INSIDE: Judging completed for RIDBA Building Awards ‘19 page 24
Farming
MONTHLY National
February 2019
Also in this issue... ATV
| Suzuki KingQuad: The most reliable machine on Armadale Farm page 53
Reducing hazardous waste Also inside this month..
The role of Zero Liquid Discharge page 10
NBA Beef Expo 2019 p17
Future-proofing with Miscanthus p23
Tyres replace tracks at Hinckford p48
PLUS: Arable | Fencing | Tyres | Forestry | Buildings | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors
CONTENTS February 2019
FEATURES 07
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12 Arable Front load Spring barley agronomy to maximise potential
16 Livestock
20
46 Fencing
24
48 Tyres
Building a stock fence to last
Latest tyre news
47 Forestry Movement restrictions due to pest
Dairy farmers must ensure parlours are tested correctly
24 Buildings RIDBA Building Awards 2019
30 ?? Resistance hotspots identified
REGULARS 06 News Revolution in disease diagnostics
31 LAMMA Looking back at the new-look LAMMA event 2019
44 Irrigation An agricultural drought is never far away
04 | Farming Monthly | February 2019
10 On Topic Reducing hazardous waste
20 Energy Latest energy news
38 Machinery Latest machinery news
50 ATV ATV news...covered.
54 Motors Latest motors news
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Agriculture. Covered. EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com
The role of Zero Liquid Discharge in reducing hazardous wastes
p10
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February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 05
| News
Revolution in diagnostics promises early disease warning for farmers
Advances in microbiology, imaging and organic chemistry to be discussed at Cambridge event.
ew types of rapid testing for soil health, mastitis, bovine TB, Fusarium and post-harvest disease are to be discussed – many for the first time – at the Agri-Tech East Pollinator ‘The Three Rs of Plant and Animal Diagnostics: Rapid, Reliable and Robust’ in Cambridge on 13 February 2019. Currently arable or animal health testing can take weeks of culturing in a laboratory or rely on an immune response as an indicator of disease, rather than detecting actual disease presence. Director of Agri-Tech East, Dr Belinda Clarke, comments: “Speed is vital in effective disease management; if farmers and growers have access to cost-effective tools that are simple to use on-farm then they can take a range of preventative measures to pre-empt problems. Additionally if the tests show that there isn’t a problem this can mitigate unnecessary treatment and the need for routine spraying. “We have selected a number of diagnostics that are promising to revolutionise disease management and at ‘The Three Rs’ event the developers will explain how the novel technology behind them works.” Latest diagnostic technology to be discussed will include: In-field sensor for evaluating living microorganisms in soil – Dr Kerry O’Donnelly Weaver of FungiAlert has developed a soil health test that delivers a more cost effective, insightful assessment of soil health than traditional testing methods. Kerry says: “The moment soil is taken out of the field its dynamics change so you don’t get an accurate representation of what’s actually active in your field. Our in situ sensors enable an assessment of the soil biology and identify microorganisms that will have an impact – both pathogenically and beneficially. We’re offering growers and agronomists critical information that has not yet been available until now.”
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Hand-held diagnostic to test for mastitis – mastitis is the inflammation of a cow’s udder, a painful disease that costs the UK cattle industry £41.8million a year. After a long wait for test results for one of her animals, Katie Cavanagh decided that there was a need for a rapid diagnostic – which could be used to tackle this major endemic disease. By miniaturising a human diagnostic method, she has developed a handheld device that vets and farmers can use on-farm, to test milk and diagnose the condition. She is now seeking investment to bring the product to market. Katie explains: “This technology already exists in human health. We’re simply taking what they do in a microbiology lab and putting it onto printed circuit boards. It’s much more accessible and affordable. If you can diagnose quickly and accurately, you can treat more effectively and reduce yield loss as well as potential loss of the animal.” Rapid, accurate blood and milk tests for bovine TB and Johne’s disease – both of these chronic diseases are caused by mycobacteria and current tests have proved inadequate to control the diseases – with over 43,000 cattle slaughtered in the UK due to bovine TB in last year. PBD Biotech has developed Actiphage Rapid, a biotechnology that can confirm the presence or absence of mycobacteria in blood or milk within six hours, enabling infected animals to be identified and isolated. The milk test can also be used for quality assurance, to confirm that dairy products are free from mycobacteria. Dr Berwyn Clarke, CEO of PBD Biotech, explains: “Vet Dick Sibley has used the Actiphage test on a farm in Devon to achieve TB free status for the first time in 6 years. This is a huge achievement and provides a beacon of hope for farmers. Following this success, Actiphage has been included in the Government’s protocol for Exceptional Private Use for chronic TB breakdowns in England. The test uses novel technology and we are
involved in extensive international testing to meet regulatory requirements.” Detection of infection on seed pre-planting – Analytik’s VideometerLab uses multi spectral imaging to rapidly and accurately identify infection on the surface of seeds, such as Fusarium, Michrodochium and Alternaria. Isaac Gilbert from Analytik explains the technology has the capability to provide growers with greater insights into disease susceptibility – down to individual grain level. He says: “In commercial terms this is early stage, with a handful of important pathosystems ready for use, but we’re excited to share with the industry what wealth of opportunities are in the pipeline.” Multi-crop post-harvest storage disease sensor – RoboScientific senses the release of Volatile Organic Compounds to detect the presence of disease in crops post-harvest. Angie Curtis of RoboScientific explains: “If we have flu, we sweat and sneeze and, generally, smell different. In a similar way, our range of sensors can be installed in a barn for consistent regular monitoring. It knows what the storage environment, for example, for onions or potatoes, should ‘smell’ like and, if it senses deterioration say by the onset of rot, the automatic monitor sends an alert to the farmer. “Similarly, our technology is fast and accurate in establishing health issues in livestock – for example in chickens, it can announce the presence of a range of diseases including Campylobacter, Ecoli and Clostrideum Perfringens within 36 hours of it arriving. This product won’t be on the market until the end of next year, so Agri-Tech East attendees will be getting advance information about this cutting-edge detector.” The event ‘The Three Rs of Plant and Animal Diagnostics – Rapid, Reliable and Robust (Enough)’ will be held on Wednesday 13 February from 2.00-5.30pm at Incubyte Ltd, Cambridge Innovation Park, CB25 9QE. For more information visit http://bit.ly/2ExsTjG
Draper Tools celebrates 100 Years in business Leading tool firm Draper Tools is proud to be celebrating 100 years in business this year. stablished in 1919 by Bert Draper, the business is still family owned and run today by the fourth generation of the Draper family. At 100 years old, the company remains as committed to growth and innovation as ever, having recently made a number of investments as a business, as well as several improvements at its head office facility. Draper Tools has a well-established reputation for supplying a wide range of hand and power tools for both professional trades and serious enthusiasts. To date, its range includes over 11,000 products lines. While the company’s offering has changed and expanded, it’s dedication to quality and customer service has remained a constant priority. Chairman of Draper Tools, John Draper,
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commented: “We are proud to have reached this important milestone in our company history and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped us get here. Although we have grown a lot over the last century, we still like to think of ourselves as a no-nonsense, customer-focused tool supplier. Quality and reliability are still very much at the heart of the business and this will continue as we progress and grow into 2019 and beyond.” Plans are afoot for a year-long celebration of the company’s 100-year anniversary in 2019, with exclusive promotions, competitions, charity fundraising and a staff party all in the pipeline. Each month there will be special edition centenary products launched at great prices. Keep an eye out for these fantastic deals on top products including trolley jacks, pressure washers, socket sets, spanner sets
and more. To further mark the occasion, Draper Tools has teamed up with Care for Veterans, a very special charity, which also celebrates its centenary in 2019. Care for Veterans (formerly The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home) was established in 1919 to care for those soldiers returning from World War I with life-changing disabilities. For 100 years, they have been providing long term nursing care, rehabilitation, respite and award-winning end of life care to disabled ex-Servicemen and women from the RAF, Army, Royal Navy and auxiliary services. Draper Tools will be dedicating 2019 to supporting and raising funds for Care for Veterans in honour of both organisations’ centenary year.
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| News
British beef farmers need your support Great British Beef Week will return early, this year from April 1-7, to champion high quality, home-produced beef as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Organisers say 'it's more important than ever' that the British public shows support for its own beef industry. ow in its ninth year, British Beef Week is spearheaded by Ladies in Beef, a group of more than 150 female beef farmers who care passionately about what they do. The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) is the campaign's charity partner. At a significant time for the world trade of British beef, Ladies in Beef is calling for farmers, producers and beef lovers to join the celebration and help increase the global love for quality British beef. Ladies in Beef co-founder Jilly Greed, who farms 200 suckler beef cows and young stock on Devonshire water meadows, said: "There are so many uncertainties in farming right now; British beef farmers need your support more
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than ever. British beef is an important part of the global diet because of its quality and its nutritional and environmental health benefits. "It's important to the UK economy too, with the beef and veal industries worth around £3 billion. Around 475k people are employed in farming in the UK." During this year's campaign week, Red Tractor-assured thin cut beef steaks will be promoted using new internationally-themed recipes to encourage shoppers to try a beefbased dish. Events during the week will also raise money for farming charity R.A.B.I, who gave out more than £2.2m to farming people in financial need in 2018. Jilly added: "We’d like shoppers to know that British-farmed beef is good for the environment, with almost half (47%)* of the UK’s many
breeds of cattle managed on our mountains, moorlands, marshlands and wetland meadows. "This grassland increases the absorption of carbon from the atmosphere and has been grazed for thousands of years. Livestock farming is an established part of our history. “Beef is also a nutritionally valuable part of a balanced diet, being naturally rich in protein. It contains haem iron which is easily absorbed and provides eight vitamins and minerals which contribute towards good health and wellbeing. "Let’s make sure that beef is known as an important and healthy part of the global diet.” Farmers, beef producers and other stakeholders who would like to support Great British Beef Week can download material to share on social media or display in store by visiting www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk
New targets for the top dairy farms Dairy farmers can now benchmark themselves against the top five percent of farms following an update to AHDB Dairy’s key performance indicators (KPIs) which were revealed at Dairy-Tech.
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he addition of this new category to the existing bands for the top 25% and industry average farms enable farmers to see how they compare with others and identify areas for
improvement. The KPIs have also been refreshed using the latest available data and include changes to the definitions and calculations following discussions with farmers and industry consultants. Mark Topliff, AHDB lead analyst said: “We listened to feedback from our strategic farm meetings plus consultants from across the
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industry and updated the KPIs to make sure they are relevant to all and stretch the best.” Launched in 2017, the KPIs form part of AHDB’s optimal dairy systems programme, which is encouraging farmers to focus on either all year round or blocking calving. The KPIs are split into six physical measures for each calving system as well as three financial measures which are applicable to both. As well as other minor changes, the ‘Income retained’ KPI has been replaced with ‘full economic net margin’ and ‘total purchased feed costs’ now exclude forage and youngstock feed.
A full set of definitions along with guidance about how to calculate each measure can be found on AHDB Dairy’s website alongside an online calculator where they enter their own figures to see how they compare. The KPIs are built into Farmbench, AHDB’s recently launched online benchmarking tool to help farmers compare themselves anonymously with other farms. “Dairy farmers need to be in good shape to deal with future challenges. Our updated KPIs enable farmers to review their performance, identify areas for improvement and make changes to ensure they’re performing well for years to come” concluded Mark.
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 07
| News
Technology meets farming for better management As UK farmers face huge changes in their business environment, making precision all the more critical, Agri-EPI Centre is working with them to develop technologies that help to banish guess work from management decisions. ne of the four Centres for Agricultural Innovation established by Innovate UK through the UK government’s AgriTech Strategy, Agri-EPI has teamed up with 28 innovative farms, covering commodities including beef, dairy, sheep, arable, pigs, potatoes and root crops. The purpose of these ‘satellite’ farms is to allow new technologies and techniques to be developed and trialled in commercial farming environments. One of the farms is Bielgrange in East Lothian, owned and run by Niall Jeffrey, AgriScot’s 2018 Scotch Beef Farmer of the Year. Niall has been at the forefront of trialling new Beef Monitor crates developed by Ritchie Agricultural in conjunction with Agri-EPI. These are effectively modified handling crates with an integrated water trough, which cattle enter voluntarily to drink, indoors or outdoors. As they do so, the crates’ inbuilt sensors record the daily liveweight of each animal. With the correct analysis, this daily data can
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be hugely beneficial in helping a farmer make speedy decisions to reduce costs and ensure animals are delivered to the abbatoir inspec. The Beef Monitors have gone through several phases of development as a result of the onfarm trials and this will continue during 2019, with a view to increasing the type of data that can be collected. The important element, says Agri-EPI Centre’s Farms and Commercial Manager Gavin Dick, is that the beef monitor concept has been shown to work. Gavin explained: “Farmers are having to adapt to huge changes in their business operating environment, meaning there is now a much greater need for live and detailed management information that allow them to better-informed decisions. The Beef Monitor has already proven to be an ideal vehicle for starting the process of gathering such information, potentially giving beef farmers key information significantly earlier than the best stockperson could identify using their eyes and experience.” “Now we know the cattle will happily enter the crates voluntarily
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and stress-free to drink, and we have had really important feedback from Niall and the other farmers trialling the Beef Monitors, this is where Agri-EPI really comes into its own. We are now assessing which of the many available sensor technologies – such as boluses, collars, anklets and even breath analysers - could further enhance data collection and analysis. Such tech is already being used on robotic milkers in the dairy industry so it’s time to see the beef sector catch up.” Dave Ross, Agri-EPI Centre Chief Executive said: “The satellite farms are a core element of our activities to bring productivity-boosting technology to UK farmers across all of the key farming sectors. Crucially, we work hard to create and enhance connections between the farming industry, science and commercial developers of new technologies. This is a critical time for UK farming and this multidisciplinary approach is the best means of identifying novel solutions.” Ian Cox, Innovate UK’s Innovation Lead for the Agri-Tech Centres added: “In their short
lifetime the four Agri-Tech Centres have engaged in a major capital build programme developing new high technology assets to drive forward the applied R&D capability in the UK to develop solutions to the real world problems that the farming community face. “The Agri-EPI satellite farm network is a good example of this, providing a unique environment where new technology can be trialled on farms, and the benefits demonstrated to farmers. Apart from the build programme, the four Agri-Tech Centres have to date already engaged with over 35,000 UK farmers, secured 46 projects worth £14.2 million to the research consortia, and £3.1 million to the Centres, created 98 high tech jobs, involved 192 organisations and several high-profile Government initiatives. These include Rural 5G Broadband. The success of the Agri-Tech Centres is being noticed overseas and already attracting a lot of interest from countries as far afield as Paraguay, New Zealand and China.”
