Farming Monthly National December 2024

INSIDE: LAMMA 2025 latest - Pages 32 - 53

Farming MONTHLY National

December 2024

John Deere introduces the New Gator XUV 875M utility vehicle Page 124

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CONTENTS

D e c e m b e r 2024

FEATURES

22 Arable

86 Livestock

28 Grain

98 Muck & Slurry

134 Tyres

30 NSTS 32 LAMMA 25 54 Education and Training

62 Women in Farming

FM REGULARS National

64 Potatoes & Root Crops 68 Mental Health

6 News

104 Machinery

70 British Lifestyle

72 Energy

120 ATV

84 Farm Safety & Security

78 Buildings

138 Motors

Farming

Farming MONTHLY National

Agriculture. Covered.

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Scottish Government backs organic in new rule change for farm support payments

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Introducing the FieldLink: The quick way to access your fields!

Farming

| News

94% of farmers in Wales receive payments today ver 15,300 Welsh farm businesses have received payments worth £66.88m, in addition to £160.52m paid as BPS advance payments since 14 October meaning that payments totalling £227.40m have now been made.

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The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies announced in May that the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) will continue for 2025 as part of the SFS Preparatory Phase.

Following the publication of the Welsh Government's Draft Budget for 2025 – 2026 this week, the Deputy First Minister has also confirmed today a total budget of £238 million to provide direct payments to farmers in 2025 at the same level provided in 2024.

BPS 2025 is expected to be the final year of full BPS payments, with those farmers choosing to remain in BPS receiving a reduced payment per year during the SFS transition period starting in 2026.

The Deputy First Minister, said: “We are committed to continued financial support for farmers as they are at the heart of communities right across Wales, and they play a crucial role in our economy and food production. As stewards of our land, they play a key role in protecting and restoring nature and tackling the climate emergency.

“We live in uncertain and challenging times; however, you can be certain about this government’s steadfast commitment to supporting Welsh farmers to sustainably produce Farming

quality food, demonstrated today in the maintenance of the BPS budget, despite considerable financial pressures on other areas.

“I recently published an updated SFS Outline demonstrating the significant changes we have made to the proposed Scheme thanks to consultation feedback from the industry and an intensive period of work with the Ministerial Roundtable and other stakeholders. The changes address the needs of Welsh farmers, while supporting the ongoing sustainable production of food, as well as climate change and nature commitments.

We will continue to listen to, and work with stakeholders as we progress the extra detail needed before we make any final decisions on the SFS next year.

“We will continue to support the sector in a managed transition away from BPS from next year onwards.”

Several SFS preparatory schemes have also previously been announced, including Habitat Wales Scheme, Habitat Wales Commons, Organic Support Payment, Farming Connect, a new Integrated Natural Resources Scheme. New application windows have or will shortly open for our successful Growing for the Environment, Small Grants Environment, Small Grants Efficiency, Small Grants Horticulture Start up and the newly merged Agriculture Diversification and Horticulture Scheme, with more to come in the New Year.

In addition, the first ever Multi-Annual Support Plan (“MASP”) was published today as required by the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023. This is the first of many reporting requirements which will be publishing under the Act. The MASP sets out the Welsh Government’s plan and suite of activity for future support, providing the agricultural sector with assurance and transparency and enabling the sector and its businesses to plan in five yearly cycles.

The plan describes each scheme that is intended to be in operation or expected to become operational during this period and provides a description of the support each scheme will provide.

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Government’s figures increasingly at fault

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ven more farmers will be affected by the Government’s changes to inheritance tax than expected, according to further analysis by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

It recently produced a report showing that the Government had under-estimated the number of farmers affected by a factor of at least five – so 75,000 producers over a generation, not 500 in 2026/27. And now deeper analysis has unveiled another swath of farmers who had previously been excluded from the figures.

“Looking at HMRC’s express advice on tax returns, it states that where full business property relief (BPR) applies (as in most farming cases), the values given in tax accounts should be used, not the open market value,” says Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV. “Farmers’ accounts for assets that qualify for BPR – like machinery and livestock – are based on historic cost. This means they will be valued at significantly less than open market value.”

However, the new rules will mean that all assets will need to be accounted for at current market value, bringing significantly more people into paying inheritance tax and adding more cost to those already affected.

The CAAV’s latest research shows that this change will have a particular effect on many livestock farms. “Not only does HMRC allow that the ‘deemed cost’ for cattle in accounts is 60% of market value, but the statutory ‘herd basis’ option for accounting for tax on breeding and production animals is based on the original cost of a herd or flock,” explains Mr Moody. “Market value would mean a potentially massive uplift over the accounting value for a long-standing dairy herd, for example.”

When BPR was offered at 100% on these assets, it was pragmatic of HMRC not to require them to be independently valued, so saving all parties time, effort and cost. But now livestock, machinery, silage and other operational farming assets will have to be valued upon death, and tax paid on anything worth over £1m.

“All of this means that yet more money will have to be found to pay the tax, whether by selling more land, more operational business assets, or foregoing more income and investment,” Mr Moody adds.

“It was clear from the outset that the Government had not appreciated the potentially devastating implications of this new farm tax. Not only did our original research show it had underestimated its impact five-fold, by omitting large numbers of farmers from its figures, it’s now clear that even more people will be affected. This hurts the people it claims to protect and protects those it claims to hurt. It is time to drop this tax.”

For more information visit www.caav.org.uk

CLA's response to the government's claim of a £350m 'injection' into British farming

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ountry Land and Business Association (CLA) President Victoria Vyvyan said: "This is not new money, as the payments are for existing agreements, and the farming budget is being cut in real terms.

"The launch of the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme is welcome, but the reality is that it is late, applications don't open until next summer, and the opportunity for farm businesses and the environment is limited by Defra resources.

"Meanwhile family farms and businesses face having what profits they make wiped out by inheritance tax bills. Capital grant schemes have been paused, the budget to promote British food exports has been halved and the budget to provide advice to farmers entering new environmental land management schemes is being scrapped.

"Farmers and landowners are ready to make environmental improvements and boost nature recovery, while feeding the nation, but the government must back this with the funding and resources needed to grow the rural economy."

Farming

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Cheese survey shows support for artisans among Millennials and Gen Z he Real Cheese Project has released the results of its first consumer survey, with data obtained through the world's leading product intelligence platform, Vypr recording significantly higher levels of interest and support for British artisan cheese among Millennials and Gen Z. While only 17.61% of the survey's 1,000+ respondents claimed to purchase artisan cheese on a weekly basis, this figure rose sharply to 35.32% among those aged 25-34, showing that for many at least, Britain's artisan cheese isn't just for Christmas.

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As part of its mission to promote everything that makes artisan cheese in the UK so special, The Real Cheese Project used the Vypr platform to assess which elements of real cheesemaking consumers would be willing to pay more for. 'Better Taste' came out on top (85.14%), but this was followed closely by 'Higher Standards of Animal Welfare' (79.23%), 'Support for Family Farms & Local Economies' (78.05%), 'More Sustainable Production' (75.89%), 'Made with Local Milk' (75.1%), and 'Handmade' (72.93%).

The highest levels of interest in these hallmarks of real cheese were recorded among Men aged 1844, while the Vypr platform also identified big variations in buying habits among different groups.

42.86% of Men aged 25-34 said they purchased artisan cheese on a weekly basis, followed by Men aged 18-24 (34.48%), Men aged 35-44 (30.38%) and Women aged 25-34 (27.78%). At the other end of the scale, only 3.8% of Women aged 45-54 said they purchased artisan cheese weekly, despite being one of the groups most likely to purchase cheese of some kind on a weekly basis (67.5%), behind only Men aged 45-54 (67.95%).

While returning sobering results for Britain's flourishing artisan cheese community in some portions of the population, the more positive figures among younger groups suggest opportunities to shift the balance towards artisan over industrial.

The scale of the current disparity was not fully appreciated by many, with 23.38% of respondents estimating that over 50% of total annual cheese sales in the UK could be attributed to artisan cheese, and 81.16% guessing over 10%, whereas industry estimates place the figure around 2-3%.

Farming

Sam Brice, co-founder of The Real Cheese Project, commented: "As Christmas nears and artisan cheese jumps to the top of people's shopping lists, now is a great time to think about why we should be getting behind our small scale makers and independent retailers throughout the rest of the year. Big support among Millennials and Gen Z bodes well for the future, but perhaps most encouragingly of all, we're seeing the vast majority of respondents saying they're willing to pay more for sustainably farmed, higher welfare, handmade cheese produced by family-run farms using local milk. The problem is, most people don't have any idea how many amazing artisan cheeses we have in the UK, let alone the incredible things that our farmers and makers are doing for both people and planet. Alongside the rest of the real cheese community, we're working to change that, so the rich tapestry of British cheese can remain intact for next Christmas and far beyond."

Earlier this year, The Real Cheese Project launched its 'Cheese Crowd' monthly subscription, created to big up Britain's artisan cheese community and get more people buying the good stuff. Inviting the curd curious to embark on a real cheese adventure, each box comes with a new cheese to try, a monthly cheese zine, a handpicked pairing, a pin badge for new subscribers, and access to an online tasting event to meet the cheesemaker.

5% of all profits go into a Real Cheese support fund, which will be donated to initiatives that protect, develop and progress real cheese in the UK.

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Government injects nearly £350 million into farming in boost to Britain's food security

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he Government has today confirmed it has injected more than £343 million into the rural economy in the first week of December, benefiting more than 31,000 farmers.

This includes payments worth £223 million to Countryside Stewardship revenue customers and £74 million to Environmental Stewardship customers, administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

The Government is providing over £5 billion to the farming budget – the largest ever increase investment in sustainable food production in our country's history. To further support farmers Ministers have today announced new details on how farmers will benefit from improved and optimised farming schemes.

A new and improved Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme will open in 2025, providing new quarterly payments designed to improve farmers' cashflow and a rolling application window so customers can apply throughout the year.

It also includes new actions to improve flood resilience and species abundance and important funding to secure enhanced environmental benefits and deliver for nature recovery, including sensitive areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said: "Our commitment to farmers is steadfast.

"That is why this Government is working hard to get money into farmers bank accounts as well as announcing today how farmers can benefit from the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, with more flexible actions, improved payments to help cashflow and a rolling application window.

"It's part of our £5 billion farming budget over two years - the largest ever directed at sustainable food production in our country's history.

Rural Payments Agency Chief Executive Paul Caldwell said: "Our farmers are the heartbeat of the nation's rural economy, and RPA remains focused on supporting them by getting payments into bank accounts as quickly as possible.

"I am very pleased that this December we have been able to inject more funding than ever from environmental schemes into the rural economy.

"This comes at the same time as providing more certainty over the details in Higher Tier offer to enable farmers to see for themselves how it can benefit them."

CSHT will open through an initial controlled roll out to ensure everyone gets the necessary support.

Initially, applications will be by invitation – on a rolling monthly basis.

We are also publishing an additional 14 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) endorsed actions, further improving the offer. These will be available from summer 2025 to enable farmers and land managers to contribute further benefits to Grassland, Heritage, and Coastal sites, among others.

Further payments made in December include £39 million under SFI, as part of the quarterly payments system designed to improve farmers' cashflow and a further £7.4 million has been paid to customers who have completed Capital Grants works.

As part of its New Deal for Farmers, the Government will set up a new British Infrastructure Council to steer private investment in rural areas including broadband rollout in our rural communities.

We are also developing a 25-year farming roadmap, focusing on how to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come.

Farmers and land managers are stewards of the environment, and we will continue to invest in them to make their businesses, food production and our country more sustainable and resilient through Environmental Land Management.

"As we set out our Plan for Change, we are focused on supporting our farmers, supporting rural economics growth and boosting Britain's food security."

Farming

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Farmers turn to diversification amid looming threats from economic shifts lmost of a quarter (22%) of farming business owners have identified the need to diversify their operations to ensure survival, research from fullservice law firm Shakespeare Martineau has revealed.

Autumn Budget are especially stark for farming families, with higher tax liabilities threatening the viability of passing farms to the next generation.

The removal of subsidies, combined with tax reforms, places an even greater onus on farmers to innovate.

Key reforms to inheritance tax – widely seen as unfavourable to landowners – and a rise in employer national insurance contributions could dramatically increase the financial burden on farmers. Combined with the looming and accelerated phase-out of the basic payment scheme by 2028, pressure to find alternative income streams is mounting.

"Diversification is nothing new. However, more traditional options – such as transforming old outbuildings into commercial units, creating wedding venues out of barns, and building holiday cottages – are now complemented by more novel enterprises, like selling eco system services. While diversification can be a lifeline, it can also be fraught with challenges. Every move carries legal, tax, financial and operational risks."

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The Environment Act 2021 mandates that developers deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain (BNG) on projects, providing an opportunity for farmers to sell offsite biodiversity units to developers by engaging in rewilding efforts.

While 44% of farming businesses see this as a chance to boost income, 22% remain sceptical about its benefits, particularly given the long-term land commitments BNG agreements require.

Amy said: "Values should also be carefully considered. While a BNG agreement may look good income-wise, land needs to be set aside for a minimum of 30 years, which could reduce its capital value and also may take the land away from food production and potentially more profitable revenue streams (such as hospitality or housing development).

In a survey of farm business owners, 22% say diversifying their operations is essential for the business' survival, while 30% plan to make changes before passing it onto the next generation.

Amy Cowdell, head of agriculture at Shakespeare Martineau, said: "Farming businesses are being squeezed from all sides. The implications of the Farming

"As farmers adapt to a rapidly-changing industry, the need for diversification is clear – but so too is the importance of understanding the legal, tax and financial frameworks that underpin these opportunities. Diversification may help to secure the sustainability of farming businesses for generations to come, but careful planning and professional guidance is key."

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Pioneering environmental baselining pilot gets underway

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he first measurements of a pioneering environmental baselining pilot for agriculture start this month, with 170 farms from across Scotland, England and Wales chosen to take part.

The project, launched by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), with support from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) aims to measure the positive environmental impact of farms across Great Britian.

Specialists Bluesky will be carrying out light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning using a plane or drone which will be used to estimate above-ground carbon stocks and provide run-off water maps.

Travis Mayne from Bluesky, said: “LiDAR scanning provides detailed and accurate terrain data by measuring the height of both the terrain and any above-ground features such as hedges and trees.

“The range and depth of the data is a unique aspect of the Environment Baselining Pilot, presenting the 170 farms with information about their land which will bring new insights into its environmental value and impact.”

Involving beef, lamb, dairy, pork, cereals and oilseeds producers farming on a wide range of soil types and landscapes, the final 170 represent the diversity within British farming. AHDB is investing £2.5m in the pilot.

QMS is funding the beef, lamb and pork activity in Scotland, with an investment of £375,000.

Duncan Macalister from Glenbarr Farms in Kintyre said: “This is a subject that farmers need to understand better. We’re looking forward to getting data on the carbon in our soils so that we can understand how we produce cattle and sheep as part of the carbon cycle.

Building our knowledge through this project will help us to make better use of the environment on farm and help our farm and our industry thrive for future generations.”

The long-term vision is to create the opportunity for a nationwide standardised data set across the beef and lamb, cereals and oilseeds, dairy and pork sectors, that brings integrity to the industry and enables more accurate reporting of emissions and the environmental impact of agriculture.

will include soil carbon and nutrient testing, and a carbon audit.

tel: 01724 850224 fax: 01724 289317

Tom Gibson, Director of Business Development at QMS, said: “35 farms across various regions in Scotland are represented as part of this landmark pilot offering farming businesses accurate insight into their net carbon position, including carbon sequestration potential.

“The LiDAR scanning is a critical initial step to unveiling the real environmental benefits and net zero progress of the farms taking part as well as the broader British agriculture sector.’”

www.neilvessey.com sales@neilvessey.com

Further measurements to build the environmental picture of participating farms will continue in 2025 and Farming

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Rapid and radical action on nature-friendly farming needed for UK food security he government has been warned that food security in the UK is dropping with fewer households able to feed themselves well and the Soil Association is calling for "rapid and radical action" on naturefriendly farming.

In Defra report to parliament launched today (Wednesday 11 December) it was revealed that the percentage of highly food secure households has dropped from 87% in 2019/20 to 83% in 2022/23.

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A highly food secure household is defined as all people at all times having access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

While a large majority of households in the UK continue to be food secure, the report reveals a notable decrease, which has coincided with increased financial pressures to household budgets from both high general inflation and high food inflation.

Responding, Soil Association Head of Food Policy Rob Percival said: "Today's food security report shows the UK is facing significant challenges. We need rapid and radical action to overhaul our food system. Climate breakdown and nature loss are already undermining the UK's food security, and it's going to get worse. We need this new government to listen. Many farmers have been warning of a growing climate threat for years, and we're yet to see the necessary response. Rhetorical commitments to 'roadmaps' and 'strategies' aren't going to fill bellies – we need hard, secure investment in naturefriendly and organic farming, which can help build

Farming

resilience by protecting soils and wildlife.

"The promised government food plan needs to boost British fruit and veg production and consumption while addressing dietary inequalities and ensure everyone can access healthy, fresh and minimally processed foods that do not come with a big cost to the environment. This will require coordination across departments and leadership from Number 10.

"The picture painted in the report is deeply concerning, but there are also glaring omissions. Little attention is given to climate tipping points which might radically impact future UK food security. Zoonotic disease spillover, and the disruptive potential of another pandemic, are neglected. And the urgency of fossil fuel phase out is ignored – it's concerning that the report is still implying that fossil fuel-derived synthetic nitrogen is necessary for food security when alternatives are available."

Double British fruit and veg production and consumption Earlier this year the Soil Association led a campaign calling for a horticulture strategy that aims to double British fruit and veg production and consumption, through agroecological farming like organic.

The campaign and policy report, co-authored with The Wildlife Trusts and Sustain, urged government to start with supporting schools to serve up healthy, veg-packed meals for children, following the example set in Food for Life schools.

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Blair Allan joins Bunning’s sales team T Bunning and Sons has strengthened its team with the appointment of Blair Allan to area sales manager for Scotland, the north of England and Northern Ireland.

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Blair’s appointment fills a newly created position that highlights Bunning’s commitment to providing high quality service and support to its dealers and customers. Blair’s background is well suited to the role, after growing up on a family dairy farm near Loch Lomond, and he has held several product support and sales positions at dealers and

manufacturers in both agriculture and plant.

Most notably, his dealership roles at HRN and James Gordon offered him direct experience with Bunning spreaders, and he explains the quality of Bunning’s products attracted him to the role.

“I know how highly the spreaders are rated by the farmers and contractors who use them and my previous experience has helped me get up to speed quickly. I’ll be supporting dealers and customers with their requests, and understanding the product allows me to respond quickly where required.

Blair continues: “I enjoy working with good products and ones I believe in. The Bunning equipment is well built, and I look forward to being part of this customer focussed business.”

Farming

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Environment groups call for 10% organic farmland target for England

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he government should aim for 10% of farmland in England to be organic to deliver on climate and nature goals, ensure food security and meet consumer demand, according to wildlife and environment groups.

The open letter warns that a failure to follow suit Greenpeace, RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, River Action and Wildlife and Countryside Link are among 13 groups who have signed the Soil Association's open letter to Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner.

Launching in the same week that a UN report called for fundamental change to farming systems, the alliance calls for an Organic Action Plan to be devised and delivered with strategies to boost production and consumption of organic and make it more accessible.

The letter highlights how England has fallen behind Scotland, Ireland and the EU where farming policy recognises the environmental benefits of organic farms, which have 30 per cent more biodiversity on average than conventional farms.

Government should act on the "failings" of previous governments that allowed organic farmland in England to shrink despite booming demand for organic food and drink in the UK, the letter says.

Soil Association Policy Director Brendan Costelloe said: "We know that farmers want to work more with nature, but many are stuck in a system that causes harm to our rivers, wildlife, air quality and climate. But organic offers key solutions for driving real positive change.

"The evidence is clear that organic delivers for climate and nature with resilient systems based on healthy soils and nature-based practices that do not depend on harmful, fossil-fuel based chemicals. We need to increase the availability of food produced in this way to help make it more affordable.

"Government intervention is desperately needed to back healthy and sustainable diets with fairer and shorter supply chains that incentivise nature-friendly farmers and makes sustainable food accessible to everyone.

"An action plan with a 10% farmland target for organic to drive this work forward would deliver significant benefits to the environment, public health, and the resilience of farm businesses."

Organic Action Plan needed to deliver the gold standard for sustainable farming The open letter calling for an Organic Action Plan comes with a policy briefing written by the Soil Association and endorsed by the wider group.

This sets out how organic is the "gold standard for Farming

sustainable farming" and can support in adapting to climate change and delivering healthier soils resilient to drought and flooding.

It also details how organic farming can help government to meet its targets on biodiversity, river health, and pesticide reduction.

Also acknowledging the role of organic in delivering high animal welfare, the letter to the minister has been signed by: Wildlife and Countryside Link, Greenpeace, The Wildlife Trusts, National Trust, Sustain, Compassion in World Farming UK, British Dragonfly Society, Bat Conservation Trust, Organic Farmers & Growers, Buglife, River Action, ClientEarth and the RSPB. Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: "Reducing the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers is an essential part of the transition to wildlifefriendly farming. Organic systems have an important role to play, alongside other regenerative farming models. Organic farming is less costly on the earth, but UK organic is still viewed as an expensive, premium approach. The government should work with farmers to catch up with other countries to grow more food organically, giving more consumers the chance to choose healthy, nature-friendly products."

Government targets across the UK and Europe Labour's former Organic Action Plan led to a peak in organic farmland in England in 2008 – but this has now fallen by around 30% to just 3% of farmland, and has remained largely static for several years.

This is despite growing demand for organic food and drink, which has been steadily rising for more than a decade with the market now worth £3.2bn and most 59% - of supermarket shoppers regularly buying organic*.

This heavy reliance on imports to meet demand means farmers are missing out on potential business benefits while the landscape misses out on the environmental benefits that organic can deliver, the Soil Association warns.

The open letter from environment groups urges Westminster to follow the example in other countries.

In the EU there is a target to increase organic farmland to 25% by 2030, leading to an organic strategy in Ireland that saw organic farmland rise from 1.6% to 5% between 2020 and 2023.

Scotland also has a target to double its organic farmland which has led to a boost in conversion applications over the last year. means England risks "becoming an outlier" within the UK and Ireland.

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MICK HAITH RETIRES AFTER 47 YEARS OF SERVICE

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aith, the UK's leading manufacturer of vegetable handling machinery, has announced the retirement of Mick Haith after 47 years with the company.

Mick's interest in engineering began when he was seven, helping his father and company founder, George Haith, assemble machines.

As a teenager, during summer holidays, Mick worked alongside his brother Chris on factory refurbishments for companies such as Knights of Norfolk and H C Tinsley, earning 25p an hour for his efforts.

Mick officially joined Haith in 1976, aged 16, painting eight-tonne bulkers at the company's Castle Green site in Tickhill. Mick then moved to Haith's Sunderland Street site, installing bulker belts and as servicing combine harvesters and pea viners alongside his father.

In 1977, he moved to Haith's current Armthorpe site, travelling to work on a motorcycle with his tools packed in a rucksack. Mick's passion for motorbikes led him to enter sidecar racing with his brother David.

In 1985, Mick took on the challenge of running another Haith business, Ramsey Rent, a company he ran for two years, before returning to Tickhill Engineering Co Ltd, working in the stores covering for his brother Nigel, who had been injured in a go-kart accident. As well as overseeing the stores, Chris Mick, who passed his Class 1 license with only two days of practice, also spent time as a delivery driver for the company when needed.

Mick continued in the stores department for the remainder of his career, culminating in his promotion to procurement director.

"Mick has been an integral part of Haith for nearly five decades," said Duane Hill, managing director. "Mick's passion for engineering and knowledge of Haith equipment are well known. It's incredible to think that Mick has worked for his family's business for nearly 50 years. He has made a massive contribution to the company in those five decades. We will all miss him but wish him a long and happy retirement."

On his final day, Mick was presented with a gift voucher for his favourite hotel and enjoyed a Christmas brunch with family, friends and colleagues.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the company," said Mick. "It has been fantastic to be a part of such a successful business, and I'm incredibly proud of many things we have achieved, particularly building our current factory in Armthorpe.

"While I will be enjoying my newfound leisure time and I'm looking forward to having time to rebuild my classic motorbikes, I will be keeping an eye on the company as Duane has a lot of exciting plans for the Haith brand. Since my father started the company, the Haith name has become recognised around the world for exceptional quality, reliability and innovation, and I am certain this will continue under the current leadership team."

Farming

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Scottish Government backs organic in new rule change for farm support payments rganic farmers and crofters will automatically be eligible for government support payments in a post-Brexit policy change to incentivise sustainable farming in Scotland.

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The Scottish Government – which is aiming to double its organic farmland – now requires farmers to create a whole farm plan for protecting nature and climate to qualify for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

Unlike England, Scotland is retaining the BPS system used in the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, under which payments are made to farmers based on the amount of land being farmed.

But changes are being made in Scotland around eligibility for the scheme including a

Farming

new requirement for a whole farm plan – which the Scottish Government has recognised is already a key part of organic farming.

To receive payments, farmers and crofters will need to submit information to government covering how their entire farm system will deliver in five areas – animal health and welfare, biodiversity, integrated pest management, carbon, and soil analysis.

All BPS applicants must complete at least two of these five audits by 15 May 2025, and all others relevant to their business by 2028.

Any farmer who is certified organic will automatically qualify for the animal health and welfare and integrated pest management areas, due to requirements in

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organic for farmers to deliver high animal welfare and use natural solutions over pesticides.

Soil Association Scotland Co-Director David McKay said: "Organic farmers have always taken a whole-farm approach to protecting the environment and we are delighted that the benefits they deliver are being recognised by Scottish Government.

Farmers and crofters are under pressure to deliver for nature and climate, and organic is increasingly an obvious solution with UK demand for organic products rising and backing from government.

"The requirement for whole-farm planning is also great news for all farmers as the evidence clearly shows that this approach can help to deliver resilience and support food security. Being specialised can carry a lot of risk, especially in the face of climate change and extreme weather.

"If farmers can be supported to consider how they might create different enterprises while protecting natural habitats, that is a win-win solution for everyone. For example, they may be able to find a market to sell the crops they use to restore soil health, or bring in livestock to graze it. Taking a landscape view also means any farmer can look at using nature-based methods to protect against pest and disease, which can save them money in avoiding expensive artificial pesticides and fertilisers.

"But it is a big mindset change so we are pleased to be offering support services to help farmers pick up the skills they need in this transition."

Case study: going organic

soil, and working up encouraging different grasses and plants, insects, wildlife. We are restoring peatland, planting native trees and hedges, planting riparian buffers and making other river improvements.

"This way we believe we create a holistic ecosystem that not only delivers high quality food but also eco system services, climate change resilience and natural flood management – and going organic just made sense while taking this approach, especially with the new government support."

Whole-farm planning support available with the Soil Association The change in policy follows a Soil Association report published earlier this year covering the business and environmental benefits of whole-farm planning. This includes case studies from farmers – both organic and conventional – who have benefited from changing to this approach.

The report recommended that government should use policy to incentivise a wholefarm approach, but it also warned that support and advice for farmers to adopt this mindset change would be vital.

To help farmers and crofters, Soil Association Scotland will therefore be running a series of webinars and on-farm events during 2025 and 2026, which will be accompanied by a range of videos, case studies, and practical resources.

Guidance with expert advice has already been published on the Soil Association's website where farmers and crofters can also get in touch for more advice.

Dee Ward farms native breed sheep and cattle at Rottal Estate, an upland farm in Glen Clova, Angus, and he is currently converting the farm to organic.

For more information visit: Whole Farm Planning reports and guidance

He said: "Going organic matched up with our long-term plan to be sustainable, low input, low impact, and wildlife friendly in our farming operation. A key part of this is taking a whole-farm approach. We look at the operation holistically starting with the

Any farmer can speak to Soil Association Certification if they are looking to explore whether organic is a good option for them.

Organic opportunities

Farming

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Economic analysis finds over £800 million funding gap in England's Higher Tier spend head of an announcement on the future of England’s Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier [1] scheme due this week, the RSPB argues that new independent economic analysis demonstrates the ‘gaping hole in funding and ambition’ when it comes to supporting farmers in some of our most nature rich landscapes.

that a spend of £1.3bn/year, or 49% of the required ELMs budget, is needed for Higher Tier if these legally binding targets are to be met. Coupled with delays to access and rollout of the scheme since it was first launched in 2015, the further unnecessary uncertainty this funding gap brings is hitting farmers in our most diverse landscapes (especially those who were early adopters of nature-friendly farming) hard.

Independent economic analysis, commissioned by the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, has identified an over £800 million gap in the scale of funding required, including for small and upland farms in England, to help meet legally binding nature and climate targets via the Higher Tier scheme.

The Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, which should fund and support the most ambitious levels of nature and climate friendly farming, is therefore 'fast falling behind the ambition required' according to the RSPB. Instead, the charity argues, UK Government must urgently scale up access to the scheme and invest in some of our most nature rich areas to stem the loss of nature and secure the future resilience and heritage of farm businesses in landscapes such as the uplands.

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The Government is currently spending just 15% of England’s Environmental Land Management (ELMs) budget on Higher Tier, Landscape Recovery and legacy Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreements, while the analysis has found

As Alice Groom, head of sustainable land use policy at RSPB, adds: “Without the necessary support required, it will be impossible for pioneering farmers in some of our most habitatand nature-rich landscapes to help meet the UK Government's legally binding nature and climate targets. The Government is fast falling behind the ambition required to support farmers in a just transition to farming in a nature-friendly and sustainable way. This over £800 million gaping hole in funding and ambition for England’s Higher Tier scheme is a crucial part of the puzzle if we are to future proof our food security, farm business resilience and farmland wildlife.”

The charity argues that Government must urgently ramp up access to the Higher Tier and invest in a nature friendly farming advice service to address this shortfall in ambition. This is vital to both support rural communities and secure a wealth of public goods to society from clean water, reduced flood risk, and more nature and climate action. A ring-fenced budget for Higher Tier, they argue, will therefore see the best return on investment in enabling sustainable, resilient and nature-friendly farm businesses to flourish.

Faced with mounting pressures, providing farmers with certainty and support has never been more important the RSPB adds, not least in some of our most nature rich landscapes where Higher Tier has the most to offer in supporting environmental delivery and rural livelihoods.

Farming

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British pork producers to bring home the bacon ritish pork producers are bringing home the bacon today as the government secures the end of China's Covid-era restrictions on UK unprocessed pork exports. Industry estimates this could boost revenues by around £80 million.

The move means British bangers and other premium pork products can once again sizzle their way onto Chinese dinner plates, with major UK producers getting the green light to restart their exports immediately.

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China bought around £180 million worth of pigmeat in 2023 alone – making them the UK's biggest non-EU customer. Now, with these restrictions lifted, even more British produce will be heading east.

The development comes after top-level talks during the Foreign Secretary's recent visit to China. Representatives from Defra and the Department for Business and Trade have worked to get British pork back on Chinese menus in collaboration with industry, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP).

Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said: "This is a massive win for British pork producers who will now be able to send their high-quality products to one of our largest markets, worth £180 million.

"It's a further example of this government delivering on our Plan for Change, boosting growth and benefitting businesses across the country.

"Our pork is world-famous for its quality, and now we can give Chinese customers what they're hungry for."

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said: "Economic growth is at the heart of everything this government does, and opening export opportunities is vital in achieving that.

pork businesses who exported £180 million of products to China last year alone.

Today's announcement will be welcome news for British farmers and producers who have been affected by the suspension and could grow British pork exports even further."

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jorge Martin-Almagro said: "The reopening of the China market for the affected companies is fantastic news.

"China is a crucial market for UK pork and this advance opens opportunities for our industry to continue to grow our exports.

This achievement is a testament to the significant collaboration between Government and industry to resolve a longstanding issue."

Graham Wilkinson, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) CEO, said: "China is our biggest export market for the pork sector and today's announcement of the re-listing of two UK sites is very welcome news for the industry.

"AHDB, working closely with government and industry has played an integral part in this process, organising technical discussions by gathering evidence to support official engagements and highlighting the economic value to the UK pork meat industry. Today's announcement demonstrates how this collaborative approach delivers tangible benefits for our levy payers."

Today's announcement will help to deliver growth, and follows another recent victory for British farmers and producers, with the government securing access to the US market for UK beetroot growers earlier this year, worth approximately £150,000 per year in increased exports.

Defra will continue to work closely with UK pork producers and traders, as well as relevant industry bodies, to ensure the smooth export of their goods to China.

"China is already a huge market for UK Farming

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Boxing farmer aims to ‘knock out’ one million press-ups in January for charity

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n East Yorkshire pig farmer who suffers with Parkinson’s Disease is encouraging people to join him in an ambitious challenge to complete one million press-ups in January.

Richard Longthorp, who farms near Howden, is undertaking the challenge to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and England Boxing to help fund coaching sessions and boxing classes for people with the condition.

The ambitious challenge follows on from a similar feat which saw the 71-year old complete 1,000 press-ups a day during January 2024, as well as an extra 1,000 press-ups on the last day – completing 32,000 press-ups in toral in just one month.

Richard, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago, took up boxing at St Paul’s Boxing Academy in 2022, to help manage the condition.

Boxing is known to be extremely beneficial for people suffering with the condition, helping to slow the onset of symptoms and improve strength and coordination.

After completing 2024’s challenge by himself, Richard is now appealing to fellow boxers, boxing fans, and anyone else who is interested, to sign up to the challenge and help him reach his target.

Participants can choose how many press-ups they want to complete during the month, and their total will go towards the collective aim of surpassing the one million mark.

Richard said: “Last January, at the wrong side of 70, I set myself the challenge of doing 1000 press-ups a day for the whole of January.

“This was to raise funds for Parkinson’s Boxing and to raise awareness of the benefits that boxing can bring to People with Parkinson’s (PwP).

“Due to people’s incredible generosity the project raised £22,000 and certainly increased awareness.

His efforts saw him raise a total of £22,000 which was split between Parkinson’s UK, St Paul’s Boxing Academy in Hull and Goole Amateur Boxing Club in Goole, East Yorkshire.

This year, however, Richard is aiming to go one better – by ending the month-long challenge with a gruelling 24-marathon in which he will attempt to complete 10,000 press-ups by himself, and encourage others to join him in a final push to amass 1,000,000 push-ups combined.

Farming

“But there still remains plenty to be done. We now have an opportunity to build on what we have already achieved not only for Parkinson’s but other conditions also – and to spread the challenge wider.

