July 2019 Farming Monthly National

INSIDE: AD & Biogas Industry celebrates 2019 champions page 26

Farming

MONTHLY National

July 2019

Also in this issue...

News

| Study tour success for award winning Nuneaton dairy farmer page 09

World’s largest youth-led nature restoration project launches in UK Also inside this month..

Efforts to reverse devastating ecological breakdown page 10

Corvus -new name in ATV p50

AD plant for Worthy Farm p27

Young farmer secures finance p46

PLUS: Arable | Finance| Grain | Security | Tyres | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS July 2019

FEATURES 14

21

12 Arable Changing weather conditions heaps blight pressure on potato growers

16 Grain

33

28 Feeders & Bedders

45

42 Shows

Latest news

34 Slurry

Royal Highland, Royal Welsh & more

46 Finance

Bauer and Vogelsang innovate

Financing your farming project

A cerealsly good couple of days for Gibbons Agriculture

18 Cereals Cereals 2019 review

20 Education Lincoln to create first centre of excellence in agri-robotics

22 Buildings What could be simpler than a farm building

24 Security Rural crime round-up

04 | Farming Monthly | July 2019

REGULARS 06 News Compulsory purchase orders need experts

10 On Topic A future without rodenticides

26 Energy Latest energy news

36 Machinery Latest machinery news

50 ATV ATV news...covered.

54 Motors Latest motors news

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54

Agriculture. Covered.

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

World’s largest youthled nature restoration project launches in UK

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July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Compulsory purchase transactions need experts Expert professional advice when dealing with compulsory purchase transactions is vital to ensure the best result for all involved, says the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). ompulsory purchase can be a difficult and adversarial process, but having knowledgeable advisers on the case can make all the difference.

“The law and practice which allows the state to acquire property against an owner’s will is complex and the stakes are high – homes and businesses are at risk,” says Kate Russell, policy and technical adviser at the CAAV. “It’s important that both sides – the acquirer and the claimant – get good advice from properly qualified and experienced practitioners.”

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“Claimants need to feel that their concerns are heard and are being addressed, and need reliable information about the property and the claim. Agricultural valuers have a crucial role to play in helping to maintain good and effective communication.”

This is perhaps especially so in rural areas, as the nature of modern farming businesses means that compensation claims for compulsory purchase schemes can be very complex, she explains. “It is rare for the whole farm to be bought outright; frequently only part of the farm is acquired and so there can be adverse impacts on the remaining land.”

To add to this, current environmental

requirements can mean that a farmer may also lose land to environmental mitigation works, says Ms Russell. “This can be more than that lost to the compulsory purchase scheme in the first place. On HS2 for example, many landowners will lose relatively little land to the railway itself, but a huge amount more will be taken to create new wildlife habitats, as bunds to reduce noise, or to plant woodland to screen the visual impact.”

The CAAV’s latest publication, Good Practice in Statutory Compensation Claims gives an update on recent changes to the law and sets out guidance for the management of claims and clients. The CAAV is now working with acquiring authorities including HS2 to deliver related training.

“Our publication highlights that good communication is absolutely key and yet it can be difficult to do it well,” says Ms Russell.

“Compulsory purchase schemes involve a huge amount of uncertainty for those affected, often over long periods of time. Good communication can help reduce uncertainty and keep matters moving forward.

“Claimants need to feel that their concerns are heard and are being addressed, and need reliable information about the property and the claim. Agricultural valuers have a crucial role to play in helping to maintain good and effective communication.

“Likewise, acquiring authorities need to be properly advised so that they understand the nature of the land and property being acquired and the need for early engagement with those affected. Good advice can help the scheme

Kate Russell

proceed more smoothly, more quickly and so keep costs down.”

Due to the nature of the transaction, the whole process can become very adversarial, she explains.

“It is vital that agents act professionally and uphold high standards of behaviour. Advisers need to be aware of their professional responsibilities to their own clients and also to the other parties involved.

“At the heart of this is the need to treat all parties involved with the proper respect,” says Ms Russell. “The role of the agent is crucial for bridging the gap between the acquirer and claimant so that the disruption caused by the scheme can be kept to a minimum.”

Farming gets smarter with ‘AI at the edge’ Farmers are warning of another crop crisis unless the Government increases its Seasonal Workers Scheme to provide thousand more people to harvest produce. he future of the British beef industry is being traded away for pennies, warns the National Beef Association (NBA). With every penny removing over £110,000 from UK beef farmers, the reductions are ensuring more suckler cattle disappear from British farms.

The NBA says the lack of competition in the UK beef industry is now totally evident, with bid prices from the major processors staying on a par, and movements always the same way.

“Talk of further reductions next week demonstrates the contempt that processors are showing for farmer producers,” says Chris Mallon, NBA chief executive.

“Another 5p/kg drop takes away

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another £500,000 from struggling family businesses.”

Mr Mallon adds, “The reasons being given, appear to come from the ‘big book of processor excuses’, which seems to be given to all procurement officers.

“Reasons have included poor trade for offal, poor trade for hides, and struggling consumer demand.

All would have some credence if these same companies were not importing product to fill UK supermarket shelves.”

The NBA and its members are facing a complete imbalance in power, with the farmer on the losing side. Producers have no access to an ombudsman to query trading practices, and as such are powerless.

Mr Mallon explains, “Our concerns are wide-ranging, and include origin of imports and subsequent

06 | Farming Monthly | July 2019

labelling, Brexit stockpiling and the subsequent unloading on to the UK market, and the absence of contracts that leave profit, but put all the risk on the producer.

“But we are also seeing market manipulation, for example one consignor being told there is a 3week waiting list, while another is approached for additional cattle for immediate consignment.

Retailers are also continuing to demand commercially sensitive information from farmer suppliers.”

In a strong call to action, Mr Mallon concludes, “We feel our concerns are worthy of time and investigation at committee level with EFRA, and as such we have requested a meeting to air our concerns. The future of the industry is being damaged, and the viability of the sector is at risk as numbers drop which will ultimately hit food security for British consumers.”

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| News

Ingenius innovations to help transform UK farming New technologies are set to help UK farmers cut down on pollution, minimise waste and produce more food thanks to a £22 million Government investment. cience Minister Chris Skidmore today announced the first 31 projects to benefit from the Government’s dedicated Transforming Food Production Challenge, a £90 million Industrial Strategy fund to help businesses, researchers and industry to transform farming and meet the needs of a growing population.

This investment in the latest technological developments is a key part of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, and commitment to boost R+D spending to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027.

It will also contribute towards providing greener, cleaner processes for the agricultural sector, helping towards the Government’s commitment to a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Projects will benefit from a share of £22.4million to develop their innovative projects, with industry partners contributing a further £8.8million. They include: · Rootwave, in Warwickshire, who will use a £690,000 grant to use electricity instead of chemicals to kill weeds via the roots avoiding damage to crops; · Tuberscan, in Lincolnshire, who will use £391,000 to develop ground penetrating radar, underground scans and AI to monitor potato crops and identify when they are ready to harvest. This technology could increase the

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usable crop by an estimated 5%-10% and reduce food waste with minimal extra cost. · A project in Middlesex, who will use a £233,000 grant in its project to help cows graze without farmer supervision by placing sensors on farm gates that communicate with GPS trackers on cows to open and close gates allowing cattle to graze freely. · aiScope, a project based in Sheffield, who will use a £1 million grant to apply AI and analysis to tackle the common cereal weed, Blackgrass, potentially saving farmers £580 million a year.

Science Minister Chris Skidmore said: “The UK is a global leader in technological innovation, as well as being the first major economy to introduce plans for a legally binding target to reach net zero emissions and end the UK’s contribution to global warming entirely by 2050.

“The projects announced today will ensure we lead the way in supporting our vital farming industry, delivering high quality food for consumers while reducing the wider environmental impact.

“This is a key part of our modern Industrial Strategy, investing in ground-breaking projects, creating highly skilled jobs and providing a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.”

Farming Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Agri-tech can help us address the biggest

challenges facing the agriculture industry, such as eradicating crop pests and diseases for arable farmers without harming the wider environment.

“In 2018 we saw the total value of agri-tech investment worldwide skyrocket to $17 billion – an increase of 40% on the previous year.

Rob Edwards, Business Development Manager – Agriculture, Kubota UK, said: “It is positive to see that the Government will invest £22 million in new technologies to help UK farmers cut down on pollution, minimise waste and produce more food. There is no denying that technology is the future and failing to adopt new processes aided by technology, only means that the farming sector will be left behind, impacting on productivity levels and ultimately their profitability.

For the government’s investment to have the biggest impact and for technology to be used more widely across the industry, it will be important to communicate to farmers the evidence of the long-term positive effects of technology on farm performance. One way of doing this will be to enhance the industry’s capabilities and skills when it comes to using technology. This is likely to enhance their trust in it, and in turn, they are therefore more likely to adopt it. Not only will this allow farmers to future proof their businesses, but help to meet the needs of a growing population.”

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

UK beef industry being traded away for pennies, warns NBA National Beef Association calls for urgent meeting and investigation with EFRA. he future of the British beef industry is being traded away for pennies, warns the National Beef Association (NBA). With every penny removing over £110,000 from UK beef farmers, the reductions are ensuring more suckler cattle disappear from British farms.

The NBA says the lack of competition in the UK beef industry is now totally evident, with bid prices from the major processors staying on a par, and movements always the same way.

“Talk of further reductions next week demonstrates the contempt that processors are showing for farmer producers,” says Chris Mallon, NBA chief executive. “Another 5p/kg drop takes away another £500,000 from struggling family businesses.”

Mr Mallon adds, “The reasons being given, appear to come from the ‘big book of processor excuses’, which seems to be given to all procurement officers.

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“Reasons have included poor trade for offal, poor trade for hides, and struggling consumer demand. All would have some credence if these same companies were not importing product to fill UK supermarket shelves.”

The NBA and its members are facing a complete imbalance in power, with the farmer on the losing side. Producers have no access to an ombudsman to query trading practices, and as such are powerless.

Mr Mallon explains, “Our concerns are wideranging, and include origin of imports and subsequent labelling, Brexit stockpiling and the subsequent unloading on to the UK market, and the absence of contracts that leave profit, but put all the risk on the producer.

“But we are also seeing market manipulation, for example one consignor being told there is a 3-week waiting list, while another is approached for additional cattle for immediate consignment. Retailers are also continuing to demand commercially sensitive information

from farmer suppliers.”

In a strong call to action, Mr Mallon concludes, “We feel our concerns are worthy of time and investigation at committee level with EFRA, and as such we have requested a meeting to air our concerns. The future of the industry is being damaged, and the viability of the sector is at risk as numbers drop which will ultimately hit food security for British consumers.”

INNO-VEG: New project transforming research and development in the field vegetable and potato sectors The first project of its kind developing innovative methods for carrying out research into field vegetable and potato crops has been launched with 48 field experiments set up in the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands this season. he INNO-VEG project is being led by ADAS, an RSK company, in the UK; the partners are Inagro in Belgium, Delphy in the Netherlands and ARVALIS – Institut du vegetal in France.

The aim of the project is to develop an overarching protocol for integrating crop sensing data into field research methodologies.

Reliable research methods are crucial to underpin the evidence base needed to meet the challenges of sustainable intensification of field vegetable and potato production. The project will evaluate the suitability of using crop sensing data to assess treatment differences in field experiments. Project lead and ADAS soil scientist Lizzie Sagoo explains, “We know that crop sensing data, for example, from drones or tractor-mounted sensors, can show up differences in crop performance across a field.

We want to see whether these techniques accurately assess final crop yields. If they do, they can be used instead of the labourintensive and expensive standard field assessments.”

Traditional crop research relies on replicated treatments in small plots and intensive measurements. It is usually led and delivered by agronomy, consultancy or academic organisations. Consequently, farmers typically only host experiments. They do not play active roles in the research, neither applying the treatments nor assessing their effectiveness.

Moreover, this research model is expensive, and the budget is limited for research on field

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vegetable and potato crops.

“If we can show that crop sensing data can be used to assess differences in crop treatments, we can upscale to split-field or tramline comparisons. Then, we can adopt a farmer-led approach to delivering research in this sector. The model will enable farmer to apply treatments to different areas of a field using their own farm equipment and carry out accurate measurements using high-resolution crop data,” says Sagoo.

“We have developed approaches to bring scientific rigour to farmer-led research in combinable crops like wheat,” ADAS head of agronomics Daniel Kindred continues.

“Treatments can be set up in line trials and statistically compared using yield maps from a combine harvester. The main barrier to adopting this approach is that yield mapping, although technically possible, is very rarely used for field vegetable crops. However, highresolution spatial crop imagery can be easily collected during the growing season from all field vegetable crops. If this can be used as an indicator or a proxy for the final crop output, it can also enable field-scale research.”

In 2020, field validation experiments will test the protocol developed during 2019 in thr field scale research experiments to develop a framework for farmer-led research. The framework will then be tested in farmer-led field experiments during 2021. Information collected from farmer groups and field testing will be used to refine the framework to ensure the outputs are presented in formats that are easily

understandable and written in sufficient detail to facilitate the adoption of the farmer-led approach.

This project brings together an internationally respected group of researchers with extensive experience of field vegetable and potato production systems, crop sensing techniques, spatial data analysis and on-farm advice. “Our ultimate aim is to provide farmers with a methodology for carrying out research on their own farms, where they can test new approaches such as varieties, establishment techniques or fertiliser management,” says Sagoo.

In addition to the field experiments, the project team is setting up a cross-border (the UK, France, Belgium and the Netherlands) network to facilitate innovation between the precision farming/sensor technology industry, research organisations and the field vegetable and potato crop sectors. The network is being developed by Delphy in the Netherlands and is due to launch later this year.

“The INNO-VEG innovation network will focus on facilitating innovation by realising the value of crop sensing technology in the delivery of field vegetable and potato research. We invite anyone with an interest in this area to join to network,” says network lead Cor Van Oers from Delphy.

The INNO-VEG project has received funding from the Interreg 2 Seas programme 2014-2020 co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under subsidy contract No 2S05-032.

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| News

Severn Trent improve its biosolids offer for farmers By swapping contractors for an in-house team, and offering better quality cake, Severn Trent is signalling a step change in its biosolids offering. ioresources logistics manager for Severn Trent, Joseph Stack, explains that the company has insourced the Farm Liaison team. “We’re now able to talk directly to farmers about what they want and have invested in our team and processing” he says.

Investments include two upgraded sites, including the Minworth Sewage Treatment Works near Sutton Coldfield, where the Thermal Hydrolysis Plant heats sludge to 170 degrees C before applying pressure – both sterilising and shattering the cell structure of the bacteria in the sludge.

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Following this process large digesters then biodegrade the solid matter within the sludge and produce methane-rich bio-gas, which supplies homes.

Finally, the sludge is taken through a dewatering process, where it is thickened and made ready for farmers to use.

“By improving the process, we now have a better-quality product that stands better in the field and can be classed as an ‘enhanced’ Biosolid,” explains Joseph.

“I’d encourage any farmers considering using biosolids to get in touch with one of our farm advisers. They’ll visit your farm, review cropping types and rotations, look at your soil

type and structure and make a recommendation that’s bespoke to your farm.

“The recommendation also breaks down the value to your farm; what it would save in fertiliser costs and what benefit you could see from the organic matter,” says Joseph.

Farmers interested in Severn Trent’s biosolids offering can get in touch either by calling the dedicated biosolids line on 0800 9177253 or email biosolids@severntrent.co.uk.

An overview of the product’s composition of nitrogen and phosphate and estimated values are available at https://www.stwater.co.uk/aboutus/environment/biosolids-recycling/

Study tour success for award winning Nuneaton dairy farmer Following his success in the ForFarmers Excellence in Farming Awards, Tim Sinnott, who runs a dairy farm in Nuneaton, has recently returned from a study tour in the Netherlands. im was announced as the winner of the Dairy Feed Efficiency category in last year’s ForFarmers Excellence in Farming Awards and was presented with a three-day study trip across the Netherlands organised by ForFarmers and focusing on maximising efficient milk production from high quality forage.

On the study tour Tim was joined by his wife, Susan and his ForFarmers Account Manager, Julian Mills, as well as Graham and Kate Bradley, winners of the Youngstock Producer category in last year’s ForFarmers awards and Richard and Claire Sainsbury, who won the Forage Manager category.

