January 2022 Farming Monthly National by Farming Monthly Ltd

INSIDE: Last chance to apply for £10,000 environmental grant page 6

Farming MONTHLY National

January 2022

I Reducing Silage losses with best practice page 16 | Reaping the Rewards

of renewable energy page 36

Also inside this month..

page 66

Women in Farming

JCB MAGNIFICENT MILESTONE

NEW CropSave

Disc and Tine Cultivation Equipment to suit your needs 4-6 Meter TITAN BTA o 560mm OFAS discs o XXL HD NSK sealed bearings o Steel ring packer (double roller options available) o Straw tines o Active side screens o Hydraulic depth control o Front support wheels o Air brakes

Call direct for best pricing Andrew: 07967 300 578 Office: 01805 603 363 2|

Farming Monthly | January 2022

www.pfc-eu.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Suitable equipments for cultivation he Ares BTX 3meter disc harrow has 2 rows of 12 independently sprung 560mm discs which are well suited for shallow surface seed chitting to a maximum cultivation up to 170mm working depth. Standard specification includes NSK bearings, LED lights, active side screens and straw tines and deflector board between the discs. The Ares BTX can be combined with the Atom GT subsoiler as a single pass unit for the min till operation of directly after ploughing removing compaction pans and aerating the soil with a maximum working depth of 450mm. The straw tines aid the seedbed preparation and even spreading of debris when operating the discs at 25mm depth for seed chitting. For final soil preparation the disc operated at your preferred cultivation depth in combination with the Atom subsoiler will provide a finished seedbed ready to for drilling. The deflector board keeps the soil supressed in front of the rear disc when high operating speeds are achieved. As soil passes through the first disc is will be naturally thrown upwards. During high operating speeds this soil will hit the deflector board which diverts the soil downwards for the second row of discs to cultivate. The impact will also aid soil crumbling aiding soil preparation. The steel ring packer provides

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

excellent final soil preparation. Breaking any final soil lumps and providing an even soil consolidation. Various packers are available to suit your needs. The PUMA seed bed cultivator has been designed with strength, quality and consistency at its core. The initial toothed levelling board effectively shatters large lumps as the soil then passes through the front depth control cage roller further preparing the soil structure for drilling. The standard heavy duty vertical sprung tines provide excellent penetration even in the most challenging soil types. The passive spring action crumbles the soil to its final seed bed readiness. Due to the vertical entry point the tines do not

flick stones towards the surface. By utilising the heavy-duty tine, the rigidity of the tine is maintained which increases the effectiveness of the working tine. The added benefit of a vertical placed tine is any crop residue is evenly distributed and not collected and transported to the lifting out of work point. The final standard accessory is the standard steel ring packer. Other packer options are available but in combination on the Puma cultivator it provides market leading consolidation and final seedbed preparation. After ploughing PFC used this Puma on a single pass then drilled with their tine drill for winter wheat. Establishment has been exceptional with an even consistence seedbed produced.

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

CONTENTS J a n u a r y 2022

FEATURES

18 26 28 30 40 42 44

Arable Land use change offers opportunity – but don’t lose control, says CAAV

Sheep NSA encouraged to see next stage of ELMS development underway

Muck and Slurry Spreading Rule Changes Announced by Scottish Government

Grain Good start to the 2021/22 marketing year for UK feed wheat

FM REGULARS

Potatoes & Root Crops Tong’s new MonstaFill transforms box filling worldwide

National

Women in farming Holly Atkinson South Devon based calf rearer, vet and organic farmer.

Mental Health RABI reports growing demand for online wellbeing service

Security Suzuki ATV Dealer join forces to help Gloucestershire Police fight rural crime

Livestock Turbulent period for GB milk supply ahead

Farming Monthly | January 2022

6 34 36

News Last chance to apply for £10,000 environmental grant

Buildings Climate change: What’s next for UK livestock welfare?

Energy Reaping the rewards of renewable energy

56 62 66

Machinery Autonomous tractors and how they will help change the world

ATV A new Honda TRX420 FE1 ATV was recently chosen by Sylvester Farms

Motors ISUZU D-MAX NAMED WHAT VAN? PICK-UP OF THE YEAR 2022

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Farming MONTHLY National

Agriculture. Covered. EDITOR editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jenny Hughes j.hughes@farmingmonthly.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION studio@farmingmonthly.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com ON THE COVER

Previous LAMMA Show

Climate change: What’s next for UK livestock welfare?

Subscribe today!

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

Available in

DIGITAL & WEB

For editorial, general enquiries or to advertise please call +44 (0) 2476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com Farming Monthly National is published monthly in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Printed in the UK No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or publication. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as required and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved. ISSN 2044-0190 (print) ISSN 2044-0200 (digital)

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Autonomous tractors and how they will help change the world January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| News

Last chance to apply for £10,000 environmental grant armers in the Midlands have until the 31 January 2021 to apply for up to £10,000 of match funding to help make business improvements that protect water and the environment, as part of the Severn Trent Environmental

Protection Scheme (STEPS). Dr Adam Freer, from Severn Trent, says the STEPS scheme has successfully run for six years alongside other environmental stewardship programmes, and has benefitted over 2,400 farms, 6|

Farming Monthly | January 2022

contributing to business and water quality improvements. “With this in mind, we’ve pinpointed key issues of concern in each of our 44 priority catchments, and through the scheme, we’re encouraging farmers to choose funded options that prevent pesticides, nitrates or cryptosporidium reaching watercourses. “The grant can benefit both livestock and arable farmers, offering match funding for a wide variety of infrastructure and land management improvements,” he explains. Dr Freer encourages farmers to select a ‘priority item’ for their specific area to ensure their applications are competitive. “Options vary from building pesticide washdown areas and covering livestock handling systems, to planting cover crops or installing livestock fencing, to name a few.” He adds that Severn Trent’s work with farmers is mutually beneficial. “While STEPS-funded investments are designed to benefit farm productivity and protect

the environment, they also help to reduce treatment costs and therefore keep customers bills as low as possible.” To find out more about the STEPS grant, contact your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser or visit: www.STwater.com/STEPS Priority items Pesticide catchment areas: • • • • •

Pesticide washdown areas, including roofing Grass margins Biobeds and biofilters Alternative weed management in grassland fields Precision pesticide application equipment

Nitrate catchment areas: • •

Cover crops Grass margins

Cryptosporidium catchment areas: • • • •

Livestock fencing along watercourses Hard bases for drinking troughs Roofed livestock handling and manure storage areas Constructed wetlands

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Whole farm approach at the heart of agriculture's transition, says DEFRA Minister

inister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Victoria Prentis, has today said whole farm management is where farming is heading.

At a panel discussion organised by the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) at the Oxford Real Farming Conference, Ms Prentis said: "The whole farm approach will be at the heart of where we go with the agriculture transition. But most farmers are not ready to do that, though we would encourage people to take the steps to get there." The panel event marked the launch of NFFN's new report: Farming for Climate Action: What are we waiting for? The report outlines a comparison of devolved and UK government targets for climate and nature, alongside an overview of farming and land use across the UK and the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GhG) across each farming system. It presents an infographic of a whole farm system approach with eight areas where practises can actively reduce GhGs and support farming business in becoming more resilient and protected against the effects of climate change. During the panel discussion, Martin Lines, UK Chair of the NFFN, said: "Many farmers are waiting for schemes to come in years' time rather than making changes now, because we have become so embedded in a payment system that has rewarded land size instead of what www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

we do with that land as a public benefit affecting both biodiversity and our climate." When asked what the government is doing to ensure farmers will not be disadvantaged in the transition between old and new schemes, Ms Prentis said that farming has been "infantilised by CAP" and that farmers "will absolutely not be penalised for early [scheme] adoption." During the conference session, farmers Denise Walton and Hywel Morgan discussed their transitions towards a whole farm approach that works to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Mr Morgan, a livestock farmer in Myddfai, farms 230 acres with no fertilisers and a reduction in chemical sprays. He has reduced bought-in feed stocks from 18 tonnes to 3-4 tonnes. In a move away from soil disturbance, he plants herbal leys with deep rooting systems, including chicory, plantain and clovers. After "too many years" of rye grass, he said: "As an upland grassland farmer, why would I want to kill off perennial self-seeding grass to plant new grass? I keep asking myself `why did I do this every year'?" His efforts have resulted in higher soil pH levels and an improved carbon storage. "My income dropped around 20%, but my profits have always gained as the less I spent the better off the farm is. I'm better off now financially than I have been for years."

Denise Walton, a Pasture for Life farmer in Scotland, said they ditched chemical inputs in order to improve their grasslands through rotational paddock grazing, tree planting and maintaining species-rich meadows. "We changed our grazing system by splitting our fields into smaller paddocks where we rotational mob graze groups of 10 cattle in 10-acre paddocks with three days grazing and three days' rest." "In the past, until we were agrochemically dependent, but since stopping using sprays and inorganic fertilisers, we've seen an incredible improvement in our grass efficiency and its ability to cycle nutrients, including carbon. We're saving nearly £70k a year with less tractor use, less fuel use and no imported feedstocks." Ms Prentis spoke about her vision for UK agriculture in 10 years' time, saying there will be a "really good labelling system" which will mean that consumers are "much more aware" of what they're consuming and that British farming will be producing "at least 60% of the food we eat," "I think we will, taken as read, share space with nature on our farms. In terms of the landscape, there will be areas that are spared and much more peatland will be rewetted. I very much hope many more farms will, frankly, look like Denise's and Hywel's," said Ms Prentis.

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| News

NEW CropSaver 7 Series Application Equipement for 2022 Season

ropSaver is launching the new 7 Series bale management systems for all types of large square baler. The 7 Series builds on the precision and functionality of the previous 600 Series while reducing the overall capital cost of a system. The H2O precision moisture sensor and is the building block for additional 7 Series modules. Accurate measurement of moisture

is key to understanding further improvements in the management of your baling operation. The H2O moisture sensor with its 24 years of infield experience is built for the latest generation of high density large square balers. The technology used to read moisture is market leading +/- 1% accuracy with zero calibration requirements in different crop types 8|

Farming Monthly | January 2022

or density. The twin star wheels measure by pulsing an electrical signal through the entire bale flake profile. The CropSaver team is often asked ‘why we would pay more for your moisture sensor’, the simple answer is accuracy and reliability with ease of use whether it is integrated to he baler or as a smart device standalone system. Why should a baler operator accept data that is less accurate from a rub pad or moisture probe? With the twin star wheel system, the operator can have full confidence in the data produced. In the near future a second-generation RFID bale tagging system will complement the wet bale marker that provides a simple low-cost option to highlight bales that exceed the operators defined moisture limit. Marking with a food grade colour of the high moisture bales allows the bales to be separated at the stacking point so that the number of waste or poorquality bales are reduced. The third component is the automatic variable rate applicator which is suitable for all large square balers.

The new 7 Series is approximately a 20% saving in capital cost. CropSaver uses the balers onboard sensors such as the electronic bale length and weigh scale to monitors the balers performance, adjusting CropSaver pH 6.0 buffered acid application in real time. CropSaver pH6.0 animal safe buffered acid. This is an integral part to assist in the baling of high moisture hay and straw when the weather is fighting you all the way to the barn. We have all heard stories of straw baled too wet and turns out like cardboard or hay baled to wet and the usual comments of ‘leave it in the field for a few weeks to sweat’ or at worst self-combust. Once you exceed 16% moisture just as with grain there is varying degrees of spoilage unless using our highquality bale preservative. NEW 7 Series is the most costeffective tool to assist in your baling operation. Improving your understanding of moisture in crops and being able to manage high moisture bales with the wet bale marker or utilising the ultimate bale management applicator system. CropSaver is available from your local New Holland Dealer. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Prescison moisture sensors Bale management solutions Manual & Automatic applicators

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| News

Creating a real future for rural Britain: The Prince's Countryside Fund grants programme improves, regenerates and supports 20 rural communities across the UK he Prince's Countryside Fund (PCF) is pleased to announce that it is investing £275,000 in 20 rural communities across the UK by awarding grants to innovative projects of up to £25,000 over two years.

Since 2010, the PCF has been empowering family farms and rural communities through their grant making programmes, supporting over 500 projects including 121 community spaces, 22 transport schemes and 118 training and skills projects. From investing in pubs as community hubs to funding healthcare initiatives, the PCF wishes to support schemes that focus on creating long term solutions for rural communities. The innovation demonstrated through these projects means that thousands of people will directly benefit from the PCF's support, creating a more sustainable way of living. The PCF aims to make available at least £500,000 each year to ensure that projects that will transform hamlets,

villages, and small market towns continue to flourish. Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince's Countryside Fund said: "The PCF wants to help projects which will make a real difference to rural communities, addressing issues which local people have identified and funding community-led solutions. We know from our experience that the rural projects we support build cohesion, neighbourliness and a sense of belonging, which are vital ingredients in ensuring sustainable and resilient communities. We could not achieve all that we do without the support we receive from the players of People's Postcode Lottery. My thanks to both organisations for their continued assistance in creating a real future for rural Britain." Field Nurse, based in North Yorkshire, has been awarded £17,475 to allow them to run weekly health checks at auction marts, as well as set up a website and attend agricultural shows to promote their services. During the Covid-19 pandemic,

Field Nurse has focused not only on physical health but also mental health, to tackle heightened feelings of isolation for those that live and work in rural areas. The funding from PCF will allow them to both maintain and extend their important presence at marts and other agricultural events. Heather Harrison from Field Nurse said: "We are thrilled that The Prince's Countryside Fund has chosen to support our charity. The grant will provide a huge boost to the field nurses and provides us with security for the future, enabling us to expand and provide more sessions. We feel that our support of the rural community will be needed as we enter a very uncertain time in the farming community and many farmers will be put under pressure which will impact on their mental and physical health." The PCF invites applications to its 2022 grants programme from Wednesday 2nd March 2022. For more information including eligibility and how to apply, visit www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/ grants

NFU responds to latest Environmental Land Management announcement R

esponding to announcements at the Oxford Farming Conference by Defra Secretary of State George Eustice on the future of farming support schemes, NFU Vice President Tom Bradshaw said: “British farmers are proud to produce climate-friendly food to some of the highest standards in the world, alongside maintaining and protecting the great British countryside, its air, water, soils and its wildlife.

“We welcome today’s further clarity on the roll-out of the Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery as part of the agricultural transition, including scheme eligibility and option-based approach available to farmers to support activity such as the creation of wetland habitats and managing trees and woodlands. The increases in payment rates for new Countryside Stewardship agreements are also welcome. “The NFU has always maintained that the ‘public money for public goods’ approach must focus on sustainable food production and environmental delivery 10 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

going hand-in-hand. While it is encouraging that sustainable food production is recognised, there is still a lack of detail on how it fits in with the schemes’ ambitions to improve farm biodiversity, restore peatlands and manage woodlands. This lack of detail is preventing farmers from making crucial long-term decisions that are essential to them running viable and profitable businesses.

“There are still a number of questions that need answers, not least the costs farmers are likely to incur from participating in these new schemes and how the schemes are accessible right across the country and for every farmer. Currently there appears to be a lack of options for tenant farmers to get involved and this must be addressed as a matter of urgency. “It is also clear that neither Local Nature Recovery or Landscape Recovery will be widely available to farmers over the next three years, making it difficult to replace the falling income from BPS. To remedy this, farmers must have more detail

about the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), specifically when will SFI ‘early rollout’ be launched this year and how quickly can the SFI offer be increased to enable greater uptake, so they can make the important decisions needed now which will affect their business for years to come. “Only by ensuring these schemes incentivise sustainable food production, allow every farm business to be involved, and pay farmers fairly for the costs they incur, will they attract the participation the government envisages to deliver our collective environmental and net zero ambitions. “At a time when public support for British food and farming is at a high, our biggest concern is that these schemes result in reduced food production in the UK, leading to the need to import more food from countries with production standards that would be illegal for our farmers here. This simply off-shores our production and any environmental impacts that go with it and would be morally reprehensible.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Photo: Sam Shine (2nd from right) with members of the SAMCO team

Case IH has today announced that SAMCO Agricultural Manufacturing Ltd has been appointed as a new Case IH dealer ased in Adare, County Limerick, SAMCO is best known for manufacturing mulch film and associated application machinery for the arable and horticulture sectors, alongside selling a range of other agricultural machinery. From 1st January 2022, the business will also sell the full range of Case IH tractors, harvesting equipment and telehandlers as well as supplying parts and providing a comprehensive after-sales service. The business also plans to open a second depot in Tralee, County Kerry in early 2022.

The family business was started in 1997 and is now run by father and sons, Sam, Robert and Matthew Shine, employing over 50 staff and www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

exporting to 25 countries. "We're very excited to be adding the Case IH brand to our business," says Sam Shine. "Our family has used Case IH machinery for many years and it's a well-respected brand in this area that will complement our existing product range. We started business as dairy farmers, and then agricultural contractors before moving into machinery and work hard to use this experience to provide the best solutions for our customers in an ever-changing industry. The opening of an additional depot in County Kerry will enable us to service an even greater area of customers and we look are very much looking forward to taking delivery of our first Case IH machines in the New Year."

Commenting on the development, Jon May, Case IH Dealer Relationship Manager for the UK and Ireland said: "SAMCO is very well-known in the Irish agricultural industry and is an excellent addition to the Case IH dealer network, covering an area that was previously open for the brand. They are a strong business that I am confident will deliver a professional service to existing and new customers in the area. Case IH continues to be the brand of choice for a large number of Irish farmers and we look forward to working with SAMCO to strengthen our sales of our products in this part of the country in the future."

