Farming Monthly National February 2023

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STARTINTRACTORS

Tel:01827880088

Email:isuzu@startintractors.co.uk

Web:startintractors.co.uk

StartinTractorsLtd

AshbyRoad,Twycross,NrAtherstone

STARTINTRACTORS

ISUZUDMAXV-Cross4x4Auto.2022,4946 miles.£34,995+vat

NEW'23'RegISUZUDMAXUtilitydoublecab,loadliner& towbar.ObsidianGrey.£28,649+vat

NEW'23'RegISUZUDMAXUtilitydoublecab,loadliner&towbar. MercurySilver.£28,649+vat

NISSANNAVARADoublecabTEKNAAuto.2020 '70'reg.30873miles.£24,995+vat

ISUZUDMAXUTAHDoublecab4x4Auto.Pedders suspensionupgrade.£19,995+vat

ISUZUDMAX2.5TDYUKONExtendedcab4x4.2016 '66'reg.72471miles.£14,995+vat

FORDRANGERWILDTRAKAuto4x4TDCi2015, 55858miles.£14,495+vat

ISUZUDMAX2.5TDUTAH4x4doublecab,2017, 56592miles.£17,495+vat

FORDRANGERWILDTRAKAuto4x4TDCi2021, 24446miles.£29,995+vat

JOHNDEERE1570grassmower,2015,700 hours,4wd.Roadlights

ISEKI3265HydroCompacttractor, 2015,1125hours,optionaldebris blower.

JCBMinidiggers,2019,choiceof1.6& 1.8ton.

MITSUBISHIL200Barbarian,2014, 61746miles.£12,495+vat

WEIDEMANNcompactT4512 telescopic,choiceofnew&used. Callforinfo

Warwickshire,CV93PW

Researchshowsthatmorecanbedonetofeed ruralcommunitiesduringthecost-of-livingcrisis

CoventryUniversity researchersare callingforactionto encouragemore businessesto redistributefood thatwouldotherwisegoto waste.

Theyarealsourging communitiestocreatesocial eatingspacesinruralareasto ensurethatmorepeoplehave accesstoaffordableand nutritiousmealsduringtheUK's costoflivingcrisis. Withthepriceoffoodinthe UKrisingandthewarinUkraine raisingconcernsaboutfood suppliesacross Europe,researchledbyDr MarshaSmith,DrJordonLazell andDrDavidBekfromthe ResearchCentreforBusinessin Societyhasrevealedthat communityeatingspacesthat usesurplusfoodincluding

excessgroceriesandprovisions fromsupermarketscansave energyandreducefoodwaste aswellasbringingpeople together.

Theresearchersengagedwith morethan200customersand communitygroupsateightsocial eatingsitesacrossrural Nottinghamshiretoexplorethe challengesfacedbycommunity andnationallevelorganisations suchasFareShareMidlands, whoworkwiththefoodindustry toredistributeunsoldfood.

Thefindingsshowthatarange oforganisationsworkedtogether duringtheCovid-19pandemicto provideaccesstofood,however sincethen,thedemandsontheir serviceshaverisenduetothe costoflivingcrisis.

AstheUKproducedaround9.5 milliontonnesoffoodwastein 2018,the university researchers believeit shouldbe madeeasierfor businessesto redistribute surplusfood andsupport socialeating spacesto providemeals tocommunities.

DrDavidBek fromtheCentre forBusinessin Societysaid:"I believe thatthereis roomforthe governmentto helpfacilitate thedonationof surplusfoodas itiscurrently cheaperfor businessesto disposeoffood ratherthan redistributeit.If itwasmore costlyfor businessesto wastefood,this

mayencouragefurther donations.

"Arguably,moresupportshould begiventoorganisationssuch asFareSharetocollectand redistributefoodtoensureall availablefoodresourcesare usedatatimewhenfoodand fuelarebecomingevermore valuable.Theaimtocaptureand useallediblefoodsurpluses mustbetreatedasagovernment priority."

DrMarshaSmithrevealedthat despitetheassumptionthat peoplelivinginruralareasare oftenpartofastrongcommunity, asignificantamountofpeople withinthestudyreportedfeeling anxiousaboutmakingnew friendsandmanagingfood budgets.Sheadded: "Communityfoodgroupsnot onlyhelptofeedthosewhoneed itmost,buttheyalsomaximise opportunitiesforpeopleto connectsociallyoveran affordable,nutritiousmeal.

"Thesespacesshowhow communitiescancometogether tosharefood,experiences,and support.Givenfoodshortages andenergypricehikes,itisvital weuseallavailablefoodsand dosoinwaysthathelppeople feelwelcomeandincluded." Theresearchaimstosupportthe developmentoffuture communityeatingspacesandis currentlyevaluatinga 'communitymeal'servicebeing trialledbyFareShareMidlands andNottinghamCityCouncilthat processeslargevolumesof surplusestocookmealsat-scale forlocalspacesincitiesand ruralareas.

DrMarshaSmithfeaturedinan episodeofBBCCountryfileon Sunday18Decembertodiscuss herfindingsaroundsocialeating inruralareas.Watchthefull episodeanddiscovermore aboutresearchconductedbythe CentreforBusinessinSociety.

AstrocastandDigitanimalenhancelivestock managementthroughglobalpartnership

A

strocast,aleadingglobalnanosatelliteIoT networkoperator,andDigitanimal,a leadingsmartsolutionsdeveloperin livestocktrackingdevicesandsolutions, announcetodaythesignatureofa strategicpartnershiptodevelopaSatellite IoT(SatIoT)solution.Bothcompaniesare collaboratingtocommercialiseanunrivalledtracking devicethatconnectstoAstrocast’sglobalsatellite network.TheSatIoT-basedcollarwillenablefarmersto tracklivestockremotely.Thiswillallowthemtoadopt Agriculture4.0farmingpracticesastheymanagetheir herds.

“Withinremotefarmingenvironmentsthereisoftenlittle ornoterrestrialnetworkconnectivity.Tosolvethis problem,somefarmstryandinstallantennasandbase stationstodeploygroundnetworksandaccesscloud technologies.Butitischallengingformanyfarmersto deployareliableandfinanciallyviableinfrastructure, especiallyiftheydonothaveahighvolumeofanimalsto monitor,”saysCarlosCallejero,CEO,Digitanimal.“Our goalistochangethissituationfortheseremotefarmers, asweincorporateAstrocast’slow-power,cost-effective SatIoTintoourlivestocktrackingsolutions.This technology-andtheaccesstodatathatitprovides-will enablefarmerstoaccuratelyestablishthelocationof theirherdsanytimeandanywhere,allowingthemto bettermanagelivestock.Forexample,theycantrack movementpatternsandcreategeo-fencestodetect whenlivestockhasdriftedintoareastheyshouldnot be.”

Farmersneedingthiskindofsatelliteconnectivity solutioncanbefoundglobally.NewZeland,Australia, KenyaandSouthAfricaareobviousmarketsforthis trackingtechnology.OthercountriesinAfricaandAsia alsohavelarge,extensiveherdsinvastregionswithno reliablecellularnetworkaccess.InEurope,itis estimatedthatthereare87millioncowsand50%of theseanimalsarelocatedinareaswithoutterrestrial/ networkcoverage.

FabienJordan,CEOandCo-Founder,Astrocastsays, “Thereisadigitaldivideinmanyruralandfarmingareas acrosstheworld.Thisdivideislargelycausedbyalack ofnetworkconnectivity,whichpreventsmanyfarmers fromadoptingsmartfarmingpractices.Whiletheartand scienceoffarminghasbeenestablishedforcenturies, theinnovativeuseofIoTandsensortechnologyenables farmersacrossallscenariostodigitisetheirfarming practices,tobecomemoreefficient,tosavecostsandto reducetheircarbonfootprint.Bypartneringwith Digitanimal,welookforwardtofacilitatingaccesstonew technologiesandpracticesforlivestockfarmers globally.”

Throughthispartnership,itwillbepossibleforany farmeracrosstheworldin2023,toconnecttheiranimals tothecloudandtrackthem.Theservicewillbecosteffectiveandaffordabletofarmers,asithasbeen developedwiththelatestsatellitetechnology.

Customerscanregistertheirinteresttoreceiveupdates andnotificationsaboutthenewSatelliteIoTanimal trackeravailableduringautumnthisyear.

PrecisionBalingwithPrecisionEquipment WeatherManagement

Westart2023withamixedbagof weatherfromwettodryandcold.

Forthoseproducerslookingto makehighqualityforageand maximisethebalersoutputpotentialtheworld leadingprecisionmoisturesensorandfixed rateorfullyautomaticapplicationequipmentis goingtohelpmeettheseexpectations.The systemsareavailableforallmakesandmodel ofbaler.2022sawaverymucheasierhayand strawharvestbutweallknow2yearsarenot thesamesowhatwill2023bring?Balinghay andproducingamouldfreeanddustfree productisessential.Themoisturesensor allowstheoperatortoknowifthereisany potentialdamagingmoisturepresentandwhen coupledwiththewetbalemarkerwillhighlight witharedfoodgradecolourthehighmoisture areaofthebaleortheentireroundbale.

Onceyouhaveafullunderstandingofwhere andwhenyouhaveamoistureissuethenit raisesthequestionofwhatcanIdotohavea largerbalingwindowabove15%moisture pushingbalingintothe16-30%moisture window.AtthePFCfarmin2022webaled Italiantetraploidryegrassfrom1200hrs-

acrosstheEastofEnglandwiththeappointment ofTomBaneasRegionalSalesManager

Tocontinuetoprovideitsrenowned first-classserviceandsupportfor bothexistingandpotential customers,BDCSystemsLtdhas appointedTomBaneasRegional SalesManagerfortheEastofEngland.

“TheEastofEnglandisanimportantareafor us,soitisimperativethatweextendourreach bymakingsurethatBDCSystems’extensive rangeofgrainhandlingequipmentisavailable tofarmingenterprisesofallsizes,aswellas commercialoperators,acrosstheregion,”said AndrewHead,SalesDirector,BDCSystems Ltd.

Banebringsawealthofexperiencewithinthe grainhandlingmarketplacetotheBDC Systems’salesteamandimportantlyalready hasexistingrelationshipswithfarmers,dealers andcommercialoperatorsacrosstheEastern

region.

“BDCSystems’reputationarounddelivering greatserviceandsupportcombinedwithits abilitytoofferprovenhighquality,robustand reliablegrainhandlingequipmentfromseveral marketleadingmanufacturers,madethe chancetojointheteamanopportunityIdidnot wanttomiss,”saidBane.

“Drawingonmyexperienceacrossfarming enterprises,andwithinthecommercialsector,I amlookingforwardtobeingabletooffera rangeofgrainhandlingsolutions,”addedBane. “ThebreadthofBDCSystems’equipment makesitpossibletoexactlymeetacustomer’s specificpost-harvestrequirements.”

Formoreinfovisit:https://bdcsystems.com/or call:+44(0)1672810851

Continuedglobalgrowthfororganicmarket O

F&G(Organic Farmers& Growers)has welcomedthe latestworld organicdataThe WorldofOrganicAgricultureStatisticsandEmerging Trends2023(fibl.org)1 publishedbytheResearch InstituteofOrganicAgriculture (FiBL)andIFOAMOrganics International.Thelatest figuresshowstrongworldwide growthinthesectorincluding a1.7%increaseinorganically managedlandattheendof 2021,withbothFranceand Spainreportinganincreaseof over8%comparedto2019.

“Thereisclearevidence throughouttheWorldOrganic Yearbookofthesubstantial opportunitythatorganic represents,”saysOF&Gchief executive,RogerKerr.“While organicallyfarmedlandinthe UKremainsaheadofthe globalaverageat2.8%,we lacktheambitionsofmanyof ourEuropeanneighbours.”

AsseenatBiofach2023,the globalorganictradefairwhich hostedthelaunchofthelatest report,supportfororganicon theEuropeanmainlandis seenatthemostsenior governmentlevel.The GermanFederalMinisterfor FoodandAgriculture,Cem Özdemir,described organicas‘thedecisive responsetotheclimate andbiodiversitycrises andthosewithadifferent viewshouldgotothe opticians.’

OF&GsayMrÖzdemir’s commentsalsoreflecton theincreasingconcern aroundthebroader potentialgreenwashingin agriculture.Theywarn againstthemisuseof claimsaroundtheterm ‘regenerative’when comparedwiththeclear legallydefinedand internationallyrecognised organicstandards.

committogreaterpublic supportfororganic consideringwhat’shappening aroundtheworld.

“Thesignificantincreasesin bothorganiclandareaand marketgrowthcanbeseenas asignoftheclearrecognition ofthevalueorganiccan deliverforforward-thinking governments,asseenthrough suchinitiativesasthe EuropeanFarmtoFork Strategywhichprovidesclear guidanceoncreatinga‘fair, healthyandenvironmentallyfriendlyfoodsystem’.

Atotalof20countrieshave nowreached10%ormoreof allagriculturallandunder organicmanagement.OF&G believethisshowsthata significantnumberofcountries nowrecognisethe environmentalandeconomic benefitsthatorganic productiondelivers.

“Thereisalotofnoise aroundregenerative,but definingitisalittlelike tryingtonailjellytothe wall.Tobeclear,all regenerativeaspirationsare alreadyfirmlyembeddedin internationalorganic principles.Organicisandhas beendoingtherightthingfor decadesandthelatestglobal datacorroboratesthis position,”saysMrKerr.

Whenlookingtothefuture, OF&GbelievetheUKmust stop‘treadingwater’and

“Wearebeingtoldthatour foodandfarmingmustadapt tothethreatofclimate change,whilstreversingthe degradationofsoilsandthe lossofbiodiversity.Organicis resilientbecauseitisa wholesystemapproachwhere practicesworkinsynergywith eachothertoaddressthese challengessimultaneously. “Publicsupportfororganicsis notatthelevelthatwewould liketoseeintheUKandwe believetheGovernmentcan andshouldoffermuchgreater supportwithclearand unambiguousmessaging.

Organicrepresentsa recognisableandviableway forfarmerstoberewardedfor theireffortswhiledeliveringon theGovernment’s environmentalaims,” concludesMrKerr.

1 TheWorldofOrganicAgriculture-Statistics andEmergingTrends2023(fibl.org)

RogerKerrchiefexecutiveOF&G

Costoflivingtohitfarm businessmarginsin2023

Highinflationandthe impactofthecost oflivingon consumerdemand willcontinueto impactfarm businessplanningin2023, accordingtothelatestAHDB Agri-marketOutlook.

Thedamagingeffectsofinflation, thesupressedeconomicactivity asaresultofreducedspending powerandthelackofflexibilityin thelabourmarketwillconverge tocontinueaffectingfarm businessmargins.

Farmersareparticularlyhardhit, facinghigherinputcostswhile simultaneouslyfacingaprice sensitiveconsumermarketfor theirproduce.

SarahBaker,AHDBEconomic Strategist,said:"Themainissue withinflationisitdrivesdownthe realrateofgrowthinan economy,erodeshouseholds' disposableincomeandleadsto morecautiousspendingpatterns. Coupledwithrisinginputcosts forfarmers,theindustrywillface ongoingdualchallengesthis year.

"Asinflationsubsides,itdoesn't meanthatpricesaredropping, ratherthattheyhavestopped risingasquicklyastheywere before.Therefore,peoples'living standardswilltakesometimeto catchup,dependingonincome growth.Consumerconfidence, alongwithdemand,willtake sometimetorecover,despite inflationdroppingasitis expectedtoduring2023."

AHDB'sAgri-marketoutlookis producedeverysixmonthsand examinesthefactorslikelyto

affectfarmbusinesses,helping levypayersplanandbudgetfor whatmaylayahead.The analysisfeaturesdetailedmarket outlooksforeachlevy-paying sectorcoveredbyAHDB'sremitbeef&lamb,dairy,porkand cereals&oilseeds.Thelatest outlookalsoexaminestrendsin farmbusinessinputsand consumerdemand.

Keyfindingsinclude:

Beef:

•Productionistogrowslightly in2023duetohighercattle availability,byanestimated 0.6%

•Consumptionisforecastto easebyaround2%ascostof livingpressuresconsumer budgets

•Importsareexpectedtofall byaround2%,drivenby easingdomesticdemand

•Exportscouldgrowslightlyby around3%,reflectiveofthe domesticmarketbalance

Lamb:

•Anincreaseinproductionis forecastfor2023,drivenby highercarry-overanda broadlystablelambcro

•Consumptionisexpectedto weaken,linkedto recessionarypressuresand tighterconsumerbudgets

•Importsareforecasttoease yearonyear,drivenby weakerdomesticdemand

•Exportsareforecasttogrow, reflectingtheprojected domesticmarketbalanceand supportedbycontinued demandfromtheEU

Pork:

•Pigmeatproductionis forecasttodeclinebyupto 15%yearonyearin2023, drivenbyareductioninclean pigkillinthefirsthalfofthe year,followingasignificant dropinthebreedingherd

•Agradualrecoveryinthe breedingherdisexpected, withnumberspredictedto increaseby7,000head betweenJune2022andJune 2023

•Importsareexpectedtogrow tomatchthegapleftby reduceddomesticsupplies, meanwhileexportsare projectedtodeclineas availabledomesticsupplies tighten.

•Domesticdemandcontinues toease,drivenbythecost-oflivingcrisisreducingretail salesandeating-outdemand

Dairy:

•GBmilkproductionis forecasttorecordmarginal growthin2023intheregion of0.3%.However,thereis someriskofacontractionin productionifmargins deteriorate

•Despitesomerecentsignsof lowerinflationinagricultural inputcosts,replacement coststhrough2023will remainhigh,puttingpressure oncashflows

•Globaldairydemandislikely toremainchallengedbylow economicgrowth,although thereispotentialforimproved importdemandfromChina laterintheyear

•Domesticdemandisalso expectedtobeimpactedbya squeezeonconsumer incomes,withallproducts seeinglowersales

•Farmgatepricesare

expectedtodeclineinthe firsthalfof2023,withsome potentialforthistoabatein thesecondhalfifinflation subsidesanddemand recovers

Cereals:

•Despiteanincreasein domesticwheatandbarley availabilitythisseason,global pricestrengthcontinuesto provideasupportlevelfor domesticgrainvalues.Price volatilityisexpectedto continue,withafinely balancedglobalsupplyand demand,andthewar ongoinginUkraine

•Domesticwintercropsfor harvest2023arefaringwell, thoughfertilisercostand applicationremainakey watchpoint.

•Exportsareforecaststronger yearonyearforwheatand barley,duetoincreased domesticgrainavailability. Oatexportforecastsremain

historicallystrong,thoughthis season'slevelswillbeledby farmersellingand competitivenessontheglobal market

•Animalfeeddemand,and cerealusage,isexpectedto fallthisseasonconsidering sectorchallengesfromhigh inputcoststoAvianFlu. Brewing,malting,and distillingcerealusageis forecastedstrong,with increasedcapacitycoming online.Akeydomestic demandwatchpointremains bioethanolcerealusage, consideringhighcostsand lowerethanolprices

Oilseeds:

•Anincreaseindomestic productionforrapeseedwill slightlyreducethedemand forimports.However,imports areforecasttoremain historicallyhighduetothe UKdomesticdemand outweighingdomestic

production

•Asizableincreaseinareafor harvest2023isforecastin reactiontothehistorically highpricesoverthepast18 months.Cropsarefaringwell althoughtherearereportsof arealossduetoon-going pestpressure

•Globalsupplyanddemandof rapeseedhaveboth increasedontheyear. Increasedavailabilityinthe EUisaddingtoprice pressureandimproving processormargins.EUcrush demandisincreasingonthe year

•Domesticallydemandis expectedtoremainstrong despitetheclosureofHullat theendof2022

•Ultimatelyrapeseedprices overthenext6monthswill largelybedrivenbythe directionofthesoyabean market,whichawaita historicallyhighSouth Americancrop

ProVegwelcomesLidl'sdecision toincreaseplant-basedofferings

ProVegInternational hastoday welcomedthe announcementthat majorfoodretailer, Lidl,istoincrease itsplant-basedofferingsand reduceanimalbasedproductsas partofastrategyto reducethe company's environmental impact.

"Lidlhastakena boldand necessarystepto helpconsumerstransitiontoa moreplant-baseddiet.Animal agricultureisresponsiblefor20% ofglobalgreenhousegas emissionsandshiftingtoplantbaseddietsisaneffectivewayto

reducethoseemissions," StephanieJaczniakowskaMcGirr,DirectorofCorporate EngagementatProVeg,said. "Weurgeotherretailerstofollow inthefootstepsofLidland activelyincreasetheirplant-

Lidl'schiefbuyer,ChristofGraf, madetheannouncementto decreaseanimalproteinand increaseplantproteinat Germany'sbiggestagricultural show,GreenWeek,inJanuary. Hesaidthattherewas"no alternative" because"thereis nosecondplanet".

ProVegandLidl co-operation

basedofferingstosupportthe growingnumberofpeople followingflexitarian,vegetarian andvegandiets,"

Jaczniakowska-McGirradded.

ProVegandLidl Germanyhave beenworking closelytogether since2019 topromotetheexpansionofthe retailer'splant-basedproduct rangeandtapintothegrowing audienceofpeoplewhowantto integratemoreplant-basedfoods intotheirlives.

Growingforgold

Cutting-edge researchwillbe usedina£375,000 projecttofinda plant-based alternativeforthe recoveryofgold,silverand coppernanoparticlesfrommining waste.

Theproject,ledbyScotland's RuralCollege(SRUC),will combineaplant-basedtechnique calledphytomining–where plantsabsorbmetalionsthrough theirroots–withanadvanced biotechnologicalapproachto retrievetheresultingmetal nanoparticlesfromthewaste. Supportedbyexpertisefromthe universitiesofYork,Edinburgh andNottingham,andtwokey playersintheUKminingand nanotechnologyindustryScotgoldResourcesand PrometheanParticles respectively-theresearcherswill usenativeUKplantstoretrieve metalnanoparticles(NPs)such

asgold,silver,andcopperfrom minetailingstakenfromthe CononishminenearTyndrum. Oncetheplantshaveundergone advancedbiomassprocessingto retrievetheNPs,theteamwill theninvestigatethepotentialof usingthewasteforconversion intobiogasorothervalue-added bioproducts.

Theprojectwillgenerate unprecedentedknowledgeabout usingphytominingtoproduce biogenicNPsfrommetal-rich wastes,facilitatingafirst-time assessmentoftheirpotentialin theindustrial,agricultural, environmentalandbiomedical sectors.

Additionally,itwillenablethe developmentofnew biotechnologytosupportthe R&Dsector,andthedesignof specifichigh-valuebioproducts fromthewastebiomassfor commercial-scaleproduction. LeadresearcherDrLuisNovo,

anSRUCChallengeResearch Fellow,said:"Theever-growing build-upofminewasteacross theplanetconstitutesan opportunityfortherecoveryof residualmetalsoftechnological significance.

"Therehasbeenincreased interestinbiogenicNPsdueto advantagesoverchemically synthesizedNPs.Inthislight, producingNPsviaphytomining heraldsgreatpromiseasitwould representalow-cost,eco-friendly andcarbon-neutralstrategyto farmnanoparticlesfrom residues."

Theresearchwasfundedbythe BiotechnologyandBiological SciencesResearchCouncil (BBSRC)followingacallfor projectsofferingbiotechnological solutionsthatreduce environmentalimpactineither thetextileindustryorthe recoveryoftechnology-relevant metals.

NFUrespondstolatestELMschemedetails

Respondingto

Defra’slatest announcementof furtherchangesto itsEnvironment LandManagement scheme(ELMs),NFUVice PresidentDavidExwoodsaid: “It’sencouragingthatDefrahas provideduswithmoredetailon thefutureoftheELMprogramme andbroughtforwardabroader, moreflexibleofferforthe SustainableFarmingIncentive (SFI).

“Informationonthesixnew standardsforSFI2023, paymentsrates,aswellasthe evolvingCountryside Stewardshipscheme,is incrediblyusefulandprovides someoftheclaritywehavebeen askingfor.

“Forfarmersandgrowersmaking cruciallong-termdecisionsthat areessentialtorunningviable andprofitablefoodproducing businesses,it’svitaltheyhave thefullschemedetailsassoon aspossibleandknowhowthe differentschemeswillwork together.Aspeedyapplication andpaymentprocesswillalsobe keytogivefarmbusinesses somemuch-neededsecurity.

“IfELMsistobesuccessful, we’vealwayssaidthatitneedsto besimple,providecertaintyand fairlyrewardfarmersfortaking part.Thismeansschemesbeing

developedthatareinclusiveand availabletoeveryfarmbusiness -whetheruplandorlowland, tenantorowner-occupied.

“Britishfarmersarecommittedto deliveringnetzeroagricultureby 2040,andtheNFUremains committedtoworkingwithDefra toimproveitsELMoffer.It’sinall ourintereststoensure sustainable,climate-friendly Britishfarminginthefuture,with farmersproducingfoodalongside theirworkinmaintainingand protectingtheenvironment.”

AHDB'sAgriLeaderForuminspires farmerstobecomebetterleaders

Farmersand growersweregiven theunique opportunitytolearn frominternational expertsatAHDB's AgriLeaderForum.

Delegatesweregiventoolsand techniquestohelpdrivetheir businessesforwardand encouragedtotapintomentors, developaplanandtotaketheir teamsonthejourneywiththem. HeldattheCrownePlazaHotel inStratford-upon-Avon,theevent attractedaround100levypayers fromallfoursectors.Delegates weretoldtoexpectrapidchange andweregivenadviceonhowto navigatetheirbusinesses throughitsuccessfully.

long-termplantofocusonand, importantly,makingtheplan happen.

Enjoyingwhatyoudowasalso highlightedasplayingan importantroleinthesuccessof anybusiness."Ifyouremployees feelhappier,theyperformbetter atwork,"enthusedMatt.Healso highlightedthevalueofgetting offthefarmandspeakingto differentpeople,whetherit'sat eventssuchastheAgriLeader Forumrightthroughtovisiting businessesoutsideofyour sector.

Thepaneldiscussedhowtofind therightmentorforyour businesswithkeyadvice focusedonseekingoutpeople

importanceofemployeesbeing engagedintheirworkplaceand theimportanceofgood leadership.Danaddedthat businessescanoften underestimatetechnologyand thebenefitsitcanbring.He explainedhowAIprovidesa hugeopportunityforagriculture, whichheexpectswillcompletely changethewaypeoplework.

Intheevening,delegatesheard fromformerEnglandWorldCupwinningrugbycaptainKaty Daley-Mclean,whospokeabout herillustriouscareeraswellas re-emphasisingtheimportance ofhavingaloveofwhatyoudo inyourbusinessandhaving emotionalintelligenceto understandthepeopleyouwork withandwhattheyneed.

Aspartoftheopeningsession, panellistsMattPhelan(founder ofTheHappinessIndexand part-timebeeffarmer),Elizabeth Buchanan(anorganicbeef farmerfromEastSussex,aswell asanon-executiveboard memberofDefraandSpecial AdvisertoWaitrose,SaputoUK andMcDonald's)andJames Rutter(theChiefCreativeOfficer atfrozenreadymealscompany COOK)discussedthebenefitsof findingamentor,surrounding yourselfwithpeoplewhomake youabetterpersonandhavinga

youreallyadmire.Andthey talkedaboutwaystoensureyou havetherighttypeofpeople workinginyourteam.

DelegatesthenheardfromDan Sodergren,arenownedspeaker andregularonTVandradio, whosharedhisviewsonthe futureofwork.Hesaidwe shouldallbefocusedondigital changeandtransformation, particularlyartificialintelligence (AI),whetherwelikeitornot.

Healsoechoedthethoughtsof thepanellists,highlightingthe

Daytwooftheconferencesaw internationallyacclaimed performancecoachJamil Qureshicaptivatetheaudience. Jamiltalkedaboutmaking connections,developing networksandbuildingalliances, highlightinghowcommunitieswill outperformanindividualor bureaucracytimeaftertime. Hetoldtheaudienceto acknowledgeandpraisetheir team'sactivities,ratherthanthe outcomes."Yes,theresultmight begreat,butwhat'simportantis howtheoutcomehasbeen achievedandhowyoucantap intothisforfuturesuccess."

Anotherthemethatranthrough theconferencewasthe importanceandvalueofpeople –yourteams,colleagues,staff andmanagers–andthe benefitdiversitycanbringtoyour business.Allspeakersstressed theneedtolistentoyourpeople, providefeedbacktothem, engagetheminthebusinessand tobringthemalongthejourney withyou.

Jamiltolddelegatesto"Bea winnerwhocreatesother

winners.Thinkaboutthatinyour nextmeeting,whetherit'swith yourteam,yourbankmanageror yourfamily."Hestressedhow enablingandhelpingother peoplemakesushappierand feelmorealive,whichissurely somethingthateveryonewants.

Summingup,headded:"I sometimesthinkthattheissuesa businessorsectorwillfaceare

prettyunimportant,becauseyou can'tpredictthefuture.Butthe abilitytoformteamsandhave leaderswhoareopenminded enoughtodealwiththoseissues, nomatterwhattheyare,is essential."

Overthecourseofthetwo-day event,delegatesalsobenefited fromfreehealthchecks(physical

andmentalwellbeing)and massagesprovidedbynurses andamasseur,fundedand organisedbytheWarwickshire RuralHub.

Encouragedbythediverse audienceandpositivityofboth speakersanddelegates,Tim Rycroft,AHDBChiefExecutive Officer,callsforeveryonewho attendedtheAgriLeaderForum tobeanambassadorforitand anagentofchangewithin others.Healsorecognisedthe workofhiscolleaguesin deliveringsuchasuccessful andmotivatingevent,picking upononeoftheconference's messages:"Oneofthebig themeshasbeenhowleadership isaboutcelebratingpeople's success,thankingthemand acknowledgingthem."

TofindoutmoreaboutAHDB's AgriLeaderprogrammeandto getinvolved,visit:ahdb.org.uk/ agrileader

EIPfallsshortinaddressingbiodiversitydecline

OF&G(OrganicFarmers&Growers) welcomesthenewEnvironmental ImprovementPlan(EIP),butargue thatpolicywouldbestrengthenedby furtherencouragementoforganic farmingtodeliveragainstthegoalsset outbyDefra.

RogerKerr,chiefexecutiveofOF&Gbelievesthe government’spledgetosupportupto80%of landownersandfarmersinadoptingnaturefriendly farmingpracticesonatleast10-15%oftheirland by2030throughEnvironmentalLandManagement policieshasanaturalaffinitywiththeproven benefitswhichorganicsystemsalreadycontribute.

“IntherecentlypublishedProspectusforthe EnvironmentalLandManagementwehavebeen presentedwitha‘pick-and-mix’proposalcontaining 280optionsthatfarmerscanchoosefrom,”saysMr Kerr.“Whiletherearemanyopportunitiesthatare potentiallygoodfororganicfarmers,itdoesnotgo farenoughtosupportorganicfarmingasamethod ofprotectingthenation’s£1.8trillionofnatural capital.

“Organicfarmingisintunewiththeambitionofthe EIP,howeverthereisnocoherentencouragement oforganicfarmingasawaytohelpdeliverDefra’s

10goalswhichareallexpectedtocontributetothe “ApexGoal:Thrivingplantsandwildlife”.

WhileDefrahasstatedthatwildlifehabitats equivalenttothesizeofDorsethavealreadybeen restored.Thisconstitutesjust2%ofthetotalarea ofEnglandandOF&Gaskwhether1,000square milesofwildlifehabitatisreallytheendpointofour country’senvironmentalprogresswhenthe governmenthaspromised500,000?

“RishiSunak’ssaysthat‘protectingthat environmentisanunequivocalmoralgood,butitis alsofundamentaltoourhealthandprosperity’.And althoughtheEIPrepresentsprogress-itisnot enoughtomeettheambitionoutlinedinthePM’s forewordtotheplan,”continuesMrKerr.

OF&Ghighlighttherecentreportpublishedbythe NatureFriendlyFarmingNetwork‘Consensuson Food,FarmingandNature’whichdemonstrates howorganicandagroecologicalfarmingcanhelpto addressclimateandbiodiversitychallenges.

“Organichasshownthatitcanproducethe transformationnecessary,andDeframustreflect thatwithinagriculturalpolicybyopenlysupporting organicfarmingandsocapitaliseontheopportunity thatorganicrepresents,”concludesMrKerr.

Farmlandcontinuestodemonstrateresilience asvaluesgrowforseventhquarter

Despiteseveral monthsof economic uncertaintyand politicalinstability, averageland valuesroseagaininthefinal quarterof2022.

Theseventhconsecutivequarter ofgrowthsawarablelandacross EnglandandWalesreach £9,233/acre,anincreaseof1.3% sinceQ3thesameyear, accordingtonationalproperty consultancyCarterJonas.

soughtafter;year-on-yearprime arablevalueshaverisenby 6.1%,reachinganaverageof £10,961/acreacrossEngland andWales.

“Primearablelandvalues continuetobebolsteredby demandforqualitydomesticfood production,arisingfroman expandingawarenessaround sustainability,healthand nutrition,”MrChandlersays.

Naturalcapitalinvestorshave drivenlesserqualityhilland uplandvaluesup substantially, risingby23%in the12monthsto Q42022.

Averagelifestyle landvaluesalso sawsignificant growth,risingby 5.0%toreach £15,792–the highestlevel everrecordedby CarterJonas.

“Yetasteadierpoliticalbackdrop andsustaineddemandfroman arrayofbuyersislikelytoinspire confidenceandbenefitland valuesacrossEnglandand Wales.”

Althoughsupplyisbelowlongertermaverages,therewere 10,435acresofnewlyavailable landtothemarketinthefinal quarterof2022–anincreaseof 16%fromthethirdquarter.

“Historically,lowlevelsof availablelandcoupledwitha growingrangeofpurchasershas helpedtomaintainpressureon agriculturallandvaluesacross EnglandandWales,”Mr Chandlersays.

“Debatecontinuestointensify abouthowtobalancethe dichotomyoflandbeingtaken outoffoodproductionfor environmentalpurposesanda needfordomesticproduction.

Pasturevaluesincreasedata slightlyslowerrateof0.3%, averaging£7,472/acre.

“Year-on-yeargrowthhasbeen deceleratingsincethestartofthe year,butstillcontinuestoclimb atamoderatepace,”saysCarter JonasHeadofFarmAgency, AndrewChandler.“When comparedtoQ42021,average arablelandvalueshave increasedby4.5%andaverage pasturevaluesby4.3%.

“Longer-termgrowthremains strongacrossalltypesofland. Whenannualisedovera10-year period,arablelandhas increasedatarateof2.8%and pasturehasgrownby3.5%.”

Primelandcontinuestobehighly

“Arobust10yearannualisedgrowthrateof 4.4%forlifestylelandhasbeen drivenpredominantlyby substantialgrowthintheSouth EastandWestMidlands,with theseregionsseeing10-year annualisedgrowthratesof7.3% and7.4%respectively,”explains MrChandler.

Headdsthattherehasbeen sustainedpositivemarket sentimentdespitetheeconomic andpoliticalturbulencetowards theendoftheyear.

“Therearestillsizeable obstaclesthatwillchallengethe sectorin2023,notablychanging subsidies,theincreasedcostof borrowingandtheimpactof prolongedinputpriceinflation,” hesays.

“Overthecomingyear,thiswill servetokeeptheagricultural landmarkettight,withinnovation andbringinglandbackinto productionfromothernonagriculturalusesincreasingly necessaryinthemediumterm.”

Theriseininterestratesand subsequentsurgeinthecostof financewillposeachallengeto themarketoverthecoming months,butMrChandleris optimisticthatlandvalueswill remainstrong.

“Businessesandindividuals havebecomelessinclinedto borrowacrossallpropertyasset typesandthosewithdebtwill experiencedecreasedliquidity,” heexplains.“Yet,the prominenceofcashbuyersand rolloverfundsinthemarketis likelytomeanthatlandvalues arelessexposedtoincreasingly expensivedebt.”

Urgentactionisneededtoimprove gridconnectionforfarmers

OnthedaytheUK government announcedanew Departmentfor EnergyandNet Zero,headedupby GrantShapps,speakersatLow CarbonAgricultureshow2023 calledforurgentactionto improvegridconnectionsto reachnetzeroandbuildenergy securityintheUK.

Speakinginthekeynotesession, AlanWhitehead, ShadowMinisterfor EnergyandtheGreen NewDealattheLabour Party,calledforan overhaulofthegrid system,pledgingto investover£60billionto delivertheenergy changesneeded,both onshoreandoffshore.

“Ourfullyrenewable powersystemwould consistofasubstantial pushforwardof renewableenergysystems,this wouldincludeathreefold increaseinsolar,doublethe amountofonshorewindand otherrenewabletechnologysuch astidalenergy.”

JonathanScurlock,NFUchief climatechangeadvisor,chaired thekeynotesessionand stressedthattopoftheagenda fortheNFUisstillenergy security,climatechangeand foodsecurity,buthewentonto callforimprovedgridconnection andaccesstotechnologytohelp reachtheNFU’sambitionofnet zeroby2040.

Whiletheappetiteforintegration ofrenewableenergyonfarms wasstrongattheshow,there arestillbarrierstodecentralised energysystems.BillRees, CentricaBusinessSolutions, speakinginthesolarsession, said:“Gridconnectionsarethe

biggestbarrierstorenewable energyintheUK.”

ThenewEnvironmental ImprovementPlan

Alsospeakinginthekeynote session,TrudyHarrison,Minister forNaturalEnvironmentand LandUseatDefraoutlinedkey pointsinthenewEnvironmental ImprovementPlanandsaidthe governmentwillworkwith farmerstorestorethenatural

Stoneleigh,overtwodayson7 and8February2023,welcoming thousandsoffarmersand landowners,andincludingfour keyareasoffocus:EnergyNow Expo,EnvironmentalBusiness Expo,LowEmissionVehicles ExpoandFarmTechnology Expo.

environment.“It’souraimthat 65-80%offarmersadopt‘nature friendly’farmingon10-15%of theirland.”

SusanTwining,CLAlanduse andpolicyadvisor,discussed whatthenewplanwouldmean forfarmersandcalledformore clarity.“Moreclarityisneededon ecosystemservices,market guidance,andinformationon whetheryoucanstackschemes together–therearelotsof questionsstillthere.”

AledJones,NFUWales,saidthe underlyingschemeinWaleswill appreciatetheimportanceof boostedfarmefficiency.“We havetodeliverincreased productionwithincreased efficiency,andithastobe profitable.”

LowCarbonAgricultureShow tookplaceattheNAEC,

Theeventincludedoneofthe mostextensive,topical conferenceprogrammesinthe farmingcalendar,featuringover 100expertspeakers, including representativesfrom theAllertonProject, Savills,theSustainable FoodTrust,theSoil Association,REA, SevernTrent,IBERS, Swanbarton,Conrad Energy,andkeyfigures fromtheDepartmentfor Environment,Foodand RuralAffairs(Defra), EnvironmentAgency, theNationalFarmers’ Union(NFU)and CountryLandandBusiness Association(CLA).Manyfarmers andlandmanagerswerealso presenttosharetheir experiencesandhighlightthe benefitsofcleanenergy generationandsustainablefarm practices.Conferencetopics rangefromsoilhealth,carbon farming,agri-tech,energy storageandsustainablewater managementtoupdateson environmentallandmanagement schemes,aswellassessions dedicatedtoeachrenewable energytype.

ThenextLowCarbonAgriculture showwilltakeplaceon6-7 March2024,attheNational AgricultureandExhibitionCentre (NAEC),Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

Visitthewebsiteformore informationwww.

lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk

YoungFarmer'shoneybusinessratedthebee'sknees atNFYFC'sEntrepreneuroftheYearAward2022

Ahobbyin beekeepinghas resultedina profitablebusiness forayoungfarmer fromWarwickshire –andlandedhimanational award.

MattIngram,fromColeshill YoungFarmers'Club(YFC), wasnamedEntrepreneurofthe YearattherecentNational FederationofYoungFarmers' Clubs'(NFYFC)YFCAchiever Awards,sponsoredbyKärcher UK.

Mattwasrevealedasthe winnerataneventatthe NationalConferenceCentrein BirminghamonSaturday11 February,whichwasintroduced byNFYFCPresidentandformer internationalrugbyrefereeNigel OwensMBE.

TheEntrepreneuroftheYear Award,whichwassponsoredby agriculturalmachinery

manufacturerKUHN,celebrates enterprisingYFCmemberswho havesetupnewinitiatives despitetheuncertaintyofBrexit, apandemicandeconomic turmoil.

Matt'sbusinessdevelopedafter hewasgivenabeehiveforhis 21stbirthdayfiveyearsago.Two

yearsonfromthat,thehobby hadspiralledandbecameHolt HallApiary(HHA),whichis basednearTamworthin Staffordshire.Today,itisMatt's full-timecareer,andhehasover 170hivesacrossthemidlands, producinguptofourtonnesof honey.

Aswellasproducinga fantasticrunnyhoney, HHAproducesarangeof infusedhoneys.Mattalso offersbeekeeping experiences,an"adopta bee"schemeandgives educationaltalkstolocal schoolsandgroups.

Matt'shoneyisflyingoff theshelvesacrossmore than60shopsthroughout Warwickshireand Staffordshireandheis nowlookingtorecruitan extramemberofstaffto keepupwithdemand. Butheisalsokeentouse hissuccesstohelpother smallhoneyproducers, offeringapackaging serviceforotherapiarists andgivingstart-upadvice onareassuchaslabelregulation guidance,in-houselabeldesign andfulfilmenttowarehouses, retailersorendcustomers.

Mattsaid:

"Itwasanamazingfeelingtowin –Ican'tquitedescribeit.Ididn't evenknowinitiallythatI'dbeen nominatedsoitwasashock whenIwasshortlistedandthenI couldn'tbelieveIhadwononthe night.

"Ireadabouttheothershortlisted entrantsandthey'reallfantastic businesses.Oneofthegreat thingsaboutYoungFarmersis thediversityofopportunitiesout there."

Matt'sventureimpressedthe judgingpanel,consistingofTom Pemberton,afarmerand presenterofBBC3'sTheFast andtheFarmer-ish,YFCAGRI ChairCharlotteGarbutt,and SianPritchard,Managing Directorofawardsponsors KUHN.

Siansaid:

"KUHNisextremelyproudto supportthisawardcategoryand tocelebratetheachievementsof somanyruralentrepreneurs.It wasadifficultcategorytojudge asthereweresomanyexcellent

businessesbutallthejudges were'buzzing'aboutMatt's beekeepingenterprise.

"Matthasquicklydevelopeda beekeepinghobbyintoa successfulbusinessandwe wereallimpressedwithhis initiativestosupportother apiariststoo.Wearecertainthat HoltHallApiarywillcontinueto grow,andwewishMattandall theotherfinaliststheverybest forthefuture."

TheYFCAchieverAwardsarea celebrationofachievementsfrom thepreviousmembershipyear andTheEntrepreneurofthe YearAwardwasoneofeight categorieswherewinnerswere announced.*

Itwasasuccessfuleveningfor Warwickshire,asDaveOdell alsowontheNewMemberofthe Yearaward,sponsoredby Eternit,inrecognitionofhis effortstore-launchKenilworth YFC.

KenilworthYFChadbeena vibrantmeetingplaceforyoung peopleintheareauntilitclosed in2016.ButDavetookitupon himself,atjust17andwithout anypreviousknowledgeofYFC, toresurrecttheclubtosupport ruralyoungpeoplelivinginthe localarea.

Davehasthrownhimselfinto

YFClifeandgrowntheclubto morethan50members,whoare gettinginvolvedinYFC competitionsandactivities.

Davesaid:

"Itwasasurprisetobe shortlisted.Myclubsecretary toldme,andIwasgobsmacked! ItmademefeellikealltheworkI haddonewasworthit.

