June 2012 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National Inside this issue...

Cereals 2012 We preview the show

On Farm Energy Generation 20th & 21st June at Stoneleigh

Food & Farming Education should start young - p16 & 17

June 2012

USED

CS110 c/w Chillton loader, 40kph.

Air conditioned cab, 4 speed pto.

Passenger seat, 2400 hours.

495XL 4wd. 16.9 x 30 tyres, 5020 hours, trailer hitch.

JXU75 4wd. 2009, 1154 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 3 speed pto.PowerShuttle & PowerShift, weights etc.

JXU105 4wd. 2011, just 44 hours, PowerShift & PowerShuttle,Weights, mudguards, twin assistor rams, air conditioned,16.9 x 34 tyres, 106hp.

Just like new.

Maxxum 125 Suspension c/w loader, 2009, 2921 hours,Air conditioned cab, passenger seat.

NEW Maxxum 140 Tier3, cab suspension, 3 spd.pto.Air conditioned cab, 600/65 x 38 tyres.

MX110, Creep + 40kph. Weights, air conditioned cab.

MX135 Suspension, 40kph. Creep, weights.

MXM120 – 40kph. 2003, 4000 hrs. weights, 18.4 x 38.

MXM130 – 40kph. 2004, 3228 hrs. weights, 600/65 x 38.

MXM140 Suspension , 2004, 5525 hrs. weights.

MXM190 Suspension , 2003, 5212 hrs. weights.

CVX140 Suspension 50kph. 2008, 3447 hours, weights,Trailer air brakes, 460/85 x 38 tyres, 4 speed

TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT

pto.

NEW CVX150, 50kph. Trailer air brakes, 520/85 x 38.

CVX150 Suspension 40kph. 2007, 3066 hours, F/Linkage,Trailer air brakes, 580/70 x 38 tyres.

CVX150 Suspension 50kph. 2009, 2900 hours, F/Linkage,650/65 x 38 tyres, 4 speed pto.

CVX150 Suspension 50kph. 2007, 3942 hours, weights,20.8 x 42 tyres, 4 speed pto.

CVX1155 Suspension 50kph. 2004, 3306 hours, weights,460/85 x 38 tyres, 4 x hydraulic valves.

CVX1170 Suspension 50kph. 2004, 6024 hours, weights,650/65 x 38 tyres, trailer air brakes, 4 speed pto.

CVX1170 Suspension 50kph. 2004, 5276 hours, F/linkage,650/65 x 42 tyres, trailer air brakes, one owner.

CVX175 Suspension 50kph. 2009, 2578 hours, weights,580/70 x 42 tyres, trailer air brakes.

CVX195 Suspension 50kph. 2009, 3351 hours, weights,710/70 x 38 tyres, trailer air brakes.

NEW Puma 125 Suspension, 40kph.

Weights.

NEW Puma 140 Tier3 Suspension, 40kph.

Puma 140 Suspension MC. 2010, 553 hrs. 600/65 x 38.

Puma 140 Suspension , 2011, 569 hrs. 650/65 x 38.

Puma 140 Suspension, 2010, 700 hrs. 520/85 x 38.

Puma 155 Suspension MC. 2009,

942 hrs. 650/65 x 38.

Puma 155 Suspension MC. 2010, 1050 hrs. 650/65 x 42.

Puma 155 Suspension 40kph. 2009, 2611 hrs. 650/65 x 38.

Puma 165 Suspension, 2010, 418 hrs. 650/65 x 42.

Puma 165 Suspension, 2010, 715 hrs. 710/60 x 42.

Puma 165 Suspension, 2009, 2385 hrs. 710/70 x 42.

Puma 195 Suspension, 2008, 976 hrs. 710/60 x 42.

Puma 210 Suspension MC. 2010, 585 hrs. 650/65 x 42.

NEW Puma 170, 50kph. Trailer air brakes, 650/65 x 42.

NEW Puma 215, 50kph. F/Linkage, 710/60 x 42.

Puma CVX 210 Suspension, F/Linkage, 2010, 3028 hrs. 710/70 x 42.

Puma CVX 225 Suspension, F/Linkage, 2010, 785 hrs. 650/65 x 42.

Magnum 7240, 40kph. 650/65 x 42, 6593 hrs.

Magnum 225 Suspension 50kph.

2007, 2361 hrs.

Magnum 225 Suspension 50kph.

2007, 2356 hrs.

Magnum 280 Suspension 50kph.

2008, 3230 hrs.

Magnum 280 Suspension 40kph.

2010, 932 hrs.

Magnum 310 Suspension 40kph.

2010, 1255 hrs.

Magnum 310 Suspension 40kph.

2010, 1448 hrs.

Magnum 310 Suspension 40kph.

2010, 1479 hrs.

Magnum 310 Suspension 40kph.

2007, 3416 hrs.

Magnum 310 Suspension 50kph.

2009, 1748 hrs.

Magnum 310 Suspension 50kph.

2006, 1800 hrs.

Magnum 340 Suspension 50kph.

2011, 223 hrs.

Magnum 340 Suspension 50kph.

2011, 436 hrs.

Magnum 340 Suspension 50kph.

2011, 507 hrs.

Quadtrac 480, rear linkage & pto.

2006, 5030 hrs.

Quadtrac 500, rear linkage & pto.

2005, 5312 hrs.

Quadtrac 500, rear linkage & pto.

2005, 5700 hrs.

COMBINES Axial Flow 2388 AFS, 22’ header & trolly.

Axial Flow 5088, 20’ Vario header & trolly, 2011,Only 35 Rotor hours, CaseIH Finance & balance of warranty.

John Deere 1177, 816 header & trolly, 2300 hours.

John Deere 9780, 22’ header & trolly, 1550 hours.

Claas Dominator 76, 13’ header & trolly.

Contents

16

58

June 2012

29 70

Features

Regulars

26 29 34 36 38 58 62 63

06 16 20 22 64 68

Security Keep your equipment safe.

NSA Sheep 2012 Show preview.

Yorkshire Show Show preview.

Royal Welsh Show Show preview.

Cereals 2012 Show preview.

Buildings News from the industry.

Red Tractor

News All the latest need to know commentary.

On Topic FACE Food & Farming education feature

Energy What’s new in on farm energy?

Energy - UK AD & Biogas Show preview

ATV The essential workhorse round-up.

Motors What’s new in motoring news?

NEXT MONTH

News on the mark.

Previews of Dairy Event and more...

Fencing Hampton sponsors at Driffield Show.

We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or agriculture in general? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as necessary and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved 2012.

Connect with us:

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

04 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

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Competition Subscribe Win tickets to the Lincolnshire Show – the county’s big day out Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st June 2012 at the Lincolnshire Showground, Grange de Lings his year’s Lincolnshire Show takes place on 20th and 21st June, when over 60,000 people will come to learn about the importance of agriculture and food production in the life of the county.

As well as the county’s finest animals on show, and vintage to modern day agricultural machinery displays, there will be the best of Lincolnshire produce at the massive Select Lincolnshire and Tastes of Lincolnshire Food Court, including the launch of a major new Lincolnshire cheese from Lymn Bank Cheese of Thorpe St Peter, near Skegness.

Produced with local milk from nearby Rich Pastures Dairy, the Skegness Blue cheese will be unveiled by cheese maker Stephen Grinstead, who is looking for national markets for his traditionally produced, blue veined cheese.

The Lincolnshire Show will also host three of the giant Quadtracs that will be taking part in a world record attempt in the county later this year, for the most cultivating Quadtracs in one field, with organisers hoping to have more than 20 of the machines taking part.

For the second year running, dogs will be allowed into the Show, and Scruffts have confirmed that they will be running a regional heat on both days of the Show this year for their Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition.

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We have two family tickets to give away to this year’s Lincolnshire Show. Each Family Ticket is worth £45 and admits 2 adults and up to 3 children for one day of the Show. You have a chance to win by answering this simple question: Q: Where will you see the best looking cross breed dogs in the county?

Send your completed answer form to: Competitions, Farming Monthly National, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Good Luck!

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Last month’s winners of East of England show tickets: Mrs E. Sneath, Spalding, Mr G. Soutart, Boston, Mrs S. Bale, Nottingham

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June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Winner of the Vétoquinol Farm Event Competition Hundreds of entries received. étoquinol recently drew their Farming Event Competition to win a Ritchie 300G Cattle Crate with Head Scoop, valued at over £3,000. The delighted recipient is farmer Karen Kendall from Cornwall, who farms in Lanivet. Karen was chosen at random

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from the hundreds of completed competition forms handed into the Vétoquinol stand during the recent farming events.

To enter the competition, entrants were asked to fill in the missing words - to complete the statements on three Vétoquinol products: Locatim®, Pro-Rumen and Ceftiocyl®.

Senior Product Manager, Susan Nash, said, “I am delighted the competition has been won

by Ms Kendall. We were very pleased with the interest we received for this national

competition. I hope Karen enjoys her prize”.

New CIS laboratory prepares to launch Set to be fully operational in August this year. he Cattle Information Service (CIS) is just weeks away from opening its new state-of-the-art laboratory in Telford, Shropshire. Logistically the location is ideally sited to handle

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“As a company owned by farmers and run for farmers, it is also our belief that the technology available in 2012 allows us to offer direct financial benefits to our clients”

milk and animal health testing for dairy farmers distributed throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Vital information on milk composites will be produced to support the current CIS data systems and, importantly, proven techniques will be available to give early warning of nutritional abnormalities and unseen diseases such as BVD, IBR and Johnes to aid in their elimination.

The investment in the new laboratory is a joint initiative between CIS and its parent

organisation, Holstein UK. Sue Cope, Executive Director of CIS, says, “We have made the decision to establish our own laboratory in order to continue to improve our customers’ herd health.”

“As a company owned by farmers and run for farmers, it is also our belief that the technology available in 2012 allows us to offer direct financial benefits to our clients”, continues Ms Cope.

There will be a phased changeover from existing contractors during the year and the laboratory will be fully

operational in August this year.

The latest generation of Foss milk analyers and Raudzsus automation systems have already been installed. The site offers potential to expand these services to integrate future innovations within the industry.

There are plans to hold an official opening ceremony later in the year once the initial development phase has been completed.

LIMEX Contact our sales team:

Tel 0870 2402314 • Fax 0870 2402729

E-mail: limex@britishsugar.com www.limex.co.uk

06 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

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Junel 2012 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

The UK’s friendliest B&B Acquisition of James & Son by Agrifirm Co-products R At the prestigious AA Bed and Breakfast awards ceremony, Rains Farm in Allerston, North Yorkshire, was voted the UK’s Friendliest Bed and Breakfast of the Year.

ains Farm has been a member of Farm Stay UK for more than 18 years and was one of two members to be nominated as a finalist in the awards from 3,500 entries.

Owner Lorraine Allanson comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won the award, the AA inspected more than 3,000 properties and to stand out against some really lovely bed and breakfasts is a huge honour. We work hard in our B & B to ensure our guests feel as comfortable as possible with home cooked breakfasts using ingredients from the farm, crisp linen sheets and plump pillows, not forgetting our friendly, Yorkshire welcome that we believe has guests returning year after year.”

Lorraine’s family moved into Rains Farm in 1959 and converted the farmhouse to offer bed and breakfast in 1990 – since then Lorraine and her family have expanded the business making all guest rooms en-suite and more recently, creating five self-catering properties out of several old stone barn buildings.

Simon Numphud, AA Hotel Services Manager, said, “The AA Bed and Breakfast Awards are a key opportunity for us to recognise the dedication and hard work of our B & B owners across the country. In a year such as this, with so many patriotic events taking place, the Great British B & B is a true national treasure.”

For more information about Farm Stay UK please visit www.farmstay.co.uk, or to become a member please contact Andy Woodward on tel 02476 696909 or email andy@farmstay.co.uk.

08 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

Acquisition translates into benefits for supplier and customer alike. ames & Son has been providing excellent service to its suppliers and trusted products to its farmer customers for more than 160 years.

The Agrifirm Group has acquired all the UK activities of James & Son (GM) Ltd. James & Son will become part of Agrifirm Co-products BV, the division of Agrifirm Group where all coproduct feed activities are concentrated.

Its knowledge and experience will be combined with that of the other Agrifirm Co-products companies in six other countries which all operate under the name Bonda. The high quality of logistics services provided to suppliers and customers will be maintained and the upgrading of dry, moist and liquid co-products into high-quality animal feeds will

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be extended. The acquisition assures continuity, which is essential to the food industry. The company will continue to trade as James & Son and the current staff will remain in place.

Founded in 1850, James & Son (GM) Ltd are one of the UK’s oldest, most experienced animal feed companies. With a turnover of 14 million pounds and 43 employees, James & Son has been a trusted and sustainable partner in the food & feed supply chain for over 160 years, providing professional, dependable services to suppliers and farmer-customers alike.

Agrifirm Co-products markets co-products from the food industry.

The company operates in six European countries under the name Bonda.

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June l 2012 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

New storage initiative

Milk Link award success

Fengrain, the independent, farmer owned, Grain Storage and Marketing business has announced an exciting new arrangement for Grain Storage close to the major users of milling wheat’s in Northamptonshire.

Milk Link creameries collect 19 awards for top quality cheese

hey will be working with GWT farms to provide up to 25,000 tonnes of grain storage on the A1/A14 junction for the use of local farmers. Members of Fengrain can buy storage in their Wimblington site but be given priority to store grain closer to home.

Fengrain have been working with GWT farms, for a number of years supplying vendor assured grain to major customers, and to continue to improve their service to both millers and farmers a decision has been made to invest over £2m in the site to provide more storage space, and state of the art drying and processing facilities. This will be supported by the Wimblington storage facility and GWT’s other facilities.

“Our focus is on providing excellent personal, cost effective service locally, not necessarily scale. The Tophams Group are progressive and forward thinking – and have already got impressive facilities – they have proved to be

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excellent partners. We have over 2 years of experience in working together which gives us the confidence that this project will deliver improved local service, and efficiencies for farmers as well as major benefits to our consumers in the area,” said Paul Randle – Fengrain’s Development Director.

“During harvest time grain will be collected and taken to the nearest available Fengrain storage location for processing. The service will be seamless to the farmer as the process will be fully integrated with both the team and the systems in Wimblington.”

The store is open for business NOW – and Fengrain will be offering storage space at a limited edition special rate of £80 per tonne.

Fengrain have recruited a new Grain Buyer to work in the area and to advise locally on storage – Jonny Crittell. He can be contacted on 07766 133556 or jonnyc@fengrain.co.uk

ollowing its success at the Devon County Show, Milk Link has continued its cheese show winning streak by collecting an impressive 19 awards at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show. These included the prestigious Dupont Danisco Grand Prix and Chris Braund Memorial Trophy for Milk Link’s Taw Valley Creamery Cheddar cheese.

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“We’re delighted that our range of British cheeses has once again been recognised for their top quality and fine taste.”

In addition to the two titles, Taw Valley in North Tawton, Devon won a further Gold prize for its organic Cheddar. A number of other Milk Link creameries also won Golds: Reece’s Creamery in Malpas, Cheshire collected two Gold awards for its Cheshire and Caerphilly cheeses, Tuxford & Tebbutt Creamery in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire won a

Gold for its Blue Stilton and the Lockerbie Creamery in Dumfriesshire, Scotland won Gold for its unsalted butter.

The creameries went on to collect six Silver prizes and six Bronze awards, with Reece’s Cheshire cheese and Tuxford & Tebbutt’s Blue Stilton winning silver in additional categories.

Lockerbie’s mild Cheddar cheese also won a silver recognition while Llandyrnog Creamery in North Wales won two silver awards for its Cheddars.

Neil Kennedy, Chief Executive of Milk Link commented: “We’re delighted that our range of British cheeses has once again been recognised for their top quality and fine taste.

“Milk Link boasts an exceptionally talented and dedicated team of cheese makers and I would like to congratulate them on their much-deserved success.”

Always

2,000 in stock NEW

Out of season terms available

One Tonne Potato Boxes

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Saw Mills

Telephone 01873 859188

Next Auctions on Monday 18th June 2012 & 16th July 2012 commencing at 10.30am

10 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

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Power Under Pressure: How to choose the right power washer for the job. power washer is an essential piece of equipment for any farm, offering a far quicker, more efficient way of cleaning equipment, animal pens and general areas than traditional cleaning methods. Two of the main points to consider when purchasing a power washer are how it will be powered i.e. petrol/diesel or electric, and whether you require hot or cold water cleaning, as all variations have different advantages and functionalities depending on how they will be used.

Petrol or diesel driven power washers offer the portability necessary for outdoor work while providing higher pressures and flows for more industrial applications, making them ideal for use on large, outdoor areas or for cleaning vehicles and equipment. However, they can only be used outside because of the carbon monoxide generated by their engines. Electric power washers offer a slightly lower power option but are more versatile, with lower noise levels than petrol or diesel powered units. They can also be both outdoors and indoors, making them better for use in animal pens and parlours.

Farmers also need to consider whether a hot or cold power washer is going to better suit their needs. Hot water power washers clean faster and more thoroughly than cold, and they can also be used with industrial detergents to sanitise and degrease, making them ideal for industrial and farm use. One of the most popular uses for an industrial hot pressure washer is in poultry farming, but they are also an essential piece of equipment

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when trying to prevent the spread of disease between livestock if they are housed in confined areas. Cold water pressure washers are cheaper to run, as the water does not use power to be heated, and are more commonly used for cleaning mud and slurry from surfaces, and also cleaning tractors and equipment.

ArcGen Hilta, one of the UK’s premier providers of onsite power equipment for the agricultural industry, provides a wide range of hot and cold industrial TW power washers available with petrol and diesel engines or 240 or 110 volt electric motors. The units range from 1500psi to 3000psi and are compact and robust, fitted on wheeled chassis' for easy manoeuvrability.

All units are complete with gun and lance, and 25' or 40' of hose as standard. The series also includes Bowser options, including a 27 gallon Eco Bowser on site trolley, and a 250 gallon Bowser unit available with or without the accompanying pressure washer and on road tow for easy site transportation.

For more information about ArcGen Hilta’s range of power washers visit www.arcgenhilta.com, or to discuss which machine will best suit your needs, call 0845 409 0280 or email info@arcgenhilta.com.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 11

| News

Get the best deal on Potato Day set replacement belts for agricultural machinery T

Midlands Potato Day 20th June.

Rema Tip-Top know how... he conveyor belt on a harvester, sorter, grader etc is one of those parts that is subject to wear and tear, and therefore will need replacing from time to time. The best advice in such a situation is to cut out the middle-man and go directly to the manufacturer, for both the best prices and the best service.

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Rema Tip-Top is a UK manufacturer of conveyor belts for agricultural machinery. The company manufactures high quality, long lasting belts using a

range of materials, including PVC, PU and rubber. Belts can be supplied “flat”, or with side walls or cleats for increased lifting capacity on inclined applications. As a result belts are available for any application in the agriculture industry, from harvesting produce in the field to packing ready for delivery.

Rema Tip-Top belts can be purchased from a network of service centres, which also offer installation services – staff there will even to help identify the correct belt for the machinery to make sure customers get the best product for the job.

So, for the best quality, the best value for money, and the best service, contact Rema Tip-Top. REMA TIP TOP INDUSTRY UK Limited, Plumtree Industrial Estate, Harworth, Doncaster, DN11 8EW Customer Service: 0870 143 1600 Fax: 01302 711-998 Email: info@tip-top.co.uk

his year’s packed agenda at the Midlands Potato Day will include practical in-the-field discussions on topics such as soil compaction, fertiliser application and the opportunity to see the George Moat Tillerstar on the land.

The event to be held on June 20 at Corfton Farms Ltd, Corfton, Craven Arms, Shropshire will also feature a discussion on opportunities and threats for growers in the face of a global downturn, led by Neil Cameron of Bidwells. In addition, Paul Coleman, technical director of Greenvale AP Ltd, will examine the future of the Pre-Pack sector and Potato Council head of communications, Sharon Hall will update delegates on the Council’s present and future activities.

Adrian Briddon of Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research will assess the use of inverters in the farm’s newly built potato stores and how they can help save energy costs.

He will also talk about CIPC use and the need to follow best practice.

Out in the field, Philip Wright of Wright Resolutions will be

examining soil structure and compaction under the farm’s current cultivation regime and any changes that he considers advisable. There will also be discussions on the farm’s fertiliser application with reference to Precision Farming.

In addition, the event offers delegates the chance to view the latest equipment in stands placed by local dealers.

“We are expecting another record turnout this year as the West Midlands Day offers growers the opportunity to engage with the speakers and discuss practical topics of concern to them,” says Dr Hall, who will be staying at the event all day to speak with growers. “Don’t miss it!”.

The West Midlands Potato Day is organised by Potato Council in partnership with Greenvale AP and McCain Foods Ltd. For information on Potato Council events go to www.potato.org.uk/events

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TELEPHONE: 01480 476376

12 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

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Three wheeling all the way…

Unique and quirky vans stand out from the crowd. conic, nostalgic and Italian these quirky vans have it all, the florist, the equestrian and the gardener are just some of the trades enjoying the benefits of the Piaggio Ape range.

The range is affordable and flexible starting with the Ape Cross at £4244.96 + VAT and only £16 per year to tax.

You can even drive the Ape 50 Panel Van or Cross from 16 on a CBT licence.

Piaggio Commercial UK are appointing new dealers across the country to ensure the best possible service for drivers of the range. Van dealers, country stores and two wheel show rooms are getting on board to add a new product to their portfolio and enjoy all the benefits of becoming an recognised UK dealer.

Many of these vans can be converted into mobile food carts and used in open farms and visitor attractions check out (thebigcoffee.com)

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Ape … I say but you can do my shopping ! I’m all for young people having their freedom and doing a few errands along the way” So if you think you need an Italian in your life call 01482 655020, email us at info@piaggiocommercialuk.com or check out www.piaggiocommercial.com and see which van fits you.