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| News

Watson Fuels creates new bunker sites for convenient refuelling

atson Fuels has announced the opening of two new bunker refuelling sites, located in Sheerness, on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, and in the Canada Dock area of Liverpool.

• • •

Leading fuel solutions provider opens two new sites New sites located in Kent and Liverpool Sites will offer 24-hour, 365-day service

Conveniently located outside ports, they are perfectly positioned for companies filling up before or after delivering goods. The sites are completely automated and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also HGV accessible, offering diesel, gas oil and AdBlue, and helping businesses reduce their fleet’s overall downtime. Watson Fuels is the leading provider of fuel solutions for businesses across the UK, offering a complete solution that includes bulk fuel, fuel cards, storage, monitoring services and Carbon Offset fuel, helping businesses to meet their cost, convenience and sustainability targets. Watson Fuels Head of Fuel Cards Nichola Lunt said: “Sheerness and Liverpool are both ideal locations for our new bunker sites. “They are two busy ports that many fleets pass through on a daily basis. 12 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

“Following the successful launch of these two sites, we are now looking to open more automated refuelling sites in strategic points for our customers.”

•

Watson Sheerness, Garrison Road, Sheerness Docks, Sheerness ME12 1RD

•

Watson Liverpool, South Side Sandhills Lane, Liverpool, L5 9XN

The new Sheerness and Liverpool refuelling sites are part of the UK Fuels, Texaco Fastfuel and Keyfuels fuel card networks, joining more than 3,500 existing sites across the UK. Drivers can use any of these fuel cards on-site as a convenient, costeffective and secure way to refuel. Businesses that take advantage of fuel cards also benefit from significant savings, centralised reporting, product controls and security against theft, while those with bulk tanks or fleet fuelling services can use fuel cards as a back-up for convenient refuelling on the go. The addresses for the new sites are:

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Farmers need straight answers on post-EU payments, says CPRE ommenting on the Public Accounts Committee's criticism of Defra's post-EU farming subsidies scheme being based on 'blind optimism', Tom Fyans, campaigns and policy director at CPRE, the countryside charity, said:

'There have been many positive signals from Defra that indicate the health of our soils and countryside is to be prioritised after leaving the EU. We welcome this. But farmers are integral to this ambition and they need to be able to trust the new

system will pay them fairly and support them to look after the land they manage. If all they are being offered instead is 'blind optimism', as has been alleged, it is no wonder they are worried. 'It is time the government turns lofty ambition into granular detail. Farmers are rightly being asked to help combat the climate emergency. They are right to ask in return how this will be measured, how they will be paid and how these plans might impact their ability to make a living producing food.

'A healthy, thriving countryside, full of nature, food and jobs, is in everyone's interest. We want these new plans to succeed. Farmers have understandable questions and they need to get straight answers in time to be able to plan ahead for change. Even at this early stage it is clear longer term funding will need to be guaranteed to ensure a successful transformation so that farming can play a leading role in tackling the climate and nature emergency .'

Secretary of State at Oxford Farming Conference - Soil Association response eorge Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, addressed the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) to outline his plans for sustainable farming in the UK. This followed details released yesterday by Defra on the plans to restore 300,000 hectares of habitat across England via two new environmental land management schemes - the Local Nature Recovery scheme and the Landscape Recovery scheme. The Soil Association welcomes the plans to reward farmers and landowners for delivering benefits to the environment, but is calling for more systemic change. Speaking ahead of Mr Eustice's speech this morning, Soil Association policy director Jo Lewis said: "The latest announcements on the Environmental Land Management Schemes are encouraging, but they still risk falling short of the transformational change needed. To drive that change, we need clearer, quantified targets, such as for reducing pesticide and artificial nitrogen fertiliser.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

"The government must also acknowledge that these schemes won't work in isolation. They risk failure if they are forced to compete with mounting commercial pressures that encourage more intensive farming and cheap food production, for which the environment and our health ultimately pays the price. "Rewarding nature-friendly farming practices is only part of the equation. We need fairer, shorter supply chains that prioritise nutritious food over cheap, ultra-processed food, and which fairly rewards farmers. And we must stop signing trade deals that undercut our farmers by wiping out nature abroad. "The National Food Strategy has clearly said that most farmers on most land need to be farming agroecologically to reverse the climate, nature, and health crises. These farm payments are welcome, but the government's White Paper response to the National Food Strategy's recommendations will be a crucial test for how effective they will be." Today's speech at OFC In Mr Eustice's speech he highlighted the importance of healthy soils, commenting that "the way we manage our soils is inexplicitly linked to the quality of our water courses", which has a "direct impact" on many protected sites. He also stressed that "we cannot deliver our targets on new woodland creation or our ambition to restore natural habitats unless

there's a degree of land-use change". Responding to his words, Jo added: "We heard lots of encouraging words from the Secretary of State today about the importance of soil health, but it is concerning to see a slide in ambition with the target to bring 60% of soils under sustainable management by 2030. This is well short of the initial 100% target that was set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. If soil is so central to the sustainable farming incentives, why is almost half of it not going to be managed sustainably this decade? "We welcome the focus on tree planting, but we recognise that farmers are concerned about farmland being taken out of food production and used to grow trees. We do not have to choose between one or the other, and farmers should be helped to reap the many rewards trees can deliver. Mr Eustice could win more farmer backing by focusing less on changes in land use and instead incentivising agroforestry enabling farmers to combine their crops or livestock with trees in a farmer-led tree revolution. "The commitment to substantial payment rates that will truly encourage farmers to farm sustainably is hugely welcome, but they will be up against mounting commercial pressures, including trade deals that do not favour British farmers. A strong government response to the National Food Strategy that prioritises sustainable and healthy diets across the food chain will be key to making these schemes work."

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| News

APF 2022 and The Arb Show A

PF 2022 is delighted to announce that we are teaming up with The Arb Show to stage the largest forestry and Arb show ever held in the UK at Ragley Estate, 22-24th September 2022.

The two largest arboricultural shows in the UK are joining forces

One of the highlights will be a brand new Arb Worker Zone. This will be a key interactive area giving arborists the chance to see demos of new climbing equipment and techniques, a technical area to learn direct from the manufacturer about equipment maintenance and repair and the very popular Arborist’s workshop with a daily timetable of topical subjects given by industry experts. All this will be in addition to the World 25m poleclimbing competition, the European Chainsaw Carving Championships, woodland crafts area, the British Open Fencing championships, the Fencing Village, 320 exhibitors, 21/2 miles and over £60 million pounds of working machinery on show. APF Exhibition Secretary Ian Millward said “We’re thrilled to announce this new partnership; we’re excited to have the AA on board and are committed to making this a fantastic industry event. The Arboricultural Association is one of the leading organisations in the Arb world, so we are pleased to have this opportunity to build a stronger partnership and see it as part of the natural evolution of the APF Exhibition. Exhibitors will now benefit by have a very targeted audience at one venue” Arboricultural Association CEO John Parker echoed those sentiments “this is fantastic news for arborists. ARB Show has been a highlight of the event calendar for more than twenty years, and after two years of virtual events we are delighted to be able to announce this collaboration with APF 2022, bringing the show to a greater audience than ever before. Attendees and exhibitors will benefit from this change and we feel certain that the whole arboricultural profession will be out in force to celebrate the return of ARB Show in

to deliver one incredible event over the three day show. All the usual features of each show will come together to provide the ultimate one-stop shop for the forestry, arboricultural, woodland and fencing industries. Arb Show favourites such as the UK Open Tree Climbing championships will be featured with lots of new and exciting competitions for all abilities. 14 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

2022.” For anyone working in arboriculture APF 2022 and The Arb Show is going to be an unmissable event. You can book your place as an exhibitor or visitor right now at https:// www.apfexhibition.co.uk/

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Wynnstay raise over £6k for RABI in North to South challenge ver £6,000 was raised by Wynnstay in 2021 for The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), when 201 members of staff took part in a challenge to see how many times they could travel 644 miles, the distance between Wynnstay’s northernmost and southernmost stores. In the north to south challenge, every member of Wynnstay was invited to see how many times they could walk, run, swim or cycle the distance virtually, while raising money for the company’s nominated charity. Gareth Davies, CEO, explains that supporting the needs of British farmers has always been important to Wynnstay, making RABI an obvious choice for a charity to fundraise for. “Most our staff have personal connections with the farming community. If they don’t live on a farm, their family

and friends do, so they genuinely understand and want to help alleviate the challenges faced by farming families,” he says. Collectively, they travelled 29,239 miles, which is the equivalent of travelling between Montrose and Helston 45 times. Mr Davies presented the cheque for funds raised to Linda Jones, RABI'S Regional Manager for Wales. Wynnstay has also recently featured Alicia Chivers, CEO of RABI, on the AgriHub Podcast, which was about mental wellbeing on-farm and can be accessed at https://www.wynnstay.co.uk/wynnstayagri-hub-podcast.

To contact RABI for support, either for yourself of someone you know, call 0800 188 4444.

NFU President's New Year Message FU President Minette Batters said: "We have marked the end of an extraordinary year. The past 12 months have thrown everything at us, from a growing labour crisis to soaring input costs, all amidst the ongoing pandemic. "But we have also seen incredible levels of public support for domestic food. As the people who produce that food, we continue to be recognised as key workers – people who are helping to

keep the country fed and watered throughout a really challenging time. We remain extremely grateful to everyone who has backed British farming and British food this year. "Every single one of us is proud to produce some of the best food in the

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

world, and with the right policy framework we know we can deliver so much more. We can drive the rural economy, enhance our natural environment, contribute to national net zero targets and care for our cherished countryside so it can be enjoyed by everyone, all while producing more home-grown, local food for shop shelves. "The next 12 months could lay the foundations for a thriving food and farming sector where we are competitive both at home and abroad. If ministers create an agriculture policy which has a resilient food supply chain at its heart, we have the potential to not only be the number one supplier of choice for UK households, but a firm favourite for markets around the world too. "If British farming is to succeed, we need both our domestic agriculture policy and our trade policy to support our shared objectives of feeding the nation and exporting great British food overseas. As farmers we stand ready to be part of Global Britain, but we will face a continued competitive disadvantage if we

see more trade deals like the one with Australia in the coming months. "To tackle the global threat of climate change, we are committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and contributing to the government's national net zero targets. With support through policies like the Environmental Land Management scheme, we can boost climate action on farms and increase biodiversity – all while increasing our production of quality, sustainable and affordable food. "This future all depends on farm businesses being profitable and resilient. The extension of the Seasonal Worker visa route provides some certainty for growers of both edible and ornamental crops, who will be extremely relieved to have clarity over the future of the scheme for the next three years. But there are still crippling labour shortages and structural issues throughout the food supply chain that I want to continue working with the government to address. "We cannot ignore the challenges of this year or we will miss the opportunities of the next one. The government needs to continue to take action to prevent a situation where British food is replaced by food imports – imports which could fall way below our own highly valued standards of animal welfare and environmental protection. "2021 was an extraordinary year. I want 2022 to be extraordinary but for different reasons. Let it be the year the government gets serious about British food and delivers policies that enable British food and farming to thrive."

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| News

Reducing Silage Losse ilage waste in clamps can be a problem for farmers, not only for the quality of feed for livestock, but the cost implications. It is estimated that DM losses in clamp silage are between 20 and 25% on the average farm.

Best practice starts before the clamp is filled, ensuring the clamp is clean and dry, and side sheets have been placed covering the whole wall and up to 1.5m of the floor. When filling the clamp, good compaction is critical to the reduction of oxygen in the clamp. Pay particular attention to the edges of the clamp where spoilage is more likely to occur, adding a ramp to the side walls and rolling the sides more than the middle of the clamp will aid

16 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

this process and help with the overall consolidation of the clamp. Once the clamp has been filled, a vacuum sheet should be placed over the whole clamp surface. The vacuum sheet clings to the surface of the crop, reducing air pockets and sealing it from oxygen ingress that produces losses in the clamp. The vacuum sheet should then be tucked down the sides of the clamp, and the side sheets laid over the top of the vacuum sheet to protect the sides, as this is where spoilage is most likely to occur. A robust top sheet should then be used to seal the whole clamp to keep out the sun’s UV rays that will have a detrimental effect both

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

es with Best Practice on the vacuum sheet and the silage beneath. Continuous pressure is needed on the top surface of the clamp in the form of a heavy mesh cover or weights. Visqueen’s all-round protection is the best protection for your clamp. Our side sheet range have excellent tear resistance and give a significant reduction in spoilage. Clingseal vacuum sheet reduces air pockets and gives a proven reduction in surface spoilage. Visqueen Agri-S has a longer lifespan for better value and all weather protection with UV inhibitor. The complete Visqueen range is fully recyclable. For more hints and tips, search visqueen silage sheets on facebook and youtube.

ALL-ROUND PROTECTION

WITH THE COMPLETE VISQUEEN SHEETING RANGE

• Significantly stronger Side Sheets • Excellent tear resistance • High resistance to weathering • Easy to apply and longer lasting • Significant reduction in side spoilage www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

• Clings to the surface of the silage • Reduces air pockets • Reduction in surface spoilage

• Exceptional tear resistance • Longer lifespan—better value • All weather protection with UV inhibitor • Fully recyclable

www.visqueensheeting.com January 2022 |

Farming Monthly |

| Arable

Multi-site fungicide provides reliable return on investment through proven yield improvements ew field trials carried out by ADAMA have shown that the inclusion of the multi-site fungicide folpet in spring spray programmes contributes to yield improvements of up to 0.6 t/ha in winter sown wheat and barley.

“Beyond the use of resistant varieties and delaying drilling to reduce disease pressure, the over-arching key to effective disease control in cereals is to stay ahead of infections,” explains Andy Bailey, Fungicides Technical Specialist for ADAMA in the UK.

“This is best achieved by applying a diverse range of fungicide modes of action, with a multi-site such as Arizona (500 g/l folpet) included at the appropriate timing(s) to add an extra layer of disease control, protect single site actives from resistance and boost the crop’s yield potential by maintaining green leaf area for longer.” Field trials carried out by ADAMA between 2018 and 2021 have shown that the inclusion of Arizona alongside single site fungicides enables wheat and barley crops to stay ahead of key diseases including septoria and rhynchosporium (as well as providing valuable protection against ramularia) and ensures each successive leaf stays greener for longer. “Sustainable disease control is about achieving the right balance in terms of fungicide efficacy, resistance management and return on investment,” Mr Bailey continues. “Across a total of 29 wheat trials, a single application of Arizona at T1 more than paid for itself by giving an average yield uplift of 0.26 t/ha. When applied at two spray timings this yield response increased to as much as 0.6t/ha when used alongside older single site fungicides and by a more modest but still respectable 0.2 to 0.25 t/ha when used at two spray timings in conjunction with newer single site actives such as Revysol and Inatreq.” A two-spray inclusion strategy also gave the best results in barley where the yield response ranged from 0.3 to 0.6 t/ha. “Arizona can deliver a significant yield

18 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

improvement and represents a viable return on investment,” adds Mr Bailey

Arizona®: a cost-effective multi-site protectant fungicide containing straight folpet (500 g/L) for the control of septoria in wheat and rhynchosporium in barley and additional activity against ramularia. who explains that T1 is the key timing for the inclusion of folpet in wheat programmes. “In high-risk wheat situations – for example where a susceptible variety which was drilled early and is growing in wet conditions in an area with a high disease loading – folpet can also be applied at T0 and/or T2 as the season dictates. “In winter and spring sown crops of barley, T2 (GS39/49) is the key timing for including Arizona, with a two-spray approach at T1 and T2 giving the best results.” The inclusion of folpet in spring fungicide programmes is also endorsed by FRAGUK (Fungicide Resistance Action Group) which it describes as a ‘valuable tool to manage resistance by preventing development to many pathogens… which can protect and prolong the lifespan of medium to high resistance risk fungicides like SDHIs... and which provides added levels and spectrum of disease control’.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Arable

Land use change offers opportunity – but don’t lose control, says CAAV F armers should beware losing control of their land use options amid conflicting demands for natural capital, public goods and food

production.

According to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), farmers are facing a generation’s change in just one decade, with the removal of support payments combining with Brexit, the drive to net zero and changing political and public demands. Those pressures drive new competition for rural land use with potential for massive change in the coming years and more varied enterprises to meet all these needs. But it’s vital to assess the options to retain control rather than being locked into long-term plans, warned Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV. “Farmers will need trusted advisers to work through this.” Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference on Wednesday 5 January, Mr Moody said two-thirds of the retargeted Basic Payment money in England will go to changing habitats, while Scotland is aiming to increase forestry, restore peatland and reduce

farm emissions by 31% by 2032. “Such policies might help or hinder farmers but the real decisions over land use are theirs to take. This decade offers the transition period in which to manage this major change.” Mr Jeremy Moody saw five general routes for farming to develop: • • • • •

Commodity production by good farmers focusing on efficiencies; higher investment, higher return farming of vegetables, fruit and livestock under cover; controlling value with specialism, branding, adding value, etc; combining agriculture with environmental outputs; ocusing land use mainly on the environment, from ‘re-wilding’ to forestry and solar, with little or no agricultural production.

