRuralCrimeUnit,added: "Tracking,immobilisationand securitymarkingarethemost effectivemeasuresagainstquad theftastheydeterthievesandmake iteasierforpolicetocatchthegangs behindthesecrimes.

"Toavoidbuyingastolenpieceofkit andfuellingthecriminaltrade,we're urgingfarmerstoobtainserial numbersforthequadandcheck thesewithcompaniessuchasHPI whocanfullyprovenancethem.

"Alsospeaktoyourlocaldealership toseeiftheyhaveanyrecordsof thequadoraskforcopiesoforiginal invoicesfromtheseller.

"Donotmeetpeopleinlay-bysor servicestations,gototheirhouse andconductyourbusinessinsideto ensuretheyarearesidentthere.

"Anyonewhohasanyinformation aboutquadtheftshouldreportitby calling101orsharinginformation anonymouslywithCrimestopperson 0800555111."

NFUMutualhasintroducedmore incentivesformemberstoinvestin preventionthroughanewdiscount schemeforScorpionsecurity products,inadditiontoitsexisting agriculturalvehicleinsurancepolicy discountsformemberswhouse measuressuchasCESARmarking, approvedtrackers,immobilisersand mechanicaldevices.

Theruralinsurerisalsoworking closelywithMPsandthe Governmenttohelpsupport legislationgoingthroughParliament whichwillhopefullyseeincreased securityasstandardonnewATVs beingsoldinthefuture.

NFUMutualandtheNational RuralCrimeUnitareissuingthe followingadvice:

•Alwaysremovekeysandkeep themstoredsecurely,awayfrom thevehicle

•Whennotinuse,keepquads andATVslockedupoutofsight

•Installtrackingdevicesand immobiliserstomakeiteasier forpolicetorecoverstolen vehicles-mostmoderntracking devicesareGPSenabled,with alarms/alertsthatwillsenda messageinformingyouifyour machineisbeingtamperedwith. Youcanalsosetworkinghours andgeofencestoalertyouifa machineisbeingmovedoutside ofapre-setworkingarea

•UseCESARmarkingtodeter thievesandenablepoliceto identifystolenmachinery

•Target-hardenyourquadby creatingasecuritycageorusea mechanicaldevicesuchas steeringbrake/lock,ground anchororwheelclampwhennot inuse-thesedevicesareboth visibleandphysicaldeterrentsto thieves

•Knowwhatyouown–keep recordsofserialnumbersand photographsofyourkitincluding uniqueidentifyingfeatures

•Whenbuyinganewquadask forachippedkeyand immobilisationsystem

NFUMutualandtheNationalRural CrimeUnithaveproducedtheft preventionvideosonquadandfarm vehiclesecuritywhichareavailable at:https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?

list=PLCGdB27NXuooScjLAfZCaVje sU8sd06u8

SecuritycallforfarmersasGPStheftsgearup

Farmersarebeing urgedtoincrease securityintheir farmyardsand fieldsasGPSthefts rampupinrecent months.

LatestfiguresfromNFUMutual revealthecostofGPSthefthas goneup30%inthefirstquarter of2023,comparedtothesame periodlastyear*.

Andinrecentweeks,theftsof expensiveGPSequipmenthave beenreportedintheSouthWest andNorthEastofEngland, sparkingconcernotherpartsof theUKcouldbenext.

RuralinsurerNFUMutualis urgingfarmerstoincreasetheir securityasthieveslooktocash inonincreasedfarmyardand fieldworkactivities.

BobHenderson,wholeadsNFU Mutual’sAgricultural EngineeringFieldTeam,said:“It isextremelyconcerningthat thievesaretakingadvantageof increasedspringactivityto identifytargets.

“Aswellasstealingvital equipment,criminalsareleaving atrailofdamageastheysmash glasstogainaccessandcrudely cutwires.Notonlyisthiscostly, butthetheftofGPSkitscan hinderfarmingoperationsaswell asplaceadditionalpressureson thebusiness.

“We’reurgingallfarmerstobeon theirguardandreviewand

updatetheirsecurity,suchas removingGPSequipmentwhen notinuseandstoringitaway fromthemachines.Itisalso worthtakingpicturesofthekit andrecordinganyserial numbers.”

DCChrisPiggott,fromthe NationalConstructionandAgri TheftsTeam(NCATT),which formspartoftheNationalRural CrimeUnit,added:“Intelligence showsoffendersarewillingto travelthelengthandbreadthof thecountrytostealGPSkitsand immediatelyexportthemoutof thecountry.

“I’dalsoencourageanyoneto overtlymarkthemsothatthey areundesirableforresale purposes.I’veseenGPSkits whichwerenickedinthenight butdumpedwhenthemarking wasdiscovered.Makethemarks identifytheGPSkitasyours, suchasputtingapostcodeor farmname.

“Also,ifyouhavebeenavictim ofthistypeofcrimebefore,then I’durgeyoutobeextravigilant asthievesarewillingtotarget locationstheyalreadyknowand feelcomfortableoperatingin.”

ToprotectGPSsystemsfrom thieves,NFUMutualhas issuedfarmersthefollowing advice:

•ActivatePINsecurityonGPS kitwithyourownunique numberifavailable

•Ifyoursystemisnotpin enabled,markyourpostcode todeterthievesandtrace yourpropertybacktoyou

“Thereisnowherethattheywill notgo,andthesecriminalshave beentargetingagricultural machinerydealershipsaswellas farms.Itisincrediblyimportant peopleremoveGPSequipment fromtheirmachinesandstoreit elsewhere.

“Itmayseemimpractical,but GPSkitsarehardtoreplaceand ifstolen,willseverelyimpacta farm’sabilitytocarryoutvital fieldwork.

•Keeptractorsandcombines withGPSfittedstoredoutof sightwhenpossible

•RemoveGPSkitwhen possiblefromtractorsand othermachineryandstoreit securelywhennotinuse

•Recordserialnumbersand photographyourkit

•Checkserialnumbersof second-handkitofferedfor sale

UKcostofdogattacksupby50%sincepre-pandemic

Aspeopleprepareto flocktothe countrysidethis Easter,NFUMutual isurgingalldog ownerstokeep theirpetonaleadwherever livestockmaybenearby.

Thewarningfollowsthelatest figuresfromNFUMutualwhich showthecostofdogattackson livestockincreasedmorethan 50%between2019and2022.

Lastyeartheleadingrural insurerfoundUKfarmanimals worthanestimated£1.8million wereseverelyinjuredorkilledby dogscomparedto£1.2millionin pre-pandemic2019.

NFUMutualRuralAffairs SpecialistHannahBinns said:“TheEasterholidayssee manypeopleexploringtheGreat Britishcountryside,buttheymust remembertheseidyllicrural destinationsarekeytofarmers’ livelihoodsandarehometo millionsofsheepandnew-born lambs.

“Thisyear’slambingseasonis underwayacrosstheUK,soitis crucialalldogownersact responsiblybykeepingtheirdog onaleadinareaswhere livestockarenearby,especially nearvulnerablesheepand lambs.

“TheCovid-19pandemicsaw manypeopleowningdogsforthe firsttime,buttragicallythishas beenfollowedbyasharp increaseinthecostoflivestock attacks.

“Itishardforpeopletoimagine theirfriendlyfamilypetcould chase,injureorkillanother animal-butalldogsarecapable ofthis,regardlessofbreedor size.

“Evendogschasingsheepcan haveseriousconsequences. We’veheardreportsfrom farmerswheresheepandlambs havedrowned,suffocated,been runoverorchasedoffcliffedges becauseofout-of-controldogs.

“Evenifadogdoesnotmake contactwithasheep,thedistress andexhaustionfrombeing chasedcancauseapregnant ewetomiscarryordie.Itcan alsoseparateyounglambsfrom theirmothers,whichcanlead themtobecomeorphaned.

“Ifthereisanattack,itis importantpeopleaccept responsibilityandreportit,either tothepoliceoralocalfarmer,so thattheinjuredanimalsarenot leftsuffering.”

ThewarningcomesafterNFU Mutual’ssurvey*ofover1,100 dogownersfoundthatdespite 64%ofownersadmittingtheir dogschaseanimals,almosthalf (46%)believetheirdogwasnot capableofinjuringorkilling livestock.

Nearlytwothirdsofowners (64%)saytheylettheirdogroam off-leadinthecountryside.

However,almostfourinten (39%)admitthattheirpetsdonot alwayscomebackwhencalled.

InEngland,theMidlandswasthe worst-hitregionbycost,withdog attacksonlivestockcostingan estimated£313,000,followedby theSouthWest(£273,000).

Casestudy:

ForfifthgenerationfarmerIsobel Connell(NeeBowden), ‘devasting’dogattacksonsheep arehavingthebiggestimpacton herfamilyfarm’sbusiness,with newincidentsoccurringnearly everyweek.

Thefarm,situatedwithinthe AreaofOutstandingNatural Beauty(AONB)intheChiltern Hills,hasbeenplaguedwith livestockworryingincidentsfor years,buttheCovid-19 pandemicandriseindog ownershiphasseenmore frequentattacks.

Justlastweek,Isobeldiscovered threedeadewesinonefieldthat hadbeenchasedtoexhaustion overnightbyescaped unsuperviseddogs.

Thepostmortemrevealedall threesetsoflungswerefrothing fromoverexertionwherethey hadbeenchasedforsolongover thecourseofthenightuntilthey collapsedanddied,leaving behind6orphanlambs.

"Itwasheart-breakingtohearthe orphanedlambsbleatingnextto theirdeadmothers",Isobelsaid. Buttheworstattack,whichtook placeinApril2016,saw66 lambskilledand19ewesina singlefieldbytwoloose Labradorsonenight.

“WewalkedintoArmageddon thatday,andmyfatherandI werebothbrimmingwithtearsat thesightofdestructionbeforeus aswehadtogatherupwhatwe couldtogivethesurvivinginjured animalstreatmenttotryandsave them.Itwashorrificseeingso manysheepwithlimbstornoff,

somestillalive”shesaid.

“Itisgut-wrenchingtorearthese animalsfrombirthandfindthem savagelyinjuredandkilled,you cannotimaginetheneedless sufferingtheyhaveendured.

“Theworsefatalitiesseemtobe thosewherethedogsare unsupervisedandcankeep chasingandattackinguntilthey tirethemselvesout,soitis importantdogownersmakesure theirpetsaresecureathometo stopthesepreventableincidents fromhappening.”

Isobeladdsherfamilyhave campaignedforyearsfordog ownerstouseleads,fromputting upsignsinallfieldswarningthat sheeparegrazing,tosharing informationonsocialmediato localresidentgroupssothat peopleareawareandtheneed toputdogsonalead.

“Thereisonefieldinthe HughendenValleynear

Wycombethatwehavenever grazedthroughoutour10-year farmbusinesstenancythere becausewesimplycannotrisk oursheep’slivesbyputtingthem inthere.Wehavenicknamed anotherfield"DeathValley"as thereweresixseparateincidents inonejustday,”shesaid.

“Recentlywemovedsomesheep intothisfieldandwithin15 minutes,Igotaphonecallsaying therehadbeenanattackdueto adogbeingoffitsleadandthe ownercompletelyignoringour sevenA3signsaroundthefield statingthatsheepwereoutthere.

“Ican’tunderstandifpeoplelove theirdogssomuch,surely,they shouldwanttoprotectthemby simplyusingaleadandsecuring theirpropertiesatnight.Thisis suchasimpleactiontotakeand wouldsavenotonlythelivesof livestockbuttheirdogsaswell.”

Sheaddstheincidentshavealso hadahugefinancialtollonthe

business,costingthemafortune inveterinarianbillsandsignage whichpeople‘ripdown’.

Withmanydogownersplanning tovisitthecountrysideasthe weatherimprovesandatatime whensheepareattheirmost vulnerable,NFUMutualiscalling forthemto:

•Keepdogsonaleadwhen walkinginruralareaswhere livestockarekeptbutletgo oftheleadifchasedbycattle

•Beawarethatevensmall dogscancausethedistress, injuryanddeathoffarm animals

•Reportattacksbydogstothe policeorlocalfarmers

•Neverletdogsloose unsupervisedingardensnear livestockfields–many attacksarecausedbydogs whichescapeandattack sheepgrazingnearby

Duriteunveilnewcameratechnologyand onlineequipmentselectiontoolatITTHub

Durite,aleadingUK supplierofsafety camerasolutions forcommercial vehicles,are showcasingtheir latestrangeofAHD(analogue highdefinition)vehiclesafety productsandanew,online equipmentselectiontoolatthis year’sITTHubinFarnborough.

canbeseamlesslyintegratedto equipmentalreadyinplace, allowingfleetstoeasilyadaptto newbusinessneedsandtoreap thebenefitsofmorepowerful technology.Andforoperators seekingtobeFORSSilverandto complywithDVS,theFORS SilverS6safetyrequirementsare essentiallythesameastheTfL DVS‘SafeSystem’,meaningthat

HGV,rigid,van,waste,PSV, emergencyandconstruction,the DuriteKitSelectorprovidesa one-clickpathwayto“All-in-One” solutionsincludingsafe manoeuvring,incidentrecording andlivestreamfleet management.Thenewsafety sitealsoprovidesthelatest industrynews,regulatory changesandupdatesrelevantto mostcommercialvehicle transportfleets.

ThefullDuriterangeisnow availablein1080pFullHD offeringdriversandfleet operatorscrystal-clearimagery, theultimateinvisibilityand safety,andprovidingirrefutable digitalevidenceofallvehicle movementsandpotential incidents.Plus,Durite’svehicle camerasystemsnowintegrate withWebfleettelematics, meaningthatfleetmanagerscan remotelyaccesscamerafootage fromtheWebfleetportal.This includestheabilitytodownload firstnotificationofloss(FNOL) videos.

TheDuriteteamwillalsobe updatingoperatorsonthelatest detailsofLondon’sHGVDirect VisionStandard(DVS).Itis proposedthat,fromOctober 2024,thatallHGVsover12 tonnesmustbeminimum‘3star’ ratedorwillneedtoretrofita DVSProgressiveSafeSystemto theirvehiclestoenterand operateinGreaterLondon.

Durite’srangeofDVSCompliant SafeSystemsandUpgradekits

operatorscanupgradetheirfleet withaDuritesystemandcomply withbothstandards.

Tohelpoperatorsselectthe optimumDVSsystemandfor choosingallothervehiclesafety solutions,Durite’snewonline LogisticsandTransportOperator supportsystemfeaturesaunique interactive‘KitSelector’.This usesasimplestep-by-step processformanagerstoeasily selecttheoptimumequipmentfor improvedsafety,complianceand costreduction.

MarketingManager,Veronique Vanoliexplains:“Extensive customerfeedbacktoldusthat findingtherightsafetysolution forafleetisnotaneasytask, especiallywhenneedingto complywithregulationsor specificinsurancerequirements. So,wesetaboutdesigninga newandsimplifiedmethodfor fleetbuyers,managersand ownerstofindtheright equipmentfortheirindividual businessneeds.”

Listingarangeofvehicletypes:

JohnNobbs,Durite’sUKSales Manager,adds:“Withsomany optionsavailableonthemarket, thisuniqueequipmentselection toolaimstocutthroughthe challengesandpitfallswhichcan sometimesleadtomakingthe wrongequipmentchoice.Fleet andTransportManagersoften havebusyschedules,theDurite KitSelectorenablesthemtofind theperfectsolutionfortheir businessrightthereandthen.”

Durite,aFORSAssociate,has beensupplyingvehiclecameras formorethan20yearsandhas suppliedmorethan50,000 systemstooperatorsacrossthe UK.

ITTHubtakesplacefrom10th–11thMayattheFarnborough InternationalExhibition& ConferenceCentre.FindDurite atstand1225.Tobookaslotto speaktooneofourSafety experts,emailinfo@durite.co.uk. MoreaboutDurite’sleading safetyandcamerasolutions at:www.durite.co.uk

Areyoudoingeverythingyoucantoprevent machineryaccidentsonyourfarm?

Thorough Examinationsare keytoensuresafe equipment.

Machinery accidentshavelongbeenthe leadingcauseofdeathand seriousinjurywithinthe agriculturesector,withtheHSE’s mostrecentreportpaintingyet anotherdirepicture.

In2021/2022agriculturehadthe worstrateofworkerfatalinjury withtheannualaveragerateover thelastfiveyearsaround21 timesashighastheall-industry rate.Transportcausedmost deaths,e.g.,overturning vehiclesorbeingstruckby movingvehicles.

Ownerscanminimisethe riskofmechanicalfailureby ensuringthatequipmentis ingoodworkingorderand consistentlymaintained.

Keepupwithinspection schedules

Equipmentusedforlifting operations,suchastractors, telehandlersandforklifts legallyrequireregular ThoroughExaminations (LOLER).

ThoroughExaminations mustnotbeconfusedwith preventivemaintenanceor scheduledservices.A

CFTS-accreditedThorough Examinationmeetsthelegal requirementsunderLOLERand PUWERregulations,andwill guaranteethateveryaspectof thetruckhasbeenchecked,from theliftingequipmenttothe brakesandtyres.

“Equipmentownersworking withintheagricultureindustry mightmaintaintheirtrucksinhouse,butThorough Examinationscanonlybe conductedbyatrainedengineer thathasbeendeemeda

CompetentPerson,”saysGeoff Martin,ChairmanofCFTS,the industry’saccreditingbodyfor ThoroughExaminations.

“CFTS-accreditedengineers providein-depthThorough Examinationsusingspecialised documentationthatdetails specificcriteria.Thiswillensure thatthemachineisingood generalconditionandthatall componentsareworking correctly.”

Getyourtruckattachments checked

Anyliftingequipmentthatisused

wear,inspectdamage,and checkwearonplatesand warningsigns.

“Foraforkliftortelehandlerto remainlegallycompliantandsafe touse,permanentlymounted attachmentsmustbeincludedin theThoroughExaminationand checkedevery12months,butfor removableattachments,thelaw demandstheymustbechecked atleasttwiceayear.

“ThoroughExaminationswillgive youpeaceofmindthatyourtruck iscompliantwiththelaw,but importantly,thatitissafetouse.”

asaremovableattachmentona vehicle,suchasaplatform, safetycageorbalegrab,is requiredtohaveitsown ThoroughExamination.

“Itisevenmoreimportantto ensureyouarrangeregular ThoroughExaminationsifyou changetheattachmentsonyour truck,”addsGeoffMartin.“For example,aThorough Examinationofanattachment willassessthesecurityof mounts,testwinchandchain brakes,checkchainandsling

CFTShasawide-reaching networkofaccreditedThorough Examinationproviders,withover 750depotsaroundtheUK.

Formoreinformationon

ThoroughExaminationswithin theagriculturesectorvisitwww. thoroughexamination.org/aboutthorough-examination/agriculture orcall01344623800.

Findyournearestproviderat www.thoroughexamination.org/ find-an-accredited-examiner

Stabilitybringsreassurancetoseasonal-calvingherds

Withthespringbreedingseasonwell andtrulyuponus,producersusing grazingbasedsystemswillfinda reassuringconsistencyamongstbulls rankedonSpringCalvingIndex (£SCI),publishedtoday(4April)by AHDB.

ProgenesisWimbledonremainsinnumberone position,hislowermilkvolumeandhigh components,combinedwithaveryhighdaughter FertilityIndexandshorterthanaveragegestation lengths,contributetohisSCIof£588.

ThisHolsteinbull’sgeneticperformanceonthis across-breedranking,standsjustaheadofsecond placedDenovoInvictus(SCI£552).With427UK milkingdaughterscontributingtohishigh-quality milkindex,Invictusalsobreedssmallersized daughterswhichwillimprovemaintenancefeed costs.

NewZealand-bredDiggsHardcopyholdsontothird positionwithexcellentfatandproteinpercentages andhighfertilityallcontributingtohisSCIof£550.

Anewentrantinfourthpositionistheleading Holstein£PLIsire,GenosourceCaptain(SCI£546), whowilltransmitmoreproductionthanthetypical bullatthetopofthe£SCIlist.

TheJerseybull,VJGroenbjergLoboLobster movesupintofifth(SCI£537)transmittingthehigh milkcomponentsandsmallerbodysizetypicalof theJerseybreed,combinedwithhighdaughter lifespan.

VJHoeholtJernJames–anotherJerseywithhigh

milkqualitytraits–movesupfrom20thpositionto nowranksixth(SCI£535),whilethenextthree placesareheldbysireswhichpreviouslyrankedin the£SCItop10.FirstistheHolsteinbredPine-Tree CWLegacy,withexcellentudderhealth characteristics;andnextaretheDanishJerseys,VJ Zummit(SCI£525)andVJRavninggaardHuus Hamlet(SCI£520).Zummittransmitsslightlyhigher yieldswithmorefavourablemaintenance,whereas Hamletdisplayshigherfertilityandlifespantraits. Roundingoffthetop10istheHolstein,Denovo 7921Atrium(SCI£519),withhighmilksolidsand goodudderhealth.

