Farming Monthly National August 2023

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A Farming family advocate for agriculture and win industry award

fter graduating as an accountant, Claire Pollock returned to the family farm to support her family and future development of their business. The Pollock family always enjoyed farming and plans to keep the business viable led to changes in production methods, aiming to reduce costs whilst also looking for diversified income opportunities by selling the farm's beef direct to customers. The family also recognised a gap in the public's knowledge of British food production and felt it was important to tell people about farming.

When their beef demand exceeded expectations, a vision and desire to supply local food to local people was born, and Ardross Farm Shop established in 2005.

holiday makers access to locally produced food, but it also generated a direct link between farms and the food we eat. We also enjoy the face-to-face conversations and hearing how much people appreciate our produce, which supports our mental health when farming can sometimes feel a rather lonely occupation."

The family realises the talent and dedication of staff members employed by Ardross Farm Shop and saw applying for the AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year Award, as an opportunity to publicly recognise their team, and thank them for their support and hard work over the last 15 years.

On winning the award and their plans for the future, Claire said, "We are thrilled to have won the AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year Award, learning that we are on the right track and hearing the judge's feedback was confirmation that we are doing well.

The plan was to try growing what they could, for sale through the shop. With no retail experience, the family researched everything they planned to do, including starting the farm's flock of low input, EasyCare sheep, generating grass-fed lamb and mutton. With consumer demand for high health and welfare, grass-fed beef, the Pasture for Life certified Stabilisers slowly replaced their continental cattle.

Winter wheat and barley, oilseed rape, spring barley and beans, are farmed regeneratively on a five-year rotation, with cover crops grazed by livestock in between.

A growing number of beehives are nestled between OSR and bean crops, with bees pollinating wildflower meadows and producing honey to sell in the farm shop.

Constantly looking to improve, heritage cereals are being trialled on the farm, where Hebridean bere barley and black oats are grown alongside apple trees in the walled garden, Claire explains, "Heritage grain experts, Wendy Barrie and Bosse Dahlgren, are working with us to try growing grains that will taste good and make delicious bread and oatcakes. We are harvesting them using traditional methods and nutrient testing the grains before deciding our next steps.

"People are learning that food is important to their diet but are very busy," she continued, "establishing the farm shop not only gave the surrounding community and

Ardross Farm Shop's operation is a team effort, and the award has given our wonderful staff a real boost. We enjoy what we do, and we plan to do it better by expanding the farm shop and the offerings from our kitchen, growing more of our own vegetables, and trialling new varieties, whilst continuing to work with local businesses and raising the profile of the Scottish local food network.

"We are customer focussed and aim to build on the relationships and trust created between farmers and the public, bringing the story of agriculture to life by welcoming people to see what we do, hosting food fairs to promote wonderful local food producers, offering tours of our farm and using social media to showcase the business internationally."

Claire concluded, "Meeting other farmers during our journey with the Award has been encouraging and inspiring, giving us ideas on how to improve. We are proud of what we do, and we are constantly learning. I am looking forward to judging the entries for this year's award and encourage anyone considering entering, to enter."

Applications for the 2023 AgriScot Diversified Farm of the Year award are now open, to find out more and see a full list of categories, visitwww.agriscot.co.uk

ForFarmers appoints new Managing Director of DML

ForFarmers continues to increase the talent within its teams by appointing Peter Lyon as Managing Director of its Dry, Moist and Liquid feeds (DML) section.

Peter has worked in the industry for 30 years, across a range of functions including technical sales, procurement, product development, commercial sales and country manager, with a number of high-profile domestic and international FMCG companies.

He comes with extensive commercial leadership experience gained across the end-to-end food supply chain. Known for being highly customer centric, Peter has a track record of building integrated teams to deliver customer excellence.

Peter joins ForFarmers from European Freeze Dry where he held the position of International Sales Director and UK Country Manager, prior to this he

was 16 years with Dale Farm Ltd. He is excited to be joining ForFarmers and is passionate about delivering growth within the DML Division.

"I look forward to further strengthening ForFarmers market position and building long-term, strategic partnerships which deliver sustainable returns throughout the supply chain," Peter says.

"As an industry we have challenges ahead as we journey towards greater sustainability but I'm really excited about working with the team at ForFarmers to help solve these to mutual benefit. The team's service level dedication and technical expertise underpin ForFarmersTotal Feedsportfolio, meeting the needs of todays and future generations of UK farmers."

Peter is based on the Cheshire/Shropshire boarder and enjoys walking in the countryside and keeping fit on the badminton court.

Baling Crops With Precise Knowledge

Whether you are bale silage, haylage, hay or straw understanding the conditions are vital. ThirtyPlus lead the way in forage management equipment.

Offering precision moisture sensors for all balers with systems fully integrated or smart device controlled. For square balers, ThirtyPlus use market leading precision starwheels measuring up to 70% moisture, while utilising twin disc technology for round balers up to 60% moisture reading with accuracy at +/-1%. The system measures through the bale pulsing from side to side up to 9 reading per second to give real time actual moisture. ThirtyPlus offer baler integrated systems and smart phone systems suitable for all baler operators.

Once you have an understanding about the actual moisture there are then options to manage the bales quality. Utilising the wet bale marker

will identify bales which exceed the safe moisture baling limit and allow separation in the stack. Square bales will have high moisture flaked marked while round balers will have the left and right sides marked as the bales are ejected if they exceed moisture alarm set by the operator.

For the ultimate quality using the baler safe ThirtyPlus buffered acid preservative will open the baling widow in hay and straw by up to 30%. The application systems will monitor the balers performance, crop moisture and adjust the application rate automatically, updating the rate every second in real time.

Utilising the large square internal weight an length sensors to monitor the baling performance. As output changes in real time the applicator will adjust to maintain application rates. The moisture parameters can be set to apply 3 rates which will automatically adjust as the moisture sensor provides precision readings. If a

single fixed rate is required, this is achieved by simply adjusting the application parameters.

The ThirtyPlus preservative is pH6.0, making it baler safe and safe for all livestock, including horses. It is the strongest preservative on the market for hay and straw. ThirtyPlus have real world proven test results for the application rates recommended. There is no substitute for reliability and repeatability of the ThirtyPlus product.

Using the ThirtyPlus market leading application equipment and preservative will improve efficiency and forage quality while reducing production cost. The key to making high quality forage is a full understanding of the process from growing the crop to harvesting and storing the crop. Attempting to cut corners and save money usually has the unwanted outcome of actually costing more in the long run. ThirtyPlus specialists can advise the optimum products to suit your budget and requirements.

New leadership appointments at FMC

rop protection company FMC announces leadership changes for Simon McMunn and John Hutton. Mr McMunn, who previously worked as Business Director for Northern Europe, has been appointed President, ASEAN region (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

tel: 01724 850224

fax: 01724 289317

With over 25 years' experience in the crop protection industry, Mr McMunn’s leadership skills and his market knowledge have been pivotal to the sub-region’s success in recent years, driving growth and structure throughout the territory.

“FMC has expanded significantly in the last few years,” says Mr McMunn. “There is an exciting pipeline of products in development. I’m delighted to have played a part in this.

“I’m looking forward to overseeing the continued growth of the company and working with our Asia Pacific colleagues in my new role.”

Meanwhile, Mr Hutton, who has been with FMC since 2017 succeeds Mr McMunn and moves into the role of Business Director for Northern Europe, which consists of UK, Ireland, Nordics, Baltics, and Benelux.

www.neilvessey.com

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Mr Hutton was formerly Global Plant Health Portfolio Manager at FMC and through his 20 years in the industry has held leadership roles in production, commercial and marketing.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time for FMC with a fantastic pipeline of products in development,” says Mr Hutton.

“I’m looking forward to driving the business forward in Northern Europe building on Simon’s foundations and successes supporting the sector in accessing new, innovative, and sustainable solutions that will continue to move FMC and growers forward.”

Simon McMunn FMC President ASEAN region

John Hutton FMC Business Director Northern Europe

£14 million to unlock agricultural innovation

More than £14 million is to be made available to unlock innovation and develop solutions in the farming sector in two new research and feasibility competitions under the Farming Innovation Programme, Defra has announced.

It is part of the government's delivery of its commitment to invest £600 million in innovation and productivity in the sector over three years, and adds further support to the development and take-up of innovative practices on farms to boost productivity and sustainability whilst meeting net zero targets.

The competitions are open to farmers, growers, foresters, research organisations and businesses involved in agriculture to collaborate on novel ideas and solutions.

Previous rounds have led to investment in automations to improve soft fruit yield; a 'herd' of lightweight, battery-operated, asparagus-harvesting robots; and the use of ultraviolet as a disinfectant in the dairy and poultry sectors.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

"These competitions are all about encouraging collaborations between farmers and growers on the one hand, and research organisations and industry on the other, to help bring ideas from the planning stage into practice.

"The success of the previous competition rounds and the broad scope of ideas coming forward showcase the range of possibilities available for driving up productivity and solving some of the industry's biggest challenges. I encourage everyone to take a look at what's on offer in the latest competitions and apply."

Defra is today publishing guidance for the third round of the Small R&D Partnerships competition,

which seeks to help businesses develop a new farming product or service and take it to commercialisation on the open market.Worth almost £10 million, it has been developedin partnership with the Transforming Food Production Challenge and is delivered by Innovate UK.

The second round of the competition has already funded projects including exploring how to breed sheep with a naturally low carbon footprint to help sheep farmers contribute to the journey towards net zero, and a project combining generation of electricity with growing berries to power operational processes such as automated picking, sensors and vehicles.

It comes alongside new guidance for a £4.5 million Feasibility Studies competition which aims to support businesses and researchers through the difficult testing phase of an idea, checking whether it works in practice and helping them assess whether to invest in a project. It looks for early-stagesolutions thathave thepotential tosubstantiallyimprovethe overall productivity, sustainability and resilience of farming, and move existing agricultural sectors to netzero. Successful applicants in previous rounds include a study to identify fungal strains that can help fight against insect and fungal pests in wheat crops, reducing the costs associated with multiple applications of chemical pesticides, mechanical damage from repeated spray applications and crop yield losses.

The guidance is available on GOV UK and farmers, growers, foresters, research organisations and businesses are encouraged to read this ahead of applications opening. Applications for the Small R&D Partnerships competition open on 14 August and the Feasibility Studies competition window is open from 18 September.

Dr Katrina Hayter, Executive Director for the Healthy Living and

Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK, said:

"We look forward to supporting the next round of applicants and identifying promising partnerships that hold the potential to address the sustainability, efficiency, and net zero challenges confronting the UK's agrifood industry.

"Feasibility studies mark the initial stage in researching an idea that could improve farming, while small R&D partnerships are a vital step to empowering businesses to forge novel farming products and services, paving the way towards successful commercialisation.

"By fostering collaborations between farmers, growers, agribusinesses and researchers, these partnerships become the driving force behind transforming innovative solutions into practical applications."

Since opening in October 2021, 16 competitions have launched under the government's £270 million Farming Innovation Programme and, as of August 2023, more than £123 million in funding to industryled research and development in agriculture and horticulture has been announced.

The importance of innovation in the food and farming sectors was highlighted at the recent Farm to Fork Summit where the government announced a package of support for the farming sector, including new measures to ensure the sector remains at the forefront of adopting new technologies and techniques.

This included the 'On-Farm Environmental Resilience' competition, which will see up to £12.5 million awarded to projects driving the development of new technology and innovative farming methods, with a focus on practical solutions to make a real difference on farms. The competition closed at the end of last month and projects will be notified of the outcome of their applications in the autumn.

Regenerative farming courses start to bear fruit at Apricot Centre D

evon is proudly leading the way in the education of regenerative farming, sparked by funding from Devon County Council.

Following a successful pilot funded by the County Council’sNatural Capital Challenge Fundlast year, theApricot Centre Community Interest Company (CIC)in Dartington is now the only location in the country offering Level 2, 3 and 4 Diplomas in Regenerative Land Based Systems.

Rachel Phillips, one of the Directors at theApricot Centre, says: “The Natural Capital Challenge Funding has been a huge springboard which has helped us move into a different type of enterprise. It’s gone from strength to strength.

“We always ran education courses but previously it was much more short courses with around 12 people at a time. We’re now the only place running Level 2, 3 and 4 Diplomas in

Regenerative Land Based Systems.

“Working with Devon County Council and its Natural Capital Challenge Fund we found there were a huge amount of people that want to learn regenerative farming methods. It’s not just new entrants to farming but also fifth generation dairy farmers who know that working with nature and nature friendly farming is the way forward.

“We want to be trailblazers in education and what we’ve created here with Devon County Council is an amazing course that’s replicable in other areas.”

The 66-acre farm was founded as a CIC in 2015 by Mark and Marina O’Connell, leasing the land from the Biodynamic Land Trust.

Today it’s an education provider as well as being a working farm, rearing cattle and pigs and growing vegetables, wheat and grain.

“When we started there was no training centre,

no barns, no trees, and no biodiversity on site,” recalls Rachel.

“It’s been an amazing process to go through, and it’s exceeded our expectations in ways we couldn’t imagine. We feel a huge amount of gratitude that we’ve been able to do it.

“The funding for education courses has not only helped other farms in the area to turn to regenerative methods, but we’ve also employed people in the community to help us grow. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for us.

“We have an ecosystem of people as well an ecosystem of biodiversity and we feel at the heart of the community here.”

Among those to have benefited from the courses at the Apricot Centre was Richard Ainslie, who studied the pilot Level 3 Regenerative Land Based Systems, and he is currently studying the Level 4 Diploma.

He said: “If you're interested in getting into farming or you want to find a way into land work, I would absolutely recommend it. This course is a brilliant way to break into it.

“I was looking for a way to move into farming and growing and it just seemed like the perfect opportunity. It's both real experience of working on a farm but also with the theoretical background that the course provides. It effectively opened up the world of growing to me, which I'm now doing full time, and hope to spend my life doing.”

The team at the Apricot Centre CIC has been invited to the Oxford Real Farming Conference to talk about their farming and teaching methods, and Councils in Nottinghamshire and Suffolk have also enquired about finding out more about the farming courses.

It fills Rachel with optimism for the future: “Hopefully other councils can be as forward thinking and progressive as Devon County Council has been to fund those courses and more people will be able to leave a legacy of regenerative farming. As an organisation we’ll just keep sharing knowledge.

“We have Level 3 for another year, with 120 students coming through the school of land based systems, and we’re working with other colleges to see if they want to run courses.

“I want to secure funding for Level 2, 3 and 4 to run year on year. Who knows, maybe a degree

course? We have to do this because it really is a way we can make a difference to the environment and connect back to land and improve the situation we’re in at the moment.”

The latest pilot scheme at the Apricot Centre is part of the current wave of the successfulTrain4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps, catering for 40 students and the only skills Bootcamp in the UK covering regenerative farming.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “This is probably one of the best examples of what the Natural Capital Challenge funding was meant to achieve. It’s the right way to spend a relatively small sum of money, because the rewards are very high. This isn’t just about post-covid economy but about the future global economy.

“The green economy is about future jobs and the courses being run at the Apricot Centre are foundation stones being laid for the future farming community and investment in the future of people.

“We’re a rural economy so you’d expect the county to invest in improving the land and improving the economy – and it’s great to see that Devon is leading on this change to agriculture.

“Farmers want the knowledge to go about making changes. There’s a desire, there’s no doubt about it, but they can’t do it unless there’s the education to show them how to do it. It goes much further than producing foodit’s about sustainability of the planet.”

TheNatural Capital Challenge Fundwas created to stimulate the county’s post-Covid recovery through investment in the Natural Capital sector and was part of Devon’s £6 million recovery programme, which included green recovery as one of its key areas for support.

TheApricot Centre CICwas one of six local projects to receive a share of £300,000 through Devon County Council’s Natural Capital Challenge Fund last year.

All of the projects awarded funding contributed to job and skills creation, while improving and safeguarding Devon’s local environment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWdvmzx1G4

No-no medicines on the farm

What ever the system of management you employ, homoeopathy can be one of those tools, IF you know something about it.

Working on a comparative study of mastitis in conventional and organic dairy herds, done for MAFF in 1999, Malla Hovi of Reading University found that, for farmers who were trying to reduce antibiotic usage, homoeopathy was the system of “first resort”, but that it was complex and needed understanding for effective use.

Undoubtedly the best way to add this skill to herd management is to have a homoeopathic vet, but even then there will be many occasions when the stockperson needs to make on the spot decisions, and a proper understanding of homoeopathy will help in making good ones. To date over seven hundred farmers have done this by taking the Homoeopathy At Wellie Level course basic three day course in which homoeopathic vets and homoeopaths with their own farms take the farmer from no knowledge at all to a basic competence in using homoeopathy responsibly and effectively. HAWL farmers report better observation, healthier animals, reduced vet and med bills and greater

satisfaction in their job, knowing that they can do something themselves, especially when that animal is “not quite right”.

For the farmer its best to look on homoeopathy as a health aid, and it should certainly not be expected to take the place of conventional treatment, you will still need your own vet, and his commitment to 24 hour care of your animals. Better to look on it as an additional management tool, one you use at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. However, HAWL farmers do report a reduction in problems and less need to call the vet.

In many ways the ability of antibiotics to control disease has covered up for poor management, as Trevor Adams MRCVS observed to a meeting of farmers. He emphasised that homoeopathic treatment will not take the place of good feed, housing, handling, breeding etc. Homoeopathy is based on eight fundamental principles and one of those is referred to as “maintaining causes” or “obstacles to cure”. Is the ventilation good, is the bedding clean, is there stray voltage, is the feed right? All the questions a good stockperson asks automatically every day.

Homoeopathy looks at illness in a completely different way, Geoff Johnson, a homoeopathic vet from the West Country, describes it as looking at “the beast not the bug.” While conventional medicine wants to find the bug which is causing the problem and zap it, homoeopathy asks “how is this animal reacting to being ill?”

It was the realisation that we all react differently to illness which inspired Dr Dorothy Shepherd to move out of medicine and into homoeopathy. She recalled a ward of patients all diagnosed as having pneumonia, but each reacting differently. Some moaning and fretting, some wanting to be left alone, some thirsty, some refusing to drink, some frightened, some calm and some saying “I will be dead by midnight”, “and”, she said, “they

were!”

Now here is where the good stockperson has a head start. Observation of the animals in his/her care is a first requirement of good stockmanship, or that old fashioned word husbandry, how otherwise to see that “that animals not quite right”. And who does the vet question when you call him in the look at this cow? The stockperson! A good stockperson is some one who can tell you today what any fool can tell you tomorrow. Looking at how the animal behaves is vital to the job, and is also vital for the effective use of homoeopathic remedies.

So the stockperson is half way there, he/she just needs to turn what is already seen into homoeopath speak. Think of an animal with scours, probably an Ecoli infection, but is it always the same symptoms? Some strain and produce very little, some pour watery diarrhoea, there’s blood in some faeces, others are greenish, some animals are listless and lie down, some are restless and pace around, some drink, some don’t. Homoeopathy uses all these details to find the right remedy for each specific manifestation

Modern medicine now accepts that stress triggers illness, for example studies of cancer patients show a very high proportion of them suffered bereavement or major loss eighteen months before their illness began. Shell shock is now known as PTS. Some of us handle stress better than others, what is some peoples stimulus to succeed is another persons crushing blow, similarly with animals.

On the farm think of the number of times newly bought in animals produce major illness a few days after they arrive. It’s generally known as shipping fever, and its not just coincidence. The loss of the familiar, the travelling, the change of environment, of food and of companions, its all stress. Similarly separation, weaning, tail ringing, castrating, dehorning, rehousing etc, all the unavoidable daily incidents on the farm, effecting some more than others and often followed by weight loss, milk reduction, infertility, pneumonia. By giving the appropriate homoeopathic remedies at the appropriate time can avoid all of this. How to know what to give. Well that’s where some

understanding of the concept is necessary, and a small article in a newspaper is not going to be enough to help, only perhaps to help create an interest in learning more.

Remedies must be prepared homoeopathically AND given homoeopathically, that is, on the symptoms seen in each case. The tools of homoeopathy are available to anyone, but it’s a bit like football, beginners can’t kick very far, and Beckham kicked it further and better than most of us. Anyone can learn to play football, but to improve we have to practice a great deal and if we play usig the rules of rugby we won’t get very far. Homoeopathy is much the same, to succeed you MUST apply the rules of homoeopathy, and if you want to get better, you have to put a bit of work into it. Its not difficult, but it IS skilful.

Looking on homoeopathy as an additional tool in your management strategy and realising its use needs to be learnt, like the use of any tool, will give you a good foundation. It means you will not be disappointed and your animals will not be put at

risk. Some farmers go on to be very successful practitioners. One in Gloucestershire now specialises in fertility problems, which he solves with homoeopathy so successfully that pedigree breeding animals have been sent to him from America. Another, in Wales, went on to qualify as a human homoeopath which supplemented a dwindling farm income. Most, however, simply enjoy the knowledge that they can help their own animals, often where there is no conventional treatment, prevent many problems, improve herd health, know when to call the vet, and what to give while they are waiting for the vet to arrive.

The next basic three HAWL course will be held, as usual, on Duchy Home Farm in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

Day 1 Sept 13th. Day 2 Sept 27th. Day 3 Oct18th.

The on-line course runs over 7 weekly half day sessions beginning November 6th.

For more details look at the website www.hawl. co.uk

thanks to an electrifying new partnership

Mona Dairy is a headline sponsor of this week’s Anglesey Show and plans to unveil the UK’s first BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) tractor and trailer for milk haulage in front of special guests including Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie, and Mark Spencer, Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries of United Kingdom.

The 25,000 sq ft factory on Mona Industrial Park opened this summer and is already undergoing a multi-million pound expansion. Managing Director Ronald Akkerman says the move will increase their capacity to eventually produce more than 30,000 tons of Welsh and continental cheeseevery year. And with their focus firmly on lowering the site’s carbon

footprint still further, the switch to electric vehicles for milk collection will help them on the road to achieving net zero status.

“We are proud to have been the first dairy in

A CUTTING-EDGE cheese factory that runs entirely on renewable energy is set to go even greener

the UK to introduce the Volvo BEV HGV tractor and trailer combination, it’s the first step towards the complete decarbonisation of our transport,” said Ronald.

“Electric trucks are much quieter for communities, for our drivers and for the farms that we collect milk from, which is especially important for night-time collections.

“The pumping system on our trailer is also electric, allowing for much faster and very quiet loading of milk on farm. The Welsh countryside is a perfect match for a BEV tractor unit, as it will recover a lot of energy from braking and converts it into the electrical power that charges the vehicle’s battery.”

Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie added: “Mona Dairy is one of the most forward-thinking businesses on Anglesey, creating jobs and supporting the local economy while being at the forefront of advances in agriculture and sustainable food production.

“This latest development and move towards decarbonisation of its milk collection fleet is another first for the UK.

“All this fits in with my priorities of attracting investment and jobs toYnys Monin these growing and key industries that will be

underpinned by the island’s new freeport status.

“I am fully supportive and thankful to Mona Dairy for the innovation shown in working towards net zero status while leading the way for the manufacturing industry in Wales and beyond.”

Speaking on behalf of Volvo and dealership Thomas Hardie Commercials, Key Account Manager David Hill said the truck has a range of 190 miles (300 km) and includes three electric motors, generating 666 HP and has six batteries, containing 540kWh of energy.

He added: “We are delighted to be involved in supplying an FM 4x2 fully electric tractor unit to Mona Dairy to demonstrate a net zero approach to the collection and transportation of milk from farms to the factory for cheese production.

“The vehicle will run for two weeks to prove the concept and results of the trial will enable Mona Dairy to confidently move forwards with the project.”

For more news and information, visit the website:www.monadairy.comand follow @monadairywales on social media.

North Wales farms taking action to support environment

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has been hearing about how farm businesses in North Wales have been taking action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.

On a visit to the Rhug Estate near Corwen, the Minister met proprietor Lord Newborough and his team and heard about their pioneering low carbon project to measure and monitor the business’ carbon footprint and take action to mitigate it, with the aim of reaching net zero across all business operations within Rhug. The estate operates a diverse business model which embraces sustainable organic farming as well as renewable energy, retail, wholesale and most recently, skincare.

By the nature of the way the land has been managed over the last

twenty years since the farm went organic, a very significant amount of Carbon has been sequestrated into the ground making it a carbon positive estate. The carbon positive result has been greatly assisted by its green energy projects in solar, wind, hydro and geothermal, and the EV chargers on its estate.

The data they are collecting is being used to modify carbon management.

The team spoke about their drive towards further improvements in carbon savings and green energy projects and the challenges and opportunities ahead of them. In Ysbyty Ifan, the Minister heard about the work of the group of 11 innovative farmers on the Ysbyty Ifan estate and what they have done to improve the area’s ecosystem resilience, especially that of the Migneint SAC.

They explained to the Minister how collaborative working has been vital in helping meet their goals to improve land and water management and deliver multiple ecosystem services for now and future generations.

Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths said: “It has been great to visit and hear about the important work taking place at the Rhug Estate and in Ysbyty Ifan to decarbonise their farms and support our environment.

“As a Government, we will continue to work with and support farmers and land managers to meet the challenges of the climate and nature emergencies. “It is important everyone works together across geographic and sectoral boundaries. Collaboration is essential if we are going to be successful.”

Origin Fertilisers becomes ambassador for The Green Tractor Scheme

Origin Fertilisers has become an ambassador for The Green Tractor Scheme to support the farming industry to dispose of plastic waste in the most efficient and sustainable way.

Founded in 2020, The Green Tractor Scheme’s goal is to ensure all agricultural plastic waste is recycled by 2030. It plans to do this through collaboration with farmers and providing best practice advice regarding the separation and presentation of plastic waste, whilst lobbying industry to remove unnecessary plastics from the supply chain. A growing group of environmentally focussed agricultural businesses have joined the collective to

encourage farm plastic recycling at over 80 partner locations.

Origin has already made significant steps to reduce the plastic content in its fertiliser bags, and, through working with its suppliers, all its 600kg and 1,000kg bags now contain 30% recycled material.

Mandy McAulay, marketing manager for Origin Fertilisers, says the scheme will help towards a more sustainable approach to waste. “We are delighted to be part of The Green Tractor Scheme, which ties in with our core values of making agriculture more sustainable through innovative measures. We want to be a leader in making a positive change regarding plastic recycling and supporting farmers and the wider

industry in doing the same.”

The ambassadorial role will build on Origin’s environmental values through developing science-led innovative products to meet the needs of modern farming.

Origin’s Fertile Future roadmap outlines its vison for sustainable agriculture by protecting the environment through improved soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency.

Mandy continues: “Joining the scheme shows our commitment to environmental change within agriculture and is a way of keeping us accountable to reduce our plastic use, alongside our other sustainability targets, such as maximising nutrient use efficiency across our fertiliser range.”

Weather Beating Card Up Your Sleeve

Following a very easy Hay season of 2022 it is easy to get complacent and hope for more of the same for 2023. No two years are the same, so as with every season, the weather is the primary discussion, driving decisions. Last week a friend described farmers as the biggest professional gamblers in the world. We gamble with prices and the weather every day. Now at the end of 2023 season we have seen the issues of unwanted moisture through July and August.

With the hay and straw season over and again moisture is the key driver on when you can bale. Precision moisture sensors are essential to professional baling and producing excellent end product. PFC have been selling the twin star wheel system since 2002 with some major manufactures taking this as a factory option or a field installed kit. The system works for all baler types and sizes and requires zero calibration. The precision is market leader around the world with a +/-1% accuracy. There is no other baler mounted product on the market to match it

for accuracy and zero calibration requirement. I want to mention briefly competitive products such as rub pads and hand probes which are cheaper but have significantly less accuracy and if you are baling with moisture, but

the instrument says it is safe who takes the financial hit of bad bales or worse case a barn fire. Microwave systems can be as accurate but have significant limitation which is they must be calibrated to crop type and density. I ask the question; when the operator is in the field what do you calibrate against to know you have accurate data?

The twin star wheel requires zero calibration and are accurate in all baled crop types. The system uses twin discs in a round baler to provide the same accurate data. Sending a 10 volt signal between the star wheels creates a resistance data to calculate the

moisture. With the conventional baler always mount the sensors on the bottom of the chamber, round baler 20-30mm off the bottom roller and large square can be mounted top, middle or bottom. The conventional baler generally leaves crop that is on the bottom of the row towards the bottom of the bale, round balers provide faster moisture response to conditions at the bottom while the mechanics of the pre chamber of the large square means that the top, middle and bottom of the row is inverted to evenly distribute through the depth of the bale. If

we do not have a factory prepared baler, then there are specific instructions and locations for the sensors.

Measuring through the entire bale profile allows for any dry and wet spots to be averaged evenly and so providing the precision you require. If you only measure a single contact point is this a drier or wetter part of the bale? The data is measured 9 times per second with a rolling 3 second average updated every 1 second. This means that every 1 second the system updates with the previous 3 second average

which enables the operator to rely on the data received. There is on all the systems an average moisture for the previous bale. The 7 Series Pro system, which is the base unit for the fully automatic applicator also provides complete job data, average for the entire job, date, time with optional GPS location. The system works via Apple or Android phones and tablets or is fully integrated into 3 of the major large square baler producers depending on product specification.

The 3 key rules for baling with precision and profit: know your actual moisture, only bale in the correct moisture window, and use preservative to open the window and handle the moisture when required.

PFC offer an extensive range of wet bale management tools and application systems. The applicators can be full automated with ISOBUS control to simple digital manual systems. Applying Baler’s Choice preservative accurate and efficiently is achieved with every machine derived from precision at its core.

Global challenges demonstrate need to boost food security at home

Achanging global climate and worldwide economic instability are shining a light on the need to protect and boost Britain’s production of home-grown food.

In a year which has already seen UK agri-food inflation rise to 19.2%, and global instability caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the recent bouts of extreme weather1are further highlighting the frailties of the UK’s food system.

said: “I have never known such volatility in the global food system. Climate change is wreaking havoc on food production across the world, with farmers in Southern Europe literally fighting fires while farmers here are despairing as they now must spend thousands of pounds to dry sodden grain. “At the same time, the conflict in Ukraine is putting pressure on the global grain market3. Ongoing inflation of input costs such as energy and fertiliser have meant that, for many farmers and growers, this year

generations.

“It is clear that our food supply chains need to be better prepared and more resilient to dealing with global shocks and the extremes of weather that are fast becoming the norm. While we will always be a trading nation in food, we cannot remain over-reliant on imports when other countries are also facing significant challenges economically and climatically. Our supply chains are too vulnerable. So, the government needs to take an active interest in the UK food chain resilience. “It starts and ends with our food security. We need to be able to produce more of our own food at home, regardless of what else is going on in the world. Today puts that into context as it marks the day of the year we would run out of food if we only had access to UK produce.

On the daywhere the larder would run empty if we only ate food produced in the UK from 1 January2, theNFU is warning the government that it needs to take domestic food production seriously and ensure food is given the same focus and political prioritisation as the environment.

NFU President Minette Batters

has already been incredibly expensive to produce food and now the weeks of wet weather mean more money is needed to dry the harvest that’s being gathered. On top of the domestic weather records that have been broken this year – the driest February in 30 years and the hottest June ever recorded, followed by a remarkably wet July – I would also add the most expensive arable harvest in

“That’s why the Prime Minister needs to put words into action from his recent food summit and legislate to ensure the UK’s self-sufficiency does not drop below its current level of 60%. Now is the time to build ensure policies are in place to support the production of quality, climate friendly, homegrown food. This government has statutory targets for the environment and Ministers need now to give the same status to our food production.”

NFU Mutual Charitable Trust's delivers £450,000 to UK rural causes in first round of 2023 funding

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has announced its first round of donations for 2023, totalling more than £450,000, and giving support to15 rural causes across the UK. This is the first of two rounds of funding which will be delivered across the year. The Trust expects overall donations to reach at least £1m by the end of 2023.

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust is one of the main ways the UK's leading rural insurer NFU Mutual provides charitable donations. Its work forms part of NFU Mutual's £3.25m charitable giving pledge to support its members and their communities during 2023.

This latest round of funding will help to deliver a range of initiatives, including rural poverty relief, helping small farming businesses to thrive, educating and mentoring young people, and supporting the UK's air ambulance network.

The organisations set to benefit from the donations are:

• Access to Farms

• Addington Fund

• Air Ambulances UK

• Farms for City Children

• Gareth Raw Rees Memorial Trust

• Oxford Farming Conference

• NFU Education

• Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust

• The Royal Countryside Fund

• Royal Highland Education Trust

• RSABI

• Samaritans

• The Farming Community Network

• Tir Dewi

• Wales Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs

The donations will be available immediately, allowing the organisations to continue to provide their crucial support services. Applications for the Trust's November round of donations are now open, and full

charity which empowers family farms and rural communities to survive and thrive, will be using their donation of £60,000 to help Farm Support Groups and ensure they can continue providing a vital service to their local farming communities.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director at The Royal Countryside Fund, explained how the Trust's donation will be

details can be found on NFU Mutual's website.

Nick Turner, Group Chief Executive of NFU Mutual, said:"Supporting local communities has always been very important to our members, and so NFU Mutual is committed to making a positive impact through our charitable giving programme.

"These latest donations from the Trust will help support members and their communities in many different ways. We are very proud to be championing the work of these great causes."

The Royal Countryside Fund, a

making a difference: "The Royal Countryside Fund is incredibly grateful for the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust's continued support of our Farm Support Group Initiative.

"This funding has allowed us to increase capacity across the network, supporting hundreds more farming families each year on a wide range of issues from business advice through to pastoral support, helping to ensure a thriving and diverse agricultural community in the UK. "As farming families continue to face uncertainty, we are proud to offer them practical assistance when they need it most."

NFU calls for fair treatment of farmers affected by rollout of new electricity infrastructure

Farmers affected by plans for new energy infrastructure must be fully consulted given the impact on their businesses and food production,the NFU said today. The NFU is also calling on government to move the network offshore as much as possible in order to avoid disruption to food producers.

Government is looking at the rollout of new infrastructureas part ofambitious proposalsto connect electricity being produced fromoffshore wind projects and solar farms. This means either upgradingexisting infrastructureor building a new nationaltransmissionnetwork. The plans as announced could result in miles of pylons and overhead cablesbeing installed

across thousands of acres of land,impacting food production andthe landscape.

NFU Vice President David Exwood said: “British farm businesses have a big part to play in helping to deliver renewable electricity, something which is a key pillar of our net zero ambition.

“However, as we know all too well, national infrastructure projectscan cause huge disruption to day-to-day farming operations and last for many years. For example, pylons and overhead cables can be very dangerous in the vicinity of working agricultural machinery due to concerns over height. “The NFU believes government should have a properly coordinated offshore network;this is where the energy

is created, and only when needed would the electric come on to land with overhead lines or underground cables.This would minimise any damage to the countryside and be less impactful on our ability to produce food. “If infrastructure is to be delivered quickly onshore, it’s vital that Transmission Owners, especiallytheNational Grid, fully consult with those farmers affected and work closely with them to determine locations for pylons and the undergrounding of cables.

“Importantly, we also need to know whether farmers will be fairly compensated and, as the recent Winser Report¹suggests, receive lump sum payments like individual households for hosting new infrastructure on their land.”

Dairy farm businesses under threat, according to NFU survey

Britain’s dairy farmers are being forced to think seriously about their future due to concerns over insufficient returns, volatile markets and the scale of on-farm investment, a new NFU survey shows.

The survey of nearly 600 dairy farmers’ intentions reveals 9% of producers believe they are likely to stop producing milk by 2025 – up from 7% last year. A further 23% said they were "unsure" if their business would continue producing milk beyond 2025.