Farmers should beware the obligations and restrictions of some environmental land use agreements - they could tie them into restrictive management for 30 years or more. In some cases – like solar leases – that might be attractive, but agreements based on outcomes rather than actions would be even more limiting. “If you’re paid to provide services that’s one thing, but once the buyer takes control of the carbon, biodiversity or other outcomes you may have lost control of the farm, with restrictions and penalties to protect what the buyer has bought.

“Carbon is also a paradox: It is very important to the farm but has a trivial market value,” said Mr Moody. “Selling carbon credits looks to handicap farmers who will be expected to reduce their own carbon footprint; it is counter-productive as the farmer will then have to find that carbon reduction again.” Farmers are also unlikely to be wooed by forestry, given the permanent land use change and loss of options it involves. But new markets for biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality could be potential options in future. “However, biodiversity net gain agreements are set at over 30 years, and nutrient neutrality could take even longer.” Given rapidly advancing scientific knowledge and technology, as well as evolving natural capital markets, the agricultural world could be a very different place in 30 years, warned Mr Moody. Farmers and landowners should therefore take balanced and trusted advice to understand the implications before signing on the dotted line. “These are very big decisions that are as critical as any that we’ve faced in living memory. Be sure to do things on the right terms for the right reasons and the right money.” For more information visit www.caav.org.uk.

BASIS to launch register for environmental advisers

20 |

ASIS is set to launch a new register of professional, accredited environmental advisers. This aims to provide a directory of credible, verified individuals, setting a baseline of professional standards for advice in the farm and land management sector. Teresa Meadows, BASIS head of environment and public affairs, explains that

Farming Monthly | January 2022

the organisation has answered calls from across the industry to put in place the BASIS Environmental Advisers Register. “Working in a similar format to our current BASIS Professional Register for crop production advisers, the new Register should give farmers peace of mind that their chosen adviser is appropriately qualified to deliver advice on environmental farming practices, such as the ELM schemes,” she says. The new Register will be open for advisers to join from June 2022. BASIS will be welcoming applications from those already offering advice in the sector, as well as new entrants to the area, via a qualification, or an initial application period for those with acquired rights to

join, who can demonstrate experience and expertise. Miss Meadows explains that in order to continue to demonstrate their competence after qualifying for the Register, each year, members will be required to collect a set number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points through extended learning. Further details of the Register and application information will be released in due course. In the meantime, for more information please contact Teresa Meadows at teresa.meadows@basisreg.co.uk.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

The UK’s No.1 Liming Product Optimises soil pH Increases available calcium Fast acting and long lasting Provides valuable nutrients Improves soil structure Flexible service options

Over £1 5.00 worth o Phosph f ate, Magne sium a nd Sulphu every T r in onne!*

*values accurate to Sept 2021 fertiliser prices

Customer service 0800 090 2376 limex@britishsugar.com limex.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

LimeX is a business of British Sugar plc

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Arable

App set to map every tree…

apping every tree in the world and creating the most accurate tree database is a bold ambition, but one that technology company, Tremap, is aiming to achieve with its mobile phone app. Trees can be mapped for many different purposes, explains Tremap owner Jonathon Jones OBE. “It might be for protecting a tree, checking its DNA, collecting seed or building biodiversity knowledge – these are only possible if we know where trees are.” Supported by an Innovation Grant from the Agri-tech Cornwall Project, Tremap has been developing the app – also called Tremap – in both the UK and North America. It has worked with large apple orchards in Canada which want to map every tree to help breed apples with particular flavours. There has also been interest in the technology from the US-based Smithsonian Institution (a large collection of museums, education and research centres) and the Eden Project – founder of the latter, Sir Tim Smit is also using it in his orchard. Problem solving

22 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

New ideas about how the app could be applied are emerging all the time, says Mr Jones. “It is interesting to see what problems Tremap can help solve. Some COP26 delegates were held up on their rail journey to Glasgow by trees which had fallen on the line. Tremap could have been helpful in getting them reported and cleared up.” As well as potential commercial and service applications, the technology can also be used to virtually label trees in large gardens or arboreta, saving time and money when creating tree databases and avoiding problems with physical labels, explains Mr Jones. “Existing methods of labelling and recording trees are cumbersome – what used to take hours takes seconds with Tremap. Traditional labels can be swapped around or broken down by animals, sunlight and frost.” Virtual labels In tree collections open to the public, visitors can get information about the tree from their phone. “There could also be a phone-based guide to the collection, updated each year, avoiding the need for maps,” says Mr Jones. Information from tree databases can be exported into Tremap and vice versa,

making collections cheaper and easier to manage, he adds. “While we could label every tree on earth by 2030, it is more about escalating the process. With a small effort we could learn far more about existing trees.” Mr Jones has been talking with COP26 sponsors, some of whom have expressed an interest in sponsorship beyond the conference to protect trees. “First it is about positioning where trees are, secondly protecting them and thirdly planting them. Usually, it is done the other way around which is why loss rates are so high.” Individuals also want to be involved and Mr Jones says there is potential for a ‘citizens’ army’ to map trees using the app. Tremap has been live for testing since September and will be made more widely available in the New Year. Access is currently by password but will be streamlined to recognise the user. The app will be available via the App Store or Google. For more information visit: www.tremap.com, www.agritechcor nwall.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

Managing Nitrogen with a Realistic Eye on Yield Potential ith Nitrogen prices at an alltime high, it is more important than ever that growers realistically evaluate the true yield potential of their crops.

Chris Hoskins, Hutchinsons Digital Farming Manager for the South, shares his views on how best to approach spring fertiliser applications to ensure a viable return on investment. We have seen such massive variations in purchase price for fertiliser over the last three months, depending on when it was bought, with a tonne of N ranging anywhere between £280 - £700/t – a difference of £242/ha between early and late purchasing.

realistic about the yield potential of crops as this will help to decide where fertiliser will have the most impact and return on investment. Yield maps provide a real and historical picture of the best and worst performing parts of a field - even one year’s worth of data can help to visualise this. Within Omnia, it is possible to use several layers worth of yield data to build a yield performance Map , providing a clear picture of what areas of the field perform consistently, or not. In this way, management decisions can be made based on this sub-field information; it may be that a higher yielding area of the field has shown up to be potentially inconsistent, so it may not be worth pushing this area, whereas if another area delivers an average yield and is potentially consistent, it could be worth investing in this.

Indeed, some fertiliser is now costing as much as £2/kg N, so to apply 200kgN could cost anywhere between £162£404/ha! At these levels it is more important than ever to look at how to reduce or manage applications in the spring as efficiently as possible.

At the end of the day, the crop needs to be making money or there is no point in growing it, so this season more than ever, it is important to take into account the cost of N, the selling price of the crop, as well as yield potential. There is a new tool within Omnia, the break-even ratio ( BER ) tool, that does this for you! Based on the cost/tonne of nitrogen and the average wheat selling price, it gives a nitrogen breakeven ratio, allowing for suggested N rates for each crop to be calculated which can then be adjusted, suiting both flat and variable rate applications.

The starting point in this process is to be

But how do we know how much to

increase or decrease N? There needs to be a realistic appraisal of the yield potential to feed the crop where it will yield. If using a variable rate approach, a break even ratio will provide a reference point throughout the spring to refer back to in order to see if certain parts of the field are economically viable to grow. By constantly evaluating biomass through the season, either through tractor mounted sensors or NDVI satellite imagery, it can help to identify and answer the questions should I apply more to poor areas to even up the field or less to these areas as the potential is low. Trials show that after GS30 in cereals, tiller number and yield potential are set so is applying more to poor areas only worthwhile very early season is a question that must be asked – this year it might be easier to justify. When it comes to the final N application, revisit the same questions again looking at in-season crop data. Even at this stage, ask yourself the question, is there the potential for 10t/ha crop or are the break even ratio’s economically justifiable or would it be more realistic to aim for 8t/ha. Historically it has been the practice to apply more N to poor areas in an aim to even up crops, but this year in light of the high fertiliser prices. a more accurate ‘feed to potential’ may become more common practice.

Organic principles get Defra backing in new schemes but again fail to name check ‘organic’ F&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) calls for more detail on Defra’s new Environmental Land Management schemes and for policymakers to voice the important market opportunity for organic farming.

“We’re still missing detail on how new schemes will integrate with existing land management initiatives. And while the Local Nature Recovery scheme could be a good fit for organic, farmers need much greater detail if they are to plan for the next 5-10 years,” says OF&G’s chief executive Roger Kerr. “Making space for nature, creating wildlife habitat, choosing nature-based solutions, are all exactly what the UK’s 3,604 certified organic farmers have always done.” He adds that in failing to name check www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

organic, Defra is failing to flag a market opportunity to farmers looking to adapt to the changing farming landscape.

strong organic supply base and there’s an obvious fit with Defra’s environmental direction.”

Organic delivers a proven system of environmentally sensitive food production that operates within a fully regulated and audited farming scheme.

Mr Kerr is clear that organic farming won’t be for everyone, but points out that with input costs spiraling, organic is worth investigating for those minded to explore the opportunity.

“It’s a system that delivers public goods while also providing nutritious food and sustaining rural economies. With the organic market growing at a rate of over 8% year-on-year, surely it is a mistake on the part of Government not to now publicly recognise this opportunity. “It is the job of government to provide support that is both consistent and accessible,” he notes.

“It’s disappointing that George Eustice has again failed to give proper assurance to Britain’s farming community and missed an opportunity to highlight the need for the integrated approach to land management that organic already offers. Now is not the time to be shying away from backing what is a lucrative and environmentally beneficial system for many UK farm enterprises,” he concludes.

“What we are calling for is recognition that organic is a clear part of the wider Defra policy agenda. The UK needs a January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Arable

ROOT ZERO FARMERS HELPING TO SAVE RARE YELLOW HAMMERS ndangered Yellow Hammers have been spotted on farms across Pembrokeshire for the first time in decades, thanks to a new feeding and conservation programme launched by Root Zero potato growers.

The Yellow Hammer is a 'red list' species which is under severe threat and of the utmost concern to conservationists. On one of the grower farms, where the bird had not been seen in at least 16 years, a new population has been discovered thanks to the installation of new 'farmsize' bird feeders. Root Zero is the UK's first carbon neutral potato, launched in September by Puffin Produce. Root Zero is grown sustainably by farmers who are working to minimise carbon emissions, protect soil health and support biodiversity. This includes the planting of more cover crops to capture carbon from the atmosphere which help essential pollinators in the summer and

24 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

in the winter feed the birds. One of the main reasons for the decline in bird populations is the lack of food at this time of year, as so little waste seed is left on the farm due to modern agriculture techniques. Root Zero growers are helping the birds get through this 'hungry gap' Roger Mathias is a biodiversity consultant working for Root Zero to advise its growers on the Yellow Hammer

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

seed rich plants which are left unharvested to help feed the birds when frosts and stormy weather can make finding food difficult. And special feeders are being installed around the growing fields filled with wheat, oats and seeds which have been grown and mixed by one of the Root Zero farners Roger Mathias added: "We have small numbers of Yellow Hammers on our farms, and we are determined to help them return to our Welsh countryside, so that the 'little bit of bread and no cheese' song can join the stunning yellow feathers in brightening our summer walks. "And it's been great to see the work that we're doing to help the Yellow Hammer has had a positive impact in supporting a whole range of other farmland birds too. We've also seen Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Linnet in good numbers and 100s of Chaffinches," he said. conservation project. "I remember the jingly sound of yellowhammers around me as I walked home from primary school on summer days, not quite believing that such a bright yellow bird could hide and disappear in seconds. Without realising it, many years later they have almost disappeared from the hedges and fields. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

They simply ran out of year-round food. For many years, the seeds so important to them, left over from the corn harvest, just weren't there. Different crops and more efficient machines meant less 'left overs' for the birds," he said Replacing that winter food can be done. Root Zero growers are doing it in two ways. They are sowing special areas of

Surveys have begun, carried out by an expert volunteer from the British Trust for Ornithology on Root Zero farms to count the species and numbers of birds that can be found. This will help to measure the health of current populations and the impact of conservation measures like additional feeding, preservation of hederows, tree planting and increased cover crops. January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Grain

Good start to the 2021/22 marketing year for UK feed wheat: Grain market daily

ood start to the 2021/22 marketing year for UK feed wheat

Nearby UK feed wheat futures prices are higher than the same time last year. This is on the back of tighter global stock-to-use. The average price for December 2021 was £223.15/t, 15% above December 2020 (£193.52/t) and 42% above the fiveyear average. In the UK, the wheat supply and demand picture looks better than last year, with an increase in total availability for this marketing year (2021/22) from last. However, it remains tighter than previous years. This year it is anticipated that the UK will have a surplus of wheat, unlike last year (2020/21) when there was a deficit. In the latest AHDB balance sheet (November 2021) the UK is estimated to have a wheat surplus of 557Kt. This is down 59% (816Kt) from

26 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

the five-year average. UK wheat availability this year is down from averages due to significantly low opening stocks. At 1.42Mt the wheat opening stocks in July 2021 were the lowest since at least July 1999. UK wheat prices are not only elevated on the back of domestic supply though. Global prices have also been historically high throughout the start of the 2021/22 marketing year, due to tighter supplies. For this marketing year global demand is anticipated to be 9Mt higher than production. Currently, the stocks-touse ratio for major wheat exporters is 12.7%, down from the five-year average of 17.5%. With harvests nearly complete in the Southern hemisphere, the wheat supply picture for 2021/22 is nearly confirmed. We await final figures from Australia and Argentina. With this in mind, prices are likely to remain

somewhat elevated both domestically and globally, although there are other factors that may still influence prices. This could come from maize markets, and demand remains somewhat uncertain with covid-19 restrictions causing concerns. The wider grains complex is awaiting decent maize crops from South America where dryness remains a worry and a major watch point. Also, new crop plantings and prospects will begin to play a more prominent role in old crop prices. So, although in comparison to last season prices may well remain elevated, they could see pressure (or support) from wider factors. Alice Jones, Senior Analyst AHDB

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Grain Driers Belt Driers Chain & Flight Conveyors Belt & Bucket Elevators Belt Conveyors Curved Conveyors Intake Conveyors Screw Conveyors Twin Trace Conveyors

Since 1947

British Family-Run Engineering Company

Visit our website to view the full range!

Find out more on the Savannah & Mistral Range of Continuous Mixed Flow Grain Driers, plus all other Perry Machines at YAMS ‘22 2nd February 2022 York Auction Centre, Murton, York, YO19 5GF

Perry of Oakley Ltd. Visit us online at

www.perryofoakley.co.uk

sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

+44 (0)1404 890300

The UK’s Most Experienced Manufacturer of Grain www.farmingmonthly.co.uk 27 2022 | Farming Monthly | Drying, Handling & Storage January Equipment

| Potatoes

ince its launch in 2019, the MonstaFill box filler from Tong Engineering has proved invaluable in transforming post-harvest box filling for growers worldwide, from the UK and Ireland, to Australia and the USA. And now several new models of the MonstaFill twin-head box filler are in production at Tong’s new purpose-built manufacturing facility, demonstrating its role in bringing real benefits to growers both in reducing labour requirements and increasing throughput.

Built to combine high capacity and gentle box filling, with reduced forklift 28 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

movements, the MonstaFill box filler ensures a continuous box filling process. Featuring a rubber-lined holding hopper at each end of the machine’s main crop conveyor; once one hopper is full the machine automatically begins to fill the second hopper. Linear actuator-controlled crop lowering chutes ensure careful handling of crop, and when an empty box is presented under the hopper, the MonstaFill detects the box and gently discharges crop to the box. “The success of the original models of the MonstaFill in our home and export markets has seen further design

developments to suit different box sizes and specific customer requirements,” says Richard Knighton, Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. “The MonstaFill can now be specified to suit 1 and 2 ton boxes, as well as a new Dolav bin model.” The simple in and out forklift action to remove full boxes and subsequently present empty ones makes for a seamless process; there is no waiting for the forklift and the machine can be easily operated by one forklift. The MonstaFill can fill boxes to level or weight. Integrated loadcells in the www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Potatoes

THE COMPLETE HANDLING SOLUTION

Designed with you in mind INNOVATIVE DESIGN FROM FARM TO PACK

machine’s hopper tanks allow boxes to be quickly and accurately filled to a pre-determined weight, with the latest models featuring a new large digital display for enhanced visibility of the weight in each box. “We are delighted at how the MonstaFill is performing and its global popularity,” says Richard, “it is always great to see a new product come into its own. One customer in the UK is achieving throughputs of up to 90 tons per hour when using the MonstaFill with our latest FieldLoad PRO fieldloading machine. The MonstaFill has transformed their daily throughput capabilities so much that we have just completed manufacture on a further two MonstaFill machines to advance their potato handling operations even further.” www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

www.tongengineering.com e: sales@tongengineering.com January 2022 | Farming Monthly | t: +44 (0)1790 752771

Holly Atkinson South Devon based stay at home mum, calf rearer, vet and organic farmer. y name is Holly Atkinson, I live in South Devon, UK, with my husband Adam, and our 4 year old son Abel, with our 2nd child due this month. Originally from Buckinghamshire, I'm not from a farming family, but started working on local farms from the age of 15 and have always enjoyed being part of the farming community. I graduated as a vet from Bristol University in 2009 and worked as a farm and small animal vet, gaining further qualifications in small animal medicine. I always found the small animal approach to individual patient care and diagnostic workups a useful, transferrable skill in farm animal medicine. I met my husband through work; he managed a dairy herd in Somerset at the time and I was one of the vets. We moved to

30 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

South Devon 5 years ago where my husband manages the 600 cows, spring block calving, organic, grazing dairy herd. I took a career break from veterinary to be a stay at home Mum, I help out on the farm where I can and for the last 2 years have taken on the calf rearing role with our son in tow.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

headway in moving away from this. To me being a farmer shouldn't be defined by gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation, there should be no stereotypes, it's whether you have the right attitude, skills and motivation to achieve within the industry. Life on the farm: I love our life on the farm and especially appreciated the freedom and space during the lockdowns. Adam manages the farm and I have always helped out when needed. As Abel became a little older I relished the opportunity of taking on the calf rearing role as Calf health has always been one of my keen interests in the dairy world and I am passionate about my role in looking after the future of the dairy herd.

individual and do end up treating them like pets! The attention to detail from the very start for each animal ensures a more productive and valuable cow during its lifetime.