£ACI

Producerscalvinginanautumnblockmayalsolook totheversatilesire,GenosourceCaptain,who takestheleadinthe£ACIrankingwithanACIof £708,havinggraduatedfromthegenomiclist.

ProgenesisWimbledonmovesupintosecond(ACI £677),andlasttime’snumberone,Pine-TreeCW Legacyranksthird(ACI£661).

DenovoInvictus(ACI£645)makessignificantgains onaddingUKdaughters,movinguptofourth positionaheadofAardemaPistolero(ACI£641).

Threefamiliarbulls–WestcoastGuarantee,FB 326856MedleyBaynesandBomazMonument-P–allweighinwith£ACIsof£631inequalsixth position.

Cellcountimprover,WestcoastRiver,ranksninth, aheadofBomazComplex,bringinguptherearin 10thposition.

Threenewnumberonebulls amongstnon-Holsteinbreeds

Eachofthemain non-Holstein breedshasanew leaderintheApril geneticevaluations, publishedby AHDB.

£380),withacombinationof goodmilksolids(0.14%fatand 0.12%protein),udderhealth (SCC-17),FertilityIndex(7.3) andMaintenance.

BritishFriesian

Venom’sgoodperformance edgesVRVilanointosecond position,withanindexfeaturing longlifespans(+95days)and shortergestations(-3).HisPLIis £431.

Jersey

ThenumberoneJersey,JX RiverValleyChief{6},hasedged thelong-termbreedleaderinto secondplace,withaProfitable LifetimeIndexof£425.Hesteals amarchonhisstablemate,most notablyforhisPredicted TransmittingAbilityforfat,ata breedrecord36.9kg.Combined with834kgmilkand26kgprotein, Chiefalsoachievesafavourable maintenancerating,at-14.The JXprefixtohisnameindicates hehasatleastoneancestorof anotherbreedwithinsix generationsofhispedigree,in Chief’scasegenerationsix. Droppingtosecondplaceis RiverValleyCeceChrome(PLI £420),whomaintainshis transmissionofexceptionally highproduction,nowwith565 UKdaughterscontributingtohis PTAs.Chromealsofeatures reductionsinsomaticcellcount, atSCC-11.

Movingupwardsandintothird positionisPrimusCrazeStarlord, whosehighlifespancredentials (LS+128days)helpearnhima PLIof£405.

ThenexttwoDanishJerseys havehighermilkcomponents thanthetopthreeNorth Americans,beginningwithVJ HoeholtJernJames,ranked fourth(PLI£403).With+0.23% fatand+0.15%protein,and impressivereductionsincell count(-18SCC),thisbullalso transmitsgooddaughterfertility, withaFertilityIndexof5.9.

Roundingoffthetopfiveis DanishVJAarreLappeLari(PLI

IntheBritishFriesianrankings, ManorparkGoogletakesoverthe lead,withaPLIof£370.Google transmitshighweightsofmilk solids(22.6kgfatand19.1kg protein),andshortergestations, atthreedayslessthanbreed average.

InchPersistentdropsdownone place,withaPLIof£364, maintaininghighfat%(+0.17), gooddaughterlifespans(+134 days)andthehighestTypeMerit intherankings(+2.27).

Thethird-rankingbull,Inch Hearty(PLI£285)boaststhe highestdaughterFertilityIndexof thetopfivesires(5.9),whilealso transmittinggoodprotein (+0.12%)andlonglifespans,at 128dayslongerthanbreed average.

Fourthplaceistakenbyyet anotherfromthesameherd–InchBennyRed.WithaPLIof £268,thisbullhasavery favourableMaintenanceindex(27),shortergestations(-3)and strongcalfsurvival(CS+5.3).

RatingevenhigherforCalf SurvivalisCatlaneCromwell, rankedfifth.HecombinesaCS of+5.8withgoodudderhealth(6SCC),contributingtoaPLIof £257.

Ayrshire

AmongsttheAyrshirebreed,a bigjumpin£PLIseesVRVenom headthetableforthefirsttime, withaPLIof£485.Venom transmitsoutstandingdaughter fertility(FI16.1),aswellassolid production(304kgmilk)anda good(-10)indexforSCC.

Anotherbigclimberisthird placedVRVikingViljarVario(PLI £399),whotransmitsgreatudder health(-17SCC,-2Mastitis)and goodfertility(+10.4).

Earlymilkingdaughter informationpropelstheUK-bred TroutbeckProgressintoacloserunfourthplace(PLI£398),his PTAsfeaturingextreme production(853kgmilk,35.3kg fatand28.1kgprotein)andhigh type(1.7TM).

VRViljarVilperiroundsoffthe breed’stopfive,hishighmilk components(+0.20%fat,+0.13% protein),greatSCC(-19)and impressivedaughterfertility (+15.7)contributingtohisPLIof £378.

“It’simportantthatbreedersdon’t compareonebreedwithanother onthesebreed-specificlistsas theyareallexpressedagainst theirownbreedaverage,or geneticbase,”saysMarco Winters,headofanimalgenetics forAHDB.

Forthoseusingamixtureof breeds,hesaysit’slikelytobe bettertouseanacross-breed index,suchastheSpringor AutumnCalvingIndex.

Otherbreeds

Otherdairybreedindexesare publishedonline(https://ahdb. org.uk/knowledge-library/dairybreeding-and-genetics),where theMontbéliarde,BrownSwiss, Guernsey,Shorthornand Fleckviehareallrepresented.

Captainsteersacoursetotopofdaughter-provenlist

Theappearanceof Genosource Captainatthetop oftherankingfor daughter-proven Holsteinsiresoffers aresoundingendorsementto thosewhoputtheirfaithinthis bullinhisearlyyears.Captain featuredasaleadingyoungsire insuccessivegeneticevaluations basedonhisDNAalone,and nowcomesthroughwitha convincingleadashisdaughters comeintomilk.

Theearliestdaughters contributingtothesefiguresare milkingintheUSA,butUK heiferswillshortlyjointheir numbers,increasingthereliability ofhisProfitableLifetimeIndex (£PLI)overthemonthsahead.

Inthismonth’sevaluations, publishedtoday(4April)by AHDB,Captaingainsa convincinglead,withaPLIof £888.Hisbreedingpattern demonstratesstrongproduction, goodfeedefficiency(Feed Advantage249)andahigh EnviroCowindex(4.5),whilehis TypeMeritincreasesto1.93as daughtersstarttobeclassified.

Makingsignificantgains,and climbingintosecondpositionis Denovo14566Crosby,whose 518UKmilkingdaughters contributetohisPLIof£719. Notableinhisindexisexcellent CalfSurvivalat+4.8.

HoldingthirdplaceisPine-Tree CWLegacy,whosePLIis£716.

AnoutstandingdaughterFertility Indexof+13.7,extremeudder health(-4Mastitis)andlong lifespans(+171days)give Crosbyoneofthehighest HealthyCowindexesofthe breed,at£323.

InequalfourthplacewithaPLIof £712areSilverridgeVEinstein andBomazMonumentP,the formerbeingthehigher productionbullofthetwowith PredictedTransmittingAbilities (PTAs)of722kgmilkand30.4kg protein.Hecombinesthiswith goodudderhealth(-24SCC).

Monumentfaresbetterontraits suchasCalfSurvival(+3.3)and Lifespan(+128days).

Denovo7899Archerisanother bigclimber,claimingsixth position,andnowwithover550 UKmilkingdaughters demonstratinghishigh productioncredentialsand earninghimaPLIof£709.

CloseonhisheelsisProgenesis Wimbledon(PLI£708)who combinesveryhighmilksolids (+0.38%fatand+0.25%protein) withthehighestdaughterFertility Indexofthetop10,at+15.3.

Anewcomertotheprovenlistin eighthpositionisBlumenfeld RenegadAhead,whoweighsin withaPLIof£699,andalso transmitslongerlifespans(+153 days)andbetterdaughterfertility (+10.5)thanaverageforthe Holsteinbreed.

AardemaPistoleroremainsin ninthpositionwithaPLIof£698, androundingoffthetop10are equalplacedWestcoastAlcove andDenovo14744Ginetta,both withaPLIof£697.Alcoveisa

specialistproductiontransmitter withPTAsof1122kgmilk,51.2kg fatand39.6kgprotein.Some759 UKmilkingdaughterscontribute tothesefigures,alsoearninghim astrongTBAdvantageof+3.4. Ginettashowsabalancedproof combiningsolidproductionand health.

“Aswe’vecometoexpect,some ofthebighittersfromthe genomicrankingsnowappearin thedaughter-provenfigures,and GenosourceCaptainprovidesa convincingexampleofhow milkingdaughterscanliveupto genomicpredictions,”says MarcoWinters,headofanimal geneticsfromAHDB.

“UKfarmershavedemonstrated greatconfidenceinusing genomicindexesoverthepast 10ormoreyears,andthistype ofconsistencyinperformance helpsvindicatetheirdecisionsto putfaithinthisDNA-based technology,”hesays.

Forthecompletelistofavailable bulls,pleasevisittheAHDB website.

MoreefficientyoungHolstein siresonoffertoUKproducers

Theyoungsire,Wilra SSIFaneca

Ebersol,whomade hisdebutonthe genomicsires rankinglast December,retainshisnumber onepositionatthetopofthenew ProfitableLifetimeIndex(£PLI) ranking,publishedtoday(4April) byAHDB.

Despitethebasechange,which nowoccurseachyearwiththe Aprilgeneticevaluationsandhas pulledyoungsirefiguresdown thismonthby£45PLI,thissonof BadgerSSILuciaFanecastill earnsanimpressivePLIof£945. Thisisachievedthroughhigh PredictedTransmittingAbilities (PTAs)forfat(50.3kg,+0.26%), aswellassuperbudderhealth(3Mastitis,-29SomaticCell Count)andahighdaughter FertilityIndex(FI)of+10.6.

Movinguptosecondpositionis DGPeace(PLI£898),asonof GenosourceCaptainwholeads thedaughter-provensire rankings,alsopublishedby AHDBtoday.Peacetransmits exceptionalprotein(38.6kg)and highFeedAdvantage,which helpshimachievetheHolstein breed’shighestscorefor EnviroCow.Thismakeshim attractiveintoday’seconomic andenvironmentalclimatewhere producingmoremilkfromless feedbecomesevermore important.

Anewentrantinthirdplaceis PeakAltaKalon,whosehigh proteinpercent(+0.14%),solid daughterfertility(FI+10.9)and shorterthanaveragegestation length(-3)areamongsthis distinguishingfeatures.They helpearnhimaPLIof£891.

Denovo17835Lennon-Pranks fourth,withverygoodCalf Survival(+2.5)andhighdaughter Lifespan,at159dayslongerthan average.Thesefigurescombine withgoodLamenessAdvantage toearnhimahighHealthyCow indexof£276andaPLIof£887.

Thenextthreeplacesaretaken bynewentrantssincethe Decemberreleaseintheshape ofPeakAltaMorpheus,Denovo 2776LeedsandPeak Powerhouse.AltaMorpheus(PLI £883)hassuperbudderhealth(3Mastitis)andthehighest lifespan(+177days)ofthetop 20youngbulls,alsoearninghim thehighestHealthyCowinthe toprankings.

Thoselookingtoinjectaflushof milkintotheircowswillfind outstandingproduction(1278kg) inLeeds(PLI£879),whereas PowerHouseisthehighest proteintransmitterofthebreed, at42.6kg.HisPLIis£877.

Movingupintoeighthplaceis PeakAltaSeverus(PLI£875) withthebestdaughterfertility(FI +14.3)oftheleadingbulls.

NinthrankingDGSpacehasthe highestCalfSurvival(+2.8)ofthe breedandgainsaPLIof£872.

Roundingoffthetop10is WinstarMaseratiP,whose strongfattransmission(53.5kg and+0.30%)helpsearnhima PLIof£871.

Othernewentrantsinthetop20 areGenosourceIllusion(PLI £862)whosebreed-leading productiontraitsincludea massive1308kgmilkand96.9kg fatandproteincombined,and BomazPristine(£854PLI) notableforhighfatcomponents (+0.35%)andlongdaughter lifespans,at+156days.

“Daughterfertility,healthand lifespangofromstrengthto strengthamongtheyoung genomicsiresandproducers whochoosetousethemare increasinglyabletobenefitfrom moreeasilymanagedcattleas thebenefitsaccumulateoverthe generations,”saysMarco Winters,headofanimalgenetics forAHDB.“It’sworthareminder thatchoosingsuitablesiresis probablythemostcost-effective wayofimprovingthe performanceofafarming business,asgeneticgainsmade intraitssuchasdaughterfertility, healthandlifespanareachieved atvirtuallynoextracost.

“Thebusinessbenefitiseven morecompellingasthegenetics offeedefficiencycomeintoplay asthishasthescopetoreduce theneedforcostlyfeedinputs too,”hesays.

Forthecompletelistofavailable bulls,pleasevisittheAHDB website.

Elancoconfirmscontinued investmentinRAMAs

ElancoAnimal Healthhas confirmedits commitmentto helpingtrainand upskillRegisteredAnimal MedicinesAdvisors(RAMAs) afterrevealingitistraining morethan200newadvisers everyyear.

Thecompany’sbusiness developmentmanager, Leah Speirs,saysitsongoing partnershipwiththeAnimal MedicinesTrainingRegulatory Authority(AMTRA)–which overseesRAMAtraining–is partofitsvisiontoimprovethe agriculturalindustryand ensurefarmanimalmedicines areusedcorrectly.

“Weoutlinetheexpectations fortheirresponsibilitiesasan industryadviserandtalkto themabouthowimportant theirjobis,becausetheycan haveasignificantimpacton whathappenson-farm.”

ShesaysElancoprovides eachtraineeRAMAwith40 hoursofface-to-facetraining, aswellasaccesstothe StudentRAMAKnowledge HubonElanco’swebsite–a resourcefeaturingvideos, pastpapers,quizzes,and linkstoindustrysourcesof information.

“Wehaveavisionforthe futurewherefarmershave trustinRAMAscometosee themandhaveconversations withthem,similartoonesthey wouldhavewiththeirvets” saysMsSpeirs.

“Theseconversationscould involvehelpingthefarmer carryingoutappropriate testing,forexamplefaecalegg counts(FEC)tomonitorworm burdens.Theresultsofthese wouldinformbothRAMAand farmeroftheneedtotreat, andifso,endinthefarmer gettingtherightproductforthe rightconditionattheright time.”

Sheadds:“Wewantall medicinestobeused correctly,fortheindustryto succeed,andcontinuetobe productivewithhighwelfare.

toRAMAsnotonlyfocuseson explainingwhenitis appropriatetoprescribe certainmedicines,butalso diseasemanagement strategiesandgeneralissues affectingfarmers.

“Thetrainingalsofocuseson communicationandhow RAMAscanspeaktofarmers andmanageexpectations,” addsMsSpeirs.

“Sometimesfarmerswillcome inandaskfortheproductthey usedlasttime,butthatmight notbetherightproductfor theiranimals–weoffer trainingtohelpRAMAs understandhowtohavethese conversations.”

BeyondqualifyingasRAMAs, MsSpeirssaysElanco continuestoofferadvisers supportthroughseasonal updates,events,andfurther trainingsessions.

“Asacompany,we’revery proactiveattryingtohelp RAMAsgaintherespectand recognitionthattheydeserve fortheircapabilities–wewant farmerstousethem,”addsMs Speirs.

Formoreinformation,orto accesstheMyElancoRAMA Hub,pleasevisithttps://www. myelanco.co.uk/cpd/rama/hub

“Elancoprovidesallthe trainingforRAMAs,”explains MsSpeirs.

“Ifwehaveahostofreally goodRAMAs,wecanachieve this.”

Shesaysthetrainingprovided

ProfessorMattBell, Hartpury University’sDirector ofAgriculture,has createda‘breeding index’toselect dairycowsbasedontraitsthat arekeytoenhancing sustainabilitysuchasmilk production,health,fertilityand lifespan.TheHartpuryHerd Indexcanbereplicatedonany dairyherdtoselectandbreed cowsthatarebestsuitedtotheir farmconditions.

carbonoutputspercowaswell asselectingcowsthatarebest suitedtoitsfarmconditions.This inturnensurescowslivea healthier,longerlife.Byselecting moresustainablecows,itis hopedthatthecarbonemissions fromeachcowcanbereduced by10%ormoreifwearemore selective.

“Weestimatethataround80%of ourcowsaresustainableunder ourindexterms,sowe’dbe lookingatultimatelyreplacingthe

Matthascreatedgivesmethe abilitytopinpointindividualcows withintheherdandevaluate themonanindividualbasis ratherthanasacollective. Historically,farmersmayhave bredashow-standardcowbut whenyoulookatherfigures,she maynotbethebestcowwithin theherd.

“Theindexenablesmetoselect themostsuitableheiferstobring intotheherd,meaningwecan continuetostrengthentheherd eachyearand makeitmore sustainable.Italso meansourcows livelongerand producemore calvesbeforethey retire.”

Theaimofthe studywasto identifysustainable milkingcowsand herdreplacements withinHome Farm’scommercial dairyherdof220 Holstein-Friesians andasmallherdof Guernseycattle, usingacustomised profitandcarbon totalmeritindex.

TalkingtoBBCRadio

Gloucestershire,Matt explained“Aspartofourjourney tonetzero,we’retryingto identifycowsthataremore sustainableforHartpury’sfarm conditions,sowedevelopedour ownHartpuryherdindexto selectcowsthatarenotonly productiveovertheirlifespanbut alsohavelowercarbon emissions.”

Thestudyusedinformationfrom thegeneticbackgroundofcows toformulatetheindexbasedon individualcowprofitabilityand carbonfootprint.Hartpurycarries outcarbonfootprintingacross theentirefarmandcanuse thesefigurestoestimatethe

other20%withyoungeranimals thataremoresustainableforthe futurebasedonourselection index.”

Thestudyhasalreadyhadan impactwiththefarm’syounger cowsalreadyshowingareduced carbonfootprint.

“Otherfarmscouldproducetheir ownherdindextobecomemore targetedinidentifyingand selectingcowsthataresuitedto theirfarmssohopefullywe’ve beenabletodemonstratehow thisisdoneandtheimpactitcan have,”Mattadded.

BryanCarter,HerdManagerat Hartpurysaid:“Usingtheindex

SetwithintheHartpurycampus, HomeFarmisnotonlya commercialfarmbutisalsoa teachingfarmforstudents studyingcollegediplomasaswell asarange ofundergraduateandpostgradua tedegrees.With100%of agricultureundergraduatesin employment,furtherstudyor otherpurposefulactivity (GraduateOutcomes2022),an agriculturalqualificationfrom Hartpuryisagreatwaytofurther developskillsandexpertisefora careerinthisexcitingand increasinglytechnological industry.

Hartpurypioneersbreedingmore‘sustainable’ cowsasthefutureforthedairyindustry

4performancemineralstooptimizecalving

Microandmacro nutrientlevelsinthe dryperiodhavea directimpacton calvingandpostpartum performanceindairyandsuckler herds

Beefanddairyproducers prioritisingkeymacroand micronutrientsintheweeks leadinguptocalvingwillbenefit inboththecalvingandpostcalvingperiod,saysDrAlison Bond,nutritionistforRumenco.

“Mineralssuchasiodine,copper, seleniumandmagnesiumare

essentialfornormalphysiological functioningandarerequiredin increasedamountsforoptimal growth,immunityandfertility,” explainsDrBond.

CalverMaxx,Rumenco’snewest additiontotheMaxxrangeof products,hasbeenspecially formulatedfortheperiodonthe approachtocalvingandincludes highlevelsofessentialminerals, vitaminsandtraceelementsto optimisecowandcalf performanceduringthisperiod.

“Deliveringacompleterangeof minerals,vitaminsandtrace elements,CalverMaxxisa

palatable,high-sugarproduct thatprovidesareadilyavailable sourceofenergytosupportcalf development,colostrum productionandfuturecow fertility,”saysDrBond.

Below,sheoutlinesfourkey elementsfoundinCalverMaxx andtheroletheyplayatcalving.

1.Magnesium

Requiredforallmajormetabolic pathwaysincludingmuscle contraction,nervesignallingand boneformation,magnesiumis themostimportantmacromineral forpre-calvingcowsandheifers. At8%magnesium, CalverMaxxhelpsmeet requirementontheapproach tocalving.

