INSIDE: Farming Monthly partners with RIDBA for Awards page 20
Farming
MONTHLY National
January 2019
Also in this issue... News
| Responsible innovation key to smart farming page 07
Wye Valley farm enhances AD process Also inside this month..
Introduces top quality chop, feed and pump process page 10
Honda UTV winter benefits p51
Resistance hotspots identified p22
Effective fuel management p40
PLUS: Arable | Pests | Shows | Forestry | Buildings | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors
CONTENTS January 2019
FEATURES 12
23
12 Arable Grant awarded to understand soil carbon storage & loss
16 Livestock
36
39 Feature
40
46 Forestry
Changes to Communication Code
40 Fuels
Tree pest detected in Kent
48 Tyres
Effective fuel management
Latest tyre news
Leading industry names confirmed for Dairy-Tech 2019
20 Buildings RIDBA Building Awards 2019
22 Pests Resistance hotspots identified
REGULARS 06 News New Year, new farming attitudes
24 LAMMA Looking ahead with a further preview of LAMMA 2019
36 YAMS Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show
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10 On Topic Family farm’s new AD process
34 Machinery Latest machinery news
44 Energy Latest energy news
50 ATV ATV news...covered.
54 Motors Latest motors news
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Agriculture. Covered. EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com
Top quality feed, chop and pump process boosts family farm’s new AD process
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January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 05
| News
New year new farming attitudes needed says HSE Farmers are being told they must pay closer attention to how they manage workplace risk or face serious penalties. he Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) programme of inspections will review health and safety standards on farms across the country, and the industry is being reminded that the inspections will soon begin. The inspections will ensure those responsible for protecting themselves and workers are doing the right things to comply with the law and prevent death, injury and ill-health. If they are not HSE will not hesitate to use enforcement to bring about improvements. Throughout the inspection initiative, inspectors will be
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checking that risks are being controlled in specific areas including: • Machinery • Falls from height • Children • Livestock The announcement follows a series of compliance events that were developed as a result of research into farmers attitudes to risk and are aimed at changing behaviours in the industry. Farmers in the area were given the opportunity to attend one of these events, paid for by HSE, to help them comply with the law and prepare for our inspections. HSE is now following up to make sure that
all farms in the area are doing the right thing. Agriculture has the poorest record of any industry in Britain and latest figures show that 33 people were killed in agriculture across Britain in 2017/18 - around 18 times higher than the all industry fatal injury rate. HSE’s head of agriculture, Rick Brunt, said: “We are seeing signs of a change in attitude across the farming industry and while this is encouraging, these inspections act as a reminder to farmers of the importance of managing risks so that everyone can go home from their work healthy.” “Everyone involved in farming
has a role to play. Those working in the industry need to understand the risks they face and the simple ways they can be managed. Those that work with the industry can be part of the change that is so badly needed. “Farmers, managers and workers are reminded that death, injuries and cases of ill-health are not an inevitable part of farming.” HSE has a range of resources and guides available to help employers and employees improve health and safety on farms. More information on what topics the inspectors will be looking at when they visit farms can be found in this guide.
Investment is key for Agriculture industry in 2019 The Head of Agriculture at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank believes investment will be key for the sector moving forward into 2019. ooking to the year ahead, Brian Richardson is commenting on the importance of critical planning for businesses and with the UK due to leave the EU this year, the Agriculture community needs to give itself time to make appropriate preparations. He said: “I doubt anyone would have predicted that we would reach the end of 2018 not knowing what will happen with our exit from the EU, but in the Agriculture sector we have a good idea of what the framework will be as we move into a post Brexit regime overseen by the UK Government. For many it is likely to mean less direct support, but with the reduction happening over several years, there is time to plan ahead. “This period of time will be critical as it takes time to change direction. However, despite the continued uncertainty caused by Brexit, as well as the adverse weather we have experienced over the last year, we continue to see good level of investment propositions.” The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)
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published a paper in January 2018 identifying that there is a productivity gap in UK agriculture when compared with the rest of Europe, but Richardson thinks investment will help farmers work more efficiently. He continued: “Given all the hard work that goes into farming, it was a fairly hard message from AHDB and it’s not just about how much we produce, but how effectively we do it. Investment in new systems, that will enable farmers to work more efficiently, will come to the fore in 2019 as we move towards a new agricultural support regime. And there was help towards this announced in the November budget, with the raising of the annual investment allowance to £1million for two years from the start of 2019. This will allow businesses to invest in plant, machinery, and fixtures and fittings, which can be set against the business in that year.” The Agriculture industry had a reasonable year in 2018, according to Richardson, with weather playing a part. There was the ‘beast from the east’ in the early part of 2018, followed by a very dry spell in Summer, which hit the livestock sector particularly
06 | Farming Monthly | January 2019
hard. Despite these severe weather events, almost all sectors have seen positive returns, helped by the ongoing currency weakness around Brexit. The dairy sector has continued its recovery and although returns remain tight, confidence is increasing, and longerterm investment decisions are being made. The pig price has been marginally better in 2018, although higher feed prices have proved challenging, and the dry weather has also pushed up cereal prices, although this eased towards the end of the year. Richardson said: “It wasn’t a bad year for farming, and despite the continued uncertainty around Brexit, businesses have had the chance to look forward to the future with a little more confidence. “That’s part of agriculture’s resilience - it continues, whatever the challenge, in producing quality food and an affordable price for the UK public. It’s ability to adapt and change is well proven - hopefully we will see clarity on the direction of future support mechanisms. We look to forward working with our customers as they start to address the issue of productivity, which investment will form part of. We are a significant lender to the farming community and the wider supply trade, and we will continue to work
closely with producers and customers in supporting their businesses. “I hope in 2019 we quickly see a clear path forward that the industry can plan around and the direction of travel becomes clearer post our exit from the EU.”
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| News
Responsible innovation key to smart farming Responsible innovation that considers the wider impacts on society is key to smart farming, according to academics at the University of East Anglia (UEA). griculture is undergoing a technology revolution supported by policy-makers around the world. While smart technologies will play an important role in achieving improved productivity and greater ecoefficiency, critics have suggested that consideration of the social impacts is being side-lined. In a new journal article Dr David Rose and Dr Jason Chilvers, from UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences, argue that the concept of responsible innovation should underpin the so-called fourth agricultural revolution, ensuring that innovations also provide social benefits and address potentially negative side-effects.
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Responsible innovation frameworks should be tested in practice to see if they can make tech more responsible Each of the previous revolutions was radical at the time - the first representing a transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture, the second relating to the British Agricultural Revolution in the 18th century, and the third to post-war productivity increases associated with mechanisation and the Green Revolution in the developing world. The current ‘agri-tech’ developments come at a time when the UK government has provided £90 million of public money to transform food production in order to be at the forefront of global advanced sustainable agriculture. Many other countries are also prioritising smart agri-tech. This, combined with private investment from organisations including IBM, Barclays, and Microsoft, means that ‘Agriculture 4.0’ is underway, with technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics increasingly being used in farming. Dr Rose, a lecturer in human geography, said: “All of these emergent technologies have uses in farming and may provide many benefits. For example, robotics could plug potential lost labour post-Brexit in industries such as fruit picking, while robotics and AI could enable better chemical
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application, saving farmers money and protecting the environment. They could also attract new, younger farmers to an ageing industry.” Writing in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Dr Rose and Dr Chilvers warn though that agri-tech could also have side-effects, bringing potential environmental, ethical, and social costs. “In light of controversial agritech precedents, it is beyond doubt that smart farming is going to cause similar controversy. Robotics and AI could cause job losses or change the nature of farming in ways that are undesirable to some farmers. Others might be left behind by technological advancement, while wider society might not like how food is being produced,” said Dr Rose. “We therefore encourage policymakers, funders, technology companies and researchers to consider the views of both farming communities and wider society. We advocate that this new agricultural tech revolution, particularly the areas funded by public money, should be responsible, considering the winners, but particularly the potential losers of change. Dr Rose added: “This means better ways, both formal and informal, to include farmers and the public in decision-making, as well as advisors and other key stakeholders sharing their views. Wider society should be able to change the direction of travel, and ask whether we want to go there. They should be able to question and contest whether benefits to productivity should supersede social, ethical, or environmental concerns, and be able to convince innovators to change design processes. “Responsible innovation frameworks should be tested in practice to see if they can make tech more responsible. More responsible tech saves controversy, such as that surrounding genetic modification, ensures farmers and the public are behind it, and can help to deliver on the policy objectives.” ‘Agriculture 4.0: Broadening responsible Innovation in an Era of Smart Farming’, David Rose, Jason Chilvers, is published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 07
| News
New ventilation system to help poultry welfare in hot weather A prototype for a new poultry ventilation system has been created at Harper Adams University as part of a PhD project with the aim of improving the welfare and production of broiler chickens. esearcher Ayoola Jongbo, 39, from Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, has designed the novel air supply system to help keep broiler chickens cooler in hot weather; a problem which is currently affecting many birds. Globally, there are over 40 billion broiler chickens produced annually. The demand for chicken has risen in the UK leading to new broiler housing being introduced. Although this housing is designed to improve broiler welfare, there is some evidence that the microclimate around the birds in these environments is not attuned precisely enough to their needs as there can be too much draught. Ayoola said: “When the weather is very hot, birds find it hard to regulate their temperature and this leads to farmers losing birds. “My project was to create a prototype to control the air flow in
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broiler houses, taking into account the birds’ heat loss and behavioural response to draughtiness. “We hope an improved system will lead to an improvement in production, health and welfare. “Different ventilation systems have already been developed to alleviate overheating but they can be costly and we’re trying to modify and utilise what’s already available. “I want it to be affordable for farmers and be energy efficient. “The prototype I’ve created isn’t at full power all the time so it doesn’t add additional costs to the farmers. It fluctuates the air that comes from the inlets and as it fluctuates it distributes the air better between the birds. “With this system I did see an improvement in air flow around the birds.” An important part for broiler house ventilation systems is the air flow near the wall. Ayoola has made good advances in this area but
08 | Farming Monthly | January 2019
there’s still more that he’d like to improve along with other elements. “Once the air flow near the wall has been improved,” he added, “I want to move towards the centre of the building. If the air velocity improves towards the centre, then instead of the birds migrating to a particular part of the building, they will be more evenly distributed. “When the birds are in the same location, moisture levels rise and this can cause problems for them, such as breast blisters, hock burns and poor feather quality. “Therefore, this system could ultimately improve the welfare of the birds, productivity and the condition of the building.” Interestingly, one of the approaches that Ayoola used to test his system was by using footballs as broiler models, as previous research had shown that chickens are spherical in shape. This alternative way of testing his system was critical during a time
when the UK was facing issues with avian influenza which stopped Ayoola being able to run tests on two separate flocks as originally planned. On where his system could be used, Ayoola said: “It can be used nearly anywhere in the world. Currently, in Africa the poultry housing is very open, so they are naturally ventilated, but in contrast, some of the farms in the USA and Europe are using tunnel ventilation which is expensive in terms of initial investment and maintenance. “There are some other systems that have been researched but in humid environments, which can be seen in countries like the UK, they can cause a number of problems as they raise moisture levels within the poultry building.”
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| News
AHDB reports reveal keys to growing overseas markets Valuable insight into how the UK can grow its meat and dairy exports in key markets has been revealed in three new reports – launched at the recent Oxford Farming Conference. n 2017, the work of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) played a significant role in the export of around £3.3 billion worth of UK red meat, dairy, potatoes, cereals and oilseed products. Now, as part of its ongoing work to grow these exports and gain new market access, the Consumer Insight team has used its technical expertise to help unlock future opportunities overseas. The new ‘Country Focus Reports’, which were unveiled at the conference today (Thurs), provide a topline look at consumer eating habits and buying behaviour in key target markets. The reports, which are the first in a series of publications planned for 2019, focus on China, the USA and Japan – where work is ongoing to gain access for beef and sheep meat exports from the UK. Once market access is granted, safety and heritage will be the key to capitalising on the lucrative Japanese market, according to the new report. The UK currently ships pork and dairy products to Japan, both of which have seen growth in terms of volume and value over the last year. AHDB International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said: “With work ongoing to gain access for our sheep meat and beef, it is more important than ever to fully understand the needs of Japanese consumers and how we can make the most of future opportunities. “The high value economy of Japan offers great prospects for our UK producers and the variety of cuts consumed in the country presents
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carcass balance opportunities also. “We believe these reports are a valuable source of information for industry and will help us all gain a greater understanding of different food trends, eating behaviours and purchasing decisions around the world. This is crucial if we are to grow our exports to new and existing markets outside of the EU.” The Country Focus Report on Japan shows that consumers show little familiarity with Brand Britain when it comes to food due to the small scale of exports to the country. However, marketing our products to satisfy some or all of the key consumer demands will help the UK succeed in this highly competitive market. AHDB Consumer Insight Manager Steven Evans added: “The report reveals that younger consumers in Japan state ‘price’ as a top priority when choosing meat or dairy products, whereas people over the age of 55 believe food safety is the key motivator in selecting products. “It also shows that there is an increasing interest in health and well-being as Japanese consumers become more educated on the importance of diet in promoting long-term health.” The China report shows that food safety is critical to consumers. Messages about heritage, safety and nutritional benefits are likely to do well and exporters need to tell a story about ‘Brand Britain’ that resonates with shoppers. Consumers have positive feelings towards British food, associating it with quality and safety. It also flags that many Chinese consumers have joined the global middle class, driving consumer spending and an appetite for imported food – making it an attractive market
for UK exports. In the USA, quality is top of mind for most Americans but value for money is critical, especially when shopping for meat. Despite having a high level of disposable income, discount stores are popular. However, consumers don’t expect low priced products to be of a low quality, according to research by AHDB and ICM. And while the report claims there isn’t much recognition of British produce in the US, raising consumer confidence in our products is key to increasing exports, which are likely to be at the premium end of the market. AHDB’s Chief Communications and Market Development Officer Christine Watts added: “These reports represent another example of how AHDB is working with farmers, growers and industry to capitalise on the opportunities that export markets present. “Our Consumer Insight team has used its expertise to complement the work of our export team, who work tirelessly to gain new market access and increase shipments of agricultural products around the world. “It is vital that we have a greater understanding in each market of what is important to the consumer and how we can use this valuable insight to promote our products to best effect. We are incredibly proud of these reports and we’re delighted to be able to launch all three at today’s Oxford Farming Conference.” All three reports are available to download from the AHDB website at www.ahdb.org.uk/consumerinsight
Six ways Climate Change affected Christmas Dinner this year Farmers battled hard to bring Christmas dinner to our tables this year, due to the heatwave’s effect on crops and livestock, according to experts at the Royal Agricultural University. he baking summer caused problems for staple foods and festive favourites alike - and climate change predictions suggest Christmas Dinner as we know it will be even tougher to put together in future. Dr Nicola Cannon, Principal Lecturer in Agronomy at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) said: “If you sit down to a Christmas lunch please think about the complex issues farmers deal with to bring this special meal to your table. “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) now predict 1.5°C temperature rises above pre-industrial levels by 2050. So the challenges of food production in 2018 are almost certainly going to be experienced more frequently.” How the extreme weather of 2018 affected
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Christmas Dinner, according to the RAU: Potatoes: Potatoes were planted late this year and farmers without irrigation saw reduced growth due to moisture-stressed plants, resulting in lower yields and quality. Carrots: Carrots grow best at temperatures of 15-18°C but they struggle in temperatures above 25°C, wilt and stop growing. The cold start to the year and then the prolonged heatwave probably lead to a cut in yields of 30 per cent. Brussels Sprouts: The exceptionally hot May lead to dry seedbeds and undeveloped root systems, stressing the young plants and causing many to die off. Stuffing: Most stuffings are made of a breadcrumb base. The price of a loaf of bread has risen since harvest, jumping from 97p for a 800g loaf to £1.05. This was fuelled by wheat yields being hit by the dry weather and by
global supply issues. Brandy butter, custard and ice cream: These dairy-based accompaniments to Christmas pudding can’t be produced without milk. Dairy farmers are facing severe forage shortages after a poor grass growing season, leaving low silage stocks and fodder prices at a record high. Turkey and pigs in blankets: Turkeys are content with temperatures up to 26°C but when it gets hotter they can lose their appetites. Extra ventilation in their housing helps, as does being free range. Pigs also needed extra help with cooling down this summer. But don’t worry about Christmas pudding: Many of the ingredients - mixed dried fruit, nuts and rum - are imported so it looks as if this festive favourite has escaped the extreme UK weather.