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| News
McIntyre: New EU retail rules will protect farmers even after Brexit New rules to stop EU supermarket giants squeezing suppliers will continue to protect UK farmers and growers after Brexit, a leading MEP has predicted. nthea McIntyre, Conservative agriculture spokesman in Brussels, welcomed agreement between the European institutions on a new directive to curb unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the agriculture and food supply chain, which was confirmed by the parliament’s Agriculture Committee on Wednesday. The deal was reached just before Christmas following intensive talks between the European Parliament, Council and Commission, with Miss McIntyre closely involved as negotiator for the parliament's cross-national European Conservative and Reformists group of MEPs. During the drafting process Miss McIntyre, Conservative MEP for the West Midlands, persuasively encouraged EU legislators to follow the model of the UK’s Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) which protects farmers in their dealings with the top 12 biggest supermarkets. She told the committee: “I have been proud to see the commission and the parliament use the UK’s Code of Practice GSCOP as one of the bases for this legislation. The EU has recognised the UK as a good example and a leader in combatting unfair trading practices. “The Directive will protect suppliers with a turnover of up to €350 million from buyers who are substantially larger than they are. I believe this will cover all the Producer Organisations (POs) in the UK. “Most importantly, the Directive covers
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suppliers who are outside the EU supplying buyers inside the EU. This ensures that even when the UK leaves the EU our farmers and growers will be protected when trading with our European partners." The Directive represents a minimum harmonisation, which means that member states may go further to protect their farmers and growers if they choose. In its detail, it groups all suppliers and retailers into six categories according to their turnover in euros from 0 to 2 million, 2-10 million, 10-50 million, 50-150 million, 150-350 million, and 350 million upwards). Each supplier will be protected in the event that its buyer falls into a higher turnover category. The unfair trading practices that are outlawed are: 1. The non-respect of a 60-day payment term for non-perishable products; 2. Payment for services not provided; 3. Buyer refusal to provide a written contract on request. 4. Misuse of supplier’s confidential information by the buyer; 5. Commercial retaliation or even the threat of such retaliation if the supplier makes use of the rights guaranteed. 6. Payment by the supplier for the examination of customer complaints which are not due to the negligence of the supplier. 7. Payment delays for perishable products (over 30 days); 8. Unilateral and retroactive changes to
supply agreements; 9. Cancellation of orders for perishable products with short notice; 10. Payment for the deterioration of products already sold and delivered to the buyer. The Directive also identifies “grey” practices which are prohibited unless they are agreed in a transparent manner and before the beginning of the supply agreement. These are: 1. Transfer of advertising costs to the supplier, in addition to the transfer of costs for promotion and marketing proposed by the Commission; 2. Payments for the management of the product once it has been delivered. 3. Return of unsold products; 4. Payments to become a supplier or for the stocking, displaying or listing of products; 5. Payments for promotional costs; 6. Payments for marketing costs. Confidentiality of suppliers will be guaranteed after it was found that they were often discouraged from complaining due to fear of retaliation. It will also be possible for suppliers' organisations, representative organisations and NGOs to file a complaint on behalf of their members, further guaranteeing the anonymity of the complainant. The European Commission will create a website through which information on individual national enforcement authorities will be clearly identified.
Six ways Climate Change affected Christmas Dinner this year Farmers battled hard to bring Christmas dinner to our tables this year, due to the heatwave’s effect on crops and livestock, according to experts at the Royal Agricultural University. he baking summer caused problems for staple foods and festive favourites alike - and climate change predictions suggest Christmas Dinner as we know it will be even tougher to put together in future. Dr Nicola Cannon, Principal Lecturer in Agronomy at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) said: “If you sit down to a Christmas lunch please think about the complex issues farmers deal with to bring this special meal to your table. “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) now predict 1.5°C temperature rises above pre-industrial levels by 2050. So the challenges of food production in 2018 are almost certainly going to be experienced more frequently.” How the extreme weather of 2018 affected
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Christmas Dinner, according to the RAU: Potatoes: Potatoes were planted late this year and farmers without irrigation saw reduced growth due to moisture-stressed plants, resulting in lower yields and quality. Carrots: Carrots grow best at temperatures of 15-18°C but they struggle in temperatures above 25°C, wilt and stop growing. The cold start to the year and then the prolonged heatwave probably lead to a cut in yields of 30 per cent. Brussels Sprouts: The exceptionally hot May lead to dry seedbeds and undeveloped root systems, stressing the young plants and causing many to die off. Stuffing: Most stuffings are made of a breadcrumb base. The price of a loaf of bread has risen since harvest, jumping from 97p for a 800g loaf to £1.05. This was fuelled by wheat yields being hit by the dry weather and by
global supply issues. Brandy butter, custard and ice cream: These dairy-based accompaniments to Christmas pudding can’t be produced without milk. Dairy farmers are facing severe forage shortages after a poor grass growing season, leaving low silage stocks and fodder prices at a record high. Turkey and pigs in blankets: Turkeys are content with temperatures up to 26°C but when it gets hotter they can lose their appetites. Extra ventilation in their housing helps, as does being free range. Pigs also needed extra help with cooling down this summer. But don’t worry about Christmas pudding: Many of the ingredients - mixed dried fruit, nuts and rum - are imported so it looks as if this festive favourite has escaped the extreme UK weather.
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 09
| On Topic
The role of Zero Liquid Discharge in reducing hazardous wastes By Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers
hanks to tighter environmental regulations and greater public awareness, companies are increasingly looking to reduce or eliminate the waste that they produce. In recent years, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) has become an important waste reduction technique, but its potential in dealing with hazardous waste streams has not been fully appreciated until now. Hazardous waste is waste which is dangerous or potentially harmful to the environment or human health. It can come in any form: solid, gaseous, sludge or liquid. Many vital materials such as cleaning products, pesticides and industrial chemicals are, by their nature, hazardous and therefore present disposal challenges. Traditionally, hazardous wastes have been treated by a number of different physical, thermal, chemical and biological methods, including precipitation, high temperature incineration and even burial in specialist secure sites. However, in parts of the world, particular
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industries have become associated with environmental pollution through the inappropriate disposal of hazardous wastes, with the textiles industry in India and South East Asia being such an example; one which has attracted NGO interest and the development of new cleaner waste disposal schemes. One of the advantages of ZLD over other treatment techniques is its theoretical ability to separate unwanted materials from water, whether they are benign, hazardous or toxic. The resulting solid residue is often more stable, making it suitable for recycling or landfill. A well-designed ZLD system should minimise or even eliminate liquid waste streams, resulting in clean water for reuse or environmentallyfriendly discharge, and a solid residue suitable for further processing (often to recover valuable components for use elsewhere) or for safe disposal. Correct analysis is crucial The composition of wastewater streams varies greatly, even where the same basic processes are involved. Certain wastewater sources, such as power plants and boilers with
wet gas scrubbing, often contain salts which may be hazardous or valuable, or even both. Environmental regulation usually means that treatment is required to reduce or remove such toxic compounds before wastewater can be discharged. Where the initial wastewater is relatively dilute, pre-processing can also be required prior to the evaporation phase, often using common water treatment techniques such as reverse osmosis. Other sources, such as wet flue gas desulfurization, may contain highly soluble calcium and aluminium salts, as well as heavy metals, which are not easily crystallised by evaporation. Such sources therefore need significant pre-treatment, often using lime or soda ash to introduce sodium ions so that a crystalline solid can be produced by the evaporation stage. The effective design of any ZLD system is therefore dependent on the correct analysis of the water/waste stream, making it essential to have an accurate analysis of composition, flow rates, chemistry, etc. Without this, any designed solution will fail to deliver the required results, if it works at all.
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| On Topic
HRS Unicus Series scraped-surface evaporators are used to maintain thermal efficiency and remove fouling during evaporation in ZLD installations
HRS Unicus Series scraped-surface evaporators are used to maintain thermal efficiency and remove fouling during evaporation in ZLD installations
Energy-efficient evaporation Vapour compression evaporation is a common method used in ZLD as evaporation can recover up to 95 per cent wastewater as distillate. Any remaining concentrate is further treated physically or chemically to produce solid residues (such as crystals) and water. By running the evaporators at lower pressures, the boiling point of the liquid being treated is reduced. This means that multi-effect evaporation can be made possible; that is, steam from a previous evaporation stage is used as thermal energy in the next stage which works at a lower boiling point. This way, multiple evaporation stages are combined, generating significant energy savings. For many components, crystal precipitation is favoured at lower temperatures, therefore lowering evaporation temperatures helps to increase the solids yield. The role of heat exchangers ZLD is certainly not the only waste treatment solution available: it will not be suitable for all situations and it is not a panacea for the treatment of hazardous wastes. However, in the
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right situation it can play a key role in reducing waste volumes or preparing waste streams for final, safer, disposal. In the case of India’s textile industry, ZLD has helped to clean up the area around the city of Tirupur and the Noyyal River, saving the area’s textile industry at the same time. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) has become an important waste reduction technique Closer to home, HRS Heat Exchangers are in the final commissioning stage of a ZLD system for an industrial client in Europe. Heat exchangers play a crucial role in reducing the running costs of a ZLD system by utilising heat from process water and other existing sources, and also recapturing heat at the end of the process and reusing it to boost the energy efficiency of the overall ZLD system. Where there is a hazardous liquid waste stream to deal with, then the potential to utilise ZLD techniques as part of the overall treatment solution should definitely be investigated.
Matt Hale, HRS International Sales & Marketing Director About HRS Heat Exchangers Located in the UK, and part of the HRS Group which operates at the forefront of thermal technology offering innovative heat transfer solutions worldwide across a diverse range of industries. With approaching 40 years’ experience in the Environmental sector specialising in the design and manufacture of an extensive range of turnkey systems and components, incorporating our corrugated tubular and scraped surface heat exchanger technology, in compliance with global design and industry standards. HRS has a network of offices throughout the world: Australia, New Zealand, UK, Spain, USA, Malaysia and India; with manufacturing plants in the UK, India and Spain.
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 11
| Arable
Front-load spring barley agronomy to maximise potential Spring barley agronomy must be focussed towards the beginning of the season to maximise the yield and quality achieved from a comparatively short growing season. owing “realistic” seed rates for individual field conditions and building nutrition early to support strong plant development were fundamental building blocks for a successful barley crop, Farmacy’s Bob Bulmer told growers at a recent Farmacy Norfolk event at St George’s Distillery near Thetford. Without regular measurements, it was sometimes easy to overestimate establishment percentage in spring crops, which typically varied from 60-90% on many farms. This had big implications for the plant population, ear number and final grain yield, he warned. “Yield is driven by grain number, which in turn is determined by ear number and tiller density. Barley, particularly two-row varieties, has less capacity to produce grains per ear compared to wheat, so getting the right number of plants established is a critical step in achieving high yields. You must be realistic about field losses when planning seed rates.” A crop with 600 ears/m2 for example, would typically yield 6t/ha (assuming 21 grains/ear), whereas 800 ears/m2 would yield nearer 8t/ha, he noted. Variable seed rates were a useful way of producing more uniform plant stands where soil type and seedbed conditions varied within fields and systems such as Omnia provided an ideal opportunity to do that, he said. Support early growth Dr Bulmer went on to explain that agronomy should be “front-loaded” to ensure plants established quickly, and nothing limited crop development. “The main challenge with spring barley is to create sufficient biomass quickly enough so that crops can maximise light interception within the relatively short period between sowing and harvest.” Early nutrition was key, and he suggested there were benefits from applying nitrogen, phosphate and potash to the seedbed to ensure these vital nutrients were readily
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accessible to young developing plants. Phosphate in particular was needed for strong root development, something that was essential if higher-yielding crops were to access sufficient nutrients and water throughout the season. In-season tissue analysis provided a useful indicator of potential nutrient deficiencies and was relatively quick and inexpensive, he said. “Samples can be taken as soon as there’s enough leaf mass to do so, and you should get results back within seven to 10 days. It’s pretty indicative for most nutrients, although perhaps less useful for potash.” Dr Bulmer’s agronomy tips: • Sow into good seedbeds as spring barley is very sensitive to poor soil conditions • Consolidate well to improve seed/root-tosoil contact • Build fertility early - apply nitrogen, phosphate and potash to seedbed or soon after drilling • Use early tissue analysis to identify nutrient deficiencies (e.g. manganese) • Growth regulators can benefit rooting and tillering • Consider foliar magnesium GS31 to flowering • If irrigating in dry years, best time is shortly after ear emergence to support grain fill and late biomass production • Grain analysis provides a useful retrospective measure of deficiencies to correct next season. Growing market Growers also heard how rising demand for malting barley products and new plant breeding techniques would reinforce spring barley’s place in many rotations over coming years. “Spring barley faced major challenges last season and has been regarded as a Cinderella crop in the past, but grown correctly with the right contracts in place, it has a really good place on farm,” Farmacy agronomist Peter Riley said.
Peter Riley
“East Anglian malting barley is already a big success story, the market is expanding and there is great technology coming from breeders.” Mark Ineson from leading global malt supplier Muntons, said the firm had just announced £73m of investment over the next decade as it sought to meet rising demand for malt products produced at its sites in Stowmarket and Bridlington. He acknowledged there was uncertainty about 2019 trade given Brexit, but the underlying market remained strong, especially in East Anglia where demand exceeded supply. End user variety and quality requirements varied though, so he encouraged growers to tailor variety choice and agronomy to buyer specifications. Equally, if spring barley was grown for black-grass control, that should remain the focus, with agronomy tailored accordingly, he said. Growers on lighter land were typically best placed to achieve the low grain nitrogen (<1.6%) required for distilling or brewing, while those on heavier land close to south coast ports could be better targeting higher nitrogen (<1.85%) favoured by exporters, he noted. Technological improvements in plant breeding were helping bring new varieties to market more quickly, offering improved agronomics and end-user compatibility, added RAGT’s Cathy Hooper. Double-haploid breeding, for example, was used to produce leading spring barley variety RGT Planet, and took about two years off conventional breeding techniques, she said. Using genetic markers to identify desirable traits, such as disease resistance or yield, was another way technology was helping. Work was also ongoing to develop low-GN (glycosidic nitrile) varieties for distilling, with a low-GN version of RGT Planet (currently approved for brewing) about to enter its second year of official trials and could be commercially available in 2022, she said.
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| Arable
Contact your nearest dealer: Central Cropsprayers Limited Unit J Sandford Industrial Park Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 2AN 01948 840187 www.centralcropsprayers.co.uk Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk
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February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 13
| Arable
Jonathan Baxendale
Make decisions early on spring seed varieties Growers are being urged to make spring seed decisions early, as popular varieties are likely to be in short supply. elayed drilling due to the ‘Beast from the East’ and little rainfall from May to August last year has impacted seed availability for 2019,” says Jonathan Baxendale, Wynnstay combinable seed product manager. While popular varieties are currently still available, overall supplies are down and Mr Baxendale advises securing seed as soon as possible. “RGT Planet is a high yielding feed and malting barley variety, particularly for growers in the West, which is likely to be our most popular variety this spring. Propino is also expected to be in demand, although it’s slightly lower yielding than Planet, alongside Laureate which has full Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) approval. “If you are considering growing a new
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malting barley, LG Diablo is expected to be popular this year and is currently one of the highest yielding spring barleys on the Recommend List. It’s getting a lot of end user interest already from seed mills, maltsters and brewers, so I recommend ordering now. “For those looking to grow a variety for whole crop or baled straw, Kelim is once again likely to be the variety of choice due to its good grain yield and extremely tall straw,” Mr Baxendale adds. When it comes to spring wheat, he says growers should be considering KWS Cochise. “It’s the highest yielding spring wheat available, providing on average a 10% higher yield than the current favourite, Mulika. It also offers a high specific weight and Orange Wheat Blossom Midge resistance, so should be a popular choice.” Spring cereals were not the only crops to
take a hit in 2018 and Mr Baxendale notes stocks of spring beans are also expected to be low. “Significant bruchid beetle damage, along with the drought, caused low yields in spring beans at harvest and poor germination scores. “A derogation has been brought in that’ll allow spring bean seeds with a lower germination score, a minimum of 70%, to be sold in order to meet demand. A similar derogation has been granted for spring oats with a minimum gemination of 75% being approved.” Mr Baxendale advises growers to act fast to obtain their seed variety of choice. “Don’t hedge your bets as you may well end up with second best varieties or even not be able to grow your species of choice. Order spring seed early to avoid disappointment,” he concludes.
MSG seeking extension on metaldehyde withdrawal period The Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG) has submitted a case to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to extend the withdrawal period of metaldehyde from 18 to 24 months for professional use slug pellet products. ollowing the recent news announced by Defra in December that metaldehyde will be withdrawn, David Cameron, chairman of the MSG group, explains that the current notification is a sell-out period of six months, expiring 30th June 2019, followed by a 12 month disposal, storage and use up period. “The majority of slug pellets used in commercial agricultural situations are
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purchased and applied from August to December and therefore the current timeframe is very restrictive,” says David. “We are calling for the sale and distribution of professional product stocks to be extended to the end of December 2019, with the disposal, storage and use up period lasting until the end of December 2020. “This will make the total withdrawal period 24 months, providing growers with two further seasons of use and avoid mid-season market
chaos. “We believe this approach will encourage the most responsible withdrawal of metaldehyde products.” The Crop Protection Association (CPA) and Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) are in support of the extended withdrawal period. David Cameron says that the MSG will communicate any further updates on an extended withdrawal period in due course.