“I’m really hoping lots of people will get involved and help raise as much money and awareness as possible.”

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Richard added the challenge was not a competition and that participants should set a daily target of press-ups that is ‘achievable but challenging’.

For those who struggle with conventional pressups, other options such as wall press-ups can be part of the challenge too, and those taking part are encouraged to raise their own funds to contribute to the charity pot.

Participants will be able to post their daily pressup tally in a challenge WhatsApp group, so Richard can keep a running total, although other ways of submitting the number of press-ups completed will be available.

“The main aim is to get as many people participating as possible,” Richard said.

“I would rather 1,000 take part doing 30 press-ups a day and raising say £30 each than a handful doing loads. This challenge will not only raise awareness but hopefully, in the words of England Boxing, engage the community in a meaningful

and inspiring way.”

Mike Bromby, Head Coach at St Paul’s Boxing Academy, has been working closely with Richard since he first laced up his gloves.

Mike said: “Richard has set himself a monumental challenge, this time not just completing tens of thousands of press-ups himself, but to inspire others to take part in the challenge and push themselves to help reach the target.

“But having worked with him for a couple of years, I am not surprised. Richard shows a determination, strength of character, and sheer bloody-mindedness that means he won’t back down from a challenge and he won’t stop until he has completed it. He’s a real force of nature and proof Parkinson’s doesn’t have to stop you doing anything.”

Anyone wishing to sign up to Richard’s one million press-up challenges can do so here https://www. cognitoforms.com/RotaryClubOfHowden/ Pressups4Parkinsons2

Worcestershire-based family business wins industry award hadbury-based agricultural machinery manufacturer, Weaving Machinery, has been awarded Gold in the British and Irish Manufacturer of the Year category in the LAMMA Innovation Awards 2025.

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Family business, Weaving Machinery, has launched several new products and innovations over the past five years, with widespread recognition.

The Sabre drill debuted in 2020 and quickly became one of the best-selling drills in the UK being suitable for conventional, minimum tillage and direct drilling systems.

Meanwhile, the mounted GD disc drill has attracted international attention, gaining traction across Europe, particularly in Germany for those running min-til and direct drilling operations.

Adding to their success, the business was also awarded Silver in the Arable Establishment of the Year award category within the same

awards with the cast roller used within its Subdisc.

Made up of three pieces the 700mm British cast iron V ring packer roller works to achieve a firm and level seed bed before drilling takes place.

LAMMA Innovation Award judges stated the standard across the board this year was extremely high, and congratulated Weaving for their achievements which will be formally presented at LAMMA with a trophy and certificate.

Simon Weaving, director at Weaving Machinery, said: "We are very grateful for the LAMMA Innovation Awards for recognising the product developments we have achieved at Weaving in recent years.

"We are always looking ways to improve the results our customers can achieve, particularly for those making use of min-til or no-til systems which our products really lend themselves to."

Farming

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Record breaking spring oat delivers yields of over 11 t/ha Lincolnshire farm recorded a groundbreaking harvest this year with Merlin spring oats, delivering yields of over 11 tonnes per hectare - more than double the national average.

The unprecedented yield, achieved by Happy Days Farming, was attributed to a combination of Merlin’s varietal strengths, optimal nutrition and an unusually wet spring.

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“The yield numbers on the display were so high we initially thought the equipment was faulty,” said farm manager Mark Popplewell. “The grain tank was filling much faster than expected, even compared to a strong wheat crop. It quickly became clear that we were looking at something exceptional.”

This is the first oat crop grown by Happy Days Farming.

“We were virgin oat growers this year. We planted 300 hectares on 30 March after a very wet winter in Lincolnshire, with a 135kg/ha drilling rate, following winter wheat in 2023 and before that, oilseed rape in 2022. The Merlin was seed treated with Vibrance Duo, it had two growth regulators, two fungicides and micronutrients applied, and 119.88 Kg/ha of nitrogen plus 39.96 kg/ha at SO3 rate.

“The average yield was 11.5t/ha with the monitor reaching 14t/ha in some places,” says Mark, who farms 2,000 hectares of arable land plus some ‘B&B pigs’, all spread over 50 miles. “We’re growing more Merlin in 2025 – the oats fit into the rotation well. We would plant more, but we have wild oats in many fields, so this limits us.”

While 2024 has been a record-breaking year for this Lincolnshire oat crop, it has been a year to forget for many others. Weather variability has made adaptability essential for success. Merlin spring oat’s performance offers hope and highlights the importance of investing in resilient crop solutions.

Farming

The crucial role of plant breeding The high yields of Merlin oats in Lincolnshire underlines the importance of advancements in plant breeding. It’s a milling oat that is early to harvest, is high yielding, and resilient to varying seasons and comes from seed and grain specialist, COPE. “Resilient seed varieties are critical as farmers face increasing challenges from climate change and unpredictable weather,” says COPE managing Director, Gemma Clarke. “If we see advancements in varieties, we take them forward to official trials and if they perform well, we bring them to market.

“While the conditions this year were unique, the industry is having to contend with more unpredictable weather and demonstrates the need to continue investment in seed breeding to protect the future of farming,” says Gemma.

A consistent performer across the UK “Merlin has seen high yields this year, and we have applied for a YENs (Yield Enhancement Networks) award for this Lincolnshire crop, but it’s also a consistent performer,” says Gemma. “The combination of an early harvest, making it suitable for all regions of the UK, high disease resistance and strong yield potential means it’s attractive to farmers nationwide,” she says.

“Merlin is accepted by all mills, and it’s one of only two spring varieties on spring oat contracts. It’s an early variety (-1), offers a competitive lodging score of 7, and has a high rating of 8 for mildew. It also has low screenings which is a real bonus to the mills and a good specific weight,” adds Gemma.

For more information on Merlin oats, contact your merchant.

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ADAMA opens new chloralkali facility to keep up with global folpet demand

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DAMA Agricultural Solutions, a global leader in the production and supply of crop protection products, has announced the official opening of a state-of-the-art chloralkali plant in Israel.

As well as boosting capacity, the new plant also reduces the amount of energy required to produce folpet and captan, and ensures a safer, more sustainable process: the new facility uses cutting-edge membrane cell technology to replace the company's outgoing mercury-

The new facility, which represents an investment of tens of millions of dollars, not only safeguards global folpet supplies by enhancing the company’s chlorine production capacity, but is also a significant step forwards in reducing the company’s environmental impact.

The new manufacturing plant, which has been under construction since 2021, will supply essential components for two of ADAMA’s key active ingredients: captan, a leading fungicide for the control of apple scab; and folpet, a unique multi-site fungicide that provides valuable protection against key diseases in wheat and barley.

“The new multi-million-dollar manufacturing facility in Israel highlights ADAMA's commitment to sustainable practices and increased production efficiency,” explains Ben Miles, managing director of ADAMA UK. “It incorporates some of the most advanced technologies to boost capacity and will allow ADAMA to produce chlorine up to 40% more efficiently.

“In doing so, it strengthens ADAMA’s ability to meet the growing global demand for our best-in-class fungicide actives and ensures UK growers will have access to key crop protection products such as Arizona (500 g/l folpet) which is now one of the most used fungicides in broadacre arable production.”

based system. This transition not only eliminates the risks associated with mercury, but also significantly improves energy efficiency. Initially the plant is expected to produce 40,000 metric tons of chlorine annually, with the ability to scale up to 50,000 metric tons as demand grows. This represents a substantial increase from the previous plant's capacity of around 27,000 tons per year.

The new facility also enables ADAMA to utilise the hydrogen generated as a byproduct to fuel its air emission treatment system, replacing fossil fuels and reducing its carbon footprint. ADAMA is also in the early stages of assessing the integration of a solar field near the plant to power its operations: this would enable the company to generate "green chlorine," further aligning with its environmental goals.

“The opening of the facility cements ADAMA’s ability to continue to deliver essential crop protection products while meeting stringent environmental standards," Ben continues. “As such, our UK customers can be 100% confident in our ability to supply the key components needed to protect wheat crops against septoria, and to safeguard barley from diseases including ramularia, rhynchosporium and net blotch.”

Farming

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Get a fix on pulse crop nutrition ew developments in biologicals could give pulse crops an all-important nutrient boost to achieve better establishment and more consistent yields. Findings of the latest Syngenta research trials will be presented at the Pulse Potential Roadshow 2025, in conjunction with PGRO.

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Under the theme of Enhanced strategies for productivity and yield, the events will take place at South Cave near Hull, on Humberside, on Monday 27th January and at Kingsgate Conference Centre, Peterborough on Tuesday 28th January.

Event hot topics, selected from feedback from growers at last year’s roadshow, will include the latest varietal information, agronomy updates and market insights from PGRO - along with new developments and best practice in crop protection for vining and combining peas and field beans with Syngenta Technical Manager, Simon Jackson.

“We do have exciting conventional chemistry in the R&D pipeline and working through the legislative framework.

However, developments in biologicals are already offering an important bridge in crop agronomy and nutrition strategies,” he advises.

Simon urges that pulse growers and agronomists will need to take all the best elements of existing cultural controls, including varietal selection, rotation and nutrition, and then add in new proven products and technologies that will deliver more consistent yields and crop quality.

New biostimulant technologies offer potential to enhance pulse root crop growth right from the start and through the growing season, he advocates.

Already well proven in other crops, including cereals, maize and potatoes, carefully selected bacteria can contribute to both the crops’ phosphate and nitrogen needs.

Nuello iN seed treatment includes two unique endophyte bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form readily useable by the growing plant.

One of these bacteria, Curtobacterium Salicaceae, is also capable of mobilising soil insoluble phosphate to be available for seedling rooting and establishment.

Farming

Furthermore, the foliar applied Vixeran is a highly efficient atmospheric nitrogen fixing bacteria Azotobacter salinestris, that colonises roots and the soil biosphere. This has been shown to contribute N equivalent of up to 30 kg/ha in crop growth and yield.

“The rooting enhancement seen with Nuello iN in cereal crops could offer great potential for pulse crops, especially on the premium vining crop sandy soils where nutrient retention can be a challenge,” Simon believes. It could prove critically important where artificial N application is limited or prohibited in pulse crops.

Where growers are extending rotations, to reduce the damaging effects of soil borne disease pathogens, the supplement of nitrogen fixing bacteria could help mitigate lower levels of the natural rhizobium required by pulse crops to fix nitrogen, he adds..

In field beans, the foliar application of Vixeran has proven to deliver reliable yield increases by supplementing nitrogen reserves in the crop during pod fill. At a time when beans would normally start senescing to support seed development, it’s suggested the treatment has enabled plants to remain green and photosynthetically active to drive yield production.

These biostimulant nutrient fixing technologies can be readily integrated with conventional agronomy programmes - alongside existing seed treatments in the case of Nuello iN, or Vixeran tank-mixed with fungicide applications.

Also, both products are registered with the OF&G (Organic Farmers and Growers), so can be used to enhance the reliability and performance of organic growing systems.

The free Syngenta/PGRO Pulse Potential Roadshows are open to all growers and agronomists. Each meeting runs from 4.00 to 7.00pm (registration from 3.30pm), and concludes with a hearty pie & mash supper and the opportunity to discuss topics with the expert speakers and other farmers. With limited space availability, growers and agronomists are urged to register early to assure attendance: https://www. syngenta.co.uk/search/events

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Wildfarmed secures exclusive water company premiums for its regenerative farmers

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ildfarmed, the UK's leading regenerative farming company, has secured exclusive water company premiums to support its farmers nationwide who are investing in clean water through nature-friendly farming.

Boosting financial support Farmers growing wheat in line with Wildfarmed's audited Regenerative Standards in drinking water catchments can now access additional funding from four UK water companies.

These regenerative standards include not applying pesticides to the growing crop, using companion cropping and integrating livestock to farm in a naturefriendly way. The model is proven to reduce water pollution and improve soil resilience.

Next year, the following water companies will be piloting the "Wildfarmed water premium": • • • •

Affinity water: offering £75/ha in addition to other regenerative practice payments South Staffs and Cambridgeshire Water: offering £200/ha for priority areas Wessex Water: offering £200/ha+ in priority areas (exact payment on application) Southern Water: offering £175/ha in priority areas

The package is designed to help new and existing growers shift to regenerative farming and ensure Wildfarmed remains a strong financial choice for farmers – especially as Basic Payments are phased out.

The funding can be claimed in addition to premiums Wildfarmed already pays growers following its audited standards. The "Wildfarmed Water Premium" will be available for harvest 2025 winter and spring wheat crops. Wildfarmed growers can apply for the payment directly to water companies.

Farmers in these regions are encouraged to contact Wildfarmed to learn more about becoming a Wildfarmed grower and accessing these benefits.

Why it matters The annual health and environmental cost of the UK's food system is around £100 billion, according to Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's National Food Strategy. One significant expense is cleaning waterways polluted by agricultural run-off and pesticides, which affects 40% of English rivers.

By partnering with water companies to fund regenerative farmers, Wildfarmed growers are leading the way in delivering clean water. The approach combines private and public investment to reduce future costs associated with water treatment and

ecosystem recovery.

This approach is, in turn, proven to unlock value for water companies. Affinity Water, for example, reports a potential six-to-one return on investments when natural capital is accounted for in land that uses regenerative agriculture techniques, such as cover cropping, compared to conventionally farmed land.

Overall, the premiums are designed to shape a better, more sustainable food system. One where stakeholders collaborate to reward farmers not just for the crop but for the quality of the ecosystem in which it was grown.

Andy Cato, co-founder of Wildfarmed, commented: "Farming, which combines food production and nature recovery, offers a massive opportunity to address issues of existential importance: biodiversity, water and health.

"I have yet to meet a farmer who wouldn't want to grow food in nature-rich landscapes if they could be fairly rewarded for doing so.

"How do we do so while ensuring that food from this kind of farming is affordable for all?

"By measuring and valuing all the other things a regen farmer is doing at the same time as producing food: water quality, biodiversity, carbon, and food quality.

"The Wildfarmed team works with best-in-class partners to measure nature outcomes and turn them into value for farmers. These water premiums are an important step towards a food system that values not only yield but the ecosystems on which we depend."

Danny Coffey, Catchment Manager at Affinity water, commented: "Soils farmed in a regenerative way can hold and prevent harmful contaminants getting into water abstracted for public water supply across our catchments and Wildfarmed's standards go a step further in ensuring that water quality is protected and we do not have to rely solely on energy and carbon intensive, end of pipe treatment.

"Not only can farmers help us protect water, Wildfarmed farmers and their commitment to regenerative agriculture share our aspirations to protect the environment and leave it in a measurably improved state. We hope that paying for this ecosystem service using the water premium will ensure that regenerative farming remains profitable, farmers can continue to invest in their soils for the benefit of both crop and water production and we all work towards creating more resilient water catchments to the impacts of climate change".

Farming

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Latest trials data reinforces folpet benefits in cereal disease control ncluding the multi-site fungicide Arizona (500g/l folpet) in combination with single site active ingredients provides an uplift in wheat and barley yields and pays for itself by a factor of four to one according to the latest field trials.

“As a general rule, Arizona should be used at least once during the season, but there’s solid evidence from six years of testing and 272 field-based comparisons to prove that including it twice will provide improved persistence and better long-term protection,” Andy explains.

Data collated over the last six seasons shows that the inclusion of Arizona (500g/l folpet) as a partner product to other single site fungicides can help to improve winter wheat yields by an average of 0.3t/ha.

Application rate also has an impact on yield benefit with two treatments of 1.0 litre per hectare at T1 and T2 resulting in an average yield increase of 0.32t/ha.

Similarly, three treatments of 1.0l/ha at T0, T1 and T2 improves yield by an average of 0.39t/ha. In contrast, two applications of 1.5l/ha at T1 and T2 raises the average yield response to 0.41t/ha.

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This yield benefit is achieved by enabling crops to get ahead and stay ahead of disease infections.

“Putting Arizona to work alongside single site fungicides at key stages in the growing cycle helps crops to retain green leaf area for longer which in turn enables plants to capture more sunlight and produce a better yield,” explains Andy Bailey, ADAMA’s fungicides technical specialist.

“At an ex-farm wheat price of £200/tonne, a yield uplift of 0.3t/ha is equivalent to an additional £60 of income per hectare,” he adds. “That equates to a return of up to £4 for every £1 spent on folpet.”

Mr Bailey also points out that the addition of folpet plays a crucial role in disease resistance management. “It is important to remember that the erosion of the efficacy of the current arsenal of single site fungicides means growers can no longer rely on the curative activity of these actives as a get out of jail free card once infections have taken hold,” he explains.

“Instead, it is vital to get ahead of diseases by applying early season protection and to stay ahead by making subsequent treatments as the crop develops and each ensuing leaf emerges. The addition of Arizona not only boosts protection at these key stages, but also protects single site active ingredients by slowing the rate at which disease resistance develops.”

Versus septoria in winter wheat, the critical timing for the inclusion of Arizona is at T1 when it delivers an average yield uplift of 0.21t/ha (compared to 0.14t/ha if applied at T2 only). However, a programmed approach, with inclusions at T1 and T2, will provide the best results, contributing to an average yield improvement of 0.35t/ha.

Arizona can also be used at T0 in high-risk situations, for example where a disease susceptible variety has been drilled early and is growing in persistently damp conditions.

“Timing of application is dependent on a range of factors including the variety being grown, drilling date, location, prevailing weather conditions, previous fungicide applications, ongoing disease pressure and the partner products being used,” Andy continues.

Farming

“A tiered approach gives the best results, with trials showing that the more is applied, the greater the benefit,” Andy adds. “Two applications of Arizona will therefore provide better protection and a greater yield benefit than a single treatment, but growers can maximise the benefit by applying the maximum three litres per crop either by splitting equally across two or three applications. Either way, Arizona more than pays for itself.”

Protecting barley yields Arizona offers similar yield protection and return on investment benefits when used in barley programmes aimed at preventing and controlling ramularia, net blotch and rhynchosporium.

“In winter barley the key timing to use Arizona to control ramularia is at T2, but it can also be used at T1 to boost disease control and to help with resistance management,” Andy continues.

“The T2 timing is also key for protecting against ramularia, with a two-spray approach (for example at T1 and T2) giving the best results, particularly where disease pressure builds early in wet conditions.

Depending on the circumstances, the inclusion of Arizona alongside single site actives can provide a positive yield response in excess of 0.3t/ha, with some protocols seeing yields increase by as much as 1.0t/ha.”

In scenarios where resistance management is the key driver, Andy explains that it is advisable to maximise the dose of the active ingredient with the lowest risk of resistance. “In other words, use a full rate dose of Arizona to protect 'at risk’ single site modes of action, and, where disease pressure allows, reduce the selection pressure exerted on single site fungicides by applying them at an appropriate dose in mixture.

“In all situations, Arizona adds valuable efficacy against the key wheat and barley diseases and provides a good return on investment,” he concludes. “That it also prolongs the effective life of those fungicides already at risk of resistance is the icing on the cake and an added reason for growers to put it to work alongside their usual array of single site actives.”

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Innovative fungicide mode of action in development

“Today’s announcement is therefore significant for everyone involved in cereal and OSR crop protection as it gives growers and agronomists hope of an additional and innovative way of tackling serious fungal diseases.”

Unlike existing solutions, many of which are based on SDHI and DMI chemistries, Gilboa

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“In the past five years, farmers throughout the EU and Great Britain have lost access to 68 pesticide active ingredients due to regulatory changes,” Ben continues. “At the same time, new molecules which target septoria in wheat, ramularia in barley, or sclerotinia in oilseed rape have been few and far between, leaving growers with fewer and fewer crop protection options.

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It is hoped that Gilboa, which was submitted for registration in 2023, will receive approval for use in Great Britain in 2027 and the EU in 2029. Subsequent registrations are also planned for additional territories.

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“In addition to protecting crops against several key diseases, Gilboa also offers growers a valuable resistance management tool to safeguard the ongoing efficacy of existing fungicides,” explains Ben Miles, managing director of ADAMA UK.

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The new molecule, Gilboa™, provides protection against a range of diseases including septoria, ramularia and sclerotinia, and has been submitted to the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) where it is expected to be assigned a new mode of action group in cereals.

“This new chemistry exemplifies ADAMA's commitment to developing advanced solutions to protect cereal crops while reducing the risk of resistance development,” Ben adds. "We expect Gilboa to be a standout solution to the disease challenges faced by arable crops in the UK and beyond, and look forward to launching our first Gilboa-based products, which will complement ADAMA’s existing portfolio of cereal and OSR fungicides, in due course.”

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targets a different pathway within pathogens, with extensive field trials also showing that its inclusion in crop protection programmes, either as a replacement for, or alongside other modes of action, can enhance crop quality and yield.

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DAMA Ltd., a leading global crop protection company, has announced that it is developing a novel fungicidal active ingredient for the protection of cereals and oilseed rape.

Farming

| Grain

What’s the current situation regarding the UK’s RED II recognition?

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takeholders are awaiting clarity from the European Commission regarding the recognition of the reclassified UK NUTS 2 values, as well as UBD and recognition of UKAS.

Earlier this year, with substantial support from Red Tractor, SQC, and AIC, UK growers were able to continue supplying UK-grown grains (e.g. wheat) as a biofuel feedstock under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II. While 2024 was a year of lower domestic wheat production, the two main bioethanol plants (Ensus and Vivergo), situated along the northeastern coastline, remain key demand centres of UK-grown wheat. Both plants have a capacity of one million tonnes of feed grains per year, supporting the demand, and thus prices, of UK-grown wheat.

While communication from the European Commission has been thin, the latest developments regarding these aspects are as follows: •

For grain from harvest 2024 (and onwards) to be used as a biofuel feedstock, it needs to have a newly approved NUTS 2 value. The Department of Transport submitted recalculated values in May, however the UK is still awaiting confirmation of acceptance regarding the recognition of reclassified UK NUTS 2 values from the European Commission. Evidence shared by EU Member States has suggested that they are being prioritised ahead of the UK, which is contributing to the delay.

•

Voluntary schemes and stakeholders have been liaising with the European Commission on the roll out of its Union Database for Biofuels (UDB). There have been ongoing challenges with the rollout of the interface designed for merchants and the biofuels refineries, with some suggesting the current format exceeds the mandate within the recast RED II. In response to feedback from stakeholders, the previous deadline of November 2024 was, and continues to be, delayed until further notice.

•

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, within the supporting regulations around Article 11(1), the European Commission does not recognise UKAS as a national accreditation body, as the subtext establishes that this should be in an EU Member State. Currently a solution on this needs to be in place by January 2025, however, there is some anticipation this will be postponed to January 2027.

Reported earlier this year, for UK-grown grains to remain compliant with RED II, there have been three ongoing issues that stakeholders have been managing: •

Recognition of the recalculated NUTS 2 values by the European Commission.

•

Implementation of the European Commission’s Union Database for Biofuels (commonly referred to as the ‘UDB’).

•

Recognition of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), and the accreditation of Certification Bodies undertaking assessments on behalf of the voluntary assurance schemes.

While all three aspects are of significance, currently, the most pressing challenge is regarding the approval of NUTS 2 values. Without approved values, UK bioethanol plants cannot demonstrate that UKgrown grain is renewable against RED II, potentially preventing its supply into the EU biofuel market and reducing its marketability. While the EU biofuel market is not the sole market UKproduced biofuel can supply (e.g. the domestic market through the RTFO remains a marketing option), the historical reliability of the market and future outlook limits the attraction of alternate markets.

Farming

| Grain partly due to the tighter domestic availability and robust demand in the northeast. Though the delivery of domestic wheat into North Humberside is not implicitly for biofuel production, it will be a notable contributing factor towards this strength; thus, demonstrating the importance of the sector to the UK domestic wheat market.

Outlook

In the event that UK-grown wheat became noncompliant, UK bioethanol plants can still produce RED II compliant biofuel from imported grains, however the feedstock would need to be from an alternate compliant origin.

Domestic biofuel production using wheat falls below average To analyse the volume of wheat used for UK bioethanol production, this is included in 'Other flour’ production as part of AHDB’s UK human and industrial (H&I) usage figures. While the 'Other flour' category does also include starch for H&I consumption, it can be used to broadly assess wheat usage by the bioethanol industry due to its significant weighting.

As seen in the chart below, usage has fallen back since the start of the 2024/25 marketing year in comparison to both last year and the five-year average. This is partly due to ample availability of competitively priced maize of which one of the two bioethanol plants can use in substitution of alternate grains. This is also linked to the smaller availability of the UK-grown wheat crop, although imports from nearby origins have been pricing competitively which has partially supported the availability of wheat for domestic biofuel production.

For domestic biofuel production, the smaller availability of UK-grown wheat has encouraged greater use of imported wheat, while the relative competitiveness of global maize prices supports the opportunity to use maize. Looking ahead, for feed wheat, the premium of North Humberside spot delivery over East Anglia could subside should the availability and price of imports remain competitive.

As a further matter, crude oil markets have been in a relatively weakened state following sluggish demand and ample supply. This trend is expected to continue into 2025 and is likely to wane on the biofuel market. This could encourage the attractiveness of supplying biofuel to the EU under RED II as returns from alternate markets may not be as favourable.

Stakeholders are awaiting clarity from the European Commission regarding the recognition of the reclassified UK NUTS 2 values, as well as UBD and recognition of UKAS. In May 2025, the RED III is due to come into effect.

While this does involve revisions and updates to the current RED II policy which Red Tractor, SQC and AIC will review accordingly, the changes largely regard factors that do not relate to how UKgrown wheat could be used as a compliant biofuel feedstock under RED III. Credit: Matt Darragh – AHDB - Analyst (Cereals & Oilseeds)

In review of the latest UK trade data, imports of wheat to Hull have been elevated. While farmer selling has been lighter since the turn of the 2024/25 marketing year, the significant volume of wheat imported highlights the role of imports increasing the total availability of wheat to satisfy domestic biofuel demand; in response to the tighter domestic availability.

The premium for the spot delivery of feed wheat to North Humberside over East Anglia has widened notably since the 2023/24 marketing year Farming

| NSTS

Update to test requirements A s part of compliance for the whole chain of plant protection product (PPP) use, HSE pesticide enforcement officers (PEO) have the role of checking all official controls are in place. From importers, manufacturers and distributors right through to the operator applying the product.

Visits made to the businesses using and applying PPPs are carried out in all sectors, but it is mainly in the horticulture and amenity sectors where clarification of test requirements of certain types of equipment has been made necessary. The term ‘pedestrian’ equipment falls in the category along with knapsack and handheld where a statutory test is not required, however these still must be inspected on a regular basis. Over time the complexity of a number of

these machines has evolved that some are now as sophisticated, and comparable in size, to tractormounted equipment that is required to be tested.

Following discussions with CRD, terminology has now been added to the guidance to help give better clarity, and which is explained as follows; equipment that does require an NSTS test now includes manually propelled or self-propelled trolley type equipment with three or more wheels and a motorised pump. These machines fall in the same category as boom sprayers which are 3m and under, slug pellet and micro-granular applicators, seed treating and weed wipers. Testing is required before the equipment is 5 years old, then every 6 years thereafter. Equipment that does not require a test are pedestrian sprayers with a maximum of two wheels or with a manually

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| NSTS pressurised pump. To assist operators in meeting the requirements of regular inspections NSTS have check sheets available on their website which also includes somewhere to record a calibration.

All other equipment types and timescales of test and re-test remain the same. For clarification on other types not listed please contact NSTS directly and our team will be pleased to help.

Flowgro Ltd. Barton Turns Farm Lichfield Road, Burton upon Trent DE13 8ED 01283 712172 www.flowgro.co.uk

CW Sprayers Ltd 14 Garden Village Micklefield Leeds LS25 4AB 0113 287 7674 / 07931 582713 www.cwsprayers.com

A T Willis Agricultural Services Barnwell House Barningham Richmond DL11 7DN 07752 371216

XAGRI Ltd Molescroft Grange Farm Grange Way Beverley HU17 9FS 01482 580000 / 07507 801897 www.xagri.co.uk

BRM Ltd. Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd, East Cowton, Northallerton, DL7 0DX 01325 378552 www.brianrobinson.co.uk

Apex Agri Ltd Hillcrest Thimbleby Horncastle LN9 5RB 07786 343613

Agrifit Machinery Ltd Arglam Dairy Farm Arglam Lane, Holme-OnSpalding-Moor, York YO43 4HG www.agribuggy-yorkshire.co.uk

AVG Farm Services 26 Parkfield Road Ryhall Stamford PE9 4ER 07824 382277 www.avgfarmservices.co.uk

Farmstar Limited Grove Farm, Church Lane, Marr, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN5 7AU 01302 786786 Present in Yorkshire & Lincolnshire farmstar.co.uk N C Agricultural Services Woodlands West Knapton Malton YO17 6RL 07971 871383 Moore Farm Services Ltd Unit A7, Lords Wood Rd Harworth Doncaster DN11 8BZ 01302 759969 / 07980 656122 www.moorefarmservices.com

DJ Agri Services Ltd 24 Kipling Way Stowmarket IP14 1TR 07500 556215 John Rhodes A.S Ltd Shinehill Farm Shinehill Lane South Littleton Evesham, WR11 8TR testing@johnrhodesas.co.uk 01386 832728 / 07817 868889 www.johnrhodesas.co.uk Sprayline (UK) Ltd. Unit 17A West Raynham Business Park, Fakenham NR21 7PL 01328 838712 www.spraylineuk.co.uk

Farming

| LAMMA 2025

Welcome to LAMMA 2025 T

he LAMMA Show returns on Wednesday, 15 January, 2025, from 8.00am-6.00pm and Thursday, 16 January, 2025, from 8.00am-4.30pm at the NEC, Birmingham.

LAMMA is the UK's premier farm machinery show which connects farmers across a range of sectors with pioneering companies offering cutting-edge agricultural machinery, technology and equipment.

Explore the dynamic showcase featuring more than 600 exhibitors unveiling the latest innovations in tractors, combines, arable and grassland machinery and embrace the opportunity to look at a wide range of new technology, services and tools tailored to all sectors of agriculture.

Witness exclusive machinery launches, UK debuts and a collective display of both global brands and niche manufacturers, all under one roof.

Gather your team and attend LAMMA 2025 to embrace opportunities to network, do business, conduct market research and enrich knowledge with the insights from experts.

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Radio Frequency Tracking (RF) ATVTrac uses GPS mainly which gives accuracy down to 3 metres. If asset is stolen and ends up in a parade of garages, containers or a van - GPS devices would only be able to show rough location. Here ATVTrac can use RF (Radio Frequency) which allows us to locate down to 1 metre in garages, this is accurate enough to gain search warrants.

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Farming

| LAMMA 2025

Farming

| LAMMA 2025

Save £Thousands On Your Operational Grain Drying Costs Each Harvest Perry of Oakley Savannah Continuous Flow Grain Drier can save you up to 35% of your drier operational running costs when used with the Perry drier add-ons of Hot Air Recirculation, insulation, and the Grain Sentry automatic grain moisture monitoring.

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How much will it save? £thousands. Every season.

Based on a 30tph drier, drying 6000T of wheat per season this combined system could give you a potential saving of £21,500 per season, in average UK ambient conditions*. The more you dry, the bigger the yearly savings.

So how does it work?

The Hot Air Recirculation takes the unsaturated but warm air from the exhaust side of the column and recirculates it. The less air you have to heat, the more money you save.

The Grain Sentry automatic drier moisture monitoring system takes samples from the grain entering and leaving the drier and feeds it into one of the most accurate moisture meters available on the market. This information is then used to automatically control the discharge speed of the drier. This prevents the quite large financial losses associated with over-drying grain such as decrease in weight, extra fuel usage, labour and electricity, for example. This means big savings and peace of mind can be achieved.

The Perry Savannah continuous flow driers come with a touch screen PLC control interface as standard. This can be accessed remotely via Wi-Fi enabling the drier to be monitored and controlled from anywhere with mobile coverage. This will save you labour costs as you no longer need to have your drier staffed while it is running and also give you peace of mind while you spend your time on other activities. The Perry Drier Fire Detection system can be added too, to give you vital early warning of a fire in the drier plus the system will automatically shut the drier down if fire is detected.

Farming

The Perry Savannah Series Driers have a capacity range from 5tph upwards and with all of the add-ons listed above there is a powerful argument to purchase a Perry Savannah drier for the upcoming season.

Yes the add-ons can be retro-fitted All three of these add-ons can be retro-fitted to most roller and shutter discharge continuous flow grain driers. They can also be fitted in isolation so you could have just the Grain Sentry or just the hot air recirculation.

Run your data through our savings calculator To see how much you could save reply to this email today and we’ll arrange a time to run your real-life data through our Grain Drying Savings Calculator.

Full integration To integrate your drying into the rest of your grain processing facility Perrys have an excellent track record in the design & manufacture of handling. Everything from a single conveyor through to a whole plant.

Having your whole drying, storage, handling, cleaning, and control supplied via Perrys substantially reduces the integration challenges.

A British Manufacturer Perrys have been a key part of the British agricultural sector for over 75 years. Perry design & manufacturer their entire product range in the UK which means that all the support you need is rapidly available, including a large stock of spares.

Contact Perrys today for all your handling, storage, drier & cleaning requirements on 01404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley. co.uk, and receive a free, no obligation quotation. *actual results will vary depending on the drier hot air and ambient air temperature, crop type and moisture, drier model & fan speed and the ambient conditions.

Grain Drying, Handling & Storage

| LAMMA 2025

From Individual Machines & Bins to Full Grain Stores with Silos British Designed, Manufactured & Supported

Want To Save Up To 35% Off Your Drier Running Costs?

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| LAMMA 2025

Suzuki gives owners peace of mind with Datatag security marking and Datatool tracker/immobiliser fitted as standard

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uzuki’s ever-popular KingQuad ATVs now come fitted with an enhanced security package as standard courtesy of their partnership with Datatool and Datatag.

The Japanese manufacturer has been working with Datatag and fitting its CESAR forensic marking system for over 10 years but has now bolstered its security offering by partnering with Datatool to fit a Thatcham-accredited tracking and immobiliser system as well.

The Datatool Stealth S5+ tracker and immobiliser actively protect the ATV against unauthorised movement as well as providing hotwire/forced ignition protection.

Waterproof with a built-in antenna, the Datatool Stealth is a cuttingedge tracking device which benefits from a UK-based 24/7/365 Theft Monitoring Team and is 4G-enabled for superior tracking abilities as well as providing tow-away alerts and key cloning protection. In addition, the Datatool app enables customers to see the location of their ATV in real-time as well as journey history so you can see where the vehicle has been used.

