January 2016 Farming Monthly National

Speeding up potato breeding by looking at them from above p12

Farming

MONTHLY National

January 2016

Arable

Disc vs Tine at Newport Monitor Farm p13 |

Fencing Education

| Funding secured for European work placements p14

On-Topic

M&M Timber about to raise the stakes p37 |

LAMMA Show preview p17 |

| Digging into the detail of the Strategic Potato Farm p10

Livestock | Introducing livestock in an arable rotation p34 Also Inside: Buildings | Security | Machinery | Tyres | Forestry | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS January 2016

FEATURES 12

22

12 Arable Speeding up potato breeding, different no-till systems evaluated

14 Education Embark on your career in agriculture

34

38 Security

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42 Forestry

Stay one step ahead of the livestock rustlers..

39 Buildings

Raising awareness of England’s forests and how they are managed

50 Tyres

RIDBA warns farmers to ‘build fit for purpose’ and more

Mitas receives AGCO ‘Supplier of the Year’ award

17 LAMMA Previewing some of the equipment you will be seeing at the show

31 Muck & Slurry Pumping, separation & application

34 Livestock Livestock in an arable rotation

36 Fencing Are your fences up to scratch? We present a couple of options...

REGULARS 06 News All the latest news this month

10 On Topic Strategic potato farm

26 Energy All the latest news this month

44 Machinery New kit for LAMMA

51 ATV Polaris, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Can-Am..

58 Motors All the latest motors news

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From the Editor...

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Advertising Director: Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julie Smith j.smith@farmingmonthly.com Phil Barry p.barry@farmingmonthly.com ACCOUNTING Accounts Payable Manager: Cheryl Arnold c.arnold@farmingmonthly.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION studio@farmingmonthly.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com ON THE COVER Baling in Wolvey

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So 2016...what will this year bring to the party? The effects of climate change have been felt far and wide, with heavy rainfall and unseasonably warm temperatures at the back end of 2015 causing misery for many.

Disruption to homes and businesses will be felt for some time as many try to recover from the effects - though some may never get back on their feet. Solid and welcome help from Forage Aid offered assistance to farmers weathering the storm and, of course, the Government pitched in too. Stories of farmers braving the deluge to rescue livestock and livelihoods compounded just how committed UK farmers are.

But is the UK Government as committed to farmers? The message that BPS payments are still not getting through fast enough was highlighted by the NFU, though the RPA insist that they are meeting and even surpassing set targets. Have you received your payments yet?

Commodity prices have been suppressed, renewables subsidies cut and news now that

antibiotic resistance is now a real issue..is it all doom and gloom? Let’s hope not for 2016.

Surely, it can only get better...everything changes.

On the subject of changes, readers will note a number of changes for 2016 in the magazine as we consistantly strive to make Farming Monthly National better and better. You will see this not only in the print edition but also in the associated desktop digital experience along with the recently introduce App Edition, where you will find additional interactivity such as image galleries, video content, live links and other features - with more to come (watch this space).

Soon, you will also be able to enjoy our new online features - the new website will be launched very shortly and we look forward to welcoming visitors to see what’s new. We’ll be sure to let everyone know as soon as it’s ready!

It just remains for me to convey our very best wishes to all, both readers and advertisers, for 2016. Happy New Year!

Andrew Poulton, Editor

Subscribe today!

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Call us on 02476 353537 or visit our secure website at www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Government not up to speed on

broadband targets The NFU believes Government measures to improve rural broadband could help farming communities but, it believes more could still be done to improve internet and mobile communications in the most remote areas. he new discounted satellite broadband scheme is being offered under the Government’s Universal Service Obligation (USO), in which it is committed to providing 95 per cent of premises superfast broadband by 2017 and gives everyone the legal right to broadband of speeds of 10 Mbit/s by 2020.

But vouchers for the scheme are only currently available online, which may pose problems for those with no internet access.

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: “We have been doing extensive work with our members to find out how the lack of mobile and broadband services affects their businesses.

“And, although we welcome the Government’s announcement to roll out subsidised satellite broadband vouchers to help some 300,000 of the most remote homes and businesses to access at least 2 Mbit/s of broadband connectivity, we are not convinced it will be able to meet its targets, especially given the number of people who will be excluded if

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they cannot meet the strict criteria. We also know satellite does not work that well for everyone.

“We understand the Welsh Government has just announced a far more generous voucher scheme, which is easier to qualify for, and which allows access to a number of broadband technologies.

“The recent failure at the launch of the Basic Payment Scheme, which was originally only available online, also highlighted that 2 Mbit/s as a minimum speed is outdated and that significant investment in rural broadband is needed. A reliable mobile phone signal and broadband connection across farm can lead to significant efficiency gains as well as improving health and safety and offer better access to information and services.”

The NFU also offers its own discounted satellite package for farmer and grower members, which they can access via telephone as well as online. For more information about the scheme, please dial CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 or visit NFU online.

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| News

Big leap in clean electricity generated by wind RenewableUK is highlighting official Government statistics published recently which show the increasingly central role that wind is playing in the UK’s energy mix. he quarterly figures, released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, show that in July to September, the amount of electricity generated by offshore wind increased by 52% compared to the same period in 2014, while onshore wind generation was up by 30%.

In the third quarter of 2015, wind generated 9.5% of the UK’s electricity (5% from onshore wind and 4.5% from offshore wind) due to higher wind speeds and increased capacity.

Overall, 23.5% of the UK’s electricity was generated by renewables in Q3 this year, up 6% on the same period last year. Wind remains Britain’s leading renewable technology, followed by bioenergy (9.1%), solar PV (3.5%) and hydro (1.4%).

Coal’s share of electricity generation decreased from 21% to

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17% and gas generation also fell from 38% to 35% in Q3 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Maf Smith said “Today’s figures show that the wind industry is continually upping its contribution of clean electricity to British homes, offices and factories. Wind energy is a success story which the 35,000 people who this work in this industry in the UK are proud to be a part of.

“Our main focus at the moment is driving down the cost of wind energy even further, to help consumers. The more we install, the cheaper the clean electricity we generate becomes. That’s why we’re keen to see onshore and offshore wind continuing to play a central role in our wide-ranging energy mix.

“The growth of wind energy in the UK is a cause for celebration.”

Warburtons commits to five-year plan with growers Warburtons and its grain supply partner Openfield have agreed to extend their relationship for a further five years thereby giving its farmers the confidence to invest in their businesses. penfield head of supply chain Sarah Bell welcomed the deal which will take the contract through to harvest 2021, reflecting Warburtons long-term commitment to the industry.

“Over the past 17 years Warburtons has sourced more than 2 million tonnes of wheat from British farms. This has contributed to over 10 billion bread products. This is an unparalleled level of commitment in the grain supply chain and one which has delivered great value for all parties.

We look forward to taking the relationship further,” says Sarah Bell.

A Warburtons contract is unique within grain production as it is the only agreement to offer a minimum price premium over base feed wheat values beyond a single season, a point that is highly appreciated by growers.

“Growing milling wheat to a defined specification takes skill and confidence. By offering a minimum premium guarantee and contracting for five years the grower has the confidence to invest in equipment and storage systems while the variety assessment programme helps to develop and hone the plant material needed to meet quality specification,” says Sarah Bell.

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“At a time when the market is exerting great pressure on growers, the value of a long-term contract is a source of great reassurance,” adds Sarah Bell.

The focus on long-term relationships with their farmers enables Warburtons to ensure that long-term sustainability is a priority for its farmers. The key areas of focus are; healthy soil, good water stewardship and supporting biodiversity.

Brett Warburton, executive director, Warburtons, said: “As a family business, we are able to take decisions for the long term, and it is this approach that has been key to maintaining our business success over the last 140 years. We believe that for our business to grow we need to work in partnership, and that means working with our farmers, and partners like Openfield, to ensure we deliver what the business needs – but in the right way.”

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Cumbria Farm Flood Action Group launched with funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund The Prince’s Countryside Fund has announced £7,469 funding to a new collaborative initiative - the Cumbria Farm Flood Action Group. This group will assess the nature and scale of damage to farms and on farm diversified businesses following the recent floods. he Cumbria Farm Flood Action Group is formed of the Farming Community Network, The Farmer Network, RABI, Cumbria Commoners, NFU, Foundation for Common Land, Forage Aid, Cumbria Agricultural Chaplaincy, Addington Fund, Westmorland Agricultural Society and Mitchells Auction.

Learning lessons from Somerset and previous Cumbria floods the Cumbria Farm Flood Action Group will collect data from all the farm businesses affected to assess the scale and nature of the flooding on farms and also make available help to farmers.

Adam Day, Managing Director, The Farmer Network says, “Cumbria has suffered floods before but this year the scale of devastation on farm is beyond that seen before both due to the level of damage and its spread across the whole county. We are here to help the individuals and businesses affected and want to reach out to everyone as quickly as possible.

Data collection may be perceived as a cold and impersonal activity in situations of tragedy but it

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is essential to inform the work to rebuild our farming businesses and our rural communities.”

Claire Saunders, Director, The Prince’s Countryside Fund says, “This is one practical way that we can help businesses get back on their feet following the terrible flooding. It is good news that George Eustice MP confirmed today that 600 flood affected farmers will see their BPS payment prioritised where they have not already been paid but the recovery will be lengthy for many and getting the right practical, emotional and financial advice must be a priority.”

Farmers in Cumbria are being encouraged to call The Farmer Network on telephone 01768 868615 who are taking responsibility for coordinating the Group but all farmers will be contacted by the team of staff and volunteers in the coming weeks. The same survey is also available online, hosted by the NFU which can be accessed here http://www.nfuonline.com/news/latestnews/2015-floods-damage-survey/ An appeal has been launched by The

Prince’s Countryside Fund to help the farmers, rural businesses and communities affected following the release of £40,000 of funding to the Farming Help charities and Cumbria Community Foundation last week. The public is encouraged to donate online at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/2015FloodApp eal, at the Post Office or to donate £3 by texting PCF to 70300.

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| News

Blackacre Farm’s innovation recognised at Food & Farming Industry Awards Somerset free-range egg producer, Blackacre Farm, took its place among the nation’s leading agricultural businesses on Friday 11 December for the 2015 Farm Business Food & Farming Industry Awards, coming away from the prestigious event having been Highly Commended in the Rural Enterprise Award category. dding to an impressive haul of awards in 2015, including a Great Taste 3-star award, a Great Taste 1star award and three Taste of the West Gold Awards, Blackacre Farm impressed the panel with its substantial growth over the past 12 months, in particular with its strong presence in independent retailers and farm shops. Judges were full of praise for Blackacre Farm’s owners, Dan and Briony Wood, hailing them as “Tireless innovators with an entrepreneurial spirit”.

Having recently launched its award-winning Free Collection of hen, duck and quail eggs, Blackacre Farm’s commitment to

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love, care, freedom and fresh air has been the cornerstone of its success throughout 2015. Judges made particular note of the range’s strong brand identity, as well as the farm’s investment in establishing its own breeder flock for ducks, which has led to sales of its Waddling Free duck eggs doubling year on year.

Held in the Member’s Dining Room at the House of Commons, the awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of the UK’s leading farm and food businesses, showcasing the drive and innovation of those within the rapidly changing industry.

Combining innovation with a strong commitment to traditional farming methods, Blackacre Farm continues to champion

independent producers by proudly keeping up with consumer demand and increasing sales, without employing a multi-tier shed system.

Blackacre Farm’s eggs are available from Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges, Bayley and Sage, Chatsworth Estate and other good independent delis, farm

Judges were full of praise for Blackacre Farm’s owners, Dan and Briony Wood, hailing them as “Tireless innovators with an entrepreneurial spirit” shops, butchers and grocery stores in the UK.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

Hannah Goodwin AHDB Potatoes technical executive

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| On Topic

Digging into the detail of the

Strategic Potato Farm Over forty potato growers, farm staff, seed breeders, advisors and agronomists met in Rugeley, 3 December to debate the practical outcomes of AHDB Potatoes Strategic Potato Farm, in Staffordshire. eed rates, nutrient planning, cultivations, water management, in-field greening and precision farming were among the hot topics on the agenda.

AHDB Potatoes technical executive, Hannah Goodwin who organised the event said, “AHDB Potatoes spends £1.5m annually on R&D topics chosen by the industry as being important to the sector. On-farm implementation of this R&D is absolutely vital to drive our £4.1bn industry forward and that’s why we’re here today.

“Our Strategic Potato Farm helps do just that and has only been possible with the immense support from innovative Staffordshire–based host farmers James and Sam Daw and their motivated team.”

Seed rates Delving into the results kicked off with a passionate discussion on seed rates with a strong focus on the end-market specification.

“Industry has moved on from using all the seed in the shed to a focus on achieving target spacing to meet exact contract specification,” said Hannah. “Receiving the seed count and knowing the chronological age from the seed supplier is integral to achieving optimum stem number and final yield. But not all varieties behave in the same way in relation to stem production and seed age.”

Whole team approach A resounding message from the floor was that achieving maximum marketable yield is only possible with a whole team approach. It was emphasised that no operations should be examined in isolation. Each unique field operation has a cumulative effect on the final specification and the field team need to share the vision and buy into the plans.

“Today’s discussions have far more gravitas with the specific knowledge in the room shared between seed specialists, tractor drivers,

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planter and harvester operatives, farmers and researchers,” said Hannah.

“One view today is that at pressured times of the season, such as planting, there is not enough checking back to see if our targets such as seed spacing has actually been achieved. A busy role such as the planter driver not only needs to calibrate and operate his machine he also has to concentrate on his nematicide application and communicate with the destoner/bedformer team operatives.

These roles are crucial and need support from other members of the team on the ground.”

Soils The unanimous view from delegates was that, over the years, soils have been increasingly overworked as more on-farm horse power has become available, but to the detriment of its structure. Many lessons were learnt from the extreme wet season of 2012 when many overworked soils slumped because the soil architecture didn’t maintain enough clot.

“Results from the SPot farm this year clearly showed that seedbeds could be cultivated much shallower than industry is used to without detrimental effect on yield or quality,” says Hannah. “The results gave a significant benefit to savings in work rate, fuel, labour but could also alleviate equipment depreciation and allow the opportunity to cultivate soils in shorter weather windows.

“In seasons where soil is dry at depth, cultivation can be deeper than normal without damaging soil, but this does not benefit productivity or profitability,” added Hannah.

“Reported ease of harvesting and tuber damage levels were unaffected by seedbed depth, which should give growers the confidence to experiment more with shallower depths with controlled strips until your own optimum is found.”

There has been tremendous interest in this

area of work at the SPot farm with the cultivation areas always being an area for heated discussion and exchange of ideas. And delegates who had been to see the plots in the field were extremely interested hear the harvest results.

Philip Burgess, Head of Knowledge Transfer AHDB Potatoes summed up by saying that “Being able to see the plots in the field and then the positive results summarised here today gives growers confidence to review and change their current practices”.

“Today’s discussions have far more gravitas with the specific knowledge in the room shared between seed specialists, tractor drivers, planter and harvester operatives, farmers and researchers” Greening An AHDB Fellowship study looking at greening in relation to planting depth, location and growth patterns of tubers and stolons within the ridge, along with varietal variances was discussed at length. “With some industry figures suggesting 10% of packhouse losses are attributable to greening there was huge enthusiasm to the value of this work,” concluded Hannah.