As well as enjoying a brief tour of Amsterdam, the award winners were taken to visit ForFarmers’ headquarters in Lochem, Nutreco’s Ruminant and Calf Research Centre and an awardwinning Dutch dairy farm robotically milking 130 dairy cows on 190 acres of land and producing 12,000 litres of milk per cow, each year.

Study tour at the ForFarmers Forage Innovation Field. From L-R: Peter Cade, ForFarmers Account Manager, Julian Mills (ForFarmers Account Manager), Richard Sainsbury, Claire Sainsbury, Kate Bradley, Graham Bradley, Tim Sinnott, Susan Sinnott, Matt Jenkin (ForFarmers Account Manager)

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On their final day, the study group were given a unique tour the ForFarmers Forage Innovation Field, which is a large-scale demonstration area growing a wide range of forage varieties, as well as testing different management techniques and trialling fertiliser applications.

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

An AFC Ambassador on a project

World’s largest youth-led nature restoration project launches in UK Environmental charity Action for Conservation have today unveiled the largest youth-led nature restoration project of its kind in the world in an effort to reverse devastating ecological breakdown and create a global gold-standard for youth-led environmental action.

aking place on a 2,000-acre upland estate in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, the pioneering “Penpont Project” will be run by a Youth Leadership Group of twenty 12-17 year olds from diverse backgrounds. Under their management, the project will restore habitats and ecosystems and explore innovative farming and forestry approaches to provide a healthy support system for people, biodiversity and agriculture.

The Youth Leaders will work in collaboration with tenant farmers, landowners, academics and local stakeholders to create a worldleading example of how young people’s passion for conservation and the natural world can be harnessed to effect tangible change.

The project launches against a worrying backdrop when it comes to the natural world. In

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the UK, 56% of species have shown a decline in numbers between 1970 and 2013. And the UN’s recent landmark report found that 1 million animal and plant species face extinction globally, threatening food security, livelihoods, economies and health.

The charity behind the initiative believes a project of this scale will motivate other young people to take action to protect the natural world, as well as act as an inspirational case study for embedding youth leadership in conservation efforts elsewhere in the UK and across the world.

Hendrikus van Hensbergen, CEO of Action for Conservation, which uses pioneering approaches to engage and inspire young people to become the next generation of environmental change-makers, comments; “As the largest truly youth-led nature restoration initiative on the planet, the Penpont Project will

demonstrate just how effective young people can be in driving impactful environmental efforts. Involving young people from all backgrounds in environmental decision-making from the outset is the key to unlocking a greener future for everyone. This group will create a game-changing example of how young people can work collaboratively with local stakeholders to protect the natural world.

“We are at a critical juncture when it comes to our environment. A recent UN report calls for transformative change to avert an extinction crisis. Now is the time to take positive action to reverse ecological and climate breakdown and there is compelling evidence to show the value of restoring nature to halt biodiversity loss and act as a natural climate solution. With young people making their voices heard through the climate strikes, there is no better time to build on this energy with a transformative youth-led

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| On Topic

Hendrikus van Hensbergen - founder_CEO Action for Conservation

project here in the UK. We hope the Penpont Project acts as a beacon of hope and inspiration for like-minded initiatives the world over.”

The Youth Leadership Group is made up of volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds who all share a passion for the environment and conservation and have participated in Action for Conservation’s Youth Ambassador Programme.

16 year old Willow, from Cardiff, who is one of the inaugural members of the Youth Leadership Group, comments.

“I’m so excited to be part of the Penpont Project. It is a unique opportunity to transform a landscape through hands-on restoration efforts and inspire others to take action themselves.

The natural world is in real trouble, in Wales and beyond, and we need to work together to find creative ways to turn this situation around.

By working with the tenant farmers, landowners and conservationists I really hope that we can demonstrate the value of putting young people at the heart of positive environmental change and inspire other projects to take a similar approach.”

Davina Hogg, owner of the Penpont Estate,

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where the restoration project is being launched, adds: “We’ve long prioritised sustainability when it David Christensen comes to the running of Penpont Estate, but over recent years we’ve been looking to engage with environmental efforts on a larger scale. Working with Action for Conservation and enabling the Youth Leadership Group to work with our tenant farmers to restore habitats and ecosystems is a fantastic opportunity to not only safeguard the future of this beautiful land, but also to create a shining example of how conservation efforts could and should be run.”

Gareth Davies, a tenant farmer whose family have farmed the estate for three generations, added: ‘This is an inspiring project and we are looking forward to working together with these passionate young people to show how nature restoration can go hand in hand with sustainable farming practices, to make sure we maintain healthy soils, clean water and vital wildlife species long into the future.”

The project was officially unveiled today. It will see the youth leaders undertake ecological surveys of an initial 322 acre site alongside

pupils from neighbouring schools, before they go on to collaborate with local stakeholders, leading academics and conservationists to design and implement restoration plans for the area, design outreach and education activities, evaluate financial models, and develop a programme of communications to keep the public up to date on progress. The project timeline is open ended with all efforts geared towards solutions that are low input and high impact, relying on natural processes to drive change and secure long-term, sustainable outcomes. With time they hope to extend the approach to adjacent land, creating larger areas of habitat and ensuring connectivity.

Action for Conservation and the Youth Leadership Group also hope the area will act as an educational resource for young people from across the region in the long-term; providing them with a place to experience nature, see the impact of restoration efforts up close, and inspire them to lead initiatives in their own communities.

You can learn more about Action for Conservation and the Penpont Project at: https://www.actionforconservation.org/penpont

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Arable

Changing weather conditions heaps blight pressure on potato growers Farmers are facing challenging conditions in which to control late blight after Hutton Criteria disease warnings were declared in key potato-growing areas. large percentage of the UK crop is at the critical rapid canopy growth stage and in need of robust protection but heavy rain and waterlogged soils in some areas means it may not be possible to apply protective sprays in a timely fashion.

Temperature and humidity in the past week have sparked red warnings – indicating the highest level of blight threat - in many counties including East Anglia, the south and west of England and as far north as East Yorkshire.

Corteva Agriscience advises that current conditions will lead to product choice and application timing taking on even more importance.

The crop protection and seed company’s field technical manager Craig Chisholm says growers should consider the length of protection they need and whether their chosen blight spray has any curative properties.

Craig said: “The potential for a high blight pressure year was already present due to the increase in volunteer potatoes across the rotation, coupled with the mild winter. Dry conditions and recent cooler temperatures kept a lid on it.

“But the deluge of rain we’ve witnessed and rising temperatures triggered warnings across many key potato areas. Growers will be particularly concerned about this as many crops are at rapid canopy stage and need protection of vulnerable new growth.”

Where sprays have been postponed by the

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conditions, a product with some curative activity will help tackle any blight infection already developing in the crop.

Craig said: “Choosing an active ingredient with curative properties will ensure growers claw back some of the days of lost protection.”

Flexibility on timing future sprays is also part of the conundrum.

“The efficacy of most blight sprays burns out after seven days which will be a problem if the wet and windy weather persists and sprayers can’t get on the field.

“By including a molecule such as oxathiapiprolin (Zorvec) in a programme, growers will be better able to cope with inclement weather as the 10-day spray interval provides flexibility for growers.

“Under high blight pressure when agronomists would generally be looking at reducing spray intervals to five days, the robustness of oxathiapiprolin will enable growers to stick with their seven-day schedule, enabling crop coverage to be maintained.”

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| Arable

Contact your nearest dealer: Central Cropsprayers Limited Unit J Sandford Industrial Park Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 2AN 01948 840187 www.centralcropsprayers.co.uk Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk

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July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Arable

Soil health: Let’s get physical (chemical and biological) If you want to know how healthy you are, then there are a myriad of tests and tools to help you ‘quantify’ the condition of your body – your blood pressure, your body mass index and your cholesterol level, for example. And now there’s a move to develop ways to quantify the health of your soil, too. n 2016, AHDB and BBRO funded the five-year Soil Biology and Soil Health Partnership. With its focus on soil health, one ambition is to produce a toolkit to assist with its measurement and management.

One of the first tasks was to review what could be measured and how practical it was to measure it. The next task was to identify a simple way to bring the most relevant attributes for measurement together – enter the ‘soil health scorecard’. Currently developed in Excel, the team has identified threshold values associated with each attribute. When the results from the various field measurements are entered into the scorecard, a traffic-light system flags whether anything requires investigation (red), monitoring (yellow) or, if things are good, where no action is needed (green).

To test the approach, a network of seven experimental sites has been established. One of these is a long-term experimental site at Harper Adams University. Established in 1991, on a sandy loam soil (‘Wick’ Soil Series), the site provides an extreme test for the prototype scorecard. It has a long history of repeat organic material additions (at recommended rates) in a predominantly arable rotation (cereals and potatoes). In fact, cumulative organic matter inputs range from 0 t/ha to 129 t/ha.

Five organic material treatments have been applied (Table 1). These include annual

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applications of cattle farmyard manure (FYM), cattle slurry, green compost, green/food compost and food-based digestate. There is also a control treatment, which has received manufactured fertiliser only. Fertiliser was also applied across treatments to ensure that nutrient supply did not limit crop growth.

Table 1. Organic material treatments applied at the Harper Adams University trial site

Initial measurements of topsoil chemical, physical and biological properties were made in October 2017 and a soil health scorecard was produced (Table 2).

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| Arable Table 2. Example soil health scorecard for the Harper Adams University trial site These earthworm populations were sampled from medium soils that receive regular organic matter inputs (manures and crop residues). The effect of tillage system – conventional (left) and zero till (right) – on the number of large deep-burrowing earthworm species is clear to see.

**Attributes that showed a statistically significant difference between treatments (P<0.05) In terms of soil organic matter (SOM), the thresholds set were based on those considered to be ‘typical’ for the soil type and climate. Unsurprisingly, the control – which received no applications of organic matter – had a relatively low SOM content. The lighttextured soils responded well to the application of organic materials, particularly bulky materials, such as FYM and green compost.

Key nutrients were also measured – extractable phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg). Thresholds were based on values taken from

AHDB Nutrient management guide (RB209). Levels of nutrients were relatively low in the control. Levels were higher across the organic matter treatments. The soils at this site are inherently high in extractable P and management strategies would need to take this into account across all treatments, especially the FYM treatment.

Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) scores from the topsoil (top 30 cm) were also good at the site. VESS is a straightforward and quick way to test soil structure in three simple steps – soil removal, soil assessment and soil scoring. The soil quality score produced can help highlight where soil structure needs to be improved. Ideally, each distinct soil layer should be

assessed separately and management focused on the worst performing, ‘limiting’ layer. A score of 1 or 2 is good, a score of 3 is moderate and shows the soil requires monitoring, and a score of 4 and 5 indicates that management action is required.

Further information on VESS can be found at www.sruc.ac.uk/info/120625/visual _evaluation_of_soil_structure Counts of the number of earthworms (total number of adults and juveniles) showed that all treatments were associated with an active population of earthworms – more than eight per pit is an ‘active’ population for arable or ley/arable soils.

The application of bulky organic materials was also shown to improve topsoil bulk density (at 5– 10 cm depth), from 1.4 g/cm3 on the control treatment to 1.3 g/cm3, where either FYM or green compost had been applied.

The plan is to repeat the sampling process for a further three years of arable cropping (winter wheat, potatoes and spring cereal). The impact of additional organic material applications on a wider range of soil quality indicators will also be investigated.

Other long-term sites in the network will also use the approach to determine the effect of crop rotation, pH, tillage and drainage status on soil health.

Information on the project can be accessed via ahdb.org.uk/greatsoils VESS assessment of the longterm FYM (left) and control (right) treatments

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| Arable

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| Grain

A cerealsly good couple of days for Gibbons Agricultural After a soggy start, Gibbons Agricultural enjoyed a fantastic couple of days at the Cereals Event, with visitors braving the wet weather to see Gibbons’ range of specialist grain storage products. ince Gibbons are known for the high quality of their products, visitors were keen to see them in person and enjoyed the opportunity to touch and pick up grain fans and even give some Plug&Cool Pedestals a good kick to confirm they won’t dent!

Visitors were also interested to hear from the team about the smart technology and innovative design featured in the Plug&Cool range.

Gibbons’ packaged solution to grain storage, the Plug&Cool Barn System, incorporates Robydome technology that allows farmers to control their store conditions via a web-based control panel.

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Users can access real-time information on any device, produce accurate reports and graphs, make changes, set automatic controls, and receive emails for immediate alerts of any problems.

Utilising modern technology in this way, Gibbons’ Plug&Cool Barn System is the ultimate time and money saving package and was therefore of great interest to visitors at Cereals.

Gibbons were also excited to unveil their newest product at the event – the Airspear® Max. In a style that is popular across Europe, the new Airspear® harnesses the maximum power of a 1.1kW fan for the rapid cooling of urgent hotspots. With strong, adjustable, nonslip handles, a sharp point and no bulky

adaptor, the new Airspear® Max is completely portable and easy to use.

Agricultural Sales Manager Matthew Gibbons said, “Cereals was another great opportunity to speak to farmers from across the UK and let them know how our specialist grain storage equipment can save them time and money. We’re very proud of our Plug&Cool range, which answers farmers’ need for equipment that is both reliable and utilises modern technology.”

If you missed Gibbons Agricultural at Cereals, there is still time to place an order before this year’s harvest. You can get in touch with them on 01621 868 138 or at fans@gibbonsgroup.co.uk

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| Cereals

Cereals 2019 well received despite challenging weather conditions Thoughts on Cereals 2019 from event organiser Comexposium. ereals 2019, hosted by Comexposium & Prysm Group on 12-13 June 2019 at Boothby Graffoe, was well received and well attended by both visitors and exhibitors despite very challenging weather conditions. The area around the event site received a large amount of rainfall in the week leading up to and during the event dates. Fortunately, many visitors and exhibitors braved the rainy conditions to attend Cereals and were joined by 16000 arable industry colleagues for two full days of quality content and networking.

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“The Cereals team is so grateful to the farming community that supported us through such a difficult weather situation. It was our first event under new management and quite a challenging one. We have had an unprecedented number of positive messages from farmers directly and via social media channels that encouraged us leading up to and throughout the event.”

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Cereals central feature content highlights included the Cereals AHDB Theatre themed Preparing for Change, the International Farming Superstars presented by Farmers Weekly which brought together leading arable farmers from Australia, Netherlands, Kenya & Canada and the Harper Adams University Hands-Free Hectare demonstration. The open-air theatre which housed the International Farming Superstars presented by Farmers Weekly was closed on Day 2 due to the inclement weather.

Those sessions will be released over coming weeks as webcasts.

Rothamsted Research received a lot of interest at their press conference in the Media Centre as they announced findings of their research into herbicide resistance in blackgrass which can be translated to practical use for farmers.

New content features at Cereals 2019 included the Cereals Innovation & Technology Theatre and the Conservation Agriculture Theatre. Presented by some of the most forward-thinking farmers, suppliers and universities, the Innovation & Tech Theatre featured the latest innovations, most recent product launches and newest technologies shaping the world of arable

farming. The Conservation Agriculture Theatre featured farming and soil management techniques from a practical point of view in order to help farmers navigate the changing landscape. Both theatres were well attended throughout both days and led to positive information sharing and creative questions that will help inform and shape the programme for Cereals 2020.

The exhibitors also had innovation on display….

“The Cereals team is so grateful to the farming community that supported us through such a difficult weather situation. It was our first event under new management and quite a challenging one. We have had an unprecedented number of positive messages from farmers directly and via social media channels that encouraged us leading up to and throughout the event. “We are so thankful for the community’s support and look forward to hosting the event next year, hopefully in better weather, 10-11 June 2020 at Duxford, Cambridgeshire,” said Alli McEntyre Gaharan, Group Event Director of Cereals & Fruit Focus.

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| Cereals

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July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Education

Lincoln to create first global centre of excellence in agri-robotics The UK’s first global centre of excellence in agri-robotics research will be created at the University of Lincoln, with the announcement of significant Government grant funding. incoln Agri-Robotics will be established as a major new research centre bringing together world-leading expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence and agriculture, based on the site of the University’s working farm.

The University of Lincoln is already spearheading the development of next generation robots for agri-food production which will help streamline and maximise processes throughout the entire food industry, from farm to fork. This new funding, from the UK Government’s Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Fund through Research England, recognises the University’s commitment to supporting farms of the future and will enable its researchers to scale up their work tackling pressing issues facing the global food chain.

