February 2020 Farming Monthly National

INSIDE: Energy and Rural Business Show 3rd - 4th March page 29

Farming

MONTHLY National

February 2020

Also in this issue...

Arable

| Uncropped headlands create green opportunity page 11

Become an insect farmer Also inside this month..

Become an insect farmer to turn muck into brass and help save the planet, Zero Waste Scotland says page 08

TGB 5 Year Warranty p50

Too much water or too little? p29

Post LAMMA round-up p40

PLUS: Arable | Slurry| Grain | Finance | Forestry | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS February 2020

FEATURES 11

16

10 Arable Winter wheat grassweed threat needs urgent attention and more...

25

32 Muck & Slurry

29

46 Finance

New equipment launches

Lifetime farm valuations

16 Buildings Building design as part of the CE Marking process

18 Grain Nitrogen boosts may be necessary following wet winter washout

22 Livestock Big changes ahead for the livestock sector

28 Forestry Agriforest concentrate on smaller projects

29 Irrigation Too much water or too little?

04 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

REGULARS 06 News Managing climate change is the future

08 On Topic Become an insect farmer

40 Machinery/LAMMA Post LAMMA round-up

36 Energy Report urges increase of bioenergy crops

48 ATV ATV news...covered.

54 Motors Latest motors news

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

46

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com

Become an insect farmer, say’s Zero Waste Scotland

p08

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February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Managing climate change is the future, highlights CAAV Mitigating and adapting to climate change is going to be the main driver for policy in the coming decades and farmers need to be on board with it. ccording to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, UK farmers and landowners are going to see their practices driven to evolve to tackle climate change and its consequences during the coming years. In each part of the UK, agricultural policy will be adopted and adapted as part of an incremental process over the next 30 years, says Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV. “As part of the National Planning Policy Framework, environmental issues will be critical.” There will be changes in planning rules so that any future housing developments will need to provide a 10% net gain in biodiversity for every project, he explains. As a result, farmers are likely to see their role in facilitating this expand exponentially, as they act to provide a service to developers so that

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government targets can be met.

“There should come a stage where we can look at the environment as an enterprise and price environmental goods so that they offer a profit and are not priced on a compensation basis,” explains Mr Moody. “We want this to provide an income in the same way producing crops or meat would. Additionally, works like improving soils are positively synergistic with good farming.

“Such environmental management could then give a business margin where farming is unprofitable,” he adds.

“Farmers are likely to play a key role in reversing biodiversity loss and off-setting carbon emissions, but this can be looked at with commercial practicality as a branch of the farm business, rather than as another tick box to complete.”

There are further benefits to adopting new

Jeremy Moody

opportunities, such as aiding drought resilience and flood prevention. “Increased flooding is the UK’s biggest property and business risk from climate change and estimates suggest that around 3.6m people will suffer from annual flooding by 2050.

“This will affect farmers too,” says Mr Moody.

“But deploying strategic interventions now – and getting paid to do so – could mitigate the impacts to valuable farmland, while also providing a public good as part of the business.

“Overall, there’s a real opportunity for farmers to look at their businesses here and ask how these developing policies can be used advantageously.”

In addition...CAAV warns farmers to beware the dangers of telecoms masts...

Landowners are being warned of the hidden risks and responsibilities associated with having telecommunications masts on their land.

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he Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) is urging landowners to request information on radiation exclusion zones from operators of telecoms masts located on

their land.

Though non-ionising, significant levels of exposure to the radio waves emitted by base stations on telecoms masts can affect health, requiring exclusion zones to protect people, says Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV. With the roll out of 5G, these exclusion zones will be expanded significantly as the range of potentially dangerous radio waves is far greater than for 4G. Although guidelines for these exclusion zones; set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP), are mandatory in the UK, mast operators are only required to self-certificate compliance when they make a planning application. The government does not require operators to give details of zones to those they affect.

The guidelines state that exclusion zones for workers and the public should be mapped by the operator. Exclusion zones are typically governed by the direction of the mast and the power being used, and are usually above ground level, with height exclusion depending on the height of the antennae. However, there is no requirement for operators to notify owners, site neighbours or the public of these areas.

“Usually, that means that nobody but the operator knows the areas in which people might be at risk and so cannot manage liabilities,” says Mr Moody. Ofcom, the industry

06 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

regulator, has no duties related to exposure to electromagnetic field emissions.

When applying for planning permission for a larger mast, operators are only required to confirm the mast will comply with ICNIRP guidelines and do not have to disclose the exclusion boundaries; meaning that neither the owner nor the planning authority is able to assess the effect of the mast on buildings, land or other activities.

Furthermore, not even this declaration is required where the mast is within permitted development rights. Similarly, where a mast is upgraded from 4G to 5G, the operator does not have to make this declaration or even highlight the increased size of exclusion zones.

For landowners, this means there can be unforeseen issues with buildings, which could be within the exclusion zone unbeknown to the site owner, potentially putting workers or visitors at risk.

It can limit the construction of new buildings both on the site owner’s land and on neighbouring sites, as an exclusion zone can extend beyond a site’s boundaries. However, the landowner and the planning office are unlikely to be aware of the extent of the exclusion zone.

“Landowners may also find themselves in a difficult situation whereby existing buildings are made redundant by exclusion zones,” says Mr Moody. “As landowners are not permitted to request the removal of apparatus from their land on these grounds, this could potentially cause costly issues whether sterilising the use of land or carrying liability.”

“In addition, providing a safe working

environment for employees is a legal requirement of any employer, so any landowner with employees needs to take account of potential hazards for those working,” he adds.

It’s therefore important to obtain full ICNIRP drawings and site-specific radio frequency plans so that the exclusion zone can be understood and to comply with legal obligations.

“It’s also important to ask for information on any upgrades to the mast, such as from 4G to 5G,” advises Mr Moody. “Should an operator refuse to supply this information to the site provider, this should be cause for concern.”

Many older agreements passed responsibilities to the landowner, often without their knowledge, so it’s vital if negotiating a new agreement that landowners are aware of the issues. Terms should hold the operator fully liable for losses and claims arising from the mast, he explains.

Additionally, site owners may wish to stipulate contractual terms restricting the expansion of exclusion zones, require the site to be switched off for the landowner or others to carry out work within the exclusion zone and make operators liable for any necessary staff training.

“Landowners may be entirely unaware of the situations they are in, which could lead to all sorts of issues down the line,” warns Mr Moody.

“It may be a shocking revelation to a lot of people and I would suggest getting advice and taking action if you are affected.”

For more information visit www.caav.org.uk

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| News

Gigaclear unveils best WiFi solution for rural properties A new partnership to deliver ultrafast broadband speeds to every corner of rural properties has been unveiled by Gigaclear, the full fibre, ultrafast rural broadband provider. In collaboration with Linksys, a leader in wireless connectivity, Gigaclear now offers an in-home Smart WiFi ‘mesh solution’ for its customers, delivering the highest quality WiFi performance at all times, from anywhere in their home. he Gigaclear powered by Linksys Velop router ensures that Gigaclear’s ultrafast broadband speeds are reflected in its WiFi performance, delivering customers with a Smart WiFi package a fast, reliable internet connection.

Ultrafast fibre-to-the-property is transforming the way people living in rural communities are operating, enabling people to work from home, diversify their businesses, and stream on demand content in ultra-high definition. Up until now, WiFi performance in rural properties has been a challenge, as the material used to build a property can have a huge impact on WiFi performance. Metal, mirrors, concrete, impenetrable stone walls, large rooms and unusual property layouts are all commonplace in country homes, all of which can severely interfere with WiFi signal.

Gigaclear’s Smart WiFi ‘mesh WiFi’ solution, works by effectively throwing a ‘WiFi bubble’

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over an area and is easily extendable by adding a series of interconnected nodes to expand WiFi coverage, ensuring the best connection anywhere in the home. In comparison, traditional boosters simply relay the signal, which means that the further away the user is from the router the weaker the signal.

James Lowther, Chief Marketing Officer at Gigaclear, comments: “We focus on building to rural areas, which means our customers often suffer from poor WiFi performance due to the stone construction or size of their properties. Our broadband service provides the best speeds in the UK, and we want our customers’ WiFi performance to be able to take full advantage of it.

“Linksys have significant know-how in this space and have proven to be the right partner for us, as they understand how to maximise a user’s WiFi experience. We are delighted to be working alongside them to provide our customers with not only the best broadband speeds in the UK, but the best Wi-Fi experience

available.”

Stephanie Willems, VP Europe at Linksys’ parent company, Belkin International, said; “The foundation of a smart home is robust, futureproofed connectivity. The combination of Gigaclear and Linksys will bring best-in-class connectivity to areas that need it most. We built our products so that people can have strong WiFi signal strength no matter the location within the home. We are incredibly proud of our Velop products and the value adds via software we continue to deliver.”

The Linksys Velop routers are easy to install and come with an app which makes setting up easy. It also means that customers can easily troubleshoot any connectivity issues themselves.

As an added bonus, Gigaclear installation engineers will set up the initial network for new customers when connecting them to the ultrafast network. For existing customers, Gigaclear will contact them directly regarding upgrading to a Smart WiFi package where they can add additional nodes to expand their WiFi network.

(R)evolution in plant breeding: new options for better photosynthesis It seems so logical: each plant carries chloroplasts that contribute to the optimum growth and development of the plant. At least that is what has always been assumed. However, this has turned out to be false, as demonstrated by researchers at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in a scientific publication published today in Nature Plants. n the article, the researchers describe a method that can completely replace the organelles (specifically, the chloroplasts, which are essential for photosynthesis, and mitochondria, which generate energy) of one plant with the organelles of another plant, while the chromosomes remain unchanged. They conducted their research using the thale cress plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) as the model.

Researcher Erik Wijnker: “Now that it is possible to replace the organelles of a plant using an efficient genetic trick, we can compare the original plants with plants that have the ‘new’ organelles. This makes it easy to determine which new combinations of organelles and chromosomes lead to the best plant properties.

For example, for a certain type of chloroplast, we now know beforehand that, if we put them in a thale cress, photosynthesis will be improved.”

Importance of photosynthesis Plants use only a fraction of absorbed sunlight for photosynthesis. Improving that process is seen as the key to more efficient plant growth, which can reduce the footprint of agriculture on the environment, and will enable us to feed the growing world population better in the future. For a long time it was thought that photosynthesis could not be improved.

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In recent years, various methods have been developed, including at WUR, to improve plant photosynthesis to such an extent that more of the captured sunlight can be used for biomass production. If this is successful, plants with improved photosynthesis can make an important new contribution to tackling the food problem without causing any further damage to the climate.

A revolution in plant breeding?

At the moment, virtually no use is made of the natural variation in chlorophlasts and mitochondria in plant breeding. Researcher Pádraic Flood: “There is an enormous natural variation in chloroplasts, but researchers lacked simple methods to determine which chloroplasts possessed the desired properties.”

The contribution of chlorophyll and mitochondria to the growth of the plant is notoriously difficult to assess. The method described in this publication makes this much easier and in turn, makes using this knowledge much more accessible to breeding businesses.

PhD candidate Tom Theeuwen: “The trick we have used for thale cress is based on genetic modification, and its use for crops is subject to strict rules in Europe, but with the current modern breeding methods, it is fortunately very possible to make similar new combinations of organelles and chromosomes in a short period

of time. Now that we have shown that this can lead to plants that perform better, a number of companies are interested to know whether this also applies to their crops. It offers us a new way of investigating whether we can better understand and improve plant photosynthesis, by creating and testing new combinations.”

This research was funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), Plantum (the branch association for the seeds and young plants sector), and the vegetable breeding companies Bejo Zaden and Rijk Zwaan.

Publication information Pádraic J. Flood*, Tom P.J.M. Theeuwen*, Korbinian Schneeberger, Paul Keizer, Willem Kruijer, Edouard Severing, Evangelos Kouklas, Jos A. Hageman, Raúl Wijfjes, Vanessa Calvo Baltanas, Frank F.M. Becker, Sabine K. Schnabel, Leo A.J. Willems, Wilco Ligterink, Jeroen van Arkel, Roland Mumm, José M. Gualberto, Linda Savage, David M. Kramer, Joost J.B. Keurentjes, Fred van Eeuwijk, Maarten Koornneef, Jeremy Harbinson, Mark G.M. Aarts, and Erik Wijnker, Reciprocal cybrids reveal how organellar genomes affect plant phenotypes. Nature Plants; *shared co-first authorship# A revolution in plant breeding?

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 07

| On Topic

Become an insect farmer to turn muck into brass and help save the planet, Zero Waste Scotland says A new ‘how-to’ guide on the benefits of becoming an insect farmer has just been published by Zero Waste Scotland.

ou won’t need acres of land, unlike traditional cattle, sheep or arable farming. There’ll be no need to brave the elements to tend to your stock as insects are farmed indoors. And you can feed your flies or crickets on Scotland’s vast mountain of food waste from supermarkets and other businesses – all of which means you’ll be helping to combat the climate crisis too.

Insect farming has been identified by Zero Waste Scotland as a sustainable, new way to produce more food using less resources.

The publicly-funded non-profit, which is leading the fight against climate change, has published guidance online to help people take advantage of the lucrative job opportunities it believes insect farming can bring for reducing the waste and carbon emissions driving the climate emergency.

William Clark, bioeconomy specialist at Zero Waste Scotland, wrote the new guidance for would-be insect farmers as changing

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08 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

regulations open up more markets for 21st century farming.

Spelling out the potential for turning food waste into new jobs instead of letting it rot and generate harmful emissions, Dr Clark said: “Insect farming is a really valuable, circular economy way for us to use food waste to produce more protein using less resources.

“You can set up an insect farm in a few shipping containers. You don’t need the acres of fields which traditional farming requires to feed more typical livestock, so insect farms aren’t competing for the same limited resources, like land and water. They can produce about 100 times more protein per year from the same amount of space than you would get by farming chicken or cattle.

“Scotland’s food waste could support dozens of insect farms and jobs. Firms and governments around the world are already reaping the economic and environmental benefits of investing in this innovative approach. It’s time Scotland did the same.”

He added: “Farming insects in Scotland

might sound unlikely or unappetising but it could play a significant role in solving Scotland’s food waste problem and reducing our reliance on imported crops like soy for agriculture and aquaculture, which drives up the carbon emissions behind the climate crisis.

“Insect farms offers a reliable, sustainable circular economy solution to the protein gap.

For although the world produces enough food for everyone, more than a third of it goes to waste so people don’t get the protein they need. On top of that, farming insects can also produce valuable by-products such as biodiesel, bioplastics and organic fertilisers.”

New European Union regulations introduced in 2017 allow farming of seven insect species, including field crickets and black soldier flies.

The insects can be fed on pre-consumer food waste from supermarkets, arable farms and bakeries, such as surplus cereals, bread dough, liquid chocolate and crisps.

Farmed insects can then be fed in turn to farmed fish, and also used to make pet food.

The Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre

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| On Topic

estimates that demand for insect protein from that sector alone is worth more than £25m per year.

Early next year (2020) EU regulations are expected to be extended to allow insects to be farmed to produce feed for poultry and pigs too.

Regulations covering novel foods were updated in 2018 to include farming insects to produce food for people direct.

So far there are no insect farms in Scotland or the UK. However, Thomas Farrugia, who set up Beta Bugs to pioneer breeding insects in Scotland, with support from Zero Waste Scotland, said growing numbers of people, including traditional farmers, were interested in farming insects.

He said: “It’s great that Zero Waste Scotland has produced this guidance, which really ties into the interest we’re seeing in diversification from traditional farmers and other businesses.

More and more people are asking us about this.

They are thinking that in the future traditional livestock rearing might not be an option and this could be the next thing.

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“Chicken farming started with farmers wanting to diversify. First, they cleared some space for a single chicken shed, which worked well, so then over time they put up more sheds and eventually became chicken farmers. The same could well happen with [insects like] black soldier flies.”

In Scotland alone nearly £1.1 billion of food is thrown away every year. Food waste is worse for the planet than plastic short-term in terms of carbon emissions. When food is thrown away, that wastes not only its nutritional value but also the water, soil, nutrients, work hours, energy, transport and plastic packaging involved in producing and selling it.

Earlier this year Zero Waste Scotland launched the Food Waste Reduction Action Plan with the Scottish Government to support work helping the country meet the key national target of cutting food waste by a third by 2025 to combat the climate crisis.

About Zero Waste Scotland: Zero Waste Scotland exists to lead Scotland to use products and resources responsibly, focusing on where we can have the greatest impact on climate change.

Using evidence and insight, our goal is to inform policy, and motivate individuals and businesses to embrace the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a circular economy.

We are a not-for-profit environmental organisation, funded by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund.

More information on all Zero Waste Scotland’s programmes can be found at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 09

| Arable

Winter wheat getting a herbicide application in the spring (Gary Naylor Photography)

Winter wheat grassweed threat needs urgent attention Significant populations of grassweeds, including ryegrass and brome, threaten winter wheat yields this year after farmers struggled to implement robust herbicide programmes in the autumn. contact graminicide this spring to control grassweeds and protect yields should be a priority to prevent yield loss.

