January 2013 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

January 2013

Inside this issue...

On Topic Farming in New Zealand

LAMMA 2013 The show is upon us!

£25,000 grain dryer to be won at LAMMA: see page 25

Sheep & Lambing Will this year’s crop be a challenge?

Buildings April 2013 will be Farm Buildings Day Also Inside: Forestry | Education | Energy | Machinery | Pests | Fencing | ATVs | Motors

Contents

36

64

January 2013

10 54

Features

Regulars

13 37 42 44 45 46 50 51

06 10 30 48 64 69

LAMMA The show is upon us!

Sheep & Lambing Latest news

Buildings Latest news

Pests A multitude of problems

Feature Feed the soil NOT the crop

Fencing Need to replace your boundry?

Forestry

News All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic Farming in New Zealand

Energy What’s new in the energy sector?

Education Education & training news

ATV The essential workhorse round-up.

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH

Latest news

Post LAMMA review

Machinery New kit news We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or agriculture in general? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as necessary and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved 2012.

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

Connect with us: Published in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Fax: +44 (0) 2476 353571 Editor Andrew Poulton Editorial Assistant editorial@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Director Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com Senior Advertising Sales Jenny Tranter j.tranter@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Sales Edward Hickinbottom e.hickinbottom@farmingmonthly.com Accounts Manager Cheryl Arnold c.arnold@farmingmonthly.com Production studio@farmingmonthly.com Subscriptions subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com For editorial and general enquiries or to advertise please call Tel: 02476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com

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Winner of last month’s competition to win the 5 books is: Mrs D.Harris, Northampton

| News

FUW President’s New Year message 2013 Food production is not keeping pace with demand and the implications of this are terrifying, Farmers' Union of Wales president Emyr Jones warns in his New Year Message. r Jones recalls that, during a recent visit to the European Parliament, he was presented with a copy of “The Politics of Land and Food Scarcity” by the book’s editor Professor Paolo De Castro.

Prof De Castro is an agricultural economist, a former Italian Minister of Agriculture, and, as chairman of the committee tasked with scrutinising, negotiating and distilling proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy, is currently the most important person in the EU in relation to agriculture.

Mr Jones said: "De Castro’s book makes for uncomfortable reading. Its introduction summarises the situation by stating that the current emergency '…in our latitudes, where expenditure [on food] counts for less than 15 per cent of overall household expenditure, risks being viewed as remote, while it is actually dramatically close'.

"That emergency is the fact that food production is not keeping pace with demand, and the political and wider implications of this over the coming years are

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truly terrifying.

"This has long been recognised by experts and agriculturalists around the globe but news of the emergency has apparently yet to reach the powers that be in Westminster.

"While countries such as China are involved in ‘land grabbing’ in Africa and elsewhere as part of the struggle to secure food supplies, our own UK Government and the opposition argue in favour of effectively abandoning our key control over food production - the Common Agricultural Policy which was designed to address just such an emergency.

"Politicians are renowned for not being able to see further than the next election but it also seems than many are unable to learn from the lessons of living-memory.

Our dependence upon food imports in the 1930s almost led to starvation and the loss of the War in the 1940s, and rationing continued well into the 1950s.

"While the prospect of another war on our doorsteps seems far away, population growth and food productivity, coupled with rising energy costs, climate change and

a host of other challenges, mean that what we now face is unprecedented.

"The Welsh Government and others are, to their credit, arguing such points, and within continental Europe EU and across the globe these challenges are at the forefront of discussions.

Meanwhile, UK Government and opposition continue to sleepwalk into the biggest emergency we have ever faced.

"Over the next year, critical decisions regarding how we

finance and alter the Common Agricultural Policy will be made and these will have a dramatic impact on how we deal with the emergency.

"As the UK focusses on extreme arguments regarding membership of the EU, those which relate to retaining control of our own democracy while ensuring we are united enough to face the coming storm seem thin on the ground.

"Let us hope that 2013 brings change."

Next Auctions on 14th January 2013 & 11th February 2013 commencing at 10.30am

06 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| News

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January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Headline LETTER FOR PUBLICATION Ref: ‘UK fertiliser industry sets world class standards’ November 2012 edition Dear Sir, Roger Brogden, the new chairman of the AIC’s Fertiliser Sector, states in the November issue of Farming Monthly (‘UK fertiliser industry sets world class standards’, 1 Nov) that the Health and Safety Executive has notified a number of fertiliser businesses that they will “not be inspected” in the coming year. On the basis they have “earned recognition” and because of “lighter touch regulation”.

I would like to clarify that HSE has made no such commitment or undertaking that there would be a moratorium on inspection in this regard.

As an active member of Farm Industry Safety Partnership, we are fully aware of the good work the AIC and others are doing, and we acknowledge Roger’s view that the UK fertiliser industry can hold its head high, but it is misleading to say that some fertiliser businesses are now exempt from inspection.

HSE will continue to carry out inspections for enforcement purposes, or to follow up complaints, when such an intervention is necessary, as well as investigating when and where there are grounds to do so in response to incidents, issues and concerns.

Yours sincerely

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We specialise in all types of pumps and pumping equipment, including Submersible, Bore Hole and Drainage pumps, Boosted pumping Systems and Pumps and equipment for irrigation.

We can supply and install all of these together with Pressure Vessels, Electric Motors, Fans & Blowers together with all relevant ancillary equipment. Full details of the products we can offer can be found on our web site www.pumplogic.co.uk and we can offer all types and makes of pumps and equipment at very competitive prices Pump Logic offers planned maintenance and managed

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services, maintenance visits and/or managed service contracts to all of its clients. This can dramatically reduce costly downtime and increase equipment lifespans.

Our experienced engineers are fully conversant with all makes and models of pumps and pumping equipment, fans, motors and control gear and we can offer an in-expensive solution to your needs in carrying out repairs either on site or at our facility in Aintree.

We can offer a full and comprehensive installation service for all your new and replacement pump assemblies and we would be happy to offer you competitive rates for this work.

For more information call 0151 523 4765, email enquiries@pumplogic.co.uk or visit www.pumplogic.co.uk

Graeme Walker Head of Agriculture, Waste & Recycling Sector Health & Safety Executive

08 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| News

Lifeline for farmers

What’s the pig idea?

Struggling farmers benefit from boost to emergency funding measures.

Emergency summit required on pigmeat imports from illegal systems.

.A.B.I. (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) has welcomed the announcement that the Prince’s Countryside Fund is to help farmers struggling as a result of this year’s extreme weather.

HRH Prince Charles announced on Monday that the fund will make a donation of £150,000 to farming help charities R.A.B.I., Farm Crisis Network and the Addington Fund which operate in England and Wales, and the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

The money has been matched by a further £150,000 from the Duke of Westminster, and Prince Charles has said that he hopes other organisations will now also support the emergency funding .

R.A.B.I. chief executive Paul Burrows said: “We are immensely grateful to the Prince’s Countryside Fund and the Duke of Westminster for giving such generous support to help us help farming people when they need it most, and to Prince Charles for personally providing a lead which we hope others will follow.

“R.A.B.I. helps farming families in financial difficulty. This year has

call for an emergency summit meeting to prevent the importation of pigmeat from illegal production systems in Europe from 1st January 2013 has been made by Matthew Curtis, managing director of pig-breeding company, ACMC Ltd. Although, on welfare grounds, the EU has banned the use of stalls for sows throughout most of their pregnancy from the beginning of the New Year most European countries are not yet compliant.

“Figures from the National Pig Association suggest that nearly 5 million sows will be kept under illegal production systems. They will produce roughly 96 million pigs — about 1.8 million a week.

This is a staggering amount — equivalent to the entire production from Germany and Spain — the EU’s largest pig producers,” said Matthew.

“Imports of such meat will have serious implications for British pig farmers who follow high welfare practices and who have had to comply with a total ban on sow stalls for over a decade,” he said.

R

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seen a dramatic rise in the number of people contacting us, especially working farmers, with double the number of people calling our helpline in November compared to the same month last year.

“We anticipate that by the end of December we will this year have given at least £250,000 in extra support on top of the £1.8m we gave out last year. We do not help with business bills, so the figure shows just how much stress there is on farming families’ household budgets.

“R.A.B.I.’s work complements that of FCN, which provides pastoral care, the Addington Fund which can help with housing problems, and our sister charity in Scotland, the RSABI. The strength of the farming help group of charities lies in that diversity and the fact that we each have our own networks to help us reach those who need our support.

“If you know a farming family in need, please ask them to contact us. We work in confidence and with discretion. Together we can help people find solutions to problems which may at the moment seem insurmountable.”

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“Due to cheaper production methods this lower-welfare meat could undercut UK-produced meat and the fiasco in the EU surrounding non-compliance with the battery-cage ban in 2012 will pale into insignificance compared with this.”

The summit should involve all UK retailers, wholesalers, slaughter-processors, producers and consumer bodies to ensure that no pigmeat from illegal production systems in the EU enters the UK, says Mr Curtis.

“There should be harsh penalties to ensure that retailers and wholesalers found to be importing this meat take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.”

Any meat in UK shops and supermarkets from such illegal production systems would undermine the credibility of the brand image of the retailer, wholesaler and slaughterprocessor and further damage the profitability of the British pig producers, who are already suffering a crisis situation,” he added.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

On Topic

Devon young farmer returns from trip of a lifetime Chris Berry has recently returned from a journey to New Zealand to learn about farming methods down under after winning the Novartis Animal Health/National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs scholarship.

is first stop was Mendip Hills, a massive sheep station, covering over 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres). As well as the large cattle and deer herds, they run over 10,000 ewes on an outdoor lambing, low input system.

“New Zealand was well into spring which is the equivalent to our April-May time. Grazing had started and all the spring crops were tilled. Driving down the wide straight roads with barely another car around, we had in our sights dead flat land, a lot of which had large pivot irrigating systems set up, and big dairy and sheep farms underfoot.

“It was a beautiful site with all the spring born lambs running around as we drove towards snowtopped mountains, and it reminded me what I had loved and missed so much from my last visit. The only difference being that this time I had the chance of getting some hands-on experience. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in,” he said.

Chris, who is a partner in his family’s 440 acre beef, sheep and arable farm near Exeter, worked on two sheep stations as part of the scholarship. After starting at Mendip, he then went on to Dry Creek Station at Fairlie, south of Christchurch which has 1,600 hectares with 5,000 sheep, 250 cows and 200 deer, as well as a safari lodge.

“Mendip Station was in some tough country. The land there would challenge any of our less favoured upland areas. However, this didn’t stop the farm manager and his team running a well-managed business, grazing a lot of animals. The whole farm is fenced for rotational stocked paddocks and anything that can be re-seeded was done regularly, even if it meant using an aeroplane to help achieve this.

“Worm control was a cause for concern with many

H Scholarship winner learns about farming in New Zealand

10 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

drenches becoming less effective due to resistance.

Mendip was one of the farms that Novartis Animal Health had used to trial Zolvix® and test its efficacy.

Now on the market, it is a useful tool against worms resistant to other drench classes and is used as a late summer season drench on farm,” he said.

“I joined Mendip station in a week when there was a lot of deer handling to be done. Deer are low maintenance and only gathered up with the aid of the helicopter three times a year. With what proved to be an impressive set-up, we managed to TB test and bolus over 1,000 deer in two days. It is incredible that an animal that is so wild and difficult to round up can be so easy to handle once contained in a yard and handling facility. It was an awesome experience, but I thought I would stick to my sheep farming!

“It wasn’t long before we had the sheep in the yard.

Mendip has three stockmen, whom I was staying with in the shearing quarters, all with four or five dogs each, which made light work of sheep shifting or sorting.

Their fixed position race unit made light work of handling the store lambs when it came to part out some for the abattoir, and we soon had the 500 we needed. The lambs had been shorn quite recently, as they believe lambs put on weight faster with a lighter fleece. A few had become a bit dirty around the tail, so it was decided that any to be sold would be dagged (shearing wool around the tail).

“They were all drafted off separately so that one of the stockmen and I could clean them up, which gave me the chance to show off my dagging skills. We had a narrow pen and a shearing hand piece each and it didn’t take long for the competitor in me to come out, as I managed to finish mine before them. In fairness,

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| On Topic

On Topic I may have had a few less to do and they probably weren’t racing so much,” he said.

One aspect of New Zealand farming that Chris particularly enjoyed was the way farmers got together to discuss their businesses and exchange knowledge.

At a meeting of the North Canterbury farm discussion group, they talked about lamb percentages for the year.

“On the whole, percentages were up on last year, with a good start to spring, typically up to 120-130%. I wanted to ask about housing, but the idea of any animals being housed at any time was ludicrous, so I kept quiet. With such large flocks it wouldn’t ever be a viable option. Things have dried up in the region now, so they were discussing how best to prepare for a grass shortage and, ultimately, what stock could they afford to sell.

“I did get the chance to explain why I was studying on the farm and promote British agriculture. They liked the idea of a single farm payment, but not so much the cross compliance and the paperwork. The idea of having to pay to have their deadstock taken off farm most certainly didn’t bode well.

“The great thing about farming in New Zealand is it’s such a big industry. There are so many farmrelated TV commercials, advertising the likes of CLiK® pour on and Zolvix drench. All the communities are in an agricultural area, so people have a better understanding of the farming way of life and it is well respected. They have a lot more say and a bigger voice about what legislation is brought in. It is looking like tagging sheep will become compulsory before too long, though.

“I really like the idea of farm discussion groups and the chance to have a thorough nose at neighbouring

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farms. Everything is open and honest and even whole farms’ accounts were shown and digested. This is definitely something I’d like to see more of back in the UK. The day finished with a BBQ and a little social: ‘proper job’!”

It was lambing season at Dry Creek station, Chris’s next port of call. The majority of the work there was done by the family who ran it.

“We woke up to a frosty start and the snow looked set to stay around for a while. The place just looked magical. Paul took me on my first ‘lambing beat’ which involved checking the set stocked ewes to see if anything needed attention,” Chris said.

“It wasn’t long before I had experienced my first outdoor lambing. I’ve never seen a dog contain a ewe long enough for us to catch and lamb it, but it made the job so easy. I can actually see myself lambing outdoors after this week. I felt they had the right balance of care and attention to the lambing sheep here, leaving it as nature intended for ewes to get on with it except for a few which wouldn’t have survived.

They also helped the younger ewes and ones likely to cause trouble.”

A blog of his time at both stations, which can be accessed on the Novartis Animal Health website, show the fantastic New Zealand landscape with its weather varying between snow and 25 degree sunshine, and the daunting task of running thousands of sheep between different areas of the stations.

Chris has produced a report on anthelmintic resistance with a general overview of sheep farming in New Zealand, which is also available on the Novartis Animal Health website.

To access Chris Berry’s blog and report, visit www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/nz-blog.

About Novartis Animal Health Novartis Animal Health researches, develops and commercialises leading animal treatments that meet the needs of pet owners, farmers and veterinarians. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and present in nearly 40 countries, Novartis Animal Health employs approximately 2,900 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.ah.novartis.com or in the UK & IE visit www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Diet Feeders

Stewart Morley

Wharfedale Tractors Ltd

A.G. Ford Agri Eng.

Cranworth Farm Services

The Workshop, Bonds Farm Morley Lane, Pilling, Preston PR3 6BY Tel 01253 799124 Mob 07802 638385

Unit 1, Riffa Business Park, Harrogate Road, Pool-in-Wharfedale, North Yorkshire LS21 2XB Tel 01132 841117

Nearton End Farm, Nearton End, Swanbourne, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK17 0SL Tel 01296 728298

Cranworth Common, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7SX Tel 01362 820077

12 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| LAMMA

LAMMA is upon us!

Now is the time to tackle sand-laden slurries

Offering an unbeatable range of products and services for visitors - it’s the show to be at!

Sand-laden slurry is no longer a problem thanks to Houle’s superior slurry handling equipment, from GEA Farm Technologies.

he ever-increasing popularity of the LAMMA Show amongst the farming community nationwide, has in the past few years led to a tremendous increase in both visitor and exhibitor numbers. For LAMMA 2013 over 750 exhibitors have booked stand space for the event which will take place on 16th & 17th January 2013, at the Newark Showground, on the Lincolnshire/Nottinghamshire border.

Its growing reputation and popularity has meant that, over recent years, the character of the Show has evolved from being predominantly focused on arable machinery, parts and workshop equipment, to one which now includes a wide range of horticultural, amenity and livestock equipment, as well as ‘green energy’ products, seed suppliers, agro-chemical, farm management and financial advisory services. In addition, a number of companies specialising in re-cycling and

ith 55 years’ experience in the industry Houle has developed a number of products specifically designed to scrape, mix, pump and spread sand-laden slurries.

The range includes the: • Futuro, a hydraulic slurry pump specially designed for use with sand-laden slurries offering outstanding reliability and efficiency.

• Electromix, a hydraulic slurry pumping system that homogenises solids and liquids to produce a manure that can be pumped for long-distances.

• Automatic slurry scrapers specifically recommended for sand-laden manures, and one that is capable of cleaning passages up to 200m long.

• Automatic Cross Gutter scrapers to positively displace sand deposits in below ground level gutters and passages.

• SRone, a robotic passageway scraper, suitable for use in all slatted passages.

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construction equipment will be an attraction to both re-cycling and construction professionals, as well as farmers seeking ideas for diversification projects.

The ever increasing popularity of the LAMMA Show indicates that it is now placed high on the list of favourite exhibition events for professionals in the agricultural and associated industries. We look forward to welcoming our regular visitors and, of course, we extend an especially cordial invitation to those who have yet to enjoy the LAMMA experience. As an added incentive to ‘early-birds’ making for the Show, the car parks will open at 6.00am and visitors arriving between 6.30 and 8.00am will be able to enjoy a full English breakfast at a discounted price.

Additionally, the Show will this year officially open at 7.30am on both days. As in previous years, both admission to the Show and car parking are free of charge.

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• Super Pump which offers highperformance agitation, chopping, circulation and very fast tanker filling at 10,000l/minute.

• Scraped manure separators and sloped screen separators for flush systems etc.

The EL44 spreader like no other offers top loading, is steerable, has air brakes and recirculates sandladen slurries.

The Houle range also includes electric and PTO-driven slurry pumps that agitate, pump and chop manure for reception pits, underground stores and above ground storage tanks.

Visit us at LAMMA 2013 on stand G84 to see our Houle slurry handling equipment on display and talk to one of our equipment specialists.

Alternatively for more information call us on 02476 692 333, email info.geafarmtechnologies.uk@gea. com or visit www.slurrymanagement.co.uk/FM

Cable scrapers: 1 drive unit for up to 4 passageways

Spreader: power steering and self-levelling suspension

V St at L isit an A u d MM s No A G8 4 Futuro hydraulic slurry pump

Specialists in tackling sand-laden slurries for farmers and contractors

Superior slurry systems for improved productivity and performance

GEA Farm TTechnologies echnologies GEA Farm TTechnologies echnologies (UK) Ltd Lt TTel: el: 02476 692333 www.slurrymanagement.co.uk/fm www .slurrymanagement.co.uk/fm

engineering for a better world www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 13

| LAMMA

Not just a different drill, Introducing the a drill that makes the new Landrover S2 difference The worlds toughest mobile.

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A drill for all conditions. he multi-award winning Eco-Drill from Lincolnshire’s Dale Drills, continues to prove itself as a drill for all conditions. Users have not only seen savings in time and money but they have also been able to drill when neighbours have not.

Since its launch at LAMMA 2010, where the drill won 3 awards, Eco-Drills have been sold across the UK and abroad.

Despite difficult conditions this autumn, comments from users have been very positive; ‘Our customers report that they are the envy of their neighbours as they are almost all completely drilled up’, says James Dale, ‘The high output of our easy to pull drill means customers can cover the ground in a more timely fashion, whilst many report our narrow tipped tines have worked

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hen you think of Land Rover the words tough, rugged and reliable come to mind. Well the long anticipated Land Rover S2 mobile phone is certainly that, with its corning gorilla glass screen and full rugged rubber casing the handset will survive any situation.

Being the toughest mobile phone in the world with its IP68 rating which means it is waterproof to 2 meters for one hour and let’s admit it if your phone is in water for an hour then you are in trouble!

The phone is in the Guinness Book of world records as the world’s toughest phone. Not only does it beat other handsets with its toughness but outshines competitors with its outstanding battery life, with the manufacturer quoting up to 2 months standby time (not a miss print) The Sonim Land Rover S2 works on all UK networks and with its 3G compatibility it allows fast data connection no matter what the weather, not only can the phone survive knocks and drops

exceptionally well in this challenging and wet autumn.’

