May 2014 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

May 2014

Inside this issue...

Grassland Grassland & Muck 2014 preview |

Cereals 2014 Show preview |

On Topic | Food & Farming

Renewables | Focus on AD

Sheep | NSA discuss CAP with Paterson Also Inside: Spraying | Farm Security | Buildings | Education | Fuels | Tyres | ATV | Motors

Buy a single edition or subscribe at www.farmingmonthly.co.uk/subscriptions

Contents

10

70

May 2014

13 48

FMN

Features

FMN

Regulars

12 28 43 44 45 48 56 57

Cereals Preview

06 10 35 50 58 60

News

What to look out for at Cereals 2014

Grassland Grassland & Muck 2014 preview

Spraying Pentair Hypro twin nozzles

Fuels FPS Expo 2014

Tyres Latest ‘rubber’ news

Sheep NSA discuss CAP with Owen Paterson

Security FUW helps tackle farm crime in Gwent

All the latest need to know commentary

On Topic Food & Farming

Renewables Focus on AD

Machinery Machinery news

ATV The essential workhorse round-up

Motors Latest models

NEXT MONTH Cereals 2014

Buildings 2nd FAB Awards launched We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or something you want to get off your chest? 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 2014.

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

Connect with us: Published in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Editor Andrew Poulton Editorial Assistant editorial@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Director Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Sales Jessica Hopper j.hopper@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Sales Oliver Shorrock o.shorrock@farmingmonthly.com Accounts Manager Cheryl Arnold c.arnold@farmingmonthly.com Production studio@farmingmonthly.com Subscriptions subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com For editorial and general enquiries or to advertise please call Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com

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| News

Arla Foods amba milk price reduction Arla Foods amba has reduced its global on-account milk price by €1.5 cents, with effect from 28 April 2014. rla Foods amba has reduced its global on-account milk price by €1.5 cents, with effect from 28 April 2014. This reduces Arla’s standard litre price in the UK by 1.27ppl taking it to 33.74 pence per litre.

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Commenting on the reduction, Ash Amirahmadi, Arla Foods UK’s head of milk and member services said: “Over recent months there has been a significant negative trend in commodity markets and, while the business

remains strong, unfortunately, we are not immune from fluctuations in the global dairy markets. Consequently, we have had to reflect some of the recent downward movements in the on-account price.”

A Little Piece of England: A tale of self-sufficiency By: John Jackson (Author), Val Biro (Illustrator), (4th Revised edition) - Hardback e receive a number of books for review throughout the year all vying for space and coverage in order to raise their profiles and sell a few more copies.

Arriving beautifully packaged, this was a book inviting me to read it.

Synopsis A Little Piece of England is an amusing account of how John Jackson, with his wife and three children, built up a smallholding in a sliver of countryside in rural Kent, and by trial and much error, came to make themselves self-sufficient in meat, milk, eggs, vegetables and some fruit, while learning various country crafts 'in their spare time.' John grew up near Lyme Regis in Devon where he was born in 1929. The family were 'flat broke' and lived on what they could grow or forage and 'if the tide was right, what we could get out of the sea.

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By the time I was four,' he said 'I knew about the land. I knew how to use it. We had had an early lesson in how to look after ourselves.'

Later John wanted some of the experience of his own early years to be passed on to his children. In 1965, at the height of his corporate career in the City, the family moved from London to Underriver, south east of Sevenoaks, where they started out innocently enough with a few chickens. Before long they had assembled a cast of memorable characters - bullocks, cows, horses, sheep, goats, and geese - as well as a few fourlegged freeloaders, largely kept on land borrowed from neighbours on a 'barter' basis.

John Jackson states: 'The best way to get an understanding of the land is to use it. I have long believed that the health of a nation is better and its communities and their cultures

Review

stronger the more it cleaves to and values the land it lives on.'

Our view It's a book about family, relationships, learning from strange advice and trial and error.

It's a window into the Jackson family journey to self sufficiency but moreover, it's a book about loving nature, the English countryside and an alternative way of life.

An easy, entertaining and strangely compulsive read which will delight and amuse in equal measure, beautifully illustrated in a traditional 'pen and ink' style. Harking back to country life in the seventies, there is still plenty to learn from this literary tale.

Highly recommended.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

River maintenace pilots A pilot scheme to help farmers and landowners manage the risk of flooding is to be extended, Environment Minister Dan Rogerson has announced. series of one-year river maintenance pilots were launched in October 2013 to remove red tape and help farmers in seven areas of England manage their own watercourses, while also protecting the environment.

Since then, farmers in East Lytham in Lancashire and on the River Eau in Lincolnshire have expressed interest in joining the pilots. Two new pilot areas have therefore been created, taking the total to nine.

In addition, the existing River Idle pilot will be substantially expanded to take in the Isle of Axholme.

Following the extraordinary weather last winter when several of the pilot areas were flooded, a large number of landowners have been unable to do any river maintenance work. To allow those affected by the floods extra time to carry out their work, the pilots have been extended until March 2015.

Environment Minister Dan Rogerson said:

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“We want to make it easier for landowners and farmers to protect their land, reduce the risk of flooding and support the rural economy.

In addition, the existing River Idle pilot will be substantially expanded to take in the Isle of Axholme.

“These changes will allow more farmers to get involved in the pilots and give those already involved more time to carry out this important work.”

The findings of the pilots will be used to develop a new improved system for managing river maintenance by 2015, as part of the reforms being introduced through the Water Bill.

More information about the pilots and details of contacts can be found here https://www.gov.uk/rivermaintenance-and-drainagecharges-farmers-and-landowners

Plan Bee: Duchy announces new Beekeeping Grant The Duchy of Lancaster has announced a new Beekeeping Grant to encourage its farm tenants to support the country’s rapidly declining bee population. he Duchy of Lancaster is offering start up support for tenants or interested parties who wish to take up beekeeping on its land. The Grant will provide aid for the equipment required to begin keeping bees as well as to cover the cost of training courses delivered by the network of Local Beekeeping Associations and the British Beekeeping Association.

In recent years the number of beekeepers in the UK has declined and bees are in reducing in number. Bees are instrumental to the agriculture industry and the wider environment.

Nathan Thompson, chief executive of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “As custodian of the land with significant interest in the long-term viability of the countryside, we are seeking means to help promote bees and beekeeping within our Surveys.

“As one of the main hindrances for aspiring beekeepers is the associated start-up cost, we are proposing to offer a Grant to cover

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the initial cost should any of the Duchy’s tenants wish to keep bees. The Grant will cover a beginners beekeeping course officiated by a beekeeping association, essential equipment including a hive, safety wear and honey extractor as well as the first swarm of bees which will used to begin honey production.”

“One of the main hindrances for aspiring beekeepers is the associated start-up cost.”

Tenants of the Duchy of Lancaster interested in finding out more about the Beekeeping Grant, please contact Philip Coles, rural surveyor of lands, by writing to: Mr Philip Coles The Duchy of Lancaster 1 Lancaster Place Strand London WC2E 7ED

Next Auctions on 12th May 2014 & 9th June 2014 commencing at 10.30am

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May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Branston gets The Carbon Trust Waste Standard The UKʼs leading supplier of potatoes has just been awarded the Carbon Trust Waste Standard by the Carbon Trust, making it the first company in the food and agriculture sector to have achieved the standard in all three areas: carbon, water and waste. ranston takes the management of its environmental impacts very seriously and invests in a comprehensive environmental system across all of its sites. The company differentiates itself from competitors by actively seeking external assessment and verification of its environmental initiatives to benchmark and to maintain the focus on continuous improvement.

The Carbon Trust is an independent company with a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy. It provides guidance and advice as well as measuring and certifying a companyʼs environmental footprint.

Back in 2008, Branston became the first company in the food and agriculture sector to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard. It has since been reaccredited, reaffirming its commitment to focus on long-term sustainability and continuous improvement.

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“Weʼre delighted to have received the latest standard from the Carbon Trust.”

The latest accreditation from the Carbon Trust is in waste management, and Branston was the first company in its sector to receive it, thanks to small-scale waste reduction programmes for staff, and larger initiatives including utilising waste on site. Waste wood is used to fuel a biomass boiler, and outgrade potatoes generate electricity in the anaerobic digestion plant at the Lincoln site.

2013 saw Branston take part in the pilot of the Carbon Trust Water Standard, and it was one of the first four companies to be awarded the new standard. Its water recycling facilities at

both the Lincoln and South West sites enable the company to recycle over 60% of its water, as well as reducing the quantity and improving the quality of the effluent leaving the sites.

The company appreciates the rigour of the assessments undertaken by the Carbon Trust.

The combination of qualitative and quantitative measures gives a balanced view of improvements year on year, taking people and processes into account and ultimately encouraging a long-term sustainable approach.

Vidyanath Gururajan, Projects Director, is responsible for building sustainability into all Branstonʼs developments. He commented: “Weʼre delighted to have received the latest

standard from the Carbon Trust. Weʼre proud of our extensive environmental management systems and we do everything we can, at all our sites, to reduce waste. Itʼs all part of our commitment to our low cost = low carbon strategy, looking after all our resources to improve long-term sustainability. The Carbon Trust undertook an extremely thorough assessment of our waste management processes and our achievement of the Carbon Trust Waste Standard gives us reassurance that weʼre doing continuing to make good progress.”

Work gets underway at DLF Trifolium’s new £3M grass seed facility Tim Kerridge, agricultural sales director for DLF-Trifolium stands dwarfed by just a few of the 48 raw material bins which will hold individual varieties of grass seed, at the company’s new £3 million mixing facility and distribution centre just outside Edinburgh.

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his is the biggest investment in grass mixtures production ever seen in the UK, and the site will have capacity to handle up to half of all the agricultural grass seed

sown.

Bespoke automated equipment will select, mix, pack, treat, label and palletise the seed according

to customers’ specific requirements. It will produce more than 3,000 different grass seeds mixtures, and will run 24/7 during peak demand in spring and autumn, enabling next-day delivery onto farms across the UK. More than half the grass seed sown in the UK has been bred by DLF-Trifolium, and the company has more varieties on the

08 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

Recommended Grass and Clover Lists than any other breeding company.

The planned start date for production from the new site is October 2014.

More than half the grass seed sown in the UK has been bred

by DLF-Trifolium

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Education

New Principle & Chief Executive appointed at Walford & North Shropshire College The Board of Governors at Walford and North Shropshire College have announced the name of its new Principal & Chief Executive. ackie Doodson, presently Principal at Llandrillo College, was appointed by the Board in a unanimous decision, following an extensive countrywide search for the best candidate for the role.

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Mrs Doodson will replace Andrew Tyley, who has stepped down after seven years in the position in order to start his own consultancy business.

Gillian Richards, Chair of Governors at the College, said, “We are delighted with the

SRUC student success Leading geneticist recognised for contribution to UK dairy profitability. leading animal geneticist from Scotland’s Rural College has been presented with a prestigious award for her contribution to the livestock industry. Dr Eileen Wall was recognised for her vital work in improving dairy cattle productivity in the UK. Eileen, who is a Reader in Integrative Animal Sciences, was awarded the Sir John Hammond Award by the British Society for Animal Science (BSAS) at its annual conference at the University of Nottingham this week.

