Farming
MONTHLY National
May 2013
Inside this issue...
Farm Energy AD & Biogas focus
Livestock 2013 Show preview
On Topic Novel pest control
Beef Expo 2013 Pre-show feature
Cereals A look ahead to the big event Also Inside: Security | Education | Sheep | Machinery | Fuels | Fencing | ATVs | Motors
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Knowledge grows
Contents
27
35
May 2013
68 45
Features
Regulars
14 27 32 35 38 46 48 50
06 12 39 51 65 67
Cereals Looking ahead to Cereals 2013
Livestock 2013 Show preview
Sheep NSA Welsh Sheep
Beef Expo Show news
Education Latest news
Grassland Grassland news
Security
News All the latest need to know commentary
On Topic Innovative pest control
Energy Focus on AD
Machinery Latest machinery news
ATV The essential workhorse round-up.
Motors What’s new on the road?
NEXT MONTH
Are you prepared?
Shows, shows, shows!
Feature McDonalds Freedom Pork We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or agriculture in general? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as necessary and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved 2012.
Andrew Poulton EDITOR
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| News
JSR’s first student placement establishes ongoing research into piglet mortality in Freedom Farrowing systems JSR Genetics’ first ever placement student, Hannah Sewell, has established an important research project that will continue to be funded by Sainsbury’s and will see involvement from the Scottish Agricultural College once she returns to University in September. annah (20) is midway through a degree in Biology at the University of York and took the placement after looking for an opportunity to spend a year in industry during her degree course. The University of York was founded by Arthur Sykes Rymer, the grandfather of current JSR chairman Tim Rymer. Arthur Sykes Rymer was also instrumental in the campaign to restore York Minster following the 1984 fire, and was sheriff of the City from 1949-50. Hannah, who hails from Kent, doesn’t have an agricultural background, but was attracted to JSR because of its genetics work. “I applied for the position as it was with a genetics company,” said Hannah. “I knew very little about pigs, but I like working with animals and as I suspected, I do absolutely love it. “The placement has been very wide-ranging – for example one day I might be collecting samples from the abattoir, the next I could be testing the tenderness of meat in our Food Quality Centre using our Tenderscot machine.” Hannah quotes the project work she was
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06 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
charged with as her favourite part of the job and particularly enjoyed working on her own initiative, collecting data and analyzing results. Perhaps the most significant initiative she has been involved with is a research project looking into the possible causes of piglet mortality in Freedom Farrowing systems. Hannah used a farm local to JSR as the subject of her research. She said: “Just before Christmas I spent about two weeks at the Morgan’s farm at Pockthorpe near Driffield in East Yorkshire. I was recording temperature, humidity, sow and piglet position among other things, to try and determine whether there was anything statistically, that might contribute to piglet mortality in these systems. “We know that there are high numbers of laid-ons for example, but we wanted to establish if something environmental could exacerbate the problem. “The work was initiated by by Cranswick Country Foods, Sainsbury’s and the Scottish Agricultural College and will continue once I’ve
returned to University. The College will take my data and continue the work going forward. It’s potentially a very exciting development.” JSR’s head of science, Stephen Waite feels the project could have far-reaching implications for the UK industry. He said: “This research could be vital. Indeed, it’s already led to a larger £200k spinoff project, with the potential of another ⇔1million scheme being built on that. “If the UK or the EU were to ban farrowing crates, as they already have in Sweden, more research would be needed on how to make freedom farrowing a profitable solution. JSR want to be at the forefront of that research and this work can help put us there.” Hannah’s placement will come to an end in July and she will return to University in September. Once she’s completed her undergraduate course Hannah would like to continue with her studies and is now looking at a career in genetics. www.jsrgenetics.com
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| News
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 07
| News
Ice cream of the crop
Voluntary code breakers
Hampshire supplier secures success with brand new Spinnaker contract.
Dairy Coalition asks Minister to ‘call in’ non-code compliant processors.
farm on Hayling Island in Hampshire who supplies the finest ice cream to local businesses in the area has just secured a significant new contract with Portsmouth’s very own Spinnaker Tower. Northney Ice Cream, who makes all their products at Northney Farm using their own milk from their impressive Ayrshire herd, and made with only the finest natural ingredients, already supply a wide range of local shops and cafes around the Hampshire area. They are famous for their selection of over 20 delicious flavours and their “Ice Cream Sundays” which are held regularly throughout the summer. Tim Pike, who runs the Northney Ice Cream, said: “We are pleased to add the Spinnaker Tower to our growing portfolio of clients. We work closely with a lot of the businesses in the area, so to have the Spinnaker Tower on board is a real landmark for us”. Tim, who set up the business in 2009 as a diversification project for the farm, is proud that local businesses are seeking local
he dairy coalition has called on Defra Farming Minister David Heath to call in milk buyers failing to implement the voluntary code. Processors were given until March 31, 2013, to comply with the terms of the code by offering fairer and more balanced contracts to farmers. The code was agreed voluntarily between farming and processing representatives, and has been adopted by Defra as the favoured policy alternative to legislation as proposed by the European Commission.
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Tim and Emma
suppliers and believes that it is important to support one another, a sentiment that is shared by Ms Emma Lennox, who is the Food and Beverage Manager at the Spinnaker Tower. Emma commented: “We’ve been looking for a local supplier for a while and we’d heard of Northney Farm’s good reputation and fantastic ingredients, so we couldn’t resist getting a few samples in. Of course we were hooked and now were can’t wait to begin supplying the public! We are very much looking forward to working together”.
“We need Defra to ramp up the pressure..” The Dairy Coalition, the NFU, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, TFA, WFU and the RABDF has written to Farming Minister David Heath calling on him to act on its concerns over the companies not yet signed up to the code. NFU dairy board chairman Mansel Raymond said: “While a number of large milk buyers are implementing the code, there still
some who have failed to step up to the mark and make the changes we have demanded. Since our March deadline passed, the coalition has been applying pressure in various ways to get processors to act. This has included calling on retailers to insist that their supply base offers farmers compliant contracts. This, however isn’t enough. We need Defra to ramp up the pressure to ensure the code is the success it can and should be.” TFA dairy representative Richard Elliot said: “Our members’ patience is growing very thin; if milk buyers can’t be trusted to do the right thing and work with farmers to deliver better contracts then Government needs to step in. This isn’t rocket science, we just want a fair deal.” RABDF chairman Ian Macalpine said: “Parallel to this call for assistance from Government, the message from the whole coalition to farmers is you have the power to change contracts. With milk supplies short and processors crying out for milk, farmers need to stand firm and demand change.”
Next Auctions on 20th May 2013 & 17th June 2013 commencing at 10.30am
08 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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| News
JCB marks millionth machine milestone in colourful style Hundreds of JCB employees today joined in the celebrations to mark the production of the company’s one millionth machine – enough diggers to stretch from the UK to Australia. he landmark is being marked in vivid style with the whole of the glass frontage of the World HQ at Rocester, Staffordshire, UK, being encased in a graphic wrap marking the achievement. The picture covers an area of more than 900m² and a total of 207 windows have each been individually covered with a section of the print – evolving like a giant jigsaw puzzle over a total of 50 hours as five people pieced it together. Nestled behind the glass in the reception area is the actual one millionth machine, a 22 tonne JS220 tracked excavator in shimmering silver. Staggeringly, if all of the one million machines made by JCB were laid out end-to-
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end they would stretch from the UK to Australia. JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: “It’s taken JCB more than 67 years to produce its millionth machine. Incredibly, one third of those machines has been produced in the last six years. Reaching the million milestone is the result of a huge effort by the JCB team past and present and it’s an achievement everyone can be justifiably proud of. Given our continuing growth, JCB’s two millionth machine will be produced in considerably less time.” More than 2,500 JCB dealers and customers will be joining in the celebrations in the next five weeks as the company embarks on the next phase of its global growth programme by staging the
biggest ever product conference in its 67-year history. The event in Staffordshire is showcasing all the latest machines in JCB’s construction, agricultural and industrial ranges. JCB CEO Alan Blake added: “The global dealer and customer conference is the biggest in JCB’s history and unveiling our latest product innovations to delegates, will be a key driver for our future growth. Given the scale of the event, JCB’s investment in this conference is also providing a very positive spin off for the local and regional economy.”
During the conference JCB will demonstrate more than 100 of its innovative machines as well as present technical details on their features and benefits. Over the period of the conference JCB has booked a total of 4,700 hotel room nights for delegates from almost 130 countries.
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 09
| News
‘Pay and homes’ threat to agri workers in October Far reaching implications regarding the abolishion of the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) must be communicated. inisters have a moral duty to inform the 150,000 agricultural workers in England and Wales of the impact on their pay and housing, once the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) is abolished on 1 October. Unite, the largest union in the country, said that workers face ‘a sea of uncertainty’ over their future housing arrangements and incomes, now that ‘the harsh mechanics’ of the AWB’s axing have been revealed; substituting the national minimum wage for the current higher rates of pay. It is estimated that there are about 60,000 agricultural workers and managers in accommodation provided by their employer – and from 1 October, they will also lose their security of tenure.
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Unite national officer for agriculture Julia Long said: “Ministers have a moral duty to inform those working in the countryside about how the sea of uncertainty that is about to engulf them will affect their pay and the basic human need of having a roof over their heads. “This responsibility also embraces the employers. However, we are concerned that small farmers struggling to get over the winter’s woes will not welcome industrial negotiations on top of everything else. “We are really concerned that workers' wages will be used to make up this shortfall. “Supermarkets need to show that they are good corporate citizens, especially as many of
them were pressurising the government to abolish the AWB, so they could boost their profits at the expense of the rural workforce. “Supermarkets generate massive profits and are able to pay their contractors sufficiently well to ensure that low wages are not cut further.” In a letter to the AWB’s chair Derek Evans, the agriculture and food minister, David Heath confirmed that the AWB will be abolished and that the minimum wage introduced on 1 October. Unite officers are due to meet officials at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Thursday 9 May to discuss what the union described as ‘the harsh mechanics’ of the AWB’s demise.
Unite has welcomed this week’s announcement by the Welsh Government that it is kick-starting a consultation to consider setting up an Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) in Wales.
Unite, the largest union in the country, said that workers face ‘a sea of uncertainty’ over their future housing arrangements and incomes, now that ‘the harsh mechanics’ of the AWB’s axing have been revealed; substituting the national minimum wage for the current higher rates of pay.
SOUTHAM AGRICULTURAL SERVICES Fields Farm, Station Road, Southam CV47 2DH
Tel: 01926 813426 Fax: 01926 817908 http://southamagri.co.uk
10 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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| News
Better checks on TB history of cattle Farmers should soon know more about the TB history of the cattle they’re buying to help them avoid bringing TB into their herd. nder recommendations made by the industry-led Risk-Based Trading Group (RBTG) in England, crucial TB risk information about cattle will be shared at the point of sale so farmers will know the animal’s TB testing history before purchase. Defra and industry will work together to develop buyer and seller guidance on TB risk to help farmers make full use of this new information. This will also help farmers in high risk areas with herds that that have been free of TB for many years to achieve a fairer price for their animals at market. The RBTG has also recommended the development of a new national database for farmers, vets and auctioneers that will use more detailed TB risk information to help farmers assess the TB risk of cattle they are looking to buy. Farming Minister David Heath
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said: “Bovine TB is a terrible disease which we have to get to grips with and I am determined that we do everything we possibly can to prevent its spread. Risk-based trading based on an animals’ TB risk will be a great step forward in empowering farmers to reduce the spread of this disease.” Defra is committed to riskbased trading to make farmers more aware of TB risk. These proposals were developed by the Risk-Based Trading Group. Professor Bill Reilly, Chairman of the TB Risk-Based Trading Group, said: “We believe that the recommendations contained in our report are practical solutions that will be of real value to help reduce the spread of this terrible disease. We encourage industry and Government to work together to implement our recommendations.”
Fifteen year old would-be journalist Charles Coleman explains to us why he feels his future lies in journalism.
A “growing” passion for Journalism
Charles leading his cow
Why farming and journalism can help each other grow, by Charles Coleman. hen I am asked what future career I am interested in, Journalism is not always the answer that is expected, especially as I attend a school which specialises in Agriculture. Nevertheless, this is the answer I give. I am extremely passionate about Agriculture whilst also having a huge interest in Journalism, two areas that are not always associated together. Having had a rural upbringing, I have experienced many facets of Agriculture, whether it be helping at a farm or talking to people connected to farming and this has given me inspiration to write about farming and the matters which surround it. I originally attended a secondary school based in the middle of a town, but I discovered that this just wasn’t for me. When I left that school, I came away from it with a burning desire to pursue journalism due in no small part to my participation in extra–curricular media courses involving work with the BBC.
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The reason I felt compelled to move school was because I found out about a truly fantastic alternative. Brymore State Boarding School is a wonderful establishment which specialises in the areas of Agriculture and Horticulture. I hope to leave Brymore with a Level 2 BTEC qualification in both Agriculture and Horticulture whilst completing all of my other GCSE’s. It is my burning ambition to become a journalist specialising in Agriculture in order to educate people across the nation about the value of British Farming. In addition, it is my feeling that everyone must be prepared to pay a fair price for their groceries, meat, milk and cereals and having grown up in a landscape of changing milk prices and farmers struggling from the economic crisis, I have a tremendous urge to stride forward and encourage people to support the British agricultural industry. Brymore has definitely changed my life forever.
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 11
| On Topic
On Topic Alternative approaches to pest control
Pictured above: Female Spotted Vinegar Fly (Drosophila suzukii) on a strawberry. Photo: Dr Derric Nimmo, Oxitec Ltd
Who we are Oxitec is a pioneer in controlling insects that spread disease and damage crops. Through world class science we have developed an innovative new solution to controlling harmful insects pests. Our solution can help governments and communities around the world keep people healthy and increase food production, and to do so in a way which is sustainable, environmentally friendly and cost effective. Visit www.oxitec.com
12 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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rosophila suzukii, otherwise known as the spotted vinegar fly, is an unlikely-looking creature to strike terror into the hearts of European fruit farmers. A diminutive-looking fly with a plump body and delicate wings displaying the single eponymous spot at their tips, it might almost be described as ‘cute’ – if that is ever an appropriate epithet to apply to an insect. Yet these attractive little flies exhibit a remarkably voracious and destructive appetite for soft fruit; so much so that, in spite of their small proportions, they have cast a long and gloomy shadow over the fruit farming industry in Europe. A recent arrival in Europe, Drosophila suzukii was first detected in Italy in 2008, at almost the same instant as its first appearance in the United States in California. The insect is of particular concern because, almost uniquely among vinegar flies, it has a taste for hanging, rather than fallen fruit: plump, ripening cherries, strawberries, raspberries; these and many other varieties of soft fruit make attractive nurseries for its hungry larvae, from which the new adults emerge after a week-long feast, leaving in their wake a rotting, inedible mess. These are less than attractive lifestyle arrangements viewed from the perspective of Europe’s fruit farmers. Couple that with its capacity for rapid dispersal, enormously rapid population growth, with up to 13 generations possible in a single season, and it is easy to see how this little fly has quickly earned itself a place on the ‘most wanted’ alert list of the European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO)*. But suzukii is only the latest addition to a list of 6legged miscreants which are of increasing concern for European agriculturalists. Europe has always been a centre for trade and, with it, the commingling of both human visitors and their occasional unexpected travelling companions. Yet in recent years the increasing volume of global trade and travel, coupled with a shifting climate, has created more permissive conditions for invasive species to spread and to establish themselves. Unwelcome arrivals such as the Paysandisia Archon moth, the Red Palm Weevil, the Harlequin bug and the Asian Tiger mosquito are proving a significant challenge for both agriculturalists and public health agencies across the continent. The tomato leaf-mining moth, Tuta absoluta, is another example of a recent arrival causing a headache for European farmers. First detected in Spain in 2006, it has since spread to the tomato crops of France, Italy, Greece and Malta, as well as to the north of Africa. A greedy gourmand of the tomato and related crops, such as aubergines, it dines on leaves, stalks, buds and both green and ripe fruit, leaving devastation in its wake; a single infestation can cause up to 100% loss of crop yield. Invasive species such as Tuta or suzukii present particular problems to farmers and to environmental agencies tasked with their control. Treatment options, such as pesticides, are constrained by the trade-off between their ability to control the invader and any harmful effects on other species: the alleged impact of pesticide use on bee populations in Europe, which have plunged into decline in recent years, is just one dramatic example of the potential impact of miscalculating that equation. Moreover, many pesticides are passing out of use in Europe as increasingly stringent EU regulations begin to bite, while still others are of diminishing efficacy due to the development of resistance among target populations. Tuta absoluta has already demonstrated resistance to two of the most widely used pesticide groups –
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organophosphates and pyrethroids. And while often still effective against D. suzukii, the usefulness of these pesticides is limited by the need to reduce residues on fruit immediately prior to harvesting, which is when the crop is most susceptible to the pest. With their toolkit of conventional treatment options shrinking and becoming increasingly ineffectual, European farmers and environmental agencies urgently need new solutions to combat the threat posed by invasive species; approaches that will effectively control the invader whilst minimising the ancillary impacts on beneficial insects and the surrounding ecology. Oxitec Ltd, a UK-based biotech firm, is pioneering a novel control approach based on the use of genetic engineering technology to create ‘sterile’ insects. Targeting of the female and the precision of the control method to the desired species is ‘built in’ as males are biologically attuned to find and mate with females of the same species. Its chemical-free approach is an augmented version of the tried and tested sterile insect technique (SIT), which has had great success in controlling insects such as the screwworm, a major cattle pest, across North America. Oxitec has already reported success in dramatically reducing populations of the dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti, in Brazil and the Cayman Islands, whilst its agricultural products, targeted at pests such as the Olive fly and Mediterranean Fruit Fly, have had similar success in contained trials. Oxitec’s technology is one example of the freshthinking approaches to pest management that will need to be considered if the huge challenge posed by invasive species is to be adequately addressed. The Director General of the European Crop Protection Association recently emphasised the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques in sustainable pest control – an approach which seeks to combine the strengths of different control approaches to achieve the best possible outcome for effective control and for the environment. Indeed the EU’s directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable uses of pesticides includes a requirement upon member states to move towards integrated pest management. Europe is a powerhouse of research and innovation, boasting some of the most advanced bioscience research institutes in the world. It is already a world-leader in the development of nonchemical approaches to pest control, but cementing this advantage will depend on continued support for innovative solutions – including a supportive regulatory environment for the introduction of new techniques. Chemical controls are by no means excluded from IPM approaches, and conventional pesticides will doubtless continue to play a major role. But if suzukii, Tuta and their ilk are to be tackled properly, then alternative approaches such as trapping, pheromones, natural predation and cultural practices will need to be embraced. Above all, the tremendous advances facilitated by biotechnology and genetic tools can offer new solutions for fighting some of European farming’s most intractable foes, whilst preserving and protecting our environment.
On Topic
New solutions are needed in Europe’s battle against invasive pests.
| On Topic
Further Information * See the EPPO fact sheet: http://www.eppo.int/QUARANTINE /Alert_List/insects/Drosophila_suzu kii_factsheet_12-2010.pdf
Pictured below: The tomato leafmining moth, Tuta absoluta. Photo: Dr Derric Nimmo, Oxitec Ltd
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 13
| Cereals
New technical seminars promise lively debate A new series of arable technical seminars that will address some of the sector’s key challenges is expected to pack the conference marquee at this year’s Cereals Event, which returns to Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th June. our diverse topics are expected to provoke some lively exchange between the audience and a panel of experts and commentators, giving visitors valuable take-away messages to help them improve their technical performance and profits. Correcting soil damage after the 2012 deluge will look at strategies to help growers get their fields back into the best possible shape before next season’s crops go in. Wheat fungicide programmes – is £120/ha the new norm? examines the reasons behind, and how to budget for, rising disease control costs. Those looking to make more effective use of the latest precision farming technology will not want to miss Beyond GPS – making precision decisions. The final topic, Straw burning – turning up the heat on blackgrass, will widen the debate on a return to controlled burning to take out this troublesome weed. “Cereals is well-known for being the UK’s leading arable technical event, covering everything to do with cropping and machinery, as well as finance,” says event director Jon Day of Haymarket Exhibitions. “The new seminars, together with the return of the everpopular Arable Conference, in partnership with the Oxford Farming Conference, mean Cereals is also now one of the most important crop convention venues in the UK.” It’s an unrivalled collection of arable expertise that will prove more useful than ever after an appalling year of weather, says Mr Day. “At Cereals 2013 there will be experts around just about every corner ready to offer advice, whether it be cash flow management to help offset lower yields and rising costs, cropping plans to get rotations back on track or cultivations to help improve damaged soils.” Exhibitor bookings have been as strong as ever and over 490 leading companies are expected to attend Cereals 2013, on a par with last year’s record-breaking event. They will be ready to update around 26,000 visitors on the latest products, from seeds to sprayers, crop varieties to cultivation equipment and fertilisers to finance. Specialist areas include Crop Plots, Working Demonstrations, Post-Harvest Technology, Business Area, Potatoes and Renewables, while Sprays and Sprayers will
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showcase the latest spraying technology and equipment. HSBC Bank returns as Cereals principal sponsor for the 10th successive year. Allan Wilkinson, head of agriculture at the bank, says he is committed to helping customers find their way through this uncertain period. “Farmers are used to coping with the weather but these are exceptional times. The physical effects will manifest themselves well into next year in terms of lower cash flows and we will be doing all we can to help mitigate that. “In addition, farmers will have plenty of technical issues to catch up on, and Cereals provides an unrivalled opportunity to get advice and share ideas and best practice to help their businesses move forward. “By June, we should have a better idea of what the new CAP looks like, which should provide some interesting discussion, and we will also focus on the wider economy and the effect it is having on currency, a key determiner of farm incomes.” Tickets for Cereals 2013 are now available. This year visitors can choose either a printed ticket, which will be posted to them nearer the event, or a new e-ticket, which can either be printed off or kept on a smart phone or tablet ready to be scanned at the event entrance. This will enable visitor registration to remain open right up to and through the first day of Cereals, reducing the need to queue at the box office. Visitors
14 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
who prefer to buy their ticket on the day can still do so. Tickets cost £23 each (£19 for students) and are available at www.cerealsevent.co.uk Visitors qualify for 2 NRoSO
points and 4 BASIS points for attending either day, plus there are opportunities within the event to earn extra points. Further information at www.cerealsevent.co.uk
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| Cereals
Largest UK installer continues expansion celebrating 500th turbine The country's largest installer of small scale wind turbines has hit a milestone and a UK first by installing its 500th turbine, building a fleet with a capacity of 2.5MW of which over 2MW was taken from site contract to generation during 2012. taff from Windcrop celebrated the triumph, securing them as firm marketleaders among all FiT registered sites, with a customary glass of champagne under the 500th turbine in West Yorkshire. Windcrop offer two options; save and earn. If customers choose the save option, for no cost the company make sure the site is suitable, install and maintain the turbine for 20 years and the customer takes all the free green electricity while Windcrop earn revenue from the Government’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT). Alternatively people can chose to invest in their own turbine and take all the benefits of the energy plus the FiT. Managing director and founder of the business, John Moore, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone for Windcrop and the small wind industry. “From our Norfolk start-up with two systems in 2009, our current fleet of 500 will generate around 80GWh of electricity during their 20 year life. Each system will save the site owner around £500 a year in electricity and this will rise as electricity prices increase in the future.” The landmark turbine also represents the company’s first northern installation, having expanded from its headquarters in Norfolk into
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both Yorkshire and Cornwall, tripling its workforce. Mr Moore added: “I think a culmination of working with customers, driving down prices and a continued focus on operating ethically; putting the environment first when making our
recommendations, has been a winning combination securing our success in the industry so far.” Staff from Windcrop will be on hand to answer any questions at stand 8-H-832 at the Cereals event on June 12th to 13th.