Despite these glowing testimonies, the company continue to improve their flagship model. A larger ‘self cleaning’ toothed steel press wheel has been introduced, to improve consolidation and run in wetter conditions. Hydraulics can now be controlled from the drill computer, reducing the number of spools required. Adjustable row spacing allows users to select from 12.5cm, 25cm and now 50cm.

Improvements to the drill chassis, including new laser cut profiled plates, enable a new four ram wing folding design to be included on new drills, which with its flow control valve ensure even, stable unfolding of wings.

Dale Drills will be showing their MTD and Eco-Drill at LAMMA 2013 on Stand R3 Avenue E.

NEW

but its completely submersible and dust proof.

After the huge success Sonim had launching the Land Rover S1 back in 2009 they have once again released a handset tough enough to be a Land Rover.

Boasting a three year UK warranty, this is the only manufacturer in the world who again is willing to put such a long warranty again a mobile phone.

The handset come with everything anybody could need if working outdoors or just needing a reliable, hardwearing, long lasting handset then look no further than the Sonim Land Rover S2. Other features are Torch, Camera with flash, GPS. The phone is available to purchase outright from www.thephonetrader.co.uk or call 0800 8499990 the outright cost is £299 plus vat but is also available free as an upgrade on most of the UK networks again via thephonetrader.

EXCLUSIVE!

LAND ROVER S2

BARRIER RUGGED SMARTPHONE ALSO AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE ON ALL NETWORKS Call 0800 849 9990 For More Details Or See Our Full Range Of Toughphones At .co.uk @ThePhoneTrader

14 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| LAMMA

Keenan ECO Mixers A new range of eco-friendly mixer wagons which are better for the environment, less expensive and offer all the benefits of a new Keenan. eenan are proud to announce the launch of its new range of Keenan ECO mixer wagons. In developing this new range Keenan are committed to maximising the reuse or recycling of previously owned machine parts and giving farmers a lower cost entry price point at just 70% the cost of a new Keenan.

Quality recycled parts along with new parts where required, are combined with a new machine body.

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“A Keenan+ PACE System mix can deliver on average an improvement of 1.6 Litres of milk from 0.7 Kg less feed, worth an additional 58 pence per cow per day at today’s milk and feed prices.”

The Keenan ECO range are quality factory manufactured mixer wagons which have all the benefits of the current Keenan range. Built

to last using advanced engineering which ensures you get maximum performance and a superior physical ration presentation. All ECO machines are put through the same rigorous testing as new machines.

CEO Gerard Keenan stated that “we believe it’s important to consider the environmental impact at every stage in the product life cycle. With the ECO range we have the ability to use quality recycled parts from a previously owned machine and incorporate this with a new machine body.

There are major environmental benefits as a result of using these recycled machine parts.”

Based on legendary Keenan reliability, the ECO range of diet feeders brings together simplicity of operation with the most advanced mechanical and electronic engineering. Using the highest quality steel, Keenan engineers work hard to make machines that stand the test of time, in the toughest of conditions in any market across the globe.

With the ECO Range of machines having the same mixing technology as a new Keenan Mech-fiber® machine, it is also possible to fit the PACE control and monitoring system to your ECO machine. This allows for constant monitoring of your feed inputs and delivery of a consistent and even mixed ration daily to your animals. This consistency of mix is what makes the difference to your margins on these times of high feeds costs. A Keenan+ PACE System mix can deliver on average an improvement of 1.6 Litres of milk from 0.7 Kg less feed, worth an additional 58 pence per cow per day at today’s milk and feed prices. This is extremely

relevant when you consider the current feed costs and forage quality issues that farmers are faced with this winter. Reducing feed intake by and getting a higher milk yield is a very attractive proposition.

For more information on the ECO Machine or the PACE Control and monitoring system, please visit our stand at the LAMMA show, stand G18, Avenue E, or speak to our specialists (Tel: 0800 587 3296, or visit www.keenansystem.com

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January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 15

| LAMMA

Väderstad offer extended two year warranty Väderstad is now offering a two-year guarantee period for all products as part of the company’s quality assurance work. his reflects the company’s focus on quality from choice of materials to testing methods.

When selecting materials and components, Väderstad often goes for slightly more expensive solutions if these provide longer life, says Vaderstad UK managing director Mike Alsop.

“A machine that operates problem-free for a long time and that has a high second-hand value is cheaper to own.”

During development work at Väderstad, different technical solutions are tested in computersimulated stress tests and in practical tests in the field.

“We are convinced of the quality of our development methods and testing operations so we are now feel confident in

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offering a two-year guarantee,” says Mr Alsop.

Master Driers – The new generation!

Last year Master Driers celebrated its 30th anniversary of supplying the UK market with its highly acclaimed range of mobile grain driers. or 2013 we have a new generation of Driers on offer which embraces the technology necessary to help our customers meet the demands of modern grain drying.

We are introducing ‘Touch screen controls’ on our fully automated models to make adjustments easier to set and control, which, along with our Mastermatic option and Moisture meter gives an extra dimension to a fully automated grain drying system. Add to this our telephone assist and our 3 stage burner and you are looking at the leading edge of mobile grain drying.

Our range today covers models from 12 – 45 Tons and features our popular PTO drive or electric drive options along with dust extraction and our 450 mm diameter centre auger. All this adds up to a range of Driers that will give you the very best in mobile Drying.

So come and see us at the

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Lamma show and learn more about our range. Also on display will be our brand new wet grain hopper which is available in capacities to suit your trailers and storage.

For those who want upgrade your Drier next season come and talk to us about ‘trade ins’ and low cost financing.

For those of you who value pre season Services we are offering some very special deals which can include free fitting of our moisture meter!

Telephone: Master Driers 01787 228450 or visit www.masterfarm.co.uk

Tempo Pushing the limits in precision planting www.vaderstad.com

16 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| LAMMA

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January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 17

| LAMMA

LAMMA – the place to be for fuel and oil tanks Responding to increased demand for fuel, oil, AdBlue and portable tanks as many in the farming community address compliance issues, Bundedtanks.com (Hall 6 Stand 611) will be offering tanks at “better than their best on-line prices at LAMMA!” undedtanks.com supplies a very comprehensive range of tanks and accessories from the top brand names and featured on the stand this year will be the latest offers from CEMO and Carbery. Focus will be on real value for money and, as with all they sell, Bundedtanks.com offers a price promise.

Director David Mears told us; “Bundedtanks.com has built up an enviable reputation throughout the UK for supplying quality products at competitive prices. At LAMMA we’ll be making very special offers on Cemo and Carbery products and below our already keen on-line prices.”

This is certainly good news for all who, in this continuing time of austerity, have to buy and / or replace liquid storage or dispensing tanks. Of particular interest will be AdBlue storage and dispensing solutions including the compact, robust and high quality CEMO Blue Mobile Easy portable tanks in various sizes and the inexpensive IBC’s with AdBlue pump kits.

Diesel dispensing on the farm usually requires larger tanks but, up until recently there

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18 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

wasn’t much choice and some baulked at the idea (and price!) of a 10,000 litre tank. Carbery have the answer with their 6000 litre Fuel Point enabling 5000 litre top-up diesel deliveries and probably with a slightly improved price. In basic form with 230v pump, longer than normal 5 metre hose and auto nozzle, this tank is cheaper than other tanks with a 1000 litres less capacity. The company is not revealing their show prices but, if they are better than their on-line ones now, the stand will certainly be worth a visit!

If it’s going to be as harsh a winter as we are told, why not look at the CEMO salt and grit spreaders on the Bundedtanks.com stand?

Prices have already been cut to offer best on-line value on the featured high quality spinner type spreaders with pneumatic tyres and stainless steel frames and axles.

Security will be high on the agenda for many as oil and fuel thefts increase and Bundedtanks.com will be offering locks, alarms and electronic gauges to help frustrate thieves. Orders for steel tanks for

oil and diesel are on the increase and, if theft is a major issue, perhaps this is the solution? See Bundedtanks.com featuring CEMO and Carbery products at LAMMA 2013 (Hall 6, Stand 611). If you can’t make the show, check on-line or call 0845 600 3572.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

New 4500 gallon Tridem tanker launched Abbey Machinery bring to the market their new 4000 gallon to 5000 gallon Tridem tanker range with the launch of their new 4500 gallon Tridem tanker. hilst Abbey are renowned manufacturers of slurry equipment, recent customer feedback to the company requested that we supply the current market with a larger capacity tanker range.

This new 4500 gallon capacity tanker is based solely around producing a machine that will

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enhance the productivity of today’s serious slurry contractor.

Key aspects of the new tridem range include the standard Abbey criteria of being purposeful, reliable and durable.

Built upon Tridem running gear which has both front and rear steering axles controlled via forced steering from the tractor, the Tridem tanker vessel sits into the Abbey 4 point well style laser cut and pressed chassis design.

This tanker also provides

enhanced comforts to today’s operator by utilising shock absorption running gear and Abbey’s now world renowned weight sensing sprung drawbar system.

Increased traction in the field is enhanced through the Abbey weight management system which is fitted to the tanker, ensuring better results are achieved in the field.

It is from here however, that it surpasses all expectations with the use of the specifically designed pumping system which allows the machine to have its vessel full in less than 4.5 minutes and can displace its complete load in under 4 minutes through the turbo pumping system (via a splash plate) achieving a spreading width greater than 16 meters.

For further information visit www.abbeymachinery.com

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 19

| LAMMA

Moore Concrete launch their new slip resistant slat range Moore Concrete has launched a range of new slip resistant slats, designed to give cattle that all- important, extra sure footedness when travelling across a suspended floor. he slats feature a specifically finished surface, designed to reduce the risk of slipping,” confirmed Moore Concrete’s Keri McGivern.

“Given the fast increasing prices of livestock, the financial impact of an animal falling and subsequently hurting itself could be significant.

Therefore the safety of the floor is of paramount importance.

“Our slat design ensures quick and effective slurry run-off into the tank below. This means hoof problems, such as slurry heel and digital dermatitis are minimised.”

The Steele family milk 400 high yielding cows near Kircubbin in Co Down. The decision was taken recently to build a new cubicle house for up to 50 fresh calving

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cows. Significantly, the family opted to install the new slip resistant slats from Moore Concrete over the slurry tank.

“We wanted to give our fresh calvers the best possible accommodation option for the first few weeks of their lactation from both a production and welfare perspective,” Thomas Steele explained. “The slats are now in place and the house is taking shape.”

The Steele family also fitted out the new house with Moore Concrete cubicle beds, end cubicle walls and the company’s in-house drinker, which is positioned at the end of the cubicle run.

For further information, contact Moore Concrete on 02825 652566

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| LAMMA

Robinson Structures: Where quality matters Visit our stand at LAMMA 2013 and see the Robinson difference for yourself. obinson Structures specialise in the design, fabrication and construction of agricultural steel frame buildings including grain stores, livestock buildings, hay barns, equestrian facilities and general purpose buildings, as well as industrial units and other bespoke structures. Services and products such as groundworks, roofing, cladding, concrete panels, doors, electrics, gates, barriers, louvres, etc are all available inhouse for a full turnkey service.

Their fabrication facility in the heart of the East Midlands is ideally situated to service the whole of the country, reinforcing their position as one of the country’s leading agricultural building contractors.

Robinson Structures provide an informal approach to their many customers, offering early design and cost advice and can also prepare planning applications. The company ethos revolves around the satisfaction of their clients with

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a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude.

Robinson Structures have decades of steel fabrication experience, so customers can guarantee that the product they receive is of the highest quality with long lasting durability.

Robinson Structures will be exhibiting at both the LAMMA Show at the Newark & Nottinghamshire Showground on 16th & 17th January 2013, and at the Agri Expo at the Kent County Showground on 6th March 2013.

For more information please call 01332 574711 or visit www.robinsons.com

Broadwood at LAMMA Full range of machinery on display. roadwood International will be showing a host of new products and equipment at LAMMA 2013.

Wessex ThawEx, the latest in the range of liquid ice-melt products, is a liquid brine solution that is environmentally friendly and complements the SnowEx liquid brine sprayers.

It’s the ideal alternative to spreading salt.

The Hustler range of bale feeders offer simple, reliable machines and the SL models provide an economical option for farmers who primarily feed out round bales. A new trailed model, the SL-700X will be introduced at LAMMA. Hustler SL models, although primarily designed for round bales, are equally able to handle large square bales with side bars fitted as standard.

The range of SweepEx push brooms will be on display featuring the new MegaMax. The innovative MegaMax ‘C-broom’ is not just a push broom but a bulk volume mover. It combines all the benefits of the best-selling SweepEx concept of a heavy-

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duty push broom with new, patented side retainers. These hold bulk volumes of material in front of the brush and so avoid spillage at the sides, saving a vast amount of time having to go over swept areas twice to clear frustrating spill lines. It’s quickly and easily fitted to a telehandler, skid steer or tractor.

Several SnowEx snow and ice control products will also be shown together with the Wessex logsplitter, ATV brine sprayer and a Tuchel Echo-230 tractor mounted sweeper designed specifically for use in the agricultural sector.

Contact Broadwood International on 01420 478111 www.broadwoodintl.co.uk

MegaMax in grainstore

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 21

| LAMMA

Can-Am showcase new model Discover the all-new Can-Am Outlander 500 DPS with first of its kind Tri-mode dynamic power steering, at LAMMA 2013. Visit stand R26 on Avenue G. tility manufacturer, BRP, the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of motorised recreational vehicles, is showcasing its new 2013 Can-Am Outlander 500 DPS featuring the first Tri-mode dynamic power steering system on an ATV, providing farmers with outstanding handling and traction for smooth manoeuvrability regardless of the terrain.

The Tri-mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) system offers three levels of steering assistance to enable the correct category to be selected for the terrain. The technology also includes a Direct

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Link setup that uses advanced magnetic field sensors for faster response to steering input compared with other competitive technology, minimising steering lag. In addition, less kickback and more trail feedback is supplied to the operator because of the 50:1 final gear ratio, which is the largest in the industry. A high capacity 50amp motor ensures the DPS will continue to be maintained despite heavy use.

In addition, the mightier 46 kW Rotax™ engine and the G2 Surround Spar Technology (SST) chassis enhance the overall comfort of the vehicle at all levels of riding, significantly improving

the Outlander 500 DPS’ overall experience.

Further enhancements include BRP’s advanced technologies such as the Visco-Lok QE and D.E.S.S anti-theft systems, which differentiate the Outlander 500 DPS in today’s farming market.

The Visco-Lok QE provides quicker engagement of the front differential, progressively transferring power from a slipping front wheel to the gripping one automatically without having to push any buttons. There is also no wheel hop or driveline wind-up so the system is totally transparent to the driver and extremely easy to steer, and it can lock up to 100 per

cent with no rev or speed limiter.

The D.E.S.S (Digitally Encoded Security System) offers farmers peace of mind with its anti-theft key system. It utilises electronic key codes that are required to match each specific ATV’s engine control module (ECM). The machine will not start unless the coded microchip in the key matches the pre-installed code.

Two keys are included with each model. The performance key allows the ATV to operate at maximum performance while the normal key limits acceleration and top speed.

Spaldings is showing a range of new products on stand G32, Avenue F he Spaldings stand at LAMMA 2013 will focus on their new product introductions.

Spaldings, one of Europe’s leading distributors of Agricultural replacement parts, tools and accessories introduced in excess of 1,000 new products in 2012. The new products on the stand include the Flatlift TDR Cultivator, air seeder electrics and the Push Broom.

“Product research and development will

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22 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

continue to play a pivotal role in our business model as innovation is paramount to growth and acquiring and sustaining competitive advantage” says Roger Chase, Agricultural Sales Director for Spaldings. “LAMMA is the UK’s leading technical event in the agricultural industry and provides us with the perfect platform to showcase our new products to our customers.”

“There will be many significant product introductions on show at LAMMA” Chase says.

“Farming practices continue to evolve and our product range evolves with it. Customers will get the chance to see exactly what we do and discover hands-on how our products and services can benefit them.”

For details of these and other products supplied by Spaldings, contact 01522 507 600, email: gsales@spaldings.co.uk or view the catalogue at www.spaldings.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Teemore Engineering launches the Agri-Plastics range of calf hutches The challenge of calf rearing has been made considerably easier for dairy farmers, throughout the UK and Ireland, courtesy of the launch by Teemore Engineering of the Agri-Plastics calf hutch range. anufactured in Canada, the hutches are renowned internationally as the toughest of their kind on the market today.

“Both group and single calf options are available,” confirmed Teemore’s marketing manager Ray Foy, “What makes these hutches different is the quality of the plastic used in the manufacturing process. As a consequence, they have a 50% better impact strength, a longer life and being totally opaque, ensure high Ultra Violet protection at all times. In fact, the hutches come with a ten year guarantee.”

In essence, the Agri-Plastics hutches guarantee the perfect environment in which to rear young calves.

Ray Foy again:; “Each group hutch can cater for up to 6 calves.

Innovative features include a unique roof-based variable ventilation system, plus operator

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access front and rear, to facilitate easy cleaning and feeding. The entrance at the rear is facilitated by a three-in-one door.”

“As a result, the group hutch can be easily accessed in order to facilitate the inspection of individual calves,” Ray Foy continued.

“A front mounted penning system is included with both the single and group hutch options, thereby providing calves with an additional exercise area at the front of their accommodation.”

As milk producers know only too well, giving calves the best possible start in life is fundamentally important to the long term future of their businesses.

“The Agri-Plastics hutches give farmers total control over their calf rearing practises,” Ray Foy concluded.

“Teemore will also supply all the feeding bottles and buckets

required to ensure that the needs of each individual calf are met in full.

For further information, please

telephone Teemore Engineering on (028) 6774 8377

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 23

| LAMMA

The original Galebreaker

Goat farmer Charlie Whitehouse has a wide range of Galebreaker Products.

Galebreaker has 30 years’ experience in manufacturing ventilation and weather protection products. he Bayscreen is the original Galebreaker designed as an alternative to traditional timber boarding. It is produced in the UK at our manufacturing site in Ledbury, Herefordshire and can be found on farms worldwide.

The Bayscreen fabric has been wind tunnel tested at both Farnborough Testing Facility and Cranfield University and, as a result, Galebreaker guarantees all of it’s system solutions, including the Bayscreen, up to wind speeds of 60mph (Beaufort Scale 10). The tensioning straps are fixed directly to the screen, enabling the Bayscreens to be fully secured and taught on the building. The Bayscreen is fully adjustable whilst maintaining tension in the screen which is critical for weather protection. Less fabric movement gives the screens longevity, and our confidence in the quality of the Bayscreen means that we offer a unique 10 year product and UV guarantee.

Bayscreens are offered in a standard range of sizes from 3m

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wide to 20m wide. Each are fully adjustable to suit any width of bay.

The screens come in four heights; 1m, 1.5m, 2m and 3m. If you have requirements outside of these standards, we have the expertise to offer a tailor-made solution. Our inhouse engineers undertake testing of both materials and webbing to ensure we offer the strongest solution possible.

In fact the Bayscreen has been tested to a massive 1497kg breaking strain. Galebreaker’s standard material, which is used widely on Bayscreens has proven to be three times as efficient in allowing fresh air into a building compared to traditional timber cladding.

It also provides outstanding weather protection and allows plenty of light into the building, ensuring that your livestock have the best environment to thrive in.

The hook and ratchet system used

by Galebreaker for attaching the Bayscreen makes it simple and quick to install, and offers the flexibility to open the up the bays during the hottest months of the

24 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

year.

If you would like to discuss your own requirements further, please call the Galebreaker sales office on 01531 637900.

“Galebreaker really understand our farm requirements and are able to offer the best solution to protect our livestock in all weathers. The Bayscreen is a strong and flexible product which offers superb value for money. It’s the tension in the Galebreaker system that sets it apart. It’s clearly built to last.”

Charlie Whitehouse

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Perry at LAMMA 2013 Visit their stand for your chance to enter the competition to win a grain drier worth £25,000. erry of Oakley Ltd, with their 65 years of experience are the UK’s oldest manufacturer of grain drying and handling equipment.

To celebrate our 65th anniversary and the launch of PERRY EZIquote, Perry’s are running a competition offering a chance to win a brand new 2013 grain drier.* This drier incorporates many of the features that have been tested during Harvest 2012 and are the culmination of the first 18 months of an ongoing research and development program.

The main features are: • All galvanized pneumatically operated heavy duty shutter discharge design.

• Large touch screen PLC panel with remote connectivity.