"Itwasabitnervewracking goinguptocollecttheaward,but Iwasproudofmyselfandmy clubforearningthetrophy!"

TheawardwasjudgedbyEmily Davies,ProjectEditoratJust Farmers,EdFord,arablefarmer, ForageAidTrusteeandformer NFYFCChairofCouncil,and RosieFinney,NFYFC'sYouth ForumChair.

Seemoreinformationaboutall fivefinalistsoftheEntrepreneur oftheYearAwardatwww.nfyfc. org.uk

entrepreneurfinalists22andthe NewMemberoftheYear–http:// www.nfyfc.org.uk/ NewMemberfinalists22

Moreinformationaboutjoininga localYFCcanbefoundatwww. nfyfc.org.uk/Becomingamember/ Becomingamember

AvoidpayingtwiceforSFIapplications

Farmersjoiningthe newSustainable FarmingIncentive (SFI)arebeing advisedtomake suretheydonot incurunnecessarycostsduring theapplicationprocess.

Insomesituations,suchas wherealandagentorconsultant ishandlingthecompletionofthe necessaryforms,thereisarisk thatfarmerscouldpayoncefor thisprocess,thenfacefurther chargesfromagronomistswith thetechnicalexpertiserequired tocompletethenecessary actions.Inthecaseofthesoils standard,thismightmean completingthesoilmanagement plan,orconductingsoilhealth tests.

qualificationstohavethe technicaldiscussionsaboutthe optionsavailable,assistwiththe applicationprocess,andconduct thenecessaryactionsrequired foreachstandard.”

TheSFIarable,andgrassland, soilsstandardsforexample, requirethecompletionofsoil assessments,asoil managementplan,andatthe intermediatelevels,theinclusion ofmulti-speciescovercropsor herballeys.Makingthese optionsworkproperlyfor individualfarmsinvariably requiresin-depthdiscussions abouttopicssuchasspecies selection,rotationalimpact, potentialrisksandbenefitsto followingcrops,oroptionsfor buildingsoilorganicmatter,he notes.

“Anagronomisthasthetechnical expertisetotalkthroughallofthe optionsavailable,theactions needed,andhowtheywillallfit togetherinawhole-farm situation.It’smoretechnicalthan justtickingafewboxes-it’sa whole-farmapproachatfield level.”

MrPorteralsosaystheOmnia digitalfarmingplatform,together withtheOmniaScoutapp, provideidealtoolsforrecording andcompletingallinformation necessarytomeetSFIsoils standardrequirementsina functionalandeasyway.Users canalsoeasilygenerateapdf reportsummarisingthe informationrequiredfor compliance.

Omniacanalsoassistwith nutrientplanningandtheteam willcontinuetodevelopthe systemtoensureitremainsupto-dateasSFIscheme requirementschange.

“Iffarmersgetontothisnow, theywillbewellsetupforwhen thenextstandardsarelaunched incomingmonths,”MrPorter adds.

“ItrulybelievethattheSFIisthe rightwayforward;it’shugely beneficialtotheenvironmentand tothefarmer,andmayalsoallow somefarmerstogetthemuchneededrecognitionforthings they’vebeendoingonfarmfor manyyears.

“Theissuewithotheragrienvironmentalschemesinthe pasthasbeenthelackof interactionwiththeagronomist, buttheSFIstandardsarevery muchagronomist-led,”says HutchinsonsagronomistEd Porter.

“Youneedsomeonewiththe knowledge,expertiseand

Furthermore,Defraplansforthe forthcomingIntegratedPest Management(IPM)andnutrient managementstandards,dueto belaunchedthissummer,will seefarmerspaidtotakeBASISqualifiedadviceonIPM,andget anutrientmanagement assessmentandreportfroma FACTS-qualifiedadvisor.

“It’ssoimportantallfarmers engagewiththeSFIprocessthis year,astherewillbeabigdrop inBPScomingintoeffectduring 2023.TheSFIwillgosomeway tohelpingplugthatgap,either directly,orindirectlythroughthe productivityimprovementsthat maybepossiblefromtakingup someoftheseoptions.Farmers havetoengagewiththeir agronomisttomakesure everythingisdoneproperly.”

EdPorter

Sustainablefestivalsideawinsenterprisechallenge

AnEdinburgh studenthaswon theinaugural Enterprise Challengelaunched byScotland'sRural College(SRUC).

Aspartofitsvisiontobecomean enterpriseuniversityattheheart ofthenaturaleconomy,SRUC challengeditsstudentstothink ofnewandinnovativeideasto createvaluefortheeconomy, environmentandsociety. MeredithWicks,whoisstudying foraMastersdegreein

studentatSRUC'sBarony campusinDumfriesand Galloway,andTizayiSithole,a GolfCourseManagement studentattheElmwoodcampus inFife.

Thecompetitionattractedmore than30entriesfromstudentsat SRUCcampusesacross Scotland,includingeverything fromcreativeproposalsforrural communitiesandinnovative Agritechdesignstonovel developmentsinsustainable foodanddrinkinresponsetothe climateemergency.

Institutes,andlawfirmMorton Fraser.Thecompetitionwasalso supportedbyPatentAttorneys MaucherJenkinsandUniversity InnovationFundingfromthe ScottishFundingCouncil.

ItwasjudgedbySRUC EntrepreneurinResidenceand CEOofGrowBizJackieBrierton, ManagingDirectorofForth ResourceManagementLtdand SRUCAlumniTommyDale,and EnterpriseManageratConverge DrLissaHeron.

EnvironmentalProtection& Management,won£1,000witha businessproposaltofacilitate moresustainableeventsand festivalsacrossScotland.

JeanClaudeNsengiyumva,a FoodSecuritystudentin Edinburgh,wonsecondprize and£750forhisnovelsolutionto supportruralfarmersinRwanda, andAberdeen-basedAgriculture studentKayleighTurnercame third,winning£500forheridea toaddresschallengesintherural meatindustry.

Twohighlycommendedprizesof £125wereawardedtoSharon Worsey,aWildlifeand ConservationManagement

Meredithsaid:"Festivalsand eventsareanamazingspacefor makingconnections,celebrating cultureandheritage,andcan introduceaudiencestonew artistsandpassions,butthey shouldn'thavetocomeatthe expenseofnegativeimpactsto theplanet.

"Tacklingclimatechangeneeds tobeapriorityforallbusinesses andIwasexcitedtoputforward anideathathassustainabilityat itscoreforfestivalsandevents." Theprizeswereprovidedby Converge,acompanycreation programmeforScottish UniversitiesandResearch

DrCarolLangston,Directorof SRUC'sEnterpriseAcademy, said:"Wearedelightedtohave receivedsomanyentries focusedonsupportingathriving naturaleconomyandsolving socialproblems.

"Thejudgeswereimpressedby thediversityandqualityofthe businessideasreceivedfromthe studentsandthepassionand determinationofthefinaliststo bringtheirideastolife.

"Welookforwardtoworkingwith alltheentrantstohelpthem achievetheirambitions."

Forfurtherinformationvisit ourEnterpriseAcademyforthe Rural&NaturalEconomypage.

MeredithWickshaswon£1,000 forherideatofacilitatemore sustainableevents

nagriculturalexpertisurgingfarmersto safeguardlives–andlivelihoods–when workingwithhayandstrawbales.

“Withbarnactivityincreasingduringthe wintermonths,followingsafetyguidelines isparamount,”said RupertWailesFairbairn,ofruralinsurancebroker Lycetts.

AccordingtotheHealthandSafety Executive,20percentofall agriculturaldeathsin2021/22were duetopeoplebeingstruckbyan object,withhaybalesbeingaleading cause.

“Inadditiontotherisksoffatalaccidents, failuretoobservethestipulatedstackand distancelimitsforhaystackscouldinvalidateinsurance cover,”Wailes-Fairbairnsaid.

“Ifstacklimitsarecontravened,suchasbeingtooclose together,toohighorundervalued,farmersface significantshortfallsintheeventofloss,suchas accidentalfireorarson.”

Atotalof532fireswererecordedatagriculturalpremises inEnglandbetween2021/22,429ofthemwere accidental,and103werecauseddeliberately.

“Itisimperativethatfarmersfindoutifthereisahaystack limitdefinedbyvalueratherthanvolume.If,forexample, astackwith£60,000worthofhaycatchesfire,thereisa strongchanceitexceedsthelimit.Oftenthereare distancelimitswrittenintopoliciestoo,whichisusually 20metres,butthiscanvary.

“Thebestwaytocomplywiththetermsofapolicyisto

splitstacksandkeepthemindifferentlocationsbut checkingthepolicywordingshouldbethefirstportof call.

Baledangerwarningforfarmers A

“Thestakesaretoohighandarecertainlynotworththe gamble.”

Wailes-Fairbairnalsohighlightedthecriticalroleofrisk managementinmitigatingthechancesoffire.

Anabundanceofcombustiblematerials,threatofarson, riskofelectricalfaultsinbuildingsandoverheatingin machineryarejustsomeofthefirerisksfarmersface daily.

Wailes-Fairbairnadded:“Itcanbeexpensivetoreplace produceneededtofeedlivestockthroughthewinterso ensureappropriateinsuranceisinplaceforthis eventuality.

“We’veencounteredincidentsofstrawbeingstoredin shedsthathavebeensetalightandboththestrawand shedhavebeenunderinsured.

“Tomitigatetheriskofspontaneousfiresherecommends simplemeasures,suchasensuringtherearenonaked bulbsormisplacedglassormirrorsneartohaystacks, theinstallationofsufficientandaccessibleon-sitefire extinguishersandhavingwaterbowsersnearby.

“Anotherrisktoconsideristhatofchildrengainingentry toabarnandplayingamongthebales.Theycouldsuffer serious–orevenfatal–injuriesshouldbalesfall.

“Keepingbuildingslockedandsecuringandmaintaining perimeterscanpreventunauthorisedentrybychildrenor arsonists.

“Riskmanagementisanoftenoverlookedaspectof farmingbuttakingthenecessaryprecautionscanhelp preventaccidentsandfinanciallosses.”

CropTecShow2023togoahead atanexcitingnewvenueafter theEastofEnglandShowground announcesitsclosure

After10successful yearsattheEastof England Showground, Agriconnectthe organisersofthe leadingtechnicalarableeventwill befindinganewvenueafterthe EastofEnglandShowGround todayconfirmedthatAEPG (AssetEarningPowerGroup) wouldbesubmittingaplanning applicationtoredevelopthe siteintonewhomesanda leisurecomplex.

‘Aftermanysuccessfulyears, wewillberelocatingtoanew facilitythatwillcontinueto serveourexhibitorsand visitorsandprovideevenmore opportunitiesfollowingthe successofthe10th anniversaryshowinNovember 2022attheEastofEngland Showground’saidVerity Hyland,EventManageron CropTec.

CropTec2023isplannedtotake placeonWednesday29to Thursday30November2023and theorganisersareexcitedtobe takingtheeventtoanewhome, theywillbeworkingdiligentlyto ensureaseamlesstransitionto thenewvenue.Headof OperationsatCropTec,Justine

high-qualityserviceand experiencethatyouhavecometo expectfromus.’

TheCropTecteamareexcitedby thenextchapterandthe opportunitiesitpresents,andthey lookforwardtowelcomingyouto theirnewlocation.Theywillkeep

Sumnersaid‘Ourteamis dedicatedtoprovidingthesame

everyoneupdatedwith informationabouttherelocation andanychangestothe scheduleasdecisionsare made.Theyareexpectedto confirmanewvenuenext week.

Agriconnectwouldliketothank alltheirsupportersfortheir understandingandpatience duringthistransitionandlook forwardtocontinuingtohosta leadingindustryeventfortheir partnersatanewvenue. Detailsonthiswillbesharedin thecomingdays.

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Newtestunlocks importanceof carbon

Anewsoiltestcan identify,measure, andcomparethe organiccarbon contentinasoil sample.This presentsopportunitiesforfarmers andfoodproducerstomore accuratelycommunicatethe levelsofcarbonbeing sequesteredinsoilandalso offersimportantdatatohelp managesoilorganicmatter.

Thetests,launchedbyEurofins AgroUK,usenearinfrared spectroscopy(NIRS)tomeasure organicmatterwhichwillhelp farmerstomakemoreaccurate decisionsandreduceCO2 emissionsbysequesteringmore carbon.SophieCathfrom EurofinsAgroUKsays:

“Forthefirsttime,farmerswillbe abletouseaccuratecarbondata tochartsoilhealth.Thiswillhelp decidecroprotation,theuseof nitrogenfixingcoverorbreak cropsandthequantityoforganic andnon-organicfertilisers.”

Thetestwillprovidedataonhow muchcarbonissequesteredin

thesoil,howmuchorganicmatter isstableordynamic,whatinputs canbeusedtoimprovethe carbonsequestrationpotentialof thesoil,andhowthoseinputsare likelytoimpactonthecrop.

“Carbonisakeyindicatorofsoil stabilityandfertility. Understandinghowcarbon fluctuatesisthekeytobalancing theamountofcarbon,nitrogen, andothersoilcomponents. Understandingthecarbonto nitrogenratioiscriticaltosoil stabilitybecauseithelpsto indicatewhatlevelsofnitrogen andotherinputsaresustainable forthesoil,”sheadds.

Thespeedatwhichorganic matterdegradesdeterminesthe nutrientsreleasedtoacrop.The higherthebreakdown,themore nutrientsaremadeavailable.This dataiscapturedintheteststo helpindicatewhatinputswill benefitthecropandwhatneeds tobeputbackintothesoilto improvecarbonsequestration. MissCathexplainsthatreaching thisoptimumlevelforacrop withinarotationcanbebetter

gaugedbyfirstunderstandingthe activeorganiccarboncontent:

“WeknowthataddingN stimulatesgrowth.However,the CtoNratioiscrucialto accuratelyevaluatingthestability oforganicmatterandthespeedit isbrokendown.Bybetter understandingthiswecan managesoilcarbonsequestration moreaccurately,”shesays.

17SustainableDevelopment

GoalswereadoptedbyallUnited Nationsmemberstatesin2015, withmany,suchaszerohunger, goodhealth,cleanwater,and climateactiondirectlyorindirectly

“Inshort,wehaveanewand powerfultoolthatcantellushow sequesteredinsoil,howstable thatcarbonis,andhowwecan improvecarbonsequestration overtime.Thiscanhelp agriculturetomeetcarbontargets whilstalsoloweringcostsand improvingyields,”sheconcludes.

Betterquality products.Alarger harvest.Improved planningtopredict cropyields.Better controlofcosts, includingenergyandlabor. Today,anewageisdawningto helpgreenhousefarmersachieve thesegoals.

andmoresuppliersintroduce data-drivensolutionsand services.

Anewlightongrowthfrom Signify

Manyfactorscontributeto greenhouseresults.These includeclimatecontrol,irrigation, rootzonesubstrates, seedsandbreederquality, andofcourselighting. Signifyhasalonghistory ofmakinglightworkbetter forgrowers.That innovationcontinues today.

Artificialintelligenceinthe greenhouse

It’shappeninginindustriesall aroundus,frombankingand insurancetohealthcareand manufacturing.Organizations collectandanalyzelarge amountsofdatausingalgorithms, alsoknownasartificial intelligence(AI),togaininsights thathelpthemmakebetterinformedbusinessdecisions.

It’stheageofautonomous growing,inwhichartificial intelligenceanddata-driven solutionsenablegrowerstomake moreinformeddecisionsabout theircropproduction,andeven automatepartsoftheir production.Autonomousgrowing hasreceivedalotofhypein recentyears.Butthehypeis transitioningintorealityasmore

“Wewillhaveacomplete programinplacethatwill leadtheindustryindatadrivenlightingsolutions,”says KayRauwerdink,Program ManagerHortiDataDriven SolutionsatSignify.“New developmentsinthefunctionof supplementallightingwillsupport thecraftmanshipofLED greenhousegrowerstoimprove boththequalityoftheircropsand theresultsoftheirbusiness.We aredevelopinganewlighton growth.”

Moderngreenhousesarefullof sensorstomeasureparameters suchastemperature,CO2, humidityandplantnourishment. Thisgenerateslargeamountsof data.Anumberoftechnology suppliersareintroducingdata platformsthatgrowerscanuseto collect,storeandanalyzethis data.

Toimplementdata-drivenlighting solutions,youneedtogetaccess todata.Signifywillnotinstallits ownsensors.Rather,itwilluse datapointsthatarealready storedsomewhereintheclimate computersofgreenhouses..Kay: “Growerswanttoworkfromone platformandoneuserinterface.

Signifyshinesnewlightongrowthwithdata-drivenlighting

That’swhywearedesigningour data-drivenlightingsolutionsto operateasmuchaspossibleon existingdataplatforms.”

Addedintelligencetogrow lightsandcontrols

Signifyisthenumber1supplier ofgrowlightsintheworld.For manyyears,thecompanyhasled thehorticultureindustryby bringingthebestlighting solutionsandrecipes.Byadding dataandalgorithms,Signifywill leadcustomersintoanewera andagaintakeamajorstepto enhancethefunctionoflight.One focustodayisontechnologythat usesdatatocontrollighting hardwaremoreintelligently, especiallyviathePhilips GrowWiseControlSystem.

particularcropandsituation.The knowledgeprovidedbythe Signifyspecialistsiscrucialfora successfulcultivationstrategy andgreenhouseoperations.

“Thenumberofprojectsis exploding,”saysKay.“This growthisgeneratingahuge increaseinrequestsforpostsalesplantspecialistsupport. Thechallengeistofindsmartand efficientwaystoserveour growingcommunityofcustomers, locatedaroundtheglobe,withthe plantspecialistswehave available.”

Remoteaccesstoclimateand cropdatawillprovidepartofthe answer.Thankstodatastorage intheclimatecomputersof participatinggrowers,Signify plantspecialistswill have–after growersconsentreal-time,remote accesstotheirdata. Thiswillhelpto preparethemost optimallighting strategyforgrowers

“Thesearenotnewtopicstous,” saysKay.“Signifyisleadingmore sectorsintothebenefitsofdatadrivenlighting,suchasindoor lightingforwarehousesand offices.Ourguidingprinciplesare trustandtransparency.We alwayscreateanofficial agreementwiththecustomeron whatdatawewilluseandhow wewilluseit.”

Data-drivenlightingbenefits worldwide

Eachyear,thenumberofSignify LEDinstallationsworldwide increases.Thisisinlinewitha globaltrendtowardmorehightechhorticulture,inwhichlightis acrucialelement.Exactlyhow growerswillbenefitfromdatadrivenlightingtechnologies dependsontheircurrent situation.

“Energycostsareabigtopic,” saysKay.“Weareinvestigating solutionstointegrateexternal data,suchasenergyprices,into thegrower’slightingstrategy. Thiscancreateasolidbusiness case.”LEDlightingisalready highlyefficient.Data-driven lightingwilloffergrowerseven moreopportunitiestomanage energyusagethroughouttheday andreducecosts.

Digitizingsupportfromits plantspecialists

Aroundtheworld,Signify providespost-salessupportfrom itsplantspecialistswhohelp growerstogetthemostoutof theirLEDinvestments.This supportincludesregular discussionsonthebestlighting strategyforeachgrower’s

Additionally,Signify isdeveloping decision-support toolsforlighting basedon algorithmsto analyzethedataandprovide custom-madeadviceforeach grower'sparticularcropand situation.“Wecanalsogivethe growerthemselfremoteaccessto thedataandthedecision-support tools,”saysKay.“Thiswillreduce theirdependencyontheplant specialistandempowerthe growerwithlightingintelligence.”

Trustandtransparencyin privacyandsecurity

Theageofautonomousgrowing isbringinggreatopportunities. However,asinallindustries undergoingdigitaltransformation, itwillalsoraiseafew fundamentalquestionsabout privacyanddatasecurity.Where ismydatabeingstored?How secureisthestorage?Whohas accesstomydataandwhatare theydoingwithit?

Manygrowersalreadyhave establishedoperationswithhigh levelsofgrowingknowledge. “Thesegrowerswillbenefitfrom toolsthatreduceroutinetasks andautomatetheirdecisionmakingtoloweroperational costs,increaseharvestamounts andquality,andbetterpredict cropyields,”saysKay.“Where operationsarenewerandless established,cloud-baseddata analysisandremoteaccesswill helpusassistgrowerswithtools andknowledgethatwould otherwisenotbesoreadily available.”

Thoughtleadersindata-driven lighting

Wherevergrowersarelocated, onethingisforsure.Digital transformationisadisruptive force.Itisbringingnew challengesandpotentiallygreat benefitstovirtuallyevery industry.Greenhousegrowing withLEDtechnologyisno exception.

“Signifyisinvestingheavilyto positionourselvesindata-driven lighting,”saysKay.“Growerswho embracethesenewtechnologies canachieveasubstantial competitiveadvantage.”

SIXSTEPSTOSPRINGBARLEYSUCCESS

Asspringbarley drillinggets underwayinsome areas,Limagrain UK’sarable technicalmanager, RonGranger,outlinessixwaysto getthemostfromthecropthis season.

1.Understandendmarket/ contractrequirements

Enduserrequirementswill influencemanyagronomic decisions,particularlynitrogen strategy,soitisessentialgrowers areclearaboutthequalitycriteria thatmustbemet,saysMr Granger.

“Dependingonthelocalityand theopportunitiesforsellingto differentendusersorexport markets,thebarleycropyou grow-andtheagronomicinputs required-willbedeterminedby thesectoryoutarget.”

Thisisparticularlytrueforthose

dependentonhittingacertain grainnitrogenpercentageto achievethecontractpremium, notablydistilling,whichrequires 1.65%Norlower,brewing1.651.85%,andgraindistillingat 1.85%+.Grainnitrogenisnota concernforanimalfeed.

2.Choosetherightvariety

Inmanyinstances,varietychoice isalsodeterminedbytheend userorcontractchosen.

However,forthosestilltodecide whattogrow,MrGranger recommendsconsideringoneof thedualusevarieties,suchas LGDiablo,whichhasgoodyield performance,withseveralend marketopportunities,offeringan advantageovermanyvarieties nowlisted.

“Newerrecommendedvarieties certainlyofferhigheryield potential,andifcontractsare offered,thentheyarecertainly worthconsidering.Dualuse

varietiesoffergrowersflexibility forthedistilling,brewingandfeed marketsectors.”

3.Waitforgooddrillingconditions

Limagraintrialsshowearlier drillinginspringcanimproveyield potential,however,thisismainly onlypossibleonlighter,more free-drainingland,thatwilldry andwarmquickerthanaheavier soiltype.

“Earlydrillingwillsignificantly increasediseaserisk,soconsider morediseaseresistantvarieties forthissituation,”saysMr Granger.

“Generally,patienceisrequiredto waitfortherightwindowof opportunity,whenboththe weatherandsoilconditionsallow goodseedbedstobecreatedwith risingsoilandairtemperatures, toensurerapidemergenceand establishment,withcontinued plantgrowth

“Certainly,wesawthevalueof

earlierdrillinginspring2022,with mostgrowersdrillingearlierthan usualinmostregions.This,along withupfrontnutritionbeforethe droughthit,wascertainlypartof thereasonwhygrowersachieved higheryieldpotentialthan originallyanticipated.”

4.Optimiseseedrate

Asurveyofmorethan100 growersbyLimagrainlastyear showedhalf(49%)ofgrowers weretypicallysowingspring barleyat300-350seeds/m2,and most(76%)targetingayieldof8 t/ha.

Thisrateappearstobeabout rightwhendrillingintogood conditions,howeverMrGranger saysseedratesmustbetailored toindividualsituations.

Limagraintrialscomparingvariety seedratesovervariousseasons andregionssuggestthatwith morevigorous,highertillering varieties,suchasLGDiablo,the optimumseedrateis350 seeds/m2whendrillingintoideal conditionsaroundmid-March.

However,thisshouldbeadjusted upordowndependingonthe weather,seedbedquality, moistureavailability,drillingdate, andthegrowers’ownexperience oneachsite,saysMrGranger.

“Late-sowncropsinevitably producefewertillersand thereforefewerears,whichmust becompensatedforbyincreasing seedrate.”

Alowerrateof300-325seeds/m2 couldsufficeifdrillingintoan “onionbed”inMarch,butwhen forcedtodrillintoApril,duetothe weather,oragronomicreasons, suchasblack-grasscontrol, pushingratesupto400to450 seeds/m2maybemore appropriatetoachievethe optimumfinalearnumberanda competitivecropinablack-grass situation,headvises.

5.Maintaintillernumber

Oncecropsareestablished,Mr Grangersaysthebestwayto achievehighspringbarleyyield potentialistoensurehighfinal earcounts.TheAHDBBarley

growthguidesuggestsfinaltarget earpopulationshouldbearound 775ears/m2.

“Itisinterestingtonotethatin 2019,higheryieldpotentialwas achievedfromevenhigherfinal earcounts,approaching800/m2 byharvest.An8-9t/hacrop needsaround800ears/m2, whichata350seeds/m2rate, equatestoaround2.5-3tillersper plantatharvest.

“However,experienceshows optimaltillerandearcountsmay beunderachievedinmany situations,meaningcropsfall shortofachievingtheirfullyield potential.”

Thebiggestissueisoftenthe weather,MrGranger acknowledges.Drought conditionswillcausetillerloss,so hesaystoensurenumbersare highenoughattheoutsetby selectinghightilleringvarieties, usinganappropriateseedrate, anddrivingestablishmentand earlyrootingbyimplementinga balancednutritionregimeearlyin thecrop’sdevelopment.

“Traditionally,springbarleywas oftenseenasalowerinputcrop, withgrowersreluctanttoincrease nitrogenapplicationratesinfear ofexceedingmaltstersgrain nitrogenlimits.However,LGtrials overmanyseasonsoftesting, indicatethatusinghigherNrates canbebeneficial.”

Inthetrials,astandardseedbed applicationof120kgN/hawas comparedtoasplitnitrogen applicationof150kgN/ha,with theadditional30kgappliedat latetillering.Thisresultedina yieldbenefitof0.4-0.5t/haovera singleseedbeddose,withlittleor noimpactongrainnitrogen.

“Higheryieldingvarietiesrespond positivelytohighernitrogen inputs,duetotheirincreased yieldpotentialanddilutionof grainnitrogencontent.”

6.Optimiseothernutrients

Alongsidenitrogen,optimising othermacronutrients,suchas phosphate,potash,magnesium

andsulphur,hasproven beneficialtotillerretentionand finalyield.

Theseshouldbeappliedinthe seedbedorsoonafterdrillingto promotestrongrootingandearly plantgrowth,MrGranger advises.

“Tissueanalysisoftheyoung growingcropcanhelpidentify anyshortfallsinnutritionbefore visiblesymptomsappear,andis arelativelyinexpensivewayof targetingahighyieldingcrop.”

Additionalmicronutrients,suchas manganese,zinc,copper,iron, andboron,appliedatthestem extensionphaseintoflowering, arealsouseful,ensuringa healthycropandgoodear fertility,whilstalsohelpingsecure highgrainnumberandmaximum yieldpotential.“Applythese independentlywithotherkey inputs,orasamulti-nutrient product.

“Springbarleyisafast-growing cropandifkeynutrientsare deficientatanytime,yield potentialwillbecompromised.”

Alsoconsiderearlygrowth regulatorapplicationsoncropsto promoterootingandstrong uniformtillering,headds.

Atleasttwofungicidesare recommendedtomaintaintiller numberandhealthyplants, includingtheawnsandmaximum graindevelopment.Typically,the firstapplicationisatGS25-31, withthesecondtargetedbetween GS39-55.

“Ofcourse,iftheseasondictates alowdiseasepressure,ora droughtsituation,flexibilityin fungicideinputandtimingshould beadjustedforthefinalyield potentialinhand.

“Springbarleycanmovethrough growthstagesquickly,soclose monitoringofthegrowingcropis essential.”

Formoreinfo,seeLimagrain’s springbarleyagronomyvideos: bit.ly/3jHEZwY

Prescriptionnutritionavailablein convenient25kgfertiliserbags

Anewstate-of-the-art bagginglinewill produce25kgbags offertiliseraimedat professional growersinthe forestry,horticulturalandamenity sectorslookingforamore convenientwaytoimprovesoil fertilitythroughtargetednutrition.

Thelinehasbeeninstalledat OriginFertilisers’Silloth productionsiteinCumbriaand hasanautomaticpalletiserand shrinkwraptohelpkeepthebags inpristinecondition.

Thenew25kgproductlinesare availablethroughouttheUKand willbeofparticularinterestto userswhodon’trequire,orhave thespacetostore,fertiliser productsinthetraditionalbulk quantitiesassociatedwithlarger bags,suchasthesmallholderor equinemarkets.

gradestothesoil’s nutritional requirements.

“The25kgline offersgrowersin differentmarkets theoptiontobuy smallerbagsin manageable quantitiesandnot feeltiedto orderinglorry loadsofbulk product,whichcan beastrainon cashflowand storage,”says RichardClark, salesdirectorat OriginFertilisers.

“Wewantedtoextendtheuseof ourprescriptionmatchingservice, whichtargetsnutritionalinputsto thesoil’sneedsbasedona detailedsoilanalysis.Thishas beenproventoincreaseyields andcropquality andoffers growersthe optiontoinclude upto14essential nutrientsinany oneblend.”

The25kgbag rangeincludes fourstandard grades–20-1010or24-4-4–andbuyersalso havetheoptionto addsulphurinthe 13-13-20+ 4.5SO3and1515-15+4.5SO3 blends.

Awiderangeofproductsare available,includingtheoptionof Origin’sNutri-Matchprescription service,whichmatchesfertiliser

Alsoavailablein the25kglineareproductsfrom Origin’sNaturalNutritionrange, whichisderivedsolelyfrom naturallyoccurringmaterialsto

helpimprovesoilswith phosphate,potash,sulphurand calcium.

“Thisisaimedatgrowerswanting tominimisetheirimpactonthe environmentandonlyuse naturallyminedproductsontheir crops.Theseincludephosphate andpotassium,alongwith polysulphate,whichoffersaslow releaseofsulphurtohelpwith nitrogenuseefficiency.

“Furtherbenefitsofusingthe smallerbagsincludeless undercoverspacerequiredto storethemandeasiertotransport tothefield,”addsMrClark.

Theminimumorderfor25kgbags is40tofitonaonetonnepallet loadforeasydeliveryand storage.Growersafterthe NutriMatchprescriptionblendin 25kgbagswillneedtoordereight tonnesofasinglegrade.

Thebagsareavailablethrougha rangeofnationalandregional merchantsorbyspeakingtoyour localOriginFertilisers’sales representative.

SPRINGBEANDESCRIPTIVELISTFROM PGRONOWHASADDEDGENIUS

Twospringbeanvarieties,Genius andFutura,frombreedersLSPlant BreedingLtd(LSPB)havebeen addedtothe2023PGRO DescriptiveList(DL)nowtheir NationalListstatushasbeengranted.

MichaelShuldham, LSPBproduct manager,explains: "boththesevarieties wentthroughthesame trialsasallthevarieties addedtotheDLin Novemberbutcould notbeaddedthen pendingnational listing.

"Geniusnowjumps straighttothetopof thelistasthehighest yieldingspringbean (110)justashade aboveitsstablemate Lynx.

WhileFuturaalsogets ahighrankingas fourthinyield(106) andisthehighest yieldingLVC(low vicine/convicine) varietyonthelist."

Geniushasthesame maturityasLynx(6) withgoodstanding ability(8),andFutura hasasimilarmaturity (7)withthesame standingabilityas Genius.

Whatisnotableabout Futuraisthatitshows howtheLVCvarieties havenowall-butequalledthetraditional varietiesinyieldwhile addingtheirextra marketability.

MichaelShuldhamcomments,"whenLVC varietieswerefirstintroduced,despitetheir marketpluses,theywerelowerintheyield ratings.However,FuturaandVictus–ourother LVCvarietyontheDL-nowcomparewiththe bestandourbreedingprogrammepromises moretocome."

SPRING BEANS - PGRO Descriptive List 2023

(1-9) A high rating indicates that the variety shows the character to a high degree. The scales of characters of spring beans do not necessarily correspond with those for winter beans.The export market for human consumption usually requires pale hilum types. LVC = Low Vicine & Low Convicine (LVC). *Rust data influenced mostly by 4 trials in 2020. The lsd is approx 1 rating point. © PGRO 2022 23.11.2022

WINTER BEANS - PGRO Descriptive List 2023

The control for yield is the mean of 4 & 5 year varieties (4.50t/ha). Yield di erences of less than 8.0% are not statistically di erent.

DESCRIPTIVELIST

WINTER BEANS - PGRO Descriptive List 2021

The control for yield is the mean of 4 and 5 year varieties (4.24 t/ha).Yield di erences of less than 7.3% are not significantly di erent.

(1-9) A high rating indicates that the variety shows the character to a high degree. The scales of characters of winter beans do not necessarily correspond with those for spring beans. © PGRO 2022 23.11.2022

Power-updiseasecontrol toprotectcerealreturns

Despitearecentdip incerealprices,the valueof2023’s harvestispredicted toremainrelatively buoyantcompared topreviousyears.Itwilltherefore paytoensurecropsareproperly protectedagainstdiseasesthis spring.That’stheadvicefrom ADAMA’sfungicidetechnical specialist, AndyBailey,who believesgrowerscan power-uptheir disease programmes cheaplyand effectivelywith theadditionof folpet.

“Theongoing effectsofthewarin Ukraineandglobalfactors includingexchangerate fluctuationsandvolatileweather patternsmeansmanyinthe industryareexpectingcereal pricestoremainrelatively buoyant,atleastfortheshortterm,”MrBaileyexplains. “Growersshouldthereforeensure theircropsareproperlyprotected thisspring,notonlytosafeguard yields,butalsotoensurethey achievethequalityneededfor millingbonusesandmalting premiums.”

MrBaileyrecommendsa balancedapproachtocrop protection,withtheuseofcultural andintegrateddiseasecontrol tacticsusedalongsidechemical measures:“Keycerealdiseases suchasseptoriaandrustsin wheatandramulariaand rhynchosporiuminbarleycanbe difficultandcostlytocontrol,”he explains,“especiallyasthe erosionoftheefficacyofmany singlesiteactiveingredients

meansthesefungicideswill struggletoprovideeffective curativeactiononce diseaseshavetakenhold.

“It’sthereforeessentialto stayaheadofinfectionby usingculturalcontrolsto reducethespreadof diseasesandbyapplyinga mixofalternatingactive ingredientsandmodesof actionthroughoutthe season.Theadditionofthe multi-sitefungicide,folpet, providesacost-effective wayofpowering-up programmestoensure cropsareprotectedfrom theoutset.”

Folpethashistoricallybeen usedtoprovideprotection againstrhynchosporiumin barleyandseptoriain wheatandgivesuseful addedprotectionagainst rusts.For2023,itisalso approvedforuseagainst ramulariaandnetblotchin barley.

“Thelatestdatafrom54trials conductedoveraperiodoffour yearssuggeststhat,basedona wheatpriceof£220pertonne, theinclusionoffolpetinspring fungicideprogrammeswilldeliver afivetosix-foldreturnon investmentbyincreasingyields byanaverageof0.265t/ha,”Mr Baileyclaims.“That’sasaresult ofprolongedgreenleafretention whichresultsinbettergrain qualityandyieldimprovementsof upto0.6t/ha.

“Withtherecentadditionofnet blotchandramulariatoitslabel, folpet’sscopeofadvantageis nowevenmorewide-ranging, makingitakeycomponentin

barleycropsbeinggrownforthe maltingmarket.”

Applicationtimings

Tocontrolseptoriainwheat,Mr Baileyexplainsthatthekeytime toincludefolpetisatT1whenit willboostprotectionandhelp cropstostayaheadofthe disease.“UsingfolpetatT1will helpinallscenariostoavoidthe needforcurativeactivity,”he explains.“Asubsequent applicationatT2willmaintain protectionandhelptokeepthe uppercanopygreenerforlonger, therebyenablingthecropto capturemoreavailablesunlight andtranslatethisthroughtoyield benefits.

“Inhighriskseptoriasituations, suchaswhereasusceptible varietyhasbeendrilledearly,

protectionshouldbebroughtforwardsby applyingfolpetattheT0timing,with subsequentapplicationsmadeatT1andT2to poweruptheprogrammeandprovideseasonlongprotection.”

Forthecontroloframulariainbarley,thekey timetoincludefolpetisatT2,“butitcanalsobe usedinaprogrammedapproach(atT1andT2) whichaddsbothrhynchosporiumandnetblotch controlaswellasimprovedgreening,”MrBailey says.

MrBaileyalsoremindsgrowersthatthe inclusionoffolpethelpstoprotectandprolong theefficacyofsinglesiteactivesagainst resistance.Healsoadvisesthatgrowerscan power-uptheirfungicideprogrammesby switchingfromastandardformulationof prothioconazoletooneofahigherquality: “Prothioconazoleiswidelyusedagainstarange ofwheat,barley,oat,ryeandoilseedrape diseases,butnotallproductsarecreated equally,”heclaims.

“ADAMA’sstraightprothioconazolefungicides, SoratelandMagan,benefitfromaunique formulationwhichusesabuilt-inadjuvantto enhanceuptakeandasolventwhichimproves theactive’smovementthroughplantsonce absorbed.This‘Asorbital’formulation technologyalsopromotesrain-fastnessand, gramme-for-gramme,consistentlyoutperforms otherprothioconazoleformulationsintermsof cerealandOSRdiseasecontrol.”

NEWCOMMERCIALMANAGERFORLIMAGRAINUK

MattShandhasbeen appointedtothe roleofCommercial Managerfor LimagrainUK.This newopportunitywill seehimdevelopingand implementingtheUKcommercial strategyfortheseedbusiness, whilstalsoleadingtheUKsales team.

Limagrainisafastgrowing, farmer-ownedinternationalcooperativegroup,specialisingin bothagriculturalandhorticultural seeds,aswellascerealproducts. Asthefourthlargestplant breederandseedsmarketing companyintheworld,itemploys 10,000peoplewithaturnoverof morethan2.5billioneuros annually.

MrShandbringsawealthof

experiencetotheposition;he beganhiscareerintheseed industryatWoodheadSeedsin Yorkshire,beforejoining Limagrainassalesmanagerin 2016.

Hebelievesthatthroughits uniqueUKdedicatedplant

breedingandresearchteams, Limagrainisbestplacedofallthe plantbreederstorecogniseand respondtomanycurrentUKcrop productionchallenges.

“Limagrainisattheforefrontof bringingvarietiestomarketthat offerincreasedyields,stronger agronomiccharacteristicsand betterdiseaseresistance,whilst end-usersalsobenefitfrom addedvalue,improvedquality, productivityandprocessability.”

“Thesuccessofthisapproachis reflectedinthenumberof varietiessittingatthetopofthe currentAHDBRecommended List.Withoutadoubtit’san excitingtimeforthebusinessand Iamverymuchlookingforwardto beingakeypartoftheteam takingthisforward,”hesays.

PREPARINGFOR2023CROPPING: MONITORFARMSTOBESAMPLED ANDOTHERSURGEDTOFOLLOWSUIT

Farmersacross Scotlandarebeing urgedtohavetheir soilstestedand analysedintheface ofcontinuinghigh inputpricesand aheadofchangesto Scottishagricultural supportschemes.

Angus-based, SoilEssentials–whichhasrecently beentaskedwith samplingsoils acrossScotland's newnetworkof9 monitorfarms-is encouragingfarmers tobooksoil samplingnow, aheadofthe establishmentof springcrops.

CatrionaMcLean, PrecisionAgronomy Managerat SoilEssentials,who leadsateamof9 people,offeringsoil samplingservicesto farmersthelength andbreadthof Scotland, commented:

"Ourwholeteamarebusyaswe approachthe2023croppingyear, andweareparticularlydelighted tohavewonthecontracttosoil sampleacrossthemonitorfarm network.However,wealways havecapacityformorework,and Iwouldencouragefarmersto booksamplingnowaheadof springsowingandplanting; especiallygiventheavailabilityof theScotGov'Preparingfor sustainablefarming'grant schemetosupportsoilsampling. "Knowingandmonitoringthe make-upofsoils,iscrucialto ensuringthebetteruseof

increasinglyexpensiveinputsand couldalsobekeytounlocking future,postCAP,government supportschemes."

"Iwouldchallengeanyfarmersto

justifymaintainingan'aye-been' approachtofertiliserorlime applications,forexample.With eye-wateringpricesforfertiliser heretostay,atleastforthe2023 croppingyear,surelyitisbetterto knowpreciselywhatisneeded andwhere?"

"Themake-upofsoilscanvary significantly,evenacross individualfields.Ifwereallylook atthefundamentals,soilsarea farm'smostvaluableresource,so knowingmoreaboutthemand howtheycanbenurturedshould beprettycriticaltothelong-term futureofafarmingbusiness,I believe."

"Ourinvolvementinsamplingof Scotland'smonitorfarmsshould, webelieve,helptodemonstrate thekeyrolethatsoilsampling playsinmakingbetter,more informedbusinessdecisions."

BethAlexander,MonitorFarm ProgrammeManagersaid:"To improveproductivityabovethe groundweneedtofirstdig deeperandlookatoursoils.Soil healthiskeyandwillbea fundamentalthemeoftheMonitor Farmprogramme."

"Wearedelightedtobeworking withSoilEssentialstoestablish baselinesoilhealthacrossall ninefarmsandlookfor opportunitiesforimprovement."

Genomeboostfornature-friendlypestcontrol

Newopenresourcewillaccelerateresearchtowardsbettertargetedcropprotection

Anewdatabaseof19 insectgenomes encompassing someofthemost damagingpestsof cropsworldwidehas beenmadepubliclyavailable.It includessomeofthemost commonpestthreatsfacedby UKfarmersincludingwireworm, cabbagestemfleabeetleand pollenbeetle,aswellasother globallyimportantspecies.

Itishopedthatthenewdatabase willhelpspeedupthe developmentofnovelpestcontrol approachesthatcanovercome resistanceandcreatemore naturefriendlysolutionstocrop protection.

Thefour-yearPestGenome Initiative,aconsortiumof RothamstedResearchandthe agrisciencecompaniesSyngenta andBayer,firstlysequencedthe genomes,andthenassembled themintotheirconstituent chromosomesbeforeadding informationaboutwhatindividual genescodefor.

Theteamsaytheireffortswill helpinthedevelopmentofcrop protectionproductsthataremore species-specificandovercome theproblemofresistance.They willalsohelpdevelopnonchemicalpestcontrolmethods, suchasmanipulatinginsect behaviour;focusingonthegenes thatcontrolhowinsectsfind matesandhostplantsandhence shepherdthemawayfromcrops. Beforetheresearchteamsetto work,detailedgenomeshadbeen assembledforonlyahandfulof theplanet’sonemillionplus insectspecies–andevenfewer ofthesewerecroppests.

Theteamsaytheireffortswill alsohelpinthedevelopmentof pesticidesthatarelesslikelyto inciteresistanceevolvingintheir targetspecies–ahugeproblem forfarmersandoftenthereason forexcessivepesticideuse. Rothamsted’sProfessorLinda Field,oneoftheresearch leaders,saidthefutureoffarming wouldbe‘smarter’andinvolve lesspesticideuse:dovetailingthe

electronicsurveillanceofinsect movementsandmeasuresthat encouragenaturalpestcontrol, withthesenewer,moretargeted pesticides.

Shesaid:“Currentlyasmuchas afifthofallcropsarelostglobally topests,andthisispredictedto increaseto25%underclimate change.Whilstnon-chemical controlmethodscanhavesome successinreducingcroplosses, pesticidesremainanecessary weaponinourfightagainst devastatingcroplossesandwill sofortheforeseeablefuture.”

Pesticideshavelongbeen implicatedinwiderbiodiversity declines,mostnotablywiththe impactsomeneonicotinoidshave onbeepopulations,leadingtothe subsequentbanningofthese pesticidesinEurope.