Presented to scientists in the early to mid-part of their career who have made a significant contribution to animal science and production, Dr Wall received the award for her work on developing the UK fertility index.

Recently cited as one of SRUC’s greatest achievements, Dr Wall’s research on the fertility index is credited with helping reverse the 20-year decline in reproductive performance of UK dairy cattle.

Her other work includes helping dairy farmers plan effective long-term breeding strategies through the development of the UK’s national dairy cow breeding goal, the Profitable Lifetime Index. Use of the PLI by UK dairy farmers has been estimated to increase profitability by approximately £120 million and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by about 1.7% per annum.

Professor Geoff Simm, Head of Research at SRUC, said: “We are incredibly proud of Eileen’s work on dairy cattle breeding. It has a made a real difference to the agricultural and scientific community and I have no doubt that her future projects will

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continue to change lives. This award is a great achievement and is very much deserved.”

Accepting the award, Dr Wall said animal science was entering an exciting time which presented many opportunities for scientists and producers.

“We have come through a period when agriculture was not necessarily at the top of the economic or research agenda,” she said. “However, the global challenges we face are huge as we strive to meet the food demands of a rising population with the development of emerging economies but competing for land, water and energy.

“The importance of agricultural research particularly that which gets applied, is coming to the top again and I hope we all feel encouraged to rise to the challenges we face and make real difference.”

Dr Wall said she felt lucky to have worked with some of the leading researchers in animal breeding and genetics, as well as collaborating with industry to develop genetic improvement tools which were used by farmers every day.

“Since I started in research I have seen UK and global ruminant breeding goals move from a production-only focus, to adopt some of my and others’ research to incorporate traits related to fertility, survival, health, efficiency and environmental impact.

“This has resulted in improvements in these characteristics as well as helping the sustainability of the industry as a whole, something I am very pleased to have played a part in and hugely honoured to be recognised for with this award.”

appointment of Jackie Doodson as the new Principal & Chief Executive of Walford and North Shropshire College. We were extremely fortunate that we had a very strong field of candidates from which to choose, and we are very pleased that Jackie was among them. She will bring her extensive experience and knowledge to the role, and we are looking forward to working with Jackie in the months and years ahead.”

Mrs Doodson has been Principal of Llandrillo College for the last two years, the culmination of four promotions during her time at the college, her posts being: lecturer in Business & Management; Quality Manager; Faculty Director, Business, Computing and Tourism; and Vice Principal, the last for over six years. This has given Mrs Doodson wide-ranging experience from sixth form to land-based provision, all of which will stand

her “”We are delighted with the appointment of Jackie Doodson as the new Principal & Chief Executive of Walford and North Shropshire College.”

in excellent stead for her new Principalship at WNSC. Gillian Richards further commented, “The Board is keen to see Walford and North Shropshire College grow its curriculum provision, to offer the local community the best choice for its further and higher education needs. Jackie has a very strong background and will bring all her experience to the role, for the benefit of local people.”

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

On Topic

Food

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Asda supports food and farming education in the eastern region Asda has continued its support for the East of England Agricultural Society’s children’s education programme. aunched in 2013 with Asda sponsorship, the Kids Country team plans to help over 7000 children to have a fun, hands on learning experience following their Food and Farming Day. Paul Tate, Chairman of the Society’s Education Committee, said: “We really appreciate the support we have from Asda. With their help we can allow 5000 children to come to this year’s Food and Farming Day. That will be the biggest children’s event ever held in Peterborough as far as we know.”The big event will see over a hundred

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educators from the food and farming sector give the children a day to remember. They will be able to climb into the cabs of tractors, make sausages, see country pursuits in action, watch the famous Sheep Show, see birds of prey flying, have a go at rural crafts and much more.

Sandra Laurisden, education manager, explains: ”We already have every place taken for our July event and a waiting list of schools. The Kids Country team now delivers a programme of events throughout the year and at each of these some 400 children learn about such

things as food production, animal care and nutrition. Each session provides a hands on interactive learning environment in which children can discover much more about with the sources of the food they eat giving them the tools to understand and value the food they see on the shelves. Asda’s backing demonstrates just how important they consider it to educate the consumers of the future.

Connect with EOE Agricultural Society on Facebook and Twitter

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Farming Farmers have an important role in improving the nutritional value of our food

On Topic

&

| On Topic

BASF's Jonathan Ball

Highlighting how collaboration throughout the entire food supply chain is crucial to improving the nutritional value of food produced, with agriculture playing a central role. he Nuffield Farming Frank Arden Conference, held on 24 April, has highlighted how collaboration throughout the entire food supply chain is crucial to improving the nutritional value of food produced, with agriculture playing a central role.

The Conference topic ‘How can farming learn from science to improve the nutritional value of our food’ was chosen for its relevance to the growing problem of obesity and dietary related illnesses. It was led by two Nuffield Scholars who presented the findings from their study and travel experiences, which reviewed the latest scientific research and thinking on this subject.

Selected for their aptitude in the topic, the Scholars; Caroline Drummond, MBE, Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), and David Northcroft, Waitrose Category and Varietal Development Manager travelled extensively over the course of 12 months, and met with leading researchers and organisations from around the world.

Addressing the Conference, Caroline Drummond said that for the first time, more people are dying from diseases associated with the wrong kind of food and too much of it, rather than malnutrition through under-eating.

She asserted that we need to understand the role of agriculture to address these issues. “We need the entire supply chain to join up and work together to form an integrated approach across the whole food and food producing

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industries to utilise the science available.”

Caroline’s research focused around identifying the opportunities available for the majority of farmers to address and improve the health of the general public – health by stealth.

“Food and nutrition is the bed-rock of society,” said Caroline. “We need to develop the building blocks that connect health, wellbeing, nutrition, farming and education, to create sustainable diets and food systems that are underpinned by the need to improve health and nutrition.”

Caroline added, “The investment in reducing the burden of diet related diseases will have high returns. Feeding a world without nourishing it at the same time is not sensible.

We all need to do more and we need to ensure that health is embedded as a value when we buy food.

“To make sure this happens, the general public need to have a deeper connection with agriculture, they are becoming increasingly removed from how food is produced, and it’s also important not to neglect the fact that farmers can improve their own nutritional knowledge. Agricultural courses should include basic human food nutrition within their syllabuses.”

David Northcroft went onto address the Conference. “Farmers have a contract with society in producing their food. It’s imperative that higher quality, more nutrient dense food is produced, as we are still not achieving ‘5 a-day’ in the population.”

Using the benefit of his retail experience, David told the audience that retailers have a responsibility to support and drive the 5 a-day campaign. “Currently 64% of adults in the UK are overweight or obese; this is costing the NHS £5 billion a year.

“Future product development should adopt a more scientific basis to improve the nutritional value of food – this is the next necessary trait and will become the new benchmark. We must educate and inform consumers to understand the importance of a healthy diet.”

“The investment in reducing the burden of diet related diseases will have high returns.

Feeding a world without nourishing it at the same time is not sensible.”

He also stressed that there needs to be a collaborative effort. “It’s not just about one element working in isolation. The retailer may pull it through the supply chain, but everyone needs to work together. We must all work to improve diets and inform consumers using appropriate communication channels.

“This is an exciting time for farmers and growers; during my travels I have seen niche, higher nutritional produce turn into mainstream commodities. Farmers need to be connected to the best agronomists and scientists to have the opportunity to be early adopters.”

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Cereals

Now is the time to make the most of June…

Spring has definitely sprung in the east of the country – the warmer, longer days are helping the autumn drilled crops race forward and the welcome dry spell is allowing plenty of timely field work. ven on the heavier land, the spring seedbeds, although a little tricky to achieve, are looking good with the sun on their backs.

All in all, a very different and considerably more positive outlook for crops than this time last year.

With the constant call of the tractor cab and the deadline for SPS applications looming, it’s easy to race through April and May without giving a thought to June. But, I would urge everyone to do so now to make the most of the useful break in field work that the month usually brings. I’m not just talking about nipping down to the travel agents to catch one of those last minute deals before

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In stark contrast to the current agricultural technology which will be on display, one of the stars of the HGCA stand will be a 70 year-old veteran – a Massey-Harris 21, the world's first self-propelled combine.

harvest!

Very soon, postbags will be weighed down with invitations to visit the various stands at Cereals 2014, complete with the promise of free drinks, bacon rolls and sun hats/umbrellas (depending on the weather). The 11th and 12th June is not really that far away and needs to be in diaries now to make sure it’s not missed!

Cereals is the key event in the arable calendar and being right in the heart of the east region at Chrishall Grange, near Duxford in Cambridgeshire, there is not the deterrent of a long journey to get there. As usual, HGCA will be there in force and all of our Regional Managers are looking forward to the opportunity to meet the thousands of growers from our respective regions who are expected to visit the HGCA stand over the two days.

So, whether its choice of variety, fungicide performance, cultivation costs or the markets that you’re interested in, don’t miss this great opportunity to glean free information, advice and new ideas.

12 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

In stark contrast to the current agricultural technology which will be on display, one of the stars of the HGCA stand will be a 70 yearold veteran – a Massey-Harris 21, the world's first self-propelled combine. Bought by the father of its current owner, Peter Wombwell, in the early 1960’s, the machine is based only a few miles from the

Cereals 2014 site and is still used occasionally for clearing up small areas of crop. Investing in such a combine would have been a big decision at the time. We’ll be comparing the relative costs and outputs of this machine with today’s technology to illustrate the differences over the past 70 years.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Bentall Rowlands Storage Systems Limited Bentall Rowlands Storage Systems Limited is a leading UK manufacturer in complete storage and processing equipment solutions for the agricultural and industrial markets. e offer a wide range of galvanised steel silos and hoppers, water tanks, mechanical handling equipment and cleaning, weighing and drying systems.

Our range includes flat bottom silos, hopper bottom silos, square bins and grain conditioning equipment, providing complete storage and processing equipment solutions for both the agricultural and industrial markets in the UK and Worldwide.

With over a century of experience in the design, quality and installation of grain storage systems, we have developed new technologies which have been applied to the manufacture as well as the installation of grain storage and processing equipment. The technical strengths of our staff and their expertise have allowed us to become a sought after brand within this sector.

Our engineering and technical expertise combined with continued focus on customer satisfaction places us in a strong position to capitalise on this expanding market. We have the capabilities to design, manufacture, supply and install storage systems and grain silos through our extensive range of products. These capabilities provide a comprehensive end to end solution which can be designed to your specific requirements.

Due to the increasing demand for water storage, we also manufacture a wide range of galvanised steel water tanks for a large range of

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agricultural and industrial purposes.

As the demand for bulk storage and handling equipment is increasing worldwide, volumes and competitive pricing in grain handling charges require efficient solutions. We manufacture the right quality of product to produce the efficiency savings required to justify the investment.

Our intention to remain at the forefront of this business sector has already been established,

with key preferred supplier status being achieved with major companies throughout the world.

Come and see us at Cereals, we’re on stand number J-1012-10. We would love the chance to meet with you and see whether there is the opportunity to work with you on future projects.

For further information please visit our website: www.bentallrowlands.com or call +44 (0) 1724 282 828.