• It is designed to BS6399 and BS5950 for structural strength. The burners can be supplied suitable for Kerosene and Diesel or even gas if required.

• This PLC with 12” touch screen control provides the operator with the ultimate in drier control features

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If you are an arable farmer we have 3 reasons why a visit to STAND 104 in HALL 1 cannot be missed.

Enter our free competition to have a chance to win a brand new continuous flow grain drier.*

1

The opportunity to see a demonstration of the very latest touch screen technology for grain drier and handling equipment control panels.

2

Further details on all Perry handling equipment and grain driers can be obtained from our website www.perryofoakley.co.uk Or call 01404 890300 E mail sales@ perryofoakley.co.uk *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

Good Luck!

See a demonstration of our revolutionary online instant quotation and ordering system EZIquote. This systems gives the customer instant access to prices for grain drying and handling equipment anytime day or night.

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and information recording and connectivity.

Features: • Auto set up for different crop types and moisture contents.

• Automatic recording of all drier temperatures and speeds.

• Fully intuitive touch screen display.

• Remote display and control of the drier available via the internet.

• Alarm messages can be sent by text or e mail.

• Full alarm history and diagnostic screen.

BRITISH MACHINERY FOR BRITISH FARMERS *terms and conditions apply.

Visit stand 104 for your chance to win a brand new grain dryer*

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WIN A GRAIN DRIER

Dunkeswell Airfield, Honiton, Devon, EX14 4LF • Tel: 01404 890300 • Fax: 01404 891402 Email: sales@perryengineering.com • Web: www.perryofoakley.co.uk

*Terms & conditions apply

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 25

| LAMMA

Success for Bentall both at home and abroad Bentall Rowlands is the UK’s leading silo manufacturer. Moving into 2013 the company continues with strong growth within both the domestic and international markets.

012 saw Bentall Rowlands supplying silos to Bristol Port, Wold Grain, Angus Cereals, Highland Grain to name but a few. Once again the international markets proved to be good seeing the first 32 metre diameter silos shipped to Africa along with twenty-two 5,000 tonne silos. Europe also was a strong market with over 123,000 tonnes capacity of grain storage being supplied and erected in Germany and the company’s first 12 metre diameter 45-degree hopper bottom silos installed in Holland.

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“Bentall Rowlands is launching an economical range of water tanks in an effort to assist farms to become more environmentally friendly and help prevent the depleting water supply in streams and rivers.”

Rex Hilton, Bentall Rowlands' Sales Director commented, “2013

will see further growth in all our key markets. With the hard work of our team we are already seeing repeat business from the relationships that have been forged over the last few years”.

The first quarter of 2013 will see a further fourteen 5,000 tonne storage silos to one of our long term partners in Africa and three 7 metre diameter 22 metre tall hopper silos for New Zealand.

These silos will be going alongside two rows of Bentall Rowlands' hopper silos, which withstood the earthquake in 2012.

Bentall Rowlands will be once again exhibiting at LAMMA 2013, giving current and new customers a chance to look at their extensive product range as well as Bentall Rowlands' new product the ‘Water Tank’. This has been brought into place because the risks to water ecosystems due to abstraction of water from rivers, lakes and aquifers are being increasingly recognized. Most agricultural production in England and Wales is rain-fed, with only one per cent of water resources nationally being taken from ground and surface

26 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

water sources for agricultural use.

There are now discussions with water companies on how drinking water will continue to be made available for livestock and with the Environment Agency on how restrictions on crop irrigation could be phased in to allow advance planning and use of voluntary restrictions wherever possible.

The Government already intervenes in this area through regulating water abstraction and implementing public water resource management systems.

Pending new legislation change regarding water extraction will affect all farmers who currently extract water from a local stream or river, it needs to be realised that there is no quick fix to this issue and increasing investment in onfarm water storage capacity will be vital going forward. Due to this potential need to store on site water irrigation systems, Bentall Rowlands is launching an economical range of water tanks in an effort to assist farms to become more environmentally friendly and help prevent the depleting water supply in streams and rivers.

For more information: www.bentallrowlands.com or visit us at LAMMA 2013 Hall 4 Stand 413

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Micron to launch the new Varidome S5 sprayer Micron Group will use its stand 156 (Hall 1A) at LAMMA 2013 as a launch pad for its largest to date Varidome S5 band sprayer. uilding on the success of Varidome S1 and S3 models, Varidome S5 is a 9 metre wide inter-row sprayer which has been specifically designed for use in crops planted with an 8 metre drill.

Aimed at the broad acre farmer, Varidome S5 is a highly useful tool for controlling persistent weeds such as blackgrass in OSR, sugar beet, maize and many other rowgrown crops. The product is applied to the inter-row through hydraulic pressure nozzles which are housed under oval domes for drift free spraying. This results in a highly targeted and accurate application and significant savings in chemical compared to blanket spraying.

Capable of spraying of up to 9 metres a pass, Varidome S5 offers high productivity and is capable of treating up to 150 acres a day. The machine can be fitted with up 24 shielded heads to suit the crop row spacing. Spray width is easily adjustable on each individual head (ranging from 100mm to 800mm)

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enabling operators to treat desired inter-row and wheeling widths.

Additionally, Varidome S5 can be supplied with two spray lines for inter-row weed control and over the row application to crop with the different tank mixes being fed from Micron’s Dual Tank System.

This means users can treat the inter-row with a contact weed spray under the shield and simultaneously apply a selective spray over-row, thus halving operator time in the field.

When not in use, Varidome S5’s centre section folds up to allow the two side sections to fold in underneath for compact transportation and storage.

As well as the new Varidome, Micron will be displaying its shielded CDA sprayers – specifically, Undavina, Spraydome, Spraymiser models - and the new Micron 100 litre Tank System for treating field margins and general weed control. Micron’s shielded CDA range offers minimised spray drift, excellent spray accuracy and increased productivity.

Furthermore, visitors to the Micron Group stand will also be able to see its WeedSwiper, a nondrip weed wiper for the control of weeds in horticultural crops, pasture, amenity and conservation areas. WeedSwiper delivers

herbicide onto the weeds via direct contact with its herbicidemoistened pads and is ideal in situations where conventional spraying is not desirable.

Introducing Varidome S5... ...the 9m band sprayer for the broad acre farmer See us at LAMMA 2013 Hall 1, Stand 184

Suitable for weed control in sugar beet, OSR, maize and many other row-grown crops Adjustable spray width to suit the crop Optional dual spray system Significantly reduced chemical and water requirement Shielded design minimises drift Compact folding for ease of transportation and storage Also available in 3 and 6m working widths

To find out more, call +44 (0)1885 482397 or email enquiries@micron.co.uk

Visit our stand 156 (Hall 1A) at Lamma www.micron.co.uk P R E C I S I O N A P P L I C AT I O N

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 27

| LAMMA

SMALL SIMPLE SMART ZETOR MAJOR Compact and easy for daily work. www.zetor.co.uk

Major – a small, lightweight, simple, compact yet powerful tractor from Zetor. Inheriting qualities of its predecessor together with technology in order to meet demands of this power category. With its compact size and power, it becomes your daily helper.

LW YA R N O L D LT D (Hereford & Worcestershire) Criftens Farm, Upper Sapey, WR6 6ES Tel: 01886 853637, Fax: 01886 853512 www.zetor-dealer.co.uk

BRAD FARM MACHINERY (Suffolk) 41c Lady Lane Ind. Estate, Hadleigh, IP7 6BQ Tel: 01473 827060, Fax: 01473 824184 www.bradfarm.co.uk

SMITHFIELD TRACTORS (South Wales) Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, LD2 3SR Tel: 01982 553221, Fax: 01982 552048 www.smithfield-tractors.co.uk

MARRS OF METHLICK (Aberdeenshire) School Brae Garage, Methlick, AB41 7DS Tel: 01651 806910, Fax: 01651 80691 www.marrsofmethlick.com

Tractor is Zetor. Since 1946.

28 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

H AY WA R D U N I T E D FA R M E S LT D (Suffolk) Heliport Site, Ellough, Beccles,NR34 7XD

Tel: 01502 475111, Fax: 01502 476533 www.hufl.co.uk

T U N S TA L L T R AC T O R S (Cumbria) Foggy Gill, Fell End, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4LN Tel: 01539 620636, Mob: 07817832978 www.tunstalltractors.com

TREBOR JONES & SON (North Wales) The Mount, Llanfyllin, SY22 5LE Tel: 01691 648411, Fax: 01691 648163 hwww.farmingmachinerypowys.co.uk

WHARFEDALE T R A C T O R S LT D (Yorkshire) Unit 1, Riffa Business Park, LS21 2XB Harrogate Road Tel: 01132 841117, Fax: 01132 843110 www.wharfedale-tractors.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| LAMMA

Kirkby Tyres have a major presence at LAMMA Kirkby Tyres have been at the forefront of tyre and wheel wholesaling and distribution for over 60 years and have established themselves as one of the largest tyre and wheel ‘full line’ wholesalers and distributors in Europe. irkby Tyres carry a vast stock of all types of tyres and wheels for all markets which includes a comprehensive stockholding of Agricultural and ‘Off The Road’ (OTR) tyres and wheels from leading premium tyre manufacturers including Alliance and BKT – a selection of which can be seen on their large stand at LAMMA (Stand No. 175 Hall 1A).

New tyres and sizes are constantly being added to the Alliance and BKT tyre ranges.

Alliance has a vast range of tyre patterns and sizes and has the most comprehensive range of radial flotation tyres available on the market today. Recent additions to the range include the Alliance radial 885 in tyre sizes 560/60R22.5 and 560/45R22.5 – both tyres feature a modern directional tread pattern, an all fabric radial construction and are priced extremely competitively. Another new addition is the Alliance 390 high speed all steel flotation tyre available in tyre sizes 560/60R22.5, 560/45R22.5 and 500/60R22.5 – all tyres have a non directional block tread pattern and have excellent field and road characteristics. The Alliance ‘Farm Pro’ is growing in demand and tyres sizes are now available from 280/85R20 to 520/70R38.

BKT ‘Agrimax’, ‘Ridemax’ and ‘Multimax’ tyres form a major part of the BKT agricultural tyre range – offering a tyre for very application.

A large stock of BKT agricultural and off road tyres are also available which includes the latest Agrimax Teris 1050/50 R32 for combine harvesters where reduced soil compaction and heavy load carrying capacity at low pressure is important.

The BKT FL 693 ‘Ride Max’ tyre is a steel belted, high speed radial tyre designed specifically for agricultural trailer & spreader use with 75% on – road application.

A unique directional block pattern design with rounded edges assures a low rolling resistance on the road and a good self cleaning property in the field. The strong radial casing with reinforced construction and steel belts gives extra load carrying capacity at high speeds – up to 70kmph. Tyres are available now in 560/60R 22.5 and

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560/45R 22.5 sizes. Agrimax radial tractor tyres are available in the 85, 70 & 60 series with high load capacity (85 series), optimum traction and good self cleaning characteristics - there is a tyre for every application.

Both Alliance and BKT have an increasing presence in the UK and Europe as more and more tyres are now fitted as original equipment (OE) by a growing number of manufacturers and agricultural machinery suppliers.

Kirkby Tyres also offers a full range of wheels and wheel assemblies for any fitment in the agricultural, row crop, trailer, wideflotation, hi-speed/low compaction, earthmover and industrial markets.

All wheels are made to OE specification, supplied in the colour of your choice and can be manufactured in small batch runs or in high volumes to suit your requirements. Kirkby tyres are pleased to work alongside GKN, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural and off highway wheels, as a partner for the O/E and replacement market in the UK and Ireland enabling them to supply a built up unit for almost every application. With an increasing work load in the wheels department a new shot blasting plant and spray booths have recently been installed and additional staff employed to keep pace with the new business.

The ‘Midas’ on-line ordering system - a virtual warehouse – is in constant and increasing demand enabling customers to view stock, price and availability 24 hours a day 7 days a week. A next day delivery service is available to anywhere in mainland UK. For more information or any general sales enquiries please contact the Sales Team on: 0870 242 8800 www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Energy

Vogelsang presents great repowering products at the BIOGAS trade fair Equipment provides more efficient feeding and increased gas yields. ugo Vogelsang Maschinenbau GmbH, specialist provider of pumping, shredding, distribution and spreading technology for the agricultural, biogas, industrial and municipal sectors, will be showing two products for improving the efficiency of biogas plants at the BIOGAS trade fair in Leipzig (Jan. 29-31, 2013) (hall L-2, booth 06.32).

Vogelsang will be demonstrating both the electrokinetic disintegration process using BioCrack and the solid matter feeder EnergyJet which is suitable for introducing a wide variety of renewable resources easily. A smaller version of the EnergyJet, the 30-100 model, will be displayed by Vogelsang for the first time at the renergie allgäu e.V. Biogas Info Days in Buchloe (Jan. 16-17, 2013).

Effective substrate treatment with the EnergyJet Last year the EnergyJet proved in a number of applications that it increases the efficiency of biogas plants due to its reliable and uncomplicated digester feeding, while at the same time being able to handle multiple cosubstrates without any problem. It combines the advantages of fluid and dry solid matter feeding: on the one hand, corn, grass, dung with liquid manure or recirculated material are mashed into a homogeneous organic suspension; on the other, the digesters are fed reliably thanks to its high resistance to foreign matter. Due to its large free passage and high resistance to stones, metal parts and other similar foreign matter, malfunctions hardly occur. This results in smooth operation and, thanks to bacteria-suitable mashing, increased gas yield.

BioCrack optimizes the substrate for fermentation The BioCrack system also improves the profitability of biogas

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plants. The electrokinetic disintegration process breaks up clumps (aggregates/colloids) in the substrates, making it easier for the bacteria in the digester to reach nutrients in the organic suspension. The gas yield is thereby increased and energy requirements reduced.

More gas, lower costs "With the EnergyJet and BioCrack system, we offer two excellent starting points for repowering of a biogas plant.

The RotaCut represents a third one, which processes the organic suspension by shredding fibrous and coarse matter, thereby ensuring reduced mixer and pump power demand," says Harald Vogelsang, Managing Director of Hugo Vogelsang Maschinenbau GmbH. "Ultimately, this results in increased gas yield and reduced energy consumption – for our customers this means improved cost efficiency for their biogas plants."

Renergie allgäu e.V. Biogas Info Days in Buchloe On January 16 and 17, 2013 the renergie allgäu e.V. Biogas Info Days will take place at Hörmann Halle in 86807 Buchloe. Vogelsang will be presenting its smart repowering solution for small biogas plants, the EnergyJet 30100, for the first time at this trade show.

The new model features the same characteristics as the EnergyJet and is particularly suited to 75kW plants.

Visit Vogelsang at the BIOGAS trade fair from January 29 to 31, 2013, hall L-2, booth 06.32, Leipzig Exhibition Center, or at the Biogas Info Days on January 16 and 17, 2013 at Hörmann Halle in 86807 Buchloe.

BioCrack system at a biogas plant – substrate treatment during digester recirculation

Efficient feeding with the EnergyJet

Four BioCrack modules installed on one base

The solid matter feeder system "EnergyJet" from Vogelsang

30 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| Energy

Farmers can either feed the world or fuel it We can’t do both. naerobic digestion is a fantastic technology. It can produce electricity all day every day, it is not reliant on the wind blowing, the sun shining or the water flowing. The technology itself is really quite simple ‘you take an air tight tank, fill it with slurry and/or food waste, mix it, heat it to 38-400C and the anaerobic bacteria multiply digesting anything with a calorific value to produce methane gas’.

However, there are many variables in the way that the tank is fed, mixed and heated, and although the AD process itself is very simple ‘too many people underestimate how easy it is to get it wrong’. Having built over 6000 AD plants in the last decade, the Germans are perceived to be the market leaders in this technology.

However, the German technology has evolved predominantly through the digestion of crops; specifically maize, and to a lesser extent pig slurry. The beauty of these feedstocks is that they are consistent and relatively clean and free from contaminants. This encourages a very stable process that is easy to manage and predict. The digestion of wastes is a different story altogether, with the two biggest problems being ‘gritting’ and ‘foaming’.

• Gritting is when non-organic elements such as stones, soil, sand, ash, glass, metal and plastic enter the process and sink to the bottom of the tank, gradually silting it up and effectively reducing the available digester capacity.

• Foaming occurs when the process is fed high strength or large quantities of feedstock in a short period of time, thus supercharging the process, with the volatile fatty acids turning the process acidic. If this foam is allowed to reach the gas off-take pipe it will destroy the engine.

Foaming is an issue that needs to be avoided at all costs, but such is the nature of wastes, foaming is inevitable in a food waste digester and is unfortunately commonplace.

The UK market is at least ten years behind Germany. AD capacity currently in the UK is only capable of processing less than 10% of the potential feedstock, with the remainder being sent to landfill, composting or spread direct to farmland. Both government and industry recognise the need and potential

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for this technology in the UK but unfortunately the majority of digesters that have been built in the last three to four years are crop digesters that are being used to process food waste. Crop digesters are not designed to have to deal with grit or foam; they are designed to digest maize and pig slurry. This is why over 50% of these UK plants are not working properly; and more to the point are not producing the amount of methane and ultimately electricity income that the business plans suggested. Most of the major banks are refusing to fund AD as the whole industry seems to be littered with failing plants that are loosing money or not showing investors the return on capital that was predicted.

Growing crops to feed a digester, or for that matter, bioethanol production or gasification is an obscene waste of resource. UK agriculture is no longer able to feed the population.

We are now a net importer of grain and protein. If we are to embrace AD for the superb technology that it is, we must firstly ensure that all of our organic waste is processed using this technology before we ever consider growing crops for fuel.

Fre-energy Ltd has developed a waste digester that has been engineered to deal with grit and foam. It currently holds a world patent on its auto de-gritting technology and has patents pending on its foam alleviation technology. Fre-energy Ltd is a UK company based near Wrexham in North Wales.

It now has three working digesters in the UK; all of which are processing wastes, with a forth-in construction. An American company has already recognised the potential of this technology and has purchased a licence to market it in the US. Chris Morris, Technical Director for Fre-energy Ltd, says “the United Kingdom has always been recognised as world leaders for innovation and engineering genius, however our financial institutions tend to favour a long track record over innovation, thus allowing the Europeans to dominate our market by supplying inappropriate technology to process wastes”.

This attitude has poisoned the watering hole as far as funding is concerned, and seriously stifled the roll out of AD in the UK. Energy security and climate

Richard Tomlinson Fre-energy MD

change are the two major topics on the political agenda. AD could provide a significant contribution to both energy security and carbon reduction. The policy makers generally understand the potential but because the problem is so big they are looking for big solutions and therefore encouraging the development of large centralised AD facilities to digest food wastes, using “well proven” German (crop digestion) technology. The hand full of such plants that have already been built are finding the digestion of food waste alone very difficult; codigestion of animal slurries and food waste is a much more stable

process with the animal slurry providing the good bacteria for the process. Co-digestion is widely accepted as best practice across Europe. The reality is that AD is best implemented through a multitude of small rural digesters processing 80% on-farm wastes with ~20% domestic and commercial food wastes. This has the added benefit of returning those valuable nutrients back to farmland to grow more food, this is known as the Hub and Pod principle developed by Professor Charles Banks.

Richard Tomlinson, MD of Freenergy, and organic dairy farmer, says “there is no point in British agriculture abandoning food production to grow crops to feed digesters, essentially turning our farms into rural power stations.

There is no point in British Government building large centralized food waste digesters that don’t work, wasting the resource potential for energy production, carbon reduction and use of the output as a valuable bio fertilizer for growing food. We have a moral and financial obligation to recycle all of our organic wastes through AD, but this must be done using the right technology in the right location!” We can only hope common sense and sound reasoning will eventually prevail. www.fre-energy.co.uk info@freenergy.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Energy

Exciting changes for 4th annual Energy Now Expo Energy Now announce new location and attractions for the 2013 Energy Now Expo.

013 sees the fourth annual Energy Now Expo and with it comes a lot of exciting changes which the team at Energy Now are hoping will benefit farmers and landowners across the UK. The Expo, which showcases renewable energy opportunities available to agricultural and rural communities, has relocated to the Telford International Centre from the Malvern Showground in Worcestershire and will take place over two days in February.

Being held on the 13th -14th February, the expo will welcome a much larger exhibition featuring over 170 renewable energy product and service suppliers.

As well as the new venue, there will be several exciting additions to the already successful event, which makes 2013’s event a must, even for those who have attended previous Expos.