During the first growing season over 400 farmers visited the demonstration site via Hannah’s blog (strategicpotatofarm.blogspot.co.uk) which documents all the field operations and received nearly 4,000 visits. AHDB is extending the SPot farm activity to further locations for 2016, diary dates will be announced via potatoes.ahdb.org.uk/events

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Arable

potato breeding

Speeding up by looking at them from above

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) - or ‘drones’, as they are widely known - are in use nowadays for many different purposes, from defence to filmmaking and meteorology, and almost everything in between. However, we might soon see them overflying crop fields with a very different purpose: a joint project by the James Hutton Institute, the University of Dundee and Survey Solutions Scotland is investigating the potential of drones for speeding up the development of new potato varieties. otato breeding is not an easy task, due to the complexity of the crop’s genetic system, yet significant progress has been made in the last century, notably for resistance and quality traits. Recent developments in genomics have radically altered the landscape for conducting genetic analysis, and have great prospects for impacting significantly on crop improvement.

Dr Ankush Prashar, part of the James Hutton Institute’s Enhancing Crop Productivity and Utilisation research theme, said: “With the onset of climate change and increasing unpredictability across the UK, improved adaptation and yield responses of potato crops require accurate measurement of crop development under different climate scenarios.

This evaluation relies on a combination of 'visual selection' as well as extensive and detailed genetic assessment, performed over several tuber generations.

“Traits routinely assessed include yield, dry

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matter and multiple quality and resistance attributes. What is striking is that very few traits are measured in the field, and there is no systematic evaluation of traits such as canopy development and architecture, leaf area, responses to water and nutrient stress, and so it is impossible to estimate the effects of these variables on overall crop performance. It is possible that these traits may be highly correlated with yield or other important traits normally assessed after harvest.”

Dr Prashar, in collaboration with Dr Hamlyn Jones from the University of Dundee and commercial partner Survey Solutions Scotland, is using a Trimble UX5 Aerial Imaging rover equipped with ground-based panoramic sensors to explore the feasibility of using 3D imaging for comprehensive assessment of complex traits like yield.

Jock Souter, from Survey Solutions Scotland, commented: “We are very excited to be partnering the James Hutton Institute in this innovative project. The UX5 aerial imaging rover and the V10 360° terrestrial imaging rover

deliver a comprehensive photogrammetric and geospatial dataset which the James Hutton scientists can use to assess the plant growth characteristics. Who’d have thought the humble tattie could be so interesting?”

The UAV uses the latest sensor and imaging technologies to collect large volumes of ‘in field’ data at different developmental stages, to potentially increase both the efficiency of potato breeding and crop monitoring programmes.

Trimble software is being used to create the mosaics by photogrammetric processing of both aerial and ground-based data, and will help monitor crop growth, development and final yield.

“This technological platform will form a useful basis for a well-informed precision management practice. When combined with optimised breeding schemes this technology has the potential to substantially accelerate the development of new varieties for resilient and sustainable agriculture,” Dr Prashar added.

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| Arable

The Newport Monitor Farm is hosted by Sam Watson-Jones, a fourth-generation farmer growing feed wheat, OSR, oats and potatoes on a 485ha farm near Newport, Shropshire.

The farm sells primarily to local grain merchants and Sam also has 300,000 broiler chickens.

Disc versus tine at

Newport Monitor Farm Farmers at a recent AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds’ Newport Monitor Farm meeting debated the potential benefits and challenges offered by two different no-till systems.

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epresentatives from two manufacturers spoke to arable farmers and demonstrated their drills, one with tines and one with discs, at the meeting held on Wednesday 9 December at

Howle Manor.

Sam Watson Jones – host of the Newport Monitor Farm – currently operates a conventional system at the 485ha Shropshire farm, but, motivated by low prices and concerns for the soil, is considering changing to no till.

He grows feed wheat, OSR, oats and potatoes on light, sandy, loamy soils.

Various establishment systems exist in the Shropshire area, from fairly aggressive min-till systems with a combination drill, to no-till drills.

Like many other farmers, Sam is looking at his costs to see where savings can be made, as well as taking into consideration the health of his soils.

With ex-farm feed wheat prices just above £100/tonne, cost-saving opportunities featured highly in discussions during the day.

Sam said: “We wanted a series of Monitor Farm topics that looked at the soil. We’re making everything in our arable system soilfocused, so looking at direct drilling seemed like a logical way to go, with less disturbance of the soil. Of course we’re also trying to save some money with it.

At the moment, Sam uses a set of discs to establish a chit of weed seeds, followed by a sumo trio and a 3m Väderstad drill.

Soil and cost management have been a running theme at the Newport Monitor Farm, with previous meetings covering joint venture farming, energy production and wheat markets.

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Key points from the meeting for Howle Manor: • Making fewer passes on the field could save fuel costs for Howle Manor • It is vital to get drainage right • No-till on Sam’s land could increase worm counts but also risk increasing slug pressure • For Sam it would be vital to establish a good seedbed before drilling Howle Farm’s agronomist, Bill Jones, said: “As an agronomist, I welcome innovation.

Anything that would improve soil structure is a good thing. The light soils around here are becoming rather structureless: it’s been a long time since there were livestock rotations here and the soils have had quite a lot of potatoes and sugar beet in them. Anything that would put organic matter back into the soils would be good.

“In order to make money in low cereal prices at the moment, we have to have a consistent yield, and we have to make sure that we have an even crop across the field.

“One of our fears is slug damage – we need to think about slug control and avoid getting uneven crops.”

During the meeting, the group saw demonstrations of the two different drills – one disc and one tine – in a field of Sam’s which was yet to be drilled.

Simon Weaving, of Weaving Machinery, said: “On this light sandy, loamy soil, the benefits of a disc drill would be less soil erosion when it’s wet, building organic matter, and reduced costs.

“When this soil gets wet and sticky it might be challenging, but then when you’re going notill you’d want to be going onto the land earlier anyway.”

Jeff Claydon, Claydon Drills, added: “Providing you check for slugs and spray off weeds, you could go straight in with a tine drill and establish the crops cheaply, with one pass.

The time saving could be fantastic.

“In any direct drill system it’s absolutely crucial to do stubble management.”

The next meeting at the Newport Monitor Farm is on 26 January 2016. To attend the meeting, please email Richard Meredith on richard.meredith@ahdb.org.uk or call 07717 493015.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Education

NSC Enterprise & Development secures funding for European Work Placements with the

Erasmus+Programme

The Enterprise and Development Department at North Shropshire College (NSC) has successfully secured funding through the Erasmus+ Programme (European Funding), this funding will enable 129 full time vocational students and apprentices to undertake two week work placements in a European country. Countries hosting the work placements include France, Spain, Finland, Germany and Turkey. The first work placements will take place in early spring 2016. iz Wilcox, Assistant Manager of the department, commented ‘This is an exceptional opportunity for our vocational students and apprentices, they will be able to experience working in a foreign country, and the training undertaken will be mapped to their qualification. This is also an opportunity to embrace a new culture, a different way of working and living, develop personal and soft skills and, of course, the chance to learn or improve upon a foreign language and make new friends.’ The College has previously delivered very successful work placements where motor vehicle apprentices have been placed in France, hairdressing apprentices in Turkey and agricultural apprentices have been placed in Italy.

The opportunities are paid for

by European Funding, with participants only having to provide spending money. Two

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accompanying members of NSC staff will be with each group throughout the duration of the stay to assess the learning taking place during the placement and to provide support to the students whilst abroad.

Recruitment for this exciting opportunity for current students/apprentices is taking place now, but this opportunity will also be open for students/apprentices who enrol at the College until the end of the project. Currently the work placements are available to the following sectors: - Motor Vehicle, Hairdressing, Engineering, Agriculture, Hospitality & Catering and Travel & Tourism. We will be looking to open out the opportunity to other sectors in the future To find out more about this exciting opportunity please contact either Phil Ridley or Liz Wilcox, Enterprise and Development on 01939 262154 or email l.wilcox@nsc.ac.uk. For more information, please visit www.nsc.ac.uk

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| Education

Brooksby Melton College Growing experts in every field W Originally Brooksby Agricultural College, BMC has a rich history within the agricultural community. ith all courses taught on our 850 acre mixed farm, students gain experience farming both arable and livestock, and learn first-hand what it’s like to manage a commercial farm.

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During the recent campus re-development, the farm has seen the addition of sheep enclosures and a new cattle unit. This allows the farm to keep livestock longer, allowing the students experience of working with older animals.

With a team of dedicated tutors, some of

whom trained at BMC themselves, and a working farm to train on, it’s no wonder BMC has achieved a 100% employment rate for Level 3 Agriculture students for the past 3 years.

To apply visit www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk or call 01664 855 444

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Education

Anna Purser, 20, from Raveningham and Oscar Smith, 21, from Hellesdon

Norfolk Farming Scholars

Winning 2016

Two students have won prestigious places at farming's foremost industry event after they were named as Norfolk Scholars 2016. he Norfolk Scholar Initiative is organised by Bidwells and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).

The scholars have been named as Anna Purser, 20, from Raveningham and Oscar Smith, 21, from Hellesdon, who are both currently studying at the Easton and Otley College.

As part of the initiative, the pair will attend the prestigious three-day Oxford Farming Conference in January where they will hear from international and national speakers within the agricultural sector.

Anna's career ambition is to enter the livestock nutrition sector of the agricultural industry.

She said: "I am delighted to have been chosen as a Norfolk Scholar and cannot wait to attend the Oxford Farming Conference.

Attending such a prestigious event, will be extremely beneficial to my career path, will enable me to talk to others already employed in the industry and also to people who have perhaps set up their own businesses and I will then be able to find out their views on what it is like to work within the agricultural industry.

"I also feel that the experience will provide me with indefinite advice and information which I would hope will help me for many years to come."

Oscar said his ambition is to run his own small farm as a self-supporting business which will connect mainstream agriculture with the

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general public. He would also like to research and dissect methods and principles of mixed agriculture in order to increase the efficiency of the UK agricultural practice.

He added: "Attending the OFC will enable me to network with people who I would not normally have access to. It will also allow me to broaden my agricultural horizons as well as deepening my agricultural understanding. I will be able to discuss my goals and ambitions with influential people and gain invaluable advice on how to achieve and succeed. I would also like to thank the RNAA and Bidwells for giving me this great opportunity."

The conference is a leading forum where experts and farming professionals discuss the ever-changing industry and the opportunities this can bring.

Speakers at the event can include policy makers, politicians, academics, scientists, farmers, food chain representatives and even diplomats.

The 'Norfolk Scholar' programme was designed to underpin the future of the region's agriculture sector and it is now in its third year.

The programme enables two people aged between 18 and 35, who live work and/or study in Norfolk, to attend the Oxford Farming Conference.

To qualify for the fully-funded scholarship, applicants had to submit a short prĂŠcis on how their attendance at the conference could benefit their professional lives and the challenges facing UK agriculture.

Greg Smith, Chief Executive of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), said: "The calibre of applicants was again extremely high and both Oscar and Anna were highly focussed individuals who demonstrated their commitment to establishing successful careers in agriculture. “As an Association we have a strong focus on bringing bright young people into the industry and I am confident Anna and Oscar with prove to be role models for the next generation of school leavers and graduates looking to start their careers in the agricultural sector.�

John Coates from Bidwells, said: "Both Anna and Oscar showed real drive and ambition during their interviews and were very passionate. I was deeply impressed by their commitment to put something back into the region's agricultural sector through their clearly defined career plans.

"It is great that through the Norfolk Scholar initiative we are able to help these two young talented people have the opportunity to attend the conference where they will be able to hear from, and network with, a host of high level industry experts."

Last year's scholar winners, Emma Slater and Tom Oates, both said that attending the conference had been a brilliant experience and a great opportunity to meet a range of interesting people and gain a valuable insight into the industry.

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| LAMMA

Look ahead to LAMMA Griffith Elder include Farm LAMMA 2016 looks set to build upon its enormous success as Britain’s largest agricultural machinery show, with the event taking place at the East of England Showground, Peterborough on January 20-21, 2016

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ll the leading manufacturers will be present, and several are planning launches of new

machinery.

Many of the models launched at the Agritechnica Show in Germany in November will be making their UK debut at LAMMA 2016. In addition to the latest tractors, LAMMA provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to see companies and products you will not encounter at any other show.

From the first LAMMA Show in 1982, the original objective remains of showcasing new and innovative products from many smaller agricultural engineers around the country. This is particularly important this tradition continues but also on an international scale too.

First time exhibitors from as far afield as Lithuania and Poland will be welcomed to LAMMA 2016, along with a host of new faces from the UK and Ireland.

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Machinery covers all agricultural sectors, from arable to dairy, estate management to vegetable production. Many specialist products from a wide range of manufacturers can be viewed sideby-side for easy comparison, and realistic exhibiting costs encourage suppliers to bring their full ranges.

Show hours are from 7.30am to 5pm, so there is plenty of time to take it all in. The site is perfectly positioned for visitors travelling south, and Peterborough has excellent road and rail links (shuttle bus services will run from Peterborough station), with a choice of airports close at hand.

As a major showground there is also a wide range of accommodation locally and many visitors are choosing to attend on both days.

LAMMA 2016 has long been seen as a fantastic way to kick off the farming year, meet up with friends and business contacts and celebrate all that is great about the machinery industry. See you there!

Software with Weighbridge orders The agricultural industry has now for many years focused a lot of attention in the efficient working of the land, input of seeds and application of fertilisers and sprays, with a view to maximising productivity to the highest quality standards. owadays there is greater focus to harvest results desired by farm managers and contractors to benchmark their input costs against crop types and varieties, to determine the most profitable crop strategy for their soil conditions and location.

Griffith Elder know that the most accurate method of determining your yield is to weigh your crop at harvest on a weighbridge and record the results using easy to use weighbridge software.

With increasing demand from existing customers to retro-fit software options to their existing weighbridges, Griffith Elder have launched a promotion to supply new weighbridge systems that also includes a laptop computer loaded with “Farm and Industrial� weighbridge software known as

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type 84-0175.

This software version has been developed with ease of operation in mind and has lots of user defined features that make it a must have option in calculating yield per field, per farm or per contract. A simple moisture table for cereals is included that can recalculate weights to take into account drying to levels acceptable to merchants.

A great feature at harvest time is that the ticket template you set at the start of the day will carry over to the next load until such time as you need to change a feature like field name or storage location.

This also applies to report templates that have general headings but can be drilled down to very specific information using dropdown box selection.

For other agricultural software options visit www.griffithelder.com/homepage/software

January 2016 | Farming Monthly |17

| LAMMA

New Holland to present a smorgasbord of new machines at LAMMA ollowing a successful launch at Agritechnica and subsequent customer and dealer days, the New Holland stand at LAMMA will host its newest tractor, combine and forage harvester among an impressive 17-model line-up of the company’s machinery range.

The award winning T7.315 Heavy Duty Tractor is expected to be the main attraction on the stand. The two-model T7 Heavy Duty tractors pack more horsepower on a dynamic chassis, making them suitable for numerous applications, including primary and secondary cultivations, drilling and general haulage. Maximum horsepower of 288 or 313 is available all the time on the T7.290 and T7.315 respectively, while maximum torque of 1282Nm is available over 500rpm with no turbo lag.

Other new machines set to be showcased on the stand include the new CX8.80 combine harvester

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and FR Forage Cruiser 650. Both were launched at Agritechnica and include updated cabs to offer premium comfort and a productive workspace for operators.