87% of dairy farmers who responded said they are concerned about the impact of government regulation, with feed prices (84%), energy prices (83%) and cash flow and profitability (80%) other key factors that would curtail milk supplies.

Meanwhile, 91% of dairy farmers said the main factor to them increasing milk production would be the scale of investmentneeded for things such as suitable slurry storage to ensure their farms are compliant - this supports the NFU call for Defra’s Surry Infrastructure Grant to be extended to cover more areas and to lower the minimum spend threshold needed to access the funding.

NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes said: “It’s clear that significant inflationary pressures combined with below cost of production prices are continuing to put the resilience of British dairy farming businesses under threat. We are now facing a crisis of confidence among Britain’s dairy farmers.

“The results of this survey show that, now more than ever, we need resilient and collaborative dairy supply chains. It’s vital we reverse this trend of boom or bust and invest in our supply chains. New industry-wide regulation on contracts, expected to be introduced later this year, must support fairer, more transparent and accountable supply chains. But regulation isn’t a silver bullet.

“With increasing global demand for British dairy, we know that the long-term future is bright for our sector. To ensure we maximise this potential, it’s imperative that government continues to work with us to ensure we have the right environmental, regulatory and trade framework in place to support the production of high quality, nutritious and sustainable food.”

Agriculture expert warns of reduced yield for 2023 harvest

Farming professional at Duncan & Toplis urges arable farmers to prepare for reduced yields and profits this harvest

Mark Chatterton, the head of agriculture at the accountancy group, has expressed his concern for this year's harvest, predicting a difficult season ahead.

There are several aspects which have negatively impacted the income this year in comparison to 2022 - including volatility in commodity markets due to the Ukraine war, weather instability and a significant lack of sunshine.

Duncan & Toplis supports 800 agricultural businesses, covering 500,000 acres of farmland across the East Midlands.

Mark Chatterton, Director and Head of Agriculture atDuncan & Toplissaid:

"What a difference a year makes! Arable farmers had a glorious summer in 2022, both with higher crop yields and higher prices. This year however, the weather means that harvest is very stop and start.

"The quality of wheat crops in the field is suffering significantly, and yields will not be as good as 2022 due to a severe

lack of sunshine in July. Clients are reporting that wheat yields are likely to average closer to eight tonnes per hectare, whereas in 2022, they were nearer to 10 tonnes per hectare.

"Prices have also fallen, with feed wheat currently trading at £180 per tonne, down from a peak of £350 per tonne in July 2022 or £240 per tonne this time last year - a sizable decrease.

"There has been so much volatility in the commodity markets since February 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Input costs have also risen, especially fertiliser, with the price peaking at 800/tonne in Summer 2022. Fuel and electricity prices have also seen a huge increase during the 2022/23 crop year.

"As well as dealing with the weather and market volatility, farmers have the added pressure of managing input purchases and crop selling. In addition, the higher profits from harvest 2022

will give higher tax bills. Many of these will be due for payment in January 2024, when bank balances are likely to be dwindling.

"It has never been more important to plan ahead and work with your accountant to ensure that your business is prepared for what is to come."

Duncan & Toplis has a long, established history of supporting farms in the East Midlands region and beyond. Co-founded in 1925 by a secretary of the Grantham branch of the National Farmers Union, Duncan & Toplis has always maintained many agricultural businesses as part of its client-base. A lot of farming clients have been with the company through four generations of family ownership.

Today, Duncan & Toplis is one of the region's largest independent chartered accountants and business advisers, supporting more than 12,000 businesses and individuals. The company has 11 offices in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire and it has held the title of ICAEW East Midlands Large Accountancy Firm of the Year since 2017.

For more information about Duncan & Toplis, please visitwww. duncantoplis. co.uk

armers interested in seeing how Norfolk farmer Algy Garrod has benefited from a series of successful farm diversification projects including Miscanthus are invited to a free farm walk on Thursday 7 September.

Co-hosted by the AF Group and Terravesta, the walk will explore how Mr Garrod has planted Miscanthus on his 405ha farm near Fakenham as a risk mitigation measure to help to futureproof the business.

"Miscanthus is planted in awkward corners of fields, in wet areas and on heavy land, and we have deliberately targeted less productive fields to improve the soil," says Algy.

“When I looked at my yield maps, certain areas of the farm performed poorly on an annual basis, typically areas on the edges of fields.

"So, I took the decision to put Miscanthus on them. I've straightened these fields with GPS, taking out bits near hedgerows or curved field margins and edges.”

Algy has planted 10ha of Miscanthus in total and says squaring off the fields makes them more manageable and

efficient for conventional food cropping.

"The aim is to replace some of the lost subsidies with diversification income streams and I'm hoping it will give me some efficiency gains - my sprayer works better when it's

About the Miscanthus farm walk

Norfolk farmer Algy Garrod hosts Miscanthus farm walk this September F

The Miscanthus farm walk in Bintree will run from 9.30-11:30 am and will include a presentation from Miscanthus specialist, Terravesta, about

driving in a straight line rather than going around corners, which causes inaccuracies in the application of our inputs," he says.

Algy's diversification projects include opening a farm shop, introducing more niche vegetable crops to supply the shop, pumpkin picking, Christmas trees and 10 hectares of Miscanthus.

Miscanthus also provides Algy with game cover.

"I now have permanent cover, which means I don't have to establish it every year, which is a big advantage," adds Algy.

growing, harvesting and selling Miscanthus, a talk from Lee Oxborough, head of crop inputs at the AF Group, a tour of the crop with chance to ask questions and enjoy some light refreshments.

Date and time: Thursday 7 September 9:30 – 11:30am

Location: Bintree, Norfolk

Catering: Light refreshments will be provided

To book onto the walk, visitwww. terravesta.com/events

DRONES FOR FARMING SPECIALIST ABZ INNOVATION LAUNCHES SOLUTION THAT COULD OFFER WAY OUT OF FARM LABOUR CRISIS

Hungarian drone innovator ABZ poised for entry to UK market as farmers and growers seek new technologies to alleviate workforce shortfall

Hungary-based drones for agriculture pioneer ABZ Innovation is readying its introduction into the UK market following success in countries across Europe with a technology that could help alleviate Britain’s farm labour shortage. Already present in five countries, the system offers a revolutionary new use for drones far removed from hobbyists or their use in conflict zones.

Developed and tested together with the University of Gyor, the drone solution offers a lowercost, highly-efficient means of spraying fields and orchards that

allows farmers and growers to benefit from a reduced workload and an easier means of spraying hard-to-access areas.

Cost savings are a key element of the ABZ system, which tests showing that targeted, precise management through drones uses 90% less water than conventional spraying and up to 50% fewer chemicals.

In the case of the UK, the ABZ drone system offers a potential system to growers and farmers hit hard by the post-Brexit shortage of agricultural labour.

According to calculations from the UK’s National Farmers’

Union, some £60m of fresh produce was left to rot in the fields in 2022 due to a lack of workers.

ABZ chief executive Karoly Ludvigh said: “With the problems with the lack of workforce in crops and orchards in the UK, drones can provide a very costeffective alternative. They also have the benefit of helping growers use significantly less water and chemicals.”

With the cost of rising input materials having a major impact on accuracy, Ludvigh said the pinpoint accuracy of spraying with ABZ drones – within 1.5m –can be a valuable asset in

keeping input and water costs down. In fact, in the light of the Ukraine war, food shortages and the rapidly changing weather, Ludvigh believes precision farming is no longer a choice, but the only way to uphold

agricultural production.

He continued: “Proper soil and crop management has become paramount to really provide our plants with the kind of soil they require to withstand weather

conditions as well as possible.” At the same time, Karoly says drone technology has been accelerating at an incredible rate with as many changes in the 12 months of 2022 as in the previous six years put together. “The pace of these changes has been amazingly fast and I think it will get even faster,” he added. About ABZ Innovation!

According to experts, British farmers are some of the most enthusiastic in the world about the benefits of drones for farming. ABZ is poised to enter a large and relatively untapped market, thanks to new rules which allow drones to spray crops. This could transform British farming and massively boost its productivity at a time of high energy costs, and a tight labour shortage.

ABZ is considered the European leader in drone technology, and the large British market offers a foothold to challenge Chinese dominance in the area. This could be a boon to farmers large and small, whether they are a massive wheat grower on England’s eastern plains, or an ancient family-run dairy farm set among hills and hedgerows.

The full impact of drones on farming may be nothing short of revolutionary, and thanks to new post-Brexit rule changes, ABZ and British farmers can make this a reality in the UK in the next few years, cutting food prices, strengthening the economy, and boosting national security all at once.

PGRO launches new podcast for pea and bean growers

The Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) has launched a new podcast designed targeted at the UK’s pea and bean sector.

Inside the Pod will cover all topics related to the growing of pulse crops and will feature PGRO staff as well as guests from across the industry.

The podcast is PGRO’s latest endeavour in supporting growers of pulses and vegetable legumes by reaching them in a communications channel the organisation was not

previously active in.

“We carry out a huge amount of important research, but it means nothing if it doesn’t reach those who can use the information,” says PGRO CEO Roger Vickers.

“We need to use a variety of channels to put across our messages and having a podcast allows for farmers to digest new information from our work while they go about their day.”

The first episode, which is live now, covers PGRO’s vining pea open day that was held in late June in Lincolnshire, and features Senior Technical Officer Dr Chris Judge speaking about the Descriptive List trials.

Inside the Pod is available on all major podcast services, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts.

UK farmers invited to unique Pest Control Forum hosted by BASF

Farmers across the UK are invited to attend a unique pest control evening held especially for the agricultural industry this September.

Taking place at Ravenwood Hall Hotel in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, the informal session hosted by BASF is the first of its kind and will include presentations from pest control experts on an array of useful topics, such as best practice to prevent and treat infestations, responsible usage of rodenticides, and rodent behaviour to be aware of.

There will also be a detailed overview of the Red Tractor specification for pest control and guidance on how to satisfy an audit, as well as the

latest industry news and updates.

Specialists from the leading pest control solutions manufacturer will also be on hand to support with essential paperwork and provide templates for auditing and reporting to take away.

Guests will be able to earn BASIS points for attending the event, which will run from 7pm to 10pm on 5 September 2023, and there will be a hot buffet, drinks, and the opportunity to network with fellow farmers during the evening.

Laurence Barnard, Country Business Manager for BASF’s Professional & Specialty Solutions, commented:“We’re really looking forward to hosting our first Pest Control

Forum for the farming industry next month. We have worked closely with the agricultural sector for several years to increase awareness of rodent issues on farms and encourage best practices, ultimately saving businesses time and money.

“We hope the evening will see the farming community come together to learn more about the latest information that they should be aware of, discuss any issues they are experiencing, and of course, have a good old catch-up with each other!”

To secure your free place at the Pest Control Forum, register now athttps://www. agricentre.basf.co.uk/en/ News-Events/Events/Eventdetail_84162.html

Record UK maize crop needs protecting to deliver full potential T

his year's maize crop is looking good, with big yields forecast, so it's time to plan how to capitalise on this and protect its quality at harvest.

"Using the right additive when harvesting maize is critical to its success in the clamp but once it's done, it's sorted for the whole winter," said Andy

Stainthorpe,Seed & Silage Inoculants Sales Manager, UK & Irelandat Corteva.

"We also know from our trials the most valuable starch or grain component averages a little under 8 tonnes/hectare (at 15% moisture), with a corresponding value of £487 million.

These are eye-watering figures and underline just how important it is to ensure as much of the high-quality nutrition afforded by maize is retained right up until it reaches the feed barrier.

and moulds quickly and effectively.

In addition, two powerful lactic acid-producing strains ofLactobacillus plantarumin 11C33 RR ensure fast acid fermentation and a rapid drop in pH within a few hours of silage going into the clamp.

"With a record acreage of maize sown in the UK this year, the potential gains from producing and preserving this high-quality homegrown feed for the winter ahead are greater than ever.

"The 2023 national maize crop is estimated to be around 250,000 hectares, up 20,000 from last year. Figures from our PACTS trials over the last 20 years show an average fresh weight yield of around 48 tonnes/hectare.

"So, at last year's trading price of £60/tonne, this makes the potential value of this year's 12 million tonne crop more than £725 million.

"Choosing the right silage inoculant to do this depends on how your maize is going to be used," explained Andy. "Silage for highperforming dairy cows needs to be protected from aerobic spoilage and have good digestibility. The inoculant 11C33 RR offersboth these benefits. "And with sowing in many areas later this year, harvest is also likely to be later, and there is an increased risk of spoilage organisms infesting the standing crop."

11C33 RR suppresses the activity of these harmful organisms – and quickly. In combination with Pioneer's main strain ofLactobacillus buchneri, 11C33 containsa fast-acting strain able to effect improved aerobic stability within seven days of ensiling. This gives growers a product able to suppress growth of harmful yeasts

This efficient production of lactic acid reduces dry matter losses associated with early acid fermentation and leaves more of the valuable crop carbohydrates in the silage.

"Because 11C33 RR is fastacting, treated silage is available for use just a week or two after going in the clamp," said Andy. "This speed of action is particularly important as we are likely to see clamps being opened for feeding out sooner after harvest than usual due to existing silage stocks being low. "Investing in protecting your maize silage this year makes good business sense. One small step taken at harvest is one giant leap for your silage quality all winter long."

For more information visitwww. corteva.co.uk/Pioneer/silageinoculantsor scan the QR code.

Monetising carbon using soil test data

An adaptive and education-based approach to regenerative farming can enhance soil carbon cycling with the potential to rapidly increase farm productivity, says Tom Dillon, director of Regenerate Outcomes.

“Using soil tests from Eurofins Agro UK, we are partnering with farms to help enable a regenerative system change, based on extensive and accurate soil health data. The tests include vital phospholipid fatty acid (PFLA) analysis that is helping our farms improve soil health by better understanding the microbial composition of their soils. We are also helping our partner farmers to monitor soil carbon sequestration with the aim of generating soil carbon credits which form an additional farm income stream,” he explains.

Regenerate Outcomes has

designed a programme to comply with the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) which provides the highest standard of verification. The aim is to create a profit share agreement for participating farms with up to 67% of the value of Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) being distributed to the farm, subject to a minimum VCU performance.

Participating farms do not pay any up-front costs to join the programme. Mr Dillon is also keen to explain that whilst carbon credits represent potentially valuable income for farms longer term, the focus is on providing a more holistic approach that focuses on improving soil health, driving profit, and making ecological gains.

“Eurofins’ Soil Life Monitor determines the total microbial biomass, fungi, bacteria, and protozoa ratios in soil. It also identifies some physical characteristics such as pH and the quality of organic matter. PLFAs found in soil can be

measured to provide a fingerprint of the soil content. We are using this to enable farms to address any microbial imbalances in the soil which will help improve nutrient uptake,” he adds.

This approach enables the Regenerate Outcomes team to help participating farms understand soil biology and change soil chemistry without the use of fertilisers.

“We are focussed on system change by engaging with our farms at an educative level to positively influence soil health and productivity. We spent six months establishing the best suite of tests to carry out, and a combination of Eurofins’ Soil Life Monitor, Active Carbon, and Fertilisation Manager tests provide the best all-round picture of the current profile of the soil and enable our professional mentoring agents to give more accurate advice that is anchored in soil science,” he concludes.

Tillage-Live 2023 on Thursday 14th September 2023

Not long now to the largest national crop establishment demonstration of the year, Tillage-Live will be taking place 8am – 3pm on Thursday 14th September 2023, at W H Corbett, Cottage Lane, Norton-Juxta-Twycross, CV9 3QH. The site is to be accessed via the B4116 and onto Shelford Lane; please follow the road signs to the visitor's entrance to the event. You can keep up to date with the event and the latest news on social media using #tillgrowspray #tillagelive23

There are an exceptional number of exhibitors taking part this year across both the working demonstration plots, and the static exhibition area. So, if you haven’t already booked your ticket/s go on-line at www.tillage-live.com/buy-a-ticket/

There is an addition to the demonstration arena this year with the introduction of an inter-row hoeing demonstration on both 50cm and 75cm row widths.

In other changes, there has been the introduction of a band of cover crops on four of the 2ha demonstration plots, in addition to the cover crop demonstration arena.

The knowledge trail focusses on soil health, cover crops, responsible fertiliser use, and correct tyre setting and use for soil protection, provided by NIAB, Agrovista, NFU Arable, Bridgestone and Kings Crops. Completing the trail also qualifies for BASIS/NRoSO points.

Simon Brown, MD of Amazone Ltd, longterm exhibitor and member chair of the Tillage-Live committee said “No-one should miss the opportunity to visit Tillage-Live Live because, as the Government looks to farming to reduce its carbon footprint, the way we manage soils is becoming increasingly in the spotlight and the right choice of machinery can play its part in helping to improve soil health, stimulate soil biology as well as being used to combat disease and weed pressures. In my view, Tillage-Live offers growers that rare opportunity to see a wide spectrum of crop establishment equipment actually on a tractor and working in the field and so, having been able to get an idea of what that bit of kit might do, a visit to Tillage-Live can then lead to a demonstration at home with a view to changing establishment methods. The event constantly evolves, and the recent introduction of the central demonstration ring gives exhibitors the chance to showcase new machinery and, with a view to keeping growers abreast of those changing trends, the cover crop zones now offer alternative demonstration opportunities. We look forward to seeing everyone in September”.

Tillage-Live is organised by the AEA on behalf of industry exhibitors and has been held since 1992.

STARTIN TRACTORS

Tel: 01827 880088

Email: isuzu@startintractors.co.uk

Web: startintractors.co.uk

STARTIN TRACTORS

Diverse range of Kuhn machinery at Tillage-Live 2023

Working machines will include the Venta 3030 drill combined with the CD 3020 disc cultivator, the Espro 6000R drill, Striger 600R strip till machine, Prolander 6000 with TF 1512 distribution head, Optimer L12000 stubble cultivator, Performer 4000 Select cultivator and the VML Smart Plough.

The working machines will be joined by further products on the Kuhn stand including the Megant 602R drill, Maxima RXE maize drill, Cultimer L300T stubble tine cultivator, and the Aero 32.1 pneumatic fertiliser spreader.

Product specialist Edd Fanshawe says:

“Tillage-Live is a unique opportunity to see a wide range of Kuhn products working, and our team will be on hand to answer questions and provide product information.”

The product selection represents Kuhn’s breadth of machinery featuring both min-till and conventional tillage machinery choices. Mr Fanshawe suggests that the popularity of shallow cultivators reflects the desire to reduce soil disturbance. However, he says many systems still rely heavily on conventional ploughing methods.

“Kuhn has expanded the min-till range in recent years, with wider widths for the Optimer and Prolander. However, we are also focussed on providing new solutions for those seeking to plough more efficiently. The VML Smart Plough is an example of how ploughing precision can be enhanced using GPS and ISOBUS to adjust working width, offset, working depth and levelling.”

The drills on show include the lightweight Megant 602R that can be operated by tractors with as little as 150 horsepower. The latest Maxima RXE has electric drive and offers precision maize sowing at 10km/h. The 6 metre Espro 6000R will be working at the event to demonstrate how the versatile drill can work after the plough, min-till or directly in residues.

“The Kuhn drill range is one of the most comprehensive available, offering diversity for varying farming systems. We will also be demonstrating the 6 metre Prolander with a TF 1512 distribution head, which is suitable for the shallow incorporation of stubble and mixing in a

break crop whilst also seeding the following crop in the same pass,” he adds.

Kuhn’s lightweight Megant drill features new tine coulters, an updated terminal, and the option to add a second hopper. The Megant 602R shares

functionality with the previous 600 model, but features half width shut off and can be specified with an additional SH 1120, 110- litre hopper to drill two crops in the same pass.

Due to its lightweight design, the Megant can be operated by tractors with as little as 150 horsepower. Three types of tines can be specified on the Megant, including reversible forward action, straight, and a new narrow 12mm straight tine coulter which reduces soil displacement through improved penetration and also reduces wear on the tine thanks to the addition of carbide plated points.

The 602R has inherited some features from the larger Espro drill, including spring loaded nonstop track eradicators and side markers that are better

suited to dry conditions. A new welded 1800 litre hopper capable of holding 1200 kilos of wheat and drilling 60 hectares a day replaces a riveted hopper on the previous model. The new hopper also includes internal steps to improve access to the distribution head.

The Megant has been fitted with Kuhn’s Vistaflow valves which can be configured and controlled from the terminal. This enables operators to program the flow of seed with the option to save settings for future use. Vistaflow also records tramlining configurations such as the working width and wheel track to enable more accurate use of sprayers and fertiliser spreaders which will help to reduce input costs.

New grain drier ranges and mobile driers with advanced features and fuel options

British company

Perry of Oakley Ltd design & manufacture two ranges of continuous flow grain driers with capacities from 5tph to 150+tph on wheat, and also supply the AGREX range of mobile driers.

The entry level, Mistral series continuous flow grain driers (5 to 30 tph) come with roller discharge as standard but can be upgraded to pneumatic shutter discharge. It also has a hard-wired control panel which can be upgraded to a Perry touch screen PLC with remote access for diagnostics and adjustments.

The larger Savannah series continuous flow grain driers (5 to 150+tph) are heavy duty

commercial specification driers that come with pneumatic shutter discharge and PLC touch screen control panel as standard.

The Mistral & Savannah series can utilise a wide range of fuel options including diesel, kerosene, gas, steam, coal using heat-exchangers or biomass heat sources.

Both ranges can be fitted with the Perry Grain Sentry Fire Detection and Automatic Moisture Measurement ensuring optimal drying conditions are achieved and any fires are detected as quickly as possible.

Centrikleens are also available on both ranges to reduce dust & chaff problems.

Perry of Oakley now also supply the AGREX mobile batch drier

with models from 7T to 42T, which utilise a variety of fuel options including diesel, kerosene or gas-fired. PTO is also available for the smaller sized driers.

All the drier ranges are fully supported from the Perry UK based factory which also houses an array of spares.

All three drier ranges are fully compatible with the comprehensive range of Perry handling and storage options from tote bins through to hopperbottom and flat-bottom silos.

Contact Perrys for all your handling, storage & drier requirements on (0)1404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk, and receive a free, no obligation quotation.

Full range of drying, handling & storage, including:

Grain Driers

Mistral or Savannah 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!

BDC Systems Ltd supplies two new Svegma driers for Weald Granary to replace two that were retired from service having been installed in 1987 and 1988!

If anyone has ever expressed doubts as to the outstanding build quality, robustness, reliability and return on investment of Svegma’s industry leading continuous flow driers, they should perhaps reconsider. BDC Systems Ltd supplied two new Svegma driers for Weald Granary, to replace those installed 35 and 34 years ago respectively, for last year’s harvest.

“There is no question that our old Svegma driers had served us well,” said John Smith, Weald Granary’s managing director. “Located outside of our grain store they had been exposed to the elements for over 30 years and had many hundreds of thousands of tons of grain and

maize go through them. It was no surprise that they reached the end of their lives!”

On reaching the decision to replace the Svegma driers, Smith looked at alternatives from a renewable and alternative fuels perspective.

“We have a very compact site so renewable energy was not an option because of the storage space and labour required,” explained Smith. “We wanted a drier that we could switch on, deliver instant heat and which we could just walk away and leave to get on with its job.”

Working closely with the team at BDC Systems, Smith decided to replace Svegma with Svegma as the design and its track record of reliability

and durability was certainly proven.

The main bodies of the Svegma driers (1 x 6m, 61tph and 1 x 3m 30tph) were replaced like for like and the burners upgraded as the originals were obsolete.

The existing dischargers on each of the old driers were still in good condition and did not need to be replaced – further evidence of the Svegma’s excellent build quality and durability. Not everything above the discharge sections needed to be replaced, some parts had life left in them, but due to the labour involved with removing and refitting the handling equipment, it made economic sense to replace everything in one go.

The drier-filling conveyors, gantries, supporting steelwork, access platforms and ladders to interconnecting silos were taken off and then put back in place. Both driers previously had turboclean fans and a fresh set of galvanised

units were installed with the new drier bodies.

The proven design meant that the main body dimensions were identical and made changing components of the drier relatively straightforward. In addition, it was possible to reuse all of the handling equipment’s brackets.

“The new Svegma driers were installed just in time for harvest ’22 which turned out to be one of our driest and hottest so we only ended up drying 500t of wheat. But the driers had their baptism of fire in October when we needed to dry 1,500t of wet maize which came in at 30%,” continued Smith. “As usual they did their job and did it well!

“The BDC team who worked on this project will most probably be, like me, well into our retirement by the time the new Svegma driers need replacing!” concluded Smith.

Godminster Farm, producer of award-winning cheddar cheese, is working with McArthur Agriculture to remove soya bean meal from the rations

of

its 300-cow organic dairy herd

Feeding trials fit within the recently announced NCS project to help farmers reduce agriculture emissions by 1.5Mt CO2e a year

In line with Somerset-based Godminster Farm’s ethos: ‘nature repays those who treat her kindly’, Pete Cheek who has been in charge of the farm’s 300 organic dairy herd for more than 25 years, is working with McArthur Agriculture to replace imported soya bean meal from the cows’ diet with home-grown and roasted pulses.

Feeding trials at Godminster Farm provide the foundation for further work to be completed as part of the recently announced Defra funded Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems (NCS) project, of which McArthur Agriculture is a key partner. The project has been launched to help farmers reduce agricultural emissions by 1.5Mt CO2e a year.

“Climate change is a huge issue and by practising organic farming methods, we are already farming ‘intune’ with the environment,” explained Cheek. “However, another important factor for us is to be able to fully validate the provenance of the components of our cows’ rations to consumers.

“Godminster Farm’s overall aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of our cows’ diet

and deliver full traceability of all their rations by growing beans here on the farm.”

McArthur Agriculture and Pete Cheek have been working together since June 2022 as Godminster’s aim fits perfectly within the NCS

The NCS, a four-year £5.9M ambitious research programme which will involve 200 farms and 17 industry partners, is funded by Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme and delivered by Innovate UK.

The bold, twin objectives of the project led by the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO), are to increase pulse cropping in arable rotations to 20% across the UK (currently 5%) and to enable livestock farmers to substitute up to 50% of imported soya meal used in livestock feed with more climate-friendly home-grown pulses and legumes.

“Godminster Farm is already engaging with the guiding principles of the NCS project by adding beans to its crop rotations for inclusion in its cows’ rations, working towards the

replacement of imported soya bean meal in organic dairy,” added John McArthur, MD of McArthur Agriculture.

Cheek met McArthur for the first time at Groundswell in June 2022 and they committed to visit Denmark together to see first-hand how Danish farms are already substituting imported soybean meal with roasted beans and cereals. Work there has shown the roasting process improved the quality of the protein in beans, allowing the formulation of diets without soya bean meal while maintaining milk yield and quality.

“I was staggered as to the results achieved by the Danish farmers. They were achieving double the milk yield we get at Godminster by including roasted beans in their cow’s diets and without using soya,” added Cheek.

“One famer was conducting circular rationshe grew the beans, lupins, maize and cereal and fed them and sold the milk produced. Everything he wanted to feed his cows; he grew. Danish organic dairy farmers seem to have it sussed.”

On returning to the UK, Godminster Farm started trialling post-harvest processing of beans, supplied by Organic Arable, in late 2022.

“We roasted the beans with a Mecmar T05 roaster from McArthur Agriculture, they were then milled and incorporated into the cows’ diet as part of the parlour feed and in the total mixed ration (TMR),” explained Cheek.

The trial was successful and Cheek is now planning to permanently include roasted beans in the ration and is considering the addition of roasted lupins, to add more protein

“The next phase of our trial will be to roast the beans we are growing on-farm this year straight from the combine, rather than roasting beans we have bought-in, this will allow us to store them safely and increase the amount we are able to add to the rations,” added Cheek.

“We are looking forward to working with the team at Godminster this harvest. Learning from the Danish farmers we will process the beans at a higher moisture content than before. This should improve gelatinisation and further improve protein quality, said McArthur “Moving to 100% home grown protein is a big move for any farm business, it is a decision the NCS Project is aiming to de-risk for farmers like Pete in the future,” concluded McArthur.

B BEST OF BRITISH

est of British is a year-round campaign to highlight and tackle the wider issues surrounding food & health.

A society that’s become disconnected with food production and in doing so, is now faced with obesity, disease, and food poverty among many others.

Farmers, growers & producers are working tirelessly to change the tide on climate change & food security, but we still have a political neglect which is blindsided, not facing up to the realities of the challenges that lie ahead.

We aim to challenge these and utilise social media for the good by providing a platform, share research & nutritional benefits to consumers, empowering them to make informed decisions.

We feel here at Eco Ewe with our own knowledge of farming, my personal background in teaching & food, that we are in a good position to share the voices of many others that work up and down the country, understanding first hand the lengths we all go to. Alongside our campaign we will very much looking forward to supporting AHDB Love Lamb Week 2023!

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) isa statutory levy board, funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain to help the industry succeed in a rapidly changing world. We want to create a world-class food and farming industry, inspired by and competing with the best.

Change is happening faster than ever and we’re entering a defining time for the industry. We’re on the cusp of a new agricultural revolution, with a shifting landscape where driving productivity and maintaining competitiveness is key to our farmers succeeding.

We have a responsibility to get farmers ready for the change that’s coming and helping them to not only survive but thrive. There are exciting opportunities for those willing to grasp them. We want to unite the whole industry around a common goal to lift productivity, bringing people together to collaborate, innovate, and drive change.

Love Lamb Week (LLW) will run from 1 - 7 September 2023, to shine a light on the sustainability of UK sheep production, whilst also reminding consumers of the exceptional taste and quality that UK lamb brings to the dinner table.

With instore and online activity, their new Shepherds and their Pies influencer campaign on social media and their formidable work collaborating with other levy boards and industry bodies, I’m sure many of you sheep farmers out there like us are keen to showcase how passionate and resilient we are, hoping to entice more

customers to engage and understand, just let’s face it, how brilliant we are!

Recently, as part of their ‘We Eat Balanced’ campaign AHDB has partnered with Anita Asante and Dr James Morehen to raise awareness of the benefits of a balanced diet that includes red meat and dairy, which are some of the most nutrient dense foods available.

The campaign, Eat like a lioness, aims to help more young athletes realise their full potential by

A quarter (26%) either have been diagnosed with, or suspect they have, either a vitamin B12 or iron deficiency.

Therefore, the campaign encourages parents and coaches to provide more guidance on nutrition, helping athletes make informed food choices. By educating young athletes about the science-based benefits of a balanced diet, that includes meat and dairy, this will support young girls in their athletic endeavours.

AHDB emphasises that while incorporating meat and dairy products into a young athlete’s diet is important, it is equally vital to maintain a well-rounded and balanced eating plan.

Encouraging the consumption of lean cuts of meat and dairy products while also incorporating ample amounts of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and legumes ensures a comprehensive nutritional approach.

The more we all voice our stories, opinions and raise questions, by supporting campaigns such as these, the brighter the farming industry will be and that’s a legacy I’m happy to leave behind.

To follow all these fabulous campaigns and to get involved look no further than

Instagram: @bestofbritishcampaign @LoveLambWeek @weatbalanced @ecoewe

Website: https://ahdb.org.uk to keep up to date with all their marketing campaigns.

understanding the science of what they eat, rather than feeling pressurised into restricting their diet unnecessarily.

Research shows that a third of girls (35%)play football,with many inspired to start by the current women's England football team.[1]However:

53% of teenage girls told AHDB they restrict what they eat

44% have experienced tiredness and a lack of energy in the last year

29% say they have cut back on dairy or red meat in the last year

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AHDBBeefandLamb

#Shepherdsandtheirpies #Lovelambweek

#WeEatBalanced

We would love you to get involved so don’t forget to tag @ecoewe in your stories or recipes as we will be sharing some too!

Host sponsors : Yeo Valley; Affinity Water, Kings Crops, NIAB, Barenbrug, Agricology.

Written by Olivia Shave

Instagram: @ecoewe

‘It’s in the genes

So, you may recall last month reading all about Caitlin Jenkins in our ‘Women in Farming’ section. Now meet her sister Megan Hutchinson who has won The Longton Challenge Shield at the English National Sheepdog Trials with her wonderful dog Katie awarded with 168 points. I couldn’t pass this opportunity to catch up with Megan as it’s a formidable achievement. So, read on and find out how it feels to be the new England Champion.

As a child I would go to sheepdog trials across the UK while my parents competed and would imagine myself winning prestigious titles and representing my country so to achieve The English National Champion title is a dream come true. I started competing at the age of 13 having been given my first dog when I was 10. Since then, my life has always involved sheepdogs both in a working sense at home on the farm and competing on the trial field.

They are such incredible

animals, not just in what they are capable of but what they are at heart. Their courage and bravery; the grit that makes them fight animals 3 times their size, I have spent my life in awe of them and champion them within our industry as much as I can.

I often get asked why we compete and its always the same answer. We love competing, to succeed and especially to win is a great feeling. But really, I like to show my dogs off. I know how special and

capable they are and stepping to the post and allowing them to show off what they can do gives me a great sense of pride.

I have had Katie since she was a puppy, over the last 7 years we have formed a great relationship and know each other well. She has taught me about sheep, what a really good dog should be and a real love for trialling. Katie really enjoys walking to the post and watching her march out ahead of me encourages me to get stuck in and try and keep up with her.

The English National is an annual trial where the best 150 English dogs compete against each other for the national title. The best 15 go forward to the International to represent their country where they then face the other 3 nations: Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. As that would suggest, the competition is very stiff. Katie herself made

the English Team back in 2021 and is also on the World Trial Team for this year which is a trial held every 4 years with countries taking part from all around the world, kind of like the Olympics. She has been a great trial dog for me, consistent and talented and it’s an honour to compete alongside her.

Dogs are all so different, they all have their strengths and weaknesses, and these can vary and differ greatly. Correct training is critical in enabling a dog to reach its full potential. Some do train easily and naturally; others need more guidance but correct training they all need, and this can be difficult because not one size fits all.

The training needs to be adapted for each dog considering its ability, temperament, and trainability. Breeding plays a big role and is at the forefront of the trial dog with pedigrees and bloodlines studied. A piece of paper doesn’t tell you what the dog truly is, that must be seen at work and on the trial field. Not all dogs can do both and its only through work and training we establish what the dog has potential for and what situation it needs going forward. All our foundation training starts the same because whilst there is less precision work involved at home as opposed to trialling, we

still want a fully trained dog at work capable of every task. Each dog does have differing levels of capabilities, but these can nearly always be improved with correct training, but some are more capable and talented than others. The good ones are worth their weight in gold and are not always easy to come by. I do wonder how many really good dogs’ unsung heroes on farms are just working every day

days working side by side in all weathers, often my patience can be pushed to the limit and as it gets tougher, I ask more and more from my dog.

To see a dog keep trying, keep battling, just because I asked, just because they love what they do, that forms an incredible bond built on both trust and respect. For me, it’s the best part of what we do. They are of course invaluable to our lifestyle, and I certainly wouldn’t want to farm livestock without them. But it’s the partnership and bond I really love the most. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Katie, she is so talented and has taught me so much.

One of the biggest reasons we try so hard at such prestigious trials is because I want Katie to have the recognition she deserves. I know she’s amazing and I want others to know it too. She didn’t know it was one of the biggest trials of our year, we trial most weekends so for her in was another day at the office.

The sheep at this trial were very challenging texel crosses that chased and attacked dogs on occasion and where generally quite argumentative all over the course. Katie made it look easy, she was barely panting when she came off and I just felt incredibly proud of her. Not once did she look like losing her temper under pressure. I was proud of not just for her achievement but for taking it all in her stride and just getting the job done well and of course looking beautiful whilst she did it.

and because they don’t compete do not receive the recognition, they deserve but I’d imagine they do by those they work with, and they certainly are doing what they live for.