Farming

The Suzuki range currently comprises of three versatile models; the KingQuad 500 and 500XP as well as the KingQuad 750XP (XP denotes independent suspension and 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

| LAMMA 2025 equestrian properties.

Suzuki’s position as a leading supplier of ATVs to the UK agricultural and landmanagement markets continues to be strengthened by this security package and gives owners the peace of mind that everything is in place to deter theft and that it is also possible to track and recover their KingQuad ATV should it be stolen.

Mark Beeley, Head of ATV & Marine for Suzuki GB said, “A Suzuki KingQuad is an invaluable asset to a wide variety of businesses, particularly in the agricultural industry, so we understand the need to protect them as much as possible. We hope customers will see our security package as another added benefit and an additional reason to choose Suzuki.”

Customers can find out more by seeing Suzuki at the LAMMA show on the 15th and 16th of January at the NEC (hall 7, stand number 436) or visiting: www.atv.suzuki.co.uk

Get 10% off a new Suzuki KingQuad when you trade in your old ATV. Any make or model accepted.

Visit atv.suzuki.co.uk to find your local Suzuki dealer.

T&Cs apply.

Farming

| LAMMA 2025

JCB TO UNVEIL NEW MATERIALS HANDLING MACHINES AT LAMMA 2025 CB will unveil an unprecedented number of new machines for on-farm materials handling in Hall 17, stand 740 at the LAMMA Show, being staged at NEC Birmingham on 15/16 January.

Two new wheeled loaders are at opposite ends of the performance spectrum – the 403E Full Cab is a battery-electric ultracompact machine with special control features to keep the operator warm and comfortable with least possible impact on work time.

In addition to featuring the JCB Fastrac iCON high-speed tractors, the exhibit will underscore JCB’s leading role in efficient materials handling, with innovative Britishbuilt solutions that include the World No1 Loadall telescopic handler range and wheeled loaders purpose-built for agriculture from ultra-compact machines to the biggest and most powerful loading shovels.

Meanwhile, the latest JCB 435S heavyduty silage and muck loader gains significantly increased power and torque throughout the engine’s operating speed range, with peak power up 12% to 282hp equating to an unequalled 19hp per tonne power-to-weight ratio.

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New to the Loadall telehandler line-up are top-spec AGRI Pro versions of the 538-60 and 560-80, the former bringing the 50kph DualTech VT hydro-mechanical transmission to the 6m class for the first time, providing hydrostatic drive for precision low-speed control and auto powershift direct drive for efficient field and road travel.

The AGRI Pro spec also features an uprated driveline with heavier-duty axles, wider tyres and a dual-axle power braking system to further raise the productivity potential of these machines.

For high-lift operations – particularly stacking and retrieving bales – the new JCB Loadall 542-100 combines 4.2 tonne lift capacity and 9.8m lift height with the 40kph or 50kph DualTech VT transmission.

Yet despite these all-round gains – including the heavier duty driveline on the 50kph version – the newcomer is no bigger than the continuing 536-95, so it has the manoeuvrability needed for every-day work in and around farm buildings.

Farming

New six-speed powershift control features lift performance efficiency on the clamp and on the road, and the 435S also has a new load weighing option that can be factory-installed on other top-end JCB wheeled loaders, as well as all full-size JCB Loadall telescopic handlers.

JCB’s market leading telescopic wheeled loader range gets two all-new mid-range machines – the TM280 with 109hp and hydrostatic drive, and the TM280S with 130hp and DualTech VT hydro-mechanical drive – in a package barely 2m wide and 2.6m tall.

This compact size has been achieved by a new chassis design that houses the powertrain as low as possible while still delivering 2.75 tonne lift capacity and 4.8m lift height.

JCB also promises another new TM telescopic wheeled loader to further expand the already comprehensive range – but details are being kept under wraps until final specifications and equipment are decided.

| LAMMA 2025

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UK LIMITED • Bio oil fired heaters • Oil and gas fired cabinet heaters

• Portable and mobile heaters • Electric heaters

• Suspended oil and gas fired unit heaters

THERMOBILE offers probably the most complete selection of space heaters available to the UK Agricultural Trade. The full range of heaters from THERMOBILE now comprises over 300 models varying in heat output from 3Kw up to 450Kw (10,000 to 1,500,000 BTU/HR).

For more information call us TODAY! THERMOBILE UK LIMITED 12 Buckingham Close, Bermuda industrial Estate, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7JT, UK SALES CONTACTS: Andy Wallis 07850 988382 andy@thermobile.co.uk 02476 357960 John Hall 07775 635527 john@thermobile.co.uk

www.thermobile.co.uk Farming

| LAMMA 2025

Unleashing Power and Adventure: CFMOTO’s 2025 ATV and UTV Lineup Takes Centre Stage at LAMMA 25 e eagerly anticipate CFMOTO’s Lineup at LAMMA 2025 to discover the exciting new range of agricultural ATVs and UTVs that are taking the market by storm.

Their quads and side-by-side machines offer top spec reliability at the best price on the market. Find them in Hall 6, stand 6.930.

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Taking centre stage at the show is their latest UTV release - the U10 Pro. It features an allnew triple cylinder engine, fitted audio system and electronically operated hydraulic tipping bed. The smooth, quiet power of the 88 hp, 998cc three-cylinder engine combined with “push button” gear shifting lets you switch smoothly and efficiently.

The plush leather 3-person bench seat takes comfort to the next level, the electronic/ hydraulic tilting cargo box makes hauling and unloading effortless and the NFC key (pushbutton start), tilt steering, and a crystal-clear 8” CFMOTO RideSync™ touch screen make long days not only more productive, but also way more enjoyable.

You won’t find technology like the U10 Pro boasts in any other machine in its price bracket. If you spend most of the day in your

Farming

UTV, then this is the machine for you. With the launch of the U10 Pro early 2025, we’ll see another launch later in the year as we are set to expect the release of the U10 Pro XL to upgrade the current UFORCE 1000 XL. Regarding the rest of the UTV range, CFMOTO will launch the 2025 colourways for the UFORCE 600, UFORCE 1000. Both models feature progressive EPS for lightweight handling, 4×4 capability and a gas-assisted cargo box.

The UFORCE 1000 features the powerful VTwin liquid-cooled engine and comes fully loaded as standard, boasting a 3-person bench seat, large capacity tipping cargo bed a brand-new Drive by Wire Electronic throttle for a smooth ride.

For 2025, CFMOTO have launched a factory cab kit featuring fully opening electric windows.

These are factory recessed to fit and are a real game-changer. All UTVs include the option to include a certified windscreen glass, heaters and wipers from DFK cabs.

Now onto the latest in CFMOTO’s ATVs range.

Last year CFMOTO launched the Generation 3 CFORCE 1000 Touring – the most technologically advanced machine featuring

| LAMMA 2025

unrivalled new specs. This machine was proven to be very popular in 2024 and is paving the way for the future technology of CFMOTO’s agricultural models – the CFORCE 450, 520 and 625.

CFMOTO have taken the global market by storm and are now Europe’s best-selling ATV brand. This is since farmers and landowners are realising that there’s no need to spend such vast sums on a product from the big brands when there is a tried and tested, often higher spec’d and very reliable product available for less.

The factory invests heavily in research and development to stay ahead of the competition and to continue to grow. They are constantly exploring new technologies and materials to improve the performance and reliability of their machines.

Some of CFMOTO UK’s best-selling products aimed at the agricultural market include: •

CFORCE 450 ATV https://www.cfmoto. co.uk/atv/cforce-450/

•

CFORCE 520 ATV https://www.cfmoto. co.uk/atv/2024-cforce-520/

•

CFORCE 625 ATV https://www.cfmoto. co.uk/atv/cforce-625-eps/

•

UFORCE 600 UTV https://www.cfmoto. co.uk/side-by-side/uforce-600/

•

UFORCE 1000 UTV https://www.cfmoto. co.uk/side-by-side/uforce-1000/

•

U10 PRO UTV https://www.cfmoto.co.uk/ side-by-side/uforce-u10-pro/

CFMOTO doesn’t stop at farm machinery, if you’re looking for some serious fun, then check out the ZFORCE sports side-by-side range. All CFMOTO products come with a front winch and towbar as standard so you could slip the ZFORCE through as a farm machine “for work purposes…”

All vehicles come with an impressive 2-year parts and labour warranty, plus all agricultural models will come with a free ATVTrac security system fitted by your dealer + 1 year’s subscription worth £399.

U10 PRO - £18,000 + VAT (INCLUDES FULL CAB)

Discover the 2025 CFMOTO model range of road-legal ATV’s and UTV’s Come and find us at...

HALL 6 Stand 6.930

The new 2025 CFMOTO range puts power, capability and versatility in your hands to forge your path, whether it is toward work, fun, or the balance in between. So, stop by and say hello on the stand (Hall 6, stand 930) Let the team know that you saw this article and get a free CFMOTO cap!

To locate your nearest CFMOTO dealer head to https://www.cfmoto.co.uk/find-a-dealer/

CFORCE 450 £5,499 + VAT

Farming

| LAMMA 2025

LAMMA 2025 Visitors to Have the Chance to Win the Polaris RANGER Diesel AMMA, the UK's largest agricultural event, is set to deliver its most thrilling showcase yet in 2025, with an exclusive opportunity for attendees to win the highly sought-after Polaris RANGER Diesel, the ultimate workhorse designed for farmers, by farmers. This exciting competition offers visitors a chance to win a vehicle with additional components, valued at over £24,000, the perfect addition to any farm looking to elevate efficiency and productivity.

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Nick Ornstien, Managing Director of Agriconnect, shared his excitement for the upcoming event: “I’m proud to celebrate the continued success of LAMMA with our most exciting competition yet – the chance to win the incredible Polaris RANGER Diesel. At LAMMA, we aim to provide attendees with an unforgettable experience, and this giveaway embodies that commitment. LAMMA 2025 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, and we can’t wait to reveal the lucky winner of this fantastic vehicle!”

The Polaris RANGER Diesel will undoubtedly be

Built for Tough Agricultural Environments The Polaris RANGER Diesel is a machine built to handle the long hours and demanding conditions of UK farms.

Designed with real-life agricultural scenarios in mind, this rugged, durable vehicle is engineered to exceed expectations, especially when it comes to high demands and challenging terrains.

With a towing capacity of 1,134kg, a payload capacity of 720kg, and the highest ground clearance in its class (33cm), the RANGER Diesel offers exceptional performance across the toughest conditions.

For 2025, the RANGER Diesel has received a series of upgrades, including a new Gen 2 transmission for smoother gear changes, and an extended service interval of 200 hours or 2,000 miles, reducing downtime and ownership costs.

Additionally, it features a redesigned front end with a new bumper and grille, ensuring added durability and style.

Thanks to its on-demand all-wheel drive, electric power steering, and advanced engine braking system with Active Descent Control, the Polaris RANGER Diesel offers farmers an unmatched combination of control, comfort, and versatility. With seating for three and a quieter cabin, the upgraded 2025 model is as comfortable as it is capable.

A Farm-Friendly Giveaway to Remember Farming

the highlight of LAMMA 2025, and one lucky visitor will drive away with this essential tool for any farmer. The competition is open to all visitors, ensuring that everyone has a shot at winning this powerhouse of a vehicle.

Join the Agricultural Event of the Year LAMMA 2025 is set to be a record-breaking event, attracting thousands of visitors from across the agricultural community. Over 650 exhibitors will showcase the latest innovations and technologies in farming, with an expanded exhibition space and more exciting products than ever before. As the UK’s premier agricultural event, LAMMA continues to grow, offering an unparalleled opportunity for networking, learning, and discovering the best in agricultural machinery.

Don’t miss your chance to win the Polaris RANGER Diesel and experience LAMMA 2025 – the agricultural event of the year!

HYDOR

New FAN Contr

oller

Farming

| LAMMA 2025

Mobile separator from Bauer takes slurry management flexibility to new heights for large farms and contractors auer’s mobile slurry separation solution for efficient nutrient management takes on a fresh perspective with the new Plug & Play Elevator that lifts a separator 4.3m into the air to open up different discharge options.

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The new device will be exhibited for the first time at the LAMMA Show, NEC Birmingham, 15-16 January 2025.

Bauer’s current mobile separator package can be loaded on to a flat-bed trailer using pallet forks and comprises a galvanised steel frame housing a pump, all necessary pipework and an enclosed control panel,

with a choice of screw press separators mounted on top.

The new Elevator version can also be trailer-mounted but has a parallel lift structure incorporating slurry intake and separated dirty water pipes, so that the separator can be positioned to discharge the solids into a trailer or spreader, or into a large loader bucket.

“Like our current mobile unit, the Plug & Play Elevator is a solution for large farms with more than one dairy unit and slurry storage and handling facilities, only with greater flexibility in terms of how the solids are managed,” says Adrian Tindall, UK &

UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN SLURRY APPLICATION, MIXING, SEPARATION & PUMPING TECHNOLOGY

Plug & Play

MTXH-L

Magnum SX Adrian Tindall - UK & Ireland Rob Jackson - UK & Ireland Farming

07708 919597 07939 410417

a.tindall@bauer-at.com r.jackson@bauer-at.com

| LAMMA 2025

Bauer Plug & Play Elevator slurry separator Bauer’s new Plug & Play Elevator model lifts the separator unit 4.3m into the air to discharge into a trailer or spreader.

Ireland sales manager at Bauer.

“For contractors, both mobile units provide an opportunity for providing an on-farm service that brings more controlled nutrient management without the capital investment needed for a fixed installation.”

The Bauer S655 and S855 (and equivalent FAN) screw-and-screen separators are suitable for the new Elevator package, the S655 achieving a typical throughput of 30cu m per hour and organic material up to 32% dry matter using a standard-length screw with single screen.

The same dry matter performance is achieved with the S855 separator but at throughputs of up to 40cu m per hour thanks to an extended screw and double screen; both are powered by a 5.5kW electric motor.

Mobile separation packages require minimal permanent infrastructure, so can be useful in situations where planning restrictions hamper a fixed installation, and Bauer Group’s FAN separators in mobile form are a useful option for multi-site anaerobic digester (AD) plants.

Farming

| LAMMA 2025

BOSS lines up for LAMMA OSS Off-Road Vehicles will be at the LAMMA agricultural show to showcase the latest addition to their line-up. The PathCross ATV is described by its manufacturer, AODES, as its newest sensation and a trailblazer in their off-road series. The PathCross boasts a modular design and a choice of several models featuring V-Twin engines in 650cc, 1000cc and the new single cylinder 525cc displacements. The main features include an Active Emission Cooling (AEC) system, superior ground clearance and suspension travel, hydraulic breaking operating four-wheel disc brakes, and an adjustable front and automatic rear differential system. BOSS says the PathCross complements the range of vehicles they distribute and support in the UK.

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The Corvus Terrain range comprises the EX4 100% electric 4x4 utility vehicle and DX4 rugged diesel UTV. The Terrain is designed from the ground up for agriculture,

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groundscare, forestry, and construction work.

The Powerland Tachyon is a complete, fully electric (Li-ion) road-legal ATV with tractor homologation, and environmental benefits. The Paxster range features all-electric, compact, and agile utility vehicles suited to an exceptionally wide range of applications. Built for sustainability, they are available as new, and 2nd Drive last nut and bolt factory refurbished models. Faunamaster products include multifunctional and timesaving compact seed drills, sprayers, and flail mowers designed for use with an ATV, UTV, or tractor.

BOSS also distributes the Air-ROPS ARQUAD, an automatic rollover protection system for ATVs that expands when the rollover is irreversible. It provides, they say, the highest level of protection and the most ergonomic solution on the market. BOSS OffRoad Vehicles are on Stand 6.830 at LAMMA. For more information you can call 01785 561046 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.bossorv.co.uk

| LAMMA 2025

Seed Hawk 600-900C

Introducing the new Väderstad Seed Hawk 600-900C Full product versatility

The Väderstad Seed Hawk is known for its precision, versatility, and ability to maximise the yield potential in no-till conditions.

Väderstad E-Control

Front disc

Precise metering

Learn more at vaderstad.com Where farming starts Farming

| LAMMA 2025

Two users highly rate their Bunning Lowlander TVA spreader

wo farming businesses operating Bunning’s Lowlander Twin Vertical Auger (TVA) spreaders are benefiting from increased reliability and flexibility to apply nutrition at the optimum times. The two users, one farmer and the other a large contractor, have invested in the spreaders as long-term machines to improve application timeliness and maximise manure.

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Robert Neill – Lowlander 120 TVA With an estimated 3,000t of manure per year to

apply, Robert Neill views the Lowlander 120 TVA as the right size for his farm, offering good output in a small wheelbase and a light footprint, helping to limit compaction and enable ideal application timing.

He says: “We have always liked the Bunning spreaders for being well built and their ability to break down the manure during spreading. They will spread well-rotted manure to a consistent spread width of 10-12m. Owning the spreader has allowed us to have greater control over the works and means we can fit spreading in around other jobs, rather than save it all up for the short window of hiring.”

The farm extends to 690ha, of which 400ha is down to arable crops, including winter barley, winter wheat, spring barley and spring beans, with 120ha of grassland. Alongside this, there is a herd of 350 Limousin x Friesian suckler cows, with a total head of cattle rising to over 1,000. These are all bedded solely on the straw, which means the spreader is an integral part of the system.

Robert Neill Farming

Until a few years ago, Mr Neill would hire a Bunning Lowlander manure spreader and praised the reliability, which helped when it came to purchase his own machine. Second-hand value was also a key consideration, and he is

| LAMMA 2025 confident that a Bunning machine will hold its value and the cost to change will be smaller.

Owning the spreader has increased the flexibility and size of spreading windows. It has allowed smaller jobs to be undertaken, such as clearing feeding areas in fields to allow the soil and grass to recover quicker. Finally, Mr Neill has also been impressed with the throughput of the spreader.

“Fresh straw bedding being spread straight from the pen can bridge, but we’ve never experienced anything like this with the Bunning machines we’ve used.

The 120 TVA fits the needs of our farm well.”

Robert Hamilton – Lowlander 105 TVA Compact “I’ve run Bunning machines since 2010, and I know what I’m getting with every spreader. It is difficult to fault them from the spread pattern to the paint work,” says Robert Hamilton, who runs a contracting operation based in Strathaven, Scotland.

nicely behind the tractor and doesn’t appear as large as the standard body. It has the same carrying capacity and the output is similar. The shorter wheelbase also allows us to easily negotiate field entrances and small farm yards,” concludes Mr Hamilton.

“I wouldn’t consider anything else now. One of the biggest benefits is that we don’t require much dealer or technical support for the spreaders, which can’t be said for every machine we run. We maintain them well and, when we have rare issues, they are sorted quickly by Bunning.”

Spreading usually happens alongside the more intensive silaging works and Mr Hamilton says the reliability and bullet-proof nature of the Bunning machines is why he converted to Bunning from another brand over a decade ago. He says the option of Widebody twin vertical augers is a high requirement.

“The Widebody augers allow extra throughput and an even spread pattern. We have helped farmers out in the past who run standard auger spreaders, and you can see the difference the Widebody ones make to the pattern and product consistency.

Keeping the tips sharp is important for shredding material and we check these regularly to ensure the chopping of material.”

Lowlander ® Manure Spreaders 3 Year Warranty | Details available upon request Twin Vertical Auger TVA | 6 – 40 tonnes Horizontal Beater & Spinning Disc HBD | 8 – 40 tonnes

Visit us at the Royal Highland Show Tel: + 44 (0) 1362 860352

www.gtbunning.co.uk

The Compact body design option measures 6.5m long, whereas the Lowlander 105 standard body is 7.5m. This is a key factor as some of the small hill farms he contracts to like to see a small machine on their fields.

“The customers like the Compact machine. It fits in

bunning spreaders

Farming

| LAMMA 2025

New Holland plans first UK display of new T5 Dual Command at LAMMA 2025 t LAMMA 2025, the Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham on 15th and 16th January 2025, New Holland will showcase the new T5 Dual Command for the first time in the UK. Part of the new T5 series, which comprises five models from 80-117hp all powered by FPT F36 3.6-litre four-cylinder engines, the tractor has been given a new look and a series of updates designed to improve productivity and operator comfort. Alongside fresh styling, the T5 Dual Command tractors benefit from mechanical Comfort Ride cab suspension, wet disc front PTO and a rear lift capacity boost of 7% to 4,700kg. The range can now also be equipped with telematics previously only available on higher power models including

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autoguidance, the IntelliView™ 12 touchscreen terminal and ISOBUS Class 2 implement connection.

Also on display will be New Holland’s CR9.90 combine harvester, one of the brand’s flagship CR Revelation models.

| LAMMA 2025

The range boasts a number of innovative features including its award-winning IntelliSense™ combine automation system, Dynamic Flow Control™ remotely adjustable rotor vanes, and the patented Opti-Spread™ Plus super wide spreading residue management system.

The T7 Long Wheelbase

digital farming experience, bringing precision agriculture to the forefront.

Visitors can also view a Boomer Stage V Compact Tractor – a manoeuvrable and versatile tractor series offering a wide range of solutions for agriculture, horticulture, equestrian and groundcare applications.

Finally, in a special highlight, the brand will display the two-millionth tractor built at its award-winning Basildon plant, a feat managed by only a handful of such facilities across the world and a testament to the brand’s legacy.

series will be exhibited on the stand, a premium tractor offering from New Holland, which showcases the Horizon™ Ultra Cab, designed to maximise operator comfort with advanced sound insulation and ergonomic controls. With its PLM Intelligence™, the T7 Long Wheelbase provides an integrated Farming

| LAMMA 2025

ProCam to exhibit partnership-based precision farming service at LAMMA eading agronomy firm, ProCam, will be exhibiting its user-friendly precision farming service, FieldSense, for the first time at the LAMMA show (15-16 January 2025, NEC, Birmingham).

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Unveiled at the end of July 2024, FieldSense uses satellite imaging of field variability to drive tailored variable rate seed, fertiliser and lime applications, aimed at improving economic crop output and delivering environmental gains.

But a key point is that it is ProCam agronomists who interpret the satellite maps to produce the variable rate drilling and fertiliser spreading files, explains ProCam UK technical and services manager, Simon Francis – working in partnership with growers rather than customers having to figure out everything themselves.

“With the drive to use inputs more efficiently and in more sustainable and environmentally

Farming

friendly ways, but growers facing increasingly busy workloads, FieldSense aims to make precision farming simpler and more accessible to more growers,” says Simon. “It is very much precision agronomy through partnership.

“LAMMA will be the first event where we showcase FieldSense on such a large scale.

Visitors to the stand will be able to see ITbased FieldSense demonstrations and hear how it can be tailored to, and benefit, individual farm needs. With potential SFI payments for variable rate application of nutrients, the rollout of FieldSense has come at an ideal time.”

Also on the stand, visitors will be able to find out more about other ProCam services and products – such as its wider agronomy and fieldwalking services; its SoilSense soil analysis and nutrient planning service; and its range of arable, forage and cover crop seeds – and even discuss ProCam career opportunities.

| LAMMA 2025

LAMMA calling T

he UK’s leading agricultural machinery, equipment, and technology show will kickstart RIDBA’s new year.

LAMMA sees hundreds of exhibitors and groups connect with farmers from all sectors.

It takes place annually at National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham, and will return on January 15 – 16, 2025.

RIDBA’s general manager Joe Chalk said: “This will be the third consecutive year RIDBA will exhibit at LAMMA and we’re really looking forward to it.

“We found our first two visits were a great opportunity to introduce the wider agricultural community to RIDBA, the work the association does and the reasons why it’s important to always use a RIDBA member.

“It’s also a useful way of catching-up with our members and discussing with non-members how membership might help their business.”

If you’re attending LAMMA 2025, you can meet the RIDBA team on stand 8.952.

For more information visit www.lammashow.com Farming

| Education and Training

Agricultural Society continues tradition of supporting engineering apprentices

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he latest young technicians to be supported by the Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Awards were recognised at the Midlands Machinery Show last month.

The winners receive a total of £500 paid in two instalments of £250 over two years.

A total of 12 apprentices collected their awards from the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS) at a special ceremony on Thursday.

Agricultural engineering apprentices aged 17 to 25 are supported with the bursary to assist with their career development.

NNAS President Bob Sheldon said: “Investing in the next generation of agricultural engineers is crucial in today’s rapidly-changing landscape.

“These young apprentices represent the future of farming and the awards create valuable opportunities for them to further their expertise and industry knowledge.”

Apprentices from dealers Chandlers, Farol, B&B Tractors, Russells and Sharmans were selected for bursaries this year.

Tom Smith from AgCo dealer B&B Tractors in Barnsley said: “I’m into the third year of my apprenticeship now and I’m learning loads. I want

Farming

to keep learning and working my way up the ladder.

“It’s nice to be recognised for this award.”

Harry Bassett from John Deere dealer Farol in Ashbourne said: “Winning this means a lot to me because I’ll be able to buy some special tools to improve what I do and also get some recognition within the dealership and industry.

“I want to progress and my goal is to become a master technician.”

Joining Tom and Harry at the ceremony were Chandlers apprentices Robert Marlow, William Vines, Joshua Whotton and Nathan Wells.

B&B Tractors had three further apprentices at the ceremony; Henry Bowman, Joe Slater and Joe Sweetmore. Cameron Sirrell and Max Lumsden from Russells also collected their bursaries, as well as Lewis Collins from Sharmans Agricultural.

The awards, which were introduced by Geoffrey Bond in his presidency with the support of the NNAS, are organised in support of the society’s charitable objectives, to promote, celebrate and champion primary agriculture and related industries.

Eligible apprentices must be currently working with an agricultural engineering company and attending an academic institution.

| Education and Training

Applications for life-changing Scholarships open in January pplications for 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships will open on 29 January 2025, offering members of the food, farming, horticulture and rural industries the chance to study a topic they are passionate about.

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Nuffield Farming seeks to support and develop future leaders through life-changing scholarships that unlock individual potential through study and overseas travel, as well as advance UK agriculture through Scholars sharing their ideas upon their return.

for the chosen study topic and a willingness to learn are essential.

Nuffield Farming offers extensive support for applicants including regular online 'open evenings' for questions about the process, assistance from local Nuffield Farming Scholars and mock interviews for those shortlisted.

The first online open evening will be held on 29 January 2025 at 7pm. During the event,

"Completing a Nuffield Farming Scholarship has given me the confidence to drive positive change within the dairy industry," says Ruth Grice NSch 2023, who is a dairy farmer and sustainability manager at Long Clawson Dairy.

"From a very early stage in the journey, I felt welcomed into an incredible network of like-minded people from across the international agricultural community. The people you meet want you to do well and challenge your perceptions, while respecting your points of view. The experience has broadened my horizons and opened my mind up to new possibilities."

Applications are welcomed from those aged 25-45 residing in the UK and working within or influencing the farming, food, horticulture, rural and associated industries. There is no requirement for academic qualifications or a connection to Nuffield Farming, but a passion

there will be the opportunity to learn more about the application process and hear from 2023 Scholar Roisin Taylor, who will be sharing her Scholarship journey. To register for this session, please email charlotte@nuffieldscholar.org.

Those interested in applying can learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements by visiting https://www. nuffieldscholar.org/scholarships/how-apply.

Applications will close on 31 July 2025.

Farming

| Education and Training

Mini podcast series kick starts business support for rural young people new training initiative aimed at enhancing the business skills of rural young people is being developed by the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC). The first phase of the project, which is funded by Defra, is launching this December and includes a mini podcast series focused on the skills needed to develop a rural enterprise.

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The two podcast episodes feature industry experts Dr Richard Byrne from the Rural Resilience Research Group at Harper Adams University (HAU) and WiRE Director Polly Gibb.

The pair explore sustainable business ideas that can thrive in today's challenging climate, while also encouraging young people to understand the personality profile that helps determine a successful career.

The podcasts are part of a broader project to provide relevant training in business and skills development for rural young people, which will be available in 2025. The resources aim to support young people in staying up to date with the ongoing agricultural transition, energy and climate concerns so they can make informed career and business decisions.

The podcasts provide valuable insight for young people exploring the opportunities and challenges in developing a rural business.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on whether starting a rural enterprise is the right path for them and learn about the key skills needed to prepare for a successful future in the sector.

Dr Byrne and Ms Gibb also discuss the ongoing transition process and its impact on business prospects, exploring key topics such as supply chains, cash flow, and personality traits.

Ms Gibb has been with WiRE for 20 years, working predominantly with women who are setting up or growing businesses in the rural area. She believes that in periods of great change, businesses need people with skills in innovation and entrepreneurialism.

"If you're wanting to start a business, you have Farming

to embrace risk," says Ms Gibb during the first podcast episode. "You have to have the attitude and personality that can cope with risk.

If you're a tiny business, you can move quicker than the big businesses. You're closer to your marketplace and you should understand your customers better. Being successful in business now is about responding to change, it's not implementing 'my plans beautifully'."

Dr Bryne has worked at HAU for 25 years and in the last 10 has focused on food security and the issues around feeding a growing global population.

"It's a time of real challenge but I also think it's a time to sit back and understand what's going on around us and to see opportunity in that," says Dr Byrne.

In the second podcast episode, Ms Gibb lists the key questions someone should ask themselves before starting a business, which include: 1. How comfortable you are with uncertainty?

2. What is your motivation for starting the business?

3. Have you got a network that you can collaborate with and be the infrastructure for your business?

Dr Bryrne reminds listeners that "enthusiasm is great" for starting a business but to be honest with yourself about what you can achieve.

"Starting a business is challenging, it's long hours. We can all say we can deal with that but perhaps you have other pulls on that time.

Understand your level of resilience and risk," he advises.

More resources will be published in the new year to support YFC members and will also highlight updated information from NFYFC's Smart Farming Guide, a business development website produced in association with Savills.

| Education and Training

New Geothermal 'Glasshouse' Research Facility to Grow Food Industry Innovation and Pave Way to Net Zero

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ork has started on creating a new research and development facility at the University of Lincoln's Riseholme Park Campus, enabling new industry collaboration and research opportunities for the UK's food and farming sector.

The glasshouse will facilitate regional industry specialisms, support innovation in food and farming, deliver collaborative, impactful and high value research with industry, and further establish the University's Riseholme Park Campus and Lincoln Institute for AgriFood Technology (LIAT) as specialist centres.

The Glasshouse Research & Development (R&D) Facility will use geothermal ground source heating technology to provide heating from renewable energy.

The building will therefore operate with a considerably lower carbon footprint than traditional facilities of its kind and will demonstrate plausible pathways towards a Net Zero transition for this segment of the agriculture and horticulture industries.

we can deliver much more investment, innovation, job creation and food security.

"It is incredibly important that we invest in applied research and development opportunities such as this and encourage the growth of our University as a commercial entity."

Ruth Carver, Chief Executive of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "As the UK's Food Valley, the agri-food sector in Greater Lincolnshire is nationally significant and growing rapidly.

"The Local Enterprise Partnership is supporting the Glasshouse research facility to ensure that state-of-theart facilities are available to our businesses to help them grow and innovate and to allow our people to learn new skills."

Prof. Simon Pearson, Founding Director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology at the University of Lincoln, said:

When completed, the glasshouse will offer access to specialist research infrastructure and innovation support services. This will allow SMEs and other businesses in the UK's food sector to adapt or improve their products or services.

The glasshouse will have capacity for multiple R&D projects to take place simultaneously in independently controlled compartments. Eligible businesses will also have access to academic experts from the University of Lincoln, as well as many research and knowledge transfer opportunities. This ongoing support will enable adoption of new technology, new processes, acquisition of skills and the development of new products.

Prof. Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said:

"The Glasshouse R&D Facility will present a great amount of new opportunities for not only those studying at LIAT, but for eligible businesses that will benefit from the research carried out at the facility.

"This wouldn't have been possible without the commitment and investment of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and we are very grateful for their ongoing support.

"Once the new facility is operational, we will develop a raft of new Net Zero facilities for glasshouse production.

Our aim is to unlock substantive investment on glasshouse crop production across the GLLEP. These investments need viable Net Zero solutions for growers to reduce energy cost and carbon emissions.

Investment in glasshouse production helps grow local economies, skills and food security"

"We are very excited at the prospect of our new Glasshouse Facility being constructed at the University's Riseholme Park Campus, and it will be working with Net Zero technologies that are in line with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and a carbon free future.

The Glasshouse R&D Facility will form part of Greater Lincolnshire LEP's proposed Agricultural Growth Zone (Ag Zone), designed to support Greater Lincolnshire agriculture and the delivery of the UK Food Valley.

"Lincolnshire is the UK's Food Valley, from its seafood industry in Grimsby, through agri-tech in Lincoln, to its fresh produce sector in southern Lincolnshire.

The research and development infrastructure will also be used for the new AgriTech Incubator established by the University of Lincoln in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs.

"We are facilitating growth with an industry-led investment agenda. Our enabling strategy, working in conjunction with industry can deliver success by attracting and supporting investors.

"By working together, locally and with the government,

The total cost of the project will be £2.2 million with the majority of the capital being provided by a local growth fund from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by Summer 2025.

Farming

| Education and Training

Hartpury University and College's Home Farm installs robotic milking system artpury University and Hartpury College’s Home Farm has installed the state-ofthe-art DeLaval Voluntary Milking System (VMS) V300 – a robotic milking system that allows a cow to be milked when it wants, which can be up to three times a day on average.

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The new technology reinforces Hartpury’s commitment to combining commercial innovation in agriculture, whilst providing education and research opportunities for students.

It also optimises animal welfare, by providing Hartpury’s farm team with valuable data for managing herd health and milk production.

Currently, 100 cows are part of the robotic milking herd, and a further 100 are milked through a 30/30 rapid exit parlour.

For students, the installation represents an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technology.

Agricultural students studying courses including T Levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degree s, and PhDs will have the chance to see the VMS in action, learning how to utilise data-driven insights to improve herd management and milk production practices. They’ll be able to use the information provided by the system to make decisions on managing individual cows, working alongside farm staff.

Hartpury’s investment in the DeLaval VMS robotic milking system is supported by the work of the Hartpury Agri-Tech Centre (of which DeLaval is a member), and the venue hosts industry engagement events throughout the year to shine a light on agri-technologies and enhance the understanding of its benefits.

Showcasing developments in farm automation is an important part of Hartpury’s Digital Innovation Farm, as is sharing the experiences with its 2,000 members in the Digital Farming Network.

Professor Matt Bell, Director of Agriculture at Hartpury University said: “The installation of the DeLaval Voluntary Milking System marks an exciting development for Hartpury’s farm and our Farming

students. This cutting-edge technology not only enhances the efficiency of our operations but also gives students real-world experience – something that is so valuable within our industry.