“Supplementationforboth springandautumncalversis essentialbecauseofthelow levelsofmagnesiuminthe grassduringthosetimes, whilealsosupportingmuscle contractionforthecalving process,”explainsDrBond. “Furthermore,cattledonot storemagnesiumwellinthe bodyandtherefore supplementationneedstobe provideddaily,meaninga free-accesssupplementsuch asCalverMaxxisideal”

Whenfedathigherinclusion rates,magnesiumonthe approachtocalvingalso aidesinthemobilisation mechanismsofcalcium reserves.Thisisan importantprocesstohelp preventmilkfeverinthe periodimmediatelypostcalving.

2.Selenium

Seleniumistransferred readilyacrosstheplacenta andthereforefeedinggood levelstothecowonthe approachtocalvingwill ensurethecalfalsohas goodlevelsatbirth. Seleniumplaysanimportant roleintriggeringthe breakdownofbrownadipose

tissueinthenewborncalf thereforesupportingcalfvigour, ensuringtheystandandsuckle quicklyandhelpingtoprevent hypothermia.Throughitsroleas anantioxidant,seleniumis thereforeimportantforthe immuneresponsehelpingto reduceinflammationand enhanceimmunity.

CalverMaxxcontainsdual seleniumsourcesandispaired withagoodlevelofvitaminEat 3,000IU/kg.Ataminimum,precalvingmineralsupplements shouldcontainatleast2,000 IU/kgofvitaminE.

“SeleniumandvitaminEworkin conjunctionasnatural antioxidants,protectingtissues fromoxidativestressandthe breakdownofcellmembranes,” saysDrBond.“Theantioxidant actionsofseleniumandvitamin Eareimportantfortheimmune response,particularlywhiteblood cellfunction,andthereforehelp toreduceinflammationand maintaindiseaseresistance throughouttheperiparturient period.”

3.Iodine

Tosynthesisethyroidhormones forcontrolofenergymetabolism andmetabolicrate,pre-calving cowsrequireiodine.Withan

inclusionof300mg/kg, CalverMaxxdelivershighlevels ofiodine,whichisespecially importantforcattleconsuming brassicasandlegumes. Compoundsintheseforages blockutilisationofdietaryiodine, requiringhigherlevelsof supplementation.

“Regardlessofdiet,allprecalvingcattlerequireiodine supplementationsinceitisnot storedinthebody.Therefore,a continuoussupplyfromthedietis requiredforthenormal productionofthethyroid hormones,”saysDrBond.

4.Copper

Arecentsurveyfound50%ofUK grazingbeefcattletobedeficient incopper,leavingthem vulnerabletopoorgrowthrates, infertilityandlowimmunity.

“Especiallyinthefinalthree weeksbeforecalving,wesee copperrequirementsincrease significantly.Thistraceelement isessentialformultipledifferent enzymesystemsinthebody includingthoseinvolvedin energymetabolism,connective tissuedevelopmentand antioxidantsystems,”explainsDr Bond.

Copperisalsoamajor

contributortothedevelopmentof uterinetissue,withdeficiency leadingtoadelayreturnto oestrusandreduceconception rates,subsequentlyextending thecalvingintervalandreducing herdprofitability.

CalverMaxxcontains1,200 mg/kgofcopperfromvarying sources,includingprotected copper.Coppercanbelockedup bythebodyandunavailablefor utilsationwhenprimarilyforage dietscontainhighlevelsof molybdenum,ironandsulphur. Havingmultiplecoppersources helpsmitigatelockupissuesand improvetheavailabilityofcopper inthedigestivetractforthecow toabsorbandutilise.

Importanceofpre-calving nutrition

AccordingtoDrBond,theprecalvingperiodcanbeconsidered themostcriticalperiodinacow’s productioncycle.

“Nutrientrequirementsarehigh intherun-uptocalving,with mostherdsrequiring supplementationofessential macroandmicronutrients,”she concludes.“Amulti-purpose productlikeCalverMaxxwill deliverkeyperformanceminerals atgoodlevelstooptimiseboth cowandcalfperformance.”

Breedingforfeed-efficientdairycows

ThelargestUKstudy ofitskindaimsto enhancebreeding forfeedefficient dairycows.

Feedaccountsforaroundhalfof theoperatingcostsindairy productionandimprovingfeed efficiency,withoutsacrificingmilk productionoranimalhealth, couldsavetheindustrymillions ofpoundsayear.

Theresearchproject,ledby BingjieLiatScotland'sRural College(SRUC),couldalso mitigatemethaneemissionsfrom cattle,contributingtothereduced environmentalfootprintofthe

dairypopulation.

Basedonnewlygenerateddata andthe50-yearlongitudinal databaseatSRUC'sDairy ResearchCentre,itwilluse innovativemethodstoprovide novelandcomprehensive knowledgeofgenomicand regulatoryvariantsunderlying feedefficiency,informinglargescalegeneticimprovementof dairycattle.

Bingjie,anSRUCChallenge ResearchFellow,said:"Thisis thelargestpopulation-levelstudy ofitskindintheUKondairyfeed efficiency,andwillempower sustainabledairybreedingfor

feedefficientand environmentallyfriendlyanimals.

"Thedairyindustryisworthabout £703bngloballyand£9.2bnin theUK.Researchoutcomefrom thisprojecthasthepotentialto deliveratleast1percentextra geneticprogressforUKdairy industry,worthmillionsofpounds peryearfortheUKdairyindustry andnotifyingdairybreeding worldwide."

Thethree-yearprojectisfunded bytheBiotechnologyand BiologicalSciencesResearch Council(BBSRC)Responsive Mode-NewInvestigatorAward.

Liveseys'line-upleadsHereford springsaleat12,000gns

AttheHereford CattleSociety's springshowand saleat

Shrewsbury,atop callof12,000gnswasheard forOctober2021-born Normanton1Whiskeyfrom TDandWTLiveseyhaving alreadystoodreservegrand maleandjuniormale championinthepre-saleshow beforesellingtoPauland VickyMoyle,Newport,Gwent tojointheirPortonHouse herd.

ByDendor1RoscoP. Coltrane,asonofthe2017 RoyalWelshShowchampion Bakgard1Keno1178,itisout ofNormanton1Fistulina 25thS192,adaughterof Normanton1Laerteswhich stoodinterbreedchampionat theRoyalWelshandRoyal HighlandShowin2016.This saleleaderwasoneofsix bullsforwardfromthe Liveseys'stablewhichsoldto anaverageof£5,195.

Acrosstheboard,38bulls averaged£4,302.24,having clearedat91percentwitha seeminglystrongerappetite forjuniorbulls.

Nextinthemoneyhaving alreadystoodinthereserve spottotheNormantonbullin thejuniormalechampionship wasHavenfield1Wilffrom homeofthebreed,ELLewis andson,Dilwyn, Herefordshire.At15months old,itchangedhandstoLand LBowen,Nelson,Glamorgan tojointheBowenduherd.A Solpoll1Dynamiteson,itis outofDendor1Ruby20th, fromoneofthemostwellknownfemalelinesinthe breedatpresent,having alreadyproducedheifersto 7,800gnsand5,800gns,sold attheherd'sbicentenarysale lastsummer.

Notfarbehindat7,000gns wasJuly2021-bornAuckvale 1Winchester2133WfromW andRKempandsons,

BishopsAuckland,Co

Durham,paidforbyWShaw ofWelburnHerefords,Kirby Moorside,NorthYorkshire. SiredbyAuckvale1

Ramesses1711R,itisoutof Auckvale1Beth1796R,a Canadianembryoimport, flushedfromCBB4RIggy 511CwhichtheKempsowna shareofinCanada.Earlier thatday,itstoodreserve grandmalechampioninthe pre-saleshow.

Rempstone1WaspyfromM Ludgate,Thame,Oxfordshire soldat5,800gnsfindinga homewithanotherpedigree purchaser,thistimeSCand GLHartwright,Abingdon, Oxfordshiretojointhe2022 showherdoftheyear, SpartanHerefords.Oneofthe youngestanimalsforwardat 14monthsold,itisbyDendor 1Nairobi,the2018National PollShowsupremechampion, whileitsgranddamBlakesley 1Kimberelystoodreserve championatthesameshow

twice.

Atthesamemoneywas anotherNormantonoffering, thistimeAugust-2021born Normanton1Willywonka whichtravelstoNorthern IrelandtoAIServicesNI, basedinCoAntrim.Outofa home-breddam,itisanAIson oftheAUS$95,000 MinlacowieJubilantJ123 whichwasbeefinterbreed championatthe2016Sydney RoyalEasterShow.

Borninthesameweek, stablemateNormanton1 WoodvilleW471wasnext throughthering,realising 5,400gnsandtravellingto DerbyshirewithAtkinBros, BarrowonTrent,Derbyshire. ByAlvian1Emperor,itisout ofanotherhome-bredfemale, thistimeNormanton1Blue Button5th.

At5,200gnswasJanuary 2022-bornMidford1 WhistlejacketfromWillAwan, Midford,BathsellingtoJR,JK andRJPike,Bromham, Wiltshireandjoinsthe Bromhamherd.

February2021-born

Pepperstock1Vanquishfrom SpeirsFarms,Lutonwas purchasedbyRobertSnelling, LongMeadow,Berkshireat

5,000gnstojointhe Sarabandeherd.Atthesame moneywasFisher1Valiant V542fromRJHutchings, SouthMundham,WSussex, paidforbyStratfieldSaye Farms,Hampshire.

Thefemalesectionsaw21 femalesaverage£3,400.The tradewasledbystrengthand staturewithOctober2021bornGrifford1TrueLushfrom NickGriffths,Bickford, Staffordshiregenerating 8,000gns,sellingtoJimmy Hodge,Berwick-upon-Tweed andjoinstheFellowhillsherd. ByIrishsireGouldingpoll1 Stockman,itisoutof Greenyards1TrueloveM314 whichNickpurchasedin partnershipwithSkyHigh Herefordsfor10,200gnsat fiveyearsofagebackin January2020.

Followingitsmaternalsister throughtheringwas December2021-bornGrifford 1TrueBreakerandwas securedbythesamebuyerat 5,500gns.Thisheiferisby Romany1LawbreakerRE L23andwasthenatural daughteroutofthetwo sisters,havingalsowonared ticketinthemorning'sshow.

PortonHouse1Duchess2nd fromPaulandVickyMoyle

soldfor4,300gnstoatopcall fromBethanHutchinson, Greatham,CountyDurham andjoinstheBethanfieldherd. ByDendor1Sherlock,itisout ofGouldingpoll1Duchess978 fromanotherrenownedcow family.Thehighestpriced juniorheiferontheday,the breedershaveperformed consistentlyinthissectionin recenttimes.

Grandfemalechampion, Moralee1KylieKS268fromT andDHarrison,Mickley, Northumberlandsoldfor 4,100gnstoCCoddandR Lewis,Haverfordwest, PembrokeshireofFurzy Herefords.Bythe2019sireof theyearSMHKingSize87K, itisoutofMoralee'soriginal Kyliefemale,bredfromthe RomanyIshbelline.

Aconsignmentofthreeheifers fromBalfron-basedGeorge andSophieHarveypeakedat 3,300gnsforHarveybros1 CrocusVanilla,securedbyH Davies,Anglesey,having reservegrandmalechampion inthepre-saleshow.

DorsetHornandPollSheepAssociation’sNationalShow2023

TheDorsetHornand PollDorsetSheep Association’s NationalShowhas fastbecomea successanddrawn breedersfromacrossthecountry sinceitscalendardebut–and thisyearwillbenodifferent.

TakingplaceonThursday1June 2023,theNationalShowwillbe hostedbytheRoyalBath&West ShowinSheptonMallet, Somerset.Associationmembers willbehighspiritsinthesheep linesandthering,witha catalogueoftopquality competitionandsocial engagement.

Tappingouttheverybestofthe daywillbetheAssociation’s formerPresident,RogerElliott. Hehasfivedecadesofsheep judgingexperienceand35years ofrunningpedigreeDorsetHorn andPollDorsetsheeponhis homefarmnearDaventry. Supplyingprimelambstothe localmarketandthefamily’s130 year-oldbutchery,he understandsthebreednotonly asashowanimal,butasa valuable,commercialbreed.

Broad,longandstraight,with formidablemusclecoverage,the DorsetHornandPollDorsetare

anadaptableandversatilebreed, saysMrElliott.“Formany breeders,lambswillbeproduced andrearedformeat,andthat influenceswhatIwanttosee. Theyneedtobewellturnedout, andstraightandsquare.Iwantto seeeasyfleshing-butnot overfat–andtheyneedtohave somethingaboutthem.”

Theshearlingclassesareoften aneye-catcherforMrElliot.“I liketheseclassesbecausethe stockhavedevelopedandgrown -you’reseeingwhatthey’ve grownintoandtheirreal potential.”

Healsoconsidersthebreed’s placeintoday’smarket.“They areverycapableofmilkingand growingoffofgrass,”hesays. “Withthecurrentcostoffeed, relianceonconcentratesmakes foraveryexpensiveoperation–youwanttobeabletoproducea fatlambwithout,orwithaslittle concentrateaspossible.”

Thebreedsocietyaddedthe NationalShowtothecalendar fouryearsago,topromotethe DorsetHornandPollDorsetas theincrediblyversatilebreeditis, saysAssociationchair,TimPratt.

Runningavegetablefarmwith DorsetsheepinSuffolk,MrPratt complimentsthebreedonits

traits–likeall-year-round lambing–anditsabilitytofit withinamultitudeoffarm systems,includingintegrated livestockonarable,horticultural, andregenerativeoperations.

“Onourfarm,forexample,the sheepsuitourrotationbecause wecanlambintheautumnand utilisethecovercropsasgrazing overthewinter,andhavelambs awaybeforespringplanting begins,”hesays.“Itbringscosts downwhenyouhaveabreed thatcanfitinwithandutilise home-grownforageandcover crops–whichfarmersare increasinglypursuingwitha focusonsoilhealth.

“Additionally,there’sfurther benefitbecausefundingforcover cropsreducesthecostsof rearinglambs.And,inthecase oftheDorsetHorn,a‘native breedsatrisk’supplementis availablethroughthe CountrysideStewardship scheme.”

MrPrattislookingforwardto seeingthecreamofthecropat theRoyalBath&WestShow. “It’saverywellrenowned agriculturalshow;well-located, anditalwayshastheverybest qualitylivestockbeingexhibited,” hesays.“HavingourNational Showtherewillreally buildonthecredibility theDorsetshave,and I’mlookingforwardto seeingbreedersfromall acrossthecountryget together.”

•TheRoyalBath& WestShowtakesplace on1-3June2023atThe Showground,Shepton Mallet,SomersetBA4 6QN.Bookshowtickets here:www.bathandwest. com/tickets

•Formore informationontheDorset HornandPollDorsetand thebreed’sAssociation visit: www.dorsetsheep.org.uk

Farmersurgedtocheckinsuranceduringlambingseason

ANagricultural experthaswarned farmerstheyrisk heavyfinancial lossesiftemporary employeestaken onduringthebusylambing seasonareinadequatelyinsured.

“Thisisoneofthebusiest periodsofthefarmingyearand extrastaffareoftenemployedto helpmanagetheincreased workload.

“Thedemandsoflambingmay dominatefarmers’minds,and time,buttheycanill-affordto forgettheimportanceof Employers’Liabilityinsurance. Farming,afterall,canbeoneof themostdangerousof occupations.”

protection–Employers’Liability insuranceisnotautomatically included.Moreover,itshouldbe rememberedthatpart-time, casual,seasonal,temporaryand voluntaryworkersallconstitute employees.”

RupertWailes-Fairbairn,of ruralinsurancebrokerLycetts, alsoemphasisedtheneedto insurenewadditionstoflocks, withlivestockrustlingincidents havingrisenduringthe‘cost-ofliving’crisis.

“Havingthecorrectinsurancein placeisvitaltosafeguarding livelihoods,”hesaid.

TheHealthandSafetyExecutive foundthat25peoplewerekilled intheagriculturesectorin 2021/221.Thehighestcauseof fatalitiesinvolvedpeoplebeing struckbyfarmvehiclessuchas quadbikes–oftenusedduring lambingseason.

“Apartfromthetraumaforall concerned,claimsforaccidents–evennon-fatalincidents–can costthousandsofpounds,”said Wailes-Fairbairn.

“Theassumptionshouldn’tbe madethathavingafarm insurancepolicyoffersadequate

Tohelppreventincidentsthat leadtoclaims,Wailes-Fairbairn advisestemporaryworkerstobe givenathoroughinductionand comprehensivetraining,whileall healthandsafetyprocedures shouldbecarefullyobserved. Toolboxtalksareauseful additionalresourcethatcanbe used.

“Itisalsoimportanttocheckthat newlambsareincludedinyour farminsurancepolicy.Notall policieswillcoverthis,andwith flocksizesoftendoublingduring lambing,andlivestockthefton therise,underinsurancecould costyoudear.Progenyshould beinsuredunderthelossof revenuesectionofthepolicy, whichprovideswidercoverthan purelyinsuringunderthe livestocksection.”

BrotherssettoBattleitout!

BrothersMatthew andRowlandSmith aresettogohead toheadatthe GoldenShears World Championshipshearingevent, whichwillbeheldattheRoyal HighlandShowinEdinburghthis June.Theeventwillseethe world'stopshearerscome togethertocompeteforthe prestigioustitle,whichhappens biannuallyandalternates betweenthenorthernand southernhemisphere.

Withalmost200,000visitors flockingtotheRoyalHighland Show,thisyear’sGoldenShears stagewillbeviewedbyahuge audiencebothattheShowand online.

Thecompetitionwilltakeplace overthefourdays,with competitorsincludingMattand Rowlandbattlingitoutonaworld stage.

CornwallbasedMatt,whoisa DirectorofWestCountry PremiumVenisonandResilient Romneys,a700RedDeerand 1100RomneySheepfarmin Cornwall,holdstheUKworld recordforshearing731ewesin9 hours.However,heisnotthe onlyworldrecordholderinthe family.Rowland,basedinNew Zealand,isalsoaworldrecord holderinhisownright,he currentlyholdstheworld8hrfull woolshearingrecordat644.

Bothbrothershavequalifiedto representtheircountriesforthe championship,withMatthaving wontheEnglishNationalstogain aplaceintheEnglandTeam, whileRowlandsecuredhisplace intheNewZealandteamafter winningtheGoldenShearsinhis homecountry.Thebrothers' trainingregimeisbeingoverseen byrenownedtrainerMattLuxton inLaunceston,Cornwall,with Rowlandtrainingremotely.

Matt'strainingdietiscriticalto hispreparationforthe competition,andhehasfounda

perfectsolutionin theirveryownWest CountryPremium farm-rearedVenison. Thevenisonisarich sourceofproteinand lowinfat,makingit anidealfoodfor athletes.Itisalso entirelyfreeofany harmfulchemicals, herbicides,or pesticides,andbeingfarmrearedmakesitfullytraceable andguaranteedtobefreeofany zoonoticdiseases.

Asthechampionshipdraws closer,thebrothersareboth traininghardandlookingforward tothecompetition.Mattand Rowlandhaveastrongbondand aresupportiveofeachother,but theyarealsocompetitiveand determined.towin.

months.Allanwasahuge influenceinbothintheirlivesa massivesupporterintheir shearingcareers.

Matt,whoisaBritishcitizenand hasbeenlivingintheUKforten years,ismarriedtoPip.Theylive withtheir3childrenandrun TrefranckFarmwhichhasbeen inPip’sfamilyforover300years. MattandPiphavebecome prominentfiguresinthefarming andchefingcommunityandhave wonseveralawardsfortheir work.Gainingboth environmentalandculinary recognitionfromthelikesofKing CharlesandmorerecentlyRick Steinfortheirethicallyraised, fullytraceable,progressive,and innovativewayoffarming.

Rowland,ontheotherhand,is basedinNewZealandandhas madeanameforhimselfinthe worldofshearing.Heholdswell respectedworldrecordsandis widelyregardedasoneofthe bestshearersintheworld. Despitethedistance,the brothershaveaveryclose relationshipwithpassionfor farmingandshearing

"Wearebothlookingforwardto thechampionshipandare traininghardtodoourbest,"said Matt.“Itwillbegreattohave Rowlandhere,andweareboth hopingtobringhometheworld title."

TheGoldenShearsWorld Championshipisahighly anticipatedeventintheshearing calendar,andthebrothers' participationisasignificant achievement,itsespecially meaningfularehavinglosttheir fathertocancerintherecent

TheGoldenShearsWorld Championshipwillbeanexciting andchallengingeventforboth MattandRowland.Theyareboth dedicatedanddeterminedtogive theirbesteffortsandtakeoutthe worldtitle.Wewishthemboth thebestofluckandhopethat theydothemselvesproud.We willkeepyouupdatedasthe championshipdrawscloser,so staytunedformoreupdateson thebrothers'progress.

