INSIDE: RIDBA announces 2017 Awards Finalists page 28
Farming
MONTHLY National
February 2017
Also in this issue... Irrigation
| Securing water for food page 39
Reduce lamb losses Also inside this month..
| Planting trees and hedgerows can help say’s Woodland Trust page 10
Boundaries Grant... p06
Durabilty & performance p26
Filon Fixsafe is 1st choice p35
PLUS: Muck & Slurry | Fencing | Security | Buildings | Forestry | Energy | ATV | Motors
CONTENTS February 2017
FEATURES 08
25
14 LAMMA Post LAMMA report
25 Feature Farmers in Australia paid to become ‘Outback conservationists’
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41 Nutrition
44
46 Forestry
Nutrition for better returns
Making agroforestry fit: The importance of planning ahead
44 Education Agritech goes inter-galactic
28 Buildings RIDBA annouce Awards Finalists
37 Fencing M&M Timber awarded WPA Benchmark quality accolade
REGULARS 06 News Return of Sporting Rates
38 Irrigation Securing water for food
10 On Topic Reduce lamb losses by planting trees
42 Machinery Diet Feeders
48 ATV ATV news...covered.
40 Security 8000 farms offered free crime prevention advice
04 | Farming Monthly | February 2017
32 Energy Energy Now expo
52 Motors Latest motors news
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Agriculture. Covered. EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com
Reduce lamb losses by planting trees and hedgerows p10
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Follow us For editorial, general enquiries or to advertise please call +44 (0) 2476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com Farming Monthly National is published monthly in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Printed in the UK No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or publication. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as required and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved. ISSN 2044-0190 (print) ISSN 2044-0200 (digital)
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 05
| News
Return of Sporting Rates could put you in firing line Landowners, especially farmers, are being warned to pay careful attention when completing new questionnaires on the potential introduction of sporting rates on their properties – or risk damaging consequences. alcolm Taylor, a rural land management Partner at Bell Ingram, fears that supplying wrong details could come back to haunt landowners, especially if they are trying to sell a farm in the future. Malcolm said: "Owner occupiers should take time to consider what they are being asked. The questions might seem innocuous on the face of it, but giving too much or inaccurate information might lead to future unforeseen issues. I am not suggesting giving false information but give relevant information. "From the information we have at the moment, there seems to be no clear indication as to how individual properties will be valued. Where there is a lease and a
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passing rent, then there is an obvious value. "If somebody shoots over your farm with no lease it might be prudent to have something in writing putting the onus of paying rates on the tenant. "But beware of unintended consequences. Does your lease cover vicarious liability or make reference to roads and buildings? Is there planning permission for the roads and tracks, and if a rate is levied for individual items will it take you over the Small Business Rates Relief threshold? "The assessor can also look at the "potential" to shoot and levy a rate per acre, or a rate per bird shot or consider a mix of all three. He also has to take account of all the relevant costs involved in the lease or in exercising the right to shoot."
Following implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, Shootings and Deer Forests are to be entered into the valuation roll with effect from 1st April 2017. This means that all who have the right to shoot will start paying rates on these rights. To help the assessors calculate whether a rateable value should be applied, letters are being issued to all landowners across Scotland with a detailed questionnaire to complete and return for examination. Once processed, a rateable value will be applied, however should this be less than £15,000, the business can apply for an annual 100% exemption, and will not face any charges. Malcolm added that it is questionable how much will be generated by the rates, based on the fact that the original rates were
abolished because they cost more to administer than was collected. He added: “Assessments will be made by April 2017, and to avoid unnecessary appeals, everyone should try and give as accurate information as possible. “So the message is, if in doubt seek advice. But get it right because it could come back to haunt you in the future if you are trying to sell your farm.” Established 117 years ago, Bell Ingram has 130 professional staff across 11 UK offices including: farm, estate and forestry managers; chartered surveyors, estate agents, architects, planners, and building surveyors; and tourism, GIS mapping, and renewable energy specialists.
Soil Association gives evidence at House of Lords inquiry on the impact of Brexit and agriculture Dr Tom MacMillan, Soil Association Director of Innovation, today gave evidence to the EU Energy and Environment SubCommittee at a House of Lords inquiry on the impact of Brexit on UK agriculture and food. r MacMillan emphasised the challenges already faced by farming – not only the immediate pressures on profitability and from issues such as bovine TB, but also the monumental task of meeting the UK’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 and reverse declines in wildlife. Brexit could disrupt efforts to address these challenges if it brings new uncertainty, compromises UK standards, or puts pressure our public spending. Yet it could help our efforts if,
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conversely, the UK takes the opportunity raise standards and to reorient farming and land use to deliver all that the public needs and expects of it. Dr MacMillan said: “With 83% of the public expecting the same or higher standards as current EU laws when it comes to protections for wildlife and wild areas after Brexit, the UK must continue to commit to being a high standards economy. It is vital not confuse the public and business’s shared interest in reducing paperwork with the quite different proposition, against the public interest, to lower standards.
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“Any future agricultural policy and subsidy regime must include clear objectives to support existing organic producers, and to help more farmers adopt sustainable methods so that they become the norm. Organic farmers and growers across the UK provide some of the best examples of how to farm in a way that restores soil fertility, boosts productivity, tackles climate change, improves public health, prioritises animal welfare, and reverses the decline in nature and wildlife. Consumer demand for better food is growing and the organic market remains in strong growth.
“As the UK leaves the relative security of having guaranteed trading partners, we must stand strong when negotiating with new trade partners. Succumbing to lower standards would not only compromise opportunities for export – a focus for government – but also undermine the British public’s confidence in animal welfare, food safety and traceability.” The inquiry will help inform the Government, the House and the wider public on the priorities for UK agriculture before the Brexit negotiations begin.
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| News
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 07
| News
More farmers to benefit from Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant H&H Land and Property have welcomed the recent announcement by Natural England that the Hedgerows & Boundaries Grant (HBG) is to be re-launched. “Following a change in the eligibility rules, this now means that the grant will be available to more farmers than ever before,” explains David Morley, Head of Conservation and Environment at H&H Land and Property. n 2016, farmers or landowners with an Entry Level Stewardship agreement or Woodland Grant Scheme were barred from applying. With the removal of this restriction, the grant in 2017 is now available to those farmers, even if it is covered by their existing agreement. However, land in an Uplands Entry Level or Higher Level Stewardship agreement or a Mid-Tier or Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship agreement cannot be included in an HBG application. The 2017 application window is now open and runs from 1st February to 28th April. As was the case last year, farmers can apply for a one-off grant of up to £5000 towards the restoration of
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hedgerows, dry stone walls, stonefaced banks or earth banks. As with all elements of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, the application process is competitive and there is limited budget available. All applications will be scored and only those with the highest scores will secure a grant. Applications will generally be more likely to be successful if: • The farming business has previously had an Environmental Stewardship agreement (ELS or HLS) or a Woodland Scheme. • The smaller the holding, the more chance of success. • The application is to restore hedges or walls, rather than stonefaced or earth banks. • The greater the length of boundary being restored, the higher the score. •The holding is linked to a
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group receiving Facilitation Fund payments. Farmers who applied successfully last year can apply again, but businesses that have not previously received a grant will be given priority. The standard payment rates for the capital items that can be applied for remain unchanged and include: • Hedge laying £9.40 per metre • Coppicing of hedgerows £4.00 per metre • Hedgerow restoration through gapping up £9.50 per metre • Stone-faced bank repair £31.00 per metre • Stone wall restoration £25.00 per metre • Stone wall top wiring supplement (on walls being
restored) £3.60 per metre To conclude, David said: “This year, successful applicants will be made a grant offer in June 2017 and, if accepted, the agreement will start on 1st July. The applicant then has until 31st December 2018 to complete the work and submit their claim. A competitive application will be critical in securing a grant; it is therefore strongly recommended that potential applicants seek professional advice to maximise their chances of success.” For more information about the grants available contact David Morley or Mike Dyke at H&H Land and Property, on 01228 406260 or visit www.hhland.co.uk
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| Security
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 09
| On Topic
Reduce lamb losses by planting trees & hedgerows says the Woodland Trust Outdoor lambing has become increasingly popular as it reduces labour costs and offers reduced disease build-up compared to housed lambing. Even in areas where outdoor lambing is impractical or indoor lambing is still preferred due to unpredictable weather, early turnout is increasingly common.Whole to be greater than sum of parts as five food and farm enterprises join forces.
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ood shelter is recognised as important for successful outdoor lambing and for young lamb survival as exposure to cold is one of the biggest causes of neonatal loss of
lambs. The Woodland Trust is working with a number of UK farmers to increase the number of trees and hedgerows on their land to protect their flock. Senior Farming Adviser Helen Chesshire said: “Studies have shown that in cold, wet and windy weather, lamb losses can be reduced by up to 30 per cent if good shelter is provided. “Sheltered, well-drained fields provide the best physical conditions for lambing and good mothering. By creating the right conditions for ewes and young lambs, lamb mortality can actually be reduced compared to housed lambing.” One farmer who knows from bitter experience that wind chill can decimate lambs
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is David Noble, who farms at over 1,000 feet at the northern foot of the Lake District’s Skiddaw range. With a flock of 400 ewes and no artificial shelter, protection for newborn lambs is critical to the farm’s economic success. David said: “Hypothermia is a real risk in the first two to three days. It can take as many as 10 newborn lambs in a single night and that’s a real economic loss. Improving the welfare of the flock and protecting these hill-bred lambs by planting trees has been a real positive for the farm.” Working with the Woodland Trust, David planted a small strip of non-productive land with a mix of native trees and shrubs. Goat willow, hawthorn, hazel, oak, blackthorn and rowan were chosen to reflect the altitude and soil type and provide levels of shelter. The trust has also funded a Masters of Research at Harper Adams University, “Trees in the Farmed Environment”. As part of her thesis “Trees for shelter and
other functional benefits in sheep and beef farming systems: An evaluation of the operational experiences and economic effects on a sample of farms in England and Wales”, student Rachel Glover interviewed a number of farmers about the role of trees on their land. The owners of a 60 hectare farm in Kent explained that following a lambing season with harsh weather conditions in an exposed field, they had decided to lamb from a lower, more tree sheltered field the following season and experienced a higher lamb survival rate. This success was partly attributed to the shelter, with the farmer estimating the associated economic gain through higher survival rates. The farmer told Rachel: “The first year we lambed outside… it was bitterly cold and we didn’t really have much hedge so we did have a lot of loss. We lambed on a higher field and lost a lot of lambs so this year we have lambed down in the bottom fields where there is less wind and a lot more trees so we have had less loss. Economically we have probably saved 2 or 3 hundred pounds in dead
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| On Topic
sheep which is great and we’ve definitely got healthier sheep.” Cold, exposed conditions can also lead to an increased risk of ewes developing acute mastitis. This reduces the ability of the ewe to support her lambs increasing the likelihood of lamb mortality or poor growth rates. As well as providing a haven from the elements, shelterbelts can also be designed to assist natural behaviours of ewes and provide opportunities for isolation during lambing. Isolation increases the chances of early development of a strong bond between the ewe and her lambs, better suckling and colostrum intake, reduced disease risk and greater resistance to the cold. Planting trees has other benefits for flock health. They can improve soil quality, reducing waterlogged ground conditions associated with causing lameness and liver fluke. Husband and wife tenant farmers on a 109 hectare site in Yorkshire interviewed by Rachel reported “We have planted a few wet areas with woodland over the last few years and have
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seen a noticeable reduction in fluke… there is definitely a link between it on this estate. I didn’t have to fluke at all last year.” Rachel said: “This link between liver fluke and wet boggy areas is very interesting, with the shepherd communicating his certainty surrounding the beneficial impact of fencing off wet areas and therefore restricting livestock access to liver fluke prone areas. A reduction in liver fluke cases and therefore reduced need for medical treatment, has economic and time saving implications, showing the economic and operational cost-benefits of using trees in sheep and beef systems. “From the sample of farms involved in the research, a broad range of benefits were experienced through using trees in their farming systems, including increased animal productivity and reductions in liver fluke cases. The costs associated with planting trees and hedgerows were largely covered by grants and farmers felt any additional costs were outweighed by the benefits gained.”
The Woodland Trust offers farmers free advice and support for tree and hedgerow planting on their land, identifying the best trees for the farm and providing valuable grant support where available. To find out more and to request a free site visit, go to www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees Together with the Soil Association and Royal Forestry Society, the Trust is staging an agroforestry conference at Cranfield University on June 22 where farmers can discover the many benefits of planting trees on farms. The conference will showcase some of the UK’s leading agroforestry systems and look at the main steps and questions faced in getting them off the ground. National and international speakers are included in the line-up, along with those currently practicing agroforestry techniques, and Charlotte Smith of BBC Radio 4 will chair the sessions Tickets are available at www.soilassociation.org/agroforestry/
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 11
| Energy
Government’s latest commitment to Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) debated at agri renewables event The recent RHI review announcement has been largely welcomed by the renewable energy sector – and the new long term strategy will be debated at the Energy Now Expo this February 8 and 9. he new guidance, which maps out regulation for resetting RHI tariff levels until 2020/21, will mostly come into effect from spring 2017, and contains some encouraging signals for the industry that the government hopes will ease the process of securing development capital for larger scale sites. But there are still some grey areas. Farmers wanting to find out how the changes will affect their installations and future investment opportunities should not miss the leading renewable energy event, and it’s free to book. There will be a number of experts presenting on the RHI review at the expo. Lucy Hopwood from the NNFCC will present in the energy crops session, and is largely positive about the news. “The reforms offer a glimmer of hope for the bioenergy sectors and it’s pleasing to see so many industry-asks have been taken onboard,” says Lucy. “However, there are still evident risks and the question is now how long the positivity may last as the introduction of tariff guarantees and resetting of tariffs may appear to be good news but the reality is the more successful the industry from early next year, the quicker
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the tariffs will reduce and the greater the risk becomes of early scheme closure,” she adds. Charlotte Morton from the ADBA, although positive, also has some reservations. "We are pleased to see that tariff levels have been reset – this should support higher levels of deployment. We do not believe, however, that the restrictions on feedstock for new plants, which could have unintended consequences, are justified. “The reforms offer a glimmer of hope for the bioenergy sectors and it’s pleasing to see so many industry-asks have been taken on-board” “The introduction of tariff guarantees is extremely welcome and we will continue to work with the UK Government and with our members to ensure the UK AD industry keeps growing and reaches its full potential – for example by calling for urgent action on food waste collections in England." Speakers at the Energy Now Expo on the topic of the RHI review include: Sarah Driver, policy manager from the non-domestic RHI team at
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| Energy Ofgem will be providing advice on day 1 of the event on applying for Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) accreditation REA’s chief executive, Dr Nina Skorupska, will be discussing the UK renewables sector’s achievements so far, as well as the future direction and opportunities available Anne Laleman from Alpha
Financial Environmental will examine the financial feasibility of AD projects in light of subsidy changes Peter Fain from FarmREO will speak in the finance session, providing an update on the subsidy support available Nick Monether from Greenfields Consulting, will be presenting on what the changes mean for the
biomass sector Charlotte Davies from Lombard will explain how lending policy has evolved Lizzie Chatterjee, from the BEIS will present on the current RHI policy towards heat pumps Simon Shaw from Alvan Blanch will look at the practical implications of drying materials without the benefit of the RHI
Energy Now Expo is the only renewable energy event organised exclusively for the agricultural and rural sectors. To attend the even free of charge, please register online at www.energynowexpo.co.uk or call 01293 854405.