The Government’s E3 Fund is designed to support the strategic expansion of outstanding research units and departments in universities across England. E3 focusses only on areas where research excellence already exists, with considerable potential for growth.

Lincoln Agri-Robotics will expand two of the University of Lincoln’s specialist research groups – the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT) and the Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (LCAS) – bringing together the groups’ scientists into one specialist organisation. The new centre will fuse

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robotics and artificial intelligence expertise with that from agriculture and other disciplines such as food manufacturing, engineering, life sciences and social sciences.

Professor Andrew Hunter, Lincoln’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: “Agri-food is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK – twice the scale of automotive and aerospace combined – supporting a food chain which generates a Global Value Added (GVA) of £113bn, with 3.9m employees in a truly international industry.

“It is widely agreed that robotics will transform the food and farming industries in the coming years, as producers adapt to meet significantly increased global demand, but there is still so much research and development to be done.

The creation of Lincoln Agri-Robotics is therefore extremely timely and positions Lincolnshire, and the UK, at the leading edge of research innovations in this truly global industry. RAAI technologies will facilitate a step change in agricultural productivity while reducing environmental impact, and this new centre of excellence will be at the forefront of that change.”

Universities and Science Minister Chris Skidmore said: “Pushing the boundaries of knowledge and conquering new innovations are what our universities are known for the world over. This programme led by the University of Lincoln will give the UK another world first in Lincoln’s centre for research into

farming robotics.

“The Expanding Excellence in England Fund will support projects throughout England to master new and developing areas of research and industry.

“Made possible through our record R&D spend delivered by our modern Industrial Strategy, the investment will support researchers to develop solutions and opportunities for UK researchers and businesses.”

Research at Lincoln Agri-Robotics will focus on autonomous agri-robots that can efficiently tend, harvest and quality-control high-value crops with reduced human intervention, improving agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, and addressing the demands of a growing population.

The £6.4million grant will enable the University to establish headquarters for the research centre, develop a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, create specialist RAAI facilities and strengthen its pool of world-leading robotics researchers by bringing a number of new academic experts to the institution.

This E3 grant funding award builds on other major successes announced in recent months.

Earlier this year, the University of Lincoln was awarded more than £6.6million by the EPSRC to establish the world’s first Centre for Doctoral Training for agri-food robotics – which will train at least 50 doctoral students and deliver a massive influx of high-level robotics expertise at a vital time for the agri-food industry.

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| Education

Lack of apprentices forces action A young farmer has encouraged school pupils to consider a career in agriculture after new figures revealed an alarming lack of apprentices in the sector. ccording to Stats Wales, only 1% of the total number of apprenticeships in Wales over the last two years have been in agriculture, despite farming accounting for up to 4% of employment in the country.

Owen Rhys Jones is bucking the trend and signed up for an apprenticeship with Coleg Cambria, a programme that allows him to blend experience with learning and prepare for a future in land-based industry.

Owen, from Bala, is about to complete his first year at the Denbighshire site, which he attends one day a week for workshops and practical sessions.

The 17 year-old balances his studies with a job on his uncle Gerald’s Ceredigion farm, and plans to himself one day run his own acreage, though he admits Cambria has opened his eyes to alternative opportunities.

“Farming is all I’ve ever known, I grew up on my grandad’s farm and have always enjoyed working on land and with the animals,” said Owen, a former pupil at Ysgol-y-Berwyn, Bala.

“When I left school I wasn’t sure what to do with myself, I knew I wanted to work in agriculture and joined my uncle on his farm, which is when my mum encouraged me to do an apprenticeship, to give me something to fall back on.

“I started in September and am absolutely loving it, there’s a good mix of practical assessments and written assignments, it’s

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flexible and the facilities here are incredible.”

With more than 500 cows in the herd at Ceredigion on around 250 acres of land, Owen is already part of a huge operation, but he has big plans for the years ahead.

“I’m still figuring out what I want to do in the future as there as so many opportunities, more than I imagined, and all sorts of things you can do,” he said.

“I think I would like to become a herdsman and have my own farm on day; I have lots of ideas and I enjoy working with my uncle and gaining experience and advice from him.”

Owen added: “I am hoping to do another year at Cambria and would certainly urge others to join the college, it’s a warm and welcoming environment and I’ve learnt so much.

“People stereotype farmers as walking around in mud all day but there is so much more to the world of agriculture, and I’m certainly finding that out here.”

The Stats Wales figures revealed just 325 of the 31,360 apprenticeships across the country in 2017/18 were in agriculture.

This is despite 85% of the land area of Wales being utilised for agriculture and the sector accounting for a total GVA (Gross Value Added) of 0.59%, more than the UK average.

Kate Muddiman, Manager for Work-Based Learning in the Land-Based Sector at Coleg Cambria, revealed the college is running agriculture qualifications for both new apprentices and current employees, in a bid to

help combat the issue.

“Apprenticeships are available for anyone in employment over the age of 16, which means people who already working in the agricultural industry can also enter to develop their skills and knowledge,” she said.

“This is a great opportunity to develop the skillset in the industry and help people in Wales find a new career.”

Rebeca Shakespeare-Fry, a Demonstrator and Instructor in Agriculture at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, added: “Whether you have been around farming or not there are a multitude of roles available in agriculture and the apprenticeship programme is the perfect way to develop your skills and education while earning a wage.”

For more information, visit www.cambria.ac.uk/business/training/agricultur e or email employers@cambria.ac.uk

Education is crucial to agriculture’s future, says CAAV Educating the younger generation and embracing technology will be crucial to safeguarding the future of agriculture in the UK, a group of professionals has warned. he approach taken towards attracting young people to pursue an education and career in farming needs to change to ensure the industry can survive, said speakers at the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers’ (CAAV) AGM on June 28. “The industry needs more degree-qualified people and highly skilled staff, as well as more continued professional development (CPD),” said Professor David Llewellyn, vice chancellor at Harper Adams University. “Solid professionals, able to deal with technology leadership skills are needed in modern farming.”

There’s a huge shift happening in agricultural business management. “There does need to be a new approach to food, the environment, climate impacts and health implications, but we need to close the skills gap and bring the best and brightest into farming – this will be as important as the food we produce for the future,” explained Prof Llewellyn.

“With a demographic dip in 18-year-olds, agriculture needs to look at ways of improving

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skills but also attracting those into the industry that do not have a natural affinity to it.

Productivity – and profitability – is driven by education.”

There also needs to be a comprehensive approach to education throughout workers’ careers, not just in the teenage years, he said.

“Education and skills run together.”

Advancing technologies mean a number of jobs could become fully automated, including tractor driving, which might see a loss of jobs.

But there’s also hope that automation might protect family farms as technology could make smaller farms more financially stable. In addition, Prof Llewellyn believes co-bots, rather than robots, and labour-augmented automation could be the future. “New jobs could be created while leadership and management would need to be adapted.”

Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV, said it was vital to adopt technological advances, or risk being left behind. “If we don’t pick it up, our competitors will.”

However, one of the core issues is the management of land occupation – and the latest tenancy law review could be integral to

moving land into the hands of the trained. “We need the right people on the land to do the right thing with it. It doesn’t matter where land comes from, but it does matter who it goes to.”

Younger generations perceive technology differently, which could be used to attract them into agriculture, said Prof Llewellyn. With Generation Z having never lived without access to a smartphone, it’s essential they’re informed that agriculture is a technologically advanced sector in which to pursue a rewarding career.

“We need to consider the attitudes of young people, because if we don’t adapt as an industry, we will not attract them.

“We have a national drive to get skills into the industry at the moment – through various channels such as AHDB and the NFU, with the idea to build a new professional agenda for farming,” said Prof Llewellyn. “So we can say to young people that agriculture is the industry they should choose as it’s professional.

Education and skills need to be front and centre to fulfil our ambitions for the future. If we don’t advocate the exciting advances in the industry, then we will lose out.”

For more information visit www.caav.org.uk

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Buildings

What could be simpler than a farm building?

By Jim Rogerson of FarmPlus Buildings. here’s nothing simpler than a farm building, yet why do the majority of people get this wrong? Sure farm buildings are simple, everyone can do a simple basic building, and we probably all can and do.

The biggest problem with getting a good job done comes down to a bit of time and money.

In this instance time should play the biggest role, because if you are controlling the job yourself then you probably aren’t paying yourself anyway. So if you spend extra time getting it right, it probably doesn’t cost you anything. Yet the benefits can be far reaching.

Simple mistakes can be made, especially late in the year:

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“We are desperate to get some cows undercover”.

“I need the cheapest option to get some cattle off the land”.

“We have a gap here close to the house, its wasted space, we might as well use it for now, and we’ll use it as a garage/workshop later”.

Yet mostly, once cattle go into a building, it is very difficult to turn the building back to anything other than cattle housing.

Did you stop and think is it in the right place to get rid of all the muck?

Does the ground slope away from or to the house?

Water runs downhill naturally, so does dirty water and muck....

With this adage in mind and a bit of thought, a simple well designed farmyard will help to wash itself with every bit of rain. To put it simply, if

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you can keep the farmhouse and yard at the top end and direct all the muck to the low end, cleaning will be a lot simpler and life a lot more pleasant with a lot less ear-ache from the housekeeper!

Just because you wear wellington boots to walk through the cattle field and gateways, it doesn’t mean it’s alright to need them around the farmyard. When you are designing your building make sure you know what you really want and design it for the real use. £2,000.00 goes nowhere with vets bills, antibiotics and loss of growth rate or even lost/dead animals. All too often these factors are just put down to a fact of life, especially on a farm, just by buying/using the cheapest options at the beginning.

Very few open sided buildings

work well for animal housing as far as ventilation and air exchange work and people say to me, “oh it will be alright with one side open”.

After buying a smoke machine some 5 years ago and testing buildings I can assure you they don’t work. They may work reasonably well on a cold, wet, windy day when all of us are glad of shelter but if you get a good spring day with the sun shining, with a bit of warmth in the building you will find there is probably no air movement at all and if there is any, it is going out through the back side of the building.

Animals need basic simple shelters: • Shelter from the wind.

• Shelter from the rain.

• Shade from the sun.

• Plenty of fresh air movement above animal height.

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| Buildings

Left alone in nature, animals will always find natural shelters, behind a wall, hedge, shelter belt, in a hollow, all with movement over the top of them so they always have fresh air to breathe in.

So the starting point for animal housing has to be shelter and air exchange.

Animals like having a wall to shelter behind but need plenty of air movement over the top of them.

All of us probably understand about trying to keep the prevailing wind and rain to the closed side of a building, yet we all fail to leave enough openings in the ridge to allow warm stale air to rise up naturally and exit the building as soon as possible.

I hear all too often that we need a big tall building with lots of air for all these animals. The basis of this is totally wrong. What is needed is a high rate of natural air exchange to keep your animals healthy, which overall will reduce vets visits and antibiotic use (possibly saving you thousands of pounds annually), all for a bit of time planning and no more expense than a couple of thousand upfront to begin with.

All too often I get told we have to

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put a fibre cement roof on livestock housing to stop the condensation, I put it to you that this idea has had a disastrous effect on animal health because it absorbs the condensation and hides any ventilation problems.

You only get condensation through a build-up of humidity and if this is happening there is a ventilation problem.

You have to do something to increase the air exchange.

A bigger volume of air wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t increase the air exchange it will probably only exasperate the problem.

Your starting point needs to be air exchange and getting the correct number of air exchanges per hour.

This needs to happen every day of the year, not just on windy days. The cheapest solution is always the stack effect from warm air rising, and, in reality a lower ridge height will allow the air to leave the building quicker. In a tall building the warm air rises, cools and comes back down before reaching the ridge.

Fresh air is free, where else can you get free animal health.

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Security

Tractor stolen from rural North Yorkshire recovered within hours by police Three suspected tractor thieves have been arrested after a police pursuit. t about 7.30pm on Saturday 15 June 2019, North Yorkshire Police received a report of the theft of a New Holland 7840 tractor from a farm in the rural Tadcaster area. The vehicle was believed to have been stolen at around 5pm the same day.

That night, at about 9.30pm, police in West Yorkshire received a report of a tractor being driven erratically in Castleford.

Officers from North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire Police made towards the area, and spotted the tractor being driven at speeds of around 25mph, the wrong way round a roundabout and off-road. The tractor stopped after a brief pursuit,

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and three men made off from the vehicle.

Three men aged 17, 18 and 28 were arrested nearby a short time later – all on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, and the 28-year-old also on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving, drug driving and driving while disqualified. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

The tractor was recovered and returned to its rightful owner in North Yorkshire.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce have stepped up patrols in the area from which the tractor was taken.

Police are also reminding farmers and anyone else who owns plant and agricultural machinery to take

extra measures to protect their valuable property: visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/plants ecurity for advice.

Farmers can take advantage of ‘Operation Woollen’, an initiative to secure and protect every one of York and North Yorkshire’s 8,000 farms. As part of the campaign, farms can benefit from a free visit from a PC or PCSO with expertise in farm security and crime prevention advice.

Inspector Jon Grainge, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “North Yorkshire is one of the safest places in the country, but it’s important we stay vigilant and do everything we can to keep people and businesses safe, particularly in rural areas.

“Thanks to Operation Woollen, every farm in the county can receive a free crime prevention pack, and be offered a security survey by a trained expert. In addition, we will be promoting dot peen property marking, and encouraging businesses to sign up to the North Yorkshire Community Messaging system.”

Bike thefts - weekend raiders break into sheds and steal 4 quads in a night Farmers in Flintshire have become victims of a professional gang of quad bike thieves, with more than £15,000 of ATVs stolen in one night.

UW member John Wrench, a beef and arable farmer, of Beeches Farm, Hawarden, discovered the theft of his 2011 Yamaha Grizzly 350, worth £2500, at the same time as three other bikes were taken when six farms in the same area were robbed.

“The worst thing is that the thieves broke through a security door and roller shutter to get into the shed the bike was kept in, there’s no way we could have prevented the theft,” said John.”It was definitely a professional job.

“It seems they walked through the fields, cutting padlock and chains on six gates and used any tools that they could find to break in,” said John. “The damage was even more annoying than losing the bike, so much so that we shall not be replacing it. We’re going to use an old small 4x4 instead,” he said.

Meanwhile at the Llanwrst Show, another FUW member, Andy Hughes, was showing a new antitheft device he has developed to reduce the risk of robbery. The QUADCLAW is hand fabricated in Andy’s workshop at Brynford,

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Holywell. “The idea is to reduce the chance of losing your expensive bike from chance thieves,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of interest in the claw, the increase in ATVs being stolen is worrying for everyone.”

FUW Insurance compliance director Roger Van Praet advises any farmers buying a new ATV to register it, and also fit a tracker.

“The cost of these two simple and relatively cheap options will help to deter the theft of these highly saleable bikes, increases the chance of getting the vehicle back and may also reduce the cost of insurance,” he said. “Other sensible precautions include keeping the ATV in a solid building with security doors which is close to the farmhouse, installing security cameras and lights.”

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| Security

Wiltshire Police’s Rural Crime team is delighted to be able to launch its new drone The Mavic 2 drone, which will be exclusively used to tackle rural crime around the county, has been kindly funded by the National Farmers Union and Historic England. s 80 per cent of the Wiltshire’s land is farmed and much of it is away from main roads finding criminals can be very difficult.

Rural Crime Team officers can launch this new drone quickly during unfolding incidents instead of having to wait for support from colleagues who could be anywhere across Wiltshire.

Force Operations Superintendent Phil Staynings, who oversees the Rural Crime Team said, “The Force is always looking for new ways to embrace technology to support operational policing and we are really grateful for this support and funding from our partners.

“Whereas the wider force already has drone capability, this new drone will be another

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excellent tool for tackling criminality that specifically affects our isolated rural communities.

“Being able to cover large areas of land quickly means there will be nowhere for criminals hide.

“It can gather aerial footage of the damage caused to farm land which can be used as evidence to support prosecutions.

“The drone is going to really help our officers disrupt the criminals that plague our farms and rural businesses, such as hare coursers. The message is clear - rural crime will not be tolerated in Wiltshire.”

given to the rural crime team in Wiltshire will allow the police to react quickly to incidents in the countryside and gather better, more useful evidence to help bring criminals to justice.”