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| Arable
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February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 15
| Livestock
Dairy farmers must ensure parlours are tested correctly The importance of a dynamic test carried out by a qualified Parlour Safe accredited professional, to fully assess your parlour and milking routine has never been so important as we head into 2019 amid more volatility in the marketplace. ccording to John Baines, ex Fullwood Technical Director, ensuring your parlour fulfils its potential is a key factor in efficient milk production and profitability: “Effective and efficient milking is realised through the interaction of the cow, the person and the machine. Only by carrying out a full assessment of the machine, the way it is being used during milking, together with a thorough evaluation of cow responses and the staff– including the milking and cleaning routines – will you have the sufficient information on which to make meaningful changes. A static test simply will not do for overall milking practice
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assessment. “A dynamic test is a small investment and can safeguard you against many significant issues related to hygiene, health and production. Once you have the report – use it. Data from the test provides you with valuable information to make adjustments to your management for more efficient milk production. Utilise it – it’s surprising how very small changes can have noticeable improvements. Modest changes in the order of teat preparation, to improve let down time, or improvements in cluster position can improve milk out and reduce cup on time. “Adrenaline release within half an hour before milking interferes with the normal let-down response so
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it’s crucial this is a stress-free time. If you want to get the best out of your milking machine, aim to provide a calm, consistent and comfortable environment for the herd. John stresses the focus that needs to be on achieving milk let down, and the preparation required to achieve this, effectively. “Low or no flow milking is detrimental to teat condition and can increase mastitis risk. Is the prep routine completed within 6090 seconds? If not, you are compromising the condition of the teat orifice which is known to result in a higher mastitis incidence. A dynamic test will assess your routine timings and teat cleaning. It’s important to review these methods and ensure they are effective – for let-down, cleanliness and animal health. “Teats should be clean before teatcup attachment. Milk quality reports shows that farms with strict and consistent teat cleaning protocols have better results. Research also shows that even visually clean teats of housed cows will be contributing many more bacteria compared with those of grazing cows. “Some say clean selectively, but clean is an ambiguous standard and can be variable with different staff. Using a visual guide will help all staff achieve a consistent level of cleanliness so take photos and use as a training tool. The farms which achieve consistently low bactoscans are invariably implementing a rigorous teat cleaning regime. “Post milking teat disinfection is one of the most important parts of the milking routine. In addition to the disinfecting action, it is an essential way of maintaining good, clean skin condition. Dry, cracked or wrinkled are much more difficult to clean. “Cow behaviour and responses offer useful information for you and your tester. Watching cow flow, comfort and temperament gives important pointers for improving parlour efficiency. “You also need to look at the individual cows and see if cluster attachment and alignment is
adequate. Failure to do so results in uneven and incomplete milking. Cow teat condition provides a very useful insight into the effectiveness of milking routine and the action of the milking machine. The dynamic test should incorporate an assessment of a representative proportion of cows’ teats for both short- and long-term effects. Short term effects include swelling, discolouration and ringing. Longer term effects include orifice roughness and skin lesions making these harder to clean, are less capable of closing effectively after milking and hence have a higher risk of infection. “Milk flow rate and profile can provide a very useful indication as to the effectiveness of pre-milking stimulation and let down. A useful metric is that more than 50% of total yield should be achieved within two minutes of teatcup attachment. “There are some simple steps that every dairy farmer can implement. Use a Parlour Safe accredited technician to test the parlour – these technicians are professionally trained to advise you on all aspects and offer valuable information on areas such as hygiene, cow behaviour, infrastructure and prep routine. “Educate yourself and your staff on best milking practice – many colleges now offer training, the AHDB Dairy has a wealth of information as well some of the farm suppliers. Make sure you buy quality cleaning products and use them as instructed - cutting corners here can have significant consequences in terms of milk quality – and ultimately affects the price you receive from your milk.” Ruth Bailey, Chief Executive, MEA, adds, “The MEA continue to expand their Parlour Safe accredited courses in recognition of the growing need for a professional standard of dynamic testing in the dairy industry. Having these high standards not only reassures dairy farmers that they have a professional service on farm, but also demonstrates the industry’s willingness to adopt world class practices for milk production in the UK.”
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| Livestock
NBA Beef Expo 2019 heading to the North! The National Beef Association has announced that their renowned Beef Expo will be held on Thursday 23rd May 2019 at North West Auctions, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Kendal. Farmers, exhibitors, agricultural companies and interested members of the public use the annual event to network, do business and share knowledge. ver the years the NBA Beef Expo has become a highlight in the beef farming calendar. Representing all the industry has to offer in terms of new developments, breeding expertise and celebrating the work of all beef farmers across the UK regardless of breed or method. The event attracts experts and industry leaders looking to educate both the farming community and the public, encouraging respect and innovation from all corners of the market. The Beef Expo is considered a major showcase for pedigree and commercial breed societies which want to promote the quality of their cattle. Thanks to this, the event displays some of the finest examples of British breeding anywhere in the UK. Over 20 breed society displays will showcase the pedigree sectors advances in genetics and the National Commercial Cattle Show (NCCS) will, as always, be kicking of the showing season with the ultimate podium for breeders from across the UK to showcase their stock and compete for their share of over £6,000 of prize money. The show, which is the largest technical beef event in the UK, will encompass the
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entirety of the beef industry with over 120 indoor and outdoor trade stands and demonstrations, covering nutrition, genetics, machinery and technologies, highlighting the strength and progression of the industry. Event organiser Katie Pearson said “We are delighted to be able to host our event at NW Auctions this year, the state-of-the-art mart facilities are superb and a perfect back drop to what is set to be one of our largest Beef Expo’s to date” Visitors will be invited to join the NBA for a day of Beef Expo farm tours on Wednesday 22nd May, giving guests the opportunity to view three exceptional beef farms hand-picked from across the region. This forum for knowledge exchange has sold out for four years running and is not to be missed - early booking is highly recommended! The farm tours will be followed by the prestigious Beef Expo Industry Dinner, the ultimate networking event for those within the industry. Online applications are now open for trade stands, breed societies, cattle exhibitors and visitors wishing to attend the event. Please visit, www.beef-expo.co.uk to make your booking or email katie@nationalbeefassociation.com
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 17
| Livestock
Leading industry names confirmed for Dairy-Tech 2019 Ever wondered whether milk pasteurised and packed directly at your farm could help avoid the dependency on volatile milk prices currently faced by many farms?
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irect Dairy, a Dutch start-up focusing on Ag-Tech and Food-Tech think their breakthrough concept could do
just that. Talking in more detail at DairyTech on 6 February they will explain how, by cutting out the processor, farms could allow themselves to produce this premium consumer product to a standard where they could sell directly from their farm to businesses and consumers. RABDF managing director Matt Knight says whilst Dairy-Tech will host a number of more familiar onfarm innovations such as genomics, rapid diagnostics, what the future of forage looks like and
how to improve feed efficiency, it also has some fantastic groundbreaking concepts from virtual reality to revolutionary labelling and robots. “We have shaped the DairyTech event model to stimulate thinking and ensure the dairy industry is open to a whole host of technological ideas that will eventually shape the future of all businesses in the sector. “For example, whilst virtual reality isn’t a concept widely used in the sector we hope to be able to demonstrate its potential role onfarm and get businesses thinking about the benefits it could bring – could it be an efficient way of providing training, could it be the answer to hands-free machinery servicing and does it have the
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potential to link with drones when it comes to field mapping.” Innovation-focused company Mimica will explain how their new labelling system is set to contribute to combating some of Britain’s waste problem. These highly technological labels have the ability to detect the freshness of perishable food products, such as milk, through its calibration – designed to degrade at the same rate as food whilst adjusting to conditions along the way. As well as a jam-packed innovation hub and over 50 new products, the dairy hub will focus on a range of topics from risk mitigation, to keeping milk relevant to consumers, applied genomics, and whether we can deliver the Clean Air Strategy. Further
sessions include young people and staff retention, future regulation of dairy contracts and Brexit outlooks. To ensure no practical elements are missed, hoof trimming demonstrations will once again take place with Steve Hookway delivering knife and grinder techniques, however, for the first time, we will also be introducing thermal imaging and its role in detecting lameness. Full speaker timetables can be found online alongside information on new products. Tickets are £17 when booked in advance at www.dairy-tech.uk and free for RABDF members. Those wishing to join can sign up at www.rabdf.co.uk
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| Livestock
New ALKA feed options highlight versatility of alkalisation Many UK dairy farmers could boost significantly their use of highly cost-effective home-grown cereals in cow diets thanks to a range of versatile ‘alkalising’ feed options being showcased at Dairy Tech by FiveF Alka Limited. iveF Alka is now able to offer every milk producer in the country a bespoke alkalised feed solution designed to help them make the most of what they can grow on their own farm. “Many farm users of our alkalising technology are now feeding 20-40% more of their
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home-grown feed materials, cutting feed costs whilst also increasing milk output and improving longer-term profit factors such as cow energy status and fertility,” said FiveF Alka general manager Rob Smith To complement the alkalising technology developed over the last 30 years allowing farmers to make their own Alkalage, Alkagrain and Alkastraw, the
company is also now helping partner feed companies to make a range of innovative new Alka feeds. “A great example of this cooperation is new Alkafibre. This new product is a joint development between HJ Lea Oakes and FiveF Alka , which can be distributed nationally. Alkafibre is made from oatfeed pellets, a feed ingredient perceived to be of
low nutritional value. However, the alkalisation process improves the rumen degradability of this fibre, adds valuable protein and makes it highly alkaline, making it a very cost-effective alternative to more conventional ration fibre sources such as beet pulp and soya hulls,” Rob Smith said. Further information on the FiveF Alka stand at Dairy Tech.
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 19
| Energy
Boom in subsidy-free large-scale solar parks The UK large scale solar park market is predicted to boom in 2019 as the cost of solar panels collapses and energy prices start to go back up again. This opens up the opportunity for farmers to encourage developers to install large scale solar parks of 20-50MWs on their land. olar farms generating up to 50MW can be connected into 132kV overhead power lines, according to Mark Newton, energy consultant at Fisher German. “The majority of solar parks that have been built in the past have all been connected into 33kv lines, but there is now very little capacity in the 33kv distribution network. Historically renewable energy projects have not gone into the larger 132kv lines as the connection costs were too high, but this is now the main area where spare grid capacity can be found on the network. “The grid connection can cost several million pounds and, ideally, the grid cost needs to be kept down to £50,000/MW or less. The total cost of building largescale solar parks is now down to £500-600,000/MW.” Mark advises that a 50MW solar park used to need 5 acres of land per MW, but now with more efficient panels, they have been able to reduce the area required to 4.0-3.5 acres per MW, so a 50MW solar park needs 200 acres or slightly less.
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“Farmers need to look at all diversification opportunities on the farm to maximise their income and the large-scale solar market is poised for substantial growth. With 50% of farm income currently coming from the EU, it’s likely that even with the financial support for environmental schemes, that farm income will come down postBrexit,” Mark says. Cheaper power The UK Solar Trade Association has published a new assessment, finding that the cost of generating solar electricity in the British Isles has already fallen far below its earlier predictions, and could reach £40/MWh by 2030. Greg Clark, secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, stated in the House of Commons, that green power is the cheapest power and can reduce consumer bills, as their costs move to subsidy-free levels. “The whole energy mix is changing rapidly. Coal will be phased out completely by 2025 and has gone from making up 47% of the energy market in 2012 to 1.6% this year. The government is moving away from nuclear, which will be phased out by 2030, with the exception of one nuclear
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plant being built at Hinkley Point C. The cost of electricity from this nuclear plant is now £100/MWh, compared to solar at about £55/MWh, so solar is nearly half the cost of nuclear. “The future is most certainly green, with renewable energy being by far the cheapest and most sustainable power available.” says Mark. Energy Storage Mark explains that while the energy mix will change quickly, the issue with renewable energy is that it’s intermittent and infrastructure to store electricity to overcome this must be developed rapidly. “85% of batteries are lithium Ion and can discharge electricity for between 30 minutes to an hour. The problem with this is that the government says they need to last for four hours and the battery market is having its Capacity Market price being de-rated, meaning battery developers are only getting 20% of the Capacity Market price. A lot of battery projects are not happening in the short term. STOR energy used to be diesel genset engines producing electricity generator, but diesel fuel is not environmentally-friendly, so
mains gas is now used. “They supply power into the grid at a fraction of a second, when it’s needed at peak times, which attracts the highest electricity prices. Burning gas emits approximately half the C02 of coal, but projects need a mains gas pipeline nearby.” STOR projects can discharge power for 4 hours, Parry is of Roger CorbettMarket so Richard their Capacity income Partners not being de-rated, so&they are currently much more popular than battery projects. Energy and Rural Business Show Mark Newton, energy consultant at Fisher German, will be speaking in the Energy Storage Theatre storage at Energy and Rural Business Show, at 14:40 on Wednesday 6 February in a talk entitled ‘What are the opportunities? A look at STOR and behind the meter options, including costs and income figures.’ Energy and Rural Business Show is the new event for farms of the future and takes place on February 6 and 7 in Telford International Centre and incorporates Energy Now Expo, Rural Business Expo and Low Emission Vehicles Expo.
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| Energy
Deal or no deal, farm diversification now a necessity UK farmers face a profound crisis in the event of a no-deal Brexit and there is uncertainty ahead even if a deal is agreed, according to the president of the National Farmers’ Union. inette Batters has expressed a need for ‘free and frictionless’ trading relationships with 500 million people in the EU, on BBC Farming Today, underlining that preparing for a potential no-deal Brexit is the biggest challenge we face. Farmers and landowners are being encouraged to become more self-sufficient as the sector moves towards a new UK agricultural policy, according to Jonathan Scurlock, a senior policy adviser at the NFU, where they will be paid for public goods and environmental services, as direct farm payments are progressively removed. “It’s important that farmers and landowners begin to look at developing alternative income streams. Looking at our own NFU farmer confidence survey, over the past couple of years, over a third
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of farmers have diversified into renewable energy projects, benefitting from cost savings and generating additional income,” says Jonathan. “Many farmers will have to diversify now as a necessity,” he adds. Jonathan Scurlock will be delivering a presentation at Energy and Rural Business Show entitled ‘The importance of diversification in the agricultural sector’. The event takes place on February 6 and 7 and incorporates Energy Now Expo, Rural Business Expo and Low Emission Vehicles Expo. Also speaking in the ‘How-to’ workshop at the event is Andrew Shirley from the CLA who believes that impartial professional advice is crucial when diversification planning. “In this period of uncertainty, diversification is becoming ever more important for landowners, farmers and rural business owners. It is essential to
be able to plan a way forward. That’s why my workshop will focus on effective business planning.” The event is the leading information source for farmers and landowners wanting advice and guidance on the future of sustainable agriculture, with dedicated ‘How-to’ farm and land
diversification workshops, a multistreamed renewable energy conference, as well as exhibitions dedicated to each area of the show. The show is free to attend, and tickets can be reserved online: http://www.energyandruralbusines s.co.uk/visit/register-to-visit
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| Energy
Beware mis-selling as FiT deadline looms Government plans to end the Feed-In Tariff (FiT) for new solar schemes from 31 March 2019 are triggering a spate of mis-selling in the renewables market. ccording to independent power and energy consultancy Roadnight Taylor, solar installers are using FiT revenues as a carrot to get over-sized schemes sold by the deadline. “The mis-selling we’re seeing is extraordinary,” explains director Hugh Taylor. “Installers are pushing hard to get people to invest before 31 March, and many of the schemes they are proposing simply won’t give the return on investment they are claiming. Some aren’t viable even if they do make the FiT deadline.” There is also a danger that applications won’t qualify for the FiT, as offers are based on current deployment levels of each scale of installation. So getting an application in by the deadline does not guarantee acceptance, warns Mr Taylor. “Rather than rushing in, we would advise landowners to carry out due diligence, and get an independent opinion on the appropriateness of any proposed system.” In one case, a firm was pushing
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a farmer to install a 1MW solar scheme before the FiT deadline, by quoting an 18% return on investment (ROI). When Roadnight Taylor investigated, it found that the actual ROI would be about 4%, and that the proposed scheme was inappropriately large and carelessly configured. “We modelled an alternative, 250KW scheme, based on the site’s energy demand profile, which would save £500,000 and yield a return of about 12%,” says Mr Taylor. To meet the deadline, schemes of 50KWp or lower must be installed, commissioned, and the FiT application submitted by 31 March, while larger schemes must have submitted their preliminary accreditation application by that date, with a six-month window for commissioning. “Some organisations are lamenting the loss of the FiT export tariff, which provides a minimum price for those exporting to the grid – but in the case of many commercial solar schemes, this is something of a red herring,” adds Mr Taylor. “Whether on a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
rate or FiT export tariff, you will be exporting at around a third of the price you are buying energy in. So, it’s vital to minimise exports to the grid and use as much of your own energy as possible.” A well-configured system will export a minimal amount of electricity and therefore any gap between the FiT export rate and the PPA rate, up or down, will be negligible,” he adds. “That’s why
Farmers urged to investigate growing energy storage opportunities Energy Storage is poised for significant growth in the UK due to a resurgence in confidence for renewable energy, making it the cheapest most sustainable power available. Opportunities in energy storage are aplenty, but farmers are being urged to source sound advice, as there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. torage is overcoming the limiting issue of intermittent renewable energy and is widely understood as the missing piece in the puzzle. Energy and Rural Business Show, taking place in Telford International Centre this February 6 and 7 has a dedicated Energy Storage Theatre where farmers and landowners can access the latest industry advice and opportunities. According to experts speaking at the event, the many opportunities presented require careful consideration. “There generally isn’t one revenue stream that storage can use to create a viable business model – it’s more about tapping into multiple revenue streams and being creative about how you make the most of your asset,” says Madeleine Greenhalgh from the Electricity Storage Network. “Co-locating storage with renewable generation is a prime way of making the most out of the energy generated. With the Feed-in Tariff due to close this
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it’s so important to get the scale of any project absolutely right and not squander capital on any superfluous panels that an installer might want to sell you. “The cost of solar technology has dropped sharply in the past year and is likely to continue downwards, so it might be that waiting will give as good or better returns in any event.”