Byassemblingthesedetailed genome‘maps’ofannotated sequences,researcherscanstart todevelopthenextgenerationof pesticides–onesthatvery specificallytargetthepestwhilst leavingotherspeciesunharmed, saidProfessorField.

AllthepestsincludedinthePest GenomicsInitiativearewell knownforattackingvitally importantcropsworldwide, includingoilseeds,vegetables, cereals,fruits,beans,sugarand cotton.

Thehopeisthatbyhavingthese higherqualitygenomesavailable, researcherswillbeabletobetter understandhowresistanceto pesticidesevolves–anditwill alsoimprovetheirunderstanding ofinsectchemicalcommunication channels,openingupthe possibilityofnon-lethalcontrol methodsthat‘hijack’insect behaviour.

“Understandingthepests’genes meanswecanunderstandthe specificproteinstheymake.By comparingtheseproteinstothe proteinsmadebynon-target species,wecantailorcontrol methodsthatonlyworkonpests. Examplesincludethoseproteins thatallowpeststode-toxify

pesticides,thebasisofmuch evolvedresistance.”

Anotherexcitingareafor researchwillbeintothegenes involvedininsectbehaviour,the so-calledodorantbindingproteins andreceptors,whichallow insectstofindmatesorhost plants.sheadded.

“Ifwecanproduceproductsthat targetthose,wecanpotentially manipulatepestbehaviourand shepherdthemawayfromthe crops.”

Afurtheruseforthesegenome sequencesisinidentifyinginsect speciesthathavethepotentialto switchdietstofeedonother crops–somethingthatmay becomeanissueincertain countriesaspestsmigrateornew cropsaregrownastheclimate changes.

Thegenomeswillalsobean importantresourceforthewider entomologicalcommunity studyinginsectevolution, physiology,biochemistryand ecology.

Inrecognitionofthefactthatthe futureofpestmanagementwill involvebothbettertargeted chemicalsandothertechniques, theprojectalsoassembledthe genomesofthreebeneficial insects,theEuropeanhoverfly, andthepiratebug,bothofwhich predatecroppestspecies,as wellasaspeciesofparasitoid waspthatlaysitseggsinsidethe croppest,thecabbagestemflea beetle.

ProfessorFieldsaid:“It’s importantweunderstand differencesbetweeninsect species,sothatwecanboth protectcropsfrompestsand conservebeneficials.”

Kingetal,2023.Thecomplete genomeassembliesof19insect pestsofworldwideimportanceto agriculture.Pesticide BiochemistryandPhysiology.

AgrovistaannouncesnewMidlands Regionteamtoimprovecustomersupport

Agrovistahascreated anewMidlands Regionteamto providebetter supportforfarmer customersandtheir agronomistswhilstdrivinggrowth acrossthearea.

Thenewregioncomprisesthe Midlandsteam,whichwas previouslypartoftheEast Region,theShrewsburyteam andanewteamcentredonthe depotinAppleton,Cheshire.

agronomists,includingtrainees, ensuringwecanemploytheright peoplefortherightareaaswe looktoexpandAgrovista’s presenceacrosstheregion.

“Thisinturnwillbroadenthe extentofknowledgewithinthe teamandfacilitatebusiness growth.”

ThenewMidlandsRegionbrings thetotalnumberofAgrovista teamstofive,complementingthe existingEast,WestandScotland teamsandare-profiledNorth team.

Bobsaysthemovewillimprove theimpressivelevelsofservice thatAgrovistaalreadyoffers. “Highyieldsandqualityremain centraltosuccessfulcrop production,alongsidean increasingfocusonsoilhealth andthewiderenvironment.

“Thecreationofthenew MidlandsRegiontypifiesthe behind-the-scenesimprovements thatAgrovistaismakingtohelp ourteamsdeliverforour farmers.”

Newlyappointedregional managerBobSmartbelievesthe moveisanaturalprogressionfor thethreeteams,whichalready operatewithahighdegreeof collaboration.

“Wehaveagoodstrong presenceinthisareaasa companyandthecreationofthe MidlandsRegionwilladdtoit,”he says.

“Forourgrowers,thenewteam willprovideeasier,more streamlinedaccesstoproducts forallcrops,frombroad-acre arablethroughtovegetables, potatoesandforage.

“Itwillalsohelpwithrecruitment, enablingustobettertarget

“Theroleoftraditionalcrop protectionproductsisuncertain. Agrovistahasplayedaleading roleinintroducingsome innovativeandprovenbioscience productstomaintaincrop performance.Farmersarehungry forknowledgeandarealotmore willingtoputtheirtrustintoour agronomiststotrynew techniques.

ThenewAppletonteamwillbe headedupbyareamanagerPhil Campion,whosays:“Itisan excitingchallengetodrivethe businessforwardintheareaand, withmoreregionalfocusand supportforthelocalteam,to furtherimproveserviceforour customers,bothcurrentand future.”

Havingmovedpremisesin2019 toanewlargerdepotatAppleton, thereisscopetocapitaliseonthe increasedstoragecapacity available,Philadds.“Thedepotis situatedinaperfectlocationfor thelocalmajorroadnetworks enablingthedistributionteamto ensuretimelydeliveries.”

RossBartonhasbeenappointed areamanagerforShrewsbury. Thedepotbenefitedfromamajor upgradein2021andanew warehouseisunderdevelopment.

BobSmart

PhilCampion

RossBarton

Scotlandbacksorganicwith barrierstofundinglifted

Scottishfarmsofall shapesandsizes cannowapplyfor governmentcashto converttoorganic asnewfunding optionsopenedtofarmersand crofters.

Thewindowforapplicationsto theAgri-EnvironmentClimate Scheme(AECS)isnowopen,as theScottishGovernmentpushes todoubleorganiclandby2026. Atotalof680businesseswill sharemorethan£14million throughAECSthisyear,withthe fundingrewardingfarmersfor protectingtheenvironment includingsupport fororganic farming.

Thishelpsfarmers throughthetwoyearconversion process,where landmustbe farmedtoorganic standards,but goodscannotbe soldasorganic. Supportfor maintaining organicsystemsis alsoavailable afterthe conversionperiod, inrecognitionof theenvironmental benefitsthey deliver.

SoilAssociationScotlandHeadof Policy,DavidMcKay,said:"With morewildlifeandsoilcarbonon organicfarms,itisgreattosee theScottishgovernmentbacking andinvestinginthisnaturefriendlywayoffarming. "Withthegovernmentlookingto doubleorganicfarmlandand concernforclimatebreakdown andwildlifedeclinesgrowing,this isanexcellenttimeforfarmers andcrofterstoconsiderthis change.

"Theadjustmentstothescheme thisyearmakeitagoodoption forholdingsofallsizestoapply, withsomeofthepreviousareabasedbarrierstofundingnow lifted.

"Challengestotheentirefarming sectorremain,butitseems certainthatbothgovernmentand consumersupportforfarmingin harmonywithnaturewillcontinue toincrease,andfarmersshould haveconfidenceinswitchingto organic."

AlongsideScottishEnvironment LINK,SoilAssociationScotlandis callingforthebudgetfor

Thatrulehasbeensuspendedfor thisround,whichmeansthereis noupperlimitbarrierforbothnew applicantsandexistingcontract holderswithlandinexcessofthe previouscap.

Thischangereflectsoneofthe asksoftheScottishOrganic StakeholdersGroup report,Pointingthewaytowards anOrganicActionPlanfor Scotland,whichwaspublished lastyear.Theintentionisto encouragebothlargeandsmall holdingstoapply.

Thereisalsosupportavailablefor small-scale organicgrowers andmarket gardenerswho arebelowthe3ha minimum thresholdforbasic payments. Paymentsof£500 areavailablefor thosebusinesses registeredwiththe Scottish Government's RuralPayments Division(RPID), whichcanhelp covertheannual costof certification.

environmentalfarmingschemes, includingorganicfarmingsupport, toincreaseinfutureyearssothat farmersandcrofterscanhelpthe governmenttomeetitsclimate andnaturecommitments.

What'snewwithAECS?

Therewaspreviouslyanareacap whichmeantthatlargerholdings wouldnotbeeligiblefororganic conversionormaintenance paymentsonadditionalhectares above1,000ha.

Fundingwithin AECSforslurry storagehasalso changed,whilesomeoptionsare notavailablethisfundinground includingpondcreationand treatmentofbracken.

Findoutmore

VisitSoilAssociation

Certification'swebsiteandgetin touchformoreinformationabout thefinancialsupportavailable andhowtoapply.

Thedeadlineforapplicationsto AECSisWednesday7June 2023.

Futureperfect W

egetagreatboost thismonthfromthe lengtheningofthe evenings,andafew milddayscanseeus itchingtostartthe year,tosowseeds andthrowourselvesintoaction. Thoughitistooearly!Butwecan makeplansandgatherourseedsfor futuregrowing.

SoasSpringapproaches,wecanstart someofthemostimportanttasksof theyear,asthegardencomesbackto lifeafteritswintersleepandwelook forwardtotheyearahead.Buthave thequietermonthstemptedyoutoredesignyourplotorconsideramoveto moreecogardening?

So,foraslongas Icanremember I’vealwaysbeen ahugefanofthe EnglishPotager gardenwhichisa veryoldFrench systemof growingfruitand vegetablesthat areprotectedby anabundanceof flowersandherbs inasustainable waywithoutthe useofchemicals andwhichthrive actingas companionsto nourishandprotectthefood.

SinceIwasseekingideasformyowngarden, searchingtheinternetforwaystoconservewater, plantmoreforthebees,Icameacrosssomething unique,ethicalandtotallyecowhichI’msopleased Icansharewithyouallandhopefullyinspire!

Changesyoumakeinthegardentoprotectour environment,consideringtheinteractionsthattake placebetweenthevariouslivingelementsofthe garden:soil,plants,water…encouragingthe presenceoflivingelementsthatweconsideruseful suchasgardenallies.Ecogardeningisbased upontheglobalapproachtothegardenfavouring theapplicationofculturalmethodsandtheuseof alternativesolutions.

Onewayyoucandothisisbyditchingtheplastic pots!We’reallnowbusycleaningthe greenhouses,sortingoutourlists,searchingfor seedsbutmakesureyouaddthesefabulousWool pots!Honestlythey’reagamechangerandI’mso excitedtobeusingthemthisyear.Obviouslyasa regenerativesheepfarmermyselfI’malwaysvery pleasedtoseenewinnovativewaysofusingwool thatstilloftenisjustchuckedaway.Woolpotsoffer abiodegradable,environmentallyfriendlyand sustainablealternativetoplasticgardenpots. Thesearereducingtheamountofsingleuseplastic inhorticulturebyusing100%naturalwooland plantstrulylovethem.

It’ssuchafantasticideahelpingfarmersfindanew marketfortheirwool!Ittotallymakessensetoo. Sheepcanbesuretokeepgrowingtheirfleeces andthoughImakerugsorturnoursintowool,

someofthefleecesarenotsuitableforeither processandIhatewaste!So,withmyownlittle waronwastelastyear,Idecidedtousemyskirted bitsoffleeceinmygardenbasketsandtubsand theresultswereastonishing.Thewaterwas retainedsowellandmyplantsthrivedcreatinga beautifuldisplayandmyneighbourswere astonished.

Thesewoolpotscangostraightintotheground onceyourplantisestablishedandthefrostshave allbutvanishedandthewoolitselfhelpstoprotect yourplantfromslugs.They’rewovenfromraw washedwoolsonochemicalsinvolved.They’re alsoasupereconomicproductwhichissofantastic duringthelivingcostcrisis.

ChattingtoGrahamfromWoolPotsabouthisfuture plansforthisnichebusinessistobuildtheirown UKbasedfactory.Sadly,aswithmanywonderful businesses,unfortunatelytheUKdoesn’talways havetheskillsortalentsooutsourcingisa necessity.

Canthisproductreallybethatecothenifwehave tosourcethisfromabroad,Ihearyouask?

ThesewoolpotsaremanufacturedinEgypt,the

factoryisSEDEXcertifiedandplantstwo treesforeveryorderundertheir“Plant one,getonetree”initiative.Aroundthe worldtreeplantingcampaignshave becomeapopularandsimplewayto mitigategreenhousegasemissions.

Thoughit’snotaperfectsolutionsome ofyoumaysay,assomeofthese initiativesareproblematicifnotmanaged andsomemayseethisasaquaint environmentalactivitytosettlea conscience.

WoolpotsareamemberofThe CampaignForWoolwhichwaslaunched in2010toeducateconsumersaboutthe benefitsofwoolandhelptosupportand growthewoolindustry.Runbya coalitionofindustrygroupsconvenedbyHis MajestyKingCharlesIII,whenhewasPrinceOf

Wales,theCampaignworkstoengageconsumers throughexcitingfashion,interiors,artisanand designleadactivitiescenteringaroundWoolWeek eachyear.

So,Iguessthequestionis‘Canwe plantourwayoutofclimate change?’Perhapsnot,butit’sa startandIforonewillcontinueto supportnicheandinnovativeideas suchastheselittleWoolpotsand watchthisbusinessgrowand thrive.Graham’sethicsareinthe rightplaceutilisingaversatile material,whilstdoingmytinybit, changinghabitstoreducemy footprintthatlittlebitmoreand supporthisdreamtobringthis manufacturingtotheUK!

ccuracyand precisioncontinue toevolvefor Kverneland’s extensiverangeof mountedandtrailed sprayersfollowingthe developmentofseveralnew features,allfocusedon harnessingtechnology.

Therearethreenewoptional features,whichcomprise SpotSpray;theintroductionofa 25cmnozzlespacingoption;and thenextgenerationofBoom GuideProActiveboomheight control.

SpotSpraytechnologyisan extensionofvariablerate applicationmaps.Whilesuch mapshavebeenapplicableto seeddrillsandfertiliserspreaders withtaskcontrol,thesame principlecanbeappliedto

Kvernelandsprayersthatare equippedwithiXspraysoftware, whencombinedwithiXflowAir/ iXflowEindividualnozzlecontrol.

SpotSprayusestreatmentmaps thatcanpopulatedwithazero applicationrateinadditiontoa prescribedapplicationrate.By loadingatreatmentmapintothe controlterminal,thesprayer automaticallycontrolsindividual nozzlesthroughtheSpotSpray softwareandGPS,followingonly theindicatedareasonthe treatmentmap.

Thesemapscouldbeusedto defineweedspots,wetareas, non-germinationareasandparts ofafieldwithknownsoil problems.Asaresult,liquid applicationcostscanbereduced, furtherprotectinghealthycrops fromunnecessaryblanket applications.

Withtheintroductionofa25cm nozzlespacingoption,lower boomheightscanbeachievedto furtherreducespraydrifttoa minimum.Andworkingata reducedboomheightof30cm insteadof50cm,hasbeenmade possiblewiththelatest generationofBoomGuide ProActiveultrasonicboom control.Advancedsensor technologyisabletodeliver greaterprecisionandconsistent boomcontrolathigherforward speeds.

Kvernelandsprayersinclude tractor-mountediXterAandiXter Bmodels,plustheabilitytoadd capacityfroman1,100-litreiXtra fronttank.Anextensiveline-upof iXtracktrailedmodelsincludes T3,T4andT6versionsspanning 2,600-7,400litres.

Importsofliquidnitrogenfertiliser securedasdeep-waterterminalopens

Completionof Europe’slargest liquidfertiliser terminalinthe north-eastof Englandplusa strategicjointventurewitha majorglobalmanufacturerwill greatlyimprovethesecurityof supplyofliquidnitrogenfertiliser importsintothe UK,accordingto independent fertiliserproducer Brineflow.

Managingdirector IanFerris says

theseadvanceswillenable Brineflowtoaccessnewsources ofliquidnitrogenfertiliser(UAN) andstorelargequantitiesofthe material.

Thiswillreduceexposuretothe turmoilthathasengulfedthe fertilisermarketsinceRussia’s invasionofUkraine,giving farmersconfidenceina challengingmarket.

“TheUKisveryrestrictedin termsofnitratesproductiondue tothehighcostofnaturalgas,” saysIan.“Wehaveseen domesticproductionreduce

significantlyoverthepast18 months.

“Addedtothat,alarge percentageofimportshas traditionallybeenshippedfrom countriesthatwerefeeding directlyandindirectlyoffRussian gas,chieflyRussiaitself,several BalticstatesandnearbyWestern Europe.

“Wecannowaccessnewdeepoceanprimarysuppliersinthe Americasandbeyond,awayfrom Putin’sgasandEuropean competition,andwecanhold hugestocksofUAN,thebase materialforourNitrasolliquid fertiliserproducts.

“Wewillbeabletosupplythese productsondemandtogrowers acrossatleast90%oftheUK’s keyarableareas,evenwhen marketsareinturmoil.”

Deep-waterterminal

Brineflowhasjustfinishedphase twoofNitrasolTerminalNorth,its purpose-builtdeep-waterliquid fertiliserimportfacilityin Sunderland.Thishastripledthe capacityofthesite,boosting quaysidestorageto35,000tand

annualproductionto125,000t.

TogetherwithBrineflow’sother terminalinGreatYarmouth,the expansiontakesthecompany’s totalportsidestoragecapacityto 65,000tandincreasesannual productionto250,000t.

“TheSunderlandterminalhas givenustheabilitytoshiplarge trans-Atlanticvessels,”saysIan. “Wecannowreceivetankersup thatcancarryover30,000tof product.”

Theterminalisdesignedtothe latestEUEurocodesstandards.It useslargediameterlow-friction, energy-efficientpipesthrough whichshipscandischargeover 1000tofproductperhourdirectly tothequaysidestoragetanks.

Thisenablesvesselstoperform aquickandefficientoperation, minimisingthetimespentinport, whichisattractivetoshipowners.

Jointventure

Arecentjointventurewithglobal chemicalandfertiliserproducer HELMAGaddsafurtherlayerof securitytoBrineflow’ssupply network.

Thenewagreementformalisesa 40-yearworkingrelationship, bringingtogetherHELM’s expertiseonthestrategic productionandsupplyofUAN andBrineflow’sexperienceof terminaloperations,blendingand thecommercialmanagementof theUKmarket.

“Wewantedastrongpartnerwho complementedourapproachto businessandvalueswhilst bringingusclosertothe productionofUAN,ourmain liquidfertiliseringredient,”says Ian.

“Farmersincreasinglyappreciate thesubstantialproductivityand operationalefficienciesthatour Nitrasolproductsoffer.Salesare growingsignificantlyyearonyear, sosecurityofsupplyhasbecome increasinglyimportant.

“BrineflowandHELMwill combinetheshipmentoflarge vesselsfromdeepocean producerswiththeflexibilityto supplysmallervesselsfromthe ContinentandBalticregion, competitivelybringingsecurityof supplytoUKfarmers.”

NitrasolTerminals

North(Sunderland),South(Great Yarmouth)

•Totalstorage65,000t

•Totalproductioncapacity 250,000tperannum

•Fastvesseldischarge(enter portononetideandexiton next)

•Batch-controlledproduction, ensuringqualityandaccuracy

•Finemicronfiltrationon productionandloading(high qualityisstandard)

•10,000toffinishproduct storageensuringhighstockof maingradesinpeakseason withfastreplenishmentfrom production

•16lorryloadingpointsattwo sites

TheHamburg-basedcompany managesandmarkets1.8million tonnesofUANannuallyfromits ownproductionfacilityinTrinidad andTobago.

“Thismovereallyhelpstobring largevesselstoourdoorstepin theUK,providinguswiththe increasedcapacitywerequireas ourbusinessgrows.

•30-minutelorryload turnaround

•1000t/hourtotalloading capacity

•Eachloadmeteredontolorry ensuringaccurateloadingto capacity

Mecmarmobiledrieriskeytocosteffective, adaptableandflexiblegraindryingplantfor I.FJackson&SonatBowsdenWestFarm

Havingmadethe decisiontoinvestina newgraindrying systemtoincrease thecapacityfor temporarystorageof wetgrainandincreasethelevelof automationarounddryingcrops beforestorage,IanandTom Jacksonchosetocontinueto deployanelectricautomatic MecmarSSI28Tmobiledrier, suppliedbyMcArthurAgriculture.

“Wepurchasedourprevious MecmarfromDMIMechanical Engineers,nowpartofMcArthur Agriculture,in2016anditserved usextremelywell,”explainedIan Jackson,whowithsonTomand anotherjointventure,farm1,000 hectaresinandaroundBowsden nearBerwickuponTweed. Croppingissplit60/40%between winterandspringcrops.

“Whenwetookthedecisionto

investinanew5,000tgrainstoreto houseasmallgraindryingplant whichwouldallowustoaddfurther automationfeatures,wecapitalised ontheinitialinvestmentby refreshingourexistingMecmarwith anewMecmarSSI28T,electric, automatic,mobiledrierwith aspiratorcleaner.Wewereentirely satisfiedwithourpreviousMecmar andcouldfindnoreasontochange eitherthedrierorthesupplier!” addedIanJackson.

“Thenewgrainstoregaveusthe spacetoincreaseourcapacityfor thetemporarystorageofwetgrain. Wealreadyhadone30thopper andwepurchasedasecond, enablingustohold60tofwetgrain infrontofthedrier,”continuedIan Jackson.

Bothhoppersarefilledusingthe farm’sloadingshovelwitha3t capacitytoetipbucket.The existinghopperfeedsdirectlyinto

theMecmar’sloadingaugerand thesecondhopperusesanew8” augertotransfergrainacross automaticallywhenthefirsthopper empties.

WhenthenewMecmarandthetwo hoppersarefulltheJacksonscan nowdryandcool84tofgrain withoutoperatorintervention, savingcrucialmanhoursduring harvest.

InitiallythenewMecmarwas locatedatthegableendofthenew storesoopentotheelements.Asa resultoflosingsomedaysduring harvestduetobadweatherandthe needtopackthedrierawayfor winter,theJacksonsextendedthe grainstorewithanopensided extensiontoprovideprotection fromtheweatherforthedrierand thehoppers.

Aswellasprovidingacosteffectiveautomatedgraindrying solution,theMecmar alsoconditionsthe grainasitisconstantly movedaroundduring thedryingandcooling processhelpingto improvebushelweight.

Oncedriedthegrainis currentlydischarged intoaheapinsidethe grainstoreandthen movedandpushedup tofillthestorewiththe loadingshovel.

Planshavebeenmade forthefutureto increasetheautomation oftheplant,theaim wouldbetoreduce valuablemanhoursby usinganincline conveyortotransfer grainfromthedriertoa topbeltconveyorwhich wouldtransportgrainto

therequiredlocationwithinthestore.

ThenewplantmeetstheJacksons’increasedgrain handlingrequirementsandhasalsoallowedthem totaketheinitialstepsinbuildingamore automatedsolution.Theyhavetheopportunityto addincreasedautomationandintegrationbit-by-bit withoutneedingtomakeonelargecapitaloutlay.

“IhadworkedwithDMIMechanicalEngineerssince 1996andhadalongandtrustedrelationshipwith itsseniormanagementwhichhascarriedonwithout interruptionwiththetransitiontotheMcArthur Agricultureteam.Theinstallationandongoing servicestheyhavedeliveredhasbeenfaultless,” saidIanJackson.

“Theendresultisthatworkingcloselywith McArthurAgriculturewehaveaplantthatexactly meetsourrequirementsfortodayandwhichcanbe adaptedtomeetfuturerequirements.But importantly,itisaflexibleandadaptablesolution, whichshouldthefarminglandscapesignificantly alterduetotheunprecedentedchangesthatare currentlytakingplaceacrosstheagriculturesector, wecouldpack-uptheentiregraindryingsystem andsellit,whichwouldnotbethecasewithother solutions.Wereallydohaveaplantthatwillallow ustotakethebusinessforwardinwhichever directionisnecessary,”concludedIanJackson.

GRAIN & CROP STORAGE

Springbarleyboastsexceptional grainqualityforownuse

Aconsistentperformerboastinghigh qualitygrain,anearlyharvest,tallstraw andstrongdiseaseresistance,Evelinais provingitselfrepeatedlywithmixed farmers.

AvailableexclusivelyfromMoleValleyFarmers, Evelina’ssuperbdiseaseresistancemakesita versatilevariety suitablefor growinginall regionsinthe UK.“This alongside competitivegrain yields,tallstraw andhighspecific weights,makesit averyuseful springcropping option,”explains James Henderson, arabletraderat MoleValley Farmers.

“Evelinahas beenwidely grownbyourfarmersforanumberofyearsnow, successfullyachievinghighyieldsofgrainandstraw acrossvariousseasons,havingappliedthecorrectuse ofbaggedfertiliserandafullsprayprogrammefor weedanddiseasecontrol.

“Evelinaisquicktoestablishandisearlymatureand hasexcellentdiseaseresistance.Itproducesanice boldgrainidealforhomegrownfeedandwithitsextra strawlengthprovidingplentyofstrawforbedding. Evelinacontinuestoproveapopularandbeneficial varietywithlivestockfarmers,”addsJames.

SouthSommersetmixedfarmerhasseenfantastic grainqualitywith Evelinaspring barley.

MarkGlanville farms235 milkingcowsand 120beefcattle over242 hectaresin Chardandgrows Evelinaspring barleyforfeed.

“Wecombine andcrimpit, harvestingat 28%moisture,” saysMark.“We grewitforthe firsttimelastyear andwearegrowingitagain.

“Thegrainqualityisexceptional,andthatwasdespite thedroughtwehadlastyear,”heexplains.

MarksaysthatEvelinasuitshimbecauseithasan earlyharvestandtallstraw.“Theearlyharvestsuits us,andwebeddownthelivestockonthestraw,which isstiffwithgoodstanding.

“Thestrongdisease resistanceprofileisalsoa hugebenefit,andwehada reallycleangrainsamplelast year,”addsMark.

Andseeingsimilarbenefitson amixedfarmenterprise,is Scottishfarmer,DavidJames Smith,whoisbasedinAngus.

“Evelinaisnottoolate,it’s goodqualityandisalways clean.Wegrowonaverage 40acresayear.

Davidhas85sucklercows andfollowersand300sheep andsellsEvelinathrough CopeSeedsandGrain.

“Theearlyharvestis beneficialtousupinScotlandandithasnodisease issues.Wewillbegrowingitagainthisyear,andhave doneforthelast5years,”addsDavid.

Grainsupportsthegrower’scommentsonEvelina.“In UKtrials,Evelinashowedoutstandingdisease resistancewithnoweaknesses,thegrainsproduced highspecificweightsandhadlowscreenings.Ithas quickestablishmentandisearlytomatureandthe

strawwasvisiblytallerthanothervarieties”.

TobookyourEvelinaorformoreinformationabout springcerealseed,pleasecalltheMoleValleyseed lineon01769576232.

Select the Best in Grain Drying

GemmaClarkeofseedsuppliersCopeSeedsand

Thinkingofupgradingyourgrain handlingsystem?SeehowBDC SystemsLtddeliversforitscustomers

WEFoers&SonLtdreplacedits ageinggraindrierandgrainhandling systemwithaSvegmacontinuous flowdrierandSkandiagrainhandling equipmentfromBDCSystemsLtd andpartnerMcArthurAgriculture.

“TheSvegmadrierquicklystartedtodelivera returnoninvestment,”saidWilliamFoers,who farmsintheDoncaster,SouthYorkshirearea.

“TheSkandiahandlingequipmenthasimproved ourefficiencyandproductivity.TogetherMcArthur AgricultureandBDCSystemshavedelivereda future-proofedplantthatwillallowWEFoers& SonLtdtoquicklyandeasilyprocessourgrainfor manymoreharveststocome.”

TheHobsonfamilywhofarmsinCoMeath, Ireland,increasedrevenuebyexpandingtheir

graincleaning,dryingandstoragebusinesswitha Svegmadrier,aSobyaspiratingpre-cleaner,a ZaninrotatingdrumcleanerandCimbriaand SkandiagrainhandlingsolutionsfromBDC SystemsandpartnerIrishGrainHandling ServicesLtd.

“Thenewplantallowsustonotonlymeetour customers’needsbyseparatingandcleaning differentvarietiesofgraintothehigheststandard, ithasenabledustofocusonorganicand regenerativefarmingpractices.Wehave experimentedwithcombi-cropping,growingcereal cropsalongsidelegumestopromotesymbiosis andproductivityandweneededasystemthat couldhandlethedifferentgrain,”saidDavid Hobson.

AlistairRobertsonofBonningtonMainsFarm,

Grain drying

storage & processing

Dr ive , Flixborough Industr ial Estate , Flixborough, Scunthor

Midlothian,has spedupharvest byoneweekwith anewgrain processingplant whichincludesa Svegmadrier, BDCSystems’ Moisture Monitoring System(MMS) anAagaard Aspiratorprecleaner,aZanin rotarycleaner andSkandia grainhandling equipmentfrom BDCSystems andpartnerd.m.i Mechanical Engineers(now partofMcArthur Agriculture).

“BDCandd.m.i. havedelivereda newprocessing plantthat‘bangon’deliverswhat weneeded,”said MrRobertson. “Harvestwas easier,quicker, moreproductive andefficient handling increased capacity-we shavedoneweek offthetimeit wouldpreviously havetakenus.”

Robert Huddlestoneof HuddlestoneProduce,EastYorkshire,worked withBDCSystemsandpartnerMcArthur Agriculturetotakeadvantageofthechangein planningregulations,andspeedupharvest,when upgradingthebusiness’graindryingandstorage plant.

MrHuddlestoneinstalledaSvegmadrierand Skandiagrainhandlingequipment.TheSkandia rangeofsectionlengthsandcurveoptions allowedthenewplanttokeeptothe1,000sqm footprint,whichunderthe2018change,removes therequirementtosubmitafullplanning

application.

“Beforetheinstallationofthenewplantthe previousfiveharvestshad,onaverage,taken around100hours.Lastyearwehadourbiggest yieldyetandharvesttookjust70hours!”saidMr Huddlestone.“Iamconfidentthattheplantwill continuetomeetourrequirementsformany harveststocome.”

ForexpertadvicespeaktotheBDCSystems team:–01672810851|https://bdcsystems.com/

BlackSeaInitiativetokeepmarkets volatileshortterm:Grainmarketdaily

•UKfeedwheatfutures(May-23)closedat£245.00/tyesterday,up£2.50/t fromMonday’sclose.TheNov-23(newcrop)contractalsogained £2.50/toverthesameperiodtocloseat£241.50/t.UKmarketshave followedthedirectionofthePariswheatmarkets.

•ConcernoverUkraine’sgraincorridorgrows,asfightingescalates, lendingsomesupporttomarkets,moreonthisintoday’sanalysis.

•ArecordwheatcropinIndiaisduetobeharvestedinMarch,forecast torise4%to112.2MtaccordingtotheIndiangovernment.Thisisdown tohighpricesincentivisingincreasedarea,useofhigh-yielding varietiesandfavourableweather.Thiscouldreplenishdepletedstocks andbringdowndomesticprices,thoughanextensionofthebanon wheatexports(duetoexpireinMay)isstillbeingconsidered.Arecord rapeseedcropisalsoduein2023.

•Parisrapeseedfutures(May-23)settledat€553.50/tyesterday,down €1.75/tfromMonday’sclosefollowingpressureinUSsoyabean markets.

•HarvestprogressoftherecordBraziliansoyabeancropcontinues,with 17%completeonThursdaylastweekaccordingtoconsultancy AgRural,puttingpressureonUSsoybeanfutures.ChicagoMay-23 soyabeanfuturesfell0.4%toyesterday’sclose.

Thewarbetween Russiaand Ukraineis intensifying,with aspringoffensive expectedinthecoming weeks.

TheBlackSeaexportcorridor dealisalsocomingupfor renewalagain,theinitiative facilitatedbytheUNand Turkey,whichallowsthesafe navigationofgrain,related foodstuffs,andfertiliserfrom threeUkrainianports(Odesa, ChernomorskandYuzhny).

Thelastrenewaltookplace on19November2022for120

days,bringingthedatefor renewaltoaround19March. Wehavealreadyseensome reactioninpricestothe concernssurrounding whetherthisdealwillbe renewed.

Ukrainianofficialspointtothe ‘destructive’actionsfrom Russia,byintentionally slowingorstopping inspections,askingfor unregulateddocumentation aswellasincreasing uncontrolledtrafficvolume throughtheAzovandBlack Seaports.Asweheardin Monday’smarketreport,this

iscreatingaqueueofvessels intheBosporus.

Russiahassaiditwouldbe ‘inappropriate’toextendthe dealunlessthesanctionsare liftedonagriculturalexports fromRussia,aswellas resolvingotherissues,dueto blocksonpayments, insuranceandlogistics impactinggrainandfertiliser exportsspecifically.Thisis significantforRussia consideringitslargewheat cropthisseason,peggedat around90-105Mtbyvarying consultancies/agencies.

Whatiscurrentlyleaving Ukraine?

Solookingtohowmuchis currentlyleavingUkraine,as releasedbytheUkrainian AgricultureMinistrytoday, totalgrainexportsinthe seasontodate(Julyto15 February)aredown29%on theyearat29.7Mt.Thisis downtoasmallerharvestand logisticaldifficultiescausedby theRussianinvasion.In February(to15Feb)2.7Mtof grainhadbeenexported, downfrom3.5Mtinsame periodayearprevious.

Roadandrailcontributeto theseexports,thoughthe BlackSeaInitiativehasbeen keytoalargeproportionof exportssincethe establishmentofthedeal.

Throughtheinitiative,maize hasaccountedforjustunder 50%ofexports,andwheat justunder30%.

UsingUkrAgroConsultdata, wecanmaptotalUkrainian exportsforwheatandmaize thisseasoncomparedtolast. Whatdoesthismean?

Inshort,expectsomevolatility inglobalwheatmarkets, especiallyinthecoming weeks,aswemovecloserto thedateoftheBlackSea exportcorridorrenewaland informationemergesonthe escalationofthewar.News onwhetherthisdealwillbe renewedandforhowlongwill bekeytoglobalavailability.

Globalgrainsupplyand

demandremaintight,andwe haveseenwheatprices supporteddespitecoming backfromthehighsseen backinMay.Shouldthedeal beextended,andwesee Ukrainiangraincontinueto flow,andRussiacontinue theiraggressiveexport campaign,anyriskand supportbuiltinpricesinthe runuptotherenewalcould comeback.Onthemaize picturetoo,thefloortothe grainmarket,Argentinian drynessconcernscontinue butthatBraziliancropislarge andwhenitarrivescould pressureprices.Looking ahead,asweheadrapidly towardsnextseason,newcropconditionswillbe increasinglyinfocus.

GICANDSTOURGARDENCELEBRATE 21YEARSOFWORKINGTOGETHER

Packagingmachine manufacturerGICand Stourgardenarethis monthcelebrating21 yearsofworking together,inwhichtime oneoftheUK'sleadingsuppliersof onionshasseendemandgrowbyover 500percent!

Stourgardenwasestablishedbybrothers BillandJohnRixin1995whentheywon acontracttosupplyTesco.

Today,thethird-generationfamily businessstillgrowsonionsontheEssex andSuffolkborder,aswellassourcing onionslocallyandfromaroundtheworld toensureayear-roundsupply.

In2002BillapproachedGICforaquote toaddaverticalformfillandseal packagingmachinetoStourgarden's singlepackingline.Atthattime,just45 tonnesperweekwereleaving Stourgarden'ssitenearColchester. Today,thatvolumehasincreasedto morethanonemillionpacksperweek.

ThefirstGICmachines–twoVFB2000s –wereboughtinAugust2002and installedatStourgarden'sLodgeFarm packhouseinearly2003.Both VFB2000sfeaturedmaintenance-freefull servodrivesystems,MarkemSmartdate coder,dischargepackelevatoranda stainlesssteeldriptray.

AsdemandforStourgarden'sonions increased,thecompanyupgradedthe VFB2000stoVFB8000sin2007.Two yearslater,Stourgardenaddedathird packinglineandorderedanother VFB8000.Allthreemachineswere upgradedinthesummerof2016,with threeGIC8000sbeinginstalled.

TheGIC8000isahigh-speedcontinuous motionverticalformfillandseal

packagingmachinecapableof handling65packsofonionsper minute.

Thelatestgenerationfeatures maintenance-freeAllenBradley Rockwellservomotordrivesforall machinemovements,includingfilm feed,crimpjawopeningand closing,andcrimpjawvertical motion.Theten-inchoperatorfriendlyHMIcolourtouchscreen controlsarecomplementedbytoolfreesizechanging,afullyintegratedcoderstation,reelrunoutdetection,andanout-oftolerancetemperaturesensoronthe HeatSealCrimpJaws.

SuchisthebuildqualityofGICs machinesthatalloftheVFBmodels suppliedtoStourgardenarestill operatingatotherfoodmanufacturers today.

Aswellassupplyingthemachines,GIC hasalsoservicedthemfor21years, ensuringthatthemachinesoperate efficientlyandwithminimaldowntime.

"Stourgardenisafantasticstory,andwe areveryproudtohaveplayedasmall partintheirsuccess,"saysAndyBeal, managingdirectorofGIC."Billandthe teamatStourgardenhavegrownthe businesssignificantlysincewefirstmet inJuly2002.Alothashappenedinthe last21years,butIthinktheapproachof bothcompanieshasstayedthesame. Wehavealwaystriedourbesttooffera high-qualityproductbackedupwith excellentcustomerserviceandlookto formlong-standingrelationshipswithour customers.Ithinkwe'veachievedthisas everytimeStourgardenhasincreasedits packingcapacity,they'veorderedanew machinefromus."

Currently,Stourgardenissupplying Tescowithoveramilliononionsevery

day.However,inthepandemic'sfirst week,thisreachedovertwomillionper day!

"Whenrestaurantsshutduringtheearly stagesofthepandemic,andhome cookingincreased,wesawamajorshift inourbusiness,"saysBill."Thankfully, wearequiteanagilebusinesswitha greatteam.Byhavingthemostup-todatetechnologyandmachineryinplace atLodgeFarm,wewereabletoadapt veryquickly.HavingGIC's8000satthe endofourpackinglinesenabledusto rampupproductionandplayedakey partinsupplyingTescowiththeextra volumetheyrequired.KnowingthatAndy andhisteamwereonlyanhourortwo awaywasalsoreassuring.

"Growingthebusinessoverthelast21 yearshasbeenateameffort,andwelike tothinkthatallofoursuppliersarepart ofthatteamsuccess,GICisgreat exampleofjustthat."

BasedinGainsborough,GIChasbeen designingandmanufacturingvertical formfillandsealpackagingmachines since1993.Forfurtherinformationabout GIC,visitwww.gic.uk.net,email info@gic.uk.netorcall01427611885 andtofindoutmoreaboutStourgarden, visitwww.stourgarden.com

Fromsinglemachinestocomplete turnkeysolutionspotatogrowers trustHaithtohandleit.

FENMARC'SFANTASTICFOUR!

OneoftheUK's leadingsuppliersof preparedfresh vegetableshasseen asignificantincrease incapacitysince completingamulti-millionpound investment.

Fenmarchasenjoyedthebenefits ofadditionalthroughputand efficiencyatitsWisbechfactory sinceinstallingacompletenew multiplelineweighingand packagingplant.

Thenewlinesfeaturethelatestin multi-headweighingtechnology alongwithfourGIC3100high speedverticalformfillandseal packagingmachines,whichnow giveFenmarchigherspeeds, greateraccuracyandalowercost ofownership.

completedin2020,andincluded theinstallationoftwoGIC3100s alongwithnewhighspecification multi-headweighersandanew complexproductfeedandmixing system.

Thenewplantrequirementwasfor eachGIC3100tohandleover100 packsperminute,withpack weightsrangingfrom100gto800g.

TheGIC3100,whichfeaturesa10inchHMIcolourtouchscreenand thelatestspecificationRockwell AllenBradleyServoDrives,isideal forallhigh-speedapplicationstoa maximumof250mmwide,suchas pillow,gussetedandblockbottom. TheGIC3100boastsarobust mechanicaldesignwithanew counterbalancesystemforhigher speeds.

"TheweighersandGICvertical formandfillpackagingmachines installedinphaseoneprovedtobe somuchmoreflexible,fasterand moreaccuratethantheprevious set-up,"saysTerry."That'swhywe decidedtocommissionan additionaltwolines,whichwere installedinAugust2022.

"Inthesixmonthssincethe additionallineswere commissioned,we'veincreasedour capacitysignificantly,allowingusto expandourrangewithbothnew andexistingcustomers.

"Thepreviousthreelineshadbeen running18hoursaday,seven daysaweeksince2015,"says

TerryHolland,Headof EngineeringatFenmarc."We decidedtoseehowwecould becomemoreefficientforseveral reasons.Thelineswereshowing theirageandneededmore frequentexpensivemaintenance; somepartshadbecomeobsolete andwerenolongersupported;and newmachineryofferedbetter accuracyandperformance."

Phaseoneoftheprojectwas

"SincedecidingtoworkwithGIC backin2019,whenwevisitedtheir facilities,wehavebeenvery impressedwiththeefficiencyofthe GIC3100machinesandtheafter salesback-upandsupport received.Wearealsopleasedwith theoveralllowtotalcostof ownership.

Fenmarc'sfourGIC3100machines bringthetotalnumberofGIC machinesoperatinginthefresh producesectortoinexcessof300 machines."Weareverypleasedto havereachedthismilestone,"says AndyBeal,GIC'sManaging Director."Weprideourselveson

deliveringhighquality,well-built andefficientpackagingmachines andprovidingthebestlevelsof after-salessupporttoour customersthatwecan.It'sgreatto knowthatourverticalformfilland sealpackagingmachinescanhelp increaseourcustomers'capacity andplayapartinhelpingthemwin newbusiness."

GICwasestablishedmorethan30 yearsagoinGainsborough,

Lincolnshire,andemploysover30 people.Thecompany manufacturesanextensiverange ofverticalbagmakers,producinga widerangeoffinishedbagsizes from100mmto600mmwidein bothintermittentandcontinuous motionvariants.AllGICmachines offerlow-costownership, robustness,reliabilityand exceptionalbuildquality.

GIC'smachinesintegrate seamlesslywithupstream equipmentsuchasmulti-head weighers,cupfillersandcounters. Thecompanyoffersefficientand cost-effectiveafter-salestoallits customersinfreshandfrozen foods,cereals,snacks, confectionery,pasta,powdersand pulses,industrialhardwareand liquids.

ForfurtherinformationaboutGIC, emailinfo@gic.uk.netorcall01427 611885.

SustainablePotatoSproutControl

Biox-Mistheonly100%naturalandsustainablesproutcontrolforpotatoes.

Withthedemiseof AHDBPotatoes,the industrylosta numberofkey sourcesof information,advice, supportandcommunicationboth forgrowersandtothewiderworld. GBPotatoes,anewvoluntary memberbody,hasbeencreatedto fillsomeofthegapsandisseeking thesupportofgrowersacrossthe countrytobea‘newvoice’and championfortheindustry.

GBPotatoeshasbeen setupto:

•Defend: standreadytodefend thereputationoftheindustry whenrequired;

•Enable: Provideplatformsfor memberstoworkinpartnership onprojectsofmutualinterest;

•Communicate: Provideforums forgrowersandotherstoshare knowledgeandbestpractice;

•Know: Beawareofcross industryR&Dactivity,current andhistoric,toreduce duplicationandbringtogether mutualinterestgroups;

•Speak: Bethesinglepointof industrycontactfor government,regulatorsandthe media.

ThelossofAHDBPotatoesand theclosureofSuttonBridge storageresearchfacilitycoincided withsomesignificantchallengesfor thosestoringpotatoes,withthe removalofCIPC,theintroduction oftwonewsproutcontrolproducts inquicksuccession,andtherecent surgeinenergycosts.The absenceofasinglepointofcontact foradviceandtodisseminatebest practiceacrossindustryhasmade theprocessofadaptionharderand lesscertain.