Attendants to the Expo will be given the opportunity to participate in a multi streamed conference in which industry experts will present and discuss the very latest developments in renewable energy within the farming

2

community.

There will also be the chance to visit the new exhibitor presentation zone where they can further understand the practical steps involved in installing a variety of technologies into their business.

The event will also boast a lowemission vehicle area, showcasing the latest in electric, hydrogen and hybrid vehicles, plus an energy efficiency zone in both the exhibition and the conference promoting and explaining the best practices in energy management.

Roger Perry of TwinHeat UK said: “Visiting the Energy Now Expo 2012 turned out to be a great success for TwinHeat and a very worthwhile experience. I met a local Land Agent who was very interested in the merits of the Twinheat boiler and after putting together a quotation for him, I delivered our display boiler to him on the way home from the expo. A couple of weeks later we installed it and the deployment has since generated a lot of interest in his area”.

David Jacobmeyer, organiser of Energy Now Expo said: “Energy Now Expo 2013 aims to demystify

32 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

renewable energy options for farmers by bringing together suppliers and advisers from the industry to explain the many options that are available to them.”

“Last year we had over 2000 visitors, speakers and exhibitors, and we are hoping that all the new attractions at our 2013 event will encourage an even larger audience. With additions such as the low emissions vehicle zone, the energy management and efficiency zone, outside exhibit zone and international pavilions, we are certain that there will be something that will appeal to all.”

Admission to the exhibition is free for all those who pre-register.

Discounts on conference passes are available for Energy Now magazine subscribers and also to members of the NFU and the CLA. More information can be found at www.energynowexpo.co.uk.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

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January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 33

| LAMMA

34 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| Energy

The future of solar STA responds to RO decision for solar power.

See the UK’s No 1 small wind turbine – the Evance R9000 – on Stand 107 isitors to Energy Now Expo 2013 will be able to learn how they can lock down energy costs for 20 years at the Evance Wind Turbines stand.

On the Evance stand, #107, visitors can also discover the average wind speed for their property location and therefore the potential benefits of the R9000 small wind turbine. A demo model of the R9000 – the UK’s No 1 small wind turbine – will also be on the stand.

“With energy prices due to increase by up to 10.8% farmers will see a huge impact. Many could lock down electricity costs – for the next 20 years – and gain some energy security if they install a small wind turbine. Also there is an additional income from the Feed-in Tariff scheme,” said Kevin Parslow, CEO of Evance Wind Turbines.

“The R9000 wind turbine is small and unobtrusive but makes a significant impact to energy savings. Across the UK we are seeing more farmers installing two

V

or three R9000 turbines, as our 10kW and 15kW solutions deliver maximum energy generation and are versatile.”

Already over 1,500 Evance turbines are helping farmers, landowners and homeowners reduce their energy costs and operate more sustainably.

Steven Fox, dairy farmer and owner of two Evance R9000 turbines, commented, “during the last few years farmers have had to look seriously at the overheads of running a farm, and like many, reducing energy costs was top of the list for me. We are excited about the prospect of the turbines reducing our energy costs by nearly 50%.”

The Roberts family explored renewable energy to see how it could help to reduce the running costs of their 300 acre organic farm in the Snowdonia National Park. “The Evance turbine will enable us to be almost energy self-sufficient,” stated Alwyn Roberts.

UK’s No1 SMALL WIND TURBINE

o t xp sa E e u ow 7 Se N 10 gy nd er Sta

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recommends that this sector should be supported within the Feed-in Tariff, which is much more userfriendly for investors outside the power industry.”

However, one piece of reported good news (not in the consultation response) for the roof-mounted sector is that the Carbon Reduction Commitment, which applies to the 10,000 largest users of power in the commercial and public sector, is to be made solar-friendly. Currently the CRC treats on-site solar as equivalent in its carbon output to average grid mix electricity if companies claim RO or FIT support.

The STA and REA have long argued this is perverse and are delighted to see DECC adopt a positive approach. The STA will be looking closely at how the CRC, current retail electricity prices and the roofmounted RO band will work together.

Grid Integration Issues The STA was surprised to read that National Grid are cited in the Government's response saying deploying more than 10GW of solar PV would make balancing the grid 'significantly more challenging' in its current form, with a technical potential for 20GW. In the view of the STA this is incorrect and the grid will take significantly more capacity than this. Solar and wind provide a complementary generation profile that appears not to have been considered.

STA PV Specialist Ray Noble said: “German grid engineers are overcoming the challenges of integrating considerably more solar than National Grid anticipate. We have every confidence in the competence of British engineers to accommodate new technologies.”

Moving forward in the New Year The STA has established a Large Scale PV group which will address the larger roof and ground mounted sub-sectors. It will work to remove barriers to deployment, produce best practice guides on technical and planning issues along with providing the tools for a ‘route to market’ for power generators under EMR. Importantly it will work with stakeholders including the general public to get the right messages about solar to where it is needed most.

The STA is continuing to push for improvements to the Feed-in Tariff, and has teamed up with Solar Media to launch a roadshow in the New Year to help kick-start the PV FIT market. The roadshow will be launched by Energy Minister Greg Barker and the DECC team will also be speaking positively about solar on the roadshow. The STA will also be launching a public-facing campaign on solar in the New Year.

En

ECC has decided to reduce support for solar power under the Renewables Obligation from 2 ROCs today to 1.6 ROCs from April 2013 – a reduction of 20%. This is higher than the level of 1.5 ROCs which was initially proposed. The STA recommended an initial cut of 10% (to 1.8 ROCs) to ensure continued expansion of deployment. However, the degression rate has improved from previous proposals.

STA CEO Paul Barwell said: “There are pros and cons here. We are somewhat disappointed with the decision on the level of groundmounted support for 2013.We brought DECC and the industry together to provide the data needed to make an evidence-based decision. But DECC has at least agreed an improvement on previous proposals and the degression rates are much more sensible.

“However, it means that solar deployment could be overly constrained when, even with a fraction more support, it would still be cheaper than many other lowcarbon technologies. It is difficult to understand why the Government is aiming for 'slow growth' in this costeffective technology when we have a challenging renewable energy target to meet. Given how the RO has been set on the low side for solar, we will be pressing DECC and Ofgem to act quickly to remove unfair barriers to solar power that impose unnecessary costs, such as timely grid connections. We are also keen to see action to support the stability of the ROC regime.”

The STA is pleased to have successfully won the argument with DECC that 25 years lifetime is appropriate for their costcalculations. We also welcome the decision to drop the proposed equivalence with FIT levels. This would not have been a fair mechanism for setting RO support.

Recognition for mid-size roof mounted sector Although the RO consultation was originally focused on utilityscale solar, the STA has successfully won recognition of the mid-size roof-mounted solar sector, which has yet to take off in the UK, but which has huge potential. This sub-sector has been offered a new band of 1.7 ROCs. Paul Barwell said: “We are pleased to see that our hard work on mid-scale roof-mounted solar has paid off as it has finally gained recognition from Government. We are very pleased that Minister Greg Barker has recognised the huge potential for this sub-sector. The STA has long argued this subsector needs greater support, and we will be looking at the economics of the 1.7 ROC level. The STA also

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January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Energy

Bowler Energy: Saving money by cutting costs John Bowler Free Range Egg Producers working with Bowler Energy to combat ever increasing electricity costs… r & Mrs Harris-Smith from Buckinghamshire had decided that they would like some form of renewable energy system to help offset the costs of their free range units, but felt that their site would be better suited to a PV array rather than a wind turbine. However, with no suitably orientated roof space available, a ground-mounted system seemed the obvious choice. In fact the HarrisSmiths opted for a tracker system which is a motorised framework on which the PV panels are mounted, and allows the panels to be automatically tilted to face the sun as it moves across the sky throughout the day. Because PV panels on a tracker system can stay in contact with the sun for a longer period of time each day than a standard non-movable ground-mounted system, yields can be significantly increased.

Bowler Energy produced a site-specific generation estimate for Mr & Mrs Harris-Smith and overlaid this on a chart showing the electricity consumption of the free range units, demonstrating how the electricity generated by the PV system can be utilised by the free range units.

Mr Harris-Smith said that he chose Bowler Energy because of “convenience – I have dealt with all the team before. Personal contact always helps. Trust – a lot of my business is through Bowler already. They are a fully accessible company, if need be you can always get hold of someone, John included. They always find a solution to any problems.”

From initial enquiry to completed installation took about 5 to 6 months. Mr Harris-Smith said of the installation that it was “quick, efficient and there were no problems”. The client provided some resources during the installation and commented afterwards that the level of cooperation from the team was great, and nothing was painful at all!

The PV tracker has only recently been installed so it’s too early to see the actual impact on electricity bills, but so far the system is generating at 135% of target, so indications are very good. Overall, Mr and Mrs Harris-Smith are very pleased with the installation.

Mr Allen and his family wanted to reduce their on-farm electricity costs by generating some of their own power, and the feed-in tariff payments helped the project to stack up financially.

Because on-farm usage was top of their wishlist and because the Allen family had a 24-hour requirement for power, they decided to go for a mix of solar PV and wind turbines to

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36 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

minimise any need to draw on the Grid. The idea was that the turbines would still generate during the night (which of course the PVs wouldn’t be able to) but that the PVs would be available when the wind wasn’t blowing. There would also be the benefit of additional income from exporting any excess electricity back to the Grid.

The Allens were already producing free range eggs for John Bowler’s so it was an automatic decision for them to choose to go with Bowler Energy. Mr Allen said “we are used to dealing with Bowler’s through the eggs and we are used to the way they work – the team and the business as a whole. We trust them and therefore we didn’t look anywhere else for an installer”. The total time from initial enquiry to installation took eighteen months but this was because planning permission was required for both the turbines and the PV system, and the wind turbines took a little longer than usual to guide through the planning process. However this was all dealt with by Bowler Energy’s inhouse planning team.

The PV and turbine installations took about three weeks. Both systems are performing well, and the PV system is 7% above target, despite the lack of sunshine this year. The Allen family’s onsite electricity bill has already been reduced by 33% which represents a sizeable saving on their outgoings.

When asked what the best point about their new installation was, Mr Allen replied “the solar logging system is great – it allows me to monitor performance and alerts me by email if there is a fault.” Bowler Energy now offers a logger service whereby the customer is alerted by text if there is a problem, thus potentially saving downtime on systems owned by those who don’t have mobile email or who don’t check their inboxes very often.

Mr and Mrs Warrington, who farm in Staffordshire, had been thinking about their business as a whole and were considering ways to expand when they discovered renewable energy. The ethical benefits appealed to them, as did the projected financial return on the investment.

At first, Mr and Mrs Warrington were not overly keen on the idea of solar panels, but after looking into it further they decided that the lower cost and quicker installation time meant that PV was ideal for their needs. In the end, the decision came down to speed of install as they were approaching a feed-in tariff reduction deadline.

Why did Mr and Mrs Warrington choose Bowler Energy? Mr

Warrington said “we are talking of an investment over twenty years and therefore we wanted to go with a company that would still be there after the twenty years. Bowler’s have been established for over thirty years and we have been trading with them ourselves for a number of years. Due to the fact that the relationship was already established, it seemed a sensible option.

Bowler’s have a proven track record and any other installer would have had a very high mountain to climb in order to beat them”. He also added “Bowler’s were competitive on price and so were an obvious choice”.

In the end, the Warringtons opted for three ground-mounted PV systems, supplied and installed by Bowler Energy. The project took a total of four months from initial enquiry to commissioning of the completed installations.

This was in part due to the need to obtain planning permission.

The installation itself took four weeks. Mr and Mrs Warrington were actually away on holiday while the systems were installed and came home to find everything up and running. Most importantly, the installation was completed prior to the deadline, enabling them to lock in at the higher feed-in tariff rate.

By using the electricity produced from the solar panels on site, Mr and Mrs Warringtons’ bought-in electricity consumption has decreased by at least 30%, which equates to a very substantial saving.

They have been delighted that, despite the appalling weather experienced this year, the solar panels have still exceeding target yield.

The monitoring package available from Bowler Energy keeps them informed of exactly how the panels are performing. The annual target is 900kWh, and after only nine months the actual energy produced is already at 800kWh. Since the three ground-mounted systems were installed, the Warringtons have extended one of the systems by an additional 17kW and currently have a planning application submitted to extend another by 200kW. With hindsight, they would have gone for a larger system in the first place instead of adding to a smaller system at a later date.

Mr Warrington said afterwards: “The figures I have been quoted in terms of system performance have been exceeded, by at the very least 10%, which makes me a very happy man!

There have been a few niggles along the way but Bowler’s do not walk away from their responsibilities and I would not hesitate to recommend them as a bondafide company”.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep & Lambing

Lambing challenges - both at present and ahead While many sheep farmers are looking ahead to lambing their ewes this spring, some early lambing flocks will already have their lamb crop on the ground, the hard work done for another year. ome of these early lambing flocks will be pedigree breeds, taking advantage of a head start to get top quality breeding stock for the summer shows and autumn sale period.

Others will be commercial farmers wanting to catch higher prices for the first flush of new season lamb to hit the retail market, capitalising on the tradition Easter peak. These farmers will have weighed up the pros and cons: the expense of creep feeding lambs, versus the advantage of having most of their crop off the farm months earlier than later-lambing farms, often before worms and other internal parasites pose as big a threat; the advantage of being able to concentrate on lambing instead of worrying about spring field work, versus the challenge of getting ewes in lamb in the summer instead of autumn.

But as the early stages of climate change begin to be seen in the UK, will early lambing flocks be affected? It could be argued that milder winters will be an advantage, but with that comes wetter weather instead of snow – and farmers have already had a gut-full of wet weather in recent months. In fact, all lamb producers, whether they lamb in November or May, will be keeping their fingers crossed for less rain in 2013 than 2012!

The biggest effect of climate change is arguably more favourable conditions in the UK for midges, and the vector-borne diseases they can bring with them. This was the case with bluetongue a few years ago, and now is the case with Schmallenberg.

The problem with Schmallenberg is if the midges bite during a critical point of a ewe’s pregnancy, resulting in empty ewes or dead and/or deformed lambs. We still have a massive amount to learn about Schmallenberg but – theoretically – early lambing flocks are at

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higher risk, as the midges are more likely to be circulating when those ewes are pregnant in the summer, than they are when later-lambing ewes are pregnant in the autumn.

We are already hearing of some earlylambing flocks experiencing large losses, and it is essential those flocks ask their vet to carry out tests to see if the problem is Schmallenberg or something else. This is also the case for later-lambing flocks, as high barren rates at scanning time this autumn could have been caused by many factors and is not definitely Schmallenberg; for example, many ewes faced a very high fluke challenge at tupping time, due to the wet weather.

It is only by testing that we can begin to create a clearer disease picture – but the problem is a lack of central co-ordination of data collected on farms.

It would be preferable if the Government could collect this data, so we better understood the situation and how to implement control strategies, including vaccination programmes once a vaccine is available. However, given the reality of the situation (Government cuts to all departments, including AHVLA) we at NSA feel very strongly that industry should pull together and ensure a solution is found.

AHVLA has expressed a willingness to advise on what information to seek from farmers, and NSA believes it and other organisations should take up this offer and offer a reporting service for sheep, beef and dairy farmers in the hope of collecting enough data to create a clearer picture. This idea is still in the early stages, but we urge early lambing flocks to keep a record of losses, so they feed them into a reporting system once one is ready.

In the meantime, we hope lambing time goes well for all sheep farmers, whatever time of year it happens.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Finance

38 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| Sheep & Lambing

Supplement for income Independent trial by Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group finds COSECURE Lamb gives more profit.

Confidence is key in the sheep sector Confidence must be maintained within the sheep industry if we are to exploit the strong global demand for British lamb, say the NFU. ike many others in the agricultural industry, sheep producers have endured a challenging year due to a poor summer and a longer finishing period, and are now seeing lamb prices fall markedly.

But according to Charles Sercombe, NFU livestock board chairman, these are short term factors and it is essential that processors and retailers take a long term view of the market and avoid sending out further negative signals to farmers.

“The national flock is showing signs of increasing after many years of declining numbers but producer confidence is finely balanced,” said Mr Sercombe.

“British lamb is in demand on both home and export markets but farmers need the confidence to invest in the future if we are to exploit these opportunities.

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reatment with Cosecure boluses improved weight gain the most, as well as resulting in the highest percentage of lambs being sold fat over the duration of the trial. Cosecure gave the greatest profit when compared to four other trace element treatments and the control.

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“Jenny Hull, MRCVS, says that she was surprised by the results on the drenches but thinks that Selenium is the limiting factor of growth on this farm.”

The Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group performed a blind trial using nearly 500 Suffolk and Texel lambs out of mules on a farm in Northumberland. Cobalt and Selenium deficiencies had previously been diagnosed on the farm, all the lambs were twins, and all the animals were grazing grass / white clover leys in rotation. They tested two drenches, two boluses and a Cobalt injection against each other to find out which product helped the lambs fatten fastest and gave the best margin

over product cost.

The lambs were split into groups of 80, treated and were then weighed every two weeks from July 18th to November 14th.

Blood samples were taken at three points during the trial to measure blood levels of Cobalt, Selenium and Copper. All the groups were wormed as usual and all lambs were weaned in September. Fat lambs, ready for slaughter, were drawn throughout the trial.

The lambs dosed with Cosecure had nearly twice the levels of Selenium and Cobalt in the blood that the other treatments provided.

They gained 146g/day over 120 days versus 111g/day for the Control group on just grass; 62% of them had been finished and sold by Nov 14th. After subtracting the cost of the product, Cosecure Lamb gave extra profit of £7.05 per lamb (calculated at £2.00 per Kg) which equates to £3525 extra profit per 500 lambs.

Jenny Hull, MRCVS, says that she was surprised by the results on the drenches but thinks that Selenium is the limiting factor of growth on this farm. She says that the products releasing the most efficient forms of trace elements were the ones with the best results.

Daily live weight gain (g)

% lambs sold fat

Extra profit £/lamb

Cosecure (Co,Se,Cu)

146

62

£7.05

Drench 2 (Vit/Min)

128

53

£3.74

Smartshot injection (Co only)

124

48

£2.72

Other bolus (Cu,Se,Co,I)

126

56

£1.94

Drench 1 (Vit/Min)

116

43

£1.20

Control (grass only)

111

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“The boom bust cycle of sheep pricing is not in the interests of the farmer, processor or retailer and sending out negative price signals is damaging to the entire sector.

The poor summer and rising input costs are continuing to erode farm margins.”

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Sheep & Lambing

Colostrum: Natures medicine for your lambs The biggest killers of newborn lambs are hunger, hypothermia and infectious disease. Luckily, nature has provided colostrum to best equip the newborn lamb to withstand these threats. he ewe’s udder and the environment are the two primary sources of infection for the new borne calf.

The immediate new borne lamb’s abomasum is not the inhospitable acidic environment to microbes as is the abomasum of the older lamb. Therefore, avoiding disease causing pathogens at this stage is preferable. At birth, the lamb does not carry any antibodies against these organisms because antibodies in the ewe’s bloodstream do not cross the placenta.

However, these antibodies are concentrated in the colostrum and provide a natural and efficient source of protection against many intestinal, respiratory, and other diseases. Thankfully, the newborn lamb’s stomach is also ideal for the absorption of whole immunoglobulins or antibodies.

These antibodies are in abundance in the freshly lambed ewe’s colostrum and are the first antibodies that the lamb receives.

This confers passive immunity and a vital level of protection from disease to the lamb.

Another vital task of colostrum is to provide sustenance to the lamb. It is high in energy and protein and therefore will prevent hunger and equip the lamb to better withstand the elements.

The third important function that colostrum fulfils is that it acts as a laxative to clean the lamb’s digestive system.

After lambing, each ewe should have their teats drawn to ensure that the seal is broken, thus enabling the lamb to suck easily and to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of colostrum available. This will also form a check to ensure each of the ewe’s two quarters are viable and not dry or suffering from infections.

Most lambs will suckle shortly after recovering from birth due to a strong suck reflex. Some smaller lambs will require assistance due to being weak or due to their mothers being oversized or having inadequate colostrum for the number of lambs they have. I have no issue with an experienced farmer stomach tubing the animal to get the vital colostrum on board if the lamb fails to suck.

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It is important not to underestimate the importance of getting the colostrum into the lambs as soon as possible after birth. The efficiency with which antibodies are absorbed through the gut wall decreases rapidly after the first 12 hours of life. Your aim should be that each lamb should receive at least 20pc of its bodyweight in colostrum in the first 24 hours of life. Of the 20pc, 5pc should be consumed in the first six hours of life with a further 5pc before the lamb is 12 hours old.