year, farmers that can boost their self-consumption with storage will likely benefit in the short term,” she says. “The cost of lithium-ion storage is always coming down, so the next few years could see higher take up. “If the treatment of storage becomes better tailored and understood by government and regulator, we would see a real increase in investor confidence in storage and there is still a great deal of excitement about what storage can do, with many predicting a very high level of growth,” adds Madeleine. Madeleine Greenhalgh is speaking at Energy and Rural Business Show in the Energy Now expo Energy Storage Theatre on ‘growth prospects and market outlook for energy storage’ at 12:00 on Wednesday 6 February. Whether it’s looking into storage opportunities, adding to existing schemes, looking at energy saving, or diversifying into new green energy projects, Energy and Rural Business Show is the one stop shop for the most innovative diversification initiatives available.
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| Energy
Future-proofing with Miscanthus The business case for Miscanthus continues to strengthen in the face of rising uncertainty in the farming sector, due to attractive long-term contracts available and secure markets for the crop. incolnshire grower, AHDB Monitor Farmer and Miscanthus advocate, Colin Chappell, manages 647 hectares of land along the River Ancholme in Brigg and grows 26ha of Miscanthus on his unproductive land. Colin will be opening his farm on 21 March to those keen to explore the benefits of the crop on a breakfast Miscanthus farm walk, hosted by Terravesta and run in partnership with the CLA. “British farmers are stepping into the unknown. Our subsidy will disappear and Miscanthus has numerous positive attributes including long-term financial security, robust growing markets
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and environmental benefits,” says Colin. “With Miscanthus you have to take a long-term view and look at the guaranteed returns available from an upfront investment. Farming is shifting rapidly, and we must change our approach if we want to stay viable.” Colin supplies Miscanthus specialist Terravesta with whole bales which fuel Brigg Renewable Energy Plant, under a mile away from his farm, on a long-term contract. Terravesta has a 14-year contract with the power station, which in turn has long-term government support. “Miscanthus is a hardy perennial crop, with an average return of £562/ha over a 15-year period, and long-term fixed index
linked contracts are available with Terravesta to grow and sell it. It takes approximately 4-5 years to make the money back but by year 5 growers are looking at approximately £700/ha net margin,” says Jacob Duce from Terravesta. The benefits of Miscanthus far outweigh the upfront investment says Colin: “I don’t worry about blackgrass on the fields of Miscanthus, the leaf litter and high canopy combats it. The crop is low input, it stacks up nicely financially, it’s harvested in the spring when the rest of the farm is quiet, it’s carbon negative, it teems with wildlife and I can get 13 tonnes/ha easily on poor grade land, and that’s from a crop planted in 2006. Due to improved rhizome quality
and planting techniques, new crops now have 90% establishment on average and are likely to yield at least 15 tonnes/ha.” To book and find out more about the open day host, Terravesta, visit: https://www.terravesta.com/events The Miscanthus farm walk is hosted by Terravesta and run in partnership with the CLA: Date: 21st March 2019 Time: 09:00 – 12:00 Grower host: Colin Chappell Location: Brigg, Lincolnshire Cost: F.O.C Catering: Complimentary full English breakfast will be provided
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| Buildings
A Successful Judging Day for the RIDBA Building Awards 2019! Last year the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA) launched the RIDBA Building Awards 2019, to recognise innovation and excellence amongst members in the industrial and agricultural buildings industry. After receiving a record number of entries, RIDBA are pleased to report on the success of the judging day for the awards. hree months since the date of launch, last week saw what culminated in the next stage of the RIDBA Building Awards 2019, the judging day. We are now one step closer to finding out who the winning projects are this year. The judging panel consisted of Martin Heywood, Head Judge and RIDBA Technical Consultant, David Collier of Rural Planning, Andrew Brown of Visit Our Farm, Niresh Somlie of BM Trada as well as Graham Willmott, Chairman of ACR. External judge Chris Kendrick from Oxford Brookes University also participated in the judging process, as an external judge. Judging day took place throughout the day on Thursday 31 January and Head Judge Martin Heywood said:
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‘’Congratulations to all entrants for upholding the usual high standards that we have come to expect from our industry. The judges had a difficult but enjoyable 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.” Thank you to all the RIDBA members who took the time to enter their projects into the Building Awards 2019. A full list of shortlisted entries is now available to view on our website www.ridba.org.uk. Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Friday 15 March 2019. Taking place at 7:00pm at the De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, it will be hosted by Lucy Cooke, TV presenter and author. With the majority of places
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already booked, secure your place by calling 0844 249 0043 or email admin@ridba.org.uk as soon as possible. ‘’Congratulations to all entrants for upholding the usual high standards that we have come to expect from our industry” RIDBA would also like to take this opportunity to thank its sponsors for their support in ensuring that the Awards are a standout event: Joseph Ash, Kingspan, AJN Steelstock, Marley Eternit, and Steadmans. RIDBA would also like to thank Joseph Ash as the official drinks sponsor for the pre-awards drinks reception.
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| Buildings
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February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 25
| Buildings
Stanberry service is second to none Established in 1980, SJ Stanberry & Sons Ltd is a family-run business offering unique turn-key solutions, and we are fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated reliable workforce. his allows us to take on a wide variety of projects from a new grain store for an independent farmer to a 12,500m² distribution center. SJ Stanberry & Sons Ltd have vast experience of laying concrete floors and we have been offering our services to customers nationwide for many years. Our team work hard to hone their skills and improve knowledge and working methods and we are proud to say that this results in a fast, professional brush, tamp or power float finish, with a high customer satisfaction level. We offer groundworks and preparation, internal or external concrete flooring for all types of stores and sheds, aprons, anaerobic digestion tank bases and steel fixing. Over the years we have found that every site is different and poses its own challenges, i.e. difficult access, hills, ground conditions etc. With our experience, approach and versatility we find that talking to
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our customers and considering their concerns, whether it be those listed above, cost, timescale or the weather- all of which have an impact - we are able to provide flooring to meet the customers needs and budget. Our Services: • Industrial, agricultural or commercial concrete flooring
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• Internal or external • Steel fixing • Brush, tamp or power float finishes • Anaerobic digestion tank bases • Aprons & shed floors • Grain, potato & machinery stores • Poultry units & stable yards
• Paths, patios and driveways • Groundworks & preparation • Free site visits, material advice and costing. 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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| LAMMA
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| Buildings
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| Buildings
The leader in the field for galvanizing services Joseph Ash Galvanizing has eight plants in the UK (in Bilston, Bridgend, Chesterfield, Corby, Hull, Medway, Telford and Walsall), is a UK leader of steel finishing services and a proud supplier to the agriculture industry. With a long heritage dating back to 1857, its services include galvanizing, spin galvanizing, shot blasting, powder coating and duplex coatings. he Company’s position as a steel finishing UK leader stems not only from Joseph Ash Galvanizing’s industry-leading levels of customer service – which meet the most exacting requirements of customers and end users – but also from an ethos of outstanding technical knowledge and additional services which include: • Collection and delivery • On-site storage facilities • 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 the various plants (including one of the widest galvanizing baths in Europe at the Telford plant), everything from flooring to gates, railings to
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staircases, and structural sections to bridges can be treated. Small specialist parts such as hinges, nuts and bolts can also be galvanized in the company’s spin line galvanizing baths. Joseph Ash Galvanizing also offers a one-stop-shop-service for shot blasting, galvanizing, powder coating and duplex coatings from its Medway plant, with all services provided under one roof. When it comes to corrosion protection, the dedicated workforce and large and modern HGV fleet enable them to provide the highest standards of galvanizing quality and service available. Sustainability Many suppliers to the agricultural industry use steel galvanized by Joseph Ash Galvanizing. When processing steel, the team works hard to protect the environment as well, through an ever-growing list of recycling activities with processes
supported by an Environmental and Sustainability Policy. For example, the company supports waste minimisation through recycling and the recovery of zinc from the waste stream. It also operates within a framework of a self-imposed Environmental Management System based on internationally recognised standards. Health and Safety Finally, Joseph Ash Galvanizing has a keen sense of responsibility for the world around it, not only when it comes to quality of work, sustainability and the environment, but also regarding the health and safety of employees and visitors. For example, in June 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and again in 2018, Joseph Ash Galvanizing became the only galvanizing company in the UK to be awarded the RoSPA Gold Award, recognising the company’s health and safety standard, performance and systems. Joseph Ash Galvanizing
was also awarded OHSAS certification for exceptional health and safety standards at the Bilston, Chesterfield, Telford and Walsall plants. Joseph Ash Galvanizing has eight plants in the UK, is a UK leader of steel finishing services and a proud supplier to the agriculture industry. With a long heritage dating back to 1857, its services include galvanizing, spin galvanizing, shot blasting, powder coating and duplex coatings For information about steel finishing services for the agriculture industry, please contact Joseph Ash Galvanizing today on 0121 504 2573 or visit the website at www.josephash.co.uk
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 29
| Finance
Farmers must move quickly to exploit tax window of opportunity for farm machinery purchases Hidden in the Autumn 2018 budget is a valuable tax relief which could allow farming businesses to invest and grow - effectively benefitting from £1 tax relief for every £1 spent – if they act quickly. he Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) relief allows expenditure on machinery purchases up to the AIA limit to be set against farm profits in the year the expenditure occurs. In 2018 the AIA stood at £200,000 and it has now risen to a new threshold of £1m until January 1st, 2021 – when it reverts to its former £200,000. With this deadline in mind it is essential farming businesses looking to replace ageing and unreliable kit, consult with their accountant now to maximise any available tax relief. Poor replacement planning could mean missing out on all the available tax relief, or even worse, paying more tax than is required. JCB Finance Managing Director Paul Jennings, said: “This important tax incentive allows 100% tax relief in the first year and is designed to encourage farming businesses to invest in machinery, vehicles and a broad range of other assets.
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“Depending on the business’ rate of tax, it is an open invitation to invest in machinery and secure the equivalent of a 19% to 45% subsidy. Better still – if you acquire the machinery via a Hire Purchase agreement the acquisition, for tax purposes, is treated as if cash had been paid - plus any interest payable is tax deductible too. “However, your yearend date impacts on the amount of relief available. Getting the timing and the amounts right is crucial to your business. We are already recommending to our customers that they speak to their accountant and to our JCB Finance team now, so they can plan the optimum time to take delivery of their machinery.” By increasing the relief on qualifying expenditure up to a £1,000,000 limit, those farming businesses already spending up to the £200,000 threshold now have a considerable incentive to increase or bring forward their capital expenditure on machinery. The chart below illustrates the maximum amounts available by showing four different company
financial year ends, and how vital it is to spend the right amount within the right periods in order to maximise tax benefits. Given the
lead times of some farm machinery from order to delivery, this also needs to be carefully factored in to buying plans.
Farmers not ready for VAT changes Many farmers and rural businesses are not prepared for forthcoming changes to VAT returns, and should act now to avoid financial penalties, according to accountant Old Mill. recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) revealed that only 12% of people submit their returns via software, as required for Making Tax Digital (MTD),” explains Janet Woodford, rural senior manager at Old Mill. “Although 99% of people submit their VAT return online, a lot need to make big changes to their record keeping and software.” So what changes are in the pipeline? According to Mrs Woodford, taxpayers will have to keep records of all of their sales and purchases in a digital format, in MTD-compliant software, and submit returns through that software from 1 April 2019. For farmers, this means keeping the
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name, date and tax rate of all purchases and sales – from feed and fertiliser to livestock and milk – in one software package. “Currently, farmers tend to have one bit of software do to their invoicing, a spreadsheet for their accounts, and a paper file for their receipts,” says Mrs Woodford. “Bringing all of that into a digital format will involve quite a change of approach – but if they don’t do it they won’t be able to submit their VAT return, incurring penalties from HMRC and meaning they won’t be able to claim their VAT refund.” Although accounting software like Xero, Quickbooks, Sage and Farmplan all comply with MTD, it has to be the latest version – so many people will have to upgrade their software, warns Mrs
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Woodford. And it may take time to get used to keeping all of their records online. “As the information is submitted directly from the software it’s vital that all your data is accurate, so it’s worthwhile using the software now to get used to it.” Taxpayers won’t have to keep their records updated daily – they can upload it all in one go before submitting their VAT return. But with Making Tax Digital likely to be rolled out to self-assessment tax returns soon, alongside the move to Real Time Information, it’s worth getting ahead of the game, she adds. “There are benefits to having all of your information in one place – you can get an up-to-date snapshot of how the business is
performing, and have all of the information to hand should your bank manager or accountant require it. It will also speed up the VAT and tax return process and enable you to be more proactive with your financial management.” Clients who have attended the MTD clinics and software training sessions have found it easier than expected to become compliant, explains Mrs Woodford. “However, this is a new way of working and it’s vital to be accurate, so start now so you have a trial period to iron out any issues before the deadline arrives.”