Ape Green Panel Van £ 4281.92 + VAT

Ape Cross £4244.96 + VAT

Mrs Thompson from Poole, Dorset Says: “When you see your 16 year old nephew driving a van legally on the road you know that times are changing. In the midst of exams he’s taking time out to meet friends in the next village, the blue Ape van with a union jack on the side certainly stands out and has created quite a stir in the area.

The van was purchased for his 16th birthday and has already clocked up 3,000 miles. My nephew says he can’t get wet in an

Ape Classic 500 £4951 + VAT

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June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 13

| News

Defra must not ignore CAP advice, say NFU and CLA Warns competitiveness of UK farmers could be reduced. he Government must listen to warnings that it could put British farmers at a competitive disadvantage if exposed to higher rates of modulation than other EU farmers, NFU President Peter Kendall and CLA President Harry Cotterell said today.

The two presidents were speaking following the publication of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee’s findings of its inquiry into the European Commission proposals to green the CAP. Mr Cotterell said: “The findings of this inquiry lay down a number of very useful markers for Defra as it negotiates on behalf of British

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farmers in Brussels. We agree with the Efra committee that the competitiveness of UK farmers will be significantly impacted by the Commission’s greening plans if they were to go ahead as are currently proposed. We also agree that Defra must not seek to gold plate any greening measures by applying higher conditions on farmers in this country.”

The Efra report states that “the competitiveness of UK farmers will be reduced if they are exposed to higher modulation rates than their competitors” and recommends that “Defra should not set modulation rates higher than other member states that receive similar single farm payment rates”.

“The UK is the only member state to use voluntary modulation and it is incredibly frustrating when we hear that Defra negotiators are arguing for ways to increase the amount of money that can be transferred from the direct payments envelope purely on a national basis,” said Mr Kendall.

“We hope that Defra takes heed of this finding and rather than expending negotiating capital arguing for the right to cut payments at the national level, that instead it focusses attention on securing a better allocation of rural development money from Brussels. To do otherwise certainly would not be fair to farmers.”

FUW welcomes Welsh Government CAP response Warns there will be many winners and losers under a flat rate system, however. he Welsh Government’s formal response to the European Commission’s proposals for the future of single payments was welcomed today for highlighting the majority of concerns raised by the FUW over the past year.

"CAP Reform 2014 - The Welsh Government Response - Pillar 1", published on May 23, follows the government’s "CAP conversation" with the industry and seeks to demonstrate Welsh concerns and needs to the European Commission and Parliament in a way which encourages a favourable change to the draft CAP legislation.

“Our response to the CAP conversation was based on successive internal consultations with our county branches and committees, and I am pleased to say that the vast majority of our

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proposals have been adopted in this document,” said FUW president Emyr Jones following a meeting with agriculture deputy minister Alun Davies today.

“We do not pull our punches when it comes to criticising the Welsh Government when we think it is wrong. But we are also happy to give credit where credit is due and I have made it clear to the deputy minister that we welcome the fact that the government has accepted the arguments put forward by the FUW.” Key points identified by the document include: 1 ● The essential contribution that the CAP and agriculture make to the Welsh economy.

2 ● The importance of a gradual transition towards flat-rate payments over a long period.

3 ● The need to allow Wales to choose a flat-rate payment model

which will minimise disruption to businesses, sectors and regions.

4 ● That, if greening must be introduced, then flexibility of choice appropriate to local agricultural conditions should be allowed for regions such as Wales, alongside recognition of the contribution Welsh farmers already make through agri-environment schemes.

5 ● That Wales should receive a fairer proportion of European Pillar 2 funds.

6 ● That entitlements should be phased out and payments thereafter made to those undertaking genuine agricultural activity, in order to minimise distortion to the land market; reduce administration; and help young entrants.

7 ● That arable area and crop rotation period thresholds should be increased to take account of

the needs of Welsh agriculture.

8 ● That Wales should be entitled to introduce coupled payments, within the restrictions laid down in World Trade Organisation rules.

“This paper will significantly complement the views set out by the FUW in correspondence with the Commission and during successive meetings with officials and politicians over the past year,” said Mr Jones.

“However, we have a long road ahead of us in terms of persuading the Commission and others to accept the necessary changes in the draft legislation, and even then it is clear there will be many winners and losers under a flat rate system, whatever payment system is ultimately adopted.”

The full Welsh Government document can be viewed on the FUW website – www.fuw.org.uk

Better service from Rural Payment Agency Farmers benefit from faster and more accurate payments as well as prompt support when needed. ince the launch of a new Customer Charter six months ago, farmers are enjoying improved levels of service from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) with faster responses to customer contacts and issue of cattle passports.

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“Farmers and food producers are now benefiting from faster and more accurate payments”

On the 1st June, the Agency reported that in the six months ending 31 April, according to data collected by the Customer Service Centre, service delivery expectations had been exceeded with performance running at 99100% across all targets.

When the charter was first launched in November last year, the Agency promised to review it regularly to ensure its commitments remained meaningful to customers and reflected the service issues they really cared about. The result of

14 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

the first of those reviews was published alongside the performance information in a strengthened charter with firmer commitments on service levels.

The refreshed charter also includes more on what RPA and customers should expect from each other as they work together to ensure delivery of satisfactory outcomes. One key way customers could help, the Agency says, is by promptly notifying any changes to business structure, to land and to contact details.

Planning and Performance

Director John Carter said: “Farmers and food producers are now benefiting from faster and more accurate payments as well as prompt and responsive support when they need it from our customer service team.

“However, there will be no let-up in our drive to turn the Agency round and we will shortly be announcing details of how we plan to improve our performance even more for customers and the taxpayer in 2012/13.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Holkham Open Farm day LEAF in new partnership Two sides of farming on show at Holkham.

Announces collaboration with Unilever. nilever has committed to work with sustainable agriculture charity LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and ADM to increase its use of LEAF Marque certified oilseed rape. The LEAF Marque gives consumers an easy-to-spot symbol that indicates that the oilseed rape within a product has been sourced sustainably, to high environmental standards.

This new partnership will contribute to Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan which requires all of its oilseed rape to be sustainably sourced by 2020.Through the collaboration, LEAF, ADM and Unilever will be finding ways of working together to increase the number of UK farmers achieving LEAF Marque certification for the benefit of the environment and consumers. ADM Direct will issue contracts to UK farmers for 2012 initially and will then seek to increase the amount of LEAF Marque oilseed rape sourced from the farmers over the next three years.

Jeremy Boxall, LEAF’s Commercial Manager said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for

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he Holkham Estate will be showcasing farming past and present on Sunday June 17 when it takes part in Open Farm Sunday and also hosts a Victorian Farm Day. Open Farm Sunday is a national event organised by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) giving people the opportunity to visit their local farms and meet the farmers who grow their local produce and care for the countryside.

At Holkham, visitors can view the display of large, modern farm machinery used in the farm operation on the estate and meet members of Holkham’s farming team to find out what is involved in modern farming today. This will be a great opportunity to get inside the cabs and see the on-board equipment and technology behind today’s machines. There will be guided tours of the farming areas of the park in an open trailer every hour between 11am and 3pm. A sheep shearing demonstration will take place from 12 noon until 1pm and there is also an opportunity to see a majestic Suffolk Punch working horse and the cattle, calves, ewes and lambs on the estate.

In contrast a Victorian Farm Day is taking place in the Bygones Museum where visitors can step back in time to celebrate Holkham’s Victorian heydays of farming. A cast of characters from the past, including a blacksmith

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and equine expert, will bring the museum to life and talk about farming in days gone by. Cooks, kitchen maids and bakers will also show the food and cooking methods used in Victorian times and Holkham’s gamekeepers will be on hand to keep an eye on any poachers.

Mark Bowyer, farm manager for the Holkham Estate, comments: “This is our second year where Holkham has participated in Open Farm Sunday and it is a great opportunity to welcome visitors to the estate, both young and old, and show them the modern methods we use in farming today.

Alongside this, it is interesting to see how farming was carried out in the past with our Victorian Farm Day in the museum demonstrating just how much things have changed.”

Open Farm Sunday is a free event. There is a car parking fee in Holkham Park of £2.50 for the day.

Tickets for the Bygones Museum and Walled Gardens are £7 for adults, £3.50 for children aged between two and 16 years or a family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £19.

Tickets which also include admission to the Hall as well as the Bygones Museum and Walled Gardens are £12 for adults, £6 for children aged between two and 16 years or a family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £33.

LEAF and LEAF Marque growers and reaffirms LEAF’s position as one of the leading organisations promoting sustainable food and farming. It also offers a new and unique opportunity to grow LEAF in the food manufacturing and combinable crops sector. We are delighted to be working with ADM and Unilever and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship for everyone involved. ADM will be issuing contracts from harvest 2012 and are accordingly looking for more growers to become LEAF Marque certified in order that they can meet demand.”

“We can’t achieve our 2020 sustainable sourcing targets without these kind of three-way partnerships. I particularly value the ‘bottom up’ sustainable farming expertise LEAF brings to both Unilever and ADM,” added David Pendlington, Unilever’s procurement manager for sustainable sourcing.

To find out more about LEAF Marque producers and suppliers please visit www.leafmarque.com or contact, the LEAF office on 024 7641 3911.

‘HOT & COLD PRESSURE WASHERS & AIR COMPRESSORS’

Sellarc

For full details, phone today: W. Bateman & Co Garstang Road, Barton, Preston, Lancs Tel: (01772) 862948 Fax: (01772) 861639 www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk

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June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 15

| On Topic

On Topic

Everyone knows that children would rather be out than in…

Subheader

Education about agriculture should start W young...

hat does farming mean to children when there is plentiful food in the shops? Why should the rural economy matter when they perceive their future employment to be in the city? Does the countryside offer them anything apart from a large green space for the occasional recreational visit with parents?

There is an enormous amount of goodwill within the agricultural sector to encourage and support educational visits to the countryside. FACE is committed to working with farmers to increase the number of visits and improve the quality of the educational experiences offered to schools.

We work with a wide range of providers including school farms, city farms, open farms who charge for visits and working farms. In total, there are about 2000 farms offering school visits involving one million pupils.

FACE believes that it is

16 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

important that farmers offer the best possible experiences to their school visitors in order to showcase life on a modern farm.

All too often, children have an old fashioned image of farming through stories from their early years which is then reinforced by some television programmes.

They expect to see pitchforks and haystacks, duck ponds and farmers chewing straw! We continuously update farmers and teachers by providing resources, offering training sessions and organising pupil activities.

The FACE website www.faceonline.org.uk is the first point of call for both farmers and teachers.

The farmers’ section has a wealth of resources ranging from farm visit activities to instructions for how to build your own model

milking cow! In addition, FACE members have their own dedicated area which contains a wide variety of booklets such as Easy Cooking, Rural Crafts and Environmental Arts.

One of our recent seminars “Maths on the Farm” demonstrated ways of incorporating simple, practical maths activities into a visit to a farm. Led by a Maths expert, farmers devised their own Maths Walks based on concepts such as shape, number and symmetry using everyday items around the farm. Another seminar had a focus on using hands on history to investigate farm buildings, the landscape and local customs. We even had participants re-enacting the pulling of a plough by oxen!

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| On Topic

On Topic

Farmers: Getting involved A scheme with a focus on accrediting farmers hosting visits has been developed. The main benefits have been improved farmer confidence, farm standards e.g. health and safety and educational content. To date over 1,800 farmers have been trained and accredited – a real testimony to the commitment of farmers to this agenda.

Of great concern to farmers and teachers alike have been the perceived barriers to farm visits because of the risk of infections.

All organisations concerned with facilitating farm visits have been working closely with HSE to devise a new Code of Practice. This helpful guide provides practical advice on the organisation of safe visits, preparing the farm and minimising risk. Details of the Code can be found in the farmer section of the FACE website.

One way in which we celebrate the work farmers do in opening their farms for educational visits is through the Bayer/FACE Awards scheme. Farmers are asked to submit a description of what they offer to schools and their reasons for linking with children. They can choose from a number of categories such as Access, Biodiversity and Careers. The entries provide an insight into the outstanding and innovative work taking place on so many farms

Things to think about whens: opening your farm to school

Education about agriculture should start young...

Why host school visits?

• the importance of reconnection • greater links with the local community • understanding how food is produced to the highest standards e.g. environmental, welfare, hygiene etc.

• an income stream as part of farm diversification Is your farm ready for school visits?

• group access and parking on arrival • health and safety

throughout the country.

The overall winner in the 2011 Awards was Julie Plumley from Rylands Farm in Dorset. Julie was concerned that many children did not understand what the countryside could offer and saw it as a dangerous place. She works with youngsters who have often been totally excluded from the school system and face social isolation and unemployment. They carry out tasks on the farm, learning new skills of animal husbandry and vegetable growing.

Underpinning her work is the concept that farm-based experiences can help build resilience and through it personal responsibility and employability.

FACE believes that farms opening for visits must be in tune with the current curriculum needs of schools and that schools should keep up to date with ways in which outdoor experiences can support the curriculum. A farm visit benefits the whole child. For example, many children who are quiet and reserved in the classroom, come alive by experiencing the sights and sounds of a visit. Some have never seen animals at close range; others have never run through long grass; most have not witnessed the birth of a young animal. Others begin to make the connection between the subjects they have been learning in the classroom with the “real world.”

There are children for whom a visit is the catalyst for informed food choices.

At the end of a farm visit, pupils are often asked to reflect on their experiences.

When asked why do we need the countryside, pupils will give the need 'to produce food' as the most important reason. However, a wide variety of other responses indicate that they have developed an understanding of the bigger picture by providing reasons such as 'for our economy' and 'to balance the amount of wildlife and food we produce'.

When asked what skills they think a farmer needs, pupils will start with stereotypical perceptions such as 'looking after plants and animals' or 'working with machinery' but go on to mention other necessary attributes like 'business skills'. Many indicate a personal regard for farmers using terms such as 'resourcefulness', 'well organised' and 'hardworking'.

These can be best summed up by ' a farmer needs mental and physical skills as it can be very stressful and challenging'.

Much is made in the media of the negative images which young people have about food, farming and countryside issues. However given the right stimuli and encouragement, we can help children understand about our food, where it comes from, how it is grown and why it matters.

considerations as part of a risk • assessment e.g. restricted areas, moving vehicles etc • appropriate hand washing and toilet facilities • meeting/lunch areas • supervision of groups

How can you market farm visits?

• information for schools e.g. letters, leaflets, brochure etc.

• ways of contacting schools e.g. personal, face to face, offering assemblies etc.

• local media • signposting through other organisations e.g. FACE, Natural England, LEAF • making sure schools return e.g. evaluation, regular contact etc.

What can you offer to schools?

• the farm as a resource e.g. milking parlour,sheep, crops, hedgerows etc.

• farmer as an expert and enthusiast • curriculum links e.g. science, geography • wide range of activities appropriate for differentages e.g. farm tour, wildlife investigation etc.

Who can support you?

CEVAS accredited training course for farmers local and national organisations sources of information e.g. FACE, DairyCo, Growing Schools, LEAF

FACE is a charity that aims to help young people learn more about food and farming in a sustainable countryside. It is supported by the National Farmers Union and around 80 members. Further details can be found at www.face-online.org.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Education

Young Farmers Rally College student takes 1st place. sixteen year old student has taken 1st place in the Floristry class of the Young Farmers Rally which took place this weekend.

16 year old Bethan Rogers from Abermule is a member of Beriew Young Farmers and when her club entered the young farmers Rally this year she decided to try her hand in the Floristry class, the theme being Presentation for Someone at the Olympics.

Bethan is studying the one year, Level 2 Diploma in Floristry at Walford and North Shropshire College. She says “I’ve had entries in the Floristry Class before but only achieved sixth place. I’m delighted to have achieved 1st place. I only started the course in September but I think my skills have definitely improved and the College is also a brilliant place to meet people and make new friends.”

Lecturer Eileen Avery says “I encourage all my students to do competition work. It helps them think about things in a different way. It stretches them and helps them to promote their skills to the wider community which can be helpful when it comes to looking

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Minister announces £250M strategic investment in UK bioscience Money on the table for research & science excellence. inister for Universities and Science, David Willets, has announced substantial funding that will ensure the UK's bioscience research base remains globally competitive and at the forefront of meeting the grand challenges faced by society in the coming decades.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has allocated £250M as the first phase of five year strategic investment programmes. This includes 26 strategic science programmes and 14 key national research capabilities, to be delivered by eight of the UK’s world-leading bioscience research institutes and their university partners.

The investment will help the UK to meet challenges such as sustainably feeding the growing world population, finding alternatives to dwindling fossil fuels and supporting an ageing society to remain healthy for longer.

Commenting on the funding, Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts said: "This £250 million investment from BBSRC for the first phase of major five year research programmes will sustain excellent science at some of the UK’s leading institutes and universities. This will drive growth, support highly skilled jobs and keep the UK at the very forefront of bioscience, with benefits ranging from healthcare to energy and global food security."

The Minister made the announcement in a speech during a visit to see the progress being made in the development of the Babraham Research Campus. The campus, a BBSRC National Research and Innovation Campus, is home to the Babraham Institute, one of the institutes in receipt of today’s funding.

The institutes receiving funding have a vital role in supporting BBSRC’s mission to further scientific knowledge to promote economic growth and job creation in important sectors such as food, farming, renewables and pharmaceuticals. The grants will support research, key national

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for employment. I’m really happy about Bethan’s success; she’s a pleasant, motivated student and an active member of the floristry group who is always eager to get involved.“ As well as achieving 1st place for herself Beth also helped her club achieve 2nd place overall.

No mean achievement given that there were nineteen clubs all competing against each other this year.

18 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

scientific infrastructure, knowledge exchange, public engagement and institute development.

Professor Douglas Kell, BBSRC Chief Executive, said: "By almost all measures the UK has the world's best bioscience research base. BBSRC’s strategic funding of institutes with distinct missions and unique national facilities is one of the reasons we achieve this. However, being the best doesn’t mean much unless you make a difference in the world.

Through their close links with industry and policy makers, and through engaging the public, the institutes are at the forefront of translating fundamental bioscience into products, services and advice.

"This investment is a major commitment to realising the potential of a bio-based economy in the UK. This is only possible through a sustainable, excellent fundamental research base with the right people, skills and facilities."

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has allocated £250M as the first phase of five year strategic investment programmes.

For the first time BBSRC's funding to the institutes has been awarded through a number of distinct strategic programme grants to each institute – and in some cases across institutes and university partners – to support five year research programmes.

These have been combined with grants to support vital national research capabilities and with support for knowledge exchange, commercialisation and embedded activities, such as public engagement. The funding follows an assessment process, including independent peer review, of Institute science and programmes including knowledge exchange, public engagement and strategic HR.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Animal Health

A problem with lice?

An all year round problem solved in an effective yet environmentally friendly way. hese small wingless insects are present all year round and especially noticeable amongst housed animals and infestations spread more rapidly when animals are in close contact. The female lice attach their eggs (nits) to the hair fibres and take about ten days to hatch into nymphs and a further two to three weeks before they develop into adults.

It is just possible to see adult lice with the naked eye. By carefully parting the hair, movement can normally be seen at the base of the hair. They are grey/brownish in colour and the size of a pinhead.

Biting lice are by far the most common, they feed on debris on the surface of the skin and their scavenging produces intense irritation causing crusty scurfy areas that the animal will bite and scratch in an effort to alleviate their discomfort. Sucking Lice can cause severe anaemia and infested animals can rapidly lose weight and become prone to other

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illnesses. Lice can only survive for a few days off their host but it is very important to treat all bedding, housing at the same time that you treat your animals, to prevent reinfestation.

Barrier Animal Healthcare’s Livestock Louse Powder (HSE Licence No. 8712) is very effective, affordable and the most environmentally friendly product of its kind on the market for the animal and the user.

This unique formulation of Livestock Louse Powder is entirely non-toxic and contains a safecarrier that does not cause carcinogenic effects. Totally safe and designed to be applied directly to all animals it is suitable for use in organic farming systems, as it falls into the exempt category of products which use only plant oils as active ingredients, as listed in Annexe IIB (Pesticides) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (as amended). It successfully rids animals, including Cattle, Horses and Poultry of both Sucking and Biting Lice; which are normally

dealt with separately, and will help to prevent reduced growth rates, which can result from Lice infestation. Barrier Animal Healthcare does not recommend the use of Livestock Louse Powder on Sheep due to the density of the fleece – refer to ‘Blowfly Repel’ and ‘Barrier D Sheep Dip Formula’.

This strong formulation contains concentrated plant derivatives that act as a slow release to give up to six weeks protection with one application.

Barrier Animal Healthcare is the only company to include sterilizable maize powder as the base carrier for the louse powder and unlike other carriers it will not be metabolised via any cuts and so will not form granulomas.

After identifying that lice is the problem. Thoroughly cover the animal with the product, paying particular attention to the neck, under the elbows, legs, along the back and at the base of the tail.

Use a soft brush to ensure that the product is thoroughly worked into

the coat and down to the base of the hair. Where heavy infestations exist, repeat application within 5 days and as necessary until you are on top of the problem.

HSE Licence No. 8712. In accordance with 2006 repellent regulations under the Biocidal Products Directive, Barrier Animal Healthcare has secured all the necessary licence approvals and licence numbers well in advance of the regulatory deadlines. All of Barrier’s products contain the highest quality 100% natural, nonirritant ingredients that are totally safe to the animal, the user and to the environment.

Available in a 5K bucket and a 500g shaker. Barrier Animal Healthcare - visit www.footrot.co.uk or www.flyrepel.com

Gloucestershire based animal health and feed business becomes part of the Wynnstay Group loucestershire based animal health and feed business PSB Country Supplies became part of the Wynnstay Group in a deal announced on Friday the 1st of June.