January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 09
| On Topic
10 | Farming Monthly | January 2019
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| On Topic
Top quality feed, chop and pump process boosts family farm’s new AD process In the heart of the Wye Valley area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Herefordshire, a Börger pump has significantly enhanced the AD process at a mixed farm determined to be sustainable for the long term. allingham Court, which farms 200 ewes, 70 stabiliser crosscows and 40 Herefords (plus apples, pears, cereals and maize), needed to replace a troublesome pump that was unable to handle the 11% dry matter thickness of the digestate being discharged from the digester. This caused disruption to the farm’s 80kW biogas plant, which exports most of its green energy to the National Grid. “Everything has been fine with the discharge since the Börger pump was installed”, said Esther Rudge, who alongside her husband, Henry, owns and runs Ballingham Court - with son Monty now principally managing the AD plant since joining the business after studying agriculture at Harper Adams University.
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“We’re coming up to two years since our AD plant was commissioned” “Börger quickly helped us out with a temporary solution until a larger unit could be installed. We were already very pleased with their Powerfeed system and Multichopper macerator at the front-end of our process, so it was perhaps no surprise that their additional pump was also of very good quality”. ‘Reliable Processing of Solids’ On the 320-acre farm, Börger’s Powerfeed mixes and homogenises the feedstock of fruit, manure, maize and chicken litter – regardless of the content’s variability. The raw material feeding technology guarantees safe and reliable processing of solids from 4-5 tonnes per hour, up to nine tonnes per hour, if required. “The Börger Powerfeed has always worked well,” added Esther Rudge. “Despite the inevitable foreign objects (such as wood) that get caught up in straw, the Powerfeed will handle it – and at the next stage of the process, the Borger macerator (the Multichopper) will sort it out properly”. Beyond the Powerfeed – and connected by a Börger circulation pump, the P500 Multichopper benefits from a tough, perforated disk chopper with an equally robust central high-performance rotating blade holder, benefitting from reversible blades. The Multichopper’s multiple blade cutters are automatically adjusted by the Börger MCA (Mechanical Cutting Adjuster). Throughput volumes are up to 400m3/h (1760 usgpm). At Ballingham Court, Börger has also supplied a bespoke control system to give a fully automated feed-in system. A PL200 Börger pump provides continuous feed for a 10m3 buffer tank. As the tank approaches it
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capacity, the system typically performs a 5minute feed cycle, pumping the feedstock from the Powerfeed through Multichopper macerator and into the digester. The time-length for a feed-cycle can be adjusted for certain feedstocks in order to maintain gas levels. This system prevents any fluctuations in temperature that would prevent the AD process from operating at optimum levels. Load and flow sensors also enable Börger to monitor the equipment remotely so that they can see at a glance via a smartphone or pc that the feed/not-feed set-up is working as it should be. Operating at around 1Bar, with no great head of pressure to overcome, it is a gentle, carefully managed system. With the new Börger pump now taking good care of the digester’s discharge at Ballingham Court, Esther Rudge believes that she and her husband Henry’s farm is now firmly on course to hand over to the fifth generation in the future – with a true legacy. ‘As sustainable and self-sufficient as possible’ “We’re coming up to two years since our AD plant was commissioned”, she said. “Our investment in AD will no doubt continue to be a learning, fine-tuning part of our farm life, but we’ve achieved our aim of becoming increasingly sustainable – and generating a new income stream. There’s the bonus too of producing very good fertiliser”. She added: “We’re almost landlocked here by the River Wye (halfway between Ross-onWye and Hereford), with poor road links and ever tightening restrictions on what we can and can’t do, so it was vital to our future that we became as sustainable and self-sufficient as possible. “NVZ regulations (Nitrate Vulnerable Zone) were taking more effect – and we considered building a pad to store manure – but then in simple terms thought why not enclose it, put a roof on it and gather all the methane for good use. Our son Monty’s enthusiasm for our AD plant was infectious, and he’s determined to make it work to its full potential. “Going into AD has already been quite a journey, but the confidence we have in Börger’s equipment and their approach as a company has made everything much simpler. “In addition to the energy we generate, the liquor we tanker on to our land is very rich in nutrients and good for our soil, as is the digestate. “Even though our AD plant isn’t on a large scale, we’ve seen first-hand that standard equipment simply cannot cope with certain feedstocks or the inevitable variations in what goes in to a digester. Tough, industrial-type equipment such as Börger’s is therefore a must”.
Esther Rudge with son Monty
January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 11
| Arable
Scientists awarded £1.8m to transform our understanding of soil carbon storage and loss Scientists are to take part in a research project to transform our understanding of the potential of soil carbon storage to mitigate climate change. he project, entitled “LOCKED UP”, is to receive a grant of £1.8 million from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to help scientists understand the processes of soil carbon formation, stabilisation and loss. Led by Dr Jeanette Whitaker of the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, and also involving Lancaster University and University of Leeds, the study will help to quantify the amount by which we can increase soil carbon storage to mitigate climate change. The world’s soils hold around twice the amount of carbon that is found in the atmosphere and in vegetation, yet the loss of carbon from this important reservoir is an escalating global threat caused by unsustainable land management practices. If “unlocked”, this carbon can enter the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. Soil carbon loss also makes soils
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less fertile and so impacts global food security. LOCKED UP represents a new collaboration between researchers with expertise in soil ecology and microbiology, biogeochemistry, mineralogy and environmental modelling. It includes advisory support from Max Planck Institut, Germany, and Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), France. Welcoming the grant, Dr Jeanette Whitaker said: “Maintaining and increasing soil carbon stocks globally is critical to ensuring food security and mitigating climate change. Small increases in soil carbon over very large areas could significantly reduce net carbon dioxide emissions from agriculture. This project will help to achieve this by advancing our understanding of what makes carbon stable in soils and developing quantitative methods to assess the mitigation potential and feasibility of increasing soil carbon storage
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across UK and global soils.” Professor Nick Ostle, of
change would need “some radical and innovative solutions”, adding:
About soil carbon loss
Soils are crucial to mitigating climate change. Plants circulate carbon dioxide from the air to soils and consume about one-third of the CO2 that humans produce. Of that, about 10–15% ends up in the earth. But, one-third of the world’s soils are degraded and through human history 133 Gt of carbon have been lost from soils, adding almost 500 Gt of CO2 to the atmosphere. Reversing these losses could make a significant contribution to climate change mitigation also improving soil health and food security. In 2015 at the Paris climate summit, France launched the ‘4 per 1000’ initiative www.4p100.org to promote actions to globally increase soil carbon stocks. To achieve this goal we need research to ensure the long term stability of soil carbon.
Lancaster University, one of the project’s co-investigators, said global ambition to control climate
“Human civilisations have always relie
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| Arable
Contact your nearest dealer: Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk
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January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 13
| Arable
Rotation, organic arable and cover crops How can you improve your rotation to better your farm profitability?
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his was the question Sittingbourne Monitor Farm discussed on Tuesday 11 December, led by host Mark Bowsher-Gibbs, Anne Bhogal from ADAS and organic farmer
John Pawsey. Mark said: “Wheat and oilseed rape are the main profitability drivers but they also cause most of our problems. “The question is – should we be aiming for 50 per cent break crops or extending our fiveyear rotation? What are our other options for break crops?” Mark currently runs a five-year rotation winter beans/peas/soya, winter wheat, second wheat/spring barley, oilseed rape, winter wheat. He uses catch crops before the spring crops. Anne Bhogal, ADAS, presented early findings from the Maxi Cover Crop trial, which has some plots running at Mark’s farm, G.H. Dean, just outside Sittingbourne. She said: “Cover crops are really useful to incorporate into rotations, particularly before
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spring crops. There are lots of benefits in terms of nutrient retention. But, there are lots of questions too, in terms of what species to use and whether they are best on their own or in mixes.” Some of the early results from the Maxi Cover Crop trial have shown that cereal cover crops are not necessarily good ahead of spring cereal crops. Rye and oat cover crops can have allelopathic effects on spring barley crops in particular, resulting in yield reductions in some seasons whereas vetches and clovers will fix nitrogen, potentially improving yields. “With cover crops there are a lot of benefits, but also a lot of things you need to consider,” Anne added. Finally, the group heard from unevangelical organic farmer John Pawsey, who explained his six-year flexible rotation and how he deals with pests, diseases and weeds. John said: “Pests and diseases are not a major worry. The most complex issue for us is weeds.” He told the group that 70 per cent of organic
combinable crops are imported to meet UK demand, due to lack of domestic supply. “There’s an increasing appetite from buyers,” he said, “and a genuine price premium at around £100/t. John encouraged farmers to consider organic as part of their diversification activities. Having compared organic and conventional rotations using costings from the ABC book, he laid out the financial benefits of growing organically. He said: “I don’t think organic farming has all the answers, but it does have some.” AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager Paul Hill said: “There’s nothing new about looking at rotations or cover crops, but we now need to bring innovative ideas into farming to meet the challenges of the future: resistance, regulation and, biggest of all, climate change.” Visit: Cereals.ahdb.org.uk/monitorfarms AHDB is looking for a new Monitor Farm host in the South East. Interested farmers should contact Paul Hill on paul.hill@ahdb.org.uk
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| Arable
BASF and VanderSat collaborate to provide farmers with high-precision, field-specific crop optimization Microwave sensing from space gives more precise measurement of moisture and temperature in fields. ntegration into BASF’s xarvio™ Field Manager enables highprecision forecasting of yield risk Collaboration helps farmers make more accurate agronomic decisions Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Haarlem, the Netherlands, December 6, 2018 – BASF and the Dutch Earth observation company VanderSat are collaborating to support farmers worldwide with even more precise, satellite data-based recommendations on application of crop inputs. VanderSat’s satellite data uses high-precision microwave technology to measure soil moisture and surface temperatures in individual field zones. The technology will be an additional data source for BASF’s xarvio™ Field Manager, a commercial product that for example calculates the risk of disease on a field-by-field basis, providing farmers with individually tailored application maps and optimized timing for crop protection
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measures. “Knowing soil moisture levels is key to predicting yield risks and crop development more accurately,” said Ole Peters, Head of Technology Digital Farming at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division. “By integrating VanderSat’s data into our digital farming technology, farmers will benefit from even more precise, field-zone-specific information and forecasts – both for our existing offers and for future solutions that will be enabled by this technology. It will help farmers, replace in-field soil sensors in many situations, and will ensure more efficient and sustainable use of water and crop inputs.” Unmatched accuracy helps farmers take better decisions The microwave data from VanderSat is collected daily for every field around the world at a spatial resolution of 100 x 100 meters. It will provide a unique and independent layer of information to build the digital profile of a field in BASF’s xarvio Field Manager. “One major
advantage of microwave sensing is that cloud cover does not interfere with the measurement from space,” said Richard de Jeu, founder and Chief Technology Officer of VanderSat. “We have been collecting daily information on soil moisture and temperature from different satellites for many years. As a result, we now have an archive of data that goes back more than 16 years. These elements in combination with high-resolution sensing make our satellitederived products highly reliable for determining field-zone-specific management decisions.” Data validation and prototyping done by both companies already show that VanderSat’s satellite data is typically more consistent and representative than measurements of soil moisture and temperature from field sensors. BASF and VanderSat are now validating solutions on several hundred fields on three continents in different crops to enable farmers to make more accurate agronomic decisions.
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| Livestock
Leading industry names confirmed for Dairy-Tech 2019 Over 170 companies have confirmed for Dairy-Tech within four weeks of the show launching its stand sales. Leading industry names have shown their support of the event in the form of sponsorship and stand space. After a hugely successful inaugural show earlier this year the 2019 event will continue at Stoneleigh Park on Wednesday 6 February. ith Barclays confirming their continuation as principal sponsor other headline sponsors include Cogent, NMR, World Wide Sires, Hi-Peak, Mole Valley Farmers and Semex. Mark Suthern, head of agriculture at Barclays says it is great to be able to continue as principal sponsor of a dairy event focused on delivering technical knowledge and insight to farmers. Hi-Peak ruminant commercial manager Rob Daykin says the 2018 event was a real success with a great quality of visitors attending. “The organic session we sponsored on the dairy hub attracted a huge crowd so it’s fantastic to be able to do a similar session with a slightly different
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focus next year.” After their success as an exhibitor at the show Cogent have confirmed they will become an event sponsor for 2019. Stuart Boothman, UK business manager at Cogent says: “We’re excited to be returning to DairyTech as a sponsor, it’s great to be linked with an event aimed at progressive dairy farmers looking to innovate and learn to ensure they are operating as efficiently as possible.” Julie Edwards, Head of Communications for Mole Valley Farmers says the event had exceeded their expectations. “The Dairy-Tech event was well supported by farmers and the footfall to our stand was continuous throughout the day. It was great to see so many farmers eager to engage and talk about how our new Lifetime Dairy
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initiative could support their individual businesses. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.” RABDF managing director Matthew Knight says the support Dairy-Tech has gained in such a small space of time only reaffirms that its content is absolutely correct for the dairy sector with new products, better service and innovation leading the industry. “Dairy-Tech’s success is a result of hard work, evaluation of past events and feedback from members, industry companies and our advisory board. This guidance has been, and will continue to be, invaluable. “The 2019 event will see the return of the dairy and innovation hubs, both of which will continue to address the newest concepts and address the key issues affecting the sector through
workshops and interviews, providing technical information and guidance, opinions, market insight, new products and the latest innovation. “We will also be vacating the Blackdown buildings and moving to Hall 2, a purpose built exhibition hall that will allow us to grow the show, take more floor space and provide a heated environment for exhibitors.” All exhibitors from Dairy-Tech 2018 were offered the chance to rebook during a loyalty rate period which ended on Monday 4 June. Stand sales have now been extended to all companies who will have until 15 July to book to qualify for the early bird rate before it increases on 16 July. Prices and further information can be found at www.dairy-tech.uk
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| Livestock
CowAlert introduces automated mobility scoring – a world first Entering a new era in cow monitoring.
n automated mobility scoring tool, developed specifically for the dairy herd, has been launched by pioneering cow behaviour specialists, IceRobotics. A world first, the new technology complements the suite of monitoring tools already available from IceRobotics’ highly acclaimed CowAlert system. Using specialist software, CowAlert continuously tracks fertility, lying time, lameness and general animal health on a 24/7 basis. The newly-launched mobility module is designed to replace the visual scoring method generally used by farmers which can be costly, time consuming and subjective. Similar to the popular ‘Fitbit’ devices used to track human activity, CowAlert automatically records and collects animal behavioural data through a robust wireless sensor which is fitted to the cow’s hind leg where it captures accurate data on stepping, activity, standing and lying time. Using a unique algorithm, that analyses each cow’s behaviour. The farmer can then make a fully informed decision regarding intervention and treatment. “Mobility scoring is a very important tool when it comes to monitoring overall herd health and welfare,” said Douglas Armstrong, CEO of IceRobotics.