What it means being a farmer?

I also think as a farmer we have the responsibility to work alongside and support the environment and farm responsibly and sustainably. As a farmer, we have the opportunity to educate others and play our part in promoting British agriculture. I am proud to be part of this agricultural industry and want to share our story.

I am always so flattered to be referred to as a farmer. I'm not from a farming background and didn't go to agricultural college so sometimes I feel unworthy of the "farmer" title. To me being a farmer along with my veterinary experience is all about ensuring the highest standards of welfare and husbandry for the animals committed to my care. Even when dealing with a big group of 200 heifer calves, I value each

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Continued on page 32…

During my first experience of working on farm, I did come across gender bias, however, I do think the industry is making

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

it meant I could start working again for something I am passionate about as well as safely having him in tow. It is lovely to watch him learn and develop skills on the farm too. Alongside Adam and I, there are 4 full time team members and a part time apprentice. As a spring block calving herd the work calendar is very seasonal. We calve on average 600 cows in a 10 week block from the beginning of February, rearing up to 200 dairy replacements each season, whilst the male and beef bred calves are transported to an organic beef rearer. As a New Zealand style, grazing system, grass management is an integral part of making it all work. We weekly grass measure and manage the supplies and demands throughout the season. 11 tonnes of dry matter per hectare per year of grass was grown on the platform organically this year. We produce all winter forage as needed and outwinter heifers and dry cows on kale and silage. The cows are milked twice a day, through a 48/96 herring bone 32 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

parlour, supplying the organic milk to Arla. We breed Kiwicross (Jersey cross Friesian) cows. They average a mature weight of 550kg. We focus breeding (AI using New Zealand genetics from CRV and LIC) on the Jersey influence for milk solids and the Friesian influence for body capacity. As a long, thin, coastal farm the ability to walk long distances is also a key focus when breeding. Our drive is the ability to convert grass to milk. The cows have averaged 5242 litres of milk per lactation with 4306 litres of that (i.e. 82%) from forage alone. We rear the calves on whole milk, feeding twice a day for at least the 1st 4 weeks, and then move to once a day feeding. We house calves in open straw yards and aim to turn them out asap, which can mean from 2-3 weeks of age, weather dependent. We wean

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

once they have doubled their birth weight, are greater than 8 weeks old and are eating on average 2kg of concentrate a day alongside straw and grass. I put a strong focus on colostrum management, hygiene, environmental management and

low stocking densities to ensure very low mortality and morbidity rates. Follow Holly’s life on instagram: @cupsoncows

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Buildings

Climate change: What’s next for UK livestock welfare? he language of late 2021 has a focus on climate change, and how our leaders are going to commit to consumption and investment policies that will make a significant change for the better. The language is not new but is finding a wider usage; rethink, reduce, re-use, recycle. At the same time the global livestock industry is under substantial exposure.

A full-page advert in The Times on November 1, as COP26 started in Glasgow, states: “Our planet is in crisis. The issue of food and agriculture impact needs to form a central part of the discussion and world leaders need to be ready to bring about serious change” and, “global meat and dairy consumption must be greatly reduced”. With typical irony the newspaper also contains a fullpage advert for British pork at point of sale for £2 per kilo for

34 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

bone-in pork shoulder, and £3 per kilo for two other pork products. The CEO of the UK’s biggest poultry producer, along with others, has pointed out the inconsistency in our food market where the price to consumers of a whole chicken is very similar to a high street coffee and its discarded cup and lid. Where does this leave the future of the UK livestock industry? Retrenchment and decimation? Regardless of the media stories in their many forms, meat and dairy will continue to be consumed and moved around the globe. If the volume of product was halved and the price doubled, there could be a lot of successful businesses out there, but how to get there? The UK livestock sector and especially the cattle and sheep sectors are reasonable parallels of the relatively poor

average UK productivity levels compared with our European counterparts. The UK livestock sector has world class nutrition, genetics, tech, management and personnel, but the average productivity is dragged down by a very long tail of below average productivity on other livestock farms. On those farms the business performance, however measured, is not sustainable. A major impediment is lack of investment in infrastructure, and any cries of, “we don’t have the money” need to be directed towards those examples where money has been spent and made. On too many livestock farms the buildings and surrounding infrastructure are outdated and inefficient. Some farms look equivalent to a haulage business in 2021 trying to compete using a Ford Anglia van and a Bedford TK; if you don’t get the image, look them up on the internet and I will

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings have made the point. Appraisal of investment in buildings should be part of every dialogue on buying or selling a building. Why would a business invest in an asset if it did not improve the longevity and financial returns in that business? The current low efficiency, losses through mortality and morbidity, down grading of product, long hours and unattractiveness of some livestock operations is also an opportunity for an improved future. The suggestion is that we can move the opportunities of the livestock sector to the fore and present the livestock sector to the UK population, the buyers and the planners as a sustainable part of the UK future. But we need to use the correct language. Investment in buildings and infrastructure will only proceed if the producer, the builder, the lender, and the planner line up the arguments and deliver a convincing plan for investment to go ahead. The building sector has a major role to play in getting the other parties invested in a more sustainable future, not least because many of the other parties do not have the required knowledge to set out a project plan that is convincing to detractors. Presenting the future of investment in UK livestock Food conversion efficiency (FCE): Animal feed in; human food out. This is a good place to start. A new build should always improve efficiency of FCE, whether a simple matter of food in, food out, or producing the same quantity of milk, meat or eggs from less cows, sows, ewes or chickens. A standard, measured improvement will be at least +5%, and where current systems are creaking, a lot more. Carbon footprint: Energy efficiency A lower feed requirement per kilo of output means less www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

energy at every stage of production; ploughing the land, harvesting the crop, storing the crop, feeding the stock, removing the manure. Calculate the number of journeys per year and any impact from improved efficiencies, and if imported (to the farm) resources are used, number of HGV visits per year. Make sure the planners and any critics are aware of the facts. The meat and methane is only one part of the chain.

communities, employment

Biodiversity

The customer may see the meat or eggs or milk or cheese on the shelf, but there is an extensive supply chain to produce that apparently simple result. Livestock systems support up and downstream development of buildings, technology, nutrition, vaccines and genetics that are important contributors to UK business health, UK jobs and UK food supply. No livestock, no chain.

Poor standards of production should not be protected, and that includes livestock. Intensive production and concentration of by-products and effluents are not acceptable today and will be less acceptable tomorrow. There is a substantial opportunity for the livestock sector to reduce diffuse pollution into the environment, but investment is required to achieve that aim. The positive contribution that livestock and particularly grazing animals make to biodiversity varies dependant on system but will beat intensive plant production every day. There are between 100 and 150 invertebrates living in every cowpat; how many planners know that? Soil health Unless it is derived from the sea, all food we eat comes from the soil, some of it via livestock. The role of ruminant livestock in particular in sustaining the cycle of materials from and back to soils is casually ignored by too many critics of livestock production. There is no doubt that investment is needed to improve the storage and maintain the nutrient value of manures on many farms, and to reduce diffuse pollution, but UK soil health is not going to be maintained by annual spreading of inorganic fertilisers from foreign countries.

Diversity of systems requires a diversity of skills, and allowing farms of any size to invest in the future is essential to keep people on farms. It is also useful to remind the planners and others of the number of UK jobs created up and downstream of the apparently ‘simple’ task of growing food. Technological advancement: Robots, feed nutrients, vaccines

Antibiotic use Antibiotic use per unit of UK livestock production has tumbled in the last five to ten years, and investment in facilities has played an important part. There is still progress to be made, but it is not going to materialise by using buildings that are hard or impossible to clean, or where stress on animals is contributing to current losses. The UK does have a mostly effective quality assurance (QA) system for food production and is in the premier division of QA at a global level. Imports may often be cheaper, but it is important to remind the planners and others of the benefits of UK based production. It is important to remind our customers of the reasons that investment in our livestock systems is part of a sustainable UK future, that will be cleaner, that will be more efficient, and will be in the UK. Jamie Robertson RIDBA Livestock Consultant

Social health: Rural January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Energy

Reaping the rewards of renewable energy ris Johnson, renewable energy insurance expert at Lycetts, shines a light on the attractions of green schemes and why farmers are keen to get on board.

Solar panels and wind turbines are becoming as familiar a part of the farming landscape as drystone walls and five bar gates. It is indicative of how the farming community is keenly embracing the opportunities that investing in renewable energy schemes provide. The proliferation of other renewables projects such as 36 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

hydro-electrics, battery storage, anaerobic digestion and biomass, underlines the importance that farmers attach to these new revenue streams.

are not only maximising opportunities to boost their incomes, but they are also playing a laudable part in helping the UK to meet its climate targets.

In some respects, it is a position they have been forced into by unfavourable circumstances during recent years. Spiralling regulations, rising targets in the struggle against climate change and an unpredictable market have combined to heap ever-growing pressures on UK farming.

Decreasing costs of the technology required have made renewable energy schemes more viable for farmers and landowners. Nonproductive land can be used for plant sites and farmers have the option of taking responsibility for operations.

Faced with such challenges, many farmers have realised the importance of developing their entrepreneurial instincts to increase the likelihood of a more stable financial future. Sharing the burden or going it alone? The appetite for renewable energy schemes and projects is undoubtedly high among farmers. Those who commit to renewables

Alternatively, they can rent out land to specialist firms who will install, operate and manage schemes. This has great appeal to farmers who lack experience, and with firms prepared to pay rents of up to £1,000 per acre, it can provide lucrative outcomes. Knowing the risks The enthusiasm for diversifying into the renewable energy sector should be tempered with an awareness of all the potential www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

pitfalls. Those who are considering entering the field need to know the numerous and complex risks they could be facing and the type of insurance cover that will provide the necessary protection. Venturing into renewable energy is likely to be unfamiliar territory for many farmers and landowners and so it is essential that expert advice from a specialist is sought. First and foremost, the viability of a project needs to be thoroughly examined and the long-term objectives and expectations should be specific, realistic and clear. All possible variables should be considered. It is important to connect with an insurance adviser who is experienced in all matters relating to establishing a renewable energy scheme on farmland. They will be able to explain the technical complexities and help you reduce any risks.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Included in the risks during the installation stage are theft of parts and accidental damage by the installers, weather related perils such as storm and flood as well catastrophic events like Fire. The delays caused by such events could have an impact on anticipated profit. Further insurable risks could occur at the testing stage. Operational risks are of a similar nature, but equipment used around the clock can become exposed to the increased risk of electrical or mechanical breakdowns. It is vital that equipment is serviced and maintained in line with the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Insurance assurance It is important to ensure that equipment is reliable and meets quality standards otherwise insurance premiums could rocket or the equipment itself be uninsurable.

Specialist environmental liability policies can be used in cases where land contamination or air pollution are not covered by conventional public liability policies covering third party property damage. There is a need to remain mindful of any intervals that occur during the different stages of a project, such as the period between equipment being successfully installed and the plant being in operation. This could mean there is a gap in insurance cover and is another reason why it’s advisable to remain in contact with your insurer throughout the entire process. Ultimately, when it comes to establishing a renewable energy operation on your land, the message is don’t be so blinded by enthusiasm that you become a victim of your own inexperience.

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Energy

Report highlights European biogas potential HRS Heat Exchangers welcomes a recent Statistical Report by the European Biogas Association (EBA) which shows that by 2050, as much as 40% of Europe’s total gas consumption could come from sustainable biomethane. We also welcome the focus that the report gives to the importance of creating sustainable uses and markets for digestate, without which such ambitions will not be realised. he report analyses the current availability of renewable gases in Europe, notably biogas and biomethane, and concludes that combined production of these energy sources in 2020 was 191 TWh, a figure which is expected to double in the next nine years. In particular the report predicts that biomethane, which saw its biggest year-on-year increase across the bloc in 2020, with an additional 6.4 TWh of production – a figure which is itself predicted to be eclipsed in 2021 as a

38 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

record number of new biomethane plants become fully operational. The EBA report is the latest in a series of national and international reports which highlight the important role that anaerobic digestion has to play meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets, as well as providing renewable green energy and improving soil health and agricultural productivity. Unlike some other reports, the EBA also provides an assessment of the use of digestate from anaerobic digestion in each country, highlighting the

importance that digestate plays in delivering the circular economy benefits of biogas and biomethane generation. The uptake and use of digestate as a sustainable biological fertiliser can be improved with appropriate treatment, such as pasteurisation, to prevent the spread of pathogens, as well as weed seeds and crop diseases. One of the most energy- and cost-efficient methods to pasteurise digestate is the HRS Digestate Pasteurisation System (DPS), which is based on heat www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

exchangers rather than tanks with heating jackets. Using heat exchangers means that effective digestate pasteurization is possible using surplus heat while allowing additional thermal regeneration levels of up to 60%. This saved heat can then be used for other processes, such as evaporation of the digestate to remove water.

filling, and another being emptied. The DPS uses a double tube heat exchanger to heat the digestate to 75 °C above the required pasteurisation temperature. This allows for variation in the sludge consistency and its incoming temperature, making sure that the digestate is always properly pasteurised. The tanks can also be used individually, for example to allow for routine maintenance.

The standard 3-tank DPS provides continuous pasteurisation, with one tank being pasteurised while one is

The DPS is just one of a number of systems that HRS produces to improve the efficiency and

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

sustainability of biogas plants and the anaerobic digestion process, with other examples including systems to concentrate digestate, dry biogas and recover waste heat from exhaust systems.

By Matt Hale, International Sales & Marketing Director, HRS Heat Exchangers

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Mental Health

RABI reports growing demand for online wellbeing service

ne year on from its launch in 2020, RABI’s online wellbeing and counselling platform (Qwell) has seen increasing numbers of individuals seeking support and a 65% return rate, as farming people access the wellbeing resources multiple times.

Review of the first 12-months utilisation of this new service confirms that the availability of online mental health support is a valuable tool for many within the farming sector, with the number of interactive sessions with the BACP accredited counsellors increasing across the year, as people gained confidence investigating the support available. “The use of this new online service over the first year confirms how vital early, preventative and confidential support is to our community,” says Kathleen Chapman, RABI’s interim director of services. “The availability of the bespoke online and textbased service, in addition to the articles and forums provided by Qwell, provides farming people with the access to support whenever they are ready and complements the fantastic support delivered by our regional teams on the ground.”

40 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

“Unsurprisingly around two-thirds of individuals access the site outside of normal ‘office hours’,” continues Mrs Chapman. “This highlights the importance of round-the-clock, flexible support, as we know that farming people work unpredictable and long hours.”

More surprisingly, whilst the site has supported a wide age range in the first year of operation, around a quarter of those using the site regularly are 56 and over. Correlating with the findings from the recent Big Farming Survey regarding poor mental wellbeing amongst women in the farming community, farming women account for over 60% of visitors to the site. The five issues most commonly discussed with counsellors have been: family relationships, anxiety and stress, suicidal thoughts, self-worth and loneliness.

additional in-person counselling and training, which both launch early in the new year. “There is no single solution when it comes to developing improved farmer wellbeing and building greater resilience in our community. This is why RABI is focusing on providing access to a range of farmer bespoke, professionally supported services, in addition to the financial and practical support and benefits advice the charity is so well known for already.

Breaking down barriers, including the continued stigma attached to discussing mental health and wellbeing, and ensuring access to professional support is available for farming people across England and Wales whenever and wherever it is needed remain top priorities for RABI.

“The poor experiences Kathleen Chapman described in the recent Big Farming Survey findings must not continue and RABI remain committed to ensuring farming people have access to the services and tools they deserve to empower them to move forwards positively,” concludes Mrs Chapman.

RABI’s wellbeing support services will be further bolstered by the introduction of

Visit https://rabi.org.uk/kooth for more information.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Farming people aren’t ‘invincible’

At RABI, we understand that the farming community is facing complex challenges. This is why we’re evolving our services to support those changing needs. Through a network of local support, we aim to get people back on track and improve farmer resilience. Registered Charity Number 208858

Call us today 0808 281 9490 / rabi.org.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Security

Suzuki and local ATV Dealer join forces to help Gloucestershire Police fight rural crime otswold Farm Machinery has supplied its fourth Suzuki ATV to the Gloucestershire Police Rural Crime unit, which now has a fleet of three KingQuad 500s and one KingQuad 750.

Gloucestershire Police has fully trained many of its officers to safely operate the ATVs. The ATVs are seen as a useful tool in not only combatting crime but also as a tool for crime prevention by enabling

The relationship with the Gloucestershire Police Force began over three years ago when Suzuki and Cotswold Farm Machinery teamed up to give the Police a long-term loan of an ATV so that it could be assessed against a UTV. It is safe to say that the test was a success and Gloucestershire Police are now really seeing the benefit of using ATVs because they are quicker of the mark, quieter and more manoeuvrable, which not only helps on a day-to-day basis but also when called upon to undertake pursuits across rough terrain.