The new T8 tractor series with Tier 4B engines will make its presence known on the stand, as one of the largest and highest horsepower tractors in New Holland’s line up. The Tier 4B engines use the company’s ECOBlue™ HI-eSCR technology, which offers improved engine performance and reduced fuel consumption without the need for additional diesel particulate filters and engine gas re-circulation.

James Ashworth, New Holland’s Marketing Manager, said: “LAMMA presents the first opportunity for many UK farmers, and those further afield, to see our new machines and we’re looking forward to giving them the guided tour on the stand. LAMMA remains an important date in the New Holland calendar and we are delighted to continue to support this ever-growing event.”

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New Holland will use LAMMA 2016 to present its newest machinery to its largest UK audience yet.

Other equipment on New Holland’s stand includes two machines from its range of construction equipment, including the L220 Skid Steer and W170 Wheeled loader which are now available through selected New Holland dealers across the UK.

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| Grain

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January 2016 | Farming Monthly |19

| Energy

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RDS presents WEIGHLOG α10 on-board weighing | LAMMA

system at LAMMA 2016

Lamma 2016 will see RDS Technology Ltd exhibiting its extensive range of on-board weighing scales including the WEIGHLOG α10, which has been specifically designed for agricultural loaders. he WEIGHLOG α10 incorporates a 4.3” colour, hi brightness resistive touchscreen display and additional physical keys providing a user-friendly onboard weighing system that can be used for trailer & hopper loading, batch blending or check weighing.

Suitable for use with up to 10 different attachments e.g. buckets or forks, the system can be retrofitted onto compact wheeled loaders, telescopic handlers, forklifts, skidsteer type loaders and tractor loaders.

The system measures hydraulic pressure using up to 4 sensors at a certain position on the lifting cycle compensating for pressure changes in the system.

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Enhanced stores capability comprising 30 products, 30 customers and up to 5 different recipes designed around animal feed mixing, dispensing and grain handling enable accurate record keeping and traceability.

The system provides communication and data storage via SD card reader and USB 2.0 host allowing quick, safe and efficient uploading and downloading of data.

Also on show will be the Combine Moisture Meter 100.

Using the same moisture sensor technology as the renowned RDS Ceres yield monitor, the Combine Moisture Meter 100 eliminates the need to make regular stops during harvesting to test grain moisture content and helps to quickly identify if conditions are, or are becoming, unsuitable for

combining.

Monitoring the moisture content of the crop helps to indicate its ripeness, enabling more timely harvesting decisions to be made in the field. Knowing the grain moisture content also allows it to be stored in the optimum location according to drying or cooling requirements.

LAMMA 2016 will also see RDS Technology Ltd exhibiting its wide range of monitoring and

measuring instruments for farming applications including the Artemis variable rate seed drill control system, the Ceres 8000i yield monitor system for combines, and the Delta 34i and Spraymaster 200 sprayer regulation and control systems.

For more information on how RDS can help improve your farming operations – visit our stand, go to www.rdstec.com or call 01453 733300.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 21

| LAMMA

Väderstad Tempo becoming even better Väderstad is presenting several new features for Tempo, a new seed hopper in aluminium, a new fertiliser coulter as well as the entirely new, three-point linkage Tempo V. empo V is a threepoint linkage, telescopic machine for up to 12 rows. The machine can easily be switched from 12 rows with 45 cm row spacing to 8 rows with 75 cm spacing, for example.

The machine’s frame is designed so that row units and fertiliser coulters can be moved to any position. Odd row numbers (such as 9 rows with 600 mm spacing) can also be handled on the same frame.

“The keyword in development was ‘diversity’” says Lars Thylén at Väderstad. “We’ve developed a precision seed drill on which the row unit can be easily moved to vary row spacing. The result is a precision seed drill that can be easily adapted so that the same machine can be used to sow several different crops with different row spacing.”

Well-proven technology that provides precision regardless of conditions The row units – with the

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PowerShoot technology that is insensitive to vibrations – are the same as on other Tempo models, which means that the precision seed drill can sow at high speed with unsurpassed precision. The coulter pressure of up to 325 kg also enables sowing of everything from growing crops to cultivated fields.

Full range of models Tempo V is available in seven different models. The number of

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row units varies from six to twelve depending on the model, and working widths are between 4.2 and 6.6 metres depending on row spacing.

Seed hopper in aluminium Beginning with the 2016 model, Tempo will be equipped with a new seed hopper in aluminium.

The new seed hopper has an emptying hatch for easy cleaning when changing crops. There is also a 22 mm sowing system

mounted in the new seed hopper for crops such as pumpkins and large sunflowers.

New fertiliser coulter Väderstad is also launching a new fertiliser coulter. The coulter is narrower, enabling mounting at 45 cm row spacing. The new fertiliser coulter features improved capabilities for various depth settings. Just as before, the fertiliser coulter can handle loads of up to 150 kg.

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| LAMMA

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January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 23

| LAMMA

KUHN folding disc cultivator at

LAMMA

KUHN Farm Machinery will be highlighting a new, folding version of its Optimer disc cultivator at the 2016 LAMMA show. With a five metre working width and two rows of independently mounted discs, the new Optimer+ 503R is ideal for shallow stubble cultivation at high forward speeds. he new Optimer+ 503R folds from a working width of 5 metres to a transportation width of just 3 metres. It is equipped as standard with 40 curved cultivation discs measuring 510mm in diameter and 6mm in thickness. The standard discs have deep notches for working at depths of 3 to 10cm, with optional small notch discs available for shallower (3 to 5cm), less intensive stubble clearing.

Each disc is mounted on ‘no maintenance’ bearings which have

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a double row of oblique contact ball bearings that are lubricated for life. The discs are angled on two axes – in relation to the direction of travel and vertically – for improved soil penetration and trash incorporation, with each disc mounted on a re-designed arm which provides increased clearance between the disc and carrying frame. This increased clearance facilitates improved working capacity and enables the machine to work soils with large amounts of plant residue.

Each disc arm is protected at its contact point with the frame by

four polyurethane elastomer blocks which allow the individual discs to deflect on contact with obstacles. By mounting and protecting each disc independently, the machine’s working depth remains unaffected by impacts to independent discs.

The Optimer+ 503R is suited for use with tractors in the 150 to 250hp range and is available with four press roller options. The standard T-Ring roller is designed for crumbly clay or cloddy soils.

The optional T-Liner roller is designed for use on stony soils, while the PackLiner roller provides

maximum consolidation, especially in damp conditions, with the Tube or Crumbler roller offering a lighter weight option for less aggressive consolidation.

Optional left and right side deflectors – which control soil movement and prevent soil being ejected from the side of the machine – are also available, as is a comb harrow which sits between the discs and press roller to enhance straw levelling and further regulate the flow of soil and residues. An optional lighting board is also available.

Front mounted disc mower conditioner KUHN Farm Machinery’s new front-mounted disc mower conditioner – the FC 3125 F – will be on display at the 2016 LAMMA show. With a 3.10 m working width, this new machine, which features improved terrain following capabilities and variable conditioning speeds, is ideal for use as part of a high power, high output, triple-gang setup. he new FC 3125 F uses a redesigned twinlinkage headstock attachment and shark fin inspireddesign which houses an innovative suspension set-up.

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The new design & linkage system improves operator visibility and enables the mower to oscillate at angles of up to 30 degrees. This improved ground contouring capability prevents sward contamination and preserves the quality of the remaining grass.

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The mower’s suspension is controlled by KUHN’s LIFTCONTROL hydro-pneumatic ground pressure system which minimises crop damage and reduces wear and tear of the cutter bar by allowing the mowing unit to move vertically by up to 0.70 m.

Two large pivoting connecting rods provide additional structural strength and stability.

The conditioning unit is fitted with KUHN’s DIGIDRY pivoting steel fingers which adapt easily to different types of forage.

Conditioning intensity is controlled by a single gear lever which selects one of two speeds: 1000 min-1 for most forage grasses or 755 min-1 for more delicate crops.

The FC 3125 F uses KUHN’s reliable OPTIDISC cutter bar and PROTECTADRIVE safety system and is fitted with FAST-FIT knives.

When used in combination with a rear mounted twin mower conditioner – either the FC 8830 D or FC 9530 D – a total working width of 9.1 to 9.5 metres is possible.

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| LAMMA

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January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Energy

Renewable energy shifts debated at leading agricultural event The country’s leading renewable energy event for farmers and landowners has unveiled the new speakers, who will be debating the shifts in the industry and what this means for rural professionals. he Energy Now Expo multistreamed conference format has changed for the 2016 event, and will include keynote conference sessions on each renewable energy type, taking place right inside the exhibition.

Three provocative topics will be proposed by a chair, and then discussed by three leading industry professionals who will have half an hour each to state their case, and the audience will be invited to contribute.

At the start of each day the conference will be kicked off by three keynote presentations, from leading figures in the renewables and farming industries.

Taking place at Telford International Centre, Shropshire, on February 10 and 11 2016, new headline speakers and topics include: • Guy Smith, NFU vice-president, who will open the conference; • Dr Doug Parr, the chief scientist from Greenpeace, presenting on the real costs associated with nuclear verses renewable energy; • Amy Mount, senior policy advisor from Green Alliance presenting on how to get UK Energy and climate Change policy back on

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track; • Merlin Hyman, chief executive from RegenSW, giving insight into the continued shift from centralised fossil fuels to renewables and the opportunities available; • Tom Beeley, CLA renewables advisor giving his perspective on the solar opportunities available and energy performance certificates; • Gemma Grimes, director of onshore renewables, Renewable UK will be chairing the wind session; • Andrew Burgess, associate partner, Electricity Distribution, Ofgem, focusing on what's changing to allow greater connection flexibility when investing in distribution networks; • Gwenllian Roberts, head of energy wales unit, Welsh Government, making the case for why renewable energy is important to Wales; • Simon Gerard, senior business development manager at Lightsource Energy, discussing the future of large scale solar and decentralised energy; • James Miles-Hobbs, director of JMH Farming & Renewables, identifying where the opportunities are in light of subsidy change; • Lucy Hopwood, from the NNFCC, examining the feedstock options for a plant and

the sustainability of energy crops; • Darren Edwards, partner at Fisher German, will be discussing the large scale storage options available in the UK. And this is just a snapshot of the wide range of speakers this popular event has attracted.

Each will be tackling the issues facing different energy sectors, as an increasing number of farmers seek alternative ways to reduce bills, lower carbon emissions and boost incomes.

New features for Energy Now Expo 2016 include: New Energy Now Awards to reward farmers and landowners for their achievement within the sector; An extended exhibition hall, that’s double the size of the last year’s event, accommodating 200 exhibitors; Three new zones; featuring an educational sector, a new product development area and re-structured advice clinic.

Energy Now Expo is the only renewable energy event organised exclusively for the agricultural and rural sectors. To attend the even free of charge, please register online at www.energynowexpo.co.uk or call 01293 854405.

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| Energy

Family finds warm,

eco-friendly alternative to heat

home & business Richard and Tracy’s family live in a five bedroom house with an office above their garage. The house is exposed, single glazed with solid walls. Gas isn’t available so oil was used for heating, hot water and cooking which was expensive. hey double glazed the windows, swapped the aga for an electric cooker, installed solar thermal to heat water and installed a wood-burning stove.

However, the buildings were still difficult and expensive to heat.

It was important that it would be eco-friendly and cost effective so, after research, they chose an Angus Orligno 200 40kW log boiler.

They were impressed with the simplicity of the Eco Angus boilers making them more straight forward, cheaper and easier to maintain than others.

The system was installed three years ago and the couple receive non-domestic

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Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments.

They say ‘The boiler is very efficient, there’s plenty of hot water and the house is now nice and warm. It has definitely been value for money especially with the RHI payments’.

The total cost, including the installation, was £15,000. Their annual fuel cost has halved and they receive an average of £1,848 in RHI payments for the 21,000 kW hours used annually.

Their Eco Angus boiler will have paid for itself within just over five years, still receiving RHI payments for the 20 year term. If they used their full allowance of kW hours the time taken to pay for itself would be just under three years.

In conclusion the eco-friendly Eco Angus

wood burning boiler is an effective way to produce hot water and heat, means value for money and saves money in the long term. It is straightforward and uncomplicated meaning the system is unlikely to breakdown and gives flexibility in obtaining the fuel from different sources.

Eco Angus offer a range of wood burning boilers to provide central heating and domestic hot water. These boilers are ideal for retrofits or new builds, usually positioned in an outbuilding and linked with the existing heating system.

Grants are available on the boilers under the Renewable Heat Incentive (both domestic and non-domestic) with typical payback of the cost of installation in approximately 5 years.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Muck & Slurry

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| Energy

Pump size Hot Potato Whether you are trying to harness one tonne of waste potatoes for your biogas plant or 20 tonnes of potatoes, David Brown, MD of Borger UK, says it is the size not the quantity that will dictate the type of equipment that is required. e are receiving an increasing number of enquiries from small owneroperators of AD plants who perhaps only want to process two to five tonnes of food waste and/or farm waste per week, but even the most entry level type of industrial equipment is designed for two to five tonnes per hour.

Those who have perhaps carried out laboratory tests with something bulky like potatoes might say for example, that they only want a small two inch pump, a two-inch macerator and a small auger feeder. Understandably they have a low volume and are trying to keep their costs down.

Their mind is very much set on (hopefully) not needing industrialsize equipment for this application, but the truth is, it will be required.

Two tonnes of potatoes per week or twenty tonnes per hour, a potato is a potato is a potato!

Every AD plant has its quirks.

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Those using a less bulky feedstock such as tomatoes will be at an advantage, as will those who choose pre-processed material, but away from the lab, scaling equipment down to suit lower volumes of waste should only go so far. Sufficient power to feed it, macerate it and pump it, is still a must.

‘The Twenty Grand Gap’ The industry has reached a stage where we appear to have what I’d call a ‘twenty grand (£20,000) gap’. Enquiries we receive from small scale projects, often experimental sites, seem to reckon on a figure of around £5,000 for their pump and macerator needs. The reality is more like £16,000 for a basic entry-level system, but if you are really going to attack this properly and sensibly, then for an auger feeder, an effective macerator, decent pump, controls, skidmounted, delivered, commissioned – and work with a reputable company that isn’t just

going to walk away or lose interest the second you have a problem, then a figure of around £25,000 is far more realistic. At Borger and I’m sure at any decent pump manufacturer, we aren’t going to sell anyone a system that doesn’t work!”

‘The front-end of the AD plant is crucial’ Successful installations usually see a customer who has been quick to grasp what was being proposed and why. They also embrace the long term view, and are soon up and running with an AD plant, whilst others stand still.

Money always plays its part of course, but these more progressive AD operators understand that the front-end of their plant is crucial. It must be able to handle the feedstock in its raw format or it is going nowhere fast - so build the plant accordingly and it will work well.

Typically, size requirements are

dictated to us. Size 12, 8 or 6mm, but our advice would be to opt for a pump that can handle 20-30mm, because even if the waste has been through a plate or multispindled macerator, it is only macerated in one direction, so in effect, that potato we’ve been referring to could become a series of long chips that will cause problems if you haven’t sized up your pump correctly. Away from the lab, an AD plant is warts and all. We’re told far too often that ‘our feedstock is nice clean food waste’, but the fact that say, canteen waste will inevitably contain more than the odd knife and fork, never seems to reach the specification sheet (!), so if your pumping and macerating equipment isn’t industrially robust enough to cope, then you will very possibly have an AD system that breaks down and doesn’t work properly. There are enough of those already.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Energy

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| Muck & Slurry

Bauer acquires SGT manufacturer of high capacity slurry application systems A specialist manufacturer of high capacity slurry application systems has become part of the Bauer Group to expand an already comprehensive portfolio of waste handling and spreading solutions.