This means that a lamb that weighs 5kg needs to get 250ml (5pc) within the first six hours of life and a further three feeds of 250ml before it is 24 hours old.

For a ewe with twins that means she needs to produce two litres of colostrum within the first 24 hours.

Orphan should be fed at 3-4 hr intervals and after initial feed with stomach tube should ideally be fed with bottle and nipple.

Weakened or chilled lambs, if handled properly, will require only one supple-mental feeding in most cases.

Colostrum also performs numerous other tasks once ingested by the lamb in the difficult early part of life.

Twin rearing Ewes that have received adequate feed throughout late pregnancy should be able to meet their target for colostrum production. However it is a good idea to start up a colostrum bank from ewes that

40 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

have excess and store for lambs from ewes with inadequate supplies.

There are also some excellent commercially supplied colostrum products available but also some poor colostrum substitute products with no immunoglobulin content on the market... Read the ingredients carefully or discuss with your animal health advisor before deciding purchase, paying attention as to whether they contain actual immunoglobulins or not. An example of a high quality colostrum supplement is Bimeda’s Biocolost B. If you intend to use cow's colostrum you should increase the feeding rate by 30pc due to lower concentration of nutrients and, where possible, mix the colostrum from a number of cows.

Colostrum can be frozen to help store it over long periods of time.

You should, however, take care when thawing it out as it is very high in protein which can be denatured by excess heat. It is essential that when thawing out frozen colostrum it is done gradually and at a temperature not exceeding 60°C.On my home farm in Ireland we will freeze fresh colostrum in plastic bottles and defrost the bottle in a bucket of warm water to ensure maximal viability of immunoglobulins.

If you are finding that your ewes are short of colostrum you need to increase the level of concentrate feeding immediately, with

particular emphasis on protein supplementation.

Ewes should be fed between 200g and 240g of protein/head/day. Soybean meal is a great protein sources but prices are at all time high so farmers may attempt to supplement with other protein sources.

For information on Biocolost B or any other Bimeda product contact your local supplier, ring 01248725400 or visit www.bimeda.co.uk

“Most lambs will suckle shortly after recovering from birth due to a strong suck reflex. Some smaller lambs will require assistance due to being weak or due to their mothers being oversized or having inadequate colostrum for the number of lambs they have. I have no issue with an experienced farmer stomach tubing the animal to get the vital colostrum on board if the lamb fails to suck.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep & Lambing

All change at Dalton ID Ltd New ownership prompts business review. n order to stay one step ahead, Dalton ID Ltd has undergone many changes throughout its 65 years.

Concentrating primarily on designing and manufacturing identification solutions for the farming industry, this leading ear tag supplier, based in Henley on Thames, has recently invested both time and money into expanding its assets not only out on the field, but on the factory floor.

Under new ownership, Dalton ID Ltd has reviewed the effectiveness of all its processes and invested in additional laser marking machinery, quality control product testing equipment and state-of-the-art IT systems to further uphold its commitment to price, quality and service. It also welcomes three key staff members to the team; Jonathan Skeggscentre (UK Sales and Marketing Manager), Joe Luke- left (Business Development Manager for the North, Midlands and East Anglia), and Janett Bickley- right (Business Development Manager for Wales and the South West), each bringing with them a wealth of

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industry knowledge with more appointments planned.

Said Jonathan Skeggs: “I believe that UK agriculture deserves quality products at competitive prices and every customer should feel as though their needs are being met. At Dalton ID Ltd we are passionate about the quality of our tags, producing ‘Supertags’ for cattle that are guaranteed under our free replacement policy, whilst our EID sheep tags won ‘Best Read Rate in Category’ in the ScotEID report 2011.”

Dalton ID Ltd is continuously developing new and improved identification solutions, not only for the farming industry, but for wildlife research projects across the globe. For more information on how it can serve your business, contact them directly on 0800 838882 or through one of its selected merchants.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Buildings

Tough & durable: Cembrit’s Cemsix corrugated sheet Cladding and roofing specialist Cembrit brings colour to the countryside with its range of corrugated sheet. emsix is available in natural grey or five attractive pre-coloured options; slate blue, terracotta, dark brown, anthracite or olive green. Ideal for agricultural, commercial and industrial buildings, robust and practical Cemsix requires no maintenance to preserve its strength.

Cemsix corrugated sheet incorporates the standard imperial 6 inch profile and is strengthened with strategically placed polypropylene reinforcement strips. These are incorporated within the fibre-cement sheet to comply with BS and H&S requirements for site safety and fragility. Cemsix also conforms to the necessary fire safety requirements being a Class 0 surfaced material with an EXT.S.AA rating. Available in a variety of sheet lengths, the Cemsix range also offers a wide range of corrugated sheet

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accessories including ventilation to satisfy any roof design. A datasheet is available from Cembrit which details all technical specifications and product information.

The sheets are durable, weatherproof and are not affected by destructive fungi, vermin or insects, so they will not rot or decay. Cembrit’s Cemsix is the traditional 6 inch UK corrugated sheet profile, it has full BBA certification: 03/4049 and a warranty is available on request.

Using skills built up over 80 years, Cembrit offers a wide range of cladding panels, corrugated sheet

and natural and man-made roofing slate.

Quality levels at group factories are rigorously maintained to high standards with many products manufactured under the control of ISO 9001 and British Board of Agrément.

Cembrit UK is a member of Cembrit Holding A/S (formerly the Dansk Eternit Holding A/S) of Denmark, one of Europe’s major building material producers of fibre reinforced cement products for the roofing and cladding industry.

The ultimate parent company FL Smith this year celebrates its 125 year anniversary.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, email sales@cembrit.co.uk or for a copy of the technical data sheets tel: +44 (0)20 8301 8900.

Rates break won’t help redundant farm buildings A rates break would be a good incentive for farmers to utilise and invest in their empty outbuildings. ews that new build commercial property will be exempt from empty property rates if completed between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2016 is good news but it should be extended to include newly converted farm buildings to help the rural economy says BTF Partnership.

The announcement was made by the Chancellor in the Pre Budget Report delivered to parliament on 5 December and the exemption will last for 18 months after the building is completed.

Tom French, managing partner at BTF Partnership comments: “Many farms have redundant farm buildings and it would be a good incentive for farmers to take the risk of investing in the cost to convert them into commercial units, without worrying about the added expense of empty property rates.”

“Extending the scheme to cover newly converted farm buildings

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would also be an excellent way to encourage the rural economy to grow by providing construction jobs and more premises for rural businesses. A lack of space for businesses in the countryside will of course hinder the wider economic recovery and we regularly hear from people who want to locate their business in a rural location that they cannot find the suitable space.”

“It is every encouraging the Chancellor has listened to the concerns of the construction industry on the issue of empty property rates but he should also listen to the voice of the rural economy which is looking for ways to effectively use old redundant buildings.”

For further advice or information about using redundant farm buildings, contact BTF Partnership on 01233 740077 or www.btfpartnership.co.uk.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

April 19th 2013 will be Farm Buildings' Day Anyone involved in farm buildings from surveyors, planners, designers, builders and farmers should put this date in their diary. he day will start at 10.30 with the Wessex Branch Conference on farm building design titled ‘Developing a Sustainable Design Brief for Farm Buildings’, which will include discussions on planning, good design, animal welfare, materials and waste management, this will be followed by the RIDBA AGM and then in the evening there will be a prize giving dinner for the winner off the RIDBA FAB award.

Speakers at the conference are experts in their field and will be confirmed in mid-December, when the detailed timings will be set out with a booking form on the RIDBA Website www.ridba.org.uk.

Generous sponsorship from United Roofing Products Ltd www.unitedroofingproducts.com , Briarwood Products Ltd www.briarwoodproducts.co.uk and Hadley Rolled Products www.hadleygroup.co.uk has meant that the price for delegates to the conference will be very reasonable.

Then there will be the RIDBA AGM at16.30, which will be free for RIDBA Members.

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Then to round the day off at19.30 there will be The RIDBA FAB Award Dinner, where our famous guest will present the prizes.

RIDBA has taken the opportunity of our 56th year, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics to launch the competition to counter this challenging time for the agricultural sector and give some feel good factor back to the industry.

Much of agricultural construction is driven by price, with the lowest cost solution being the winner, as there is often little planning input and no Building Control check this can mean that the end result is not a construction that one can be proud of.

There are though more and more clients who do take a pride in their buildings and are keen for them to blend in and enhance the local surroundings, plus they work with the building supplier to ensure that not only is the building correctly designed for its use, but that it is as sustainable as possible.

Entry deadline is 31st Jan 2013 see www.ridba.org.uk This competition will recognise these clients and their building suppliers. The entries will be judged by the Gold sponsor Marley Eternit www.marleyeternit.co.uk , Silver Sponsors, A Steadman & Sons Ltd www.steadmans.co.uk Wedge Galvanising www.wedgegalv.co.uk , Kingspan Insulated Panels www.kingspanpanels.co.uk Brett Martin Daylight Systems www.brettmartin.com as well as RIDBA chairman Geoff Simpson and the editor of our Media Partner, British Farmer and Grower www.nfuonline.com their decision will be based on 50% of the marks being allocated for aesthetics/design, 30% for

functionality/fit for purpose, and 20% for sustainability.

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and a winner for each of these categories: • Aesthetics • Functionality • Sustainability • There will also be a prize awarded for best building by a Non RIDBA Member It is a day that all involved in farm buildings should put in their diary and visit the RIDBA web site at www.ridba.org.uk in midDecember to book your place.

GOLD SPONSOR

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Pests

Crop protection and key pest species A multitude of potential threats exist to make your farming life more difficult. e are all aware of the damage that rodent species can do to crop, but do we pay enough attention to other pest species? The damage caused by rabbits to cereals and other crops can result in serious economic loss to farmers and growers. Rabbit burrowing and digging can also undermine structures and embankments, resulting in damage and collapse.

There is a legal obligation on occupiers of land to control rabbits, or to at least prevent them from damaging neighbouring land and property. The most effective time for control is November to March, because natural mortality rates ensure numbers are lowest in winter. The removal of adults in winter also reduces the adult breeding population in spring and helps to protect

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vulnerable winter crops. The lack of vegetation in winter also offers better access to burrow systems.

But remember, culling may have little effect on resident populations if measures such as proofing with rabbit fences are not undertaken at the same time.

A number of bird species can also cause damage to both emerging and pre-harvest crops and cereals. Rooks, Jackdaws and crows can all be responsible for such damage. As with the control of rabbit pests, simple culling will result in the creation of a void that will be rapidly filled by further bird pests. Most successful bird prevention systems incorporate several control and deterrent measures, such as shooting, trapping, visual and noise

deterrents and falconry. If you undertake bird control, always ensure you are up to date with current legislation – if not don’t take a chance and put control measures in the hands of a professional.

Moles can also prove to be an unwanted guest in many areas.

The inclusion of soil from molehills in grass silage can result in spoilt, unpalatable silage which may be a source of the disease Listeriosis in sheep fed on silage. Mole tunnelling under arable crops can cause damage, with young crops wilting and dying, and surfaces can be left uneven by the mole activity. The 2 main controls for moles are trapping and gassing.

If you require support or guidance with the control and

treatment of the pest above, or any other pest species, contact the BPCA for access to a suitably trained and qualified pest control contractor.

Scare’m away Designed by a farmer for farmers to deliver the ultimate automatic deterrent. he self launching bird scaring kite is without doubt the leader in its field. Not only is it the strongest and toughest on the market but it is designed by a farmer for farmers using only the highest quality materials. It quietly patrols your fields 24 hours a day. The Hawk protects even more acres than the standard kite. The hawk is very realistic and a natural deterrent to many birds from Pigeons and Rooks to Geese and Cormorants.

Scarem comes in a complete kit and is so easy and quick to assemble and to move from one field to the next in a matter of minutes. It really works!

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See us at LAMMA Outdoor Stand E113 Avenue X

44 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

Please visit the Scare’m team at the Lamma 2013 where they will be showing the new Vineyard/Orchard Scare’m.

Scare’m is designed by a farmer for farmers through extensive self testing - About

eight years ago John was having trouble with pigeons on his farm along with every other arable farmer in the country. “I have found since designing and using the Scare’m on my oil seed rape crop my yields have increased massively along with my profit margins and it is so easy to use and looks after itself allowing me time to get on with other jobs on the farm”.

Contact Scare’m! at Tawney Barn, Tawney Common, Nr Epping, Essex CM16 7PX Tel: 01992 524991 Mob. 07802 628011 or email: john@gallowayfarms.org website: www.scarem.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Feature

Feed the Soil, NOT the Crop A technical advance report for Farming Monthly: By Bill Butterworth

Figure 1 group of farmers are recycling urban wastes and actually eliminating mineral fertiliser use, halving cultivation costs, reducing drought stress and increasing yields.

Further, in developing their recycle-to-land business, they are moving to recycle urban food wastes and generating renewable electricity using new technology in the form of a digester dryer.

Some of the farmers in the Land Network group have been recycling urban wastes for over 10 years and are producing significant results which are a long way to being genuinely sustainable. Inputs are down and outputs both up and more consistent. A summary of performance on two of the Network’s farms is available on request. How do they do it and get paid into the bargain? Well, there is something the regulators have some difficulty with but farming readership will find it easier.

ECO-MIMIC What the group realised right back at the start was that farming based on mineral fertilisers does leak nutrients which, of course, is not only a financial loss but pollutes groundwater. Figure 1 shows what happens with soluble nutrients, with ammonium nitrate as an example, in either conventional farming using mineral fertilisers or hydroponic systems. The mechanism here involved soluble nutrients reaching the plant roots directly. These systems feed the crop, not the soil.

One of the characteristics of these systems is that they lose nutrients, 40 to 60% with mineral Nitrogen fertilisers, to groundwater as a result of rain or irrigation.

Natural ecosystems, on the other hand, leak nutrients at a very low level which does not constitute “pollution”. The farmers’ group logic went back to the Fens.

When Vermoyden drained them around 300 years ago, it was possible to grow the best crops in the country without ever putting any fertiliser on. The nutrient reserves were clearly enormous but the dykes running through the area were not full of green slime and dead fish. If we could understand that and mimic it, then the economic loss and groundwater pollution could be avoided. The eco-mimic system developed by Land Network eliminates significant nutrient leakage. At one end the soil fungi, the mycorrhiza, are feeding on the organic matter and at the other end the fungal hyphae either cross

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the root hair wall into the plant or wrap round the root hair like the placenta of a mammal. Figure 2 shows this molecular level relationship and is a closed conduit. That is why organicbased systems do not leak enough to pollute but still can feed plants and crops on demand.

ORGANIC SYSTEMS So, the farmers in the group composted urban wastes, for which they received a gate fee, and gradually switched from feeding the crop to feeding the soil. In crude on-farm tests, these composts have been shown to hold 5 to 10 times their own weight of water. All farms in the network become increasingly aware of a build-up of organic matter which forms a “top soil reservoir” which reduces drought stress and this is clearly a significant factor in maintaining consistent yields.

There was one more question.

It might easily be assumed that urban wastes were “organic”. It does, however, depend on what is meant by “organic”. If it means without soluble nutrients, it could work. Some wastes, however, do have soluble components and, clearly, these could be washed out. What composting does is eliminate this problem. What we all call “humus” is not the same as “organic matter”. Humus is a black tary substance which is the breakdown products of the microorganisms which digest the organic matter, including the soluble materials. In a compost process, the micro-organisms digest the soluble inputs and lock them up from leaching by rainfall.

However, because of the relationship between the soil mycorrhiza and the crop, the nutrients will still get into the crop.

What cropping in the Fens show is that this eco-mimic system is demand led; if the crop needs it, the mycorrhiza will supply the nutrients direct into the plant without leakage. Table 2 shows the results of leachate tests on composts from several farms in the Network. It clearly demonstrates that composting will eliminate pollution of groundwater.

(Note that the pollutant measured was nitrate and that these levels are very low and not at a level of polluting. (All natural ecosystem work on a little leakage to keep the whole system working.) There is a staggering conclusion from this; NVZ’s under this system of farming are not only unnecessary, they are counterproductive.

Bill Butterworth is senior advisor to the farmer-owned recycling group, Land Network, and author

Figure 2

Table 2

of "How to Make On-Farm Composting Work", published by MX Publishing, 2009 and of the

sister book, “Reversing Global Warming for Profit”.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Fencing

Hampton head for LAMMA As one of the main events on the agricultural show’s calendar, January’s LAMMA promises to be an exciting show for Hampton Steel Ltd. till buzzing from their success at EuroTier, the largest animal husbandry show in Europe, UK manufacturers Hampton are looking forward to welcoming their UK customers to their stand at the Newark and Nottinghamshire show, LAMMA, on 16th and 17th January.

In addition to Hampton’s trusted, quality steel wire fencing favourites which include traditional hinged joint stock fence, chain link fencing, barbed wire, line wires and staples, visitors will also be able to see their recently tested Hampton XNET™. Expert deer farmer and Veterinary Surgeon Dr John Fletcher trialled one of Hampton’s jumbo 500 metre rolls on his farm in Fife. The Hampton XNET™ 13/190/15 pattern tested was selected for its superior strength and suitability for safe enclosure for the red deer farmed

by John. An alternative popular pattern is 17/190/15 which features 17 line wires and is suitable where smaller species such as muntjac need to be excluded or contained.

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Following the six month trial, John confirmed that Hampton XNET™ had proven itself to be ‘robust and well able to withstand pressure from deer’.

The low profile X shaped knotted joint locks vertical and horizontal wires tight providing a fence that is not only much stronger than more traditional fencing solutions, but also retains its rigidity and shape when put under severe pressure. With no protruding ends, the knotted joint also helps prevent against injury to deer legs and pelage.

Versatility in mesh sizes allows Hampton XNET™ to be configured to a variety of different specifications with fence heights up to 2.6 metres. This versatility gives the product a marked advantage over conventional hinge joint fencing where spacings are effectively fixed. Thus, if a standard Hampton XNET™ pattern does not meet a particular user’s needs, then it is easy to change the pattern to suit. This flexibility in the manufacturing process is just

one of the features that makes this fencing so special.

As confirmed by Dr. Fletcher’s contractor, high tensile Hampton XNET™ is almost self-supporting, so far easier to erect. If it is required, an optional hinged line is an easy addition in the manufacturing process to enable a section of the fence at the bottom or top to be angled out, helping to prevent burrowing or scaling animals gaining access.

Hampton Steel Ltd support their UK manufactured product range with competitive prices and excellent customer service. All fencing is manufactured to BS EN 10223-5 from wire produced to BS 4102 and fully galvanised to BS EN 10244-2 Class A. Hampton’s will be exhibiting at

the LAMMA show, Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground, Winthorpe on the. Visit their stand, no. 41 Avenue H, where the sales team will be happy to discuss your fencing needs and show you product samples or visit www.hamptonsteel.co.uk to see complete product listings.

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6, NBOVGBDUVSFST PG 6, NBOVGBDUVSFST PG Hinge Joint Stock and Animal Fencing, Barbed Wire, Chain Link Fencing, ncing, Hampton XNET T™ Fencing, Line Wiress and Staples Also suppliers o of Hexagonal Wire Netting.

Visit us at

STRONG Ĺ” 7&34"5*-& Ĺ” 64&3 41&$*'*"#-&

Stand No. 41 Avenue H

Safer Safer - smooth x shaped knotted joint of the knotted joint Stronger - superior design of horizontal and vertical wires wires tight locks horizontal required. Easy to er ect and maintain mai Rigid and strong - less posts required. erect configurations - mesh sizes sizes as small as 2� x 2� available User specifiable configurations Up to 500 metre rolls available - less joining o es Up off line wir wires wer section to help prevent bur Optional hinged upper or lower burrowing and scaling - such as badger and otter 2.6 metres high - helps to contr ol deer Fences up to 2.6 control Distributor for Gripple Ltd.

Email sales@hamptonsteel.co.uk or Call +44 (0) 1933 234070 today

www.hamptonsteel.co.uk

#3*5*4) 8*3& '&/$*/( :06 $"/ 53645

46 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| Fencing

McVeigh Parker head to Fence posts of the future LAMMA with their ‘next generation’ steel post T fencing system JFC Manufacturing renowned for its innovative quality plastic products is now launching its own unique fencing system to the market.

Used in conjuction with X™ fence®, the system proves extremely long lasting and cost effective.

s leaders in the field of fencing and agricultural supplies, McVeigh Parker are always looking to offer new innovative products that offer greater returns. Their new steel post system is offered as an alternative to timber stakes.