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 15
| Cereals
Controlling Black-Grass Keeping the grain dry Keeping black-grass at bay with Micron sprayers.
Svegma’s 30th anniversary in the UK.
icron Group will be at Cereals (stand 2-B-210) to exhibit its agricultural range of sprayers and tanks. Visitors will be able to find out how Micron sprayers can help farmers keep black-grass at bay with their Varidome band sprayer and shielded Spraydome equipment.
n February 2013 it will be thirty years since the installation of the first Svegma drier in the UK. This was the first of over 650 that have now been sold nationally. One of the first driers sold in 1983 was to Mr Goodall in Derby - and it is still operating today. The attached photo shows three Svegma driers at Weald Granary in Kent, where the first was installed in 1987 and the third in 2011. Svegma driers are distributed in the UK by BDC Systems. The principle of operation of the Svegma driers, pulse roller or shutter discharge, is still used as this provides a positive movement of grain in the drying column when discharging. The size, shape and position of the laterals in the main column, with only a slightly modified and improved system of fixing them in the grain column, is the same as it was 30 years ago. This proves that it was the correct design from day one. With no fixings inside the drying column, it is particularly suitable for seed crops and malting barley. With improved fan performance, moving from 1000mm diameter to 1250mm diameter fans in most cases, and more efficient two or three stage and fully modulating oil
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Varidome S5 with Dual Tank
With black-grass reaching a new phase of resistance, the Varidome range of band sprayers can offer the perfect solution in row crops such as oil seed rape and sugar beet. Being shielded, it offers virtually zero drift and impressive target accuracy which means users can apply nonselective herbicides to treat the interrow. Each shield is mounted on an individual parallelogram linkage with a ground-following wheel ensuring the hoods stay in close contact to the ground.
Varidome is available in 3, six and nine metre working widths. The largest model - VaridomeS5 – will be on display at Cereals. Fitted with an optional Dual Spray System, it allows operators to simultaneously treat the crop with a selective herbicide, liquid feed, fungicide or insecticide over the row whilst applying a non-selective herbicide under the shield in between the rows. The Dual Tank offers a combined 1800 litre capacity with each tank being fitted with separate intake, induction, pumping, mixing and filtration systems. Micron will also be displaying its circular Spraydome sprayer for field margin spraying. The Spraydome design incorporates a durable polymer shield to eliminate drift and provide accurate weed targeting, making it ideal for use with nonselective herbicides to deliver a weed free strip which acts as a barrier between the field margin and the crop. Micron will also be showcasing its 100 litre Tank System for tractors and sixty litre Tank System for ATVs. Both tanking solutions incorporate self-contained pumps, agitation and filter systems and flushing tanks. Call 01885 482 397 or visit www.micron.co.uk for more information.
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and gas burners, Svegma driers remain the leading one mixed flow drier on the UK market. The only real change has been the improvement of the drier control panel. With the development of new technology, three years ago BDC Systems introduced a new touch screen control panel, giving the end user a superior management tool. Data, such as drying times, dates, temperatures settings (both actual and set points), fuel and electric consumption where the appropriate meter is also fitted, capacities per hour and alarms are automatically recorded. They can be downloaded in Excel format, for ACCS records. Remote viewing and operation of the drier panel has also been achieved with a simple App for a mobile phone or tablet. Temperature and discharge rates can be altered remotely, as well as providing the facility to put the drier into shutdown mode. With driers ranging from two to eight metres wide and with capacities from five to over one hundred tonnes per hour, there is a Svegma drier that fits every situation. For further information, contact +44 (0) 1264 710987 Email: info@bdcsystems.com or visit www.bdcsystems.com
Introducing Varidome S5... ...the 9m band sprayer for the broad acre farmer
Suitable for weed control in sugar beet, OSR, maize and many other row-grown crops Adjustable spray width to suit the crop Optional dual spray system Significantly reduced chemical and water requirement Shielded design minimises drift Compact folding for ease of transportation and storage Also available in 3 and 6m working widths
To find out more, call +44 (0)1885 482397 or email enquiries@micron.co.uk
www.micron.co.uk
P R E C I S I O N A P P L I C AT I O N
16 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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| Cereals
Aerial view of Diamond Light Source
Sun shines on solar
TRACK-Guide II
Farmers seeing the benefit of clean and cheap energy.
Entry Level GPS guidance system to be shown at Cereals.
or years solar PV has seemed like the answer to homeowners prayers bringing down energy bills and saving consumers hundreds of pounds a year. But now farmers and businesses are seeing the benefits of their own cheap and clean energy. In fact the energy production from solar panels works even better for business than it does for homes - because it generates the power when it is most needed. Most food producers are using the majority of their energy during the day when the PV is generating the power. That means solar could not only provide most of your business energy needs but could also ensure your power supply is not affected by power cuts. For companies using refrigeration the savings are even greater. They use the most electricity when the sun is shining hottest and that's when solar generates most. Many companies are now experiencing a payback on their costs of installation within just five years and yet they benefit from the Government grants and free power for at least 20 years.
he latest TRACK Guide II GPS Guidance system manufactured by MüllerElektronik will be demonstrated at Cereals. TRACK Guide II is an upgradeable entry level GPS guidance system sold in the UK by David King Electronics. This easy to set up and use guidance system has basic standard features that allow the user to calculate field area, record field boundary and work in parallel A-B lines or contour mode. Obstacles in the field can be marked so that later a warning is given as you approach. Correction to a point is also possible to take account of satellite drift. A record of the area worked can be downloaded to a USB stick for printing and recording work done using free software. Incorporated into the latest version of TRACK Guide II are five new driving mode, including “Multi A-B” lines for fields with different tramline directions or “Circle” mode for fields with a pivot irrigation system. HEADLANDControl is also now included as standard in the TRACK Leader application enabling treatment of
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Freewatt has a wealth of experience helping companies get the best savings from green energy. The company has installed large systems at many successful food producing farms and businesses including Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese, John Saul and Cambridgeshire Estates. Projects include panels to large warehouses, refrigeration units and even ground installations. Freewatt, an award winning Lincolnshire enterprise, was set-up in 2008 and has installed over 500 systems from 2kW to megawatt size. A team of experienced and skilled installers are guaranteeing the workmanship. The hardware is often German made panels with inverters from SMA. Freewatt is a Woldmarsh approved supplier and will be present at the Cereals in Boothby Graffoe. Please pay us a visit! Freewatt has installed successful systems on homes, fire stations, churches, schools and listed buildings.
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the field headland after treating the inside of the field. Machine types, eg sprayer, fertilizer spreader or seed drill can be selected and machine specific parameters displayed. The “on screen” lightbar can be configured in the machine profiles and can be defined separately for each machine. For more information see David King Electronics on Stand No 2-B208 (Sprayer Arena) at Cereals Event 2013, visit their website at www.dkelectronics.co.uk or telephone 01789 731365.
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| Cereals
Master Driers at Cereals Agrisem at Cereals Showing the new generation of Master Driers. he 2013 range of Master Driers that are on show at this year’s Cereals event incorporate many new features. The popular 12 Ton Model is fully Galvanised and the whole range introduces ‘New Age’ Technology which can be personalised to meet individual requirements, with capacities from 10 Ton - 45 Ton and flexibility in specification. The principle of drying remains the same, but, the emphasis has been to make Master Driers ‘user’ friendly. They offer efficient drying and simplified operation with manual or automatic programmes. The new operating systems are incorporated in both the Electric and PTO driven Driers. These operating systems include an Audible Alarm or Auto ‘Cut Off’ which will alert the Operator when the Drier is loaded, to avoid overflow of grain. Also included is an internal Moisture Meter for monitoring temperature and moisture, together with an Automatic ‘Cut Off’ of the Burner at a predetermined moisture. The Master Eye Telephone Combinator Messaging System will keep you in touch with your Drier, alerting the operator when drying is completed or if the Drier is in need of attention.
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One unique feature option available on all models is the “3 Stage Burner”. It is designed with three fuel nozzles which operate in any sequence to give a wide range of temperatures. The main advantage is that it is not necessary to change the fuel jet which simplifies the operation of the burner when drying different crops. Electric Drive Models are becoming more popular as they can be fully automated and are operated by a small Siemens Computer Unit with ‘Touch screen’ controls. Incorporating a comprehensive menu control panel which gives the Operator many options depending on the crop being handled, allowing for burner ‘operating control’ and ‘top up’ facilities to compensate for shrinkage. All programmes are offered with full Automatic Mastermatic ‘Touch’ Screen Control System with manual override, all of which allows the crop to be dried to meet individual circumstances. Masters have also introduced a new range of square section fully galvanised wet grain bins to complement its range of grain driers. These are available from 3 – 30 Ton capacities and are supplied as a flat ‘self-assembly’ kit. Call: 01787 228450
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Cereals 2013 marks the debut of an exciting new range of equipment from Agrisem following the takeover by the UNIA group.
ccess to the manufacturing and marketing strengths of UNIA has delivered many new features and improved value for Agrisem customers – building on the existing Agrisem strengths of build quality, versatility in use, and good design. The Vibromulch/Vibrosem range of equipment highlights all the strengths of the Agrisem range. Perhaps the most versatile cultivator on the UK market today this machine is capable of everything from cultivating ploughing to seeding into stubble with minimal adaptation. The addition of an Agrisem DSF front hopper or rear mounted small seeds unit make for a complete solution.
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Four beams give great clearance both between tines and under frame. A choice of tines and sowing elements means that there is a combination for almost every occasion – an essential feature in the changing climate of modern agriculture. There are a large number of finishing rollers available both front and rear, including tyre and steel packers. With prices starting at under £6000 the Vibromulch represents excellent value for money – reflecting the ability of the UNIA group to combine quality and value. Features which are standard across the Agrisem range, proudly distributed in the UK by Manterra Ltd.
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| Cereals
Cembrit’s 10 shades of colour Countryside building projects today need to satisfy a wide variety of aesthetic and planning demands alongside their performance requirements. emsix corrugated sheets from Cembrit are available in 3 three colouration types; traditional grey fibre-cement corrugated sheet, Cemscape / Sherwood ‘preweathered’ matt finish, and coloured sheets which incorporate Cembrit’s unique three stage coating process, to match various aesthetic requirements. Traditionally, countryside buildings were designed from a functional viewpoint and could appear grey and unadventurous. Additionally the untreated light grey of the cementitious raw material, depending on the type of cement, time of year and building orientation can often appear prominent in a rural setting. This is especially the case when new before the sheets have had the opportunity to weather. Cemscape and Sherwood eliminate the problem of new corrugated sheeting looking light and stark in the environment. Colour scheme guidelines recommend that the roof should be dark in colour complemented with lighter coloured walls to make the building appear smaller and less conspicuous. Cembrit coloured sheets range incorporate a number of dark shades especially for roofing as well as lighter brighter colours for vertical cladding or even as highlights for individual tastes. Cembrit’s Cemsix provides the farm building manufacturer with the choice the manager or farmer needs. These colours can often be found on more industrial buildings. The bolder colours –
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Spanish Red, Cloud Grey, Tile Red, Black and Blue – are popular on equestrian, light industrial and sectional buildings demonstrating the versatility of corrugated fibre cement. While colour does provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, it also has the added advantage of a tough finish which inhibits moss growth. Cembrit’s unique three stage coating
process incorporating anti-block on the rear, primer, edge coating and top coat provides a tough long lasting finish that retains its colour for longer and complements the durability of the high density, fully compressed corrugated sheet. For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, or email sales@cembrit.co.uk
Cultivating Success...
TopDown Carrier
NZA
Swift
Cultus
www.vaderstad.com
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| Cereals
Weigh in at Cereals Un-Manned Portable Weighing Systems from Griffith Elder & Co Ltd.
Use Dale Drills come rain or shine Excellent performance in all conditions. ith last autumn being as wet as it was and the spring drilling season turning out to be a dry one, Dale Drills’ Eco Drill has proven itself to work well in all conditions. The 12mm wide seeding knives prevent excessive smearing in wet soils whilst preserving moisture in drier conditions. The Eco-Drill has undergone several significant developments which have further improved the drills ability to run in all conditions as well as offering users a high level of versatility. Throughout the wet autumn of 2012 Dale Drills developed a new press wheel which is better able to cope in 'sticky', wet conditions and continues to run long after many drills would have had to have left the field. The new wheel provides excellent consolidation whether drilling at the adjustable 5" or 10" row spacing, whilst also leaving a level surface. A new 20" (50cm) row spacing option was also
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ew developments in weighbridge electronics has seen the application of wireless technology to apply vehicle tare weights to an unmanned weighbridge from the tractor seat. With no weighbridge operator and no need for the driver to get out of his seat, this latest development will reduce tipping cycle times at harvest significantly, and eliminate the need for personnel to operate the weighbridge system. The WB6RF weighbridge indicator runs the whole system automatically including the traffic light, large display and printer and can be applied to any one of the portable vehicle weighing systems or multi-axle weighbridges produced by Griffith Elder.
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At the heart of the system is the software, designed in-house, that you can pre-program with your vehicle details and tare weights. The system can accommodate up to 99 different vehicle entries and a key fob devise can be allocated to any one of these vehicle entries. As the tractor driver presents himself in front of the weighbridge, he presses his key fob that applies the vehicle tare weight to the system. The large display (if fitted) will show the total tractor/trailer laden weight before sending a command to the printer to print out gross, tare and net weights. At this point the system has also saved the weights to its memory listing reference number date and time as a backup as the print requirement may not be required until the end of the day.
added making the drill even more versatile. Optional extras including Stocks applicators and Liquid Fertiliser Kits are now also available. James Dale, from Dale Drills explains: “We've had an incredibly successful year despite the difficult conditions, and the reaction to our developments has been very positive. “Many customers noted that the Eco-Drills narrow tines were able to create a fine tilth even in wet soils. Most were the envy on their neighbours as establishment after the Eco-Drill was superb.” Dale Drills will be showing their Eco-Drill and MTD drill on their stand 12-L1226 at Cereals 2013. For further information please contact Dale Drills on 01652 653326, info@daledrills.com or visit www.daledrills.com
Visit us on stand 12 L1226
20 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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| Cereals
Dan-Corn delivers
7 steps to solar success
Introducing new design dryers.
Bowler Energy’s seven steps to a successful solar installation.
an-Corn Ltd specialise in grain dryers, conveying systems and silo plants and are able to offer comprehensive solutions for the needs of farmers who wish to increase or upgrade their drying and storage facilities. Their new design mobile dryers, two of which incorporate heat reclaim, offer high capacities in a compact low and narrow profile three model range, DC12, DC16 & DC28, with maximum capacities between 8 to 33 tonnes/hour 4% extraction (with cooling) or 24 to 54 tonnes/hour at 4% extraction (full heat). The dryers are assembled and pre-commissioned at their extensive workshop and warehouse facility where they are test run with grain before despatch ensuring that the only things to do each season are to connect the electrical and gas supplies before the dryers are ready to operate. Delivered complete with the transport kit and because of the relatively narrow 2.4m/8ft width, they are able to be moved between farm sites with relative ease. Each model is able to be run
t pays to be well prepared and do some research before starting out in any new enterprise, but it is particularly important when considering a new solar PV installation. However, there are a number of steps which can help to minimise the potential for anything to go wrong. 1 Select a reliable and longstanding company that can see the project through from start to finish. A PV system needs to be productive for the next 20 plus years, so it is vital that the company chosen has a proven track record, and is likely be around for this length of time to offer backup. 2 Investigate the financial side in depth. This needn’t be time consuming or complicated, but it is important to know how much energy a site is predicted to produce, and what this means in terms of feed-in tariff, export tariff and offset savings. The energy installation company should provide a site-specific quotation, showing all these factors, as well as system cost and payback period.
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as a continuous flow or batch dryer and are LPG gas fired and fitted with integral vaporizers to reduce the size and number of tanks required. A fully modulating gas control train maintains a constant temperature with minimal gas usage to guarantee the best possible clean burn, free from the contamination which can sometimes occur with oil fired burners. All dryer functions are automatically controlled from a demountable touch screen (which can be located up to 8 m from the dryer) via sensors located throughout the dryer. The automoisture control is located within the grain flow before it leaves the dryer and this plus all other data is logged and saved on the touch screen for future reference. With after sales servicing taken care of by Dan-Corn trained engineers and spare parts quickly available from their extensive stock, these machines offer a compact, versatile, high capacity solution for the needs of farmers who wish to increase or upgrade their existing dryers without the need of investing in a fixed plant.
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3 A full, comprehensive site assessment is crucial before the project progresses any further. It is important that the site surveyor thoroughly assesses the site to identify any issues which could potentially cause problems further down the line. 4 Some PV systems require planning permission; others can be built under permitted development regulations. It is important to know which category the proposed system falls into. 5 District Network Operator (DNO) consent will also be required. This may be straight forward, or it may involve some upgrade work. 6 It is very important that only good quality components with insurance-backed warranties are used. The system will need to last over twenty years, so cheap components may well be false economy. 7 Finally, once completed, the system needs to be registered for the feed-in tariffs, before any payment can be received.
image courtesy of juwi
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 21
RDS presents WEIGHLOG α10 on-board weighing system at Cereals | Cereals
Cereals 2013 will see RDS Technology Ltd exhibiting its extensive range of on-board weighing scales including the WEIGHLOG α10, which has been specifically designed for agricultural loaders. he WEIGHLOG α10 incorporates a 4.3” colour, hi brightness resistive touchscreen display and additional physical keys providing a userfriendly on-board weighing system that can be used for trailer & hopper loading, batch blending or check weighing. Suitable for use with up to 10 different attachments e.g. buckets or forks, the system can be retrofitted onto compact wheeled loaders, telescopic handlers, forklifts, skidsteer type loaders and tractor loaders.
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The system measures hydraulic pressure using up to 4 sensors at a certain position on the lifting cycle compensating for pressure changes in the system. Enhanced stores capability comprising 30 products, 30 customers and up to 5 different recipes designed around animal feed mixing, dispensing and grain handling enable accurate record keeping and traceability. The system provides communication and data storage via SD card reader and USB 2.0 host allowing quick, safe and
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efficient uploading and downloading of data. Also on show will be the Combine Moisture Meter 100. Using the same moisture sensor technology as the renowned RDS Ceres yield monitor, the Combine Moisture Meter 100 eliminates the need to make regular stops during harvesting to test grain moisture content and helps to quickly identify if conditions are, or are becoming, unsuitable for combining. Monitoring the moisture content of the crop helps to indicate its ripeness, enabling more timely harvesting decisions to be made in the field. Knowing the grain moisture content also allows it to be stored in the optimum location according to drying or cooling requirements. Cereals 2013 will also see RDS Technology Ltd exhibiting its wide range of monitoring and measuring instruments for farming
applications including the Artemis variable rate seed drill control system, the Ceres 8000i yield monitor system for combines, and the Delta 34i and Spraymaster 200 sprayer regulation and control systems. The company’s range of control systems for major OEM’s will also be on display. Areas of expertise include operator interfaces, CAN based systems, wiring harnesses etc for seed drills, bale wrappers and sprayers. Included here will be the Artemis Lite – a product offering variable rate control and monitoring for seed drills. For more information on how RDS can help improve your farming operations - visit stand 4C-419, go to www.rdstec.com or call 01453 733300.
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| Cereals
AGRATECH NW LTD Unit 8 Dale Mill, Burnley Road East, Lancashire BB4 9HU Tel: 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk
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LW VASS (AGRICULTURAL) LTD Springfield Farm, Bedfordshire MK45 2AX Tel: 01525 403041 www.vassgro.co.uk
CENTRAL CROP SPRAYERS LTD Unit B, Sandford Ind. Park, Shropshire SY13 2AN Tel: 01948 840187 Mob. 07850 744335
ACARE SERVICES LTD Norfolks’s Sprayer Specialists, Bunker Hill, Norfolk NR22 6AZ Tel: 01328 820449 www.acareservices.co.uk
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| Cereals
Latest Vaderstad Concept Combi Drill introduced at Cereals Show Vaderstad will be introducing its new Combi-drill Spirit 600 C as a concept machine at the Cereals Show this year. he new machine comes with a 5000 litre hopper where the relative proportions of seed and fertiliser can be altered with a dividing wall, or the entire hopper volume can be used for seed. A sturdy platform on the side provides easy access to the hopper. An auger allows for large quantities of fertiliser to be metered out in the same way as on the existing large
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Rapid Combi seed drill. It can also be used to meter out seed if the whole hopper is required. Spirit 600 C has the capacity for fertiliser application rates of up to 800kg/ha. The fertiliser is drilled in rows via coulters positioned in the System Disc toolbar, and is then covered by the flow of soil created by the discs. The soil is re-consolidated by carrying wheels and press
wheels. Spirit 600 C is equipped with load-sensing hydraulics so all hydraulic control takes place in the machine with only three hoses connected to the tractor. In practice, this makes it possible to programme the oil flow, and the order in which different cylinders should operate, e.g. during turning on headlands. Spirit 600 C is equipped with the Fenix II metering system that is capable of drilling extremely low
seed rates – down to 1kg/ha – as well as different sizes of seed. A flap for shutting off the flow of seed and fertiliser to the metering system makes it easy to work on the seed drill even when the hopper is full. Being completely corrosion-proofed makes it suitable for fertiliser too. A new feature on the Spirit 600 C is a fan that is now integrated into the hopper, which along with refining the design of the drill and the air passages in the machine, has helped to greatly reduce fan noise.