GT (Silage & Gulle-Technik) has made a name for itself primarily with the innovative slurry loading system and large capacity tank for the Claas Xerion, converting this powerful tractor into a selfpropelled slurry spreader.

With the integration of SGT into the Eckart slurry tanker production site in Germany, Bauer will meet rising demand for high performance self-propelled applicators to spread slurry from cattle and pigs, and digestate from anaerobic digester plants.

Otto Roiss, Managing Partner of

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the Bauer Group said: “Our plan is to make use of the modern inhouse plastics production capabilities at Eckart to manufacture the SGT tanks and for Bauer to take on responsibility for product development, production and after-sales service.

“The previous owner of SGT, Christiaan Seegers, as well as key employees, will remain involved, with Mr Seegers focusing more intensively on sales activities and innovations. With the industrial manufacturing resources and high quality standards of the Bauer Group, we expect extensive synergies for the products of SGT.” This latest acquisition by Bauer

Group broadens an already comprehensive product line for slurry handling and application that includes everything from the famous original hose coupling system to slurry mixers, pumps and separators, and the largest trailed tankers with unique polyester tank designs for reduced weight but no loss of durability.

This material is being used for a new tank to fit the Claas Xerion 4000 Saddle Trac; it weighs 1800kg less than the steel tank made for the previous forward control Xerion yet at 16cu m it holds an extra 2cu m of slurry.

A new direct-mounting arrangement for the pump unit is

available as an alternative to mounting it on the three-point linkage, a big advantage being that it weighs 900kg less. The new assembly also improves the operator’s forward visibility and can handle faster flow rates as there are only four bends in the pipework for slurry to negotiate instead of eight.

The assembly is available with a 10in or 12in remote docking system for filling, a 10in stone-trap box and a 9000-litre or 12,000litres/min pump – the larger capacity option is offered for 24m to 36m slurry dribble booms.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Muck & Slurry

Separation time with new Achieving throughputs of up to 60m3/h, Borger’s new Bioselect BS 50 is designed for the easy and highly effective separation of slurry at farms and biogas/AD plants.

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it suitable for a tanker. Likewise, liquid manure and fermentation residue can be thickened to 22 per cent DS, without making any mechanical adjustments to the machine.

The Borger rotary lobe pumps convey the substrate from the fermenter to the Bioselect.

Meanwhile, a control unit continuously regulates the Bioselect’s optimum load. And as the BS 50 separates the solids from the liquids and removes them from the system, liquids are fed back in stages into the fermenter.

Visit www.boerger.com or call +44 1902 798977 for more info.

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See us at LAMMA on stand B64

ombining a separator and two Maintenance-InPlace (MIP) Borger rotary lobe pumps, Bioselect can be easily integrated into an existing system or used as a mobile separator.

The separator is load-triggered, whilst the feed pump ensures that volumes do not exceed capacity.

The high density solids-dischargepump determines the degree of thickness, so the user can (for example) thicken 4 per cent dissolved solids (DS) content liquid into 12 per cent DS to make

Borger Bioselect

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| Muck & Slurry

Vogelsang developments for 2016 New partners for the SynCult retrofitting set announced plus news that progressive cavity pumps can now also be installed on liquid manure tankers. s well as its biogas equipment, Hugo Vogelsang Maschinenbau GmbH displayed its versatile product range for the agricultural market at this year’s Agritechnica.

The new progressive cavity pump CC-77 for slurry tankers was introduced. Apart from the proven slurry spreading technology XTill, dribble bar and the sliding skate BaseRunner, the slurry retrofitting set SynCult for disk harrows meanwhile, has been established on the market – and now it is available for two new

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manufacturers: Horsch Maschinen GmbH and Alois Pöttinger Maschinenfabrik Ges.m.b.H. “Overall, we are now cooperating with five of the most important manufacturers of tillage equipment on the German market.

This shows that there is a demand for these types of retrofitting solutions for simultaneous liquid manure spreading. This is a big success for us,” says Managing Director Harald Vogelsang.

New SynCult cooperative partners SynCult is now also available for the FOX short disk harrow from Pöttinger as well as the Joker short disk harrow from Horsch. Thus,

both work steps of tillage and liquid manure spreading/ incorporation can be combined, saving time and costs and ensuring that the 4-hour incorporation rule is observed.

SynCult is a complete set containing all the parts needed for the retooling of short disk harrows.

This means that manufacturers' product guarantees are not affected and a long lifetime is assured for the liquid manure system on tillage equipment. Other SynCult partners are Amazone, Väderstad and Köckerling.

The CC-77 progressive cavity pump also available on tankers

The DLG silver medal-winning CC-77 progressive cavity pump can now also be installed on liquid manure tankers. The model was equipped with a suitable drive, a power take-off, and pumps economically with a maximum capacity of up to 6,800 l/min. All maintenance work can be carried out directly on site without dismounting the pump. You can simply replace the entire rotating unit or just the rotor and stator with a new unit. “For the first time, there is an easy to maintain progressive cavity pump for tankers, too,” says Vogelsang.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Livestock

Introducing

livestock in an arable rotation

One farm’s experiences of introducing sheep into its arable rotation are illustrated in a new video on AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds’ YouTube channel.

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n the video, Jo Franklin of Lower Heath Farming – host of the Royston Monitor Farm – and her partner Rob Hodgkins, speak about grazing stubble turnips with New Zealand

Romney sheep.

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The short film finishes with some basic technical guidance for arable farmers considering introducing livestock from Nerys Wright, AHDB Beef & Lamb Regional Manager.

Jo Franklin said: “We had been looking for a way to introduce livestock onto the farm, as we’re on some very hungry chalk soils and they need the presence of livestock and manure to keep them alive.”

This is the third year Jo and Rob have been grazing livestock around Lower Heath Farm.

For 2015/16 they have a new try-out as part of the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Monitor Farm project, grazing cover crops on heavy land.

They have experience in grazing mustard and stubble turnips as cover crops with both cattle and sheep.

By April 2016 they hope to have 1,100 breeding ewes on the farm, with a plan to increase this number to between 1,200 and 1,500 by the following year.

“We get a fairly tried and tested 0.5 tonne/ha yield advantage for a cereal crop following sheep grazing. What’s not so easy to measure is the life in the soil that it leaves behind.”

“I think the modern way to make mixed farming work is to take two experts – one in arable and one in livestock – and to make a partnership, rather than someone trying to be a master of all trades.”

On the benefits for the livestock side, Nerys Wright said: “Cover crops are a great energy source for sheep and they’re cost effective.”

Rob Hodgkins added: “Arable farmers are

fantastic at growing crops and sheep farmers are great at raising sheep. At my family farm we did fine at growing turnips, but we’ve never had turnips that look as good as they do up here, where we have someone who knows about crop nutrition, variable rates and GPS systems.”

Nerys outlined the top four things to consider when introducing livestock into an arable rotation: 1) Will the enterprise be part of your own business or are you looking to contract or rent it out in some form? It’s not always appropriate to invest capital in livestock and manage the sheep yourself.

2) Consider who is going to look after the animals. Do staff like livestock and have they got the required husbandry skills?

3) Practicalities: what’s the fencing like? Is there access to water and shade?

4) What is the most appropriate breed of sheep to invest in, based on what you want to achieve and the markets available to you?

In 2016, AHDB will publish a document that will capture the key points for farmers to consider when including livestock in an arable rotation. This will include management and legislative requirements and will put some values behind the benefits of the organic matter build-up and the advantages of a sheep system, which have not previously been quantified.

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| Livestock

Switching fibre boosts calf gains by

10%

Switching the source of fibre in a calf starter ration has prompted an increase in daily liveweight gain of around 10 per cent in young calves, a new study has found. he study, carried out at Emma and Joff Roberts’ Uphampton Farm at Shobdon near Leominster, took two batches of evenly-matched two-week old calves past weaning over a nine-week period. One batch was offered the usual calf starter nut alongside milk, with the other offered the same nut but with most of the soya hull content replaced by nutritionally improved straw (NIS).

The calves fed the standard ration gained an average of 0.99kg per day over the nine-week period, whereas the calves fed the NIS ration gained 1.1 kg per day. The cost per kg of each calf starter was the same, but the calves on the NIS ration ate 3.5% more – 152 kg each compared with 146.8kg.

Emma, who rears around 700 calves each year, taking them from two to twelve weeks of age, believes the difference lies in the effectiveness of the fibre source in kick-starting rumen function and avoiding the post-weaning ‘slump’.

“The calves were noticeably thriving on the adjusted ration; aside from the liveweight gain, I recorded 190 incidences of dirty tails throughout the period in the group fed the control ration, compared with 113 in the group

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fed the NIS diet.

“We’re repeating the study to get a better idea of the average gain we can expect but we’re confident there’s a positive effect. Even our vet has commented on the bloom on the calves fed the NIS-based diet.”

Wynnstay’s feeds product manager Steve Brown, who set up the study, says using a more digestible form of fibre in the NIS-based ration improved rumen development.

“We’re really encouraged by these early results,” he says. “From three days old, the aim should be to offer a solid feed the calf likes but which also gets the rumen wall working so the calf can start chewing cud. This then allows the optimum level of starch to be included in the diet to develop the rumen papillae.

“Fibre should ideally be chopped or long straw so that saliva can buffer these acidic rumen contents. However, calves can’t eat enough fibre in this form so, instead, fibre has to be added to the compound feed. This has typically been in the form of soya hulls, but the theory is this is indigestible seed coat rather than stem fibre and can pass through the animal before having the chance to stimulate the rumen sufficiently.”

Steve says the rerun of the study will this time include NIS at a slightly higher level and

will also monitor the calves longer – for 12 weeks – to get a better idea of what happens in the post-weaning phase.

“In the meantime, we’re sufficiently convinced of the benefits of NIS that we have included NIS in our mainline calf starter diet, Start ‘n’ Wean, and have also introduced two new beef and lamb finishing diets including NIS where the same rumen health benefits will be seen.”

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Fencing

Dragon, the ‘longest-lasting green fencing’ with 2Life® wire science plus enhanced corrosion protection ArcelorMittal has always had a reputation for developing the highest quality fencing and now, with Dragon Estate®WIRE 2Life®, it has launched what is believed to be the longest-lasting green fencing available anywhere. As the world’s largest steel producer, ArcelorMittal has taken the tried and tested science that gives double protection to 2Life wire and added a third, green coating to make Dragon. nyone using 2Life understands its longevity and reliability: with manufacturing sites around the globe, ArcelorMittal produces high grade steel wire to world-beating standards. In 2Life, the zinc is an active, sacrificial and traditional anticorrosive coating while the aluminium provides passive protection, slowing down the sacrificial reaction of the zinc and increasing the effective lifespan of the coating.

Dragon takes this proven 2Life technology and makes it even better, adding the green anticorrosion barrier. Dragon answers the growing demand for a fence

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that blends with its surroundings but also lasts at least twice as long as other ordinary galvanised green wire fencing products.

Obviously, this special alloy is far superior to the traditional heavily galvanised products that have zinc only coatings. This means that it delivers: • A long-lasting smooth surface • Perfect adhesion • No peeling, no cracking • Remarkable concentricity of the coating • Extended lifetime, giving an obvious economic advantage • Environmentally sound products because 2Life does not use any harmful metals or plastic • 100% recyclable.

ArcelorMittal CMO Tony

Hinchliffe says: “The starting point for Dragon Estate®WIRE fencing is our 2Life® product, to which we’ve added the extra green anticorrosion protection. Tests have shown it is the market’s longestlasting green wire fencing.

“Dragon Estate®WIRE 2Life® is a major step forward, delivering an even longer corrosion-resistant life, even when it is folded or bent if the green coating is damaged the 2Life® properties remain intact.

“Environmentally, Dragon EstateWIRE® 2Life® also delivers as it reduces even further the need for replacements.

“This helps the farmers, estate managers and contractors who need a green-coloured fence that

also has double the lifespan of ordinary heavily galvanised wire. It retails for a price comparable to ordinary heavily galvanised, greencoloured wire products, plus we’ll always hold Dragon Estate 2Life in stock.”

Especially useful in coastal and sensitive locations “Because Dragon Estate®WIRE 2Life® came through our exhaustive salt spray tests as strongly as our traditional 2Life products it will be especially useful in sensitive countryside and coastal applications,” says Tony Hinchliffe.

ArcelorMittal supplies its worldbeating fencing through retailers and distributors offering local supply.

Is YOUR fencing up to scr

36 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

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| Fencing

M&M Timber about to raise the stakes M&M Timber, one of the UK’s foremost authorities on fencing timbers and part of the Forest Garden Group, has invested heavily on advanced processing and manufacturing plant over recent months and is now poised to raise the stakes in the highly competitive agricultural fencing market. eading the field in timber technology for more than 30 years, M&M Timber had established something of a reputation for its innovative range of machine rounded timber products. But throughout this time it has been the company’s agricultural fencing expertise that has captured the imagination of the farming community and land owners alike.

The introduction of the company’s trademark Agricised machine rounded fencing stakes over two years ago heads up a phenomenon in long-lasting fencing solutions. Despite a flood of similar incised products from other suppliers, production output of M&M Timber’s Agricised stakes has achieved tremendous growth since and established an industry benchmark in long life fencing solutions across the UK. More significantly, and warmly welcomed by the farming community, was the more recent introduction of the Agricised

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peeled and pointed fencing timbers option. Machining the uniform Agricised incisions in the uneven surface of peeled stakes, necessary for the deep Tanalith E preservative penetration process, was made possible with newly acquired and technically advanced machinery, another acknowledged ‘first’ for this go-ahead company.

Traditional standard peeled and pointed fencing timbers have been a favourite in rural circles for many years, but were increasingly being challenged by the economic benefits of the newly introduced Agicised timbers that offer a much greater in-service life. With the threat of ever rising overheads swamping already slim margins in the farming industry, it’s these economics that have prompted a renewed look at reigning in land maintenance costs. Based on an initial installation of an example 500 metres of fencing, M&M Timber has calculated that Agricised posts cost only 4% more than the non-Agricised industry standard equivalent. And, lasting three times longer, the same

amount of Agricised fencing will return a saving of around £4,500 in materials and labour over the 15 year service life. The long term benefits are obvious and not to be ignored.

M&M Timber’s warranty, available on both the machine rounded and peeled and pointed Agricised fencing timbers, is backed with an online registration scheme that allows customers to log their purchase on the company’s website for absolute peace of mind, which customers clearly regard as a major product ‘plus’ point. Over the last twelve months alone, the on-line product registrations are more than five times the total of the previous year.

Building on the wide range of fencing options available from its Central England manufacturing centre, M&M Timber developed its product range to offer a fencing product to suit all budgets and uses, and has built on the agricultural long-time favorites, which continue to fill the company’s order books. The always popular AgriPost range,

featuring pressure treated machine rounded stakes and strainers, is still regarded as one of the best low-cost options for traditional fencing. And the high quality Prestige range of scalloped post and rail fencing timbers remain the favourite where this product's ultimate good looks are most important.

