March 2019 Farming Monthly National

INSIDE: Shortlist announced for RIDBA Building Awards ‘19 page 20

Farming

MONTHLY National

March 2019

Also in this issue...

Grain

| Brexit uncertainty impacting grain trade now page 18

Earthworm research spurs farmers to act Also inside this month..

Key earthworm types are absent in two out of five fields page 10

NBA Beef Expo 2019 p32

Making Spring crops work p16

WIllow woodchip trial in orchards p48

PLUS: Arable | Livestock| Sheep | Forestry | Buildings | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS March 2019

FEATURES 08

15

12 Arable The role of companion crops in clearfield rape..and more

17 Grain

20

43 Feature

31

46 Education

If I had ÂŁ1 for every time a farmer said...

44 Precision

Student wins pig industry scholarship

48 Forestry

Precision farming latest

Willow woodchip to tackle apple scab

Consistancy is key message at AHDB Milling Wheat Conference

20 Buildings RIDBA Building Awards 2019

27 Security NFU Mutual offer advice

REGULARS 06 News Sheep splitting delay

31 Livestock Greater ruminant nutrition insight for Britains farmers

36 Sheep Sheep worrying attacks

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10 On Topic Earthworm research

20 Energy Latest energy news

38 Machinery Latest machinery news

49 ATV ATV news...covered.

54 Motors Latest motors news

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

46

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com

Earthworm research spurs farmers to act

p10

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ISSN 2044-0190 (print) ISSN 2044-0200 (digital)

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Sheep splitting delay ‘huge setback for the sheep sector’ Responding to Defra’s announcement that a fixed cut-off date for carcase splitting will no longer be implemented in time for the 2019 season, NFU livestock board chairman Richard Findlay said: “In November last year we received a commitment from Defra ministers that the new regulation would be in place for this season. It is unacceptable that this has now been completely overturned with no indication of when it will be implemented. he NFU and other industry organisations have campaigned for over a decade to change the way lambs are aged from dentition checks to a cut-off date, which would improve accuracy and transparency and ensure that farmers are paid fairly for the value of their product. It is needless to say that the delay in implementation is a huge setback for the UK sheep sector and that Defra’s failure to follow through on its commitment is extremely frustrating.

“The decision also continues to load costs on to the industry as it spends an estimated £24 million a year on dentition checks, which would be unnecessary if a cut-off date were used. It comes on the back of another Defra announcement that costs of £7.50 per sample for testing fallen stock of cattle over 48 months for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathiy (TSE) will be passed on to the industry from

Funding of £240k for Welsh farmers affected by hot 2018 summer

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April this year.

“While we understand Defra’s concerns about negotiating the UK’s status as a third country, and the NFU has always said that maintaining free and frictionless trade with the EU is vital for the British food and farming industry, it should never prevent necessary domestic regulatory changes from taking place. Especially when, as is the case here, the European Commission had already indicated it would be happy for the UK to age lambs using a cut-off date.

“The NFU will continue to seek assurances from government that the new carcase splitting arrangements will be implemented in time for the 2020 season.”

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Farming charity R.A.B.I is working with the Welsh Government to provide one-off discretionary grants to farmers in Wales suffering hardship following the 2018 summer drought. he Welsh Government has made £240,000 available to R.A.B.I to give to Welsh working farmers still battling the knockon effects of last year's prolonged heatwave. All claims will be assessed and distributed by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I), the farming sector's oldest and largest charity.

R.A.B.I chairman Malcolm Thomas said: "Last summer's hot weather may seem like a distant memory, but many farmers are still playing catch-up because of drought-related issues. 2018 was a particularly challenging year for our industry and Welsh farmers, across various sectors, were amongst those hardest hit. We're grateful to the Welsh Government for making this money available and we are determined to make sure it goes to where it is most needed. One-off, fixed payments of £3,000 per household will be available to farmers in Wales who are struggling to meet living costs due to last summer's

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prolonged dry spell."

R.A.B.I wants to hear from farmers in Wales whose ability to meet living costs has been impacted by the hot, dry summer of 2018. To qualify, over 50% of an applicant's land must be based in Wales.

Mr Thomas added: "I would urge any farmer in Wales who is struggling because of last summer's testing weather conditions to get in touch. Every call and application will be handled in complete confidence.”

To apply for a one-off grant call the dedicated helpline 0808 168 7297 from March 1 to speak to a member of R.A.B.I's support team and request an application form. The helpline will be open Mondays to Fridays, from 10am until 4pm. Completed application forms must be received by R.A.B.I by 5pm on April 30, 2019. Successful applicants will be contacted during May and all grants will be paid by May 30, 2019. When assessing applications, levels of personal hardship and savings will be considered.

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| News

Farmers need stability and clarity on Brexit calamity Farmers and those reliant on agriculture for their income are getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of clarity on the UK’s exit from the European Union and are desperate for stability to continue running their businesses, the Farmers’ Union of Wales has said. peaking after a recent 10 Downing Street reception, FUW President Glyn Roberts said: “We have spent the last couple of days speaking to key figures in the European Commission and Parliament to discuss Brexit and its implications and we have further discussed the worries and concerns of our farmers at the St David’s Day reception at 10 Downing Street.

“The frustrating situation for our members is that they can’t forward plan their business, and the constant changes and proposed amendments to the exit deal are causing a real headache. Nobody knows what is going to happen and we are just 29 days away from supposedly making this exit.

“It is high time that the UK Government revoked Article 50 to protect the nation from a no-deal scenario. France has already indicated that it would object to an extension to Article 50, which leaves us in a vulnerable position.

“Extending the Article 50 period by weeks or months could weaken the UK’s position and merely lead to the UK limping on until the next political crisis and standoff and no-deal is not off the table.

“No responsible government should ever lead a country into the a situation where the police and army are involved in contingency planning for civil unrest, and the most sensible

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way of taking control over the process is to revoke Article 50 with a view to submitting it once we have a coherent plan that has broad political support.”

The Union President further stressed that, whilst the overall responsibility for stability to the economy remained with the UK Government, Welsh Government also needed to take action to reduce the levels of uncertainty, which are causing unnecessary stress and worry to the agricultural community.

“There is not a single farmer in Wales currently not worried about their export markets, tariffs, the ongoing bovine TB problem and the draconian proposed reshape of home policy.

“Pan-Wales ‘NVZ’ type regulations, plans to abandon direct support and other reforms are doing little to create the stability this sector so desperately needs. I hope those in Welsh Government responsible are feeling the pressure to ensure that our industry does not collapse due to their irresponsible proposals.

“And whilst there is almost total focus on what is or isn't happening in London, there is much we can do right now here in Wales to ease the pain and uncertainty. I call on both Governments to act in the interests of our farmers and rural economies immediately,” added Glyn Roberts.

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Emmet Savage, Moocall

Increase in agritech adoption required to drive UK farming efficiency and growth New Enterprise Ireland Whitepaper outlines the future of profitable farming. ith the global population forecast to hit nearly 10 billion people by 2050[2], ever increasing food production must be weighed against growing demands on land, water and labour. With a 70% increase in food production required from now until 2050[3], the agricultural industry will need to place agritech at the forefront of their strategy to drive to growth in yields while helping to meet increasingly stringent environmental obligations. No more is this challenge more pronounced than in the UK. Agfunder, an online venture capital platform dedicated to technology in agriculture reported that the UK agritech sector is worth more than £14 billion and employs over 500,000 people and the government has invested a further £90 million at the end of 2018.

The recently published ‘Future of Profitable Farming‘ whitepaper, commissioned by Enterprise Ireland, highlights the importance of improving yield, efficiency and profitability whilst protecting the environment. A high demand for innovative and technological agricultural solutions has resulted in a significant number of Irish businesses working with UK farmers to achieve their growth and food production ambitions.

Shauna Higgins, Agritech Market Advisor for Enterprise Ireland in the UK notes that “Ireland’s agricultural links with the UK are centuries old

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08 | Farming Monthly | March 2019

and Irish businesses have a proven track record of servicing UK farmers, developing a reputation for durability and technical excellence. Irish agritech companies have the unique advantage of a strong understanding of the farming industry and its needs, which has empowered them to innovate and enhance traditional agricultural practices. Though technology has been applied to agriculture for some time, more UK farmers are turning to innovative agritech solutions to future-proof their businesses”.

One such company, Abbey Machinery, have developed a unique slurry management system that focuses on slurry preparation, application and minimising compaction enabling farmers to raise farm profitability. Abbey’s slurry tankers have been developed to enable flow control for precise application and is supported by an array of applicators that to pace the slurry to optimum effect. Abbey’s system also supports environmental considerations via the inclusion of monitoring technologies.

Irish agritech is also pioneering advanced techniques in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and sensor networks.

For example, Irish company Moocall’s award winning products include IoT calving sensors, herd management software, and heat monitoring collars. Moocall’s calving sensor is currently monitoring cows, heifers and unborn calves in 40 countries across the globe, helping to significantly reduce mortality.

Shauna Higgins

In the area of GPS and mapping, AgriSpread has developed its fertiliser application equipment, the Section Control system, which ensures the uniform application of exact target amounts of product. This results in a reduction of input costs, increased yields, as well as minimising crop damage and environmental impact.

According to Frost and Sullivan research, about 70% to 80% of new farming equipment sold today is equipped with some form of precision farming component[4] while an increase in agritech funding and innovation demonstrates the sector’s growth potential.

Agritech is ultimately aimed at improving yield, efficiency and profitability. It has the potential to enhance traditional farming practices while also dealing with the challenges that are facing the agricultural industry today.

To download the whitepaper on ‘The Future of Profitable Farming’ please visit: www.irishadvantage.com/white-paper/agritechthe-future-of-profitable-farming/

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| News

Australia emerges as a leading innovator for Agriculture 4.0 Investors and researchers are looking to Australia to develop the agricultural and food technologies of the future. ustralia’s long and distinguished history in agricultural research is cementing its position as a global hub for agriculture and food technology.

Driven by a variety of climates and ecosystems, a stable and favourable business environment, and connectivity with the rapidly growing markets of Asia, Australia is capitalising on these advantages to become a centre for agtech and foodtech innovation.

Australia for Agriculture 4.0, a new initiative

by Austrade, the nation’s trade and investment promotion agency, is seeking investment to support export growth and boost innovation.

It will showcase Australia’s agtech and foodtech capability, and highlight its unique technological advances, research excellence, strong record of innovation expertise, as well as the nation’s strong government support and established export channels.

Austrade has developed a new digital platform (www.austrade.gov.au/agriculture40), launching today at evokeAG. This will showcase capabilities and insights from the Australian agtech and foodtech sector, and connect investors, exporters and research partners to Australia’s government, private sector and academic leaders and stakeholders in the field.

“Australia has the potential to be a

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powerhouse in agrifood tech and we want to help the sector reach its full potential,” said Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham.

“Our farmers are some of the most innovative in the world but we’re behind the pack when it comes to commercialising our food and farming technologies. This initiative is about connecting investors with Australian farmers and AgTech start-ups as well as creating more collaborative research and development opportunities.”

Australia’s government invests more than A$600 million a year in agricultural research and development, and supports a National Farmers’ Federation initiative to grow Australian agriculture to a A$100 billion industry by 2030.

“Australian farmers and food producers are recognised globally for their innovation, using technology to drive consistent productivity growth, develop better quality products and build globally competitive businesses. Despite facing some of the harshest environmental and climate conditions on the planet, they have made the country a top five producer of barley, oats, chickpeas, almonds, beef, sheep and wool,” said Karen Caston, Senior Investment Specialist, Agribusiness and Food, at Austrade.

“Australian agricultural and food producers are also quick to harness cutting-edge technologies to deliver high-quality, traceable raw materials and products to export markets.

Our agtech and foodtech solutions are turning heads around the world, and we are seeing increasing interest from UK investors and research partners who see Australia as a testing ground or regional base for further development and entrepreneurship.”

Global leaders in agtech and foodtech, such as Cisco and Bosch, are choosing Australia as a base to expand their innovation work.

Cisco has invested in Australian agtech by establishing innovation centres in Perth and Sydney, two of only ten centres of innovation in Cisco’s global network. Leveraging the country’s strong agriculture industry, Cisco Australia is currently trialling a new innovation in agtech.

The Farm Decision Platform is being trialled in New South Wales and Victoria to provide farmers with real-time data across their properties. The platform provides on-farm, secure connectivity over long distances and supports any third-party application/sensor.

Industry partners can host their applications and sensors on the platform. Cisco’s aim is to take this solution globally together with its agtech partners.

Visit www.austrade.gov.au/agriculture40 for more information on Australia’s agtech and foodtech sector and discover how we can help you and your business connect with Australia.

NFU responds to Farm Business Income figures Responding to the publication of the 2018/19 Farm Business Income forecast figures, NFU chief economics adviser Dr Andrew Francis said: “The decrease in Farm Business Income clearly highlights just how exposed agriculture is to market volatility and emphasises the continued need for measures to manage this. he NFU has set out its ambition for farms to be productive, profitable and progressive and for farmers to have access to a variety of tools to combat volatility in the marketplace. We are making that case to Government as the Agriculture Bill goes through Parliament and today’s figures reinforce the risks a volatile market poses for certain sectors.

“This year is set to be incredibly challenging for farmers and the continued uncertainty is already impacting farm businesses. The NFU has maintained that it is vital a deal is agreed with the EU to ensure there is an orderly Brexit and we have been clear about what we believe are the crucial elements of a healthy and productive post-Brexit future for British farming.

“The NFU continues to urge the government to take all the necessary steps to achieve a deal

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with the EU, that meet the NFU’s six principles agreed at an Extraordinary meeting of its Council in December.

“A no-deal Brexit and its impacts would be catastrophic for the food and farming sector.

For example, if the government took the position to unilaterally lower import tariffs on food, this could lead to food coming into the country which may have been produced to lower standards than are legally required here.

“We know that the public values and demands the high standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety that British farmers deliver. If the Government allows sub-standard food imports to undercut British farmers, that could have very serious implications for the supply of the safe, traceable and affordable food British farming provides for the nation.”

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

Earthworm research spurs farmers to act A study of England’s farmland has found key earthworm types are rare or absent in two out of five fields and has led to the majority of farmers affected vowing to change the way they farm.

he results indicate widespread, historical over-cultivation, and may explain observed declines in other wildlife, such as the song thrush, that feed on these worms.

The #60minworms project was the first comprehensive worm survey concentrating solely on farmland and was carried out by farmers themselves – 57 percent of whom said they would now change their soil management practices as a result.

The scientist behind the survey, Dr Jackie Stroud, a NERC Soil Security Fellow at Rothamsted Research, said: “Earthworms are sensitive and responsive to soil management which makes them an ideal soil health indicator.

The aim of this research was to find a baseline of farmland earthworm populations that would be useful and used by farmers to assess soil health now and in the future.”

Biologists categorise earthworms by ecological role - with surface dwelling and deep burrowing worms the types most sensitive to

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farming practices, whilst the topsoil worms are generally unaffected by over-cultivation.

Earthworms perform a number of useful ‘ecosystem services’, and high numbers of earthworms have been linked to enhanced plant productivity.

This new citizen science project published today in the journal PLOS One, has revealed most fields have good earthworm biodiversity – meaning an abundance of all three types of earthworms were seen.

In Spring 2018, the average field had 9 earthworms in every spadeful of soil, with top fields having three times that number. One in 10 fields had high earthworm numbers of more than 16 worms per spadeful.

However, the study also revealed that 42 percent of fields had poor earthworm biodiversity – meaning either very few or none of the surface dwelling and deep burrowing worms were seen.

The absence of deep burrowing worms on 16 percent of fields is concerning, says Dr Stroud, because they are 'drainage worms' with

vertical burrows that aid water infiltration and ultimately helps combat waterlogging.

“The deep burrowing worms have slow reproduction rates so recovery in their populations could take a decade under changed management practices. In fact, we know very little about earthworm recovery rates.”

More than 1300 hectares were surveyed from all over England for the project, including fields managed under arable, potatoes, horticulture and pasture.