RowlandSmith

MatthewSmith

FarmerstoldtomakemostofDefra pathwayfundandwormingcheck

Sheepfarmersshouldmakethemostoffundingfrom Defra'sAnimalHealth&WelfarePathwaytooptimisethe timingofthewormingtreatmentcheck,expertshavesaid.

Eligiblelivestock farmersin Englandcan currently access£436 millionfundingforavetledhealthandwelfare review,aswellasa wormingtreatmentcheck.

Whilethevetreview focusesonissuesmost appropriateforan individualflock,the wormingtreatmentcheck isdesignedspecificallyto determinethe effectivenessofan anthelmintic(worming) treatmentonafarm.

TheSustainableControl ofParasitesinSheep (SCOPS)groupsaidthe treatmentcheckwasnota definitivetestfor anthelminticresistance.

However,theexpert groupaddedthatitwould helpfarmersto understandwhichwormer groupswereworking effectivelyonthefarm.

Eligiblefarmershavesix monthsfromthepointof registrationtocomplete thewormingtreatment check.

Speakingonbehalfof SCOPS,independent

sheepconsultantLesley Stubbingssaid:“The importantthingto rememberisthatyou shouldonlycarryitouton lambsthatyouknowneed tobetreatedbecause theirwormburdenishigh enough.

"Ideally,thismeans carryingoutafaecalegg count(FEC)before startingtheWorming TreatmentCheck,soyou canmakesurethetiming isoptimal.

"Youcannotcheckthe effectivenessofa treatmentatkillingadult wormsiftherearenot enoughwormspresentin thefirstplace.”

Thewormingtreatment checkconsistsoftwo FECs.Oneistakenatthe timeoftreatmentto measurethenumberof adultroundwormspresent inthelambs.

Asecondisthentakenat asetintervalafter treatmentandthe differencedetermines howeffectivethe treatmenthasbeenat killingthewormsinthe sheep.

Participatingfarmerswill

receiveasamplingkit, instructionsexplaining howtotakegoodsamples andpackagingwithprepaidpostagebacktothe lab.

MsStubbingsexplained: “Itisveryimportantthe wormingtreatmentcheck iscarriedoutatan appropriatetime,for exampleinJune/July whentherearelambsat pasturewithaFECthat indicatestheyrequire treatment.

"AminimumFECof250 eggspergramisneeded forthetesttobe worthwhile,sodiscuss withyourvetoradviser doingsomemonitoring aheadoftheusingthe check.

Thewormingtreatment checkmustbecarriedout byanaccredited laboratory,listedonthe Defrawebsite.

Thelabwillsendoutkits withinstructionsenabling farmerstocollecttheir ownsamplestopost back,thenareportwillbe provided.

Credit:FarmingUK Team

Morefundingforfarmersasnew blueprintforwaterannounced

Farmerswillbenefitfromsignificant additionalfundingtobettermanage slurrystorageandtostoreanduse watermoreefficiently,asakeypartof anewPlanforWaterpublishedbythe governmenttoday.

Bettermanagementofslurryfromfarmingmeans lesspollutionwashingoffintoourriverswhenit rains.Moreinvestmentintowatersupplywillmean farmersaremorepreparedforclimatechange impacts–fromreservoirstobetterirrigation. Nearly£34millionwillbemadeavailablethrough thefirstroundoftheSlurryInfrastructureGrantmorethantwo-and-a-halftimestheoriginal budget.

Thegovernmentwillalsopublishtheguidancefor thesecondroundoftheWaterManagementGrant, whichwillopenforapplicationslaterinApriland provide£10millioninfundingtohelpfarmers

managetheirwaterusethroughbetterirrigationand moreon-farmreservoirs.

Thegovernment'snewPlanforWaterhasbeen publishedtoday,coveringboththequalityofthe waterenvironment–howcleanitis–andwater resources-howmuchofitwehave.Itwilltransform thewholewatersystem-tacklingeverysourceof pollution,includingfromstormoverflows, agriculture,plastics,roadrun-off,chemicalsand pesticides,aswellasthepressuresonourwater supplyasaresultofhotter,driersummersand populationgrowth.

Theannouncementsbythegovernmenttodaygo evenfurthertosupportfarmersonwater,from doublingfundingto£15milliontogivefreeadviceto farmersacrossthecountrythroughtheCatchment SensitiveFarmingscheme,toacceleratingthe rolloutoftheSustainableFarmingIncentivewhich willhelpfarmerstousetheirlandinawaythat keepsvaluablenutrientsandsoilonthefarmand

stopsthemrunningoffintoourrivers,lakesand streams..

Thefundingisbeingprovidedthroughthe government's£2.4billionannualinvestmentinthe farmingsectorfortherestofthisParliament.

FarmingMinisterMarkSpencersaid:

"Communitiesacrossthecountrywanttoseeclean andplentifulwaterinourriversandstreams,and farmershaveahugeroleinhelpingtodeliverthis.

"Weknowthatfarmerswanttodotherightthing, whichiswhy-aspartoftoday'sPlanforWater–we'reprovidingevenmorefundingforfarmersboth toreducetheirwaterpollutionfromslurryandbetter managethewaterontheirfarms."

Fundingboostforslurrystorage

Investingingoodslurrymanagementisan importantstepthatfarmerscantaketoprotectthe environment.Witharoundhalfofslurrystoresin Englandnotbeingfit-for-purpose,thegrantwill providefarmerswithbetween£25,000-£250,000to build,replaceorexpandstorageandcancontribute towardsarangeofsolutionslikelagoons,steeland concreteringtanksandlargeslurrybags.

Morethan1,200applicationswerereceivedforthe firstroundofthegrant.Defrawantstohelpasmany farmsaspossibletoupgradetheirslurrystorage,

EVEN FOR TINY SPACES

butneedstobalancethehighdemandforgrants withthecapacityofslurrystoresuppliersto increaseproduction.

374projectshavebeeninvitedtosubmitafull applicationforashareof£33.9millioninfunding–upfrom£13.2millionwhenthegrantwasfirst announcedlastyear.Thisisbasedonan assessmentofwhatthemarketcouldhandle followingconversationswithsuppliersandinstallers andconsideringthetypesofstorefarmershave appliedfor.

Secondroundforwatermanagementgrant

ThesecondroundoftheWaterManagementGrant willsee£10millioninfundingmadeavailablefor farmerstoimprovefarmproductivitythroughmore efficientuseofwaterforirrigation,andtosecure watersuppliesforcropirrigationbyconstructingonfarmreservoirsandadoptingbestpracticeirrigation applicationequipment.

Grantswillbeavailableforbetween£35,000and £500,000,whichwillensurethatfundingsupports farmsofallsizeswhilecommittingtosupporting highervalueprojectswhichalignwiththefund's objectives.

ThegrantwillbeopenlaterinAprilwithanonline checkeravailabletohelpfarmersdeterminetheir eligibilityandlikelihoodofsuccess.

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SlurryInfrastructuregrants:firstroundsummaryandournextsteps

Offeredalongsidebetter adviceandfairer,more effectiveregulation,the SlurryInfrastructuregrant isdesignedtohelp livestockfarmersmake betteruseoftheirslurries tomeetcropneedandcutpollution.

InDecember,weopenedthefirstround oftheSlurryInfrastructuregrantfor applications.

Inthispost,I’llexplainhowwechoseto prioritisethefirstroundofprojectsand whatwillhappennext.

I’llalsodescribesomechangesweare makingtothepaymentprocessinlightof thehighdemandforthescheme.

Firstroundfindings

Theonlinecheckerclosedon31January. Duringthatperiod,wesawverystrong interestinthescheme.Giventhathigh demand,weincreasedthefundingfor roundonefrom£13.2millionto£33.9 million.

Thisisconsistentwithourapproachto managingthefarmingbudget.Wewill respondtofarmerdemandinawaythat keepsusontracktoachieveour outcomes.

InMarch,weinvited374projectsto submitafullapplication.

Thisisourbestassessmentofhowmany storageprojectsthemarketcouldhandle afterspeakingtosuppliersandinstallers andconsideringwhattypesofstore farmersappliedusingtheonlinechecker.

Ofcourse,wewanttohelpasmany farmsaswecantoupgradetheirslurry storage.However,weneedtobalance thehighdemandforgrantswiththe capacityofslurrystoresuppliersto increaseproduction.

Ifweinvitetoomanyprojectsforwardat once,weriskcausingunnecessary delaysandpushingupprices.

Wealsowanttomakesureprojectsare builtfirstinareaswherewecanhavethe biggestimpactontheenvironment.

Iappreciatelotsoffarmerswillbe disappointednottohavebeeninvitedto fullapplicationinthisround.However,as wesetoutintheAgriculturalTransition Plan,wewanttorun2largerrounds.One willcomeinautumnandtheotherin 2024.

Thisisatime-limitedopportunity.We aren’tplanningfurtherroundsbeyond 2024.

Wearefundingfarmerstogobeyond compliancetocreateastep-changein slurrymanagementacrossEngland.We knowmanyfarmersarealreadylookingat howtomeettheirlegalobligationsand

makebetteruseoftheirslurry, particularlygiventhehighfertiliser prices.

Wewillfundasmanyfarmsaswe can.Wewillcontinuetoworkwiththe industrytoprioritisefundingfairlywhile maximisingenvironmentaloutcomes.

Howweprioritisedprojectsinround1 BeforewelaunchedtheSlurry Infrastructuregrant,weexplainedthatwe wouldgiveprioritytoprojectsthatwill mostbenefittheenvironment,basedon theirlocation.

Weidentifiedinadvanceareaswherewe needtotakecoordinatedactiontoreduce bothwaterandairpollutionfrom agriculture,andpublishedmapsshowing theplacesweexpectedtoprioritisegrant applicationsinthisround.

Youcanreadmoreabouthowthose areaswerechosenonourguidance pages.

Allthefarmsinthepriorityareasforboth waterandairqualityactionhavebeen invitedtothenextstageofapplications.

Wehavealsobeenabletoinviteforward someprojectsoutsideourpublished targetareaastheywerewithinhigh scoringlocationsforwaterorairquality. Prioritisingthesefarmshelpsusensure fundsgofirsttoareasthatwillmakethe biggestdifferencetomeetingbiodiversity outcomes.

Aheadofthenextround,wewillbe lookingatoptionsforprioritisinggrants, includingwideningthetargetareasor usingadifferentmethodtomanagehigh numbersofapplications.

I'llsharedetailsofhowtogetinvolvedat theendofthepost.

Nextsteps

Projectsprioritisedthisroundreceivedan emailfromtheRuralPaymentsAgency (RPA)recentlytellingthemwhatthey needtopreparetocompletetheirfull application.

Wewouldencourageeveryonewhois invitedtothenextstagetoprepareand submityourapplicationassoonas possibletoavoiddelaysinreceivinga grant.

Applicantswillalsoshortlybecontacted byCatchmentSensitiveFarming.They willofferafreeadvicevisittodiscuss theirslurrymanagementandwaysof reducingpollutionacrosstheirfarms.

Projectswhohavenotbeenprioritised thisroundwillbeinvitedtoresubmittheir applicationwhenthecheckerreopensin autumn.Wewillprovidemoredetailsin summer.

Grantcontributions

Giventheexceptionaldemandandto ensurefundsaredistributedfairly,weare makingachangetohowwepaygrant contributions.underthescheme.

InNovember,Iwroteablogpostwhich explainedthatweusestandardcosts, whichmeansyou’llgetsetcontributions foreachitembasedonyourproject needs.Thesecontributions,setoutinthe grantguidance,arebasedon50%of currentmarketcosts.

Tomakesureindividualprojectsaren’t takingadisproportionateshareof funding,wewilllimitclaimsat50%ofthe finalamountpaidwherethisislowerthan thestandardcostcontribution.

Therestoftheapplicationprocesswill remainthesameandapplicantswon’t needtosubmitmultiplequotes.

Introducingthiscapmeansthat,over time,wecanfundmoreprojectsby ensuringnosinglefarmreceivesmore than50%ofgrantfunding.

RPAwillworkthisoutbylookingat theinvoicesyousubmitwhenyou claimyourgrant.Forexample,ifthe projectconsistsof:

•5,000m3earthbankedlagoon

•1,500m2floatingflexiblecover •75m3receptionpit

•250msafetyfencing

Themaximumamountofgrantthatcould beclaimedbasedonthestandardcosts wouldbe£76,756.

So,ifafarmerpaid£160,000forthe itemsandinstallation,theirgrantpayment wouldbe£76,756.

Iftheypaid£120,000fortheitemsand installation,theytotalgrantpayment wouldbe£60,000(50%ofwhatwas paid).

Futurerounds-getinvolved

Werecentlykickstartedaco-design processwithfarmers,sectorand environmentalgroupstolookathowwe improvethegrantforfuturerounds.

Ifyouwouldliketoknowmoreaboutthat processandgetinvolved,pleasecontact theteamat Tacklingpollutionfromslurry@defra.gov. uk.

Wewillkeepyouupdatedonhowthat workisprogressingontheblog.

Finally,incaseyoumissedit,my colleagueGordonpublishedaposttoday aboutthenewWaterManagementgrant, complementinggovernment'snewly publishedPlanforWateronGOV.UK.

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GRIMMEUKhas appointedanew PremiumPartnerto supportits customersinthe SouthEastof England.

PreviouslyaGRIMMEPartner, Tuckwells,hasbeenawardeda higherstatus,enablingthedealer tosellthefullrangeofGRIMME productsandsparesand undertakeservicing.

Theappointment,whichwill increaseGRIMMEUK's presenceintheregionand ensuregrowersintheSouthEast receivethebestpossiblesupport andback-up,wasmarkedata celebratorypresentationearlier

thismonth.

GuestsattheSuffolk ShowgroundeventsawGRIMME UKmanagingdirectorPatrick GrafGrotepresentTuckwells' GRIMMESpecialist,PaulCoffey, withGRIMME'sPremiumPartner Award.

Aswellasthepresentation, attendeeswereintroducedtothe latestGRIMME'sSelect200 trailedharvesterandtheWV165 onionwindrower.

'Weareverypleasedwithhow Tuckwellshasworkedwithusers ofGRIMMEmachineryandus overtheyears.Theyhavegone overandabovewhatisrequired andexpectedasaGRIMME

Partner,whichiswhywehave awardedthemPremiumPartner status,"saysPatrick."Tuckwells willofferourfullrange,spanning potato,sugarbeetandvegetable machineryalongsideservicing andsparepartsacrossSuffolk, EssexandKent."

Establishedin1954,Tuckwellsis afamily-runagriculturaldealer providingqualitymachineryto customersacrossSuffolk,Essex, Hertfordshire,Bedfordshire, London,KentandEastSussex. Thecompanyhasworkedwith GRIMMEUKsince1993.

AsaGRIMMEPremiumPartner, Tuckwellswillofferthefullrange ofGRIMMEproductsandspares andundertakeservicing,with Tuckwell'steamalready receivingfullproducttraining fromGRIMME'stechnicalteam.

JamesTuckwell,Managing Director,adds:"Wehavebeen sellingagriculturalmachineryfor over65yearsandlookingafter peopleisattheheartofour business.Today,weemployover 300staff,operateacrossten locationsintheEastofEngland andrepresentaportfolioof industry-leadingbrandsand specialiseinthesale,service, partssupplyandtechnology solutionsforagriculturalandturf machinery.Wearedelightedthat GRIMMEUKhasrecognisedand rewardedourfocusonproviding thebestpossibleservicetoour customers.Welookforwardto continuingourworking relationshipwiththemasa PremiumPartner."

InadditiontoTuckwells, GRIMMEUK'sPremiumPartners includeHambleys,LenEvans, BenBurgess,MalpasTractors, CCPowellandLloydLtd.

Formoreinformationabout GRIMMEUKandTuckwell, pleasevisitwww.grimme.com/ ukandwww.tuckwells.com

LATEST USED STOCK

ChangeintheGroupExecutiveBoard:CLAAS appointsJan-HendrikMohrasnewCEO

TheCLAASGroupShareholders' CommitteehasappointedJan-Hendrik MohrasthenewCEOwitheffectfrom 1April2023.TheincumbentCEO ThomasBöckhaddecidedtostep downasCEOoftheCLAASGroup andtopursuenewendeavors.Shareholdersand theGroupExecutiveBoardhaveacknowledgedthis decisionwithdeepregret.Theywereabletofindan experiencedsuccessorinJan-HendrikMohr.

CathrinaClaas-Mühlhäuser,Chairwomanofthe SupervisoryBoardoftheCLAASGroup,says: "Jan‑HendrikMohrishighlyrespectedatCLAAS andinourindustry.HeknowsCLAASlikenoone elseandhasprovenhisworth.Heshapedthe companyduringhismanyyearsinvarious managementpositions.Togetherwithhis colleaguesintheGroupExecutiveBoardandall employees,hewillbuildonthesuccessfulworkof hispredecessorandleadCLAASboldlyintothe future.IamverygratefulthatJan-HendrikMohris nowtakingontheresponsibilityasCEOofthe CLAASGroup."

https://www.claas.co.uk

Formoreinformationcontact:

SharnfordTractorsLtd

LodgeFarm,BroughtonRoad, Frolesworth,Lutterworth, Leicestershire,LE175EH

Telephone:01455209300

https://www.sharnfordtractors.co.uk

Jan-HendrikMohr,agraduateengineer,hasbeen withtheCLAASGroupsince1984continuously takingonincreasingresponsibilities.Hehasbeena memberoftheGroupExecutiveBoardsince2008. HeiscurrentlyresponsiblefortheBusinessUnit Grain,whichhewillcontinuetoleadinapersonal capacity.CEO-designateJan-HendrikMohrsays:"I lookforwardtocontinuingoursuccessstory togetherwithmycolleaguesintheGroupExecutive Boardandallemployees.CLAASstandsforahigh leveloftechnologicalexpertise,productsthatexcite andacorporateculturethatunitesus.Wethink long-termandhaveaclearvision:tomakeour customersthebestintheirfield."

ThomasBöcksaysgoodbyeaftermorethan16 yearsatCLAAS

ThomasBöcksays:"Sincelastsummer,thedesire hasmaturedinmetotakeonnewchallengesafter morethan16yearsatCLAAS,includingalmostfour yearsasCEO.Nowisagoodtimeforachange: CLAAShasemergedstrongerfromthevarious crisesandisinaverystrongpositiontoday.During mytimeasCEO,saleshaverisentooverfive billioneuros.Despitethecrises,wewillachievean excellentresultthisfinancialyear.Wehavesetthe rightcoursetoleadCLAASintoasuccessful future."

CathrinaClaas-Mühlhäuser:"WeoweThomas Böckagreatdebtofgratitude.Heisagifted technicianandstrategicentrepreneur.Hehas achievedoutstandingthings,especiallyinthefields ofproductdevelopmentanddigitalisation.The digitaltransformationoftheCLAASGroupwill alwaysbeassociatedwithhisname.AsCEOofthe CLAASGroup,hewasknownandrespectedfar beyondtheGroup,particularlyforhisstrategic foresightandprofoundtechnologicalknowledge.In addition,heenjoyedgreatpopularityamongthe employeesoftheCLAASGroupduetohis appreciativeandpeople-orientedapproach.We wishThomasBöckallthebestandwillremainin closecontactwithhiminthefuture."

TheARION600and500range-thenewmid-rangestandard Assistingyou,whereveritisneeded. Oneofourmostpopulartractorshasjustgotevenbetterthankstoahostofnew functionsdevelopedbyourengineersinconsultationwithARIONdrivers. Afterall,theyworkinthefieldeveryday,sotheyknowexactlywhattheywant.

Classictractors,motorbikesandcollectors'itemsallto gounderthehammeratEurope'slargestvintagesale

ver2,600classic tractors,motorbikes andcollectors' itemswillgounder thehammeratthe CheffinsVintage SaleonFriday21standSaturday 22ndApril,comprisingofoneof thelargestauctionsinthe vintagecalendarin2023.

Highlightsamongthetractors includeaRoadless Ploughmaster6/4,whichhasan estimateof£35,000-£40,000. Thisisfollowedbya1919 InternationalJunioranda1920 InternationalTitan,bothofwhich haveestimatesof£14,000£16,000.Alsoonofferisa1975 Ford7000,withonly6,334hours ontheclock.Havingbeenfirst registeredtoErnestDoe& SonsinMaldonin1975,it waspreviouslyusedasa companydemonstrator. Availableinacleanand originalcondition,ithasan estimateof£25,000-30,000.