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Cereals

Making a difference with Continued growth drives Spectrum Energy Bowler Energy Systems expansion Arable & sheep farmer Ernest Fenton recommends Bowler Energy for a tailored system offering maximum returns.

Spectrum Energy Systems, specialists in the supply and installation of solar PV arrays and wind turbines up to 850kW, is expanding its operations in the UK following a period of sustained business growth. he company opens its new headquarters in August and will house a new office for its expanding team, engineering workshop and warehouse facilities. Spectrum last moved its operation in 2011, having grown from an initial two founding members to seven permanent members of staff.

Spectrum will remain close to its roots however, with its new base remaining in the heart of Nottinghamshire.

This expansion mirrors the success of the business.

Spectrum’s business grew 300% between March 2012 and March 2013 due to farmers and landowners across the country looking to diversify their income, cut costs and more importantly

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rnest Fenton is an arable and sheep farmer based in Tunbridge Wells. In March 2012 he chose to install a 50kW roof-mounted solar PV system with Bowler Energy on a purpose built barn. The system was designed to be pitched at the optimum angle on the barn to gain maximum output and provide a significant reduction on the electricity costs on the farm.

The Solar PV system installed has lowered Ernest’s reliance on electricity from the grid and he can afford to use his own electricity produced by his solar panels to move his business forward after

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earning a 15% return on investment as of March 2014.

“Electricity consumption is heading in the right direction,” says Ernest, “The Feed-in-Tariff income has helped to support the farm, which has been a god-send during these last few months. We would be in a very different position now if it wasn’t for that!”

Ernest recommends Bowler Energy if other farmers are considering taking on a renewable project of their own. The company ensures that each, individual project is paired with the most suitable energy system to guarantee the highest return on investment.

increase profits through the installation of solar panels and/or wind turbines.

Spectrum’s Financial Director, Charles Fletcher, comments: “This expansion takes Spectrum into fantastic new headquarters which will accommodate our growing team. The move has come at a time of sustained growth and we are looking at a further growth of 100% this coming year. It’s all extremely exciting.”

Committed to being green, Spectrum will be installing solar PV panels onto itsr new office in the coming months to ensure all energy used within the premises is from renewable sources. The solar panels will also showcase the high quality products and workmanship which is provided by Spectrum.

Eco2 return to Cereals Biomass and renewable energy specialists Eco2 are set to return to the Cereals Exhibition in 2014, following another successful year which has seen testing and commissioning operations begin at their flagship renewable energy biomass project at Sleaford. ontinued development of the fuel supply chain is fundamental to the success of Eco2’s biomass projects, and the company is in the market to buy biomass fuel for its plants at Sleaford, Brigg and Snetterton.

Eco2 specialises in developing, financing and operating renewable energy projects throughout the U.K and Europe, with biomass playing a major role in their renewable energy portfolio. The company says it is continuing to invest in the local agricultural economy by offering farmers a new market for straw, and the Cereals 2014 event is an opportunity for Eco2 to meet existing and potential suppliers, as well as updating the market on recent progress.

David McDonald, Operations Director of Eco2 said, “Attending Cereals 2014 is a great way for us to meet potential suppliers for our biomass plants. We can offer

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competitive returns and secure long term agreements, along with providing a fantastic opportunity for farmers to diversify and develop their business. Our contracts are designed to suit individual suppliers, and no administrative input is required.

“We are looking to build on the success of last year’s event, and would be delighted to meet anyone with an interest in renewables who would like to find out more about what our operations can offer.”

Eco2’s 40MW biomass plant near Brigg, North Lincolnshire is in construction and its plant at Snetterton in Norfolk has gained planning consent and is moving towards construction.

The Eco2 stand number is C322-3 and has a selection of ecogiveaways available, including travel mugs and pens.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Qila Energy launches small scale AD plants Qila Energy will launch its new small scale (sub-250kWe) AD plants at Cereals & Livestock shows this summer. Full details will be available at these events - come and talk to us on stand to find out more. ila Energy is a UK AD developer with full non-recourse funding available for UK farmers who want an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant on their farm.

Through full funding, farmers get paid a site lease, to provide feedstock and an operator salary, with the opportunity to buy the plant as an operating asset in a couple of years. Or they can buy their plant from Qila directly and own it outright.

Qila Energy is the exclusive UK partner for Snow Leopard Projects, whose 2-stage AD technology is highly efficient & proven through 16

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reference plants, all with 95-98% average full load operating hours p.a.

The 2-stage design allows for greater reliability and process stability, and thus higher performance and operating hours. Higher volumes of biogas are produced and more electricity is generated per tonne of feedstock.

Our 2-stage AD plants are as much as 30% more efficient than typical (1-stage) AD plants.

Our 2-stage AD plants are designed to take farm by-products as the majority of the feedstock.

Talk to us at: Grassland & Muck Stand 900A Cereals Stand B-323-3

Livestock in the Diversification & Renewables area This is a quote - don’t worry worry about the size of the box. It’s going to look OK when it’s all done.

For more information visit us at www.qilaenergy.com email us at info@qilaenergy.com call us on 020 3603 3016 or follow us @QilaEnergyUK

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Cereals

New John Deere trailed sprayers at Cereals 2014 John Deere’s new mid-specification M-Series trailed sprayer range makes its working debut at Cereals 2014, in the Sprays & Sprayers demonstration arena. o help reduce spraying cost per hectare, the M700 Series sprayers have been specially designed for farms growing up to 750ha of cereals, oilseed rape or row crops. M700 Series sprayers are available as standard versions with 2400, 3200 or 4000-litre tanks, or as ‘i-specification’ machines with 3200 or 4000-litre tank capacities. Equipped with a triple folding 30m boom, these sprayers match 6m seeders or drills.

The larger M900 Series sprayers have many of the same features as the top of the range R900i Series trailed machines, including high capacity filling performance using the PowrFill chemical inductor, the same choice of 5200 or 6200-litre tank capacities for maximum productivity, and durable steel booms from 24 to 40m.

Both the M700i and M900i sprayers are ISOBUS ready, so the machines can

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communicate with the tractor and enable ‘intelligent’ John Deere solutions. These include the Tank Fill Calculator, which helps the operator to calculate the correct amount of refill volumes required for each application, BoomTrac automatic boom height and tilt control and FieldDoc documentation software.

M900i sprayers also offer a new in-cab nozzle control, allowing the operator to switch between spray nozzles on the move.

To meet the increasing demand for satellite guidance systems, AutoTrac automatic tractor steering and GPS boom section control are available for use with both i and non-i versions of the M-Series sprayers. A new Implement Display 1100 has also been developed to control the sprayer in conjunction with the multi-function lever; on the non-ISOBUS machines, this can be replaced by a GreenStar 1800 display when using a StarFire

Both the M700i and M900i sprayers are ISOBUS ready, so the machines can communicate with the tractor and enable ‘intelligent’ John Deere solutions. receiver and for automatic boom section control.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Buck the trend, and invest in your grassland!

Reliable evidence from the British Survey of Fertiliser Practice illustrates the decline in grassland liming. This trend has remained unchanged in the past 12 months as shown in table 1:

he 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. Following the last two wet winters there will have been increased losses of calcium loss in many soils, further reducing pH and available calcium.

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.

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Table 1: Liming trends from the British Survey of Fertiliser Practice.

LimeX is available to order now for this spring and early summer.

Regular pH testing and corrective liming are required to ensure consequential loss of yield and reduced forage quality are avoided by maintaining soil pH at an appropriate level, such that other macro and micro nutrients are available to the growing crop.

LimeX is the ideal product for fast acting, but lasting pH correction on grassland, and can be

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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. For more information on LimeX please contact 0870 2402314, or visit: limex.co.uk

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Renewables

Featured Dealers: Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leics LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk Ravenhill Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk

18 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

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

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| Cereals

Master Driers at Cereals New Eco3 to bring direct drilling to smaller farms The 2014 range of Master Driers that will be on show at this year’s Cereal’s Show have many new features. he 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. We have also imposed a price freeze!

All models are available for a limited period at 2012 retail prices!

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 as an option is an internal Moisture Meter for monitoring temperature and moisture.

The Master Eye Telephone Combinator Messaging System will keep you in touch with your Drier, alerting the operator when

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drying is completed or if the Drier is in need of attention.

One unique standard feature on most 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. This option is available at no extra charge!

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. Again this option is available at no extra charge!

Lincolnshire based drill specialists, Dale Drills, will be launching the new Eco3 range of drills at this year’s Cereals Event on stand K-1128-11. he Eco3 utilises Dale’s unique independent drilling assemblies as on the larger trailed Eco-Drill range, however the Eco3 combines them with a mounted framework for smaller working widths.

The Eco3 follows several years of development of the Eco-Drill since its award winning launch at LAMMA 2010. The drill has undergone several significant changes including development of its drilling assemblies which allow for variable row spacing from 12.5cm to 50cm, seed and fertiliser placement, independent contour following assemblies to ensure accurate and even seed depth, variable hydraulic drilling pressure for different soil conditions and the Dale press wheel which has been proven to continue to run in challenging wet conditions.

It is hoped that the Eco3 will also be sold with an optional

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deeper drilling tine on each assembly which can be positioned 3 inches deeper than the seed tine and used to place fertiliser below the seed or simply to create a channel for drainage in the rooting zone. If successful this will also be launched on the Eco-Drill.

The Eco3 range is expected to include drills at 3m, 4m & 5m working widths, customers wanting wider models will select them from the trailed Eco-Drill range. The Eco3 comes as standard with an electronic control system capable of variable seed rate on the move, a steel constructed 1600 litre hopper and variable row spacing from 5” – 10”.

Optional extras include a split hopper for seed and fertiliser placement, following harrow, 20” row spacing, electro-hydraulic control system, ½ width shut-off and blockage monitors. The Eco3 is expected to be available for around £27,000 for a 3m version.

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Cereals

Ideal solution for low cost cultivation On display at Cereals for the first time after many years will be the new BOMFORD DYNA-DRIVE, which was relaunched earlier this year and has already attracted a considerable amount of interest. riginally introduced in the 1980’s, the DYNA-DRIVE became one of the bestselling BOMFORD products and was well known throughout the world, due to its simplicity and low running costs, and many machines are still in use today.

The DYNA-DRIVE can be used for both primary and secondary cultivations, making it one of the most versatile cultivators on the market. With farmers having to look at the cultural control of blackgrass as part of their overall control policy, because it is non-PTO powered and quick and easy to use, the DYNADRIVE is ideal for use in this situation as it enables stale seedbeds to be quickly and cheaply created for the subsequent chemical control of blackgrass.

Where rotational ploughing is used, in intervening years by only cultivating the top few centimetres of soil, this ensures that weed seeds are not brought back up and newer seeds are kept close to the surface for quick germination and subsequent control.

The DYNA-DRIVE is also particularly popular with organic farmers, as the action of the second rotor will lift out and leave weeds, especially those with rhizomatous root systems such as couch, on the surface where they can dry-out and die.

Initially available in four working widths from

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2.0 metres up to 5.0 metres, the new DYNADRIVE retains the simple two-rotor system, but incorporates updated tines, drive gear and rear roller/crumbler design.