NSTS EXAMINER Sales • Service • Repairs • Spares
Colin Weightman Services SPRAYER SPECIALIST
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MARSTON, GRANTHAM Tel: 01400 250360(24 hours) Mobile: 07836 665557 KNIGHT FARM MACHINERY DEALER
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| Cereals
New from Spaldings
CropCool Wireless
Brand new products and customer favourites on show at Spaldings’ indoor marquee at stand number 6-M-601.
A control system for cooling grain, in both low or high volume ventilation systems.
paldings, Europe’s leading independent distributor of agricultural replacement parts, tools and accessories, is set to show off their recently added products at this year’s Cereals event. Spaldings proudly introduces approximately 1,000 products each year in order to ensure their customers can always find what they need and that their products keep up to date. The range will vary from Spaldings’ flagship products such as their capital machinery, replacement parts and workshop tools. Amongst the broad selection of customer favourites Spaldings will have a dedicated section to show off a range of new products. Within this customers can see items such as the Combine Header Extensions, the sophisticated technology that can increase your yields by up to 250kg/ha with up to 10.7m working width. The Leica Lightbar Guidance System, a cost effective field guidance system designed to reduce input costs by increasing accuracy whether cultivating, drilling, spraying, spreading fertiliser or any other field operation. As well as Spaldings’ Flatlift TDR cultivator, this is a deep and shallow intensive
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stubble cultivator, suitable for most soil conditions. The TDR is the latest addition to our own popular capital machinery range. “Our impressive 500m² stand gives us plenty of room to showcase our massive selection of products of which many are new and exclusive to Spaldings,” says Roger Chase, Agricultural Sales Director for Spaldings. “Our stand will be well worth a visit with all our exclusive on-the-stand offers that will be running throughout the two day event, as well as the free hot and cold drinks served to all customers.” “Last year taught us that even when attendance is low and the weather is miserable our customers are loyal and really appreciate our knowledgeable staff and top quality products. Spaldings had a record breaking show in 2012, something we wish to recreate this year, hopefully this time though with better weather,” says Chase. For details of products supplied by Spaldings, contact 01522 507 600 or from Republic of Ireland 1800 255 455, email: agsales@spaldings.co.uk or view the catalogue at www.spaldings.co.uk
aunched in 2012 it uses Wireless Temperature & Relative Humidity probes to transmit data to the Controller, to manage your cooling Fans and/or to your PC, just to monitor data, or Both. There are No Trailing Leads, Massive power savings, using the Differential Temperature Controller and the system enables farmers to monitor & store data either on or offsite, depending on need. Full Fan Control is be retained by the farmer locally on-site (as cabled CropCool). In 2012 most farmers took up both monitoring & control CropCool wireless systems, but where the farmer already has a good on-site control system (such as with an existing on-floor drying system), least cost monitoring only may be preferred. He may subsequently add in control later, using the existing wireless probes. The CropCool Wireless Temperature probes, with a range of up to 100metres, have a long battery life,. The data can be viewed or stored either in the Grainstore or sent by Repeater to the Farm Office up to a mile away or with broadband or a mobile phone link the data can be viewed at any distance. “Systems are already proving really helpful for busy farmers
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running several Grain stores. The greater the distance the greater the benefit!’ said Charles Goldingham. CropCool Wireless enables farmers to control their Fans by Temperature Differential etc, Humidity & Time (& other parameters) as well as manage them in up to 4 zones per controller. Easily adjustable Factory settings are similar to those already wellproven in cabled CropCool, but updated to take account of Climate Change. EasyGrain Software enables the farmer to view each temperature sensor on his PC with a schematic of your store, which is supplied Free with each system. For a small subscription fee, the farmer can also have remote viewing & monitoring by the manufacturers Farmex, who also provide the Full Back-up for the system.” “The system is already well proven within intensive livestock industry where quality ventilation control is essential to achieve highest welfare standards.” CropCool Wireless also uses Dicam Wireless technology which provides ultimate flexibility to fit each arable farmer’s individual applications so it can be updated with latest technological developments.
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| Cereals
Multidisc XXL - bigger discs for better returns At the Cereals 2013 event Teagle Machinery will exhibit the latest addition to its range of compact disc harrows; the Multidisc XXL. t 115 cm the XXL model has the biggest gang spacing on the market for this product category. This market leading spacing has a positive effect on mixing quality as the soil flow generated by the first row of discs is able to settle before it is thrown up again by the second row of discs. In addition, a greater clearance between the discs and the frame, combined with the massive 610mm diameter discs ensure that the machine is able to cope with more trash in the field than ever before. To ensure a longer life the heavy duty discs have been manufactured from 6mm high quality, wear resistant boron steel. Each disc leg is suspended individually on special triangular rubber blocks which are able to transmit a high working pressure to the disc element.
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The three-point headstock for the rigid models is equipped with a CAT II/III/Quickhitch coupling. The foldable Multidisc XXL's drop the CAT II support, but give the owner the option of easily mounting frontweight carriers from various tractor manufacturers to the headstock. This allows the user to increase
the weight of the implement by about 1300kg to ensure greater disc penetration even in the heaviest soils. Options include a straw harrow in front of the roller, a soil deflector
To ensure a longer life the heavy duty discs have been manufactured from 6mm high quality, wear resistant boron steel. Each disc leg is suspended individually on special triangular rubber blocks which are able to transmit a high working pressure to the disc element.
2.5 - 6m
DISCS • TINES • DISCS
RETRACTABLE TINES ON THE GO
call us for a brochure: 01872 560592 or visit: www.teagle.co.uk
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plate and various rollers including 500mm, 600mm or 800mm packers, 600mm crumbler, or 600mm knife/ring versions. The Multidisc XXL comes in rigid versions from 3 to 4.5m, and in folding mounted versions from 4 to 7m wide.
At Cereals Teagle will also have a working demonstration of the Multidisc Vario, a Disc – Tine - Disc cultivator that offers the operator the ability to convert to a disc-only cultivator on the move. On static display will be the legendary Polymat and Roterra Pneumatic Drill Combination and the Centerliner fertiliser spreader. For further information call our sales office on 01872 560592 or visit www.teagle.co.uk
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| Livestock
The Livestock Event: for timely business Innovation combined with best technical advice is lined up for the Livestock Event, to be staged at The NEC, Birmingham on 3rd and 4th of July. ver 400 exhibitors offering new and innovative products have booked stand space so far, together with a full complement of the supply sector enabling all farmers to make more timely decisions this year. “I’m among thousands of livestock farmers facing an indisputably tough year and keen to pick up as much early advice as I can to start planning my winter feeding, housing and general management,” says Ian Macalpine, chairman of the event organiser, RABDF who farms a 250 cow pedigree Jersey herd in Lancashire. “The rescheduled event will provide me with the chance to get far better prepared than usual, at a time when we are making major decisions. Checking out and placing orders for feed ingredients and semen will be sorted early, as well as for any new kit and housing equipment which I can be confident will be delivered and installed before autumn sets in. “Planning ahead and buying forward can help enormously with
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the profitability of any farming business and with the event now in July this presents a great opportunity to get ahead of the game when it comes to making purchasing decisions.” The Livestock Event is the one stop shop which enables visitors to find all the information they need under one roof - from feeding and genetics to recruitment, financial and environmental management - all in the same location on the same day. The eight acre interlinked exhibition halls are conveniently divided in to 12 colour coded zones, according to industry sector, enabling visitors to easily locate exhibitors. New features for this year include • National Dairy Show, 240
cows, seven different breeds • National Charolais Show, 80 performance recorded cattle • Forage Field, a practical demonstration designed to enable farmers to make more from grass • Machinery Hall, the largest single span building dedicated to agricultural machinery in the UK Plus the popular • Mixer wagon demonstrations • Foot trimming demonstrations • 50 short seminar sessions to choose from each day designed to bring all visitors up to speed with animal health, nutrition, business and practical farming issues • Careers in Agriculture presentations to help guide students towards the wide range of employment opportunities available in this industry
• Over 100 new products including more than 30 launched for the first time at the event Mr Macalpine adds: “These last 12 months have raised challenging questions for the industry, for example how do I reduce feed costs, how do I control fluke, and have I sufficient slurry storage. Attending the Livestock Event will provide answers to all these questions and many more for all beef, dairy and sheep producers.” Further information from www.livestockevent.co.uk
Tickets and coach travel arrangements Tickets: pre-book on line and take advantage of discounted rates. www.livestockevent.co.uk Tickets + coach: RABDF supported by the Livestock Auctioneers Association, is offering free coach travel from 18 departure points located at auction marts across Britain on purchase of an online ticket for £20, the same as gate price; see www.livestockevent.co.uk/book-tickets
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 27
| Livestock
Sheep wormer resistance campaign launches in UK A major new campaign involving the sheep industry, Farming Against Wormer Resistance (FAWR), has been launched in the UK. nitiated by Novartis Animal Health, in partnership with key sector leaders, the project aims to discover the extent and impact of wormer resistance and the reality of how farmers, alongside vets and SQPs, are dealing with the problem on their farms. As a start to the campaign, the FAWR Survey – the first of its kind in the UK – aims to collect and
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analyse the views from sheep farmers across the UK. “There is a lot of sound evidence about the spread of wormer resistance,” says Helen Langham, Category Manager at Novartis Animal Health. “This will be a valuable opportunity to find out how this growing problem is viewed by farmers and how it actually affects them day to day.” Benzimidazole 1-BZ (white)
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drench resistance is already common. In a study in England, 100% of sheep farms involved had resistance confirmed1. Resistance to the levamisole 2-LV (yellow) group is present in the UK2 and resistance to the 3-ML (clear) group2 has also been confirmed in a number of studies. The results of the survey will inform the campaign and help the panel of experts, who have come together to drive this campaign forward, to formulate the next steps. This panel of key sector leaders is made up of Lesley Stubbings (SCOPS representative and Independent Sheep Consultant), Phil Stocker (Chief Executive, National Sheep Association), a representative of the EBLEX Better Returns Programme, Fiona Anderson (Novartis Veterinary Manager) plus leading sheep farmers and vets. Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “With considerable pressure mounting regarding the distribution and use of wormers, everyone involved in the sheep sector needs to take responsibility for resistance and really think about using the most suitable product, at the right time and the appropriate dose rate. NSA supports this campaign as a way to get more people talking about wormer resistance and taking the necessary steps within their businesses, be they a farmer, advisor, SQP or vet.” “Many farmers still feel that worm resistance is someone else’s problem,” says Lesley Stubbings, “believing that their wormers are working well. In reality, many animals are getting less than fully effective treatment because resistance is building to one or more of the older wormer groups. Worm kill is subsequently falling, affecting lamb growth and
significantly reducing incomes. The purpose of this campaign is to encourage farmers to take action now against resistance, before wormer groups fail, to maintain wormer options and ensure productivity into the future.”
“There is a lot of sound evidence about the spread of wormer resistance,” says Helen Langham, Category Manager at Novartis Animal Health. “This will be a valuable opportunity to find out how this growing problem is viewed by farmers and how it actually affects them day to day.” “Knowing farmers’ attitudes to resistance, and the strategies and techniques they adopt to tackle the problem, will enable Novartis alongside our expert panel to work together to meet their needs more accurately,” concludes Helen Langham, “providing them with the most suitable advice and helping them to make the best choices now and in the future.” The FAWR Survey is being conducted on-line and the first 500 farmers to complete the survey will receive an Opinel knife. The survey can be completed by visiting www.farmanimalhealth.co.uk/worm erresistance/survey
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| Livestock
ADF milking recognised The Redrock difference Company receive Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.
Weigh Cell option on Redrock trailers breaks new ground.
DF Milking Limited are celebrating being named as winners of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise - the UK’s highest accolade for business success. The awards were announced on 21st April – the Queen’s birthday. ADF received the prestigious award for outstanding Innovation for the revolutionary Automatic Dipping and Flushing system, a patented in-cluster mechanism for use in milking parlours, increasing milking routine efficiency and improvement of cow health. The criteria by which Innovation achievements are assessed include invention, design, performance of services or products and after-sales support of goods or services. “Everybody at ADF has worked exceptionally hard to grow our business in a short time. Therefore, to be singled out to receive this fantastic recognition is a first class reward,” says ADF Milking Limited’s CEO Angus Buchanan. “We take great pride in our British base and our local suppliers. Now to be able to sell both at home and abroad with the
or the past three years Cornwall-based IDM Services has specified the inclusion of a weigh cell on the silage/grain trailers procured from Redrock Machinery. “We operate both a machinery dealership and farm contracting business from our base in Liskeard,” confirmed IDM’s Pete Tamblyn. “As far as we are concerned the inclusion of the weigh cell offers both contractors and farmers many attractions. It is exactly the same technology as that used in the Redrock feeder wagon range. As a result, it is simple, robust and extremely accurate. Calibration is also very straightforward. “From a contracting point of view, it allows us to determine accurately the amount of forage, or grain in each trailer load.” Pete continued: “In 2011 the weigh cell came with a monitor that was attached to thre front of the trailer. Last year, this was upgraded courtesy of a single lead connection to the cab of the tractor. However, we have specified a wifi option for the trailer ordered for 2013.
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ultimate seal of approval will be a considerable boost. We are eternally grateful to all of our customers especially the “early adopters” who had faith to adopt our technology and pave the way for our success.” ADF Milking Limited was established in 2005 and now employs 30 people worldwide, with offices in the UK, New Zealand, Australia and Germany. The awards are made annually by HM The Queen, and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category and winners of The Queen’s Awards can expect an invitation to attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace. To find out more about the award-winning ADF system visit www.adfmilking.com
“With this technology now available to us the driver of the forage harvester will be able to gauge the weight in the accompanying trailer in real time. IDM Services has ordered a Redrock 180/14.5 trailer for 2013. All the company's agricultural trailers are fitted as standard with a sprung drawbar, hydraulic brakes, hand brake, front aluminium inspection ladder and LED lights. Pete Tamblyn concluded: “A number of contractors in our area have expressed a strong interest in the weigh cell fitted Redrock trailers. However, we will also be encouraging their use on larger farms where the use of a trailer mounted weigh cell offers many advantages at silage time and when buying in straights, or other commodities.!"
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 29
| Livestock
Great value cattle buildings Farmer sings praises of Robinson Structures are specialists in high quality livestock buildings, along with other agricultural and equestrian facilities. ue to the current buoyancy in the livestock industry Robinson Structures are helping their clients respond to market demands across the UK, from small extensions to large scale new build developments. Robinson Structures have also launched a great value standard building with prices starting at just £10,550 +VAT for the basic 40’ span (+ 4’ canopy) by 90’ long building which includes a fibre cement roof, roof lights, guttering and Yorkshire boarding to three sides. Optional extras are available such as gates, barriers, galvanised steel, additional bays, erection, and groundworks. For further details contact sales@robinsons.com. For most farmers a standard building may not suit their needs, whether it be too big or small to fit their farm or equipment, the type of livestock, or just the specific way they operate their livestock activities. This is another area where Robinson Structures can help, with almost six decades
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experience of designing and building bespoke livestock (and other agricultural) buildings we can advise on a range of issues, whether it be ventilation, cubicles, dealing with silage and slurry, machinery access, or many other issues. Robinson Structures have inhouse experts to help clients navigate their way through the planning process which can be complex, often particularly so with livestock buildings due to concerns over issues such as noise and slurry in comparison to other agricultural buildings. Robinson Structures will be exhibiting at Pig & Poultry Live at Stoneleigh on 15th May 2013, the South of England Show in Sussex on 6th-8th June 2013, and at the Livestock Event at the NEC on 3rd4th July 2013.
Sila Cover 300 Richard Thomas of Risbury Court, Herefordshire is impressed with the Galebreaker product.
For more information please call 01332 574711 (Derby Office) or 01273 897304 (Sussex Office) or visit www.robinsons.com
ased near Leominster in Herefordshire, Richard Thomas runs a 300 acre mixed arable and livestock farm with his father and mother. They farm 340 Welsh Mule, Suffolk cross and Texel cross ewes, and 180 Hereford Cattle. The farm currently grows 50 acres of grass silage and 17 acres of maize silage. The silage is mixed and is fed to the cattle with straw added to help bulk out the ration. After years of using tyres and a traditional black plastic sheet, Mr Thomas opted for two Galebreaker Sila Cover 300 protection sheets, in the 20x10m size and Sila bags to hold the sheets in place while on the clamp.
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“I was not only impressed with the weight and quality of the product, but the time it took to sheet and cover our pit has been reduced from 4 hours, to 1 hour. We tested the DM content this year and it was 35% which is up by 3% on last years result. The added weight of the sheet together with gravel bags help to seal the clamp, compact the grass and speed up fermentation, this in turn reduces spoilage”. With no tyres on the clamp Mr Thomas also commented that the normal environment for rats is not present this year as there is no stagnant water or effluent on top of or around the clamp.
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| Livestock
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 31
| Sheep
NSA Welsh Sheep 2013 Several thousand farmers and their families are expected to make their way to West Wales for an inspirational day out at Beili Ficer Farm, Llansawel, Carmarthenshire, for NSA Welsh Sheep 2013 on 21st May. hey will enjoy a day out, and update on the latest industry trends at the only specialist sheep event to be held in Wales. NSA Welsh Sheep 2013 provides a platform for government, officials, breed societies, and independent and commercial organisations. There will be seminars, stock judging, sheepdog trials and a sheep’s eye view of handling! Visitors will also be able to see how a thoroughly modern family new to farming have developed their tenanted farming business. Dunbia are one of the major sponsors of the Welsh NSA event at Beili Ficer and are looking forward to the opportunity to engage and support the farmers of Wales. The company began as a small butcher’s shop in Dungannon in 1975. Today it is one of of Europe’s main meat processors, based at ten sites, employing 3,600 people and supplying lamb, beef and pork into the domestic and overseas markets. The company has just invested £12 million in the
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Llanybydder plant and new developments include an innovative method of de-boning that delivers superior yield, traceability and retail packing capacity to target key export markets. Novartis Animal Health, a leader in developing new and better ways to prevent and treat diseases in farm animals, will be joining with SCOPS, Ritchey™ and Moredun at the NSA Welsh Show to run practical demonstrations and offer information and advice about best practice on farm. SCOPS is an industry led group that recognises that, left unchecked, anthelmintic resistance (AR) is one of the biggest challenges to the future health and profitability of the UK sheep industry. The emphasis will be on the sustainable control of parasites and will include demonstrations by Moredun and Novartis, who will focus on three key products in the Novartis Animal Health range. Aberystwyth based Innovis is a mainline sponsor and is working
with the host family, Sion and Claire Williams, to develop a nucleus flock of Aberfield genetics. The results of the venture which involved implanting 500 Mule and Texel cross ewes with Aberfield embryos will be a real attraction. A fresh insight into sheep handling will be afforded to NSA Welsh Sheep 2013 visitors by Miriam Parker, Director of the innovative Livestockwise Ltd company. Her address will be followed by the chance to ask questions and a “walk” through the system from the sheep’s perspective! The NSA Welsh Sheep seminars and debates are always popular and provide the means to help farmer visitors to improve their enterprise’s profitability and sustainability by careful selection of topics. They offer advice, information and thought provoking ideas, the majority of which can be taken home and implemented the following day. And they’ll all free of charge! The seminars and debates will feature high profile industry
specialists. The topics covered will include an update on Schmallenberg, the massive impact of liver fluke, farm succession, and the current opportunities for new entrants. The British Wool Marketing Board will be advising on how to add value to their wool crop. The emphasis this year will be on how to reduce parasitic damage. The big debate will centre on: Making More from Less. It will major on grassland management and lamb marketing. But NSA Welsh Sheep 2013 is also about a good day out and one of the highlights will be the Celebrity Ready Steady Cook. Participants will include Heledd Cynwall, Dai Jones, Llanilar, and Meinir Jones and Alun Elidyr of Ffermio. Then there will be the ‘Quick Draw’ cowboy themed Horner Sheep Shearing demonstration and of course the hugely popular sheepdog trials and demonstrations.
Host farm The challenges of first generation farming and hosting NSA Welsh Sheep 2013 might have been enough for any young couple. But who could have foreseen the impact of some of the worst Spring weather in living memory. t’s been a testing time for Sion and Claire Williams who took on the tenancy at Beili Ficer Farm, Llansawel, near Llandeilo, in October 2010. They are though ready to welcome visitors to the event on 21 May. The couple represent a very modern approach to farming and are looking forward to sharing the results of a unique lambing project, reseeding, and other initiatives. The venture has been made possible thanks to the foresight of farming brothers, Alfor and Elwyn Thomas, who were keen for their farm to continue as a sustainable entity rather than amalgamated into a bigger enterprise. Their vision made it possible for Brynle Williams Award winning Young Entrant Sion Williams, his wife Claire, and their small son Harri, to farm in their own right. The couple took on the 10 year tenancy of the 255 acre farm in 2010, they rent another 150 acres, and own a further 20 acres. They have borrowed heavily to add to their start-up capital and have taken advantage of grant aid, IT, industry schemes and initiatives and have worked diligently with Innovis in order
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32 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
Sion, Claire and Harri
to maximise their returns. The company implanted 900 Aberfield embryos into 550 of the couples’ Mule and Texel x Mule commercial ewes. Sion and Claire will retain the ewe lambs to start their own Aberfield nucleus flock, while Innovis will be supplied with the ram lambs to sell at their annual sales. The aim is to build up to a flock of 800 Aberfield ewes over a period of three years and to sell the ram lambs. The family’s flock of Aberdale ewes, another breed developed by Innovis, is also performing well. It will also be evident to visitors that the money the couple have invested in grassland has paid dividends through one of the most testing periods in living memory. The project involves Innovis having implanted 900 Aberfield embryos into 550 of
the couples’ Mule and Texel x Mule commercial ewes. Sion and Claire who have a three year old son, Harri, will retain the ewe lambs to start their own Aberfield nucleus flock, while Innovis will be supplied with the ram lambs to sell at their annual ram sales. The Aberfield is a new breed, developed by Innovis, to combine the maternal traits of the Blue Faced Leicester with the improved conformation of the Texel. The rams are then sold with the hallmark of EBVs and the figures that the modern sheep producer wants. Multiple births take dedication and time – a challenge the couple are more than able to take on! And they’re looking forward to sharing their experiences with the crowds expected to arrive there for NSA Welsh Sheep 2013 on Tuesday 21 May 2013!