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“Until now, visual assessment was the only option, but its reliability, consistency and accuracy is increasingly becoming questioned. It also places full responsibility in the hands of the farmer, stockman or farm manager which is, difficult, time consuming and highly subjective. “CowAlert’s automated scoring system becomes the farmer’s ‘eyes and ears’, monitoring each animal’s behaviour round the clock. The cloud-based system is easily accessed by the farmer via his mobile device and can easily be shared with others such as vets. In our increasingly competitive and welfare-focused times, this gives the farming community a definite edge.” Initially developed as a tool for researchers, and with the worldwide acclaim from over 80 leading institutes around the world, CowAlert was developed on this pedigree and launched to commercial dairy farmers in 2012. While it is not considered to be a replacement for good stockmanship, it is now a trusted, round-theclock support mechanism, enhancing the observations of a good farmer or stockman. “No-one can monitor their herd on a 24/7 basis but CowAlert can do it on your behalf. Ultimately this helps the farmer better manage his animals and his time, and through early detection, he can drive efficiencies and deliver more natural interventions. This is not only good for the farmer but good for his animals.” Douglas added.
The new CowAlert module will be available to demo at the DairyTech event on stand I26, on the 6th February at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
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| Buildings
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| Livestock
Could dairy bulls revolutionise heat detection?
James Mulholland
Hear about how two farmers thrived with Moocall HEAT who will be at Stand 153 at this year’s Dairy-Tech. hile using a bull on UK dairy operations isn’t the norm, Moocall’s new heat detection product means you can reap huge benefits from having a natural born expert on the job. This is already the case for Northern Ireland dairy farmer James Mulholland. Thanks to Moocall HEAT, highly accurate heat detection is no longer a pipe dream. Moocall HEAT is a highly accurate heat detection system that sends a text when your cow enters a standing heat. It comes in two parts - a collar, which is attached to a stock or vasectomised bull, and a unique Moocall RFID tag to be attached to each of your cows and heifers. James calves 150 dairy cows, and needed highly accurate heat detection. He also needed a way to monitor his cows when he was gone. He tried the collar on his stock bull this summer and was seriously impressed with the result. He said: “Moocall HEAT gives me great peace of mind that the bull is working as it should. I don’t get to see the Heifers everyday to see bull activity but now I get all that information sent to my phone.
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“It’s also going to help calving down the Heifers as I will have accurate calving dates.” The system’s 95% submission rate over 6 weeks dwarfs the average submission rate of traditional methods, such as tail paint. Moocall HEAT means less time spent looking at cows, more chance to increase the genetic quality of their herd with use of AI, and identifying non-cycling cows and non-performing bulls to name but a few advantages. All of this is abundantly clear to James, who has already invested in a second collar which will be going onto a teaser bull in the next few weeks for indoor breeding. He explained: “With all cows now housed and settled, I’m looking forward to make better use of AI to progress the genetics of my herd. “I have my teaser ready to go and will be relying on him to accurately pick up heats. As well as improving accuracy, I purchased the heat collar to help save me time.” At £1095, Moocall HEAT is also much more cost-effective than other sophisticated methods of heat detection on the market, and you can expect a return on your investment within the first breeding season. For 50+ cow herds the
cost per cow per year is £10.70 with the costs spread over 3 years. Thanks to this affordability Moocall HEAT is that it makes economic sense in either a Beef or Dairy situation. Dorset Hereford farmer Philip Vincent invested in Moocall HEAT following “fantastic” results with the Moocall Calving Sensor. Philip explained why the Calving Sensor worked so well for him: “We have been using our Moocall Calving Sensor for a number of years now with fantastic results. It is incredibly accurate at informing us when something is in the early stages of calving. “As well as detecting a cow calving, which can be very useful if we are away from the farm or in the night, it has also alerted us to potential problems which we may have otherwise missed. “For example, the Moocall has text us when there has been no visual sign of the cow going into labour, prompting us to investigate, and pick up backwards calves and a twisted uterus, which would have gone undetected for longer and potential loss of the calf.” This success made it easy to take the leap of faith into another tech innovation. Philip explains: “As we have had so much success with the Moocall
we decided to invest in the Moocall Heat. We are in the early stages of using this product but have already found it very effective. “We have used the collar on our senior stock bull who has been running with our Spring calving herd. “The collar has confirmed visual evidence of when a cow is in heat and noticed heats in the evening/night which we may have missed, which will mean we will have accurate calving dates in the Spring. “However what has been most useful has been picking up with certainty a cow who has been repeatedly cycling, prompting us to have her checked by the vet. “We feel the device would also help alert us to a bull who was in fertile/sub-fertile, either by the device not detecting services or a number of cows repeating. “We have found our Moocall products to be highly effective and look forward to continuing to reap the benefits from them in the future.” British beef is already making leaps in their breeding with Moocall HEAT on board. British Dairy can make similar strides.
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| Buidings
RIDBA and Farming Monthly National announce partnership for the prestigious RIDBA Building Awards 2019 The Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA) is delighted to announce Farming Monthly as our media partner for the RIDBA Building Awards 2019! n what is a biennial event, the awards remain the highlight of the industry calendar, recognising innovation and excellence amongst members in the industrial and agricultural buildings industry. A record number of entries were received this year, with the awards proving an excellent opportunity to promote the exceptional
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performance of RIDBA members to the wider industry. With the help of Farming Monthly, members will receive the promotion that they deserve. Short-listed entries will be announced in early February by Farming Monthly and on the RIDBA website, and the winners will be announced at the RIDBA Building Awards on Friday 15 March 2019. The awards ceremony will take
place at the De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham. The black tie-event will include a drinks reception and fabulous three-course meal. Lucy Cooke, presenter and author, will host the awards ceremony. Bookings are now open, to secure your place please call 0844 249 0043 or email admin@ridba.org.uk. RIDBA Chairman, Mike Hammond said: “I am looking forward to
welcoming our members and guests to the awards. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all our members and their working partners who are forging and designing the shape of the UK landscape for the future.’’ RIDBA is proud to be working with Farming Monthly once again, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership in 2019.
Erection and refurbishment of farm buildings now more financially viable The erection and refurbishment of farm buildings is now more financially viable following the announcement of a new Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA) in the Autumn Budget 2018. ural Surveyor, Roger Parry & Partners, say the allowance will make a significant difference to farm investment by allowing landowners to offset 2% of the building cost against income tax or corporation tax each year, for the next 50 years. Although the tax saving in itself is not a huge incentive, Roger Parry & Partners believe that, combined with improved building efficiencies, it may be enough to tip the balance when farmers are looking to update their infrastructure.
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Richard Corbett, Partner in Roger Parry & Partners’ Oswestry office said, “Alongside the increase in the annual investment allowance, to £1m/year, this is the biggest thing to come out of the Budget. Since the Government abolished the agricultural buildings allowance in 2011 there has been no tax relief available on new farm buildings, so this is an exciting change.” The SBA applies to the erection or refurbishment of commercial buildings from 29 October 2018. Where contracts have been signed or work commenced before 29 October 2018, the SBA will not be available, although it may be
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possible to claim partial eligibility, if one contract has been signed covering the structure, but another is yet to be agreed for the concrete, for example. The allowance covers commercial offices, storage and livestock buildings – whether for the landowner’s own use or rental – and also applies to structures including walls, bridges and tunnels. In addition, the SBA covers the cost of necessary demolition and land alterations, although not the cost of the land or obtaining planning permissions. Residential dwellings are also excluded. Richard said, “As ever there is
Richard Corbett of Roger Parry & Partners
plenty of small print with this new allowance. Our team of experts are on hand to guide you through the whole process from the initial idea, to the application for the allowance, to the planning stage.”
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| Buildings
Firestone’s GEOGARDTM EPDM is pick of the crop for Hugh Lowe Farms Firestone Building Products’ GeoGard™ EPDM lining system has been used to refurbish a 2,700m2 irrigation lagoon for Kent-based soft fruit grower, Hugh Lowe Farms. 120-year old family-owned company, Hugh Lowe Farms is one of the largest independent berry growers in the UK, with 700ha of mixed soft fruit/arable fields cultivating strawberries and raspberries. The company has invested significantly in making its farms as self-sufficient as possible in terms of water for irrigation by collecting run-off and rainwater into a number of tunnels and reservoirs to irrigate its crops. One of these reservoirs was operating at just 50 per cent capacity due to issues with the existing lining, which was leaking and causing stored water to be lost into the ground. Hugh Lowe Farms turned to pond specialist, Fairwater Ltd, to refurbish the water storage lagoon, using Firestone’s GeoGard™ EPDM lining for its ease and speed of installation, extended service life,
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puncture resistance and U/V resistance. Comments Lance Mansell from Hugh Lowe Farms: “Depending on the weather and the time of year, our water storage facilities play a vital role in ensuring we irrigate for maximum yields without having to take water from the mains. This helps us deliver our commitment to environmental best practice and keep our water bills down. “Firestone’s GeoGard™ EPDM lining system is offered with a 20 year guarantee but has been used in similar applications in much hotter climates, where it is still in service, with no leaks, more than 40 years later. That means that we can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that our investment in this irrigation lagoon will last for generations and enable us to maintain high yields of superior quality berries, even if predictions of hotter, longer summers come true.” The Fairwater team remodelled
the irrigation lagoon by excavating by 1m to increase the depth, enabling the height of the retaining walls to be reduced. The surface of the lagoon bed was then smoothed and compacted and drainage was added to prepare the area. A 250g/m2 geotextile was then laid followed by the 1.1mm GeoGard™ EPDM membrane, which was laid in six 15m panels, supplied by Firestone’s Authorised Distributor, Gordon Low Products Ltd. Martin Kelly from Fairwater
adds: “We have been using Firestone’s GeoGard™ EPDM membrane as our preferred liner for some time, because it is fast and easy to install, offers an excellent service life with proven U/V resistance and contains no plasticisers. “This project will ensure that Hugh Lowe Farms can continue to support the company’s selfsufficiency strategy for water, benefitting their glass-house and poly-tunnel grown crops all year round.”
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| Pests
Resistance hotspots identified around midlands black hole New hotspots of rats that are resistant to anticoagulant rodenticides have been identified by monitoring carried out at The University of Reading.