The tines on the ground-driven front rotor initially dig-in and lift the soil. The backward facing tines on the rear rotor, which is driven at three times the speed of the front rotor via a heavy duty uprated Duplex drive chain, immersed in oil, then break-up and firm the soil to leave an even, fine tilth and a level finish that is ideal for drilling and subsequent field operations.

Because it is not PTO powered, the DYNADRIVE only has a power requirement of about 30 to 40 horsepower per metre, so can be used on a smaller, lighter tractor, which can be run at lower engine revs for improved fuel economy.

Being ground driven, forward speed is not a limiting factor and the faster it is operated, the better the results. Ideally the DYNA-DRIVE works best at forward speeds of over 7mph and up to 10mph and at these speeds, a 4.0m DYNA-DRIVE will easily cover around 4.0 ha an hour.

Aside from reduced operating costs, unlike conventional tined cultivators where the tine is in constant contact with the soil resulting in high tine wear rates, the tines on the DYNADRIVE are only in contact with the soil for 14%

A DYNA-DRIVE working in maize stubble and breaking up a sprayed-off long established grass ley for re-seeding.

of the time, so wear rates are far lower.

RRP prices for the new DYNA-DRIVE range from £9,500 for the 2.0m model to £20,500 for the current widest 5.0m version.

The DYNA-DRIVE can be used for both primary and secondary cultivations, making it one of the most versatile cultivators on the market. With farmers having to look at the cultural control of blackgrass as part of their overall control policy, because it is non-PTO powered and quick and easy to use, the DYNA-DRIVE is ideal for use in this situation as it enables stale seedbeds to be quickly and cheaply created for the subsequent chemical control of blackgrass.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Feature

‘The Winching Workhorse’ Through its UK exclusive distributors Arbil 4x4, WARN® has established itself as the market leader in trusted workhorse style winches. When a heavy load is applied to one of its large frame pulling beasts, its ability to perform timeafter-time is never in question. ased on the original series range of winches; the WARN® M12000 & M15000 have a pulling capacity of 12,000lbs and 15,000lbs retrospectively.

Both feature a 4.6hp series-wound motor, with a direct drive cone breaking system. The control packs of both winches are designed for clearance and ease of access and both models come in 12 & 24v variants.

Also making up the heavy duty series is the 16.5ti, delivering 16,500lbs of pulling power. This winch features the full diagnostic ability of WARN® thermometric technology, plus the extreme sealing, durability and reliability that the WARN® ti-series is known for.

The M12000, M15000 and 16.5ti ranges of winches are the true workhorses, but if you are looking for both power and stylish design; then the 24v ZEON™ fits both categories. The ZEON™ range, a part of the Premium Series of

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winches, has been reengineered from the ground up to include a symmetrical design.

Now available in a 24v 12,000lb capacity option; this winch really is the envy of all others and its 24v option means it packs an extra punch.

If you want a heavier duty entry level winch then the 24v Tabor™ is second to none. The Tabor™ was designed with a cost effective solution in mind. The entry level price on this winch, combined with an up to 12,000lb pulling capacity has made it a popular line in the agricultural market.

WARN® also produce a line of winches for trailer and ATV use. These winches are smaller in size, but still pack a considerable punch. The trailer and ATV line of winches have been designed for pulling loads, such as animal carcases onto the back of a trailer.

Prices for this line of winches retail from £115 for a 1,700Ibs pulling capacity, with pulling rates going up to 4,500Ibs. Along with the leading WARN® brand, Arbil also stocks its own ranges of leading recovery chains, which can be made up to bespoke customer requirements. Arbil is the exclusive distributor of WARN® winches and also Hi-Lift® jacking products for the UK. For information

about the full range which Arbil offers simply visit: www.arbil.co.uk/4x4/

Arbil 4x4, Bromley Street, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 8HS

0845 600 4556 Warn® | ARB® | Safari® | Hi-Lift®

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Cereals

Wheat breeding breakthrough Winter wheat yields could be increased by up to a tenth by redesigning the wheat ear with more and heavier grains, one leading plant geneticist believes. ork is underway to increase the number of grains in a wheat spikelet, raise the number of these spikelets and also push up the size of individual grains.

Cristobal Uauy, project leader of wheat genetics at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, is looking at genetic material to improve yield and his work will be on show at the Cereals event in June.

His team are working with an Egyptian wild wheat which has a branched spikelet characteristic to try and produce more viable florets, or grains, per spikelet.

The creation of this mini branch within the spikelet structure could allow up to five grains to develop compared with a normal wheat ear producing about three grains per spikelet.

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Dr Uauy is setting an initial target to achieve four grains, although he fears that boosting grain numbers could produce more, but smaller, grains.

“We are looking to make small tweaks to give us one extra grain as if we make too dramatic a move the wheat plant can compensate,” he says.

The next priority is to try and increase the number of spikelets in the wheat ear from an average of about 30.

Dr Uauy says this is very time consuming work, but the aim is to add another two or three spikelets to produce a bigger wheat ear and hence boost overall yield.

The final piece of the jigsaw is to increase the size of the grain, and he is examining two

old wheat varieties – small-grained Spark and large-grained Rialto – for clues.

Cristobal Uauy’s team are working with an Egyptian wild wheat which has a branched spikelet characteristic to try and produce more viable florets, or grains, per spikelet.

The work of Dr Uauy and the John Innes Centre on redesigning the wheat ear will be on show at the Velcourt stand [H-802-8] at the Cereals event.

Cereals 2014 will debut new Varifeed™41-ft grain header for New Holland CR combine harvester Cereals 2014 will be the stage for the long-awaited UK debut of the new Varifeed™ 41-foot grain header for the New Holland CR combine harvester. n display at New Holland’s stand number H-814-8, it’s likely to draw the crowds throughout the show at Chrishall Grange, Nr Duxford in Cambridgeshire.

The header width of 41 feet (12.50 metres) was chosen because today many large farms utilise 36-metre tram lines in their fields. With a robust welded frame design, it adds even more capacity to one of the highest-output machines in the world.

The adjustment range for the knife in longitudinal direction is 575mm and adjustment is performed electro-hydraulically from the cab to suit all harvesting conditions. It is easily adapted to use with optional side knives for harvesting rapeseed.

The header is equipped with four wide Autofloat™ sensing pads that enable its height and lateral inclination to adjust automatically.

New Holland will also be exhibiting alongside

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it a range of machinery including the Basildonbuilt T7 and T6 tractors as well as a selection of hay, forage and material handling equipment.

The show will continue the official year-long celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Basildon Tractor Plant and it will represent another chance to see the special edition Golden Jubilee tractor up close.

Dedicated PLM and Aftersales areas will complete the New Holland stand at the show.

The brand will be showcasing the advances of Precision Land Management (PLM) which has up to 32 orbiting satellites at its disposal to fix a machine’s location on the farm to guide operations down to a few centimetres.

Take, for example, someone without PLM seeding a field with a drill width of four metres and an overlap of 15-16cm – over 1,000 acres that works out as working an astonishing 40 extra acres.

With PLM, however, those small differences

in time, expense and effort that mount up are instead squeezed down, making unnecessary labours increasingly a thing of the past.

In the Aftersales area the New Holland team will introduce the new Service Plus package.

This exciting product offering consists of a full range of aftersales services, competitive and flexible schemes along with customised solutions,

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Cereals

Cereals event to showcase Spirit 600c StripDrill Front Tool Cereals 2014 will see Vaderstad showcase its unique tillage and drill front tool arrangement called StripDrill for the Spirit range, which is designed to minimise soil disturbance at drilling and reduce compaction. n trials the StripDrill has been shown to contribute to higher yields by helping the plant to quickly produce a deep root system after drilling. Vaderstad believes that over the long term, yield increases in oilseed rape of 5-10% are realistic. A well-developed root system helps establishment, especially in dry weather conditions. In wet years, there is a greater chance that the excess water will run off the field via more rapid infiltration.

StripDrill main features include 25mm hard metal coated narrow tines mounted at 16.7cm or 33.4cm and load sensing hydraulics. Narrow tines ensure they open up as smaller gap as possible and minimise energy consumption while maintaining drilling speeds of up to 15kmph. The tine can be set to loosen soil in the front of every second seed coulter or between two seed coulters. At the same time fertiliser can be placed at two different depths.

Load Sensing hydraulics allows the tractor to automatically regulate the amount of oil needed at a given moment. This is controlled by a thin

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hydraulic control line between the tractor and the machine. Advantages of load sensing technology include fewer hoses connected to the tractor, making hitching and unhitching the machine easier; lower energy consumption, as less oil is pumped round the system.

The hydraulic system can therefore run at a lower temperature. Working sequences are also easy to handle – especially useful when the operator approaches the headland.

In trials the StripDrill has been shown to contribute to higher yields by helping the plant to quickly produce a deep root system after drilling.

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Cereals

Catch up with the latest arable thinking with HGCA HGCA will again be one of the major exhibitors at Cereals 2014, with a large stand containing both established favourites and exciting new features for 2014. ith around 150 varieties of wheat, barley, oilseed rape and oats on display, including spring crops and candidates, the HGCA stand provides a one-stop shop for information on variety choice.

Find out how varieties have fared this season by visiting theRecommended Lists plots and joining a guided tour of the wheat and barley plots.

New Recommended List pocketbooks for Wheat, Winter Oilseed Rape and Barley & Oats will be available to pick up around the stand, providing at-a-glance performance information on individual varieties with space to note your own observations.

HGCA’s free expertise covers the breadth of on-farm decision-making, with experts on hand to discuss variety, agronomic and marketing choices throughout the cropping calendar.

In the demonstration plots, HGCA Research Managers, alongside some of the industry’s leading research scientists, will talk visitors through the latest innovations from HGCA’s project portfolio, while specialists from the HGCA Recommended Lists team will be available to discuss the latest news on variety

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performance. Visitors will also be able to help fine-tune HGCA’s Research Strategy for 20152019, the consultation for which recently attracted 1,000 responses.

New for 2014 For the first time since their appointment last year, HGCA Regional Managers will be on hand to welcome visitors to the stand, and will be able to discuss with visitors issues relevant to each region. The Regional Managers will also be answering growers’ questions about HGCA’s latest wave of Monitor Farms and the associated network ofArable Business Groups.

A vintage combine harvester is certain to be the centre of attention, and will be used to illustrate how the cost-efficiency of combining has increased over the past 70 years.

Also new for 2014 is a feed grain zone – illustrating the importance of cereals grown for feed to the UK arable sector. HGCA aims to encourage more growers to think about producing for the specific needs of the feed market, and so reduce any unnecessary inputs.

Talk to the arable industry experts Cereals and oilseeds specialists from the Market Intelligence team will be available to

talk through the latest events moving global grain and oilseeds markets, as well as the range of pricing strategies available for growers looking to sell their produce. A short preharvest outlook will also take place at the beginning of the variety plot tours.

Also featuring on the HGCA stand will be nabim, representing the UK flour milling industry, and MAGB, the trade association for maltsters. Red Tractor Farm Assurancewill also be on hand to talk through the benefits of being farm assured, and how it is working with farmers to improve its assurance scheme.

Sample Moroccan biscuits In HGCA’s double marquee, visitors will be able to find out how HGCA supports cereals and oilseeds growers through its consumer campaigns.