Growersinthefreshsectorhad beenusingBiox-M(spearmintoil) sinceitarrivedintheUK2012,and theproductwaswell-understoodin long-termrefrigeratedstoresand onorganiccrops.Withtheendof CIPCforthe2020harvest,the processingsectorwentthrougha swiftlearningprocesstoadaptto Biox-M,anewanunfamiliar productformany.Thislearning experiencehassincebeen repeatedtwice,andrightacross theindustry,withtheintroduction, in2021and2022,oftwofurther

newproducts.

Theabsenceofindustry-wide, independentdiscussionofand adviceonbestpracticeforthenew products,andonthelessonslearnt fromwhatwere,effectively,awide rangeofcommercialtrials(every storeisdifferent,andeachstore treatedforthefirsttimecreatedan opportunitytolearn)hasbeenfelt bymanygrowers.

Ontopofthechallengesof learningaboutnewsproutcontrol products,theinvasionofUkraine andimpactonenergycostshitthe industryin2022.Everystore managerisnowlookingathowto reduceelectricityuseinstore.Can thetargettemperaturebe increased?Canfansand/orfridges berunforshorterperiods,or overnightonly?Adviceisavailable fromnormalcommercialproviders, ofcourse,butthelackofan industry-widevoiceisbeingfelt.

Juno(PlantProtection)ispleased tosupportGBPotatoes,andwe wouldencouragegrowerstovisit thewebsiteandregisterfor membership:www.gb-potatoes. co.uk

•Isanaturallyoccurringproduct,inwidespreaduseinthefoodindustry,

•Isapprovedforuseonorganicpotatocrops,

•HasnoharvestintervalorMRLbeyondtheonedaymandatorywithholding periodaftertreatment,

•Doesnotleavepersistentresiduesinthefabricofstoresandboxesusedfor storage,

•Andisthereforesuitableforuseinstores,whichmaysubsequentlybeusedfor thestorageofothercropsorseedpotatoes,

•Iseffectiveathigherstoragetemperatures,reducingtheriskofacrylamide developmentwhencropisprocessed,

•Sequesterscarbonduringgrowth,removing1tofCO2forevery1,000tof potatoestreated,

•Andshouldbeacomponentofthesustainabilityplanforeveryfarmandevery customer;effectivelycarbonneutral.

GreenvaleteamsupwithTrinity AgTechtoboostsustainabilityand carboncredentialsforpotatogrowers

Leadingpotato supplierGreenvale APLtdhaspartnered withTrinityAgTech torolloutTrinity’s naturalcapital navigator,Sandy,tofarmsacross thecountry,supportingthemin crediblyandconfidentlyanalysing andreachingtheirenvironmental targets.

JoannReid, Technical Directorat Greenvale, explainsthat thebusiness islookingto updatetheir environmental strategybyidentifyingareasfor carbonreductionbeforesetting ambitiousbutachievablenew targets.

withthathelpsusmeetthese needs,”shesays.

Todothis,robustanalyticsbased ontherightscienceandmethods arerequiredtounderstandwhere Greenvaleanditsgrowerscurrently sitintermsoftheirnaturalcapital andcarbonfootprint,andwhatthe bestoptionsareforthefuture.

analyticalintegrity,Sandywasthe obvioussolutiontopartnerwithto strengthenthebusinessresilience oftheirfarmersandgrower network.

“Wehaven’tcomeacrossanother naturalcapitalnavigatorwhich offeredthebreadththatSandy offers,”sheadds.

“Thelong-termaimofthisnew partnershipistocreatefinancial, environmental,andsocial resilienceforGreenvalegrowersby capturingscientificdataand analysiswhichgrowerscanuseto accuratelypinpointareasof opportunity.”

“Asaleadingsupplieroffresh potatoesandtheUK’slargest supplieroforganicpotatoes,we areactivelybuildingastrategyto deliveragainstagrowingdemand formoresustainableproduce.We wanttofulfilconsumerandsupply chaindemandsforsustainable,low carbonproduce,sowe’vebeen lookingfortherightpartnertowork

“Thenatureofgrowingpotatoes currentlyinvolvesrelativelyhigh carbonoutputs.But,gathering rigorousanalyticsthroughSandy willallowustosetambitious,yet achievablegoalstocrediblyreduce ourcarbonoutputs,andconvey themwithintegrity,”saysMsReid.

MsReidexplainsthat,duetoits

Commentingonthecollaboration withGreenvale,TrinityAgTech’s directorofbusinessdevelopment, AnnaWoodleysays,“Greenvaleis renownedforbeinginnovativeand earlyadoptersoftechnologyand willbeanimportantplayerinthis naturalcapitalspace.

“Buildinganevidencebasefrom credibledataiscrucialforgood decisionmaking.

“We’relookingforwardtoworking withGreenvaleanditsgrowers throughtheirsustainabilityjourney,” shesays.

Syngentaadvicetoprotect blightfungicideefficacy R

eportsofasingle strainblightpathogen inDenmarkwhere somesampleswere showntoberesistant tothehighly importantCAAgroupofblight fungicides,hasreinforcedadvice forgrowersandagronomiststo preventitoccurringintheUK.

thegenemutationassociatedwith CAAresistanceisonlyobservedin homozygousstrainsofpathogens, andisthereforearecessivetraitin anysexualreproductioncreationof newblightclones–which significantlyreducestheriskof furtherresistantstrainsdeveloping.

InpreviousreportstheJames HuttonInstitutehas highlightedhowdifficultitis forblightpathogensto makethetransitiontothe UKagainstprevailing winds.

SyngentaTechnical Manager,Andy Cunningham,advised; “Revus(mandipropamid) remainsaseffectiveagainst theUKblightpopulationas hasalwaysbeenthecase.Thekey challengecontinuestobetoassure thattheCAAchemistrygroup efficacycanbeprotectedasan essentialtoolforgrowers.”

thelevelofresistanceintheblight population.

Theresearchdemonstratedthat addingamixturepartnerwasthe mosteffectivestrategy,alongwith alternatingsprayswithdifferent modesofactionthatwasalsoa usefuladditionaltool.Thework alsodemonstratedthatsimply

Thestrain,EU_43_A1,hadbeen identifiedinDenmarkforthepast fourseasons,butneveridentified amongthemultitudeof blightclonesthatmakeup thepopulationintheUK.

Researchhasshownthat notallEU_43_A1are resistanttotheCAA fungicidegroup,however fiveoutlierisolatesin Denmarkhadbeen identifiedasresistantlast season.Sensitivity monitoringprogrammesof theanti-resistanceaction group(FRAC)in2022showed ‘generallyafullsensitivepicturefor CAAsoverEurope,withafew suspiciousisolatesunderfurther investigation’.

Europeanresearchhasshownthat

HereportedSyngenta’sdedicated Europeantrialprotocols,inthe

raisingthedoseofCAAfungicide orincreasingthenumberofsprays wouldprovecounterproductive, thusincreasingselectionandthe incidenceofaresistantstrain.

“Ouradviceisforgrowersand agronomiststofollowtheFRAC recommendations,” advocatedAndy.“That includestoalwaysmixCAA fungicideswithaproduct withanalternativemodeof actiononblight,aswellas toalternatesprayswith differentmodesofaction wherepossible.Theoverall numberofCAAfungicides intheseason-longblight programmeshouldalsobe limited.

presenceofhighdiseasepressure andCAAresistantstrains,had shownusingmandipropamidin mixtureswithalternativemodesof actionhadalwaysdelivered effectivecontrolofthedisease. Furthermore,thestrategyreduced

“Furthermore,maintainingspray intervalstoassurepreventative treatmentandgoodapplication techniquestoachievefull protectionofthecropcanopywill reducetheriskofanyblight developing.”

HAITHRECENTLYFOCUSEDONOPTICALSORTINGATFRUITLOGISTICA

TheUK'sleadingmanufacturerof vegetablehandlingsolutionspromoted itsinnovativemobileopticalsorterat FruitLogistica.

ThePRO-Sortopticalsorterwas developedbyHaithinpartnershipwithGRIMMEUK andautomatestheremovalofstone,clodandforeign debrisfrompotatoes.

Capableofhandlingupto100tonnesperhourwith highlevelsofaccuracythankstotheintegralTOMRA

3Aopticalsorter,thePRO-Sortisprovingpopularwith UKgrowersfacedwithlabourshortages.Rob Highfield,Haith'ssalesmanager,isconfidentthePROSortwillalsoappealtoEuropeanfarmers.

"Wehavecustomersaroundtheworld,includingUSA, CanadaandEurope.Aswellaswantingtofindcosteffective,reliableandefficientwaystoreceive,wash andgradetheirproducetheyareallstartingtotalk abouthavingtheflexibilitytomovetheirhandling machinerytowhereit'sneeded,"saysMrHighfield. "Labourshortagesandthecostoflabourare

HAITHRECENTLYFOCUSEDONOPTICALSORTINGATFRUITLOGISTICA

significantissuesforgrowers.Ithinkthesetwofactors arebehindtheincreasinginterestwe'reseeinginour mobilesolutions,suchasournewmobilewater treatmentplantandthenewPRO-Sort.

Amodularunit,thePRO-Sort,canbeusedinthefield, onafarmorintegratedintoaneworexistinggrading line.

Byworkinginpartnershiponthedevelopmentofthe PROSort,HaithandGRIMMEhaveensuredthatthe newunitcanbeusedinconjunctionwiththeGRIMME RHreceivinghoppertotransferpotatoesintostoreand theGRIMMECleanloader.

HaithandGRIMMEUKenteredintoastrategic workingagreementin2020todelivercomplete solutionstotheircustomers, allowingthemtosourcevegetable handlingequipmentandin-field rootcropandvegetable machineryquicklyandefficiently.

"FruitLogisticainBerlinwasa successfulshowforus,wehada fantasticturnoutandsomevery interestingenquiries.Itwasgreat toseesomanypeopleattending theshow,itreallyshowcasedhow theinternationalfreshproduce industryisthriving."

RobHighfield,SalesManager MikeMatthias,ProjectsDesign Manager

RecordSuccessasDairy-TechHailed 'MostSuccessfulShow'ToDate

TheUK'spremier dairyevent,DairyTech,hasbeen hailedas'thebest eventtodate'after recordvisitor numbersandexhibitorsfilledthe hallsatStoneleighPark, Warwickshire.

Over7,000visitorsflocked throughthegatestosee320 exhibitorsandafullseminarand demoprogramme,all showcasingthelatestlearning, innovationandtechnologyinthe sector.Thedayalsoplayedhost to80newproductlaunches.

CrowdspackedouttheDairyand InnovationHubs,wheretopical discussionstookplaceand showcasedthelatest innovations.Keynotespeakers wereTomBradshaw,NFU DeputyPresidentandRABDF ChairmanDiWastenage.They

discussedthestateofthedairy industry,includingthe importanceoffoodsecurity,trade dealsandgovernmentsupport.

Theeventalsosawsome prestigiousawardspresented, includingtheNMR/RABDF2022 GoldCup,whichwenttothe LoganfamilyfromAyrshire. Otherwinnersincluded:

•RebeccaSmith,fromHarper AdamsUniversity,wonthe DairyStudentAward sponsoredbyMoleValley Farmers.

•JackRustfromBristolVet School,MarleyLamerton fromHarperAdams UniversityandLauraButt fromDuchyCollegewonthe vet,agriculturalcollegeand agriculturaluniversitiesFarm HealthManagementaward categories,sponsoredby Volac.

•TruDrinkingfromSmaXtec claimedtheRoyalDairy InnovationAward.

Commentingontheshow, RABDFManagingDirector MatthewKnightsaid:

"Yesterday'sshowwasourbest andmostsuccessfulDairy-Tech. Therewasadefinitebuzzonthe showfloor,withnospareseats orstandingroomformanyDairy andInnovationHubsessions.

"Despiteoptimisminthesector overthepastninemonths,there ismuchuncertaintywithmilk pricecuts,highinputcosts remaining,labourissuesand increasingpressuretoreduce emissions.Visitorshadadefinite requirementtounderstandbetter themarketsituationandhow theycanmanagesuch pressures."

MrKnightadded:"Thenew LamenessVillageattractedmany

visitors,withfoottrimming demonstrationstakingplace throughouttheday.Wewill definitelylooktobuildonitnext yearasmorefocusisplacedon thisimportantissue."

TheRABDF'snexteventisDown

toEarth,withtwoevents happeningthisyearintheNorth andSouth.DowntoEarthSouth takesplaceon21JuneatNeil Baker'sfarminHaselbury Plucknett,Somerset.Then,on July6ththeeventheadsnorthto WigtoninCumbria,showcasing

regenerativefarmingatMark Lee'sfarm.Visitorscanlearn aboutregenerativefarming practicesatbotheventsandsee theminaction.For more information,visithttps:// projectdowntoearth.co.uk/

HarperAdamsStudentBeatsOffStiffRivalry forThirdYeartoWinNationalDairyAward

AstudentfromHarper AdamsUniversity hasbeatenofffive otherfinalistsina closelyfought contesttoscoop thisyear'sprestigiousRABDF DairyStudentoftheYearAward, sponsoredbyMoleValley Farmers.

AgriculturewithFarmBusiness ManagementstudentRebecca Smithwontheawardaftera rigorousapplicationprocess. Thisincludedwritinga1,500wordessayonacasestudy preparedbyKiteConsultingand deliveringapresentationtoa panelofjudgesattheFarmers' ClubinLondon.

Thisisthethirdyearinarowa studentfromHarperAdams Universityhaswontheaward, withlastyear'sstudentbeing MaxMitchellfromShrewsbury, Shropshire.

Thewinnerwasannouncedat Dairy-Tech2023on1st February,whereRebeccawas presentedwithachequefor£750 andatrophy.Shealsohadthe exclusiveopportunitytoquiz panellistsinvolvedintheStateof theDairyingNationdebate, includingFarmingMinisterMark Spencer.

Aspartofthecompetition, Rebeccaalsowonasix-month paidplacementwiththeaward sponsorMoleValleyFarmers.

Runner-upwasRuralEnterprise andLandManagementstudent JackHoward,alsofromHarper AdamsUniversity.

Thecompetition,runbythe RoyalAssociationofBritishDairy Farmers(RABDF),isdesignedto reflectreal-lifechallengesseen ondairyfarmsandbroaderpolicy issuesandidentifysomeofthe sector'srisingstarsandnew entrants.

Thisyear'sjudgingpanel consistedofRABDFChairmanDi Wastenage,ViceChairRobert Craig,MoleValleyFarmers' JamesHague,andChloeCross fromKiteConsulting.

Commentingonthewinner,Mrs Wastenagesaid:"Thestandard ofthisyear'sstudentswas incrediblyhigh,makingthefinal decisionalmostimpossible.

"Rebeccagaveanexcellent presentationshowingherdeep practicalandtechnical knowledgeofdairyfarmingwhile alsoexplainingingreatdetail howthewiderindustryneedsto improveitscommunicationwith consumers.

"FiguringstronglyinRebecca's presentationwasmore innovativeproductdevelopment tocapturethevaluable conveniencefood-on-the-go consumer.Shealsoemphasised theimportanceofpromotingthe soil-healthbenefitsofpasturebaseddairyfarmingasasolution tothewiderproblemof greenhousegasemissions.

"Rebeccaalsohadveryclear ideasaroundwhatwecanlearn fromthepromotionofplantbasedalternatives,usingsocial

mediaandinfluencerstoengage withGenZ,"shesaid.

MrHague,HeadofAgricultureat MoleValleyFarmers,added: "MoleValleyFarmersis delightedtosponsortheDairy StudentoftheYearawardand ourcongratulationsgoto RebeccaandJack.They deliveredexcellentpresentations withaclearunderstandingofthe challengesandcomplexities facingtheindustryand, importantly,themany opportunitiesthatalsopresent themselves.

"Judgingthisyear'scompetition wasdifficultduetothehigh calibreofstudentsinthefinalsix, whichisencouragingandbodes wellforthefutureofour industry.

"Wearenowlookingforwardto Rebeccajoiningusonher placement.MoleValleyFarmers andtheRABDFwillcontinueto worktogethertoencourage, developandpromoteyoung peoplewhocanworktodeliver innovativeandpracticalsolutions tothechallengesofmoderndairy farming,"hesaid.

FormorenewsfromDairy-Tech 2023visitwww.dairy-tech.uk

SmaXtecTruDrinkingwins RoyalDairyInnovationAward

ThesmaXtechealth monitoringsystem hasbeenrecognised foritslatestproduct development, TruDrinking,inthis year’sprestigiousRoyalDairy InnovationAwards.

TruDrinkingwaslaunchedin November2022andisthefirst-ofits-kindfeaturethatmeasuresthe waterconsumptionofcowsandcan immediatelydetectirregularitiesin waterprovisionorcowhealth.The bolusalsorecordsinnerbody temperature,ruminationandactivity, givingdairyfarmerstheabilityto identifyanypossiblehealthissuesin thecowslongbeforevisiblesigns mayappear.

Competingasoneofthreefinalists selectedfromashortlistof25 entries,smaXtec’sglobalsales

director,ChrisHowarth,collected theawardduringDairy-Techat StoneleighParkfollowingaproduct presentationtoapanelofjudgesat theInnovationHub.

Decidingthisyear’swinnerwere, dairyfarmerandcompetitionchair, TimDownes,CIEL'sHeadof Innovation,DrMarkYoung,and MichaelHalliwell,Commercial Directoroflastyear'swinning product,CattleEye.

"Thejudgingpanelwereexcited abouttheTruDrinkingtechnologyas awayofmonitoringwaterintakeand alsotemperatureandsawthiswhen linkedtothesmaXtecappasbeing agreattoolforearlydetectionof bothsicknessandcalving,”saysMr Downes.

"Beingabletocheckifcowsare drinkingsufficientwaterhasahuge

impactonmilkyieldandcow health.Inastronglineupofentries thiswasaworthywinnerofthe RABDFDairyInnovationAwardand waswellreceivedbytheaudience whowantedtoknowmore."

WhensmaXtecwereannouncedas thewinner,MrHowarthsaid;“Itwas fantastictohavetheopportunityto presenttosuchanenthusiastic crowdatDairyTech.Scoopingthe prizeattheendofthedayisareal achievement.ThesmaXtecteam hasreceivedsomephenomenal recognitionforthesystem’s technologicalinnovationoverthe pasttwelvemonths.

“Asabusinesswe’reconstantly evolvingthesystem’sfunctionalityto continueimprovingcowhealthand driveefficienciesinthedairysector, byenablingpreventativemeasures."

newgenerationofforagecoverwhich isgame-changinginitsmethodof protectingclampsandbaleshasbeen launchedbyKelvinCaveLtd.

Newclampandbalecover shieldsforagefromdamage A

ClampShield500andBaleShield160 havebeendevelopedtogiveahighdegreeof protectiontoclampedorbaledforagewhilecutting theneedforsingle-useplastic.

Botharereusableproductswhichgiveprotection forseveralyears;theyhavelong-termultraviolet stabilityandofferoutstandingtearresistance–importantlygivingprotectionagainstdamageby birds.

Coveringclamps

ThemostrobustoftherangeisClampShield500, designedforuseacrosssilageclampsimmediately ontopofalowair-ingress vacuumfilm.Usedinthis way,itcutstheneedfor single-useplasticby75%.

Withaweightof500g/m2–aroundtwicethatofnetting –thecoverstaysinplace withlessweightingthan typicallyused.Sandor gravelbagsaroundthe clamp’sperimeterandon anyjoinsareusually consideredsufficient,with notyresorweightacross theclampusuallyrequired.

DevelopedinItalyby specialistmanufacturersof highlydurabletextilesused incivilengineeringandthe oilindustryaswellasin agriculture,Clampshield500 comprisesawater-repellent, polypropylenefleecewith outstandingdurabilityand upto15yearsofUV resistance.

Itstextured,non-slipsurface issafertowalkonthan conventionaltopsheets, eveninicyconditions,as testifiedbyitsusein extremeclimates,atdown to-20°C.

Theproductisavailableina rangeofsizesandis suppliedwithhookandloop tape(similartoVelcro),to securelylinktwosheets together,andcoverany shapeandsizeofclamp.

“We’vebeensearchingforaproductwhichistruly resistanttodamagebyrooksandcrowsformany years–somethingthat’sparticularlyimportantfor maize,wholecropandothersilagescontaining grains,”saysKelvinCave,MDofthecompany specialisinginfeedandforagepreservation.“We’re confidentwehavethisdurabilityinClampShield 500whichalsocomeswithenvironmentaland healthandsafetybenefits,andcansavesignificant costwhenusedoverseveralyears.”

Coveringbales

TheBaleShield160versionoftheproductisofthe sameconstruction,butitslowergaugeismore suitedtocoveringstacksofhayorstraw,oreven wrappedbaleswherebirddamageisaproblem. Thisallowstheforageorbeddingtobesafely storedintheopen,closetowhereit’sneeded,and minimisestheriskoflossesorspoilage.

Bothwaterrepellentandbreathable,BaleShield 160helpspreventtheformationofmouldonbales

anditsUVblockingtreatmentgivesthefleecea servicelifeofuptofouryears.

Usedonstackedbales,ideallyinapyramid formationandonpalletstoprovideall-roundair circulation,BaleShield160canbesecuredusing oneofarangeofaccessories,designedforeasy accessatfeedout.Theseincludehookandloop tapetojointwoormorecoverstogether,plastic screwsforsecuringthefleecetotheendsofthe stack,andmetalclipsforattachingtometaltubes, tokeepthecoverundertension.

Bothproductsaredesignedforminimaluseof labour,eveninwindyconditions,whethersheeting andopeningclampsorcoveringandremoving stackedbales.

Foradviceaboutoptionsforfeedandforage preservation,pleasecontactKelvinCaveLtdon 01458252281orMichaelCarpenteron07817 977701

NewformulationforFMCgrasslandherbicide

NewformulationforFMCgrasslandherbicide

Are-formulatedversionofapreviously approvedgrasslandherbicide,Triad, hasnowreceivedregistrationfor use,givingfarmersgreaterflexibility intacklingweedsinnewsownleys.

Withincreasingnumbersoffarmerswantingto establishnitrogen-fixingcloverleysasaresultof risingfertilisercosts,SimonFrancis,commercial technicalmanageratFMC,explainsthatthenew product,nowsoldasTriadSX,willbeparticularly beneficialasatooltohelpsuccessfulcrop establishment.

“Annualweedslikechickweedcansmothergrass leys,particularlythosecontainingclover,which canmakeitdifficultforthecroptoestablishinits firstyear,”hesays.

“AspartofthesolutiontothisTriadSXcan effectivelycontrolarangeofproblematicannual weeds,allowingfarmerstogetthegrassofftoa goodstartandhelpingstrongswarddevelopment tosuppressfurtherweedgrowth.”

TheregistrationofTriadSXalsocomesatatime whenthenumberofclover-safeproductsavailable togrowersisdiminishing.

MrFrancisexplainsthataround50%ofallnewly sownleysintheUKarethoughttocontainclover, sotheregistrationofTriadSXwillbewelcomed asthereisarealneedforeffectiveclover-safe products.

“ThenewversionofTriadcomesasagranular product,formulatedwithSX®technology,which makesiteasytouseandallowsareducedwash outofthespraytankcomparedtotheprevious tabletformulation,”hesays.

“Thenewproduct’slabelisverysimilartotheold one,withanapplicationperiodbetween1stMarch and31stOctober,whichwillprovidealong windowinwhichtocontrolannualweeds.

“Thosewhohaveexperiencewiththeoldversion oftheproductwillbeveryfamiliarwithhowtouse TriadSX,”headds

“Aswithallclover‘safe’products,it’simportantto checkthegrowthofcloverintheswardfollowing application,sopleasespeaktoyouragronomist andreadthelabelforinformationonhowtouse TriadSXsafelyandeffectively,”hesays.

TofindoutmoreaboutTriadSXspeaktoyour agronomistorvisithttps://fmc-agro.co.uk/ herbicides/triad-sx

RABIappointsPaulPirie asheadoffundraising

RABIispleasedto announcethe appointmentofPaul Pirieastheheadof fundraising.Paul bringsoverthirty yearsofdirector-levelexperience innationalfundraising,PRand businessdevelopmenttothe charity.

“I’mexcitedtotakeupthe positionwithRABI–particularly atsuchapivotalpointof transitionforthefarming community,”saysPaul.

RABIchiefexecutive,Alicia ChiversstatesthatPauljoins RABIatatimewhenthecharity’s roleinsupportingthewellbeingof farmingpeoplehasneverbeen moreneeded.

“RABIisdeliveringagainstitsaim ofsupportingfourtimesasmany farmingpeopleby2024,”Alicia explains.“Tocontinuedelivering suchanextensiverangeofholistic, wraparoundsupportservices, coveringwellbeing,financial supportandpracticaladviceand guidance,isdependentonrobust resourcing.

“Weneedtoensurewereachour fundraisingtargetstomaintain andgrowoursupportofferatthe levelthatisneededbyour community,”shesays.

Inhismostrecentroles,including a21-yeartenureatTheSalvation Army,Paulhasfocussedon providingstrategicsupportto communities,amotivatingfactor whichdrewhimtotheroleat RABI.

“Themostvulnerablemembersof thefarmingcommunityarebeing hitthehardest,”saysPaul.“Many familyfarmbusinessesareonthe brinkandtheirlong-term sustainabilityisatrisk.Arangeof additionalpressuresfacing farmingcommunities,including post-Brexitlabourshortages,fuel andfertilisercosts,policy transitionandAvianInfluenzaare addingtothebreadthofinherent farmingpressurepoints.

“Nomatterwhatchallengesface farmingpeopleoverthecoming monthsandyears,RABIwill continuetooffervitalsupport whereitisneeded.Iwillhelpraise thefundsrequiredtofulfilthese growingdemands,”Paul concludes.

URGENTACTIONNEEDED TOSUPPORTMENTAL HEALTHOFFARMERS

PARENTSOFYOUNGFARMERWHODIEDBYSUICIDE

JOINTHECAMPAIGNTOTACKLETHEBIGGEST HIDDENPROBLEMFACINGFARMERSTODAY

•94%ofUKfarmersundertheageof40rankpoormentalhealthasoneofthebiggesthidden problemsfacingfarmerstoday,arecentstudybytheFarmSafetyFoundationreveals.

•Mentalwellbeinglevelsintheindustryhavebeensteadilydeterioratingoverthepastthree years,thestudyalsofinds.

•36suicideswereregisteredinEngland&Walesamongthefarmingandagriculturalindustry in2021accordingtotheOfficeofNationalStatistics.*

•TheparentsofLeonardEadon,aWarwickshireyoungfarmerwhodiedbysuicidein2022, jointhecampaignformoreactiontosupportthementalhealthofthosemakingtheir journeyintotheindustry.

Thepastfewyears haveundoubtedly provedchallenging fortheUK’s farmingindustry. Continued uncertaintysurroundingBrexit,a globalpandemic,supplychain shortages,thewarinUkraineand now,issueswiththeeggand poultrysectorhavebeen impactingthementalhealthof thoselivingandworkingin farming.

Likemanyinthecountry,farmers arealsostrugglingwithspiraling costs.Thecostoffertiliserhas trebledinprice,reddiesel-the dieselfarmersuse,hasdoubledin priceand,withthecurrent climate,costofliving,lossofBPS [basicpaymentscheme]andmore environmentalpressures,the impactonfarmers,theirbusiness andtheirmentalhealthisgiving charitiesliketheFarmSafety Foundationrealcauseforconcern.

Arecentstudybyleadingrural charity,theFarmSafety Foundation(YellowWellies) revealedthatpoormentalhealth amongfarmersandagricultural workersisofgrowingconcern andhasadirectimpactonsafety

onfarms.Inasampleof450 farmersagedunder40,94%agreed thatpoormentalhealthisthe biggesthiddenproblemfacingthe industrytoday.

Thisweek,theFarmSafety Foundationwillbefocusingon theissuethroughtheirsixth annualMindYourHeadcampaign whichbringstogetherover300

farmingorganisationsand charitiesacrosstheUK.The campaignwillcontinuetobreak downthestigmaattachedtopoor mentalhealthinthefarming sectorandrecognisethecurrent pressuresonfarmersandhowit impactsontheirmental healthandtheirabilitytofarm safely.

Inanindustrythatcontinuesto havethepoorestsafetyrecordof anyoccupationintheUK,making surefarmersarelookingaftertheir physicalandmentalwellbeinghas neverbeenmoreimportant.There were22*farmworkersthatlost theirlivesinfatalfarmincidents in2021/2022,however,therewere 36**suicidesregisteredin EnglandandWalesbythose workinginthefarmingand agriculturalindustryin2021 accordingtotheOfficeofNational Statistics.

Inthesamestudy,90%ofyoung farmersagreedthatfarmsafety andmentalhealtharedirectly linked,however,theFoundation’s researchalsorevealedsome alarmingresultsaboutthose registeringlowermentalwellbeing scores.Inthestudy,usingthe WarwickEdinburghMental WellbeingScores(WEMWBS), farmerswithlowermental wellbeingscoreswerelesslikelyto takestepstostaysafeonthefarm (e.g.wearPersonalProtective EquipmentPPE,carryoutrisk assessments).Theywerealsomore likelytoadmittotakingrisks,less likelytothinkaboutthe consequencesandlesslikelyto takepersonalresponsibilityfor theirsafety.

StephanieBerkeley,Managerof theFarmSafety Foundationsaid:“Ourresearch showsthatlevelsofmentalhealth infarmingaredeterioratingandit isbeingpropelledby–inaddition tomanyotherthings–thecurrent politicalclimate,stresscausedby Covidanditsaftermath,spiralling costsandcontinuingbarriersto adequatecareformanypeople livingandworkingintherural community.Farmersalso recognisethattherearebarriersto ‘openingup’abouttheirmental healthhowever,having‘nooneto

talkto’wasnotseenasa significantbarrier.Thisisbecause wehavefantasticfarmingcharities andruralsupportgroups operatingintheUK.

“However,callstoruralsupport helplineshaveincreasedor becomemorecomplexoverthe pastthreeyears.Forexample:In Wales,TirDewihavenoted5-8 timesthevolumeofcallstotheir helplineandTheDPJFoundation havemade47%morecounselling referrals.InNorthernIreland, RuralSupporthavereporteda 40%increaseincallstothe supportline;and,whilecall volumestotheRoyalAgricultural BenevolentInstitutionandRSABI inScotlandhavebeenconsistent, thereferralsandinteractionshave becomemorecomplexandrequire moreofamulti-agencyapproach.

“Urgentactionisneededto supporttheongoingmentalhealth ofourfarmers.Weneedtotake thepressureofftheseruralsupport groupsandcharitieswhoare increasinglyrelieduponto providesupportforthoseincrisis situations.

Recognisingthesignsand symptomsofsomeonestruggling withtheirmentalhealthandat crisispointcanbedifficult, especiallywhentheyarethe personthateveryoneelsedepends onforsupport,asAndyand LyndaEadonofWarwickshire unfortunatelyknow.

AndyandLyndahaveagreedto sharetheirheartbreakingstory andexplainwhylosingtheironly childtosuicideisanexperience noparentshouldgothrough–howtheyareusingtheirvoicesto callonyoungpeopleinthe industrytoreachoutandsupport eachotherandhowtheyare slowlylearningtoexistagainasa familyonabusyworkingfarm.

At22yearsold,Leonard(Len) Eadonwasapopularyoung farmer,completinghisstudiesat HarperAdamsUniversitywithhis wholelifeaheadofhimhowever, inJanuaryof2022,Lentookhis ownlife.Oneyearonfromthese tragicevents,hisparentsAndy andLyndahavebeencampaigning tomake,whatisessentiallyavery

difficultsubject,moreopento discussionandonethatyoung farmers,inparticular,recognise andarepreparedtotalkabout.

Thecouplehavebeenworking withStephanieandtheteamatthe FarmSafetyFoundationforthe pastyeartoraiseawarenessamong thenextgenerationoffarmersof recognisingthesignsand symptomsofsomeonestruggling andgaintheconfidencetostart whatcouldbeadifficult conversation.Theyarecallingfor moresupportforthosemaking theirjourneyintotheindustryand havecreatedtheFive-a-Day ChallengeinLen’smemory.

Lyndasays:“WhenLeonarddied, itbecameaverystrongfeeling thatwehadtodosomethingto bringpeopleinthefarming communitytogethertotalk.This iswhyAndydevisedFive-a-Day Challenge***-fiveverysimple thingsyoucandoeverydayto lookafteryourmentalhealth. Over18,000ofthesebrightred challengecardshavebeenprinted anddistributedtomarkets,local youngfarmersclubsandthrough theNFUStudentFarmer magazine.Wealsocommissioned 2,000copiesoftheFarmSafety Foundation’sLittleBookof MindingYourHeadtobeprinted anddistributedtoYFCsto supportthenewmentalhealth curvemodulethattheyhave developed.”

Lyndacontinues:“Ourhopeis that,becauseLeonardwassowell knownanditshockedsomany people,wewantpeopletokeep talkingaboutitandkeep rememberinghimandrealisethat theyneedtobeawareofwhat they’refeelingandreachoutif theyneedit.Thereisnoshame. Thereisnostigma.Butthereis support.”

Formoreinformationon theMindYourHeadcampaign pleasevisitwww.yellowwellies. orgorfollowthemonsocialmedia -@yellowwelliesUKonFacebook, InstagramandTwitterusingthe hashtag#MindYourHead.

Howmental healthimpacts onfarmsafety

Weallknowthatsafepracticeinagricultureis importantandcanimpactourphysical wellbeing,butcanmentalhealthimpactour abilitytostaysafeonfarm?

Increasingpressuresonourmentalhealthcan increasework-relatedstress.

Ifwork-relatedstressincreases,itislikelytohavea negativeimpactonhowweareabletoworkasexternal pressurescandistractusfromthetasksathand.

Assuch,poormentalhealthcanhaveadirectimpacton ourabilitytofarmsafely.

Addressingtherootcauseoffarmfatalities

Withtheratesoffatalitiesinagricultureremaining stubbornlyhigh,itisworthlookingatwhytheselevelsare sohigh.

Onlybyaddressingtherootcauses,andtherefore changingtheculturesurroundingmentalandphysical wellbeing,canwebegintoseeachangeinthestatistics thatarecurrentlydefiningagriculture.

Withonaverageofover100peopledyingwithin agriculturefromeithersuicideorfatalinjury,asignificant proportionofthefarmingpopulationisbeinglost unnecessarily.

Itistimethatthesestatisticschanged.

Goodmentalhealthincreasesefficiencyonfarm

Mentalhealthneedstobeasmuchofapriorityasour physicalhealth.Bytakingcareofourmentalhealthour safetyonfarm,andthereforemuchofourphysicalhealth, islikelytoimprove.

Asthisimproves,itislikelythatourefficiencyonfarm willimproveaswell,aswearelessdistractedbyexternal pressuresandmoreabletofocusonthetasksathand.

Ifyouoranyoneyouisstrugglingwiththeirmental wellbeing,ourwellbeingdirectoryprovidessignpostingto regionalandnationalsupportnetworks.Visit:Find wellbeingsupportinyourarea|NFUonline

ynameisEmilyandI currentlyfarmabout200 rentedacresinsouthwest Scotlandwithmypartner Scottandouryoungfamily. Werunasmallmixed livestockunitrunning250 breedingewesand15sucklercows.

Iamafirstgenerationfarmerhavingbeen interestedinagriculturefromayoungagebut neverreallyknowingwhereIfittedinthe industry.Ioriginallyattendedagricultural collegeatAuchincruivebackin2011butas bothafemaleandsomeonenotfromafarming backgroundIdidn'tseeaclearcareerpathfor myselfandeventuallyleftcollegetopursuea careerinprofessionalservices.WhenImetmy partnerScotthehadakeeninterestinfarming andwashobbyfarmingwithhisfamilywho livedonasmallfarm.Withthesupportofboth ourfamilyswedecidedthatwewantedto attempttorunamorecommercialunitand afterseveralunsuccessfulattemptsto purchasesmallfarmsandsomeunsuccessful farmtenancyapplicationswewereeventually weresuccessfulinsecuringadecentparcelof grazing.

Whenweeventuallysecuredthegrazingwe cameontothegroundinJune2022inwhat wasagreatgrassgrowingsummerinsouth westScotlandandwehadmoregrassthanwe knewwhattodowith.WebroughtScott'sflock oftexelcrossesthatheandhisfamilyhad grownfromahandulofewesandcadelambs toaflockofabout80texelcrosses.Wehadto quicklyscaleupoperationsandwhilstwe benefittedfromabuoyantsheeptradeit,we

struggledtoaffordtoexpandourflock Withpricesofeweswithlambsatfootreaching £160alife,wequicklyrealisedwewouldneed anotherstrategyifweweretoincreaseour sheepnumberswithoutbankruptingourselves.

Wespentthesummerbuyingsmallbundlesof sheepprivatelywherewecouldfindgoodvalue withmostlysmallnativebreeds;ourcurrent sheepbreeds include Shetlands, Soays, Swaledales, Manx Loughtonand Hebrideans.

No endeavours arewithout their challenges andwehave hadtowork hardtomake thesmallselectionoffarmbuildingswerent intosuitablewinterhousingforourherdof sucklercows.Wewantedtoextendtheexisting shedtoprovidemorespaceforourcattleandto coverthefeedpassage.Wedidn'thaveany shedbuildingexperiencebutwiththeguidance ofsomeknowledgeablefriendsandlotsoftrial anderrorwefinishedourshedextensionin

Novemberandourcattleweregladtocomein. Wehopetorenovatetheremainingbuildings andarehavingdiscussionswithourlandlord aboutcompletelyreplacingashedwhichhas fallenintodisrepair,althoughitremainstobe seenwhetherourshedbuildingskillsare sufficienttoerectanewbuilding.

I'mnotsureanyotherjobdemandssucha diverseskillsetasfarmingandIenjoythe creativityandproblemsolvingthatisrequired. Whilstitwasdauntingexpandingoperations andtakingriskwehavebeenhelpedalongthe waybysomanyandthereisarealsenseof communityandhelpfulnesswithinthesector. Asawomanagriculturefeelsverydifferentfor menowthanitdidin2011andI'mnotsure whetherthatisdowntothematurityand confidencethatIhavepersonallydevelopedor whetherseeingsomanyvisiblewomaninthe industryhavemademydreamsseemmore achievable.IfollowthosesuchasZoeColville @thechiefshepherdess,ElizabethHammett @hammettsdairy,EmmaGray @emmagrayshepherdessandRhiPinches @the_farmer_not_the_wifeandrelatetotheir honesttakeonfarmlife.

Ifeelveryfortunatetobefarminginmyown rightandhavebigplansformyfuture,ifyou wouldliketofollowthesetogetherwith witnessingthemishapsalongthewayyoucan findmeonInstagram@thecharmerfarmer.

ThenewBörgerpump,whichquickly resolvedproblemswithdischarge

ABörgerpumphassignificantlyenhancedthe ADprocessatamixedfarmdeterminedto besustainableforthelongterm.

Thefarmneededtoreplaceatroublesome pumpthatwasunabletohandlethe11%dry matterthicknessofthedigestatebeingdischargedfrom thedigester.Thiscauseddisruptiontothefarm’s80kW biogasplant,whichexportsmostofitsgreenenergytothe NationalGrid.

ThenewBörgerpump,whichquicklyresolvedproblems withdischarge,addstotheBörgerPowerfeedsystemand BörgerMultichoppermaceratoratthefront-endofthe process.

ThePowerfeedmixesandhomogenisesafeedstockof fruit,manure,maizeandchickenlitter–regardlessofthe content’svariability.Therawmaterialfeedingtechnology guaranteessafeandreliableprocessingofsolidsfrom4-5 tonnesperhour,uptoninetonnesperhour,ifrequired.

BeyondthePowerfeed–andconnectedbyaBörger

circulationpump,theP500BörgerMultichopper benefitsfromatough,perforateddiskchopper withanequallyrobustcentralhigh-performance rotatingbladeholder,benefittingfromreversible blades.TheMultichopper’smultiplebladecutters areautomaticallyadjustedbytheBörgerMCA (MechanicalCuttingAdjuster).Throughput volumesareupto400m3/h(1760usgpm).

Börgerhasalsosuppliedthefarmwithabespoke controlsystemtogiveafullyautomatedfeed-in system.APL200Börgerpumpprovides continuousfeedfora10m3buffertank.Asthe tankapproachesitcapacity,thesystemtypically performsa5-minutefeedcycle,pumpingthe feedstockfromthePowerfeedthrough Multichoppermaceratorandintothedigester. Thetime-lengthforafeed-cyclecanbeadjusted forcertainfeedstocksinordertomaintaingas levels.Thissystempreventsanyfluctuationsin temperaturethatwouldpreventtheADprocess fromoperatingatoptimumlevels.

LoadandflowsensorsalsoenableBörgerto monitortheequipmentremotelysothattheycan seeataglanceviaasmartphoneorpcthatthe feed/not-feedset-upisworkingasitshouldbe. Operatingataround1Bar,withnogreatheadof pressuretoovercome,itisagentle,carefully managedsystem.

YOUNGCOMPANYMAKINGAN ASSETFROMFARMWASTE

Ayoungcompanyis workingonanew wayforfarmersto makemoneyfrom farmwaste.

Somerset-basedBioFactory aredevelopingamodular anaerobicdigesterwhichcan bescaledtoanysizeofdairy farm.Thecompanyhasbeen workingwithprecision engineeringandinnovation expertsAgri-EPICentre,to developandrefinetheir systemwithaviewtobringing ittothemarket.

Havingwonfundingfrom InnovateUKandDefrafora 12-monthfeasibilitystudyvia theFarmingInnovation Programme,BioFactoryare nowraisingworkingcapitalto commercialisethecompany fully,whileAgri-EPICentre continuetoprovideanalysis andconsultancy.

CharlieBowyer,business developmentmanagerfor livestockandaquacultureat Agri-EPICentre,said:"Slurry isnutrient-rich,andreturningit tothesoilisavitalpartof circular agriculture. Anaerobic digestionis agreatway toadd valuetoit whilst retaining nutrients, reducing GHG emissions and becoming more energy-independent.

Whereasanaerobicdigesters –whichfermentorganic mattertoproducebiogasfor heatandpowergeneration–arewellestablishedinthe industry,systemsareoftentoo costlyandhigh-maintenance formostfamilyfarms.

Agri-EPICentrehavehelped BioFactoryaccessfunding, providedtechnicalassistance, andintroducedthemto potentialfundersandadviceto helpthemscaletheirproduct andsellittodairyproducers.

"Digestatehaslongbeen recognisedasahigh-quality fertiliser,andtheheatand powercreatedfrombiogas cancreateameaningful incomeforfarmersorreduce theirenergybills.Commercial ADsystemsaresimplyoutof reachformostdairyfarmsdue tocapitalandoperational costs,aswellasbarrierssuch asplanningpermissionanda changedsubsidylandscape sincethe"AD-boom"ofthe early2010s.

"Workingwithyoung companieslikeBioFactoryis Agri-EPICentre'sbreadand butter;helpingthemdevelopa goodideaintoasuccessful businessandproviding solutionstofarmersatthe sametime."

JonBlake,chiefcommercial officeratBioFactory,said:"If you'readairyfarmer,youwill alwayshaveslurry,butwecan helpturnitintoanassetrather thanaby-product.Thereis nothingtosaythatwecan't resolvefarming'simpacton theenvironmentaswell.Our ethosistobuildsomething simpleandreliableforthe dairyfarmer.Ourunitsare40'longshippingcontainersand easilyscaled;ifyouwantto increaseyourherd,youcan simplyaddanotherreactor. "Weweresoluckytobeinthe rightplaceattherighttime. Ouryoungcompanyhadbeen waylaidbyCovid-19whenwe cameacrossapotoffunding fordevelopingtechnologyto helpwithnetzerotargets.Agri EPI-Centrehelpedusgethold ofourgrantanddevelopour productinreal-lifefarming conditions.