Fielding its largest and most comprehensive choice of agricultural fencing options to date, M&M Timber is gearing up for an unprecedented level of demand from customers over the coming months, beginning with a new flexible approach to its nationwide delivery service. The minimum carriage paid order requirement across the product range has now been reduced to just five packs, with a useful justin-time delivery option when required. And to make bulk handling and on-site storage more manageable, fencing posts are bundled in a square format.

For more information, please contact M&M on 01299 832611 or see www.mmtimber.co.uk

ratch?

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Security

Stay one step ahead of the

livestock rustlers Leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual, warns of the dangers of livestock theft, despite a decrease in claims since 2014.

Claims costs in June and July of 2015 were over twice as high as in 2014 due to a spate of sheep thefts.

FU Mutual Rural affairs specialist, Tim Price said: “Years of experience working with farmers and police to tackle rural crime has taught us one important message: thieves don’t go away; if you improve security in one area they will step back, and seek a way to bypass your security measures – or find something else they can steal from farms & sell.”

Livestock security schemes have been set up in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria. NFU Mutual has made funds and resource available to help farmers in counties with rustling problems set up their own schemes. There’s a warning to farmers in the South West however – there’s been a rise in claims costs this year.

There is evidence that the Lancashire Livestock Security Police, pioneered by the NFU and Lancashire Police - with support from NFU Mutual - is proving effective. The number of claims and their cost is down by 37% so

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far this year, compared to 2014.

Preventing rustling is not as easy as putting a padlock on a building, or fitting a security system to a tractor, because you can't lock up livestock overnight or fit an immobiliser to them.

However, there are a number of steps that farmers can take to reduce the risk.

Top tips to tackle livestock rustling: • Padlock field gates and take time to inspect outside fences • Ensure stock is clearly marked and records are kept up to date • Visit your livestock every day but vary the times you do this– rustlers are likely to take note of your daily routine • Where possible, keep livestock away from roads. An all-weather road can be a friend to livestock rustlers as they cannot afford to waste time on difficult terrain • Keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles- if you see an unfamiliar vehicle moving slowly, it may be somebody scouting out your livestock • Join a FarmWatch scheme

38 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

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| Buildings

RIDBA warns farmers to build fit for purpose Farmers could be held legally responsible for building collapses, warns RIDBA. ollowing the recent spate of bad weather, the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA) has warned farmers to ensure their buildings are fit for purpose from both a moral and legal perspective.

The moral perspective would be living with the knowledge that an agricultural building that was not fit for purpose could partially or wholly collapse and injure or kill people or livestock or damage machinery and crops.

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RIDBA advises that designing to old standards is not only a false economy because of the risk of collapse but also poses serious issues under the Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations The legal perspective is farmers now being criminally liable, under new regulations, for Health and Safety on their land. The implications for them and the manufacturer or supplier of a poorly designed agricultural building are immense.

It has been drawn to RIDBA’s attention that more and more farmers are asking frame manufacturers to use the steel frame of a new building at the same size as an existing building but mostly this will mean that the new building frame is underdesigned.

Design loads on buildings are being increased to ensure the structure will remaining standing in the increasingly extreme weather conditions brought about by climate change that a few years ago would not have been thought possible.

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A typical example of this extreme weather is the extreme quantity of rain that fell in Cumbria and the North West of England and parts of Scotland earlier this month and the extreme snow fall that caused so many buildings in the north of England and Scotland to collapse a few years ago.

Because of this increased risk, standards such as BS 5502:22, which sets the design loads for agricultural buildings, have been amended to increase the design loads.

RIDBA advises that designing to old standards is not only a false economy because of the risk of collapse but also poses serious issues under the Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations which have recently put increasing responsibility on the “principle designer� and any other designer.

The CDM regulations state the client/farmer has a responsibility to appoint a principle designer and ensure that everyone appointed to work on the project has the necessary capabilities to carry out the tasks required of them.

If the client farmer sets the steel sizes it could be argued they are the principle designer so under the CDM regulations they have responsibilities to identify and eliminate or control foreseeable risks during and after construction ... and collapse caused by wind or snow load is a foreseeable risk.

If the client farmer is not the principle designer then it will probably be the frame manufacturer and so they would have the above responsibilities. In fact, the frame manufacturer will always be a designer unless they receive the full design from a qualified structural engineer. Then their responsibilities will be when preparing or modifying designs, to eliminate, reduce or control foreseeable risks that may arise during construction, and

maintenance and use of a building once it is built.

So in the event of a collapse, both the client and the frame manufacturer could, RIDBA believes, be investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, and in the unfortunate event that there is an injury, both could be held legally responsible.

Yet another important issue in current agricultural building is one of insurance. RIDBA is aware that insurance companies are now

The legal perspective is farmers now being criminally liable, under new regulations, for Health and Safety on their land taking a greater interest in correct design as well as CE Marking, marked most recently by a case where an insurer declined to insure a new building because it is under-designed and not covered by a CE Mark.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Buildings

Quality Assured by

A.C. Bacon A. C. Bacon Engineering Ltd, based in Norfolk, is pleased to confirm its mandatory annual audit has been completed for the third time by the SCCS (Steel Construction Certification Scheme) with continued approval of their Welding and Factory Production Control systems. his ensures they continue to provide CE Marking for the fabricated structural steelwork used in their Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial buildings.

The CE Marking alongside extensive in-house production contributes to achieving the quality and flexibility that delivers projects on- time to the required high quality standards. Operations include state-of-the-art cutting, drilling, welding, shot-blasting & painting.

A. C. Bacon Engineering is a well-established family firm that has been providing farm buildings in East Anglia and surrounding counties for over 50 years. Since 1961 they have produced an enviable list of very satisfied customers and a reputation that is second to none.

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The key to success and level of repeat business is down to the high quality of product and service they deliver at competitive prices.

A. C. Bacon Engineering is a proud holder of the Royal Warrant of Appointment as a tradesman to The Queen for the manufacture of steel-framed buildings.

Services offered include initial consultation, planning assistance, design, production and site installation of steelwork, cladding, grain walling and doors.

Membership of RIDBA & BCSA provides assurance of competence and financial standing. They directly employ an in-house Health & Safety Officer, leading to an exceptional safety record.

Customers say that they can rely upon the A. C. Bacon team to be dependable, proactive, attentive and genuinely good people to work with.

40 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

Stanberry stand out Established in 1980, SJ Stanberry & Sons Ltd is a familyrun business offering unique turn-key solutions, with a dedicated reliable workforce that ensures all projects are finished to the highest standards. Founded by Stephen Stanberry, who works closely with his sons, the company has gained an enviable reputation for all their services.

J Stanberry & Sons Ltd have vast experience of laying concrete floors for aprons, sheds, grain stores, silos, foundations and much more. We have been offering our concrete services to customers for many years and we work hard to hone our skills and improve our knowledge and methods. This means we are able to provide a fast, dedicated and reliable service.

Our Services: • Industrial, agricultural or commercial concrete flooring • Internal or external • Steel fixing • Brush, tamp or power float finishes • AD tank bases • Aprons & shed floors • Grain, potato & machinery stores • Poultry units & stable yards

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• Paths, patios and driveways • Groundworks & preparation • Free site visits, material advice and costing.

As you know, every site is different and poses its own challenges, i.e. access or the ground works, but with SJ Stanberry’s professional service, approach and versatility, they can meet even the most challenging of client requirements, all to a cost effective structure.

For your free, no-obligation quote, site visit or brochure call 01945 870 076, visit www.sjstanberry.com or email sales@sjstanberry.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buidlings

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January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Forestry

Brian Blessed explores England’s forests and talks trees in a new film by the

Forestry Commission Actor, presenter and nature lover Brian Blessed talks trees with the Forestry Commission in a new film, which aims to raise awareness of England’s forests and how they are sustainably managed for the future. rian Blessed, known for his booming voice, has starred in Flash Gordon as Prince Vultan and as Lord Locksley in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and as King Richard IV in popular TV series Blackadder. He is passionate about trees, animals and nature and is a natural explorer. He has attempted to climb Mount Everest three times, is the oldest man to have trekked to the Magnetic North Pole on foot and has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Filmed in Blessed’s back garden in Surrey and on location in Cannock Chase in the Midlands, the film illustrates the scope of the Forestry Commission’s work; enhancing and protecting wildlife working with partners such as The Wildlife Trust and the RSPB. The film sees Brian talking to Forestry Commission Head of Land Management, Andrew Powers about the importance of England’s forests and the role the Commission has today as they face new challenges posed by issues such as climate change.

The Forestry Commission wants to raise awareness of its role as a producer of timber as well as managing their sites for recreational use: such as mountain biking, adventure play, dog walking, rambling and concerts.

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Alongside their role of promoting biodiversity, the Forestry Commission also has to create a strong economic future through the sustainable production of timber. The income created from timber helps to offset the costs of managing the forests.

Helping to reduce our dependency on imported wood, The Forestry Commission provides low-carbon materials for the domestic wood-using industries, and for fuel and energy. It sustainably harvests almost four million tonnes of wood every year from England and Scotland's public forests, which is more than a third of total domestic production.

Brian Blessed said: “I feel that the Forestry Commission do a marvellous job and we need to protect our trees and forests for future generations. They are places to explore, to relax and to enjoy the species of plants and wildlife that make our country a joy.

“They are important for our wellbeing and a great place to enjoy stillness and silence. People sometimes wonder why trees are felled and just left there and we hope to help people understand the process in this film.”

The Forestry Commission film aims to let the wider public know more about how it manages our forests.

Andrew Powers, Head of Land Management for the Central

42 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

District, said: “There is an increasingly complex set of issues around our forests and we wanted to get that across to our visitors and the wider public in an engaging way.

“Brian was a natural choice for us as he is really passionate about trees. He was fantastic to work with and a real professional. He has a natural enthusiasm, but also a lot of knowledge about his natural environment.”

Outtakes of Brian will be released ahead of the film on social media, which show Brian at his best. One clip includes Brian reciting a poem he wrote when he was eight-years-old about trees, which he said: “It earned me a nine out of ten from my teacher

and a copy of The Eagle comic.”

The film was made by Manchester based communications agency Creative Concern, who specialise in sustainable issues and counts The Forestry Commission amongst its clients.

To watch the film visit http://bit.ly/LandMgmtFilm You can also find out more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/forestry .commission.england/ And on Twitter at @ForestryCommEng

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Christmas Gifts

DM Chainsaws Arundel, West Sussex T: 01902 798771 www.dmchainsaws.co.uk

World of Power Buxton, Derbyshire T: 01298 213101 www.worldofpower.co.uk

Forest Park & Garden Pontypridd, Glamorgan T: 01443 230000 www.fpandg.com

Mawsley Machinery Brixworth, Northampton T: 01604 880621 www.mawsley.com

Charles H Hill Ltd Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire T: 01526 388281 www.charleshhill.co.uk

Express Mowers Ltd Stourbridge, West Midlands T: 01384 443499 www.expressmowers.net

Ermin Plant (Hire & Services) Ltd Gloucester, Gloucestershire T: 01452 526616 www.erminplant.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Machinery

Kubota

is set to host its biggest ever stand at

LAMMA

Kubota UK is hosting its biggest ever stand at LAMMA 2016 at what will be the first event that its complete range of solutions have been exhibited to the market. he company will be bringing its expertise on the agricultural, groundcare, construction, engines, parts, service and finance divisions to the two-day event in January; with new and existing machinery also set to showcase on Stand R14.

Kubota’s M7001 Series tractor will be on stand, with three models from the range in 130, 150 and 170HP exhibiting a year on from its first unveiling at the show. Since its launch, a full-scale production facility has been opened in Northern France in order to cement Kubota’s move into the higher horsepower market.

A key focus for Kubota is on providing a first-rate aftersales service to customers and the team will be on hand to discuss the dedicated packages that are available upon purchase of machinery and parts; such as Kubota Care for M Series tractors and Kubota Finance - a solution which allows customers to take advantage of secure tailor-made financial packages and price promotions on agricultural and groundcare machinery.

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Rob Edwards, Kubota UK’s Business Development Manager for its agricultural division, commented: “We’re dedicated to providing a complete range of solutions here at Kubota and ensuring that when customers come to us, we can not only promise them reliable machinery but also a specialised aftersales package that will put their minds at ease should they need assistance.

“LAMMA will give us the perfect opportunity to highlight to visitors why they should put their trust in us and we look forward to showcasing the best of our machinery.”

A wide range of tractors will be making an appearance on the stand including models from the M Series (60-100HP), B Series (1631HP), STW (34-40HP), and L Series compact tractors, which are renowned for their high level of productivity and ability to carry out a multitude of tasks. The RTV-X900 and diesel powered ride on mowers will also be on show.

For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions for the groundcare and agriculture sectors visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000.

44 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

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| Machinery

New yield-boosting SHREDLAGE crop processor CLAAS has led the way in corn cracking technology for forage harvesters since they developed the first corn cracking system for the JAGUAR back in the late 1980’s, when the ability to crack maize kernels on the forager to improve digestibility and increase yields or weight gain was seen as a major step forward. t LAMMA, CLAAS will be displaying a completely new crop processor, the MCC SHREDLAGE, which provides another major step forward in crop processing technology and has been proven to increase milk yield by up to 2.0 litres a cow, so boosting revenue, and to enable output from homegrown forage to be maximised without the need for bought-in concentrates.

The new MCC SHREDLAGE crop processor is an innovative processing technology for conditioning long-cut maize using the CLAAS JAGUAR forage harvester. The SHREDLAGE process, for which CLAAS has acquired the license, was developed in the USA, where it has already been used

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successfully by dairy producers for a number of years.

SHREDLAGE involves chopping the maize to a long chop length of 26-30mm. The crucial part of the process is the subsequent conditioning using the MCC SHREDLAGE cracker technology.

The two LorenCut rollers have 110 and 145 teeth and there is a 50% speed difference between the two. The unique aspect of the rollers is that they also have a counter-rotating spiral groove, so that as the crop passes through the rollers, it is also pulled apart by the sideways movement of the teeth, so that the cob pieces are fully broken down and the kernels crushed to break them open completely. As a result, the stalk material is shredded very effectively in the longitudinal direction and the bark is peeled off by the special roller structure.

The intensive shredding of the material significantly increases the surface area of the chopped crop, which results in much improved bacterial fermentation in the clamp and subsequently during digestion in the rumen of the cow.

Studies by the University of Wisconsin, USA, have found that SHREDLAGE significantly increases the structural suitability of maize silage for the rumen, while also improving the availability of starch from all parts of the plant. This resulted in an increase in daily milk production from the herds covered by the study of up to 2.0 litres per cow.

Furthermore, the rumen-friendly structure of the silage also improved the health of the herds.

The results of the study correspond to the experiences of dairy farmers in the USA and Germany, who are already feeding long-cut maize silage to their animals. They also report a slight increase in silage intake, a flatter lactation curve and calmer animals. None of the farms involved in the study experienced any problems during the ensiling process of the longer maize crops.

New MCC MAX rollers In addition to the new MCC SHREDLAGE processor, CLAAS will also have on display the latest MCC MAX rollers, which are designed for use in chop lengths from 7-22mm.

Instead of the conventional sawtooth profile, the two rollers utilise 15 sawtooth rings with a 30% speed difference between the two. As the crop passes through

the rings it is not only crushed, but also sheared, ensuring that the kernels are more intensively conditioned and the stalk material is shredded.

As with the new SHREDLAGE rollers, this provides a greater surface area to that digestible starch is increased, which will benefit both livestock farmers but also operators of AD plants. It will also benefit the operator as it will allow them to meet the needs of a wider range of customers, without needing to change the corn cracker on the forager.