Each farmer volunteered to dig 10 regularly spaced pits across their field to make the observations, and an identification guide allowed them to allocate any sightings to one of the three main types of earthworm.

The success of this pilot project has already led to a much larger study, which recently concluded, says Dr Stroud.

“Working with farmers led to the redesign of the pilot survey, culminating in a shorter, more efficient field assessment and a co-created earthworm identification guide, to help improve

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| On Topic

Jackie Stroud

farmer confidence in earthworm monitoring.

“These improvements were well received, with farmers all over the country spending an hour of their time digging five soil pits and assessing their earthworm populations in the Autumn.”

Empowering farmers to survey their own soils would save about £14 million in soil health monitoring if rolled out nationally, she added.

Healthy Soils were not a headline indicator for the draft DEFRA 25-year plan for the environment, so the DEFRA policy aspiration of achieving sustainable soils is currently unclear.

Despite this, soil health is widely regarded as vital for both farming and the environment.

Dr Stroud said: “Decisions made above the ground, whether by farmers or policy makers, influence the billions of earthworms that are engineering the soil ecosystem below the ground.

“Earthworms influence carbon cycling, water infiltration, pesticide movement, greenhouse gas emissions, plant productivity, the breeding success of birds and even the susceptibility of

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plants to insect attack.”

However, she added, as earthworms are sensitive to various farming practices, including tillage, rotations, cover cropping, organic matter additions, and pesticides, we need to do more to look after them.

“Crucially, working together with farmers, we now know typical earthworm numbers in agricultural soils and between us have developed a quick method for ongoing monitoring. Many farmers have reported they plan to survey again this Spring following benchmarking their fields last year.

“Soil health is complicated, but the path to doing things differently has to begin somewhere.”

The work is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) with facilities provided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

1) More information on the project can be found at www.wormscience.org 2) Jacqueline L. Stroud (2019) Soil health pilot study in England: outcomes from an on- farm earthworm survey. PLOS One https://journals.plos.org/plosone/ar ticle?id=10.1371/journal.pone.020 3909 3) Dr Jackie Stroud won the Lyell Scholarship to attend Royal Holloway University, London to study a BSc in Environmental Geology, where she achieved firstclass honours and won both the Tennant medal and Environmental Geology Prize. She moved to Lancaster University for her NERC CASE funded PhD (with Remedios) and published seven papers from her thesis on the microbial bioavailability of organic pollutants in soils.

Dr Stroud undertook postdoctoral training at Rothamsted Research (UK) and the University of New South Wales (Australia), publishing over 35 articles, before returning to Rothamsted Research as a NERC fellow. She is the first person to hold a NERC fellowship at Rothamsted, winning one of only three soil security fellowships in the country.

4) Some of the key data from the survey Widespread: 77% of fields had at least one worm in every sample pit Biodiverse: 58% of fields had all three worm types Abundance: numbers per hectare range from 75,000 to more than 7 million Absence of key groups: 21% of fields had no surface-dwelling worms and 16% of fields no deep burrowing worms 5) Earthworms species are categorised into three ecological types: Surface dwelling (epigeic) earthworms don't make burrows.

They rapidly consume crop remains and reproduce very quickly. They are usually bright red or reddish-brown.

Topsoil (endogeic) earthworms are the most common earthworms in the UK. They are pale coloured pink, grey, green or blue - and make horizontal burrows through the soil to move around and to feed.

Deep burrowing (anecic) earthworms. They are the largest species, often reddish brown, and they make permanent vertical burrows in soil.

6) According to the RSPB, song thrush numbers have declined 75 % since 1979 https://www.rspb.org.uk/getinvolved/activities/birdwatch/results

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Arable

CSFB courtesy of Rothamsted

The role of companion crops in Clearfield rape to minimise Cabbage Stem Flea beetle damage Simon Kightley of NIABTAG reports cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) to be a damaging pest of national significance.

“Because we no longer have any effective chemical solutions with neonicotinoids seed treatments being banned and pyrethroid resistance spreading, we need to look outside the box for more effective cultural control methods of this pest.” lanting white mustard as a companion crop in Clearfield rape can be a potentially useful cultural control strategy for CSFB, reducing adult beetle damage and reducing larvae in the surviving rape crop. “We have been testing various companion crops in oilseed rape to see if we can reduce pest damage and have found that white mustard is the only really promising option. It tends to emerge rapidly, before the crop and lures the Cabbage Stem flea beetles to it, thereby minimising pest damage,” says Simon. “The important thing is to be able to remove the mustard as soon as the rape plants are big enough to survive the beetle grazing. In our experiments we have seen a yield penalty if the mustard is left too long.”

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“When it comes to growing Es Decibel CL it is important to use the right water volumes and also always add in the adjuvant Dash to improve leaf cover and uptake of the herbicide. Normally the herbicide is applied when weeds have 2-3 true leaves but with companion crops it may be marginally later” Simon thinks that this creates a good opportunity for Clearfield varieties. “With Clearfield you have access to the associated broad spectrum herbicides that will take out the mustard and any volunteers. In most years, spraying off in early to mid-October should be about right.”

“By applying post-emergence Clearfield herbicides from BASF Cleranda (imazamox + metazachlor) or Cleravo (imazamox + quinmerac) to Clearfield rape, the white mustard and any broad-leaved weeds are killed

12 | Farming Monthly | March 2019

but the Clearfield rape is left unaffected to flourish. You need to judge the timing carefully, to be sure that the rape plants are big enough to survive any late beetle migrations, and the maximum number of larvae are in the companion crop, whilst not leaving it too long and reducing the yield of the rape.

Neil Groom, technical director for Grainseed, says that growing Clearfield rape varieties has become a more mainstream activity in the UK (last year 61,000 hectares of 14 different Clearfield varieties were sown and this is expected to rise again this year). “The Grainseed variety Es Decibel CL is the highest yielding Clearfield variety available, with the two year’s analysis of yields in the NIABTAG Clearfield trials giving a yield of 106% across 7 trial sites harvested in 2017 and 2018. The earlier Clearfield varieties struggled to compete with non-Clearfield ones on yield but this is no longer the case with the newer ones such as Es Decibel CL. This variety also shows good early vigour plus all the Clearfield benefits such as control of difficult broad-leaved weeds including hedge mustard, runch, volunteer rape and charlock. All these cruciferous weeds have high levels of erucic acid and need to be controlled because they can affect levels in the sample at the crush. Currently UK and EU legislation sets a limit of 5% erucic acid in foodstuffs but this is likely to be reduced to 2% in the near future.”

“When it comes to growing Es Decibel CL it is important to use the right water volumes and also always add in the adjuvant Dash to improve leaf cover and uptake of the herbicide.

Normally the herbicide is applied when weeds have 2-3 true leaves but with companion crops it may be marginally later. The only disappointing results I have ever seen in the field with Clearfield have been when the Clerando or Cleravo herbicide has been applied far too late to weeds that are too large

Simon Kightley

or the adjuvant Dash has been forgotten. Weed and companion crop competition need to be removed before they can affect the crop yields.

It is a balance.”

“In addition to great yields, Es Decibel CL enjoys an 8 rating for resistance to lodging and 6 for stem stiffness. It has good oil levels of 44.1%, an excellent disease resistance rating of 8 for Phoma stem canker and 5 for Light Leaf Spot. In trials Decibel CL was the second earliest to flower. It has good vigour at seedling stage and throughout the autumn,” reports Neil.

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| Arable

New vegetable varieties to meet changing retail trends Changing retail trends across Europe will create whole new requirements for innovative vegetable varieties selected and bred to meet evolving demands of consumers, and enable growers to supply them at a competitive price.

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ttracting more than 78,000 trade visitors, from 130 countries, Fruit Logistica provided us a perfect

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platform to talk to customers across the value chain,” said Arend. “Understanding their demands enables our breeders to select and focus genetics on variety traits that will best meet

their needs now, and in the future.”

Arend cited the example of the well-received, deep aubergine purple Yoom® tomato that is ideally suited to modern consumers’ healthy lifestyle and quest for innovation in taste and food experience, but also meets the value chain demand for its reliability, consistency and capability to reach the retail point in ‘just-picked’ perfect condition.

“Many visitors were seeking solutions for the retail trend of smaller city centre stores and the rapidly growing sector of home delivery of internet orders. There is huge demand for produce varieties that can store and transport efficiently, and maintain excellent quality through repeated handling.

“For retailers operating with small stocks and pre-selected home delivery supplies, uniformity and consistent quality is paramount for customer satisfaction,” he added.

“Furthermore, they’re looking for varieties particularly well suited to the continuous drive to reduce packaging and waste.”

He highlighted Syngenta innovations at Fruit Logistica such as the new Destinica cauliflower range, which offer an extremely high yield of best quality Class I produce from the field - for costeffective and resource efficient growing - combined with exceptional quality curds and consistent size that is highly attractive to consumers.

Engaging the global audience, the other key topic was year-round continuity of produce supplies.

With peppers, for example, Spain

Arend Schot - Syngenta

can now offer international markets 365-day supply of exceptional quality fruits, with the added selling point of more sustainable growing.

“Focused on offering solutions to consumers, supermarkets, exporters and growers, we, at Syngenta, have developed the largest and broadest offer of more than 15 pepper varieties with a high level of efficient natural resistances to pests and diseases - which make them especially suitable for today’s sustainable and organic production systems.

Over 40% of the region’s 75,000 ton organic pepper production is already fulfilled with these ‘extra resistant’ varieties from Syngenta and sister company, Zeraim Iberica.

Arend Schot believes this line of innovation places Syngenta at the forefront and as leaders in the development of resistant varieties.

“The quality of produce binds together relationships and collaborations of individuals and businesses throughout the food chain,” he said. “Assuring supplies of high quality, affordable, produce is core to the Syngenta Good Growth Plan for a sustainable food industry.

“We breed genetics to grow your business at every step of the food chain.”

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Arable

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

14 | Farming Monthly | March 2019

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| Arable

Maize growers urged to early action on weeds Most maize growers are missing out on yield potential by leaving weed control too late.

Just 45% of growers and agronomists are targeting applications before the crucial four leaf stage of the crop, according to Syngenta Technical Manager, Georgina Wood. peaking at the Maize Growers Association AGM earlier this month, she highlighted the crucial importance of early weed removal.

“The switch point, after which lost yield cannot be recouped, can occur as early as the four true leaf stage of maize growth.

“Whilst pre-emergence treatment has a benefit in reducing the early weed burden, the key is for growers to have greater flexibility to tailor post-emergence treatments to specific field weed populations – before yield potential is compromised,” she advised.

Georgina pointed out that each crop’s specific ‘switch point’ for weed impact will depend on factors including variety, seed rate,

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soil temperatures and the competitiveness of weed species.

“But, as a rule, crops should be kept weed free from 10 to 30 days post emergence for optimum yields.

“Early weed competition also adversely affects the maize plants rooting capability,” she warned.

“That would inevitably impinge its ability to utilise nutrients and, crucially after last season, increase drought susceptibility.

“Growers should be aware of changes in post-emergence herbicide options available over coming seasons,” she highlighted.

“That is likely to increase the role of pre-emergence Dual Gold, followed by tailored Callisto-based post-emergence applications.

“The primary objective to avoid loss is to go early with herbicide treatments,” she advised.

Maize research trials results over three seasons had shown the early removal of weeds, at the two to three leaf stage, gave an average 4.3 t/ha yield advantage (+ 20%), compared to delayed removal at the four to six leaf stage, reported Georgina. That was calculated to be worth around 6650 litres of milk per hectare over the trial period, or over 1420 m3 of methane yield from an AD plant.

With over a third of the MGA delegates revealed to be using a contractor for spray applications, according to results of a poll at its AGM, Georgina Wood urged growers to ensure treatments are being applied at optimum timing and techniques.

Pre-emergence success is largely dependent on soil moisture and a fine seedbed to achieve the desired levels of control – which

Georgina Wood

has been notoriously difficult with maize in recent seasons. Syngenta research into grassweed control has shown application technique can have a significant impact in achieving better results #lowslowcovered.

“The timing challenge for contractors is often greatest with post-emergence treatment.

Herbicide selection and rate, tailored to weed spectrum and size is more crucial than ever, particularly as we are losing key products such as Calaris from the toolbox,” she advised. For postemergence herbicides the 3DNozzle is advocated where conditions permit, but being prepared to change to an angled Amistar Nozzle if drift is a concern.

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| Arable

Molecular heaters to boost crop growth thanks to €4.9m project Scientists propose creating ‘molecular heaters’ that act as a thermal blanket around crops. The Project - Boostcrop, will enable crops to grow under cold and freezing stress. The EU H2020 grant involves eight institutions from around Europe – with the University of Warwick as the lead institution. €4.9m EU H2020 grant will enable a consortium of researchers from across Europe, to embark on a project called ‘Boostcrop’. They will use state-of-the-art experimental and theoretical methodologies to design molecular heaters which will enhance crop growth under cold and freezing stress.

Scientists from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick will be leading the €4.9m ‘Boostcrop’ project funded by an EU H2020 grant, which includes colleagues at the University of Bristol.

‘Boostcrop’ is one of the core EU rising 2020 schemes, and aims to enhance crop growth in extreme environments, such as a sudden drop in temperature.

The team will use state-of-the-art methodologies to track how energy flows within

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molecules, after they gain energy from sunlight.

By deciphering these ‘mechanisms’, they will then design molecules that channel the flow of energy along a specific, heat-generating, pathway. These carefully engineered, and novel molecular heaters, can then be sprayed on plants, ultimately enhancing crop growth under severe environmental stress.

The molecules would act like a thermal blanket over the plants and keep them warm, mitigating the stress from frost. This radically new science-enabled technology will extend the growth season and geographical locations suitable for agriculture.

Vas Stavros, Professor of Chemical Physics from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick, comments: “A major challenge in the twenty-first century is to increase global food production to feed a continually growing population while the quality

and quantity of arable land is diminishing.

“The award of this EU H2020 grant will enable the BoostCrop team comprising academics with expertise in synthesis, spectroscopy and photophysics, analytical chemistry, theory and computation, plant biochemistry, plant physiology and food safety, and crucially supported by SME colleagues with expertise in biotechnology, to tackle this challenge head-on.”

Keara Franklin, Professor of Plant Signalling from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol, adds: “Cold and freezing temperatures can severely limit crop growth and survival. The ability to manipulate plant temperature with spray-on molecular heaters presents an exciting opportunity to protect vulnerable crops and increase agricultural productivity.”

Making spring crops work for you If you want to make a success of spring crops, it’s all about knowing your markets and having attention to detail – according to the Duxford Monitor Farm. om Mead and David Hurst host the Monitor Farm group, bringing together their different farming backgrounds and experiences – Tom farms 383ha in partnership with his father and David Hurst is the arable farm manager at Law Farming, which has more than 1,800ha.

Both Tom and David grow sugar beet, spring barley and spring oats, but David also grows late-sown winter oats, spring mustard and peas. David supplies many of his crops on contract to Jordans Ryvita.

Teresa Meadows, AHDB Knowledge Exchange Manager, said: “It was clear to see from the gross margin figures we looked at, the real value of having definite markets for your spring crops. There was almost £300/ha increase in gross margins for growing spring barley and spring oats on a specific contract for a specific buyer.”

There’s a high margin and return on variable costs for premium crops, AHDB Senior Analyst James Webster explained, but there are also potential challenges for market access. Spring feed beans offer the best return on variable costs for the non-premium crops, along with opportunities to fix nitrogen for following wheat crops, but they also have the lowest gross margin of the crops looked at.

In James’ analysis, spring malting barley came out on top for potential gross margins (using data from trade contacts and the Andersons Centre). But James warned that this also had the highest risk, especially

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considering the uncertain feed demand.

“At the moment,” he said, “the outlook for new crop prices isn’t looking particularly positive, with quite a few downward pressures coming in. There is still a lot of wheat to be exported globally and an increased wheat area in some of the major exporting nations.”

The other important thing is attention to detail, especially growing quality crops such as oats.