"Eventhoughtheinitial12monthprojecthasconcluded, wearesopleasedtocontinue ourrelationshipwithCharlie andhiscolleagueson laboratoryanalysisofthe biodigestate,andwithothers atAgri-EPICentrewhoare helpinguswithleveraging furtherfundingandsales contracts."

WELTECBIOPOWERandGTSextendservice partnershipforUKandIrelandBiologicalservicefor WELTECbiogasplantscomesfromVechta,Germany

WELTEC BIOPOWERhas extendedthe successful cooperationwithits servicepartner, GordonsTechnicalServiceLtd (GTS)fromNorthernIreland, untiltheendof2026.The Germanbiogasplant manufacturer‘scooperationwith GTShasbeeninplacesince 2017andappliestoWELTEC customersfromGreatBritainand theRepublicofIreland.Both companieshavemanyyearsof experienceintheregion.

WELTECBIOPOWERhadbuilt oneofthefirstbiogasplantsin Englandin2006andisoneof thepioneersofbiogasplant constructionthere.

servicingWELTEC‘s BallyrashaneCreameryplant. Theplantprocessesdairywaste, energycropsandcattleslurry. SinceIrishdairycooperative LakelandDairiesacquired Ballyrashanein2019,GTShas beeninvolvedsignificantlyin repairs,new installationsand commissioning upgradesto increasethe plant‘s performance.

„Thesupportof Trevorandthe GTSteamisvery importanttous–especiallytheir assistancewith continuous improvements,“ emphasizes Ballyrashane Creamery‘s Environmental Manager,DavidHughes.

Ireland,areindirectcontactwith thebiologyteaminVechtafor thispurpose.Theservice includesmonthlyprocess monitoringandregularlaboratory analysesofthebiological parametersaswellasindividual trouble-shooting.Forthis

WELTECBIOPOWERhasextendedthe suc-cessfulcooperationwithits servicepartner,GordonsTechnical ServiceLtd(GTS)fromNorthern Ireland,untiltheendof2026.GTS ManagingDirectorTrevorGordon(left) andServicemanageratWELTEC BIOPOWERRüdigerÖtken(right).

GTSManagingDirectorTrevor Gordonalsohasexpertiseinthe fieldandhas,forexample,been successfullyresponsiblefor

GTSoffersawiderangeof services,fromfixingminor breakdownsofstuckvalvesto replacingroofs,mixers,and servicingtheMULTIMixliquid inputsystem.Inaddition,there areregularmaintenanceand remotemonitoringservices.This alsoincludesnecessary modificationstotheplantcontrol system,whicharecarriedouton sitetogetherwithWELTEC specialists.Ultimately,the serviceensuresefficient operationforahighenergyyield.

„WevalueenormouslyatGTS thattheteamcanbeatany WELTECplantintheregion withintwelvehoursifnecessary,“ saystheservicemanagerat WELTECBIOPOWER,Rüdiger Ötken.

Anothersuccessfactoristhe stablebiologicaldigestion process.Theoperatorsof WELTECplantsintheUKand

purpose,digestersampleshave tobeexaminedandassessedby thebiologicalservice.This enableseconomicaloperation.In addition,theoptimizationofthe substratemixthroughthe assessmentoffeedmaterials andfeedchanges–evenduring theplanningphaseofaplant. Theservicepackageisrounded offbyfermentationtestswhen newsubstratesareused,the preparationofbiologicalstart-up plansduringcommissioning,and biologicaltrainingontheplants. Alsoonthebasisofthese services,WELTECBIOPOWER hassucceededinhelpingtobuild upthebiogasindustryintheUK andIreland.Becauseonlywith thehelpofatechnicallywellengineeredandbiologically stableproductionprocess, operatingcostsarereducedand theprofitabilityofbiogas productionissecured.

TheoperatorsofWELTECplantsintheUKandIreland, areindirectcontactwiththebiologyteaminVechta:Dr. KatharinaTabke(left)andWiebkeDammann(right),both biologyteam.

LouwSonEnergylaunchesEnergy+Alliancetohelp growersbeattheenergycrisisandboostcropgrowth

Inanindustryfirst, gasengine specialistLouwSon Energywilllaunch anexcitingnew CHPpartnership–theEnergy+Alliance(E+A)–on standL139atHortiContact2023. Offeringwhole-of-marketengine support,CHPsupplyand innovativeenergygeneration solutions,E+Awillhelpgrowers

quicklygainaccessto thecompletesuiteof engine-boosting engineering,express partsdelivery, responsiveservice, digitalremotetroubleshooting,as wellasnew,refurbishedand rentalengines.

Withdecadesofcombined experienceinthegasengine sector,adedicatedR&D division,andafresh approachtoCHP supportwhichfrees ownersfromrestrictive contracts,theEnergy+ Allianceputsthepower backinthehandsofthe engineowner,giving growerspeaceofmind thattheirday-to-day powerproductionis constantlyefficient, effectiveandemissions compliant.

Strongertogether

siteswithlimitedspace.All leadingenginebrandsare available,fromJenbacherand MANtoLiebherrandScania,and everyenginecomeswithfree12monthtechnicalsupport.

Gen-C–Digital-firstUKgas enginesupportcompany, deliveringthelatestCHP innovations.Specialistsinopenaccesscontrolpanels,remote monitoringandtroubleshooting, engineupgradesandbespoke, innovativeadd-onstoboost performance.Suppliersof approvedpartsforallmajor enginebrands.

andgreenhouseownersto generateon-siteheatandpower fasterandmoreefficiently–plus, captureCO2toacceleratecrop andplantgrowth.

Morepower,faster

TheconceptoftheEnergy+ Allianceistoprovideaseamless end-to-endCHPofferingby bringingtogethersevenof Europe’sleadingCHPengine innovators:LouwSonEnergy, Gen-C,Motortech,RSMotor, Re-Power,CMCommissioning andLSParts.Eachbusiness deliversonecriticalpartofeither CHPserviceorsupply.By combiningtheir specialisms,customerscan

Thesevencompanies thatmakeupthe Energy+Allianceare: LouwSonEnergy–Dutch-basedsupplierof naturalgasandbiogas CHPengines,including new,usedandrental optionsfrom30kWto1MW+, pluscontainerisedsolutionsfor

MotortechGmbH–International developerandmanufacturerof gasenginecomponentsand accessoriesforallleadingCHP brands.Fromignitionsystems andcontrolpanelstoair/fuelratio controllers,Motortech’s commitmenttoR&Dplacesthem atthecuttingedgeofCHP innovation.

RSMotor–BasedinSpain,RS MotorisaspecialistinMWM, GuascorandJenbacherengines, offeringsparesandservicing.

Re-Power–Dutch-basedgas enginesupportcompany, deliveringadigitalapproachto serviceandmaintenanceof leadingenginebrands.Expertsin controlpanelupgradesandall aspectsofCHPenhancement.

CMCommissioning–CHP enginestart-upand commissioningspecialistbased

intheUK,offeringremote supportincludingfaultseeking, troubleshootingandinstant restartsacrossallleadingengine brands.

LSParts–ApprovedMANparts supplier,deliveringqualityengine sparesfromcylinderheadsand pistonstolinersandfullyassembledshortblocks.

Next-generation CHPsupport

“TheEnergy+Allianceis anaturalevolutionofthe alreadystrong partnershipbetweenour companies,whichhas deepenedoverthefive yearsthatwehavebeen workingtogether,” explainsRoland Louwsma,Managing DirectorofLouwSon Energyandfounder memberoftheEnergy+ Alliance.

“Growersand greenhouseownerscan benefitfromour combinedexperience andexpertise,safein theknowledgethattheirenergy solutionwillbefast,smart, efficientandcarbon-saving, allowingthemtocuttheirenergy bills,sellexcesspowertothe gridandboostplantgrowthby capturingheatandCO2.”

Discovermoreaboutthenext generationofCHPengine supportatStandL139.

HeatExchanger’ssizebeliesitsperformance

Sometimesthe biggestconstrainton thechoiceofheat exchangeristhe spaceavailablefor itsinstallation,and sothephysicalsizeoftheunit outweighsotherfactors.However, insuchsituationsitisimportantto ensurethatthethermal performanceisstillsuitableforthe chosenuse.

Thisisexactlytherationaleforthe introductionoftheHRSCSeries ofcompactmultitubeheat exchangers.Basedonthe popularHRSKSeries,butwith smallertubestoreducethesizeof theunit,theCserieshasbeenadoptedfora numberofusessinceitsintroductiontwoyearsago.

Suitableforawiderangeoflowviscosityuses, includingfood,environmentalandindustrial situations,theHRSCSeriesfeaturesHRS’s corrugatedtubetechnologywhichincreasesheat

moretubescanbefittedintoeachunit, meaningthatheattransferismoreefficient.This resultsinamorecompactunitastheoveralllength oftheheatexchangercanbereducedforagiven capacity.TheCSeriesismanufacturedfrom stainlesssteel–althoughothermaterialsare available–withstandardconnectiontypes.

Historiccityrevealedashost ofRIDBABuildingAwards

HundredswillheadtoCambridge nextSeptemberforthereturnof RIDBA’sflagshipevent.

It’sbeenconfirmedtheRIDBA BuildingAwardswilltakeplaceat theGraduateCambridgehotel,nestledonthe banksoftheRiverCam.

Thebiennialeventcelebratesexcellenceinthe

modernagricultureandindustrialbuildings industryandwilltakeplaceonFriday, September22,2023.Clickheretoseethe winningprojectsfromtheRIDBABuilding Awards2021.

NeilFox,RIDBAchairman,said:“I’mreally lookingforwardtothereturnoftheBuilding Awards.Wehaveafantasticvenuelined-up whichI’msureRIDBAmemberswillenjoy,and I’malwaysamazedbythequalityof theentries.

“I’dencourageallmemberstoenter. Towin-orevenbeshortlisted-isa fantasticachievementandit’sagreat wayofshowcasingyourhardworkand achievementstotherestofthe industry.

“Itwasafantasticeventin2021and wecan’twaittoseeeveryonein CambridgenextSeptember.”

Atotalofeightprizeswillbe upforgrabs:

•Residentialandofficesaward

•Livestockaward

•Farmstorageaward

•Commercialaward

•Industrialandproductionaward

•Trainingaward

•Outstandingworkmanshipaward

•Mosteffectiveproductand/or serviceaward

The2023eventwillbeopen exclusivelytoRIDBAmembersand suppliers,architectsandspecifiers workingonprojectscompleted betweenDecember1,2021and March31,2023.

EntrieswillopenonDecember1, 2022,andcloseonMarch31,2023.

Clickheretobookyourticketsforthe event.

Clickheretobookahotelroomatthe GraduateCambridge.

Clickheretoseesponsorship opportunitiesattheRIDBABuilding Awards2023.

ATVTrac-Protectingmachineryforover adecadeandnowwith0%finance

Ascrimeinruralareasandparticularlyon farmsandsmallholdingscontinuestorise, agriculturetrackingexperts,ATVTrac, havereportedanincreasedadoptionof theirtrackingtechnologyanddealer uptakeacrosstheUK.

Launchedoveradecadeago,followingtheparent company’sexperienceandproventrackrecordin motorcyclesecurity,ATVTracofferedadedicated securityproduct,enablingownersoffarmmachineryto havealivelinktotheirmachines24/7regardlessof location.

BringingupdatedsecurityfunctionsincludingGPS, GPRSandRadioFrequency,ATVTracaddednew functions,includingloneworkersecurity,batteryvoltage alertsandservicereminderstoo,offeringamorethan justasecurityfocussedproduct.

Aswellasdealerandcustomerinterest,ATVTracisnow endorsedbymorethantenmanufacturerswithdiscounts availableonInsurancefromtheNFUtoo.Morerecently, brandssuchasPolarisandCFMOTOhaveadoptedthe systemasstandardfitmentonsomeoftheirmodelstoo, withmanytheftsthwartedduetoATVTracsince.

ATVTrac’skeyattributeistheunit’sphysicalsizeand internalbattery,allowingforfitmenttovirtuallyevery pieceoffarmmachinery,fromATVstoUTVs,to Tractors,LandRovers,4x4s,trailersandchipperstoo. AndthankstoanonlineportalanddedicatediPhoneand Androidapps,ownerscancheck24/7forlocationand evenseemultipleassetsononescreen.

Aswellasprovensecurityfeatures,ATVTracalsooffers usefuladditionalfunctionstoo,suchasthelogofusage (hoursandmileage),theabilitytosetalertsforservicing ormaintenanceandevenanemergencyalertshouldthe vehiclebeinvolvedinaroll-overincident;agreat functionforloneworkers.

ATVTraccanbeinstalledonmanytypesoffarming machinery,withfullsupportprovidedviathe24/7Secure OperatingCentreaswellasadditionalsupportfrom Securitastoo.

Tohelpmakethismoreaccessible,thelaunchofa0% FinanceprogrammeforATVTracincludesinstallation andthefirstyear’ssubscriptionfor£39permonthwith justa£52deposit.

FormoreinformationonATVTracandpricing,please visitwww.atvtrac.co.uk

www.atvtrac.co.uk

propertymarkingfollowingrecentspateofthefts

Officersfrom Northamptonshire Police’sRuralCrime Teaminvestigating thetheftoflivestock handlingequipment areurgingfarmersandlandowners tomarktheirpossessionsand reportanysuspiciousactivity.

TheForcehasreceivedeight reportsofthetheftofsheeprelatedfarmingequipmentsince thestartofJanuaryacrossthe county,withsheephurdles,sheep handlingsystems,weighscales, sheeringmachines,guillotine gatesandsheepfeedersbeing targeted.

Withinvestigationsintothese offencescontinuing,theRural CrimeTeamhasissuedatimely remindertofarmersand landownersontheimportanceof propertymarkingtohelpthemto protecttheiritems.

NorthamptonshirePoliceRural crimeofficer,PCChloeGillies, said:“Agriculturalequipmentand vehiclesarevitaltotherunningof afarmandwe’redoingallwecan tohelpourruralbusinesses protectthemselves.

“Akeypreventionmeasureis clearlyandpermanentlymarking yourpossessions,ideallywithyour surnameandpostcode.This makesthemlessattractiveto criminalsaswellasmakingitmore likelythattheycanbereturnedto youiftheyarestolen.

“Keepingadetailed,up-to-datelist ofallyourequipmentisalsoreally important,soforahandlingsystem thiswouldincludenotingthebrand andcomponentparts,suchas numberofhurdles,sizes,whether itincludesguillotinegates, turnovercrates,andsoon.”

TheRuralCrimeTeamwork closelywithcolleaguesfrom neighbouringforcestohelp recoverstolenpropertyandreunite itwiththerightfulownershowever, stolenequipmentisusuallymoved outofthecountyquickly.

Theseitemsarethenoftensoldon atauctionandbuyersarealso beingurgedtoplaytheirpartin helpingtotacklingoffencesby reportinganythingsuspicious,or lotswhichcouldbestolen,to policeandtheauctioneer.

PCGilliesadded:“Weworkvery closelywithourcolleaguesfrom neighbouringforces,bothsharing informationandintelligence,to locateandrecoverpropertywhich hasbeenstolenfrom Northamptonshireoracrossthe countyborders.

“Thebestapproachistobuildup layersofprotectionforyour premisesanditems–don’trelyon oneelementalonebutuseseveral tomakeitanunappealingtarget forawould-bethiefbutifyoudo knowwheresuchitemsarebeing advertisedforsale,pleaseletus know.”

Tipsforprotectingagricultural equipmentandvehicles:

•Clearlymarkequipmentand vehicleswithyourpostcodeand surname

•Don’tstoreitemsinisolatedor insecurelocations

•Makealistofallyourequipment, includingproductname,anyserial numbers,typeandsizeof componentparts,anysecurity features,ordistinctivemarks.Take photostooifyoucan

•Atauctions,reportany suspiciousactivitytopolice–includedescriptionsand registrations

•Ifyoususpectanylotscouldbe stolen,immediatelyinformthe auctioneerandthepolice

•Keepallvehiclepaperwork togetherandsecure–notwiththe vehicle

•LogVRNsandchassisnumbers, makewrittendescriptionsandtake photos

•Considerusingcrimeprevention productstoprotectyourpremises anditems

Formoreadvice,visitnorthants. police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ Anyonewithinformationregarding crimeorsuspiciousactivityintheir communityisaskedtocontact NorthamptonshirePoliceon101, oronlineatnorthants.police.uk. Alwayscall999ifacrimeisin progress.

TheImportanceof effectiveentrancesecurity

Havinggatesattheentrance pointstoourpropertyhas becomethemosteffectiveform ofsecurity.Preventingintruders accesskeepsvaluablesoutof theirsightandmaintainssecurity,safetyand privacy.Thechallengeoftenlieswith installingtherightsystemforyour circumstances.Havingtherighttypeofgate andaccesscontrolisthedifferencebetween asuccessfulortroublesomeinstallation.

Bothmainsandsolarpoweredoptionsare availablealongwithradiofob,roadsensors, timers,keypads,GSM(mobilenetwork) accesscontrolandintercoms,ensuringthe gateissecureyetconvenienttouse.

Traditionallyhinginggateswerethenorm, howevercantileverslidinggateshave becomethemostpopularoptionastheyoffer greaterdurabilityandstrength.Thesegates boltdowntoaconcretefoundationandslide abovethegrounddoingawaywithanyneed foratrackintheroad.Avarietyofdesigns includingatraditionalfivebarstyleare available.

AwardsuccessforRuralCrimeTaskforce

TheThamesValley RuralCrime Taskforceisthe secondwinnerofa prestigiousnational awardfromthe ConstructionEquipmentAssociation forbeingthemostproactiverural crimeteamintheUK.

TheRobOliverAward,for excellenceinthefightagainst constructionplantandagricultural machinerytheft,wasawardedtothe taskforceforbeingthemost proactiveruraltaskforceasthe teamcollectivelymadeover120 checksagainstthesecureCESAR database.

taskforcewasRobOliverMBE, DirectorofCEELtd,formerChief ExecutiveoftheCEAandwhothe awardwasnamedafter.Hesaid,“In atimewhenpoliceforcesareunder increasingscrutiny,it’sgreatto celebratethegoodworkoftheteam atThamesValley.Theyhaveshown agreatcommitmenttocombatting machinetheftbyusingthetools madeavailabletothemviathe CESARdatabase.It’sagood exampleofapolicepartnershipwith businesstohelprootoutcrime.”

systemswithintractorsatellite navigationsystems.Thismeansthe ForensicInvestigationUnitisableto attendtotheseincidentswhenthey havetakenplace,helpingtherural communitiesrecoverfromthe impactoftheseoffences,whichcan havesevereconsequencesonthe livelihoodsofthoseaffected.

Threetaskforceofficersalso receivedCESARChampionawards foridentifyingdifferentstolen vehiclesthroughtheCESAR database.

ConstructionEquipmentAssociation (CEA)ChiefExecutiveSuneeta Johalsaid:“TheCEAhasalongstandingandstrongcommitmentto supportingtheUKpoliceforceinthe fightagainstmachinerytheftandwe wouldliketocongratulatethe ThamesValleyPolicefortheir outstandingsuccess.”

Theforcelaunchedthetaskforcein March2022tomaketheThames Valleyahostileplaceforthosewho commitruralcrimes.

Thetaskforceconsistsofateamof dedicatedofficers,aswellas intelligencesupport,whowork tirelesslywithThamesValley Police’spartners,droneunits,and theJointOperationsUnittotackle seriousandorganisedruralcrime.

Presentingtheawardtothe

SuperintendentAndyHuddleston, NPCCStrategicLeadforagriand constructionmachinerytheft,was alsopresentatthepresentation.He said:“Asthe NPCCleadfor agriand construction machinerytheftI workwithforces acrosstheUK andwhatthe ThamesValley RuralCrime Teamaredoing totackle organisedcrime isoutstanding. Therecoveryofa largevalueof stolenmachinery isexcellentbuttheirpersistent pursuitofcriminalsisutterly impressive.ReceivingtheRob Oliverawardisan accoladeboththe teamandThames ValleyPolice shouldbevery proudofasitisthe publicandindustry wearehereto protectrecognising their achievements.”

Thetaskforceis successfully workingtosupport ruralcommunities andtacklecrime.

In2022,therewereover400 completedinvestigationswhere 30.4%achievedapositiveoutcome. Around£1.3mworthoftrailers,plant machinery,caravans,powertools andotherequipmenthavebeen recoveredbytheteam.Theyhave beenproactivelyworkingwiththe ForensicInvestigationUnitto addresstheriseintheftsofGPS

TaskforceInspectorStuart Hutchingssaid:“ThamesValley PoliceRuralCrimeTaskforceis focusedontackingalltypesofRural CrimewithinThamesValley.Since thecreationofthetaskforce12 monthsago,theteamhavebeen dedicatedtoprotectingourRural Communitiesandcreatingahostile environmentforthosethatcommit RuralCrime.TheRuralCrime Taskforcehasrecoveredover£1.3 millionpoundsofstolenproperty andthemajorityofthisstolen propertyhasbeenplantandfarm machinery.Thestolenproperty recoveredhasbeenstolenfromall overthecountryandwehave recoveredpropertyfrom17different policeforces.

“Thetaskforceisworkingin partnershipwithallourneighbouring forcesandsupportingeachotherin thedevelopmentofintelligenceand carryingoutofproactiveoperations totargetRuralCrime.Our partnershipworkingwithagencies, suchastheRSPCA,theNational

VehicleCrimeIntelligenceService, EnvironmentAgencyandJointUnit ofWasteCrimehasallowedusto focusonoffendersandemerging crimetrends.

“WorkingwiththeCLA,NFUand constructionindustry,weare highlightingcrimepreventionadvice andtheimportanceforresidentsto

recordallpropertydetails,reportall incidentstopoliceandreviewall securityregularlytohelpdeter criminals.”

MatthewBarber,ThamesValley PoliceandCrimeCommissioner, said:“TheRuralCrimeTaskforce hashadasignificantimpactinthe 12monthssinceitwasformedandit isgreattoseethisrecognisedwitha nationalaward.Ruralcrimecan devastatecommunitiesandthework ofthetaskforcedemonstratesthe differencethatcanbemadewitha dedicatedproactivepolicing approach.WelldonetoallThames

Valleyofficersandstaffwhohave contributedtoitssuccess.”

CESARChampionawards

TheConstructionEquipment Association(CEA)launchedits CESARChampioninitiativein2020 torecognisetheeffortsofofficials whouseCESARtechnologyto identifyastolenpieceofmachinery. Inanefforttoencouragemore engagementwiththeCESAR SecurityScheme,theawardisnow beinggiventoanyofficerwho completes10checksonagricultural orconstructionmachinesorATVs protectedwiththesecuritysystem.

ThreeTVPofficersalsoreceiveda CESARChampionaward

•PCJamesGunnerreceivedthe GreenAgribadgeforidentifying astolenNewHollandtractor

•PCHuwKimereceivedtheBlue Constructionbadgefor identifyingastolendumper

•PCDanSmithreceivedtheRed ATVbadgeforidentifyinga stolenATV

TaskforceSergeantChrisRuffsaid: “Itisreallypleasingthatthree membersofourteamhavereceived

CESARChampionawards,allfor differenttypesofvehiclesandall fromrecoveriesthathappenedinthe sameweek.Wehaveworkedhard totrainourstaffinplantand agriculturalvehicleidentification, mostofthemhavinglittleorno knowledgeofthesubjectwhenthe teamwassetupayearago.

Criminalsareacutelyawarethatwe areonthelookoutforstolen machinesandwilltakestepstotryto hide,disguiseoraltersecurity markings.Withthehelpoffunding throughtheCESARscheme,allof ourstaffnowhaveanationally

recognisedqualificationandthe traininghasreallypaidoffwithover amillionpoundsworthofrecoveries inthelastyear.Thishasimproved ourabilitytodetectstolenequipment andtheserecoveriesareadirect resultofthetechnologythatCESAR uses.Weencourageownersto registerequipmentwiththeCESAR scheme,whichisthenationally recognisedschemeforplantand agriculturalmachines.Itnotonly givesmachinesanidentitybutalso allowsthepolicetocontactowners 24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek ifwelocateit.”

CESAR,poweredbyDatatag,and ownedbytheConstruction

EquipmentAssociation,canbefitted toanyconstructionoragriculture machinethatisatriskoftheft.The tamper-evidentlabelactsasan initialdeterrentandthemultiple layersoftechnologyhelptoidentify themachine.Alltheownerand machinedetailsarestoredonthe CESARsecuredatabaseforpolice todouble-checkanymachinequickly andeasily.Formoreinformation, visitcesarscheme.org.

Credit:LouiseCarney

Thehiddencostsofrodentsonfarms P

oultryand livestockfarms offertheperfect livingconditions forrodents.With plentyoffoodand shelteravailable,large infestationscanquicklyoccur, andifleftuncontrolled, infestationscancausehuge economiclosses,nottomention transmitdiseasestoanimals andevenhumans,aswellas damagefeed,cables,insulation andmore.

Onfarms,rodentsget everythingtheyneed,thanksto unlimitedentryoptions, abundantandnutritiousfood andwater,plentyofshelter,and protectionfromtheweather,so undertheycaneasilyreach highinfestationlevelsifnotkept incheck.

Here,BASF’sGlobalTechnical ManagerforRodenticides, SharonHughes,discussesthe hiddencostsofrodentsfacing farmers.

TheRisks Consumption

Althoughindividually,ratsand micearerelativelylightinweight (fromafewgramsto25grams forahousemousetoupto approximately450gramsfor rats),theycanconsumeahuge

amountofanimal feedeveryday,with adailyfeed requirementequalto 5-10%oftheir bodyweightforrats and10-25%for mice.Forexample, inashedwherepigs areraised,left unchecked,there couldbeseveral hundredrats.Let’s saytherearetwo hundredratswithan averageweight of250gramseach, andadailyfeed requirementequalto 10%oftheirbody weight.Theamountoffeed consumedwillbearound5kg dailyforatotalofmorethan1.8 tonneoffeedconsumedeach yearbyour200rats.Thatcan costasmuchas£2,000!

Contamination

Aswellasconsumingfeed,rats alsodamagecontainersandfeed packstogainaccesstofood sources,inturncontaminating muchmorethantheyconsume. Often,thedamagedfeedcan’tbe

usedbecauseit’scontaminated byrodentexcrementandurine, spoilingsignificantunitsof product.Accordingtosome estimates,thefeedcontaminated byratsandmicecanbeuptoten timeswhattheyactually consume,meaningthatthefeed contaminationlosscanbe upwardsof£20,000usingthe aboveexample.

Disease

Ratscancarryupto45diseases, posingaseriousrisktothe biosecurityofthewholefood chainandsignificantfinancial losses.Salmonellaisaneverpresentriskwithinpigsand poultry.Rodentsareknownto spreadSalmonellaaswellas carryingrabies,adiseasethat seriouslyaffectspigs.Duetothe closeproximityofrodentswith animals,transmissionofdisease canhappeneasily,resultingin lossofanimalsduetodisease andstressandcostlyveterinary bills.Ratshavebeenknownto killsmallanimals,suchaschicks onpoultryfarms,andtheyeven chewonpig’searscausing stressandfurtherincreasingthe riskofdiseasetransmission.

Damage

Ratsgnawonpractically everything,causingdamageto structures,machineryand equipment.Electriccablesarea primetargetandmanyfarmsare oftenforcedtohireelectriciansto repairelectricalsystemsand cablesthathavebeenchewed through,andinsomecases,fires havebeenknowntobreakoutas aresultofthegnawingdamage. What’smore,sometimesroofsor insulationaredamagedbyrats andmice,astheycreate openingswhileseekingshelter andnestingmaterial.Thisis oftenthecasewithchicken housesandnylonshelters. Farmerswillthenfacecoststo repairandevenreconstructthe building.

TheSolution

Controllingrodentinfestationson farmsisalong-termtask. Livequipmentestockfeedcan makemostbaitsunappealingto therodentandhencemake controloftheinfestationdifficult. Itispracticallyimpossibleforan opensitelikeafarmtoalwaysbe freeofratsandmice.Therefore,

itiscrucialtousehigh-quality bait,whichcancompetewiththe abundanceofavailablepalatable foodandcontrolinfestations quickly.

Anticoagulantrodenticides usuallytake21-28daysto controlaninfestation,which meansthattheserisksof damage,lossoffeed,spreadof diseaseandcontamination continuetooccuraroundasite forsomeweeksaftertheinitial treatment.BASFhasintroduced anewnon-anticoagulant rodenticide,Selontra®,tocombat this,usingtheactiveingredient cholecalciferoltostoprodentsin theirtracks.

Thesoftblockbaitcausesdeath fromhypercalcaemia;the accumulationoftoomuch calciumintheblood.Thisresults inrodentsstoppingfeeding,on boththebaitandanyavailable foodonthefarm,24hoursafter consumingalethaldose.thefact thattheyalsostopmoving meansthatSelontra®quickly puttingastoptothespreadingof disease,contaminationand damagetothesite.

Thereisnoknownresistanceto Selontra®anditalsocontrolsall anticoagulantresistantratsand mice.Meaningitwillcontrol “superrats”whichareresistantto baitscontainingfirst-generation anticoagulantsandsecondgenerationanticoagulants difenacoumandbromadioloneas theactive.Italsobalances performanceandenvironmental impact,ascholecalciferolis neitherpersistentinthe environmentnorbioaccumulative,andSelontra®can withstandextremeclimates.

BASFoffersaSelontra®training programme,whichallows farmerstobecomeacertified Selontra®user,aswellasaReal ResultsVirtualFarmhubwhere farmerscangainCPDpointsand completetheResponsibleUseof Rodenticidesexam.

Tofindoutmoreandbecomea certifiedSelontra®user visithttps://www.training.selontra. com/

VisitBASF’sRealResultsVirtual Farmandbeginthecourse atwww.basf-ruralhygiene.com/ rodent-course

DairyFarmersEncouragedto CapitaliseonCuttingCarbon

Dairyfarmerscan capitaliseoncutting carbonontheir farms,creatinga winforthe environmentanda farm'sbottomline.

particularlywhenfeedingthe high-yieldingcow.

2.Feedefficiency:improving feedefficiencyonmostfarmswill requireadetailedlookat concentratefeedallocationto variousgroupsofanimalsoran increaseinmilkoutput.Heifer rearingwillalsobeimportantas partoftheoverallapproach.

theimportanceofaminoacidsin transitionandearlylactation dairycows.Thisfollowsaninitial studyatTheUniversityof Reading.

MoleValleyFarmers'Headof Nutrition,DrChrisBartram,said smallchangescouldsignificantly benefitadairybusiness's profitabilityandissomething everyfarmershouldbelooking at.

However,hesuggestedfarmers seekexpertadvicetoensureany changeswouldhaveapositive impactonthefarmandoverall emissions.

Hesaid:"Farmersmustadd sustainabilitytothetraditional measuresofproductivityand profitabilitytogetthemostfrom theirenterprise.

"Therearemanywaysproducers canhelpreduceemissionson theirfarms,andtheyareunlikely tomeansignificantinvestments orchanges.

"Itisimportantthatfarmers pursuethecorrectadviceand adopta'whatif,stepbystep, approachtoevaluatingthe variousopportunities.

DrBartramsuggestedthree initialfeed-relatedareasto consider:

1.Feedmaterialsourcing:the removalofsoyproducts(soya, protectedsoyaandsoyahulls) willrequirecarefuladjustmentsto thediettomaintaintherequired yieldoffatandproteinwithout incurringadditionalcost,

3.Proteinefficiency:initial analysisindicatesthatitwillbe beneficialtofeednomorethana 14%proteinconcentrateat grass.Theuseoflowerprotein foragestobalancehighprotein freshgrassmayalsobeworth considering.Feedingforahigher milkproteinyieldwillalsobe important.

DrBartramadded:"When helpingformulaterations,weuse auniquerationprogramthat allowsfarmerstoseehow differentfeedsinfluencemargins andproduction.Itnowalso includesanenvironmentrelated sectionincludingdietcarbon footprint,proteinefficiencyand methaneoutput.Thiswillhelp farmerstounderstandtheoverall impactofusingcertainfeedson thefarmcarbonfootprint.

"Wehavealsodevelopeda dedicatedClimatePositive Impactfeedrangeformulated withnosoyorpalmproductsand specifiedwithalowcarbon footprint.Thiswillbeaneasywin forproducerslookingtocut emissionsquickly."

Extensiveresearchisbeing carriedoutbyMoleValleyFeed Solutionstosupportthebest routesfarmerscantaketo reduceemissions.

DrBartramadded:"We'vebeen workingwithTheUniversityof Nottinghaminvestigatingthe impactofdietaryproteinonheifer performance,growthandthe environment.We'vealsojust startedathree-yeartrialwith SRUC,CrichtonRoyallookingat

"Onthebackofsomeofthis work,wearealsodeveloping newdairyfeedsincludingunique compoundswithspecialist materialslikeNovaProprotected rape,newheiferproductsand transitionfeeds.Otherinitiatives includethedeclarationofthe compoundfeedcarbonfootprint onthelabelandanewbuyback schemeforbeans."

Reducingafarm'scarbon footprintrequiresamultifactorial planandisveryfarmspecific. TheMoleValleyFarmers approachprovidesexpertisein feed,forageandanimalhealth throughthespecialistnutrition, forageandfertiliserand veterinaryteams."Ajoinedup coordinatedmethodisvery beneficial",explainedDr Bartram.

Additionalareasthatarealso importantincludeenergyuseand renewables.

"Althoughthetaskinhandmay appeardaunting,awhat-if,bitby bit,linkedapproachwillreduce emissionsandalsoresultinan improvementinafarm'sbottom line,"headded.

MoleValleyFarmersfirst launcheditsClimatePositive Agricultureinitiativein2021.Itis designedtohelpclientsreduce theirfarmcarbonfootprintand improveproductivityand profitability.Atthesametimethe businessisworkinghardto reduceitsownemissionsaspart ofageneraldrivetowardsnet zero.

Formoreinformation,visit molevalleyfeedsolutions.comor contacttheFeedLineon01566 780261.

Publicreassuredtheycanstillbuyhigher welfareeggsdespitebirdflurestrictions

Googlesearchesfor‘freerange’increasedbyaround800%in Marchlastyear-thelasttimeeggshadtobelabelledas‘barn’

RSPCAAssuredis callingonthepublic tostillsupporthen welfarewiththeir purchasing decisions,despite allfree-rangeeggsnowbeing labelledas‘barn’duetobirdflu restrictions.

Asoffrom1st ofFebruaryeggs laidandthensoldthroughthe BritisheggindustryLionCode labelcannolongerbelabelled asfree-rangeorfree-range organicwhichmeansconsumers willonlysee‘barn’or‘caged eggs’ontheirsupermarket shelves.

However,whetherfree-range, organicorbarn,RSPCAAssured eggsarealwayshigherwelfare.

spreadofdisease.Sadly,an estimatedthreemillionlaying henshavebeenculleddueto birdflusince2021which accountsforaroundseven percentofthe industry’sbirds.

ThereisanEU derogationfor free-range layinghens whichstates theycanbe keptinsidefor upto16weeks iftheyare requiredtobe housedinan eventsuchasa birdfluoutbreak andtheireggscanstillbe labelledfree-rangeduringthis time.However,thistimeperiod endsforthewholeof theUKtoday*which meansalleggsfrom free-rangebirdsthat arebeinghoused mustnowbelabelled as‘barn’.

consumerscareaboutandare activelylookingformore informationon.

Thechangestothelabellingof eggsisduetothecompulsory nationwidehousingorderwhich wasputinplaceforallbirdsin England,WalesandNorthern Irelandattheendoflastyear,as theUKfacesoneoftheworst outbreaksofAvianInfluenza(AI), alsoknownas‘birdflu’,ever seen.

Thehousingordermeansall free-rangehensweremoved indoorstoprotectthemfromthe

KateNorman,the RSPCA’slayinghen welfareexpert,said: “Thankstoclear labellingforeggssuchas‘free-range’, ‘organic’,‘barn’and ‘caged’-thereisagoodlevelof awarenessintheUKabouthow layinghenshavebeencaredfor, sotoday’snewsmay understandablycauseconcerns abouthenwelfare.

“WeknowthatGooglesearches for‘free-range’increasedby 809%fromJanuarytoMarchlast yearwhichwasthelasttime eggscouldnolongerbelabelled free-rangeduetobirdflu restrictions.Thishighlightsthat thisissueisclearlysomething

“Wewanttoreassurethepublic thatitisstillpossibletobuyeggs fromhensthathavebeenwell caredfor.Whetherfree-range, organicorbarn,RSPCAAssured eggsarealwaysfromfarms inspectedtotheRSPCA’shigher welfarestandards.Thismeans theyare100%cage-freeandthe hensareprovidedwithraised perchesandplentyofenrichment insidethebarntopeckat,forage andexpresstheirnatural behaviour.”

Free-rangebirdswillreturntothe outdoorsassoonas

GovernmentsacrosstheUK deemitsafetodoso.Butinthe meantime,thepubliccanbe reassuredthatRSPCAAssured barneggscontinuetobehigher welfare.

Theethicalfoodlabelandfarm assuranceschemehasreleased anewvideotohelpthepublic betterunderstandbirdfluandits impact:WhatisAvianInfluenza?

FormoreinformationonRSPCA Assuredproducts,visit:https:// www.rspcaassured.org.uk/

RVClauncheslargeststudyinto passivetransferinUKdairyherds R

esearchersatthe RoyalVeterinary College(RVC)are seekingtoenrol veterinary practicesasthey beginastudytodetermineand benchmarkindividualandherdlevelpassivetransferstatus acrossdairyherdswithinthe UK.Thisisthefirststudyto examinetheissuefromaUK wideperspectiveandwillprovide thelargestamountofinformation todatewhichwillinformbest practiceandbenefitbothfarmers andvets.

Colostrumisessentialforthe provisionofmaternallyderived antibodiestothenew-borncalf. Thisprocess,knownaspassive transfer,ensuresthatneonatal calvesareprovidedadegreeof immuneprotectionduringearly life.

WithintheUK,theprevalenceof failureofpassivetransferatthe individual-calflevelremainshigh. Thisisevidencedbyrecent studiesperformedinScotland andsouthernEngland,which identifiedfailureofpassive transferin14%and21%of calves,respectively.Those studiesdrawonarelativelylow numberoffarms,alllocated withinaspecificregion,which makesextrapolationtoanational contextdifficult.

Thestudy,ledbyRVCPhD student,GeorgeLindleyis seekingtoenrolveterinary practicesintoaPhDstudy entitled‘Assessmentofcurrent colostrumfeedingpracticesand extentofpassivetransferindairy herdsintheUnitedKingdom’.It ishopedthatthisstudywillbe thelargestofitskindwithinthe UK,whichwillincrease understandingoftheherd-level prevalenceofpassivetransferin UKdairyherds.

Workingwithparticipants,the projectwillharvestandcompile prospectivetotalproteindata routinelycollectedby practitionersfromcalves betweenoneandsevendays old.Thisdata,combinedwitha briefquestionnaire,willbeused todeterminehowfarmersare managingtheharvesting,storage andfeedingofcolostrumand benchmarkenrolledherds.Breed andgenderdifferenceswillalso beassessed,andtheherd-level prevalenceoffailureofpassive transferdetermined.Theproject, fundedbytheBarham BenevolentFoundation,willalso determinetheachievabilityof

recentlyupdatedthresholds suggestedbyconsensusofNorth Americanexperts.

Practiceswhichsignupare expectedtocollectconsentfrom farmerspriortoroutineserum totalproteinsampling,andrecord andstoretheresultsofany analysis–alongsidecalfage, gender,breed,andfarm.A questionnaire,taking approximately20minutes,must becompletedforeachfarmonce duringthestudyperiod.After agreeingtoparticipate,practices whosignupwillbecontactedon aquarterlybasisforcollectionof thedata.Oncecollated,

researcherswillanonymiseand benchmarkeachfarm,withthe resultsprovidedtoparticipating practices.

ThestudyisbeingledbyPhD studentGeorgeLindley,who conceivedtheideawhileworking

asafarmpractitionerduringa EuropeanCollegeofBovine HealthManagement(ECBHM) residencyattheRVC.

GeorgeLindley,PhDstudent attheRVC,said:

“Thereisawealthofinformation

beingcollectedroutinely byfarmvetsregarding passivetransferwhich,if compiled,mayprovide helpfulinformation regardingthehealthand welfareofcalvesbornon dairyfarmswithinthe UK.Withthisstudywe hopetoharvestthatdata inawaythataddslittle extraworktovetsand practicesinvolvedbut providesuseful informationforthose stakeholdersinvolved andtheindustryasa whole.”

Theprojectstartedin October2022andis seekingpractice participationuntil October2023,withthe targetforpublication duringearly2024.

Practiceswithanynumberof dairyclientswithinEngland, Scotland,WalesorNorthern Irelandareencouragedto considersigningup.Interested partiesareinvitedtogetintouch withGeorgeviaemail ptresearch@rvc.ac.uk

Newprobioticcanhelppreventwatery mouthandotherlambinfections

Probiotics,which canhelpinthe fightagainst infectioninthe newbornanimal, havebeen introducedtosomeearly-life andyoungstockproductsinthe GShepherdAnimalHealth range.

Readyforthisseason’s lambing,thecompany’sFirst ThirstLambColostrum Supplementhasnowbeen enrichedwithprobiotics, reflectingthebenefitsof seedingthenew-bornlamb’s digestivetractwithfavourable bacteria,whichhavebeen demonstratedtoimprovehealth andperformance.

Thisissaidtobeaparticularly usefultoolinthefightagainst waterymouth,whichcancause

ofhealth–perhapswith mastitisortwinlambdisease.”

Lambsinthesesituationsare farmorelikelytobeaffectedby waterymouth,whichoccurs whenEcolibacteriarapidly multiplyandcolonisethesmall intestine,andreleasetoxins.

significantlosses,usuallyinthe firstthreedaysoflife.

Vet, GrahamShepherd,the company’schiefexecutive, says:“Sheepfarmersare awareoftheimportanceof colostruminthelamb’sfirst hours,buttheewe’sown colostrumcanneed supplementationinsome situations.

“Thismayoccurafteradifficult lambing,formultiplebirthsor whentheeweisnotinthebest

“Thediseaseisalmostalways fatal,soitisimportantto preventitsoccurrencerather thantrytoachieveacure,”he says.

Addingprovenprobioticstoits firstfeedscanhelpthelamb establishamorefavourablegut microflorawhichhasthe potentialtoovercomebacterial infection.

“Theprobioticweusehasbeen extensivelytrialledacross severallivestockspeciesin researchundertakenaround theworld,”saysDrShepherd.

“Itcontainshighpopulationsof thelacticacidbacterium,

Enterococcusfaecium,which naturallyinhabitsanimal intestines.

“Thisbacteriumhastheability toout-competemany unfavourablebacteria,including somewhichcausescours,”he says.“Itcandominatethegut flora,reducepH,improve digestionthroughbetter enzymicactivity,andprovidean environmentwhichisgenerally unfavourabletomany undesirable,pathogenicmicroorganisms.”

However,DrShepherdisat painstopointoutthatthe damagingeffectsofinfection arebestavoidedbygeneral goodpractice–most importantly,theearlyintakeof plentifulamountsoftheewe’s owncolostrum–andhygieneto reducetheconcentrationof infectiousagentsataroundthe timeoflambing.

Healsoadds:“Ifbottlefeeding ortubingthelamb,good hygieneisoftheutmost importancetoavoidintroducing infectionatthisvulnerable stage.”

Pro-BOOSTsupplement

Thesamefavourable bacterium,Enterococcus faecium,isalsopresentinProBOOSTwhichhasrecently beenaddedtotheGShepherd AnimalHealthrange.

Usingthissupplement continuestobuildafavourable gutmicroflora,soequippingthe younganimaltofightinfection throughoutitsfirstweeksoflife.