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| LAMMA
Packed new-look LAMMA show “a great success” LAMMA’s move to the NEC in Birmingham has been hailed as a great success by many of the thousands of visitors who thronged to the revamped event and the 650-plus exhibitors who packed the halls with the latest farming machinery, equipment and innovative technology. he first all-indoor LAMMA show, which took place on 8th and 9th January, represented a new era for the UK’s largest farm machinery and technology event. The overriding message that emerged during the show was that the new indoor venue had proved ideal for a national event of this size and stature. It provided a comfortable environment in which to view and discuss the vast array of agricultural kit on show and to talk business, leading many exhibitors to comment on the high quality of conversations they had with visitors. The move also helped LAMMA build on its reputation as a launch pad for a host of machinery from the UK and across the globe, with many exhibitors using the new venue to unveil new tractors, combines, drills and cultivation equipment, feeder wagons and forage machinery, as well as a wide range of innovative technology. LAMMA also stayed true to its roots, attracting not just large machinery manufacturers but also hundreds of smaller agricultural engineering and machinery firms hosting the widest range of innovative and established agricultural machinery and equipment under one roof anywhere in the UK. LAMMA’s commitment to innovation was reinforced in the Innovation Awards, which were relaunched at the NEC. The competition champions agricultural machinery, equipment and services innovations, and an Innovation Trail enabled visitors to find out more about the gold and silver medal-winning products showcased on exhibitors' stands. Other sectors including agronomy, business and farm management advice also featured. AgriBriefing group events director Elisabeth Mork-Eidem said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of what has been a busy and exciting year planning for the show. “We are thrilled with the incredibly positive feedback both from our exhibitors and visitors taking part over the past two days. “Together we pulled together and provided the show UK agriculture deserves. Around 40,000 people attended the event, and there was a real sense of excitement and buzz throughout the 11 packed NEC halls. “LAMMA would like to sincerely thank all our exhibitors and visitors who took this important move with us. UK agriculture finally has a show
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to rival its European counterparts and we cannot wait to start working on next year’s show to make that even bigger and better.” Jon Hercman of LAMMA headline sponsor Asset Finance Partners (AFP) said: “AFP thoroughly enjoyed headlining LAMMA 2019. “It was great to see so many people from the wider agriculture industry under one roof and the indoor format at the NEC created a real positive energy which reflected in the discussions we were having on our stand. “It was a great start to what will no doubt be another exciting year in agriculture. AFP would like to thank everyone who joined us at our stand for a chat.” The buoyant mood was reflected by a raft of tweets from visitors and exhibitors (see @lammashow and #lamma19), and summed up by Essex farmer and NFU vice-president Guy Smith (essexpeasant) who wrote: “Impressed @lammashow today. Lots of kit and farmers. I always felt when our industry lost Smithfield and The Royal we lost more than the events themselves. It was good to witness what felt like a statement of faith in the future of UK ag at the NEC.” Warwickshire farmer farmerangus1 backed up that sentiment with: “Well done @lammashow crying out for a venue like this for years, cracking atmosphere and felt a real buzz inside. No more negativity in agriculture – the future generation don’t need it.” Lincs farmers James Willox3 added:” Got to say #LAMMA19 at the NEC was by far the best LAMMA show I've been to. Hope it continues and goes from strength to strength.” Yorkshire farmer Jono Dixon (Sunkfarmer) said: “@lammashow fresh in our minds and been a huge success. #LAMMA19 in my opinion was excellent.” Fendt national sales manager Martin Hamer said: “We have been really, really busy. We firmly believe agriculture deserves a really good shop window and we very pleased to be at the NEC – it’s been a really positive experience.” McConnel’s Nicholas Hassell described LAMMA ’19 as the best show ever. “It has been absolutely amazing – we couldn’t see the stand carpet for visitors yesterday. We’ll be looking to increase our stand space next year.” Krone’s UK head of marketing James Duggleby said: “The LAMMA move to the NEC has been fantastic. We’ve seen what we think is record attendance, great positive mood, fantastic
enquiry levels and everybody seems to have really embraced the move indoors. See you again in 2020!” Kuhn’s Kate Bennett described the event as brilliant. “It’s a great improvement now we’re indoors, end users and exhibitors have been really impressed. We’ve had a constant flow of people and great interest in the machines.” The NEC Group’s managing director of conventions and exhibitions Karthryn James said: “It is great to witness a premier sector event such as LAMMA utilise what we have here in Birmingham, confidently transforming their event with our flexible space and the support of our dedicated and knowledgeable in-house team. “It has been an absolute pleasure to join the LAMMA team on this journey. Visitor and exhibitor feedback received has been extremely positive, and we look forward to helping deliver an even better experience next year.” Some key launches at the event included: • Armatrac 1254 Lux CRD4 tractor • McCormick X7 series P6-drive tractors • Manitou Pivot Steer 516-75H loader • Claydon T6C compact drill • Fendt Ideal Combine • Deutz Fahr C9306 combine • Weaving Machinery GD6001T drill • Merlo high capacity telehandler • Landquip CV3530 self-propelled sprayer • Dewulf RCA3060 potato harvester • Alpego Maratona cultivator • Krone Big X 1180 self-propelled forage harvester • Kuhn Maxima 3TD maize drill • Grimme Pro Air precision planter • Ovlac Xperience plough range • Mzuri Xzact Pro-Til drill • JCB CommandPlus Cab • Zetor Crystal 170 HD tractor • Deutz Fahr 5D tractors • Landini 5 series tractors • Dieci telehanldler range • Avant E6 electric loader • Redrock C300 bale shredder • Abbey Machinery Feeder Plus mixer wagons LAMMA ’19, supported by headline sponsor AFP, took place on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th January. For further LAMMA information see www.lammashow.com LAMMA ’20 will take place at the NEC on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th January 2020.
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| LAMMA
Pirtek Cambridge Tel: 01223 835222 Pirtek Derby Tel: 01332 205000 Pirtek Harlow Tel: 01279 427300 32 | Farming Monthly | February 2019
Pirtek Luton Pirtek Penrith Pirtek Preston
Tel: 01582 597050 Tel: 01768 210055 Tel: 01772 620111 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| LAMMA
Automatic Moisture Sensor Perry of Oakley Ltd. are the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of grain drying & handling equipment and this year they have released their latest product, the Automatic Moisture Sensor for Grain Drier Control. The product has been designed with the purpose of saving fuel & time by not over-drying your crop. he Automatic Moisture Sensor is accurate to within 0.5% at 5% to 18% moisture content and within 1% at 18% to 40%. It is fully integrated into Perry’s own, in house, PLC control software for the drier but it can also be installed into any make of existing drier or used as a standalone system. The system uses proven technology to measure your crops
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moisture content quickly and accurately, helping to ensure you are drying your crop to the optimum levels to help increase revenue by not over-drying your crop. The Perry of Oakley Ltd. Savannah series driers are capable of capacities from 5tph to 150tph. The driers come with Perry’s own advanced PLC panel, which is designed and programmed in house. If connected to the internet, the panel can send email and text alerts including drier status updates
and alerts for any issues that may have occurred while drying. The PLC panel can also be connected to an app (available free on Google Play & Apple App Store). While connected to the app, you can see your control panel and control it from the app. It provides a direct link to your control panel, meaning you can control your drier from anywhere you have a mobile phone signal or a WiFi connection. Perry of Oakley Ltd. also manufacture a full range of 10tph –
1000tph handling equipment including chain & flight conveyors, belt & bucket elevators, augers & screw conveyors, aspirator precleaners, belt conveyors & much more. To find out more about Perry of Oakley Ltd. and their range of drying & handling equipment call +44 (0)1404 890300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk. You can also find a full list of products and services at www.perryofoakley.co.uk
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 33
| LAMMA
Goodbye string vests, hello the NEC! Gibbons Agricultural and their fans enjoy a successful couple of days at LAMMA itching their thermal underwear for the first time this year, the Gibbons Agricultural team were delighted to exhibit from the warm and dry of Birmingham’s NEC at this year’s LAMMA show. Gibbons had some first-rate conversations with visitors at the UK’s largest agricultural show and enjoyed the opportunity to let them know about the comprehensive range of Agricultural products and services they offer. The best-selling aluminium crop conditioning fans Gibbons have manufactured and supplied across the UK and beyond for many years were one of the main highlights at their stand. Another popular feature was their Plug&Cool Barn System – a complete solution to grain pile temperature control designed to save farmers time and money. The system features pedestals, which are placed throughout the grain pile and connected to highoutput fans that draw warm air up through the base of the grain and out of the fans at the top. Wireless temperature probes then communicate the grain temperature to a user-friendly control panel, making monitoring and controlling grain temperature more efficient than ever.
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Gibbons were in good company with over 650 other exhibitors and a vast range of innovative agricultural machinery and technology on show. Agricultural Sales Manager Matthew Gibbons said: “LAMMA was a great couple of days for Gibbons. The atmosphere was fantastic, and we really enjoyed meeting farmers from all over the UK who were interested to hear more about the products and services we offer.” You can find a review of Gibbons’ time at LAMMA on their popular YouTube channel, demonstrating the size and atmosphere of the show and also featuring some time-lapse footage of their stand. Gibbons are now looking forward to exhibiting at SIMA, Paris. So, if you didn’t get a chance to see them at LAMMA, you can go and say bonjour to them at stand B046 in hall 6 on 2428th February!
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| LAMMA
Vaderstad launches Rapid Drill variable rate option Väderstad pneumatic Rapid seed drills are now able to apply variable rate seed and fertiliser through its Universal Control system, which communicates with third-party suppliers of field-mapping services. Historically, GPScontrolled automatic variable rate was only possible using ISOBUS Task Control.
o establish the communication, the third-party supplier wirelessly connects to the gateway of the Väderstad seed drill and then through the Universal Control system, provides variable seed or fertiliser rate information related to where the seed drill is positioned in the field. Väderstad Universal Control is
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available for the Rapid A 400-800S and Rapid A 600-800C/J. The first compatible field-mapping services will be iSoyl by Soyl and ControlMaster by Dataväxt. “Väderstad has identified a need for a more open communication between its drill and the software supplied by the service provider,” says Väderstad’s systems and components manager Pontus Nordfeldt.
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| YAMS
Visit:
YORKSHIRE HANDLERS Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY | Tel: 01904 489 988 www.yorkshirehandlers.co.uk
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| LAMMA
Abbey Machinery reflect on LAMMA 2019 Moving to the NEC in Birmingham proved a very wise decision for the Lamma show organisers, in January 2019. The state-of-the-art facilities make it suitable for both exhibitors and attendees, and on top of that its weather proof. ivestock producers, contractors, estates and much more saw the latest technological innovations and solutions for modern livestock and crop production. Slurry Technologies Abbey Machinery had an impressive display of technologies on show. These included a 4000T tanker, comes with a Self-Steer Bogie System, Parabolic Weight Sensing Sprung Drawbar, Air Hydraulic Brakes (Auto Load Sensing); Internal Whisk to keep the contents of the tank in solution, 8” Turbofiller for rapid filling of the tanker, Full Electrics and Flow Metre to control Slurry Flow across the full width of the 12m Applicator. With Swing-ups & drop stop technology, hydraulic partial width control and splash plate attachment In addition, there was a 2250 Recess Premium Plus Tanker with a MEC 11,000 Vacuum Pump, Sprung Drawbar Hydraulic, 420 x 180 Brakes etc. On the rear of this machine was mounted a 7.5m Door Mounted Band Spreader. This unit has a 30 hole Exacut Distributor, 30 x 40mm hose, rear lights and splash plate attachment. This unit can also be retrofitted to the Tanker. Many farmers and contractors came onto the stand to hear about Abbeys unique 6 step Slurry Management System. 1 Slurry Storage and Preparation. 2 Slurry Transportation.
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3 Slurry Application. 4 Environmental Considerations. 5 Soil Compaction - Every effort needs to be made to minimise soil compaction. 6 Nutrient Management. It is estimated that €135m of nitrogen is lost to the athnosphere through poor slurry application techniques. Feed Management Getting the diet balanced, mixed properly and fed in a timely fashion has profound effects on ruminant animal performance, farm profitability and labour efficiency. Abbey Machinery have 19 different Diet Feeders models, from 8 - 33 cube, with a wide variety of feed-out options. These unique machines run
with minimal HP requirements and give a precise and even mix, no matter what the feed ingredient. On display was Abbey Machinery’s new class leading VF2450 ‘Plus’. This machine is ideal for professional farmers looking to get more from their feeding system. The auger is 50% thicker than standard models, there is new style and more robust gear box mounting, new style exit door that empties quicker and more freely, new style tubular top ring to enhance chopping performance in the tub, safety platform, new style support for the monitor that keeps the user further away from the PTO and much more.
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 37
| Machinery
KIVI-PEKKA 7 Stone Picker at SIMA Finnish company PEL-Tuote will be launching its new 7-meter-wide Kivi-Pekka stone picker at SIMA, the Paris International Agribusiness Show, this month. The Kivi-Pekka 7 represents PEL-Tuote’s widest and most powerful stone picker. The Kivi-Pekka 7 can pick stones 40 percent more effectively than the smaller Kivi-Pekka 5, for example. griculture is becoming more efficient all the time, and our customers have expressed a wish for even more powerful stone pickers. The Kivi-Pekka 7 is ideal for larger fields and contractors,” says Mikko Lappalainen, CEO of PEL-Tuote Oy. The tines on the Kivi-Pekka 7 pick up stones across the entire 7-meter width. The stone tank has a capacity of 3 cubic meters, and the stone picker can handle stones with a diameter of up to 50 centimeters. The wider lifting drum has 33
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lifting drum tines. The maximum capacity is 1400 kilos per minute. The standard tipping height is 2.9 meters, making it easy to unload the stones into a trailer. The larger and more powerful stone picker requires good tyres to ensure reasonable surface pressure on the soil. The size of the large bogie wheels is either 560/60-22.5 or 700/45-22.5. “The increasing productivity of agriculture also requires the work to be done faster and precisely the right time. The new Kivi-Pekka 7 enables stones to be picked faster in so that
sowing can be performed at the optimal time,” Lappalainen adds. In addition to the new 7-meter model, KiviPekka stone pickers are also available with working widths of 4, 5 and 6 meters. The new Kivi-Pekka 7 will be unveiled to international audiences for the first time at SIMA, the Paris International Agribusiness Show, from 24 to 28 February 2019. Kivi-Pekka products will be on display at the PEL-Tuote Oy stand, F 032, in Hall 6.
Push-Broom and Bucket Brush from Spaldings provide simple but effective A pallet fork mounted brush for cleaning up in farm yards and buildings is being added to a new line of farm cleaning solutions from Spaldings, along with a powered sweeper conversion kit for grain and general purpose loader buckets. vailable from the direct sales specialist online, by telesales and through the company’s field sales team in the UK and Ireland, the new sweeping solutions from Spaldings join a range of Padagas sweepers and sweepercollectors already introduced. Push-Broom The Padagas Push-Broom is a new design with simple parking stands that eliminate the permanent bristle distortion that can result from leaving the implement standing on them when not in use. The pivoting stands are simply lowered over the ends of the brush from an upright position and secured with a spring-loaded pin before lowering the Push-Broom to the ground,
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releasing two securing bolts and withdrawing the pallet tines. At 2.4m wide, the implement is ideal for sweeping up in grain and other bulk stores without raising much dust, and are especially suited to wooden drying floors where the 11 rows of bristles do no harm. On wet concrete and similar hard surfaces, the dense mass of bristles works like a squeegee to remove moisture, standing water or slurry with equal efficiency. Integral fork slots on the upper surface of the sweeper’s chassis, with hand tightened securing bolts to hold it in place, make it easy to mount and dismount the implement on a tractor-mounted or wheeled loader, telescopic handler or industrial forklift. Bucket sweeper
The new Padagas powered brush conversion for a farm’s existing grain or general purpose loader bucket provides an alternative cleaning solution from Spaldings where material needs to be collected for disposal. This 2.3m wide design incorporates a single hydraulic motor for the 600mm diameter brush and simple mountings to fit the bucket, including side supports that are adjustable to find the best spacing between the brush and leading edge of the bucket. All the new Padagas farm cleaning solutions from Spaldings can be ordered via the company’s team of knowledgeable field sales staff covering the UK and Ireland, online at the Spaldings.co.uk website, or simply by calling the company’s telephone sales department.