The partnership can take a while to develop, shaped through training and then working alongside each other. Particularly lambing time for me is always a true test. Long hard

She may be my one in a lifetime dog and I am delighted that this time I managed to keep up, not let her down, and gave her the opportunity to show off what she can do.

Instagram:

@littledale_sheepdogs

Facebook:

@Littledale Sheepdogs

Potatoes

Root Crops

ALGIFOL TO DEBUT AT BRITISH POTATO 2023 A

biostimulant brand that is increasingly popular with potato growers will make its debut at this year's British Potato show in Harrogate.

Algifol, which is a seaweedbased biostimulant, will be on stand 123A in Hall 1 at the November event.

Introduced to the UK by Marcus Palmer of MJP Supplies, Algifol has been proven to help

growth-regulating plant hormones.

Visitors to British Potato will also be the first to hear the results of several field trials that have been undertaken this year.

"Over the last couple of years, we have seen our sales increase dramatically," says Marcus. "The sharp rise in the cost of fertilisers, interest in using natural products and recommendations from customers have all played their part in increasing our turnover. Based on our recent sales we've decided to reinvest some of the profit into shows and events as we look to continue our growth. As many of our customers are applying Algifol to potatoes, it makes sense to exhibit at British Potato."

Although it's an extra cost, we've factored it into our gross margin, and it is beneficial as it increases yields and produces a quality product at the end of the day."

potatoes establish stronger root structures, improve their disease resistance and ability to withstand extreme hot and cold weather.

Algifol is made from brown algae by Neomed Pharma which gathers the seaweed from the ocean, dries and refines it through special processes to maximise its wealth of natural trace elements, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, polyuronides and

One potato grower who has enjoyed the benefits of applying Algifol is Ryan Wrisdale of the Louth Potato Company.

"Algifol has an incredibly positive impact on our potatoes. We have faced many weatherrelated challenges in the last three years, such as torrential rain and droughts. The growing conditions have been both hard and worrying. By applying Algifol, especially throughout the droughts, we have kept the plant green, healthy and alive and pushed it to move forward.

Applied by knapsack, trailed or mounted sprayers or planes, Algifol is used worldwide on various crops, including bananas, grapes, tea, potatoes and cereals. In the UK, most of Marcus' customers are growing potatoes, oilseed rape and sugar beet, with NeoMed-Pharma recommending four applications of one litre of Algifol diluted at a ratio of up to 1:1,000.

For more information about Algifol or to make a purchase, with a one litre can costing just £21.99+VAT, visit www. mjpsupplies.co.uk, call 07702 293 727 or email marcus@mjpsupplies.co.uk

The British Potato Show returns to Harrogate in November W

ith the harvest season typically concluded and preparations for the new year in motion, BP will return on 22nd and 23rd November at the Yorkshire event centre in Harrogate. A date favoured by participants.

This year sees a record amount of trade stands, as the industry prepares to come together again. Emerging out of covid, events are back bigger and better than before, with the industry realising the power and benefits of face-to-face events.

BP2023 are thrilled to welcome the seminars back at this years show, presenting visitors with technical talks, along with current industry topics and issues.

Show evolution has continued with crop production exhibits being joined by an everexpanding range of post farm expertise. So, while growers will be catching up on everything from varieties to sprout suppression, factory staff will be exploring developments as diverse as water treatment, haulage and the very latest in optical sorting and whole crop utilisation.

Visitors to BP2023 will have access to:

• Scores of Europe’s leading potato companies

• The latest in potato research & development

• All types of farm, packing and processing machinery

• New breakthroughs in production and processing

• Business news and emerging opportunities

• Buyers, suppliers and advisers from plough to plate

• THE way to stay in touch and ahead!

Adding an extra layer of prestige to the event, the National Potato Industry Awards will be held at the Old Swan in Harrogate on the first

evening of the show, Wednesday 22nd November. These prestigious awards are a celebration of excellence and innovation within the potato industry. We are thrilled to announce the return of the hugely popular guest speaker, Rod Woodward, following his much-lauded appearance at the last awards ceremony. For more information on the awards, please visit www.potatoreview. com/national-potato-industryawards

With its unique blend of information-sharing, networking, and innovation, BP2023 promises to be an essential event for anyone involved in the British and global Potato Industry.

For free visitor tickets and to plan your visit, see www.bp2023.co.uk

To enquire about one of the last few available stands at the show email bpinfo@warnersgroup. co.uk

ne of the UK's leading suppliers of automated packing solutions will celebrate a record-breaking year at British Potato in November.

PACE Mechanical Handling, which designs and installs robotic and automated packing lines, has revealed that 2023 will be the company's best-ever year. Orders received in the first eight months of 2023 have exceeded the company's previous bestever year, and with four months remaining and enquiries still coming in, PACE is looking forward to celebrating in Harrogate.

According to PACE's managing director Nick Cesare, interest from the potato industry has played a significant part in the company's success.

"Orders from potato growers and packers represent about a third of our sales in 2023, so it's a very important sector for us, and we're looking forward to exhibiting at British Potato," says Nick. "We've had an excellent year so far, and in the first eight months of 2023, we have beaten our previous best year, which was 2018, when we saw turnover reach seven figures.

"I think we've benefited from several factors. Potato packers and growers are looking for ways to cope with labour shortages, and they're looking to pack more quickly and effectively. Automation and robotic packing and palletising are therefore increasingly popular with them."

Mr Cesare celebrated 40 years of working in the fresh produce and potato sector earlier this year and has been pioneering automated

packing through PACE Mechanical Handling since 1996.

PACE TO CELEBRATE A RECORD BREAKING YEAR AT BRITISH POTATO 2023 O

PACE uses four core products to develop reliable, efficient and cost-effective automated packaging and palletising solutions: the Gemini twin head weigher, Orion Weigher, Orion Weigher and sack placer and the CBC sack placer and stitcher line.

Thanks to its long-standing partnership with Motoman of Japan, PACE Mechanical Handling offers a wide of robots, from pick and place up to specialist heavy lifting models. By having its own team of fabricators and software engineers and extensive experience in designing and installing complete production lines, Nick and his team can deliver everything from a small automated packing robot to a complete turnkey solution.

One potato grower who has benefited from installing a bespoke PACE packing line is OGE Chapman & Son, which supplies potatoes to fish and chips shops.

"We installed the PACE palletising system five years ago, and it was one of the best things we've done," says Jamie Chapman. "We needed to reduce our labour costs, so, with Nick's help, we installed a sack placer and stitch line.

"Our potatoes come into a hopper, over the grader, through Nick's equipment which packs

them into 25kg sacks, which are then placed on the pallet.

"By installing the sack placer, we no longer needed a man there to do the job. As that person was checking the quality of the stitching, we installed a stitch line too. Stitching can be temperamental, but the PACE machine never lets us down."

As well as reducing labour, the PACE solution has increased Chapman & Son's capacity and throughput.

"On a good day, we can have up to 100 tonnes being packed. Before we automated the process, this would have been two days' work! Nick's double-headed weigher is also more accurate than our previous weigher and increases our output."

To learn more about PACE Mechanical and its automated solutions for potato packing, visit stand 223 in hall 2 at British Potato or www. robotpalletizing.co.uk

Nick Cesare

Biox-M is the only 100% natural and sustainable sprout control for potatoes.

Sustainable Potato Sprout Control Attention to detail

Farming has always been about the attention to detail required to get the best from crops and livestock. Even with a plethora of labour saving and information gathering devices, there is still nothing quite as good as the human eye at spotting the fine detail and making the correct decision on the day. This is particularly true of the new world of potato storage chemistry.

As with other sprout suppressants, there is a small risk that Biox-M may condense or coalesce in store if the crop temperature is not even throughout the store before treatment. This condensation or coalescence of product may cause damage to tubers. Avoiding this risk should be an essential part of store management ahead of fogging.

- Refrigeration and ambient air exchange should be turned off on the day before treatment and the store should be managed to even up the crop temperature as a matter of routine.

• A temperature gradient across the store during fogging risks an uneven distribution of the fog at the very moment that an even distribution is essential.

• An even distribution of fog in store is essential to deliver good sprout control and will reduce the risk of condensation. Anything which may impede even distribution of fog should be avoided.

• Fog inlet(s) should be located so that fog is readily moved around the store and does not collect in a small area of the store, a factor particularly relevant for box stores.

• Internal fans should be used to move fog evenly through the store and prevent product concentrating in one part of the store only.

• Using multiple entry ports for application is likely to improve the even distribution of fog in store.

• In store cameras or viewing ports may be sued to ensure that fog is being distributed evenly in store.

Every store is different and should be managed accordingly. It is always good practice to keep records, as detailed as possible, of crop and store condition during the storage season, but most importantly in the lead up and immediately following each treatment. A good set of records of store and crop temperatures, of the date(s) when the store is re-opened and refrigeration or ambient air exchange switched back on, allows the storekeeper to record and assess the factors that deliver the best efficacy, and to work towards extended treatment intervals, as well as to avoid unintended problems.

Biox-M has been in market for more than a decade, and a great many growers have become familiar with the need for attention to detail.

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

• Is approved for use on organic potato crops,

• Has no harvest interval or MRL beyond the one-day mandatory withholding period after treatment,

• Has flexibility of timing of application,

• Results in minimal weight loss in store,

• Does not leave persistent residues in the fabric of stores and boxes used for storage,

• And is therefore suitable for use in stores, which may subsequently be used for the storage of other crops or seed potatoes,

• Is effective at higher storage temperatures, reducing the risk of acrylamide development when crop is processed,

• Sequesters carbon during growth, removing 1t of CO2 for every 1,000t of potatoes treated,

• And should be a component of the sustainability plan for every farm and every customer; effectively carbon neutral.

HAITH TO UNVEIL DRYING AND BOX TIPPLING INNOVATIONS AT BP2023

TUK's leading manufacturer of potato handling equipment has announced it is launching several new products at this year's British Potato show.

Event sponsors Haith Group will unveil its new potato dryer and the latest version of its Queen's Award-winning Rota-Tip at the November event.

Visitors to the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate will be the first to find out about the Haith ProDry, which uses an innovative fan and belt system to speed up the drying time of potatoes. As well as being quicker than conventional sponge dryers, Haith's new system eliminates any potential bacteria build-up which can occur in other drying systems.

"We are really looking forward to British Potato Event," says Rob Highfield, Haith Sales Manager. "We always have a great time in Harrogate meeting people from across the potato industry and giving them a warm Yorkshire welcome to our stand.

"I think we will be busier than ever at this year's show. Our new potato dryer and the 2024 version of the Rota-tip have been developed in response to customer feedback and so should attract a great deal of interest from people looking for the latest innovations in potato handling."

Haith's ProDry will complement the range of sponge roller dryers. The innovative solution conveys washed wet potatoes through a drying tunnel where a combination of fans dry the whole surface area of each tuber.

Haith's Rota-Tip PRO gently empties potato boxes quickly and reliably, even in harsh conditions. As the tippler is rotated around a centre pivot, the weight of the box is never lifted, and the machine is not put under pressure, which eliminates fatigue or prevents damage to both the machine and the box.

Haith's 2024 version of its market-leading Rota-Tip box tippler has been enhanced by introducing an in-feed and out-feed box stacking and de-stacking functionality, which speeds up the box emptying process and dramatically reduces forklift movements.

The absence of hydraulics also removes the chance of oil contamination, and as Haith only uses high-efficiency motors, which only run during the tipping sequence, the Rota-Tip offers exceptional power consumption. The additional box handling functionality allows the operator to place multiple stacks of full boxes into the machine which are then automatically destacked and transported to the tipping module. After being emptied, the boxes are then restacked for the operator to remove from the line. The advanced system significantly improves efficiency and a reduction in damaged boxes.

To find out more about Haith and its range of vegetable handling equipment, visit the team at British Potato or have a look at www.haith.co.uk, email sales@haith.co.uk or call 01302 831 911.

HAITH GROUP APPOINT MARK LLOYD AS ITS FIRST NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The UK's leading manufacturer of vegetable and materials handling equipment, Haith Group, has added 40 years of manufacturing experience to its board with the appointment of Mark Lloyd as the company's firstever non-executive director.

Haith Group appointed Mr Lloyd last month to support the company's senior management team, led by managing director Duane Hill.

"Haith Group has enjoyed a long and sustained period of growth, and we are proud to be the UK market leader in our sector," says Duane. "The Haith family, myself and our current senior management team have developed a strategic plan for the short, medium and long term. As part of the planning process, we identified the need to seek the knowledge and guidance of people with different experiences, insights and perspectives.

"Mark fits the bill perfectly. He has enjoyed a long and successful career and has a strong track record of delivering business growth and increased efficiency wherever he has worked. He has a wealth of experience, having worked across production operations for several manufacturing businesses and has established and developed his own successful business.

"We are very much looking forward to working with Mark, and we are confident that with his input, we will achieve our strategic objectives both in the UK and globally."

Mr Lloyd's career began in the 1980s whenhe joined Pegler Ltd, a manufacturer of industrial valves, radiator valves and compression fittings based some six miles from Haith's Armthorpe site. Mark left Pegler after ten years and spent the next three decades in director roles for several furniture manufacturers, Dunlop Slazenger and, mostrecently, kitchen manufacturer Omega PLC. As well as helping increase the efficiency of existing businesses, in 1999, Mr Lloyd also started his own venture.

"Haith is an extremely well-known and highly respected company," says Mark. "I enjoyed four decades of helping businesses grow and become leaders in operational efficiency. After 13 years at Omega PLC, I decided to step down and pursue other interests. When the opportunity arose to be

involved with Haith, I couldn't wait to get started. Having seen Duane's vision for Haith, I was keen to be involved and help the business achieve its goals. The plan Duane and his team have developed is exciting, and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead as we seek to move Haith to the next level both here in the UK and overseas."

Established in 1947 and incorporated as a limited company in 1964, Tickhill Engineering, which trades as Haith, is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of vegetable handling equipment and materials handling machinery. The two-time Queen's Award for Enterprise-winning company employs more than 120 people in Armthorpe, near Doncaster, and has an annual turnover in excess of £19 million.

Haith's range of vegetable handling machines includes grading, washing, bulk handling, weighing, pre-pack systems and water treatment solutions and are relied upon by hundreds of food producers, packing companies and farmers in the UK and overseas.

For more information about Haith, visit www.haith. co.uk

Tong adds new compact option to

Further to strong sales and worldwide demand for Tong’s industry leading FieldLoad PRO, the company’s fieldloading machine is now available in a compact 1800mm wide specification. The new model has been designed to suit vegetable growers and producers looking to create post-harvest efficiencies at lower throughputs than the company’s flagship machine.

“The FieldLoad PRO continues to be an very popular set-up for truly versatile and efficient postharvest handling,” says Richard Knighton, Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. “We have always referred to the machine as our on-farm and in-field powerhouse and it really has proved to be just

that, with many customers processing in excess of 100 tons of crop per hour into boxes, bulkers and bulk storage. However, we work with vegetable producers of all sizes and not everyone needs such a high capacity machine; and this is where the new, narrower machine can

popular FieldLoad PRO machine

inspection cabin, for ultimate automation and sorting efficiency.

“We pride ourselves on continuously developing our equipment to ensure the most suitable solutions for growers large and small in the UK and worldwide,” added Charlie Rich, Sales Director at Tong Engineering. “The new compact model of the FieldLoad PRO is one of the latest examples of this, where we have introduced a new compact and affordable machine which brings all the efficiencies of the flagship FieldLoad PRO to even more vegetable growers.”

ensure all the same efficiencies to suit lower throughput requirements.”

Suitable for use on a wide range of root crops including potatoes, carrots, onions and more, the new, more compact FieldLoad PRO features all the same options as the flagship machine but simply in a narrower format. The machine features a heavy duty reception hopper feeding a choice of crop cleaning units including Tong’s renownedEasyClean separatoravailable with Auto-Touch HMI controls, as well as the company’s high-speed PU coil cleaning system and star cleaning units.

Custom-built to suit grower’s exact specification, the new FieldLoad PRO model will feature the standard 4-man inspection cabin and a 1300mm wide fully foldable cart elevator. A super-silent onboard generator provides power efficiency for in-field operation, which can be bypassed for mains power when operating on-farm. Like the larger model, the new compact model can be specified with the latest optical sorting equipment as an alternative to the standard

Fertilizers Rich in 3 Vital Enhance Potato Yields,

Anew study has found that the application of fertilizers rich in calcium, magnesium and zinc can vastly improve the growth of potatoes as well as other tubers. Conducted by Egypt's Mansoura University (www.Mans.edu.eg), the groundbreaking research was published this month in the Journal of Plant Production, an Egypt Scientific Magazine.

"These findings provide valuable insights, especially for potato farmers looking to optimize their crop yields," M.K.F. El- Tawashy, who headed the research team, said.

"We hope our research will contribute to the development of more effective fertilization strategies for potato production, which can benefit the agricultural industry as a whole," s/he added.

Better quality, better quantity

The research was done by a team of scientists from Egypt's Mansoura University, who tested the effects of BRANDT Manni-Plex Ca-Mag

and BRANDT Manni-Plex Ca-Zn on potato growth and productivity.

The study found that the foliar application of calcium- and magnesium-rich fertilizers –especially in newly reclaimed soil – greatly enhanced the size of potato yields. According to the study's findings, improvements were seen in terms of both number and weight.

"This can lead to increased profitability by enhancing both the quantity and quality of the potatoes, which can then be sold at higher prices," M.K.F. El- Tawashy said.

"The study highlights the importance of using the right fertilizers and application methods," s/he added,"which can help farmers reduce costs associated with inefficient fertilization techniques."

Enhancing marketability

According to the study's findings, the foliar application of BRANDT Manni-Plex Ca-Zn and BRANDT Manni-Plex Ca-Mag to potato plants increased both dry weight and leaf-nutrient

Vital Minerals Vastly

New Study Finds

According to pioneering research by Egypt's Mansoura University, fertilizers rich in calcium, magnesium and zinc can dramatically enhance the size and quality of potatoes, along with other strategic crops

accumulation. This, M.K.F. El- Tawashy explained, may be related to the minerals'functions on potato plants.

"Further studies on potatoes – along with other strategic crops – are still needed to determine the precise correlation between Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc applications and specific environmental factors," s/he said.

The research also found that these mineralrich fertilizers stimulate plant growth, thus enhancing the size and total number of leaves. It also found that these three vital minerals serve to boost overall chlorophyll content.

"Our findings highlight the importance of using high-quality fertilizers and the potential benefits of foliar application," M.K.F. El- Tawashy said."This will no doubt help farmers all over the world improve the marketability of their produce."

Fighting world hunger

The study's findings are a significant step forward in the development of more effective

and sustainable fertilization strategies for potato production.

"By improving their fertilization practices, farmers can also reduce the risk of crop failure and enhance the overall sustainability of their operations," M.K.F. El- Tawashy said."This, in turn, will help them achieve greater profitability in the long term."

M.K.F. El- Tawashy and her/his research team plan to continue their work and explore the potential benefits of other fertilizers and application methods.

"The potato industry is a major contributor to the global agricultural sector," s/he explained."Our most recent findings could have serious implications for the ongoing quest to combat world hunger."

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mansoura University.

Advice to tackle potato blight outbreaks following the wettest July since 2009

Outbreaks of late blight are springing up in potato crops across the country following an unusually wet July and early August. Fortunately, EU_43_A1 has yet to be found in the samples analysed, but growers must remain vigilant.

According to the Met Office, the UK had 170% of its usual July rainfall, making it the wettest July since 2009 and the sixth on record. Predictably, this has led to a significant rise in blight outbreaks nationwide. The Fight Against Blight monitoring service, run by the James Hutton Institute and enabled by industry sponsors*, has reported 120 crop outbreaks to the middle of August. This puts 2023 on track to be a highpressure year alongside 2019, 2012 and 2007. The outbreaks are spread around all potato-growing regions, with typically drier areas like East Anglia having no respite.

“It has been a challenge to keep on top of the samples coming into the lab,” says Dr David Cooke, research leader at the James Hutton Institute. “We receive samples of fresh lesions, isolate and characterise the sample. We also do DNA analysis on what we receive. The aim is to spot any changes in the blight population as the season progresses so that spray programmes can be adapted based on the present genotypes.

“EU_43_A1 is our big concern because it is resistant to the carboxylic acid amide (CAA) group of fungicides, which includes mandipropamid. The key finding from our work so far this season is that we have not yet found it. We plan to conduct fungicide sensitivity testing on the 2023 isolates in the coming weeks”.

Even though EU_43_A1 has not yet been found

this season, that does not mean the bight risk is low because 36_A2 is one of the dominant strains, cautions David. It has been present for a few years and is very aggressive, which poses challenges if it takes hold in a crop.

“Trying to firefight blight is very difficult, but the chemistry must continue to be used wisely, especially concerning the longer-term risk of EU_43_A1. We do not want other actives struggling under high pressure being misused. It is tempting for growers to keep using the products that will give them the best control, but they must use a range of fungicides.

“The good news is that the canopy has finished growing, so at least when a fungicide is applied, it protects all the leaves for a period. I would encourage growers to keep an eye on the lower canopy to ensure there is no residual amount of blight there. This could be the case following frequent heavy rainfall, which will spread the disease down the canopy,” advises David.

The worry is that the conditions have also suited tuber infection from any foliar blight established in the crop. Lower temperatures will encourage the production of zoospores, and combined with soil moisture, there is a high risk that if foliar blight remains unchecked, it will quickly become an issue in the soil.

“We should now be mid-way through blight programmes with most crops at the canopy complete stage,” says UPL’s potato technical expert, Geoff Hailstone. “When outbreaks are found in the field, the priority must be to clear these up and stop them spreading as soon as possible. Where this is the case, Proxanil (cymoxanil + propamocarb) should be included in a tank mix.

“Cymoxanil is known to be one of the few actives with kickback activity and has a very low risk of developing resistance. Propamocarb has strong anti-sporulant activity, good movement in the plant and is only active in the carbamate resistance group.

“When tank-mixed with a protectant fungicide such as cyazofamid, Proxanil strengthens the activity and gives excellent resistance management. Where blight appears in the crop, there should ideally be two closely timed sprays, but growers must ensure that label intervals are adhered to,” cautions Geoff.

If foliar blight is active in the canopy, especially if conditions are favourable for zoospore production, then the risk of resistance developing can be particularly high. “I would recommend continuing to include mancozeb for resistance management and to protect uninfected leaves. Although mancozeb only has protectant activity, it still has a role in controlling outbreaks when mixed with curative products. Mancozeb is sold as a straight product in Manzate 75WG or formulated with cymoxanil in Nautile DG (cymoxanil + mancozeb).

“Hopefully, the weather turns more settled until harvest, and growers can keep on top of disease in their potato crops, but they must maintain blight programmes until the foliage and stems are dead. Where a grower knows that foliar blight has been present in the crop, they should study the susceptibility to tuber blight of the variety they are growing and prioritise harvest accordingly,” concludes Geoff.

Farm Shop & Deli Show Launches their 2024 Retailer Awards, Championed by Fieldfare

Farm Shop & Deli Show, part of the UK Food & Drink Shows (29 April –1 May 2024, NEC Birmingham) and home of the Farm Shop & Deli Awards, has launched its Retailer Awards for 2024, in partnership with The Grocer and championed by Fieldfare.

For 2024 the Awards are celebrating specialist retailers and recognising their achievements in the independent sector. Free to enter, entries are now open across eleven categories and seven regions to recognise those specialist retailers across the country, with the entry deadline on 29th September 2023.

This year the Awards are championed by Fieldfare, a family owned business based in Kent that started over 40 years ago. Fieldfare supply delicious loose frozen food with as little waste and packing as possible to farm shops, garden centres and independent stores across the UK and a perfect partner for the Retailer Awards.

Matt Whelan, Managing Director at Fieldfare shares why they are excited to be involved with the 2024 Awards; “We are delighted to champion the Farm & Deli Retailer Awards. The businesses that enter these awards, many of which are independent or family-run, are so creative and constantly in pursuit of delicious products and new ideas to develop their businesses and pioneer fine food retail. These qualities match so well with Fieldfare’s own values which is why we are so pleased to be involved.”

The 2024 Awards:

• New: Category Awards are back! Entrants will be judged across eleven specialist categories from bakers to village stores.

• This year they will also be looking for ‘Best in Region’ with winners selected from the category judging stage.

• The Retailer of the Year accolade returns and will be selected by the judges from retailers who have won their Category and ‘Best in Region’.

• For any new businesses that opened after 1st January 2021, judges may nominate a ‘Newcomer of the Year’ winner.

The esteemed panel of judges, hosted by Nigel Barden, will be evaluating what initiatives retailers

have implemented over the last 12 months to develop and grow their store / business. The winners will then be revealed live from the Farm Shop & Deli Show at the NEC Birmingham on Monday 29th April 2024, bringing the specialist retail sector together in celebration.

Chair of Judges, Nigel Barden says; “It continues to be a great honour to chair our fabulous panel of judges and be involved in celebrating the champions of the specialist retail food and drink sector. I’m delighted that the category awards are returning this year. Alongside the regional accolades, Newcomer of the Year and Retailer of the Year we can highlight the finest retailers across the UK and I’m looking forward to announcing the finalists in early March.”

Judge Ian Nottage, Head of Food Development at Sysco Speciality Group, tells us why the Retailer Awards are important; “It’s really important to celebrate the great work of specialist retailers up and down the country. The Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards are a fantastic way to put these guys in the spotlight and raise awareness of their business and, hopefully, give the winners the incentive and recognition to keep doing what they are doing - a kind of affirmation if you like.”

These awards are a golden opportunity to recognise and honour the remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication displayed by specialist retailers. If you are such a retailer, you’re invited to put your business in the spotlight and unite in celebrating the pinnacle of excellence within this sector. Alternatively if you know of such a retailer then please do encourage them to enter.

To enter for FREE, simply complete a quick and easy online entry form, answer the questions, upload your photos and submit your entry by Friday 29th September 2023.

Visit the website to find out more and enter: https:// www.farmshopanddelishow.co.uk/awards.

'Navigating change to cultivate resilience' at The CropTec Show's new venue

Technical arable event

The CropTec Show returns on November 29 and 30, but this time from a new venue – the NAEC in Stoneleigh. Tickets are free and available now atcroptecshow.com.

Now in its 11th year, CropTec combines industryleading exhibitors and cutting-edge technology with unrivalled opportunities for learning including the chance to earn BASIS and NRoSO points.

"As always CropTec brings together experts, policymakers, and forward-thinking growers to share technical arable expertise and experience," said Verity Hyland, Event Director. "We are busy curating a seminar programme which will address the current opportunities and challenges for UK arable production and specifically how to navigate change to cultivate resilience.

"Furthermore, this year's specialist hubs will delve further into crucial topics such aswater management and natural capital, with their own speaker line-up and experts on hand to offer oneto-one advice too."

Visitors will also have the opportunity to test drive sprayers. "This is an exciting opportunity for

visitors to CropTec being able to jump in the hot seat and try a range of cutting-edge sprayers in one venue," Verity added. "Visitors wishing to take part simply need to speak with the individual manufacturers on the day to organise a time-slot."

The CropTec Show takes place on November 29 and 30, 2023. Register now for your free tickets athttps://bit.ly/ 452XSN8

Glamping gain for farmers

he season for pop-up camping has more than doubled, offering farmers a vital lifeline for their diversification ambitions.

Prior to last month, there was a 28day limit on operating temporary sites for glamping, campervans and motorhomes. Now, however, the permitted development rights last 60 days.

But with more farmers now set to take advantage of the commercial opportunities, a rural insurance broker is urging them to be aware of the risks.

“Glamping will inevitably involve members of the public setting foot on farmland,” said William Nicholl, of Lycetts.

“Health and safety risk assessments, along with measures and procedures to ensure a safe environment, are therefore essential. Public liability is also a must, and insurers may request site inspections to ensure quality standards and requirements are being met.

“Furthermore, a longer glamping season may see farmers taking on staff, so Employers’ Liability cover must be in place.”

With drier conditions forecast for the end of summer, fire risk is also a serious consideration for those offering barbecues and fire pits as part of the glamping experience.

The new regulations, which apply to England only, are conditional on there being no more than 50 pitches, and having toilets and waste disposal systems in place.

Farmers who already operate pop-up camping sites are not required to seek extra planning permission, but they must notify councils of the opening dates in advance.

Nicholl said: “As the ‘cost-of-business’ crisis continues, farmers and landowners are increasingly turning to diversification as a way of boosting revenue.

“Extending glamping opportunities could help them recoup some of the losses caused by cancellations during the bad weather of July.

“However, a failure to protect against the risks can have devastating financial consequences.

“It is therefore important to seek advice from experts who are experienced in the field.”

farmers after washout July

Tilhill Celebrates Stunning Twelve Award Wins in Woodlands Awards

Tilhillis delighted to have won 12 awards at the 2023Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Woodlands Competition (RWAS)the presentation of which took place at theRoyal Welsh Show 2023in Llanelwedd.

Two special prizes includingThe Charles Shakerley Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cupfor the Best Conifer Entry andThe Royal Forestry Society Certificatefor best entry in all stand classes, were presented toDŵr Cymru Welsh Water(not-for-profit water company) in partnership with Tilhill for the stunning mixed woodlands ofElan Valley; a sustainably certified woodland featuring a prominent level of visitors showing excellent stands of high-quality mature Sitka Spruce and Norway Spruce managed on a continuous cover basis. Elan Valley was also recognised by the judges as Gold Medal ‘Stand Class Winners’ in both conifer woodland over 30 years old and ‘Area managed using Low Impact Silvicultural Systems (LISS)’. Tilhill Forest ManagerLuke Crosswas also recognised for Stand Class awards for ‘Area managed using LISS’ atYr Allt.

A further gold medal was awarded for Stand Class – Conifer planting or restocking (11-30 years old)

Photo: Elan Valley

toMaesycilyn Woodlands, a woodland managed by Tilhill on behalf ofGresham House.

The awards saw woodlands managed by Tilhill winning six prizes including Gold and Silver for ‘Best Managed Woodlands’ between 51-200 hectares. Gold, presented toEd Clark, Tilhill Forest Manager forCwmcringlyn, a well-designed, privately owned, woodland creation scheme resulting in a diverse productive woodland at a landscape scale, managed on behalf of Alembic Ltd.

introduction of Scots pine and Lodgepole pines for diversity and retention of roadside broadleaves to improve woodland conservation.

Two further awards were presented for ‘Best Managed Woodlands’ - 11-50 hectares. The first,Beacon Lodge, a 37hectare upland forest using silviculture, with Sitka spruce as the dominant species and smaller areas of broadleaves as part of a restructuring, with crops responding well to thinning. Also,Tyn y Berthmanaged on behalf of organic sheep farmer, Jack Lydiate is a 47-hectare woodland creation project on poor agriculture land, planted for carbon, diversification, and long-term family farm income. The scheme features conifer crops, open ground and mixed broadleaves receiving an award for ‘Best Managed Woodland’ presented toAlun Morgan, Tilhill Forest Manager.

Finally, further medals for ‘Best Managed Woodlands’ over 200 hectares went to the Tilhill Wales team once again for Elan Valley, adjacent to anRSPBreserve praised for featuring regular stakeholder meetings.

The Judgescommented, “Set in a stunning landscape the mixed woodlands of the Elan Valley are a joy to the eye.”

Llanbrynmair the largest privately owned forest in Wales featuring steep valleys, undergoing restructuring since the 1970’s, restoring peatland and positively restoring riparian management, whilst including local stone for roading also won a medal for ‘Best Managed Woodlands’

David Edwards, Tilhill’s Forestry Directorsaid: “It is thrilling to see the continued recognition of our forestry management team in Wales.

“It is a fantastic achievement for all our award winners who, working closely with our clients, take considerable time and care in designing, planning, and implementing woodland creation and management for healthy forests.

The Judgessaid, “The planting was carried out in the winter of 2021/22 and there is sound evidence of post planting maintenance being carried out. A lot of thought has gone into this scheme and the result is a diverse productive woodland at a landscape scale.”

Also, presented to Tilhill Forest Manager,Arwel Davieswas an award forBryn Eithinog, a certified productive woodland which has seen the

“The awards truly recognise the importance of professionally-managed woodlands and the quality of the services Tilhill offers.

“Tilhill takes care of not only growing trees but also growing our people too, which is recognised through having the highest number of professionally qualified chartered foresters of any organisation.

“Congratulations to all involved.”

From left to right; Alun Morgan Forest Manager, Tilhill , Jen Newman, Visitor Experience Manager, Dwr Cymru at Elan Valley, Ricky Dallow, Senior Forest Manager, Tilhill

Photo: Elan Valley

Nurturing Mental Health in the British Farming Community

In the lush landscapes of Britain, where rolling fields and verdant pastures paint a picturesque countryside, a quieter struggle often goes unnoticed. The agrarian community, a cornerstone of the nation's identity, faces unique challenges that intersect with mental health concerns. British farming, while emblematic of tradition and sustainability, is grappling with a range of stressors that impact the well-being of those who toil the land. This article delves into the intricate relationship between British farming and mental health, shedding light on the challenges faced by farmers and the need for a comprehensive approach to address their mental wellbeing.

The Farming Landscape and its Strains

British farming has a rich history intertwined with the country's cultural fabric. However, the industry's evolution has not been without its challenges. Modern farming practices have become increasingly complex, demanding a delicate balance between environmental stewardship, economic viability, and societal expectations. Factors such as volatile market prices, unpredictable weather patterns, and changing regulations create a high-pressure environment for farmers.

The isolation of rural life further compounds these pressures. Farming often involves long hours of solitary work, distancing individuals from social support systems. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and contribute to the deterioration of mental health. Additionally, the stigma associated with discussing mental health issues in traditional and close-knit farming communities can deter individuals from seeking help.

Financial Uncertainties and Stress

The financial uncertainties that plague the farming industry have a direct impact on the mental well-being of farmers. Fluctuating prices of agricultural products can leave farmers in a constant state of uncertainty, affecting their financial stability and future planning. The heavy investment required for equipment, land, and livestock further amplifies the stress associated with financial burdens.

Research has shown a strong link between financial stress and mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. The combination of economic pressures and the ingrained sense of responsibility to sustain their land and family legacy can create a daunting burden for farmers.

Weathering the Emotional Storms

The unpredictable British weather adds an extra layer of complexity to farming, contributing to the mental health challenges faced by farmers. Unseasonal rain, droughts, and other climatic extremes can devastate crops and livestock, eroding both income and morale. The

emotional toll of seeing one's hard work and investments succumb to uncontrollable forces can be overwhelming.

The emotional connection farmers often have with their land and animals can intensify the impact of these challenges. The loss of crops or livestock can evoke a deep sense of personal failure, leading to feelings of inadequacy and distress.

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health in British Farming

Recognizing the profound impact of these challenges on the mental well-being of farmers, various organizations and initiatives have emerged to provide support. Efforts are being made to break down the stigma surrounding mental health conversations within the farming community. These initiatives aim to create safe spaces where farmers can share their struggles without fear of judgment.

Moreover, mental health resources tailored to the unique needs of farmers are gaining traction. Helplines, online forums, and counseling services specifically designed for those in the agricultural sector are becoming more accessible. These resources provide an outlet for farmers to discuss their concerns openly and seek professional help when needed.

Promoting Resilience and Well-Being

To foster resilience and promote well-being in the British farming community, a multifaceted approach is crucial. First and foremost, raising awareness about the importance of mental health and eradicating the stigma associated with seeking help are paramount. Educational campaigns can play a pivotal role in shifting the cultural norms surrounding mental health in rural areas.

Financial support and counseling services that address the unique financial pressures of farming can provide relief and empower farmers to make informed decisions. Government agencies, agricultural associations, and mental health organizations can collaborate to develop comprehensive programs that offer financial planning assistance and mental health support.