“Pro-BOOSTcanbemixedwith milkreplacerortheewe’sown colostrumormilk,wheneverit’s feltthelambneedsatopup,

andisparticularlyusefulin ongoingmilkreplacerforpet lambs,”hesays,remarkingthat thesameproductcanalsobe fedtopigletsandcalves.

AfurtherbenefitofPro-BOOST comesfromtheprebioticsthe supplementalsocontains.

“Prebioticsprovideasourceof feedforthefavourablebacteria, soenhancingtheirgrowthand establishmentintheanimal’s digestivetract,”hesays.

Alsopointingoutthatlivestock farmingismovingawayfrom thetreatmentofdisease,witha fargreateremphasisplacedon prevention,heexplains: “Preventionnolongermeans theblanketuseofantibiotics–whichisnowconsidereda practiceofthepast–but insteadshouldturntowards

equippingtheanimaltofight infectioninamorenaturalway.”

Furthermore,hesaysthebonus ofboostinghealthbyseeding thegutmicrobiomeextends beyondthedigestivetract.

“Theimportanceofthegut microbiometoanimalhealthis increasinglyunderstood,andits influenceisnowknownto extendfarbeyondprotecting againstdigestiveinfections,”he says.“Today,afavourable microbiotaisknowntohavea positiveinfluenceonantibody levelsandtheimmune response,providingimportant protectiontotheanimalagainst abroadrangeofinfectious agents.”

StandSalesOpenforUK'sTopRegenerativeLivestockFarmingEvent

Standsalesarenow liveforDowntoEarth NorthandSouth-the UK'stopregenerative farmingeventfor livestockproducers.

Followingunprecedenteddemand fortheinauguraleventin2022, whichattractedover1,700visitors overtheone-dayshow,thedecisionwasmadeby theeventorganiser,theRABDF,tolaunchtwo showsin2023.

Ahigh-input,high-outputdairyfarminSomerset andanorganicandcertifiedpasture-feddairyfarm inCumbriawillhostthetwoDowntoEarthevents thissummer.

OnWednesday,21stJune,NeilBakerwillopenhis gatesatHaselburyPlucknettforvisitorstoseehis high-yieldingindoorherdof1,800predominately Holsteincowsinaction.NeilisoneofArla's regenerativepilotfarms.

Then,on6thJuly,MarkandJennyLee,Park HouseFarm,Torpenhow,willshowcasetheir organicunit.Theirfarmconsistsof175milking crossbredcows,certified100%pasturefedby PastureforLifeandmob-grazedona30-40day rotationusing2.5kmofgrazingtracks.Halfoftheir milkgoesintothefarm'scheese-makingbusiness, andtherestissoldtoFirstMilk.

WhatisDowntoEarth?

DowntoEarthisdesignedtoshowcasepractical

regenerativefarming techniquesthatcan improveproductivity, reduceinputcosts,and protecttheenvironment.It offersanarenawherethe wholeindustrycancome together,addressthe opportunities,facts,and sciencesurroundingitsprinciples,andseethemin action.

Theeventistailoredfordairy,beefandsheep farmers,offeringsomethingforeveryone.Whether farmersarenewtothistopicandjustcuriousor lookingforpracticaltake-homestrategiesto implementandenhancewhat'salreadybeingdone onthefarm,throughtothosewhowanttofollowa fullregenerativejourney,DowntoEarthistheplace tobe.

Whyexhibit?

Regenerativeagricultureisoneofthefastedgrowingareaswithinfarming,makingnowtheright timeforcompaniestoshowcasetheirproductor servicetofarmersastheytransitiontomore environmental-focusedfarmingmethods.

Newforthisyearistheopportunityforexhibitorsto booklivedemonstrationslotstoshowcasetheirkit inaction.

Standsalesstartfrom£500,withdiscounts availablewhenexhibitingatDowntoEarthNorth andSouth.

groupof enthusiasticyoung sheepfarmers sharedtheirhopes andconcernsfor thefutureofthe sectorwithkeydelegateslast weekastheyvisitedLondonfor aninsightfulvisitwiththe NationalSheepAssociation’s (NSA)NextGeneration programme.

Havingbeenselectedfollowing anapplicationprocessthatasked eachoftheyoungpeopleto expresstheirthoughtson keyissuessuchastrade andotherprioritiesforthe UKsheepindustrythe groupwereabletomeet withseveralLordsand Defrarepresentatives duringatourandmeeting atthePalaceof Westminster.Thiswas followedbyavisitto leadingretailerMarks& Spencer’sLondon headquarterstodiscussits supplychainprocessand futureplansforBritishlamb.

NSAChiefExecutivePhil Stockeraccompaniedthegroup andsays:“Wewerepleasedto bejoinedbyabrilliantdelegation ofyoungfarmingambassadorsin Londonlastweekforan exceptionalvisitandtourof parliament,followingwhichwe metwithDefraleadsforalively discussionaroundnewschemes, futuretrade,andvisionforthe futureofagriculture.

Defrateamwhodiscussed FutureFarmingSchemesand trade,andofcoursetoM&Swho providedathoroughinsightinto theirsupplychainand sustainabilityprogramme, includinganexcellentbutchery demonstration”.

Thevisittookplaceovertwo daysandgaveauniqueinsight intotheinnerworkingsof decisionmakingandsupplyand demand.

supportinglocalfarmersprovided usallwithmoreconfidencefor thefuture.”

Thenextgenerationofsheepfarmersconsiderthe UK’sfarmingfutureduringNSAvisittoWestminster A

JackWalton,alivestock auctioneerfromNorthumberland adds:“Itwasagreatexperience tobeabletoopenlyspeakour opinionsandworriesaboutthe futureoffarmingandtheUK sheepsector.I’dliketothankthe NSAfororganisingthis opportunitytospeaktoDefraand DepartmentofBusinessand Tradeofficialsaswellaswith LordInglewood.The meetingwithMarksand Spencer’sallowedusto gainadeepunderstanding oftheretailer’sbusiness.”

NSAChairDanPhipps joinedthedelegatesfora deliciousmealofBritish produceatLondon’s Farmer’sClubtheevening beforethevisitto Westminster.He comments:“Ithoroughly enjoyedmytimewiththe groupandhadavery robustconversationwiththemin whichtheydemonstratedtheir determinationtoseeagriculture andparticularlythesheepsector thriveintothefuture.

http://McArthurAgriculture190x133_August2022.pdf

“Itwasaprivilegetotakepartin thisvisittoWestminsterandthen M&S,withaverylivelyand engagedgroup.I’dparticularly liketothankNSAPresidentLord Inglewoodforsponsoringour visitwhichgaveoneofthebest insightsintothebackgroundand workingsofboththeHouseof CommonsandtheLordsthatI haveeverexperienced.Also, thanksmustgotothesenior

AilishRossfromtheTexelSheep Societyjoinedthegroupand says:“Thewholevisitwas fantastic.Havingthechanceto conveyourpersonalviewsand thoseofotheryoungpeople withintheindustrywasgreat.We allwantedtomakesurethatour thoughtswereheard,onnew paymentschemes,supporting newentrants,andimprovingthe educationoftheBritishpublicon wheretheirfoodcomesfrom.”

ThevisittoMarksandSpencer provedahighlightformanyofthe group.Ailish continues:“Speakingdirectlyto theagricultureteam,abouttheir futureschemesandhavinga discussiononthebusiness’s commitmenttocarbonreduction, wasfascinating.Ultimately, hearingdirectlyfromasupplierin apositivemanneronhowthey areplanningtocontinue championingBritishproduceand

“Havingsuchanengagedyouth withinthesectorisincredibly encouragingtoallindustryand policymakers,itisvitalthat talentiscontinuallynurturedand NSAactivitiescontinueto providethoseopportunities.It wasextremelyencouragingto seeMarksandSpencerputina hugeefforttoensurethe delegatesweretakenthroughthe supplychainprocessfrom sourcingtomarketing,the commitmentfromthisparticular retailertoBritishlamband producewasreceivedwith enthusiasmandinspirationfrom ournextgenerationoffood producers.”

NewresearchtotacklecattlemethaneemissionsinAfrica

Breedingmore environmentally friendlydairy cowsinAfrican smallholdings couldplayanimportantrolein thefightagainstclimate change.

Currentresearchshowsthat Africaisresponsiblefor around4percentofglobal greenhousegasemissions. However,withthecontinent's populationsettodoubleby 2050,itisimportanttohave mechanismsinplaceto mitigatetheseemissionsand addressa"criticalresearch gap".

Scotland'sRuralCollege (SRUC)andILRI

(InternationalLivestock ResearchInstitute)havebeen awarded£1.5millionbythe Bill&MelindaGates Foundationtohelpdevelopa

selectionindexforthe smallholderdairysystem.

Itishopedthiswilleventually resultinthesmallholderdairy 'enviro-cow'–ananimalwhich haslessimpactonthe environment,isbetterat utilisingfeed,andisaltogether moreproductiveandefficient.

Theproject,whichwas officiallylaunchedinEthiopia lastweek,aimstobetter quantifypartofthe greenhousegasemissionsof Africansmallholdings.

Researchersaresettouse sophisticatedmethanemeasuringequipmentondairy cowsonanumberoffarmsin sub-SaharanAfrica,where80 percentoflandholdingsare undertenhectares.

ProfessorRaphaelMrode,the projectleadwhoworksfor bothSRUCandILRI,said:

"Withincreasingconcernover climatechange,researchinto thesustainabilityofthe smallholderdairysystemhas becomeparamount.Such researchmustnotonly addressmitigationstrategies andtheadaptivecapacityof animals,butalsoensure increasedproductivityand foodsecurity.

"Thisprojectusesgenomic selectionandmodern technologytoselectionfor reductioninmethaneemitted bydairyanimalsand harnessesdifferencesinthe geneticpotentialforresilience toclimatechangeamong animalsofvariousbreed types.Theprojectgivesusthe opportunitytoeventually selectadairycowwithless impactontheenvironment, betterfeedutilisation,andis moreproductiveandefficient."

ModerntechnologywillbeusedtomeasuregreenhousegasemissionsfromAfricansmallholdings

Wynnstayalterlayerdietsto reducephosphateexcretion

Recentchangesto Wynnstaypoultrydiets haveshowna13.4% reductioninpoultry phosphateexcretioncan beachievedthrough simpledietchanges,whichlowersthe levelsofmonocalciumphosphate(MCP) required.

Wynnstayhead ofpoultry,Jim Turner,says thatfollowing concernsaround phosphate contamination frompoultry farms,the companyhas adaptedrations toreduce phosphate requirementsandthereforereducing potentialexcretionintotheenvironment.

“Followingtheadditionofatripledoseof aphytaseenzymeinalllayerdiets,on average,there’sbeena10.4%reduction intotalphosphoruscontentinthediet anda13.4%reductioninphosphorus excretionperbirdperyear,achievedby birdsmobilisingboundphosphorusfrom therawmaterials,”explainsMrTurner.

“Asaresult,theinclusionofMCPcanbe reduced,”headds.

MrTurnersays,thatMCPisafiniteresourcethatis moreexpensivethanithasbeenhistorically.

"It’simportanttohaveanalternativeoptionthat doesn’taffectthecostoftherationorthe performanceofthebird,andthereforethemost economicandsustainableoptionistoincreasethe doseofthephytaseenzyme.”

EloiseLawlorpoultrynutritionistatPremier Nutrition,hasbeenworkingalongsideWynnstayto makethesechangestothediet.

Sheaddsthatalargeproportionofphosphorus foundinpoultrydietsisintheformofphytate phosphoruswhichisindigestibleandanantinutritionalfactor(ANF).

“ANF’scaninfluencenutrientutilisation,soreducing thelevelofMCPandwheresuitableincorporatinga tripledoseofaphytaseenzyme,helpstoincrease calciumandphosphateavailabilityandutilisation. Thisresultsinimprovedfeedefficiencyandreduces theamountofphosphorusbeingbypassedand excretedbythebird,”explainsMsLawlor.

ShesaysthatwithMCPbeingafiniteresourceand phosphatecontaminationhighontheagenda, makingchangestothedietwhichwillresultinan overallincreaseinefficiencywhileprotectingbird health,welfareandtheenvironmentisawin-win.

FormoreinformationonWynnstay’spoultry offering,pleasevisithttps://www.wynnstay.co.uk/ poultry-feed

NewSWeventshowcasesagri-techbenefits

Agri-techisa cornerstoneof efficient, sustainablefood production–anda newconferencein SouthWestEnglandpromisesto leadthewaybyshowcasingthe latestopportunitiesand development.

Theregionisanagri-tech powerhouse,with14universities offeringarangeofresearch specialismsandcollaborating withindustrytodevelopspin-off

andcommerciallyavailable technologyintheregion,South WestAgri-techisholdinga conferenceatExeterRacecourse on20April.Itwillfeaturearange ofoutdoorroboticanddrone demonstrations,anindoor marketplacewithdedicated networkingtime,andhighprofile speakers.

“Theeventwillbefreetoattend andthereareseveral sponsorshippackagesavailable,” saysMrsRufus.“Wewantthe wholefarming,horticultureand

innovation,helpingtosupportour richfarmingandfoodsectors,” explainsKarlTucker,interim chairoftheGreatSouthWest Partnership.“Wearedelightedto supportthisevent,toshowcase ourregion’sworld-leading technologiesandthepivotalrole theyplayintheUK’seconomy andfoodsecurity.”

Simplyput,agri-techisneededto helptheworldtosustainably meetitsdemandforgoodquality, safefood,explainsMrsRufus. “IntheSouthWest,weare perfectlyplacedtohelpdeliver that,witharangeofspecialities spanningtheentirefoodsupply chain.Wearefortunatetohave unparalleledsupportforagri-tech businessestodevelopandgrow, withbusinessgrowthhubs, incubatorsandaccelerators,as wellasbespokebusiness expertise,taxincentivesand accesstofunding.Wenowhave thelargestandfastestgrowing networkofhighgrowthSMEsin theUKagri-techsector,andthe timeisrighttoreallydemonstrate whattheycandoforfood producersintheregion.”

companies.“FollowingtheG7 summitinCornwalltherehas beenalotofdiscussionaround thewealthoftalentwehavein thearea,”explainsJoanna Rufus,chairofSouthWestAgritech.“Wehaveover200smallto mediumsizedagri-tech companiesand64business supportorganisations–including centresofexcellence–which generateaturnoverofmorethan £371mayear.

“Togetherwithmajoremployers includingArlaFoodsUK,Mole ValleyFarmers,ThatchersCider, ABPandYeoValley,agricultural companiesintheSouthWest contributemorethan£3bnin grossvalueaddedtotheUK economy.”

Tohelpprofilesomeofthe excitingresearch,development

agri-techcommunitytoattend, andlearnhowsuchexciting developmentshaveagenuine andpracticalroletoplaywithin agriculturalbusinesses.”

Keytechnologiesthatare penetratingtheglobalagriculture sectorincludedataanalytics, artificialintelligence,internet-ofthings,andautomationsystems, alongwithproductionanduses ofbiofuelasanalternative sourceofenergy.Satellite technologiesareincreasingly enablingthenextgenerationof agri-techbyprovidingpositioning information;deliveringfrequent, wide-scaleobservation,and providingreliable,affordableand ubiquitousconnectivity.

“Asthecountry’smostrural region,weareleadingthewayin agri-techresearchand

KatherineBennettCBE,chairof theWesternGateway Partnership,agrees.“Acrossthe regionwehavemanyinnovative businesses,hightechclusters andgreatereducational institutionsworkingattheleading edgeintheirfield.Wearehome totheRoyalAgricultural University,whoseplansforan InnovationVillagepromiseto ensuretheUKleadsthewayin developingmethodstoproduce foodsustainablyinthefuture.

“Itisgreattoseebusinesses comingtogethertodemonstrate theleadingworktheyaredoing inthissector.Iencourage everyonetocomealongtothis eventtoseewhyourareaisat theforefrontofmakingafuture withsustainablefoodareality.”

Formoreinformationvisitwww. southwestagritech.org.ukor emailjoanna.

rufus@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

UNIQUEGEOMETRYANDINNOVATIVESETTINGSYSTEM:

VOGELSANGPRESENTSNEWHICONEPROGRESSIVECAVITYPUMP

VogelsangGmbH &Co.KGhas launchedanew progressivecavity pumpforusein biogasplants.Theconical form,combinedwithan innovativesettingsystem, savesenergyandsignificantly extendstheservicelife.

“WiththeHiCone,weare onceagainsettingnew standardsforprogressive

cavitypumps.Wehavemet thedemandsofourcustomers forreducedlife-cyclecosts andlongerservicetimeswith thefurtherdevelopmentofour technology,”saysRainer Zobel,DirectorSalesEU Biogas,Industryand WastewateratVogelsang.

TheHiConesupports pumpingcapacitiesofupto 290m3/h.

READJUSTINSTEADOF CHANGINGPARTS:LOWER COSTSWITH CONSISTENTLYHIGH PUMPINGPERFORMANCE Ifagaparisesbetweenrotor andstatorduetowearin operation,thecapacitydrops. Whereaswithconventional progressingcavitypumps,this oftenmeansasuddendrastic fallofthepumpperformance andthereplacementofthe rotorandstator,theHiCone solvesthiswithaxial readjustmentoftherotor.The conicalshapeensuresthe gapisregulated,asaresult ofwhichthepumpisbackto itsoriginalconditionandthe pumpingcapacityreturnsto 100percent.Insteadofthe costlyandtime-consuming changingofparts,thereisa quickandeasyadjustment–duringongoingoperation.

CombinedwithVogelsang’s

integratedQuickService concept,thismeans significantlyreducedlife-cycle costsfortheuserandhigher pumpavailability,sincethere arenoelaborateservice deployments.Ifreplacement isneverthelessnecessary,the rotor-statorunitisswungout andcanthenberenewed eitherasaunitorindividually. Awear-resistantsleeve,which doesnotneedtobe unmountedtochangeparts, protectsthesturdycardan shaft.

LOWERELECTRICITY REQUIREMENTFOR INCREASEDENERGY EFFICIENCY

Thankstotheclever adjustmentsystem,rotorand statorcanbeoptimally positionedtoeachother accordingtooperating parameterslikepressure, temperatureandviscosity.

Thisresultsinlowerpower consumption,whichreduces theelectricityrequirement. Wearisalsoreducedatthe sametime.

Inaddition,theHiCone’s automaticstart-upsaves power.Thepositioningofthe rotorandstatorinrelationto eachotherisinsuchaway, thatthereisonlyminimal clampingbetweenthem.This meansthatasmallermotoris neededtorampupthepump thaninconventional progressivecavitypumps, whichreducesthepower requirementwhenstartingthe pumptoaminimum.This increasestheenergy efficiencyandreducesthe costsforpowerelectronics. Theresultislowerelectricity costsandreduced procurementexpensefor users.Thestart-upprocessis fullyautomaticwithoutthe needforadditionalcontrol.

Theclampingbetweenthe rotorandstatorcanbe adjustedduringtheentire servicelifeatthetouchofa buttonorattheclickofa mousefromthecontrolroom.

Zobel:“Anotheradvantagefor usersisthattheycanviewthe statusofthepumping elementsinareal-time display.Insteadofbeing surprisedbyasuddenfailure, theyreceivecontinuous informationandcanplanparts changesinadvance.”

Furthermore:“Ourcustomers needtechnologythatislonglastingandcanbeflexibly adaptedtodifferingpumping tasksandoperating parameters.TheHiCone givesthemahighlyefficient pump,whichcanbe individuallyadjustedand readjusted.”

TRAILING SHOE IN HIGH FLYER QUALITY

BlackBird®: Spreading technology that achieves superior results

You want things to run perfectly in the fi eld? Looking for flow-optimised geometry, outstanding distribution accuracy, minimum contamination and much more? Then, the latest cutting-edge trailing-shoe system BlackBird® by Vogelsang is the answer. Giving you consistent results. Get in touch now for more information: sales.uk@vogelsang.info • Phone: 01270 216 600

VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

vogelsang.info

Coverageonphosphoruspollutionfromagriculture

Therehasbeen coveragetodayin theTimes–partof itsCleanItUp campaignregardingguidance forfarmerstoreduceand preventagriculturalpollutioninto waterways.

Thepiecestatesthatministers havebeenaccusedofgiving farmerspermissiontopollute waterwaysbylooseningruleson howmanurecanbespreadon theland.Thisisnotthecase,the regulations–knownasthe FarmingRulesforWater–have notbeenchanged.

Farmingactivitiesareamain sourceofwaterpollutioninthe UK,whichiswhyweareworking withfarmerstoreducenutrient pollutionandincentivisebetter practicesthroughourfarming reforms.

OurSustainableFarming Incentive(SFI),Countryside Stewardship(CS)and LandscapeRecoveryschemes willprovidefarmerswithfunding

supportforregenerative measuresthatreducewater pollutionandimprove biodiversity.Wehavealsomade grantsofupto£250,000 availabletoimproveslurry storage,helpingfarmersto preventwaterandairpollution. Wehavealsofunded50extra EnvironmentAgencyinspectors toberecruitedandaimto conduct4,000farminspections thisyear.Thishassignificantly increasedtheEA’scapacityto workwithfarmerstomeettheir obligations,includingaround catchmentssuchastheRiver Wye.

ADefraspokespersonsaid:

Agriculturalpracticesareoneof themaincontributorsofdiffuse waterpollutionintheUK,which iswhywehavemadeextra budgetavailablethisyeartothe EnvironmentAgencytoconduct 4,000farminspectionsayear, anddoubledthefunding availablefortheCatchment SensitiveFarmingprogramme overthenextthreeyears.

Throughprogrammeslike CountrysideStewardshipandthe SustainableFarmingIncentive, wearealsopayingfarmersto takeactionsthatprotect watercoursesandreducerun-off. Thissitsalongsideanew,multiyeargrantschemeforfarmersto helpthemimproveslurrystorage andexistingwatermanagement grants.

AnEnvironmentAgency spokespersonsaid:

“Weworkconstructivelywith farmerstoreducewaterpollution fromagriculture.Lastyearwe receivedextrafundingfrom governmentandsincethen nationallywehaveundertaken 3,785inspections,andrequired 6,169improvementactionson farm–withafocuson improvementsaroundprotected sites”

Ifwefindpollutionorsignificant riskofpollutionoccurringwewill nothesitatetotakefurtheraction andhavealsobegun enforcementactionagainst140 farms.”

KIOTIputsdrivercomfortattheforefront withtheHXseriestractorandK9UTV

ThenewHXseriesof tractorsfromSouthKorean manufacturerKIOTIoffersa newefficient,comfortable andcosteffectiveoptionfor farmerslookingtobuya tractorinthe90to140hpsector.

MakingitsdebutattheSIMAshowin Paris,theKIOTIHXispoweredbya KIOTI3.8l4-cylinderSTAGEVturbo chargedengine.Theseriesconsistsof threemodels,theHX9010ratedto90hp, theHX1001ratedto100hpandthe HX1201ratedto115hp,allwithan automaticondemandPTOboostof 10hp.

Featuringacomfortableandluxurious cab,withfullyadjustableairsuspension seat,LCDdashboardandergonomic controls,theHXcabprovidestheoperatorwitha pleasantworkingenvironment.

Atwo-stagemechanicaltransmissionwitha4x4 powershiftarrangementprovides32forwardand reversegears,offeringamaximumspeedof40

km/hr.The‘E-shift’allowsgearchangesonthe movewithoutusingtheclutchpedal.

Withversatilityinmind,theHXfeaturesaCAT2 rearhitchwitha4.4teliftcapacity,tworeardouble actingservicesandarearPTOwith540,540ECO and1000rpmoptions,whichcanbeengaged manuallyorviatheautomaticmodelinkedtothe rearlinkage.Operatorswishingtoincreasethe versatilityoftheirHXcandosobyfittinganoptional frontlinkageandPTOorafrontloader,operatedby anintegratedfour-waycontrollever.

PricesfortherangetoppingHX1201startfrom £71,750.

ThepopularK9Utilityvehicle(UTV)fromKiotiis nowavailablewithanoptionalfactoryfitcabin.

SpecificallydesignedfortheK9,thefullyenclosed cabinprovidescompleteprotectionfromthe elements,whilsttheairconditionedcabinheating ensurestheoperatorandpassengerstravelin comfort.

Inaddition,thenewK9isalsoequippedwithanew CVTtransmissionwithahomologatedroadspeed of50kphandspeedsensitivepowersteering,both bringinganewlevelofoperatorcomfort.

Capableofcarryingtwopassengers,inadditionto thedriverinthecabin,andapayloadof500kgon thelargerearplatform,theK9iswellsuitedto numeroustasksaroundthefarm.

PricesforaK9UTVfittedwithafactorycabinstart from£29,750.

AGCOLaunchesFreeOperationalPlanning ToolforFarmersinWesternEurope

AGCOCorporation announcedtodayit haslauncheda brand-newonlinetool calledGeo-Birdthat willhelpfarmersall aroundtheworldtoindependently planandoptimizetheirglobal navigationsatellitesystem(GNSS) machineguidancelines.Aftera periodofpre-releasetestingand gatheringmaximumend-user feedback,thisapplicationisnow available.

Thenumberofturnsafarmerhasto makeinthetractorandtheamount offuelusedtoworkafieldis determinedgreatlybythewayline approach.Whilevariousmethods canbeusedtogenerateefficient waylinesinthecab,manyfarmers haveexpressedadesiretogenerate moreefficientwaylinesoutofthe cabandintheoff-seasonfromthe comfortoftheiroffice.

“Theabilitytoplaninadvanceand outsidetherushofnarrowwindows tocompletefieldworkisvery importanttoourcustomers,” explainedMarkTheuerkauf,Fuse Go-To-MarketLead.“Thisis especiallytruewhenworkingon

rentedland,workingasacontractor onmanydifferentfields,orgrowing specialtycropsincombinationwith localchallengingconditions,like irregularorslopingfieldconditions.It isoftenguessworktoknowwhatthe mostefficientworkingdirection shouldbe.”

Geo-Birdisaneasy-to-use applicationthatcanhelpfarmers overcomethischallenge.With minimalinputs,advancedalgorithms insideGeo-Birdanalysethefield shapeandbyconsideringmatching workingwidthsofimplements calculatestheoptimalwayline routing.Threepotentialrouting suggestionsarecalculated,asalso amanualdirectioncanbeentered forcomparison.

Ofeachcalculatedroutingthetime savings,wheeltrafficareaand numberofturnsareshown, convenientlyarrangedtoeasilysee thedifferencesandpotential savings.

FollowingtheFuseopenplatform philosophy,thedesiredroutingcan bedownloadedintherightformatfor directuseonthefarmer’sterminalin thecab,simplybychoosingyour

currentguidancesystemfroma comprehensivelistof3rdparty brands.

TheGeo-Birdapplicationisfreeof chargeandisaccessibleviathis link:www.geo-bird.com.As topographyisanimportantfactorin thiscalculationformanyregions,a soontobereleased,freeofcharge upgradeisalreadybeingdeveloped andwillbelaunchedinQ12023. Geo-Birdwillcontinuetointroduce moreadvancedfeaturesinthefuture withmorehelpfulandpractical functionalitiesthatmayrequireafee. Geo-BirdisfullyGDPR-compliant andprotectsuserdataandprivacy. Alldataisexchangedviasecure encryptedconnections.

Fendtcustomerscanchecktheir tracklinesinGeo-Birdand,if necessary,adjusttheiralignmentso thatasfewturningmaneuversas possiblearerequiredatthe headland.Thissavestimeand operatingresources.Thetracklines canbeeasilyimportedfromthe tractorterminalintoGeo-Birdvia USBstick,andtheoptimizeddatais returnedtothetractorterminalvia thesameroute.

LATESTUSEDSTOCK

MT775E

2015,6360Hrs,439HP

Speed:40Km/h

Track:30Track%:40

6Spools,GuidanceReady, 16/4PowershiftTransmission

£81,500.00

MF8S.265EXDE

650/75R42(90%)

FrontLinkage,Dyna-7EPowerTransmission, Spec.Package:EXCLUSIVE,RadarFitted

.00

T174EAMR

2019,2048Hrs,180HP

Tyres:540/65R28(90%)

650/65R38(90%)

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VALTRAT254VST

2021,722Hrs,235HP

Tyres:600/60R30(100%)

710/60R42(100%)

CabSuspension, TrelleborgTyres,Front Linkage,SmartTouchSpec.

£114,500.00

FORDRANGER

2020(70)3.2Wildtrack

AutoDoubleCab

18,203Miles

£27,990.00

MITSUBISHIL200

2016(66)2.4Warrior

ManualDoubleCab

86,922Miles

£15,590.00

NISSANNAVARA

2017(66)2.3Tekna

ManualDoubleCab

86,450Miles

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724

2019,5800Hrs,250HP

828

2017,4479Hrs,280HP

Tyres:600/70R30(30%) 710/70R42(30%)

FENDT936

2018,4950Hrs,360HP

Tyres:IF650/65R34(70%)

IF710/75R42(90%)

Profi-PlusSpec,Radar Fitted,GuidanceReady, VarioTransmission

£142,000.00

MERLOTF42.7-145 20203000Hrs,145HP

7mReach,4200kglift

Tyres:460/70R24(40%)

£54,500.00

MANITOUMLT634

2014,4902Hrs

6mReach, 3400kgLift

£38,500.00

NISSANNAVARA

2017(67)2.3VISIA ManualDoubleCab

45,828Miles

£14,290.00

VWAMAROK

2016(16)2.0BiTDI

AutoDoubleCab

36,618Miles

£23,990.00

Centraltyreinflationsystemsavesfuel,fieldsandtyres

https://www.claas.co.uk

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

Formoreinformationcontact:

SharnfordTractorsLtd

LodgeFarm,BroughtonRoad, Frolesworth,Lutterworth, Leicestershire,LE175EH

Telephone:01455209300

https://www.sharnfordtractors.co.uk

Valtra’sUnlimitedStudionowoffersa newcentraltyreinflationsystemfor tractors.Thesystemissuppliedby PTG,whichhas30yearsof experienceintyreinflationsystems andhastailoredthenewsystem specificallyforValtratractors.PTGhasbeenpart oftheMichelinGroupsince2018.

“Thecentraltyreinflationsystemmakesiteasyto settheoptimaltyrepressuresforroads,softfields oranyotherconditions.Therighttyrepressures savefuel,reducesoilcompaction,increasesafety ontheroadandpreventtyrewear,”saysPetri Loukiala,headoftheUnlimitedStudio.

Thenewcentraltyreinflationsystemisavailable onValtraNandTSeriestractorswithISOBUS. Thetyrepressuresaredisplayedonthe SmartTouchscreenandcanbeadjustedatthe pushofabutton.Thesystemiscompatiblewith specificMichelin,Bridgestone,Mitasand Trelleborgtyres.

1.Easytoswitchfromtransporttofieldmode

2.ControlledfromtheSmartTouchscreen

3.Compressedairhosestotyres

4.Specialwheels

5.Compatiblewith650/65R38,650/75R38, 710/60R38,710/70R38,650/65R42, 710/60R42tyres

ValtraUnlimitedturns10years

Wehaveapassionfordoingthings differentlyattheValtraUnlimited studio.Totryandcapturesomeofour enthusiasmandpassionwehave createdabrandnewwebpage devotedtothelatestUnlimited features,sector-specifichighlights,andsomeofthe manywaysyoucancustomiseyourValtratractor withValtraUnlimited.

TitanGreyDesignisthenewcampaignpackage

Isgreythenewblack?Wethinkso!

Wehaveabrandnewcampaignpackageto presenttoyou:TitanGreyDesignpackage!

ThisdesignpackageisavailableforSmartTouch

modelsanditincludesthisspectacularMattegrey tractorcolour,Blackmetallicrims,Mattegrey SmartToucharmrestsiderailandMattegreydetails insteeringcolumn(OnlyN,TandQSeries).

Unlimitedpackagesjustgoteasiertochoose InhonorofValtraUnlimited's10-yearanniversary, we'vestreamlinedourgreatvalueUnlimited packagesandmadethemeasiertomixandmatch.

Forexample,itisnowpossibletogetallthestyle youwantwithadesignpackageANDgetthebest ergonomicsandall-daycomfortwithacomfort package,bothtogether.Alternatively,youcan choseacomfortorstylepackageindividually.

BobcatCompactLoaderCreatorsInductedinto theAmericanNationalInventorsHallofFame

CyrilandLouisKeller’sinventionandcontributionstothe compactequipmentindustryarerecognisedatnationallevel

CyrilandLouis Keller,thebrothers whoinventedthe world’sfirst compactloader (laternamedthe Bobcatskid-steerloader),have beenselectedas 2023inductees fortheNational InventorsHallof Fame(NIHF)in theUSA.The NIHFannually recognises inventors, promotes creativityand advancesthe spiritof innovationand entrepreneurship.

Howitall began

Inthe1950s, brothersCyriland Louisoperatedasmall machinist-blacksmith shopinMinnesota together,building andrepairing machineryforlocal farmers.Afarmer approachedthem withaneedfora self-propelledloader lightenoughtobe liftedtothesecond floorofaturkeybarn andsmallenoughto cleanaroundthe barn’suprightpoles. Inresponse,in 1957,theKellers builtathree-wheeled loaderwithtwodrive wheelsinfrontanda casterwheelinthe rear–the predecessortothe modernskid-steer loader.

Theloadercametotheattention ofMelroeManufacturing Company(nowBobcat),which invitedtheKellerstodemonstrate theirinventionintheirboothat theMinnesotaStateFairin1958. Afterasuccessfuldemonstration

atthefair,theMelroe ManufacturingCompanywas awardedexclusivemanufacturing rightstothemachineonaroyalty basisandhiredtheKeller brotherstorefinethedesignand putthemachineintoproduction.

World’sfirst trueskid-steer loader

Toimproveonthe designofthe loader,asecond setofdrivewheels wasaddedtothe backoftheloader in1960.Withthis four-wheeldrive, theM400became theworld’sfirst trueskid-steer loader.‘Skid-steer’ describesthe uniquesteering system,which enablesthe machinetoturn withinitsown length.Later,the Bobcatbrandname wasestablished becauseofthe machine’s toughness, quicknessand agility.

JoeKeller,sonof Louis,said,“The Bobcatloaderhas positivelyimpacted thelivesof thousandsof employeeswho haveworkedforthe company,dealers whosellthe machines,and customerswhouse theequipment everydaytobuild theirlivelihood. Whilewemaynot

CyrilKeller

LouisKeller

alwaysrealiseitsimpact,itisan integralpartofoureveryday life—fromsupportingfarm operationsthatresultinfoodon ourtablestohaulingmaterials aroundajobsitebuildingour homesandoffices.”

Sixty-fiveyearslater

AsBobcatcelebrates65years sincetheinventionofthe machinethatcreatedthe compactequipmentindustry,it hascontinuedtoforgethefuture oftheindustrythroughinnovation andforward-thinking.

Bobcatnowoffersmorethan100 productsinthecompact,grounds maintenanceandindustrial

equipmentindustries,and producesmorethan150families ofattachments.

Otherawardedinventors

OtherNIHF2023inductees includeRoryCooper,who inventedwheelchairtechnology; LuisvonAhn,whoco-createdthe websitesecurityprogram reCAPTCHA;AngelaHartley Brodie,whodiscoveredand developedaclassofdrugscalled AromataseInhibitorsthatstop theproductionofhormonesthat fuelthegrowthofcancercells; and14otherinnovationpioneers. Thisyearmarksthe50th anniversaryeventofNIHF’s foundingin1973,whenThomas Edisonwasthesoleinductee.

Acknowledgingtheawardon

behalfofhisfatheranduncle, JoeKellersaid,“Thisrecognition isagreathonourtodadand Cyril’sfamilies,butitisnotjust forus.Itisarecognitionforallof theearlyandcurrentBobcat employeeswhohavehelped bringourlittle‘Kellerloader’tobe theBobcatmachineitistoday.It hasbeenagreathonourtohave hadafront-rowseatwatching thisinventionrevolutionisethe wayworkgetsdonearoundthe world.”

Formoreinformationabout BobcatandBobcatproducts,visit thewebsitewww.bobcat.com

Cheffinstoholdmajoragriculturalsale onbehalfofWilsonFarming,Lancashire

EastAnglian-based auctioneer, Cheffins,willhosta majormachinery auctiononbehalfof WilsonFarmingLtd inSamlesbury,Lancashire. TakingonThursday 16thFebruary,thesaleissetto beoneofthelargeston-farm salesin2023,withover150high valuelots.

maintainedmachineryandisall partofWilsonFarmingLimited’s comprehensivefleetrenewal policy.Thispresentsan unrivalledopportunityforbuyers topickupmodernfarm machineryinaninstant,negating thelongleadtimesfornewstock whichhashamperedprogressfor manyfarmersanddealersforthe pasttwoyears.”

WilsonFarmingLtdisamultiaward-winningbusiness, whichwasestablishedin 1970inSamlesbury, Lancashire.Thefamilyrun agriculturalcontractingand hirecompanyhasover40 years’experienceinthe fieldandoffersthelatestin equipmentandtechnology, aswellashavingastockof sparepartsandaneffective repairservice

aredelightedtocontinue supplyingagriculturalservices usingthelatestmachineryto bothourhireandcontracting customersformanyyearsto come.”

OliverGodfreyfromCheffins continues:“Themarketforthe bestinclassofsecond-hand machinerycontinuestogofrom strengthtostrength,aslonglead timesfornewkit,coupledwitha lackofstockwithinthemarket drivesprices.Wehavealsoseen thattheexportmarkethascome backinfullforce,bothatonsite salesandourmonthlymachinery salehostedatCheffins,as buyerslooktomakethemostof theweakeningpoundand becomeincreasinglysavvyat navigatingexportregulations post-Brexit.”

Thesalewillinclude14tractors, sixforageharvesters,threeselfpropelledmowers,twoloading shovels,grasslandmachinery andimplements.

Highlightsincludea2020John Deere6215Rwithanestimateof £115,000,a2020JohnDeere 6155Rwithanestimateof £95,000anda2020Fendt720 withanestimateof£90,000.

Otherkeylotsincludea2011 Class960Jaguarwithan estimateof£80,000,a2011

Claas940withanestimateof £70,000anda2021KroneBigM 450self-propelledmowerwithan estimateof£235,000,whilsta 2021JCB419Sloadingshovelis settosellfor£130,000.

OliverGodfrey,Directorand HeadoftheMachineryand AuctionDivisionatCheffins comments:“Thismammothsale issettobethebiggestof2023.It includesstacksofwell-

IanWilson,ofWilson FarmingLtd,comments: “The auctionispart ofour extensive equipment replacement programfor 2023,andwe arepleasedto instruct Cheffinsto undertakeour equipment salefollowing onfromthe very successful auctionwhichtheyorganisedfor usbackin2011.Weknowwe candependontheirexpertise andprofessionalapproachto achievethehighestvalueforour qualityusedmachinesintoday’s demandingmarket.AtWilson FarmingLtdweofferafulllineof agriculturalcontractingalongwith thenationwidehireoftractors, loadingshovelsandgrassand maizeharvestingequipment.We

Thesalewilltakeplaceon Thursday16thFebruarywitha viewingdayonWednesday15th

FebruaryatHuntleys, Samlesbury,Lancashire,PR5 0UN.

Toviewthecatalogue, visit:https://www.cheffins.co.uk/ machinery-vintage-auctions.htm

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

Investmentinexperienced salespersonnelcontinuesat KUHNFarmMachinery, followingtherecruitmentof GordonLogantothe company’sregionally deployedsalesteam.

Gordonspecialisesinbeddingand feedingequipment,aswellasKUHN’s rangeofhedgecutters,andwillmanage thenorthofEnglandandScotland.This appointmentmaintainsKUHN’sexpanded productsalessupportfunctionthathas nowbeeninexistenceforoveradecade andcomplementstheongoinginvestment thatthecompanyismakingintechnical personnel.

“We’recontinuallybuildingonour commitmenttodelivertheverybestsales supporttoourdealersandcustomers,”explains SiânPritchard,ManagingDirectorofKUHNUK. “Ourinvestmentinpeoplemirrorsoursuccessin increasingsalesandgrowingmarketsharein priorityproductareas.

“Havingskilledanddedicatedpeopleontheground

isanimportantpartofbuildingstrongrelationships withourdealernetworkandisbecomingan importantdifferentiatorforthebusiness.It’sa crucialfactorinensuringthatweprovideamore complete,efficient,andthoroughservicetoourUK customersand,asaresult,areabletopushUK salesfigurestonewheights.”

KUHNAPPOINTSNEWAREASALESMANAGER

Investmentinexperiencedsales personnelcontinuesatKUHNFarm Machinery,followingtherecruitmentof DavidSmithtothecompany’s regionallydeployedsalesteam.

Davidwillcovertheeasterncountiesinhisroleas AreaSalesManager.Thisappointmentmaintains

KUHN’sexpandedproductsupportfunctionthat hasnowbeeninexistenceforoveradecadeand complementstheongoinginvestmentthatthe companyismakingintechnicalpersonnel.

“We’recontinuallybuildingonourcommitmentto delivertheverybestsalessupporttoourdealers andcustomers,”explainsSiânPritchard,Managing DirectorofKUHNUK.“Our investmentinpeoplemirrors oursuccessinincreasing salesandgrowingmarket shareinpriorityproduct areas.

“Havingskilledanddedicated peopleonthegroundisan importantpartofbuilding strongrelationshipswithour dealernetworkandis becominganimportant differentiatorforthebusiness. It’sacrucialfactorinensuring thatweprovideamore complete,efficient,and thoroughservicetoourUK customersand,asaresult, areabletopushUKsales figurestonewheights.”

ThomasPlantHireadvocates safetywithXwatchsystems

ThomasPlantHire beganitsjourneya quarterofacentury agoin1998when MDWynThomas foundeda contractingbusinessinHolywell inNorthWales.Thecompany hassincegrownintosomewhat ofaforcemajeurewithinthe sector,withmanysubsidiary companieswithintheThomas Group–infact,thereareseven otherThomasPlantdivisions, andthecompanyhasnoplansto slowdownitsfuturegrowth.

ThomasPlantHireboastsmore than3000machineswithinits hirefleetincludingawiderange ofexcavatorsrangingfrom 1.5tonneupto50tonne–which includemarket-leadingmachines fromOEMsHitachi,Caterpillar, Kobelco,KomatsuandLiebherr. Also,thecompanyownsavery impressivefleetof72dozerswith another20onorder.

IanMcMillan,Headofbusiness developmentattheThomas Groupreportedthatthecompany hadinvestedintheregionof £50minnewplantand machineryduring2022andis planningtoinvestasimilarfigure during2023!

Thecompanyisalsoabig investorin'machinetechnology' withitsOnGradeMachine Controldivision,whichoffers training,salesandhirefor IntelligentGPSMachineControl systems,whichincludeLeica, TopconandTrimble.

ThomasPlantisalsoabig advocateof'Safety'andthe companyhasaround65Xwatch systemsinstalledonavarietyof excavators,withlotsmoreon orderastheyfuture-prooftheir fleet.

Thesystemshavebeeninstalled byXwatchpartnerGareth JamesownerofGJPlantand

AutoElectricsandXwatch's, sistercompanyFitzgeraldPlant Services,basedinCwmbran, Wales.Inthelasttwoweeks aloneGarethhasinstalled13 XwatchSystemsonbehalfof ThomasPlant.

IanMcMillansaid,"Wechose theXwatchsystemsastheyhave NetworkRailapproval,whichisa veryvaluableendorsementfor theproductsandallowsusto operateonNetworkRailprojects. Thebackupandservicewe receivefrombothGarethJames andFitzgeraldPlantServicesare secondtonone-100%positive."

Ianadded,"Whenworkingwith tieronecontractorsthey mandatethatanengineerisonsitewithinamaximumoffour hoursofanissue,withGareth, FitzgeraldPlantServicesandthe Xwatch,supportteamthis serviceisguaranteed,although wehavenexttonoissueswith

theXwatchsystems."

