Farming Monthly National July 2024

Farming Farming

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Farming Monthly National is published monthly in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Printed in the UK

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Welsh Government must continue to listen to Welsh farmers as SFS consultation response published, says FUW

Commenting on the Welsh Government’s response to the final consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), FUW President Ian Rickman said: “Welsh Government must continue to listen to Welsh farmers as the summary of responses to the latest SFS consultation is published today. The industry’s voice has been loud and clear and it has been a challenging process to get this far for everyone involved.

“It comes as no surprise that the consensus from the mammoth 12,000 farmers and organisations who responded to the consultation calls for significant changes to the scheme proposals.

“This was also the clear message from our members who responded individually, and fed their views into the Union’s comprehensive consultation response earlier this year. We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to make this scheme work for farmers.

“We welcome the remarks made by the Cabinet Secretary today as he commits to introducing the scheme only when it is ready. This needs to be an agricultural support scheme that provides stability for our food

producing family farms in Wales and considers economic, social and environmental sustainability on equal footings. As a Union, this remains our ultimate goal.”

The written statement by the Cabinet Secretary refers to the on-going work of the SFS Ministerial Roundtable, Carbon Sequestration and Officials groups in reviewing and implementing the scheme, in partnership with the farming unions and other stakeholders.

The FUW welcomed the announcement that the SFS will not begin until 2026 and that a preceded preparatory phase will take place next year.

“There is an intense body of work being undertaken by the FUW with the Cabinet Secretary, stakeholders and Welsh Government officials, with extremely important discussions having taken place.”

President, Ian Rickman, concluded: “FUW members can rest assured we are doing our utmost to negotiate a scheme that works for all farmers in Wales from 2026 onwards. This remains our commitment to Welsh farmers.”

C CPRE comments ahead of King's Speech

PRE director of policy, campaigns and communications Elli Moody said:

On planning reform and the housebuilding bill

'We welcome Labour's ambition to build the homes we urgently need. However, they should start with the 1.2 million new homes that could be built on shovel-ready brownfield sites in England alone.

'The Green Belt is the countryside next door for 30 million people in the UK and has huge benefits for food security, physical and mental health, and nature restoration. Protections for it must be maintained in the policy framework.

'New homes on the Green Belt have rarely been genuinely affordable and create car-dependent communities far from public transport networks and other essential infrastructure.

'We also need to see ambitious targets in policy for genuinely affordable and social homes close to where people already live, work and go to school. The definition of 'affordable' housing should be changed to reflect local incomes rather than market rates.

'The government should deliver a strategic land-use framework that makes the best use of our finite supply of land and safeguards the Green Belt for future generations.

'We support Labour's focus on plan-led development. We would like to see Local Plans include ambitious net zero and environmental targets.'

On the transition to clean energy

'The climate emergency is the biggest threat facing our countryside. We need a rapid transition to renewables.

'Properly planned onshore wind has an important role to play in the urgent decarbonisation of our energy system. New onshore wind developments must be strategically located away from sensitive landscapes and involve local communities in a transparent engagement process.

'We now need to see the government support onshore wind in cases where landscape sensitivity is considered and proposals have the backing of the local community. If the will is there, we can protect our valued landscapes and meet our nation's energy needs at the same time.

'Many communities may wish to host onshore windfarms. We need to back them by offering community ownership as standard.

'We will continue to call on the government to unleash the potential of rooftop solar to protect more countryside for food, nature and wellbeing.

'We call on the government to ensure that 40GW of the national solar target of 70GW is delivered from rooftop solar by 2035.'

Farmers urged to check insurance for temporary workers during harvesting season

Aleading agricultural expert has warned farmers they could face costly claims, fines and prosecutions if temporary workers employed during the busy harvesting season are inadequately trained and insured. Rupert Wailes-Fairbairn, of rural insurance broker Lycetts, explained that farmers need to be mindful of the risks associated with hiring temporary workers.

Compared to other industries, agriculture, forestry and fishing has the worst rate of worker fatalities –21 times higher than the all-industry average over the last five years. In the last ten years, almost one person a week has been killed as a result of agricultural work and many more have been seriously injured2

“On top of the trauma and distress for all concerned, dealing with accident claims for fatal and non-fatal incidents can cost thousands and years of stress and anguish for all involved,” said Wailes-Fairbairn.

“Having the correct health and safety and insurance policies in place is vital to safeguarding lives and livelihoods during the busy drilling and harvesting season, which runs from July through to October,” he said.

“This is undoubtedly the busiest and most demanding period of the farming calendar for those involved in root crops and cereals, so extra staff are often employed to help manage the increased workload.

“While farmers may be focused on the logistics of harvesting, they must not neglect the safety of permanent and temporary staff. Conducting a thorough health and safety assessment, providing training and having clear processes in place, along with adequate Employers’ Liability insurance, is critical.”

Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations with 27 deaths, including a three-year-old child, reported last year as a result of farming and agriculture-related activities according to the Health and Safety Executive1 .

“There is a widespread misconception that farm insurance policies include adequate protection for such catastrophic incidents, but this is not the case. Farmers should be aware that Employers’ Liability insurance is not automatically included in their policy.

“They must also be mindful that part-time, casual, seasonal, temporary and even voluntary workers all constitute employees.”

Farmers have a moral and legal duty to care for all employees. In order to prevent incidents that may lead to claims, Wailes-Fairbairn advises all farmers to give temporary workers a thorough induction and comprehensive training on-site and on-line including HSE guidance and Toolbox Talks for a belt and braces approach to employee safety.

“Although not a legal requirement, I would also advise farmers to have adequate management liability cover to pay potential HSE incident investigation and intervention costs which can quickly escalate,” Wailes-Fairbairn added.

“Health and safety procedures must be carefully observed to safeguard all employees - and the farm’s reputation.

“Farmers should never cut corners when it comes to employee safety, and I urge them to speak to their trusted insurance partner to check that they have the right insurance in place to protect all parties in the event of an unwanted incident.”

Farming the most valued profession behind only nursing, says public

Britain’s farmers and growers have been named as one of the public’s most favoured and valued professions, second only to nurses, a new survey1commissioned by the NFU can reveal. 74% of the public have a favourable view of farmers and growers, recognising how hard they work through rain and shine, to produce food for the nation.

It also shows 91% of respondents feel that farming is important to the UK economy, demonstrating the key role agriculture businesses play in kickstarting growth for Labour’s new mission-led government.

The survey will be published at the NFU’s first parliamentary reception since the general election, taking place today in the House of Lords.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the public for their continued support of British farmers and growers. When we’re out in our fields, sheds and glasshouses we never take it for

granted and it spurs us on to get the food onto their plates.

“The results of the survey show it is vital the new government recognises how much the public value our farmers and growers and the climate-friendly, nutritious food we provide. This will be a key focus at our reception with new MPs today.”

New MPs and Peers are set to hear that:

• 89% of the public feel it is important that Britain has a productive farming industry.

• 85% of people support increasing self-sufficiency in UK food production.

• 87% of people think it is important that trade deals ensure animal welfare standards are the same in countries we import food from as in the UK.

Mr Bradshaw continued: “As outlined in the Labour manifesto,

food security is national security. To ensure we deliver on this shared mission and that the public continues to see a safe supply of food in the face of climate change and a volatile global outlook, confidence is key. But confidence of agriculture businesses is at an all time low2.

“As the industry that underpins Britain’s largest manufacturing sector – food and drink – which is worth £146 billion to the economy, it’s imperative thatpolicies from the new government revitalise the confidence of farm businesses. The number one priority to achieve this long-term confidence is for government to set a UK wide agricultural budget of £5.6 billion3. It is not just ‘more money for farmers’ but an investment that means farmers and growers can do more of what the public value them for; delivering more climate friendly, high welfare food, delivering for the environment, increasing clean energy production and kickstarting economic growth.”

Commenting on the NAO report onDefra's Farming and Countryside Programme

Farming Minister, Daniel Zeichner MP said: “Confidence amongst farmers has been at record lows. Farmers have been struggling with extreme weather events like flooding and sudden huge rises in input costs, been undermined by damaging trade deals, and rocked by the chop and change of farming schemes.

“The new Government will restore stability and confidence amongst farmers. That is why we will not be over-turning the applecart – we are fully

committed to ELMs. We will optimise schemes and grants in an orderly way, ensuring they produce the right outcomes for all farmers, while delivering food security and nature recovery in a just and equitable way.

“The government will ensure that our schemes work for those farmers who have been too often ignored – including small, grassland, upland and tenanted farms.

“Government will go further by introducing a new deal for farmers to boost Britian’s food security, restore nature and

support rural economic growth. We will protect farmers from being undercut in trade deals, make the supply chain work more fairly, protect from shock rises in bills by switching on GB Energy and use the government’s purchasing power to back British produce.”

Background:

• The expanded SFI offer remains open and farmers who want to apply can contact the RPA to express their interest. We will confirm next steps in the rollout of SFI and other ELM schemes shortly.

'Delighted' trio secure £5,000 bursary to help winegrowers and producers of the future

The winners of a £5,000 sustainabilityfocused bursary for wine industry students have been announced. Now in its second year, leading rural insurer NFU Mutual's'Enhancing Vineyard Sustainability Award'has been awarded to Plumpton College students Louisa Highwood, Peter Taswell and Marek Parkola.

The £5,000 award will help the trio significantly upgrade their high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) machine which will allow the students to look for specific components in wine through changes in refractive index – therefore gaining a deeper understanding of their impact on wine quality.

"We are delighted to have won the award,"said Louisa. "The bursary is really important for the industry as it allows us to strengthen and broaden the research at the college, for both the students and the industry.

"For us, the new equipment will not only support our research projects, but also be available to other students and industry people for the future. We greatly appreciate the support of NFU Mutual and Plumpton College in this."

The award was open to all MSc students who were preparing to start their thesis in September 2024, with the winners having to show they addressed

the contribution their project made toward vineyard sustainability for the wine industry.

Plumpton College said the trio's research design 'demonstrated the potential to generate meaningful, substantive and tangible results'. The trio have been researching new approaches to winemaking using PIWI grape varieties which are more disease resistant than traditional varieties and as a result, could dramatically change the environmental impact of British winemaking if tannin levels can be retained.

David Harrison, Viticulture Specialist at NFU Mutual, said:"It's been really exciting seeing the quality of applications for the bursary this year. NFU Mutual has worked with Plumpton College and Wine GB on this award for two years now and we all share a passion for putting sustainability at the heart of English and Welsh wine production. Louisa, Peter and Marek are worthy winners of the NFU Mutual bursary."

Wine GB CEO Nicola Bates added:"This award is important as it directly supports innovation and research within the next generation of UK winemakers. Being able to fund Plumpton students furthers strengthens its hub role in leading wine education, especially for grapes that are most resilient to climate change as we look to future proof the wide array of plantings across the country."

Sarah Simpson appointed to NFU Mutual Board as Non-Executive Director

Leading rural insurer

NFU Mutual has announced Sarah Simpson will be joining its Board as a NonExecutive Director, with effect from September 2, 2024.

Sarah has a distinguished career in rural policy, amassing over 20 years of invaluable experience.

She graduated in Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economics from the University of Edinburgh in 1996, before spending more than a decade in senior positions at NFU Scotland.

She is a member of the Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board, a farmer-led group established to support the Scottish Government's policy reform, and is a Trustee of Scottish charity, the Hannah Dairy Research Foundation.

Sarah has also previously held an advisory position with the Scottish Government's National Council of Rural Advisers, exploring the opportunities Scotland's rural economy presents.

In 2017, Sarah became Director of Simpson Farms Ltd, where she oversees the financial management and strategic planning of a family dairy farm alongside her husband, who she has three children with. She has been a member of the Board at Tarff Valley, an agricultural merchant, since 2022.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the understanding, efficiency, and well-being of UK agriculture, Sarah was awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Agricultural Societies in 2023.

Commenting on the appointment, Jim McLaren, Chairman of NFU Mutual, said:"I am delighted to welcome Sarah to NFU Mutual's Board. Sarah's extensive knowledge of the

agricultural sector and rural policy, gained over many years, is complemented by her experience on various Boards and her handson involvement in running a highly successful family farming business. This experienceequips Sarah to be a valuable asset to NFU Mutual as we continue to adapt to the evolving insurance demands of the farming sector and the wider rural economy." Sarah added:"As the UK's leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual is dedicated not only to supporting its members, but also to protecting the wider rural community and their livelihoods through numerous initiatives.

"I am delighted to be joining NFU Mutual and look forward to contributing to their impactful work in rural areas."

NFU acquires Woolf Bond to make up whole country planning offer

The NFU now has a full portfolio of planning and land-based services available to members across all English regions1, following the acquisition of Reading based planning company, Woolf Bond.

Woolf Bond provides high-quality planning advice to the property sector which includes the housing and mixed-use sectors. Its addition to the NFU’s professional services is part of its strategy to bolster income and increase the offer for members.

NFU commercial and investment director Ken Sutherland said: “The acquisition of Woolf Bond is a great addition to the professional services available to NFU members, particularly in relation to planning and land use aspects.

“We now have offices across all of our English regions that provide a range of professional planning advice and consultancy. Our highly ranked planning firms, combined with the brilliant offer from NFU Energy means all members have a great range of professional services at their fingertips.”

Woolf Bond planning director Steven Brown said: ““We are delighted to have the support of a nationally respected organisation.

“We are excited about our future growth strategy and continued commitment to providing specialist planning advice to the development industry, landowners and NFU members in helping them achieve their development aspirations.”

Welcome extension of Agricultural Property Relief for farmers should remain under Labour Government

As part of the Spring Budget, the then Conservative Government announced its decision to extend the scope of Agricultural Property Relief to include all environmental land management (ELM) schemes. This expansion demonstrates a continued commitment to support farmers and encourage conservation of the British landscape via tax incentives.

Agricultural Property Relief (APR) is a tax planning mechanism available to farmers and landowners. APR provides total or partial relief from Inheritance Tax, reducing the tax burden on those passing agricultural land and businesses to the next generation of farmers.

From 6 April 2025, farmers and landowners engaging in ELM schemes will be able to claim APR on land being used for the purposes of these schemes, meaning such land can be passed down free of or at a reduced rate of Inheritance Tax. There is also hope that by incentivising farmers and rural landlords to adopt ELM schemes for tax relief, land will be removed from intensive agricultural processes and used to achieve longer-term environmental objectives.

ELM schemes have replaced the system of financial support that was previously available through the UK's membership with the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy. ELM schemes aim to support the rural economy while contributing towards the UK's 25-Year Environment Plan and commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Aaron Spencer, Partner and Head of Private Client at law firm Furley Page, has extensive experience advising rural businesses, farmers and landowners. He said: "Following the election of a new Labour government there is of course anxiety surrounding the impact of any changes to tax regimes, however, in November 2023 the Shadow Environment Secretary confirmed that there were no intentions of axing APR should a Labour government come to power.

"The extension of APR provides farmers and rural landowners with new opportunities to diversify and participate in ELM and woodland creation schemes. This expansion in the relief will enable many more farm businesses to benefit from better access to the financial support and subsidies on offer through ELM schemes whilst securing lower rates of Inheritance Tax on the value of their land and businesses."

Whether you're an experienced farmer or a new rural landlord, Furley Page can help you to navigate the intricacies of inheritance tax on farmland. Having acted for farmers and rural landowners for generations, the firm's multidiscipline team provides solutions to meet the complexities and challenges faced by the agricultural and rural business sectors.

For more information about Furley Page's agriculture and rural business services, please email Aaron Spencer aas@furleypage.co.uk or call 01227 763939. You can also follow the firm on X (formerly Twitter) @furleypage and on LinkedIn.

FEAR LABOUR WILL GROW ATTACKS ON WELSH RURAL COMMUNITIES

At the Royal Welsh Show, the Welsh Conservatives will restate their commitment to putting farmers and our rural way of life first, against a further Labour attack on countryside communities. Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, James Evans MS said:

“For years now rural communities in Wales have been under attack from Labour.From NVZs and slashing the rural affairs budget to their SFS which would have decimated farmers costing over 5,000 jobs and taking £200 million out of our economy.

“Keir Starmer always said that Wales was his blueprint for government. I fear that Labour in Wales will follow his lead in Westminster and have our vital green spaces in their sights.

“Only the Welsh Conservative will protect our rural communities and enable them to be the guardians of the countryside that we know they are, saving it from Labour and Plaid’s onslaught.”

Mark Isherwood, Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning added:

“A week into Keir Starmer taking over and his Government have put the green belt on notice in England.

“Little has changed in the 16 years since the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found “a significant level of unmet housing need in rural Wales, with problems of affordability more acute, homelessness levels increasing more sharply and social housing supply more limited than in urban areas”.

“It’s vital that we build more homes, but they must be built in the right place, not at the expense of our rural heritage and food security.

“The Welsh Conservatives will build more houses, empowering and working with communities so that homes are where they are needed as part of a new deal for young people and families in Wales.”

The Soil Association congratulates the new Prime Minister

The Soil Association has responded to the new Labour Government:

Soil Association CEO Helen Browning said: “We congratulate the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and look forward to working withhim and his new government. Their campaign manifesto made clear their desire toimprove access to nature, promote biodiversity, decarbonise the energy system, and protect our landscapes and wildlife while supporting farmers to shift to more sustainable and naturefriendly farming practices.

"Labour have said they will give new powers to regulators and introduce a land-use framework. They have pledged to improve public health and ensure half of all public sector food is produced locally or to higher environmental standards.

and ensure that those on low incomescanaccess healthy and sustainable diets,with farmers supported on a journey towards cleaner, greener agriculture.

“We urge that these commitments are now transformed intoaction. As a priority, Starmer’s government should developan economic framework that allows money to be generated from penalising the bad things through ‘polluter pays’,

“The Soil Association champions the work and commitment of organic and agroecological farmers and growers, ethical food businesses, public sector caterers and communities across the UK. We look forward to working with the new government to build a healthier food and farming system – one that works for people and planet.”

From Harvest to Maintenance: John’s farming journey

Bale Preservative and Moisture Meters

In the heart of the harvest season, John, a dedicated farmer, relies heavily on the precision of bale preservatives and moisture meters. As his hay baling operation and combine gathers the crops, these tools enable him to bale much closer behind the harvester. The moisture meters ensure that the bales are produced at optimal moisture levels, while the preservatives maintain the quality of the forage and straw when the weather is unpredictable. This seamless process not only saves time but also preserves the nutritional value of the hay and straw, ensuring that John’s livestock will have high-quality feed throughout the year and any excess hay or straw is sold with confidence in the quality.

Bale Tarpaulins

With the bales quickly accumulating in the fields, John turns to his trusty bale tarpaulins. These heavy-duty long-life covers are built to withstand winds in excess of 100mph and effective UV protection with an average life of 5-7 years, are crucial in protecting his valuable hay and straw from unexpected rain and harsh sunlight. John easily installs and removes the tarpaulins with the unique and extremely simple Super Cinch systems. By deploying the tarpaulins, John ensures that his bales remain dry and in optimal conditions for use on the

farm or sale to customers, safeguarding them from the rain and spoilage. This protection is essential as it minimises waste and maintains the feed’s quality, allowing John to focus on the next steps in his farming cycle with peace of mind.

PFC Cultivators

Once the bales are safely covered, John prepares to cultivate his fields for the next planting season. He relies on PFC cultivators, which are designed for effective soil preparation. These cultivators break up, subsoil, create the perfect tilth and all other forms of the soil preparation, promoting better aeration and water infiltration. The low-cost, high-quality specifications of PFC cultivators mean John can prepare his fields quickly and effectively, ensuring the soil is ready for the next crop. This efficiency allows him to maximise his productivity and maintain the health of his fields while maximising the savings in operating costs to increase his margin.

Hydrox Hydrogen Systems

As John works tirelessly on his farm, he finds solace in the fact that he is contributing to a greener future. His equipment is powered by Hydrox hydrogen system. The system functions by using the vehicles battery power. Generating oxygen and hydrogen gas (HHO) by using electrolysis to split water. HHO improves the combustion efficiency of all diesel and petrol engines. This clean energy source allows John to save 20-30% on fuel costs and reduce his carbon emissions by up to 80%. The hydrogen systems are a game-changer, enabling him to perform all his tasks efficiently while promoting sustainable farming practices. This innovation not only benefits his farms finances but also contributes positively to the environment.

Slurry Bags

With winter approaching, John’s cattle begin to rely more on the forage he so meticulously produced with HarvestPro preservative and the baling technology. The straw is utilised as bedding on a cubicle system and managing the resulting slurry becomes a priority. John uses PFC’s slurry bags to store the livestock waste efficiently and cost-effectively. These flexible storage systems prevent environmental

contamination and are easy to install. Produced from the market leading highest grade of 1400g/m2 UV treated material, producing an expected life span in excess of 20 years. By using slurry bags, John can store and later use the slurry as a rich fertiliser, enhancing soil fertility. This method ensures that John’s waste is managed responsibly and for a minimum of 6

months. Contributing to the overall financial and environmental sustainability of his farm.

PFC Supplied Saws

John’s field boundaries are made up of hedges and small woodlands that require regular maintenance. To keep these areas in top condition, John uses PFC supplied saws. These saws are capable of operating at 1-8 km/h while cutting through wood up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. The precision and power of the saws make them perfect for maintaining his hedges and managing the surrounding woodland areas. This upkeep is crucial to maintain cultivated land area from be encroached and also the aesthetics of his farm and health of the ecosystem. With these saws, John ensures his farm remains well-maintained and productive year-round.

Through this integrated approach, from using bale preservatives to maintaining his fields and surrounding areas with PFC supplied saws, John’s farm thrives efficiently and sustainably. Each step in his farming process is interconnected, leading to a productive and environmentally conscious operation maximising the financial return.

Agri-events company celebrates 15 years with rebrand and charity focus

JBE, formerly known as Jimmy Birchmore Events, has announced a rebrand to mark its 15-year anniversary. The rebrand includes a new look and website, aligning with the company's growth and evolution. Already recognised as JBE, this official change highlights their forward momentum in the event management industry.

In line with its growth, JBE has expanded its senior leadership team to include Emma Norris, Emma Pritchard, and Liz Haynes. These appointments bring additional experience and dedication to the company's leadership.

Jimmy Birchmore, the head of the company ensures business continuity while benefiting from the enhanced leadership team. “I’m privileged to have such experienced and committed people extend their influence across our client partnerships, operations, and future success. “They will help shape the future of the business, and their appointments underline that the strength and value of our team is within each

individual and their collective endeavours,” he says.

To commemorate their 15-year milestone, JBE has introduced the "15 for 15" charity initiative. This program will increase their charitable partnerships by counting steps at three major events: LAMMA, Cereals, and the Royal Highland Show.

For every 15,000 steps taken across the full team on-site, JBE will donate £15 to their chosen charities, the Addington Fund and Refuge. Reflecting on their progression, Jimmy Birchmore emphasises that people are at the heart of their business. Their new strapline, ‘Good people make great events,’ embodies this idea. “I would like to extend my thanks to colleagues and friends for helping us to reach this milestone, and we look forward to creating even more exceptional events for our wonderful clients in future,” adds Jimmy.

Pictures by Mandy Jones

Visit www.jbe.events/ to see JBS’s new look and learn more.

AHDB updates potential benefits of SFI stacking options for arable and livestock farmers

Essential information on how farmers can combine various Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions to help boost income has been updated by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

AHDB'sStacking options for SFI analysisupdate coincides with the expanded SFI, open to new entrants for the first time to support more sustainable food production. It includes payments for precision farming andagroforestryaimed at helping farmers reduce input costs and improve yield.

Thestacking analysishas shown that while the SFI can play a role in stabilising farm business incomes, farmers should carefully select the right options for their businesses to help boost their net profit level. AHDB has also publishedAgroforestry in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)information on its website, detailing actions available to farmers. Sarah Baker, AHDB Head of Economics (Analysis), said: "SFI is at the top of farmers' worry lists at the moment, weighing up whether or not to participate in the scheme and to what extent. The expanded SFI offer gives farmers much more flexibility in terms of choosing actions which suit their farms. It will contribute to net margin and mitigate loss of Direct Payments if used strategically and in line with business objectives, but careful consideration is needed to decidewhich plots of land to enter. "Land that is less productive or consistently giving you insufficient yield is the most likely to give a positive return, once costs of participation and opportunity costs have been considered.Only careful planning and selection will ensure each farmer benefits economically.

"If actions can be carried out on less productive areas of the farm without sacrificing large areas of cash crops, an increase in net profit is likely. If the action fits with your current management plan, you may as well be getting paid for it. Such actions are also likely to help regenerate unproductive land and make it more productive in the long term.

"We've stressed the importance of farmers not sacrificing productive land and this is backed up in the expanded SFI offer which includes in-field agroforestry systemsso trees can be integrated and managed in arable fields or grazed grassland across different farming systems.Essentially, our message is don't take productive land out of production because you may lose money.Make sure you understand the true costs of participating which will vary between individual businesses."

AHDB has reiterated thatno single action in the SFI is going to be enough to mitigate the loss of Direct Payments, but the right combination of actions could

play a major role in making up some of the shortfall. This will be more pronounced and helpful to farm businesses in years of average or low crop prices rather than in years in which prices are high. Similarly, farm businesses with lower gross profit levels will benefit more from the SFI than businesses with higher gross profit levels.

Sarah added: "The SFI will have a role in stabilising farm incomes, as has been the case forDirect Payments and the wider Basic Payment Scheme. Gains from the SFI will be amplified in low or average cost years and for businesses with low gross profit levels. But, if a loss is made, that too will be amplified under these conditions. Therefore, the importance of choosing actions with care and making the best plan for your farm is paramount."

Key points to consider:

• The SFI alone is not going to be enough to mitigate the loss of Direct Paymentsbut the right combination of actions could make upa considerable amount of the shortfall

• Taking part in the SFI can provide substantial extra income for arable farm businesses

• If farmers carefully select actions that are right for their farm, they can boost the farm's net profit level

• If actions can be carried out on unproductive areas of the farm without sacrificing the area of cash crops, an increase in net profit is likely and also likely to help regenerate unproductive land and make it more productive in the long term

• Farmers have the opportunity to maximise the potential of every hectare of land on their farm

• The SFI has a greater impact on farms with low gross profit margins compared with those that have high gross profit margins

• For all farms, the financial benefit of taking part in the SFI is most likely to be felt in years where crop prices are average or below average and can act as buffer in lean years

• Looking ahead, the SFI can play a role in stabilising farm business incomes

• The expanded SFI offer gives farmers much more flexibility in terms of choosing actions which suit their farms, but only careful planning and selection will ensure each farmer benefits economically in their particular situation

Will a change of government really mean change?

The change of government could have a significant impact on the countryside and rural businesses, if Labour’s plans for new housing and infrastructure come to fruition. But the Party will face hefty opposition from those against development, so will need to act fast to push plans through, according to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

“This is a Government that, on the face of it, means to significantly increase the number of houses built and accelerate the infrastructure required for renewable energy and water,” says Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV. “That will affect a lot of rural land, which may present opportunities for some and threats for others.”

However, plans for many major developments have been seriously delayed or thrown out through objection and judicial review. Judicial review enables antidevelopment groups to claim that due procedures haven’t been followed and so tie proposals up for years.

“So complicated is our administrative life that it’s almost impossible to take a big decision,” says Mr Moody. “We are now waiting to see if it is feasible for a government to make the kind of structural changes needed to achieve economic growth. If we don’t do something radical, we will still be here in 30 years’ time.”

The acid test will be whether the Labour Government introduces changes to the judicial review process, to make it easier to proceed with the development it has promised. “The King’s Speech on 17 July will almost certainly promise some sort of Planning Bill. It will be interesting to see if the briefing includes prospects to limit judicial reviews,” he explains. “If not, Labour will have missed the moment – with its big opportunity to limit the rights of challenge. But I’ve seen no thinking as to how that will be done – and clearly some right of appeal must remain, so there’s a balance to be found.”

Mr Moody expects a draft National Planning Policy Framework by the end of July, giving the 2022 housing targets back to local authorities. Parallel to that, he envisages an expert working group to identify, within six months, sites for new towns. “That will be electorally interesting, because a lot of Labour back benchers now represent anti-development constituencies.”

While the Labour manifesto contained precious little pertaining to agriculture, it has committed to decarbonise electricity by 2030. And that will require significant investment in renewable energy and associated infrastructure like pylons. It has also suggested strengthening compulsory purchase legislation, to pay less than market value for land – something which will not be popular with landowners. And proposals to build on the Green Belt will be similarly unpopular with many local voters.

And that’s why it needs to act fast to limit powers of appeal, if it is going to have a chance to deliver against its promises, says Mr Moody. “If Labour really means what it says on planning and growth, this is what it needs to do. But we’ll see whether it is willing to act hard enough and early enough to deliver its policies before resistance grows.”

LAND MANAGER EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE KEY IN NEW NATIONAL PARK PROPOSAL

cottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, has said the 'knowledge and experience' of farmers and land managers must be recognised as a proposal for a National Park in Galloway is consulted upon.

The Scottish Government announced today that NatureScot will conduct a public consultation and investigation into whether Galloway should join Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Cairngorms in being assigned National Park status before submitting its findings to Ministers in April 2025.

StephenYoung, Director of Policy at Scottish Land &

Estates, said:

"If a Galloway National Park is taken forward then it is crucial that it provides tangible benefits to communities and businesses that cannot be delivered through other means.

"Nationalparkscan play a positive role in delivering for rural Scotland but it is important that a balance is struck between nature and climate objectives and the social and economic realities of those who live and work in the park. It is also vital that we recognise thatit is not just throughnationalparks that land managementcan deliver these benefits.

"We firmly believe that cooperation is the best way forward and any

NFU President Tom Bradshaw has met with Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed MP on his first full day in office, where they discussed key and immediate actions that are needed to enable the British food and farming sector to thrive. Topics high on the agenda included the critical role of food security in delivering national security, the investment required for the future of farming and restrictions around planning policy.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “It was great to meet with the Secretary of State today and put the importance of investing in the future of British agriculture directly to him. With this big change in government, it’s crucial that the voices of our 46,000 farmer and grower members are heard loud and clear within the new Defra team.

“Steve Reed has just outlined his plan for change and it’s good to

hear that food security, the environment and flood management are all focus areas. These now need to be underpinned by a budget that will enable the necessary investment.

“Alongside these key areas, we’ll continue to work closely with Defra to provide policy solutions on issues such as bovine TB, the transition to ELMs, core standards for agri-food imports, the agricultural workforce, supply chain fairness, investment in infrastructure and flexibility in planning.”

As well as meeting with the Defra Secretary of State, theNFU has also written to MPs and Cabinet ministers outlining the importance of British farming to the nation; an industry which forms the backbone of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector –food and drink – contributing more than £146 billion to the economy and employing more than four million people.

newnationalpark needs to recognise the knowledge and experience of those who work on the ground on a daily basis. The region provides an immense contribution to the UK's food security and farmers and land managers should not be hindered from putting food on the nation's plates with increased planning challenges and visitor management issues.

"Enabling new opportunities for rural communities and businesses to thrive, rather than fostering more restrictions, must be key in the creation of a new park and we hope NatureScot takes on board the opinions of a wide range of individuals and businesses within the prospective boundaries to ensure a rounded view of the proposal."

NFU President meets new Defra Secretary of State S

The letters, one sent toall English and WelshMPs and others to all Cabinet ministers in the context of their portfolios,set out the priority policies to support the nation’s shared ambition for food security and growthand will put British farming front and centre as MPs take their seats across Parliament.

Mr Bradshaw added: “In an increasingly volatile world, the production of safe, sustainable and affordable homegrown food has to be high on the political agenda. It’s something that matters to everyone and every MP.

“I urge all MPs, representing both urban and rural constituencies, to take us up on our offer of a local farm visit so they can hear firsthand about how investment in agriculture can benefit British families, British business and the great British countryside.”

A Report highlights unique role of agriculture in Scottish island life

new report produced by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has highlighted the unique role agriculture plays in island life and calls on Government to use this new evidence in policy decisions.

Rural and Agricultural Development: Maximising the potential in the islands of Orkney, Shetland and Outer Hebridesoffers new analysis of Scottish Government data, and details insights from farmers and crofters, agricultural supply chain businesses, communities and stakeholders.

The research found that, in their current form, future policy proposals present some risks for some island economies, environments, and communities.

The study also confirmed that agriculture accounts for a higher share of private businesses, turnover and employment, as well as the proportion of total adult population, in these communities compared to other local authorities in Scotland, and that there are differences both within and between the island groups.

In this context, it identifies that islands agriculture faces some unique challenges:

Agriculture has important local multiplier effects on island economies, along local supply-chains and into the wider rural economy. Moreover, farming and crofting are important aspects of local culture.

The Island areas contain a high proportion of nationally and internationally important habitats, species and peatlands reflecting the unique interaction between land management and nature. A prosperous farming and crofting sector matters economically, environmentally and socially.

The agricultural sector across all three island groups is constrained by several critical factors, including: the unreliability and higher costs of haulage of inputs to and selling outputs from islands; uncertainty over future provision of ferry services; an ageing and shrinking workforce: and inflation impacts that have eroded the Government's financial support for farmers and crofters.

There has been long term consolidation of the number of farms and crofts receiving agricultural support across the three island areas, with some localised declines in agricultural activity, most notably the decline in sheep production in the Outer Hebrides. Complexity and compliance costs of policy proposals may lead to further withdrawal

from support structures and activity, particularly for small scale producers.

• Practical and policy solutions need to be found to retain agricultural and environmental activity in respect of crofting and common grazings, particularly in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.

• Evidence on the impacts of peripherality and distance from markets must be embedded in future support schemes such as evolutions of, for example, the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) & the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (Island Calf Scheme)

• The report findings indicate that a thorough Islands Community Impact Assessment (ICIA) is likely to be needed in relation to the combined effects of different strands of future agricultural policy interventions, and the delivery of the 'Rural Support Plan'. Future ICIAs should be place-based and should take into account differences within island groups, acknowledging the additional costs of e.g. transporting goods to outer isles.

• Community Led Local Development (CLLD) has a critical role to play in sustaining island communities, particularly by sharing solutions and experience across island groups. This is amplified by the low business base meaning that community solutions are all the more important to overcome challenges. The current allocative model for funds from Scottish Government places limits on capacity building and leads to uncertainty for paid staff and volunteers. A return to multi-annual funding is needed.