Brin Hughes from Richardson oat millers in Bedford explained how the key qualities he looks for are bushel weight, screenings, moisture, admix, colour, kernel content and hullability or hulling losses.

Tom Mead said: “It all comes back to consistency.”

The final opportunity to consider, said Peter Smith from Agrii, are new crops serving the protein alternatives and free-from markets.

There are trials looking into options for growing navy beans (for baked beans – 1.5 million cans of Heinz Beanz alone are sold in the UK every day); chick peas and soya.

And although the evidence isn’t conclusive yet on whether we’ll always have the right conditions to grow these commonly imported crops, Peter encouraged famers to get involved. “You’re all innovative people,” he said.

Tom Mead added: “There’s also the opportunity to create a really positive story around these new crops.”

The group met on Friday 15 February to look at how to make the most of spring cropping options.

There will be a summer meeting and farm walk at the Duxford Monitor Farm on 7 June.

For more information, contact Teresa Meadows on 07387 015465 or teresa.meadows@ahdb.org.uk

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| Grain

Winners (Richard Carr 3rd left, Sam Markillie 2nd, Alex Wilcox 1st)

Consistency is key message at AHDB Milling Wheat Conference The AHDB Milling Wheat Conference highlighted the importance of the supply chain through links between growers, millers and the final baked product to produce an excellent quality loaf for the customer. eeting specification to ensure consistency for all in the supply chain was a key theme from the conference, along with a focus on the customer and the need to be sustainable and profitable going forwards.

George Mason, Senior Executive at Heygates Ltd, said: “In all sectors of agriculture we see various challenges, from production and logistics, through to primary and secondary manufacture. At the Milling Wheat Conference, we’ve brought together the supply chain to look for efficiencies throughout production.

“We are trying to ensure food supplies for our country, especially in these political times of uncertainty, and we have to be working together to stay in profit and invest in the future.”

Growers, breeders, agronomists, millers and merchants came together at the conference to hear industry experts deliver a packed and

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informative programme, to exchange knowledge and to share best practice. The event emphasised the role of quality from variety selection, agronomy management and post-harvest storage, through to milling and baking.

Sarah Clarke, Crop Physiologist at ADAS, discussed effective nutrition programmes, and said: “Variety choice and nutrition are both key to achieving breadmaking quality. Growers can benchmark and learn more about their quality from entering the YEN Wheat Quality Award and could think about carrying out tramline trials for nutrition programmes to see what could be achieved on their farm.”

At the conference, Alex Wilcox was announced the YEN Wheat Quality Award winner for harvest 2018, sponsored by Hutchinsons.

The awards, sponsored by nabim, recognise excellence and innovation in achieving consistent, high quality, wheat yields.

The YEN Wheat Quality Award winners are: First Place: Alex Wilcox, A&J

George Marriage, Marriage's Millers and Alex Wilcox, A&J Wilcox

Wilcox, King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

Sponsor - Hutchinsons Second Place: Sam Markillie, Arthur Markillie Ltd, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Sponsor Hutchinsons Third Place: Richard Carr, LE Carr & Sons, Maldon, Essex.

Sponsor - Hutchinsons Alex Wilcox, who farms 250 ha at Stowbridge on the Fens, said: “Our farm is one of the regional technology centres for Hutchinson’s, which means we benefit from support and interest from new agronomists coming in to learn and develop. I am a grower but I’m also an agronomist, and I want to learn about pushing the boundaries of yield for our farm and our growers.

“For me, the key elements for growing quality milling wheat are a healthy, well-structured soil, achieved through organic matter applications and soil management.

It involves attention to detail in agronomy from seed bed conditions and nutrition through to fungicides.”

Alex’s entry was the highest yielding with 12.16 t/ha and

highest protein yield of 1.35 t/ha.

Mark Charlton, from Allied Technical Centre and chair of the nabim variety working group, said, “The winning entry demonstrated great grain quality, good gluten rheology and produced the best loaves with excellent colour, structure and texture.”

Closing the conference, Martin Grantley-Smith, AHDB Strategy Director for Cereals and Oilseeds, said: “Whatever the situation postBrexit, there will always be great opportunities for the UK milling wheat supply chains because we produce very good quality products.

“However, we must not be complacent and we must continue to strive to ensure our quality remains high and consistent, as well as delivering in the most costeffective manner.”

Presentation slides from the day and biography videos of the YEN Wheat Quality Award winners can be found at www.cereals.ahdb.org.uk/mwc

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Grain

Savannah Series Driers from Perry of Oakley Ltd Perry of Oakley Ltd are the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of materials handling & drying equipment. Their latest grain driers, the Savannah series, have significant improvements from their popular ‘M’ Series. he operation of the fans are controlled by an inverter so there is the potential to save power and crop lift off by running the fans at reduced speed. The unique crop set up page automatically selects the initial fan speed best suited to the crop.

The overall drier width has been reduced by 500mm which will help when fitting the drier into existing buildings.

The Savannah Series driers still have Perry’s own advanced PLC panel, which is designed and programmed in house, and the auto control, which uses both the exhaust air temperature and hot grain temperature to give advanced control of the drier with feedback, to maintain a consistent moisture content of the discharged grain.

To ensure drier longevity they are built with a 2mm thick grain column, and 3mm thick top ducts in the to help prevent deformation and wear.

To promote consistent movement of the grain down the grain column, even in very wet conditions, all Savannah Series Driers are fitted with our pneumatically controlled Shutter discharge.

These improvements, and the other key features of the Savannah range, provide a truly commercial specification grain drier for use on farms and commercial grain stores.

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Perry of Oakley Ltd also manufacture a full range of 10tph – 1000tph handling equipment including chain & flight conveyors, belt & bucket elevators, augers & screw conveyors, aspirator pre-cleaners, belt conveyors & much more!

If you require any information on how Perry of Oakley can support your grain handling and storage needs please contact Perry on 01404 890300 or sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

The changing face of grain marketing in the UK The concept of ‘marketing’ grain in the UK is a relatively new one; many farmers have seen grain selling as part of farming that has to be done, but as the reality sets in that market volatility is here to stay, many farmers are looking to upskill. s markets become increasingly transparent, both domestically and globally, independent grain market advisors, CRM AgriCommodities, is finding that farmers are increasingly open to adopting more pro-active marketing strategies, scrutinising the origin, accuracy and independence of the information upon which they base their decisions, and investing in independent advice and intelligence.

CRM AgriCommodities’ cofounder, James Bolesworth, says: “As markets become increasingly volatile and transparent, farmers are looking to dynamically market their grain and manage the volatility. Ultimately more money is made by proactively selling the crop, not just the decisions that are made to control seed, fertiliser, chemical and overhead spend.”

UK farmers are now starting to follow farmers from around the world in countries such as the US,

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Australia and Europe where independent marketing advice has been part of the farming culture for decades and as much emphasis is placed on marketing the crop as it is growing it. Following a recent visit to Ukraine, James Bolesworth commented: “I was surprised at the high level of technical and market knowledge held by a region which, until last year, didn’t even have a wheat futures contract”.

Emphasis is being placed on the importance of having a strategy and a marketing plan that accounts for market opinion, seasonality, basis opportunities, target prices and a box of tools that can be used in different situations. Ben Bodart says: “Timing is also important, as well as appreciating that the cash flow and storage of each farm business in order to avoid selling under pressure, rather than when an opportunity is seen.”

Amongst the farming enterprises adopting CRM AgriCommodities’ independent approach to grain marketing is

JSR Farms Ltd, a 10,000 acre farming enterprise near Driffield, Yorkshire and one of the largest farming operations in the UK. Director Tim Rymer said: “CRM Agri have provided a flexible training solution for our business, tailoring a course that has educated our team in all aspects of grain marketing and resulting in a business that is better equipped to adopt and identify strategic opportunities while also reacting more effectively to market unpredictability.”

CRM AgriCommodities offer a range of services and tools to equip farmers with the skillset to manage grain market volatility.

These include training programmes nationwide, daily and weekly market reports, bespoke grain marketing strategies and advisory services, and joint marketing groups for farmers, advisors, consumers and multinationals throughout the UK, Europe and the Black Sea. The results are clear, with a rapidly growing business and new marketing groups opening on a

monthly basis.

CRM AgriCommodities’ strategies have continually beaten market averages, whilst managing risk and price volatility remains at the core of every decision. James Bolesworth says: “Over the past three years CRM Agri has beaten the wheat market average by £10/T and OSR by £18/T despite lower volatility than has been seen in the past - for a farmer selling 1000T of wheat and 300T of OSR this is an additional £15,400 in the bank each year compared to traditional tracker pools and many other marketing programmes in the UK.” With a growing number of farmers looking for independent sources of grain market advice, CRM Agri are soon to launch Grainsight, a fully managed grain marketing service that will allow farmers to achieve these consistently strong results with a fully independent party marketing grain on their behalf and adding value back to the industry at a time when it is needed most.

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Buildings

RIDBA announces shortlist for the RIDBA Building Awards 2019!

Last year the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA) launched the RIDBA Building Awards 2019, to recognise innovation and excellence amongst members in the industrial and agricultural buildings industry. After receiving a record number of entries, RIDBA is pleased to announce the shortlisted projects for the awards this year. our months since the date of launch, last week culminated in the much awaited RIDBA Building Awards judging day. We are now one step closer to finding out who has entered winning projects this year.

Judging Day took place on 31 January, and the judging panel had the difficult task of narrowing all entries down to the best for each category. The panel consisted of Martin Heywood, Head Judge and RIDBA Technical

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Consultant, David Collier of Rural Planning, Andrew Brown of Visit Our Farm, Niresh Somlie of BM Trada as well as Graham Willmott, Chairman of ACR. External judge Chris Kendrick from Oxford Brookes University also participated in the judging process, as an external judge.

Head Judge Martin Heywood said: ‘’Congratulations to all entrants for upholding the usual high standards that we have come to expect from our industry. The judges had a difficult but enjoyable task in choosing the winners and, with the support of Farming

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Monthly, I am sure the RIDBA Building Awards will be a true benchmark for the industry.”

Thank you to all RIDBA members who took the time to enter their projects in the Building Awards 2019. Congratulations to all shortlisted projects. A full list of shortlisted entries is now available to view on our website www.ridba.org.uk. Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Friday 15 March 2019, at the De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham.

With limited places remaining, secure your seats for the Awards

by emailing admin@ridba.org.uk as soon as possible.

RIDBA would like to take this opportunity to thank its sponsors for their support in ensuring that the Awards are a standout event: Joseph Ash, Kingspan, AJN Steelstock, Marley Eternit, and Steadmans. RIDBA would also like to thank Joseph Ash as the official drinks sponsor for the pre-Awards drinks reception, as well as Farming Monthly, official media partner for the RIDBA Building Awards 2019.

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| Buildings

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| Buildings

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| Buildings

The leader in the field for galvanizing services Joseph Ash Galvanizing is a UK leader of steel finishing services and a proud supplier to the agricultural industry. With a long heritage dating back to 1857, and eight plants in the UK (in Bilston, Bridgend, Chesterfield, Corby, Hull, Medway, Telford and Walsall) our services include galvanizing, spin galvanizing, shot blasting, powder coating and duplex coatings. he Company’s position as a steel finishing UK leader stems not only from its industryleading levels of customer service, but also from an ethos of outstanding technical knowledge and additional services which include: • Collection and delivery • On-site storage facilities • Passivation post galvanizing

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• A range of different bath sizes and lifting capabilities • Additional paperwork if requested • The ability to powder coat aluminium as well as steel.

With a number of different bath sizes at the various plants (including one of the widest galvanizing baths in Europe at the Telford plant), everything from flooring to gates, railings to staircases, and structural sections

to bridges can be treated.

Small specialist parts such as hinges, nuts and bolts can also be galvanized in the company’s spin line galvanizing baths.

Joseph Ash Galvanizing also offers a one-stop-shop-service for shot blasting, galvanizing, powder coating and duplex coatings from its Medway plant, with all services provided under one roof.

When it comes to corrosion protection, the dedicated

workforce and large and modern HGV fleet enable them to provide the highest standards of galvanizing quality and service available.

For information about steel finishing services for the agriculture industry, please contact Joseph Ash Galvanizing today on 0121 504 2573 or visit the website at www.josephash.co.uk

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Buildings

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| Buildings

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| Buildings

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| Security

NFU Mutual farm security advice There are few more seemingly innocent sights in the countryside than that of a van stopped at a vantage point along a country lane with the occupants seemingly eating sandwiches or admiring the view. owever, for the growing number of thieves targeting the countryside, a few minutes spent casually watching farms can provide a wealth of information that can be used to commit crimes.

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From a vantage point, opportunist thieves can look out for vehicles and machinery left apparently unsecured in farm yards or fields. They can also and spot if items like chain saws and welders are kept on the premises, and establish whether people are around - and if so gauge their

movement patterns.

The answers to these points will determine whether thieves drive on to look for opportunities elsewhere, try a quick snatch, or return under the cover of darkness.

In the latter case, it's likely the thieves will already have set up a deal to pass on the targeted property - and will have tractors loaded on curtainsiders heading for a port before dawn breaks the following morning.

The scenarios described above are alarming for anyone living in the countryside - but are becoming increasingly common, according to Tim Price of leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.

"With rural crime on the rise it's well worth looking at your farm from the point of view of a wouldbe thief. Consider what temptations are on offer, whether enough people are around your holding to deter a daytime raid, and whether the security measures already in place are obvious enough and tough enough to make a thief move on in search of easier pickings,� he said.

Farm security precautions Farmyard Ensure all access doors are robust and fitted with good quality five lever mortice locks.

Sliding doors should be secured with good quality padlocks and locking bars. A good idea is to weld a steel protective shroud to the door, directly over the padlock location.

Access points Thieves look for easy 'escape' routes - so securing yards and driveways makes life more difficult for them. Fit chains and padlocks to access gates overnight - or when not in use -and make sure

the hinges are capped to prevent the gates being removed.

Fuel security Enclose tanks within secured, fenced compounds where possible and consider fitting tank alarms which alert you when the level drops significantly.

Ensure pumps are locked off and all tanks are within protective bunding to reduce the potential for spillage and contamination.

Securing tools Ensure all theft-attractive stock is adequately secured. Purchase or hire of a specialised security container with improved wall strength is a great way of securing tools, jet washers, welding kit, fencing, steel and other theft attractive contents.

Security away from the farmyard Never leave keys, sat navs, laptops, mobile phone or tools on view in vehicles.

Install a 'locked down' steel tool box in the in the back of trucks and flatbeds for housing hand tools and secure with a good quality locking bar and closed shackle padlock. Remove tools to a secure location overnight.

Tractors NFU Mutual offers premium discounts to farmers who fit Construction Equipment Security and Registration (CESAR) scheme registration and/or fit approved security devices to agricultural vehicles.

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Energy

Most solar arrays underperform – get them checked A huge proportion of solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays are under-performing financially and could easily be improved.

Farms and estates should therefore consider getting them independently assessed. ccording to independent power and energy consultancy Roadnight Taylor, there are many reasons why arrays might not be performing as well as they could, from physical faults to incorrect metering or tariff agreements.

“We have been carrying out a lot of solar health checks recently and have been shocked by the proportion that are generating less revenue or carrying more costs than they should,” says chief executive Hugh Taylor. “We haven’t done a single review yet where we have not found some low-hanging fruit and earned our clients far quicker paybacks than they would normally seek.”

A typical payback period for fixing underperformance in existing PV schemes is one to three years, compared to six or more years for investment in new schemes. “Often, the company that installed the system originally is paid to come back and carry out an annual inspection,” explains Mr Taylor.

“But if they installed it incorrectly to start with, they are unlikely to have the expertise to fix it – and there is no incentive for them to

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highlight their mistakes. Landowners are paying installers to mark their own homework, again and again. An independent assessment of performance is therefore important.”

In one case, a client was paying over £1,000 for the installer to check their solar array each year, and upon independent inspection Roadnight Taylor discovered the scheme had been underperforming by thousands of pounds for each of the four years since its installation.