HGCA’s Farmhouse Breakfast Week this year saw more than 1,000 events take place around the country to drive demand for cereals products by urging consumers to ‘Shake Up Their Wake Up’ and make time for breakfast.

Learn about the benefits of getting involved in the campaign and what free resources and support are available.

Spaldings to launch a range of new products You could also be in with a chance of winning the new Leica Mojo 3D Guidance System at Cereals 2014. paldings have once again been busy adding new products to their extensive product range and will showcase these on their stand, E-520-5 at Cereals 2014. Amongst them include the new Leica mojo3D Guidance System, the Dynamic Automatic Vehicle Weighing System and LED Polycarbonate Floodlights.

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During the Show, they will be running a Prize Draw whereby you can win one of the new Leica 3D Guidance Systems, worth £3,200!

Leica mojo3D Guidance System: The Leica mojo3D is a precision guidance system designed to reduce input costs by enhancing driver accuracy and eliminate overlap in any field operation.

Save money and input costs whether cultivating, spraying, spreading fertiliser or any other field operation.

Work any field the way of your choice with the wide range of guidance patterns available.

Additionally, you can save time and improve efficiency with the option of Virtual Wrench support.

During the Show, they will be running a Prize Draw whereby you can win one of the new Leica 3D Guidance Systems, worth £3,200!

To be entered, you simply need to place an order of £500 or more at their stand across the two days of the Show.

Dynamic Automatic Weighing System: An all axle waterproof weigh bridge, which weighs agricultural vehicles on the move. The package includes a touch screen computer and printing system housed in waterproof case, which can be customised specially to the vehicle being weighed. The 900mm by 800mm platforms are light weight, fully mobile and do not require expensive installation.

LED Polycarbonate Floodlights: Spaldings have added a range of LED Floodlights with Polycarbonate lenses up to an impressive 200w for use in crop assured environments such as grain stores and dryers. This cost saving design produces instant, low heat light.

For details on products supplied

by Spaldings, contact 01522 507 600 or from Republic of Ireland 1800 255 455, email: agsales@spaldings.co.uk or view the product range at www.spaldings.co.uk

24 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

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| Cereals

David King Electronics exhibits TRACK-Leader AUTO® Steering System David King Electronics will be demonstrating Müller-Elektronik’s new automatic steering system TRACK-Leader AUTO® at the Cereals Event on 11th & 12th June – Stand No B-230-2. The system will be available for sale from the 1st July.

RACK-Leader AUTO® is both the name of the new product family as well as the name for the “app” which is required for steering. TRACK-Leader AUTO® Pro, TRACKLeader AUTO® Iso and TRACKLeader AUTO® eSteer complete the product range for automatic steering. TRACK-Leader AUTO® Pro is the hydraulic version of the automatic steering.

TRACK-Leader AUTO ® Iso is the upgrade version for tractors and machines that are auto steer ready and only need to be equipped with a steering computer. The last variant is TRACK-Leader AUTO® eSteer.

This is an electric wheel motor, which can be installed on any machine quickly and easily.

With these new products MüllerElektronik will be able to offer to almost any type of machine a corresponding steering option with highly accurate results and good

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value for money.

With the new TRACK-Leader AUTO® Müller-Elektronik offers products with state-of-the arttechnology. The steering computer includes the indispensable 6-axis gyroscope, which facilitates the assembly and more important, it is responsible for the outstanding result of the steering. The gyroscope detects all movements of the machine, roll, pitch and yaw; regardless of the driven path it compensates perfectly uneven and hilly terrain. Another technical highlight is the electric steering motor TRACK-Leader AUTO® eSteer. A brushless drive, which operates almost silently, combines high torque with low power consumption.

The biggest advantage is the simple and quick installation of the steering wheel motor. It can be retrofitted and can be easily moved from machine to machine, which ensures the maximum utilization and a rapid return on

The new automatic steering system from Müller-Elektronik

investment.

For some time Müller-Elektronik, one of the world’s leading specialists in agricultural electronics and Precision Farming, have been working towards the goal of having retrofit kits for almost every machine or tractor type in the near future. It began with the introduction of a new GPS receiver for Agritechnica last year.

With the models A101, AG-STAR and SMART-6L Müller- Elektronik can now offer GPS technology for every application of modern farmers. Moreover, various, proprietary RTK solutions and the new correction signal Terrastar can be purchased from MüllerElektronik through their UK distributor David King Electronics.

Thus Müller- Elektronik is now a full-service provider and can offer its customers everything from one source. Highest accuracy and

repeatability at a fair price is the promise of Müller-Elektronik to its customers.

With these new products Müller-Elektronik will be able to offer to almost any type of machine a corresponding steering option with highly accurate results and good value for money.

For further information about Müller-Elektronik products contact their UK distributor David King Electronics Ltd on 01789731365, visit www.dkelectronics.co.uk or www.mueller-elektronik.de/en/

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 25

|| Cereals LAMMA

Kubota M110GX

Kubota set to impress at Cereals 2014 Kubota M6060

Agricultural machinery experts, Kubota UK, is getting ready to exhibit at the Cereals Exhibition, which takes place at Chrisall Grange in Cambridgeshire this June. ereals, one of the leading technical events for the UK arable industry, is set out over 64ha of stands and live demonstrations.

Kubota will join nearly 500 other suppliers for the twoday showcase, which will welcome an estimated 26,000 visitors between the 11th-12th June, who’ll be in attendance to view the latest products and innovations.

A carefully selected fleet of Kubota tractors have been chosen from its market leading agricultural range, alongside its best selling

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utility vehicle, the RTV 900.

On show at the Kubota stand (H-925-9) will be the M135GX and the M110GX from its MGX series.

Both tractors feature an advanced turbo charged 4 cylinder CRS diesel engine, which has been designed for greater efficiency while still providing sufficient power to successfully complete a wide range of duties.

The MGX Series also contains responsive controls with a 3 range, 8 speed powershift transmission, while also boasting impressive levels of user comfort thanks to its

26 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

spacious cab design and panoramic view for unobstructed operation. In addition, the M135GX features an ultra smooth 3 stage front axle suspension and high performance hydraulics for enhanced productivity.

The MGX series will be joined by two additional models from the agricultural range: the M8560 and M6060 from the M60 series.

The M60 Series, available up to 100HP, boasts a 5 cylinder C-CDIS engine, category II 3 point linkage with 4100KG lift capacity (6100KG on the MGX Series) and Eco drive functionality for unrivalled fuel efficiency.

Adrian Langmead, Business and Development Manager at Kubota comments: “This show gives us a great opportunity to connect with existing customers, meet potential new ones and gain a better understanding of what the

end user wants to make their job easier. We are delighted to already be recording bumper sales in 2014 and exhibiting at Cereals provides us with a great platform to show visitors exactly why our range of Agricultural machinery continues to go from strength to strength.”

A carefully selected fleet of Kubota tractors have been chosen from its market leading agricultural range For more information on Kubota and its extensive range of solutions for the groundcare and agriculture sectors visit www.kubota.co.uk or call 01844 268000.

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| Pests

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May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Grassland

Livestock farmers prepare for biggest Grassland & Muck event yet Livestock farmers are gearing up for the biggest and best Grassland & Muck event yet, with well over £20m of machinery demonstrating and on display. The triennial event, which will be held on 21-22 May at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, is expected to attract around 15,000 visitors from across the UK and Europe, and has sold out stand space, hosting over 240 exhibitors. he main themes of this year’s event are valuing grass, best practice techniques, and, ultimately, maximising returns from the crop. “These are exciting times for British agriculture, with consumers recognising and supporting farmers’ critical role in the food industry - the largest sector of the UK’s economy,” says David Gardner, chief executive of the RASE. “The Government is now supporting investment into applied agricultural research and technology – and putting that research into practice is vital,” he adds. “Visitors to the Grassland & Muck event, which is partnered with Yara, will have the opportunity to meet hundreds of leading suppliers showcasing the latest products and ideas, and to see cuttingedge technology in action.

“Grassland & Muck has the biggest collection of working grass and muck machinery in the UK, and with 90% of visitors rating their time at the event as good or excellent it is an event you do not want to miss.”

With every major manufacturer exhibiting, the event covers all aspects of grassland management, from varieties and establishment to harvesting, baling, ensiling and feeding. With over 190 acres of machinery demonstrations, visitors have a unique chance to see all the latest machines in action, including muck spreaders, soil aerators, forage harvesters and feeding equipment. There is also a packed forum programme, sponsored by Keenan, which will feature leading speakers on animal health and nutrition, soils, and grass establishment.

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“The Government is now supporting investment into applied agricultural research and technology” “Grassland & Muck is one of the most important events in the calendar for livestock farmers and contractors,” says Rosie Carne, Yara’s marketing manager. “As feed costs and environmental pressures mount, it is increasingly important for farmers to get the most from their grass – whether it’s grazed or ensiled – and this event will help them to do exactly that.”

Visitors can save £3.50 on event tickets by booking online before 18th May. Visitors can also earn four 4 BASIS CPD points for attending either day of the event, which takes place on Wednesday 21st May (8.30-5pm) and Thursday 22nd May (8.30-4pm) at Stoneleigh

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Park, Warwickshire. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.grasslandevent.co.uk.

What to do • See the biggest collection of working grass and muck machinery • Meet over 240 leading suppliers to see the latest products and new ideas • Visit the sown plots for the latest varieties and agronomy advice • Gather valuable information from the Technical Forums • Make the most of you manures in the muck area • Tackle compaction in the compaction alleviation demonstration • Learn how to maximise returns from your grass be it grazed or ensiled Over 240 companies will be showcasing their products and services: • Seed supply and plant breeding • Crop establishment and pasture management • Crop protection and nutrition • Forage harvesting, mowing and baling • Pasture improvement • Handling equipment • Ensiling and clamping • Livestock feeding and management • Muck and slurry application & storage • Soil and nutrient management • Business advice and services

For a list of booked exhibitors please visit the website www.grasslandevent.co.uk Compaction Alleviation Demonstration New for 2014, the Compaction Alleviation Demonstration will focus on visual assessment of soil structure and how to alleviate compaction under grassland.

Dr Paul Newell Price, ADAS Senior Soil Scientist, will be on hand to explain methods to help you identify compaction on your farm and to discuss the best solutions to address it. Paul will be doing scheduled talks throughout the day when he will focus on how to assess soil structure and select the treatment where required.

A selection of grass aerators/slitters and sward lifters will be on show with test holes to demonstrate their action on the soil. Paul will discuss the ability of the different types of machine to alleviate compaction and the times at which this is best done, as timing is critical to the effectiveness of the treatment.

Come along and listen to Paul at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 each day and see the demonstration in the muck trade area.

Technical Forum Programme These free 30 minutes forums provide you with the latest advice and thinking on utilising grass and manures on your farm. Free to all event visitors, come along to the forum theatre in the main trade area.

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| Grassland

Wet winter sparks soil compaction concerns This winter’s heavy rain means many fields have become compacted, leaving farmers at risk of reduced yields in the coming year. roducers keeping livestock outside on waterlogged ground or spreading manure on saturated land will have risked compacting the soil, says Dr Paul Newell-Price from ADAS. Such soil structural degradation can restrict root growth and aerobic activity in the soil.

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Visitors to the Grassland & Muck Event on 21st and 22nd May will be able to see a wide range of machinery on display.