The tapestry of British farming is woven with a diverse range of challenges that impact the mental health of those who dedicate their lives to the land. The intersection of financial uncertainties, unpredictable weather patterns, and the isolation inherent in rural life paints a complex picture of the mental health struggles faced by farmers. However, a shift is occurring as awareness grows and initiatives are launched to support the well-being of those in the farming community.

By fostering open dialogue, providing tailored resources, and promoting resilience, the mental health landscape of British farming can slowly but surely evolve. The nation's agricultural heritage is a source of pride, and ensuring the mental well-being of farmers is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a testament to the sustenance of a cherished way of life.

’m 31 living in the gorgeous area of west Cumbria about 6miles from England’s highest mountain and deepest lake where we Farming over 300 commercials of mixed texels, mules and blue texels. With pedigree blue texels and pedigree south Devon cattle.

I nearly cost my flock there lives but when you buy from a big name you don’t expect it. This is hard to write about yourself when farming is million miles an hour. I love farming because everyday is different every hour is different what I’ve found is you need to thicken your skin to the ups and the downs.

Learn to be a vet, accountant, scientist, mathematician and sometimes especially if you’re working with your partner a mind reader haha. Everyone that farms all have their favourite parts whether its silage / grass season or lambing time. Mines lambing time that jobs defilingly not for the faint hearted. Every year you learn new skills which don’t always work. But been able to say well I tried. Dust off and move on to the next one. We don’t see our sheep as numbers like the big commercial farms. I know each one of my girls and their quirks to the lambs they’ve had previous years. With all the cuteness of lambing time there is the downside of losing them that never gets any easier regardless of how many years you’ve been doing. You second guess your own thoughts ‘of did I do this, did I do that, why didn’t I do it that way’. Its

I’ve been farming since a young age where my parents farmed commercial sheep alongside pedigree Suffolks. Been a woman in farming at first there was a stigma but with social media and TV programs like the Yorkshire farm has opened the world of farming to so many women and the stigma is slowly dying off. Farming is in the blood and I’ve always been an animal lover. I was lucky to meet a man who has a farm (not planned I swear haha wink) who farms over 100 acres of both beef and lamb. That I slowly pushed in my blue texels which I do some showing with. Informality I bought a ram from a sale from a big name in many other breeds which nearly cost me my entire pedigree flock if I hadn’t had it in an isolation field id of lost all my pedigree blues which I've worked hard to grow. This crippled me and I lost all faith in buying pedigree sheep associated with the breeder I previously bought from. I was in the mind set of get rid of the lot I don’t want them anymore. Been so disheartened In myself I felt like I was to blame that

Emma Jackson is a country loving, spaniel crazy, sheep mad farmer who overcame stigma and adversity

always ifs and buts and blaming yourself. Preparing the maternity ward, the sleepless nights are worth it and the first-born lambs on the farm are always special. Can even write midwife on your CV.

Been a farmer is a very isolated job and deals with death. To the outside world I don’t think they appreciate how farmers feel when loosing a beloved animal that you’ve cared for sometimes reared from birth. It’s a really

difficult thing to explain the feeling of loss when something your so passionate about and work every hour in every weather to achieve to what seems a flightless battle.

Having the animals has saved me from myself from the loss of losing so many friends to suicide. Having the sheep and cows there that take your mind away from the loss giving you something else to think about and take your mind off it even its just for a few hours. Every farm will have that 1 cow or 1 sheep that they are friends with and loves a good cuddle and scratch. I know I have a handful of them. They know when your feelings aren’t there usual self. A hug from them instantly makes you smile and makes y push forward. Please if anyone needs a chat or anything there are plenty of organisations out there. Stick together.

Been a smaller farm of only 300 sheep and 20+ beef cattle we’ve had to diverse the farm. Started last year we built a campsite just for 5 touring vans and camper vans. It was a little slow at first but now it has really taken off and we are fully booked most week/ weekends. Me and my partner both have full time jobs away from the farm on the nuclear decommissioning site in Seascale. We know where we would rather be but the farm simply can’t afford to run from its self. Farming now has so many hoops to jump through to be red tractor assured like us or anything for that matter. British farmers aren’t at the heart of Britain anymore, its so wrong. The world is so caught up in global warming but yet they allow fruit and veg and meat that has travelled 1000s of miles when health assured meat is sold right down the road. You know where it’s come from if the public were made aware of the hoops and regulations farmers face, they might think differently about farming and how we produce their food to a high standard.

Id also like to add that please keep dogs on a lead. Unfortunately, during the first lockdown we had a very bad case of sheep worrying on our farm. To which the poor ewe was still alive. Having to get the neighbouring farm to come and end her suffering. I’ve never felt so drained and wanted to give up farming so bad. I was so mad at the world and was determined to make someone pay. The fact that that person left her the way she was in that state was just horrendous. I knelt down beside her and just sobbed and stroke her face and apologised to her that I let her down. I’m supposed to protect her, and I failed her.

Follow Emma’s story on instagram: @cumbrian_shepherdess

Dairy Farmer Improves Cow Comfort and Reduces Costs with Borger Separator Technology

dairy farmer who was looking for an alternative to straw as bedding material for the cubicles of his 240 cows has introduced a Bioselect RC40 Separator from Borger; complete with control technology and a Borger BLUEline rotary lobe pump.

The Dissolved Solids (DS) content in the solid phase can be continuously adjusted with ease,

allowing the farmer to benefit from a high DS content (>35 %) for use as bedding material. In addition, the Borger Separator produces a low DS content (approx. 22 %) when the solid phase is to be delivered to an associated biogas plant, saving storage capacity of up to 25 %.

The control unit coordinates the operation of the feed pump, the liquid phase pump - and the separator. When required, automatic separation can also be selected.

Using the separated solid phase as bedding material has proved far softer and more beneficial for the cows, as well as being more cost-effective.

Bacteria count in the milk has reduced significantly.

Scientists welcome UK Biomass Strategy

berystwyth University scientists have welcomed the UK Government's Biomass Strategy as an important moment in the transition to a net zero economy.

Biomass already produces over 12% of the UK's energy supply. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero's new strategy outlines the role biomass can play in reaching net zero and plans for further action.

Researchers at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) are involved in several projects that are helping to develop the biomass crops of the future. This includes work on Miscanthus crop science and plant breeding that has produced the world's first new varieties registered for biomass production.

The UK's Climate Change Committee recommended that approximately 750,000 hectares of perennial biomass crops, such as Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) willow and Miscanthus, should be planted in the UK by 2050 and that this could be achieved without any impact on food production. Current planting rates are less than 1,000 hectares per year, so there is clearly much to do.

"The reason for such ambitious targets for biomass crops, is that tackling climate change not only requires a reduction in current greenhouse gas emissions, but historic ones as well. To tackle the climate emergency, we will need multiple approaches and we welcome the strategy's emphasis on the need for a mix of greenhouse gas removal technologies too."

Commenting on the next steps, Professor Donnison added:

Professor Iain Donnison, Head of IBERS at Aberystwyth University, commented:

"We welcome the new Biomass Strategy and its focus on the prioritisation of using biomass in those applications most suited to helping the UK reach net zero. Also, given the public concern about the sustainable sourcing of biomass, it is important that the strategy has covered the need for robust criteria for monitoring, verification and reporting of biomass supplies whether they are produced domestically or imported.

"This is a strategy designed to understand and stimulate industrial demand, and so it's now crucial that policy makers and stakeholders ensure measures are in place to help meet this demand.

"Farmers and land managers have been understandably reluctant to commit to the upfront costs of planting perennial biomass crops, particularly given the uncertainty over subsidies and grants for alternatives such as tree planting. These crops offer many of the same advantages as trees, and so national governments have an opportunity to support farmers to grow them in order to meet the legally binding net zero targets as well underpinning the rural economy.

"The UK in general, and Wales in particular, has relatively small areas of high-grade agricultural land and it's important that we continue to produce food on this land. However, land with lower margins is well suited to perennial biomass crops. These crops have wider benefits, including for biodiversity, soil carbon sequestration and flood resilience, in addition to providing feedstocks for energy and green manufacturing. So, a scaling up of biomass can help support both rural and urban economies.

ADBA welcomes UK Government's recognition of the value of biogas in Biomass Strategy publication, but urges for more targeted support to unlock the potential of key biogas feedstocks.

iomass Strategy publication it is “Welcome - if belated - recognition of the value of biogas, but much more left to be done and urgently”

TheAnaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association(ADBA)welcomesthe publication,today,ofthe UK GovernmentBiomass Strategy,andtherecognition of the critical role thatbiogas and biomethanewill play in the energy transition.It however regretsthe timeit'staken and highlightsthe long road

ahead for governmenttorealise this potential.

Chris Huhne, Chairman of ADBA and former Energy and Climate Secretary, said: "The UK Government has been uniquely slow - by comparison with both the United States and the European Union - to encourage biogas,as part of the energy transition. This is a welcome, if belated recognition of the priority uses to meet Net Zero, but more targeted support is needed to unlock the potential of key biogas feedstocks. Manures, slurries and agricultural residues are the biggest area of growth for the biogas industry, but the potential will be untapped without ministerial heft and push."

"Methane is twenty times more powerful than CO2 as a greenhouse gas" Chris continues, "Biogas provides a quick win when time is pressing. Sustainable biomass is key to achieve Net Zero and whilst we applaud the publication of the Biomass Strategy, which has been two years in the making, we urge the Government to urgently publish the Sustainability Criteria Consultation that was expected to go hand in hand with it".

Powering the Future of British Farming: The Importance of Renewable Energy Sources

enewable energy sources such as solar and wind power have become increasingly important in recent years as the world looks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. In the UK, this shift towards renewable energy has been particularly significant, with a growing number of farmers turning to solar and wind power to help power their operations.

For many British farmers, the move towards renewable energy has been driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. With concerns over climate change and the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment, farmers have been looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet.

One of the key benefits of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is that they are clean and produce no harmful emissions. This means that they are a much more environmentallyfriendly option compared to traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil. By using renewable energy sources, farmers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and help to protect the environment for future generations.

In addition to the environmental benefits, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can also help farmers to save money on their energy bills. By generating their own energy, farmers can reduce

their reliance on the grid and avoid the rising costs of traditional energy sources. This can be particularly beneficial for farmers who operate in remote locations or who have limited access to the grid.

Another advantage of renewable energy sources is that they can provide a reliable source of energy throughout the year. While traditional energy sources can be affected by factors such as price fluctuations and supply disruptions, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are much more stable and predictable. This means that farmers can rely on a consistent source of energy to power their operations, regardless of external factors.

For farmers in the UK, solar power has become an increasingly popular option in recent years. With the country experiencing high levels of sunlight throughout the year, solar panels can be an effective way to generate energy without relying on traditional fossil fuels. Many farmers have installed solar panels on their land, allowing them to generate their own energy and reduce their reliance on the grid.

Wind power is another popular option for farmers in the UK. With many farms located in areas with high levels of wind, wind turbines can be an effective way to generate renewable energy. While wind turbines can be expensive to install, they can provide a reliable source of energy for many years, making them a

cost-effective option in the long term.

In addition to the environmental and financial benefits, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can also help farmers to diversify their income streams. By generating their own energy, farmers can sell any excess energy back to the grid, providing an additional source of revenue for their business. This can be particularly beneficial for small-scale farmers who may struggle to compete with larger operations.

Overall, the shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power has been a positive development for British farming. By reducing their reliance on traditional fossil fuels, farmers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and help to protect the environment. In addition, renewable energy sources can provide a reliable and costeffective source of energy for many years, helping farmers to save money on their energy bills and diversify their income streams.

While there are still challenges associated with renewable energy, such as the initial cost of installation and the need for suitable land or infrastructure, the benefits of these technologies are clear. As more farmers in the UK turn to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, it is likely that we will see continued growth in this sector in the coming years.

The Renewable Energy Revolution is Here

he world is in the midst of a renewable energy revolution. Innovative technologies, falling costs and supportive policies are driving an unstoppable shift toward sustainable clean power sources across the globe. Wind, solar, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass and other renewables are transforming how we produce and consume electricity.

The timing for this transition could not be more critical. Climate change is accelerating, underscored by record heat, melting glaciers, rising seas and extreme weather events. Phasing out fossil fuels and aggressively embracing renewable energy is crucial to avoiding climate catastrophe. Thankfully, renewables are up to the monumental task.

Solar energy, once considered a niche green energy source, has become a mainstream power solution. Photovoltaic panel costs have plunged 90% in the last decade, making solar the cheapest electricity source in many parts of the world. Solar's exponential growth is expected to continue. The International Energy Agency predicts solar will be the largest source of electricity by 2050. With abundant sunshine everywhere, solar offers a clean, affordable and inexhaustible resource to displace fossil fuels.

Likewise, wind energy is seeing record growth as technology improvements drive down turbine costs. Wind is already one of the cheapest energy sources available. The U.S., China and Europe are leading in wind power generation, installations and manufacturing. Floating offshore wind farms are unlocking new ocean-based

capacity. While the wind is intermittent, advanced forecasting reduces uncertainty. When integrated into electric grids alongside solar, the two resources complement each other nicely.

Hydropower is another renewable stalwart, providing 71% of global renewable electricity. Hydropower leverages the incredible power of moving water to generate consistent carbon-free energy. Mega-dams have fallen out of favor due to environmental impacts, but smaller run-of-river projects provide green benefits with less disruption. There is still ample opportunity for new hydropower capacity globally.

Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth's underground heat to produce steam for electricity generation and heating. Smallscale geothermal plants are operating worldwide, while large utility-scale facilities, like The Geysers complex in California, provide reliable baseload power. Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could unlock geothermal's full potential. EGS injects water into deep hot dry rocks to create geothermal reservoirs where none exist naturally.

Bioenergy converts organic matter like plants, wood waste and crops into electricity, fuels and heat. While often carbonneutral, concerns over food security require careful resource management. Waste-to-energy plants provide environmental benefits by burning municipal solid waste for power generation rather than landfilling. Sustainable next-gen biofuels even utilize algae to create biodiesel.

Wave, tidal and ocean thermal technologies generate emissions-free power from seabased resources. While still

emerging industries, they hold great promise as renewable energy diversity expands. Even experimental solar fuels create a storable energy medium by mimicking photosynthesis to convert water and carbon dioxide into hydrogen and oxygen.

Renewables have proven they can be scaled up to meet our vast energy demands. But the transition away from fossil fuels also requires curbing energy waste through efficiency. This means using energy-conscious lighting, appliances, building practices and transportation. Smart grids and demandresponse mechanisms further optimize energy usage while integrating more renewables.

While the renewable revolution brings new economic opportunities, it also disrupts the entrenched fossil fuel industry. This produces pushback from companies afraid of being rendered obsolete by upstart technologies. Government policies like tax credits, feed-in tariffs and renewable portfolio standards help accelerate renewables' adoption and competitiveness. But inconsistent political support also slows progress.

The world is waking up to the deepening climate crisis and demanding action. With increasingly affordable and accessible renewable technologies available, the winds of change are undeniable. The renewable energy revolution may face hurdles, but its momentum is now unstoppable. The faster we transition, the brighter our energy future looks. Renewables offer hope of an energy system aligned with the needs of both humanity and the planet.

RIDBA Building Awards 2023: Livestock entries go under the microscope

Livestock consultant Jamie Robertson has told us the livestock category at this September’s Building Awards boasts an “awesome” range of projects. Here he takes a closer look at the runners and riders.

en Pauling Racing, D. Jones Welding

This horse racing and training facility is a complete newbuild and aims to be one of the best facilities in the UK. The design maximises natural light and ventilation and helps manage internal temperatures, while the stables have memory foam flooring and half of the boxes have external areas. There are two gallops - the main six furlong facility is made of recycled carpet and the other with deep sand.

Oxey Farm suckler building, M D Anthony

The welfare building contains a hydrotherapy spa and solarium to support the horses after injury. The staff facilities are reported to be fantastic too; Tatler magazine described the facilities as ‘the Mandarin Oriental of stables next-door to the Soho House of yards, offering peak comfort whether you have two legs or four.’

This winter livestock building continues the application of intelligent design, leaving clean lines and optimal fresh air and natural light. The chosen site was a compromise between what the business originally wanted and the need to find something acceptable to the planning authorities to minimise estimated ammonia impact.

A low eaves height, 22.5o roof pitch, covered open ridge and rooflights provide optimum winter housing, while rainwater harvesting has

reduced water costs by £2,500 p.a. The feed floor is raised above pen floor height and the lie-back area is straw on a soil floor, both adding to animal comfort, while an integrated handling run allows safe handling of cattle by one person. Since completion, the cattle have shown an increased feed efficiency and a reduction in antibiotic use compared with cattle housed in the previous 30-year-old building.

West Midlands Safari Park, Minshall Construction

If the RIDBA Buildings Awards was for complex internal steelwork, the new giraffe house at West Midlands Safari Park would be the obvious winner. Construction had to progress within a site open to the public and containing wild animals – no easy task. The internal

divisions, feeders, walkways and refuge areas had to be designed with animal and staff health and safety as the dominant consideration. The building also contains a twolevel store, a crush and shute for animal treatment, and staff facilities. The build required significant off-site fabrication to ensure timely and safe onsite working. The building design includes energy management so internal air temperatures can be maintained at comfort levels for the African exotica.

Sunnylands, Powell & Co. Construction

The project at Sunnylands began in 2019 with the aim of allowing the broilerbreeder farm business to develop while demonstrating a responsibility for environmental impact in agriculture. The health and welfare aspects of the Sunnylands project are progressive. The interior

Sunnylands development is the use of bio-filters for the exhaust emissions provided by Powell & Co. Construction Ltd, which has incorporated the bio-filter into its housing design. The bio-filter at Sunnylands uses a bold design in a tight commercial environment and shows food consumers how hard the industry can work for a sustainable future.

Ash Holt Barns, Timmins Engineering

Pemberton’s cattle shed, Wareing Buildings

This new-build cubicle house in the middle of a commercial dairy unit is yet another example of what the industry can aspire to. The interior is a visual feast and the health and welfare detail for the cattle is impressive. The 22.5o roof pitch and covered open ridge will mean higher costs versus ‘standard’ designs but it will significantly improve air quality, temperature control and moisture management.

cladding and fixtures are designed to be easy to clean and includes safe nonabrasive surfaces for birds. The design includes areas for dust-bathing, perches and nest boxes, and meets the highest standards for broiler breeder units. A facility like this is a serious investment in high standards of food production.

The most radical aspect of the

Also equine, albeit on a completely different scale, Ash Holt Barns is a top quality design for an equestrian stabling and barn within a site restricted by mature trees. The restricted site required tight collaboration between the trades, managed by Timmins Engineering. The steel frame with insulated roof and light panels provides a calm, steady environment for the horses. The environmental credentials are a progressive example for livestock buildings, with solar and rainwater harvesting systems, and part of the external cladding from local reclaimed oak boarding.

Similarly, the use of hexagonal grooving in the floor supports good foot health and reduces stress levels in cattle, while the plastic rails in the cubicles reduce physical abrasions on the cows compared with steel tubing. The building at Pemberton’s may not be the result in the lowest cost per square metre, but the return on investment will be rapid and sustainable.

Credit:

Jamie Robertson - Livestock Consultant

RIDBA

D. Jones Welding

M D Anthony

Minshall Construction

Powell & Co. Construction

Timmins Engineering

Wareing Buildings

Joseph Ash Group Plant focus: Spotlight on Hull

he Joseph Ash Group takes immense pride in its expansive network of plants in the United Kingdom, from the northern Yorkshire region to southern county of Kent. This month, we turn our attention to our facility in Yorkshire,Premier Galvanizing Hull, to showcase its exceptional capabilities and modern amenities.

Historical background

The galvanizing industry in Yorkshire flourished during the 19th century, driven by the region’s industrialisation. Hull experienced significant growth in the galvanizing sector thanks to its thriving maritime trade. Situated on the River Humber with a bustling port, Hull became a central hub for importing and exporting goods. Galvanizing was pivotal in safeguarding metal components used in ships, including anchor chains, fittings, and various marine equipment.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the galvanizing industry in Hull continued to thrive. Several galvanizing companies emerged to meet the growing construction, engineering, and agriculture demand. Technological advancements and modernisation in the latter half of the 20th century transformed the galvanizing process, propelling the industry forward.

In 2000,Premier

Galvanizingopened its first plant in Yorkshire. Today, the galvanizing industry in Hull remains a vital sector, serving diverse industries both locally and globally.

Location

Premier Galvanizing Hull is located within the Stoneferry Business Park in the East Ridings of Yorkshire. With an extensive fleet of vehicles, we cater to galvanizing needs in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Teeside, and the Northeast, ensuring timely service for our valued customers.

Galvanizing services at Premier

Galvanizing Hull

Whether fabricators require a small amount of steelgalvanizedfor a sculpture or 100 tonnes for a new bridge, Premier Galvanizing Hull is here to assist.

Additional services

In addition to our core services, Premier Galvanizing Hull offers the following amenities to our customers:

Full technical support: Our comprehensive technical support ensures customers receive guidance and assistance at every stage, guaranteeing a smooth galvanizing process.

before and after the galvanizing process.

Bath size

Premier Galvanizing Hull’sbath dipping sizemeasures 7.0m x 1.2m x 3.2m, with a maximum dip weight capacity of four tonnes.

Flexibility

At Premier Galvanizing Hull, we fully understand the value of meeting time-sensitive demands and adhering to strict deadlines. We have extended opening hours for drop-offs and collections to ensure optimal customer assistance. Additionally, we provide expedited turnaround times, such as overnight or within 24 hours (by prior arrangements). We aim to deliver prompt and efficient service, catering to your specific requirements.

Committed to excellence and compliance

Collection and delivery service:Regardless of your location or the destination for your fabrications, we provide efficient steel transportation. Our fleet includes two articulated vehicles capable of carrying 22 tonnes each and five rigid vehicles that can accommodate up to 10 tonnes. Shot blasting and powder coating: These services are available through our trusted external subcontractors.

Packing and bundling:We can bundle, pack, and label your steel per your requirements. We can accommodate your needs if you need items delivered to the end user or prepared for export or containerisation. Upon request, we can issue certificates of conformity, and all work is conducted following BS EN ISO 1461 standards.

On-site storage:With ample on-site storage capacity, Premier Galvanizing Hull allows customers to conveniently store materials

At Premier Galvanizing Hull, we prioritise excellence in all aspects of our operations. This includes maintaining the highest occupational health and safety standards, quality management, and environmental management. Our certifications include BS EN ISO 1461, ISO 45001, NQA ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001.

Dedicated team

The Hull team comprises dedicated individuals with extensive knowledge and experience in their roles. We strive to provide our customers with the highest level of service. We also consider ourselves an integral part of your team, ensuring your needs are met with utmost care and professionalism.

Key personnel at Hull

Andrew Tweddleserves as the Divisional Manager at Hull, whileChris Youngoversees the Transport and Production Manager role.

Contact us

To book your projects with us or for any enquiries, please don’t hesitate tocontact the Premier Galvanizing Hullteam today!

Enhancing Agricultural Infrastructure: The Advantages of Metal Roofing and Cladding

n the United Kingdom, the agricultural sector plays a vital role in providing food and resources for the nation. To ensure the longevity and efficiency of farm buildings, choosing the right roofing and cladding materials is essential. Over the years, metal roofing and cladding have gained significant popularity due to their numerous advantages, including durability, sustainability, and costeffectiveness. This article delves into the benefits and applications of metal roofing and cladding for farm buildings in the UK.

1. Durability and Longevity

Metal roofing and cladding are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. In the demanding agricultural environment, where structures are exposed to harsh weather conditions, corrosion, and impact, metal roofing and cladding offer robust protection. Steel and aluminum, commonly used metals, have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them resistant to warping, cracking, and other structural issues. Their non-combustible nature also provides added safety in the event of a fire.

2. Weather Resistance

Farm buildings often face extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, snow, strong winds, and even hail.

Metal roofing and cladding systems are designed to withstand these challenges effectively. Properly installed metal roofing panels and cladding sheets form a watertight barrier, preventing leaks and water damage. Additionally, metal's ability to shed snow easily reduces the

risk of structural overload during harsh winters

3. Energy Efficiency

Metal roofing and cladding can contribute to improved energy efficiency on the farm. Some metal coatings have reflective properties that help reduce heat absorption, leading to a cooler interior during hot summer months. By minimizing the demand for artificial cooling, farmers can save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

4. Environmentally Friendly

In today's environmentally conscious society, sustainability is a key consideration. Metal roofing and cladding are eco-friendly options for farm buildings. Most metal products are made from recycled materials, and they are themselves recyclable at the end of their long service life. Opting for metal not only reduces waste but also supports sustainable practices within the agricultural industry.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

While the upfront costs of metal roofing and cladding may be higher compared to some traditional materials, their longterm cost-effectiveness cannot be overlooked. The durability and low maintenance requirements of metal significantly reduce repair and replacement expenses over time. Moreover, the energysaving benefits of metal contribute to further cost savings in the long run.

6. Easy Installation and Versatility

Metal roofing and cladding systems are designed for ease of installation, which can lead to reduced labor costs and

shorter construction timelines. Additionally, metal offers versatility in terms of design and finishes, allowing farmers to choose from a range of profiles, colors, and coatings to match the aesthetics of their farm buildings.

7. Improved Building Integrity

The lightweight nature of metal roofing and cladding places less stress on the supporting structure, which can be particularly advantageous for older farm buildings that may not have been designed for heavier roofing materials. This can lead to increased building integrity and longevity, as well as potential cost savings by avoiding the need for structural reinforcements.

Metal roofing and cladding offer a plethora of benefits for farm buildings in the United Kingdom. Their durability, weather resistance, energy efficiency, and eco-friendliness make them ideal choices for agricultural structures that face challenging environmental conditions. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and design versatility of metal roofing and cladding systems further enhance their appeal. By opting for metal, farmers can invest in a long-lasting, sustainable, and visually appealing roofing and cladding solution that will serve their needs for years to come.

Ultimately, metal roofing and cladding contribute to the modernization and longevity of farm buildings, supporting the growth and development of the agricultural sector in the UK.

Metal Framework, Flooring, and Structural Sections in the British Farming and Construction Industry

he British farming and construction industry has been an essential part of the country's economy for centuries. With the rise of modern technology and advanced building techniques, the industry has undergone significant changes to keep up with the times. One of the most significant changes has been the use of metal framework, flooring, and structural sections in construction projects.

Metal Framework

Metal framework has become increasingly popular in the construction industry due to its durability, strength, and versatility. In farming, metal framework is often used for building sheds, barns, and other structures that require a robust and long-lasting frame. In construction, metal framework is used for high-rise buildings, bridges, and other large-scale projects.

One of the main advantages of metal framework is its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Unlike wood, which can rot or warp over time, metal framework is resistant to moisture, pests, and other environmental factors that can damage traditional building materials. Additionally, metal framework can be easily customized to fit any design or specification, making it a versatile choice for architects and builders.

Flooring

Flooring is another crucial

aspect of construction and farming projects. In the past, wood was the primary material used for flooring in both industries. However, with advancements in technology, metal flooring has become a popular alternative due to its strength and durability.

Metal flooring is commonly used in farming for livestock housing and storage facilities. It is also used in construction for industrial buildings such as factories and warehouses. Metal flooring is highly resistant to wear and tear and can withstand heavy machinery and equipment without becoming damaged.

Another advantage of metal flooring is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood flooring, which requires regular sanding and sealing to maintain its appearance, metal flooring can be easily cleaned with a pressure washer or hose. This makes it a cost-effective option for businesses that want to reduce their maintenance expenses.

Structural Sections

Structural sections are essential components of any construction or farming project. They provide the support necessary to ensure that structures remain stable and secure. In the past, wood was often used for structural sections. However, with the rise of metal framework, metal structural sections have become increasingly popular due to their strength and durability.

Metal structural sections are commonly used in construction

for high-rise buildings, bridges, and other large-scale projects. They are also used in farming for structures such as silos and grain storage facilities. Metal structural sections offer several advantages over traditional wood sections, including greater strength, durability, and fire resistance.

Another advantage of metal structural sections is their versatility. They can be easily customized to fit any design or specification, making them an ideal choice for architects and builders. Additionally, metal structural sections are highly resistant to pests, moisture, and other environmental factors that can damage traditional building materials.

In conclusion, metal framework, flooring, and structural sections have become essential components of the British farming and construction industry. Their durability, strength, and versatility make them ideal choices for businesses that want to reduce their maintenance expenses while ensuring that their structures remain stable and secure.

As technology continues to advance, it is likely that metal framework, flooring, and structural sections will become even more prevalent in the farming and construction industries. With their many advantages over traditional building materials, it is no surprise that more businesses are turning to metal as a reliable and cost-effective option for their building needs.

Stockholder’s success built on foundations of steel

ervicing the agricultural and industrial building and construction industry, AJN Steelstock Limited plays a crucial role in the steel construction supply chain, ensuring the market is supplied with what it needs, when it is needed.

Holding around 35,000 tonnes of steel at any one time and a fleet of over 75 vehicles ready for next day delivery, AJN Steelstock is one of the UK’s leading steel stockholders and widely regarded within the industry for its unrivalled reputation for service and reliability.

Operating out of two steel processing sites in Suffolk and Somerset, the business serves a growing customer base across East Anglia, the Midlands, Home Counties, London, the South East and Mid-Wales.

Service is key to success

Like most reputable steel stockholders, AJN Steelstock buys in large volumes and stocks a wide range of steel so it can quickly respond to customer requests for the hundreds of sections, sizes and grades available.

As one of the most experienced and knowledgeable stockholders in the industry, however, the company also supports its customers with up-to-theminute insight on the steel construction industry and has access to a wide range of business-critical information

such as pricing trends, availability issues, backlogs and activity levels.

The company also provides a ‘just-in-time' service to steelwork contractors, many of whom want daily steel deliveries to increase their production efficiency and reduce the handling of steel in their own yard. The key to AJN’s success, however, is born out of its unrivalled levels of service and reliability.

Often overlooked when providing a rapid turnaround service, AJN Steelstock places the highest levels of importance - perhaps coming before anything elsedelivering on its promises and making sure its customers get exactly what they want, exactly when they want it.

There’s a process for that

Today's modern fabrication processes have led to massive increases in the demand for rapid processing services and AJN Steelstock has also made several multimillion-pound investments over recent years matching the latest equipment and technology with experienced and highly trained operators to offer a comprehensive range of processing and finishing services.

With 21 saw cutting lines, six CNC drill lines, three highdefinition plasma profiling machines, two shot-blasting and painting lines, two precision laser cutting machines and a cropping and punching line at its disposal, AJN Steelstock is perfectly

placed to meet the needs of its customers.

It’s a valuable service too. With many UK steelwork contractors not wanting to use their capital to invest directly in large plant and machinery, the vast majority of AJN Steelstock’s business now involves processing at some stage.

Success doesn’t stand still AJN Steelstock is continually developing and expanding its two processing sites, training its people and ploughing further investment into the most up-to-date processing equipment to enable it to offer its customers the highest levels of service, now and well into the future. It’s a strategy that has worked incredibly well in the past and has helped shaped the company that it is today.

This year, with the current unpredictable and uncertain economic landscape, could be seen as one of consolidation, where AJN draws all the successful elements of its business together and plans its next phase of development. The company’s continued success, particularly over the past two years or so, however, means that it is now pushing forward with further expansion - and on a rather grand scale. Watch this space ...

For further information visit: www.ajnsteelstock.co.uk

Calf Housing Grant

he Calf housing for Health and Welfare grant states buildings must provide a good ambient environment with good air quality, temperature and humidity.

The grant is funding between £15,000 - £500,000 per application , being 40% of the eligible costs of the project.

Talk to Graham Heath Construction today about your building project

Blue, Van Dyke Brown.

Fibre cement roof are also compatible with a vast range of ridges and accessories to suit every building type/use.

NEW Heat Guard Polycarbonate roof - This innovative new material is designed to help with animal welfare and energy saving benefits. With high light transmission, excellent heat reduction and thermal insulation, this material is perfect for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and improved cow comfort.

Next let’s move onto Ridge options

Next lets talk about the Cladding …

Yorkshire Boarding is the most popular with livestock buildings. Installed with a 25mm-50mm gap allowing airflow through the building. Providing important ventilation in the building to help remove heat, moisture and even bugs!

They have a number of options to help improve ventilation in the buildings to reduce the key factors like; excess heat, vapour, dust & gases.

PANELS

You need to carefully consider the roofing, ridge and cladding options for your building to suit your system and to avoid heat stress in the warmer months.

Graham Heath Construction can help you build your next bespoke building offering a range of options to create the ideal building for your herd.

Fibre Cement roof- This proves to be the most popular for agricultural buildings, allowing natural ventilation and absorbing some condensation. They also come in a vast array of colours; Natural Grey, Jasper, Anthracite, Juniper Green, Black, Slate

• Lightridge –designed to improve ventilation in livestock buildings and improve natural light transmission. Toughened waterproof PVC roof panels and wind guide plates will withstand most weather conditions.

• GHC Raised Ridge System –with this flexible system that can be set at a height determined to suit your cattle, the raised ridge system allows airflow were most buildings will accumulate warm, moist and stale air. The ‘Cap’ projects the inside from the rain whilst efficiently allowing the air to flow.

• Open Protected – With importance of airflow comes the importance of natural light which this ridge system offers. With a polycarbonate strip to minimise the driving rain, allowing natural light and potential to minimize the risk of heat stress on your cattle.

Most of the livestock buildings that they manufacture are left open on one side with a 4ft 6’’ cantilever, this provides ventilation and an area for the cattle to feed with easy access for machines.

Walling

Concrete panel walling ensure a study walling for livestock and crops, the come in an option of sizing with 90mm thick concrete panel for livestock and 140mm thick panels for crop storage.

A modern farm shed such as this ticks all the boxes in terms of efficiency, lighting and ventilation ensuring a clean and heathy environment for cattle to be housed.

If you are considering a new building talk to Graham Heath Construction today for advice and a free quote 01270 781158

Or get a quote online at www. gh-construction.co.uk/ quotation/

For more information on the grant and how to apply visit https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/calf-housing-forhealth-and-welfare-2023/howthe-calf-housing-for-health-andwelfare-grant-works

Prestressed Concrete Panels

How can your building help reduce energy costs?

e have all seen the effects of energy price increases over the last few years, no one more so than farmers and particularly when it comes to the costs associated with running grain dryers.

Nostell Estate in West Yorkshire were no different, so when it came to building their new grain store, S&A Fabrications were given the task of looking at how they could use the building to reduce costs.

Collaborating with Tornum Ltd, the new facility would

boast a 30tph indoor drier, integrated with Skandia Elevator equipment and the Tornum AB Intelligent Drier Control (IDC) software. In addition, Tornum also supplied a low volume aeration system and the innovative Barn Owl ventilation application to ensure the optimal condition of the grain whilst in storage. The building itself was designed by S&A and had a roof width of 25metres, creating a 1699 metre square area. At this point the solution became obvious. Teaming up with specialist solar installers, nearly 600 solar photo voltaic panels were planned and put

in place. By using the edge protection and netting already in place for the build team installing the roof, a smooth transition of work was enabled, saving costs on the installation.

The whole renewables package is completely unseen from the ground below and means that Nostell will be able to run their grain handling system, almost completely free of any energy costs, for many years to come.

With grants often available for such projects, there has never been a better time for introducing renewable energy

solutions. S&A are now recommending any farmer looking at a new grainstore, or any building, no matter the

size, to consider adding solar panels and to do it right at the start of the process, to allow for maximum cost savings.