In other cases, schemes develop issues over time. Roadnight Taylor recently inspected a solar array and discovered it wasn’t working at all – something of which the client was completely unaware. In each instance it was simple, low cost and quick to rectify.

As well as physical faults, other reasons for financial underperformance include uncompetitive tariffs, inappropriate metering and monitoring, and unsuitable insurance.

“Often solar insurance will have been invalidated for one reason or another – or it could be inappropriately expensive. So it’s always worth having an independent expert check this at the same time,” says Mr Taylor.

In addition, some arrays will be subject to

business rates, unbeknown to the landowner.

“There are 20,000 rateable installations that the Valuation Office Agency hasn’t caught up with yet. This means there are a lot of solar schemes that are accruing a liability, which could add up to a hefty bill.”

However, there are ways to avoid or reduce business rates, so it’s worth acting now rather than waiting for the VOA to investigate, he adds.

To assist landowners, Roadnight Taylor has designed a Solar PV HealthCheck for existing ground-mounted and rooftop arrays, with an initial desktop study of records, data and agreements to flag up likely weaknesses. “We’ll only recommend a site visit if the HealthCheck identifies financially-significant issues and opportunities,” says Mr Taylor.

“Most problems with solar arrays are not difficult or expensive to fix. And with our recommendations to sustain the scheme’s health, landowners will have peace of mind that they have appropriate management systems in place.”

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| Energy

Farmers flock to agri event seeking diversification advice Thousands of farmers flocked to Energy and Rural Business Show this month to explore diversification options to keep their businesses viable, and ‘future-proof’ against rising uncertainty. he new event comes from the creators of ‘Energy Now Expo’ and for the first time showcased the latest renewable energy, farm diversification and low emission vehicle opportunities under one roof.

“We’re responding to a time of great ambiguity and transition in agriculture and have introduced three elements of the show which are defining farms of the future.

The Energy Now Expo, celebrating

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ten years of success this year, was joined by Rural Business Expo and Low Emission Vehicles Expo,” says event director, David Jacobmeyer.

According to the NFU Mutual ‘Diversification report’ issued in November 2018, the most popular diversification opportunities are renewable energy, which makes up 29% of activity, property letting, at 15%, closely followed by holiday lets, glamping etc which makes up 12%.

Other types of popular enterprises include livery stables,

outdoor leisure activities and farm shops, all of which were heavily featured at the show, with expert speakers informing in ‘How-to’ diversification workshops, presenting in the multi-streamed conference and exhibiting.

Testament to the success of the event and taking centre stage at the show were the new BBC Top Gear team, Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris, who stopped off at the Telford show to film part of their next series.

The trio attended Telford

International Centre to film a section with their own custommade electric vehicles.

Each vehicle was a never seen before custom-made model and the show was the only place the vehicles will be available to view until the Top Gear episode is aired later in the year.

Energy and Rural Business Show is expected to go from strength to strength and the next event will take place in February 2020.

Moving away from CAP provides opportunities Phasing out Common Agricultural Payments (CAP) as a result of Brexit means a move away from a complex and prescriptive scheme, said James Grischeff, Defra principle advisor - Environmental Land Management system (ELMs), speaking at Energy and Rural Business Show on 7th February. he ELMs will be more collaborative and outcomedriven,” explained James. “It’s about deploying measures that deliver outcomes using the land managers skills in problem solving and appropriate technical advice and guidance with much mess prescriptiveness.”

Farmers wanting to prepare for the phasing out of CAP payments were encouraged to think about some themes which will run through the new ELMs, including its voluntary nature and valuation methods focussed on protecting our ‘natural capital’ and benefitting

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our society, as well as ‘payments for outcomes’, meaning the more you do, the more you get.

In future, farmers and land managers will be encouraged to understand their own ‘environmental potential’ and will be offered a choice how to achieve outcomes in a more flexible model.

The Defra ‘vision’ was clearly outlined as ‘rewarding public goods with public money; building a thriving; self-reliant and resilient farming sector; nurturing a trusting and productive relationship between farmers and Government and ensuring world class animal welfare standards.’

James informed that the ELMs timeline roll out dates are as follows: • 2019 – 21 – develop a design and test new ideas • 2021 – 24 – large scale pilot • 2025 – 2028 – ELM full roll out When queried on the phasing out of the CAP after 2021, James proposed that the Government should maintain a similar level of support which will slowly transition into the ELMs. The Energy and Rural Business Show took place on February 6 and 7 2019. It’s pitted as the event for farms of the future and hosted hundreds of expert speakers and exhibitors offering advice on

everything from maximising existing and new renewable energy projects and practical and specific rural diversification advice, to the latest innovations and policy advances in low emission vehicles and energy storage. Also at the event this year, the new BBC Top Gear presenters, Freddie Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris, filmed part of their new series, by unveiling three electric cars and engaging with the public.

The next Energy and Rural Business Show will take place in February 2020.

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Muck & Slurry

Midland Slurry Systems Ltd - your trusted partner in slurry and agricultural waste water management Founded in 1985 by Peter Russell, Midland Slurry Systems Ltd specialises in the supply and maintenance of agricultural waste water treatment and animal slurry management across the UK. Since Peter’s retirement, the company remains a family concern with Giles and Ben Russell taking on the management of the business as we continue to grow. e pride ourselves on a full service and bespoke offering to our customers – from initial advice through to installation, commissioning and after sales service care. Our time spent in the industry has shown that no two jobs are the same, each site poses its own individual challenges. We bring to bear experience from a wide range of installations and servicing, from farms with 80 cows to larger scale dairies with 2,000 cows and every herd size in between. We also count anaerobic digestion plants and pig farmers amongst our customer base.

Offering a full range of products from slurry scrapers, pumps, mixers, separators, sand bedding reclamation systems, umbilical systems, to dirty water irrigation, pipe and fittings, we are confident we have something to suit most farmers.

With Landia (UK), we supplied and installed a 7.5kW DG pump to feed a separator at a busy livestock market. Continually removing solids and discharging the treated waste water during nearly two and a half days of the post-market clean-up operation, the pump has excelled in its duty and operates for over 100 hours per week and requires only basic routine maintenance.

The general manager and auctioneer said “with

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Midland Slurry Systems, we have a finely tuned system in place that meets the high standards we need for an operation of this size, which is continuing to grow”.

We work with farmers utilising a range of bedding materials for their dairy herds, including straw, green bedding, sawdust and sand. With pathogen control and herd welfare of critical concern, we work on a case by case basis to understand each farmer’s needs, balanced with the budget available. As McLanahan’s sole UK dealer, we are well placed to advise and install sand reclamation systems with a proven track record in the UK dairy industry. We have recently installed and commissioned a sand lane clean up system for a herd of 1,100 dairy cows, the first McLanahan system of its type in the UK. As a dealer for Storth Machinery, we also install and maintain hydraulic, chain and rope scraper systems. Offering full service support, led by Ben and his team of engineers, we are able to source spare parts to ensure smooth running and longevity of the scrapers.

Another popular product in our range is the Briggs Irrigation Roto Rainer; the work horse of dirty water irrigation. Offering a simple and low cost solution to the disposal of thin slurry and dirty water, the Roto Rainer operates within the guidelines and best practice for the disposal of

dirty water and thin slurry, ensuring the low throw trajectory is under 4m in height.

Depending upon location, there is still a small amount of funding available through LEADER grants for slurry handling equipment – it would be well worth checking with your farm adviser.

Towards the end of May 2019, there will be a second round of the small grant scheme which may include an element for slurry handling.

For further information on sales or servicing, please do not hesitate to contact us on (01608) 664219 or visit our website at www.midlandslurrysystems.co.uk

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| Livestock

Greater ruminant nutrition insight for Britain’s farmers A new method of testing silage has been made available to British farmers, which has opened up possibilities for greater insight into ruminant nutrition. sing the new analytical method, silage samples are dried and ground before being scanned, leading to more accurate results than from traditional wet methods.

The latest developments in silage analysis, used elsewhere in the world, have not previously been widely available in the UK To their detriment, farmers seeking to maximise yields have therefore had a dearth of choice when it comes to accessing innovations and have only had ready access to analysis of fresh forage samples, using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS).

NIRS works by irradiating a sample with a near-infrared light. The resulting reflection provides information on the nutritional composition of samples, when compared against a database of reference values.

As well as the introduction of dried and ground NIRS, Eurofins Agro Testing UK has partnered with Consumer Physics to launch an advanced on-farm feed analysis solution,

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already in use by early adopters such as Harpers Feeds in the UK, which complements the more extensive testing undertaken in the lab.

The solution uses SCiO™ by Consumer Physics and calibrations developed by Eurofins, and enables farmers and nutritionists to analyse dry matter of a variety of silage types in less than a minute.

SCiO enables farm managers, herd managers and nutritionists to troubleshoot variations, adjust rations based on real time data and ensure consistent dry matter across time. Farmers can test dry matter daily and adjust for rain or snow events as they happen.

Isobel Daley, Managing Director of Eurofins Agro UK, said: “Improving silage and optimising rations, in turn increasing yields and minimising costs, is more crucial than ever, so any advances in best practice can only be a good thing.

“We are committed to bringing the latest analytical technologies to UK farmers to help them make better-informed decisions. The new

As well as the introduction of dried and ground NIRS, Eurofins Agro Testing UK has partnered with Consumer Physics to launch an advanced on-farm feed analysis solution, already in use by early adopters such as Harpers Feeds in the UK, which complements the more extensive testing undertaken in the lab.

NIRS method gives farmers crucial insight into their dry matter which allows them to make more informed decisions when it comes to silage.”

Eurofins Agro UK supports farmers, consultants and other agri-businesses through the provision of analytical testing of a range of agricultural materials. Eurofins Agro UK is part of Eurofins Scientific, a global network of laboratories, with the highest level of accreditation, quality and resources.

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Livestock

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

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| Livestock

Entries open for cattle competitions at NBA Beef Expo 2019 Three competitions taking place during major showcase for beef sector, 23 May, North West Auctions, Cumbria. ntries for three major competitions during the National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo 2019 are being actively encouraged, as we gear up towards the highlight of the beef industry calendar. This year taking place at North West Auctions’ J36 Rural Auction Centre in Crooklands, Cumbria, on Thursday 23rd May, NBA Beef Expo 2019 is promising to once again showcase the very best of British breeding.

Entry forms and schedules for the NBA Commercial Cattle Show have already gone out, and are also available from the website www.nationalbeefassociation.com/ beef-expo/, with more than £6000 of prize money up for grabs. But be quick, entries close by the middle of April, so don’t miss out.

Experienced judge at many national shows, and award-winner himself, Gavin Scott of Gateside Farm, Linlithgow, will be judging the Native and Continental classes, as well as the Supreme Championships. Another wellknown name and face, Tudur Edwards of Corwen will be judging the Baby Beef classes, Baby Championship and Young Handlers competition. Mr Edwards brings a wealth of experience, and was also the 2015 winner of the Agri-Expo Supreme Beef Championships.

The awards are judged over 10 classes, and schedules, entry forms and sponsorship applications are available for download from the NBA Beef Expo website. In 2018 some 120 head of cattle were entered into the awards, and competition is expected to be just as spirited in 2019.

For the fourth year, the South Devon Herd Book Society is holding its Performance Championships, in which performance breeders from across the country are invited to compete.

This technical event is a showcase for Breedplan performancerecording South Devon herds, to highlight the importance of Estimated Breeding Values as a tool for breeding selection.

This year’s Championships is being held for the third year within the NBA Beef Expo, and will be judged by Mervin Rowe, who runs

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the Tregondale Herd of prize winning South Devons from the family run farm in South East Devon. Mr Rowe sits on the South Devon Herd Book Society judging panel.

Each class will be judged on inspection of the animals, and on their performance (Quality Beef Index for each bull and Suckler Replacement Index for each female) and will be placed accordingly. From these winners the Male, Female and Breed Champions will be selected.

The Society is anticipating around 25 entrants across the classes, with entries open to animals between 1 and 2.5-years of age. Entry forms are again available from the NBA Beef Expo website, and entries close at the beginning of May. The 2019 NBA Beef Expo will be held at North West Auctions, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Milnthorpe, Cumbria. Bringing together the very best in British commercial and pedigree cattle, equipment, ground-breaking developments, and show classes for everyone involved in the industry, NBA Beef Expo is a celebration and exploration of everything British Beef has to offer.

The NBA Beef Expo is considered a major showcase for pedigree and commercial breed societies who want to promote the quality of their cattle. Thanks to this, the NBA Beef Expo displays some of the finest examples of British breeding anywhere in the UK. Farmers, exhibitors, agricultural companies and interested members of the public also use the annual event to network, do business and share knowledge, as well as seeing the crème de la crème of British beef cattle.

A full seminar programme and working machinery demonstrations will be announced shortly, as well as farm tours and the Beef Industry Dinner, this year being held at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal. Visitor tickets are available online, and are free to NBA members.

Exhibitor trade stands and Breed Society bookings are still being taken, again full details available by visiting www.nationalbeefassociation/beefexpo/ or by calling Katie Pearson on 07393 463 225

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Livestock

Bonnykelly Nominator - Supreme & Charolais Champion - 9,500gns-min

Logiestate Neil - Reserve Charolais Champion - 4,800gns-min

Westpitt Nevada - 4,500gns-min

Increased demand for Charolais at Aberdeen Strong commercial interest saw an increased demand for Charolais bulls at the Royal Northern Agricultural Society Spring Show on Wednesday 27 February. Bidding peaked at 9,500gns which was the highest price of the day across all breeds and 16 lots sold to an average of £4,463 with five more sold than last year and a clearance rate increase of 8% to 73%. ociety CEO Peter Phythian, was delighted with the sale “On the back of last week’s successful sale in the Spring round of the bull sales at Stirling, where Charolais sold the most bulls, had the highest average and best clearance rate, this just goes to prove that Charolais are still in demand despite the challenging market conditions. Obviously, as Charolais sired suckler calves are topping the markets on weight for age, with budgets tightened this year the suckler man wants a breed that will deliver the weights that the supermarkets demand in the shortest time, which is not only benefiting their pockets but also the environment”.

The top two Charolais sellers making 9,500gns and 6,800gns respectively, both came from Robert Leggat, New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire, who was already

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on a high after securing the breed and then the overall championship in the morning’s pre-sale show.

Both of the top lots were June 2017 born bulls sired by the 10,000gns Carlisle reserve intermediate champion Gretnahouse Ivory, who has bred almost 60 progeny into the Bonnykelly herd since his purchase in 2015, and both dams go back to the 9,000gns Newdeer Show champion Newhouse Challanger.

The highest priced at 9,500gns was the day’s overall champion Bonnykelly Nominator, bred out of Bonnykelly Freda, he goes on to work in Auchindoun, Banffshire, with winning bidders J and K Kellas. His shed mate Bonnykelly Nimrod who secured a price of 6,800gns from purchaser’s FJ Keir, Alford, Aberdeenshire, is out of Bonnykelly Heidi.

The reserve champion was next in the trade stakes at 4,800gns.

Logiestate Neil, a 22 month old,

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who was presented for sale by AJR Farms, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, is sired by the 8,500gns Newdeer show male champion Goldies Golddust, while the dam is the 26,000gns Maerdy Amontilladosired Craigieford Hermajest, he was purchased by M and I Steel, Banchory, Kincardinshire.

There were two 4,500gns sales, the first Elgin Navara, was purchased by JJ Gord, Wellheads, Aberdeenshire. The April 2017 born Navara had been tapped out second in his class at the pre-sale show for breeders and exhibitors Roy and Matthew Milne, Kennies Hillock, Morayshire. His dam Elgin Ianthe is a second calving daughter of the 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator and he is sired by the 11,000gns Woodpark Elgin, whose sons averaged 11,000gns at Stirling in October.