Themotorcyclesectionsees almost70examplesfor sale,includingfive Kawasakitwo-stroketriples, including250,350,400and 500ccmodels,with estimatesrangingfrom £4,000-£10,000.Another motorbikesettobeofinterestfor collectorsisa1956Matchless 500ccG50,estimatedtosellfor £25,000-£28,000anda1968

250ccAermacchi Alad'Ororacer, £18,000£20,000.Other brandstofeature includeDucati, Moto-Guzzi, Raleigh,BSA, NewImperial, Cotton,AJS, Velocette, Norton,Triton, Greeves,Royal Enfieldand Triumph,aswell asaseriesof projectmachines andchoppers.

Theautomobiliasectionseesa numberofcollectableitems, includingarareKismetAutocol

£2,000-£2,500.

airandwatertowerpump,dating fromthe1950s.Standing181cm tall,ithasanestimateof£3,500£4,500.AlsoonofferisanEssobranded Avery-Hardoll forecourt petrolpump fromthe 1960swhichis expectedto sellfor£1,000 -£1,500and anAveryHardoll

Centurypetrol pumpfromthe post-warera, whichat 190cmtallis settomake

OliverGodfrey,Headof MachineryDivisionatCheffins, comments:"TheApril VintageSalereallykicksoff thecalendarforcollectors UK-wide.Wealwayshavea reallystrongconsignment, andthisyearisnodifferent, withover2,600lotsgoing underthehammer.Last yearsawsomeincredibly strongpricespaidacross thewholeofthevintage sector,withclassictractors fromthe1970sonwardsin particularseeingsomereal growthinvalues.Weexpect the1975Ford7000tobeof significantinteresttoanumberof ourregularbuyers,whilstthe excellentrangeofmotorbikes oughttobringthemotorcycle enthusiaststothesale."

ThesalewilltakeplaceonFriday 21stApril(liveandonlineauction forliterature,models,bygones etc)andliveonSaturday 22ndApril(tractors,motorcycles, automobilia,vehicles, implementsetc)attheCheffins MachinerySaleground,Sutton, nearEly,CB62QT.

Formoreinformation,please visitwww.cheffins.co.uk,orcall Cheffinsauctioneerson01353 777767.

NewKUHNMaximadrillgoesontour

TheMaxima3TIeis goingontourwitha seriesofon-farm demonstrations scheduledfrom April2023.Productspecialist EddFanshaweexplains:

“Weareexcitedtogetouton farmsthroughouttheUKto demonstratewhatthisnew modeliscapableof.Itisan opportunitytoshowoperators howtheMaximaiscapableof performinginawidevarietyof soiltypes.”

The6-rowTIemachinebeing usedforthetourispartofthe rangethatextendsupto12 rowswithatelescopicchassis offeringrowspacingsfrom 45cmupto80cm.Electricdrive technologyalsoenables variationofseedrate.Thiscan becarriedoutmanuallyfrom thetractorcaboras

determinedbyavariablerate map.

“WorkcarriedoutbyKUHNin thedevelopmentofthe technologyshowedthat varyingtheseedratein responsetosoilconditionscan leadtoseedsavingsof10% whenusedinconjunctionwith sectioncontrol.Inadditionto seedsavings,variableseed ratealsooptimisesplant populationsaccordingto availablewaterandsoil nutrients,withthisresultingin anoverallpotentialyieldgain ofbetween5and8%and seedingratesofupto600,000 plantsperhectare,”saysMr Fanshawe.

Maxima3precisiondrillsare suitablefordrillingmaize, sunflower,beetroot,sugar beet,peas,beans,andother cropswhererowspacingsfrom

NewKUHNMaximadrillgoesontour

45to80cmareused.The rangeincludes12models inachoiceof configurations,withelectric driveversionsbeing availableinmounted formatsincluding telescopic,foldable,and telescopicwithadjustable spacing.

“Withelectricallydriven modelsexclusively availablewithISOBUS compatibility,controlcan befacilitatedfromeither thetractorterminalor KUHN’sownCCIterminal. With48-voltelectrical powerentirelyindependent ofthetractor,constantand smoothoperationofthe seedingmechanismis maintained,withseedrate variationandsection controlbeinginstantand

precisetoavoidanyseed wastage,”headds.

Bothmechanicaland electricversionsofthe Maxima3rangeusean improvedseedselection andejectionsystemwhich enablesaccurateseed placementathighworking speedsofupto10km/h. Accuracyisalsoenhanced byanewseedingunit parallelogramwhichis reinforcedinkeyareas, includingatcriticalhinges andlinkages,foradded stability,robustness,and longevity.

Formoreinformationon theMaximatouranda chancetoattenda demonstrationgotowww. kuhn.co.uk

JohnDeeretoopenitsdoorstothetalentoftomorrow

JohnDeerewillhold anopendayatits ApprenticeTraining CentrethisMayina bidtorecruitthe nextgenerationof technicianstoworkacrossits agriculture,turfandparts business.

Thecompany’sreveredand respectedapprenticeship programmehasbeenrunningfor morethan30years,helping morethan1,200apprentices qualifythroughon-the-job practicallearningalongside classroomstudies.

TheJohnDeereTrainingCentre atUpperSaxondale,near Nottingham,openedlastyear, providingstate-of-the-art facilitieswhereapprentices completetheirtwoorthree-year coursewhilesimultaneously workingwithintheJohnDeere dealershipnetwork.

“It’sareallyexcitingtimetobe partoftheagriculturaland turfcareindustries,”saysAllan Cochran,JohnDeereBranch TrainingManager.

“It’sahighlytechnicaland

innovativesector,whichmeans ourapprenticesgettoworkwith someofthemostadvanced piecesofkitintheworld.

“It’snotjustservicingandfixing tractors.Ifyouwanttoearnwhile youlearnandbepartofahuge, globalbrandwithareputationfor ground-breakinginnovations,

learnabouttheJohnDeere brand,andhearhowtheir careerscangrowwiththeworld’s largestmanufacturerof agriculturalandgroundscare equipment.

Sessionswilllastuptotwohours andwilloutlinewhatJohnDeere canofferaprospective apprentice,thejourneythrough theAgTech,TurfTechorParts Techprogrammes,plustheJohn Deerecareerpathoncecertified.

“Thisisauniqueopportunityto viewthelearningfacilitieson offerandtalktothosewhoknow allabouttheprogrammes,”says MrCochran.

thenaJohnDeere apprenticeshipcouldbethe perfectstarttoyourcareer.”

JohnDeereandthescheme’s trainingprovider,ProVQ,will provideatourofthetraining centreonWednesday3Mayand Thursday4May,offeringthose interestedinbecoming apprenticesthechancetomeet theinstructors,seethefacilities,

ThethreeJohnDeere apprenticeshipprogrammes includeAgTech–focusingon agriculturalmachinery,TurfTech –focusingonprofessionalturf equipment,andPartsTech–focusingonpartsserviceand support.

Theeventsarefreetoattendbut youmustpre-bookasessionas placesarelimited.

Tobookvisit:jdapprenticeships. eventbrite.co.uk

KUBOTA’SSTAYCATIONSOLUTION

Kubotahasalong relationshipwiththe holidaypark industry,andthe newgenerationof itsrenowned compacttractorsisfindingits nicheinthissector.

Family-ownedandrunBlue AnchorLeisurehas15siteswith 4500plotsofferingholidayhome ownershipintheenduringly popularLincolnshirecoast resortsofSkegnessand Ingoldmells,wheregenerations havemadetheEnglishseaside theirgo-toforrelaxationand entertainment.

Withthelocalpopulationswelling from20,000toapeakofhalf millioninthesummer,thetownis highlyreliantonthetourist industry,whichafterthetrialsof Covidhasseenaboostwiththe newpopularityofstaycations.

“We’reconstantlyseekingto moveforwardandimproveto servetheneedsoftoday’s holidaymakers,”explains operationsmanagerSteve Wymer.“Sowe’redeveloping newplotswithinourparkstotake accountoftheincreasedsizeof

modernvansandalsothe requirementforcarparking adjacenttothem,andincreased spacebetweeneachtomeetfire safetyrules.”

Manoeuvringa14ftx42ftsingle axlestaticcaravanaroundsiteis askilledtask;indryconditions oldervanscanberemovedand thenewonesbesitedwitha4×4 butwhenthegoinggetstough,a differentkindofhorsepoweris required.

“We’veinvestedsignificantlyin machineryoverthepast12 months,”commentsSteve.“We havehadaKubotatractoronone oftheparksforfiveyears,which hasbeenhighlyreliable,plusthe reputationoftheenginesgoes beforethem,soweknewitwasa goodchoice.IrelandsFarm Machinery,whosuppliedtheL2622,wereextremelyhelpfuland easytodealwith.”

Thetractorwillbefittedwithball hitchesonthefrontofthe chassisframetoallowthevans tobepushedratherpulled, improvingvisibilityandsafety.

Holidayhomeownershipgives customersopportunitiesfora

getawaythroughouttheyear, andwithLPGprovidingthefuel sourceforcooking,heatingand hotwater,transportinggastanks safelyandefficientlyaroundthe parksisanotherimportanttask.

“Aspecially-designedtrailer allowsfourtankstobecarriedat oncewhichcanbepulledwith ease,andthetractorishighly manoeuvrablearoundthevans. Themaintenanceteamhave multiplerolesfromlookingafter thegroundstocheckingsite servicesratherthanbeing dedicatedmachineryoperators, buttheKubotaisvery straightforwardtodrivesoeven thosewithnopriortractor experiencehavetakentoitwell,” saysSteve.

Headdsthatwhiletheoriginal planwastohaveaslightly smallertractor,theextra horsepowerhasledhisteamto considerothertasksthatcould beaccomplishedwithit.

“We’relookingataddingaflail mowertoreducetheamountof timethatistakenupwith strimming,sowemayfindeven moreworkfortheL2-622in future.”

Spaldingssecuresexclusivedistributionagreement forDutchOpenersadvancedseeddrillcoulters

Spaldings,Britain’s leadingdistributor ofafter-market soil-engaging componentsfor cultivators, subsoilersandseeddrills,has securedanexclusive distributionagreementfor DutchOpenerstinedrill coultersintheUKandIreland.

TheLincoln-basedcompany haspreviouslyshared distributionrightsforthe Canadianmanufacturer’s advancedproductsbutthenew exclusivityagreementwill enablethetwooperationsto workcloselyonproduct enhancementsandnew designs.

TheDutch‘Universal’coulter rangeoffersachoiceofeasily fittedlow-draftpointsforsingleanddouble-rowseeding,band sowingandliquidorsolid

fertiliserplacement.

Theycanbeinstalledona numberoftinedrillmakesand modelsusedintheUKand Ireland,withreplacement bodiesorfrogsmakingiteasy toconverttothenewpoints, whilethesinglerollpinthat securestheminplacemakesit quickandeasytofit replacements.

Newmanagementteam

Securingtheexclusivity agreementwasoneofthefirst initiativesofanew managementteamatSpaldings followingtheacquisitionofa majorityshareholdingbyBritish privateequityfirmInspirit Capital.

SpaldingschairmanDavidFox, chiefexecutivePaulBray,and chiefoperationsofficerNigel Whelanknowthebusiness

insideouthavingpreviously heldseniormanagement positionsinthecompany.

“We’veallreturnedtoourold deskswithalotofexperience andknowledgeaboutwhat makesSpaldingsasuccessful business,”saysPaulBray.

“Thisboilsdowntoproviding customerswithanattractive productrangeandfirst-rate service,whethertheyorderby telephone,onlineorthroughour fieldsalesteam.

“Oneofourfirstactionsupon returningtoSpaldingswasto recruitadditionalfieldsales personneltocreate geographicallysmallerand moremanageablesalesareas, becauseweknowcustomers appreciatethepersonal interactionandservicetheyget fromourspecialistsonthe ground.

“Atthesametime,we’re enhancingourdigitalpresence forthosewhoprefertoplace ordersonline,withanewapp formobiledevicesandan updatedwebsitetocome.”

Distributionagreement benefits

Asaresultoftheexclusive distributionagreementwith DutchOpeners,suppliesof

genuineDutchcoultersfrom otheroutletswillberundown.

“Therearenon-genuinelookalikesincirculationbutyou havetoquestionwhetherthey meetDutchIndustries’high standardsfordesign,thequality ofmaterialsandmanufacturing techniques,”saysPaulBray.“If itdoesn’tsay‘Dutch’onthe part,it’snotaDutchopener.”

DrillmanufacturersHorschand Sumowillcontinuetobe supplieddirectbyDutch Openers,withSpaldings handlingreplacementand conversionkitsalesfordrills alreadyinservice.

Animportantconsequenceof thenewagreementisthatthe engineeringdevelopment departmentsofSpaldingsand DutchOpenerswillwork togetherwithaviewto enhancingexistingproducts anddevelopingnewones suitedtoEuropeansoilsand establishmenttechniques.

AsPaulBrayemphasises: “Spaldingsisnotjusta distributor,wehaveourown technicalstaffandadvanced engineeringtechnologiesto developproduct lineslikeour SPLUltrarange ofhighperformance subsoilerand cultivatorpoints andwings.

“Wepride ourselvesonour in-housedesign andinnovation, andour engineersare nowinregular contactwith their counterpartsat DutchOpeners whohavevisited ourfacilitiesand customersup anddownthecountrytohelp developnewdrillcoulter productsfortheUKand marketselsewhereinEurope.”

pringishere, lambingseasonis infullswing,and CFMOTOis assistingthousands ofBritishfarmers withtheirdailyworkload.This yearhasseenCFMOTO’s CFORCEATVrangeturning headstobecometheUK’s leadingfullyroad-legalATV.

Firstly,letshavealookatthe upgradedCFORCE450/520 ATV,packedwithperformance andcomfortupgrades,easyto maintainandloadedwith premiumequipmentatan excellentprice.

Theseupgradesincludea25% tighterturningcircle,upgraded rackswithmoreloadcapacity (30kgfrontand60kgrear,)and improvedriderergonomicswitha newseatthat’s40%thicker providingmorecomfort.

There’sreducednoiseand vibration,abigger16.5Lfueltank andthechassisis10%lighter and30%strongercomparedto thepreviousmodel.Thenew suspensionprovides26%more-

wheeltravelandincreased groundclearanceto250mm,and atunedEPSElectronicPower SteeringSystem.

Thenextstepupinpowerinthe ATVrangeistheCFORCE625 thatimmediatelysoldoutinthe USAandCanadawhenitwas

UK’sleadingfullyroad-legalATV S

launched.It’sacompletelynew designfollowingyearsof developmentandfeaturesonthe-flychangeableenginemaps andclassleadinghandlingwitha 7.25mturningcircle.Youreally doneedtodriveonetobelieve theextentoftheimprovements.

TheCFORCE520andthe625 bothcomeinlongwheelbase modelswithareinforcedchassis andremovablepassenger backrestandhandles.Ifyou’re lookingforultimatepower,then theCFORCE850XCand CFORCE1000areyourATVs.

TheentireCFORCErange featuresahigh-qualityBosch EFIfuelsystem,andCanadian builtCVTechdriveanddriven clutcheswithenginebraking that’shighlyacclaimedfor qualityandreliability.

Sheepfarminginfluencer, CammyWilsonakaTheSheep GamehadaCFORCE625last yearandfullyendorsesits qualitysaying“it’sneverletme down.Iknowafewfarmersthat haveswitchedovertoCFMOTO andhavenoregrets!”

AsCammy’sfamilyexpanded, heneededavehiclethatcould standuptothedifficultterrain, andkeepthefamilywarmand dry,sohehasupgradedtothe

UFORCE1000andlovingevery moment!

Ifyou’reaftermorespace, capacityandpowerthenthe utilityvehiclerangeincludesthe UFORCE600,UFORCE1000 andUFORCE1000XLfeaturing progressiveEPSforlightweight handling,4×4capabilityanda gas-assistedcargoboxtopower throughyourworkdayquicker.

Allmodelscanbefullroad registeredandincludedas standardareatowbar,trailer powerhook-up,plusselectable 2-and4-wheeldrivewithdifflock

andelectricfrontwinch forguaranteed confidencetopower throughanyBritish terrainandrescueyou fromthosetricky moments.

Asanaddedbonus, 2023agriculturalmodels willcomewithafree ATVTracsecurity system.It’sadiscreet GPStrackerthatallows youtomonitorthe movementsofyour machinerydownto3 metresinrealtime, whichispreciseenough togainsearchwarrants, andsendsatheft responseteamtovisit thelocationandsecure thestolenmachine.It’s recognisedbyinsurers,andthey havealreadyrecoveredover £12millionworthofmachinesto datewitha94%recoveryrate.

Vehiclesecurityisparamount thesedays,soweareoffering theATVtracsystemforfree,to befittedbyyourdealer+1year’s subscriptionworth£399.

CFMOTOputspower,capability andversatilityinyourhandsto forgeyourpath,whetheritis towardwork,fun,orthebalance inbetween.Forfurthervehicles specs,andtofindyournearest dealer,visitcfmoto.co.uk

TGBBLADE520-£500SPRINGDISCOUNT

ThepopularTGB

Blade520SL EPSmodelis availableuntil theendofmay 2023witha special£500springtime discount.

TheBlade520isasolid exampleoftheattentionto detailthatTGBincorporates initsrangeofhard-working ATVs.Themachineboasta longlistofessentialfeatures fittedasstandardand, underliningitsbeliefinthe qualityoftheproducts,theUK distributorDualwaysprovides aconfidence-inspiringfiveyearlimitedwarrantyonallits TGBmodels.

Whethertacklingchallenging terraintoreachahard-to-get-to situation,makinglightworkof dailychoresaroundthefarm,or hookingupwithanimplementfor aspotofcropmanagement,the Blade520isavaluableaddition toanyworkenvironment.Itis poweredbyTGB’stried-andtested,high-torque,503ccfourstroke,single-cylinderpetrol engine,equippedwithelectronic fuelinjection.TheBlade produces40hpinoff-road specificationandrunsthrougha selectabletwo/four-wheeldrive.

TheTGBpackageincludesa digitaldash,frontandrearracks, fully-adjustablefrontsuspension, awinch,andatow-barwith 850kgpullingcapacity.Itis homologatedasT3,which meansitcanberegisteredfor roaduse.

TheBlade520SLEPSis availableingrey.

SRP:TheBlade520SLEPSis availableuntiltheendofMay 2023asaspecialSpringtime priceof£5415+VAT.

Specification;

• Bore&stroke;92X75.6mm

•Capacity;503cc

•Clutch;Automatic-CVT

•Compressionratio;10.2

•Cooling;Liquid-cooled

•Drivetype;2/4wheeldrive selectable

•Transmissiontype;V-belt CVTautomatic

•Electricpowersteering; 520SLEPS

•Electricaloutletconnector; DC12V10A120W

•Enginetype;4-strokesingle cylinder

•Finaldrive;Shaft

•Front/rearbrakes;Disc

•Front/rearshockabsorbers;

•Preloadadjustablehydraulic

•Frontsuspension;Fully adjustable

•Fuelsystem;ElectronicFuel Injection

•Fueltankcapacity;18litres

•Gearbox;Automatic

•Groundclearance;305mm

•Maxpower;40HP(off-road)

•Maxtorque;46.1NM

•Overallheight;1502mm

•Overalllength;2120mm

•Overallwidth;1240mm

•Rearsuspension;Swingarm

•Starttype;Electric

•Towhitch;Yes

•Unbrakedtowingcapacity; 850kg

•Winch;Yes

•Warranty;5-Year

•ManufacturerLimited Warranty

Forfurtherinformationcontact theUKdistributorDualways on01623708607orvisitwww. dualways.com

BossORVandCorvusOff-RoadVehicles joinforceswithCarrsBillington

BOSSORVhas announcedthat Carr’sBillington Agriculture(Sales) Ltd.willrepresent CorvusOff-Road VehiclesfromtheirMorpeth, Northumberlandbranch.Carr’s BillingtonisasubsidiaryofThe BillingtonGroup,whichalso ownsEnglishProvender Company,BillingtonFoodsand Criddle&Co.Thecompany cameaboutasaresultofthe jointventurebetweenCarr’sand EdwardBillington&SonLtd. Sincetheformationofthe venture,thebusinesshas becomealeadingsupplierof agriculturalproductsintheUK.

“We’redelightedCarr’sBillington willrepresentCorvusfromtheir Morpethbranch,”saysPhil Everett,MDofBOSSORV,the

UKdistributorofCorvus.“We’re excitedtoworkwithDaleShaw, MarkLodge,GrahamAdamson, JamesCowanandalltheteamat MorpethtogrowtheCorvus brandinNorthumberlandand beyond.”Headdstherewillbe moreexcitingCorvus/Carr’s Billingtonannouncementssoon.