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statement from the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), who commissioned the
study said, ‘In East Anglia and West Yorkshire, it identifies for the first time the L120Q gene, responsible for the most severe form of resistance. This gene renders first
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generation anticoagulant rodenticides and two of the second generation groups ineffective. It is widespread across the whole of central southern England and also found increasingly outside that area. Another serious concern is that three different types of resistant rats are now found in West Yorkshire and on the Anglo-Welsh border. Also a worry is the almost
complete lack of data from central England.’ BPCA Technical Manager Dee Ward Thompson said, “The study highlights the fact that resistance is growing in rat species across a swathe of the country. It also reports that rats without the genetic mutation are being killed off by poison, so the resistant species are taking their place, leaving a growing population of resistant pure-breds. “With their numbers expanding there could be a significant risk to public health if their population is left unchecked, in both urban and rural environments.” Dee added: “The rise in resistance could be due to a number of factors, but the clear message from BPCA is that, to be effective in tackling this
issue, use a professional pest management company.” “Rats must be dealt with by those with the skills required to understand rodent behaviour and their habitat, and who know how to treat any particular strain. “By employing a member company through the BPCA referral service, farmers can be sure they’re using a qualified technician who is able to purchase and apply relevant products that can tackle such issues of resistance. “We’ve established strict criteria to ensure the professionalism of our members so companies carrying our logo will carry out safe, effective and legal treatments.” Read more at bpca.org.uk/PestAware
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| LAMMA
Relaunched LAMMA Innovation Awards celebrate depth and breadth of agricultural manufacturing developments The LAMMA Innovation Awards have gained a reputation for recognising and highlighting some of the best advances in agricultural manufacturing, and this year’s competition is no exception. he awards, which have been given a thorough refresh to mark LAMMA’s move to the NEC, provide a platform for LAMMA exhibitors to introduce ground-breaking innovations in agricultural machinery, equipment and services to the market. This year featured some of the strongest entries yet seen in the competition. The awards are open to all new products exhibited at LAMMA ’19. Entries were received from a wide range of exhibitors, vying for one gold and up to three silver medals in each of six new categories. The judges considered a range of criteria including design innovation, practical impact, the sustainability of the product and its impact on the environment. Thanks to a new Innovation Trail, visitors will be able to view the gold and silver medal winners for themselves at LAMMA and talk to the companies who put them forward, to see how they might best benefit their own farm or
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contractor business. As well as the six category winners, an overall champion will be chosen by the judges on the first day of LAMMA. The Institution of Agricultural Engineers will also award the IVEL award to the best product for environmental innovation. The shortlist was judged by a panel of 13 experts and one student judge, led by chairman Chris Rothery. Mr Rothery said: “Having been a judge for LAMMA off and on since the inaugural 1982 show, I possess a long insight into the ideas and inventions that our amazing industry produces. “2019 has provided our judging team with a wide range to span the new classes, and the response has been great for this first year at the NEC. The team will have a difficult job on the 8th January to decide the winner of the LAMMA Founders Trophy for the overall Best in Show. LAMMA 2019 Innovation Award gold and silver medals: Arable Innovation
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Gold: Garford Farm Machinery – Robocrop Baby Leaf Salad Hoe Designed to help growers combat restricted herbicide options, Garford’s Baby Salad Leaf Hoe is designed for delicate hoeing in narrow rows to below 50mm. It uses inter-row technology and disc steering to ensure 5mm accuracy, using shares designed for minimal soil disturbance. A low camera position ensures precise weed control between the crop row. Judges’ comments: An impressive development bringing together a range of engineering principles to produce a highly technical hoe suited to a critical market. The hoe addresses the need for reliable performance when dealing with very small leaf crops. Silver: SOYL – MySOYL This web-based management tool enables growers to view and analyse precision data to make business decisions. Livestock Innovation Gold: JF Hudson – AktivPuls
milking cluster and liner concept AktivPuls’s new milking cluster concept uses a liner that creates a more natural milking experience using lower vacuum levels so teats close faster, reducing the risk of infection. The liners feature seven zones to adapt to all sizes of teats and are said to last up to three times longer than conventional liners while speeding up milking times by 8%. Judges’ comments: Potential improvements in animal health and productivity thanks to the increased milking throughput are key winning points. Silver: Kuhn – Twin-reel film binding system This binding system helps produce high silage quality and easy feed-out of bales. Silver: Easyfix – Jupiter F cow mattress The EASYFIX Jupiter F ensures optimum positioning of the cow when lying in the cubicle. Silver: Huesker – Agritec Silage Safe clamp covering system
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| LAMMA This system is designed to provide an airtight seal for silage quickly and efficiently. Driven Innovation Gold: Apollo Vredestein – Traxion Optimall tyre This new tyre is said to be able to be operated at up to 25% lower pressure than comparable VF (Very High Flexion) tyres in the market. It combines very high flexibility with exceptional stability. A high-tech rubber compound in the shoulder area supports the carcass at low pressure for extreme deflection. The curved design contour ensures a larger footprint of up to 15%. Judges’ comments: The tyre features new technology to achieve lower pressures and provides long-term benefits to both customers’ bottom line and soil health, due to lower compaction and improved fuel consumption. Silver: Bombardier Recreational Products – Can-Am ATV anti-lock braking system Can-Am has installed ABS technology on its Outlander and Renegade models to improve safety. Online Innovation Gold: Sparex – Connix LED magnetic wireless lighting system A multifunctional wireless trailer light solution, Connix functions as indicators, hazard lights, brake lights and vehicle registration
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highlight. This effective trailer light update features a 10-hour battery life and four-hour recharging. The lights are placed on any vehicle around the farm, paired with the plug, and are ready for use. Judges’ comments: The innovation is well thought out, has identified a need within the industry, certainly fills a big safety requirement and has wider uses outside of agriculture. Silver: Herdwatch – Farm Medicine Scanner This scanner uses technology within smart phones to simplify the process of recording medicines. Diversification Innovation Gold: Herbst Machinery – Compac Screen This three-way split screener consists of a screen box with a pan feeder, where material such as waste material, aggregate, concrete, soil and rubble can be separated into three different fractions, turning it into useful graded end products. The screener has its own power unit and hydraulics, making it completely self-sufficient when operating on site. It can be towed by a tractor. Judges’ comments: A brand new category this year, which must fire the imagination of entrepreneurial engineers and business people, producing a clear winner with the Herbst
Compac Screen showing innovation and application at its best with a machine that can be used in many different circumstances. Silver: Forest Master – Zero Hand Trucks zero pivot system A range of sack trucks that allows the operator of the truck to lift and transport heavy loads. Silver: Howseman Agriculture – six-row drip-tape laying unit This fully adjustable drip-tape irrigation laying unit has overcome the issue of tape depth control regardless of soil type. Future Innovation Gold: Martin Lishman – ImpacTrack data logger ImpacTrack is a new, low-cost data logger that can be used with various synthetic food shapes that replicate the movement characteristics of fruit and vegetables prone to damage and bruising during handling and transport. The Bluetooth transmitter allows real-time monitoring or recording of damage and temperature during handling by machines or humans from field to shop floor. The logger can be used independently to monitor impact shock and temperature during transit. Judges’ comments: A truly innovative product with a real market need. Well thought out with potential benefits in terms of food
waste and product quality. Innovative, with great commercial potential both inside and outside agriculture. Silver: Agri-Industry Solutions – Veenhuis Nutri-Flow real-time slurry analysis This system uses near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor NPK and ammonium levels in slurry in real time. Silver: Agrifac – AICPlus camera-guided spot spraying This innovation offers immediate analysis of the crop, enabling the sprayer to operate only where needed. Silver: Hampton Steel – Versalok metal intermediate post and clip system Featuring a delta profile for improved post strength, this system is compatible with all woven wire mesh patterns. IVEL Award Agri-Industry Solutions – Veenhuis, Nutri-Flow real-time slurry analysis Adding to its silver innovation award in the Future Innovation category, Veenhuis Nutri-Flow received the IVEL award in recognition of its environmental contribution. LAMMA ’19, supported by headline sponsor AFP, takes place on Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January. For further LAMMA visitor information go to www.lammashow.com
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| LAMMA
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| LAMMA
Knight blazes a new trail Knight Farm Machinery is introducing a number of new features and designs in its Trailblazer II range of sprayers that will simplify the machine’s plumbing and help operators achieve both optimum spraying performance and compliance with environmental regulations. he new machine will be fitted with a hydraulically driven pump located at the rear of the chassis and immediately adjacent to the boom. This new, simplified design removes several metres of pipework, which will drastically reduce the volume of spray solution remaining in the machine at the end of work. Knight is also fitting an air purge system that reduces spill risks and washing out time in two ways. When filling the machine, once the tank is full the air purge can be activated to return spray solution in the feed pipe to the storage tank, which will avoid wastage and the potential for spillages. At the end of spraying when the tank is empty, the system can be used to purge the spray boom and all pipes containing spray solution onto the cropped area. This reduces the residual volume of liquid in the plumbing system to an absolute minimum and decreases the amount of clean water required to wash out the machine. A new induction hopper is also being offered, moving from a rectangular design to a circular one with increased capacity. This hopper is more efficient and improves mixing, and with no corners ensures totally effective mixing or the product and subsequent
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cleaning. That is coupled with a new can wash and draining tray that enables chemical containers to be positioned and held with the opening at the bottom, which will improve container draining and reduce the risk of chemical spillages. The resulting washings are then incorporated into the mixing hopper via a
venturi and thoroughly mixed into the spray solution. David Main, Knight’s Sales Manager says these ideas continue the company’s policy of introducing ideas that make the operator’s life easier: “We are also taking the opportunity to re-design the platforms and walkways fitted around the tank to enable operators to access all parts of the machine easily”.
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| LAMMA
Shropshire Quads at LAMMA Shropshire Quads will be exhibiting at the LAMMA show in 2019 for the first time with their Suzuki Jimny Pickup conversions. he little Jimny has been receiving huge interest over the past 2 years as it is such a lightweight & capable little vehicle off road. Shropshire Quads uses a factory manufactured kit designed by Suzuki to convert new and used Jimny’s into pickups as an
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alternative to a conventional UTV. The pickup conversions are finished to a very high standard and are built to an individuals specifications. Modifications can include flotation tyres, suspension lifts, bull bars, rear canopies, light bars etc. The rear load bed has a stainless base & aluminium sides. The payload is similar to a UTV at
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500kg and the towing capacity is 1300kg braked. An increasing number of farms are becoming spread out with blocks of land some distance away. The Jimny pickup, being fully road legal, allows you to legally travel the road, enter the field to check stock etc and travel on to the next. This is achieved at normal road
speeds in the safety and comfort of a proper cab! The Jimny Pickup is available with a manual or auto gearbox. They are all petrol but LPG conversions are an option. Please come along and see us in on stand 11.510, in Hall 11.
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| LAMMA
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| LAMMA
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| LAMMA
Visit:
YORKSHIRE HANDLERS Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY | Tel: 01904 489 988 www.yorkshirehandlers.co.uk
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| LAMMA
Big Bale Transtacker 4100 The new Transtacker 4100 has been significantly improved from its predecessor. he new machine is now fully CTF compatible with the addition of the bump bar which can be fitted to the front linkage of a tractor, although it can be operated without this. The machine is capable of picking up a variety of sizes of
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large square bales and 'tying' them together, providing a safer and more stable stack, this removes the need to gradually increase height across the stack which increases the machine’s efficiency. Further to this, the Transtacker can re-pick existing stacks, allowing the operator to move them when necessary, i.e. from headland to
barn. The Transtacker 4100 is also capable of doing part loads, completely removing the need for a telehandler to pick up stray bales. The new machine is fully automatic, reducing stress to the operator, whilst increasing the efficiency and speed in which they can clear a field of bales - this can
be vital during a harvest period of unsettled weather. The machine comes standard with features such as air brakes, flotation tires and a hydraulically height adjustable draw bar along with many other new advancements. See it at LAMMA.
Tong showcases equipment advances at LAMMA Leading vegetable handling equipment manufacturer, Tong Engineering, is once again exhibiting at the UK’s largest farm machinery show LAMMA, and this time at the event’s new location, the NEC Birmingham, on stand 8.600 in Hall 8. urther to recent advancements and developments in the company’s wide range of potato and vegetable washing, grading and handling equipment, which have most recently seen the launch of a new, compact Fieldloader machine, the FieldLoad PRO, Tong is set to meet growers and packers to discuss the latest innovations and advanced handling systems for 2019. The FieldLoad PRO is the first of a series of new and advanced machines that Tong is currently unveiling to the market, with a new, high capacity box filler being next in line and available to order in 2019. The suite of innovative new product launches comes as part of Tong’s continuous strive to offer the most advanced equipment with intelligent controls, minimal maintenance and maximum productivity in mind. “Our latest product launches are very much a result of our
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solutions-based design process in which we listen to our customers, and define emerging market demands, to develop new equipment that meets those demands within a cost-effective budget,” explains Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering. “Talking to our customers, reducing ‘crop miles’ is a very frequent conversation we are having with growers as they look to minimise the amount of harvestrelated soil on the roads by loading crop at the field side,” says Edward Tong. “Based on our proven Fieldloader machine, the new FieldLoad PRO has been designed to bring growers an even more compact and versatile machine that receives and cleans crop at high capacities straight from the harvester. This allows soil and debris to be removed from crop in the field, whilst significantly reducing transport of crop from field to farm.” “In addition to the developments in our in-field
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solutions, this year has seen the latest advancements in our Caretaker grader come into their own” says Nick Woodcock, Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. “Our Auto-Touch HMI Pro-Series control features have made set-up and control of the new 2018 machines exceptionally easy, to suit the variety of crop cleaning and grading conditions growers have been faced with during harvest this year.” “Our market leading EasyClean has been working in some particularly heavy soil conditions,” says Nick. “The level of soil and haulm removal I have seen with the EasyClean this season has been remarkable, and one which many customers have once again reported as invaluable,” added Nick. “We look forward to seeing farmers and growers from all over the UK at Lamma in January, to discuss the noticeable efficiencies that our latest grading and washing equipment is bringing to the post-harvest crop handling
process, as well as discussing their requirements for the year ahead. The new venue at the NEC will certainly be very different, but as always we welcome visitors to come and see us on our stand, with light refreshments.”
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| LAMMA
Noise-insulated pump sets join Bauer’s irrigation range Fully noise-insulated irrigation pump sets for water abstraction in locations where an exposed diesel engine running for hours on end is likely to cause a disturbance will be added to Bauer’s comprehensive crop irrigation equipment range at the LAMMA show. he mobile pump set design offers a choice of engines and fuel tank sizes, has a wellproven pump, and an electronic control panel that can be linked to Bauer’s SmartRain remote control system via an App on a smart phone or other mobile device. Unlike the open canopy pump sets produced by Bauer, the new design has a fully sound-proofed enclosure for the engine, pump and controller, which are accessible via lockable doors. Only suction and pressure hose couplings, the engine exhaust silencer and an emergency stop button are located outside the canopy. The pump set’s two-wheel
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chassis has galvanised steel mudguards, generous tyres and road lighting, plus four crank handle wind-down stability legs and a removable drawbar for security. It also incorporates a choice of 650-litre, 1000-litre and 1500-litre diesel tanks with a lockable filler camp located within the canopy, to fuel an engine from FPT Industrial – successor to the Iveco engines business – tuned to provide the power and torque characteristics needed for an engine running at constant revs for long periods. There is a choice of 4.5-litre four-cylinder engines from 100hp (74kW) to a 6.7-litre six-cylinder with 125hp (93kW) output driving Caprari MEC MG 80-4/3A and MEC 100HT/2a centrifugal pumps, which are popular units for this
application, having been proven in service for many years as an efficient and reliable design with low wear and maintenance demands. This pump is primed manually as standard from the on-board Supertank supply or automatically with an upgrade to the Elcos CIM250 control panel that provides ‘ignition’ key start/stop, a rev counter and hour meter, engine protection in the event of low oil level or pressure or coolant loss, a flow switch connector and pump pressure transducer. The optional CIM136 controller adds automatic engine speed control to maintain water pressure and an integrated modem for remote start/stop via a mobile phone, as well as the potential to remotely monitor, control and
receive status messages from the pumpset via Bauer’s SmartRain irrigation management and documentation system. SmartRain enables users of Bauer Rainstar reel irrigator and Centerstar pivot systems to keep track of just one or several irrigators remotely via an office computer or using the free App available for mobile phones and other Apple or Android devices. Having real-time access to information about the progress of irrigation sessions and any problems that arise can save managers a great deal of time while allowing them to focus on other tasks safe in the knowledge that their irrigation systems are being monitored at all times.
Spread-a-Bale launches Midi Lite The first self-loading spreader for one tonne loaders. pread-a-Bale has added to its portfolio the Midi Lite, the first ever side mounted self-loading straw spreading machine for rectangular bales weighing 500kgs maximum and appealing to livestock farmers with one tonne loaders. The Midi Lite will be officially launched at Lamma. Extending Spread-a-Bale’s M series, the 500kg Midi Lite requires only one tonne lift capacity and is suitable for most tractor foreend loaders as well as skidsteer and Hof
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loaders. Spreading distance is up to 14 metres to the left by a single horizontal rotor. The machine is powered hydraulically and requires a maximum 55 litres per minute oil flow. The chain drive to the rotor motor can be geared differently to compensate for lower flow rates. The Midi Lite features one horizontal rota for side loading and side spreading. The head can be elevated to reduce total width if door access is limited to less than three metres, enabling the machine to enter the vast majority of livestock buildings. Spread-a-Bale’s Michael Hughes comments:
“The Midi Lite completes Spread-a-Bale’s portfolio, enabling livestock farmers with smaller lift capacity loaders to make up to 75% reduction in spreading time and labour, and equally important, make significant straw savings of approximately around 40% with mini Heston bales.”
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| Machinery
New Holland award-winning Farmer sets two new innovations win ASABE AE50 grain maize harvest Awards for 2019 world records with The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has elected the New Holland IntelliSense™ combine setting system and the Intelligent Trailer Brake System recipients of the 2019 AE50 Awards.
CLAAS With a grain maize harvest of 1,111 t in eight hours and 1,620 t in twelve hours, the family-owned Stewart Farms Partnership from Yorkville, Illinois simultaneously set two new Guinness World Records using a CLAAS LEXION 760 TERRA TRAC.
he award, sponsored by ASABE’s Resource magazine, recognises the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products or systems for the food and agriculture industries. It is the latest recognition received by the two New Holland ground-breaking features, which have received awards across the world for the benefits they bring to farmers. The IntelliSense™pro-active and automatic combine setting system, available on New Holland’s CR Revelation combine, takes automation to a new level to address the challenge of maintaining maximum throughput while keeping losses and damaged grain to a minimum. It enables the combine to react every 20 seconds selecting the best action out of 280 million possibilities, relying on cutting edge technology that includes the first ever cleaning shoe load sensor coupled with the next generation Grain Cam™ and electrically adjustable rotor vanes. An industry first, this ground breaking feature delivers significant advantages to the customers’ productivity: increased daily output, reduced grain loss and improved grain quality. It also introduces important benefits for the operator: fewer decisions to take, enhanced comfort and driver confidence, less fatigue and a simple user interface. The Intelligent Trailer Braking System is an innovative feature that automatically controls the pneumatic trailer brakes. Developed for New Holland’s T7 AutoCommand and T6 AutoCommand tractors, the system delivers stability under
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braking with a trailer, particularly on low friction surfaces, resulting in greater safety by reducing the risk of a jack-knife. It ensures the deceleration rate of the tractor and its trailer are aligned when the tractor’s speed is reduced using its Continuously Variable Transmission alone. This is achieved by sensing the deceleration rate of the tractor and then automatically applying the pneumatic trailer brakes, modulating their action to ensure that the trailer decelerates at the same speed. The controlled and harmonised braking force delivered by the Intelligent Trailer Braking System also means that the stopping distance of tractor and trailer is virtually the same as that of the tractor alone when decelerating. Companies from around the world submit entries to ASABE’s annual AE50 competition and up to 50 of the best products are chosen by a panel of international engineering experts. The judges select innovative products that will best advance engineering for the food and agriculture industries. The two New Holland winners will be featured in the January/February 2019 special issue of ASABE’s magazine Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World, a magazine geared to agricultural, biological and food system engineers worldwide, produced by ASABE. Read more at www.asabe.org/Resource. ASABE is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Further information on the Society can be obtained by visiting www.asabe.org/.
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ecord attempt under new conditions Back in 2010, a CLAAS LEXION achieved a record for harvesting grain maize over a ten-hour period on Steward family land. At that time, the final volume was almost 1,300 t. However, the LEXION 760 has changed quite a lot in recent years. Increased power output, a larger grain tank and a more efficient cooling system made the new record attempt easier than that of 2010. The record-breaking crew also had access to CEMOS AUTOMATIC, a unique and powerful driver assistance system in the LEXION. In addition to adjusting all the threshing settings, the system also uses CRUISE PILOT to determine the ground speed, thereby always ensuring optimum utilisation. The requirements have also changed. The current Guinness World Record rules stipulate eight and twelve hours for harvesting records. The team decided to target both these records and also therefore broke the existing tenhour record, almost in passing. This meant that a comparison could be made between 2008 and 2018.
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Record deployment of 135 t per hour The record attempt began just before 9 am on 26/09/2018. The LEXION 760 TERRA TRAC used a 16-row corn header with Bob Stewart behind the wheel. The conditions were not exactly ideal. 12 mm of rain had fallen the day before. The first semitrailer took away maize with 17-18% moisture. It was a major challenge to provide enough trucks to ensure continuous removal. After eight, ten and twelve hours, the load was removed and taken to the edge of the field until the machine was completely empty, thereby allowing the exact interim results to be determined. After eight hours, there were 43,739.68 dry bushels, the equivalent of 1,111 t. Two hours later, the figure was 54,302.97 dry bushels or 1,379.35 t. The existing ten-hour record was therefore beaten by about 6%. After another two hours, the final result was confirmed: 63,770.1 dry bushels or 1,619.8 t. During its recordbreaking deployment, the LEXION 760 TERRA TRAC had therefore achieved a throughput of almost 135 t per hour, or a truck load every twelve minutes.
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| LAMMA
Andrew Symons South Molton, Devon EX36 3L T: 01769 574455
Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040
Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430
www.andrewsymons.co.uk
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Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk
January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 35
| YAMS
YAMS 2019
The Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show
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| YAMS
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| YAMS
YAMS hits a glorious sixth in February There is an atmosphere about YAMS – the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show – that is somewhat different to any other large scale machinery event and in its first five years has continually set new records for trade stand numbers and visitor attendance. hatever we do it just keeps growing,’ says YAMS founder and organiser Richard Tasker of York Auction Centre where the show will take place once again for the sixth year at Murton near York on Wednesday 6 February. ‘There is most definitely an appetite for the show that seems unabated and there is a feeling among many who have taken stands over the first five years that it could be extended to two days.’ ‘Regardless of whether that happens or not, and we will continue monitoring response to the suggestion at this year’s YAMS, we are delighted with the way in which the show has become an integral part of Yorkshire and the North of England’s show scene.’ ‘For our stand holders it provides an ideal and cost effective way of reaching and meeting more farmers than company representatives could visit in a day and in fact that’s one of the main drivers behind them wanting a second day as some have said they cannot get to talk to
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everyone who comes on to their stand in just one day.’ Yorkshire has a proud history of major agricultural dealerships based in the county running their own machinery shows around the same time of year, but such is the passion for farm equipment across the county encompassing all sectors from combinable cropping to roots crops, livestock operations and estate woodlands and forestry that YAMS has added substantially to the machinery show season. ‘We have a fantastic line-up including every single one of our leading farm machinery dealerships with the likes of Russells, Ripon Farm Services, Scrutons, Claas Eastern, Farmstar, Brian Robinson Machinery and Peacock & Binnington all not just taking stands but using YAMS often as their main launch pad for major model launches.’ The county is also the base for a myriad of manufacturers with nationally recognised companies such as Graham Edwards Trailers, but YAMS is already much more than purely about Yorkshire companies and Yorkshire farmers. ‘Visitors come from further afield
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every year, from down into the Midlands and as far north as Cumbria, Northumberland and the border counties of Scotland,’ says Richard. ‘The 2018 show attendance was way in excess of anything we had achieved in the first four years with around 12,000 here at Murton and with over 200 trade stands. We had already received around 40 new requests for trade stand packs for 2019 by November and we are confident this year’s trade stands will number at least 220.’ Logistics inevitably come into play as an event grows in the way YAMS has expanded and Richard is delighted with the way in which York has played its part. ‘We quickly exhaust our on-site car parking facilities on YAMS Day and we have several other fields available close by but the best option visitors have is in using the Grimston Bar Park & Ride facility just off the A64 and only a few minutes from YAMS. There is a regular shuttle bus service running to and from the show from the Park & Ride throughout the day making life much easier than hanging around trying to find a parking space. We’ve had this
running for two years and everyone is now aware of just how easy it makes getting back on the road when you want to get home, as well as ease of getting in to the show.’ Seminar meetings with guest speakers made their debut at YAMS last year and Richard is in no doubt that the subject matter will be as high profile as it is possible to be at YAMS in February. ‘We will be just weeks away from our official leaving date from Europe and Brexit with all its connotations is bound to be uppermost in most minds. Clearly none of us know what everything will entail at present but subjects such as the Agriculture Bill, farming without the Basic Payment Scheme, grant funding and environment land management will all be on the agenda. We hope to have some high profile speakers on the platform.’ It all adds up to another record breaking, informative, business and social event for the 6th YAMS to be held at York Auction Centre on Wednesday 6 February where entry is free and there are plenty of refreshments available.
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| Feature
Developments in the Electronic Communications Code signal bad times for landowners Landowners are being warned to expect a continued rough ride in the future as the impact of the first year of a new code regarding the use of telecommunications equipment on land is being felt. ith government commitments to a continuing rollout of more and faster telecommunications coverage, including the forthcoming 5G services, the introduction of the new Code in December 2017 was seen as essential as means to foster greater investment by operators. Under the Code, telecommunications operators benefit from further powers to install equipment and new rights to upgrade and share apparatus – widely considered to be at the disadvantage of landowners who have previously benefitted from relatively generous land payments. Utilities experts at Bell Ingram say the 12 months since the introduction of the Electronic Communication Code has seen a general lack of activity in terms of new deals or lease renewals as the telecoms operators seek to exercise their new, stronger, powers and the landowners continue to resist the move. But Neal Salomon, Bell Ingram’s Partner in Utilities & Renewables, said key decisions in the first cases to challenge the Code are showing clear outcomes in favour of the operators – which is likely to have serious financial implications for landowners. The first of the cases - Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd V The University of London [2018] - concerned particularly the rights of an operator to take
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access to land for surveys. The right to undertake surveys is not explicitly included within the rights afforded by the Code and therefore the landowner had refused a request for access. However, the outcome of the case was decided in the operator’s favour, with the judge noting that the intention of the Code was to facilitate and to ease the rollout of communications networks and that this must have included an implicit right to undertake surveys. Neal said: “The case was not specifically dealing with valuation matters, but the judgement did also refer to the fact that the value of rights under the Code is expected to be ‘nominal’, which will again come as unwelcome news to landowners and strengthen the negotiating position of the telecommunications companies. “This case has closed one of the potential loop-holes that a landowner may have looked to benefit from in seeking to capitalise from the approaches of a telecommunications company. It is likely that this case will be considered as precedent in any future dispute taken before the Upper Tribunal and may have an impact on the assessment of costs. “A landowner facing a similar situation would therefore be advised to exercise caution before deciding to prevent access. “It is yet to be seen how futures cases are decided - or indeed if this recent case is
appealed - but it seems likely from the tone of the judgment that future decisions to clarify other elements of the Code are more likely be decided in the favour of the operator than the landowner. “As the interpretation of the Code continues to become more clearly defined by the decisions of the courts it is now more important than ever that those dealing with telecommunications matters take the best possible advice from experts such as Bell Ingram.” Bell Ingram has a team of specialist expert valuers that can assist in all telecommunications matters. The team has acted as expert witnesses in recent cases involving telecommunications valuations and has advised on national rates to be adopted for national fibre optic networks. Head quartered in Perth, Bell Ingram manages over 500,000 hectares across the UK on behalf of public, private and corporate clients. It has built a name as one of the UK’s leading providers of land management services for the utilities and infrastructure sector. To find out more, visit: https://bellingram.co.uk/
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| Fuels
Fuels Staying safe, preventing theft and avoiding disruption with effective fuel management
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| Fuels
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| Fuels
Staying safe, preventing theft and avoiding disruption with effective fuel management Rebecca Swann, Product Manager at Certas Energy. well-maintained fuel tank is key to keeping machinery moving throughout the busy farming year. Combining fuel management with a suitable storage and dispensing solution enables farmers to secure, monitor and maintain a reliable fuel supply. The hidden costs of a poorly maintained tank Many in the farming community are sadly all too familiar with the disruption that can be caused by a compromised fuel tank, with over 20%1 of UK farmers falling victim to fuel theft and one in ten experiencing a fuel spillage. The agriculture sector is particularly exposed to the rise in fuel theft due to the difficulty of securing farm land against trespassers. If a fuel tank is not effectively monitored or secured, it can become an easy target for opportunistic thieves. Poor tank maintenance can also cause interruption to a farm’s day-to-day business. Without regular maintenance, tanks can develop cracks that can result in costly leaks and spillages. Additionally, most reputable fuel suppliers will refuse to deliver to tanks considered to be unsafe such as those with cracks or leaks. This extends to tanks that are kept at a
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hazardous elevation. With falls from height the second highest cause of death in agriculture, elevated tanks can not only pose a health and safety risk to suppliers seeking to deliver fuel, but also farmers looking to access and maintain their tank. Giving your tank an MOT When it comes to staying fuel safe and avoiding costly interruptions to productivity, prevention is often the best cure. Smarter, safer storage starts with a fuel tank health check. First, inspect the area around your tank. Ensure it is well lit and that all foliage is cut back. While a hidden tank can deter thieves, don’t be tempted to block off the tank with plants or fencing, as this can make it impossible or even dangerous for fuel to be delivered. There should also be a spill kit close to your tank that includes commercial sorbent products. Moving on to your tank, ensure that it is watertight and check for any cracks and leaks. Test valves, gauges and locks to ensure they remain functional. If your tank is kept at height, ensure that it is not elevated above three metres to receive fuel deliveries. For best practise fuel storage, consider investing in a bunded tank that can be kept at ground level. If anything seems amiss, call an OFTEC-registered engineer to perform a full inspection.
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Five steps to long-term fuel safety On a busy farm, fuel management is just one of many competing responsibilities. However, the right solution can offer peace of mind that your fuel supply is protected – enabling you to focus on your business. Here’s how to keep your fuel safe all year round: 1 Never miss a drop – over half of farmers admit to struggling with fuel management. Install a telemetry system that alerts to any sudden drop in fuel levels that could be caused by theft or a spillage 2 Lights, camera, action – keep tanks in a well-lit area and deploy CCTV to help deter thieves 3 Upgrade and maintain – opt for a close shackle padlock or a tank with in-built locking mechanisms to protect against theft and make sure your tank is regularly checked for cracks and foliage 4 Sound the alarm - tanks can be fitted with alarms for as little as £100 to scare off thieves. There are also locks, fobs and key codes available to provide additional protection 5 Protect vehicles and machinery – anything with a tank is a target, so fit equipment with float-valves that allow fuel to flow into the tank, but not out
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| Fuels
The diesel dilemma Tackling climate change by doing more with existing diesel tech. t's not easy being a diesel driver in today's world. Between clogged diesel particulate filters (DPFs), stricter EU directives and the highly publicised Paris agreement on climate change, the future of diesel looks bleak. Here, Mark Burnett, VP of the Lubricants and Fuel Additives Innovation Platform at NCH Europe, explains how using additives can make existing diesel technology less damaging to the environment. If you're a diesel driver, you will most likely have heard the horror stories of failed DPFs. One minute you're driving down the road in a perfectly well-maintained car and the next minute your car has gone into limp mode, leaving you with limited electronics and only one usable gear to get to the nearest service centre with. In the worst cases, drivers have reported screeching noises coming from the DPF shortly followed by plumes of smoke from the exhaust and an explosion of soot over the engine bay. Despite the potential hassle, DPFs play an important role in
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capturing harmful particulate matter (PM), or soot, and oxidising it to prevent the car from polluting the air with high levels of noxious emissions. The latest Euro six standard, introduced in September 2015, sets limits on the amount of permitted emissions, including nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons and particulate matter. Although it's great that the UK is taking these steps — the latest figures from the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) show an overall decline in air pollution — there is not much benefit in acting alone. Cue, the Paris accord. Designed to tackle the wayward direction of global climate change for the next hundred years, the Paris agreement is a deal struck between nearly 200 countries. The key elements of the agreement include: keeping global temperatures well below two degrees Celsius above preindustrial times, limiting greenhouse gases emitted by human activity, reviewing each country's contribution every five years and rich countries helping
poorer countries switch to renewable energy. It's a historic step, and one that means 2017 might well be the beginning of the end for diesel technology. However, for many people, this change cannot come soon enough. For years, there has been a perception that diesel vehicles are more environmentally friendly than their petrol counterparts, when this simply isn't the case. Diesel cars actually produce just as much carbon dioxide as petrol and more noxious emissions. The problem is that drivers, fleet managers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the industrial sectors have already invested heavily in diesel and it will take time to transition to cleaner alternatives. Rather than wait for the change, OEMs in particular can do more to make their existing diesel vehicles less damaging to the environment by using fuel additives. Additives have historically been shunned because some actually reduced fuel economy instead of improving it and customers would have been better off using a more premium fuel instead. Where additives do work is for
specific tasks such as unclogging injectors, cleaning the fuel and, crucially, improving DPF performance. NCH Europe's DPF Protect additive, for example, reduces the temperature at which the DPF burns soot, from 550 degrees to 400 degrees Celsius. The latest Euro six standard, introduced in September 2015, sets limits on the amount of permitted emissions Instead of waiting for the engine to get up to temperature — something that usually requires the vehicle to be driven at speeds of over 40mph for over ten minutes — the additive triggers the regenerative process by lowering the temperature at which the DPF activates, lowering the amount of dangerous particulate matter emitted into the air. While it will still take many years for technology and legislation to bring about an overwhelming improvement in climate change, there is still more we can do in the here and now to make existing diesel technology cleaner.
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| Energy
Pioneering rural business event launched The Energy and Rural Business Show is a pioneering event which comes from the creators of The Energy Now Expo. It will showcase the latest opportunities for farms both now and in the future and is designed for farmers, landowners and rural businesses looking to maximise profitable and sustainable land use. aking place next February 6th and 7th in Telford International Centre, the show has been created due to popular demand and for the first time it will bring three key areas together, which are set to define farm businesses going forward. The Energy Now Expo, celebrating ten years of success, will be joined by the Rural Business Expo and the Low-Emission Vehicles Expo. “We’re responding to the industry which needs a progressive event for farms of the future. The show will provide rural business owners and farmers with expert advice about how to go about setting up initiatives which make good business sense for the long-term,” says David Jacobmeyer, director of the Energy and Rural Business Show. “The farm of the future has the potential to become an important source of renewable fuel and energy, as well as food. There is now a
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greater need for localised renewable energy and if the government’s target to ban diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040 is to be met, we will need new sustainable refuelling infrastructure in rural areas. Farms could become key players in the production and supply of renewable transport fuels. “The next few years for farms is uncertain but there are some fantastic opportunities for rural businesses wanting to not only ‘future-proof’ but to drive change and we’re planning on showcasing the most innovative diversification options available in one space over two days,” adds David. Jonathan Scurlock, NFU chief adviser for renewable energy and climate change is positive about the event changes afoot. “As the voice of British farming, the NFU is pleased to welcome the union of Energy Now Expo with the Low Emission Vehicles Expo and Rural Business Expo. Over the past decade, farmer interest in diversifying into new income streams
from the low-carbon economy has been wellserved by this annual exhibition and conference in Telford, which is now embracing renewable transport vehicles and refuelling.” The Low-Emission Vehicles Expo will have on-stand demos and presentations and the latest vehicles and machinery for rural businesses on show. Energy Now Expo will feature an exhibition, a dedicated energy storage theatre, a one-to-one advice clinic, and conference streams devoted to each type of renewable energy. The Rural Business Expo will have ‘how to’ workshops from industry experts and farmers who have implemented successful new business ventures or have integrated new projects with existing initiatives. The event is free to attend, and places can be booked today: http://www.energyandruralbusiness.co.uk/visit/r egister-to-visit.
Ground source heating market to grow 13% by 2020 It’s estimated* that the global ground source heating market will be worth a billion pounds by 2020, and uptake in the UK is in line with the forecast, as more farmers turn to the systems which transfer renewable heat and cooling from the ground. ccording to John Findlay, recent chair of the Ground Source Heat Pumps Association (GSHPA), the trend is in part due to a rise in RHI incentives. “The government has significantly raised RHI for ground source heat pumps meaning long-term, fixed returns are obtainable and they’re now higher than biomass incentives. There is a higher upfront cost but it’s a long-term investment, with payback over 5-8 years generally (with RHI) and a typical 8% return on investment.” Significant cost savings and incentives along with environmental benefits have boosted demand and farmers wanting to find out more about the opportunities in ground source heating are invited to attend the Energy and Rural Business Show where there will be a dedicated ground source heat pumps pavilion
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with suppliers and experts to inform on installations. “Ground source heating is a very long-lived and low maintenance solution to both heating and cooling and provides a fully sustainable supply of renewable energy. Plastic pipe with ever-reducing ‘carbon intensity’ of the UK’s power supply, the carbon footprint of a GSHP system is reducing all the time. With the life of a heat pump in excess of 25 years, some of the systems installed today will within their operating lifetime become truly zero-carbon systems. Geoff Ellison of Dragon Drilling works with many farmers to install ground source heat pumps and says putting in a heat pump takes good planning but once it’s in the rewards are long-lasting “RHI payments are fixed for 20 years and they’re index-linked. “Ground source heat pumps work via heat-
exchange pipes laid underground, either horizontally or vertically in boreholes. Fluid in the pipework absorbs heat from the earth and transfers it to a heat pump,” he says. “Each installation is different, and our geologists assess the underlying strata and heating/cooling requirements of the building to advise on the design and dimensions of borehole or trench, guiding our customers through the installation process,” adds Geoff. The GSHPA and Dragon Drilling are at Energy and Rural Business Show to explain how ground source energy can help farmers and landowners address the key issue of combating global warming in a practical way that is in tune with the natural environment, saving on energy bills and benefitting from financial incentives.
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| Energy
Failure to check energy potential could cost £millions Land agents and farmers who are buying and selling land should ensure they check the potential for renewable energy projects before proceeding, to avoid missing out on valuable contracts. he value of land which is suitable for generating or storing renewable energy could be considerably higher than land which does not have such capacity, explains independent energy specialist Roadnight Taylor. “We recently had a case where a large land agent was selling land for a client and wanted to check if there was an opportunity for a high value energy scheme,” explains director Hugh Taylor. “The client didn’t want to pay the £350 for a survey, so it wasn’t carried out. Within a week, we were approached by a prospective purchaser to carry out our Stop/Go study on the same land, which revealed there was 20MW of grid capacity available for battery storage.”
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At the time, such a scheme was worth around £60,000 a year in rent for the next 30 years, potentially adding about £1.5m to the value of just an acre of land, he adds. “On the day the purchaser completed the sale we submitted their grid application and secured them an incredibly cheap 20MW connection offer.” This case demonstrates the importance of carrying out such studies when buying or selling land, explains Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. “Land prices can be significantly affected by genuine renewable energy opportunities. While sellers and purchasers often consider whether there is potential for planning permission to develop
land or buildings, they shouldn’t forget about possible energy projects.” It’s also not just land which might be affected, adds Mr Taylor. “Commercial sites with large warehouses or offices, industrial and retail estates all have potential for renewable energy generation.” However, there is more to a suitable site than its location – the local energy grid capacity is critical to the likelihood of success, as there is such limited availability. It’s therefore important that landowners act fast to secure capacity if it is available, he warns. “Whether you are buying, selling, or acting on behalf of a client, it’s vital that you undertake due diligence by carrying out an energy survey – failure to do so could cost you £millions.”
Defra land management programme manager outlines environmental opportunities for farmers A new Payment by Results (PBR) scheme, spearheaded by Defra, will be the first Environmental Land Management (ELM) initiative directly funded by the UK and will mean that in future, farmers will be incentivised to earn more money by providing environmental benefits on their land. Chris Walsh armers wanting practical guidance on the future of ELM are invited to attend the Energy and Rural Business Show, where Defra’s environmental land management programme manager, Marie Hall, will outline future prospects for farmers in her talk entitled ‘Environmental Land Management – a look at the government’s 25-year plan and the opportunities available’.
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The new show incorporates three Expos for the first time. Energy Now Expo, celebrating 10 years of success in 2019, will be joined by the Rural Business Expo and Low-Emission Vehicles Expo To test the new initiative, a new PBR pilot scheme has been given the green light and will take place to trial the ELM system and finetune it for future rollout across the UK. All the funding for the PBR pilot will come from Defra, with a £540,000 boost to pay farmers according to the environmental outcomes they achieve over the next two years. The project is paying participating farmers in two areas - Norfolk and Suffolk in the East of England and Wensleydale in Yorkshire - for work that is specifically tailored to the environmental needs of their area. For example, in Norfolk and Suffolk farmers are benefitting from planting nectar plots for bees and other
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pollinators, while those in Wensleydale are focused on managing species-rich meadows. Speaking on the new pilot scheme, secretary of state for Defra, Michael Gove, said: “Under the CAP, agri-environment schemes have been overly bureaucratic and inflexible. This has impeded innovation for farmers who are passionate about the environment and want to see real change. “The Payment by Results pilot marks a shift in how we think about rewarding farmers for their work. This approach signals how we see the future of farm payments, where farmers deliver public goods for the environment which we all enjoy.” Energy and Rural Business Show is free to attend and takes place on February 6 and 7, in Telford International Centre. The new show incorporates three Expos for the first time. Energy Now Expo, celebrating 10 years of success in 2019, will be joined by the Rural Business Expo and Low-Emission Vehicles Expo. Energy Now Expo will feature an exhibition, a dedicated energy storage theatre, a one-to-one advice clinic, and conference streams devoted to each type of renewable energy. The Low Emission Vehicles Expo will have on-stand demos and presentations and the latest vehicles and machinery for rural businesses on show. Also new for 2019, The Rural Business Expo will have ‘how to’ workshops from industry experts and farmers who have implemented successful new business ventures or have integrated new projects with existing initiatives.
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| ATV
Lakedale Power Tools Croydon, Dartford & London T: 020 8683 0550 www.lakedalepowertools.co.uk
World of Power Buxton, Derbyshire T: 01298 213145 www.worldofpower.co.uk
Charles H Hill Ltd Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire T: 01526 388281 www.charleshhill.co.uk
Ermin Plant (Hire & Services) Ltd Gloucester, Gloucestershire T: 01452 526616 www.erminplant.co.uk
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| Forestry
Forestry Commission act on tree pest detected in Kent Woodland managers, land owners, the forest industry and tree nurseries that supply mature conifer specimens are being urged to remain vigilant after the Forestry Commission identified a breeding population of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in Kent. This was as part of routine surveillance activity. he beetles have been discovered in a woodland setting, the government contingency plan has been initiated and the Forestry Commission has been designated the competent body for the outbreak. Movement restrictions have been served on-site to minimise the risk of onward spread, while further investigations and surveillance of the area is conducted. Adult beetles will be dormant and hibernating at this time of year. The eight-toothed spruce bark beetle does not affect human health but can be a serious and destructive pest of the spruce tree species across Europe, although it generally prefers weakened or damaged trees. It has never been discovered in the wider environment in the UK before. Smaller spruce trees (less than fifteen years old), including domestic Christmas trees, are too small to be susceptible to infestation and very unlikely to be affected by this finding. Nicola Spence, the UK Chief Plant Health Officer, said: "An outbreak of the eighttoothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in an area of woodland in Kent has been
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confirmed. It poses no threat to human health, but can be a serious pest of the spruce tree species. An outbreak of the eight toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) in an area of woodland in Kent has been confirmed
"We are taking swift and robust action to limit the spread of this outbreak as part of our wellestablished biosecurity protocol used for tree pests and diseases. “I encourage anyone who suspects a sighting of the bark beetle to report these to the Forestry Commission on the Tree Alert portal.” Further information on tree pests and diseases, and how to identify them, is available here. Caroline Ayre, of Confederation of Forest Industries who represent the UK forest and timber industry, said: “The discovery of this outbreak is of great concern to the UK forest industry. It is essential that everyone is vigilant and we work with the Forestry Commission to help bring this outbreak to a swift conclusion.”
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| Tyres
Riviera Produce, which supplies some of Britain’s top supermarkets with fresh vegetables, has praised its Taurus tyres for helping it boost productivity.
Taurus Tyres help Riviera Produce keep up with consumer demand ahead of festive season Riviera Produce, which supplies some of Britain’s top supermarkets with fresh vegetables, has praised its Taurus tyres for helping it boost productivity – delivering great tyre life and reliability versus other brands it has trialled. perating 365-days-a-year, its fleet of 40 New Holland tractors collectively farm more than 5,000 acres across Cornwall, which makes it vital to fit costeffective and durable tyres. And since using the Taurus fitments, they have found each set delivers an average of 3,500 hours split between field and road operation before needing to be replaced – more than any other replacement tyre brand it has tested. Wayne Simmons, Farm Manager at Riviera Produce, says: “We manage our tractors extremely carefully to ensure we get the maximum life out of every set of tyres we fit. As soon as the original equipment rubber has worn out, we switch to Taurus replacement tyres and it’s really helped to bring our tyre
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costs down. “The scale of the operation means our tractors are doing a lot of road work, but the performance we get is superb. Plus, by specifying only two types of Taurus tyres across the fleet it makes it easy to swap machines and tyres between applications to balance out any wear issues.” Supplied by Taylors Tyres in Redruth, Riviera Produce fits the predominantly 18.4 R38 and 14.9 R28 Taurus Point 8 tyres on its tractors for planting and harvesting work, and the 65-series Point 65 for ground work and cultivation. These radial ply fitments offer impressive flexibility and strength which allows the tyres to absorb impacts and deliver a more comfortable and stable ride; a benefit recognised by Riviera Produce’s operators. The radial construction also helps to
optimise fuel consumption, as each tyre’s wide footprint distributes pressure more evenly on the ground to reduce soil compaction. This helps to guarantee optimum traction leading to improved productivity. Matt Taylor, Owner at Taylors Tyres, says: “We have been working with Riviera Produce for more than 20 years providing them with everything they need including our 24/7 breakdown service. Coupled with the reliability and longevity of Taurus tyres, we help them meet their customers’ demands all year round.” Taurus tyres are manufactured in Michelin Group factories within Europe – each meeting stringent environmental and quality management standards, and are distributed by Kings Road Tyres, the exclusive UK wholesaler for the brand.
CEAT Specialty to display tyre range at SIMA The trusted manufacturer showcases its latest agricultural products as part of the premier show ‘SIMA’ in Paris. EAT Specialty, with a newly opened office in Netherlands, will showcase its range of agricultural tyres at SIMA to be held from 24th to 28th February 2019. On display will be its ag radial range -85 series, 65 series and 70 series, all of which have recently been launched in Europe with great success. These robust radial tyres have the following features and benefits : • Wider tread for reduced soil compaction;
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• Higher angle and lug overlap for better roadability; • Lower angle at shoulder for superior traction • Also on display will be the range of radial flotation tyres - Floatmax FT which have the following benefits: • Wider and flatter crown that offer better floating characteristics , • Rounded shoulder providing lesser damage to soil and crops • Robust centre blocks for better stability and
roadability. CEAT will also feature their Row crop radial tyres. Of the show, Managing Director of CEAT Specialty Tyres Ltd, Vijay Gambhire, said: “We are proud to exhibit alongside fellow industryleading brands at this prestigious international event. SIMA is a wonderful platform for meeting with existing and future customers to showcase our diverse range, and to launch new products to the European market.”
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| Education
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January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 49
| ATV
Polaris
Make Winter light work with Polaris Genuine Accessories
Master the tough jobs of winter with the Polaris PRO HD winches and Glacier plow systems. esigned with topquality materials, rigorously tested to ensure durability, and delivering topof-the-line performance, the new winches and plow systems are an essential tool for any Polaris off-road vehicle. Straight from the factory, every vehicle has integrated wiring and fitment components for straightforward installation, so more time can be spent completing the task at hand. Polaris Pro Heavy-Duty Winch Polaris’ Pro Heavy-Duty winch has remarkable pulling power, and now operates at a higher speed thanks to the brand-new Rapid Rope Recovery technology, achieving five-times faster rope retrieval. Users can adjust the winch pull with ease with the new dial settings; FREE SPOOL (N) mode to attach the winch hook, PULL (L) for top-power winch mode, and ROPE RECOVERY (H) mode for five-times faster and time-saving re-spooling. The Pro HD winch has been built to work in the most difficult situations with strong traction and top-quality components. The 15.25 meter-long, premium rope is made with high-strength synthetic material for enhanced flexibility – the
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synthetic material is easier work with than steel ropes as the smooth texture doesn’t kink or bind, and it’s easy to handle as the rope is extremely lightweight. The winch has cut steel gears for durability, a corrosion-resistant outer finish and can operate whilst fully submerged under water, due to its sealed magnet motor and drivetrain. Enhanced auto-stop technology is installed into the Pro HD winch, which stops the winch pull when the fairlead detects the collar attached to the hook – this intelligent technology prevents any stress to the driveline and over-lifting. The winch can also be controlled via a wireless remote control with a 15meter range, allowing usage even in the most difficult or dangerous situations where it may be safer to control the winch remotely. As usual for Polaris Engineered accessories, the winch has been put through military-grade testing processes both in the lab and out on field – the winch was tested with 1,200 pulls at maximum capacity to prove dependability and endurance. It can also withstand temperatures as low as minus 29 degrees Celsius, so users can have 100% confidence in the winch in the most extreme conditions. In typical Polaris fashion, the
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installation process is particularly practical and straightforward. Each Polaris vehicle has factory-fitted integrated wiring, and the mount is included, meaning the winch can be installed straight out of the box – no fuss, no adaptors required, and no need to cut any panels on the vehicle for fitment. Polaris Glacier Plow System Conquer the snow with the Glacier Plow system, designed to seamlessly integrate with the Polaris machine for ultimate convenience when you need it most. both the top-of-the-line Glacier Pro HD and outstanding value Glacier HD plow system are available to help shift the Winter’s worst. Each plow has integrated Lock & Ride attachment points and a cleverly-designed autoretracting kickstand, which means it conveniently attaches to the plow frame when driven up to so no time is wasted with difficult hook-ups. Choose from a flexible Polyethylene blade, that’s easy on plowing surfaces and has non-stick, non-rust properties, or a rigid, tough Steel blade, that will withstand demanding plowing. Both blades cover a large surface area and have forward-facing corners for maximum plowing performance and impact. A plow blade however, is only as strong as it’s frame – Polaris
Engineered plow frames are wideset and made of robust steel with rust protection for year-round use and dependability even with the toughest plowing. Whether it’s a steel or polyethylene blade, control the plow with ease using convenient hydraulic systems for both plow lifting and angling. The Glacier Pro HD Plow Hydraulic lift system can be installed as an alternative to using a winch for lifting the plow. The Glacier Pro HD Plow Hydraulic angle system can be installed for angled precision and increased capability. The plow can be easily manoeuvred without the need to move from the driving seat with the simple power controller, compatible with both hydraulic systems to lift or change the angle of the plow. Polaris Engineered Pro HeavyDuty winches and Glacier Plow systems are available for Polaris RANGER, RZR, GENERAL, SPORTSMAN and ACE models. Please check with your local Polaris ORV dealer to check full compatibility. 6,000lb (2,722kg), 4,500lb (2,041kg) and 3,500lb (1,588kg) winches available.
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| ATV
Honda ATV Winter benefits from the best-selling Honda range Even during the winter months when fields are often too wet for travel by conventional 4x4s or tractors, a Honda ATV or UTV can transport people and materials cheaply and efficiently around the farm. ince Honda ATVs first appeared on UK farms in the mid-1980s the brand has remained a firm favourite and the ATV line-up includes utility models from 229– 675cc and a choice of 2 or 4wd. Honda’s Pioneer 700 utility vehicle joined the range just over a year ago, offering additional load carrying and passenger capacity. Whether the farm or estate is predominantly arable cropping or livestock, adding a Honda ATV can improve efficiency, saving many hours worked. Large flotation tyres allow travel over soft ground without causing ruts or compaction, with plenty of grip for steep slopes and pulling heavy loads. Transport tasks can continue through the winter, carrying water, feed and bedding to livestock out in the field or in outlying buildings, while saving ground damage which could be caused by other types of vehicle. Honda’s functional design includes an external power supply (available on selected models) fed by the battery and charging system. Powerful worklights are standard and ideal for dark winter mornings and evenings and the capable charging system provides plenty of power for accessories
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such as salt spreaders, livestock or game feeders without the need for an extra battery. All Honda ATVs come with rugged front and rear load racks and a tow bar allows larger, heavier loads to be transported by trailer. The Pioneer not only add load capacity with their large tipping load beds, but allow extra passenger comfort through a range of weather protection accessories. For those considering investing in a new Honda ATV or UTV there has never been a better time as an attractive finance package is currently available through Honda dealers. The Pioneer models are
both available with 0% finance allowing payments to be spread over 24, 36 or 48 months. ATV and UTV theft is an issue in many areas and those investing in any new Honda are offered the reassurance of a tracking system fitted free of charge. Datatool TrakKing Adventure activates automatically when the ATV is stationary and alerts the owner through a mobile phone app if unauthorised movement is detected. The same app is used to locate the machine through GPS location information provided by the tracker. The only additional cost to owners is a £9.95 (incl VAT) monthly subscription.
To make life on your farm easier and more comfortable this winter and to take advantage of Honda’s tempting finance offers before they end in March, just contact your local main dealer for further information. Highly trained dealers will ensure you receive the best advice for your situation, and their workshops are equipped to repair and service these versatile machines quickly and efficiently to minimise downtime. Free of charge operator training though the industry’s European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) is also included and strongly recommended.
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| ATV
Kawasaki
The History of Kawasaki’s Multi Use Light Vehicles – MULE
With design simulating a pick-up truck in function, the first Kawasaki MULE (Multi-Use Light Equipment), was released for sale in 1988 and since then the evolving product range has become commonplace in any setting where a light weight, sturdy vehicle is required. 1988 eaturing a pick-up truck type design, the Kawasaki MULE concept revolutionised the lightweight utility vehicle. Powered by a liquid-cooled 454 cm3 twin-cylinder engine mounted in an opencab utility chassis with independent front and rear suspension and with a rear differential lock feature, the MULE 1000 utility vehicle was an immediate success when it was released in 1988. 1990 The combination of selectable 2WD or 4WD with a Hi/Lo transmission made the MULE 2010 the most versatile utility vehicle on the market in 1990. Independent front and semi-independent rear suspension, plenty of load-carrying capacity and a reliable 535 cm3 engine made this MULE model suitable for almost any work environment. 1991 Nicknamed the Tenderfoot MULE, the medium-class “turf” MULE utility vehicle was specially designed for use on golf courses, sporting fields and other places where a soft “footprint” is important. Powered by a fancooled single-cylinder engine the MULE 2020 featured a dual-mode differential that could be locked for maximum traction or unlocked to minimise ground disturbance. Turf-type tyres and easy-to-operate controls made this hardworking MULE an instant hit in 1991. Sales of the MULE 2030 utility vehicle commenced in 1991 as well. Offering many of the features of the MULE 2020, this 2WD model was designed especially for industrial work. It had special fuel and electrical systems to meet strict industrial standards, a flat bed and hardsurface tyres that offered long life on paved inplant surfaces commonly found in manufacturing companies and warehouses. The MULE 500 utility vehicle was introduced. This personal-sized utility vehicle was compact in size, easy to use and could easily fit in the back of a pick-up truck to be transported to work sites. 1993 A larger, more-powerful liquid-cooled 617 cm3 V-Twin engine, 4-wheel drive, heavy-duty carrying capacity and a tilting cargo bed made
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the 2510 a top-of-the-line MULE model. Other advanced features included dual-mode differential, a high-mounted cab-frame air intake, a fan-cooled belt converter and allwheel self-adjusting hydraulic brakes. Sales of the MULE 2520 utility vehicle, the second in the MULE 2500 series, began. The combination of a quiet-running liquid-cooled VTwin engine with a sound-insulated engine box and turf tyres made it possible to handle the toughest jobs with a quiet and light “footprint.” 1994 With the MULE 2500 series setting industry standards, Kawasaki introduced the MULE 2500 utility vehicle. With most of the same features as the MULE 2510, this 2WD fully automatic version was a class leader. 1997 Sales of the MULE 550 utility vehicle began. Newly designed, its fan-cooled engine with internal engine balancer and proven 4-wheel suspension gave the MULE 550 a relaxing ride quality. A bench seat for two made this the first 2-person compact MULE model. 2000 Sales of the MULE 520 utility vehicle (KAF300-D), a turf version of the MULE 550, commenced. Compact size, turf tyres and popular features that included low emissions, simple controls and dual-mode differential made the MULE 520 a convenient and versatile MULE model for the turf world. Powered by a liquid-cooled, 3-cylinder, 953 cm3 diesel engine, the MULE 2510 Diesel offered outstanding fuel economy and increased load capacity. Dual-mode differential, independent strut-type front suspension and 4WD made this heavy-duty MULE utility vehicle a popular choice on work sites around the world where diesel is the primary fuel, such as in agriculture and underground mining. 2001 The release of the 4WD MULE 3010, turf MULE 3020 and 2WD MULE 3000 marked the latest evolution in Kawasaki’s MULE history. Powered by gutsy, liquid-cooled, 617 cm3, VTwin engines coupled to all-new CVTs, they were some of the hardest working and most durable machines Kawasaki had ever produced. Radical new pick-up truck styling, improved ergonomics and other automotive
Southam Agri. Services Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH 01926 813426 http://southamagri.co.uk
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design features made this new generation of stylish, hardworking utility vehicles an instant hit. 2003 Another machine in the MULE 3000 series, the 3010 Diesel featured the proven, liquidcooled, 3-cylinder, 953 cm3diesel engine of the 2510 Diesel dressed in the pick-up truck styling of the other 3000 Series models. Upgrades included a stronger CVT belt, improvements to the exhaust system and a new cylinder block. Hard working and highly versatile, the 3010 Diesel’s fashionable new styling package clearly positioned it at the top of the MULE line. Sales of the first camouflage MULE utility vehicle commenced. Based on the successful MULE 3010, the latest addition to the MULE 3000 Series provided woodsmen a rugged companion with ample load-carrying capability. 2005 Sales of the MULE 610 4x4 and 600 commenced. The new “baby” MULEs featured new 401 cm3 engines, more rugged suspension, new high-volume bodywork and a number of other features designed to increase their comfort and convenience. The 610 4x4 also featured selectable 2WD/4WD – a class first – and large 24” tyres. Both models were still small enough to fit in the back of a pick-up. It was only fitting that Kawasaki, as pioneers in the utility vehicle market, be the first to release the world’s first convertible MULE. At first glance the MULE 3010 Trans4x4 looked like other 3000 Series MULEs. But the Trans4x4 featured two rows of seats, enabling it to accommodate four passengers. Being easily able to switch between two-passenger and four-passenger modes gave the Trans4x4 much greater flexibility. In four-passenger mode, a family, work crew or group of hunters could be accommodated; in two-passenger mode, cargo space was maximised. 2007 For those really tough jobs, Kawasaki offered the MULE 3010 Trans4x4 Diesel. Its powerful 953 cm3 diesel engine churned out mountains of torque for serious hauling and towing capability. Coil reinforced shocks for the De Dion axle and leaf-spring rear suspension ensured a high load capacity. And being a Trans4x4 meant high versatility – whether transporting a work crew in four-passenger mode or hauling cargo with the extended cargo bed in two-passenger mode. 2008 Making it even easier to do a hard day's work, the MULE 3010 Trans4x4 Diesel received a high-grade electric power steering system.