Matching the 4,500gns price tag and this time exhibited by Andrew and James Gammie, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, was the 21 month

Both of the top lots were June 2017 born bulls sired by the 10,000gns Carlisle reserve intermediate champion Gretnahouse Ivory, who has bred almost 60 progeny into the Bonnykelly herd since his purchase in 2015, and both dams go back to the 9,000gns Newdeer Show champion Newhouse Challanger. old and red ticket winning Westpit Nevada. 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger is the sire here and his dam is Gretnahouse Eigg who goes back to the 18,000gns Derryharney Outstanding. He was snapped up by C Smith, Lumphanan, Kincardinshire.

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| Livestock

Dairy-Tech secures itself as leading show for new innovation After only its second show Dairy-Tech has secured itself as the platform for showcasing ground-breaking concepts and innovation, with over 50 exhibitors launching new products at this year’s event. he event saw an 18% increase in its visitor figures, hosted 290 exhibitors, two diverse speaker hubs and a brand new skills studio – the one-stop-shop for students and new entrants to the industry.

Dairy-Tech was designed to showcase everything new and the event model has proved this is exactly what it does through the quality of its visitors says national agricultural strategy director, Oliver McEntyre, from principal sponsor Barclays.

“The event is geared towards all dairy farmers who are looking for the latest innovations to carry their business and the industry forward.”

RABDF managing director Matt Knight said the event had surpassed everyone’s expectations by establishing its place in the industry in such a

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short time.

“Over 80% of visitors held buying power for their company which we believe is the result of creating a paid entry event with a unique offering. 76% also claimed to have visited because of the new products on offer, another statistic testament to the focus of DairyTech.”

It was standing space only on the dairy and innovation hubs where crowds looked to learn more about critical industry issues and future innovation and ideas from a diverse programme of specialist and global speakers.

As part of its jam-packed schedule the innovation hub saw The Small Robot Company explain how their robots could help farmers move away from the need to invest in expensive kit whilst Solveiga Pakstaite, founder of Mimica Touch, presented the company’s new revolutionary labels – designed to spoil at the

same rate as the food product (milk) – helping combat some of the food waste problem in the UK. Whilst other sessions on this hub focused on revolutionary advances and pioneering concepts the dairy hub was tackling the current issues affecting dairy farms; contracts, can we deliver the Clean Air Strategy and staff development were amongst these, whilst World Wide Sires Dr Scott Abbott discussed whether voluntary wait periods in the UK are too short.

Elsewhere the first ever skills studio was a huge success – the hub hosted CV clinics, course and apprenticeship information, was home to the Dairy Student Award final debate and Farm Health Management winner announcement. Queen’s University Belfast student Joshua Thompson took home the Dairy Student crown with Steffan Rees from Aberystwyth University named runner up. Ceri Davies

from Aberystwyth Uni and Andy Smith from Bridgwater and Taunton College won the vet and agric sections of the Farm Health Management Award.

The event also saw North Yorkshire’s Metcalfe Farms crowned winner of the 2018 NMR/RABDF Gold Cup with PBD Biotech winning the Royal Dairy Innovation Award for their Actiphage testing technology – an innovative new test for the rapid detection of bovine TB, Johnes disease and other myobacterial infections. Both awards were presented by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.

The Princess Royal delivered a short speech stating how DairyTech is a must-visit for all those looking to the future; helping the sector reflect just where it is going, the investment in it and the future success of it.

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Sheep

Sheep worrying attacks: effects, legislation and mitigation As we approach the time of year where some farms have turned out their lambs, some are still turning out and some still have ewes in lamb to come in, its vital to remember to walk your dog responsibly. ith reports coming in that 2018 saw a spike in dog worrying attacks, this article will explore firstly, the effect a dog worrying attack can have on sheep, secondly legislation surrounding this and thirdly, ways to help protect sheep from dog attacks.

Sheep are naturally prey animals and so have an instinct to run from things they deem to be threatening. The issue with dogs is they carry the opposite instinct, so when sheep run from them, the dogs instinct is far more likely to be to chase.

It is important to remember that any dog can worry sheep, it isn’t an issue exclusive to big or ‘hunting’ breeds – It can be easy to forget when looking at the modern domesticated dog, but we all know they were domesticated from wolves, and so carry some traits from their ancestors.

This doesn’t mean to say that dogs are dangerous, or that sheep farmers have any issue with them. But it does mean their owners have a responsibility to ensure they are kept under control around sheep remembering every dog is capable of worrying sheep. If chased the sheep will flee, however within their confined field they are limited as to where they can flee too. If a dog is able to corner a number of sheep, in some cases it will attack, injure and even in severe cases kill. Where the sheep are not killed by the dog they will often receive serious injuries leading to a vet having to destroy them further down the line. Those that survive can add up to high expenses for the farmer in vet bills.

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Additionally, sheep that are worried can also suffer from stress. In a pregnant ewe this frequently leads to loss of the foetus. In early stages of pregnancy this can be through reabsorption, later in the pregnancy it would be abortion, and towards the end of the pregnancy this would be stillbirth. In non-pregnant ewes, stress can cause illness and in severe cases death. This isn’t just from being physically attacked- sheep that are worried by chasing alone can be affected too.

The Law Sheep worrying by dogs is illegal. A dog loose in a field of sheep is a breach of the law and is prosecutable. In some cases, dog owners will receive fines, will have to pay compensation to the farmer, and can receive bans from either keeping dogs, or walking in certain areas with what is essentially a dog ASBO. Sadly, in many cases currently, dog owners are not held to account due to either loopholes within the law, or a lack of knowledge of the law within some police forces. Work is currently being done by some police forces, the National Sheep Association (NSA) and other organisations to produce a comprehensive guide to the law for police forces without a rural crime division. There is also work being done to assess legislation and ensure it is as tight as possible to allow prosecution.

A farmer is well within their right to shoot a dog during a sheep worrying attack, however, NSA does not encourage this act except in exceptional circumstances. No farmer wants to shoot a dog, however in situations where a dog is attacking sheep, farmers can be faced with no other option. If a dog is shot, a farmer

should report it to the police as soon as is possible, legally it must be reported within two days. Some police forces will attempt a community resolution, which will ensure the dog owner is aware of the consequences and the farmer receives compensation for their losses.

What can be done?

Farmers, dog owners and even witnesses to this crime should report every incident of sheep worrying to the police, even if the incident seems minor. This allows a record to be built of sheep worrying incidents, helping NSA and other organisations paint a picture to the police of the prevalence and seriousness of sheep worrying by dogs. Where possible, sheep worrying signs should also be displayed at entrances to fields. While it is legally the farmers responsibility to ensure the sheep are secure in their field, it may help to protect their flock to display signs warning the public of sheep’s presence. Those walking their dogs through in the countryside should be careful to ensure a dog is on a lead when entering a field containing sheep, or if they are unfamiliar with their surroundings…. Sheep graze common land and sometimes escape their fields meaning a surprise encounter is always possible.

In conclusion, the act of sheep worrying by dogs can have a devastating effect on all involved - The farmer, the dog owner and of course, the sheep themselves. NSA encourages members of the public to enjoy our beautiful countryside but to do so responsibly and that means by keeping their dogs on a lead.

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| Sheep

Retiring NEMSA president Randal Raine, third from left, congratulates his successorJeff Taylor. Also pictured, from left, are treasurer Jeff Burrow, Animax’s Tom Rayner, secretary Marion Hope, guest speaker Robin Hargreaves and chairman Kevin Wilson

‘NEMSA breeders must maintain standards’ chairman North of England Mule sheep breeders must maintain standards for the shepherds of the UK, have a strong presence at shows and events to promote the Mule in order to gain future buyers and breeders, and encourage the younger generation to become more involved at every opportunity. hese were the keynote messages delivered by North of England Mule Sheep Association chairman, North Yorkshire farmer Kevin Wilson at NEMSA’s annual meeting this month.

Mr Wilson, of Hewness House Farm, Blubberhouses, said his first year as chairman began in an eventful matter. He commented: “The Beast from the East hit our breeding sheep hard, disrupting lambing and having devastating consequences for many. The wet spring and a very dry summer slowed crop growth and grazing for our livestock, the short supply of grass adversely affected the main sheep sales and buyers were very selective.

“Trade started slowly for shearlings and carried on to the gimmer lambs, and while strong tupping lambs were good to sell, running lambs proved harder to place This trend was reported from all auction centres who stage official annual NEMSA sales.”

Mr Wilson said it had been a pleasure to represent the association at different events throughout his first year in office, where the new NEMSA stand had proved a great success. He thanked all breeders who supplied such excellent stock for the stand and to everyone who travelled around the country spending time promoting the breed.

“The show circuit was also well supported, with a good standard

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throughout, which was a credit to all breeders on how they exhibit their stock, showing the Mule at its best for all to see,” he noted.

Mr Wilson said the association had also greatly enhanced both its identity and image by significantly stepping up its promotional and marketing activities, which had produced more articles in the farming press and an increased social media presence.

“To help this grow further I would like to encourage the different branches to become more involved and post information, pictures and articles of interest to further promote our breed,” stressed Mr Wilson, who was unanimously re-elected as chairman.

President Randal Raine, of Outhwaite Farm, Renwick, Penrith, completed his three-year term of office and handed over to new president Jeff Taylor, who also farms in Cumbria with his wife, Linda, and two sons, Craig and Richard, at Swathburn Farm, Great Asby.

Mr Taylor has been breeding Mules since the age of 12 and is a founder member of NEMSA and former Kirkby Stephen branch chairman. “I consider it a great honour,” he commented after his unanimous election, while his thoughts were echoed by Mr Raine, who thanked all concerned for their support during his term as president.

He, in turn, was thanked by Mr Wilson for all his efforts in promoting the North of England

Mule over many years, prompting the retiring president to comment: “Our beloved Mule ewe has been on the go for over 50 years and I am confident she has another good 50 years ahead of her. The Mule ewe is here to stay and I am looking forward to the next generation. If we look after her she will look after us.”

Mr Wilson also made a special presentation of a bouquet of flowers to NEMSA secretary Marion Hope to mark the completion of her milestone 10th year in the post. He thanked her for her continued dedicated work.

Other officers re-elected included sheep farmer Chris Harrison, of Alston, as vice chairman, and Mule breeder Jeff Burrow, of Kendal, as treasurer.

Officials also warmly thanked NEMSA’s two main long-term sponsors, Shearwell Data and Animax, for their ongoing support and generosity. Animax’s GB North of England representative Tom Rayner handed over a cheque for £2,500. “We are keen to work more closely with you.

NEMSA is a brilliant society,” he said.

The 35th annual meeting, held at The Hired Lad, Penrith Auction Mart, (Monday, February 18) welcomed vet Robin Hargreaves as guest speaker. He is principal of the Stanley House Veterinary Group in Colne, having been in practice for 33 years, specialising in small companion animals – or a “pet vet” in own words!

As a farmer’s son born and bred

in Malhamdale, Mr Hargreaves said he had long held a great affinity with NEMSA, as his father Eric (Flock No 308) helped found the Skipton branch in the 1980s, while his brother David also farmed Mules for many years.

Mr Wilson said the association had also greatly enhanced both its identity and image by significantly stepping up its promotional and marketing activities, which had produced more articles in the farming press and an increased social media presence.

He praised NEMSA for its “tremendous foresight” in both creating and developing the North of England Mule as an extremely versatile product, with its particularly wide-ranging appeal to sheep farmers and breeders in the south of the country.

A former president of the British Veterinary Association, Mr Hargreaves regaled his packed audience with an enthralling and often amusing insight into his work over the years.

NEMSA was established in 1980 to promote the many attributes of the North of England Mule to both breeders and purchasers alike.

With nine branches and over 1,000 members NEMSA is now thought to be the largest commercial sheep breed association in the UK.

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| Machinery

New Landini 5 Series ‘stockman’ tractors introduced for field and yard work A new range of ‘stockman’ tractors available with a comprehensive choice of transmission packages has been introduced for farmers in the UK and Ireland. he Landini 5 Series comprises three models with power outputs from 99hp to 113hp, a choice of synchro or power shuttle transmissions with creep and economy pto options, and mechanical or electronic operation of the 4500kg rear linkage.

A generous standard specification includes an air suspension driver’s seat, cab air conditioning and a radio/media player with Bluetooth for hands-free phone use. Front and rear windscreen wash/wipe and a push-back hydraulic pick-up hitch are also included in the package.

“These new agile tractors slot into the Landini range between the 69-107hp 4 Series and the newly-introduced 110-126hp 6-H Series,” explains Ben Agar, sales director for Argo Tractors in the UK and Ireland.

“As such, they represent a typically versatile ‘stockman’ tractor that buyers can equip to suit their particular needs for yard and field work.”

Standing on a 2355mm wheelbase and weighing in at 3800kg, the Landini 5 Series tractors are the latest models from Landini

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manufacturer Argo Tractors to take up Deutz power, with the 3.6-litre four-cylinder engine having only a maintenance-free diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) to meet latest emissions rules.

Power outputs peak at 99hp, 107hp and 113hp, with generous torque helping the tractors put in a lively performance.

Having a variety of transmission options, including a choice of mechanical shuttle with 12in dual clutch and power shuttle with wet clutch technology, makes it possible to equip the tractor ideally for different tasks, whether working predominantly on yard work with a loader or mainly engaged with field work, or a mixture of the two.

As standard, the 5 Series tractors come with a 40kph Power Four synchro shuttle transmission providing 12 speeds in both directions.

A creeper can be added for extra speeds or two-speed powershift with the T-Tronic version with giving 24x24 speeds, which is ideal for loader work, a creep version with 32x32 speeds is also available.

With the power shuttle, the left hand fingertip control provides effort-free direction changes

and a modulated clutch action that can be adjusted to deliver smooth take up of drive whatever the operating situation. It also brings smooth electro-hydraulic operation of the pto wet disc clutch Finally, Eco 40kph may be chosen on powershift versions, which enables the tractor to cruise at lower engine speed for greater fuel economy.

There is also a good choice of pto options – 540/1000rpm is standard, with 540/540E a nocost option for added economy with light-duty implements, and a four-speed alternative caters for more power-demanding implements.

In the attractive cab, which has been very well received on Landini 4 Series tractors, the operator is treated to air conditioning as standard, along with a multi-media entertainment system, an air suspension seat and a roof window for good visibility to a raised Landini loader.

The tractors are available through Landini sales, service and parts dealerships located throughout the UK and Ireland.

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| Machinery

New Holland introduces new 40,000th JAGUAR rolls features on CX combine off the production line on range TERRA TRAC crawler New Holland Agriculture is introducing new features that will further help customers boost their productivity: the CX7/8 and CR are now able to deliver their super-sized productivity on steep in-field slopes with the new awardwinning Everest Sidehill system, while the CX5 and CX6 benefit from the accuracy and efficiency achieved with the new IntelliSteer-Lite automatic steering system.

n addition to the new features, New Holland is introducing new engines featuring ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR2 technology for Stage V compliance on the CX8.80 and CX8.90. The highly fuel-efficient engines, combined with the new maintenance free after-treatment system, deliver a powerful performance with extremely low operating costs.

New Everest Sidehill Integral compensation system ensures super-sized productivity on steep in-field slopes The CX7/8 and CR flagship combines are now available with the new, award-winning Everest Sidehill and Everest Integral compensation system. Models featuring this innovative system are engineered to counteract lateral slopes of up to 20% on all range.. Everest integral can counteract longitudinal slope up to 32% It keeps the threshing, separation and cleaning system perfectly level to offer high performance in side hills. The straw elevator entry section maintains optimal feeding on the steepest slopes. This, together with the level grain tank filling means that the combine’s performance is the same on the slope as it would be on ground level. The Everest Sidehill system can work in combination with a self-levelling cleaning shoe to deliver 100% efficiency on slopes of up to 30%.

The CX and CR combines featuring the Everest Sidehill system were awarded the “Machine of the Year” title at the SIMA 2017 for their benefits in terms of harvesting productivity and efficiency for customers who are working in challenging conditions. This innovative system was also recognised by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers with an AE50 award.