Where pre-emergence applications were missed, weeds will have germinated and be growing away alongside the crop.

Conditions across most of the country have so far prevented applications of a postemergence graminicide because it has been too wet for machinery to operate.

Combined, these missed controls may have resulted in larger populations of grassweeds, and plants that are at a more advanced growth stage than usual for this time of year.

Alister McRobbie, cereal herbicide category manager at Corteva Agriscience, said: “Where winter wheat was drilled late, blackgrass may be less of a threat, but brome, ryegrass and wild oats could become a bigger issue and knock yields. But it’s been difficult – if not

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10 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

impossible – to get on the land to apply postemergence products because of the wet conditions.

“Getting on top of these grassweeds before they get too large is key to controlling them.

Weeds left to grow larger will compete with the crop for light, space and nutrients, damaging the crop’s potential. We know that grassweeds reduce the number of tillers, grains per ear and thousand grain weight, so it really does pay to act fast, as soon as conditions allow.”

Poor quality seed beds may exacerbate the problem of weed control this year. Wet weather in the autumn meant that many crops were drilled into cloddy seed beds.

This is likely to result in protracted germination of grassweed seeds as temperatures rise, meaning that weeds may be at different growth stages at the point of spraying.

That doesn’t mean that growers should wait before applying a contact spray though. To give

the crop the best chance to grow away and out-compete grassweeds, herbicide applications should be made as soon as possible.

Alister added: “Contact herbicide Broadway Star (pyroxsulam + florasulam) controls ryegrass, sterile brome, wild oats and a range of broadleaf weeds. It can be applied to winter wheat up until growth stage 32, but the earlier the application is made, the smaller the grassweed, and the greater the benefit to the crop.”

Application method, as well as timing, is important for optimal control.

Active growth of both weed and crop is vital.

This means soil temperatures of eight degrees or more for three days before and after application. The higher rate of 265g/ha should be used, ideally in 130-150 litres water/ha with a fine to medium spray nozzle.

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| Arable

Belinda Bailey

Uncropped headlands create green opportunity Sowing green manure seed mix on uncropped arable headlands, left where growers just managed to muddle in landwork in the autumn, could help to restore soil structure and build fertility, and play an important role as an ecological asset. esearch and growers’ experience with the Syngenta’s Operation Pollinator Green Headland Mix, grown alongside potato and vegetable fields, has highlighted the opportunity for soil improvement and to capture nutrients for following crops, reported Syngenta Sustainable Farming Manager, Belinda Bailey.

“The techniques involved could now prove equally applicable for arable fields where headlands have been left, or are unviable after the wet winter,” she advocated.

“Growers’ priority will clearly be on establishing their crops in the spring, but once completed there will still likely be time after to sow a fast growing Green Headland Mix, at relatively low cost. That can help to reduce field soil losses, capture nutrients and, with the deep

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root systems, support soil structure and reduce moisture to help restore the land ready for autumn sowing,” she advised.

Belinda advised the Green Headland Mix, developed with seed specialist Kings Crops, contains predominantly oil radish and phacelia, along with common vetch, buckwheat and berseem clover.

It can be planted from late April through to June, once the soil has dried out and warmed up sufficiently to encourage a quick establishment.

The easy to establish seed mix is best shallow drilled at 15mm, or broadcast and rolled in, at a seed rate of 20 kg/ha. An application of up to 30 kg/N/ha could prove beneficial to aid establishment.

Richard Barnes of Kings Crops added: “The Green Headland mix would be the best option for short-term establishment of around three months,

resulting in significant biomass and rooting activity. The green manure would be destroyed prior to cereal harvest, before stems lignify or plants set seed,” he pointed out.

Trials have shown that a Green Headland mix can typically create up to 6.8 tonnes of biomass dry matter per hectare to enrich soils, as well as having the potential to capture around 100 kg/ha of N along with other nutrients for the following crop. It will also help protect soils from tractors and sprayers turning during fieldwork and harvest.

For headlands intended to remain growing for more than three months, farmers may consider using a legume mix, including clovers, which will fix nitrogen and increase soil fertility. The flowering mix can also produce an extremely valuable supply of pollen and nectar for bees and pollinating insects.

4 steps to reduce CIPC residue levels with store cleaning How clean is your store?...Store cleaning guidance from AHDB's Adrian Cunnington.

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his summer's crop is likely to come out of store after the new, as yet unknown, maximum residue levels (MRL) for CIPC come into force, it pays to start preparing as soon as stores

begin to empty.

Store cleaning is a fundamental part of managing a store and will become increasingly important as the industry looks to reduce CIPC residue levels in store. Not sure where to start?

These four simple steps will help reduce CIPC residue levels and keep a clean store overall: 1. Keep it dry Use a vacuum for removing loose dust, and a stiff brush or chisel to move any more firmly attached deposits*. Washing with water is not recommended. *treat deposits as you would any other plant protection product, wear appropriate PPE and dispose of waste appropriately.

2. Let it breathe

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Let free air move through your store via open louvres and doors, so that any CIPC residue present in the store environment can be released.

3. Catch some rays Boxes should be left to weather outside to encourage the natural breakdown by the sun’s UV rays of any CIPC present in the timber. Space them out so that exposure to light is maximised while ensuring that it doesn’t cause a Health & Safety hazard.

4. Write it down Keep a record of when and how you cleaned your store. This evidence will likely prove valuable in demonstrating that the Industry is taking a pro-active approach towards keeping residues down.

Going forward, cleaning will be one of the key pillars of industry-wide efforts towards minimising CIPC residues, and is likely to be one of the conditions imposed for a temporary MRL (tMRL).

Other efforts include the establishment of a store cleaning protocol that will apply to a variety of

storage situation, something that industry stakeholders across the value chain and regulators are working closely on.

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Arable

Contact your nearest dealer: Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk

12 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

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| Arable

“Soil photosynthesis” helps to mitigate environmental pollution An UCO research group has discovered that the effect from solar radiation produces an exchange of nitrogen gases in soil that allows for sequestering harmful gases and turning them into nitrate.

Ox gases is the generic term to refer to the group of gases made up of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, gases that result from burning fossil fuel, and also from forest fires, volcanic eruptions and natural processes of transforming nitrogen in soil. Even so, the greatest concentration is usually found in urban areas, where they are toxic for our health and contribute to global warming and acid rain.

The research community has been working on creating decontaminating materials, which when used in buildings and urban structures, are able to trap these pollutants when exposed to light.

However, until now, no one had proven the mitigating potential of something in the natural world that supports life on our planet: soil.

In this regard, Agronomy Department

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Professor Vidal Barrón, along with a team made up of researchers from the departments of Agronomy, Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology at the University of Cordoba as well as from other international research centers, discovered that there is an exchange of gases in soil enhanced by solar radiation (mostly ultraviolet) that allows for the sequestration of NOx gases and their transformation into nitrate.

In this way, the photocatalytic properties of some minerals would generate “soil photosynthesis” in which soil would capture NOx gases from the atmosphere and change them into nitrate, which is the natural way that plants get nitrogen, an essential for their survival.

This discovery has turned into the missing puzzle piece in the nitrogen cycle, since, though we have known about it for over a hundred years,

it did not include the effect of the Sun playing a role in said cycle. Now, solar radiation has become an active agent.

Catalytic activity varies depending on the soil.

In sandy soils with a lot of quartz, it is not very significant, whereas clay soils with great amounts of smectite have high rates of NOx sequestration and nitrate fixation. The countryside around Cordoba is a good example of an area with high capacity to eliminate air pollution.

This influential article paves the way for those who work in the field of decontamination and could inspire new techniques to manage fertilizers in order to avoid nitrate loss and mitigate NOx pollution. Moreover, it will help to better understand the characteristics and mechanisms within soil.

Sugar beet to return to Scotland after 50 years – this time for climate change mitigation Almost fifty years on from the closure of the Scottish Sugar Beet factory in Cupar, a Rural Innovation Support Service (RISS) group aims to look into the feasibility and steps required to re-establish the crop and its processing in eastern Scotland. he 2020 driver is to contribute to climate change mitigation, rather than sugar for human consumption, and the decarbonisation of industry to meet Scotland’s greenhouse gas reduction targets, by producing bioethanol as a fuel additive and new plant-based biotech products.

Scottish Enterprise commissioned the UK bioeconomy consultancy, NNFCC, to produce a report, published in summer 2019, which identified that a refinery would need up to 20,000ha of sugar beet from arable land of class 3.1 or better, within a 30 to 60 mile radius of the refinery plant’s location.

Commenting on the news, Iain Riddell from SAC Consulting who is facilitating the group says: “The feasibility of re-establishing the growing and processing of the crop in Scotland has brought together stakeholders with the will, the knowledge and the capability to make the vision reality.

“A resurrected crop and a new refinery could offer a huge opportunity for agriculture to contribute to CO2 reduction and in the creation of new plant derived products, but farmers will also have to factor in the feasibility, risk and reward of growing a crop that is new to most of them.

“We have experience of producing the closely related energy beet crops for AD and the growing of fodder beet for livestock , and it should be possible to grow sugar beet, but comprehensive trials will be required to assess yield, sugar content and hardiness of modern varieties in Scottish conditions.

“Farmers will see this as an opportunity, but also a challenge, because growing conditions are unlike those of the dominant beet growing area of East Anglia where the crop is grown in freedraining sandy loams,” Mr Riddell suggests.

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“We’d see the opportunity best suited to the better arable land in Angus, Fife and Perth and Kinross, potentially extending into the Lothians and Aberdeenshire, all depending on the refinery’s location.

“Wider challenges will also need to be considered, such as the potential for soil compaction associated with late, wet harvesting conditions.”

Project collaborators include Scottish Enterprise, The James Hutton Institute, SAOS and IBioIC the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, and farmers will have a chance to join in shortly through the RISS project.

David Smith, Director of National Opportunities at Scottish Enterprise said: “Positive action and creative thinking is required across our economy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and the work taking place in partnership across agriculture, manufacturing and biotechnology to investigate alternative bio-based manufacturing solutions shows how we can be truly innovative in our approach.

“If this project is successful, the environmental benefits of sugar beet as an alternative manufacturing feedstock will be investigated for use across a wide range of sectors, instead of traditional fossil based feedstocks, to make manufacturing more sustainable and in addition provide new opportunities for Scottish agriculture – both key components of a low carbon economy and the Biorefinery Roadmap for Scotland.

“It is important that we work on solutions that are holistic and sustainable in every sense and I look forward to learning more as the project takes shape as it has huge potential for the future.”

Professor Derek Stewart, AgriFood Business Sector Lead at The James Hutton Institute added: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Scottish Bioeconomy, an underpinning part is

which is the agriculture sector. Scottish farming is progressive and a resurrection of sugar beet production could both diversify farm incomes whilst helping to deliver to the Scottish Climate Change targets.”

Ian Archer, Technical Director at IBioIC said: “Biotechnology is the technology that underpins the bioeconomy enabling the creation of new products and new processes to replace those we currently make from fossil-based resources.

“We currently import all of the bioethanol blended into forecourt petrol from England and France (the “E5” sticker we see on a petrol pump means the fuel has 5% bioethanol mixed into the petrol).

“Initially, Scottish sugar beet can be used as a raw material to provide a secure source of Scottish bioethanol from a local supply chain.

“In time, the supply chain around the production of industrial grade sugar syrup from sugar beet will draw high value manufacturing companies and entrepreneurs to Scotland to set up new facilities that use biotechnology to produce materials, medicines and other everyday products from this sustainable natural resource.

“Successfully reinstating a local source of sugar beet will enable the biotechnology sector to flourish in Scotland and with it, contribute to a just transition to a low carbon economy.”

Megan Welford from RISS added: “RISS is an open, constructively critical forum for stakeholders to discuss bold innovation and economic development projects. The initiative provides funding for a facilitator to work with a small group which will give farmers an opportunity to investigate this opportunity with others in the supply chain, supported by agencies and expertise to draw up a plan for the next steps to take the project forward”.

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Arable

Powering the future of farming A renowned farming technology company has teamed up with leading space industry engineers and soil biologists to launch a new app to help farmers cut their carbon emissions. he launch coincides with a drive from UK Government Ministers to change the agricultural subsidy regime in post-Brexit Britain. In England and Wales, Instead of EU CAP payments going to farmers simply for the size of their eligible land holding, the new schemes will incentivise farmers to protect soils, water, air and wildlife. Similar proposals are thought to be in the offing for farmers in Scotland.

Robert Ramsay, of SoilEssentials, the company behind the new app states: “We are a long-established firm, celebrating our 20th year as a leading developer of precision farming technology to farmers across the UK and beyond. I am not in the business of offering a critique of farm support schemes, past, present or future, but what I would say is farmers over the past 5-10 years have woken up big time to the need to preserve and nurture their soils. Prior generations may have developed a reliance on feeding crops through artificial fertilisers, but today’s farmers are expert in feeding and enhancing the natural fertility of soils in order to enhance their yields” “Many of the techniques used to protect and build soil fertility, by their nature, help to ensure the function of soils as carbon stores is also enhanced; and, as Government advisors are now keen to highlight, locking carbon into soils is going to be critical in the fight against climate chaos.”

“If the new support schemes for farmers are going to be aimed at rewarding those who look after their soils, many will welcome that. The key question will then be ‘how can soil health be easily measured’ in order to comply with the proposed new regime?”

“My firm, SoilEssentials, has brought

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together the expertise of leading farmers and soil scientists with technologists from elsewhere, including the Space industry, in order to develop an accurate, easy and quick method for measuring the health of soils. Our partners in this crusade include the worldrenowned James Hutton Institute and Scottish Agronomy.

“The tool we have developed, SoilBio – part of our KORE app - is a soil metric that gives an absolute repeatable reading of the functional health of the soil. Based on 4 years work and nearly 1 million data points from soils in the UK it has real pedigree. The smart thing about SoilBio is that rather than trying to directly measure soil health it uses the organisms that live in the soil to reflect the environment that they have been inhabiting. That way it is more than just a snap-shot but instead takes into account the last few years of soil management.”

Mr Ramsay continued: “Scientists looking at ecosystems can judge

the whole ecosystem by the abundance of the top predators. Soil is such an ecosystem and the top predators are nematodes. They sit at the top of all the inherent soil ecological niches.”

“A SoilBio test uses 3 years of satellite imagery to detect areas of good and poor performance. Then a soil sample is taken from each of these zones and the DNA of the nematodes present is extracted. The variation within this nematode community can be seen.

Indicative indexes are used to numerically evaluate the soil health. These are compared to the considerable database held at James Hutton Limited” In addition to potentially evaluating soil health in relation to future support schemes, SoilEssentials also believe SoilBio will become an essential tool for tenant and contract farmers wishing to accurately assess soil parameters at key dates in land agreements and for growers, e.g. of vegetables and potatoes who regularly rent in ground away from their own holding.

Official: Micron's sprayers can reduce drift potential by over 90% Micron Group, manufacturer of low volume precision sprayers for agricultural, horticultural and amenity applications have recently had their range of shielded equipment re-assessed for LERAP (Local Environmental Risk Assessment for Pesticides) Low Drift status by the Chemicals Regulation Directorate. Micron Varidome, Spraydome, Undavina and Spraymiser Boom sprayers (both CDA and HiFlo models) have all achieved a four star LERAP accreditation – the highest rating currently available in the UK – which recognises the sprayers as a DRT (Drift Reducing Technology) with proven drift potential reduction of over 90 percent. he wind tunnel testing carried out in conjunction with Silsoe Spray Applications Unit to support the LERAP application had shown that the shields actually have the potential to reduce spray drift by over 95 percent, with no drift at all recorded using the Varidome shield and CDA nozzles.

Commenting on this achievement, Tom Bals,

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14 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

Managing Director at Micron, said: “Ever since the inception of our company in 1954, targeted pest control has been at the heart of our business. For decades our research and development efforts have been dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of pesticides through innovative technologies with a particular focus on low volume application initially via atomisers and sprayers using Controlled Droplet Application technology

invented by Micron which is also a DRT. Current demands require increasing precision of product placement through careful spray system selection and our range of shielded band sprayer systems for reducing drift offers users major commercial benefits in terms of targeted application and economy of pesticide usage.”

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| Feature

Michael Tait

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February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Buildings

Building design as part of the CE marking process It is now more than 5 years since the CE marking of frames and other fabricated steelwork became compulsory in the UK and across the EU. Thankfully, many of the initial hurdles are now history and RIDBA members are CE marking their products as part of their regular manufacturing process.

IDBA is also making headway with the thorny issue of policing, thanks to its Primary Authority Agreement with Dorset County Council. Despite this good news, the RIDBA technical desk is still busy with questions regarding the CE marking process, the role of building design within this process and, more recently, with questions about the reuse of reclaimed steel frames and members. These issues were addressed at the recent RIDBA members’ meeting, but for the benefit of those who were unable to attend, the key points are summarised below.