PSB Supplies, which is run from a site in Tetbury and operates a delivery service throughout Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, will become the agricultural Group’s 29th retail country store.

The outlet will continue to supply agricultural and equestrian products and will work with the Wynnstay Group to offer a wider range of products and services to its existing customer base.

Bob, Jean, Andrew and Simon Whitehead,

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owners of PSB Country Supplies comment; ‘This is an exciting opportunity to expand our business whilst removing some of the burden of paperwork and legislative compliance from ourselves. We will continue to be involved in running the country supply store and will work with Wynnstay to develop the business further’ ‘We have enjoyed many years working with customers throughout our trading area and we are very grateful for the support we have received from them over the years.’

‘PSB Supplies team of 3 Sales Representatives will continue to work out in the field and offer customers the same high quality service that they have been accustom to.’

Andrew Evans, Retail Director at Wynnstay comments; ‘The acquisition of PSB Country Supplies will provide the Group with an excellent opportunity to offer our extensive range of agricultural products and services to customers in the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area. We are delighted that Bob, Jean, Andrew and Simon will be on hand to support the new venture and continue to develop the excellent relationships they have with their customers. We also have exciting opportunities to expand the business with a bigger site to extend the product offering to customers’

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Energy

Infinite possibilities Solar Energy ground implementations become increasingly popular for the farming industry. nfinite Energy, a renewable energy solutions specialist has seen an increase in the number of agricultural solar installations recently and is pleased to announce the successful completion of a 50kWp of solar PV (photovoltaic) system with Wicks Manor, a family run pig farm in Essex that produces top quality produce such as dry cured bacon, ham, sausages, gammons and pork.

Wicks Manor has been producing premium Maldon pork for over 40 years now and as the company continues to grow they have had to build more cold stores and packing plants, especially with the addition of Shakenudder, the tasty milkshake company. With electricity bills continuing to soar, it was essential they found a way of reducing their electricity consumption as well as their CO2 emissions.

Infinite Energy was highly recommended to Wicks Manor and offered a competitive quote and a fast implementation which was key to Wicks Manor. Infinite Energy advised Wicks Manor to

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make use of the available land with a ground mounted system and installed a total of 50kWp using 208 LDK 240w panels with SMA Inverters.

Fergus Howie, Partner of Wicks Manor comments: ““Pigs are born and bred at Wicks Manor, they eat wheat and barley grown and milled on the farm. We produce the best quality bacon, hams, and sausages from the pigs we have reared and cared for on the farm and with the solar panel installation so much more can be powered by the sun. We wanted to find a ‘greener’ way to run the operation, renewable systems are the way forward for farmers.”

Sam Tilley, Managing Director of Infinite Energy adds: “We have seen an increase in the number of agricultural customers recently as from a farmer’s point of view it makes sense to reduce their energy bills and make the most of the land they have available by installing solar panels. People often think solar systems need to be implemented on roofs but ground implementations are becoming increasingly popular.”

20 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

Free to attend exhibition features wide range of exhibitors and high value information Reduce your costs and generate an income stream from your land. ith the agricultural sector being hard hit by ever diminishing revenue streams and rising energy costs, farmers are increasingly looking towards alternative resources to maximise the return from their land.

Run in association with the Royal Agricultural Society of England, On-Farm Energy Generation looks at how you can generate an income stream from land-based energy, while reducing energy costs.

Seminars will examine renewable technologies and the farmers’ opportunity to maximise the return from their land using these technologies. From policy

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to planning, strategy to regulation, funding to connection, keynote presentations to industry debates to individual case studies, ‘On-Farm Energy Generation’ analyses all you need to move forward in this sector.

A large comprehensive exhibition runs alongside, complementing the seminars.

This is free to attend if you preregister, so do drop in and come and chat to our exhibitors about the opportunities for your land.

Visit www.recyclingwasteworld.co.uk/ conferences find us on facebook phone 01722 717031 or email events@markallengroup.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

The countdown is on – the solar Feed-in-Tariffs are being reduced again!!

Time to think about getting on board before it’s too late! he one thing we know for certain is that the Feed-inTariff (FiT) for solar panels generating their own electricity are being reduced on July 1st. The main reason for this is that the current payments are simply too high and people are earning too much money - according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The original tariff rate was set to give a return of around 8% per annum on the investment.

However, falling costs of solar panels, over production and competition from companies means that returns can be up to 14.5% under the existing tariff of 21p/kWh. We have argued in the past that the closer we are to the dead line the better deal you will get on your solar power installation but this time round with over 300,000 happy new systems owners, returns exceeding 15% on your capital investment and with generous financing instruments

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available Can you afford missing this once of a life time opportunity to get energy for free from a renewable and independent source and get paid for doing so ?!?!?

The Best Investment Under The Sun For a FREE consultation and financing solutions please contact us on info@solarpowerintl.co.uk or by phone 01300 345668 www.solarpowerintl.co.uk

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 21

| UK AD & Biogas

UK AD & Biogas 2012: 'AD - Your Missing Link' The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association's (ADBA) third annual trade show and conference, UK AD & Biogas 2012 will continue the groundbreaking growth achieved since its inception by offering more exhibitors, more visitors and more feature areas on anaerobic digestion and biogas than ever before. howcasing why AD is your missing link to achieving efficient waste and resource management, carbon reduction, energy security, renewable fuel and energy generation, job creation, climatesmart farming or sustainable food production, this event will not only show you how beneficial the integration of AD can be but how it can be most successfully achieved.

UK AD & Biogas 2012 will this year focus specifically on demonstrating where anaerobic digestion can offer the best benefits to Local Authorities, and the food and farming industries.

Continuing the groundbreaking growth achieved since its inception, it will also offer more exhibitors, more visitors and more feature areas on anaerobic digestion and biogas than ever before. Showcasing why AD is the missing link to achieving maximum waste and resource management, climate-smart farming and sustainable food production, this event will show not only how

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beneficial the integration of AD can be but how it can be most successfully achieved. Identified as the best solution to treating food waste, anaerobic digestion is increasingly becoming more widely used across different industries, localities and businesses. Involving everyone from farmers, local authorities, waste management, water, energy and transport companies, AD developers, operators, builders or equipment suppliers, high street retailers, catering outlets, public houses, food manufacturers and processors this is an industry with huge growth potential.

Are you a food manufacturer, processor or retailer looking to treat your own food waste on-site using anaerobic digestion and needing to understand the logistics, costs, technical requirements and technologies available or do you simply want to understand how you can send your food waste to an AD plant and what specialist waste collection services are available?

Or are you a local authority

22 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

wanting to understand the benefits to your locality of collecting and treating your food waste through AD or using the biogas to supply your own renewable energy or to fuel your bus fleet? Or are you a farmer wanting to explore the benefits of diversifying your business using AD or wanting to find out more about how to deliver this? Or do you supply products and services that are suitable for this market? Whatever your interest in anaerobic digestion and biogas, UK AD & Biogas 2012 is jam packed with all the information, case studies, expert advice, support and contacts you need to successfully make AD a part of your business or locality.

Offering over 200 exhibitors, two dedicated one day conference programmes, over 22 free seminars, free AD professional

clinics, site visits and the UK’s very first AD and biogas industry awards dinner, UK AD & Biogas 2012 will be the most productive two days you spend this year. By bringing together potential buyers, investors, suppliers, landowners and industry experts there is no better event to find out if AD is your missing link.

Alongside this year’s show ADBA in association with letsrecylce.com is holding its very first UK AD & Biogas Industry Awards ceremony.

Celebrating innovation, efficiency and achievements across the AD and biogas industry this is your chance to see who is at the forefront of the industry’s development and why they have been so successful.

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| UK AD & Biogas

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June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 23

| UK AD & Biogas

UK AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2012 The judging panel has now decided on the shortlist for the awards. his year’s industry show and conference, UK AD & Biogas 2012, will play host to the AD industry’s first annual awards ceremony, organised by letsrecycle on behalf of ADBA. These awards will aim to showcase all aspects of the AD & biogas industry and reward the ‘best of the best’ in their class, raising the profile and benefits of the industry in the process.

Taking place on the evening of 4 July at the NEC concourse suites, ten awards will be presented to organisations across all facets of the industry which have successfully demonstrated their capabilities and achievements.

The awards aim to highlight how AD can successfully integrate into food and farming industries, and will reward businesses and local authorities who are leading the way, as well as innovation across the sector, for example digestate, biomethane, waste collection, product, process and micro-AD.

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Awards Categories & Nominees

Best integration of AD into a food & drink business > 2G Energy Ltd and Kraft Foods Ltd > Clearfleau- BV Dairy > Insource Energy - Rogerstone Best Local Authority > Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council > Oxfordshire Waste Partnership Innovation in waste collection > Agri Energy Food Waste Recycling Services > West Oxfordshire District Council Best integration of AD into a farming business > Fre-energy Ltd > Lower Reule Bioenergy Best community involvement > Aerothermal Group Ltd > Agrivert > Burdens Energy- Brecon Beacon

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Innovation in biomethane > Chesterfield BioGas Ltd > CNG Services Ltd (‘CSL’) Most innovative product or process > Aerothermal Group Ltd > Fre-energy Ltd > Gas Data Ltd Best Micro AD Project (<250 kWh) > Burdens- HMP Guys Marsh Prison > SEaB Energy Ltd Best AD Project > Agrivert > Fernbrook Bio > Imtech Process > Lower Reule Bioenergy > ReFood UK Innovation in digestate > To be announced shortly

The Ceremony

The black-tie gala awards ceremony will take place on 4 July

2012 at the NEC concourse suites, where winners will be announced after a networking champagne reception, followed by a three course meal with wine and then another opportunity to mingle over coffee. To book your place please contact Iona Smith (t: 020 7633 4526) The Judging Panel > Gwyn Jones, Former VicePresident, National Farmers Union (NFU) > Claire Henson, Programme Area Manager, WRAP > Julia Barrett, Consultant, JB Barrett Consulting and former chair of waste panel at ADEPT > Jeremy Jacobs, Managing Director, Association for Organics Recycling (AfOR) > Richard Nuttall, Bank Manager, Clydesdale Bank > Non-voting chair: Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA

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| UK AD & Biogas

Introducing MT-Biomethane An infrastructure compatible energy source which allows piping via the gas grid.

D plants are usually located in rural parts of the country and use the biogas in a cogeneration unit to feed in electricity. Unfortunately, the “heat” by-product can very seldom be used in sparsely populated areas without industry. Therefore, the efficiency factor of such a concept is limited to 50%.

By using a biogas upgrading technology, the gas can be upgraded to natural gas quality and is then known as biomethane. This is being done by separation of the carbon dioxide out of the biogas. Very good upgrading technologies can reach a purity of up to 99% methane.

As an infrastructure-compatible energy source the biomethane can subsequently be piped via the gas grid to the location where heat and electricity are required simultaneously, therefore the production of biomethane is one of the highest value-added biogas concepts.

This remarkably high energy efficiency is reflected in the UK by the very attractive governmental aid called the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). For every kilowatt hour of gas produced (higher calorific value) one receives 7,1 p as RHI and sells the energy additionally as natural gas. In total this equals a Feed in Tariff for electricity of almost 30p.

For the agricultural entrepreneur this offers the possibility to use some rich energy crops together in the mix with residual materials. In times of volatile markets for agricultural products the renewable energy can thus offer a profitable second source of income.

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Additionally the production of energy crops adds more profitable options to the enlargement of his crop rotation scheme necessary to secure the health of the soils.

In cooperation with a utility, a farmer can also decide only to deliver raw biogas. The utility company would then take over the upgrading and marketing part of the project. In this form of cooperation, each partner focuses on his key competence.

On the one hand this reduces the added value for the farmer, but on the other hand it splits responsibilities and simultaneously maximises security while minimising the efforts for such a project. Of the 24 Gas to grid projects implemented by MT-Biomethan in Germany, nine were built in cooperation with utility and agricultural companies, eight were built only for farmers and seven for utilities.

The size of an upgrading plant usually varies between 150 to above 2,000 Nm³ of raw biogas, which equals between 300 kW and 4 MW of electrical power. The larger the plant, the lower the specific costs of upgrading but the greater the logistical challenges. Plants starting at 250 Nm³ usually provide a good return on investment.

MT Biomethan is part of the MT Group that has realised more than 500 AD plants over the

last decade. It has been working in the field of Gas to Grid since 2007 and can offer the experience and technology to implement a biomethane project profitably, efficiently and securely. Depending on the specific situation of the project site we can choose between two technologies: Amine washing or membrane system. Both systems offer high purities of biomethane and low methane slippage.

Wherever heat is available for low prices (i.e. repowering of a existing plant with an existing engine) Amine washing offers great potential.

For smaller plants beginning the planning from scratch the membrane system is favourable.

Representatives from the MT Group will be attending the ADBA trade show (4-5 July, NEC) and the CLA Game Fair (20-22 July, Belvoir Castle) and would be happy to discuss your plans with you. Please contact Angela Hardy on 01189 357091 to pre-arrange an appointment if desired.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Security

Securing your property Farm Security in the the easy way 21st century Cost effective and with minimal set-up, the Poacher Catcher system could prove an ideal solution. ecurity is becoming more and more important for all of us. However with so many different systems and devices on the market, it can be complicated and expensive to secure your property.

Many security systems require mains power, they alert the intruder to their detection, or they capture information for review after the event. This is where the Poacher Catcher is different: The Poacher Catcher alerts you immediately to an intruder. It is a small, battery operated selfcontained unit which will monitor an area 24 hours a day. When an intruder is detected, Poacher Catcher will silently telephone up to 4 pre-programmed recipients so that appropriate action can be taken immediately.

Using a PIR sensor the Poacher Catcher will be activated by a moving body or vehicle. It has been specifically designed to avoid activation by small mammals.

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The Poacher Catcher can also be programmed with a timer function. This allows activation periods to be set according to property use.

Requiring minimal user setup, the Poacher Catcher is positioned correctly using a ‘walk test’ and then goes live 30 seconds later.

The Poacher Catcher is manufactured in the UK by AKStevenson Ltd. For further information, call 07775 602 766 or visit www.poachercatcher.co.uk

26 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

With the on-going rise in farm related thefts, isn’t it time you reviewed your security measures? he continued recession in Britain has seen an overall rise in crime throughout the UK, Farmers have not been immune to this reality either. Last year alone, according to the NFU, the farming industry witnessed an alarming rise in the number of farm related thefts amounting to an astronomical figure of £50 Million.

As the prices of commodities like oil and metal are on the rise, so too, is there an escalation in the number of thefts. Lucrative items such as oil and tractors, not to mention livestock are vulnrable due to their portability. It is near impossible to protect vast stretch of open areas of farm against theft by conventional means.

With the technological advancements in the 21st century the farmers in the UK can protect their farm by using wireless

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technology to cover vast land and viewing thier property on their laptops or smart phones. Installation of a wireless CCTV solution will at least allow you to keep an eye on many key places at once. In addition to acting as a deterrent for thieves, latest HD quality CCTV solutions provide admissible evidence in court to take the culprits to task.

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| Security

Tracker saves farmer in West Sussex over £16,000 with recovery of stolen Land Rover Keys left in the ignition make vehicles easy targets for thieves. rotecting farm vehicles and equipment from being stolen can be near on impossible, especially on rural farmland. The case of one unfortunate farm owner who was a recent victim for the second time in a two year period proves how vulnerable farmers can be.

Luckily, with the hindsight of installing tracking units, his vehicles were successfully recovered by stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER.

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“The farming community is particularly vulnerable to having vehicle and specialist equipment stolen. Thieves will watch farms, and as this case illustrates, be bold enough to steal vehicles from right under the owner’s nose.”

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A Kawasaki Mule utility vehicle was stolen in 2010, then recently a Land Rover was taken from a remote area of the farm with the keys still in the ignition. The victim comments, “We rely heavily on our vehicles to get feed to the sheep and to access remote areas of the farm where our grain stores are. When the Land Rover was stolen my husband was at a grain store overseeing the arrival of a grain lorry. Of course like many farmers, he left the keys in the vehicle thinking it was perfectly safe. With the noise of the grain lorry loading up, he didn’t realise thieves had taken off in it, until it was too late.

“We were very lucky that we had TRACKER units fitted to both vehicles. If they had not been recovered so quickly it would have caused huge disruption with the running of the farm, not to mention the financial impact. And had the Land Rover not been recovered our insurer would not have paid out as the keys had been left in the

ignition. Being tenant farmers we certainly could not afford to replace a £10,000 Land Rover.”

TRACKER’s market leading stolen vehicle recovery solutions, offer an unrivalled level of protection against theft, as well as significantly increasing the chances of recovery. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief would not know it is there. Unlike other tracking systems, TRACKER works even if the vehicle or equipment is hidden in a garage or shipping container, offering owners the ultimate in peace of mind should the worst happen. Operated by all 52 police forces, the system is Thatcham approved, offering added quality assurance and the possibility of an insurance discount.

Stuart Chapman, Police Liaison Officer from TRACKER says, “The farming community is particularly vulnerable to having vehicle and specialist equipment stolen.

Thieves will watch farms, and as this case illustrates, be bold enough to steal vehicles from right under the owner’s nose. The close working relationship with the Police meant TRACKER recovered the vehicles within 24 hours, saving the farmer a lot of stress and worry.”

DCI Mark Hooper of ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence adds, “Our work with TRACKER has delivered and continues to deliver real results for my colleagues across the country, helping them recover stolen vehicles and importantly, arrest the criminals responsible.”

NFU Mutual, offers insurer members a 12.5% discount off premiums when they fit a TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) unit. Farmers who also mark tractors and plant with CESAR scheme, along with fitting a TRACKER unit, are rewarded with a further 12.5% discount, giving a total saving of 25%.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 27

| CLA Game Fair

STIHL TIMBERSPORTS to thrill CLA Gamefair visitors ®

®

The world’s best-selling chainsaw brand, STIHL is excited to announce the inaugural British Championship of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series will be held at the CLA Game Fair 2012.

ust one week before athletes from around the world commence their gold medal bids in London, visitors to the CLA Game Fair will enjoy a different type of sporting action with demonstrations of top lumberjack skills (Friday and Saturday) and the inaugural British Championship of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series taking place on the Sunday of the event.

Considered the major league of lumberjack sports worldwide, the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series championships started more than 25 years’ ago, but a competition has never yet taken place on British soil. Now, as the country gets truly into the sporting spirit this summer, it is only fitting that the first ever British competition of STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® should also be held here.

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28 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

Six exciting disciplines set to enthral spectators Six exciting disciplines make up STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS®: the Underhand Chop, Standing Block Chop, STIHL Stock Saw, Single Buck, Springboard and the always appealing (and noisy!) Hot Saw. Technically as well as physically demanding, each event tests athletes’ handling of an axe or chain saw and their skill with wood. What is more, each STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® discipline is a real thrill to watch with competitors racing to cut through great hunks of wood (some taking three slices off with a chainsaw in under six seconds), hopping up onto

planks more than 2.5m high as they race to fell a simulated ’tree trunk’ in the springboard event for example, and wielding literally razor sharp axes with centimetre-tight accuracy and skill.

Each discipline replicates a scenario typically faced by a lumberjack, indeed the origins of the sport stretch back many years when lumberjacks competed against one another to determine the best in their profession. The first STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series championship took place in the USA more than 25 years’ ago, and the Series is today established as the major league of lumberjack sports with many thousands of fans and followers worldwide.

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| Sheep

NSA Sheep 2012 An event not to be missed.

SA Sheep 2012, the sector’s biennial business to business event to be staged at the Three Counties Show Ground, Malvern on Wednesday 4 July by the National Sheep Association and co-organiser, the Three Counties Agricultural Society, will be officially opened by government’s chief scientific advisor, Sir John Beddington.

The event, the largest of its kind for the UK sheep industry, will be building on its previous successes with more than 300 exhibitors and over 9,000 farmer visitors, along with international representatives from the major sheep producing countries.

Sustainable intensification is the theme of this year’s event.

NSA believes that making more from less is something the entire sector will have to get to grips with in future and a series of debates and seminars will bring a focus to developing practical beneficial solutions.

NSA will be demonstrating its firm commitment towards the next generation at the event with the official launch of the NSA Young Entrants Initiative, a venture designed to demonstrate the exciting business opportunities for skilled and motivated individuals within the sector. An accompanying forum will provide these youngsters to meet with representatives from throughout the sector who will be able to provide advice and guidance The event will also host the European Young Shepherd of the Year award featuring entrants, 26 years and under

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from France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain in a pentathlon of activities. They will join UK representatives competing for the NSA Young Shepherd of the Year. In addition, NFYFC will be staging the finals of ATV Safety and Handling Competition.

Other activities include the BWMB wool clinic, carcase selection, Farm Shop and Butchery Display Award, flock health planning, national lamb selection, Ready Steady Cook, shearing competitions, an auction of over 40 Border Collie working sheep dogs, and last but not least, the Tornado Wire Fencer of the Year.

NSA Sheep 2012 organiser, Helen Davies comments: “At NSA we believe there is currently much to be optimistic about within the sheep industry since there is every indication that sheep meat and wool will remain in short supply globally for the foreseeable future.

Against that background, NSA Sheep 2012 will offer all sheep farmers information on how to further strengthen their sheep enterprises and prepare to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by CAP Reform to be implemented the following year. The event will also provide the technologically efficient UK sheep industry with the opportunity to promote itself globally and introduce international delegations keen to meet with exhibitors and do business.”

Further details from event organiser Helen Davies on 01938 590535 / 07976 803066 www.nationalsheep.co.uk

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Sheep

Trace mineral problems in sheep and lambs Are your animals getting the nutrients they need? he incidence of trace element problems in both cattle and sheep relates primarily to the pasture they graze and the preserved forage obtained from that pasture. Most farmers know that their animals are susceptible to trace element problems from experience over the years. On this basis the elements that are recognised as causing clinical problems are copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se) and to a limited extent iodine (I).