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| Sheep
Fallen stock red tape Conveying an opinion ‘unnecessary gold D plating at a time of emergency’ say’s FUW
Farmer Roy Morris has his say on DM’s equipment.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales today branded the Welsh Government’s failure to heed its warnings to make a fallen stock burial derogation more workable - or face a collection crisis - as “gold plating at a time of emergency”. ince an extended burial derogation was issued on April 2 in response to the severe weather, the FUW has consistently warned Government that the excessive red tape accompanying the derogation would lead to more misery and a significant and escalating disease risk due to fallen stock collectors being unable to cope with demand. “In particular, we told the Welsh Government on April 2 that it was totally wrong to require farmers to obtain evidence from fallen collectors that they would not be able to collect, and that this would completely undermine the utility of a desperately needed derogation,” said FUW president Emyr Jones, of Rhosygwaliau, near Bala. “It is totally unfair on farmers, but also unfair on the collectors. After all, farmers were effectively required to ask for confirmation from the collectors that they were unable to provide you with a service and did not want your business.” Mr Jones was reacting to an Environment and Sustainability Committee hearing earlier today when committee members questioned natural resources and food minister Alun Davies about his department’s handling of the recent crisis. During the hearing, the Government claimed such bureaucracy and evidence was “necessary”. “While we accept that collecting evidence was necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of the derogation , it is unbelievably naïve to require farmers to get a key part of that evidence from fallen stock collectors, particularly at a time when the evidence was all around and in places 15 or 20 feet deep!” said Mr Jones. “Farmers with their backs against the wall and already suffering have had their misery added to by having to watch rotting carcasses for weeks and when they have contacted their local authorities asking if they can
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Emyr Jones
bury, they have been told ‘no’ and threatened with prosecution because the Welsh Government guidance is so restrictive. “It is an absolutely disgraceful and immoral situation and, while the EU Regulation lies at the root of the problem, the gold plating of the Regulation in the guidance issued to local authorities has played a significant part in adding to peoples’ emotional and financial woes.” Mr Jones also expressed major concerns regarding the Welsh Government’s claim, during hearing, that much of the evidence it had heard was anecdotal rather than hard. “The vast majority of the general public are in no doubt that farms within a broad band across Mid and North Wales have faced a major emergency over the past six weeks and we have been providing regular updates to the Welsh Government on the problems facing large numbers of farms and lobbying for changes which recognise these problems,” he said. “While the Welsh Government is based in Cardiff, it also has offices across North Wales and must surely have been aware that the problems facing farmers and their animals were real and that urgent action needed to be taken.” Mr Jones said he had already raised concerns at an EU level but questions needed to be answered in terms of the way in which the crisis had been handled at Welsh and local government levels.
M Handling Systems lead the way in industry for sheep conveyors and have been designing, building conveyor systems for 17years now. The main reason we are the best? We listen to our customers. Dont just take our word for it.... Roy Morris from Blackvenn Farm, Knighton, Wales is one of our customers who is not only a gentleman to do business with, but is rated one of the best in the farming industry. His thought process and attitude to farming is something to be admired because of what he produces and the returns on his product. Roy’s thoughts on the system: "The DM Conveyor greatly reduces my physical handling of any size sheep on stock numbers large or small. The variety of tasks that this machine can help with are endless. Labour and time savings out ways the cost of the conveyor, but more importantly this minimises the risk of me and my family being injured. With its light weight design it can be moved effortlessly.
With the aid of the remote control one person is able to complete the many tasks required for sheep husbandry by themselves effortlessly. The after sales service added to the fact that I would not be without this conveyor means that I would not hesitate to promote this product and would like to wish everyone at DM Handling Systems all the best in the future for helping to design such an easy management tool".
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 33
| Fuels
Does your fuel storage system meet regulations? Making compliance with fuel, oil and water storage and dispensing legislation easier. hichever way you look, there are so many different pieces of legislation covering what you must do to comply as far as fuel, oil and water tanks are concerned. Then there’s other legislation covering portable carriage and dispensing and, if that wasn’t enough, even more where petrol is involved. If you are putting an oil tank in at home, requirements can be different to those for agriculture and, of course, if you are in Scotland, it’s different again. Confusing, isn’t it?.... If only it was a little simpler! Bundedtanks.com prides itself on providing storage and dispensing solutions for everyone, including those in farming and agriculture that are fully compliant with the latest legislation. Their trained staff are always on hand to advise on the best and correct ways to stay legal. One item, often overlooked, is that tanks should be inspected and serviced annually just like vehicles. Many insurance companies now will insist on this and, if you are unfortunate enough to create say a pollution incident
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and it can be proved the fault was due to lack of maintenance, don’t expect sympathy from your insurers. Another insurance concern is not that of your own, but demands from your fuel or oil supplier’s insurers. For them to obtain Liability cover, they are usually required to confirm that they operate “driver unsafe delivery reports”. Written confirmation is required and if this is refused their policy would be cancelled. The unsafe delivery report would be provided by the tanker driver asked to deliver to a location and upon arrival decides that the tank is not in a suitable condition to safely house the fuel / oil and, as such, refused to deliver. A report would be passed to the customer outlining reasons why. A refusal would also apply in a Health and Safety situation where the driver decided that it was an H&S risk to him or herself to attempt to deliver to a tank for reasons provided. This could be because a climb to the filler was deemed unsafe or a tank was unstable or poorly secured. Do then check your facilities and ensure that storage of fuel, oil and
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water is safe and that deliveries to them could not be deemed a Health and Safety risk. If you do not already have an annual service agreement, ask your tank supplier if they operate such a service. Bundedtanks.com covers the country with this service and with fully equipped OFTEC trained engineers. Prices are competitive and discounts available for those purchasing tanks. Providing even more choice, Bundedtanks.com has recently expanded the product range yet again to include ten sizes of single skin oil tanks from Carbery and at keen prices. There’s the new Fuel Trolleys from CEMO too and
with the below and above ground water tanks for potable and nonpotable water, there’s a tank for pretty well most needs now. For more information visit www.bundedtanks.com, E-mail: info@bundedtanks.com or call 0845 600 3572
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| Beef Expo
Beef Expo 2013 Health and genetics to be key focus in beef from the dairy herd section at Beef Expo 2013. eef Farmers finishing cattle from the dairy herd will have the chance to enhance their knowledge of a number of topical subjects which can have a significant impact on their profitability at Beef Expo 2013 on 23rd May. A drive for increased UKsourced beef as a result of supply chain issues earlier this year have highlighted the need to maximise the value of every beef animal, explains Simon Fryar of the Beef Expo 2013 organising committee. "Increasing demand for both British beef and importantly, native breed beef, means the opportunities to add value to beef sired calves from dairy herds are growing all the time. But as with any livestock enterprise there are a number of factors which must be managed correctly in order to maximise profits." Whether it is having the right genetics in place, ensuring stock remain in maximum health or simply having adequate housing and facilities for them, failing to get things right from the outset will
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impact on the enterprise at every stage, says Mr Fryar. As with every beef enterprise rearing beef animals from the dairy herd means understanding the market you're targeting first and ensuring you produce what the market wants. "Whether that is knowing what carcass weight is needed or understanding whether bulls or steers are preferred by certain outlets it all has an impact on how animals are bought, managed and sold." The starting point, says Mr Fryar, is having the right animals in the first place and at Beef Expo visitors will be able to speak to breeding experts to understand how high EBV sires and different breeds can impact on their system. "Animal health is also key and in flying herd finishing systems minimising the risk from bought in disease is paramount to maximising output and vets will be on hand to discuss some of the key disease challenges facing beef finishers. "Environmental disease, such
as pneumonia, can also have a big part to play and good building ventilation is important, as is ensuring cattle have sufficient space and a clean lying environment." Health issues will be the subject of two seminars in the Beef from the Dairy Herd area of the event, with one at 12 noon focusing on how to manipulate ventilation to aid the control of respiratory disease and another at 1345 covering the prevention and control of pneumonia, he says. And, with some outlets implementing strict criteria for their cattle, having a firm grasp of
performance is vital, explains Mr Fryar. "Good nutrition is central to this, and with bought-in feed prices rising all the time many finishers are looking at ways to increase us of homegrown feeds and protein sources. "Keeping track of cattle weights by regular weighing is also important to ensure cattle meet specification, but with fewer staff on farms and the need to improve on-farm efficiency EID has an increasingly important role to play in the beef sector and this will be explained in the Beef from the Dairy Herd area too."
TB Opportunities at Expo Pallisers Part Options for working with TB rules to be outlined to beef farmers at Beef Expo 2013. ighlighting the opportunities to rear and finish cattle from TB restricted units will be the focus of the TB Opportunities area at Beef Expo 2013 at Malvern on 23 May. The event's TB Opportunities area will offer farmers the chance to come and discuss their own situation and understand how they can work within current TB rules, rather than against them, explains Simon Fryar of the organising committee. "Estimates suggest that more than half of the dairy herd in the south west of England is now under restriction, so we need to show beef producers how to work with TB restricted stock so they can access 100% of the market to purchase their raw materials," says Mr Fryar. "Beef finishers sourcing calves and youngstock from the dairy sector need to understand how this can be done safely from TB restricted herds and how they can in turn maximise the value of their reared store stock or finished animals." A number of experts will be
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available in the TB Opportunities area to help farmers understand what they can do and how they can minimise the impact TB makes to their business, including vets, the Animal Health and Vet Laboratories Agency, South West TB Farm Advisory Service and Meadow Quality, says Mr Fryar. "All of these experts will be able to help farmers maximise the opportunities for working with TB restricted stock and how they can avoid or minimise the disease risk it poses and alongside them will be a number of TB control equipment suppliers exhibiting their specialist wares. "These will be important for any beef farmers looking to set up TB licensed finishing premises and can help them become licensed to handle restricted stock and prevent disease spread," he adds. “TB opportunities is a unique and positive area which will help demonstrate to beef producers a number of economic and manageable paths to follow as the disease continues to restrict our business."
Exchange Extra A EXTR
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Get to work for less and use this voucher to receive an extra £1250 against your part exchange tractor when you purchase a Kubota M9960 with a LA1354 loader. Use the voucher below to receive an extra £1250 against your par t exchange tractor. Bring this voucher in to either our two branches or to any of the following shows we are exhibiting at during 2013. PALLISERS HEREFORD PALLISERS DROITWICH The Acorns Yarkhill, Mere Green, Hereford HR1 3SX Droitwich WR9 7DZ Tel: 01432 890300 Tel: 01527 821194 www.pallisers.co.uk
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 35
| Beef Expo
JFC launch first Cross Compliance woes interlocking cattle footbath Farmers in NVZ areas are now used to the restrictions that apply to them.
JFC are delighted to announce the addition of the FB7 Narrow Interlocking Footbath to their range of quality plastic products. his enables Stockmen to join together two, three or even four footbaths together in sequence without the worry of slippage and a gap appearing between baths. Stockmen can now put clean water in the first bath either as a cleanser or as a receptacle for urine and feaces leaving the remaining baths containing medicated solutions cleaner and working more efficiently and also with greater efficacy. The JFC FB7 at 690mm wide and is designed to fit in standard cattle races which are predominately 738mm in between panels, with its’ low entry height of 150mm this ensures that animals are less nervous when entering the footbath. With its’ flat bottom and 5 antislip bars it is designed to slow the cows’ progress through the bath ensuring that the feet are adequately bathed in the solution without aggravating any interdigital
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lesions. For further details contact JFC on 01691 659226 email sales@jfcuk.com or visit www.jfcuk.com
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onversations about NVZ usually centre on whether you are “IN” or “OUT”. This is a crucial distinction and has a big bearing on how you conduct your life. The comparison between England and Wales is stark. England is at 58% NVZ and Wales is almost zero. It does seem unfair that our farming brothers in Wales can pile on the cattle numbers and manures compared with much of England. For all that, Welsh Farmers in Tir Gofal are afflicted with some pretty onerous paperwork at least on a par with English NVZ requirements – and some fairly stiff penalties too. But NVZ is here to stay, despite recent adjustments, and those affected have to cope. What may not be quite so well known is the water data that drives all this – and there’s certainly plenty of it! Watercourses everywhere have been subject to repeated analysis, and not just for nitrates; plenty of other pollutants are checked out as well. When you
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see the EA van parked by the bridge and somebody bobbing for water you know what’s going on. We’ve gone fishing! Fishing for nitrates. You may remember the old National Rivers Authority doing the same work; they’ve been collecting scores for decades now. If you want to look at your local area just Google “What’s in your backyard?” and follow the links. There’s now lots of data that implicates certain areas and farmers who get letters about their local watercourses are well advised to attend the local meetings. Read on: CXCS has been involved in this NVZ issue for over 10 years now and the pattern is clear: some watercourses always have much higher nitrate scores than others; it’s trends like this that lead to catchment-sensitive designations, farm visits and invitations to meetings in your local village hall. We have a client who ignored the friendly village hall invitation last Winter, all his neighbours attended and he got an
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| Beef Expo
Hampton’s Jumbo 500 metre rolls UK manufacturer Hampton Steel Ltd produce wire fencing systems for agricultural and equine customers across the UK and overseas. inspection, but they didn’t. Yes, you worked it out – Musical Chairs, NVZ style! But back to the watercourse quality, you quite often see higher N levels associated with higher Phosphate readings as well. Now Phosphate is not yet subject to anything similar to Nitrates so you can relax about that one at the moment. Nitrates are different, EU legislation compels our Government to tackle this and – quite naturally – they are looking for the troublesome places. Some watercourses often yield Nitrate concentrations around 50 ppm. This is danger level, water abstractions have to be blended to get the average down for human consumption and since change is slow it means no hiding place for farmers. This is why some districts seem to get more attention. We did a farm inspection
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recently which was triggered by the N levels in the river, (they ignored the sewage contribution though) and they went through all the farmyard things like silage pit effluent, slurry storage, dairy chemicals etc. All was well, but the clear lesson was that watercourses are the lead factor in many areas. Your farmyard may be squeaky clean, perhaps you have no livestock even, maybe you are a very long way away from the river. No matter. You are catchment. And if you pollute - you are toast. Agriculture is still considered to be a major factor in Nitrate water levels. Wales can smile at the purity of its water (all those mountains) but England cannot. NVZ Regs dictate that farming is under the cosh in this matter they look at your watercourse – and then they look at you.
aving the in-house capability to fulfil orders to tight deadlines and to the highest specifications Hampton’s are well placed to meet the increased demand for bigger 500 metre rolls. With equipment specifically designed and built to simultaneously produce two 500 metre rolls of either hinge joint stock fence or the European first Hampton XNET™, Hampton’s continue to push the manufacturing and innovative boundaries to better meet customer requirements. ‘We have received some great feedback from both farmers and fencing contractors in support of these jumbo rolls of fencing and levels of production are definitely reflective of this feedback. Quickfencer approved, they provide the possibility for our customers to make significant cost and labour savings’ said Peter Matten, Sales Director of Hampton
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Steel Ltd. Dependent upon specification and application Hampton Steel can also offer a variety of smaller roll sizes of hinged stock fence and Hampton XNET™ including 50m, 100m, 200m and 300m. Hampton Steel will be exhibiting at some of the biggest and best shows over the coming months (including the Royal Cornwall 6th 8th June) and invite visitors to come and view Hampton’s product range and discuss their fencing requirements with one of the team. Hampton Steel are also sponsors of the fencing competitions at the Northamptonshire Show on the 29th May, the North Bucks Show on the 1st June and the Driffield Show 18th July, where Hampton’s hinge joint stock fence will be put to the test by some of the best fencing contractors from across the UK. Full product range details and exhibitions can be found at www.hamptonsteel.co.uk
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 37
| Education
Equine Management students visit Equine Hospital A group of year 2 Equine Management students, from Walford and North Shropshire College (WNSC), has just returned from a study visit to Leahurst Equine Hospital. he group of eleven students and WNSC Learning Coach, Dawn Sloan, were met on arrival by Jane Devaney, Head Veterinary Nurse at Leahurst. Jane acted as guide for the group throughout the morning and spent a great deal of time talking with the students about Leahurst; the building, the staff, and the work that goes on there. The hospital itself consists of many different areas including an Intensive Care unit, an X-ray department, an MRI section, a Dental department and an area where a gamma camera is used. The visitors were impressed by the high standard of the accommodation for the sick and injured horses. Even more impressive though was the attitude of the staff, all of whom were totally professional and very caring. The highlight of the visit was their being allowed to enter the operating theatre whilst an operation was in progress. The group watched in amazement as the skills of the operating team were expertly employed to treat an elderly horse, undergoing major surgery for colic. The team consisted of twenty or so staff and
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students, including trainee and qualified, veterinary nurses, veterinarians, anaesthetists and others, all working together to ensure that the procedure went as smoothly as possible. Learning Coach, Dawn, commented, “We all felt really privileged to be allowed to watch the operation. It was a most inspiring morning. Seeing all the departments and learning about different aspects of the hospital was extremely interesting. We were all particularly struck by the care, cooperation and attention to detail paid by everyone. Everyone was doing their best to help everyone else.” Many of the students agreed it was a really eye-opening experience with several commenting that it would help them make more informed decisions about their future careers. 18 year old Shannon Hinton, from Shrewsbury, said, "This has been something you certainly don’t get to see every day." For the students this visit was also an opportunity to see some of the employment opportunities available to them. Leahurst don’t
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just take care of the medical needs of the animals they treat. In addition to veterinary surgeons and nurses, they employ a whole range of equine staff, including stable grooms and yard assistants, all vital to ensuring that every animal receives the best care possible.
Walford and North Shropshire College offers a range of Equine courses and there is still time to apply for September 2013. For more information, or to apply, please visit the website at www.wnsc.ac.uk or telephone 01939 262100
Holme Lacy Campus Herefordshire College of Technology.
olme Lacy is the long established provider of land-based education and training for the county of Herefordshire and beyond. Students come from all parts the Country to study a significant variety of subjects up to university level, in this beautiful rural county. Of particular interest is our 650 acre organic farm which boasts a range of livestock and crop enterprises. Inevitably our organic status puts an extra emphasis on husbandry techniques which in turn provide good opportunities for teaching and knowledge transfer. Our agriculture programmes are popular and reflect the importance of farming in the region. Similarly our commercial and ancient woodlands provide our countryside management students with an excellent learning environment. Perhaps the best known of our facilities is the Rural Craft Centre, long recognised as the home of Blacksmithing and Farriery; students travel from all over the UK and the world to study these crafts at the Holme Lacy campus. Our agricultural engineers and welder fabricators are also based at these workshops and are a significant part of our work again mirroring the needs of local businesses and the bias towards mixed farming in the County. Holme Lacy is a vibrant, warm and friendly campus and we take pride in our mission “success for our students”. Great importance
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is attached to the development of technical competences using teachers that are experienced and well qualified. Similarly, our students receive close support from personal tutors whose role is to assist students to realise their full potential. A comprehensive bus and rail network is available for Herefordshire students and residential accommodation is available to ‘out of county’ students in the lovely cathedral city of Hereford, just five miles from the campus; again transport to and from Holme Lacy is provided. Supportive landlady/ landlord accommodation is a popular option for our younger students who often prefer the comforts of a home environment to living independently. Hereford is a fascinating city; safe and friendly with all the usual amenities. Application forms for residential bursaries are available from the College. Come to our Holme Lacy Campus Open Day for more information. This year’s event will take place on Saturday 8th June from 10am – 4pm offering visitors the chance to watch sheep shearing and spinning through to blacksmithing and forge demonstrations, plus numerous displays including equine, forestry, ATV and chainsaws, as well as the opportunity to ‘have a go’ at many fun and exciting countryside activities. Call 0800 032 1986 or visit www.hct.ac.uk.