Combining X™ fence® with their steel post system will not only provide an exceptionally strong long lasting fence, it will also offer a life cost equivalent to traditional options. We welcome you to visit and discuss this fence on stand G45 Avenue M. Original X™ fence® with heritage on its side…

English Heritage have just benefited from the experience of McVeigh Parker’s knowledgeable staff.

McVeigh Parker visited the location and advised the very best options.

They were able to offer an alternative specification to that drawn up by English Nature that offered greater and better advantages.

X™ fence®, the product in question, won the contract due to the fact the wire could be tensioned with posts up to six to seven metres apart whilst still being effective. The coastal site required a wire coating that could withstand the corrosive nature of

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he Company already supplies the agricultural industry with a broad and diverse range of products, and is hoping to follow up their success with this new range of Polyethylene fence posts which will not rot, decay, shrink or decompose.

The end strain assemblies (Strainer and Strut System) are an ingenious combination of kiln dried treated timber and a rotationally moulded polyethylene outer. This ensures the timber is completely encapsulated once capped and can be driven into the ground by conventional means. As the integrity of any fencing system is in the end strain assembly JFC realises the importance of getting this right and a complete system can be bought for ends and corners including brackets and straining cables, this gives the fence a strong structural base to work from and then hollow posts can be used to maintain the line of the wire fence.

The Hollow posts are ideally

suited to electric fencing systems as plastic is a natural insulator and should tapes or ropes be the electrical conductor of choice then insulators can be screwed to the stake as carriers.

Whilst JFC’s 2G fencing products might seem more expensive initially, the cost per metre over the fences life works out cheaper than most other typically bought fencing products.

Farmer Keith Brett of Mayo, Ireland says “I always used wooden fence posts but was fed up of replacing them every 5 to 6 years. When i saw the JFC’s 2G Fencing System it seemed like the perfect solution to my problem.

Installation was straightforward and although at first they seemed quite light, once installed they form a robust hold. I am very impressed with this system and would recommend it to other farmers.”

the sea air and once again X™ fence® won the day. Not only does the alu/zinc coating last three to four times longer than galvanised wire, the primary metals used in its manufacture offers greater consistency in tensile strengths.

English Heritage were not only able to cut their labour and material costs, more importantly they greatly reduced the soil disturbance required on this East England site of great archeological interest.

X™ fence® X™ knot a wire netting you can bank on…

Once again the 24% stronger knot used in the manufacture of X™ fence® won a recent contract for ADAS. The project required a netting to protect and reinforce embankments, strong enough to withstand the aggressive nature of badgers burrowing. Once again the X™ fence® won the contract due to its alu/zinc coating which was necessary for a wire that was to spend its life in ground contact.

The alu zinc coating offers a greater service life, which is less prone to premature corrosion. The netting was held in place using McVeigh Parker U Pins and clipped together with triple life netting clips.

Showing all this and more at Lamma stand G45 Avenue M.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Education

Feeding future careers A drive to get more young people working in food and farming has been kicked off by Farming Minister David Heath. arming and other related industries such as engineering and science will need to fill thousands more high-skilled posts in coming years.

This is because of the huge potential for growth caused by a rising global population, increasing demand for westernstyle diets around the world and the need to reduce the environmental footprint of food production.

Together with the agriculture industry, the Future of Farming review will investigate how to improve access for talented, entrepreneurial young people and how to make it a more attractive career choice.

As part of the drive to hear the views of as many people as possible, Mr Heath is launching a twitter competition for five young people to meet him and discuss the issues.

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“For the twitter competition to meet Mr Heath, we want young people across the country to tweet @Defragovuk with what they see as the key barriers facing their future in farming, using #meetfm.”

Ahead of speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference tomorrow, Mr Heath said: “With rising world population, Britain has a massive opportunity to grow and export more food, and to do so sustainably. So we need to encourage new blood into the industry.

“I’m not just talking about giving people more access to land or getting them on production lines but allowing youngsters to really embrace new ideas and technology for rewarding, wellpaid careers.”

The group will be led by David Fursdon, Chairman of the South West Rural and Farming Network and former President of the Country Land and Business Association.

Combining expertise inside and outside farming, it will tour the country and seek ideas and views from a wide cross section of the agricultural sector from farming to science.

Mr Fursdon said: “Producing food more sustainably is a huge challenge and we can only hope to meet it

by having the right people entering the industry.

“To make this happen, we want to listen to young people’s experiences to make sure the right people are entering the industry and have the support to establish their businesses.

“I’m looking forward to pushing on with this work and building on the work already being carried out within industry to come up with some new ideas.”

The Future of Farming Group will examine issues affecting new entrants to the industry, including: future workforce and skills needs of the industry; different entry routes into farming, such as buying property, tenancy, share farming, contracting, farm management, employment, apprenticeship; wider opportunities that are offered in agriculture, such graduate schemes in science, engineering and research; the challenges facing new entrants such as lack of training, access to land, access to capital; and the challenge facing employers in finding the right people, such as the image of the industry; Members so far include: • David Fursdon - Chair ; • Robert Law, National Farmers Union; • Des Lambert, Plumpton College • Martin Redfearn, Barclays Business; • Ross Murray, Country Land and Business Association; • Jeremy Moody, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers; • Jo North, Young farmer; • George Dunn, Tenant Farmers Association; • David Yiend, Careers in Farming and Food Supply initiative; • Nick Ritblat, Consultant, Chair of the Bank of England Residential Property Forum; and • Richard Longthorp, Agri-Skills Forum.

For the twitter competition to meet Mr Heath, we want young people across the country to tweet @Defragovuk with what they see as the key barriers facing their future in farming, using #meetfm.

All entries must be tweeted by Thursday 24 January 2012. David Heath will then review all the responses and invite five individuals to meet him at the Houses of Parliament to feed their ideas into the review.

48 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

Learning from a master Agricultural apprentice, Ryan Pugh, is fortunate: not only is he working and training at the same time, but his placement is with none other than James Evans, the Farmer’s Weekly 2012 Beef Farmer of the Year. yan is studying for his18-month-long Level 2 Agricultural Apprenticeship at Walford and North Shropshire College, one day each week, with a mixture of theory and practical lessons.

The rest of the week, he returns to his work base at Walcott Farm, near Lydbury in North,Shropshire, which James runs with his brother, Rob. Walford Farm features large in the Evans family, as Rob went to day classes at Walford's satellite centre at Bishops Castle, and his and James’s father, John, was a Governor at the College.

Accolades such as Beef Farmer of the Year are hard-won, and maintaining standards is very important. At Walcott Farm, Ryan has had to take on big responsibilities like feeding precise rations to the beef cattle and making sure their welfare is looked after, as well as handling them and assisting James to

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weigh the cattle regularly to make sure they are progressing as they should. As well as this Ryan works on the sheep enterprise, and when harvest is in full swing, he’s occasionally seconded to Rob for arable duties. Ryan comments, "I have a great placement here with a lot of opportunities to learn new skills. I am really glad I have a very supportive boss like James".

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| Education

Initiative enables knowledge sharing for rural professionals Landbridge, an experimental knowledge sharing initiative for rural professionals, has launched its new website. andbridge provides a platform for interprofessional learning and debate and opportunities for knowledge exchange with the research community. It has been set up by the Rural Economy and Land Use programme, and is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Living With Environmental Change Partnership.

Over the past few years the challenges facing farmers and land managers have been exacerbated by pressures such as climate change and food security. Farmers are being expected to provide many more services from the land, including flood management, clean drinking water, carbon storage, energy generation and wildlife conservation, as well as producing food. Thus, improving the skills and knowledge of the people who provide them with specialist advice has become a key imperative

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for the UK Government and for the industry.

Farm business and project planning is now a very complex process and research has shown that rural advisors such as land agents, vets, ecologists and agronomists need increasingly to work together to provide an efficient service to their clients. They also have to update their knowledge as new research becomes available and to absorb the latest findings into their practice.

A panel from the rural professions has assisted with planning and implementing the Landbridge initiative and continues to advise on its development.

Sue Steer, Chairman of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Countryside Policy Panel said: “For those of us working in the private sector, there is an inevitable tension when it comes to sharing knowledge – it’s our specific

New training centre inaugurated in Spain The ‘Same Deutz-Fahr Academy’ opens its doors and welcomes first students aiming to become ‘specialists’ in their fields. ame Deutz-Fahr now has a new training centre in Toledo, Spain: the Same Deutz-Fahr Academy. The centre has been created to meet the technical training needs of the company’s network of dealers in Spain, and of its company personnel. The new training centre will be used for training farmers, and also for playing host to professional training schools and University courses.

The Academy has four lecture halls holding up to 30 people at a time, a multi-purpose hall and a teaching workshop equipped with everything required for practical training purposes. It also has 14 hectares of surrounding land where new products can be tested.

At its recent inauguration the activities and objectives of the new Training Centre were outlined by Javier Seisdedos, the Director General of the Spanish branch of Same Deutz-Fahr, along with Ludovico Bussolati, Group CEO, and Franco Artoni, Group Director of Sales, Marketing and After-sales Services.

"The objective of the Academy is to train our retail network, farmers, livestock farmers, technicians and students,” he explained. “It will teach these people about new technologies so

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that they will be able to handle the new products that are increasingly equipped with advanced technical and electronic features."

The importance of this initiative on a national level was underlined by the presence of various important figures in the Spanish agricultural sector, including Maria Luisa Soriano Martìn, the Minister for Agriculture. While illustrating the Government's support for the introduction of new technologies in farming enterprises in order to improve their productivity, the Minister commented: "The Same Deutz Fahr Academy in Toledo will make it possible to train new kinds of specialists, who will receive updated training in the kind of technological advances which will contribute to increasing the agricultural sector's competitiveness and improving its profitability. In this day and age, competence in new technology is a fundamental requirement for developing a sustainable agriculture that respects the environment."

The inauguration continued with a visit of the Academy's facilities and the presentation of the new Deutz Fahr Series 6 and 7: being decidedly avant-garde tractors in technological terms, these constitute the first study subject of the new training center.

expertise that earns us our fees. On the other hand, we are often addressing increasingly complex problems for our clients and no one individual can have all the skills needed. We do have to find ways of working together and bringing our own perspective to the table. That can be a very positive experience and I am continually learning from colleagues in different professions.

“The link with research is also extremely important and keeping up to date is essential for any adviser. I particularly welcome the emphasis that Landbridge is putting on two-way communication. It’s refreshing for professionals to have our views and input into research appreciated and valued. That hasn’t always happened but when it does the outputs from the research are likely to be much more valid for us as practitioners and more useful to our clients.”

Reap the business benefits of Lantra’s Higher Apprenticeship in Agriculture Lantra is pleased to announce that its Higher Apprenticeship in Agriculture will be launched in January 2013. he new flexible workbased programme is designed to fit around employers’ current business activities and work commitments and delivers numerous benefits.

The Apprenticeship framework will enable employers to develop their workforce to a higher skill level, encourage business growth, support specialist roles and decrease skills gaps. It can support both large employers that already offer Apprenticeship programmes and wish to take on additional staff, as well as small to medium sized employers who need to maintain a skilled workforce during economic downturn.

The apprenticeship framework is designed for people who have responsibility for a particular unit such as a dairy herd manager, as well as an assistant farm manager.

According to figures released by the National Apprenticeship Service, a nationwide survey revealed that 76% of employers

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believe Apprenticeships provide higher overall productivity, whilst 83% rely on their Apprenticeship programme to develop the skilled workers that they need for the future. Furthermore, 88% believe that Apprenticeships lead to a significantly more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Jo-Anne Bryan, Lantra’s project manager for apprenticeships, said: “The Lantra Higher Apprenticeship in Agriculture is a positive step forward for industry and provides learners and employers alike with progression opportunities needed. It will provide on-the-job training so that employees can contribute to the business while gaining the skills and experience that the business needs.”

For more information about the new Higher Apprenticeship in Agriculture and how your business can benefit, visit www.lantra.co.uk, call 02476 696 996 or email sales@lantra.co.uk.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Forestry

Big Tree Plant approaches final round of funding On track to plant one million new neighbourhood trees in England. wo years on and the Government’s £4 million Big Tree Plant has seen over 239,000 trees planted across the country with £3.4 million of the funding already allocated to 128 groups, who will be planting more than 813,000 trees.

The Big Tree Plant, launched by Defra and the Forestry Commission in 2010, is supported by a number of partner organisations and will see a million new trees planted predominantly in towns, cities and neighbourhoods by 2015.

On a visit to the Mount Stewart Junior School in Kenton, David

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Heath MP, Minister for Forestry met with Year 4 students planting fruit trees with Trees for Cities.

David Heath said: “The Big Tree Plant is an opportunity for everyone to help make neighbourhoods attractive and healthy places to live. It’s wonderful to see young people learning to plant and care for trees.

“The Big Tree Plant has been embraced by communities across the country and has proved to be a highly successful partnership between Government, civil society partners and conservation organisations including Trees for Cities.

Work smart - work safe Be protected outdoors. ost people working outdoors need specialist clothing, whether it’s a stout pair of boots for general use outdoors, or the protective clothing needed when using a chain saw. STIHL is one of the brands people turn to for chain saw protective wear, and its range expanded last year with a tough practical range of chain saw PPE plus new ‘Base Layer’ clothing for comfort under their workwear.

STIHL DYNAMIC PPE – tough and practical protection when using a chain saw Sitting in the middle of the STIHL PPE range, STIHL DYNAMIC clothing is smart, tough, comfortable and practical, making it perfect not only for chain saw use but also for general outdoor wear. The DYNAMIC range comprises a smart working jacket and choice of chain saw protective trousers – both in a modern anthracite, black and orange colourway, making it truly smart to be protected and to work more safe.

The trousers are available in two Design standards, including with the all-round leg protection of Design C that is suited to occasional chain saw users like farmers and landscapers.

Trousers are constructed with a

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“Seventy percent of trees in The Big Tree Plant programme will be planted in England’s most deprived areas.”

The planting at Mount Stewart Junior School is part of the London-wide Trees for Cities project which received £240,000 funding from the Big Tree Plant.

The project aims to plant 40,000 trees across London over four years. These trees will enhance the quality of life for local people providing places to grow food and escape the stresses of city life.

Sharon Johnson, Trees for Cities Chief Executive Officer said: “The Big Tree Plant has given us a wonderful opportunity to plant fruit trees in schools and other urban spaces as part of our Trees for Food programme. One of the most important things schools can do is to teach children to grow their own food, helping children to understand where food comes from and how to produce it.

“Our Trees for Food programme has wider implications on the surrounding community who are encouraged to get involved and receive training so that they then have the skills to plant their own trees on estates and other derelict

and deprived urban locations.”

While making towns and cities more attractive places to live and work, Big Tree Plant trees are also creating new copses, supporting wildlife conservation, flood reduction through riverbank planting and helping to cool cities by reducing temperatures. More than one in ten trees being planted are creating new orchards to grow fruit so community groups can grow their own food and make jams, pickles and chutneys.

Due to the popularity of campaign, March 2013 is likely to be the final opportunity for communities to apply for the remaining share of funding from the Forestry Commission.

Mark Durk, Head of the Big Tree Plant for the Forestry Commission said: “With only £600,000 of funding still to be allocated, now is the time to start planning your Big Tree Plant project with the next round of funding applications closing on the 15 March 2013.

“The level of motivation from partners and volunteers to make the programme a success has been astounding.”

particularly durable outer material to the front called Beaver Extreme, and additional thorn-repellent reinforcement is set around the front of the knee, ensuring their design for a tough working life. The trouser’s fabric is water-repellent and breathable, and knees are preformed for ease of movement, with wear comfort further promoted by the use of elasticated material to the back of the trouser which also incorporates zipped slits for increased ventilation when required. Practicality is evident with ample pockets (four zipped jacket pockets plus a large thigh pocket and inner mobile ‘phone pocket on the trouser), and the clothing is all washable up to 60oC. The Trouser is available in five sizes (31½ - 45” waist / 2833” leg); and a Design C Bib and Brace is also available in four sizes (Small-XLarge).

50 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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| Energy

Day & Coles Newton Close, Park Farm Ind. Est. Wellingborough Northants NN8 6UW T: 01933 673900 Tony Styche Ltd Manor Farm, Ryehill, Hull, N. Humberside HU12 9NH T: 01964 623503 Johnson Bros Greenway Lane, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 8ET T: 01328 863812 Bruce Hopkins Shennington Depot, Shennington Airport, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 6NW T: 01295 680711

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January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Machinery

New folding options in combination drill range KUHN will exhibit a 4.5 metre hydraulic folding model from its Venta NCR pneumatic drill combination range at LAMMA 2013, a machine that folds in transport to a compact 2.85 metres. eedbed preparation is carried out by Kuhn’s HR 1004 series power harrow (folding), suited to tractors up to 250 hp. With a 1,600 litre rear hopper capacity and the Seedflex coulter bar included – plus the option of additional cultivations on the tractor front linkage - this creates a high output combination that is both accurate and versatile.

Kuhn’s patented Seedflex coulter bar – launched in recent years and now a feature on many drills in the range - is equipped with double discs offset on the parallelogram.

Large-diameter press wheels achieve ground pressure up to 45 kg per unit, thus ensuring uniform seeding depth and good seed-to-soil contact even at high seeding speeds.

The new Venta NCR drills include Kuhn’s Quantron S facility coupled to an electric cell wheel drive to

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provide full seeding control. This allows variable seed rate and allows up to 200 field records to be stored in the memory, including the variety seeded, application rate, date of seeding, and so on.

The introduction of a hydraulic drive machine to its Axis twin disc spreader range offers farmers the best control yet of broadcast fertiliser applications, according to Kuhn Farm Machinery.

The Axis 40.1 H EMC W, incorporating Kuhn’s Coaxial Distribution Adjustment (CDA) technology – a patented feature on all Axis models – has been added to the company’s hydraulic drive spreader range. This machine allows on-the-move adjustment of application rates, integration with GPS, and – through

independent control of each disc - on-the-move adjustment of spread patterns according to borders and field shape. The EMC (Electronic Mass Control) facility provides an automatic and instant monitor of fertiliser spread, whilst two high capacity weigh cells provide a constant record of the amount of fertiliser in the hopper.

For further information contact Kuhn Farm Machinery on 01952 239300 or visit www.kuhn.co.uk

Mike Garwood

52 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

AGRATECH NW LTD Unit 8 Dale Mill, Burnley Road East, Lancashire BB4 9HU Tel: 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk LW VASS (AGRICULTURAL) LTD Springfield Farm, Bedfordshire, MK45 2AX Tel: 01525 403041 www.vassgro.co.uk CENTRAL CROPSPRAYERS LTD Unit B, Sandford Ind. Park, Shropshire SY13 2AN Tel: 01948 840187 Mob. 07850 744335 AGRITRAC (WILLITON) LTD Unit 5, Roughmoor Ind. Est, Roughmoor, Somerset TA4 4RF Tel: 01984 633005 www.cropsprayerparts.com www.farmingmonthly.co.uk January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 53 FLOWGRO LTD Barton Turns Farm, Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent, Staffs DE13 8ED Tel: 01283 712172 www.flowgro.co.uk

| Machinery

The start of a year of centenary celebrations LAMMA 2013 will mark the start of a very special year for CLAAS UK - the 100th anniversary of August Claas setting up his own engineering company in 1913. uring its 100 years in business, CLAAS has grown from a small acorn into the largest family owned agricultural manufacturing company in the world, employing over 9,000 people and with 14 manufacturing plants spread across the globe. And central to the company's success is the fact that it has firmly remained a family company, now lead by the next generation of the CLAAS family Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser.

Ingenuity and the drive to develop technology that would simplify and improve every-day operations are a strong trait in the Claas family. Whilst the Claas family business that we know today was established by August Claas in 1913, his interest in machinery was sparked by his father, Franz Claas who from a young age had been interested in agricultural technology, and in the 1880’s set-up a workshop on the family farm to develop and manufacture machinery, including a highly successful cream separator and reaping and binding machines.

From working with his father, in the summer of 1913 August Claas decided to set-up his own company, manufacturing straw balers, although this then had to be put on hold with the outbreak of the First World War the following year.

Whilst the CLAAS name is widely associated with harvesting machinery, it was August Claas’ development of the simple knotter in 1921 which provided the cornerstone of the company's growth and success. This ingenious invention revolutionised agriculture, and its importance is reflected in the fact that the original patents taken out in 1921 still apply to knotters used in

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current CLAAS balers.