For more information, contact Simon at S&A or visit www.sand-a.co.uk

WITH

ATVTrac Leads the Fight Against Rural Crime as ATV and Side-by-Side Thefts Rise Across the UK

ATVTrac is urging farmers to take security more seriously, as ATV and side-by-side theft continues to rise across many regions of the country. Aside from the more obvious and conventional reasons behind theft, price rises in the market and therefore greater demand on the used market has seen thefts rise as the less scrupulous saw greater opportunity.

NFU Mutual reports that in 2022, there was a 26% increase in the annual cost of ATV theft in the UK, with the total cost of theft reaching more than £2.7m. Sheep Farmers seem to be particularly vulnerable too, with many thefts reported around the lambing season, when farmers and their machinery is very visible.

But despite this relative doom and gloom, ATVTrac continues to lead the fight against rural crime, thanks

to its intelligent functionality that protects farm machinery 24/7, 365 days a year.

The firm’s Rupert Archer-Smith, explained, “The trend is pretty obvious when you think about it. When prices increase or product demand fluctuates, the thieves see a way to make money. Unfortunately, we as an industry have been too slow to respond to theft, and while our tracking product is a very real and valid tool in the fight against rural crime, so is simple education. It may sound obvious, but all too often simple actions like being aware of who is around, removing ignition keys, putting an ATV away at night or just locking it up in a barn are enough. More than anything we just need to be aware.”

Of course, there will always be the more determined thieves, which is why ATVTrac now protects many ATV and side-by-side machines across the UK, and why manufacturers such as Can-AM, CF

Moto, Corvus, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki, Kymco and many others endorse ATVTrac.

With flexible installation on many machine types, and using multi-tier technology, ATVTrac offers realtime location information, while informing the owner of unauthorised movement through text, email and phone call.

Extra features include live tracking and machine over, helping with safety and duty of care by covering lone worker policies at the same time. Other useful functions include live battery information, service notifications, as well as journey history and usage reports.

Should a theft occur, ATVTrac has a 24-hour monitored call center to track the device, liaising with police or partner company Securitas to recover the stolen asset and return it in a hassle-free way.

ATVTrac currently boasts a 98% recovery rate.

NFU Mutual has published its latest Rural Crime Report which shows that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £49.5m in 2022, up from £40.5m the previous year.

In response,NFU Vice President David Exwood said: “As the NFU Mutual’s report highlights, over the past 18 months highly organised gangs of criminals have continued to plague the British countryside, stealing livestock, high-value farm machinery and expensive GPS equipment, as well as trespassing on private land and regularly fly-tipping tons of rubbish.

“The huge increase we’ve seen in criminal activity is significantly impacting farm businesses and farming families both financially and emotionally, with many rural communities left feeling vulnerable and intimidated. All at a time when the industry is facing numerous other pressures, not least soaring production costs.

“Following months of hard work between the NFU, NFU Mutual, government and other industry organisations, it was pleasing to see the Equipment Theft Prevention Bill recently gain Royal Assent.

“This new legislation gives the Home Secretary wider powers to make regulations that will deter the theft and resale of quad bikes and ATVs. Fitting immobilisers and adding forensic markings will also ensure that owner details are registered to help make these essential farm vehicles less attractive for criminals to steal.

“There also needs to be much more of a collaborative approach to tackle rural crime. The National Rural Crime Unit is a great example of farmers, policymakers and police forces working together effectively at national and local level to examine ways of how UK farming businesses can be protected from criminal gangs.”

McGovern Plant Hire integrates Xwatch safety systems with Hitachi Construction Machinery for enhanced on-site safety

In a significant step towards enhancing on-site safety in the construction industry for its customers, McGovern Plant Hire has announced a collaboration with Xwatch Safety Solutions. This partnership has incorporated advanced safety systems into their new fleet of Hitachi machines. Hitachi Construction Machinery UK is an Xwatch OEM (original equipment manufacturer) supply partner, a further commitment of the construction industry towards creating safer job sites.

McGovern Plant Hire, based in Hounslow, Middlesex, is known for its vast experience of over 30 years in the operated and non-operated plant hire sector. In addition to providing reliable plant hire solutions across London and the South East of England, the company has significantly contributed

to major infrastructure projects, including HS2.

The recent order from Hitachi Construction Machinery UK (HCMUK) saw a substantial selection of excavators outfitted with Xwatch Height and Slew safety systems. The integration of these systems ensures that McGovern's mixed fleet of tracked and wheeled excavators are optimised for sites with restricted height zones and busy sites with continuous personnel and machinery movement.

These safety measures will enable operators to adjust the arm height and cab slew to fit the specific needs of the site and task. In addition, the ease of inputting parameters into the onboard computer ensures the effective implementation of enhanced safety measures.

Xwatch Safety Solutions' innovative systems,

combined with the performance and reliability of Hitachi machinery, will allow McGovern Plant Hire to continue its commitment to workplace safety, reinforcing its reputation as a leading player in the UK's plant hire sector.

Shane Sherbourne, Managing Director, McGovern Plant Hirecommented on the new partnership, he said "Xwatch Safety Solutions go hand in hand with Hitachi Construction Machinery; with Xwatch we take pride in its innovative safety systems, and Hitachi we thrive knowing their second-to-none performance machinery.

Our most recent order from HCMUK came with a large selection of excavators fitted with Xwatch height and slew safety systems. This means that when our mixed fleet of tracked and wheeled excavators arrive to our clients on site, we know

that when they work on sites with restricted height zones, or on bustling sites with continually moving personnel and machinery, the arm height and cab slew can be restricted to meet the need of the site and job at hand. The simplicity of inputting the parameters into the onboard computer makes light work of heightened safety on site, something McGovern Plant Hire prides itself on achieving."

Shane added, "We'd like to thank Xwatch Safety Solutions for their continuous support of our fleet expansion and we look forward to seeing our relationship and fleet expand over the next 18 months."

Jemma Dycer Hopkins, Business Manager, Xwatch Safety Solutions, expressed her appreciation for the support shown by McGovern in choosing their Xwatch products. "We're grateful for the trust McGovern and HCMUK has put in our products. Our systems help keep their operations safe, and that gives peace of mind to both McGovern and their customers." Looking towards the future, she added, "We're keen to continue supporting the expansion of McGovern's fleet into 2024 and beyond."

Talking about the Xwatch systems, Jemma said "The XW4 and XW5 systems are simple yet very effective tools that enhance the safety of machinery operation. We sold almost 300 Xwatch units in June and July alone – with more orders coming in daily.

The XW4 system allows operators to control the height and movement of the machines easily and the XW5 system is designed to monitor the machine's capacity and overall safety, creating a much safer workspace for operators and site personnel."

YouTube Video:

https://youtu.be/-QmZ5xhU0V0

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

As one of the most popular and versatile vegetables in the world, potatoes have long been a staple of British cuisine. From chips and mash to baked potatoes and roasties, the humble spud has become a firm favourite on plates across the country.

In recent years, however, the British potato industry has faced a number of challenges. From changing consumer tastes to the impact of climate change, potato growers have had to adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape in order to remain competitive.

One of the biggest challenges facing the British potato industry is the increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. With concerns over obesity rates and the environmental impact of food production, consumers are looking for healthier and more sustainable alternatives to traditional potato products.

To meet this demand, many British potato growers have started to focus on developing new and innovative potato products that are healthier and more sustainable. From low-fat crisps to baked sweet potatoes, these new products are helping to keep the potato industry relevant in a changing market.

Another challenge facing the British potato industry is the impact of climate change. With changing weather patterns and rising temperatures, potato growers are facing new challenges when it comes to crop yields and quality.

To address this issue, many British potato growers are investing in new technologies and techniques to help mitigate the impact of climate change on their crops. From precision irrigation systems to more efficient fertilisers, these innovations are helping to ensure that British potato growers can continue to produce high-quality crops in a changing environment.

Despite these challenges, the British potato industry remains a vital part of the country's agricultural sector. With over 100 varieties of potatoes grown across the country, the industry provides employment for thousands of people and contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy each year.

One of the key strengths of the British potato industry is its diversity. From small family farms to large-scale commercial operations, there is a huge range of growers across the country, each with their own unique approach to potato production.

This diversity has helped to ensure that the British potato industry remains resilient in the face of change. By embracing new technologies and techniques, and by working together to share knowledge and expertise, growers across the country are helping to ensure that the industry remains competitive and sustainable for years to come.

Looking ahead, there are many opportunities for the British potato industry to continue to grow and evolve. From developing new products and markets to embracing new technologies and techniques, there is huge potential for innovation and growth within the sector.

One area where there is significant potential for growth is in the development of new potato varieties. With changing consumer tastes and increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options, there is a growing need for new and innovative potato varieties that can meet these demands.

To address this need, many British potato growers are working with plant breeders and researchers to develop new varieties of potatoes that are healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient in the face of climate change. These new varieties have the potential to revolutionise the industry, providing growers with new opportunities to meet changing consumer demands and adapt to a rapidly evolving market.

Another area where there is significant potential for growth is in the development of new markets for British potatoes. With increasing demand for locally-sourced produce, there is huge potential for British potatoes to be sold in new markets both at home and abroad.

To capitalise on this opportunity, many British potato growers are working with retailers and distributors to develop new channels for their products. By working together to promote British potatoes as a high-quality, sustainable product, growers are helping to create new opportunities for growth within the industry.

In conclusion, while there are certainly challenges facing the British potato industry, there is also huge potential for growth and innovation within the sector. By embracing new technologies and techniques, developing new varieties of potatoes, and exploring new markets for their products, growers across the country are helping to ensure that the industry remains competitive and sustainable for years to come.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to host vital farm fire safety event

In a proactive move to protect local farms and agriculture, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is set to host a comprehensive, free,Farm Fire Safety Event on1 November2023 at Sadler Road, Winsford CW9

2FQ.This initiative comes as a response to the critical need to ensure the safety and security of farming operations in the Cheshire region, and to educate on the legal requirements underThe

risks leading to devastating losses, including damage to structures, machinery, livestock, and stored produce. Additionally, the environmental impact of such fires can be substantial, contributing to air pollution and soil degradation. Beyond immediate safety concerns, the Farm Fire Safety Event aligns with broader sustainability goals. By preventing farm fires and reducing their ecological impact, the Cheshire region can contribute to a healthier environment and ensure that agricultural practices remain viable for generations to come.

This free eventaims to empower farmers with knowledge, resources, and practical strategies to mitigate fire risks effectively. The event will cover a wide array of topics including:

Fire Prevention Techniques

Experts from the fire service will share insights into preventing fires on farms, including safe storage practices, machinery maintenance, and electrical safety.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Agriculture forms the backbone of Cheshire, contributing significantly to the local economy and providing sustenance to communities. However, the interplay between farming activities and fire hazards can pose substantial

Emergency Response Planning

Participants will learn how to develop and implement effective emergency response plans tailored to farm-specific scenarios. This includes guidance on evacuation procedures, communication

strategies, and coordination with local authorities.

Animal Rescue and Livestock Safety

The event will address methods to safeguard the wellbeing of animals during emergencies focusing on evacuation plans, sheltering options, and first aid measures.

Chemical and Hazardous Materials Handling

Proper storage and management of chemicals and hazardous materials are critical to fire prevention. Attendees will gain understanding in this area to minimize risks.

Book your ticketshereor emailfireadvice.

shq@cheshirefire.gov.uk

providing your:

• Name

• Company

• Contact telephone number

• Number of tickets required

Mule Gimmer Lamb Class Noted Mule Breeder

Borderway Agri Expo's prestigious Mule Gimmer Lamb class will be judged by Will Sedgley of Barbon, Lancashire

Harrison & Hetherington, the organisers of one of the most renowned beef and sheep events in the UK,Borderway Agri Expo, is delighted to announce that Barbon farmer and widely respected Mule breeder, Will Sedgley, will judge the highly contested Mule Gimmer class at this year's event.

Will Sedgely

As one of the highlights of Borderway Agri Expo, which is this year being held on Friday 27thOctober, the Mule Gimmer Lamb class attracts an outstanding lineup, and Will has accepted the challenge of picking the winning pair which will carry away the 2023 NEMSA

Perpetual Trophy. A proactive member of the Hawes branch of the North of England Mule Sheep Association, Will and his wife Gillian farm 2,700 sheep on a total of 1350 acres near Kirkby Lonsdale. Established in 2010, their WA and GR Sedgley partnership has grown into one of the leading Mule breeding enterprises in the north, with 700 Swaledale ewes producing North of England Mule gimmer lambs, which are then sold through live auction rings throughout the North of England.

Based at Low Bank House near Barbon since 2013, alongside their Mules, Will, his wife Gillian and their four children run flocks of pure Swaledale, pure Bluefaced Leicester and Leicester Swaledale crosses, and Texel crosses put to Texel and Beltex rams. All finished lambs are sold deadweight on a Tesco contract, and the partnership also has a 60head suckler herd, breeding show potential calves.

With some experience of judging local shows, Will Sedgley is excited to take the serious responsibility of judging the Mule gimmers at Agri Expo: "We have been to this event many times before and I know there will definitely be a tremendous show of the best Mule Gimmers in the north and Scotland. It will a challenging job choosing the winners from such an exceptional

standard, but it's an honour to be asked to judge this class and I am looking forward to what I know will be a tremendous day."

James Little, Harrison & Hetherington PedigreeSales Manager & Auctioneerhas sold the Sedgleys' Mule gimmers on many occasions at Kirkby Stephen. "Will and Gillian are both highly respected experts in their own right, and they set the highest standard of quality in their breeding. Will, I am sure will know exactly what he is looking for in a winning pair.

"This is always one of the most highly anticipated and fiercely competitive sheep classes at Agri Expo, and his judgement will be universally respected. I would like to thank him for stepping up to the plate and giving up his time to judge here at Borderway in October."

For further information, full details, and entry forms, please visit:

borderwayagriexpo.co.uk.

For regular updates, follow us on social media:

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR INDUSTRY RENOWNED DAIRY COURSE

Business training course, Entrepreneurs in Dairying, run by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, has opened to applicants ahead of its start in October.

Open to anyone involved in, or looking to be involved in, the dairy industry, the course is designed to equip applicants with varying knowledge that will be of use to them throughout their career.

Held across four months, there are a total of seven sessions, some of which are in person and others that are held virtually. Sessions cover a variety of topics such as understanding the milk market, business planning, succession planning, future opportunities, people management and tax and trading structures. In addition, there is a two-day finance course and a final twoday session which takes place on farm, both of which are delivered by The Andersons Centre, Partner, Tony Evans.

“Having been involved in the course since its launch ten years ago I have not only seen how it has evolved but have witnessed first-hand the confidence and success it has brought to a huge amount of its cohorts,” Mr Evans says.

Josh Fincham took part in the 2016 course, when he applied, he was herd manager for a 400-cow split block unit and now runs a 270-cow herd in Dorset on a 50:50 contract farming agreement with

RABDF Council Member Guy Trehane and his wife, Anne.

Josh says it is the only dairyspecific course available in the sector and it is as a result of enrolling that he had the confidence to manage his own business. He says: “Entrepreneurs in Dairying teaches you everything you need to know about running a business, such as accounts and people management, not only this but it taught me life lessons I didn’t even realise I needed to know.”

The scheme has continued to grow in popularity since it began, and with over 20 people having already registered their interest for the upcoming course in the autumn, anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch sooner rather than later to ensure their place can be accommodated.

This training programme only emphasises RABDF’s commitment to developing the next generation says RABDF managing director Matthew Knight.

“It’s great to see the course as popular as ever, with so many people still keen to enrol each year, the benefits and opportunities it has opened up to past cohorts speak volumes in terms of demonstrating its success, and it is an initiative we are proud to manage.”

Emily Collins, AHDB knowledge exchange manager says: "AHDB is proud to support the programme which helps build knowledge and confidence in people looking to succeed in the dairy industry

whether that’s as a dairy herd manager, a tenant or in a joint venture. We’ve received some fantastic feedback from previous attendees about how it has helped develop their careers and would encourage anyone thinking about joining this year to get their application in.”

Martin Hanson, head of agricultural banking at HSBC UK says: “HSBC UK are pleased to be supporting the Entrepreneurs in Dairying course. As the first bank to have a dedicated agriculture team, HSBC UK provides specialist knowledge and support focusing entirely on the industry. Our national network of 85 Agriculture Managers are dedicated to helping farmers and growers drive their businesses and realise their goals, as well as supporting new entrepreneurs into the industry.”

The course starts in October and a full schedule of dates and topics will be released shortly. Applicants can be any age and at any point on their career journey. Forms are available to download atwww. rabdf.co.ukand the course costs £490+VAT. Applications must be submitted by 1 September but with limited spaces we expect the spaces to fill up before this date. There are a handful of subsidised spaces available, if this is of interest please contactambermckay@rabdf. co.ukfor further information.

3 benefits of bolusing livestock

Micronutrients are essential to the short and long-term function of cattle and sheep. Deliver both trace elements and vitamins to livestock with EnduraBol boluses

While only a small amount is required for adequate supplementation, trace elements and vitamins pack a powerful punch in many areas of performance for cattle and sheep. This includes fertility, daily liveweight gain and nervous system function, says Emily Hall, product manager for Nettex, GB supplier of EnduraBol boluses.

“From breeding stock to stores, trace elements and vitamins work together to mitigate the adverse effects of deficiencies and to support body function and immune response,” says Ms Hall.

Due to the small amount required and the way ruminants digest and absorb micronutrients, an effective way of delivery is directly into the rumen for sustained and efficient nutrient absorption.

“In recent years, a number of factors including more frequent extreme weather events and intensifying grazing practices have increased the risk of mineral related disorders and diseases in cattle and sheep,” explains Ms Hall.

Below, she highlights the benefits of micronutrient delivery through bolusing.

#1 Delivery of essential trace elements

There are six essential trace elements most commonly deficient or sub-optimal in ruminant diets: selenium, cobalt, zinc, manganese, iodine and copper. The extensive range of EnduraBol boluses consists of five product options for cattle and two options for sheep; all of which provide the full package of these six essential trace elements, with the option of a non copper version for sheep.

“Fundamentally, ruminants require the same trace elements to support short and long-term function,” explains Ms Hall. “The EnduraBol range allows producers to take a tailored approach to best support stock throughout

different points in their lifecycle in different production systems.”

Selenium

Selenium acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting cells against oxidative stress and the breakdown of cell membranes. Readily transmissible through the placenta and required for brown fat utilisation in newborns, selenium is especially important in the prelambing and pre-calving periods.

Other areas of support include immunity, muscle development, placenta detachment post-birth and calf vigour.

Cobalt

The rumen microbes require cobalt for the production of vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for energy metabolism, rumen function, feed efficiency and growth. Plants are very poor sources of vitamin B12, making production by the rumen microbes the major source of this vitamin for cattle and sheep. Other areas of support include milk production, fertility and red blood cell formation.

Zinc

Supportive of the enzyme system responsible for hair and hoof development and repair, zinc is essential to coat condition and hoof health. It also improves energy metabolism, aids vitamin absorption and supports fertility.

Manganese

An essential trace element to support bone structure, manganese deficiency is associated with bone malformation and disease in newborn animals and youngstock. Livestock most at risk are pregnant cattle fed almost solely on a silage over the winter.

Manganese is also essential for multiple enzyme systems, therefore supports fertility, growth rates and the

development of reproductive tissues.

Iodine

Especially important in the precalving and pre-lambing periods, iodine aids in foetal growth and development.

EnduraBol Pre-Calver and EnduraBol High Iodine have increased rates of iodine inclusion to support cattle during periods of increased requirements.

Iodine also supports the immune system, fertility, hormone production and growth rates.

Copper

Copper is essential for multiple different enzyme systems in the body including those involved in energy metabolism, connective tissue development and antioxidant systems. As copper is required for collagen production, which makes up a large proportion of uterine tissue, fertility post-calving and lambing is majorly influenced by the level of copper in the precalving and lambing diet. Whilst sheep can be susceptible to copper toxicity, some areas of the country are copper deficient meaning supplementation may be required to support health and performance. EnduraBol Sheep + Copper gives farmers in deficient prone areas access to this supplementation.

#2 Supply vitamins

Equally as important as trace elements are vitamins. The only bolus on the market to include vitamins for both cattle and sheep, the EnduraBol range offers livestock farmers a complete micronutrient product.

“Like trace elements, tough environmental conditions such as drought can result in vitamin deficiencies in forages,” explains Ms Hall. “Again, these play a significant role in the health and performance of stock and should be supplemented.”

EnduraBol boluses for cattle and sheep include optimal amounts of vitamins A, D3 and E. These work together to support the immune system, muscle development, nutrient absorption and aid in other areas of bodily function.

“To get the full benefit of selenium, vitamin E is especially important, they work together to support white blood cell function to reduce inflammation and disease,” explains Ms Hall. “The ability for both cattle and sheep producers to automatically have the correct supply of these two micronutrients is a huge safeguard for herd and flock health.”

#3 Provide a long-term and consistent supply of nutrients

“Compared to other micronutrient deliveries available, bolusing is the only method that both guarantees stock have received nutrients and allows for a slow and steady release over a prolonged time,” says Ms Hall.

EnduraBol bolus technology features ‘single point erosion’ that ensures consistent and reliable delivery of trace elements and vitamins for extended periods. This slow and steady release allows the animal to optimise absorption while ensuring consistent trace element delivery for up to 240 days depending on the product used.

The extensive range includes High Iodine, Cattle, Biotin, PreCalver and Organic for cattle and Sheep and Sheep + Copper for sheep – all expertly balanced with optimal rates of trace elements and vitamins.

“While it does require handling of livestock, it is the gold standard in micronutrient delivery. Administered orally and delivered to the rumen, bolusing ensures every single animal receives the right amount of the right kind of nutrients,” explains Ms Hall.

Reduce the risk of mastitis this winter with Sorgene Xtra

Mastitis is a common and costly infection that many dairy farmers will be all too familiar with. The painful inflammation of the mammary gland, which is often a result of an infection caused by pathogens in the environment, leads to decreased milk production, costing farmers time and money, as well as negatively impacting the cow’s welfare. And as these mastitis-causing pathogens are present in manure, bedding and standing water, they can easily be transferred to cows from the parlous, collecting yard, and housing.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board estimates that each case of mastitis can cost a farmer between £250 and £300, as a result of the culmination of veterinary costs, treatment, reduction in yields and loss of milk. Aside from antibiotics, though, dairy farmers have few tools to treat the infection, which means prevention is key to ensuring the herd produces a high-quality and stable yield throughout the year.

To reduce the risk of infection, farmers should look to increase levels of hygiene to prevent this common and costly infection, advises BASF’s Country Business

Manager for Professional and Specialist Solutions, Laurence Barnard:

“A focus on hygiene is one of the simplest and most economical ways to reduce the risk of mastitis in your herd, and more frequent and thorough use of disinfectants is the key,” he says.

To effectively use disinfectant as part of

your milking routine, Laurence suggests the following approach:

1. Ensure housing is kept clean, as this will reduce the number of pathogens transferred to the milking parlour. It is unlikely farmers will be able to clean the entire building at one time, but making sure that individual enclosures are cleaned when vacant is essential. Remove all bedding regularly and wash surfaces with a disinfectant solution, before replenishing with fresh bedding.

2. Thoroughly clean and disinfect cubicles, ideally between each milking to follow best practice, but as a minimum twice daily. First, use water to remove muck and debris in the cubicle, then follow with a disinfectant solution.

3. Disinfect clusters and milking equipment between cows, not forgetting to use water to rinse systems before and after a disinfectant solution is used to prevent debris and chemicals from remaining in the system.

4. Any additional equipment that is being used in conjunction with milking should be disinfected before being used. Farmers should use a clean bucket and a solution of disinfectant to wash all equipment, and the solution should be changed frequently to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

5. Bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms are often present on clothing and boots. Those working with dairy cows should wear clean overalls and dip boots in disinfectant to reduce the risk of introducing harmful diseases. Before entering the parlour, always remember to wash hands with an anti-bacterial soap and always wear an unused pair of gloves, especially when handling cows.

Disinfectants like BASF’s Sorgene® Xtra

can be used for general hygiene, spraying or specific disease and infection control depending on the concentration used and application techniques.

Laurence adds: “Sorgene® Xtra is a *DEFRA-approved, broad-spectrum environmental disinfectant, which contains a stabilised blend of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. It is effective against viruses, bacteria, and hard-to-kill fungal spores.

“It can be used at a dilution rate of 1:200 for general hygiene, including accommodation areas, machinery, feeding equipment, and milking equipment, offering a cost-effective solution to increasing hygiene on dairy farms. What’s more, it breaks down after

use and leaves no residue, so no rinsing is necessary.

“These simple steps and effective tools will help reduce the risk of mastitis in dairy cows and reduce the chance of farmers suffering substantial financial losses, as well as protect the welfare of their herd,” concludes Laurence.

*DEFRA approved against Foot and Mouth disease, Swine Vesicular disease, Poultry diseases and General Orders. Please refer to the product label for details.

For more information about Sorgene Xtra, please visit https://www.pestcontrol.basf. co.uk/en/Products/Overview/Disinfectants/ Sorgene-Xtra.html

New genomic number one leads £PLI ranking of high health young sires

Denovo 2776 Leeds is the new number one young sire in the genomic index rankings for Holstein bulls, published at 8 August by AHDB.

This Sandy-Valley Laker son increases his Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI) to £914, thanks to a massive Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) for milk of 1,307kg, which he combines with high weights of fat and protein at 52.1kg and 40.6kg respectively.

Leeds also scores well for Feed Advantage (215), which can be attributed to his effective transmission of feed conversion efficiency and a favourable reduced Maintenance feed index (-10). With the additional help of his good daughter Lifespan (LS) index, he earns impressive green credentials and an EnviroCow index of 4.7.

Second position sees the arrival of new entrant, Denovo 80044 Highview (PLI £902), a transmitter of high milk components at +0.30% fat and +0.15% protein. This Winstar Elver son also transmits excellent mastitis resistance (Mast -3), long

lifespans (LS +186 days) and outstanding daughter fertility (FI +14.0) – a combination, which earns him the highest HealthyCow index in the top 20 (HC 313).

Former number one sire, Wilra SSI Faneca Ebersol, now ranks third (PLI £896), and has earned the best overall udder health credentials in the top 20. Ebersol combines -28 SCC with -3 Mastitis, as well as a high udder composite score of 1.50.

Moving up to fourth from seventh position is Peak Powerhouse, now with a PLI of £893. The highest protein improver in the top 20, he transmits an impressive 42.9kg.

DG Peace edges down into fifth place, with a great daughter Maintenance index (-21) and a high Feed Advantage (254), demonstrating all-round feed efficiency.

Sharing sixth place are stablemates, Peak AltaSeverus and Peak AltaKalon, with PLIs of £884. AltaSeverus has the best daughter Fertility

Index in the top 20 at 15.4 while AltaKalon excels in protein percent (+0.15%) and has a HealthyCow index of 255.

In eighth place, with a PLI of £878, is Winstar Maserati P. One of the strongest fat transmitters amongst the leading sires (54.9kg and +0.33% fat), he is followed closely by his paternal half-brother, Denovo 17835 Lennon-P (both by Mendel P) in ninth place (PLI £875). Lennon transmits good lifespan (159) and is the highest udder conformation transmitter in the top 20 at 2.58.

The new entrant, PineTree Peak AltaHaji, rounds off the top 10, transmitting a solid weight of fat (50.8kg) and low cell counts (SCC -22). He has a PLI of £872, which is matched by his stablemate, Pine-Tree Denovo Aleo. Aleo’s PTA for fat is high at 51.4kg and +0.29%, which he combines with excellent Maintenance (-26).

Other new entrants in the top 20 are Progenesis Radiowave (PLI £869), ranking 12th, and Peak AltaMasquerade (PLI £856) who ranks 19th.

“The new generation of young sires offers so many of the traits required for commercial milk producers

to edge down both costs of production and their environmental impact while costeffectively producing milk,” says Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB. “High fat is a recurring theme, as are long daughter lifespans, good daughter fertility and feed efficiency, all of which are important contributors to economic milk production.

“Many of these traits contribute to both HealthyCow and EnviroCow, which we’d recommend are considerations in every breeding strategy. Each of these indexes gives an at-a-glance figure of the bull’s likelihood of breeding, respectively, healthy daughters with the least environmental impact –factors which are growing priorities of both milk

buyers and dairy producers.”

For the complete list of available bulls, please visit the AHDB website.

A table of the top 20 available Holstein genomic young sires ranked on the latest PLI (August 2023) appears below. Type Merit is supplied by Holstein UK.

High fat and protein sire shares top spot with newcomer for autumn calving dairy herds

Dairy producers cranking up for autumn calving and turning their attention to genetic selection, will find bulls to suit their needs in the Autumn Calving Index (£ACI) ranking, published today (8 August) by AHDB.

Two of these bulls share pole position – the high fat and protein sire, Progenesis Wimbledon and newcomer, Wilra KnowHow.

Wimbledon moves up one place to take this position, now with an ACI of £703. This reflects his outstanding Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTA) for both fat and protein percent, which he combines with a high daughter Fertility Index and good Lameness Advantage.

Equal front-runner, Wilra KnowHow, who also leads the Holstein Profitable Lifetime Index ranking, is noted for his high production transmission.

Another new entrant, in third position, comes in the shape of Koepon Raptor (ACI £676). Raptor is another high milk components bull, with long daughter lifespans who also transmits shorter-thanaverage gestation length to the calves he sires.

The high HealthyCow Holstein bull, Pine-Tree CW Legacy, now ranks fourth (ACI £667), while Bomaz Kettle is a new entrant and high fat transmitter, who ranks fifth (ACI £653).

The former number one sire, Genosource Captain, now ranks sixth, with an £ACI of £650.

The next three places are shared on equal ACIs of £647. The first is Westcoast Guarantee, who now has 156 UK daughters contributing to his figures and stands out as a leading udder health sire. Next up is Bomaz Complex, a high fat production sire with good calf survival and shorter gestation length. And completing this trio is all-rounder, Aardema Pistolero.

The top 10 is rounded off by Pine-Tree Legacy Cheese (ACI £638), a new graduate on to the list who has inherited many of the characteristics of his sire (Legacy).

£SCI

Amongst the bulls ranked on Spring Calving Index (£SCI), formulated for its suitability for grazingbased herds calving in a tight spring block, Progenesis Wimbledon holds the lead, just as he does for £ACI. His £SCI of £604 reflects his transmission of good milk quality and high daughter fertility, so important for this group.

In second place is new entrant, VJ Hoholt Gates Google, a Jersey bull which also transmits high fat and protein percents, and very favourable maintenance feed ratings. His SCI is £586.

Third position goes to the second Jersey in this across-breed ranking, demonstrating a similar transmitting pattern to the number two sire. With an SCI of £581, VJ Groenbjerg Lobo Lobster has 85 UK milking daughters and transmits very high fat percentage.

Leading proven Holstein sire, Wilra Knowhow, is a new entrant in this ranking, and takes fourth position with an SCI of £578. This bull’s extreme yields will suit block calving systems looking to inject some production, which he combines with much smaller-than-average stature for the Holstein breed.

Jersey VJ Hoeholt Jern James now has over 100 UK production daughters contributing to his SCI of £570, which earns him fifth position.

The next two Holstein sires are the new entrants, Koepon Raptor (SCI £560) and Pine-Tree Legacy Cheese (SCI £544). Raptor transmits good udder health, lifespan, and short gestations while Cheese has favourable Maintenance figures.

In eighth position is Denovo 7921 Atrium, whose 3,000+ UK milking daughters earn him an index featuring high weights of fat and protein and extreme small stature.

Pine-Tree CW Legacy ranks ninth (SCI £535), having the best daughter fertility index of the top 10 sires.

And completing the top 10 is new entrant, Bomaz Complex, transmitting the highest weight of fat of the top 10 bulls.

“The £ACI and £SCI rankings don’t just allow producers with block calving systems to choose the best bulls for their own situation, but they also allow comparisons across breeds,” says Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB. “This means these two indexes have an important role to play in genetic selection for crossbreeding herds, as well as those simply calving in a spring or autumn block.

“However, because these are across-breed indexes, they are expressed as a comparison to the average of a mixed breed group, so it’s important to note that their component PTAs should not be compared with PTAs for each individual breed group,” he says.

Stable front-runners amongst non-Holstein breeds with new genomic graduates hard on their heels

The dairy breeds other than Holstein see strong stability across the rankings in the genetic evaluations published today (8 August) by AHDB.

Ayrshire

VR Venom retains his lead amongst the Ayrshires, improving on his already impressive Profitable Lifetime Index. Having added a few UK milking daughters to his proof, he now earns a PLI of £496, and rates highly for HealthyCow (195), in part due to his outstanding daughter Fertility Index (+15.6).

Also unchanged in rank is second placed VR Vilano (PLI £437). This bull’s strong daughter Lifespan (LS) of 88 days longer than breed average contributes to the highest EnviroCow index of all available proven sires of the breed (2.8).

Graduating into third place is a former genomic young sire, VR Solvarp Hjuve Hosea, with a PLI of £418. Hosea’s Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) is particularly high for fat, at 29.3kg and +0.20%. British-bred Troutbeck Progress remains in fourth position, (PLI £386) and is the highest production bull by some distance. With a PTA of 852kg milk and a combined fat and protein of 65.4kg, he also has good type figures at 1.5 Type Merit. With a PLI of £380, VR Viking Viljar Vario now ranks fifth and is the strongest udder health bull of the top Ayrshire sires, with -21 SCC and -2 Mastitis.

Jersey

There’s little change at the top of the Jersey rankings, which see JX River Valley Chief holding on to the top spot, with a PLI of £446. He confirms his standing as an extreme production bull but combines this with a lower-than-average daughter Fertility Index.

In contrast, VJ Hoeholt Jern James, who moves into second position, shows good daughter fertility (FI 9.1), but is no match for the production of the leading sire. James also rates well for udder health (-20 SCC, -1 Mastitis).

Climbing into third is VJ Groenberg Lobo Lobster (PLI £435), who transmits high milk solids (+0.36% fat, +0.24% protein) and strong daughter fertility (FI 10.9).

Long-term number one sire, River Valley Cece Chrome is now in fourth position, with a PLI of £425. Another high production sire, he also has the

strongest PTA for type of the top five, with a Type Merit (TM) of 1.6.

A new entrant in fifth place is former genomic young sire, VJ Hoholt Gates Google. This bull’s PLI of £413 is the result of strong udder health (SCC22) and high fertility (FI 11.5), which also contribute to the highest HealthyCow index amongst the leading Jersey sires, at 170.

Friesian

Within the British Friesian breed, Manorpark Google remains in first place, his PLI of £349 reflecting his transmission of high production, including 475kg milk and an impressive 40.1kg fat and protein combined. As yet, no information is available on his daughter Fertility Index, so a breed average has been used for fertility within his £PLI calculation.

Inch Persistent remains in second place with a PLI of £311. His high HealthyCow index at 225 is a standout feature, which he combines with a TM of 2.49.

Moving up into third place with a PLI of £268 is Dutch-bred Bloemplaat Hoeve Ewoud. This bull transmits strong production (12.6kg fat, 12kg protein), and he lowers daughter cell counts (SCC11).

With a PLI of £259, Inch Hearty ranks fourth, transmitting longer than breed average lifespan (116) and a good Fertility Index (3.9).

Rounding off the top five is Catlane Cromwell (256 PLI), who has the best Calf Survival index of all proven Friesians, at 5.9.

Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB, offers a reminder about using PTAs across different breeds, pointing out that each breed’s figures represent a comparison with their own breed average.

“It’s important not to compare one breed with another on these breed-specific lists so for those using a mixture of breeds, it may be better to use an across-breed index, such as the Spring or Autumn Calving Index, depending on the herd’s breeding pattern,” he says.

Other breeds

Other dairy breed indexes are published online (ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/dairy-breeding-andgenetics), where the Montbéliarde, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Shorthorn and Fleckvieh are all represented.

Good maize potential offers dairy farmers an opportunity – but avoid costly harvest mistakes

Good potential in this year’s maize crops looks set to give dairy farmers an opportunity to clamp decent tonnages of quality silage, which could provide a useful buffer with uncertain milk prices, says Volac silage expert, Ken Stroud. But it will be crucial to avoid common harvest pitfalls that let dry matter (DM) and nutrients slip away in the clamp.

“We’re seeing a fair bit of uncertainty in milk prices,” says Mr Stroud. “Also in cereal prices, which could impact on feed costs.

“While some maize crops haven’t fully recovered from the dry spring, most look in good shape. Conserving good stocks of quality silage, to become more self-sufficient in winter feed and maximise milk produced from homegrown forage, makes sound financial sense in times of volatility,” he adds.

Typically, about 1 in every 10 trailer loads of maize DM ensiled are lost due to unwanted bacteria, yeasts and moulds growing in clamps, says Mr Stroud, but losses can double if attention to detail slips at harvest and ensiling. Also, these microbes consume the most nutritious parts – sugars and starches – leaving the remaining silage lower in energy, he

stresses.

“Unwanted microbes come into the clamp on the crop at harvest (see infographic). You can’t completely stop this, but inhibiting their growth in the clamp is vital. This requires attention to detail at several stages (see table). All these stages are important. But there are three common pitfalls that could be particularly important to avoid this year.”

Pitfall 1 – harvesting maize too late

Harvesting maize late, when it is dying back, not only risks the crop being past its nutritional peak, says Mr Stroud, it also increases the risk of unwanted microbes coming into the clamp on the dying foliage.

“Too often maize is harvested when leaves are dying or dead. It should be harvested as soon as it reaches 3033% DM and ideally while still green. Doing this provides a good balance of starch in the cobs and living foliage with higher

nutritional value. Crops harvested drier are also harder to consolidate, leaving them prone to losses from heating caused by aerobic spoilage,” he adds.

Pitfall 2 – thinking maize ‘conserves itself’

A common myth is that maize does not benefit from conserving with a silage additive, says Mr Stroud. But after investing in growing the crop, ensiling it untreated leaves its conservation at the mercy of whatever microbes are present on the crop – good ones and bad ones, he adds.

“Maize silage suffers two types of losses: obvious losses from heating, caused by yeasts and moulds growing in the presence of air; but also invisible losses from poor fermentation, due to inefficient fermentation bacteria. Both waste the silage’s DM and energy and release carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas.

“You can’t regulate which types of bacteria, yeasts and moulds are present at harvest. But applying a dual-acting additive, such as Ecocool, containing beneficial bacteria effective against both problems, drives in favour of a quality fermentation to put you in better control. Ecocool has also been shown to keep

maize silage cool and stable for more than 10 days after exposure to air.”

Pitfall 3 – harvesting maize too low

Although tempting to cut maize low to the ground – especially if looking for extra bulk – the stem base is low in nutritional value and typically higher in unwanted microbes, says Mr Stroud, so you risk losing more than you gain.

“Instead, ask your contractor to leave at least 15 cm of stubble. Similarly, make sure they chop the crop short enough to aid consolidation, especially with drier crops, but long enough for it to perform in the cow’s rumen. Consider a 1.5-2.0cm chop length, or 1.2cm if needed,” he suggests.

The countdown is on to UK Dairy Day 2023

TJoin the UK dairy industry on Wednesday, 13th September at Telford’s International Centre for UK Dairy Day. Strong industry support of the event continues with existing and new exhibitors committing to exhibition space across the internal and external areas. The success of the event is a testament to the dedicated team, that year on year delivers the UK’s leading free-to-attend dairy trade event.

In its ninth year, UK Dairy Day celebrates all things dairy. Trade exhibitors include feed manufacturers, animal health suppliers, vets, milk buyers, dairy and farm equipment suppliers - plus professional service providers and charities. The International Centre will be the location on Wednesday 13th September for anyone connected to the dairy industry to have the opportunity to network,

share knowledge, learn and most importantly, do business.

This year the event welcomes back NWF Agriculture, Crystalyx and Lely as principal sponsors and a thank you for their continued support along with associate sponsors, cattle class sponsors and our media partners Farmers Guardian and Holstein International.

The Cattle Show

A leading line-up of judges will cast their professional eye over the show ring for the six dairy breeds competing under the spotlights. Iwan Morgan of the Erie Herd is the judge of the National Holstein Show with the other judges as:

• National Ayrshire Show - Colin Christophers from Cornwall

• National Holstein Show – Iwan Morgan from South Wales

• National Brown Swiss Show - Brian Weatherup Jnr from Fife

• Dairy Shorthorn classes - Gwyndaf James from Ceredigion

• Guernsey classes - Colin Christophers from Cornwall

• Jersey classes - John Waller from Cumbria

In addition to the cattle classes judged throughout the day from 9am, Holstein UK banners will be presented to the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor of the show, along with the coveted Howard Sneesby Award. One of the afternoon’s highlights in the ring is always the presentation of the Holstein UK

With cattle entries now closed, the cattle team look forward to welcoming exhibitors who will start arriving from the Sunday before the event. Thanks, must be extended to cattle infrastructure sponsor NWF Agriculture who support the free entry, stalling and breakfast in the lines.

The full cattle show will be live-streamed throughout the day with commentary for those unable to attend UK Dairy Day. The link will be available from the home page of the event website www.

ukdairyday.co.uk

The Judges

The National Ayrshire Show Judge and Guernsey Judge - Colin Christophers. The Ayrshire Cattle Society have selected Colin Christophers from

Premier Herd awards, with the 2023 winner being announced, judged by last year’s winner Brian Moorhouse.

Truro, Cornwall to judge the National Ayrshire Show. With wife Jenny, son David and help from daughter Debbie and Granddaughter Megan, Colin runs the Rosehill Ayrshire herd. The 300-acre Cornwall Council farm has a herd of 300 with 170 milking cows and followers. Recent investment on the farm has seen a new slurry system installed, collecting and converting methane from the herd to power tractors, vehicles, and generators.

The National Brown Swiss Show Judge - Brian Weatherup Jnr.

UK Dairy Day will welcome Brian Weatherup as the judge chosen by the Brown Swiss Cattle Society for their National Show. Brian Weatherup jnr of the Parkend herd in Fife runs the family farm with his parents and wife Gillian. They milk 220 pedigree cattle with a focus on proven genetics, aiming for exceptional udders and feet and legs, always pushing for high-yielding, longlasting cows. The herd won back-to-back Scottish herds competitions in 2020/2021.

The National Holstein Show Judge - Iwan Morgan.

South Wales dairy farmer Iwan Morgan

has been appointed as the judge of The National Holstein Show at UK Dairy Day 2023. Iwan and his father Edward run the Erie herd of 150 Holsteins and 30 Jerseys. The grazing herd, based near Carmarthen, is well known nationally with prominent cow families such as the Lustre’s, Supreme Maude’s, Roxy Red’s and Gold Barbara’s. The Morgan family have had great success over the years, twice receiving the Holstein UK Master Breeder award and achieving over twenty wins in the Holstein UK All Britain Awards.

Dairy Shorthorn Show Judge - Gwyndaf James. Gwyndaf has been involved with agriculture since leaving school on the family farm with a herd of Dairy Shorthorns and Holstein Friesians. The family started showing Shorthorns in 1973, winning the Royal Welsh on numerous occasions and Breed Champion at the Royal of England in 1980 and Reserve in 1987 as well as many county and local shows. This, along with being involved with young farmers stock judging, gave him the grounding and impetus to work as a breeding advisor since 1994.

Being a member of the Shorthorn Society, on the breed council for over 25 years and on their judges panel since 1993 has taken him to many local and county shows. He’s had the privilege to judge the ABAB Calf Show twice, but the highlights so far have been to judge the World Conference Show in 2010 at the Highland Show, the first ever national dairy show in 2011 at the Cheshire County Show and in 2022 being asked to judge the world conference and the national show at the Great Yorkshire.

Jersey Show Judge - John Waller.

John farms in partnership with his father Robert, on a pedigree dairy and sheep farm of 400 acres in Killington, down the Lune Valley, between Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale. A family run farm, they have 100 Holsteins and 60 Jerseys under the Killington prefix, and 400 commercial sheep. John’s wife, Kate and daughters, Sophie and Natalie have been the main driving force behind the Jersey herd, first founded in 2002. The Waller family have enjoyed successes at their local shows and John has judged Jerseys at shows across England including the Great Yorkshire Show. He is the current Secretary and a previous Chairman of

the Lakes Counties Jersey Club.

Sharing Knowledge

The first floor of the venue features the Sharing Knowledge zone with industry panels and seminars. There will be four industry panels with leading industry representatives. The hour-long industry panels will run alongside four seminar presentations with speakers covering key dairy industry subjects that inform the audience and create topical discussion.

• 10.00am – Seminar presentation 1: GB Calf Strategy – Where Are We Now? By AHDB and NFU

• 10.30am – Industry Panel 1: The Future of the Dairy Cow

• 11.30am – Seminar presentation 2: Zero Soya Feeding Options. Presented by Adam Clay, Head of Technical, NWF Agriculture

• 12.00noon – Industry Panel 2: The Future of Milk Pricing and Processing

• 1.00pm – Seminar presentation 3: Managing

TB and Utilising Dairy Beef Genetics, a Farmer panel session by AHDB and NFU

• 1.30pm – Industry Panel 3: The Future of the Dairy Industry

• 2.20pm – Seminar presentation 4: How labour efficient is your dairy business? Presented by Andrew Wilson, Sales Manager, Lely

• 2.45pm – Industry Panel 4: The Future of your Dairy Business

The external areas at the International Centre will feature practical demonstrations on calf anatomy painting as well as foot trimming and knife sharpening.

Scarsdale Vets, from Derbyshire, will present their innovative and engaging demonstration using paint to visualise and understand calf anatomy. Throughout the day there will be the ‘Beneath the Black and White’ calf painting and the Scarsdale Vets team will use paint to assist in the understanding of calf health and welfare.

Tim Carter returns with

practical demonstrations on foot trimming, blocking and knife sharpening. The qualified team of independent foot trimmers will demonstrate the key to the success of any task is having the right tools for the job. They will also highlight The Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board, a self-funding non-profit organisation aimed at improving the health, welfare and mobility of the national herd, by ensuring its members promote, achieve and maintain a recognised and validated standard of cattle hoof care.

Internally by the Hall 3 cattle stalls will be the NBDC Breed Village where members of the NBDC Classification team will run Type Classification and Linear Scoring demonstrations for the Ayrshire, Jersey and Holstein breeds.

UK Dairy Day is an accredited event with Dairy Pro for three CPD points and BASIS for two CPD points.

Competitions

In the concourse of the venue will be a showcase of new products exhibitors have launched in the past 12 months. These

products are the finalists for the UK Dairy Day New Product Competition sponsored by IDEXX. The competition looks for the most innovative or influential new products on the market and the shortlisted entries will be judged during the morning of the event by representatives from IDEXX with awards presented during the afternoon.

The New Product Competition finalists for 2023 are:

• Abbi-Apex 36-AXP-21 - Abbi-Aerotech B.V.

• Dairymaster DairyVue360 - Dairymaster UK Ltd

• Dairymaster DM 3x+ - Dairymaster UK Ltd

• GEA F4500 - GEA Farm Technologies UK

• Hoofshield Advance – Neogen

• IDS Verify - Peacock Technology

• KVIA Molly Cow Brush - Tim Gibson Ltd

• Methane Efficiency Index - Semex UK

• Octaklean System - Kersia UK

• SlurryForSoil - Sylgen Animal Health

• Tru-Test Dairy WOW (Walk Over Weigh) 4000Datamars Livestock

Trade exhibitors invest a lot of time and money in

the planning, design and construction of trade stands at the event to be viewed in just 10 hours. All trade stands will be automatically entered into the Trade Stand Award Competition sponsored by Hettle Andrews. During the morning the judges will review and score trade stands based on the attractiveness of the stand, staff presentation and interaction, clarity of branding and graphics, layout and stand tidiness. Prize cards are awarded for the Best Small Internal Trade Stand, Best Medium Internal Trade Stand, Best Large Internal Trade Stand and Best External Trade Stand.

The countdown is on!

Keep up to date on social media by following @ukdairyday on Twitter and liking the UK Dairy Day Facebook page. Tag us in as you also countdown to the event and use the hashtag #UKDairyDay

Ensure the date is firmly marked on your farm calendar or in your diary: Wednesday 13th September at the International Centre, Telford, Shropshire TF3 4JH.

Finally don’t forget it is FREE entry and parking (tickets need validating at the UK Dairy Day visitor information desk) and remember to pick up a copy of the Event and Cattle Guide, sponsored by HerdVision, when you enter the venue to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.

www.ukdairyday.co.uk

Low-tech sludge solution for reducing antimicrobial resistance

Alow-tech solution to help farmers make more money from their muck could also help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance from sewage and manure, according to scientists at The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen and Centre for Environmental Health and Engineering (CEHE) in Surrey.

Adding conductive materials, such as biochar, to anaerobic digestors when processing sewage sludge and manure on farms has been proven to help boost biomethane production, which can then be sold.

But now it’s also been found that adding relatively low-cost additive materials like biochar to the process could also help reduce the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) by more than 90%.

Mac-Anthony Nnorom, an environmental health researcher at CEHE and PhD student at the Hutton, who led the review, says, “As these materials have already been shown to also help increase biomethane production from anaerobic digestion, it’s a win-win, especially as there isn’t any other financial incentive to reduce ARGs in their muck. However, this approach should not be seen as a panacea and more research is required.”

Antimicrobial resistance develops when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. ARGs can pass between microorganisms, spreading resistance, and it’s known that sewage sludge and animal manure contain significant levels of them and

that these can then get into the wider environment.

According to the researchers’ review, which has been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, pig and chicken manure tended to have both more and more diverse ARGs compared with cattle and sheep.

Review co-author and Hutton senior environmental microbiologist Dr Lisa Avery adds, “While it’s generally accepted that ARGs have been around since before antibiotics were discovered and arise naturally, their evolution has been exacerbated by the extent to which antibiotics are now used. As antibiotics are not fully digested by humans or animals, 3090% of any one dose enters the environment through sewage and slurry.”

Treatment of sewage sludge and slurry to remove ARGs is not mandated, but use of sustainable and easy to use conductive materials for this purpose has gained popularity recently and this new review now provides some evidence of its effectiveness.

Vogelsang FillMaster: Revolutionizing Tank Filling Stations for Agricultural Applications

In the realm of modern agriculture, efficiency and convenience are paramount. As the demand for streamlined processes continues to grow, innovative solutions are constantly being developed to address the challenges faced by farmers and agricultural professionals. One such groundbreaking solution is the Vogelsang FillMaster – a versatile tank filling station designed to simplify and expedite the process of filling tankers with liquid manure. Whether in mobile or stationary form, the FillMaster stands as an essential tool for enhancing operational efficiency in the agricultural sector.

Simplifying Tank Filling with the FillMaster

The FillMaster represents a paradigm shift in the traditional method of connecting and disconnecting hoses during the tanker-

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VOGELSANG –LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

filling process. This state-of-the-art system redefines efficiency, making the task of filling tankers with liquid manure a seamless endeavor. The innovation lies in its top-down filling mechanism, wherein the tanker is effortlessly loaded via a T-System column or connecting piece. This ingenious design eliminates the hassles associated with hose manipulation, providing a straightforward and hassle-free experience.

Mobile Versatility: On-the-Go Efficiency

Vogelsang recognizes the diverse needs of agricultural operations, and the FillMaster is available in both mobile and stationary variants to accommodate these varying demands. The mobile FillMaster boasts an exceptional feature – the ability to be swiftly transported between different locations. This is made possible through a threepoint base that can be effortlessly attached to any tractor, allowing for easy relocation. This mobile version is equipped with a Vogelsang rotary lobe pump from the VX series, ensuring reliable and efficient liquid transfer.

Stationary Excellence: Tailored Performance

For those seeking a more stationary solution, Vogelsang offers the stationary FillMaster. This variant offers the flexibility to be paired with either a rotary lobe pump from the VX series or the advanced Vogelsang PowerFill technology. This

adaptability ensures that the system can be tailored to the specific needs of the agricultural operation, providing optimized performance and reliability. Moreover, the option to integrate the RotaCut wet macerator with a built-in heavy material separator is available, offering an additional layer of protection against foreign debris entering the tank.

Uncompromised Power and Reliability

Both the mobile and stationary FillMaster systems derive their power from the power take-off (PTO) shaft of tractors, ensuring consistent and robust operation. This reliance on tractor power exemplifies the FillMaster's synergy with existing agricultural equipment, further enhancing its usability and integration into established workflows.

The Vogelsang FillMaster represents a revolutionary leap in the realm of tank filling stations for agricultural applications. By simplifying the tanker-filling process, it minimizes downtime, streamlines operations, and maximizes efficiency. Whether in its mobile or stationary form, the FillMaster stands as a testament to Vogelsang's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and farmercentric solutions. With its top-down filling mechanism, adaptable features, and unwavering reliability, the FillMaster is poised to redefine how agricultural professionals approach the critical task of filling tankers with liquid manure.

STIHL LAUNCHES NEW PORTABLE POWER SUPPLY

STIHL has launched its first portable 230V power supply, providing professional users with a quiet, low maintenance and emission-free alternative to petrol-powered generators.

Weighing only 19.8kg and boasting a 3.6kW power output, the new PS 3000 offers a high power-to-weight ratio and is one of the most powerful portable power supply units in its weight class.

The PS 3000 can be used in a wide variety of applications from corded drills, site lighting, STIHL tools such as power washers and vacuums, as well as recharging STIHL batteries while out in the field. The high 2.1kWh energy content also ensures long working times for minimal disruption.

The new portable power supply produces a pure sine wave,

meaning it generates the same electrical current produced by the grid, ensuring no difference in performance and that no electrical noise is generated. In addition, a boost mode function temporarily increases the power output by up to 250% for tools with high initial starting currents. Designed to operate in the

toughest conditions, the PS 3000 features a sturdy frame for high protection levels, multiple handles for carrying comfort, is protected from dust and can even be used in wet weather conditions.

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk

John Deere to hold careers event to help military personnel resettle

John Deere is holding a careers event in September to help resettling military personnel take the next step in their careers.

The virtual event on 20 September at 7pm is the first major event to be held by the company where details of the landmark John Deere Military Hiring Programme in the UK and Ireland will be set out.

into various roles connected to the John Deere brand.

“The armed forces produces people who are highly skilled, motivated, and extremely competent, and many already have the engineering skills needed to become qualified technicians,” says Allan Cochran, John Deere Branch Training Manager.

“With many transferable skills, those with experience of military

link, or by searching ‘John Deere virtual careers event’ on www. eventbrite.co.uk.

It was announced that the Military Hiring Programme was being rolled out in the UK and Ireland following its huge success in the USA.

“Those who have served are experts at working under pressure and logically solving problems in order to keep a machine operational,” Allan says. “These are the skills John Deere dealerships need to keep the wheels turning.”

Those signing up to the programme will be offered free technical training to help them apply their current skills to John Deere products and services. There are more than 70 courses on offer.

The initiative was launched in July and helps those leaving military service find jobs working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare machinery.

Attendees of the free virtual event will find out how they can bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles in dealerships, and hear from individuals who have transitioned from military service

machines will be perfectly placed for a new career working with some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and turfcare equipment.

“This virtual event is a great opportunity for ex-servicemen and women to find about a rewarding John Deere career that can take you anywhere in the world, working with an internationally recognised and respected brand.”

Registration is open now via this

“Everyone who signs up will be assigned to an employee from the John Deere network who has served in the armed forces who will be there to support each individual during the resettlement process,” Allan says.

Interested service members and ex-service members can learn more and fill out a contact card by visiting www.Deere.com/ JDMHP

MANITOU UK LTD AND THURLOW NUNN STANDEN ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE TNS WILL EXPAND THEIR AGRICULTURAL AREA EFFECTIVE

The recent decision of Chandlers Farm Equipment to relinquish the Manitou franchise has provided Manitou with the opportunity to provide an expanded agricultural geographical area across Bedfordshire and along the adjacent borders of Hertfordshire.

Established in 1875, TNS is a family managed business operating from five branches across Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. TNS have been Manitou dealers since 1st January 2021 and have provided excellent levels of customer service to long standing customers along with keeping great stock levels of parts and attachments. Currently covering East Anglia for Agricultural, Construction and Industrial products for Manitou, the expansion of their Agricultural territory will offer customers in the new areas a reputable, trustworthy dealer to provide high quality customer support, which has seen the business grow significantly with Manitou products. TNS are

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equally very well known throughout the regions successfully representing many brands within Automotive retailing, and parts distribution.

Mark Ormond, Managing Director of Manitou UK Ltd, says "Manitou strives to produce market leading machines and support them with market leading customer service. That means partnering with the world’s leading machinery dealers. We are delighted to announce that TNS will be expanding their Agricultural area. I have no doubt about the standard of service they will deliver to our customers across the region. "

TNS Manitou Business Director, David Banks added, "we are very excited to be able to build on the fantastic relationship we have with Manitou, which is central to our business objectives. Our focus is always ensuring our customers remain at the forefront of everything we do, and myself and the wider team are absolutely delighted to be able to offer the same excellent levels of service and support we pride ourselves on. "

TNS’s current allocated area of responsibility is shown in green on the map opposite, with the new TNS area highlighted

AriensCo – Ariens & AS-Motor commercial mowers on show at GroundsFest

Ariens and AS-Motor are joining forces under the AriensCo umbrella at the inaugural Groundsfest 2023 at Stonleigh Park in Warwickshire. From 20-21 September, visitors will have the opportunity to see the battery version of the Ariens Arrow – the Arrow E and other highlights from the AS-Motor and Ariens product portfolio live.

"An outdoor fair with demonstrations and the possibility to test machines, an interesting indoor area with lectures and the whole thing combined with a real festival character, live music and good food. This concept of the GroundsFest has convinced us. We are therefore very pleased to be part of it and to be able to present our innovations and products to the visitors," said Brad Stiles, Vice President Sales AriensCo EMEAA, full of anticipation for the event.

On show for the first time at a UK show will be the battery version of the Ariens Arrow E stand-on mower. The new Arrow E combines the advantages of a stand-on mower with those of the latest battery technology. Professional users benefit from lower operating costs, improved profitability and the ability to service future jobs in noise and emission-sensitive zones.

As a special highlight, visitors can view the AS 940 Sherpa 4WD RC, which is considered the most powerful high grass mower in its class. It is also the world's first ride-on mower that can be operated both manually and remotely. The team also has the AS 1000 Ovis RC remote-controlled tracked flail mower on show. True to the motto "Simply steep mowing", the extremely slope-compatible mower convinces with highest mowing performance and easy handling and maintenance.

Visit us at stands OSA 811 and OSA 890 to find out about our products and try them for yourself.

Contractor Enters Next Phase With New Develon DX100W

Compactness and agility of DX100W-7 were key features in purchase

When he had to change the nature of his business for health reasons,

David

Hardgrave of Harwinn Agricultural and Construction Services Ltd, based in Market Harborough in Leicestershire, chose to build the next phase of his company around a new DX100W-7 10.7 tonne wheeled excavator from Develon, formerly known as Doosan Construction Equipment.

heavy lifting of pipes and the other physical work that I used to do as part of the groundworks contracts we previously carried out. I needed a change of direction and chose to move into the area of vegetation management and other aspects of highway management work. I looked around for the perfect machine to make the transition and the Develon DX100W-7 fits the requirement to the tee for several reasons.”

David had previously owned and operated several Doosan miniexcavators including six and eight tonne machines and when Pioneer Plant became the Authorised Dealer for the brand over two years ago, Brian Conn at Pioneer Plant was quick to point David in the direction of the new DX100W-7 when it was launched at the beginning of last year.

attachments. In addition, the DX100W-7 has two different pumps providing independent hydraulic flows for the transmission and to fully power hydraulic tools on the front end.

David Hardgrave added: “The DX100W-7 is the ideal size of machine for me and combines this with the ability to operate attachments such as mulching heads and tree shears for the type of roadside work we are aiming at. The ability to drive from one location to another is another key aspect as it means we don’t have to leave the machine on site and instead can drive it to a location where it is safe to store it overnight or for even longer.

“We have been carrying out a number of ecology projects using the DX100W-7 on behalf of quarry operators in the UK, helping to clay line used quarries to turn them into lakes for use by the community. We recently completed a project like this for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. We

The DX100W-7 was supplied by Corby-based Pioneer Plant Ltd, the Authorised Dealer for Develon for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and the PE and NG postcode areas of South Lincolnshire in the UK.

The 10 tonne weight class represented by the DX100W-7 is new to the Develon range and the DX100W-7 offers a high performance solution for customers looking for a wheeled excavator designed primarily for urban and road maintenance applications.

Separate Pumps for Front Equipment and Transmission

David Hardgrave commented: “I had a heart attack in 2021 and decided that it was no longer possible for me to do all the

With 75 kW (100 HP) of power at 2000 RPM provided by a D34 G2 Stage V engine, the DX100W-7 offers the highest engine power, hydraulic flow and traction force in this class. The high flow from the smooth and precise hydraulic system can be used to drive all kinds of

continue to take on topsoiling and verge projects on behalf of developers and the agility and manoeuvrability of the DX100W7 are excellent for projects like this, allowing us to easily get between new properties on these developments.”

For this type of work, the DX100W-7 offers the best compromise between compactness and agility, complemented by excellent

productivity and high-end comfort. It is very important that this type of machine can operate in very restricted areas, so the DX100W-7 at Harwinn

Agricultural and Construction Services is equipped with the option of four wheel steering and a crabbing mode, with two wheel steering as standard.

Highest Safety and Specifications on the Market

As well as agility in confined spaces, the DX100W-7 offers the highest safety and specifications on the market. The integral 1.35 tonne counterweight ensures the highest stability for lifting work in combination with the articulated boom and long arm, which together provide a larger working range than other machines in this class, despite having similar boom and arm lengths. The counterweight also has a novel design, offering the best maintenance access in the industry, from the rear of the machine and from ground level.

The articulated boom ensures

that the operator is able to position the machine as close as possible to trucks during loading. In addition, the DX100W-7 offers maximised lifting capacities and digging forces, as well as satisfying a requirement in some countries for a wheeled excavator with a travelling height of under 4 m. Other safety features can be found in the state-of-the-art ROPS cab on the DX100W-7, where from a premium seat as standard, the operator can use the large 8 inch touch screen to easily browse through all of the machine settings, including the view from the standard side and rear view cameras. The availability on the DX100W-7 of an optional 360° all-around view camera, linked with an optional ultrasonic detection system is another exclusive for a machine of this size.

Develon Fleet Management Telematics

The DX100W-7 has the latest Develon Fleet Management TMS 3.0 Cellular system installed as standard, which provides a telematics management system for the excavator, by collecting data from sensors on the machine.

Commenting on the support provided by Pioneer Plant, David Hardgrave said: “The back-up is really important and there is noone better than Pioneer Plant in this area. All aspects of the machine are dealt with so quickly - we have even had engineers from the company in overnight, their work allowing us to begin work

again first thing the next day.”

Over 40 Years of Experience in Plant

Pioneer Plant (www. pioneerplant.co.uk) is solely responsible for sales and servicing of the complete Develon crawler, wheeled and mini/midi excavator, wheel loader, articulated dump truck and attachment ranges in its area.

Pioneer Plant offers over 40 years of plant dealership experience for both new and used equipment. Together, Brian Conn and Steve Corner, joint partners in Pioneer Plant, and their team provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise to advise and support customers with their plant purchases and how Develon products can be used in their businesses.

Pioneer Plant customers benefit from a superb on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. The company’s factory-trained engineers have many years of hands-on experience of repairs and servicing of all types of plant and machinery.

For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu. develon-ce.com/en/

Time-saving DataSync upgrade improves accuracy and efficiency

John Deere Operations Center users can now update field data across their entire machinery fleet in real time.

DataSync has been introduced to eradicate the time taken to manually change records on each in-cab display – usually done via a USB stick – and ensure that stored field data is accurate.

Field names, boundary changes, guidance tracks and flags can now be manually changed in the cab or in the office at the press of a button and shared across the fleet instantly.

Will Downie, John Deere’s Precision Farming Specialist, said: “The John Deere Operations Center is the starting point for precision applications, mapping out the fundamental data operators need to carry out tasks in the field.

“DataSync consistently provides the right setup information where it’s needed, and at the right time.”

Peter Richardson is the Arable Manager atEast Coast Viners Peas and Beans in Montrose, which

grows10,000 acres of vining peas and broad beans.

His team has been using the new functionalitysince March across a fleet of six JohnDeere 6R Series tractors.

He said: “With peas we are going into new,rented fields every year with two cultivatorsand two drills working together. WithDataSync the first tractor maps the field andwithin seconds the other machines are all working off the same boundaries andA-B lines.

“It’s been very impressive. DataSync hasreduced downtime, soil compaction andoverlaps, making everything so much moresimple and straightforward for us.”

DataSync is free to activate and can beenabled or disabled for selected machineswithin the Operations CenterTM, allowing teammembers differing levels of access.

To use this new feature, the machine must be equipped with a Gen4 display, JDLink modem and an Operations Center account.

Bobcat Dealer Versatile Equipment Celebrates Area Expansion

On the back of two and half successful years since the company was appointed as the Authorised Bobcat Dealer for Greater London, Essex, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent and Surrey in the UK, Versatile Equipment Ltd has now been appointed to represent Bobcat in two more counties - Norfolk and Suffolk in East Anglia. To serve the new area, Versatile Equipment has opened a brand new depot based at impressive facilities at Willow Grove Farm in Lakenheath in Suffolk.

Lee Chater, Managing Director, and co-owner of Versatile Equipment, said: “It is a happy coincidence that the expansion of our area on behalf of Bobcat has happened as we mark our 20th anniversary as a company. Back in 2003, we were established with a dedicated focus on the supply of compact loaders and attachments and over the intervening period, we have gained huge experience in the Compact Equipment Market in the UK.”

Sales Director, Barry Gass, co-owner of Versatile Equipment with Lee, added: “Over the last 30 months, the strong investments we have made as Bobcat dealer in our team and facilities have really paid off. We are delighted to take on a larger area, with our appointment by Bobcat to handle Norfolk and Suffolk - our new depot at Lakenheath will allow us to offer a premium service for customers in the new area.”

Andrew Wolton, District Manager UK South, Sweden & Finland for Doosan Bobcat EMEA, said:

“Based on their accomplishments as a Bobcat dealer, it was the obvious choice to award the additional responsibility for Suffolk and Norfolk to Versatile Equipment. We are very impressed with the facilities at the new branch in Lakenheath, which offer excellent storage, service and showroom space as well as ample external areas.”

New Depot Celebrated with Open Days

To celebrate the opening of the Lakenheath depot, Versatile Equipment held a two-day Open Day event for local customers and families at the new premises in July 2023. Against the background of live demonstrations of Bobcat equipment, visitors were able to try out the latest Bobcat miniexcavators, compact loaders, telehandlers and compact tractors, together with the vast array of Bobcat attachments available from Versatile Equipment.

Quality Service for Customers in Every Market

Versatile Equipment is dedicated to increasing Bobcat’s share of the construction, rental, agriculture, landscaping, industrial, recycling, waste management and other markets in London, the South East and East Anglia. As well as sales of the entire Bobcat range of machines and attachments, Versatile Equipment offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support customers in its area. This is backed up by a substantial stock of brand new; Certified Used and second hand Bobcat machines for sale. Customers also benefit from Versatile’s on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance.

Specialist Rental Fleet

For general hire and more specialist applications, Versatile Equipment runs a state-of-the-art rental fleet of compact loaders and attachments, which is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The company has a team of experts who are on hand to offer customers advice they might need regarding the best machinery to hire for their work.

Lee Chater added: “Not only do we offer one of the UK’s largest rental fleets of compact loaders, we

also have a huge fleet of attachments to increase the versatility of the machines. We can cater for a wide range of needs - whether you want to rent a skid-steer or compact track loader with just a bucket or with a selection of attachments to undertake numerous tasks. All machines in our hire fleet are under three years old, fully certified and have a thorough Pre-Delivery Inspection prior to delivery to a customer.”

A Growing Product Range

In the last three years, Bobcat has entered the European wheel loader market for compact wheel loaders and small articulated loaders, as well as launching the company’s new generation R-Series telehandlers and compact loaders. The product portfolio has now been further extended with a new range of compact tractors from 25 to 58 HP and a new line of mowers coming very soon.

The Bobcat R-Series telehandler range for agriculture and construction provides a choice of 21 models with Stage V engines. There are eight machines aimed at agriculture covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.3 tonne with lifting heights from 6 to 8 m, complemented by 13 more for construction covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.1 tonne and lifting heights from 6 to 18 m. The Bobcat range also includes a selection of 10 rotary telehandler models.

The Bobcat range offers 10 skid-steer loaders including the brand new R-Series S86 model, complementing these wheeled machines with a selection of five compact track loaders, including the latest R-Series T86 top-of-the-range model. Bobcat also offers an extensive portfolio of miniexcavators from 1.0 to 9.4 tonne, including two electric models and a full range of light compaction machinery.

For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit www.bobcat.com

Tyres covered for

Continental is supporting all of its agricultural tyres, including its harvester tyres, with a 10-year warranty. The warranty will cover farmers in the unlikely event of a materials or manufacturing failure and it also offers some reassurance against stubble damage and field hazards.

Common complaints with all agricultural tyres include unforeseen damage caused by field use and imperfections in the composition of the tyre. Tom Godwin, Continental UK Sales Manager says:

“Modern farming techniques demand that tyres are hard wearing, and farmers can’t afford to lose time through tyres failing. Our agricultural tyres have been tested to much higher tolerances than ever before and we are confident to support this by offering our customers a 10-year warranty.”

The warranty covers all Continental TractorMaster and CombineMaster tyres including very high flexion (VF) tyres and hybrid tyres manufactured since 1st August, 2017, in Continental’s purpose-built manufacturing facility near Lousado, Portugal.

for harvest damage

“Continental has invested €2.5 million in an agriculture-focussed research and evaluation centre to develop tyres that help meet these concerns. We hope that this warranty shows farmers that we believe in that research and that we are willing to help buyers if a tyre does not perform the way they need it to,” says Mr Godwin.

The CombineMaster harvester tyre has a unique Hexa bead construction that is safer on the road and helps reduce soil compaction in the field. Like the TractorMaster tyre, it also features Continental’s patented N.Flex Technology, a nylon layer that sits beneath the

rubber to help the tyre return to its original shape following impacts and heavy use.

“Tractor and combine tyres reach high temperatures during road use at harvest time. When parked overnight the tyres cool to the shape of the parked position, creating so called flat spots. When the machine is used again the operator will experience ride disturbance because the tyres are not a perfect circle. N.Flex reduces the occurrence of flat spots, provides a more comfortable ride and will help protect the tyre against damage,” concludes Mr Godwin.

The Driving Force Behind Sussex's Peppering Partridge Project

Afleet of four Honda Pioneer side-by-side UTVs and a Honda Foreman ATV helps a team of five gamekeepers manage and look after a wild bird game shoot across almost 2,000ha of the South Downs.

The shoot, on the South Downs near Arundel, Sussex and just a few miles from the sea, is part of the Norfolk Estate, owned by the Duke of Norfolk. The undulating landscape includes many steep slopes and although most of the estate land is farmed, there are large areas of grass, woodland and land within environmental schemes.