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| Energy
Berkshire dairy farm bottles biomass savings A Berkshire dairy farm has joined the growing number of agricultural businesses who are making the switch to renewable energy, as an effective way to reduce their carbon emissions and running costs. ierce’s Farm, based in Mortimer near Reading, is on track to reduce its annual energy bills by around 60%, while saving approximately 57 tonnes of carbon per year, after switching to an energy efficient biomass system. The family owned and run farm spans 170 acres and has a herd of 160 cattle. Janet Wickens from Pierce’s Farm, explains: “The farm had previously been running on electricity and oil, but with our substantial heating demands our annual energy costs were very high, so the concept of using a more efficiency biomass system was very appealing. “We instructed local energy efficiency experts Anesco to manage the project and their specialist team fitted our biomass boiler and new central heating system in no time at all.” A 70kW wood chip biomass boiler is now providing all the heating needed for two domestic cottages and an office, along with the hot water required for the dairy plant room and a 450 litre sterilisation tank. The project has also seen a new heating system and radiators installed within the domestic cottages, which have replaced electric heaters. Additionally, old hot water tanks in the dairy plant room have been upgraded with high quality, environmentally friendly cylinders. The boiler and fuel store has been housed in an existing farm building, which has been converted into a suitable plant room for the new
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equipment and the farm is currently putting plans in place to enable the boiler to be powered using woodchip produced on site. Adrian Pike, CEO of Anesco, said: “The potential carbon and energy savings generated by renewable systems such as biomass are substantial. This is particularly important for farming and agricultural communities where challenging markets are seeing many businesses needing to diversify. “Scheme such as our fully-funded biomass option mean businesses can install energy efficiency measures at no upfront cost, where
they may otherwise have struggled.” Through the Anesco scheme, organisations can receive the free supply and installation of a highly efficient, top of the range biomass boiler, including fuel storage, delivery systems, performance monitoring, annual services and maintenance. The cost of each installation is recouped by Anesco for its investors through the RHI payments. As well as coming at zero cost to an organisation, firms benefit from substantially reduced heating bills. For more information call Anesco on 0845 894 44 44 or visit www.anesco.co.uk
Spectrum Energy Systems to launch TOZZI NORD wind turbine at Cereals 2013 Spectrum Energy Systems, specialists in the supply and installation of solar PV arrays and wind turbines up to 500kW, will be launching a new wind turbine – TOZZI NORD - at Cereals 2013. vailable from Spectrum Energy, the TN535 is manufactured in Italy by Tozzi Nord and is currently the highest output 10kW wind turbine available today. Thanks to its technological features, output and design, the TN535 possesses an outstanding quality profile, which can be installed at farms, farmhouses, small and medium sized companies. The turbine is able to produce 37,300 kWh at a wind speed of 5m/s – an ideal performance that guarantees a long-lasting and profitable investment. It is available in single and three phase and comes with a comprehensive warranty and service package. “The purchase of a wind turbine is a decision that requires extensive knowledge and thorough understanding of realistic goals and achievable returns. By working together, Spectrum can help you develop a successful renewable energy project,” said Paul Scholey, Spectrum’s Wind Specialist. Exhibiting at stand number 4-N-454,
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Spectrum’s Wind, Solar and Engineering specialists will be on hand throughout the show to equip you with the most relevant and up-todate knowledge, support and advice to ensure you find the perfect partner for your renewable energy needs. The team will also be demonstrating the companies’ solar PV offering by having a working PV display on the stand. With over 15 years experience in electrical installations, their experience ranges from large scale regeneration projects in the commercial contracts sectors throughout the UK to single 50kW installations of solar PV in the farming sector. Anyone wishing to learn more about the TOZZI NORD wind turbine or the products Spectrum Energy offer go along to stand 4-N454 on the 12th-13th June. Alternatively contact Spectrum on 0845 47 47 604 or visit their website www.spectrumenergysystems.co.uk
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 39
| Energy
Sustainability Live 2013 post show review A refocused Sustainability Live 2013 attracts large professional audience and celebrates successful debut for EfW energy from waste Live.
he Sustainability Live exhibition held at the NEC, Birmingham in April attracted professionals from the energy, water and ‘energy from waste’ sectors with access to a rich vein of industry insight and intelligence and a broad range of new products and innovations across these important environmental areas. The three-event exhibition – which comprises NEMEX energy Live, IWEX water Live and EfW
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energy from waste Live – saw a massive 21% increase in attendees to NEMEX energy Live looking to source energy efficient solutions for their businesses. Donna Bushell, Event Director, said: “We were delighted that NEMEX attracted a large audience and equally that IWEX water Live did well. Our new EfW energy from waste Live event was a great attraction and its successful debut gives us a solid foundation on which to build and expand the
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event in years to come.” Visitors packed the six seminar theatres, with keynote sessions resulting in standing room only, and positive feedback from the many delegates. High profile speakers included Tony Juniper, President of the Society for the Environment discussing behavioural change, whilst Mark Bradbury, Managing Director at Vertical Thinking, talked about the role of cluster projects including the London Sustainable Industries Park and its role in stimulating sustainable economic growth. Other busy sessions included Andrew Warren, Director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy, discussing energy efficiency policy at the highest level and Patrick Erwin, Deputy Director: Head, Energy Markets and Infrastructure Strategy and Programme Office at DECC. During his presentation, Patrick Erwin said: “The current electricity system was designed for a different world. We need a much more intelligent grid and a lot of work needs to be done to get this in place. Walking around the show today I can see that all the new technology on display here has a vital role to play in helping with this development.” Over 300 exhibitors were also delighted with the quality and number of visitors they received during the three-day event. As Ian McNulty, Sales and Marketing Manager at ThermTech Ltd, which exhibited at NEMEX said: “I have been exhibiting at the NEC at various shows for the last 20 years
and I can say with confidence that NEMEX has provided more quality leads than any other exhibition where I have managed a stand.” The launch of the EfW Energy from Waste event also brought some new exhibitors into Sustainability Live. “GEA Searle’s first appearance here proved to be an outstanding success with visitors praising the sheer quality and buying power of our stand and products,” commented Anna Koussetari, Marketing Executive at GEA Searle. Nicky Whittle, Area Manager at RAVAS UK Ltd agreed: “RAVAS exhibited for the first time and we were very pleased with the quality of visitors which included many directors, CEO’s and managers.” NEMEX energy Live sponsor, Schneider Electric were also very pleased with the show, with Steve Smith, Marketing Communications Director saying “ As a global specialist in Energy Management, Schneider Electric used NEMEX to showcase its enterprise efficiency solutions to a relevant audience that was both highly receptive and well aligned with our messaging” Companies launching new products and services also reported a satisfying response from visitors. David Pierce, Managing Director, Power Fin Technologies chose IWEX to launch wall2walldams.com. “We were delighted with the results. We have had approaches from every direction,” he said. Next year Sustainability Live will take place from the 1st to the 3rd April at the NEC Birmingham.
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| Energy
CLA encourages farmers to pursue Anaerobic Digestion This year the UK’s biggest dedicated anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas event, UK AD & Biogas (3-4 July, NEC Birmingham), will focus heavily on the farming sector, recognising the huge heat and power potential of farm feedstocks – 13.5 TWh of renewable energy per year – that could be delivered through building farm based AD plants. elcoming this emphasis on the many benefits of AD to farming Henry Robinson, Deputy President, CLA said: “I am hopeful that efforts to raise the profile of anaerobic digestion on-farm, such as the recognition granted within the Ecosystems Market Task Force report, will drive uptake in the market. The benefits of anaerobic digestion to farming are so great in terms of slurry storage and methane mitigation as well as renewable energy generation. It would be madness for anyone building a plant to not attend this event, with the answers to so many questions all under one roof.” Free to attend, this two-day trade show and conference, organised by ADBA, has been designed to help farmers understand the business case for on-farm AD plants – which can generate energy from crops, farm and food wastes, cut emissions, reduce input costs and increase profits. Tailored presentations at the event will answer farmers’ questions relating to sourcing feedstock, financial support,
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technology procurement, plant management and how to make best use of the outputs generated from an AD plant. According to Jim Paice MP, former Defra Minister, “AD is the perfect vehicle to ensure Britain’s status as the world leader in climate smart farming.” Gwyn Jones, Former NFU Vice President, ADBA board director, said: “UK AD & Biogas is the definitive anaerobic digestion and biogas event for anyone exploring renewable energy whether that be farms that have already started the process, those seriously considering building an AD plant and those farmers who are just starting to think about the potential of green energy – given that Livestock 2013 is on the same day in the same place – what an opportunity for farmers to visit UK AD & Biogas 2013 as well and make a day of it.” Louise Wallace, Commercial Director, ADBA said: “With 240+ exhibitors, 24 conference
sessions, 22 seminars and workshops, one-toone professional farming, finance, feedstock, planning, permitting and legal advice clinics this year’s trade show is a little different. We have designed a theme for each morning and afternoon of the two-day event, looking at the business case, feedstock, technology and operations, and best use of outputs. These will all be explored from different points of view throughout the show in the various knowledge hubs, ensuring that you can find the right information and level of interaction for you and your business.”
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| Energy
Leading supplier of gensets in the Biogas and CHP sectors Edina has ongoing success in the AD and CHP markets with generation units ranging from the popular 500kWe agricultural and commercial waste plants, to 6MWe, the largest Waste Anaerobic Digestion plant for BIFFA in Cannock. On biogas alone, Edina has installed over 70MWe of generation in the UK over the last 3 years. WM (formerly Deutz) supply the gas generation units, then all manufacture and installation is tailored in house, within the UK. With a UK sourced and supplied installation, all equipment is guaranteed to meet UK gas industry standards, UK Health and Safety and CDM regulations. The critical factors for any agricrop AD plant are to maximise
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revenue through high efficiency gas to electricity conversion and to minimise downtime, particularly when the cost of the feedstock for gas production is a factor. The Edina 500kWe was the genset chosen by Swancote Foods, Bridgnorth running on a feedstock of maize and grass silage. Conscious of the need for efficiency and reliability, Swancote opted for Edina’s TCG2016(CV12)
Fermentation of longfibre substrates now possible with MULTIMix
and the full Operation and Maintenance Contract which offers an 8000 hour per year availability guarantee. This can translate in real terms to an income of £650,000 plus. Edina is also the chosen supplier to Herriard Park, the next development by Barfoot Energy. This project requires a 1.2 MWe containerised genset following the
successful installation of a similar unit at Sefter Farm, Bognor Regis (pictured) which runs on maize silage and a combination of vegetable processing material. “We are looking forward to the ADBA Show in July and meeting clients old and new”. Contact Edina on 0161 432 8833 or visit www.edinauk.com
Before the substrates are transported to the macerator and are effectively comminuted, an upstream process reliably separates the extraneous materials prior to being conveyed to he pump.
Weltec Biopower, a full-service provider, has developed a rugged liquid input system which prevents outages and thus safeguards the technical stability of AD systems. roductivity is increased at the same time due to the possibility of flexibly mixing the input materials as an alternative to using expensive maize silages. The energy potential of grass silage or whole plant silage (WPS) is very high. Frequently, bacteria are not capable, though, of completely processing carbohydrates and proteins to biogas as a result of their long, smooth surfaces. With MULTIMix, an innovation from WELTEC BIOPOWER, fibrous and sticky input materials such as grass silage, solid manure or cosubstrates are comminuted, thus increasing their surface so that it is suitable for bacteria. In addition, MULTIMix separates foreign matters like rocks or metals prior to input and thus decreases the risk of the pumps and agitation systems incurring damage as well as buildup occurring in the fermenter and in the pipelines. The operating principle is
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simple: the retrofittable system is installed between the dosificator and the fermenters. The substrates are taken from the dosificator and added to the MULTIMix where they are mixed with recirculate. This mashing process is supported by a screw system which roughens the fibres at the same time. Before the long-fibre substrates and lumpy materials are transported to the macerator and are effectively comminuted, an upstream process reliably separates the extraneous materials prior to being conveyed to the pump. The decisive advantage: during input in the fermenter, the previously long-fibre substances do not only have the optimum size, but are also prehomogenised by being mixed with the liquid. The fermenter is thus supplied with the mashed biosuspension. Robert Tholen, head of Engineering at WELTEC BIOPOWER, explains: „The biogas system of a Czech customer has been operating at a continuous full
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With the MULTIMix the lower vulnerability to damage results in a significant increase in the pump's typical service life, boosting in turn the system's availability.
load with the aid of our MULTIMix just after a four-week start-up. Normally that takes six to eight weeks with uninoculated slurry till this level can be reached.“ As a result, MULTIMix supports biological decomposition and thus allows for a faster and greater gas yield. At the same time, it also significantly reduces the risk of
floating or sinking layers developing in the fermenter. That in turn decreases the amount of agitation required and the wear and tear of the entire system. The lower vulnerability to damage results in a significant increase in the pump‘s typical service life, boosting in turn the system‘s availability.
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| Beef Expo
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 43
| Energy
No time like the present to invest in AD Farmers are being urged to increase revenues from Anaerobic Digestion (AD) sooner rather than later. he calls come from AD specialist EnviTec Biogas, which plans, builds and services farm-scale AD plants across the UK. Mike McLaughlin, managing director at EnviTec Biogas UK, said: “Green energy payment schemes like the Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) mean many farmers can tap in to significant and predictable revenue streams. “The pressure on government to deliver on renewable energy commitments and to safeguard domestic energy production mean there will always be attractive incentives to produce heat and electricity with AD. “But public sector budgets are being squeezed, which means the incentives on offer will not get any better than they are now. Farmers should investigate how AD could help their business sooner rather than later.” Gavin Davies, manager at Stowell Farms in Wiltshire, said the benefits of investing in AD went beyond reducing bills and generating revenues from selling surplus power to the grid. The EnviTec AD plant at Stowell came on line towards the end of last year, and will generate income of more than £750,000 a year – securing the future of the dairy there. Mr Davies was faced with finding significant capital investment to improve the dairy unit and to meet amended slurry storage regulations. The facility is capable of producing 4.1 million kWh of electricity and 3.55 million kWh
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Mike McLaughlin
Gavin Sheds
of surplus heat. Electricity will be used on the farm and sold to the grid under the 20-year FiTs. About 85 per cent of the electricity will be exported, the balance being used on the farm. Heat will be used on the farm, and there are plans to pump the surplus to a local leisure centre and two nearby schools. The plant is fed with maize silage, grass silage, waste feed and slurry – all of which are produced on the 1,315 hectare (3,250 acre) beef, sheep, arable and dairy operation. Mr Davies said: “An AD plant helps with slurry management, which means there’s no
need for a lagoon and that in turn reduces odour. “The digestate produced at the end of the process saves us a lot of fertiliser costs and unlike slurry the nutrients are readily available.” “In fact, backing the AD side of a dairy business should be a no-brainer because it’s almost index linked and for us it represented a better investment than wind or photovoltaics.” For more information, visit www.envitecbiogas.co.uk, call 01889 584459 or talk to us at Cereals 2013
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| Energy
Dryholme Farm - Anaerobic Digestion Plant Kirk Environmental, part of Kirk Group, pushed the boundaries for its role as Main Contractor when they also took on the responsibility of CDM Co-Ordinations at Farmgen’s ground-breaking Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Plant built at the Dryholme Farm in Silloth, Cumbria. HE PROJECT The farm has been operating for over 20 years with its core business being the production of animal and poultry feeds. When Farmgen was considering the future of Dryholme Farm they knew that some type of diversification was necessary to further develop the already successful business. The Anaerobic Digestion process fit the business model perfectly by being able to utilise the waste animal and poultry feeds into a source of renewable energy. The key infrastructure of the plant consists of three 3,000 tonne Glass-Fused-To-Steel AD Tanks complete with the industry-leading BIODOME® Double Membrane Roofs all designed, supplied and installed by Kirk Environmental. The biogas that is produced as part of the AD process is captured in the BIODOME® Roofs before it is cleaned and sent to the CHP Unit, which works as the engine of the plant, where electricity is produced for exporting to the National Grid. Investigations are currently on-going as to the utilisation of the heat from the CHP for drying feed and heating on the farm. The partnership approach, with Kirk Environmental carrying out all Engineering, Construction and Project Management functions and Farmgen providing the critical Process Design Technology for the AD facility, limited the number of interfaces that had to be managed, leading to a very efficient decision making process at the front end and, as the plant progressed, allowing changes and improvements to be made with the minimum of impact to cost and programme. The plant uses grass and maize silage grown on farm and in the surrounding area to produce 1.2MW of electricity, enough continuous power for more than 2,200 homes, producing a significant boost to Cumbria’s rural economy and contributing to the business as a whole. “During the initial discussions with Farmgen, we jointly explored the definitions of scope, key equipment supply, roles and responsibilities and between us we delivered a project that was operational within nine months of initial site preparation, controlling the budget by eliminating unnecessary layers of administration costs”, comments Andrew Peace, Managing Director at Kirk Group. “The use of some of the highest specification equipment also built into the plant flexibility, with experience being brought to the project from within each company. The key focus for the team was to deliver the project in record time without compromising on quality, asset life or safety. As part of the planning process, Kirk made the decision to manufacture as much of the critical equipment as possible off-site, whilst groundwork’s and civil works were undertaken, thus limiting the on-site time to an absolute minimum and reducing the overall programme from start to finish. On top of this there was the buying in of key players within the delivery to isolate their part of the contract and so commit to the programme and delivery at a very early stage, with the clamps being constructed and near completion prior to KIRK installing the
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bases for the tanks.” Andrew Peace continues: “All the parts for critical elements of the plant were preengineered and manufactured off-site, ready to fit with the least amount of on-site resource possible; this was a key driver in the overall onsite safety record of the project which was delivered without incidents. The plant at Dryholme is a great success story for Farmgen and Kirk, as well as the UK AD Industry as a whole, and we are proud to have played a key role in its successful delivery.” THE BENEFITS This revolutionary project made headlines following its completion thanks to a number of benefits which it is now bringing to the local community and the farming economy, including a range of permanent and seasonal employment created at the plant. The AD plant manages to feed not only its own land bank of materials, approximately 368 acres, but also a further 700 acres from local farmers, supporting the sustainability of their farm operations. This model of being able to support the farming community, whilst making a massive contribution to the cutting of the carbon footprint emissions of this industry, is something that places the development of the AD sector and farming in a positive position. If this is linked to the green energy produced, the utilisation of the surplus of heat as well as being able to dispose of the mineral rich digestate, it marks a encouraging step in reaching the government deadlines on the amount of energy required to be produced by renewable means. It is well known that AD could produce 10% of the gas used in the UK by utilising farm model based on AD as long as the plants have flexibility and standards of design incorporated. Thanks to the installation of this successful AD Plant at the farm, every tonne of animal slurry being used in the AD process, rather than being spread over open fields, will prevent methane from escaping into the Earth’s atmosphere. Additionally, every MWh of power generated by the plant will save the equivalent of one MWh of highly carbon-intensive power generated from a traditional fossil-fuel burning power stations. To add to the benefits, the plant was designed so that it was not as visually obstructive compared to other forms of power generation, also minimising both noise and odour for the nearby residents. THE PRODUCTS The Glass-Fused-To-Steel Tanks provided by Kirk Environmental are manufactured from the world-leading providers in this tank technology, ensuring that the highest quality standards and range of coating are available to clients. The high temperature fusion of glass to steel fired at approximately 850˚C results in an inert, durable finish. This is the only tank finish where two materials are fused together to achieve the best of both: the strength and flexibility of steel combined with the corrosion resistance of glass. Applied to both interior and exterior surfaces, it is able to withstand the rigours of the construction site and provide many years of trouble free service in harsh environments. The benefits of Glass-Fused-To-Steel Tanks include: high levels of corrosion resistance via
a wide range of coatings, documented and proven design life, low maintenance and quick installation times to name a few. The internationally-acclaimed BIODOME® Double Membrane Gas Holder is manufactured from the highest strength membrane available worldwide and is available in a range of sizes up to 20,000m³. It can be supplied as an independent free-standing unit or installed to provide biogas storage mounted to the top of a steel or concrete anaerobic digestion tank. The BIODOME® system is a cost effective solution to provide reliable fuel source for a range of functions. Biogas storage for energy use is an easy and effective way for existing municipal, industrial and agricultural facilities producing waste to create low energy whether for powering the plant itself or selling back to utilities. FARMGEN FEEDBACK Farmgen was founded in 2009 and is now a leading independent UK company specialising in developing, managing and operating AD Plants with its headquarters in Lancashire, UK. Hardy Radke, Managing Director of Farmgen and Dryholme Biogas states: "Like all process related to renewable energies it is very important to integrate infrastructure development, process design and construction from the start. In particular the construction design management (CDM) and health and safety is often suffering by un-established, undefined or unclear connection points. Key to Dryholme’s success was the close working relationship of Farmgen, Kirk and their joint capability and expertise in managing this crucial point. The possibility to use Kirk as a ‘one stop shop’ could improve the success of renewable energy projects in the UK. Risks for delays are minimised and lost construction time means lost income and increasing costs which can't be recovered." Since the successful delivery of the Dryholme project, Simon Rigby, Non-Executive Director of Farmgen, has acquired a stake in the KIRK GROUP business, taking a 33% interest with an investment of £2 million. This relationship is an important link in a portfolio of investments that demonstrate Simon’s commitment and passion for supporting local businesses, particularly those active in the renewable energy sector. Prior to the Dryholme project, Kirk supplied Farmgen with the key infrastructure for another AD plant in Warton, near Preston, currently generating 800Kw of electricity, the equivalent of powering more than 1,500 homes. Some big plans for development are in discussion with Farmgen and Kirk will look forward to many years of successful project completions.
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| Grassland
Prepare for grass growth surge says BGS President Dr Sinclair Mayne, President of the British Grassland Society (BGS) is urging livestock farmers across the UK to prepare for the inevitable surge of grass expected once the unusually cold spring has passed. peaking following a recent BGS Council meeting, Dr Mayne reflected concerns of BGS Members. “During our meeting, local grassland society members from Aberdeen to Cornwall and Fermanagh to East Anglia, highlighted the fact that grass just isn’t growing anywhere this spring. “The cold weather has kept soil temperatures well below average, so little grass growth has occurred. By this stage we would normally expect growth rates of 30–40kg DM/ha/day. With current soil temperatures of around 60C in many regions, low growth rates are forecast to continue until the end of April. “This is causing severe hardship on livestock farms across the UK, given the legacy of poor summer conditions last year, with winter feed stocks virtually exhausted. Many farms have been
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forced to feed higher than normal levels of expensive concentrate feeds to alleviate fodder shortages, significantly increasing production costs.” Plan to cope with growth surge Dr Mayne highlighted the need for farmers to plan now for the inevitable surge in growth once weather conditions become more favourable. “Given the absence of a ‘normal spring’, controlling grass growth in May will be a challenge. In previous years, after a cold spring, growth rates have surged above normal once temperatures return to the seasonal average. Farmers need to be ready to utilise this growth effectively. “This will require careful management on grazing areas to avoid grass surpluses, resulting in high grazing residuals and poor sward quality later in the season. “Similarly, whilst silage harvest
46 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
A surge in grass growth is inevitable once the cold weather breaks, says BGS President Dr Sinclair Mayne
dates will be delayed to allow swards to bulk up, care needs to be taken to monitor grass quality. Seed head development in first harvest growth (ear emergence) has varied by only a few days over the last twenty years. So, delaying too long to achieve higher yields can result in a reduction in grass
(and silage) quality. Farmers may need to accept lower grass yields than normal for first cut, but compensate for this with increased yields at subsequent harvests.” For more information and news of events visit the BGS website (www.britishgrassland.com).
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
| Grassland
Is your grassland suffering from acidity and risking yield and quality? Table 1: Liming trends from the British Survey of Fertiliser Practice.
Reliable evidence from the British Survey of Fertiliser Practice illustrates the decline in grassland liming. he grassland liming trend has declined dramatically in the past 12 months as shown in table 1: The data emphasises a long term reduction in lime use for ‘all grass’ over the past decade, with a 35% decline in the past 12 months, to the lowest level since 2001!. Indications are that our grasslands are becoming more acidic, and this reduction in pH is likely to adversely affect sward composition, and therefore grassland yield and quality will decline. Furthermore, nitrogen applications increase the natural rate of soil acidification, and cut herbage (i.e. silage) removes significantly larger quantities of calcium when compared to other crops. Therefore routine pH testing and liming is required to ensure consequential loss of yield and forage quality is avoided by keeping soil pH at an appropriate level.