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| Feature
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| Machinery
New Holland showcases updated telehandlers and new implement range at FTMTA 2019 New Holland Agriculture will showcase updates to its telehandler range, and present its new range of implements at FTMTA on 7 – 9 February 2019, which many farmers will see for the first time. Its latest tractors and forage harvester will also be displayed across two stands (356 – outdoor, and 322 – indoor) at the event at Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare, where farmers can enter a competition to win the use of a T6.180 DCT tractor for three months. ew Holland’s six to nine meter telehandler range has been extended and upgraded. The most visible change is to the livery colour, which changes from blue to yellow and is now consistent with the brand’s well-known harvesting and baling products. The new Series name consists of the letters TH (for telescopic handler) followed by numbering which relates to the key machine specifications. The TH Series has been extended from the pervious LM Series to offer six models and 14 versions, offering solutions to suit the varying operational requirements of Irish farming businesses. The entry level S version, available on the TH6.32 and TH7.32, delivers a powerful performance with its 133 hp engine and simple specifications for a small investment. The Classic version, available on six, seven and nine metre models, is ideal for small livestock farmers and farmyard use. It features a limited-slip differential in the rear axle to increase traction in demanding conditions, variable displacement hydraulic pump and reversible cooling fan for high efficiency all-day-long. The Plus version, perfect for livestock and mixed farming operations, adds a host of comfort features, such as the airsuspension seat, telescopic steering column and HVAC system. A hydraulic quick coupler makes it very easy and fast to change attachments, and rear cab lights enhance safe operation after dark. The Elite version is the best choice for large-scale livestock farmers, contractors and biomass operations. It features a more powerful 146 hp engine and additional advanced features such as hydraulic pressure release, heated air-suspension seat with
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integrated controls, and rear cab and boom lights maximize productivity even when dark. Tractors and implements Several models from the T7 tractor range will feature on the New Holland stand, along with a T6.180 Dynamic Command, and an exclusive T5.120 Terracotta limited edition model built to celebrate 100 years of FIAT tractors. Farmers visiting FTMTA will be able to enter a competition to win use of a New Holland T6.180 DCT for up to three months (or 500 hours), benefitting from ongoing support from the New Holland team and their local New Holland dealer. It’s a great chance for Irish farmers to experience first-hand a versatile, award-winning tractor that is currently the only tractor in its segment to offer a 8-step semi powershift transmission that contributes to higher efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Examples from New Holland’s new implement range will be on display to many Irish farmers for the first time, including a Disc Cutter 320P mounted disc mower conditioner, front-mounted Disc Cutter F 320P, and a reversible plough. Foragers Forage operators will be able to view New Holland’s FR920 Forage Cruiser. This flagship model is the brand’s highest-powered forager and features an all-new FTP Industrial V20 engine with a power curve specifically matched to forage harvesting operations. It delivers a massive 670 kW (911 hp) maximum power at 1600 to 1800 rpm, 4,095 Nm maximum torque and a productivity-boosting 44% torque rise at 2100-1600 rpm. The V20 engine delivers the most fuel-efficient performance in the 1600 to 1900 rpm working range. This, together with the low maintenance costs, which results in the machine’s excellent Total Cost of Operation.
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CLAAS improves profitability with increasing revenue CLAAS, one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery worldwide, was able to increase its sales to a new record of 3.889 billion euros (previous year: 3.761 billion euros). Profit before taxes clearly increased to 226 million euros (previous year: 184 million euros). e have continued our growth in a volatile market environment and once again significantly improved our profitability. A strong impetus originated from Germany and Western Europe in particular,” said Hermann Lohbeck, speaker of the CLAAS Executive Board. The global market for professional agricultural technology developed stably this year, in line with association expectations. Against this background, CLAAS noticeably improved revenue in core countries including Germany, France and the United Kingdom. In Eastern Europe, a slight projectrelated decline in sales could be observed. A mixed picture emerged in the countries outside of Europe: while sales in North America increased in the local currency, China recorded a decline as a result of market uncertainty. Spending on research and development at a record level The investments made in research and development reached a new record with 233 million euros (previous year: 217 million euros) and have doubled over the past ten years. With the JAGUAR 960 TERRA TRAC, CLAAS was the first manufacturer to bring a forage harvester with an integrated crawler track solution to the market. The new, award-winning concept offers the best soil protection in all conditions. The JAGUAR is
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complimented by the new ORBIS corn header that provides an optimal crop flow. The TUCANO combine harvester range has entered the next generation with an expanded range of models. Hillside versions suitable for use on slopes of up to 18 percent have now become available in this series for the very first time. Major innovations also occurred in forage harvesting: in addition to the newly developed ROLLANT 540 round baler, the DISCO MOVE front mower was also launched which features optimal ground contour adaptation. Investments in fixed assets are increasing significantly CLAAS not only invested in new products but also in an innovative working environment. Investments in fixed assets are rising noticeably. The course remains set for growth in the tractor business with the modernisation of the main assembly line started in Le Mans. The customer oriented service and replacement parts business is also being expanded. Moreover, a new high-bay warehouse is being built in Hamm, which will double capacity to 58,000 pallet bays. The new test centre for machine components was completed at the main site in Harsewinkel. In addition, larger investments were made for new distribution centres in the United Kingdom and France..
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| Fuels
Andrew Symons South Molton, Devon EX36 3L T: 01769 574455
Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040
Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430
www.andrewsymons.co.uk
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Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 41
| Machinery
YAMS celebrates six on the 6th! The North of England’s premier farm machinery show returns this month. he countdown has begun to the sixth Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show that takes place at York Auction Centre, Murton near York on Wednesday 6 February and organiser Richard Tasker is delighted with the way in which it has become such a popular event for manufacturers, distributors and farmers. “We will have over 225 trade stands this year including every major international brand of farm machinery available in the UK, and the majority of Yorkshire-based dealerships. We have expanded our exhibition areas both inside
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and out in the fields. YAMS has been a phenomenal success, much bigger than any of us ever imagined and is now a firm favourite as it provides a unique platform where prospective purchasers can view all of the very latest farm equipment in one place at the right time of year, and there have even been suggestions that in future years we should consider making it a two-day show.” “This year we have extended the outdoor exhibition area in the corner field as visitors approach from Murton Lane and within our auction buildings we have also expanded stand space availability with the launch of our new Ebor Hall. We understand there will
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also be one or two pretty big announcements from some of our major Yorkshire distributors as businesses are increasingly recognising the opportunity to get their latest news across through being here. YAMS has become the place to be in February.” YAMS benefits hugely from its location at the Hull-BridlingtonYork junction of the A64 and its parking availability is second to none with the Grimston Bar Park & Ride car park on the York side of the A64 offering visitors easy access to the show with the free bus service operated to and from the showground at 15 minute intervals throughout the day. “There isn’t a better way of
seeing the show and not having to queue to get in” says Richard. “Last year we introduced a seminar programme to the show which we have expanded on this year with a very high profile panel of speakers covering “Agricultural Polices for the Next Decade – where are we going and what are we going to do?” Whatever the future holds economically and politically, this show will always remain true to its roots as an agricultural machinery show. We look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday 6 February”
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| Machinery
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February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 43
| Irrigation
An agricultural drought is never far away I recall writing something like this in January 2018 when the year began with worries about an agricultural drought in the spring which turned out to be the worst summer drought in the past 40 years. It is not over yet as we have similar conditions brewing again this year with rainfall already well below average over the past few months. ccording to the Environment Agency’s December water situation report, East Anglia received 542mm of rainfall for 2018: only 91% of the long‐term average. Since May last year there have been rainfall deficits in most months. August, October, and November were rather wet but the cumulative rainfall over the past 8 months (May to December) is the lowest since 1910. For irrigators, the result is plain to see. River flows and groundwater levels are below normal in most places and recharge started 2 months late. “Hands‐off” flow conditions are already activated in some places and many farmers are concerned about being able to fill their reservoirs before the end of March deadline. Some are near full, but others report only 25% full. The only good news is that soil moisture deficits are low and so autumn winter drilled crops have established well. The Met Office forecast is for below average rainfall for January‐February‐March. Unless rainfall substantially increases above normal, the Agency are predicting below normal flows in all main rivers through spring and early summer months. A similar picture is forecast for groundwater levels. Elsewhere across the England, the situation is less critical. The west of England is gradually recovering from last year’s dry summer.
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Two important events Looking on the bright side, two important events for irrigators this year are the IRRIGEX irrigation equipment exhibition at Peterborough on 27-28 February (www.irrigex.com ), and the publication of a new Irrigators’ Handbook by the UK Irrigation Association (UKIA). UKIA is holding its spring conference at the IRRIGEX event – Future water for food. And this year it is FREE to attend. It is a great opportunity for irrigators to listen to and engage with some of the country’s leading experts on irrigation farming and water resources, like Paul Hammett NFU, Paul Hickey EA, and Sir Peter Kendall AHDB, and many others, and to ask key questions about coping with drought, how we plan to secure water for agriculture when water demand is growing across all sectors, how abstractors will be affected by changes in the water regulations, and of course there is the little matter of Brexit and its impact on irrigated farming! There will also be an Environment Agency Surgery at this event for irrigators to discuss their water resources and abstraction licensing issues with Agency staff. AHDB will also have a stand and so too will the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) who will be focusing on how farmers can assess and managing drought risks on the farm. Second event is the launch of the UKIA Irrigators’ Handbook at IRRIGEX. There has been a dearth
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of independent evidence-based information on irrigation since the old MAFF publications in the 1970s. The science of soils and water has not changed but the applications have, and it is timely to see this information finally updated. Copies of the handbook will be available at IRRIGEX and via the UKIA website (www.ukia.org ). Trickle irrigators beware deadline Trickle irrigation, which is currently not licensed, is increasing in some sectors. Growers need to be aware the rules of the game are changing and they now need to ensure they comply with the Agency’s new authorisations programme. All trickle users need to apply for a licence before the deadline of 31 December 2019. An idiosyncrasy of the new trickle licences is that growers who already have a spray licence will need to apply for a variation if they wish to switch some of their irrigation to trickle. It is just the way the legislation is set up and of course ‘rules are rules to be followed’! If you use trickle irrigation and if you already spray irrigate and are thinking to change then now is the time to sort out the licensing with the Agency. Start now as the deadline is slowly creeping up. A collaborative approach to managing water Defra’s plans for greater focus on catchment-scale water management through collaborative working continues a pace with four initial priority catchments now
selected with two in the Midlands and two in East Anglia. To date the focus has been on water quality and the Water Framework Directive (WFD). But there is now the additional and important factor of abstraction to consider and how this will be managed locally. Water Abstractor Groups, of which there are now 10 in England, have an important role to play in delivering these local solutions, possibly through more water trading and storage. It is time to engage with this process of change while the rules of the game are still fluid. Agency’s new licensing programme The Agency also continues to roll out its new licensing programme which includes a move from a paper-based system to a web-based digital system. This could benefit growers if it allows them to track river‐flows in ‘real me’ in relative to their licensed ‘hands off flow’ (HOF) constraints. A move from licencing to environmental permitting regulations is also on the cards and may have significant impact on irrigators. More on this as 2019 unfolds. So come along and talk to us at IRRIGEX (it is FREE to attend) and pick up your copy of the Irrigators’ Handbook. Melvyn Kay Exec Secretary, UK Irrigation Association www.ukia.org
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| Irrigation
Bauer appoints Burdens Group Ltd for crop irrigation solutions in Lincolnshire and neighbouring areas One of the country’s leading suppliers of farm and professional horticultural equipment has added Bauer irrigation products to an already comprehensive portfolio of machinery for specialist growers. he Burdens Group Ltd is now handling the Bauer irrigator range of hose reels, centre pivots, rains guns and sprinkler booms throughout Lincolnshire, east Nottinghamshire and north Cambridgeshire. “Having Bauer as our irrigation partner was the obvious first choice,” says Shaun Taylor, Group Sales Director. “Bauer equipment generally, and the Rainstar irrigation reel in particular, has an enviable reputation for performance and reliability; it’s the leading manufacturer to look to for efficient and durable irrigation kit.” Bauer irrigators complement a comprehensive range of specialist equipment for salad, vegetable and other commercial horticulture crops supplied by Burdens Group, providing a means of helping to manage yield, quality and crop supply to meet the exacting requirements of buyers, notes Andy Wilson, specialist crop sales manager. “We are now in a position to supply some of the best irrigation equipment around; it’s heavy-duty, has a very efficient water turbine drive system, and as little or as much electronics technology as you want,” says Andy. “Pretty much everything, including steel pipe and the famous Bauer coupling, and the polyethylene tubing that goes on the reel, is manufactured by Bauer in its Austrian factory for optimum
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quality control.” The Bauer Rainstar irrigation reel line-up extends from the compact T Series, which starts with the T32 model handling Bauer PE pipe in 65-85mm diameters from 220-350m in length, through the full-size E Series, which tops out with the E55 XL carrying 125140mm diameter pipe in 560-740m lengths. High pulling force – up to 40% greater than with some irrigation reels – is generated by an efficient radial water turbine, working in conjunction with a gearbox, a heavy-duty drive chain and large diameter laser cut reel drive sprocket. The Bauer turbine’s design and precision assembly ensures it operates with very little water pressure loss, while the unique Vario variable output nozzle exploits what pressure is available by delivering full stream flow over the turbine’s impeller at all settings. The variable water nozzle maintains a constant hose retraction speed from the beginning to the end of the strip working in combination with an Ecostar 4300 or Ecostar 6000 controller – the latter option providing more advanced features including a 4.3in LED touch-screen for entering and adjusting settings. Up to 12 different irrigation programmes that define retraction speed, pre-irrigation, postirrigation and speed zones can be stored, and operating data is
collected for transfer to farm records. Bauer’s SmartRain cloud-based management system comes with a mobile device App with remote monitoring, alerts and control functions that can be a huge timesaver for managers and field staff overseeing the deployment of several irrigation reels.
A selection of rainguns and booms with different nozzle sizes, types and installations cater for all crops, bed and field layouts, with the recent addition of Bauer’s Centerstar 9000 pivot irrigator to the UK range adding to the options available to Burdens Group customers.
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 45
| Fencing
Building a stock fence to last… Fencing manufacturer Tornado has given us a few top tips for how to get your wire tight, your posts straight and which type of wire and staples to pick for the perfect fencing job. Use a guide line Run a single strand of plain wire between your straining posts (the posts at either end of the fence line). This provides you with a straight line to guide the position of your intermediate posts and will also highlight any undulations in the ground. It’s a cost effective way to raise the fence’s overall height, too. 2. Tying-off Strip out the last few vertical wires of the fence to make tying-off around your straining posts easier. This will give you far more room to work. 3. Straining posts When installing the straining posts for your fence, ensure the struts are long and positioned low. This will create better resistance to hold the post firm and reduce the chances of it falling down in the future. 4. Dig deep Take the time to make sure your
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main straining posts are firm as failing to do so will mean you won’t have enough tension along your fence line. Typically they should be dug or driven 1.2m into the ground. 5. Get tension right Wire fencing is manufactured with a crimp along the line wires to help in the tensioning process. For best results against animal impact you should tension your fence so that the crimp is about 50% of its original size to make sure the fence is tight, while retaining the overall elasticity of the wire. 6. Barbed staples Barbed staples are more effective than plain to secure your fence to the posts will reduce the chance of them pulling out. 7. High-tensile fencing High tensile fencing is capable of being strained much tighter than mild steel, it’s easier to erect and is less likely to sag after animal impact. What’s more, it requires fewer posts, so it’s more cost effective. 8. Longer rolls
Use longer rolls of fencing to minimise the number of joins in your fence line and save time during installation, While it might be less easy to handle manually, stock fencing is available in up to 500m lengths. 9. Downward pressure from cattle To protect your fence from
downward pressure from cattle, add two strands of high-tensile barbed wire or one electrified plain wire above the fence. 10. Use a straining clamp Using a straining clamp when tensioning your fence will ensure even tension across the fence line.
Electric Fencing – fencing the easy way! www.electricfencing.co.uk is the largest specialist online supplier of electric fencing in the UK. e have the most extensive and comprehensive range of Hotline electric fencing products to cover all of your electric fencing needs. Whether it is a new fence or an upgrade of your current fence you’ll find what you need in our online shop: poultry netting kits to keep Mr Fox out, three reel systems to keep sheep and pigs in, post and rail protection kits, and we also have a wide range of energises to suit most applications and all the electric fencing accessories you could possibly need. **Plastic Electric Fencing Posts On Offer Now** We have an amazing deal on our Premium Plastic 1m Posts (10 pack)... They are now only £13.00 per 10 pack! They come in a range of colours – green, orange, white and blue. Our offer is available from 1st January – 28th February 2019!