From balers, August Claas then turned his attention to other machinery, including harvesting machinery and looking at how to improve on the American machinery that had been unsuccessfully trialled in Europe, resulting in the launch of the MDB in 1936, which was to be the start of a long list of combine innovations and developments, resulting in the latest LEXION 780.

When looking at the growth of CLAAS to becoming a major manufacturer on a world scale, one name stands out, Helmut Claas, whose reputation as an engineer and innovator has been recognised worldwide. Under his management, the CLAAS Group has grown and developed to be the highly successful company that we see today, developing and manufacturing innovative high performance machinery, and looking forward is now playing a leading role in how the use of electronics, GPS and other technological advances will help the farmers of the future.

August Claas, when he set-up

54 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

on his own in 1913, could not have imagined that 100 years later his company would have factories and sales companies throughout the world, employing over 9,000 staff with a turnover of over ⇔3 billion, generating profits of ⇔255 million, and spending around ⇔150 million on the research and development of new products.

New ARION tractors In addition to launching the CLAAS 100 year celebrations in the UK, also on display at LAMMA 2013 will be the new ARION range of tractors.

The ARION range has proven a major seller for CLAAS and the new generation ARION 600 and 500 range builds on this success and features the latest engine technology in order to fully meet the TIER 4i emissions regulations.

However, the most noticeable new feature for operators is the cab, which is the same as that used on the top-of-the-range AXION 900 launched last year, which sets a new standard for tractors in the ARION power sector.

The cab is positioned slightly

further forward, which allows the rear pillars to be moved forward and a curved rear window to be added which provides exceptional rearward visibility. The cab has just five pillars, so providing greater allround visibility.

Internally, the slimline dashboard is mounted on the adjustable steering column, so can be swung up out of the way for easy entry, and up to five different seat options are available.

The new ARION is powered by Powertech PVX engines with DOC/DPF emissions treatment technology, that offer higher power and torque levels. Maximum power outputs range from 145hp up to 184hp, driving through the well proven and highly efficient CLAAS HEXASHIFT transmission.

As previously, all new ARION models are available in either CIS or CEBIS variants. CIS models retain the DRIVESTICK transmission control whilst CEBIS versions, in addition to having the screen incorporated into the armrest, are controlled using the new CMOTION multifunction control unit.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

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January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 55

| LAMMA

P & D ENGINEERING

TRP LIMITED

COOKS MIDLANDS LTD

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Fleet Lane, Bredon, Tewkesbury, Gloucester GL20 7EF Tel: 01684 772912 www.panddengineering.com

LEICESTERSHIRE Stanton under Bardon, Leicester LE67 9TW Tel: 01530 249191 56 | Farming Monthly www.cooksmidlands.co.uk

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LINCOLNSHIRE Pride Parkway, Enterprise Park, Sleaford NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 300111 www.trp-scotland.co.uk

CRANWORTH FARM SERVICES

NORFOLK High Common, Cranworth, Thetford IP25 7SX Tel: 01362 820391 www.c-f-s.info

KEITH DAVIES AGRICULTURAL

YORKSHIRE HANDLERS LTD

CRAGGS OF CONDER GREEN

DAY & COLES AGRICULTURAL LTD

YORKSHIRE Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY 01904 489988 JanuaryTel: 2013 www.yorkshirehandlers.co.uk

LANCASHIRE Thurnham Mill Buildings, Conder Green, Lancaster LA2 0BD Tel: 01524 751405 www.craggsofcondergreen.co.uk

SHROPSHIRE Hem Monor Farm, Hem Lane, Shifnal TF11 9PT Tel: 01952 463840 www.keithdaviesagricultural.co.uk

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Unit 1-4 Enterprise Court, Newton Close, Park Farm Ind.Est. Wellingborough NN8 6UW www.farmingmonthly.co.uk Tel: 01933 673900

| Grain

Farmstar Limited - Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786 Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900 Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk Sharnford Tractors Ltd - Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH www.farmingmonthly.co.uk T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

Anker of Coates - Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777 Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk Ravenhill - Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk

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| Machinery

New trailed sprayer from John Deere John Deere has added the new 5200-litre R952i sprayer to its trailed range, to meet the demand for a high capacity machine in this tank size. ike its bigger stablemate, the 6200-litre R962i model launched in 2011, the R952i features a low-profile, compact design and a low centre of gravity, to provide optimum stability under all spraying conditions.

This high specification machine is equipped as standard with a number of intelligent and automated features designed to make spraying easier, more accurate, more efficient and more profitable. A wide choice of durable steel spray booms from 24 to 40m is available, fitted with BoomGuard anti-yaw suspension.

The optional BoomTrac system provides perfect boom stability during spraying, by measuring the actual boom height 50 times a second and comparing this with

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the target height. When a difference occurs, BoomTrac automatically adjusts the spray boom height and boom tilt angle to ensure the optimum boom position, whether spraying in the field or turning at the headland.

John Deere sprayer operators using BoomTrac have reported noticing more effective control of blackgrass during the 2012 spraying season, due to the more consistent application of herbicides that can be achieved using this fast, automatic boom height control system – for more details, see the Spring 2013 edition of GreenPower magazine, which will be available from John Deere dealers in January.

Other key features of the new R952i trailed sprayer include the SolutionCommand automatic

58 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

solution management system with AutoDilute, which lets the operator accurately fill, agitate, spray and multi-cycle rinse the sprayer, and dispose of residues, at the push of a button on the tractor’s GreenStar display.

John Deere’s suite of optional iSolutions also includes Spray-toMap, a prescription mapping tool that enables the operator to spray variable rates of fertiliser or crop protection chemicals, and

Sectional Control automatic boom section control, which helps to minimise overlaps and misses and avoid wasting valuable inputs.

For further details of the complete John Deere sprayer range, contact your local dealer or visit the website at www.JohnDeere.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Morris Corfield & Co Limited Benthall Works, Shropshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01952 881000

Oliver Landpower Limited Home Park Works, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8LW Tel: 01923 265211

Newton Street, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9PJ Tel: 01588 673325

A14 Telford Road, Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4LD Tel: 01869 329988

Westington Works, Docklow, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0SJ Tel: 01885 488884

Wandon End, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8NY Tel: 01582 727111

Wilfred Scruton Limited Maxwell House, Riccall Grange, King Rudding Lane, Riccall, York YO19 6QL Tel: 01757 249799

Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd East Cowton, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 0DX Tel: 01325 378552

Providence Foundry, Foxholes, Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 3QQ Tel: 01262 470221

Bellard Court, Platts Lane, Duddon, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0EU Tel: 01829 749391 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Nigel Quinn (AMS) Limited 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston Lancashire PR4 6JR Tel/Fax: 01704 822272 Mobile: 07973 519491 www.nigelquinnams.co.uk

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| Grain

Farmstar Ltd MARR, DONCASTER Tel: 01302 786786 BRIGG, LINCOLNSHIRE Tel: 01652 654944 NEWARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Tel: 01636 671628 www.farmstar.co.uk 60 | Farming Monthly |

P. Tuckwell DUNMOW Tel: 01371 875325 COLCHESTER Tel: 01206 230283 RAYLEIGH Tel: 01258 783311 www.tuckwell.co.uk January 2013

Ravenhill Ltd HEREFORD Tel: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill-ltd.co.uk

Lower Quinton Garages STRATFORD UPON AVON Tel: 01789 720265 www.lqgltd.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

New Holland reinvents and extends TD5 range The new TD5 range offers robust performance in a comfortable and rich package. ew Holland has reinvented and extended the TD5 range of tractors which will provide traditional dairy and livestock farmers with a reliable tractor at a very competitive price point. The extended series features six models all with distinctive New Holland styling: the TD5.65, TD5.75, TD5.85, TD5.95, together with the two new range topping TD5.105 and TD5.115 models, that develop between 65 and 113hp. The TD5 range has been carefully conceived to satisfy the demands of this highly competitive segment with specific requirements. Well-loved elements, such as mechanical transmissions and easy maintenance have been coupled with a new cab and a columnmounted hydraulic PowerShuttle, which is unique in this segment, to offer a modern take on a traditional favourite.

New VisionView™ cab: segmentleading operator comfort and ergonomics in a stylish package The all-new cab guarantees outstanding comfort and intuitive control of all key tractor functions.

The operator focused design features significant ergonomic improvements: all principal controls, including the hand throttle and hydraulic remote valve control levers, have been relocated to the right hand console to minimise twisting and turning by the operator. The fully integrated loader joystick, which is ergonomically positioned in the cab, together with the column mounted shuttle lever, increase loader productivity and reduce operator fatigue. A dedicated pedal for steering column adjustment enables users to position the steering wheel whilst in their natural operating position.

Visibility is a key TD5 trademark, and the optional high visibility panel, which takes the overall glazed area to an impressive 5.034m2, is ideal for loader work, providing outstanding visibility throughout the entire lift cycle.

An all-new concept in air conditioning has been developed.

A super-fast defrosting vent directs a powerful stream of air down onto the front windscreen to ensure

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speedy start-up on frosty mornings and evenings. Operators of all ages and sizes can sit back and relax in the VisionView™ cab, thanks to the development of a larger, more comfortable seat and they can even share their tractor courtesy of a newly introduced passenger seat.

When working late into the night, or in dimly lit barns, the protected rear work lamps powerfully illuminate even the darkest corners. The six work lamps are incorporated within the rear roof section, eliminating the need to remove them when working in areas of overhanging foliage or in low sheds.

The TD5 range boasts distinctive New Holland styling such as the sloping bonnet and trademark cat eye lights; the ergonomic lay-out further extends the tractor family-feeling.

Robust and efficient mechanical engines: up to 113hp for ultimate productivity and efficiency The engine offering has been specifically tailored to not only the TD5 range, but to each individual model based on its specific usage profile. The entry-level TD5.65 and TD5.75 models feature punchy three-cylinder engines which deliver up to 72hp for dependable performance in a fuel efficient package. The TD5.85 sports a FPT Industrial F5C engine, and the three top models, the TD5.95 – TD5.115 are fitted with a 4.5 litre FPT Industrial Nef engine which develops maximum torque of 445Nm for the most demanding applications. These engines offer turbo-charged and intercooled economical and reliable performance in an overall fuel efficient package, with super long service intervals, of up to 600 hours, which means that users spend more time working and less time in the yard on maintenance.

Furthermore, they are fully compatible with standard oils and B100, 100% biofuel.

Segment-first hydraulic PowerShuttle: ideal for loader applications The TD5 is unique in its segment in offering an optional column mounted hydraulic PowerShuttle for on the move

direction changes without the need to depress the clutch pedal.

TD5.85 to TD5.115 models benefit from smooth direction changes which are perfect for loaderintensive dairy and livestock farmers when stacking bales or feeding cattle.

The TD5.65 and TD5.75 (and all models, when equipped with the 20x12 transmission) can be specified exclusively with the mechanical column mounted shuttle.

Braking performance has been upgraded by 15% in line with the increased horsepower of the TD5.105 and TD5.115 models thanks to an additional brake disc to further enhance safety, especially when undertaking transport activities on hills.

ROPS option with full FOPS compliance: outstanding operator safety The TD5 range is available in both cabbed and ROPS variants.

The ROPS platform shares the same ergonomic control layout as the cabbed version, however, this model has been engineered by design with specific trim to enhance the operators experience and to withstand harsh operating

conditions. ROPS variants can be fitted with a FOPS (Falling Objects Protection System) compliant canopy, to offer users the ultimate in peace of mind when operating with loaders and in enclosed environments where they are at risk of falling objects.

R38 tyre compatibility for enhanced productivity and reduced soil compaction The TD5.105 and TD5.115 models are fully compatible with R38 rear and R28 front tyres, the only tractor in this class to offer this productivity boosting feature.

These tyres offer increased ground clearance when working with valuable row crops such as salad vegetables, as well as increased traction and reduced soil compaction in all applications.

Model Specification The new numbering on the TD5 series makes the performance of each model immediately obvious.

The TD is synonymous with rugged, traditional, value for money tractors. The first digit ‘5’ positions the model in the complete New Holland tractor family. The numbers following the dot denote the model’s maximum horsepower.

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| Grain

62 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

MONMOUTHSHIRE Harold R Johns Ltd 01291 689278

HULL Robert D Webster Ltd 01964 670224

SUFFOLK Hayward United Farmers Ltd 01502 475111

WARWICKSHIRE Lower Quinton Garages Ltd 01789 720265

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 63

| ATV

It's a pig of a job, but Kubota’s RTV 900 can do it!

There are numerous ways to test an all-terrain vehicle, but a true test of performance, reliability and versatility is to use one on an outdoor pig unit. ust ask Farm Manager David Finkle. The Kubota RTV900 he used when managing the celebrity ‘Jimmy’s Farm’ spent much of its time wallowing in axle deep muck.

“I thought the Kubota RTV was a real class act,” says Mr Finkle who has since moved on to a new farming project. “The Kubota was used in all manner of ways around the farm and on the pig unit was the key means of getting straw out to the pigs in all weathers.”

Adding that the machine could carry six to eight conventional bales on its load platform, Mr Finkle says the RTV transmission really impressed him. No matter how hard he worked the machine it never once got stuck, even when fully loaded and working through the sort of muck only those who have worked with outdoor pig units can really appreciate.

“The RTV900 is a properly engineered piece of equipment that seemed to get better the more it was loaded up,” he says. “I even used it to drag a big tandem axle trailer around at times and it just shrugged it off. Of equal

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importance, the RTV was 100% reliable.”

Adding that the vehicle was driven by a range of operators, many of whom were not familiar with working in demanding offroad conditions, Mr Finkle says safety was a key priority. Not only did the RTV prove extremely stable, with the added security of seat belts and a roll cage, it was easy for novice drivers to drive safely too.

“As soon as you take your foot off the accelerator the RTV slows to a stop,” he says. “I found I could carefully train someone to drive the vehicle safely and not worry that I would in any way compromise the farm’s risk assessment. The RTV proved utterly fool proof, rugged and dependable.”

Whilst on the farm, Mr Finkle also used a Kubota M7040 tractor with a loader. Like the RTV900 this proved a durable tool with stand out economy, manoeuvrability and visibility. Again a range of less experienced operators used the tractor and they all got on with the tractor well, finding hitching up

Jimmy Doherty of “Jimmy’s Farm”

64 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

FARR ATVs to be shown at LAMMA 2013 Visit hall 1a, stand 1107 to see these low cost machines.

ARR All-Terrain Vehicles will be exhibiting at the LAMMA 2013 show. We have a joint stand with Tractor Guard LTD who are one of our current dealers from Birmingham.

The stand is number 1107 based in Hall 1a, so please visit our stand to see our current range.

Every FARR model is supplied with a high/low range gearbox and an integrated road legal kit as standard. With prices starting from £3699.99 + VAT, these represent excellent value for money.

Finance can be arranged through UK Asset Finance and is

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David Finkle

trailers, thanks to the visibility to the hitch, simple.

“The Kubota M7040 is the ideal stock tractor,” he adds. “The engine has lots of torque at tick over and this makes it a great loader tractor. It is not overly heavy either, so is ideal for top-dressing, rolling and mowing. It was an impressive tool.”

Mr Finkle, who used to work as a prototype development driver for CAT, spent some time looking over the build of both the RTV900 and M7040. He says the way the machines were built really impressed him.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

“The RTV900 appears to have been designed so that muck and debris will not get caught in any linkages and the sealed brakes are just that. Sealed!” he says. “These days margins are tight and I expect 100% from any equipment I use. It is no good if a machine has problems coping with tough working conditions. The Kubota RTV900 is a fantastic piece of kit that is well up to the demands of an outdoor pig unit. And the M7040 is a perfect stock tractor. I will miss using them in my new job!”

available on all machines.

We currently have dealers for our products based all over the UK, for further information or to find your nearest dealer please visit www.farruk.com or email sales@farruk.com. Alternatively, please call our Exeter main office on 01392 444 887.

NEW DEALERS REQUIRED NATIONWIDE!!!!!! If you are interested in becoming a dealer and selling our very popular products please call 07714 399 029. Alternatively, visit our stand at LAMMA to discuss the options.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 65

| ATV

Suzuki celebrates strong dealer network The strength of the Dealer Network has always been a great attribute of Suzuki GB, and the outstanding service that all of the dealers continue to provide to customers was praised at the recent Suzuki ATV & Marine Dealer Conference held in Cardiff. hree ATV dealers were presented with awards for their exceptional efforts.

Cornish Tractors, located in Devon, won the Suzuki ATV Southern Sales Dealer of the Year 2012 award. The award recognised their proactive approach in representing the Suzuki brand in their area.

The Suzuki ATV Northern Sales Dealer of the Year 2012 award went to John D Yuille ATV Services. The dealership, with branches in various locations in Scotland, was commended for their impressive presence at the Royal Highland Show this year.

Powys-based E.T. James & Sons won the final ATV award, Suzuki ATV Aftersales Dealer of the Year 2012. This was given in acknowledgement of their excellent aftersales care and customer service.

Gareth Lumsdaine, ATV Sales and Marketing Manager, Suzuki GB, stated, "The success of Suzuki would not be possible without the hard work of the dealers, as well as their enthusiasm towards the brand. It is important that we show our appreciation to the dealers and commend their excellent efforts".

The Dealer Network is continuing to grow, as Suzuki GB appoints two new official dealerships; Gwyndaf Evans Motors, located in Gwynedd, and Aberdeenshire-based DBJ Motorsport. Both dealers are

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E.T. James

Cornish Tractors

excited about representing the Suzuki brand, and their expertise will ensure customers find the perfect ATV to suit their needs.

66 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

John D. Yuille

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Snow one does it better It’s generally acknowledged that unswept areas are unsafe areas that can cause slips and trips, leading to injuries and work absences or even damage claims. ven more so during the winter months. BroomEx pedestrian power brooms are widely used for clearing leaves and debris to make areas safer but they are also the ideal solution for clearing snowfalls.

There’s no shoveling, scraping or slipping about in the snow while you walk behind a BroomEx on a clean, swept path, using the optional extras for snow clearance.

The rotating brush with snow bristles effortlessly sweeps the snow to either side. If there are heavier snow falls the snow blade attachment and snow chains, giving traction to the wheels, arm you with a powerful machine for clearing the area.

Once the snow is cleared you have a clean surface ready for application of salt de-icer or liquid

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brine solution.

The steel blade is a tool-free attachment that simply drops onto the front of the BroomEx to clear snowfalls of up to 6”/150mm deep and the blade can be angled left or right.

The optional snow accessories are available for the BroomEx PR100 and PX 70 models and of course these professional and semi professional power brooms are used throughout the rest of the year for generally sweeping up and keeping areas tidy and safer.

Designed for and in use with councils, contractors, groundcare, industry, golf courses, private estates and equestrian facilities they feature rugged steel chassis and panels, comfortable operation, simple height adjustment and a central brush drive for sweeping

up to walls and obstacles.

Just what you need for yearround sweeping and maintaining

hazard-free areas. . Broadwood International 01420 478111 www.broadwoodintl.co.uk

Day & Coles Agricultural Ltd

Southam Agricultural Services

Oakes Bros Ltd

Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6UW Telephone: 01933 673900

Fields Farm, Station Road, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH Telephone: 01926 813426 www.southamagriservices.co.uk

Newbury, Berkshire Telephone: 01655 281222 Horsham, Sussex Telephone: 01403 790777 Winchester, Hamshire Telephone: 01962 7941000 www.oakesbros.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 67

| ATV

‘Power Equipment Apprentice of the Year’ award presented by Honda (UK) Award won by Vince Thorpe of ATVs R Us in Wells.

Left: Phil Webb (GM, Power Equipment, Honda UK), Vince Thorpe and right: Paul Taylor (Honda Inst.)

Left: Phil Webb (GM, Power Equipment, Honda UK) and right: Vince Thorpe

ince Thorpe of ATVs ‘R’ Us in Wells joined 70 apprentice graduates from Honda (UK)’s Car, Motorcycle and Power Equipment divisions last week to receive a very special award for ‘Power Equipment Apprentice of the Year’ from Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK), at The Honda Institute in Slough.

This award is given to the apprentice who truly excels in their specialist area, in Vince’s case ATV, with nominations taken from Honda’s Apprentice Trainers, Assessors and Managers.

Nominations are judged against specific criteria and the overall winner is then identified by the Apprentice Programme Management Team.

22 year-old Vince comments: “I’m delighted with this award and I’d like to thank everyone at ATVs ‘R’ Us and the Honda Institute for being so supportive. I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship and it’s allowed me to combine work with my real passion for ATVs and motorcycles.”