TheCorvusTerrainrangeof4x4 side-by-sideutilityvehicleshas beenafast-growingpresencein theagriculturalandgroundcare marketssinceitwasfirst launchedin2019.Corvuswas thefirstEuropeanmanufacturer toproduceanoff-roadutility vehicleandtherangenow comprisesdiesel,petroland electricversionsoftheTerrain.

“Weareideallyplacedtosell Corvusoff-roadvehiclesinthe North,”saysMarkLodge,ATV

BrandManagerforCarr’s BillingtonAgriculture(Sales)Ltd. “Wehavethepeople,products andservicestosupportour customersacrossabroadrange ofrequirementsandlocations withretail,feed,machinery,fuel andservice.Thereare32Carr’s BiIllingtonCountryStores throughoutNorthernEngland, ScotlandandWales,severalof whichhavemachinerysalesand servicedepartments.Weare proudwecanofferCorvushighqualityvehicles,salesand supportinourareaaspartofthe growingCorvusdealernetwork.”

Formoreinformationaboutthe CorvusTerrainrange,youcan call01785561046E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.ukWeb:www. bossorv.co.uk

TakeonanyterrainwithKawasaki’sprovenMulerange

Whetheritisworking onthefarmor transporting materialsacross constructionsites, havingtheright equipmentisessential.The KawasakiMulerangeofutility vehiclesdeliverstherugged, reliableandadaptableattributes thatwillhelpyoutakeonany terrain.

Designedtoworkhard,the rangeisledbytherobustMule ProMX.Poweredbyatorqueladen700ccCVTsingle-cylinder engine,theProMXoffers32.8 kW{45PS}/6,000rpm, guaranteeingafun-to-drive vehiclethatcaneasilyhailcargo forworkorweekendfun.The spaciouscargobedisableto carryupto700lbs,making choresorhaulinggearabreeze. Measuring110”longand60” wide,withawheelbaseof79”, theMuleProMXistheperfect

mid-sizedvehicle,offering superbmanoeuvrabilityand mobilitythatensuresitcan negotiatethetightestoftrails.To maximisecomfort,theall-terrain vehiclefeaturesdoublewishbonesuspensionatthefront andrear,enablingtheKawasaki toeasilytraverseobstaclesand elevationswithminimumeffect onthechassis.

Ofcourse,theseworkhorsesare designedtobeusedthroughout theyearinallconditions.Thatis whytheProMXisequippedwith 25”tyreson12”rimes, guaranteeingfantasticoff-road tractionandgroundclearance. Strongandreliablefrontandrear discbrakesprovideeffective braking,especiallywhen combinedwiththeMule’sproven

enginebraking.

Whileitsperformanceis unmatched,Kawasakihasalso focusedonmakingtheflagship Mulemodelasaccessibleand user-friendlyaspossible. Comingequippedwithdoorsas standard,userswillbeprotected frommudandpuddles,whilea 5.3litrestoragebinunderneath thepassengerseatensuresthat thereisplentyofspaceto securelystoreallofyour belongings.

Brightdigitalinstrumentation ensuresyoucanalwayssee essentialinformationataglance andtheconsolealsocomes preppedforanaccessoryaudio system.Themulti-function displayisbuiltdirectlyintothe dashandfeaturesanarrayof insight,including:

•Drivingmode(2WD/4WD) indicator

•Digitalspeedometerd

•Digitalfuelgauge

•Clockodometer

•Dualtripmeters

•Hourmeter

•Differentialindicatorlamp

•Checkenginelamp

•ElectricPowerSteering warninglamp

•Watertemperaturewarning lamp

•Seatbeltwarninglamp

•Parkingindicatorlamp

•Reverseindicatorlamp

•Neutralindicatorlamp

Thecontouredbenchseat complementsthebodyand providesamplespaceand comfortfortwoadultsatatime.

Kawasaki’shigh-gradeElectric

PowerSteering(EPS)isspeedsensitive,providinguserswith lightsteeringatlowspeedsand tightenedsteeringathigher speeds.Itcanalsoworkto enhanceridercomfortbyacting asadampingsystem,reducing thebumpsandkickbacks createdasyougoalongbumpy terrain.Driversarealsoableto setthepositionofthesteering wheeltonotonlysuittheir preferencebutalsotoliftitoutof thewaywhengettinginandout ofthevehicle.Anelectrically selectable2WD/4WDanddual modereardifferentialsystem ensuresquickandsimple changingtosuitthechanging terrain.

Sinceitslaunch,theKawasaki Mulerangehasestablisheditself asoneoftheleadersinutility vehicles,usedbyfarmworkers, gamekeepers,construction workersandeventworkers acrosstheglobe.More informationontherangecanbe foundatwww.kawasaki.co.uk

ThisSpringTyreSafeAsksBritain’s Motorists,Doyoudriveandhope?

TyreSafe,theUK’styresafetycharityis challengingdriverswiththequestion Doyoudriveandhope?thisSpring. ThisSpringseesanadditionalbank holidayweekendfortheKing’s coronation,alongsidetheregular EasterbreakandMaybankholiday.Thesebank holidaystypicallyseeasharpriseinweekend breaks,longerstaycationsandvisitstofriendsand familyandanensuingincreaseintrafficonthe roads.

Withtheweathersettoremainunpredictable,and vehicleslikelytobemoreheavilyloaded,TyreSafe isaskingdriverstonottakeachanceontheirtyre safetybyperformingregularcheckseverymonth andbeforelongjourneys.

ThequestionDoyoudriveandhope?isaboldbut importantquestionformotoristswhomaynoteven giveanyconsiderationtotheirtyresastheonly pointofcontactbetweenthevehicleandtheroad.

Withlonger,heavilyloadedjourneysmorelikely, TyreSafeisalsourgingallmotoriststoensurethey haveadequatebreakdowncover,recommending thatmotoristsdonotattempttorepairorreplacea tyreonthesideoftheroad,andinsteadcallfor assistance.

Tohelpdriversrememberthethreevitalchecks, TyreSafeusestheacronymACT–airpressure,

conditionandtread.

Airpressure-Theairpressureofeachtyreshould alsobecheckedusinganaccurategauge. Typically,carmanufacturersrecommendtwo differenttyrepressures,oneforlightloadsand anotherforwhenthevehicleisfully.It’sessential thatdriversadjustthepressurestoaccommodate theloadtheyarecarrying.Thesesettingscanbe foundinthevehiclehandbook,onreputableinternet tyrepressurechartssuchastheoneattyresafe. org,andofteninthevehicle’sfuelfillercapordoor sill.

Condition-withavisualcheck,lookingatthe overallconditionofeachtyretoseeifanything mighthavepenetratedthetread,suchasnailsor otherobjects.Ifanyoftheseobjects,cracksor bulgesarepresent,thedrivershouldrefer immediatelyseekprofessionaladvice.

Tread–driversshouldcheckthetreadoftheirtyres toensuretheyareabovetheUKthelegaltread depthminimumof1.6mm.Ideallyanaccuratetread depthgaugeshouldbeusedbutifthisisnot available,a20pcoincanbeusedasaguide.Insert the20pintothemainsectionsofthetyreandat variouspointsaroundthecircumference–should youseetheouterrimatanypoint,youneedto havethetreaddepthcheckedasitmaybeillegal.

TyreSafeprovidesawealthofresources,guidance

andinstructionalvideostofurtherassistdriversin performingchecksontheirtyresathome.These canbefoundatwww.tyresafe.org/checksandon TyreSafe’sYouTubechannel.Theyalsosupply theirmembersandsupporterswithasuiteofassets tosharewiththeircustomerstohelpfurtherspread thetyresafetymessage.

StuartLovatt,TyreSafeChair,said:“Thisspringis likelytoseerecordbreakingnumbersofvehicles takingtotheroadstomakethemostofthe additionalbankholiday.It’sawonderfultimeof yearasmanypeopletaketheextraleavefromwork tospendtimewithlovedonesandexplore.Thelast thingdriverswantisanunnecessaryinterruptionto theirjourney,oratworstacatastrophe,whichcan besoeasilyavoidedbyperformingsimplechecks.

Itonlytakesafewminutesandcouldbethe differencebetweenacrackinglongweekenderand abankholidaynightmare.”

Thosewishingtosupportthisyear’scampaignswill findarangeofassetsunderthe‘Forsupporters’ sectionoftyresafe.org.Materialswillincludevideos andimagestobeusedonsocialmedia.Official TyreSafesupporterscanaccessfurtherassets, includingcustomisableprint-readyfiles,via themembers’area.Toaccessthis,supportersare askedtocompletearegistrationform whichtheteam@tyresafe.orgwillapprove.Then theysimplyusetheirlogindetailstobeableto downloadthematerials,whichcanbecustomised withtheirorganisation’slogo.

FordProIntensifiesOff-RoadAppealof itsTop-SellingRangerPickupwithAllNewWildtrakXandTremorModels

FordProtoday revealedthenew RangerWildtrakXand RangerTremor–two excitingoff-road focusedmodelsfor thebest-sellingpickup’smost comprehensiveline-upeverin Europe.

moreoff-roadabilityandstunning lookstoEurope’smostpopular pickup.Together,theybroaden thelatestRangerfamilytonew levels,strengtheningitsappealto morecustomersthanever,”said HansSchep,generalmanager, FordPro,Europe.

dutypowersteeringsystemand aprotectivesteelbashplate deliverevenmoreconfidenceoffroad.

Targetingcustomerswhorequire enhancedcapabilityin challengingoff-roadconditions, bothmodelsfeaturea substantiallyreworkedchassis withuniquesuspensionupgrades includingadvancedBilstein dampersasstandard.Off-road focuseddriverassistance systems1provideenhanced confidence,whilethetwonew Rangervariantspossessa ruggednewstylethatreflects theirprowessintoughconditions.

RangerWildtrakXandTremor offerthesegment-firstFlexible RackSystemoptiontomaximise load-carryingabilityforlonger items.Theeasy-to-usesystem willalsobeavailableasanoption forRangerWildtrak.

“ThenewRangerWildtrakXand Tremorseriesfollowthesame recipeasouriconicRanger Raptor;eachoneaddseven

Theintroduction ofRanger WildtrakXand Tremorfollows Ranger’sbesteversales performancein Europelast year.2Arecord marketshareof 44.9percent andyear-onyearshare growthof18per centcapped eight consecutiveyearsofsegment leadership.Orderbooksforboth newmodelsopenfromMarch 2023,withdeliveriessetfrom August2023.

RangerWildtrakX

RangerWildtrakXbuildsonthe Wildtrakmodel witha26mmride heightincrease and30mmwider trackwidthfor sure-footedness onruggedterrain.

3Standard Bilsteinhighperformance position‑sensitive dampersprovide therightamount ofdampingforce throughouttheir traveltoenhanceoff-roadability withoutcompromisingon-road performance.Anupratedheavy-

Standardnewoff-road technologiesincludeTrailTurn Assist,1whichusesbrake-based torquevectoringtoreduce turningradiusbyupto25per centwhentightturnsareneeded. TrailControl1operatesina similarwaytocruisecontrol:the drivercanselectaspeedbelow 20mphandthevehiclewill automaticallymanage accelerationandbrakingto maintaintheselectedspeed whilethedriverconcentrateson steeringthroughdifficultterrain.

Ford’sproven2.0-litreEcoBlue bi-turbodieselenginepowersall WildtrakXmodels,4producing 500Nmoftorquefrom1,750rpm and205PSpairedwitha10speedautomatictransmission.5 Anadvancednewfull-timefourwheeldrivesystemwitha reassuringset-and-forgetmode isstandard,designedtodeliver capabilitywhenandwhere customersneedit.

RangerWildtrakXsendsa powerfulvisualmessagewitha widerstance,underbody

protectionandincreasedground clearancecomparedtothe existingWildtrak.Itsdistinctive lookisfurtherenhancedbya uniqueAsphaltBlackgrille surroundandbumperH-bar, wheelarchtrimandrearbumper. OptionalmatrixLEDheadlamps withauxiliarylampsinthegrille deliveroptimumvisibility.Chunky WildtrakXbadges,blacked-out Fordovalsandmatchingblack 17-inchalloywheelswithallterrainwhite-letteredtyres completethemorehardcoreoffroadstyling.

Inside,occupantsbenefitfrom uniqueMikosuede-trimmed seatswithexclusiveWildtrakX embroidery,supportedbysofttouchTerrasuedewithcontrast CyberOrangestitchingonthe upperdashboard,doortrimsand centreconsole.Built-in connectivityasstandardto

FordPass6andFordPro servicessuchas FORDLiiveenhancethe ownershipexperience.

RangerTremor

ThenewRangerTremor 4isbasedonthehardworkingRangerXLTand sharesthechassisand technologyupgradesaswellas thenewall-wheeldrivesystem fromWildtrakXtosuitcustomers whodesireconfidentoff-road ability.

Therevised suspension geometryhelps tocreatea tougher,more plantedstance, enhancedby theincreased trackand extendedarch mouldings.A distinctivelonglegtubularsportsbarisfittedas standardanddefinesRanger Tremor’sadventurouslook,while castaluminiumsidestepsand exposedtwinfronttowhooks continuethefunction-ledstyling. UniqueBoulderGreyexterior detailsandadarkenedgrille completethemodel’sbold, distinctiveappearance.

RangerTremor’sseatsandfloor featurewater-resistant,easilycleanedvinyltrim.Anoptional pre-wiredoverheadswitchpack offerssixinputsforwinches,LED lightbarsandotherequipment–whichcanbeorderedviaaFord dealershiporthroughtheonline FordShop.

Segment-firstFlexibleRack System

BothRangerWildtrakXand Tremorcanbespecifiedwith Ford’sinnovativenewFlexible RackSystem.7Theunique feature’sfoldingroofrackand adjustableslidingrearloadhoop allowlongitemstobecarried abovetheroofratherthan wedgedbetweenthetailgateand cab.Thisimprovesloadsecurity andfreesuptheloadbedfor otheritems.FlexibleRack Systemwillalsobeavailableas anasanoptionforRanger WildtrakseriesfromMarch2023.

ISUZUUKCELEBRATESADECADEOFFOOTBALLSHIRTFRIDAY

IsuzuUKisproudtobeassociatedwith FootballShirtFridayaspartofthe BobbyMooreFund,withthecharity initiativecelebratingitstenth anniversarythisyear.Thecampaign, startedinmemoryoflegendaryWorld Cup-winningEnglandfootballcaptainBobbyMoore OBE,aimstotacklebowelcancerbyraising awarenessandfundingviasocialmedia.

Thankstosubstantialcelebritybackingincluding EnglandfootballcaptainandTottenhamstriker HarryKane,ArsenaldefenderJenBeattie,and broadcaster/DJAdeleRobertsandherpartner, actorKateHolderness,thecampaignisexpectedto receiveamassiveamountofsupportfromfootball andnon-footballfansalike.Inavideo,inwhichthe starsshowofftheirfootballshirts,theyarecalling onfanstoweartheirfavouritefootballshirttowork, schoolorathomeonFriday21stApril,tosharea pictureonsocialmediaanddonate£5totheBobby MooreFundforCancerResearchUK.

Thefund,setupin1993byBobby’swidow StephanieMooreOBE,fundspioneeringbowel cancerresearchtofindbetterwaystoprevent, detect,diagnoseandtreatbowelcancer.Overthe last30years,ithasraisedmorethan£29mand

seenmortalityratesforbowelcancerfallbymore than30%.

IsuzuUKwillbeencouragingallemployeesto participate,withthebrandhavingadedicated

ISUZUUKCELEBRATESADECADEOFFOOTBALLSHIRTFRIDAY

CancerResearchUKgivingpagereadilyaccessible toemployeesaswellasthegeneralpublic. Additionally,eachmemberofIsuzuUK’sdealer networkalsohasadedicatedgivingpage,thereby allowingdealerstoassistwiththefundraisingby

reachingevenmorepeople.Thecombinationof IsuzuHQandthedealernetworkwillsitunderthe consumer-facingbannerofIsuzuFC(Football Community).Nationalcampaignswillpointtothe IsuzuFCsuperteampagewhilstlocaldealer initiativeswillpointtotheirownfundraisingpages.

StephanieMooreOBE,thefounderoftheBobby MooreFund,said:“Mortalityratesforbowelcancer havefallensignificantlysinceBobby’sdeaththirty yearsago,andI’msothankfultoeveryonewhohas supportedusoverthelasttenyearsofFootball ShirtFriday.Butbowelcancerremainsthesecond mostcommoncauseofcancerdeathintheUK,so there’sstillalongwaytogo.Youcouldbethe biggestfootballfanintheworldornotknowthe offsiderule,itdoesn’tmatter.What’simportantis thateveryonegetsinvolvedon21stApriltohelp beatthediseasethattookBobbytoosoon.”

GeorgeWallis,HeadofMarketingatIsuzuUK, said:“PartneringwithFootballShirtFridayallowsus togetasmanypeopleaspossibletocometogether againstbowelcancer,makingapositiveimpact thankstoastrongcommunityspiritandashared loveoffootball.TheinvolvementoftheIsuzudealer networkisfurtherevidencethatindividualscanjoin forcestosupportabrilliantcause.”

Surveyrevealsalmost50%ofUK driverswouldbuyanelectricvehicleif theycoulduseittopowertheirhome

LeadingBritishEV chargingandsmart energytechnology business,Indra,today releasedthefindings fromanational surveyintothelatestattitudes andopinionsofUKdrivers towardselectricvehicles(EVs), EVchargingandelectrification.

KeyfindingsfromtheIndra-dex surveysuggestthatperceived runningandpurchasecostsare puttingthebrakesongreaterEV adoption,meaningthousandsof driverscouldbemissingouton significantcostsavingsand environmentalbenefitsfrom switchingtheirpetrolanddiesel vehiclesforelectricmodels.

Thesurveyofover2,000UK driversrevealsthatdespite almosthalf(47%)worryingabout theenvironmentalimpactof

drivingapetrolordieselvehicle, costsremainthelargestbarrier topurchasinganEV,withonly 30%ofrespondentslikelytobuy anelectriccarinthenext12 months.50%citedpriceasthe biggestbarrier,althoughless thanathird(30%)saidtheywere concernedwiththelackofpublic chargingpoints.

Thesurveyalsorevealedthat manydriversbelievepetrolcars arethemostcost-effectivemode oftransportoverthenext6-12 months(37%),followedbypublic transport(18%)anddiesel enginevehicles(18%).EVs camefourthplace,withonly16% ofthosepolledbelievingthemto bethecheapestwaytotravel.

Theresearchalsorevealedthat over59%ofthosesurveyed over-estimatedthecostfor charginganEV,withsome

believingitcouldamountto £150-£200forasinglecharge. Theseperceptionsarecontrary toreal-worldfindings,whereEV runningcostsaregenerallymuch lowerthanthoseofpetroland dieselcars,especiallywhen chargedathome.

Forexample,theaveragecostof fuellingapetrol1.5litrevehicleis £74forafulltank,equatingto approximately16ppermile*.This comparestotheaveragecoststo chargeafamily-sizedEVwitha 64kWhbatteryfromempty, estimatedtobearound£21** whenusingastandardcharger onastandardvariableenergy tariff.

AndwiththeadventofEVspecifictariffs,suchasOVO’s ChargeAnytimetariffat10pper kWhaccessedusingasmart homechargersuchastheIndra

SmartPRO,thiscoulddropto below£7forafullcharge, equatingto2pamile.This meansthatdriversofpetrol vehiclesarepayinguptoeighttimesmorepermiletoruntheir vehiclecomparedtoanEV equivalent.

MikeSchooling,founderand ChiefProductOfficeratIndra, seesthisasjustthetipofthe icebergwhenitcomestocost savingsfromEVs:

“Itisalreadysignificantlycheaper torunanEVcomparedtoa petrolordieselvehicle,andthis willonlyimproveaswemove towardswidespreadadoptionof bidirectionalorV2Xcharging,” explainsMike.

“Bidirectional charging technologytakes savingson transportcoststo wholenewlevel, enablingEVdrivers tonotonly capitaliseon cheaperenergy tariffsandlowercarbonenergy,but alsodischarge surplusenergyfrom theirvehiclesto eitherpowertheirhomesoreven tradeitbacktothegridatpeak energytimes,whenpricesare typicallyattheirhighest.”

Aprominentinnovatorin bidirectionalcharging,Indrahas beenleadingthechargeinthe developmentofthisrevolutionary technologysince2018,whenit developedthefirstproven bidirectionalchargeraspartofa large-scaletrialknownasProject Sciurus.TrialistsofIndra’s technologyhaverepeatedly achievedsavingsofaround £100-200ontheirmonthly energybills.