In regard to copper and sheep, care has to be taken not to oversupply this element as toxicity can occur, especially in some breeds such as Texel. However, we now know that the major benefit from copper is not to replenish the storage of copper by absorption but to ensure that there is a supply of available copper in the rumen to prevent the absorption of thiomolybdate. The molybdenum/sulphur compound thiomolybdate is the cause of all the clinical problems related to copper and hence the prevention of swayback, scouring, wool colour/quality changes and reduced growth rate and fertility require a source of available

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sacrificial copper in the rumen that will react with the toxic thiomolybdate and render it harmless by forming copper thiomolybdate. The copper supplied by Cosecure is available in the rumen to perform this protective role whilst copper oxide, which is used in competitor boluses, is completely unavailable in the rumen and hence cannot prevent the toxin being absorbed.

The clinical problem is due to poisoning of the copper enzymes in the body by the thiomolybdate toxin and this can occur even in animals regarded as having a normal copper status.

Cobalt and selenium problems are a lot simpler and are due to insufficient amounts of the element in the food consumed. Cobalt is required for the synthesis of VitB12 in the rumen by the bacteria. A deficiency of VitB12 will affect energy utilisation and be seen as ill thrift/pine.

Overt signs of selenium deficiency are seen as white muscle disease or retained cleansings, with poor production and often death of lambs occurring. However, an aspect of selenium and thiomolybdate

toxicity that is frequently overlooked is immunity. The combination of glutathione peroxidase (Se) and superoxide dismutase (Cu) enzymes are responsible for the bacterial killing activity of the white cells and hence protects the animals against bacterial infections. Consequently, a minimal activity GSHPx of 80 and >3000 of SOD should be the target(NUVETNA blood analysis).

The benefits of preventing these clinical problems can be seen in a recent trial that has been presented by Alnorthumbria Vet Group to the Sheep Veterinary

Society in May 2012. The trial was carried out using five different trace element treatments: table 1.

The trial lasted from 18th July to 14th November 2011 and the authors, Jenny Hull and Joe Henry, monitored blood levels of Cu, Se, VitB12, and I as well as weight gain.

The conclusion is fairly clear.

The return from the Cosecure treatment gave the greatest profit due to improved weight gain, as well as resulting in the highest percentage of lambs being sold fat over the duration of the trial.

Summary results from Alnorthumbria Vet sheep trial 18th July to 14th November 2011 Treatment Co,Se,Cu (Cosecure)

Weight gain over Control (kg)

Table 1

% lambs sold fat Extra profit £/lamb

4.29

62

£7.05

Drench 2 Vit/Min

2.12

53

£3.74

Cu,Se,Co,I Other Bolus

1.79

56

£1.94

VitB12 injection

1.59

48

£2.72

Drench 1 Vit/Min

0.63

43

£1.20

Control

*****

41

*****

Glass Bolus

Reported to the Sheep Veterinary Society at Harrogate –May 2012 by Jenny Hull

30 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

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| Sheep

Addington Fund offers a helping hand Lifeline for farming families pushes ahead. here are many reasons why farming families have to cease farming and over the last ten years since we started our housing work post-FMD we have met several younger families who still have ambitions to run a business and although no longer able to farm have skills to develop.

In the past we have always been able to help by providing a secure home but not been able to source a workplace. Our new project at Ruthvoes in Cornwall is an attempt to provide a work/live space that covers both needs.

A very large redundant stone barn will provide a two-bedroom home and three three-bedroom

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homes, one of which will be suitable for a person with disabilities. A second smaller barn will become a workshop and we are building three new workshops.

A ground source heat pump will provide under-floor heating in homes and workshops. Each home will have an individual garden and there is also nearly an acre of decent land available.

Ruthvoes is a hamlet near Indian Queens with access to the A30 and within easy reach of Newquay airport. Builders hope to complete the project by late October. Please ring the office and talk to Sue Burgess if you would like more information.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Sheep

Wool payments to rise Set to increase by an average 22p/kg. heep farmers marketing their wool through the British Wool Marketing Board are set to benefit from a further 22p/kg rise in wool payments this year.

The increase in wool payments, the fourth in consecutive years, comes on the back of strong worldwide demand, notably in the emerging economy of China explained BWMB Chief Executive Ian Hartley.

Addressing a meeting of BWMB Regional Committee members at the Farmers Club in London, Mr Hartley said: “The increase payments have come as a result of the competitive auction system used by the BWMB to trade all the wool it sells. The average clip value this year will be £1.24/kg, representing a significantly increased return for producers. This will be a welcome boost to farm incomes, particularly as lamb values have been hit in recent weeks by the shift in the exchange rate,".

Meanwhile, BWMB Board Member Trevor Richards said there had been an increase in production in 2011, with volume up by 6% across the UK.

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"This bodes well for the wool market as demand is still strong from across the world and sheep populations have fallen in the major wool producing nations in recent years," he explained.

It should be remembered that the collective strength producers have by marketing through BWMB is unrivalled in the wool market and allows BWMB to maximise wool prices for members," said Mr Richards.

Although the overall economic outlook is not as positive we hope to see prices maintained for the 2012 season said Mr Hartley.

Mr Hartley said the BWMB was working hard to ensure British wool was well promoted across the globe with much of this work being done in tandem with the Campaign for Wool (CfW) of which BWMB is a founding partner.

"The CfW continues to go from strength to strength and in 2012 is entering new territory with major campaigns in China, France and the USA. This year will also see CfW support the Queen's Jubilee celebrations as well as building on the work done in both 2010 and 2011."

32 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

Tag Law change to allow new sheep-tag design Useful innovation prompts consultation and action.

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ag legislation is changing to allow for a new yearcolour coding on ROXAN

Tags.

Original legislation demanded purely yellow Electronic (‘EID’) sheeptags.

ROXAN realised that under this scheme all ages of breeding sheep will be wearing yellow tags !

If the non-yellow year-colour tag is lost, there would be no simple visual method for identifying the animal’s age.

Therefore Roxan designed TagFaster EID tags with an additional coloured-patch. Since this was not strictly legal, DEFRA consulted with, and received

support from the NSA, NFU and the LAA before deciding to change the law in favour of this useful innovation.

The ROXAN coding system provides a visible year-colour patch on the predominantly yellow EID tag. TagFaster has six year colours. The TagFaster applicator delivers 10 twin tag sets in alternating colours, or 20 single batch tags always with black tips to indicate short life animals.

For additional information on this and more tag-innovations call Roxan on 01750 22940 or email sales@roxan.co.uk. Roxan’s web site is www.roxan.co.uk

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| Sheep

Lambing percentages up to 180 plus excellent lamb vitality for Welsh farmer Roddy Lewis Mineral supplementation is a key factor. ronydd Farm is situated on the banks of the River Wye near the village of Clyro in Powys. It’s a family farm, bought by Roddy Lewis’ father in 1968, and Roddy has worked on there since 1977.

The farm comprises some 200 acres, mainly flatlands running along the riverside, and some sloping land has been purchased recently.

Apart from a finishing a small herd of 30 Limousin X Aberdeen Angus beef cattle, Roddy has 360 sheep, mainly Texel crossed with Charolais lambs, lambing over 260 ewes this year.

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Data from New Zealand shows that iodine supplementation can be beneficial to lamb survivability and viability.

“The sheep are our main source of income here at Bronydd, and it is very important to get our lambing percentages and vitality on target, as lamb prices were very good last year.” he says. “The soil is very low in cobalt, selenium and iodine, so we have had to look very carefully at mineral supplements for our flock” “During the last 4 to five years we have seen

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an increasing amount of barren ewes in the flock, 10 to 12 out of 280, plus a number of single and triplet lambs” says Roddy “so we felt we had to address the problem”. Different minerals drenches were bought in with the addition of feed blocks, but there was “little or no improvement”.

This year, however, has been a different story. “ We’ve achieved a lambing percentage of 180, plus lamb vitality is excellent” he says, and out of the main flock of 225 ewes there has been only one barren and all in top condition.”

So what has solved the problems at Bronydd? Roddy definitely feels that treatment with Agrimin 24.7 sheep boluses has been the answer. “We were told about Agrimin by a farming friend and decided we had nothing to lose by giving 24.7 Sheep a go” Roddy explains.

Agrimin 24.7 contains Iodine, selenium and cobalt for sheep at scanning and midpregnancy. The bolus makes selenium and cobalt available to the ewe in the late stages of pregnancy when the lamb is growing at its’ fastest.

Data from New Zealand shows that iodine supplementation can be beneficial to lamb survivability and viability and this has certainly been the case at Bronyyd Farm. It would seem

certain that the bolus has provided the necessary minerals lacking in the soil on the farm.

“We are very pleased with the results”.

Roddy found the bolus straightforward to use; the applicator was “excellent” and only one bolus was lost during dosing. The sheep are in good condition and this year even the old ewes are feeling the benefits of Agrimin 24.7 with only 2 barren.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Yorkshire Show

Great Yorkshire Show honours heroes “The 1st Battalion returns from active service in Afghanistan just before the Great Yorkshire Show, and we are delighted and extremely proud to honour them.” t what will be a unique occasion, The Yorkshire Regiment (1st Battalion Yorkshire Regiment) is to exercise its Freedom of Harrogate at the 2012 Great Yorkshire Show.

At the invitation of the organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, 185 soldiers will parade around the show’s Main Ring wearing combat dress, with Colours flying and bayonets fixed. There will also be a silence to mark the Regiment’s recent losses. The Great Yorkshire Show attracts around 130,000 visitors and is England’s premier agricultural event.

The Parade takes place on the first day of the three day event, Tuesday 10 July, and is being organised in conjunction with Harrogate Borough Council.

Nigel Pulling, the Society’s Chief Executive said: “The 1st Battalion returns from active service in Afghanistan just before the Great Yorkshire Show, and we are delighted and extremely proud to honour them. It will be a unique occasion as it is the first time that the Regiment has exercised its Freedom at an organised event.

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This means that not only will this be a highlight for our show visitors, but as the Parade will be streamed live via our website, the audience is worldwide, including members of the Regiment’s 3rd Battalion who do not return from Afghanistan until October.” The Society will also be inviting close family members of the soldiers to the event.

The Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, accompanied by the Council Leader, and the Chief Executive, Wallace Sampson will watch the Parade from the President’s Box along with Society personnel. The Mayor will take the salute which will be followed by a presentation to the Regiment by Simon Theakston, the Society’s Chairman.

The Parade will take approximately 30 minutes and the soldiers will be under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Dan Bradbury. The Band of the King’s Division will precede them in the march around the arena.

Traditionally regiments exercise their Freedom at the end of operational tours. The Yorkshire Regiment last did so in Harrogate

34 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

in 2009 on returning from Iraq. The Freedom of the Borough is the highest gift a Council can offer.

The Great Yorkshire Show marks the start of a week Homecoming Parades for the Regiment – Beverley and Bridlington on Wednesday 11 July,

Bradford and Leeds on Thursday 12 July, York on Friday 13 July and Hull on Saturday 14 July.

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| Yorkshire Show

New robot system makes UK debut Transforms the lives of farmers. he best investment they’ve ever made by far: that’s how third generation dairy farmer Richard Tucker and son Roger sum-up their decision to invest in the GEA Farm Technologies MIone multibox automatic milking system - The first farmers in the UK to install the technology.

Based in South Molton, Devon, the Tuckers had been researching robotic milking for three years, when last year’s Big Freeze hastened the decision to invest.

During their investigation the Tuckers were particularly attracted to the guided entry and exit principle that is at the heart of the MIone system. Under this system cows that are due to be milked are allowed into the robot area, while

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those that have recently milked are sent through the race system into the feeding area. It means cows spend more time at the feed trough than those in other robot systems, reducing the reliance on concentrates and improving milk from forage.

The Tuckers also liked the multibox concept and the fact that one robotic arm on the MIone can service up to five robot boxes each, making future expansion that much more affordable. They opted for two separate 2 box robots (two sets of two boxes, with one arm serving both boxes) in a row, so one robot is always working in the event of the other being cleaned or serviced. There is also space for a further box to convert one of the 2 boxes into a 3

Panel presented to YAS Stunning Stained Glass Makes its Showground Debut. medieval art form has been used to stunning effect, with the presentation of a stained glass panel to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society - best known as the organiser of the annual Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live.

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Michael Bannister, a former President, commissioned the panel from York artist Julia Spall to mark his year in office and it was handed over to the Society’s Chief Executive, Nigel Pulling. The panel, which depicts the Society’s crest, will

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hang in the Board Room of the offices at the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Mr Bannister said: “I’ve been involved in the Society for many years and wanted to present something permanent to mark my year of office. The crest is iconic and it’s fascinating to see it reproduced in this context. The workmanship is very impressive and the panel works extremely well. ” Mr Bannister was the Society’s President in 2009/10 but over the years has been very involved in the Hound section of the Great Yorkshire Show. He was chief steward of the Terrier Section for some 20 years and was also chairman of the Harrier Committee. In addition he is a member of the Foxhound Committee. He and his wife Ethne live at Coniston Cold, near Skipton.

She now runs her own business - Julia Spall Stained Glass.

box when the time is right to expand.

A major influence in the Tucker’s decision to opt for the system was the ability to override the robot and add clusters manually. In fact the MIone is the only robot to easily facilitate this.

“We always like to manually milk fresh calved cows to make sure there is no mastitis or any other problems,” says Richard. “The ability to over-ride the robot is an excellent feature, and I wouldn’t dream of having a system that couldn’t do it.

“Milk quality concerns and the way that the MIone washes and dries the teats before milking was another deal-winner,” adds Richard. “We are fastidious about milk quality, our routine on our old parlour was 100% geared to good milk quality, with rigorous wiping, pre-stripping and post dipping procedures” and the MIone uniquely has this mechanism inside each teat cup.

Since the robot was commissioned on 18th October 2011 the Tuckers quality of life has

changed beyond all recognition, Richard insists.

“Before the robots we would work from 4.30am to 7.30pm seven days a week, and were always tired. Now we work from 5.30am to around 7.00am with MIone and associated feeding and cleaning, and come back again at 4.00pm for an hour’s evening shift.

Someone who hadn’t seen us for a while saw us not long ago, and said we looked like completely different people. It just sums-up how good the decision was to go to robotic milking.”

To find out more visit www.geafarmtechnologies.co.uk, call 02476 692 333 or email info.geafarmtechnologies.uk@gea .com. Alternatively visit GEA Farm Technologies (stand 053) at the Great Yorkshire Show and see the MIone on display.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Royal Welsh

New Championships for Royal Welsh Show Plenty going on at this years’s show. ix new championships have been listed in the livestock schedule for this year’s Royal Welsh show in July – one for sheep, two for horses and three for cattle.

The Royal Welsh stages the largest display of sheep breeds in the world and a new interbreed ram lamb championship will aim to find the best ram lamb at the show. The winner will receive a new award in memory of George Hughes who was a leading figure in the sheep industry in Wales and a former chairman of the Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

The new horse championships include the introduction of a ridden championship and to add to the excitement all the champions in the horse section will compete for the title of Supreme Champion Horse of the Royal Welsh. The winner will be awarded the Dillwyn Thomas Trophy, £500 and the Dimneth Sion Annual Crystal Award.

The new cattle championships feature two for beef animals and one for dairy cattle. In the beef section a new junior heifer interbreed championship will be

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awarded to the best heifer born after January 1 2010 and the best pair of heifers under two years of age will become the RWAS Females of the Future pairs champions.

A similar Females of the Future pairs championship will be awarded to the best pair of heifers under 18 months old in the dairy section.

The livestock schedules for the four-day show, which takes place at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, on July 23-26, have gone out to 4500 potential exhibitors. It lists nearly 1300 classes and special awards with 318 for cattle including 257 for 17 beef breeds and 60 for dairy animals. Prizes of £500 are being offered this year to the supreme champion dairy cow and the supreme champion dairy heifer with £250 going to the reserves.

There will be a special competition for young handlers in both the beef and dairy sections with prizes of £100 to the winners.

Forty-three sheep breeds have been scheduled for the show together with a lamb carcass competition and a butcher’s prime lamb pairs championship.

There will also be a shepherd’s competition in which contestants will be assessed on a number of criteria including the preparation of the sheep and their handling techniques in the show ring, questions on sheep husbandry and the neatness of the animals, pens and equipment.

The schedule lists 57 classes

and special awards for pigs including those for Welsh, British Saddleback and other traditional and modern breeds.

The goat section has 48 classes and specials for dairy breeds and Angora and there will also be an Angora fleece competition.

Visit www.rwas.co.uk for more information.

Come and see us at The Royal Welsh Show

36 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

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| Royal Welsh

Teagle launches Tomahawk 1010 Bale Shredder and Feeder with built-in Weighing System.

n recent years there has been an ever increasing demand from larger units and multi-site farms for bigger, higher output machines that can spread straw and feed silage. If feed materials and straw are layered when loading the Tomahawk 1010, it’s twin crossbeaters act to agitate and mix the ration. When it comes to bedding, the aggressive beaters and massive fan ensure outstanding performance, with Quadrant bales being processed in as little as one minute and blown over 80ft.

The highly successful Tomahawk 1010 will hold 10 cu. m. of clamp silage, four round bales of straw, or two full size Hesston bales. Standard equipment on the machine includes electronic controls, lights, mudguards and a remote tailgate/conveyor switch.

Two chute options are available – the popular swivel giraffe for total flexibility, or the more economical side chute, ideal where the discharge height is limited or more blow distance is needed.

New for 2012 is a model fitted

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with weigh cells, essential if profits are to be maximised by monitoring how much material – feed or bedding - is being loaded into the machine, and where it is being dispensed.

Teagle have used a Digistar system with weigh cells on the axle and the drawbar. The weigh cell output is fed to a large digital display mounted on the front of the machine. The display is visible to the tractor driver when discharging or to the loader operator when filling. The rugged control panel is supplied as standard as a basic weigh system, but is upgradable to a programmable panel, so that different diet mixes can be constructed.

The typical price for a T1010 with a swivel chute is around £17,500 + VAT on farm, with an additional £2000 + VAT for the basic weigh cell system.

Visit www.teagle.co.uk and http://www.youtube.com/user/Teag leMachinery for more details.

Alternatively, please contact Teagle on 01872 560592.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Cereals

Arable Conference at Cereals Top minds, topical debate. aving earned its reputation as the leading technical event for the UK arable sector, Cereals is now becoming equally well known for its top-level debates.

The Arable Conference at Cereals, in partnership with the Oxford Farming Conference, attracts some of the most influential and knowledgeable individuals to speak on the industry’s key topics.

This year’s conference, which takes place at Cereals 2012 at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire on 13th and 14th June, is no exception. It will examine a series of issues including food versus environment, raising crop output, new entrants to farming and CAP reform.

Panellists include farm minister Jim Paice, NFU president Peter Kendall, IBERS director Prof Wayne Powell, CPA chief executive Dominic Dyer, CLA president Harry Cotterill and Martin Nesbit, DEFRA’s director of EU and International Agriculture (see panel).

“The Arable Conference at Cereals has proved a popular draw with visitors since it was introduced in 2010,” says event

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organiser Jon Day. “This year is set to build on that – visitors will be able to listen to and air their views with 20 of farming’s best brains on four topics, rather than the two of the past. Once again it looks like being standing room only.”

Mike Gooding, chairman of the 2013 Oxford Farming Conference, says OFC is delighted to be teaming up with Cereals at a time when the industry faces such fascinating challenges.

“European and global markets perhaps have the greatest influence over our future prosperity. This year we have brought together four seminar sessions that examine some of the key issues that affect our industry’s ability to meet those market needs - the interaction between farming and the countryside, the enormous challenge of feeding a rapidly growing global population, where the next generation of industry leaders is coming from and looming CAP reform and how this will affect the arable sector.”

The Cereals Arable Conference is sponsored by the Crop Protection Association, HGCA and the RSPB. All sessions are free and will be chaired by Oxford

38 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

Farming Conference directors.

Earlier in the day (10am) farm minister Jim Paice will field questions in an open forum on principal sponsor HSBC’s stand (I929). Subjects could include the controversial greening of the CAP, making UK arable farming more competitive, recent research spending announcements, or the importance of farming in Britain’s food security.

Whatever the topic, visitors can expect a fascinating half hour, says Allan Wilkinson, head of agriculture at HSBC. “We are delighted to host this forum with the minister.

Anyone attending Cereals is welcome to come along with their questions - it should be a most useful and revealing event.”

HSBC’s popular “Question Time” debate returns. Four expert panel members will answer questions and stimulate debate among the audience, starting at 1.30pm each day.

New careers initiative While many visitors will be coming to Cereals to hear wellestablished figures air their views, a new scheme being launched at Cereals 2012 aims to attract new blood into the industry – the

thinkers and leaders of the future.

Over 30 companies and organisations exhibiting at the event are taking part in the Cereals Education and Careers Initiative, offering jobs, work experience, training and education in fields as diverse as agronomy, farm business consultancy, grain trading, plant breeding and research. Further details can be found at www.cerealsevent.co.uk/careerseducation.

Cereals 2012 is firmly established as the leading technical event for the arable sector, with over 64ha of stands and more than 490 leading suppliers. On offer is an unrivalled collection of arable expertise, from seed to sprays and fertiliser to finance, which last year attracted 27,000 visitors.

Tickets for Cereals cost £22 each (£18 for students) and are available at www.cerealsevent.co.uk/tickets.

Visitors qualify for 2 NRoSO points and 4 BASIS points for attending either day, plus there are other opportunities within the event to earn extra points.