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**Energiser Sale** All of our energisers are on offer until 28th February 2019! If you are not sure what you need - contact us - we know electric fencing! Call: 01620 860058 Email: info@electricfencing.co.uk www.electricfencing.co.uk
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| Forestry
Movement restrictions introduced to protect against tree pest in Kent
New measures have been introduced to protect the country against the tree pest known as the larger eighttoothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus), which was discovered in Kent in December 2018. Woodland managers, land owners, the forest industry and tree nurseries that supply mature conifer specimens are being urged to remain vigilant after the Forestry Commission identified a breeding population of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in Kent. This was as part of routine surveillance activity. egislation is being laid in Parliament that will restrict the movement of all susceptible material, including trees and wood with bark, within 50km of the outbreak sites where Ips typographus was found. This legislation is a necessary precaution to prevent the spread of the pest further afield and will remain in place until further notice, but will be kept under review. The exact boundaries of the restricted area and details of the materials under restriction will be available on the Forestry Commission website. Industry are also urged to remain vigilant for signs of the pest and to report any suspicions to the Forestry Commission. Nicola Spence, the UK Chief Plant Health Officer, said: “The eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) poses no threat to human health, but it can be a serious pest to the spruce tree species and the forestry industry.
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“That is why we are taking robust action through this new legislation and its restriction of movement for spruce trees in a 50km area around the outbreak. The exact boundaries of the restricted area and details of the materials under restriction will be available on the Forestry Commission website “I encourage anyone who suspects a sighting of the bark beetle to report these to the Forestry Commission online through Tree Alert.” Further detail on how to report suspected cases is available here: https://treealert.forestry.gov.uk/
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 47
| Tyres
Tyres replace tracks to deliver great results for Hinckford Farming Hinckford Farming has praised Michelin’s “excellent support” after replacing a rubber tracked crawler with a Claas Xerion 5000 fitted with a set of the manufacturer’s Ultraflex high volume AxioBib tyres. he arable farm had been using tracks for many years for its heavy cultivations but had recently struggled with grip in wet conditions, and suffered damage to the soil structure on headlands when turning. After taking on the 5000 series, specified with four IF 900/60 R42 AxioBibs, Michelin came on site to help optimise tyre pressures to ensure Hinckford Farming got the best out of its new tractor. Tim Chadney, Operations Manager at Hinckford Farming, says: “The level of support we received from Michelin was fantastic. Our Account Manager Tom Saunders spent a day with us on the farm weighing the tractor, working out our ideal tyre pressures and gave a complete guide to perfecting the set up – it made all the difference to have his expertise available.” Saunders was able to recommend pressures as low as 15psi in the rear tyres because the tyres feature Michelin’s patented Ultraflex
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technology. This allows them to carry the same load at lower pressures, or heavier loads at the same pressure, in comparison with conventional agricultural fitments. Each corner of the tractor was weighed during the optimisation session to establish the load per tyre and see if the ballast weight being carried was the right amount and in the right place. The tractor has a maximum power of 530hp with about 450hp at the wheels when working intensively. In order to get the AxioBib casings to deflect and put down the footprint they are designed to give, the tractor needs to be tipping the scales at around 25,000kgs. The larger footprint compared to standard technology tyres enables the AxioBibs to provide superior traction in the field, something Hinckford Farming found following this year’s autumn cultivation and drilling season. Chadney adds: “It’s been a challenging year with varying weather conditions – with the unusually dry summer season, followed by seriously wet soil in the autumn – but this has
been the perfect first experience with Michelin. We’ve really benefited from being able to operate at such low tyre pressures on this high draft machine and the tyres have shown exceptional traction compared to the previous tracks.” Since coming into service in Spring, the tyres have so far delivered more than 900 hours of work on the high horsepower cultivation tractor, pulling a variety of equipment including a five-metre Simba SL cultivator, a twin leg mole plough, and an eight-metre 16 leg Rapid Lift cultivator paired with an eight-metre Vaderstad seed drill. The tractor will be kept in service for up to 10 years, with replacement tyres to be provided by the farm’s chosen supplier, Treadfirst in Saffron Walden. Halstead-based Hinckford Farming is made up of three farms in Essex, operating across 2,500 acres and was established in 2010.
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| Education
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February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 49
| ATV
Polaris
Polaris reveal all-new RANGER XP 1000 EPS with ABS for 2019
The most refined utility side-by-side ever built, the Polaris RANGER XP 1000 EPS, raises the bar once again with the addition of an ABS version for 2019. aking its debut in dealerships in January, the introduction of the RANGER ABS for 2019 will see the ultimate utility workhorse become even more dependable. In 2018, Polaris Industries celebrated both the 20th anniversary of the RANGER, and the introduction of the GENERAL 1000 EPS Deluxe with ABS. For 2019, Polaris introduces the new RANGER with ABS, designed specifically for the European market. Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President and General Manager of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles EMEA, said: “We’re extremely proud of yet another addition to the Ranger family. The RANGER XP 1000 EPS is our most versatile product on the
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market and has proven to be a huge success across the globe – we want to continue that momentum into 2019 with the new ABS model. Adding ABS not only results in uncompromised braking performance, but also builds upon the diverse applications of the RANGER, so our customers can achieve even more.” Developed at the Polaris Opole facility in Poland, it delivers the widespread versatility of the RANGER along with all the benefits of having ABS, including the ability to steer whilst braking whilst minimizing the risk of skidding, as well as controlled braking on varied surfaces and improved stopping distances on surfaces like ice. “In order to stay at the forefront of innovation, our engineers are constantly looking for ways to
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enhance the capabilities of our offroad vehicles, and to incorporate customer feedback into every development opportunity. The addition of ABS to our RANGER line-up is another step forward for our utility product range.” Redefining the standards for a utility side-by-side, the RANGER XP 1000 produces class-leading power (82hp) thanks to the ProStar 1000 Twin Cylinder engine, as well a 61lbft of torque and boasts impressive towing capabilities of over 1100kg. Offering 13 inches of ground clearance, more precise steering with a tighter turning radius, and large front bumper and full body skid plate that provides 45% more protection. The RANGER XP 1000 EPS ABS also features all the style refinements found on other
RANGER full-size models. The exterior is bold and aggressive, whilst the interior includes a 4” LCD Rider Information Centre and thicker seats for a comfortable ride, plus several storage solutions for ultimate practicality. With over 200 Polaris Engineered accessories available for the RANGER XP 1000 EPS ABS, owners have a wide variety parts and accessories to suit any task. The RANGER line-up for model year 2019 consists of the following models: • RANGER 570 in Sage Green • RANGER 570 with EPS in Sage Green • RANGER EV in Avalanche Grey • RANGER XP 1000 with EPS in Sage Green and White Pearl • New RANGER XP 1000 EPS ABS in White Pearl
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| ATV
Honda ATV Ideal time to invest in versatile transport solution From their arrival on farms or estates, few machines can improve speed and efficiency of transport tasks as dramatically as a Honda ATV. hether the farm is mainly livestock or arable the list of tasks made easier and more efficient is considerable. Cropped fields which might take more than an hour to check on foot can be thoroughly inspected in just a few minutes and there is plenty of space on the load racks for sampling tools and to return soil, crop and weed samples to the farm. For livestock farmers the convenience and speed with which long distances across steep, muddy terrain can be covered makes them ideal for livestock checks at all times of the day or night, leaving more time for other duties. Large flotation tyres provide excellent grip but exert less ground pressure than a person walking, so even areas travelled over frequently such as field gateways and grass tracks are protected from rutting. The Hondas’ compact size and impressive manoeuvrability makes them an essential tool for gamekeeping. Traveling off established tracks across fields and through dense woodland, they are more versatile than a traditional 4x4, and for tasks such as game feeding and pest control, they are hard to beat. Comfortable and efficient Honda’s ATV line-up includes
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work models from 229–675cc, most with selectable 2 or 4wd. Power is from dependable 4-stroke petrol engines which are quiet, smooth and highly efficient, providing plenty of power with minimum fuel consumption. The range of transmissions includes manual and automatic gear changing, and shaft drive delivers maximum power to the wheels. Rider comfort is exceptional. All controls are within easy reach and a thick padded seat and purposedesigned suspension soaks up the bumps. Electric power steering is an option, reducing kick-back on rough terrain and ensuring steering remains light at all speeds, even over muddy or rutted ground. Honda’s 675cc Pioneer 700 utility vehicle shares many design features with the conventional ATV range, but has a large rear tipping load bed to carry up to 386kg. Two versions include the 700-2 with two seats and the 700-4 with four, two of which fold out from under the front of the load bed when needed but, using Honda’s Quikflip arrangement, stow away in just a few seconds when not required leaving the whole load area available. As well as its on-board load carrying capacity, the Pioneer can also be fitted with an optional tow hitch, making it ideal for loaded trailers of feed or bedding
weighing up to 685kg. Since its launch two years ago, the Pioneer has proved popular with all types of users. A range of Honda weather protection accessories improve working conditions all year around and, for ultimate comfort during winter, a full cab with an effective heater is available. Like the rest of Honda’s ATV line-up, the Pioneer comes with powerful work lights making it ideal for livestock checks after daylight, and its powerful electrical charging system has plenty of capacity for 12-volt accessories. Easily justified For most businesses an ATV represents a relatively small investment and, with low running and service costs, adding one to the farm fleet makes a lot of sense. For tasks such as livestock checks the ability to hop on and off easily to open and close gates makes it a much better option than a tractor or 4x4, and the ability to travel where other vehicles can’t will save many hours on foot. Honda’s ATV and UTV range is backed by a standard two-year warranty and its long-established dealer network offers unbeatable support, including experienced, trained technicians and next day parts availability. Main dealers carry a representative range of models in stock and will be pleased to offer advice as to which
model will best suit your needs, and arrange a demonstration. All new machines come with free of charge operator training through the European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) scheme. Honda is also offering Pioneer customers a half-cab for just £999 (excluding VAT) - a saving of up to £880 - until 29 March 2019. Comprising a hard roof, glass windshield, hard rear panel and windshield wiper/washer kit, the option adds additional comfort The Hondas’ compact size and impressive manoeuvrability makes them an essential tool for gamekeeping. Traveling off established tracks across fields and through dense woodland, they are more versatile than a traditional 4x4 and usability to Honda’s versatile utility vehicle. For more information about Honda’s latest range of ATV and UTV models as well as further information on all the offers, visit www.honda.co.uk/atv
February 2019 | Farming Monthly | 51
| ATV
Kawasaki Kawasaki Motors UK STAFF INSIGHT
Getting to know Product Manager for ATV & MULE, Simon Riches who takes care of all things Utility at Kawasaki Motors UK. ow long have you been working at Kawasaki Motors UK? My journey at Kawasaki started on May 2nd 2000. Kawasaki has an excellent reputation and I was keen to be joining the team, so even though it was over 18 years ago, I remember being excited to start a new job with a new experience and challenges. Take us through your career at Kawasaki Motors UK? I first worked in the Commercial Products team and it was dedicated to ATV and MULE products but also included generators, water pumps, hand held equipment such as brush cutters and hedge trimmers, etc. After several years our department merged with the leisure products team and became one UK sales team, covering all products including motorcycles. This was great for me, having a keen interest for motorcycles and it ultimately gave me the chance to experience our 2-wheeled products. After several years and another team restructure, my role went back into the more commercial side with the focus on Utility products. I support our Utility dealers in the UK, including Northern Ireland working alongside them to improve their prospects with selling our products. We have a very strong brand and products so it’s key to making sure Kawasaki are a prominent brand within their dealership. Kawasaki has been producing the MULE for over 30 years and has developed into a market leading utility vehicle which is almost a necessity on farms these days. The key is to build relationships with dealers and customers, work with them and guide them as much as possible. It is about being reliable and doing what you say you will do. A fun part of the role that keeps it exciting includes attending plenty of events with dealers, whether it is a trade show or a racing weekend. What were you doing before Kawasaki? I first got into engineering with an apprenticeship as a tool maker. I worked for a company that manufactured tractor mounted equipment at the time so in a way I have always been involved with the Agricultural industry. I wanted to move on to do something different so when I got the opportunity to become the company demonstrator which involved taking tractors mounted with equipment to prospective customers in the UK
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and Europe, I jumped at it! A few years later the opportunity for an Area Sales Manager role came up within the same company covering East Anglia and then later the Southern part of the UK, I did this for around 7 or 8 years. I applied for a position at Kawasaki and the rest is history, as they say. I have learnt a lot from Kawasaki which has given me a much wider scope of things and every day is a new learning curve or challenge which I enjoy. What is your favourite thing about working with Kawasaki Motors UK? We are small enough in terms of team members to be a very friendly company. I believe the team is strong and all departments work very well together in a professional manner – so I think the people make the company and I enjoy working with the people. If you weren’t working at Kawasaki UK what would you be doing? You come to a fork in life sometimes and you take the road you feel is best suited. Yes, things could have been different I could have been working for myself I suppose, but I generally don’t regret anything looking back, I am interested in engineering and machinery and all of that fascinates me so to be working for a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries is inspiring. Let’s be honest though, Kawasaki makes some of the best toys on the planet, so no complaints! What’s your most memorable experience at Kawasaki UK? There are a lot of memories to be fair. It was very pleasing to be recognised and win an employee of the year award. It is not just a trophy and a title because it’s nice to have the recognition from people voting for me which makes you feel part of the team. Tell us about the recent videos you filmed for the new MULE PRO-MX? We, as KMUK, had the opportunity to create the media for the new MULE PRO-MX. I think the new MULE PRO-MX is a great product and we have dedicated some media for this product at locations including the property of Richard Jones ATV (Kawasaki dealer), who lives at a rural property. So we had all sorts of agricultural type settings which were ideal to show the MULE PRO-MX in its element. We spent the next day filming in Snowdonia and weather couldn’t have been better! To be involved with all of that was great.
What do you do in your spare time? I like walking in the Lakes or Peak District, I’ll go away with the family or friends on a walking weekend to walk and try and ‘bag’ another Mountain. I guess I like all outdoor activity in general, the countryside and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the day to day life. I’m definitely not a regular mountain biker either but I did the C2C a few years ago and completed the Lakeland Loop last year in Cumbria with a friend of mine, good fun but nobody told me that there would be more pushing up hill than riding down! My favourite mountain to hike up is Helvellyn, there are several routes up having now climbed this 7 times it’s still a good challenge and a great view from the top. I have completed the three peaks challenge which is Ben Nevis, Scafel Pike and Snowdon in 24hrs, I find it really clears your mind and it’s a breath of fresh air, it doesn’t matter what the weather is like, it’s a great feeling getting to the top of a mountain! “Kawasaki has been producing the MULE for over 30 years and has developed into a market leading utility vehicle which is almost a necessity on farms these days. The key is to build relationships with dealers and customers, work with them and guide them as much as possible. It is about being reliable and doing what you say you will do” A few years ago I was ‘coerced’ into entering the Weston Beach race as a two man team, it is an endurance race where about 450 quads and sidecars set out over a 3 mile circuit down the beach and the across man made sand dunes etc. It turned out to be an awesome experience with our Kawasaki Brute Force 650 and we did that a couple of years running. Lastly, where might a customer meet you? I’m at a number of Agricultural shows throughout the year so come and say hello if you ever see a Kawasaki stand and we can meet at the top of Helvellyn anytime!