“In fields where you think there may be an issue, the first thing to do, once soils dry out a bit, is to get out with a spade and dig a few holes to assess soil structure,” he says. Each hole should be of spade width, and 30-40cm deep.

“Dig out a 30cm-thick slice and lift it out – the way it comes out and breaks up by hand are good indicators of how compacted the soil is.”

Signs of compaction include horizontal cracks; roots growing

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round angular clods; and bad smells, which indicate anaerobic activity where slurry hasn’t broken down. “Vertical cracks are generally good, but horizontal cracks indicate compacted layers.”

To help farmers address the problem, this year’s Grassland & Muck Event will feature a special compaction alleviation demonstration. The ground will have been artificially compressed with a tractor, and grass slitters and sward lifters will then be used to alleviate the compaction on the day before the event. Test holes will be dug so that event visitors to see the action of the machines on the compacted area.

“Compaction can reduce grass yields by up to 40%, so where there is a genuine issue it is an important problem to address,” he says. “But it is vital to assess your soils first, as you need to use the right equipment at the right time for the job. Soil structure can recover naturally over time, and loosening soils that are in good condition can do more harm than good.”

Even where farmers haven’t

driven on saturated ground, or turned livestock out, the sheer volume of rain is likely to have caused surface capping, warns James Woolway, managing director of Opico. “Heavy rainfall washes the soil particles together, which caps the surface and means that air cannot get down to the plant roots,” he says.

“Grassland is particularly susceptible, where as most arable seedbeds are coarser and less likely to cap. You need to break up that cap to let the air into the soil; using a spring tine or chain harrow would be ideal.”

Capping and shallow compaction up to three or four inches deep, caused by sheep poaching for example, can be alleviated with a grass slitter / aerator. Deeper compaction from cattle is likely to be from five inches down, with damage from tractors and machinery going down to 10 inches, says Mr Woolway. “To address that, you need to go in with a grassland subsoiler / sward lifter – and all of these machines will be on display at the event.”

Visitors to the Grassland &

Muck Event on 21st and 22nd May will be able to see a wide range of grassland machinery on display and meet more than 240 exhibitors with the latest products and innovations. They can also see muck spreading equipment in action and earn four BASIS points for attending. For more information or to book early-bird tickets visit www.grasslandevent.co.uk.

Dr Newell-Price will be speaking about alleviating compaction at 11am, 1pm and 3pm each day in the muck area. Machines that will be demonstrated are: + David Ritchie Actisol grassland sub-soiler with rear linkage for Ritchie Grassland Aerator + K-Two Sales Aeravator Grass Slitter + McConnel Shakerator deep soil cultivator/ subsoiler + OPICO Grassland Sward Slitter + Sumo Grassland Subsoiler + Twose of Tiverton Pasture Aerator

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| Grassland

Forager World to exhibit at Grassland The joint venture between 11 of the UK’s largest forager dealerships, will be exhibiting at this years’ event. ith a wide range of used self-propelled foragers, including machines that are just a year old, Forager World offers contractors and farmers the most extensive choice of machines from around the UK. The ability to buy a high capacity selfpropelled forager harvester for similar money to a new trailed machine has proved particularly attractive to many contractors and livestock farmers, enabling them to achieve greater timeliness and reduced harvesting costs. In addition to these ‘traditional’ markets, a more recent market has been AD plant operators who are looking to retain control of their crop harvesting due to the importance this has on gas yield.

Unlike most used foragers offered via a classified advert where ‘caveat emptor’ often applies, virtually all the forage harvesters sold

by Forager World are serviced and undergo a thorough 250 point assessment. Each machine is then offered for sale with a comprehensive report on its mechanical condition so that buyers can fully ascertain the machine’s condition. All machines over £20,000 also come with a Forager World warranty.

Forager World is a joint venture between 11 of the UK’s largest forage harvester dealerships, who between them have sold over 1000 used machines through the service.

Customers have the confidence of knowing that they are buying from a reputable company that

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has a wealth of experience in selling and maintaining these specialist machines.

Forager World provides its customers with a vast ‘shop window’ from which to select just the right machine for their needs. Rather than having just their own stock available, each member has access to details of every machine available through all the other members, and the price quoted is the same irrespective of which dealer supplies the machine.

Buyers can view all machines currently available via the website (www.foragerworld.co.uk). By registering with

the website, additional information can be accessed and users can opt to receive email alerts about the latest foragers as they become available.

Buying a used forager through a reputable specialist dealer gives the buyer complete confidence in the quality of the machine. In addition, Forager World dealers are also able to offer tailor-made finance solutions, enabling payments to be matched to cash-flow, subject to normal conditions.

For further information, please contact: Combine World on Freephone 0800 585938

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| Grassland

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May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Grassland

New fuel efficient JAGUAR 800 foragers CLAAS will have on display at this year’s Grassland & Muck event the new JAGUAR 800 series self-propelled forage harvester, which offer higher throughputs but at a reduced running cost. irst launched in 1972 and the world market leader, the JAGUAR name has become synonymous around the world for highoutput, cost efficient forage harvesting. A key feature to the success of the whole CLAAS JAGUAR range is its powerful and efficient direct drive system, where all the main components are directly driven by the engine. Allied to this is the smooth straight crop flow through the forager which ensures that a high crop flow can be maintained for the least amount of power.

The new JAGUAR 800 adopts a rounded style and retains the well proven direct drive system to all the main components and the straight crop flow through the forager, which progressively increases the crop flow speed through the forager from about 4.8 metres/second as the crop enters the forager to 68 metres/second as it leaves the accelerator.

Mercedes power A key feature of the new JAGUAR 800 series is the change to TIER 4i compliant Mercedes engines fitted with an SCR catalytic converter. A noticeable benefit of these engines is their high torque at low engine speeds.

As a result, operators of pre-series machines operating in the UK last season found that they have been able to achieve considerably higher throughputs and lower fuel consumption compared to previous similar sized JAGUAR 800 models. Fuel savings of 8 to 10 litres/hour have been achieved

by TIER 4i machines test machines compared to TIER 3 machines in the same field.

An additional new option on the JAGUAR 870 and 860 is the availability of DYNAMIC POWER, which in DLG trials has resulted in fuel use savings of 12.3%.

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As the crop volume through the forager varies, DYNAMIC POWER automatically varies the engine power output over an 11-step range from just 272hp up to 510hp on the JAGUAR 860 or 598hp on the JAGUAR 870, whilst ensuring that the engine can maintain its optimum engine speed of just 1800rpm.

The JAGUAR 800 range also features a new continuous high pressure hydraulic system that operates at 210 bar, which uses larger diameter hydraulic lines, so ensuring increased capacity and rapid hydraulic reaction times.

For the operator, the new VISTA cab is not only more spacious but also has increased visibility.

Setting up and operating the JAGUAR 800 has been simplified thanks to an updated version of CEBIS, which incorporates a number of new features designed to provide easier, faster and more intuitive operation.

Key function screens can now be quickly accessed using either the main rotary switch or the new HOTKEY which provides direct access to pre-selected functions.

Also when working at night, CEBIS incorporates a night mode, making it easier to read. The operator also has the option to be able to switch off some of the automatic functions and control these manually. Should they wish to reengage these functions, this is simply done at the press of a button.

Another new feature on the JAGUAR 800 range is the availability of more adjustment parameters for the knives and shearbar. Using CEBIS, the operator can now set a reminder as to when the knives need sharpening or the shearbar adjusting after a set operating time has elapsed. On foragers fitted with QUANTIMETER throughput

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monitoring, a reminder can also be set after a set yield quantity has been harvested.

To make the most of its high capacity potential, the JAGUAR 800 range is fitted with a new front attachment drive coupler that allows the forager to use higher throughput header units from the JAGUAR 900 range, including the heavy duty Pick Up 300 grass pick-up.

From the intake, for which there is the option of the STOP ROCK detection system, the crop is fed into the well proven V-CLASSIC chopping cylinder. For further crop processing, the JAGUAR 800 can be fitted with either an INTENSIVE corn cracker or for the JAGUAR 870 an optional higher specification MULTI CROP cracker.

To reduce driver workload, in addition to OPTI FILL, which enables the spout to swivel over a range of 225 degrees with automatic return to the transport position, there is also now the option of AUTO FILL. Using a 3D camera to determine the trailer body dimensions and fill depth, AUTO FILL will automatically control the spout which considerably reduces driver stress, especially when working at night.

To further increase productivity, the JAGUAR 800 range can be specified with the CLAAS GPS PILOT automatic steering system.

For data recording, using CEBIS up to 20 job records can be stored at any one time and data either printed out in the cab or downloaded onto a data card for transferring to a PC.

In addition, the JAGUAR 800 range can now also be fitted with CLAAS TELEMATICS. This allows a far wider range of machine setting and operating data to be recorded and stored online, and viewed using any web enabled device, allowing the forager to be remotely monitored, daily productivity to be analysed and overall seasonal performance data assessed.

The standard specification also A key feature to the success of the whole CLAAS JAGUAR range is its powerful and efficient direct drive system. includes a larger 1000 litre diesel tank and 130 litre Ad BlueÂŽ tank, and as an option an additional 300 litre diesel tank is available. In addition, there is an option for a comprehensive lighting system including Xenon main lights, an on-board 600 litre/minute 9.5 bar air compressor. There is also a new 375 litre silage additive tank with a new higher capacity additive pump allowing up to 2 litres of additive per tonne of crop to be applied.

JAGUAR 800 range With the introduction of these four new JAGUAR 800 series models, this means that CLAAS still provides the largest range of self-propelled forage harvesters, with two specification levels with Profistar and Speedstar to suit differing operator requirements.

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| Grassland

Sila-Cover 300 hits right note with farmer Galebreaker product impresses farmer Richard Thomas. 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.

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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.

“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 year’s result.

Sila-Cover in place

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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.

Richard Thomas and his dog

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| Grassland

Disease threat to forward silage crops Italian ryegrass and Westerwolds silage crops are now well advanced, and may be ready for cutting three weeks ahead of schedule, due to the warm, mild winter which meant grass never really stopped growing. hile farmers will welcome the chance to fill their clamps early, the threat of disease attack is much higher than usual.

"Crown rust is favoured by high temperatures and is usually an end-of-season problem," says Rod Bonshor, general manager for Oliver Seeds.

"But most of the fields I walked at the end of last week across the Midlands had significant infestations on the lower leaves.

Severe attacks can reduce grass yields by as much as 25% and are no longer restricted to the south of England. Cases have been reported in North Yorkshire and beyond."

Too late to spray Affected crops can be sprayed

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with a propiconozole fungicide, but on rotational grassland require a 28-day interval from application to harvest. So it may be too late to spray the most forward crops.

"The only answer for some fields will be to harvest the crop as soon as conditions allow, and use an additive to restrict the growth of moulds on the conserved material," suggests Mr Bonshor.

"Farmers should leave a longish stubble – around 10cm, which will allow the grass to return to vegetative growth as quickly as possible, and apply nitrogen fertiliser promptly. This should resolve the disease issue in the subsequent crop. However, new growth should be checked to spot any signs of re-infestation."