CE marking recap CE Marking is the process by which a manufacturer declares that its products comply with all relevant EU regulations and directives by following the rules laid out in a harmonised European standard (hEN) or European Technical Assessment (ETA). For fabricated structural steelwork, the appropriate regulation is the

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Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and the harmonised standard is BS EN 1090-1. This standard contains the high level requirements for CE marking along with the means of assessment for each of the requirements. These requirements will form the basis of the Factory Production Control (FPC) document against which the steelwork fabricator is audited.

BS EN 1090-1 references BS EN 1090-2, the execution standard, on issues such as fabrication tolerances and welding, although not all of the requirements given in this latter standard are relevant for CE marking (e.g. erection tolerances).

The CPR lists seven Basic Works Requirements (BWR) as follows: 1. Mechanical resistance and stability 2. Safety in case of fire 3. Hygiene, health and the environment 4. Safety in use 5. Protection against noise 6. Energy economy and heat

16 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

retention 7. Sustainable use of natural resources Not all of these characteristics are applicable to all products and manufacturers should seek guidance from the appropriate harmonised standard, where available. For structural steelwork, the key requirement is BWR 1, which deals with the strength, design and detailing of the steel structure. Indeed, most of the emphasis is on the accurate fabrication and correct welding of the steel elements to ensure that structural strength and stability requirements are met. The scope of BS EN 1090-1 does not include requirements for protection against noise or energy economy and heat retention, both of which are matters for the building envelope.

BS EN 1090-1 gives four options for declaring properties against BWR 1: • Declare material properties and geometry so that others can calculate resistance

• Declare mechanical resistance calculated to the Eurocodes • Declare compliance with a third party specification (client’s design) • Declare compliance with purchaser’s order (e.g. use specific standard) Options 1 and 3 require the client to employ a structural engineer, either directly or via a consultancy, to undertake the resistance calculations (option 1) or to undertake the design of the building structure (option 3). This latter option is very common for commercial and industrial buildings where the client will often employ a consulting engineer to design the structure, but is generally not appropriate for agricultural clients. While a farmer could theoretically ask the frame manufacturer to design the structure to another standard (e.g. a withdrawn British Standard), such clients are not qualified to make this decision. Furthermore, there would be important legal implications for the client under

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| Buildings

the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations if any form of client-led design activity were undertaken by unqualified personnel. RIDBA strongly recommends that only qualified engineers are employed to design buildings and such designs must comply with BS 5502-22 and the structural Eurocodes.

The Design process Of the four declaration options, the only two that are appropriate for agricultural buildings are: • Declare the mechanical resistance on the CE label (not normal for frames) • Declare that the frame design complies with BS 5502-22 (supported by Eurocode calculations)

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Both of these methods require the frame manufacturer to have a means to undertake the design and also a documented design process. To comply with CE marking, this design process must form part of the FPC, which will be audited by a Notified Body on an annual basis.

The design process needs to take account of the many factors that influence the design of the structure, especially its intended use and location. Even for ‘standard’ buildings of a common geometry and function, the location and the snow and wind loading for that location will be unique for every case, so every building needs to be designed as if it were a unique structure. This

means a full set of design calculations every time. In particular, wind and snow loading are highly dependent on location and will vary from one region to another and with altitude. Wind loading is also dependent on distance from the coast and the availability of shelter from other buildings or obstructions.

In 2013, RIDBA published a Design Protocol, which aimed to provide frame manufacturers with a template to follow for their design calculations. The Design Protocol listed the following steps for the successful design of a portal framed agricultural building: 1. Identify building location, proposed use and other relevant factors 2. Determine the building loads: a. Permanent (dead) b. Imposed (maintenance access) c. Wind d. Snow (including drift) e. Construction loads (if appropriate) 3. Apply factors and calculate design load cases 4. Select frame members to meet strength and deflection requirements 5. Check frame stability 6. Design and detail connections 7. Design other details such as rafter restraint 8. Select steel sub-grade Importantly, the design of a steel building is not simply a matter of selecting the correct section size from a table or computer output. The member design is only one step in the process and possibly not even the most important step. A welldetailed frame with slightly undersized members may sag a little under load but will probably survive normal service conditions due to conservatism in the design methods, whereas a poorly detailed frame is likely to collapse as shown below.

Reuse of reclaimed steel The use of second-hand steel frames is not very common due to the costs involved in the salvage and refurbishment of the steel.

Where it is used, however, it raises some interesting questions regarding the design and CE marking of the frames.

Regarding design, the key issues are the identification of the steel grade and the assessment of its condition. To tackle these issues, any reclaimed steel must be inspected for corrosion, damage and signs of plastic deformation, and samples should be cut for laboratory testing where appropriate. Even if the steel is not visibly damaged, there is still the risk that some of the steel’s reserve of ductility may have been used. Since plastic design relies in the steel possessing sufficient ductility for plastic hinges to form and rotate, something that may not be possible with reused steel, it is safer to use elastic design methods only, i.e. limited the maximum elastic bending moment to the bending resistance of the section. Increased safety factors may also be appropriate to allow for the greater uncertainty in material properties.

The ability to CE mark depends on the circumstances. The CE mark is applied to a 'new' product when it leaves the factory gate.

Existing products already in use cannot be CE marked retrospectively, even if they are moved from one site to another. If the steel members were salvaged from an existing building and then modified in some way by a fabricator before being re-sold, they could then be considered to be 'new', so may require a CE mark. This is complicated, however, by the fact that the second-hand steel may not be compliant with BS EN 10025, the product standard for structural steel. Products are only CE marked when they are placed on the market, so a fabricator could take down a building, refurbish the frames and then re-erect them on the original site without needing to apply a CE mark.

For further information contact: Dr Martin Heywood, RIDBA Technical Consultant

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Grain

Excess winter rainfall (EWR) data presented over 199 40x40km squares.

Mid-season (1 October 2019–31 January 2020) results for winter wheat shown.

Left: Current winter (2019–20) Right: Long-term average (1981–2010)

Excess winter rainfall (EWR) data presented over 199 40x40km squares.

Mid-season (1 October 2019–31 January 2020) results for winter wheat shown.

Left: Current winter (2019–2020) compared with the long-term average (1981–2010). Historically drier areas of the country, particularly the middle and eastern parts of England, are the most likely to experience downward shifts in soil nitrogen supply (SNS) indices Right: Difference between current season and long-term average (1981– 2010). Despite being associated with high levels of EWR, parts of Scotland, northwest England and Northern Ireland have been drier than the longterm average

Nitrogen boosts may be necessary following wet winter washout Farmers may need to apply more nitrogen to crops this year, following an exceptionally wet winter across most of the UK. ccording to AHDB, the extent of the ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ excess winter rainfall (EWR) zones is already much wider this year, compared with the long-term average.

Historically drier areas of the country, particularly towards the middle and eastern half of England, are the most likely to experience downward shifts in soil nitrogen supply (SNS) indices.

To determine the precise impact on nitrogen management strategies, farmers should follow the guidance published in the recently revised AHDB Nutrient management guide (RB209).

EWR is the amount of rainfall the land receives after the soil profile becomes fully wetted in the autumn (field capacity) and before the end of drainage in the spring (around the end of March). Ideally, the calculations also take account of water lost through any growing crop (i.e. evapotranspiration) during this period.

Because nitrate is soluble, any water moving

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18 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

through a field takes nitrate out with it. As this affects soil nitrogen supply (SNS), an understanding of EWR is essential for accurate nutrient management planning.

To help farmers select the appropriate SNS look-up table in RB209, AHDB uses Met Office data to create EWR estimates, across 199 (40 x 40 km) UK regions, for the following categories: Low – less than 150 mm EWR (annual rainfall less than 600 mm) Moderate – 150 to 250 mm EWR (annual rainfall between 600 to 700 mm) High – over 250 mm EWR (annual rainfall over 700 mm) Based on mid-season (1 October 2019–31 January 2020) estimates, most cropped (about 83%) regions currently fall in the ‘high’ rainfall category.

Sajjad Awan, AHDB crop nutrition specialist, said: “This winter has been phenomenally wet for most of the UK. Currently, only about 3% of cropped regions remain in the low-rainfall category. This is exceptional: long-term

average data would put the typical low-rainfall figure closer to 25%.

“As several weeks of the EWR period remain, it would not be a surprise if all low-EWR regions are washed off the UK map by the end of March. In fact, without the drying effects of crops, no regions would fall into the low category at all. With many farmers forced to leave land bare this winter, it is even more important to consider a lack of evapotranspiration.”

The current season is in stark contrast to the 2018/19 winter, which was relatively dry and allowed many farmers to cut back on the total amount of nitrogen applied to crops.

SNS calculations take account of several other critical factors, such as the previous crop and soil type.

To plan nitrogen applications, consult RB209 and access the latest EWR maps via ahdb.org.uk/ewr

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Affordable grain drying for all budgets The new Mistral range of grain driers are available with capacities from 5tph to 30tph and is suitable for a wide range of cereal crops including wheat, barley, oats and maize. Most importantly they are so cost-effective that they are ideal for smaller farms. rain drying is a Perry speciality, and enormous expertise has developed the company into a leader in this field. Perry are world renowned for manufacturing continuous flow grain driers, and have been successfully doing so since 1955. The Mistral range is smaller than the Perry’s traditional larger Savannah range of continuous flow driers and still uses the same PLC panel so it can be operated from anywhere there is an internet signal.

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The design of the drier is such that the grain column is completely ledge free reducing dust and chaff residue Grain is elevated to the top of the drier column and enters the drier tower through the reserve

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section. When in full operation the entire drying column is filled with grain; discharge of dried grain occurs via a roller discharge to provide a constant flow of grain.

This results in grain gradually working its way down the drying column, firstly in contact with hot air, then cooling air for the last 2530% of the column. The discharged grain is then both the correct moisture content and temperature for long term storage.

The design of the drier is such that the grain column is completely ledge free reducing dust and chaff residue. The tapered design of the air ducts promote even air flow and ensure uniform drying across the whole grain column.

To find out more about the new Mistral drier and all other products & services in the Perry range contact Perry of Oakley Ltd. on +44 (0)1404 890300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Grain

Standing out in the crowd 11 halls, 700 exhibitors, thousands of visitors… but only one multi-zone control panel at this year’s LAMMA show! ith so much to see at LAMMA ’20, Gibbons Agricultural showcased their newest control panel to help them stand out among the crowd.

Taking centre stage at their bright orange stand, lit up by lights and surrounded by fans and wireless temperature probes, their ultimate no-fuss multi-zone differential temperature control panel drew a lot of attention from visitors.

Why? Because the panel allows users the ability to independently control any number of fans in up to four zones of their grain store.

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Since it is not uncommon for one section of a grain heap to be warmer than others, the ability to set this panel to automatically turn on fans in warmer zones is invaluable and means users can wave goodbye to trudging up their grain heaps to unplug redundant fans or wasting energy by running them unnecessarily!

Gibbons are uniquely placed to manufacture specialist grain storage products like this that meet the demands of their customers, due to their 50 years of engineering experience.

Control panels, for example, have been built by Gibbons for decades for a variety of industries including agricultural. That means

20 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

Gibbons have the expertise to build bespoke panels that exactly meet customer requirements. They can be mobile, wireless, webbased and control any number of fans.

It is not only control panels that Gibbons have enhanced with their engineering expertise and decades of experience working with farmers.

In fact, the full Plug&Cool range of grain storage equipment has been designed to solve the problems faced by farmers postharvest. Pedestals, for example, are constructed from two types of strong twin-wall polymer for durability, while Airspears® feature non-slip handles with extra

leverage and grain fans all come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.

That is why visitors were so interested in visiting Gibbons’ stand at this year’s LAMMA. It is also why their grain fans have been best-sellers all across the UK and Europe for decades and why their Plug&Cool Pedestals sold in record numbers last harvest.

If you did not get the chance to meet the Gibbons Agricultural team at this year’s LAMMA, you can still get in touch with them on 01621 868 138 or email them at fans@gibbonsgroup.co.uk

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| Grain

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February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Livestock

Industry-wide ruminant group to tackle endemic diseases across the UK A new UK-wide cattle and sheep industry group is to be created to speed up progress against endemic diseases and reputational challenges which are costing the cattle and sheep sectors at least £500 million per year. n industry consultation on creating the new group had a strong majority supporting the move in principle, with many believing it will accelerate work to control conditions like liver fluke, mastitis and lameness.

As a result, the new Ruminant Health and Welfare Group (RHWG) will be formed on April 1.

The consultation was facilitated on behalf of the ruminant industry by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Hybu Cig Cymru/Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and Livestock and Meat Commission (Northern Ireland) Rebecca Geraghty, AHDB Chief Technical Officer, said: “The case for change is compelling. Despite a number of worthwhile initiatives and significant progress in some areas to date, endemic diseases in ruminants continue to have a major impact on our industry’s performance and profitability.

“We are in unprecedented times. Due to Brexit and potential changes to both our operating environment and consumer preferences, we face challenges and opportunities which can be better managed by a robust ruminant industry with worldleading health and welfare.

“Reducing the scale and impact of endemic diseases in a meaningful way would build our industry’s resilience in the face of economic challenges such as Brexit. It would also go a significant way to improving our environmental impact.

“In terms of export of meat and dairy, there has been a broad

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recognition that having a high national animal health and welfare status would enable the UK to access more markets.

“The broad agreement from discussions with government, devolved administrations and industry over the past 18 months is that the time is right for a clear, united UK-wide industry voice. This would act as a welcome driver for a simpler, more co-ordinated and more widely committed approach to ruminant health and welfare across all parts of the UK. “We are excited at facilitating and supporting the formation of this new umbrella group and look forward to it making a real difference in ruminant health and welfare to the benefit of everyone involved in livestock farming.”

None of the 60 responses to the consultation disagreed with the principle of improving the health and welfare of all ruminant livestock. There was universal recognition that ‘disease knows no boundaries’ and that discussions on how to accelerate improvement were commendable. There were, however, both common benefits and concerns raised across stakeholder categories, irrespective of whether they agreed or disagreed with the proposal, which the new Group will need to consider.

The RHWG will be an independent industry group, but set-up as a committee under the AHDB operating umbrella to minimise operating costs and governance complexities.

Technical and scientific expertise will be central to its work and will be sought for individual projects as appropriate.

AHDB will provide beef, sheep and dairy levy-funding for RHWG

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to cover the cost of the chair and secretariat. This will predominantly come from the existing AHDB funding for the Cattle Health and Welfare Group (CHAWG) and Sheep Health and Welfare Group (SHAWG), in England. There will be a transition period from 1 April 2020 for these committees to work

alongside the RHWG and agree which workstreams will be transferred and which will close.

The recruitment process to find a chair for RHWG started today.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 20 February. Application details can be found on the AHDB careers portal

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| Livestock

Big changes ahead for the livestock sector For the first time in two generations, UK farming is now operating outside of the European Union. or the beef and sheep sector in particular, the next decade looks set to be a period of massive change as it adjusts to the new circumstances. This is one of the messages Andersons the Farm Business Consultants will be highlighting in their upcoming Spring Seminars.

One of the biggest challenges will be the change in support arrangements. Andersons Meadow Farm model highlights how dependent a typical livestock farm is on support payments. The table below shows financial results for the past two years, the current budget for 2019/20, and a forecast for the following year.

‘Meadow Farm’ is a notional 154 hectare (380 acre) beef, sheep and arable holding in the English Midlands. It consists mostly of grassland, with some wheat and barley grown mainly for livestock feed. 40 Ha (100 acres) is rented, the remainder owned. There is a 60 cow spring-calving suckler herd with all progeny being finished, a dairy bull beef enterprise and a 500 ewe breeding flock. It relies mainly on family labour (two full-time people) plus some casual.

The 2019/20 year has seen profitability fall, mainly as a result of low beef prices. However, it can be seen that even in one of the better years such as 2017/18 it is still the BPS plus Stewardship payments that bring the farm into a positive margin. The short-term prospects for profitability for 2020/21 look better due to a forecast increase in beef and cereals prices, plus the fact that support will be unchanged for another year. This does not disguise the fact that, longer-term, changes will have to be made.

Each part of the UK will operate its own farm support policy post-Brexit. But in England it has been clearly set out that the BPS will be

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phased to zero by 2028 to be replaced by Environmental Land Management (ELM) payments. Even if the total budget remains the same (and by 2028 it seems likely it will have declined), the profit generated will be very different. At present the BPS is almost all ‘profit’ apart from the small cost of application

and standards that the UK chooses to impose (or not) on imports form the rest of the world has received less attention. In the beef market, this will be equally important.

The Seminars look wider than just Brexit however. The red meat sector is facing increasing challenges on climate change

‘Meadow Farm’ is a notional 154 hectare (380 acre) beef, sheep and arable holding in the English Midlands. It consists mostly of grassland, with some wheat and barley grown mainly for livestock feed.

40 Ha (100 acres) is rented, the remainder owned. There is a 60 cow spring-calving suckler herd with all progeny being finished, a dairy bull beef enterprise and a 500 ewe breeding flock. It relies mainly on family labour (two full-time people) plus some casual.

and compliance. ELM will only pay for public goods and there will be a cost to farmers to deliver these. Thus, profit from support will be lower.