Reliant on Hondas

The shoot is known as the Peppering Partridge Project, and the team of five gamekeepers is led by Head Keeper, Charlie Mellor who has managed the shoot for the past 14 years. “We manage the land for wildlife and game,” he explained. “Wild grey partridges are the main game birds along with wild pheasants. It’s a large area to look after with challenging steep terrain. Tractors and conventional 4x4 pick-ups are too large and heavy and would damage the wildlife habitats and especially the conservation areas when it’s wet. That is why we rely on our fleet of Hondas to get around the shoot, and transport feed and water for the wildlife.”

The current fleet includes four Honda Pioneer 520 sideby-side UTVs and a Foreman TRX520FA6 ATV. The first three Pioneers were purchased in February 2022, and the fourth came later as it replaced a stolen machine. “I used Honda ATVs on estates where I worked previously and learned that nothing comes close in terms of reliability and practicality,” continued Charlie. “We used Foreman TRX500 ATVs initially, then TRX520s when Honda introduced the newer model. We made a partial move towards side-by-side UTVs with the purchase of a competitor-brand diesel machine several years ago which operated alongside our Honda ATVs, but it was too big and heavy, and lacked power

on the slopes, so we regretted buying it and changed back to another Honda instead.”

Honda side-by-side UTV appealed

An increase in the gamekeeping team from three to five people a few years ago meant additional vehicles were needed, and side-by-side UTVs were again considered. “Some of our ATVs were due for updating at the same time, and we borrowed a demonstration Honda Pioneer 700 UTV from our local main dealer, Rafferty Newman Machinery Ltd,” said Charlie. “The fact that it was a Honda appealed and with its petrol engine it was quieter and had better performance than the diesel machine we owned briefly before. We liked it, but that model was discontinued shortly after, so we ordered three of the smaller Pioneer 520 model instead. The Pioneer 520 shares a similar 518cc petrol engine and five-speed mechanical transmission with the Foreman TRX520 ATVs that we got on with so well. Being lighter and more compact than the previous diesel UTV is a big advantage, and even at only 1,270mm wide, it will transport the operator and a passenger plus loads in the rear cargo bed safely. The tipping load bed is slightly smaller than the Pioneer 700 we tried, but that isn’t an issue as we move water, feed and bulky equipment in trailers. One Honda TRX520FA6 conventional ATV was retained, as most of our implements including spreaders and sprayers are designed for ATV load racks rather than UTVs.”

Long days in the seat

Each keeper looks after a different area and for six months of the year the main task is patrolling the shoots to check on the welfare of the game birds and control vermin, which takes up to four hours each day. Up to nine hours can be spent riding the machines during the busiest periods, and the keepers find them easy to use and comfortable. “We couldn’t get where we need to and cover the large area effectively without the

Hondas,” continued Charlie. “When the chalk uplands are wet they become very slippery, but the Pioneers travel everywhere without damaging sensitive conservation headlands and cover crops. Being only slightly wider than conventional ATVs, they can squeeze through narrow gaps and minimise damage to vegetation. Our machines have just a cab roof but no front windscreen as that is what our keepers prefer. It gives some protection from rain but most benefit is on sunny days providing shade.

Practical solution

Essential equipment such as clothing for weather protection is carried in purpose-made storage boxes in the rear cargo bed and loads such as bulk feed are transported behind in trailers. These have low pressure, flotation tyres like the ATVs, which help prevent damage to vulnerable ground. Bowsers, also on flotation wheels, deliver water and the Pioneers were busy towing these around the estate this spring as the long drought conditions continued.

Honda Foreman retains some advantages.

Jack Barton is the Foreman TRX520 main user, and he commented that for some of his work the conventional ATV offers advantages. “I get on well with the Pioneers but find it more convenient being able to get on and off either side of the Foreman ATV to open gates or fill feeders. Also, there is no roll bar to obstruct the view which makes it even better for vermin control. The Foreman travels everywhere I need it to and has slightly more ground clearance, but the Pioneers seem just as versatile.”

challenging terrain. Refuelling is quick and easy through large tank filler caps, and daily checks are carried out within just a few minutes so downtime is minimal.

Areas for improvement

Asked if there are additional features or improvements that the keepers would welcome on future Pioneer models, they all agree that adding a waterproof storage compartment in the cab area for items such as binoculars would be useful. They also suggest that a discrete green body panel option like their Foreman TRX520 ATV would be more suitable for the gamekeeping role than the current brown finish. Mudguards at the rear to reduce dirt thrown from the wheels into trailers would also be an advantage. “There are a few small changes we would welcome, but they really are fantastic machines and I don’t think we could find the same combination of reliability, practicality and value for money from any other brand,” observed Charlie.

High retained values

The shoot ATVs are usually updated after three years. Charlie pointed out that at this age the Hondas remain completely reliable even after working so many hours. “They hold their value well which keeps our ownership costs low, and we have always been happy with the deals offered by Mick and Joe Challen in the Rafferty Newman sales team. They are fair and easy to deal with.

Totally reliable fleet

Since the current fleet of four Pioneer 520s arrived, three have worked approximately 1,200 hours each, and the newer machine has worked 600 hours. There have been no breakdowns and no repairs have been needed apart from replacing a set of rubber gaiters on a front wheel drive shaft. Routine servicing is carried out by Rafferty Newman, and Charlie said that back-up provided by the dealer team is excellent.

Low running costs

Calculating average fuel consumption is difficult as the use is so variable, but Charlie commented that the Hondas use little petrol for the hours they work, especially considering their role and performance on the

“The service department is another reason that we don’t tend to consider other brands or suppliers. Tom Mercer in the workshop is our first point of call when we need advice or the machines require maintenance. Even when we call in the evening we usually get a reply. They don’t just shut at 5pm every day.”

Well-suited to its role

The Foreman TRX520 ATV will be due for updating shortly and Charlie said that it will almost certainly be replaced by another Pioneer 520. “The estate also operates two diesel UTVs of another brand that are used in the parkland. They are larger, with more load carrying capacity but don’t work in the same demanding environment as our shoot machines, so the less powerful diesel engine with a belt-drive transmission arrangement is adequate. “However, if Honda ever adds larger Pioneer models to the range in future, then it’s likely we would consider changing the other two machines as well - making it an all-Honda fleet.”

Reliable Honda ATV: Cornerstone of Hampshire Farmer's Livestock Success

A

Hampshire farmer says the task of looking after 3,000 sheep including 1,000 ewes and their lambs would be almost impossible without his Honda ATV.

The Snow family has farmed just outside Petersfield for 90 years. Trading as RC Snow & Son, the livestock enterprise is managed by Andrew Snow, with his parents Chris and Angela, and his wife Angharad. Most of the land is owned, but additional grazing is rented on land unsuitable for arable cropping on two mixed farms nearby.

In the past, the main enterprise was dairy cattle but the first 20 sheep arrived in 2003 while dairying continued, and the last of the cattle left in 2008 to be replaced by 1,000 ewes. North of England Mule and Suffolk Cross Mule sheep dominate the flock and are kept outside all year. They lamb in May and progeny are finished on stubble turnips and sold deadweight the following year.

manual gear selection, a transfer box with low and high speed ranges and drive to the front and rear axles by shaft. Honda’s mechanical drive arrangement minimises power losses and maximises reliability by avoiding the use of belts and chains which can require frequent adjustment and replacement. The TRX520FA6 has double wishbone front suspension and independent dual-arm rear suspension which provides generous ground clearance and ensures a comfortable ride. Electric power steering is standard. The front load rack, used by Andrew to carry electric fence posts and tools, can carry loads up to 45kg and the rear rack carries up to 85kg. The rear hitch tows trailers up to 599kg.

Stick with Honda

Hondas since 1996

The first Honda ATV, a Foreman TRX400, arrived in 1996 when Andrew’s brother Matthew purchased it for forestry spraying. It was also used for farm transport when it wasn’t needed for spraying and, as the advantages it offered became obvious, its ownership was transferred and it remained on the farm full-time. Since then, a continuous succession of Honda Foreman ATVs has been owned, with the engine size gradually increasing as Honda’s heavy-duty Foreman range evolved.

The current Foreman TRX520FA6 was purchased last year, replacing a Foreman TRX500 machine. It has a powerful and fuel-efficient 518cc, liquidcooled petrol engine, a five-speed mechanical drive transmission with dual-mode automatic or

“We tend to update our ATVs every three years, and although we have looked occasionally at what is available from competitor brands, we continued to choose Honda as we want the best possible reliability and performance for livestock work. Several years ago, we considered a diesel machine just for the convenience of refuelling from the farm tank, but everyone we consulted advised against it.

“The Honda’s petrol engine is quieter and more powerful, and even when we are lambing and it’s used all day we only get through 10 litres of fuel. It’s very economical for the amount of work it does, so the cost of petrol and having to refill cans at a nearby garage aren’t significant factors.”

Excellent dealer back-up

Andrew said that although all the Honda ATVs have been extremely reliable, the local dealer’s back-up has been just as good a reason to remain with the brand. “The first Honda was purchased from Rafferty Newman 27 years ago, and the team there has supplied and looked after every machine we have owned since. It’s a family-owned business, like ours, and we are still dealing with

Dealer Principal Mick Challen and his son Joe for sales advice. Mick’s other son James, and Tom Mercer are our main contacts for parts and servicing. We are lucky having the depot just a few miles away, but the team there has a superb reputation for looking after customers who are further away too. They really are brilliant.”

Essential role

The Honda’s main roles include transporting supplies and equipment on the front and rear load racks, towing a livestock trailer and putting out and taking down electric fencing using a mounted Rappa winding system. Andrew said that the ATV’s unrivalled ability to travel across soft, wet ground without causing damage on its low-pressure flotation tyres means it can be used when other farm vehicles wouldn’t be suitable. “I won’t drive on soft grass fields in my 4x4 pick-up if it can be avoided, and although the tractor is essential for some tasks it’s not used every day and works far fewer hours annually than the Honda. The cost of updating the ATV every three years has risen as the price of the new models has increased, but it’s still the most cost-effective machine on the farm.”

Unbeatable for fencing

“Using the ATV-mounted fence winder, we can put up or take down up to 10km of fencing per day,” said Andrew. “Electric fences are essential for strip-grazing the stubble turnips and most of our grass grazing lacks permanent fencing good enough to keep small livestock in, so the ATV with the Rappa winding unit is essential.”

Animal welfare

During the lambing season, Andrew spends up to 15 hours per day riding the Honda. “Checking the ewes and lambs is a full-time job and the ATV is the most effective and efficient means of getting closer to the sheep when they are dispersed across the fields,” he observed. “When we are on foot then they scatter before we can get near enough to check them thoroughly, but they tend to ignore the ATV so we can travel between them and have a good look, with our sheepdogs riding in the trailer or on the ATV load rack. The trailer is ideal as a portable pen for sheep needing assistance or treatment, and they can be brought back to the yard in it too.”

Comfort and versatility

Andrew describes his current TRX520FA6 as the

best Honda so far. “The suspension is excellent, and the ride quality is far superior to earlier models, which is especially noticeable after spending most of the day in the seat,” he said. “Several years ago, Honda introduced power steering and this made a big difference, reducing fatigue, and making the machines much easier to ride. The dual-mode transmission is a useful feature too. In automatic mode, gears are selected to suit the travel speed and working conditions, but I often prefer manual operation which allows me to shift gears using push buttons on the handlebar. I can anticipate changes in terrain and choose suitable gears in advance. It’s a good system.”

Selectable 2wd and 4wd is also a benefit. “We couldn’t manage without 4wd when the fields are wet, but we use 2wd in the yard which makes the steering lighter and reduces tyre wear,” commented Andrew.

No reason to change brands or dealer

Andrew said that he has no intention of moving away from the Honda brand, or his local dealer. “Considering its workload, no other machine on the farm is better value or as cost-effective and we remain convinced that nothing rivals the Honda in terms of performance or reliability. My father and I operate a low-input farming system to remain competitive and we would really struggle without our Honda.

“The service from the Rafferty Newman team is also a big factor, and if we have a problem then we know it will be sorted quickly. However, our original 1996 Foreman TRX400 remains on the farm, and is available as a back-up machine if needed.”

Pull-out quotes

‘Our original 1996 Honda Foreman TRX400 remains on the farm, and is available as a back-up machine if needed,’ – Hampshire livestock farmer, Andrew Snow.

‘The cost of updating the ATV every three years has risen as the price of the new models has increased, but it’s still the most cost-effective machine on the farm,’ – Hampshire livestock farmer, Andrew Snow.

‘We continued to choose Honda as we want the best possible reliability and performance for livestock work,’ – Hampshire livestock farmer, Andrew Snow.

Suzuki announces new trade-in offer

Suzuki GB has recently announced a fantastic new trade-in offer on its range of KingQuad ATVs which will enable customers to get 10% off the RRP of a new Suzuki by trading in any brand of quad bike in part exchange.

Suzuki’s range currently comprises of three versatile models; the KingQuad 500 and 500XP as well as the KingQuad 750XP (XP denotes power steering). These robust utility ATVs are the

culmination of years of refinement and their high levels of technical specification and ease of handling give riders confidence on any terrain, making them suitable for several applications including hill and lowland farming, estate management and use on equestrian properties.

Suzuki’s position as one of the leading suppliers of ATVs to the UK agricultural and land-management markets has been further strengthened by a new security package that includes the CESAR forensic marking system from Datatag and a Thatcham accredited tracking and immobiliser system from Datatool.

The Suzuki trademark is recognised by people throughout the world as a brand whose products offer quality, innovation, reliability, and originality. Suzuki stands behind this global symbol with a determination to maintain this confidence in the future, never ceasing in its efforts to develop ‘value-packed products’ with a focus on the customer.

And this certainly rings true for Suzuki’s ATV division. Back in 1983 the QuadRunner 125 was the ATV that started an industry! It was the first ever production 4-wheel ATV and became a top-seller. This ATV boasted a

friendly design that was easy to use and an outstanding cost-performance ratio. It was to be the catalyst that started a future of 4-wheel ATV technology.

Today, Suzuki continues to bring class-leading technology to the market as well as customerfocussed value propositions such as this trade-in offer.

Mark Beeley, Head of Marine & ATV for Suzuki GB said, “We are proud to be able to work in

partnership with our national network of expert Dealers to offer customers this trade-in option. We currently have good stock availability on all models ready to satisfy the anticipated uplift in demand during this key buying period for farmers and landowners.”

The new trade-in offer is available at participating Dealers only until the end of September. To find your local Dealer, you can use the Dealer locator on Suzuki’s website: https://atv.suzuki.co.uk/find-a-dealer/

Free Helmet with every ATV sold by Honda’s Biggest Dealer, in support of #WearItandShareIt

Afree helmet will be given to all new ATV owners by the UK's biggest Honda motorcycle dealer and a supplier of ATVs, Doble Motorcycles, in support of the National Association of Agricultural Contractor’s (NAAC) #WearItandShareItcampaign to get everyone to ride safer and wear a helmet.

The NAAC has raised the question of why anyone would choose to ride or deliberately send a worker or family member out on a job with a sit-astride ATV, with no helmet, knowing there is a real and proven risk of loss of life, which could easily be reduced by using a helmet.

Commenting, Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive, said, ‘We are delighted that Doble Motorcycles has taken the initiative to make everyone safer. In the last five years, ATVs were involved in 14 deaths in agriculture- the most significant cause of deaths involving moving vehicles in our industry. There is a need to take positive action to help prevent such incidents, and Dobles is being proactive to try and save lives.’

We need a shift in attitude to ensure that every time anyone gets on a sit-astride ATV, they automatically put a helmet on. Doble's action will help remove any excuses.

Philip Stewart, Doble Motorcycles said, ‘We are honoured to unite with the NAAC's

#WearItandShareIt initiative, advocating for riders to wear helmets while riding ATVs. Honda ATVs represent a small part of the backbone of the agricultural sector, playing a pivotal role in day-to-day operations. However, the true heartbeat of the industry is the individuals who are riding the machines and we want them to be safe while carrying out their vital work. We encourage every rider to make sure they are fully trained in how to operate these fantastic machines, and furthermore we are delighted to offer a highquality helmet with every purchase of a new Honda ATV. Both the ATV and helmet can be

delivered nationwide and we hope that anyone interested in this offer or Honda ATVs in general, will get in touch through our website, social media channels or come directly to us in Coulsdon, Surrey.’

Of course, simply wearing a helmet will not keep everyone fully protected and it is vitally important to ensure that anyone riding an ATV is competent and trained to handle the machine. Training is crucial because it covers essential active riding techniques necessary for the safe operation of the ATV.

Take on any terrain with Kawasaki’s proven Mule Pro MX

Whether it is working on the farm or transporting materials across construction sites, having the right equipment is essential. The Kawasaki Mule Pro MX delivers the rugged, reliable and adaptable attributes that will help you take on any terrain.

Designed to work hard, the robust Mule Pro MX. Powered by a torqueladen 700cc CVT singlecylinder engine, the Pro MX offers 32.8 kW {45 PS} / 6,000 rpm, guaranteeing a fun-to-drive vehicle that can easily hail cargo for work or weekend fun. The spacious cargo bed is able to carry up to 317 kgs 700 lbs, making chores or hauling gear a breeze.

Measuring 2795mm long and

For more information

1525mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2005mmthe Mule Pro MX is the perfect mid-sized vehicle, offering superb manoeuvrability and mobility that ensures it can negotiate the tightest of trails. To maximise comfort, the all-

effect on the chassis.

Of course, these workhorses are designed to be used throughout the year in all conditions. That is why the Pro MX is equipped with 25” tyres on 12” rims, guaranteeing fantastic off-road traction and ground clearance. Strong and reliable front and rear disc brakes provide effective braking, especially when combined with the Mule pro MX’s proven engine braking.

terrain vehicle features double-wishbone suspension at the front and rear, enabling the Kawasaki to easily traverse obstacles and elevations with minimum

While its performance is unmatched, Kawasaki has also focused on making the Mule pro MX model as accessible and user-friendly as possible. Coming equipped with doors as standard, users will be protected from mud and puddles, while a 5.3 litre

storage bin underneath the passenger seat ensures that there is plenty of space to securely store all of your belongings.

Bright digital instrumentation ensures you can always see essential information at a glance and the console also comes prepped for an accessory audio system. The multi-function display is built directly into the dash and features an array of insight, including:

• Driving mode (2WD/ 4WD) indicator

• Digital speedometer

• Digital fuel gauge

• Clock odometer

• Dual trip meters

• Hour meter

• Differential indicator lamp

• Check engine lamp

• Electric Power Steering warning lamp

• Water temperature warning lamp

• Seatbelt warning lamp

• Parking indicator lamp

• Reverse indicator lamp

• Neutral indicator lamp

The contoured bench seat complements the body and provides ample space and comfort for two adults at a time. Kawasaki’s high-grade Electric Power Steering (EPS) is speed-sensitive, providing users with light steering at low speeds and tightened steering at higher

speeds. It can also work to enhance rider comfort by acting as a damping system, reducing the bumps and kickbacks created as you go along bumpy terrain. Drivers are also able to set the position of the steering wheel to not only suit their preference but also to lift it out of the way when getting in and out of the vehicle. An electrically selectable 2WD/ 4WD and dual mode rear differential system ensures quick and simple changing to suit the changing terrain.

Since its launch, the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX has established itself as one of the leaders in utility vehicles, used by farm workers, gamekeepers, construction workers and event workers across the globe. More information on the MULE pro MX can be found at www. kawasaki.co.uk

Delivering all the rugged, reliable and adaptable attributes that Kawasaki’s MULE utility vehicle brand is justi ably famous for, the Kawasaki MULE PRO-MX range relies not only on a torque laden 700cc CVT single-cylinder equipped engine but also bene ts from the Shinari design philosophy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO FIND YOUR LOCAL KAWASAKI DEALER, VISIT WWW.KAWASAKI.CO.UK

New Junior Model Joins

Yamaha’s Comprehensive ATV and Side-by-Side Range

Yamaha Motor Europe is driven by the desire to inspire and help users live their emotions, from the customer-centric brand promise “Revs your heart” to the concept ofkando, “feeling at one with the machine”, that guides the design of every product. The brand’s dedication to superior engineering, quality and reliability of its products pair with a cultural force to learn, innovate and grow as a manufacturer. From motorcycles to outboard engines, from Light Weight Vehicles to WaveRunners, every range is crafted with the user in mind.

Nowhere is this customercentricity clearer than in Yamaha’s use of segmentation. Dividing each product range into dedicated segments serves as a supportive guide to help customers identify the machine that is going to give them most pleasure and be their perfect partner in work or play.

New for 2024 in the ATV and Side-by-Side range

One of the stars of the 2024 show is the brand new YFM110R. This ATV is designed for kids aged 10 and above and aims to further improve on the wildly popular YFM90R. This new model balances the impressive power and responsiveness of a 112cc fuel-injected engine with safety features to give parents total peace of mind. Kids get the best possible preparation to become adult racers, whilst their accompanying adults get a hefty dose of reassurance from parental controls, parking brakes and easy-to-maintain engineering.

Also new this year is the Wolverine®RMAX™4 1000 LE, which features a rugged painted body and limitededition graphics, stylishly complemented by the painted interior and colour matched cut-and-sew seats. Unique D-Mode with Sport, Trail and Crawl modes, 29” Carnage tyres, and FOX® 2.0 iQS in-cabin adjustable shocks make up an extensive package of enhancements.

Other Wolverines designed to catch the eye and

capture the hearts of adventurous souls are two new special editions. The Wolverine® X2 850 SE and Wolverine® X4 850 SE both now come equipped with rugged radial tyres, a heavy-duty factory installed winch, advanced suspension, rear-view mirror, colour matched wheels, and a stylish paint and graphic scheme.

The Utility Segment#DRIVENBYRESULTS

The Utility segment is all about getting the job done; whether that’s scrambling across rutted farm tracks, working in the wilds of the forest or reliable performance in industrial plants. Rugged, steadfast and powerful, these dependable vehicles provide high-end engineering, comfort and incredible durability for assured performance that lets riders take joy from their work every day of the year.

The 2024 range of four-wheel drives features exciting new colours and graphics for a refreshed look to these utility classics. The legendary Kodiak is a straight-up workhorse for those who need a tough and versatile vehicle that pairs performance and reliability. The Viking is a functionality-rich, durable Side-by-Side, with a

spacious three-seat layout that is ideal for transporting small teams who need to be in sync.

2024 models include:

• Viking EPS

• Kodiak 700 EPS SE

• Kodiak 700 EPS

• Kodiak 450 EPS SE

• Kodiak 450 EPS

• Kodiak 450

The Leisure Segment#DRIVENBYFREEDOM

For the fun lovers and the thrill seekers, Yamaha’s range of Leisure ATVs and Side-by-Sides open up a whole new world of possibilities for time off. From exciting weekend explorations in the forest to memorable mountain moments pushing adventurous spirits to the max, this segment is all about enjoyment, freedom and incredible experiences in the great outdoors.

2024 models include:

• Wolverine® RMAX™4 1000 LE (NEW)

• Wolverine® RMAX™2 1000 LE

• Wolverine® RMAX™2 1000

• Wolverine®X4 850 SE (NEW)

• Wolverine® X2 850 SE(NEW)

• Grizzly 700 EPS XT-R

• Grizzly 700 EPS

The Sport Segment#DRIVENBYVICTORY

For the ultimate in heart pumping performance, Yamaha’s Sport segment ATVs and Side-by-Sides are designed for those#DRIVENBYVICTORY. For off road track racers, adrenaline junkies and those who think fast is fun, these are the dream machines.

For the younger thrill seeker, Yamaha’s Junior ATV’s are the perfect choice for any kid#DRIVENBYFUN. These pint-sized powerhouses provide endless excitement and entertainment, whilst also being easy to maintain and simple to use.

2024 models include:

• YXZ1000R SS

• YXZ1000R

• YFM700R SE

• YFZ450R SE

• YFZ450R

• YFM110R (NEW)

• YFZ50

Yamaha Genuine Accessories & Apparel

When it comes to choosing a part, accessory or clothing, serious riders only choose genuine Yamaha products, perfectly crafted to match Yamaha’s ATVs and Side-by-Sides.

Riders can choose from the widest range of accessories for the Utility, Leisure, and Sport models, each perfectly matching the users needs, offering a perfect fit for the customer’s machine and the highest level of quality and performance.

Dress to impress with the full range of Yamaha Off Road clothing, including distinctive jerseys, gloves and more, plus dedicated ATV riding gear.

Making Dreams a Reality. Configure the Perfect ATV and Side-by-Side Vehicles.

Yamaha’s unique configurator is a dedicated and immersive digital playground that allows riders to bring their vision of the ideal Sport, Leisure or Utility vehicle to life. The customer-centric configurator allows riders to personalise their Yamaha product by browsing and choosing the exact combination of accessories they want. They can then get a quotation from a dealer of their choice in a couple of clicks. When the rider is ready to make their dream a reality, the dealers have the exact design to hand for the precise configuration of the vehicle. The Yamaha configurator is available via the Yamaha website or Yamaha’s MyGarage App.

Ultimate Customer-Centricity & Comprehensiveness for ATV and Side-by-Side Vehicles

The 2024 range of ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles represents a comprehensive and customer-centric offering. From speedy Sports machines, via rugged Utility vehicles, adventure fuelling Leisure models and even rides for the little ones, Yamaha stays truly connected to what customers really care about.

HiSun – make the smart move, and switch to electric T

he innovative range of HiSun lithium-ionpowered electric utility vehicles is designed to work just as hard, if not harder, than traditional fuel-powered machines. There are four models, 5 kW, 7.5 kW, 15 kW and a 4-seater 15 kW.

The move to electric UTVs offers many benefits over petrolpowered machines. There is no compromise on power, with these latest lithium-ion UTVs providing all the power needed for use in tough, off-road conditions. They are free from harmful carbon emissions, which supports the shift to a virtually zero-carbon economy in the drive to tackle climate change and reduce global warming.

These multi-functional, hardworking machines are ideal for applications in farming and agriculture. Due to their compact size, they are versatile and convenient for many farm chores that larger vehicles are not suited for; transporting feed to livestock in remote areas, hauling equipment, towing, ploughing and harrowing.

The top-of-the-range Sector 15

kW has all the power and torque to tackle the most challenging terrains. With the ability to climb steep slopes, the Sector 15 easily handles 30-degree plus inclines in forward and reverse. When the going gets tough, you can switch to selectable fourwheel drive with rear/front diff locks to tackle difficult terrain.

The 4-seater version of the 15 kW UTV can transport up to four passengers, carry machinery and equipment and easily tow heavy loads. The lithium-ion technology batteries that power both models are designed for longer run times, and a single charge will keep the UTV working for a full day.

Like its bigger brother, the Sector 7.5 kW is a reliable, everyday machine capable of tackling many tasks, whatever the weather. The open cargo bed will carry up to 280 kg/ 67 lbs, ideal for transporting everything from logs, hay, tools and equipment.

The smallest of the lithium-ion powered models, the 5 kW UTV still has the power and torque to climb slopes over 30 degrees. The longer run times of the lithium-ion batteries will keep this reliable worker going for up to 44* miles on a single charge.

There is also a 49-volt dry cell battery model, the Vector E1.

Producing 27 hp, the Vector E1 is powerful enough to go over the toughest terrain without all the noise of petrol-powered engines. Selectable 4-wheel drive, nitrogen-assisted independent suspension and four-wheel hydraulic brakes add to the Vector’s all-terrain credentials.

All models have the option of the DFK fully enclosed cab kit that includes a glass windscreen with wash/wipe, rear screen, metal roof, and lockable doors so that the UTVs can be customised

depending on customer requirements.

Choosing electric power offers huge savings in fuel costs, with an overnight charge costing around £1*. There is also the bonus of no road tax, as electric UTVs can be used both on and off-road. Electric UTVs are usually cheaper to service and maintain with no engine and fewer parts to service.

The quiet electric motor is a key attribute making these machines ideal for driving near animals or

in areas where noise must be kept to a minimum. An electric UTV has no gearbox, so acceleration is smoother, making for a more comfortable ride.

HiSun vehicles are supported and distributed in the UK by Barrus Ltd. For more information visit www.barrus.co.uk, call 01869 363665, or email vehicle@barrus.co.uk

*Figures quoted are intended as a guide only. Cost/mileage would be dependent on usage and conditions.

- Supported by Barrus

What’s on your UTV ‘wants’ list?

Balancing loads on front and rear racks, sitting astride a saddle, having no room for a passenger and being fully exposed to the elements – while the ordinary ATV also has its benefits, there are plenty of downsides to the ‘quad bike’ design. So the side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV) alternative, with its full load bed, conventional seating for more than just the driver, and either cab frame or full cab, offers many advantages. But with a number of machines on the market from which to choose, selecting the right UTV for farm use can be a difficult task. Separating out the models with design features clearly built to withstand the rigours of agriculture is a worthwhile exercise.

A diesel engine that offers both power and economy is a given on most lists of ‘wants’, saving trips to the fuel station for petrol and providing the torque needed to climb hills and clamber over tough going. With Kioti’s K9, the successor to the popular Mechron, a three-cylinder powerplant, built by the same manufacturer as the machine itself, provides efficiency and energy in equal measure, along with the reliability for which South Korean engineering has become synonymous. Minimal fuel stops are another prerequisite for any agricultural vehicle, and with 37 litres of diesel capacity, the K9 is capable of long days without refuelling.

Surefooted traction and a decent turn of speed with a comfortable ride are also on the agricultural ‘wants’ list, and the K9 meets the bill here with a twin-range CVT transmission that provides smooth take-off and slow-down. There is also quickly-selectable 2/4wd and a locking rear diff, plus a helical spring/stabiliser arm suspension arrangement that cushions the driver/passengers and the load in rough going. And for smoother terrain, the K9’s top speed is a rapid 40km/hr (25mph).

A UTV engine also needs to provide the guts to shift a full payload with ease,

and the K9 doesn’t disappoint here. The 1.0-litre powerplant produces 24hp, more than enough to shift the machine’s 0.5-tonne load capacity with ease, meaning it is competent and capable of handling typical agricultural loads of fencing stakes, spare parts, slug pellet bags and more. A urethane coating ensures long-term bed protection, while options include hydraulic tipping – mechanical tipping is standard. For additional items there’s an optional storage box under the hood.

Of course, one of the most important features of a UTV is its ability to carry more than one person legally, safely and in comfort. The Kioti K9 features two full seats with an optional smaller mid-seat, all with safety belts. A full rollover frame with roof is standard, while options include a windscreen, halfdoors and, for maximum weather protection, a full cab package with heating. Full road lighting and mirrors are standard, as is front bull-bar protection to guard against the knocks and scrapes that are unavoidable in agriculture.

A vehicle aimed at satisfying the demands of agricultural buyers needs to be universal in what it can carry, and to this end the K9 is available with a

• Urethane coated load space for long lasting protection

• Homologated for road use

wide range of rear fitments, such as a galvanised livestock canopy ideal for transporting lambs. There are also hitch hooks at both the rear and the front of the machine, making it possible to not only pull a variety of trailed implements, but also manoeuvre equipment around the yard. Meanwhile, on the options list is an external hydraulic outlet, for even greater versatility –powering a tipping trailer, for example. The K9 has a maximum towing load of 590kg, helping to more than double its carrying capacity.

Stability and manoeuvrability are also essential factors for an agriculturallytargeted UTV. With a width of 1,590mm, the K9 can squeeze through tight door-, passage- and gateways, while ground clearance of 304mm ensures it rides over rough terrain with ease.

For all their uses off-road, UTVs are often also called upon to travel on the

Think

road between tasks in different fields, and for this, of course, road homologation is a must. With the Kioti K9, that’s not an issue, as the machine is fully homologated for road use. And like every machine on the farm, reliability is critical to ensure uninterrupted work. Kioti UK, which recently moved to brand new premises

in a central and accessible location close to Huntingdon, and has a dealer network of more than 80 outlets, now provides a full two years’ warranty for the K9, with unlimited hours. Along with a specification that more than matches agricultural needs, that’s another factor in favour of the K9 on many farmers’ UTV ‘wants’ lists.

GET GROOVY WITH ISUZU UK WHEN NEW 73-PLATE HITS THE STREETS

Isuzu UK, the leading distributor of Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks in the United Kingdom, is thrilled to announce the new communications campaign following the upcoming ‘73’ registration number available in the market from the 1st of September 2023.

To celebrate the new 73-plate, Isuzu UK is launching a funky fresh marketing campaign featuring none other than the legendary Disco Dave. Coming right back from the 70s, the ‘life of the party’ character is going to dance and pose with the newest D-Max range as he takes centre stage to promote the new ‘73’ registration number. The campaign captures the essence of Isuzu UK's far-out spirit, innovation, sense of fun and adventure.

In addition to this engaging campaign, Isuzu UK is delighted to announce the availability of the New-Look Isuzu D-Max range, featuring the ‘73’ registration number. Customers can now place their orders and experience the unparalleled performance and reliability that

the nifty Isuzu DMax is renowned for. The awardwinning range boasts a host of impressive features, including cutting-edge technology, enhanced safety systems, and sleek design elements. With its robust capabilities, the foxy D-Max is the perfect companion for any adventure, whether tackling off-road terrains or cruising through city streets with confidence.

Commenting on the upcoming launch, George Wallis, Head of Marketing, Isuzu UK, expressed his excitement “The introduction of the new registration number always means a lot of new customers boogie on down to dealerships. With Disco Dave leading the campaign, we are confident that the good

For more information on the out-of-sight Isuzu D-Max range, please visit www.isuzu.co.uk or your fab local Isuzu dealer.

vibes, energy and enthusiasm surrounding this groovy latest chapter will be truly infectious."

BMW unveils exclusive new partnership with Wilderness Reserve

BMW UK is pleased to announce a new partnership with Wilderness Reserve, a collection of restored properties in rural Suffolk. From July, guests who book to stay at any of the 18 properties across the 8,000-acre estate at Wilderness Reserve will have the opportunity to experience a complimentary allelectric BMW to use at their leisure and throughout the duration of their stay.

Wilderness Reserve is fully committed to sustainability and low impact ways of travelling. Ahead of each stay, guests will have the opportunity to pre-book the spacious fully electric BMW iX or the sporty BMW i4 Gran Coupé, which can be used both on and off site, giving them the freedom to explore the grounds of the estate and surrounding Suffolk countryside.

Wilderness Reserve is an 8,000-acre estate comprising of woodland, lakes and rolling pasture, sprinkled with an eclectic collection of historic and traditional Suffolk properties. Lovingly restored by artisans, each home has a unique character. From the grand Grade I listed manor house and restored 15th century barn, to charming, thatched cottages and romantic retreats,

Wilderness Reserve is a long-term conservation and restoration project - protecting English nature and breathing new life into historic properties. The reserve has created over 40 unique activities for guests to enjoy that truly make the most of their open space, lakes and surrounding woodland.

James Morrison, General Manager, BMW UK Events & Partnership said: "We're excited to unveil our partnership with Wilderness Reserve, a collaboration that embodies our mutual commitment to sustainability and luxury. Guests at Wilderness Reserve will have the opportunity to discover Suffolk in the comfort of the all-electric BMW iX and i4 models, enjoying the height of luxury and advanced technology that defines the BMW brand and we can't wait to hear the feedback from the first guests in the coming days."

Harry Hunt, Director of Wilderness Reserve adds: "We are thrilled to be launching this partnership with BMW, offering our guests the oportunity to experience a selection of BMW's latest all-electric vehicles during their stay. We are fully committed to ensuring our unforgettable experiences offered at Wilderness Reserve go hand-in-hand with our sustainable mindset, and we can't wait to see our guests experience the joy of driving an all-electric BMW whilst re-charging in the beautiful Suffolk landscape.