42 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

officers to cover large areas quickly and safely, which means that they are giving a much more effective and highly visible presence throughout rural areas.

Both the KingQuad 750 and 500 models benefit from QuadMatic 4-wheel drive, fully independent suspension and an advanced engine braking system, which means they are very capable machines that can be ridden over challenging terrain. In addition, with the raised handlebar configuration and Suzuki’s renowned T-shaped seat, they are extremely comfortable to ride over long distances. PC Ashley Weller from Gloucestershire Police’s Rural Crime Team said, “It has become very clear the use of ATVs definitely has a place in the modern policing of rural communities. Our experience of using the Suzuki KingQuads has been excellent and we are appreciative of the support from Cotswold Farm Machinery, who are at the centre of the community in which we operate.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Security

NFU Mutual 4x4 vehicle helps Police Scotland tackle crime in the countryside eading rural insurer NFU Mutual has provided Police Scotland with a 4x4 vehicle as part of its support for the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC).

The Toyota Hilux 4x4 will be used by Police Scotland officers to crack down on rural theft, poaching and heritage crime. While COVID restrictions have kept some criminals out of the countryside, thieves are now returning and turning their attention to high-value farm Global Positioning Systems (GPS) while quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remain high on thieves’ shopping lists because of their high value and portability. Bob Henderson, Agricultural Field Engineering Lead at NFU Mutual, said: “By

providing the 4x4 we want to support rural crime officers to do their job, which often involves accessing rough terrain and remote locations.

Over the past four years, NFU Mutual has invested over £240,000 to support the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC).

“NFU Mutual has supported the SPARC initiative since it launched because it operates across the whole of Scotland and has a clear strategy to tackle rural crime through visible policing, sharing intelligence and involving farmers and the wider community.”

In addition, the rural insurer funds an agricultural vehicle theft unit at the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) which co-ordinates farm machinery theft intelligence between NFU Mutual, police forces, Border Force and Interpol.

Inspector Alan Dron, Police Scotland National Rural Crime Co-ordinator said: “SPARC is all about genuine partnerships and this vehicle which has been gifted by NFU Mutual further demonstrates the desire of all those on SPARC to work together, being visible and helping to prevent, reduce and tackle criminality committing crimes in Scotland’s rural communities and environments.”

NFU Mutual also helps farmers make their agricultural vehicles secure through premium discounts for approved security products. For more information on rural crime trends and advice, visit: www.nfumutual.co.uk/ ruralcrime

Tough new measures to tackle hare coursing brings relief to farmers overnment proposals to get tougher on illegal hare coursing is the light at the end of the tunnel for thousands of farmers that have suffered first-hand the devastating impacts of this activity, largely practised by organised criminal gangs.

implement for many years and could deliver crucial changes that would help deter criminals from taking part in illegal hare coursing. They enable police forces to seize more dogs, courts to ban convicted offenders from keeping dogs and to strengthen penalties by lifting the existing limit on fines1.

After sustained lobbying by the NFU and other rural organisations demonstrating the violence and intimidation that hare coursing has inflicted on farmers and rural communities, as well as the impact it has on wild hare populations, the government has now tabled its own amendments to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts said: “The NFU welcomes government plans to table amendments which would strengthen the law and finally give rural police forces and the courts the necessary powers to tackle hare coursing and the wider problem of organised crime.

These amendments reflect what the NFU has been urging the government to

“Our members have had to deal with the impact of illegal hare coursing for far too long and they will be relieved that, after much campaigning by the NFU and others

over many years, there is now light at the end of the tunnel. “I hope this will signal the start of a real crackdown on these organised gangs of criminals who break onto fields to let dogs loose to chase hares, causing huge damage to crops and farm property and intimidating people living in rural communities. “This is a hugely important step in the right direction but there is still work to be done to protect the countryside and farming families from the devastating impacts of other forms of rural crime, from fly-tipping to theft. We know the public are behind us in supporting greater police action so they too can enjoy a safer, cleaner and greener rural Britain, and we will continue to work with government to make that become a reality.”

Tel: 01455 891929 M I D Business Centre/Sapcote Rd, Burbage, Hinckley, LE10 2AU

NationWide Service

http://www.multiindustrialdoors.co.uk sales@multiindustrialdoors.co.uk

• Galvanised Roller Shutters

• Steel Fire Exit Doors

• Plastisol Colour Coated Roller Shutters

• Fast Acting High Speed Doors

• Insulated Roller Shutters

• Dock Leveler/Loading Bay Installations

• Sectional Overhead Doors

• PVC Strip Curtains

• Steel 10 Point Locking Security/Personnel Door

• and many more products

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Livestock

Turbulent period for GB milk supply ahead n environmental reset has reduced global milk production at a time when demand for the product is growing. Add to this the welldocumented increasing inflationary pressure on dairy farmers, and Kite Consulting anticipates a turbulent period for the GB milk market.

real terms reduction in costs relative to other parts of the economy over the last 30 years and globalisation in the 21st century accelerated this process. In the UK, the effect on a two-litre carton of milk means it is more than 25% cheaper than it was in 2000." Demand for dairy world-wide has been growing by 2.1% p.a. for the past 10 years according to Kite and is set to continue, especially in developing economies. However, we are now seeing supply slowed, or stunted, and the imposition of new compliance measures in key exporting nations. Government policies in New Zealand and the EU - both major dairy production areas - are already imposing direct restrictions on the ability of dairy farmers to increase productivity. "In New Zealand no new land can be converted to dairy, nitrogen applications are restricted to 190kg N per ha and a carbon tax is promised within five years," says John Allen. "The Netherlands is a key example of the direction of travel in the EU, with €24bn allocated to paying farmers to leave the livestock sector. Dutch milk production is already down by 4% in the current year.

"Commodity dairy production relies on increasing productivity at a local and global level to dilute inflation," says John Allen from Kite Consulting. "This has led to the

"If New Zealand and other exporting nations cannot produce new product to satisfy the increasing global demand then inevitably this will lead to rising prices for dairy alongside the rising costs. The IFCN

are already indicating world prices are over $51 per 100kg (39ppl ECM) and commentators are expecting this could be exceeded. "Kite Consulting's latest analysis shows cost inflation of 24% in the breakeven milk price over the two years to March 23. With figures like these, and competition for product, relationships along the supply chain will be tested," John Allen adds. "Retailers will not want to pass on increases to consumers this spring but need to be careful about their relationships with processors. Export markets are strong and far better prices can be secured; there will be stiff competition for milk so processors supplying retailers will be competing for milk supply which could migrate away from those supply chains. "Some will judge this to be a short-term blip in market prices so expect service as normal to resume later this year or in 2023. But, given the environmental cost re-set, then it does not appear we will go back to past price levels for dairy. "There will be some stress along dairy supply chains, especially where liquid milk has been used as a loss-leader for a generation. Perhaps the real value of having fresh milk every day of the year will have to be re-assessed?" concludes John Allen.

Morrisons to remove Use-By-dates from milk packaging he decision by Morrisons to remove Use-By-dates from milk packaging to avoid food wastage is welcomed news for the dairy industry, according to the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF).

From the end of January, the retailer will replace Use-By-dates with Best Before dates on 90% of its own-brand milk and encourage customers to use a sniff test to check quality. Use-By dates are about food safety and should not be exceeded, whereas Best Before dates are about food quality, meaning the food will be safe to eat after this date but may not be at its best. The retailer hopes the move will save millions of pints from being thrown away unnecessarily each year, with milk the third most wasted food and drink product in the UK, after potatoes and bread.

44 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

According to the recycling charity Wrap, 490 million pints of milk are tipped away each year. Peter Alvis, RABDF Chairman, says the supermarket's decision is good news for the industry. "A lot of effort goes into milk production, and anything we can do to minimise its waste is welcomed. "In the UK, we are only about 77% selfsufficient in milk production, so reducing waste will help some way to improve food security and reducing food miles." There are also environmental benefits by reducing milk wastage, says Mr Alvis. "It takes 8 litres of water to produce 1 litre of milk or 158 litres of tap water to produce 1 litre of almond drink. So, if we can prevent 490 million pints from going down the drain, that equates to circa 2 billion litres of water saved," he added.

is around 1.25kg CO2e36 compared to a global average of 2.9kg CO2e per litre, with the dairy industry responsible for less than 2% of the UK's total emissions. Mr Alvis hopes more retailers will follow suit by replacing Use-By dates with Best Before dates on milk and some dairy products and calls on the supermarkets to educate consumers on the different labelling terminology. "As well as more supermarkets replacing Use-By dates with Best Before dates on some of its dairy products, it is also important they explain what the terms mean. Just because something it passed its Best Before date, it doesn't mean it needs to be binned," he said.

The carbon footprint of a litre of British milk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Livestock

Farm open day: Securing a dairying future with robots D

airy farmers who are facing succession and labour challenges could benefit from installing robots.

James Lomas and his veterinarian wife Rhiannan reached a turning point at Meadow Farm near Nantwich, last year, facing problems common to many in the dairy industry. “We needed change,” says Mrs Lomas. “We were milking 140 pedigree Holstein cows through an outdated 16-point Herringbone parlour with glass milk jars and no automation; it was at the end of its operational life and milkings were taking three hours each side of the day. “On top of that, James’ parents were looking at stepping back, external labour was unreliable, and having a young family meant we couldn’t sustain doing it the way

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

things were – and we had to maintain the herd size to provide an income for both of the families.” Looking for a solution, the Lomas’ saw an opportunity to make the farm work for the future by converting to a robotic milking system, and to their advantage it coincided with an available EU farm productivity grant. “We were in a situation where we could have spent £500,000 on a new conventional parlour and still needed to find and fund labour,” she says. “Or we could use the grant to convert to a robotic system which would offset labour pressures and set the farm up for a productive future.”

agricultural dealer DA Cotton & Sons; and the Lomas’ haven’t looked back since. “Fresh cows are producing an average daily yield of 45-50 litres with the herd averaging 8,500 litres, and a five-year lactation target of 10,000-11,000 litres,” explains Mrs Lomas. “A reality of changing systems is that the transition and building work can cause interruptions so productivity in the first year or two isn’t necessarily reflective of the potential. “Cow comfort is most definitely improved and that has massive benefits on cow health and productivity– but the immediate win is the offset of labour costs and securing a future for us and our children.” •

By Christmas 2020 the Broomlea herd was being milked through three freshly installed Fullwood Packo M²erlin robots from

For more information about Fullwood Packo visit https://fullwoodpacko.com/

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Sheep

‘Time to focus on the sheep farmers and shepherds’, says National Sheep Association, as it sets out commitments for 2022 s the new year begins the National Sheep Association (NSA) is looking ahead at its overarching priorities, setting out a series of commitments for 2022 to ensure security and success for the industry it works hard to protect.

With 2022 set to offer some real opportunities for UK sheep farming but some equally impactful threats, NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker explains the Association’s focus for the year ahead and is keen to give emphasis to the role the farmer has to play. He says: “NSA will, of course, continue to work in all topics relating to sheep farming in 2022, but I feel strongly that the coming year needs a focus on sheep farmers themselves. “If the industry is performing well then it gives a great foundation for the happiness and wellbeing of the people involved. People are the lifeblood, not just of our sheep industry but also of our rural and livestock farming communities. NSA is committed to putting people at the centre of all it does – sheep farmers, shepherds, and new entrants in their many guises. We are still lacking a vision from the Government and other leadership bodies, but my vision is that we want more people involved in sheep farming at the end of this year, not less. I have no interest in our industry ending up with half as many sheep farmers

keeping the same size national flock and I want to see our industry continuing to provide an accessible first step on the farming ladder for young people and new entrants. Our market structures and policies need to recognise the value of a very ‘human’ sector of farming with a high level of independence. To lose our social capital would be a massive own goal”. Mr Stocker continues: “It is customary at this time of year to set resolutions and in addition to NSA’s overriding objective above, I’ve prioritised eight other resolutions and commitments from NSA – commitments and detail you’ll hear more about as the year progresses” NSA’s commitments for 2022 are: 1. Work to ensure the UK hospitality sector improves its loyalty to sourcing of UK produced lamb. 2. Work to raise the profile of UK lamb and mutton and wool as a meat/fibre of choice, and support domestic retailers to maintain loyalty to UK sourcing. 3. Support efforts to get UK lamb into the US and other export destinations– particularly at premium level. 4. Continue to make an asset of the UK’s sheep breed and product diversity through NSA’s British Heritage Sheep and continue to support

British Wool in its efforts to add value and develop provenance. Continue to work on sustainability measurements to raise the reputation of sheep farming. In England specifically, to ensure sheep farmers have the opportunity to replace BPS reductions through the transition to payment for public goods and other publicly funded incentives. Continue to work in partnership with others to improve sheep health and disease control in a practical way. To encourage responsible vet medicine use and to guide future traceability services and policy. Continue to develop the Register of Sheep Advisors, in order to support sheep farmers seeking advice through changing times.

More information on the work of NSA can be found on the Association’s website www.nationalsheep.org.uk. NSA relies on membership subscriptions and donations to fund its important work providing a voice for the UK sheep sector. For more information on how you too can support this work please visit www.nationalsheep.org.uk/ membership.

NSA encouraged to see next stage of ELMS development underway SA is welcoming the unveiling of the next two strands of the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) providing more guidance to farmers in England.

Following quickly on the heels of details of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFI) released in December the two new schemes, Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery, focus on creating and restoring natural habitats within the farmed environment. Local Nature Recovery in particular will be highly relevant for farmers as schemes progress. In response to the announcement yesterday (Thursday 6th January 2022) NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker is issuing the following statement: “While NSA is aware of the concern amongst many farmers about the move away from the well-known Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), we are also aware we are on a necessary journey to move to more environmentally focussed farming. We believe that sheep farming is and can be a core part of future farming approaches. The best thing we can do now is to make sure the massive changes we are seeing do work in practice for the farmers who choose to participate. 46 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

within scheme revenue values. “At the same time, NSA is doing all it can to make sure the productivity and profitability aspects of sheep production itself mean that sheep farmers have a real choice in the future. The first steps of SFI will have been seen, particularly in rough and moorland grazing situations, as underwhelming but that is the nature of transition alongside BPS declining. Defra’s announcement on the new schemes gives a bit more confidence about the ways forward. “What we must do now is ensure that Local Nature Recovery, in particular, is practical and relevant, and properly rewarding for sheep farms. The objective is to support nature recovery alongside productive farming and there are two clear ways sheep farmers can do this – by managing their flocks to provide for nature within the grazed environment, and also by creating specific nature habitats alongside the farmed area. “In the immediate term, we broadly welcome the decision that Countryside Stewardship has not only been simplified but that payment rates will increase by an average of 30%, and that it is clearly being encouraged as a bridge to Local Nature Recovery. It is disappointing that capital costs within Countryside Stewardship are not increasing, with increased costs having to be absorbed

“Relating to Landscape Recovery, we know some NSA members may choose to be part, but land use change is much more challenging and will often conflict with farming enterprises. NSA is concerned about the impact of this scheme on tenants and sheep farmers with grazing agreements – there is a serious chance of people’s livelihoods being challenged by landowners who want to take their land in different directions. “It’s important to note that overall, these schemes are voluntary and we would do well to do everything we can to make sure our farming enterprises are as productive and profitable as they can be because that will give farmers a real choice as to their future and it will mean that payment rates will need to be sufficient to encourage farmers to take part. This way we get quality productivity and hopefully a reasonable value put on quality environmental outcomes.” Further details on the Local Nature Recovery and Landscape recovery schemes can be found on the Defra website here.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Sheep

NEW REARING STUDIES CONFIRM SIGNIFICANT SURPLUS LAMB MARGIN EARNING OPPORTUNITY wo new independent rearing studies have confirmed that both small numbers and large groups of surplus lambs can be reared highly successfully on ewe milk replacer.

“Here, the farm reported fantastic preweaning growth rates of 0.353kg per day on average, with the lambs fed Lamlac achieving a mean 16.8kg at abrupt weaning at 35 days of age,” says Dr Cooke.

The trial work, conducted at Harper Adams University (HAU) and Reaseheath College during the spring of 2021, highlights the potential to increase the number of lambs reared from flocks with a high prolificacy rate.

On both units, surplus lambs were also given access to fresh water, creep feed and forage ad lib throughout the trial feeding period. Lamlac was mixed at the

rate of 200g of powder plus 800ml water to give one litre of mixed milk. Post weaning, all lambs transitioned onto a forage-based diet along with lambs that had reared naturally on their mothers. All lambs graded similarly at slaughter with no discernible difference between those reared on ewe milk replacer or on the ewe.