Create heat and power from waste wood with Organic Rankine Cycle Biomass has proven itself to be the most effective renewable technology, it’s easy to install, easy to run and most of all uncomplicated to maintain- not to mention it’s continued to show good returns from government tariffs. Yet the boilers have some limitations, primarily due to their dependence on high quality wood chip. eeing how biomass boilers could be improved, Novalux Energy codesigned a Waste Wood biomass boiler which can burn B and C grade wood without creating more emissions. As currently only 60% of waste wood can be recycled or used, you can be paid to dispose of C grade wood whilst avoiding fluctuating chip prices in the future. In addition, for a 1 MW biomass
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boiler you can also earn over £200,000 per annum for the next 20 years from government incentives. If you’d like to learn more about the long term financial benefits of waste wood biomass boilers, drop in and see us at the Energy Now Expo in February and ask any questions to our waste wood biomass expert. Novalux also offers a solution for those wanting to combine their heat and power needs. Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) can be
added on to a waste wood biomass boiler in a bespoke design for your site. By choosing this option you can capture excess heat from your boiler and turn it into power at no extra cost. If you’d like to see how a waste wood power plant works in action Novalux has just installed their own, so make sure to call or email us to register your interest for the opening. Come along and find out how you can save on heat and power costs whilst tapping into government incentives.
We have a limited number of spaces before the next tariff rates will be announced so don’t forget to sign up now. Novalux is your one point of contact with an experienced technical team, certified engineers and funding options available. We’re based in Monmouth so don’t hesitate to contact us on 01600 463 008 or info@novaluxenergy.com to ask any questions or register for your free site survey.
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 13
| LAMMA
LAMMA organisers say 2017 most successful yet The most successful LAMMA ever is how organisers are describing the mammoth machinery event that took place at the East of England showground in Peterborough on 18 and 19 January. he first national agricultural show since the Brexit vote revealed an air of cautious optimism among exhibitors and visitors alike, despite the current and future uncertainty created by the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Improved commodity prices, the one clear short-term benefit from the Brexit decision, undoubtedly helped raise the mood among the 40,000-plus visitors to the event. As always, there was something for everyone at LAMMA, where almost 900 exhibitors hosted the most extensive array of farm machinery and equipment to be found in one location anywhere in the UK. Many of those exhibitors commented not just on the numbers of people visiting their stands, but the quality of the conversation they were having with them, resulting in plenty of sales and strong leads across the showground. Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, group head of events for Briefing Media said: “We were delighted by the success of LAMMA 2017. Once again we hosted more than 40,000 visitors at the UK’s leading agricultural machinery exhibition. “They were able to see a number of new launches at the show and our sponsors and exhibitors have fed back that they were impressed both by the number of visitors, and also by the positive nature of the conversations held.
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“After a couple of difficult years in the market, there were many instances of this, with real business being done at the show.” Putting on such a large event, much of it outside, was a significant operational challenge, said Mrs Mork-Eidem. “Again, all feedback has been very positive regarding the show itself and the traffic management. “We launched a show app for the first time and the more than 4,000 attendees who downloaded this app were able to benefit from a number of features that facilitated their time at the show. “LAMMA remains a major show in the agricultural media calendar and, as we already turn our head to LAMMA 2018, we continue to work hard to ensure that it meets the needs of all of its exhibitors and visitors.” Matthew Smart, head of asset finance at headline sponsor Asset Finance Partners (AFP), said the two-day show exceeded the company’s expectations. “The show was well attended and the large number of exhibitors this year has attracted more visitors. On Wednesday, our stand was heaving, while Thursday was less busy but just as productive. “The show continues to be the event “to do business” and we have a huge number of enquiries and new business to now write, having spent time directly with the farming community and listening to their requirements
for the near future.” He said the mood at LAMMA was generally upbeat, with a focus on preparing for new opportunities around the corner following the announcement about the UK’s Brexit plan on the eve of LAMMA. “Many farmers were talking about reviewing their current long-term borrowings to be on the front foot financially to take advantage of the change and opportunity that lie ahead. Certainly cutting/fixing costs for longer term borrowing and machinery finance was high on their agenda.” Machinery launch pad Most of the major tractor manufacturers used the event to unveil new models and a host of machinery and equipment developments was on show. Some of this kit was making its first appearance on the global stage, or its UK debut, maintaining LAMMA’s reputation as a launch pad for key machinery manufacturers. However, it was not not just the big companies that drew the crowds. LAMMA’s ethos throughout its 36-year history has been to host smaller agricultural engineering and machinery companies from across the UK who displayed a vast array of innovative products to meet any arable or livestock farmer’s needs. LAMMA ’18 will take place at the East of England Showground, Peterborough, on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th January 2018.
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| Diet Feeders
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 15
| LAMMA
Two new premium applicator systems for balers At LAMMA 2017, PFC will be launching two new additions to its range of preservative and inoculant applicator systems for all types of baler.
Liftmaster debuts at LAMMA ‘17 Liftmaster Ltd made it’s debut at LAMMA 2017, a new venture for the company. lready well established and a market leader in the garage equipment market Liftmaster decided to look at the requirements for the agricultural workshop. Liftmaster already have vehicle lifting equipment for agricultural vehicles in their product range but have recently introduced new products that they wanted to promote. LAMMA 2017 was the ideal venue for Liftmaster to enter the arena for agricultural service equipment. The Liftmaster stand in Hall 4 exhibited a range of specialist jacking equipment, but the star of the show was a new Wheel Trolley. A new design for the Wheel Trolley showed new innovations for positioning the wheel. Designated the WT1500 this substantially constructed trolley can handle with ease, a 1500kg wheel up to 2400mm in diameter. A waist high hydraulic pump handle moves the base rollers in and out to accept the different size wheels to raise and lower them. After the wheel has been removed it is secured to the WT1500 with an automatic ratchet strap. This feature allows good access to the wheel nuts, an improvement on models that use a post and bracket to go over the wheels. When the wheel is offered back to the vehicle it can easily be pumped up the correct height. A new feature of
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the WT1500 is the ability to rotate the wheel to align the studs. This is done by a wheel on the control post which allows the operator to align the studs perfectly to re-fit the wheel. The WT1500 is now truly a one man operation and a must for any workshop, with health and safety in mind, moving large heavy wheels. The WT1500 along with the lifting jacks has a 3 year warranty on the hydraulics and a 10 year warranty on the frame and mechanics. Liftmaster Ltd have a huge range of lifting equipment including in-ground hydraulic lifts and mobile column lifts for agricultural vehicles.
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| LAMMA he PFC complete range of automatic and manual electronic applicators lead the way in applying preservative and inoculants products to baled crops. The premium buffered preservative enables hay and straw to be baled at crop moisture contents of up to a maximum of 30%, but without dust and moulds developing. The traditional limit for untreated hay is 15% moisture. This not only ensures optimum bale quality and improved nutritional value, but also results in greater baler productivity and daily output. In addition the highly accurate moisture meters within the automatic applicator system mean the user is fully informed of crop condition as it varies during the day. The two new additions to the application range to be launched at LAMMA are the 300 Series Automatic Applicator for conventional and low output round balers, and the new Electronic Manual High Output applicator for high capacity round and large square balers, which is designed to apply preservatives and inoculants at high baling speeds 300 Automatic Applicator The new 300 Automatic Applicator is ideal for operators of conventional balers and low output round balers wanting a straight-forward automatic applicator, but without the sophistication of the top-of-the-range 600 Series modular ISOBus compatible system. Each high specification applicator is designed to fit the baler with the minimum of fabrication. The new cost efficient 300 Series Automatic Applicator offers a premium specification and is designed to be operated using an iPad, which connects via Bluetooth to the applicator’s precision processor.
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As with all Automatic Applicators, the new 300 Series relies on highly accurate moisture readings from a pair of moisture sensing star wheels for square balers and sensing discs for round balers mounted either side of the bale chamber. Accurate to within 1%, these take readings through the bale nine times a second, which are averaged every three seconds, to provide a continuous reading over a range from 8% to 32% moisture on small square balers and 8-60% moisture on round balers. Unlike the previous 400 Series which used three pumps, to reduce service costs the new 300 Series uses just a single bypass pump that provides a constant pressure to a pulsating solenoid valve, which covers a wide range of application rates. This not only results in an improved response time to variations in moisture, but provides an instant response and shut-off. The new 300 Series will have the option to upgrade to a high output version in the near future, so future proofing the baling operation. Electronic Manual High Output applicator The new Electronic Manual High Output applicator system is ideally suited for use with both modern, high output fixed and variable chamber round balers, but also high capacity big square balers. A purpose designed range of fitting kits for all popular baler models ensures that the applicator can be quickly and easily fitted. Unlike the high output 600 Series ISOBus system, where the application rate is automatically varied according to precision moisture readings in the chamber, the Electronic Manual system is used to apply a constant rate as set by the operator. To obtain an accurate moisture reading for round balers on which to assess the application rate, the
operator should use the 300 Series precision moisture monitor or on large square balers a 600 Series moisture monitor. A particular benefit of the new Electronic Manual system is that it’s capable of not only applying high volume rates of silage and haylage products, but an upgrade also enables it to be used to apply premium buffered propionic acid, so that hay and straw can be safely baled up to 30% moisture, thereby ensuring all-year round use and optimum return on investment. ‘Out of Season’ savings A range of ‘Out of Season’ savings are available through until March 20th 2017. A sliding scale of ‘Out of Season’ discounts are available on all applicator systems and preservative, with the best offers available on the earliest orders. In addition, for every new high output Electronic Manual applicator bought, this will be supplied with a free handheld moisture reader or a set of Crop Eye Indicators (auto shut on/off), until March 20th 2017. Information on these and other early order promotions are available from PFC Ltd.
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 17
| LAMMA
Cesar’s 10th anniversary year begins at LAMMA As the official CESAR Scheme enters its tenth anniversary year CESAR exhibited at LAMMA 2017. The popular twoday agricultural event in Peterborough attracted over 15,000 visitors per day. he CESAR Scheme is the official security initiative of the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) and the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association) which uses an array of Datatag security marking technologies to give each piece of equipment a unique ‘fingerprint that thieves cannot remove.
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CESAR was launched at the Combined Industries Theft Solutions (CITS) conference held at JCB’s Rocester HQ in 2007. Since its launch CESAR has been adopted by a veritable ‘who’s who’ of leading equipment manufacturers including John Deere, Valtra, JCB, Manitou and Merlo. CESAR is fitted on
production lines on 3 continents and now protects over 225,000 machines. CESAR was widely evident at LAMMA with many leading manufacturers showing their support by displaying their CESAR marked machinery. LAMMA 2017 saw two major announcements. Firstly, leading ATV manufacturer Polaris announced the adoption of CESAR for their Quads and ATVs. Secondly, market leader John Deere announced that they are now fitting all XUV & HPX Gator utility vehicle models with the official CESAR Scheme as standard. The CESAR system is recognized by national and local government agencies and supported by the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council. CESAR is approved by all major insurers, offering discounts of up to 25%. NFU were also on at hand next to the CESAR stand in hall 7 at LAMMA supporting the scheme and promoting their CESAR discounts. CESAR and Datatag will mark their success during 2017 at the Executive Hire Show, Plantworx and the BBC’s Countryfile exhibition.
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| LAMMA
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 19
| LAMMA
BDC increases Aagaard Pre Cleaner range New models have been added to the Aagaard range of aspiration pre cleaners which are available exclusively in the UK from BDC Systems. The range now features models with capacities from 40tph to 200tph. DC Systems and Aagaard have worked closely together over the last 2-3 years to develop, re-design and test these heavy duty machines. This has resulted in more efficient cleaners, using less power for optimum separation. The cleaners are made from 3 mm steel plate making them suitable for industrial applications. They are available both in a painted version and now hot dipped galvanized for outdoor applications. Because Aagaard aspirators have a large diameter, the grain falling on the internal conical distribution rotor can spread the grain out more evenly and thinly. This allows the incoming air to more easily pass through it and lift the dust up and out of the cleaner more effectively. This is further aided by the air inlets being on the outer circumference of the unit. These design features ensure optimal cleaning of the grain
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without the need for additional drive motors. Airflow can be controlled either by using a throttle valve or with an inverter controlling the fan speed which has the added benefit of reducing power consumption. BDC Systems also offers a series of high efficiency grain cyclones specifically designed and sized for each of the aspirators in the series to give the optimal separation of the extracted dust with an extremely low pressuredrop. These units are proving to be a very valuable piece of equipment, reducing the amount of light material in the sample prior to a drying system and raising bushel weights from low density crops. In some cases omitting the need for a screen cleaner. For more information please contact the UK’s leading supplier of grain handling equipment at www.bdcsystems.com or Tel: 01672 810851 email: info@bdcsystems.com
20 | Farming Monthly | February 2017
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| Buildings
Farmstar Limited Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786
Market Weighton,York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900
Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk
B & B Tractors (Warsop) Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG20 0EP T: 01623 847171 Tutbury, Staffordshire DE13 9HS T: 01283 521522 www.bandbtractors.co.uk
Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk
R & D Machinery Ltd Totnes, Devon TQ9 6DP T: 01803 863400 www.rdmachinery.co.uk
Robert D Webster Ltd Owstwick, Hull HU12 0LH T: 01964 670251
Goole, N. Humberside DN14 7DZ T: 01430 430624
Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 4RF T: 01262 420226 www.robertdwebster.co.uk
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 21
| LAMMA
Kubota Implements launched at LAMMA 2017 Kubota Agriculture has strengthened its farm machinery portfolio with the launch of a range of Kubota-branded implements. overs came off the orange-liveried implement range at the 2017 LAMMA Show. The range of implements include a selection of disc mowers, rakes, tedders, flail choppers, fertiliser spreaders, round balers and wrappers, which are manufactured and distributed for Kubota by the Kverneland Group. “This is an exciting time in the expansion of Kubota’s agricultural business,” says Rob Edwards, Kubota Agriculture’s business development manager. “Our vision is to introduce a range of Kubota implements through carefully selected dealers who can support and expand our tractor and machinery business.” “While we have already handpicked some of our existing Kubota tractor dealers, there will be further new dealer appointments over the next three years to broaden our network,” he says. Currently, Kubota has appointed 13 dealers throughout the UK and Ireland already. Among the latest
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appointments are Vincent Tractors, TH Horn and George Browns. When it comes to implements, Kubota Agriculture will be offering a range of grassland-oriented machines that have been chosen specifically to compliment the size and power ratings of the MGX-III, M5001 and M7001 tractor ranges. “It is our focus to give new and existing Kubota tractor owners access to a range of productive and efficient implements that are available through their local Kubota dealer,” Rob Edwards concluded. For the 2017 season, Kubota’s implement range will include the following models: Tedders: Nine models of tedder, from the four-rotor TE4052 with its 5.2m working width, up to the 10rotor TE10514C, with a 13.3m working width. Rakes: 10 rake models, from the single-rotor 3.2m wide RA1032, up to the twin-rotor RA2590 Hydro - the latter offering an adjustable working width from 8-9m. Disc mowers: 15 models of plain disc mower, from the fourdisc 1.66m-wide DM1017 up to the
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DM3095 - a 9.5m butterfly unit. Front-mounted models are also available, offering 2.8m and 3.2m cutting widths. Mower conditioners: 11 models of mower conditioner, comprising mounted models from the 2.4m DMC 6024N up to the 3.6m DMC 7036T, plus trailed models from the 2.8m DMC8000 to the 3.2m DMC8500 centre-pivot model. Front-mounted models are also available, offering 2.8m and 3.2m cutting widths. Flail choppers: 27 models of flail chopper - from the 0.9m wide SE1090 up to the SE8400 with its 4m cutting width. Fixed chamber baler: Two models of fixed chamber round baler, comprising the BF3255 with and without 14-knife Supercut
chopping unit. Variable chamber balers: Five models of variable chamber baler including the BV5160, BV5216 Flexiwrap baler wrapper combination, and the BV5200 model. Versions equipped with 14knife Supercut chopping unit can also be specified. Fertiliser spreaders: Four models of pendulum spreader and 10 models of twin disc spreader, up to the DSX-W GEOspread model. Bale wrappers: Five models of round bale wrapper from the linkage-mounted turntable WR1100C up to the trailed, heavy duty WR1600J.
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| LAMMA
Contact your nearest dealer: Central Cropsprayers Limited Unit J Sandford Industrial Park Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 2AN 01948 840187 www.centralcropsprayers.co.uk
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Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 23
| LAMMA
New Holland celebrates Greater comfort and 100 years of tractor easy handling for CLAAS production at LAMMA SCORPION New Holland is celebrating 100 years of tractor production and will showcase two vintage Fordson tractors alongside its latest tractor models at LAMMA. The 100 year anniversary display on New Holland’s stand forms part of a year of celebrations in association with enthusiast club Blue Force. elebrations for the 100-year anniversary began with a book launch at New Holland’s Basildon manufacturing site and showroom on 11 January 2017. The 528 page book, ‘100 years of Fordson, Ford and New Holland Tractors 19172017’ published by tractor enthusiast club Blue Force, includes over 1,270 colour photographs and details of tractor models produced since 1917. New Holland’s stand at LAMMA marks the next event in the year of celebrations and will demonstrate continuous improvements made in the manufacturing of tractors. A 1926 Fordson F series, owned by a Blue Force club member and a Fordson Dexta, owned by Blue Force Chairman Philip Gibson will feature on the stand with the latest models, including New Holland’s Basildon-built T7 Heavy Duty tractor, released in late 2015.
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“The Blue Force enthusiast club has members interested in vintage and modern tractors manufactured by Ford, Fordson and New Holland” James Ashworth, New Holland Marketing Manager says: “We’re proud to have achieved 100 years of tractor production. New Holland has continued to innovate and improve tractor technology, to ensure our machines are efficient, productive and serve the needs of farmers. Our World Class Manufacturing sites produce quality tractors for a global market,
including the site at Basilson, where we make T6 and T7 tractors for farmers in the UK, Ireland and more than 120 countries all over the world. “We are delighted to showcase our history at LAMMA and thank Blue Force members for loaning two fine vintage tractors for our stand. We look forward to supporting Blue Force with their activities throughout the year.” Following LAMMA, the celebration continues with Blue Force Club’s Chairman, Philip Gibson and Treasurer, Peter Plehov, embarking on a twomonth-long Coastline Tractor Challenge, on 13 April. The Coastline Tractor Challenge uses two new Basildon-built New Holland T6 tractors to visit most of the coastline of England, Wales, Scotland and a part of Ireland. The tractors will pull a scratch-built shepherds hut for accommodation, and a trailer carrying supplies. The Challenge will bring the 100-year celebration to farming communities around the coast and will raise money for Steps Care Centre and Cancer Research UK charities. Philip Gibson, Blue Force Chairman explains the thinking behind the Challenge: “The Blue Force enthusiast club has members interested in vintage and modern tractors manufactured by Ford, Fordson and New Holland. It was a fitting tribute to a century of manufacturing to reaffirm our close links with New Holland by taking two modern tractors around the coast of the UK and parts of Ireland. Blue Force will also have a club presence at six major vintage rallies around the UK to support the 100 years celebration.”
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CLAAS unveiled its new series of Stage IV (Tier 4) emissions standard SCORPION telehandlers at Agritechnica 2015, raising the bar on engine performance and comfort. The latest models in this series are available for sale as of now, and boast a range of new functions and added features for even greater comfort and better handling. hese include, for example, a shake function for working with the bucket, the MultiCoupler for fast attachment and removal of implements, and additional tyre options. Telehandlers are crucial for materials handling on today’s farms. In particular, users are looking for performance, costeffectiveness and driver comfort, and the CLAAS SCORPION series meets all of these requirements optimally. Spanning lift heights from 6.15 to 8.75 m and lift capacities from 3.0 to 5.5 t, the wide-ranging SCORPION series has the right solution for every farm. All SCORPION models come with a Stage IV (Tier 4) four-cylinder Deutz diesel engine. They also feature proven CLAAS systems such as SMART ROADING and SMART HANDLING for particularly intelligent drive line technology, and added comfort and ease of operation in all work environments. New shake function makes bucket emptying even easier SMART HANDLING provides greater operational reliability and adjustable automatic driver comfort functions as standard on all CLAAS telehandlers to make
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things easier for the driver over a wide range of tasks. A new feature for the SCORPION range is the bucket shake function, which makes it easier to empty the bucket when working with damp or sticky materials such as manure, compost or soil. New MultiCoupler for fast, easy implement switching CLAAS now offers the MultiCoupler as an option for all SCORPION models. Along with the pushbutton pressure release switch on the headstock, it makes the task of connecting and disconnecting hydraulic connections when changing implements even faster and easier Other new options for the current SCORPION series include rugged Michelin BibLoad tyres and the proven CLAAS TELEMATICS performance analysis and documentation system. The new BibLoad tyres are particularly suitable for operating telehandlers on hard surfaces such as asphalted areas around the farm. Depending on the model, Michelin 460/70 R24 or 500/70 R24 tyres are also available. All machines and the new options in the SCORPION series are available for sale as of now.
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| Feature
Farmers paid to become Outback conservationists A conservation program in the Australian Outback is providing farmers with a new income stream while returning the ancient land to its natural state. he South Australian government has partnered with pastoralists on two Outback cattle stations to rehabilitate grazing land to its natural state. The Australia-first stewardship program has been formalised following a two-year trial at properties about 500km northwest of the South Australian capital Adelaide.
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“A diversified agricultural business is usually a healthy one and we aim to pay fair compensation” A total of 194 square kilometres of land on Billa Kalina and Wirraminna stations has been set aside for the project, which involves fencing, decommissioning of artificial watering points such as wells and the removal of stock. While the areas are of significant size, they only represent a small portion of the enormous properties and are unlikely to significantly impact commercial grazing operations.
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The areas were chosen because their unique landscapes were poorly represented in Australia’s national park system. The Billa Kalina site (34sq km) features low scrubland on an ancient lakebed while Wirraminna (160sq km) is a mixed wooded landscape with Mulga and Myall trees. The farmers are paid a lump some up front for the conservation of each site for the remainder of their pastoral lease, which is 23 years at Billa Kalina and 38 years at Wirraminna. If required, an additional payment is made for required infrastructure, such as fencing. Project manager Andrew Willson said because the high cost of land had limited the ability of governments to establish new national parks, the program provided a new mechanism for preserving land in Australia’s Arid Zone. He said expansion of the Natural Resources SA Arid Landsrun program to include more properties would be reliant on additional funding, which is being sought. “We consider we’ve got proof of concept for this new mechanism and we’ve got a register of
interested pastoralists who we could approach again the next round that we do,” Willson said. “We know there’s interest out there.” The agreements allow for tourism activities to further diversify income on the sites, as long as it is compatible with the conservation aims. “A diversified agricultural business is usually a healthy one and we aim to pay fair compensation,” Willson said. “They get that money up front in a lump sum and to some people that’s attractive because in principle, money received now is worth more than in the future. “It’s early day but we’ve signed up with really professional pastoralists – these are long-term agreements and we think we’ve got it right.” The Billa Kalina stewardship area, pictured above, is believed to contain a number of rare birds and mammals including the Chestnutbreasted Whiteface, Thick-billed Grasswren, the Plains Mouse and specialist shrub species Eremophila pentaptera and Goodenia chambersii. The Wirraminna area is home to regionally rated birds species such as the White-browed Treecreeper,
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Gilberts Whistler and plants such as Sandlewood (Santalum spicatum). Neither land system was previously protected in the formal conservation reserve network in Australia. Willson said as well as the interest from farmers, the program has generated enquiries from organisations in New South Wales wanting to establish something similar with their pastoral leasehold land. “There really hasn’t been anything like it in terms of supporting pastoral leaseholders,” he said. “In the past it’s either been pastoralism or conservation and nothing really in between so this is seen as something new and innovative.” Billa Kalina pastoralist Colin Greenfield said he had always believed good pastoral management involved looking after the land to benefit stock production and the natural landscape. “However this program was the first to provide a reasonable financial incentive for us to take an extra step in dedicating this unique land type as an actual area for conservation,” he said.
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 25
| Muck & Slurry
Durability, performance & technology from Teagle Teagle Machinery has launched two new models to extend its line-up of Titan Rear Discharge muckspreaders. n 2013, Teagle introduced the Titan 6, 8 and 9 to complement its Titan 10 and 12. The following year a dedicated 2,500m2 Manufacturing Hall was commissioned incorporating Welding Bays, Shot Blast Facilities, a massive oven to cure the 2-part paint process and an Assembly Line. The latest models, Titan 15 and 17, top off the current range and extend the load capacities of Teagle Muckspreaders to just over 20m2. These extra-large capacity models are specifically designed for heavy-use operators. During the last eighteen months, as part of the development process, these machines have been put through their paces by large scale operators demanding high output, reliability and the latest technology. The Titan 15 and 17 incorporate high speed Commercial Axles with 406 x140 brakes and a dual Air and Hydraulic combination braking system as part of their standard specification. A wide variety of hitch and tyre options ensures not only the specific demands of large scale operators are fulfilled, but critical compliance to European homologation standards are also addressed within the design. In addition to this impressive specification, Teagle has “raised the bar� in the design of the Titan 15 and 17 through a series of updates to improve service intervals and durability. These enhancements will also be rolled back into smaller models in the range. Continuous
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Improvement is the mantra of this family owned, British manufacturer who employs 10% of its workforce of 150 in Research and Development. The latest technology complements the robust design and fine, even spread pattern associated with Teagle muckspreaders. LED lighting systems are fitted as standard and the operator can choose a new electronic bed
speed control system. Weigh Cell technology has been fully integrated into the large capacity Titan models with options including GPS communication and the latest variable rate application technology. Titan 15 Models start at ÂŁ35,550. For more details contact Jim Squires UK Sales Manager, Teagle Machinery Tel: 07794 689899 / e-mail jim.squires@teagle.co.uk
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| Muck & Slurry
Green Bedding and Digestate separators from Greencrop
Greencrop, the official importer of the Sepcom range of slurry separators for farm and AD, offer the Visscher/Sepcom green bedding separator, manufactured by the Italian Wam Group and Visscher Holland.
reen bedding has now become of great interest in the UK after its popularity in the USA and Europe for some years. Our neighbours in Holland have been using green bedding for six years and have converted to the system both on mats and deep bedding (85% of all new cubicles in Holland have
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gone to deep bedding). Visscher have been involved from the beginning, and have developed an automatic separator system and have over 450 working units in Holland (both static and mobile). They also have over 90 in Germany, plus units in Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Portugal, Lapland and now a number of units installed in the UK. After a full review the process
has now been accepted in the UK. The Visscher/Sepcom green bedding separator is designed to produce recycled bedding material from the separated slurry. The benefits of this system give cow’s better comfort in the cubicle, helps keep them cleaner and help to reduce mastitis levels in the heard, whilst also reducing bedding costs. The separator has a lower electrical demand than other machines as it is fitted with a 5.5kw motor. Due to its larger screen area and auto adjusting head, its power requirement is reduced. The Visscher/Sepcom will produce bedding with a dry matter content of 33-37 per cent. The unique polymer sectional auger as standard, which has proved itself on other Sepcom separators for its cleaning ability during use. As well as significant advantages in keeping the screens cleaner, it aids a higher degree of separation than a steel screw system. The final part of the separation is by a Visscher screen mounted in the centre of the solid core, this allows the moisture from the inside of the solids out through the centre, thus not trying to squeeze all of the liquid to the outside. This works in conjunction with the Patented Visscher automatic press module head which adapts the counter– pressure to the medium`s consistency. This allows the module to automatically apply optimum pressing force. The system will continuously adjust itself to the pre-set value and this has a very close relationship with the dry matter percentage and capacity. The PLC controller can be adjusted to the dry matter content/mass balance desired for nutrients and dryness. Only about 70% of the daily produced slurry is needed for bedding, a simple turn
of a dial on the panel decreases the amps, saving energy costs and produces a faster standard separation DM for spreading on to the land. This means you don’t have to climb up and adjust the separator outlet manually every time. Pumps and agitators The consistency and homogeneity of the slurry helps ensure a good result. It is therefore important to choose the right agitation and pump in connection with the green bedding separator. Greencrop can provide a range of electrical mixers for the reception pits, plus for the most efficient installation we would recommend the Visscher cutting mill and positive displacement pump system. . The capacity is about 5-20 m3 per hour. The worm pump is characterised by a constant flow of slurry, irrespective of its composition. The rota is hardened to cope with any small hard particles, which would harm a standard positive displacement pump. Through the control panel the pump and auto-head work together to feed the correct amount of slurry at any one time, and if there becomes a blockage or lack of product, the system will automatically shut down. Greencrop can also offer a full range of Sepcom separators for AD plants be it slurry- field crop or food, feed stocks. Horizontal or the unique vertical machines are in use on many UK Plants... For further information on the Visscher/Sepcom green bedding separator or any other Greencrop products, please visit our website www.greencrop.co.uk. Alternatively, please contact Howard Chantry on 07881 787997 or email howard@greencrop.co.uk
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 27
| Buildings
RIDBA announces shortlist for the RIDBA Building Awards 2017 RIDBA (The Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association) launched the RIDBA Building Awards in September 2016 to showcase the best in rural and industrial buildings and after receiving a record number of entries, RIDBA is delighted to announce the shortlist to the industry. he re-vamped FAB Awards is now in its third year and superbly demonstrates the diversity of skills of our members, from schools and offices to cattle buildings and stables. As such, RIDBA has divided the entries across seven categories: Cattle, Commercial, Education and Research, Equestrian, Production and Process, Recreation and Leisure, and Storage.
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“Congratulations to the shortlisted companies who have demonstrated their commitment to high standards and quality” The judging panel consisted of industry experts including David Collier (David Collier Rural Planning), Niresh Somlie (BM Trada), Martin Heywood (RIDBA Technical Consultant) and Andrew Brown (Visit our Farm). The judges were very impressed by the high level of technical excellence demonstrated by RIDBA members delivering successful projects to their clients.
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RIDBA is also pleased to announce its media partnership with Farming Monthly for the promotion of the RIDBA Building Awards 2017 providing RIDBA with a unique opportunity to promote the success of its members to the wider industry. RIDBA looks forward to its continued work with Farming Monthly. Head Judge and RIDBA Technical Consultant, Martin Heywood, said: “Congratulations to the shortlisted companies who have demonstrated their commitment to high standards and quality. The judges had a difficult task in choosing the winners and with the support of Farming Monthly, I am sure the RIDBA Building Awards will be a true benchmark for the industry.” The winners will be revealed at the RIDBA Building Awards Dinner on Friday 17 March featuring a champagne drinks reception and a 3-course dinner. The event will be hosted by popular Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison at the Radisson Blu hotel in Cardiff. RIDBA would like to thank its sponsors: Kingspan, Joseph Ash, Filon Products, Metsec and Steadmans.
The finalists for the RIDBA Building Awards 2017 are:
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| Buildings
CATTLE
COMMERCIAL
EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Lilburn Estates: Glendale Engineering Middleton of Rora: Shand Building Design The Old Stackyard: Paul Huxley Construction
Richard Designs: AC Bacon Engineering Leighton Business Park: Rose Engineering Wales Air Ambulance: Shufflebottom Little Kelham: Marley Eternit
Isle of Ely Primary School: AC Bacon Engineering CUBRIC Building: Shufflebottom Hills Road Sixth Form College: AC Bacon Engineering John Ray Infant School: AC Bacon Engineering
PRODUCTION & PROCESS
RECREATION & LEISURE
STORAGE
EQUESTRIAN
Galvanising Plant Refurbishment: AJ Lowther and Son Ancre Hill Winery: AJ Lowther and Son Linx House: AC Bacon Engineering Great Dunmow Waste Transfer Station: AC Bacon Engineering
Kynren: S & A Fabrications Marrick Priory Archery Deck: Yorkshire Steel Buildings Pensthorpe Play Barn: AC Bacon Engineering
Dalton Gates Farm: S & A Fabrications Stancil Farm: Timmins Engineering & Construction Featherstone House Farm: Timmins Engineering & Construction
Green Oaks: Yorkshire Steel Buildings Houghall College Equestrian Centre: S & A Fabrications Rathmoy Stables (Ring): MD Anthony Rathmoy Stables (Barn): MD Anthony
Farming Monthly National would like to congratulate all finalists and wish them the very best of luck!
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 29
| Buildings
Joseph Ash Galvanizing: The UK leader of steel finishing services Joseph Ash Galvanizing has been a UK leader of steel finishing services since 1857. Founded by Joseph Ash – the son of a brilliant Midlands based chemist – our services include galvanizing, spin galvanizing, shot blasting and powder coating. ith eight plants in the UK (in Bilston, Bridgend, Chesterfield, Corby, Hull, Medway, Telford and Walsall) Joseph Ash Galvanizing serves all types of customers from fabricators to large construction companies, to fencing and agricultural specifiers, government departments and even metal sculpture artists. Our position as a steel finishing UK leader stems not only from our industry-leading levels of customer service – which meet the most exacting requirements of our customers and their end users – but also from our ethos of outstanding technical knowledge
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and through the additional services we provide, which include: • Collection and delivery • On-site storage facilities • Bundling, packing and export containerisation • Passivation post galvanizing • A range of different bath sizes and lifting capabilities • Additional paperwork if requested • The ability to powder coat aluminium as well as steel. With a number of different bath sizes at our various plants (including one of the widest galvanizing baths in Europe at our Telford plant), Joseph Ash galvanizes everything from lighting columns to staircases, fencing
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products to bridges, structural sections to access support steelwork, and industrial flooring to motorway guardrails, not forgetting of course agricultural building steelwork and associated agricultural farm equipment and supplies. Small specialist parts such as hinges, nuts and bolts can also be galvanized in our spin line galvanizing baths. Finally, Joseph Ash Galvanizing also offers a one-stop-service for shot blasting, galvanizing and powder coating from our Medway plant, with all services provided
from under one roof. Joseph Ash Galvanizing are once again proud to be a Premium Sponsor of the RIDBA Building Awards 2017 and also to provide exclusive sponsorship of the Champagne Reception at the awards ceremony. We wish all shortlisted nominees the very best of luck at the awards and we look forward to seeing you all at the event. For information about our steel finishing services, please contact us on 0121 504 2573, or visit our website at www.josephash.co.uk
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| Buildings Agridoor Manual
Galebreaker Agridoor range of doors Agridoor is a sectional, fast operating material door with a bird-proof seal. uitable for agricultural buildings including feed stores, grain stores, feed passages, milking parlours and general purpose farm buildings. Farm Assured Agridoor helps meet Quality Assurance standards and is an ideal access solution providing weather protection, ventilation and light for farm buildings. Key features of all Agridoors: • fully adjustable to fit available opening • choice of different panel materials and colours on the same door • high tensile galvanised steel tubes • nylon bearings and gears • door system tested to 10,000 operations • complies with EC door directive EN-13241 Agridoors are available with manual or electric operation. The new Agridoor Plus has all the proven benefits of Agridoor but is
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now available up to 10m high or up to 10m wide with a maximum door size of 55m2. Agridoor Manual Chain driven assembly, spring assisted for easy operation and to meet EC regulations. Semiautomatic locking catches. Agridoor is suitable for installing on the inside or outside of buildings, operation is from the side of fixing. Maximum door size 6.1m high, 6m wide, operation speed 5sec/m. Agridoor Electric All the advantages of the manually operated Agridoor but with an electric motor drive and automatic locking catches for single press-button operation. Fitted with highly sensitive safety edge system for remote control option. Maximum door size 6.1m high, 6m wide, operation speed 9sec/m Agridoor Plus Top rolling for maximum clearance, no locking catches, fits flat face to the building, built-in safety brake. Electronic limits set
Agridoor Electric
Agridoor Plus
at ground level, manual override. Full cowling supplied as standard. External motor with extended duty cycle. Simple plug and play wiring. Door size up to 10m high, up to 10m wide, maximum overall door size 55m2, fast operation speed 7sec/m Galebreaker Agri For over 30 years Galebreaker Agri have been manufacturing access solutions, weather protection systems and ventilation products for agricultural buildings. Products are based on strong, long lasting PVC coated materials
with built-in UV protection which have the ability to transmit light, enhance natural ventilation and at the same time protect against the worst weather conditions 365 days a year. All Galebreaker products are sold with a 10 year guarantee.
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 31
| Buildings
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| Buildings
Cembrit fully compressed fibre cement sheeting ensures cattle in good health Cembrit fully compressed Cemsix, fibre cement corrugated sheets, have been used to help create a healthy environment for the cattle at a newly built dairy farm in Wales. new dairy farm situated in Bancyfelin, a village in the south-west of Wales, is providing a healthy and sustainable setting for cattle due to the installation of a highquality, fully compressed single skin fibre cement sheets from Cembrit. The dairy farm features Cembrit fully compressed Cemsix in Natural grey colour along with Cembrit open protected ridges that together cover the 2800m2 roof area.
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“Cemsix has always been an ideal solution as it not affected by destructive fungi, vermin or insects, and will not rot or decay during the lifetime of the building. The Cembrit open protected ridge system provided effective building ventilation by allowing efficient outflow of the rancid and contaminated humid air present in the roof space of the building. This was able to positively aid animal welfare and comfort within the building”
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Ventilation is a central consideration for any agricultural building that is going to be used for housing animals. Dyfed based building contractor, LKL construction, installed 1100 natural grey Cembrit fully compressed Cemsix sheets and the open protected ridge across the full area of the dual pitched roof. Built in 2014, the £1.2 million project provides a wellventilated dairy unit that copes with the internal, often aggressive atmosphere of the building. “We have installed Cembrit fully compressed Cemsix on a number of other projects in the past,” says Kevin Lloyd, Partner at LKL Construction. “Cemsix has always been an ideal solution as it not affected by destructive fungi, vermin or insects, and will not rot or decay during the lifetime of the building. The Cembrit open protected ridge system provided effective building ventilation by allowing efficient outflow of the rancid and contaminated humid air present in the roof space of the building. This was able to positively aid animal welfare and comfort within the building.” BBA certified Cemsix fully compressed corrugated sheeting from Cembrit is a durable and waterproof building material which is perfectly suited for all types of agricultural building. Cemsix has the advantage of being slightly porous, which means that high levels of
water vapour or humidity within agricultural buildings can be absorbed by the sheets and gradually released into the atmosphere. This contrasts with steel, where moisture condenses on the underside of the roof and drops back onto the contents inside. Incorporating the latest technological advances, Cemsix allows designers to clad agricultural or industrial buildings in a Class 0 fire rated, rust and rot-proof material that will last for decades. Manufactured using Portland cement, together with a formulation of superior blended synthetic and cellulose fibres and reinforced with strengthening strips and available with superior colouration systems, Cemsix fully compressed fibre cement sheet is produced to the highest European standard. Available in natural grey, matt black Cemscape and seven attractive coated colour options, Cemsix is offered in a standard imperial 6-inch profile strengthened with strategically placed polypropylene reinforcement strips. These are incorporated within the fibre-cement sheet to comply with BS and H&S requirements for site safety and fragility. For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or tel: +44 0208 320 1184.