MCC concept The new MCC SHREDLAGE and MCC MAX rollers are the latest addition to the CLAAS MCC (Multi Crop Cracker) modular concept.

The MCC system is based on a single Crop Cracker housing in which the range of different MCC CLASSIC, MCC MAX and MCC SHREDLAGE cracker rollers can be quickly and easily inserted and used.

By only needing to change the rollers for different crops of chop lengths, instead of the whole housing, this provides the operator with far greater flexibility and reduced downtime.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Machinery

John DeereLAMMA highlights new kit at

John Deere’s flagship 9620RX tractor and 8800i self-propelled forage harvester, range-topping 6155R tractor, PowrSpray solution system for R900i Series trailed sprayers and both entry level W-Series and redesigned T-Series combine harvesters are among the new machines for 2016 being featured for the first time on the John Deere stand at LAMMA in January, following their initial European launch at Agritechnica. n addition, the latest FarmSight precision farming developments on show include the MyJobsConnect job management tool and the prototype John Deere Manure Sensing system, which is based on the same HarvestLab near-infrared (NIR) sensor technology used on the 8000 Series foragers.

The new four-track 9620RX tractor had a starring role in the 2015 Lord Mayor’s Show in London in November, in support of the Worshipful Company of Farmers modern livery company and the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign.

It was driven in the parade behind a fully restored John Deere 4020 tractor from the 1960s (picture supplied by the NFU), to help

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46 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

illustrate technological progress in agriculture and to mark 50 years of John Deere Limited in the UK and Ireland – the company started trading from its present day site at Langar, near Nottingham, in January 1966. The 4020, nicknamed BEV after its original registration plate, will also be featured alongside the 9620RX on the company’s stand at LAMMA. The new mid-size 6R Series tractors, including the 6155R, feature the latest Stage IV engines rated from 110 to 155hp, improved manoeuvrability, enhanced operator comfort and a wide range of transmission options. John Deere’s intelligent power management system (IPM) provides a 20 to 30hp boost on the fourcylinder models and 40hp on the six-cylinder versions.

These tractors feature CommandARM

controls and a Generation 4 CommandCenter touch screen monitor with swipe function display, while the redesigned TLS+ front axle suspension offers improved steering and driving on the road. An electrical loader-ready joystick is also available for use with John Deere’s latest R Series front loaders, which feature new mounting frames and hood guards and are easy to attach and operate.

PowrSpray is the company’s latest innovative development in crop care technology, and features two hydraulically-driven centrifugal pumps. The first fills the sprayer at up to 1200 litres/min, while the second, a 1000 litre/min spraying pump, has Direct Rate Control for fast changes of application rate and the highest spraying accuracy.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

Contact your local dealer AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY P Tuckwell Ltd (Ardleigh) Essex Telephone 01206 230283, Visit www.tuckwell.co.uk P Tuckwell Ltd (Worlingworth) Suffolk Telephone 01728 628325, Visit www.tuckwell.co.uk

Ripon Farm Services (Darrington) Pontefract Telephone 01977 795241, Visit www.riponfarmservices.com Ripon Farm Services (Ottringham) Hull Telephone 01964 622351, Visit www.riponfarmservices.com Mona Tractors Co. Ltd North Wales Telephone 01248 750075, Visit www.monatractors.co.uk

P Tuckwell Ltd (Dunmow) Essex Telephone 01371 875751, Visit www.tuckwell.co.uk

GROUNDCARE MACHINERY

P Tuckwell Ltd (Cromer) Hertforshire Telephone 01438 861257, Visit www.tuckwell.co.uk

A J & R Scambler & Sons Ltd Cambridgeshire Telephone 01954 718484, Visit www.compactmachinery.com

P Tuckwell Ltd (Maulden) Bedfordshire Telephone 01525 405848, Visit www.tuckwell.co.uk

Godfreys Kent Telephone 01732 741177, Visit www.godfreys.co.uk

Ripon Farm Services (Keighley) West Yorkshire Telephone 01535 632661, Visit www.riponfarmservices.com

Godfreys East Sussex Telephone 01323 846866, Visit www.godfreys.co.uk

Ripon Farm Services (Ripon) North Yorkshire Telephone 01765 692255, Visit www.riponfarmservices.com

Godfreys Berkshire Telephone 0118 402 6870, Visit www.godfreys.co.uk

Ripon Farm Services (Stockton) County Durham Telephone 01740 630254, Visit www.riponfarmservices.com Ripon Farm Services (Tadcaster) North Yorkshire Telephone 01937 835454, Visit www.riponfarmservices.com www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Machinery

Contact your local dealer Farmstar Ltd Grove Farm, Church Lane, Marr Doncaster DN5 7AU 01302 786786 www.farmstar.co.uk

Farmstar Ltd Becklands Park Ind. Estate York Road, Market Weighton York YO43 3GA 01430 875900 www.farmstar.co.uk

48 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

Farmstar Ltd Bridge Street Brigg North Lincs DN20 8NF 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk

Farmstar Ltd Hawton Lane New Balderton Newark NG24 3BU 01636 671628 www.farmstar.co.uk

Western Farm Services (Knighton) Ltd Milebrook, Ludlow Road Knighton Powys LD7 1LR T: 01547 520160 www.westernfarmservices.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

REDUCE: Eco-program Manitou, the first manufacturer to reveal the consumption of its machines, together with its metrics methodology.

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he MANITOU Group is committed to a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) approach based on three areas of progress: the products and services, the men and women,

the suppliers.

“In each of the sustainable development projects we conduct, we aim to benefit our customers. An example of this approach is the REDUCE program”, specified Michel Denis, Managing Director of the Manitou Group. “We wish to provide our customers with reliable, clear and transparent information on the real consumption data for our machines to accompany our customers in the reduction of their total carrying cost and their environmental footprint.” This comparative information on the products goes beyond the communication that is usually made in the sector, which is based on data relative to reducing consumption.

Consumption in L/h as well as CO² emissions measured according to a procedure validated by the UTAC** To provide information and to make its customers more aware of the impact that they have when driving their machines, and to highlight the difference in performance from one model to another, for the first time, Manitou is disclosing its data in L/h and on the CO2 emissions that are caused.

The Group requested UTAC** to come on site to audit and confirm that the tests carried out were perfectly in accordance with the operating mode (cycles used, measurement resources, internal skills,…) described below.

A transparent approach, objective and accessible to all In contrast to the automobile sector, the materials-handling sector does not yet have any standardised cycles. The Manitou group has therefore established a transparent internal protocol to communicate its own consumption metrics.

This protocol is based on seven years of experience in consumption tests and observation on the ground, and discussions with its customers. This process is intended primarily to be objective and accessible to all.

About 90% of the greenhouse gases emitted by our products are generated during use by our customers. This is why the Manitou group wants to support its customers in reducing their consumption. Energy efficiency is a priority for

the group and the various technological choices (choice of engines and components, installation of a fan, downsizing, etc.) take into account the search for reduced consumption for its customers in order to reduce their Total Cost of Ownership and their carbon footprint. **UTAC: The "Union Technique de l'Automobile du motocycle et du Cycle" (UTAC) performs official assignments in the automobile sector. The UTAC is the only French technical service notified to the European Commission and the United Nations for the approval of its vehicles REDUCE: Operating procedure The consumption metrics are carried out on four activities that represent the activity of a telescopic truck: materials handling, bulk loading, rolling and idling.

To simplify reading the labels on the machines, only the performance on the two most representative activities is displayed.

Customers are then invited to try out an Internet-based calculator that gives them access to other data and which allows them to personalise their cycle.

Some of the Manitou machines were tested in comparison with equivalent competitors’ machines making it possible to identify the savings which were up to 20% less consumption.

REDUCE: Calculation of our data Consumption labels "CO²": calculated from the consumption data (l/h) of the machine, using a ratio between the two most representative activities (e.g. for an agricultural machine: 40% loading, 60% materials handling).

However, for customers who also use other activities, we have developed a calculator making it possible to adapt the usage modes of the machine and to take into account the economic data connected to its use.

Manitou brand telescopic trucks Launched in November 2013 during the Agritechnica international agricultural trade fair (Germany), the REDUCE program started by calculating the consumption of the Manitou telescopic trucks dedicated to the agricultural market and the environment sector. Today, the Manitou telescopic trucks for the construction market have joined the twenty or so models accessible on the reduce.manitou.com application. As of 2015, the Group wishes to

expand its program to other types of products from the Manitou brand.

Projects for the long-term To be THE Material Handling Reference, is to make the commitment to innovation to offer users safe, efficient and sustainable solutions all throughout the machine’s life cycle.

From conception to the end of a product’s life, the Manitou Group accompanies its customers to optimise their carrying cost throughout the use of their materials handling solution.

Eco-conception The Research & Development teams take environmental criteria into account right from the conception of our machines. This includes the reduction of engine power to an equivalent performance (downsizing), controlled ventilation to avoid overconsumption of the motor (up to 4% less fuel consumption), and even the lightening of the structure of our machines.

In our ranges of products we find “bi-energy” solutions, the association of a combustion and electric engine to work inside buildings without emitting any environmental pollution all while reducing noise pollution. This is the case of the rotating telescopic truck, MRT 2150, and the AEJT 150 and 170 “Bi-energy” cherry pickers.

Innovation for daily use We develop solutions to accompany our users on a daily basis in the reduction of the costs connected with the use of our materials.

We have now presented a “Stop&Go” (the very first hydraulic “Stop and Start” system) and even an “Ecomode” (electronic management of the hydraulic flow) solution. The Group also gives its customers simple advice for reducing their consumption when in use.

Second-hand The Manitou Group continues to provide its network of dealerships with a platform of second-hand models offering complete transparency on the condition of the material: usedmanitou.com.

End of life We increase the recyclability of our materials to reduce our carbon footprint. For example, the potential recyclability rate of the Manitou brand baskets is 99% and that of the agricultural aerial work platforms is 96%.

Featured Dealers: 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

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Robert D Webster Ltd Owstwick, Hull HU12 0LH T: 01964 670251

Goole, N. Humberside DN14 7DZ T: 01430 430624 Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 4RF T: 01262 420226 www.robertdwebster.co.uk

Andrew Symons South Moulton, Devon EX36 3LZ T: 01769 574455 Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040 www.andrewsymons.co.uk

Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Tyres

Mitas receives AGCO Supplier of the Year award AGCO named Mitas as its Supplier of the Year 2015 in the category Engineering & Innovation during AGCO´s supplier day for the EAME region (Europe, Africa and Middle East). itas won the category thanks to the successful development of the coveted AirCell, which is part of the Fendt VarioGrip Pro system. The prize was presented to Mitas representatives in Marktoberdorf, Germany at the end of November.

“Mitas' close collaboration with AGCO is long-lasting, and our relations are outstanding. In particular, the cooperation with Fendt on the AirCell project, which is part of the VarioGrip Pro, was highly intensive and successful,” said Jens Steinhardt, Mitas' key account manager. “This is the third award for the AirCell project, having already received the Agritechnica Gold Medal and the Machine of the Year 2016 prizes,” added Steinhardt.

During the event Dr. Heribert Reiter, AGCO´s Vice President Engineering Tractors global, highlighted the successful cooperation between Fendt and Mitas, particularly on the design of their VarioGrip Pro System and the development of the AirCell.

Mitas started working with Fendt on the AirCell development seven years ago. AirCell is an integral part of the VarioGrip Pro along with the pressure regulation system. The idea for the inner tyre was originally patented in 1962.

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Other major manufacturers attempted to develop working solutions, but only Mitas & Fendt succeeded.

“This is the third award for the AirCell project, having already received the Agritechnica Gold Medal and the Machine of the Year 2016 prizes” Mitas AirCell is a unique inner tyre that enables the inflation of large agricultural tyres by 1 bar (from 0.8 bar to 1.8 bar) within just half a minute. Mitas AirCell is located on the rim inside the tyre and occupies about 30% of the volume of the tyre. Mitas AirCell has been designed for the Mitas 710/75 R42 SFT, other sizes will follow. AirCell is continuously inflated to a maximum of 8 bar during the tyres use, releasing some of the pressure on demand enabling a rapid increase of pressure into the agricultural tyre itself adjusting the pressure in seconds rather than minutes.

Mitas AirCell will be available for the Fendt 900 Vario equipped with Mitas 710/75 R42 SFT starting in November 2016. The unique tyre pressure inflation system is marketed as VarioGrip Pro.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

New Forest Garden Machinery Totton, Southampton Hampshire SO40 3ND Tel: 023 8087 1764 www.nfgmltd.co.uk

Courtfield ATV Services 2A Cross Croft Industrial Estate Appleby, Cumbria CA16 6HX Tel: 01768 352770 www.courtfieldatvservices.co.uk

NSL Motors The Showroom, Weyhill Service Station Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire SP11 0PH Tel: 01264 772 661 www.nslmotors.co.uk

Quad Zone Mill Cottage, Kidderminster Worcestershire DY14 9HP Tel: 01299 832699 www.quadzone.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 51

| ATV

ACE adventure centre move for

eep in the Dorset countryside, tucked away in the beautiful Piddle Valley, is the family-run Henley Hillbillies thrills and adventure centre. Just over the hill from the famous Cerne Giant and based on the 200 acre family farm, it boasts one of the largest quad centres in the UK drawing people from all over the country for corporate and team building, private groups, stag and hen parties or any occasion. All the activities are on site and it’s full-on the moment you arrive, from clay pigeon shooting, rallying a mini around a dirt track to flying a hovercraft. It’s also the first centre in the country to introduce the Polaris Ace, the revolutionary single seater 4x4 ATV. The quad circuit comprises the rugged terrain of a one and a half mile track with steep slopes, a water splash and mud hole or dust bowl depending on the weather. Looking around for something different to add to the quad fleet the centre’s Mark Needham, who also runs the family’s working farm, spotted the Polaris ACE in an article and immediately contacted his local Polaris dealer, David Webb Engineering in Wincanton.

“Having only recently started working with David Webb Engineering in the last year,” says Mark, “we have been incredibly impressed with their ‘can do’ attitude and overall professionalism. We contacted David to find out more about the ACE last June and the experience was so great that we not only bought four of the single seat ATVs but David now maintains our thirty strong fleet of vehicles.”

The ACE gives the driver the handling of an ATV with the security and comfort of a side by side and it’s easy to get in and out. The seat and steering wheel are adjustable and controls fall easily to hand with full instrumentation. The drive train is Polaris’ legendary On-Demand True AWD/2WD.

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Announcing the new Polaris Ranger Diesel a massive 110 amp alternator to his altogether more robust and drive electrical needs – more powerful-looking than double previously available.

You can depend on the Diesel now has Polaris true AWD advantage Polaris Active when the going gets tough and Descent Control the on- demand all-wheel drive smooth, which provides automatically engages all four controlled hill descents, wheels for more forward traction automatically braking all four when you need it, reverting back wheels (when switched to the to 2WD when you don’t. The steep on setting) te appropria VersaTrac Turf Mode switch inclines for greater safety. unlocks the rear differential for Handling and ease of driving is easier, tighter turns without made lighter and smoother as scuffing the grass. The Polaris well with Electronic Power engineers have designed the Steering fitted as standard, Ranger Diesel with a perfect making all-day riding a more balance of smooth riding, comfortable experience.