Iancontinued,"Wehaveused othersafetysystems,butwe foundthattheXwatch competitorslackedambitionand engagement,withnodriveor innovation.WithXwatch,weget thisinspades.Idon'tknowof

anothercompanythathas innovatedasmuchasXwatchothersseemtositontheirlaurels whereasXwatchisalways lookingaheadforthenext solution–truepioneersand marketleadersinmachine safety."

"Xwatchdesignand manufacturefantasticsystems, whicharesimpleforthe operatortonavigate,andagain NetworkRailandNational Highway'sapprovalisabig driverforusingthebrand."

ConcludedIan

Managingdirector,Thomas PlantHire,WynThomas commented,"Asaforwardthinkingandprogressive businesswearealways lookingtoworkwithcompanies withthesameapproach.That's whyXwatchisourpreferred supplierformachinesafety solutions.Qualityofinstallation isalsokeyandbothGareth JamesandFitzgerald,deliver oneverylevel."

JemmaDycer-HopkinsUK businessdevelopment manager,XwatchSafety Solutionssaid,"Workingwith Gwyn,Wyn,Ianandtherestof thefantasticteamatThomas Plant,isalwaysapleasure.We arehonouredtobethe company'spreferredsupplierof safetysystemsfortheirmodern fleet.Welookforwardto continuingourworking relationshipwithThomasPlant andmeetingtheirsafety requirements."

TimFarrowpromotedto TechnicalDirector,StocksAg

StocksAghas promotedTim Farrowtothe recentlycreated positionof TechnicalDirector.Inhisnew capacityTimwillbeleading researchanddevelopment,as wellasheadinguptechnical supportforcustomers,dealers andOEMs.

SincejoiningStocksAgatthe endof2020,asUKField SalesManager,Timhas becomeincreasinglyinvolved inproductdevelopmentat Stocks.

Timhasworkedinagriculture formorethan30yearsand, priortojoiningStocks,hewas theServicethenBranch Managerforanother machinerydealer.Hisnew positionatStockswillseehim settingupthetechnical supportdepartment,aswellas takingchargeofresearchand development.

JamesWoolway,MDat Stockscommented,“Itwas clearfrombeforeItook ownershipofStocksAgthat researchandproactive productdevelopmentneeded

investmentandtime.Having experienceinaftersalesand beingtechnicallyminded,has putTiminastrongpositionto leadthisexcitingdevelopment inthebusiness.”

“Iamlookingforwardtothe challengesahead,”saidTim. “Withsomuchinnovationin agriculturebringingproduct opportunitiesforStocksI believewewillcontinueto improveourproductofferingto givefarmersandcontractors exactlywhattheyarelooking for.”

NewFCSeries:CentreCollectFrontMowers

Versatility,precisecut andefficient collection, guaranteethe perfectfinishover

hydraulicout-frontfloatingflailor rotarymowerdeck.Hydrostatic TractionControland4WD providingexcellenttractionwhilst minimisingsurfacedamage.The mowersturbine-assistedgrass collectionsystemprovidesupto 1300lcapacity*withhydraulic highliftunloadingupto2.45m*. Longdaysaremadeeasierwitha hostofsuperiorcomfortand controlfeaturesfittedas

KEYHIGHLIGHTS:

FC3-261/FC4501

•26/50HPKubota StageV3/4-cylinder dieselengine

anyterrain,everytime.

Thesepowerfulandversatile machinesdeliveraprecisecuton anyterrainthankstoachoiceof

•3-StageHST transmission

•HTCTMHydrostaticTraction Controlforminimisedsurface damageandpermanent4WD

•Out-frontfloatingmowerdeck (126or130cm)withtwin, retractableanti-collision blades

•Powerful2-pointhydraulic decklift

•Dual-cut,mulching,andflail mowerdeckoptions

•800l/1300lhigh-capacity turbineassistedcollection systemwithhydraulicliftupto 205/245cm

•Comfortableoperatorbs platform,adjustablegrammer suspensionseat,power steering,easy-to-read dashboardwithtwohydraulic levers(withupto8functions)

•LEDfrontworklightsandfront guard

*FC4-501

CaseIHCelebrates100Years ofFarmall,TheOneForAll

CaseIHkicksoffglobalcelebrations honouringthe100-yearanniversaryof theFarmalltractor.TheiconicFarmall modelwasinitiallyintroducedin1923 astheall-purposetractordesignedto revolutionisetheagricultureindustry.

Thiscelebrationwilltakeplaceduringayear-long, multi-facetedcampaignanchoredintheconceptof Farmallbeing“TheOneForAll”.Throughsocial media,videostoriesandadedicatedmicrosite, everyonewillgettheopportunitytolearnmore aboutthehistoryandcontinuousevolutionof Farmall.

“In1923,wesetouttodesignatractorthatcould replacehorses,andtoday,ourFarmallstillserves astheworkhorseonfarmsacrosstheglobe,”said ScottHarrisCaseIHglobalbrandpresident.

“Generationaftergeneration,Farmallhasbeena symbolofmodernfarming,andwe’reexcitedto bringthesestoriestolifeoverthecourseof2023.”

MajormilestonesforFarmallinclude:

•1923:InternationalHarvesterengineerBertR.

BenjamindesignsthefirstFarmallprototype

•1931:TheFSeriesispresentedforfarmerswith moreacreage

•1939:SecondgenerationFarmalldesignedby RaymondLoewy

•1941:Farmallintroducestheworld’sfirstdiesel rowcroptractor

•1947:The1,000,000thFarmallrollsofftheline

•1958:Themostpopular tractorintheUS,theFarmall560is introduced

•1965:First2WDrowcrop tractortoexceed100horsepoweris aFarmall

•1971:Farmallgoesglobal withtractorssoldin125countries andcomponentsmadeineight.

•1974:CaseIHsellsits5 millionthFarmall–thefirsttractorto everreachthatnumber

WiththereintroductionofFarmallin 2003,CaseIHhascontinuedto expandthelineupofproducts spanningfrom31to105 horsepower.TheglobalFarmall legacycontinuestodaywithmore than30modelstochoosefrom,and thisiconictractorserieswillcontinuetoevolve alongsidethecustomerswhomadethismilestone possible.

“CaseIHiscommittedtocreatingasustainableand productivefuture,”continuedScott.“Weareproud tohave100yearsofFarmallasourlegacyand we’reexcitedtobelookingtowardsthenext evolutionofthistractorandwhatitwillmeanforour communityoffarmersworldwide.”

DealeracquisitionstrengthensJohnDeere’s agricultureandturfpropositioninNorthernIreland

JohnDeere’s agriculturaland sportsturf machinerywillbe availablethrougha single,largerdealer inthecountiesofAntrim,Derry/ Londonderry,ArmaghandDown afterStephenWMooreLTD announcedthatitisacquiringits neighbouringfranchise,Johnston Gilpin&CoLTD.

BothColeraineand Lisburnbrancheswill continuetradingfromthe currentlocations,and customerswillexperience asimplificationofall aspectsofpartsand serviceintheregionasa resultofthemove,which isinlinewithDeere’s DealerofTomorrow strategy.

AllJohnstonGilpin&Co employeeswillbe transferredtoStephenW Moore,andthe company’sbranchin Lisburnwillcontinueto tradeunderthename JohnstonGilpin.

Theexpandeddealership willofferthefullrangeof JohnDeereagricultural machineryaswellas domesticand professionalturfcare products,supplying farms,homes,sports venuesandgolfcourseswiththe samequalityequipmentand aftersalesservicetheyhave receivedundertheprevious structure.

DealerPrincipalStephenMoore said:“Thisisanexcitingtimeas wepreparetonearlydoublethe sizeofourbusinesswiththenext stageofourevolution.

“WehaveknowntheMcConnell familyandtheJohnstonGilpin groupformanyyearsandthe

wholeteamhasdoneafantastic jobservingagriculturalandturf carecustomersintheterritory.It isclearwesharethesamecore valuesarounddelivering unrivalledcustomerservicesoI amlookingforwardtointegrating thetwobusinessesunderthe StephenWMoorebanner.

“Thetransitionwillbesmooth

balers.

“Aswellascoveringalarger areaandthebenefitsthatscale bringstoabusinesslikeours,we willnowbeabletoofferthefull rangeofprofessionalturfcare machines,parts,serviceand technicalknowledge,”MrMoore added.“Asonefranchisewith accesstomoremachines,parts andknow-how,the trainingandadvice wecanofferto customersandstaff willcontinueto improve.”

JohnDeere’s DivisionSales Manager,Brian D’Arcy,said:“The acquisitionisa greatfitforour dealernetworkand thenew,larger business–backed upbythesupport fromJohnDeere–isanextremely strongproposition forourcustomersin NorthernIreland.

andsteady,ensuringthatit’s businessasusualforour customerswhilewearelearning fromeachotherbehindthe scenes.”

StephenWMoorehasbeena JohnDeeredealersince2008in Coleraine.Itisknownforits strengthinsupportingfarmers andcontractorsintheregion, offeringthefullrangeofforage harvesters,combines,small, mediumandlarge-frame tractors,sprayers,mowersand

“Bothcompanies arewellestablished withknowledgeable staffandconnected support.Looking ahead,the businesswillgo fromstrengthto strengthandbeina positiontomakethefuture investmentsrequiredinfacilities, logisticsandadvancedprecision technologies.

“OurspecialthanksgotoDonn, Randal,Nealeandallthe McConnellfamilyfortheir valuableandlongstanding contributiontotheindustryafter servingasadealerinthearea forJohnDeereforthepast54 years.”

CHANDLERSINVESTSINJCBFRANCHISE WITHCOTSWOLDSEXPANSION

ChandlersFarm Equipmentisto extendits newly-acquired JCBfranchise intothe Cotswoldsfromthe beginningofDecemberthis year,supportingcustomers byinvestinginaJCBdepot atCirencesterin Gloucestershire.

Themovefollowsthemerger ofJCBdealerRossFarm MachineryintotheChandlers group,effectiveFebruary 2023,withthenew ChandlersRFMJCB operationcontinuingtowork outofexistingbranchesat RaglanforMonmouthshire, Ross-on-Wyein HerefordshireandMartleyin Worcestershire.

TheMartleyandnewCirencester depotswillbecomespecialist hubsformanagingJCBsales, serviceandparts,strengthening thededicatedsupportavailable toallJCBcustomersinthearea acrosstheJCBFastrac,Loadall, TM,wheeledloaderandother

agriculturalmaterialshandling products.

JCBAgricultureManaging DirectorJohnSmithsaid:“We lookforwardtoworkingwiththe teamatChandlersRFMJCBand takethisopportunitytothank CotswoldFarmMachineryfor theirmanyyearsofdedicationto

JCBcustomers.

“UntiltheendofNovember, CotswoldFarmMachinerywill continuetoprovidesales,parts, serviceandrepairsfromFosse Cross,andthechangeof distributionarrangementswill havenoimpactonJCBdealers neighbouringtheCotswolds territoryorelsewhere.”

PaddyKennedy,JCB ManageratChandlers RFMJCBsaid:“Our teamisreadytoputtheir yearsofJCBexperience togooduseinthe Cotswoldsareafrom December.Theregionis anaturalfitforthe business,andthe continuityandexperience ofthestaffhereat ChandlersRFMJCBwill ensureprofessionaland promptsupportforall JCBcustomers.”

VADERSTADACQUIRESTHYREGODA/SINTER-ROWCULTIVATORS

Väderstadhasacquiredpartsofthe DanishcompanyThyregodthat producesafullproductrangeof inter-rowcultivators.The acquisitionincludesallintellectual propertyrightstoThyregod’sinterrowcultivatorproductarea;theTRVrange includingtheSwingking.

ThyregodA/SisaDanishagriculturalbrand withrootsthatgobackto1918.Formorethan 25years,ithasworkedtodevelop,produce andsellinter-rowcultivators.Thespringof 2023willbeatransitionperiodandVäderstad willtakeovertheresponsibilityfortheinter-row

Thyregod’sinter-rowcultivatorsareaperfect matchtoVäderstad’scurrentportfolioofTempo plantersandtoitsnewtechnologiesforseeding withintheProceedconceptandforfuture sustainableandefficientfarming.

DuringtheyearstheThyregodTRVtechnology hasbeenoptimizedtothelastdetail,witha patentedsectionlift,countlessadjustment optionsandtheworld’sfirstcamera-controlled inter-rowcultivatorwithindividualframesthat areeachcontrolledbyacamera.

cultivatorbusinessJune1st.

VADERSTADACQUIRESTHYREGODA/SINTER-ROWCULTIVATORS

TheTRVSwingkinghasauniqueframe solutionthatholdstwoframesintoonemain frame.Thisimprovesefficiencyandsavesa pass.Also,thehighmainframetogetherwitha patentedsolutionforliftingtherowunits,avoids damagingplantswhileincreasingspeed.

“Ournewandexistingfarmercustomerswill increasinglyuseinter-rowcropcultivatorsandit isessentialthatweincludetheminourproduct range,”saysVaderstadUK’ssalesand marketingmanagerAndyGamble.“Wehave alreadyidentifiedthatinthefuturemanyofour Tempofarmerswillmovetomoremechanical solutionsforweedcontrol.

“Asthereisusuallyachallengetomatchan inter-rowcultivatortoaseedingmachine, Väderstadcannowofferfarmersacomplete solution,”hesays.“Addinganinter-row cultivatortoourproductrangealsooptimizes ourfutureProceedconceptincereals.”

Initially,theinter-rowcultivatorswillbesold undertheThyregodbrand,andmanufactured inThyregod’sproductionfacilitiesinDenmark. FromJune2024,theywillcarrytheVäderstad brandandmoredetailsaboutthiswillbe announcedpriortoAgritechnica2023.

CFMOTOendorsedbySheepfarminginfluencer

Thisyearhasseen CFMOTO’s CFORCEATV rangeturningheads tobecometheUK’s leadingfullyroadlegalATVofchoiceforfarmers.

Wesawthelaunchofthe upgradedCFORCE450/520 ATV,packedwithperformance andcomfortupgrades,easyto maintainandloadedwith premiumequipmentatan

newseatthat’s 40%thicker providingmore comfort.

There’sreduced noiseandvibration, abigger16.5Lfuel tankandthe chassisis10% lighterand30% strongercompared totheprevious model.Thenew suspension provides26% more-wheeltravel andincreased groundclearance to250mm,anda tunedEPS

ElectronicPower SteeringSystem.

excellentprice.

Theseupgradesincludea25% tighterturningcircle,upgraded rackswithmoreloadcapacity (30kgfrontand60kgrear,)and improvedriderergonomicswitha

Thenextstepupin powerintheATV rangeisthe CFORCE625thatimmediately soldoutintheUSAandCanada whenitwaslaunched.It’sa completelynewdesignfollowing yearsofdevelopmentand featureson-the-flychangeable enginemapsandclassleading handlingwitha7.25mturning circle.

Sheepfarminginfluencer,

CammyWilsonakaTheSheep GamehasaCFORCE625and fullyendorsesitsqualitysaying “it’sneverletmedown.Iknowa fewfarmersthathaveswitched overtoCFMOTOandhaveno regrets!”

TheentireCFORCErange featuresahigh-qualityBoschEFI fuelsystem,andCanadianbuilt CVTechdriveanddriven clutcheswithengine brakingthat’shighly acclaimedforquality andreliability.

CFMOTO’s developmentdoesn’t stopatATV’s.Ifyou’re aftermorespace, capacityandpowerthen the2023utilityvehicle rangeincludesthe UFORCE600, UFORCE1000and UFORCE1000XL featuringprogressive EPSforlightweight handling,4×4capability andagas-assisted cargoboxtopower throughyourworkday quicker.

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

rescueyoufromthosetricky moments.

Asanaddedbonus,2023 agriculturalmodelswillcomewith afreeATVTracsecuritysystem.

movementsofyour machinerydownto3 metresinrealtime,which ispreciseenoughtogain searchwarrants,and sendsatheftresponse teamtovisitthelocation andsecurethestolen machine.It’srecognised byinsurers,andthey havealreadyrecovered over£12millionworthof machinestodatewitha 94%recoveryrate.

Vehiclesecurityis paramountthesedays, soweareofferingthe ATVtracsystemforfree, tobefittedbyyourdealer +1year’ssubscription worth£399.

CFMOTOputspower,capability andversatilityinyourhandsto forgeyourpath,whetheritis towardwork,fun,orthebalance inbetween.Forfurthervehicles specs,andtofindyournearest

#GoElectric–anexcitingrangeof electricUTVsfromHiSun B

arrusistheUKdistributor forHiSunlithium-powered electricUTVs,arangeof fourinnovativemodels designedtoraisethebar.

ThefourpoweroptionsaretheHiSun5 kW,7.5kW,15kWanda4-seater15 kW.Allaredesignedtoworkjustas hard,ifnotharder,thantraditionalfuelpoweredmachines.

ThetopoftherangeSector15 kWisarealeveryday workhorsewithmorepower andtorquetotacklethemost challengingofterrains.With theabilitytoclimbsteep slopes,theSector15easily handles30degreeplus inclinesinforwardand reverse.

The4-seaterversionofthe15 kWUTVcantransportupto fourpassengers,carry machineryandequipmentand towheavyloadswithease.

Thelithium-iontechnology batteriesthatpowerboth modelsaredesignedfor longerruntimesandasingle chargewillkeeptheUTV

workingforafullday.Theversatilityof thisvehiclemakesitidealformultiple usesinagriculturalapplications,on largeestates,localauthorities,utilities, sportandrecreation,andby conservationists.

Likeitsbiggerbrother,theSector7.5 kWisareliable,everydaymachinewith thecapabilitytotackleamultitudeof taskswhatevertheweather.Theopen cargobedwillcarryupto280kg/67lbs

idealfortransportingeverythingfrom logs,balesofhay,toolsandequipment.

Thesmallestofthelithium-ionpowered models,the5kWUTVstillhasthe powerandtorquetoclimbslopesover 30degrees.Thelongerruntimesofthe lithium-ionbatterieswillkeepthis reliableworkergoingforupto44*miles onasinglecharge.

AllmodelshavetheoptionoftheDFK fullyenclosedcabkitthat includesaglasswindscreen withwash/wipe,rearscreen, metalroof,andlockable doorssotheUTVscanbe customiseddependingonthe customer'srequirements.

HiSunUTVsaretruemultifunctionalvehicles.Featuring awinch,towhitchandcargo bedtheyhavetheversatility torecover,carryequipment andtowpoweredmachinery.

ThemovetoelectricUTVs offersmanybenefitsover petrolpoweredmachines. Thereisnocompromiseon powerwiththeselatest lithium-ionUTVsprovidingall

thepowerneededforuseinchallenging off-roadconditions.Theyarefreefrom harmfulcarbonemissionswhich supportstheshifttoavirtuallyzero-

carboneconomyinthedriveto tackleclimatechangeand reduceglobalwarming.

Choosingelectricpoweroffers hugesavingsinfuelcostswith anovernightchargecosting around£1*.Thereisalsothe bonusofnoroadtaxas electricUTVscanbeused bothonandoff-road.Withno engineandfewerpartsto service,electricUTVsare usuallycheapertoserviceand maintain.

Thequietelectricmotorisakey attributemakingthesemachinesideal fordrivingneartoanimalsorinareas wherenoiseneedstobekepttoa minimum.AnelectricUTVhas nogearboxwhichmeansthat accelerationissmoother makingforamorecomfortable ride.

RogerSuckling,Sales ManagerfortheVehicle DivisionatBarrusexplains,“In responsetothegrowthin demandforourHiSunelectric vehiclesandtoofferthevery bestserviceandsupporttoour HiSundealers,Barrushas expandeditsengineeringand productionfacilitieswiththe introductionofabrandnew

UTVandATVassemblycentreattheir headofficeinBicester,Oxfordshire. Vehiclesarefullyassembledinthenew facilityanddeliveredbyBarrus Transporttothedealerreadyforfinal checksbeforeregisteringandhanding overtothecustomer.”

*Figuresquotedareintendedasaguide only.Cost/mileagewouldbedependent onusageandconditions.

HiSun - Supported by Barrus E. P. Barrus Ltd., Glen Way, Launton Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 4UR Tel: 01869 363665 Email: vehicle@barrus.co.uk www.barrus.co.uk

HondaATViskeytothesmoothrunning ofaSouthernCounties-basedfarming enterprisewithalmost5,000sheep

LeeBoltonandhis wifeJuliestarted theirfarming partnershipin1991, rearingbeefcattle andsheep.Now, tradingasL&JBolton,theyare tenantsoftheCrownEstatesand rentgrasslandforsheepgrazing fromtheRoyalFarmsatWindsor. Thecurrent4,500-headflockof Mule,andMuleSuffolkxsheep includesewesandthisyear’sfirst batchoflambs.Approximatelyhalf ofthelambsaresoldthroughthe RoyalFarmsWindsorFarmShop, sotheanimalsaredividedintotwo flocksforlambingtoensurea constantsupplyoffreshmeat throughtheyear.Thefirstlambing isinsidebetweenJanuaryand earlyFebruary,andtheremaining sheeplamboutsideinApril.Other outletsforthelambsincludeRugby andAshfordmarkets.

Multiplegrazingsites

Aswellasgrassgrazingonthe RoyalFarms,thesheepalsofeed onarablecovercropsandstubble turnipslocally.Themovetowards regenerativefarmingpractices meansmorearablefarmshave reintroducedseasonallivestock

grazingtohelpcontrolweedsand improvesoilhealth,andthis providesausefulfeedsupplement forthesheepduringwinter.Lee andJuliehavesixmainlandlords duringthesummer,butupto20in thewintermonthsasthesheepare movedbetweenfarmsinSurrey, Berkshire,Oxfordshireand Hampshire.“Landisgenerally available,andpeoplearekeento workwithus,”explainedLee.“We broadcastsomestubbleturnips intostandingcerealcrops,someis direct-drilled,andwealso distributeseedthroughaspinner onthebackoftheHondaATV.

“Wetrytomaximisetheamountof home-grownfeedtomaintain reasonablemargins.”

Workingefficiently

Thelivestockarelookedafterby LeeandJulie,andtheirson Charlie.Noadditionallabouris usedexceptduringlambingwhen ateamofveterinarystudents assists.“Thereisarealshortageof labourinthisarea,”continuedLee. “Apartfromthosewhoalready farm,peoplearen’tenthusiastic aboutstartingcareersinthe livestockindustry,sowerelyona smallfleetofmodern,reliable

machinerywhichallowsusto operateefficientlyandgetthework done.”

Lee’sfirstexperienceofanATV waswhenheborrowedamachine fromafriend,soonafterthe enterprisewasstarted,in1992.He hasreliedontheversatile machineseversince.“AssoonasI boughtmyfirstHondain1994,I wasstruckbythebuildqualityand itssuitabilityfordemandingfarm work.Hondahasagreatreputation forbullet-proofengineeringand, sincethen,Ihaveneverbeen interestedinchangingbrands.”

From1994until2020,Leeupdated hisHondaATVseveryyear, tradingintheexistingmachinefor anequivalentnewmodel. However,worldsupplyshortages duetoCovid-19havemeantthat thetwomostrecentmachines havebeenkeptlonger.

Productivityandcomfort

“We’veseenarealevolutionfrom thefirstHondaTRX350webought in1994,tothecurrentForeman TRX520FA6model,”heexplained. “Wehavealwaysspecified4wdas theextratractionisessentialfor

WHEN WORKING DAYS ARE LONG

Nothing beats my Honda

Agile. Powerful. Dependable. Robust. Farmers know, nothing comes close honda.co.uk/nothing-beats-my-honda

taskssuchaspullingthefencing trailerinwet,slipperyconditions butthelatestmodelsalsohavea selectablelockingfrontdifferential whichmakesarealdifference gettingthepowertotheground. OurHondaForemanhandlesthe fencingtrailereasily,heavyloads arecarriedwitheaseandit’svery comfortable-whichisimportant whenyouspenduptosixhours perdayintheseat.”

Idealspecification

TheHondaForemanTRX520FA6 hasanefficientandpowerful 518ccliquid-cooledpetrolengine, adualrangefive-speed mechanicaltransmissionwith automaticandmanualoperating modesdrivingthroughshaftstothe frontandrearwheels,selectable two-andfour-wheeldriveandthe selectablelockingfrontdifferential. Heavy-dutyrackscarryloadsupto 45kgonthefrontand85kgonthe rear.Trailersupto599kgcanbe towed.

LeesaidthathislatestHonda featuresseveralimprovements overthemachineitreplaced.“In automaticmodethegearsshift moresmoothlywhichimproves ridecomfort,andselectingreverse iseasierandquickertoo. Previously,selectingreversewas quitefiddly,butthenewmodel’s simplerdesignisanadvantage whenweareroundingupsheep. Wecanchangedirectionmore quicklywhenanimalstrytoslip throughgaps.”

Inconstantuse

TheBoltonsusetheirHondaATV fordailychecksandfeeding,and tocatchandpenthesheep.A mountedelectric-drivenspinneris usedtoseedgrassandestablish stubbleturnipsanditpullsthe fencingtrailerwhichmakeseasy workoferectinganddismantling electricfences.“Fewofourfields arefencedalready,sowerelyon electricfencestodefinegrazing areas,”continuedLee.“Twoofus fencedalargefieldof50ha recentlyinunderanhour,andthen afewdayslaterwetookthefence downagaininjust30minutes. WithonepersonridingtheATV

andoperatingthefencingtrailer andtheotherpushingthepostsin orpullingthemout,thetrailer wrapsandunwrapsthecablesand it’sallveryquickandeasy.”

Storageforsmalleritemsincludes aboxbelowtherearloadcarrier, andanotherwithasealedlidinthe frontfender.Leesaidthatbothare inconstantuseandamedicalbox isalsocarriedontherearrackwith everythingneededtotreatminor sheepinjuriesandailments.Fence stakesarecarriedinaframeon thefrontrack.“Aslivestock farmers,wecouldalwaysdowith morestorage,”suggestedLee.

Saferandquickerfeeding

Feedingthesheepismuchquicker andsaferusingtheATVthan tryingtodothejobonfoot.

“FeedingfromtheHonda,it’seasy togetaheadofthesheepand emptythesackswhereaswhen

youareonfootthenaflockof200 eweswilleasilypushyouoveron slipperygroundastheyrushtoget tothefood,”Leeadded.“Ifwespot anylameanimalswhilefeeding, thenusingtheATVwecancatch themtoinspectandtreattheirfeet. Iftheinjuryismoreseriousandthe sheepneedstakingbacktothe yardfortreatment,thenwecanget anywherewiththetrailer–even whenthegroundiswet.

“Weoperateonamixof Greensandandheavyclaysoils, andontheheavygroundthereis nowaywecouldusethepick-upor tractorwhenconditionsarewet withoutgettingstuckorcreatinga mess.TheHondaATVis essential.”

Hondapreference

Askedifhehastriedany competitorbrandATVs,Leesaid thatheisoccasionallyapproached bydealerswantingtolendhim

demonstrationmachines,buthe getsonsowellwiththeHondaand hislocalmaindealer,Chandlers (FarmEquipment)Ltdat Wallingford,thathehasnoneedto changeandwouldn’twantto. However,hedidtryadieselUTV severalyearsagobutfoundit unsuitable.“Itlackedpowerand wasveryslow,anditwastoobig andheavy,”heexplained.“Ifar prefertheHonda’smechanical transmissionandshaftdrivetoo. Wewouldn’twantamachinethat reliesonbeltsorchains.”

“Wearewelllookedafterbythe ChandlersATVSpecialist,Martin Macqueenandtherestofthe Wallingfordteam.Alltheservice partsweneedarekeptinstock, andifproblemsoccurthenwe knowtheywillberectifiedquickly. Evenaftersomanyyearsowning andrunningHondaATVs,we’ve rarelyspokenwiththedealer exceptfromwhenupdating machinesorneedingserviceparts astheHondashavebeenso

reliable.Apartfromaminor electricalaccessorywhich developedafault,wehavehadno breakdownsatallinrecentyears. WealsohaveaHondagenerator whichprovideselectricalpowerfor shearing.Italwaysstartseasily andistotallyreliable,andweusea Hondalawnmowerwhichisjustas good.”

Doesn’tmissabeat

LikeallthepreviousHondaATVs usedbytheBoltons,theForeman TRX520FA6ismovedbetween worklocationsonthefencing trailerbehinda4wdpick-up,but stillclockedup1,200working hoursinitsfirstyear.A replacementmachineisonorder andduetoarrivethisSeptember.

“TheHondasalwaysstartinstantly anddon’tmissabeat,butwe updatethemregularlytokeepthe costofchangingthemreasonable, andsothatwealwayshavethe reassuranceofthemanufacturer warranty.Weavoidthecostof

replacementtyresandcanbudget easilyjustforroutineservicingand fuel.Fortheamountandtypeof workthemachinesdotheyare veryeconomical,andatankoffuel isplentyforafulldaycarryingand pullingheavyloads.”

Nosubstitute

Leeestimatesthathehasowned morethan30HondaATVssince heandJuliestartedfarming.“Ifwe didn’thavetheHondaATVthen wewouldn’thaveabusiness,”he stressed.“Othervehiclescouldn’t accesstheheavyfieldsinthewet, andwewouldn’tbeabletogetas muchworkdoneonfoot.Evenin thesummerwhenthelandisdry thenatractororpick-upwouldbe impracticalaswewouldspendall ourtimegettinginandoutofthe cabtoopenandclosethegates.

“Thesemachineshavechanged thewaywefarmforthebetter,and Ireallydon’tknowhowanyonecan managealargeflockofsheep withoutone.”

NewGrizzly70025thAnniversary

Thesolepurposeof theYamahaMotor brandistoinspire emotionsthatrev people'sheartsand createincredible memories.Thebrand’swide arrayofproductssharea commongoal;toenable unbelievableexperiencesfor customers.

Tosupportcustomersin connectingwiththeirdream machine,Yamahasegmentsits productranges,soit’seffortless

forthecustomertofindthe producttheyneedtodeliverthe experiencethey’relookingfor.

Yamaha’srangeofATVand Side-by-Sidemodelsincludes Utility,Leisure,andSport.

Yamaha’sleisureATVsandSideby-Sidesincludethelegendary RMAX™1000familyofhighly capableoff-roadersandthetrue forceofnatureandtheincredibly versatileGrizzly,engineeredto explorethemostchallenging environments.Andit’saboutto getevenbetter,withthe

introductionofthenew 25thAnniversaryeditionofthe Grizzly,embracingand celebratingtherichheritageof thislegendarymachine.

TheBeastisback!

TheGrizzly70025thAnniversary tapsintothelegendarylegacyof theoriginal1998poweranimal, theGrizzly600.Fansofthis classicmodelwilllovethe graphictreatmentonthenew edition,whichdialsintothat distinctivelookthathelpedthe Grizzlytobecomeaniconfor nature-lovingadventurers everywhere.

Twoandahalfdecadeslater,the 25thAnniversaryeditionissure togetGrizzlyfansexcited.The newATVoffersexceptionalbuild quality,andanadventure-fuelling accessoriespack,giving unrivaledconfidencetoexplore themostextremeterrainsand wildernesses.Everyaspectof thevehiclecelebratestherich heritageoftheGrizzly,allowinga fewluckyownerstoownapiece ofgenuineYamahahistory, reimaginingthemodernATV marketinEurope.

Callingallactive adventureseekers

TheGrizzly70025thAnniversary isathomeinthewilderness, enablingwildweekend explorationsorsimplyturningoffroadridesintosomethingthat muchmorewonderful.This Grizzlyisidealforhelping those #DRIVENBYFREEDOM withtheelements,and experiencethefreedomofthe outdoors,packedwithadventure, whilststayingprotectedfromthe hazardsofrougherterrain.This isamachinethathasbeenon purpose-builttopushboundaries andhelpriderslivelifeatthe limit,carvingnewtrailsatone

withtheirmachineandtheir surroundings,whilstpaying homagetotheoriginalforceof nature,theclassicGrizzly600.

Bearessentials

The25thanniversarygraphics featureYamaha blueandclassic hexagons, representative ofnatural strengthand durability.These are complemented byapremium2toneseatcover, colour-matched

(machined)wheelsandshocks, anda3-tonecolourschemeto makethismodelstandout.An exclusive25thAnniversary graphicprovidesproudowners withatruebadgeofhonour. Thismodelcomeswithafully

loadedprotectiveaccessories packthataddstotheGrizzly’s aggressivelooks.Aheavy-duty brushguardandfrontbashplate supplyextraprotectionforthis Grizzlyduringextreme adventures.Then,it’sallabout therider,asbespokehand protectorsdeflectbranchesor rocksandoverfenderskeep mud,water,andothertraildebris atbay.

Embodyingengineering excellence

TheGrizzly70025thAnniversary reliesonahigh-performance, large-capacityenginethat deliversclass-leadingtorqueand power.The2ndgenerationMKII 686cc4-valveSOHCengine featuresthelatestEFIthrottle bodyaswellasfine-tunedECU mappingandrefinedtolerances thatensurelowfuel consumption,impressivetorque

andsmoothperformance.

Yamaha'sindustry-leading

gearingtacklesthetoughest terrain,andthenaturalfeelofthe all-wheelenginebrakinggives addedconfidenceandcontrolon downhillrunsandtechnical crawling.

TheGrizzly

70025thAnniversary’s independentsuspensionsystem usesnitrogengasshocksthat areadjustableforpreload, allowingtheridertochange settingstosuitdifferingloads. Thisisalsotheonlymodelinits classfeaturingfour-wheel hydraulicdiscbrakes,for outstandingbrakingperformance andultimatecontrol.

TheintelligentOn-Command® drivesystemfeaturesa

Ultramatic®automatic transmissionisaremarkably durableandefficientCVT system.Theinstant-reaction

convenientpush-buttoncontrol thatallowsyoutoswitch seamlesslyandinstantaneously from2WD,4WDor4WDwith Diff-lockandbacktooptimise performanceinchangingterrain andweatherconditions.

Makingadventureeasier

TheGrizzly70025thAnniversary comeswithoneofthehighest standardspecificationsinits categoryandfeaturesafrontmountedWARNVRX25winch. Withacarryingcapacityof140kg andabletotow600kg,thisclassleadingleisureATVistheideal partnerforhauling,fishingand campingadventures.

Foraddedcomfortandreduced

physicaleffort,the 25thAnniversaryGrizzly isequippedwith ElectronicPowerSteering (EPS)thatoffersthebest balanceofrider assistanceandpositive feedback.Lightsteering andprecisehandling enhanceridercomfort, confidenceandcontrol.

TheGrizzly700

25thAnniversary’smulti-function digitalinstrumentsfeatureafuel gauge,speedometer,odometer, dualtripmeters,hourmeter, clock,4WD/DiffLockstatus, transmissiongearselectorand EPSwarninglight.Three separatestoragecompartments offerplentyofsecurespacefor toolsorpersonalbelongings.

Uniqueandexclusive

Insummary,inadditiontothe alreadyincrediblespecifications ofYamaha’sGrizzly700EPS, the25thAnniversaryincludesthe followingexclusive features:

•Heavy-dutybrush guard,frontbash plate,over-fenders andhand-protectors forincreasedrider andvehicleprotection

•Fresh25thanniversary graphicsfeaturingrobust, nature-inspiredretro hexagonsinYamahablue, andastriking3-tonecolour scheme

•Uniquecolour-matchedtwotoneseat,shocksandchunky specialedition27”wheels

•LimitedEdition 25thAnniversary Badge

NewGrizzly700 25thAnniversary

Lookthepart

Riderswilllovethe authenticityofthis 25thAnniversary Grizzlyandthis

qualityheritageispreserved throughthewiderangeof genuineYamahapartsand accessoriesavailable.After25 years,nooneknowsaGrizzly likeYamaha.

Addyourflairtoyourbearinthe MyGarageapp

Yamahaisalwayslookingfor betterwaystomeetcustomer needsandthisincludesthe periodbeforepurchase.Along withallYamaha’sLeisureand UtilityATVs,theGrizzly70025th AnniversaryisavailableintheMy Garageapp,wherecustomers

cantryoutendlesscombinations ofaccessoriestobuildtheir ultimateATV.Individualised designsaremadeusinga powerful3Dhigh-end-real-timeengine,enablingcustomersto checkhowtheirdesignlooks fromanyangleinHD.Once they’rehappythatthey’venailed theirdreammachine,theycan sendtheircreationdirecttoa dealer.

Readyforyournextmission:Polaris Sportsman570EPSMilitaryTanEdition

For2023,Polarishas announcedanew MilitaryTanedition foritsbestselling Sportsman570ATV lineup,readyfor whateveryournextmissionmay be.

Takinginspirationfrom Polaris’tactical militaryvehiclesthat haveredefinedultralightmobilityfor militaryorganisations aroundtheworld,the Sportsman570 MilitaryTanedition featuresthesame classic-yet-subtle MilitaryTanbodypaint finish-acolour exclusivelyavailable forPolariscustomers inEurope,Middle EastandAfrica.

Coupledwiththeaccentcolour springsinmatteTitaniumMetallic and14inmatteblackaluminium wheelswith26inCSTtyres,the Sportsman570EPSMilitaryTan editionhasanagile,daringlook withunquestionablestyle.

ArrivingindealersthisSpring, theMilitaryTaneditionboasts MacPhersonStrutfront suspensionandDualA-Arm independentrearsuspension, providing24.1cmfrontand 20.8cmrearsuspensiontravel, alongwith34centimetresofground clearancetoconquer demandingtrailsand harshterrain.

Tohelpgetthejob donefaster,orstay preparedfor unexpectedsituations, theMilitaryTanedition comesstandardwitha 1,134kg(2,500lb)winch withcutsteelgears,a sealeddrivetrainand premiumsyntheticrope forsuperiorflexibility andstrength.The 680kgtowingcapacity,

inadditiontothe41kgfrontand82kgrearrack capacities,allowsriderstotakewhatevertheyneed withthemfortheride.

Electricpowersteering(EPS)andanengine brakingsystem(EBS)comeasstandardonthe 2023Sportsman570EPSMilitaryTanEdition.For thecurrentSportsman570platform,theEBShas beendevelopedtoallowamorecontrolledriding experienceregardlessoftheterraintype,alongside anewclutchforsmoothengagementatlower speeds.TheSportsman570alsofeaturesthe industry’sfastestengagingon-demandall-wheel drivewhenextratractionisrequired.

TheSportsman570platformwasupdatedin2021 withabolddesignfromfronttoback,includingthe newhandlebar-mountedpodwithanpowerful, integratedLEDworklightandbuilt-inbattery chargingport.ThereareLEDheadlightswith integratedturnsignals,andasharp,sleekbody shape.Thepowerful18AHbatterysitsunderneath

thefrontrackforeasyaccess,whilstthesealed suspensionbushings,improvedbrakelines,fully sealedignitionswitchanddurableA-armsenhance durabilityandresilience.

TakeonanyterrainwithKawasaki’sprovenMulerange

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

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

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

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

enginebraking.

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

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

•Drivingmode(2WD/4WD) indicator

•Digitalspeedometerd

•Digitalfuelgauge

•Clockodometer

•Dualtripmeters

•Hourmeter

•Differentialindicatorlamp

•Checkenginelamp

•ElectricPowerSteering warninglamp

•Watertemperaturewarning lamp

•Seatbeltwarninglamp

•Parkingindicatorlamp

•Reverseindicatorlamp

•Neutralindicatorlamp

Thecontouredbenchseat complementsthebodyand providesamplespaceand comfortfortwoadultsatatime.

Kawasaki’shigh-gradeElectric

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

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

WHATCAR?AWARDSFOR KIASPORTAGEANDEV9

•TwowinsforKiaat2023WhatCar?CaroftheYearAwards

•‘BestFamilySUV’awardforKiaSportage

•KiaEV9winsthe‘Readers’Choice’awardaheadofitsrevealthisyear

KiaUKhaswontwoawardsatthe2023

WhatCar?CaroftheYearAwards, includingamajorcategorywinforthe KiaSportage.

KiaSportage:BestFamilySUV

TheKiaSportagewasnamed‘BestFamilySUV’by WhatCar?magazine’sjudgingpanel,aheadofall otherrivalsinthemostpopularandhotlycontested vehiclesegmentintheUK.

Thejudgingpanelfortheawards,madeupofthe magazine’steamofexpertroadtesters, commented:“We'vegrouptestedtheKiaSportage extensivelyinvariousguisesoverthelast12 months,andit'semergedvictoriouseverytime.But whenyouconsideritscompetitivepricing,allofthe equipmentthatyougetasstandardandhow completeacartheSportageis,it'seasytoseewhy. Itstrikesanear-perfectbalancebetweenagilityand comfort,whichgetsitofftoagreatstartagainstany rival.Meanwhiletheinteriorneatlyblends practicalitywithstyle.”

PaulPhilpott,PresidentandCEOofKiaUK Limited,commented:“We’reproudtoseethe SportagerecognisedbyWhatCar?astheideal familyvehicle.Asourbest-sellingmodelintheUK, it’sincrediblypopularwithbuyerslookingforacar thatcoversallthebases,atarangeofdifferent pricepoints.Nowofferinghybridandplug-inhybrid powertrains,themodelperfectlyrepresentsour leadershipinelectrificationandalsogives customersgreaterchoice.”

ThelatestKiaSportagewasintroducedatthestart of2022.ItwastheUK’ssixthbest-sellingnewcar lastyear,with29,655unitsofthepopularfamily SUVfindinghomeswithUKbuyersthrough2022. Thisversionisthefirstinfivegenerationsof Sportagetoofferhybridandplug-inhybridoptions.

KiaEV9:Readers’ChoiceAward

Meanwhile,theKiaEV9wasvotedwinnerofthe ‘Readers’Choice’award.Thistrophyisvotedforby WhatCar?readers,whonamedtheupcomingEV9 astheirmosthighlyanticipatednewcarof2023.

“WeaskedWhatCar?readerstonamethe upcomingmodelthatthey'remostexcitedabout froma14-carshortlist,witheachofthecontenders givenequalpromotionviaourwebsiteandsocial

mediachannels.Butdespitethis,theKiaEV9 emergedvictoriousafterattractingmorethantwice asmanyvotesasthesecond-placedcar.

"ThisisthesecondtimeinthreeyearsthatKiahas wonthisaward,withtheEV6takingtopspotin 2021.IftheEV9turnsouttobeasgoodasthatcar, itwillbetrulyspecial.”

TheKiaEV9isduetoberevealedlaterin2023, withUKdeliveriessettocommencetowardsthe endoftheyear.ThelargeelectricSUVisthenext EVduetobelaunchedunderthebrand’s‘PlanS’ long-termstrategyforelectrificationleadership.It followstheKiaEV6(namedWhatCar?Carofthe Yearin2022)andall-newKiaNiroEVasoneof nineKiaEVsduetolaunchintheUKbetween2021 and2027.

TheWhatCar?CaroftheYearAwards

Eachyear,theWhatCar?CaroftheYearAwards namesthebestnewcarsacrossseveralvehicle categories.Tobeeligiblefortheawards,acarmust havebeentestedback-to-backwithitsrivals,onUK roadsandatadedicatedtestfacility,byWhat Car?’steamofroadtesters.

EuropeanCaroftheYear2023winner, JeepAvenger1stEditionannouncespricing, specificationandopensforpre-orders

Pre-ordershave openedforthe EuropeanCarof theYear2023 winner,Jeep Avenger1stEdition,thebrand’s first-everfullyelectricSUV,with pricesstartingfrom£36,500 OTR.

Aheadofthefullrangelaunchin June,thelimitededitionAvenger

Thankstothehighpower(max power156hp,115kW)andtorque (maxtorque260Nm)inaddition toaspecifice-powertrain calibration,thenewAvenger offersuncompromiseddriving enjoymentonandoff-road, providingarangeupto248 miles.