Duncan Irons, Dealer Principal at ATVs ‘R’ Us, comments: “Vince

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has done brilliantly and really deserves this award. Coming from a background in motocross as a hobby he has a natural enthusiasm for and good base knowledge of engines, and his three years at the Institute has refined both his skills and his worth ethic, making him a great asset to the team here.”

Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK) comments: “Vince is a passionate and enthusiastic young man who has worked very hard to achieve Apprentice of the Year in our Power Equipment division. He completed his license earlier than any other ATV technician, which is a real achievement and the mark of an excellent graduate with a bright future.”

Honda (UK)’s apprenticeship programme consistently scores above the national average for completion rates. The programme takes place over two years for Lawn and Garden and Parts Operations; and three years for Car and Motorcycle/ATV. During this time apprentices are employed by their local Honda dealership and attend block

68 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

training at the Honda Institute working on products within one of the four divisions. Qualified apprentice graduates achieve NVQ Level Two for Lawn & Garden and Parts Operations; and NVQ Level Three for Cars and Motorcycle/ATV. The Honda Institute was opened in 2001, and is the home of people development for Honda in the UK. Working with sector skills and industry bodies, the Honda Institute provides a

measurable contribution to business performance. Some 10,000 people are employed in Honda dealer networks, and the Institute delivers approximately 25,000 days worth of training every year.

To find out more about Honda’s apprentice programmes in the UK please visit www.hondapeople.co.uk or www.hondamanufacturing.co.uk.

To find out more about ATVs ‘R’ Us please visit www.atvsrus.co.uk.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

All new Ford Kuga: Class leading The all-new Ford Kuga is set to disapprove the myth that an SUV can’t be ‘green’, high-tech and capable all at the same time. he Kuga is the centrepiece of Ford’s strategy to expand in the fast-growing European SUV market and offers a comprehensive array of features and technologies, including: ▪Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system, including exclusive Curve Control ▪Segment first hands-free tailgate that operates with a gentle kicking motion ▪Class-leading fuel efficiency, including optional EcoBoost petrol engine ▪Ford SYNC with Emergency Assist.

“European customers have really taken the current Ford Kuga to their hearts,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development. “The new Kuga retains that charisma and adds remarkable new technologies, features and capability.”

Ford plans to leverage its global leadership in SUVs to deliver a comprehensive line-up of smarter vehicles to Europe. New Kuga will be followed by the modern and innovative EcoSport, Ford’s entry into the small SUV segment, and the Edge – a larger, more premium crossover that is a success in North America and other markets.

Ford has said it expects to sell more than 1,000,000 SUVs in Europe in the next six years, around 10 per cent of Ford’s total volume by 2016. Since launching the first generation Kuga in 2008, Ford has sold more than 45,000 in the UK alone.

Production of the new Kuga started this month at Ford’s assembly plant in Valencia, Spain. Just six months after going on sale, the new Kuga’s North American counterpart the Ford Escape, has achieved its best ever sales year.

Class-leading driving ability The smart AWD system continually assesses road conditions, adjusting the torque split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.

The primary goal of the AWD system at low speeds is traction; at speeds above 18mph the system is tuned to improve driving feel, handling and response. A unique cluster display shows drivers the torque demand of each wheel at any moment. Ford Curve Control acts as a safeguard for drivers who have entered a bend with too much

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speed. The system mitigates against severe understeer by braking and engine torque reduction.

“Curve Control can support drivers if they find themselves in a situation where they are travelling too fast for the road conditions or layout,” said Michael Nentwig, assistant medium car chief programme engineer, Ford of Europe. “The obvious example is on a curved slip road coming off a motorway. If the driver hasn’t reduced speed sufficiently this system can step in and safely slow the vehicle down by around 10mph per second.”

Dynamics and cornering control are improved by the introduction of the enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system developed with the Focus RS. Innovation inside and out The stylish all-new Kuga offers more space for luggage than the current car and a luggage compartment that can be accessed more easily.

Ford’s hands-free tailgate can be opened or closed simply by a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper; and it also offers 46-litres more space than the current model, while the rear seats fold flat in one movement.

Road and wind noise has been significantly reduced compared with current Kuga to help deliver one of the quietest cabins in the segment.

Improvements were delivered using elliptical acoustic mirrors to measure elements that can influence the noise and vibration inside the car.

From the initial design, all-new Kuga was engineered to be as visually appealing up close as it is from a distance, with spaces between panels no wider than 0.5mm. The craftsmanship inside emphasises feel and touch through use of a soft instrument panel and soft door upper roll.

Particular attention was paid to deleting exposed fasteners on moving parts like the tailgate, sun visors and glove box. All-new Kuga also features an opening panorama roof.

“We’ve evolved the vehicle to incorporate more space and a faster silhouette, a more precise execution and a higher quality feel,” said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe.

Class-leading fuel economy The all-new Kuga will deliver class-leading fuel economy through significantly improved fuel efficiency from a powertrain line-up that, for the first time, includes EcoBoost engine technology.

Petrol engine fuel consumption has been reduced by 25 per cent and diesel engine fuel consumption by 10 per cent.

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine 150PS front-wheel drive (FWD) achieves from 42.8mpg and 154g/km CO2.* A 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine is also available with 140PS in FWD and AWD versions offering from 53.3mpg and 139g/km CO2; and a 163PS version that achieves from 47.9mpg and 154g/km CO2.

Ford’s low-emission ECOnetic Technology available across the line-up features Eco Mode, Gear Shift Indicator and Active Grille Shutter that reduces drag and cuts fuel consumption.

Engineered for outstanding safety The all-new Ford Kuga was awarded a maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP after achieving an overall protection score of 88 per cent, the highest-ever for a mid-sized SUV. Euro NCAP also awarded an Advanced reward for Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance. Upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, Emergency Assistance uses the on-board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local language where the car is being driven.

Further driver assistance technologies offered with new Kuga include Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Active City Stop, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam, Driver Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Ford engineers used ultra-high strength steels in the body structure and a specially designed reinforcement around the panoramic roof to ensure rigidity and strength. Roll Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control are also offered.

All-new Kuga is available to order now in the UK, priced from £20,895 on-theroad.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

Holdcroft Subaru Leek Road, Hanley Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Tel: 0800 881 5546 holdcroftsubaru.com

Culverwell Cars Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5DG Tel: 01580 880567 www.culverwells.co.uk

70 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

Newcastle Subaru 53 Queen Alexandra Road -West, North Sheilds, Tyne & Wear NE29 9AA Tel: 0191 257 3309 www.newcastlesubaru.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Dacia Duster ‘sweeps up’ two more awards Just like its orderbank, Dacia’s Duster fanbase just keeps on climbing.

his time, in less than a week, the “shockingly affordable” SUV’s chalked up awards from two of the UK’s best-known magazines, Top Gear and FHM. Testing its talents to the limit as part of its ‘Bargain of the Year 2012’ award feature, the intrepid Top Gear team took a 4x4 version to one of the most dangerous roads in the world, the Cañón del Pato (Duck Canyon), in a Peruvian stretch of the Andes. Their simple conclusion? “No car in the world offers more freedom for your quid than the Dacia Duster.” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

After a dizzying trip ascending the narrow, dimly lit Peruvian roads, the plaudits continued with, “I’m pretty sure it nails the ride-handling balance better than cars at many times its price”. Or, simply, “we have subjected this simple, brilliant little car to punishment beyond anything that even Britain’s most abused Defender has endured.”

Acknowledging the tough economic times, FHM had a similar thought process.

Awarding it ‘Best for when you’re

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short on cash’, the plaudits came thick and fast, “as the economic fog swirls down our deserted high streets, the Dacia Duster arrives as a car of its time”. Or, our particular favourite, “it’s big, robust and good-looking”.

Every model in the Dacia range offers impressive valuefor-money. For the UK, Duster, priced from only £8,995 on-theroad will be joined in January 2013 by the Sandero supermini.

The country’s most affordable new car, it kicks off at just £5,995. The adventurous Sandero Stepway supermini crossover is available to order from 1st January, again with a jaw-dropping price tag, prior to joining the fold in May. From a little under £8,000.

Daciahas already taken 1,400 orders for Duster, even before any right-hand-drive versions have docked in the UK. More information on the full Dacia UK range is available on www.dacia.co.uk or by calling 0800 991199. Further details of each model launch will also be released on twitter @daciauk and www.facebook.com/daciauk.

Refreshed Grand Vitara Suzuki GB PLC is pleased to announce the fresh faced Minor Change Grand Vitara range. hanges cover the vehicle design throughout, equipment and aim to reinvigorate the Grand Vitara’s appeal in the competitive mid-sized SUV sector.

At the front of the car the bumper and grille have been re-styled with a more angular design and the foglamp styling has been revised.

Additional changes include inner headlight black accents on 5 door SZ5 models, and new design 17” or 18” alloy wheels.

By customer demand, a temporary use 16 inch spare wheel with 225/70 tyre has now been included as standard, eliminating the need for a puncture repair system. As the spare wheel is mounted on the rear door the Grand Vitara grows in length by 200mm (five door models) and 170mm (three door models).

Moving inside, SZ3 (3 door) and SZ4 (3 door and 5 door) models are finished with new design seat trims whilst SZ5 5 door models are now equipped with a 6.1 inch touchscreen Colour Navigation System. The navigation system is powered by Garmin and includes comprehensive European mapping

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with downloadable updates and content.

The navigation system forms part of the infotainment centre – allowing a number of music options; CD, radio, SD card, media player (including iPod® and iPhone®) connected via the USB port, as well as via Bluetooth® music streaming and phone connectivity.

Under the bonnet, 1.9 DDiS models have had the emissions control system revised, resulting in a CO2 decrease from 179 g/km to 174 g/km – which means the VED band for the 1.9 DDiS engine has been reduced by one band to H. An additional benefit of this is an improvement in combined fuel economy to 42.8mpg from 41.5mpg.

Suzuki launched the first Vitara 24 years ago, creating the world’s first compact SUV and tapping into a new market for vehicles that combine true off-road capability with responsive, fun-to-drive onroad ability.

The 2013 model is aiming meet the demand for a SUV that is great looking, versatile and is rewarding both on and off-road.

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 71

| Motors

FREELANDER 2

4HE CALM BEFORE DURING AND AFTER THE STORM

With all the performance and reliability you’ve come to expect, the latest Freelander 2 with a remodeled interior. Features such as touch-screen audio and phone, a redesign items, make the Freelander a pleasure to travel in.

Call us today to book a test drive.

Barretts - Ashford

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01233 506 070 www.barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk

01565 632 525 WWW GUYSALMON KNUTSFORD LANDROVER co.uk

01484 516016 www.rocarmoo

Barretts - Canterbury

,ANCASTER n 2EADING

(UNTERS $E

01227 475 475 www.barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk

0118 404 0077 WWW LANCASTER READING LANDROVER CO UK

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#OLLIERS n %RDINGTON 7EST -IDLANDS (UNTERS n .O

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08430 225 688 www.colliers.landrover.co.uk

08451 276 506 www.hunters.d

08451 236 726 www.hunters.n

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| Motors

2 sets new standards for driver and passenger comfort, ned centre console, and improved stowage for small

ES n (UDDERSlELD

!RMSTRONG -ASSEY n 9ORK

$UCKWORTH -ARKET 2ASEN

ores.landrover.co.uk

01937 531 531 WWW ARMSTRONGMASSEY LANDROVER CO UK

01673 842 101 www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk

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derby.landrover.co.uk

0844 324 1720 WWW HARTWELL OXFORD LANDROVER CO UK

01422 363 340 www.copley.landrover.co.uk

ORWICH

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01205 722 110 www.duckworth.boston.landrover.co.uk

08433 833530 www.kentdale.landrover.co.uk

L>˜ ÎÓ°x ­n°ÇŽ q Ι°n ­Ç°£Ž Ă?ĂŒĂ€> 1Ă€L>˜ {n°Ç ­x°nÂŽ q xÓ°Î ­x°{ÂŽ œ“Lˆ˜i` www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 73

| Motors

A special place for a specialist vehicle this winter Imagine a vehicle that can face any situation thrown at it, a vehicle that can operate both on- and off-road, on rail and snow and even ford water up to 1.20-metres deep. Now imagine a Unimog from Mercedes-Benz. ach winter there are a number of challenging tasks across the length and breadth of Britain which need the help of such a special vehicle.

Designed and built to be more versatile and reliable than any other all-wheel drive truck, the Unimog is capable of top speeds of up to 56 mph and has proved to use up to 40 % less fuel than a tractor.

The delivery of Christmas trees is a tradition throughout cities, towns and villages across the UK and with a large tree measuring up to 17-metres and weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, the diversity of the Unimog with its GVW of 11.99tonnes and 286 hp engine, shines through.

Now imagine the same vehicle having the ability to keep Britain moving in other areas. Thanks to the durability of the Unimog with its attachable and detachable components, the Unimog’s rail guidance system, based on two rail axles that are hydraulically lowered on to the tracks, change it from being an all-terrain truck to a powered rail vehicle.

A dual-mode Unimog can

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develop an enormous pulling power at a low weight, which can in turn tow loads of up to 1,000tonnes. A very handy feature when trains can weigh up to 8,000tonnes. Up to 100 dual-mode design Unimogs are delivered to railway companies around the world each year, making the legendary universal motorised working machine a fixture in this industry as well.

In addition to a torque converter clutch,specifically designed for pulling heavy loads, the Unimog U 400 can also include a crawler gear transmission for very slow

operating speeds. This means the Unimog can also be equipped with either a snow blower or plough for clearing roads, tracks, airports and rails.

When off-road the Unimog really starts to shine, accepting any challenge thrown at it. The Unimog’s flexible ladder frame chassis with tubular crossmembers ensures the necessary rigidity on the road, and allows greater flexibility when off-road.

The Unimog 5000 6x6, weighing exactly 7.24-tonnes is the number one vehicle in the range for its extreme off-road abilities. It has now acquired a third axle, extending the possibilities of the

vehicles’ off-road speciality further.

Its permissible GVW of 17-tonnes and a payload of 10-tonnes is now capable of tackling additional offroad assignments turning it into a versatile, all-round heavy duty specialist vehicle.

Whether mowing, clearing or cutting snow, gritting, cleaning, sweeping or transporting – the Unimog U range, comprising of U 300/U 400/U 500, can do it all: it can be equipped with more options than any other massproduced vehicle, the four attachment and mounting areas and both front and rear power take offs (PTO’s) afford endless possibilities.

Happy New Korando SsangYong has announced special finance offers on selected Korando crossover models including the S, LE, ES and four wheel drive EX. ith Korando prices starting from £16,995, a £2,000 deposit contribution on selected models and a 5 year limitless mileage warranty on every car, there’s certain to be a model and finance package to suit almost everyone.

There are 36, 48 and 60 month payment plans available which can be tailored to suit individual customer requirements, and mean

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74 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

that a Korando S can be driven away from just £239/month.

“These are sensible, honest, well-engineered cars that will give many years of trouble free motoring, and backed by SsangYong’s 5 year limitless mileage warranty - that’s a highly reassuring combination!”

All offers are available until 30 April 2013 on vehicles financed through GMAC.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Auto Services Perth Ltd 6 Bertha Park View, Inveralmond Ind. Est., Perth, Perthshire PH1 3EE Tel: 01738 210000 www.autoservicesperthltd.co.uk

Bob Gerard Ltd London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire LE8 9GF Tel: 0116 259 2224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Brenwood Motor Co Unit 2, Waverley Road, Kirkaldy, Fife KY1 3NH Tel: 01592 655550 www.brenwood.co.uk

David Cook Motors Middleton Road, Chadderton, Oldham, Lancashire OL9 9LA Tel: 0161 624 1441 www.davidcookmotors.co.uk

John Pease Motor Group Manor Street, Braintree, Essex CM7 3BH Tel: 01376 545540 www.johnpeasemotorgroup.co.uk

NMG 4x4 Centre Wroxam Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 8TN Tel: 01603 401044 www.nmg-uk.com

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 75

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Drive away an Amarok from ÂŁ289 a month.* Now available with an optional 180PS engine, automatic gearbox and BlueMotion Technology.

It’s the Pick-up of the Year 2012.

Pop into your local Van Centre today.

*Plus VAT and initial rental. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. Business users only. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Contract hire quotation based on Amarok Startline 2.0 TDI 180PS. Offer based on a 3 + 35 payment profile and 10,000 miles per annum. Further charges may be payable when the vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required.

76 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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Abridge Van Centre.

Apple Yard, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ. Tel: 0844 412 8201 Search online for Volkswagen vans Abridge.

Alan Day Van Centre.

Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London N11 3UT. Tel: 0208 226 2032 Search online for Volkswagen vans Alan Day.

Anthony Motors Van Centre.

Llanbadarn Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3QP. Tel: 0844 412 8207 Search online for Volkswagen vans Anthony Motors.

Bridgwater Van Centre.

191-193 Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4BJ. Tel: 0844 412 8333 Search online for Volkswagen vans Bridgwater.

Carrs Van Centre (Exeter).

Unit G1 Denbury Court, Marsh Barton Trading Estate, Exeter, Devon EX2 8NB. Tel: 0844 412 8228 Search online for Volkswagen vans Carrs Exeter.

Cooks Van Centre.

Storeys Bar Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5YS. Tel: 0844 412 8240 Search online for Volkswagen vans Cooks.

Gilder Van Centre.

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 1XS. Tel: 0844 412 8264 Search online for Volkswagen vans Gilder.

Gilder Van Centre (Newark).

2 Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2ET. Tel: 0844 811 2417 Search online for Volkswagen vans Gilder.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre.

Sinclair Van Centre (Swansea).

Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, Gorseinon, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA4 9GW. Tel: 0844 811 2986 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Swansea.

Sinclair Van Centre (Cardiff).

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TL. Tel: 0843 509 2833 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous.

Tyndall Street, Wharf Road East, Cardiff CF10 4BB. Tel: 0844 873 4690 Search online for Volkswagen vans Sinclair Cardiff.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston).

Vindis Van Centre.

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7EF. Tel: 0843 509 2833 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous Bilston.

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull).

Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, East Yorkshire HU13 9PB. Tel: 0844 412 8904 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Hull.

JCT600 Van Centre (York).

Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York, North Yorkshire YO30 4WW. Tel: 0844 412 8292 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 York.

Low Road, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EL. Tel: 0844 873 4683 Search online for Volkswagen vans Vindis.

Volkswagen Van Centre (Barnstaple).

Taw Trading Park, Braunton Road, Barnstaple, North Devon EX31 1JZ. Tel: 0127 137 3373 Search online for Volkswagen vans Barnstaple.

Pentraeth Van Centre.

Henffordd Garage, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5RW. Tel: 0844 412 8312 Search online for Volkswagen vans Pentraeth.

Robinsons Van Centre.

Heigham Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4LX. Tel: 0844 412 8327 Search online for Volkswagen vans Robinsons.

Commercial Vehicles

Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for all Amarok ordered by 31st March 2013 and is not available in conjunction with any other offers.

This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2013 | Farming Monthly | 77

| Motors

Isuzu UK launches free Winter Care Programme Isuzu owners can take advantage of a new, comprehensive winter preparation programme at their local dealer. he ‘Isuzu Winter Level Check and Free Top Up' is free-of-charge and has been launched in time for longer periods of colder weather over the coming months.

Participating Isuzu dealers will check all major fluid levels (engine, transmission and axle lubricants, coolant and washer bottle) as well as tyre pressures, and top up any of these

T

to the recommended level, free of charge.

This no-strings-attached programme demonstrates Isuzu’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service, going beyond what is required by the usual duty of care.

William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK, commented: “We want to make sure that all Isuzu owners are 100 per cent prepared for

the winter weather. The majority of vehicle breakdowns during the colder months can be avoided if a series of relatively straightforward checks are performed. This free‑of‑charge programme is part of Isuzu’s commitment to its customers, helping them stay mobile on and off-road this winter.”

al dealer Contact your loc

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon - 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Boston - 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk - 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Sheaf Motors Derbyshire - 01246 296969 isuzusales@sheafmotors.co.uk

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire - 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen - 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear - 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

Alexander & Duncan Herefordshire - 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire - 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk - 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

R. Hunt Isuzu Hampshire - 01264 860532 www.rhunt.co.uk

Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire - 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire - 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

Holdcroft Isuzu Staffordshire - 0800 881 5546 holdcroftisuzu.com

York Van Centre North Yorkshire - 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk

Culverwell Cars East Sussex - 01580 880567 www.culverwells.co.uk

78 | Farming Monthly | January 2013

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