Mark Harrison, Head of Heritage Crime Strategy for Historic England said: “We are pleased to provide a grant towards this new drone which will extend and enhance the ability of officers to prevent crime in rural areas and will help them to identify offenders and their vehicles. The use of a drone will provide a powerful tool in the fight against heritage crime and sends a clear message that it will not be tolerated in Wiltshire.”

NFU Wiltshire chairman Mark Jeffery said: “This sophisticated equipment that the NFU has

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Energy

AD and biogas industry celebrates its 2019 champions The crème de la crème in the anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas industry gathered at the AD & Biogas Industry Awards Ceremony 2019 in Birmingham on 3rd July to celebrate those organisations and individuals who demonstrated outstanding commitment to innovation and excellence in support of this game-changing sector over the past year. ointly organised by the UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) and the World Biogas Association (WBA), the 2019 Awards competition recognised companies and people from around the world across 14 categories – ranging from Clever Use of Outputs to Best R&D Innovation, Most Circular City, AD Hero of the Year and International Knowledge & Collaboration.

Over 400 guests attended the glittering black-tie gala dinner hosted by BBC Reporter and Eco-adventurer Andy Pag, who revealed the Winners and Highly-Commended entries.

ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said: 'AD and biogas can make an unrivalled contribution to cutting global CO2 emissions and tackling the climate emergency. We only have a limited time left to stop damaging our planet and everyone in the sector has their part to play in this vital mission. To make a real difference, we need an industry that is innovative, safe and effective. Congratulations to tonight’s Awards winners and highly commended organisations and individuals.

They are the proof, alongside all those who entered this year’s competition, that we can be a world-beating sector. Our thanks go to them all.'

WBA President David Newman said: 'This morning (3rd July) we launched a major report on the global potential of biogas in addressing the environmental crisis and supporting the development of a sustainable

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circular economy. The people recognised tonight are at the forefront of our efforts to realise that potential. Their dedication, ingenuity and commitment to excellence inspire us all to continue championing the benefits of our game-changing sector and to tirelessly engage with world governments and international policy makers, investors and influencers to ensure they provide our industry with the political, regulatory, financial and social framework it needs for growth. Congratulations to our worthy winners in leading the way.'

The Winners and Highly Commended entries 2019 are: Clever Use of Outputs Winner: Strutt & Parker Biogas Ltd, Suffolk Green Renewable CO2 Highly Commended: West Country Soil Improvements, Bloomin’ Amazing Greve Biogass, The Magic Factory Best R&D Innovation – Sponsored by Cooper Östlund Ltd Winner: Perlemax Ltd and Partner Viridor, In situ Ammonia Removal in the DesaiZimmerman Anaerobic Digester Highly Commended: Severn Trent Green Power, Severn Trent Green Power Derby AD Hero of the Year – Sponsored by Future Biogas Winner: Alexander Madden, Agrivert Ltd Highly Commended: Neil Gemmell, Clayton Hall Farm AD Rising Star Winner: Chris Hoare, Amur

Best Anaerobic Digestion/Biogas Support Winner: Evolution Biogas Ltd Highly Commended: Octego, Committed to ADding Value Best Export Winner: Prodeval International Knowledge & Collaboration – Sponsored by Yasasu Winner: Thai Biogas Energy Company Ltd, KIT Biomethane Project Best Microdigester Winner: Yasasu EMS Private Ltd Best Biogas Plant (on-farm, food waste or sewage) ≤ 1MWe-equivalent – Sponsored by Vogelsang Winner: Ekogea, Hendwr Farm AD Highly Commended: Technical Bioenergy Crete Best Biogas Plant ≥ 1MWe-equivalent – Sponsored by Pentair Winner: Boxford (Suffolk) Farms Ltd Highly Commended: Severn Trent Green Power, Severn Trent Green Power North London Best Biogas Marketing Campaign – Sponsored

by ABA Winner: Greve Biogass, The Magic Factory Highly Commended: Ancitel Energia e Ambiente S.p.A., Virtual Reality Biogas Experience Most Circular City Winner: Technical Bioenergy Crete Highly Commended: Boxford (Suffolk) Farms Ltd

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| Energy

Biogest appears at the world’s largest festival with a completed anaerobic digestion plant for Worthy Farm in Glastonbury The UK festivals are facing the pressure to find sustainable solutions for their waste, because over 3 million people are enjoying Great Britain’s events

ue to their immense amount of guests and popularity, the governmental plan is being targeted to be plastic free until 2042. One of its approaches is Worthy Farm with its Glastonbury festival. From 2019, the organisers prohibited the use of plastic bottles at its festival, aiming a greener event. About 135,000 visitors experienced the 49th edition of the Glastonbury festival in Pilton, Somerset this month. The festival presented performances of The Killers, The Cure, Stormzy, Kylie Minogue, Janet Jackson, Miley Cyrus and many more.

Biogest received the order to build a 124 kW anaerobic digestion (AD) plant for Worthy Farm in Glastonbury. It was their 34th AD plant completed in the UK. Followed by more than 100 projects all over Europe, this Biogest AD plant represents an essential reference plant for further international projects. With the completed Biogest PowerCompact AD plant, Worthy Farm is able to cover from the generated electrical capacity not only its own

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energy needs and of the Glastonbury festival, but also to supply approx. 370 households by feeding in to the public grid.

Biogest won the UK AD & Biogas Industry Award for “Best international micro-scale plant” with its PowerCompact technology. It has certain advantages concerning plant operation, energy efficiency and operation safety with an electrical supply between 100-250 kW. In addition, four PowerCompact AD plants are built and financed by Biogest in the UK within Biogest’s OPO (Own Plant Operation) business field.

Interview with Michael Eavis How did you find out about the company Biogest?

Micheal Eavis: We have a dairy farm of 1000 cattle which produces lots and lots of slurry. We also have the Glastonbury Festival on the farm which I’ve been running for 50years. I was very keen to convert the slurry into electricity and having seen a similar set-up on a farm a few miles away, I decided to follow that particular design.

Which reasons did you have for choosing Biogest as a technology supplier?

Micheal Eavis: First of all, we were impressed by the local reference plant we saw, which had already been in operation for more than 4 years, with a performance of more than 90%. I also liked that Biogest has an office in the UK and is able to provide fast support in case of a problem.

What impacts on the environment does the biogas plant have from your point of view?

Micheal Eavis: The major benefit for us is the processing of the slurry, as it will be degraded and become a fertilizer which we can spray on our fields. Of course, the electricity production also has a positive impact, as we are producing renewable energy to use and export to the grid.

How would you describe the profitability of the investment in a biogas plant?

Micheal Eavis: The profitability of the biogas plant is definitely a bonus, however, our main goal was to make the farm greener.

New report highlights value of biogas The World Biogas Association (WBA) publishes its latest report on the Global Potential of Biogas to address global environmental and economic challenges. s governments around the world finally recognise the scale of the climate crisis facing humanity and acknowledge the need for action to counter and mitigate the effects of rising temperatures, the Global Potential of Biogas report, unveiled today by the World Biogas Association at the inaugural World Biogas Summit in Birmingham, illustrates the huge contribution that this industry can make to meeting the Paris Agreement commitments, and its potential to become a key player in the development of a sustainable circular economy.

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A key finding of the report is that anaerobic digestion (AD) technology, which produces biogas from the treatment of wastes, can help reduce global GHG emissions by 3,290 to 4,360 Mt CO2 eq – this is equivalent to 10-13% of the world’s current greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas can be used as a fuel for transport and as energy for electricity and heat, whilst the residue left over from biogas generation, known as digestate or natural fertiliser, can replace 5-7% of inorganic fertiliser currently in use. This means it could fertilise 82 million hectares of land, equivalent to the combined arable land in Brazil and Indonesia.

Currently, only 2% of the feedstocks available are treated through AD. These include food waste, sewage waste, farm waste and crops, which can all be used to make biogas in every country. The potential for growth is therefore huge, and with it, the development of a major economic force that provides renewable energy and food security, manages waste, protects water bodies, restores soil health, improves air quality, promotes health and sanitation, and creates mass employment.

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Feeders & Bedders

20 year old purpose built Combi-Feeder still going strong – is this a Rekord?

Hurley farmer (and co-creator) Chris Wathes tells us why this machine is so good.

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hris Wathes is a farmer who knows what he wants – and if it's not available, he's not above making it.

Farming around 550 acres out of Hurley, Warwickshire – Chris's operation is predominantly beef, around 100 head – though this was 200 head before he went into “semi-retirement” as he puts it

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(though I don't think he's near ready to put his feet up yet!)

Having modified other bits of kit to suit his particular needs, Chris is no stranger to the “A-Team” school of thought. A self adapted silage pusher built from an old snow plough and other bits and bobs is testament to that. Having single cattle sheds rather than an “ally” meant he needed something unavailable to buy – and this attachment now meets his needs perfectly. Make a note Hareland!

So when Chris decided that his Parmiter silage feeder wasn't exactly fitting the bill (even though he had tinkered with this too)...he got to thinking. What improvements could be made to meet his needs?

Enter Ray Green at Rekord Machinery, a friend and willing accomplice in the creation of what is now the Rekord Combi-Feeder, a machine so good and built so well that Chris still uses the first machine that was made - even today!

Chris described his dilemma, “The Parmiter was doing the job but I felt it could have been done better. When it comes to silage feeders you've got ones that handle round bales, some square – other machines chop it and blow it...I didn't want that. I wanted a solid, reliable machine that would handle round or square bales and clamp silage with no chopping and no fuss”.

“I also wanted the machine to be able to handle the misshapen or collapsed bales at the bottom of the stack – not just the perfectly round ones from the top – the

Combi-Feeder does it all”.

Chris offered to put a bale in and demonstrate and with that, jumped into the Tele (a Merlo hydrostatic model) and shot off to grab a bale.

As if by design, it turned out to be a bit of a turkey once the netting came off – perfect for a demonstration of this machine's ability. Once loaded, Chris positioned his trusty Fiat ready for a feed run along the nearest shed.

“I want to show you the extension mechanism – if it grabs a bale and doesn't hold it, it sends it back down and tries again. You can feed into a trough/manger as well as onto the floor, dispense feed from the left or right or out of the back (courtesy of the separate frame) – it's ideal”.

The machine is so versatile that it will not only feed out silage but hay, straw, roots, meal and by products.

As far as maintenance goes, Chris just washes it down once a year and sprays it with waste oil.

The only attention that the machine has needed was when a pin came out of the main feed chain – a quick one to fix and a minor niggle after 12 years of service.

As far as construction goes, the machine is bulletproof and built like a tank from good quality steel.

You could drive into the thing and not leave a scratch on it – which Chris admits he's done in the past, quite by accident of course.

For more information on the Combi-Feeder contact Ray at Rekord on 01827 712424 or email ray@rekord.com

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| Feeders & Bedders

Carbon Trust validate the KEENAN green machine as the first environmentally sustainable diet feeder in the world KEENAN announce Carbon Trust certification at the KEENAN Open Day 2019.

rish-based machinery brand, KEENAN, has been certified by the Carbon Trust as a more sustainable diet feeder, proven to reduce methane emissions on-farm. As a company, KEENAN has long been synonymous with engineering cutting-edge diet feeders, which produce a unique homogeneous mix that optimises rumen health and ensures consistent animal performance.

“In light of the government’s announcement regarding The Climate Action Plan, which aims to push Ireland to reach its 2030 targets, and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, KEENAN are delighted to offer farmers a tangible means of reducing their carbon footprint on-farm, while enhancing production and profitability”, said Matt Higgins, General Manager, KEENAN. The Carbon Trust has verified that reduced methane output linked to enhanced rumen performance (per liter milk and daily liveweight gain in beef animals) can come as a result of improved feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in livestock. Having investigated the output from

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the KEENAN diet feeder and reviewing data from the KEENAN controller, the Carbon Trust has established that the KEENAN machine can increase rumen efficiency by delivering feed that is more easily digestible for cattle, meaning less energy is required and produced by each animal.

The unique engineering features and mixing action of a KEENAN diet feeder make it synonymous with mix quality. Mix quality is the sum of many parts, including chop type and length as well as fiber type, presentation and most importantly, consistency. Optimized diet formulation relies heavily on the physical mix that is delivered to the animals; this mix needs to be delivered consistently every day in order for farms to achieve their production goals while enhancing the efficient use of their feed.

“The animal food supply chain is faced with growing pressures to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions. As concern for our planet’s finite resources escalates, we have a responsibility to be proactive in sourcing solutions and partnerships that can relieve environmental strain and prioritize sustainability on-farm,” said Higgins.

The Carbon Trust report cited that improving herd performance through improved FCE is expected to reduce methane production.

KEENAN estimates this can lead to as much as 25 percent less methane when a below average herd receives rations from the KEENAN diet feeder and the KEENAN Controller.

“The Carbon Trust accreditation is a powerful endorsement, which enables us to further help farmers reduce their on-farm carbon footprint, while increasing their profitability,” said Higgins.

KEENAN has been a member of the Alltech family of companies since April 2016. Alltech has always been deeply rooted in their sustainability efforts and continue to strengthen their commitment to the animal, environment and consumer, with their Planet of Plenty initiative.

“With the adoption of new technologies and management practices, and, most of all, human ingenuity, we believe a Planet of Plenty is possible,” said Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Our Planet of Plenty vision propels our founding ACE principle into a new world of possibility, where anyone and everyone can make a positive impact on our shared planet.”

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Royal Welsh

100 Shows: The Royal Welsh Celebrates!

A fixed engagement in the calendar for many, the annual Royal Welsh Show, this year being held on 22-25 July, will be celebrating its 100th show. he Royal Welsh Agricultural Society was established originally as the Welsh National Agricultural Society in 1904 and became ‘Royal’ three years later, when King George V became patron in 1907, followed by King George VI in 1936 and the Queen in 1952.

For the first half of the last century, the show moved between sites each year, alternating between North and South Wales. It wasn’t until 1963 that the show and society offices moved to its current, permanent site in Llanelwedd.

Having settled at the showground, the society did not lose site of the host county structure which had seen it in such good stead during those early years. Rather than moving from county to county, as before, counties were invited to be featured each year, with a representative becoming the society’s president for their term-of-office. The feature county and county advisory structure still remains the backbone of the society’s success and the ‘gold-dust’ that sets us apart from many other societies.

With the early aims of the society to improve the breeding of stock and encourage agriculture throughout Wales, the first show held in Aberystwyth attracted 442 livestock entries. Four years later, in 1908, 23 special trains comprising 224 cattle trucks and horseboxes arrived at the show, together with 100 passenger coaches ferrying visitors from far and wide.

Nowadays, livestock entries number around 8,000, with 20,000 cars a day plus hundreds of stock lorries and trailers converging on the showground in Mid Wales for the annual event which has grown into one of the most popular agricultural shows in Europe.

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Today, the society is a national institution loved throughout Wales and beyond, not only by farmers and the rural community but by people from all walks of life, many of whom have come to regard the Royal Welsh Show as the highlight of their year.

Despite the society celebrating its centenary back in 2004, we have not been able to hold a show every single year. The show was cancelled during both world wars, in 1948 due to petrol rationing and most recently, in 2001 due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak. As a result, we are very excited to be holding our 100th show this year!

Throughout the four days there will be a number of commemorative celebrations to mark this milestone in the show’s history. These include hosting a wedding for lucky couple, Arwel and Bethan from Carmarthenshire. The loved-up pair were nominated by friends to tie the knot during the show, in an all-expenses paid wedding, following a number of difficult years for the couple and their family.

Surrounded by an intimate group of friends and family, Arwel and Bethan will marry in our picturesque bandstand, right at the heart of the busy and bustling showground, on the first day the show, before enjoying a glass of chilled champagne and delicious wedding breakfast with their guests.

On each of the four days, the main ring will see a musical extravaganza celebrating 100 years of farming and welsh culture. Complete with both traditional and contemporary music, song, dance and commentary, a procession of some of the earliest faming machinery to the most up-to-date technology available today will be cleverly choreographed into a breath-taking display for all to enjoy. Produced by the Welsh Pony and Cob Society Young Ambassador,

Euros Llyr Morgan, the spectacle will also feature a special singing guest wowing the crowds whilst on horseback.