Southam Agri. Services Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH 01926 813426 http://southamagri.co.uk
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| ATV
Suzuki ATV
Suzuki KingQuad: The most reliable machine on Armadale Farm
Joyce Campbell is a prominent and respected farmer on the North Coast of Sutherland, Scotland, who for the past 16 years has sworn by Suzuki ATVs and has relied on them as in integral part of her daily working life. rmadale Farm is a 5500 acres hill farm, comprising of varied terrain which includes 1000 acres improved inbye, 100 ploughable acres with the remaining land being hill ground which runs from sea level to 800 feet. There are a 25 hill cows, free range hens and holiday cottages but what really cements Joyce as a farmer is her passion, and success, in sheep farming. Throughout her youth farming was a part of everyday life, but it was in 1990 that Joyce took over the family farm after returning home from college at the tender age of 20. Fast forward to the present day and Joyce is now responsible for 820 pure-bred North Country Cheviot Hill ewes, 40 rams of the same breed and 255 ewe lamb replacements which roam freely throughout the farm. Joyce also co-chairs the
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Women in Agriculture Task Force with Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing - created in 2017 to empower women in agriculture. Using Suzuki ATVs on her farm for the past 16 years Joyce has said that her two KingQuads are the most reliable machines that she owns and that she would not be able to farm without them. Day in and day out the quads are started up more than any other vehicle on her farm. Joyce commented, “They never fail and always start the first time, making them the most reliable machines on the farm and I’d highly recommend them.” Adding to this Joyce continued, “the dual suspension minimises the impact of the tough terrain and allows for all day comfort on the KingQuad”. This helps her to cover large distances around the farm to tend to her ewes whilst also having the smallest environmental impact on the hill ground which runs over the
famous Flow Country in the North. The impressive towing capacity enables Joyce to tow trailers, feed the ewes, carry equipment and of course, to carry her beloved canine companions with ease. Fiona Cole, Head of Marketing (Motorcycle, ATV and Marine) for Suzuki GB said, “We have great admiration for Joyce and the work of our farmers across the UK. It is always pleasing to hear positive feedback about our products and even more so to know that our hard-working range of robust, reliable and proven ATVs go some way to making life easier for our customers in what can be a tough working environment.” To find out more about the new Suzuki KingQuads visit: www.atv.suzuki.co.uk or if you would like to know more about Joyce visit her website: www.armadalefarm.co.uk
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| Motors
Maserati presents the Levante Vulcano limited edition Maserati's exclusivity means that every one of its models can stand out and now, Maserati presents a limited edition of its SUV: the new Levante Vulcano, produced in a series of just 150 units for the European and Asian markets. he Vulcano limited edition is available with both twin-turbo V6 petrol engines, 350 hp and 430 hp, designed by Maserati Powertrain and built at the Ferrari factory in Maranello. The tones of the exclusive matte "Grigio Lava" exterior highlight the Trident SUV's sporty lines to greater effect. The exterior look is completed by the Nerissimo pack details (dark look rear light clusters, black chrome front grille and logos, glossy black window surrounds, body-coloured door handles and dark exhaust tailpipes), the laminated privacy glass, the 21-inch Helios wheels, also with matte finish, and the red brake calipers. The 6-piston Brembo Dual Cast braking
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system guarantees excellent braking performance. Inside the new Levante Vulcano, every finish resounds with sporty elegance. The heated, ventilated full grain leather seats, featuring electrical adjustments and a memory function, complete with contrasting embroidered Trident logo on the headrest, can be ordered in black with red stitching or vice-versa, to underline the model's "volcanic" personality. The exclusive allure of the new Levante Vulcano limited edition is further enhanced by the interior trim in high gloss carbon fibre, also used for the gearshift paddles and the insert on the electrically adjustable sport steering wheel, and the chromed aluminium badge on the central tunnel bearing the legendary Trident,
together with the new Vulcano logo and the wording "one of 150". The standard equipment also includes the Bowers&Wilkins premium sound system, the soft close door closure system, the front and rear parking sensors and the full-LED Matrix adaptive headlights.
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| Motors
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| Motors
Ford unveils more powerful, fuel-efficient, refined and intelligent Ranger - Europe’s best selling pick-up The new the new Ford Ranger pick-up will deliver more power, greater fuel-efficiency, enhanced refinement and advanced driver assistance technologies for customers across Europe, when it arrives from mid-2019. he stylish and versatile new version of Europe’s best-selling pick-up introduces Ford’s sophisticated 2.0litre EcoBlue diesel engine with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for optimised emissions, delivering up to a nine percent fuel-efficiency improvement when combined with an advanced new 10-speed automatic transmission. The new Ranger engine line-up will be led by the powerful Bi-turbo version of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine, delivering 213PS and 500Nm of torque – up by 13PS and 30Nm compared with the current 3.2-litre TDCi diesel – for greater load-hauling capability. Available in Regular Cab, Super Cab, and Double Cab body styles, the new Ranger features four-wheel drive as standard, and offers business and leisure users new tools to boost convenience and productivity, including Ford’s SYNC 3 connectivity and FordPass Connect on-board modem technology. Ranger is the first vehicle in its class to offer Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and Intelligent Speed Assist as standard. Active Park Assist is now also available, in addition to the existing range of advanced driving technologies designed to make driving less stressful and to help avoid or mitigate the effects of collisions.
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“The new Ford Ranger provides customers with an unbeatable combination of pulling power, fuelefficiency and smart driverassistance technology, and our cutting-edge EcoBlue engine equipped with the latest SCR technology exceeds the new stringent emissions regulations,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. “Our new Ford Ranger Raptor will ramp up the excitement even further when the thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader goes on sale for true enthusiast off-roaders at the same time.” Double Cab high-power variants now feature Active Noise Control technology for improved refinement. Flagship Ranger Wildtrak models and luxurious Ranger Limited both also offer new premium features, including an easy-lift tailgate. The new Ranger is designed and engineered to comfortably handle extreme terrains, for work or lifestyle pursuit, delivering class-leading ability to wade through water up to 800mm deep, and with 230mm of ground clearance. A 29-degree approach angle and 21-degree departure angle enable drivers to feel confident when taking on steep obstacles. Off-road strengths are matched by towing capability of up to 3,500kg, and payload capacity of up to 1,252kg. Ford recorded class-leading Ranger sales of 51,500 units in
Europe in 2018, with more than 16,000 of those in the UK alone. The Ford Performance-developed new Ranger Raptor – the toughest and most high-performing Ranger ever – also goes on sale to thrill-seeking customers across Europe in mid2019. 2.0-litre EcoBlue power and refinement Ranger’s powerful new 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine – delivering optimised performance alongside improved fuel-efficiency – is offered with: • Single variable-geometry turbocharger delivering 130PS; 340Nm of torque; and from 209g/km CO2 emissions and 35.3mpg fuel-efficiency** • Single variable-geometry turbocharger delivering 170PS; 420Nm of torque; and from 216g/km CO2 emissions and 34.0mpg fuel efficiency • Bi-turbo technology with variable-geometry high-pressure and fixed-geometry low-pressure turbocharger delivering 213PS; 500Nm of torque; and from 228g/km CO2 emissions and 30.7mph fuel efficiency The compact single turbocharger has been specifically designed to deliver more air at lower engine rpm compared with the outgoing 2.2-litre TDCi engine, for a light and urgent feel across the rev-range. In the range-topping Bi-turbo variant, the two turbochargers work in series at lower engine speeds for
enhanced torque and responsiveness. At higher engine speeds, the smaller turbo is bypassed and the larger turbo provides boost to deliver high power. In addition to a slick-shifting sixspeed manual gearbox, the 170PS and 213PS powertrains offer Ford’s class-leading 10-speed automatic transmission, with performance and durability proven in applications as diverse as the Ford F-150 pick-up and the new Ford Mustang. A wider spread of ratios and features including real-time adaptive shiftscheduling that allows the transmission to adapt to changing conditions – enable the optimal gear to be selected for performance, fuel-efficiency or refinement in any driving scenario. Ford engineering data, based on a real-world driving cycles, indicates an improvement in fuel-efficiency of up to nine percent using the 10speed automatic transmission and four percent for the manual powertrain versions compared with equivalent outgoing powertrains. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine features friction-reducing innovations including a 10mm offset crank design that reduces rubbing forces against the cylinder walls of the downsized four-cylinder iron block, and an optimised valve-train featuring a single-piece camshaft module.
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| Motors
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| Motors
Mazda to unveil new SUV at Geneva Motor Show A new Mazda compact SUV will make its world debut at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. he second model in the company's new-generation line-up features a more mature Kodo design language and Mazda’s new-generation
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SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture. The powertrain lineup showcases the latest SKYACTIV engines, including the company's revolutionary SPCCI (Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition) technology, which has a unique
combustion method combining the free-revving performance of a petrol engine with the superior response of a diesel. Mazda's best-selling model, the CX-5, will also be at the show. For 2019, refinements have been
made in two key areas - interior quality and technology and driving dynamics where the adoption of GVectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) makes the 2019 CX-5 sharper and better to drive than ever.
Land Rover UK celebrates 30 years of Discovery with Anniversary Edition Land Rover marks the 30th anniversary of Discovery with a limited-edition exclusively for UK customers. ased on the Discovery Sd6 SE, the ‘Anniversary Edition’ features 22” wheels, fixed panoramic glass roof, privacy glass, a 380W MeridianTM sound system and a choice of metallic paint as standard. A total of 400 Anniversary Editions are available in Santorini Black, Corris Grey Loire Blue or Indus Silver. Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “The Discovery family represents the pinnacle of versatility, and we are proud to celebrate that lineage. Discovery has evolved in its 30-year history to consistently bring technology, capability and relevance to the ever-changing motoring community. “We have added extra value for
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our customers with the 30th Anniversary Edition, making what is regarded as the ‘Best Large SUV’ on sale today, even better”. Since its launch in 1989, the Land Rover Discovery has become synonymous with adventure. Put to work in the most extreme of global locations and proving time and time again that capability does not come at the sacrifice of comfort, the Discovery has become revered by customers the world over. In 2015, the award-winning Discovery gained a sibling in Discovery Sport which globally, became Land Rover’s best-seller. Together, Discovery and Discovery Sport became a family and have sold 1.7 million vehicles globally. The critically acclaimed Discovery family continues to be a strong favourite with experts too with over 300 awards to its name.
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The current generation Discovery continues to add accolades to the trophy cabinet, most recently achieving top honours from The Sun, Auto Express, Carbuyer, 4x4 and Tow Car publications and the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers. Discovery is the tool of choice for renowned global explorers, and also widely deployed for search and rescue, police and humanitarian initiatives across the world; a specially developed
Discovery was recently commissioned as Red Cross’s new emergency mobile command centre to work with disaster response teams to help save lives. The Anniversary Edition Discovery is priced at £59,995. See www.landrover.co.uk for more information. Land Rover will be celebrating 30 years of Discovery throughout 2019. See uk.media.landrover.com for updates.
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| Motors
New Range Rover Velar SV Autobiography Dynamic Edition - refined power Reigning World Design Car of the Year, the Range Rover Velar receives more performance, luxury and exclusivity with the introduction of the limited ‘SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition’. esigned as the pinnacle of the Velar line-up, the new model has been developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations and is powered by a 550PS 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine with a range of unique design enhancements. Adding to its exclusivity, this distinctive model will be available to purchase for one year only. Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK, said: “The Range Rover Velar strikes a perfect balance between go-anywhere practicality, dynamic performance and relaxing comfort. By enhancing the luxury and dynamic characteristics even further we have created the pinnicle of the Velar range.” With a supercharged V8 engine, the most powerful Velar accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds (060mph in 4.3 seconds) and is capable of 274km/h (170mph), while cosseting customers with traditional Range Rover refinement and comfort. Uprated brakes and suspension components, plus bespoke settings for everything from the powertrain to the safety systems, ensure the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition mixes the personality of a performance car with the goanywhere capability of a luxury midsize SUV. Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “Developing the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is the kind of task Special Vehicle Operations was made for. The challenge here was to increase performance without compromising the composure, capability and refinement inherent in Range Rover Velar.” The powerful new model is distinguished by a range of visual enhancements and unique trim finishes, delivering a more purposeful appearance and heightened attention to detail while maintaining Velar’s perfect proportions and distinctive silhouette. On the outside, the awardwinning Velar features a new front bumper with larger air intakes to feed the V8 Supercharged engine and cool the uprated braking system. A new grille and lower side mouldings combine with a revised
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rear bumper featuring integrated quad exhaust finishers. The exterior changes combine with a transmission tunnel undertray to ensure the fastest Velar in the range cuts through the air more efficiently. Even the Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate has been enhanced, with a knurled finish on the metal element of the two-piece letters adding a fresh degree of sophistication to the exterior. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is also the only Velar available in Satin Byron Blue – a metallic paint finish from Special Vehicle Operations’ Premium Palette range – and all models feature a contrast Narvik Black roof as standard. Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover, said: “Our continued evolution is driven by a relentless focus on creating highly desirable vehicles our customers will love for life. The new Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition amplifies the highly desirable nature of the 2018 World Car Design winner by introducing a compelling combination of heightened performance and luxury.” Distinctive forged aluminium wheels provide another clue to the enhanced performance. The lightweight 21-inch design weighs the same as the 20-inch wheels on the core model and customers can also specify optional 22-inch rims with a unique Silver Sparkle finish and diamond-turned edging, providing a further degree of personalisation. The larger wheels indicate the performance focus of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, helping to generate more grip and accommodating larger brakes. Its 395mm front and 396mm diameter rear brake discs feature a two-piece construction to optimise weight. The innovative designs also dissipate heat more effectively to cope with the higher braking forces generated during high performance driving. The extra stopping power is highlighted by red brake calipers (four-piston at the front, sliding at the rear) which feature Land Rover lettering. Gloss Black calipers are also available for a more discreet appearance. The purposeful exterior is matched by a heightened sense of luxury inside with a carefully
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curated combination of finishes and upholstery. The twin-stitched, perforated and quilted Windsor leather is unique to the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and is available in four colour combinations (Ebony, Cirrus, Vintage Tan and Pimento) and the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition features 20-way adjustable heated and cooled front seats with memory and massage functions as standard. The special touches inside extend to the unique sports steering wheel, which features a specially contoured rim and tactile aluminium gear shift paddles. Lower down, the rotary gear selector and control dials for the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system all feature a sophisticated knurled finish. An optional carbon fibre pack for the interior adds a more contemporary feel to the cabin, while sports pedals and illuminated metal treadplates with Range Rover script complete the look. Design elements extend to the 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display featuring unique ‘digitally knurled’ dials and a bespoke SVAutobiography Dynamic start-up screen. This digital detailing continues with the electronics that underpin the driving characteristics of the new flagship Velar model. Calibrations for the AWD system, Active Rear Locking Differential, eight-speed transmission, steering and air suspension have all been honed and are bespoke to the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition; delivering a more focused driving experience. Engineers at Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations spent 63,900 hours fine-tuning the unique calibration to optimise the ride, handling and responsiveness. The work of Special Vehicle Operations focused on delivering increased breath of capability, maintaining Land Rover’s renowned all-terrain expertise while providing new levels of dynamic control and performance. Aside from far-reaching electronic tuning, upgraded anti-roll bars reduce body roll during hard cornering and the revised set-up for the Continuously Variable Dampers works in combination with firmer air
springs for the air suspension to deliver the ultimate balance of composure and comfort. The all-wheel drive system has been uprated too with a transfer box capable of withstanding the higher loads generated by the 5.0litre supercharged V8 engine. The advanced Intelligent Driveline Dynamics system precisely and imperceptibly distributes engine torque to suit the conditions. The set-up can direct as much as 100 per cent to the rear depending on the conditions. Speed-sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering is fitted as standard, minimising effort at parking speeds but delivering precise and direct control at higher speeds, while the Velar’s Dynamic mode has been enhanced, optimising the steering, suspension and transmission settings to suit more enthusiastic on-road driving. The unique character of the Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is also reflected by its bespoke exhaust set-up, which provides a soundtrack to match its performance. SV’s Variable Active Exhaust System features valve technology to optimise the exhaust note, depending upon the driving conditions, and provides Velar with an unmistakable V8 rumble. The active set-up is 7.1kg lighter than the standard design and its increased gas flow helps to unlock some of the flagship model’s increased performance. The Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition sounds like no other SUV, but the most driverfocused model in the range is as practical as ever. The generous boot capacity is unaffected, while the flexible 40:20:40-split rear seats allow customers to vary the loadspace depending on their requirements. The 82-litre fuel tank also promises a genuine range in excess of 483km (300 miles). The new Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is available in six exterior colours: Firenze Red, Santorini Black, Corris Grey, Fuji White, Indus Silver and, by special order, Satin Byron Blue. Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is priced from £86,120 OTR in the UK.
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