Funded by the Scottish Government's Community Led Local Development Collaboration Fund, as part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme, the project was commissioned by the Orkney, Shetland and Outer Hebrides Local Action Groups in collaboration with Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The work coincided with the progress of the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill through the Scottish Parliament. The findings have been welcomed by Councils in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

Speaking on behalf of the three island areas,

Orkney Islands Council's Leader Heather Woodbridge commented: "We welcome the publication of this research from SRUC that highlights the critical role the agriculture sector plays in our island communities.

"The report demonstrates clearly that our agricultural sector is woven into the fabric of our communities and the role it plays in managing the environment of our beautiful islands. I would urge the Scottish Government to factor this report into their evidence-based policy making approach when forming the Rural Support Plan, Rural Delivery Plan and National Islands Plan, as well as other secondary legislation accompanying the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill.

"What is abundantly clear, is that our farmers are proud of the very important role that they play in our communities and that with appropriate policy and other support, agriculture can contribute to buoyant island economies and strong island communities."

Professor Steven Thomson from SRUC, who led the research, said: "This work was an opportunity to utilise a wide array of data and learn from the lived-in experiences of locals to stress-test some of the thinking on future agricultural policy in Scotland through an island community lens. I personally

gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by farmers and crofters in these islands."

"Importantly, the study allowed space to consider how, for example: conditional support may impact common grazings; how compliance costs may have disproportionate impacts on the smallest farms and crofts, and that opportunities to deliver better policy solutions such as redistributive support or smallrecipient schemes exist.

"We hope this new evidence can act as a catalyst for considering placed based impacts in a just transition as policy decisions are pondered in coming months and years."

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: "I welcome this important report. Evidence based policy making is crucial to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by our island communities.

"This report offers valuable insights that will help us to make informed decisions around how we continue to support the sustainable development of our islands."

The report can be found here –www. ruralexchange.scot/projects/island-agriculture/

NFU reaction to MAC review of Seasonal Workers Scheme

Following the publication of the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) review1of the Seasonal Workers Scheme (SWS), NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “We are pleased to see that the MAC recognises how significantly important the SWS is to domestic food security, set against a backdrop of global instability and climate change. It is especially pleasing that the review reinforces the NFU’s call on the government to provide certainty about the future of the scheme, allowing food producing businesses to plan ahead.This was alongside a number of other recommendations agreeing with asks the NFU has been campaigning on for2many years.

“Worker welfare is a top priority for our members. We continue to engage with all parts of the supply chain to ensure the skilled people who travel to the UK to help produce food for the nation have a positive experience. The government has pledged to introduce a single enforcement body and we look

forward to working with them on this. The industry is already highly regulated and audited, so it is important to limit the level of duplication.

“There are recommendations made by the MAC, including points around the Employer Pays Principle and employment length, which we need to look at in further detail to see how this would impact the range of farming and growing businesses we represent.

“As highlighted by the review, certainty is key to the success of the scheme for British farmers, growers, workers and consumers alike. Therefore, it is vital that the new government commits to a five-year rolling scheme and reviews the costs associated to ensure all businesses can access the scheme. Certainty is the currency with which businesses trade and having this commitment would help to restore some of the lost confidence of British farmers and growers. “

U UK Farmers focus more on renewable energy production

K farmers are increasingly turning their attention to renewable energy investments as the sector looks to diversify its income streams, reduce carbon emissions and enhance the sustainability of its operations according to new research* from wealth manager Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), with 100 freehold farmers across the UK.

Renewable energy initiatives present an attractive opportunity for farmers to play a key role in the green energy revolution. By harnessing resources such as wind, solar, biomass and hydropower, farmers can use their land to generate clean energy, while also mitigating their environmental impact. In terms of the types of renewable energy projects that UK farmers are focusing on, 68% of respondents say that they have invested in biomass energy, this is followed by wind energy (51%), solar energy (39%), hydropower (23%) and battery energy storage systems (14%). Only two percent of UK farmers interviewed said they were not currently involved in any renewable energy operations.

The research by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) reveals that nine in 10 (90%) UK farmers interviewed claim to have received approaches from third party organisations who want to purchase carbon credits to offset their own emissions. Almost half (45%) of farming businesses say that they have been contacted with such requests on multiple occasions as companies intensify efforts to meet the UK government’s ambitious carbon reduction goals, which have created a buoyant market for carbon credits.

Scott Jones, Divisional Director - Southern Offices at Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), said: “Our survey shows how renewable energy production aligns well with the ethos of many farmers who are prioritising environmental stewardship and sustainable land management. By integrating renewable energy projects into their operations, farmers can demonstrate their own commitment to reducing carbon emissions, protecting natural resources and preserving the rural landscape for future generations.

“Such projects also offer farmers a way to futureproof their operations against the impacts of climate change and volatile energy markets.

Moreover, such investment in renewable energy gives famers an opportunity to create other income streams, including the sale of carbon credits to third parties, which can be less susceptible to market fluctuations and regulatory changes, thereby enhancing the resilience and long-term viability of their businesses.”

James Gower, Managing Director of The Game Fair, commented: “The findings from the research highlight key factors affecting the farming community which is an important part of the future of our countryside. Our partnership with Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) is at the heart of our drive to create the perfect opportunity at The Game Fair for farmers to come together to share values, discuss the latest topics and find solutions to the challenges they face.”

Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), is for the third year running, the official Wealth Management Partner for The Game Fair. This is the UK’s largest countryside show taking place at Blenheim Palace from 26th to 28th July 2024. The partnership enables Investec Wealth & Investment’s to further strengthen its commitment to supporting rural and farming communities across the UK, along with innovators who are finding new ways to help protect and preserve our landscapes for future generations.

As one of the UK’s leading discretionary wealth managers companies Investec Wealth & Management, focuses on a relationship-based approach to Financial Planning and Investment Management with the purpose of making a tangible and meaningful difference to clients and their families. For more information on its services for individuals and their families visit wealth management & financial planning services (investec.com)

The contents of this article do not constitute a formal recommendation or personal advice and no action should be taken, or not taken, on account of the information provided. It's important to remember that with investment, your capital is at risk.

KENT COUNTY SHOW CELEBRATES THE BEST OF KENT

The 93rd Kent County Show, the flagship event of registered charity the Kent County Agricultural Society, took place on the 5th, 6th & 7th July 2024. The annual show displayed the best of Kent through livestock and equine competitions, trade, exhibits and much, much more.

Alongside returning favourites across the Showground; such as Kent YFC, The Sheep Show and the Produced In Kent area, Ben Atkinson and the Atkinson Action Horses team wowed the crowds in the Astor Ring with their incredible display of stunt riding and horsemanship! Elsewhere on the Showground, the Countryside Village received a revamp for 2024, with new ring activities and a host of countryside talks drawing visitors in to learn all about rural pursuits, falconry and canine activities.

For younger visitors, this year’s Kent County Show offered an even wider range of entertainment than ever before! On arrival, children visiting the show were able to claim their free Activity Book, with games and educational quizzes guiding them around the Showground to learn all about farming, food and the countryside. In the Living Land Village, educational activities suitable for all ages offered a taste of food production in the county whilst The Sheep Show

delighted crowds with his amazing dancing sheep!

Commenting on the success of the Show, Julian Barnes Chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society said:

“Over the last three days, it’s been a pleasure to see Kent coming together to celebrate food, farming, rural pursuits, business and much more at the Kent County Show.”

Adding to this Nikki Dorkings, General Manager of the Society said:

“An increased focus on education around food and farming for younger visitors proved particularly successful this year, with crowds flocking to our Living Land Village to join in with a huge range of engaging educational activities throughout the weekend.

This area of the show is key to the Society’s charitable objectives and we look forward to continuing to grow the Living Land Village in the years to come.”

With the 2024 Kent County Show completed, the Kent County Agricultural Society is now turning it’s attention towards the 94th Kent County Show which will take place on the 4th, 5th & 6th July 2025.

New season supplies: Things to consider before you invest

We're well into cropping season and it's also the time of year when growers are planning and ordering supplies for the new season. Natalie Wood, Yara's Agronomy Operations Manager, discusses the importance of investing in the right crop nutrition products, carrying out grain and soil testing, and keeping the products you buy safe and secure.

When crop nutrition companies release their new season pricing, it can be tempting for busy growers to rush out and buy straight nitrogen or opt for the same products they used last season. However, with sulphur deficiency being seen in many soils, growers are advised to consider this when making their buying decisions. "Sulphur is a very important part of plant nutrition and it's a building block of protein production, which is fundamental for growth and development. So, I would say to growers, don't rush into buying fertiliser just based on price, consider that you're probably likely to need sulphur," Natalie advises.

Combining nitrogen and sulphur boosts efficiency

For growers, there are real benefits to be gained from buying products that contain both nitrogen and sulphur in the same granule or prill. If crops have sufficient sulphur, it automatically increases nitrogen use efficiency as it enables them to better take up and use that nitrogen. Early applications of both nutrients followed by a 'little and often approach' throughout the season is not only more efficient, but it also makes things simpler as you have one product you can use for multiple application timings. Recommended nitrogen and sulphur product options in the Yara range include YaraBela Axan, and for those wanting high levels of sulphur, YaraBela SULFAN.

For even more efficiency, growers can consider using an NPKS compound product throughout the

great way to look back at what's been done this season, whether their strategy has worked, and what impactthe weather has had on nutrient uptake. This allows growers to adapt their strategy going forward, should testing identify any deficiencies. Soil analysis carried out post-harvest can set growers up for the planning phase in October-December and provide the harddata needed to take the guesswork out of nutrient management planning.

As growers know only too well, the weather can affect even the best laid nutrient management plans, and it can affect product quality too. That's why keeping new season supplies safe and secure is crucial. "Storage needs to be considered when growers are buying their fertiliser. Not everybody has the luxury of having a lot of overwinter storage, which means they are limited in the amount of fertiliser they can buy early. But growers should certainly make sure storage conditions are good and that products are secure. That goes a long way to making sure that the quality of products is maintained all the way through the season," advises Natalie.

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Biofertiliser boost for sugar beet growth

Sugar beet crops that have been slow to get going this season would now get a huge benefit from a Vixeran® biofertiliser application, advises Syngenta sugar beet specialist, Jonathan Ronksley.

“Delayed drilling in wet soils and poor early growing conditions have left many crops behind where growers would like them this season. The wet winter has also depleted soil fertility, particularly on the prime siltysand land,” reported Jon.

Early nitrogen is essential for rapid leaf growth during sugar beet canopy formation, he points out.

“During rapid leaf expansion, N-uptake in sugar beet averages 4 to 5 kg N per hectare every day. The compensatory growth of backward crops will put even greater strain on resources this season.”

The biofertilser Vixeran delivers nitrogen to the crop in small but constant amounts through the season. Jon highlighted this helps to maintain

growth and development, while avoiding detrimental effects of excessive nitrogen inputs, which can decrease the sugar content of the root. Vixeranis based on the highly efficient nitrogenfixing bacterium, Azotobacter salinestris. Applied asa foliar treatment, it multiplies rapidly across the leaves and the roots, supporting the crops nutritional requirements throughout the entire season.

Sugar beet trials in a commercial Yorkshire crop last year gave over 15% yield uplift, to 135 t/ha, from a single Vixeran application, compared to the farm standard of 116 t/ha. Furthermore, the sugar content was 17.19% in the Vixeran treated, compared to 16.71% in the intreated, further boosting the adjusted tonnage yield.

“The whole area received the farm standard treatment of 150kg N/ha, demonstrating the benefit of the Vixeran supplying additional nutrient that’s taken up and utilised by the crop,” added Jon. Research into the plants’ physiology highlighted how new leaves produced following application benefitted most from an elevated leaf nitrogen content, compared to older established leaves. Jon advocates a Vixeran application at a suitable opportunity from early crop establishment right

through full ground closure, recommended at growth stage BBCH 14-18.

“Crops should be actively growing, which indicates the conditions when Vixeran bacteria can rapidly colonise the plant and the soil biosphere, to start fixing atmospheric nitrogen.”

In good growing conditions the Vixeran colonies will multiply over 100 times in less than a week, reaching more than a billion per hectare in six days. This fast multiplication provides more readily available N, just when the crop requires it most.

The flexibility of Vixeran timing and its excellent tank mix compatibility means that it can be applied with an early Priori Gold fungicide, where the timing and conditions coincide.

“Sugar beet crops have been under some intense disease pressure this season, especially where growth has been compromised and plants stressed by the climatic conditions,” says Jon.

“A robust fungicide strategy will be especially important to maintain green leaf area for longer and allow the crop to compensate, with the most productive late-season root growth and increase in sugar content.”

“Starting the fungicide strategy withPriori® Goldor Angle® gives strong protection against the key UK sugar beet foliar diseases, whatever the changeable weather and disease risks occur,” he advises.

“The combination of strobilurin and triazole actives maintains better all-round disease control, along with built-in resistance management."

“That’s essential for the early fungicide applications to protect later treatments, and makes Priori Gold at the first signs of any disease the first option for programmes,” Jon adds. Two applications can be made per season, with a minimum of 21 days between applications.

In recent trials Priori Gold gave over 75% control of rust compared to untreated, delivering a 24% yield increase and 10 tonnes per hectare extra adjusted yield over Caligula and 8 t/ha extra adjusted yield over Revystar.

BBRO trials have repeatedly shown a two-spray fungicide programme consistently produces higher yields and increased margins, with a three-spray programme performing better in high-risk years or for longer season crops.

Salvage soil health post harvest

Record-breaking rainfall has washed away nitrogen, phosphorus and other essential nutrients, leaving soil health in tatters. In addition, it is expected that some soils now contain worrying levels of contaminants like aluminium that could jeopardise future crop quality.

Soil health specialist

Shane Brewer, from laboratory group Eurofins Agro, suggests testing soil immediately after harvesting crops offers the best opportunity to calculate optimum fertiliser requirements, which will help control costs and improve soil health ahead of planting.

“Testing immediately after harvest will help understand how the outgoing crop has taken up nutrients and what is left available to the following crop. This will help to reduce input costs whilst improving plant available nutrients in soil stock,” he says.

Traditional tests that measure nitrogen levels go one step in helping make decisions, but for those looking for greater insight and the potential to manage land with fewer chemicals, a more detailed analysis is crucial.

“Our Fertilisation Manager test provides detailed analysis of common plant available nutrients, macro and micronutrients, the physical, biological and chemical attributes of the soil as well as its carbon properties,” he says.

He suggests that whilst a test of this type will offer significant data to help calibrate inputs,

there is also a way to understand how bacteria and other soil life stand to benefit and thrive if the right nutrients are added.

“Soil Life Monitor is a test that we are seeing greater demand for, especially with farmers looking to become more sustainable by using regenerative farming methods. It determines the total microbial biomass, fungi, bacteria and protozoa in soil samples. It also identifies physical characteristics such as pH and the quality of organic matter,” he adds.

He explains that Soil Life Monitor uses the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) method to measure the biological parameters of soil life.

“Fatty acids present in the cell membranes of living organisms are measured to obtain a fingerprint of soil life. This makes it possible to distinguish between fungi and bacteria by

measuring the way PLFAs are degraded in soil, which provides a more accurate picture of what soil needs to thrive,” he adds.

Flooding and waterlogging experienced throughout the UK this year have caused aerobic bacteria to be replaced by anaerobic bacteria which produce gases like methane and nitrous oxide. The reduction in oxygen has also reduced earthworm numbers in some areas.

“Regardless of what conditions are apparent after harvest, it is the best time to ascertain what impact the outgoing crop, and the conditions it has been grown in, have had on soil health. It is vital to understand this to ensure soils can provide plant available nutrients to maximise the subsequent crop’s yield,” concludes Mr Brewer.

Fighting back against flea beetle in oilseed rape with drilling date and companion crop

With no magic bullet against cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB), could adjusting drilling date and planting a companion crop put you in a better position?

That is the thought of ProCam regional technical manager, Nigel Scott, who says we need to think differently about how cabbage stem flea beetle is managed.

CSFB problems can arise whenever winter oilseed rape (WOSR) is planted, he says, but in parts of the country problems seem worse when drilled during its traditional mid to late-August window. This seems to provide a perfect storm for adult beetle invasion and crop failure, he believes.

“If this is the case, depending on individual farm situations, one strategy is to consider planting WOSR much earlier, at the very start of August, or to miss out August completely and plant well into September,” says Mr Scott.

“In both scenarios, varieties need choosing accordingly. Hybrids make sense because you want good establishment from early vigour. But if drilling earlier, you don’t want the crop to get too far ahead over winter, because it will be prone to later frosts.

“Traditionally, varieties have been bred for late-August drilling. So a changed approach means looking at variety choice in a different way – selecting varieties that sit at either end of the spectrum. These might not be on the Recommended List, but have a specific purpose,” he adds.

Earlier drilling

By drilling earlier, Mr Scott says the aim is to get WOSR to 4-5 leaves before adult

beetle migration occurs so it can tolerate adult feeding. Larvae are difficult to avoid in this situation, but if a vigorous plant with a thick stem can be created, he says the crop has a fighting chance.

“I’ve seen crops drilled in the first week of August or into July develop a big collar at the base of the plant. This makes them better able to withstand infestation.

“A variety we’ve seen that’s particularly suited to early drilling is LG Areti. It grows away well initially but has a prostrate growth habit close to the soil over winter. So it’s potentially less at risk from frosts while also providing good ground cover.

“Most critical in terms of CSFB is its spring vigour. It’s very quick to move in spring, meaning it can grow away from larval feeding nice and rapidly.”

Later drilling

Alternatively, by planting later, for example well into September depending on location and conditions, Mr Scott says the aim is to plant after adult CSFB migration has finished.

“In September, there should also hopefully be better soil moisture to help

establishment and soils should be reasonably warm. However, at this stage, you want a rapidly-establishing plant to compensate for later drilling. You need to grow the most vigorous variety you can.”

Mr Scott’s recommendation here is RGT Blackmoon. “Its vigour in trials has been outstanding, and field performance is equally impressive. I’ve seen Blackmoon drilled in midSeptember race away. Drilled alongside an alternative hybrid, it was chalk and cheese, and the vigour was ultimately the difference between survival and failure. Drilling in September is a useful tool for avoiding beetle, but variety choice is essential.”

Companion cropping

In tandem with drilling date and variety, Mr Scott has had good results with companion cropping to reduce CSFB damage when drilled into stubble.

“A companion crop is a no-brainer for SFI payments anyway. But companion species choice and variety choice are critical if we’re to use them to support our CSFB strategy as well as access the £55/ha payment.

“New for this year, we’re marketing GreenPack Bronze. This companion crop mix contains tartaric buckwheat, which is a ‘must have’ to help shield WOSR from beetles. But it also contains fenugreek, which has a garlic odour to act as a CSFB deterrent.”

Mr Scott says tartaric buckwheat has been selected as a particularly vigorous variety, with a seed size that means GreenPack Bronze can be mixed with the OSR and established together.

“Alternatively it can be established ahead, with the OSR drilled into the protective canopy. Flexibility is key, and the vigour of the companion crop means it is able to provide an IPM tool in either instance as the buckwheat grows ahead of the rape to provide a shield.

“Clearly, companion crops and OSR need moisture irrespective of drilling date, so a stacked approach is needed. Moisture, companions, variety choice and drilling date all need to work together to maximise the chance of success.”

Steps to consider to mitigate CSFB risk

• Plant early or late – to avoid peak adult beetle migration

• Choose a variety that aligns to your planned drilling date – drilling early requires spring vigour, drilling late demands autumn vigour

• Plant a dual-purpose companion crop –providing a shield and deterrent against CSFB

• Plant when adequate soil moisture for rapid OSR and companion crop establishment

Source: ProCam

LG Areti – breeder’s view

LG Areti is a great variety to drill early due to its growth habit, says Kurtis Scarboro of breeder Limagrain.

“Once it has accumulated good early biomass, it doesn’t get too ahead of itself into autumn, but will begin to race on into spring once day length starts increasing,” he explains.

“Its shorter, stiff straw also adds to its suitability as an early drilling variety, and it’s fully loaded with pod shatter resistance, TUYV resistance and RLM7 stem canker resistance.”

RGT Blackmoon – breeder’s view

Lee Bennett of RAGT UK, the breeder of RGT Blackmoon, agrees it is well suited to later drilling, for example if drilling later because CSFB is a worry and where powerful, early vigour is required.

“RGT Blackmoon is all about vigour,” he says. “It’s speed of development in autumn is very fast. It sets off and doesn’t look back.

“Agronomically, it’s very good against phoma, good against light leaf spot and is TUYV resistant. It’s also scored well in ADAS work against verticillium. It’s a medium tall type but with very stiff straw, an upright canopy and is medium maturing.”

A Oilseed rape planning essential to unlocking crop potential as drilling approaches

planned approach to oilseed rape establishment this summer will help growers maximise their chances of seeing the full benefit of the crop.

Corteva Agriscience says attention to detail on variety choice, drill dates and weed control programmes all contribute significantly to growing rape that can withstand the vagaries of the weather following a difficult year for arable farmers.

The important role of oilseed rape in the rotation remains undiminished, and with prices currently over £390/tonne* there are good financial reasons to plant it in the coming weeks.

Oilseed Rape Herbicides Category Manager, Clare Stapley, says that despite the wettest 18 months since records began in 1836, many standing crops in the east and south east of England are full of potential as harvest nears.

“There is no doubt that autumn 2023 and spring 2024 were a real challenge for all arable crops, but we’re interested in looking at what we can learn from it to take forward into next year,” Clare said.

“We have visited several trials where the benefit of a planned approach to establishment has paid dividends, creating more resilient crops to battle the elements.”

Being flexible on drilling dates in order to target the right level of moisture in the soil has been a tactic adopted by many growers, avoiding dry summer days where seed can struggle to germinate quickly.

Choosing the right variety for the farm is also time well spent, Clare said. “A variety’s yield potential is an important measure but it’s not the only one. Genetic tolerance or resistance to diseases can be a great tool – for example, this was important for growers who planted a sclerotinia-tolerant variety (PT303) in 2021 when the disease swept through many crops.”

Choosing when to invest in weed control can reduce risk too. A Corteva survey in 2023 indicated many had shifted away from pre-emergence herbicide strategies to post application sprays.

“Delaying investment in weed control allows growers to see their crop establish before deciding what action to take,” Clare said.

“Last year we saw plenty of examples where

growers benefitted from spraying weeds in the emerging crop during the autumn rather than waiting until late November or December,” Clare said. “Soils became too waterlogged later in the season and sprayers couldn’t travel, leaving weeds completely unchecked until it was too late.”

Corteva’s post-emergence autumn applied herbicideBelkar®is highly effective at treating many key weeds, such as cleavers, cranesbill, fumitory, poppies and shepherd’s purse.

It contains Arylex™active together with picloram, delivering robust and reliable control of key problem weeds in variable temperatures, with a flexible window of applicationfrom September to the end of December.

There are three treatment options which Corteva says will deliver the best results.

At two true leaves an application at 0.25l/ha will take out the weeds which have germinated alongside the crop and, in some circumstances, that may be enough broad-leaved control before an application of Astrokerb® (propyzamide + aminopyralid) or Kerb® Flo 500 later on.

In high weed pressure situations where there is a further flush of weeds, crops can have a second dose at 0.25l/ha two to four weeks after the first.

Clare said: “There are a lot of unknowns in farming at the moment and what oilseed rape growers want is to manage risk. Making a good plan and actioning it is essential to giving crops the best possible chance.”

Corteva’s seed brand, Pioneer, is also helping to deliver the tools growers need to fight pests and diseases with its range of unique seed treatments.

Scenic Gold fungicidal seed treatment has proven effect against phoma, alternaria, downy mildew and damping off. It sets a new standard against existing solutions.

The insecticide seed treatment Lumiposa is extensively used in Europe and is an option available when looking for establishment assistance for crops challenged by a range of insect pests.

Use Cleaners and Sorters to Improve the Quality of your Combined Crop

Are you looking for ways to improve the quality of your combined crop using cleaners or sorters?

Whether you are intercropping, or need to remove impurities from your combined grains Perry of Oakley, a British Manufacturer, has a solution for you.

To Clean Your Crop by Weight

If you are looking to remove dust or light chaff then Aspirator cleaners are the answer. They utilise the different densities of the grain compared to the dust or light chaff to remove the unwanted material. These are ideal to use before the grain enters the drier and come with capacities from 30 to 150tph based on wheat. They are designed and manufactured at our site in the UK.

To Clean Your Crop by Colour

Colour Sorters are becoming increasingly popular and are often used to separate crops in fields where intercropping is being used. Perry of Oakley sources colour sorters from a range of manufacturers depending on the needs of each customer. They have:

• A range of capacities,

• Use full colour technology,

• A choice of LED lighting options to suit specific applications,

• Shape recognition to enable sorting by shape & length,

• Sensitivity adjustments to manage specific defects,

• A large smart touch screen panel.

To Clean Your Crop by Size

There are several options for this. The most common application is for the removal of larger impurities present in the crop. The options are:

Rotary Cleaners are well placed to remove dust & light chaff but also larger impurities. Perrys are distributors for the Musitelli range of Rotary Cleaners with capacities from 15 to 220tph on wheat. The key benefits of these are:

• Models with and without aspiration.

• Optional closed loop aspiration systems to remove the need to exhaust ducting and large cyclones. Also saves energy.

Reciprocating Cleaners are capable of very fine cleaning for specialised applications and come with capacities from 50 to 150tph on wheat

• Large screen areas

• Optional closed cycle aspiration systems to remove the need to exhaust ducting and large cyclones. Also saves energy.

Other cleaning equipment utilising the weight of the impurities are available:

• Destoners with capacities from 6 to 12tph.

• Gravity tables with capacities from 2 to 9tph.

Integration is key

The significant benefit of purchasing a colour sorter or cleaner from Perry of Oakley is that we manufacture all the handling and storage you need to integrate the sorter or cleaner into your operation including conveyors, elevators, hoppers, ducting, storage & control.

• Adjustable drum inclination.

• Lighter, Aluminium side access doors to make the drum easier to access.

• Inverter control for the drum speed.

• Screens interchangeable with other existing cleaners.

Using the combination of our UK designed and manufactured handling, storage & control equipment and our established European partners Perry of Oakley can design a complete cleaning & sorting plant for your grain store.

A British Manufacturer

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

Contact Perrys today for all your handling, storage & drier requirements on 01404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk, and receive a free, no obligation quotation.

Don't let unripe spring cereals delay harvest

The increased acreage of spring cereals planted this year is raising concerns amongst many growers about achieving a timely harvest. Following wet conditions last autumn which saw a widespread switch from winter- to spring-sown cereals, many growers fear a repeat of the cereal harvest delays seen in 2023, especially if springsown crops are slow to ripen.

With this in mind, growers have been urged to consider crimping some of their grain, which not only brings harvest forward by around three weeks but also produces a high-quality concentrate feed which can be fed to their livestock or traded from farm to farm.

it's harvested before disease and senescence set in, and at a time when shedding and bird damage are less.

Michael Carpenter from feed preservation specialists, Kelvin Cave Ltd, says: "As well as being earlier, harvest is also less weatherdependent which can help speed things up, widen the window for autumn cultivations and help bring arable rotations back on track."

Growers who have caught on to the idea – whether for cereals, pulses or grain maize – also find that livestock perform exceptionally well on crimp, with improved rumen health and digestion, together with increased palatability and intakes, helping to achieve higher productivity and profitability.

Higher cereal yields per hectare are a further bonus, along with improved nutritional value.

"We've seen yields per hectare of up to 50% freshweight more than dry grain, or as much as 1530% on a dry matter basis," explains Michael. "Some of the extra yield obviously comes from the additional moisture but the DM is higher because

"The nutritional value of the crop is higher because it's less lignified at this earlier stage of growth, meaning the fibre is more digestible and the protein more available," he adds.

The crimping process

The crimping process itself – which involves rolling the grain and applying a preservative – allows cereals to be preserved in a simple clamp or plastic tube. Carried out on the day of harvest at 25-45% moisture, it uses either the farm's own equipment or the services of a contractor.

"Even crops which have ripened unevenly can be preserved in this way," says Michael.

It's important to use a proven preservative to achieve a high-quality end result, and the saltsbased preservative, CrimpSafe 300, is recommended by the company.

"This product contains human food-grade preservatives which control the lactic acid fermentation of the grain and give maximum protection against spoilage organisms, even after the clamp or tube are opened for feedout," he says.

Scottish beef, sheep and arable producer

Farm manager, James Marshall, who runs over 3,000 acres (1,200ha) for H&K Farms in Dumfries and Galloway has been crimping a variety of cereal crops, as well as wholecropping beans, for the last two years. He says the practice gives flexibility, helps spread the farm's risk and has both livestock performance and agronomic benefits. He also

values the extra dry matter yield which he estimates to be at least 15%, the absence of dust when handling and a large saving in costs since no grain drying is needed.

Around 400 cattle are finished through the farm every year, and as he grows more than he needs for the farm's own use he is able to sell surplus crimp to local livestock producers.

He says: "It's a great feed for cattle as there's less risk of acidosis than dried, rolled grain and dry matter intakes and growth rates are higher."

Citing a neighbouring cattle farmer, he says he collects the ensiled, crimped cereals from the clamp on a weekly basis, and feeds it from a heap in his yard. However, buyers could equally purchase the grain from the farm at the time of harvest and then crimp, preserve and clamp it themselves.

Also trading wholecrop beans to local producers, the two feeds are complementary, together producing high protein and starch, and providing 'a good basis for a finishing ration or a milking diet'.

However, as well as the livestock benefits, James says that crimping brings forward the farm's rotation, allowing a winter crop to be grown for the farm's 1,200 ewes or wintering sheep.

"We put forage brassicas into most of the winter cereal fields, so the earlier we can get the cereal off, the quicker we get in the brassicas and the bigger the crop – every day counts in late July and early August," he says.

Concluding that he intends to crimp more grain –including spring triticale – he is one of many who have been converted to the process once they take the plunge.

Cornish dairy and arable producer

Another is Cornish dairy and arable producer, Tim Wood, who says crimp's greatest benefit is its extra

yield.

He says: "The thing I like most of all about crimping is getting more from less, as where we'd harvest three tonnes per acre of dry corn, we'd get four tonnes per acre when it's harvested earlier for crimping.

"There's obviously more moisture making up some of that weight, but there is also more crop, and at that stage of growth it also has a higher nutritional value."

This better nutrition is borne out by livestock performance and rumen health, which are all improved through feeding crimped instead of dry, rolled grain.

Michael concurs but says that for this year in particular, getting rotations back on track will be a priority for many.

"So, if you have no need for the crimp on your own farm, why not approach a neighbouring livestock farmer and offer it for sale? It's an easy question to ask and a win-win situation. You could be doing them a favour and the worst they can say is no!"

For further information on cereal and other feed and forage preservation, please contact Michael Carpenter on 07817 977701 or Kelvin Cave Ltd's head office on 01458 252281.

Crimping high moisture cereals

• A range of modern preservatives allows cereals to be crimped at moisture contents of 25%-45%

• The process is simple – crimp, ensile, feed

• Harvest is around three weeks earlier and less weather-dependent

• DM yield per hectare is 15-30% higher than dry grain

• Nutrient value and digestibility are maximised

• No drying or indoor, specialist storage is required

• Allows early establishment of follow-on crops

• Can be traded from farm to farm either before or after crimping

• Improves rumen health and animal performance over dry-rolled cereals

• Pioneered in Scandinavia and backed by over 40 years of independent international research

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of UK Dairy Day

The countdown is on to the 10th anniversary of UK Dairy Day. It only seems like yesterday that we were planning the first event.

Roll on to 2024 and the established event is the place to be on Wednesday 11th September at Telford for anyone connected to the dairy industry to celebrate the 10th Anniversary. With fantastic support from sponsors, trade and cattle exhibitors, UK Dairy Day, provides the opportunity to network, share knowledge, learn and most importantly, do business.

We welcome back principal sponsors Lely and NWF Agriculture, along with the continued support of associate sponsors, cattle class sponsors and media partners Farmers Guardian and Holstein International.

The internal and external exhibition areas will be packed with existing and new trade exhibitors including feed manufacturers, animal health suppliers, vets, milk buyers, dairy and farm equipment suppliers - plus professional service providers and charities. With over 280 trade stands and the first floor Sharing Knowledge Zone, there will be an extensive display of products and services supported with expert advice.

All trade stands will be automatically entered into the Trade Stand Award Competition sponsored by Hettle Andrews. Judging during the morning will score trade stands with awards presented to recognise the investment in planning, design and construction of trade stands.

A showcase of new products exhibitors have launched in the past 12 months will feature in the concourse and be judged by the New Product Competition sponsor IDEXX.

Sharing Knowledge

The first floor will feature four industry panels with leading industry representatives. The hour-long panels will run alongside four seminar presentations with speakers covering key dairy subjects with each broadcast on screens, and recordings available to watch after the event.

• 9.30am to 10.00am – Seminar presentation 1: Harper Adams University.

• 10.00am to 11.00am – Industry Panel 1: The Opportunities: Cows

• 11.00am to 11.30am – Seminar presentation 2: Lely • 11.30am to 12.30pm – Industry Panel 2: The Opportunities: Carbon

• 12.30pm to 1.00pm – Seminar presentation 3: Liverpool University

• 1.00pm to 2.00pm – Industry Panel 3: The Opportunities: Culture • 2.20pm to 2.30pm – Seminar presentation 4: IDEXX

• 2.30pm to 3.30pm – Industry Panel 4: The Opportunities: Costs

Returning to the external exhibition area will be Tim Carter with the live foot trimming and knife sharpening demonstration, and Scarsdale Vets with the ‘Beneath the Black and White’ calf painting.

Dairy cows spend up to 12 hours a day on their feet so it’s obvious that ensuring their comfort is essential.

Tim will demonstrate, in an upright crush, several key areas to be considered during foot trimming including sole thickness, foot angle, and heel depth. The key to the success of any task is having the right tools for the job and with Tim being a board member of The Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board the aim is to improve the health, welfare and mobility of the national herd.

Carolyn Baguley MA VetMB CertAVP (Cattle) MRCVS and the team from Scarsdale Vets will present their innovative and engaging demonstration using paint to visualise and understand calf anatomy. Throughout the day, in the external trade stand area, the Scarsdale Vets team will use paint on calves kindly supplied by the Whittaker family to assist in the understanding of calf health and welfare. The practical demonstration will also focus on twin pregnancies, what causes them and how to manage them.