The 100th show is also picked up in many of the competitions throughout the showground with special commemorative prize cards and rosettes for the champions of each section, also with cake decorating, ornamental ironwork, forestry demonstrations and floral art classes depicting the theme. Staying within the horticulture section, the show will also host the launch of a brand new Sweet Pea variety to commemorate the 100th Royal Welsh Show.

Rounding off a fantastic few days of celebrations, an awe-inspiring Supreme Champion of Champions competition will be staged in the main ring on the Thursday afternoon. This special, class will see horses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs all competing for this one-off 100th Royal Welsh Show title with the honour of judging falling to our very own Show Director, Harry Fetherstonhaugh, on his final year in the role after 25 years.

Along with the fantastic livestock, the show provides something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, food and drink and a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays.

The big attractions in the main ring will be the incredible Atkinson Action Horses, who have spent the past twenty years training horses and riders for film and TV. With recent credits from Poldark, Victoria, Peaky Blinders, The Living and the Dead & Hippopotamus – it is guaranteed this elite force has at some point invaded your TV screen! Prepare to saddle up, strap in and hold on tight, as this fearless team of stunt riders

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| Royal Welsh

bring their unique display to the main ring each day of the show.

Visitors can also look forward to watching the daredevil Bolddog Lings motorcycle display team. With non-stop action from start to finish, their display will feature the UK’s top ranked freestyle motocross riders, incorporating the latest heart stopping tricks, entertaining the crowd with their on board commentary - even

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talking to the crowd while performing a trick flying 35ft in the air!

Returning to entertain the crowds will be the spectacular Regimental Band of the Royal Welsh, Black Mountains Falconry, Tristar Carriage Driving, Meirion Owen and the Quack Pack, Inter Hunt Relay and much more.

With over a thousand tradestands and hundreds of amazing food and drink stalls,

even the most discerning shopper and food enthusiast will be spoilt for choice during the show – we’ve even provided ‘shopping crèches’ to keep your precious purchases safe until home time.

For more details and to buy your e-tickets today, visit www.rwas.wales

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Energy

Overall Champion TA & LC Lyon & Son - British Blue x Heifer

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| Feature

Big potential of smallholdings New report highlights big potential of smallholdings. elevision programmes such as River Cottage and Jimmy’s Farm have helped highlight the potential of small-scale agricultural enterprises – leading to a demand for smallholdings – a new report has found.

Barriers to accessing farming as a career, and the entrepreneurial activities and lifestyle benefits associated with having a smallholding, have also contributed according to research by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

The Future Demand for Smallholdings in Scotland report, by Steven Thomson, Rob Mc Morran and Eugenio Perez Certucha, found there was demand for access to smallholdings from people with a wide range of backgrounds, but particularly those with some experience of living or working on land-based businesses.

The researchers analysed June Agricultural Census data, and carried out an online survey and workshops with SRUC students and staff to determine the level of interest in having a smallholding; the types of smallholdings and activities of interest to participants; and the key perceived barriers and opportunities to becoming a smallholder.

In 2018, there were more than 20,000 unique non-croft smallholdings in Scotland, generating

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a turnover of around £175 million – about six per cent of Scottish agriculture’s total.

Steven Thomson said: “Instead of using the conventional definition of smallholdings, which excludes many intensive horticulture, pig and poultry businesses, this analysis demonstrates that when smallholdings are simply defined by the amount of land they have access to, then some smallholders are making significant economic contributions.”

However, prospective smallholders are often put off by start-up costs, and a lack of availability, income potential and knowledge about how to obtain a smallholding.

Of the 126 survey respondents, 89 per cent had previously thought about becoming a smallholder, with nearly a third aspiring to do so within the next three years, just under half aiming to do so within four to ten years, and the remainder viewing it as a longer-term option.

Those focused on developing a business were more likely to have an interest in conventional livestock, poultry, artisan food, a farm shop, tourism and renewable energy, while for others there was a higher tendency towards a horticulture, equine/livery and conservation focus.

Rob Mc Morran said: “We found that the survey respondents and workshop participants

could generally be classified as ‘lifestyle’ or ‘entrepreneurial’ potential smallholders.

“Among those with well-established business ideas, these opportunities often related to what would normally be classified as farm diversification or alternative enterprise.”

The report concluded: “Many of these opportunities do not need large areas of land, but require a unique selling point, access to their target market and to be marketed and run with a degree of entrepreneurial flair.”

The report identifies several opportunities for increasing smallholding activity, including the provision of start-up grants, small business training and guidance and support.

Further opportunities for the Government to improve access to smallholdings include: providing incentives for landowners to create small holdings; creating publicly owned smallholdings; relaxing planning regulations to enable new smallholders to build homes; and promoting the benefits and economic opportunities of smallholding in Scotland.

The research was funded through the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme 2016-2021, with the support of SEFARI.

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Slurry

Rob Jackson, Adrian Tindall

Bauer sales and service team now handling specialist slurry application systems in the UK and Ireland Sales and service support for specialist slurry application systems for Claas Xerion tractors are now being handled by the Bauer team in the UK and Ireland.

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auer Group acquired German manufacturer SGT in 2015 to expand its already comprehensive

portfolio of waste handling and field application solutions.

SGT (Silage & Gulle-Technik) is best known for an innovative slurry tanker loading system and large capacity mounted and semi-

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mounted tanks for the Claas Xerion, which converts this powerful four-wheel drive tractor into a self-propelled slurry spreader.

“Bauer initially chose to leave sales and service support for the UK and Ireland in the hands of a Netherlands-based agent,” explains Adrian Tindall, Bauer sales manager. “But now my colleague Rob Jackson and I have responsibility for these products.

“They are complementary to the Bauer range of high-specification trailed slurry tankers, pumps, stirrers and separators, and both dealers and end users will benefit from our direct support.”

Soon after acquiring SGT, Bauer applied its expertise in poly-tank production – a hand-laid polyester laminate manufacturing process – to produce a new mounted tank for the forward control Xerion STrac.

Bauer has a long-established technique for producing tractortrailed tankers in capacities up to 26,000 litres using this process, which results in a very strong but lighter weight structure, finished with a high-quality, very smooth gelcoat that is immune to corrosion and can be cleaned to virtually as-new condition after spreading slurry and digestate.

For the Xerion S-Trac, the 16cu m Bauer mounted poly tank has 2cu m more capacity than its steel predecessor but weighs 1800kg less, making the forward control Xerion even more productive in this role.

In addition, a direct-mounting frame for the front-mounted pump unit, which weighs 1850kg, saves

a further 1000kg by replacing the tractor’s three-point linkage, while having simpler pipework that gives the operator a clearer view ahead and handles faster flow rates for quicker loading.

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

Other Bauer products acquired with SGT include steel semitankers towed from a chassismounted coupling in a configuration that transfers more of the tanker’s weight to the tractor wheels for optimum traction and stability.

There are 16,000- to 21,000-litre single-axle versions for the midcab Xerion Trac and JCB Fastrac 4000 Series tractors, and tandemand triple-axle models with capacities up to 30,000-litres for the Xerion Trac.

A twin-axle, 30,000-litre semitanker is also available for the forward control Xerion S-Trac.

“These high-capacity solutions for slurry and digestate application are popular with large-scale contractors needing to handle very large volumes of material,” notes Adrian Tindall.

“They can now be sourced through UK and Ireland dealers with technical advice and aftersales support direct from Bauer to the same high standard as for the trailed tankers and other equipment.”

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| Slurry

Vogelsang launches new trailing shoe linkage “BlackBird” To coincide with this year’s Agritechnica Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG presents its new products for efficient liquid manure spreading and distribution. ith its “BlackBird” trailing shoe linkage, the machine construction company from Lower Saxony, Germany, is launching an effective trailing shoe linkage with a flowoptimized liquid manure discharge. “When it came to developing this new technology, we took into account the findings from our flow simulations as well as the flow rates of the liquid manure and tested a number of different shapes. The result is an ideal combination of a flow-optimized discharge that deposits the liquid manure even more precisely and a new skid geometry that separates the crops even better,” explains Henning Ahlers, Head of Sales Germany at Vogelsang.

The new, long, beak-like shape helps to ensure a controlled and even flow of liquid manure through every discharge, thus preventing the crops from getting contaminated during manure spreading. By actively applying pressure, the BlackBird’s pointed skid is better able to penetrate the soil, ploughing a small furrow for directly depositing the liquid manure under the crops.

Precision distributor with new service concept The BlackBird incorporates the next generation of Vogelsang’s precision distributor ExaCut ECQ. The distributor is located in the

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center of the boom – the perfect position for ensuring that the liquid manure is distributed precisely and evenly. Large diameters and flow distribution plates keep the flow under control and ensure a high distribution accuracy of the liquid manure. In order to make maintenance of the ExaCut ECQ quicker and easier, Vogelsang has also altered its maintenance concept, adding a large maintenance port to allow direct access to all the system’s internal components.

As such service work can now be carried out without dismantling the precision distributor or dismounting the cover and the outlet hoses and feed lines connected to it. Thanks to the QuickService concept maintenance on the ExaCut ECQ can be completed in just a few minutes. The power requirements have also been reduced – by up to 50 percent. This is due to the new rotor design and lower speeds.

There is less strain on the cutting blades because of the reductions in speed and the internal pressure of the distributor, which extends the service life of the unit by up to 50 percent.

FEM-calculated supporting structures and sturdy leaf springs for longer service life Vogelsang has also modified the hose layout to prevent the unit from creating a V-shaped imprint at the start of its furrows. The hoses themselves are black and are installed for the

first time in the new trailing shoe linkage. The new leaf springs and their vibration cancellation technology ensure the unit’s stability, protecting the entire structure from excessive loads and reducing vibrations during transport on the road. Hydraulic cylinders with end-position damping keep the strain in the frame to a minimum during folding processes. As is standard procedure at Vogelsang, the BlackBird’s supporting structures are FEM calculated. This ensures that the supporting structures can withstand the daily strains they are subjected to, thus guaranteeing a long service life of the linkage.

The trailing shoe linkage is available in working widths of 12 and 15 meters and can be folded up to a transport width of 2.99 meters.

Folding the linkage upwards activates the DropStop principle, which prevents the headland, streets and agricultural roads from getting contaminated.

Harald Vogelsang, Managing Director: “The new BlackBird trailing shoe linkage strengthens our position as an innovative pioneer in the agricultural industry and further sectors, underlining our aim to keep developing new technology close to customers and their requirements.”

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Machinery

CLAAS four-rotor swather: twenty years of high performance Twenty years ago, CLAAS introduced the world’s first four-rotor swather, the LINER 3000. The design concept was to eliminate the swathing bottleneck, and allow the capacity of the forage harvesting convoy to be fully utilised. Today’s four-rotor LINER 4000 and 3600 models remain a byword for productivity, forage quality, user convenience and reliability. eeding the JAGUAR at a faster rate Brief harvesting windows call for top-performance harvesting equipment. With the LINER 3000, CLAAS engineers doubled the productivity of two-rotor swathers in the years following its introduction in 1999, so increasing the capacity of the entire harvesting chain. In just a single pass, the machine could swathe crops over a working width of up to 12.50 m into a single, uniform central swath. The box shape allowed optimum crop flow for the forage harvester following up behind. Farmers and contractors reported 30 percent higher productivity in the forage harvesting chain, thanks to higher chopping rates and less downtime.

The LINER 4000, with a working width of 15.50 m, was added to the range in 2009, and in 2011 the highly successful LINER 3000 was replaced with the LINER 3500, followed by the LINER 3600 in 2015.

With working widths from 9.90 m to 15.50 m and swath widths from 1.20 m to 2.60 m, these machines adapt easily to different forage materials and all commonly used pick-ups.

The silage tines specially developed

by CLAAS, in combination with accurate rotor movement control, ensure clean and complete crop

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pick-up at all times, while protecting the ground beneath.

Swathing bell sets the standard At the heart of every LINER is the rotor dome assembly that is permanently lubricated in an oil bath. All integrated tine arms are fitted with the patented PROFIX tine arm attachment system. The integrated predefined bending points are located outside the rotor dome. This ensures that the rotor dome components remain reliably protected at all times, resulting in low maintenance and a long service life.

The swather cam track is designed to withstand the heaviest loads, thanks to its graphite cast iron construction. The large diameter and gradual rise of the cam track ensures smooth-running tine arms and clean raking for long periods, with no material fatigue.

The smooth movement of the cam rollers in all conditions also significantly boosts the components’ service life.

Quick on the road, user-friendly operation A sophisticated hydraulic folding mechanism is used to reduce the dimensions of the CLAAS LINER for road transport. Subject to individual country requirements, the machine can travel to the next work location at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The road transport height remains less

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than 4.0 metres, without needing to get out of the cab or remove any tine arms.

The LINER 4000 and 3600 can be operated with the OPERATOR, COMMUNICATOR II or S10 terminals, as preferred. Thanks to the integrated ISOBUS functionality, CLAAS LINER machines can also be controlled with any other commercially available ISOBUS terminal if required. Altenatively, the innovative iPad-based control using the CLAAS EASY On Board App is the last word in user-friendly operation.

The control functions enable the

machine operator to set the LINER precisely for the relevant ground and working conditions, and many settings can be stored in the memory and automated. The working width and swathing width, and also the rotor height are all infinitely variable via the comfort hydraulics system, for example. The headland clearance height can also be adjustabled as required, allowing the machine to pass over even the highest forage crop volumes without affecting the swath shape.

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| Energy

Andrew Symons South Molton, Devon EX36 3L T: 01769 574455

Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040

Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430

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

www.andrewsymons.co.uk

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July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Machinery

Midlands Machinery Show: Mission to develop the future of farming The annual Midlands Machinery Show is a machinery focused event, which provides a platform for agricultural businesses from all over the UK to showcase their diverse ranges of machinery and innovation to those working or with an interest in agriculture and its future. he show itself is run by Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, which has a core mission of promoting agriculture and the agricultural industry. The show exists to generate funding to help the society give back to the agricultural industry through various educational grants and apprenticeships, which are granted to students studying agricultural subjects. Funding is also reinvested back into improving the show itself for the benefit of exhibitors and visitors.

The Show team and committee work hard every year to ensure that the event develops in line with the industry, to provide not only a fantastic opportunity to network and trade, but also provide topical seminars, demonstrations of the latest innovations and cutting-edge machinery exhibitor stands.

Hydrokit UK Ltd, who have exhibited at the Show each year since it began, say: “We have exhibited at MMS every year since 2014.

Everyone in the team work together to improve the Show year on year. Any questions or suggestions that we have had over the years,

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have always been listened to and dealt with in a very professional manner – it’s great to come back each year and see all the improvements being made. It’s a fantastic show which we always look forward to exhibit at. Long may it flourish!”

Newark Showground’s rural yet easily accessible venue, enables the Midlands Machinery Show to have a unique combination of indoor exhibition stands, large outdoor stands and plenty of room to see machinery in action.

The 2-day event is an opportunity for the industry to come together to network, do business and learn the latest innovations in a relaxed and familiar environment.

Returning on 20 & 21 November, Midlands Machinery Show is set to be the biggest yet, with an all new layout, expanded indoor space and two of the halls having sold out already! Key highlights of the event are: • Free entry and free parking • Over 300 exhibitors from all over the country • Two of the buildings are already fully booked with other indoor and outdoor areas selling fast • Brand new layout with new southern entrance

providing easy access in and out of the venue • Increased indoor space with an all new marquee in the East Zone • The latest innovations in Technical Seminars • Fantastic range of opportunities to sponsor the event Online registration for visitors will be opening soon, with many opportunities to enter Social Media competitions coming up in the next few months.

To find out which stands have already booked so far this year or if you would like to book a stand on the new online booking system, please visit www.midlandsmachineryshow.com.

More information about the education schemes run by NNAS can be found at: https://chalktofork.org/index.php/farmingcareers/agricultural-engineering-educationscheme/

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| Energy

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July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Machinery

New Holland showcases full range of machinery including implements at Cereals and The Royal Highland Show 2019 New Holland Agriculture showcased the diverse range of products it now offers at Cereals on 12-13 June 2019 as well as at the Royal Highland show on 20-23 June 2019. his included updates to its telehandler range and its new range of implements, of which many farmers saw for the first time. Also, on display was harvesting machinery, construction equipment and a range of tractors including the 6 cylinder T6.180 Dynamic Command Tractor.

New Holland celebrates combine and tractor heritage Heritage is a significant theme to this year’s events. New Holland is celebrating 60 years since the first yellow combine harvester was sold in the UK, and to mark the occasion and to represent how far the machinery industry has come, the Brand commissioned a painting by Steven Binks, which will be on display on the stand. To celebrate 100 years of both Ford and Fiat Tractor Heritage, there is a special edition of T6.180 Dynamic Command tractor that will be presented on stand in a special livery.

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New Holland presents a host of new implements, extending its hay & forage and crop production ranges to offer customers a wider choice of complete solutions Following the acquisition of Kongskilde Agriculture and the first launch of branded implements at the Agritechnica 2017 fair, New Holland gradually integrated agricultural implements into its product offering and launched a host of new implements at the SIMA 2019, extending its hay & forage and crop production ranges to offer customers a wider choice of complete solutions and to deliver all-round agricultural solutions that maximise efficiency and productivity.

The brand now offers a full range of implements for hay and foraging operations that includes a front and rear mounted mowers as well as lateral and central pull trailed versions, mounted and trailed tedders, and side and central delivery rakes. New Holland also entered the tillage business with soil equipment painted in New Holland

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tractor blue. First introduced was the 6 furrow PXV heavy duty fully mounted plough with variable width, as well as the RVM rotary tiller with gear side drive. The range was then recently expanded to include new Side Mounted Combi Wheel and PL light plough.

New TH Series telehandlers features extended offering and new transmission New Holland Agriculture extended and upgraded its six to nine meter telehandler offering, introducing a new naming and livery. The new naming consists of the TH letters, for Telescopic Handler, and the numbering based on the key machine specifications.

The TH Series has been extended to offer 6 models and 14 versions. The entry level S version is available on the TH6.32 and TH7.32, followed by the Classis, Plus and Elite versions, all equipped with a brand new transmission with electronic modulation that ensures enhanced shifting and shuttling modulation.

New T6 models consolidate New

Holland’s leadership of the segment’s 6-cylinder tractors New Holland Agriculture further widened the extensive T6 range with 3 new 6-cylinder models: the T6.180 Auto Command™, the T6.180 Dynamic Command™, and the new T6.160 Electro Command that was presented to the public for the first time at SIMA 2019.

With the T6 new models proudly made in the Basildon factory, New Holland consolidates its historical leadership of 6-cylinder tractors in the 100-150 hp segment, built on a heritage dating back to the Ford 10 Series and 40 Series through to the T6 introduced in 2013. Today New Holland is the only brand to offer a 6-cylinder tractor in this segment.

As an additional key feature, to get customers in the driving seat on the stands, New Holland will have the Dynamic Command tractor simulator running, giving the opportunity to operators to try out the latest technology and experience what it is like to be behind the wheel.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

Bobcat: A benchmark in olive harvesting 160,000 olive trees harvested with only six Bobcat loaders. ix Bobcat T770 Track Loaders help Servicios Agrícolas La Pamparioma to complete its olive harvests. Beyond picking this valuable fruit, the company from Baena (Cordoba, Spain) uses its Bobcat machines for other tasks, such as earthmoving and maintaining plantations.

According to Francisco Bujalance, Manager of Servicios Agrícolas La Pamparioma, over 5,000,000 kilos of olives were picked in last year’s harvest using the Bobcat T770 loaders, which have been fitted with olive tree shaker attachments with umbrellas and vibrating clamps adapted to the size of olives in the area.

Harvesting approximately 160,000 olive trees, covering 800 hectares of land, took 100 days (or around 6000 working hours) to complete.

Francisco Bujalance said: “In our increasingly competitive sector we need to innovate in order to stay productive – but without losing our roots and respect for the environment.

“The Bobcat T770 Compact Track Loaders are ideal for this

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type of work for a number of reasons. For one thing, we need less staff - the work is easier and progresses faster. They are also well suited for various, even difficult, terrains – whether flat or sloping, dry or muddy. Their performance and manoeuvrability are another big plus. For reasons of space, olive plantations are becoming increasingly packed. It takes a very compact machine such as the Bobcat T770 to move in these narrow lanes with speed and ease.”

He continued: “The Bobcat T770 with its umbrella and clamp gets much more done than any other olive harvester. Add to that reduced labour costs, and you get an excellent ROI in the medium term. What is more, we don’t need to move or handle the olives as much because the umbrella goes directly into the trailer, making the whole job cleaner and allowing us to harvest the product quickly, when it’s at its best.

“And last but not least, the Bobcat T770 does not require any modifications prior to harvesting, whereas other machines do. This speeds up the start-up phase, as there is no need for a mechanic,

also saving costs.”

Francisco Bujalance added: “Having used the Bobcat T770 in previous harvests as well, we are by now well acquainted with it, familiar with its features and benefits. Our overall appreciation is very positive: the Bobcat T770 clearly has the hydraulic flow and power needed for this kind of work. Previously we were picking the olives manually, which naturally prolonged the harvest period. Now we are saving 70% in time, while a single loader performs the work of 15 olive pickers, according to our estimates.

“We also chose the Bobcat T770 Track Loaders for the renown of the Bobcat brand, which is well known the world over for reliability, as well as the support and aftersales service of GGM, our dealer, covering us for any unforeseen event. Once the harvest has begun, the machines must not fail. The fruit must be picked at the ideal moment,

determined by the plantation owner according to the intended use. GGM gives us the peace of mind we need. As official Bobcat distributor in our area, they have considerable experience in our sector. Guillermo García Muñoz, their founder, invented the harvesting system for Bobcat loaders specifically for Andalusian olive groves – a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to and involvement with our market.

“The great number of attachments available for this loader is another point worth noting. In addition to the bucket, we have a Bobcat backhoe, which we use for various maintenance tasks.

“After many years of experience and after numerous harvests with these compact loaders, we can say with confidence: Bobcat has become a benchmark in the Andalusian olive tree sector,” Francisco Bujalance concluded.

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| Shows

A record-breaking number of visitors experience the Country’s Best at a shining Royal Highland Show A record-breaking 195,400 visitors made their way to the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, in Edinburgh, over the last four days to experience rural life at its most vibrant. elivering an estimated £65 million in economic benefit to Scotland, the four-day event attracted not only the highest attendance in its 179 year history, but also senior politicians including the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and MP David Rutley, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Over 30,000 children were welcomed to the Showground for free as part of RHASS’ charitable remit, alongside 1,101 cattle, 2128 sheep and over 2,200 horses. £170,000 in prize money and 280 trophies, collectively valued at £2,000,000, were distributed to award-winning livestock exhibitors as well as accolades to agrimanufacturers in the Technical Innovation Awards.

Food producers such as South Caernarfon Creameries and Peter Equi & Sons Ltd were amongst the winners, with the Scottish Championships including categories for products such as

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cheese, butter, ice cream, bread and honey.

Main Ring attractions included the Shindig at the Show - where 300 dancers performed an Eightsome Reel - a Clydesdale Celebration and a re-enactment of The Borders Riding of the Marches.

Commenting on the success of the 179th Show, Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) Chairman, Jimmy Warnock said: “This year has been an incredible Show as demonstrated by the recordbreaking figures. What we offer is an authentic day out that is not manufactured with the stars of the Show the animals. However, the backbone of the event is our staff and Directors who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively to deliver an incredible event that is loved equally by those working in the agriculture industry, and those who simply enjoy the country’s best from the farmers and producers.”

Celebrating its 20th year, the educational arm of RHASS the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) had another successful Show with over 7,200

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children visiting on Thursday and Friday.

An estimated 30,000 are expected to have visited over the four days, with children aged 15 and under admitted to the Show for free.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced that the agrieducation charity is to be supported by the Scottish Government, alongside Education Scotland, Soil Association and the Food and Drink

Federation, as part of the Government's Good Food Futures programme.

With the 2019 Presidential Team hailing from the Scottish Borders, the President’s Initiative at the 179th Royal Highland Show celebrated the Borders unique heritage and culture, which included a recreation of the Common Ridings in the Main Ring, while also promoting responsible countryside access.

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| Shows

Crowds flock to the Royal Cornwall Show 110,704 people visited this year’s Royal Cornwall Show to enjoy everything that was on offer at the largest event on the Cornish calendar. Numbers were slightly down on expectation with wind and rain greeting show-goers. evealing the total, show secretary Christopher Riddle said the event had still been a resounding success over the three days.

“Thankfully the weather was good on two of the days but it’s not surprising the attendance wasn’t quite as high as it might have been. Visitors turned out in force on the Thursday and Saturday and a good number braved the elements on the Friday with many reporting that they still thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“Come rain or shine we’re really grateful for the support of those who visit, compete and trade at the show. The atmosphere that the Royal Cornwall is renowned for shone through and we enjoyed a very good number of livestock, horse and small animal entries.”

One of the highlights of the event was the visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra on the first day.

“It was the sixth time the Princess has visited the show and she enjoyed a varied tour of the showground and was very interested in what

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she saw and those she met,” Christopher added.

The Royal visit drew to a close in the Cornwall Food & Farming Pavilion where Her Royal Highness enjoyed talking with a range of local food and drink producers and left with a hamper full of Cornish delicacies.

The headline main ring entertainment acts were well received with the breath-taking horseback display presented by Atkinson Action Horses and Jason Smyth’s Adrenaline Tour motocross stunt show offering two very different spectacles.

The RAF Falcons parachute team made a dramatic entrance and the RAF Police Dog display team also performed in the main ring.

“Our hard-working, dedicated team of volunteer stewards, staff and contractors worked extremely hard to ensure the weather conditions had a minimal impact on proceedings,” Christopher concluded.

The post show clean-up is underway and planning for next year’s event (4th, 5th & 6th June 2020) has already commenced.

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| Shows

Royal Three Counties Show Thousands of children descended on Royal Three Counties Show this weekend after organisers put education and creating a lasting legacy at the heart of the event, to help support the farming industry. or the first time ever the Royal Three Counties Show welcomed all under 16s free of charge to its 61st event at the showground in Malvern, held in association with JCB. The incentive, introduced in a bid to encourage the younger generation to embrace agriculture and country life, saw 40 per cent more children flock through the gates over the weekend, compared to last year.

The show also held a ‘Schools go free Friday’, welcoming over 60 schools from across the region to take part in curriculum-related agricultural activities.

The success of the scheme came despite torrential downpours which caused chaos across the country and saw many outdoor events cancelled.

Head of Shows, Diana Walton said she was thrilled to have seen so many youngsters enjoying the show as overall visitors across the weekend topped 90,000.

“Visiting the show as a child was an annual highlight and I’m delighted we have been able to welcome all under 16s free of charge allowing all children to enjoy a great day out while learning more about our region’s heritage. Education is at the very heart of the show and is a vital tool in creating a lasting legacy which will help inspire ongoing support for the farming industry.”

The show survived the adverse weather as teams battled around the clock to keep the showground open for business with Saturday and Sunday's packed programme of entertainment and competitions basking in more consistent bouts of warm sunshine.

“I am so proud of our team who worked so hard to maintain conditions at the showground in very challenging weather. I am also delighted

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at the support we received with visitors still flocking through the gates even when the weather did its best to deter them and cheering us on by having a fabulous time.“ With over 6,000 animals on site across the weekend including a record 3,000 sheep entries and over 450 trade exhibitors Royal Three Counties Show is the Heart of England’s premiere celebration of rural life and the

countryside.

Other highlights included the daily Grand Parade of Livestock, a spectacular display by the Red Devils Parachute Regiment Display Team and talks by television’s Adam Henson and Jimmy Doherty.

Royal Three Counties Show 2020 will take place from Friday June 12 until Sunday June 14.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Shows

Groundswell, the Regenerative Agriculture show: a forum for farmers who want to grow and profit from a healthy soil, enjoys a sold out fourth year On Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th June the Cherry family welcomed 1,900 delegates through their farm gates to attend the Groundswell Show, a No-Till and Regenerative Agriculture event focusing on improving soil health and farm resilience. he key message from the show was change. We are on the brink of the biggest shakeup to UK agriculture for 70 years, and Groundswell 2019 provided farmers from all over the country with inspiration, ideas and practical action to adapt and improve the way they manage their land. As we prepare to leave EU subsidies behind, Groundswell presents practical ideas on how to farm in this new environmental and political climate.

Minister for Agriculture Rt Hon Robert Goodwill MP visited on Thursday and was given a tour of the site by host farmer, Paul Cherry, before joining Baroness Rosie Boycott on stage for a discussion about the future Agriculture Bill. He stated the importance of ensuring long-term (10 yr +) financial support for Agri-Environment Schemes going forward.

Furthermore Goodwill proposed monthly payments for agri-environment schemes to aid farm cash flows.

Keynote speaker Allan Savory (Zim), Founder of The Savory Institute and world leader in Holistic Management spoke on both days. To a full conference barn Savory presented his ‘common sense’ revolution to restore our environment. On Thursday he explained why managing agriculture holistically is imperative, and why properly managed livestock are essential to regenerative agriculture globally.

Jay Fuhrer, (USA) a Soil Health Specialist

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employed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bismarck, North Dakota showcased the Rainfall Simulator which starkly shows the impact of 1 inch of rainfall upon differently managed soils; the result showed that zero-disturbance and living roots in the soil act like a sponge and hold the water and prevent nutrient run-off. His talks presented the science behind managing carbon, and rebuilding and maintaining life in the soil.

Many UK farmers (Will Scale, Simon Cowell, Andrew Howard, Tom Martin, Clive Bailye) presented their own experiences in converting to Conservation Agriculture systems and shared their stories.

In the evening, alongside grass-fed BBQ, delegates heard Ruby Wax in conversation with Sam Watson Jones (The Small Robot Company) in a session about the courage needed to make a change.

Attendees came from as far afield as Zimbabwe, Scandinavia, Lithuania, Italy and Poland, with around 10% of delegates from outside the U.K. Most attendees came for both days of the show, with many camping, or ‘glamping’ in tepees. The sunny weather and the relaxed convivial mood at the show’s bar, the ‘Earthworm Arms’ lent the Groundswell Show a festival-like atmosphere.

JOHN CHERRY – host farmer “Groundswell is a unique agricultural show in that you can spend a day learning the principles of Regenerative Agriculture, whilst also engaging with the organisations that can

help make it a reality. Groundswell offers a welcoming environment for two days of information exchange with some of the world's most experienced "soil caretakers" - the farmers, scientists and the organisations who all have a role in shaping the future of UK farming.

PAUL CHERRY – host farmer “The government’s stated ambition for the future of food, farming and the environment is that public money will be spent on public goods that enhance natural capital. The new ELMS will bring in a new era for farming, and we were delighted to welcome the Minister of State for Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Rt Hon Robert Goodwill MP, to the show to see for himself the revolution that is already taking place in UK Agriculture towards farming systems that work with the environment and empower the farmer in the food system.

ATTENDEE FEEDBACK Delegate comments on Twitter following Groundswell 2019: “The Cherry family have created an unbelievably brilliant, friendly, farmer led annual must do event, year 4 and it improves year on year” – Ian Pigott (@ian_pigott) “Groundswell was fantastic. Definitely the most important event on the calendar nowadays if you are serious about long term sustainable/profitable farming without subsidies.” Adam Driver (@driverfarms1)

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Finance

Young farmer secures finance for growth A young farmer in Powys has secured a six-figure finance package from HSBC UK to build a new, mobile free-range egg unit which can house up to 4,000 birds.

4-year-old Aled Jones, farmer at Penrhiw Farm in Llandinam, has grown up on the farm alongside his parents and has always had a passion for farming.

After conducting market research to identify ways of developing the farm, Aled and his partner Rachel diversified by starting up their own poultry unit in 2018.

The HSBC UK funding has been used to build the new mobile egg unit and install a Vencomatic Group system, making the farm more automated, poultry-friendly and modern.

The system includes automatic feeders, nests for birds to lay their eggs in and automated egg

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conveyer belts to speed up the processes.

Aled Jones, farmer at Penrhiw Farm, said: “I was looking for ways to add a new revenue stream to the farm I’ve grown up on and with the support of our relationship manager at HSBC UK, Angela Crowe, we’ve been able to realise that ambition. This is a very exciting time for the farm and we’re delighted to continue growing our offer to develop a sustainable farming business.”

Martin Lyons, HSBC UK’s Business Banking Area Director for North Wales, said: “Aled is extremely passionate about his family farm, which he has managed to successfully diversify in the last year. We are delighted to have supported him in this new

venture and look forward to seeing the business continue to flourish.”