With61%ofdriversadmitting theyfeeltheyhavenocontrol overtheirhomeenergybillsand 65%believingthatturningoff applianceistheonlywayto reducethem,it’snothardtosee howalmosthalf(49%)said

bidirectionalchargingwould temptthemtobuyanEV.

HarryWallop,consumer journalistandTimescolumnist comments:"Bidirectional chargingissuchanexciting technology.Theideathatan electricvehiclecouldnotonlybe acarbutalsoaportablebattery –providingasustainablesource ofpowertopeople’shomes–couldtransformnotjusttheEV market,butalsohowwethink aboutelectricity.Atatimeof risingenergycosts,increasing globaldemandonenergy resourcesandclimatechange, thiscouldbeaveryclever solution,potentiallysaving consumersmoneyandallowing

betiedtoatraditionalenergy infrastructure,butwillbeableto access,tradeandshareenergy. ThismeansthatEVsand bidirectionalchargingcouldplay ahugelysignificantrolein creatingaflexible,sustainable energyeco-systemandenabling thegovernmenttoachieveitsnet zeroambitions.”

Indra’sVisionfor2033

Indra’s2033Visiongivesan insightintohowUKdriverswill belivinginadecade’stimeand showcasestheopportunitiesthat pioneeringbidirectionalcharging technologywillbringtotheeraof electrification.Withthesaleof newpetrolanddieselcarsbeing bannedfrom2030, thesizeandscale ofEVownershipin theUKwillincrease significantlyinthe nexttenyears.By usinganEVas bothamodeof transportanda powerfulbatteryon wheels,EV ownership becomeseven moreaffordable, convenient, rewardingand sustainable.

ustoharnessfarmoregreen energythanwecurrentlydo."

Althoughthistechnologyisnot yetavailableoutsideoftrials, Indraispartofsmallnumberof leadingbusinessesinthisspace whohavebeenawarded government-backedfundingfrom theV2X

InnovationProgrammetohelp enablelarge-scaleadoptionof thisgame-changingtechnology.

“Bidirectionalchargingwill fundamentallychangetheway weviewandinteractwithenergy andourcarsandvans.EVswill effectivelybecomemobile batteriesonwheelsfor harnessing,storingandthen usinggreener,cheaperenergyto powerourhomesorsellbackto thegrid,”addedMikeSchooling.

“Inthefuture,wewillnolonger

Fromstoringfreegreenenergyin theEV’sbatterytopowerahome ortradingsurpluspowerbackto thegrid,Vision2033alsoshows howthebatterywillbecomea valuablemobileassettouse whenawayfromhome.Trading energywithairports,workplaces orevenhospitalswhileparked canbeexchangedforfree parking,extraincome,travel discountsorrewards.

Byunlockingthepotentialof V2X,itultimatelygivestheEV driverscompletecontroloftheir energyusageandcosts, integratesthemacrosssociety andplacesthemattheheartof theirownenergyecosystem.

FormoreinformationonIndra andbidirectional(V2X)charging, ortoviewIndra’sVision2033 film,visitwww.indra.co.uk

OspreyrampsupitsEVchargingnetwork roll-out,installingasmanyrapidchargersin Q12023asitdidinthewholeyearof2022

OspreyCharging, oneoftheUK’s leadingnetworksof rapidelectric vehicle(EV) chargingpoints, hasshownhowquicklythe deploymentofpubliccharging infrastructureisincreasingby revealingthatithasinstalledas manychargersinthefirstquarter ofthisyearasitdidduringthe wholeof2022.

FromJanuarytoMarchthis year,142newrapidOsprey EVchargingstationswent livein10weeks,equalling thenumberofchargepoints installedthroughout2022. Thenewfiguresrefertolive chargepointsthatareopen forpublicuse;another50 chargerswillbeinstalledand madeliveinApril.

IanJohnston,theCEOof OspreyChargingNetwork said:

"I’mdelightedthatthe deploymentofOsprey's nationalinfrastructureofEV chargingstationsisatfull speed,withthewholeteam workingtirelesslytobring newchargersliveatthis unprecedentedrate.Looking ahead,wearesettocontinue thispaceofroll-outanddeliver onourbusinessplanofachieving fourtimesasmanychargersin 2023thanwedidin2022.

“Nowthatwehaveestablisheda broadnetworkourfocusisto continuetoexpandbutalso provideahighqualityof experienceforEVdriversallover thecountry.Overthenexttwo yearswewillinvestover £100millionexpandingour nationwidepubliccharging

network,establishingthemuchneedednationalinfrastructure thatdriverscantrustandrelyon.

“Welookforwardtoworkingwith ourpartnerstohelpbringthis strategytolife,deliveringour strongdevelopmentpipelineof siteswithabreadthoflandlords, aswellasonourownland.”

Ospreyisnowthefourthlargest rapidchargingnetworkwith

Ospreyfocussesoneaseofuse andpaymentandaccessiblesite designtocreateaworry-free experienceforthosedrivers usingthepublicchargingnetwork forthefirsttime,orwithaccess requirements.Itscharging stationsareopentoalldrivers, andacceptallthemajorEV roamingsolutionsforfleetand commercialdrivers.

Thebusinessalsoremains

chargersacrosstheUK,witha focusonmeetinggrowing chargingdemandthrough4+ chargerhubsthatmaximise availabilityandspeed.

Thenetwork’sload-balancing hubs,firstintroducedtotheUKin 2021,dynamicallydistribute availablepowerinrealtimeto carsastheyneedit,which meansmorechargepointscan beinstalledonasmallergrid connectionthanatraditionalset upandnopoweriswasted.

committedtoprovidingsafe, reliableandaccessibleEV chargingforall.Itscharging locationsareconsistentlyscored highlyforsafetyand accessibilitybyindependent inspectionbodyChargeSafe,and OspreyChargingNetworkisin theTop3UKChargepoint NetworkOperatorsforboth personalsafetyandaccessibility.

Formoreinformation,pleasevisit www.ospreycharging.co.uk

NewrapidEVchargingsiteopenedatCamdenArmsHotel andRestaurantinPemburybyOspreyChargingNetwork, supportscriticalpubliccharginginfrastructure

OspreyCharging, oneoftheUK’s largestandleading electricvehicle(EV) chargingnetworks, hasincreased accesstopublicchargingin TunbridgeWellswithtwohighpoweredEVchargersinstalledat

typicallyadd100milesofrange injust35minutes,dependingon themodelofthevehicleandits battery.Beingnexttoa restaurant,thechargersarean idealplacetochargeanEV whilstpoppingforabitetoeat. Thechargersareeasytouse anddesignedwithsimple

biggestbarrierstoEVadoption andtheinstallationisexpectedto encourageEVuptakeinthe area,bolsteringtheUK’snational charginginfrastructureaswellas improvinglocalairquality, reducingnoisepollutionand supportinglocaldecarbonisation efforts.

IanJohnston,CEOofOsprey Charging,said:“Theelectric transitioniswellunderwayand we’reheretoprovideareliable andrapidpublicchargingservice fordrivers,fromCornwallto ScottishHighlands.Eachofour newlocationsiscarefully designedtomaximisespace, accessibilityandavailabilityof chargers,workingtothelatest andhigheststandards.Thisnew chargingsiteattheCamden Armshotelandrestaurantin Pemburyisavitalpartoftherechargingnetworkthatwillenable thedecarbonisationoftransport intheUK.”

AsEVuptakeincreasesacross thecountryaheadofthe2030 banonnewpetrolanddiesel vehicles,moreandmoreof TunbridgeWellsvisitorswilllook forEVchargingasstandard. Ospreyhasfundedthis installation,operationand overseesmaintenanceofthe chargerswhichareallsupplied withrenewableenergy. ShepherdNeame,thelandlord forthesite,benefitsfroma future-proofedcarparkandbeing abletoattractmoreEVdriversas customers.

theCamdenArmshoteland restaurantinPembury, supportinglocalresidents, businessesandvisitorswith reliableEVinfrastructure.

The75kWrapidchargepoints arecompatiblewitheveryEVon themarkettodayandcan

paymentfordrivers,accepting contactlessbankcards,Apple/ GooglePay,theOspreyAppand RFIDcardpaymentsaswellas paymentsthroughallmajorthirdpartypaymentmethodsincluding fleetcards.

Accesstochargingisoneofthe

Ospreycharginglocationsare consistentlyscoredhighly forsafetyandaccessibilityby independentinspectionbody ChargeSafe,andOspreyisinthe Top3UKChargepointNetwork Operatorsforbothpersonal safetyandaccessibility.

ŠkodaStudentCarNo.9:moreelectrifyingthanever

TheninthŠkoda StudentCarwillbe moreelectrifying thaneverwhile embracingŠkoda’s explorerspirit.This year’s29apprenticesare buildingamultifunctional campingandmobile-office vehiclebasedontheall-electric ŠkodaEnyaqiVSUV.Their dreamcarlivesuptomoderndayexplorers’needsand expectations.Backedbythe ŠkodaDesignteam,thestudents haverecentlydraftedtheirown initialdesignsketchesforthe ŠkodaStudentCar.

OliverStefani, HeadofŠkoda Design,says:

threeofŠkoda'sgreatstrengths: itscan-doattitude,hands-on approachandtremendousteam spirit.WeatŠkodaDesignare alreadylookingforwardtothe momentwegettobeholdthe finishedStudentCar.

Designingamobilehomefrom home

Since2014,ŠkodaDesignhas beenoneofthefirststopsonthe

journeyofthosevocational studentsparticipatinginthe project.WorkingwithHeadof ŠkodaDesignOliverStefaniand histeam,theyfirstcomeupwith exteriorandinteriorsketchesof theirdreamcar–whichtheywill thengoontobuildthemselves, fromtheinitialconcepttothe finishedproduct.Theninth StudentCarissettobea multifunctionalmobile-office camperbasedontheŠkoda EnyaqiV,thefirstŠkoda productionmodelbuilton VolkswagenGroup’sModular ElectrificationToolkit(MEB).

“ExploreMore” throughtheeyes

ofstudents

Intheirdesign sketches,the studentshave alreadydefined thepersonalityof theirdreamcar.

TheStudentCar projectcombines

Asabattery electricoffice camper,thefirst everStudentCar basedonan EnyaqiVis intendedtobea companionon

“We,atŠkoda Design,arevery happythat,as partofthis fantasticproject, wecangivethese youngtalents suchatangible insightintoour everydaywork andgetthem excitedaboutit.

journeystonewhorizons.A personalspaceforexperiences anddiscoveries,italso underlinesŠkoda’scommitment toelectricmobility.Asistypical forthebrand,theupcoming StudentCarwillbenefitfrom iconic“SimplyClever”features andstate-of-the-arttechnology, whilealsoincorporatingawide arrayofsustainablematerials. Theaimofthecaristoletits ownerbecomeadigitalnomad–workingwithoutbeingtiedtoa desk,freetomovewhereverand whenevertheywantto.It’sa perfectmatchforŠkoda’snew “ExploreMore”conceptand preciselytherightvehiclefor modernexplorersand independentadventurers.

JiříHadaščok,ExteriorDesign CoordinatoratŠkoda,says: “StudentsofŠkodaVocational Schoolaredoinganamazingjob. Personally,Ialwaysenjoybeing involvedintheproject, supportingtheapprenticesand reapingmyownbenefitsfrom them,too.It’sgreattolookatthe designprocessfromadifferent angleandtoexplorenew

approaches.Thewayour studentsaretranslatingthe ‘ExploreMore’conceptinto concreteideas,andseeinghow theyputthemintopractice,is reallyimpressive.”

AgátaFraňkováisapainterin thesecondyearofher apprenticeship.Hersketches impressedtheŠkodaDesign teamsomuchthatshebecame thefirstparticipantsincethe inceptionoftheStudentCar projecttobeofferedan internshipatthedepartment.She adds:“TheŠkodaStudentCaris anamazingproject.Inthe beginning,wewereparticularly exictedaboutthesupportfrom ŠkodaDesign.Iamreallyhappy tobepartofthisteamandIam lookingforwardtogettingto knowthedesigners’workup close–learningaboutdifferent moderndesigntechniquesand furtherdevelopingmyskills.”

ŠkodaStudentCars–exceptionalprojectssince 2014

Since2014,membersofeach

yearattheŠkodaVocational Schoolhavedesignedastriking conceptcarwhichtheyhavethen builtthemselves.Thefirst StudentCar,in2014,wasthe Citijet,whichwasbasedonthe ŠkodaCitigo.Thiswasfollowed bytheFunstar,apickupversion oftheŠkodaFabia,andthe Aterocoupé,basedontheRapid Spaceback.In2017,the apprenticescompletedtheirfirst electriccar,theElement,two yearsaheadoftheelectric CitigoeiVproductionmodel.The Sunroqof2018wasaconvertible versionoftheKaroqSUV, followedayearlaterbythe spectacularMountiaqpickup concept,basedontheŠkoda KodiaqSUV.In2020,the studentspresentedtheSlavia Spider,derivedfromtheScala.In 2022,afterayear’shiatusduring thecovidpandemic,Škoda Motorsportenteredthefrayfor thefirsttimebysupportingthe ŠkodaAfriq,acarthatwasbuilt forrallyingandwasbasedonthe Kamiq’sCitySUVmodel.

EuroNCAPannouncesplansforanewTruckSafetyratingscheme

Traditionallyproviding consumerswith informationoncar safety,todayEuro NCAPannounces thatthesafety organisationwillexpanditsscope evenfurthertoprovidedetailed safetyinformationaboutthesafety ofheavytrucksviaaninnovative TruckSafeCityandHighwayrating scheme.

AsEuroNCAPoutlinesinitslatest reportSaferTrucks:ontheRoadto VisionZerothatisreleasedtoday, thenewTruckSaferatingscheme willenableallstakeholdersinthe freightindustrytoidentifyand assessthesafetylevelofequipment intheirheavytruckfleets.Notonly willthisdeliverenhancedsafetyfor drivers,butitwillcreateamarketfor safetechnologythatwillallow manufacturerstoinnovateand advancetheirofferingwithinaclear frameworkforsafetygroundedin EuroNCAPprinciples.Citiesand publicauthoritieswillbeableto clearlyidentifythebestvehiclesfor theirroadsandincentiviseadoption andcompanieswillbeabletoeasily determinethevehiclespecifications theyneedtocomplywithinroad authorityschemes.

InSweden,weseehead-on crashes,andespeciallywith heavytrucks,asoneofthe biggestchallengesindeveloping asaferoadtransportsystem. Basedonthesuccessful experienceofEuroNCAP passengercartestingsaving lives,weexpectEuroNCAP’snew ratingschemeforheavytrucksto beastrongtoolinaddressingthis majorissueonourcountry’s roads.

—RikardFredriksson,Vehicle SafetyAdvisoroftheSwedish TransportAdministration (Trafikverket)andMemberEuro NCAPBoard

Goodstransportisanessentialfact ofallmodernsocieties,providing

everythingweneedtosurviveand muchofwhatwewantforcomfort andenjoyment.Mostofthefreight withinEuropeistransportedbyroad. Effortstoincreaserailfreight capacity,promotemodalshift, sourcegoodsmorelocally,or organiselogisticschainsmore efficientlycanreduceroadfreight demand.Populationgrowthand increasesinthestandardofliving tendtoincreaseGoodstransportis anessentialfactofall modernsocieties, providingeverythingwe needtosurviveandmuch ofwhatwewantfor comfortandenjoyment. Mostofthefreightwithin Europeistransportedby road.Effortstoincrease railfreightcapacity, promotemodalshift,sourcegoods morelocally,ororganiselogistics chainsmoreefficientlycanreduce roadfreightdemand.Population growthandincreasesinthe standardoflivingtendtoincrease freightdemand.Theneteffectisa prediction(ITF,2019)thatglobal freightdemandwilltreblebetween 2015and2050.Heavytrucksare likelytobecomemore,notless, important.Heavytrucksrepresent almost1.5%ofvehiclesonEurope’s roadsandareinvolvedinalmost 15%ofallEUroadfatalities.Vision Zerowillnotbereachedwithout tacklingthechallengespresentedby trucksonourroads.

AdvancedDriverAssistance technologiesarenowstandardon mostEuropeancars,andtheyare contributingtomorethana40% reductioninsomecrashes.Heavy truckshavetheverysame crashesbutdon’thavethis technologyfitted,leadingtoa disproportionatenumberof casualtiesincrashesinvolving heavyvehicles.

—MatthewAvery,ChiefResearch StrategyOfficer,Thatcham Research

Byexaminingsafetylevelsof heavyandcommercialtrucksand improvingtheirsafety,Ibelieve thatwecanendtraffic-related fatalitiesandhelpmanyEuropean countriestoachievetheir‘Vision Zero’targetinroadcasualties.A trucksafetylabelcanincentivise goodperformance,allow optimisationofoperationalsafety

andcost,andwillaccelerate regulatoryeffortstoimprove trucksafety.Europeanroadswill hencebecomesafer.Weare activelyseekingnewmembers thatcaninvestresourcesand theirknowledgetohelpusmake thisschemethesuccessthat societyneedsittobe.Thismarks thebeginningofanew, challenging,andexcitingjourney forEuroNCAP,itsmembersand thosewhowishtojoinusinthe future.

—MichielvanRatingen,SecretaryGeneralEuroNCAP

EuroNCAPbelievescreatinga marketwherethesafestchoiceof vehicleisthemostprofitablechoice ofvehiclewillbecriticaltosuccess. OnewayofachievingthisisforEuro NCAPtolinkwithnational,regional andlocalinitiativessuchaslocal accessrestrictions,freightbest practiceschemes,public procurementcontracting,and insurerstocreateincentives.If combinedwithamorerobustand harmonisedframeworkoftechnical standards,thiswillcreatethebuying powernecessarytogeneratethe demandforsafervehiclesthat manufacturersneediftheyareto combineinnovationandcommercial success.

However,onesizecertainlydoesnot fitall.Forexample,manytruckswill beuseddepot-to-depotandnever gonearabuilt-uparea.Otherswill spendtheirtimedistributinggoodsin cities,andotherssuchas4-axle rigidtippersmightneedtoaccess off-roadsites,rurallanes, motorways,andcitycentres.There isnopointencouraginganurbanspecificsafetysolutiononatruck thatneverentersanurbanarea–thatwouldcreateacostwithouta benefit.Butifvehicleswithouturban safetysystemsarepermitted,itis onlyrighttoallowcitiestotryand keepthemoutofareaswherethose urbanrisksarehigh.

ThishasledtoEuroNCAP’s innovativeconceptofadualrating forcityandhighwayenvironments. Allvehicleswillberatedagainstboth setsofcriteria.Ifvehicleoperators buyavehicleforaspecificuse,they alsoonlyneedtoconsiderthe appropriaterating.Onlygeneralpurposevehiclesrequiregood performanceinbothratings.

ALL-ELECTRICFISKEROCEANEXTREMEACHIEVESACOMBINED

WLTPRANGEOFUPTO707KM/440UKMILES,THELONGEST RANGEOFANYBATTERYELECTRICSUVSOLDINEUROPETODAY

FiskerInc.(NYSE: FSR)("Fisker"), drivenbyamissionto createtheworld's mostemotionaland sustainableelectric vehicles,announcesthattheallelectricFiskerOceanExtreme hasacombinedWLTPrangeof upto707km/440UKmiles1,the longestrangeofanybattery electricSUVsoldinEurope today,exceedingFisker’s estimatesandprovidingFisker Oceanownerswithrange assurance,comfort,and convenience.

“Fromthebeginning,weplanned theFiskerOceantodeliverthe highestlevelofdesign, sustainability,innovation, usability,andrange.Wecreated afantastic5-passengervehicle, offeringourbuyersrange confidenceandconveniencein everytrip,”CEOHenrikFisker said.

“Thisachievementis amajormilestonefor everyoneatFisker, andwearedelighted therangeexceeds ourinitial calculations,”Fisker continued.

Aspartofitsmission tocreatethemost sustainableSUVon Earth,Fisker harnessesthelatest andmostcutting-edge technologies,producinga powerfulandresponsivehighperformanceSUVcapableof potentiallydrivingfromLondonto GlasgoworParistoFrankfurt withrangetospare.

TheFiskerOceanzeroemissionsSUVcombines beautifulcraftmanship,ingenious engineering,innovation, affordability,andsustainabilityin threeversions:Extreme,Ultra, andSport,withsometrimssold

outinseverallaunchmarkets. Shopperscanreserveand configuretheFiskerOceanvia theFiskerwebsite.