By equipping them with knowledge of the latest innovations, we are ensuring they are futureready for careers in a rapidly evolving agricultural industry.”

The DeLaval VMS robotic milking system operates through a series of advanced steps to ensure efficient and hygienic milking: 1. Teat Preparation: Compressed air and warm water are injected through angled nozzles to clean the teats thoroughly.

2. Teat Attachment: The DeLaval lnSight™ vision system allows for precise and quick attachment of teat cups, even for cows with varied teat placement.

3. Milking Process: The robust robotic arm prepares the teats, attaches the teat cups, aligns the milk tube, and sprays the teats after milking. The system adapts the milking process to each cow individually, increasing the milking rate and reducing milking time.

4. Milk Measurement and Health Monitoring: The system uses ICAR-approved milk meters with infrared technology to measure milk quantity, conductivity, colorimetry, and flow rate per quarter. The MDi health indicators help identify cows and udders that need attention, ensuring udder health.

| Education and Training

Land-based colleges celebrating 70th and 75th anniversaries

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wo land-based colleges are celebrating decades of training generations of farmers.

Intelligence (AI), for example, will provide new ways of learning.

Bishop Burton College, in East Yorkshire, is marking its 70th anniversary this academic year whilst its sister college, Riseholme, in Lincolnshire, is in its 75th year.

“However, as land-based colleges Bishop Burton and Riseholme pride themselves on providing real working environments to produce a skilled workforce, and we’ll never lose sight of that.

The colleges, which specialise in agriculture, engineering and equine, will be hosting separate special events in the spring to celebrate the milestones.

“Sustainability is another of our key agendas, not only for student delivery but also as major organisations and employers.

Danny Metters, Principal and CEO of Bishop Burton and Riseholme, said the anniversaries provided an opportunity to reflect on the colleges’ proud history, acknowledge their evolution, and look forward to a bright future.

“All of the programmes at Bishop Burton and Riseholme have sustainability and environmental modules that are contextualised to the subjects the students are studying, so they’re meaningful to them.

He said: “They’re massive and hugely significant milestones for us, and we’re very excited to celebrate with all our students, staff, partners and stakeholders.

“Both colleges have also taken steps to reduce their own carbon emissions, including through the use of machinery on the farms to improve productivity, and by introducing environmentally friendly air source heat pumps to heat the buildings.”

“It gives us a chance to look back on what we’ve achieved for our students and our communities, focus on who we are as colleges at this point in time, and look ahead to move Bishop Burton and Riseholme onto the next chapter.

“Over the years, the colleges have evolved in a variety of ways but they have always been values-driven, putting students at the heart of everything they do, as well as their staff.

“That’s why we’ve now created a pledge of ‘students first, staff always’ at Bishop Burton and Riseholme. Without students we wouldn’t have anyone to serve, and without the best staff the students wouldn’t receive the learning experience they deserve.”

Originally both purely agricultural colleges, Bishop Burton and Riseholme have diversified over the years, introducing different subject areas to their curriculums. They both now offer a wide range of further education and higher education courses.

The colleges also have agriculture and equine facilities, which provide students with real working environments in which to develop and hone the skills they need for successful careers.

Bishop Burton and Riseholme attract students regionally, nationally and internationally for their specialist provision and delivery.

Danny said: “The anniversaries highlight the colleges’ evolution but what’s remained constant is that they meet the needs of their communities and industry.

“They’re also both steeped in agriculture, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of. In order to survive and prosper in this sector, Bishop Burton and Riseholme have had to diversify – which is what they’ve done with other subject areas – but they’ve always remained true to their roots, and to who they are.

“The whole curriculum offer reflects and complements the land-based specialisms, and that will always be the case.”

There is now a keen focus on technology to enhance learning, as well as sustainability at both colleges.

“We need to ensure we’re meeting the needs of future workforces, as well as current ones,” said Danny. “Technology is going to be key to how we progress, and Artificial

The colleges are now each planning events in the spring to celebrate their 70th and 75th anniversaries.

“They will be opportunities to showcase who we are, including our great students, staff and facilities, and also the vital roles the colleges have in their localities as anchor institutions,” said Danny.

Ian Sackree, Chair of Governors at Bishop Burton and Riseholme, said: “I’m delighted to be Chair during this special year.

“Whilst other colleges are older, the significance of the roles Bishop Burton and Riseholme have played since being established in the post Second World War era cannot be overstated.

“They were created at a time when our country was struggling to feed itself in an otherwise exciting period, with technology starting to develop at pace, impacting all industries – not least farming.

“In many ways we face a similar situation today, with significant pressure on food producers against the backdrop of almost daily advances in the use of technology to increase yield and reduce both cost and impact on our environment.

“Bishop Burton and Riseholme continue to play key roles as the colleges of choice for many stakeholders. They remain at the cutting edge of the sectors they serve, working in partnership to teach the skills needed to manage animals and the land.

“Bishop Burton and Riseholme remain as important now as when they were formed, and we’re proud to continue our work with students, businesses and employers to ensure the agricultural and land-based sector has the skills it needs to both survive and thrive.”

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For more information about Bishop Burton College, visit www.bishopburton.ac.uk

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For more information about Riseholme College, visit www. riseholme.ac.uk

Farming

| Education and Training

Northamptonshire farm business support agricultural charity to improve food security in developing countries even students from Nigeria, South Sudan, Nepal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe spent a day in Northamptonshire earlier this month, as the Marshal Papworth Fund hosted its annual ‘Welcome Visit’ for its latest Masters scholars at Mee Blueberries and Willow Brook Farm Shop, Traditional Butchers & Tea Room.

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The students have just embarked upon year-long MSc courses at Bangor University, Aberystwyth University, the Royal Agricultural University, the University of Reading, and Harper Adams University, where they are studying a range of horticultural and agricultural courses, funded by agricultural development charity, the Marshal Papworth Fund, which is managed by the East of England Agricultural Society.

Sandra Lauridsen, Marshal Papworth Fund coordinator, said: “This welcome visit for our Masters scholars is vital to help cement working relationships between our alumni, which will lead to the best possible outcomes once they return to their home countries. We are so grateful to the teams at Mee Blueberries and Willow Brook Farm for giving up their time and experience towards our vision of helping more communities in ‘growing out of hunger’.”

Mee Blueberries, at Nassington, near Oundle – a 700-acre farm run by Peter and Zoe Mee, with their children Charlie and Emily, and daughter-inlaw Charlotte. A diversification business that was recognised as the 2022 British Farming Awards as Family Farming Business of the Year and has recently been named the Great Food Club Producer of the Year. In 2014, Peter and Zoe

Farming

knew that for the business to be able to support the next generation, it had to diversify. The solution they came up with was blueberries, planting 15 hectares under polytunnels and later installing a brand-new blueberry processing facility in 2019, with the freshly picked fruit now found on the shelves of leading supermarkets.

Recent adaptations have seen the family freeze any fruit which would not last the fresh fruit shelf life at the time of picking, to make a range of artisan products that they sell direct to customers online, including sparkling blueberry wine!

Emily Mee said: “This was the most impactful tour I have ever done, and I am incredibly inspired by your students. It is so refreshing to meet people with so much passion for the industry. We have never had people ask so many questions and understand the process as well as your group and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you very much for asking us to be a part of their time here as it has had an extremely positive impact for us as well as them!”

The group then headed to Willow Brook Farm Shop, a family business that has farmed here since 1938, where following a traditional Christmas lunch, Robin Morton, – guided the students through what it has taken to develop their successful business. The crops they grow are winter wheat, winter and spring barley, winter oil seed rape, winter oats, sugar beet and land rented out for potatoes. Their wheat goes to Weetabix, oats to Morning food which supplies Quaker. The cattle are beef cattle ranging from 8 months to 20 months, they have to leave the holding by 30 months, and this was brought into force after mad cow disease. The beef goes into the shop, they source local pork, turkeys for

| Education and Training

Christmas, and eggs from Stamford eggs within a few miles. Suppliers are locally sourced but usually within 50 miles. They have occasional evening classes but more so mini event days showing pork pie making, sausage making, the pork pies being hand created which is rare now.

Exploring opportunities to better market their communities’ produce is one of the ways that Marshal Papworth scholars will improve food security when they return to Africa, so the directto-customer approach of the Morton family was of great interest to the scholars. Second generation farmer, Robin, said: “For us opening a farm shop in 2003, selling direct to our customers, rather than to the supermarkets, not only was it practical, but it made a real connection between what was being produced and what was being sold. Provenance has always been extremely important to us and this was a way of showing it.

We still use feed grown from the farm to feed our cattle – supplying top quality meat to this day, that vision has never changed giving huge choice to our customers and spreading the risk for us too.”

“We have taken risks over the years when there weren’t a lot of farmers doing what we have, adding a Tea room in 2009 to add that ‘destination experience’ opportunity for our customers. We have to work really hard to show people that we do actually farm ourselves - the farm is directly behind the shop and not immediately obvious in this small village outside Peterborough – but we are still really passionate about growing our own produce and doing what the supermarkets don’t do, and sharing that message with our loyal customers.”

Zimbabwe, led the thanks for the day’s experience: “We are truly grateful to hear and see such inspiring stories at both businesses today, all facilitated by the Marshal Papworth Fund and East of England Agricultural Society. This has been a wonderful experience so far, and I know I speak for all of us when I say we are already looking forward to going home and implementing what we have learnt.”

The Marshal Papworth Fund, an agricultural development charity that provides life changing scholarships for students from developing counties at leading UK agricultural and horticultural universities and colleges, has this year celebrated the arrival of its 261st student – a landmark milestone for a charity that initially aspired to provide scholarships for just a handful of farmers 23 years ago.

The Marshal Papworth Fund provides scholarships for students from developing countries, including year-long Masters MSc scholarships to leading UK agricultural universities and colleges, and a bespoke 10-week short course, developed with Harper Adams University. The Fund has just welcomed its 250th student to be educated at UK agricultural universities as part of the Marshal Papworth Fund scholarship schemes.

To find out more about supporting the Marshal Papworth Fund, please contact Sandra Lauridsen on 01733 961024 or email slauridsen@eastofengland.org.uk for more information. You can also visit our new website at www.marshalpapworth.com

Christopher Mlambo, studying an MSc Animal Science at Aberystwyth University, and from Farming

he number of women in the farming and agriculture industry has risen by 7% in the past decade, according to ONS data, accounting for one third of the farming workforce.

This is due to a change within the industry, from labour-intensive work to a tech-driven industry, meaning women are breaking barriers and redefining the future of British agriculture.

Despite this new generation of female farmers, a new study by personalised uniform, workwear factors, such as the gender pay gap, enhanced maternity pay options and menopause leave to decipher the ranking.

Flexible workwear The majority of industries studied, inclusive of the farming and agriculture industry, provide very few female workwear options apart from some such as cleaning and beauty.

Gayle Parker, Commercial Director at MyWorkwear comments on the study: "We actively speak to our customers and prospects across multiple industries to understand the concerns with female workwear and often, similar feedback is raised each time. and PPE suppliers, MyWorkwear, has revealed farming and agriculture work to be one of the least inclusive industries for women, which may inhibit further growth or female retainment.

As a branded workwear provider who regularly collaborates with businesses across multiple industries, and actively discusses the need for women's workwear options, their study looked to highlight further gender inequalities within the world of work.

The study* not only looks at accommodated workwear options for women, but also other Farming

provide in-depth knowledge on women's fit options when required, such as providing samples and advising where logos will sit on the garment, in addition to providing size guides.", she concludes.

Gender Pay Gap. The farming and agriculture professions were found to have a stark gender pay gap at almost 24%. When compared to other professions, such as those within the medical profession, this was a drastic difference. Nurses, for example, see a gender pay gap of 4.3%.

Maternity Pay An analysis of maternity pay offerings reveals that women working within the farming and agriculture indurty may fall short, as the study shows zero enhanced maternity pay. Whilst female workers are entitled to statutory maternity pay, many claim this is an 'unlivable' income, with a shocking 9% of women taking no maternity leave whatsoever due to how little they receive3. Just over half of the industries studied by MyWorkwear had some form of enhanced maternity pay in place, such as education and medical.

Menopause leave "Feedback often includes buttons gaping on the chest, either too tight of a fit or too loose, and we sometimes hear that buyers can mistake unisex for women's fit or simply order a smaller size in a men's fit. All of these design issues can impact how a woman feels in the workplace and their overall efficiency.

"Female workwear is regularly spoken about at industry events, which have led to improvements from some of our suppliers, but there is still a long way to go. Having spoken to women within maledominated industries, such as construction and security, some aren't even aware that female workwear options exist.

"To improve, workwear suppliers and industry leaders must work together and continue to speak to women within these sectors on how they can best be accommodated. From our perspective, we

Menopause leave is a relatively new workplace adaptation for women that has been recognised by the government as of late. Despite being a recently recognised initiative, half of the industries studied showed to have at least some form of menopause policy and support in place. However, the farming and agriculture professions failed to integrate the policy.

According to industry experts, these blockers for women in the farming and agriculture industries must adapt and improve to attract and retain female talent, not only to be more inclusive, but to further close the skills shortage gap.

For more information on the gender workwear gap and how the industry can take action, visit: https:// www.myworkwear.co.uk/company/the-genderworkwear-gap/

Farming

| Potatoes & Root Crops

BRANSTON DONATES TWO MILLION

T

WO million meals have been donated to FareShare UK thanks to a generous supply of regular spuds from national potato supplier Branston.

A supporter of FareShare UK since 2017, Branston regularly supplies the charity with potatoes to create nutritious, filling meals for the users of its almost 8,500 services across the country, including lunch clubs, homeless shelters and community cafes.

FareShare takes surplus food from across the food industry and distributes it to independent organisations that all work to fight hunger and tackle food poverty.

Surplus food provided by Branston equates to 840 tonnes of spuds and highlights Branston's continued commitment to community causes as well as reducing crop waste.

Mark Willcox, agronomy director at Branston, said: “We’re always looking to find ways to minimise waste from our farms and factories whilst maximising crop utilisation.

Potatoes are a nutritious and healthy side of plate staple that really does help feed the nation!

On top of that, they’re a great British farming success story.

“Food poverty is such a challenge in this country, and the work that FareShare does to combat this is incredible. We’re pleased to be able to play a small role in this and will continue to work with our partners to redistribute surplus spuds and support in any way we can.”

Branston handles over 350,000 tonnes of potatoes a year and is one of the nation’s leading suppliers for both fresh and prepared potato products.

Simon Millard, Director of Food at FareShare, said: "We are enormously grateful to the team at Branston for reaching an incredible Farming

milestone of delivering the equivalent of 2 million meals to FareShare. This good-to-eat surplus food has been helped to support our network of charities across the UK including after school and breakfast clubs, hospices, domestic abuse refuges and homelessness shelters.

| Potatoes & Root Crops

MEALS TO FARESHARE NATIONWIDE “By providing FareShare with surplus food, Branston makes a huge difference to ensuring that good food goes to people in need, not waste. Their support helps to address the environmental issue of food waste at the same time as strengthening communities across the country and ensuring people in need have access to healthy diets. Thanks for helping

FareShare make the food go further."

For more information on Branston visit www. branston.com.

For more information on FareShare visit https:/ /fareshare.org.uk/

Farming

| Potatoes & Root Crops

023 was not an easy season for potato growers. A cold, gloomy and damp summer was followed by 6 months of appalling weather – crops abandoned and early planting nigh on impossible. For the fortunate few with crops securely stored and able to play the market, prices were at levels probably not seen since 1976. Potatoes from Cyprus, almost unseen in the UK in the 21st century, could be found in many markets. Inevitably, the response of farmers to high prices is to plant more next season. For those in the UK, planting more has proved something of a challenge – raining nearly every day through the spring and quality seed hard to find. Surely prices would remain high for 2024.

2

Elsewhere on the continent, however, planting conditions have proved more benign. Early harvested crops in central Europe have swiftly overwhelmed local demand and prices have fallen fast. Crops in Poland are reported to be a week ahead of normal, and the planted area in France is up 7% year on year. Careful storage of the 2024 crop is likely to be as important as ever.

Store-keepers are now familiar with the need to review every aspect of store management to ensure that they got the best from the more volatile products, such as Biox-M, which have stepped in to fill the gap left by the removal of CIPC: •

Store integrity is essential; fix any leaks;

•

Ensure that stores remain closed (and closed means closed) for 48 hours following treatment, and longer where possible;

•

Check air (and fog) distribution in store to ensure good and even distribution; an even distribution of fog is essential for good efficacy; address the ‘sprouty’ patches in store;

•

Be very aware of the risk of condensation and/or coalescence;

•

Relentless attention to detail is always strongly advised.

The focus is now on fine tuning application and store management, so that the return period can be extended for longer term storage. There is still some work on store integrity (Biox-M is unlikely to work to best advantage if is allowed to escape at any time), and distribution of fog in store during and immediately following application. Areas within a store, for which efficacy has been less than ideal, should be identified for improved air Farming

movement, or the use of multiple application ports.

In addition, the sudden increase in energy costs since February 2022 has brought consideration of tweaks to target storage temperatures into focus.

Might it be worth storing crop at a degree or so higher and take a big chunk out of the costs of cold storage?

Biox-M: •

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, and is thus ideal for use on crops for which the date of movement is uncertain

•

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.

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

| Potatoes & Root Crops

Why

?

The only completely natural product.

Stand-alone.

Truly sustainable.

Excellent efficacy.

Sequesters carbon during growth.

Flexibility of timing.

Minimal weight loss in store.

Curative and preventative.

No MRL. One day withholding period.

No persistent residues on crops or in stores.

Technical Manual

Approved for use on organic crops.

May be used in multi-use stores.

The logical choice.

Peter Hall peter@junopp.com 07973 172 722

Nick Tapp nick@junopp.com 07775 785 748

MAPP 16021 www.junopp.com Farming

| Mental Health

Farming

Farming can be tough.

RABI is always here for you

Call our free, confidential 24/7 helpline:

0800 1884444 Farming

| British Lifestyle

A Taste of Nature: Connecting Through Radically Natural Wines and Ciders

I

n a fast-paced world, there are rare moments when time seems to slow down—when the taste of something exceptional transports you to a place, a memory, or even a vision of the future.

This is the magic of Woodfine Wine, a venture that doesn’t just offer wine but an experience—a connection to nature, sustainability, and the art of regenerative farming.

At the heart of this extraordinary enterprise lies a philosophy: that farming can and should restore the earth. Every bottle produced by Woodfine Wine tells the story of the land it came from—land nurtured through practices designed to regenerate the soil, protect biodiversity, and create a harmonious ecosystem.

effervescence, fresh green apple and brioche notes, and a mineral finish, it embodies the essence of terroir.

Crafted using spontaneous fermentation, it captures the wildness of the land while maintaining an elegant balance. It’s the perfect wine to toast life’s special moments—unpretentious yet profound.

Finally, Lost Vagus / White: Still Chardonnay offers a still, golden-hued wine that’s as rich in flavour as it is in story. With notes of peaches, apricots, and spice, this wine is a journey through the vineyard, its carbonic maceration adding a fruity intensity that lingers on the palate. The steel-aged and oak-aged components come together in harmony, creating a paradox of lightness and depth that speaks to the art of natural winemaking.

These are wines for the conscious consumer, but more than that, they are wines for anyone who values authenticity, quality, and the beauty of nature. Whether you’re planning a Christmas celebration, a toast to the New Year, or simply seeking a meaningful gift, Woodfine Wine’s offerings are the perfect centrepiece for any occasion.

Each wine is a celebration of the land, the seasons, and the people who work tirelessly to nurture both. But the story doesn’t end with the bottle—it extends to the collaborators who help bring these wines to life.

Radical Natural Wines with a Story to Tell

No celebration is complete without the perfect accompaniments to your wine, and for this, look no further than Nettlebed Creamery. Nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside, this creamery is a beacon of sustainable and artisanal cheesemaking, creating organic, award-winning farmhouse cheeses that reflect the richness of their surroundings.

The wines and ciders of Woodfine Wine are crafted with a deep respect for the land. They are unfiltered, unfined, and alive with the character of the soil and seasons.

Each sip offers a glimpse into a world where farming and winemaking work hand-in-hand with nature.

A Perfect Pairing: Nettlebed Creamery’s AwardWinning Cheeses

Take Interconnections Part 1: Cider-on-skins. This isn’t your typical cider; it’s a bold experiment in blending heritage English and wild apples with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape skins, co-fermented with wild yeasts.

The result is an effervescent cider with a refreshing brightness that belies its complexity. At 7% ABV, it strikes the perfect balance between drinkability and sophistication, with every sip revealing layers of wild apples, earthy notes, and a hint of autumn’s crisp air.

At the heart of Nettlebed’s philosophy is a commitment to quality and care. The creamery uses milk from their own organic, grass-fed cows, ensuring that every cheese is made from the highest-quality ingredients.

This dedication to traditional methods and organic farming shines through in their exceptional cheeses, each with its own distinct character.

Then there’s Interconnections Part 2: Sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This sparkling wine feels like a celebration in a glass. With its lively

BIX: A luxurious, indulgent triple-cream cheese with a soft, white-rind exterior. Named after a nearby hamlet, Bix is the epitome of elegance, offering a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Its buttery,

Farming

The Stars of the Creamery

| British Lifestyle slightly nutty flavour pairs beautifully with the effervescence of Interconnections Part 1: Cider-onskins, the cider’s bright acidity cutting through the cheese’s richness to create a perfect harmony.

Highmoor: This semi-soft, washed-rind cheese boasts a more robust flavour profile with notes of caramelized onion and bacon. Highmoor’s earthy complexity complements the minerality and subtle brioche notes of Interconnections Part 2: Sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Together, they create a pairing that’s both bold and balanced, ideal for those who love a little adventure in their food and wine.

Witheridge: A hard cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a nutty, slightly tangy taste, Witheridge is an excellent match for the rich, fruity intensity of Lost Vagus / White: Still Chardonnay. The wine’s peach and apricot notes echo the cheese’s natural sweetness, while its oak-aged depth adds a touch of sophistication to this pairing.

Bray Cured: Artisanal Charcuterie Crafted with Care For those who appreciate the art of fine food, Bray Cured offers small-batch charcuterie that epitomizes the values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and local sourcing. Based in the picturesque village of Bray, this artisan producer has perfected the craft of creating exceptional cured meats, using ethically raised, locally sourced animals.

Bray Cured is a celebration of traditional methods elevated with a modern ethos. Each product is made with care, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the animals and farmers that make it possible. Their commitment to quality resonates in every bite, offering flavour profiles that are as rich in taste as they are in story.

The Stars of the Charcuterie Board Bresaola: This delicate, air-dried beef is seasoned with a blend of spices that enhance its natural flavour, resulting in a product that’s tender, rich, and subtly spiced. The Interconnections Part 2: Sparkling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir makes an excellent pairing,

its crisp acidity cutting through the richness of the Bresaola and its minerality complementing the spices beautifully.

Saucisson Sec: A classic French-inspired cured sausage, the Saucisson Sec from Bray Cured is a marvel of balance and depth. Its robust, savoury profile pairs effortlessly with Interconnections Part 1: Cider-onskins. The cider’s bright fruitiness and effervescence lift the earthy flavours of the sausage, creating a pairing that is both bold and refreshing.

Coppa: This thinly sliced, cured pork shoulder offers a silky texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavour that pairs elegantly with the richness of Lost Vagus / White: Still Chardonnay. The wine’s peach and spice notes bring out the subtle sweetness of the Coppa, creating a pairing that’s indulgent and unforgettable.

Celebrate the Season with Nature’s Finest This festive season and into the New Year, why not choose wines that do more than delight the palate? Woodfine Wine offers a chance to connect with nature, support regenerative farming, and experience the beauty of smallscale, artisan production. Whether paired with the creamy tang of Nettlebed cheeses or the rich flavours of Bray Cured charcuterie, these wines are the perfect way to elevate your holiday celebrations.

Shop, gift, and celebrate responsibly: Woodfine Wine: www.woodfinewine.com/shop | Instagram: @woodfine.wine Nettlebed Creamery: www.nettlebedcreamery.com/shop | Instagram: @nettlebedcheese Bray Cured: Instagram: @braycured Whether you’re raising a glass to Christmas, the New Year, or simply the joy of good company, Woodfine Wine invites you to savour the flavours of the season and the stories of the land. Cheers to a future where every sip supports the planet and the people who care for it.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Olivia @ecoewe

Farming

| Energy

Low Carbon Agriculture opens registration for its 2025 show he Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025, the UK's only event dedicated to sustainable farming and carbon reduction practices, is returning to NAEC Stoneleigh on the 5-6 March 2025. As the only event of its kind in the country, the show will welcome forward-thinking farmers, landowners and industry operators, giving them a unique opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology, services, and solutions.

Visitors at the show will have access to those at the forefront of the sectors transition towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices. With the UK agricultural sector playing a pivotal role in achieving the nation’s Net Zero goals, the event serves as a critical hub for connecting solution providers with those eager to adopt new technologies and strategies to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental stewardship.

Four Shows Under One Roof The Low Carbon Agriculture Show brings together four major sectors under one banner, each with its own dedicated conference theatre: Environmental Business: As UK agriculture transitions from the EU’s CAP regulations to a system that rewards sustainable farming, the Environmental Business sector provides insights into policy changes and opportunities for growth through improved environmental performance.

Clean Energy: As rural communities increasingly contribute to decarbonisation and energy security, the Clean Energy theatre will showcase renewable energy solutions, such as solar, wind, and bioenergy, that are reshaping the future of rural energy generation.

Low Emission Vehicles: With the transport sector undergoing a transformation, particularly in response to the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, this sector highlights the latest innovations in low-emission vehicles that farmers can adopt to reduce their carbon footprint.

Farm Technology Innovation: Focusing on the pioneering technologies transforming agriculture, this sector will highlight innovations such as precision farming, automation, and AI-driven solutions that can enhance efficiency and sustainability on the farm.

Farming

The Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025 is a mustattend event for anyone in the agricultural sector looking to embrace sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. Here’s why visitors should make it a priority: 1.

Exclusive Focus on Sustainable Agriculture As the UK's only event dedicated to sustainable farming and carbon reduction practices, the Low Carbon Agriculture Show uniquely addresses the pressing challenges of reducing emissions and promoting environmental stewardship in agriculture.

It’s an unparalleled opportunity for farmers, landowners, and industry professionals to gain insights and tools to contribute to the UK’s Net Zero goals.

2.

Connect with Industry Leaders and Innovators Attendees gain direct access to industry leaders and pioneering solution providers, ensuring they’re at the forefront of the agricultural transition toward greener practices. It’s a unique chance to engage with thought leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and learn strategies that can transform farming businesses.

3.

Practical Insights for a Sustainable Future From renewable energy systems to low-carbon vehicles and groundbreaking farm tech, visitors will walk away with actionable insights to: • • • 4.

Reduce operational carbon footprints.

Increase farm efficiency.

Adapt to evolving policies and market demands.

Timely and Relevant Expertise

With the agricultural sector playing a critical role in achieving the UK’s sustainability targets, this show provides timely solutions and inspiration for farmers and landowners. The 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles and the shift from EU’s CAP regulations highlight the urgency of adopting innovative approaches now.

Secure Your Place Today!

Join the movement driving the future of sustainable farming and energy solutions by booking your free ticket to the Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025.

| Energy

Government 'excited' by the potential of green gas to support its clean energy transition mission reen gas will play a critical role in helping the government deliver energy, climate and economic security, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State (Minister for Energy Consumers) at DESNZ told around 300 industry stakeholders a conference in London on 11 December, organised by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA).

In an enthusiastic and positive address, the Minister said, "This is the most critical decade for the climate transition that we need to make in this country and globally. Achieving clean power is an absolute national mission for this government, and one we are determined to deliver. It will be increasingly important for us that this industry is a whole part of the energy mix as we phase out natural gas."

Acknowledging the cost-of-living crisis was a consequence of an over-reliance on fossil fuels, placing the UK economy and consumers at the mercy of international markets, Ms Fahnbulleh said, "As a government, we are committed to deliver home grown green power. This is the only way to deliver energy, economic and climate security. Energy today for many is unaffordable and we are not willing to accept that.

"Anaerobic digestion and biomethane allows us to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. So we are looking at a transformative decade for this sector. You have set your sights high in terms of growth and I share your ambition for the industry."

She assured delegates the government was listening and would build an ambitious successor to support green gas post GGSS. "We are very, very clear. We cannot do this alone – we have to work with you in partnership. We are open to ideas, willing to overcome challenges and support innovation. I'm optimistic about what I believe we can do together, and I think if we can tap into the huge amount of energy, optimism, creativity and willingness that I can see in this industry, we have very possibly the chance of pulling this off."

In response to challenges raised by ADBA Chairman Chris Huhne and delegates, the Minister said dialogue would immediately start to address challenges such as the RHI cap, to boost green gas in the grid; FIT planning, to avoid the loss of 2TWh of power; and redesignation of biomethane in the ETS, to recognise

it as green gas instead of the same as fossil natural gas.

The Minister said, "We will move faster where we can, we will look to do that."

At the conference, ADBA launched its latest report, The Role of Green Gas In Net Zero; Cutting the Cost of Keeping the Lights On, developed in association with Business Modelling Applications (BMA).

This considered the cost of the transition to Net Zero with green gas. Previous government modelling had omitted green gas. The analysis found that more green gas in the transition to net zero will save £298 billion in the cost of developing the future energy system, equivalent to £415 a year for every British household. ADBA selected to work with BMA as it had previously undertaken energy systems modelling for DESNZ. Reflecting on the day's proceedings, ADBA Chair Chris Huhne said: "We all came away optimistic that the new government is going to be addressing the issues that we've raised and on a timescale which I think is reflective of the urgency which we all feel is necessary to deal with climate change. Minister Fahnbulleh was tremendously positive about the future of green gas, giving the industry starting orders for a big expansion, so I'm very hopeful that as a result of today we'll see some good progress. With the right policies in place, we look forward to helping deliver clean power in 2030 and net zero in 2050."

Farming

| Energy

NET ZERO COST COULD BE CUT BY MORE THAN £400 A YEAR FOR EVERY BRITISH HOUSEHOLD he cost of meeting Britain's net zero targets in 2050 could be nearly £300 billion less than official projections, according to new analysis drawing on the computer model used by Whitehall.

The savings over the period to 2050 – equivalent to £415 for every household every year – would come about from a greater use of home-grown renewable green gas in the energy mix.

Green gas could also save £22 billion in capital and operating costs in just the next six years in meeting the Government's goal of a clean power system by 2030 - £133 a year for each British household.

Green gas saves money by keeping our lights and heaters on when there is little wind and no sun, economising on much bigger investments in intermittent renewables that are otherwise needed to ensure security of supply.

The study projects a £36 billion saving in offshore wind investment (an 18 per cent reduction) and £10.5 billion in onshore wind investment (a 36 per cent reduction). Smaller savings in nuclear power stations, transmission investment, and hydrogen production have also been identified.

The net overall saving from using more green gas in the transition to Net Zero is assessed at £298 billion, or nearly 7.5 per cent.

The analysis draws on the AI-assisted whole energy system model used by the UK's Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO).

Like the official forecasts, the study foresees that the economy is likely to be far more electric than today, but it finds cheaper ways of maintaining resilient power with green gas back-up.

Green gas is made from rotting organic matter – food waste collected from homes and supermarkets, farm manures and slurries, industrial waste like whisky mash, rotational energy crops, and wastewater sewage sludge.

Biomethane is a good substitute for fossil gas and is easy to store both in the existing gas grid and in storage facilities like the old Rough gas wells in the North Sea. It can also be converted into hydrogen cheaply with low conversion losses, unlike the process of making hydrogen from electricity.

The use of green gas - biogas and biomethane - has not been analysed in the official computer modelling studies commissioned by civil servants despite its rapid growth in the United States and mainland Europe.

The analysis conducted by BMA (Business Modelling Applications) using its AI-assisted DecisioTM whole energy planning system was commissioned by the UK's green gas association, the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA).

The study compared the National Energy System Operator's (NESO) 2024 Pathways to Net Zero with a projection that allows green gas to replace more costly parts of the transition to net zero.

Farming

"Biomethane is the big green battery that can keep us warm and well-lit in dark winters more cheaply than other identified pathways to net zero" said Chris Huhne, the chairman of ADBA. "This study is a wake-up call to look at more cost-effective options for net zero".

Dr Gareth Mottram, ADBA's policy lead, said: "This analysis shows the value of biomethane as a turn-on, turn-off energy source that can significantly cut the costs of operating the whole energy system. Biomethane is the perfect complement to intermittent renewables like solar and wind."

| Energy

Farming

| Energy

Spotless Performance From Dirty Water Pump n Northern Lincolnshire, a Chopper Pump made by Landia has completed five years of continuous service at the main, 2MW biogas plant run by Singleton Birch, who for over two hundred years, have produced high quality lime products.

Working underground as part of an automated system for dirty run-off water, the

Farming

Landia pump chops up maize and other particles that end up in the drainage; sending the recirculated liquid to the site’s lagoon, or back to the digesters as and when required.

“The Landia Chopper Pump does an excellent job,” said Danny Mason, Renewable Energy Supervisor at Singleton Birch, where the AD plant’s three 2800m3 digesters use a feedstock of maize, chicken litter and sugar beet.

| Energy

BOOST BIOGAS

WITH LANDIA GASMIX! Optimize biogas yields to achieve energy net-positive digester mixing with Landia’s innovative technology.

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He added: “The pump is very easy to maintain and has really helped us out with drainage on site, chopping up solids that would block up lesser quality pumps. Landia take care of the full servicing, and always ensure that there isn’t any downtime.”

Invented by Landia in 1950, the Chopper Pump is designed with an external knife system that continuously reduces solids.

In addition to this Landia unit at Singleton Birch, Landia has numerous Chopper Pumps installed at biogas plants as part of its digester mixing system.

These include Scottish Water, Eco Verde Energy, and Republic Services in California. www.landiaworld.com

info@landia.co.uk +44 (0) 1948 661 200 Farming

| Buildings

Animals left to nature always try to find shelter in the basic form, they use hedges, walls & natural hollows to get out of or reduce the impact of the winds.

Likewise, they will use trees for shade from the sun. riven by the simple principle of creating a healthy environment and that ventilation is not the volume of air in a building, but critically it is the rate of air exchange, simply clean air in and stale air out - Farmplus design and build to these principles.