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 33
| Buildings
Leading the way in metal processing solutions voestalpine Metsec plc is the UK’s largest specialist cold roll-forming company, providing products for the construction and manufacturing industries. We focus on adding value through expert design, precision manufacturing and on-time, in-full product delivery. e were recently announced as one of the first companies globally to achieve the new Kitemark for BIM from the British Standards Institution. This follows Metsec gaining BIM Level 2 accreditation, becoming the first cold roll steel forming company to be certified as such by the BSI, and the first Tier 2 designer and manufacturer to achieve the standard for design and construction in the UK. Established more than 80 years ago, Metsec is owned by the voestalpine group, one of Europe’s leading specialist engineering companies. Our company is part of voestalpine’s Metal Forming division, the world’s leading provider of high-quality metal processing solutions with production facilities all around the globe. Metsec is headquartered in Oldbury, West Midlands and we also have a second base in the Middle East in order to serve customers on an international
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scale. Over the years we have provided our products to a number of high profile projects including the Queensferry Crossing, Abu Dhabi airport, Resorts World, Wimbledon, BBC Wales’s studios and Glasgow Velodrome along with a host of retail sites, sports stadia, hotels, student accommodation across the globe. The company is comprised of multiple divisions which supply our products to a broad range of customers globally. These include the Steel Framing division who lead the market when it comes to light gauge, galvanised steel structural framing systems. Purlins, the UK’s largest designer and manufacturer of light gauge galvanised Steel Purlins, Side Rails and Mezzanine Floor systems for use in a wide range of industrial and commercial developments. Cable Management who manufacture cable containment and support systems for the mechanical and electrical services industry. Dry Lining who specialise in the
manufacture and supply of light gauge, non-load bearing coldrolled formed metal products for use in partitioning, dry lining and ceiling systems. And finally Engineering Products, who specialise in delivering bespoke,
engineered solutions. For more information please contact voestalpine Metsec plc on 0121 601 6000 or alternatively email us on metsec@metsec.com
The Stanbury standard is hard to beat Established in 1980, SJ Stanberry & Sons Ltd is a familyrun business offering unique turn-key solutions, with a dedicated reliable workforce that ensures all projects are finished to the highest standards. Founded by Stephen Stanberry, who works closely with his sons, the company has gained an enviable reputation for all their services. J Stanberry & Sons Ltd have vast experience of laying concrete floors for aprons, sheds, grain stores, silos, foundations and much more. We have been offering our concrete services to customers for many years and we work hard to hone our skills and improve our knowledge and methods. This means we are able to provide a fast, dedicated and reliable service. Our Services: • Industrial, agricultural or commercial concrete flooring • Internal or external • Steel fixing • Brush, tamp or power float finishes • Anaerobic digestion tank bases
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• Aprons & shed floors • Grain, potato & machinery stores • Poultry units & stable yards • Paths, patios and driveways • Groundworks & preparation • Free site visits, material advice and costing. As you know, every site is different and poses its own challenges, i.e. access or the ground works, but with SJ Stanberry’s professional service, approach and versatility, they can meet even the most challenging of client requirements, all to a costeffective structure. For your free, no-obligation quote, site visit or brochure call 01945 870 076, visit www.sjstanberry.com or email sales@sjstanberry.com
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| Buildings
Filon Fixsafe is ‘first choice’ for industryleading roofing contractor Weatherproofing Advisors Ltd, one of the UK’s leading industrial and commercial roofing contractors, has made Filon Fixsafe a key part of its stringent Health & Safety programme. eatherproofing Advisors attaches the greatest importance to health and safety, considering this to be a responsibility ranking above all other management functions within the organisation. The company has even created a memorable marketing campaign around safety super-hero ‘R.U. McSafe’ – to highlight its zerotolerance approach to safety onsite. So, when Director James Turner was made aware of the Fixsafe System for safe replacement of roofing sheets, a trial was immediately set up. James picks up the story: “Fragile roofs are one of the biggest safety hazards facing construction workers, accounting for almost one fifth of all the fatal
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accidents which result from falls from height in the construction industry. Responsible roofing contractors go to great lengths to ensure the safety of their employees when accessing fragile roof areas for maintenance or repair. This usually involves the erection of scaffolding and safety nets, often involving more time and cost than the repair itself.” He continued: “Filon’s Fixsafe system removes the need for operatives to access fragile roofs, because the entire process can be carried out from below, using a scissor lift. This makes the whole process significantly safer and more controllable. Our initial trial confirmed that Fixsafe is also very practical and simple-to-use on-site …and it allows whole the process to be carried out without the additional time and costs involved
in setting up scaffolding and safety nets. With safety at the top of our priority list, we have now initiated a policy of ‘Fixsafe first’ for all our projects. This means that Fixsafe is used as a matter of course, wherever internal access is possible.” With site safety pioneers like Weatherproofing Advisors making Fixsafe their system of choice, the team at Filon Products believe that
the convenience and simplicity of the system will make it an industry standard for profiled roof repairs. In the longer term, the expectation is that even those contractors who may otherwise have cut corners on safety, will choose to use Fixsafe where possible, for reasons of practicality and cost – as well as safety. For further details contact Filon Products Ltd, www.filon.co.uk
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 35
| Fencing
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| Fencing
M&M Timber awarded WPA Benchmark quality accolade M&M Timber has successfully retained, for a fifth consecutive year, the Wood Protection Association (WPA) Benchmark of quality for treated wood. he WPA Benchmark is a quality assurance scheme providing independent verification that treated wood has been impregnated correctly in accordance with the requirements of BS8417 – the British Standard for preservative impregnated wood.
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“It is excellent that M&M Timber has yet again successfully secured the WPA Benchmark for the Tanalith E wood preservation used on timbers manufactured at our site in Worcestershire” Under the WPA Benchmark QAS firms with products Certificated as ‘fit for purpose’ by the WPA are required to have their treatment plant and treatment process validated by an annual audit. M&M Timber was first awarded the WPA Benchmark Certificate for 15 years desired service life pine products in 2011 and has subsequently added 15 years incised spruce products to the scope of its WPA Certificate. In its most recent annual audit M&M Timber has raised the quality bar even further to achieve certification of products treated to deliver a 30 years desired service life in BS8417. Commenting on this achievement WPA Director Steve Young said; “M&M Timber has
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always had a reputation for quality and as an early adopter of the WPA Benchmark scheme recognised the benefit that expert third-party verification of quality can bring in building buyer confidence in the ability of treated wood to perform. To have 30 year desired service life fencing products certificated by the WPA Benchmark scheme is still very rare and M&M Timbers’ achievement is a clear sign of their ongoing commitment to quality and meeting customer needs. Manufacturers such as M&M Timber are leading the way in the industry by demonstrating that independent verification of the quality and performance of treated products is the only way to preserve confidence in wood as the best material for fencing and outdoor landscaping.” Fraser Hall, Sales Director at M&M Timber, commented; “It is excellent that M&M Timber has yet again successfully secured the WPA Benchmark for the Tanalith E wood preservation used on timbers manufactured at our site in Clows Top, Worcestershire. The WPA is working hard to get more timber treaters accredited to ensure that wood preservative treatments are being used effectively. As a recently appointed member of the WPA board of directors I look forward to promoting the benefits of the WPA Benchmark quality scheme within the timber industry to make WPA Benchmark Certificated products the natural first choice for buyers seeking long term performance from treated wood.”
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 37
| Muck & Slurry
Pirtek Cambridge Tel: 01223 835222 Pirtek Derby Tel: 01332 205000 Pirtek Harlow Tel: 01279 427300 38 | Farming Monthly | February 2017
Pirtek Luton Pirtek Penrith Pirtek Preston
Tel: 01582 597050 Tel: 01768 210055 Tel: 01772 620111
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| Irrigation
Working together: It is the only way to secure water for food As Brexit grabs the headlines it is over-shadowing the continuing concerns among irrigators about abstraction licence reform, its impact on the Water Framework Directive, and the uncertainties over future water resources for food production. owever, interest in water and food security is still strong if the number of recent meetings and conferences is anything to go by. One delegate brought everyone down to earth by saying ‘we should not forget that we owe our very existence to 6 inches of top soil and the fact that it rains’. We can add irrigation to that as well which of course all depends on rainfall. So what better time to take a look beyond these more immediate worries over which we have little control, and think about the future of water resources over which farmers can exert much more influence, particularly by
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working together and with other water users. It’s called Integrated Water Resources Management – IWRM for short. This is the UK Irrigation Association Conference theme on 1 March in Peterborough. It focuses on Water Resources East (WRE) which is a pioneering project involving farmers, water utilities, environmental groups, internal drainage boards, and industry. It is taking a serious long look at how much water we may need up to 50 years ahead and where it might come from. Reservoirs are on the agenda, both big and small, that serve farming and domestic water supplies and include environmental needs. A similar project is getting underway in the
South East and others may follow. Steve Moncaster Anglian Water leads the WRE project and will update delegates on progress and on his experiences during a visit to the USA where similar initiatives are underway to bring different water users together and cooperate over limited water resources. Our special guest speaker from the USA, Thomas Tebb, Director Office of Colombia River, Washington State will follow Steve and discuss his first-hand experience of working to solve water conflicts among various users where there are strong environmental and farming interests. How does WRE impact on irrigation? David Matthews, who trickle irrigates potatoes near Spalding and is closely involved in a planning initiative with Black Sluice IDB will provide a farmer perspective. And Professor Jerry Knox, Cranfield will assess future irrigation water demands and ask do we need a 25-year plan for water for food? It is a question the UKIA are continually being asked by planners and yet we do not have an answer. Innes Thomson, CEO Association of Drainage Authorities, will talk about the IDBs
and how we might avoid pumping water into the North Sea and make better use of it in the summer months. And Professor Paul Leinster, who was CEO of the Environment Agency, and is an advisor on natural capital to Defra’s forthcoming 25-year plan for the environment, will discuss how the environment fits into the water picture. Jeremey Wiltshire, Ricardo will present the results of the recent AHDB Irrigation Survey and what we need to secure future water for food. James Dodds MD at Envireau Water, will talk about the importance of data gathering and analysis to support evidencebased decision making. No longer does the loudest voice decide what happens. He will also touch on the trickle irrigation saga. Finally Professor Joe Morris, Cranfield will use his many, many years of experience in agriculture and water management both in UK and internationally to round off with some strident views on Brexit – Irrigation under more uncertainty This is a great opportunity to start the year with a bang. So register now on the UKIA website www.ukia.org Melvyn Kay UKIA Exec Secretary
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 39
| Security
8,000 farms offered free crime prevention advice in major rural policing operation Thousands of farms across North Yorkshire will be offered a free security check-up, as part of a major new crime prevention initiative. lthough North Yorkshire is the safest place in the country, isolated and rural areas are frequently targeted by cross-border criminals, who travel from outside the area to commit crime. Operation Woollen was developed by PC Neil Slater and PCSO Mel Parkin of the York Community Safety Hub, and has so far seen dozens of farms around York offered security advice and visited by a police crime prevention expert. The operation has been very well-received in the city, and will now be rolled out across all of North Yorkshire - the largest county in England - by North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce. Eight thousand farms across the county will receive a crime prevention pack in the post, including a security survey, information about dot peen property marking and North Yorkshire Community Messaging. They will also be offered a free visit from a ‘crime prevention champion’ – a PC or PCSO from the Rural Taskforce or local Neighbourhood Policing Team with expertise in farm security. Inspector Jon Grainge, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “North Yorkshire is the safest place in the country, but it’s important we stay vigilant and do everything we can to keep people and businesses safe, particularly in rural areas.
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“Thanks to Operation Woollen, every farm in the county will receive a crime prevention pack, and be offered a security survey by a trained expert. In addition, we will be promoting dot peen property marking, and encouraging businesses to sign up to the North Yorkshire Community Messaging system. “Starting this month, and continuing throughout the year, farms should look out for a letter from North Yorkshire Police, and return the form in the pre-paid envelope provided. Of course, anyone wanting crime prevention advice as soon as possible can contact us directly on ruraltaskforce@northyorkshire.pnn .police.uk and we’ll be in touch.” Dot peen marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin to indent an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number. The unique number will be entered onto the national Immobilise property register database, vastly increasing the chances that it will be reunited with its owner if it is lost or stolen. Look out for drop-in property marking sessions on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #whatisdotpeen North Yorkshire Community Messaging is a free system that lets people register to receive the latest crime notifications and community news in their neighbourhoods. People can register or download the free app for Apple and Android devices via www.nycm.co.uk The Operation Woollen crime
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prevention survey can also be accessed via the “Staying safe” page of the North Yorkshire Police
website, www.northyorkshire.police.uk
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PIGS Factors such as ensuring correct feeder type, sufficient space, feeder capacity, particle size, form, quality and targeted feeding regimes are all important at improving feed utilisation. But recent work is now focusing on water quality, hygiene and availability. It is a well-established fact that water intake can have an impact on feed intake, daily gain, feed conversion, milk production and weaning weights. But what impact does quality, hygiene and availability have on feed efficiency? AHDB Pork and RAFT solutions has carried out an initial investigation across 15 farms looking at these aspects. As a result, AHDB Pork will be producing guidance for water quality standards for pigs as well as outlining how to take a water sample, maintain and clean waterlines. It will also highlight considerations when using water as a delivery vehicle for medication. This will be very relevant as the industry works towards reducing antibiotic usage by targeting individual pens more effectively.
SHEEP Good nutrition is fundamental to ewe performance through all stages of the production cycle, with nutrient requirements changing through the year. It is important to consider the longer-term impacts of nutrition from the foetal stage to first mating and the longer-term effects of ewe body condition score (BCS) within and between production cycles. Grazed pasture should provide most of the nutritional requirements for sheep. The last six weeks of pregnancy is one of the key times as metabolisable energy and protein requirements increase significantly. For example, for a 70kg ewe carrying twins there is a 60% increase in ME requirement between seven and one week pre-lambing. Nutrient demands to support milk production increase rapidly after lambing. For example an 80kg ewe rearing twins will increase her daily energy and protein requirements by 60% and 44% respectively. The focus during late pregnancy and lactation is to maximise the amount of high quality grazed or conserved forages available to reduce the amount of concentrates required. For more, visit http://beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/returns/ or search “Better Returns”
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Feeding management of growing and finishing beef cattle can be divided into the three phases of rearing, growing and finishing. Each phase requires a different ration specification, according to cattle type and target growth rates. Proper nutrition is essential to optimise health and performance, and in so doing improve returns to producers. The length of each phase of the production cycle varies with breed, frame size and target market. Native breeds or small framed cattle, usually require a longer growing period based on forages, but shorter finishing period than larger continental cattle. The latter are most efficient on rations containing high quality feeds and forage that facilitate fast growth rates. Bulls are better suited to systems based on energy dense diets, which exploit their potential for fast, lean growth. These systems can effectively miss out the growing phase and the animal is transferred directly from its rearing to its finishing phase. Having an understanding of the type of cattle to be fed and the target market, will enable producers to plan rations for the various stages of the production system. Having an understanding of the type of cattle to be fed and the target market, will enable producers to plan targets for the various stages of the production system.
DAIRY AHDB Dairy’s Calf to Calving initiative highlights that getting the milk feeding management of your calves right is crucial for optimising growth and lactation performance when they enter the milking herd. And achieving first calving by 24 months of age can significantly reduce your rearing costs. Colostrum and early nutrition during the first 60 days of a replacement heifer’s life strongly influences her future health and performance. Feeding plenty of clean, antibody rich colostrum, with low bacterial contamination, as soon as possible after birth gives a calf the chance to absorb antibodies directly into her blood, before she develops her own antibodies. We recommended feeding 3 litres of colostrum within two hours, followed by a further 3 litres within 12 hours. Making a particular effort to produce, harvest and correctly handle top quality colostrum will be repaid in healthier, more productive animals. Colostrum quality can be tested very cheaply with a Brix refractometer. Visit https://dairy.ahdb.org.uk/technicalinformation/calf-to-calving or search “Calf to calving” for more.
Driving feed efficiency is crucial in all production systems and attention to detail is required to optimise feed intake, reduce costs and improve returns.
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Nutrition for better returns
| Nutrition
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 41
| Diet Feeders
Calculate the feed savings with Hustler Every winter a significant amount of hard earned cash is lost through inefficient stock feeding, resulting in wastage of valuable fodder. here are various factors which cause this, such as the bale not being teased apart enough, making it harder for stock to eat. Animals may lay or trample on the fodder or bales are unfinished in a ring feeder because ground conditions are too poor for animals to reach the rest. Dirt, mud and contaminants result in stock rejecting the feed. Use the Hustler feed calculator and you can see how much you could be saving by feeding the right amount of the bale and retaining the rest for the next feed.
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Say you use 200 bales per season and the average cost of a bale is £35, with an estimated wastage of 20%. The total feed cost for the season is £7000. Hustler bale feeders claim and have been proven to save that 20% wastage which translates into a saving of £1,400 over the season. Take the lifespan of the bale feeder of at least 12 years and your overall saving is £16,800. It all adds up. Hustler bale feeders are easy to use, simple to maintain and will feed round or square bales. The range comprises chained and chainless versions available as mounted or towed. The chained
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Hustler SL-350 is a single bale feeder with easy self-loading system and comes either mounted or trailed. The SL-450X is based on the popular SL-350, but has the added advantage of the extension chute which allows delivery of the fodder into a high level trough or manger. The CH-2000 is a unique chainless bale feeder, which will handle round or square bales efficiently. As with the chained versions, the bale is spiked and lifted onto the platform with the heavy duty tines and the bale is ready for feeding. The Hustler SL-700X is the ideal machine for feeding at a distance
from the bale storage site, as it allows two bales to be taken to the stock at the same time. One bale is lifted on the spikes and placed onto the cradle ready for feeding, and a second bale can be carried on the rear allowing two bales to be fed before returning to reload. The CH4000 is a trailed version of the CH2000 chainless feeder offering the twin bale capacity. Ideal for hill farmers feeding stock at a distance from the bale storage site, as this machine allows two bales to be carried to the stock reducing travelling time. Wessex International: 01264 345870 www.wessexintl.com
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| Diet Feeders
Demand for Redrock vertical mixer feeders continues to grow Redrock Machinery has confirmed a strong demand for its range of vertical auger mixer feeders. hey are extremely versatile and fully complement the needs of dairy and livestock farmers,” said company sales manager Mark Linden. “The feeders come with both single and twin auger options. They are also built to last, which reflects the heritage of the entire Redrock equipment range.” The Redrock vertical mixer feeder range can mix anything from large round or square bales of silage, straw, hay to precision cut silage, maize meal etc. Serrated knives are used to efficiently chop fibrous foodstuffs to the length required for effective mixing and healthy digestion. They are assisted by two ‘counter knives’, which restrict material as it is driven past them by the auger. These come as standard. The auger incorporates a
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carefully positioned sweeper arm, which has been painstakingly designed by Redrock machinery to give a perfect blend of all selected ingredients – time after time. This ensures an even, fluffy and appetising discharge, which livestock will find palatable and easy to eat. The two speed drive line planetary system is used to reduce horsepower requirements, thereby lowering fuel costs and freeing up larger tractors for other uses on the farm. There are 9 knives fitted to each auger. Specially treated serrated knives are used to efficiently chop fibrous materials to the lengths required for effective mixing and digestion. In addition, the knives are designed to sharpen as they wear. The main features of the Redrock VM Twin Auger feeders are the large mixing volumes, which
can be mixed at one time, large discharge doors, which allow consistent discharges and more efficient chopping between augers. Twin auger machines are available on request. All forages, grains, protein supplements, vitamins and minerals are thoroughly mixed. As a result, livestock are not able to hunt out individual ingredients and must eat the very important – but less palatable – roughage, as well as the rest of the ration. In keeping with the ethos of Redrock,all the vertical auger machines are engineered to the highest design specification and strength, so as to ensure the maximum working life for the end user. Specific features on Redrock
vertical mixer feeders include: programmable weighting; two speed gear box; two counter knives; PTO shear bolt protection; hydraulic brakes; LED lights plus a viewing ladder/platform. Twin auger mixer feeders are available with an option of either tandem rigid axles or tandem c/w rear steering axle. The steering axle follows the direction determined by the tractor. The oscillation range is 15° on each side of the front wheel. When towed on the road or when the mixer feeder is reversed a hydraulic locking device aligns the running gear with the front axle, making it safe to use. For further information, contact Redrock machinery on (028) 37552390. Website: www.redrockmachinery.com
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 43
| Education
Walford College gets equipment boost The Walford Campus of North Shropshire College (NSC) has taken delivery of two new telehandlers.
he Walford Campus of North Shropshire College (NSC) has taken delivery of two new telehandlers for the students to practice their skills on, one a JCB supplied from Rea Valley Tractors and a Massey Ferguson from RVW Pugh. “These machines will offer students an excellent opportunity to develop skills” commented Farm Manager Richard Aldis. Telehandlers are now an invaluable tool for modern day farming so by giving students the time to practice their driving, they
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learn about servicing and also are able to gain their telehandler licence to be ready to enter the working environment. The College also uses these machines to offer outside organisations and individuals training in the safe use of telehandlers. If you’re interested in training in industry required skills please visit the NSC website at: www.nsc.ac.uk/part-timecourses/industry-required-skills You can apply now for Agriculture courses and apprenticeships via the NSC website: www.nsc.ac.uk or call Admissions on 01691 688080.
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| Education
Agri-tech goes intergalactic at Riseholme The Riseholme Campus of the University of Lincoln has joined the UK’s national network of monitoring stations measuring intergalactic cosmic rays to provide farmers and agri-tech researchers with near real-time data on soil moisture levels. rasslands at the campus have been fitted with cutting-edge meteorological and soil monitoring instruments as part of the national Cosmic-ray Soil Moisture Observing System (COSMOS-UK) project.
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“Data derived from these instruments at Riseholme and elsewhere provide near real time soil moisture data in a way that could transform farming, flood planning and environmental management in the near future” Led by the UK's Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the COSMOS-UK project launched in 2013 and now includes 40 sites stretching from Glensaugh in
Scotland to The Lizard in Cornwall, with further installations planned. Riseholme is the first location in Lincolnshire to be added to the national network of monitoring stations. Once calibrated, the technology will help to inform research by scientists from the University's Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT), as well researchers at other universities and research institutions. Each COSMOS-UK site is fitted with a cosmic-ray soil moisture sensor which measures high energy sub atomic particles known as ‘fast neutrons’. These naturallyoccurring neutrons are generated by cosmic rays when they enter the Earth's atmosphere from both inside and outside our own Milky Way Galaxy. Other instruments below the soil surface provide point measurements of soil moisture, temperature and heat flux to complement the cosmic-ray measurements. The system can provide accurate, near-real time estimates of soil moisture for an area of up to 12 hectares.
Above the surface, each site is also fitted with an automatic weather station which provides temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and wind direction data. This includes a weighing rain gauge and a radiometer measuring long and short wave, incoming and outgoing radiation. All instrumentation is designed to operate remotely and return data automatically to the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology at Wallingford, Oxfordshire. Data from each site can be viewed online in near real-time through the CEH COSMOS-UK website. Professor Simon Pearson, Director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT) at the University of Lincoln said: "We are extremely proud and excited to be part of the national network of COSMOS-UK soil moisture monitoring sites. Lincolnshire is responsible for 10 per cent of all agricultural production in England, so it is right that we contribute to this important national project. “Data derived from these
instruments at Riseholme and elsewhere provide near real-time soil moisture data in a way that could transform farming, flood planning and environmental management in the near future. This has the potential to bring great benefits for our region's farmers. Already researchers are examining how this wealth of data can be used to improve irrigation, manage flood risk and make more accurate crop yield forecasts." Dr Jonathan Evans, CEH COSMOS-UK Technical Lead, commented: “CEH are delighted that LIAT have supported the COSMOS-UK network so enthusiastically – it is only with such land owner cooperation that we can cost-effectively install and maintain COSMOS-UK field stations across the UK. Standardised national long-term soil moisture monitoring will help us to better manage water resource demand, particularly in lower rainfall areas in eastern England, to develop new drought indicators and mitigation strategies.”
Make it Moulton Preserving and managing the Great British countryside is no easy job – particularly with an increased push on ensuring the sustainability of our land.
oulton College have been training the next generation since 1921. Students learn on the commercially farmed 550 hectare estate where a wide range of crops are farmed and a beef enterprise has been established. All of this alongside the specialist workshops, mean that students enjoy the very best resources at Moulton College. It isn’t just agriculture either, with courses in arboriculture and countryside management; if you enjoy the great outdoors you are sure to find the perfect course at Moulton. Whether you’re just
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finishing school, looking to change career or just develop new skills, Moulton College have hands-on further education, degree level courses and apprenticeships to help you take the next step. With an experienced team, great links to the industry and groundbreaking research, Moulton will help you to succeed and prepare you for a career in your chosen area. Why not take a look for yourself and discover what Moulton College can offer you, visit moulton.ac.uk to book on for one of the next Open Events. For further information please contact Moulton College on 01604 491131 or alternatively email enquiries@moulton.ac.uk
February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 45
| Forestry
Making agroforestry fit: The importance of planning ahead for your farm or smallholding The importance of planning your end crop when considering agroforestry was highlighted by the Woodland Trust recently. peaking at the Organic Producers’ Conference in Birmingham, Woodland Creation Adviser Stuart Holm stressed that while agroforestry - a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland - is growing in
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popularity, many landowners do not have a clear goal. He said: “Farmers and smallholders are coming to us with a desire to plant trees but they don’t always know what they want out of it. We want them to think carefully about what they want to plant and why, the longevity of having trees and how soon they want to see the benefit.
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“Do they want to use their trees as browsing for their livestock, for shelter, as an edible crop they can sell on, either to a producer or directly to the public, or a source of timber or woodfuel? “There are so many ways to incorporate agroforestry, it’s vital to make sure landowners have a clear focus on how it can work best for them.” Other issues to consider include making sure there’s good access to the field and the trees themselves for both harvesting and maintenance, and whether the site is in the right condition for planting. A field that’s too wet or too dry at certain times of the year will influence what can be planted. The presence of pollinators will also be a factor as someone planting fruit trees won’t get as good a crop as they could if, for example, there’s a lack of bees. Someone who has made agroforestry work for his business is organic farmer Stephen Briggs (pictured), who farms 254 acres at Whitehall Farm, Cambridgeshire. He diversified into alley cropping – planting rows of fruit trees between his arable crop.
He said; “Since integrating apple trees in rows within my arable rotation of wheat, barley, clover and vegetables, my farm has established the largest agroforestry system in the UK. Eight per cent of the land area has a tree crop on it with 92% of land remaining in arable production. The three-dimensional agroforestry combination provides an annual and longer term economic return from both components by utilising more space above and below ground, better captures resources such as sunlight, nutrients and water, protects soil and enhances biodiversity. What’s not to like?” But you don’t have to have a large farm to embrace agroforestry. Stuart said: “Agroforestry is bespoke. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another which is why the Woodland Trust will visit anybody who is interested to advise how to make the most of their land”. Together with the Soil Association and Royal Forestry Society, the Woodland Trust is staging an agroforestry conference at Cranfield University on June 22.
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| Machinery
Spaldings Limited Lincoln, Lincolnshire T: 01522 507500 www.spaldings.co.uk
World of Power Buxton, Derbyshire T: 01298 213101 www.worldofpower.co.uk
Lakedale Power Tools Croydon, Dartford & London T: 020 8683 0550 www.lakedalepowertools.co.uk
Ermin Plant (Hire & Services) Ltd Gloucester, Gloucestershire T: 01452 526616 www.erminplant.co.uk
Charles H Hill Ltd Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire T: 01526 388281 www.charleshhill.co.uk
Mawsley Machinery Brixworth, Northampton T: 01604 880621 https://mawsley.stihl-dealer.co.uk
DM Chainsaws Arundel, West Sussex T: 01243 554065 www.dmchainsaws.co.uk
Davenport Western Yeovil, Somerset T: 01935 425311 www.davenportsaws.co.uk
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 47
| ATV
Big Polaris savings on
Polaris has announced a range of major savings to be had for a limited period. ustomers buying the new Polaris Sportsman 570, the latest version of the world’s best-selling ATV, can save as much as £1000.00. on the Recommended Retail Price. Anyone looking for extra creature comforts with the Polaris Mid-Size Ranger can save over £500 on the price of a half cab. The Sportsman 570 boasts a powerful 44hp engine, loads of storage space and with the different models there’s the choice of Electronic Power Steering, Active Descent Control and a full-size version to legally carry two people. Right now the Sportsman 570 can be bought for £5,263 which means a saving of over £730, whilst members of the NFU, NFUS and UFU
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enjoy an additional 5% discount, for a price of only £4,999 and a saving of nearly £1000.00. There are offers available on the other models as well. For those of you looking for the comfort of a HALF CAB for the Polaris Mid-Size Ranger Side by Side you can save over £500. For just £499 you get the Half Cab, a fixed half windscreen, Pro-Fit sport roof, poly rear panel, a wiper kit and battery connection kit. There’s also the option of a tip out windscreen upgrade in place of the fixed windscreen for just £276. All the prices quoted are excluding VAT and terms and conditions do apply. These are some great savings but they won’t be around for long: The offers run from 1st February to 31st March 2017 before reverting to full prices.