The farm’s eggs, British Blacktail free range eggs, are sold in Waitrose and contracted with free-range and organic egg specialists, Stonegate. Pullets are sourced from Stonegate farmers and the feed is supplied by Wynnstay Group Plc. Both businesses are vital to the farm’s success.

When Aled is not tending to the chickens, he works as a self-employed farm worker on local farms and Rachel works as an agriculture lecturer at NPTC Group of Colleges in Newtown.

£90m investment in UK green energy market Specialist energy from waste funder Privilege Finance has announced £90 million of investment to fund 14MW of new green energy projects so far in 2019, enough to power approximately 28,000 homes. nce built and running at full capacity, these projects will be converting 175,000 tonnes of food waste which would otherwise have ended up in landfill, as well as agricultural wastes, into green gas for the National Grid.

Chris Winward, commercial director at Privilege Finance, explains that this recent acceleration in investment is linked to government Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) incentives, which offer set tariff payments for biomethane injected into the grid.

“Developers had been waiting to see if RHI would be guaranteed, so there’s been a surge of new projects since the decision to restore tariff guarantee to December 2016 levels. These projects are now required to be built and injecting gas into the grid by January 2021.

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“As current legislation means that the RHI tariff guarantee will eventually be phased out, we’re ensuring future sustainability for the AD sector by moving beyond tariffs and looking for innovative projects that will generate income through alternative means, such as gate fees,” says Chris.

With 11 projects currently in build, it is an exciting time for Privilege, as the company diversifies into funding these new technologies.

“Our extensive experience of working with the waste industry through AD is enabling us to diversify our lending portfolio into other areas of energy from waste.

“As a result, the business is growing, we’ve recently moved to new offices and we’re recruiting to up-scale our business development, operational support and back office teams,” Chris adds.

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| Finance

Seven key issues farmers need to know about insurance The farming industry has undergone significant change in the past decade, with the increasing pace of technology combined with regulatory changes revolutionising the way that many farms operate. ociety has moved on and the risks facing farmers are changing too, from the nature of thefts, an increased focus on the environment and changes in risk management strategies.

Here, AF Insurance, which works in partnership with independent broker Alan Boswell Group, explores seven key issues farmers need to be aware of right now.

1. Technology Technology has always been at the heart of changes in agricultural practices, and the tech transforming the industry today will prove every bit as significant as when the tractor replaced the horse-drawn plough.

Increasing automation and robotics are driving production efficiency and, potentially, better yields, with driverless tractors and harvesters, drones for crop spraying, and planting sets to become ever-more ubiquitous in the near future. Keeping pace with these changes can be an expensive business, but an important investment in the future.

To ensure security, insurance cover should be kept as up to date as your equipment. Loss or damage to any new equipment by, for example, fire or theft, could be catastrophic if your cover fails to keep up with the pace of change.

2. Dissolution of the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) Until a few years ago, anybody employed to work on a farm was protected by the AWB Act. Benefits included minimum rates of pay, overtime during harvests and generous sickness allowances.

Despite the AWB being abolished in 2013, many farm employees believe they are still protected by the same legislation as they were previously.

Importantly, the absence of new employment contracts drawn up since 2013 means that farm employers frequently find themselves at risk of having to pay employees for extended periods of sickness or personal accidents for which they have no insurance protection - unless they purchased additional insurance under their farm policy.

3. Power of the Environment Agency The increasing power of the Environment Agency is one of the biggest challenges facing farmers today, with heavier fines for pollution being levied than ever before.

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If the Agency is alerted to contamination, they will identify the responsible party and charge them for clearing it up, before issuing a fine.

As a result, there’s now an insurance product available called Environment Impairment Liability (EIL) insurance, which provides specific cover not usually included under standard public liability insurance.

Five years ago, EIL was unheard of, but now it’s the norm for farmers. The policy covers the cost of the clean-up and the legal defence costs. Although it won’t cover any fines levied, it can cover third-party costs for damage to neighbouring land, and potentially compensation for any loss of business suffered as a result, plus all legal or court fees.

All insurers offer slightly different coverage and options, so it’s worth speaking to an insurance broker to get the right cover for you.

4. Farm theft Theft from farms and other rural properties are on the rise, with organised gangs blamed for the increase. While theft of diesel is still an issue, the bulk of the increase in theft is accounted for by quad bikes and other farm machinery, including tractors.

In 2017, the last year for which figures are available, rural crime cost the UK £44.5m, up 13.4 per cent on the previous year. Of this, agricultural vehicle theft cost £5.9m, quad / allterrain vehicle theft £2.3m, and livestock £2.4m.

More recently, thieves have targeted stock-piled chemicals and fertiliser.

All of this makes it imperative that all agricultural machinery and stocks are adequately insured, and inventory schedules are kept up to date.

5. No-deal Brexit The potential impacts of a no-deal Brexit are many and varied, and far too complex to go into in detail here.

It’s been long mooted that input requirements may be affected, and farmers have been advised to speak to suppliers to ensure adequate stocks of things like animal feed, seeds, fertiliser etc if imported from the EU. If farmers are stock-piling additional supplies, then sums insured also need to be adjusted to reflect the increased value.

6. Financial Loss Financial Loss insurance is often overlooked or confused with Public Liability. Public Liability

only covers damage to third party property or third party death/personal injury, whereas Financial Loss covers circumstances where money is lost but no property is damaged or individual injured.

For example: a delivery of potatoes reaches the warehouse processing factory and sets off metal detectors, because of small amounts of metal being picked up in transit. It’s not a simple case of removing the contaminated delivery; the warehouse will be thoroughly cleaned, and any affected deliveries destroyed.

No property was damaged, and no employees were injured, so a Public Liability product would not pay – but Financial Loss would. A real life example of this situation saw one client claim £160,000. Financial Loss is an essential consideration of any agricultural insurance package.

7. Risk management and assessment More and more attention is being paid to risk management, and for good reason.

It’s a lot more than just advising on fire extinguishers and basic health and safety – a good risk management assessment can also save money for businesses.

For example, Alan Boswell’s risk management team was called in to audit a farm and looked at the rebuilding costs of every building on the site. After creating a scale plan of the whole site, assessors reviewed what each building was used for and the intention for its future use.

For example, a brick building that would cost £200,000 to rebuild as it was could be replaced by a breezeblock building costing only £50,000. As a result, AF Insurance negotiated with insurers amended rebuild rates based on a modern replacement basis of settlement for some of the buildings.

Insurance has to evolve and sometimes the insurance you’ve always had is no longer suitable. Make sure you’re covered and secure – check you’ve got the right insurance for your unique circumstances.

If you’d like to talk to an expert about your farm insurance, get in touch with AF Insurance on 01603 881881 or email info@theAFgroup.co.uk

July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Tyres

Michelin urges farmers to pay closer attention to rear harvester tyres The head of Michelin’s agricultural technical team in the UK and Ireland is advising farmers to focus more time on selecting the right tyres for the rear of their harvesters, rather than putting all the focus on the front axle – as traditionally happens. ordon Brookes, Customer Engineering Support Manager at Michelin, believes the issue is increasing in importance as harvesters grow in size, weight and power. He also warns that most machinery dealers don’t focus heavily on tyres when securing an order – so farmers should seek expert advice from their tyre manufacturer or dealer.

Offering advice ahead of the 2019 harvest season, he says: “The rear axle is the smallest tyre, so that’s always going to be where the damage is most likely to be done. Farmers naturally look at the front because that is where everything is going on; whilst often forgetting that when the combine is full, the back end is extremely heavy – despite being on a very small tyre.

“When travelling without the header mounted, there is no weight transfer from the rear axle so the rear tyre loads can be very high. Sometimes you’ll even see the rear axle specified on the same tyres you’d fit on a loader – so shifting some of the focus from front to rear would pay huge dividends so far as soil compaction is concerned.”

Whilst four-wheel drive harvesters require lugged tyres on the rear, Brookes says farmers can access a much wider range of fitments if they’re specifying a two-wheel drive machine.

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“If minimising compaction is your number one issue then you can select a flotation tyre like the Michelin CargoXBib. That’s designed to spread the weight of laden agricultural trailers, so it’s always going to be better at reducing compaction than a smaller fitment.”

Another area where Brookes says farmers should focus their attention is tyre pressures.

“Nearly all machinery manufacturers leave tyres at the fitting pressure – normally around 35psi – and then the dealer is supposed to amend the pressure if it is appropriate prior to delivery. But only a small percentage do – invariably as they don’t know how the machine will be used,” he says.

“If the farmer is combining linseed, for example, it has a different density to wheat or barley – and the tyre pressures are dependent on what you are harvesting.”

Michelin is happy to provide bespoke tyre pressure recommendations if a harvester is on Michelin tyres. It will even arrange for one of its Account Managers to come out to weigh a machine on-site and calculate the optimum pressures.

Brookes says that setting up new harvester tyres correctly is essential, particularly if you’ve gone for a high technology fitment like a tyre from its CerexBib family.

“Bear in mind that a typical combine might have four different headers and they will all be

different weights. The tyre pressures will be different in each scenario.”

Brookes’ final tip for specifying harvester tyres is to opt for the latest CFO+ (Cyclic Field Operations) rated tyres where possible, because they offer the highest load capacity and the lowest pressure for a given load.

“CFO+ rated tyres are based on a 1,500m cycle, and if that’s not enough to fill the tank, then you most likely haven’t got a good crop!

There are other cyclic markings for other tyres on the market, but the load benefit isn’t as high, and the cycle distance isn’t as great,” he says.

“Some are only up to 600m, plus they can come with other limitations for things like working on side slopes. It pays to specify the best tyre you can from the outset, and then enjoy the benefits.”

Farmers can seek expert tyre support through their local Michelin Exelagri dealer; a network of more than 50 dealerships in the UK and Ireland which have been audited to ensure they can offer the support required to help farmers extract the maximum performance from their tyres.

Michelin also operates the largest team of dedicated account managers in the agricultural sector, who are on hand to visit customers.

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| ATV

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July 2019 | Farming Monthly | 49

| ATV

Corvus

Corvus – the new UTV on the block

Corvus is a new name in 4x4 off-road utility vehicles and one to look out for when its UTV’s arrive on our shores. urope’s first manufacturer of 4x4 Side by Side vehicles has the strongest pedigree and states an aim to offer technologically superior and highly capable, pioneering vehicles. A new British company, BOSS ORV, has been formed to introduce, distribute and support the Corvus brand in the UK. BOSS will officially launch three models at the outset: TerrainDX4 EPS, TerrainDX4 PRO EPS and TerrainDX4 CAB EPS “When you first look at the Terrain you can see immediately it’s a well-designed and tough, professional UTV.” Says Phil Everett, BOSS ORV’s Managing Director. “Look deeper and it stands out for environmental and technological advancement, a powerhouse engine and a great payload capacity. We’re proud to be able

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to offer the Corvus range in the UK.” The Corvus main construction facility is in Murcia, Spain with an area of 25,000m² dedicated to manufacturing and assembling, using their own parts and components: gear box, transmission, chassis and technology systems. The company is part of the Tuxton/Yanmar group so it’s a natural fit to marry up the normally aspirated, inline 3cylinder 993cc Yanmar Diesel engine which gives excellent fuel efficiency and range. The engine is Euro 6 compliant which puts it right at the forefront of the market, leading the Corvus programme of designing systems for reducing emission levels. All the above mentioned Terrain models are homologated to T1b tractor regulation and have a top speed of 40mph/65kp/h.

Corvus is building the Terrain for work

primarily in agriculture, livestock, forestry, turf care and construction but they are highly adaptable vehicles ready for any demanding off-road workout. Boss ORV will launch the Terrain UTV’s in early September but there will be an opportunity for a preview on the Ace ATV stand at the Royal Three Counties Show on 14th -16th June and the ATV Services (Scotland) stand at the Royal Highland Show on 20th - 23rd June.

“In the meantime,” says Phil “we will be building a small, specialised dealer network throughout the UK to offer customers the highest level of service and support.”

For more information about the Corvus Terrain range you can call 01597 810188 E-mail: sales@bossorv.co.uk Web: www.corvus-utv.co.uk

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| ATV

Honda ATV ATV dealer appointments strengthen Honda’s network Honda has strengthened its UK authorised ATV dealer network with four new appointments and expanded operating areas for two established dealers. ore than half of the new ATVs purchased each year in the UK are Hondas and the brand enjoys a strong reputation for reliability, efficiency and excellent after-sales support through carefully selected dealers. Recent new dealer appointments include Swanseabased Quad Bikes Wales; Wight Terrain on the Isle of Wight; MKM Agriculture Ltd which has opened a new depot in Suffolk, and Modern Tyre is the new owner of Cathcarts which offers sales and service support in Northern Ireland from its Trory, Enniskillen depot.

Extended operating areas for Russell Group in North Yorkshire, and for Paterson ATV which now represents the Honda brand across more of south-west Scotland, have also been announced.

Easier to own a Honda “Continuous strengthening of our authorised dealer network benefits new and existing customers,” explains Honda Senior Area Sales Manager Neil Keeble. “Our Fourtrax, Foreman and Rincon ATVs and Pioneer utility vehicles appeal to professional users and with our latest dealer appointments we are raising the bar in terms of customer service.

“Honda authorised dealers have

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to meet or exceed very demanding selection criteria and their staff undergo thorough sales and service training. Whether it’s new or used - buying a Honda ATV or UTV through authorised dealers offers significant advantages and with our network of approximately 95 individual outlets providing convenient access for customers throughout the UK, it’s easier than ever to own and operate a Honda.”

Expert guidance For those considering investing in a Honda ATV or Pioneer, visiting one of Honda’s authorised dealers is the best place to start. A representative selection of models will be stocked including demonstration machines and experienced staff will explain features and benefits.

Before delivery every new Honda receives a thorough predelivery inspection against a detailed checklist by trained technicians, ensuring it arrives correctly set up and ready to use.

Just like buying a new Honda car or motorcycle, the ATV handover includes an explanation of the main controls and service requirements. For added safety and reassurance all new Hondas purchased through authorised dealers come with free-of-charge rider training through the industryapproved European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) which has trainers

and training centres throughout the UK, and dealers will also stock or have access to approved rider safety clothing and accessories.

Additional benefits Buying through Honda’s authorised dealer network also gives access to any exclusive manufacturer-backed promotions.

These can include attractive lowcost finance packages and special offers on approved accessories.

Currently proving very popular is free-of-charge supply and installation of the Datatool TraKKing GPS Tracker anti-theft system when any new Honda ATV or Pioneer is purchased.

Protect your investment All new Hondas bought through authorised dealers come with a full 2-year parts and labour warranty.

Subject to conditions, this provides additional reassurance to the first owner but is also fully transferable should the machine change hands during the warranty period. As well as making sure the machine is correctly set up from the start to comply with warranty requirements, dealers ensure machine and owner records are entered on Honda’s secure database so that warranty repairs can be completed efficiently and without delay by any main dealer.

Product knowledge Using only authorised dealers for service and repairs means all work is carried out in accordance

with Honda’s recommended procedures by trained technicians using only genuine parts.

Specialist knowledge and experience of every model ensures quick diagnosis of any issues, keeping costs down while avoiding repeat failures. Computer access to Honda’s European parts stock and overnight delivery of most items allows quick completion of repairs but, whether the machine is out of action for a few hours or longer, loan machines available from dealers mean farm transport tasks don’t have to stop while your own vehicle is worked on.

Best for sales and service Adding a Honda ATV or UTV to the machinery fleet provides significant time and cost savings for many farms and estates and whether you are considering investing in a new or used machine the best source of accurate advice is your local authorised dealer.

“Recent changes to our network will ensure that customers throughout the UK have convenient access to all the benefits available through Honda authorised dealers from selecting and supplying the ideal machine to keeping it safe and reliable,” confirms Neil.

To find the name and location of your local Honda ATV dealer visit www.honda.co.uk/ATVs

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| ATV

Kawasaki First sight of Kawasaki 2020 MULE and ATV range

Regarded by many as the industry standard in their respective markets, the Kawasaki MULE and ATV range for 2020 has just been unveiled. With no less than four MULE variants for the coming season and two ATV’s, there is a wide field of choice in the coming model year. he BRUTE FORCE ATV line comprises two versions of the popular fuel injected 750 V-Twin 4×4 platform offering two colour-ways with Camouflage Real Tree Xtra Green for field sports and rural users complimented by a Super Black / Vibrant Blue colour-way that will appeal to leisure users and those using the vehicles for such things as public event security and other commercial ventures.