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Animals left to nature always try to find shelter in the basic form, they use hedges, walls & natural hollows to get out of or reduce the impact of the winds. Likewise, they will use trees for shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. When we look at buildings we should aim to replicate these basic principles of nature wherever possible. Remember that animals want in the basic form shelter from the wind, rain, shade from the sun, and plenty of fresh air.

Ideally giving animals a shelter wall to be able to lie behind with a decent gap above for air to pass over. All air movements need to be above animal height so as not to create a draft.

Depending on the height of the wall, the gap above will often need some form of wind break material to reduce wind speed on bad days.

The best and cheapest form of ventilation is and always will be natural ventilation using the stack effect with sufficient gaps at the low eaves and open ridges. No fans using electricity, no moving parts & nothing to breakdown, so no ongoing expense.

In very high rainfall areas, special ventilated ridge capping’s can be supplied. For most situations, the best ridge treatment is still, simple upturned flashing, for these will make the outside air lift over the ridge of the roof. The base of any upstand should always be at a minimum 50mm (2” inch) back from the top edge of the roof sheet, so any water/rainfall that hits the inside of the upright flashing can then drip of the heal and drain away down the roof sheet.

Farming

The building controls industry in 2024 - A retrospective look back ith the construction industry facing a significant skills shortage, it's especially important that plans are in place to attract and encourage talented young professionals to begin careers in building controls. This is especially pertinent given the increasing need for smarter and more energy efficient buildings.

That is exactly why the BCIA, in partnership with national training provider, Group Horizon Ltd, introduced the BEMS Controls Engineer Level 4 Apprenticeship back in 2021 – the only focused apprenticeship available to the building controls sector.

Three years on, the first cohorts of this scheme will soon be formally qualified as Level 4 BEMS Controls Engineers.

As an organisation that focused on individual development and nurturing the future of the industry, the BCIA very much acknowledges the need for a dedicated approach to apprenticeships, training, and ongoing support.

The aim of the apprenticeship scheme, and accompanying End Point Assessment, is to ensure talented BEMS Controls Engineers are able to use the technical skills they learn on the scheme to keep the buildings of tomorrow running as efficiently as possible. Furthermore, this will help to reduce the built environment's carbon emissions and ensure a healthier, greener, and more costeffective construction industry.

With the first cohorts approaching formal qualification in just a few months' time, it's important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that's been put in, not only by the apprentices and their employers, but the trainers and End Point Assessors, too.

The close collaboration between all involved has been so pleasing to see and really highlights the drive and determination to reduce the skills gap and help apprentices obtain a high level of technical competence for the betterment of the industry.

In fact, the apprenticeship scheme, and EPA, works in a similar way to the Experienced Worker Assessment, which was brought in following the news that the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) would no longer be issuing cards under industry accreditation – also known as Grandfather Rights.

With trusted and reliable ways of proving competence at both the start and latter years of a building controls career, it will be much easier to drive up competency throughout the construction industry and reduce the chance of tragic incidents like Grenfell Tower happening again.

The incredible demand for places in the apprenticeship scheme also reflects the desire to improve service quality and enhance knowledge across the sector. The total number of apprentices on the programme is around 180 and the 16th cohort has just commenced. As I mentioned above, the first three cohorts, totalling 45 apprentices, are currently approaching gateway between now and January.

The demand is such that there are typically two to three cohorts per year, each featuring around 20 apprentices. So, the rolling number of apprentices in training will sit at around 200. This is a great pipeline for the industry and illustrates the potentially bright future ahead – provided this talent is supported, encouraged, and nurtured.

I spoke at this year's BCIA Awards evening about the need for more experienced and dedicated industry professionals to become End Point Assessors – and while we've got a good number of industry assessors, we still need more. We currently have positions available for assessors in the North East, North West, and South West regions, so if you're interested in helping expand the knowledge of talented young professionals – and you're not already involved in another training capacity – the BCIA would love to hear from you.

Talking of the BCIA Awards leads me neatly on to next year's event. Now just a few months away (with how quickly this year has gone, it will be with us in no time), the BCIA Awards 2025 entries are now open. With 10 categories available and competition expected to be as fierce as ever, the evening promises to be an exceptional spectacle and one that will shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and innovation throughout the building controls sector. If you would like to enter one or more of the award categories, you can do so by using the online entry system, which will allow you to start, edit, view, and download your entry before submitting it.

Tickets and tables are also available, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to attend. The BCIA Awards 2025 looks set to be the biggest and best yet, so it won't be one to miss!

Farming

| Buildings

Government’s changes to planning system ‘deeply concerning’ for farming he government has missed a huge opportunity to finally unlock farming through the planning system the NFU has said, following the publication of sweeping changes to the revised National Planning Policy Framework.

Many of the NFU’s asks for planning reform to help modernise, regulate, expand, and diversify farms were not taken forward or considered, even though they would not jeopardise the government’s building ambitions.

The NFU will be seeking answers from the government as to why farming has been forgotten or why it has been ignored.

The NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) is the highest-level planning policy in England.

All planning policies and decisions are based off the NPPF, and the changes announced this week form part of the government’s ambition to deliver millions more homes, commercial development, and infrastructure to spur economic growth.

Weakened protections for farmland Changes include anticipated slashes to protections to agricultural land – protections that the NFU previously advocated for and temporarily secured in a previous draft. Footnote 65 (formerly 63) reads as follows: “Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality. The availability of agricultural land used for food production should be considered, alongside the other policies in this Framework, when deciding what sites are most appropriate for development.”

The changes will make it easier for developers and policy makers to designate, acquire, and obtain permission for non-agricultural development on farmland.

NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos has said the revised framework is “deeply concerning for British farmers”.

“While we welcome the exclusion of agricultural land from the new ‘grey belt’ designation and Previously Developed Land policy, these minor wins are overshadowed by greater threats,” she added.

Rachel said this removal of protections for BMV (Best and Most Versatile) farmland, combined with the currently uncertainty around inheritance tax, “will create further instability for tenanted farmers and those facing compulsory purchase of their land for new developments”.

Boost for new housing Farming

There will be greater pressure on local authorities to meet new higher housing targets (70,000 more homes a year now expected going up to 370,000 per year), as well as commercial and energy developments.

The changes will make it easier for local authorities to designate farmland for non-agricultural development and for developers to build on farmland.

Grey belt now an official term The ‘grey belt’ is is now a defined policy term, with the NFU’s suggestion that agriculture be excluded from the definition having been taken forward.

‘Beauty’ has also been removed as a policy term for new buildings.

Grey belt only applies to brownfield land in the green belt. The green belt, introduced in the 1930s, was designed to curb urban sprawl around cities.

Building on green belt land is challenging, as developers must demonstrate ‘very special circumstances’ to obtain planning permission.

Brownfield land refers to areas previously occupied by permanent structures. The grey belt, a more recent concept introduced by the Labour government, identifies lower-quality areas within the green belt, such as car parks, wasteland, or petrol stations. According to the new planning framework, grey belt land contributes ‘little or no value to the purpose of the green belt’.

The NFU raised concerns at the suggestion agricultural holdings could be included in the definition due to the risk of farm holdings being targets for non-agricultural development, and the prospect of farms being seized under compulsory purchase powers.

Overall, changes will see many sites in the green belt now being opened up for development. Housing and commercial development will take the lion share of grey belt sites. Members with holdings in the grey belt will not see an increase in interest for their land due to this definition excluding agriculture and forestry.

What’s the impact on farming?

The new NPPF will open the door for development across the country, with farmers and landowners most likely seeing a massive new interest in their land. Compulsory purchases for non-agricultural development will rise, especially when expected changes to compensation are brought in via the Planning and Infrastructure Bill next year.

Farmers will also have to be aware of new neighbours from new housing developments.

Residents moving into homes bordering farms can often have issues with general farming practices

which produce noise, odour, vibrations, and lighting that they may not be used to.

Planning applications that are currently waiting for a decision may be delayed or paused while local planning authorities consider the new policy.

Local and neighbourhood plans may also be delayed, paused, and/or amended during this time.

Matters such as new towns, compensation for agricultural land obtained under compulsory purchase, and permitted development are not contained within the NPPF and have not been amended or changed.

A disappointing result for farming The NPPF is not updated often, and when it is, it normally coincides with a change of strategy or thinking for the planning system. The most recent consultation in July 2024 offered the opportunity to raise issues that farming is facing from the planning system.

opportunity. At a time when food security and selfsufficiency are vital, failing to protect BMV land undermines the future of British agriculture. If any farmland is sacrificed to development, the government must ensure that remaining farms are more profitable and therefore more sustainable.

“The NFU remains committed to protecting rural livelihoods and ensuring agriculture isn’t side lined in the pursuit of economic growth. The upcoming National Land Use Strategy must address these challenges and secure a resilient, adaptable and food-secure nation.”

If you have any questions about the new National Planning Policy Framework, please contact your local NFU representative or our CallFirst service on 0370 845 8458.

Reforms proposed by the NFU such as food production becoming a weighted economic argument, as well as support for agricultural infrastructure and diversification were not taken forward.

The NFU feels that this let down by the government again leaves agriculture waiting for reform, all the while farmers struggle to get the most basic planning applications approved.

It is known that the government’s currents priorities are to build, and not with farming. The NFU’s opinion is that there is no reason why planning reform for farming cannot happen alongside the government’s building targets.

This is made all the more important due to the anticipated land pressures that will be faced by landowners from new developments of towns, infrastructure, and commercial development. If farmland is to disappear, then existing sites must be allowed to expand and become more efficient and profitable.

The NFU Vice President concluded: “The lack of meaningful support for food production in the NPPF is a considerable missed Farming

| Buildings

A good time to take a close look at your cattle housing

Katharine Shepherd of Bishopton Vets looks at how to improve your cattle housing. ith winter approaching now is the time to critically appraise your cattle housing options, says Katharine Shepherd.

She adds that there are five crucial factors to consider in regard to cattle housing: ventilation (the fresh air supply), humidity, bedding, temperature and hygiene.

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Ventilation: Is fresh air available throughout the building?

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Hygiene: how easy is it to clean floors and pen walls? How often is it cleaned? Does the floor drain easily after washing, making sure dirty water doesn’t go into adjacent pens.

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Lighting: Is this good enough to be able to inspect stock at all times? Consider the distribution of lights and any shadows created.

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Handling facilities: Are these safe and easy to use? How many people are required to safely move stock through the handling facility? Check for anything which may prevent stock moving efficiently, for example shadows, change in floor surface or clutter.

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Equipment condition: Regularly inspect gates, pens, floors etc to make sure they’re in good condition.

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Capacity: Have you considered capacity for times when you are cleaning or quarantining stock?

It is important to maximise fresh air supply on a still day without exposing livestock to a harsh wind when the weather inevitably turns.

Moisture management is also key as this affects humidity, bedding and hygiene.

Don’t forget to consider carefully drainage and machinery access to sheds, as their effective and efficient cleaning will hugely improve outcomes for stock.

The following checklist – adapted from AHDB, Improve beef housing for better returns – is a good place to start when looking at your buildings.

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Floor space: Is the floor space adequate for the number of stock and are there draughts or damp areas which effectively reduce the usable pen area?

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Flooring: Do all pens drain effectively? Is any concrete non-slip and non-damaging?

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Group size: Steers and heifers should be in a group of less than 40 and bulls in a group of less than 20.

We are keen to help you to appraise your buildings and to ensure you get the best outcomes. We will bring along tools such as smoke pellets to assess ventilation in your buildings and walk through any alterations it might be helpful to make.

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Grouping: Are groups well matched in terms of sex and size and whether they’re horned or not?

We would rather come out to discuss strategies with you in advance than be called out to manage a pneumonia outbreak in the future.

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Feeding: What limits feeding? How easy is it to clean feeders? What effect would bad weather have?

Please speak to your herd vet or get in touch with your veterinary practice to discuss the next steps.

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Water: Can all stock access unlimited quantities of clean drinking water at all times? How often are drinkers/troughs cleaned?

Farming

Going Back to Basics – Am I Being Efficient and Productive On My Dairy Farm? ometimes going back to basics can help improve your farms efficiency and productivity. Many questions should be asked and reviewed constantly, such as: •

Does the building have enough air flow and ventilation?

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Does the building have enough natural light?

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Are the feed rails at the correct height?

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Does my concrete have grip or are the cows slipping causing lameness or worse, a casualty?

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s the feed area big enough and are there enough water troughs? feed barriers need to be looked at for neck rubbing. It sounds simple, yet it can have an effect on how much the cow eats and how often they lie down – both factors which affect their milk production dramatically.

There are more questions which can be asked but these questions cover some of the basics.

Air flow and ventilation is key as it helps to clear the air of bacteria, odours, dust and gasses. A mature animal needs 10cm2 of air outlet and at least twice the amount of inlet. Often traditional shed ventilation does not allow this.

See below two different ridge covers – on the left is a standard ridge cover, and on the right is of a decent open covered ridge. The open covered ridge will increase the air outlet in the shed and if done correctly, will not create a draught and keep out rainwater. If your shed has a standard ridge cover and you are struggling with ventilation, then adapting the ridge will result in increased air flow.

Open sided sheds are becoming more popular and help with the air inlet. However, little modifications can be applied to existing sheds. On a few farms, removing every other panel of cladding on the outside of the shed has allowed increased ventilation and lighting. Installing fans can also help with air circulation.

Checking your cows for neck rubs is another easy thing to do. If your cows’ necks have been rubbed, then reviewing the height of your neck rail needs to be considered. The cubicle beds as well as the

Ensuring you also check your concrete’s grip. I would normally demonstrate the ballerina test, but due to it being a newsletter article you unfortunately cannot see this (I am not sure whether you are lucky or not)! Instead, I will explain it. Stand on one foot, lifting the other and spin in a circle. If it is easy to spin, then regrooving might need to be considered. It is also worth considering how harsh the concrete. This can cause bruising on the feet.

Finally, ensuring adequate feed space and water trough space is crucial. Around 0.6m of feed space per cow is required. By having adequate spacing, it will maximise dry matter intake and reduce competition in the herd. For water, 10cm of water trough space per cow is required. Also ensuring water troughs are thoroughly cleaned out regularly is a must.

Reducing the impact the external environment has on the business is an area which should be focused on. Hopefully, some of the points discussed in this article can help to increase production, cow welfare and efficiency on farm, reducing this impact.

If you would like to discuss any of these points in more detail, please do get in touch by emailing pippa@fcgagric.com or contact your local FCG Office. www.fcgagric.com

Farming

| Farm Safety & Security

Rural Road Safety – it’s in your hands

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id you know that more than half of fatal crashes in the UK happen on rural roads?

Rural roads are lifelines for moving livestock, crops, and machinery, but with vehicles getting bigger and traffic increasing, we all have our bit to do making these roads safer.

So, what steps can we take to improve road safety, not only for ourselves, but those we share the roads with?

We’ve had a look at a few options available.

Tractor Shield: Tractor Shield describes itself as a ‘bumper’ for tractors, ‘designed to increase the safety of agricultural machines for all road users,’.

In poor weather or low light, it can be hard to identify the outer edge of large farm vehicles, and let’s face it, many of our country roads are still more suited to a Ford 7810 (or your own preferred 1980s classic).

The ‘Tractor Shield’ makes the full width of the vehicle clearly visible. And in the event of an accident, it also reduces the risk of smaller vehicles becoming trapped under the bonnet and wheels of a tractor.

And with practical additions including tool storage – what’s not to love?!

Fastview 360 Fastview 360’s cameras can help improve machinery safety both on and off the road – so it’s a winner for us.

The cameras improve visibility making it easier for operators to see surroundings and spot hazards, including people and other vehicles. The easily adjustable cameras can help you optimise safety no matter the job, while remote fleet access allows managers to monitor the safety of lone workers.

HEAD TO TOW – Have you heard of the Head to Tow app? Part of The Tilly Your Trailer initiative Jane Gurney set up following Harry’s fatal accident?

The Tilly is an annual, inspection and service carried out by a list of approved engineers to ensure trailers remain road worthy. Trailers are returned to the original specification and, once checked and restored, are issued with a certificate – basically it’s like an MOT for trailers.

Farming

If an incident occurs, the certificate can help demonstrate that the owner has fulfilled their duty of care and sought to regularly maintain the trailer and the Head To Tow app supports with daily checks and manuals offering extra piece of mind for everybody.

What3words – Unless you have been living on the moon for the past few years, you will probably have heard of What3words but have you actually downloaded it?

What3words divides the whole globe into 3×3 metre squares, each of which is given its own, unique, three-word address. This provides location accuracy that can be useful for a vast range of jobs on the farm. Have a new contractor starting and want to make sure they end up in the right field – use What3words.

But crucially What3words is now used by the majority of emergency services in the UK, meaning if you have an accident, breakdown, or any other issue, either on the roads or in the fields, you can pin-point your location, making it easier for help to reach you, and quickly.

SmartFarmer – Winner of the 2020 Agri-tech Innovator of the Year award, the SmartFarmer App helps farmers stay safer when working with machinery.

Users are issued with a QR code for each piece of machinery which operators can scan to access a customisable daily check list. There’s even the opportunity to flag issues, giving you the confidence that, when heading out on rural roads, the machinery you’re driving has been well maintained and looked after.

Waze When driving between locations, you may not have a choice which roads to use, but if you do, the Waze app can make your journey smoother and safer.

Providing live traffic updates, route recommendations and hazard alerts, Waze helps you stay informed on your journey.

Have we missed your favourite? Drop the Farm Safety Foundation an email or message on social to let us know what you use. www.yellowwellies.org

| Farm Safety & Security

CFTS reminds examiners of the importance of reporting FTS, the accrediting body who sets a national standard for Thorough Examination, has reminded inspectors about the responsibility to report serious defects found during examinations. Under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), defects that pose an imminent risk of failure and serious injury must be reported to the relevant enforcing authority as part of a responsible safety practice.

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Rob Fisher, CEO of the UK Material Handling Association — CFTS’ parent organisation, underscores the importance of this regulation. “Reporting serious defects isn’t just a compliance task — it’s a commitment to safety for everyone in the workplace.

When a defect with a high risk of failure is found, acting transparently and reporting it can prevent life-threatening accidents.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently reiterated the importance of Regulation 10(1)(c) under LOLER, which mandates the reporting of serious defects to the enforcing authority. This guidance applies to any defect where an equipment failure could lead to serious personal injury if used again in its current condition.

Examples include structural damage to critical components such as masts or carriages, or excessive wear on forks — defects that can quickly lead to catastrophic incidents if left unaddressed.

Mr Fisher added, “CFTS members are in a unique position of responsibility. Every Thorough Examination is an opportunity to safeguard those who work around and with lifting equipment. By reporting serious defects, our members contribute to a culture of safety that goes beyond the individual workplace, impacting the entire industry.”

CFTS also reminds inspectors that the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to LOLER strongly advises separating the roles of examiner and repairer to maintain impartiality. This ensures that those conducting Thorough Examinations focus solely on identifying risks, without the potential conflict of handling repairs on the same equipment.

In situations where separation isn’t possible, a risk assessment is essential, providing transparency around the decision.

For further guidance, CFTS encourages its members to review HSE’s resources, including the LOLER ACOP (L113) and guidance leaflet INDG422, available on the HSE website.

This reminder comes as CFTS prepares to exhibit at LAMMA 2025, the UK's leading agricultural machinery show at the NEC Birmingham on January 15–16th.

The organisation will highlight the importance of high standards in equipment safety.

Visitors to the CFTS stand can learn more about Thorough Examination and discuss the latest updates in industry safety practices with the team. Attendees will also have the opportunity to discover how CFTS-accredited examinations benefit agricultural lifting equipment such as tractors, telehandlers, and forklifts.

“CFTS is here to support its members in meeting the highest standards of safety,” Mr Fisher concluded. “Together, by embracing transparent reporting practices and engaging with industry professionals at events like LAMMA, we can make workplaces safer and prevent avoidable incidents.”

CFTS established a national standard for Thorough Examinations in the UK forklift truck industry. For more details, please visit www. thoroughexamination.org or call 01344 623 800.

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Farming

| Livestock

Innovative North East forage crop project underway on four farms ith unpredictable weather patterns, livestock outwintering systems have undergone stress tests and challenges the last number of years.

Sowing has been delayed by many farmers following slow, wet and cold springs, and mild wet winters have left producers looking for an alternative plan for forage crops.

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Now, four members from the Deeside Monitor Farm management group are sharing their experiences of growing forage crops and outwintering systems. Facilitated by Kirsten Williams, SAC Consulting senior sheep and beef consultant, the four farmers are collaborating and sharing their experiences of how they plan for winter, build resilience into their systems and manage their crops in a challenging climate.

The project is looking at managing and utilising various wintering systems for livestock. It includes monitoring throughout crop growing, yield calculations, crop analysis, and feed allocation calculations. Stock performance will be monitored and full costings of each individual crop and wintering system will be made.

Farming

The four farms involved are: •

Duncan and Claire Morrison, Meikle Maldron, Torphins – Monitor Farmers, who will be building on their outwintering experience through managing deferred and bale grazing as well as kale over winter for their cattle.

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Robert Marshall, Kincraigie Farms, Lumphanan – growing hybrid rape and a hybrid rape and yellow swede mix which will be grazed overwinter by his spring-calving cows and incalf heifers, with baled silage sited in one field pre grazing.

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Jonny Stewart, Mains of Balfour, Rashenlochy Farm, Drumoak – growing fodder beet and swedes for outwintering sucker cows behind an electric fence, with an arable stubble backrun and hay.

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Alex Stephen, Inch of Arnhall, Edzell – a dairy and sheep farmer, Alex is growing fodder beet for ewes to reduce concentrate use prelambing, a forage brassica mix for grazing lambs, and stubble turnips for grazing in November onwards with dairy cross stirks.

| Livestock

SAC Consulting’s Kirsten Williams said: “With the unpredictable climate, and different types and classes of soil in Scotland, not every producer can manage outwintering systems. The four farms we are following have various outwintering systems on different soil types, altitude, and classes of stock, with the main driver to use the land asset and reduce the cost of wintering, while maintaining high welfare and nutrition of the animals.

Kirsten added: “There is huge potential for outwintering systems for livestock in the North East. They offer numerous benefits in that they can reduce the cost of winter feeding and the requirement for housing and straw use, while enhancing the production per hectare from the

farm and allowing for nutrient cycling from the animal to the soil. The unpredictable weather patterns do give the systems a challenge, meaning having a contingency plan and careful planning of the site.”

Peter Beattie, Monitor Farm regional adviser said: “These farmers have experience of outwintering and forage crops already, but this project will bring more detail and discussion to the topic. It will look at all of the pros and cons, and provide farmers across the North East with a good idea of what might be possible, practical and cost effective on their farms.”

Farming

| Livestock

Dedication to sheep industry recognised by NSA award T

he National Sheep Association (NSA) is pleased to name David Pittendreigh as the 2024 recipient of the NSA Bob Payne Award for an unsung hero within the organisation. The award is specially selected from the many volunteers and officeholders who are at the heart of the work of NSA. David who farms near Llandysul, Ceredigion, has made a lifetime contribution to the sheep industry from his early days in Scotland and nearly 50 years in Wales.

NSA Cymru / Wales Region Development Officer Helen Roberts says: "I am delighted David has won this award. Since knowing David, he has always been willing to help in any way he can with the running of NSA Cymru Region and NSA Welsh Sheep. His knowledge of the industry is second to none and there is no one more deserving of this accolade."

Following a diploma achieved from the North of Scotland College of Agriculture in 1962 David began as a shepherd on the Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands with 600 North Country Cheviots before moving to the Scottish border, having responsibility for a flock of 1500 Scottish Blackface sheep.

With land prices lower in Wales, David ventured south in 1971 to buy a farm in Llandysul and purchased some Llanwenog sheep at the farm dispersal auction. He became one of the pioneers of flock recording in Wales and was instrumental in forming the Llanwenog Group Breeding Scheme in 1979 with five other breeders.

Realising the potential the North Country Cheviot (NCC) breed could offer Welsh hill farmers he established a flock by purchasing 50 ewes on the retirement of his former employer on the Black Isle. This proved a successful move and David went on to help establish more than 50 flocks in Wales and the Borders with many young shepherds praising Farming

his help and guidance. He was instrumental in establishing the NCC Welsh Breeders Club, that now has its own breed sale at Usk, Monmouthshire.

David was honoured with the Presidency of the NCC Sheep Society in 2009-10 and was proud to invite and host many of his fellow breeders from Scotland to the AGM, dinner and flock visits held in West Wales - the breed's first AGM in Wales. In 2015 he was awarded the much-coveted Michael Peters Quaich Award for his lifetime contribution to the breed and the Society.

A much-respected judge he has been honoured to judge at many shows, from the Royal Cornwall to the Orkneys, including the Royal Welsh and Royal Highland. He has exhibited widely and has been selling at the NSA Wales and Border Ram Sale on a regular basis. David is also a past NSA Cymru Chairman and continues to work tirelessly for the NSA and the Sheep industry and his dedication, interest and mentoring show no signs of waning.

NSA Cymru / Wales Region Chair Kate Hovers adds: "I am delighted that David has won this award. He is a lifelong supporter of NSA and the whole sheep industry. He is a voice of reason and encouragement who can be depended on to always help without fuss or expectation of recognition. He is a true unsung hero."

David (pictured on the left below with fellow NSA Cymru committee member Llew Thomas) will be presented with his award at the NSA Welsh Sheep event that will take place on Wednesday 21st May 2025 at Tregoed Farm, Brecon, by kind permission of Penny Chantler and sons Sam and Will Sawday. More information about NSA Welsh Sheep can be found at www.welshsheep.org. uk

| Livestock

Organisations say we must hit pause on ‘devastating’ suckler beef calving interval proposals cotland’s smallest herds with fewer than 30 cows, which make up almost half (49%) of all beef holdings and 10.3% of total breeding dams, could see potential funding reductions of £241,240, the loss of one and a half livestock marts and a large abattoir.

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This is the warning in an analysis of the proposed amendment to the Scottish Suckler Beef Scheme which seeks to add a 410-day calving interval addition. The Scottish Sucker Beef Support Scheme Briefing (SSBSS) Report (December 2024), authored by Neil Wilson, Executive Director of IAAS, is issued today by the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), the National Beef Association (NBA) and the Scottish Beef Association (SBA).

Speaking on behalf of IAAS, which represents Scotland’s livestock auction marts, NBA and SBA, Mr Wilson says: “We seek a pause to the current course of action to allow all impacted stakeholders to reconvene with Government to agree a more suitable way forward. This will allow us to understand the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment carried out for this policy update. If we do this at pace, we can still achieve a policy outcome during 2025 from this vital beef sector support scheme.”

The consequence of these changes will have farreaching, and seemingly politically unconsidered implications, Mr Wilson adds: “Calving interval conditionality is a metric driven criterium that aims to target poorer performing herds, but its introduction could have a damaging ripple effect along the whole red meat supply chain that would undoubtedly lead to consolidation and closures of marts and meat processors.

“In 2023 Scottish marts sold 344,564 head of cattle for a value of £415.8 million – the loss of 100,000 head of breeding cattle would result in a contraction of almost one third and the economic loss of £120.6 million in cattle sales to the Scottish economy. This could easily lead to contraction in the sector with the loss of marts in remote areas a real possibility.”

In terms of beef processors, he adds that the five

largest Scottish beef processors currently process 75% of the entire Scottish beef kill. The total kill is 344,700 [QMS 2024 Scottish Red Meat Industry Profile] with 258,525 head being processed by the five largest processors.

“The implementation of this conditionality on a historic support payment for the beef sector increases the risk of losing at least one large processor to the Scottish sector resulting in economic output and job losses. It would undoubtedly also lead to an acceleration in the closure of private kill facilities across Scotland, which is an area that Scottish Government has seemed keen to support,” Mr Wilson says.

Commenting on the wider net-zero targets intent of the calving interval conditionality, Mr Wilson says: “The overall impact of this proposed conditionality to the SSBSS has been poorly planned and researched, and the greenhouse gas emissions reduction implications have not been calculated by the Government, and we suspect that the impact on GHG reduction will be negligible at best.

Government has failed to fully consider the impact across all farm sizes, and they have totally failed to consider the impact across the entire supply chain.

The estimated emissions reduction put forward as being achievable under this policy will only be realised if a substantial number of ineligible cows are culled.

He adds: “We understand a mechanism needs to be implemented; however, this currently ignores the original rural development nature of the current scheme and the implementation of such could lead to a state of rural hardship that has not been accounted for.

“By pausing the conditionality introduction proposals now, impacted stakeholders will also be able to make a case to Government on how this policy could be finessed to support producers and supply chain participants and act as a foundation for the restoration of growth and the end to contraction of our beef industry.

“We need to find a way to work together to meet Government aspirations as well as delivering a comprehensive support package to assist producers with income support alongside advice on how calving interval and other performance metrics could be improved.”

The IAAS, NBA and SBA report is based on Scottish Government funded research from SRUC: Calving Intervals in Scotland’s Cattle Population: Conditionality Options Output Ref: RESAS/005/21 – W9, predominantly using the 2021 data for calculations.

Farming

| Livestock

New livestock ear tags set to lower cost of data capture

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ivestock management platform, iLivestock, has launched a new range of affordable sheep and cattle ear tags to bring down the cost of effective farm data capture.

The eTag range, developed in partnership with Allflex MSD, will offer guaranteed low price ear tags to the UK market.

Ewen Wardman, iLivestock CEO, says: “iLivestock subscribers will be able to access eTags for up to 25% less than the average market price, with no compromises on quality.

“For example, the average pair of sheep breeding tags cost around 99p, while ours will retail at just 79p, making substantial cost savings for a flock or herd, even when purchasing smaller numbers of tags.”

To mark the launch, the first 250 new subscribers to the iLivestock platform can choose a set of up to 200 sheep breeding tags or 100 cattle new run pairs. As an added bonus, every order will receive a free tag applicator.

Mr Wardman says launching the new tag range joins the dots in iLivestock’s comprehensive data collection and management package of software and hardware.

“We want to make it more affordable and accessible than ever for farmers to benefit from farm data use, to drive production gains at a time when margins are being squeezed tighter than ever,” he adds.

“While sheep ear tags are compulsory, all too often they’re only used for the bare minimum movement records, but when teamed with our solutions, they can be used for so much more.”

Helen Sheppard, identification support lead at Allflex MSD, says the eTag range will provide a unique identification for the data behind each animal, allowing farmers to manage their stock with precision.

She adds: “The collaboration with iLivestock is the perfect fit; we know their solutions will help farmers maximise the value of our tag technology, helping deliver returns on investment through enhanced productivity and management ease.”

Farming

For more information about iLivestock’s new eTags, please visit: www.ilivestock.co.uk/

| Livestock

85 years of BouMatic : a milestone in the dairy industry

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n 2024, we proudly commemorate the 85th anniversary of BouMatic, a milestone marked by innovation, dedication, and a rich legacy in the dairy industry.

It all began with Gilmon Albrecht's groundbreaking invention at the Dairy Equipment Company, where the front-loaded can cooler revolutionized the dairy industry. From there, the journey continued with the visionary Lawrence Bouma, whose collaboration led to the creation of Bou-Matic Milkers, shaping modern milking practices.

Today, we celebrate this achievement and recognize the invaluable contributions of dairy farmers, dealers, and our dedicated employees.

Lawrence Bouma's milking philosophy has successfully stood the test of time, revolutionizing the industry. This philosophy is reflected in innovative products such as the Gemini UP milking robot, ensuring superior milk quality and increased efficiency in the milking process.

With pride in our heritage and unwavering determination, we look ahead, poised to continue our legacy of excellence in the dairy industry for years to come.

David Johnson (Lutt) Ltd, Upper Bruntingthorpe Ind. Est. Lutterworth, LE17 5QZ| t: 01162 478349 Davison & Axup Dairy Supplies, Swiss Cottage, Market Rasen, LN 5QZ | t: 01673 858567 ElectroMech Agri Ltd, 7 Tulnagall Road, Co, Tyrone, BT70 3LR | t: 02887 767376 Milkflo Dairy Systems Ltd, Trengove Farm, Cornwall, TR16 4PS | t: 08450 944815 | www.milkflouk.com Wessex Farm Installations Ltd, The Old Cobblers, Langport, TA10 9DJ | t: 07714 846987

Farming

| Livestock

EWE LAMBS TOP BELTEX TRADE AT WELSHPOOL emales peaked at 700gns on three occasions at the Merry Belles sale at Welshpool Livestock Sales’ principal centre on Thursday, 12 December 2024. A small but select offering of Beltex females were forward and it was D E Owen’s of the Smart Ass flock, Rowen, Conwy, that led the show and sale trade. Lisa Mills of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk paid 700gns a piece for two Smart Ass ewe lambs, firstly show champion, Smart Ass Kahula (ET) and a full sister Smart Ass Kit Kat (ET). Both lambs were the result of a flush from Smart Ass Dream Girl ET, and sired by Kingledores Drake ET, which is bred from the same ewe that produced Crusader, Kingledores Pearl ET, a Viagrow V/d Drie Musschen daughter and former Royal Highland Show champion. E Morgan, Hengoed, Caerphilly, matched the 700gns bid for the Wern Jocar sired Smart Ass Khloe, out of a homebred ewe, while W W Bowen, Brecon, Powys, secured the ewe lamb Smart Ass Kiara, bred from Smart Ass

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Evouge, sired by Wern Jarret, for 650gns.

The shearling ewes came from a draft from D L Rowlands, Llanddesant, Anglesey, and peaked at 480gns for Deio’s Jigsaw, a Cothi Golden Boy ET daughter, from homebred Deio’s Darling, she had been served by the Al Pacino grandson, Crosswell Hurricane, who was second in the stock ram competition in 2023, and overall Beltex breed champion at Anglesey show 2024. J E Edwards, Lampeter, Ceredigion, purchased the homebred Deio’s Jewel for 300gns, a grandson of Frongoy Eye of the Tiger (ET) out of the Ardstewart Super Marios sired dam Deio’s Friday Feeling, she sold again in lamb to Croswell Hurricane.

Farming

| Livestock

Avian influenza prevention zone declared in four counties ollowing detections of avian influenza in poultry, wild and captive birds across the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the region to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks of the disease.

Zone means regardless of the number of birds you keep, you are required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.

This means that from today (December 13) it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers within the zone to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks, of whatever type or size. A map of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone is available on gov.uk.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) means bird keepers in the zone must: •

cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds– if practical, use disposable protective clothing

The current risk to human health remains very low and properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. UKHSA remains vigilant for any evidence of changing levels of risk and are keeping this under constant review.

•

reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products

The introduction of an AIPZ follows the recent increase in cases of bird flu in poultry and other captive birds in the area and increased reports of mass mortality in wild birds.