Northumberland

• Guernsey classes - Ian Collins from West Yorkshire

• Jersey classes - Willie Taylor from Cumbria

The internal exhibition area by Hall 3 cattle stalls will feature Type Classification and Linear Scoring demonstrations for the Ayrshire, Jersey and Holstein breeds. The demonstrations, by NBDC Classifiers, will be held at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

The NBDC Type Classification Scheme currently evaluates over 130,000 dairy and beef animals every year operating an internationally recognised appraisal system providing an overall classification score for heifers and cows, which can substantially increase their value.

UK Dairy Day is an accredited event with Dairy Pro CPD points and BASIS CPD points.

The Cattle Show

The UK Dairy Day 2024 cattle show will feature six dairy breeds with a leading line-up of judges who will cast their professional eye over the show ring.

• National Ayrshire Show - Ian Collins from West Yorkshire

• National Brown Swiss Show - Blaise Tomlinson from Leicestershire

• National Holstein Show - Marcel Egli from Switzerland

• Dairy Shorthorn classes - Paul Harrison from

The Holstein UK banners will be presented to the Premier Holstein Breeder and Exhibitor of the show, along with the coveted Howard Sneesby Award, and awards for Best Presented and Tidy Lines. One of the afternoon’s highlights in the show ring is always the presentation of the Holstein UK Premier Herd Award, with the 2024 winner being announced, judged by last year’s winner the Will’s Family of Willsbro Holsteins.

The cattle entry deadline is Friday 2nd August. The full cattle show will be live-streamed throughout the day with commentary for those unable to attend UK Dairy Day. The link will be available from the home page of the event website www.ukdairyday.co.uk

The countdown is on!

The UK Dairy Day team look forward to welcoming everyone to the International Centre at Telford on Wednesday 11th September. Doors open at 8.00am, it is free entry and parking and there is no need to pre-register. Pick up a copy of the Event Guide, sponsored by HerdVision, to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.

Keep up to date on social media by following @ukdairyday on Twitter and liking the UK Dairy Day Facebook page. Tag us in as you also countdown to the event and use the hashtag #UKDairyDay

www.ukdairyday.co.uk

Innovative Solutions in Water and Slurry Management by Greencrop Ltd

Greencrop Ltd is a combined UK importer and manufacturer based in Beeston, mid-Norfolk, and has grown from a small local business covering the East of England, to a UK national supplier and distributor. They have a dedicated dealer network covering clean water irrigation, dirty water and slurry systems, plus are also suppliers of digestate separators, pumps and mixing systems to AD plants.

A large range of the portfolio is manufactured by in the UK, including engine pump sets for irrigation, slurry and digestate. Also manufactured are hose recovery reelers, vacuum and water tankers, high speed bunded fuel bowsers with AdBlue, dirty water PTO & electric pumps, and yard scrapers for the slurry application.

Greencrop Ltd are sole importers of Irrimec who produce irrigation hose reels in Italy, Otech Linear irrigation systems produced in France and the Multicam dirty water irrigator produced in New Zealand.

For slurry handling, Greencrop Ltd are the sole importer of the high quality Veneroni mixers and also their full range of slurry pumps. Unique WAM systems for slurry and digestate separation are also part of the extensive portfolio.

Greencrop offer a range of Danish hydraulic pumps and mixers as well as a green bedding separator from The Netherlands.

The wealth of knowledge within Greencrop Ltd in both the clean water and slurry sectors of farming gives them experience to help and guide you in selecting the best solution for your own requirements.

Greencrop have expanded their portfolio in the last few years by adding to it the Kemper grass & maize headers. These are quality products from mainland Europe and have many advantages over the basic standard manufacturers version. Kemper have a laser light focus on maize headers and grass pick ups and are the leading suppliers.

The grass headers boast a robust heavy-duty chain drive coupled with lateral flow suspension, enabling working speeds of up to 15kph while maintaining excellent visibility. They offer easy unblocking facilitated by a combination of a high lift compression wheel and a reverse auger mechanism. Reverse tapered blades ensure continuous flow, while a 3rd central support roller enhances performance in softer conditions. Equipped with a net pickup for containing grass debris, 360° caster style carrying wheels, and folding carrying wheels for convenient transportation from the harvester cab, it ensures efficiency and ease of use. Further enhancing usability is its quick coupling/decoupling with a centralized multi-coupler and an on-board oil tank for consistent lubrication. This is a mere complement of features on the grass pick up headers designed to optimize harvesting operations. The maize headers are also fully equipped.

Driven by the simple principle of creating a healthy environment and that ventilation is not the volume of air in a building, but critically it is the rate of air exchange, simply clean air in and stale air out - Farmplus design and build to these principles.

Animals left to nature always try to find shelter in the basic form, they use hedges, walls & natural hollows to get out of or reduce the impact of the winds. Likewise, they will use trees for shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. When we look at buildings we should aim to replicate these basic principles of nature wherever possible. Remember that animals want in the basic form shelter from the wind, rain, shade from the sun, and plenty of fresh air. Ideally giving animals a shelter wall to be able to lie behind with a decent gap above for air to pass over. All air movements need to be above animal height so as not to create a draft.

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

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

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

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

Research reveals entrepreneurial spirit of UK farmers as they diversify their farms and income

Farmers across the UK are showing their entrepreneurial spirit, as they diversify traditional arable, dairy or livestock farming to use their land in a whole manner of new ways in order to increase or supplement their income, according to new research* from wealth manager Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), with 100 freehold farmers across the UK.

All farmers surveyed said they were currently using at least some of their land in non-traditional ways. The most popular initiative is increasing biodiversity through increased tree planting or carbon capture (66% of farmers surveyed said they are doing this) followed by starting to make new products to sell, such as cheese (43%) and trying out Community Supported Agriculture, where customers subscribe to receive regular deliveries of fresh produce or other farm products (38%). Other new revenue streams include starting to attend farmers’ markets (35%), offering a tourist attraction such as holiday cottages or glamping facilities (25%) or starting to farm new livestock (24%).

Top 10 new enterprises started by farmers surveyed

1. Using land for biodiversity activities such as carbon capture / tree planting (66%)

2. Started to make new products to sell e.g. cheese (43%)

3. Community Supported Agriculture where customers subscribe for regular produce (38%)

4. Started to attend farmers’ markets (35%)

5. Tourism e.g. holiday cottage or glamping (25%)

6. Starting farming new livestock (24%)

7. Starting farming new crops (19%)

8. Started contract farming e.g. collaborating with local businesses to supply produce (18%)

9. Using land for renewable energy e.g. solar panels (17%)

10. Launched a ‘pick your own’ (16%)

The research by Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) reveals that eight in 10 (80%) farmers surveyed say that current market dynamics have pressurised them into considering these

alternatives farming activities.

It appears their entrepreneurial spirit is proving lucrative, with green initiatives in particular not only being environmentally friendly but financially sound too. Of the farmers surveyed who say they’ve started using their land for increased biodiversity through tree planting or carbon capture (66%) around seven in 10 (68%) of these say it makes up between 15% and 20% of their farm’s annual income. More than one in 10 (12%) say it makes up between 10% and 15% of their farm’s annual income and one in twenty (20%) say the figure is up to 10%.

Similarly, of the farmers surveyed who say they’ve started using their land for renewable energy, such as solar panels (17%), more than one in 10 (12%) say it contributes to between 15% and 20% of their farm’s annual income and 77% say it contributes between 10% and 15%. Over one in 10 (12%) say the figure is between 5% and 10%.

Those farmers running tourist activities such as a holiday cottage or glamping (25%), and making new products to sell, such as cheese (43%), reported a broader range of incomes from these activities. Of those running tourist activities, 16% said this generated over 20% of their farm’s annual income and 24% said this was only up to 5%. Of those making new products, 26% said this generated between 15% and 20% of their farm’s annual income while 30% said this generated between 5% and 10%.

The majority of farmers surveyed have been running these new enterprises for at least two years or more, and say they’ve experienced an improvement in their farm’s income during this time. Over a quarter (28%) say their farm’s income has increased slightly over the past two years, and a further quarter (26%) say it’s increased dramatically. More than a third (36%) say their income has stayed the same over the past two years. Only 8% say it’s fallen slightly, and 2% say it’s fallen dramatically.

Scott Jones, Divisional Director - Southern Offices at Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), said: “Our survey shows that some farmers are having to diversify away – at least in part – from traditional arable, dairy and livestock farming. Many feel that they are being led to these new enterprises because of the current market dynamics, but that they are also proving to be economically attractive. There doesn’t appear to be a one-sizefits-all approach to diversification with farmers showing their entrepreneurial spirit to try out a

whole host of new ways to use their land, from carbon capture, to glamping, making new products or even contract farming with local supply chains.

“Whichever route farmers and landowners decide to take, we can help to navigate this journey whilst protecting and building assets and wealth along the way, for today and for future generations to come.”

James Gower, Managing Director of The Game Fair, commented: “The findings from the research highlight key factors affecting the farming community which is an important part of the future of our countryside. Our partnership with Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) is at the heart of our drive to create the perfect opportunity at The Game Fair for farmers to come together to share values, discuss the latest topics and find solutions to the challenges they face.”

Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), is for the third year running, the official Wealth Management Partner for The Game Fair. This is the UK’s largest

countryside show taking place at Blenheim Palace from 26th to 28th July 2024. The partnership enables Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) to further strengthen its commitment to supporting rural and farming communities across the UK, along with innovators who are finding new ways to help protect and preserve our landscapes for future generations.

As one of the UK’s leading discretionary wealth managers companies Investec Wealth & Management, focuses on a relationship-based approach to Financial Planning and Investment Management with the purpose of making a tangible and meaningful difference to clients and their families. For more information on its services for individuals and their families Wealth management & financial planning services (investec.com)

It's important to remember that with investment, your capital is at risk.

Final chance for farms to claim free support to accessSustainable Farming Incentive

The Royal Countryside Fund's (RCF)Farm for the Futureprogramme enters its final year providing free business and environmental support for farmers, including a one-to-one meeting with a farm consultant and support to access schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

Aimed at farmers who received the now-closed Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in England, Farm for the Future provides workshops and a one-toone meeting for every farm to help tackle challenges and grasp the opportunities on offer linked to the agricultural transition. Covering 18 locations across England, the programme offers both in-person and online support from trusted, local partners to ensure tailored guidance for each farmer's area.

Mick, who attended Farm for the Future sessions in Lancashire, said:"One of the key things I've got out of the programme was learning more about the SFI opportunities – I've now got all the paperwork ready to go. It's beneficial to be in discussion groups with open-minded people willing to discuss ideas as well as giving everyone an outlook for the future."

Inspired by its founder, HM King Charles III, The Royal Countryside Fund acts as a catalyst, enabling change and developing resilience, working with local partners who deliver bespoke programmes of support.

Over three years, Farm for the Future has achieved impressive results with 95% of participating farms saying they have increased confidence in their ability to plan for the future. With over 1500 farming families taking part across England since 2021, the programme has people and their welfare at its core.

Maddy Taylor, Head of Operations at The Royal Countryside Fundsaid:"Farm for the Future is a proven source of trusted advice, delivered in an approachable, relatable way. The Royal Countryside Fund, as a charity, is able to give this advice entirely impartially, and we aim to provide ongoing support to Farm for the Future farmers long after the programme has ended. We're working with an excellent network of local and regional farm support groups to deliver Farm for the Future, who have an in depth understanding of the issues facing farms in their local area."

Registration to take part in Farm for the Future closes at the end of September 2024.

To find your local group or join the programme online, visitwww.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/ farmforthefuture

For more information and to express an interest in taking part, please contact Helen Rivett, Programme Manager athrivett@countrysidefund. org.uk

Lincolnshire farmers to benefit from funded training and mentorship

Lincolnshire farmers have a unique opportunity to take advantage of a training, development and mentoring programme to allow for personal and professional growth.

Although mentoring is standard practice in the business world, Helen Wyman, founder of Cultivate Success, is passionate about bringing mentorship and its benefits to the farming community.

“Mentoring has the ability to really catapult a mentee’s life and business into a place where they can both thrive,” explains Helen, who is a farmer’s daughter from Yorkshire.

“The unique part of the programme is that we will personally match mentors with mentees based on their objectives, what they need help with and personality types, to ensure they both get the most out of the relationship.”

And it is particularly valuable to those in the

farming industry regardless of what stage individuals are at in their career journey.

“Everyone can benefit from mentoring, whether you’re a new entrant looking for support, or someone with an established business looking for new perspectives – it opens the channels for accessing different networks, which is invaluable in this industry,” she says.

“Farming is relatively isolated, and change happens when you bring people together. For me, mentoring is about creating a network which doesn’t exist – it’s not sales driven, it doesn't have a hidden agenda, and it is open to anyone in the farming industry.”

The programme will be run by Cultivate Success, with grant money from the Lincolnshire Wolds Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL), enabling the programme to be fully funded for successful applicants.

“It will take place over six months, including monthly mentoring sessions over that time, as well as an invite to one day of training around setting career goals, effective timekeeping, motivation and more,” she says.

“Participants have access to an exclusive network of fellow mentees in the Lincolnshire Wolds, and regular tips and resources along the way. It allows mentees to take time away from their business, and focus on them, or their business – it’s really powerful.”

• The closing date for applications is 25 August 2024, with the training day on 9 September in Lincolnshire.

• To apply visit: www.cultivate-success.com or Email info@cultivate-success.com or call 07539 414319

Lloyds Banking Group empowers farmers with financial support for agroforestry projects

Lloyds Banking Group has reinforced its commitment to UK farmers by providing fee-free lending, financial support and resources for agroforestry projects over £25,000.

The banking group offers financing for agroforestry costs through its Clean Growth Financing Initiative (CGFI), which features a zero per cent set-up fee for term lending on sustainable farming investments. This loan helps UK farmers reduce their ecological impact while enhancing the financial and environmental resilience of their businesses.

Ben Makowiecki, Agriculture

Sustainability Director at Lloyds Banking Group, shares his insights and practical tips to help farmers navigate the financial aspects of implementing agroforestry systems.

“Integrating trees with crops or livestock can help boost overall farm income and resilience,” he explains. “Agroforestry can significantly enhance farm productivity through higher land equivalent ratios (LER) compared to single crops, potentially achieving 120-140% productivity.

“This makes the land work harder, utilising vertical space, while bringing broader benefits, including increased biodiversity, enhanced soil health, improved water management and shade for animals,” he adds.

Mr Makowiecki emphasises the importance of thorough financial planning and projections to demonstrate profitability and debt serviceability for these types of projects.

He advises farmers to consider all business planning aspects, including profit projections, production timelines, exploring new markets, packaging, and future equipment needs when applying for financing.

"We’ll fund agroforestry in the same way as other sustainable farming projects through

CGFI, but it's crucial to have a clear, comprehensive plan. This ensures all aspects of the project, from initial costs to long-term maintenance and market considerations, are thoroughly accounted for," he says.

Mr Makowiecki provides several tips for farmers considering agroforestry projects. He stresses the importance of planning up to the time trees start producing commercially viable fruit and highlights the need for financial

planning beyond this phase: “Think about ongoing pruning and maintenance, replacing dead trees, and ensuring a defined market is in place for new produce.

“If you’re growing fruit or nuts for the first time, you may need extra grading or packing and storage equipment. Also, budget for new trees and identify end uses for timber as the agroforestry area expands,” he notes.

Lloyds Banking Group is committed to standing side by side with farmers, offering guidance to help implement more sustainable, profitable farming practices. To accelerate this transition, the bank has partnered with Soil Association Exchange (SAX), a comprehensive farm assessment tool and consultancy service,

funding access for existing clients.

"Using SAX, farmers can assess their current environmental impact and evaluate where to bring in on-farm changes while identifying funding options. This could include combining sustainability-linked bank lending alongside schemes such as SFI or the Woodland Trust MOREWoods scheme, sponsored by Lloyds Bank, which covers up to 75% of planting costs,” he says.

Managed in the right way, agroforestry offers economic benefits, rewarding farmers for providing public goods, but also contributes to the environmental sustainability and resilience of farm businesses and the land, Mr Makowiecki adds.

Sustainable Farming Scheme progress made at Royal Welsh Show

Management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest will be included in the Universal Baseline Payment for the Sustainable Farming Scheme, Cabinet Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies has confirmed today.

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs made the announcement after a Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) round table at the Royal Welsh Show.

He said: “While final decisions on Scheme design will not be taken until the current work with stakeholders has concluded, the overwhelming feedback we have had, including through the consultation, is that SSSIs should be included in the Universal Baseline Payment.

“Having further determined that habitat maintenance actions are additional to the regulatory baseline, I can therefore confirm

that this will be our intention.

“SSSIs represent our best wildlife and geological sites and are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. In order to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies, we need to improve the condition and connectivity of our terrestrial, freshwater and marine protected sites,

creating resilient ecological networks which will allow our most endangered habitats and species to thrive.

“Including SSSIs in the Universal Baseline Payment would recognise farmers’ efforts in managing these areas, for all our benefits. It would help ensure these sites are integrated within wider farm management, balancing food production and actions that improve the prospects of nature and freshwater habitats. It would also contribute to meeting the Sustainable Land Management objectives included in the Agriculture (Wales) Act.

“I was pleased that, following discussion at the third meeting of the Ministerial Roundtable which was held at the Royal Welsh Show this

week [Tuesday 23 July], a consensus was reached on this issue.

“While there remain important questions to answer on the design of the Scheme and the payment methodology, including for example common land, this is a positive step in moving forward collaboratively on a key area of Scheme design.

“We are only able to make this progress through the time, commitment and positive engagement of all of the organisations who are on the SFS Ministerial Roundtable and Officials Group.

“I am grateful for their continued support. There is a lot of work to be done in a short space of time. We must therefore continue working at pace.”

W Mobile refuelling

ith the increase in the price of diesel, criminals are finding the theft of fuel very lucrative. As part of the epidemic of theft from farms across the UK, criminals are targeting large diesel storage tanks that are left unguarded. A solution to minimising the risk of fuel theft that farmers are turning to is to use a portable tank that stays on the back of a pickup, truck or van, and is never left on site.

There are many designs of tank available that offer similar features, but most important is that the tank needs to be ADR approved if it is over 450L in capacity and will be used on public roads. It is a handy feature to have a lockable lid as this acts as an additional deterrent to would-be thieves. Another important consideration is that the tank should have a robust means of securing it to the vehicle with ratchet straps. Ideally there should be more than one means of securing the tank, to accommodate different attaching points on vehicles.

Getting diesel out of the tank is as important as transporting it safely. While many years ago the default pumping method was using a hand pump, technology has improved, and electric pumps have become cheaper. As a result, most systems supplied

today use 12V pumps that are connected to a vehicle battery. The pumps typically deliver flow rates of 25 litres per minute to 40 litres per minute. This compares well with the flow rate you can expect from the pumps at a petrol station, which generally deliver 25 litres per minute. There often is the option of a 24V pump instead of the standard 12V pump, for vehicles that have a 24V electrical system.

The ultimate in convenience however must be the new tanks from CEMO which have on-board Lithium batteries. These are power tool batteries that conform to the Cordless Alliance System (CAS) as used by many manufacturers of power tools. When using a battery system, there is no need to waste time hooking up the pump cable to the vehicle battery, as the tank is entirely self-contained. And there is no fear of running out of power, as a 4 amphour battery can pump up to 900 litres of diesel on a single charge! And if that isn’t enough, CEMO offers an optional 8 amp-hour battery. This convenient power system means that it is very easy to move the tank between vehicles, or into a store room when it is not required.

Mobile tanks are available in sizes from 125L to 1000L, which can reduce the cost of diesel theft.

Launch offer £1950 including delivery, excluding VAT.

To order contact Geoff Miller on gmiller@cemo-group.com

WHAT FUELS ARE USED

griculture is a vital industry that sustains global food production and supply. Behind the scenes, a diverse range of fuels and oils power the machinery and equipment that drive agricultural practices. The use of fuels in agriculture is essential for operating and maintaining farm machinery efficiently. The main types of fuels used are:

RED DIESEL

Red diesel fuel is the most common of the agricultural fuels, powering tractors, combines, harvesters, and other heavy equipment. Red diesel offers high energy density and is well-suited for long operating hours, providing the necessary power to perform tasks such as ploughing, planting, harvesting, and transportation.

BIODIESEL

Alternative fuels such as biodiesel are gaining traction, offering potential environmental benefits and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. Biodiesel has gained popularity due to its potential environmental benefits. Unlike fossil fuels, biodiesel is derived from renewable sources, reducing the carbon footprint associated with agricultural activities. It contributes significantly lower emissions of greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and sulphur dioxide, resulting in improved air quality and reduced impact on climate change.

GASOLINE

Gasoline is commonly used in smaller agricultural equipment such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, trimmers, and portable generators. These tools require a lighter fuel source compared to larger farm machinery.

PROPANE

Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is utilised in certain agricultural applications. It is commonly used as a fuel for heating greenhouses and livestock buildings. Propane-powered equipment, such as forklifts and irrigation pumps, can also be found on farms.

NATURAL GAS

Natural gas is another fuel source that finds applications in specific agricultural operations. It is often used to power stationary engines for electricity generation or as a heat source for drying crops.

ELECTRICITY

With the advancement of technology, electric power is becoming more prevalent in the agricultural sector. Electric tractors, electric irrigation pumps, and electric vehicles for on-farm transportation are examples of machinery and equipment powered by electricity. This shift towards electric power is driven by the desire for cleaner and more sustainable energy options.

ETHANOL

Ethanol, derived from plant materials such as corn or sugarcane, is primarily used as a blending component in gasoline. It is commonly found in blended fuels like E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) or E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). While ethanol is not widely used as a standalone fuel in agricultural machinery, it plays a role

in the overall fuel landscape.

NORTHERN OIL - AGRICULTURAL FUEL SPECIALISTS

Northern Oil provides our local farmers with agricultural fuels and agricultural oils at reasonable prices. From red diesel to tractor oil we can provide all the agricultural fuels a thriving farm needs.

If you need any red diesel to maintain your agricultural engine's running efficiency or some agricultural oil and lubricants then Northern Oil is here to help. Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team today. It's worth noting that the choice of fuel in agriculture often depends on factors such as equipment specifications, availability, cost, environmental considerations, and regional preferences. The diversity of fuels available allows farmers to select the most suitable option for their specific needs, promoting efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in the agricultural industry.

Agricultural oils play a crucial role in maintaining the performance and longevity of agricultural machinery. Engine oil is perhaps the most well-known agricultural oil, responsible for lubricating and cooling internal combustion engines. It reduces friction, prevents wear and tear, and helps dissipate heat, ensuring optimal engine performance and longevity. Additionally, hydraulic oils are used in hydraulic systems, gear oils in gearboxes, and transmission fluids in transmissions, all contributing to smooth operations and reduced maintenance requirements.

https://www.northernoil.co.uk/

Her determination and hard work have delivered opportunities that she never imagined.

Winning BBC Countryfile Countryside Young Champion 2022 and the National Women in Agriculture Rising Star category, held in the House of Commons this year.

She has found her passion in life and like many other female farmers have realised that if you love what you do, you never really work a day in your life.

Sharing her time this Summer between combining, grain cart and supporting Dan her stepfather. For the second year Dan has brought in two combines so Eleanor can take her place alongside him to cut their own farm and for many other customers. A dedicated duo that will work long into the early hours of the morning to secure a customer's crop, has earned them a formidable reputation.

Any spare time is spent preparing for her own business venture now in its second year a pumpkin patch, with the added dynamic of a Maize Maze this year. I prepare and do everything myself, signage, marketing, risk assessments and have very little time to myself but thoroughly enjoy it all. It is great fun and really enjoy inviting the public onto the farm to enjoy a live working arable farm. As most of you know, there are a lot of families who genuinely don't understand how we grow food and how farming has developed so rapidly and to share that opportunity has a great feelgood factor.

Eleanor has raised nearly £3000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance through mentions on her You tube Channel and uses her reach also for other dealers to create content. For example Britain's Farm Toys & John Deere.

Eleanor is particularly interested in challenging old ways on the farm to secure a better future for the land and AI and automated systems are of particular interest as she sees the shortage of labour a problem for all farm owners.

She recently took the Earth Rover project and presented it at the EFFP (European Food and Farming Partnership) in the Canadian Embassy. A nerve-racking task but plenty of preparation is required for these unusual invitations and opportunities she is offered.

Next month will see her head out to Germany to drive the new range of combines and 6M tractors for John Deere and share her passion for modern machinery.

Wishing you all a successful harvest and hope our paths will cross soon.

Eleanor

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5iT_ clrcI12_3x3eKoQS7w

www.berkshirefarmgirl.co.uk

PEI

PRODUCER LOOKS TO HARVEST INSIGHTS TECH FOR GREATER VISIBILITY OF SHRINK

MACHINE-LEARNING driven crop insights tool HarvestEye has partnered with one of Prince Edward Island’s (PEI) prominent potato growers, G Visser & Sons, in the farm’s continued mission to provide the highest quality produce for the North American market.

G Visser & Sons has commenced using the HarvestEye system to monitor the size, shape and variability of potatoes on one of its packing lines, which sees 500 thousand pounds of produce pass through on a weekly basis. The system will aim to provide greater quality control to the grading process, complementing the manual work undertaken by sorters on the conveyer belt.

as well as a Handheld system that can be used for in-field test digs.

Harry Tinson, general manager at HarvestEye, said: “Working closely with one of PEI’s top potato growing families, our relationship with G Visser & Sons provides an invaluable opportunity within the fresh produce market.”

HarvestEye is a cost-effective method to deliver visibility - via an online portal - on root crop harvests, currently including potatoes and onions. The system can be fitted to grading equipment, harvest machinery for when the crop is being lifted,

“It enables us to broaden our understanding of how HarvestEye can support growers, packers and processors, particularly in respect to the challenges pertinent to PEI and other North American potato growing regions, from rich red soils unique to the island to tough conditions amid fluctuating temperature ranges.

“Having visited the G Visser & Sons team to begin our partnership, we saw a tremendous opportunity to forge a lasting relationship, as the business looks to innovate its operations while remaining true to its family values of sustainable farming.”

Adam Jay, chief operating officer at G Visser & Sons, said: “While we proudly rely on human

intuition with our team of quality sorters, we were looking to implement a system that could provide a passive real-time monitoring tool to more quantifiably evaluate shrink, reducing the impact of potential human errors, such as how fatigue can lead to inconsistent performance.

“After initially attempting to develop our own optical system, we discovered HarvestEye while attending Fruit Logistica and were impressed by how the system could apply to our needs. Having now become accustomed to the system in operation on one of our packing lines, we have found HarvestEye’s daily reporting to be incredibly insightful. It is a tool that we believe can help us continue to provide the high quality products that our customers require and the data to help ensure that we optimize the return for the grower of each lot of potatoes.”

As the partnership develops, G Visser & Sons hopes to expand the integration of HarvestEye across more of its operations and generate a greater return on investment. This could include being set up on more lines in its pack plants, as well as implementing in the field on harvesting machinery, and using the Handheld system for test digs, to help assess crop progression, make yield and size forecasts, assist with harvest timing, etc.

Vidyanath (Vee) Gururajan, managing director of HarvestEye, said: “PEI is integral to the North American potato industry and by building relationships with established growers such as G Visser & Sons, who have a deep-rooted understanding of the

growing landscape, we can continue to innovate the hardware and software elements of our product to offer even more bespoke support to customers.

“As HarvestEye continues to expand into the North American market, we are committed to interacting with more users on the ground through partnership and distributor relationships, enabling more opportunities and flexibility to trial, feedback and adopt the system.”

Growers, packers and processors are encouraged to secure subscription, rental and lease options on HarvestEye units. For more information, visithttps:/ /www.harvesteye.com/

Outdoor field event held on 20 hectare site; Machinery demonstrations, trial plots, techniques, varieties and farm inputs; Some 100 exhibitors at the launch event, 4 and 5 September, 2024 in Nocton, Lincolnshire, UK –Agritechnica-organiser DLG is event's creator

With two months to go before the new 20hectarePotato Days UKkicks off, some 100 exhibitors are preparing their machinery and innovative solutions ready for visitors from across the industry. These include novel practices in trial plots, demonstrating the latest advances in crop nutrition, fertilizer management, harvesting and storage. Held over both exhibition days, machinery demonstrations of cultivation, harvesting, cleaning and loading will be presented atDyson Farming's Nocton Estate in Lincolnshire, UK, 4-5 September, 2024.

Launched by theDLG(German Agricultural Society) with professional event partners, Potato Days UK aims to meet the high demand from both UK and Irish potato professionals for an event that combines practical demonstrations with in the field with displays of machinery and equipment, and knowledge exchange.

Field solutions over two days

Potato growing in 2024 is already requiring a particularly high degree of flexibility from farmers in this year's growing season due to profound changes in weather conditions. Potato growers

from the UK will be using the event to identify both technical and farm input solutions to prepare for similar scenarios on the future.

"At this unique farm venue, potato professionals from the UK and further afield will be able to identify market-ready farm solutions efficiently and what is more, we offer free entry. We wanted the event to be as close as possible to farm conditions, which is why we also included largescale machinery demonstrations on 12 hectares," saidGreg Smith, DLG's representative in the UK & Ireland.

Taking place on both event days, the live harvesting demonstrations are performed by harvesting machines fromAVR,Dewulf,GrimmeandStanden.

"These live machinery demos will present to potato growers close up how to get the potatoes out of the ground efficiently and into the trailers for the loading lines," Smith added.

Trial plots present agronomy methods

A select group of exhibitors have planted trial plots that feature new technologies in weed reduction, crop protection and inputs, different varieties and innovative irrigation systems. The crop trials offer visitors the opportunity to inspect crop and agronomy methods in detail.

One crop trial exhibitor isEmerald Research. "Our on-site trial plots are designed to evaluate ways of reducing the fertiliser and fungicide footprint through using comprehensive programmes of microbials, biostimulants and nutrient placement at planting combined with foliar applications once there is a canopy. We're looking forward to meeting growers and discussing the changing world of crop management," said Helen Holman, Marketing & Communications Manager, Emerald Research.

The event features an indoor marquee – "The Potato Days Hall" – that will present solutions and services such as inputs, storage, packaging and processing.

area of 20 hectares in the heart of the British potato region for Potato Days UK.

Potato Days UK is accompanied by an informative programme of talks and workshops offering visitors the opportunity to engage with more than 100 industry suppliers in person, learn about the latest methods and best practices and build business relationships that help move farming operations forward.

Event partners include Dyson Farming; industry organisation,GB Potatoes;AVR;Dewulf;GRIMMEUK;McCain;the University of Lincoln; andUK Food Valley, the regional network for innovation in the food industry.

Nocton Farm is owned by Dyson Farming, one of the largest and most innovative farming companies in the UK. Dyson Farming will be providing a total

Interested potato cultivation professionals can visit Potato Days UK free of charge when registering in advance.https://potato-days.ticketsrv.co.uk/ tickets/

With a cultivation area of 137,000 hectares and an annual harvest of some 5.5 million tons, the UK is the fourth largest potato growing region in Western Europe after Germany, France and the Netherlands.

The DLG, as part of its non-profit objective of offering local know-how for farmers, has been organizing a number of successful trade fairs for the potato industry. Potato Days events are held not only, as now, in the UK but also in Turkey. DLG is organizer of PotatoEurope in the Netherlands and Germany, the international potato industry field exhibition. PotatoEurope takes place annually, alternating between four countries, Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The event covers potato cultivation and processing is on display at this special event with trial fields and machinery demonstrations. Agritechnica, the largest agricultural machinery exhibition in the world, presents international potato equipment in door in a dedicated hall for potatoes and other crops.

Just another brick in the wall

As presented in Pink Floyd’s album, teachers were locked into an idea that young people needed to be controlled with sarcasm and the exercising of brute force to subjugate students will. Over time, these individual bricks coalesce into a mental wall that, while helping to temper out psyches, can adversely affect the connection with reality and at time create syndromes and personality disorders that, in a vicious cycle further severs the connection. Teachers referred to in this protest song were represented as the government, not allowing people to do what they want and wanting to control everyone.

Back in the 80’s, Grammar and Secondary modern schools were replaced by Comprehensive schools. A new type of examination was introduced the GCSE, in 1988 the government introduced the National Curriculum effectively telling teachers what they had to teach. Fast forward to 2024, and I ask, ‘Is the education system outdated and in need of reform?’

Last month, I attended The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Show, and discovered the STEMM Village which had a fantastic line up of exhibitors and activities designed to educate, inspire and entertain. In collaboration with the Youth STEMM award, the STEMM village is a journey of learning and discovery. Visitors enjoy a dynamic and interactive experience, showcasing technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine with topics ranging from clean energy to the science of ageing. This years’ theme was Sustainable Futures

encouraging exhibitors to demonstrate how STEMM is helping to address global challenges.

I was fortunate to meet with James Beales - Head of Agriculture at Gresham’s School. Gresham’s is a historic and vibrant co-educational school founded in 1555, set on a 200acre estate, just four miles from the North Norfolk Coast.

Gresham’s offer a BTEC National Diploma in Agriculture which is a hands-on qualification worth two A levels and since introducing this course, four years ago, they now also offer the extended certificate which is worth one A Level providing a choice to students who either want to enter the industry or those that have more of a fringe interest in the topic.

Classroom-based teaching happens on site, and to date most of the practical experience comes off site, being supported by a huge array of industry professionals that offer farm walks, talks, experimentation, as well as using their equipment, access to livestock & crops. James states, ‘It’s overwhelming how much time experts in the industry are willing to volunteer to help educate our younger generation which they don’t generally get access to within the standard National Curriculum.’

Gresham’s are also now developing a model farm approach within their grounds that students are implementing themselves, essentially a small-scale teaching farm. Currently they have cleared an area and are setting up for crop trials, and by using a drone, have mapped out the area which initially will have wheat growing over it. Previously overgrown, the students have felled trees and levelled ground starting with a clear canvas. Once the wheat has been harvested, the land will be ploughed to allow them to enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter essentially to get them to a good starting point. Following this, they’ll be setting up a whole range of plots, all with a walkway around, to experiment on various farming practices, discovering how they differ and interact, yet produce the best yields. Different rotations, introducing the old original Norfolk four course, heritage varieties of wheat from the 1950’s in collaboration with the John Innes centre will also be a key feature discovering disease resistance and other genetic traits.

The area adjacent has a small flock of Suffolk sheep and in time other range of breeds which will allow students to discover various characteristics, breed attributes & commercial desirability alongside freerange poultry and pigs which are next on the agenda.

Within a woodland area, students have had the opportunity to coppice and

discover woodland management skills with the objective to replicate a commercial forestry business, they also collaborate with the Woodland Trust by planting new native species trees all within the pillars of sustainability creating a circular fully zero waste model, in line wholly with Government targets.