Both ATV’s are equipped with speed variable Electronic Power Steering taking the effort out of all day working for commercial users and allowing recreational use owners to attack the most challenging trails with ease. Add shaft drive, selectable two and four wheel drive plus front and rear double wish-bone suspension and the features of Kawasaki’s 2020 ATV’s speak for themselves.

The MULE PRO and SX range is no less

impressive encompassing a variety of engine capacities and vehicle sizes. With demand from those who need a machine with formidable carrying and towing capacity to those that prioritise diminutive size and maneuverability, all the bases are covered.

Smallest in the MULE range for 2020 is the MULE SX 4×4. For tight spaces and budget friendly running costs, this 401cc air-cooled petrol-engined wonder is often users’ first taste of MULE ownership.

Underpinning the SX is the dramatically style MULE PRO-MX with quad headlamps, automotive style doors and dashboard plus all the necessary practical touches such as a generous tipping load bed and impressive towing capability.

Spearheading the MULE line in the coming season are the aptly named MULE PRO and PRO-DX models. The first choice of many demanding professional users these vehicles

For more information

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represent the pinnacle of the MULE line and each comes fully equipped to conquer any task asked of it.

Satisfying single fuel type commercial users with their rugged and reliable 3-Cylinder diesel engines, the Pro-DX and DXT feature electrically selectable 2WD and 4WD, LED lights, large volume tilting cargo beds and, in the case the PRO-DXT, the ability to quickly convert from one row of seating to two rows, a boon for working parties and those suddenly needing to transport people in place of loads safely and securely.

Ensuring their well-deserved place among the very best ATV’s and Utility Vehicles available, the hard working, dependable, fully featured and stylish Kawasaki MULE and ATV range for 2020 is once more the default ideal choice.

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| ATV

Suzuki ATV

Suzuki ATVs are behind the scenes of some of the best Equestrian Events in the UK

For the past ten years Suzuki GB’s ATV division has supported Musketeer Events, which is now a part of Tri-Star Eventing alongside sister company Bede Events. Tri-Star Eventing specialises in equestrian eventing and manages eight eventing sites across the United Kingdom. hroughout the year 15 events are hosted, over 35 days, for 8,000 athletes and their horses and thousands of spectators, including Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

It goes without saying that before any event there is extensive preparation and after any event, reparation! That is where Suzuki ATVs become an integral tool for success for Tri-Star Eventing.

Before an event, ground repair work needs to take place, which includes grass seeding and fertilising the sites to get them ready – the ATVs are integral to this work as they can accommodate a range of attachments.

During the events the ATVs are relied heavily upon as they enable score collections to be effectively conducted, officials to be transported

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throughout the course during the event and they allow key people quick and easy access without any restrictions.

Other benefits of using Suzuki ATVs at eventing shows include the size advantage to navigate areas where larger vehicles would struggle. Additionally, ATVs are less likely to disturb the horses like motorbikes or other larger vehicles would. ATVs easily cover the tough terrain, tight spaces and woods thanks to their versatile traction and grip in all conditions.

Also, during the bigger events there are crowds to contend with, but the ATVs are easily manoeuvred thanks to power steering!

Often there will be the need for officials and event organisers to use the ATVs by themselves, however, as most haven’t had much contact with ATVs before they fall into the category of inexperienced or novice riders.

Thanks to the simple controls and key information available at a glance with the LCD displays, there has never been an incident or any issues, and the feedback received is that the ATVs are easy to operate, safe and stable!

Alec Lochore who is the director of Musketeer Events, is also the Eventing Competition Manager for the Tokyo Olympics taking place in 2020 as well as the Event Director for the Blair Castle International Horse Trails held in Scotland annually. He said, “Both in my work as an event organiser and in my everyday activities, both professional and leisure, I couldn’t live without my Suzuki ATVs.” To find out more about Suzuki KingQuads visit: www.atv.suzuki.co.uk

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| Motors

The ultimate Maserati of SUVs - Levante Trofeo and GTS Maserati GB confirm the high performance Levante V8 range of Trofeo and GTS are destined to arrive in the UK market this Autumn. nnounced earlier this year for the European market at the Geneva Motor Show, the range topping Levante Trofeo is complemented by the Levante GTS, which was also shown earlier this year at the Shanghai Motor Show.

The pinnacle of the Maserati Levante range, Trofeo, is one of the fastest SUVs ever built, and boasts a top speed of 186 mph. Hosting a 3.8-litre V8 Twin Turbo engine and delivering 580 HP at 6,250 rpm, the Levante Trofeo, features Maserati’s Integrated Vehicle Control System (IVC) along with a new “Corsa” (Race) driving mode with Launch Control functionality for more impressive driving dynamics, better performance, and a genuine Maserati driving experience. Exterior-wise, a new aluminium bonnet with dual vents, 21-inch forged aluminium wheels, carbon fibre front splitter, front grille blades, side skirts and rear valance, along with Trofeo badging, make the range topping Levante unmistakable on the road.

The exclusive Trofeo Launch Edition, which is limited to only 50 units for Europe, is available in three unique exterior colours – Blu Emozione matte, Giallo Modenese and Rosso Magma whilst the interior featuring natural “Pieno Fiore” leather sport seats is available in black with red, blue or yellow contrast stitching. The blue or yellow stitching is exclusive to the Launch Edition, which also features the new matte carbon fibre weave interior trim.

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Likewise, the distinctive design of the Maserati Levante GTS equally epitomises the Italian marque’s balance of performance grand tourer and luxury. Sharing the same 3.8 litre V8 Twin Turbo petrol engine, and developing 530 HP, the GTS also features an elegant exterior restyling focused on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper, giving the Levante GTS an even more aggressive and head turning presence.

The Levante V8 range is officially on sale in the UK from today with the Levante Trofeo available to view at Maserati dealerships during the UK tour starting on the 19th June 2019. The Levante Trofeo will also be making its UK public dynamic debut up the famous Goodwood hill-climb in the First Glance batch at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in early July. Pricing starts at £104,900 for the GTS, £124,900 for the Trofeo and £159,900 for the Trofeo Launch Edition.

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coming to the UK

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| Motors

New Audi Q7 - seven-seat luxury redefined Latest seven-seat Audi SUV combines styling enhancements with the drivetrain and infotainment advances introduced by its Q8 counterpart. he Audi Q7 makes a technological leap this month to fall into line with its Q8 counterpart, taking on board the latest engine updates, mild hybrid drivetrain developments and cabin digitalisation innovations first seen in the coupé-inspired flagship of the Q range. Its exterior hardware also benefits from a reboot, and now combines crisper detailing with the latest design hallmarks characterising the Audi Q model line. Seven seats, adaptive air suspension and Matrix LED headlights are among the headline standard features for all models in the UK launch line-up, which is equipped to either Sport, S line, Black Edition or top tier Vorsprung specification.

Sporty onroad, powerful off: the suspension Audi has substantially enhanced the dynamic facets of the Q7. The latest car is manoeuvrable, precise and agile in urban traffic and on hairpin bends, particularly in Vorsprung specification which includes all-wheel-steering as standard. It also facilitates supremely comfortable and poised touring with excellent ride comfort on motorways, helped by the adaptive air suspension that is factory fitted to all UK specification versions. This also provides variable ground clearance and prepares the Audi Q7 with its standard quattro drive for terrain off the beaten track. The relevant offroad mode can be selected via the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system with its seven profiles. Black Edition and Vorsprung versions are equipped with the slightly tauter adaptive air suspension sport with a lower ride height than the standard air suspension system.

Mild hybrid technology standard: the drivetrain All of the engines in the Audi Q7 are coupled to an eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all‑wheel drive. A choice of two diesel engines will be available at market launch, and shortly afterwards a petrol unit, followed also by a plug-in hybrid model, will join the line-up. The standard mild hybrid technology plays a major part in the efficiency of the engines.

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It can reduce consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Its central component, the belt alternator starter (BAS), powers a 48-volt main electrical system in which a compact lithium-ion battery stores the energy. During braking, the BAS can recover up to 8 kW of power and feed it back into the battery. If the driver eases off the accelerator at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph, the Audi Q7 recuperates energy, rolls at idle or coasts for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off. The BAS restarts the engine the next time the accelerator is depressed, and does so faster and more gently than a conventional starter.

The start‑stop range begins at 13mph.

Luxury-class lounge: the interior During the redesign process, the large SUV has grown in length by 11 millimetres to 5,063 millimetres. It is 1,970 millimetres wide (2,212mm including mirrors) and 1,741 millimetres (including roof aerial) high. Versus its direct competitors the Q7 has a greater interior length as well as more headroom and elbow room in the front and rear. A host of storage compartments, a new compartment in the instrument panel as well as the high load capacity provide functional utility value.

Depending on the position of the rear seat backs the luggage compartment on the sevenseater version offers between 865 and 2,050 litres of capacity – the latter with a flat load area. An electric tailgate is standard, and when the optional Comfort and Sound pack is specified it also brings foot-activated gesture control for even easier opening. Versatility is further increased by the standard rear bench seat plus, which adds individual fore/aft movement and backrest angle adjustment for all three seats.

The cockpit architecture harmonises perfectly with the new, digital operating concept, which incorporates two large touchscreens. They provide haptic and acoustic feedback when clicking on the touch controls. Equipment across the Sport, S line, Black Edition and Vorsprung tiers befits the Q7’s positioning in the Audi model family, particularly the Vorsprung versions which take

luxury and convenience to the next level. With their 22-inch wheels, S line detailing and black styling pack they show the remodelled Q7 body in its most impactful light, and their powered soft-close doors set the tone for the exceptional comfort and luxury within. Occupants are treated to ultra-supportive front super sport seats with diamond-stitched Valcona leather upholstery, climate control and massage function, plus an extended leather pack taking in the door pull handles, armrests and lower door trim, the front centre console trim and the underside of the instrument panel. Seat heating is also expanded to the second row, and attention is even lavished on the roof, which gains a soft-touch Alcantara headlining. The 3D BOSE surround sound system is also installed to fill the interior with virtually cinematic sound quality.

To complement the now fully digitised instrumentation, the MMI navigation plus (which is standard across the range) delivers top-ofthe-line connectivity by incorporating LTE Advanced, a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and the extensive Audi connect portfolio, opening up everything from online traffic information and navigation with Google Earth to hybrid radio. The cloud-based Amazon voice service Alexa, which is integrated into the MMI operating system, is also new.

Vorsprung models are also fitted with convenience technology such as the Audi Phone Box to provide wireless charging for all Qi-enabled mobile phones, a head-up display projecting important information such as vehicle speed and assistance system notifications onto the windscreen and a particularly extensive portfolio of automated driver assistance systems. The list covers virtually all the bases, from side assist, lane assist, cross traffic assist rear and turn assist to camera-based traffic sign recognition and the predictive efficiency assistant promoting the most economical driving style.

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| Motors

Work smarter with the new Izuzu D-Max Workman+ Isuzu UK, the pick-up professionals, is pleased to announce the launch of the new Isuzu D-Max Workman+ double cab.

A special edition in the D-Max range, the Workman+ will be produced in a limited to a volume of 125 vehicles in total and will be available in a manual transmission. his hard-working pick-up retains all the features of the multi awardwinning Isuzu DMax Utility but also includes the following equipment over a standard double cab: • Rear Load Liner • Tow Bar & 13 Pin Electrics • Side Steps • 18” Alloy Wheels • Full Size Spare Wheel - Alloy • Reversing Camera • DAB Radio Aimed at farmers and urban trade customers, Workman+ is equipped with practical specification to help get the job done. The tow bar and 13 pin electrics are compatible with trailers that have LED lights and customers can choose to fit an

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over rail or under rail load liner according to their preference.

Elevating the exterior styling from a basic workhorse pick-up, side steps increase convenience and 18” alloy wheels add a premium feel while still retaining the practicality of a working vehicle as a full-size spare alloy wheel and locking wheel nuts are included as standard.

The audio system has also been upgraded to include DAB radio and a reversing camera is mounted under the rear bumper, with the image displayed in the rear-view mirror.

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

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assistance in the UK and across Europe.

Workman+ is available in five colours: Splash White, Titanium Silver Met, Obsidian Grey Mica, Cosmic Black Mica and Sapphire Blue Mica. Cosmic Black and Sapphire Blue paint finishes are normally restricted to premium models but a limited volume has been made available for Workman+.

Pricing for the new Workman+ is only £21,495 CVOTR. This offers a considerable amount of equipment for a price walk of only £700 over a standard Utility Double Cab. Available to order now, the Workman+ is already in dealerships.

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| Motors

The all-new BMW X6 Almost a decade ago, BMW took the innovative step of blending the signature attributes of a 4x4 with the DNA of a classical coupe, and a new category of car was born: the Sports Activity Coupe. or early adopters the first BMW X6 as founder member of this new type of car was a revelation.

Combining the benefits of a highriding, all-wheel-drive 4x4 with a slick, edgy design, it captured the imagination of those who just wanted something a bit different and, with sales of 443,000 units worldwide across two model generations, its success has been undeniable.

Now, with a refreshed design, advanced powertrain and chassis technology, top-class equipment features, dynamic handling, innovative operating tech and driver assistance systems, the new X6 looks set to deliver once again.

The new BMW X6 will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Cars 2019 international motor show in Frankfurt in September. The market launch will follow in December 2019.

Three model variants The new BMW X6 is available from launch in three model variants: Sport, M Sport and M Performance. Standard equipment on the Sport version includes Adaptive two-axle air suspension, a Sport leather steering wheel and

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aluminium detailing. The M Sport model is distinct in that it features a dynamic design angle to the front and rear aprons. It also features the side window graphic in High-gloss Black, wheel arch trim painted in body colour, an M Sport exhaust system and M Sport brakes with blue-painted callipers.

From start of production, M carbon exterior mirror caps and a carbonfibre-reinforced plastic rear spoiler are available as optional extras.

The M Sport also adds the aerodynamics package along with the M Sport steering wheel and Mspecific pedals. It also includes the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, exclusive Aluminium Tetragon interior trim strips and an anthracite BMW Individual headliner. Interior trim strips in M Carbon Fibre are available as an option.

The M Performance model adds M Bicolour Cerium grey exterior trims, M Sport differential, Adaptive M suspension, M Seat belts and a Harman Kardon surround sound system.

For even more personalisation,high-quality options from BMW Individual include special BMW paint finishes and 22-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels. Extended BMW

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Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim completes the BMW Individual offering.

Engines The line-up of engines from launch includes two petrol units and a pair of diesel variants from the latest generation. Topping the X6 range is the BMW X6 M50i powered by a newly developed petrol V8, while the BMW X6 M50d features a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and four turbochargers.

The BMW X6 xDrive40i and BMW X6 xDrive30d are powered by a straight six petrol and straight-six diesel respectively, while all models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

Maximum power for the BMW X6 xDrive30d is at 265hp while peak torque is 620Nm. The zero to 62mph benchmark sprint is achieved in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 143mph. The xDrive 30d will achieve an average fuel consumption of 42.8-46.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 172-159g/km.

The BMW X6 xDrive40i delivers a maximum output of 340hp with a peak torque of 450Nm and that enables a zero to 62mph benchmark sprint of 5.5 seconds with a top speed limited to

155mph. Combined fuel consumption is between 32.835.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 197-181g/km.

The range-topper in the diesel line-up is the 400hp BMW X6 M50d with a whopping 760Nm peak torque. It’ll take 5.2 seconds to get to 62mph and its top speed it set at 155mph. Average fuel consumption is 39.2-40.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 190-181g/km.

The flagship BMW X6 M50i delivers 530hp with peak torque at 750Nm while the flap-controlled M Sport exhaust system fitted as standard produces an exhilarating soundtrack to match the engine’s prodigious power delivery. The eight-cylinder unit’s standout features include the pair of twinscroll turbochargers nestled in the 90-degree angle between the two banks of cylinders. It needs just 4.3 seconds to sprint from zero to 62mph and its combined fuel consumption ranges between 26.4-27.2mpg while combined CO2 emissions come in at 243237g/km.

The new BMW X6 is available to order now with prices starting from £59,340 OTR.

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