Contact your nearest Polaris dealer for full details or call Polaris Britain: 0800 915 6720 visit: www.polaris-britain.com
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| ATV
Honda ATV Field ‘walking’ the easy way Walking fields to check soil and crop condition is an essential task but the time it takes can be considerable and, when the weather is wet and fields are muddy making walking hard work, it is seldom a favourite activity.
he job can be made much quicker and easier with a Honda ATV. Low ground pressure tyres allow soft fields and young plants to be driven over with less damage than a human footprint. Whether the objective is just to check specific locations for diseases or pests, or to collect soil samples for analysis, the ATV’s large load racks can accommodate tools, equipment and sample trays and provide storage for all-weather clothing. Whereas paper maps used to be essential to record locations, GPS technology has revolutionised this aspect of field management and the Honda’s 12volt accessory sockets are ideal for keeping equipment charged. A Honda ATV’s ability to carry out field inspections so efficiently means they have become a firm favourite with agronomists too, allowing large farms to be checked and mapped in much less time than it would take on foot and the compact dimensions and light weight makes them easy to move from farm to farm on trailers behind a car. Where large
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numbers of samples are required or more equipment is needed in the field, many users transfer the trailer to the ATV, using the low ground pressure vehicle to tow it across the field. For many users the Fourtrax 250 2wd is adequate, offering very light steering and great manoeuvrability and available with foot or electric push-button gear shifting. If a trailer will be used in the field, particularly in heavier soils, the larger Fourtrax 420 might be more suitable with extra power and the option of 4wd and power steering. Larger models, including the Foreman 500, offer greater rack carrying capacity and more lugging power for heavier trailed loads and tend to be the favourite where other tasks during the year are likely to include slug pellet application or field-edge spraying. All models have independent front wishbone suspension and superb ground clearance allowing them to travel easily over deep rutted areas such as plough furrows at the field edge without getting stuck. Honda’s ATV range is the world’s best-selling and dominates the UK market too, with a
reputation for superb build quality, comfort and ease of use and the company's dealer network is second to none. Every new Honda comes with free-of-charge operator training through the European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) scheme, improving operator safety and helping
agricultural businesses comply with Health and Safety guidelines. To find out more about the range, and for help selecting the most suitable model for your requirements, give your local dealer a call and you could make field ‘walking’ a lot more enjoyable this spring.
www.stalhameng.co.uk
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 49
| ATV
Suzuki ATV customers amazed by results of fitting Datatag Since deciding to fit Datatag security technologies to their range of Utility ATVs as standard, Suzuki and their customers have seen a dramatic change in fortune. ith nearly 500 ATVs having been delivered to customers across the UK from Suzuki’s dealer network theft has dropped by nearly 20%. Compared to other brands Suzuki are the only one to fit CESAR as standard and, not surprisingly, the only one to have seen a reduction in theft – Yamaha thefts have increased 33% and Honda a worrying 62%! (Datatag, 2016). George Cheeseman of Suzuki said ‘We chose the CESAR Compact System for our range of ATVs as it has had such a dramatic effect on theft of larger scale agricultural machinery – we are really pleased that this success has been replicated with the ATV sector. Deciding to fit it as standard was an easy decision and proves our dedication to providing our customers with the absolute best ATV package available on the market.’ Something Joe Lintell, a sheep farmer from Dorset who relies on his ATV for all his work, has clearly recognised saying, “The fact that Suzuki ATVs come with Datatag as standard is such a reassurance and is one of the reasons I chose the KingQuad 500.” This customer reassurance is also well received by Suzuki’s Dealer Network who see the result of rural crime all too often and work hard to get farmers back on the road as quickly as possible. The CESAR Compact System is available as an aftermarket fit for
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all owners of ATVs and side-bysides that are not currently protected, visit www.cesarscheme .org to find details of your nearest CESAR fitter. Suzuki has over 70 Dealers in the UK selling the manufacturer’s range of utility and sports ATVs – all offering customers the fantastic benefits that come with choosing Suzuki: Try before you buy Knowing that customers want an ATV that is comfortable, reliable and hard-working; Suzuki offers customers the chance to try before they buy in order to help them get a feel for the right model and the company’s expert dealers are onhand to help customers to find the right ATV for them. Free Suzuki workwear kit Suzuki knows that customers will be riding their ATVs in all weathers and conditions. So when customers buy from an Authorised Suzuki Dealer, they will receive a free Suzuki workwear kit, consisting of a branded bodywarmer and overalls. Courtesy ATV Scheme Suzuki understands that customers rely on their ATVs and therefore gives a courtesy Suzuki ATV to keep customers’ businesses on the move when they take their machine – whatever the make or model – in to an Authorised Suzuki Dealer for service or repairs. Theft deterrent as standard FREE on all new Suzuki utility ATVs, the CESAR Security System powered by Datatag gives each ATV a unique ‘fingerprint’ with an
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identity that cannot be erased, which acts as a strong theft deterrent and a tool for recovery should the worst happen – plus, it
reduces insurance premiums too! For more information, and to find your local Suzuki ATV Dealer, visit suzuki-atv.co.uk.
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| ATV
Spotlight on:
Kawasaki
MULE Pro and Pro DXT
Farming Monthly takes a closer look at the two new MULE Pro machines from Kawasaki to help you decide which MULE is right for you… ith so many utility vehicles available, it can be hard to know where to turn for advice. Your local dealer is often the best place to start but it’s useful to be armed with some information on what you want beforehand. Ask yourself a variety of questions, including: • What will be the main usage? • Are you limited to a certain weight? • How many people do you need capacity for? • What’s your budget? Two new models to join the market last year were the MULE Pro-DX and Pro-DXT. Designed primarily for work
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applications, the high-torque powerful 993 cm³ four-stroke diesel engines delivery excellent performance and allow on-site fuel compatibility – something that comes in extremely handy. Both models produce 18kW (24PS) of power and 52Nm of torque and have a towing capacity of 907kg. Fuel capacity if 30 liters and bright headlights and complemented by auxiliary LED lamps. Now onto the differences… The Pro-DXT has a Trans Cab meaning that it can be changed to maximize either cargo space or people-moving potential. It can be changed from two-person mode to four-person mode in just one minute – and importantly, by just
one person. When in two-person mode, the cargo bed capacity if 453kg and in four-person mode is 158kg. The Pro-DX features a long, flat cargo bed – the largest in the MULE fleet – which can be loaded from three sides. It’s the workhorse of choice for customers who need to haul lots of material as easily as possible. It has a dry weight of under 816kg which enables access to most weightrestricted area. The Pro-DX has an RRP of £11,579 and the Pro-DXT is £12,779. Simon Riches, Kawasaki UK Product Manager for ATV and MULE, said: “The reaction to the new MULE models has been
fantastic – dealers have had a great year selling the product and is continuing into the start of 2017. The MULE Pro represents over 25 years of experience in the side x side market in the UK – the brand is synonymous with providing customers with the ultimate workhorse, the Pro-DX and DXT don’t disappoint.” A number of accessories and parts are available to make your PRO your own, including: winches, cabins, heaters, windshield, underseat storage bins and hitch balls. Visit www.kawasaki.co.uk to locate your nearest authorised dealer.
For more information, or to view the whole utility range from Kawasaki, visit: www.kawasaki.co.uk For more information
Contact your nearest dealer
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C.J. Keitch Engineering Dunkeswell, Honiton Devon EX14 4LH 01404 891796 www.cjkeitch.co.uk
Day & Coles Ltd Newton Close, Park Farm Ind. Est. Wellingborough NN8 6UW 01933 673900
Southam Agri. Services Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH 01926 813426 http://southamagri.co.uk
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| Motors
All-new Q5 mid-size SUV is the recipient of the eight millionth quattro drivetrain in Audi series production history Audi Q2
A gripping success story - Audi produces its eight millionth Quattro
Audi A4 Allroad
All-new Q5 mid-size SUV is the recipient of the eight millionth quattro drivetrain in Audi series production history. udi is quattro and quattro is Audi – the famous all-wheeldrive system has been a defining feature of the Vorsprung durch Technik brand for over 35 years, and proof of that enduring appeal has been provided this week by the eight millionth quattro-equipped model to leave the production line. Fittingly, the worthy recipient of this particularly momentous example of the all-weather roadholding and driver appeal amplifier is an all-new Q5 SUV in Garnet Red fresh from a brand new plant in San José Chiapa, Mexico. quattro technology made its debut in 1980, and today it is available in more than 100 model versions. The quattro all-wheel drive system is standard in the Audi Q7, the Audi A4 allroad quattro, the Audi A6 allroad quattro, the Audi A8, the Audi R8 and all S and RS models, and it is available as an option in all other model series. In 2015, 44 percent of all Audi customers worldwide chose models equipped with quattro drive. The Audi Q5 topped the list with about 262,000 units. The quattro models generated particularly strong sales in the United States, Canada, Russia and in the markets of the Middle East. In Germany quattro sales totaled 122,048 cars. Audi offers quattro all-wheel-drive in different versions tailored to each model. For the compact model series with transverse-mounted engines, an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch is mounted at the rear axle. On the R8 mid-engine sports car, the multi-plate clutch is mounted on the front axle. According to the driving situation encountered, these active systems distribute drive torque variably
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to both axles. The self-locking centre differential used in many Audi models with a longitudinally installed, front-mounted engine, is a purely mechanical planetary gear. Normally it splits the drive torque sent to the front and rear wheels with a 40:60 distribution. The sport differential is available on the rear axle with some of the top-of-the-range engines. It actively distributes the torque between the rear wheels by means of two superposition units, each with an electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch. In extreme cases, almost all of the torque is sent to one wheel – the system actually pushes the car into the curve, eliminating any chance of understeer. Latest development: quattro with ultra technology The latest phase of development from Audi is the quattro system featuring ultra technology. Designed for models with a longitudinally mounted engine, it uses an actively controlled multi-plate clutch at the end of the transmission which distributes the torque variably between the drive axles in all-wheel drive operation. A decoupler in the rear axle differential can additionally open the connection to the rear wheels. Both clutches are opened in driving situations where the all-wheel drive doesn’t offer any advantage. This way, the parts of the rear drivetrain responsible for drag are not engaged. The system's control unit uses a multitude of data to produce a model of the vehicle's status projecting about half a second into the future. If the system detects, for instance, that the inside wheel is about to lose grip, it switches predictively to all-wheel drive. As a result, the all-wheel drive is always ready
when it is needed. The new concept considerably boosts efficiency without diminishing traction or driving dynamics. Success story: the history of quattro Audi achieved a milestone in automotive history with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system – in 1980, no other manufacturer offered fast-running and light all-wheel drive technology for high-volume production. The technology premiered in 1980 in the Ur-quattro at the Geneva International Motor Show. In 1986 Audi replaced the first generation's manually locking centre differential with a Torsen differential which could variably distribute drive torque. The planetary drive followed in 2005, with its asymmetrical, dynamic distribution of power and torque. The self-locking centre differential is the subject of continual development by Audi engineers and is considered the benchmark for traction and driving dynamics combined with very light weight. Audi has also celebrated many triumphs in motorsport with quattro technology. The list so far includes four World Rally Championship titles, six victories in the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb race in the United States, a title win in the TransAm series in the U.S., two DTM titles, 11 national Super Touring Car Championships, and a Touring Car World Cup. The latest victory for quattro technology: In late November, Mattias Ekström and his private rallycross team EKS captured the Driver World Champion and Team World Champion titles with the Audi S1 EKS RX quattro in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
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| Motors
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| Motors
Škoda Kodiaq Sportline: For those who want to stand out With the ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE, the Czech car manufacturer will present an elegant, dynamic variant of its new large SUV. Design features specifically developed for the sporty model variant shape the exterior and interior. The vehicle will make its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show (7 to 19 March 2017). he ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE, with its individual interior and exterior design combines its distinct appearance with the versatile nature of the ŠKODA KODIAQ – its exterior length of 4.70 metres offering up to seven seats as well as the largest amount of interior space and largest boot capacity within its segment. The design of the new all-rounder mirrors the brand’s design identity and blends emotion and rationality in one package. Furthermore, the soonto-be presented vehicle comes with features designed to provide pure driving pleasure. Black design features underline its dynamic appearance The bodywork elements and special features finished in black underline the KODIAQ SPORTLINE’s dynamic focus. The radiator grille, roof rails, wing mirror housings and side window trims all come in black while the rear window and rear side windows are tinted. The rear is enhanced by a narrow, silvercoloured trim below the bumper. The side view of each of the KODIAQ models is characterised by short overhangs, their sloping roofline that is visually extended by a line in the D-pillar, and the tapered rear. The protective side trims are body-coloured. It comes with 19-inch alloy wheels in a special new design as standard. As an option, 20-inch wheels are also available. Furthermore, it bears a small badge with the model designation on the front wing. Equipment The ŠKODA KODIAQ
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SPORTLINE is based on the SE trim level. Additionally, it is equipped with Alcantara sports seats (driver’s side electronically adjustable including memory function) with silver-coloured stitching. The seats guarantee good lateral support. The sporty character is also emphasised by the multifunction steering wheel, which – like the gearstick – is leather covered and aluminium pedals. The multifunction display includes representation of Gforces, the turbocharging pressure, the current engine output and the temperature of the oil and coolant. The generous array of standard equipment includes Driving Mode Select (Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual, Comfort, Snow), which can be used to control the engine, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning. Furthermore, it comes with the following standard equipment: electronically adjustable and foldable wing mirrors with dip and memory function as well as Boarding Spot (lights in the wing mirror which shine onto the floor), rear-view mirror with rain sensor and dip function, a Maxi DOT display, LED ambient lighting for the interior which can be set to one of ten colours, the KODIAQ logo in the door sills, ‘Sport’ trim, Alcantara decorative inserts and floor mats with silver-coloured stitching. All-wheel drive The ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE is available with allwheel drive as standard. The allwheel-drive system works quickly and intelligently, its control unit constantly calculates the ideal driving torque for the rear axle. In normal driving conditions,
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especially with a light load and when coasting, the multi-plate clutch transfers the engine power in an efficient way, mainly to the front wheels. Driving characteristics Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) is available as an option and electronically regulated dampers can be set by the driver to one of three modes, Comfort, Normal and Sport. All-wheel drive provides an increase in safety and traction. This is particularly noticeable when towing a trailer. But this technology also means the sporty SUV is well equipped for rough terrain. With a ground clearance of 194 mm, it can even negotiate larger bumps. It has a ramp angle of 19.7 degrees; the approach and departure angles are an impressive 22.0 and 23.1 degrees due to the short overhangs. Driver assistance systems With their wide range of driver assistance systems, all variants of the ŠKODA KODIAQ set benchmarks within their segment. New functions include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect, which warns of any vehicles in the blind spot, and Rear Traffic Alert, which monitors traffic coming from the sides and behind when manoeuvring etc. The Crew Protect Assist function, which closes windows and the sunroof in
the event of an impending accident and tensions the seat belts of the front seats, works in conjunction with the improved Front Assist function, which includes the City Emergency Brake and predictive Pedestrian Protection functions. Park Assist’s functions have been further perfected. The Area-View system is also a first for the brand: the surround-view cameras, which are located in the front and rear sections as well as in the wing mirrors, come with wide-angle lenses and allow views of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle to be displayed on the monitor. These include a virtual top-down view and 180-degree images from the areas to the front and rear. This makes it easier to drive in confusing situations or on rough terrain. World premiere at the Motor Show Geneva The ŠKODA KODIAQ SPORTLINE will be presented for the first time at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. ŠKODA will present the new model variant of the large SUV as well as numerous other novelties in hall 2 at the Palexpo exhibition centre. The motor show will be open to the public from 9 to 19 March 2017.