ThenewAvengerisequipped withstandardSelecTerrainand HillDescentControlwhich, togetherwithitsoutstanding approachanddepartureangles andthevehicle’sground clearance,bringimpressive levelsofcapabilitytothe segment.

isamodern,funanddesirable SUVappealingtocustomers lookingforacapable,compact, modernall-electricJeep.

TruetotheJeepDNA,thenew Avengeroffersimpressive groundclearance,approach, breakoveranddepartureangles foritssegment.

Itdeliversamodernand technologicallyadvancedinterior withclassleadingspacefor cargoandcontents.

JeepAvengerisfittedwithaCCS 2socket(CombinedCharging SystemType2)supporting 100kWrapidcharging,enabling 0%to80%chargeinjustover halfanhour,orfiveminutes chargetogettheaveragedaily usageof28miles.

Itisavailableinachoiceofthree colours(Sun,Graphiteand Volcano),allwithblackroof, privacyglassand18”alloy wheels.TheAvengeralsocomes withathreeyearvehicle warranty(orbatterywarrantyof 100,000milesineightyears).

TheSelec-Terrain®systemoffers sixmodes:“Normal”foreveryday driving;“Eco”toenhancerange; “Sport”formoredrivingfun; “Snow”formaximumtractionon icyroadsortrails;“Mud”to optimisemudperformanceand toenhancegrip;and“Sand”to limittheriskofbecomingstuck onsandysoil.

Avengeralsobringsnextlevel safetyandconveniencefeatures toacompactSUV.Itincludesa 10.25”HDtouchscreen Infotainmentsystem,DAB,voice recognition,AppleCarplay/ AndroidAuto,360°parking sensorsand180°rearcamera, leveltwoautonomousdrive (ACCwithlanecenteringand trafficjamassist),wireless smartphonechargerandkeyless entry&go.

Italsocomeswithblindspot monitor,anautodimmingrear viewmirror,handsfreepower liftgate,trafficsignrecognition withintelligentspeedassistand rainsensors.

Sinceitslaunch,thenewJeep Avengermarkstheintroduction ofaportfolioofnewbattery electricvehicles(BEV)forthe brandinEuropeshowingits strongcommitmenttoafutureof sustainablemobility,whichisin linewiththevisionof“Zero emissions,100%freedom”.

OhmeEVchargersweatherallstormson theHouseoftheFuture

Ohmeisnowthe officialEVcharging partnerforthe EnergyHouse2.0 houseofthefuture projectunveiledlast weekattheUniversityofSalford.

Theonlyoneofitskindinthe world,theEnergyHouse2.0isa uniqueandinnovative£16-million researchlaboratory,supported bytheEuropeanRegional DevelopmentFund.The laboratory,thelargestfacilityof itstype,hasanenvironmental chamberabletocontaintwo detachedhousesinrecreated andcontrolledweather conditions.

Fittedtothehousesinsidethe chambers,OhmeEVsmart chargerswillweather temperaturesrangingbetween20°Cto+40°Caswellas

carbonhomesofthe future.

“AtOhmewe’revery excitedtobepartof theEnergyHouse2.0 projectandthisview intothefutureofour housing,”saidOhme CEO,DavidWatson. “Thebuiltenvironment accountsfor25per centoftheUK’s carbonfootprintand togetherwithOhme’s chargers,thisproject willhelptoaccelerate progresstowardslow carbonandnetzero housingdesign.”

simulatedrain,snowandsolar radiation.Theconditionswillhelp Ohmeandotherpartnersofthe projectsuchasBellway,SaintGobainandBarratttowork togethercreatingablueprintfor futurehousestoprovidethelow

Aswellashelpingto reducethecarbon footprintofnew homeswiththe EnergyHouse2.0,Ohme chargersalsoofferdriversthe optiontochargetheircarwhen renewableenergygenerationon theNationalGridisatitshighest, furtherloweringadriver’sCO2 impact.

AllofOhme’schargerscan takeadvantageofOhme’s smartchargingtechnologyto connectwiththenationalgrid inrealtimeandautomatically adjusttheirchargingfor driverstotakeadvantageof allthetimesoflowprice chargingwithsmartoff-peak tariffs.

Ohmeistheofficialcharger providerforboththe VolkswagenGroupintheUK andMotabilityOperations, thelargestfleetoperatorin theUK,andhasbeennamed astheBestElectricCharging PointProviderbyBusiness Motoring.Furthermore, Ohmehasjustpassedthe rigorousindustrystandard certificationsforISO9001 andISO27001formonitoring qualityprocessesand informationsecurity.

*OctopusIntelligentat10p/kW, SVTat34p/kW

AlfaRomeoTonalePlug-InHybrid

TheAlfaRomeoTonale Plug-InHybridQ4 completestheTonale range—themodel withwhichthebrand madeitsentranceintotheworld ofelectrification.Thisnew versionsitsatthetopofthe rangeandopensanewchapter inthemetamorphosisofAlfa Romeo,asitcombinesmaximum efficiencyandsportiness:more than49milesinfull-electricinthe urbancycle,372milesinthetotal cycleandemissionsreducedto 26g/km.TheAlfaRomeoTonale Plug-InHybridQ4isavailableto ordernow,pricedfrom£445*per monthonPersonalContract Purchase(PCP)forthe Speciale.

Qualityandattention-to-detail havebeencombinedwith dynamiccharacteristics,whileits on-boardtechnologyand

connectivitymakeitthemosthitechAlfaRomeoever.The historicAlfaRomeologohas beenreinterpretedtohighlight thebrand’selectrification process:theelegantelettrobiscioneplacedontheleftrear windowstandsoutontheTonale Plug-Inandisemphasisedby privacyglass.

ALL-ELECTRICTOUSE EVERYDAY,HYBRIDFOR GETTINGAWAY

ThepowertraininthePlug-in HybridQ4makesitthemost efficientTonaleintherange, offeringthebestintermsof performanceandbatterylife.The advancedhybridsystem combinesa180hp,1.3-litre turbochargedMultiAir,4-cylinder enginecoupledtoa6-speed automatictransmissionto providetractiontothefrontaxle,

withanelectricmotorcapableof supplying90kWofmaxpeak powerand250Nmoftorqueto therearaxle.

The306-volt,15.5kWhlithiumionbatterysuppliesanelectric rangeofover49milesinthe urbancycleandmorethan372 milesoftotalrange,makingthe TonalePlug-inHybridoneofthe mostefficientplug-inhybrid SUVs.Thenewhybrid powertrainreducesCO2 emissionsto29g/kmand improvesfuelconsumptionto deliver217.3mpgintheWLTP cycle.Withtheaimofproviding maximumefficiency,ittakesless than2.5hourstofullychargethe batteryfroma7.4kWcharger.

EquippedwithaQ4all-wheeldrivesystem—thefrontwheels arepoweredbytheinternal combustionengineandtherear

wheelsarepoweredbythe electricmotor—helpingto providebest-in-classagility, lightnessanddrivingdynamics.

Its280hphybridpowertrain ensuresitacceleratesfromzero to62mphinjust6.2seconds andontoatopspeedof84mph infull-electricmodeand128mph inhybridmode,withthee-AWD systemprovidinginstantaneous deploymentof100percentof availabletorquefromtheelectric motorontherearaxle.

Theadvanced4x4hybridsystem guaranteesmaximumstability bothoff-roadandon.Itdoesnot physicallyconnectthetwo propulsionsystems,butrather coordinatesthem,makingthe TonalePlug-Inevenlighterand unmatchedinitshandling.

NEWFUNCTIONALITIES DEVELOPEDTOENHANCE THEEFFICIENCYOFTHE TONALEPLUG-INHYBRID

OntheTonalePlug-InHybridQ4,

theAlfaD.N.A.driveselector functionalitieshavebeen redesignedtoenhanceits efficiencyandperformance.Itis possibletomanagetheQ4 tractionandtheelectronic controls,coordinatetheactionof theengineandtransmissionand modifythesensitivityofthe commandsallonasingle selectordial.

•Dynamicmodeprioritisesthe vehicle’sperformancewitha specificcalibrationofthe throttle,managementofthe transmissionandstability controls,whichhavebeen combinedwithamoredirect steeringresponse.

•Naturalmodeuseshybrid drivingandall-wheeldriveto optimisetheefficiencyofthe internalcombustionengine andelectricmotor,without compromisingperformance.

•AdvancedEfficiencyobtains maximumenergyefficiencyin full-electricdrivingmode.

Whenthedriverremoves theirfootfromthethrottlethe carwillcontinuetodrivein Sailingmode,whilethenew eCoastingDescentControlis activatedwhengoing downhilltomaintaina constantspeedof31mph (adjustablewithalighttouch ofthethrottleorbrake).

TheadditionofEVfeatureson theTonalePlug-inHybridQ4 guaranteeanevenmoreefficient andrelaxingdrivingexperience. E-Saveallowsdriversto rechargeormaintainthebattery levelwhentheinternal combustionengineison;the regenerativebrakingsystem allowsdriverstorecoverenergy duringthephasesofdeceleration andbraking,storingitinthe batterypack,andbyactivatingECoasting,energyrecoverytakes placeevenwhenslowingdown withoutafootonthebrakepedal. TheEVFeaturescanbe controlledbythedriverthrough theinstrumentpanel.

SOFTWAREAND CONNECTIVITYFORA SUPERIORON-BOARD EXPERIENCE

Superiorsoftwareand connectivityhavebeenprovided asstandardtoofferthebrand’s trademarkdrivingpleasure,while guaranteeingacomfortableand connectedexperience.The integrationwiththeAmazon Alexavoiceassistantoffersthe convenienceofinteractingwith thesystemwithoutthedriver havingtoremovetheirhands fromthewheel.AmazonAlexa alsoallowsthedrivertoremain updatedonthestateofthe vehiclefromthecomfortoftheir home,providinguseful informationlikethestateof chargeofthebatteryinthe TonalePlug-InHybrid.

Thebrand-newinfotainment systemcomesasstandardand offersfunctionalityandservices whichareconstantlyupdatedvia itscustomisableAndroid operatingsystemand4G

connectivitywithOverTheAir (OTA)updates.Thehighresolution22.5-inchscreens— 12.3-inchtotallydigitalscreen and10.25-inchmaintouchscreen unit—featuresanintuitiveand easy-to-usesystem.Thedialsin theTonalePlug-inHybridQ4 includesfeaturessuchasthe elettro-biscione,inthelowerpart oftherightdial,whichchanges colourbasedontheelectric motor’sstatus(off,on,onand charging)andprovidesallthe informationrelatedtopowerand charging.

Fournewfunctionalitiesmake theirdebutsontheTonale Plug-inHybridQ4andfurther expandupontheAlfaConnect Services:

•E-control:allowsthe customertocontrolvarious functionalitiesbasedonthe EVfeatures—including chargingandtheclimate controlsystem—directlyfrom theMyAlfaConnectApp

•DynamicRangeMapping: allowsdriverstotravelwith peaceofmind,showingthem thedestinationstheycan reachbasedonthebattery charge

•ChargingStationFinder: allowsthecustomertosee thenearestpubliccharging stationsbothonthe navigationsystemmapand theMyAlfaConnectapp

•MyeCharge:allowsforthe useoftheMyAlfaConnect apptodirectlyaccess Free2MoveeSolutions servicestomanagepublic andprivatecharging.Itwill bepossibletolocatethe publicchargingstations, checkthechargingmethods, makepayments,visualisethe chargehistoryandmanage chargingfromahome Wallbox–allowingdriversto decidehowmuchelectricity touseandevenincrease, decrease,suspendand reactivatethecharge

TheTonalePlug-InHybridQ4 hasfurtherbuiltuponan ecosystemofAlfaRomeo servicestoofferaninnovative customerjourney,includinga Non-Fungible-Token(NFT) certificateontheblockchain. IntroducedontheTonale,NFT technologyisabrand-new featureintheautomotiveworld andAlfaRomeoisthefirst manufacturertoconnectanNFT digitalcertificatetoavehicle. Basedonthecustomer’s selection,theNFTgeneratesa certificatewhich guaranteesthe identityand maintenancerecord ofthevehicle, supportingits residualvalue.The NFTcertificate providesafurther sourceofcredibility ontheusedmarket andisevenmore valuableonthe TonalePlug-In HybridQ4asit containsevenmore information.

THELINEUP STRATEGYAND PRICING

TheTonalePlug-in HybridQ4isthe top-of-the-range model.ItisavailableinTitrim, withanelegantanddistinctive character,andVelocetrim,witha moresportyfeeling.

TheTiversionisexternally distinguishedbyasatinchrome Vfrontbezel,18-inchdarkfinish diamondcutalloywheelswith colouredAlfaRomeocentre wheelcaps,agloss-blackbody kit,withsatinsideandfront inserts,privacyglassandblack paintedmirrorcaps.Inside, sportyblackclothupholstery, driver’sseatwithfour-way lumbaradjustment,60/40split rearseatswithskipassandsport leathersteeringwheelwithstart buttoncompletetheTi.

TheVelocebuildsonthiswith

darkmironVfrontbezel,veloce badgingandbodykit,withmatt sideandfrontinserts,glossblack windowsurround,and19-inch darkfinishdiamondcutalloy wheelswithmonochromeAlfa Romeocentrewheelcapsand redpaintedBrembobrake calipers.Inside,theVeloceadds aluminiumdoorsillsandcolumn mountedaluminiumshiftpaddles toitsdistinctiveblackandred Alcantaraupholstery.Underthe skin,theVelocealsogainsAlfa DualStageValvesuspension (DSV)foranevenmore compliantride.

TheTonalePlug-InHybridQ4will alsobeavailableasanexclusive SPECIALElaunchversionwith enhancedcontentsand connectivityincludingglossblack bodykitwithtitaniumsideand frontinserts,aSPECIALEbadge onthewingandablackTonale badge,20-inchalloywheels, metalpedalsandredBrembo brakecalipers.

TheTonalerangeisavailablein achoiceofsixsolid,metallicand

tri-coatcolours–AlfaWhite,Alfa Red,AlfaBlack,MisanoBlue, MontrealGreenandVesuvio Grey.Aleatherpackisavailable onalltrimstoenhancetheir standardinterioroffering.

TheTonalePlug-InHybridQ4is amilestoneintheAlfaRomeo journeyfrom‘zerotozero’,which willtakeitfrombeingazeroper centelectrifiedbrandatthestart of2022tobeingazeroemissionsand100percent electrifiedbrandin2027.The

newAlfaRomeoTonalePlug-In HybridQ4ispricedfrom£445* permonthonPCPinSpeciale trim,risingto£545*foraVeloce. Ordersarenowopenforthe VeloceandSpeciale,withfirst deliveriestakingplaceinQ1, whileTIwillbeavailabletoorder inQ2.

FormoreinformationontheAlfa RomeoTonalePlug-InHybrid visitwww.alfaromeo.co.uk/ models/Tonaleortofindthe nearestretailervisitwww. alfaromeo.co.uk/findaretailer

MERCEDES-BENZVANSANNOUNCESUKPRICING ANDSPECIFICATIONFORTHENEWCITAN B

oastingasharpnew designandastylish interior,thenew

Mercedes-BenzCitan panelvanisnow availabletoorderbyUK customers,withfirstdeliveriesof compactL1modelsarrivingin February.L2variantsaswellas crewvanandelectricmodelswill beavailablelaterin2023.

Mercedes-Benzvehiclesare renownedfortheirexacting safetycredentialsandpremium specifications.TheCitanisno exception,withstandard specificationsincludingActive BrakeASSISTwithpedestrian recognitiontechnology; ATTENTIONASSIST,which detectsdrowsinessinthedriver andencouragesthemtotake breakswhentired;andHill-Start ASSISTtopreventrollingback. There’salsoaspeedlimiter,an emergencybreakdown

assistancecallbutton,rear parkingaidwithareversing cameraandnofewerthansix airbags.BlindSpotASSIST, ActiveLaneKeepingASSIST andSpeedLimitASSISTcanall bespecifiedasoptions.

AswithallMercedes-Benzvans, thenewCitancomeswitha three-year,unlimitedmileage warrantyandfree,round-theclockroadsideassistance.

Managedandoperatedby Mercedes-Benzfranchised Dealers,thisaward-winning serviceisfreeforthreeyearson allnewvansandrenewedevery 12monthsafterthisperiod,when servicedatanauthorised Mercedes-Benzworkshop,forup to30years.Knownas MobiloVan,itcoversaccidents, breakdownsandanumberof minormishapsanddrivererrorsfromrunningoutoffuelorusing thewrongfueltoflattyres,lost

keysandattemptedtheftor vandalismintheUKandacross Europe.TheCitanalsoincludes anti-theftprotectionintheformof doublelocksandanintegrated alarmsystem.

Mercedesmeconnectivityas standardmeansthatreal-time vehicledatacanbeaccessed remotelyviaasmartphoneappto helpoptimiseuptime,safetyand security.Featuresincludeoverthe-airsoftwareupdates,access tovehiclemonitoringintheevent oftheft.Fuellevels,mileageand remotedoor-lockingfunctionality canalsobecheckedviatheapp. Thepotentialbenefitsfor operatorswerecleartojudges whonamedthenewCitanjoint winneroftheInternationalVanof theYeartitlefor2022.

Multimediafunctions,includinga seven-inchtouchscreenanda multimediasystemwith‘Hey

Mercedes’voiceassistantand smartphoneintegrationvia AndroidAutoorAppleCarplay arestandardfeaturesonallCitan trimlines.

BothL1andL2versionsofthe Citanwillbepoweredbythe same1.5-litredieselengine, whichgenerates95hpand260 Nmoftorque,anddeliversWLTP combinedfueleconomyof54.3 mpg,helpedbytheECOstart/ stopfunction.Driveistothefront wheelsviaasix-speedmanualor optionalsevenspeedautomatic transmission.Fully electriceCitan variants,withzero tailpipeemissions, willfollowatalater date.

Twotrimlevelswill beavailable, PROGRESSIVEand PREMIUM,bothwith comprehensive equipmentofferings.

AllCitancab interiorsboastheatinsulatingglassall roundandmultifunctionsteering wheelsthatadjust forbothrakeand

height.Exteriordesigntouches include16-inchwheels(design wheelsonthePROGRESSIVE andalloysonthePREMIUM)and heated,electricallyadjustable sidemirrors.

PREMIUMaddsarangeof cosmeticenhancements includingbody-coloured bumpers,chrometrim,gloss blackdashboardfinish,a Dynamicexteriorpackagewith metallicpaintanduniquealloy wheelsandaLightpackage,

whichcomprisesLED high-performance headlightswithHigh BeamAssistandfront foglamps.

TheCitanL1hasaload lengthof1,806mmand apayloadcapabilityof 667kgin

PROGRESSIVEform, witha666kgpayload forPREMIUMvehicles. Bothareratedtotow trailersuptoamaximum grosstrainweightof 3,500kg.

Mercedes-BenzVans

UKSalesDirectorSarah Palfreymansaid:“Inthe newCitan,van operatorshaveavehicle thatexemplifiesallthe renownedMercedesBenzvirtuesofreliability,safety andcost-effectiveperformance, backedbyanationalnetworkof dedicatedDealerswhoprovide thehigheststandardsof customercare.It’smuchmore thanjustagreatsmallvan, though.Theservicesavailable throughMercedesmeonce againdemonstratethatwe’re dedicatedtosupportingour customersbydoingallwecanto keeptheirbusinessesmoving.”

Rear-wheeldrive,morerangeandfastercharging forfullyelectricVolvoC40andXC40models

Twoofthemost frequentlyasked questionsaboutour fullyelectricXC40 RechargeandC40

Rechargeare:“Howfarwillitgo onasinglecharge?”and“How longdoesittaketocharge?”

Aspartofanewpackageof productupdates,we’venow improvedboththerange(WLTP) andchargingfortheXC40

RechargeandC40Recharge comparedwiththeoutgoing modelyear,increasingrangeby asmuchas41miles(66 kilometres)onsomevariants*.

Furthermore,three**new powertrainsareofferedonthe C40RechargeandXC40

Recharge.Theseincludetwo*** rear-wheel-drivevariants–the firsttimein25yearsthatwe’re offeringarear-wheel-drive product–aswellasarevisedallwheel-driveperformancemodel.

Anotherfirstforusisthatthe second-generationpermanent magnetelectricmotordrivingthe rearaxlesforthefullyelectric C40andXC40modelshasbeen developedin-houseatVolvo Cars.

“Theseupdatesareanotherbig

stepinourworktowards becomingafullyelectriccar makerby2030,”saidJavier Varela,ourChiefOperating OfficerandDeputyChief Executive.“Rangeandcharging timesarenewkeyfactorsfor moreandmoreofourcustomers, andtheseimprovementsmake ourfullyelectricmodelseven moreattractive thanthey alreadywere.”

Thereturnof rear-wheel power

Let’sstartwith thetwonew rear-wheeldrive powertrain options.The singlemotor withstandard rangeisdriven bya175kW permanentmagnetelectricmotor (e-motor),whichprovidesathree percentincreaseinpoweroutput overtheoutgoing170kWsinglemotorfront-wheel-drivevariant.

IntheXC40Rechargesingle motor,thesame69kWhbattery capacityiscarriedover,but enhancementsincooling

efficiencymeanitcannow deliverincreasedrangeand drivingupto286miles(461 kilometres)accordingtothe WLTPtestcycle,comparedwith 264miles(425kilometres)before (WLTP).

TherangeoftheC40Recharge singlemotor,meanwhile,

improvesupto296miles(476 kilometres)from272miles(438 kilometres)(WLTP).A10-80per centchargetakesapproximately 34minutesusinga130kWDC publiccharger.

Ifyoufeeltheneedformore powerandrange,youcanalso optforalargerbatterycoupled

withamorepowerful185kW permanentmagnete-motoron therearaxle****.Thissecond newvariantcomeswithan 82kWhbatterypack,which boostsrangeupto320miles (515kilometres)fortheXC40 Rechargesinglemotorextended rangeandupto331miles(533 kilometres)(WLTP)fortheC40 Rechargesinglemotorextended range.

thefrontaxle.

Thisnew configuration, pairedwithan 82kWhbattery packand overall efficiency improvements inbattery cooling,

Here,too,chargingpowerhas improvedbecausethelarger batterypackallowsforcharging atanupdatedtoprateof200kW DC(previously150kWDC maximum),whilea10-80per centchargetakesapproximately 28minutes.

Anupdatedall-wheel-drive variant

Theall-wheel-drivevariantsalso benefitfromtheseupdates, realisingevenmoreimpressive rangeimprovements.The previousset-upoftwo150kWemotorsonthefrontandrear axleshasbeenreplacedbyour in-house-developed183kW

meanstheXC40 RechargeTwin MotorAWDcan nowdriveupto 311miles(500 kilometres)ona singlecharge,a 39-mile(62kilometre)boost overthe previous iteration.The rangeoftheC40 RechargeTwinMotorAWDhas improvedupto315miles(507 kilometres)from280miles(451 kilometres)(WLTP).

Exteriorupdatesalsohelpto improveefficiencywhere possible.Forexample,anew19inchalloy wheelforboth XC40andC40 Rechargenot onlyboosts theoverall lookofthe models,butit alsohelpsto reducedrag throughits aerodynamic

design.

Newon-board chargerin90and 60series

dependant).Thenewon-board chargeralmostdoublesthe maximumchargecapabilityof thesecarsto6.4kW.

Thesmallprint

•Chargingtimesare dependentonfactorssuchas outdoortemperature,current batterytemperature,charging equipment,batterycondition andcarcondition.

•Rangeaccordingtothe realisticWLTPdrivingcycle undercontrolledconditions foranewcar.Real-world rangemayvary.Figuresare basedonpreliminarytarget.

permanentmagnete-motoron therearaxleandanew117kW asynchronouselectricmotoron

Elsewhereinthe productportfolio, theplug-inhybrid modelsinour90 and60seriesgeta newtwo-phaseon-boardcharger thatallowsthesemodelsto chargeatafasterrate(market

•Vehiclespecificationsandthe exactcustomeroffermay varyfromonecountryto another.Pleasevisit volvocars.comforfurther information.

*VolvoXC40RechargeAWD versionwith82kWhbattery

VolkswagencelebratesasT-Rocwins ‘SmallSUVoftheYear’atWhatCar? CaroftheYearAwards2023

Volkswagenis celebratinganawardwinningstartto2023 withthehugely popular,andrecently enhanced,T-Roc taking‘SmallSUVoftheYear’at theprestigiousWhatCar?Carof theYearAwards.

TheT-Roc,nowwellestablished withintheincreasinglycompetitiveSUVsector,was launchedasVolkswagen’sfirst compactSUV,andsitsbetween theTaigoandTiguaninitsninestrongSUVfamily.Highlevelsof practicalityandanevocative design,teamedwithclearvalue anddependability,makeiteasy toseewhythemodelhassold overonemillionexamplessince itsintroductionin2017.

In2022,therevisedT-Rocwas unveiled,withtheWhatCar? expertpanelofjudges applaudingitsincreased technologyandenhanced interior.Theupdateshavetaken T-Rocfromstrengthtostrength, withstrongsalesperformances year-on-year.T-Rocwas Volkswagen’sbest-sellingSUVin theUKforthesecondyear runningin2022,withover18,000 registrations.

SteveHuntingford,Editorof WhatCar?,said:"Eversinceit waslaunched,theVolkswagen T-Rochasbeenoneofthebest smallSUVsonsale,thankstoits cossetingride,superbrefinement andgenerouspassengerand bootspace.However,updates madein2022movedittothe verytopoftheclass,withthe

revisedtrimlevelsofferingeven bettervalueandtheinteriornow feelingmuchclassier."

RodMcLeod,Directorat VolkswagenUK,said:“It’s alwaysgreattokick-offthenew yearonahigh.TheT-Rochas beenapopularadditiontoour line-upeversinceitsintroduction in2017,andtowinanawardin thishighly-competitivesegment ofthemarketshowsthatit remainsaprimechoicefor customersintheUK.”

AlsocommendedattheWhat Car?Awardswasthe VolkswagenGolfR,scooping ‘BestHotHatchforEveryday Usability’.TheGolf’sflagship modelisrenownedforcombining highperformancewithclassleadingpracticality.

EVdriversstillsavemoneydespiteincreasedchargingprices

Despiteamorethan15%increaseinthepriceofpubliccharging,mostEVdrivers canstillsaveover£400ayearonchargingcosts,findsZap-MapPriceIndex

ewanalysisfromZapMap,theUK’sleading chargepointmapping service,hasfoundthat thepricedriversare payingtochargean electricvehicle(EV)onthepublic networkhasincreasedbymorethan 15%overallsinceSeptember2022.

However,thepriceofcharging variessubstantiallyacrossdifferent typesofchargers.Thismeansthat, despiterisingelectricityprices,EV driversusingamixofdifferent chargingoptionscanstillsave moneycomparedtorefuellinga petrolordieselcar–andcandoso withoutcostingtheEarth.

Zap-Map’sanalysistakesinto accountmorethan500,000charging sessionspermonth,across approximately70%ofthecharge pointsintheUK.

Thefindingsshowthat,inDecember 2022,theaverageweightedpriceof chargingatasloworfastcharger–mostlyfoundonresidentialstreetsor atdestinationssuchas supermarketsorcarparks–was 49p/kWh*intheUK.

Meanwhile,thepriceforarapidor ultra-rapidchargepoint,typically usedforhigh-speed,en-route charging,was73p/kWh*.

Thismeansthatpricesforslow/fast chargepointswereup17%,from 42p/kWhinSeptember2022.Prices forrapid/ultra-rapidchargerswere up14%inthesameperiod,from 64p/kWh.

Despitethis,itisstillcheapertorun anelectricvehiclethananinternal combustionengine(ICE)vehicle.So whilethecostofchargingonthe publicnetworkmaywellhave increased,EVdriverscanstillsave versusdrivinganICEcar.

Zap-Map’sPriceIndexcoversa rangeofchargingscenarios,allof whichseeEVdriverssavingon costsversusanICEvehicle.

Forinstance,adriverchargingat home80%ofthetimewouldsave around£550peryearversusanICE car.Meanwhile,adriverchargingat

home50%ofthetimeandsplitting theirpublicchargingequallyacross slow/fastandrapid/ultra-rapid optionswouldsave£400peryear.

Inaddition,thereareothercost benefitsassociatedwithelectric cars,whichallowEVdriverstomake furthersavings.NotonlydoEVs havelowermaintenancecosts,but theyarecurrentlyexemptfrom VehicleExciseDuty(VED)and subjecttomuchlowerratesof companycartax.

whichaimstobringtheVATrateon publiccharginginlinewiththeVAT rateondomesticenergy.Thismove wouldbringdowncostsforEV driverswithoutaccesstoahome charger.

Atpresent,themajorityofEVdrivers areabletochargeathome.

AccordingtoZap-Map’slatestEV ChargingSurvey–whichsaw responsesfrommorethan4,300EV driversacrosstheUK–84%of respondentshaveaccesstoahome charger.However,asmoreand moredriversmaketheswitchto electric,theproportionofdrivers withoutaccesstoahomecharger willonlyincrease.

Thenewanalysiscomesafterrecord electriccarsalesinDecember, whichsawmorethan42,000pureelectriccarssold,overtakingpetrol forthefirsttime.Satisfactionlevels forEVdriversalsoremainhigh,with Zap-Map’sEVChargingSurvey showing89%satisfactionforpureelectricvehicles–higherthan71% forpetrolanddiesel.

“Withthecontinuedenergycrisis,we expectthecostofchargingto remainatahigherlevel,withEV driversincreasinglylookingtoseek outthemostcost-effective combinationofhomechargingand differentpublicchargingoptions,” Shufflebothamcontinued.

MelanieShufflebotham,Cofounder&COOatZap-Map,said:

“Zap-Map’sPriceIndexkeepstrack ofthepricethatEVdriverspaywhen outandabout,aswellashowprices varyacrossthedifferenttypesof chargers.Thishelpsdriverstoseek outthecheapestchargingoptions andkeepaneyeoncosts.

“Althoughelectricitypriceshave risensignificantly,thePriceIndex showsthatyoucanstillsavemoney whilebeingkindertotheplanet.”

Adriverchargingsolelyonthepublic networkusingacombinationof slow/fastandrapid/ultra-rapid chargingwouldsavearound£230 peryear.

Itisduetothisdifferenceincosts thatZap-Mapchoselastyearto supporttheFairChargecampaign,

“Driversareincreasinglymakingthe switchtoelectric,asDecember’s recordelectriccarsalesgotoshow.

“Thismeanstheso-called‘pavement tax’issuewillonlygrowin significanceoverthenextfewyears, andthat’swhyZap-Mapisoneofa numberoforganisationsbackingthe FairChargecampaign.This campaignaimstobringtheVATrate onpubliccharginginlinewiththe VATrateondomesticenergy,and sobringdowncostsforEVdrivers withoutaccesstoahomecharger.”

Throughthedatacollectedtodrive theZap-Mapapp,thePriceIndex tracksover500,000charging sessionseachmonthandupdatesto chargepointoperatorpricesinorder toprovidethelatestpublicEV chargingpricesonaquarterlybasis.

Driversarespending morethanthreehours peryear*clearingtheir windscreenofice beforedrivinginwinter, accordingtoresearch fromŠkodaUK.

commonchore inwinter,with Škodaresearch findingthata third(35%)of motoristsspend betweenfive andseven minuteson average doingit, whilea furthertenth ofdrivers (13%)spend atotalof eightto10 minutes.Aquarter(25%)of driversspendatleasttwotofour minutesclearingtheirscreen whenitisicedover.

AppliedtotheUK’scarparkof 40.8millionlicensedvehicles,the nationwastestheequivalentof 337yearsdefrostingtheir windscreen.***

couldleadtoafineofupto£80.

Nearlythreequarters(74%)ofUK driversarealsounawarethatelectric vehicles(EVs)canbe ‘preconditioned’viaanapptodefrost thescreenbeforetheyevengetinto theircaronafrostymorning.

Morethanhalf(51%)ofUK motoristsareunawarethatthey couldfacefinesofupto£80for leavingtheirengineidlingwhen defrostingtheirwindscreenincold weatheronapublicroad.**

Defrostingacar’swindscreenisa

Whenaskedwhatmethodsthey commonlyusetocombatthe frost,themostpopularanswer wasusingthecar’sheating system(63%),followedbyanice scraper(57%),de-icer(44%), windscreenwipers(27%),boiled water(15%),whilemorethanonein ten(13%)admittedtousingtheir bankcardorplasticcard.Thesame researchfoundmorethanthree quarters(76%)turntheirengineon andkeepitrunningwhiledefrosting theircarto ‘aid’the process.

Despitethe majorityof motorists leavingtheir engineon, 51%were unawarethat leavingtheir engineidling while defrosting their windscreenon apublicroad

UsingtheŠkodaConnectapporby settingtheparametersonthe infotainmentsystem,theŠkoda EnyaqiVcanbepreconditionedto defrostthewindscreen,heatthe cabin,andpreparethebatteryin coldconditionssothatitisreadyto driveforascheduledtime.

Driverswhokeepthechargingcable connectedwhenpreconditioningthe car,avoiddrawingenergyfromthe batteryandensurethemaximum possibledrivingrangewhentheyset off.

Driverscouldsaveupto10minutes adaybyusingthepreconditioning featureofŠkoda’selectriccars. Morethantwothirds(67%)of driverswouldbelikelytouse preconditioningtosavetime,fuel, andstandinginthecoldbyremotely defrostingtheirwindscreenin advanceiftheyhadanEV.

Toincreaseheatingefficiencyand comfortduringwinter,theEnyaqiV alsofeaturesaheatedsteering wheel,heatedfrontseats,heated frontwashernozzles,andtri-zone climatecontrol.

UKdriverslosingmorethanthreehoursayear defrostingtheirwindscreenwhileleavingtheir enginerunning,researchfromŠkodafinds

B–ONANNOUNCESJOERGHOFMANNAS PRESIDENTANDCHIEFOPERATINGOFFICER

FormerAudiexecutiveandLondonElectricVehicle CompanyCEOtospearheadallexistingvehicleprograms

B–ON,theelectricvehicle (EV)solutionsprovider publiclyconfirmsithas appointedJoerg HofmannasPresident andChiefOperating Officer(COO).Hofmannwillbe responsiblefordevelopingand scalingthecompany’sexisting vehicleproductionglobally.Hewill overseeallrelatedbusinessareas, includingsales,manufacturing, logistics,procurement,and engineering,inadditionto supervisingB–ON’sbusinessinboth EuropeandtheAmericas.

HofmannwilltakeoverasCOOfrom co-founderandlongtimeEV executiveBrunoLambert,whotakes upanewChiefInnovationOfficer (CIO)positionforB–ON.Inhisnew role,Lambertwillleadoverall corporatestrategyandfocuson futureproductandservice developmentinadditiontothe company’sAsianoperations.The twowillsharedutiesasco-

Presidents.

PriortojoiningB–ON,Hofmann servedthreeandahalfyearsas chiefexecutiveatGeelysubsidiary LondonElectricVehicleCompany (LEVC),whereheledthetransition oftheiconicBritishblacktaxibrand fromdieseltoelectrically-powered vehicles,includingthecompany’s firstelectricvan.Beforetakingthe reinsatLEVC,heheldseveral seniorandchiefexecutiveroles withinAudiAG,includingExecutive DirectorofAsiaPacific,Managing DirectorofAudiAustralia,Managing DirectorofAudiRetailGermany,and mostrecentlyCEOandPresidentof AudiBrazil.Hofmannbeganhis careerinproductmanagementand saleswithGeneralMotors,inboth GermanyandJapan.

“Overthepastfewmonths,Ihave thoroughlyexaminedeveryaspectof B–ON’sbusiness,”saidJoerg Hofmann,PresidentandChief OperatingOfficer(COO)ofB–ON.“I

cameawaydeeplyimpressedwith theteamandtheabsolutegemthey acquiredlastyear,inboththeir vehicleproductandadvanced softwareabilities.Thereisnoone elseinthecommercialvehiclespace todaywhocanmatchtheir experienceoruniquecapabilities.I couldn’tbemoreconfidentand excitedforthefutureofthe company.”

“Theconfidenceandcooperationof seasonedindustryleaderslikeJoerg isahugetestamenttoour business,”saidStefanKrause, Founder,ChairmanandCEOofB–ON.“Hismeticulousanalysisofour operationsandcapabilitiesledhim toconcludethatwhatwe’vebeen sayingallalongistrue—we’re completelydifferentfromanyone elseinthisspace.Joerg’sdeep relationshipsandextensive experiencesintheindustryarean invaluableadditiontoouralready stellarteam,andwearethrilledto welcomehimonboard.”

SMARTSPENDING!DACIA’SUNRIVALLEDVALUE RECOGNISEDATPRESTIGIOUSINDUSTRYAWARDS

Daciacontinuestobe theundisputedvalue championafteratrioof itsmodelsweresingled outasbeingthebest valueformoneyonthe marketatthe2023WhatCar?Car oftheYearAwards.

Awardedattheannualceremony, takingplaceatGrosvenorHousein London,therenownedmagazine andwebsitehailedtheSanderoas

theBestSmallCarForValue,the DusterastheBestSmallSUVFor ValueandtheJoggerastheBest Seven-SeaterForValue.

Followingaflurryofawardsforthe brandin2022,theselatest accoladesbuildonDaciaUK’s strongsuccessstory.Notonlydo theyrecognisetheaffordabilityofthe Daciarangebutreaffirmhowthe branduniquelymanagesto complementoutstandingvaluewith

attractivelevelsofequipment, refinementandpracticality.

Therecognitioncomesatavery excitingtimeforDaciaintheUKasit celebratesmorethandoublingits salesin2022witha55%increase on2021,its10-yearanniversary sincelaunchandthearrivalofits firsthybrid–theJoggerHYBRID 140.

OnawardingtheSandero,Steve Huntingford,Editor,WhatCar?said: "TheSanderomaybearegular holderofthe‘cheapestcarinthe UK’crown,butthere’salotmoreto likeaboutitthanjustitsprice.It's oneofthemostpracticaland comfortablecarsinthesmallcar class,forstarters.Plus,our preferredExpressiontrimcomes withplentyofkit,andtheBi-Fuel enginehasthepotentialtosave ownersalotinfuelcosts."

Pricedfromonly£12,995OTR,the DaciaSanderooffersachoiceof EssentialorExpressiontrimlevels, turbochargedpetrolordual-fuel powertrainsandtheoptionof automatictransmission.WhatCar?’s favouredExpressionspecification includessuchstandardfeaturesas an8-inchMediaDisplay,Bluetooth, smartphonereplication,steering wheelcontrols,DAB,rearcamera, autoheadlampsandwipers,air conditioning,cruisecontroland speedlimiter,rearparkingsensors, LEDheadlampsandtheAdvanced EmergencyBrakingSystem.

WiththesmallSUVsegmentoneof thefastestgrowingareasofthenew carmarket,theDusterfoughtoffan increasingnumberofrivalsby impressingtheWhatCar?judges withitsspace,strongresidualvalues andlowstartingpriceofonly £15,795OTR.

SteveHuntingfordadded:"When shoppingattheaffordableendofthe smallSUVmarket,youmightexpect

tohavetomakeafewcompromises, buttheDusterprovesthatyou needn’tfearbeingshortchanged.It combinesitsattractivepricingwith plentyofstandardkitandgood resalevalues.Andit'savery practicalchoice,withgeneroushead andlegroomandalargeboot."

AtrueiconintheDaciarange, famedforitsrobustandrugged nature,theDustercomesinachoice offourtrimlevels–Essential, Expression,JourneyandExtreme SE.Petrol,dieselandbi-fuel powertrainsareavailable,asarethe optionsoffour-wheel-driveand automatictransmission.Generously equipped,standardfeaturesofthe entry-levelEssentialspecification includecruisecontrolandspeed limiter,automaticheadlamps, manualairconditioning,daytime runninglights,EmergencyBrake Assist,DAB,BluetoothandHillStart Assist.

Despitehavingonlybeenonsalefor amatterofmonths,theJoggerhas beenquicktomakeanimpactonthe marketandtheWhatCar?team. Steveexplainedwhyitwasnamed BestSeven-SeaterForValue:"The Joggeristhecheapestseven-seater thatyoucanbuynewintheUKby around£10,000,yetitstillhasspace foradultsinallthreerows.In addition,itdealswithlumpyroads well,whileprovidinggoodbody controloverundulationstoensure thatcarsicknessshouldn'tbean issue.WeparticularlylikethemidspecExpressiontrim,becauseit

bringsusefulgadgets,includinga reversingcamera.”

Pricedfrom£17,145OTR,the JoggerisavailableinEssential, ExpressionandExtremeSEtrim.It offersachoiceofpetrol,bi-fueland anewlyannouncedhybridengine. Themid-rangeExpression specificationrecommendedbyWhat Car?includesan8-inchMedia Display,Bluetooth,smartphone replication,steeringwheelcontrols, DAB,frontandrearparkingsensors, BlindSpotWarning,Emergency Braking,electricallyadjustableand heatedsidemirrors,LEDdaytime runninglights,LEDheadlamps automaticlightsandwipers,keyless entry,rearcameraandautomaticair conditioning.

LukeBroad,DaciaBrandDirector fortheUK,said:“Whatbetterwayto starttheyearthantoreceivethree accoladesatthe2023WhatCar? CaroftheYearAwards.I’mproud thatDacia’sunrivalledvaluehas onceagainbeenofficially recognised.It’snotonlythepriceof ourvehiclesthathassecuredthese awardsthough,astheexpert decisionsoftheWhatCar?judges reflecttheunrivalledcombinationof qualityandvaluethatincreasing numbersofcarbuyersareseeingin ourbrandtoday.Withlastyear’s salesup55%comparedto2021in theUK,it’smoreapparentthanever thatourcommitmenttoinnovatively redefiningtheessentialsisreally hittinghomewithdrivers.”

THEAWARD-WINNING ISUZUD-MAX

ISUZUD-MAXRANGEFROM

£21,999–£33,849†

SMARTER.STRONGER.SAFER.

DRIVENTODO

JeffriesofBacton

Stowmarket,Suffolk

Tel:01449781131

jeffriesofbacton-isuzu.co.uk

CulverwellCars

Robertsbridge,EastSussex

Tel:01580880567

culverwell-isuzu.co.uk

StartinTractors

AshbyRoad,Twycross

Tel:01827880088

startintractors-isuzu.co.uk

DuckworthIsuzu

LondonRoad,Boston

Tel:01205725700

duckworth.co.uk/isuzu

YorkVanCentre

StationLane,York

Tel:01904470170

yorkvancentre-isuzu.co.uk

B&BTrucks

BurtononTrent,Staffordshire

Tel:01283521522

bandbtrucksandtractors-isuzu.co.uk

AllfuelconsumptionandemissionvaluesarebasedonthenewWLTP(WorldwideHarmonisedLightVehicleTestProcedure)testcyclewhichuses real-worlddrivingdata.OfficialfueleconomyforthestandardIsuzuD-MaxrangeinMPG(l/100km):Low25.1–27.6(10.2–11.2).Mid31.4–36.4 (7.8–9.0).High36.0–39.4(7.2–7.8).Extra-High29.0–30.8(9.2–9.7).Combined30.7–33.6(8.4–9.2).CO2emissions220–241g/km. †FrompriceshownisanIsuzuD-Max4x4SingleCabvehicleontheroadpricewithmanualtransmission.ModelshowninimageisaIsuzuD-MaxV-CrossDoubleCabCommercial vehicleontheroadpriceof£32,349.00withmanualtransmission.Allpricesshownincludedelivery,numberplates,12monthsroadfundlicenceandfirstregistrationfee, excludesVATandmica/metallicpaintfinish.TheAward-WinningIsuzuD-MaxisSmarterStrongerSafercomparedtopreviousmodel.Termsandconditionsapply.

PICK-UPOF 2022 THEYEAR