•

carry out effective vermin control in any areas where poultry and captive birds are kept

•

thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis

•

keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points

•

minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

•

prevent access by poultry to ponds and watercourses and ensure that birds are kept in fenced or enclosed areas

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The AIPZ now in force does not include a requirement to house birds, unless you are also in a 3km Protection Zone. However, this is being kept under constant review. Further disease control measures will be based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.

“Scientists, vets and field teams from the Animal and Plant Health Agency are working hard to help tackle the spread of avian influenza and ensure bird keepers are kept up to date and supported.”

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Following a number of detections of avian influenza we have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across the East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston Upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. This means that all bird keepers in these areas must take enhanced biosecurity actions now to both help prevent disease getting in to flocks and it stop it spreading any further.

“Bird keepers must exercise robust biosecurity measures, remain alert for any signs of disease and report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”

Animal Plant Health Agency Head of England Field Delivery, Aled Edwards said: “The introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention

The prevention zone will be in place until further notice, and will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to monitor and manage the risks of bird flu.

Keepers are encouraged to take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe.

See the interactive map for details of control zones and check the declarations for details of the restrictions.

Check if you’re in a bird flu disease zone on the map and check Defra-approved disinfectant: when and how to use it - GOV.UK Farming

| Livestock

HYACINTH BLOOMS AT CARLISLE IN LAMB SHEEP FAIR t was Longhouse Hyacinth from Rosemary Hamilton and Iain Lammie from Cumnock, Ayrshire that bloomed in the pre-sale show at Carlisle on Friday 6 December 2024. They claimed the overall championship honours with Longhouse Hyacinth ET, a March2023 in lamb shearling which was full of Dutch breeding on the dam sire, while sired by Beili Blues Euphoric who has sired Great Yorkshire Show prize winners. She was tapped out by the judge Jennifer Aiken, who runs the Coniston flock, Wennington, Lancaster, and sold for 1,600gns to Messrs Graham, Annan, Dumfriesshire.

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Heading to the same postcode were a further four gimmers which topped at 1,000gns for David and Clare Gray’s Ettrick Honey B (ET). The shearling ewe from the Border breeders based at Lindean, Selkirk, was the only female to be sold in lamb to the 10,000gns Ettrick Jackpot, who was male champion at the National Breed Show at Stirling.

Her dam Ettrick Epatante was first prize shearling gimmer at the Great Yorkshire show and a full ET brother to Honey B, sold previously to 2800gns.

Messrs Graham also secured the top price ewe lamb on the day for 500gns, from K Watret, Annan Dumfriesshire. Solway View Jessica (ET) sired by the 7,000gns Caryl’s Blues Hulk (ET) was bred from Solway View Elegance (ET).

Farming

The reserve overall show champion also came from the Solway View flock, in the form of second prize Solway View Hakky. This shearling ewe whose pedigree features Sunnybank Exchange Rate (ET) out of a homebred ewe Solway View Candy by Solway Badger was sold in lamb to Solway View Jagerbomb for 1,200gns to Welsh buyers Messrs Jones, Ffairfach, Llandeilo.

The top call in the sale ring was claimed by Northern Ireland breeders Messrs S Allen and A Shortt, Strabane, Castlederg with their full sister to this year’s RUAS Balmoral champion, Knockmult Holly, bred from Derg Fantasy (ET) and sired by Drumard Ed who has sold progeny to 20,000gns, this unplaced gimmer sold in lamb to Derg Jackpot, to Messrs Wright, Hartington, Derbyshire for 4,000gns. They also sold a Matt’s Firetrap (ET) daughter, Derg Heavenly (ET), AI’d and scanned once to the 20,000gns Beili Blue Hulk to Messrs Jones, Pencader, Carmarthenshire for 2,200gns and Messrs Philip, Culloden Moor, Inverness had to go to 1,600gns to close the deal on Derg Hula (ET) also sired by Matt’s Firetrap (ET) this time out of Derg Extra Special (ET), AI’d to Derg Jackpot.

Matching the reserve champion value, a further five shearling ewes traded at 1,200gns. Henry Jewitt, Barnard Castle, County Durham, sold Sunnybank Haggis (ET) who had been running with Saltire

| Livestock Blue Gentle Giant (ET) and bred from the £6,000 ewe, Drumard Flaming Hot to Messrs Flynn, Bathgate, West Lothian. Meanwhile, David Alexander, Galston, Ayrshire, sold two at the same money 1,200gns to Messrs Horn, Penrith, Cumbria. The first was Millside DJA/23/02663, by Towerview Grand Prix (ET) who was AI’d on 24 September to Dragon Fab, while the Walston Fireball daughter, Millside DJA/23/02681, was purchased after being scanned in lamb to Eninteer Blues Hocus Pocus. Stephanie Dick, Westerton Farm, Stirling also sold two at 1,200gns, the Dean Partnership, Acaster, Selby, took a fancy for Stephick Heartbreaker sired by Cynllwyn Golden Boy (ET) while Scottish breeders the Bett’s from Kippen, Stirling, backed her next lot Stephick Hidden Treasure by the same sire bred from Derg Dior.

The sale also hosted the dispersal of the adult portion of the Hodge flock on behalf of J Hodge, Auchinleck, Cumnock. The flock primarily aimed at producing stock for the commercial market had also enjoyed great success in the show ring and most notably with Hodges Gold Dust who was successfully shown as a gimmer and one crop ewe and remained unbeaten on the show circuit in 2024. It came as no surprise then that she also struck gold in the sale ring, a daughter of Pistyll Empire and bred from the Carlisle purchase, Grahams Essexgirl, she had won three interbreed titles, two reserve interbreed sashes and the coveted overall champion of champions at Cumnock show, all whilst rearing her natural twins.

Messrs Lee fancied sprinkling a little gold dust on his own flock based at Kidwelly Carmarthenshire, and topped the Hodges trade at 3,500gns. He also took a liking to the Pistyll Dynamo (ET) sired, Ranachan Flora at 2,000gns, and paid 1,000gns for Shawtonhill Edgar, a Hackney Your Joking (ET) stock ewe, that has produced shearlings to 6,500gns and ram lambs to 3,000gns with four of her sons averaging 3,075gns at the premier sale this year.

Gold Dust’s full sister, Hodges Goddess (ET) served by Cairnrock Jagerbomb, fetched the overall sales’ joint third top price at 2,500gns to Messrs Morrison, Girvan, Ayrshire and at the same money, her dam the foundation female of the Hodges flock, Grahams Essexgirl (ET) sired by Joe’s Alvin (ET), a breed champion in her own right at Ayr show, was snapped up by Messrs Graham, Mains of Burnbank, Stirling. Finally, a maternal sister to Gold Dust and Goddess, Hodges Havana, Blue Texel champion at Craigie show as a ewe lamb and again as gimmer, was exchanged at 1,800gns to Messrs Francis, Abergorlech, Dyfed.

SHOW RESULTS Judge - Jennifer Aiken, Coniston Flock Overall champion - Lot 180, R Hamilton & I Lammie, Longhouse Hyacinth Reserve overall champion - Lot 137, K Watret,

Solway View Jessica ET Shearling Ewe 1. Lot 180, R Hamilton & I Lammie, Longhouse Hyacinth 2. Lot 137, K Watret, Solway View Hakky 3. Lot 127, D & C Gray, Ettrick Hotti Totti ET 4. Lot 118, R & J Jerman, Titanium Honeycomb ET 5. Lot 130, D & C Gray, Ettrick Helga 6. Lot 145, S Allen & A Shortt, Derg Heavenly ET Ewe Lamb 1. Lot 197, K Watret, Solway View Jessica ET 2. Lot 192, A Brisbane, Auchmantle Jynx ET 3. Lot 196, K Watret, Solway View Jade ET Farming

| Livestock

H&H Appointment to Strengthen Position within Livestock Trading

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eading auctioneers Harrison & Hetherington look to the future with the appointment of Robin Anderson to a newly created role as Head of Operations.

Following another record-breaking year of growth in their auctioneering operations across the North of England, Carlisle-based Harrison & Hetherington are delighted to welcome highly respected Scottish Auctioneer and Strategic Business Professional Robin Anderson to join their senior management team in the newly created role of Head of Operations.

improvements to the mart's infrastructure, reflect the company's commitment to maintaining its position as a leading hub for livestock trading in the UK. The development will enhance the facilities available to both buyers and sellers, further strengthening Borderway Mart's ability to serve the evolving needs of the agricultural community.

Currently based in Dumfries, Robin joins Harrison & Hetherington from a similar position as Head of Strategic Development and Operations for Aberdeen & Northern Marts, and his experience includes 20 years as Managing Director at Wallets Mart in Castle Douglas.

Harrison & Hetherington Managing Director, Scott Donaldson, sees this as a pivotal appointment for the company's ongoing success: "We are currently going through a period of growth, with many ongoing building and infrastructure projects at our various centres. The strategy of the business going forward is focused on futureproofing and growth, so as our teams continue running the day-to-day trading business, having someone like Robin Anderson dedicated to this is essential.

"I have known Robin for many years, so I know that nobody is better qualified, experienced, or skilled in improving efficiencies and processes in this business."

In their 100th anniversary year, this strategic senior executive appointment is a landmark in the development of H&H Group's auctioneering division into one of the most successful livestock trading businesses in the UK. Harrison & Hetherington have seven marts across the North of England and the Borders and attract buyers and sellers from all over the UK and increasingly overseas. To bear on the quality and efficiency of their fast-expanding operations and to ensure that all operations are fit for the future it was evident that someone dedicated to this specific role was needed and with Robin Anderson's exceptional experience fits the criteria perfectly.

This appointment comes on the heels of the announcement of a significant £1 million development at Borderway Mart in Carlisle, H&H's flagship auction centre. The state-of-the-art Farming

Robin is a past President of the IAAS, a member of the Scottish Agricultural Arbiters and Valuers Association, and a former council member of the Farm Animal Welfare Council. Robin is highly respected throughout the industry and brings with him a wealth of in-depth knowledge and experience, which he will use in his new role: "I am really excited about joining the team at H&H," says Robin Anderson. "It is a business I have always admired, and being part of it is an exciting challenge. I look forward to bringing new dimensions from my own experience to help build on the strong foundations already in place.

"Companies need to address and adapt to accelerating advances in new technology and higher expectations in health & safety and in animal welfare. My focus will be on improving systems, streamlining processes, and supporting the development of staff to achieve the efficiencies and the standards that will make Harrison & Hetherington a world-class livestock trading hub for a world-class livestock sector going forward into the future."

| Livestock

Welsh and New Zealand shearers attempt World Shearing Record:

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lyr Jones and Paerata Abraham will attempt to break the 8-hour 2 Stand Strong Wool Lamb World Record in Masterton, New Zealand on 10th December. The current world record of 1,410 lambs achieved in 2023 is held by Simon Goss and Jamie Skiffington.

British Wool meets with Llyr and Paerata ahead of their World Record attempt.

Name: Llyr Wyn Jones Where are you from?

North Wales Age: 26 Your personal and professional achievements: 2 stand 9-hour British Lamb Record in 2022 (836) Representing Wales over in New Zealand.

Winning The Welsh Champion in Corwen Shears 2024.

How long have you been shearing?

Where are you from?

Born in Dannevirke, I live in Masterton New Zealand Age: 41 Details of your shearing business: My wife and I started our shearing run in 2016 when our oldest daughter turned 5. We realised we couldn’t travel around shearing as she was starting school, so we decided to start a business. We had a lot of help from whanau (family) and have built a work environment where everyone is like family. We are so grateful to have such awesome staff and clients it makes running a business very enjoyable.

Your personal and professional achievements: I have two amazing daughters Ariana (11) and Mei-Marie (7) Buying our dream home.

Winning PGG Wrightsons (2019) to be part of New Zealand TransTasman team.

Winning Te Kuiti Circuit to be part of the New Zealand Team in the UK in 2023.

I started at the age of 17.

How long have you been shearing?

Tell us about what motivated you to attempt the record:

I started shearing later than most shearers, I was about 21

It has always been a dream to do a record. You don’t get any bigger than this.

Advice to young up-and-coming shearers: Go to as many countries as you can to shear and always take advice and listen to the right people.

Proudest moment in shearing: Winning senior at Corwen Shears.

Tell us about what motivated you to attempt the record: It has always been a goal of mine to have a world record. To be able to put your body through that is something not many people can say they have experienced. It's not just the physical challenge but also the mental strength needed – a shearing record is one of the hardest things you will ever do Advice to young up-and-coming shearers:

2 stand 9 hr British record (836)

Go to Shearing School and don’t be shy, always ask questions to shearers you look up to.

Representing Wales in the UK and New Zealand.

Proudest moment in shearing:

Winning the Welsh Open at Corwen Shears 2024 Who has been your inspiration?

My first Golden Shears Final in 2016……….I knew after the second sheep I wasn’t going to win so I was going to be the fastest – I came 6th but had a lot of fun!

Gareth Evans and Matthew Evans (Hotdogs)

Who has been your inspiration?

Name:

As a young shearer, I always wanted to shear like David Fagan and Dion Morrell.

Paerata Raymond Abraham

Farming

| Muck & Slurry

Slurry Infrastructure Grant Success he slurry Infrastructure Grant can be an effective way to increase your farm slurry storage at near enough a 50% discount, (if you are prepared to wade through the copious amounts of paperwork and Environment Agency checks).

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There were over 1200 applicants that registered their interest in Round 1 of the slurry grant. Of these 1200, only 374 were invited to make a full application.

Some of the non-invitees were rejected but the majority of the 826 ‘unsuccessful’ projects were deterred part way through the application process due to intense scrutiny from the Environment Agency, long winded design and location forms, issues with planning or a plethora of other reasons.

Although there is thought to have been fewer than 50 Slurry Infrastructure Grant projects given funding so far, for those who stuck it out and answered all of the Environment Agency and RPA questions that came their way, the Slurry Infrastructure Grant has been a very well received success, that has drastically lessened the financial burden that building a new slurry store can have upon a farm business.

It is expected that there will be a new round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant to be announced in the new year. Assuming that the grants’ structure is similar to that of the previous two rounds the process will consist of the following: •

An expression of interest.

•

If successful, you will be invited to complete a Slurry Design and Location form, where you be required to provide proposed site maps, information on cow numbers and other basic farm information. At this stage in previous rounds, the EA has Farming

reviewed the project details meticulously.

•

If successful, you will be invited to make a full application. At this point in previous applications, proof planning permission has been required. Applicants who gained planning permission through permitted development were allowed in round 2 of the slurry grant.

Following review of this, your project will either be accepted or rejected.

It is important, prior to beginning a Slurry Infrastructure Grant Application, to assess the type of store that will work best for your farm. Through my experience of the grant, I conclude that there is very little benefit to applying for grant funding to build an earth bank lagoon as the cost to build one is already relatively low and building one under grant funding requires you to meet certain specification that may not be necessary and may even hinder your farming system. An example of this would be a farm using sand bedding.

Building an earth bank lagoon under the grant would require you to cover it with a fixed flexible cover, preventing the farmer from getting into the lagoon with a slew to dig out the sand.

For farms where a different slurry storage system would be appropriate, such as a tower, the grant can be extremely valuable as the cost is near enough, cut in half.

Midwest Consulting Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a registered credit broker FRN793780.

We are members of the NACFB. For help or assistance with an existing grant application or if you are planning for the next round, contact Morgan at morgangray@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office on www.fcgagric.com

| Muck & Slurry

Farming

| Muck & Slurry

Vogelsang launches new separator at LAMMA new compact slurry separator will be launched at LAMMA 2025.

Vogelsang’s XSplit Compact press screw separator is a smaller, more affordable option for farms looking to improve slurry management.

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“The Compact features much of the same technology as the full sized XSplit model but is better suited to farms with up to 100 cows. It is a fixed separator, and, due to its compact dimensions, it can be housed more easily in smaller farm buildings and moved between buildings if necessary,” says Vogelsang’s Andy Hayhurst.

The new model will be on show for the first time in the UK at LAMMA. Capable of up to 10 m³/h the unit weighs just 875 kilos and features a 4KW power pump. Clever tine holders also offer the potential for the separator to be moved and relocated more easily if housing is split across a farm.

“Like the larger model, the Compact will separate up to 40 percent dry matter,” adds Mr

Hayhurst.

The XSplit Compact features VarioAdjust, a hydraulic closure unit that provides full control over solids output, dry matter content and throughput. A pressure gauge offers precise control up to a pressure of 25 bar using the hydraulic pump and no tools are required.

“The XSplit Compact also adjusts to the amount of solids automatically, and the constant back pressure, which features a nitrogen bubble system, compensates for any fluctuations in the material being processed,” says Mr Hayhurst.

The Vogelsang stand at LAMMA will also have the full size XSplit in its trailer mounter, mobile specification which is likely to appeal to contractors. This sees the XSplit mounted on to a trailer that acts as a self contained, towable unit for use in multiple locations.

The latest BlackBird and UniSpread application units will be available to see and discuss with Vogelsang’s technical team.

“The BlackBird range has also been recently added to, with the new Light model. It is available with 12 metre and 15 metre booms and has a transport width of just 2.99 metres.

It also features lighter plastic skids that have the same durability as the cast iron versions on the Pro model,” explains Mr Hayhurst.

Vogelsang will exhibit all models at LAMMA, hall 12, stand 230.

Farming

EFFECTIVE SPREADING SYSTEMS Flexible, reliable and easy to maintain: As a pioneer in agricultural technology, Vogelsang leads the way in environmental friendly spreading equipment.

The dribble bar systems combined with the ExaCut distributor give the highest application of liquid manure nutrients.

Dribble bars are available in working widths of 7.5m right up to 36m and are retrofit-friendly.

For more information visit www.vogelsang.info/en-uk/dribble-bar-systems

VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

Contact us at: 01270 216 600 | sales.uk@vogelsang.info vogelsang.co.uk Farming

| Muck & Slurry

New Separator provides benefits for dairy farmer

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Separator from Borger has helped a dairy farmer provide bedding material for his 240 cows, as well create useful feedstock for his biogas plant.

Also utilising control technology from Borger and a BLUEline rotary lobe pump, the dry solids (DS) content can be continuously adjusted with ease. Thus, the farmer is able to select a high DS content (>30 %) for use as bedding material, and a low DS content (approx. 22 %) when the solid phase is to be delivered to the biogas plant.

The installation has created a 25% saving on storage capacity, and furthermore, the bacteria count in the cow’s milk has reduced to a very low level since the switch from straw to the separated manure.

Designed and built by Borger, the control unit of the energyefficient Bioselect RC 40 Separator coordinates the operation of the feed pump, the liquid phase pump and the Separator. Automatic separation at required times can also be selected.

For easy maintenance and long-service life, the Bioselect RC 40 is also designed so that the drainage and press channels are positioned one after the other, which helps preserve the filter unit. The rotating clearing auger is also designed in such a way that it does not come into contact with the screen. Abrasive parts cannot cause any damage to the surface area here; helping increase the longevity of all components.

Borger UK 01902 798 977 www.boerger.com uk@boerger.com

Farming

| Muck & Slurry

Farming

| Machinery

Clocking up the hours a breeze for one family run business Massey Ferguson 8S tractor which has clocked up almost 8,500 hours in just under three years continues performing just as well as when it was new, according to its Staffordshire-based contractor owners.

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The 8S.225 Dyna-7 belongs to familyowned farming and contracting company, Graham Robinson Ltd. The business was started 11 years ago by Graham Robinson when he offered a contracting service with just one tractor erecting fences and straw carting. Now Graham and his son, Shaun run the business as a family partnership, and the main services include silage making, forage harvesting, hedge cutting, and slurry transport and applications for farmers across Staffordshire, Shropshire and Leicestershire. The operation is based on the family’s 280ha rented farm at Rugeley, where maize and grass are grown for dairy cattle and for a local AD plant. Graham’s other son Luke is also employed by the business as a machine operator.

The first Massey Ferguson was bought six years ago, after three competitor brands all proved unsuccessful. “We were quickly impressed by the tractor, but it was the back-up from supplying

Farming

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Bomford Hawk 7T

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Proportional Controls

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Power Slew

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Telescopic Oil Cooler

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4 Point Linkage Mouting

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Electric Rotor Reverse

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1.5m Pro Cut Head

dealer KO Machines Ltd compared to other dealers we’d used that persuaded us to invest in more MF tractors,” explained partner, Graham Robinson.

The current, nine-tractor fleet includes six Massey Fergusons, three of which are 8S.225s. The first 8S.225 Dyna-7 arrived in March 2021; and the second, with the more advanced Dyna-E-Power dual-clutch transmission arrived in October the same year. The third 8S.225 arrived in January 2024, with the Dyna-7 system.

Bomford Kestrel 5.7 Power Plus

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Bomford Kestrel 5.7 VFA

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Variable Forward Reach

Proportional Electric Controls Power Slew 1.2m Head

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Power Slew, Oil Cooler

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3 Point Linkage Mounted

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Electric Rotor Reverse

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1.2m Pro Trim Head

Oil Cooler, 3 Point Linkage Mounted

| Machinery Competitive costs of ownership Commenting on costs of ownership; Graham said that depreciation is always significant when any brand of tractor works so many hours in such a short time. “Running a mixed fleet, our experience confirms that Massey Ferguson tractors hold their value as well as any other brand. When it comes to updating them, then we would always prefer costs to change to be lower, but they are actually quite reasonable. “We buy new tractors with a 6,000-hour extended warranty and service package for peace of mind and it allows us to fix our costs, although we quickly exceed the hour limits.”

Dyna-E-Power Reliable at almost 8,500 hours Graham said that the 8S.225 Dyna-7 tows one of several 4,000-gallon tankers and 12m dribble bars applying slurry for 10–12 hours per day, six days of the week. It has clocked up almost 8,500 working hours since it arrived just under three years ago.

“It’s the ‘preferred’ tractor for anyone with any job to do, so even when it’s not applying slurry then it’s often chosen for transport or cultivation tasks,” he explained. “It’s comfortable on the road, the cab is spacious and quiet, and the large doors make it easy to get in and out while the huge glass area provides superb visibility. There is a good view of the rear hitch when attaching trailers and other trailed implements. It’s a well-designed tractor.

“It pulls well too, and the rear lift capacity is impressive. We can use our 3m Simba DTX cultivator or a large maize drill without adding front ballast which keeps the total weight down.”

So far, the 8S.225 Dyna-7 hasn’t needed any significant repairs. “The only faults have been minor electrical issues which one expects when tractors work in rain and slurry for so much of the time. The oil level is checked regularly but it barely uses any and, if anything, it pulls even better now than when it was new.”

The other 2021 8S.225 Dyna-E-Power carries out similar demanding work and has recorded 6,700 working hours without major repairs apart from a gearbox update under warranty. The latest 8S.225 Dyna-7, purchased at the beginning of this year clocked up nearly 700 hours within its first two months. “Our previous experience of other brands was that reliability issues became increasingly frequent after 3,500 hours,” stressed Graham. “We don’t seem to suffer these problems with the Massey Fergusons. Both our earlier 8S.225 tractors are the Exclusive specification with electronic controls and spools, and the later 8S.225 has the simpler Efficient mechanical specification.

Our situation is quite demanding, and the hydraulic systems and PTO are in almost constant use, but they never cause problems.”

Asked his opinion of the Dyna-E-Power transmission, Graham said that it is even smoother than the Dyna-7 and performs well across the full range of tasks from pulling tankers to heavy cultivations, especially since it was updated.

“Everyone likes it and finds it easy to operate, although they also find the Dyna-6 and Dyna-7 systems excellent. Most of the time, the tractors operate in auto mode, allowing the engine and transmission management systems to select the ideal revs and gear ratio for the task.”

Remaining loyal to brand Even after working almost 8,500 hours with many different drivers, the 8S.225 Dyna-7 remains in good condition. The cab interior is tidy and there are few signs of wear. “When the 8S.225s are changed, we won’t be buying anything but Massey Ferguson,” confirmed Graham. “Other dealers just can’t match the back-up from the KO Machines Ltd team. Richard Owen, the Service Manager, is always keen to help and if problems occur then we know a loan tractor will be available. We like the fact that if other machinery such as our tankers need attention, then they are happy to look at those too.”

Dealer view KO Machines Ltd Service Manager, Richard Owen said that he was delighted to hear that the Robinson family is so pleased with the back-up from his workshop team, but not at all surprised.

“We try hard to keep customers’ machines working, and everyone is treated the same – no matter what size their operation.

“The 8S was a big new tractor when it was launched just a few years ago. It’s proved incredibly reliable and any minor teething issues were quickly resolved so that machines delivered now are practically flawless. “It’s testament to the build quality and design that the Robinsons’ Massey Ferguson 8S tractors cope so well with their demanding work environment.”

Farming

| Machinery

Bobcat Presents Expanded Range at Executive Hire Show obcat will be presenting the company’s expanded range of products for the rental industry at the sold out 2025 edition of the Executive Hire Show (EHS) at the Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry from 12-13 February 2025.

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As can be seen on the company’s Stand Number A72, Bobcat offers one of the widest ranges of products on the market for the rental industry.

The Bobcat product portfolio has grown significantly over the past five years, launching more machines during this period than previously in its entire history.

For the rental industry, Bobcat offers extensive line-ups of compact machinery (including loaders, excavators, telehandlers, compact tractors and mowers) and material handling equipment (including forklifts and warehouse solutions), plus a broad range of attachments, parts and services. All Bobcat products are backed by a worldwide network of independent dealers and distributors.

compared to their predecessors.

The D24 engine in the new generators is a very impressive unit – more powerful than those in other machines of this size on the market and with a higher capacity. This has allowed Bobcat to offer a true 50 kVA prime unit on the market in the new PG50 model and still be below the Diesel Exhaust Fluid system requirement. Alongside the PG50, the PG40 delivers a prime power output of 40 kVA. In addition, both generators have a new sleek, compact design, with a selection of novel features including optional factory-mounted running gear, with either fixed or variable height, for easy transportation such as towing behind a car. This upgrade provides unmatched convenience, ensuring mobility on and off the job site.

Among the latest additions to the Bobcat range are a complete line of generators, portable compressors and light towers, building on decades of success and experience in the portable power market.

A Leap Forward in Portable Generator Design The very latest portable power products are the new PG40 and PG50 models providing a leap forward in portable generator design. Powered by Stage V D24 engines and Stamford alternators, the new PG40 and PG50 eco-conscious models replace the previous generation Stage IIIA G40 and G60 units, delivering a combination of increased power output and lower fuel consumption Farming

The new generators also have ‘Liquid Heat’, a lowload management system designed to reduce downtime and deliver peace of mind. Their versatile capabilities allow the new generators to manage lighter loads while preserving engine life, making them the perfect investment for the rental industry.

The Executive Hire Show (EHS) The EHS is firmly established as the only annual national event in the UK aimed at tool, equipment and plant hirers and the suppliers serving this dynamic industry. The EHS enables hire professionals to not only see key suppliers they already do business with, in one place, but also to get in front of new companies from around the world who are looking to serve this important market.

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| Machinery

New Features/Options for Develon DL-7 Wheel Loader Range evelon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has announced several new features and options for the company’s awardwinning DL-7 wheel loader range.

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Comprising eleven models, running from the smallest DL200-7, through to the top-of-the-range DL580-7 model, the DL-7 range is designed to provide easier and faster loading with maximum bucket capacities from 2.0 to 6.4 m3, providing increased productivity for a very wide range of material-handling applications.

These include the transport and delivery of soil, sand, aggregates and other materials in industry, recycling, waste, construction, demolition, mining and quarrying. Develon also offers a wide choice of options to provide more work tools for a better match with applications, further increasing output.

Parallel Lift for Enhanced Pallet Handling and Lifting Work One of the most important changes in the DL-7

range is the new parallel lift system now adopted as standard in the six smallest models from the DL200-7 to the DL380-7.

These wheel loaders now feature a parallel lift system with electro-hydraulic compensation, specifically designed to maintain the horizontal alignment of the pallet forks during lifting. This advanced system automatically adjusts the forks to stay level as they move up and down, ensuring loads remain stable and securely balanced. Ideal for precise pallet handling, Parallel Lift simplifies loading and unloading operations and reduces the risk of spillage or damage. This enhancement not only improves safety but also increases productivity, allowing operators to handle materials with greater confidence and efficiency in any working environment.

Electric Joystick Steering Extended

https://www.claas.co.uk The ARION 600 and 500 range - the new mid-range standard Assisting you, wherever it is needed.

One of our most popular tractors has just got even better thanks to a host of new functions developed by our engineers in consultation with ARION drivers.

After all, they work in the field every day, so they know exactly what they want.

For more information contact:

Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lodge Farm, Broughton Road, Frolesworth, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 5EH Telephone: 01455 209300 https://www.sharnfordtractors.co.uk

Electric joystick steering integrated on the armrest, a proven feature on large Develon wheel loaders is now available for the smallest models from the DL200-7 to the DL280-7.

Electric joystick steering helps operators to keep their concentration and reduces stress. The comfortable electric joystick allows the operator to drive their machine more easily, especially in repetitive tasks and tight spaces. Designed to give the operator more precise control with a shorter lever stroke, resulting in less fatigue, the sensitivity of the ergonomic joystick control can be set and altered according to operator preferences using the SmartTouch touchscreen monitor. Userfriendly and easy to read in all conditions, the touchscreen provides all the important settings and information the operator needs in one place.

Full Visibility Another upgrade for all the models in the DL-7 range is a comprehensive Full LED Lighting Pack designed to improve visibility, safety and operator comfort. This new package includes advanced

Farming

| Machinery

LED work lights, which provide powerful illumination for optimum visibility during night shifts or in low light conditions, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

The LED road lights add an extra layer of safety when transporting materials, improving visibility on roads and in busy working areas.

In addition to the lighting enhancements, this package also includes heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The heating function ensures clear vision in cold or frosty conditions by preventing fog and ice build-up. The power adjustment allows the operator to set the optimum angle without leaving the cab, increasing comfort and ease of operation.

With the full LED lighting package in place, Develon wheel loaders can tackle and operate in any environment with improved safety, enhanced functionality and greater operator control.

Spacious Ergonomic Cab Design Inside the cab, there is an option on all models of a new seat with both heating and ventilation. The seat offers fully adjustable horizontal and vertical suspension settings and a pneumatic lumbar function as standard. There is a 3-point safety belt with alarm icons on the SmartTouch touchscreen monitor and on the gauge panel, which offers a

clear layout and anti-reflective glass.

DL-7 wheel loaders offer significantly enhanced operating comfort, an enhanced steering system and advanced electronic controls. Using the new Develon Smart Key system on the control panel in the cab, the operator can start the machine using a keyless device, helping to prevent machine theft.

The Smart Key system provides remote door control, door lock and unlock, door release, searching and other functions. The control panel also includes two USB sockets.

New Quick Coupling and 3rd Spool Piping DL-7 wheel loaders have smooth and responsive hydraulics and auxiliary hydraulic connections. All of the newly updated DL-7 wheel loaders are equipped as standard with a 3rd spool valve with settable flow and detent function, providing a constant flow for hydraulically driven attachments.

Martin has been involved with Operators can easily and comfortably KUHN machinerycontrol since 1992. hydraulic attachments via the proportional switch on the joystick.

The DL200-7, DL220-7, DL250-7 and DL280-7 models now have both quick coupler and 3rd spool piping as standard, with these new features optional on the larger models.

For more on Develon, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

Will joins KUHN to support the dealer network across the East of England.

Farming

AJ Mowers Ltd Unit 6, 21-23, Wood Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8DT Tel: 0117 960 0173

www.ajmowers.co.uk

Cooks Midlands Ltd. Horsepool Grange, Elliotts Lane, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicestershire, LE67 9TW Tel: 01530 249 191

www.cooksmidlands.co.uk

Agripro Services Ltd Fron, Telerddig, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7AW Tel: 07985 754 122

www.agripro-services.co.uk

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Ltd. Newton Close, Park Farm Ind. Est. Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 6UW Tel: 01933 673900

www.dayandcoles.co.uk

| Machinery

Case IH Puma range grows as Puma 240 becomes largest model now available with PowerDrive he 240/270hp (rated/max with boost) Case IH Puma 240 can now be specified with a PowerDrive full powershift as an alternative to the standard CVXDrive continuously-variable transmission, providing buyers with more choice at this power level to match tasks, workloads and budgets.

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Available on Puma 240 models with either electronic or mechanical remote valves, the new transmission option provides 18 or 19 forward speeds, depending on whether the tractor is ordered in 40km/hr or 50km/hr maximum speed configuration. Both provide six reverse speeds. The largest Puma model previously available with PowerDrive full powershift Farming

was the 220hp/260hp (rated/max with boost) Puma 220, meaning the new Puma 240 with PowerDrive offers 8% more power in a Puma powershift package, with key transmission components

| Machinery upgraded to match.

Elsewhere in the Puma range, customers can now choose larger Group 48 (2.05m) tyres for the Puma 185 and 200 with CVXDrive (previously only on the Puma 220/240/260 with CVXDrive). In addition, the class 4.5 front axle is available on the full powershift Puma 185/200/220/240 with PowerDrive. This boosts load capacity by 13%, meeting the needs of customers operating front-mounted equipment or a loader. The axle upgrades permit an increased gross vehicle weight of 14,000kg on Puma models with PowerDrive. On Puma tractors with CVXDrive this figure is 15,000kg, thanks to engine side rails and a combination of the HD rear and class 4.5 front axles.

Like other Case IH machines the new model is

compatible with FieldOps™, Case IH’s new all-inone data management mobile app and web platform, which connects and integrates agronomic insights and machine performance data, providing farmers with a comprehensive all-brand fleet overview regardless of their machine makes.

FOR MORE STOCK AND FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DAVID ON 07502 661861 Farming

| Machinery

Trustworthy AI for agriculture: CLAAS cooperates with CertifAI LAAS is carrying out pioneering work in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and has joined forces with CertifAI to address the technical and regulatory challenges. This partnership draws on CertifAI's expertise in AI testing and compliance to ensure that AI applications from CLAAS adhere to the highest development standards. Through this collaboration, CLAAS aims to satisfy its own exemplary quality standards and promote trust in its AI-driven solutions.

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As a world-leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery, CLAAS recognises AI as a key technology that can create increased customer benefits. When developing new products, the company addresses both the technical and regulatory challenges associated with the development of AI-based solutions. To tackle these issues even more effectively, CLAAS has joined forces with the AI testing and certification company CertifAI. Their unique test methods and processes support the development of modern, innovative AI systems – thus ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and at the same time fostering technical innovation.