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| Motors
New Mini Countryman available this month
The new MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model to be launched in the brand’s 57year history.
ith its larger external dimensions, and increases in space throughout the cabin and luggage area, it offers occupants even greater comfort and a genuinely premium ambience. Useful new features such as electric tailgate control with touch-free opening and unique options, including a fold down picnic bench at the rear, add to the ownership experience The Countryman’s on- and off-road ability is readily apparent throughout its design, which fuses familiar MINI styling with the tough look of a crossover thanks to the extended ground clearance, large wheel arches and short overhangs. For the first time MINI is offering a plug-in hybrid model with the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4. Drawing from expertise gleaned from across the BMW Group, this new hybrid features a turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, reducing fuel
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consumption to 134.5 mpg yet also enabling a 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds. The rest of the new MINI Countryman line-up is powered by an all-new range of engines sourced from the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo generation, offering outstanding performance and efficiency. With between 136 – 192 hp and 220 -400 Nm of torque, the new MINI Countryman can sprint from 0-62 mph in as little as 7.2 seconds, while fuel consumption reaches 64.2 mpg and C02 emissions drop as low as 113 g/km. The new MINI Countryman is available with both manual and Steptronic gearboxes and with front- and all-wheel drive. The latter, MINI’s ALL4 system, has been further refined for increased driving agility and efficiency. Reflecting customer demand for high-end features, equipment levels on the new MINI Countryman have been bolstered versus the outgoing model. Additions to the standard equipment list include MINI’s acclaimed Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise
Control, Emergency E-call and Active Guard among others. Naturally, being a MINI, there is broad scope for owners to personalise their new Countryman, with extensive colour and trim options, advanced technology features and a range of option packs that offer carefully selected items with significant cost savings for the customer. One such option is a new 8.8” inch touchscreen display as part of the MINI Navigation System XL, offering touchscreen multimedia and navigation control for the first time in a MINI. The new MINI Countryman is available to order at MINI retailers nationwide, with prices starting at £22,465 for the Cooper Countryman. First UK deliveries will be in February. Prices for the plug-in hybrid model will be announced in due course.
ARCHIE MOSS Leicestershire 01530 553 785 www.archiemoss-isuzu.co.uk
DUCKWORTH ISUZU Lincolnshire (South) 01205 449 758 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk
YORK VAN CENTRE North Yorkshire 01904 275 211 www.yorkvancentre-isuzu.co.uk
BOB GERARD Leicestershire 0116 259 2224 www.bobgerard.co.uk
GARLAND MOTORS Hampshire 01252 884 026 www.garland-isuzu.co.uk
MARK WEATHERHEAD LTD Cambridgeshire 01954 574 562 www.markweatherhead-isuzu.co.uk
BURRELLS MOTOR GROUP South Yorkshire 01302 515 763 www.burrellsmotorgroup-isuzu.co.uk
JEFFRIES OF BACTON Suffolk 01449 424 758 www.jeffriesofbacton-isuzu.co.uk
HOLDCROFT ISUZU Staffordshire 01782 484 954 www.holdcroft-isuzu.co.uk
DUCKWORTH ISUZU Lincolnshire (North) 01673 799 393 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk
SOLENT ISUZU Hampshire 01962 866331 www.solent-isuzu.co.uk
BULLDOG TWYFORD Berkshire 0118 932 0922 www.bulldogtwyford.com
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
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| Motors
Gripping acceleration whatever the terrain: Land Rover Sport SVR Come rain or shine, grass or gravel, snow or sand, the Range Rover Sport SVR delivers devastating pace. erging legendary all-terrain capability with 550HP V8 power and advanced traction technology provides Land Rover’s fastest vehicle with unique real world performance. Since going on sale in February 2015, the Range Rover Sport SVR has showcased the abilities of Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, with just shy of 1000 being delivered to customers in the UK. Many will have been attracted by the 0-60mph time of only 4.5 seconds, but the official figure only scratches the surface of the Range Rover Sport’s capability… When the perfect traction offered by clean, dry Tarmac isn’t available, most sports cars immediately suffer from a lack of grip, stability and performance. But no sports car has the benefit of Land Rover’s legendary all-terrain know-how. In this unique test, the Range Rover Sport SVR completes the 0100km/h sprint on standard fit Michelin 275/45 R21 All Season Tyres on everything from tarmac and grass to snow and sand, using Land Rover’s innovative Terrain Response 2 technology. The intelligent system automatically selects the appropriate driving mode to suit traction conditions including: General Driving, Dynamic, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and
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Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl. The driver can also use a simple rotary controller on the centre console to choose a specific mode. The times recorded are a testament to the Range Rover Sport’s inherent capability. On a notoriously slippery wet grass surface, the 0-100km/h time increased by only 0.8 seconds, while even on Sand the benchmark sprint took only 5.5 seconds. The ultimate all-terrain performance test in detail The Range Rover Sport SVR’s first challenge was the start-finish straight at Europe’s fastest racing circuit, Rockingham Motor Speedway in Corby, UK. In Dynamic mode, Terrain Response 2 sharpens throttle response and changes gear at higher revs. It also stiffens the Continual Variable Damping function within the vehicle’s Anti-Roll Control technology to reduce body roll. With all of these factors optimised, the Range Rover Sport SVR blasted from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds. In the second test, the highperformance SUV tackled one of the most challenging surfaces any driver will encounter: wet grass. In Grass/Gravel/Snow mode the throttle response is softened to prevent loss of traction and gear changes are smoother and quicker. The Traction Control System also intervenes earlier to prevent tyre slip, while the central differential is preloaded to
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optimise off-the-line performance. Land Rover Experience East of England provided the perfect setting for this challenge and the Range Rover Sport SVR recorded a breath-taking 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds. A quarry provided the ideal gravel surface, where the Range Rover Sport SVR’s inherent traction came to the fore. With the vehicle systems optimised to suit the loose surface, it registered 5.3 seconds. To find snow the Range Rover Sport SVR headed to Jaguar Land Rover’s winter test facility in Arjeplog, Northern Sweden. Here, the optimised settings and allwheel drive system helped the SVR complete the sprint on a combination of snow and ice in 11.3 seconds. The next switch of the Terrain Response 2 dial was to select Mud and Ruts mode. In this setting the air suspension is raised and the Traction Control System allows controlled tyre slip to provide better traction in slippery conditions. In typically British surroundings at one of Land Rover’s all-terrain testing facilities, the performance SUV logged a 0100km/h time of 6.5 seconds as its intelligent four-wheel-drive technology came into its own. Pendine Sands at Carmarthen Bay in South Wales has been linked with speed ever since hosting the first world land speed record run took place there in 1924. That made it perfect to test
the next setting on the Terrain Response 2 dial: Sand. Selecting Sand mode sharpens the vehicle’s accelerator responses to allow a quick buildup of engine torque. The vehicle also holds onto gears for longer and locks the central differential to help maintain momentum. The result of this technological wizardry was a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds. The final mode on the Terrain Response 2 dial called for something different. Rock Crawl is designed to assist drivers when negotiating rocky environments and works in conjunction with the Low Range transmission, in keeping with the low-speed nature of the challenge posed by large rocks and boulders. Rock Crawl mode softens the accelerator response to mitigate against sudden movements and provide maximum driver control. It also raises the air suspension, to optimise ground clearance. Using Terrain Response 2 the Range Rover Sport SVR scaled the rocky 32 per cent incline at the test facility with ease. Driver Darren Jones, Stability Applications Leader, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The Range Rover Sport SVR is famed for its on-road performance but this hasn’t been achieved at the expense of customary Land Rover capability. Our Terrain Response 2 technology takes the stress out of driving in all conditions.”
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| Motors
MTC Subaru
Cambridge Subaru
Cambridgeshire 01733 822 943 www.mtc-subaru.co.uk
Cambridgeshire Tel. 01223 841 616 www.cambridge-subaru.co.uk
Perkins
Central Motors
Essex 01371 483 379 www.perkins-subaru.co.uk
Somerset 01460 64747 www.centralmotors.co.uk
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| Motors
WINTER. BRING IT ON.
If winter bites, bite back. Land Rovers deal with all types of terrain in all types of weather, so there’s no need to stop when the bad weather begins. From the many intuitive technologies that enable Land Rover to tackle challenging environments and conditions, to a range of accessories that are perfectly designed to compliment the vehicle’s style and capability, we’re offering you all the reasons to go above and beyond this winter. Contact your local dealer for a test drive.
Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Discovery Sport range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 44.1-50.4 (6.4 - 5.6); Extra Urban 60.1-62.8 (4.7-4.5); Combined 53.3-57.7 (5.3-4.9). CO2 Emissions 139-129 g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and those figures are for comparative purposes only.
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Kentdale Kendal
Duckworth Land Rover, Boston
01539 814444, www.kentdale.kendal.landrover.co.uk
01205 449758, www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk
Barretts Ashford
Duckworth Land Rover, Market Rasen
01233 506070, www.barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk
01673 799393, www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk
Barretts Canterbury
Conwy Land Rover
01227 475475, www.barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk
01492 580000, www.conwy.landrover.co.uk
Rybrook Huddersfield Land Rover
Stafford Land Rover
01484 516016, www.rybrook.huddersfield.landrover.co.uk
01785 214140, www.stafford.landrover.co.uk
Rybrook Copley Land Rover
Yeovil Land Rover
01422 363340, www.rybrook.halifax.landrover.co.uk
01935 426600, www.yeovil.landrover.co.uk
Lloyds Kelso 01573 224345, www.lloyd.kelso.landrover.co.uk
Guy Salmon Knutsford 01565 632525, www.guysalmon.knutsford.landrover.co.uk
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 61
| Motors
Further evolution for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Quality, design and technological innovation, all with a very attractive price tag. he Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the UK’s best-selling Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. At its introduction in 2014 it effectively created the ultra-low emission vehicle segment, notching up 10,000 sales in the UK within the first ten months and amassing a total sales figure of 26,600 by the end of 2016. The vehicle is derived from the third generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander (which pioneered the ‘cross-over’ vehicle design concept with the Mitsubishi Airtrek in 2001 and has sold 1.5 million units globally since launch) but was developed from the ground up to be driven by either an internal combustion engine or hybrid technology and as a result there are no compromises in terms of packaging, practicality or drving dynamics. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers the best pure EV range of any of its competitors, has the lowest emissions of any all-wheel drive vehicle (and remains amongst the lowestemitting vehicle of its plug-in hybrid competitors) and is the only AWD vehicle to utilise electric power to drive both front and rear wheels for superior traction both on and off the road. It is also the only plug-in hybrid to offer rapid charging (up to 80% in approximately 25 minutes) and adjustable regenerative braking, which is controlled via the steering wheel paddles to further enhance the driving experience. Extensively revised in 2016, the vehicle continues to take the automotive world by storm and now the new Outlander PHEV has arrived, representing another evolution in technology, safety and dynamic performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is in showrooms now with prices starting from £34,749 (excluding the £2,500 Plug-in Car Grant) WHAT’S NEW? EV PRIORITY MODE
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62 | Farming Monthly | February 2017
For 2017 Mitsubishi introduces a new EV Priority Mode across all variants. The new EV switch is located below the 4WD button and once activated, it allows the driver to operate the vehicle in EV mode without the engine starting, provided there is sufficient charge in the batteries. An electronic parking brake is also new to the 2017 Outlander PHEV, as well as the brake auto hold button function which, when activated, holds the vehicle in traffic or on an include the same way a handbrake would, allowing the driver to release the footbrake. TECHNICAL UPDATES Across all variants, the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV powertrain and chassis has been revised, with new dampers and rear suspension bushes, making it a quieter and more refined to drive than ever. Rapid charging has also been improved, reducing its charging time to 80% from 30 minutes to approximately 25 minutes, and its pure electric range is increased to 33 miles, up from 32 miles. It also delivers more performance with improved acceleration in EV mode compared to its predecessor. CO2 emissions have also been lowered by 1g/km to 41g/km, with an average weighted fuel consumption of 166 mpg – a 6.4% increase versus the previous version. Regenerative braking technology, which works to put lost energy back into the battery when slowing down and which can adjusted while driving using the steering wheel paddles, has also been upgraded and in addition, the drive battery output has been improved by 10%. Safety features have also been further developed and improved on the 2017 model. Forward Collision Mitigation technology, standard on the Mitsubishi Outlander 4hs and 5hs versions, now features Pedestrian Detection for added safety, while Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert have both been introduced on the 4h variant to assist the driver when reversing out of a space. For example, if traffic is coming from the right, the
icon located on the right-hand mirror will light up, accompanied by an audio alert. Another colour has been added to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV colour palette in the form of Cool Silver. A shark-fin antenna is now incorporated in the roof line and there is a secure charge-point cover linked to the central locking. For a more refined exterior look, the vehicle also features silver roof rails, as well as clean chrome accents on the sills. Inside, the new Electronic Parking Brake and auto-hold button are located to the right of the 4WD and the new EV Priority Mode switches on the centre console. The console, and other key surfaces, have been finished with a black ash design and chrome accents and, as before, it is extremely well finished with soft-touch switches and ambient lighting flooding the floor area and centre console box. A four-spoke heated steering wheel, with a thick high-grip rim, fine leather trim and multiple control switches, completes the upmarket cabin feel. THE DRIVE Its low centre of gravity and excellent weight distribution make for exceptional driving dynamics, further enhanced with suspension updates for 2017. The Outlander PHEV offers an ultra-smooth driving experience, with a 2.0litre petrol engine and a seamless transition between three driving modes (EV, series hybrid, parallel hybrid), which combine to deliver optimum performance regardless of driving conditions. 4WD Outlander PHEV is unique in offering adaptive four-wheel drive with twin electric motors driving the wheels. The front and rear axles are each equipped with their own highoutput motor to deliver acceleration even more powerful than a 3.0-litre petrol engine, while maintaining an incredibly responsive 4WD performance.
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February 2017 | Farming Monthly | 63