New IntelliSteer-Lite™ automatic steering system for CX5 and CX6 delivers record-breaking accuracy and return on investment The CX5 and CX6 are now

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available with the new IntelliSteerLite™ factory fitted automatic steering system. It enables the operator to work at a higher forward speed, reducing the time needed to complete the job. The system’s accuracy also results in lower fuel consumption due to increased efficiency and less overlapping, maximising the customer’s return on investment.

The operator benefits from lower levels of stress, as they can focus on the combine’s performance rather than steering. A further advantage of the new IntelliSteerLite system is that it can be moved to a tractor after the harvest season.

The CX and CR combines featuring the Everest Sidehill system were awarded the “Machine of the Year” title at the SIMA 2017 for their benefits in terms of harvesting productivity and efficiency New ECOBlue™ HI-eSCR 2 Stage V technology on CX8.80 and CX8.90 delivers clean performance and more power The CX8.80 and CX8.90 now comply with Stage V emissions standards, which mandate a further 40% reduction of Particulate Matter content compared to previous Stage IV regulation. They achieve the new emission limits with the NEF 6 and Cursor 9 engines and the new HIeSCR2 technology developed by FPT Industrial. This innovative after-treatment system is a maintenance-free, patented solution that minimizes operating costs. The Cursor 9 engines feature a simple layout and are EGR-free, thus granting extreme productivity and reliability.

With the new Stage V set up, the flagship models at the top of the range become even more powerful, with the CX8.80 benefitting from a 14 hp increase in maximum power - to 305 kW (415 hp).

tracks CLAAS has built its 40,000th JAGUAR model at the Harsewinkel plant.

ince the start of production of its first JAGUAR model series in 1973, the company has developed into the world market leader in selfpropelled forage harvesters.

Innovative solutions and outstanding efficiency have defined the JAGUAR success story over the course of four decades. The latest example: a Gold Innovation Award for the JAGUAR TERRA TRAC at the SIMA agribusiness show in Paris.

Number 40,000 is a TERRA TRAC The latest member of the CLAAS JAGUAR family, having joined it in 2018, is the JAGUAR 960 TERRA TRAC. This is the first forage harvester to feature a factoryintegrated crawler track system. The new concept offers optimal soil protection under all conditions while remaining narrow enough for onroad travel. An intelligent headland

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protection system prevents damage to the grass cover and enables year-round operation. This innovative machine was recognised with a Gold Innovation Award at the SIMA agribusiness show in Paris.

With twelve models in two model series, CLAAS therefore offers a comprehensive line-up of selfpropelled forage harvesters for every area of application. Since the start of JAGUAR production, CLAAS has also been developing the headers, placing great emphasis on optimal crop flow and maximum efficiency. Currently the cutterbar DIRECT DISC, the PICK UP and the corn header ORBIS are available.

The 40,000th JAGUAR has rolled off the production line on TERRA TRAC crawler tracks and with a special design on the side panels.

This milestone in production will also be marked by the deployment around the world of demonstration machines bearing the big cat design on the side.

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| Machinery

Visit:

YORKSHIRE HANDLERS Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY | Tel: 01904 489 988 www.yorkshirehandlers.co.uk

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| Machinery

Vaderstad launches new high speed precision Tempo drill

Vaderstad has launched the new Tempo L 8 as well as introduced new configurations to its 12 and 18 models.

he new Tempo L models combine excellent highspeed planting precision with high capacity output of both seed and fertiliser. Tempo L 8 has eight row units, a 3000 litre

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fertiliser hopper and row spacing options from 700-800mm.

Changing row units from eight to 12 makes the drill very versatile.

The 12 row configuration enables narrow row spacing alternatives from 450 to 508mm.

The new 3000 litre fertiliser

hopper is available for all eight, 12 and 18 row Tempo L models. The new fertiliser hopper is optional for existing Tempo L 12 and Tempo L 18 models. It is fitted with the same high capacity Fenix III metering system as the 5000 litre hopper, and is able to deliver up to

350kg/ha fertiliser at 15km/hr planting speed.

The Tempo L 8 and the new fertiliser hopper solutions as well as and new row spacing alternatives for Tempo L 12 and Tempo L 18 will go into production in November 2019.

New Versum CVXDrive blends CVT benefits, premium specification and compact dimensions Case IH continuously-variable transmission technology now available lower down the power scale / Four 100-140hp (max) tractors fit between Luxxum and Maxxum ranges / New styling matches larger Case IH models / Premium specification includes CCLS hydraulic system. ixed farm businesses, midto large-sized dairy operations, contractors and road maintenance operators seeking a compact CVT tractor in the 100-140hp (max) bracket now have a new option available to them, with the launch at SIMA 2019 of the new Versum CVXDrive range from Case IH. The new line is available in four models – the Versum 100 CVXDrive, Versum 110 CVXDrive, Versum 120 CVXDrive and Versum 130 CVXDrive, with each model number indicating the rated horsepower at 2,200rpm engine speed.

The new Versum CVXDrive models have been designed as premium specification machines, offering big tractor features and comfort in a package which is manoeuvrable, easy to operate, and offers the fuel-saving benefits of a continuously-variable transmission. Previously, the smallest tractor range from Case IH which was available with CVXDrive specification was the larger, more heavily-built fourcylinder 116-145hp Maxxum line.

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The Versum tractors offer a lighter weight option, and fit between those Maxxum models and the established Luxxum line.

Fuel-frugal yet powerful engines All Versum models use a 4.5litre turbocharged and intercooled engine which meets EU Stage V emissions legislation through the latest development of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system from FPT Industrial, known as HIeSCR2. The patented under-hood after-treatment technology is part of a compact all-in-one aftertreatment system assembly which, in addition to incorporating the SCR, also contains the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) injector. The compactly- designed aftertreatment system is maintenancefree, helping keep overall running costs low.

Stepless CVXDrive technology Users whose work involves large amounts of road travel or field tasks such as mowing, baling, light tillage and specialist operations where it may be beneficial to separate engine speed and forward speed have been the target for development engineers behind the

incorporation of the new CVXDrive transmission into the Versum range. This provides stepless travel up to 40 km/h, a speed which, using the Eco function, can be attained at reduced engine rpm. An electronic controller manages transmission operation for quicker speed change and enhanced efficiency at all speeds.

The incorporation of double clutch technology into the CVXDrive transmission means that, at the point it takes place, the change between the transmission’s two mechanical ranges is seamless, and full tractive power available across the whole speed range. An Active Hold Control feature allows the tractor to be easily stopped on hills and at road junctions without using the footbrakes.

Versum CVXDrive tractors also feature Automatic Productivity Management (APM), which automatically reduces engine speed when it detects when less power is required – when, for example, cultivating an area of lighter soil, or when demands on an implement’s hydraulic circuit are reduced. In this way APM helps further cut fuel consumption

and operating costs.

High-output hydraulics With a closed-centre loadsensing (CCLS) pump, hydraulic oil circulates only when requested by the operator, and when more than one function is operated they do not affect each other. A wide offering of mechanically- and electronically-controlled hydraulic remote valves is available, totalling up to seven outlets, plus a power beyond function. Maximum flow rate is 110 litres/min. Versum tractors can be supplied loaderready for fitment of a Case IH LRZ 120 loader.

Capacity at both ends A new multi-functional front axle support frame means the optional front hitch and front PTO, when fitted, are fully integrated into the tractor design. Customers can choose their preferred quick coupler option on the front and rear three-point links, with Category 2 or 3N alternatives.

The front PTO operates at 1,000 rpm, while at the rear three PTO speeds are available: 540/540E/1,000 rpm or optional 540E/1,000/1,000E rpm. A ground speed PTO can also be ordered.

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| Machinery

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

Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040

Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430

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

www.andrewsymons.co.uk

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| Feature

Abi Reader: If I had a £1 for every time a farmer said to me…

If I had a £1 for every time a farmer said to me that we’ve become disconnected with the public, that people don’t understand what we are anymore, I’d have a cow mat stuffed with cash. If we are saying these things, why aren’t we doing something about it? We have a responsibility to support our industry and what we do. We need to stop the misunderstandings, the myths and - in many cases - the untruths. t’s easy to ask why we need to do this and why we should take part in initiatives that bridge the gap, like LEAF Open Farm Sunday. It’s because there are a lot of people out there who don’t know anything about what we do, the effort we put into producing their food and they don’t understand our story.

We can change that and build loyalty.

There are a number of people who can try and tell stories on our behalf, but really the best ones come from us. That’s because they come from the heart and from letting people see a little bit of our world. It’s about being welcoming and creating that good vibe about farming. It’s about positive association.

It doesn’t matter if people leave your farm not fully understanding how you grow your crops or how you milk your cow. What matters is when they are in a supermarket or a restaurant considering what food they are going to buy that they will look for a British or a local logo, because they will remember the good experience when they visited a farm, just like yours, just like mine.

I’m now very happy to open the farm to the public, and we have had a number of school visits and have hosted LEAF Open Farm

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Sunday several times, but it wasn’t always like that. It’s quite frightening opening gates to people you don’t know and letting them come on your farm. I was really worried the first time that we did LEAF Open Farm Sunday that there was nothing particularly special about our farm. What exactly will people see?

What you need to remember is that the people who come are not farmers; they often live in cities or the suburbs and even seeing big fields and crops growing is a whole new experience for them.

You will always find something to talk about on your farm; talk about things you are proud of and talk from the heart, as people will love your stories. Our old stone barn prompts stories about our family and the history, and between the barn, the calving yard and baby calves, in just a few square metres alone we can fill 20 minutes, and more if we are fielding questions.

Arm yourself with props – smelly silage, cow cake, a loaf of bread or a bag of maltesers - as they instantly give something to talk about, and you shouldn’t be worried about what to say as you are talking about something you know really well. Usually the questions start coming quite quickly which makes it all flow easily.

Here’s a tip though: watch the

jargon! Whether you call it cow cake, nuts or rolls, explain yourself. After my first LEAF Open Farm Sunday, I think people went home thinking I gave my cows birthday cake! You can also bring in different elements – a local producer or we’ve had craft stall holders to enrich the day.

I know there’s fear about opening up to the public. It’s not always natural for farmers to put themselves ‘out there’ but I’ve never yet had difficult questions.

People are generally positive and interested. The LOFS ticketing service means you can control numbers via online booking – so it could be for as few as 20 people.

Whether it’s a small or large event the impact can be huge - you may change the thinking or habits of visitors to positively support our industry. It doesn’t need to be expensive – we and a few volunteers give up our time, and willingly, and our only cost is a portaloo.

After our first LEAF Open Farm Sunday, we got to the end of the day and I wondered if we’d had any impact, if we had made any difference in this world. Six months later I was on a train to London and a woman with two bouncing children at her feet asked if I was the ‘cow lady’. She explained that she’d been to the farm and that they had had such a fantastic time that, from that day on, her kids had

always made her buy British food from the supermarket. It was at that point I realised how important LEAF Open Farm Sunday is.

My main message to everyone is please put a little bit of thought into whether LEAF Open Farm Sunday would work on your farm.

Try to get your neighbours involved, people to help you, maybe local young farmers or businesses. It’s such a worthwhile cause. I think we should be very proud as an industry and food producers, and I would encourage anyone to give it a go.

LEAF Open Farm Sunday is the farming industry’s annual open day managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming).

Farmers across the UK open their gates and invite the public onto farms to find out how their food is produced, and all the public goods farmers deliver managing soil and water through to habitats for wildlife. It is free to register an event and farmers can access resources and support to promote and run their event – whether it’s a farm walk for 20 or an open event for 200.

Resources are available to order from today (1 March 2019) for all registered farmers.

For more information about LEAF Open Farm Sunday and to register an event: www.farmsunday.org

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Precision

John Deere open to external software The connection of machine and field data is becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture.

Contractors and farmers are demanding interfaces that allow easier use by different parties, such as agricultural machinery manufacturers, software developers, crop care suppliers, advisors and so on. o enable more open access, John Deere has activated a new function called More Tools in the web-based MyJohnDeere.com Operations Centre. Farmers and contractors can already use the Operations Centre as a central platform to manage tasks and send data to machines, for example.

This new addition to the system now enables users to process data from external software companies and import their information via the Operations Centre, alongside existing John Deere software solutions such as Maps, Land

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Manager, Field Analyser, Team Manager etc.

Users can adjust the Operations Centre to suit their individual daily business needs through customisation and by adding more functions. At the same time, any data exchanges between the Operations Centre and connected software companies are fully controlled by the data owner, either manually or by agreeing to the establishment of a system for automatic data synchronisation.

Customers will therefore benefit from the open John Deere structure when entering and transferring details such as field and application maps, weather data etc. Currently, more than

20 companies in 29 countries in Western and Central Europe and Russia are connected, while globally the number exceeds 100 suppliers.

In order to generate further applications, John Deere hosted the first ‘Develop with Deere’ conference in November 2018, attended by 40 or so global companies offering software, field mapping, consultancy and other services.

Topics included open interfaces, data control and data security, among others. Following its successful launch, the event will now be held annually in order to develop and offer even more software tools to John Deere customers.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Precision

New opportunities for satellites in agriculture Satellite technology has been a part of everyday life for many decades – weather forecasting since 1960, communications (1962), television (1989) and automotive navigation systems (1990). The latter led to steering guidance and enabled precision farming. The first Earth observation satellite was launched in 1972, but for many years, remotely-sensed images of our environment and global land use have been, as far as farmers and growers have been concerned, simply remote – tools for meteorologists and academics. owever, as technologies have developed, satellite images have become ever more familiar through everyday uses such as weather forecasts and mapping applications. Advances in image resolution mean that satellite imagery can now reveal meaningful detail in growers’ fields, and increases in satellite revisit rates mean that these

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observations are beginning to be made frequently enough to allow crop management decisions to be made.

Costs have also fallen dramatically - following the launch of the European Space Agency’s ESA’s Sentinel programme, satellite imagery is now available free of charge.

To help growers take advantage of these developments, we commissioned the UK’s leading authority for satellite technology,

the Satellite Applications Catapult, to produce Satellites for Agriculture. The report is an overview of the vast range of opportunities becoming available to farmers and growers from the space sector. Benefits include: • Assisting with detecting and controlling pests and disease • Understanding water and nutrient status • Planning crop nutrition programmes • Informing in-season irrigation

• Predicting yields • Estimating harvest timing Satellites for Agriculture also explores the scope of current technology for environmental monitoring and presents some new opportunities in communications, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and introduces the vision for Earth observation developments for the coming decades.

Trimble introduces elite Vantage dealer network to the UK Farmers are now able to access all their precision farming needs in one place – regardless of the brands in their machinery fleet - following the introduction of Trimble’s Vantage network in the UK. he new network will give customers a onestop shop for all their precision farming requirements – irrespective of their machinery brand. “Vantage dealers have a deep understanding of all precision agriculture and machinery brands, and the ability to work with farmers as a trusted adviser,” says Séverine Brisset, regional sales manager at Trimble. “As such, they can provide integrated, end-to-end solutions inclusive of hardware, software, positioning services and data for each operation’s unique needs.”

Cambridgeshire-based AS Communications is the first UK dealer to obtain Vantage status, offering customers a hub for

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precision technology and advice that works across their entire machinery fleet.

“Through Vantage we can bring a holistic approach to the concept of precision agriculture,” explains Ms Brisset. “By integrating all the technology at work on a farm including hardware from other brands in the market - we can link software, services, data management and the machine. It’s a big change for our customers.”

Trimble technology has developed rapidly in recent years to anticipate the changing demands of the agricultural market with new products and software, enabling an integrated precision farming package. “It doesn’t matter what colour tractor or brand of equipment you are using, our technology and advice will fit with your entire fleet,” says Ms Brisset.

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| Education

COLEG CAMBRIA Llysfasi has Spring in its step ahead of a charity farm day Engineering student wins pig industry scholarship

Saturday March 9 will be the first time the Denbighshire site has ever hosted an open lambing event, with the public invited to attend. ecturers and staff will also be on hand to talk to visitors and prospective students about the many courses and qualifications on offer at Llysfasi, near Ruthin.

The college has more than 800 sheep to lamb during March and April; farm manager Dewi Wyn Jones says this is a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more about agriculture and how the sector operates.