When you need it you have an handling and turning radius from an ideal wheelbase paired with exceptional class-leading 2,000 lbs/907kg of towing capacity and 12”/30.5cm of ground clearance, and versatile Carlisle tyres offer the Ranger Diesel allows you to good traction, easy steering and with jobs toughest tackle the extra grip. Convenience is confidence. A 1,500 lbs/680kg rounded off with a driver’s-side payload capacity is highlighted fuel access for the large 10 by a rear box with gas-assist gallon/37.9 litre diesel tank and dumping operation that can to check and fill engine oil you carry up to 1,000 lbs/454kg of just raise the rear cargo box. You materials and a full-sized pallet. can see the new Polaris Ranger Smooth power now comes from Diesel at the LAMMA Show in a proven 1028cc Kohler high January on stand number R79. performance diesel engine with Polaris Britain Ltd. 0800 915 indirect injection and it’s 6720 www.polaris-britain.com EPA/CARB Tier 4 compliant, so friendlier on emissions. There is

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“The ACE really looks the part, has a real fun element, does what it says and people thoroughly enjoy driving it. For all its power around the track it is stable and you feel safe. We love it.” Adds Mark.

Henley Hillbillies, which is celebrating 25 years, is open all year round for the adventurous, from kids to grown-up kids.

For more info visit www.polaris-britain.com or call 0800 915 6720

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Accolade for ‘outstanding’

Suzuki ATV Apprentice A 19-year-old ATV apprentice with a Scottish Suzuki dealership has won a prestigious national award for his ‘outstanding’ performance during training. illan Macaskill from Dingwall, in North Scotland, who has worked at the Frank Nicol Suzuki Dealership for two years, beat rivals from across Britain to the title of Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year after completing Suzuki’s rigorous ATV training programme with flying colours.

Suzuki’s 3-year Motorcycle Apprenticeship Programme, which has included the ATV network since 2006, is a nationally recognised qualification for technicians coming into the industry.

Dillan is one of around 100 apprentices currently training with Suzuki across all its products and specialisms. Each year, outstanding apprentices are recognised for the dedication and exceptional standards they display while training.

We asked Dillan to give us the inside view on how he scooped the award in the Motorcycle and ATV Category.

How did you feel when you first heard that you had won Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year?

It was great to know that all my hard work

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has paid off! My apprenticeship combines work at the dealership with travelling to the Suzuki college in Doncaster for training, followed by tests based on what I have learned while training and the work I have undertaken at the dealership.

Did you always want to work in the industry?

I’ve been into off-road motorbiking (currently I’ve got a Fantic 301 trials bike) but when I left school at 17 I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to learn lots of skills, gain hands-on experience and earn money at the same time. Then a friend told me that he had been on the Suzuki apprenticeship programme and recommended I go for it. The timing was perfect as when I applied to the dealership, I was taken on immediately and the training programme started the following week.

Did you have any experience in ATVs before you started your apprenticeship?

I didn’t have any knowledge of what I was going to do at all! I literally started from the ground up – sweeping floors and getting to know about all the machines and what technicians were dealing with. I moved onto

shadowing someone with experience and then began working on a variety of machines while being supervised, before specialising in ATVs. What are the most rewarding parts of your job?

I really enjoy working on the Suzuki ATVs – they are packed with the latest technology so they’re interesting to work on and are great fun to ride as well.

What has been the most difficult part of your training?

The ATVs can be quite complex to work on so getting to grips with the electronics was difficult at first, but I got used to it quickly.

What does winning this award mean to you?

To be named as ‘outstanding’ is great! The training I have received during my apprenticeship has been great along with getting loads of experience at the dealership, and this award gives me even more of a good starting point for a career in the industry.

Would you recommend the apprenticeship to others who are thinking of pursuing a similar career?

Undertaking an apprenticeship with Suzuki has been a really rewarding experience, I would recommend it to anyone.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 53

| ATV

EASI &safe

54 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV An ATV can quickly become one of the most indispensable machines on a farm or estate with its ability to travel almost anywhere, regardless of weather and ground conditions. But, to get the best results and use its capabilities safely, the user has to have the necessary skills and knowledge, which is why Honda provides a training course free of charge for all purchasers of new machines. hatever the situation, the techniques required to ride an ATV safely are different to those needed for any other type of vehicle. Without an understanding of the techniques required, the abilities of the rider and the machine become more limited, compromising work efficiency and increasing the risk of an accident.

The European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) arranges training for ATV users, using a network of instructors across the UK. A standard basic operator’s course is provided by Honda for all new machines supplied through authorised main dealers, and this includes 4 1/2 hours of tuition, covering 16 lessons; from preparation of the machines and operator for riding, to safe operation on demanding terrain.

While many operators take for granted their ATV’s reliability and

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readiness for work, the EASI course reminds users that for the ATV to be reliable and safe it has to be in good working order so one of the first lessons is pre-ride inspection training, including checking the main systems and components.

Because the operator’s interaction with the ATV is so important the course also encourages a series of warm-up exercises to be carried out before using the machine. A knowledge of these techniques means users can assess for themselves each day their capabilities and fitness to ride. Use of appropriate safety clothing is essential, and the EASI course includes advice about what is suitable.

Courses start with basic manoeuvres allowing riders to get used to operating the controls correctly, and then move on to more demanding exercises such as figure of eight turns, involving frequent tight turns in both

directions. Climbing, descending and traversing slopes is also covered, and the course usually finishes with a cross-country ride during which all the skills learned are put into practise.

One of the great things about the EASI course is that it is for riders of all abilities and feedback from course participants is generally very positive, with even the most experienced riders claiming to have picked up useful safety or maintenance tips.

The usual cost of the EASI course is £180 + VAT per rider and, while one attendee is paid for

by Honda, additional users can be trained too, on payment of the fee.

Those who will be riding used ATVs should also be adequately trained, and all Honda main dealers will be happy to put new or existing users in touch with a qualified EASI instructor in the

area and to help arrange training.

An extended course covering trailed and mounted loads is available at extra cost, with participation in any of the courses helping employers and users meet risk assessment responsibilities under HSE or PUWER obligations.

Whether you are considering your first purchase of an ATV, or your current machine is due for an upgrade, or if you or your farm staff have not yet attended a recognised ATV user course, talk to your local Honda main dealer about EASI training. Whichever course is appropriate, and whether the candidate is a regular or novice rider, there are significant benefits to be gained through participation including increased efficiency of operations, improved safety and the potential to reduce operating and ownership costs through better maintenance.

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 55

| ATV

Outlander L PRO Can-Am leads the

charge for 2016 BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) is enhancing its All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) range for 2016 with the addition of the new Can-Am Outlander L PRO. his innovative ATV has been designed to combine the efficient performance of the Outlander L with the power of a Rotax engine to offer users a comfortable and versatile workhorse vehicle that can handle the rigours of any situation put in front of it.

The unit is available with Rotax engines including the new 570 four-stroke or the single-cylinder, liquid-cooled 450.

Both have been designed by Rotax engineers to offer the user the torque and power required when riding up the side of hills or towing and hauling cargo on the flat.

This latest addition to the range features a new higher position for the engine’s air intake system, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) inlets and CVT exhaust, which ensures the ATV’s air flow remains constant, even when navigating through wet and muddy conditions.

The Outlander L PRO has ACT 6-ply heavy duty tires which allow it to easily handle extreme terrains, from rocky outcrops to boggy marshland. The rider is able to sit through all of this in comfort on a new durable reinforced vinyl seat.

Paul Wood, Cam-Am commercial representative UK and Ireland, says, “The 2016 Can-Am Outlander L PRO is a speciality vehicle which has been designed and built for utility users. We are confident it will ensure that BRP continues to expand its share of this market in the UK and build on the success of the Outlander L range, which was launched in 2015. This new ATV combines the four key elements that Can-Am aims to offer its customers: efficiency, versatility, comfort and affordability.”

The Can-Am Outlander L PRO is also fitted with Double A-arm front and Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI) rear suspensions, a Visco-Lok front differential and Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) system. The combination of all these elements provides the user with an easy to handle ATV. Riders will benefit from the Outlander L PRO’s increased front suspension pre-load where the shocks are stiffer and provide better handling when a load is secured on the front. Its steel tubular racks which have a combined capacity of 163kg, with the front able to hold 54kg and the rear handling 109kg. The unit has a LinQ quick attach accessory system that offers adaptable cargo hauling options and works with numerous Can-Am rack accessories. In addition, there is a 10.9 litre water-resistant storage compartment located on the back of the vehicle.

Additional features on the ATV include an easy to read multifunctional gauge providing the user with everything they need to know from diagnostics information to miles travelled. The unit also has two 35 watt front headlights with selectable high and low beams, a 20.5 litre fuel tank and a towing capacity of 590 kg.

The Can-Am Outlander L PRO has a two year warranty as standard. For more information, visit www.brp.com

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Can-Am secures ATV partnership with Datatag RP (Bombardier Recreational Products) is leading the charge on ATV security in the UK by partnering with Datatag, a privately owned independent company which has developed security products to prevent the theft of vehicles. As a result, BRP will offer Datatag’s CESAR security system as standard on its 2016 Can-Am ATV line-up, which will assist in lowering consumers' premiums by up to 15 per cent and reduce the excess that needs to be paid if a vehicle is stolen.

The CESAR system, which will be fitted and registered by Datatag trained technicians at BRP dealerships nationwide, offers users a major theft deterrent on their vehicles. It has visible markings including a mini triangle containing a transponder and ID labels that are impossible to remove in one piece; covert markings including Datadots®; a microdot

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identification system which can be applied to any surface and Glass tag transponders which are the size of a grain of rice. If a vehicle is stolen, the system allows the police to access it quickly to provide an instant trace on stolen equipment via Datatag's 24/7 secure call centre.

The CESAR system, supplied

by Datatag, has no annual fee and only requires one payment for the markings which means that the consumer’s equipment is registered for life.

Paul Wood, BRP commercial representative UK and Ireland, says, “BRP is always aiming to be at the forefront of cuttingedge technology in the ATV industry. Our partnership with Datatag reinforces our commitment to placing security at the heart of our product development with measures such as the D.E.S.S (Digitally Encoded Security System) key that comes with our ATVs as standard.”

56 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

Contact your local dealer Yorkshire Outdoors Felixkirk, Thirsk North Yorkshire YO7 2DP T: 01845 537766 www.yorkshire-outdoors.co.uk

Can-Am North East (Parklands Cars) Lanchester, Durham County Durham DH7 0JE T: 01207 529246 www.parklandscars.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Pricing announced for new

Kawasaki MULE’s Launched earlier last year, Kawasaki has announced the prices for the brand new four-seater MULE PRO-DXT and two-seater PRO-DX. imon Riches, Kawasaki UK Product Manager for ATV and MULE, said: “The new MULE PRO represents the culmination of over 25 years experience in the side x side market in the UK. New from the ground up and designed with our customers in mind, it incorporates many features such as independent all-round suspension, selectable four-wheel drive, disc brakes together with unparalleled comfort for the driver and passengers.

“The MULE brand has been known for many years for its rugged durability and capability as a work house, the MULE PRO will be no exception and strengthens Kawasaki’s commitment to this market.

“Dealers are already receiving orders for the new models, which are expected to arrive early

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For more information

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in 2016. I’ve spoken with dealers and customers and the response and feedback has been great.”

Designed primarily for work applications, their high-torque powerful 993 cm3 four-stroke diesel engines deliver excellent performance and allow on-site fuel compatibility. They produce 18kW (24PS) of power and 52 Nm of torque and have a towing capacity of 907kg.

Fuel capacity is 30 litres and bright headlights are complemented by auxiliary LED lamps Hydraulic disc brakes are now fitted as standard to the front and rear and double wishbone suspension enable the wheels to drive over obstacles with minimum effect on the chassis.

The Trans Cab system of the PRO-DXT enables the flexibility to maximise either cargo space or people-moving potential. It can be

changed from two-person mode to four-person mode in just one minute and by one person. In two-person mode, the cargo bed capacity is 453kg and in four-person mode is 158kg.

With a greater focus on cargo carrying performance, the PRO-DX features a long, flat cargo bed – the largest in the MULE fleet in fact - which is easy to load from three sides, making it the workhorse of choice for customers who need to haul material. It has a dry weight of under 816kg which enables access to most weight-restricted areas.

The PRO-DX has an RRP of £11,129 + VAT and the PRO-DXT is £12,329 + VAT. For more information or to see the full model range, visit: www.kawasaki.co.uk or head to your local authorised Kawasaki dealership.

Richard Jones ATV Ltd Kington, Herefordshire HR5 3DA 01544 350256 www.richardjonesatv.co.uk

D H Wadsworth & Sons Malton - 01653 692244 Flockton - 01924 840319 www.wadsworthquads.co.uk

Ellis Dawe & Son Ltd Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6AS 01684 833235 www.ellisdawekawasaki.co.uk

Southam Agri. Services Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH 01926 813426 http://southamagri.co.uk

Kings Worthy Garden Machinery Ltd Winchester, Hampshire SO23 0LF 01962 870 254 www.kgmltd.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Motors

Subaru excels in independent ‘real world’ fuel efficiency tests Amid the recent controversy surrounding manufacturer claims on official mpg figures, Subaru has been named one of the top car manufacturers for ‘real world’ fuel efficiency following independent testing. The tests were carried out to establish how efficient cars are under normal driving compared to their official fuel consumption figures. he programme, which took place over two years and saw around 600 cars independently tested, was conducted by German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport. The magazine sought to establish how models from all major car manufacturers performed against their official fuel economy and emissions ratings, established under lab conditions as part of the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) fuel efficiency tests that every new car must undergo.

Subaru ranked second place in the test, and was one of only five manufacturers to beat its official NEDC CO2 emissions rating, with testers recording a 6% average improvement over the official emissions ratings for cars across the Subaru range.

The majority of other car manufacturers fell short of their official fuel economy figures, with shortfalls of up to 14.4% in some instances.

The tests were conducted by Auto Motor und

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58 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

Sport on a set 171-mile (275km) test course, which incorporated country roads, motorways and congested city traffic.

To find out more about the Subaru’s range of fuel efficient models, visit www.subaru.co.uk.

Outback is top for safety Highest possible safety rating awarded to Subaru Outback with EyeSight collision avoidance technology by USA’s IIHS he Subaru Outback, equipped with Subaru’s advanced EyeSight collision avoidance technology, has been awarded the highest possible safety rating – named a ‘Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) – by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The institute carries out some of the most demanding safety tests carried out anywhere in the world.

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Fitted as standard to every Subaru Outback sold in the UK with a Lineartronic (CVT) transmission, EyeSight acts as a ‘second pair of eyes’ for drivers, employing stereo colour camera technology to monitor the road and traffic ahead for potential hazards.