As with subject choice, students also display enormous diversity in their reasons for studying agriculture for example, some are planning on entering law or veterinary science, whereas others have a more traditional plan. Gresham’s is certainly leading the way in delivering Agriculture in terms of having it in a school environment targeting students who have never considered this topic rather than specialised environment.

The UK education system, as it stands, is built on a foundation of tradition. It has produced some of the world’s finest minds and plays a crucial role in shaping global academia. However, critics argue that this traditional approach may be hindering progress in some areas rather than facilitating it. One of the primary concerns raised is that the curriculum is too rigid in the UK being too prescriptive and thus outdated, leaving little wriggle room for adapting to the rapidly changing job market, technological landscape and the emergence of a second Green revolution.

In this age of technological marvels and environmental challenges I ask, ‘Should agriculture be part of a new National Curriculum, rather than a subject that can only be accessed in the private sector?’

If you agree then please consider signing my petition which you can find here https:// chng.it/t69cfmgPdk

If you would like to know more about Gresham’s, please visit https://www.greshams.com/ senior-school/curriculum/ agriculture/

Written by Olivia Shave Instagram:

David Brown 20 years at Borger UK

024 marks the 20th anniversary of pump company Börger establishing what has become a very successful UK operation.

From day-one, the company in the United Kingdom and Ireland has been led by one David Brown.

How did you come to be at Börger, setting up the UK subsidiary?

DB: I was working in sales for a large compressor and pneumatics company, but when they made what I thought was a very unwise change in senior personnel, I believed it was time to get out.

I saw a really interesting job in The Daily Telegraph for a sales engineer, but it asked for some ‘basic German language skills.’

Sprechen Sie Deutch, Herr Brown?

DB: Well, no, but I thought, stuff it, I’ll apply anyway – and before I knew it, I was being interviewed by Alois and Anne Börger at Birmingham Airport, and was then invited to Germany to make a presentation. And as they say, the rest is history.

And what happened to the compressor company?

DB: They went out of business!

So what were the early days like for Börger UK?

DB: Crowded! Hit the ground running with sales to customers in the industrial sector, and in no time at all was having an extension built at home as I’d outgrown the dining room table and soon had two colleagues working with me. Admittedly I was out on the road a lot, all over the country, but three of us, plus visitors trying to get in and out of the house by walking over wooden sleepers amid all the builder’s mess and noise wasn’t that peaceful! Helen Lippitt began working for Börger UK in 2009, and she’s still mad enough to be working with me now, in a somewhat more spacious environment! She’s great to work with, and a big positive part of the Börger UK story.

Although the industrial sales were going well,

getting a foothold in the water/wastewater industry must have been an important goal?

DB: Yes – we wanted the larger orders to sustain our business, and knew that we had a good product to sell.

When did you manage to really break through into the industry?

DB: The most significant moment was back in 2006 when I went to see Thames Water at Mogden. I put the cutaway model of my demo Börger pump on the table when I arrived, but after a long journey had to make a dash for the loo before we could start the meeting. When I came back, the guys from Thames said: ‘How long have you got? Do you want to grab your high-viz from your car? We’ve got some pump jobs for you to look at.’

Unbeknownst to me, they’d taken the Börger model apart and put it back together again before I’d got back to the meeting room!

You didn’t get stuck in the loo did you!?

DB: No, thank goodness. The guys from Thames just loved the fact that our Rotary Lobe Pump was so simple, and that it had ‘MaintenanceIn-Place design’, so would be very easy to service. I put together the quotes that evening on the laptop in my humble hotel room. We won three of the four

contracts that were on offer; one of the orders being for 16 pumps, so that really was our big breakthrough, which put us on an even more solid footing.

And progress later into another industry too?

DB: Yes with biogas, for about the past 10 years. We now sell lots of separators, feeders and pumps to AD sites, from farms to food-waste-to energy plants, and of course, pumps & macerators to the water industry.

After these past 20 years David, what keeps you going and wanting to keep taking Börger forward?

DB: For me, the wide variety of applications always makes it interesting and challenging, so every day is different.

And the future for Börger and Börger UK?

DB: Naturally, I’d like to add some more millions to the turnover – wouldn’t we all (!) – but two decades on I still see that it’s all to play for. Börger is a very strong, family-run company with great products. The business has come a long, long way since it started in 1975, selling all over the world with eight firmly established subsidiaries. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved since starting with a blank order book back in 2004, and I know we can continue to grow.

AD and Biogas Industry Awards 2024: Winners Announced

e are thrilled to announce thewinners of this year'sAD and Biogas Industry Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements and innovations in the global anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas sectors. Co-organised by theAnaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA)in partnership withWorld Biogas Association (WBA), the awards ceremony, held 10 July 2024 at the NCC in Birmingham, UK, recognised the exceptional international contributions of individuals, companies and projects that have demonstrated excellence and leadership in advancing the biogas industry.

The award winners,judged by an expert panelrepresenting the global biogas sector, exemplify the innovation, dedication and progress driving the global shift towards sustainable circular economy solutions to waste and energy issues.

WBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton OBEsaid, "I heartily congratulate the winners of the 2024 AD and Biogas Industry Awards, who stood out among an extraordinary competition. The exceptional standard of this year'sshortlisted nomineeshighlights the remarkable innovation and dedication within the sector. Each nominee has demonstrated pioneering advancements, operational excellence and a commitment to sustainability, setting new benchmarks in the biogas industry. Their contributions underscore the dynamic progress and potential of AD and biogas technologies in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. This year's shortlist not only reflects the industry's current achievements but also its promising future."

During the ceremony, hostChris Hines MBE, sustainability pioneer and co-founder ofSurfers Against Sewage, spoke about his decades campaigning for sustainable waste water management and praised the AD and biogas industry for creating sustainable solutions, supporting healthy rivers and seas. Chris' message resonated strongly with fellow guest speaker, and avid surfer, the 11-yearoldChild Prime Minister of theUK Children's Parliament,Clark Dearson, who spoke passionately about his own love of the sea and the inspiring power that solutions like AD and biogas have on overcoming the environmental despair felt by many children – and motivating the next generations.

The ceremony was attended by global industry leaders and policy makers with a delegation from India includingMr Pankaj Jain, Secretary of

theMinistry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, and theChairman of the Indian Oil Corporation MrShrikant Madhav Vaidya, both major advocates for biogas' great potential to decarbonise the global economy and cut harmful methane emissions. They were joined by representatives from theUnited Nation Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO),C40 Citiesand theGlobal Methane Hubalong withShell Energy,Future BiogasandHexagon Agility– the award sponsors.

TheAD and Biogas Industry Awards 2024 Winnersand Highly Commended:

1. Health and Safety

Winner: Marches Biogas Ltd

Highly Commended: Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW)

2. Women in Biogas Sponsored by Shell Energy

Winner: Katrin Pütz – (B)energy

Highly Commended: Alexi Dragonetti –Agrivert;Christine Mapp – Eco Verde Energy (EVE);Deanna Martin – Deanna Martin Biogas;Helen Edwards – Ceres Energy Limited;Mantopi Martina de Porres Lebofa – Lesotho Council of NGOs (LCN)

3. AD Hero of the Year Sponsored by Future Biogas

Winner: Christopher Kellner

4. Best Anaerobic Digestion/Biogas Support

Winner: Marches Biogas Ltd

5. The Net Zero Circular Solutions Sponsored by Hexagon Agility

Winner: Madrid City Council's Anaerobic Digestion Complex – Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Parque Tecnológico de Valdemingómez (Madrid City CouncilValdemingómez Technology Park)

6. Education Campaign of the Year

Winner: Advancing CBG and Biomethane Projects –Dr Rahul Jain – Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

Highly Commended: Biogas and Gases Technologies – TIND-BGASTECH

7. Best Biogas Plant Below 1MWe Equivalent

Winner: Fylde Fresh and Fabulous AD facility – Fylde Fresh and Fabulous

Highly Commended: Gorakhpur Biogas Plant, Uttar Pradesh – Indian Oil Corporation Ltd

8. Best Biogas Plant Above 1MWe Equivalent

Winner: Cocal Energia S.A. – Cocal and Geo Biogas & Carbon

Highly Commended: Edina and Biotech4 – Holme Bioenergy; Geo Tamboara – Geo Biogas & Carbon

9. Micro AD Initiative

Winner: O Biodigestor Sertanejo (The Brushland Biodigester) – Diaconia

Highly Commended: Biolectric Small On-farm AD –Biolectric; Portable biogas plants in Yemen –BioTreasure

10. AD Rising Star

Winners: David Payne – Zebra EM/Khanittha Monthaklin – Viridor (Process optimisation with SLR Consulting)

Highly Commended: Kevin Kirubakaran – Olleco

11. Research and Innovation

Winner: Electrochaea´s Biomethanation Technology –Electrochaea

Highly Commended: Transforming Sustainability: The SMASH Project's Outstanding Contribution to AD Biogas Innovation – Ixora Energy

Process benefits

Higher biogas production compared to traditional mixing.

Cost benefits No

Maintenance benefits

All equipment is external and easily accessible.

Seek legal advice before committing to renewable energy developments

armers and landowners who are approached by onshore wind developers are being urged to seek legal advice from the outset to safeguard their interests.

Emily Pumfrey, partner in HCR Hewitsons’ agriculture and estates team, explains that farmers and landowners are likely to see a surge in interest from developers following the new Chancellor of the Exchequer’s planning shake-up.

“Rachel Reeves’ immediate commitment to end the ban on new onshore wind farms and plans to consult on reintegrating onshore wind into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) regime in England, have unsurprisingly sparked industry discussions,” says Ms Pumfrey.

She adds: “The news that the possible shift to national government led sign-off; rather than local decision-making for largescale wind projects rightfully raises concerns about balancing future food security against the race to net zero, with more land potentially being taken out of production to accommodate new wind farm sites or other large scale NSIP renewable projects.”

“However, we strongly recommend that if a developer contacts you with an initial offer, (especially if they have already obtained or are looking to secure a connection to the nearby electricity grid), you seek legal advice before proceeding.”

Ms Pumfrey says developers will be keen to lockdown potential sites but she warns against signing anything without proper advice.

However, change often comes with opportunity and Ms Pumfrey says some landowners could potentially be set to benefit.

“With an influx of enquiries from onshore wind developers expected over the coming months following the Chancellor’s announcement, farmers and landowners looking at alternative ways to secure additional income streams should rightly explore potential opportunities.

“Entering an exclusivity arrangement or giving consent for the developer to seek a connection to your land can rule out other potentially better offers,” she says.

"It’s therefore important to undertake proper research, including evaluating a developer’s experience, source of funding and previous success rate.

“A specialist surveyor or land agent can help you with this.”

She adds that early consideration of the possible tax and succession implications of such agreements, as well as what it means practically for your farm and business is also vital.

“An opportunity for this type of development is often a once in a generation event and will have a long-lasting impact on your rural business for decades to come.

“Overlooking tax implications can lead to costly surprises further down the line, so it’s important to plan for this in advance.”

Ms Pumfrey concludes: “If you are approached and are considering letting your land as an onshore wind farm, our advice is to proceed with caution and seek professional advice from the outset.

“This will help you to avoid any pitfalls and make the most out of the opportunity.”

Fisher German onshore wind

he new Labour government has wasted no time in making positive announcements around renewable energy, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves removing the de facto ban on onshore wind with a swiftly issued policy document after her maiden speech in the role.

Darren Edwards Head of Sustainable Energy and Sarah DeRenzy-Tomson, Head of Planning at Fisher German, explain that while this is an excellent development for the onshore wind market after years of dormancy, Labour’s commitment to doubling onshore wind energy by 2030 may be overly optimistic:

“Onshore wind remains one of the cheapest and effective ways to generate renewable energy in the UK, yet there have only been a handful of new developments built in the last 10 years due to the effective ban on new projects issued by the Conservative government in 2015.

“The ‘ban’ essentially allowed one dissenting voice in the community to be enough to stop a development at the planning stage, as such the market did not bring new sites forward as they risked being refused at committee.

“Now these clauses in the NPPF have been removed, the market suddenly has the freedom it needs to get moving again.

“It’s great to see that the new Labour government has this at the forefront of its mind to help the country achieve net-zero and should be welcomed. It will also help farmers and landowners to potentially secure a reliable source of rental income in a post-BPS landscape.

“However, there will be serious challenges ahead for Labour if it is to meet its ambitious goal of doubling onshore projects by 2030.

“One point is that much of the talented workforce in the onshore wind market have not been sat on their hands waiting for the ban to be revoked. Many have moved into other areas

like solar, offshore wind, projects on the continent or changed careers entirely. Fisher German has retained this expertise in house and are excited that this market is to be reinvigorated.

“We expect the market to respond relatively quickly, but there is likely to be an initial delay in getting the expertise back in the right place.

“Secondly, while the ban is now gone, the planning process remains lengthy. While Rachel Reeves’ announcement around beating the planning backlog with extra funding is to be welcomed, it does not change the fact that a series of hoops need to be jumped through before onshore sites can be built.

“Finally, a lack of grid capacity and inadequate infrastructure could also slow things down. National Grid is currently quoting lead times well into the 2030's for large solar and battery projects and while the generating profile for onshore wind is very different, substantial investment will need to be made into both the transmission and distribution networks for new onshore wind.

“That said, the removal of the ban is just the first announcement of several Labour is planning to make. A consultation on the NPPF is set to follow, and potential for larger-scale onshore wind to be incorporated into the NSIP process which would make onshore wind farms a national decision rather than a local decision.

“The fact that Labour has acted so quickly to enable onshore wind to be considered as other developments through the planning system once again is the most important thing for the market, and projects will certainly come forward as a result.

“Fisher German’s expert in-house team with specialisms across sustainable energy, planning, and rural matters are best placed to advise farmers or landowners looking to take advantage of Labour’s long-overdue announcement.”

Puffin Produce wins award for one of the largest rooftop solar projects in Wales

uffin Produce has installed more than 4000 solar panels, providing enough green energy to power both of its production sites on 100% selfgenerated electricity at peak output.

The £1.5m solar energy investment project has covered 6000 square metres of unused roof space at Puffin's Woodland and Rosemary Lane sites in Pembrokeshire.

Puffin Produce CEO, Huw Thomas, said:

"This investment reaffirms our ambition to be a catalyst of change in an industry that is a significant contributor to UK carbon emissions. With electricity being one of the key contributors to our carbon footprint, this investment in solar power is a key commitment in achieving our SBTi science-based targets. We are also pleased that we have been able to deliver the project by working closely with local specialist contractors."

Generating its own green energy is a key part of Puffin's ESG commitment, through the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), to reduce its Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 46% by 2030 and to become Net Zero by 2040.

Running at peak output, the company expects to generate 2 MWh, enough to power its entire production and storage operations from the solar installation, saving an estimated 2.4t of CO2e per day*. That means Puffin will be able to offset most of its 3,780,000 kWh full-year usage through selfgenerated electricity, enabling it to hit its 46% emissions reduction commitment ahead of the 2030 target.

Puffin worked with Pembrokeshire-based Silverstone Green Energy and Havenkey Electrical Contractors to design and deliver the scheme while also minimising any impact on the sites' operations. The third partner in the delivery of the project was National Grid. The Puffin Produce and Silverstone project was recently named regional large-scale project of the year at the Wales Energy Efficiency Awards in Cardiff.

William Silverstone, of Silverstone Green Energy said:

"This is the largest project we've worked on, and it's evident by working with the Puffin team that they have a clear strategy, and this investment shows how much they're committed to making it a success. Winning the award has been a fantastic recognition of the team's hard work and dedication to delivering a top-quality install," he said.

Puffin Produce is the biggest supplier of Welsh produce in Wales, with headquarters in Withybush and growers farming mainly in Pembrokeshire. It grows and supplies potatoes including Pembrokeshire Earlies PGI and the UK's first carbon neutral potato brand, Root Zero alongside seasonal produce like Welsh Leeks PGI and Welsh daffodils.

Temporary Solar Installation Fast Tracks Country Estate’s Transition to Sustainable Operation

attendon Estate, a diverse farming and property business spanning over 9,500 acres of land in South Berkshire, has commissioned its third SolarEdge solar system in just over a year. The latest installation will be used to power the refrigerated storage facilities and cutting room for the estate’s farm shop – despite the fact that construction of the new building will not be completed until 2026.

With the Estate locked into an expensive energy tariff of 0.55p per kWh, the owners are on a mission to reduce their reliance on grid-supplied electricity as quickly as possible. For this project, the installer, Your Eco, struck on the innovative idea to install a rooftop solar system as a temporary ground-mount solar solution to power the construction of the new facilities. Your Eco estimates that once the building work is complete, the solar array will be taken offline for approximately one week and moved onto the roof of the building, the labour and materials for which are all factored in to a highly-competitive four year ROI.

Annually, the new array is forecast to produce 288kWh of clean, renewable electricity, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 55 tons per year. Your Eco estimates that over the lifetime of the installation, the system is expected to achieve an incredible ROI of 738%.

James Hole, Yattendon Estate Manager, comments:

“As a landowner, employer and landlord, Yattendon Estate is committed to ensuring that not only do we run our business profitability, but that we do so in a way that is sympathetic to the environment. Having significantly reduced our energy costs and carbon emissions with our first two solar installations, we were very clear that we wanted to power the new facilities with solar. Thanks to this innovative approach, we have been able to start reaping the benefits of solar even before construction of the new facilities are complete!”

The solar system features 720 solar modules which are transformed into powerful smart modules with SolarEdge Power Optimizers, and three SolarEdge DC-optimized inverters. Power Optimizers maximise energy production from solar modules by mitigating the impact of shading, soiling and module mismatch which can severely limit production in traditional solar systems. The solution also embeds advanced, inbuilt safety features designed to reduce voltages to touchsafe levels during maintenance and in the unlikely event of an emergency – both critical considerations for ground mount and rooftop solar arrays.

“This project is a powerful reminder of the financial and environmental benefits that can be achieved with solar energy and that it makes sense to make the switch sooner rather than later. By the time the new facilities are completed, the solar system is expected to nearly pay for itself, as well as offset more than one hundred tons of CO2,” comments Your Eco CEO, Nick Spicer.

True to its commitment to being a good steward, the installation is supported by ballast-filled console buckets, providing a solid foundation without penetrating the grazing pasture. These console buckets will be reused on other sites or sold on once the system is moved to its permanent home.

The estate owners are already looking to further expand the solar infrastructure, which, with the addition of this latest installation, is expected to produce over 1MW of solar power on an annual basis. Notably, last year saw the installation of a 456kW SolarEdge solar system at The Renegade Brewery on the estate, satisfying 40% of the brewery’s high energy demand and advancing its decarbonisation journey.

Proposed Changes to On Farm Buildings Planning

armers all have buildings or barns that are old, not in use and therefore redundant. However, this could all change as new rights are being put forward in plans to make planning regulations on conversions of barns and other agricultural buildings easier.

number of homes per unit up to 10 and an overall maximum floorspace changing of use to 1000sqm. Additionally, in each home they can have a maximum floorspace of up to 150sqm.

This said the building must be standing and not knocked down and rebuilt. With the permitted works on a conversion being –installing/replacing windows and doors or adding water, drainage, gas, and electricity supplies.

A review has been undertaken by the government about the state of a national shortage of affordable homes. With the understanding being that they want to reduce the planning red tape that is slowing down the building of new properties. This would apply to agricultural permitted development (PD) rights, allowing the process to be more efficient and hopefully more successful. Allowing farmers to bring back the use of some of their buildings that are not part of their agricultural unit could also reduce pressure on developers building new homes on greenfield sites.

The first planned changes are to Class Q homes (agricultural buildings converted to dwellings), which is trying to encourage developers into creating a greater number of smaller available homes. This will be achieved by allowing farmers to have a maximum

There also seems to be the suggestions of rear extensions to Class Q conversions being allowed in the future, with this previously not being granted. With single storey extensions up to 4m on the back of buildings, provided the land is hard surfaced and within the overall floorspace limit.

These proposed changes would also apply to AONB and national parks excluding the potential extension policy.

Finally, there are also changes being proposed for PD rights to Class R (change of use from agricultural to commercial). Which would extend the legislation to buildings used for forestry and equestrian purposes to allow different uses e.g. outdoor sports or fitness use. They would also allow a mix of uses and double the floor space up to 1000sqm.

These are proposed changes, however there is a strong consensus that these will happen, allowing greater opportunity for UK farmers to diversify and make better use their redundant buildings in the future.

Credit: The Farm Consultancy Group

www.fcgagric.com

Proposed planning reforms would boost the rural sector

here has long been a feeling that the planning regime has stifled economic growth in the countryside. So, it is encouraging that the Government is now recognising the importance of planning reforms which will support and boost the rural economy.

Since the introduction of national Permitted Development (PD) rights, farmers and landowners have had greater opportunities to convert, expand and build on their land. We have many clients who have used these rights to diversify and generate alternative income without the requirement for a full planning application. However, there have been frustrations about some of the limitations.

A consultation launched in July 2023 by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities proposes beneficial changes to PD rights for farms and rural businesses, including increasing the limits on conversions to housing and allowing greater flexibility to encourage farm efficiency and diversification.

An existing PD right, Class Q, allows agricultural buildings to change to residential use within limitations for the floorspace converted, the number of dwellings created and with only specific modifications allowed to make them habitable. We have had great success maximising Class Q conversions on many farms, however, the starting point is currently that they need to be on an existing agricultural unit. This has often prevented Class Q being an option for an outlying redundant barn, or where a building has been altered to a different use. The consultation looks to extend Class Q to former agricultural buildings no longer on an established agricultural unit and to potentially include other rural uses, including equestrian and forestry.

Other beneficial changes include increasing the number of dwellings from five to ten, but with a maximum floorspace of 1,000sqm, and allowing single storey rear extensions up to 4m deep to facilitate the conversion of smaller buildings.

This should capture a greater number of redundant buildings and be an attractive option for many farms and estates. In addition, Class Q conversions are currently prohibited within Conservation Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks, so it has been proposed that they should be extended to those areas. This might help landowners in

designated areas, who are facing the same challenges as those based elsewhere in the country, although admittedly, this proposal is being strongly resisted by some stakeholders.

Landowners should also be aware that the ability to convert buildings from agricultural to commercial use under Class R could be expanded. Currently, property owners can convert to storage, distribution, hotel, and commercial use, but this may be expanded to cover outdoor sport, recreation and leisure, and some limited industrial processes. The right may also apply to other rural buildings’.

New farm buildings

In addition, the size limit for new farm buildings erected under agricultural development PD rights on farms over 5ha (Class A) and under 5ha (Class B) could increase by 500sqm and 250sqm respectively (to 1500sqm and 1250sqm). The volume allowance for extensions may also increase to 25% (from 20%) without prior approval.

The Government also indicated it may alter the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) or PD rights to provide ‘clarity to applicants’ on farm diversification and increasing biodiversity, although there were no such changes in the revised NPPF in December 2023. There has also been a call for evidence to see if further changes are needed to support the building of slurry stores, farm reservoirs or help the implementation of nature-based solutions.

While some of the changes are quite simple, they would offer greater choice and flexibility of uses which is welcome to most in the sector. The updated limits would better reflect the needs of the modern farming industry and indicate to some local authority planners that appropriate larger farm buildings and diversification projects should be encouraged in the countryside, not resisted. At a time when the rural sector is facing huge uncertainties, it is pleasing to see proposals which could lead to more prosperous rural communities.

Contact Richard Clews (Planning) or Yasmin Peach (Land Management) for further information of any aspect of this article. The contents first appeared in our latest issue of Land Business. For more download the Autumn/Winter 23 edition of Land Business.

Farm challenges remain, despite new Labour government

The recent election and Labour’s landslide win may mean a shift in the economic landscape, but the fundamental challenges that farmers face remain unchanged.

“The Labour government's agricultural policies, aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices, enhancing the environment, and supporting rural economies, are commendable and may bring about some positive changes," says Paul Harris, CEO at REAL Success.

"But while it often feels that the changes being made at a government level are out of farmers’ hands, it’s crucial that they recognise many of the day-to-day challenges they face are within their control and require proactive management."

These key challenges are:

1. Working conditions:

The quality of working conditions on farms is paramount if the industry is to recruit and retain staff. “Farmers must ensure their workers have a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. This includes providing proper amenities, fair wages, and promptly addressing workplace concerns," he says.

The ongoing impact of rural crime on the countryside will be revealed by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual in its annual Rural Crime Report, which is being launched onThursday 1 August, 2024.

NFU Mutual has been at the forefront of the fight against rural crime for over 20 years. As the UK's leading rural insurer, its claims figures and network of more than 280 local offices provide a unique insight into the scale and impact of rural crime on the nation's countryside.

The report and news releases will include:

• An update on UK rural crime trends and the financial cost in 2023

• A breakdown of rural theft statistics and comment on the impact of rural crime for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

2. Working hours:

Managing working hours effectively is critical. “Overworked employees are less productive and more prone to accidents and health issues. Balance work schedules to maintain a healthy and efficient workforce."

3. Health and safety:

The safety of farm workers is non-negotiable. “Implement and adhere to strict health and safety protocols. Regular training, proper equipment, and ensuring a culture of good health and safety can prevent many accidents and injuries."

While the Labour government's initiatives may provide a supportive framework, the success of farms largely depends on the decisions and actions taken by individual farmers, says Mr Harris.

"Farmers must take ownership of their operations and address these micro-level challenges head-on. By doing so, they can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future, regardless of broader policy changes.

“We are committed to supporting farmers through transitions like these, by offering resources, training, and consultancy services designed to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.”

For more information visit www.real-success.co.uk

• Analysis of rural theft statistics and comment by area

• An overview of key rural crime trends

• Insight into new initiatives to tackle the problem of rural crime

We'll be issuing embargoed press releases, including National, Regional and English Counties ahead of Thursday 1 August.

Wewill provide:

• NFU Mutual's 2024 Rural Crime Report

• National and regional spokespeople for live and pre-recorded broadcast interviews

• Regional case studies

Time to change attitudes to farm health and safety

Farm health and safety is not a box-ticking exercise; it needs to be taken seriously. That’s according to James Harris, recruitment director at staff specialist REAL Success, speaking at the beginning of Farm Health and Safety Week, commencing 22 July.

“People still think health and safety is imposed upon them, but we have to cross the bridge between compliance and culture. As long as it’s a box-ticking exercise it’s not true farm safety,” says Mr Harris.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, the agricultural sector has a fatal injury rate 18 times higher than the average across all industries. In the past year alone, 34 people lost their lives on UK farms, while countless others suffered severe injuries.

“These statistics highlight a critical need for change in how health and safety is approached on farms,” he says.

“Most accidents are as a result of habit, haste, fatigue or improperly maintained machinery. Safety shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be a forethought – we often fit an alarm on our houses after being burgled.”

Currently, the attitude towards health and safety is often one of compliance rather than culture. “Compliance implies following rules because they are required, not valued. In contrast, a health and safety culture integrates these practices into daily operations, making them as important as tending to livestock or maintaining equipment.”

And changing these attitudes poses a

significant challenge. “Farming is often seen as inherently risky, with accidents viewed as part of the job. This attitude needs to shift towards a proactive approach to safety,” says Mr Harris.

“Training and education are essential in this effort, providing farmers and workers with the skills to identify and mitigate risks. Farm safety is also about how hard you’re expecting people to work – accidents happen when people are tired.”

Health and safety must be a continuous effort. “Regular risk assessments, safety drills, and the use of protective equipment must become routine. Leadership is crucialfarm owners and managers must set an example by showing that safety is a core value.”

A robust health and safety culture benefits farms beyond reducing accidents. “It can increase productivity by minimising disruptions caused by injuries, and enhance farming’s reputation, therefore making it more appealing to potential recruits. In a time when many sectors struggle to attract talent, this could be a significant advantage.”

Farming does not have to be synonymous with danger. “By prioritising health and safety, we can protect those who work in this essential industry and ensure its sustainability for future generations,” says Mr Harris.

“It's time to change our mindset. In farming, as in any other industry, safety must come first.”

For more information visit www.real-success. co.uk

TyreSafe Launches ‘Have a Happy Harvest’ Campaign to Promote Tyre Safety to Mark Farm Safety Week

Supporting UK Farmers to Achieve a Happy, Safe and Smooth Harvest

TyreSafe, the UK tyre safety charity, has launched a vital campaign to emphasise the importance of thorough tyre maintenance for farmers, during Farm Safety Week, an initiative run by the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies). The campaign aims to raise awareness about the necessity of inspecting the condition of tyres on all farming vehicles, including heavy machinery, 4x4s, trailers, and other means of transportation, to ensure a smooth and safe harvest and appropriate agricultural tyre husbandry all year round.

The load on agricultural tyres can be immense. For example, a fully loaded combine harvester can weigh upwards of 30 tonnes. This significant weight places enormous stress on the tyres, making them susceptible to wear and tear, and increasing the likelihood of defects if not properly maintained. The consequences of a tyre failure in such heavy machinery can be catastrophic, leading to costly downtime, expensive repairs, and potential injury.

Which means that unnecessary and unforeseen downtime during harvest could cost a farmer crucial lost revenue. Additionally, the cost of replacing a single agricultural tyre can easily climb into the thousands, not including the potential damage to the machine itself or the crop losses incurred due to delays. Here are five essential tyre safety tips to help farmers stay safe and productive:

Tyre Pressure: Maintaining the right tyre pressure is essential for minimising soil compaction, ensuring good traction, and reducing fuel consumption. Adjust tyre pressures appropriately for field and road use to optimise performance, even though it might seem like a hassle. Properly inflated tyres can make a significant difference in your farm operations.

Tyre Type: Consider using VF (Very Flexion) tyres, which have softer sidewalls and can carry heavier loads at lower pressures. This helps reduce soil compaction. Additionally, selecting the right tread pattern for your specific tasks is important for maximising efficiency and reducing wear.

Weight and Load: Overloading machinery can damage tyres, leading to punctures and downtime. Always check the weight limits for your tyres and ensure you are not exceeding them. Properly balancing the load on your machinery will help extend tyre life and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect your tyres for wear and tear, cuts, and cracks. Don't forget to check the wheel rims as well, as they can crack when used on rough terrain. Routine maintenance and early detection of issues can prevent larger problems down the line.

Storage: When storing machinery, try to take the weight off the tyres to prevent cracking. If this is not possible, inflate the tyres to a higher pressure to help maintain their shape and integrity during periods of inactivity.

TyreSafe have produced an educational video, interviewing agricultural tyre expert, Matt Richardson, Protyre Sales Manager, Agriculture and OHT. The video explains what to look out for and what to do in the event of a problem with a tyre and outlines the average life expectancy of an agricultural tyre. TyreSafe also publishes a range of resources to support farmers with maintaining and checking tyres on other vehicles, including 4x4s and trailers. The charity uses the ACT acronym to remind farmers, and other road users, to check the air pressure, condition and tread of their tyres once a month and before long journeys.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said: "A major tyre defect on heavy machinery could spell disaster for both profit margins and safety. Proper tyre maintenance is essential to prevent mishaps that could disrupt the harvest and compromise the well-being of our farmers. By taking the time to check their tyres, farmers can protect their investments and ensure a successful and safe harvest season."

Stuart Lovatt adds, "We understand the pressures farmers face during harvest, but neglecting tyre maintenance can lead to significant setbacks at this crucial time. Our goal is to support farmers by providing them with the knowledge and resources to keep their operations running smoothly and safely."

Sparex prioritises Farm Safety

Across the world, farming remains one of the most hazardous occupations. Farm safety is everyone's responsibility and is something Sparex takes extremely seriously. In addition to education and raising awareness we understand having the right equipment and using it in the right way can improve safe working practices and save lives.

In honour of Farm Safety Week (22nd -26th July) and in an effort to promote safer farming practices and reduce the number of accidents and injuries in the sector, we are highlighting a number of ‚Farm Safety Champions‘ which can significantly enhance farm safety.

Gardloc PTO Guards – Approved and certified to EN 12965:2019, ISO 12100:2010, and ISO 5674:2009 quality standards.

Fitting PTO guards can be time consuming

but if left unguarded, PTOs can be fatal. Our patented A-Lock technology in our Gardloc PTO guards facilitates a smooth, simple, and safe experience when switching out implements, all in a matter of minutes. Watch our video to see why you should alert your readers to this Farm Safety Champion.

PPE - Professional standard protection without compromising on comfort

From eyewear, ear defenders, and safety hats, to overalls, gloves and respiratory protection our hard working range of PPE has all your readers protection needs covered.

Global brands we stock: Maco, Ejendals, Dupont, BLS, Bollé, and Hellberg.

4G Security Camera (S.168921) – Remotely monitor & secure agricultural assets.

• 2-way microphone & siren

• Smartphone connectivity with app alerts

• AI humanoid detection

Protecting property and keeping livestock safe can be difficult, not to mention concerning given the increased reports of theft and dog attacks. Our new HD security camera S.168921, with 130dB siren and flashing lights helps users remotely monitor and secure their assets with confidence and ease.

Tractor Separator S.119888 – Achieve effortless maintenance & repairs with our tractor separator:

• Supports weight of 5,000kgs per jack stand

• 2 height extensions enabling height to be increased by 10cm

• Safety locking bolts on each jack

• CE approved

• One support handle to assist adjustments

OEM Standard Replacement Tractor Parts –over 890,000 applications available

Regular tractor maintenance and repairs are essential to safe and efficient working. Whether maintaining brakes, looking for the right ergonomic seat, replacing worn filters or damaged mirrors, Sparex have parts to completely maintain the most popular makes and models of machinery.

National Grid issue safety plea of ‘look out, look up’ to farmers

This Farm Safety Week (22 – 26 July), farmers across the country are being urged to ‘look out, look up’, and stay safe around electrical equipment to avoid the risk of accidents.

Every year, National Grid Electricity Distribution – the electricity operator for the Midlands, South West and South Wales – is called to incidents in which farm vehicles have collided with overhead power lines. It is estimated that at least one agricultural accident involving overhead lines is reported every day in the UK.

One of these reports, from a farm in Lincolnshire, was called in when a combine harvester made contact with an overhead power line. It triggered a fire that destroyed the machine and an entire field of grain, resulting in damage estimated at £400,000. Fortunately, the driver of the vehicle, who inadvertently raised the raised the grain shoot before setting off – setting it on a collision course with the overhead line – was able to escape unharmed.

As farm machinery continues to increase in size, the distance between equipment and nearby power lines is at risk of reducing, meaning that accidents could be more likely.

“We are committed to ensuring that farm workers have the knowledge and resources they need to get home safe every day, and will continue to work with farming communities across the country to reduce incidents involving our power lines.”

As part of National Grid’s farm safety campaign, the operator has outlined these simple steps to ensure farmers stay safe when working close to power lines:

• Never raise elevating equipment, such as spray booms, cabbage harvesters and trailer bodies, under or close to overhead power lines.

• Never store or move materials under, or close to, overhead power lines, as this reduces the safe clearance distance beneath the overhead lines.

• Know the maximum reach and height of any vehicle you are operating, and be vigilant when using GPS – accidents can still happen.

• You cannot see electricity – the area around a fallen line, including the soil, equipment and other objects, could be live – so stay away.

Paul Woodward, Safety Manager for National Grid Electricity Distribution, said:

“Every year, our engineers and technicians are called to incidents involving farming equipment and overhead power lines.

“Accidents involving the electricity supply can have devastating consequences, so it’s really important that the farmers ‘look out’ and ‘look up’ – particularly when working with big or heavy machinery.

If contact is made with a power line, farm workers are advised to stay in the cab and try to drive clear. If that is not possible, the driver should stay in the cab and telephone 105, only leaving the machine in an emergency. When leaving the vehicle, they should take care not to hold the machine and touch the ground at the same time, and take leaping strides so one foot is clear from the ground at all times - or ‘bunny hop’ away with both feet kept together.

Farmers are also encouraged to use the ‘What3Words’ app, which allows farmers to pinpoint the exact location of an incident. This means that network engineers can isolate the power in seconds using remote technology, therefore reducing the risk of accidents and threat to life.

Farmers can find out more about National Grid’s safety advice and access additional resources athttps://www.nationalgrid.co.uk/ customers-and-community/health-and-safety/ farming-safety

Primary industries behind inHealth & Safety culture

Lack of H&S maturity and management knowledge putting workers at risk

New data showsthe primary industries are falling behind when it comes to their Health & Safetyculture — potentiallyputting hundreds of thousands of workers at risk in the UK. The ‘SafetyCulture Maturity Report2024’, published by award-winning Health & Safetytech providerSafe365, ranks the primary industries overall safety culture maturity 16thoutof 20 industries (with20 being the lowest ranking industry).

The report, which benchmarks the maturity of a company’s Health &Safetycultureacross all major industries,found that when it comes to foundational H&Sactivities, primary industries are 23% less mature thanthe industry average for writing policies, and 7% below for hazard identification. Emergency response was ranked the lowestof any industry (20th), but onebenchmark whereprimary industries performed well on was Director Knowledge (ranking 5th outof 20).

Responding to the Safety Culture Maturity Report 2024, specialist Health and Safety lawyer,Dr Simon Joyston-Bechal of Turnstone Lawsays: “Poorunderstanding in the Boardroom concerning directors’ personal criminal law obligations is still letting down many organisations. We can expect renewed vigour on enforcement by the Health & Safety Executive under the new Government; so there has never been a more important time for directors to understand that they can be personally criminally prosecuted with potential jail sentences if they are not as proactive as would be expected for someone in their role.” When it comes to stakeholder engagement inhealth and safety culture, management

teams in the primary industriesranked 6%below the industry average for industryspecific safety experienceand 4%below the industry average for risk management expertise. Health & Safety recognition, measuring the degree to which those rolemodelling ideal behaviours are formally recognised,also ranked 9%below the industry average.

“Whether agriculture, forestry, or fishing, primary industry employers have a responsibility to protect employees. Leaders in the primary industries should be curious to understand why they are lagging behind others when it comes to creating a strong Health &Safety culture,” addsNathan Hight, Co-Founder, Safe365. “Toprotect workers these organisationsneed to stop ticking Health &Safety boxes and instead come togetherto understand their collective strengths and weakness which will enable themto drive nationwide improvementsto safety and risk management in the primary industries.”

One person who was impacted by a less proactive approach to safety isJason Anker MBE, Chairman & Director of Anker & Marsh. Jason suffered life changing spinal injuries following a workplace accident that left him paralysed from the waist down. He says: “Asemployees, we trust that the right workplace environments are in place to keep us safe, but in most cases—and as this research proves—processes and procedures are not enough. We need safety to be a part of workplace culture—and for this culture to start at the very top. This would help protect myself and the 60,000 other UK employees a year that fall victim to workplace accidents and injuries.”

ABP Offering customers safe solutions

Demonstrating great innovation to customer needs has been delivered by a team at Associated British Port's (ABP) Humber International Terminal at the Port of Immingham.

Responding to the need to safely allow crews to loosen set materials of agribulk cargoes in storage, the idea for a piece of kit to allow this to happen was developed in partnership with Agriweld, an East Yorkshire firm specialising in agricultural machinery and attachments.

The attachment is a nine-metre spike which can be fitted to a Volvo L150 Loading Shovel. It has 11 thick spikes at the end and the top row can be covered with a safety guard to reduce the risk to people when in a grounded position.

The operators can push the spike through the solid cargo, breaking it up and making the cargo face safe, but also allows the creation of loose cargo to be loaded easily and directly to the truck.

Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: "This collaboration has made sure our operators can work safely in the sheds. By being able to agitate the material from a safe distance it eliminates the risk of material collapse that can happen when the cargoes build up and solidify. I'm particularly pleased that this innovation stems directly from colleagues, demonstrating their focus on safety and continuously improving the way we can work.

"Safety is a number one priority for our operators and third party working in these areas. It alsoshows how we can support our customers and their needs to offer safe solutions."

Scott Barrett, Operations Manager (Reclaim) said: "This is teamwork and involvedthe operational AOMs and their teams who gave feedback at every step of the design stage so we could ensure it worked correctly and was user-friendly for the operatives. It is always better to get them involved as they are the people working every day with the cargoes and equipment.

"Agriweld had never built a spike before, but we have used them for the design as they are Volvo approved and have previously provided pusher blades for the Terminal. We're delighted with the outcome."

Brett Johnson, Sales & Marketing Manager,

Agriweld said: "We were delighted to be entrusted with this project by ABP. Having supplied them with our long reach material pushers for many years we were proud to be asked to create this bespoke Breaker to their own requirements.

"Our design engineers worked with ABP and SMT to ensure that the product was not only effective but also worked within the loader's parameters. Extra features such as an upper spike guard for worker safety and economical wearing parts were installed to further enhance the product. The Breaker would need to cope with the demanding needs of the job which was reflected within the design. A build of the highest standard ensured that the Breaker would perform at the required levels every time.

We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with ABP."

Surrey farm welcomes first Albion rare breed heifer, whose mother came directly from BBC

Countryfile presenter Adam Henson’s farm

The Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT), a national charity promoting nature-friendly farming, today announced its first Albion calf has been born at Brays Farm in Surrey.

Last year, three Albion cows made the journey from BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson's farm in Gloucestershire to their new home atNutfieldDairy withCRTtenant farmers Matthew Elphick and Betsie Edge.

They are working hard toestablisha new herd of this critically rare breed, which is on theRare Breed Survival Trust’s red watchlist. The farm also has a breed of Dairy Shorthorn and are now using

an original population Shorthorn sire, which is also on the red watchlist.

Matt said: “We’re really excited to have our first Albion calf, particularly as it’s a heifer. The breed is critically rare so to be able to add to the population and help the recovery of these lovely animals is brilliant."

Matt said the breed is usually used for beef and it's very rare for a farm to milk Albions.

He said: "Our future plans include creating a new cheese named after the Albions. I’ve already started experimenting with a white moulded soft cheese. We could potentially be marketing this by the end of the year.

"The Albion is an old dual purpose breed, meaning they’re good for both milk and beef. I think it’s really important to use these native breeds that suit your farming management and the Albions and our Shorthorns thrive on our regenerative, pasture-fed system.

"At a time when we need to be focusing on emissions, these small traditional breeds are great because they’re smaller, require less feed and therefore have less carbon footprint."

And Matt said they will definitely be welcoming more Albion calves!

"Elsa, (the cow's pedigree name) came to us from Adam Henson's farm when she was early in-calf and the other two have recently been served, so more to come in the months ahead."

The Albion is believed to be from the Welsh Black crossed with a White Dairy Shorthorn. Originally from Derbyshire, it was previously also known as Bakewell Blue or Blue Albion. It suffered a devastating decline in numbers following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the 1960s.

Countryfile presenter and farmer Adam Henson is a strong advocate for traditional rare breed farm animals.

Last year, he said: “All rare breed cattle are important, but Albions are particularly special to me, so I’m

delighted that Matthew and Betsie are starting this new herd on Brays Farm. I know they have plans to keep breeding them and to develop a new Albion cheese, so that’ll be fantastic to see and taste.”

Supporting rare breeds is one of the CRT’scoreaimsto protect species and habitats

that arethreatenedor havegreatly declined.The CRT has Traditional Herefords, which are now classed as a rare breedon the amber watchlist, atAwnellsFarm in Herefordshire.

Oxford Sandy and Black pigs are kept at Bere Marsh Farm in Dorset and arealsoon the amber watchlistalong withLlanwenogsheep, which are looked after by CRT tenants BobFeltonand LizWallis atTwyfordFarm in West Sussex.

Kerriann McLackland, Head of Estates for the CRT, said: “Native breeds are a natural fit for regenerative farming as their genetics often make them better suited to thriving on less intensively managed grasslands.

“They graze a wider range of plants than many modern breeds, meaning they encourage greater diversity of plant species and help with the management of scrub, thistle and other plants that can invade grasslands.

“These grazing characteristics, combined with a slower growth rate, make for the production ofhigh-qualityhealthy meat, which is great both for the farmer and the consumer."

How you can help

We can’t do it without you. If you want to help us protect local wildlife you can support the CRT in any number of ways, from joining as a CRT Friend to volunteering on one of our farms and attending our events. You can also sign-up to our monthly newsletter 'CRT News' for regular updates from our farms, straight to your inbox. See our website athttps://www.thecrt.co.uk/

Hutton seeks farmer views on return of bluetongue risk

Researchers from The James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen want to hear from livestock farmers about the risk of bluetongue disease in Great Britain to help shape how to deal with it.

The country had been free of the notifiable insect-borne viral disease that affects sheep, cattle and other ruminants until recently, but new cases were recorded in late 2023 and early 2024.

The UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed that there is a very high probability of a new introduction of the virus into England, Wales and Scotland as we enter summer season.

Higher temperatures and rainfall create conditions favourable to the biting midges that spread the disease, which means livestock may be more at risk, with vets and farmers being warned to be extremely vigilant by the UK’s Chief Vet.

The Hutton’s researchers want to hear from sheep and cattle keepers about this emerging risk to help them

assess any assess and inform policy makers in decision making when dealing with the disease, which does not affect humans or food safety.

They have devised a short anonymous survey (about 10 minutes long), with £5 to be donated to a choice of farming charity for each completed survey. The survey can be accessed via the QR code or via this link.

The work is being funded by the Scottish Government through Scotland’s Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks, EPIC.

Farmers warned of potential risk to livestock posed by fusarium and ergot in grain

Livestock farmers in the UK are being encouraged by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) to be familiar with how to spot for signs of ergot and fusarium, as there could be an increased presence of the two types of fungi in grain harvested this summer.

Instances of ergot and fusarium are likely to have increased because of the wetter than average weather during the 2024 growing period.

Although harvested crops being processed through a mill will be thoroughly checked, the risk remains where grain is being used directly on farm to feed livestock.

Ergot, which can affect wheat, barley, rye, triticale and oats, is particularly toxic and has the potential to make humans and livestock seriously ill. It can constrict blood vessels and damage the nervous system, resulting in seizures, loss of muscle strength, poor co-ordination and in the most severe cases, death. Lameness is often the first sign, followed by an increase in temperature and respiratory rate.

Ollie Johnson, AHDB Head of Farming Systems and Agronomy, says: "At harvest, ergot can be found as a hard, black mass in place of the grain and can be mistaken in a heap for rodent faeces. The only effective way to remove it from a pile is by using a colour sorter which can be sourced through many mobile seed treatment companies.

"In the field, there is no easy solution to remove ergot other than to use an appropriate seed treatment at drilling, though managing grassweeds and good rotations can help–unfortunatelythis is much too late for harvest 24."

Fusarium can affect all the major cereal crops (wheat, barley, oats), as well as maize. It releases mycotoxins and is particularly dangerous to both humans and livestock. In cattle, fusarium poisoning can reduce feed intake by reducedappetite, hamper immune system health, and cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Extensive rainfall during the flowering period, which is around late May and early June, as was the case in many areas of the UK this year, increases the risk of this infection.

"For cereal crops out in the field, farmers should be looking for 'white heads', which are ears that appear to have gone white while the rest of the plants appear greener," adds Mr Johnson.

"Once harvested, contaminated grains will appear shrivelled with pink tips and/or black patches and are impractical to be removed."

Maize grown in a continuous rotation, and wheat after maize is particularly high risk. Wheat crops that didn't receive a fusarium active fungicide, such as Prothioconazole or Pydiflumetafen, at or before flowering should be closely investigated ahead of harvest this year.

M Welsh shearer sets a new British shearing record

eirion Evans, an experienced Welsh shearer was successful in his record-breaking attempt on Saturday shearing 791 sheep across nine hours.

Meirion, 25, from Machynlleth, North Wales has been busy preparing for this challenge for months and over the weekend, all his hard work and commitment paid off with Meirion setting a new 9 Hour British Ewe record shearing 791 ewes.

The first sheep was shorn at 5am at Hendreseifion Farm and the last sheep at 5pm with the 791 total being achieved in 9 hours spread across 5 shearing runs.

At the end of his successful record

attempt, a delighted Meirion said: “It’s difficult to put into words the feeling right now. Although it was me shearing, the entire record’s success is down to a huge team effort.”

Meirion continued: “This record would not have been possible without the help, support and commitment of so many people, too many to name individually. From the family at Hendreseifion for hosting the record, the pen men that were there with me all day, the farmers for supplying their sheep, the wool wrappers, those supporting me with my gear and all my family and friends –without all of you, today would not have been possible.”

Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement, British Wool said: “On

behalf of British Wool we offer huge congratulations to Meirion on his successful record attempt. This was a display of high quality shearing and Meirion should be very proud of his achievements.”

“We appreciate the hard work that also goes on behind the scenes in holding a record and therefore offer congratulations to everyone that has helped and supported Meirion in successfully setting a new British Shearing Record.”

DPJ Foundation is the record attempts nominated charity and more information and an opportunity to support is still available from https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/elen-pugh?utm_ term=3gQz2xGJx

S Sell store cattle ahead of the August rush for good margins but get lambs to full spec

elling cattle over the next few weeks could be a good business decision for beef farmers, according to Grant Anderson of Harrison & Hetherington, but it's not the time to rush lambs off farm before they are well finished.

"Prices for store cattle are good and supply is still tight, so farmers could take advantage of this and sell ahead of the usual August/September rush for the same margins," explains Grant, who is Commercial Sales Manager and Sales Team Leader at Harrison & Hetherington.

Across its eight martsin Scotland and northern England, store cattle have seen sales averaging £1400 recently andprices for calves, stirks and young bulls have lifted. This year's beef trade started well, and although ithas slowed with the poorer weather, beef cattle prices are remaining relatively good:

"The less than summery weather has definitely impacted beef sales, but prices are still good and supply is likely to tighten again."

Like farmers, Harrison & Hetherington, which is headquartered in Carlisle, uses the mart data available through the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers (IAAS) to compare trends year on year:

"The analysed mart data is a really good resource to see when the prime time to sell is for both cattle and sheep. It also tells you what breeds are producing the best returns. It's then combining this with what's happening in real time that farmers use to make some key strategic decisions on when to buy and sell as well on their feeding and breeding management. We are seeing our customers taking a much closer look at costs and returns at the moment. The most common question we get in the mart is 'What's trade like this week?'. Farmers could consider selling differently this year and get their cattle to the mart over the next 2-3 weeks for margins that will match the same six weeks later."

Lamb has seen some real highs this year, says Grant, with ethnic festivals close together, also coinciding with Easter demand and lower imports, to make supply tight and prices very good, but he warns farmers against selling light:

"It's been a perfect combination of key celebrations rolling into one another and we've seen lambs go for £50-100/head more than we'd ever imagined, but there's now a bit of a lull in the trade so buyers are looking not for numbers but for quality. This is hard when at this time of year farmers are keen to get lambs off farm to get much needed income and to avoid the cost of feeding them to reach target

weights, especially after another cold and wet lambing, but we are just not seeing the prices unless they are well finished. Lambs should be at least 43kg to get the maximum returns."

Going forward, there will be less lambs available this year due to the bad weather and disease affecting lambing, which may mean lower supply again next year, predicts Grant. There is also a high cull value in ewes.

"On the back of another bad lambing weather-wise and Schmallenberg disease in the south, some farmers have taken advantage of the high cull price, and the opportunity to farm less sheep. They are watching the market and the impact of the cost of living and taking a hard look at their businesses. We are seeing some key strategic decisions being made, some of which include reducing their numbers, and this means supply will be tight. It will be interesting to see how the markets develop but as these different impacts come together, the marts will have an even greater role in price discovery and ensuring sellers and buyers get the best price on the day."

Grant urges farmers to use the figures available from IAAS as well as to speak regularly to the local mart to help make important management decisions as costs rise and markets fluctuate.

"One of the biggest benefits to farmers from the mart data is that they can look at trends and say, when do we need to hit the right target weight to match the market? Maybe, it's let's not aim to finish all our lambs to sell in June-August, like everybody else does. If we can move our lambing patterns around, we can take advantage of when we see the trade starting to rise. It's the same with cattle, they can look at the data over the last two or three years, see the peaks and aim for that. That's bound to make a massive impact on their business."

Grant, who has been working in the livestock marts for over 17 years, also highlights the benefits of mart data to the future of the industry:

"Mart data is not only a vital record of trends but it shows the huge contribution that the auction marts make to agricultural sector, the big business it generates and the significance of this to farming and associated businesses. We hope Scottish Government will embrace this as it makes policy decisions going forward and recognise the role marts play in the economy as well as providing an economic record of the scale and values of livestock in Scotland."

S Farmers harness power of fermentation to boost manure quality and cut emissions

cottish livestock farmers are exploring a little-known method of fermenting manure in the hope it will boost farm productivity and slash emissions, in a newInnovative Farmers field lab.

Farmers on two sites are trialling Bokashi, developed by Japan’s Professor Teruo Higa, which uses a mix of microorganisms to ferment animal bedding and dung, covered and left for six to eight weeks.

Cattle waste is typically stacked outdoors, uncovered, which can emit ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, and lose potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. As it dries out, it reduces in size and becomes harder to handle.

The three-year trial will measure concentrations of these gasses and nutrients as the fermentation takes place. Separately, farmers will observe how easy it is to apply the treated manure, and any changes to the fertilised fields.

It is hoped that Bokashi can reduce these losses, resulting in lower emissions and more valuable, nutritious manure that’s easier to spread.

Triallist Andrew Barbour of Fincastle Farm, a cattle and sheep enterprise based in Glen Fincastle, said: “We want to improve our soil health, make sure we don't lose nutrients and reduce our carbon footprint.

“There’s a clear difference early on. The Bokashitreated manure smells sweeter, less like ammonia, and is broken-down better.

“The effort involved using Bokashi is very low – half an hour at the start and at the end – but we’ll save time later if it’s easier to handle and available earlier.

“If we’re successful we could see significant productivity increases from the grass as well as the environmental benefits, so it’s a win for everyone involved.”

Farming for the future

Bokashi has been used effectively by farmers in South-West England for several years, and trialling it in colder conditions will boost the existing body of evidence.

The Scottish farmers are developing effective systems for using Bokashi on farms, allowing

future farmers to adopt these practices and provide additional research.

If the advantages turn out to be significant, it could lead to Bokashi being used across the UK.

Earthcare Technical Director Audrey Litterick, coordinating the field lab, said: “The management of farmyard manures can involve a lot of cost if you’re to end up with a high-quality material.

“You can easily lose about half of the mass in a dung pile over a year-long outdoor stacking period and a great deal of valuable organic matter, nutrients and carbon if you compost it.

“Anything that reduces farmers reliance on boughtin fertilisers – the production of which often relies heavily on fossil fuels – is a huge boost to farm resilience.

“The trials so far look promising – Bokashi looks like a better way to go.”

Innovative Farmers Coordinator Laura Gudesaid: “We’re excited to see farmers take the lead on Bokashi research – their work could benefit any UK livestock farmer.

“The impact of techniques like this are still not widely known and the research is genuinely groundbreaking.

“We hope this inspires other farmers to try these nature-friendly methods.”

All results from the field lab will be made available open source. For updates and more information on the trial, visit theInnovative Farmers website.

S Staffordshire shearer gears up for his World Challenge

taffordshire based shearer Nick Greaves has been preparing for a World Shearing Record attempt which will take place on his home farm in Stafford on Saturday 3rd August.

An experienced shearer, Nick will be attempting to break the current 8-Hour World Lamb Shearing Record currently held by Jack Fagan of New Zealand who shorn 754 lambs in 2022.

someone who has believed in me from day one is Pete Chilcott from New Zealand who always told me I was good enough for a record and never doubted me. Pete gave me confidence when I needed it most and got me through a tally day we did in 2020 in the buildup to the first record. He has taught me the lamb pattern I use today."

On his achievements to date, Nick said: "My best personal achievement to date would be having a minime follow me around the farm all day – Eric is 3 and a half and is farming/ shearing mad. My best shearing achievement would be winning the English National, the Open and Six Nations at this year's Royal Bath and West Show. I had been second in the National twice previously but had never won the National before. It was always a goal in my career after watching Adam Berry win it year after year as I was coming through the grades."

Nick, 29, farms in partnership with his parents, running 1,350 ewes, 500 ewe lambs and 150 cattle. Nick has been contract shearing since he was 16 years old and started going on British Wool courses with Hywel Jones from that age until he was 20. As well as shearing here in the UK, Nick has also sheared in New Zealand and Italy throughout his career.

On his upcoming World Record Nick said: "I did a 2 stand British record in 2022 with Llyr Jones from Wales and I set the new single stand record which was beat a week later. I wanted to use my experiences from the record in 2022 as a stepping stone in getting onto the World Record ladder."

On advice to young shearers starting in the industry and who inspired him, Nick added: "Play around with your own gear, trial stuff yourself and work out what works for you. Everyone has a different hand, everyone has a different style. Be yourself, not anyone else.

"Lots from within shearing have inspired me but

Richard Schofield, Shearing Manager, British Wool said: "Nick is an experienced shearer and has had a successful summer shearing at many shows in recent months. This, alongside Nick's experience a couple of years ago with his previous record will I'm sure put him in a strong position as he attempts his World Record."

"As a member organisation, British Wool is committed to supporting the next generation, are delighted to be supporting Nick to help him achieve his goals and wish him the best of luck."

Cancer Research UK will be the record attempts nominated charity with fundraising taking place during the day. Like many, cancer has touched Nick's family following his Nanna passing from the disease and Nick's dad being diagnosed with oesophagus cancer three weeks before his record in 2022. Nick's dad went through two bouts of chemo, had a major operation to remove the cancer and is now in remission and on the road to recovery.

More information is available from Nick Greaves Solo 8-Hour World Lamb Shearing Record Attempt (cancerresearchuk.org)

F Farmers encouraged to speak to their vet about the benefits of using NSAIDs in dairy cows

armers are being encouraged to speak to their vet about the role of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in their medicine cabinets.

The move follows a recent cattle vet conference and round table meeting, hosted by Ceva Animal Health, which revealed that some vets and farmers are not speaking the same language when it comes to pain relief in the nation’s herd. Indeed, the vet delegates at the ‘Break the Pain Conference and Round Table’ event, which took place at The Mount Hotel in Wolverhampton on Wednesday 26 June, reported that they often assumed that farmers knew what NSAIDs were and their many benefits, yet anecdotal feedback from delegates was that there was much confusion in the farming community on the differences between antibiotics and NSAIDs, and the important role that NSAIDs play in the treatment of pain and welfare.

Featuring presentations on the extensive role of NSAIDs in pain relief at calving, during the treatment of digital dermatitis and for pain associated with lameness, vet delegates at the conference concluded that farmers are keen to provide pain relief for their animals, with cost not the primary barrier. Vets and farmers should, therefore, be investing time in discussing pain relief for their herds during farm visits to gain an understanding of the farmer’s aims and objectives with advice on management and treatments such as NSAIDs as an outcome.

Esteemed speakers at the conference included Nicola Gladden, Farm Animal Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham; Georgios Oikonomou, RCVS Specialist in Cattle Health and Production and Professor of Cattle Health and Welfare at the University of Liverpool and James Wilson, Foot Health Consultant at Herd Health Consultancy, with Nick Bell, Director of Herd Health Consultancy facilitating the round table discussion.

Katherine Timms, ruminant veterinary advisor at Ceva Animal Health, which manufactures the NSAID Ketofen, also spoke at the conference and comments: “The Stride UK dairy mobility report 2024 revealed that 7% of dairy farmers were not using NSAIDs in any lame cow, yet foot care and lameness management should be included in their herd health plans to meet the Red Tractor Dairy Standards and the standards of their milk buyer.

“Farmers want an effective and cost-efficient solution when it comes to offering pain relief to their herds due to other priorities on farm and using NSAIDs strategically have shown a substantial return on investment of £1.66 for every £1 invested1. Farmers should speak to their vet about pain relief with the goal of providing gold standard care for the long-term health and welfare of their herd.”

Information on the role of NSAIDs in the treatment of pain in cattle can be found by visiting www. wavegoodbyetopain.co.uk

A Brecon venue ready to host sale for early lamb producers

brisk and buoyant NSA Wales Border Early Ram Sale is expected at Brecon Livestock Market on Monday, 5thAugust.

Organisers are upbeat about the prospects for the first sale at the new venue. It is aimed at providing top quality tups for early lamb producers and is a popular choice among leading flockmasters.

The venue is owned and run by McCartneys and the partner in charge is Jenny Layton Mills. She is looking forward to the event and says the location is perfect, with a good road structure linking it with South, Mid and West Wales and beyond.

Jenny says:"We're looking forward to hosting the NSA Wales & Border Early Ram Sale this year and we'll make sure the day runs as smoothly as possible. Together with the other auctioneers involved, we'll be working hard to get the best prices possible.

"Our market is also just over an hour from the Severn Bridge and so attracts a lot of buyers from South West England.

"It's a centralised market with easy loading and unloading and access to the border counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Shopshire. These are all areas where people are early lambing. We also have a great café!"

James Amphlett of McCartneys represents livestock auctioneers on the NSA Wales & Borders Ram Sales committee.He stresses that the sale will follow the same pattern as it has in previous years.

James says: "We aim to provide quality tups from a good choice of breeds to continue providing for early lambing flocks. This service is essential to the future of the sheep industry in the UK."

NSA Wales & Border Ram Sale Chairman Geoff Probert, says the move to Brecon marks a brand new chapter for the Early Sale and reflects the positive outlook for its long term

future. He says Brecon has a modern purpose builtmarket with covered sheep pens and is an out of town location off a roundabout on the A40 trunk road.

He feels:"We feel this is our best option to maintain the Early Ram Sale in its usual format. Brecon Market is a good facility, a spacious site with plenty of room to park.

"It's the best move we can make. It means we'll be able to maintain the two sales going forward, with a positive cash flow.

"We'll be able to maintain the standards and improve on them. We've turned things round and we're in a lot better position this year."

The NSA Wales & Border Ram Sales committee has agreed to sell all sheep through one ring, so as not to split the buyers. McCartneys porters will assist and their staff will collect licences and MV forms.

The order of sale, by drawn lots filmed to ensure accuracy, will start with Texels, sold by Clee Tompkinson and Francis, followed by Hereford Market Auctioneers selling the Charollais and then McCartneys with the cross bred tups. Non MV sheep, entered by two vendors, will be sold after the MV sheep.

For more information on the sale please contact Sale Organiser Jane Smithatjane@nsaramsales.co.ukor Telephone01291 673939

2023/2024: A mixed year for UK dairy farms

There are several positives offering welcome news for the dairy sector following the unprecedented challenges over the past 12 months.

According to the latest Kingshay Dairy Costings Focus Report, following a sharp drop in milk prices to an average of 36.49ppl in July 2023, values have steadily risen - but still do not cover the full cost of production or provide a fair return for family labour for many farmers.

The gap between the highest and lowest milk prices has also fluctuated, peaking at 13.8ppl in March 2023 before narrowing to 11.6ppl in March 24. “It’s clear the UK milk market is changing as retailers and consumers demand more,” says Kathryn Rowland, Kingshay’s Senior Farm Services Manager. “Given the increased focus on climate change, it is essential that the market can deliver premiums to cover the extra effort and costs on-farm. Milk processors like First Milk are already offering premiums for regenerative farming practices and going forward, it is likely that the range in pricing even within contracts – let alone between them – is going to widen.”

An insight into trends over the past 10 years reveals that while average milk yields have slightly increased and remain in the mid 8,000 litres/cow range, milk solids have hit a new record of 646kg/cow, marking almost an 11% increase over the past 10 years, outpacing the 5.4% rise in milk yield. This is most likely due to producers focusing on feed efficiency and fulfilling their milk contract requirements, the report says.

Average herd sizes have increased by two head, year-on-year, and now stand at 219 cows compared to 185 in 2014. Stocking rates have also seen a rise, reaching 2.39 cows/ hectare compared to 2.25 a decade ago.

The atrocious weather meant that, unsurprisingly, milk from forage has decreased by 3% on last year, to 2,691 litres per cowalthough Scotland managed to buck the trend with a 16% year-on-year increase.

On the health front, herd health has generally improved in nearly all areas. Mastitis cases have decreased to an average of 26 cases per 100 cows, indicating better management, facilities, breeding and recording.

However, lameness has seen an increase which, having declined annually since 2020, jumped by four cases per 100 cows to 37. This was likely due to poor weather conditions in 2023/24 affecting grazing access and leading to longer housing periods. Mobility scores remain identical to last year, with 5.9% of the herd scoring 2 or 3, suggesting changes in lameness recording practices.

Fertility trends have returned to normal following the hot summer of 2022/23, which negatively impacted oestrus cycles. The calving interval has narrowed back to match 2021/22 levels at 393 days, with days to first service at 70, one day longer than in 2021/22. The 200-day not-in-calf rate, at 12%, was one percentage point below 2021/22, while the infertility culling rate dropped back to match the previous year’s 6.7%.

The cost of an extended calving interval has dropped from £5.89/day per cow to £4.88/day, mainly due to lower milk prices and feed costs. Efficiency varies widely across production systems, with all-year-round calving herds with a housing focus producing the greatest margin per cow (£2,495 per cow) and autumn / split block calving herds with a grazing focus the highest margin per litre (29ppl).

Similar trends in milk prices were seen in organic herds, with the margin over purchased feed per cow dropping by 13.9% to £2,048 compared to £2,380 the previous year. Although organic herds are much larger compared to conventional, herd size has also grown by 19% over the past decade to 243 cows.

The full report is available at www.kingshay. com

Is monitoring an essential part of rodent control?

Every farmer will be all too familiar with the challenges of preventing and tackling tricky rodent infestations across their site. And with the demanding day-to-day running of a farm, sometimes pest control can slip to the bottom of the priority list, meaning early activity can go unnoticed and infestations soon establish.

One of the most underutilised tools in a farmer’s armoury, though, is monitoring bait. Usually formulated (although not exclusive) to blocks, nontoxic baits are made from a blend of food-grade ingredients that rodents find attractive. They are designed to be appealing to rodents, thus making it easier for farmers to monitor rodent activity.

These non-toxic tools are becoming increasingly popular within the industry and with auditors alike. Many are formulated using the same highlypalatable ingredients as their chemical counterpart, but without the active ingredient, such as Selontra® and Monitoring Paste by BASF, ensuring that when switching from the non-toxic to the toxic the rodent is more likely to think it’s the same food source.

In years gone by, and perhaps to an extent still to this day, the use of monitoring products has been considered a waste of time and money by many farmers, and only used when required by auditors. However, as time moves on and the industry becomes more considerate with rodenticide use, many are now discovering the numerous benefits of adding monitoring products to their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme.

Previously, farmers may have simply relied on baiting permanently or discovering physical evidence such as droppings, runs and signs of damage, when carrying out site inspections. Some may even use tracking dust, sand, or flour along suspected activity areas. So, what are the benefits of using a monitoring bait?

1.Detect infestations early

Monitoring products are key to helping farmers detect early signs of rodent activity and get ahead of potential challenging infestations. When an infestation is just taking hold, and little may be noticed through a visual inspection, the use of nontoxic monitoring products allow individuals to easily track rodent activity and determine the extent of the infestation.

Monitoring blocks, such as Monitoring Paste by BASF, act as a first indicator that a site has early signs of rodent activity, with rats and mice making the most of having a highly-palatable and easilyaccessible food source on hand. This allows a farmer to act fast and put an effective treatment programme in place quickly to prevent the infestation from establishing, saving them time and money and preventing loss of earnings through contamination.

2.Monitoring encourages rodenticide uptake

Rodents are notorious for being wary of new objects in their environment, so putting a rodenticide down when early activity is detected can result in a delayed take. By using monitoring baits, rodents in the area will become more familiar with the object, reducing neophobia when the monitoring baits are replaced with rodenticide, should a chemical control method be required.

3. Save money on wasted bait

Before an infestation takes hold, it can be difficult to know exactly where rodents may come from and how they may move around a site. In many cases a lot of farmers choose to permanently bait in all boxes. These actions from an environmental perspective can be difficult to justify, and also very costly. Over time if there is no activity on site, the farmer will still have to replace the rodenticide as it will start to go mouldy and be unappealing to rodents, or worse, be demolished by slugs and snails. By using monitoring blocks at these sites, rodents will readily eat them if they appear, giving that early indication, and if they don’t appear then the cost of replacing mouldy monitoring blocks is insignificant compared to its toxic counter-part.

4.Target your baiting programme

Plenty of farmers have areas of their land where they rarely get activity, and those that are regularly affected by rodent activity. By changing their approach to monitoring and having toxic bait in situ at those regularly affected areas, they are able to target their treatment appropriately rather than blanket treating the whole site. This methodology can allow farmers to employ a more targeted approach when treating an infestation, whilst saving them money and reducing the exposure of non-target rodents as per the CRRU guidance.

5.Instant take by using the right pairing

There many monitoring products that have the same ingredients and construction as its toxic counter-part. Monitoring Paste by BASF features a non-toxic soft block formulation that is based on the highly palatable, award-winning rodenticide Selontra®, with the active and dye taken out.