Back pain at the wheel? GEM shares tips for more comfortable journeys

Small changes to posture and driving position could make driving more comfortable, according to road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist.

Discomfort and lower back pain are frequent complaints reported by drivers, but GEM says there are often simple solutions that can make a big difference for comfort and safety.

GEM has compiled a line-up of tips to help drivers and passengers enjoy more comfortable journeys. These are based on the process of ageing and how it can affect our ability to get in and out of the car, or drive around safely and in comfort.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth says: “As human beings we were not built to sit in a constrained posture, sometimes for long periods of time. No wonder this so often leads to stiffness and reduced mobility, especially among older drivers.

“Common complaints include lower back pain, stiff neck, foot cramps, sore shoulders and finger cramp.

“We are keen to help drivers by sharing a few simple tips that will help reduce – and hopefully eliminate – any pains or discomfort while driving.”

The Autumn edition of GEM’s highly acclaimed member magazine Good Motoring includes a detailed look at ways of alleviating back pain. It’s part of a long-running series on driver wellbeing created by health journalist Susie Kearley.

“Regular breaks on journeys are so important,” explains Susie. “Getting out of the car, walking about and stretching will help to relieve any muscles feeling the strain.

“Take a break whenever you feel your back muscles tightening. The more you stop and move, the less likely you are to end up with back pain.

“If you stretch and move before and after your journey, this can be helpful too, particularly if you’re prone to back problems.

GEM is committed to helping every driver stay as safe as possible. As Neil Worth concludes, reducing back pain is a key part of improving safety.

“Discomfort at the wheel can be a serious distraction on a journey, so it is vital to take whatever steps are necessary to reduce or remove back pain, allowing a driver to focus fully on the driving task.”

GEM’s tips for safer, more comfortable car journeys:

Planning

Take the time to plan any long journeys or trips on unfamiliar roads. Build in time for frequent breaks.

Position

Adjust your seat to ensure you can reach and fully press the pedals without your back moving away from the back of the seat. Keep some bend in your knees, as having them too straight can

cause pain.

Posture

Try not to slouch in the driving seat, as this is a common cause of back pain. Leaning forward can increase pressure on the back muscles and spine, so good posture is particularly important on long journeys.

Pockets

Empty your back pockets before getting into the car. A mobile phone or wallet pushing into your lower back can misalign your spine and cause unnecessary pain.

Good Motoring, the quarterly magazine for members of GEM Motoring Assist, was first published in 1935. The Autumn 2023 edition will be published on 31 August.

Keep up to date with GEM Motoring Assist at:

Twitter: @motoringassist

Facebook: @gemmotoringassist

Instagram: @gem_ motoringassist

LinkedIn: @gem-motoringassist-limited

Honda has confirmed the pricing and specifications for the new CR-V e:HEV and e:PHEV – following their European unveil in May.

CR-V e:HEV | e:PHEV – Orders open from Monday 14th August

Starting from £45,895* OTR or £539 per month**

The sixth generation of the CR-V debuts later this year with a bolder appearance and class-leading levels of practicality, combined with exceptional connectivity and comfort. The popular C-segment

SUV will be available with either a full hybrid (e:HEV) or, for the first time in Europe, a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) powertrain, delivering dynamic performance and efficiency across the range – and in the case of the latter, up to 50 miles of all-electric range.

Behind its new design, the latest CR-V is now wider, longer, and taller than the outgoing model – with its 40mm longer wheelbase helping to create more interior space, including 16mm more rear legroom and an 18 per cent increase in luggage capacity.

Greater road presence is offered by a more aggressive front-end, distinguishing e:HEV and e:PHEV variants by their own exclusive grille

design. The thin headlights and new signature daytime running lights combine to enhance this visual appeal further, while at the rear, the vertical brake light and turn signal combination is a smart upgrade of the instantly recognisable CRV taillight design.

In addition, this will be the first European model to feature Honda SENSING 360; an omnidirectional safety and driver assist system which removes blind spots around the vehicle. This contributes to collision avoidance and alleviates driver burden, making it the next step in Honda’s bold ambition to bring traffic collision fatalities involving its automobiles and motorcycles to zero by 2050.

“The CR-V is an integral part of Honda’s heritage, and the latest iteration further builds on its excellent reputation. It delivers the performance, comfort and versatility that Honda customers have come to expect,” says Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK. “Along with a new sophisticated design, luxurious interior and intuitive technology. For the first time, this SUV is also available in either a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrain, catering to a wider range of customer lifestyles and requirements.”

Pricing for full CR-V e:HEV (hybrid) and CR-V e:PHEV (Plug-in hybrid) range is as follows:

• CR-V Elegance (FHEV) - From £45,895.00 OTR or from £539.00 PCP

• CR-V Advance (FHEV) – From £48,995.00 OTR or from £589.00 PCP

• CR-V Advance Tech (PHEV) - From £53,995.00 OTR or from £679.00 PCP

Further pricing, finance and specification details for the CR-V are available at https://www.honda.co.uk/ cars/new/cr-v-hybrid-suv/overview.html

HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems), an innovator in zeroemission commercial vehicles, has unveiled a five-point plan outlining the key steps required to realise the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered HGVs and a call to action to drive the transition to a hydrogen economy.

adoption of hydrogen HGVs, alongside commitments to support the development of new H2 technology, green hydrogen infrastructure and revisions to regulations.

“HGVs are the second largest contributors to UK transport emissions. Whilst they make up just 1.5% of all vehicles on our roads, they contribute a disproportionate 19% of all vehicle emissions. With their numbers increasing, their emissions are likely to increase. Our roadmap shows how the haulage industry can seamlessly move from fossil-fuelled fleets to green hydrogen HGVs, enabling the UK to remain competitive globally and ensuring climate change goals are met.”

necessary transition.

2. Legislation and regulatory framework changes

HVS has identified and is calling for clarity on detailed timescales, supported by policy incentives to encourage early adoption of vehicles. This includes changes to legislation, green hydrogen production subsidies and commitments to infrastructure development, as well as support for workforce training.

HVS’ roadmap aims to propel the industry forward, enabling more rapid decarbonisation of the goods delivery sector, and helping the UK to meet its commitment to achieving net-zero targets.

Jawad Khursheed, CEO of HVS commented: “HVS' hydrogen technology holds a major key in supporting governmental emissions reduction targets, both here in the UK and in Europe, through the decarbonisation of the heavy goods sector. However, change in this market is not happening quickly enough – which is why, today, we are unveiling this five-point plan, outlining a roadmap that will accelerate the transition to hydrogen HGV fleets.

“This industry desperately needs clarity from the UK government on incentives to encourage the early

1. Incentives

Governments must implement a package of support measures that provide operators with incentives and offer clarity on actual costs to generate confidence to invest in new fleets. Providing incentives, such as financial support and emissions-based vehicle purchasing, would strengthen the economic case to drive faster uptake thus bridging the gap between diesel and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

HVS has already proposed a ‘pay-as-you-pollute’ initiative by replacing fuel duty with a carbon emissions related price. This approach would ensure a more equitable distribution of environmental and social costs of burning fossil fuels, compared to clean low carbon, sustainable alternatives.

The industry is very close to achieving cost parity with diesel and a relatively small package of measures will be sufficient to reduce uncertainty and drive the

The reliance on diesel-powered HGVs, which account for 96% of the fleet currently in operation, means there is pressing urgency for change. If there is no pathway to transition provided now, we risk locking-in carbon emissions of new diesel vehicles, which will operate for the next 10 years.

To prevent this, governments and local authorities must provide clear commitments to supporting the transition by setting ambitious carbon reduction targets and adopting sector-specific goals.

Across the UK and Europe,

governments could look to enact increasing the 2030 CO2 emissions cut target from 45% to 65% and establish definitive phase-out dates for internal combustion engine heavy trucks. By setting a reasonable timeline and sticking to it would give the industry time to plan for the transition, and provide manufacturers, fleet operators, and other stakeholders clarity, assurance, and direction in how to

act and invest. However, targets without supporting policy measures are insufficient.

There is a further measure that needs to be urgently addressed: the regulations surrounding the transportation of hydrogen. These were defined for smaller market volumes and shorter delivery distances. However, with the emergence of new materials that allow for increased capacities and improved payload capabilities of hydrogen trailers, as well as the need to facilitate hydrogen delivery at larger scales, it is imperative to revise and adapt these existing standards accordingly. At present, it is not possible to haul a hydrogen tube trailer containing bulk hydrogen with anything other than a diesel tractor unit. An absurd position as the early adopters will most definitely include the hydrogen infrastructure providers.

3. Green hydrogen production

The UK has made commendable progress in decarbonising its electricity industry, but to maintain momentum and be a potential world leader, it must take advantage of further renewable resources.

HVS calls on the UK Government to ramp up support for the increased production of renewable energy and channel these efforts into green hydrogen production. This will enable infrastructure investors to scale up, driving down hydrogen costs which in turn reduce the TCO for hydrogen-

powered HGVs. As the rollout of H2 infrastructure continues and demand increases, the price of sustainable renewable hydrogen is expected to reach and then be below parity with diesel, further driving its adoption.

Tax and support regimes also play a vital role, as even a slight shift in the relative price of renewable hydrogen compared to diesel could realise high-load, highmileage HGVs transition earlier, resulting in significant carbon emission reductions by eliminating the worst polluting vehicles.

HVS and its strategic investor, Euro Garages (EG) Group, are working closely to ensure a reliable supply of green H2. It is crucial for confidence that government provide for full and transparent certification of the fuel source to the needs of early adopters who prioritise low-carbon and sustainable transport and provide for a method to monetise the carbon credit for displacement of diesel.

4. Infrastructure

There is a current lack of third-party supplied infrastructure for both electric and hydrogen vehicles.

HVS has undertaken a heat map analysis of the UK logistics road network and estimates that as little as seven strategically located hydrogen refuelling stations would be required to serve most HGV movements in the motorway distribution network. Initially, these refuelling stations could be mobile, catering to small or regional deployments, and then later transition to fixed structures to accommodate growing demand.

The scalable rollout of hydrogen refilling stations also provides a solution for other potential users, including cars and vans. HVS collaborates closely with its strategic investor, Euro Garages (EG) Group, which already has a significant network of existing refuelling forecourts. By focussing first on long-haul HGVs joining together regional hubs and the collaboration with a station operator completely solves the chicken-and-egg situation of

hydrogen deployment for vehicles and ultimately other uses.

To support the transition, HVS recognises the importance of a skilled workforce. Investment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) cultivates and promotes R&D initiatives, and provides opportunities for collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

STEM experts offer invaluable support with expertise spanning across R&D, engineering, design, and production – all elements that contribute to innovation, economic development, and a more secure future for hydrogen.

Training and education programs are essential to establish a capable workforce at both the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and tier 1 supplier levels. These programs focus on building

the expertise needed to manufacture and maintain fleets of commercial hydrogen-electric vehicles. STEM education and specialised training will help professionals play a significant role in educating and training the future workforce in the hydrogen transportation industry.

HVS, through the pioneering development of its groundbreaking hydrogen HGV is driving the hydrogen transition and will deliver a greener future for the heavy goods vehicle industry. The proposals and call for support of this five-point plan aim to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen HGVs, provide solutions to the climate challenges we face, and ultimately create a truly sustainable transportation sector.

5. STEM skilled workforce and training

Isuzu UK, the leading distributor of Isuzu D-Max pick-ups in the United Kingdom, is proud to announce a groundbreaking strategic move towards the lifestyle and adventure market. With a profound commitment to innovation and meeting customer demands, the brand is now embracing a wider audience of adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers, expanding beyond traditional segments.

This bold evolution in Isuzu's brand positioning stems from a thorough understanding of the changing consumer landscape and a growing appetite for lifestyle-driven vehicles. The brand's decision to embrace the lifestyle and adventure market was met with tremendous success, especially with its signature model, the awardwinning Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, falling within the Adventure range. With its blend of ruggedness and refined features, it has become a top choice for those seeking a vehicle that complements their active and adventurous lifestyle. V-Cross is packed with all you need to shake off the working week. This substantial pick-up features Gun Metal exterior styling, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 9” multifunction colour touchscreen, and

reversing camera. With a 4x4 powertrain and a rear differential lock, it boasts exceptional off-road capabilities, providing explorers with the freedom to conquer new terrains and forge unforgettable memories on their journeys.

In 2023, together with the rest of the range, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross was updated with fresh cosmetic changes to maintain its appeal. The range-topper received significant visual enhancements, including a modernised front grille, a new alloy wheel design, an updated upholstery

design, and new colour options. The New-Look Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a combination of impressive durability, reliability, and safety.

Since the brand’s pivot towards the lifestyle and adventure market, Isuzu has witnessed a remarkable surge in D-Max V-Cross sales. The brand's commitment to producing reliable and durable vehicles, combined with a focus on enhancing the driving experience on- and off-road, has struck a chord with customers, leading to a significant increase in demand for the Adventure range.

In the first half of 2023, Isuzu UK sold more VCross pick-ups than in the whole of 2021. In July 2023, the Japanese manufacturer sold 95% more Adventure models compared to the same month in 2021. The year-to-date sales of this model in 2023 have already exceeded the total sales for 2022, and 2021, making it the fastest-growing model in the range. May of 2023 has been the strongest month in the last three years for the Adventure range, with sales taking 24% of total sales in 2023

champion, embodies the essence of adventure with a legendary reputation for conquering the racetracks and pushing the boundaries of speed and endurance. As an avid adventurer, Carl has continuously sought out new challenges, exploring uncharted territories and living life to the fullest. Continuing his partnership with Isuzu in its foray into the lifestyle and adventure sector, Carl is delighted to embrace the next chapter of thrilling escapades.

In his statement, Carl Fogarty expressed his enthusiasm for Isuzu's venture, stating, “I am thrilled to be part of this exciting journey with Isuzu as they enter the lifestyle and adventure market. Having previously had a V-Cross and now an AT35, I'm sure that the

to date. With the recent release of the New-Look D-Max V-Cross Expedition Edition, Isuzu is expecting further growth in sales numbers, reaching more explorers who need a do-it-all vehicle for their journeys.

Carl Fogarty, seven-time motorcycle racing world

D-Max is perfect for my adventures, offering unmatched reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether I'm tackling rugged terrain or seeking new thrills, I know the D-Max will be able to conquer any challenge that comes our way.”

Alan Able, Isuzu UK Managing Director, added “This strategic shift has already shown incredible promise, exemplified by the soaring success of the D-Max VCross - a true game-changer in the market. With its unmatched capabilities, it has become the go-to choice for those seeking both utility and leisure in a single, commanding package."

With the success of the D-Max V-Cross and the brand's commitment to delivering excellence, Isuzu is wellpositioned to lead the charge in the lifestyle and adventure pick-up market. This strategic move represents a testament to Isuzu's dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its customers and reinforces its status as a pioneer in the automotive industry.

Hyundai Motor Company’s all-new SANTA FE SUV debuted today through a digital world premiere with an ‘Open for More’ concept that conveys the model’s radical transformation centered on its new wide tailgate.

To commemorate the heritage and iconic significance of SANTA FE brand, which spans from its first generation to the fourth, culminating in the recently launched fifth generation, the global launch event and the world premiere filming took place in the beautiful region of Santa Fe in New Mexico, the source of inspiration for the SANTA FE brand. In the World Premiere Film, the all-new SANTA FE’s wide tailgate seamlessly connects the inside with the outside, expanding consumers’ everyday experiences. The tailgate area, once a storage space, now becomes an open terrace that can be used to effortlessly enjoy the outdoors.

The fifth-generation SANTA FE enhances the midsize SUV’s city-friendly, adventure-ready appeal with a class-leading, terrace-like living space made possible by its longer wheelbase and larger tailgate opening. The longer wheelbase also allows the new model to offer enhanced third-row seating.

Hyundai Motor broadcast the allnew SANTA FE’s digital world premiere film on company channels. Watch the video here. https://youtu.be/74mCRZl1YPI

“Since the first-generation SANTA FE’s debut 23 years ago, this iconic SUV has won the hearts of millions of customers around the world,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “The All-New Santa Fe’s bold and powerful identity, which encompasses the boundless outdoors and urban landscape, will establish an unrivaled presence in the mid-sized SUV market.”

Exterior design: Bold SUV’s powerful presence reflects a growing outdoor lifestyle trend

For SANTA FE’s first full-model change since 2018, Hyundai Motor adopted an unusual design strategy by starting from

the enlarged tailgate area to better facilitate the enjoyment of the outdoors and then moving on to design the exterior.

The new model’s efficient, boxy shape and long wheelbase help convey a powerful presence while the strong yet delicately crafted external design is wellsuited to both urban and naturefocused settings.

“The all-new Santa Fe is an SUV that finds a perfect balance between city life and the great outdoors, handling everything from busy family itineraries to camping adventures,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “With its longer wheelbase, roomy interior and terrace-like tailgate space, the new Santa Fe leans into its SUV strengths to offer more versatility than ever before with a premium customer experience.”

The all-new SANTA FE’s front makes a strong first impression thanks to its high hood, Hshaped headlamps and sharplydefined fenders. Together, the Hshaped headlamps and lower front valance design draw inspiration from the Hyundai emblem to produce a bold and distinctive image.

The longer wheelbase gives the all-new SANTA FE a sense of grandeur, its clean side sculpting complemented by a bold roofline, generous volume around the fenders, robust wheel arches, a shorter front overhang and bold designed 21-inch wheels1 .

The rear view, distinguished by its wider tailgate, reinforces the

sense of solidity while creating a simpler, sculptural look. The Hshaped taillights harmonise with the front H-lights to provide the all-new SANTA FE with a distinctive presence on the road.

In global markets, the new model is available in a variety of exterior colours, including Abyss Black Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Creamy White Matte, Typhoon Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Terracotta Orange, Cyber Sage Pearl, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte and Pebble Blue Pearl.

In North America, it is available in 11 exterior colours, including

of openness and create a unique design balance.

The new interior comes with useful convenience features, such as a UV-C Sterilization Tray and dual wireless charging system for smartphones, to create a sophisticated user experience with SUV-like practicality. SANTA FE’s first-inclass Panoramic Curved Display, which encompasses the 12.3inch digital cluster and infotainment system, enhances driver visibility and creates a sense of luxury.

Phantom Black, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Matte, Ultimate Red Metallic, Earthy Brass Metallic Matte, Atlantis Blue Pearl, Hampton Gray, Terracotta Orange, and Rockwood Green Pearl.

Interior design: Horizontal and vertical design elements neatly convey a solid SUV character

SANTA FE’s all-new interior contrasts with the exterior by emphasizing horizontal and vertical design elements and matching the tone and mood of the exterior. An H-shaped design is applied to the dashboard and air vents to enhance the sense

With the longer wheelbase, the all-new SANTA FE offers classleading interior space. Fully foldable secondand third-row seats create a terrace-like space at the rear with the wider tailgate open, enabling users to enjoy the outdoors effortlessly. This appealing design feature reflects Hyundai Motor’s use of big data to identify customers’ interest in the latest outdoor lifestyle trends, such as car camping and gearintensive adventures.

Eco-friendly materials are used throughout SANTA FE’s interior for soft surfaces, such as the headliner, BCF car mats and seatbacks and coverings, such as the crash pad, door trim and seats.

The use of eco-friendly materials extends to the exterior as well. The glossy black paint applied to the exterior trim uses recycled carbon materials. Among the exterior colours, the Ecotronic Gray for North American markets uses a natural bamboo charcoal coating method.

The all-new SANTA FE is

1 Wheel options may vary depending on country/region. UK specifications are to be confirmed.

available in five interior colours, including Obsidian Black, Supersonic Gray, Pecan Brown, Forest Green, and Black Ink.

Practical body profile facilitates urban and outdoor activities

The all-new SANTA FE provides class-leading cargo capacity and a spacious tailgate opening1 , which is great for urban lifestyles and impresses in outdoor use, offering plenty of room for everything from sports equipment to camping gear. The new model maximises outdoor functionality with Hidden-type Assist Handle, located in the C-pillar, for improved roof access.

For the all-new SANTA FE, Hyundai prioritised living space by increasing the second-and thirdrow legroom. The SUV offers best-inclass third-row comfort (with thirdrow recline) and headroom improvements in response to customer feedback.

The gasolinepowered SANTA FE’s secondrow legroom’s length has increased by 35 mm to 1,075 mm. The hybrid’s second-row legroom’s length has increased by 20 mm to 1,055 mm. The third-row legroom’s length has increased by 15 mm to 761 mm.2

The SUV offers best-in-class third-row headroom as well. The third-row headroom’s height has increased by 69 mm to 958 mm. The third-row seating height has increased by 30 mm to 282 mm. The third-row seating reclines 10 degrees, an increase over the previous generation.

Premium features enhance

1 Cargo capacity/opening width: 725 l / 1,275 mm (+91 l / +145 mm over than previous SANTA FE model)

2 All compared to previous SANTA FE model

comfort and convenience in the city or outdoors

To enhance the user experience, the all-new SANTA FE is packed with premium comfort and convenience features, several of which are either the world’s first, first-in-class, or class-leading.

The first-row Relaxation Seat with Leg Rest allows occupants to relax in a comfortable position that helps simulate a weightless experience for its occupants. For the Korean market, the first-row driver’s Ergo Motion Seat utilises air bladders to provide comfort and optimal support while

driver to see what is happening behind the vehicle, and it also helps the driver to better see the darker rear view at night with a brighter image.

Among the all-new SANTA FE’s other convenience features is its high-speed, dual wireless charging system for smartphones. A C-type USB terminal (max. 27W) is also included. In addition, a first-ofits-kind, UV-C Sterilisation Tray is applied to the top of the SANTA FE’s passenger glove compartment, providing easy sterilisation of frequently used items, such as cell phones, wallets, etc.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates always maintain vehicle systems with the latest software by wirelessly updating key controllers in the vehicle without requiring a Hyundai service centre visit.

driving. The 6.6-inch full-touch climate control display makes heating and cooling adjustments even more intuitive.

In the six-seat variant, the second-row power-reclining independent seats with armrests provide convenient operation for rear passengers. The secondrow power fold-and-dive seats also add a cushion-angle adjustment to create a relaxation mode as the world’s first.

The all-new SANTA FE offers the world’s first Bilateral MultiConsole storage space that can be opened by both front and rear passengers.

When the rear view is obstructed by items in the cargo area, the Digital Center Mirror allows the

Another first-in-class feature is the Digital Key 2 for vehicle access/startup and remote control via the customers’ smartphone, using Near-field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-wideband (UWB) protocols.

Radar-based Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) helps to remind the driver about rear occupants as a safety precaution after the ignition is turned off.

Proactive driver assistance and safety features provide the confidence to drive confidently

The all-new SANTA FE is wellequipped with a host of driving assistance and safety features that reduce user involvement and provide a comfortable, confident driving experience whether simply commuting or on a weekend adventure.

Forward Collision-Avoidance

Assist 2 can provide a warning and emergency braking if the preceding vehicle suddenly slows down or if a forward collision risk is detected.

Lane Following Assist 2 employs a windshield-mounted camera to help recognise vehicle drifting and helps provide slight steering inputs to return the vehicle back to the centre of its lane.

New Driver Attention Warning (DAW) analyses the driver’s attention and can provide warnings when necessary. Driver Monitoring System (DMS), Hyundai Motor’s first in North America, analyses a driver’s vital signs to help ensure safe driving.

Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2 helps maintain a safe speed while taking curves on the main section of a motorway. Highway Driving Assist 2 helps maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. It also assists with lane changes while driving on the main section of a motorway and helps centre the vehicle in the lane while driving.

Among the SANTA FE’s other driver assistance and safety features are Intelligent Speed Limit Assist,

Rear View Monitor, Rear CrossTraffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Safe Exit

Assist.

Plenty of fuelefficient power for city commutes and outdoor adventures

In Korea and North America, the all-new SANTA FE will be available with two powertrain options. A gasoline 2.5-liter turbocharged engine (Theta III 2.5T GDI –8DCT) provides maximum engine output of 281 ps and maximum torque of 43.0 kgf·m. A gasoline 1.6-liter Turbocharged Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV – 6AT) provides maximum engine output of 180 ps and maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m.

In Europe, the all-new SANTA FE will be available with two powertrain options, including the same 1.6-liter Turbocharged Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI HEV – 6AT), or a gasoline 1.6liter

Turbocharged Plug-in Hybrid (Gamma III 1.6T GDI PHEV –6AT) with maximum engine output of 160 ps and maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m. NotePower figures are for the ICE unit only, EV motor and total system output are still to be confirmed.

In other regions, the all-new SANTA FE will also be available with a gasoline 2.5-liter engine (Theta III 2.5 GDI – 8AT) with a maximum engine output of 194 ps and maximum torque of 25.1 kgf·m.1

Future marketing, sales plans and introducing XRT Concept

The all-new SANTA FE is scheduled for release in Korea in the second half of this year and in North America/Europe in the first half of next year. The North American premiere will be held at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

“The original SANTA FE was our very first SUV in the U.S. Today, we have a well-recognised and respected portfolio of 14 SUV models that include internal combustion engine, electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell models,” said José Muñoz, President and Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company. “With the 2024 SANTA FE, we continue our impressive transformation of the Hyundai brand and the broader SUV landscape. The all-new SANTA

Hyundai Motor also unveiled the XRT Concept, a concept model tailored to cater diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts. The XRT Concept is designed to handle challenging terrains with confidence and ease, offering versatile utility for outdoor lifestyles. While the SANTA FE Calligraphy trim aims for premium urban lifestyles, the XRT Concept is designed to ignite the ultimate adventure spirit and focuses on unleashing the desires of those seeking the thrill of the wild.

FE is the perfect companion for everyday adventures with a modern, premium touch.”

1 Maximum engine output and torque specifications may vary depending on country/region.

Suzuki is one of very few brands that offers Hybrid technology as standard across its passenger vehicle range together with high standard specification and all the tech you need. With Suzuki there is no need to tick countless option boxes as it’s all there for you from a simple model structure that’s rare amongst its competitors.

normal with a PCP agreement.

Moving up to Ultra with ALLGRIP 4WD, again with 1.4-litre Mild Hybrid and manual transmission, adds just £60 per month to instalments and will also incur a final payment to keep the car at the end of the agreement. 0% APR offers on S-Cross continue until the end of September 2023.

Further to this offer and to help lower cost of ownership even further, Suzuki will also provide

ALLGRIP 4WD as standard.

All Suzuki models are renowned for both low cost of ownership and low fuel consumption and the S-Cross 1.4-litre with Mild Hybrid achieves 53.2mpg on the Combined WLTP fuel consumption cycle with CO2 emissions of just 120g/km.

Additionally, all S-Cross models are fitted with Suzuki Connect that utilises the vehicle’s data communication module (DCM) to connect users to their vehicles in real time, enabling owners to take advantage of convenient functions via the Suzuki Connect smartphone app.

Taking the ever-popular and recently revised S-Cross crossover as an example, Suzuki offers both 1.4-litre 48V Mild Hybrid and 1.5-litre Full Hybrid models, these are available in two grades which are Motion and even higher specification Ultra which also includes ALLGRIP 4WD as standard.

If a Motion 1.4-litre Mild Hybrid model with manual transmission is chosen on a PCP agreement (Personal Contract Purchase); payments are just £199 per month and with 0% APR after a 20% customer deposit is made. Instalments are spread over 25 months with an optional final payment to keep the car as is

two years free servicing on SCross and all other models in the passenger car range which is also valid until 30th September 2023.

S-Cross models have a very high level of standard equipment including Dual Sensor Brake Support, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control as well as dual zone auto air conditioning, heated front seats and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone link.

Moving up to Ultra grade adds even more standard equipment including leather upholstery, 360-degree camera, on board navigation and large sliding panoramic sunroof as well as

By connecting the vehicle via the app, available on Android and iOS, users can access a wide range of convenient connected services, including the ability to monitor and receive notifications about the status of their vehicle in real time, remotely lock the vehicle, and view information such as driving history, maintenance related information as well as the location of their parked car.

At the end of the three year / 60,000 miles manufacturer warranty, Suzuki’s Service Activated Warranty takes over until the vehicle is seven years old / 100,000 miles and is offered totally free of charge to customers. The warranty was launched in April of this year and is renewed annually each time a customer books their car in for a scheduled service.

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, recently visited the newly expanded charging hub alongside Osprey CEO and Chair of ChargeUK Ian Johnston. As Member of Parliament for Welwyn Hatfield, Mr Shapps welcomed the addition of greater access to EV charging in his constituency, supporting local decarbonisation efforts and the uptake of EVs both for residents and businesses, and for visitors to the area.

The charging location is owned and operated by Osprey Charging, one of the UK’s largest and leading electric vehicle (EV) charging networks. At the hub the Secretary of State discussed with Mr Johnston the capabilities of the eight newly installed 300kW ultrarapid EV chargers, which adhere to new government regulations that all rapid chargers must accept bank cards.

The new rapid charge points are also compatible with every EV on the market today and can add 100 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes, depending on the model of the vehicle and its battery. Innovative loadbalancing technology maximises the efficiency of the hub, distributing power between each charge point in response to car demand in real time, getting drivers charged and back on the road quicker.

Grant Shapps, Welwyn Hatfield MP and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, said: “I’m delighted to see the expansion of Osprey’s EV charging site, which has proved to be an important asset to Welwyn Hatfield’s EV drivers. Fast, reliable and easy-to-use public EV charging locations such as this hub are vitally important to hitting our net-zero targets. They help improve confidence in the national infrastructure and practically support the uptake of electric vehicles at the local level too.”

Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said: ““A crucial element of our strategy at Osprey is to understand the requirements of our customers and adapt the network to meet growing customer demand, installing more chargers in locations across Great Britain and upgrading existing locations. The Bakehouse is one of our most popular sites to date and the latest in our roll out of 150 high-power hubs, that includes upgrading existing in-demand locations such as this.”

country ahead of the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, more and more of Welwyn Garden City’s visitors will look for EV charging as standard. Osprey has funded this installation, operation and oversees maintenance of the chargers which are all supplied with renewable energy.

Situated next to Marston’s The Bakehouse pub and restaurant and an Aldi supermarket, the chargers are an ideal place to charge an EV whilst popping to the shops or for a coffee and bite to eat. The chargers are easy to use and designed with simple payment for drivers, accepting contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments as well as payments through all major thirdparty payment methods including fleet cards.

Osprey’s unique in-bay charging hub layout maximises space around the charge points for all drivers, while the cables themselves are weight-managed overhead for easy manoeuvrability.

As EV uptake increases across the

Ian added, “Our long-term partnership with Marston’s has been hugely successful in bringing safe, accessible and convenient EV charging to regions across the UK. By partnering with businesses like Marston’s, we are able to invest in building charging sites that EV drivers want to return to. We are continuously expanding our portfolio through these partnerships, and wherever possible, growing our existing sites to keep up with the speed of EV uptake throughout the UK.”

Osprey’s recently launched charging hubs have been recognised for theirsafety and accessibilityby independent inspection body ChargeSafe, with the Halfway House hub just off the M25 the highest scoring site on the entire UK charging network. Osprey is in the Top 3 UK Chargepoint Network Operators for both personal safety and accessibility.

Drivers of the Škoda Enyaq will have one less thing to think about when they arrive home thanks to the fully electric SUV being able to ‘train’ itself to park completely autonomously.

Trained Parking is one of many innovative parking features to appear on a Škoda for the first time, making the Enyaq one of the most parking-friendly cars available, as Škoda research reveals 73% of UK motorists have given up parking in a space because they found it too difficult and deciding to try their luck elsewhere.

Its introduction on Enyaq, alongside Intelligent Park Assist, as part of the optional Maxx Package, will be perfect for the millions of Brits who have suffered a parking prang in the past, as almost a quarter (23%) of drivers in the UK say they have bumped into another vehicle when parking, while 33% have damaged a wheel or tyre while parking.

The Enyaq is a quick learner, too, as drivers will only need to perform the parking manoeuvre manually once as the car will store the entire route, surroundings and parking position in its memory. From then, every time the driver arrives home, or another familiar point recognised by the car, it can park automatically with pin-point levels of accuracy.

In addition to Trained Parking, Enyaq drivers also benefit from Intelligent Park Assist.

How Intelligent Park Assist works

Intelligent Park Assist aids the driver when parking in both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, the former the nation’s least favourite parking manoeuvre according to Škoda UK data, receiving a thumbs down from 43% of respondents. After finding an appropriate parking spot, the driver can activate the feature at the touch of a button, choosing whether to move forwards or backwards into a regular bay parking spot or just backwards for parallel parking.

All the driver needs to do is activate the indicator and manage the accelerator, while Intelligent Park Assist does the rest, controlling the steering, braking and direction of travel.

All of these features are available as part of the Maxx Package on SportLine Plus and vRS models.

How Trained Parking works

Trained Parking enables drivers to autonomously park perfectly in any location familiar to the vehicle, whether on the driveway, in a garage, nearby street parking or a location that the driver regularly uses.

When initiated, Trained Parking is completely autonomous with the car controlling the steering, braking and direction of travel (forwards or backwards). The Enyaq’s sensors will also continuously monitor its surroundings, detecting any objects or pedestrians and helping to avoid collisions with them.

With 55% of UK motorists identifying parking assistance systems will be a must-have when searching for their next new car, these option packages were introduced as part of a raft of range enhancements for the 23 Model Year, simplifying the buying process for customers and offering generous specification options across the lineup.

olta Trucks, the leading and disruptive all-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider, has officially achieved a new industry-leading rating for the Direct Vision Standard. With a volumetric score of 32.82m³, the rating for the Volta Zero is the highest ever result of any vehicle tested and 50% higher than the nearest competitor vehicle tested, at 22m³.

Following nearly a decade of research by Loughborough University, commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and led by Dr Steve Summerskill, the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) was created for heavy goods vehicles wanting to travel into and around London. Introduced in 2021, as part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero Plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network by 2041, the standard sets minimum requirements for driver vision of commercial vehicles over 12 tonnes, if they want to enter the capital city.

countries including every EU member state are now also adopting a UNECE Direct Vision Standard for new trucks from 2026 (and all existing trucks from 2029) ensuring vehicles operating in city centres provide better vision for the driver.

The all-electric Volta Zero was designed with safety at its core, with urban road users, pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers in mind. The driver of a Volta Zero sits in a central driving position and far lower than in a conventional truck, with their eye-line at around 1.8 metres. This is the same height as pedestrians and other road users for easy visual communication between the driver and others in the urban environment. The Volta Zero’s glasshouse-style cab provides a panoramic view of the surroundings with a wide 220-degree field of direct visibility and is further enhanced by camera technology providing 360-degree coverage of the vehicle’s surroundings.

produce an electric vehicle, but we also wanted to address the safety issues that we see every day when trucks are operating in built-up environments. From the very start of the project to create the Volta Zero, we have been very much informed by the research that Loughborough has done. We are pleased to see that this is now being adopted as an industry standard across Europe.”

Speaking about the new standard, Dr Summerskill said: “For years we have been focussed on highlighting just how poor current truckdriver vision is and the risk it poses to vulnerable road users. Thanks to organisations such as Transport for London we were able to drive change in London, which has ultimately led to a new European standard. It is no exaggeration to say that this change will save the lives of countless cyclists and pedestrians. I’m incredibly proud that our work has been able to play a part in this.”

Beyond the UK, following the adoption of the EU General Vehicle Safety Regulation, 29

Ian Collins, Chief Product Officer at Volta Trucks, said: “With the design of the Volta Zero we had the chance to start from a blank sheet of paper. We wanted to

Discussing the Volta Zero, Dr Summerskill concluded; “I’ve sat in all kinds of trucks all over the world and the Volta Zero is really quite stunning in terms of the ability to see everything that you need to see around you when at a junction. I am very impressed with the design of the Volta Zero.”