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| Renewables

Four reasons to consider Anaerobic Digestion There will be reduced returns from wind and solar installations following the cut in Feed in Tariff (FIT) rate by 20% from last month, but there is still keen interest in renewable projects. ational agricultural and environmental consultancy ADAS says it is seeing a marked increase in those seeking advice on Anaerobic Digestion (AD) schemes in particular.

“This is because, in practice, AD schemes are seen as a viable income-generating option for many farmers and score over other technologies in a number of ways,” says Richard Sowden, renewable energy consultant with ADAS. “In particular we are seeing heightened interest in small scale on farm AD schemes.” Here are four reasons why:

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ADAS can be found at Grassland & Muck, stand number 902 in the tented muck area.

1 The advantage of AD projects on livestock farms is that minimal changes to the existing farming operation are required; and where the existing farm infrastructure can be used – like silage clamps and slurry stores – then capital costs are reduced.

2 Planning consent is also usually more straightforward than for wind and solar projects and in some cases the cost of a full planning application can be avoided where a scheme can be approved under Agricultural Permitted Development Rights.

3 One of the main attractions,

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however, is that because AD schemes generate electricity and heat they qualify for both FIT and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) income. From April 2014, a 250kW AD system will produce an income of up to £300,000 from Feed in Tariff plus exported electricity. Where heat produced by the CHP unit can be used locally, for example in a dairy or broiler unit, there is a potential additional income of up to £150,000 from the RHI. Finally, onsite use of electricity and/or heat will produce further savings on fuel bills.

4 Schemes below 250kW have been given a boost through the availability of grants for up to £10,000 for feasibility studies.

These grants, which are available from WRAP, are intended for livestock farms where the feedstock is predominantly animal waste although some energy crops can be included in the mix.

ADAS is typically working on feasibility studies with dairy or beef farms with 400+ animals, grassland for producing silage and broiler units. However, some clients are also looking at alternative feed stocks including pig muck, maize and sugar beet.

For further information or to enquire about an AD site assessment, please telephone 01623 848359 or register your details on their dedicated renewable energy website at www.re-solved.co.uk. ADAS is sponsoring the national Muck and

Grassland Event at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, 21st and 22nd May 2014 and can be found at

stand number 902 in the tented muck area.

Renewable energy finance for farmers Change Finance and Leasing is a trading name under the holding company Change Finance Ltd. e are a discrete specialist financial brokerage with a proven historical pedigree stretching back over 15 years, one of the best established brokerages in its field.

We can arrange finance for most farming & agriculture products, equipment leasing, farm buildings, fertilisers & feeds and now a range of renewable energy products.

We are able to finance renewable energy products such as Hydro Electric, Solar Panels, Wind Turbines, Biomass Equipment and Anaerobic Digestion Systems. These products are being utilised by modern Farm Owners, Farm Managers and Land Owners.

These fit in with up-to-date initiatives of recycling, being eco friendly and energy renewable.

This in turn provides a revenue stream, gives you cheaper energy becoming self sufficient and falls Martin Kent (centre) & the team into line with future government policies and guidelines.

Although we are not experts in these individual products...

We are however very experienced in arranging the finance to purchase or lease them and have the resources,

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finance lines and the ability to discuss all your requirements.

Martin Kent, MD for Change Finance & Leasing says “we live and work in a rural area surrounded by many agricultural businesses such as traditional farms, feed & fertiliser merchants, market garden growers to the trade & public. It seemed the obvious and right decision to offer our financial expertise and our credit facilities to the farming community. Our clients enjoy complete peace of mind whilst working with us; often because we let you get on with your busy lives whilst we sort out the details. Over the years, thousands of satisfied clients have expressed total confidence in our solutions, people and products.”

The holding registered company is Change Finance Ltd we trade & market under Change Finance and Leasing (Company registration No 4517084)

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| Renewables

UK AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2014 2 July, NEC concourse suites 1-2, Birmingham. he UK AD industry’s biggest trade show and conference, UK AD & Biogas 2014, will play host to the AD industry’s third annual awards ceremony, hosted by ADBA. The UK AD & Biogas Industry Awards 2014 will showcase achievements and innovation across the AD industry and reward the ‘best of the best’ in their class, raising the profile and benefits of the industry in the process.

What’s new?

Held on the evening of 2 July at the NEC Birmingham, the awards will be presented to organisations across all facets of the AD industry which have successfully

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demonstrated their capabilities and achievements over the past 12 months. The awards aim to highlight how AD can successfully integrate into a range of businesses and sectors, from food and drink, to farming, local authorities and utilities and will reward organisations who are leading the way. They will showcase innovation across the sector, for example in digestate application, biomethane production, waste collection, process optimisation and small scale AD. Boasting a number of exciting new categories including ‘best supporting service, ‘ best small scale AD project’, ‘best onfarm AD project’, ‘best merchant

AD project’ and ‘best food and drink industry AD project’, make

sure to enter for a chance to win a prestigious award.

2Agriculture poultry farms set to be more efficient Food manufacturing giant 2 Sisters Food Group’s sister company – 2Agriculture – has announced a major capital investment to upgrade 20 of its poultry farms with industry-leading biomass energy. he new £20m heating solution will further improve chicken welfare standards, reduce co2 emissions and reduce running costs at the upgraded locations at the farms which supply poultry to 2 Sisters.

The contract provides renewable energy and better breeding conditions for chickens meeting both market and consumer demands.

Historically with chicken farms, a large amount of ventilation was needed to decrease the humidity, co2 & ammonia levels leading to more heating expense to maintain temperatures.

Burning vast quantities of LPG,

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combined with regular top-ups of bedding was costing farms a lot of money. The new solution involves indirect heating from a water-air heat biomass exchanger, powered by a wood pellets source.

Efficient ‘dry heat’ now ensures optimum litter and air quality by providing total control over the humidity levels throughout the crop cycle, the birds grow better and there is considerably less waste.

Lionel Halls, Director of Agriculture at 2Agriculture, said: “We’re always looking to improve efficiency and innovate where we can, so this deal not only ticks both of these boxes, it also raises standards across our estate.

“As the key 2 Sisters Food Group poultry supply chain, we’re hoping that this contract will reap benefits right across the wider organisation.”

Staffordshire-based Mercian Power, part of Orchard Holdings, and a leading renewable energy and power company, has won the contract to provide the biomass heat.

Nigel Price, CEO Orchard Holdings/Mercian Power Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have won this contract for such a major supplier of UK poultry. It has taken us over 18 months of hard work to reach the point.

“Effectively this contract means that we are the ‘Heat supplier’, as

you would buy your electricity from a utility company, you can now buy heat from Mercian Power.”

The contract provides renewable energy and better breeding conditions for chickens meeting both market and consumer demands.

Installations are expected to start April 2014 and will run throughout the year, employing at least 100 contractors and operational and maintenance teams for the next 20 years.

Sun shines on Lark Energy’s completed projects Between December 2013 and the end of March 2014, Lark Energy constructed and connected 5 of its own development projects with a total capacity of 46MWp for Armstrong Energy. uring this period, Lark Energy constructed and connected a further two projects for Armstrong Energy of 4.5MWp capacity together with a 3.5MWp project for InfraRed Capital.

Lark Energy’s 31MWp Broxted Solar Farm was also completed by project buyer Santander.

The company also achieved planning consent for three further projects: 34MWp at Fiskerton Airfield, Lincolnshire; 20MWp at Hartwell, Northamptonshire; 10MWp at Langford, Bedfordshire. Lark Energy has now achieved planning consent for a total of

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235MW of solar projects in the UK. Jonathan Selwyn, Managing Director of Lark Energy said “Despite unprecedented weather conditions and unforeseen grid challenges, I am very proud that the Lark Energy team was able to construct and connect these projects in time for the end of March deadlines.

The solar industry has once again demonstrated it is the only energy sector that can deliver significant new clean energy capacity to incredibly tight and demanding time frames whilst still consistently bringing down costs

Our new planning consents show that there remains widespread support for large-scale solar with two of the projects being approved by delegated decisions as a result of them not generating a single objection. All three projects had the support of the local authority and the wider community.

We remain optimistic about the long term prospects for the UK’s large scale solar sector and these projects demonstrate once again Lark Energy’s comprehensive service offering from development through construction to long term operation and maintenance of the plant.

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| Renewables

Edina is highly honoured to receive The Queen's Award for Enterprise Edina, Europe’s leading and fastest growing supplier of power generation equipment for renewable energy have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for 2014. he directors and staff of Edina are highly honoured to be awarded such a prestigious accolade which is seen as the highest endorsement of their dedication and professionalism to providing a sustainable solution to the worlds growing climate problems. The proven technology and dependable service offered by Edina are now recognised as being class leading across the world, leading to an ever increasing export market potential for the company’s UK manufacturing production facility

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Excellently engineered and of novel design, the new products are highly efficient and reliable.

“Edina UK Limited wins an Innovation Award for the design

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and operation of power generation from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste. Excellently engineered and of novel design, the new products are highly efficient and reliable. They provide customers with financial and environmental benefits. The cost savings through generated energy and the returns on in- vestment in installation are better than from other renewable energy sources.

They give security of supply and protection against rising energy prices. Power generation efficiency is higher than most UK power stations. Being on-site, the plants provide significant levels of useable heat. Compared with coalfired power stations, they emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases”.

For further information contact: Edina UK Ltd 12 Rugby Park Bletchley Road Stockport Cheshire United Kingdom T: 0044 (0) 161 432 8833

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Renewables

Urban bio gas from farming and communal waste Markus Ott, Head of Sales, Agraferm Technologies AG, Pfaffenhofen/Bayern hoever decides to build an AD plant does so with an eye to the long term financial rewards of the investment. Agraferm, a renowned builder of AD plants in Germany, has already built 10 bio gas and bio methane plants in Great Britain, while the feeding of bio methane into the national gas grid plays an increasing role in the British energy mix. Feeding gas into the grid provides an additional option especially for areas without a community based heating system and Agraferm is also a renowned service provider in this area, with many years’ experience in projects involving co-operations with regional gas suppliers.

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Agraferm Technologies AG is one of the market leaders among builders of AD plants in Britain.

Agraferm bio methane plants e.g. in Great Saxham, Doncaster, Taverham, Scottow and Reepham Road are characterised by their

high level of efficiency and financial return. In Poundbury, Dorchester, a bio gas location with very high sustainability standards, Agraferm built the first agriculturally based bio methane plant in Great Britain to feed gas into the national grid. The same maxim applies to all Agraferm bio methane plants in Britain: Agraferm’s philosophy is based on using highly sophisticated technology to enable the use of a wide range of feed stock, using a smaller digester volume, therefore leading to maximum gas yield while making maximum use of ground space.

England aims to develop a range of measures which will result in a zero waste economy.

This presents a real challenge due to increasing shortages in the feed stock market in Britain. Due to their sophisticated technological systems Agraferm plants can use feed stocks that other plants cannot use at all or only use to a much lesser extent. This also applies to the use of organic biproducts from agriculture, industry or communal waste. Agraferm gained comprehensive experience

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Markus Ott. Head of Sales. Agraferm Technologies AG

in the processing of stillage from ethanol production through building such a plant with an integrated waste water treatment unit. This example shows that through creating energy and heat from organic waste companies and districts can save on waste disposal costs. Working in partnership with their subsidiary BTA International GmbH, a specialist in the processing of community and industrial waste, Agraferm is very well established in the British market.