Focus on safety and quality CLAAS and CertifAI have formed a partnership to ensure the safe development of artificial intelligence within the CLAAS product portfolio. As Farming

a result of this collaboration, the partners have thoroughly tested the existing development phases and succeeded in devising a secure AI development process. Dr.-Ing. Torben Töniges, Head of AI / Analytics Products at CLAAS, explains: "At CLAAS we are committed to ensuring that our agricultural machines conform to the highest development standards. Our collaboration with CertifAI will enable us to deepen this commitment in future. Quality has underpinned our value proposition for over 100 years. The testing and certification of our AI applications is key to upholding this promise in an AI-driven future."

CertifAI offers a market-leading combination of technical and regulatory expertise. As a Corporate Joint Venture supported by PwC, DEKRA, and the City of Hamburg, CertifAI has gained experience in various highly regulated industries. Combined with detailed technical testing of AI systems, this makes CertifAI the ideal partner for CLAAS. "We are proud to support CLAAS in the development of its AI solutions. AI testing and compliance with regulatory and technical requirements are not just statutory requirements for companies; they also provide a competitive advantage by ensuring that all customers can put their trust in the safety and quality of AI products,", says Dr Robert Kilian, CEO of CertifAI.

A.T. Best Handlers Ltd is a trusted dealer for Manitou, Takeuchi, and BOMAG equipment, offering telehandlers, excavators, and compaction machinery.

We provide sales, hire, servicing, and genuine parts to support construction and material-handling needs.

Contact us : Airdrie : 01236 607 077 Macmerry : 01875 816 400 Irvine : 01292 229 100 info@atbesthandlers.co.uk www.atbesthandlers.co.uk

Farming

| Machinery

Carr's Billington Joins Merlo Dealer Network erlo UK is proud to announce that, effective 9th December, Carr’s Billington, headquartered in Carlisle, will represent the Merlo brand in Cumbria and the North East, covering depots in Carlisle, Hexham, and Morpeth. This marks the beginning of an exciting and strategic partnership between two trusted names in the agricultural industry.

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Carr’s Billington supplies an extensive range of farming and agricultural solutions, serving customers with dedication and expertise. With a strong reputation for customer service and a commitment to quality, Carr’s Billington is an ideal partner to represent Merlo’s innovative range of telehandlers.

Owen Buttle, National Sales Manager at Merlo UK, noted; “Carr’s Billington is a trusted supplier of leading agricultural brands, and this partnership represents Merlo’s continued commitment to

Farming

strengthening its dealer network, and providing agriculture customers, across the North of England with strong and comprehensive coverage. We are delighted to welcome Carr’s Billington to the Merlo dealer network.” He continued, “As well as sales and installations, Carr’s Billington offers exceptional service, repairs as well as stocking a wide range of fastmoving parts. This level of support ensures customers receive the best experience with their Merlo products.

Reflecting on the new partnership, Tom Jobling, Machinery Director at Carr’s Billington, added: "Following a thorough evaluation of suppliers and key brands, we are excited to add the Merlo product range to fill a gap and strengthen our portfolio.

The Merlo agreement is a significant addition to our range and presents exciting opportunites for our customers. We look forward to expanding our offering and forging a successful partnership with Merlo.”

0%

| Machinery

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and protect your future with unbeatable finance on ALL Merlo telehandlers

Contact your local Merlo Dealer to find out more: BRM Ltd. Stubbings Bros Ltd. Ramsay & Jackson Ltd Brian Robinson Machinery Ventnor Knowehead Works, Ltd, PO38 2JN Mauchline East Cowton, Phone : 01983 551443 KA5 6EY Northallerton, www.stubbings-bros.co.uk Phone : 01290 550329 DL7 0DX www.ramjack.co.uk Phone : 01325 378552 www.brianrobinson.co.uk

CJ Leonard & Sons Ltd Clevestone Works, Guisborough TS14 6PX Phone : 01287 633842 www.cjleonard.co.uk

Cooks Midlands Ltd. RVW Pugh, Unit 10 Horsepool Grange Mellington, Churchstoke, Elliotts Lane, Montgomery Powys.

Markfield SY15 6TQ LE67 9TW Phone : 01588 620545 Phone : 01530 249191 www.rvwpugh.co.uk www.cooksmidlands.co.uk

RVW Pugh, Oakwood Park, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AX Phone : 01477 533560 www.rvwpugh.co.uk

TR Machinery, Burnside Business Park, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 3UX Phone : 01630 653801 www.trmachinery.co.uk

Lister Wilder Ashford 01233 619 290 Reading 01189 884 888 Bibury 01285 708 234 Bristol 01454 807 850 www.listerwilder.co.uk

D.A. Forgie Co Londonderry, BT49 9DW Phone : 02877722375 www.forgie.com

D.A. Forgie Lisburn, BT27 5QB Phone : 02892677736 www.forige.com

Or scan below:

Farming

| Machinery

NRH ENGINEERING TO UNVEIL THE TREMOR AND NEW BRANDING AT LAMMA 25

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UK manufacturer of cultivation machinery will mark its 20th year in business by returning to LAMMA in January, where it will unveil both a new brand identity and a new machine.

NRH Engineering will reveal its new, contemporary logo and wider branding on stand 20.310 at LAMMA, where visitors will also see the Tremor low disturbance subsoiler.

Developed in response to requests from its dealer network and farmers, the Tremor is a high-strength, value-for-money, versatile three-metre subsoiler which can be configured as a five, six, or seven-leg machine.

Manufactured from SJ355 high tensile box sections, the Tremor is available as a shear-bolt (SB) or auto-reset (AR) model to guarantee performance irrespective of soil type. Both models offer an extensive range of options and high-quality components.

NRH Engineering has used 450mm serrated straight cutting discs made from Boron Steel and will give customers the option of three types of low disturbance legs all made from HARDOX500® hardened steel. The feet are precision high-chrome castings with differing levels of solid tungsten and tungsten carbide overlay protection.

Finally, there is the choice of two types of packers, a 750mm and 650mm version, both of which are hydraulically adjustable.

The 750mm diameter toothed packer roller (including the teeth) leaves an aerated, consolidated and level finish to aid surface

Farming

aeration and surface penetration of water. Including teeth on the roller eliminates soil smear, with the packer roller closing the surface after the legs to leave the soil largely undisturbed. It can be ballasted for extra consolidation.

The 650mm pressed steel packer roller features castellated rings, allowing it to rotate in light and medium soils with an aggressive rib and shoulder profile, leaving an excellent consolidated weatherproof finish.

NRH Engineering has equipped the Tremor with hydraulic disc and packer roller depth adjustment, allowing the operator to make adjustments from the cab. With transport widths of 3.1m for the rigid model and less than three metres for the folding version, moving the Tremor from field to field is hassle-free.

"2025 will be our 20th year in business," says Neil Hopwood, director of NRH Engineering. "We're marking the occasion by introducing new modern branding, starting with the logo or machine decals.

Our new website will launch soon, giving people a lot more information about our range of Britishdesigned and made subsoilers, packers, cultivators, ring presses and Cambridge rollers.

"It's been a few years since we last exhibited at LAMMA, but with a new brand to promote, new products to launch and an optimistic outlook for our 20th year in business, making our first appearance at the NEC in January feels right. We're very much looking forward to seeing people's reaction to the Tremor, which we think will be very popular with farmers looking for a well-made, reliable and effective subsoiler."

To find out more about the Tremor, which is available from £15,000, visit stand 20.301 at LAMMA 2025 or www.nrh-engineering.co.uk

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The TF350 Trailed Stock Feeder features fully galvanised allsteel construction & electronic operation with high visibility digital counter ensure the right amount of feed is dispensed, exactly where you want it with a large 300kg capacity.

Contact Your Dealer Cornish Tractors

Clwyd Agricultural

CJ Keitch

Timberlake, Week St Mary

Terfyn Buildings, Caerwys Road,

Dunkeswell Airfield,

Devon. EX22 6XG

Rhyl, LL18 6HT

Honiton, EX14 4LH

Phone: 01288 341326

Phone: 01745 571018

Phone: 01404 891796

www.cornishtractors.co.uk

www.clwydagri.co.uk

www.cjkeitch.co.uk

The Tractor Shop

Halls of Bromyard

Mike Pryce & Son

Bolingbroke Road, Louth

Tenbury Road, Bromyard

Greenfields Farm, Four Crosses,

Lincolnshire, LN11 0WA

HR7 4LL

Llanymynech, Powys, SY22 6RF

Phone: 01507 600051

Phone: 01885 489199

Phone: 01691 830308

www.thetractorshop.org.uk

www.hallsofbromyard.com

www.mikeprycemachinery.com

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J Bourne Tractors

West Coast Trailers

Unit 22 West Lane, Baildon

Valley Farm, Thorncliffe Rd,

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Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8TG

Workington, CA14 4JR

Phone: 07701 070 156

Phone: 07915 242942

Phone: 07725 653398

www.yorkshireatv.com

www.jbournetractors.co.uk

www.westcoasttrailers.co.uk

TF350 Trailed Feeder

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Farming 25/11/2024 15:03:51

| ATV

Polaris unveils new Sportsman XP 1000 S LE model and RANGER 570 upgrade for 2025 dding to its legacy of value and quality to customers, Polaris Off Road today unveiled further updates to its 2025 lineup, featuring new upgrades that are now available as standard on RANGER and Sportsman models, as well as a new, special-edition colour option available on the top-ofthe-range Sportsman ATV.

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POLARIS SPORTSMAN In addition to the recentlyannounced Sportsman 570 lineup for 2025, Polaris now unveils the 2025 refresh for its top-spec sport ATV - the Sportsman XP 1000 S which now includes the introduction of Turf Mode on tractor-homologated models for easier manoeuvrability, as well as performance improvements to the rear sway bar and drag links to increase durability.

Polaris introduces the all-new Sportsman XP 1000 S LE model in a striking new Lava Orange Metallic colour, featuring advanced Walker Evans Racing Shocks so riders can stay out longer with less fatigue and turf mode (tractor & L7e homologations) for easier manoeuvrability.

The Sportsman XP 1000 S takes off-road capability to new heights with the industry’s only 144cm wide stance that delivers superior stability, as well as exceptional torque thanks to its powerful 952cc ProStar engine, ensuring a confident ride even in the most challenging conditions. Key features include high-clearance dual Aarm suspension with 29cm front and 35.5cm rear travel, 27" Duro Powergrip II tyres for optimal traction, and a high-strength frame engineered for maximum durability.

All XP 1000 S models feature electric power steering (EPS) for less rider fatigue, on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) for extra traction when it is needed most, as well as an engine braking system (EBS) and active descent control (ADC) for a more confident ride. Riders can also choose between three ride modes - performance (PERF), standard (STND), and work (WORK) - offering customisable throttle response. Performance mode offers a more aggressive feel, accelerating harder with less throttle movement, whilst work mode provides a smoother throttle response than standard mode.

•

2025 Sportsman XP 1000 S - Steely Blue (MD / T3a / T3b / L7e)

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NEW 2025 Sportsman XP 1000 S LE - Lava Orange Metallic (MD / T3a / T3b / L7e)

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2025 Scrambler XP 1000 lineup

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2025 Scrambler XP 1000 - Storm Gray (L7e)

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2025 Scrambler XP 1000 S - Lifted Lime Pearl (T3a / T3b / L7e)

POLARIS RANGER The performance-meets-value mid-size Polaris Ranger 570 has been providing unstoppable utility performance for more than a decade, thanks to its reliable and powerful Prostar 570cc DOHC engine, and unmatched versatility with a 227kg rear bed capacity, 560kg towing capacity, on-demand all-wheel drive and Turf mode to master any job - big or small. With its compact size at just 142cm wide, tight turning radius for agile navigation, and over 25cm of ground clearance, the Ranger 570 can go anywhere.

For 2025, all RANGER 570 models now feature the integration of Electric Power Steering (EPS) as standard, including the base model. These enhancements continue Polaris’s commitment to delivering unmatched versatility and performance for unbeatable value.

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2025 Sportsman XP 1000 lineup

2025 RANGER Mid-Size lineup

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2025 Sportsman XP 1000 - Blue Slate Metallic Smoke (L7e)

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2025 RANGER SP 570 EPS - Sage Green (MD / T1a / T1b)

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2025 Sportsman XP 1000 Touring - Onyx Black (L7e)

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2025 RANGER SP 570 EPS Nordic Pro Edition Black Pearl (T1a / T1b)

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BOOK YOUR TEST RIDE TODAY Argyll Engineers Limited Glenshellach Road, Oban PA34 4BH. Tel 01631 565 011 www.argyllengineers.com Bruce Hopkins Limited Shenington Airfield, Oxon OX15 6NW. Tel 01295 680 711 www.brucehopkins.co.uk Clwyd Agricultural Limited Terfyn Buildings, Caerwys Road Dyserth, Rhyl LL18 6HT. Tel 01745 571 018 www.clwydagri.co.uk Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 6UW Tel 01933 673 900 www.dayandcoles.co.uk

FINANCE AVAILABLE ACROSS NEW 2025 POLARIS MODELS TRADE-IN’S ARE WELCOME, TALK TO YOUR DEALER

Halls of Bromyard Tenbury Road, Bromyard Herefordshire HR7 4LL Tel 01885 489 199 www.hallsofbromyard.com LJ & CA Cannings Challow House Farm, Main Street, East Challow, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9SR Tel 01235 01235 763 103 617772 www.ljcannings.co.uk www.polaris-wantage.co.uk Taylors Tools (KL) Limited 43 Hempstead Road, Kings Langley WD4 8BS Tel 01923 ATV 268 355 Paterson Biggars Mill, Dalbeattie, Newton Stuart www.taylorstools.co.uk DG5 4AZ Tel 01556 610 249 www.patersonatv.co.uk

Tel: 0330 041 5141

Polarisbritain.com Terms and conditions apply.

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| ATV

2025 MULE Pro-FX unveiled

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For more information

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Southam Agri. Services

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| ATV (F: 279 mm; R: 256 mm) contributes to the increased ground clearance as well as ride comfort.

For the driver, Kawasaki's high-grade electric power steering (EPS) system is speed sensitive, offering light steering effort at low speed, while reducing assistance as vehicle speed increases to ensure responsive steering.

As befits a high spec machine, electrically "selectable" 2WD/4WD and rear differential lock allow easy changing between drive systems to suit changing terrain and application plus the dual-mode rear differential provides maximum traction when locked and minimises ground disturbance when unlocked.

When go turns to slow, front and rear disc brakes ensure strong, sure stopping power. The hydraulic disc system offers predictable performance, delivering brake power that matches input at the brake pedal.

And with a load capacity of 453 kg (1,000 lbs) plus towing ability of 907 kg (2,000 lbs), the MULE Pro-FX is built for work – hard work!

AVAILABLE IN THE NEW DISTINCTIVE SUPER BLACK FROM DECEMBER 2024 The MULE SX 4x4 rides on 24 inch tyres and offers selectable 2WD and 4WD, with CVT drive 2 speed auto, reverse and rear differential lock. Kawasaki PRO styling, tilting steering wheel and the dependable OHV 410cc engine, 181kg load and 500kg towing capacity, make this a true go anywhere vehicle.

For more information and to find your local Kawasaki dealer, visit WWW.KAWASAKI.CO.UK

Farming

| ATV

John Deere Introduces the New Gator™ XUV 875M Utility Vehicle

J

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Taylors Tools (KL) Limited

Smithfield Tractors Builth Wells Ltd

The Tractor Shop

Year Warranty†

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| ATV

Introducing the FieldLink: The quick way to access your fields!

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| ATV

Preparing for Winter: How ATVs and UTVs Can Help Farmers Tackle Harsh Conditions

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| ATV Choose based on your farm’s specific needs.

action in our Facebook post, which features a video of his family picnic.

ATVs: • •

ATVs perform many heavy-duty tasks, and many very large farms operate with ATVs.

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The compact size of an ATV allows it to reach areas inaccessible to other machines, making it especially useful for hillside farms in regions like Yorkshire and the Highlands.

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Many farmers who work with dogs often use ATVs because these vehicles make it easy for the farm dog to jump in and out as needed.

Additionally, farmers can call and whistle to direct the dog while riding the ATV, allowing for efficient teamwork.

Many farmers use ATVs for electric fencing.

They come with special fencing attachments that allow farmers to drive along and install electric fencing.

UTVs: •

•

UTVs are better suited for heavy hauling and passenger transport. Many of our UTV customers prefer these vehicles because they are considered safer. Riders are enclosed in a roll cage and secured with seatbelts. This safety feature is particularly important on farms and properties that employ external workers.

Generally, more people feel confident driving a UTV than an ATV. Many of our farming customers take their children to work with them. It’s much safer to have a child in a UTV than on an ATV. For example, The Sheep Game (our brand ambassador) has three child car seats installed in his UFORCE 1000 XL. You can see this in

UTVs are better for people who may find riding an ATV challenging. Many older farmers switch from ATVs to UTVs due to the UTV’s easier access and greater comfort.

Also, consider these factors: •

Farm size and terrain

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Types of tasks you’ll perform

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Budget for purchase and maintenance

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Storage space available

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Comfort: UTVs allow you to be fully enclosed and out of the elements in a cab with a windscreen, heaters and heated seats. If you’re operating in harsh conditions, I know where I’d rather be!

The UFORCE 600 UTV has a cargo bed load capacity of 250kg, and the UFORCE 1000 UTV’s cargo bed capacity is 500kg, so UTVs are ideal for large farms with heavy loads. ATVs, on the other hand, are more affordable and work well for quick trips and lighter jobs.

Test drive both types before buying. Ensure the vehicle fits your body size and strength. Look for models with attachments for farm tasks like ploughing or spraying.

Essential Winter Preparations for ATVs and UTVs Proper preparation of your ATV or UTV is crucial for safe and effective winter use. The right maintenance, tyres and protective gear can make

Farming

| ATV all the difference in harsh conditions.

Leveraging ATVs and UTVs for Snow Management

Servicing and Maintenance

ATVs and UTVs can be powerful tools for managing snow on farms. When equipped with the right attachments, these versatile vehicles quickly clear paths and push snow.

Start by thoroughly cleaning your vehicle. This helps prevent rust and corrosion during storage or winter use. Clean off any mud or debris that could trap moisture.

Check and change the oil if needed. Top up the antifreeze and check the battery. Cold weather can drain batteries quickly, so ensure yours is fully charged.

Inspect tyres, hoses and cables and replace any that show signs of wear or damage. Lubricate moving parts to prevent freezing.

Protective Add-Ons for Severe Weather Invest in a good windscreen for your UTV. All our machines come with the option to add a CFMOTO or DFK Cab with a glass windscreen and wiper to protect against wind, snow and flying debris. A roof or cab enclosure can provide additional shelter from the elements. ATV windscreens are also available from your local CFMOTO dealer.

Hand guards and heated grips for your ATV can keep your hands warm and functional in freezing temperatures. We have heated handgrips in stock – just ask your local dealer for more info. Consider adding auxiliary lighting for better visibility in dark winter conditions.

Snow attachments like ploughs or blowers can turn your ATV or UTV into a powerful snow-clearing machine. Ensure these are properly fitted and tested before you see snow on the forecast.

Ploughing Snow with ATV and UTV Attachments ATVs and UTVs can be fitted with snow ploughs to clear paths efficiently. These attachments come in various sizes to suit different vehicles and jobs. For ATVs, smaller blades around 50 inches wide work well. UTVs can handle larger ploughs, often up to 72 inches.

To attach a snow plough, you’ll need a mounting kit specific to your vehicle model. Most ploughs can be angled left or right to direct snow; some even have power angle features for easy adjustment.

When ploughing, keep these tips in mind: •

Start in the centre and work outwards

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Overlap each pass slightly

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Lift the blade when reversing

Effective Techniques for Pushing Snow Pushing snow with your ATV or UTV requires skill and the right approach. Start by planning your route. Push snow downhill or to the sides of your property where possible.

For best results: •

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Use low gear and steady throttle

| ATV •

Keep the blade level with the ground

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Make multiple passes for deep snow

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Avoid pushing snow into large piles

UTVs such as the UFORCE are ideal for heavy snow. They provide more stability than ATVs, but ATVs can be more manoeuvrable in tight spaces.

Remember to clean your vehicle thoroughly after use.

Agricultural Tasks Enhanced by ATVs and UTVs ATVs and UTVs can significantly boost farm productivity and efficiency. These versatile vehicles excel in various agricultural applications, making them invaluable tools for modern farmers.

Transporting Supplies and Equipment ATVs and UTVs shine when it comes to moving materials around the farm. Their compact size allows them to navigate tight spaces that larger vehicles can’t access. You can easily attach a trailer to carry feed, tools or small machinery.

UTVs are particularly useful for heavier loads.

Their larger cargo beds can handle bulkier items like hay bales or fence posts, saving time and energy compared to manual transport. Coupled with a trailer, the UTV offers a bigger payload.

ATVs are great for quick trips to check on distant fields or livestock. They allow you to easily carry veterinary supplies, repair tools, or water containers when every minute counts.

ATVs and UTVs are also handy for herding. You can gently guide cattle or sheep without causing stress. This is especially useful when moving livestock between fields or to handling facilities.

ATVs and UTVs provide quick transport for checking on animals during calving or lambing season. They also make carrying newborns or assisting with birthing emergencies easier than travelling on foot or using larger vehicles.

With the high-power lights already fitted, you can easily spot livestock and any potential issues they could be having early in the morning or late at night.

Farm Infrastructure and Asset Maintenance Using ATVs and UTVs ATVs and UTVs are versatile tools for maintaining farm infrastructure and assets. These vehicles help with repairs, construction and property upkeep, making them essential for keeping your farm in top shape.

Repair and Construction Work Assistance ATVs and UTVs can be incredibly useful for repair and construction tasks around your farm. You can attach a winch to your ATV to pull heavy objects or rescue stuck equipment. For construction projects, use a UTV with a power loader to transport materials like lumber, bricks or concrete.

When repairing fences, load your ATV with tools and supplies to quickly reach remote areas of your property. UTVs with flatbeds are perfect for hauling larger items like fence posts or roofing materials.

Landscaping and Property Upkeep

Tilling and Cultivating with ATV and UTV With the right attachments, your ATV or UTV can become a powerful tilling machine. Small ploughs, tillers and cultivators can be hooked up to prepare soil for planting.

These setups are ideal for smaller plots or areas where a full-sized tractor might be too much. They allow you to quickly prepare vegetable gardens or flower beds without needing larger equipment.

ATVs equipped with sprayers are excellent for pest control and fertilisation. Their manoeuvrability allows you to target specific areas, reducing waste and improving efficiency precisely.

ATVs and UTVs excel at landscaping and property maintenance jobs. Attach a brush cutter to your ATV to clear overgrown areas and maintain pastures.

For lawn care, use a towed appliance like a mower or harrow to keep your fields tidy.

UTVs with sprayer attachments are ideal for weed control and fertiliser application. You can cover large areas quickly and efficiently.

Use these vehicles to transport landscaping supplies like mulch, plants or soil. Their compact size allows you to navigate tight spaces and uneven terrain easily.

Managing Livestock with Utility Vehicles For livestock farmers, ATVs and UTVs are incredibly useful. You can use them to transport feed and water to remote pastures. Their off-road capabilities mean you can reach animals in difficult terrain.

Remember to maintain your ATV or UTV regularly to ensure it’s always ready for these important tasks.

Farming

Customer advantage up to £2,200

Mike Pryce & S Agricultural Ma

Greenfields Farm Four Crosses, Llan SY22 6RF 01691 830308 www.mikeprycema

Discover current offers at your nearest Can-Am dealership.

Andrew Frost Farm Services

Richard Jones ATV

Brewery Farm, Wooler, Northumberland NE71 6QG (01668) 281 710,07860 836 173 www.andrewfrostfarmservices.co.uk

Unit 5 The Old Foundry Victoria Road, Kington, HR5 3DA 01544 350256 www.richardjonesatv.co.uk

Son achinery

nymynech,

achinery.com

Ace ATV Limited

D J s Hydraulics

Road and Range LTD

Woodgate Farm, Woodgate, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4HB 01527 578668 www.aceatv.co.uk

Unit 1 Llwyn Onn Industrial Estate, Amlwch, LL68 9BQ 01407 238070 www.djshydraulics-agri.co.uk

Neaton Business Park Norwich Road Watton, IP25 6JB 01953 528053 www.rangeandroad.co.uk

Visit us at LAMMA Stand 12.470 Traxter STARTING FROM £15,499, OUTLANDER STARTING FROM £9,299 Farm & Forestry Equipment 44 Stuart St, Inverness IV2 7RS 01667 462608 www.ffe.co.uk

Offer valid until 31.01.2025. Eligible models: All MY23-24 Traxter. Consumer offer: an accessory voucher worth £2,200. All MY23-24 Outlander.

Consumer offer: an accessory voucher worth £1,300. ©2024 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. The BRP logos are registered trademarks of BRP or its affiliates.

BRP reserves the right at any time to discontinue or change specifications, price, design, features, models or equipment without incurring any obligation. IInstallation of some of the accessories shown may impact vehicle compliance with some regulations. Consult your local Dealer for information. Some models depicted may include optional equipment.

| TYRES

New tyre sizes broaden agricultural applications ontinental’s agricultural tyre division has extended the range of its CombineMaster tyres to bring very high flexion (VF) and cyclical field operation (CFO) technology to a wider variety of farm machinery.

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“The CombineMaster name disguises the virtues of this tyre to other machines including loaders, tankers and other types of harvesting machines. Originally developed to help combines perform more efficiently in arable crops, the CombineMaster’s CFO and VF technology and unique hexagonal bead core has proved transformative to other agricultural applications,” explains Continental’s Tom Godwin.

The Hexa-bead bead core was developed to help the

Farming

| TYRES

tyre grip the rim at lower pressures. Some tyres in the range also feature CFO, which offers a 55% load carrying capacity when the tyre is being used in a cyclical condition and operating at or below 10 mph.

R26 VF tyres that enable it to carry 40% greater load at the same pressure as a conventional tyre. This additional capacity helps to reduce the time each task takes, which reduces fuel and labour costs,” he adds.

“Cyclical means that the load on the tyre is constantly changing which is normal for a combine during harvest but also applies to slurry tankers and other heavy load carrying machinery,” says Mr Godwin.

Load carrying capacity has been extended for a variety of harvesting machinery including forage and sugar beet harvesters.

VF technology in some sizes of the CombineMaster tyre enables machinery to run at 40% lower pressure than conventional tyres, which has the added benefit of reducing soil compaction.

“The 800/65 R32 tyre is now a popular size for large slurry tankers including the twin and triple axle models with capacities of up to 20,000 gallons,” he adds.

The CombineMaster tyre is also helping some of the largest loaders and articulated loaders such as the JCB TM420 telescopic loader to handle greater loads.

“The 650/57 R32 tyre is well suited to forage harvesters and the 900/60 R38 has been working well with sugar beet harvesters like the Vervaet self-propelled machines,” says Mr Godwin.

He suggests that many machines can also benefit from onboard air and tyre monitoring systems to help adjust tyre pressure to meet ground conditions and load capacities.

“With grants available for retrofitted onboard air systems and ContiPressureCheck Lite, a wireless tyre pressure monitoring system, operators can reduce soil compaction and improve fuel efficiency,” he concludes.

“The Claas Torian can be fitted with 750/65 Farming

| TYRES

BKT is back in the game for the new edition of Farming Sim n updated tire range by the multinational BKT is available in the highly popular farming simulation video game: from customized tractors to dynamic Adverts – this way the brand strengthens the tie between technology and agriculture.

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BKT, a leading multinational company in the OffHighway tire industry, renews its partnership with GIANTS Software and returns to star in Farming Simulator 25, the eagerly anticipated new edition of the popular video game saga.

After the success of the first digital experience through Farming Simulator 22, not only does BKT strengthen its presence in the virtual world, but it also recognizes and enhances the importance of an ever-growing sector that is becoming more and more central in communication targeting new generations.

The decision to invest in e-sports and gaming reflects BKT's attentiveness to a dynamic and passionate audience, which is a keystone for the future. Employing exclusive content and innovative solutions, BKT confirms its leadership role not only in agricultural fields, but also in the virtual world - expanding the dialogue with a global community that shares the values of innovation and progress.

The BKT tires, which are already appreciated for their quality and performance by agricultural operators, will be featured in the game both as a replacement option - letting players customize their vehicles -, and as standard equipment on a growing number of high-powered tractors. The available patterns include some of the company's best performing and most versatile solutions. These include AGRIMAX FORCE, perfect for high-power tractors and harvesters; AGRIMAX V-FLECTO, ideal for tillage and transport applications by ensuring reduced soil compaction and excellent self-cleaning properties; and AGRIMAX TERIS, which provides excellent traction and high load capacity leading to outstanding performance in all harvesting operations. To round out the offerings, there are AGRIMAXFACTOR, whose robust polyester casing provides outstanding lateral stability and a faster steering response even in high-speed or heavy-duty operations, the MULTIMAX MP522 and MULTIMAX MP527 tires for multipurpose usage, as well as the versatile RIDEMAX FL693 M, which is perfect for road applications. Depending on their game strategy, players will be able to choose from a Farming

rich portfolio of BKT products, selecting the tire that best suits their different needs.

Also among the digital advantages is the dynamic advertising system: in four selected countries, gamers will be able to find digital billboards promoting the BKT brand directly within the game. An innovative solution that combines the real and virtual worlds, offering the brand unprecedented immersive visibility to create an increasingly direct link with the audience.

Through Farming Simulator 25, BKT aims to position itself as a leading-edge brand that is able to dialogue with new generations using a

| TYRES

mulator 25 renewing its partnership with GIANTS Software contemporary language that takes innovatively a young and passionate audience closer to the agricultural sector. "Being present on Farming Simulator 25 reaffirms our determination to forge a direct bond with users.” - Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe states. – “This is not just a game, it’s rather a platform capable of bringing the public closer to the agricultural world in an amazing way by giving players the chance to choose our tires to customize their equipment and live an even more authentic and engaging experience. Our mission is to stay ever closer to our users - wherever they are, in the field as well as in the virtual world."

Also, GIANTS Software celebrates this renewed

partnership. " We're thrilled to continue our partnership with BKT” comments Martin Seidel, Account Manager at GIANTS Software. “In Farming Simulator 25, we've expanded the range by incorporating even more of their latest tires, offering players an even greater variety of options."

Through Farming Simulator 25, BKT once again demonstrates its ability to innovate by finding new ways to connect with the public. This is much more than just tires: this is a broader vision combining technology, passion and entertainment to inspire a new generation of farmers, enthusiasts and professionals, even in their free time and leisure moments.

Farming

| Motors

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onda UK is delighted to announce that it has won The Motor Ombudsman’s ‘Customer Service Star Award’ for accredited vehicle manufacturers. This award allows consumers to publicly recognise individual staff members, or organisations as a whole, that have gone the extra mile when assisting them. Honda also became the first ever two-time winner of this category in the annual Star Awards competition, having also won the award in 2022.

The Customer Service Star Awards recognise the UK head offices of the organisations accredited to The Motor Ombudsman’s long-established New Car and Vehicle Warranty Product Codes of Practice. These Codes are designed to promote the delivery of even higher standards of service to consumers in the sale and management of warranty policies for both new, and older vehicles once the initial term offered by a manufacturer has expired.

The entry from a consumer regarding their communication with Honda UK that stood out for all three judges. With the individual owning a 30year-old vehicle, and with parts hard to come by for their model, the customer service team went above and beyond to source information on what was needed for repairs, with calls to the home of the brand in Japan to ensure that the consumer was equipped with the right information to rectify a fault with a roof mechanism on their sports car.

Sarah Roseblade, Head of Customer at Honda UK, explained: “We are delighted to once again be the holder of a Customer Service Award, and even more so, to be the first vehicle manufacturer to ‘achieve the double’ in the history of the competition. Regardless of how big or small a customer’s needs are, a car is often someone’s pride and joy that carries a substantial investment, especially if it is a classic, as is the case with the individual who kindly put us forward.”

Sarah added: “As a brand, Honda’s philosophy has always been to put our customers first – they are at the heart of what we do, and we always strive to do our upmost to find solutions for them. I’m incredibly proud to see that this philosophy was put into practice when our team diligently supported one of our very longstanding Honda owners to get their car back to a full working condition.”

Nearly 3,300 online nominations were submitted by motorists in the latest Star Awards contest – the highest ever volume of submissions received.

Nominations consisted of short accounts written by consumers which showcase exceptional levels of service delivered by businesses and individuals after going beyond the call of duty, making them worthy of being recognised with a trophy.

Farming

Commenting on the 2024 Customer Service Star Awards, Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We would like to congratulate Honda UK, as well as the businesses that have been highly commended in the year’s Star Awards competition.

They all set great examples of the brilliant levels of customer service that today’s motorists rightly expect. Equally, they cast the spotlight on the willingness of people to take the time and effort, to go above and beyond what would be ordinarily expected of them to ensure the total satisfaction of customers. We are delighted to have these businesses within our accredited network.”

| Motors

•

Auto sector calls for urgent market intervention as weak demand and unsustainable business costs undermine UK industry.

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Car manufacturers face almost £6 billion bill to meet ZEV Mandate in first year, new analysis shows.

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Industry outlook anticipates 116,000 fewer new electric cars and vans will be registered this year compared with expectations when mandate was announced.

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30% boost in EV model choice since last year1 and estimated £4 billion in manufacturer discounts fail to stimulate consumer demand to level needed.

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he UK automotive industry has called for urgent government intervention to safeguard the sector and Britain’s zero emission vehicle transition. The call comes as new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that weak demand for EVs and the need to fulfil ever-rising sales quotas will cost the industry some £6 billion in 2024, and even more next year – with the potential for devastating impacts on business viability and jobs.

The automotive sector remains committed to delivering a decarbonised road transport sector.

Every manufacturer has invested billions, providing a choice of more than 125 zero emission car models and over 30 van models, with rapid improvements in battery technology putting paid to range anxiety. Since the mandate was designed more than two years ago, the original assumptions on which it was founded have not yet been borne out. Market demand has, however, failed to meet ambition, interest rates are steep, raw material and energy prices remain high, and geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty are impacting global confidence.