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LimeX is the ideal product for fast acting, but lasting pH correction on grassland, and can be used in organic farming systems. Furthermore, the integral nutrient package within LimeX contributes to maintaining soil fertility by supplying valuable quantities of P2O5, MgO
and SO3. LimeX is available to order now for this spring and early summer, but stocks will not last. For more information on LimeX please contact 0870 2402314, or visit: limex.co.uk
Control weeds to maximise silage yields and quality Farmers desperate to replenish empty forage stocks in the next few weeks can increase silage yields and quality by getting rid of broad-leaved weeds like docks. ield trials carried out by consultants North West Agronomy based in Northwich, examined the effect of dock contamination at a level of 14 plants/m2, on silage made from three cuts of grass. The results showed that areas treated with a dock herbicide like DoxstarPro, gave the highest yields at every cut, and the resulting silage had the highest energy levels. “This should not be a surprise,” says David Roberts, grassland agronomist with Dow AgroSciences. “Where weeds grow, grass does not, so yields are bound to suffer in weedy fields. Research carried out by SRUC showed that a 10% infestation of docks reduces grass growth by a similar amount – so having weedfree leys will make a difference. “In the trials, the herbicide treated areas also produced silage with an extra 0.3MJ of Metabolisable Energy (ME). Spread over 1,000 tonnes at 25% dry matter, this is enough to produce an extra 14,150 litres of milk. At 30p/litre, this is worth an extra £4,245 of potential return. “For beef farmers this better quality silage could support £7,990 worth of extra beef production.”
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Use grass-safe herbicides Product choice will be vital this year as every blade is precious, so avoiding herbicides with a reputation for being harsh on grass will be essential. Modern translocated herbicides containing active ingredients such as triclopyr (found in DoxstarPro and Pastor) and aminopyralid (found in Forefront T), are the most reliable solution for controlling broad-leaved weeds in grassland. Crucially they are also very safe to grass, and will not adversely affect its subsequent growth, ensuring maximum productivity. Spray between cuts Spraying is most effective when the docks are at the rosette stage and actively growing up to 25cm across or high. Due to the late spring, they may not have reached this stage by the end of April, when pre-first cut sprays are normally applied. If this is the case, it may be better to treat fields 21 days after first cut. This will allow the weeds to re-grow to the perfect size, and leaves at least three weeks before second cut. This gives time for the active ingredients to produce a thorough and long-lasting effect. “While this means that first cut
Kill docks in grass to maximise silage yields this spring
yields and quality will be affected by any weeds present, at least second and subsequent cuts will
produce more and better quality silage, so will help farmers short of forage.” says Mr Roberts.
One Man Wrapping System PowerWrap powers the wrapper
‘Independently’
Saves: Time, Fuel & Money!
● One man & tractor can load and unload wrapped bales ● Wrap at the stack ● Wrap where you want Tried & tested in the UK by Farmers and Contractors 4.0 - 20hp plus
Contact your local dealer for a PowerWrap unit to suit your wrapper or call David Lupton on 07968 873942
Call: David Lupton 07968 873942 Fax: 07968 014346 www.powerwrap.eu
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 47
| Security
North Wales Police to crack down on rural crime North Wales Police have set their sights on tackling rural crime. he recent increase in rural crime, including the theft of equipment and animals, has prompted North Wales Police to team up with farmers and rural communities across the force in a bid to resolve the problem. PCSO Richard Pepper who is a member of the Gwynedd North Policing Team and based at Llanberis Police station said: “There has been a vast variety of crimes and we are keen to tackle the issues.” By asking farmers to sign up to Farm Watch, North Wales Police hope to create a network of local farms in the community to help prevent and detect crime and provide instant support and information about what is going on in the immediate area. PCSO Pepper said, “It’s all about local farmers and rural communities communicating with each other and with the police at the time they have concerns and for the timely sharing of any suspicious activity or individuals in their area.” “It has proved a great success in other areas and I have no doubt if we can get the
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community involved it will be a success here too.” North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Winston Roddick said: “Tackling rural crime is one of the priorities set out in the North Wales Police and Crime Plan, which I recently published. I am very happy to see North Wales Police taking action against this problem. I support initiatives such as Farm Watch which promote and facilitate partnership working between the police and local communities. I encourage all Gwynedd farmers to sign up and help put a stop to rural crime. “ The scheme is free to join and is dependant on members passing on information. It involves people signing up to receive all the relevant updates: see below.
To sign up for Farm Watch / OWL contact your local officer
North Gwynedd ( Arfon ) PCSO 2999 Richard PEPPER Llanberis Police Station Maes Padarn, Gwynedd, LL55 4PT Tel: 07880 156944 Richard.pepper@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
Gwynedd South ( Dwyfor & Eifionydd) PCSO 2950 Llinos JONES Abersoch / Penllyn South Gwynedd Local Policing Team Tel: 07854 379546 Llinos.jones@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
Gwynedd South (Meirionydd) PCSO 2996 Elliw WILLIAMS Barmouth Police Station Tel: 07880 156971 Elliw.williams@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
Anglesey PCSO 2574 Dennis OWEN Llangefni Police Station Tel: 07768 556143 Dennis.owen2@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
48 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
Denbighshire and Conwy Rural PCSO Jennifer STUDLEY Tel: 07770 331817 Jennifer.studley@nthwales.pnn.police.uk Wrexham PCSO 2864 Sofia IFTIKAR Rhosllanerchrugog Police Station Tel: 07854 332597 Sofia.iftikar@nthwales.pnn.police.uk
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| Security
Rural security specialist Simple but effective security solutions IDS Solutions are a company that specialises in providing digital security and monitoring solutions for farms, agricultural sites and equestrian properties.
High tech, low cost products alerting you instantly to intruders on your land or property. e are all aware of the increasing instances of crime; unfortunately it is particularly prevalent in rural and farming communities. The odds are stacked against us; the Police are overstretched and struggling to offer suitable solutions to rural communities. Protecting large areas of land can be almost impossible and in most cases conventional security is very expensive. Even though problems are diverse and 100% security can never be achieved, many security issues can be addressed through a commonsense and straightforward approach. Simple questions should be considered: Do you want to know when an intruder is on your property? Do you want to protect remote areas and equipment, as well as the farm buildings? Do you
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DS recognise that securing and protecting rural locations is costly and can present a number of unique challenges. IDS have developed a wide range of effective, low cost security solutions to protect rural environments. Our product range covers everything from in-field poacher detection and perimeter alarms to our flagship AgriWatch digital farm security system.
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IDS provide a full bespoke design and installation service or alternatively all of our solutions and products are available as preassembled kits for DIY installation.
want the intruder to believe they have entered your property undetected, allowing you time to call the Police? Such questions can very quickly narrow your options and requirements. We offer simple, high tech but low cost solutions to rural security. The Poacher Catcher Company specialise in battery operated detection devices that alert you instantly when you have an intruder on your land or property. We also offer an advice service to discuss your security issues and make recommendations. For further information, or to discuss your security requirements please contact Anna Stevenson on 07775 602766, or email info@poachercatcher.co.uk
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 49
| Feature
McDonald’s to become first high street restaurant chain to serve 100% Freedom Food pork from RSPCA monitored British farms New poll reveals Brits rank price, animal welfare standards, and traceability as the top factors behind their food purchasing decisions. cDonald’s is to switch to using 100% Freedom Food pork from British farms that meet strict RSPCA animal welfare standards across its entire UK menu, it was announced today. The move is McDonald’s latest step to provide consumers with locallyand responsibly-sourced food on the high street, and to continue supporting British and Irish farmers. McDonald’s will become the UK’s second biggest buyer of Freedom Food pork, helping to strengthen the growing Freedom Food market. As a result, all sausage and bacon on its menu, from the popular breakfast McMuffins through to the bacon in premium salads and promotional burgers, will be from Freedom Food-approved farms. The new welfare standard forms part of McDonald’s continuing commitment to align the quality and sourcing of its ingredients with consumers’ changing preferences and expectations. From the end of April, all pig farmers that supply McDonald’s will be required to provide bright, airy environments for pigs, bedded pens and plenty of space for them to move around.
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David Heath, Food and Farming Minister, said: “It’s essential that consumers have confidence with the way their food has been produced and sourced. I welcome McDonalds’ commitment to supporting British farmers who work hard to produce food to higher welfare standards.” A new poll of 2,000 UK adults indicates consumers will welcome the move: Nearly three quarters (73 per cent), say they prefer to buy food that is produced from farms with high standards of animal welfare in place People rank price, animal welfare standards, and traceability as the top factors behind their food purchasing decisions. Since McDonald’s worked with its suppliers to make the switch to free-range eggs 15 years ago, the free-range egg market has quadrupled in size. Currently, almost one third of British pig farmers meet the requirements of the RSPCA’s Freedom Food scheme and McDonald’s hopes its support for this higher-welfare standard will attract more farmers to adopt Freedom Food standards on their farms. Warren Anderson, Vice President, Supply Chain, McDonald’s UK, commented: “As a big customer of British and Irish farming, we are committed to using our scale to drive positive changes such as improvements in welfare standards. Not only will our move to Freedom Food pork make it easier for people to make affordable, ethical choices on the high street,
50 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
we hope that more of Britain’s pig producers will have the confidence to invest in the future and adopt the RSPCA’s higher-welfare standards on their farms. “It’s clear that animal welfare is now an important factor for consumers, alongside provenance and traceability. By increasing our investment in Freedom Food ingredients, our customers can continue to enjoy food that is responsibly-sourced, tastes great and is helping to support British and Irish farmers too.” David Squair, Chief Executive of the RSPCA’s Freedom Food scheme, commented: “The Freedom Food market has been growing for a number of years, but having one of the UK’s biggest restaurant chains serving only Freedom Food logoed pork on its menu marks a major milestone for animal welfare. McDonald’s has shown that it is possible to bring higher welfare food to consumers on the high street, and we hope that other restaurants will follow McDonald’s lead and more farmers will be inspired to adopt world-class animal welfare standards.” David Heath, Food and Farming Minister, said: “It’s essential that consumers have confidence with the way their food has been produced and sourced. I welcome McDonalds’ commitment to supporting British farmers who work hard to produce food to higher welfare standards.” The move to Freedom Food pork forms part of Farm Forward, McDonald’s long-term programme to create a sustainable future for British and Irish farming. Launched a year ago, in spring 2012, the programme has already made considerable progress in its first year delivering projects including: Progressive Young Farmer Training
Programme. The first intake of agricultural students are completing McDonald’s pioneering training programme that enables young farmers to work in every part of the supply chain from farm through to restaurant. After a successful pilot year, the second intake will start in July 2013 Free-of-charge ‘What If?’ digital tool to help beef farmers measure and benchmark their carbon emissions. McDonald’s and environment consultancy The ECO2 Project developed the tool based on a three-year research study among more than 200 beef farmers New research to prove the welfare and economic benefits of providing tree cover to encourage free-range hens to roam freely outdoors, which McDonald’s has shared with egg producers across the UK Sustainable Beef Clubs involving over 200 leading beef farmers, which are knowledgesharing events delivered in collaboration with the abattoirs that supply whole cuts of quality British and Irish beef to McDonald’s McDonald’s serves 100% British and Irish beef, 100% Freedom Food pork from British farms and free-range eggs on its UK menu. Other ethically-sourced menu choices include Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee and tea served with organic milk from UK dairies.
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| Fuels
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 51
| Machinery
New Quadrant Roto Cut 4,000 attend Rickerby Show 2013 Following the launch of the QUADRANT 3300 ROTO FEED (RF) big square baler in 2011, CLAAS has further expanded and completed the range with the addition of a new QUADRANT 3300 ROTO CUT (RC) version.
n all, this now means that six QUADRANT 3300 variants are now be available, producing a bale measuring 120cm x 90cm.: • QUADRANT 3300 RF and RC with single axle • QUADRANT 3300 RF and RC with tandem axle • QUADRANT 3300 RF and RC with steered tandem axle The CLAAS big square baler product range now includes a total of six models (3400, 3300, 3200, 2200, 2100, 1150) with five bale sizes from 80 x 50 cm to 120 x 100 cm and three different feed and cutting systems, the ROTO FEED (RF), ROTO CUT (RC) and FINE CUT (FC). CLAAS now offers the widest range of bale dimensions and cutter systems on the market. The most popular is the 120 x 70 cm bale, produced by the QUADRANT 3200, which has also been given some new features. New, higher-performance pick-up Both the QUADRANT 3200 and the QUADRANT 3300 are now fitted with a new wider, 2.35 m pick-up with a POWER FEEDING SYSTEM (PFS) auger and a double roller crop press. The PFS auger has generouslydimensioned flights and conveys the crop deep into the rotor. The crop flow is therefore homogenised and accelerated, which in turn increases the throughput. In combination with the bouble Roller Crop Press, this guarantees a clean crop feed even with very wide swaths and at high speeds. The clean feed, even under difficult harvest conditions, is guaranteed by the proven JAGUAR pick-up cam track and cam rollers that are now integrated in both balers. The torques of the
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pick-up cam-type cut-out clutch and the rotor coupling have been raised by 20% and, together with the optimised speed of the PFS and the rotor, ensure increased throughput even under difficult harvest conditions. Both machines also incorporate a new spiral rotor with 52 dual tines, which transports the crop more efficiently and quickly to the pre-chamber. The active feed by the rotor has meant that it has also been possible to raise the crop intake on the rotor side of the pickup. New pivoting cutting unit with drawer An essential new feature on both the QUADRANT 3200 RC / FC and the QUADRANT 3300 RC is the drawer that can be extended on both sides, offering convenient access to the blades for maintenance and blade changes. The blades are arranged in four groups, each of which can be selected easily with a lever and hydraulically pivoted out. The flexibility provided by the blade groups (RC 25-13-12-6-0 and FC 51-26-13-12-0) enables the balers to be used universally, with high capacity for short straw. Both QUADRANT balers also feature the hydraulically-lowered drop-floor in the cutting chamber, which is lowered automatically if the unit is overloaded. This enables the driver to remove any possible blockages at the baler intake simply by reducing the PTO speed from the driver's seat, and continue baling without interruption or problems. The driver does not have to get out to perform laborious manual clearance. More information on all new features at www.claas.co.uk
52 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
Theme featured ‘100 years of Claas’. he weather may have given everyone a hard time this year but for once, the weather proved to be on the side of the organisers for the annual Rickerby Spring Show in Carlisle on 6th - 7th March. "We had a real rarity - some good weather - for the show opening!" Said Martyn Henderson, who has been involved in the event since 2002 and has been with Rickerby Ltd for 21 years. Attendance for the 12th show was fantastic, around 4,000, which goes to prove that despite all the pressures farmers are under at present, they are still willing to make the effort. Visitors come from all points to this show, reflecting Rickerby's branches which cover a big farming area. This years show had a tractor theme and featured 'One hundred years of Claas'. One of the big show attractions proved to be a tractor that was the 1st agricultural / commercial machinery ever built by Renault after the 1st world war -
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designed after a tank and 1 of only 3 surviving worldwide. With more than 70 trade sponsors and lots on offer, the show, which is held on the 7.5 acre Rickerby Ltd Carlisle site, lived up to its reputation. Given the weather conditions of late, there was understandably a lot of interest in soil care equipment, sub-soil and harrowing machines in particular drawing attention. All in all, the show once again provided a good opportunity to see, get up to date on machinery as well as enjoy a glimpse into farming’s past heritage.
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| Machinery
Morris Corfield & Co Limited Benthall Works, Shropshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01952 881000
Oliver Landpower Limited Home Park Works, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8LW Tel: 01923 265211
Craven Arms, Shropshire Tel: 01588 673325
A14 Telford Road, Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4LD Tel: 01869 329988
Bromyard, Herefordshire Tel: 01885 488884 Chester, Cheshire Tel: 01829 749391 Romsey Agricultural Machinery Ltd Shorts Farm, Sherfield English, Romsey, Hampshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01794 323159 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
Nigel Quinn (AMS) Limited 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston Lancashire PR4 6JR Tel/Fax: 01704 822272 Mobile: 07973 519491 www.nigelquinnams.co.uk
Wandon End, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8NY Tel: 01582 727111
Wilfred Scruton Limited Maxwell House, Riccall Grange, King Rudding Lane, Riccall, York YO19 6QL Tel: 01757 249799
Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd East Cowton, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 0DX Tel: 01325 378552
Providence Foundry, Foxholes, Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 3QQ Tel: 01262 470221 May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 53
| Machinery
Real 0% Zetor Finance d £750 Purchase Reward and for Forterra HSX 140
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Great reat Purchase Rewards on Forterra HSX 130 = £ 1,500 Forterra HSX 120 = £ 1,000 Further Purchase Rewards available for other models.**
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Zetor with most power and best equipment. Forterra HSX is equipped with the most up-to-date technology: the latest generation of Power Shuttle, new fi ve-gear transmission with three-stage Powershift, more efficient hydraulics, HitchTronic, LCD display, wider wheelbase for better stability of the tractor, safety driver seat and much more – that is performance, endurance and low cost of ownership by Zetor.
* Standard full factory warranty 2 years. 3rd & 4th year optional. ** Terms and Conditions Apply.
Tractor is Zetor. 1946. 54 | Farming MonthlySince | May 2013
www.zetor.co.uk Unit B5, Paragon Way,,Bayton Rd Industrial Estate, Coventry, CV 7 9QS, phone: 0044-2476 363382
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| Machinery
Lely Tigo S Profi; crop-friendly loading of large volumes of grass Following on from the successful introduction of the Lely Tigo Loader Wagon range Lely UK are delighted to announce the arrival of the new Tigo S Profi models ranging in capacity from 40 to 70 m3. ely have now taken the best and most proven swing arm feed unit to a higher level and in combination with the rugged chassis of the R-type loader wagon, a new range of loader wagons has been created. The heart of the Tigo S Profi is the cam track steered load unit. Five robost swing arms ensure an even and fast intake of crop. The gentle action of the loading and chopping process results in high quality forage. All models can be fitted with a maximum of 33 knives allowing a chop length down to 38mm. 0/5/17/21/33 knives can be selected
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depending on conditions and crop type. Silage harvesting and zero grazing This range of wagons is particularly suited to farmers wishing to harvest their own silage and also have a machine for zero grazing. The 40 and 50 SD models feature 2 discharge rollers and an optional side discharge conveyor. The clever design of the discharge conveyor enables the user to distribute fresh grass to the right or left hand side of the machine. In conjunction with the discharge rollers a very even smooth feedout is guaranteed. The conveyor simply slides in underneath the
wagon in the silage making season. A hydraulically foldable superstructure is also available enabling passage and distribution through low entrances. Camless pick up The maintenance free galvanised camless pick up has 5 rows of tines allowing an even and gentle crop flow to the wagon. The floating pick up design ensures excellent ground contour following - picking up the crop evenly and cleanly.
Contact your local dealer Harold R Johns Ltd Whitelye Farm Catbrook, Nr Chepstow Monmouthshire NP16 6NJ 01291 689278 www.haroldrjohns.com
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Robert D Webster Ltd Ostwick Grange Ostwick, Roos Hull HU12 0LH 01964 670224 www.robertdwebster.co.uk
Chippenham Farm Sales Ltd 1 Middle Lodge Farm Chippenham Pewsham SN15 3QX 01249 651059 www.chippenhamfarmsales.com
LJ & CA Cannings Challow House Farm Main Street, East Challow, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9SR 01235 763103 www.ljcannings.co.uk
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 55
| Machinery
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56 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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| Machinery
New Holland makes it easy as guidance systems expand nationwide More and more farmers are able to cut costs and drive up the efficiency of their operations thanks to New Holland’s state-of-the-art guidance systems spreading around the country. s new dealerships adopt the technology, fresh customers are able to take advantage of the GPS power that pinpoints moving machinery, such as harvesters and tractors, with accuracy down to 2.5cm. Accuracy means efficiency; whether that’s saving time and fuel costs by following an optimal route harvesting a field for high returns, for example, or covering the maximum area when seeding, spraying or cultivating. In England there are now 14 New Holland dealerships with Real Time Kinematic (RTK) radio base stations, each giving reliable coverage over about 700 square miles. Five of these also benefit from
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additional Ntrip technology which expands coverage to 2,100 square miles by broadcasting via mobile phone, with accuracy of between 2.5cm and 3.5cm. The RTK system works though the radio station providing a fixed point for the GPS to track the working vehicle, providing any corrections if needed. A network of repeaters ensures good coverage. A new radio base station unlocks New Holland Precision Land Management’s (PLM) range of products to simplify fleet management and mapping, such as the EZ Pilot™ system. EZ Pilot™ uses an electric motor drive with GPS guidance to steer the wheel for the tractor’s operator. It means the operator can focus on
other tasks such as sprayer or planter performance, improving job quality and crop yields while reducing fatigue. A team of vehicles can be marshalled with improved communications delivered by PLM and their progress and location displayed on a single computer screen. Recent RTK installations include Burdens Group Ltd in Lincolnshire; Wiltshire-based T.H. White Ltd; RES Tractors Ltd in Leicestershire; Haynes Agricultural Ltd in southeast England; G & J Pecks Ltd in Cambridgeshire; and Agricar Ltd in Scotland. Several more are planned. New Holland Precision Farming Specialist John Downes said: “We
know that GPS guidance will only become more important as time goes on, and New Holland customers are welcoming RTK coverage increasing around the country at affordable prices. “We already have large areas covered by our networks and the advantages are clear: greater efficiency makes for better business by cutting wasted costs, time and energy. It’s a smart investment. “Our dealerships understand how useful this system is proving to customers and many are planning to extend their coverage. So if you have any questions about coverage, technical issues or prices, visit a branch and find out more.”
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 57
| Machinery
IsoMatch InLine helps keep you on track The Kverneland Group has introduced IsoMatch InLine to its growing range of in-cab control terminals and systems that feature as part of its precision farming brand, iM Farming.
eveloped to work in combination with the Group’s Tellus dual screen display, IsoMatch InLine is a lightbar system that offers steering guidance for those without autosteering systems. As an essential in-cab assistant that is placed ahead of the operator for easy viewing, the IsoMatch InLine display shows you which direction you need to steer, and how close you are from the target A-B line using a numerical
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measurement. The display also incorporates a horizontal row of red, yellow and green LED’s – the sensitivity of LEDs can be adjusted to allow you to accurately follow your A-B line. The lower part of the display offers an additional row of LEDs to show status of machine sections for spreading and spraying equipment, when being used. All LED’s on the IsoMatch InLine can be dimmed for working at night.