Using a monitoring block that has a sister toxic product will ensure you get rapid control if an issue occurs. In all of BASF’s testing and field trails,

there was instant uptake from rats and mice when Monitoring Paste was switched to the toxic product, as the rodents assumed it was the exact same food source.

This approach to monitoring can mean your treatment time is massively reduced comparatively from starting from scratch or using alternative products.

Monitoring options and placement

There’s no real right or wrong to placement of monitoring blocks. Farmers will already have a good idea of where rodents may travel around their site and should place stations accordingly. You could also choose to discreetly wire or place monitoring products outside of stations, but it is worth bearing in mind that when you do get activity you’ll need to place the toxic bait in the same manor for speed of control, which may not always be practical when placed outside of bait stations. Therefore, if the monitoring blocks are placed in bait boxes or where it can be placed “covered and protected”, then they can be directly replaced with the toxic bait when and if necessary.

Of course, monitoring blocks are not the only tool at the farmer’s disposal. With technology becoming increasingly sophisticated, there is also the option to monitor activity digitally, using cameras, trapping systems and box sensors. However, this technology in pest control is early and can be unreliable at times, and investing in this kind of equipment can be costly.

For more information visithttps://www.pestcontrol. basf.co.uk/en/

For more expert advice on rural rodent control, and to find out more about BASF’s rodent control solutions, visithttps://www.pestcontrol.basf.co.uk/ en/Urban-and-Rural-Pest-Control/Rural-PestControl/

The Samson Group unveils new application techniques for optimal use of organic fertilizers

Since May 1st, the Pichon and Samson brands have expanded their product lines with two models of disc incorporator (CDf & CDx) and a new model of disc injector (IDs). The TSB trailing shoe boom range, launched at Agritechnica in late 2023, has been extended with the TSB2 models 15-18-21m, while Pichon introduces TSB1 7,5 and 9m. These new application technique enhance the existing ranges and offer significant innovations for users. Starting this fall, each brand will communicate more

precisely and individually about these new tools. Brown gold at your fingertips

For several years, SAMSON AGRO has been educating its clients on the importance and methods of utilizing the nutrients found in slurry and manure. Optimal nutrient use is essential not only to ensure sustainable soil fertility but also to maximize crop yields. “The choice of equipment behind a slurry tanker is crucial. Our state-of-theart equipment, designed for surface application, injection, and incorporation, ensures maximum

nutrient absorption by plants. This approach improves soil health and productivity while reducing ammonia emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment,” says Christophe Marzin, Liquid spreading Products Manager. “By complying with current and upcoming European regulations, our tools, such as drip hoses booms, trailing shoes booms, injectors, and incorporators, enable precise and efficient use of organic fertilizers. This not only

promotes better air quality but also helps agricultural fields reach their maximum potential while supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly farming,” adds Gabriel Lund, Product Marketing Manager.

Choosing injection or incorporation to minimize environmental impact

Driven by the Group's dynamic, the Pichon and

Samson brands have just launched a new injector model and two new incorporator models on the global market. The goal of these techniques is to minimize environmental impact through precise application that ensure better nutrient absorption into the soil. Odor emissions and ammonia losses are minimized. To achieve this, it is essential to choose the right application technique based on various criteria (soil types/crops, weather conditions, etc.). Injectors allow targeted application at the root level with minimal soil disturbance, which is ideal for grass and growing crops, focusing on nutrient efficiency and quality. Incorporators combine fertilization and soil preparation, optimizing the use of organic fertilizers in residential areas and preparing seedbeds for various agricultural contexts.

The IDs disc injector* offers an injection depth of up to 5 cm and a working width of 8 m. The combination of two conical discs with the cutting disc allows slurry to be applied to the heart of the furrow. Splashes are avoided, and the plant cover is protected.

The CDf Disc Incorporator* is designed to work on cluttered surfaces (plant debris, stubble, postmaize harvest), the CDf disc incorporator features two rows of discs: injectors and coverers, and is available in 4.5m and 6m versions. The first row of discs opens a furrow in the soil, and the diffuser applies the slurry. The second row covers the furrow.

The CDx disc incorporator* is available in an 8 m version. It is designed for use on heavy soils with large amounts of plant debris. Equipped with two

rows of discs, its robust structure ensures durability and strength. A lateral star disc perfectly levels the soil surface, allowing immediate seeding after incorporation.

Two models of TSB trailing shoes booms for the needs of small and large farms

Unveiled as a preview at Agritechnica, the TSB trailing shoe boom is available in the TSB1 version (1 vertical distributor – working widths between 7.5 m and 9 m) under the Pichon brand and the TSB2 version (2 vertical distributors - working widths between 15 m and 24 m) under the Samson brand. In addition to the existing model, a new TSB2 1518-21 m boom is now available. The TSB1 range has been developed to replace spreading with emissive materials such as splash plate. With its streamlined design, the TSB1 trailing shoe boom is highly maneuverable. It is ideal for for applying organic fertiliser on hilly terrain, and offers excellent contour following. The TSB2 range, on the other hand, is ideal for contractors and large farms. It offers the necessary adaptability to meet the most demanding agricultural tasks. Its reliable and flexible design is intended to maximize productivity. The working widths ensure excellent distribution and uniform lateral application of fertilizer under different conditions and on all types of soil. As an option on the TSB2 model, Samson offers the Active Contour System. This technology frees the boom wings to adapt effortlessly to the field's contours. The boom design allows easy integration on all tankers, whether new or already in service.

V Successful close to the financial year for Vogelsang

ogelsang GmbH & Co. KG (Vogelsang Germany and subsidiaries) breaks the 200 million euro mark and reports annual sales of 202 million euros in 2023. This represents an increase in sales of around 17 % compared to the previous year – driven in particular by the Agricultural Technology, Biogas, Wastewater and Transport Technology business divisions.

“We are delighted to have once again significantly exceeded our sales expectations in 2023 and that we can report such a record year,” says Harald Vogelsang, Managing Director of Vogelsang GmbH & Co KG. He also says: “Our broad product portfolio and our international focus make us crisis-proof, even in fastchanging times. Therefore, together with our dedicated employees, we are celebrating our 95th year since the company was founded.”

Successful product launches

With new and modified products such as the BlackBird trailing shoe system with a working width of 30 meters and the SwingMax5 Slide trailing shoe system with a working width of 24 meters in the agricultural sector, as well as the new generation of PreMix solid matter feeders in the biogas segment, Vogelsang responded to the market's high demand for innovative and tailor-made solutions. In addition to the biogas sector, the

Harald Vogelsang Managing Director Vogelsang management team

HiCone progressive cavity pump is also used in other branches of industry.

Expansion of the workforce

Last year, the company gained around 120 new employees worldwide – including 25 trainees. Vogelsang is currently training around 75 apprentices and dual students and was awarded the “TOP TRAINING” quality seal by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023. Last year, Detlef Ruhmke and Michael Brinkmann also joined the management team. Harald Vogelsang: “Supporting our customers with our technology and expertise is what continues to drive us in 2024. And that’s why we are always working on further innovative solutions and engaging with users to further expand our product portfolio in line with demand.”

This year, the internationally active family business will once again be represented at a number of trade fairs, including IFAT from May 13-17 in Munich, ACHEMA from June 10- 14 in Frankfurt am Main, as well as EuroTier and EnergyDecentral from November 12-15 in Hanover.

For more information, visit: vogelsang.info

EFFECTIVE SPREADING SYSTEMS

Flexible, reliable and easy to maintain:

As a pioneer in agricultural technology, Vogelsang leads the way in environmental friendly spreading equipment. The dribble bar systems combined with the ExaCut distributor give the highest application of liquid manure nutrients.

Dribble bars are available in working widths of 7.5m right up to 36m and are retrofit-friendly.

For more information visit www.vogelsang.info/en-uk/dribble-bar-systems

VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

Contact us at:

01270 216 600 | sales.uk@vogelsang.info

vogelsang.co.uk

New butterfly mowers and twin rotor rakes expand Massey Ferguson’s hay and forage range

Massey Ferguson has added two new heavy-duty butterfly mowers to its DM range featuring options to improve performance and crop conditioning. Alongside these, MF’s RK twin rotor rake range has also been updated, with six new models, offering users GPS section control on all new machines.

The new heavier-duty MF DM 9614 TL offers a 9.6m working width, while the larger MF DM 10114 TL has a 10.1m working width. The two new models will be available alongside the established and streamlined MF DM 8612 TL and MF DM 9614 TL mowers.

All new models are equipped with the latest heavyduty, spur gear cutterbar and a conditioner is fitted as standard. There is a choice of the tined ‘KC’ version, or ‘RC’ roller, which now features drive to both rollers and a more aggressive ‘steel on steel’ option, for heavier crops such as lucerne.

‘Pro’ models include ISOBUS control, allowing operators to automate functions to improve ease of

use and forage quality. Conditioning intensity can be adjusted to match the crop and produce a uniform dry matter.

The Pro models also connect the front and rear mowing units, offering manual or automatic side shift for the front mower, to reduce missed areas on hills. The system automatically adjusts the ground pressure, via MF’s TurboLift, in relation to

the rear mower. GPS section control lifts the mower on the headland to avoid previously worked areas, while the rear mower automatically raises and centres when reversing.

All ‘Pro’ models are also available with a belt grouper that transfers crop to the centre to form swaths from 1.6m to 3m wide. New sensors on the system monitor the belt units’ position and automatically adjusts this to maintain the optimum centre of gravity.

Twin rotor rake additions

There are six new MF RK twin rotor rakes with working widths from 7.6m to 10m. Building on the proven design, the new models feature ISOBUS operation (Pro), speed related height adjustment, as well as section control and maintenance-free rotor heads.

A new flexHIGH speed-dependant raking height system automatically raises and lowers the machine to maintain the optimum working height, reducing contamination and increasing output.

All rotors feature maintenance-free heads, while a

standard switch box or load sensing on the Pro models, allows individual control of the rotors. Section control is available on all new models to increase accuracy and reduce contamination by automatically lifting and lowering the rotors according to the GPS position.

A new MyMemory option makes it faster and easier to change between fields by saving the working height, working width and swath width before switching to the transport position. A new gearbox design allows all models below the largest MF RK 1102 TRC Pro to fold to less than 4m high without removing any tine arms.

Trio of wider models added to KUHN Prolander range

KUHN Farm

Machinery has expanded its versatile Prolander cultivator range with three wider models suited to farmer and contractors requiring a high output machine for a variety of soil conditions.

The three models – 9000, 12000 and 14000 – offer working widths of 9.2m, 12.2m and 14.2m respectively, which will suit users operating controlled traffic systems. The new models take the Prolander range to eight, offering a versatile stubble cultivator capable of working a range of seedbeds, including ploughed, cultivated or stubble.

Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable and connected services product specialist, says the new models allow larger growers to benefit from the Prolander.

“The Prolander has grown in popularity over recent seasons due to its versatility and ease of use. The wider models increase the appeal for growers requiring a tine cultivator capable of a wide range of operations, and with a modest power requirement of 25-35hp/m.”

Working depths of 3-12cm are possible across the Prolander range and a new 90x13mm Stooth is ideal for ‘tearing’ stubbles to guarantee a complete mix of surface material. Existing tine options are available, including the 70x12mm S shaped tine and 60mm or 200mm goose foot tines. Double U or Double Tube rollers can be specified to suit user requirements.

The five smaller Prolander models, from 4m to 7.5m, are now available with the SH 600 – a 600-litre hopper designed to sow cover crops and small seeds in a one-pass system. Seeding options for the new larger models include KUHN’s TF 1512 front tank.

Starting price for the 9m Prolander 9000 is £83,000.

8083 Hrs, 280 HP

710/70R42 (100%)

£81,750 +VAT

£126,750 +VAT

New Holland marks two millionth Basildon tractor in plant’s 60th year

In the same year it celebrates 60 years of tractor production, the New Holland plant at Basildon, England, is now marking the manufacturing of itstwo millionth tractor, a feat managed by only a handful of such facilities across the world.

The two millionth unit is a 225hp T7.225, one of the most popular T7 models produced at the Basildon plant. It has received a striking celebration livery comprising ‘candy blue’ body panels, New Holland silver and black graphics featuring the Union Jack flag of the United Kingdom, and a ‘2,000,000 Basildon Tractors’ logo, plus a New Holland leaf bonnet top. The tractor also features black wheels rims with candy blue rim edges.

long-serving names retired. Just a year later, the factory produced its250,000thtractor.

“This is a major milestone in the life of our Basildon plant, and a mark of both the dedication of our skilled employees here and the loyalty of our customers worldwide, to whom we are extremely grateful,” saidCarlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President.

“From the tractors of 1964 to those of today, we have come a long way in capability, capacity and technology, allowing our customers to farm more efficiently. What is unchanged, though, is our commitment at Basildon and across the whole of our business to continue developing the technology our customers need to sustainably power their farms into the future.”

The two millionth tractor will make special appearances during forthcoming events in the UK, and will then be displayed in the Customer Centre at Basildon.

Significant milestones in sixty years

The Basildon factory opening in 1964 coincided with the introduction of the new 37-65hp Ford 6X tractor series which was to be made there, meaning thefirst of the two million tractors were 2000 Dexta, 3000 Super Dexta, 4000 Major and 5000 Super Major models.Within two years the plant had produced100,000of these tractors, and these models later became known generally as the ‘Pre-Force’ series, following the 1968 launch of the ‘Ford Force’ 2/3/4/5000 tractors, which saw the

In 1984, the500,000thtractorwas made, from the Q-cabbed Series 10 range launched three years previously, which ultimately spanned 44hp 2610 to 116hp 8210 models, introducing developments such as the SynchroShift synchromesh transmission.

Five years later, coinciding with the 1989 launch of the Generation III evolution of the Series 10 range, Basildon produced itsone millionth tractor. The year also marked 25 years of manufacturing at the plant, celebrated with the release of a number of special edition Silver Jubilee 7810 tractors.

In 1995, the factory produced its1,500,000thtractor, a Series 40 model, four years after it came under new ownership following the purchase of the Ford New Holland agricultural equipment business by Fiat, creating today’s New Holland brand.

In July 2024 the2 millionth tractorrolls out of the production line, marking a memorable milestone for the plant in Basildon and for the New Holland brand, globally.

Today, the plant’s production continues to be exported across the world and has grown to include the latest models powered by alternative fuels - such as methane and compressed natural gas. These are products of a recent development at the facility, the Alternative Fuels Centre of Excellence, a specialized R&D department focused on alternative propulsions.

Deutz and TAFE: The latest move in a smart ‘Dual+’ strategy, or a step too far?

In this insight we explore the latest part of Deutz’s Dual+ strategy and whether engine manufacturers need to restructure to avoid stranded assets in the future.

This week Deutz announced a partnership with TAFE Motors – one of the largest Indian tractor manufacturers – that will see TAFE manufacture up to 30,000 Deutz engines in the 2.2 liter (50-75 hp) and 2.9 liter (75-100 hp) segments under license.

more slowly than anticipated.

• They need to make large investments to modify their existing products to be low or zero emission, or to develop new products i.e. electrified solutions.

• The supply chain for engine components may collapse if it becomes unsustainable due to a lack of sales or investment.

This is the latest in a series of strategic moves by Deutz to support its Dual+ strategy (aimed at increasing growth and generating greater profitability). Deutz recently acquired Blue Star Power Systems – a US manufacturer of gensets –to develop vertically and become a solution provider in this segment. Additionally, Deutz announced in 2023 that, in co-operation with Daimler Trucks, it would develop and market medium and heavy-duty engines for the offhighway segment based on IP acquired or licensed from Daimler.

In this insight we review if the TAFE partnership makes sense and whether it fits into the Dual+ strategy.

Engines: the Long Goodbye

Globally, many applications for internal combustion engines are transitioning to alternatives. This presents a series of challenges for engine manufacturers:

• Their core market is either declining or growing

Engine companies focusing on the off-highway market are somewhat insulated; the market isn’t transitioning to electrified or alternative solutions very quickly. Furthermore, many of the engine suppliers are captive because they are part of an OEM and therefore have much more control over strategic direction (Volvo Penta, AGCO Power and Perkins are just a few examples). However, engine manufacturers like Cummins or Deutz are independent and therefore more exposed to market trends and growing pressures on their own supplier bases. They must, therefore, adapt their operations to avoid an uncertain future and be left

holding stranded assets.

Deutz Dual+ Strategy

In the last 18 months Deutz has taken a number of strategic moves to help secure its future direction as part of its “Dual+ Strategy”.The Dual+ strategy“…includes a new zero-emission product ecosystem alongside its core business in optimized internal combustion engines. Both segments will be supported through the global expansion of the high-margin service business.”

In essence, Deutz is aiming to protect and maximize the return on its engine business while also securing a role in the energy transition to net zero/zero emissions (this could also be called having its cake and eating it).

So far, almost all the moves made by Deutz have focused on enhancing its engine business:

• Partnership with Daimler to further develop its medium and heavy-duty engines.

• Deutz to take on the sales and service of large engines from Rolls Royce (mtu).

• Acquisition of Blue Star Power Systems to enter decentralized energy business.

• Partnership with TAFE.

In fact, the one announcement related to electrification has seen Deutz divest its Torqueedo business, which makes electric drives for marine applications. The implication so far is that Deutz is pushing hard to develop the engine side of its business. Does this make sense and is the agreement with TAFE sensible?

Is India a Step too Far?

The Indian market for off-highway engines is already sizeable and is forecast to grow quickly over the next 10 years, driven by automation of the agriculture market and investment in housing and infrastructure. The Indian tractor market is projected to expand from approximately 900,000 units sold annually in 2023 to nearly 1.3 million units in 2035. By comparison, the Indian construction and road building equipment market is expected to increase from approximately 70,000 units sold annually in 2023 to nearly 120,000 units during 2035.

From a growth and market size perspective, India seems like a smart bet for Deutz and other engine manufacturers. But that’s a simplistic view.

The Deutz engine products that will form part of the TAFE agreement address the 50-75 hp (37-56 kW) and 75-100 hp (56-75 kW) segments. For tractors, this market is only around 160,000 units annually in India (many tractors sold are lower horsepower) but is forecast to grow to 230,000 units by 2035.

So, in reality, the market opportunity for new engines for Deutz is much smaller than presented

above. It is also worth noting that TAFE has its own engine suppliers –Simpson & Co and TMTL – which may complicate the relationship. However, the partnership with Deutz will presumably bring better quality and advancements in meeting local emission standards.

If the Indian market represents a relatively small opportunity for Deutz – and comes with captive competition – why is it an interesting opportunity?

Deutz is hoping to grow its business in a fastgrowing market and to be able to supply product into other South-East Asian countries. Additionally, as the market for engines declines in Europe, maintaining a supplier base in India will allow Deutz to protect its global footprint for engine manufacturing and keep costs low. Therefore, the agreement with TAFE should be seen as a wider strategic move to maintain the core engine business for Deutz.

Furthermore, India is likely to be a relatively strong market for hydrogen ICE – both for trucks and offroad vehicles in the 2035-40 timeline – which is good for Deutz since it has developed an H2 ICE program.

Implications

On balance, the partnership with TAFE probably makes sense for Deutz in terms of providing resilience to its global engine supply chain. It is less clear at this point whether it will be a strong sales market for Deutz engines since there is both domestic Indian competition and international competition from the likes of Kubota and Yanmar. More broadly, Deutz has so far ‘bet big’ on engine technology with its Dual+ strategy. It’s hard to criticize any of the moves individually as the Daimler/Rolls Royce move is likely to reduce its investment in engine technology and the Blue Power announcement opens up a new market and profit source for Deutz. However, the bigger picture shows there are legitimate concerns as to whether the strategy will leave the company too exposed to the global engine market and left holding stranded assets.

For more information about off-highway vehicles and powertrain markets, and the global H2 ICE sector, please contactAlastair Hayfield.

John Deere military event shines light on machinery careers for service leavers

John Deere has seen an influx of applications to its Military Hiring Programme after hosting a bespoke event for service leavers involving dealers from across the UK.

Held at the company’s UK headquarters in Langar, Nottinghamshire, the event gave armed forces personnel the chance to have detailed discussions about what the next stage of their career could look like working with one the world’s biggest machinery manufacturers.

The ground-breaking resettlement programme for military service personnel offers new career opportunities working on some of the world’s most advanced agricultural and professional groundscare products.

John Deere.

Those who enrol onto the programme are put into contact with an individual from the John Deere network who have resettled themselves, who will guide them through the next steps which includes free training courses before finding employment with a John Deere dealer.

Members of the armed forces have been identified as ideal candidates to bring their unique skill sets and experience to technician roles within UK and Ireland dealerships as many have already worked with systems and products similar to those used by

“What was really successful about the day was the amount of conversation between military personnel and dealers,” says Allan Cochran, Branch Training Manager for John Deere.

“Everybody wanted to talk, everybody wanted to engage with the event, and I think everyone that was there, both military and dealers, got something out of it.”

The event drew a positive number of applications to the Military Hiring Programme, with 23 exservicemen now waiting for the next step to start their new career with John Deere.

The Military Hiring Programme has drawn interest from across the country, with attendees travelling from not just the surrounding Midlands, but also from as far as Cornwall and Scotland.

“To have people coming from all the country is really great to see,” says Allan. “We have dealers in all corners of the nation, and with the largest proportion of people wanting to resettle wherever they are based now, we can make that happen.”

As well as dealers and staff, attendees also had the opportunity to listen to those who had been through the Military Hiring Programme themselves and were now a part of the dealership network. Exservicemen Martin Frodsham, Will Foster and Mike Rogers spoke about their journey and what their career has been like since leaving the armed forces and becoming technicians.

Attendees also heard from John Deere instructors who showed them the machines that they would be working on should they apply to join John Deere, with a focus on precision agriculture and what the future looks like for agricultural technology.

The event was supported by ten John Deere dealers, including Thomas Sheriff, Cornthwaite Group, Ripon Farm Services, Ben Burgess, Tuckwells, Farol, Tallis Amos Group, Hunt Forest Group, Smallridge Bros, and Masons Kings.

Interested service members and ex-service members can apply to the Military Hiring Programme at any time online by visiting www. deere.com/JDMHP, or contact John Deere for more information.

100,000 model milestone reached

On 25 July 2024, following 25 uninterrupted years of manufacture, the 100,000th Fendt 700 Vario rolled off the production line in Marktoberdorf.

The Fendt 700 Vario has become a reference tractor for farmers, contractors and operators outside the agricultural sector. A small turning circle and high performance coupled with low fuel consumption has seen the 724 Vario become Germany’s longest-standing top model. Since its conception in 1999 it has received 33 awards in nine categories from nine countries.

"The 700 series is a true allrounder. It has evolved over the last 25 years to provide more power, improved fuel economy and better manoeuvrability whilst being the epitome of comfort," says Ed Dennett, Retail Market Manager, Northwest Europe.

Launched on 30 August 1998, Fendt presented the Favorit 700 Vario series with its stepless transmission and range of four-valve engines. Fendt was the first manufacturer to introduce machine operation via joystick and terminal in the 115 to 160 hp power class. 10,000 of the first model were manufactured and the series won the "Tractor of the Year 1999" award.

In 2003, the " Favorit" name was dropped and a new Tractor Management System (TMS), which

controlled the engine and transmission, optimised the injection quantity and engine speed, was introduced.

“At low loads, the engine speed was lowered, which improved fuel consumption. The Variotronic headland management system memorised and

automated function sequences at the headland, and just one push of a button could trigger 13 functions. This saved time and money and made the second generation a bestseller,” explains Mr Dennett.

The ensuing third generation brought track guidance and a fully automatic guidance system which made precision field work the norm. Generation four had a new appearance featuring the curved VisioPlus cab and a multifunctional armrest for the first time. New SCR technology saved up to 10 percent diesel and in 2012 the 724 Vario, had the best result in the DLG-PowerMix Test performance class.

The fifth generation 700 featured a Coated Soot Filter (CSF) and external exhaust gas recirculation, reducing diesel consumption and halving AdBlue consumption. However, the sixth generation broke the mould again with its new FendtONE operating system.

“FendtONE brought a new multifunction armrest and the 3L joystick. This was a completely new approach to Fendt operation, enabling function buttons on the armrest and joystick to be freely assigned. In addition, FendtONE onboard and offboard provided Smart Farming options,” says Mr Dennett.

Today, the Fendt 700 Vario Gen7 offers up to 300 horsepower.

“As it did 25 years ago, development started on a blank sheet of paper with the aim of building the most manoeuvrable, fastest and most efficient 700 of all time. The Gen7 makes the technologies of the larger Fendt tractors accessible to the compact class up to 300 hp. A new single-stage Fendt VarioDrive drive train, integrated VarioGrip tyre pressure regulation system and a licence for speeds of up to 60 km/h made the 728 Tractor of the Year 2023, and it is just as groundbreaking as the very 700 series was 25 years ago,” concludes Mr Dennett.

Rother Valley Tree Services Powers Ahead With Bobcat Loader

Rother Valley Tree Services Ltd, based in Doncaster in South Yorkshire in the UK, has purchased a new top-of-therange Bobcat T86 compact track loader and several Bobcat attachments including the new Bobcat FRC200XT high flow forestry mulcher from AMS Bobcat, the local Authorised Bobcat Dealer.

Rother Valley Tree Services is a family run business that as well as Doncaster, also covers Rotherham, Barnsley, Sheffield, Leeds, Wakefield and all the surrounding areas. The company

offers high quality work in every aspect of arboriculture, from small private clients to large commercial and local authority contracts.

Customers also include Prison Services, Waterways, Railways, Utility Companies, Private estates/woodlands and many private home and land owners. Utility arboriculture alone represents an estimated £150 million of arboricultural work in the UK each year, adjacent to electricity supplies, plus work close to rail, waterways and telecommunications networks.

Rother Valley Tree Services features an enclosed cab with HVAC, an air-suspension seat, 7 inch Touch panel display, Two Speed, Power Bob-Tach attachment system, a Reversing Fan, premium LED Lights, keyless Ignition and Joystick Controls. AMS Bobcat has equipped the T86 with a forestry application kit, which is required when using the machine with a forestry mulcher. As part of the order, Rother Valley Tree Services also purchased Bobcat 82 inch root grapple and pallet fork attachments from AMS Bobcat.

Bobcat’s Top-of-the-Range T86 Compact Track Loader

Delivering a higher engine and hydraulic output, the Bobcat T86 is the most powerful compact track loader the company has ever built. The T86 uses a well-proven Stage Vcompliant 3.4 l Bobcat engine –producing 78 kW (105 HP) at 2600 RPM. Just like all of Bobcat’s R-Series loaders, the engine is mounted in-line with direct drive, which improves the cooling capacity of the engine and hydraulic components. This change increases reliability in high-intensity applications such as the forestry work carried out by Rother Valley Tree Services.

One of the most exciting aspects of the T86 is that for the first time there is a choice of three different auxiliary flow outputs. There is a standard flow configuration providing 87 l/min for applications such as load and carry, or where low hydraulic flow attachments are used. Bobcat also offers two additional hydraulic performance functions using the new Electronic Displacement Control (EDC) Pump on the T86: a High Flow function giving 138 l/min and a new optional, industry unique Super Flow function taking auxiliary flow to 159 l/min.

As well as the Super Flow, the T86 purchased by

Steve Smith, Managing Director of Rother Valley Tree Services, commented: “I was intending to purchase the T770 model from Bobcat, but AMS Bobcat introduced us to the idea of the new T86 and its Super Flow output and the more powerful attachments it can power, such as the new FRC200XT forestry cutter. Now part of our fleet, the T86 has more than matched what we were promised!

Carl Chadburn, Plant Manager of Rother Valley Tree Services, added: “The many jobs we are able to do are specialist, with only a few companies being able to offer these services in the UK. The T86, the new forestry cutter and the other Bobcat attachments we’ve purchased from AMS complement the rest of the vehicles and machinery in our fleet, giving us access to an even larger array of solutions to help complete even the most difficult of jobs. Rother Valley Tree Services cares for all our customers, large and small on a personal and individual basis.”

More Advantages of Track Loaders

In a host of applications in construction, landscaping, forestry, agriculture, disaster relief and many other areas, there are no other

machines that offer the combination of versatility and productivity that can be provided by compact track loaders such as the T86. This is due to their unique characteristics as tool carriers and the wide array of attachments that they can work with, from trenchers, augers, graders, soil conditioners, scarifiers and dozer blades to more specialist attachments such as forestry cutters and stump grinders.

Bobcat in the UK for over 30 years. Over the intervening years, AMS has sold over 4000 new Bobcat units into a wide range of industries, including construction, agriculture, shipping, plant hire, mining, landscaping and demolition.

With this level of experience, it is not surprising that AMS offers an excellent level of expertise and knowledge of the Bobcat range and the other products it offers, whether it be new and used equipment sales, parts supply, service repairs or long and short term rental.

AMS also offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support both new and existing Bobcat customers in its area. Customers benefit from AMS’s well-established onsite service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. The company offers flexible service agreements including 24 hours a day coverage, depending on the requirements of the customer.

As tool carriers, compact track loaders offer many advantages over the comparable wheeled machines. They can provide increased productivity in many conditions with a lifting capacity approximately 25% more than the equivalently sized wheeled loaders.

Carl Chadburn continued: “Combined with the low centre of gravity of the T86, the traction delivered by the tracked undercarriage gives us advantages for climbing and working on steep slopes in diverse applications such as scrub clearance on motorway verges, which would be difficult to carry out with the other machines in our fleet.

“Approximately three times less than a wheeled machine, the low ground disturbance of the T86 allows it to work on delicate surfaces, such as established lawns or asphalt, minimising damage and reducing the need for tidying up after the job is complete. As well as being perfectly suited for working anywhere on uneven terrain, the T86 can also work well on snow extending work into the winter, due to its superior traction and flotation.”

AMS - Over 30 Years as a Bobcat Dealer - More Than 4000 Machines Sold

Established in 1992, Scunthorpe-based AMS Bobcat is the Authorised Dealer for Bobcat for Lincolnshire and South and East Yorkshire. The company is one of the longest standing Bobcat dealers in Europe and has been in partnership with

A Growing Product Range

In the last three years, Bobcat has entered the European wheel loader market for compact wheel loaders and small articulated loaders, as well as launching the company’s new generation R-Series telehandlers and compact loaders. The product portfolio has now been further extended with a new range of compact tractors from 25 to 58 HP, together with new lines of mowers and turf renovation equipment. Other additions include a new family of forklifts and warehouse equipment as well as a market-leading range of portable power equipment.

The Bobcat R-Series telehandler range for agriculture and construction provides a choice of 21 models with Stage V engines. There are eight machines aimed at agriculture covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.3 tonne with lifting heights from 6 to 8 m, complemented by 13 more for construction covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.1 tonne and lifting heights from 6 to 18 m. The Bobcat range also includes a brand new selection of nine rotary telehandler models.

The Bobcat range offers 10 skid-steer loaders including the brand new R-Series S86 model, complementing these wheeled machines with a selection of five compact track loaders, including the T86 top-of-the-range model. Bobcat also offers an extensive portfolio of mini-excavators from 1.0 to 9.4 tonne, including two electric models and a full range of light compaction machinery.

Ariel launches all-new Nomad – the ultimate go-anywhere sports car

Ariel Motor Company, the UKbased low-volume manufacturer of ultralightweight road, track, and off-road vehicles, has launched the ultimate go-anywhere sportscar – the all-new Ariel Nomad 2.

Ariel’s launch of its second-generation Ariel Nomad is aptly named ‘Nomad 2’. As with the Atom sports car, now in its fourth generation, the Nomad evolves and maintains Ariel’s core value of SERIOUS FUN, epitomising the company’s philosophy of form following function.

Known as the Atom’s ‘Mucky Brother’ the Nomad’s off-road capability is immediately evident with exposed outboard suspension, long travel dampers, damage resistant body panels, raised air intake and a hose out interior.

The Nomad 2 is an instantly recognisable development of the original, yet the evolved design language is clear when comparing both vehicles. The Nomad 2 is an allnew design from the ground up – featuring only three carry-over parts – that builds on learnings from the original car, integrates customer feedback, and benefits from significant Ariel R&D.

Henry Siebert-Saunders, Ariel MD: “The all-new Nomad 2 is the sum of our 25 years of automotive experience, a decade of Nomad feedback and the latest learning from Atom 4. Pouring all this knowledge into Nomad 2 means it is faster and more capable than ever. The Nomad 2 really is the ultimate way to go-anywhere, on road or off it, fast!”

Designed and engineered by the in-house Ariel team, the Nomad 2 features an all-new chassis, suspension, steering and brakes, electronics, all-new bodywork with significant aerodynamic improvements, new seating and instrumentation, together with a host of design improvements and changes.

With an open design brief to improve the car wherever possible, the Nomad 2 represents a major step forward in the evolution of the Nomad and Ariel itself.

In designing the Nomad 2, Ariel worked to broaden the accessibility of the car’s performance, enabling customers to confidently explore the full extent of its capabilities. With this goal in mind, the new model features options of fully selectable driver aids including a three-stage engine map controller, driver adjustable launch and traction control, and an adjustable ABS system, developed to work on- and off-road. All adjustments can be made on the move, leaving the driver in complete control of settings.

Tested in the harshest environments from racetracks to rally stages, in blistering heat, monsoon rain, floods, mud and snow, the Nomad 2 has undergone Ariel’s most severe test regime to date.

Simon Saunders, Ariel Director: “Making lightweight

cars handle compliantly and comfortably on the road is an artform as suspension loads and forces are so low. Making the same car capable of reliably and repeatedly jumping the crest of an off-road hill at more than 100mph takes this to another level. If you then add in loose surfaces, mud, water, and perhaps some ice, you’ll appreciate the extremes that we have dealt with.

“The Nomad 2 is, even to us, a truly remarkable car. As ever, we’ve captured all the elements customers want –road car refinement and reliability, rally car performance and dynamics, plus beach buggy fun!

“It’s a car that can be driven to the shops, and then around a WRC rally stage. But most importantly, whatever the journey, our guiding principle is that it will put a smile on your face.”

As with all Ariels, every Nomad 2 will be built to order by a single technician, who takes the car from bare chassis to final test drive before signing it off and placing their personal nameplate on it. With far more than 100 options, Ariel can tailor-make each Nomad every customer’s exact requirements, ensuring no two cars will be the same.

Production of Nomad 2 is set to commence at the Ariel factory near Crewkerne in Somerset alongside the Ariel Atom 4, Atom 4R, and Dash e-bike.