For further information go to www.cerealsevent.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Krone UK at Cereals

Boom time for Sigma

Baler range on show.

Cereals show debut for new sprayer. eam’s new Sigma tractor mounted sprayer will be displayed for the first time at Sprays & Sprayers along with the company’s other mounted and trailed agricultural models.

A close coupled design with impressive boom options, Sigma is available with 800, 1000 and 1200 litre tanks and is the replacement for Team’s highly successful Custom Standard range.

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“We feel there is a market for the Sigma with small to medium sized farmers and growers with smaller fields” ereal’s 2012 will be host to Krone UK’s baler range with the BiG Pack HighSpeed baler, including the 4x4, which is the highest output machine; and the low maintenance fixed chamber baler called the Bellima.

Higher output on the BiG Pack HighSpeed baler has been achieved by increasing the throughput capacity of the Variable Feed System (VFS) by 18 percent and the stroke frequency of the piston plunger on the BiG Pack 1270, 1290 and 1290 HDP models.

The highest output machine in the range is the BiG Pack 4x4 with an output of up to 80 tonnes/hr of straw into 1.20m x 1.30m bales.

The pick-up on the 4x4 is positioned closer to the packer to provide a smoother flow of crop and its roller crop guard is top hinged to the direct drive feed roller, allowing the pick-up to stay open on either end so it can always pick up the crop thoroughly. The new baler includes ISOBUS and LoadSensing compatibility as well as 60km/hr axles and tyres as an optional extra.

Throughput rates of the VFS on all models have also been increased with four packers and one feeder operating in five stages to feed the straw into the prechamber where it is compressed before it is allowed to enter the baling chamber.

Increasing output goes hand in hand with strengthening the packer and feeder arms as well as increasing the diameter of the knotter shaft by 15mm to 55mm.

Beefing up the rear end also includes a hitch for a bale collector.

Other options include CCIISOBUS for counting, measuring, weighing and tagging. This way, operators can log any type of bale

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information and every single bale can be traced back to its origin.

The Bellima baler is Krone’s low-maintenance fixed chamber round baler that produces rock hard straw bales and has evolved from the KR 125/130 model. It features the camless EasyFlow pick-up, which is mounted right on the rotor discs on either end of the pick-up, and is a design that eliminates the need for a traditional cam track and hence a major area of wear.

The Bellima F 125 features a camless 1,400mm EasyFlow pickup (work width to DIN 11220), which is controlled hydraulically and can be locked at the desired depth. The design reduces the gap between the pick-up and the bale chamber to enhance the smooth transfer abd flow of straw.

Bellima F 130 has an extra wide EasyFlow pick-up version with packer, giving particularly accurate tracking in curves and corners or on sloping terrain and is excellent with gathering wide swaths. Its packer works closely to the four rows of tines, and the starter roller inside the baling chamber provides a smooth and consistent flow of even short material into the machine. Boosting the machine’s filling rate and capacity, the packer is a tremendous boon for the machine’s overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Bellima is also extremely userfriendly since it uses no electronics. The operator starts the twine and net wrap system conveniently and quickly from the tractor’s spool. The net and twine rolls are housed in the front of the machine. The storage compartment offers room for six rolls of twine or two net rolls. The number of net wraps is set on an adjuster and the number of twine wraps is set on a stepped wheel without the use of tools.

It can be supplied with booms from 12 to 18m which fold to a compact 2.4m transport width.

Users can choose from two types of 12m manual fold self-levelling booms or rear fold fully hydraulic booms from 12 to 18m. The booms can be part folded for narrower application requirements.

Aluminium ‘break back’ end sections keep the steel booms light while close coupling

optimises weight distribution on smaller tractors (70 to 100hp).

“We feel there is a market for the Sigma with small to medium sized farmers and growers with smaller fields so it’s the perfect complement to our larger ‘Custom Delux’ mounted machine and the trailed ‘Leader 3’.” says Danny Hubbard. “The new models have the option of a ‘quick hitch’ 3 point linkage system and a removable chassis mounted wheel kit for ease of moving around the workshop.”

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Cereals

40 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

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| Cereals

Global figures reveal high cost of UK crop production Substantial savings could be made. heat production costs in the UK have almost doubled in the past five years, making the country one of the most expensive in the world in which to grow the crop, says Charles Whitaker of Brown & Co. Comparisons with other key competitors highlight the level of UK expenditure and suggest significant savings could be made, he adds. “We are concerned at very rapidly escalating production costs, which prompted us to take a much closer look at what our competitors in South America and Eastern Europe spend,” says Mr Whitaker, who will discuss the figures in detail at Cereals 2012.

“An average yielding crop of feed wheat now costs just over £400/acre to grow in the UK. In Argentina they are growing cereals and combinable crops for about

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EAST SUSSEX Curtis & Shaw 01323 833441 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

half that amount. Labour and machinery are key - in the UK labour and machinery costs average about £200/acre on a stubble-to-stubble basis, and the very best operators still spend about £130/acre. Compare that with Argentina’s £35-40 acre.”

Costs in the Ukraine and Russia are lower still, although they are geared to smaller yields, around half those of the UK at best and often much less. “The usual argument is that high-yielding systems like the UK’s can support high costs of production,” says Mr Whitaker. “To some extent that is true. Assuming a 3t/acre crop, our cost of production averages £130/t. But, that is before land rent/finance costs (and the benefit of support). That works with wheat at £150/t – while prices are good, margins are good.

“The problem comes if

HULL Robert D Webster Ltd 01964 670224

commodity prices fall. Currently profit and loss accounts are showing positive without the single farm payment, but it wouldn’t take much of a price fall to change that.

“And if support levels fall – which, given the current turmoil in the Eurozone, seems possible - then we have an even bigger problem.

We are significantly exposed compared with some of our competitors around the globe.”

Growers should use the current period of profitability to re-evaluate and look at areas where the can substantially cut costs, rather than waiting to be forced into it, says Mr Whitaker. “Other farmers elsewhere in the world are a lot

better at sharing costs, cooperating and embracing technological and management innovation. “We like to think we are one of the most advanced countries producing some of the highest yields in the world, but a closer look at the figures suggests we may no longer be at the top of our game.” * Charles Whitaker and Simon Mountjoy will throw more light on global costs of production and how UK farmers compare at 3pm on stand H908 at Cereals 2012, which takes place on 13th and 14th June at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire.

Wheat cost of production - pre rent and land finance (£/t) UK

Ukrain

Argentina*

Variable Costs

58

68

59

Labour

19

3

5

Machinery & Depreciation

31

44

7

Property

10

3

3

Finance & Admin

4

16

2

Net Farm Income

28

7

62

OXFORDSHIRE LJ + CA Cannings 01235 763103

MONMOUTHSHIRE Harold R Johns 01291 689278 June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Cereals

RDS debuts the new Twin air inclusion nozzle WEIGHLOG α10 on-board A weighing system Has the edge in dense crop canopies.

See it on stand E511.

ereals 2012 will see RDS Technology Ltd exhibiting its extensive range of onboard weighing scales including the new WEIGHLOG α10, which has been specifically designed for agricultural loaders.

The WEIGHLOG α10 incorporates a 4.3” colour, hi brightness resistive touchscreen display and additional physical keys providing a user-friendly on-board weighing system that can be used for trailer & hopper loading, batch blending or check weighing.

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

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

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

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

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Also on show will be the Combine Moisture Meter 100.

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

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

Cereals 2012 will also see RDS Technology Ltd exhibiting its wide range of monitoring and measuring instruments for farming applications including the Artemis variable rate seed drill control system, the Ceres 8000i yield monitor system for combines and the Delta 34i and Spraymaster 200 sprayer regulation and control systems.

The company’s range of control systems for major OEM’s will also be on display. Areas of expertise include operator interfaces, CAN based systems, wiring harnesses etc for seed drills, bale wrappers and sprayers. Included here will be the Artemis Lite – a product offering variable rate control and monitoring for seed drills.

For more information on how RDS can help improve your farming operations - visit stand E511, go to www.rdstec.com or call 01453 733300.

42 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

novel twin outlet spray nozzle designed to optimise spring and summer spray applications to dense canopied crops is proving a hit on a Yorkshire arable farm.

Richard Hinchliffe was among the first growers to try the GuardianAIR Twin nozzle when a number of prototypes were made available for field evaluation.

Having carried out his own deposition and target coverage tests using water sensitive paper on different crops, he now uses the production version for a range of spray treatments.

“We use it for fungicides, insecticides and broad-leaf weed killers – pretty much everything apart from graminicides,” he says.

“The combination of drift control and target coverage is just what we need here.”

By eliminating the very fine droplets that are prone to drifting, the GuardianAIR Twin keeps the spray on target to optimise the application dosage and minimise the risk of contaminating susceptible neighbouring crops or sensitive areas of the surrounding environment.

“This is an important characteristic because we have a lot of water courses – two or three around every field,” notes Richard Hinchliffe, who farms near Goole, East Yorkshire. “Drift reduction is essential to give us the most spraying days possible without compromising treatment quality; that’s why we’ve used air inclusion nozzles, including the single GuardianAIR, for many years.”

Having adopted the technique of facing the single nozzle forward and back alternately across the boom, he was eager to try the Twin version with its two angled fan sprays.

Using water sensitive paper to see where droplets from the prototype nozzle landed, Mr Hinchliffe discovered excellent coverage of oilseed rape plants, particularly for sclerotinia fungicide treatments that need to penetrate deep into the canopy to be fully effective.

He also saw positive results spraying beans and wheat, and since then has used either the single GuardianAIR or the Twin version for all applications except grass weed treatments in the autumn.

“I still use the single nozzle for T3 treatments to wheat because I find having them all facing backwards gives best ear coverage,” says Richard Hinchliffe.

“But the GuardianAIR Twin is used for most applications from autumn onwards.”

The HGCA’s Nozzle Selection Chart shows that the GuardianAIR Twin produces the finest droplets of any air inclusion nozzle at a given pressure, points out Roger James of Hypro. This is an important characteristic for target coverage because sprays with an average droplet size only 15% bigger will contain around a third fewer droplets.

The GuardianAIR Twin is now fully available from Hypro stockists and listed on our website at www.hypro-eu.com

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| Cereals

Dealers: AGRATECH NW LTD Unit 8 Dale Mill, Burnley Road East, Lancashire BB4 9HU Tel. 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk LW VASS (AGRICULTURAL) LTD Springfield Farm, Bedfordshire, MK45 2AX Tel. 01525 403041 www.vassgro.co.uk CENTRAL CROPSPRAYERS LTD Unit B, Sandford Ind. Park, Shropshire SY13 2AN Tel. 01948 840187 Mob. 07850 744335 ACARE SERVICES LTD Norfolks Sprayer Specialists, Bunkers Hill, Norfolk NR22 6AZ Tel. 01328 820449 www.acareservices.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Cereals

KWS UK expands offering The Master Drier range for 2012 Launches new potato business into UK.

lant breeder KWS is launching its new potato business to UK merchants, trade and growers.

The move follows the establishment of KWS Potato BV at Emmeloord in the Netherlands a year ago last April.

The UK arm of the business, now headed by ex Branston, senior seed manager, Peter Hewett, aims to introduce a wide range of potato varieties to the UK market.

It has taken on the Van Rijn potato varieties and will be looking to exploit its worldwide connections within the industry to develop and market a diverse range of potato varieties.

The ultimate aim is to become a major player in the UK market, with potatoes joining and complementing KWS’ already wide crop portfolio of oilseed rape, maize, sugar beet, cereals and specialist energy crops.

According to Mr Hewett, all Van Rijn potato varieties now come under the KWS banner. New varieties will come from KWS’ breeding activities in Holland and also in Northern Ireland.

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KWS UK’s focus will be on carrying out trials and working with the merchant trade and their customers to find new potato varieties for the UK market.

Current varieties in the KWS portfolio include a wide range of crisping, salad and ware types most notably:•Ramos •VR808 •Piccolo Star •Perline •Saphire A number of these varieties will be demonstrated at the 2012 UK Cereals Event in June and a wider range are being grown at the East of England Potato Day in July and Potatoes in Practice In August.

KWS will also host a major trade and farmer open day at Thriplow later in the year.

Mr Hewett took on the new role of KWS UK potato product manager in March this year. Prior to this he’d spent 19 years with Branston Potatoes rising from trainee fieldsman through agronomist to senior seed manger.

He can be contacted on 01763 207300 or 07788 311967, or email peter.hewett@kws-uk.com.

44 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

See Master Driers at Cereals on stand J1110. n 2012 Master Driers celebrate their 30th anniversary of supplying the UK Agricultural industry with its highly acclaimed range of mobile grain Driers.

From small beginnings back in 1982 supplying a small 5 Ton drier we have grown to become one of the leading Grain Drier suppliers in the UK. We confidently expect by the end of the 2012 season to have supplied over 2000 Driers during the last 30 years to the UK and overseas markets.

Our range today covers models from 12-45 tons incorporating tractor PTO drive or electric drive with the option of full automation with Mastermatic control systems.

Add to this dust extraction, auto lube, a three stage burner system and a 450 mm diameter centre auger and you are looking at the very best in mobile grain drying.

We have also introduced for 2012 our brand new moisture meter that can be fitted on to any mobile grain drier. This will provide you with the exact moisture of the crop throughout the drying cycle

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from loading to unloading. It is calibrated for up to 6 crop types and can be manually adjusted to agree with the ‘on Farm’ grain store meter.

For Customers who want to upgrade their Drier please get in touch with us to discuss ‘trade ins’ and financing at an early stage so we can schedule delivery in time for this year’s harvest. For those customers who value a pre season service we are offering a special deal that includes free fitting of the Moisture meter when ordered with an annual service.

“We confidently expect by the end of the 2012 season to have supplied over 2000 Driers during the last 30 years” We look forward to meeting old and new customers at the Cereals event during June of this year.

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Highwood

KO Machines

Robson Tractors Ltd

Yeovil Branch: 01935 478877 Dorset Branch: 01305 266058 Shepton Mallet Branch: 01749 841651

Lower Laches Farm, Laches Lane, Slade Heath, Wolverhampton WV10 7PA Tel: 01902 798771 www.komachines.co.uk

Ings Lane, Carlton Husthwaite, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 2BP Tel: 01845 501602 www.robsontractors.co.uk

service@highwood-ag.co.uk sales@highwood-ag.co.uk parts@highwood-ag.co.uk

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June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Cereals

Same Deutz-Fahr at Cereals 2012

Storage of food grain in silage bags

Comprehensive line-up on show.

A safe alternative to storage in warehouses. he importance of shortterm storage capacity for grain increases with the price fluctuations in the cereals market.

To be able to participate in price developments, conventional storage of grain (depending on the size of investment) is currently set around £84 to £210 per ton.

The silage bag technology or ‘Agbag’ - provided in the UK by AB Systems (UK) Ltd – works on the principle of air exclusion and is characterised by low losses and high quality. Roughage and industrial by-products (pressed pulp) can also be successfully stored in an Agbag. Even by conserving wet grain under anaerobic conditions, lactic acid fermentation will take place at 25% humidity.

A new system for ensiling bags (the farm bagger), along with rotor machines and rolling mills, enables the storage of grain and other free flowing bulk goods in these silage bags at comparatively lower capital investments. Using this ensiling system, the material will be carried with an auger into a

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ereals 2012 will be an important event for Same Deutz-Fahr - the company is displaying a comprehensive line-up of the latest Deutz-Fahr product ranges.

These will include top end models powered by the very latest Tier 4i Deutz 4-valve turbocharged high torque engines based on SCR technology and employing AdBlue injection systems.

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“Telescopic loaders will also be present” Taking centre stage is the new Agrotron L730. With a six-cylinder 7.1 litre, 213hp engine under its bonnet, this Deutz powered tractor has a full powershift transmission

offering three speed ranges.

Deutz-Fahr combine harvesters are represented by the range topping 366hp 6095 which has, for this event, been equipped for the first time with a Biso header – a 7.5m version. The five-model Deutz-Fahr 60 Series combine harvester range, which use straw walkers and well proven technology, are renowned for their reliability.

Telescopic loaders will also be present headed up by the popular mid-range Agrovector 30.7, which has a lift capacity of 3000kg to a height of 6.9m.

Add in the 163hp M625 Profiline, the 181hp M640 Profiline and the latest versions of the Agrofarm models and the DeutzFahr line up for Cereals is complete.

46 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

polythene bag with a diameter of 2.7m (with a bag length of up to 90m). When filling them with the help of a grain wagon, performances of up to 300 tons per hour can be achieved.Harvested fresh grain can also be processed while combining. An Agbag with a diameter of 2.7m and a length of 75m can store about 250 tons of grain.

Practical experiments taking place in Germany, have shown that wheat can be stored in silage bags for up to 6 months without any losses to quality. With continuing improvements to the method of extraction, this period will almost certainly increase in the near future.

With or without the capital investment to purchase your own farm bagging machine, AB Systems (UK) Ltd have teams of contractors nationwide, to get your grain or forage into an Agbag.

Prices start from £6 per ton and for more information, you can talk to David Wynne on 01363-82677.

COME AND SEE US ON STAND NUMBER C331 AT CEREALS!

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| Cereals

New Weigh Cell Spreader launch from Ryetec Agrex DDI3000 KYLO to be introduced to UK farmers at show. yetec will introduce the Agrex range of linkage mounted high capacity fertiliser spreaders at Cereals 2012. Built in Italy by Agrex, a company with 20 years experience of agricultural fertiliser spreader production they are Italy’s largest manufacturer producing over 18,000 units last year alone and exporting all over the world with significant sales in France and Germany, they have never sold their larger agricultural machines in the UK until now.

The Ryetec Agrex DDI3000 KYLO which will be introduced to UK Farmers at Cereals offers a high quality machine with a tested and proven spreading accuracy up to 32 metres combined with KYLO technology which continuously weighs the fertiliser load in the spreaders hopper (6 times a second) and uses this information to adjust the flow of material to the

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spreading discs to give accurate application rates irrespective of forward speed. Ryetec have been testing one of these machine in the UK this spring with impressive results, the 3 ton capacity machine (smaller models are available) holds 5 x 600kg bags easily even with 200kg still in the hopper and extensive use of stainless steel on all control surfaces and even including the hopper bottom means the machines are built to last. Simple and easy adjustment of the fertiliser drop point and vane adjustment without tools, hydraulically controlled headland boarder deflector, ultra slow speed horizontal agitation system and a robust double three point linkage incorporating a 7.5 ton weigh cell are all standard equipment. The user friendly KYLO computer developed specifically for the Agrex spreaders records all the necessary information of area

covered and quantity spread etc in a 50 job memory.

Ryetec and Agrex have worked together to offer a very attractive price to Cereals 2012 visitors on

the first Agrex spreaders to start working on UK farms. To view the machine and find out the price visit the Ryetec stand F633.

Horstine Cereals news Develop new generation pnumatic fetiliser applicator. ertiliser application accuracy and efficiency have been improved with the launch of Horstine’s latest generation of its Airstream pneumatic applicator, which is commonly used for placement of solid fertiliser whilst planting and for band application to vegetable crops and oilseed rape.

New fertiliser application rate control software maintains accuracy as a tractor’s forward speed changes. Variable rate application is now also possible using this updated software.

A six outlet stainless steel metering unit allows precise quantities of fertiliser to be applied through placement tines, banding or broadcast outlets.

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The new Airstream’s stainless steel hopper capacity has also increased with two options including 1600 litres and 2200 litres.

Further updates to Airstream include hydraulically folding boom options that cover up to five beds in one pass and can be fitted with banding or broadcast outlets depending on the crop.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Cereals

New sprayer heads John Deere’s trailed range Designed specifically for larger arable farms, John Deere’s new R962i 6200-litre sprayer is now the biggest model in the company’s trailed range, with the highest ever pump capacity. esigned and manufactured at the Horst sprayer factory in the Netherlands, this high specification machine is equipped as standard with a number of intelligent and automated features designed to make spraying easier, more accurate, more efficient and more profitable.

The R962i has been engineered for maximum stability under all spraying conditions. The main solution tank has a low-profile design with compact

standard with ProRoad axle suspension, a double-link system featuring maintenance-free polyurethane dampers, and has a maximum transport speed of 40kph, even with a full tank.

A wide choice of durable steel spray booms is available, from 24 to 28m (double-folding) and 24 to 40m (triple-folding). These feature a central pendulum for boom levelling, the BoomGuard anti-yaw suspension system, vertical and horizontal boom

self-propelled sprayer, the SolutionCommand automatic solution management system lets the operator accurately fill, agitate, spray and multi-cycle rinse the sprayer, and dispose of residues, at the push of a button on the GreenStar display. Alternatively, all the same liquid controls can be operated by a series of rocker switches protected by a sealed perspex panel on the front of the sprayer, which replaces the usual levers and valves.

SolutionCommand is

dimensions, despite its high capacity. An optional wheel steering system provides accurate tracking on the headlands to reduce wheeling damage, and the new proportional steering control provides smoother operation and easier set-up in the field. Combined with the sprayer’s low centre of gravity, this hydraulic control system offers optimum stability and manoeuvrability, both in the field and on the road.

Built on strong foundations, the R962i sprayer has a structurally rigid chassis featuring a malleable cast cross-structure, which spreads and dissipates chassis loads to ensure a long machine life. The machine is also equipped as

breakaway protection, and durable pivot points. The BoomGuard system also protects the spray boom during road transport by minimising shocks and vibrations through the folded boom, for increased boom life.

The optional BoomTrac system provides perfect boom stability during spraying, by measuring the actual boom height 50 times a second and comparing this with the target height. When a difference occurs, BoomTrac automatically adjusts the spray boom height and boom tilt angle to ensure the optimum boom position, whether spraying in the field or turning at the headland.

Originally designed for the 5430i

equipped as standard with AutoDilute, which allows the operator to select the appropriate rinsing or dilution programme on the display. This has been developed to meet the requirements of all EU legislation, and ensures that even less experienced operators can achieve good results every time.

Powerful, high-capacity twin piston diaphragm sprayer pumps supply liquid at 560 litres/min for fast automatic filling and spraying.

An optionally available centrifugal pump boosts filling capacity to 700 litres/min.

For maximum productivity and accuracy, the R962i trailed sprayer can be equipped with the latest StarFire 3000 satellite receiver and advanced GreenStar 2630 touchscreen display. The StarFire receiver works at all accuracy levels (EGNOS, SF1, SF2 and RTK), and with both GPS and Russian GLONASS satellites.

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

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automatically switches the boom sections on or off when the operator leaves or enters a predefined area or the headland.

The R962i is also equipped as standard with a range of other intelligent solutions for more accurate and efficient spraying.

These include a tank fill calculator, a spray nozzle calculator and cross-flow check, overflow protection, digital tank level sensors for the rinse water and solution tanks, automatic pressure and flow sensor selection at low flow rates,

droplet size indication for standard nozzles, programmable default valve settings to prevent overdosing after refills, a low tank level warning and agitation performance control.

Using information from the tank fill calculator, the operator can swing out the generously sized PowrFill chemical inductor for safe and easy filling of liquids, powders and granular material from ground level. A spray gun at the hopper and special storage lockers for clean clothing or contaminated protective gear are standard, as well as a separate 20-litre fresh water wash tank. Further options include a BASF ECOMATIC closed chemical transfer kit for safe and convenient handling of chemicals in larger, refillable containers, and a 100 bar high-pressure washer for cleaning the sprayer and boom.

Derwent Road, Malton, North Yorks YO17 0NW Tel: 01653 695094 Fax: 01653 697979 Holme Road, Market Wighton, York YO4 3EW Tel: 01430 872421 Fax: 01430 872461

Agricultural Ltd

RBM

Clarborough Hill, Redford, Notts DN22 9EA Tel: 01777 704823 Fax: 01777 710299 Westrum Lane, Brigg, Lincolnshire DN20 9EY Tel: 01652 650600 Fax: 01652 658180 Bolingbroke Road, Fairfield Industrial Edtate, Louth LN11 0WA Tel: 01507 617588

www.rbmagricultural.co.uk

48 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

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| Cereals

Andrew Marwood Ltd

Lyndon Tucker

Stewart Morley

Wharfedale Tractors Ltd

Unit 2, Full Sutton Ind. Estate, Full Sutton, Yorkshire YO41 1HS Tel 01759 372888

Oldwalls Garage, Llanrhidian, Swansea SA1 1HA Tel 01792 391007

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

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Cereals

Herbert showcasing new Vaderstad Spirit 400F products at Cereals New seed and fertiliser combination.

See Herbert’s first ever machine. he annual Cereals event is the must-visit technical event for the arable industry and, over the course of its two days, it promises to showcase the very best of suppliers and equipment for the arable industry. Last year the event attracted over 26,000 visitors and Herbert Engineering is delighted to be exhibiting at the event, which this year takes place on the 1314th of June in Lincolnshire.

2012 is a key year for market leaders Herbert as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. The leaders in design and supply of innovative handling systems for the agricultural, fresh pack and food processing sectors will be exhibiting an intriguing blend of the old and the new, show-casing their history and heritage with the 40 year old original Mark I Multi Grader on display alongside the innovative new Variclean, one of three new products they have launched this year. The Variclean is designed to work with all of Herbert’s grading systems or as a stand-alone machine, and incorporates the very latest in technological developments that combine improved cleaning of crops, gentler handling and low maintenance. Its “constant geometry” design maintains a consistent gap in every cleaning position, which gives total control of clod, stone and small crop removal.

The company’s new Coilcleaner Plus spiral cleaner will also be displayed. The Coilcleaner Plus moves the crop continuously, separating loose soil, clods and small potatoes from the main crop. It uses a drive system, which enables every other coil roller to be driven at a different

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speed, giving a more flexible cleaning action, holding the crop at different intervals to ensure effective cleaning. It is designed to be used on different soil types and in all weather conditions, with an interchange module that can be easily fitted to suit the conditions.

Herbert is the only manufacturer to offer this unique interchange design on its graders.

Herbert are also very excited to be able to offer a total end of line solution by working together with Agrimech Services who are launching their state-of- the art Nemesis IM5-60, an all in one, pick place, form, fill and seal machine.

It delivers enhanced speed and accuracy, and smooth operation with minimal moving parts. It also offers total flexibility as it can be used with paper, plastic and laminate sacks. It can also be adapted to use poly banded net and hessian sacks. This, alongside the range of Verbruggen palletisers that Herbert have to offer, should ensure all end of line needs can be met.

Members of the Herbert team are looking forward to meeting visitors throughout the event on stand C319 on service row C in the potatoes and irrigation section to answer questions about the new equipment. As one of the market leaders in vegetable processing solutions, Herbert has been engineering solutions for growers and packers for four decades and today has earned its place as one of the world’s foremost companies in innovative handling and packing solutions.

Herbert Engineering can be contacted on +44 (0)1945 430666, sales@rjherbert.co.uk and at www.rjherbert.co.uk.

50 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

pirit 400F is a new Spirit model that incorporates fertiliser into the soil during drilling without the need for more horsepower. A 3900 litre hopper is divided in two sections with the front section being used for grain and the rear section for fertiliser. The hopper is easy to fill with both small bags, big bags and bulk fertiliser.

The fertiliser coulters are positioned in the System Disc toolbar, with fertiliser being placed along with every seed row at spacing of 12.5cm. Soil flow created by the discs then covers the seed. Soil is reconsolidated by the carrying wheels and the press wheels, creating good contact between soil and fertiliser, which improves crop access to nutrients.

By covering the fertiliser in soil in bands of approximately 5cm and by placing the seed behind in distinct rows in a method which had been called FIX, seed and fertiliser contact is kept to a minimum.

Incorporating fertiliser in this way is an insurance against drought,

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making every kilogram of N and P more effective.

Spirit 400F has a new metering system, Fenix II, that gives easier turn tests, improved stability, reliable metering and the scope to drill extremely low rates – down to 1 kg/ha.

The metering function is driven by an electric motor, ensuring consistent output. A flap for closing off the supply of seed to the drilling system makes it easy to work on the seed house even when the seed hopper is full. The metering system is corrosion-proof and well suited to the metering of fertiliser.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

UK launch for Knock-On New tractor a delight points North Yorks farmer thinks so...

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Another Cereals reveal! he wraps come off an allnew development in wearing parts at Cereals this summer - it’s called Knock-On. Engineered specifically for cultivators, Knock-On Fit is based on the same Quick Fit technology that has proved so successful on our ploughs. And Suffolk farmer James Nott of JR & EH Nott has been testing them on his 4m CTC cultivator with impressive results.

“With Knock-On, it is quite literally a couple of minutes’ job to swap all 15 points on our CTC,” he says.

Previously, Mr Nott was using a standard Kverneland reversible point on the cultivator, which could take anywhere from 1-2 hours to replace a full set depending on the severity of wear around fasteners.

“The standard reversible point is great value and cheap too, and turning the point means we can get 200-250 acres from a set, but it means getting the spanners out when it’s time to turn or replace,” he says. “And on our land, you’ve got to keep an eye on how suddenly metal can wear away.”

“With Knock-On Fit, it really is a case of knocking them off with a hammer and punch, and then tapping a new point back on in its place – it’s effortless,” he

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hether farming fifty acres or five hundred, no-one working the land can do without a tractor. So it’s little wonder that Colin Boocock, who runs beef cattle and sheep on 94 acres at Moorsholm near Saltburn, North Yorkshire, regards his new tractor as a very significant investment.

“We’ve always run two tractors before but now we’re down to one – so it’s got to be reliable, as well as versatile,” he says. “I’ve also turned away from the red tractor make we’ve run here for years; so everything’s new!”

Three factors led Mr Boocock to the McCormick X60.20 that now handles all field and yard tasks at Freeborough Farm – value; cab comfort; and the back-up promised by Rob Stevenson at Stokesley-based McCormick dealership, Agriplus.

“Other tractors I looked at were more expensive and also a bit cramped compared with the X60’s cab,” he says. “When you’re getting on and off a tractor all the time feeding stock it needs to be easy; and that’s certainly the case with this tractor.

“There’s a wide door opening and an incredible amount of space inside,” Mr Boocock adds. “The big windows make it easy to see all round the tractor and the pushback pick-up hitch, which is standard, means you only have to look round to hook up to a trailer.”

At 92hp, Colin Boocock’s X60.20 is the least powerful of four models in a range that has replaced the long-running CX series. Next up is the X60.30, which has the same 101hp output as the most powerful CX model, while the X60.40 gets 110hp from its four-cylinder Perkins engine.

The X60.50 at the top of the range has a modest step up to 112hp for draft work but up to 121hp for pto and transport duties thanks to the ‘power boost’ feature of its electronic fuel injection.

“My tractor has plenty of power for the work it will do and the Perkins engine provides some continuity from my previous tractor, where it performed quietly and reliably,” says Mr Boocock.

“My 92hp version has plenty of torque, it pulls really well, and it’s

says. “Wear rates are similar to standard bolt-on reversible points at 180-200 acres for a set of Knock-On cultivator points, though our big saving is with a reduction in downtime.”

Mr Nott appreciates the simplicity and aggressiveness of the CTC as a one-pass tool on his 2,350 acres of combinable crops grown on a mix of soil types form sandy clay loams to boulder clay.

“The leg design and hollow tine technology is superb – it does a fantastic job in shattering and busting our soil,” he says. “And the introduction of fast-fit points makes it even easier to use.”

The new Kverneland Knock-On point for cultivators is available in six sizes, from 80mm tips to 470mm wing shares, and can be used across the entire range of tined stubble cultivators equipped with a C-tine.

nice to know everything is engineered to handle a lot more power.”

The X60 design certainly has a tougher build than the CX, with a heavier duty transmission and front axle – which incorporates a locking differential and disc brakes for the first time – and increased rear linkage lift capacity with draft control now sensing through the lower linkage arms.

“It’s not too heavy but there is a fair bit of weight in the tractor, especially around the back-end,” Colin Boocock notes. “That’s great for stability when it’s working with a loader.”

The McCormick LiftMaster is a good match for the machine, he reckons. A joystick on the console makes it easy to control and Boom Ride suspension irons out any jolts over rough ground or on the road.

Also making life easier and more comfortable are the smoothshifting power shuttle, the three powershift speeds for the forward gears – making 36 speeds in all – and the simple electronic controls for the rear lift linkage.

“The layout of the cab is just right – even down to the button on the gear lever that saves using the clutch pedal to change gear,” Mr Boocock says. “I was concerned whether the new tractor would be as easy to drive as the MF it replaced, but it’s a whole lot better.”

That’s a welcome discovery on a tractor that will be used pretty much year-round to meet the feeding and mucking out demands of a 20-cow suckler herd and 100 ewes, as well as for ploughing, power harrowing, grass mowing and tedding, and pasture maintenance.

“It’s a lovely tractor, a real pleasure; and one that just gets better the more I use it,” says Colin Boocock.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Cereals

P & D Engineering Fleet Lane, Bredon, Tewkesbury, Gloucester Gloucestershire, GL20 7EF Tel: 01684 772912

Cooks Midlands Limited Horsepool Grange, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicester LE67 9TW Tel: 01530 249191 Fax: 01530 249199

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6UW Tel: 01933 673900 Fax: 01933 675858

E.A. Clayton Limited Willow Bridge Works, Carlton, Stockton On Tees, Cleveland TS21 1EB Tel: 01740 630254 Fax: 01740 631097

Hayward United Farmers Limited Heliport Site, Ellough, Beccles, Suffolk NR24 7XD Tel: 01502 475111

Keith Davies Agricultural Hem Manor Farm, Hem Lane, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9PT Tel: 01952 463840

52 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

Romsey Agricultural Machinery Limited Shorts Farm,Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6DX Tel: 01794 323159

TRP Pride Parkway, Enterprise Park, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 300111 Fax: 01529 300310

Craggs of Conder Green Thurnham Mill Buildings Conder Green, Lancaster Lancashire LA2 0BD Tel: 01524 751405 Cranworth Farm Services High Common, Cranworth, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7SX Tel: 01362 820391

Fax: 01362 820077

Yorkshire Handlers Limited Unit 4-5, Fryors Close, Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY Tel: 01904 489988

Fax: 01904 489061

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Global launch of New Holland’s new Big Baler Also launching at Cereals 2012 will be manufacturer’s Weather & Services App.

ew Holland has chosen the forthcoming Cereals Show at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire to mark the global launch of the much anticipated successor to the BB9000 big baler.

Crowds are expected to gather around stand I1000 as New Holland unveils the impressive big baler for the first time.

As well as the excitement of new product, New Holland will also be exhibiting its full Tier 4A range of machinery with product specialists on hand to explain how the ECOBlue™ SCR engines can really improve performance and provide significant fuel savings.

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The Basildon-built T6 tractor will also feature alongside its bigger brother, the T7 – giving visitors a chance to look under the bonnets and see for themselves the ECOBlue™ SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) NEF engines, which promise superior performance, excellent transient load response and up to 10 per cent reduced operating costs. Fuel savings are achieved thanks to super-efficient breathability, the unique engine idle speed management and the 1000 Economy PTO option.

There are seven new T6 models, which range from 119hp to 175hp. All have excellent power to weight ratio and

improved traction. The Engine Power Management System ensures there’s power on tap for all agricultural tasks.

Alongside the T6 and T7 tractors, New Holland will also display its T8 and T9 fleet, as well as the CX5000 and CX8000 range of conventional combines.

Another first for New Holland at Cereals will be the launch of the company’s new weather and services app, which forms a key element of the overarching digital strategy. New Holland is the first in the agricultural sector to develop and launch such an application, which is distinct from the purely product based apps already on the market, and offers

the increasing number of farmers and agribusinesses that use smart phone technology a comprehensive service.

The ‘Farming weather forecast and services by New Holland Agriculture’ app was initially launched in Brazil, in Portuguese, on the occasion of the Agrishow held from 30th April – 4th May in Ribeirão Preto and will be subsequently rolled out in Europe at the Cereals event, which takes place on 13th and 14th June at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire UK, as well as in North America.

For more information, visit www.newholland.com

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Cereals

Kubota ‘means business’ at Cereals 2012 New tractors featuring new Stage IIIB engines will be the main attraction.

ubota UK will be showing its all new M110GX and M135GX tractors at Cereals. Exhibited alongside the company’s latest 85hp M8560 and 100hp M9960 tractors, the 110hp and 135hp new GX models boast key developments to deliver outstanding performance and fuel economy.

The range topping M135GX is powered by a Stage IIIB compliant 135hp engine, with features

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including a high comfort cab with superb all-round visibility, a new 24x24 speed semi-powershift transmission and a fully suspended front axle.

The new M135GX is powered by a 6.1 litre common rail direct injection with four-valves per cylinder with full electronic control.

Matched to the new transmission, the tractor offers advanced features including work cruise and auto modes for the ultimate in

54 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

flexibility, efficiency and output.

New engines that are Stage IIIB compliant power the new M8560 and M9960 tractor models.

Offering enhanced all-round performance and refinement, the engines are matched to advanced transmissions fitted with work cruise and eco 40K as standard.

“Kubota tractors offer an unrivalled mix of value, proven quality and performance,” says General Manager of Sales and

Marketing, Dave Roberts. “The new M110GX and M135GX are a clear indication of the growing strength of Kubota in the UK agricultural market. Quiet and comfortable, they deliver excellent performance with easy to use features to boost productivity.

Make no mistake. Kubota means business.”

For more information visit the Kubota UK website.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Anker of Coates Eldernell Lane, Coates, Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777

Units 15-17, Brook Farm, Ellington, Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk Ravenhill Beech Business Park, Tillington Road, Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Farmstar Limited Grove Farm, Church Lane, Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786

Becklands Park Ind Est., York Road, Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900

Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lodge Farm, Broughton Road Frolesworth, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

Bridge Street, Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 55

| Cereals

Morris Corfield & Co Limited Benthall Works, Shropshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01757 249799 Newton Street, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9PJ Tel: 01588 673325 Westington Works, Docklow, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0SJ Tel: 01885 488884 Bellard Court, Platts Lane, Duddon, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0EU Tel: 01829 749391

56 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

Nigel Quinn (AMS) Limited 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston Lancashire PR4 6JR Tel/Fax: 01704 822272 Mobile: 07973 519491 Wilfred Scruton Limited Maxwell House, Riccall Grange, King Rudding Lane, Riccall, York YO19 6QL Tel: 01757 249799

Oliver Landpower Limited Home Park Works, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8LW Tel: 01923 265211 A14 Telford Road, Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4LD Tel: 01869 329988 Wandon End, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8NY Tel: 01582 727111

Brockhills of Yorkshire Dalton Lane, Dalton, Thirsk North Yorkshire YO7 3HR Tel: 01845 577242 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

New CLAAS site unveiled at Trangé CLAAS Tractor SAS officially launches its new Testing and Validation infrastructure. fter 9 months of work, the CLAAS Group's new Tractor Testing and Validation Centre has opened at Trangé near Le Mans. The official opening took place on Friday 25th May 2012, and was attended by Dr. Patrick Claas, CLAAS Shareholder, Lothar Kriszun and Dr. Hermann Garbers, members of the Group's Management, as well as economic and political figures from the local area.

Due to its location close to the CLAAS tractor assembly plant in Le Mans, this facility will encourage important synergies, the sharing of skills and cooperation between CLAAS Tractor's Product Development, Industrialisation and After-Sales departments. Although the site is private, it is still very much outward-facing, and partnerships have already been signed with more than twenty local farmers.

Capitalising on their proximity, relations have been forged with the Université du Maine, the acoustics laboratory, the agricultural colleges, the college of surveyors and the automotive institute. This will enable CLAAS Tractor to continue to play an important role in energising industry in the Sarthe region. "With this investment in the future of our tractors, CLAAS is once again affirming its confidence in France, and in particular Le Mans, as an economically viable location" explained Lothar Kriszun, CEO of CLAAS Tractor. This centre has a

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testing zone which can process up to 80 tractors at any one time, larger prototype development workshops and more efficient test benches (late 2012/early 2013).

Following major investment in the new Cab assembly line (€5 million) in 2008, and the new Painting Unit in 2010 (€10 million), the new Testing and Validation Centre represents a new era in the

development of CLAAS tractors. It will provide a further step on the road to excellence and an essential stage in our international development strategy (already 70% of tractors produced at Le Mans are exported).

This will take CLAAS's total investment in new product development since 2003 to 400 million euros and the R&D and Projects workforce has significantly increased over the same period. The number of permanent employees in the R&D and Projects departments has also risen by 80%. Teams are currently involved in a "Product Development Excellence" programme designed to enable

• Benthall Brosley, Shropshire • Craven Arms, Shropshire • Docklow, Herefordshire • Tarvin, Cheshire

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

them to provide efficient support as part of the Tractors strategy.

In addition to these initiatives, €10 million has just been invested in the new Paint Unit at Usines CLAAS France in Woippy, demonstrating the scale of the CLAAS Group's commitment to France.

At the start of June 2012, more than 30 employees will join the Testing and Validation Centre in Trangé.

In addition to providing jobs, the site will also serve as a centre for creativity and progress for CLAAS Tractor employees, as part of an operational improvement campaign which will aim to increase customer satisfaction.

Tel: 01952 881000 Tel: 01588 673325 Tel: 01885 488884 Tel: 01829 749391

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Buildings

Welsh Building Awards The obvious solution for Farmers compete for Royal Welsh buildings award. any farmers throughout Wales have designed and erected innovative buildings to modernise systems of housing and handling livestock or to manage the treatment and storage of cereal crops.

Old and traditional farm buildings, some of which have been features of the landscape for centuries, have also been carefully adapted to meet the demands of changing systems and new technologies without damaging their external characteristics and appearance.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm Buildings and Works competition has encouraged farmers in their endeavours to build or convert buildings to the highest standards of design and construction. The competition is held in a different Welsh county each year and a different theme is usually adopted.

This year it is the turn of Breconshire, the feature county at the 2012 Royal Welsh Show, to compete for the prize of the coveted Peniarth Estate Silver Trowel and the chosen theme is the building, or buildings, which

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best incorporate the farming needs of the 21st century.

The judges were not be looking for elaborate schemes but for the integration of new buildings within the existing farmstead if appropriate, both in terms of efficiency and visual appearance.

When making their inspection they will attach importance to innovations involving the use of materials from other industries which have been adapted or modified for use on the farm and also to designs which are specifically meant to avoid or significantly reduce the pollution of soil, water or air.

There were no limitations on the size of the farm or holding taking part in the competition and no bias in favour of the amount of capital spent on the improvement. Small schemes had equal chance with large ones.

Four farms went forward for final assessment and have been visited by the judges.

The Peniarth Estate Silver Trowel will be presented to the winner together with a certificate and prize card at the Royal Welsh Show in July.

58 | Farming Monthly | June 2012

sustainable animal housing As recommended by TV presenter Kate Humble... coSheet is a groundbreaking plywood replacement board made entirely from unwanted waste plastic sourced from farms, businesses and homes.

Due to its sustainable qualities, durable nature and cost effectiveness, EcoSheet is increasingly being used in the farming industry for animal housing for a range of livestock including poultry and pigs.

EcoSheet has a number of advantages over plywood in practical terms, including the fact it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rot, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contain adhesives and preservatives and is easier to clean which improves animal welfare. It has a hard foam core helping to insulate birds and animals against temperature changes, is resistant to bird lime and animal urine and can be washed and treated easily against red mite.

It is also more environmentally friendly than plywood, which usually ends up in landfill as part of the 25 million plywood sheets that are disposed of in the UK

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each year. EcoSheet on the other hand is longer lasting and can be recycled again and again, making it the obvious solution for farmers both environmentally and economically.

Well known supporters of EcoSheet include TV presenter Kate Humble, who is using EcoSheet for her animal housing needs at her brand new centre for rural skills and animal husbandry in Monmouthshire, and TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson, who is using an EcoSheet pig ark on his Cotswold Farm Park.

Many animal housing specialists and major agricultural merchants including BATA, Carrs Billington, Mole Valley, Wynnstay and Bridgmans now stock EcoSheet, which is comparable in price to treated plywood. For further details go to: www.EcoSheet.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

Cembrit’s latest environmental initiative Sets the company apart from other roofing and cladding manufacturers. ot on the heels of the recent BRE Global Environmental profile and A+ rating certificate, Cembrit has been awarded Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for its range of fibre cement roofing and cladding products.

Designed to allow decision makers to compare the relative environmental impacts of alternative building products, Cembrit are proud to be amongst

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the leaders to add the transparency of EPDs to their impressive list of accreditations.

Valid for 3 years, the declaration complies with ISO 14025 and follows a life cycle assessment by the European Institute for Construction and Environment. It is an independently audited openbook with an abundance of documentation on the product, its life-cycle, ecological footprint and emissions.

“Cembrit’s aim is to provide the best value for money roofing and cladding products. Independent accreditations contribute to this aim by providing extra benefits to choosers and users” says Ged Ferris, Marketing Manager of Cembrit. “We are delighted to have been awarded with the EPD certificates in addition to the BRE Global A/A+ rating on our fibre cement slates. These developments set us apart from other roofing and cladding manufacturers. We are a company which values openness and environmental awareness with the aim of giving customers real information with which to make an informed choice about the

products they plan to use.”

Look out for the prestigious IBU label on the packaging of Cembrit fibre cement slates, corrugated sheets claddings and building boards.

Using skills built up over 80 years, Cembrit offers a wide range of cladding panels, corrugated sheet and natural and man-made roofing slate. Quality levels at group factories are rigorously maintained to high standards with

many products manufactured under the control of ISO 9001 and British Board of Agrément. Cembrit UK is a member of Cembrit Holding A/S (formerly the Dansk Eternit Holding A/S) of Denmark, one of Europe’s major building material producers of fibre reinforced cement products for the roofing and cladding industry.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 59

| News

CASE IH launches IFS Support Centre 24/7/365 service now available. lready available as you read this, Case IH Advanced Farming Systems® (AFS) customers will see an added level of support for their precision farming investment.

The new AFS Support Centre provides 24/7/365 access to service and support for everything from monitors, to guidance technology, to receivers, to section control.

This additional support will help Case IH customers stay on the leading edge of technology while also minimizing downtime and offering solutions around the clock.

“In cooperation with Case IH dealers, the AFS Support Centre will provide the new level of support required by today’s advanced technologies,” says Uli Sommer, Case IH AFS Marketing Manager. “Now, when a customer calls his country specific AFS Support Centre phone number, he will be connected to a local language speaking AFS support engineer who is dedicated to putting precision farming technologies to work in conjunction with Case IH equipment.”

The AFS Support Centre will further supplement the quality AFS services offered through dealerships by providing highlytrained support engineers with quick access to additional resources. These support engineers will be able to tackle particularly complex issues and will be fully integrated with a centralised knowledge database.

Also, product engineers are literally on-hand for additional support and knowledge.

“The AFS Support Centre’s ability to assist with in-field support and coordinate with the service

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provided through dealerships will give Case IH customers an extended team of experts,” says Sommer. “This ‘one-stop shop’ allows the AFS Support Centre and the technical support staff at dealerships to “own” all issues through to resolution. Real-time data on product issues, trends and analysis are supplemental benefits.”

Increased value to customers “At Case IH, our goal is to provide a superior customer experience and the new AFS Support Centre enables us to take customer service to a new level,” says Sommer. “The AFS Support Centre provides customers with additional resources and extends their relationship with Case IH by solving issues quickly and efficiently,” he continues. “We recognise that farming is not a nine-to-five job, Monday to Friday.

The AFS Support Centre allows owners to save time and improve overall efficiency. It’s a prime example of efficient power and performance at its finest.”

Case IH AFS precision farming products offer the industry’s most accurate autoguidance systems, easy-to-use machine control interfaces and accurate variable rate delivery systems. Now, it offers best-in-class support through the AFS Support Centre, keeping Case IH in the leadership position. “The AFS system provides Case IH customers with cutting-edge precision solutions,” says Sommer. “It encompasses the full meaning of Case IH Efficient Power through our products, our services and our people. And it is one more example of how Case IH is leading the equipment industry and helping our customers to be ready.”

Deadwood in forests and woodlands New practice guide available. n the UK up to a fifth of woodland plants and animals depend on dead or dying trees for all or part of their lifecycle and many of these species are rare or threatened. To help improve the condition of woodlands and benefit wildlife, the Forestry Commission has written a new guide for woodland owners and managers who want to know where and how to manage woodlands for deadwood.

Dr Sallie Bailey, who advises on biodiversity and the environment for the Forestry Commission, said: “A whole host of wildlife depends on deadwood. Lichens, fungi, bryophytes; nearly 150 invertebrates such as cardinal beetle larvae; hole-nesting birds such as woodpeckers and mammals including bats all use deadwood in their lifecycle.

“Historically, deadwood was removed from woodlands for

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firewood. Up until the late 20th century it was taken away due to a misconception of the need to sanitise woodland for its health – or simply to keep places looking ‘tidy’. We believe this led to the widespread decline of woodland biodiversity.

“We now know much more about how important deadwood is and I think there is a growing appreciation by visitors of the beauty and necessity of fallen, dying and dead trees. We hope our new guide will be a useful introduction to deadwood for woodland managers and help them meet the UK Forestry Standard Guidelines.”

The 32-page guide costs £6 and printed copies can be ordered from Forestry Commission Publications or downloaded for free as a PDF from the Forestry Commission website.

Woodland Creation Grant Open for business with increased rates. reating more and bigger woodlands is a key priority for the Forestry Commission and so to provide greater incentives to achieve it grant rates have increased.

Conifer plantations could attract £2,200 per hectare (ha), while broadleaved woodlands meeting national objectives could achieve a maximum of £4,800 per ha.

The national priorities attract greater support with additional contributions up to £2,000 per ha.

Priorities for creating new, productive woodlands include wider eco-system service delivery

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such as water quality, increasing public access in priority areas, improving biodiversity and supporting the rural economy.

All applications meeting the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) will be considered eligible and to tackle a changing climate and plant health issues, we are promoting the planting of more resilient mixed woodlands using a wider choice of species.

For more detailed information, see the latest English Woodland Grant Scheme alert published 1 June 2012.

SOUTHAM AGRICULTURAL SERVICES Fields Farm, Station Road, Southam CV47 2DH

Tel: 01926 813426 Fax: 01926 817908

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| News

Mind the gap!

An EU directive due to come into force on 1 January 2013 requires that concrete slats for rearing pigs should have a maximum gap of 18 mm. Many British slats were manufactured to imperial standards having ¾ inch (19-20mm) gaps. Although Brussels has agreed to a 3 mm tolerance, any gaps larger than 21 mm could cause problems for producers. uffolk-based equipment manufacturer, Quality Equipment, has come up with a low-cost solution for pig producers who have slat gaps that do not comply with EU regulations due to come into force next year.

The company has designed stainless steel inserts to convert gaps beyond the 21 mm

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“tolerance” level to a legal 18 mm.

“Replacing slats which don’t comply with the regulations could cost thousands of pounds, even in an average-sized piggery, without taking into account the cost of disposal of the old slats,” commented Quality Equipment director Graham Baker. “In addition, worn slats, particularly in

areas around troughs, feeders and drinkers, could result in units failing farm assurance inspections.”

The stainless steel inserts, for which a patent has been applied, have cleverly designed fixings enabling them to be fitted by farmers themselves without

removing the slat panels, using only a screwdriver.

They are available in three sizes, to fit different lengths of slat, either singly or in combination.

Currently out on trial, the slat inserts are expected to be available by August when prices will be announced.

Efficient water resource management For high value irrigated crops. ater, water, everywhere, nor any drop to irrigate Despite recent rains, which will help field crops, water reserves are very low following the driest winter for 90 years.

As a result competition for fresh water reserves between domestic consumption and crop production is causing concern for growers, particularly in the Midlands, East and SE of England. The inability to draw on sufficient quantities of water at key periods of the year may lead to low yields, poor quality or crop failure.

In Defra-funded projects, ADAS and Cranfield University, are exploring ways of improving the efficiency of water use for irrigated food crop production both in today’s climate and also under climate change scenarios. The work looks at ways of improving on-farm storage capacity so that water can be captured during winter and stored for use in drier

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months therefore reducing reliance on surface and groundwater abstraction. One option is to consider the potential to develop collaborative approaches that share the cost of water collection, abstraction, storage and distribution.

Another option is to evaluate the potential for increased use of lower quality water. The project also tries to estimate the impact of climate change on the availability of water for both crop and livestock production. ADAS will use its water use model ‘Irriguide’ to assess crop demand for a range of climate scenarios and produce spatial data that will map future water demand and availability. The information will then be captured in a user friendly web-based GIS software tool to help farmers and growers assess future risks and review adaptation options.

A number of aids are already available to help farmers and

growers. One example is the Defra-funded best practice guides which improve the irrigation management of potatoes, field vegetable crops and fruit crops.

They provide information on a range of practical issues related to efficient irrigation including water quality, seasonal water requirements, water storage, soil moisture monitoring techniques, and irrigation scheduling. ADAS has also developed a water management toolkit which provides practical advice aimed to help farmers and growers monitor

overall water use, plan for the future, and show how savings can be made. The toolkit provides advice on the scheduling of water use and a simple, structured means by which farmers and growers can keep records which allow them to review the efficiency of their management practices and identify opportunities for improvement.

For further information on water resource management at ADAS please contact Simon Groves: email simon.groves@adas.co.uk or telephone 07814065244

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Red Tractor

Retailers back Red Tractor logo Progress continues but still more to be done.

he second Red Tractor labelling report reveals that retailers are using the Red Tractor logo on a greater proportion of their British products than last year – increasing from 66% to 70% this year.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural report, Red Tractor Assurance has launched its latest labelling audit which analyses the use of the Red Tractor logo on British own-label products in Produce, Dairy, Meat and Bakery in UK retailers. The independent audit recognises best practice and identifies missed labelling opportunities by category within each retailer.

Richard Cattell, Head of Marketing, Red Tractor Assurance said: “Following the debate and thought stimulated by last year’s audit with UK retailers, I am delighted to report progress over the last 12 months. This year we found 70% of British products surveyed carried the Red Tractor logo, an improvement on 66% last year.”

The Red Tractor logo can now

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Red Tractor and AssureWel Animal welfare initiative to improve the lives of millions of dairy cows across the UK. new animal welfare tool is being launched to help improve the lives of millions of dairy cows across the UK through practical, reliable and scientifically robust methods of direct observation.

This standardised system of direct observation has been developed as part of the AssureWel project, led by the

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RSPCA, the Soil Association and the University of Bristol. It is a quick and simple way to assess the welfare of dairy cows which can be used by farm assurance schemes, farmers, vets and other animal welfare professionals.

For the past year this new system for assessing animal welfare has been carried out on Soil Association and RSPCA

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Freedom Food approved laying hen farms, which make up 97 per cent of the non-caged laying hen industry.

Inspectors from RSPCA’s Freedom Food and the Soil Association will now undergo training in the AssureWel welfare measures for dairy cows and by July 2012 all their dairy inspections will include these new welfare assessments. The results will be discussed with producers and, if needed, advice will be given on how to improve welfare even further.

In a major landmark for dairy welfare, AssureWel has been working with Red Tractor, which assures 95 per cent of the milk produced in Great Britain (this figure includes Freedom Food and Soil Association certified farms), and recognising the importance of this project, subject to final consultation the scheme are working towards the inclusion of core AssureWel measures into all Red Tractor dairy assessments.

The dairy cow assessment includes looking at: • Mobility • Body condition • Cleanliness Mike Madders, Staffordshire dairy farmer and Chairman of the Red Tractor Dairy Scheme said: "We have still lots to do but we have made excellent progress in our aim to introduce welfare outcome assessment into Red Tractor dairy thanks to our work

be found on around £12 billion worth of food and drink products at retail sales value. The report also found that nearly half of the qualifying products carried the Red Tractor logo on front of pack.

Richard Cattell, continued: “Whist we’re pleased with the steps forward, the results highlighted that 3 in 10 products that qualify to carry the Red Tractor logo do not currently use it, which means there is plenty of opportunity to go after.”

Fresh Dairy (Milk and Cream) and Fresh Meat (Beef & Lamb, Pork and Poultry) categories both had the highest proportion of British products carrying the Red Tractor logo, 94% and 87% respectively. However, the report identified significant opportunities within Fresh Produce and Processed Meats. Richard Cattell, added: “An area that represents a significant opportunity for Red Tractor is the frozen category, as it is a growing area and consumers are looking for extra reassurance that frozen meat or produce it is still a quality product.”

with AssureWel. This project has managed to turn animal welfare science into a worthwhile package of practical measures. Our farmers are committed to animal welfare and the proposed package will look to deliver practical solutions which improve welfare and ultimately business sustainability across dairy farms in the UK”.

Anna Fraser, Scientific Officer within the Farm Animals Department at the RSPCA, said: “We’ve had great feedback from Freedom Food farmers so far. The AssureWel assessment is a quick, simple way of measuring animal well-being. We know producers on our scheme care passionately about animal welfare and will go the extra mile to make their animals lives even better.”

Dr. Alison Bond, Animal Welfare Project Officer at the Soil Association, said: "It is clear that industry harmonisation on animal welfare assessment is needed and we believe AssureWel provides the vehicle to help do that. It is an objective way to discuss the wellbeing of farm animals and illustrate good farming practice whilst helping to tackle any challenges.”

Dr. David Main, animal health and husbandry expert at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, said: “We aim to embed AssureWel’s standardised approach across all the major farm animal species.

Working with Red Tractor instantly means we are working with the majority of dairy farmers in the UK which could potentially have a massive impact on dairy cow welfare.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Fencing

Hampton’s Stock Fence takes centre stage with World Champion fencer New Zealander is flying in specifically to compete. s proud sponsors of the Driffield Show’s Fencing Competition on 18th July, Hampton Steel will see their stock fence put to the test by none other than World Champion Fencer, Nick Liefting. The New Zealander is flying in specifically to compete at Fencing News’ own Annual Fencing Competition and will be teaming up with 2009 and 2010 winner Mike Ford. Now in its fourth year, this is a real coup for the Yorkshire show where Nick and Mike will be up against stiff competition, which includes last year’s winner, Charlie Hubbard.

Nick has been a fencing contractor in the Auckland area of New Zealand for 38 years and competing for 37, “competition fencing is very different from fencing on a farm”, he said.

"You can have the best farm fencer in the world and they won't get anywhere in a competition.

You're not fencing for a farmer; you're fencing for a completely different client - a judge. They're not looking for what you've done

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well, they're looking for what you've done wrong. A lot of competitors find that hard to handle."

It is important to look at how points are allocated, Mr Liefting said.

"In the heats of the Golden Pliers in New Zealand’ A competition Nick has won on more than one occasion, ‘there are a lot of points allocated for time, whereas in the final things like wire tension carry a lot of points.’

It's not just a young man's game, Mr Liefting says.

"I liken it to an endurance event.

If you look at marathon runners or people who compete in iron man races, you seldom find many successful ones in their early 20s.

When it comes to stamina, often the older person does better. In the final of the Golden Pliers, on the odd occasion there might be a competitor in their 30s, but most are in their 40s. Two of us are more than 50."

Visit Driffield on 18th July to see Nick and all the world class

fencers in action. The Hampton Steel staff will also be on hand to discuss any fencing requirements you may have.

As one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of steel wire fencing, Hampton’s product range goes from strength to strength so don’t miss the opportunity to visit their stand. Amongst the traditional favourites of hinge joint, barbed wire, line wire and staples you’ll be able to see the latest in fencing technology as employed by Hampton’s XNET™ fencing system. Its versatility has to be seen to be believed, mesh sizes can be as small as 2” x 2” and fence heights up to a staggering 2.6 metres high.

Featuring a smooth animal friendly X shaped knotted joint, horizontal and vertical line wires are locked tight to provide a superior fence with superior strength.

For more information visit www.hamptonsteel.co.uk

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 63

| ATV

The Polaris range of All Terrain Vehicles Serious machinery for serious work. pdated styling and power plants shows these machines mean business but it's in the details that Polaris can boast it's most notable improvements.

From side nets for extra safety, improved ground clearance for added mobility, new seat vinyl for better durability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even down to shot peened gears for better sound quality, it's this attention to

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detail that can prove to be arguably, the most important considerations when it comes to pushing the brand forward.

Yes, the power plants deliver more power, yet are more economical and yes, weight has been reduced along with suspension tweaks to provide better ride quality across the range. But it is only when taken as a complete package that the value

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proposition of owning a Polaris machine really comes into it's own.

With a wide range of vehicles suitable for every requirement, from the Sportsman 400 HO through the Ranger, Ranger Diesel and Ranger Crew models, there is a machine for every task. And let's not forget the Ranger EV for those owners who require quiet running or are aiming to boost their green credentials.

Should you be considering purchasing a new vehicle or replacing an older workhorse, Polaris should really be on your shortlist.

When compared to the competition like for like, it would be unwise to discount the Polaris range from any purchasing decision. We would recommend

trying out a Polaris before doing anything hasty â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we're sure that you will be most pleasantly surprised.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Farr too good to miss Company provides a range of machines that deliver.

Kawasaki offers 0% finance package The prospect of owning a Kawasaki machine is now more within reach than ever. eading ATV manufacturer Kawasaki has just announced an innovative 0% typical APR package on its highly regarded KVF360, KVF650 and KVF750 models.

Designed to offer the highest possible degree of flexibility, the scheme allows those who purchase from participating dealers the option to agree both the repayment period and deposit that suits them best.

Unveiling the scheme, Simon Riches, Kawasaki Product Manager for ATV and MULE commented that, allied to

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ARR All Terrain Vehicles are renowned throughout the UK for providing uncompromising quality machines at industry leading prices. With almost 60 dealers stretching from Cornwall to the Orkney Islands their dealers are well placed to offer FARR’s industry leading aftersales service.

Graham Joll Sales Director for FARR said, “We have worked hard to bring our customers and dealers a range of machines that deliver on all levels, especially on price, specification and quality. As

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a company we believe that farmers and related users have been paying too much for to long for ATV and Utility Vehicles and wanted to bring back a good quality range that was realistically priced giving the customer a choice, rather than being forced to pay the premium that comes with the big manufactures and brands.

Graham was keen to point out that “With a FARR machine you are paying for the machine and some of the best after sales service in the industry, you are not paying for the flashy brand behind it”.

Kawasaki’s already highly competitive retail prices, the new scheme will attract many cost conscious purchasers.

“We spoke to dealers and customers and the universal demand was not simply for competitive finance but the ability to fine tune the package on an individual basis. With three of our most popular models in the scheme we are sure this will bring the prospect of owning a brand new or replacement machine within the scope of the vast majority of users”

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 65

| ATV

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| ATV

Red Riding Good No shortcuts here Grandma! Suzuki Press day gives us something to get our teeth into. Hope you are all ears.... n impressive line-up of ATV hardware was available to selected press outlets at a special event hosted by Suzuki last month. Japanese efficiency was demonstrated not only on ‘the field of battle’ but also just down the road at the manufacturers UK base in Milton Keynes.

Having been cordially greeted on arrival (and departure) by UK MD Yoshinobu Abe, we were given a full tour of the Suzuki site

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which was well laid out and very impressive.

Also the location for all Dealer training, facilities were top notch with clean and well equipped areas for engine diagnostics etc.

The main offices are also based on the Japanese ‘openness’ policy with the only enclosed areas being for meeting rooms otherwise, all staff are housed in one large open plan office space.

The site also houses a parts distribution hub from a large holding area - full of automatic conveyers and efficient stacked storage, this operation screams efficiency.

Back to the battlefield...and it looked like one! After some continued heavy rain through the previous week and a trip to the site in the back of an Army lorry, arriving at the testing ground was a bit like arriving on the front lines - perfect for some ATV fun (and testing, of course).

The entire line-up was available and no time was wasted in hitting the humps, bumps and ditches in order to put these machines through their paces.

Build quality on all machines is really good.

The plastics feel tough and overall styling (as much as can be achieved on these workhorses) is excellent.

Ergonomically, all machines are comfortable to ride - especially the power steering versions, with a highlevel handlebar set-up and more sculpted seats to make those hours in the field less of a task and more of a pleasure.

KingQuad 750 has power to spare, 2 or 4 wheel drive (with differential lock) and fully

independent suspension but my pick of the bunch was the KingQuad 500 power steering model.

Ample power, smoothly delivered with agile handling and comfortable riding position means that this, for me, comes out tops. Add in the reduced running costs of the smaller engine (with no real loss of power), lower purchase cost and the legendary Suzuki reliability and you have a winning combination.

We shouldn’t leave out the lower power models such as the KingQuad 400 which offers both auto and manual options - I know that many prefer a manual machine - these machines are great for most tasks and perform well with their efficient. fuel injected engines.

The smaller Ozark 250 also deserves a mention - it’s a machine that is ideal for getting around and performing some lighter work where manoeuvrability is top of the agenda.

Suzuki are making a committment to take more of a market share over the coming years and the brand will be more visible than ever going forward.

The manufacturer wants potential purchasers to find out just how good their product is and will have a presence at many of the popular agricultural shows and events so if you see their stand then why not pop along and have a look - you’ve got nothing to lose and you might just be surprised.

I think it’s safe to say that this range of Suzuki ATVs has the Farming Monthly seal of approval so if you want a good looking, tough, comfortable and reliable machine with good back-up from well trained selected dealers then you could do much worse than to give a Suzuki a go.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 67

| ATV

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| Motors

Tougher than tough

Feature packed Ranger

Ranger rules the roost.

An ideal vehicle for tough work and hard play.

ith best-in-class towing and water-wading capabilities as well as exceptional payload capacity and ground clearance, the all-new global Ford Ranger can get the toughest jobs done in the toughest locations.

Commercial users looking to transport heavy materials will welcome Ranger’s outstanding payload capacity - more than 1,300kg on some variants - while owners wanting to tow anything from horse boxes to boats will value the pick-up’s top-notch towing capacity of up to 3,350kg.

Ranger's benchmark waterwading capability of 800mm and excellent ground clearance of up to 232mm enable drivers to go deeper or climb higher. It not only caters for companies requiring a sturdy pick-up to traverse tough terrain, but also for customers who either enjoy recreational offroading or travel further afield into more remote locations because their hobbies demand it.

Even if Ranger gets mired in deep sand, snow or mud, engineers have provided a towing hook up front to pull the vehicle free. This front hook rated at 6,000kg is standard on 4x4 models.

“Our customers want a pick-up that is tough enough to withstand rough conditions and capable enough to handle any challenge thrown at it,” said Stephan Presser, manager of Vehicle Engineering, Product Development, Ford Australia. “Ranger was painstakingly developed, meticulously engineered and rigorously tested to ensure it can do all this and more.”

Going off road An all-new compact front differential, new upgraded rear axle and lower overall ratios, all contribute to Ranger’s superior offroad capability, which begins with a robust electronically controlled transfer case – for both manual and automatic transmissions – allowing drivers to shift on the fly from 4x2 to 4x4 high any time via a knob conveniently located on the centre console.

Low-range gearing in 4x4 models can be enabled for extralow-speed torque or additional downhill braking.

When the low-range gears are engaged, the throttle response is changed to an off-road setting which provides a less sensitive, softer pedal feel. This prevents unintentional acceleration due to the bouncing motion of the driver’s foot while moving over bumpy ground. The logic control also

he new Ford Ranger is ideal for farmers, landowners, agricultural professionals and just about anyone who is looking for a tough, reliable and versatile workhorse.

For those who need to tow a trailer, for example, The all-new Ford Ranger offers a Trailer Sway Control feature that mitigates the problem of "snaking", which can be caused by side winds, track ruts, sudden steering movements, or incorrectly laden trailer. When trailer sway occurs, the system detects the effect on the towing vehicle and operates to reduce the train speed by reducing engine torque and gradually increasing brake pressure on all wheels until the trailer sway stops.

Ranger also offers a Roll-Over Mitigation safety feature that closely monitors the pickup¹s speed, lateral acceleration, yaw motion and steering angle, and will identify potentially dangerous driving conditions that would lead to an untripped roll-over situation.

Well before the situation becomes critical, the feature will cause the ESP system to intervene and control the vehicle speed to

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changes the shift points for the automatic transmission.

“Ranger is a very composed vehicle even when going off the beaten track,” said Ford dynamics supervisor Sam Ellis. “Composure describes how comfortably and easily a vehicle tackles difficult obstacles and terrains. If a vehicle is composed, you don’t have to charge at an obstacle to get over it or rush through things to get past difficult terrain.

“This allows the vehicle to be driven in a more controlled manner. It’s more relaxing for the driver and reduces the risk of damaging the vehicle. So composure was a very important attribute that we built into Ranger’s off-road capability.”

Built Ford Tough To give the all-new Ford Ranger its rugged credentials, the product development team not only extensively tested the pick-up but also found innovative solutions to tuck key components out of harm’s way, such as placing them higher up in the vehicle and finding clever locations for them so that they will not get damaged if the pick-up hits the ground or a rock.

Ranger also went through extreme testing around the world to make sure it could stand up to the rigours of punishing terrains and temperatures. Tested in Australia, Dubai, Thailand, North America, Brazil, Sweden and South Africa, it had to face severe heat and cold, monsoon rains, high altitudes as well as rushing rivers, arid deserts and potholed roads. Prototypes clocked more than a million kilometres on the road, supported by countless hours of exhaustive testing in laboratories.

“We gave the Ranger a really good workout and truly pushed it to its limits to make sure it lives up to what it promises,” said Presser.

“If you think about it, a million kilometres of on-road testing is equivalent to us driving the Ranger to the moon and back, plus another six rounds around the Earth.”

restore stability.

To further maximise traction at each driven wheel, Ranger comes with the Traction Control System which can prevent wheel spin proactively by precisely controlling engine torque to each wheel and by braking a spinning wheel completely.

Ranger¹s ESP system also includes various braking technologies to ensure the shortest possible stopping distance under all circumstances.

When the driver applies the brakes quickly in an emergency situation, the Emergency Brake Assist will provide additional pressure to the brake system to increase the braking force and reduce the distance required for the vehicle to stop. At the same time, the Emergency Brake Light feature will flash the indicator lights to warn other drivers during emergency braking.

These are just a few of the innovative new features that the new Ranger offers over and above a superb driving experience.

Contact Richardson today and see what all the fuss is about.

June 2012 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

DIamond Jubilee: UK automotive industry looks at 60 years of motoring landmarks From the arrival of flashing indicators and the launch of the iconic Mini, to Suez crisis petrolrationing and today’s highly efficient, low carbon technologies, Queen Elizabeth II has witnessed each and every change over the past 60 years of UK automotive history. In celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, UK automotive trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), highlights some of the key automotive events through her long and continued reign.

1 January 1954: Flashing indicators became legal on Britain's cars. These were either amber all-round or white at the front and red at the rear.

1 June 1954: Standard introduced Britain's first diesel engine, a version of the Vanguard, powered by a two-litre engine, derived from that used in the Ferguson tractor which Standard also built.

December 1956: Petrol-rationing was introduced, the result of the Suez crisis that closed the Canal to oil tankers. It remained in force until May 1957.

10 July 1958: Britain's first parking meters were installed in London's Grosvenor Square.

Charges were 6d (2.5p) for half an hour and 1 shilling (5p) for one hour.

December 1958: The first stretch of motorway inBritain was opened, the 8.2 mile long Preston by-pass, which is today part of the M6.

August 1959: A ‘triumph of front-wheel-drive packaging’ BMC’s Mini Minor was launched for under £500.

1961: Jaguar launched the E-TYPE which Enzo Ferrari called ‘the most beautiful car in the world.’

January 1964: Paddy Hopkirk and Henry Liddon drove a Mini Cooper S that gave the British Motor Corporation its first victory in the Monte Carlo Rally.

1 June 1964: Production began at Vauxhall's new factory at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside.

Today it is one of the most efficient plants in Europe and will build the seventh generation Astra from 2015.

1 January 1967: Blanket 70mph speed limit was introduced on Britain's roads.

9 October 1967: Breathalyser tests were first introduced for British motorists. This specified that if a driver's alcohol limit was found to exceed 80mg per 100ml of blood, the individual could be liable for prosecution.

1 January 1974: A 50mph speed limit was introduced on Britain's roads to conserve fuel supplies.

May 1974: The world's first catalysts to control vehicle pollution were produced by Johnson Matthey in Royston, Hertfordshire.

1976: British supercar, the Lotus Esprit, went into production.

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Outstripping its own sales forecast the Elise was introduced in 1996, and by 2011 Lotus had built more than 90,000 sports cars.

6 February 1977: Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, a gift presented by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders for the Queen on her Silver Jubilee.

March 1978: Ford Bridgend plant in Wales commenced engine production – annual capacity has since doubled to one million engines today, while Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre opened in 2003.

22 October 1980: The last MGB, a pewter coloured GT, was built at Abingdon. Introduced in 1962, over half a million MGBs were built.

July 1984: Groundbreaking ceremony took place on the Nissan facility in Sunderland, now the UK’s largest car manufacturing plant and one of the most productive in Europe.

19 February 1986: British Leyland built the five millionth original Mini.

8 October 1992: Honda's Swindon factory begins production and by February 2008 produced its two millionth car.

December 1992: The Toyota factory at Burnaston, Derbyshire, begins car production while its Prius brought hybrid technology to the mainstream both in the UK and globally.

1 October 1995: Petrol was no longer sold in imperial gallons but metric litres.

1998: VW purchased Bentley in Crewe and Rolls-Royce joined the BMW stable, both quintessentially British marques continue to be a success in markets around the globe.

26 April 2001: BMW began production of MINI Cooper and MINI at its Oxford plant, investing a further £500m in 2011 and heralding the two millionth Oxford-built MINI the same year.

25 January 2002: Nissan opens its European Design Centre in London.

27 May 2002: Bentley Motors presented Her Majesty The Queen with a new official State limousine on behalf of the UK motor industry, it becomes the fifth official State vehicle.

17 February 2003: The London Congestion Charge was introduced.

April 2004: Ford Motor Company completed construction of London’s first wind park, constructing two giant wind turbines at its Dagenham manufacturing site.

December 2009: The United Kingdom Automotive Council was established to enable government and industry to work closely in key technology areas sustaining levels of investment in skills, jobs and innovation.

4 November 2010: Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant produced the one millionth Range Rover.

11 July 2011: Production began on the MP4-12C at McLaren’s hi-tech plant in Woking.

December 2011: The year concludes with diesel cars taking a record 50.6% of the UK new car market and alternatively-fuelled vehicles sell a record 25,456 units as average new car CO2 emissions fall by more than 23% since 2000.

2012: Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary with close to five million vehicles being built at the site.

About SMMT: The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media.

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for £49 billion turnover and £10 billion value added. With over 700,000 jobs dependent on the industry, it accounts for more than 10% of total UK exports and invests £1.3 billion each year in automotive R&D. Since 2000, huge strides have been made to reduce the environmental impact of its products throughout the life cycle. Improvements in production processes mean that since 2000, energy used to produce vehicles is down 28%, water use has been cut by 40% and 78% less waste enters landfill sites. Average new car tailpipe CO2 emissions have also been slashed and are down 23% compared with 2000 to 138g/km CO2. For more details, see SMMT’s 12th Annual Sustainability Report and Motor Industry Facts at www.smmt.co.uk/publications.

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| Motors

Broads Authority adds Toyota Hilux to fleet All operational requirements were met by the vehicle. he Broads Authority, a member of the National Park family, has added nine Toyota Hilux Double Cabs to its fleet for use by rangers and construction maintenance teams across its sites around the Broads.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is Britain’s largest protected wetland and third largest inland waterway. Holding national park status it is home to some of the rarest plants and animals in the UK. The Broads Authority was set up in 1989 and holds responsibility for conservation, planning, recreation and waterways.

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“They are much more fuel efficient and buying them, as opposed to leasing our current fleet, will save us a significant sum within a few years. It goes to show that going green is not always more expensive.”

With a real need for reliable, excellent off road robust vehicles that meet the requirements of the

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Broads onsite teams, the organisation favoured the outright purchase of the Toyota Hilux HL2Double Cabs from Dingles Toyota in Norwich.

The cars will be used by rangers in their bid to patrol the Broads sites and maintain the surrounding countryside. They will carry equipment for countryside management and attend events to tell people about the Broads and the work of the Authority. The construction and maintenance team undertake a variety of duties, from dredging mud to maintaining the moorings, and so again need vehicles that can accommodate tools with a good towing capacity.

Rob Holman, Director of Resources at The Broad Authority, commented: “The Authority is striving to reduce its CO2 emissions at every opportunity and these vehicles will help us achieve that – and save money.

“Our Rangers and Construction & Maintenance Teams need vehicles that have a good towing and carrying capacity, together with the ability to ‘rough it’ off road. The new Toyota Hilux met all

our operational requirements and will cut the equivalent of their own weight in CO2 emissions in a year compared to some of our existing vehicles.

“They are much more fuel efficient and buying them, as opposed to leasing our current fleet, will save us a significant sum within a few years. It goes to show that going green is not always more expensive.”

The 4WD Toyota Hilux HL2 Double Cab costs £18,290 (commercial vehicle on the road price) has a 144bhp 2.5-litre D-4D engine with a combined fuel consumption figure of 38.7mpg.

Features include air conditioning, Auto Disconnecting Differential, rear locking differential, remote central locking and heated electrically adjustable door mirrors.

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Carstins 324 Station Road, Balsall Common West Midland CV7 7EF Tel: 01676 533145 www.carstins.co.uk

Cross Roads Treadington, Shipston on Stour Warwickshire CV36 4NN Tel: 01608 661544 www.subaruvehicles.co.uk

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

Lifestyle Subaru Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AG Tel: 01892 515666 www.lifestylesubaru.co.uk

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

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Thinking about a new SUV, 4x4 or MPV? SsangYong tempts with further retail offers Keen prices and fantastic warranties make SsangYong vehicles stand out from the crowd. sangYong is to continue its tempting customer offers across the range of Korando SUV, Rexton 4x4 and Rodius MPV. And with prices starting from just £16,995 for the Korando S, there’s certain to be a model and a deal to suit almost everyone.

The Korando SUV continues to be available with 5 years low interest finance on S, LE and now ES models and any Korando financed also comes with 5 years free servicing - all until the end of June.

On selected models, customers can also up-grade to the next specification model in the range for half the price of the difference! This means that those thinking about a 2 wheel drive Korando ES manual can buy a 4

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wheel drive EX manual for just £975 more, half the retail price difference - a saving of

£975. Or someone tempted by a 4 wheel drive Korando EX with manual transmission, can move up to an EX automatic for only £775 more, just half of the retail price difference. (These up-grade offers are available individually and not combined together.)

The Rodius MPV also offers 5 years free servicing when financed, giving the opportunity of 5 years of hassle free motoring, and all SsangYong models are covered by a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty.

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All-new Isuzu D-Max: The only pick-up tough enough for a five year/120,000 mile warranty A reliable, highly capable tool for those working in the outdoors.

Isuzu has announced that its all-new Isuzu D-Max pick-up, for which customer deliveries begin in early July, will be covered by a unique-in-class five-year / 120,000-mile warranty.

With over 7,500 expressions of interest already received for the Isuzu D-Max before it arrives on UK roads (and farms, building sites and country estates), Isuzu is anticipating a bumper year for sales of its new pick-up.

The new Isuzu D-Max’s five-year / 120,000mile warranty comprises a standard 36-month / 60,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty and an extended warranty* provided by the importer, Isuzu UK, for up to a total of 60 months or 120,000 miles, whichever comes sooner.

“Warranty cover for five years or 120,000 miles gives buyers of the new Isuzu D-Max peace of mind for longer than any other pickup in the UK,” comments William Brown, General Manager for Isuzu UK. “Isuzu has become renowned for producing rugged, durable pick-ups, and we’re now demonstrating our absolute confidence in the toughness of our new product.”

The new Isuzu D-Max will be available with four specification levels and three cab configurations – extended cab, single cab and double cab. Prices range from £14,499 (CVOTR) for the single cab 4x2 derivative, rising to £21,499 (CVOTR) for the rangetopping ‘Utah’ specification double cab automatic.

Even the entry-level Isuzu D-Max offers a very generous complement of standard equipment, including air conditioning, daytime

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running lights, electric windows and front, side and curtain airbags.

Power for the new pick-up comes in the form of a highly fuel efficient 2.5-litre twin-turbo common rail diesel engine, available with newly-developed six-speed manual or fivespeed automatic transmissions. This advanced Euro5-compliant unit generates 163 PS and peak torque output of 400 Nm at 1400 rpm.

As well as being the most comprehensively developed, most efficient and most refined Isuzu pick-up ever produced, the all-new Isuzu D-Max is also highly capable load-lugging workhorse: it has a three-tonne (braked) towing capacity and a payload capacity of over 1,000 kg.

To receive more information, please register at www.isuzu.co.uk. To stay informed of Isuzu and the launch of the Isuzu D-Max, please like Isuzu UK on Facebook, follow @IsuzuUK on Twitter, and subscribe to the IsuzuTV channel at YouTube.com.

Contact your local dealer Alexander & Duncan Herefordshire 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Cross Roads Warwickshire 01608 661544 www.isuzuvehicles.co.uk

Lifestyle Isuzu Kent 01892 515666 www.lifestyleisuzu.co.uk

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

B & B Tractors Staffordshire 01283 521522 www.bandbtractors.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Boston 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

Hyltons of Shrewsbury Shropshire 01743 450450 www.hylton.co.uk

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

Holdcroft Isuzu Staffordshire 0800 881 5546 holdcroftisuzu.com

Cartsins West Midlands 01676 533145 www.isuzurodeos.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

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Successful Bio-DME field tests Opens the door to the future transport system - but is there also an opportunity in agriculture? rucks that impose hardly any load on the environment because their carbon emissions are virtually zero. Could this be a future scenario? Well, in actual fact, Volvo Trucks is already running successful field tests with vehicles powered by bio-DME, a fuel that can be produced from biomass both cost and energy efficiently.

For the transport industry, this could reduce dependence on oil and thereby reduce the environmental impact.

Since last autumn, ten specially adapted Volvo trucks have been operating on Swedish roads. They do not stand out in the traffic, they do not travel more slowly and they do not look any different, but they are revolutionary. The reason is that they are powered by bio-DME, a fuel that is produced from biomass – in other words, renewable, totally natural raw materials – which reduces carbon emissions by 95 per cent compared with conventional diesel. The field tests have now reached the halfway point and the results so far have both met - and exceeded - expectations.

“We have, for example, demonstrated both that the technology works in practice, when it comes to both the production of fuel and trucks in traffic, and that the infrastructure with filling stations in different parts of Sweden works effectively. The test results bode well for the future,” says Lars Mårtensson, environmental director at Volvo Trucks.

The field tests, which are being conducted in collaboration with companies including Preem, the biggest oil company in Sweden and Chemrec, the Swedish company which is responsible for fuel production, has aroused interested worldwide – an unexpected bonus, according to Lars Mårtensson.

“We have shown that it’s possible to take an idea from the laboratory to full-scale operation and we have also successfully spread this knowledge all over the world. There is now a clear-cut interest from countries including China, Russia and the USA and they are markets with huge potential,” he says.

Bio-DME, dimethyl ether produced from biomass, is a liquid, so-called secondgeneration biofuel that can be made from wood or by-products and waste from agricultural production.

“According to the calculations, bio-DME could replace up to 50

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per cent of the diesel that is currently being consumed by commercial vehicles in Europe within the next 20 years. We have a chance to make a fantastic contribution to help the environment,” he adds.

The bio-DME that is being used in the Volvo Trucks field tests is made from black liquor, a byproduct from the production of pulp. The black liquor is actually used in the flow of energy that powers the pulp mill. Chemrec’s process takes part of the black liquor, gasifies it and turns it into usable fuel which can currently, during the on-going field tests, be obtained at four filling stations in different parts of Sweden.

To date, the drivers who are operating the trucks in the field tests have reported that everything is as expected, which is a major success for the project – filling up with biofuel and driving should not be more complicated in any way or constitute a disadvantage in terms of performance.

Yngve Holm is transporting pulpwood in northern Sweden in a DME-adapted Volvo FH-440. He is one of the test drivers and he has also reported a number of advantages, such as lower noise levels and, first and foremost, environmental aspects.

“I can drive about 650 kilometres on one tank and the truck runs just as well as it does on any other fuel. It is actually much quieter, both internally and externally,” says Yngve.

He has been participating in the field tests since last September and so far he has driven 40,000 kilometres. He has also been asked many questions about the new fuel and he says “Many people are curious and want to know how it works. I usually say that it works really well. The most important thing is that we are doing something for the environment and the future and that’s good for the soul, as I see it.”

The bio-DME he is using is produced just a stone’s throw from the filling station he uses, at the Chemrec plant in Piteå in northern Sweden, next to the Smurfit-Kappa Kraftliner paper mill. This plant is the first of its kind in the world. The process takes place in a high structure with no walls, consisting entirely of stainless pipes, stairs and tanks that make up a complicated system. Chemrec has quite simply connected itself to the existing mill infrastructure and set up another production line at the mill. It is then able to demonstrate on a small scale a highly cost- and

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environmentally-effective method for producing bioDME. The capacity is approximately four tonnes of bio-DME a day.

“Bio-DME is produced in three stages. After collecting the black liquor from the pulp mill, we convert it into gas using pure oxygen and thereby produce syngas, a gas that can be synthesised.

We wash the gas and then convert it to bio-DME. After that, the quality is checked and the fuel is transferred to a large tank near the mill for storage. The mill is then compensated with biomass known as forest slash, which is branches and the tops of trees that are left over when forests are cut down – a highly effective form of energy exchange,” explains Ingvar Landälv, technical director at Chemrec.

Bio-DME production is still in its infancy, but the potential is enormous.

“At the present time, we are only using one per cent of the black liquor produced at the mill. If we can use our technology to convert all the black liquor to bio-DME, it would be able to power around 2,500 trucks, so we envisage incredible potential,” says Ingvar Landälv. “The black liquor capacity in Sweden alone corresponds to about 20 mills like this one.”

“We are focusing

on industrialising our product together with the pulp industry both in Sweden and abroad,” says Max Jönsson, managing director of Chemrec.

A full-scale investment in bioDME, using Chemrec’s production technology, Volvo Trucks’ automotive engineering and a fully developed filling station network, requires substantial funding.

“To realise their true potential and help to create the conditions for a climate-neutral transport system, the rules for the second generation of biofuels need to be set. We have shown that the technology works. The ball is now in the decision-makers’ court. It is up to them to create the conditions for this kind of production,” concludes Max Jönsson.

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