58 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
Kuhn at Cereals 2013 Kuhn highlights new Minimum Tillage options at Cereals. uhn will exhibit several significant developments to its minimum tillage range at Cereals 2013 including the Cultimer L stubble cultivator and the shallower-working Optimer+. Cultimer L The Cultimer L extends this range of versatile machines with a trailed version available in 4, 5 and 6 metre working widths. The three rows of twin spring loaded nonstop mechanical tines operate at a pressure of 600kg at the point – ensuring strong ground penetration – with a retraction range of up to 30cm and rapid return to the working position. In addition to the three rows of tines, the Cultimer L has a row of levelling discs and a roller. Models are available with a 350mm duck foot share for shallow (3-7cm) stubble cultivation or an 80mm point for deep tillage down to 35cm; there is also the option of an 80mm point and 350mm fin combination for stubble cultivation to 15cm depth. Optimer+ Optimer+ is a development of the established range designed for shallow (0-10cm) work. It has two rows of curved 510mm diameter discs, levelling tines, and a choice of rollers at the back including spiral roller, T-ring, or DD ring. The new Optimer+ range includes trailed machines in 4, 5, 6 and 7.5m. The disc gang is fitted on a tubular chassis for improved structural rigidity. There is also a protective feature in relation to
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Optimer+
each individual disc, with four polyurethane elastomeric blocks allowing independent movement of any disc if hitting an obstacle. As each disc reacts independently, overall working depth is unaffected in the event of a collision. Added strength and reliability is also built-in on the latest Optimer models with a robust disc hub design incorporating twin conical bearings double-sealed in a cast iron casing. VARI-LEADER EXTENDS KUHN SEMI-MOUNTED PLOUGH RANGE Following the extension of its semi-mounted single wheel reversible plough range with the introduction of the Multi-Leader in 2012, Kuhn will introduce a variable width version to the UK market at Cereals 2013. 36-METRE PNEUMATIC SPREADER ON SHOW Kuhn will show it’s 36 metre pneumatic fertiliser spreader at Cereals 2013 in response to increased interest amongst largescale arable farmers in the machine. This trailed spreader is now sold widely across Europe, and Kuhn now sees a market developing in the UK.
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| Machinery
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 59
| Machinery
60 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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| Machinery
John Deere supports Case IH at Cereals 2013 Open Farm Sunday 2013 Case IH to unveil revisions to Axial Flow combines at Cereals 2013.
John Deere is once again the exclusive machinery sponsor for Open Farm Sunday, which this year takes place on June 9th 2013, with the theme ‘Discover the story behind your food’.
rganised by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), Open Farm Sunday is the industry’s annual event that gives everyone across Britain a chance to meet the farmers who grow their food and care for the countryside. “I think it’s very important that people see all aspects of farming, and they have a much greater understanding as a result,” says OFS host farmer John Whitby of Rowley Farm, near Slough. “If you are proud of and enthusiastic about what you do, you have a great story to tell that visitors will be keen to hear – they’ll go away having had a good day out and their view of farming will have improved.” Gordon Day, John Deere Limited agricultural & turf marketing manager for the UK and Ireland, adds: “Education and care for the environment are two of the company’s key guiding principles underpinning our business activities as the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural, turf, forestry and construction equipment. “Open Farm Sunday provides an ideal opportunity to show a wider public audience how advanced farming technologies
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are being applied to the benefit of farming, efficient food production and sound environmental management, including the reduction of harmful emissions. We also see the event as a way of encouraging young people to consider a challenging and worthwhile career in farming and agricultural engineering.” Many John Deere staff will be out on farms on June 9th, helping host farmers and talking to visitors about John Deere’s advanced technology and its role in helping farmers to produce quality food with care for the environment. The company is also encouraging its farming customers to open their farms on the day, and join around 200 who have already committed to doing so this year. Open Farm Sunday started in 2006, since when nearly 1 million members of the general public have visited UK farms and learnt first hand about practical farming. Typical events include tours of the farm and explanations of what it produces, displays of tractors, machinery and animals, children’s attractions and competitions, local produce and product tastings, arts and crafts, and refreshments from tea and cakes to BBQs.
redesigned cab which creates the ultimate in operator environment, together with new unloading technology that incorporates a folding auger and industryexclusive pivoting spout option to improve trailer filling accuracy feature on new Case IH AxialFlow® combines being shown at Cereals 2013 (CASE IH Stand No. 7-M-700). The Case IH Axial Flow range currently includes six models, the 5130, 6130 and 7130 from 299 – 415hp, together with the 7230, 8230 and 9230 from 449 – 571hp. The new features which make these high-output machines even more productive have been developed with input from farmers and contractors. “The new, redesigned cabin which is now standard on all new Axial-Flow models sets the industry standard in convenience, comfort and ergonomics, providing the operator with an office in the field,” states Chris Armitage, Case IH Harvesting Sales Manager for the UK and ROI. “These new models also incorporate an upgraded CANBUS electric system which has enabled us to offer an increased
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range of functions, such as new unloading and residuemanagement technology, which reduce the operator’s work load and increase productivity.” In designing the latest models Case IH has taken the largest, quietest cab in the industry and made it even better. There are two options, the ‘Comfort’ version or an advanced ‘Luxury’ cab with an even higher specification and range of new features. “Case IH has been continuously improving the Axial-Flow Small Tube rotor, always setting the trend as a leader in harvesting,” states Chris Armitage. “The simple and reliable Axial-Flow design, with fewer moving parts, enables producers to stay in the field over a wider range of crop conditions, helping to protect both yields and crop quality.” Further details are available at www.caseih.com
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 61
| Machinery
Keep lawns and estates under control Take a look at Kubota’s range of mowers and tractors. or farms with large estates, gardens or lawns, finding the time to keep the lawns maintained can be difficult. By investing in a Kubota ride on mower, the time spent on cutting lawns can be kept to a minimum. Now is a great time to think about investing in a Kubota ride on mower, as the company is running a generous springtime cashback offer. Purchasers of the highly efficient Kubota GR2120 will get £300 cashback, while £200 cash back is being offered on the agile GR1600 and T1800 ride on mowers. All three of the ride-on mowers offer power and precision, with exceptional fuel efficiency to ensure longer working periods. Users will also benefit from a range of performance enhancing features, including Kubota’s GlideCut system, which offers optimum efficiency levels when it comes to cutting and collecting. The range also offers high torque, superior combustion capability and a heavy-duty shaft transmission system to deliver power smoothly to the HST. This
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maximises durability while minimising power levels, as well as significantly reducing both noise and vibration levels. Manoeuvrability of the mowers is made simple with Kubota’s Glide Steer system. This is complemented by the 4WD feature, which allows users to easily access difficult areas, as well as effortlessly tackling hills and slopes. Upkeep of lawns and grounds can also be made much simpler with a compact tractor and mowing attachment. For a versatile solution, Kubota’s BX2350 23HP compact tractor makes light work of even the most challenging jobs. Its 3-cylinder indirect injected, liquid cooled diesel engine offers users a powerful machine, supported with important features such as HST transmission and independent mid and rear PTO, which is easily engaged and disengaged with a single operator lever. The BX2350 incorporates a rear 3-point hitch and drawbar as standard, as well as two auxiliary hydraulic valves. Its power steering ensures agile handling and
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improved efficiency. A range of mid mounted mowers can be used with the BX2350 with side discharge desks offering 48”, 54” or 60” cutting widths. A 48” rear discharge is also available, and can be quickly converted to a mulching deck. The BX2350 also incorporates a front bucket that can be used for turning cuttings piles, which again may be useful for creating mulch. The front loader can also be used for various ground works, while the tractor can be teamed with a range of other attachments such as a trailer. The engine has been designed with reverse air flow to help reduce the risk of overheating, as well as preventing grass from getting in the radiator grill and keeping the operator cooler. Kubota’s range of ride on
mowers and the BX2350 compact tractor both represent good value for money, coupled with low running costs. All of Kubota’s machines and equipment are reliable without compromising on performance, and are fully supported with aftersales services through the national network of Kubota’s specialist dealers. For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions for the construction, groundcare and agriculture sectors visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000.
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| ATV
Farmstar Limited - Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786 Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900 Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk Sharnford Tractors Ltd - Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH www.farmingmonthly.co.uk T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk
Anker of Coates - Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777 Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk Ravenhill - Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 63
| Machinery
NEW & USED TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT Quantum 65c two wheel drive, 2010, 3771 hours, front weights. Quantum 65c two wheel drive, 2010, 2385 hours, front weights. JXU 1070 two wheel drive, 2005, 3672 hours, PowerShuttle. JXU 75 4wd. 2012, 590 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 40kph. weights. CS94 c/w Quicke loader, 2002, 3545 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres, one owner. MXU 110 X-line, 2006, 3170 hours, Lo-Profile cab, one owner. Maxxum 125 Suspension c/w LRZ loader, 2009, 2920 hours. Maxxum 140EP Suspension, weights, 2012, 338 hours. Maxxum 140 MultiController 50kph. 2009, 5868 hours. Maxxum 140 Suspension 50kph. 2010, 2465 hours. Maxxum 140 Suspension 40kph. 2012, 338 hours. CVX140 Suspension, 2008, 3447 hours, 460/85 x 38 tyres. CVX 1145 Suspension 50kph. 2005, 3550 hours, 650 tyres. CVX150 Suspension, 2009, 2900 hours, 650/65 x 38 tyres. CVX1155 Suspension, 2004, 3338 hours, 460/85 x 38 tyres. CVX150 Suspension, 2007, 3942 hours, 20.8 x 42 tyres. CVX160 Suspension, 2009, 5210 hours, Front Linkage. CVX175 Suspension, 2009, 2578 hours, 580/70 x 42 tyres. CVX195 Suspension, 2009, 3350 hours, 710/70 x 38 tyres. CVX195 Suspension, 2009, 4297 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres. Magnum 225 Suspension, 2007, 2361 hours, 50kph. Magnum 250 Suspension, 2010, low hours, front weights. Magnum 255 Suspension 40kph + Creep, 2006, 2900 hours. Magnum 270 Creep & 40kph. 4660 hours, 2001, 900/50 x 42 tyres. Magnum 310 Suspension 40kph + Creep gears, 2010, 1255 hours. Magnum 310 Suspension 40kph + Creep gears, 2010, 1480 hours. Magnum 340 Suspension 50kph. weights, 2011, 436 hours. Magnum 340 Suspension 50kph. weights, 2011, 507 hours. Magnum 340 Suspension 40kph. weights, 710/70 x 42 tyres. NEW Magnum 340 Suspension 40kph. Accuguide ready. Puma 125 Suspension, 2013, 20 hours, boosts to 165hp. 40kph Eco. Puma 140 MC, 2010, 553 hours, Pro 300 Screen, 3 spd.pto. Puma 140 Semi Powershift, 2011, 570 hours, 40kph. Puma 140 Powershift, suspension, 2010, 700 hours, 40kph. Puma 155 MC 2009, 3370 hours, 50kph. trailer air brakes. Puma New type MultiController, 2010, 1635 hours. Puma 155 Front Linkage& PTO. 2009, 2611 hours, Powershift. Puma 160EP Tier4, 20111, 1317 hours, Full Powershift 50kph. Puma 165 Suspension 50kph. trailer air brakes, 2010, 715 hours. Puma 165 MC 40kph. Suspension, trailer air brakes, 3235 hours, 2008. Puma 165 + Quicke Q75 Soft ride loader, 2010, 2086 hours. Puma 195 MultiController, 2008, 976 hours, AFS Pro 200 screen. Puma 210 MultiController, 50kph. 2010, 585 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres. Puma 210 F/Linkage, 50kph. 2010, 4183 hours, 620/70 x 42 tyres. Puma CVX 160 Suspension 50kph. trailer air brakes, 2012, 272 hours. Puma CVX 165 F/Linkage, 50kph. 2010, 1800 hours, 580/70 x 42 tyres. Puma CVX 165 F/Linkage, 50kph. 2010, 3168 hours, 710/60 x 42 tyres. Puma CVX 180 F/Linkage, 50kph. 2010, 2357 hours, 580/70 x 42 tyres. Puma CVX 225 F/Linkage, trailer air brakes, 2010, 785 hours. NEW Quantum 65c 4wd. CaseIH Finance Package. NEW Quantum 75c 4wd. CaseIH Finance Package. NEW JXU85 Synchro Shuttle 4wd. 40kph. 16.9 x 34 tyres, CaseIH Finance Package. NEW JX90 4wd Synchro gearbox, 16.9 x 34 tyres. NEW JXU105 4wd 24x24 Power Shuttle & PowerShift, 540/1000 pto. 16.9 x 34 tyres, air seat, air conditioned cab, twin assistor rams, front mudguards & weights. CaseIH Finance Package. NEW JXU115 4wd 24x24 Power Shuttle & PowerShift, 540/1000 pto. 600/65 x 34 tyres, air seat, air conditioned cab, twin assistor rams, front mudguards & weights. CaseIH Finance Package. NEW Maxxum 120 Suspension, boosts to 154hp. 40kph Eco. NEW Maxxum 125 Suspension, boosts to 165hp. 40kph. Ford / New Holland TC27 compact c/w loader, roll bar, 2002, 1630 hours. T5060 4wd. 2011, 360 hours, PowerShuttle 40kph. air cond.cab. TD5050 4wd. 90hp. 2009, 1134 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres. TD75 4wd. 2003, 4238 hours, air cond.cab, 12x12 Shuttle. TL80 two wheel drive, 12x12 Shuttle, 2002, 5190 hours, weights. TL90 4wd Power Shuttle, 2003, 5260 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres.
TL90 4wd 20x12 Creep gearbox, Front Linkage, 2006, 4663 hours. TL100 4wd 24x24 PowerShuttle, 2008, 2967 hours, Front Linkage. TSA100 4wd. 40kph. Row Crop Wheels, 2007, 3845 hours. TM140 Range Command, 2006, 2644 hours, 40kph. weights. TM175 Suspension Powershift 40kph 2005, 5900 hours. T6010 4wd 24x24 PowerShuttle, 2008, 1845 hours, air cond.cab. T7040 Power Command, 2008, 5800 hours, 50kph & Creep, F/Linkage. T7070 CVT Auto Command, 2009, 1835 hours, trailer air brakes. Massey Ferguson 240 two wheel drive, 2400 hours, trailer hitch. 365 two wheel drive, 880 loader, 8 speed gearbox, 3620 hours. 372 4wd on Turf tyres, 12x12 gearbox, ex Council, 3950 hours. 4455 on Turf tyres, 2005, 3534 hours, air cond.cab, 12x12 Shuttle. 6455 Dyna 6, Front Linkage, 2006, 823 hours, 100hp. 6490 Dyna 6 Suspension, weights, 2008, 2696 hours, 170hp. 6499 Dyna 6 Suspension, Front Linkage, 2008, 3330 hours, 215hp. John Deere 5090M 4wd Power Shuttle, air cond. cab, 2010, only 200 hours. 5620 PowerQuad 4wd. 2007, 1430 hours, Front Linkage & PTO. 6320 Front Linkage, 2004, 4320 hours, 18.4 x 38 tyres. 6420s PowerQuad 40kph. 2005, 3100 hours, air cond.cab. 7530 TLS PowerQuad Premium 50kph. 2007, 1930 hours. Other Makes McCormick CX100 4wd. 40kph. air cond. 2001, 6227 hours. McCormick MC100 c/w Quicke loader, 2002, 5800 hours. Claas Ares 826RZ, F/Linkage, 2006, 2347 hours, 20.8 x 38 tyres. Deutz Agrotron M620 Suspension 50kph + Creep, 166hp. Fendt 307 Farmer, F/Linkage & PTO. 40kph. 16.9 x 34 tyres. Kubota B1610 4wd c/w loader/bucket, 2006, 368 hours. Kubota ME9000 4wd. 2005, only 200 hours, Turf tyres. Renault Ceres 436RX c/w loader, Shuttle gearbox, 2003. Steyr 9094 4wd. 3563 hours, 95hp. 4 speed pto. Steyr 970 c/w Quicke loader, 2615 hours. Zetor 7211 two wheel drive, one owner very smart, 4150 hours. Valtra M150 Suspension 40kph. 1810 hours, F/Linkage. Same 80 Explorer c/w Chillton loader, 4873 hours. Excavators & Diggers Hitachi Zaxis 210, 2010, 940 hours, reversing camera, piped, quick hitch. Case CX130, 2010, ex Environment Agency, 6200 hours, piped for breaker. JCB 8035 ZTS. 2007, 1985 hours, breaker pipes, rubber tracks. JCB 8035 ZTS. 2007, 1750 hours, breaker pipes, rubber tracks. JCB 411HT Shovel, ex Water Authority, genuine 930 hours, 2006. Lewis Tractor Digger Loader, based on Ford 28hp Ford compact, 1750 hours. Telescopic Handlers Merlo 40.7 Farmer, 2010, 1400 hours, 140hp. air cond. trailer hitch. JCB 526 - 56 Agri Powershift, 2009, 2500 hours, air cond.cab. JCB 528 - 70 Ex Water Authority, year 200, 2156 hours. JCB 535 -95 PowerShift, 2008, 1225, air cond. cab. JCB 310s, 145hp. 2010, JCB engine, pallet tines, hyd quick fit. Manitou MLT 634-120 LSU Turbo, 2008, hyd.latching. Manitou M26 - 4 Masted forklift, 2001, 3022 hours. Manitou BT420 Buggiescopic, choice of three. Hedgecutters & Mowers Bomford B458 Trimaster, 1.2m head, cable control, linkage mounted. McConnel PA500 Righthand cut, 1.2m head, linkage mounted, proportional controls. McConnel PA52e Hy Reach, 1.5m head, proportional controls, 2005, linkage mounted. McConnel PA5455 linkage mounted, XTC controls, 1.2m head. McConnel PA6570T Revolution Controls, EDS. linkage mounted, 1.5m head. McConnel PA6570T Revolution Controls, EDS. linkage mounted, hydraulic roller. Bomford Condor flail mower, 2004, flap kit and roller. Stripe E220 flail mower, 2009, cuts vertically & horizontally. McConnel PT270 linkage mounted topper. McConnel Merlin Extreme 2500 flail mower. Kuhn 5 furrow MultiMaster plough.
Many more tractors & equipment for sale:
www.startintractors.co.uk Finance offered subject to terms & conditions
64 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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| ATV
Bobcat road homologated FARR LH400 ATV Bobcat 3400D Utility Vehicle now has road homologation (Tractor) as standard. obcat has announced that the company’s 3400D multi-purpose dieselpowered utility vehicle now comes standard with road homologation (tractor). Available in deluxe and standard versions, the Bobcat 3400D utility vehicle is designed to meet the needs of both work and recreational applications. The 3400D utility vehicle offers a comprehensive choice of drive modes and dealer-installed accessories to provide the power, traction and versatility needed on a very wide variety of jobs, to negotiate all types of terrain in areas as diverse as farms and country estates to construction and landscaping worksites. Other applications include nurseries; buildings and grounds maintenance; fairs and exhibitions; mining and the military. Driven by an 18.5 kW Yanmar liquid-cooled diesel engine, it has a large 34 litre diesel tank, allowing the vehicle to work all day long. The vehicle offers a top speed of 48 km/h (in high gear). The low gear and reverse speed is limited to 24 km/h and is intended to provide maximum drive torque. The 241 mm of ground clearance on the 3400D allows the vehicle to traverse rugged terrain such as rocky and rutted surfaces as well as muddy farm fields. The 3400D utility vehicle, which is completely CE compliant, offers an excellent ride quality. The suspension system is four-wheel
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independent, with non-adjustable MacPherson struts on the front end and preload-adjustable shocks in the rear. The rear shocks also have two different mounting positions. The Variable Rate Acceleration (VRA) enables the vehicle to increase speed at a slower rate for the first half of the accelerator pedal’s travel and more quickly during the second half. This allows for precise throttle control when manoeuvring the machine in tight situations. Turf Mode allows the rear wheels to turn at different speeds in order to lessen the impact on the ground (such as on manicured lawns). Two-wheel (locked rear differential for better traction) and four-wheel drive (maximum torque to every wheel) modes are also available on the standard and deluxe versions. The capacity of the composite polymer cargo box is 500 kg, and since the cargo bed is made from composite materials, it will not rust and resists minor scrapes and scratches. The cargo bed includes tie-down points, a manual dumping lever with lift assist strut (standard version) and an easy-toopen, fold-flat tailgate. With a tow rating of 680 kg, the 3400D can easily pull trailers and other equipment. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.eu
Just £4499.99+VAT.
ictured above is the FARR LH400 ATV, supplied as standard fully road legal with a High/Low range gearbox, electric switchable 2 and 4 wheel drive, a front mounted electric winch and a tow bar; all included in the retail price of £4499.99 + VAT. To assist farmers with the harsh weather and conditions throughout the lambing season, FARR have introduced a 24 month
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0% finance package on all of their Quad Bikes and Utility Vehicles. With monthly payments ranging from £154.00 for the FARR LH300 ATV up to £329.00 for the FARR HS800UTV, owning a FARR AllTerrain Vehicle has never been so cost effective. For more information on the finance packages available please call FARR All-Terrain Vehicles on 01392 444887 or email sales@farruk.com
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| ATV
Biker Warehouse London Road Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 6HG Tel: 0845 2692269 www.bikerwarehouse.co.uk
Greenlow ATV Greenlow House, Royston Road Melbourn, Nr Royston Hertfordshire SG8 6DG Tel: 01763 260239 www.greenlow.co.uk
Quad Zone Mill Cottage, Clows Top Nr Kidderminster Worcestershire DY14 9HP Tel: 01299 832699 www.quadzone.co.uk
Extreme Quads Unit 5 Fleet Road Ind. Est. Holbeach Lincolnshire PE12 8LY Tel: 01406 420002 www.extremequads.co.uk
North Cornwall Motorcycle Centre Hospital Road Stratton, Bude Cornwall EX23 9BP Tel: 01288 355162 www.ncmc.co.uk
Manic Quads Units 19 / 20 Highfield Ind. Est. Folkestone, KENT CT19 6DD Tel: 01303 259625 www.manicquads.co.uk
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| Motors
World premiere of the new generation Unimog and Econic Cleaner, stronger and more efficient. ollowing the successful introduction of the Euro VIcompliant models of the series Actros, Antos, Arocs, Atego, Mercedes-Benz is now continuing its Euro VI product offensive with the presentation of the new generation of unique vehicle concepts in Wörth: the Unimog allterrain vehicle, the Unimog implement carrier, and the Econic. As a result, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Special Trucks are currently the only manufacturers in Europe to offer Euro VI-compliant products in all categories of the light, medium, and heavy-duty segments, as well as in the special-purpose vehicle sector. The brand has achieved comprehensive compliance nine months before the new emissions standard goes into effect, thus underscoring its leading role as a supplier of environmentally friendly automotive technology. “In a wide variety of applications, the three new model series impressively demonstrate the leading role that the Unimog and the Econic play in innovation,” says Yaris Pürsün, Head of MercedesBenz Special Trucks. “We’re convinced that the new vehicles will set standards and substantially contribute to the business success of existing and future customers.” Efficient and economical despite Euro VI compliance Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks did everything it
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could to build on the proven model series’ success and further strengthen its pioneering role in the area of environmentally friendly trucks. To do this, the brand invested around ⇔135 million in three completely new and unique vehicle concepts for its Euro VIcompliant product range. The new product lineup introduces the new BlueEfficiency Power medium-duty engine generation in special trucks, now that it has been successfully installed in regular Mercedes-Benz trucks. The four and six-cylinder engines have outputs ranging from 115 kW (156 hp) to 260 kW (354 hp). The state-of-the-art engines combine low fuel consumption with extremely clean exhausts. They make the Unimog more efficient overall, despite the extensive design changes that were implemented to ensure compliance with Euro VI. In the Econic, the engines even reduce fuel consumption by up to four percent. In addition to being extremely reliable, the new special trucks boast a long service life and long maintenance intervals — features that pay off for the customer. Efficient assembly process and mass production quality From the initial draft stage to job
number 1, the new-generation Unimog and Econic have been completely made in Wörth. The development department of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks created the vehicles all on its own while at the same time benefiting from the proximity of the mass production operations for Mercedes-Benz trucks. The joint use of the production processes in Wörth ensures extremely efficient assembly operations and a high level of quality assurance. The vehicle concepts of the special trucks are based on the modular principle used for the Actros, Antos, Arocs, and Atego series. For example, the Econic incorporates many components from the new Actros, including the chassis, the electronics architecture, and certain control elements. The broad range of new products was made possible by the close interlinking of series-production operations and the special truck manufacturing facility. Unimog and Econic: cleaner, stronger, and more efficient Despite the challenges resulting from the Euro VI standard, the three
vehicle ranges were able to further increase the advantages of their concepts. The new generation of the Unimog all-terrain vehicle, the Unimog implement carrier, and the Econic have thus substantially increased their performance and efficiency while also becoming easier to operate. In addition to new engines for all model series, the Unimog all-terrain vehicle boasts a revamped midengine concept, and the Unimog implement carrier driveline features a new seamless change between the infinitely variable speed hydrostatic drive and mechanical drive providing all-round visibility, and new hydraulic systems for implements and performance that make the vehicle significantly more efficient to use. The new Econic further enhances the low-entry cab concept and boasts many ergonomic improvements as a result of its new chassis, interior, and exterior. Despite its unchanged payload, the truck is also much more economical than its predecessor, thanks to reduced fuel consumption and lower costs for repair and maintenance.