To find out more about the Subaru Outback and Subaru’s advanced EyeSight collision avoidance technology, visit www.subaru.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Maple Garage Ltd

Unity Leicester

MTC Subaru

Perkins

East Yorkshire Tel. 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Leicester 01162 149 060 www.unityleicester-subaru.co.uk

Cambridgeshire 01733 822 943 www.mtc-subaru.co.uk

Essex 01371 483 379 www.perkins-subaru.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Motors

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| Motors

Yeovil Land Rover

Duckworth Land Rover, Boston

01935 426600, yeovil.landrover.co.uk

01205 449758, www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk

Carrs Land Rover, Truro

Duckworth Land Rover, Market Rasen

01872 263 377, carrs.truro.landrover.co.uk

01673 799393, www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk

Guy Salmon Knutsford

Conwy Land Rover

01565 632525, www.guysalmon.knutsford.landrover.co.uk

01492 580000, www.conwy.landrover.co.uk

Barretts Ashford

Stafford Land Rover

01233 506070, www.barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk

01785 214140, www.stafford.landrover.co.uk

Barretts Canterbury

Likes Land Rover

01227 475475, www.barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk

01497 842100, likes.hayonwye.landrover.co.uk

Ripon Land Rover 01765 646464, www.ripon.landrover.co.uk

Hunters Norwich 01603 944836, www.hunters.norwich.landrover.co.uk

Lloyds Kelso 01573 224345, www.lloyd.kelso.landrover.co.uk

Kentdale Kendal 01539 814444, www.kentdale.kendal.landrover.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Motors

Vauxhall gives extra pick-up to UK’s fastest CV Vauxhall only sells one pick up vehicle these days, and while our rivals will wow you with improvements in emissions and fuel economy in a CV’s new model year, our offering – the new Maloo LSA – is more likely to impress with the arrival of its all-new, supercharged 6.2-litre, 536PS V8 engine. o while it’s possibly not a contender for next year’s MPG Marathon, the Vauxhall Maloo LSA will haul… well, up to 540kgs from standstill to sixty in an unfeasibly short space of time, and do so with the utmost composure, despite the fact that it’s classed as a commercial vehicle (business users can even claim the VAT back from its very reasonable £54,500 on-the-road price).

For 2016, the new LSA engine brings maximum power up from 431PS for the outgoing LS3 V8 to 536PS, and an increase in torque from 570Nm to 671Nm. First seen in the current VXR8 GTS launched last year, the LSA is essentially the same unit fitted to the Camaro ZL1, albeit in a slightly re-tuned form. An Eaton 4-lobe supercharger, stand-alone waterto-air charge-air cooling system and high-flow exhaust system with bi-modal exhaust function turn the Maloo into the fastest production ‘ute’ manufactured in Australia, and the fastest CV available in the UK. To cater for the extra 105PS of power and 101Nm of torque compared with the outgoing Maloo, modifications have been made to the vehicle’s chassis.

Spring and damper rates have been stiffened to reduce body-roll and further improve turn-in, while the unique rear suspension module delivers improved rear

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stiffness and rear braking efficiency.

Also now standard on the Maloo LSA are Launch Control (manual models only), a limited slip differential, sat-nav, Bluetooth, Onyx Leather trim, and EDI (Enhanced Driver Interface).

In addition to more power and standard equipment, the 2016 Maloo also benefits from a raft of exterior styling upgrades. The front end features a re-designed fascia incorporating a subtle splitter, while the addition of pitch-black bonnet air vents help deliver an even more aggressive look.

The pitch-black theme is carried through to the mirror-backs and wing-vents, with a new 20-inch, five-spoke alloy wheel design completing the styling package.

Two new colours – Slipstream (vibrant blue) and Some Like it Hot (metallic red) - complement the Maloo’s fresh new look.

Vauxhall’s VXR8 GTS, the other model in Vauxhall’s V8, rear-wheeldrive range, also has some subtle changes for 2016. While power remains unchanged at 585PS, and torque at 740Nm, the five-seat, four door saloon receives new bonnet vents, bumper grilles and side sills, as well as a new centrestack arrangement inside the cabin and two new exterior colours. On the road price for the 2016 VXR8 is £55,500 with sixspeed manual transmission and £57,200 with the six-speed auto, with oil cooler.

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AUGUST MOTORS Wiltshire 01722 622 633 www.augustmotors-isuzu.co.uk

SHELLY MOTORS Surrey 01372 540 140 www.shellymotors-isuzu.co.uk

YORK VAN CENTRE North Yorkshire 01904 275 211 www.yorkvancentre-isuzu.co.uk

ARCHIE MOSS Leicestershire 01530 553 785 www.archiemoss-isuzu.co.uk

DUCKWORTH ISUZU Lincolnshire (South) 01205 449 758 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

MARK WEATHERHEAD LTD Cambridgeshire 01954 574 562 www.markweatherhead-isuzu.co.uk

BOB GERARD LTD Leicestershire 01162 149 052 www.bobgerard-isuzu.co.uk

GARLAND MOTORS Hampshire 01252 884 026 www.garland-isuzu.co.uk

HOLDCROFT ISUZU Staffordshire 01782 484 954 www.holdcroft-isuzu.co.uk

BURRELLS MOTOR GROUP South Yorkshire 01302 515 763 www.burrellsmotorgroup-isuzu.co.uk

JEFFRIES OF BACTON Suffolk 01449 424 758 www.jeffriesofbacton-isuzu.co.uk

BULLDOG TWYFORD Berkshire Tel. 01189 320922 www.bulldogtwyford-isuzu.co.uk

DUCKWORTH ISUZU Lincolnshire (North) 01673 799 393 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

LIFESTYLE EUROPE Kent 01892 629 140 www.lifestyleeurope-isuzu.co.uk

MAPLE GARAGE LTD East Yorkshire Tel. 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

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January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 63

| Motors

New

Vitara S added to range

Just eight months after the successful UK launch of the new Vitara, Suzuki is introducing the S model in January 2016 which provides a more sporting and dynamic character to the Vitara line up. Vitara has already proved to be a very popular model in the range with over 5,000 units sold to date. he new S has a unique specification that provides a visual difference to other models in the Vitara range.

Standard equipment for all Vitara models in the range is comprehensive and includes seven airbags, alloy wheels, DAB Radio with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning and front and rear electric windows.

The S model is equipped with 17-inch Gloss black alloy wheels, unique grille design, satin silver door mirrors, LED Headlamps with red projector covers, rear upper spoiler and black side body mouldings. For the interior the sporting theme continues with red interior stitching, red accents for air conditioning vent and instruments and aluminium alloy pedals.

BOOSTERJET Engine The new S model is the first Suzuki to be launched that utilises the new BOOSTERJET technology engine which in Vitara is a 140PS 1.4-litre Direct Injection turbocharged unit (DITC). This new engine has compact dimensions and offers 220Nm of torque available from just 1,500rpm through to 4,000rpm.

Historically, power and torque delivery from a

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64 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

turbocharged engine would not have been available until much higher engine speeds, offering less flexibility to the driver.

The 1.4-litre engine offers strong benefits in performance too with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 10.2 seconds for both manual and automatic transmissions and a maximum speed, where permitted, of 124mph.

A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard for the new 1.4-litre BOOSTERJET engine with optimised gear ratios to help provide a good combination of performance and fuel economy. Additional measures include a shift lever counterweight to help provide a smooth, positive shift action.

A six-speed automatic transmission is available optionally which has a wide gear ratio range to permit precise driver control and help provide quick response at low vehicle speeds (for instance, when pulling away from standstill or driving slowly uphill). The transmission has an expanded lockup range to promote good acceleration, high fuel economy and low levels of NVH. Additionally, a manual mode is fitted to enable the driver to change gear using shift paddles behind the steering wheel.

CO2 emissions The Vitara’s CO2 emissions are low thanks to the use of high tensile steel and other weight

saving measures in the body. This has resulted in the Vitara being one of the lightest SUV’s in it class at just 1,210 kg for the new S model with manual transmission.

An Engine Auto Stop Start system is also used which shuts down the engine when stationary.

Four-wheel drive is typically seen as detrimental to fuel economy and emissions performance. By contrast, Suzuki’s ALLGRIP system enables CO2 emissions that are remarkably low for a four-wheel drive SUV. CO2 emissions for the new S model with its standard ALLGRIP system and manual transmission is 127g/km and just one gram higher for the optional automatic transmission.

The Vitara is rated one of Europe‘s safest cars according to independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP, and received the maximum 5-star rating. Vitara was also the first compact SUV to earn five stars in the more rigorous 2015 Euro NCAP testing programme which reinforces the exemplary level of safety of the model.

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Award-Winning

NAVARA Nissan NP300 Navara

All-new wins International Pick-Up crown The all-new Nissan NP300 Navara has won the coveted International Pick-up award 2016 at a ceremony in Lyon, France. issan’s recently-launched pickup fought off stiff competition from the Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger with judges praising its superior on-road and off-road capabilities, strong engine performance and payload capacity.

The new NP300 Navara underwent the rigorous International Pick-up testing process, each being judged for its off-road ability, onroad performance and its value for money.

They were also tested on their ability as a workhorse, which included comparing towing capabilities.

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“Rigorous testing by International Pick-up of the Year jurors illuminated the tough and innovative character of the all-new Navara.”

The new NP300 Navara delivers new levels of crossover-inspired comfort and refinement while maintaining the Navara’s acclaimed offroad ability, durability and load capacity.

Its robust chassis introduces a host of new features, including an all-new five-link rear suspension for the Double Cab model and an impressive load bed, which is 67mm longer than the previous model.

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The wealth of innovative and affordable technology such Around View Monitor (AVM) and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), designed to further improve driveability and practicality, are also unique to the pick-up market.

Philippe Guérin-Boutaud, Corporate Vice President Nissan LCV BU, said: “This prestigious award celebrates Nissan’s 80 years of pick-up expertise. Rigorous testing by International Pick-up of the Year jurors illuminated the tough and innovative character of the all-new Navara.”

“Nissan is best known by its customers in Europe as the maker of capable 4x4s and breakthrough crossovers. This new Navara represents the fusion of those two realms of excellence to deliver a truly breakthrough pickup truck that combines rugged 4x4 toughness with the sophistication and efficiency of a Crossover”, added Ponz Pandikuthira, Director of Light Commercial Vehicles for Nissan Europe.

“It is truly an honour to be selected as the International Pickup of the Year by a panel of the most experienced commercial vehicle journalists across Europe. Thank you to the IPU jurors for this award and for this powerful endorsement of the new Nissan Navara's product excellence”.

Find out more about the NP300 Navara: Brindley Nissan Staffordshire Tel. 01543 406733

J.S Holmes Nissan Cambridgeshire Tel. 01945 561061

www.brindley-nissan.co.uk

www.jsholmes-nissan.co.uk

W.R. Davies Nissan Stafford Tel. 01785 275060 www.wrdavies.co.uk

January 2016 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Motors

All-new Tucson: Fastest selling Hyundai drives success of European factory The All-New Tucson has become the fastest-selling Hyundai car in the UK and across Europe since its market launch in September this year. ith over 10,000 orders in the UK and 85,000 orders in Europe, the new compact SUV contributes to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) factory continuing to operate at full capacity.

Since the production start of the Hyundai ix35 in June 2011, more than 700,000 C-SUVs have left the Czech plant, including the All-New Tucson – making C-SUVs the major contributor to the success of the factory.

Tony Whitehorn, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor UK said: “The All-New Tucson has now overtaken the award-winning i10 as the fastest-selling Hyundai model launch in the UK. Launched in September this year, we have taken over 10,000 orders in the UK alone and the bestselling model is the 1.7-litre SE Nav with over 34% of the total number. Like the Tucson, 90% of our cars sold in Europe are designed, developed, and manufactured in the region

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ensuring products that meet the needs of our discerning customers. Our Czech plant plays a key role in our business enabling us to fulfil high demand.”

Recently, HMMC celebrated its 7th anniversary of massproduction which started in November 2008 with the firstgeneration Hyundai i30. More than 1.8 million cars have been produced, while also exporting to more than 60 markets around the world.

The factory has capacity to produce 300,000 cars and 600,000 transmissions a year. It is also an important employer in the region, with 3,400 workers employed directly, out of which 97 % are citizens of the Czech Republic, and a further 7,000 jobs created in the surrounding area.

The high demand of Europeanfocused products, starting with the Hyundai i30 in 2008 to the most recent All-New Tucson has driven the Czech plant to run at full capacity ever since its first rampup, even during the economic downturn.

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Together with the 200,000 units of capacity at its Turkish plant, Hyundai Motor has annual production capacity of 500,000 cars primarily for European customers.

Ten facts about state-of-the-art car production at HMMC 1 Over 1.8 million cars have been produced at HMMC since November 2008 2 Over 700,000 compact SUVs have been produced at HMMC since June 2011 3 Mass-production started in November 2008 with a Hyundai i30 4 Annual production capacity is 300,000 cars and 600,000 transmissions 5 A cross-functional team of 80

engineers adapted the production line to introduce All-New Tucson 6 Total car production process takes 21 hours, nine of which are spent in the paint shop - mainly due to drying time 7 Three different models – Tucson, i30, ix20 – are produced on the same production line 8 Each car body structure consists of 17 individual panels stamped from 0.7 mm-thick sheet steel 9 Over 400 industrial robots are installed at HMMC, including 300 in the welding shop 10 A dynamic test of all cars is conducted on the 3.3 km long track on site

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Heneage Motor Co Lincolnshire Tel. 01472 729980

Haven Motor Holdings Ltd Sussex Tel: 01403 891700

Great Wall Bath Somerset Tel: 01225 473014

www.heneagegrimsby.co.uk

www.havenmotors.co.uk

www.bathhonda.co.uk

Garland Great Wall Hampshire Tel: 01252 367373

MTC Great Wall Cambridgeshire Tel: 01733 309782

Winchester Motor Co. Hampshire Tel: 01962 866331

www.winchestermotorgroup.co.uk

www.mtcars.co.uk

www.winchestermotorgroup.co.uk

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68 | Farming Monthly | January 2016

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| Motors

Jeep Renegade crowns fantastic 2015 with Top 4X4 Of The Year award The popular Jeep Renegade has crowned a hugely successful 2015 by taking 4x4 Magazine’s 4x4 of the Year award. he accolade comes at the end of an excellent debut year for the small SUV. To date more than 5,800 Renegades have been sold in the UK while, around the world, the newcomer has already scooped numerous awards.

In this latest recognition, the off-road driving publication’s panel of expert judges was unanimous in its decision to award the Jeep Renegade its highest ‘4x4 of the Year’ honour.

And after putting a range-topping Trailhawk version through its paces on a tough off-road evaluation course, the testers concluded that the entire Renegade range was worthy of the top award.

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“Quite simply, it's one of the most significant 4x4s to be produced in the last five years. It's certainly a worthy recipient of 4x4 Magazine's 2016 4x4 of the Year" “It's a credit that any manufacturer should consider producing such a capable small offroader,” says Nigel Fryatt, Editor, 4x4 Magazine.

“That it's so well built, while also fun and funky,

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is a delight.

“We are praising the Trailhawk version, but let's not forget that Jeep has a complete range offering for the Renegade. For all of us here on 4x4 Magazine, the simple fact that the Jeep Renegade exists, should be lauded by all who want to take their 4x4s off-road. Quite simply, it's one of the most significant 4x4s to be produced in the last five years. It's certainly a worthy recipient of 4x4 Magazine's 2016 4x4 of the Year" In the same awards, the Renegade won the ‘Mid-range SUV sub-£30,000’ category, while the legendary Jeep Wrangler took the ‘Hardcore’ class for the fourth consecutive year.

“This has been an amazing year for Jeep Renegade and the top award from a leading 4x4 magazine rounds it off wonderfully,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. “The car has been well-received by UK drivers, many of whom tell us it was exactly what they were waiting for.

“That feedback is important to us, as is the verdict of expert panellists, such as those at 4x4 Magazine. We are all delighted with this accolade and look forward to many more like it for Renegade – and Jeep – in 2016.”

The Jeep Renegade range starts at £17,295 OTR for the 1.6E-TorQ Evo Sport, rising to £28,595 for the 2.0 MultiJet II Trailhawk.

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