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| ATV
Suzuki ATV
Suzuki brings the King of Quads to the 2019 LAMMA Show
Suzuki is looking forward to attending this year’s first ever indoor LAMMA Show, taking place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on 8-9 January 2019. uzuki’s all new KingQuad 750 will make its LAMMA debut on the marque’s stand 19.232 in Hall 19, where you can also expect to see a selection of its hard-working and popular utility ATVs including the Ozark 250 and KingQuad 400. Launched in the Autumn of 2018, the new KingQuad 750 and 500 models boast an impressive 600kg towing capacity, sharp new styling and a range of rider-friendly new features including a handlebar-mounted headlight to improve visibility into the turn plus additional water-resistant storage compartments to help you carry more equipment. In addition, the front suspension, steering system and rear stabiliser are all new, which combine to deliver excellent straight-line
stability, sure footed handling when cornering and improved overall manoeuvrability. The handlebars have also been raised which improves the riding position, allowing for longer and easier rides. Impressive refinements have also been made to the tried and tested engine to continue Suzuki’s reputation for high levels of performance and reliability. The new multifunction instrument panel is also easier to view and includes a service reminder icon, which notifies the rider when the ATV is due for its routine service. Couple this with newly designed body parts that allow easier access to key components such as the fuel filter, means that customers will benefit from easier and lower cost servicing. The show, organised by AgriBriefing, is the UK’s leading agricultural machinery equipment and service show which works to aid in the
development of the industry. Each year the number of attendees has increased, and this year will be no exception with 11 halls and 700 exhibitors taking part in the event. George Cheeseman, Head of Suzuki’s ATV and Marine divisions said, “We have been a long-term supporter of the LAMMA show and embrace the move to the NEC and an indoor event, especially at the time of year it is held. We are anticipating another great show and are pleased to be showcasing our new flagship model, the new KingQuad 750, and looking forward to giving our customers even more insight into the real-world benefits that its innovative new features deliver.” For further information about Suzuki’s impressive range of ATVs visit www.suzuki.co.uk
Using input from a vehicle speed sensor and torque sensor, the ECU determined the amount of steering assistance necessary. Assistance was greatest when needed most (at extremely low speeds and when stopped) and reduced at higher speeds to ensure stable handling. Kawasaki's other diesel MULE, the MULE 3010 Diesel 4x4 (KAF950-D), received the same update. 2009 The MULE 4000 Series marked the next step in the evolution of the MULE utility vehicle concept. A new, no-nonsense, big-truck styling package reflected the tough, powerful nature of MULE utility vehicles and their ability to get the job done. The gasoline-powered MULEs came with fuel injection, ensuring easy starting and consistent, stable power in all operating conditions. And speed-sensitive electric power
steering (first seen on the2008 diesel MULEs) was now featured on all 4WD models, offering natural handling at all times. 2010 The newest addition to the MULE utility vehicle line, the MULE 610 4x4 XC (or “Bigfoot” MULE) featured larger, 26” tyres and 12” wheels. Its enhanced off-road capability and increased ground clearance was complemented by a sporty design and graphics package. Combined with the dependable performance of the MULE 610 4x4, this compact utility vehicle opened the door to greater potential for leisure activities. FAST FORWARD TO 2019 Delivering all the rugged, reliable and adaptable attributes that Kawasaki’s MULE utility vehicle brand is justifiably famous for, the new Kawasaki MULE PRO-MX range for 2019
relies not only on a torque laden 700cc CVT single-cylinder equipped engine but also benefits from the Shinari design philosophy. The utility vehicle of choice for many professionals such as farmers, gamekeepers and grounds-care experts. The Pro DXT stands at the top of the Kawasaki MULE series. Also available in a 2 seater variant. The MULE SX 4x4 rides on 24 inch tyres and offers selectable 2WD and 4WD with hi-lo dualrange transfer case and rear differential lock. Kawasaki PRO styling, tilting steering wheel and the dependable OHV 410cc engine, 181kg load and 500kg towing capacity make this is a true go-anywhere vehicle. Built strong to work hard, Kawasaki MULE products will continue to live up to the robust reputation of their predecessors.
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| Motors
Mercedes-Benz adds powerful new engines to GLE line-up Two new diesel engines have been added to the GLE range: 350 d 4MATIC (£61,955 OTR) and 400 d 4MATIC (£64,230 OTR). he GLE 350 d 4MATIC and GLE 400 d 4MATIC are powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine, with an output of 272 hp and 600 Nm of torque in the GLE 350 d and 330 hp and 700 Nm in the GLE 400 d. They are both capable of delivering up to 40.4 mpg on the combined cycle and emit 184 g/km of CO2 (depending on wheel size). The GLE 350 d 4MATIC can travel from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 143 mph, while the GLE 400 d 4MATIC can sprint to 62 mph from standstill in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph. The GLE 350 d 4MATIC and GLE 400 d 4MATIC come as standard with MBUX
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multimedia system with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice activation; AIRMATIC air suspension system; 12.3-inch widescreen cockpit display and 12.3inch touchscreen media display; blind spot assist; 20-inch five-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels; illuminated grab handles and running boards; seven-seat equipment line including electrically adjustable rear seats, additional USB ports, automatic four-zone climate control, and a third row of two seats (manually folding); static LED headlights with active high beam assist; privacy glass; mirror package including logo projection; heated front seats; and parking package including active parking assist. There are a number of option packages available. The Premium package costs £1,995 and comes
with Multibeam LEDs with adaptive high beam assist plus; memory package; wireless charging; and parking package including 360o camera. The Premium Plus package is available for £4,295 and adds Burmester surround sound system; Energizing package including Energizing comfort programs and AIR-BALANCE package for fragrancing and filtering of interior air; Keyless-Go Comfort package including Keyless-Go access and drive authorisation system, hands-free access and remote
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| Motors
boot closing; and Panoramic glass sunroof. The Tech package can be added for £495 and includes augmented navigation and smartphone integration. The £1,495 Tech Plus package adds MBUX Interior Assistant which allows intuitive,
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natural operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition; and headup display. The Towing package – only available in conjunction with the Premium and Premium Plus packages – costs £1,150 and includes Hitchtronic which provides a parking
assistance system for trailers; trailer coupling with electronic stability control; and increased towing capacity of 3,500kg. The Off-Road package can be added for £1,695 and comes with the Off-Road engineering package which includes additional off-road driving modes and downhill speed regulation; and underbody protection which provides an underguard for the engine, together with reinforced underfloor panelling the full length of the vehicle. The Driving Assistance package is available for £1,695 and comprises Blind Spot Assist; Lane Keeping Assist; Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC; and Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system.
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| Motors
Isuzu D-Max Huntsman tracks down yet another award in 2018 Continuing a very successful year, the multi award-winning Isuzu D-Max picks up yet another award, this time we've now been voted 'Best Model' for the Isuzu D-Max Huntsman by the 4x4 magazine in their pick-up of the year awards. he 4x4 Awards celebrated the contributions of outstanding manufacturers within the 4x4 and Pick-up sectors of the automotive Industry. The Huntsman accessory pack ensuring an even more fit for purpose and highly specialized vehicle. Manufacturer categories compare vehicles across several
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core criteria, including capability, durability payload, running costs, fuel efficiency, reliability and aftersales service. So, it is a great accolade that the Isuzu D-Max emerged victorious, beating strong competition from rivals in a highly contested sector. The Isuzu D-Max was praised for meeting Euro 6 standards without the need for AdBlue, unlike most of its competitors. It has a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, over 1 tonne
payload and provides a quiet, economical driving experience. The breadth of the Isuzu D-Max range also impressed judges; with single, extended and double-cab formats available, as well as a wide choice of trim levels. Coupled with the attractive fiveyear/125,000-mile warranty package and 5 years’ roadside assistance (in the UK & Europe), the Isuzu D-Max proved it was truly built for the professionals who use it. The award-winning Isuzu D-Max has already had a successful 2018, being crowned ‘Pick-Up of The Year’ at the 2018 What Van? Awards, ‘Most Reliable Pick-Up’ for 2018 by Professional Pick-Up & 4X4 magazine, ‘Best Workhorse Pick-Up’ for 2018 by Trade Van Driver, ‘Best Pick-Up 2018’ by Scottish Field, Van/Truck Brand of
Manufacturer categories compare vehicles across several core criteria, including capability, durability payload, running costs, fuel efficiency, reliability and aftersales service. So, it is a great accolade that he Isuzu D-Max emerged victorious, beating strong competition from rivals in a highly contested sector the year 2018 by On The Tools and ‘Pick Up of the Year’ at Export and Freight Transport and Logistic Awards 2018. Most recently winning ‘Pick-Up of The Year’ again at the 2019 What Van? Awards.
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January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 59
| Motors
The ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS – a performance SUV with vRS genes The ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS is the first SUV in ŠKODA’s sporty vRS family and also the new spearhead of the Czech car manufacturer’s SUV campaign. The performance model is powered by the most powerful production diesel engine in ŠKODA history with a power output of 176 kW (240 PS). It demonstrated its capabilities with a record lap time of 9 minutes 29.84 seconds on the toughest race track in the world – the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife. The performance SUV is the first ŠKODA to also feature Dynamic Sound Boost for a particularly emotive engine note. he ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS comes with all-wheel drive as standard. It provides everything the ever-growing target group for powerful SUVs could wish for thanks to its exceptional dynamics both on and off the road as well as its particularly bold appearance. It uniquely combines a modern lifestyle with sportiness; the efficient and powerful diesel engine impresses with its sustainability. With the perfect mix of a dynamic driving experience and excellent suitability for daily use, the KODIAQ vRS is the first SUV to combine the distinguishing qualities of all the ŠKODA vRS models. Sportiness meets suitability for daily use From a big shopping trip or a family outing to sporty usage on- and off-road, the ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS is well-equipped for almost anything that everyday life can throw at it. The Czech brand’s first performance SUV is aimed at active and design-focused customers. With the ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS, they can cultivate their modern lifestyle and highlight it with the car’s sporty appearance. The SUV offers sporty and enjoyable driving on the road thanks to its
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powerful engine. In addition, it can transport mountain bikes to a remote downhill mountain track in its spacious boot and can easily cope with moving house on a small scale. In a nutshell: the ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS combines the qualities of a sporty, long-distance vehicle with those of a robust and very safe family car. Through the ‘Green-Hell’ in record time The ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS secured its first record even before its world premiere. Racing driver Sabine Schmitz, who is the only woman to have won the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring to date, conquered the Nürburgring’s 20.832-km-long Nordschleife in 9 minutes 29.84 seconds. The ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS thereby set a lap record for seven-seater SUVs in the legendary ‘Green Hell’. “The car looks sporty and is sporty to drive. I thought a seven-seater would be difficult to handle on a demanding circuit like the Nordschleife, but it handled like a dream and was easy to drive. I’m impressed,” said Schmitz, who has already driven more than 30,000 laps around the Nordschleife during her career. ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS with exclusive details It is not just the brand’s most powerful diesel
production engine and Dynamic Sound Boost, which provides a particularly striking sound, that are making their debuts in the new ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS. It is also the first time a ŠKODA features 20-inch Xtreme alloy wheels as standard. Furthermore, the range of standard equipment includes full-LED headlights and LED tail lights. Selected body elements in gloss black underpin the sporty appearance of the ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS. In addition to the engine, the 7-speed DSG and intelligent all-wheel drive also contribute to the dynamic driving characteristics; progressive steering as standard ensures particularly safe and agile handling. Furthermore, the sporty vRS also offers all the advantages of the large ŠKODA SUV. In addition to its spacious boot, the ŠKODA KODIAQ vRS provides plenty of room for five or seven occupants, depending on the chosen version. It offers the latest technology for infotainment and connectivity. The car features a Wi-Fi hotspot and enables access to the ŠKODA Connect services. And in ŠKODAtypical style, the KODIAQ vRS also makes everyday driving that little bit easier with numerous Simply Clever features.
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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 61
| Motors
New flagship GT Sport Nav+ heralds arrival of updated 2019 Mazda CX-5 Mazda is welcoming the New Year with the announcement of the 2019 Mazda CX-5. Available to order now, the revised CX-5 line up sees the introduction of a new GT Sport Nav+ model grade. In addition, subtle revisions across the range are designed to ensure this popular SUV continues to offer class-leading levels of driver appeal, quality, equipment and style. ince the launch of the original Mazda CX-5 in 2012 more than 48,000 have found homes in the UK, while sales of the secondgeneration model have passed the 13,000 mark, ensuring that the CX-5 is now Mazda UK’s biggest selling model. Launched in June 2017, the current CX-5 was updated in the summer of 2018 with additional standard safety equipment, the introduction of a petrol automatic model and a power increase for the high-output 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine. Featuring an unchanged range of Skyactiv engines, and building on last year’s updates, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 now features Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM as standard across the range, while the keen eyed will spot a revised climate control panel. However, as you’d expect for a car that is less than six-months on from its last update, the CX-5’s bold and elegant styling remains unaltered. Always an SUV praised for its dynamic ability, Mazda’s unremitting commitment to driver engagement has seen subtle tweaks to the CX5’s suspension set-up to further refine the CX-5’s well-regarded balance of agile handling and comfortable ride quality. A thicker front-anti roll bar, smaller rear anti-roll bar and revised front stabiliser bushings combine with new urethane material in the rear damper top mounts and amended damping valve structures to deliver the improvements. In addition, the 2019 CX-5 features an updated version of Mazda’s GVectoring Control system – GVC Plus, which now features direct yaw control to enhance stability at speed.
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Available with a choice of front-wheel drive 165ps petrol and 184ps all-wheel drive diesel drivetrains, the new range-topping GT Sport Nav+ brings the same level of interior luxury and equipment found in the Mazda6 GT Sport Nav+. Marked out externally by 19-inch bright alloy wheels, it’s inside that the new flagship CX-5 really stands apart. Real wood and satin chrome on the dashboard and door trim inlays is matched to standard Nappa leather and black roof lining to deliver the most luxurious Mazda SUV cabin yet, while white LED illumination and a frameless rear view mirror are further examples of high end features in the cabin. Also unique to this new flagship trim is a 7inch colour TFT dial display and an exclusive steering wheel design with a chrome centre bezel and high-grade stitching. As you’d expect for a luxury SUV, the new GT Sport Nav+ features a host of equipment highlights over and above the well-equipped Sport Nav+ including: front seat ventilation, heated outer rear seats and sunroof. In addition to the extensive safety kit tally found across the range, the GT Sport Nav+’s standard Safety Pack includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Driver Attention Alert, Rear Smart City Brake Support and 360o View Monitor. Commenting on the launch of the updated 2019 CX-5, Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson said, “the CX-5 showcases how Mazda can make an SUV that’s stylish, great to drive and capable of luring customers from premium badged rivals. The updates last year introduced new levels of sophistication to our large SUV, and the 2019 model ensures Mazda’s love of driving is even more apparent in
the CX-5’s outstanding balance of ride and handling”. Adding, “the fact that over 80 per cent of CX5s sold in the UK are Sport Nav+ trim shows that our customers value the superb blend of luxury and equipment offered by our high grade models, so with the introduction of the GT Sport Nav+ we now have a new model that offers even more exclusivity and interior comfort for discerning SUV buyers.” All 2019 Mazda CX-5s feature a generous standard equipment tally that includes LED headlights, auto power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control. Highlights on Sport Nav+ cars include a reversing camera, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Smart keyless entry, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus a power lift tailgate and a windscreen projecting head up display that features Traffic Sign Recognition. Standard safety equipment across the range includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control and Lane Keep Assist. Other highlights include Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Machine Grey Metallic paint, which both use Mazda’s unique three-layer TAKUMINURI painting technology. Compared to the first-generation CX-5’s Soul Red Metallic paint, Soul Red Crystal increases brightness by approximately 20 per cent and depth by 50 per cent. Available to order now, deliveries of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 will begin in February.
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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
January 2019 | Farming Monthly | 63