There will also be tractors, a quiz, face painting and a chance to have photos taken with newborn lambs, as well as activities and competitions for all the family.

Proceeds will be donated to the British Heart Foundation, Cambria’s charity partner for 2019.

“We are so delighted to be welcoming everyone to our busy lambing shed at this time of year, as it’s important for us that consumers have an insight into what we do,” said Mr Jones.

“For children especially we are hoping this will be a fun and interesting event, because they are the farmers of the future.

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“Let’s just hope the ewes are not too shy on the day and that everyone gets the chance to witness actual lambing taking place!”

For the first six weeks, lambs are born inside the shed and then turned out to pasture with their mothers at a day old – weather permitting – and given extra feed outside to keep them healthy and growing.

Later, as Spring arrives and the weather improves, some of the ewes will lamb (give birth) outside.

“It is a wonderful and fascinating, natural process of farming and one we look forward to sharing with people,” added Mr Jones.

“College staff will be on hand to answer any questions that arise and we look forward to seeing lots of people here on the day to find out more about lambing and studying here at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi.”

The event runs from 10am until 4pm at Coleg Cambria Llysfasi, Ruthin Road, Ruthin.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk/events for more information.

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Engineering student Anita Woolf, from Peterborough, has won a £4,500 scholarship, under the Pig Industry Scholarship Programme operated by AHDB Pork and the NPA in conjunction with Harper Adams University. he funding, provided by Reading-based technology company, Farmex, will contribute to her study costs. In July she will join the business in a placement position, as trainee process control engineer – giving her valuable practical experience. There she will be involved in everything from printed circuit board assembly to system specification for existing and new-generation Dicam control units.

Already a recipient of a Douglas Bomford Trust engineering-based scholarship at Harper Adams, Anita is currently studying for a BEng in mechanical engineering.

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“We are putting a lot of effort into encouraging young people into the industry and it is really good news that this engineer has recognised the importance of process control and the use of data in this sector,” said Hugh Crabtree, managing director of Farmex and chairman of steering group for the industry’s scholarship programme.

Farmex both manufactures and markets advanced environmental control equipment which can monitor many key functions in pig and poultry buildings and crop stores, enabling farmers to check remotely and analyse their performance.

Internationally recognised, it has developed markets in Europe and North America.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Education

Wiltshire student secures prestigious farming bursary

Rory is congratulated by university Vice Chancellor

"I believe you have to go out and get what you want. Nobody is going to hand you everything on a plate." irst year Harper Adams University student Rory Lomas, 18, from Kingston Deverill, Wiltshire, has secured a prestigious bursary to assist in pursuing a career in crop production despite not coming from an agricultural background.

Rory, who is studying Agriculture with Crop Management, has received a John Innes Foundation Bursary after succeeding in a rigorous selection process.

Announcing the bursary recipients, Keith Norman, an Independent Consultant who was previously Technical Director at Velcourt, called the two successful candidates “outstanding young entrants to the industry”.

He said: “Not being from a farming background is sometimes considered a barrier for young, enthusiastic, talented students who would like to make practical farming their career. We would normally award one Bursary per year, but we were presented with two outstanding candidates this year and we decided to award a bursary to both. They both had clarity and a real vision for the future of crop production.”

As part of his bursary package, Rory will be mentored periodically throughout his studies by Mr Norman and could be given the opportunity to work for Velcourt during vacations and join their management training scheme.

The John Innes Foundation supports scientific research, education, training and

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public engagement. Bursary candidates must be destined for a career in crop production or farm management, and must not come from a farming background.

Rory started his studies in September 2018, on the BSc (Honours) Agriculture with Crop Management programme. He didn’t grow up on a farm, but had the passion instilled within him from an early age.

“My grandfather ran a tea estate in Kenya but came back to the UK long before I was born,” Rory explained.

“When I was little he would captivate me about farming. I have been reading farming magazines since I was four –just looking at the tractors in the beginning – and for as long as I can remember farming is all I have wanted to do. It might surprise some people because, on the face of it, I am not from a UK farming family, but everything my grandfather told me stuck with me.

“I started gaining work experience when I was 12. We had moved to a village and I marched myself over to the nearest farm, introduced myself and asked to have a look around.

“I started gaining experience with livestock, mainly with sheep. Later, for three summers I worked harvest jobs and then, last summer, I worked for an estate where I was thrown in at the deep end, operating various bits of kit.

“I believe you have to go out and get what you want. Nobody is going to hand you everything on a plate. In fact, I wouldn’t want

that anyway! You have to work for it. That’s the ethos I have been raised with and continue to follow.

“Not being from a farming background is sometimes considered a barrier for young, enthusiastic, talented students who would like to make practical farming their career.”

“I am ecstatic to have received the bursary.

I’m still in shock that I got it! When I applied I thought that at least I would get the experience; that if I didn’t try for it I wouldn’t get it. I am so pleased to have actually won the support.

“The application process was tough. The written application included several long sections; I had to write about various aspects of myself and my interest in farming. Then I was shortlisted for an interview, which was both comprehensive and in-depth. It was tough: the hardest interview I have ever done.”

Rory, who chose Harper Adams based on recommendation by farmers from a range of generations, plus its strong industry connections and high graduate employment rate, would like to eventually run a large, arable estate. Receiving the John Innes Foundation Bursary is a great step towards his dream.

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| Forestry

Innovative new willow woodchip trial to tackle apple scab in orchards launched Farmers are investigating willow woodchip mulch as an effective method of tackling apple scab in a new field lab with Innovative Farmers. he farmer-led field lab is trialling willow mulch in commercial orchards and will be carrying out a cost benefit analysis of this nonchemical control approach, following initial research by the University of Reading into the pharmaceutical qualities of willow.

A range of growers, including members of the National Association of Cider Makers and small holders, are taking part in the AHDB sponsored field lab that was launched at an event last week with Sheppy’s Cider.

They will all compare results and share knowledge via Innovative Farmers - the not-forprofit network that enables farmerled research and is organising the trials with support from Sustainable Farming Consultancy.

Hugh Edwards, farm manager at Heineken UK in Herefordshire, is taking part in the trial.

He said: “We’re taking part in the willow woodchip mulching trial to see if we can reduce diseases in the orchards without using too many chemicals. Within commercial orchards apple scab is the number one disease, so any way we can reduce that would be

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beneficial.

“I think it’s important that research like this involves the farmers who actually carry out the work. We are just dipping our toe in the water with this trial, but if we get some good results then we can look to roll this technique out to more trees and more orchards.”

Ben Raskin, head of horticulture at the Soil Association, said: “Willow woodchip contains the active ingredient in Aspirin salicylic acid – and the initial research has suggested that a single application in early spring can help tackle apple scab.

“Mulch is a great tool for building soil health and for water retention but using it to tackle scab is new territory, so this is a really exciting trial.

“It will be especially important to see if it is cost effective in real farm settings, so it is essential that farmers lead the way in research like this and we’re pleased to have a mix of growers from smaller and larger systems taking part in the field lab.”

For more information on the trial or to join the Innovative Farmers network for free visit www.innovativefarmers.org

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| ATV

Honda ATV Make light work of spring weed control, with a Honda ATV or UTV As warm spring weather encourages grass and arable crop growth, weeds also take advantage of the ideal growing conditions and require effective management.

This task is made much easier when a Honda ATV or UTV is part of the farm machinery fleet. he market-leading Honda ATV range includes Fourtrax, Foreman and Rincon utility ATVs from 229–675cc, most with selectable 2 or 4wd and all equipped with large flotation tyres allowing travel across crops and other sensitive areas while exerting minimal ground pressure and leaving hardly a mark. All models come standard with versatile, rugged load carrying racks and on selected models, a powerful electrical supply allows 12-volt accessories to be powered without needing an additional battery.

Sprayers to suit situations and budgets For field edge weed control an ATV with a mounted sprayer is ideal. Typical tank capacities are 60 to 135 litres allowing the user to select a size to suit the area to be treated and the ATV’s recommended rack capacity.

Sprayer specifications range from simple on-demand pumps suitable for hand-lance spraying to high output pumps with pressure control circuits and capable of supplying booms up to 3.5m.

Hand lances equipped with long hoses are ideal for farm woodland and plantations, allowing the user to park the ATV and spray target

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weeds as far from the machine as the hose length allows.

Most spray booms include individual nozzle taps, allowing users to select just one or more spray nozzles to treat a narrow strip around the crop edge, or switch on all the nozzles to tackle problem weed areas in the field.

Maintaining a clear strip not only helps prevent weed encroachment from the field boundary, but it also makes it easier to watch the edge of the combine header for the first pass around the field, while using the ATV to transport the required chemical mix saves considerable time and effort compared with a knapsack sprayer.

ATV sprayers are also ideal for pasture and grassland weed control, where wider booms of up to 3.5m can maximise work rates applying selective herbicides to tackle weeds in the sward while for smaller weed patches and individual target weeds such as thistles, a hand-lance allows broad spectrum herbicides to be applied where needed. For larger areas requiring greater tank capacity trailed sprayers are available, with similar low ground pressure tyres to the ATV and with electric- or petrol-powered pumps.

Greater capacity Honda’s Pioneer 700 utility vehicle is ideal for users with larger

areas to cover, and can carry up to 386kg on the rear load bed.

Powered by an economical 675cc petrol engine driving through an efficient mechanical torque converter transmission, the Pioneer is available with 2 or 4 seats and a selection of cabs, and offers towing capacity up to 680kg for the most demanding farm and estate applications.

Where there is adequate height differential between the grass or growing crop and problem weeds, a weed wiper is an alternative solution to a hydraulic sprayer.

Several models are designed for ATV use, including Logic’s Contact 2000 with a ground-driven rotating brush to apply chemical directly to the leaves. A mix of nylon and fibre bristles scrapes the leaves during application, ensuring maximum take-up of herbicide by the plant.

Chemical is fed to the brush by a 12-volt pump, allowing the operator to accurately regulate the amount applied for optimum results without dripping. Because only target weeds are contacted by the chemical-laden brush bristles little chemical is needed and broad spectrum herbicides such as glyphosate can be used saving considerable cost compared with selective alternatives needed for hydraulic nozzle sprayers.

A Honda ATV or UTV’s ability to travel across soft ground without causing ruts makes it ideal for both arable and grassland weed control, allowing use when heavier vehicles such as tractors with mounted or trailed sprayers would cause unacceptable ground damage, and at significantly reduced cost.

Almost any farm or estate can benefit through the addition of a Honda ATV or UTV to the machinery fleet improving efficiency and providing time and cost savings throughout the year.

Your local Honda dealer has a wealth of knowledge and experience and will be pleased to help identify the ideal model for your farm, along with accessories and implements from manufacturers such as Logic. Use of appropriate protective clothing and approved operator training is highly recommended, and included with every new Honda is a free-of-charge operator course through the European ATV Safety Institute (EASI), helping businesses comply with Health and Safety guidelines.

To find out more about the full range of Honda ATVs and UTVs and to make contact with your local main dealer just visit www.honda.co.uk

March 2019 | Farming Monthly | 49

| ATV

Polaris

Ranger Stories: Showcasing SXS versatility throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa

Durable. Dependable. Capable: The Polaris RANGER is one of the bestselling utility side-by-sides across the globe and has earned its reputation as the ultimate utility vehicle with over one million vehicles built to date. o showcase the versatility of the RANGER and the diversity of its customers, Polaris have embarked on a journey across Europe, Middle East and Africa to discover and film how customers are using the Polaris RANGER in their day-to-day lives.

The initiative, called Ranger Stories, is set to demonstrate the many ways in which the RANGER line-up is servicing customer lives worldwide, over and above utility use.

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Episode 1 – Norway Life can be tough for a resident in the northernmost part of Norway and getting around can be very difficult, although not for Sven – a Polaris RANGER 570 owner – who uses the off-road vehicle to carry on with his day-to-day life, even in the harshest conditions.

Kicking off the first of the Ranger Stories series, Polaris filmed with a customer in Alta, Norway, who uses his Ranger 570 for daily travel when conditions are too treacherous for a conventional car. Sven lives in Alta, a town known for its spectacular

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views of the Northern Lights and home to the beautiful Sorrisniva Ice Hotel, which is on the northern coast of Norway and only around 1,400 miles from the North Pole.

The winter conditions can be extreme; temperatures can drop below minus 30 degrees Celsius and the landscape can be completely covered in deep snow in every direction.

With its dependable 44 HP Prostar® engine, the RANGER not only delivers reliability when it’s needed the most, but also has excellent fuel efficiency and ease of

maintenance for everyday use. For driving in thick snow and ice, the RANGER 570 has on-demand allwheel drive that means all four wheels engage automatically when the vehicle needs more forward traction and reverts back to 2WD when it doesn’t. Paired with handy accessories like the built-in winch mount, easy-to-install Lock & Ride Glacier Plow system, and weatherproof Pro Shield Cab system to keep the elements out, the RANGER is the ideal vehicle for an unforgiving climate like Norway.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

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| ATV

Kawasaki Leon Haslam takes on Kawasaki MULE PRO-DX

2018 British Superbike Championship winner and current World Superbike Kawasaki Racing Team star, Leon Haslam has added to his collection of Kawasaki machines by taking on the Kawasaki MULE PRO-DX utility vehicle. ou might usually associate Haslam with projecting a two wheeled Superbike rocket ship around a race track, but when it comes to life at home on his Derbyshire farm, he needs something with a wheel in each corner something that’s tough and capable of handling serious hard work. With selectable two and four-wheel drive plus rear differential lock, power steering, 907kg towing potential and a tipping cargo bed capable of holding 453kg, the Kawasaki MULE PRO-DX makes light work of tough jobs. Haslam plans to put it to work straight away and said: “We’ve got wild boar, deer and horse liveries on the farm so transporting food and hay for the animals is really important and having the MULE PRO-DX with its large cargo bed will

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For more information

make that job a lot easier and quicker. I also do a lot of training here on my motocross bike so I’ll be using the MULE for moving dirt along with towing rollers and trailers.”

“Unlike a lot of utility vehicles I’ve used previously, with my MULE you’re fully enclosed with windscreen and doors, which means that when the winter months roll around, I’ll be better protected from the weather while I’m at work using it to move things around the farm.”

With a high torque three-cylinder diesel engine, the MULE PRO-DX isn’t quite as potent as the 200+bhp Ninja ZX-10RR Haslam races in the British Superbike Championship, but after a short initial test drive, he was impressed and said: “The land that we’ve got here is very undulating so being able to get up the hills while carrying things and towing heavy loads is

really useful. From what I’ve experienced of it so far, the MULE makes light work of climbing up banks and hills. Getting through bogs and troughs doesn’t seem to be an issue and I’m keen to get it out on the MX track and am looking forward to getting things done with minimal fuss.”

Simon Riches, ATV and MULE Product Manager at Kawasaki UK, said: “With the introduction of the MULE PRO models into the UK market, it’s now becoming the choice of many professionals with its strong MULE heritage stretching back over 30 years.

The Mule PRO-DX and DXT models have rapidly gained a reputation for reliability and performance and it’s fantastic to see Leon has recognised this in his choice of utility vehicle for use at home on his farm.”

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

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| ATV

Suzuki ATV

Suzuki KingQuad: The most reliable machine on Armadale Farm

Joyce Campbell is a prominent and respected farmer on the North Coast of Sutherland, Scotland, who for the past 16 years has sworn by Suzuki ATVs and has relied on them as in integral part of her daily working life. rmadale Farm is a 5500 acres hill farm, comprising of varied terrain which includes 1000 acres improved inbye, 100 ploughable acres with the remaining land being hill ground which runs from sea level to 800 feet.

There are a 25 hill cows, free range hens and holiday cottages but what really cements Joyce as a farmer is her passion, and success, in sheep farming.

Throughout her youth farming was a part of everyday life, but it was in 1990 that Joyce took over the family farm after returning home from college at the tender age of 20. Fast forward to the present day and Joyce is now responsible for 820 pure-bred North Country Cheviot Hill ewes, 40 rams of the same breed and 255 ewe lamb replacements which roam freely throughout the farm. Joyce also co-chairs the

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Women in Agriculture Task Force with Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing - created in 2017 to empower women in agriculture.