“Whether you have just a few surplus lambs each spring or plenty needing rearing support away from the ewe, these latest trial results confirm the opportunity to make a margin from these valuable new-borns. And while lamb prices remain strong, it makes sense to rear as many as you can. Indeed, when wellfinished lambs are commanding more than £100 each – as they are at the moment – there’s certainly a significant payback on an investment in good quality ewe milk replacer,” says Dr Jessica Cooke from Volac. At HAU, 20 Suffolk Mule cross Texel surplus lambs were reared off the ewe on Lamlac using a Volac Ewe2 thermostatically controlled warm milk bucket. “After early life colostrum feeding (50ml per kg birthweight), the lambs were fed on restricted warm milk from 24 hours of age until trained to feed independently from the feeder, then receiving Lamlac ad lib thereafter. Intakes and growth rates were good, with lambs consuming on average two litres per day up until weaning, with a mean total intake of 73.7 litres. On average, the lambs weighed 16.9kg on abrupt weaning at 35 days of age and achieved an average daily live weight gain up to weaning of 0.34kg per day,” reports Dr Cooke. At Reaseheath College, 59 surplus third lambs (largest lamb removed; leaving a balanced pair on the ewe) from triplet-bearing North Country mules were reared on a computerised Volac Eco Feeder machine. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Two new college trials, conducted in 2021, have clearly shown that surplus lambs can be reared highly successfully and profitably away from the ewe. January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Muck & Slurry

R C Baker sale gr osses over £3.1m in r ecor d br eaking auction

ver £3.1 million was spent on second hand agricultural machinery at a major auction on behalf of R C Baker Ltd, hosted by Cheffins.

offered alongside a collection of implements, with a range of drills, cultivators, trailers, trailed tanks and muck spreaders as well as various slurry equipment.

The sale, which took place on Thursday 16th December, broke records, with £525,000 paid for a Claas Xerion 5000 slurry tanker, the highest amount paid for any second-hand piece of agricultural machinery at auction. The R C Baker sale is the highest grossing on-site sale to have been hosted by Cheffins and had over 70,000 page views on the Cheffins website and over 600 bidders in total take part, online, on the telephone or at the sale itself.

Managing Director of RC Baker Ltd, Charles Baker says: “We couldn’t be happier with the result of the sale. It all came together so well and the team at Cheffins were hugely efficient and professional from start to finish. I have taken the decision to retire and spend some more time with the family, so this was a fantastic way to finish off what has been an amazing journey, growing and developing the business for nearly half a century.”

Hosted at the R C Baker Ltd premises in Banbury, Oxfordshire and also streamed live online, the auction included over 150 lots, including a fleet of John Deere tractors and various other machinery items and implements. Highlights from the sale include: £425,000 for a 2017 Vredo 7028/3 self-propelled spreader; £183,000 for a 2020 John Deere 7R330; £126,000 for a 2013 Claas combine; £117,500 for a 2020 John Deere 6215R and £117,500 for a 2020 John Deere 6250R. These were

Oliver Godfrey, Director at Cheffins says: “This was a standout sale and was supported worldwide, with bidders from all four corners of the UK and also from overseas joining us both online and in person. This was well-maintained equipment, and the Baker team have a fantastic reputation in the market, which directly translated into some very strong bidding across the board. This was the first time that many of these machines had been offered to the open market, and this

48 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

helped to generate some real momentum in the lead up to the sale, which saw over 70,000 views online.” Charles Baker, who started contracting in 1974, has an inspiring track record in the industry. Starting out with his Ford 4000 he grew the business significantly over the years to having an extensive fleet of modern machines. Mr Baker is a wellknown figure in the farming world, having built up a strong and well-respected business. He has in the past chaired the well-respected NAAC (National Association of Agricultural Contractors), been a guest speaker at a number of farming events, including the Oxford Farming Conference, and won the prestigious Farmers Weekly award for Contractor of the Year. The sale took place on Thursday 16th December at the RC Baker Ltd premises at Spring Hill Farm near Banbury, Oxfordshire. For more information, please visit www.cheffins.co.uk, or call Cheffins auctioneers on 01353 777767.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Muck & Slurry

Slurry Storage and Spreading Rule Changes Announced by Scottish Government

New regulations came into force on 1 January 2022 with some phased in over five years cottish Government has announced amendments to the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 following its 12-week consultation earlier this year. These include improving controls on the storage of slurry and digestate to reduce leakage, and more targeted spreading to maximise the nutrient benefit and reduce emissions.

Key elements of the regulatory changes include the phasing out of broadcast spreading of slurries by splash plates and the introduction of low-emission, precision spreading equipment. In a lobbying success for NFUS, slurry stores built prior to 1991, providing they are fit for purpose can be retained. However, all farms must have adequate slurry storage – 22

50 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

weeks for those keeping cattle and 26 weeks for pigs. If storage improvements are needed, the changes will be phased in with some farms having five years to comply. If a pre-1991 store is to be ‘reconstructed or enlarged’ to meet storage requirements then it will no longer be exempt and will then have to comply with the British Standards. NFU Scotland’s priority will be ensuring all farmers and crofters are aware of the rule changes and ensuring that any significant investment needed on farms to comply will be adequately supported by Scottish Government. It will also work with regulatory body SEPA to explore pragmatic options for compliance that take individual circumstances into consideration, encouraging compliance but also ensuring

farmers are not penalised for things out with their control. Environmental Resources Policy Manager Sarah Cowie said: “In what has been a nationwide consultation exercise for NFUS, we welcome that Scottish Government has recognised and revised the proposals that were of highest concern to our farmers and crofters. “In the months since the consultation closed, we have been involved in constructive conversations with civil servants and SEPA with the aim of addressing these. Without the very active engagement of our members, this would have undoubtedly resulted in more costs being imposed on the industry. “As a result, the proposals have

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry been revised to make it easier for farmers to comply, while at the same time the primary objectives of reducing the risk of point of source pollution, diffuse pollution and minimising emissions, which NFU Scotland supports, can still be achieved. We will study the final version of the regulations that will come into force at the start of the 2022 and make sure our members have as much information as possible. “When first published, the proposals drew a great deal of consternation and worry that significant capital investment for facilities and upgrades would be required to comply. A clear omission from the Scottish Government announcement today is what funding will be available to assist the industry to make necessary changes. “The only available Scottish Government support for slurry storage in 2021 was through a very limited Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS). While AECS rounds for 2022-24 have been confirmed, there are no details on whether this is an option for slurry storage and spreading investment during the transitional period. “NFUS is clear that where significant capital investment is required by farm businesses, adequate, non-competitive funding should be provided to allow them to adapt and invest in upgrades and equipment in order to comply with the regulations.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Muck & Slurry

Mastek machines available on the Farming Investment Fund grants T

he long awaited Farming Investment Fund grants are finally here, we spoke to Mastek to get an overview on their range of machine which are available for grant funding.

Mastek offer a range of dribble bars and trailing shoe applicators to fit tankers of all makes and sizes. The first in the line-up of machines shown below is their new 7.5m Micro Trailing Shoe. This machine is fixed to the tanker using fixed brackets and features a clever sequencing valve which unfolds the arms then tilts them to the ground all on the same hydraulic circuit. The company offer what they refer to as a “junction box” as standard which allows filling points to be fitted to the rear of the trailing shoe. The micro shoe features the company’s micro supercut macerator, this is proving to be a very compact yet reliable macerator.

as the Hybrid Dribble Bar. This machine can feature 3 or 4 point linkage or can be bolted to the chassis of any suitable tanker. This machine is available in widths of 10 or 12m and features hydraulic accumulator break away and a junction box on the rear to allow for easy filling. Mastek fit their own award winning “SuperCut” and “Micro SuperCut” macerators to their range of dribble bars and trailing shoes which are designed to handle long fibre and debris by using 6 unique V-shaped cutting discs to shear long fibre and plastic. Each hose outlet has a one-way air valve, this gives an even flow and helps to prevent blockages. Mastek told us they have machines working on farms using sand bedding and although these customers see increased wear the overall lifetime of parts is very

impressive compared to other macerators on the market. Mastek offer their own line up of flow meter with either a touch screen tablet display or the popular ISOBUS version allowing the user to view the flow meter on their tractor display screen with no need for an additional display box cluttering up the cab. These flow meters can record the amount of slurry applied to individual fields, something which is becoming more and more essential for farm nutrient records. The team at Mastek comprises of Mark Roberts who covers the North of the UK and Scotland and Ben Willcox who covers the South of the UK and Wales. Mastek have a growing network of dealers throughout the UK who can offer you a solution to fit your tanker.

Second up is the well-known 7.5m Professional Universal Dribble Bar weighing in at only 450kg, the machine simply replaces the slurry tankers existing door meaning fitting is quick and simple Mastek pride themselves on being able to fit to any make of tanker including Joskin, Pichon and all the Irish slurry tanker manufacturers. The machine features sprung break away and stone trap as standard. This machine is very popular on tankers from 1300 gallon up to 3000 gallon. The final machine in the line up is the companies vertical fold dribble bar known

52 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

Slurry Systems, Dribble Bars and Trailing Shoe Applicators

FARMING INVESTMENT FUND GRANTS

OPENING OCTOBER - Call us for more details

01939 220079

www.mastek.ie www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Muck & Slurry

Vervaet Connect telematics system to debut at J Riley working demonstration V

ervaet Connect, the company’s new telematics system, will receive its UK debut at a working demonstration being held by longstanding importers J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd on 27 January.

Developed in-house by the sugar beet harvester and self-propelled slurry applicator specialist, with this innovative introduction the company maintains its place at the forefront of its areas of expertise and intends to further consolidate its position as UK market leader for beet harvesting technology. Vervaet machines produced from 2022 onwards will be equipped as standard with the basic Vervaet Connect system. Sensors collect machine performance and operating data which is automatically transmitted to a webserver and presented in real-time through an intuitive new online portal called MyVervaet. Both current and historical machine data can be accessed via this easy-to-use platform from any location, and a high-level of

to numerous other popular systems, further enhancing its value. The information displayed is extensive, and includes but is not limited to: •

Real-time tracking of the machine

•

Machine operational status including speed, engine power usage, fuel consumption and hectares worked

•

Current settings and parameters with a live view of the in-cab screens •

compatibility means that the information can be shared with and exported

54 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry data conveniently presented in MyVervaet. This can be transferred to the customer, along with the total tonnage harvested and other important information, for their records and future use.

Service information such as fuel tank level and hours worked • Alerts of any problems or error codes • Historical data of previous work carried out by the machine • When specified (for harvesters), yield mapping with harvest data collected and displayed on a field map • Application maps and total volume applied (for Hydro Trike and Quad) The system’s benefits are farreaching. The owner/operator is instantly able to ascertain the location and status of their machine at all times, speeding up day- to-day management tasks, especially when running multiple Vervaet products. The log of previous work allows parameters such as fuel consumption and performance to be analysed and compared, and improved where possible, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Contractors also gain from the detailed information, such as the ability to instantly see how much fuel was used in a particular field. Maintenance management is also streamlined, with the machine’s hours displayed in the dashboard making service scheduling possible from the office. Even the best products breakdown, and alerts of any errors or problems are also flagged up on the MyVervaet portal. This is also visible www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

to the dealer and manufacturer, with remote diagnostics possible and the ability for software updates to be installed wirelessly, all reducing machine downtime. The precision agriculture elements of Vervaet Connect bring considerable advantages to growers aiding them to maximise the potential of their land and make sound well-informed management decisions. Thanks to the system’s compatibility with other platforms, the data can be especially useful where other advanced farming techniques such as variable rate seeding are already being employed. For the Vervaet Hydro Trike and Quad the system creates application maps in the MyVervaet portal displaying the rate of slurry applied across each field. This allows applications to be optimised and also provides extremely accurate recording of what was applied and where. Of course, this can already be taken a step further by using a separate John Deere system with an integrated NIR sensor to control the application rate according to the nutrient value of the slurry, allowing a set rate of, for example, nitrogen to be applied evenly across the field despite varying slurry quality. Although yield mapping for combinable crops has become standard practice on many forwardthinking farms, this generally wasn’t possible for root-crops, resulting in missing data whenever a field grew sugar beet. But growers will be reassured that this gap has been plugged with yield mapping offered as an optional integrated system with the

“We feel that the Vervaet Connect system brings benefits for all parties involved, from the contractor to the grower,” says Daan van de Velde, marketing manager at Frans Vervaet BV. “Farmers are able to use data from the Vervaet Connect system to help optimise their yields and reduce their costs, and time is also saved during maintenance and diagnostic work. Our main objective is, and has always been, to provide the best possible support to our sector, and this is achieved when everyone works together – we feel that you shouldn’t ever be afraid of collaboration. So we made sure that the data generated by Vervaet Connect can be shared with other systems to realise its greatest potential for the end user and enhance the development and progress of our industry.” “It all aids efficiency,” says Matt Carse, sales manager at J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd. “There is a real advantage from a service point of view, with the ability to diagnose potential issues or help customers with machine setup remotely, which can only make our aftersales support even better. The ability to carry out things like software updates wirelessly also means that our service team will potentially spend less time travelling which will, in effect, save money for the customer down the line. Another advantage is that the system is completely bespoke to our machines, so it is tailored to the specific requirements of the harvesters and the slurry applicators and we were able to specify how we wanted to view the data. Those attending our working demonstration should be able to view the system in action on the day.” The J Riley Beet Harvesters working demonstration will take place on 27 January 2022 at Little Witchingham in central Norfolk by kind permission of H Jones (Farms) Ltd. The post code is NR9 5NY, and signs will be in place on the day.

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Machinery

John Deere Reveals Fully Autonomous Tractor at CES 2022 D uring a press conference at CES 2022, John Deere revealed a fully autonomous tractor that's ready for large-scale production. The machine combines Deere's 8R tractor, TruSet-enabled chisel plow, GPS guidance system, and new advanced technologies. The autonomous tractor will be available to farmers later this year. The autonomous tractor serves a specific purpose: feeding the world. The global population is expected to grow from about 8 billion to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, increasing the global food demand by 50%. Furthermore, farmers must feed this growing population with less available land and skilled labor, and work through the variables inherent in farming like changing weather conditions and climate, variations in soil quality and the presence of weeds and pests. All of these factors impact a farmer's ability to farm during the most critical times of the year. 56 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

The autonomous tractor has six pairs of stereo cameras, which enables 360degree obstacle detection and the calculation of distance. Images captured by the cameras are passed through a deep neural network that classifies each pixel in approximately 100 milliseconds and determines if the machine continues to move or stops, depending on if an obstacle is detected. The autonomous tractor is also continuously checking its position relative to a geofence, ensuring it is operating where it is supposed to, and is within less than an inch of accuracy.

provides access to live video, images, data and metrics, and allows a farmer to adjust speed, depth and more. In the event of any job quality anomalies or machine health issues, farmers will be notified remotely and can make adjustments to optimize the performance of the machine.

To use the autonomous tractor, farmers only need to transport the machine to a field and configure it for autonomous operation. Using John Deere Operations Center Mobile, they can swipe from left to right to start the machine. While the machine is working the farmer can leave the field to focus on other tasks, while monitoring the machine's status from their mobile device.

The fully autonomous tractor will be on display from January 5-7, 2022 at John Deere's CES booth, located in Central Plaza at the Las Vegas Convention Center (CP-14). The booth will also showcase cutting edge technologies that are being used by farmers today, such as AI, GPS, automation and more.

The full press conference can be viewed on John Deere's CES microsite: www.JohnDeere.com/CES. John Deere CES 2022 Booth, Panel & Tireside Chats

John Deere Operations Center Mobile www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

Autonomous tractors and how they will help change the world I

n many ways agriculture has been driving the technology industry forward for more than a century.

From overcoming sticky Midwest soil with an innovative steel plow 185 years ago, to launching its first two tractors in 1918, John Deere has helped lead the way.

world," said Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere. "If you visit a farm, you'll see as much technology in the field as you will in Silicon Valley." Hindman, speaking at CES 2022 in Las Vegas where John Deere revealed an autonomous tractor, told attendees today's technology is paved with advancements from the past, adding "advanced technology and innovation has always been on the farm." He highlighted the company's many advancements in technology, including precision farming and self-steering machines that use GPS. Innovations that are now more than 20 years old.

"You fast forward a century from those first tractors and you'll find some of the most advanced robotic machines are being used on the farm to feed the

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

"This precise locationsensing technology (already) enables farmers to place seeds, spread nutrients and harvest their crops without having to touch the steering wheel," he noted. "Without this selfdriving technology, farming is incredibly

exhausting mentally and physically. GPS technology allows farmers to spend their time in the cab of a tractor looking at the real-time data they are collecting during the job they are doing and making adjustments." Until recently, agriculture had always been about doing more with more, Hindman noted, more horsepower, more inputs and more acres. But the digital era is changing all of that, he added, and it's coming at a critical time, as labor shortages are making it difficult for farmers to find people to help do the work. Driverless tractors can help farmers overcome that obstacle and more with their precision technology, making it possible to take on one of the world's biggest challenges—feeding our growing population. "The world's population is expected to grow from about 8 billion to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, increasing the global food demand by 50 percent," Hindman noted. "Farmers must feed this growing world population, and it's our job at John Deere to help them. The future of Agriculture starts now!"

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Machinery

MAGNIFICENT MILESTONE AS 750,000TH JCB ENGINE COMES OFF THE LINE

CB is celebrating a major milestone for its awardwinning engine.

The 750,000th engine has just come off the line at JCB Power Systems in Derbyshire where production first began in 2004. Engine production was extended to India in 2011- helping to power JCB to the landmark figure. JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “750,000 engines is quite some milestone when you consider that we

58 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

only started manufacturing 17 years ago. So much has been achieved over that time with our engines including two world land speed records. With the development of our new hydrogen motor, there is so much more to come and the future for our engine business looks very bright.” More than half of the 750,000 engines have been made at JCB Power Systems which produces a range from 55-212kW. The engines are used to power JCB’s products as well as those of customers producing equipment as diverse as road sweepers, screeners and crushers and barges.