Chassis

The basis of Nomad 2 is an all-new tubular chassis, designed in-house by the Ariel engineering and design team, with much learning coming from the first Nomad and more recently from the Atom 4. Featuring larger (63.5mm and 51mm) diameter main and diagonal tubes than the previous Nomad, each tube has been analysed and optimised to give a light but extraordinarily strong structure. The torsional stiffness of the chassis has been increased by more than 60% compared to the original Nomad delivering enormous structural rigidity. With built-in roll-over protection, the chassis offers a full safety cage for very high levels of occupant safety and exceeds the demands of a full frontal 50kph barrier impact, seat belt pull, and rear impact test.

The combination of sophisticated CAD (Computer Aided Design), FEA (Finite Element Analysis) design work,

laser cut components, and bronze-welded CNC (Computer Numerical Control) formed tubes, epitomises Ariel’s approach and delivers a quality only achievable in low volume production.

Compared to the original, the Nomad 2 entry / egress opening is larger, while a longer wheelbase provides more cockpit space. Chassis are treated to a threestage finishing process of phosphating, powder coating to colour choice, and then powder coating lacquer.

Engine

At the heart of the Nomad 2 is the new Ford 2.3-litre, 4cylinder, direct injection, 16-valve, twin spool turbocharged engine. Derived from the Focus ST the engine has been tuned by Ariel to give up to 305bhp with an astonishing 518Nm of torque. Mapped by Ariel to on and off-road requirements, the Nomad 2 has the option of a switchable ECU allowing drivers to choose from three different engine maps, giving 260bhp / 385Nm, 302bhp / 451Nm, or 305bhp / 518Nm. To achieve ultimate performance off-road, as well as on it, the highest setting delivers considerably more torque throughout the rev range.

Driving through a six-speed manual gearbox with limited slip differential, the Nomad 2 has passenger car driveability on-road but massive ability off-road. With the option of a six-speed paddle change Quaife sequential gearbox, derived from the Atom 4 and Atom 4R, plus a hydraulic handbrake, the Nomad 2 takes Ariel’s ultimate performance ethos to a new pinnacle for off-road, highperformance driving.

The air intake system incorporates an encapsulated airto-air intercooler, protected from off-road debris, together with a dual engine air filtration system to cope with adverse operating conditions off road. Clean air is ducted from the roof intake to the intercooler and separately to the engine intake system where a pre-filter removes any debris before a three-layer filter removes any finer particles. Any dirt or moisture collected is collected in a sump within the system and then released via a vacuator valve. A further WRC specification filter is available for ultra-severe conditions.

Designed to meet EUCSSTA (European Community Small Series Type Approval) noise and emission standards as well as racetrack noise levels, the 75mm diameter stainless system exhaust system features a ceramic honeycomb, high palladium / rhodium content catalytic converter, and a twin outlet stainless silencer.

A larger radiator, two and a half times the size of that in the original Nomad, is fitted to extend Nomad 2’s capability into yet harsher and hotter environments. With longer journeys into the unknown in mind the fuel capacity has also been increased to 70 litres, a 40% improvement on the previous model, giving a range of more than 550 miles.

Suspension, Steering, and Brakes

Ariel’s knowledge and experience of making lightweight vehicles that handle perfectly on and off-road, as well as in competition, sees the Nomad 2 achieve an ideal balance of on-road compliance while maintaining wheel contact and suspension travel off-road. The all-new chassis sees the wheelbase lengthened (+48mm) and track increased (+50mm) enhancing high speed stability off-road. The approach angle (48 degrees) and

departure angle (64 degrees) far exceed regular offroaders, meaning the Nomad 2 has the capability and the performance to tackle any terrain.

Featuring double, unequal length, wishbones with direct-acting outboard dampers, Nomad 2 has increased suspension travel over the original Nomad as well as totally revised suspension and steering geometry. Based on 10 years of continual development from Ariel and design input from suspension guru Richard Hurdwell, the new design incorporates anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. This reduces weight transfer under acceleration and braking, and maintains balance and tyre contact – particularly useful off-road to maximise grip. Given the performance increases, a revised steering rack and new geometry is incorporated, with particular focus on caster refinement to give precision on- and off-road as well as more communicative driver feedback.

K-Tech coil-over aluminium dampers, made specifically for the Nomad 2, are fitted as standard with Eibach dual rate springs. Ohlins TTX dampers and springs are offered as an option, featuring external piggy-back reservoirs and individual three-way adjustment for rebound, high-speed compression, and low-speed compression. A further off-road, full race option of Bilstein two-stage dampers with remote reservoirs is also available.

All inboard and outboard suspension points are now fully sealed rubber bushes and ball joints to prevent dust and dirt ingress, reducing wear and maintenance.

The all-new standard braking system increases in size by 40% over the original Nomad, due to the higher performance, with an option of the AP four-piston calipers and 290mm vented discs all round from the Ariel Atom 4. The twin circuit system features the option of cockpit adjustability to alter front / rear brake bias on the move, as well as a hydraulic handbrake for off-road use. Stainless braided hose for both brake and clutch hydraulic systems is standard fitment throughout.

A driver adjustable, EU-compliant ABS system with selectable road and off-road settings is available as an option. Cockpit-controlled launch and traction control, derived from the Atom 4 system, is also fitted to the Nomad 2 but calibrated for off-road use as well tarmac.

To ensure ultimate and dependable performance, whatever the use, the Nomad 2 is available with a wide range of wheels and tyres. There are three different wheels, made specifically for the Nomad 2, ranging from the standard 16-inch alloys, through 18-inch lightweight forged, to 16-inch Beadlock options. The wheels can be fitted with a range of tyres from road and all-terrain, to off-road and trackday, covering the broad spectrum of Nomad 2 use scenarios.

Body

Bodywork is a mixture of materials carefully selected for the Nomad 2 and its driving environment, both on- and off-road. Contactable body components, including front end, rear covers, and mudguards, as well as header, intake and interior panels are rotationally moulded in self-coloured, toughened polyethylene. The tough, almost unbreakable panels feature the material used in the original Nomad, the same process being used in the manufacture of road cones and boat fenders. Other body components such as front and rear load covers

are self-coloured composite with carbon fibre options, with a ‘bikini roof cover’ option for UV protection.

Immediately noticeable is the raised intake snorkel above the passenger compartment. Designed for the often harsh environments that the Nomad operates in, it feeds clean air to intercooler and engine independently and is the result of substantial design and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) work. Carried out on the Bramble cloud-based platform the complex aerodynamics channel air from the front header rail into the air intake.

Given the Nomad’s open chassis, controlling air flow over the car meant overcoming multiple issues. The header rail is an inverted wing that directs air towards the intake. However, to avoid disruption from the open top, air is allowed to bleed through and underneath the header rail to keep airflow attached before entering the intake uninterrupted. Vertical fins on top of the header channel direct cool air to the intake while warm air, exiting the radiator ducts, is forced away.

The header rail has further functions, acting as a sun visor and as a mounting point for the LED roof lights. As well as the standard LED lighting, twin quick-release illuminated whips can be optioned at the rear of the car to give increased visibility in remote off-road environments.

showing the rearward view on the TFT display.

As part of the new electrical layout a PDM (Power Distribution Management) system has been used in Nomad 2, eliminating the need for multiple fuses, relays and a large fuse box. Using programmable limit channels, the PDM system continually monitors the entire car’s electrical system, powering individual circuits off and back on if necessary. This feature is particularly useful when operating in very harsh and adverse conditions.

Performance, Price, and Ownership

Nomad 2 has also raised its performance capabilities over the original car with a 0-60mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 134mph. Given its highperformance potential both on- and off-road, the Nomad 2 is tuned for ultra-quick in-gear times and a broad and predictable torque range.

Nomad 2 is priced at £56,660 + VAT in the UK (£67,992 inc. VAT). Fixed price servicing is once yearly as standard, but is also dependent on mileage and competition / off-road use. Ariel’s legendary reliability and the use of Original Equipment such as oil filters and consumables, contributes to low running costs. The remarkable residuals that all Ariels have enjoyed, since the very first Atom, remove depreciation as the largest cost in any vehicle ownership and Ariels consistently retain most, if not all, of their original cost.

An adaptable rack system at the rear of the car allows the carriage of quickly removeable, waterproof luggage boxes, up to two bicycles, loose luggage, a spare wheel, or a combination of items.

At the front a Warn Axon winch, with a load rating of 1,588 kilos, is available. The winch nestles in a front winch bumper with a matching rear bar and full underbody panels for ultimate off-road protection in even the most severe conditions.

Cockpit

The interior / cockpit of the Nomad is designed to be washed out, with drain holes in the floor to let water out, and no material trim. The two lightweight seats are a version of those first seen in the Atom 4, with supportive wings and the potential to accommodate full race harnesses with crutch straps for competition or serious off-road use. Two widths of seats and carbon-fibre options are available.

New switchgear is all within reach of the 305mm diameter steering wheel, with two turns lock to lock, while instrumentation is via a full colour TFT display unit made for the Nomad by AIM Technologies. Incorporating multiple scrollable menus, the instruments feature gear shift lights and indicate gear position, while there’s also provision for real time data logging and recording to a Compact Flash Card. When reverse is selected, a rear camera automatically engages,

Simon Saunders: “Recently, we experienced the strength of Ariel residuals first hand as we didn’t have an Atom 1 for our museum. Buying it back cost us more than its original sale price!”

Ariel Nomad 2 Options

With in excess of 100 options, every Nomad 2 is infinitely customisable to its owner. A notable part of the personalised ownership experience, the Ariel team spends considerable time with each customer going though and advising on every aspect of the car.

Ben Gunn, Ariel Sales Manager: “It’s really important to us that every customer gets the car that’s right for them. Our owners become part of the Ariel family, so it’s a close relationship and above all we want them to be happy. There are owners who want a simple fun car, to those who want a full-on racer, and many in between, so we spend time making sure the car is absolutely right for them. Our cars are all very serious, hugely capable, ultra-high-performance vehicles but, whatever the use, the bottom line is putting the passion back into driving and having fun.”

With no two cars the same, each Ariel is as individual as their owners. The company’s tailor-made approach has earned it the reputation as the ‘Savile Row of the Automotive World’.

No slowing down for KYMCO at 60 as it speeds up UK and Irish dealer presence

KYMCO UK has welcomed nine new franchise dealerships across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, since the beginning of 2024 – leading to continued rapid dealer growth during the manufacturer’s 60th year in business.

Neil Keeble, National Sales and Marketing Manager of KYMCO UK, said:“The addition of nine new authorised franchised dealers in the UK and Ireland proves that KYMCO is showing no signs of slowing down in its 60th year.

“In fact, continued growth in dealers offering KYMCO’s motorcycles, scooters and ATVs in the UK and Ireland, shows that our reputation of selling high quality manufactured products at competitive prices is of ever increasing value to consumers.”

The nine new dealers offering the sales of new KYMCO products include five offering new

motorcycles and scooters, and four specialising in the sales of new ATVs.

KYMCO UK’s Irish ATV dealer expansion includesD A Forgie’s Lisburn branch –itssecond dealer in Northern Ireland, while Kilkenny Quads is its first outlet in the Irish Republic.

Keeble concluded:“It’s KYMCO’s 60th year – but 2024 also marks 26 years of KYMCO sales in the UK, 16 years since KYMCO UK was formed, and six years since we began operating KYMCO’s mobility, motorcycle and ATV divisions together.

“As we continue to grow these three business divisions in the coming years, KYMCO UK encourages any interested dealers looking to represent the brand to contact me directly. Finally, we are excited to see what the future brings, starting with the launch of the next generation Euro 5+ KYMCO motorcycles and scooters later this year.”

Kawasaki’s New Brute Force 450: Performance, Comfort, and Modern Design

cleaner duct high on the chassis contributes to impressive wading ability.

The electrically selectable 2WD/ 4WD allows easy transition between drive systems to suit changing terrain and applications with 2WD offering light steering then 4WD offering enhanced traction and, finally, 4WD plus differential lock for maximum traction. With a double cradle layout that has the ideal rigidity for a middle-capacity four-wheeler being reinforced with extra-strong, optimally shaped gussets, it offers superb off-road handling.

In terms of day-to-day needs, the sturdy front and rear carriers can manage 34 kg (75 lbs) up front, while the rear can support 68 kg (150 lbs). Its convenient 2-inch trailer hitch bracket comes as standard and offers a 476 kg (1,050 lbs) towing capacity, plus space to fit an accessory winch up to 2,500 lb capacity inside the front guard.

designed front and rear A arms and suspension knuckles also contribute to durability, reliability, and excellent handling. With the tech and size to take on all tasks, this brand-new addition is the ATV the market has being waiting for.

An independent suspension configuration is fitted with progressive rate springs delivering the best ride whatever the terrain or load while computer

Available from October 2024 – contact your local dealer now to secure your Brute Force 450, or visit www.Kawasaki.co.uk for more information.

A Suzuki ATVs - Built to be part of the farming and agricultural landscape across the UK

TVs are used across the UK by a variety of farming and agricultural businesses. Each face unique challenges in day-today operations, whether it be managing livestock, towing heavy materials or traversing difficult terrain. Recently, Suzuki ATVs has celebrated being part of the farming landscape for over 40 years, and with the company’s latest generation of KingQuads, this experience has culminated into the toughest models to date.

The right ATV for you depends largely on the nature of your land and enterprise. If you’re spending long hours in the saddle, routinely riding over very rough country, towing large loads, or

using heavy attachments then choose the KingQuad 750XP (XP denotes independent suspension and power steering). This model features QuadMatic 4-wheel drive, fully independent suspension, an advanced and improved engine braking system, and an impressive towing capacity of 600kg. The powerful 722cc engine, tuned for smooth power and torque delivery in all situations, makes it ideal for agricultural and sports use, as well as trail riding.

On lowland farms, estates and equestrian properties, the KingQuad 500X offers an ideal balance of features, toughness and easy handling. Also featuring 4-wheel drive, fully independent suspension and an advanced engine braking system, it has true off-road capability. The 493cc fuel-injected engine’s cylinder head and piston are specially designed to provide power and torque across the rev range, making the 500X equally suitable for towing, using attachments, or just as a great work horse.

For the more demanding conditions of hill farms, or if you’re regularly in the seat all day, the power steering model (KingQuad 500XP) would be the choice as this model offers even greater control, precision and fatigue-free riding.

Paul Childerley, Owner of Childerley Sporting Ltd and Suzuki ambassador, said “I

have been running Suzuki quad bikes for well over 10 years with fantastic satisfaction and reliability for the job. With day-to-day gamekeeping and estate duties, ATVs are put through their paces by myself and the team, maximising its use for all types of work over a variety of terrain and in all weathers. Suzuki ATVs are always reliable, easy and very comfortable to drive”

And Joyce Campbell, fellow Suzuki ambassador and sheep farmer at Armadale Farm in the Scottish Highlands, said “The Suzuki quads we use on our hill farm are vital tools for the smooth daily running of our business. They are reliable, comfortable and very nice to drive with their power steering system. When we're gathering or checking sheep, out on our hill, they handle the rough terrain safely with ease. We would not be able to lamb and calve outside each spring, without our Suzuki quads to move and check our livestock. It speaks volumes that I’ve been a happy Suzuki customer for over 18 years.”

Every Suzuki ATV customer can currently benefit from a fantastic trade-in offer, with 10% off the RRP of a new KingQuad when trading in any brand of quad bike in part exchange.

For more information, T&Cs and to discover the range, visit: https://atv.suzuki.co.uk

SARL James - growth and farming innovation through BKT form tires

In the heart of Normandy and nestled among rolling hills and fields, where time passes slowly, there is Grandparigny, a small commune in the Manche Department that is distinguished by its peacefulness and the lovely rural landscape. It is a place where the daily pace of life is marked by agricultural activity and proximity to the coast, providing a serene and welcoming haven that charms visitors.

And it is right here, in this fairytale-like area, where the SARL James farm is based, a pillar of local agriculture that has a long story to tell. Founded in the 1950s by Émile James, the farm had humble beginnings with a tractor and a beet planter, testifying both the passion and commitment to the

land that has for generations been characteristic of the James family.

The company's evolution was then led by the founder’s son Joël James, who expanded the business using increasingly advanced machinery. As a result of this development, SARL James has partnered with BKT, a major Off-Highway tire manufacturer. The use of BKT tires has had a significant and positive impact in supporting the farm's growth and productivity, enabling them to integrate new technologies while preserving their traditions.

"We have been using BKT tires for several years because they respond so flawlessly to our specific needs, such as in the case of AGRIMAX RT 855,

which is specifically designed for soil tillage and transport operations both in the field and on the road. This product ensures high traction and comfort," comments Mikäel Fauchon, the company's farm equipment driver. "One aspect I like about my job is the chance to live in close contact with nature, watching how it evolves as the seasons pass and seeing how the harvest progresses throughout the year. This is why it is essential for us to have tires that in every season guarantee both quality and flexibility for optimal use in every situation."

Yet, the performance of AGRIMAX RT 855 goes even further: It is a radial tire, part of a range that offers sizes that are also particularly suitable for being used in spraying and harvesting operations. In addition, its self-cleaning properties make it a perfect tire for tractors that frequently move from the field to the road providing significant benefits in terms of reduced downtime.

Today, SARL James has a staff of 20 people and boasts a large, state-of-the-art equipment fleet consisting of 17 tractors, 7 mulchers, 8 combine harvesters, plus dozers, pruning tools, and several implements - for a total of about 50 pieces of farming equipment. Such significant numbers, which clash with the shortage of farm labor, despite a growing demand: For this reason, it is essential to constantly increase productivity while reducing timelines. This is possible by making use of increasingly larger and technologically advanced machines. BKT has been prompt in responding to SARL James' high demands by providing innovative tires such as IF (Increased Flexion) patterns, which provide improved traction and reduced soil compaction, ensuring a smooth and safe ride even on the roughest terrain.

"We first began to rely on BKT tires for a small tractor and got great results right away, with surprising durability compared to the average. Later, we tested them on larger tractors, up to more than 400 horsepower, and they have never ever disappointed us"-says Julien James, the farming company's manager and grandson of founder Émile. "BKT is like us: a family business that knows how to listen to the customer's needs and grow with you. When I started working with them, they had no IF tires and that was limiting,

but we discussed it and within a year they introduced them, showing great responsiveness to our needs."

That is the case of AGRIMAX FORCE, which is likewise designed for soil tillage, transport, and harvesting operations on high-power tractors and combine harvesters, ensuring maximum performance and efficiency. Thanks to the IF technology, this tire is able to carry heavy loads at lower inflation pressure than a standard tire, operating gently on the soil. AGRIMAX FORCE features a reinforced bead and offers excellent traction, top self-cleaning properties as well as low fuel consumption along with a comfortable driving experience.

"One of our main activities is the use of slurry on farmland. Also for our trailers, we have decided to rely on BKT, in particular on RIDEMAX FL 693, which in our opinion shows great performance," Julien adds.

As matter of fact, RIDEMAX FL 693 is the ideal tire for those who frequently travel on road sections with trailers or tankers, while still maintaining an excellent level of comfort and fine self-cleaning properties. The range has a class D/E speed index that stands for higher speeds on the road leading to significant time savings. The low rolling resistance contributes to lower fuel consumption, while the reinforced bead and steel belts provide superior durability.

The partnership with BKT is not only limited to the supply of tires but is also a strategic bond supporting SARL James' long-term vision towards sustainability and technological innovation. Thanks to the quality and reliability of the BKT products, SARL James continues to grow, maintaining a harmonious balance between farming tradition and modernity. Even though every season brings new challenges and opportunities, but having BKT at their side, Julien and Mikäel are ready to lead the company into a bright future where their passion for agriculture and care for the environment remain steadfastly at the core of their daily operations.

Short stubble risks tyre failure

Moving towards min till systems that require cereal crops to be cut lower than in traditional plough systems can increase the risk of tyre stubble damage. This is according to Continental’s agricultural tyre specialist Tom Godwin, who says:

“Lower or shorter stubbles protrude at sharper angles, with the potential to damage tyres because the stalk will not be pushed over, and can instead dig in. This can cause damage to the lug and, at low pressures, the sidewall, as it bulges under the weight of the tractor.”

Min till cultivation requires the stubble to be shorter in order to plant the following crop with minimal ground disruption. This, combined with the improved genetics of cereal crops, can leave very strong stubbles that can cause significant damage.

“Using a tyre with a wider lug that leaves less room for stubble damage is one way to mitigate against stubble damage but, fundamentally, tyre choice and pressure will play a bigger part,” says Mr Godwin.

He suggests that Continental developed its d.fine lug design with 5 percent greater lug coverage to protect the area between the lugs. Continental has also added a nylon layer beneath the tread to help make it more flexible. In short stubble Mr Godwin advocates running at higher pressures than would normally be expected for field work.

“Harvest is a rare example of when it can be beneficial to run tyres at higher than normal pressure and we recommend up to 0.4 bar. When the ground is already hard, having a tyre at very low pressure will cause the tyre wall to bulge. If this happens when the tyre is constantly being attacked by stubble, it presents a weakness that can lead to tyre failure,” he says.

Having more air in the tyre also helps to keep it cooler in the hotter conditions faced during harvest. Increased pressure tightens the tyre wall making it taller and less prone to stubble damage. However with higher pressure comes the risk of soil compaction.

“It is a tricky decision to make but if a tractor or harvester is doing long hours, heat build up can become an issue. We therefore suggest that utilising tramlines and headlands for field travel and loading is important to reduce compaction,” he says.

Mr Godwin further suggests that few manufacturers are offering warranties against stubble damage, but says Continental still supports farmers with its tyres made since 2017.

“Continental is the only premium manufacturer offering a 10-year warranty that includes three years stubble damage cover. This is for tyres made in our Lousado manufacturing plant, from 2017, that feature both d.fine and N.flex technology that we believe will be able to better handle the threat of stubble damage,” he concludes.

Trelleborg Tires'facility in Spartanburg scores +20% production capacity increase

The premium off-highway tires brand makes a brilliant example of a local-forlocal business model that scores high results through deep market listening.

All over the world, manufacturers are getting closer to their reference demand, safeguarding against future disruptions, minimizing distance from customers, mitigating import duties, cutting logistical expenses and, ultimately, achieving notable sustainability benefits.

The tire sector is no exception, but here plants are not solely focusing on localization: they are also expanding, especially within the off-highway segment.

In this context,Trelleborg Tires' Spartanburg U.S.based facility, a 40,000-square-meter production site, stands out as a clear example of how localized production has fostered favorable conditions to grow while simultaneously driving the market's evolution.

States",explains Marco D'Angelo, Vice President Manufacturing at Yokohama TWS.

By focusing on local production and sourcing, the company can minimize transportation costs and logistical complexities, improving the overall efficiency and responsiveness of its operations. Additionally, it supports local economies and reduces environmental impact due to shorter supply chains and reduced emissions from transportation.

But what paved the way for success?

Technology played a crucial role. The Spartanburg facility stands out as one of the most automated plants in the agricultural industry, with the aim of guaranteeing customers the highest production standards.

The North America agricultural tires market was valued at over 930 Million USD in 2023 and is projected to reach 1,3 billion by 2030, following various key trends such as progressive mechanization in agriculture, larger farm operations, increases in crop yields and shorter replacement cycles.

It isthe world's largest agricultural arena and, since setting up operations in the U.S. in 2015, Trelleborg Tires has seamlessly assimilated into the market's unique landscape, following the specific needs of American farmers when it comes to choosing the right tire for the job: durability and the ability to operate on wider and harder terrain, all under heavy loads.

"We posed the question to ourselves: what does the market expect from us today compared to a decade ago? This inquiry led us to further improve our range of flotation tires, innovate production processes, and enhance final customer benefits, tailoring them to specific market demands. Currently, the plant boasts a remarkable 20% increase in production capacity compared to its initial state. We are now more confident than ever in serving our North American customers, who can easily stock up on Trelleborg tires knowing they are locally manufactured in the United

Customer centricity has driven every decision regarding the Spartanburg plant design. At each production step, from the preparation of semifinished products through tire building and curing, the Spartanburg plant is equipped with the most advanced technology in machine automation and process control. Notably, the latest technologies have been adopted for crucial processes such as tire curing to ensure the highest possible tire performance in the field and to minimize the environmental impact of operations.

Last but not least, the tire plant layout was designed and developed using specific tools from lean manufacturing, which effectively reduce material handling within the shop floor and enhance operational efficiency.

At the end of the day, however, the ultimate competitive edge developed by Trelleborg Tires seems to reside in a presence that has deep roots in the territory.

"Our facilities adapt and evolve their production range based on market demand. While our research and development efforts are centralized, Spartanburg employs its own R&D managers tasked with overseeing not just process implementations, but also product developments. Our aim is to truly immerse ourselves, comprehend our customers' genuine needs, and respond accordingly",assures D'Angelo.

One of Italy's largest agricultural companies relies on BKT tires: the winning choice of Maccarese S.p.A.

BKT solutions add to the productivity of Maccarese S.p.A., a longestablished farming business on the Latium coast holding 3,200 hectares of cultivated land and one of the largest cattle breeding farms in Italy

One of Italy's largest agricultural companies, which is also one of the most outstanding businesses in the country, has chosen to fit its farming machinery with latest-generation tires by BKT. We are talking of Maccarese S.p.A.. The company located on the Latium coast, just a stone's throw away from the sea, has a long story to tell. Being part of the Benetton Group, Maccarese operates today in the agricultural, livestock and energy sectors. It holds an area of 3,200 hectares where cereals, protein crops, forages and vegetables are cultivated. The company has also one of the largest milk cow breeding farms consisting of 3,600 heads of cattle that are able to satisfy 15 percent of the daily milk consumption of neighboring areas.

As a result, Maccarese S.p.A. plays a major role in supplying the territory and contributes significantly to local profitability. From here stems the company’s need to maintain high levels of both productivity and business efficiency, making decisions aimed at containing costs and general consumption. Accordingly, anything related to the company's large fleet of farming machinery, including more than 25 tractors and their equipment, assumes considerable weight and requires careful evaluation.

Criteria such as a long service life, durability and fuel optimization – particularly when choosing the most suitable tires - are decisive factors in meeting the operational needs of such a large entity. These features can be found in the tire ranges made by BKT. And indeed, the farming business has decided to rely on them for their ability to perform safe transport operations even with heavy loads and to ensure an extended product life-cycle. Two requirements that perfectly match the

needs of such a large, cost-conscious company.

This way, BKT has become a trusted ally for Maccarese S.p.A. being able to support the intensive uses that the company tractors have to face on hugely varied and vast terrains. In fact, BKT tires support the farm's activitiesfrom plowing to minimum tillage, from no-till seeding to precision farming – considering that some of the tractors reach an average of up to 2,000 hours of work per year.

The company's choice has been to rely on AGRIMAX FORTIS for land preparation and tillage operations, as well as for transport activities. This tire, used in combination with AGRIMAX RT 765M, is the perfect solution for equipping the most modern tractors engaged in demanding applications and heavyduty service, as in the case of Maccarese S.p.A. Both tires provide an excellent level of traction, as well as enabling the transport of very high loads at speeds of up to 65 km/h - a winning aspect that contributes to operational efficiency.

"Employing tires such as AGRIMAX FORTIS and AGRIMAX RT 765 M means being able to

benefit from greater productivity in the field, which in the case of AGRIMAX FORTIS is given by its reinforced nylon carcass. Moreover, these two solutions are able to preserve the soil by ensuring reduced soil compaction, which in turn means keeping on operations while protecting crops,"comments Piero Torassa, Field Engineering Manager, BKT Europe. "AGRIMAX RT 765 M also boasts a high level of self-cleaning capabilities, which reduces downtime and rolling resistance, resulting in lower fuel consumption."

As part of the tires belonging to the AGRIMAX range, Maccarese also relies on AGRIMAX FORCE, which is one of BKT's top-of-the range products. This tire provides high performance and efficiency plus operational benefits deriving from the IF technology. These include the ability to carry heavy loads at lower inflation pressure compared to standard solutions. This leads to reduced soil compaction due to the larger footprint and high flotation capabilities.

"When dealing with such important and extensive tasks, we cannot but mention also

AGRIMAX V-FLECTO. Thanks to its VF technology, this tire is able to carry loads of up to 40 percent more weight at lower inflation pressure compared to standard and IF tires,"adds Piero Torassa. "AGRIMAX V-FLECTO is the ideal solution to improve the performance of high-power tractors operating both in the field and on the road."

Finally, for the trailers and the 25,000-liter manure spreader tanker, Maccarese has opted for RIDEMAX FL 693 M belonging to the flotation tire range. This tire has outstanding self-cleaning capabilities, which are particularly appreciated when frequently moving equipment from one field to another.

These tires are an example for the highly specialized, state-of-the-art solutions that highlight BKT’s ability to respond efficiently and flawlessly to the demands of its customers around the world, supporting them at every stage of their work and on every terrain - no matter how complex - by providing them with the most comprehensive product range available on the market to date.

INEOS AUTOMOTIVE ANNOUNCES RNLI PARTNERSHIP

I

NEOS Automotive has become an official partner of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the charity that saves lives at sea. Over the next five years, the INEOS Grenadier will become the official vehicle of RNLI lifeboats and support the RNLI by helping their volunteer lifesavers to launch for those who are in difficulty in the water and in need of their help. Over the duration of the partnership, Grenadier Station Wagons will be deployed at locations around the UK and Ireland to support the charity’s courageous volunteers in their lifesaving role.

As well as undertaking regular duties at RNLI lifeboat stations, the Grenadier’s main role will be to position, launch and recover the RNLI’s D-class lifeboat at selected stations. Highly manoeuvrable and able to operate close to shore, the inflatable D-Class has for the past 60 years been the charity’s workhorse, saving over 30, 000 lives and aiding over 160,000 people. It comes into its own for searches and rescues in the surf, shallow water and confined locations, often close to cliffs, among rocks and even inside caves.

Grenadier’s robustness will become the perfect addition to the charity’s launch and recover equipment.

After intensive rounds of assessing the suitability of a number of 4X4 vehicles, the Grenadier will use its best-in-class combination of off-road and onroad driving performance, and the robustness and durability to safely withstand the rigours of RNLI activities. Like the RNLI’s lifeboats which are built to operate effectively in some of the most challenging and time critical situations, the

Jamie Chestnutt, RNLI Director for Engineering and Supply, said: ‘The partnership between the RNLI and INEOS Automotive aligns perfectly with INEOS's ‘Built for More’ ethos given the lifesaving work conducted by the RNLI and our volunteers. As a charity which relies solely on donations, support such as this from INEOS Automative enables the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea, while also providing our operational volunteers with the best equipment available. Only by working in true partnership with industry can we sustain our lifesaving service in our 200th year and beyond.’

Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive, comments, “We’re very proud to support the RNLI, an incredible charity that performs round-the-clock life-saving work in very difficult conditions. Its volunteers rely on vehicles every day, both boats and cars, so this is a powerful endorsement of the Grenadier that it’s able to meet the rigorous standards required for such vital frontline work.”

As well as providing the RNLI with its Grenadier, the partnership will see INEOS support the charity to spread their vital water safety messages to new audiences. It also provides the opportunity to collaborate on future technology to sustain the RNLI’s lifesaving efforts now and into the future.

D Daimler Truck UK sells Wentworth Park site

aimler Truck UK has secured the future of its flagship Wentworth Park complex in South Yorkshire, by completing a sale of the land to new owner Culina Asset Management (CAM).

Under the terms of the agreement, CAM will occupy the 34-acre site, close to Junction 36 of the M1, and will continue the running of its extensive workshop.

Wentworth Park is the home of national programmes for re-marketing and sales of used Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Canter trucks, as well as the brand’s demonstrator fleet. Daimler Truck UK will continue to run these functions with a presence on-site, so services to customers will continue largely unchanged.

Heiko Selzam, Managing Director, Daimler Truck UK said: “We’re delighted to announce the completion of this sale, which will allow Wentworth

Park and all the services we offer from this impressive site to continue to flourish.

“By collaborating with CAM we can maintain all of the important brand functions we carry out here, while passing responsibility for the workshop to a trusted partner with an impeccable track record.”

CAM will continue to provide workshop services as required to Daimler Truck UK but also use the facilities for its own purposes. The operator’s extensive fleet currently numbers some 5,000 tractor units, some of which are Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and 8,000 trailers.

Culina Asset Management Managing Director David Meir said: “This one-off opportunity to occupy and operate Wentworth Park is seen by CAM as key to the continued strategic development of our offering to both internal and external customers.”

ALL NEW MG HS SUV REVEALED AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

MG’s highly-popular HS SUV – firmly established in the company’s UK home market as a top ten best-selling car in 2024 and one of the strongest sales performers in 2023 – is now set to impress customers again with a rejuvenated model line-up.

The new MG HS offers customers the choice of petrol or PHEV (plug-in hybrid) powertrains.

The PHEV powertrain, which pairs a 105kW (142ps) 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 154kW electric motor, offers impressive acceleration with 0-62mph achieved in 6.8 seconds.

Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where MG is celebrating its 100th anniversary, the all-new HS petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models underline MG’s commitment to exceptional value whilst delivering an extensive array of new features, increased cabin space and enhanced styling; all designed to make this sought-after SUV an even more compelling offering.

The new generation of HS models maintain MG’s reputation for offering customers the best possible overall value in the SUV marketplace. The petrol HS SE 1.5T is available from just £24,995 with the range-topping HS Trophy PHEV priced from £33,995. And, like all MGs, there is a generous 7year/80,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty supported by a 160 strong dealer network.

David Allison, Head of Product and Planning at MG Motor UK, comments: “The outgoing HS SUV has been immensely popular. However, the new SE and Trophy models raise the bar with even more equipment and functionality, a distinctive MG appearance that sets the HS apart from other SUVs and a choice of advanced petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This strong MG all-rounder is now adding even more to its game.”

A choice of advanced, efficient MG petrol and PHEV powertrains

The motor draws power from a large 24.7kWh battery and high-efficiency 67kW generator to deliver an electric-only driving range of up to 75 miles. This not only sets the MG HS apart from the competition with its ability to travel greater distances with zero tailpipe emissions, but also offers UK company car drivers a 5% Benefit-inKind (BiK) rate and considerable fuel savings.

The new MG HS is also offered with a newgeneration 1.5T petrol engine delivering 125kW (169ps) and 275Nm of torque, capable of achieving 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, a 7-speed DCT automatic is also available.

Striking styling and refined proportions

The new MG HS ushers in a more sophisticated appearance, with a longer wheelbase for greater spaciousness inside the cabin and refined exterior proportions with shorter overhangs, a rising shoulder line and a slim glasshouse.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new MG HS is 14mm wider at 1,890mm and 45mm longer at 4,655mm (4,670mm for PHEV models), yet its sleek new profile reduces its overall height by some 30mm. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 45mm to 2,765mm, creating a more athletic silhouette and enhancing interior space.

The striking front grille continues the latest generation MG design language, as first seen on the new MG3, while new, slimmer headlights bring a more technological theme to the SUV, connected by a central black panel that emphasises the new car’s width.

At the rear, and echoing the design of the

headlights, the LED taillights are linked by a central motif while an X-shape introduces a recognisable light signature at night.

Inside the new HS: excellent connectivity, space and comfort

The new HS SE and Trophy models strongly underline MG’s desire to deliver even more functionality, space, comfort and a stylish, contemporary cabin and all as standard equipment.

The technology offering has evolved with the HS featuring two prominent 12.3-inch high-definition displays. The central display is dedicated to infotainment with live navigation services including weather, live traffic updates, access to Amazon Music, and smartphone connectivity via both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®. Trophy models also benefit from a new 360° surround view camera and wireless smartphone charging as standard.

The second 12.3-inch virtual driver display offers two themes – light and dark – and three distinct modes – Map, Digital, and ADAS. Each offers its own unique layout, focusing on either a rolling navigation display, a simplified summary of only the most important driving information, or a real-time visualisation of the vehicle and its surroundings, powered by the driver assistance systems.

Throughout the interior, new quality materials with premium highlights create a more welcoming and relaxing ambiance, reinforced by the key touchpoints – a new three-spoke steering wheel with improved switchgear, and a modern, shuttlestyle gear shifter.

Boot capacity has increased by 44 litres to a maximum of 507 litres, while the wider exterior allows for a greater feeling of comfort for all occupants. Increased storage options within the cabin ensure there’s plenty of space for everyday paraphernalia.

MG HS range highlights

MG continues to offer outstanding value for money

for its customers, and the new HS features a number of key specification upgrades over the outgoing model. This is particularly true of the new, comprehensively-equipped Trophy model, which now features 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, front fog lights, electrically adjustable and folding heated door mirrors with memory, electric 6-way driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, power tailgate, 360° surround view camera, 8-speaker audio system, iSmart with live services, wireless smartphone charging, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality on PHEV models as standard.

All models in the range benefit from an enhanced MG Pilot package, with Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Door Open Warning as standard. DCT models also include Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

These highlights build upon the already generous specification of the HS SE, which includes automatic full LED headlights with follow-me-home function, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, 6-way adjustable electric driver’s seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, air conditioning, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, electric parking brake with auto-hold function, and dual 12.3-inch displays with navigation and smartphone mirroring.

At launch, five premium exterior colour finishes will be available: White Pearl, Black Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, Hampstead Grey Metallic, and Dynamic Red Tri-coat. In addition to the black leather-style upholstery of the HS Trophy, a tan colourway option adds an appealing contrast throughout the new cabin.

Priced from £24,995, the new MG HS is available to order immediately with first deliveries of the petrol variant expected by the end of July. Plug-in hybrid models are due in showrooms by the end of September.

Urban Automotive has announced it will reveal its hotly anticipated Range Rover Sport styling programme at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, unveiling a bespoke carbon fibre enhancement package that promises to elevate the ultimate luxury SUV to a new level.

As the latest project from the company’s inhouse design team, led by founder Simon Dearn, the reimagined Range Rover Sport package will showcase Urban Automotive’s expertise in carbon fibre, available with a choice of two body kits and aggressive styling touches that significantly increase the presence of one of the most desirable 4x4s on the road.

For the first time, Urban Automotive’s Range Rover Sport package is available in two distinct styles to suit individual tastes - introducing the Urban ‘Widetrack’ and ‘Narrowbody’ range.

The primary Narrowbody is designed for clients looking for a more subtle, OEM+ image, with full replacement carbon fibre bumpers at the front and rear, plus carbon fibre side skirts.

Ultimate Widetrack specification, as showcased at the Festival of Speed, introduces one of Urban Automotive’s most distinctive designs yet, with aggressive wide-body enhancements creating a bold appearance while maintaining its trademark levels of tasteful distinction and quality. Hand-built in the UK and revealed for the first time at Goodwood, the Range Rover Sport demo vehicle will feature custom Lamborghini Grigio Telesto paintwork, 24’’ Urban Vossen alloy wheels, and a Recaro interior.

The vehicle will be joined on the stand by an L460 Range Rover inspired by Urban Automotive’s recent project for Kim Kardashian, delivered to Los Angeles last month following an exclusive commission from the TV star. Wearing the company’s Widetrack bodykit, the L460 will also flaunt a distinctive satin silver colour change to match Kim’s specification, also marking the public debut of the brand new flat-face Urban Vossen UV8 alloys.

Alongside the Range Rovers, Festival of Speed visitors can get a closer look at Urban Automotive’s Widetrack Land Rover Defender 110 V8, with stunning Verde Ermes paintwork and a custom tan leather interior with carbon-backed Recaros, plus a

Lamborghini Urus in Midnight Green with a full carbon fibre body kit and Urban Vossen UV-6 alloys.

This year, Urban Automotive’s stand will also showcase its partnerships with premium performance exhaust specialist Milltek Sport and Florida-based Vossen Wheels. Clients looking for a bespoke project from Urban Automotive can now specify an upgraded Milltek exhaust system as part of their modification package, giving their vehicle the exhaust sound and design to match the visual enhancements.

Urban Automotive and Vossen Wheels have also collaborated on the range of ‘Urban x Vossen’ forged alloy wheels offered across the entire range of vehicle applications catered for by the bespoke modification specialist.

“Goodwood Festival of Speed is a legendary event and an unmissable one for us after such an incredible start to 2024,” said Urban Automotive founder Simon Dearn. “Our new Range Rover Sport design programme has been a true labour of love for the team and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can individualise it further for clients looking for a truly bespoke custom vehicle build. It’s also a pleasure to showcase our latest products at the Festival alongside our valued partners Milltek Sport and Vossen Wheels, and we would like to thank both companies for their continued support.”

For information on Urban Automotive, visit www. urban-automotive.co.uk or call 01908 978978.

D Subaru (UK) Ltd records 30% sales growth so far in 2024

uring the first half of 2024, Subaru (UK) Ltd recorded a 30.2 % increase in vehicle sales over the same period in 2023, ending June with 1,426 new vehicle sales so far in 2024.

Subaru's sales performance growth means the brand has outperformed the UK automotive industry, which ended June 6.01% up over the first half of 2023, with 1,006,763 vehicles registered, according to the latest data reporting from the SMMT. This performance also places Subaru among the top ten fastestgrowing automotive brands in the UK.

The all-electric Subaru Solterra contributed a sales mix of 27%, the highest mix attained by the model since its launch. Compared to other manufacturers that offer Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles alongside EVs in their UK model range, this performance positions

the brand with the highest mix of EV sales at the half-year stage.

The Subaru Outback secured 29% of all Subaru sales during this period and is the brand's best-selling model so far in 2024, marginally ahead of the Solterra, with Forester attaining a 23% mix of sales.

The range of Subaru SUVs are tough, practical, and confidence-inspiring vehicles, built to handle life in town, the countryside and off the beaten track. Offering outstanding capability when the going gets tough, Subaru’s SUVs offer up to 220mm of ground clearance and permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive along with the brand’s renowned X-MODE offroad system fitted as standard, ensuring maximum grip and traction, and exceptional road holding, whatever the weather or terrain conditions.

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, has been honoured in the Car Dealer Power Awards 2024, with the all-electric BYD DOLPHIN voted by dealers in the UK as ‘Car of the Year’.

The awards follow the Car Dealer Power survey, and celebrate the finest motor trade suppliers in the business as well as the best car manufacturers to represent in the UK. With votes submitted by UK car dealers, the awards represent an authentic reflection of opinion within the industry. This year’s Car Dealer Power attracted 1,000 entries. Winners and highly commended firms were named in 19 supplier categories, as well as the best car manufacturers to represent, with the BYD DOLPHIN securing the top honours as the prestigious Car of the Year.

The agile and versatile BYD DOLPHIN Csegment hatchback with generous seating for five occupants combines practicality with efficiency, and is attractively priced to make electric mobility a more accessible proposition. With modern, appealing aesthetics, the BYD DOLPHIN has its own distinctive chic style, and is high-tech to the core, bringing fun and intelligent driving experiences.

The BYD DOLPHIN also comes with a high level of standard equipment, including advanced driver assistance features for easier, safer driving. It is built on BYD’s state-of-theart e-Platform 3.0 bringing exceptional efficiency and integrated vehicle intelligence, and utilises the BYD Blade Battery, a gamechanger for safety, durability and energy efficiency, delivering a range of 265 miles (WLTP combined) when fully charged. An advanced energy-saving heat pump also comes as standard.

James Baggott, editor-in-chief of Car Dealer Magazine, said: “It's amazing to see the pace at which BYD has arrived and made an impact on the UK car market – and with cars like the DOLPHIN in its range it's easy to see why dealers and customers are so impressed with the brand.”

He adds: “The BYD DOLPHIN shows an electric hatchback needn't be expensive –relatively speaking for an EV – and costs less than nearly all its European competition.Factor in an impressive driving range, seating for five, and all the tech you'd ever need, it's a bit of a game changer. Congratulations to BYD.”

Something's changed at the Martorell plant's assembly line: the new Matrix LED threetriangle eye signature makes its appearance for the first time, while the exclusive shades Century Bronze Matt and Enceladus Grey Matt fill the paint shop with new hues of colour. CUPRA’s design obsession is taking shape with the start of production of the new CUPRA Formentor and CUPRA Leon, which will begin distribution in the third quarter of 2024. Designed, developed and manufactured in Martorell, the CUPRA Formentor is the brand’s best-seller, recording more than 347,000 units since its launch in 2020. Now, revamped, it has already become an icon.

points that focus on both mechanics and wiring.

The CUPRA Formentor’s success story is also that of more than 4,000 employees involved in the production of its restyled version. A new car rolls off the line every 69 seconds in a dynamic, meticulous process in which every detail is analysed and reviewed to ensure maximum quality. In fact, several innovative tools such as deep learning and top-notch digitalised systems have been implemented in its production in a further step towards the transformation of the plant. Among these innovations is the Prüfer Digital, an automatic station equipped with an artificial vision system that controls the presence, position and condition of different parts mounted in the vehicle, with more than 60 simultaneous control

Also playing an essential role is the Smart Plug system, a technology used in the production process of the CUPRA Formentor and the CUPRA Leon to deal with the assembly of more than 90 electronic control units. This is done through remote production, automatically starting up all the control units of up to 45 cars at a time. But the biggest innovation is the new KTL Oven, the first 100% electric transversal oven in the entire Volkswagen Group. It’s involved in the paint-drying process, providing an anti-corrosion layer, and takes up 42% less space than a conventional oven, thanks to a reduction in length. It also reduces energy consumption by up to 25%.

The Martorell facility is the Volkswagen Group’s third largest plant in Europe in terms of volume. Therefore, “we’re working to transform and enhance the factory, integrating the most advanced technologies in its manufacturing and structural processes” explains Markus Haupt, CUPRA's Vice-President for Production and Logistics. In this respect, together with the CUPRA Leon, the CUPRA Formentor is the first model to benefit from the 3-billion-euro investment for the ongoing transformation of the Martorell plant, which guarantees that production will be more agile, sustainable and profitable on the road to electrification.

Symbioz embodies the best of Renault’s latest C-segment vehicles in terms of modular design, connectivity and efficiency. It has all the qualities necessary to appeal to both families and businesses looking for a level of electrification, while keeping a firm hold on total ownership costs.

The latest Renault model shares its DNA with a long line of innovative family-friendly cars that are voiture à vivre (cars for living) and reflect our changing needs. From the Renault 16, first launched in 1965 with its bench seat that included a ‘holiday travel’ position, to the Renault Scénic that introduced the world to the compact MPV in the 1990s.

Positioned between Captur and Austral, Symbioz expands the Renault offering at the entry level of the C-segment. Only 4.41m long, this new model rounds out the full-hybrid ETech family of Arkana (4.57m) and Austral (4.51m), alongside the E-Tech electric models, with Megane and Scenic electric.

Symbioz benefits from the very best in Renault technology. It features the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, and the Solarbay tinted glass roof. The top of the range iconic esprit Alpine version boasts 24 new-generation driving aids that elevate safety and driving comfort to the highest levels.

Versatile as well as stylish, Symbioz boasts boot space of up 624 litres and a rear seat that slides by 16 cm, creating a flat floor when fully folded and enabling the interior to be easily adapted to customers’ requirements.

Weighing under 1,500 kg, Symbioz is also relatively light, which helps to enhance efficiency. Using the E-Tech full hybrid 145 powertrain it produces only 105g/km CO2.

Volvo Car UK is adding a stylish monochrome look to its model range this summer with the introduction of Black Edition versions of its fully electric EC40 crossover and EX40 SUV, and petrol XC40 SUV. The new season also heralds the return of the V60 and V90 estate cars to the line-up to meet renewed customer demand.

The new Black Editions

The Black Edition models stand out with all-black exterior styling, including Onyx Black paintwork, black high-gloss front grille, Volvo emblem and tailgate badging, plus 20-inch five-spoke high-gloss black alloy wheels. The package is available with two equipment grades, Plus and Ultra, with on-theroad prices from £40,720.

There are two powertrain choices for the EC40 and EX40 Black Edition models: in addition to the rear-wheeldrive 252hp Single Motor Extended Range, there is a new all-wheel-drive Twin Motor Performance version. This delivers 442hp (up from 408hp in other all-wheel-drive EC40s and EX40s) and a remapped accelerator response. It also comes with a Performance drive mode to help the driver enjoy the extra power to the full.

The XC40 Black Edition is offered with the B3 and B4 mild-hybrid petrol powertrains, offering 163hp and 197hp respectively.

The Plus specification includes features such as a heated steering wheel and outer rear seats, front parking sensors, a powered driver’s seat with memory settings, an advanced air-purification system and Connect suede textile/microtech upholstery. The fully electric EC40 and EX40 also have an energyefficient heat pump for the climate control system that helps maximise driving range.

At the top of the range, the Ultra versions add a 360degree surround-view parking camera system and active bending pixel LED headlights with adaptive shadow technology. A powered passenger seat and power-folding rear headrests

tax rating of 8% for business/company car users.

The new Black Editions and the V60 and V90 estates are on sale now, with first UK customer deliveries expected in Q3 2024. For more information and to use the online configurator, please go to www.volvocars.co.uk

On-the-road pricing

EC40

• Single Motor Extended Range Plus Black Edition RWD – £55,055

• Twin Motor Performance Plus Black Edition AWD – £59,555

are also provided, together with a tilt and slide panoramic sunroof (EX40 and XC40 models). The audio system is a 600W, 12-speaker Harman Kardon set-up with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound.

Back by popular demand: the Volvo V60 and V90 estates

A rise in customer demand has prompted a welcome return for the V60 and V90 estate cars to Volvo’s UK range. The models were removed from the portfolio in the summer last year, in line with changes in customer preferences, but renewed interest in the bodystyle – a key element of Volvo Cars’ heritage – has brought them back into the line-up.

The mid-size V60 is available in Plus and Ultra specifications with either the T6 or T8 petrolelectric plug-in hybrid powertrains, which combine a 145hp electric motor with a 253hp or 310hp petrol engine respectively, or the 197hp B4 mildhybrid petrol powertrain. The larger V90 offers the same trim choices, exclusively with plug-in hybrid power – the T6 for the Plus version and the T8 for the Ultra.

On-the road prices are from £43,370 for the V60 and £62,280 for the V90. All V60 and V90 plug-in hybrid variants enjoy a competitive benefit-in-kind

• Single Motor Extended Range Ultra Black Edition RWD – £58,605

• Twin Motor Performance Ultra Black Edition AWD – £63,105

EX40

• Single Motor Extended Range Plus Black Edition RWD – £55,055

• Twin Motor Performance Plus Black Edition AWD – £59,555

• Single Motor Extended Range Ultra Black Edition RWD – £58,605

• Twin Motor Performance Ultra Black Edition AWD – £63,105

XC40

• B3 Plus Black Edition FWD – £40,720

• B4 Plus Black Edition FWD – £42,120

• B3 Ultra Black Edition FWD – £45,470

• B4 Ultra Black Edition FWD – £46,620

V60

• B4 Plus FWD – £43,370

• T6 Plug-in Hybrid Plus AWD – £50,935

• B4 Ultra FWD – £48,070

• T8 Plug-in Hybrid Ultra AWD – £57,635

V90

• T6 Plug-in Hybrid Plus AWD – £62,280

• T8 Plug-in Hybrid Ultra AWD – £70,780

The All-New Spring, Dacia’s first allelectric model, is widely credited for making electric mobility accessible to all. First launched in Europe in 2021, it was the third most sold electric car to retail customers in 2022 and 2023. In total, more than 140,000 Dacia Spring have been registered worldwide since its launch.

Spring’s energy efficiency and carbon footprint were particularly praised in 2022, when it was awarded the maximum 5-star rating from the independent European organisation Green NCAP.

Now available in the UK, for the first time, the AllNew Dacia Spring is the perfect solution for people looking for simple, affordable and efficient mobility. Data collected via the vehicle’s on-board connected systems shows that the average daily trip made by Spring drivers covers just 23 miles, at an average speed of only 23 mph. In 75% of cases, cars are recharged at home.

Spring has always found its audience because it has constantly evolved since its launch, with a new brand identity in 2022, then a more powerful 65 hp motor in 2023. In 2024, the All-New Dacia Spring

passes another milestone, taking those qualities that made it a success to the next level.

It is even more attractive than ever, with an entirely renewed and more robust design, and yet still as practical, with exceptional interior storage space for its segment. It is more efficient, thanks to carefully managed weight, while remaining the most affordable full-electric model on the market.

Available to order now in the UK, the All-New Dacia Spring is priced from only £14,995 on-the-road, making it the country’s most affordable new electric car.

Exterior design

Dacia continues its mission to be the best value for money car brand that constantly redefines the essentials. Applying this to All-New Dacia Spring, Dacia wants to encourage drivers to make the shift to all-electric cars in an accessible way. A car’s design – along with efficiency, price and practicality – is one of the essential pieces in the puzzle.

The All-New Dacia Spring features the new Dacia design, first seen on the latest generation Duster. It

is a robust and assertive style that makes the Spring more attractive than ever. In fact, the only part of the exterior body to remain unchanged is the roof.

David Durand, Dacia Design Director commented: “As Spring embraces the brand’s new design language, it is a resolute sign that it is here to stay as a key member of the Dacia family. We gave it a serious and confident design. Building on the success of the previous generation, the All-New Dacia Spring confidently asserts its own identity.”

The All-New Dacia Spring is equipped to tackle both the urban jungle and country roads. Particularly compact (3.70m long) and with one of the best turning circles in its segment (4.80m wallto-wall), it is exceptionally agile, making it particularly easy to drive.

The bodywork stands the test of time thanks to the solid-colour protection strips that wrap around the body, especially the bumpers and wheel arches. The All-New Spring can withstand everyday wear and tear without compromising on appearance. Its high ground clearance is an asset when venturing over rough terrain.

The highly structured, highly constructed volumes of Dacia’s new design style give renewed strength to Spring. A powerful look that comes from a clean, simple, pared-back silhouette, such as that seen on the highly sculpted bonnet.

The new Dacia identity is evident in the two black bands, one at the front, the other at the rear, which meet in a glossy finish, with specific matte stripes at the rear. The two strips are framed by the brand’s iconic Y-shaped light signature, which is particularly striking with the full-LED daytime running lights at the front and the parking lights at the rear.

The modern design on the All-New Dacia Spring is underpinned by decals featuring a contemporary

style that adorn the front and rear bumpers on the Extreme trim. The 15inch wheels, fitted with highly crafted wheel covers, add to the robust feel.

True to the Dacia philosophy, the AllNew Spring cultivates a clever and durable design. This is evidenced, for example, by the lower-door side protections which are light, affordable, easy to install, and easy to replace. As with all new Dacia models, decorative chrome parts have been removed, mitigating further impact on the environment. The same for the roof bars, as they are generally redundant on a small car used mainly for short trips; removing them helps lower the car’s weight, make it more aerodynamic, and therefore improve its range.

The All-New Dacia Spring is available in a range of six shades, including newly introduced Brick Red and Safari Beige colours.

Interior design

The dashboard has been totally reinvented, both to incorporate elements from Dacia’s new interior design language, with its emblematic horizontal architecture, and to also integrate a new range of digital screens. Spring now features a customisable digital dashboard with a 7-inch display on all versions as well as a 10-inch multimedia central display on Extreme trim models. The colour palette and materials used for the interior have been reworked to offer superior quality, while reducing the diversity of options to better manage costs – key to the Dacia philosophy.

The All-New Spring also features white elements that help create a fresh, modular atmosphere. They are located around the instrument cluster, gear stick, and door bins. The iconic Dacia "Y", located at the heart of the central air vents, is in white (or copper on the Extreme trim). The central decorative accent on the instrument panel varies by trim: Brick Red on Expression, Dusty Khaki on Extreme.

The All-New Dacia Spring is designed to be practical. The large multimedia touch screen has been positioned as high as possible for optimal ergonomics. The graphic design on the customisable digital dashboard with 7-inch display has been designed to be simple and intuitive, giving the driver ready access to essential information. What’s more, the All-New Dacia Spring features innovative YouClip accessory mounts, revealed recently on the All-New Duster. Finally, the Extreme trim comes with sturdy, rubber floor mats and door sills with unique ‘topographic lines’ design.

Above all else, an electric car is a car, which is why Dacia never loses sight of its most essential feature: its usefulness. The All-New Dacia Spring offers the best storage volume in its class. With 308 litres (1,004 litres with the rear seats folded down) its boot can fit much more than similarly sized rival vehicles and is on par with B-segment models. In addition, Spring offers additional storage throughout the cabin, with an overall volume of nearly 33 litres. This space is also better than segment standards.

Smart yet practical accessories further optimise storage capacity. Consumers can opt for additional space housed under the front bonnet, providing an extra 35 litres of storage space. The centre console can fit an exclusive cup holder, made using cuttingedge, flexible, and resource-efficient 3D-printing technology.

The All-New Dacia Spring also works with Dacia’s innovative YouClip system. The simple and clever system invented by Dacia engineers can be used to attach various dedicated accessories, practically and robustly, to key places inside the car. The AllNew Spring, as standard, comes equipped with two YouClip anchor points (one on the dashboard, one on the centre console). They can be used to mount a storage pouch, smartphone holder (with or without an induction charger), or a nifty 3-in-1 attachment that combines a cup holder, bag hook, and portable light. All these accessories will be available through the Dacia retail network.

For an easier driving experience, every All-New Dacia Spring features a customisable digital dashboard with a 7-inch display. Located behind the height-adjustable steering wheel, the colour display shows essential information in a simple and efficient manner. It can be customised to show additional information such as remaining range, energy consumption, or driving assistance systems (ADAS). When the All-New Spring is charging, the digital dashboard displays the battery level and remaining time until full charge.

As with other models in the Dacia range, the Spring features a reduction in the number chrome accent pieces and the use of animal leather, while increasing the number of full-dyed parts that do away with the need for an additional painting process.

Multimedia

Two advanced multimedia and infotainment systems are available in the All-New Spring, each with a range of powerful connected features for busy, modern families.

Media Control, a standard feature on Expression trim, is a steering wheel-controlled multimedia system with media information and phone calls displayed on the digital instrument panel. It also incorporates two speakers, a Bluetooth connection, and a USB port. When connected to the free Dacia Media Control app, drivers can use radio/media functions and access other features (e.g., navigation) via their smartphone, with ergonomics designed to be used when driving.

The Media Nav Live system – standard on the Extreme trim – boasts a large 10-inch central touch screen that incorporates smart navigation, with real-time traffic conditions and up-to-date European maps for up to 8 years. Moreover, it enables wireless use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Media Nav Live system also includes two USB ports.

Safety

New ADAS enhance the range of on-board equipment to meet the latest European Global Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2) safety standards. These include an advanced emergency braking system (with vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcycle detection), traffic sign recognition with speed alert, rear park assist, emergency stop signal, lane change alert, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, and emergency call (eCall). To make life easier for drivers, Dacia has included a clever ‘My Safety’ button for rapid access to their preferred and personalised ADAS settings.

Powertrain

As well as a 45 hp motor, All-New Dacia Spring is offered with the more powerful 65 hp/48 kW motor. It boasts spritely acceleration, achieving 0-62 mph in less than 14 seconds.

The All-New Dacia Spring is resource-light and achieves greater efficiency through its light weight, and has been designed according to very strict criteria to accurately meet the specific needs of Asegment customers. That includes a battery calibrated to meet their criteria and which fits a compact platform.

Weighing only 984 kg in the top-level Extreme trim, it is the only full-electric car in Europe to stay under one tonne. Compared to previous generation models with the same trim, the weight has only increased by 6 kg (or +0.6%), despite the numerous new ADAS added to meet regulatory requirements, the upgraded trims and standard equipment.

Having kept a close eye on the scales, combined with the efficiency of the motor, the All-New Dacia Spring, boasts excellent energy use, below 14.6kWh/62 miles, thereby keeping running costs in check.

The compact 26.8 kWh battery is precisely calibrated to meet the needs and lifestyles of AllNew Spring drivers, without degrading the overall performance by adding excessive weight. With a WLTP range of 140 miles for all versions, its performance is more than sufficient for customers who travel an average of just 23 miles per day (according to data collected by on-board computers).

To further optimise the car’s range, the All-New Dacia Spring is equipped for the first time with a regenerative braking system that is activated by selecting the ‘B-mode’ via the new gearbox controls.

The All-New Dacia Spring is equipped as standard with a 7 kW AC charger that can charge the battery

from 20% to 100% on a domestic outlet in less than 11 hours, or in just 4 hours on a 7 kW wall box. A 30 kW DC charger enables fast charging from 20% to 80% in 45 minutes.

More practical than ever before, the New Dacia Spring now features a bi-directional V2L (vehicleto-load) adapter so it can be used as an energy source to power electrical devices. A specific handheld component that plugs into the car’s charging connector, located under the grille, acts as a traditional 220V/16A socket.

Green NCAP awarded Dacia Spring its top 5-star rating in August 2022. In its assessment, Green NCAP measured the impacts the vehicle and its use have on air quality, global warming, and energy efficiency. Spring excelled in each category, thanks mainly to its efficient use of energy and low environmental impact.

On February 2, 2023, Green NCAP unveiled their award for Best Car Green NCAP 2022 and Spring – the featherweight of European electric vehicles –overtook the market heavyweights. This 5-star rating is not only symbolic – it rewards Dacia for striving to fulfil its desire to offer vehicles that boast the market’s best price-performance ratio, and which are more environmentally friendly to as many people as possible.

UK Specifications

In line with the requirements of UK car buyers, Dacia does not offer the entry-level Essential trim that is available elsewhere in Europe. Instead, it provides a choice of the Expression and Extreme trim, ensuring that all customers enjoy a generous standard specification that adds to the value and appeal of the All-New Dacia Spring and which offers features that are normally reserved for more expensive vehicles.

Starting from Expression trim, available with the Electric 45 or 65 powertrain, standard equipment includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, heightadjustable 3-spoke steering wheel, Media Control system with USB port, speed limiter, cruise control, steering wheel mounted controls, central locking with remote control, electric front windows, rear parking sensors, 12V socket, manual air conditioning and 15-inch wheels (only on Electric 65).

The Extreme trim, exclusively paired to the Electric 65 powertrain, adds copper interior and exterior finishes, electric mirrors and rear windows, the Media Nav Live multimedia system with 10-inch centre screen, two USB ports and wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a bi-directional charger allowing you to use the All-New Dacia Spring as a power source for external appliances.

INEOS Automotive has unveiled the first limited edition vehicle from its newly created Arcane Works division, the INEOS Grenadier Detour. Just 200 of the hand finished 4X4s will be produced, using bespoke design elements and working with UK craftsmen to allow customers to add their own personal style alongside custom-made specifications.

Unveiled at Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Detour retains all the Grenadier’s refined dynamics and off-road capabilities, while customers can select from an extensive range of external and internal design options

to enhance both the vehicle’s level of personalisation and its long-distance comfort. Continuing to offer a choice of two straight-six, 3.0-litre BMW engines that have a proven track record in refined driving, the Detour will use an exclusively tailored exhaust system in petrol models to enhance the sound character and emotion of the vehicle.

George Ratcliffe, Commercial Director, INEOS Automotive says, “We chose the Arcane name for our new division because the limited-edition vehicles it creates will be so unique as to be rarely spotted in the wild. Working in small-batches and hand finishing the

cars means we can give a level of individuality not found in the 4X4 market. For our first launch, Grenadier Detour felt like a fitting name as the Grenadier is for people who enjoy driving, and sometimes it’s worth taking the longer route.”

Detour models will be identifiable by their unique 18-inch forged alloy wheels, a specially designed front grille with headlight surrounds, and four new dedicated paint finishes - Magma Red, Whiteout Blue, Squall Green and Storm Force Silver which are each polished by hand to enhance the finish. Along with the four exclusive colour options, Detour drivers seeking the ultimate in personalisation can select the Arcane Works bespoke paint option that uses a colour matching system which bases the paint colour on a sample provided by the customer or matched to an existing vehicle they may own. Their Detour will then be handsprayed in this one-off colour, and hand-polished to a high sheen in the UK.

A specially created exterior contrast pack has been created that includes new colour options of the front and rear skid plates, roof rails and rear ladder, whilst exterior lighting has been decoloured to provide a sleek visual.

The cabin environment will offer a high level of personalisation with a choice two new satin finishes for the transmission tunnel, doors and air-vents, and tactile leathers and fabrics for key driver touch points. As well as the option of

four fine-grain Bridge of Weir leathers for the quilted seat upholstery, and two cashmeres from Johnstons of Elgin for the headlining, all Detour models will feature a laser-etched aluminium door scuff plate displaying the vehicle’s limited-edition status. Understated Arcane Works exterior and interior badging is created by British jewellers, Vaughtons.

Each run of limited-edition vehicles from Arcane Works will showcase a unique set of features, and carry a specifically tailored name. Arcane Works will also become a test bed for new technologies and systems for future INEOS vehicles, such as uprated engine modifications, new chassis systems, and many new materials and features.

In its latest round of vehicle safety ratings, EuroNCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme, has published scores for Nissan's Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) lineup - Townstar, Primastar and Interstar.

Following robust safety tests, the Townstar and Primastar models have earned themselves a Gold rating, achieving an impressive safety assist performance rating of 78% and 69%, respectively.

The all-new Interstar – now available to pre-order in the UK - scored even higher and has been awarded EuroNCAP’s top Platinum rating with an overall score of 84%. These ratings are testament to Nissan’s commitment to safety, particularly as from 2023 EuroNCAP has applied more rigorous testing and assessment protocols for commercial vans than those used in previous years.

At Nissan, we are continuously working to improve safety across our lineup. This commitment includes the development and adoption of automated driver support technologies that can help drivers avoid collisions or mitigate their effects.

In the testing category that evaluates a vehicle's ability to detect and alert drivers to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, all three vehicles scored impressively. The Townstar earned 26.8 out of 30, the Primastar 27.9, and the Interstar 25.6 points. Overall, all vehicles were rated as performing in the highest category "Good” throughout the tests.

Nissan is setting the standard for vehicle safety, and when testing the vehicles Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, EuroNCAP noted the Townstar’s performance in this category as excellent. With a wide range of advanced driver assistance and safety features such as Intelligent Around View Monitor or Intelligent Blind Spot Warning, Townstar can also detect stationary or slower-moving cars and avoid collisions in nearly all test scenarios thanks to Intelligent Forward Collision warning and Emergency Braking. Whether the target vehicle is directly ahead or off to the side, the system reacts brilliantly, even when a vehicle cuts across the van's path.

Autonomous Emergency Braking Systems

Lane Support

Lane Support Systems are crucial in averting accidents involving vehicles departing from their lane or crossing into oncoming traffic, and Nissan's Townstar and Interstar models performed strongly in this category, receiving solid scores of 13.8 and 16.3 out of 20, respectively.

The lane support systems in the Townstar and Interstar utilise lane departure warning technology, which signals to the driver when the van is drifting out of lane. Emergency lane keeping technology also intervenes more aggressively in certain critical situations to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road, ensuring that you and those around you are kept safe at all times.

Speed Assistance

Across Nissan’s LCV range, Nissan has introduced various technology to advise drivers of the current speed limit and warn them if they are exceeding it. All vehicles received solid scores across the category, with the Primastar receiving 9/15, Townstar receiving 14.5/15 and the Interstar receiving 11.4/15. The vehicles use various technologies, which for the Townstar and Interstar model include digital mapping and a camera, to determine the local speed limit, and to automatically set the speed limiter, accordingly. This ensures drivers are fully aware the speed limit and remain at a safe speed whilst driving.

Occupant Status Monitoring rating

At Nissan, we recognise that drivers can sometimes be unpredictable, making occupant status monitoring essential for enhancing vehicle safety. To ensure driver well-being, we have integrated safety features such as seatbelt reminders and attention assist technology which can help avoid accidents and ensure customer peace of mind. EuroNCAP awarded our Interstar and Primastar models full marks in this category (15/15), and our Townstar model 10/15.

Andrew Limbert, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Manager said: “The outstanding performances across our Light Commercial Vehicle range across all categories demonstrates our clear commitment and dedication to improving passenger and road safety. Nissan is at the forefront when it comes to the advanced suite of technologies that act as a second pair of eyes, identifying potential dangers and helping the driver to avoid an accident. EuroNCAP's thorough testing and rating programme, is crucial for consumers to truly understand the various safety technologies we have introduced across our vehicles. It’s great to see this recognised across their ratings”.

Euro NCAP’s new criteria for Commercial Van Ratings

have focused on advanced driver assistance systems and have placed greater emphasis on vulnerable road users, including pedestrian safety in night-time scenarios, cyclist protection, and the introduction of a new van-to-car crash scenario.

Reaffirming Nissan's commitment to quality and reassurance, every Nissan LCV is covered by an industry-leading 5-Year or 160,000km warranty. The comprehensive warranty includes bumper-to-bumper protection, paintwork guarantee, genuine parts and accessories and roadside assistance – providing comprehensive cover for extra peace of mind.

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