Using Suzuki ATVs on her farm for the past 16 years Joyce has said that her two KingQuads are the most reliable machines that she owns and that she would not be able to farm without them. Day in and day out the quads are started up more than any other vehicle on her farm. Joyce commented, “They never fail and always start the first time, making them the most reliable machines on the farm and I’d highly recommend them.”

Adding to this Joyce continued, “the dual suspension minimises the impact of the tough terrain and allows for all day comfort on the KingQuad”. This helps her to cover large distances around the farm to tend to her ewes whilst also having the smallest environmental impact on the hill ground which runs over the

famous Flow Country in the North. The impressive towing capacity enables Joyce to tow trailers, feed the ewes, carry equipment and of course, to carry her beloved canine companions with ease.

Fiona Cole, Head of Marketing (Motorcycle, ATV and Marine) for Suzuki GB said, “We have great admiration for Joyce and the work of our farmers across the UK. It is always pleasing to hear positive feedback about our products and even more so to know that our hard-working range of robust, reliable and proven ATVs go some way to making life easier for our customers in what can be a tough working environment.”

To find out more about the new Suzuki KingQuads visit: www.atv.suzuki.co.uk or if you would like to know more about Joyce visit her website: www.armadalefarm.co.uk

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UK pricing for all-new Jeep With a starting price of £44,865 OTR for the Sahara 2.2 MultiJet II 200hp 4x4 Automatic 8-Speed 2-Door version, the new ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ Jeep Wrangler blends together excellent on-road performance, legendary offroad capability, and outstanding value for money. he new Wrangler, which is just as happy on city streets as it is off the beaten path, brings together Jeep's legendary offroad prowess, with superior onroad comfort, authentic style and state-of-the-art technology.

The result is the most capable Wrangler ever, courtesy of unmatched technical content which, depending on trim, includes two advanced fourwheel drive, active, on-demand full time systems – Command-Trac and Rock-Trac – plus Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential and electronic front antiroll bar disconnect.

Among the changes to the MY19 Wrangler are: • New styling all round, giving a fresh appearance • Refreshed and updated interior with increased storage capacity • All-new engines – 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel and 2.0-litre turbo petrol • New LED headlamps and rear lights • New Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto • Improved safety content, including Blindspot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection,

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ParkView reverse camera, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and four standard air bags Engineered to master the most challenging off-road tracks, Jeep Wrangler is the result of more than 75 years of leadership in the development of 4x4 systems. Two four-wheel drive systems are available: Command-Trac, on the Sahara and Overland trim level, and RockTrac, standard on Rubicon trim. Both systems feature the new Selec-Trac full-time two-speed transfer case for a continuous monitoring and management of the torque sent to front and rear wheels.

The 4x4 system operates in four driving modes: • 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range) • 4H AUTO (Full-Time Active On-Demand High Drive) • 4H Part-Time (Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive High Range) • 4L (Full-time Four-Wheel Drive Low Range) • N (Neutral) is also available The Wrangler engine range is enhanced with the introduction of two new units – the 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel and the 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder petrol. All Wrangler engine options are linked to an eight-

speed automatic transmission, new for this model.

The new 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel engine features second-generation MultiJet technology, four valves per cylinder, a belt-driven Double Over Head Camshafts (DOHC), 2,000bar Common Rail injection system, solenoid injectors and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). It delivers 200 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm. It also features fuel-saving Engine Stop Start (ESS) technology.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine delivers 272 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm and features ESS. The new 2.0-litre petrol is available now.

Both engines make the vehicle compliant to the current Euro 6/D standards.

The all-new Jeep Wrangler builds on a sculptural design aesthetic that is immediately recognizable with its traditional Jeep design cues: from the round headlights to the seven-slot grille; the trapezoidal wheel arches to the visible hinges; the folding windscreen to the sport bar; the removable doors to the open-air configurations with hard top or soft top.

Wrangler’s new exterior design is bold and

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Wrangler rugged with a wide stance and lowered beltline with larger windows for better outward visibility, especially out on extreme trails. The only authentic full open-air 4x4 SUV available on the market, all-new Jeep Wrangler offers various top combinations to ensure even more open-air freedom, including the Sky One-Touch powertop, new Zipperless Premium Sunrider soft top and Freedom Top, a removable, three-panel hard top.

Wrangler will be available in 10 different exterior colours: Black, Firecracker Red, Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Granite Crystal Metallic, Hellayella, Ocean Blue, Punk’n Metallic, Mojito and Sting Gray.

The interior of the new Wrangler combines authentic styling, versatility, functionality and intuitive feature use, in addition to a more stylish and comfortable cabin, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and

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finishes.

Functional features, including climate and volume control knobs, Engine Stop Start (ESS) control and media charging and connectivity ports are all sculpted for quick recognition and are easily within reach of the front-seat occupants. Inboard and outboard circular HVAC vents are surrounded by a platinum chrome bezel for a precise and premium yet rugged appearance.

The instrument cluster features a 7-inch thinfilm transistor (TFT) information LED display. The display is full-colour and allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways.

Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice and speed functions, allowing the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel at all times.

“Wrangler is the undisputed champion offroad, and now it is even better for everyday urban on-road driving,” says Andrew Tracey, Marketing Director, Jeep UK. “It’s a one-of-a-kind that has been completely renewed while remaining true to its original values, and I am delighted that we are able to announce pricing and specification details as we launch this most capable Wrangler ever, into the UK. “I am also pleased to confirm that the car will be available with 5-3-5, our outstanding offer which consists of a five year warranty, a three year servicing programme, plus five years roadside assistance. If there was ever a time to own a Jeep Wrangler, it’s now.”

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World premiere of the new Touareg V8 TDI in Geneva Volkswagen is celebrating the world premiere of the new Touareg V8 TDI at the Geneva International Motor Show (7–17 March). Its output of 310 kW / 421 PS makes it the most powerful SUV with a diesel engine from a German manufacturer. The maximum torque of the high tech turbo diesel engine reaches the level of a super sports car: 900 newton metres. Whether cruising at low speeds, moving fast or going off- road – this power provides superior drive characteristics. The new flagship vehicle will come on the market at the end of May. he 250 km/h-fast Touareg V8 TDI demonstrates the potential of its dynamics as it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Like all Touareg models, the new V8 version also complies with the Euro 6dTEMP emission standard. Those purchasing the top model will have the choice between the standard Elegance design package or the Atmosphere package. Elegance stands for a technical interior design dominated by metal and cool colour tones; Atmosphere is a warm interior environment where wood and natural tones prevail.

The seat system and door trims

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of both versions have a leather finish (“Vienna” type) as standard.

The interior of the Touareg V8 TDI thus creates both an exclusive and an avant-garde comfort zone. The screens of the Innovision Cockpit (digitised display and controls) with their glass covered surfaces, tanned leathers and aluminium and chrome details allow the extraordinarily high quality of the Touareg V8 TDI to be seen and felt. The wood applications are particularly elegant.

An example of the Atmosphere design package: a narrow wing made of “curved beam wood” extends over the entire width of the dash panel here – a wood application curved as one part and made of ash that follows the shape

of the dash panel.

Compared to the models with V6engines, the Touareg V8 TDI additionally includes air suspension, a boot lid that opens and closes electrically, comfort seats, an antitheft alarm system, stainless steel pedals and the “Light & Sight” package (including automatically dimming exterior mirrors and automatic headlights) as standard.

The Touareg V8 TDI also comes with 19-inch Tirano alloy wheels instead of 18-inch wheels.

The equipment range also includes state-of-the-art driver assist and running gear systems. Some of the features that increase safety include “Night Vision” (detects people and animals in the dark

using a thermal imaging camera), “Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist” (partly automated steering and lane departure warning, acceleration and braking, up to 60 km/h) and “Front Cross Traffic Assist” (responds to cross traffic in front of the Touareg). Technologies like the active all-wheel steering system (makes the Touareg as easy to handle as a compact car) and a roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled antiroll bars further perfect handling and comfort. One of the best lighting systems in the world provides additional safety and comfort at night: the interactive “IQ.Light – LED matrix headlight”.

New Honda CR-V scores 5 stars in Euro NCAP The new Honda CR-V has been awarded the maximum five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests, the results of which are announced today. The CR-V boasts a unique body structure giving class-leading rigidity and stiffness, and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies. tilising an ‘All Directions Collision Safety’ concept, the platform design incorporates Honda’s exclusive next-generation ACE™ (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. This employs a network of

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connected structural elements to distribute collision energy more evenly, helping to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger cell in the event of an impact, giving superior front, side and rear crashworthiness.

The passive safety features on the all-new CR-V are complemented

by the Honda Sensing™ suite of active safety and driver assist technologies. Honda Sensing™ is among the most comprehensive suites of safety technologies in its class. It uses a combination of radar and camera information, plus a host of high-tech sensors to warn and assist the driver in potentially

dangerous scenarios.

The new Honda CR-V joins the rest of the Honda range tested by Euro NCAP, The Jazz, HR-V and Civic in being awarded the maximum five-star score by Euro NCAP.

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New Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Commercial on sale The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is now available as a commercial vehicle that will appeal to retail and business customers looking for a tough and capable off-road SUV with a high level of specification and a large load area. ased on the wellequipped Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 4 SUV, the Commercial version has a flat rear load area that measures 1,920mm long, 1,000mm wide between the rear wheel arches and 1,040mm high with 1,488 litres VDA. The Shogun Sport Commercial has a maximum load

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capacity of 605KG and a maximum towing capacity of 3.1 tonnes (braked).

The Super Select II 4WD system fitted to the Shogun Sport Commercial is the same as the passenger vehicle and has an offroad terrain selector with settings for gravel, mud/snow, sand and rock. Low ratio transfer gearing is also selectable for when the terrain becomes demanding and this is

SEAT Terraco acieves Euro NCAP’s highest safety rating The latest model of the biggest SEAT product offensive, the New SEAT Tarraco, has achieved a five-star safety rating from testing organisation Euro NCAP, continuing the brand’s tradition of developing vehicles that not only meet the needs of a diverse consumer base, but also offer the safest vehicles on the market. uro NCAP’s testing procedures become more demanding each year as the safety body increases the number of tests and the their rigorousness. All aspects of the vehicle are examined, measuring the ability to protect both adult and child occupants, vulnerable road users while also evaluating more advanced safety assist systems.

And SEAT’s flagship model, the Tarraco SUV, achieved the highest level of safety possible in the consumer protection body’s series of tests.

The Tarraco went through a

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meticulous set of tests to determine its safety credentials.

Adult occupant protection is established through tests including frontal impacts that use a 40% overlap and a full width rigid barrier as well as a side barrier and pole impact. Added to this are whiplash tests and autonomous emergency braking, (AEB), tested across a wide range of speeds and vehicle overlaps.

For child occupant protection three main aspects are assessed: the protection from the restraint system, how well the vehicle accommodates child restraint systems of various sizes and, finally, provisions in the vehicle for

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complemented with a lockable centre and rear differential and Hill Descent Control.

The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Commercial also features 18” alloy wheels, 360° camera, heated leather seats, LED headlamps and a keyless operation system. The audio system features Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility along with Bluetooth connection, DAB radio and a

the safe transport of children.

The SEAT Tarraco wasn’t just developed to protect those inside the vehicle, a huge amount of importance was placed on safeguarding vulnerable road users too. Euro NCAP’s test also look at the potential risk of injury to a pedestrian or cyclist’s head, pelvis and legs and what can be done to mitigate or prevent any impact.

Add to this the assessment of the most important driver assist technologies to support the driver, and how they may improve safety, and Euro NCAP’s programme is all encompassing.

On each occasion the organisation judged that occupants and road users were well protected should an accident

510W Mitsubishi Power Sound speaker system. For convenience two further USB connections and a 3-pin plug socket are located in the centre console. Safety features such as Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning and Trailer Stability Assist are also standard.

occur; The SEAT Tarraco scored 97% for adult protection, 84% for child occupant, 79% for vulnerable road users and 79% for safety assist.

“The Tarraco achieved an outstanding safety rating in Euro NCAP’s demanding tests, a result that reflects the emphasis we placed on safety when developing our largest SUV, and our commitment to guaranteeing the highest level of both active and passive safety in all the models we produce,” said Luca de Meo, President of SEAT.

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The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Freedom in its most beautiful form– that is what the GLC has stood for since its launch in autumn 2015. ike its predecessors, the SUV combines outstanding on- and off-road driving characteristics with spaciousness, practicality and comfort. In addition, the latest generation adds further advanced pioneering technologies, distinctive design, connectivity and state-of-the-art infotainment. Thus, the GLC once more demonstrates how elegantly and effortlessly hallmark brand safety and intelligent adaptability can be combined to great success.

The result is an SUV that sets new standards, on the road as well as in terrain.

With its distinctive appearance, innovative driving assistance systems and a new range of engines, the GLC offers the best from Mercedes-Benz. The exterior design offers a wide and sporty visual appearance. Muscularly sculpted surfaces and distinctive details such as the chrome elements, which now run from the front to the rear end as standard, the redesigned headlamps and the heavily contoured radiator grille ensure a strong offroad character. The interior combines luxury and user-friendliness in an uncompromising way: The workmanship is at a high level and the infotainment system has larger touchscreen multimedia displays. In addition, the latest

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generation of the MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system offers intuitive and versatile operating options such as touch, gesture control and the optimised voice control system. The driving assistance systems were considerably expanded and complemented with the exit warning function, the emergency corridor function and the tail end of a traffic jam function, among others. Also new is Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, which provides assistance with manoeuvring in reverse in particular. For the market launch in mid-2019, the GLC will be equipped with new petrol and diesel engines of the latest engine family from Mercedes-Benz with more output and greater efficiency – more engines will follow later in the year.

The most important advancements of the GLC • MBUX - Innovative telematics: The combination of the touchscreen multimedia displays, navigation with augmented reality, intelligent voice control via the talk button or the “Hey Mercedes” prompt, connectivity and the user interface now brings the GLC in line with the latest technological standards.

• Drive system: The GLC will be equipped with the next generation of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with increased output at significantly lower fuel consumption –

particularly on the petrol engines thanks to the new 48-volt on-board electrical system with belt-driven starter-generator.

• Advanced assistance systems: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steer Assist provide even more support to help the driver to steer and to keep a safe distance. The speed is adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions. Active Steer Assist helps with forming an emergency corridor and with changing lanes. The risk of potential collisions can be reduced by the turn-off function of Active Brake Assist by braking if the driver fails to see oncoming traffic.

The new generation of the GLC marks the start of a new chapter in a true success story: The model sold significantly better than its predecessor in its first full year on the market.

At present, Mercedes-Benz has a very successful presence in the SUV segment with seven models (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS, G-Class). There is no doubt about it: The SUVs play an essential role in the product range of the brand and its success.

More than five million SUVs from MercedesBenz were delivered to customers worldwide to date.

The new Merceds-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ The SUV trendsetter now with even more power and precision. ercedes-AMG launches its performance offering for the new GLE with the GLE 53 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption: 9.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 212 g/km). The basis for the signature AMG driving dynamics is provided by the 320 kW (435 hp) 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, the fully variable all-wheel drive, the agile 9-speed automatic transmission, the AMG-specific drive programmes and the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL air suspension based on AMG RIDE CONTROL+ with electro-mechanical roll

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stabilisation. Thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical strips, it is immediately obvious that it is part of the AMG family. Numerous options such as the selectable performance exhaust system and the AMG steering wheel buttons make the driving experience even more emotional.

“As the inventors of the performance SUV, it is important to us to continue to be at the top with the new generation of the GLE when it comes to innovations, driving dynamics, individuality and design. The first step here is the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+, with which we offer our customers more power than

the predecessor model as well as our fully variable all-wheel technology. Not least of all its striking radiator grill shows our new GLE 53 as a fully-fledged member of the AMG family,” states Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH

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