FiskerexpectsEuropean homologationfromauthoritiesby April28,2023,withcustomer deliveriesthereafter.Thefirst EuropeanFiskerCenters+will openinViennaandCopenhagen onApril11,2023,withadditional Centers+andLoungesacross EuropeandtheUSopening throughout2023.

Hennessey’s500-hp‘VelociRaptor500’ BroncoRaptorRoarsintoProduction

Hennessey,the Texas-based hypercar manufacturerand high-performance vehiclecreator,hasbegun customerdeliveriesofitsnew 500bhpVelociRaptor500 BroncoRaptor.Followingcold weathertestinginthesnowy mountainsofColorado, Hennessey’sengineering teamsignedofftheenhanced versionofFord’sfactory BroncoRaptorenabling productionanddeliveriesto beginatthecompany’sTexas headquarters.

Hennessey’sengineers,who havebeen‘makingfastcars faster’formorethan30years, appliedtheirexpertisetothe SUV’stwin-turbocharged3.0literV6enginetoboostpower

andheightendrivability.Anew high-capacityintercoolerand proprietaryengine managementsystemtuning improvechargecoolingand increaseintakeboostto enhanceoutput.Totalsystem powerisratedatadynoproven500bhpand550lb-ft oftorque–earning Hennessey’s‘VelociRaptor 500’nameplate.

Lastmonth,Hennessey’s teamtraveledtoColoradofor low-temperature,high-altitude testingintheRocky Mountains,wherethiswinter’s conditionshavebeen challenging.However,despite snowstormsandfreezing temperatures,MotherNature’s challengeswerenoproblem fortheupgraded4x4,fitted withHennessey’sunique20-

inchalloywheelsand37-inch off-roadtires.

JohnHennessey,company founder,andCEO:“The VelociRaptor500Broncois oneofourmostagileand capableoff-roadofferings— it’snearlyunstoppableoffthe pavement.Our500 horsepowerupgradepairs perfectlywithFord’srugged BroncoRaptor4x4aswe improveuponthefactory’s high-performanceofferingand enhanceitwithmorepower andamoreaggressive appearance.”

Pricedfrom$28,950–exclusiveofthebaseFord BroncoRaptor–the VelociRaptor500package featuresenhancedair induction,ahigh-capacity

intercoolerwithablow-off valve,andanupgraded engine-managementsystem toboosttheperformanceofits twin-turbocharged3.0-literV6 engine.Hennesseytransforms theexteriorwithcustom VelociRaptorbumpers,LED off-roadlights,unique Hennessey10-spokealloy wheels,andVelociRaptor500 Broncobadging.Theinterior featuresHennessey’s embroideredheadrestraints, all-weatherfloormats,anda uniquebuildnumberplaque.

Havingcompletedanintensive periodofR&Datthe company’sprivatetesttrack andinextremeconditionsboth on-andoff-road,Hennessey confidentlybacksevery Broncobuildwithits comprehensive3-year/ 36,000-milewarranty. Availableforinternational shipping,thenewHennessey VelociRaptor500Broncois availablenowthrough authorizedFordretailersor directlyfromHennesseyby calling+1979.885.1300or

visiting HennesseyPerformance.com.

Specifications:Hennessey VelociRaptor500Bronco

POWER

•500bhp

•550lb-fttorque

UPGRADESTOSTANDARD BRONCORAPTOR3.0L TWIN-TURBOV6

•EngineManagement SoftwareUpgrade

•High-FlowAirInduction System

•18-inchHennessey Wheels(with37-inchtires)

•Largerfront-mounted intercoolersystem

•UpgradedElectronicFold OutSteps

•VelociRaptorFrontBumper withLEDLights

•VelociRaptorRearBumper Upgrade

•Hennessey&VelociRaptor ExteriorBadges

•HennesseyEmbroidered Headrests

•SerialNumberedPlaques inEngineCompartment& Interior

OTHER

•ProfessionalInstallation

•ChassisDynoTuning& RoadTesting

•LimitedEdition(200units for2023)

•3-year/36,000Mile LimitedWarranty

Packageprices&contentsare subjecttochange.Contact HennesseyPerformancefordetails.

SSANGYONGMOTORUKINTRODUCES MOREMUSSO–12INCHESMORE…

SsangYongMotor UKisdelightedto revealrevised Mussorange,with theadditionofthe Saracen+variant. Themultiaward-winning Mussoisavailableinfour specifications-EX,Rebeland Saracenremainavailablein thestandardbedlength,and thenewSaracen+inalonger lengthbed.

TheMussolongbed Saracen+usesthesame chassisandplatformasits regulardoublecabvariants howeverthenew-spec Saracen+modelfeaturesan additional12-inchesinbed length,increasingvolume capacityintheloadarea.

Plasticlinedandwithasturdy reartailgate,theloadareais capableofhaulinggreater

loadswhilstthedoublecab’s spaciousinteriorcanstillseat fiveadultsincomfort.

Aswelltheextra12-inchesin length,itsexteriorstylinghas beenupgradedwithblack finisheddoormirrors,beltline andtailgatefinisher.More dramatically,SsangYonghas addednew,stylish,black18” alloywheelsand255/60tyres increasingitsroadpresence.

Underneathitsboldexterior, allMussovariantsare poweredbyane-XDi220 engine,delivering202psat 3,800rpmandmaximum torqueof441Nmat1,600to 2,600rpmcombinedwith eithera6-speedmanualor automatictransmission.This highlyefficient,quiet,and provenenginedelivers progressiveaccelerationfrom

astandingstart,andstrong low-endtorque,typicalofall SsangYongpowerunits.A newadditiontotheMusso Saracen+andupgradeinline withtherestoftherangeis theadditionofdouble wishbonesuspension,and dualcoilsprings,ensuring impressivetowingand payloadcapabilities–Musso istheonlytrucktolegallytow 3.5-tonnesandcarrymore than1-tonnesimultaneously.

Therangespecification line-upisnowasfollows:

MussoEX

TheEuro6dcompliantshortbedEXoffersthemarket-entry vehiclethatisbuiltforahard day’sworkatanunbeatable price.Itcomeswithnewly designed17”alloywheels,a

DABaudio/Bluetoothsystem, 6-airbags,electricwindows, remotecentrallockingthat includesthetailgate,manual airconditioning,automatic headlights,rainsensing wipersandAdBlue.TheEX isavailablewithmanual transmissiononly.

MussoRebel

TheshortbedRebelbuilds ontheEXspecification, addingroofrails,an8”smart audioinfotainmentsystem withGoogleCarPlayand AndroidAuto,arear-view reversingcamera,leatherlookseats,frontseatsthat arebothheatedand ventilated,heatedleather steeringwheel,blackand silversidesteps,newtriple LEDfrontfoglightsand Rebelgraphics.TheRebelis availablewithautomatic transmissiononly.

MussoSaracen

Addingapremiumfeel,short bedSaracenisinstantly recognisableblackexterior

passengerseats,heated rearseats,dualzone automaticclimatecontrol,a 9.2”screenwithTomTom navigation,cruisecontrol, frontandrearparking sensorsandSaracen graphics.Saracenalso boastsanupgraded instrumentpanel,projection headlamps,LEDdaylight runninglights,tripleLEDfog lights,darktintedrear privacyglass,BlindSpot Detection(BSD),Lane ChangeAssist(LCA)and RearCrossTrafficAlert (RCTA).TheSaracenis availablewithautomatic transmissiononly.

pack,itsnewlydesigned18inchblackalloywheels, Nappaleatherseats,power adjustabledriversandfront

MussoSaracen+

TheMussoSaracen+offers thecomprehensive specificationoftheSaracen possessingeachofthe aforementionedfeatures, withtheadditionofincreased bedlengthandwheelbase, extrapayload,ground clearanceandSaracen+ graphics.Featuringnew stylingpack,newwheelsand tyres,coilspringsand wishbonesuspension.The Saracen+isundoubtedlya musttryforanyonelooking foracapableutilityvehicle. Availablewithautomatic transmissiononly.

Volvotakesyoufarther:officialdataconfirms increaseddrivingrangeandgreaterefficiency forrevisedC40andXC40Rechargemodels

Technicalupdates totheVolvoC40 andXC40

Rechargepure electricmodels havedelivered improvementsindrivingrange andenergyefficiencybeyond initialexpectations.

Homologatedperformance figuresjustreleasedforthe revisedcarsshowincreases ofupto64milesinthe distancethatcanbecovered onafullcharge,whichnow standatupto342milesfor

theC40crossoverand334 milesfortheXC40SUV.This equatestoanimprovementof upto24%onthefiguresofthe outgoingmodels.

Energyefficiencyhasalso improved,withthemost efficientC40andXC40 versionsnowcapableofupto 3.7milesperkWh.

Thegainshavebeenachieved throughacombinationof enhancements,includinga switchfromfront-torear-

wheeldriveforthesinglemotorRechargeversionsof bothmodels,andtheadoption ofasecond-generation permanentmagnetelectric motor.Thise-motorismore powerfulthantheoneinthe outgoingcar–offering238hp, upfrom231hp–plusitisthe firste-motortobedeveloped in-houseatVolvoCars.

Batteryperformancehasalso beenimprovedthanksto enhancementstocooling efficiency.

Wherethedual-motorC40

andXC40RechargeTwinare concerned,thereisthefurther benefitofincreasedbattery capacitytoanominal82kWh (79kWhusablecapacity),up from78kWh(75kWhusable) intheoutgoingversions.Both theC40andXC40Recharge Twinalsoadoptdifferentfront andreare-motors,with150hp and258hprespectively,in placeofthe204hpunits previouslyusedon bothaxles.Thetotal poweroutput remainsthesameas before,at408hp.

Customersenjoythe convenienceof speedierrecharging timesfortheC40and XC40RechargeTwin all-wheel-drive models,too.An increaseintheir maximumcharging ratefrom150kWto 200kWtranslatesintoanineminutereductioninthe10to 80%rechargingtime,which dropstojust28minuteswhen usinga200kWDCrapidchargingsystem.

KristianElvefors,VolvoCar UKManagingDirector,said: “Theseresultsare independentvalidationofthe constanteffortswearemaking todeliverthebestpossible

balanceofperformanceand efficiency.Inadditiontobeing committedtoofferingafully electriccarline-upby2030, wearealsodeterminedto developandrefinethe technologiesinourexisting pureelectricmodelstoensure ourcustomerscanbenefit fromreal-worldperformance thatmeetstheirneeds.”

miles)

XC40Recharge Twin–upto334 miles(previouslyup to270miles)

Comparativedata–efficiency

C40Recharge–up to3.7miles/kWh (previouslyupto3.5 miles/kWh)

C40RechargeTwin –upto3.5miles/ kWh(previouslyupto3.1 miles/kWh)

XC40Recharge–upto3.7 miles/kWh(previouslyupto 3.4miles/kWh)

XC40RechargeTwin–upto 3.5miles/kWh(previouslyup to3.0miles/kWh)

Comparativedata–homologatedWLTPdriving range

C40Recharge–upto297 miles(previouslyupto272 miles)

C40RechargeTwin–upto 342miles(previouslyupto 278miles)

XC40Recharge–upto290 miles(previouslyupto264

TheupdatedC40andXC40 Rechargemodelsare availabletoordernow,with thefirstUKdeliveries expectedinthesecondhalfof theyear.

Formoreinformationonthe C40andXC40Recharge,and tousetheonlineconfigurator, pleasegotowww.volvcars. co.uk

WAEispleasedto announcea strategicequity investmentin Beam Connectivity Limited(BeamConnectivityor “theCompany”),pioneersin theconnectedvehiclespace.

BeamConnectivitywas formedin2020toaddressthe fragmentednatureofthe connectedvehiclesystems market,seizingtheopportunity todevelopafullend-to-end solution.Thefounders recognisedthatconnected vehiclesolutionsofferedan underwhelmingexperiencefor bothendusersandthe organisationsthatdeploythem andestablishedBeam Connectivitytoaddressthis issue.

Bydevelopingahigh performance,versatileand secureend-to-endconnected vehiclesolution,Beam Connectivityareaimingto capitaliseonthegrowth predictionsoftheconnected vehiclemarket which, accordingto Mordor Intelligence,is forecastto reach$160bn by2028driven bythegrowing needtomonitor fleetsof vehiclesinreal timeandthe opportunityfor efficiency improvements includingover theairsoftware updatesand implementation

ofvehicleconnectivity legislationandstandards.

WAE’sinvestmentwillsupport BeamConnectivitytoscaleits connectedvehiclesolutions, helpingtobuilditscommercial teamandacceleratethe Company’sgrowth.Having workedwithBeam Connectivityonanumberof telematicsprojectspreviously, theteamatWAEare committedtoworkingtogether toofferlongtermsolutionsto customersandcapitaliseon newmarketopportunities. AlexBurnsOBEwilljoinBeam ConnectivityasNon-Executive Chairpersontohelpnavigate theCompany’sgrowth trajectory.Theinvestment furtherdemonstratesWAE’s focusonadvancedmobility, bringingdigitalsolutionsto marketthatwillmakemobility cleaner,saferandmore convenient.

CraigWilson,CEOWAEsaid “BeamConnectivityareakey suppliertoWAEandhave builtanexcellentrelationship

withourengineeringteam.We aredelightedtofurtherour relationshipthroughthis investmentwhichwillbring BeamConnectivity’sclass leadingconnectivitysolutions tomarketfaster.”

ThomasSors,CEOBeam Connectivitycommented “BeamConnectivitysupports severalvehiclemanufacturers, providingthemwithabest-inclassconnectivitysystemand highvaluevehicleinsights. Thisinvestmentwillenableus togrowourcommercialteam andacceleratethe deploymentofourConnected VehicleasaServiceplatform. Wehavestrongalignment withWAEandarepleasedto strengthenourrelationship withthemthroughthis investment.”

AlexBurnsOBE(NonExecutiveChairpersonof BeamConnectivity)added“I amdelightedtobejoining BeamConnectivityatthis excitingtimefortheCompany. BeamConnectivityhasan excellent management teamanda class-leading connectivity solution.The investmentand supportfrom WAEwillhelp theteamto acceleratethe growthofthe businessby providingtheir solutiontotheir growing customer base.”

WAEANNOUNCESASTRATEGICEQUITYINVESTMENTIN BEAMCONNECTIVITYLIMITED,SUPPORTINGTHE COMMERCIALISATIONOFCONNECTEDVEHICLESYSTEMS

UKcommercialvehicleoutputfaltersinFebruary

U

Kcommercial vehicle (CV)productionfell by-21.6%inthe secondmonthof theyear,with6,491 vans,trucks,taxis,busesand coaches leavingfactorylines,accordin gtofigurespublishedtodayby theSocietyofMotor ManufacturersandTraders (SMMT).The declinefollowsa largerisein Februarylastyear and,lastmonth,the bestJanuary performanceina decade,butsupply chainconstraints restricted productionin February.

Februarysawthenumberof CVsproducedforoverseas marketsdecreaseby-18.6% to3,460units–withsome 90.3%destinedforthe EU.1Outputforthedomestic marketfellmoresteeply,down

-24.7%to3,031units.The declineisexpectedtobe temporaryasvolumesareset toincreasesignificantlyover thefullyear,notablysooncea majornewelectricvanplant comesonstream.

Intheyeartodate,15,790 unitshavebeenbuilt,up4.3% onthefirsttwomonthsof 2022,thankstoahigh

“Following lastyear’sstronggrowthanda bumperstartto2023, February’sdeclinein commercialvehicleoutputis disappointing.Thefallshould, however,betemporaryas additionalproductionbegins laterintheyear.UK

performingJanuary.The exportanddomesticmarkets alsobenefittedfromthestrong result,increasing7.2%anda moremarginal0.9% respectivelythisyear.

automotivemanufacturers continuetoshowresilience againstpersistent supplychainand economic challengesandwill pushtodeliverthe latestandcleanest CVstocustomers athomeand abroad.But successisn'tyet guaranteed,sowe looknowto governmentto provideaframeworkof measuresthatboostthe industry'slong-term competitivenessand encourageinwardinvestment todriveelectrificationforthis vitalsector.”

SMMTstatementonZEVmandateconsultation

Automotiveison tracktodeliverzero emissionmotoring, sowewelcomethis long-awaited consultationonawatershed regulationfortheUKnewcar andvanmarket.Wewant regulationthatgives consumerschoiceand affordability,andenables manufacturerstotransition sustainablyandcompetitively.

“Whiletheproposalsrightly reflectthesector’sdiversity, latepublicationandlackof regulatorycertaintymake productplanningnear impossible,andthecontinued lackofclarityastowhat technologieswillbepermitted beyond2030undermines

attemptstosecureinvestment.

“Measurestoimprovethe customerchargingexperience areastepintheright direction,butthefactthat contactlesscreditordebitcard paymentswillnotbeavailable onthevastmajorityofpublic chargersisamajorfailingthat willsignificantlydisadvantage EVdrivers.Itisalso disappointingthat,unlikein othercountries,thereisno commensurateregulationto driveinvestmentintothe publicnetworkgiventhat paucityofchargepoints remainsthebiggestbarrierto buyinganelectricvehicle. Ultimately,forthismandateto besuccessful,infrastructure providersmustnowturn

promisesintoinvestmentand catchupwiththe commitmentsofvehicle manufacturers.

“TheUKnewcarandvan marketisalreadymovingat pacetowardselectrification, theresultofmassive investmentbymanufacturers andincreasedconsumer demand.IftheUKistolead theglobalracetozero emissionmobility,however,it mustgofurtherandfasterin unlockinginfrastructure investment,incentivisingEV ownershipandhelpingensure moreofthesevehiclesare developedandbuiltinBritain.

SaidMikeHawes,SMMT ChiefExecutive

MikeHawes,SMMTChief Executive,said,

KIANIROPHEVWINSPRESTIGIOUSREDDOTAWARD

TheKiaNiroPlug-inHybridhas beenrecognisedwithaRedDot DesignAwardinthecategoryfor “ProductDesign.”Theawardisa testamenttoKia'scommitmentto designinginnovative,high-qualityvehicles thatmeettheneedsofitscustomerswhile alsostayingattheforefrontofcutting-edge design.

TheNiroPlug-inHybridfeaturesanemotional yetrationaldesignaesthetic,guidedbyKia’s ‘OppositesUnited’designethos.The purposefulandhead-turninglookwas designedtoinspiremovement.Notable featuresincludecontemporary-looking angular‘Heartbeat’daytimerunninglights (DRLs),adistinctiveAeroC-Pillar,aboldskid plateandcladdingtoenhancetheelectrified CUV’sruggedstance.Combinedwiththe latestevolutionofKia’ssignatureTigerFace, themodelembodies adistinctlyKia design.

TheKiaNirocomes withthechoiceof threeelectrified powertrains: battery-electric, hybrid,andplug-in hybrid.Inlinewith theeco-friendly drivingchoices,all threevariationsalso featureeco-friendly interiormaterials, rangingfrom recycledwallpaper intheheadline,

VOC-freepaintinthedoorpanels,andPU veganleatherseatcoverings,madefrom TencelfromEucalyptustrees.Inaddition,the cargoscreencontains75percentrecycled fibres.

“Wearehappytoreceivethisawardforthe KiaNiroPlug-inHybrid,”saidSjoerd Knipping,VicePresidentofMarketingand ProductforKiaEuropeofKiaEurope.“This recognitionisa testamentto thehardwork ofourdesign and engineering

KIANIROPHEVWINSPRESTIGIOUSREDDOTAWARD

teams,aswellasthewinningnatureofour guidingphilosophy‘OppositesUnited.’We arehonouredtoberecognisedbytheRed DotDesignAwardforourefforts,andwelook forwardtocontinuingtopushtheboundaries ofautomotivedesign.”

TheRedDotDesignAwardisoneofthe mosthighlysought-aftersealsofdesign quality.Eachyear,ajuryofinternational

expertsexaminethesubmissionsfordesign qualityanddegreeofinnovation.

Thisachievementcomesafteralonglineof designawardwinsbyKia.Thelatestsuccess bytheNiroPlug-inHybridmarksthe28th RedDotawardedtoaKiamodelsince2009. Lastyear,theall-newEV6wascrowned‘Best oftheBest’foritspioneeringandforwardlookingdesign,andin2021,theKiaSorento alsowontheRedDotAward foritsproductdesign.

AKiavehiclesaren’t theonlyKia productstoreap designaccolades inrecentyears.In 2022,the company’s‘Moving InspirationProject,’ adesign installation highlightingthe company’sbrand philosophyinItaly, wasalsoawarded aRedDotDesign Award.These awards demonstratethe company’s continuedabilityto createexceptional productsthatpush theboundariesof designexcellence.