The UK is not immune to global pressures with costs stubbornly high and a lack of confidence in perceived chargepoint provision resulting in a reluctant market. When the mandate was unveiled, industry anticipated that 457,000 electric cars would be registered in 2024, which should have accounted for 23.3% of all new car registrations.2 However, the latest outlook shows 94,000 fewer cars will be registered, totalling just 363,000 with a market share of 18.7%. The situation is even worse for vans with the outlook halved to just 20,000 units expected to be registered this year, a 5.7% market share against a 2024 target of 10%.3

business and consumer EV sales through an estimated £4 billion worth of discounts.4 Despite this, the industry looks likely to fall short of the 22% EV market share demanded, potentially creating a £1.8 billion bill for compliance for those missing their targets for cars alone, either to government or to competitors, most of whom manufacture their EVs abroad.5 Van manufacturers will face further costs, with market demand drastically behind the ambition set by the mandate.

The result is a total ‘compliance bill’ of almost £6 billion in 2024 alone, with costs set to mount next year. With global manufacturers already making production cutbacks due to weak EV demand, losses of this scale could force brands to withdraw from the UK market and cause global investors to question the UK’s appeal as a manufacturing destination.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “We need an urgent review of the automotive market and the regulation intended to drive it. Not because we want to water down any commitments, but because delivery matters more than notional targets. The industry is hurting; profitability and viability are in jeopardy and jobs are on the line.

When the world changes, so must we. Workable regulation – backed with incentives – will set us up for success and green growth over the next decade.”

Rapid action to stimulate demand and adjust the regulation to reflect market realities is urgently needed to safeguard the sector’s potential to deliver £50 billion in growth over the next decade.6 A robust, competitive market would ensure a greater volume of EVs reach the road more rapidly – a more important marker for decarbonisation than market share – and encourage greater investment in UK manufacturing and the thousands of jobs it provides.

The mandated targets have given manufacturers no option but to subsidise sales, incentivising fleet, Farming

| Motors

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he All-New Dacia Duster has been named ‘All The Car You’ll Ever Need Of The Year’ at the 2024 TopGear.com Awards.

The award perfectly summarises the strength and appeal of the robust and adventurous All-New Duster, with Jack Rix, Editor-in-Chief of Top Gear magazine commenting: “There’s a humility to the Duster, but no sense you have to slum it.

It remains fun to drive and to live with. It’s lightweight, but not cheap, with clever details everywhere. It’s relentlessly focused on being useful.”

Like its iconic predecessors, the All-New Duster has a practical combination of style, versatility and, naturally, the best value for money in its segment. The latest technologies add further safety and comfort,

Farming

while its designers have made it look tougher, more assertive and smarter with modular roof bars and the clever Dacia YouClip accessory system.

Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, commented: “This award describes the All-New Duster perfectly! We’ve long said that our cars offer everything you need, and nothing you don’t and with All-New Duster, it couldn’t be more true. It’s a robust all-rounder with plenty of space and style, plus it embodies everything Dacia stands for.”

Available in Essential, Expression, Journey or Extreme trim levels, the All-New Dacia Duster can be ordered online via www.dacia. co.uk or at any official Dacia retailer, with prices starting from £18,745 on-the-road.

| Motors

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OAD SAFETY AND breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is advising drivers to plan journeys carefully, as snow and ice are expected to cause further disruption this week.

Many journeys will be more difficult and treacherous when there is a fall of snow, and GEM is encouraging drivers to reduce the chance of risk, delay and difficulty on the road.

Pressure on breakdown organisations is likely to increase at this time, with car batteries at risk of failing in the low temperatures. But the good news is that most breakdowns are avoidable, so it pays to spend a few minutes preparing your car before you set off. As a minimum, GEM urges drivers to check fuel or battery levels as well as oil, screenwash and lights. A careful look at the weather forecast should be part of everyone’s journey planning, too.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “It will be cold and unsettled through this week, with frequent snow showers in some areas and the threat of icy conditions for many. Conditions are expected to remain challenging into the weekend, with high winds and heavy rain sweeping in to affect all parts.

“We encourage drivers to plan carefully before setting out, and to consider postponing unnecessary journeys if conditions are difficult. By

doing so you will be avoiding a lot of potential trouble for yourself, and ensures you don’t put additional strain on emergency and recovery crews, who will be at full stretch in the coming days, even with significantly reduced traffic volumes.

Stay safe, says GEM •

n snowy or icy conditions, don’t drive if you don’t need to. If you have to make a road journey, ensure your car is properly equipped for the likely conditions.

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Listen for weather updates, and plan your travel accordingly.

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Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before you set off, just in case you need to call for help.

•

Keep speeds down, leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front, don’t overtake snowploughs and gritter trucks, and be ready for a sudden change in conditions.

•

Remember that driving in winter conditions can be hard work, so ensure you build in breaks on your journeys.

•

It’s a good idea to pack some essentials in case you get stuck, such as a warm coat, a shovel, charging cables, water and snacks.

Farming

| Motors

NERVOUS BRITS GIVE WINTER DRIVING THE COLD SHOULDER

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s the UK heads towards winter, a shock survey reveals the high level of dread among UK motorists at the thought of driving in challenging seasonal

conditions.

The newly released research by Isuzu UK, who polled the nation’s motorists, discovered that almost three-quarters (73%) feel worried or anxious about driving in wintry, icy, or cold conditions.

It also found that more than two-thirds (68%) have refused to drive either many times or on the odd occasion, when it’s cold, wet or snowing.

Additionally, the study uncovered which age group was most likely to refuse to drive in bad weather, and perhaps surprisingly it was the younger generation of motorists.

More than eight-in-ten (83%) aged between 18-29 have refused to get behind Farming

the wheel in these conditions, compared to just 62% of these aged 60+.

George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, said: “These results highlight the high level of concern that many drivers feel when the temperatures drop and snow falls.

“Having a capable vehicle that can cope on all terrains and in all weather conditions, with features including four-wheel drive, could make all the difference in boosting confidence levels.”

The top five reasons that make driving during the winter challenging, according to Brits: 1. The risk of ice – 60% 2. Freezing rain/snow reducing visibility – 48% 3. Low sun shining in face – 43%

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4. Getting stuck in the snow – 40%

more of an unknown driving factor.

5. Fog – 39%

“It’s also fascinating to see that older drivers appear to have more confidence when faced with harsher driving conditions, most likely because they have more experience.

Additionally, the study by the awardwinning pick-up manufacturer also found the cities where motorists are most, or least, likely to get stressed as the weather takes a turn for the worse, making driving conditions more challenging for some.

Drivers in Bristol appear the most ‘chilled’ winter drivers, but even there, over half of drivers (61%) admit to feeling anxiety.

This is compared to the top five locations with most nervous motorists in wintry conditions which are Plymouth (83%), Liverpool (82%), London (79%), Stoke-onTrent (77%), while Newcastle Upon Tyne, Norwich and Oxford tied in fifth (76%).

George Wallis added: “It’s interesting to see that drivers in Plymouth appear to be the most nervous motorists, given the more temperate south coast climate, which perhaps indicates when snow falls that it is

“Of course, winter presents its own driving hazards, so safety behind the wheel should always be paramount.

“It’s in situations like this where having a reliable vehicle to tackle the elements is critical.

“We see this with the Isuzu D-Max, with its world class safety features and maximum 5-star NCAP rating, it is the pick-up of choice for more-and-more drivers in the UK when snow, ice and wet weather come knocking.” *This research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Isuzu and conducted by Perspectus Global during March 2024.

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GM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, is delighted to announce that esteemed dealer partner Belmont KGM will be lending Father Christmas a helping hand this festive season by replacing his reindeer with the awardwinning KGM Musso Saracen. This robust pick-up will assist the Currie, Balerno, and District Round Table (CBDRT) in supporting Santa’s annual tour across Edinburgh, spreading festive joy, and raising funds for local causes.

The KGM Musso is well-established in the highly competitive pick-up segment and is recognised as a great value, hardworking truck. Picking up award after award since its current inception in 2018 and with class-leading towing and carrying figures, it's smarter, safer, and more stylish than ever.

Duncan Cunningham, Operations Director at

The Currie, Balerno, and District Round Table is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to making a difference in their community by raising and redistributing funds to support local initiatives. This year, the Musso Saracen will tow Jolly Old Saint Nick’s sleigh on a journey through the Scottish capital from December 5th to 23rd, bringing holiday cheer to families while raising money to benefit the community.

Andy Taylor, Charities Lead at CBDRT, said: “One of the highlights of our year is the annual ‘Santa Runs,’ a cherished tradition loved by both children and adults. Last year, we raised over £12,000 for local causes, and the KGM Musso Saracen is the perfect vehicle to help us continue this tradition. We’re incredibly grateful to Belmont KGM for their generosity and support.”

Belmont KGM’s parent group, the John Martin Group, said: “We’re honoured to support the ‘Santa Runs’ this year and give back to our community at Christmas. We know this period can be a challenging time for many, and we’re proud to play a role in spreading holiday cheer while raising funds for meaningful causes. The KGM Musso Saracen is built to tackle winter’s toughest conditions, making it an ideal standin for Rudolph and the rest of Santa’s reindeer before the big day!”

To find out more about the award-winning KGM Musso range, visit: www. kgm-motors.co.uk/newcars/musso/

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eltic Subaru has lent its support to the highly respected G&K Martial Arts Academy in Swansea, which is also the home of Team Wales Kickboxing and the Welsh Tatami Organisation.

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Founded in 2007 by David Huxtable and family, G&K Martial Arts Academy is a highly respected Martial Arts Club in Swansea, specialising in Kickboxing and Karate for all ages, from young children to older adults. With a focus on building confidence, respect, discipline, teamwork, and self-defence skills, the academy offers a welcoming environment for all abilities.

Students of the organisation received support and sponsorship for the 2024 ICO World Championships from Celtic Subaru in Swansea, enabling students to compete on the international stage. Founder David Huxtable is a long-standing customer of Celtic Subaru, who lent their sponsorship to the team, with the Celtic Subaru logo added to the team kit.

With a remarkable alliance of 10 Welsh Clubs coming together as Team Wales, G&K students competed in the ICO World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany against teams from over 25 countries, including strong contenders from Germany, England, Ukraine, France, and South Africa. Team Wales achieved an impressive 3rd place overall on the results table, earning a total of 71 Gold, 92 Silver, and 50 Bronze medals — a

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testament to the team's hard work, dedication, and skill.

Speaking about the sponsorship from Celtic Subaru, David Huxtable said “We are so proud to be associated with Celtic Subaru, whose management team and staff have built a remarkable reputation for customer satisfaction in the local area. G&K was built on the principles of Confidence, Discipline and Focus, all of which we share with Celtic Subaru. They prioritise integrity and reliability, especially in an industry where trust is essential. They are a trustworthy dealership, and I would like to reinforce the value of genuine customer care that Celtic has always provided to me and my family."

Tony Sciascia, Managing Director of Celtic Subaru said “It is fantastic to be involved with David, G&K and Team Wales Kickboxing. With community being of such importance to us as a dealership, it is great that we could support the team, who additionally compete on a national and international level. We are proud of the team for their latest achievements and can’t wait to see what happens next.”

To add to the success of Team Wales, it was announced in Germany that the 2025 ICO World Championships will be held in Wales and hosted

by David and the G&K Team.

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wo of Škoda’s newest arrivals have been honoured in the 2025 Carwow Car of the Year Awards. The all-new Superb and Kodiaq, which arrived in the UK earlier this year, were both recognised as exceptional offerings in their respective classes with the Superb topping its category and the Kodiaq winning a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade. In selecting its winners, the Carwow jury considered more than 100 new models before awarding just 13 category winners.

impressed the Carwow judges and was awarded a coveted Highly Commended honour in the Adventurers’ Choice Award category. The panel recognised the new Kodiaq’s remarkably broad skillset, all-wheel drive ability and comfort. The reviewing team also praised the performance and efficiency of the new Plug-in Hybrid model, commenting: “Family SUVs didn't get any better than the last Kodiaq - and this new model looks like it'll be even better. The plug-in hybrid model will be the best bet for company car drivers and could well

Leading the way for Škoda was the all-new, fourth-generation Suberb, which was named as Car of the Year in Carwow’s Comfortable Cruiser category.

The judging panel praised the new model for its exceptional practicality and long-distance comfort.

Explaining why the Superb topped the category, Chief Content Officer Mat Watson said: “The Superb has always been a comfortable way to get around, but the new version turns things up a notch, and brings a genuinely lovely interior into the mix, alongside the usual clever practical Škoda prove to be a real moneysaver if you regularly charge it up. It’ll do more than 60 miles on battery power alone, and can even fast-charge, making it a really useful proposition for those who want a taste of the EV life but can’t or don’t want to go full electric.”

touches we’ve come to know and love. If you spend a lot of time cruising along the motorway, there are few more relaxing ways to get around.”

The new, second-generation Kodiaq also

Despite having only arrived in the UK this summer, Škoda’s new Superb and Kodiaq models have already won some of the biggest accolades in the industry.

Both models have taken category wins in the prestigious Carbuyer Awards and Auto Express New Car Awards, continuing the winning streaks of their predecessors.

A full database of media assets covering the full Škoda product range is available at www. skodamedia.com.

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GM Motors UK, formerly SsangYong, is thrilled to announce Florin Ghita as one of the seven winners in its 70thanniversary prize draw.

Customers who purchased a new KGM vehicle between July and September 2024 were entered into the draw for a chance to win a £10,000 share of the £70,000 prize pot.

Florin, who took delivery of his KGM Musso Saracen Plus from Kerr and Smith, KGM’s trusted dealer partner in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland, was the fifth winner selected in the independently adjudicated draw, conducted live on YouTube on October 15.

Upon receiving his cheque, Florin expressed his excitement, saying: “I still can’t believe I won! I will definitely put the £10,000 to good use over the next few months.”

and Smith is delighted to be part of KGM’s 70thanniversary celebrations. We’re thrilled to see one of our customers win and hope Florin enjoys his prize.”

David Young, Sales Consultant at Kerr and Smith, shared his enthusiasm, adding: “Everyone at Kerr

The KGM Musso Saracen Plus continues to impress with its award-winning performance, exceptional value, and industryleading towing and payload capabilities.

Combining rugged functionality with bold styling and a commanding onroad presence, it’s a true standout in its segment.

Kevin Griffin, Managing Director of KGM Motors UK, congratulated the winner, saying: “I would like to personally congratulate Florin on his prize and welcome him to the KGM family. This

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anniversary marks an important milestone for us, and it’s a pleasure to give back to our customers who have supported us throughout the years.”

For more information about the multi-awardwinning Musso and to explore KGM’s lineup, visit: www.kgm-motors.co.uk

TRUCKING GREAT VALUE 3 YEARS FREE

SERVICING *

2.2l diesel 1,024kg payload 3.5t towing capacity**

kgm-motors.co.uk/offers/musso Explore the Musso at your local dealership: C.S.G Pollitt Limited

Tees Valley Motors

D.S. Dalgleish & Son

Bulldog KGM

37 Marsh Green Road, Marsh Barton Exeter, Devon, EX2 8PN Sales: 01392 496900 www.kgm-motors.co.uk/dealer/csg-pollitt-ltd

Mcmullen Rd, Darlington, DL1 1XP Sales: 01325 462222 www.kgm-motors.co.uk/dealer/tees-valley-motors

111 Melrose Rd, Galashiels, TD1 2BZ Sales: 01896 754767 www.kgm-motors.co.uk/dealer/ds-dalgleish-son

London Road, Twyford, Berkshire, RG10 9EU Sales: 01189 320922 www.bulldogtwyford.com/dealer/bulldog-kgm

Fuel consumption figures for the KGM range in mpg: Combined 30.2-45.2; CO2 emissions in g/km 158-245. All KGM vehicles come as standard with a 5-year/100,000-mile warranty except for Torres EVX, which attracts a 7-year/90,000-mile warranty.

*The special offer covers a comprehensive 3-year KGM Service Plan for Musso and Rexton on retail sales only, with services to be carried out at a KGM dealership. The 3-year service plan includes 3-years servicing, 2-years free additional RAC breakdown (total of 3-years), and vehicle’s first free MOT. This offer is valid for vehicle registration until 31st December, 2024. Rexton and Musso come with a 1-year RAC breakdown cover as standard. The Rexton and Musso offer includes an additional 2-years RAC breakdown cover above the 1-year standard, totalling 3-years, free of charge valid until 31st December, 2024. This offer includes the vehicle’s first MOT, free of charge valid until 31st December, 2024. The 3-year service plan, 3-year RAC breakdown cover, and 1-year MOT is administered by EMaC, Electra Way, Crewe CW1 6GU. This offer is available and redeemable at KGM participating dealers until 31st December, 2024. For full details, terms and conditions, please contact your KGM dealer or visit: https://www.kgm-motors.co.uk/offers/. **3.5t towing capacity is based on a Musso Saracen.

20441 - KGM - Q4 Campaign - HalfDealer - Musso - AW.indd 1

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aving been forced to halt in September 2024 due to a critical component shortage, production of the INEOS Grenadier and Quartermaster will restart in early January 2025.

All partners have been informed and are ready to support resumption of operations at INEOS Automotive’s plant in Hambach.

“It’s great news that a solution has been found so quickly,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive. “Automotive supply chains are extremely complex but we were not willing to compromise on quality, so we are satisfied that we have found the best possible outcome.

“By this summer we had sold as many Grenadiers as we had for the whole of 2023, and are on track

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to have over 20,000 Grenadiers on the road before the end of this year. We now turn our attention to preparing Hambach to restart in early January and with significant growth in major new markets – including China and Mexico – and substantial expansion in the US, I believe 2025 is going to be our best year yet.”

“I'd like to give a huge thanks to our customers for their patience. We are happy to get back on track and look forward to handing them the keys to their Grenadiers asap.

INEOS Automotive’s state-of-the-art facility in Hambach produces the Grenadier station wagon, Quartermaster double-cab pick-up, and Quartermaster double-cab chassis models for delivery to customers across five continents.

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he All-New Hyundai SANTA FE has picked up a second major award in as many weeks, named SUV of the Year at the TopGear.com Awards.

The latest arrival to the Hyundai line-up, the All-New SANTA FE, was praised for its compelling blend of value, style and versatility, plus an impressive powertrain which features the 1.6-litre T-GDi Smartstream engine in two Hybrid versions (with twowheel drive and four-wheel drive), and also a fourwheel-drive Plug-in Hybrid. The Hybrids deliver 215 PS and 367 Nm maximum torque, while the Plug-in Hybrid provides 253 PS and 367 Nm. Ollie Marriage, Head of Car Testing at Top Gear, said: “The SANTA FE is a smart and sophisticated looking car, able to blend into diverse environments. It looks great in urban landscapes or parked next to radical architecture, but take it somewhere remote and it looks tough, rugged and prepped for adventure. It gets right the things it needs to and in terms of design, thoughtfulness and versatility there’s not a family car to rival it for the money.”

The package is enhanced by a striking design, with a distinctive boxy silhouette and customer-centric spacious interior, suited to a range of outdoor and urban activities. Fully foldable second- and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space, while the variety of high-tech, practical features adds to its signature nature-

meets-city appeal. It also comes with a myriad of safety features, and a full suite of Hyundai Smart Sense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

Three trim levels – Premium, Ultimate and Calligraphy – are offered, while prices for the range start at £46,775, with Plug-in Hybrid models costing from £51,885.

TopGear.com’s recognition of the SANTA FE is the latest in a string of awards for Hyundai models, including a Parker’s Best Fun Car Award for the IONIQ 5 N, as well as Auto Express Awards for TUCSON, KONA Electric, IONIQ 5 N and i10. It also follows recognition as the CarWow Car of the Year, securing trophies in quick succession from two of the largest motoring editorial brands in the world.

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “The TopGear.com Awards, which shine a light on the best cars in the world during any given year, are not short on inspiring models to pick from – and that’s especially true in the fiercely competitive SUV segment.

But, after nearly 25 years of SANTA FE, our large SUV has evolved into a truly beautiful, premium and technologically advanced model that delivers for our customer in every respect. It’s spacious, efficient, great value and brilliant to drive, and this latest seal of approval from one of the most respected motoring brands in the world is yet another milestone in one of Hyundai’s most enduring success stories.”

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he Kia PV5 has won the prestigious ‘One to Watch’ Award at the What Van? Awards 2025, ahead of the production-design reveal and ultimate launch of Kia’s first electric van next year.

The What Van? Awards celebrate the brands, businesses and organisations within the UK’s light commercial vehicle industry that have reached the pinnacle of their fields, with an appropriately businessfocused event that took place on Wednesday, 4 December at the London Hilton Bankside hotel.

The What Van? Awards are assessed by an experienced panel of independent judges from across the light commercial vehicle sector. The ‘One to Watch’ award is only given to the most appealing and

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interesting vehicle set to change, invigorate or even disrupt the sector.

On behalf of the 2025 awards judging panel, James Dallas, Editor of What Van? commented: “Kia’s entry into the LCV market with this versatile, modular van promises to signal the shape of things to come for electric load carriers.”

Simon Hetherington, Kia UK’s Commercial Director said: “Kia’s entrance in the van industry is a ground-breaking moment for our brand and comes at a time of significant industry change. We’re confident with our starting place: 100% electric with a dedicated EV platform and the unique benefit of being able to tailor our commercial vehicle business to modern challenges. We gratefully accept What Van?’s ‘One to watch’ award and we are all very proud of this recognition.”

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The Kia PBV story in brief Kia PBV vans are a core part of the brand’s ‘Plan S’ global business strategy, first unveiled in January 2020.

In April 2023, Kia broke ground on a brand new dedicated electric van factory.

The first PBV concepts, including Concept PV5 and Concept PV7, were unveiled in January 2024 at CES in Las Vegas, showcasing Kia’s pioneering intentions in the commercial vehicle space.

The Kia PV5 – Kia’s first dedicated electric van due for launch in 2025 – brings innovation to the light commercial vehicle sector, including a sevenyear/100,000-mile warranty as standard and unparalleled technology such as V2L and incorporated fleet management solutions.

In early 2025, Kia will reveal the production version of the Concept PV5 van for the first time and soon after will introduce full specifications, pricing and UK business strategy.

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Nissan Qashqai named Car Dealer Magazine’s Used Car of the Year!

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The Nissan Qashqai has been declared ‘Used Car of the Year’ at the Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards 2024. The prestigious accolade rounds off a fantastic year for the iconic, genre-defining crossover, which is proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK. This year, Nissan comprehensively updated the third generation of the national hero with fresh interior and exterior design, new safety features, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system with Google built-in, earning high praise from the UK’s leading motoring writers and online reviewers.

Soon after launch it was crowned bestin-class for its innovative electrified ePOWER powertrain at the News UK Motor Awards, and it also starred in a marketing campaign that made national news and was voted the ‘world’s best’ by industry experts in September.

Announcing the victory at the Used Car Awards, television personality and awards night compere Mike Brewer described the Qashqai as “one of the most popular cars in recent years”.

And acknowledging the fact that the original Qashqai launched the crossover genre and redefined the family car segment more than 15 years ago, Brewer confirmed: “It’s credited with creating a whole type of car that proudly sits on driveways right across the country. ‘‘The Qashqai is simply a fantastic all-rounder – it’s practical, great value for money, nice to drive and just gets the job done.’’

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overall Used Car of the Year title came after it had beaten off stiff competition earlier in the evening to win its class as ‘Used Mid-Sized Car of the Year’ – and to win the top honour, it triumphed over all the category winners from rival manufacturers.

Diana Torres, Managing Director of Nissan GB, said: ‘‘We’re delighted with this award because it’s further proof that – no matter whether you’re buying as a new or used car – the Qashqai is simply the best.

“This award from Car Dealer Magazine serves as another welcome reminder that our Britishbuilt Qashqai is a class-leader that is loved by awards judges as well as Nissan dealers and millions of customers worldwide. It’s been another fantastic year for the model and we look forward to more successes in 2025!”

James Baggott, founder and editorin-chief of Car Dealer Magazine, said: ‘‘Many congratulations to Nissan on their achievement at this year’s Used Car Awards. As Mike Brewer announced on the night, the Qashqai is a brilliant car and fully deserving of this recognition. ‘‘Thousands of families all over the UK love their Qashqais and dealers can’t get enough of them because of their practicality, reliability and popularity. Well done once again to Nissan!’’

The Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards have been celebrating the top operators in the UK’s used car sector since 2012, rewarding manufacturers, car dealerships, workshops, and exceptional people working in the industry.

They are organised by the UK’s leading automotive trade title, Car Dealer Magazine.

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ubaru Europe, a subsidiary of SUBARU CORPORATION, announced today that the all-new Subaru Forester, that is set to arrive in the UK in early Spring 2025, has achieved the maximum five-star overall rating in the 2024 European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). The Forester registered scores exceeding the required threshold in all four key assessment areas, Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users and Safety Assistance. This achievement results in all Subaru models in the UK having attained Euro NCAP five-star status, following the Subaru Crosstrek attaining its five-star status in September 2024.

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detects a child, or infant may have been left in the car.

Regarding the Safety Assist assessment tests, the all-new Subaru Forester attained the maximum points in the Lane Support category according to the latest applicable test. The lane support system (i.e. Lane Keep Assist) gently corrects the vehicle’s path if it is drifting out of the lane and also intervenes in some more critical situations (i.e.

Emergency Lane Keeping). The all-new Forester is additionally equipped with a driver status monitoring system, which detects the level of a driver’s potential distraction and fatigue, issuing warnings as required.

For the Vulnerable Road Users assessment area, the all-new Subaru Forester attained the maximum points for AEB Cyclist and Lane Support Motorcyclists. The system’s performance in the detection of, and reaction to, cyclists and motorcyclists was good across all tested scenarios.

In the Adult Occupant assessment tests, the all-new Subaru Forester scored maximum points in the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact as the protection of all critical body regions was good. The Forester is also fitted with an advanced eCall system which alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash, and a system to prevent secondary impacts after the car has been in a collision. Additionally, the all-new Forester demonstrated that the doors and windows would be openable to allow occupants to escape in the event of vehicle submergence.

For the Child Occupant assessment area, the allnew Forester has attained the maximum points in CRS installation check. The system automatically disables the front passenger airbag when a rearward-facing child restraint is used in that seating position and is also equipped with an indirect 'child presence detection' system (i.e. Rear Seat Reminder), which issues a warning when it

The all-new Subaru Forester is set to be launched into the UK market in early Spring 2025. The sixth generation Forester’s exterior has been significantly remodelled from its predecessors and features a wider and sharper-looking frontal design, bold-shaped grille and strong side profile, all of which emphasise the vehicle's rugged offroad nature. Subaru’s EyeSight Assist Technology and Driver Monitoring System have both been upgraded with newly added functionality. This will also now include an Emergency Driving Stop System, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if needed and in a safe way, if the driver can no longer control the vehicle in an emergency situation.

More details of the all-new Subaru Forester, along with the full UK vehicle specification, and pricing will be released closer to launch.

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he Volvo EX90 has been honoured for its all-round excellence, being named the Luxury Family Car of the Year in the 2024 TopGear.com Awards.

It was judged to have no rival when it comes to providing a complete package, combining efficient fully electric performance with user-friendly design and – essential for a family car – superb day-to-day practicality.

Ollie Marriage, Top Gear’s Head of Car Testing, said: “I’m not sure we’ve ever come across a car that better caters to all occupants than the Volvo EX90. It combines the benefits of electric power with genuinely thoughtful cabin design.

And electric power is the right thing for families.

It’s easier to manage and the EX90 is so smooth, so quiet, so effortless that driving it doesn’t occupy you, making it easier to deal with any chaos going on in the back.”

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The award follows on from glowing TopGear.com reviews in which the seven-seat EX90 – the flagship fully electric SUV of the Volvo range – was acclaimed as “the first genuinely convincing premium school run car of the electric era” and “better thought out and more user-friendly than any other electric family SUV”.

Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “Our brand has a long-established reputation for making cars that our consumers can rely on; combining premium quality with outstanding safety credentials. We are proud to also be pioneers in the new era of electrified motoring and technical innovation, and it is hugely rewarding to see this approach being recognised and applauded by TopGear. com.”

To find out more about the Volvo EX90 and to use the online configurator, please visit www.volvocars. co.uk

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olkswagen has Christmas gifts for anyone who likes their SUVs to have plenty of eye-catching style: the new Tiguan Black Edition and new TCross Black Edition. Both can be ordered at Volkswagen UK Retailers from Thursday 12 December.

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Black Editions have long been a popular choice among Volkswagen drivers seeking enhanced style and street presence. These newcomers bring the number of Black Editions in the Volkswagen UK range to eight, adding to the Polo, Taigo, T-Roc, TRoc R, Golf Hatch and Golf R Black Editions unveiled earlier in 2024.

The new Black Editions sit above the already smart R-Line trim and come with black exterior styling elements including York alloys – 18-inch for the TCross and 20-inch for the Tiguan. Both cars also have IQ.LIGHT matrix headlamps, which can bathe roads in up to 500 metres of bright light, and LED rear tail lights with dynamic turn signals. The Tiguan Black Edition also gains a driver assistance package, which includes useful safety-first features such as Lane Assist and Emergency Assist. TCross Black Edition customers, meanwhile, can opt for the upgraded Pure white paint colour at no extra cost.

The T-Cross was updated at the start of this year with a revamped design, enhanced standard equipment, Volkswagen’s latest infotainment technology and a newly designed high-quality interior. More than 1.2 million have been sold worldwide since the model was launched just four years ago.

Two petrol engines are available for the T-Cross Black Edition: a 1.5 TSI 115 PS unit, paired with either a manual or automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG), and a 1.5 TSI 150 PS with DSG. The Tiguan Black Edition is available with a choice of two 2.0 TSI engines allied to DSG and 4MOTION all-wheel drive – a powerful 265 PS version and a 204 PS power plant that is completely new to the UK Tiguan line-up.

Prices for the T-Cross Black Edition and Tiguan Black Edition start from £29,985 and £46,605 respectively (on-the-road recommended retail prices including VAT).

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s biggest-selling model worldwide. The all-new version launched in January this year has a completely new look inside and out, including a multi-function driving experience switch with integrated OLED display.

The vehicle is built on the latest version of Volkswagen Group’s highly successful modular transverse matrix platform, MQB-evo, which allows for a host of new systems and drive profiles to be included.

New Tiguan R-Line engine The new 2.0 TSI engine with 204 PS, DSG and 4MOTION for the Tiguan Black Edition is also being added to the Tiguan R-Line trim. It can be ordered at Volkswagen UK Retailers from Thursday 12 December, priced at £45,605 (on-theroad recommended retail price including VAT).

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he Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric has added to its success after being named “New Car of the Year” at the Motor Trader Industry Awards

2024.

Now in their 34th year and held at the iconic Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane, the awards are selected by an expert panel of judges drawn from across the industry to recognise the highest levels of professionalism and excellence in the sector.

John Kirwan, Editor of Motor Trader, said: “The Renault Scenic E-Tech is a great example of a well-designed model pitched at the sweet spot of the market. Just like the original Scenic in fact, but now electric and perfect for 2024.”

On accepting the prestigious award, Adam Wood, Managing Director and Country Head Renault Group UK, said: “To receive such praise from Motor Trader and industry

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professionals is very rewarding. It is another fantastic illustration of how the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric continues to set the benchmark in a highly competitive market, not just against electric vehicles but all available new cars.”

The accolade is the latest in a long list of awards that the pure-electric model has won since its introduction in 2023, which notably include the “Car of the Year 2024” title that was awarded at the Geneva Motor Show in February.

Fully electric and brimming with useful and intuitive technology, the Renault Scenic ETech 100% electric features a compact motor (with 170hp or 220hp) plus a 60kWh or 87kWh battery pack for a range of up to 379 miles. The 87kWh version is available in a choice of three trim levels – techno, esprit Alpine and iconic – while the 60kWh Comfort Range model comes exclusively in techno trim. The range starts from £37,495 OTR.

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he Kia EV3 has been named ‘Crossover of the Year’ at the 2024 TopGear.com Awards at a ceremony held last night at White City House in London.

The EV3 blends compact crossover dimensions with class-leading space and practicality. The model continues Kia’s streak of success at the annual TopGear. com Awards, following in the footsteps of its larger sibling models. The EV9 won ‘Family Car of the Year’ at the 2023 awards, while the EV6 won the same ‘Crossover of the Year’ award in 2021. Kia also took home the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award in 2022.

Jack Rix, Editor-in-Chief of TopGear Magazine, commented: “In a world increasingly awash with mid-size electric crossovers, the EV3 sets itself apart with a design that stays just the right side of radical, a spacious and upmarket interior, and the sort of range figures that erode the argument for not going EV. It builds on the brilliance of EV9 and EV6 and keeps Kia’s remarkable run of form rolling.”

Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK commented: "The EV3 is a car we’re very excited about and we’re pleased to see it

recognised as we start UK customer deliveries. Thanks to its affordable entry price and smart design, we are expecting the EV3 to become a firm favourite with our UK customers as the demand for smaller, long-range, practical EVs continues to grow. This award highlights our ongoing commitment to providing our customers with desirable, capable and affordable products.”

While the EV3 may be Kia’s most affordable EV, it also offers the longest range of all of Kia’s electric models – up to 375 miles* on a single charge. It also boasts an extensive list of standard equipment, even in entry-level ‘Air’ guise, benefitting from all-round LED lights, flush door handles, heated front seats and steering wheel, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, triple driver display screens (12.3-inch touchscreen navigation, 5.3-inch climate control screen, and 12.3-inch driver display screen), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven years’ free access to Kia Connect services.

The Kia EV3 is the company’s next step in its ‘Plan S’ strategy, which will see 15 EVs launched worldwide by 2027, nine of which will be available in the UK.

Farming

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All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data. Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1 – 27.6 (10.2 – 11.2). Mid 31.4 – 36.4 (7.8 – 9.0). High 36.0 – 39.4 (7.2 – 7.8). Extra-High 29.0 – 30.8 (9.2 – 9.7). Combined 30.7 – 33.6 (8.4 – 9.2). CO2 emissions 215 – 241g/km. Visit isuzu.co.uk for more information. ^Terms of Offer: 50% deposit followed by the remaining 50% paid in one payment after 12 months. Credit available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 and over. This credit offer is only available through Isuzu Finance provided

by International Motors Finance Limited, St. William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. We typically receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to International Motors Finance Ltd. This may be a flat fee or percentage of the amount you borrow. Vehicle shown is an Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, OTR price of £43,716. Model shown features optional special paint finish at £720. OTR price includes VAT, delivery, number plates, 12 months road fund licence and first registration fee. Prices correct at time of going to print. Offer available on the DL40, V-Cross and V-Cross Steel Special Edition only registered between 01.10.2024 - 31.12.2024. Stock subject to availability. Isuzu reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. Retail customers only, not available in conjunction with any other offers.

Excludes Personal Contract Hire and Business Contract Hire. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time.