JCB India’s Delhi plant currently manufactures around 48 engine variants for the Indian market and for export. Among the highlights of the past 17 years of engine production was a Queen’s Award for International Trade for JCB Power Systems in 2016 honouring a 325% growth in third party sales.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Machinery

he 2022 CLAAS UK Scholarship for a Harper Adams University student has been awarded to Molly Robson, who is studying for a BEng in Agricultural Engineering and is the first female student to win this prestigious award.

Now in its 16th year, the CLAAS UK Scholarship was instigated in 2005 at the personal request of Helmut Claas and is awarded annually to a Year 2 Engineering Student at Harper Adams University. As this year’s CLAAS Scholar, Molly will receive £3,000 towards her education costs each academic year. In addition, she will do an initial three months placement with a CLAAS UK owned dealership, prior to a 12 month paid placement at the CLAAS headquarters at Harsewinkel in Germany. Here she will be working within the Advanced Functional Testing Department, focussing on harvesting machinery.

year’s CLAAS Scholarship, Molly commented: “To be a CLAAS scholar and have my placement with the company, is something I have wanted to achieve since I started my journey in the world of agricultural engineering. I am beyond excited for this opportunity, and I cannot wait to start this experience!” CLAAS UK has enjoyed very close ties with Harper Adams for many years, both through the CLAAS Foundation, but has also sponsored PhD thesis and research work at the University and also provides work placement opportunities for a number of students each year. Many of these have gone on after graduation to be awarded training and career opportunities at CLAAS UK.

Prior to attending Harper Adams University, Molly studied at Askham Bryan College for a Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land Based Engineering. Molly is from a farming background and lives with her family on an arable farm in Darlington. When she’s not studying, Molly enjoys racing a V8 stock car, a sport she has been actively involved in since she was 12. Summing up on how she felt to be awarded this

60 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| ATV

A new Honda TRX420 FE1 ATV was recently chosen by Suffolk-based Sylvester Farms as the existing TRX300 4wd remained almost totally reliable after 25 years of regular use. Henry Sylvester is pictured with the two ATVs.

Additional ATV had to be another Honda A

Honda TRX300 Fourtrax ATV which has worked on the same Suffolk farm and shoot since 1996 remains so reliable that when an additional ATV was needed last year, its owners decided it had to be another of the same brand.

Trading as Sylvester Farms, the Sylvester family has farmed in north Suffolk for almost a century and moved to its current location near Yoxford in the 1950’s. Originally a mixed farm, now the enterprise is all arable and a local farmer provides a contract-farming service for the family. The farm is in the Yox Valley, and soils across most of the 140ha are heavy clay. Crops include wheat, barley, and peas and, as well as natural woodland, the family has also planted large numbers of trees within Environmental Stewardship schemes. A family-run shoot is managed by the farm’s owner, Charles Sylvester, and his son Henry.

conventional 4x4 vehicles or tractors are used. The Honda ATV’s light weight and flotation tyres allow travel almost anywhere at any time of the year without causing damage, so we use it to travel around the farm ourselves, and for carrying supplies, tools, and equipment. We also have a selection of Logic attachments including a feeder and a sprayer which are carried on the rear rack and powered from the Honda’s battery, and a trailed heavy-duty flail mower. We carry larger loads on a Logic trailer with flotation tyres, and the TRX300 4wd does all the work very easily.” 25 years of reliability

Heavy soils and slopes The Honda TRX300 4wd performs a wide range of tasks. “Although we are in Suffolk which has a reputation for being quite flat, our farm’s location in the Yox Valley means it is quite hilly,” explained Henry. “When it’s wet our clay land is vulnerable to compaction and damage and tracks quickly become rutted if 62 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

The TRX300 has been almost totally reliable since it arrived on the farm 25 years ago. “We describe it as the best thing we’ve ever bought,” explained Henry. “It’s an amazing machine and apart from routine servicing it has had little www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV delivered he took the time to explain the differences in operation compared to our existing TRX300.” The TRX420 FE1 has a 420cc, liquidcooled and fuel-injected petrol engine and a five-speed mechanical transmission with electronic pushbutton gear shift. It has selectable two- and four-wheel drive and power is transferred through shafts to the front and rear axles for efficiency and reliability, avoiding the extra maintenance and repair costs associated with belt and chain drives used by many competitor brands. Front and rear load racks carry 33kg and 66kg respectively and trailers up to 384kg can be towed. Noticeable improvements

else done. When new tyres were needed last year there was a wait of a few days until the supplier had them available and being without the Honda made us realise how much we depend on it. Using a tractor or a larger 4x4 instead wasn’t an option and we couldn’t get everything done.

“Although the TRX300 4wd is excellent, the new TRX420 FE1 has a lot more power which was quickly evident pulling the loaded trailer up steep slopes,” continued Henry. “Being able to select two-wheel drive when four-wheel drive isn’t needed makes the steering much lighter and it’s more manoeuvrable. The riding position is very comfortable, and we believe that the liquid-cooled engine will be better suited to low-speed work such as flail mowing in the woods on hot days

main role is now spraying and pheasant feeding. The new TRX420 does most of the trailer work and pulls the flail mower. There is the reassurance that if either machine is out of action, then the other can perform any task with any of the implements. Essential tool “Without our Honda ATVs, we wouldn’t be able to manage the farm, the shoot or our Environmental Stewardship land as efficiently,” concluded Henry. “We often work in areas where space is limited such as between trees in farm woodland - so larger vehicles wouldn’t be suitable and anything heavier such as a tractor would cause too much ground damage. My father and I enjoy the work but doing everything on foot would take too long, and we couldn’t justify employing anyone as the shoot is just for friends and family rather than a commercial enterprise. “The Honda ATVs are reliable, economical and practical and having two machines allows us to make the most of opportunities to get the work done. The TRX300 4wd is the best machine we have ever purchased, but we expect the TRX420 FE1 to be just as good.” Pull-out quote – “Our 25-year-old Honda

“There were many occasions in the past when having a second ATV would have been useful, so rather than risk being without a machine again in future we decided to purchase another. Our experience of the TRX300 had been so good that we didn’t consider anything other than the current equivalent Honda model.” Honda TRX420 FE1 A Honda TRX420 FE1 was ordered from Norfolk main dealer PFK Ling Ltd. “We knew what we wanted and the dealer had it in stock, so within a week of confirming our requirements with the Honda Power Equipment Manager, James Bengeyfield, it was delivered to our farm. He was helpful and easy to deal with, and when the ATV was

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

- when the air-cooled TRX300 can get quite hot.” With both ATVs available, the TRX300’s

TRX300 is the best machine we have ever bought and remains almost totally reliable.” – Suffolk farmer Henry Sylvester.

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| ATV

Kawasaki announce complete he 2022 utility range will feature the popular Kawasaki MULE Pro DX, Mule Pro DXT, Mule SX 4×4, and Pro-MX vehicles. Also included in the range is the BRUTE FORCE 4x4i EPS ATV, which will be available in two colours.

The MULE Pro DX and MULE Pro DXT remain the flagship vehicles in the range, with both machines retaining their current specification for 2022. At the core of each machine lays a 3cylinder, OHV water-cooled, 993cm3 Bosch fuel injected diesel engine; a feature of particular interest to multivehicle users pursuing a “single fuel” policy. Driving through a dual range CVT, both vehicles offer selectable 2WD and 4WD delivering 17.8 kW @

For more information

64 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

3600rpm and 52.1 Nm of maximum torque at 2,400rpm. For the MULE Pro DX, a spacious tipping load bed and impressive towing ability mean that almost no task is too big to ask of it. The MULE Pro DXT helps to push the range into new customer bases, thanks to the additional ability to move work crews into difficult or environmentally sensitive locations with minimal impact. Featuring such user-friendly features as tilt adjustable steering wheels and speed sensitive electronic power steering plus front and rear independent suspension, both these sturdy vehicles certainly make light of heavy work and leave their operators fresh at the end of

•

each demanding day. The entry-level MULE range will again be comprised of the MULE SX 4×4 and Pro-MX. Both models offer outstanding value for money and boast selectable 2WD and 4WD with Hi-Lo dual-range transfer case and a rear differential lock. The MULE SX 4×4 relies on a sturdy and ultra-reliable OHV 410cm3 petrol engine delivering 9.9kW (13.5 PS) of motive power. Its 500kg towing capacity and 181kg load bed maximum are more than enough for many users while such “creature comforts” as a tilting steering wheel and Independent MacPherson strut front suspension, the SX faithfully delivers all day, every day.

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

e 2022 MULE and ATV line up

Its range partner, the MULE Pro MX cuts a real dash, not simply due to its sprightly turn of speed but, equally, an automotive styling approach redolent of a sturdy pickup truck. The singlecylinder CVT transmission equipped 695cm3 engine delivers 32.8kW (45 PS) for year-round working in even the harshest conditions with the added benefit of electronic power steering as standard fitment.

default option when value, reliability and rugged build quality are required.

The 2022 range will be available from August and will cost:

Completing the 2022 range is the 749cm3 Brute Force ATV models. Featuring the powerful 37.3 kW {51 PS} @ 6,750 rpm water-cooled fuel-injected V-Twin engines, a 4×4 drive train and Electronic Power Steering (EPS), the ATVs will be available in Super Black or Camouflage Real Tree Xtra Green.

•

MULE Pro-DX – £11,999

•

MULE Pro-DXT – £13,199

•

MULE SX 4×4 – £7,299

•

MULE Pro-MX – £9,199

With disc brakes both front and rear plus the luxury of double wishbone suspension at both ends, the MULE Pro MX is both work and price friendly. Offered in traditional Kawasaki Timberline Green, the MULE SX 4×4 and MULE Pro MX are, for many, the

The variable speed EPS, carefully considered ergonomics and vast spread of smooth all-conquering power make the Brute Force a logical number one choice when rugged power combined with a small vehicle footprint are required.

•

Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS – £7,799

•

Brute Force 750 4x4i EPS Camo – £8,099

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Motors

ISUZU D-MAX NAMED WHAT VAN? PICK-U he Isuzu D-Max has once again been crowned Pick-up of the Year by the renowned experts at What Van? having now won the award in four of the last five years. Claiming the Pick-up of the Year Award in 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Isuzu D-Max is back on top in 2022 after narrowly missing out on the title last year. The What Van? Awards celebrate and recognise the brands, businesses and organisations that have reached the very pinnacle of their field each year, with this

66 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

years event taking place at The Nobu, Portman Square in London on December 9. The awards, which returned to a physical event following last year’s virtual ceremony, are judged by a panel of experienced industry experts from across the LCV sector and reward only the very best in each category. James Dallas, Editor of What Van? said "The Isuzu D-Max has always excelled as a robust, durable workhorse that is commendably available in single, extended and double-cab formats but

Isuzu has now added a large dose of refinement and safety technology to the mix. A selectable differential lock and class-leading wading depth have improved off-road capability and new electromechanical power steering has improved on-road handling. The Isuzu D-Max now has the all-round ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the pick-up sector." There is an Isuzu D-Max available to suit every requirement, from agricultural and construction work to leisure time and exploration, and with everyone from fleet

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

UP OF THE YEAR 2022 managers to families catered for in style and comfort. Already known for its rugged durability and reliability, each new Isuzu D-Max model comes with a five-year / 125,000-mile warranty and five-year roadside assistance for additional peace of mind. Alan Able, Brand Director, Isuzu UK, said “We are very proud to receive the prestigious Pick-up of the Year Award from What Van? for what is now the fourth time in recent years. The new-generation Isuzu D-Max, which launched earlier this year, is a big step forwards for the brand and builds on what was already a compelling choice for customers. The classleading safety systems and improved off-road ability, combined with more SUV-like qualities mean the new D-Max is truly smarter, stronger and safer than ever before.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Motors

FIAT PROFESSIONAL RECOGNISED AS BEST LARGE ELECTRIC VAN IN DRIVINGELECTRIC AWARDS Fiat Professional’s all-electric E-Ducato wins Best Large Electric Van in DrivingElectric’s annual awards All-electric E-Ducato praised for its strong payload and impressive range of 230-miles Fiat Professional’s first fully electric van boasts a payload of up to 1,885kg and the same best-in-class load compartment size as its ICE counterpart iat Professional’s all-electric E-Ducato has been crowned Best Large Electric Van for 2021 at DrivingElectric’s annual awards. Judges praised the all-electric E-Ducato for its impressive driving range and bestin-class payload. Kickstarting Fiat Professional’s foray into fully electric vehicles, the E-Ducato has a range of between 113 (47kWh battery) and 230 (79kWh battery) miles (WLTP City*). The all-electric E-Ducato also delivers a payload of up to 1,885kg while

maintaining the same best-in-class load compartment size as its ICE counterpart of between 10m3 to 17m3. Due to the fully electric nature of the vehicle, it is also congestion charge and ULEZ-exempt, making it the perfect tool for businesses in both urban and suburban environments. Richard Ingram, Editor, DrivingElectric, said: “Electric vans are big business now, and few come larger than Fiat Professional’s E-Ducato. “Despite switching its diesel engine for a battery and electric motor, the E-Ducato still offers a strong payload, as well as

SMMT statement on changes to the Plug-in Car and Van Grants 68 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

ike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Slashing the grants for electric vehicles once again is a blow to customers looking to make the switch and couldn’t come at a worse time, with inflation at a ten-year high and pandemic-related economic uncertainty looming large. “Industry and government ambition for decarbonised road transport is high, and manufacturers are delivering ever more products with

an impressive range of up to 230-miles. Capable of far more than last-mile deliveries, the E-Ducato is the best Large Electric Van currently on sale.” Richard Chamberlain, Head of Fiat Professional in the UK, said: “With class leading features, exceptional ride quality and innovative technology, the award pays tribute to all the hard-work the engineers have put into the development of all-electric E-Ducato. “Understandably, we are delighted that DrivingElectric has named the all-electric E-Ducato as this year’s Best Large Electric Van.”

ever better performance. But we need to move the market even faster – from one in a hundred cars on the road being electric, to potentially one in three in just eight years – which means we should be doubling down on incentives. Other global markets are already doing so whereas we are cutting, expecting the industry to subsidise the transition, and putting up prices for customers. UK drivers risk being left behind on the transition to zero-emission motoring.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

JAGUAR UK RECOUNTS A YEAR OF HERITAGE, INNOVATION AND PROGRESS 021 was a year that celebrated the peerless heritage, innovative present and sustainable luxury future of Jaguar; full of exciting new model releases, trailblazing brand partnerships and motorsport victories at the highest level. The year began with the first completed F-TYPE Heritage Edition models hitting the road, featuring a specially curated commemorative specification: 1960’s inspired Sherwood Green paintwork and Caraway and Ebony leather interior, the exclusive limited-run Jaguar features unique details inspired by the iconic Etype and celebrates 60 years of sportscar lineage. Shortly after, Jaguar UK welcomed the ‘E-type 60’ collection, inspired by the two E-types that first introduced this legendary sportscar to the world at the Geneva Motor Show: the Opalescent Gunmetal Grey coupé ‘9600 HP’, driven ‘flat out’ by Bob Berry to make the launch itself, and the British Racing Green roadster ’77 RW’, driven by Norman Dewis who was told to ‘drop everything’ to get to Geneva the next day. The E-type 60 Collection cars are sold as a pair. Bringing its story back to the present, Jaguar launched its new Jaguar F-PACE and ‘Hard to Forget’ campaign with DJ and producer MK. MK’s collaboration film was the first in a series from artists and renowned personalities from music and entertainment to photography and fashion. MK provided the soundtrack for, the ‘Hard to Forget’ series with exclusive new track Lies featuring Raphaella, released in January 2021. Hot on the heels of the new, improved FPACE, Jaguar brought new life to its FPACE SVR, XF saloon and Sportbrake and E-PACE models giving the full portfolio significant updates both inside and out. Advanced new technologies, www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

sharp styling and new plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid engines were launched.

secure a home race third-place podium finish.

In May, Jaguar continued its mission to nurture creativity and celebrate women in the arts, with a new partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) and Everyman Cinemas. The partnership officially kicked off with an all-star screening of Billie Piper’s much anticipated directorial debut, Rare Beasts at Everyman Broadgate.

In September, Jaguar UK was back at Goodwood, this time celebrating 60 years of the iconic E-type at Revival with drives in all generations – Series 1, 2 and 3 – charting nearly 15 years of production, and the evolution from sixcylinder to V12. VIP guests also had the chance to experience E-type’s successor, the F-TYPE, and watch raceprepared E-types battle it out on the track. There was also a star appearance at Revival by Jaguar Classic’s C-type Continuation, new metal, built exactly to the specifications of the original 1950’s Le Mans winner.