Aside from support, the livestock sector could face a much-changed trading environment for beef and lamb after Brexit. The focus has been on what trade arrangements might be concluded with the EU over the next 11 months, and this will be crucial to many markets, not least lamb. However, the tariffs

issues and consumer expectations.

Addressing these topics will be key if there is to be a healthy livestock sector over the next decade.

Andersons Spring Seminars are running at thirteen venues around Great Britain in February and March, looking at the prospects for UK agriculture in greater detail. For more information please go to www.theandersonscentre.co.uk/Seminars

Make the most of "decent outlook" for lamb in 2020 Until a UK-EU trade agreement is reached, tariff-free exports to the EU and demand from China for New Zealand and Australian lambs present a "decent outlook" for farmers who can maximise their 2020 lamb crop. This is how Mike Gooding, a director at the farmer-owned lamb processor-exporter Farmers First, sees it. et Elizabeth Berry of Animax says this clearly means farmers will want to focus on maximising several factors: "These include lambing percentage, ewe and lamb health, and efficiency converting grass into growth," she says. "But all of these can be held back by under-par trace element status, even at sub-clinical levels.

"Pre- and post-lambing, the critical ones are selenium, iodine, cobalt and, on some but not all farms, copper. If just one is lacking, this can impact on health and performance."

To address this risk, Elizabeth Berry reports an increasing number of farmers opting for a 180-day "trickle charge" of micronutrients

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offered by leaching bolus technology.

"Timing is flexible," she says, "typically four to six weeks before lambing, then repeated six months later. Lambs gain too, of course, as a result of trace element enriched milk.

"In this post-election honeymoon period before either a new Agriculture Bill is passed or an EU-withdrawal trade agreement reached, getting ewes fine-tuned now for robust health, high milk production and optimal forage efficiency makes sound business sense."

Leaching bolus technology, unique to Animax and trademarked Tracesure, is designed for consistent, slow release of trace elements at a regulated rate. The company's livestock specialists are available to farmers for free advice.

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Livestock

Updated advice on moxidectin 2% a result of constructive discussion between SCOPS and leading animal health company Following a joint workshop, SCOPS is delighted to have worked with Zoetis Animal Health to release updated advice on the use of moxidectin, and particularly the 2% injectable formulation. he work with Zoetis was borne out of concern by both parties about reports of potential overuse, in particular as a treatment for ewes at lambing, coupled with an increase in the prevalence of moxidectin resistance in the UK. Speaking on behalf of SCOPS, Lesley Stubbings says: “Constructive discussions between Zoetis and SCOPS agreed that the priority must be to preserve moxidectin both as an anthelmintic for worms and a treatment for sheep scab. In order to do this, the sheep industry must prescribe moxidectin responsibly, by applying the SCOPS principles.

“In practice, this means sheep farmers working with whoever prescribes their anthelmintic, be it their vet or SQP, to avoid over and/or unnecessary use of moxidectin, ensuring the treatment is always given at the right dose rate and administered correctly and allowing some worms to remain unexposed to the treatment.”

Prescribers are therefore reminded of the following SCOPS principles:-

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Year on year use of moxidectin in ewes around lambing is unadvisable in any flock.

Simply rotating with other wormer groups within a season is not enough.

If ewes are treated with moxidectin, some must be left untreated. It is essential to leave at least 1 in 10 of the ewes untreated (and preferably more than that) and these need to be spread between different grazing mobs. It is not enough to simply leave singles as they may be grazed in separate fields to twins. Use body condition as a guide with the fittest ewes left untreated.

Moxidectin 2% should not be used more than once in any flock in any one year. In practice, this means that if moxidectin 2% is used in ewes at lambing then moxidectin should not be used again in that flock in the same season.

Where moxidectin 2% has been used in ewes to suppress the spring rise then it should not be used to treat sheep scab (or vice versa).

An OP plunge dip is an appropriate alternative to treat scab.

Check the dose rate and administration

method. Underdosing remains a major risk factor in the development of anthelmintic resistance. Sheep farmers should know the weight of their sheep and dose to the heaviest (if a wide range of weights is expected, batch and dose accordingly). The correct technique for administration and maintenance / calibration of equipment is also vital.

Ms Stubbings continues: “SCOPS is also very pleased to have agreed with Zoetis that further work is required in this area – specifically assessment of the risk posed by the passing of moxidectin from lactating ewes to their lambs via milk – and also the possible role of moxidectin 2% in slowing the development of anthemintic resistance to other molecules. Both of these are very important and we hope both areas of work can be progressed positively.”

SCOPS urges prescribers and sheep farmers to find out more at www.scops.org.uk/internalparasites/worms/choosing-a-product, where they will be able to find a full statement for from SCOPS and Zoetis, and proceedings from the workshop where this topic was discussed.

Newbury Straw Sale shows improving market High stocks of fodder and the mild winter had subdued the Hay and Straw markets, but some good prices were achieved at the 69th January Newbury Hay and Straw sale held on Thursday 23rd January. uctioneer John Read, associate partner at Carter Jonas, took the rostrum at Newbury Rugby Club to oversee 2,400 tonnes go under the hammer.

Timing of the sale coincided with an improving trade for straw.

Continuing wet weather has prevented winter drilling of cereals in some parts of the UK, putting pressure on straw merchants ahead of next year’s harvest.

John Read, associate partner, Carter Jonas, said: “There was a large crowd of bidders, with those from the South West and Wales coming in strongest. This is fairly normal, as these areas are strong on livestock farming but weaker on the arable enterprises that produce straw for animal bedding and feed.

“Barley straw was in demand and averaged the equivalent of £59 per tonne to match the current trade with Church Farms of Porton,

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Salisbury topping the barley trade at the equivalent of £70 a tonne for winter barley.

“Trade for wheat straw was strong and exceeded expectations averaging at £64.50 per tonne equivalent. Top price for wheat straw on the day was £75 per tonne by R Hutt and Partners of Pinkneys Green near Maidenhead with the bright straw destined for an equine yard.”

Read concluded: “Whilst there were few lots of straw unsold, trade for the hay on offer remained subdued with plenty of fodder still available following a bumper harvest. Top prices achieved were for conventional bales of Rye Grass Hay at £100 per tonne equivalent for John Booth of Winterbourne near Newbury.

Averages for hay remained significantly back on last year at £67.25 per tonne.

“Our next sale is on Thursday March 5th and much will depend on the weather in the coming weeks.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

UK beef production standards should be recognised at the point of sale, urges NBA Traceability and nutritional values must be clear to consumers. he high beef production standards demonstrated by UK producers must be recognised, maintained and matched by any imported beef products, demands the National Beef Association (NBA), in the wake of concerning developments since the start of the year.

Following the reintroduction of the Agriculture Bill into Parliament in January, amidst calls to recognise the need to encourage the production of food in the UK in an environmentally sustainable way, the NBA is asking for even greater traceability and nutritional values to be demonstrated at the point of sale.

“During the month of January alone, we have seen the arrival of many new ‘no-meat’ product ranges, with misleading labelling and little reflection of equivalent nutritional values,” explains NBA chairman Andrew Laughton.

“We see the example across the Channel, led by French producers, whereby non-meatbased products must clearly be identified and labelled as such. This faux-meat branding ban

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means producers using terms such as ‘steak’, ‘sausage’ or ‘burger’ for food free of animal products will face hefty fines, yet we are seeing major high-street food retailers in the UK bringing out more ranges such as ‘vegan-steak bakes’,” he adds.

“The Greggs vegan steak bake, for example, is made using Quorn pieces, which are actually made from a fungus, thus making the claim of a ‘steak bake’ spurious at best, and I would suggest that most consumers are unaware that it is effectively derived from a mould,” continues Mr Laughton. “To me, this smacks of a whole movement piggybacking on the ethical, traceable and trusted food source provided by the UK beef industry, and undermines the nutritional values of red meat.”

The NBA believes that stronger measures should be enforced for labelling and branding of products, as UK beef farmers continue to provide safe, traceable and nutritious food, produced to the highest standards of animal welfare, environment protection and food safety in the world.

“We could also point to carbon footprint

Andrew Laughton

labelling,” adds Mr Laughton. “With Boris Johnson welcoming beef imports from Uganda in a post-Brexit pledge to Ugandan farmers, it is crucial we focus on the environmental contribution and welfare standards of homeproduced beef products.

“We also see the environmental impact in the production of certain faux-meat food products, but where is this demonstrated on the shop shelves?” he asks.

Clearer labelling of product content and source of origin will help provide consumers with the information to make an informed choice on the foods they purchase, based on nutritional values and traceability.

10th anniversary of Great British Beef Week Ladies in Beef - a group of more than 150 female beef farmers from across the UK - will be championing British beef and British beef farmers during Great British Beef Week, which runs from April 23-30. he group was formed to help drive awareness of the quality and versatility of British beef to consumers using a countrywide network of dynamic lady beef producers," said Ladies in Beef co-founder and Devon farmer Jilly Greed.

"All of our 'LIBs' are British beef farmers and proud of it! Ten years on, the importance of promotion has never been more critical. We are asking the whole supply chain to really get behind Great British Beef Week this year to fly the flag and champion our home-produced product."

Jilly is a fourth-generation farmer from Devon's Exe Valley. She said: "British livestock is produced to some of the highest welfare standards in the world. Here, our suckler beef herds are vital for landscape management, in order to maintain the critical carbon sink for damaging greenhouse gases. Great British Beef Week gives us a tremendous opportunity to bang the drum for our wonderful beef farmers."

This will be the 10th anniversary of the annual campaign and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) is again the campaign's charity partner. R.A.B.I is farming's oldest and largest charity and provides financial support, practical care and guidance to farming people of all ages. It's estimated that Great British Beef Week has already helped generate £90,000 for R.A.B.I since the charity first became involved in the campaign, so this year's fundraising target is £10k in order to break through the £100k mark.

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Left to right, Laura Ractliffe, R.A.B.I South Central Regional Manager, Minette Batters, President of the NFU and Jilly Greed, Ladies in Beef co-founder.

Ladies in Beef co-founder and NFU President Minette Batters believes beef farmers must engage with consumers to communicate key messages on quality and farm assurance.

She said: "Ladies in Beef is entirely a voluntary organisation. Very soon after formation we quickly discovered how we could help influence consumer trust in our product, where the public could relate to nurturing, cooking and caring for the family alongside raising livestock to high production standards. It's such an achievement to reach a 10th anniversary as well as raise

thousands of pounds for the vital work of R.A.B.I." Ladies in Beef support the Red Tractor mark, promoting farm assured quality meat. All beef carrying the Red Tractor logo can be traced back to the farms the livestock came from.

To find out more about Great British Beef Week and how you can get involved go to www. ladiesinbeef.org.uk To donate to R.A.B.I go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/gbbw2020

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Livestock

VikingGenetics’ female genomic testing now available in the UK VikingGenetics is expanding its range of services with the launch of female genomic testing and corrective mating packages. he services promise to offer the United Kingdom (UK) dairy producers the benefits which have helped earn Nordic dairy cattle their reputation as both the healthiest and highest producers of fat plus protein in the world.

The genomic testing service will not only provide UK producers with an overall economic index with which to rank the youngstock in their herds. It will also provide genomic figures for over 40 different traits, including unique VikingGenetics indexes, such as hoof health and general health.

The genomic testing service will also help producers make better decisions about which females to rear, to inseminate to sexed semen or breed to beef. It will allow them to see how their cattle rank on the economic index, Nordic Total Merit (NTM).

Alongside genomic testing comes the launch of VikingGenetics’ corrective mating service. Called VikMate, the service will enable producers to quickly and easily identify bulls which complement each animal in their herd. The service will help minimise inbreeding and avoid undesirable recessive genes.

A particular innovation of the mating service is its flexibility. This allows farmers to use a predefined genetic index or to customise their own to meet their specific breeding goals. These could be to maximise milk price under their particular payment structure or to focus on issues in

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need of correction within their herd.

“VikingGenetics has been selling cattle semen in the UK for over 10 years and we are delighted our bulls now feature highly on the UK’s national rankings for all of the major dairy breeds,” says Kenneth Byskov, Senior Project Manager at VikingGenetics. “To us, it is a logical extension that we introduce services which will help our customers make the best use of these genetics within their herds. It is also notable that the breeding programmes in our respective countries have never been more similar.”

Matthew Stott, Director at VikingGenetics UK Ltd, adds: “We are all striving to produce an efficient, sustainable cow with innate good health and resistance to disease which produces high quality milk.”

VikingGenetics is a farmer cooperative spanning Denmark, Sweden and Finland which has had a long-term focus on breeding for health. Driven by a highly regulated veterinary framework and a requirement to minimise the use of medicines, the co-operative leads the way on improving many health and related traits through genetic improvement.

In the Holstein breed, VikingGenetics boasts three of the top 10 daughter fertility improvers in the highly competitive UK and international proven bull ranking.

For the Ayrshire/Red and Jersey breeds, the co-operative completely dominates with eight and nine out of 10 respectively in

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Above left: VR Tundra daughter no 931 Newton from Torttila Annamari ja Tuomo_Hämeenlinna

Above right: VH Dent RC daughter no 31472-8114 from Gaardsted Højgaard IS_Løgstør

the breed rankings for the UK’s Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI).

“The UK’s £PLI and NTM have extremely similar formulae,” adds Mr Stott. “Both indexes reward

milk quality, fertility, health and efficiency and help raise a herd’s profits through breeding.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

A winning combination Wessex International’s award winning BFR-180 modular feeding and Crossfire bedding machine is 100% British product, and is effectively two machines in one. You can save as much as 20% on feed bills, feeding round bales, and spread without chopping and with minimal dust. s a bale feeder, the BFR-180 can feed round bales of hay, haylage, straw and silage from either side and only requires one tractor or telehandler to operate.

Maintenance is low with only four grease points and no

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electrics. Fit the Crossfire straw spreader attachment and bedding and feeding can be undertaken with the same machine, bed from one side and feed off the other.

What’s more, unlike conventional straw choppers it spreads the straw in its baled length with minimal dust and projectiles and up to ten metres. This is good for

the health of the stock and increases the effective life span of the bedding area.

Should you want high level feeding into a trough or manger you simply attach the Wessex Sidewinder to the BFR-180 and you’re able to extend to the left while leaving the right free to feed or bed with the Crossfire. The

unique combination system of the Wessex BFR-180 really is something that needs to be seen in operation and Wessex say they are booking demonstrations now, so it’s a good time to see the award winning combination work.

Wessex International 01264 345870 www.wessexintl.com

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Forestry

Agriforest focuses on smaller projects to increase revenue Agriforest, a forestry management company has a trajectory of growing their annual revenues by a fifth due to benefiting from a niche market focusing on smaller scale work. griforest specialises in timber harvesting for farms and estates with small to medium sized woodland areas. Most larger operators tend to stick to large scale work, therefore Agriforest is the perfect solution as they are able to harvest and market timber from rough and inaccessible terrain on a smaller scale.

Agriforest have generated a turnover of more than £1.3 million year to June which is due to increase by another 15-20% by the end of the year.

Owner and Director of Agriforest, Douglas Mathison comments: “We are making smaller jobs on farms and estates more financially

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attractive than they otherwise would have been. Many farm and estate owners are not aware of the benefits of timber harvesting and it is our job to inform them.”

Agriforest have generated a turnover of more than £1.3 million year to June which is due to increase by another 15 20% by the end of the year Mathison aims to make the business even more dependable by preparing an in-house forestry ground preparation team by the end of 2019 to increase quality of service so they can keep a hands-on approach while the business continues to grow.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Irrigation

Too much water or too little?

Early in 2019 we were worried about having too little water and by the summer we had too much. We are experiencing one of the wettest winters on record with extensive flooding of farmland taking up much of the news headlines.

Droughts seems a distant memory, though we know from experience the risk is ever present. Welcome to the unpredictable nature of irrigation farming in England. new National Water Framework Besides the vagaries of the English weather, irrigators have a raft of issues to contend with.

Firstly, Defra is launching a National Water Framework which divides England into five different regions from a water resources perspective and has tasked each one to produce long-term plans for water supply and demand across all sectors. Previous planning was around domestic water supply but this time all sectors are include and for us this means agriculture and irrigation. Perhaps not so important in the north and west, but building in drought resilience and irrigation needs into future plans will be vitally important in the eastern and southern regions, which are among the driest in the country. This is an integrated approach to water resources management (IWRM). Water scarcity is now changing the way we think about water efficiency and water users can no longer make decisions in isolation, each needs to consult with other water users and find equitable ways of sharing what is available. This is not just a UK problem, IWRM is taking hold in most countries and so we have opportunities to share and learn from the experiences of others.

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Integrating at a local level Defra’s plans for greater focus on catchment-scale water management through collaborative working continues apace with several priority catchments now selected, 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 for irrigator to get involved in this process before other decide on the rules of engagement which may not be to abstractors’ liking.

The Environment Bill The long-promised Environment Bill is likely to be in parliament this year. This may bring significant changes to farming. For abstractors there is the worry of changing abstraction rights without compensation if taking water is deemed to be damaging the water environment. There is the possibility of removing headroom volume when abstractors regularly use less than their licensed volume. This could prove disastrous for irrigating farmers. Who ever heard of

planning for future dry seasons based on the average abstraction over a run of wet summers. What nonsense.

Upcoming events for irrigators Lots more to discuss among irrigators, like real-time river-flow monitoring to provide more flexibility for abstractors, should we blame water shortages on climate change, and are we literally beginning to eat ourselves out of water?

The UK Irrigation Association will be discussing all these issues at their spring conference in Peterborough on 5th March. Top class speakers include Simon Moody, who leads on water resources planning for the

Environment Agency, Barry Bendall from The Rivers Trust, Lindsay Hargreaves for a farmer perspective, and Mike Muller our invited guest speaker from South Africa. Mike is an internationally renowned hydrologist; he is passionate about IWRM and urges people to stop blaming climate change for water scarcity. In true S Africa style, he speaks plainly and describes water users as either lions or hyenas! So which one are you? Join us and hear what he thinks about our water sector. Members and nonmembers welcome. More info at www.ukia.org Melvyn Kay Exec Secretary, UK Irrigation Association

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Irrigation

Greencrop pump sets for drip irrigation Greencrop have introduced a new range of budget irrigation pump sets, including economy diesel engines and irrigation pumps that will drive a single hose reel irrigator fitted with either a rain gun or boom, also for increased use of drip or tape irrigation, where existing pump sets on the market are over capacity for these applications.

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e can offer two models, the GCEP51WIR and GCEP75WIR, both with bunded tanks and control panels

as standard.

The GCEP51WIR unit is powered by a water cooled Perkins 404D22 (TIER 111) 51hp 4 cylinder with a Rovatti F43K8090/3E pump, which is ideal for running drip or tape irrigation but still be able to run one irrigator.

The pump sets have a complete fully covered acoustic cabinet Standard specification: • At 2200 rpm: 66 m3/h - 89m • At 2000 rpm: 66 m3/h – 69m • At 1750 rpm: 66m3/h – 48m • Control box model Elcos CEM250 (standard control & protection) • Flow switch • Manual priming pump • Delivery butterfly valve • Roof to protect the engine from rain • Special bunded chassis internal capacity 800 liters • Lockable fuel cap • Wheels 11.5/80 with mudguards The GCEP75WIR unit is powered by a water cooled Iveco F32MNSX00.00 (TIER 111A) 75hp 4 cylinder engine direct coupled to a Caprari MEC-MR 65-2/4A 1 centrifugal multiple-stage pump with horizontal shaft (Q: 64.67 m³/h H: 109 m).

Optional extras for both pump sets are: • Suction and delivery fittings • Electric primer • Acoustic lockable engine cabinet. 73db @ 7m • GSM control.

These pumps stand alongside our renowned main irrigation pump sets 125hp and 170hp. The Iveco 4 cylinder 125hp turbo engine unit has proved to be a very good choice with good engine torque and fuel efficiency.

The pump sets have a complete fully covered acoustic cabinet and

has had an official sound test with a decibel reading of 72db at 1 metre. The side doors open to gain total non-interference of the engine and pump, plus a front storage compartment.

Greencrop have also had a successful time with the Elite irrigator from Irrimec designed with the professional grower in mind.

The attention to detail starts with each machine being steel shot blasted, then painted in epoxy anti-corrosive primer, with a final coat of oven baked polyurethane paint for a superb long lasting finish. Trolleys are hot galvanized The drum is driven from a cut gear ring positioned on the outer diameter of the drum. Unlike a chain drive, the hose drum is driven by a low-torque gear drive, which is positive and low wearing.

The new Dosicontrol pro computer has built in GSM, ability to record hours worked and water used among other diagnostics.

The chassis’ are constructed of large steel frames using a 5mm thick box section. The hydraulic legs are 50% larger with built-in internal rams for improved weather resistance and are designed to exert a central push against the drum for added stability. It is supplied with a full hydraulic system with the control levers now mounted on its own adjustable stand at the front of the machine.

The hose guide has not one but four metal bearing rollers guiding the hose onto the drum. Gun trolleys are self-pivoting, have been made 50% stronger.

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For further details contact howard@greencrop.co.uk or check our website

www.greencrop.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Irrigation

50 years of Bauer hardware, systems and technology development behind every Rainstar reel irrigator For more than five decades, Bauer has been at the forefront of irrigation equipment design and technology as the leading supplier Worldwide of machines to keep crops watered efficiently, even in the most challenging of environments. he hose reel system developed

by Bauer around 50 years ago has been improved, refined and expanded in terms of scale and capacity into today’s comprehensive Rainstar range, comprising almost 130 individual model variations to suit small- and large-scale crop irrigation requirements alike.

At one end of the scale, the Rainstar A series for horticulture and sports or amenity areas is available with fixed and turntable reels, and uses a compact drive turbine and gearbox assembly with interchangeable nozzles that enable operators to achieve efficient drive with different water supply flow rates

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and pressures.

Next up is the Rainstar T series, a compact range of universal reel irrigators with integrated hydraulic leg supports, a two-wheel chassis with adjustable wheel track, and the energy-saving TVR 18 and TVR 20 drive turbines operating through a Bauer four-speed gearbox.

At the top end of the performance scale, the Bauer professional Rainstar E series covers a wide range of highperformance outputs, culminating in the E55 XL that can cover up to 7.7ha per run and twice that area over two runs carried out by rotating the turntable reel from a central position in the field.

High pulling force – up to 40% greater than with some irrigation reels – is generated by Bauer’s top-

of-the-range and highly-efficient TVR 60 radial water turbine, working in conjunction with a four-speed gearbox, a 1½ in drive chain and large diameter laser cut sprocket.

The 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.

In combination with the computer control system installed, the variable water nozzle maintains a constant hose retraction speed from the beginning to the end of the strip.

This robust hardware, which includes a fully galvanised chassis and Bauer’s own PE pipe with high tensile strength and shape stability, is operated through cutting-edge electronic control and monitoring systems, including the Ecostar 4300 and 6000 on-board controllers, and Bauer’s SmartRain online irrigation management system.

SmartRain overcomes potential gaps in irrigation team communications by providing anyone overseeing irrigator deployment with immediate access to the progress of irrigation sessions on an office computer or on the SmartRain mobile device App. One of the key benefits of SmartRain is that reel moves can be anticipated, scheduled and handled in timely manner; similarly, with alerts actively issued whenever any problems arise, remedial action can be taken promptly to minimise downtime and disruption to irrigation schedules.

“Remote monitoring of our

Rainstar irrigators and diesel pumps can save growers and managers a lot of time while bringing greater efficiency to the management of these systems,” says Adrian Tindall, Bauer UK & Ireland sales manager.

“It also enables managers to focus on other tasks safe in the knowledge that their irrigation systems are being monitored at all times while also recording valuable information through the documentation feature.”

This element of SmartRain automatically saves water usage records and details of individual irrigation system operations, providing data on soil conditions, soil moisture levels, and the size and shape of different fields, and enabling managers to optimise water-use while minimising operating costs.

SmartRain requires a solarpowered GPS controller, mounted on the chassis of a Rainstar reel irrigator or the Universal PRO-G control unit on the central tower of a centre-pivot system, while the App is available for both Apple iOS and Android mobile devices.

“On farms with multiple irrigators, status reports from all machines can be received by whoever is in overall charge to help organise day-to-day operation of irrigation equipment and staff,” explains Adrian Tindall.

“But to avoid information overload amongst individual team members, their App can be set to receive status messages only from the particular machines they look after; a lot of time can be saved from simply knowing which of several irrigators will finish next and when.”

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Muck & Slurry

Purpose built tanker displayed at LAMMA 2020 A particular feature of Hi-Spec tankers is the option to be able to have a tanker purpose designed and built to meet the customer’s specific needs, and just such a tanker was on display on the Hi-Spec stand at LAMMA in January. he high specification HiSpec 3500 TD-S tanker has a capacity of 3,500 gallons (15,911 litres). This comes as standard with a sprung drawbar and commercial 150x150 sprung parabolic tandem axles, complete with a forced steering rear axle, which have been fitted with 710/50 R26.5 Nokian

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Country King tyres.

The customer has also specified 420x180 load sensing air brakes, a bolt-on ball type hitch and central greasing point for the rear axle. To keep turnaround time to a minimum, they have also opted for a 6-inch autofill system, with a 10-inch overhead emptying funnel complete with a 6-inch breather valve.. The tanker has also been fitted with a wide-angle Walterscheid PTO shaft,

32 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

lockable toolbox, bolt-on galvanised mudguards, rear LED lights, work lights and strobe flashing beacon.

The range of injection and application booms available for use with Hi-Spec tankers includes the AgQuip range of trailing shoe and dribble bar applicators, Vogelsang dribble bars and Bomech disc injectors and trailing shoe systems.

Also available is the latest Vogelsang Blackbird 12-meter

trailing shoe, which was launched at Agritechnica and received an award from the DLG who organise the show. The new design provides precise application thanks to the optimised position of the distributor heads and new design of the skids, resulting in a coefficient of variation of less than 2% in tests. www.hispec.net

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| Muck & Slurry

New self propelled slurry applicator debut The new Vervaet Hydro Trike 5x5 received its UK launch at LAMMA 2020 earlier this month. ith drive to all fivewheels, including the extended midwheels, it minimises ground pressure whilst achieving maximum traction and output. The new Trike was joined on the J Riley Beet Harvesters

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(UK) Ltd stand by an example of the latest Vervaet Q-616 beet harvester, and both machines received considerable interest from Lamma visitors.

“It was an extremely useful show,” comments Riley’s sales specialist Nathan Carter. “People really liked seeing the Hydro Trike

5x5, and our recently launched beet chaser was also a big talking point. It was great to put faces to names of those customers I’d not yet met in person, and also to reconnect with previous contacts.”

“We think Lamma is the place to be,” says managing director Jeremy Riley. “It’s the UK’s version

of Agritechnica and Sima, and whilst it costs I think it’s worthwhile. It was a very good show and it’s now one of our most important events, along with our own biennial working demonstration which will be held again next year.”

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Muck & Slurry

Contracting trailer offers one tractor, one man umbilical system

A new umbilical pump trailer offers contractors and farmers the potential to save time and money by only requiring one tractor and one operator. esigned and manufactured by Tramspread, the Suffolk based slurry specialists, the pump trailer is used by its contracting division to reduce manpower and cover the highest acreage using just one tractor. Laurence Baker from Tramspread explains: “We used this trailer to spread 300,000 cubic metres of slurry and digestate in 2019. It has proven easy to use and reliable, so we have started producing trailers to order. Technology offers time and money- saving options to farmers and we believe that this trailer will be a valuable tool to contractors like us in the future.”

Unique to the design is an SIL remote control that Mr Baker and his team have helped

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to design. This, combined with pressure sensors and a flowmeter, allows the entire umbilical system to be accurately operated and monitored by just one man. Fitted with Tramspread’s Raven Box mapping and recording technology, the unit can also report the areas treated and the quantity of slurry utilised. “The combination of knowing the speed of flow and being able to control it remotely is key to the time and equipment savings this trailer offers. The unit also keeps a record of the slurry utilised so operators can measure how effective each application is and improve distribution in the future,” says Mr Baker.

The contractor pump trailer is powered by a 175 horsepower Iveco engine coupled to a

Bauer SX2000 pump which is capable of pumping up to 300 cubic metres per hour depending on distance and hose diameter. The long drawbar enables an applicator, such as a dribble bar, to be carried on the tractor’s rear three-point linkage while towing the trailer.

Up to 2,000 metres of drag hose is carried on two galvanised detachable spools located at the front of the trailer, while a further 1,000 metres is carried on the tractors front 3-point linkage via a powerful twin hydraulic drive reeler, giving a total system capacity of 3,000 metres. Over the twin sprung high-speed axles there is a large 900 litre fuel tank. Mounted over the fuel tank is a compressor which is also remote controlled and a suction hose loading area with two large toolboxes.

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| Muck & Slurry

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February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Energy

New land use report urges increase of bioenergy crops in the UK The UK should increase its use of bioenergy crops to deliver carbon savings, according to a progressive new report issued by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) published on 23rd January. he report, entitled “Land use: Policies for a net zero UK” states that expanding biomass crops by around 23,000 hectares each year would deliver 2MtCO2e emissions savings in the land sector and an extra 11 MtCO2e from the harvested biomass when used for construction or bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), for example.

The report calls for additional measures to support the UK bioenergy market, in the form of low interest loans during crop establishment and for intermediaries such as Miscanthus specialist Terravesta to deliver training and raise awareness of the financial benefits that the crop can deliver.

According to one of the scientists cited in the report, John Clifton Brown, project leader for the Miscanthus breeding programme at Aberystwyth University, Miscanthus is a key part of the overall mix of land-based measures.

“We’re involved with research and development which looks at different types of technologies to ensure that Miscanthus at field and commercial

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scale is sustainable and profitable for farmers.

Valuable end-uses are evolving, which will build on the existing demand.”

Terravesta chairman, William Cracroft-Eley, is encouraged by the new recommendations.

“The report sets out a positive, challenging but achievable pathway for a substantial and essential contribution towards UK Net Zero 2050 targets, with exciting co-benefits to health, wellbeing and British economy.

“From us all, it calls for a reduction of 20% in our consumption of lamb, beef and dairy products. This is not a headlong dash to enforced veganism, but a move towards (not even achievement of) current health guidelines, with knock-on benefits around obesity, heart disease, cancer, immobility and the always-toolimited resource of our health services, days lost through illness.”

William explains that it also calls for us all to act to reduce the 13.6 million tonnes of food waste that we currently generate annually.

“From landowners, occupiers and land managers of the 19 million ha of agricultural land, it calls for a land use re-allocation from

the grassland and arable sectors of just c. 2 million ha into forestry and bioenergy crops to sequester carbon, and in the case of crops such as Miscanthus, to improve soil health, generate renewable energy and form the basis for ‘long-lived bio-based products’.

“This area would fall within the land area released from a reduction in our cattle and sheep population of just 10% by 2050 (compared with a 20% reduction from 1997 to 2017) in order to meet the suggested dietary change. It also calls for more carbon and environmentally sensitive and efficient farming practices to ensure that we do not export our emissions via food imports,” says William.

“Doing nothing is doing the wrong thing, for certain. Isn’t it about time we embrace the positive new direction shown by the CCC and rise to and prosper nationally from the opportunities and challenges that entails?”

Adds William.

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| Energy

ETW Energietechnik: Two CHP units with SCR catalysts Overall efficiency now 85 percent + + + CHP already equipped with SCR catalysts for 2023. he Rems-Murr waste management company in Backnang-Neuschöntal in Baden- Württemberg has two new energy-efficient combined heat and power plants in which methane from biogas plants is co-incinerated.

From 2023 onwards, they will emit five times less nitrogen oxide than today.

On 23 October 2019, two new combined heat and power (CHP) plants of the municipal waste management company Rems-Murr (AWRM) went into operation in BacknangNeuschöntal. They were built by the company ETW Energietechnik GmbH from Moers in North Rhine-Westphalia. For the renewal, the two old gas engines of the waste management company were replaced after 65,000 operating hours and more than eight years of operation.

This resulted in a leap in efficiency, which is essentially based on the installation of the larger, more powerful gas engines as well as the further developed gas engine technology. In addition, fuel savings are achieved by using the residual methane content in the fermentation residue exhaust air.

ETW Energietechnik took a step-by-step approach to this: First the used CHP engines with 800 kilowatts (kW) each were dismantled.

At the same place the company ins- talled two new larger gas engines with an electrical output of 1560 and 1200 kilowatts. These are each container CHP units, i.e. the power plants fit into a special container measuring 14 by 3.2 by 3 metres.

First of all, there is the container CHP „ETW 1560 BG“ with a gas genset MWM TCG 2020 V16 (electrical output: 1560 kW, thermal output: 1528 kW, fuel input: 3683 kW). The second is the container CHP „ETW 1200 BG“ with a gas aggregate MWM TCG 2020 V12 (electrical output: 1200 kW, thermal output: 1153 kW, fuel input: 2804 kW).

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Retrofitting for NOx reduction In 2022, ETW Energietechnik will retrofit the two combined heat and power plants so that they can comply with the limit value for nitrogen oxides of 100 mg/m3 from 2023 onwards Compared with the old gensets, the changeover increases the electrical efficiency by almost 1.6 percentage points: Whereas the used CHP units had an electrical efficiency of 40.4 percent, this now amounts to 42 percent.

The overall efficiency of the plant increases slightly to 85 percent.

The heat utilisation concept contributes significantly to this high figure. The waste heat from the block-type thermal power stations is used to heat the fermenters and the operating building. The excess waste heat is then made available to the city of Backnang for drying sewage sludge.

A further leap in efficiency is achieved by a special feature of the plant: fermentation residue exhaust air is added to the combustion

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air of the gas engines. Although this exhaust air has too low a methane content (less than 1.75 percent) for it to be used directly in a gas engine, the plant is able to use it in a gas engine. However, by mixing it into the combustion air, the low methane content is made usable. This has a further advantage: This methane content in the combustion air does not have to be supplied via the biogas pipe and can therefore be saved on the biogas side. „This was the first time that we have equipped an ETW plant in this way“, reports Alexander Szabo. The engineer is the responsible sales manager at ETW Energietechnik. The municipal waste management company hopes that this exchange will enable it to make CHP operation more variable in the future due to the higher engine output while maintaining the same gas quantities during the day. In addition, the waste management company is expecting an increase in the amount of electricity fed into the public grid.

For the pilot project, the fermentation residue exhaust air extracted from the liquid fertilizer storage tanks and the sedimentation tank of the biogas plant is cleaned by a gas washer-dryer and then fed into the combustion air supply of the gas engines. To avoid an ignitable mixture in the combustion air, the fermentation residue exhaust air freed from hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is continuously monitored by means of a gas analysis.

The system update is sustainable in that two expected changes in legislation in Germany are already being fulfilled: - One is the use of residual methane in the fermentation residue exhaust air to prevent the greenhouse gas from escaping. This system was designed by the planning company Ingenieurgruppe RUK GmbH from Stuttgart.

- It has already been decided that CHP plants from 2023 may not emit more than 100 milligrams of nitrogen oxides (NOx) per cubic meter. Currently, this upper limit is 500 mg/m3.

These values apply in each case at a residual oxygen content of five percent. This is stated in the Ordinance on Medium-Sized Combustion, Gas Turbine and Inter- nal Combustion Engine Installations, the 44th Federal Immission Control Ordinance (44th BImSchV), which was updated in June 2019.

In order to avoid later, costly retrofitting of the exhaust system, both cogeneration plants have therefore already been equipped with modern nitrogen oxide catalytic converters. The catalytic elements are mounted on a ceramic carrier. This SCR technology – SCR stands for „Selected Catalytic Reduction“ – is the only technology for reducing the amount of sick oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas of the gas engine. The nitrogen oxi- des in the exhaust gas are composed of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

To reduce nitrogen oxides, Adblue must be injected into the exhaust system - this mixture has a urea content of 32.5 percent. The high exhaust gas temperature converts Adblue into ammonia. The ammonia reacts with the nitrogen oxides on the catalytic surface of the

catalyst elements with the following reaction formula: 4NO + 4NH3 + O2 4N2 + 6H2O ETW Energietechnik has already installed some of the SCR catalytic converter elements.

These reduce - even without urea injection formaldehyde in the exhaust gas.

Formaldehyde (CH2O) is converted into water and CO2. The complete SCR catalytic converter system including urea injection will not go into operation until 2023. In order to comply with the stricter limits, only minor retrofitting is then required due to the modern exhaust gas cleaning system (see below).

Following the award of the contract for the new CHP plants, ETW Energietechnik GmbH was also awarded the contract for the extension of the waste fermentation plant. This includes the entire process, measurement and control technology. The scope of supply also includes the gas wash drying plant for the fermentation residue exhaust air.

Retrofitting for NOx reduction In 2022, ETW Energietechnik will retrofit the two combined heat and power plants so that they can comply with the limit value for nitrogen oxides of 100 mg/m3 from 2023 onwards: A urea tank, the stainless steel piping between urea tank and injection, a suction line into the gas engine and a urea dosing device are still needed. This requires an air compressor, pressure and temperature sensors, nitrogen oxide and oxygen sensors upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter. For this purpose, the catalyst housing is completely equipped with catalyst elements.

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Energy

Farmers are key drivers in the transition to ‘net zero’ emissions Farming causes around 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions and reaching ‘net zero’ is now top priority, with a new range of incentives likely to feature heavily in future agricultural policy. armers will play a significant part in the replacement of fossil-derived fuels with lowcarbon or carbon-negative alternatives. Not only is this crucial for the environment, with agriculture presenting a big part of the solution to the supply of renewable heating fuels, it’s profitable.

Farmers and landowners wanting to find out more about sustainable diversification opportunities are urged to attend Energy and Rural Business Show, taking place in the East of England Arena on 3- 4 March 2020.

Speaking at the event, Jonathan Scurlock, NFU chief adviser, renewable energy and climate change, believes that now is a key time for farmers to look at diversifying their income with a wide range of activities that contribute towards net zero.

“We need to create more ways to remove CO2 from the atmosphere,” says Jonathan.

Referencing the recently launched ‘Achieving net zero by 2040’ NFU proposal, he explains that farmers need access to a multiplicity of forms of carbon finance, benefiting from the provision of 'negative emissions' as a public good, alongside climate-friendly agricultural production.

“The ways of doing this include linking crop production to carbon-negative power stations and anaerobic digestion (AD) plants that recycle or store their CO2 emissions. There’s also scope to use non-food crops such as hemp and Miscanthus as the raw materials for bio-based products made of bio-fibres and bioplastics, while the renewable CO2 from AD plants could be captured as a feedstock and turned into synthetic fuels and chemicals. We believe that farmers can be key drivers in this low-carbon transition,” says Jonathan.

Jonathan Scurlock will be taking part in the debate on ‘achieving net zero in agriculture’ at Energy and Rural Business Show.

Energy and Rural Business Show Run in association with the CLA and NFU Energy, Energy and Rural Business Show incorporates three key areas which are set to define farm businesses of the future. The Energy Now Expo, celebrating 11 years of success in 2020, will be joined by Rural Business Expo and Low Emission Vehicles Expo.

Poised for growth, the show will take place at the East of England Arena, Peterborough, on 3 and 4 March 2020.

The Big Debate For the first time, the show is launching a debate on ‘achieving net zero in agriculture’, which will see industry experts discuss key topics and questions submitted by farmers on the run up to the event.

Energy Now Expo If you’re looking to find out more about the opportunities available to farmers in renewable energy, Energy Now Expo showcases new

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technologies and services from expert speakers and exhibitors from across the renewables sector, including the continued development of the AD and biogas industry as well as the optimisation of existing AD assets, biomass, energy crops, energy management, heat pumps, hydropower, solar and energy storage.

Confirmed headline speakers for the show include: • Andrew Shirley, chief surveyor, Country Landowners Association (CLA), will deliver a talk on ‘Planning for success: Reviewing your assets and pulling together a business plan • James Wayman, Project Engineer, NFU Energy, will deliver a presentation on ‘Effective on farm energy efficiency measures’ • Nina Skorupska, CEO, Renewable Energy Association (REA), speaking on ‘The UK’s low carbon energy sector post-Brexit' • Charles Hardcastle, head of infrastructure and energy, Carter Jonas, presenting on ‘How to value your renewable energy scheme and what do buyers look for?’

• Lucy Hopwood, director and lead consultant, NNFCC, speaking on maximising waste and agri output streams on ‘Where's the value? A rundown of some of the outputs to consider’ • Nic Crowe, head of RHI reform, BEIS, will give ‘An update on biomethane policy and RHI budget’ • Stephen Briggs, head of soil and water at ‘Innovation for agriculture’ will present on the pressing issue of ‘Soil carbon management’ • Mark Broadmeadow, principal adviser climate change, Forestry Commission, will present on ‘Woodland creation, the associated opportunities and environmental benefits’

Rural Business Expo Rural Business Expo features ‘How-To’ workshops from expert speakers and case studies from those who have diversified their businesses and can offer guidance, as well as exhibitors with refreshingly practical and robust diversification propositions.

Topics in the Rural Business Expo ‘How-To’ workshops include: • Alpaca Farming • Establishing a vineyard • Ideas for alternative land or building use • Organic farming • Planning guidance • Tax guidance • Legal guidance • Weddings • Trend and opportunities for farm diversification • Poultry farming • Holiday accommodation • Glamping • Growing hemp • Farm shops / markets • Sustainable Building • Diversification options for arable farmers • Farm and estate case studies • Energy hubs Low Emission Vehicles Expo The Low-Emission Vehicles Expo will include conference sessions covering policy, support, opportunities, and technology updates. The latest low-carbon vehicles and machinery will be on display and test drives are available on the new test track.

Energy and Rural Business Show is free to attend, and places can be booked today: http://www.energyandruralbusiness.co.uk/

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| Energy

Borger at Energy Now Expo Borger, who will be on Stand 46 at the Energy and Rural Business Show’s Energy Now Expo, have recently completed the installation of one its acclaimed separators at a dairy farm/biogas plant in Gloucestershire. s many farmers have discovered, a traditional farm separator can have its limitations with feedstock for renewable energy – and this was no exception - with the BioSelect Separator replacing an old unit that required more and more intervention with resealing, replacement shafts and gearboxes.

The new Borger Separator is also producing a digestate so good that it has substantially

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reduced fertiliser bills.

At the front-end of the AD/biogas operation, the dairy farm invested in a fully automated Börger Powerfeed, which provides highly efficient solids feeding and mixing technology with 15 cubic metres of storage capacity.

In addition, a small fleet of Börger pumps help keep the AD operation consistent and easy to manage.

David Brown, Borger UK’s Managing Director said: “This BioSelect installation is an

excellent example of why this very well engineered Separator is proving so popular with farmers. It sends gas yields up, yet reduces maintenance costs – with the bonus of producing a digestate that greatly enhances soil. On top of this, our mixing and pumping technology complements the range of solutions we can provide for all farm-based biogas plants”.

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 39

| LAMMA

LAMMA’s sell-out show a commercial and professional success LAMMA’s return to the NEC in Birmingham at the beginning of January produced an even bigger and better show than the year before, resulting in an upbeat two days that have been widely praised by exhibitors and visitors alike. ears among some exhibitors that last year’s runaway success had been partly fuelled by the novelty factor of an all-indoor event were quickly dispelled as visitors flooded through the gates on 7 and 8 January.

Overall, numbers ended slightly up on the year before, topping 40,000, drawn by more than 700 exhibitors showing the latest farming machinery, equipment and innovative technology that catered for all farming sectors and all depths of pockets.

LAMMA’s event manager Kate Walsh said: “We are delighted to report that we sold all the exhibition space this year, with 40 additional companies coming on board. All told, the stands covered over 56000sq m, the equivalent of eight football pitches.

“The feedback we received from exhibitors and visitors suggested this LAMMA was the best they had attended and the most professional.

“Overall, the mood was surprisingly positive, considering the tough time the industry has had recently and the uncertain outlook that has prevailed over recent years. A number of exhibitors reported very positive conversations and leads with plenty of key on-farm decision makers.

“Many visitors were here to keep a close eye on the latest developments so they will be able to make the right decisions and make the most of more favourable times when they return.

Others were looking to tweak systems to optimise margins and make their businesses more resilient in the face of economic, political and physical pressures.

“We were delighted to receive such positive support from exhibitors old and new, and from visitors across the two days. I would like to thank all of them for helping to make the event such an outstanding success, and we can’t wait to take the event forward again next year.”

Many exhibitors, large and small, used the

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event to launch new and updated tractors, combines, arable and grassland kit, and there was a wide range of products, services and tools on show.

Innovation was evident right across the event this year, not only in the latest machinery.

LAMMA is gaining a reputation a place to exhibit cutting edge technology, including precision farming hardware and software, and agronomy and livestock management systems.

The event also hosted the well-established Innovation Awards, which recognises and rewards companies pushing new boundaries.

This year also saw the launch of the wellattended Farming 4.0 zone, which hosted a wide range of companies involved in the development of key technological advances and their successful implementation and uptake.

Exhibitor and visitor feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Louise Hemmings from JCB said: “The show has been brilliant, superseding even last year. The stand has been heaving both days. There has been lots of interest in the machinery and we’ve taken lots of positive leads.”

Martin Holden of grassland machinery specialist SIP said: “We doubled the stand space from last year. It’s important to be here as we are flying the flag for a relative unknown in the machinery market. We’ve seen a lot of interest from dealers, and end users that didn’t know the machines existed.”

Andrew Bolan from loader specialist Weidemann UK, said: “It’s been a really, really successful show for us and we’ve been seeing dedicated farmers and users – the right people.

Farmers do like to see and touch things and talk to real people. Next LAMMA we’d hope to at least double the stand – it’s onwards and upwards.”

Graham Barnwell of SDF UK said: “We had a good positive couple of days given the aftermath of last year. LAMMA is a good place to kick things off for the new year. We’ve been talking to

people who are looking to make decisions, do deals and buy equipment.”

Grimme UK’s Adam Johnson said: “We’ve had a great show this year – absolutely brilliant.

We’ve probably been busier and had a really productive time talking to drivers and key decision makers as well.”

Tim Lowden of New Holland said LAMMA provided a great opportunity to show the company’s new implement range. “We had some really good feedback, some good quality conversations and some serious enquiries. It’s been a good show and the mood has been generally positive.”

Jeff Goulding from Hummingbird Technology said footfall was higher than last year. “Enquiries are up and we are really happy with how things are going. Good quality conversations with the right people are where you are going to drive business, and we’ve had those.”

Warren Rivers-Scott from drill and cultivator manufacturer Bednar FMTsaid: “The show has been fantastic. LAMMA is our official UK launch and for a brand that is new to the UK. The support we’ve been given has been unreal.

Good comments, good questions and a lot of valuable leads.”

Colin McGregor who farms in the Scottish Borders said: “This is my first time at LAMMA since Newark. I head good reports about last year so thought I had to come. It’s been good – we have six operators who have been down here for two days, and they are influencers – they’ve enjoyed it and found it worthwhile. It’s good to meet some of the key people beyond the dealers too, such as manufacturer’s representatives.”

Steve Lowe, Buxton, Derbyshire was looking for information and dirty water and slurry handling kit, as well as parts and hydraulic equipment. “It’s been very useful – I could do with two days really. It’s a much better venue and comfortable – you can stay on sites a bit longer and have proper conversations.”

Oliver Mackintosh who farms in Yorkshire was

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| LAMMA

impressed with the show and the professional environment. “We get to Agritechnica every two years and LAMMA has become is a lot more like that – it’s a lot better inside than outside.”

Selwyn Rees, agronomist and farmer based in Warwickshire, said: “I’m looking at how we can reduce costs over the next 10 years with the change in subsidy regime, looking at drilling systems and ideas and how various machines might fit into that. LAMMA is a fantastic show – it’s excellent it’s indoors and excellent it’s in January. You can talk to companies in the warm and dry and set up demos with them later on – I’ve found it very useful.”

Launches and updates at the event included: • McCormick X7.624 VT drive tractor • JCB Fastrac 4000 and 8000 updates • Reesink’s Farmtrac tractor range • Deutz-Fahr’s 5115 four-wheel steer tractor

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• Basak’s tractor range (50-130hp) • Kubota M7153 tractor • Valtra F series fruit tractors • Zetor Compax range (25-40hp) • Fendt Ideal 10 combine harvester • Manitou MLT420-60 telehandler • Merlo Multifarmer 40.9 CS telehandler • Dieci Agri T90 pivot-steer loader • Basak BTH 740 telehandler • Tru-Test S3 weigh scale indicator • Easyfix Evolve feed barrier • AG Duo bedding dispenser • xarvio Field Manager crop management software • Calibre GrainSense device • Syngenta Spray Assist app • Crop4Sight potato crop performance predictor app • Weaving Sabre 6000M drill

• Sumo Vaxio cultivator • SamAgri Virkar direct drill • He-Va Stealth subsoiler • Hardi Alpha Evo II self-propelled sprayer • KRM L-line fertiliser spreaders • Bunning Farmstar 80 muckspreader • Kuhn SB high density baler • Fendt Katana 65 self-propelled forage harvester • Malone MP 3000 mower • Kuhn triple auger feed wagon • Krone Premos pellet harvester • New Holland grassland and tillage equipment.

For further information see www.lammashow.com LAMMA ’21 will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 January 2021.

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 41

| LAMMA

Electric launch for Farmtrac at LAMMA Farmtrac, the latest compact tractor brand to the UK market, launched its all-new, all-electric model with dignitaries from the world of technology, engineering, agriculture and politics on stand to hear all about this innovative new technology. rofessor Jane Rickson, president of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), Ed Hansom, CEO of IAgrE, and Mr Chakraborty, consul and public information officer for the Consulate General of India, all attended the stand to learn how the production-ready FT25G electric tractor featuring a lithium-ion battery represents the future of agriculture.

Professor of soil erosion and

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conservation at Cranfield Soil and AgriFood Institute and president of the IAgrE, Jane Rickson says: “On behalf of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, Ed Hansom and I were delighted to be invited to the Reesink stand at LAMMA this year. By launching Farmtrac’s new FT25G electric tractor, Reesink is helping make agriculture a more environmentally friendly industry.

“With lithium-ion battery technology and quick charge time, this compact and agile tractor

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represents a significant development in agricultural engineering. Its environmental credentials include zero emissions and low noise levels. We were impressed by the tractor’s huge potential in a range of land-based industries both here and overseas, including horticulture, livestock and amenity use.”

Steven Haynes, tractor sales manager at Reesink Agriculture, Farmtrac’s UK distributor, says: “To have the support of the IAgrE and Mr Chakraborty for the launch of

the FT25G is fantastic. We believe this tractor represents the future, as well as bolstering trade relations between the UK and India where Farmtrac is manufactured.”

Ed Hansom, CEO of IAgrE, concludes; “I was very impressed with Reesink’s all electric tractor. It captures a market which must surely only increase as climate change issues and associated legislation climb ever higher up the political agenda.”

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| LAMMA

Three new products for 2020 from PFC, launched at LAMMA Moisture Sensors, Application Systems and Front Loader Saw Heads.

MART PHONE PRECISION MOISTURE SENSOR: New App operated moisture sensor for all baler types utilising the precision technology from our flagship automatic applicator systems. For all Large and small square balers, the moisture range is 8-70% with round baler range at 8-60% moisture range. Prescison is a marketing leading +/-1%. No more guessing if the crop is fit to bale with live readings updated every second and an average previous bale moisture displayed. Wet bale management can also be added to these systems.

SEMI-AUTOMATIC ACID AND INOCULANT APPLICATOR: Rate controlled applicator for all balers, forage wagons and forage harvesters.

Application ranges from 10ml per tonne to 3 litres per tonne. Setting the bale weight and time or tonnes per hour throughput of the machine is simple via a dial control. Setting the litres per tonne is also set in the same way.

Once the parameters are set the system will apply the fixed rate. The system utilises a reliable gear pump and can be operated via WIFI reducing cables routed to the machine.

FRONT LOADER MOUNTED HEDGE BUSTER SAW: working widths from 1.3m-3.8m. mounts directly onto the front loader frame. The hydraulic equipment is 65l/min and 3 services.

The additional services can be provided by an

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electronic valve. The Hedge Buster will cut up to 250mm (10inch) material keeping the material away for the tractor preventing

expensive repair bills. Working with a front linkage mounted grab will maximise the systems potential.

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Agritechnica

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

44 | Farming Monthly | February 2020

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| LAMMA

Manitou appoint dealers Manitou is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of materials handling equipment and access platforms. Manitou UK promotes, sells and supports all of these products via a dedicated dealer network. aterials handlers are often the most used machine on UK farms. Whilst most farmers have a number of tractors, many have only one materials handler and it works every day of the year. It is a critical part of the farm business and many daily tasks cannot be done without it. Arable farms rely on their materials handler to load grain, move fertiliser and seed, handle bales and many other tasks in their busy season. Livestock farmers need the machine every day of the year to feed their animals.

The importance of these machines means they must be well designed, reliable, and supported by the best possible dealer network. To this end, Manitou has announced a number of key dealer appointments for January 2020.

R W Crawford Ltd (www.rwcrawford.co.uk) is a well-established AGCO dealer covering Essex, Kent, Sussex and East Hampshire. The company takes on the Manitou Agricultural product range at all three locations which are in Chelmsford, Billingshurst and Ashford.

Additionally, Crawford’s has agreed to work with Suffolk Agri Centre (www.suffagri.co.uk), near Bury St Edmunds, as a sub-dealer responsible all sales, and aftersales support in the county of Suffolk. All four branches attended extensive sales and service training courses, at Manitou, during December 2019 to ensure they are ready to support customers from January 2020. Spare parts and whole-goods stock was delivered during the first week of January.

Manitou UK Managing Director, Mark Ormond, stated “Manitou is delighted to announce the appointment of R W Crawford. This highly professional dealership is well placed to service the needs of our customer base in East Anglia and SE England. The Manitou brand will nicely complement the Fendt, Massey Fergusson and Valtra brands already promoted by the dealer”.

Glyn Lloyd & Sons (www.glsplant.co.uk) is appointed as the Manitou Agricultural and Construction dealer for North Wales. Like many small farmers, Glyn Lloyd has had to diversify to grow. Glyn established the machinery sales business in 1979 and is now the primary part of the Lloyd family business.

Until now, the machinery sales business which is based in

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Abergele, has focussed on the construction machinery sector. The business sells and supports a range of construction machine products, the main one being Takeuchi mini excavators. Whilst the business sells many new machines per year, their focus is after-sales, priding themselves on market-leading customer support.

This commitment, together with their agricultural heritage makes them ideally suited to sell and support Manitou Agricultural and Construction throughout North Wales.

Mark Ormond comments, “We like our dealers to focus on our brand and on providing exceptional customer service. Glyn Lloyd and their staff which will sell and support both Manitou Agricultural and Construction ranges, will quickly become Manitou specialists. They will carry a good stock of machines and spare parts, and ensure their service staff have the optimum knowledge to maintain the machines they sell.

This appointment will strengthen our ability to support customers in this important part of the UK.” Ryan Martin (www.ryanmartinltd.co.uk) is appointed as ‘Compact Equipment Product’ (CEP) dealer for mid Wales.

Manitou launched an extended range of CEP machines at LAMMA 2019. The compact machine range which includes skid steer loaders, tracked loaders, and articulated loaders, is ideally suited to the farming business in mid Wales.

Ryan Martin founded his business in 2010 focussing on sales and after-sales support of used agricultural machinery. Today, the business sells and supports 150 used machines per year, from its base in Trefeglwys, Caerswsmost, mid Wales. Knowing the importance of materials handling in the region, Ryan had been looking for a supplier of product suitable for his customer base. The Manitou CEP fits that requirement perfectly and parts and machine stock started arriving in Trefeglyws during the first week of January.

Mark Ormond says, “We have been enormously impressed with the customer dedication of this young business. When we see how much Ryan and his team have achieved, since being founded in 2010, it is clear they will quickly prove their ability to sell and support new machines. We welcome Ryan and his team into the Manitou dealer family.”

February 2020 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Finance

Lifetime farm valuati the importance of ge Written by Charlotte Brackley, rural property spe LLP (with special thanks to Andrew Thomas of St arm and estate valuations are often only considered following a death. Often this is because they are deemed to be a luxury rather than a necessity.

However, valuations are a key strategic tool for tax planning and this article will consider: • when lifetime valuations might be necessary; • the significance of hope value; and • the importance of choosing the right valuer and instructing them correctly.

Lifetime farm valuations Inevitably, a landowner’s circumstances will change over time. The following are all examples of lifetime events that might trigger a review to mitigate potential inheritance tax and/or capital gains tax liabilities: • forthcoming succession; • pre-death tax planning when creating a Will; • anticipated sale or development of land; • changes in tax reliefs; and • when considering using the land for secured borrowing.

In the context of succession, the farm may be handed over to a single heir or, for example, divided up between siblings.

If the farmhouse, cottages and farmland are to be apportioned on succession, the valuer will need to consider agricultural value (which can be notoriously contentious in relation to the farmhouse), market value (for example in the context of cottages let to third parties) and potential development values, before beginning to parcel up the land. This is clearly important for fairness and helping to avoid family fallouts.

It also relies upon the valuer’s skill, expertise as well as the availability of comparables (ie examples of similar properties used by valuers as evidence to support their conclusions).

Agricultural value is defined by s115(3) of the Inheritance Tax Act 1983 as the value of the asset used in the trade of farming as if the asset were subject to a perpetual covenant prohibiting its use otherwise than as agricultural property.

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You and your other advisors will rely heavily on the advice of the valuer as it will steer your future tax planning and ownership strategy By reference HMRC’s Inheritance Tax Manual (IHTM36275), ‘hope value’ or development value is part of the open market value of a property and it represents the increase in that value depending on whether planning permission has been sought or granted.

However, compared with agricultural value, determining potential development value is difficult to do accurately (both in terms of whether there is or there isn’t any and, if there is, its precise value). As such, it is an area for potential dispute between family members if they don’t agree with the valuer’s calculation. It

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| Finance

ons, hope value and UK Agricultural Finance continues to add to its business development team tting it right UK Agricultural Finance (UKAF) hires to help continue its expansion. cialist solicitor from Barlow Robbins rutt & Parker) is also something that HMRC are prepared to challenge, as demonstrated by the Palliser case mentioned below.

Factoring in hope value In 2018, the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) decided in P Palliser v CRC not only that a valuer ought to include hope value in a probate valuation, but that such hope value should also be quantified.

The asset in question was a London flat, but the principle applies to all property where there is potential for development. The result in the case meant a much larger inheritance tax bill than had been originally anticipated.

Although the decision related to a probate valuation, it nonetheless impacts lifetime valuations as well.

Choosing the right valuer and points to consider when instructing them Your solicitor and accountant will work with you to devise a strategy (whatever your desired final outcome may be) and give you options as to how you might achieve this. The strength of these cannot be tested without accurate property values and advice provided by an independent RICS valuer in the form of a ‘Red Book’ valuation.

You and your other advisors will rely heavily on the advice of the valuer as it will steer your future tax planning and ownership strategy.

Therefore, the advice needs to be well researched, accurate and prepared by a valuer with experience of valuing farms and farming businesses like yours.

However, valuations, rather like all forms of professional advice, come with a financial cost.

But this ought to be weighed against the potential tax savings - or potential gains where sale or development are proposed.

So, to ensure that you make the most of this advice, you will need to ensure that the valuer is properly instructed at the outset. You will need to work with your solicitor and accountant to prepare formal written instructions. These need to set out: • relevant background information; • title information for the land; • leases and other documentation; • your objectives (including the outcome for the family and your tax objectives); and • a clear explanation of what interests are to be valued.

The valuer may also want to interview you so that they can get a complete picture of the property (including details of, for example, agricultural ties, hidden pipelines and historic farm tips).

The final point above is key as it deals with the different strategic options under consideration, which might include: • valuing the land as a whole and in separate parcels (which might include asking the valuer to devise a strategy for dividing up the land as part of this exercise); • valuing the land on a freehold basis and subject to long leases; • valuing the land at current agricultural values and with potential development value.

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K Agricultural Finance is a specialist business lender to the agricultural sector that offers traditional, responsible lending to farmers throughout England, Scotland and Wales and is expanding due the demand for its services.

Farm finance is on the rise again and brokers able to access specialist business lenders, can really help their clients build their businesses. Farm finance is an attractive sector for brokers as competition is limited, loans tend to be large and secured against real asset.

On the back of recruiting Tracey Simm, as head of business development in the South West, UK Agricultural Finance is pleased to announce that it has hired two additional members for its business development team to assist with its continued expansion. Tracey has 30 years’ experience in finance, having worked previously at Barclays, Santander, and Folk2Folk.

Sue Mackintosh-Gibbs joins from Folk2Folk, where she ran business development in the Midlands and surrounding area. She has 25 years’ experience in financial services, having worked previously for RBS and BNP. The team have also added Nicola Purcell, to support the business development team with the volume of enquiries it

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is getting. Nicola previously worked at Folk2Folk for 3 years and had supported both Tracey and Sue. UK Agricultural Finance prides itself on face to face lending and after successfully completing a £150m fundraise last year and extending its product range to be able to lend from three months to seven years, secured against agricultural land and property, these key hires will help with its development and growth.

The hires are a testament to the strategy and funding that UK Agricultural Finance have and its ability to hire and retain great talent. Its expertise and reach is unrivalled in the agricultural sector.

“We are thrilled to have Tracey, Sue and Nicola in the team,” said Graham Noble and Rob Suss, co-founders of UK Agricultural Finance.

“Their experience and locations will help us continue to deliver a high-quality customer service locally to our introducers and brokers. These are the first of a number of hires we are making to help us with our expansion plans.”

UKAF’s funding allows farmers to diversify, acquire more land, build renewable energy projects, restructure, buy more livestock, help families with generational transfer and provide tenant farmers with capital to purchase their farm.

Oxbury confirms banking license and third funding round Oxbury, the UK’s specialist agricultural bank, has been approved by the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). s an authorised bank it will soon be able to launch to market, offering bespoke funding to farmers through industry partners including Frontier and HL Hutchinsons.

“Oxbury is a new specialist bank founded by the farming industry for the farming industry,” says CEO James Farrar. “We’re delighted to have received our banking licence and to be bringing to market the only UK based bank that has its thinking, expertise and empathy exclusively focussed on the agricultural market and the needs of British farmers.

“Our founding team and investors are farmers and market leading agribusiness companies that farmers know and trust, coupled with the expertise needed to run a specialist bank. This trust is essential at a time of great change and opportunity in agriculture that is being embraced by forward thinking farmers to secure the prosperity of British farms in a sustainable manner.”

The bank will now enter an interim ‘mobilisation’ phase before becoming fully operational later this year, after a short pilot period.

It has also simultaneously launched its third funding round in search of investors looking to back British agriculture.

“Farmers have been consistently telling us that they want a bank that understands their individual businesses, that understands farming and the agricultural sector and that is looking to build a

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relationship between real human beings at the bank and the farm business,” says managing director Nick Evans. “All of this with modern technology and competitive pricing. This is what we are looking to deliver.

“It is a rare opportunity to back an industry you believe in and we hope that more like-minded investors will join us for our next funding round and become part of our mission to build the UK’s leading agricultural bank.”

The newly authorised bank will offer lending products specifically designed for British farmers as well as competitive savings accounts for businesses and the general public who wish to save with confidence that their funds are supporting UK agriculture.

Its flagship account is ‘Oxbury Farm Credit’; an exclusive facility which gives farmers the flexibility to buy inputs like seed, fertiliser and animal feed when needed and pay for them when it suits their cashflow. This innovative account - an alternative to a bank overdraft or trade finance - helps solve the cashflow problem faced by farmers having to fund their inputs months before selling the produced goods, which has been holding back the growth of their farms and tying up valuable cash in the production cycle.

Oxbury Farm Credit accounts will initially be available to medium-to-large arable and dairy farmers through their existing suppliers including HL Hutchinsons, Frontier Agriculture, Mole Valley Farmers and KW

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| ATV

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| ATV

Free Sportsman Model Upgrade Polaris are offering a free model upgrade to a Sportsman 570 EPS Agri Pro on any new Sportsman purchased during February and March 2020. You will have all the great features of a Sportsman Agri Pro which, as the name suggests, has been specifically designed for agricultural use, includes carbon-fibre and metal heat shields, durable steel racks, new rear shock springs, electronic power steering, engine braking system and a sealed battery.

Making your new Agri Pro ready to take on any task. s well as the free upgrade, you will receive free Easi training for one operator and free registration to Cesar through Datatag. Free Easi training, RRP ÂŁ180, is run by the European All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute.

The four-and-a-half-hour training course is available for operators over the age of 16 and aims to maximise the safety of Polaris riders, covering riding techniques, clothing, PPE (Protective Personal Equipment), pre-ride inspections and environmental issues.

Working with Datatag for over three years, Polaris fits the Cesar Registered Schemes Security devices to all its Sportsman models. Cesar, approved by the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association), and Datatag have over 225,000 registered machines, and have the benefit of reducing costs to some insurance policies, check with your own insurance provider. With a Datataged machine being four times less likely to be stolen, and if it is, six times more likely to be recovered, you can be confident your new Polaris is protected.

Contact a dealer now; to find your nearest visit polarisbritain.com

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| ATV

TGB

TGB announce 5 year warranty

TGB distributor Dualways has announced that from the 1st of January all new TGB models will be covered by a new five-year limited warranty. Dualways claims that this is the longest warranty in the UK ATV industry. ualways director Henry Maplethorpe explained: "We are very confident in the TGB brand and we are sure that adding such a premium warranty will highlight to prospective trade and retail customers the confidence we have in TGB." The new five-year warranty covers the full TGB ATV range from the popular Blade 520SL utility 4x4 model right through to the latest full-featured 1000 LTX flagship model.

The TGB Target 600 is a sports-style ATV that

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boasts a huge range of must-have features such as selectable 2 and 4-wheel drive, electric 3000lb winch and a tow hitch, all fitted as standard.

TGB`s patented front and rear differential system allows the user to lock either axle independently. This facility provides for superior on-road handling or, when locked, allows the offroad user to ride the machine to its full potential.

The sports styling of the Target 600 delivers a streamline body design, with a narrower seating position for greater rider manoeuvrability.

Although primarily a nimble and sturdy workhorse, the sporty TGB could easily double

up as a fun off-road leisure machine. And, as it’s Euro 4 compliant, it can be registered as full PLG for road use.

The Target is currently on offer with a reducedprice tag of £6,899.00, while stocks last, and is sold complete with a market-leading five-year manufacturer’s limited warranty.

For further product and dealer information contact Dualways on 01623 708607 emaildrew.m@dualways.com or visit www.dualways.com

Unique UTV sower Quad-X who are known for manufacturing over 100 different attachments for ATVs have recently developed a reliable and robust fertiliser sower to be towed by a UTV, side by side vehicle or 4x4. f you have a UTV such as a Gator, a Mule or a Ranger the Quad-X UTV Pro Spreader is the only commercially available UTV sower that transfers the open/close function of the machine to the operator.

Quad-X have been designing and manufacturing fertiliser sowers for over 25 years and so have a wealth of experience in ensuring this new machine is the most robust sower as

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well as offering the most accurate spread. At such a busy time of year for farmers it is important to get jobs done, but when the task is sowing fertiliser, it must be a job done well.

The Quad-X UTV sower has a 680L capacity with removable sides to carry 465L. It is ground driven and has an unrivalled spreading width, which is easily adjusted by regulating the towing vehicles speed. The shutter plate is easily opened/closed from sitting on the UTV with a handy lever to disengage the spinner for travel to

outlying fields.

Sowing is pointless unless it is accurate. With fertiliser/urea costing around £300 a tonne, accuracy in application is essential. It is not just about getting the field sown, it should be about getting every blade of grass fertilised, and the Quad-X Pro Spreaders have been developed to be adjustable for a more precise application, tray tested for accurate spreading.

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| ATV

John Deere New Gator is the most comfortable ever

John Deere’s new premium XUV 865R Gator is the most comfortable model ever produced in the company’s popular cross-over utility vehicle range.

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his 23hp diesel-powered model combines the established high performance of the XUV 865M with a wide range of additional operator friendly features, including a luxurious cab

environment.

Standard specification includes a continuously variable transmission with ondemand four-wheel drive, power steering, fully independent suspension and an attachmentready electrical system. The quiet, fully equipped cab provides comfortable car-style seating for up to three people when driving offroad, as well as easy-opening door handles, a fully opening windscreen and a proven, extremely efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

In addition, the cab features an attractive tancoloured interior that has been ergonomically

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redesigned, with the easy-to-use automotivestyle controls now conveniently located in the centre of the dash. The streamlined roof moves water to the outside edges, and both the highlevel front and rear lights are set below the roof line for better protection.

The R trim specification also provides the fully enclosed cab with a wide range of extra standard features, including an adjustable 40/60 bench seat, tiltable steering wheel, sun visors, a windshield wiper and washer plus electrical wiring for attachments, as well as high- and low-beam LED headlights.

The XUV 865R Gator is powered by an 854cc three-cylinder, liquid-cooled OHV diesel engine producing 23hp at 3600rpm, with a top speed of 31mph (50kph) in high range. The true 4WD system has an auto-locking front differential and dash-mounted electronic rocker switch for easy operation.

To complement the robust frame, the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel independent suspension. This has been designed to provide a smooth ride and optimum load carrying ability over challenging terrain, without compromising ride quality or vehicle stability.

The versatile deluxe cargo box is made of a durable composite material that eliminates rust and dents and reduces noise. There is an automotive style tailgate handle and the rear lights are available with optional protectors. The cargo box can be easily converted to a flat-bed and has a load capacity of 454kg, while towing capacity is 900kg and total payload is 680kg.

For extra versatility the new John Deere XUV 865R Gator utility vehicle can be fitted with a wide range of attachments from snow blades to winches, and features a large 42-litre fuel tank for longer running between fill-ups.

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| ATV

Suzuki ATV

Mid Wales farmer, John Yeomans, purchases his seventh Suzuki ATV

John Yeomans, originally from Birmingham, has farmed in Wales for the past 40 years - 32 with his wife, Sarah, who is originally from London. They run a 285-acre fragmented, upland beef and sheep unit north of Newtown in Montgomeryshire and, for almost two decades, owning a Suzuki ATV has been an integral part of the business! heir land runs from 800 – 1400 feet above sea level in a fairly high rainfall area, which can be tricky to navigate at times. This is where John’s KingQuad 500 has become a great asset to the farm, allowing him to access challenging areas throughout the year, all whilst maintaining rider comfort. This is due to the fully independent suspension as well as the power steering function, which makes light work of any terrain. The KingQuad also allows for easy selection between 2 and 4-wheel drive with a simple push of a button, with optional diff lock for even greater traction and ground clearance when tackling the challenges of an upland farm

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like John’s.

John feels that two of the biggest positive impacts on their business over the years have been: pregnancy scanning of the sheep and cattle, and the purchase of their Suzuki KingQuads.

Other than the daily checking of the wellbeing of the cattle and sheep, their KingQuad comes into its own at lambing time.

It makes light work of hauling trailer loads of ewes and their newborn lambs back out to the fields to graze. This is because improvements were made to the chassis and fuel-injected engine, increasing its towing capacity to 600kg, making the whole process more efficient for John as it allows him to carry extra ewes and

lambs to the fields.

The Yeomans also use a quad bike sprayer to target weed problems in late spring, which makes for more efficient use of the chemical.

The latest KingQuad 500 also has wider plastics which help to protect John whilst he is riding, keeping him and the bike cleaner.

John has owned and ridden a Suzuki 300, 400, two 450s and three 500s. When asked why he continues to purchase Suzuki ATVs from Mike Pryce Machinery, his local dealer, he commented, “If it’s not broke don’t fix it. The ATVs do everything we want them to do. My wife Sarah and three sons, Tom, Jack and Joe ride them too when the boys are at home. They continue to be reliable year after year.”

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| ATV

Honda ATV Persistent wet weather highlights Honda equine advantage

Looking after sensitive grass paddocks has been a challenge this winter as wet weather made fields susceptible to damage from tractors and other heavy vehicles. However, for those using a Honda ATV or Pioneer UTV for mobility and transport, the ability to travel lightly without creating ruts and compaction has left fields in better condition for use in the spring and summer months ahead. onda’s utility ATVs and Pioneer side-by-side load carrying UTVs have become a firm favourite for equestrian use; their large flotation tyres exerting less ground pressure than a person on foot and their excellent manoeuvrability making them ideal for both field and yard work.

The ATV line-up includes models from 250– 680cc, with 2wd or selectable 2/4wd, and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

For many paddock tasks a smaller 2wd model is sufficient, which can transport feed and bedding on its front and rear load racks or by trailer. For more demanding tasks and sloping ground, having the extra traction of a 4wd model can be an advantage, allowing heavier loads to be carried or towed and improving mobility over demanding terrain.

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Larger loads, added comfort The Pioneer 700 UTV comes with two or four seats and a rear tipping cargo bed for loads up to 386kg. With a quiet and reliable 675cc power unit and efficient three-speed automatic transmission it can also tow heavier trailers up to 680kg. A wide range of accessories including allweather cabs has made the Pioneer extremely popular with users, and in the three years since it was first available it has quickly become a favourite means of transport on farms and estates.

Multi-tasking Following the wet winter, a priority for many equestrian centres this spring will be repairing and maintaining the paddocks. There is a wide range of specially designed implements and accessories from companies such as Logic for use with Honda ATVs, including mowers, rakes,

rollers, rotary brushes, manege graders and sprayers. With low ground pressure tyres to protect sensitive ground an ATV is ideal for such tasks and can often be used when conditions remain too soft for heavier machines.

Honda’s UK network of authorised main dealers is available to provide information and advice on the full range of ATVs and Pioneer UTVs, and your local representative will be delighted to help you identify the most suitable model for your intended use. Every new Honda comes with a full two-year manufacturer’s warranty and free of charge operator training through the industry-approved European ATV Safety Institute which provides instruction throughout the UK. To find the name and location of your nearest Honda authorised dealer simply visit www.honda.co.uk/atv

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| Motors

Follow your own path with the Subaru XV e-BOXER Subaru’s popular compact crossover XV now comes with a new powertrain, the e-BOXER, which combines an electric motor with two of Subaru's core technologies: the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. uilt on the Subaru Global Platform, a cutting-edge redesign of the body and chassis, XV offers advanced safety performance and a dynamic driving experience. Plus, XV eBOXER is as safe as ever with EyeSight driver assist technology and Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection standard across the range.

Chosen by customers who trust it to be safe, capable and reliable: XV preserves Subaru’s heritage and marks the future of ‘Confidence in Motion’ with eBOXER. XV e-BOXER combines a 2.0 direct injection horizontally opposed petrol engine with an electric motor. A lithium-ion battery unit is mounted within the boot floor and allows for pure-electric driving at speeds of up to 25mph.

Making hybrid the Subaru way, the new technology used in the XV eBOXER design is arranged in a symmetrical layout (the heavy motor is placed near the vehicle's centre of gravity and the battery is positioned above the rear axle) which plants the car on the road giving noticeable handling improvements and maintaining Subaru’s unique balanced weight distribution. XV e-BOXER has a natural braking feel and offers a seamless transition between EV and Engine driving.

Built with 220mm of ground

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clearance, permanent Symmetrical All Wheel Drive as standard and XMode to tackle the most extreme weather and road conditions, XV e-BOXER combines impressive traction with a 1270kg towing capacity making it perfectly suited to any on or off-road adventures.

The e-BOXER version of Subaru’s XV was reconfirmed with the maximum five star Euro NCAP rating in 2019, following its initial safety test when the Subaru XV was also awarded the prestigious safety recognition of Euro NCAP’s “Best in Class of 2017” in the Small Family Car category. Subaru was voted Best Manufacturer for Safety Features in the 2019 Driver Power Survey and, as safety is a top priority, the XV e-BOXER comes with a suite of driver-assist and safety features as standard: EyeSight driver assist technology functions optically using two stereo cameras which are mounted either side of the rear-view mirror. It monitors for hazards up to 110 metres ahead and includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, PreCollision Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection identifies vehicles approaching from the rear. It offers three main functions to improve visibility and to help minimise common causes for accidents: Blind Spot

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Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

XV e-BOXER benefits from a new front grille design with active grille shutter and the new lowprofile roof rails have an aerodynamic design. The exterior has received other discreet upgrades including a new fog lamp bezel which surrounds the LED fog lights, the rear spoiler end plate is finished in gloss black and an e-Boxer badge has been added to the wings and tailgate. XV eBOXER is very well specified with Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED headlights equipped with high beam assist, privacy glass on the rear windows and 18” alloy wheels standard across the range.

Incorporating all of the comfort and convenience you would expect in a compact crossover, XV e-Boxer has an intuitive 8" multifunction colour touchscreen that is easy to use and contains Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, DAB radio and Bluetooth® connectivity. Dual zone airconditioning, reversing camera and heated seats are also standard but customers can upgrade to the SE Premium if they wish to add leather seats, 8-way power adjustable driver seat, satellite navigation and sunroof.

Priced from £30,995 OTR, XV eBoxer is available in nine colours and is in dealerships now.

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| Motors

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| Motors

Maserati premiers the new Levante Royale Specil Series at the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz Maserati took centre stage recently as St. Moritz welcomed the Snow Polo World Cup 2020, now in its 36th edition.

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he Italian carmaker premiered the Levante Royale Special Edition, a celebration of dynamic elegance, as guests gathered on the St. Moritz lake to attend one of the most glamorous events of the social calendar.

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The Snow Polo World Cup Final, of which Maserati is Official Sponsor, took place yesterday: after an exciting game, Team St. Moritz lifted the Trophy, after beating Team Azerbaijan 4 to 1 ½.

The official presentation of the exclusive Maserati Levante Royale was undoubtedly the highlight of the activities off the polo field: the SUV took pride of place in the Polo Village and guests were able to admire its elegant yet dynamic lines, beautifully set off by the Engadin mountains as a glorious backdrop. Among guests in attendance were a number of VIP personalities such as British polo player Malcolm Borwick and Italian slalom world champion Giorgio Rocca.

Throughout its history, Maserati has created unique

models and exclusive series. Amongst them, the 1986 Royale version of the 3rd generation Quattroporte, a restyling featuring exclusive blue and green colours, improved interiors, with soft leather seats and extensive use of wood in the dashboard and door panels with only 51 units produced.

Today Maserati pays tribute to its heritage with the launch of a special series bearing the same name, available across all models with V6 engines featured in the current Maserati range: just 100 Maserati Quattroporte, Levante and Ghibli Royale will be produced with engines ranging from the 275HP 3.0l V6 Diesel, to the 350HP and 430HP 3.0l V6 petrol.

This new special series, is available in two exclusive colours, Blu Royale (on display) and Verde Royale, and features 21� bespoke Anteo

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| Motors

Staggered Anthracite wheels and silver brake calipers.

Its interiors, based on the GranLusso version, reflect the elegance and exclusivity of the Levante Royale through its materials: PELLETESSUTA™ Cuoio (tan) leather by Ermenegildo Zegna or two-tone Pieno Fiore leather in Black/tan, high gloss Metal Net finishes and the distinctive “One of 100" plate, together with Bowers & Wilkins Sound System, electric sunroof and tinted windows.

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The Royale Special Series comes with extensive equipment, thanks to the Cold Weather, Premium and Driving Assistance Plus Packages fitted as standard. Its advanced driving assistance

systems (ADAS) actively respond to potential road hazards and improve comfort and safety of driver and passengers.

Although the first deliveries are scheduled for March 2020, orders for this series limited to only 100 units can already be placed. In the UK, OTR prices for the Royale Special Series start at £78,900 for the Ghibli, £85,300 for the Levante and £103,150 for the Quattroporte. The Royale Special Series will be available in EMEA, China and APAC countries.

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| Motors

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| Motors

Anywhere is possible in the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 Isuzu UK, the pick-up professionals, is pleased to announce the launch of the updated Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 a striking, comfortable and rugged pick-up with amazing off-road credentials. lready an exclusive, top of the range pick-up, the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 retains its eyecatching features including 35" Nokian Rotiiva Tyres, 17" x 10" AT Black Alloy Wheels and Flared Wheel Arch Extensions but also receives a considerable amount of new upgrades.

Fox performance series suspension has been replaced with a new Bilstein suspension to ensure the D-Max Arctic Trucks can tackle even tougher terrains.

The exterior has been enhanced with newly designed extended profile black side steps that incorporate a chunky tread pattern and the new AT logo with lava colour coding. The new logo is applied to the wheel centre cap and features on the upgraded exterior badging on the wing and tailgate.

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A bespoke leather trim has been tailored specifically for the latest D-Max Arctic Trucks. The quilted leather has a striking geometric pattern and central spine detail. Contouring has been added to the seats with side bolsters and the front headrests retain the Arctic Trucks logo.

Designed to appeal to lifestyle customers, this new interior trim is standard specification.

A new 9" Multifunction Colour Touchscreen has an Arctic Trucks start-up screen and includes Bluetooth® connectivity, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ functionality, nine speakers including a subwoofer and Satellite Navigation. The audio package also incorporates front and rear USB ports, an HDMI port plus a Wireless Charger which is located in the top glove box to safely and conveniently charge your phone while driving.

Complementing the rear

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parking sensors and reversing camera, a front camera is positioned on the front bumper and monitors the area in front of the truck that would normally be in the driver’s blind spot. These images are displayed on the touchscreen to aid manoeuvring when parking.

In addition to the new features mentioned above, the Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks retains its superior 3.5 tonne towing, outstanding 125,000 mile / 5 year warranty (whichever comes first) and 5 year roadside assistance in the UK and

across Europe.

Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks is available in six colours: Cosmic Black Mica, Obsidian Grey Mica, Splash White, Titanium Silver Met, Sapphire Blue Mica and Spinel Red Mica.

Priced at £39,995 CVOTR for a manual transmission and £40,995 CVOTR for automatic transmission, the latest D-Max Arctic Trucks is available in dealerships now.

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| Motors

Nissan reveals new Navara Off-Roader AT32 more efficient, even tougher Nissan has unveiled the newly updated version of its toughest Navara yet – the OFF-ROADER AT32. uilding on the success of the previous limited edition and growing the #GoAnywhere capabilities of the Navara*, the refreshed model has been manufactured to be more efficient and better to drive, without compromising its class-leading offroad ability.

Created through an ongoing partnership between Nissan and world-famous Icelandic off-road experts Arctic Trucks, the updated Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 uses full underbody shielding which has been upgraded to a lightweight aluminium material. The improved shape ensures a more comprehensive protection of underbody components. The

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Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 is ready to handle the most challenging landscapes and adventures.

In addition, new 31.6’ Nokian tyres have been fitted. This improves fuel economy and emissions, and enhances on-road handling without compromising its off-road ability. The special satin black alloy wheels are fitted with dual valves to allow the fast and accurate adjustment of tyre pressure when moving between different terrains.

Other key features carried over from the previous Navara OFFROADER AT32 include bespoke all-terrain wheel arch extensions and all-terrain optimised Bilstein performance suspension. The model is also finished off with special badging on the front

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wings, arch extensions, side steps, wheel centres, tailgate and mud guards, continued from the last updates.

For owners who need to venture even further off the beaten track, optional accessories include an electronic lock for the front differential to boost traction in extreme conditions. An air intake snorkel is also available, which increases the Navara’s maximum wading depth to a massive 800mm.

Despite its off-road prowess, the Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 keeps the advanced on-board technologies from the N-Guard model on which it is based, including Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Intelligent Around View Monitor.

“The Nissan Navara OFFROADER AT32 was a sell-out success and proved incredibly popular with adventurers seeking elegance and toughness,” said Manuel BURDIEL, General Manager Europe, LCV Sales and Business Development.

“We have upgraded the OFFROADER AT32 so it can maintain its position as the ultimate Navara while bringing new efficiency and becoming fully WLTP compliant.

It’s the perfect blend of in-car technology, comfort and extreme off-road performance.”

The Nissan Navara OFFROADER AT32 goes on sale from February 2020 across Europe with local pricing to be announced upon launch.

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