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| Motors
Subaru’s all new Forester SUV Safer, greener, more practical and more efficient. he new Subaru Forester goes on sale in the UK this month and will be the fourth-generation of the SUV. It is expected to quickly become the Japanese brand’s most popular model. Last year, the Forester accounted for 170,000 sales globally – 27% of Subaru’s total sales – with 15,000 sold in Europe. Since the Forester was introduced in 1997, European sales in the SUV-C segment have increased eightfold. More now than ever, the new Forester has the ease of use and practicality that appeals to customers looking for this type of vehicle. Interior and packaging Shaped around SUV buyers’ top priorities, the Forester offers a high and commanding driving position; generous interior space and cargo capacity; exterior dimensions that are easily steered through city streets; and ease of entry and exit for adults and children. High ground clearance and All-Wheel Drive provide the all-terrain capabilities that Forester is rightly renowned for. Subaru engineers have been able to noticeably increase the size of the cabin in the new Forester by expanding the wheelbase and widening the vehicle’s body, while cargo capacity in the new model has also been increased, continuing the Forester tradition for maximum practicality. The new Forester is 2mm taller than the outgoing model, 15mm wider, and 35mm longer, with a 25mm longer wheelbase – and through clever packaging, there are bigger increases in interior space than external dimensions. The addition of a powered rear tailgate on the highest XT trim level, first in class, further improves the vehicle’s ease of use and functionality. Subaru designers have significantly improved the quality and ambience inside the new Forester compared to the outgoing model, through the use of higher grade materials on the dashboard, the centre console and doors. Particular attention has been given to the controls and areas touched by the driver, such as the steering wheel and gear shift, while optimising the switchgear feel of all other controls. Safety The new Forester is also an exceptionally safe vehicle and was recently awarded the full five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) electronic stability control system has been
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upgraded for superior stability, while a new Trailer Stability Control also improves safety during towing. Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel reinforces the vehicle, making it exceptionally strong yet light. All safety equipment is fitted as standard to every model in the Forester range, including twin front, side, curtain and knee airbags, upholding Subaru’s commitment to improving crash safety performance. Every Forester is equipped with two core Subaru technologies: Symmetrical All-WheelDrive, affording surefootedness in all conditions, and the latest generation Boxer engines, contributing to a low centre of gravity which is beneficial to balance, road holding and handling. Engines and transmissions Forester buyers will have three 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engines to choose from – a 150ps naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a 147ps turbocharged diesel unit from Subaru’s FB family of engines, as well as a new FA20 DIT direct injection turbocharged petrol unit, which produces 240ps and has been engineered for high power, responsiveness and efficiency. All three engines comply with Euro5 emissions standards. The new Forester is available with the choice of either a new six-speed manual transmission – available on 2.0i and 2.0D models – or an upgraded version of Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT automatic, available as an option on 150ps petrol models and standard on vehicles equipped with the new 240ps DIT engine.
All Lineartronic models also gain paddle shift and a custom driving mode system, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive), which allows drivers to choose between different driving modes to match road conditions. In uneven or slippery road conditions, allterrain capability is enhanced further with the introduction of X-Mode on Lineartronic CVT models, a new All-Wheel-Drive control system which includes Hill Descent Control and makes traction even better than the outgoing model’s. In everyday driving conditions, the new Forester’s agility, driving performance and ride quality are all improved over the outgoing model’s through a combination of Subaru’s latest technologies and enhanced chassis and body rigidity. The Forester, as well as being hugely practical, has been engineered to be fun and engaging to drive, and the vehicle’s fullyindependent suspension has been upgraded to improve steering response, traction and ride comfort. All Forester buyers will have the peace-ofmind of a five-year, 100,000 mile warranty, plus a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee. Prices for the new Subaru Forester are increased only marginally over the outgoing model, despite the greatly increased levels of standard equipment and technology. The most affordable model in the range, the 2.0D X, starts from just £24,995 on the road while the range-topping 2.0i XT is £30,995. The New Forester went on sale from May 1st.
Contact your local dealer: Unity Automotive Newark Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5QJ Tel: 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk
Carstins 324 Walsall Road, Balsall Common, West Midlands CV7 7EF Tel: 01676 533145 unityautomotive.co.uk
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Cross Roads Tredington, Shipston on Stour, Warwickshire CV36 4NN Tel: 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk
Bulldog Twyford London Road, Twyford, Reading, Berkshire RG10 9EU Tel: 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com
Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Peartree Cross, Ashburton, Newton Abbott, Devon TQ13 7RB Tel: 01364 652302 www.devon-subaru.co.uk
Newcastle Subaru 53 Queen Alexandra Road West, North Sheilds, Tyne & Wear NE29 9AA Tel: 0191 257 3309 www.newcastlesubaru.co.uk
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| Motors
Auto Services Perth Ltd Perthshire Tel: 01738 210000 www.autoservicesperthltd.co.uk
David Cook Motors Lancashire Tel: 0161 624 1441 www.davidcookmotors.co.uk
NMG 4x4 Centre Norfolk Tel: 01603 401044 www.nmg-uk.com
Brenwood Motor Co Fife Tel: 01592 655550 www.brenwood.co.uk
John Pease Motor Group Essex Tel: 01376 545540 www.johnpeasemotorgroup.co.uk
Furrows Shropshire Tel: 01743 454444 www.furrows.co.uk
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Hepworth Motors West Yorkshire Tel: 01484 683172
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| Motors
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| Motors
Isuzu D-Max picks up a range of new accessories Isuzu UK has designed and developed a range of competitively-priced accessories for its acclaimed D-Max pick-up, allowing customers a far greater degree of customisation.
suzu’s new accessories range debuted at last months 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham. The accessories – available through Isuzu’s entire UK dealer network – includes a variety of stylish, practical and capability-boosting enhancements, all conceived to make the Isuzu D-Max the perfect choice for the most demanding business or recreational pick-up owner. Aesthetic upgrades Designed to ensure the Isuzu D-Max stands out from the crowd, a stainless-steel rear ‘stylebar’ can be specified, enhancing the silhouette of the D-Max. Running along the front edge of the load bay, it can also act as an additional tethering point for loose items. There is also a new alloy wheels design, available in 16-, 17- and 18-inch sizes. The 10spoke design features an enlarged centre cap and all variants can be shod in heavy-duty offroad tyres. Fixtures and fittings To improve the security and all-weather
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constructed from ultra-strong aluminium, completely secures the load area with a highquality dual-action locking mechanism, offering outstanding protection for tools, equipment or valuables. For users that require even more flexible load-lugging capability from their Isuzu D-Max, a purposed-designed roof bar rack can be specified. Able to carry items up to 65 kg, the bars offer additional tethering points which can be removed quickly and easily. A new jaw-and-pin tow-bar coupling can be specified – ideal for users with two or more trailer units with differing attachment points. The coupling is approved for the Isuzu pickup’s three tonnes (braked) towing capacity (Isuzu D-Max 4x4 models). Finally, new heavy-duty two-tone vinyl seat covers protect the pick-up’s seat materials from dirt and everyday wear and tear. New technology To assist users reversing into tight spots and over tough terrain, a reversing camera and screen kit can be added as an option. The
commented: “We’re pleased to be able to add further style and versatility to the already wellrounded Isuzu D-Max pick-up. Each of the new accessories has been carefully chosen to meet customer demand and further enhance the pick-up’s appeal. The Isuzu D-Max was only launched in July 2012 and drove straight to second place in the UK pick-up sales chart, underlining its relevance to the modern pick-up buyer. We strongly believe that the addition of this new range of accessories will help sustain the success of D-Max through 2013.” Any of the new range of Isuzu accessories can be specified on any D-Max model, from the entry-level ‘Utility’ 4x2 single cab, through to the range-topping ‘Premium’ Isuzu D-Max Utah 4x4 double cab. The new accessories are a valuable addition to an already-comprehensive range and can be seen at www.isuzu.co.uk/accessories/. The new Isuzu D-Max range includes single, extended (with rear-hinged side access panels) and double cab body configurations. Double cab models are available in four specifications:
Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk
Cross Roads Warwickshire 01608 661544 unityautomotive.co.uk
Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk
Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk
Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk
Carstins West Midlands 01676 533145 unityautomotive.co.uk
Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk
Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk
Duckworth Isuzu Boston 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk
Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk
practicality of the D-Max, Isuzu is launching two new load-bay tonneau covers. A flexible, easyto-use black vinyl cover features a quick-clamp system – perfect for keeping load bay contents hidden and dry. Meanwhile, the stylish Armadillo roller cover,
72 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
camera is hidden in the rear bumper, and the LCD touch screen integrated into the centre console automatically displays the camera image on the screen when reverse gear is selected. William Brown, Isuzu UK General Manager,
Isuzu D-Max, Eiger, Yukon and Utah. Prices start at £14,499 (CVOTR) for the entry-level Isuzu D-Max 4x2 single cab and rise to £21,999 (CVOTR) for the top-of-the-range Isuzu D-Max Utah 4x4 double cab automatic.
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Alexander & Duncan Herefordshire 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk
Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk
York Van Centre North Yorkshire 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk
Bulldog Twyford Berkshire 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com
Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk
Lifestyle Isuzu Kent 01892 515666 www.lifestyleisuzu.co.uk
Sheaf Motors Derbyshire 01246 296969 www.sheafmotors.co.uk
Garland Motors Ltd Hampshire 01252 367373 www.isuzu.co.uk
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May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 73
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Volvo Cars tests of flywheel technology confirm fuel savings of up to 25 percent Who knew it would be Volvo looking to implement F1 racecar tech? olvo Car Group has completed extensive testing of kinetic flywheel technology on public roads - and the results confirm that this is a light, financially viable and very eco-efficient solution. "The testing of this complete experimental system for kinetic energy recovery was carried out during 2012. The results show that this technology combined with a four-cylinder turbo engine has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent compared with a six-cylinder turbo engine at a comparable performance level," says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain Engineering at Volvo Car Group, "Giving the driver an extra 80 horsepower, it makes a car with a fourcylinder engine accelerate like one with a sixcylinder unit." The experimental system, known as Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), is fitted to the rear axle. During retardation, the braking energy causes the flywheel to spin at up to 60,000 revs per minute. When the car starts moving off again, the flywheel's rotation is transferred to the rear wheels via a specially designed transmission. The combustion engine that drives the front wheels is switched off as soon as braking begins. The energy in the flywheel can then be
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used to accelerate the vehicle when it is time to move off again or to power the vehicle once it reaches cruising speed. Most efficient in city traffic "The flywheel's stored energy is sufficient to power the car for short periods. This has a major impact on fuel consumption. Our calculations indicate that it will be possible to turn off the combustion engine about half the time when driving according to the official New European Driving Cycle," explains Derek Crabb. Since the flywheel is activated by braking, and the duration of the energy storage - that is to say the length of time the flywheel spins - is limited, the technology is at its most effective during driving featuring repeated stops and starts. In other words, the fuel savings will be greatest when driving in busy urban traffic and during active driving. If the energy in the flywheel is combined with the combustion engine's full capacity, it will give the car an extra 80 horsepower and, thanks to the swift torque build-up, this translates into rapid acceleration, cutting 0 to 62 mph figures by seconds. The experimental car, a Volvo S60, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds. Carbon fibre for a lightweight and compact solution Flywheel propulsion assistance was tested in
a Volvo 260 back in the 1980s, and flywheels made of steel have been evaluated by various manufacturers in recent times. However, since a unit made of steel is large and heavy and has rather limited rotational capacity, this is not a viable option. The flywheel that Volvo Cars used in the experimental system is made of carbon fibre. It weighs about six kilograms and has a diameter of 20 centimetres. The carbon fibre wheel spins in a vacuum to minimise frictional losses. "We are the first manufacturer that has applied flywheel technology to the rear axle of a car fitted with a combustion engine driving the front wheels. The next step after completing these successful tests is to evaluate how the technology can be implemented in our upcoming car models," concludes Derek Crabb.
Get on the road from ÂŁ199 a month*
74 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
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Yeti named as the most satisfying car to own by UK drivers for the second year running The ŠKODA Yeti has been named the UK’s most satisfying car to own in the annual Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. The result marks a spectacular hat-trick for the brand, having recorded first place finishes in 2011 and 2012. he Yeti topped the annual Driver Power chart of 100 cars for the second year in a row with an overall satisfaction rating of 92.65 per cent – the highest recorded in this year’s survey. The influential report is compiled by Auto Express using feedback supplied by car owners across the country. This year, more than 46,000 motorists were asked to rate their car in 10 key categories. Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, said: “We’ve always liked the Yeti – it’s a former Auto Express Car of the Year – so it’s great to see so many owners agreeing with us. They like its practicality, the tech on board and how easy and enjoyable it is to drive.” ŠKODA further confirmed its popularity with owners, with three models in the top six for customer satisfaction. The Superb was named Best Family Car by
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readers, while the Yeti was awarded the Best Compact Family Car. The Yeti also saw off more expensive rivals in the survey’s incar technology section. With an approval rating of 89.44%, the fivedoor crossover was named as the best for ‘In–car tech’, with praise for ŠKODA’s affordable and easy to use infotainment systems. Build quality was another area where Auto Express readers felt the Yeti couldn’t be bettered. With an approval rating of 96.25%, the Czech-built car outscored rivals costing twice as much. Practicality scores across the ŠKODA range were equally impressive. Three ŠKODA models featured in the survey’s ‘Practicality’ section, with the Superb being named as the best car for passengers and luggage. Alasdair Stewart, Brand Director for ŠKODA UK, commented; “We’re delighted that the Yeti has
been voted as the most satisfying car to own by Auto Express readers. Customer expectations are higher than ever today, so we’re thrilled that the Yeti – and all the other ŠKODA models that featured so prominently in this year’s survey are hitting the right note with buyers.”
Launched in 2009, the Yeti has won more than 20 industry, media and customer satisfaction awards, including Auto Express Car of the Year (2010), Top Gear Family Car of the Year (2010) and Honest John Car of the Year (2011). The Yeti is produced in Kvasiny, Czech Republic.
www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/Abridge
At Abridge Van Centre our drive is to improve yours. When you need a hardworking vehicle that won’t let you down, there is only one place to visit. At Abridge Van Centre, our range of commercial vehicles start from just £199 a month*. We have a large range available to test drive, along with a number of finance options aimed at getting you on the road at a price you can afford. To find the vehicle you’ve been waiting for, get down to Abridge Van Centre and talk to your local specialist.
*Plus VAT and initial rental. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. Business users only. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Contract hire quotation based on Caddy 1.6 TDI 75PS. Offer based on £1,000 initial rental and 35 monthly payments of £199. Further charges may be payable when the vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Alloy wheels, front fog lights and metallic paint shown are not standard at advertised price point. Body coloured bumpers not included. Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for Caddys ordered by 30th September 2013, subject to availability from participating Van Centres. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.
Your Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Partner Abridge Van Centre. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 75 Give us a call on 0208 045 6006 Or find us on your Sat Nav using IG10 3TQ, (Langston Road).
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FREELANDER 2
4HE CALM BEFORE DURING AND AFTER THE STORM
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Call us today to book a test drive. Barretts - Ashford
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"vwVÂ&#x2C6;>Â? Ă&#x2022;iÂ? Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x201C;ÂŤĂ&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2C6;}Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192; vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC; Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;i Ă&#x20AC;iiÂ?>Â&#x2DC;`iĂ&#x20AC; Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2DC;}i Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC; Â&#x201C;ÂŤ} ÂÂ?Ă&#x2030;£ääÂ&#x17D;Â&#x201C;ÂŽ\ 1Ă&#x20AC;L {ä°{ ÂĂ&#x2021;°äŽ q {Ă&#x2021;°£ ÂĂ&#x2C6;°äŽ " 76 | Farming Monthly | May 2013 Ă&#x201C; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;\ÂŁnx q ÂŁxn }Ă&#x2030;Â&#x17D;Â&#x201C;° www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
2 sets new standards for driver and passenger comfort, ned centre console, and improved stowage for small
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L>Â&#x2DC; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;°x Ân°Ă&#x2021;ÂŽ q Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2122;°n ÂĂ&#x2021;°£Ž Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;> 1Ă&#x20AC;L>Â&#x2DC; {n°Ă&#x2021; Âx°nÂŽ q xĂ&#x201C;°Ă&#x17D; Âx°{ÂŽ Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;LÂ&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;i` www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
May 2013 | Farming Monthly | 77
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Land Rover celebrates 65 years of technology and innovation with Defender LXV special edition Land Rover has marked 65 years of technology and innovation with a celebratory event at Packington Estate near Solihull; Land Rover’s first off-road proving ground. o celebrate the 65th Anniversary on 30th April 2013, Land Rover launched a Special Edition Defender – the ‘LXV’. Since its inception, the Defender has now sold in excess of two million units. In the UK, 65 Defender LXVs will be available in 90” Hard Top form. The LXV is based on the standard Land Rover Defender Hard Top and is equipped with the 2.2-litre diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission, producing 122PS@3,500rpm of power and 360Nm@2,000rpm of torque.
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"The all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are the result of unprecedented investment in technology, in engineering and in our manufacturing facilities to produce the world’s first SUVs with a lightweight aluminium body structure.”
This striking Special Edition sports 16-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels and comes in Santorini Black with contrast Corris Grey roof, grille, headlight surrounds and facia. The interior boasts exclusive full leather seats with LXV embossed front headrests and unique orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel and centre cubby compartment to complement exterior LXV decals. A union flag decal is located on the rear of the vehicle. Pricing in the UK will start from £28,765. Over 130 heritage Land Rover vehicles will attend the celebratory event at Packington Estate which was the testing ground for the original 1947-48 Land Rover prototypes through to the Range Rover development vehicles of the late 1960’s and early 70’s. These vehicles will showcase key milestones in Land Rover’s 65year history and also some 4x4 world firsts such as anti-lock brakes, adjustable air suspension,
78 | Farming Monthly | May 2013
Electronic Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response® and Stop/Start technologies. The vehicles on display demonstrated Land Rover’s legendary breadth of capability, with ploughing, emergency service, military, expedition, royal and concept vehicles all firmly positioning Land Rover as the world’s most versatile vehicle. They will sat alongside Land Rover’s current model line-up – the Defender, Discovery, Freelander, All-New Range Rover, All-New Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque – and included the brand’s latest technological innovations in the form of the new Electric Defender research vehicle and the world’s first 9-speed transmission for a passenger car. In a nod to the brand’s rich heritage in the provision of adapted vehicles for military use, a cake in the shape of the very first Land Rover nicknamed ‘HUE’ was flown in by special delivery in a Lynx helicopter by a member of the ‘Black Cats’ Royal Navy display team, renowned for thrilling audiences with their dynamic air displays. John Edwards, Land Rover’s Global Brand Director says: “Land Rover is celebrating 65 years of
proud heritage. It was in fact a dual celebration, as March saw Land Rover deliver the strongest ever monthly and quarterly sales performance in its history. “Since 1948, every component in our vehicles has been designed and engineered with intent and Land Rover continues to this day, to build the world’s most capable all-purpose vehicles. A blend of refinement, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability make Land Rover vehicles distinctive and unique, ready to tackle the world’s most challenging and inhospitable terrain.” John Edwards continues: "The all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are the result of unprecedented investment in technology, in engineering and in our manufacturing facilities to produce the world’s first SUVs with a lightweight aluminium body structure. Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of Land Rover and we will continue to develop innovative new technology and sustainable motoring solutions for the future, whilst retaining the class-leading and legendary breadth of capability that Land Rover’s heritage is built upon."
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