Whilst new partnerships were established, old partnerships were renewed and Jaguar revealed in July that it would support The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) for a further five years. As Official Car of The Championships, Wimbledon, Jaguar not only supplied a fleet of vehicles to support event operations but also rolled out initiatives to boost tennis in schools. Jaguar marked the conclusion of National School Sport Week by bringing a taste of the Championships, Wimbledon 2021 to Malmesbury Primary school in Merton, London with a pop-up Centre Court experience featuring Kyle Edmund and Frankie Bridge. July continued to be a busy month as Jaguar headed to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with stunt driver Terry Grant putting on a show-stopping highspeed, tightly choreographed drive ‘up the hill’ in Jaguar XF, F-PACE and FTYPE. The Jaguar Vision GT SV concept also made its public debut, representing Jaguar Land Rover’s vision for an electric future. Later that month, Jaguar Formula E driver Sam Bird joined forces with the iconic RAF Falcons parachute display team, who parachuted metres away as Sam Bird took his Jaguar I-TYPE 5 to the track. It was all part of the countdown to Jaguar’s race on home soil at the London e-Prix in July, that saw Jaguar Racing driver, Mitch Evans,

October saw the return of the Attitude Awards, this year hosted by comedian Tom Allen. As part of a broader campaign with Attitude magazine, Jaguar collaborated to create meaningful campaigns that tackle the important issues of diversity and inclusion in its own communities and beyond. November saw the introduction of a new title sponsor of the Jaguar Formula E team, Jaguar TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) Racing. A new livery of the Jaguar I-TYPE 5 race car for the 2022 Formula E season was revealed and Jaguar TCS Racing was given additional prominence within Jaguar Land Rover’s new motorsport division as part of the company’s Reimagine strategy, challenged to ‘Reimagine Racing’ to test, learn, develop, collaborate, and share innovations including cutting-edge electric vehicle technologies. The year concluded with an all- electric roadtrip to Ellenborough Park Hotel in the beautiful Cotswolds. Guests enjoyed drive activities from both sides of the Jaguar Land Rover family, taking the new Defender on a moonlit expedition across its spiritual home, Eastnor Castle.

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Motors

Volta Trucks confirms the engineering kick-off for its full-electric 7.5- and 12-tonne Volta Zero variants

olta Trucks, the leading and disruptive full-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider, has confirmed that its forthcoming 7.5and 12-tonne variants have entered the engineering phase of development, with a single design concept already selected. The 7.5- and 12-tonne Volta Zeros have been designed by Volta Trucks’ partner, Astheimer Design in Warwick, UK. The new full-electric vehicles will bear a close but evolutionary visual relationship to the larger 16-tonne vehicle which launched in September 2020 and debuted in its production-ready design in November 2021. The smaller models will carry over the principles of the innovative cab and premium working environment for drivers, with its low, central seating position and industry-leading visibility and safety standards. The 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicle will fulfil a different use case to the existing 16-

tonne Volta Zero, with the 7.5-tonne vehicle, as an example, able to operate on Sundays in a number of European territories where the 16tonne vehicle is currently excluded. The ground-up development of the 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles will be undertaken at the same rapid pace that’s become a hallmark of Volta Trucks operations. Engineering of the vehicles has now started, and a Pilot Fleet of vehicles is expected to be launched for customer trials in 2023, with series production due to commence during 2024. The 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles complete the initial Volta Zero product line up, as announced in the company’s Road to Zero Emissions strategy in May 2021. This will see full-electric trucks launched in the initial markets of Paris and London, followed soon afterwards in Milan, Madrid, the Rhine Ruhr region of Germany, and Randstad, Netherlands. The forthcoming 7.5and 12-tonne variants will also help

production to accelerate from 14,000 units in 2024 to over 27,000 by 2025 and increasing in the years beyond. Ian Collins, Chief Product Officer of Volta Trucks, said; “The full-electric 16-tonne Volta Zero is our first vehicle and the heart of our brand. But when designing that truck, we knew that we’d need to scale the innovative packaging and cab concept to accommodate different size vehicles. Our customers tell us that they appreciate the safety and zero-emission operations offered by the 16-tonne Volta Zero, but also need those positive attributes in smaller 7.5- and 12-tonne vehicles, and they need them quickly. Our creative partners at Astheimer have created an inspiring vehicle design that we’ve now started to engineer and bring to life. We’ve scaled up our Research and Development operations to ensure that we can deliver a portfolio of products to market, starting in a year’s time with the 16-tonne Volta Zero.”

About Volta Trucks Volta Trucks is a scale-up full-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services company. Volta Trucks’ Head Office is in Stockholm, Sweden, with its engineering led from the UK, and forthcoming manufacturing facility in Steyr, Austria. The company also has sales teams across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK. Volta Trucks is partnering with a number of global leaders in the supply chain for the development and production of the Volta Zero. 72 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Ariya named ‘Most Anticipated Electric Car’ and LEAF scores a ‘Best Used Electric Car’ hat-trick at DrivingElectric Awards 2022 he people have spoken! The all-new Nissan Ariya is the ‘Most Anticipated Electric Car of 2022’ as voted for by DrivingElectric readers. Adding to the electric achievements for Nissan at the DrivingElectric Awards 2022, the Nissan LEAF was also crowned ‘Best Used Electric Car’ for the third year in a row.

DrivingElectric Editor Richard Ingram said; “The Nissan LEAF changed the game when it launched over a decade ago, and it’s clear there’s just as much excitement around the brand’s nextgeneration electric car – the Ariya. The cutting-edge SUV’s blend of range, performance and tech saw it crowned the clear winner of the DrivingElectric Readers’ Most Anticipated Electric Car trophy for 2022.” Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. commented; “Ariya is a bold new chapter in Nissan’s electrification journey and this award is very important to us exactly because it is voted for by the consumer. We are thrilled that the public is just as excited about this highly-anticipated model’s arrival in 2022 as we are at Nissan.” The all-new Nissan Ariya is now available for pre-order with prices starting at £41,845. There are four versions to choose from with two battery sizes, 63kWh and 87 kWh, offering up to 310 miles of range (WLTP combined). Ariya offers up to 394PS or 600NM of torque, can accelerate from 0 to 62mph www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

in just 5.1 seconds and has the option of Nissan’s advanced all-wheel control technology – e-4ORCE – which delivers power to all four wheels together with significantly increased torque.

for customers making the move to electric.

Enhancing the customer on-board experience, premium features available include a panoramic sunroof, 10-speaker BOSE sound system, advanced HeadUp Display and an Intelligent Rear View Mirror.

•

2022 – Carbuyer Car of the Year Awards – Best Used Family Electric Car

•

2021 – What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Used Electric Family Car

•

2021 – Electrifying.com Awards – Best Used Electric Car

•

2020 – DrivingElectric Awards – Best Used Electric Car

•

2020 – What Car? Used Car of the Year Awards – Used Electric Car of the Year

•

2019 – DrivingElectric Awards – Best Used Electric Car

Commenting on the Nissan LEAF’s win in the ‘Best Used’ category, Ingram said; “The Nissan LEAF has been awarded DrivingElectric’s Best Used Electric Car award for the third year running. Arguably the first mass-produced EV, the LEAF offers good range, charging and on-board technology, plus plentiful supply on the used market – meaning no single model represents such excellent value for money.” Andrew Humberstone added; “I am so proud to see the continued recognition of LEAF in the important used car market. LEAF was a true pioneer for electric vehicles over 10 years ago and with the used EV market now reaching a level of maturity in the UK, it’s still being recognised as the clear leader for those looking to take an affordable step into EV ownership.” The Nissan LEAF has cemented itself as a firm favourite of the used electric car market. The model’s generous specification, innovative and intuitive technologies, combined with practical usability, offer a great value proposition

Impressively, this is LEAF’s seventh used car award in the UK:

To learn more about the all-electric Nissan Ariya Crossover, visit https:// www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/newvehicles/ariya.html To search for an approved used Nissan LEAF, visit Nissan Intelligent Choice at https://usedcars.nissan.co.uk/en/ vehicles To learn more about Nissan LEAF, visit https://www.nissan.co.uk/vehicles/ new-vehicles/leaf.html

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Motors

Hyundai charges ahead with triple triumph at 2022 DrivingElectric Awards

yundai’s lead in automotive sustainability and its ability to consistently deliver alluring, high-technology hybrid and electric vehicles with exceptional real world usability has been affirmed yet again, with a trio of accolades at the 2022 DrivingElectric Awards.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been named ‘Best Long-Distance Electric Car’ and presented with a special Technology Award by DrivingElectric. The Hyundai TUCSON was hailed 'Best Family Hybrid Car’ at the same ceremony. Very few electric cars can equal the exceptional driving range of the IONIQ 5, and none can match its unique blend of qualities, as DrivingElectric Editor Richard Ingram explains: “Several models now manage more than 298 miles on a charge, but few match this with 800-volt ultra-rapid charging. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 goes further still by offering a truly spacious cabin and a comfortable ride; the DrivingElectric judges were unanimous in naming it our favourite long-distance electric car.” The judging panel bestowed a second accolade upon the Hyundai IONIQ 5 – the coveted Driving Electric Technology Award. Ingram reveals the reasoning behind the decision: “The Hyundai IONIQ 5 deserves a special mention in the 2022 DrivingElectric Awards. Not only is it our Best Long-Distance Electric Car, but it also earned our coveted Technology Award. With its intuitive infotainment

74 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

system, long-range, 800-volt electrics and vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, this is an EV not just for today, but for 2022 and beyond. The IONIQ 5 is as close to future-proofed as anything currently on the market.”

Competition in the long established hybrid marketplace is fierce. Here, the Hyundai TUCSON SUV faced a vast array of rivals from almost every major manufacturer. Yet, once again, Hyundai’s unsurpassed ability to blend carbon-footprint-reducing technology with peerless driver and family appeal raised the Hyundai TUCSON SUV to the top of the field, as Ingram confirms: “Hybrids are proven to lessen environmental impact and lower running costs, but none makes such light work of family duties as the Hyundai TUCSON SUV. It’s spacious, economical and good to drive, plus it comes loaded with technology – a worthy winner of DrivingElectric’s Best Hybrid Family Car for 2022.” The trio of accolades won by Hyundai at the 2022 DrivingElectric Awards continues a remarkable year for the brand, which has seen its products receive critical acclaim from all quarters. Highlights have included: Auto Express’ Car of the Year for the IONIQ 5, Carbuyer’s Car of the Year for the New TUCSON and Top Gear’s Car of the Year for the i20N along with Top Gear's Manufacturer of the Year for Hyundai. Commenting on the 2022 DrivingElectric Awards, Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK, said:

“What makes the 2022 DrivingElectric Awards so pleasing is that they are bestowed by a judging panel that knows electric and hybrid mobility inside out and tests every product the industry has to offer. At Hyundai, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of sustainability, delivering future-focused products that excel for our customers today. It is always immensely gratifying to have that critically confirmed by the experts.” Priced from £28,760, the Hyundai TUCSON is offered to customers with a choice of three powertrains, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Petrol with Mild Hybrid. The TUCSON’s styling is sophisticated yet rugged, performance is consummately blended with efficiency, and the engaging driving experience is backed up by best-in-class safety. Every TUCSON is equipped with advanced safety features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) Car, Pedestrian and Cycle and Multi Collision Braking (MCA) as standard. Priced from £36,995, the sleekly styled Hyundai IONIQ 5 pays homage to the marque's design heritage whilst placing its focus on delivering the future of electric mobility to customers today. Thanks to Hyundai’s industry-disrupting new Electric Global Modular Platform (EGMP), the IONIQ 5 provides faster charging times, increased driving range, enhanced handling, and superior interior space. The modular, flat-floor E-GMP has also enabled Hyundai’s designers to revolutionise the car interior. The IONIQ 5 redefines what is possible with a completely new in-car experience and living space, offering sustainable materials, fully flexible seating, and numerous custom options.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Updated renault KADJAR now available to order •

Renault has introduced new trim names to the popular Kadjar range, with the line-up now consisting of the Kadjar Equilibre and Kadjar Techno

•

Stylish new features have been added across both trims, including gloss black wing mirrors on the Equilibre, and 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels on the Techno

•

The Kadjar Equilibre starts from £25,595 (OTR), the Kadjar Techno available from £27,195 (OTR)

•

Orders for the revised Kadjar range are open now

enault is refreshing the popular Kadjar line-up with a set of new trim levels, with the range now consisting of the Kadjar Equilibre and Kadjar Techno. The contemporary design and sophisticated interior of the family-friendly SUV also welcomes exciting new features across both trim levels, with orders for the updated Kadjar open from 1 December 2021. The new entry point to the Kadjar range is the Equilibre. Its name is derived from

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

the Latin ‘aequilibrium,’ meaning a state of balance. Its specification is wellbalanced across all areas, with a blend of youthful design, advanced technology, and serene comfort and driving experience. All Kadjar Equilibre models come with high equipment levels as standard, including a seven-inch multimedia touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, as well as cruise control, lane-departure warning, front and rear parking sensors,

reversing camera and automatic lights and wipers. The Kadjar Equilibre’s exterior is also enhanced with 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, privacy glass and new gloss black door mirrors. At the top of the revised range is the Kadjar Techno, combining refined comfort with the most advanced and connected technology. A simple abbreviation of ‘technology,’ the Techno trim evokes the up-to-date, tech-oriented focus of the car, with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Motors

contribute to the Kadjar’s impressive safety credentials.

•

Extra-tinted rear windows and tailgate

The Kadjar Techno offers drivers further convenience, including full LED lighting with automatic high beam, blind spot warning and Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS), all as standard.

•

Shark fin antenna

•

Windows chrome surround

•

Front grille with chrome enrichment

In terms of style and comfort, the Techno features sleek synthetic leather and cloth upholstery to the interior, while on the outside, design is stepped up with elegant 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, gloss black door mirrors and practical roof bars.

•

ED daytime running lights

•

Halogen headlights

•

Heated rear screen

•

Socket front – 12v socket

•

Multi-functional trip computer

•

Steering wheel – Power assisted, height, rake and reach adjustable

Interior

Safety and driving

•

Synthetic leather steering wheel

•

Back-illuminated central console

ABS with EBD – Electronic brake distribution and emergency brake assist

•

Daylight/nightlight rear-view mirror

•

Automatic headlights

•

Sliding front centre armrest

•

Cruise control with speed limiter

•

Windows - Tinted rear and tailgate

•

ECO mode

•

60:40 split folding seats

•

Electronic parking brake

The refreshed trim names will soon be introduced across more models in the award-winning Renault range.

•

Driver – Height and lumbar adjustable seat

•

Front fog lights with cornering function

UK SPECIFICATIONS AND PRICING

•

EasyLife quick folding rear seats

•

Hill Start Assist

The Kadjar Equilibre comes with following as standard:

•

Hands-free keycard

•

Front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera

•

Multi positional boot floor

•

Automatic dual zone climate control

Insurance approved (Category 1) alarm system and immobiliser

•

Driver – Height adjustable seat

•

ISOFIX Child seat anchorage points on

•

Electric front and rear windows

•

rear outer seats

•

Exterior temperature indicator

•

Lane Departure Warning

Both Equilibre and Techno specifications are available with the TCe 140 petrol engine, with either six-speed manual or seven-speed EDC automatic transmission. Orders for the Kadjar Equilibre and Kadjar Techno are now open, with first customer deliveries from February 2022.

Exterior •

17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels

•

Body side mouldings with chrome inserts

•

Electric folding automatic and heated door mirrors

76 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors •

R.A.I.D (Renault Anti Intruder Device) auto closure >6mph

•

Tyre inflation kit

Entertainment •

TFT digital driver information display

•

R-LINK 2- 7-inch touchscreen with navigation, TomTom™ LIVE , Bluetooth®, DAB radio, USB port and compatible with Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay™

•

Two rear USB sockets

•

4x35W speakers with 3D sound

The Kadjar Techno builds on the Equilibre’s extensive specification with the following additions: Exterior •

19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels

•

Roof bars

•

Chrome finish fog lights surrounds

•

Adamantium front & rear skid plates

•

Full LED headlights with LED turn indicators

•

LED fog lights with cornering function

•

Automatic high beam headlights

•

LED fog lights with cornering function • Automatic high beam headlights Interior • Black synthetic leather and cloth upholstery • vents

Rear passenger air

• Height adjustable front passenger seat • Auto-dimming rearview mirror Safety and driving •

Blind Spot Warning

•

Flank Protection

• AEBS Active Emergency Braking System

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

| Motors

ISUZU D-MAX CONTINUES STRONG SALES PERFORMANCE

ales of the All-New Isuzu D-Max, which launched earlier this year, have been strong throughout 2021. At the close of November, sales of the Isuzu D-Max were up 13.55% year to date over the same period last year, with a total of 3,368 Isuzu D-Max pick-ups registered so far in 2021. Overall, the pick-up market in the UK ended November 17% up on a year to date basis, with this years November sales up 31.2% over the same month last year, according to the latest figures published by the SMMT. 78 |

Farming Monthly | January 2022

There has also been a significant shift in the sales mix within the Isuzu D-Max range, with sales of the double cab automatic version currently 49% up over last year, and the range-topping Isuzu D-Max V-Cross becoming the brand’s best-selling variant. Isuzu UK, along with the entire automotive industry is facing increasingly complex trading conditions because of the worldwide shortage of components, semi-conductors, and key materials, which is having a detrimental impact on vehicle production and availability. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

• Isuzu D-Max sales are up 13.55% year to date • Sales mix shift with double cab automatic up 49% over last year • Isuzu D-Max V-Cross proves to be the best-selling variant in the range

William Brown, Managing Director, Isuzu UK said: “The early success of the All-New Isuzu D-Max has been both rewarding and challenging, with customer demand for the new vehicle outstripping our currently constrained supply, The situation is frustrating for us all, as we could sell many more vehicles than we are currently able to. However, the whole industry is facing these challenges head-on, and whilst we are not impacted as severely as most other manufacturers, we are constantly working with the factory to satisfy our customers and dealers.” www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

January 2022 | Farming Monthly |

LOVES WORK LOADS

BUSINESS CONTRACT HIRE FROM ONLY

£255

† MONTHLY RENTAL PLUS VAT INITIAL RENTAL £2,295.00 PLUS VAT Followed by 47 Monthly Rentals. Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply.