June 2021 Farming Monthly National by Farming Monthly Ltd

INSIDE: Bale Security and protection page 8-9

Farming MONTHLY National

June 2021

| On Topic

Complete Graphics the experts in Wrapping vehicles page 16-17

I Promotional Vouchers from Graham Heath Construction

Also inside this month..

page 48 - 51

Women in farming

New thermal imaging

Latest Machinery at Cereals

Farming Monthly | June 2021

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June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

CONTENTS

J u n e 2021

FEATURES 28

18 Arable

62 Energy

68 Muck &Slurry

24 Women in farming

64 Livestock

80 Tyres

26 Potatoes & Root Crops 32 Cereals

FM REGULARS National

44 Grain

06 News

74 Machinery

50 Grassland and Silage

16 On Topic

82 ATV

56 Mental Health

60 Buildings

88 Motors

Farming Monthly | June 2021

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

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| News

Farmers shouldn’t feel guilty for retiring, says Old Mill

armers have a great opportunity to retire following Defra’s announcement of the Lump Sum Exit Scheme and shouldn’t feel guilty for doing so.

According to Catherine Vickery, associate director at Old Mill rural accountants, now is a prime opportunity to start thinking about retirement for a number of reasons. “This is an opportunity for farmers, particularly if they have no one to pass the business on to.” Inheritance tax (IHT) can be a barrier to retirement for some farmers but there are ways to lock in the tax benefits. “Farmers genuinely don’t have to keep farming until the day they die to be able to protect the family from IHT,” explains Ms Vickery.

The Lump Sum Exit Scheme will offer up to £100,000 to farmers who want to retire, based on the area payments they would have received until the end of the transition period in 2027.

“This means now is a great time to look at the potential benefits and tie it in with retirement plans. At present, capital gains tax is as low as 10%, providing a great opportunity to pass on assets, but at some point those rates are going to go up.” Farmers should think about where they want to be in the next five years, she advises. “Do you still want to be farming the same way you are now? What if you start to struggle physically? I think that’s an important aspect to be considering.” Retirement can also help the next generation. “It can enable farming families to help their children financially and see the impact it has on them – it’s called giving with a warm hand, rather than waiting until death to pass over the

money.”

But don’t leave yourself short of money, warns Ms Vickery. “When I’m doing IHT planning and looking at gifting to the next generation the last thing I want to do is leave the parents short of money. I want to make sure they have the means to look after themselves for the rest of their lives. “Whether that’s investing in assets which will generate a strong income, living off the capital or other pension planning - if there is a little bit of lead time there are steps we can put in place. We can put a bit more money into pension funds and discuss what investments might be suitable.” The key thing is that farmers don’t have to carry on farming. “There’s no need to feel guilty about wanting to retire,” says Ms Vickery. “Now is the perfect time to get planning with the prospect of these payments as it takes a while to retire.”

VERTICAL FUTURE PARTNER WITH CRATE TO PLATE TO PROVIDE ADVANCED GROWING SOLUTIONS FOR THEIR URBAN FARMS – IN THE UK & GLOBALLY igh-growth technology com‐ pany specialising in con‐ trolled-environment-agricul‐ ture (CEA), Vertical Future, is implementing its ‘Con‐ tainer Lab’ solutions across urban farm‐ ing business, Crate to Plate’s, new pro‐ duction sites.

Bringing sustainable, local production of leafy greens to urban communities, Crate to Plate is a London-based urban farming business – growing the freshest possible produce, totally free of pesti‐ cides and toxic chemicals. Their brand ethos centres around efficient, sustain‐ able production and maintaining a min‐ imal carbon footprint, using significantly less water and space to produce the freshest possible produce with the highest nutrient value. Customers of Crate to Plate include Ollie Dabbous, chef patron of Michelin-starred restaur‐ ant, HIDE, as well as independent gro‐ cers like The Notting Hill Fish Shop and Artichoke in Hampstead. Vertical Future’s innovative Container Labs (built within 40 ft shipping contain‐ ers) are comprised of a fully contained growing environment complete with tune‐ able multi-spectrum LEDs, full climate control, dual irrigation, software integra‐ tion, and medical grade materials ensur‐ ing an ultra-clean, controlled climate for crops to thrive. By transitioning to Ver‐ 6|

Farming Monthly | June 2021

tical Future’s Container Labs solutions, Crate to Plate will be able to upscale their systems across the UK and interna‐ tionally and improve output and product quality, returning more value to end con‐ sumers. The partnership will start with two new Container Labs at Crate to Plate’s new site in Bermondsey, London, followed by

a further three planned containers at a new site in Stratford, London. From each of these locations, Crate to Plate will be able to produce over five tonnes of fresh produce per year (including lettuce, rocket, kale, herbs, microgreens and more), all delivered to consumers within 24 hours of harvest, with zero carbon footprint in transporting from farm to cus‐ tomer. This is also just the start of Crate to Plate’s growth plans, with many more sites planned across the UK and more broadly.

Jamie Burrows, CEO of Vertical Future says: “Our Container Labs create the op‐ timal growth environment for growing fresh produce and can be deployed close to points of consumption, using minimal space. Using zero chemicals and grow‐ ing crops in a controlled environment en‐ ables our partners to meet demand all year-round, as opposed to regular food production systems which are reliant on seasonal limitations. Our advanced tech‐ nologies, built in our Container Labs, also allow our partners to play tunes with taste, aesthetics, and nutrition.’ Sebastien Sainsbury, founder of Crate to Plate, says “Our partnership comes at a very important time of growth and devel‐ opment for both our ventures. It’s been incredibly encouraging and exciting to align with another dynamic, innovative and enterprising British business, which will help us to scale up our vision and ex‐ ecute our exciting opportunities both na‐ tionally and internationally.” Using Vertical Future’s systems will equip Crate to Plate with more efficient growing capabilities and more tools re‐ quired to meet consumers’ increasing de‐ mands for eating sustainably – in a world that demands speed, quality, and perfec‐ tion.

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| News

Royal Highland Showcase to promote Scotland's food, farming & rural life to global audience he Royal Highland and Agri‐ cultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) is gearing up to host their livestreamed 'be‐ hind closed doors' event the Royal Highland Showcase in Partner‐ ship with Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Showcase will include pre-recorded features on the Scottish Championships for Bread, Dairy & Handcrafts alongside Sheep Shearing, Forestry and Farriery skills, and a range of presentations and industry talks provided by our partner or‐ ganisations.

Taking place over the week of 14th to 20th June, the Showcase, a first of its kind event in the UK, will see the best in livestock judging, equestrian, food & drink and rural skills streamed live and in high definition from the Ingliston show‐ ground in Edinburgh to a global audience online. The Showcase was created fol‐ lowing the cancellation of the Royal High‐ land Show earlier this year.

Educational content from the Royal High‐ land Education Trust (RHET) will include engaging videos, suggested activities to do at home or the classroom, a teacherfocused webinar, and meeting their vo‐ lunteers. Over 5,000 schoolchildren have already signed up to participate in the Showcase direct from their classrooms.

Thousands are expected to tune in online

For food lovers there is a host of wellknown celebrity chefs lined up for presenting live cookery demonstrations.

All content will be free to view and can be accessed via www.royalhighlandsho‐ w.org from Monday 14th June. RHASS Chairman Bill Gray commen ted: "Our farmers never stopped through the pandemic, and neither will we. We know how much the Show means to our mem‐ bers, the wider agricultural community and the show-going public. This innovat‐ ive event will act as a bridge between the no-Show year of 2020 and the planned 180th Show in 2020, the bicentennial an‐ niversary of our very first Show. "I'd encourage everyone to log on for what will be a truly unique showcase of the best rural that Scotland has to offer, wherever you are in the world." Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: "The innovative week-long Royal High‐ land Showcase will highlight the very best of Scottish agriculture and rural to an international audience and it's great to see events like this starting to take place again. As one of the first major events to take place after lockdown, I'm sure that a lot of people will be excited to get in‐ volved and the packed agenda means that there is a lot to offer people of all ages and all tastes.

to watch farm animals, witness Scot‐ land's delicious larder and experience the country's vibrant culture including music, traditional crafts and rural skills – all from the comfort of their home. All online access will be free, and with four live streams providing nine hours of action on each of the seven days, the Showcase will give the audience an un‐ precedented view of the finest livestock in Scotland and also provide a greater in‐ sight into the world of judging than has been possible before. It will also have hours of on-demand con‐ tent which can be accessed throughout show week. It will provide high quality programming and exciting insights not only for the agricultural enthusiast, but for those who might never have been to the Show before.

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The chefs selected for the cookery shows have all featured at previous Shows and come from across Scotland, from Aberdeenshire in the north down to Border country, with a fantastic range of dishes to inspire you at home. Chefs in‐ clude Neil Forbes of Café St Honoré and Craig Wilson, 'The Kilted Chef'. The announcement follows detailed plan‐ ning in collaboration with the Scottish Government to develop an event that highlights the best of farming, food and rural life, both for a domestic audience and internationally, reinforcing Scotland's reputation as the 'perfect stage' for major events. Work will continue in the run up to the event to ensure that strict Covid-19 pro‐ tocols are in place for staff and parti‐ cipants making the event happen.

"I know that people across the Scottish agri-sector enjoy meeting friends and col‐ leagues every year at the Show and while we can't all meet in person, the Showcase event will allow them to meet virtually in a common and familiar space where they can socialise, share and ex‐ perience the content together, alongside new visitors from across the globe. I can't wait to witness this one-of-a-kind event that will highlight to the world the fant‐ astic and sustainable work that our farm‐ ers, crofters and rural producers do." Paul Bush OBE VisitScotland's Dir ector of Events added: "The 2021 edition of the Royal Highland Showcase will harness the power of the digital world by opening its 'virtual' gates to audiences both at home and further afield. "The innovative programme, which in‐ cludes a wide-range of familiar and much-loved show elements, will provide a wonderful insight into the work of our farmers and local producers, as well as the opportunity to get up close to the country's top-quality livestock, excep‐ tional larder and vibrant culture from the comfort, and safety of our own homes over the seven days." June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| News

Bale security and protection FC Agri solutions premium quality products from cultiva‐ tion equipment, hedging saws and baler applicators and moisture sensors. Part of this product line in the inland tarpaulins for baled products. After seeing in recent years straw prices increasing, driven by the unpredictable weather and increased biomass demand tarpaulins have become ever more important in the stor‐ age of bales to prevent losses and maximise revenue. With valuable crops baled there are various options. Barn storage is the go-to first choice if it is avail‐ able. Inland tarpaulin system of‐ fers a cost-effective alternative with increase versatility. Not protecting bales is the fastest way to raise your costs. If stack‐ ing square bales 8 bales high los‐ ing just the top layer is a 12.5% loss. How many times have sheets be put on round bales for the water to sit in the gaps and cause sagging until either natural failure or vermin cause this water to penetrate the stack. There is no substitute to do a job properly first time which will be the most cost effective. Inland tarpaulins from PFC provide this essential get it right first-time approach. The Inland tarpaulin is suitable for all bale types and sizes. Utilising the patented Super Cinch and ‘J’ hook system allows for rapid in‐ stallation with minimal effort. Once the tarpaulin is placed on

Farming Monthly | June 2021

top of the stack it is simply rolled to the sides and then pulled full length. The ropes are quickly se‐ cured to the Super Cinch which acts as a leverage pully and lock‐ ing device. Dropping your entire body weight into the tie down sys‐ tem allows for maximum tension to be applied. A tight sheet will not flex and wear so regular ten‐ sioning is recommended every 34 days for the first fortnight then once monthly as the stack settles. If gale force winds are forecast check the tension before and after the storm. The tarps have a 7-8 year UV protection so if looked after cor‐ rectly will have an average life ex‐ pectancy of five years. For large square bales, the ‘J’ hook is at‐ tached to the bale twine with the rope running through the ring. This provides a secure anchor point. Concerns of the twin or knot failing this will not be the case as the failure point would be the ring on the ‘J’ hook. There is a 550kg pressure required for this to happen, this is double the strength of the nearest competitor and has been proven time and time again across the UK and hurricanes in the USA. For round bale tarpaulins, the system uses either ropes laid on the ground that fix direction into the Super Cinch to secure the tarpaulin or a seat belt webbing with steel rings to allow the ‘J’ hook to anchor to it. The Super Cinch has revolution‐ ised the ease of adding tension to

the ropes with automatic locking to secure the tarp. When the stack is ready to be used the ropes are simply released by pulling down and out. As the stack is used the excess tarp should be folded back and quickly anchor the ‘J’ hook into another string securing the excess tar‐ paulin. Securing the excess tar‐ paulin prevents the wind damage and premature failure. Wind dam‐ age causes a mosaic effect in the plastic from continuous flexing. As with any material if it is con‐ tinuously bent it will break. The unique tie down system prevents this damage from occurring and maximises the tarp life and so re‐ duces storage cost. The sides of the tarpaulins do not use the traditional eyelets of cheap copies. Instead of using a 90cm long pipe in every 120cm section, this provides a full spread of any tension and pres‐ sure. On tarpaulins up to 35 feet (11 meters) there is one rope per section coming off from a looped rope to evenly spread the load on the pipe. For wider tarpaulins, there are 2 ropes per section. This section style provides excel‐ lent load-bearing ability but also allows the tarpaulin to be folded back during the use of the stack. PFC have been providing cus‐ tomers with the Inland bale tar‐ paulin since 2003 and have proven that the initial capital out‐ lay is repaid many times over, compared to builder type tarpaul‐ ins or silage sheet. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Vantage ASC grows further with additional Installation & Service Engineer

ontinuing to deliver their vision for UK customers, Vantage ASC have strengthened their service and support team further with the addition of Mike Coxe.

Cambridgeshire which includes exposure to controlled traffic farming. Most recently a field manager at a potato growing organisation Mike has been responsible for all aspects of the crop cycle and associated operations.

Mike has been working in Agriculture for the last 14 years as both an operator and in management roles giving him a clear understanding of customer needs when it comes to GPS and technology systems in the field.

“I have been fortunate to see a wide range of businesses during my career and worked with some inspiring people, it will be a pleasure to use these skills and experience to help Vantage customers. Being able to introduce and maintain precision technology on farms and have access to a great selection of products is exciting, especially during this period of change within UK Agriculture.”

“I have always had an interest in Agriculture and the technology which is involved. Having had experience of Vantage in the past as an operator looking for support in the field, the opportunity to join the team and help others with technology was something I had to explore further”. Mike studied Agriculture & Crop Production at Riseholme College before taking a lead operator role in Lincolnshire which would see his first encounter with Trimble equipment in 2010. Leaving the RTK equipped CAT MT765c behind, Mike continued to operate and manage equipment throughout Lincolnshire and

Andrew Williams, National Service Man‐ ager at Vantage ASC, says ‘we are al‐ ways looking for people with the right at‐ titude and a passion for our industry and we have been fortunate to find Mike. Based in Nottinghamshire, Mike will strengthen our geographical coverage with an aim to further improve our cus‐ tomer response times. Being an experi‐ enced operator and manager, Mike has a great understanding of customer require‐ ments and priorities with a desire to de‐ liver’

‘Mikes appointment will bring our team of remote personnel up to 12 which is great. Having a strong distribution of sales and service people throughout England & Wales, focussed only on technology is really important for us. We continue to grow in line with our customer needs and continue to develop and move forwards with Mike on board.’

Fruit Focus returns to Kent this summer

ruit Focus 2021, the premier event for the fruit industry, will open its doors to phys‐ ical visitors on 21 July 2021 with no restrictions.

“We have been monitoring the exit strategy after Boris Johnson’s announce‐ ment on 22 February to end lockdown re‐ strictions in England by 21 June,” said event organiser, Alli McEntyre. “So far we have overcome each stage of the roadmap and are confident that the event

will go ahead with no restrictions thanks to good coverage of vaccinations, our spacious outdoor venue, and strong bio‐ security planning.” After a year of online-only events due to Covid-19, Fruit Focus is set to returns to Kent in July. “All of our growers and ex‐ hibitors are so keen to get back out into the field and meet real people again,” says event director Alli McEntyre. “As well as seeing the latest products and services leading exhibitors have to offer from all areas of the fruit in‐ dustry,” she adds. The event's main pro‐ gram, the NFU Fruit Forums, is an opportunity to attend in-per‐ son seminars with real live speakers, dis‐ cussing and debate key is‐ sues, chal‐ lenges, and

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

developments within the fruit industry. In addition, visitors can take guided tours of the expanded WET Centre and take in other NIAB EMR research centre facilit‐ ies. Over 100 exhibitors will showcase the latest products and services. Returning exhibitors include BASF, Bayer Crop Sci‐ ence, Berry Gardens, Cocogreen, Fera Science, Fruit Advisory Services Team (FAST), Hargrove, the Fruit Grower, and many more. “At Fruit Focus 2021, there is something for everyone, whether you are interested in finding out ‘Best Practice’ in strawberry irrigation and fertigation technology of substrate-grown, discussing key chal‐ lenges and developments within the in‐ dustry, seeing new varieties and the latest machinery, or just looking for a friendly place to visit to reconnect with your colleague’s face to face for the first time in over a year,” says Ms. McEntyre. •

Tickets for the Fruit Focus event, taking place on 21 July 2021, 8 am – 5 pm at NIAB EMR are now on sale. For more information or to register for tickets visit https://www.fruitfo‐ cus.co.uk/ www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2021: Size does matter this year! n Sunday 27th June, the farming industry's annual open day, LEAF Open Farm Sunday (LOFS) will return to celebrate its 15th event since the initiative was launched in 2006. At a time when food and farming has generated greater interest than ever be‐ fore, LOFS organisers, LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), is calling on farmers to take part and help promote the British food and farming story.

There is no doubt that LEAF Open Farm Sunday will look slightly different this year. The trend is for smaller events, with activities where visitors can manage their own learning, such as self-guided farm walks. Every farmer that takes part will still have full autonomy to decide on the type of event they would like to offer, for how long and for how many people. There is also a greater emphasis on us‐ ing a free ticketing system, such as Try‐ Booking or Eventbrite, to record and manage visitor numbers with both sys‐ tems offering an easy, automated solu‐ tion. There is also flexibility on when events take place. Central promotion will focus on the 27th but farmers can choose any Sunday in June to open their gates and still benefit from LOFS brand‐ ing and resources. LEAF Open Farm Sunday Manager, An‐ nabel Shackleton explained why it is more important than ever to take part, "LEAF Open Farm Sunday plays a vital role promoting British farming, dispelling myths and helping people to value the food they eat. We are actively encour‐ aging more smaller events this year. A simple farm walk for 30 people is both re‐ warding and manageable for all involved. We know there may be some nervous‐ ness around Covid and we want to en‐ sure both host farmers, and visitors at‐ tending, feel safe and confident to go ahead. As theatres, cinemas and dining indoors reopens, remember transmission rates are significantly reduced outdoors. The farming stage – our wonderful coun‐ tryside - is the perfect venue to safely welcome visitors." River Croft in Inverness-shire held their first LEAF Open Farm Sunday event in 2017 and in 2018 started using the ticket‐ ing service to effectively manage visitor numbers. Michelle Anderson-Carroll ex‐ plained why it was so useful: "In 2018, we decided to use the LOFS ticketing system that LEAF offers (using www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Trybooking) and it really is brilliant! We set up two bookable tours but with a very manageable number of 35 visitors on each and promoted the link on Face‐ book. Both events were booked up quick‐ ly, but we also maintained a waiting list on the system. It really helped with know‐ ing when people were arriving too. The track to our croft is a mile long with very few places for cars to pass – so before the second tour started, we asked the visitors from the first tour not to leave un‐ til the second wave of visitors had ar‐ rived." Over recent months people have become more engaged than ever with farming, nature, where their food comes from and how their food purchasing decision im‐ pacts on climate change With hundreds of farmers across Britain expected to take part in LOFS this year, the industry initiative continues to build community con‐ nections and help raise aware‐ ness of all that farmers do to maintain the countryside, en‐ hance the envir‐ onment and pro‐ duce our food.

chance to raise public awareness of the Countryside Code and public access. Recently there has been an increase in damage to grass and cereal fields that look bare to the un-informed and there‐ fore deemed acceptable to walk on, but actually are home to our future food. LEAF Open Farm Sunday is an oppor‐ tunity to explain why keeping to the des‐ ignated footpath is so important, without causing conflict or negativity." All farmers who register their LOFS event at www.farmsunday.org receive a com‐ prehensive handbook and free resources There is a network of regional LOFS am‐ bassadors and the team at LEAF avail‐ able to discuss plans and offer guidance. Farmers do not need to be members of LEAF to take part, but they do need to register their event.

Mrs Shackleton said, "Our research shows that 87% of visitors on LEAF Open Farm Sunday found the day changed the way they think about farming from the technology re‐ quired to run a farming business through to how more sustain‐ able, regenerat‐ ive farming is helping to ad‐ dress the climate crisis through better soil and water manage‐ ment, reducing waste, using re‐ newable energy and enhancing biodiversity. "It is also a June 2021 |

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June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| News

Success at the double as creamery's mellow Double Gloucester cheese crowned best in Wales

farmer-owned creamery in North Wales is celebrating after its tasty Double Gloucester cheese scooped a gold award and went on to be crowned the best cheese in Wales.

South Caernarfon Creamery's double tri‐ umph came at the prestigious 2021 Vir‐ tual Cheese Awards where they com‐ peted against the best cheesemakers from across the UK. The glittering awards ceremony was hos‐ ted by TV and radio food broadcaster and all-round local artisan food champion Nigel Barden. The 13-strong judging panel included MasterChef winner Druv Baker; founder of the Academy of Cheese, Tracey Col‐ ley; and Marks and Spencer cheese buyer Chris Dawson. According to the senior commercial man‐ ager, Nick Beadman, the twin honours were a major endorsement of the mas‐ tery of cheese production at co-operative based in Chwilog in Gwynedd. He said: "Our Double Gloucester has sublime buttery, mellow notes which par‐ ticularly appealed to the expert judges. It is quite a young cheese which only needs about two to three months to ma‐ ture unlike a rich cheddar which can take up to 12 months. "We are particularly pleased with this Double Gloucester and our faith in it has now been rewarded by such an es‐ teemed panel of independent judges making it a double winner. "We are all delighted. This is a real testa‐ ment to the amount of hard work we put into producing the best quality cheeses we can. It is a dazzling start to the cheese awards season. "For us to win two top prizes from one of

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

the most important judging panels in the industry is a coup for everyone who works here and for all our farmer mem‐ bers."

The creamery also makes other ac‐ claimed territorial cheeses including Red Leicester and Welsh Caerphilly, along with its popular Dragon brand of table cheeses which are a big hit with custom‐ ers all over the Wales and parts of the UK. Nick and the team are hopeful they will also do well at the usual high profile an‐ nual cheese competitions which are due to reopen this summer and autumn, providing Covid restrictions are lifted. In the past South Caernarfon Creameries has achieved success at a number of UK and international cheese competitions in‐ cluding Nantwich International Cheese Awards, the British Cheese Awards, World Cheese Awards, and Global Cheese Awards. Nick said: "One of the key ingredients in our regular successes is the fact that we consistently maintain the excellence of our products, putting ourselves at the forefront of cheese production in Britain. "This is award is recognition from a panel of distinguished experts that we are get‐ ting it right and we are looking forward to further sales growth for our Double Gloucester, alongside our other awardwinning cheeses in future."

The Virtual Cheese Awards competition was launched for the first time last year after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic to promote and celebrate the best of Brit‐ ish cheese and give the industry a boost in a time of great need. In 2020 the Virtual Cheese Awards were the only ones to take place, as agricul‐

tural shows, food festivals and similar events across the country were cancelled due to Covid lockdown restrictions. Despite having been organised quickly and in an emergency, the 2020 Awards attracted more than 300 entries and were considered a huge success. All profits were donated to support cheesemakers and farming charities. They were so well respected that it was decided to repeat the awards this year and they had even more entries across eight classes and more than 40 categor‐ ies. Nick added: "Everyone who put their all into organising this event both last year and in spring 2021 deserves praise for their professionalism and for the way they have helped raise awareness of some fantastic British cheeses. "The virtual format of the awards has been so well received that the industry is likely to continue with them even when we are hopefully able to put the pan‐ demic crisis behind us." South Caernarfon Creameries was foun‐ ded more than 80 years ago in 1938 and is still based on its original site near Chwilog on the Llŷn Peninsula, though it has been extended and modernised ex‐ tensively in recent years. The dairy plans to increase production over the next three years from its current level of 17,000 tons of cheese a year to 23,000 tons and the growth is projected to increase demand for Welsh milk, from the current level of 150 million litres to more than 200 million litres a year as turnover ramps up. The co-operative produces all its cheeses and butters using milk from its 137 farmer members across North and Mid Wales.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Combining safety with sustainability: mitigating the environmental impact of vehicle

rom combine harvesters to tractors and all-terrain trucks, heavy vehicles are relied upon every day to perform the tasks that keep farms in business. Protecting them from fire, caused by a dangerous build-up of crop dust or simply an over-heated en‐ gine, is therefore essential to ensure safety, and preserve valuable uptime – especially during the busy harvest sea‐ son. With the total cost of claims for agri‐ cultural fire incidents reaching a stagger‐ ing 20 million pounds in 2020, the Na‐ tional Farmers’ Union (NFU) has recently introduced insurance discounts for vehicles fitted with approved fire sup‐ pression systems. The incentive to install such equipment has never been greater, but as awareness grows of the impact that certain fire suppression agents can have on the planet, sustainability is also becoming a key consideration when choosing a safety solution.

Concentration (PNEC) scores. This means that even a very small amount of PFAS entering soil, ground and surface water can have a harmful effect on sur‐ rounding plant and animal populations – an especially concerning factor in agricul‐ tural settings. As a result, regulatory bod‐ ies around the world, including the European Chemicals Agency, are imple‐ menting harsher restrictions on the use of PFAS. So how can farms ensure the safety of their workers, valuable ma‐ chinery and crops without causing unne‐ cessary harm to the planet?

Spotlight on suppression agents

In a typical agricultural vehicle fire, there is little possibility of containing a suppres‐ sion agent to within the engine bay. Given the harmful effects agents contain‐ ing PFAS can have on the environment, this is a factor farmers must now con‐ sider in their choice of suppression agent. Cooling the engine area to below flash point (450⁰C) is another key con‐ cern, as this reduces the risk of re-igni‐ tion.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a widely used component of wet chemical, foam or dual agent fire suppression systems thanks to their abil‐ ity to starve flames of oxygen. But in re‐ cent years the use of PFAS has started to be questioned due to their non-biode‐ gradability and low Predicted No Effect

To address all these requirements, farm‐ ers should look for a reliable, fast-acting system which does not use PFAS, new examples of which are beginning to emerge onto the market. The ANSUL® LVS Non-Fluorinated Liquid Suppression

Agent for example, is a highperform‐ ance fire suppres‐ sion solu‐ tion that provides rapid flame knock‐ down and surface cooling for reduced equipment downtime – without the use of per fluorin‐ ated chemicals. Agents like this can be easily slotted into existing suppression sys‐ tems, providing farmers with a depend‐ able, easy to use solution that can help them safeguard people, equipment and the planet.

To learn more about how Johnson Con‐ trols can help protect agricultural equip‐ ment from fire, visit: www.redefined.ansul .com

Macquarie Capital Principal Finance bolsters UK biogas platform, Adapt Biogas, with new acquisition acquarie Capital Principal Finance (Macquarie Capital) has today announced the majority acquisition of Evercreech Renewable Energy Ltd (Evercreech) - a greenfield anaerobic digestion development in the United Kingdom (UK).

as more than 400 local dairy, brewing and baking manufacturers with a less carbon-intensive waste disposal service. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to save 95,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill each year - the equivalent to food waste produced by over 400,000 homes in the UK annually.2

Macquarie Capital’s investment will fund the end-to-end construction of the plant, which is expected to begin injecting green gas into the UK’s national gas network by early 2022. It will become part of Macquarie Capital’s existing Adapt Biogas portfolio - doubling its capacity of gas to grid biomethane. The combined portfolio will produce enough energy to cover the annual gas consumption of over 5,600 UK homes.1

Macquarie Capital’s investment comes amid growing demand for biomethane as an increasingly important part of the UK’s energy mix - providing much needed growth capital to a sector known for its operational and supply chain complexity. The Evercreech investment follows Macquarie Capital’s 2019 majority acquisition of the company now known as Adapt Biogas, a leading UK-based provider of O&M services, capital, and a strategic partner to new and existing anaerobic digestion plant owners.

The Evercreech plant will be constructed on an industrial estate in Somerset, in the South West of England and support the nearby residential population, as well www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Since 2009 Macquarie Capital’s Principal Finance team has provided financing and

investment capital for over 700 companies, deploying over £26 billion globally. In the last 12 months the team committed almost £3 billion. Patrick Ottersbach, a Managing Director at Macquarie Capital Principal Finance said: “We have been at the forefront of financing innovative developments in the anaerobic digestion sector since establishing our platform in late 2019. Since then, we have supported Adapt Biogas by providing our expertise and the capital they need to achieve their growth ambitions. The addition of the Evercreech plant to the platform is a significant step towards realising those ambitions and becoming an important part of a growing sector that is expected to play a critical role in the UK’s plans to reach net zero.” The financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed.

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| On Topic

hilst wrapping cars might be our every day, here at Complete Graphics we’re no stranger to a challenge and are always up for something different.

Farol Ltd took delivery of the John Deere 9900i Forage Harvester in the classic John Deere green. However their customer was looking for something different, whilst still in keeping with the iconic brand that is John Deere. Cameron and Katie took a visit to Farol in Thame to view the scale of the project and discuss the colour that the customer would be looking for. Entering the driveway, you are greeted by a sea of green and yellow farm machinery and vehicles of all shapes and sizes, leaving you in no doubt that Farol are John Deere’s biggest supplier in the UK. The flurry of activity in the yard at Farol first thing in the morning is

a sight to behold as the technicians methodically pack their vans with the tools and parts necessary to repair farming equipment up and down the country. From vans full of huge tractor tyres down to John Deere approved nuts and bolts to get a combine up and running again, one by one the vans leave and the doors open to the public. The pristine showroom is worth a visit if you have an interest in machinery and John Deere memorabilia, you can find overalls, chainsaws, toy tractors, and many more items for your farm. Forage Harvesters Technical Specs Dan Phipps, Director at Farol looking after the Forage Harvesting products said that “This [forage harvester] is one of the best in the industry by far without a shadow of a doubt”. Each of these machines have a 24.2L 970hp V12 engine. To put that into perspective, a Lamborghini Aventador has 6.5L 690hp V12.

| On Topic

Countryside during harvest. When wrapping a vehicle, not only is there a wide range of colours to choose from, but finishes as well. This client chose a sparkle gloss finish, in Ebony Black, but vinyl wrapping can be achieved with Matt, Satin, Metallic and Chrome finishes as well. Personalisation isn’t the only benefit however, as vinyl adds a layer of protection from the wear and tear of daily hard labour out in the fields. Farm machinery is often sold back to Farol after a few years, and so a wrap can help protect the resale value, much like on a car. What was the process?

Within the workings of the machines, one of the components of the 9900i is the Harvest Lab 3000 which collects data such as crop yield and moisture for analysis to allow the user to make operational decisions on the job. The ProStream crop flow takes throughput per horsepower to a new level, winning this machine the name of “throughput champion”. The John Deere brochure for this machine states that “We looked at everything that works great. And started improving”. These huge and yet intuitive machines really are a state of the art development.

Wrapping both harvesters took the team three days. As the vehicles were brand new and clean when they arrived on site, the team just had to clean them down with an alcohol based cleaner in order to remove any dust from the surface. This helps the vinyl stick and prevents it from peeling in the future. Then it was time to wrap! This was done by applying large sheets of vinyl to the huge panels of the harvesters

and using specialist tools to ensure panels are covered properly. The edges were trimmed, and each panel heated to ensure the vinyl conforms to the curvature of the vehicle. The customer also required the windows to be tinted to help with the hot summer days of harvesting with the sun beating down on the glass cab. We used a 55% tint on the windows and this was applied to the rear window and side doors. After a final inspection, the harvesters were ready to be delivered to the customer. (Watch the process and delivery of the final vehicles to location on our YouTube Channel)

Why wrap a Harvester?

Contact Complete Graphics:

According to Dan Phipps, it was to personalise the machines for their client. These huge machines already stand out due to their size but with the added contrast of the black vinyl, it emphasises how dramatic they look, especially contrasted with the warm, muted tones of the English

complete-graphics.co.uk Email: info@complete-graphics.co.uk Tel.: 01993 684112 Instagram: @completegraphicswraps

| Arable

Tong invests in new paint facilities for the highest quality finish

s part of an ongoing growth and development programme, Tong Engineering has invested in the latest powder coating and shot blasting systems at its new manufacturing plant in Spilsby.

Situated on the company’s seven-acre site, the first-phase building has been kitted out with a new powder coating spray booth, water wash extraction and a large drying oven, alongside a new shot blast unit to prepare materials prior to painting. Neil Martin, Operations Director at Tong Engineering, says “Our new metalpreparation and paint facilities form a key function within the new factory, and are already proving to drive efficiencies. The advancements in application methods,

temperature control and cycle-time have developed significantly, ensuring that the process is not only more efficient, but the appearance of the end product is consistently to the highest standards in paint durability and finish.” The new shot blasting unit uses a powerful technique to clean the metal’s surface and create a quality finish which guarantees optimum adhesion of paint. This steel preparation process is the first stage of a 3-part paint system at Tong, in which metal is first shot-blasted, followed by the application of a durable rustinhibiting primer which is then finished with a premium quality top-coat, before it is cured at high temperatures. “The spacious new drying oven can accommodate large equipment modules with a much higher bake temperature

than our previous system,” explains Neil. “It also delivers a fast bake-cycle which means much quicker turnaround of the complete painting process.” “As an industry leading manufacturer, our investment in a purpose-built production facility, featuring the latest painting and shot blasting plant, gives Tong the edge on quality and capacity. The finish of Tong equipment is designed to last, giving our customers the confidence that their investment in Tong handling solutions will provide optimum longevity and performance for many years to come.” For more information on Tong's latest range of handling equipment visit www.tongengineering.com.

BURGUNDY BROCCOLI ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI urgundy Broccoli, the brand that launched the UK's first whole head purple broccoli which can be eaten in entirety, either raw or cooked, has announced the development of a new variant which will be available for shoppers to purchase in 2021. The Burgundy variant will now also be available in a purple sprouting broccoli (PSB) from spring 2021 following a hugely successful trial period in nationwide retailers, with rapid sales growth of PSB since the introduction of the product last year. Purple broccoli products are known for the heightened anti-oxidant compounds compared to their green counterparts. The new PSB will also benefit from the

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

superlative tenderness of the Burgundy variant, making it a delicious and versatile vegetable product. Produced by seed developers Elsoms, based in Lincolnshire, the PSB will be grown in the UK from spring right through to November, allowing UK shoppers to access British-grown quality brassicas throughout the year. Dave Clay, Brassica Crop Manager at Elsoms who developed Burgundy Broccoli and the new PSB, says: "As a nation, we are passionate about quality crops and produce, and I think the response to our PSB really reflects that. We've seen sales of PSB units double, since introducing the product last Autumn. "It's got a slightly sweeter taste profile than your average broccoli, and it's

beautifully tender making it the perfect veg for a midweek dinner or a weekend treat." The Purple Sprouting Broccoli will be available from Waitrose and Co-op at an RRP of £1.80 per pack. For more information about Burgundy Broccoli and some recipe inspiration, please visit www.burgundybroccoli.com. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Arable

Engage Agro’s Bio-Chel Ca The Solution to Calcium Deficiency?

his time of year, many crops suffer from vari‐ able transpiration and new root development which limits calcium uptake resulting in re‐ duced quality produce and lower yields. It’s at this point growers reach for foliar support to supplement calcium, yet time after time growers still see low levels of calcium in crops even after a possible full programme of applications. The reason for this is based in the nutrient itself. Cal‐ cium is the largest of nutrient molecules and is highly charged as Ca++ as well as being highly reactionary. So, in soils it may bond itself out of availability and in sprays and nutrient solutions it will reacts with other nu‐ trients and plant protection compounds to create insol‐ uble precipitates which again inhibit its availability to the plant. In soil, it has to compete for uptake with nutrient cations such as potassium, nitrogen and magnesium which plants find far easier to take up and it needs new roots for optimal uptake as older roots are less effective at accessing calcium. This can be a problem for peren‐ nial crops such as tree fruit as they mature. Once in the plant calcium is only mobile in the xylem vessels (arter‐ ies of the plants vascular system) and not the phloem (veins of plants vascular system). Calcium transport in the vascular system is controlled by transpiration, the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers. If transpiration is affected in any way, cal‐ cium reinforcement drops. Once laid down by the plant the calcium remains static as it then cannot be moved around the plant. It is however, lost during the transpir‐ ation process. For years companies have been developing foliar cal‐ cium products in an effort to enhance foliar penetration and assimilation by making stronger products, products with organic materials to aid leaf penetration and tech‐ nologies to stimulate greater assimilation, all with vari‐ able degrees of success. Mark Horner, lead agronomist at Engage Agro has been responsible for helping to de‐ velop several of Europe’s leading calcium foliar sprays; he explains why foliar calcium, even with current tech‐

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable nologies, can be so variable in its effects. “There are three main issues to overcome with foliar calcium. This first is the size of the calcium molecule. As an ion calcium is very large and so it is very diffi‐ cult to get it through the surface of leaves. Nutrient solutes can pass through localised pathways called ‘ectodesmata’ and these are very small. Therefore, calcium finds it very difficult to pass thought these pathways. They can, however, be stimulated by cer‐ tain organic compounds to open up wider to allow more calcium through, which is why you see many foliar calcium’s with organic elements to their formu‐ lation. The second is that in nearly all cases the calcium ad‐ ded to foliar is in the form of a compound salt, which means it is attached to an anion such as nitrate, chloride, sulphate, phosphate etc. The leaf produces a negative charge and creates an electrochemical gradient to increase the movement of cations and water molecules. The flow of cations through the cuticle membrane is much easier than that of anions, with studies show‐ ing this to be up to 100 times higher. Anions are neg‐ atively charged so are repelled to an extent and will, when in a foliar calcium, reduce overall efficacy. The final issue is tank mixability, foliar calcium’s are highly reactive and so growers need to be really careful when mixing other nutrients, biostimulants and plant protection products with calcium. We often see calcium being added to multiple product foliar mixes which creates a reaction, forming calcium compounds rendering a percentage of the applied calcium unavailable to the crop.” Engage Agro’s extensive knowledge of calcium helped them create their foliar calcium, Bio-Chel Ca. They needed to create a product that was pure cal‐ cium, which stimulates leaves to accept it and would not react in spray tanks. The only way to do this was to use a chelate. Standard calcium chelates are ex‐ pensive and are known to have a poor level of safety on leaf, so the only way forward was to create their own chelate using a unique organic chelator. The result was Bio-Chel Ca 10%; a 100% chelated cation so it is unhindered by anions during foliar ap‐ plication and as the chelation is organic and contains multiple organic compound and sugars, is used by the plant at the highest rates possible. The chelation is strong so it prevents the calcium from actively re‐ acting with other elements and salts or plant protec‐ tion products, so it will sit in spray tanks without fear of reaction. This allows Bio-Chel Ca to be mixed with sulphate, phosphate/phosphite fertilisers and all known pesticides to maximise its flexibility in use and removes a headache from the grower. Bio-Chel Ca also contains natural surface-active polymers which ensures even calcium distribution over the leaf surface without the need for additional adjuvants. The natural polymers ensure the spray re‐ mains hygroscopic after application thereby holding the calcium in a water-soluble form on the leaf so that it can diffuse and penetrate the leaf even after the spray application has dried. The product is also safe to use at any time of the year and on all crops. But does all this come at a cost? Apparently not. Ac‐ cording to Mark Horner, “when we created Bio-Chel Ca one of the main drivers was to allow its use on all crops with multiple applications, so the price needed to reflect this. It is highly cost effective at just £2.60 per acre per application. We think Bio-Chel Ca is the best calcium source in the world and urge all growers to try it and see the difference”.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Arable

New rapid test kit to preserve phosphate supplies t is reported that global phosphate sources may only last 30-100 years at current usage rates, ending the supply of phosphate fertilisers - but a new rapid in-field soil test kit could help farmers to more precisely utilise this valuable nutrient. Designed as part of the Phosfield project, funded by ERDF’s Agri-Tech Cornwall programme, the test kit provides precise results within just 20 minutes - a massive improvement on the several-day turnaround by laboratories. "Most farmers test their soils for phosphate every three to five years," explains Dr Susan Tandy, soil scientist at Rothamsted Research. "They usually take several samples from across the field and amalgamate them to get an average reading." However, the level of phosphate will vary across fields, and more accurate GPSlocated testing would enable farmers to apply fertiliser at variable rates - and thereby achieve more consistent yields. More importantly, phosphate availability can change over time and depends on the soil type, so by testing more frequently and knowing the soil type farmers can be even more accurate in their fertiliser application, she adds. The test has been three years in

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

development, and has been trialled in Ghana, where it could have significant benefits. "The technique would be extremely useful in developing countries as they have limited lab access to test their soils, meaning the application of expensive fertiliser is both financially risky and may not match crop requirement," explains Dr Tandy. Having nailed down the scientific process using Cornish soil samples, the researchers worked with Vital Spark Creative to produce an analytical kit which would be relatively easy to use in the field. "There are lots of different elements to the kit; if you're not a chemist it's pretty involved," says Chris Booker, director at Vital Spark Creative. "We tried to make it user friendly, so that farmers can easily use it on the farm." So how does it work? "You put a small soil sample into the bottle and mix it with an extraction solution before passing it through a filter," he explains. "You then add various chemicals to get the final result, which is analysed in a colorimeter so the result is easy to read." The results are very precise; but can also be translated into a phosphate index if desired. "The attraction of it, beyond speed, is that this test may well prove more accurate for different soil types," says independent agronomist Tim Martyn. "The phosphate fertiliser

recommendations in the Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) are not soil type specific. Given the limited world phosphate supplies, more accurate measurement means we can be much more efficient with these resources, particularly in developing countries. It's really exciting." While precision farming techniques like soil and crop scanning and conductivity tests enable variable rate nitrogen applications, analysing phosphate will likely always require a physical soil sample to be taken, says Dr Tandy. This test could therefore form the basis of more efficient applications across the UK and further afield. "By not over-fertilising, farmers will be saving money and potentially reducing phosphate loss to watercourses, which causes damaging pollution via eutrophication and resultant algal blooms." The test is also extremely cost effective; once the kit is acquired, each test costs pence rather than several pounds for a laboratory analysis. Although it's not yet commercially available, the team are seeking additional funding to bring it to market, and hope to undertake further research to produce tailored fertiliser recommendations for different crops and soil types.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

ONE THIRD OF UK OSR CROPS AT RISK FROM TURNIP YELLOWS VIRUS D on’t ignore threat from Turnips Yellows Virus OSR growers should be aware of the risk from TuYV as results from a recent survey confirms that one third of susceptible UK crops are infected, with severe implications on yields, warns plant breeders Limagrain

UK. Turnips yellows virus (TuYV) is transmitted by aphids and it is believed that 70% of the most common aphid, peach potato aphids (Myzus persicae) carry it. Work carried out at Brooms Barn a decade ago, showed a 30% yield penalty where levels of the virus were high and infection occurred early in the crop’s life. Since 2015, plant breeders Limagrain have led the way in monitoring levels of TuYV in non-resistant or susceptible crops across the whole of Europe, including the UK. Leaf samples are taken both in the spring and autumn and tested using the standard Elisa test. “We’ve mapped the incidence of TuYV from the UK to Ukraine and seen it build over the years,” notes William Charlton, arable marketing manager for Limagrain. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

“We’re getting to a situation where TuYV is now endemic across Europe, and no longer confined to hotspots.” Sampling is carried out twice during the growing season, with an initial smallscale survey conducted in the autumn, followed by extensive testing carried out in early spring. Results from this spring’s sampling confirm that one third of all the UK’s non-resistant oilseed rape crops sampled were infected with TuYV. Samples were taken from 26 locations across the British Isles. The highest rates of infection, which were as much as 81-100%, were reported in the Midlands. As would be expected, high rates of infection of 66-80%, were reported from the south-east, but similarly high levels of infection were also detected as far north as the borders, and as far west as Wales. One third of non-resistant OSR crops across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Wales/ Shropshire were also infected. “Five years ago we would not have seen these cases in the north and west, which just goes to show how TuYV is becoming increasingly widespread, and is now endemic in the UK OSR crop, irrespective of region.”

The link between high numbers of aphids in the autumn and corresponding levels of infection is clear, explains Mr Charlton. “Infection usually occurs in September to October when aphids are still flying; the

earlier a crop is infected, the more severe the symptoms tend to be with a harsher yield penalty as the plants have less seeds/pods.” “Early drilled crops that are more open, corresponding with mild autumnal conditions, are at the highest risk.”

“As control of aphids has become increasingly difficult, numbers have increased, with a subsequent build up of TuYV inoculum in the environment.” “Once an aphid is infected, it is infected for life – if an uninfected aphid feeds on an infected plant, the aphid becomes infected and so the cycle continues.” “Infected plants produce fewer side branches, pods, and seeds per pod. It’s confined to the phloem, so potentially robs the plant of resources that would be fed to the roots. “But you often don’t see severe symptoms, which is why TuYV often goes undetected. Today’s challenge is that it has become increasingly difficult to control early infection with the loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments, and getting the timings right for spray’s is very difficult.” “Genetic resistance is by far the best way forward.” The value of genetic resistance to TuYV has been well proven since Limagrain launched the first TuYV resistant variety, Amalie, back in 2014. Initially the genetic resistance came with a yield lag, but innovative breeding has overcome this and today, Limagrain TuYV-resistant varieties, both hybrids and conventionals, top the AHDB Recommended List, confirming the value of the resistance in protecting against detrimental yield loss from TuYV. Mr Charlton notes that varieties carrying TuYV resistance also play an important role in IPM, as there is less reliance on insecticides which are challenging to time correctly. “Over the last few years, in areas where the risk of TuYV infection is very high, we have seen the uptake of TuYV varieties to be as much as 80% of the total crop.” “There’s such a strong argument for growing a TuYV-resistant variety, why wouldn’t you?” Limagrain’s top yielding varieties all carry TuYV resistance:

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

Amy Wilkinson farms with her Dad in Lancashire. Growing 285 Ha of Arable crops and rearing 550 beef cross cattle through to finishing.

efra estimates wo‐ men now make up 28% of the Agricul‐ tural workforce, I am just one of those women and I am im‐ mensely proud to be in that 28%. However, I am prouder to be part of the incredible workforce that make up British Agriculture. Brit‐ ish Agriculture and its farmers have, and are still, facing some

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

unimaginable pres‐ sures, especially over the past 12 months, but has met them all while maintaining the highest animal welfare and envir‐ onmental standards in the world. I guess what I am try‐ ing to say is I farm because it is my pas‐ sion and I love it not because I feel like I have to prove girls can do it. Farming now offers both young girls and boys so many opportunities as a career. One of the best factors about working in Agriculture is that it is worldwide. You will find very few other jobs where you can apply to work in so many dif‐ ferent countries and can lead you to the most incredible experi‐ ences. I, myself, had my heart set on working in Canada after visiting farms on a tour while at Myer‐ scough College. We also visited Texas which was also incredible but for me it had to be Canada!

So, once my visa application was accepted, I started looking for jobs. I applied for mainly cattle ranch work and one job I called my wild card; I was offered every job I had applied for even the dar‐ ing wild card and knew I just had to take it so I did. This non horse girl had landed herself a job looking after horses com‐ peting on the rodeo circuit, all on the fact she was from a farm so must be hard working. My new job was as a barn hand for a Chuckwagon racing team

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

"Follow your dreams…”

@amygingewilkinson

and I would even be working the legendary Calgary Stampede. Chuckwagon Racing is a rodeo sport in which you attach four ex racing, thoroughbred horses to the front of a wooden wagon all controlled by the driver. There is also two ‘outriders’ who ride two other horses to make up the team. When racing four teams compete at once with the race starting with the ‘out‐ riders’ loading the wagon with a barrel to represent a camp stove and tent pegs, they then jump on their horses as the driver man‐ oeuvres a very tight figure of 8 and then charges around the track, also known as the half mile of hell, with the outriders fol‐ lowing them to the finish. Time penalties can be ad‐ ded to a team for any num‐ ber of things. Thirty-six teams compete throughout the summer rodeos to win cash prizes as well www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

to be named champion. It is insane but a massive spectacle to see! After arriving I settled in so fast my new bosses Jordie and Tammy were so wel‐ coming and amazing to work for. The first month I was there was what they called spring training during which we broke new horses to the wagon and got the more experienced horses back up to peak fitness. We did this by attaching their lead rope to the ‘training truck’ (an old pick up with a special frame) and driving them around the track Jordie had made in the field. The scenery that surrounded me while

spring training was breath taking the ranch was in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

After spring training, we headed on to the road taking 21 horses with us, we landed at our fist rodeo and this is where the story takes a bit of a turn, I unfortu‐ nately re-broke my foot there and my Canada dream came to a sad end. I was due to go back again last year to work the entire sum‐ mer but due to Covid that was im‐ possible. Even though it did not go the way I wanted it to, my time in Canada is the greatest experience of my life, I made lifelong friends which I hope to visit soon and gained so much confidence. I re‐ commend working abroad to everyone and being a part of the in‐ credible Agricultural workforce just makes it so much easier to do. So with an end in sight for Covid restrictions start apply‐ ing for visa’s trust me you will not regret it! June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Potatoes & Root crops

Sustainable Sprout Control

iox-M is a well-established and highly effective treatment to control sprouting in potatoes in store and is in widespread use in the UK and on the continent on crops destined for both fresh and processing markets.

Although approved for use in the UK in 2012, the 2020 harvest season is the first to have seen widespread adoption of Biox-M as the principal product available for sprout control in this country. And, understandably, much of the immediate focus for new users has been on store management, efficacy and cost. Growers, storekeepers and end-user customers have been on a steep learning curve to ensure that they get the best from an unfamiliar product, which requires a very different approach to store management. However, this significant change to sprout control is not taking place in a vacuum. At the same time, British farm support is being turned on its head, with a shift to reward farmers for the delivery of public goods, many of which have a sustainability angle. And the world is moving, perhaps rather slowly, to

address the challenges of climate change and to understand the role that farming and the management of farmland has to play in climate change mitigation. Biox-M is very much part of the wider sustainability tool-box, which customers and consumers expect growers to consider. Biox-M comes from a naturally occurring perennial crop, spearmint (mentha spicata), grown in a number of countries around the world – India, China and the US are large exporters. Carbon is sequestered in the crop and in the soil (perennial crops sequester carbon in soil much more effectively than annual crops). Spearmint oil is extracted by a simple process of steam distillation, used to extract many essential oils. To deliver a uniform product with a minimum level of carvone, the oil is blended to produce Biox-M. There is no synthetic, persistent or harmful chemistry involved.

potato crops;

•

Has no harvest interval or MRL;

•

Does not leave persistent residues in the fabric of stores and boxes used for storage,

•

And is therefore suitable for use in stores, which may subsequently be used for the storage of other crops or seed potatoes;

•

Is effective at higher storage temperatures, reducing the risk of acrylamide development on processing;

•

Sequesters carbon during growth, removing 1t of CO2 for every 1,000t of potatoes treated;

•

And should be a component of the sustainability plan for every farm and every customer; effectively carbon neutral.

Biox-M: •

Is a naturally occurring product, in widespread use in the food industry;

•

Is approved for use on organic

Biox-M is the natural and sustainable sprout control for potatoes.

Local mayor kicks off potato planting season for PotatoEurope 2021 O

n the third Thursday of April, the first potatoes for the PotatoEurope harvesting demonstrations were planted under ideal weather conditions. By pressing the start button, acting mayor of Noordoostpolder Jan Westmaas sent autonomous implement carrier Robotti on its way to plant the first potato. The remainder of the big task was handled by planting machines of AVR, Dewulf and Grimme, aided by Case IH tractors. The planting of the potatoes for the harvesting demonstrations is another important step in the preparations for the PotatoEurope event, to be held on September 1-2 at the location of Wageningen University & Research (WUR) Field Crops in Lelystad.

The potatoes of the chosen Aromata variety were planted under supervision of WUR Field Crops Farm Manager Jacob de Jong. The potatoes of this variety from potato breeding and trading company Schaap Holland are 35-50 millimeters in size and have been planted with a spacing of 28 centimeters. They are being grown on two plots with a total surface of 25 hectares at the event location of PotatoEurope 2021 in Lelystad, where the trade fair and a considerable number of demonstrations 26 |

Farming Monthly | June 2021

will take place on September 1-2. ‘The fieldwork, and thereby an essential part of the preparations for the upcoming edition of PotatoEurope in Lelystad, is proceeding according to plan. What helps is the good soil structure thanks to the frosts of last winter’, De Jong evaluates.

It is the first time that potatoes have been planted with the Agrointelli Robotti, an autonomous implement carrier that can independently perform various agricultural tasks. The robot was responsible for pulling the Miedema CP 42 potato planter, a multipurpose 4-row cup planter. This first-of moment suits within the framework of the Robotisation project, a cooperation between WUR, Agrointelli and Dewulf, for which a part of the PotatoEurope demonstration plot has been reserved. After the Robotti had initiated the start of the first planting work on the potato demonstration fields, the task was taken over by 4-row planters Ceres 440 from AVR, Miedema Structural 4000 from Dewulf and Grimme’s GB439. The planters were pulled by two showpieces of sponsor Case IH: Maxxum CVX 145 and Puma CVX 175. ‘With planting the potatoes for PotatoEurope 2021, things are becoming

more concrete. We are very proud of this absolute first, planting potatoes aided by a Robotti robot for the very first time. During PotatoEurope 2021 in September, the Robotti will also harvest these potatoes. Besides, today it became clear once again that we have set up a great cooperation with all parties involved, among whom manufacturers such as AVR, CASE IH, Dewulf and Grimme, WUR, Schaap Holland and of course the members of the press who were present. This is a great base for the further composition of PotatoEurope 2021’, Kuno Jacobs of organiser DLG Benelux summarized the day filled with potato planting. PotatoEurope is an international event exclusively dedicated to the entire potato industry chain. The event takes place each year, in one of the event’s four partner countries: Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands. On September 1 and 2 the organisation expects to welcome more than 275 exhibitors and about 16.000 visitors. Visit PotatoEurope.nl for more information, including: • •

Technical characteristics of the machines Photos and video (next week) of the planting event www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

BIOX-M

| Potatoes & Root crops

Exceptional sprout suppression in fresh and processing crops

Contact:

Peter Hall peter@junopp.com 01622 821276 Nick Tapp nick@junopp.com 077 75785748 www.junopp.com www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Potatoes & Root crops

FARMING INDUSTRY IGNORING VALUABLE RESEARCH AS FROSTS HIT Lincolnshire farmer believes many in the industry are ignoring valuable research into how best to protect crops from extreme weather conditions and are losing millions of pounds as a result.

As well as growing potatoes, sugar beat cereals and peas at Rose Villa Farm in Spalding, Lincolnshire, Marcus Palmer is the sole UK distributor of Algifol, a seaweed-based biostimulant. Marcus says recent unexpected frosts, combined with almost no rainfall in April, will have had a drastic effect on many growers, who rely solely on chemical fertilisers. Mr Palmer says that despite academic studies being produced since 2009, UK farmers are sadly ignorant of the natural properties of biostimulants such as Algifol. One such academic papers - De Saeger, J., Van Praet, S., Vereecke, D. et al. Toward the molecular understanding of the action mechanism of Ascophyllum nodosum extracts on plants. J ApplPhycol 32, 573–597 (2020) - written in 2019, said that the use of brown seaweed enhances play tolerance against environmental stresses such as drought, salinity and frost. While the studies have not shown how or why the biostimulant improves the plant's ability to cope with extreme weather, they have clearly demonstrated that the Ascophyllum nodosum extracts in Algifol and its lipophilic fraction significantly increased tolerance to freezing temperatures in vitro and in vivo assays. Seaweed extracts have been used for many years and in several areas, including medicine and agriculture. Still, despite calls for the use of inorganic fertilisers to be reduced, the need to maintain or increase yields has maintained the popularity of traditional methods. One Cambridgeshire farmer has witnessed the benefits of applying Algifol to a field of frost-damaged early potatoes and still uses Algifol to this day to improve the quality of his produce Greg Gowler, who farms 450 acres in Cambridgeshire with his son Adam. In May 2017, Greg saw his early potatoes had turned black following a sharp frost. However, just one day after applying Algifol, at the rate of one litre per hectare, the leaves recovered quickly and went onto produce a good crop for him. "We had a real hard frost, and it hit my early potatoes badly," says Greg. "I was in a bit of a panic but having used Algifol 28 |

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before, I knew how good it was so I gave Marcus a ring. He arranged an express delivery. "I was amazed at how the crop recovered. The leaves went from black to normal in a matter of days, and with continued applications through the season, I got a very pleasing yield. I still use Algifol to this day." Manufactured in Germany by NeoMed-Pharma, Algifol contains significant levels of trace elements, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, polyuronides and growth-regulating plant hormones. As well as having a yield-enhancing effect, NeoMedPharma says its biostimulant also helps lower the crop's carbon footprint by improving fertiliser uptake through better rooting and improved photosynthesis, thus reducing leaching and losses to the atmosphere. "Lincolnshire, in The Gowler family particular, has been hit by hard frosts recently, and I've heard from lots of people that their crops have been affected," says Marcus. "When you combine these frosts with a lack of rainfall, it's quite a challenge to achieve good crop establishment. I think there could be millions of pounds worth of damaged crops in fields around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire at the moment, which could be revived by using a biostimulant such as Algifol. There is increasing awareness of biostimulants, and lots of the big fertiliser and chemical companies are introducing their own brands. Algifol has been established for a long time and is proven around the world. Our customers, once they've tried it, rarely go back. It really is that effective." Algifol can be used on all crop types, with MJP Supplies recommending a one litre

- Greg left Adam right - Daniel centre per hectare rate of application via a trailed or mounted sprayer. The product can be applied alongside most crop protection products. "The algae used to produe Algifol grows on rugged, rocky shores, where it is whipped by waves and at low tides endures dryness, sun and frost. The seaweed grows 30 times faster than land plants and has, over millions of years, adapted to the incredible stress of their location," adds Marcus. "The best part for farmers is that Algifol passes this stress tolerance onto plants!" To find out more about Algifol or to purchase a trial pack, visit www.mjpsupplies.co.uk; email marcus@mjpsupplies or call 07702 293 727 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Potatoes & Root crops

B-HIVE DEVELOPS UK’S FIRST POTATO PROTEIN EXTRACTION PROCESS

B-Hive Innovations

Branston

B-hive Innovations is an Agri-tech R&D business based in Lincoln. B-hive develops innovative technologies for fresh produce industry to increase marketable yield, better crop utilisation, adding new value and reducing food waste in the supply chain.

Branston is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of potatoes - for leading UK retailers and wholesalers - as well as providing seed for potato growers. It has sites in Lincoln, Scotland and the South West, with Lincoln also being the home of its award-winning prepared foods factory. Working closely with its producer groups across its three sites, Branston is supporting the development and adoption of new technologies including HarvestEye to gain value from every single potato and promote sustainability.

GRITECH R&D business BHive Innovations is leading the way in crop valorisation after developing a new process that will extract food-grade functional protein from potatoes.

Following extensive research, their extraction process will be put into practice at a new £6m protein plant facility, where construction started last week at national potato supplier Branston's headquarters in Lincolnshire. The commercial factory will include bespoke technologies and capabilities to meet the growing demand for UK-grown, plant-based food ingredients. B-Hive will work alongside Branston to deliver the facility as part of a collaborative project to improve potato crop utilisation. The factory will be the first of its kind in the UK converting humble potatoes into clean-label www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

functional protein, which has applications in vegetarian and vegan foods. A starchbased co-product will also be generated, with the potential to create a range of applications. Alison Wright, R&D project manager at B-Hive Innovations, said: “We established the process following years of research resulting in gentle extraction of food-grade functional protein that is free from allergens. Our work has been made possible by the support of collaborative partners and funding from Innovate UK, which we are incredibly grateful for. “Consumers are aware of the healthy fibre and starch content in potatoes, but they don’t always consider the protein fraction. Market research revealed there was a growing demand for UK-grown, clean-label, 100% plant-based ingredients, highlighting a commercial need that fitted perfectly with Branston’s

drive to utilise all harvested crop.” Innovate UK helps business develop new products, services and processes that they need to grow through innovation. Their drive towards net-zero provides funding opportunities in multiple areas including transforming food production and improving agricultural supply-chains. Vidyanath (Vee) Gururajan, managing director at B-Hive Innovations, said: “We’re delighted to have developed a process to support sustainability and crop utilisation for the potato industry. We are very grateful to the Innovate UK funding during the initial stages of the project and the partners who have continued to work with us in scaling up this project from concept to commercialisation.” For more information about B-Hive Innovations, visit www.bhiveinnovations.co.uk.

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Potatoes & Root crops

Potato herbicide strategies af prolonged period of dry weather followed by early May's rainfall is likely to require a change of herbicide strategy for potato growers this season.

The bulk of weed control in the sector is carried out using resid‐ ual chemistry applied to ridges shortly after planting. But with April's average rainfall dropping below 15mm – when growers typically see 72mm – weeds have not had the moisture to germinate and some growers have seen ridges degrade. Corteva Agriscience's Field Tech‐ nical Manager, Craig Chisholm, says this scenario means recent rainfall – or irrigation – will stimu‐ late both surface weeds and

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those coming from depth. He said: "The dry, cold weather means potato growers are in a different position this year when it comes to weed control and strategies will have to be adapted to 2021's conditions. "Dry ridges will lose soil from their sides, causing disruption of the seal required for residual herbi‐ cides to be effective, and will al‐ low weeds to germinate and grow away unchecked once stimulated by the arrival of moisture." Leaving weeds unchecked can hit yield and slow down harvesting machinery, but a greater threat may come from increasing the risk of blight through sheltering leaves or contributing to a more favourable microclimate.

Craig added: "The aim is always to start with a clean field then tackle any late germination but, with such limited rainfall, a more effective course of action would be to apply a herbicide when weeds begin to actively grow." Titus, containing the active in‐ gredient rimsulfuron, targets the key problem weeds and will be an invaluable tool in a dry season when pre-emergence activity will be negatively affected. Titus may be used in tank mix with metribuzin, where varieties permit, or alone with a wetter to provide post-emergence activity across all potato varieties, ex‐ cluding seed crops. Craig said the key weeds to target are charlock, cleavers, chickweed, hemp-nettle, small

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| Potatoes & Root crops

ffected by weather conditions nettle and volunteer oilseed rape. Polygonums and couch grass should also be taken out. He said: "We have seen rain since the Bank Holiday weekend and in many areas this will stimulate germination after the damage was done in terms of a pre-emergence herbicide. "We would advise a mixture of Titus plus metribuzin and a wetter to broaden the weed spectrum, but care should be taken to check that the variety is tolerant of metribuzin before adding to the mixture. "Being a sulfonylurea herbicide Titus will work most effectively against small actively growing weeds, so application should target weeds at cotyledon fourleaf stage."

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Application timing should be from rosette stage of the crop until 25cm, after which hitting the target weeds would be impaired. Titus can be used on all varieties except seed crops.

About Corteva Agriscience Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pureplay agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing

productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industryleading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019, and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.

June 2021 |

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| Cereals

Strengthen sustainability at Cereals here are many factors involved in sustainable agriculture and a special selection of seminars at the Cereals Event will explore how farmers can strengthen all the different pillars of sustainability.

From financial and mental strength to healthy soils and environment, running a sustainable farm business draws together many different elements, all of which will be discussed in the Sustainable Solutions seminars, in association with the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. “We have some of the top researchers, scientists and farmers coming together to discuss hot topics like regenerative farming, climate change and business resilience,” says Alli McEntyre, event director. Collaborative farming could be one answer, with a session on 31 June bringing together three businesses who are working in different ways to combine their strengths. “Collaborative farming brings many benefits to farming businesses; we all know the saying that two minds are better than one,” says Holly Beckett at Focussed Farmers, who is chairing the session. “Collaborative farming can come in many forms and it’s important that all parties are singing from the same hymn sheet and are clear about the aims, objectives and overall vision of what they are trying to achieve together.

“When that is clear, people coming together to achieve their goals increases ideas, motivation, productivity and resources and at a minimum, doubles the driving force required to achieve more than one can alone.”

Climate change is an increasing challenge for arable producers, with extreme weather resulting in either too much or too little water, and one seminar on 1 July will examine how best to manage this. Nuffield scholar Rob Burtonshaw will explain the productivity and environmental benefits of investing in drainage, helping to reduce run off and increase soil resilience. This not only leads to greater crop productivity, it mitigates risks of soils and pesticides entering watercourses. “Drainage is a long term investment, I would expect a scheme to still be performing at least 20 years after installation, and on the right soil a great deal longer than that,” says Mr Burtonshaw. It also can bring benefits to the bottom

line. “Income is improved by increased yield and quality; there is also better crop uptake of soil mineral nitrogen which reduces inputs.” But maintaining drainage is important. “Cleaning ditches and clearing outfalls is a simple and cheap way of improving the efficiency of the drainage system.” Working towards net zero is undoubtably a pillar of sustainability and something which young farmers have embraced – hear from those making a difference in the climate change challenge session at 4pm on 1 July. In 2020 the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, NFU and Championing the Farmed Environment (CFE) - supported by Defra - launched a competition for young farmers to record a short video sharing their ideas and actions for achieving net zero by 2040. Winner of the over 18s category was Elliot Cole, a mixed farmer from Devon. He uses litter from his 120,000 chickens in the farm’s biogas plant to generate electricity and woodchip from sustainable local forests to heat the sheds. “In return we get natural fertiliser to grow the barley we feed the bulls; this has cut our artificial fertiliser use by 99% which has shown many benefits for soil health, as more carbon can be kept in the soil and less nitrous oxide released.” To view the full seminar programme and to book tickets visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk. YFC members are entitled to tickets at a discount rate – contact the NFYFC for more details. •

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The Cereals Event will be held in Lincolnshire on 30 June – 1 July 2021 and will comply with all required biosecurity measures against Covid-19. For more information or to register for tickets visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk.

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| Cereals

Promo offers and vouchers for buildings at Cereals ‘21 raham Heath Construction is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of steel framed buildings for the agricultural, industrial and equestrian industries and since its opening in 2003, has supplied over 8,000 buildings. The team can design, supply and fit a steel frame building for a customer as an off the shelf design or a fully bespoke build.

For the first time in over a year, the company is delighted to be able to exhibit again after the Covid-19 pandemic. Kicking off a number of exhibitions throughout the second half of the year is Cereals, the arable event, at Boothby Graffoe in Lincolnshire from 30th June until 1st July, 2021. In addition to money off vouchers, Graham Heath Construction will be running a number of promotional offers on a range of their steel framed buildings, from grain stores and straw barns to livestock and general purpose buildings, across this 2 day show. Visit Graham Heath Construction on stand 129, in the Business section at Cereals 2021, Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire from 30th June-1st July for

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more information on how they can provide you with the perfect steel framed building.

Graham Heath Construction will be exhibiting at Cereals 2021 from 30th June-1st July 2021 on stand 129 in the Business section.

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Cereals

The New Plug&Cool Pedestal lug&Cool have had a busy time before harvest 2021. From redesigning their polypropylene pedestals, to launching a brand new online shop for their product range – there has been no rest for the Plug&Cool team!

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The Launch Of The New Plug&Cool® Pedestal Plug&Cool is proud to launch their new pedestal, which is better than ever. And it’s not just a brand-new colour, they also have updated the design for even better efficiency and airflow.

Technical Specs Manufactured in their UK warehouse, the new pedestals have an impressive range of specifications. Built to make your life easier they have standardised the perforations. This keeps the air flowing equally and makes for more effective crop conditioning.

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| Cereals your day starts early and ends late. You can now buy exactly what you need, when you need it. With fair and transparent pricing, you know you are always getting a good deal. They are the same brilliant quality Gibbons’ products – now they just have their own dedicated website. Plug&Cool is continually testing and improving their products. The perforations are 125mm x 3.5mm, so large enough that the air flows out smoothly, but not blocked by grain. The polypropylene is hard wearing, super thick and sturdy. No chance of rusting or buckling with this model. Check Them out at Cereals Go and visit the Plug&Cool team on stand 920 at the Cereals Event on the 30th June. Where you will be able to view the pedestals, check out their fans, and chat to their friendly sales team. Can’t get to Cereals? Aren’t going to Cereals this year? Or want to get your order in earlier? Go and have a look at Plug&Cool’s new website. The Plug&Cool® range is now available to buy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No more waiting for office hours to put an order in, as they understand that isn’t convenient when

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The New Site The new Plug&Cool® website has been designed with you in mind, they have tried to make it as easy as possible for you to buy exactly what you need. Whether that is a new 1.1kw fan or an entire grain cooling system. You can now buy at your ease, and in most cases, it will be with you the next day. They noticed that it was easy to get lost on their old site, so they have made it really easy to find the products you want to look at – everything is on one page. The Plug&Cool team wants to make your life as easy as possible, whether that is by designing a new pedestal to increase airflow to your crop, or saving you time by supporting you to buy online. Check out their new website at www.plugandcool.co.uk

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Cereals

Putting sprayers through their paces at Cereals t is a critical time for UK farmers, tasked with improving the efficiency and accuracy of chemical sprays. When making large investments into new spraying equipment it is vital to choose the correct machine for farm size, terrain and type of crops grown.

That’s why Cereals 2021 has reprofiled the Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers arena to mimic real-life situations, with a bumpy track and sloped areas to really put the machines through their paces. With a full schedule of demonstrators showcasing the latest innovations and application technology there’s a host to see that could improve your business. The latest sprayers will be tested

on operator comfort, stability and self-levelling ability, weight, speed, sprayer height, boom length and crop application accuracy. Here are just some of the new additions to look out for. altek Smart-C Spray The new altek GPS-controlled “Smart-C-Spray 124” system allows operators to use all the latest efficient air-inclusion low

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drift nozzles in their plant protection applications. This new alternative to PWM systems has many advanced features to ensure the most efficient and environmentally friendly spray applications. These include up to four spray lines capable of operating individually or in combination with others selected from the terminal, allowing for multiple nozzle selection and rates from the cab. Auto Nozzle Select allows the spray lines to change nozzle size/combinations automatically to compensate for speed increase/ application increase. Variable rate application, fast response to pressure and flow changes, flow monitoring and turn compensation add to the package, which can be retrofitted to most sprayer makes. Amazone The new Pantera 4504 selfpropelled sprayer is designed to set new standards in precision plant protection application and ease of operation This new generation focuses on increased work rates and reduced workload for the driver.

The new twin, pressure-stable and liquid-fertiliser proof AR piston diaphragm pumps, with a total output capacity of 520 litres/ min, have been repositioned, reducing noise during the filling process while still offering a fill

capacity of up to 700 litres/min. The SmartCenter Comfort-Pack plus makes machine operation much easier with its touchscreen. The operator selects the desired function and the sprayer adjusts automatically, filling the spray agent and freshwater tanks to the required level or running an automatic cleaning programme, for example. ContourControl active boom guidance and SwingStop boom tip swing compensation ensure the best boom ride, even at the larger working widths of 40m. This means higher forward speeds are possible during application, and – combined with the AmaSelect electric individual nozzle control - takes the sprayer to the highest level of precision. John Deere Mazzotti’s new compact selfpropelled sprayer, the MAF 4080, makes its UK show debut at Cereals 2021. This 175hp

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| Cereals 4000-litre capacity model features a new M-Spray dualcircuit solution system, a range of MK spray booms from 24 to 36m wide, John Deere spray controls, a new operator station and a high-performance hydrostatic 40 or 50kph transmission as standard. John Deere will also be demonstrating the mid-range R740i trailed sprayer, promising precision and intelligent technology. This 4000-litre capacity machine offers boom widths from 18 to 30m, with premium features including a new multi-functional control lever, the Solution Command operator station and the proven PowrSpray dual-circuit solution system. This reduces filling times, improves spray application and increases accuracy. This new sprayer is also available with a closed transfer system (CTS)-ready option, and can be equipped with an individual nozzle control system. This electronic solution allows customers to save up to 5% on the cost of plant protection products. Knight Farm Machinery

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Cereals 2021 will offer farmers the first opportunity to see the latest innovations from Knight Farm Machinery, which has revised many features of both its self-propelled and trailed sprayer ranges over the past two years. The 1800 series self-propelled model now has a lower-set cab, lowering the machine’s centre of gravity. “The lower cab position enables us to offer a greater range of wider two-fold booms, which will cut folding/unfolding times and reduce machine weight – an important consideration for some customers,” says sales manager David Main. The firm will also show the new 1850 self-propelled model featuring a 5,000-litre spray tank, to complement the smaller models already in the range. It has also completely uprated the Trailblazer range, with Pro series machines including new innovations like a sprung drawbar, which offers a more even ride both on the road and in the field. The new design includes simplified plumbing, an air purge system, auto-clean water tank and new induction hopper which aids effective

cleaning of the whole system. Other recent innovations include introducing Series V engines across its self-propelled range; under-boom lighting to monitor spray performance in poor light conditions; single-nozzle switching systems and a boommounted nozzle cleaning/ checking kit. Syngenta Syngenta will be introducing its new 3D Ninety nozzle at Cereals 2021. The pioneering nozzle has been specifically designed and engineered to better target spray application, while also reducing the risk of drift. Visitors will also be able to see the new EasyConnect closed transfer system in operation on new sprayers. •

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Cereals

See the latest machinery at Cereals 2021 achinery is a vital cog in the farming process and when looking to invest in new kit, making the right decision is essential. But with technology ever evolving it can be difficult to choose without physically seeing the equipment in action – and the Cereals Event provides the first chance to do this in well over a year.

arena, with exhibitors from Amazone to John Deere heading to the ring to show off their equipment. “Our new ring mimics real-life conditions, with slopes and bumpy tracks,” says Ms McEntyre. “The latest sprayers will be put through their paces on operator comfort, stability and self-levelling ability, weight, speed, sprayer height, boom length and crop application accuracy.”

This year’s physical Cereals Event (30 June – 1 July) provides the perfect opportunity to get up close with the latest kit and speak to the experts. “There will be a vast array of equipment both in action and on display and it will be great for visitors to see them in the flesh after a year without such an opportunity,” says Alli McEntyre, event director.

Here’s just some of what visitors can expect to see at the event:

Live demos include direct drills, strip tills, cultivators, drones and robots; and there will be all of the usual static demonstrations, from combine harvesters to the latest tractors. Visitors will also be able to see kit in action in the Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers

AgBot A must see is the AgBot in action; presented by AgXeed, the AgBot Ecosystem is a digital path planning, autonomous task performing and automatic data collection robot, controlled with just a couple of clicks. Using existing and standard tools on your farm, the AgBot Ecosystem is ready to use right out of the box. AgXeed provides a smart and ready to use autonomy system with scalable and customisable hardware, virtual planning tools and valuable data models.

Amazone Cereals will see the unveiling of the new Pantera 4504 self-propelled sprayer, boasting more precise plant protection application with an all-new SmartCenter and 60-litre induction bowl for powder and granules. The new twin, pressure-stable and liquid-fertiliser proof AR piston diaphragm pumps, with a total output capacity of 520 litres/min, have been repositioned, dramatically reducing noise during the filling process, and offer a fill capacity of up to 700 litres/ min. Also on its first outing is the new GreenDrill 501 universal catch crop seeder box, suitable for sowing catch crops, fine seeds, undersown crops and spreading micro-granules, pellets and micro-fertilisers. The 500-litre capacity plastic seed hopper can easily be accessed using steps and a platform for rapid seed filling and has a screw lock to protect the contents against dust and moisture. The seed hopper has a fill level sensor that can be mounted in two positions and, in the bottom, a sieve to protect the hopper from foreign bodies. Opico Opico will be launching the HE-VA Disc Roller Contour XL, designed for a more aggressive cultivation than its smaller sibling, the Disc Roller Contour. The XL is suitable for both primary and secondary cultivations at high speeds, from stale seedbed preparation to the destruction of standing cover crops. It will also be launching the HE-VA Top Cutter Solo: Aimed at organic and conventional farmers it is designed to roll, cut and bruise cover, catch and vegetable crops, reducing the reliance

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| Cereals Glenn Bootman, HE-VA product manager. John Deere

on herbicides. It also benefits maize stubbles by reducing the burden of maize boring worm and fusarium, helping to reduce the reliance on pesticides. The standard twin rotor machine is front mounted, although it can be supplied with an optional 3-point kit to mount it on the rear of the tractor. This means it can be used independently or in conjunction with a cultivator or drill. “As we all know, one pass systems have the economic benefit of time and fuel savings as well as minimising compaction with reduced traffic helping to conserve integrity of the soil,” says

Making their event debuts are the John Deere 7R 350 and awardwinning 8RX fourtrack tractors, while the R740i trailed sprayer and Mazzotti MAF 4080 selfpropelled sprayer with 36m boom can be seen in the Sprays and Sprayers demonstration arena. Built in a compact frame for easy manoeuvrability in the field, the 8RX Series has been developed with the aim of maximising soil protection without compromising tractor performance.

wheat at an impressive 100 tonnes per hour at less than 1% grain loss. Direct drilling demonstrations Minimal soil disturbance and cover crops are the cornerstones of conservation agriculture; with this in mind direct drilling demonstrations will also be running – new for Cereals 2021. A wide range of demonstrators will be on hand to help with any questions on conservation agriculture. Isuzu Isuzu will be showcasing its new D-Max. Featuring all the qualities of the previous model, the D-Max has been fine-tuned and visitors to this year’s Cereals Event will be able to test drive it for themselves across a purpose-built off-road course. There will also be a towing area where visitors can test their towing prowess in the new D-Max. •

Also featured for the first time at Cereals 2021, the flagship X9 combine represents the next level of John Deere harvesting performance to help largescale farmers achieve more tonnes per hour and more hectares per day, specifically in tough, high yielding, wet conditions. The X9 1100 can harvest

NIAB’s Soil Hole is rooting for you

ost farmers will dig a hole to assess their soil health, but it’s not often they get the chance to literally get below ground to assess the impact of different crops on soil structure. But at this year’s Cereals Event (30 June – 1 July) in Lincolnshire, farmers can do just that.

The NIAB Soil Hole is a firm favourite with visitors to the Cereals Event, giving farmers a worm’s eye view of life beneath the surface. The 20m long, 2m deep hole provides a showcase for a wide range of research and information on rotations, cultivations, tillage and soil management from NIAB specialists and project partners. This year farmers will be able to see how different crops can help influence the health and structure of soils. “Rotational decisions are often made with limited thought about the impact on soil,” explains Dr Elizabeth Stockdale, soil scientist at NIAB. “A farmers’ soils are unique; location, crop choice and their management methods mean soils differ from one field to the next – and no farmer truly farms the same way as another. “But all farmers need to look at using plants and tillage together to help restore soil health and create the ideal structure, with a range of pore sizes for www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

maximum water and nutrient holding capacity.”

So what makes good soil structure? “To have good soil structure there needs to be a mix of big and small pores – good pore size distribution is like a road network allowing the movement and retention of water,” she explains. “The bigger pores are motorways and move water through the soil, while the network of smaller pores are B roads and hold water which plants can draw from when needed.” Compaction and low biological activity compromise pore networks and result in limited rooting systems which can’t access deeper nutrients and water. This not only affects the crop but increases input costs, due to higher applications. This year the Soil Hole’s surrounding plots show alternative break crops, herbal ley mixtures and a hybrid versus conventional comparison of above and below ground crop growth in winter oilseed rape, wheat and barley. “What will be interesting to see is the difference in rooting systems between hybrid and conventional crops,” says Dr Stockdale. “If hybrid crops have more vigour on top, does that also mean they have stronger rooting down below? And what does that mean for the soil?” Herbal leys allow growers to broaden

their rotation and boost soil organic matter, and visitors to the Hole can see the difference these can make. They will also be able to see the impact of alternatives to winter oilseed rape like canary seed, spring linseed, lentils and ahiflower alongside spring legumes like lupins, peas and field beans.

The NIAB Soil Hole attracts a lot of attention, so will be operating within Covid guidelines, says event director Alli McEntyre. “To keep visitors safe NIAB has worked hard to create a self-guided tour with information boards throughout to share insights and highlight areas of interest,” she says. “A range of experts will be on hand above ground to answer any questions and we know they are equally as keen to speak with those coming to the event. “The NIAB Soil Hole will be complemented by soil health seminars in the Cereals AHDB Theatre on day two, presentations within the NAAC Land Drainage Hub, and in the direct drill demo area.” •

June 2021 |

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| Cereals

Varieties at the heart of Cereals 2021 V

ariety choice can make or break a profitable year, so growers need to feel confident when introducing any new variety to the rotation. At the Cereals Event (30 June – 1 July) in Lincolnshire, growers can gain valuable insight into the latest genetics to reach the market. At the very heart of the Cereals Event are the crop plots, featuring 314 plots including listed and candidate varieties on AHDB’s latest Recommended Lists (RL) supplied and exhibited by a wide range of exhibitors. Growers will be able to see treated and untreated plots of winter and spring wheat and barley, oilseed rape, linseed, maize and herbage, as well as more niche crops like borage, rye, red wheat and naked oats. Exhibitors’ variety demonstration plots are always a popular attraction, showcasing the latest in crop breeding and protection methods – and it is the ability to physically see the growing crops that really piques visitors’ interest. “Resilience has been high on the agenda for growers –with yellow rust and Septoria resistance a key part of this,” says Clare Leaman, cereal variety specialist at NIAB. “It has been a difficult few years for crops, with significant pressures from weather extremes, pest and disease challenge, and changes in policy. But no one size fits all so it’s important that growers look at individual profiles,” she adds. “New varieties reduce risk by offering growers the latest in breeding development,” says Ms Leaman. “Importantly, they increase the choice and range of crop profiles, which allows growers to select varieties which are better suited to their conditions, as well as expanding their marketing options.” Mark Bollebakker, senior field trial manager at AHDB, is anticipating a keen interest in the new varieties. “There are some exciting new varieties on the list this year – but 40 |

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growers need to be looking at their own specific disease pressures and crop challenges rather than focusing on yield.” Four out of the five new group three wheat varieties will be on display. “A development for this group is a notable improvement in Septoria resistance,” says Mr Bollebakker. “Brown rust resistance is good – but growers will need to look at yellow rust and mildew ratings when selecting varieties for their growing area. Out of the new varieties, Prince has the highest yield but a lower specific weight and mildew resistance,” he adds.

Also on display is a new soft group four variety which will be of interest to growers in the North. “Swallow has shown to have exceptional distilling potential. The Scotch Whisky Research Institute found it consistently outperformed the current varieties in alcohol yield,” he says. “The variety has very good lodging resistance and good all round disease resistance – its Septoria rating offers particular improvement compared to varieties currently grown for the grain distilling market.” And the hard group fours have seen two new additions – both to be found on the crop plots. “RGT Wolverine’s BYDV resistance trait is going to be attractive to growers,” says Mr Bollebakker. “It has a good yield and an okay Septoria and brown rust rating – but it is not resistant to orange wheat blossom midge and it has a yellow rust rating at the lower end which growers need to consider.” KWS Cranium is a really high yielder with an average specific

weight, good lodging, Septoria and yellow rust resistance – it is also orange wheat blossom midge resistant, he explains. “It performed well in extremes of weather in last year’s trials, but it is a little later than current leaders and not so strong on brown rust and mildew.” Mr Bollebakker is also eager for growers to see some of the new barley varieties. There are three new two-row winter barleys – Bordeaux, KWS Tardis, and Bolton. All have competitive yields against the six-row varieties, with the latter two varieties offering good lodging resistance. And two new six-row hybrid varieties – SY Kingston and SY Thunderbolt. “They offer good specific weights and early maturity, but their resistance to lodging is only moderate and will need careful management,” he says. New additions to the spring barley range expand growers’ choice. “Skyway has big malting potential and is currently under testing for brewing by the Maltster’s Association of Great Britain,” he says. “It has the highest treated and untreated yield in trials – and is also an attractive feed variety.” For growers in the East and West, Cadiz has given high yields. “It’s a newly recommended feed variety which has given high yields in treated and untreated trials,” he says. The later date of this year’s Cereals Event means crop plots will be more advanced than in previous years, but they still give visitors a chance to compare varieties side by side while getting the low-down from experts in the field, says event director Alli McEntyre. “Nothing compares to seeing the crop plots in person, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back on-site in Lincolnshire in June.” •

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June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Cereals

Award-winning technology at Cereals 2021 ohn Deere’s leading precision ag technology solutions for arable farmers and contractors will be featured on the company’s stand (525) at Cereals 2021 on June 30 and July 1, alongside its latest new products.

Among these, and making their event debut, are the 7R 350 and awardwinning 8RX four-track tractors, while the R740i trailed sprayer and Mazzotti MAF 4080 self-propelled sprayer with 36m boom can be seen in the Sprays & Sprayers demonstration arena. Built in a compact frame for easy manoeuvrability in the field, the 8RX Series has been developed with the aim of maximising soil protection without compromising tractor performance. Following a series of dealer roadshows, individual customer demonstrations and virtual events in 2020, the 8RX has proved to be extremely popular with UK farmers and contractors, who have recognised and experienced its successful combination of soil preservation with greater productivity. Also featured for the first time at Cereals 2021, the flagship X9 combine represents the next level of John Deere harvesting performance to help largescale farmers achieve more tonnes per 42 |

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals hour and more hectares per day, specifically in tough, high yielding, wet conditions. The X9 1100 can harvest wheat at an impressive 100 tonnes per hour at less than one per cent grain loss. An 8RX tractor and ExactEmerge planter combination were featured in a virtual John Deere display at the US Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, which is billed as the world’s largest technology event. In the lead up to this year’s show, the new X9 Series combines were recognised in the Robotics category of the 2021 CES Innovation Awards. This was the second straight year John Deere has received such an award, after the 8RX tractor was honoured in the ‘Tech for a Better World’ category in 2020. These awards recognise outstanding product design and engineering in technology products that impact society and the world in a positive way. The X9 Series combines also received a 2021 AE50 Award for outstanding innovations that improve production agriculture.

Featuring the stepless AutoPowr transmission as standard, the new top of the range 7R 350 tractor develops up to 388hp with Intelligent Power Management. With a minimum shipping weight of only 11.4 tonnes, this latest 7R Series model boasts an impressive

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power to weight ratio of just 29kg/hp. Upgrades include a new luxury cab with top-quality massage seat, the CommandPRO joystick and enhanced Precision Ag technology features.

In addition, with the newly simplified, free of charge Operations Centre mobile and web versions, users can view, manage and analyse all their operations from any location.

Especially now, John Deere and its dealer network see the future of farming in connectivity that makes the most of machine, field and agronomy data in the decision-making process and provides full control of the production chain. The company is pioneering the use of such data based around the new MyJohnDeere.com website portal and proactive Connected Support systems, to provide increased uptime, higher performance and reduced operating costs.

Precision and intelligent technology are also incorporated in the mid-range R740i trailed sprayer. This 4000-litre capacity machine offers boom widths from 18 to 30m, with premium features including a new multi-functional control lever, the Solution Command operator station and the proven PowrSpray dualcircuit solution system. This reduces filling times, improves spray application and increases accuracy.

Investment in a premium connectivity package can provide average savings of up to £48/ha. These figures can typically be achieved through a combination of increased productivity and machine efficiency, consistent accuracy, less wear and tear on equipment and typical fuel savings of 10 to 15 per cent, as highlighted by the recently expanded Fuel Guarantee programme. The John Deere Operations Centre in MyJohnDeere.com serves as the central online location for users to safely and securely connect to their machines and fields. Additional support is available from third-party implement manufacturers, input suppliers, software companies and service providers such as crop advisors and other specialist consultants.

This new sprayer is also available with a closed transfer system (CTS)-ready option, and can be equipped with an individual nozzle control (INC) system. This electronic solution allows customers to save up to five per cent of the cost of plant protection products. Mazzotti’s new compact self-propelled sprayer, the MAF 4080, also makes its UK show debut at Cereals 2021. This Tier 5 175hp 4000-litre capacity model features a new M-Spray dual-circuit solution system, a wide range of MK spray booms from 24 to 36m wide, John Deere spray controls including INC, a new John Deere-sourced operator station and a high-performance hydrostatic 40 or 50kph transmission as standard.

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Grain

Grain Handling Solutions from Perry of Oakley Ltd. erry of Oakley Ltd., a 3rd generation family business established in 1947, have significant experience in materials handling, having supplied over 11,000 chain & flight conveyors in over 25 different countries across 4 continents. Perry agricultural chain & flight conveyors come with heavy duty chain, fitted with deep faced flight, perfect for handling cereals, pulses & granular products. The three-piece trough & durable galvanised steel construction provides an exceptional life span, backed up by the Perry 10 year guarantee*.

In 1949, Tom Perry built the very first Perry belt & bucket elevator with a capacity of 5tph. Perry equipment can now reach capacities over 1,000tph with an extensive range of handling equipment which includes: reception hoppers, trench intakes, levelling & travelling conveyors, twin trace conveyors, belt conveyors, screw conveyors, and of course chain & flight 44 |

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conveyors and belt & bucket elevators. All Perry products come in three main ranges: agricultural (8-60tph), lightindustrial (60-150tph) & industrial machines (150-1000tph) - each purposefully designed to meet specific requirements.

The Perry range of agricultural belt & bucket elevators, can come in either single or double lift, meaning only one elevator is required to transport wet & dry grain, and are supplied with oil resistant low stretch belting as standard. Slatted pulleys help with movement of grain, with the product able to fall through the elevator without creating product build up. Perry elevators are supplied in a galvanised finish (painted optional) & 3mm thick head and boot shell for long life durability. All elevators are available with an access platform using a ladder & hoops to meet all safety standards. Perry also supply an extensive range of silos that include flat bottom silos, with 3m to 32m diameter, and storage

capacities ranging from 27m³ to 26,000m³.

Hopper bottom silos range from 3m to 13m diameter with either 45° or 60° cones. The hopper silo ranges can be manufactured with either a heavy-duty hip ring or with an internal light weight hip ensuring we can supply the most cost-effective solution for you. With over 70 years’ experience in the manufacture of materials handling, drying & storage equipment Perry have provided a solution for a significant range of projects. Perry provide high quality machinery to a wide variety of industries, including farms, commercial grain stores, waste & aggregate industries, feed & pet food, pharmaceutical & biomass industries, and many others. To find out more about Perry’s range of handling & drying equipment call +44 (0)1404 890300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk *Term & conditions apply. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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June 2021 |

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June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Grain

Busting the myths and sharing the principles of grain storage of Dealey Environmental Ltd shared his top tips as part of the webinar, which included: • Remove any waste quickly and keep areas around the grain store clear • Ensure your store is completely clean, rodent free and rodent proof • Cool your grain as quickly as possible • If using treatment products, ensure the correct PPE is used, the treatment has penetrated all cracks and crevices and the correct dose is being applied

nsects get into grain stores on the back of rodents’, ‘I have a new store so there’s no need to fumigate it’ and ‘grain pests only live in grain stores’….these were just a few of the myths busted in a recent AHDB webinar on the subject of grain storage, drying and pest management. Teresa Meadows, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager, shares the discussion and conclusions from the session. Pest management Highlighting the importance of thinking about the conditions in and around your store to mitigate against grain pests and, if needed, the best ways to manage insects if found, Martin Cobbald, Managing Director

• Continue routing monitoring for insects in grain – pitfall traps and sieves are both good tools to use And the answers to the myths? “If you have a rodent infestation, they can translocate and bring in materials to store that then create ideal conditions for insects (rather than the pests coming in on the rodents themselves); if you have a new store, treating it is important if you have an insect risk, but it should be at a high volume and finally our grain pests found in store can also be found thriving in the wider environment, for example rust red grain beetles in Thetford Forest” says Martin. Grain storage and management The importance of calibrating your moisture meter before the season starts to ensure accurate measurements, store hygiene, the servicing of equipment and managing grain

to ensure effective drying and cooling were all key points shared by Philip Darke, Operations Director at Camgrain as part of the webinar, in addition. Ongoing monitoring and record keeping through the season is important, said Philip; “Act promptly and don’t forget that your bulk is in the shed when you’re busy. Have a really good programme in place that looks after everything all the time, however busy you are, as once an issue starts to develop, it can very easily get out of control and fast action is essential”. Philip’s three golden rules were: 1. Aeration – most crops can be held with good ventilation 2. Segregation – avoid contamination, eg. ergot, mycotoxins, fusarium, other crops 3. Water leaks – ensure regular careful inspection of roof/floors. Difficult to spot and can be catastrophic. Lastly, “more than ever for this harvest, make sure that you have sufficient critical spares in stock, which you might need and will keep the operation running”, said Philip. Ensuring safe, effective grain storage from start to finish assures crop quality and value. To watch the webinar recording, please visit the AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds channel on YouTube and for AHDB resources on grain storage, please visit: ahdb.org.uk/ grainstorage.

Hit milling wheat bonuses by focusing on nutrition rowers of high quality wheat are being urged to consider applying a range of crop nutrients at the critical flag leaf stage, as bonuses up to £20 per tonne are being offered for milling wheat with a protein content of 13% or more.

With wheat prices currently sitting at £200.00/tonne, FMC commercial technical manager Geoffrey Bastard explains that an extra £160 per hectare could be achieved, for an eight-tonne crop of milling wheat if protein specifications are met. “Boosting grain protein levels is all about correct nutrition,” says Geoffrey. “This is especially important when growing group one milling wheats such as Crusoe, as they have greater potential to meet these specifications but are often more susceptible to diseases, which means they can benefit from extra support.” Although nitrogen is widely recognised as the key driver behind increased protein levels, other nutrients, such as magnesium

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and sulphur, are equally important. “Applying a variety of nutritional elements at T2 will be fundamental to achieving the bonuses on offer,” explains Geoffrey. “Magnesium is essential for the transport of nitrogen. If magnesium levels are low, nitrogen will remain in the leaves and stems, and won’t be transported to the grain where it’s needed to increase protein and amino acids. Magnesium also helps extend the grain fill period, so ensuring adequate availability in the plant sets the groundwork for optimum nitrogen use efficiency,” he says. “Likewise sulphur also plays an important role in boosting grain protein, as it aids nitrogen uptake and increases flour quality. This is especially important if you’re exporting your grain as flour quality is often rigorously checked via a Chopin alveograph test.”

While magnesium is routinely applied to wheat at the flag leaf stage, sulphur should also be applied between flowering and grain milk development to achieve the highest protein content possible. Geoffrey recommends an application of Prince®, which contains magnesium, sulphur, and a range of other micronutrients to aid plant health. It should be applied at 3.0-6.0L product/ha from crop GS39-59, dependent on current nutrient status. “Prince® can fit in well with can fit well with a range of other products at the T2 timing as it tank-mixes easily with other products,” Geoffrey says. “In light of the bonus offers available, if you’re growing a group one variety, it’s worthwhile investing in nutrition, as it will pay dividends when it comes to harvest quality,” he concludes.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

JWI Ltd introduces the Westrup CC-2500 into the UK t's an exciting time for North Yorkshire based JWI Ltd as they supply the first Westrup CC2500 into the UK marketplace - standing at over 4 meters in height this is one of the largest screen cleaners to be manufactured globally.

“We are very fortunate to have a great distributor network around the world and JWI is a great example of this. It won’t be long before the CC-2500 is making a notable difference to the JWI end customers.”

For more information: www.jwi.ltd charles@jwi.ltd 01325 378008

The impressive CC2500 boasts: •

Total Screen area: 60m2 with below possibilities for flow: Flow 1 – pre cleaning: 20m2 sand screen and 40m2 scalping screens. Flow 2 – fine cleaning: 40m2 sand screens and 20m2 scalping screens.

•

Capacity for pre cleaning wheat at 12t/ m2 scalping screen: up to 480t/ hour wheat, 750kg/m3 with moisture content at 18%

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Capacity for fine cleaning wheat at 1,2t/ m2 sand screen: Up to 48t/ hour wheat, 750kg/m3 with moisture content at 15%

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Industrial cleaning of wheat at 6,25t/ m2 scalping screen: Up to 250t/ hour

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Capacity for malting barley at 2,2t/m2 sand screen: Up to 88t/ hour

Company Director Charles White, “The JWI team are thrilled to be introducing this high capacity pre-cleaner to our customers – the CC2500 is the largest seed cleaner Westrup can build and it’s capabilities speak for themselves – it’s an exceptional addition to our portfolio and we are looking forward to seeing our customers reap the rewards this machine delivers.”

JWI are the exclusive distributors for Westrup within the UK – a relationship which is valued on both sides as Willem Verbeek, Westrup Sales Manager, explains, www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Grassland and Silage

Professional Quality from Silotite

or over 35 years, Silotite has been used by farmers and contractors all over the world to wrap millions of silage and haylage bales every year. As part of its mission to continually improve efficiency, ease of use and sustainability, Silotite have added new products to their Professional Range of bale wrapping films.

BaletiteGo Our new BaletiteGO baler film has a high holding force, meaning the bale is more compact and denser. With less oxygen in the bale, the fermentation process will be better, resulting in less mould and improved silage quality for livestock. BaletiteGO comes in easy to use sleeve packaging, with cardboard disks to

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protect the reel ends, each reel is fully protected, until it is ready to be used. Due to our advanced pro technology, BaletiteGO is pre stretched on the machine and it only needs to be tensioned around the bale. A low stretch level of 10-15% is needed.

With a 20µm thickness, BaletiteGO is

more tear resistant and can be used in challenging bale conditions, and allows less layers to be used in the right conditions. It is also easier to open during feed out, with no fodder becoming enmeshed because of its smooth surface. Whether opening manually or mechanically, even frozen bales are easy to open and feed out, saving you valuable time. Silotite1800

Designed specifically with contractors in mind, Silotite1800 is perfect for both round and square bales and can be used on any type of crop and bale wrapping machinery. With its 1800m length, contractors get up to 20% more bales per reel, meaning less downtime to change reels. Along with the quality of film you’d expect from Silotite, our new Silotite1800 is a technically

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| Grassland and Silage

advanced stretchfilm that has an enhanced oxygen barrier and UV

protection for bales, whatever the weather. The innovative sleeve packaging offers significant advantages for farmers and contractors. Being lighter than the standard cardboard box, there is a reduction of almost 20kg in packaging material used on every pallet. Cardboard also takes up a lot of space on the pallet. By using sleeve packaging we can add an extra 300m of film on each reel. Along with time savings, Silotite1800 means there is 20% less handling, transportation and storage space required. Both BaletiteGo and Silotite1800 come in unique sleeve packaging that means no bulky boxes to handle, and recycling is easy, as the packaging is made from the same film as the bale wrap. No separating of recycling materials is needed. Another

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advantage of the sleeve packaging is that the reel is more protected when it is stored on the baler.

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Grassland and Silage

Maximising home-grown fo ith feed prices set to rocket this year, maximising the quality of home-grown forage with the use of a silage additive has never been more beneficial.

Andrew Sincock, commercial director at Agriton UK, explains silage additives will potentially play an important role in supporting the bottom line this year and shouldn’t be scrapped in a bid to cut costs. “The recent dry and cold weather

conditions we have experienced during the spring, along with the rising input prices, could lead some farmers to risk skipping the use of silage additives this year. But with feed prices set to rise and the changeability of the weather, it’s not worth chancing. Quality silage can make a big difference to farm productivity,” he says. “In addition to this, finding a suitable silage window after the wet weather in May could cause further difficulties for farmers so the use of silage additives will be more important than

ever this year,” he adds. Andrew explains that the benefits of a silage additive should not be underestimated particularly when it comes to the ability of additives to help create a stable clamp environment. “Microbes in additives can help to lower the pH of forage faster and further, compared to untreated silage. This reduces the likelihood of moulds forming and causing spoilage of the silage, or worse, mycotoxin contamination.

Think safety first to avoid silage accidents

eading rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging farmers to make safety their first priority as a delayed silage first cut gets underway.

Andy Manson, Managing Director of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Limited, said: “Slow grass growth due to the dry and cold spring has delayed first cut – but following recent rain in some areas farmers are now rushing to get grass harvested and time pressures can add to risks. “Silage making is one of the busiest times of the year for livestock farmers and contractors, and puts machinery and workers under a lot of strain. Tractors and trailers which may not have been out 52 |

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for months suddenly get used to the max, and long hours can increase the risk of accidents when drivers are tired.” NFU Mutual strongly supports the Tilly your Trailer initiative. The Tilly Pass is an 18-point inspection procedure and certificate aimed at ensuring trailers are properly maintained, safe for road use and comply with safety legislation (HSE PUWER ‘98). Andy Manson added: “This year, with many more people out and about in the countryside, it’s also important to make all team members aware of lanes and commonly used routes through fields used by walkers and cyclists so they can take care to avoid the risk of a collision.

“Even though COVID-19 cases have fallen substantially, it’s still important to maintain precautions - including social distancing, masks indoors and regular hand washing to reduce the risk of infection.” To help farmers avoid accidents and breakdowns through the silage making season, NFU Mutual has updated its silage making safety checklist. NFU Mutual silage safety checklist: • Regularly check moving parts of mowers, tedders, forage harvesters and balers, including guarding e.g. PTO shafts, for wear or damage and carry out all recommended maintenance

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| Grassland and Silage

orage with silage additives “Spoilage and contamination all have knock-on implications to cow performance and this risk needs to be reduced or eliminated where possible,” he adds. In addition, Andrew also says that that the inclusion of yeast in an additive, such as in EM Silage, can help farmers save on additional feed inputs which could pay dividends this year. “Yeast helps to produce propylene

• Switch off engines and ensure parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance. Remove the keys as well to prevent accidental starting •

Put in place a system for keeping in contact with lone workers

•

Keep mobile phones on your person - not left in a tractor or pick up cab

•

Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of overhead power lines (OHPL’s) and check that the machinery will safely pass under wires and restrictions

•

Keep children away from working areas www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

glycol, during the fermentation of silage. Many farmers feed propylene glycol to freshly calved cows to combat energy deficiencies, but there is evidence to suggest that 10g/kg DM of propylene glycol is produced when farmers treat forage with EM Silage due to the addition of yeast. This can mean there’s a reduced need to buy in propylene glycol, helping farmers to save costs.

drive greater intakes, improving feed efficiency and on-farm performance,” he adds. “Through the utilisation of additives, farmers have the opportunity to make top quality silage from their home-grown forage this year, which has great palatability, is nutritionally beneficial for cattle and helps to keep costs down,” he concludes.

“The yeast itself also helps to increase palatability which helps to

•

Never overfill a Silage Clamp as this increases the risk of vehicles overturning when rolling or filling

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Supervise new staff closely until you are sure they are competent to do the work

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For Indoor Clamps, keep away for the first 72 hours as this is when the dangerous gas nitrogen dioxide can form in large quantities

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Ensure trailers are road legal with fully maintained and working brakes, lights, indicators, and flashing beacons

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If possible, use a hook or a pole to keep away from the edge of the face when unsheeting or removing tyres

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Make sure new staff are properly inducted and trained for the work you give them – in particular the dangers of working around farm machinery and the risks of being on a silage clamp

Take special care to check for following vehicles before turning right into fields or yards as this is a common cause of serious accidents

•

Always work safely when consolidating the silage clamp, following best practice guidance for the task

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Drones

New thermal imaging service helps farmers and landowners save time and money

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| Drones talented photographer whose business was affected by the pandemic has launched a new aerial thermal imaging business - UAV Studio - to help farmers and landowners save time and money using the latest drone technology. Skipton-based Alex Lester has held Operational Authority from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) since 2018 and used lockdown to develop additional drone operative skills, including obtaining Cat1 Certification to perform thermographic surveys and reports. Alex launches UAV Studio with an important addition to his equipment - a Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced drone - which will allow him to conduct hi-resolution aerial thermographic surveys.

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UAV Studio will help farmers and landowners with stock measurement; locating missing livestock with its thermal imaging capabilities; assess crop health and identify invasive species; and aerial mapping. Its aerial surveying service captures data with downward-facing cameras and sensors to produce accurate 2D & 3D models. Using professional grade drones, UAV Studio captures surveys at up to 5cm accuracy, without having to rely on ground control points or terrestrial surveying methods. Says MD, Alex Lester: “Adding the new Mavic Enterprise Advanced drone to our repertoire allows us to offer a wide range of services across the

agricultural sector. Using the drone to deliver surveys or thermographic reports takes around a fifth of the time it would take to carry out a traditional land-based survey, which saves on costs and is hugely beneficial in obtaining a high level of detail without drawing out the process. “We’ve already experienced a high uptake by farmers and landowners of our services, even in our infancy. We very much look forward to working in the industry to provide clients with the data required to complete the task in hand - whether it’s in harsh landscapes or jagged terrain.”

June 2021 |

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| Mental Health

RABI to introduce 24/7 helpline for farming people RABI has the believe that no member of the farming community should ever have to face adversity alone. We continue to develop our services to address the impacts of the often unexpected and complex challenges that farmers sometimes face. Either whilst working or when they are no longer active in the sector – through ill health, bereavement, or retirement. Whatever the issue, we aim to offer practical, effective solutions and frequently partner with other key service providers to facilitate positive outcomes whenever possible. We provide confidential advice, practical support and care, as well as training and financial assistance, including one-off and regular grants. Our work is funded by voluntary income, including donations from individuals, businesses, charitable trusts and fundraising activity by supporters and a network of 50 county committees, as well as investment income and legacies.

esponding to the increasing demand from farming people, RABI is extending its freephone helpline this autumn, to provide the farming community with a 24-hour service.

The national farming charity believes that a ‘round the clock’ service will better meet the needs of a sector renowned for working long and often unpredictable hours. “Improving accessibility and ensuring farming people know there is someone to talk to who will understand them, no matter what time it is, is a priority for RABI,” says Alicia Chivers, Chief Executive of RABI. “For generations, RABI has provided guidance and support to the farming community. With the challenges facing farming people becoming increasingly diverse and complex it is crucial that we remove as many barriers to accessing vital help as possible. “Talking to someone and proactively

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seeking support is such a positive step and now there will be someone available at any time of the night or day. The 24/7 helpline will remain free for all to access and is an important addition to RABI’s services,” concludes Alicia. RABI is employing a progressive strategy of evolution to ensure there is a toolkit of holistic support available for people to access as they need it. Working with partners to strengthen and broaden the charity’s reach, RABI recently introduced the online wellbeing platform rabi.org.uk/kooth, and launched the sector-wide research project - The Big Farming Survey. The roll-out of RABI’s Community Pillars Scheme pilots, bringing together small forums of local farming people within safe, informal but supported environments will continue during 2021. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Mental Health

Tulip Ltd changed its name to Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. from 31st August 2020. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation acquired Tulip Ltd in October 2019 and the change in corporate identity is the latest step in the company’s integration programme. Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd. provides a wide range of quality, cost effective and innovative food solution products to the retail and foodservice sectors through a vertically integrated farm to fork supply chain including a network of modern, well-invested manufacturing facilities located throughout the UK. ilgrim’s UK, one of the UK’s biggest food producers and the largest provider of higher welfare pork, has donated more than £65,000 to Mind since the beginning of its partnership with the mental health charity in 2018.

Colleagues from across the business have taken part in a host of activities to raise funds for Mind, including a sponsored head shave earlier this year, with members of staff receiving donations of more than £600 after parting with their locks. The charity partnership has also seen the Pilgrim’s UK team climb Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Mind and take part in a 100km challenge, which saw members of staff complete 100km each over the course of December 2020, raising more than £2,000.

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The food producer regularly donates to Mind through its staff lotto, which has raised almost £30,000 during the past four years. The funds have helped Mind to provide mental health support services for people across England and Wales. This has become more important than ever as the coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll on the nation’s mental health. Rachel Baldwin, vice-president of HR at Pilgrim’s UK, said: “The work Mind does is absolutely vital and life-changing to so many people, and it is a cause that is close to many of our colleagues’ hearts. We want to help the charity in their efforts to reach as many people as possible and we are all proud to achieve this significant milestone in our partnership.

to support Mind and our other charity partners with new and innovative ways to raise money as we try to keep making a positive impact in communities across the nation.” Emma Ihsan, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said: “The Pilgrim’s UK team has been a hugely supportive partner to us over the past four years and their fundraising efforts have helped us to make a real difference to those of us experiencing mental health problems. As we continue to deal with the mental health fall-out of the coronavirus pandemic, we are especially grateful for their ongoing support in raising money to fund our support services, including Mind Infoline and legal line, so that we can be there for everyone who needs us.”

“We will continue to do what we can

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| Mental Health

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June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Buildings

Pigging out on technology armex has used technology to help farmers and managers to use technology more confidently!

A training workshop on the use of Barn Report Pro – the on-line piggery monitoring system – was set up with a group of stockmen on a northern unit. It linked them directly, via audio visual equipment, with the developer of the program, Kyle Baggott from Dicam Technology Ltd, in Suffolk. The aim was to allow the

users to become more familiar with the system and to show them how to look at, and interpret, the data. It also shows the developer how those in the field actually use it. “One laptop was logged on to Barn Report Pro and shared on a big screen while another ran a Skype video call with Kyle Baggott, who could hear all the questions in the room via a studio microphone,” said Farmex director, Hugh Crabtree, who attended the meeting along with Tim Miller of ARM Buildings which supplies the system with their

houses. Barn Report provides a mass of data to enable farmers, managers and stock-people to pick up important trends and spot problems – such as pigs not drinking, or ventilation malfunctions – swiftly. “Users get more familiar with the system and realise they can fiddle around a bit without breaking anything,” said Hugh. “They also learn how to look at the data and graphs and interpret them. It is all about confidence building.”

Tim Mill (left) and Hugh Crabtree link up remotely with Kyle Baggott from Dicam Technology Ltd (on screen) to demonstrate the on-farm use of data produced by the Barn Report Pro system

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| Buildings

www.pkrollershutterdoors.com

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June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Energy

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

Thermal hydrolysis boosts biogas production The HRS Unicus Series of scraped surface heat exchangers is well suited thermal hydrolysis he conversion of various forms of sustainable or shorter retention times). In the case of involves heating the sludge to 160-170 biomass, including food manures and sewage sludges the high °C of the sludge and a steam explosion waste, crop and processing temperatures involved also sterilise the step can be included for extra efficiency. residues, manures and feedstock, destroying any pathogens This heat treatment changes the cell sewage sludges, into biogas which may be present and opening up structure of the compounds, breaking and advanced liquid biofuels has more options for the resulting digestate, down lignin and hemi-cellulose chains to significant potential to contribute to the such as its use as a high-quality create free sugars which are easier for world’s renewable energy and carbon biofertiliser. the bacteria to digest. Consequently, reduction goals. However, many of the residence times in the digester or most sustainable feedstock materials fermenter can be reduced, and overall Although less used in waste and contain high levels of woody materials gas production improved. agricultural AD plants, hydrolysis (both known as lignin and cellulose, which are thermal and biological) is commonly used difficult to break down, limiting the overall in the water treatment industry to HRS offers patented processes for efficiency of energy production from such improve biogas production at wastewater thermal hydrolysis both with and without materials. treatment plants since the first full-scale steam explosion. Unlike some other application of thermal hydrolysis for systems, both are based around a Hydrolysis is the process of breaking up sewage sludge in Norway in the midcontinuous process using scraped of the polymers which form 1990s. It is also employed in the surface heat exchangers to avoid fouling, lignocellulosic material (such as straw production of advanced biofuels for allowing more efficient production. and woody biomass), to release lignocellulosic feedstocks. Furthermore, the systems incorporate molecules such as saccharides, energy recovery to provide a significant therefore improving the efficiency of cost reduction during operation, and the Numerous experiments have shown that processes such as anaerobic digestion technology can be retrofitted to existing increasing the temperature during and fermentation in the production of installations in order to improve their treatment can significantly improve the bioenergy and biofuels. In most cases output. sludge reduction and organic release hydrolysis utilises temperature and rapid efficiencies, and that multiple treatment decompression (thermal hydrolysis), cycles can also be beneficial, depending In the HRS process using steam chemicals such as hydrochloric acid on the nature of the treatment. The explosion, the biomass is first preheated, (chemical hydrolysis), or enzymes benefits of thermal hydrolysis include a and is then heated further at high (biological hydrolysis) to break apart the reduction in the overall ratio of volatile pressure to achieve the thermal lignin. solids, and improvements in the hydrolysis. The biomass is then passed conversion rate of total organic carbon. to a vessel for rapid de-pressurisation Thermal hydrolysis is a two-stage The higher volatile solid content of and the steam that is released from this process combining high-pressure heat sludge fed into the digestion system, and is then used in the initial preheating treatment of the feedstock followed by the higher degradation rate attained, phase, while the hydrolysed biomass is rapid decompression. This combined cause higher biogas production then cooled before being passed to the action breaks apart the chemical bonds compared to feedstock which has not digester. in the lignocellulosic material, improving been pre-treated. biodegradability and allowing the With experience of thermal hydrolysis, organisms responsible for anaerobic HRS has developed a patented process HRS is well placed to advise on the best digestion or fermentation to act on a for the continuous thermal hydrolysis of solution for a particular purpose and to greater surface area of material digester sludge using the Unicus Series deliver a tailored solution, whatever the (therefore allowing higher loading rates, of scraped surface heat exchangers. his application.

HRS thermal hydrolysis systems

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

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| Energy

Northern Irish WELTEC Customer uses Biomethane as a Truck Fuel T

he biogas plant of the Northern Irish food logistics company McCulla Transport will go live producing biomethane in July 2021 following a plant expansion by WELTEC BIOPOWER and partner companies. At the site in Lisburn, 10 kilometres south of Belfast, 450 standard m3 of biogas will be processed into biomethane/ RNG every hour. With this amount, the logistics company can operate ten new CNG trucks, which are refueled directly at the company‘s new biomethane filling point. The substrates for the production of the green fuel come from the 41 Lidl supermarkets in Northern Ireland.

Ashley McCulla, chairman of the transport company of the same name, was able to commission the first stage of his biogas plant from WELTEC BIOPOWER back in January 2017. The intention at the time was to utilise the residual materials from his own agricultural business and to create synergies through the use of renewable electricity and heat in the refrigerated warehouse at their main logistics depot. „By digesting slurry, agricultural residues and grass silage from our farm, we were able to produce green energy ourselves with a 500kW CHP plant and use it on our company premises. Ultimately, this has significantly improved our carbon footprint,“ McCulla sums up. The expansion to biogas upgrading, HGV fuel and becoming Ireland’s greenest fleet was the logical next step of this good experience with the AD plant and their network in the food industry. As one of Northern Ireland‘s largest food transport companies with 235 employees and a cold storage facility of almost 8,500 square metres, McCulla has been supplying Lidl Northern Ireland‘s supermarkets for years. With the conversion of the biogas plant, 17,500 tons per year of food leftovers from Lidl stores will substitute the agricultural residues as substrate for the HGV fuel www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

production.

Under the motto “Goodbye Diesel - Hello Biofuel”, the ten new bio-CNG trucks will transport Lidl food deliveries with renewable gas.„Every lorry that runs on the green fuel emits 93 percent less carbon emissions than a diesel truck,“ explains chairman Ashley McCulla. Due to the excellent eco-balance, the reduced emissions and the lower dependency on fossil fuels, the deal between Lidl and McCulla is creating a positive response from all parties involved. To ensure successful performance longterm, WELTEC BIOPOWER relied on its established components and technologies. Four pits are available for the pre-storage of the substrates. The subsequent anaerobic digestion takes place in two digesters made of stainless steel with a diameter of 23.03m, a height of 6.30m and a capacity of 2,625m3 each. The digestate is stored in a 3,432m3 stainless steel gas-tight storage tank. In order to fully exploit the energy potential of the food waste, WELTEC has equipped the 80m3 dosing feeder in combination with the MULTIMix pre-feed system. In it, food leftovers are shredded and homogenised. In addition, the Lidl waste is automatically unpacked and pasteurised at the biomethane plant.

guaranteed a trouble-free substrate changeover, more than doubling output from the original 500kWe plant without further investment in digestion space, by switching from grass silage and slurry to food wastes,“ adds Dr. Monson. The biogas upgrading system comes from Pentair Haffmans. The tried and tested module separates carbon dioxide and other components of the biogas from methane using membrane technology. This creates biomethane that is similar in its properties to natural gas, but is significantly more climate-friendly. Despite processing 450 standard m3 of biogas per hour, the 500-kilowatt CHP continues to run, because McCulla can use the electricity and heat for his headquarters and the cold store. With the tried and tested technology package and its extensive biomethane expertise, the German biogas specialist WELTEC and their partner Pentair Haffmans is making a significant contribution to McCulla being able to lay claim to being one of the greenest transport companies in Ireland. Chairman Ashley McCulla has already announced that the sustainable transport model will be applied to his entire truck fleet over the next five years.

In the course of the extension, WELTEC BIOPOWER upgraded the in-house developed LoMOS PLC-based control system. „We also retrofitted the extra gas lines, installed a second emergency flare and ensured that all components were connected smoothly with no downstream consequences on the original plant, which since commissioning has shown some of the top performance figures in the industry“, WELTEC Sales Manager Dr. Kevin Monson explains. „Last but not least, our Biology Department June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Livestock

KUHN EXTENDS LARGE CAPACITY DIET FEEDER RANGE

UHN Farm Machinery has extended its range of diet feeders with cross-conveyor feeding with the addition of triple vertical auger models.

The Euromix 3 CL series includes four models with hopper capacities of 28m3, 33m3, 39m3 and 45m3. The three vertical augers, along with the polygonal shape of the hopper interior, are specifically designed to achieve rapid break-up of whole bales. Augers are designed with a continuous spiral and are fitted with seven knives with asymmetric teeth that have a selfcleaning effect. The auger knives work against two counter knives for faster chopping and optimum mixing. All Euromix 3 CL models are included

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

with an anti-overflow ring, increasing the height of the hopper to help prevent the loss of coarse and fibrous fodder during the chopping phases. Feed distribution is via a large clearance hatch to the right or left of the machine and a broad cross-conveyor with a hydraulic motor at each end. The PVC belt structure of the conveyor ensures a quiet and efficient feed-out and easy maintenance. Rear discharger is also an option, to the right or left of the machine. Euromix 3 CL models have programmable weighing as standard, allowing pre-set mixing times, storage of ingredients and rations in the system memory, and the accurate control of rationing.

system is an option on all models. A recipient of a silver award in the Livestock Innovation category at LAMMA in 2020, the system works via a continuously variable transmission that is integrated into the tractor controls through ISOBUS. This allows a reduction in start-up torque by up to 50% and – through automated changes to auger speeds in response to loading – optimises the use of power throughout the mixing and feeding process. With opening and closing of the hopper door automatically triggering the switch between auto-mix and auto-feed modes, and with auger speed able to be pre-set in relation to varying conditions in the hopper, the operation is fully automated and requires no operator intervention.

Kuhn’s Intellimix advanced mixer control

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| Livestock

Data is key for store cattle success W hen growing store cattle, weights are everything, and trading animals on that data gives both buyers and sellers certainty, as one producer in Devon has discovered.

Tom Samuel, who buys and sells about 750 head of cattle a year at South Lendon Farm near Exeter, has a specific system of buying stock that have not been done up to sell and growing them on quickly. “I buy plain 320-400kg cattle at 12-16 months old, which have been kept hard; on arrival they are wormed, clipped and dehorned, as necessary. I turn them into an isolation pen, transition them onto a formulated ration and sell them on after 100-120 days at about 500kg.” Weighing the stock in, out and every month, Mr Samuel keeps a close eye on performance, and records all the data through the free Breedr app on his phone. “I recently bought some new scales, which are so easy as they Bluetooth the weights to my phone. Using the app, I can see daily liveweight gains, predicted growth curves, medicines and livestock movements, and I can filter the cattle into different groups,” he says. “It’s really user friendly.” When it came to selling the latest batch of animals, Mr Samuel decided to try the Breedr marketplace, putting over 3,000 potential buyers at his fingertips. He listed a group of 46 steers and heifers on the app and sold them within days for close to the asking price. “The cattle were collected within a week, the customer was delighted with them, and Breedr paid directly into my bank within 72 hours – it was so easy,” he says. Even better, there was no haulage to pay, no time wasted, and – for the first www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

three trades – no commission paid. “I had 50 new cattle waiting to come into the sheds, and it was an excellent process for the buyer as it’s totally fair and transparent on weights. They knew what they were going to get.”

really strong demand for forward store cattle which I sell. I’ve never sold any stores based on individual weights and actual liveweight gains before, but it works really well.” For more information visit www.breedr.co

Mr Samuel houses all of his cattle and feeds a Total Mixed Ration, achieving average daily growth rates of 1.4kg. “We feed maize, grass silage, brewers’ grains, barley and urea: We get phenomenal growth rates. Often, cattle which have stalled on the previous farm will exceed 2kg daily liveweight gain and produce 80-90kg of compensatory growth within the first six weeks of arrival.” He can finish stock on his farm, but with store prices where they are, the current system works best. “I find it’s better to specialise – those farmers with a finishing contract are best placed to finish stock, and it means there is

Our price: £2,250+VAT

Our price: £1,895+VAT

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Livestock

Health is the most important factor for wellbeing in animals

Health versus natural behaviours in farm animals armers and members of the public want animals to be both healthy and able to express their natural behaviours, according to research comparing the views of both groups.

There is also general agreement that when it comes to assessing the overall wellbeing, physical health and productivity of the animals, the level of health provision is most important.

The study found there were more similarities than differences in the views of the two groups. In addition to wanting animals to be free from health issues and able to express their natural behaviours, the responses from both groups suggested that minimising health issues was seen to be a baseline requirement before any benefits from promoting natural behaviours were gained.

The study is based on a survey of more than 800 members of the public across the UK, published in PloS ONE, and a survey of 168 farmers in the UK and Ireland, published in Frontiers in Animal Science. Dr Belinda Vigors, a social scientist at SRUC and co-author of the study, said: “This study shows that although there are differences between farmers and members of the public, there are also some key similarities.

However, it found farmers judge situations where health issues are not minimised but natural behaviours are supported, more negatively than the public.

“Importantly, it is very clear both farmers and the public want farm animals to be both healthy and able to express their natural behaviours.

It also looked at how these judgements are influenced by the extent to which health issues are minimised and natural behaviours promoted.

There was also much more variance among farmers in their attitudes to the importance of health and natural behaviours, depending on the sector, production system and farming background.

“The findings of the study are relevant to better understanding the expectations of farmers and members of the public and what they consider is important for animal welfare.”

Generally, it has been believed that livestock farmers emphasise the importance of keeping their animals healthy and reducing stress, while members of the public are more likely to want farm animals to be able to exhibit their natural behaviours and have access to the outdoors.

Differences in attitudes among members of the public were also found, with demographic factors potentially playing a role. For instance, having a greater belief in animal mind (sentience) or being vegetarian, vegan or flexitarian increased the likelihood of highly rating natural behaviours as important.

The study, by researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), looked at whether there were differences in the overall importance livestock farmers and the public give to health and natural behaviours.

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The survey was funded by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS). For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/ SRUCAnimalHealth

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| Livestock

Curious about virtual fencing? Visit Groundswell to speak to farmers and grazing experts using Nofence grazing technology ivestock producers interested in learning about virtual fencing and how it can be used to improve their grazing systems have the opportunity to hear about the benefits of virtual fencing and speak to six different Nofence pilot farmers at Groundswell 2021 on the Nofence stand in Pasture Field C6.

“Technology advances have made their way into the livestock sector with virtual fencing being the next industry gamechanger,” says Synne Foss Budal, General Manager for Nofence UK. “When managed correctly, grass is one of the cheapest feeds available to UK beef producers. But with the challenges due to required infrastructure and weather variables, it is not always straightforward for farmers to take advantage of grazed forage to its fullest. Nofence grazing technology is a unique solution to overcoming many of the challenges presented when trying to intensify a grazing system.” How Nofence works Developed in Norway with more than two years of testing on UK farms, Nofence uses a combination of GPS, cellular communication, audio signals and solar power to work with animal behaviour and create a virtual fence perimeter that can be monitored and changed with a smartphone app. Picking up GPS surveying from available satellites, the app allows farmers to set virtual pasture boundaries. Livestock fitted with Nofence collars can then be turned out on the set area to graze with no physical fencing. When an animal crosses the Nofence boundary, a threestage audio warning will start. If the animal does not turn around when cued with the third stage of audio, it will receive an electric pulse equivalent to 1www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

2% shock given from standard electrical fencing. The collars which issue the pulse and track animal location are developed with solar panels to ensure long-lasting battery life throughout the grazing season. “Data collected from our farm trials show that the number of pulses administered with a virtual fence is significantly lower than those on standard electric fencing systems due to the animals quickly learning from the audio. You are still relying on the animal’s senses to stay within the grazing parameter, but it is hearing rather than visual,” explains Ms Foss Budal. The GPS trackers on the collars allow for the farmer to monitor the livestock’s grazing patterns and receive notifications if a pulse has been given. In the event of an animal breaking through a boundary, they will only receive one pulse and will not receive another pulse when entering back into the herd. On-farm application James Daniel, consultant for Precision Grazing, has been working with Nofence to set up trials on six different beef farms throughout the UK. According to him, the technology allows farmers to harness the same benefits of managed grazing as found with physical fencing, but on areas of the farm where it otherwise would not have been possible. The Nofence grazing technology also provides greater flexibility to optimise the grazing area at that very moment in time. “This technology has been great for hill and conservation grazing systems by allowing areas to be utilised without making a significant investment into physical fencing infrastructure and allowing for better utilisation of forage that would have traditionally been set

stocked,” says Mr Daniel. Wiltshire beef producer Matt Turner farms his nearly 200 head of suckler cows on Salisbury Plain with grassland running alongside a prominent watercourse. Previously, Mr Turner would only set stock graze 50 head of youngstock on the area, receiving pressure in recent years to set up permanent fencing to keep cattle out of the watercourse. Working with Mr Daniel to set up a Nofence grazing system, the farm can now use a more rotational grazing approach to the area which has allowed for greater stocking density while also keeping cattle out of the watercourse with no physical fencing. “It took the cattle about five days to properly get the hang of the virtual fence and the audio cues, but once they did, it has been brilliant in the way it has allowed us to manage grass better. Because we’re not constrained to fixed paddocks and infrastructure, we can quickly adapt to cope with variation in pasture and weather changes,” says Turner. Learn more from the experts at Groundswell Livestock producers wanting to learn more about Nofence and its applications including hill, conservation, mob and intensive rotational grazing are invited to the Nofence stand in Pasture Field C6 at Groundswell 2021 and to the Lecture and Q&A Session – Managed grazing with virtual fencing technology – that is being held at 4.30pm Thursday the 24th. Ms Foss Budal, Mr Daniel and Mr Turner will be on stand to answer questions, along with five other farmers using Nofence technology. To learn more about Nofence, visit nofence.co.uk June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Muck & Slurry

New assembly hall for liquid ogelsang GmbH & Co. KG has expanded its capacity for production of liquid manure spreading systems at its headquarters in Essen (Oldenburg), Germany. The 3,850 squaremeter hall has new assembly stations, offices and break rooms. “By extending our production capacity, we are meeting the high demand for legally compliant spreading technologies. The BlackBird trailing shoe system with a working width of 24 meters will be assembled in the new hall, amongst other things,” says Hugo Vogelsang, Managing Director of Vogelsang. He adds: “We have also created more space for our employees to chat or relax with the additional break rooms.”

Natural light and solar energy for sustainable production

More capacity for the BlackBird trailing shoe system and other linkages

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

The mechanical engineering firm invested around four million euros in the hall, which was planned and built with a focus on good working conditions and sustainability. Strip

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

manure spreading systems lighting ensure that there is plenty of natural light and comfortable ambient conditions all while saving energy. Additional lighting in the hall is controlled based on the level of natural light as well as whether or not any employees are present. Furthermore, it is planned to equip the roof of the hall with a 400 kilowatt peak (kWp) photovoltaic system. This will allow the system to generate up to 400,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually. The solar energy that is produced will be fed into Vogelsang’s power grid via the new technological building and will cover a part of the company’s annual energy requirements. The assembly hall is set for commissioning in the third quarter of this year. For more information, visit: vogelsang.info

Investing in good working conditions and sustainability

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June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

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| Muck & Slurry

R W CRAWFORD OFFER KTWO SPREADERS AND TRAILERS ACROSS THEIR SOUTH EAST ENGLAND DEPOTS ritish manufacturer of highquality agricultural muck spreaders and trailers, Ktwo, are pleased to announce that R W Crawford will offer the full Ktwo range across all their South England Depots from 1st June 2021.

R W Crawford Agricultural Machinery was founded by Bob Crawford in October 1980 and now specialise in providing Agricultural Sales, Servicing and Parts across Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. Crawfords family roots and strong focus on providing customers with high quality

machinery and excellent service make them a great partnership for Ktwo. “Ktwo is a respected quality brand offering trailer ranges and models to suit all types and sizes of agricultural enterprise. Ktwo is a welcome addition to the premium brands we currently represent. There is great excitement throughout our sales team at the opportunities this gives us to cater for the needs of new and existing customers across the South East.” Comments Wes Crawford, Crawfords’ Managing Director. ‘’Our Ktwo range will compliment Crawfords machinery portfolio well.’’ Explains Robbie Polson, Ktwo Managing Director. ‘’They support our focus on providing quality

machinery to give maximum efficiency and outputs available to the customer, whilst always providing a good service and back up support.’’ Crawfords will have new Ktwo stock arriving very soon, get in touch with them to arrange a Ktwo demonstration for this season. To find out more about Crawfords please visit: www.rwcrawford.co.uk To find out more about Ktwo please visit: www.ktwo.co.uk

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June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Muck & Slurry

New GSM slurry pump remote launched T ramspread has launched a new remote control for engine driven pumps that operates using Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The Teletram 2020 GSM remote does not rely on radio connectivity and instead can connect a mobile device, using its 2G to 5G data connection, to one or multiple engine driven pumps.

The remote control features a seveninch colour screen and industrial grade instrumentation that can be operated using Apple or Android mobile devices. Communication is not compromised by distance and multiple pump units can be controlled by the same device. “This means that an operator pumping over an eight-kilometre distance with four pump units will only need one device to monitor and operate all of the pump units,” explains Tramspread managing director, Terry Baker. The Teletram has been designed in collaboration with automation specialists CTRL. “As little as 2G

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

connectivity is sufficient to send commands that will control one, or multiple, pump units more safely and reliably, and the operator can use any mobile device that can access a 2G to 5G network,” he says. This helps to address concerns that traditional radiocontrolled remotes can be interrupted by others in the area using the same frequency, or that a signal

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry has an air compressor control with an air pressure sensor. “Operators will be able to start, stop, increase and decrease the throttle, and divert from mix to field, whilst also being able to monitor the engine for low oil pressure, high coolant temperature, and low coolant level. This will help to avoid costly downtime and it also gives the operator more data and control,” says Mr Baker.

may be lost when pumping long distances.

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The remote has sensors for inlet pressure, outlet pressure and can monitor the slurry store level. It also

The Teletram remote is controlled using one mobile device such as a smart phone or tablet. Multiple pumps can be monitored and adjusted from the tractor cab or can be handheld at the slurry source. “Our contracting division has been testing four controls since we started development three years ago and we recently sold the first commercial units to operators in Scotland and France,” explains Mr Baker.

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Machinery

VADERSTAD ACQUIREIS US-BASED AGCO-AMITY JV LLC äderstad AB, one of the world’s leading companies in tillage, seeding and planting has acquired 100 percent of North Daktotabased AGCO-AMITY JV LLC (AAJV). AAJV – also known under the name WilRich – will be fully integrated into the Väderstad global group of companies under the company name Vaderstad Inc.

a product portfolio that gives us a more complete product offering in North America,” says Väderstad president and CEO Mats Båverud.

Since 2011 AAJV has manufactured, designed, and supported the Wil-Rich, Wishek and Concord brands of products with 270 dealers globally, most of them in the United States. Integrating AAJV into the Väderstad Group allows Väderstad to gain access to distribution outlets in the USA, a manufacturing facility in the USA as well as benefit from the heritage and strong reputation of the Wil-Rich, Wishek and Concord brands.

More…

“This acquisition is in line with our longterm ambition to grow on the North American market. AAJV has a strong position on the US market combined with

AAJV currently has a strong product line serving a broad range of tillage and seeding needs such as field cultivators, disc harrows, shank drills, disc drills and

AAJV has 110 employees and a manufacturing facility of 30 000 m2, a parts distribution warehouse, and a research and development facility in Wahpeton, North Dakota.

“We see this as an excellent opportunity to increase our footprint in the US. Our vision remains the same; to be the world’s leading partner for an outstanding emergence. With the acquisition of AAJV we’re even more excited about the future,” says Väderstad VP business development and co-owner Henrik Gilstring.

air carts. “This is a great day for the company, the Wahpeton community and our employees,” says AAJV’s CEO Keith Whitaker. “The combination of our highly skilled team and Väderstad’s solid and extensive experience will enable the company to provide a broad set of agronomic solutions for our farmer customers, while achieving our growth objectives with our dealer partners.” Jason Strobbe is appointed new managing director for Vaderstad Inc. Strobbe also holds a position as VP sales and marketing North America. In 2013 Väderstad took full control over Canadian-based company Seed Hawk, after having been part-owners since 2006. The company based out of Langbank, Saskatchewan, is now Väderstad Industries Inc. and produces the very popular Seed Hawk precision air drill for the North American market.

outh West based agricultural, construction and groundcare machinery supplier, Vincent Tractors & Plant has appointed David Peters as their new agricultural machinery salesperson.

With a background in agricultural sales, David brings a wide range of expertise to the company. He will be responsible for sales of Kubota and Kverneland agricultural machinery from the Smithaleigh branch, near 74 |

Farming Monthly | June 2021

Plympton, Devon Paul Vincent, Managing Director of Vincent Tractors & Plant said “The company is continuing its growth and development and with David joining us with his knowledge of the industry in South Devon this will only help to grow the Kubota and Kverneland brands in the area. I am delighted to have David as part of the team”. David said “I am thrilled to have joined Vincent Tractors & Plant as they are a well-known and respected company, with an excellent range of brands to support our local farming community.” www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Machinery

H WHITE plans to acquire the agricultural, construction and garden machinery operations of the Murley dealerships at Warwick and Stourport. The expansion of T H WHITE’s businesses to Warwickshire and in Worcestershire is a natural one for the neighbouring dealer, supported by main suppliers, New Holland, Manitou and Doosan. All stakeholders are preparing a smooth transition, meaning continuity for staff and customers, and business as usual for trade with a name change above the door.

The deal is scheduled to complete on 30th June 2021 subject to concluding the final stages of due diligence and legal processes. With this change, T H WHITE will take on the main franchises currently on offer at Stourport and Warwick, continuing to serve the farming community, construction companies, contractors, small holders and private estates. The garden machinery range available from Warwick will continue from this location, and the established construction operation in Stourport is set to expand T H WHITE’s existing construction offering from Manitou, New Holland and Mecalac, with the introduction of the Doosan brand.

offering premium brands. It creates a sustainable business able to meet the industry demands of generating scale to fulfil our own objectives as well as those of our suppliers. As a dealer in neighbouring territories with a long history and experience in the sectors, we are well placed to meet the aspirations of Murley customers and are excited by the opportunities it presents”. T H WHITE Group CEO, Alex Scott adds “We are acquiring a company mirroring our values and culture which will enable us to easily extend our purpose of helping customers get the best from their machinery, land and buildings for generations. We are pleased to provide continuity and maintain and grow relationships with farmers and businesses throughout the region.” T H WHITE began trading in 1832, serving farmers from an agricultural ironmongery in Devizes. The business is well established as an agricultural machinery supplier, offering a

comprehensive product range from leading brands.The Agricultural division trades from 10 branches in Knockdown, Devizes, Frome, Huntley, Marlborough, Stockbridge, Toddington, Hereford, Warwick and Stourport following the acquisition. The Group’s Groundcare division currently operates from three branches at Knockdown, Stockbridge and Redditch and will run alongside the garden machinery business at Warwick. The Construction operation is based at Marlborough; Stourport will be added on completion of the deal. T H WHITE Group is a family and staff owned company – a trusted brand in the industry with a culture committed to exemplary customer service. The new branches are located at: Nelson Lane, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 5JB Tel: 01926 494336 Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, Titton, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire DY13 9QB Tel: 01299 827002

“This is a purchase which aligns with our strategic aspirations”, comments T H WHITE Director, David Rapkins, “It enables us to grow our Agricultural territory with an established business 76 |

Farming Monthly | June 2021

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| Machinery

akita has relaunched its popular product demonstrations of its 40VMax and 80VMax XGT power tool range and for the first time, users are also able to get hands on with the range of cordless garden machinery products. This fantastic opportunity allows professionals to trial a wide range of Makita tools to test how they perform when users are considering new equipment.

Professionals are now able to arrange COVID-Secure appointments locally with an experienced Makita team member to get the most out of its wide range of cordless power equipment. Demos are available for either its 40VMax or 80VMax XGT range or the cordless Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) range, with both offering guidance on tool and accessory selection, as well as hands-on testing with the tools of your choice.

OPE With summer ahead it is the ideal time to test out Makita’s outdoor equipment. Cordless 18V and 36V LXT and 40VMax and 80VMax XGT garden tools, lawnmowers, linetrimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, will all be available to test, as well as many more. With many people considering the change from petrol engine machines to cordless equivalents, this is a perfect opportunity for contractors to see firsthand how the range performs. XGT Launched in 2020, the 40VMax and 80VMax XGT system of cordless tools have been designed to offer the power and performance needed to tackle highdemand applications without compromising battery run times. With extensions to the range coming in 2021, these cordless tools are the most durable and powerful of the Makita line-up that

are available to test. This hassle-free opportunity is the perfect time to test out the Makita tools you need before they get put to work. The product demonstrations will be organised locally with COVID safety protocols in place, so Makita staff will arrange to visit you on a mutually convenient date where you can test selected machines. Each tool will be cleaned before and after use and our staff will be wearing masks and implementing social distancing. On the demonstration days, Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “We are pleased to reignite our hands-on product demonstration service after a year of restrictions imposed by COVID19. As part of our ongoing commitment to training, the product demo’s offer end users the opportunity to stay up to date with the latest product innovations, put our products to the test and discover the possibilities that cordless offers.” To book a demo, fill out the on-line form available on: www.makitauk.com.

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ed@tractortuninguk.co.uk www.tractortuninguk.co.uk June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Machinery

he new DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders have been launched by Doosan Infracore Europe. The new models are the latest additions to the company’s awardwinning ‘DL-7’ wheel loader range, following on from the first phase that involved the launch of seven larger DL-7 machines in December 2020.

Like the existing models, the DL220-7 and DL250-7 introduce a next generation design, incorporating a powerful new Stage V compliant engine and providing higher productivity, increased fuel efficiency and a low cost of ownership, coupled with a superb environment and experience for the operator. Charlie Park, CEO of Doosan Infracore Europe, said: “We have been delighted with the reception we received for the launch of the first seven models in the DL-7 wheel loader range at the end of last year. The new DL220-7 and DL250-7 provide all of the same innovations provided by the larger models ensuring market-leading operator comfort, fuel economy, productivity and durability.” Increased Versatility for Hydraulic Attachments The DL220-7 and DL250-7 loaders have smooth and responsive hydraulics and auxiliary hydraulic connections. They are equipped as standard with a 3rd spool valve with settable flow and detent function, providing a constant flow for hydraulically driven attachments. A 4th spool valve is available as an option on 78 |

Farming Monthly | June 2021

both models. Operators can easily and comfortably control hydraulic attachments via the proportional switch on the joystick. Various tyre options are also available from leading global manufacturers, to cover the widest possible range of conditions and applications. In addition, the new wheel loaders can be ordered with an optional 300 kg counterweight, depending on the application. These include the transport and delivery of soil, sand, aggregates and other materials in industry, agriculture, recycling, waste, construction, demolition, mining and quarrying. Doosan is also offering a wider choice of options to provide more work tools for a better match with applications, further increasing output. The standard bucket capacities on the DL220-7 and DL250-7 are 2.3 and 2.5 m3, respectively. The Z-kinematic lift arm delivers high breakout forces and lifting capacities, especially for heavy materials, and a large dump angle for efficiently unloading sticky materials. Both wheel loaders are available as HL versions featuring a high lift arm and the 300 kg counterweight, where higher dump heights and increased versatility are required. Higher Performance The LIS (Load Isolation System) provides a smoother ride and higher comfort for the operator, as well as higher

productivity due to improved stability when the wheel loader is moving. The lift arm is cushioned by a hydro-pneumatic accumulator linked to the lift hydraulic system, acting as a shock absorber. The benefits include reduced cycle times, higher performance and better fuel efficiency while carrying out load and carry applications. The DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders have automatic 4-speed powershift transmission and Limited Slip Differential (LSD) axles as standard. Options include a 5-gear powershift transmission with Lock-up torque convertor and heavy duty HDL axles, providing enhanced traction with Differential Hydraulic Lock (DHL), especially in high-load environments. The differential hydraulic 100% lock can be engaged at full torque automatically without any action from the operator. Improvements have been made throughout the powertrain, to provide operators with an 11% increase in travel speeds up to a maximum of 40 km/h. Full 3-year/5000 h Warranty as Standard The upgraded hydraulic system and major parts ensure greatly improved durability and maintainability. Providing increased peace of mind for the customer, the high reliability and quality of the new DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders are backed up by a standard full 3-year/5000 hour warranty. Increased Fuel Efficiency

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery Power is provided by the new Doosan DL06V Stage V 6-cylinder engine on the DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders, with an output of 119 kW (160 HP) and 128 kW (172 HP), respectively. The new DL06V engine offers up to 5% greater fuel efficiency than the previous generation machines, whilst delivering impressive output and torque. The new engine meets Stage V emission regulations without the need for exhaust gas recirculation, through the use of selective catalyst reduction, diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter after-treatment technologies. The Doosan Smart Guidance System (DSGS) is a new feature which analyses the driving habits and behaviour of the operator and helps them to achieve the most fuel-efficient operation. The DSGS provides a score and guide (the ScoreGraph) of the operator’s driving pattern to show fuel economy, efficiency and durability by category. Excellent Operator Visibility The new cab offers a greatly improved field of vision for the operator, with blind spots around the cab minimized and a 14% larger glass window area compared to the previous DL-5 models. The DL2207/DL250-7 wheel loaders also offer the option of electrically adjustable rear view mirrors for added safety. Full LED working lights are installed on the cab (two on both the front and rear as standard, with the option of four or six each at the front and rear). For higher pedestrian safety, the LED lights on the rear bonnet have an automatic strobe function to indicate when the wheel loader is reversing. An air compressor with air blower is available as an option - fitted in the cab for easy access, this is a powerful tool that can be used to clean the cab and daily maintenance whenever necessary. New Spacious Ergonomic Cab Design Inside the cab, the new wheel loaders offer significantly enhanced operating

comfort, an enhanced steering system and advanced electronic controls. Using the new Doosan Smart Key system on the control panel in the cab, the operator can start the machine using a keyless device, helping to prevent machine theft. The Smart Key system provides remote door control, door lock and unlock, door release, searching and other functions. The control panel also includes two USB sockets. The new cab has a Grammer Actimo XXL seat with fully adjustable horizontal and vertical suspension settings, a pneumatic lumbar function and seat heating as standard. There is a 3-point safety belt with alarm icons on the new Doosan Smart Touch and on the gauge panel, which features a new layout and anti-reflective glass. The new EMCV (Electric Main Control Valve) joystick fully integrated in the armrest is another standard feature in the cab, providing the operator with smoother and precise controllability of the lift arm and attachments on the wheel loaders. Features available via the EMCV system include Automatic Returnto-Dig, Bucket Tilt Kick-out and the Bucket crowd stop position and shock prevention for higher operator comfort. Designed to give the operator more

precise control with a shorter lever stroke, resulting in less fatigue, the sensitivity of the ergonomic joystick control can be set and altered according to operator preferences using the new Doosan Smart Touch. User-friendly and easy to read in all conditions, the new 8 inch touchscreen provides all the important settings and information the operator needs in one place. Included in the information at the operator’s fingertips on the touchscreen is the feed from the rear-view camera, the HVAC controls (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), Radio & Bluetooth devices (music streaming, hands-free) and the operator help function. Overall, the redesigned interior offers a much larger, quieter and more comfortable operator environment, which improves safety and productivity and helps the operator work with high concentration. The operator also has increased leg room, an enlarged storage area and cool-box position and an improved air conditioning system (with optimized air circulation). DoosanCONNECT Fleet Management System as Standard The DL220-7 and DL250-7 wheel loaders are factory-installed with the latest DoosanCONNECT state-of-art wireless fleet monitoring system. The DoosanCONNECT system is a tool designed specifically for the Doosan range, providing comprehensive information about machine performance in a dual mode (satellite, Mobile network). The DoosanCONNECT system offers a web-based fleet and asset management solution which is very useful for managing the performance and security of machines and promoting preventative maintenance. For more on Doosan construction equipment, please visit the website: www.eu.doosanequipment.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Tyres

BKT ALONGSIDE ITALIAN START-UPS DEDICATED TO AGRIFOOD. FIRST COMPANY: FARZATI TECH

journey to unearth sporting talent and business excellence around Italy. We are talking of “Growing Together", the project launched by BKT and DAZN and broadcast on the famous streaming platform. In a series of episodes, it tells the tale of the towns and cities in the Serie BKT, highlighting the talented players of the teams in the second-tier championship together with young and keen local start-uppers working in agriculture and food.

T First stop is in the city of Salerno, whose story is told through the voice and experience of Mirko Angelucci, the Salernitana forward, and Francesco Ruocco, IT specialist at Farzati Tech, the first digital platform aimed at agricultural operators and consumers, which makes it possible to track all produce using blockchain from its origin to the table.

able to unite my passion for technology with the development of the local area where I live thanks to my work as an IT specialist at Farzati Tech. There I contribute to the realization of technologies to create value along the whole Italian supply chain.” Farzati Tech develops innovative traceability systems for the agrifood sector, guaranteeing the tightest possible control over quality and the certification of all produce. The start-up’s services, however, are not aimed only at operators, but also at consumers. Buyers, retailers and end users, thanks to a unique platform developed by the start-up which brings together all the elements which characterize and guarantee the origin of a product with the related validations, can trace back to the individual batch, transparently verifying all the characteristics and values of the products, with validated and verified information.

Set up in 2018 and based in Casal Velino, in the province of Salerno (Southern Italy), Farzati Tech is an innovation flagship in Campania thanks also to the valuable collaboration of talented youngsters from the local area. People such as Francesco Ruocco, aged 22, a promising young talent in the IT sector, who says: “I am lucky to be

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

All this is possible thanks also to the technology of foodpassport® patented by the company - a real passport certifying the life cycle of the product. For all those involved in the sector it is synonymous with assurance, confidence, transparency, security: values which are more than ever shared and promoted also by BKT.

Another initiative driven by Farzati Tech is “Io Coltivo Italia” (I Cultivate Italy), a partnership project which makes it possible, once registered on the platform, to rent out a small 50 m2 allotment in one of the greenhouses distributed throughout central-south Italy and in Sicily. Through the app it is possible to follow the cultivation and growth of plants and vegetables which, once they are ready, are delivered to the consumer's home. “I work in the city where I was born and which I love, Salerno. For me it is a tremendous opportunity to be able to contribute with all the Farzati Tech team to the development and growth of my local territory,” concludes Francesco Ruocco. Thanks to the “Growing Together” project, BKT is proud to support not only the talented players in Serie BKT, of which the company is Title Sponsor, but also the companies in the local area such as Farzati Tech - which help improve and modernize agriculture, a primary sector for the Indian group and for its Off-Highway tires.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Tyres

Continental launches new loader tyre C

ontinental has launched a new telehandler and skidsteer loader tyre. The CompactMaster AG tyre is the first to be designed with a new Turtle Shield tread layer and twisted steel belt. “This is a reinforced tyre with a hard shell and a more flexible steel wire construction to help prevent cuts and damage, whilst offering greater stability for materials handling work,” explains Continental agricultural tyre specialist, Richard Hutchins.

“This tyre represents years of research and development by our agricultural research and development team in Lousado, Portugal. The new twisted steel belt construction has a unique Turtle Shield layer beneath the rubber to protect the tyre shoulder area from damage. The wider tread and lug widths have been specifically designed to offer better traction on a variety of surfaces and improve the self-cleaning properties of the tyre,” he adds. The new tyre is capable of operating at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. “This level of tolerance is an indication of the strength and flexibility of the tyre. The twisted steel belt provides a robust yet flexible tyre that can run at higher pressures on the road to enhance fuel efficiency, and lower pressures in the yard or field when carrying heavy loads,” he says. Compared to a standard agricultural tyre pattern, the new lug design of the

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CompactMaster AG tyre provides five percent more surface area. “This lug design further enhances grip and will also contribute to the tyre wearing more evenly, which can improve the hours and mileages the tyre will deliver,” says Mr Hutchins. The tyre also has a land-sea (L/S) ratio of 30 percent which means a larger portion of the tyre stays in contact with the ground. “This ratio is particularly important for traction in wet and slippery conditions, so we anticipate operators will see a marked benefit by choosing these tyres for use on more challenging surfaces,” he adds.

soak up the strain the vehicle puts on it,” he says. Continental CompactMaster AG tyres are available for 24-inch wheels, size 460/70R24 159B.

Telehanders and skid-steer loaders also have to make stationary turns on hard surfaces which increases the lateral pressure that is put through the tyre. The twisted steel belt construction of the CompactMaster AG tyre makes it stiffer which provides greater stability. “Lateral turns are common in the tight spaces these vehicles operate in, so we have designed a tyre that is more resilient and robust to

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| ATV

FREE EASI TRAINING WITH THE PURCHASE OF A KAWASAKI MULE UTILITY VEHICLE OR BRUTE FORCE ATV

ASI®, the European AllTerrain Vehicle Safety Institute, is a not-for-profit organisation which provides safety training courses for ATV and side-by-side utility vehicles.

EASI's UK operation is sponsored by the leading manufacturers such as Kawasaki and delivers a programme of specialist ATV and side-by-side operator training courses which are designed to improve operator skills, safety levels and awareness of the capabilities of ATV’s. EASI training is important to anyone buying a new machine to ensure responsible use and understanding of

the vehicle, thereby reducing the number of accidents and injuries that may results from improper operation. EASI offer a generic loading, towing and reversing course in addition to the introductory safety training course for users who frequently use their utility vehicle to carry large loads. The course involves sourcing and identifying individual machine-recommended front, rear and combined loading weights, in order to practice different driving techniques to experience the effects and different handling characteristics once your machine is loaded. You will also practice how to secure carrying loads

safely, safe hitching and reversing with a trailer. These skills help to keep your utility vehicle in the best working condition and minimising damage to your vehicle, as well as ensuring your safety and others around you. Buyers who purchase a new or used Kawasaki MULE utility vehicle or Brute Force ATV are eligible for FREE or highly subsidised EASI operator training, subject to qualifying terms, conditions and availability. Contact your local Kawasaki dealer or visit the Kawasaki website for more information.

Dealer Interview – MKM Agricultural Ltd Q: How long have you been a Kawasaki dealer?

customers are looking for in a side-byside utility vehicle or ATV?

Q: What are your customers preferred cab options and accessories?

A: MKM Agricultural Ltd took on the Kawasaki franchise in 2015

A: It needs to be practical; these machines are built to go to work.

A: Most will have a cab of some description, I would guess it would be a 50/50 split between a full cab or half cab.

Q: What kind of industries in your area rely on utility vehicles and ATV’s?

Q: Do your customers prefer petrol or diesel models... and to which markets in the territory?

A: The list is huge, Farmers, Gamekeepers, Estates, large homeowners, military, emergency services, beach patrol, security, pest control, hospitals, racing teams, the list is endless Q: Which Kawasaki model is most popular with your customers? A: All of them Q: Why do you think that model is so popular? A: They all offer fantastic value for money and reliability Q: What is the most important thing your

A: Our customers are all different. If you are looking for speed and you don’t have access to a red diesel tank then petrol is often the choice, the MULE Pro-MX. If the customer has access to red diesel, they are not worried about slightly slower speeds and they would like a higher payload then they will choose a diesel, a MULE Pro-DX or MULE Pro-DXT Q: What is the typical terrain type in your area?

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

A: If you are looking for a practical reliable workhorse and good value for money the Kawasaki wins hands down. The machine may not have all the bells and whistles some of the competitors have but it also doesn’t carry their kind of price tag. Anthony at MKM Agricultural Ltd in Bedford

www.mkmagri.com A: We are relatively flat here in Bedfordshire and the surrounding 01234 768889 counties although the soil type (or should I say clay) can be very heavy Images may include accessories or features not fitted going. as standard or only available within the US market.

For more information

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Q: What would you say to someone who is considering purchasing a new Kawasaki?

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

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Interview – T H White Agriculture Q: How long have you been a Kawasaki dealer?

Q: What is the most important thing your customers are looking for in a side-byside utility vehicle or ATV?

A: Most customers buy a half cab, although the full cab is becoming more popular.

A: The most important factor has to be reliability.

Q: What would you say to someone who is considering purchasing a new Kawasaki?

A: Sometime in the early 90’s Q: What kind of industries in your area rely on utility vehicles and ATV’s? A: This area consists mostly of farming and shooting. Q: Which Kawasaki model is most popular with your customers? A: The MULE Pro-DX is the most popular, however the MULE Pro-MX is selling really well especially to equine customers and female owners or operators. Q: Why do you think that model is so popular? A: The MULE Pro-DX is rugged , reliable (great engine), a huge load capacity, VERY stable and not expensive. The MULE Pro-MX is light, compact and joyful to drive, it’s also quite nippy!

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Q: Do your customers prefer petrol or diesel models... and to which markets in the territory? A: Farmers mostly prefer diesel, as they have red diesel on the farm and it is easily accessible. The private, shooting and equine customers are less concerned, they like the fact that the petrol engine on the MULE Pro-MX is quieter. Q: What is the typical terrain type in your area?

A: You will be delighted with it, it will more than cope with your daily tasks and it will always start! It has a pedigree of course too! Tim at T H White Agriculture in Toddington www.thwhiteagriculture.co.uk 01242 620211

A: Our area is hilly, arable and big acreage. We are surrounded by Cotswold brash that drains well. Q: What are your customers preferred cab options and accessories?

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| ATV

All the best features in a compact package onda’s Pioneer 520 side by side UTV combines the advantages of a compact and light conventional ATV with the load and passenger carrying capability of a larger UTV, and the new model is expected to prove popular with farmers and agricultural contractors as well as gamekeepers and for equestrian use.

The Pioneer 520 complements the existing Pioneer 700 which was launched almost five years ago. Power is from an economical 518cc petrol engine which combines exceptional performance with user comfort, without

established tracks, and for accessing fields through narrow gateways. It is also easier to transport between work sites by trailer than a full-size UTV. The Pioneer 520 has a tough ladder chassis, and independent double wishbone suspension at each corner with 5.8 inches of travel at the front and 5.9 inches at the rear. The rear shock absorbers are adjustable to suit the terrain and the load. Large 24-8-12 front tyres and 24-10-12 at the rear provide plenty of grip and spread the weight over a large area to minimise

manual, automatic and semi-automatic operating modes ensures smooth gear changes and progressive drive take-up for a comfortable ride. A dashboard-mounted rotary switch selects manual or automatic operation, and in manual mode paddles behind the steering wheel are used to change up and down through the gears. The paddles are also used to select reverse, but an additional safety switch must also be activated before the gear is engaged. Automatic mode allows the user to pay full attention to the terrain and

exposing users to the vibration and noise levels typical of competitors’ diesel-powered models. It has an efficient mechanical transmission and shaft drive to the wheels, so there are no belts or chains to slip and maintain. Two seats are standard, and a sturdy rear load bed carries up to 204kg while an optional hitch allows trailers up to 454kg to be towed. Compact but practical The main difference between the Pioneer 520 and the Pioneer 700 is its smaller size including an overall width of only 1,270mm, making it ideal for operation in areas where space is limited including in woodland away from 84 |

Farming Monthly | June 2021

ground damage. Impressive 215mm ground clearance means challenging terrain will be tackled with ease. Powerful and reliable The engine is longitudinally mounted for efficient drive to the front and rear axles and located low in the frame for maximum stability. The 518cc power unit has electronic fuel injection and liquid cooling, and the engine coolant circulates through a radiator below the front fender where it is protected from dust and mud. User-friendly transmission A new five-speed transmission with www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV conditions while gears are selected and changed automatically by the engine and transmission management system. The semiautomatic mode allows the user to override the automatic gear selection by operating the paddles to change up or down a gear. This is handy for situations demanding extra control or when additional power might be needed such as for tackling a steep slope or travelling through soft mud. As soon as conditions return to normal, automatic mode is reselected.

Designed for work Like the best-selling range of Honda ATVs and the popular Pioneer 700, the new Pioneer 520 is designed for demanding work environments. Plenty of ground clearance and generous suspension travel make the new Pioneer ideal for use on challenging farm terrain such as ploughed fields or along deep rutted tracks. The powerful 518cc engine has plenty of power to climb steep slopes with ease and the powerful 200mm front hydraulic disc brakes and single 170mm rear disc ensure efficient stopping power, even when fully loaded and working in muddy or wet conditions.

Safe and comfortable

Options to improve rider and passenger comfort include a Perspex front windscreen and a plastic roof. Simple maintenance Daily checks and routine maintenance are easily carried out and the seat base and back can be quickly removed providing great access to the engine. Filling the 15.5-litre fuel tank is quick and convenient through a large cap on the side of the machine.

The load bed is fitted with strong tiedown points and the rear tailgate is fastened by two heavy-duty latches and opens to a flat position for easy loading and unloading. The cab is spacious and comfortable and the floor is flat and easy to keep clean. All the controls are sturdy and designed for operation by users wearing working gloves. Visibility all around is excellent including down to the front where the short, low bonnet makes it easy to watch for obstructions. Powerful front work lights are standard. Attractive package The Pioneer 520 is extremely versatile and will appeal to all sizes and types of farm. For those currently using conventional ATVs, its ability to transport two people and larger loads will be tempting. Stocks of the new model started arriving

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To find out more about the new Pioneer 520 as well as the Pioneer 700 and Honda’s best-selling range of conventional ATVs just contact your local authorised dealer. See www.honda.co.uk/atv Pioneer 520

Two- or four-wheel drive selection is through Honda’s proven Traxlock which allows drive to the front wheels to be engaged and disengaged on the move, using a dashboard-mounted lever.

The rider and passenger are protected by a substantial roll over protection frame with half-height doors. Fabric nets above the doors give additional protection from overhanging branches or can be fastened back when not required. Three-point, inertia-reel seat belts and padded head rests ensure safety and comfort, and for added protection the Pioneer 520 is limited to just 15kph if the seat belt isn’t fastened.

in showrooms in late April, and many dealers are already offering demonstrations. The price is competitive at £9,200, including a full two-year parts and labour warranty. For a limited time, purchasers can also receive a Datatool TrakKing Adventure tracking system free of charge with just a £9.95 monthly subscription to pay for the service.

•

Engine - longitudinally mounted 518cc, single-cylinder petrol with fuel injection and liquid cooling.

•

Transmission - mechanical with five speeds and reverse. Manual, automatic and semi-automatic operating modes.

•

Drive - shaft to the front and rear axles and to the wheels. Traxlock selectable 2/4wd.

•

Suspension - double wishbone with dual rate springs and shock absorbers. Travel 5.8-in front and 5.9-in rear with adjustable dampers.

•

Dimensions (L/W/H) - 2.66m/1.27m/ 1.81m.

•

Wheelbase - 1,850mm.

•

Tyres - 24-8-12 front. 24-10-12 rear.

•

Unladen weight - 483kg

•

Load bed size (L/W/H) - 66cm/ 98cm/25cm

•

Load bed capacity - 204kg

•

Max towing weight - 454kg

•

Recommended retail price £9,200 + vat

June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| ATV

Polaris Challenge Morocco announced for 2021

olaris distributor in Morocco, YMF Extreme Motors, in conjunction with Carta Rallye, a well-known rally organiser in Morocco, has announced a new Polaris side-byside event to be held this year; the 2021 Polaris Challenge Morocco.

To be hosted at the gates of the Sahara Desert in M’hamid El Ghizlane, the first edition of the 2021 Polaris Challenge Morocco will take place from 16th October to 23rd October this year. The routes have been specially selected with side-by-side vehicles in mind, providing Polaris owners with the exclusive opportunity to exercise their passion for off-road adventure and adrenaline over five days of intense riding. Inviting riders from all over Europe, Middle East and Africa to enjoy the trails and dunes that Morocco has to offer, the

Polaris Challenge Morocco will combine strategy, off-road driving ability and fun with its unique concept of point-to-point GPS navigation. Each day will bring a new route covering 150-200 kilometres per day. The challenge is to reach the end of the course each day in a given number of hours, while also trying to find the most direct route to minimise distance travelled; riders will need to alternate between tracks and off-road routes to find the right balance between speed and distance. “We’re so excited to be hosting this new experience for Polaris customers – not just for our local community, but also for customers across the globe,” said YMF Extreme Motors management. “No matter the language we speak or country we’re from, we’re all united by a common passion in off-roading and this is the perfect opportunity to share this experience. We’ve designed the event so it’s suitable for both seasoned RZR

riders as well as thrill-seekers who are completely new to the rally or racing scene. It’s the perfect place to push riding skills outside of their comfort zone and see the full potential of the Polaris line-up. It’s going to be an unforgettable event.” The event will be open to all Polaris owners across Europe, Middle East and Africa, and registration will include accommodation, meals, public liability insurance, safety and medical teams, tracking devices, and free servicing provided by Polaris Morocco (parts not included). To make it as easy as possible to attend, the organisers are offering transport solutions for customer vehicles and equipment via set collection points across Europe, as well as airport/ hotel transfers for the event*. “The original concept is different from the typical timed rally race or discovery raid. We are co-organising this with the Carta Rallye team who already run the Carta Rally and Baja SSV Morocco; they have extensive international rally experience, so riders will get the level of support, logistics and service that you would expect from a world-class event.” Registration for the event is now open and closes on 17th September. 2021 Registration fees will be €2,490 (£2,200) for each driver, and €1,490 (£1,320) for each codriver. *Vehicle transportation and airport to hotel transfers for attendees at extra cost. Flights not included in registration fees.

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Farming Monthly | June 2021

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Ranger EV continues to serve Cannon Hall Farm

ix months on from the delivery of the Ranger EV to Cannon Hall Farm, Farmers Robert and David and dad Roger are utilising all aspects of their new electric utility vehicle…

Featuring on Channel 5’s Friday on the Farm back in October, the Ranger EV has since become a regular guest star on the show, and behind the scenes too, helping with day-to-day farm life. Robert Nicholson, from Cannon Hall Farm, said: “We’ve been really pleasantly surprised by the versatility of the Ranger and it is used every single day around the farm for various tasks. It surprised us by how brilliantly it handled off-road, it is really good in wet conditions and it makes life so much

easier for us as it means we can get anywhere on the land without having any problems.”

At just 147cm wide, the Ranger EV is the perfect utility vehicle for fitting through gates and storing inside a barn or garage. Not only that, its smooth, silent motor means it will not spook any animals whilst in operation. “We’ve used it way more than we thought we would because it is so adaptable – we have even got a tow bar on it now,” continued Robert. “It is used regularly for transporting animals, for training Pip and for checking the stock in our 125 acres of land. It’s been particularly useful in the snow if we’ve needed to bring any animals back to the farm. We’ve even used it to help Farmer David’s fitness regime – he wasn’t quite ready to pull a lorry so the Ranger EV was perfect.” The Ranger EV has a 680kg

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towing capacity, along with 227kg bed box capacity for hauling things like animal feed and tools. Cannon Hall Farm’s Ranger EV has been fitted with a livestock canopy from TFM Engineering, which optimises the cargo bed for carrying livestock and for Cannon Hall Farm’s dog, Pip. Given to Roger as a late birthday present last year, Cannon Hall Farm’s Ranger EV is well suited as an accessall-areas vehicle around the land with its on-demand all-wheel-drive technology to give it more forward traction when needed – especially helpful in muddy or slippery conditions – as well as ample space in the cab so Roger can easily get in and out. Spot the Ranger EV on the latest season of This Week on the Farm on Channel 5, and catch up on-demand on My5.tv. June 2021 |

Farming Monthly |

| Motors

Toyota Hilux 2.8 Double Cab ince its launch back in 1968 the Hilux has become iconic the World over and as our World evolves the demands on the Hilux has changed considerably also.

Even the lowest of budgets demands more than just a basic entry level vehicle, can you imagine going back to wind down windows and a cassette radio? Exactly, and with the Hilux range you definitely don’t have to.

pudding! Smoothly creating 201 BHP with a maximum torque of 500Nm this version has heaps of muscle and it shows when out on the road. Acceleration is very rapid, in fact it takes some getting used to if pickups are your daily chariot, but once settled you become aware of the SUV type experience and the ability to hold your

own up hills on motorways is a welcome change. Engine noise is lower than previous models and despite the increased grunt the stability is unaffected, probably down to the variable flow power steering which stiffens up as the speed increases yet remains gentle on the arms when manoeuvring at low speeds in the yard.

Safety with all new vehicles is paramount and the new Hilux does not disappoint. All models come with a pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and road sign assist along with an array of air bags, brake assist, stability control, trailer sway control, downhill assist, hill start assist etc. etc.… The model tested was the range topping Invincible X 2.8 Auto, Yes; you read that correctly, at last an engine capable of pulling the skin off of a rice 88 |

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| Motors from Nissan and Mitsubishi etc. the residual market for the Hilux will remain strong throughout its life! Long lead times for most vehicles and equipment seems to be the norm these days but the new Hilux is definitely worth the wait as we predict that the units sold, especially with the epic 2.8 engine will soon be at the top of the charts. Go try one at your local dealers at least. Pros:

With a payload of 1 ton and a towing capacity of 3.5t throughout the range the ladder frame chassis along with the tweaks to the suspension this Hilux is definitely the best yet. The driving position is comfortable, the media display (with Apple Car Play™ and Android Auto™) is large and easy to use and there are the usual array of cup holders along with some reasonable storage compartments and a nifty little

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vent in the glove box to keep your liquid refreshments chilled. Prices start from £23,413.33 (plus vat) to a whopping as tested price of £34,383.17 (plus vat) with various deposit contributions and member discounts from the likes of NFU and Basc these Hilux’s are achievable by all dependant upon specification. Plus don’t ignore the limited Pickup market currently with the demise of key vehicles

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Awesome power

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Market presence/high residual market

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High specification throughout the range

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Fuel stations could be more regular

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Range topper is expensive

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Waiting list

Review written by: Chris Johnson

March 2021

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A NEW GENERATION OF ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU ubaru UK is proud to announce the introduction of the long awaited all-new Outback, due to arrive in showrooms from 27th May with prices starting from £33,995.

Since its launch in 1995, Outback has built a history as the forerunner of a new car segment, the station wagon crossover SUV, combining the attributes of both passenger car and SUV. Outback has grown into Subaru’s flagship model, and its popularity increased over the years, cherished by people around the world, for providing the values of an everyday companion: safety, comfort, practicality, capability and drivability. The 6th generation is our most technologically advanced, luxurious, and safest yet. Limited, Field and Touring Outback model variants, all built on the SGP, confer superior passenger protection alongside the latest driver assistance and collision avoidance technology. Key features of all-new Subaru Outback 1. Overall safety top in its class The safest Outback ever built, the new model offers all-around safety protection, from an optimal driving position, window heights, and carefully arranged pillars to provide excellent visibility in all directions to an array of world-class, advanced safety technologies. New Outback boasts generous equipment fitted as standard across all three trim levels, including the next generation EyeSight Driver Assist 90 |

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technology, Subaru’s cutting-edge stereo camera prevention collision system, with nearly twice the field of vision, and includes: Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Function, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration, Lane Departure Prevention and Pre-Collision Braking System with expanded support for collision avoidance at junctions and crossroads. A brand-new technology for Outback is the Driver Monitoring System to complement its existing safety technologies, which will alert the driver when distracted or feeling fatigued. Reverse Automatic braking is also a new safety feature fitted as standard for allnew Outback that helps drivers to avoid collisions when reversing and mitigates the damage in case of collision. Its rich safety equipment also includes Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD), and Multi View Monitors (Front, Rear and Side) available on Touring, for a safer drive that reduces vehicle blind spots. The SGP ensures class-leading passenger safety thanks to an increase in the amount of high-tensile steel panel materials for a lighter body and improved protection in frontal, side and rear end collisions by over 40% allowing the frame structure to absorb energy more efficiently. The body has been substantially strengthened with a new structural frame (full inner frame structure) and additional beams and sub frames, further enhancing the world's top level collision safety performance, including the Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier (MPDB) crash test. Giving confidence in every aspect of the

driving experience, the Subaru Global Platform furthers Subaru's commitment to building the safest cars on the road. 2. Driving enjoyment with superior performance The new model preserves the distinctive combination of permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with the BOXER engine and Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission. It incorporates a direct-injection 2.5-litre naturally aspirated horizontally opposed fourcylinder engine, with about 90% engine parts redesigned and a higher compression ratio. The Lineartronic CVT has been enhanced with the gear ratio coverage expanded to a wider range. The hydraulic system has also been redesigned and the oil viscosity lowered, which reduces horsepower loss by 22% compared to the previous Outback model. This combination offers enhanced driving performance and increased torque control, while the standard SAWD, provides all-weather capability, paired with a standard active torque vectoring for improved handling and cornering performance. Handling performance and ride comfort have been increased with significant improvements made to the suspension and chassis, removing vibrations from the steering system, floor, and seats. The newly refined SAWD and SGP have improved the absorption performance on uneven road surfaces for you to enjoy new levels of control, stability, and ride comfort in a quiet, hushed cabin. By increasing rigidity of the body, front suspension and rear subframe, all-new Outback has enhanced straight-line www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors stability and minimised body roll by 50%. More responsive handling allows the driver to better steer the car as intended and improves hazard avoidance.

the driver seat and automatically adjusting settings for seat position, door mirror angles and air-conditioning preferences.

3. Versatile space with smarter storage

5. Enhanced off-road capability

Designed for active lifestyles, all-new Outback is more spacious than the previous model. The windshield has been moved forward and the front door windows moved out for a more spacious front interior, resulting in a class–leading spacious cabin. The total length has also been extended to further expand the rear interior and cargo space, to create an interior where every passenger can ride comfortably. 60/40 fold down rear seats and a wider boot opening create a cavernous flat load area for up to 522L of cargo, whilst integrated roof rails provide further secure storage overhead making it easy to just load up all the family’s gear and go. All-new Outback comes with a variety of convenient features suited for any lifestyle. It incorporates Subaru’s first hands-free power tailgate and single-touch pop-up tonneau cover which allows easy access to the boot when you have your hands full by simply waving an elbow near the badge to automatically raise the tailgate.

The improved engine performance offers more power for acceleration as well as driving on rough terrain, so drivers can enjoy SUV performance in all driving scenarios. The toughest Subaru SUV built to date, new Outback comes with a newly evolved X-MODE with Hill Descent Control for reliable control on steep, wet, or slippery terrain. Switch between [SNOW/DIRT] mode to confidently negotiate snow, dirt, or gravel, or [D.SNOW/MUD] mode for soft conditions where lesser vehicles get stuck. At the press of a button, SUBARU Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) lets you adjust the throttle and gear-shifting response to give you immediate power and agility on demand. Select Sport Mode for instant throttle response, ideal for enjoying winding roads, or Intelligent

The exterior design of Outback is more tough and rugged than ever. Dynamic silhouettes and prominent wheel arches surround the new premium 18” alloywheels which are available on all trim levels. Outback is very well specified with Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED headlights, equipped with high beam assist and an adaptive driving beam to optimise visibility and reduce glare, and LED front fog lights standard across the range. The new model features a redesigned interior with carefully selected materials for a more premium feel throughout the entire cabin. Enlarged windshield and long line motif extended from the centre of the instrument panel to the door panels expresses a relaxed and open atmosphere of the cabin space. New Outback offers a variety of seats options, from Nappa leather seats for a more luxurious feel in the Outback Touring, to more practical and durable waterrepellent synthetic leather seats in the Outback Field with distinctive green stitching complementing green accents on the bodywork and trim, ideal for those with ore active lifestyles. Fatiguereducing seats offer comfortable support

The boot space also includes improved hooks and net pocket so objects can be easily secured when driving. For more versatility and safety, new Outback offers secure integrated, fold our roof rails on Limited and Touring, or strengthened built-in roof rails on Field enhanced tie-down holes so straps or ropes can be easily tied directly to the roof rails. The side sill steps at the front and rear doors have been widened for better footing and changed to a non-slip pattern, so luggage can be loaded while maintaining a stable posture. 4. Cutting edge technology with a more intuitive user interface With a completely re-imagined cabin interior, all-new Outback ensures you and your family travel in first class whilst staying connected out on the road. Equipped as standard with a completely redesigned next-generation infotainment system, you can easily touch, swipe, or drag to navigate the large, intuitive 11.6inch full HD vertical display or simply use your voice. Bring up maps, find contacts, send messages, select driving modes, and access compatible apps, news, music, podcasts and much more. Besides its safety features, the Driver Monitoring System also delivers convenience with the facial recognition camera identifying up to 5 individuals in www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Mode for more fuel-efficient power delivery around town or on long journeys. Engineered to drive on or off-road, allnew Outback also offers excellent road clearance for a wider range of activities. The high 213mm ground clearance maximises approach, departure and ramp angles, minimising the risk of the bumpers or chassis getting damaged or stuck. It also boasts a 2,000kg braked or 750kg unbraked towing capacity to enable high performance towing and control.

and stability for long journeys, so you feel more refreshed when you reach your destination. Both front and rear seats enjoy heating to shoulder level with three temperature settings and a heated steering wheel takes the chill out of winter journeys. All-new Outback is offered in three trim levels: Limited, Field and Touring and its unique character is also expressed through the two newly and specially designed exterior colours, Autumn Green Metallic and Brilliant Bronze Metallic (not available on Field model). OTR Prices

A rear-view camera jet washer has been added so that the camera lens is always clear of dirt, mud, and grime to assist with parking and off-road adventures.

Limited: £33,995 Field: £37,995 Touring: £39,495

6. Redesigned from ground-up March 2021

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NEW P300 HST BROADENS RANGE ROVER EVOQUE LINE-UP

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he appeal of the Range Rover Evoque has been broadened even further with the launch of a new powerful Range Rover Evoque P300 HST.

Sporty stealth: Powerful Evoque HST features a Black Pack, Gloss Black Sliding Panoramic Roof and Gloss Black 20-inch alloys New P300 HST Edition: Exclusively powered by the 300hp 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine, the new Evoque P300 HST brings a purposeful new edge to Land Rover’s compact luxury SUV Electrifying efficiency: Mild

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hybrid electric power delivers efficient and dynamic performance •

Available to order: New Range Rover Evoque HST is priced from £50,440 in the UK. Configure yours at www.landrover.co.uk

The sporty new Range Rover Evoque P300 HST features enhanced technology with the latest Pivi infotainment and a purposeful new look to the compact member of the Range Rover family. The Evoque P300 HST takes inspiration from the larger Range Rover Sport HST and is exclusively available with Land Rover’s potent P300 Ingenium petrol engine.

Rawdon Glover, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said ‘’The new Range Rover Evoque HST strikes a perfect balance between dynamic performance and refined luxury. By enhancing design characteristics of the core vehicle even further, this addition to the Evoque range enables us to deliver our customers even more value and exclusivity’’ Exclusively powered by the 300hp 2.0litre Ingenium petrol engine, the new Range Rover Evoque P300 HST brings a purposeful new edge to Land Rover’s compact luxury SUV. Featuring a stealthy high-performance look inspired by the Range Rover Sport HST, the new edition is based on the Evoque RDynamic S and features a unique

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combination of interior and exterior updates. With 11 exterior colour options, its modern and sporty look is enhanced with the Black Pack, comprising Gloss Black Range Rover bonnet script, side vents, bonnet louvres, door mirror caps and exterior accents. A standard Gloss Black Sliding Panoramic Roof and Privacy Glass, plus unique Gloss Black 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers also set the new HST apart. The close links to the Range Rover Sport HST continue inside, where the Evoque P300 HST shares the exclusive Suedecloth steering wheel and Ebony Suedecloth headlining. Luxurious touches include grained

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leather seat trim, Range Rover treadplates, a Sliding Panoramic Roof and powered tailgate.

signature DRLs and animated indicators, provide heightened convenience and sophistication.

The enhanced specification of the P300 HST includes Land Rover’s advanced and intuitive Interactive Driver Display with its configurable, high-definition 12.3-inch instrument cluster able to show a comprehensive array of driving information, navigation instructions and infotainment data.

The P300 HST accelerates from 0100km/h in 6.8 seconds (0-60mph in 6.5 seconds). Driving through a ninespeed automatic gearbox and featuring Land Rover’s cutting-edge Terrain Response 2 system, the all-wheel drive model combines dynamic on-road handling with trademark Range Rover all-terrain capability.

Pivi Pro infotainment comes with a 10inch deployable touchscreen and 10inch lower touchscreen and 13-speaker 400W Meridian Sound System to bring enhanced connectivity and audio quality, while keyless entry and Premium LED headlamps, with

The Range Rover Evoque is available to order priced from £32,115 in the UK. New Range Rover Evoque P300 HST is priced from £50,440 in the UK. Configure yours at www.landrover.co.uk

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INEOS Grenadier passes gruelling m I NEOS Automotive has completed the next phase of dynamic testing for the Grenadier, following a punishing examination of its off-road capabilities on one of the most formidable 4X4 testing grounds in the world. The latest-generation Grenadier prototypes were approved by INEOS Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, after negotiating the notorious trails of the Schöckl mountain near Magna Steyr’s

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HQ in Austria, as part of an engineering gateway assessment.

"We've made great strides since the very early versions of the Grenadier I drove a year ago," said Sir Jim. “The Schöckl is a proper challenge for any 4X4. Today was a real test for our prototypes, and they came through very well. There is still work to do, but I am confident that the Grenadier will do the job we have developed it for.”

Renowned for their unforgiving and destructive hard-rock terrain, the Austrian mountains have been used for decades by Magna Steyr, INEOS’s engineering partner, as the ultimate test of off-road capability and durability for special purpose vehicles. The intensification of the Grenadier’s testing programme, which will see more than 130 second-phase prototypes accumulate 1.8 million kilometres in www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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mountain tests with flying colours extreme environments around the world, follows unavoidable delays through 2020. To achieve its rigorous testing targets, INEOS has revised its project timings and pushed back the start of Grenadier production. Dirk Heilmann, CEO of INEOS Automotive, said: “Reaching this important development milestone is a great step forward for the project. We www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

only have one opportunity to get this right and our quality and performance targets for the Grenadier remain paramount. We won’t cut corners. After today’s very positive results we are on track to reach our targets and to allow the start of production in July next year at the latest.”

engine calibration with Grenadier prototypes in northern Sweden. The next phase of the development and validation process will subject the Grenadier to intense hot weather testing in some of the world’s harshest environments, including Death Valley in the USA and the dunes of the Middle East.

Earlier this year, engineers successfully completed extensive cold weather June 2021 |

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Electromobility in a family package: the new EQB at a glance A

s a seven-seater the new EQB offers space for many family constellations and a wide variety of transport needs. This gives it an exceptional position among electric cars. The two seats in the third row can be used by people up to 5 ft 4 inches tall, and child seats can also be fitted there.

and the EQS, the purpose-designed, fully electric member of the new S-Class family, is being presented, the Chinaspecific version of the new EQB will be making its debut in Shanghai. It will be produced in Beĳing and comes to market in China later this year. The European version will also be launched in 2021, and in the USA the EQB will arrive in 2022. The electrical consumption of the EQB 350 4MATIC in Europe, NEDC3: combined electrical consumption: 16.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, range 478 km; WLTP: combined electrical consumption: 19.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, range 419 km. The compact class becomes increasingly electric The EQB will be the first all-electric production vehicle from the Hungarian plant in Kecskemét. So far, the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake plug-in hybrid models have come off the production line there. The A-Class with plug-in hybrid drive will also be produced in Kecskemét in future – in addition to the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, where the EQA is built.

voltage battery is brought to an optimal charging temperature before a planned charging stop, as needed. Green power as standard

By means of high-quality certificates of origin, Mercedes-Benz guarantees that energy from renewable energy sources is fed into the grid for charging current sourced via Mercedes me Charge. With Mercedes me Charge, customers can charge at over 200,000 public charging stations across Europe. All-electric compact SUV with up to seven seats celebrates premiere in China Stuttgart/Shanghai. Whether a large nuclear family or a small extended family: as a seven-seater, the new EQB offers space for many family constellations and a wide variety of transport needs. This gives it an exceptional position not only in the compact segment, but especially among electric cars. The two seats in the third row can be used by people up to 5ft 4inches tall, and child seats can also be fitted there. The new EQB will make its

Customers have the choice The EQB range will include several models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive, various power ratings – some of which will exceed 200 kW – plus batteries with usable capacities starting from 66.5 kWh. A particularly long-range version is also planned. Compact on the outside, spacious on the inside The new EQB (length/width/height: 4684/1834/1667 millimetres) offers a generous amount of space and a maximum boot capacity of 1710 litres2 thanks to having the long wheelbase of the GLB (2829 millimetres). The inclination of the backrests in the second row can be adjusted in several stages as standard, and this row features longitudinally adjustment of 140 millimetres as an option. Third all-electric launch in 2021 While the first EQA 250 (NEDC combined electrical consumption: 15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) roll into European dealerships 98 |

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Electro design aesthetics The EQB interprets Mercedes-EQ's Progressive Luxury in an edgy and characterful way. It features the typical Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with central star. A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at front and rear. Navigation with Electric Intelligence The standard Navigation with Electric Intelligence contributes to the effortless handling of the EQB in everyday life. It calculates the fastest route to the destination, taking into account maximum charging power and the duration of possible charging stops. In addition, the Navigation with Electric Intelligence ensures that the highwww.farmingmonthly.co.uk

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debut at Auto Shanghai 2021 (21 to 28 April 2021). Following the EQA 250 (combined electrical consumption: 15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) it is the second fully electric compact car from Mercedes-EQ. The powerful and efficient electric drive, clever recuperation and predictive Navigation with Electric Intelligence are just some of the features that link it to the EQA. The market launch in China is scheduled for this year. After Europe, the international version of the EQB, produced in Kecskemét, Hungary, will be launched at the end of the year, followed by the US market launch in 2022. The electric offensive from MercedesBenz Cars is not only picking up speed, it is accelerating with as much kick as the Mercedes-EQ vehicles themselves: while the first EQAs roll into European dealerships and the EQS, the purposedesigned, all-electric member of the new S-Class family, is being presented, the version of the new EQB specific to China will be making its debut in Shanghai at the same time. It is also produced in China at Beĳing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd (BBAC), a joint venture between Daimler and its Chinese partner BAIC Group. The design of the new all-electric compact SUV interprets the progressive luxury of Mercedes-EQ in an edgy and characterful way. “China is not only the most important passenger car sales region for us, it is also the world’s leading market for electric cars”, says Hubertus Troska, Daimler AG Board Member responsible for Greater China. “We are extremely delighted to world-premiere the allelectric EQB here in China. With its seven seats, the new EQB meets the needs of very family-oriented customers. In addition to the right products, our local production footprint is one of the decisive factors for sustainable growth in www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

China. That’s why we are looking forward to produce the all-electric EQB in Beĳing.” “With the all new EQB we have created an iconic electric SUV that takes the heritage of our boxy off-road vehicles and transforms this into the future. We combine the significant boxy silhouette with futuristic elements such as the black-panel front to create the extraordinary look of the vehicle”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler Group. In China, the new EQB is being launched as a fully equipped top-of-therange model with AMG Line and an output of 215 kW. In Europe, right from the start customers will have the choice between several models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive and various power levels, some rated at over 200 kW. The usable capacity of the batteries in Europe is 66.5 kWh. These batteries are manufactured at the Daimler plants in Kamenz (Germany) and Jawor (Poland). A particularly long-range version is also planned. The electrical consumption of the EQB 350 4MATIC in Europe, NEDC1: combined electrical consumption: 16.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, range 478 km; WLTP: combined electrical consumption: 19.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, range 419 km. In the current year, Mercedes-Benz Cars is pushing ahead rapidly with electrification. With the EQA, the EQB, the electric business saloon EQE and the EQS, a total of four new models from Mercedes-EQ will be presented. The Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid family, currently consisting of more than 20 model variants, is being renewed with electrified derivatives of the C-Class and

the S-Class. For 2021, Mercedes-Benz Cars expects to increase the xEV share, i.e. of plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, to around 13 percent. In addition, mild hybrids with starteralternator and 48-volt system are conquering the product range, especially of the group's luxury vehicles. Generous space and variable, level boot The new EQB (length/width/height: 4684/1834/1667 millimetres) enriches Mercedes’ successful compact car family and is closely related to two models in particular: to the EQA, whose advanced drive technology it shares, and to the GLB compact SUV. This is where the long wheelbase (2829 millimetres), the spacious and variable interior and the third row of seats with two additional individual seats come from. The amount of space is generous: the headroom in the first row of seats is 1035 millimetres, in the second it is 979 millimetres for the five-seater. With 87 millimetres, the knee space in the rear of the five-seater reaches a comfortable level. The boot is level and spacious: The load volume of 495 to 1710 or 465 to 1620 litres (figures for five- and seven-seaters respectively) has the qualities of a compact estate car. The inclination of the backrests in the second row can be adjusted in several stages as standard, and as an option it features longitudinally adjustment of 140 millimetres. This enables the boot to be enlarged by up to 190 litres and put to versatile use. As an option (standard in China), the EQB has a third row of seats with two additional individual seats. The seats offer people up to a height of 1.65 June 2021 |

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| Motors the instrument panel on the passenger side. Depending on the design and equipment line, a spectacular backlit trim piece and rosé gold-coloured decorative elements on the air vents, seats and vehicle key provide clues to the electric character in the interior of the EQB. The instruments, with their electric car-specific displays, pick up on the same colour scheme with rosé gold-coloured and blue highlights.

metres a comfortable amount of space. Extensive safety features include extractable head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters on all outer seats and a side windowbag that also covers passengers in the third row. A total of up to four child seats can be fitted in rows two and three, plus one more in the front passenger seat. To increase luggage space, the third row seats can be lowered flush into the load floor. Electro design aesthetics with corners and edges The EQB interprets Mercedes-EQ's Progressive Luxury in an edgy and characterful way. It features the typical Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with central star. A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at front and rear. A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. The inside of the headlamps is finished to a high level of quality, detail and precision. Blue colour highlights within the headlamp reinforce the signature Mercedes-EQ appearance. The function-oriented greenhouse with

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upright windscreen makes the comfortable interior possible. Circumferential and protective cladding elements structure the overall proportion. The muscular and sensuously modelled vehicle shoulder dominates the side view, which is further enhanced by the rise of the beltline. Outwardly positioned wheels give the EQB a powerful character and confident stance on the road. Exclusive to this model are light-alloy wheels in a bi- or tri-colour design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rosé gold-coloured or blue decorative trim. The LED tail lamps merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip. This underlines the horizontal sense of width of the EQB in the rear view. In addition, the number plate is placed on the bumper, which allows for a beautifully sculpted tailgate. The studded roof rails underline the high utility value of the new EQB. The large body of the dashboard has a cut-out in the driver and passenger area. The driver faces a Widescreen Cockpit, with control and display via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The robust character of the interior is underlined by tubular elements in an aluminium look. They sit as handles in the doors, in the centre console and in

The EQB achieves a very good drag value with a Cd value from 0.28. The frontal area A totals 2.53 m2. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimised Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers. Efficient driving pleasure and Navigation with Electric Intelligence ECO Assist offers a recuperation process optimised to the particular situation. It incorporates navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the vehicle sensors into its efficiency strategy. Anticipatory driving saves power, thereby extending the range. The standard Navigation with Electric Intelligence also contributes to the effortless handling of the EQB in everyday life. It calculates the fastest route to the destination, including any necessary charging stops. On the basis of continual range simulations, the system makes allowance for any necessary charging stops as well as for numerous other factors, such as the topography and the weather. It is also

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able to react dynamically to changes, for instance in the traffic situation or personal driving style. In addition, the Navigation with Electric Intelligence ensures that the high-voltage battery is brought to an optimal charging temperature before a planned charging stop, if needed. Sophisticated charging technology, large network and green power At home or at public charging stations, the EQB can be conveniently charged at up to 11 kW with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger. The charging time required for a full charge depends on the available infrastructure and the country-specific vehicle equipment. Charging at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is considerably faster than at a household socket. And it is of course even faster at direct current (DC) fast-charging stations. Depending on the SoC (State of Charge) and the temperature of the high-voltage battery, the EQB charges at a corresponding charging station with a maximum power of up to 100 kW. The charging time is then just over 30 minutes from 10-80 percent SoC. For AC and DC charging, the EQB is equipped as standard in Europe and the USA with a CCS (Combined Charging Systems) connector in the right-hand side panel. In China, a country-specific charging solution with sockets on the right and left in the side wall is used, and charging times may also vary compared with the European version. Via Mercedes me Charge, EQB drivers will be able to use what is currently the largest charging network in the world: this currently comprises more than 500,000 AC and DC charging stations across 31 countries. Mercedes me Charge allows MercedesEQ customers convenient use of the www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

charging stations of various providers, while they also benefit from an integrated payment function with simple billing processes. By means of high-quality certificates of origin, Mercedes-Benz guarantees that energy from renewable energy sources is fed into the grid for charging current sourced via Mercedes me Charge. With Mercedes me Charge, customers can charge at more than 200,000 public charging stations across Europe, where Mercedes-Benz ensures subsequent compensation through green electricity. Cooperative support for the driver and high level of crash safety The EQB features intelligent driving assistance systems with cooperative support for the driver. Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist are fitted as standard. In many critical situations, the latter has the ability to prevent a collision or reduce its severity with autonomous braking. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds. The enhanced functions of the Driving Assistance Package include, for example, the turning manoeuvre function, the emergency corridor function, the exit warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning when pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings. The EQB is also a true Mercedes when it comes to passive safety. Building on the robust bodyshell structure of the GLB, the body of the EQB was adapted to the special requirements of an electric car. The battery sits within a frame made out of extruded sections. This takes on a structural function which until now was maintained by the cross members in the underfloor. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced

by foreign objects. Of course, the EQB had to pass the brand's usual extensive crash test programme. Stringent requirements for the battery and all components carrying electrical current also apply. The EQB in the global production network Production of the EQB will commence in 2021 at two sites forming part of the production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars: at the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét for the global market and at the German-Chinese joint venture BBAC in Beĳing for the local market. Preparations, including staff qualification processes and reconstruction work, have already commenced at the plants. The EQB compact SUV will be the first purely electrically powered production vehicle from Hungary and will supplement the plug-in hybrid portfolio which comprises the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. The A-Class will also be produced with plugin hybrid drive at Kecskemét in future as well as at the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, where the EQA is built. Since it commenced production in 2012, the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant has continually increased in importance within the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars. In addition to digital networking, the strengths of the compact car production network include direct exchange with the lead plant for compact cars in Rastatt, BadenWürttemberg. The battery systems for the compact Mercedes-EQ models produced in Europe are supplied by the MercedesBenz subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz as well as by the battery factory in Jawor, Poland. Both factories were designed to operate as CO₂-neutral facilities from the outset. June 2021 |

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FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM RANGE IS FAVOURITE AMONG VEHICLE BUYERS

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he versatile and everpopular Ford Transit Custom continues the iconic name plate’s reign as the UK’s best-selling vehicle last month and year to date. Combined sales of the Ford Transit Custom van, and the Ford Tourneo Custom people carrier, topped 4,500 sales in April and over 19,000 registrations in the first four months of 2021.

Mandy Dean, commercial vehicle director for Ford of Britain & Ireland, said: “In 2020, the Transit Custom range was just behind the Ford Fiesta as the UK’s best-selling vehicle. This year the Custom is in front, reflecting the surge in van demand for deliveries as the distribution sector adjusts to the pandemic, and the increasing popularity of Tourneo lifestyle vehicles for UK travel.”

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The new Tiguan Allspace: new control and assist systems for the bestseller

he Tiguan was given an update back in autumn 2020 and now it is the turn of the long-wheelbase version: revised design, new control and assist systems, new premium features such as interactive IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and touch panels to control the standard automatic air conditioner take the Tiguan Allspace to the next level. Currently, more than every second Tiguan (55 percent) that rolls off the production line worldwide has a long wheelbase. The XL version of the Tiguan Allspace can, upon request, be fitted to become an SUV with seven seats or boast 1,920 litres of storage space. Pre-sales start in the next few weeks. In Germany, it is available in the new specification packages Life, Elegance and R-Line. Since the start of production of the long version in 2017, around 1.5 million units of the long-wheelbase version (LWB) have been sold worldwide. The long version offered in Europe as the Tiguan Allspace is optionally available with a third row of seats – a rare specification option in this segment. This feature makes it a perfect partner for families and people with an active lifestyle. After the major visual and technological update of the Tiguan, the Tiguan Allspace is now next in line – with a sharper look, digital cockpit, new technologies, new equipment matrix and comprehensive connectivity. Its virtues as a spacious SUV remain unchanged: with a five-seat configuration, it offers a luggage compartment volume of 760 to 1,920 litres, with the seven-seater offering 700 to 1,755 litres. The optional seats in the third row can be folded like the rear bench seat and backrest in the second row. They can be dropped to fit flush into the luggage compartment floor thus creating an even loading area. There are three TSIs and two TDIs

engines available. Upon request or depending on the equipment, a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox ensures fast, efficient gear changes and the optional 4MOTION allwheel drive offers optimum traction. Due to its redesigned front, the Tiguan Allspace has now grown to a length of 4,723 mm (22 mm longer); all the generous interior measurements are unchanged. With its newly designed front featuring an independent radiator grille and elegant signature light, the vehicle exudes premium quality. For the first time, the Tiguan Allspace can now be ordered with IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. A further new feature is the “sweeping” indicator function of the LED turn signals. On either side of the redesigned Volkswagen logo, an illuminated strip in the radiator grille adds a striking visual note. Three equipment options available Volkswagen has reconfigured and optimised the equipment matrix of the Tiguan Allspace. In future, it will be available in the versions Life, Elegance and R-Line in Germany. The Elegance equipment elegantly showcases the new Tiguan Allspace with numerous chromeplated elements in the interior and on the exterior as well as 19- inch alloy wheels. Sporty drivers can order the Tiguan Allspace in the R-Line version. A multifunction leather sports steering wheel with touch operation and R-Line logo, decorative trims in Carbon Grey, Digital Cockpit Pro and 19- or 20-inch wheels are just some of the distinctive features. When it comes to comfort, the front seats can be ordered in the ergoActive version with electric 4-way lumbar support adjustment and massage function. All air conditioning, heating and ventilation functions of the standard three-zone automatic air conditioner are operated via a new digitalised module in the centre console. Touch panels and sliders take the place of rotary knobs and buttons. The driver can now also choose to receive information via the full-colour head-up display. It projects driving-related information such as speed, directions and warnings in the driver’s field of vision. The already

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proven optional Trailer Assist system supports the driver when manoeuvring a trailer. The maximum trailer weight is up to 2.5 tonnes with the 4MOTION allwheel drive. Partly automated driving is made possible by IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist that is used for the first time in the Tiguan Allspace. Depending on the gearbox type, the system can take over steering, braking and acceleration at speeds starting from 0 km/h (with dual clutch gearbox) or 30 km/h (manual gearbox) up to 210 km/h. To do this, Travel Assist relies on familiar systems including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for longitudinal guidance, and Lane Assist (fitted as standard) for lateral guidance. Digitalisation in the Tiguan Allspace is progressing For smart connectivity, the Tiguan Allspace boasts a number of new infotainment systems (new-generation MIB3) that are linked up to a wide range of online services. An Online Connectivity Unit (OCU) with integrated eSIM allows users to benefit from the online services of We Connect (set up for an unlimited usage period) and We Connect Plus (set up for free use for one or three years in Europe). Depending on the equipment level, the range of MIB3 systems is supplemented with features such as natural voice control, access to streaming services and cloud-based personalisation via Volkswagen ID. Additionally, apps can now be integrated wirelessly via AppConnect Wireless for Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. The optional premium sound system that Volkswagen has developed together with Harman Kardon ensures fascinating acoustic experiences. A subwoofer, a digital 16-channel amplifier, 8 plus 1 highperformance loudspeakers and an amplifier with a 480-watt total output provide crystal clear treble and deep, rich bass sounds. Four sound scenarios, surround mode and razor-sharp speech reproduction guarantee high- end sound at all seats. June 2021 |

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Volta Trucks accelerates its ambitious Roadto-Zero Emissions strategy, launching four full-electric commercial vehicles between 7.5t and 19t, multiple manufacturing facilities, and targeting over 27,000 vehicle sales per year across expanded markets

olta Trucks, the leading fullelectric commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced its Road-to-Zero Emissions strategy as it delivers on its vision of decarbonising the logistic industry, offering cleaner air and safer streets for city centre residents. The announcement comes at a time of increasing societal focus on climate change and air quality improvements, with many cities implementing low or zero emission zones.

For example, diesel engine commercial vehicles will be banned from operating in Paris from 2024 as all French cities of more than 150,000 residents adopt new Low Emissions Zones. Volta Trucks’ own independent research suggests that the total global addressable market for full-electric trucks in the 7.5t – 19t category will exceed $100 billion by the end of 2025. With speed to market at the heart of the strategy, Volta Trucks will offer a wide range of full-electric commercial vehicles at a time of scarce supply of comparable full electric vehicles from new start-ups and the established vehicle manufacturers. Four full-electric commercial vehicles by 2025.

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Building upon the success of the Volta Zero - the first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle designed for inner-city last mile deliveries – Volta Trucks plans to expand its product portfolio with three additional variants within the Medium- to lower end of the Heavy-Duty class. With Volta Zero models available in the 7.5-tonne, 12tonne, 16-tonne and 19-tonne weight categories, the Company will offer a comprehensive range of full-electric commercial vehicles that have been reimagined and redesigned thanks to their innovative, compact electric powertrains by logistics people for the logistics industry.

The 16-tonne Volta Zero will be the first vehicle delivered, with Pilot Fleet trucks built by the end of 2021, and series production starting around 12 months afterwards. This vehicle is currently in the engineering development phase, with early prototype testing due to start shortly. Production of the 16-tonne vehicle will be closely followed by the largest 19tonne and mid-size 12-tonne variants in 2023. A Pilot Fleet of the smaller 7.5tonne vehicles is expected to be launched for customer trials in the same year, with production commencing in late 2024. These later vehicles are currently in the early design development phase.

With the company’s clear focus on bestin-class vehicle safety with features for the driver and the surrounding ecosystem, all trucks will adopt the innovative low-seat central driving position with a glasshouse-style cab. This offers 220-degrees of visibility to maximise visual communication between the driver and vulnerable road users around the vehicle. Also, like the 16tonne vehicle, all variants will be designed with optimised payloads, thus offering fleet managers the opportunity of using a reduced number of larger Volta Zero vehicles, and removing several smaller vans from their operations, thereby also having a positive effect on inner-city traffic congestion. The Volta Zero was launched in September 2020 and since its introduction, has been enthusiastically welcomed by fleet managers and city legislators alike, with market demand extending way beyond the initial London and Paris launch markets. As an example, at the end of 2020, Volta Trucks announced what was believed to be Europe’s single largest purchase of full-electric large commercial vehicles with the sale of 1,000 Volta Zeros to Petit Forestier, Europe’s largest refrigerated commercial rental fleet. The orderbook had swelled to $260M by January 2021 and continues growing on

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the back of increasing customer interest. Given the strength of market demand for the 16-tonne Volta Zero, Volta Trucks will accelerate its market entry with a Europe-first strategy, followed by US and Asian cities. The Volta Zero was initially launched in the UK and France and is currently in Spain for a tailored roadshow with customers. Afterwards, it will be presented in Germany and North America over the summer, with other European markets including Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium to be confirmed by year end. Volta Trucks expects to introduce the Volta Zero in all its four weight variants across all its core markets. Given the significant market demand for full-electric commercial vehicles, driven by customers' needs and regulation, Volta Trucks targets to sell more than 27,000 units per year by the end of 2025, with volumes increasing further in the following years. Demand has also been accelerated by Volta Trucks’ unique Truck as a Service ("TaaS") proposition that aims to revolutionise the financing and servicing of commercial vehicle fleets. TaaS will offer fleet managers a frictionless way to electrify their fleets, with a single, affordable, monthly fee providing access to a full-electric Volta Zero, and all of its servicing, maintenance, insurance and training requirements. It will even provide a replacement Volta Zero when needed, maximising the uptime and operational efficiency of the vehicle. Volta Zero production to be close to its core markets, with options already confirmed. Given its sustainability ambitions, Volta Trucks will adopt a network manufacturing strategy with a number of www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

assembly facilities distributed across its key geographies, minimising unnecessary transportation and cost. The company recently announced it has ‘expressed an interest’ in manufacturing vehicles at the Decarbonisation Hub project in the former Nissan manufacturing facilities in Barcelona. Any vehicles manufactured in Spain could potentially serve southern European markets but would not be the first vehicles built. The Company is considering a number of additional manufacturing locations across Europe, North America and Asia, to have the capacity to meet the significant volume ramp up envisaged within the plan. Announcing the company’s ambitious Road-to-Zero Emissions strategy, Chief Executive Officer of Volta Trucks, Essa Al-Saleh, said: “We have seen huge success since launching the 16-tonne Volta Zero in September 2020. We have significant tail winds with zero emission large commercial vehicles, thanks to forthcoming legislation changes that are driving demand, as well as many customers with uncompromising sustainability agendas wanting to purchase the most environmentally focused vehicles for their fleets. This has created a very strong order book that encourages us to rapidly accelerate our plans. When we launched the Volta Zero, we’d expected to be selling 5,000 vehicles a year with a single model by 2025. Given our pace of development, driven by customer demand, we clearly see the opportunity to expand the Volta Zero into a portfolio of vehicles to offer customers a wider selection of full-electric vehicle sizes, and to accelerate the change to zero emissions. This leads us to far more ambitious sales expectations, with

more than five times the number of vehicles now expected to be built compared to our original proposal. That’ll see over 27,000 vehicles sold per year by 2025, and further volume growth afterwards. To achieve these ambitious goals and timelines, we will work in a very nimble and agile way to ensure our speed to market. We will also need a network of world-class manufacturing facilities. I’m pleased that recently, we expressed an interest to build Volta Zeros in Barcelona and are also investigating several other facilities in Europe, Asia and North America to ensure we can keep up with demand.” Founder and Executive Chairman of Volta Trucks, Carl-Magnus Norden, continued; “When we created the Company, we originally set out to decarbonise logistics operations, and to make city centres safer and more sustainable places to live and work in. But we originally believed that we couldn’t achieve this objective by ourselves, and we strongly encouraged other manufacturers on their journeys towards zero emissions. Over the past months though, we’ve seen unprecedented demand in the marketplace, confirming that our ambition resonates well with our customers, but we've also seen very few other start-ups or OEMs announcing new fully electric commercial vehicles in the Medium and lower-Heavy Duty sectors. On this basis, we will have to deliver more of the decarbonisation of the logistics industry ourselves, and the launch of four separate fully electric commercial vehicles targeting more than 27,000 truck sales per year by 2025, just three years after starting production, is a very strong statement of intent to deliver on our original vision."

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June 2021 Farming Monthly National

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June 2021 Farming Monthly National

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