In order to encourage the

increased implementation of bio gas technology and to create efficient alternatives for the utilisation of organic waste further systematic political steps are needed to ensure the long term continuity of the business. We would welcome it if these steps became an “AD master plan” to work together with the industry itself and companies beyond the 2015 elections to ensure continuity and to create the opportunity for advanced planning.

Meet us at the 5th UK AD & Biogas, Birmingham, stand G005

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| Fencing

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| Grain

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| Renewables

Minister of State, Fergus O’Dowd, TD, to officially open the New Edina Group Headquarters in Dublin Irish based Edina, Europe's leading renewable energy power generation company is proud to announce that Minister of State, Fergus O’Dowd will officially open their new headquarters in Swords, County Dublin on the 1st May 2014. he company has been a leading exponent of developing Anaerobic Digestion(AD) power plants in the UK and recently Australia, and built the first AD projects in Ireland.

Established in 1985, the Edina story is one of constant growth even during the worst of recessions and now the company has 160 employees and exports its products, manufactured in Ireland, all over the world.

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The official opening will be a show case for local organisations.

Minister of State, Fergus O’Dowd was recently given responsibility for the bio-energy sector at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

Already he has held meetings with local organisations promoting the benefits of AD and shown a keen interest in how these can help both the economy of Ireland and the well being of its citizens.

The official opening will be a show case for local organisations, companies and other interested parties to learn about AD and to

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promote Irish technological solutions.

For further information contact Edina on

00353 (0)1 8824800 or visit the website at www.edina.eu

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Renewables

Healthy bacteria equals healthy profit for biogas producing farmer Ynergy Using an additive from FM BioEnergy, specialists in AD nutrition and plant optimisation, poultry farmer and AD operator Ynergy has achieved its CHP run time target of 96.6% and saves £20k+ annually on unnecessary feedstock costs. sing BC.ATOX.Ncon, an additive supplied by FM BioEnergy for high-protein based AD plants, Ynergy is achieving their optimum efficiency of 96.6% of total possible CHP run time at their Great Ynys Farm plant. The

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125 acre arable farm in Hereford, also has a 90,000 broiler chicken operation. “As well as using maize, grass and some cereals, we use 800 tonnes a year of broiler litter to fuel our 250kW plant. Although a farm by-product which can be used in AD, broiler litter has a high

42 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

nitrogen content. Without careful management and the use of the Ncon supplement, nitrogen loading can dramatically hinder gas production, as we found just 5 months post commissioning,” explains plant owner Susan Shakesheff from Ynergy.

“Getting to grips with AD plant biology and diet isn’t easy,” explains Tim Elsome, Business Development Manager at FM BioEnergy. “During the degradation process, every feedstock has differing biological traits and trends. If plant biology is left to its own devices, bacteria and archaea can become imbalanced and unhealthy, resulting in poor gas yields. Plants looking to achieve their optimum gas output require careful monitoring along with a bespoke prescription of additives and supplements for the methane producing bacteria to remain healthy,” adds Tim. Any high protein based feedstock, such as broiler litter, has a high nitrogen content.

Consequently, high concentrations of ammonia are generated during the feedstock breakdown, which in turn inhibits the natural production of methane forming bacteria resulting in lower gas yields. The Great Ynys Farm plant found that their broiler litter contained 27kg N/tonne. They have successfully used Ncon to reduce ammonia’s inhibitory action: “Broiler litter, a feedstock we generate freely at the farm, currently stands for 26% of dry matter in our plant’s diet. If we were to reduce the broiler feed with a substitute feedstock, the annual additional cost to the business would be around £20k+,” remarks Susan.

“Importantly, Ncon enables us to use the farm’s available byproduct and still achieve our optimum performance,” adds Susan.

Supplied in digestible bags the product is easy to use. “Around 5 months after commissioning the plant, the gas yield dropped significantly. We quickly determined the knock-on effect caused by our high nitrogen feedstock and dosed 75kg of Ncon for 3 consecutive days, followed by 10kg on a daily basis ever since. Free ammonia levels were reduced and the plant was back on track within days.

Supplied in convenient digestible bags, we simply add one 10kg bag on a daily basis to our digester,” concludes Susan.

Creating a stable biological environment inside an AD plant delivers all round success adds Tim: “It leads to more methane, a faster return on investment and prevents bacterial disasters – no AD operator wants to be faced with having to re-seed and recommission their plant due to biological failure.”

Ynergy will present their success story at an educational event ‘Healthy Bacteria Healthy Profit’* organised by FM BioEnergy, 4 June, National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham.

The free event will help AD operators, consultants and plant developers get to grips with plant biology, including advice on what to monitor and the additives available to help create a healthy plant with optimum gas yields. To register go to http://www.feedsmarketing.co.uk/e vent or T +44 (0) 1275 378384.

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| Spraying

Increased flexibility promised by twin-outlet nozzle body for precision crop spraying & liquid fertilisers A new spraying system developed by Pentair Hypro makes it possible for operators to change from one nozzle to another at the flick of a switch. eing simple and easy to use, it will encourage operators to change between nozzles with different spray characteristics – standard and low drift, for example – while providing a convenient way of switching between pesticide and fertiliser nozzles, and between nozzles of different sizes to cover a wide range of application rates.

“Selecting the right nozzle as the target or conditions dictate is crucial to get the greatest precision and best performance from agrochemical treatments,” emphasises Roger James, Pentair Hypro product manager. “The parameters that determine the best nozzle will change during the spraying day and even within a field – Duo React allows the most common nozzle change-overs to be made with the flick of a switch, increasing the capability of a single sprayline with none of the drawbacks of a twin line set-up.”

What is it?

The Hypro Duo React nozzle body combines a single outlet on one side and a four-way turret on the other in one compact assembly incorporating piston valves of a proven design. An air supply on the sprayer operates the pneumatic valves, so the operator can switch between the turret and the single outlet at any time or use both at the same time using a control in the sprayer cab.

“Duo React allows operators to set out for a day’s spraying with nozzles of different sizes and types to suit different crops, spray targets and application tasks,”

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notes Roger James. “They can be equipped with the best nozzles for particular working situations and conditions, and easily switch between two different types.”

Use in practice – pesticides Switching between a conventional flat fan and a low-drift air-induction nozzle is the most likely scenario for crop spraying applications. Operators can use the conventional flat fan in ideal spraying conditions and then exploit Duo React to switch without any delay to a nozzle like the Hypro Guardian Air for increased drift containment.

“Guardian Air nozzles are ideal for when a breeze gets up or for working close to houses and other sensitive locations when you want to keep drift to a minimum,” says Roger James. “And with the Guardian Air’s three-star LERAP approval, operators on farms with a lot of water courses can reduce the width of the aquatic buffer zone imposed when using certain pesticides.”

Being able to switch between nozzles that spray vertically and those set at an angle will be helpful when moving between crops with different canopy architectures or when applying different pesticide treatments.

For example, changing from cereal fungicides with a Guardian Air nozzle to potato blight sprays with the finer, angled spray of the Hypro VPTech for best canopy penetration and coverage. Nozzle switching is just as convenient when moving from oilseed rape desiccation to an ear wash spray on cereals.

Use in practice – liquid fertiliser Providing a permanent home for a liquid fertiliser dribble bar is the most common reason for spending extra on a second sprayline. But the Duo React provides a simpler and less expensive solution – the dribble bar can be fitted to the single outlet and pesticide nozzles to the four-way turret, with the operator then simply switching between the two as required.

The Duo React body also offers a wide range of application rates by fitting fertiliser caps of different sizes then using them individually or both together – a red (04) and grey (06) Hypro ESI combination provides a five-fold application rate range, for example. At present nozzle switching must be carried out manually but controller manufacturers are expected to develop the necessary software to incorporate and enable automatic switching.

Improved practicality Simplifying the end of spraying rinse-through procedure is another key benefit of Duo React nozzle bodies versus a twin sprayline installation – and a twin line will use at least 40% more water, Roger James points out.

“More importantly, perhaps, the operator using manual rinsing control must remember to flush both lines to prevent potential damage to the next crop sprayed,” he says. “With Duo React bodies on a single line, the procedure is simpler with less chance of error.”

Availability The Duo React system is now being offered as original equipment by a number of sprayer manufacturers, including Sands, Knight, Chafer and Lite-Trac. John Deere has introduced its own version of the system as TwinSelect with single-nozzle manual switching through the GreenStar controller display.

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Fuels

Bumper year for visitors and exhibitors at FPS 2014 As the doors closed at the Harrogate International Centre on 10 April to the 34th oil distribution industry event, FPS EXPO 2014, organisers the FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) recorded an increase in visitor numbers of over 10% on day one and this was also matched by an increase in the number of exhibitors on previous years. ver 118 companies exhibited at this year’s EXPO covering three halls and outside exhibition space with a total floorspace of over 5250 sq. metres.

Exhibitors also gave the thumbs up to this year’s show confirming real business was done with high quality visitors from across the world attending including Republic of Ireland, Poland, Malaysia, Australia, USA, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

Tony Reddington, Manager, National Sales for Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing, comments: “FPS EXPO 2014 was very well attended and, as always, provided an excellent opportunity to network with new and existing wholesale customers. Customer relationships are precious to Phillips 66, and there is no better way to strengthen and enhance those relationships than to meet face to face regularly. The FPS EXPO once again brought everyone together under the same roof, and we were delighted to

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welcome so many of this year’s attendees onto our stand.”

Tony went on to say: “We understand that the energy landscape is changing rapidly and there is a lot of market volatility and uncertainty around the future of UK refining. Phillips 66 is positioned for growth and we believe that we can quickly and confidently capture opportunities based on our ability to offer a longterm commitment to the market, backed by our supply and refining infrastructure.”

“Andy Spencer, Sales and Marketing Director of long standing exhibitor Mechtronic commented: “FPS EXPO 2014 provided an ideal environment for progressive companies to showcase new and existing products and services to high calibre delegates with real buying power.”

Mabanaft’s Martin Cook said: “FPS is a key event in our marketing calendar. We see it as an excellent opportunity to meet with our existing clients and suppliers and to be in front of new

44 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

prospects.”

Peter Millichap, Head of Acquisition Marketing UK, US, MX from Navman Wireless added: “After last year’s success, we were really excited to attend the UK oil distribution industry’s premier event. The FPS EXPO has always presented a great opportunity to meet key industry figures and to launch our new products and services.”

At this year’s show the FPS launched their new training programmes for tanker drivers which sees them offering a complete ‘one stop shop’ driver training service.

FPS Marketing and Events Manager Dawn Shakespeare comments: “The FPS now offers all the training tanker drivers need, including CPC, ADR and PDP training, making it easier and more cost effective for oil distribution companies to ensure their drivers are trained to the highest standard and continue to drive in the safest possible way.”

Commenting on the success of the show Dawn Shakespeare said: “We are pleased with the feedback we have received from visitors and exhibitors. This event is highly regarded both within and outside the industry, and we were pleased to record an increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers for FPS EXPO 2014 and we hope to build on this in 2015 and 2016.”

The show ended with the glittering FPS Awards dinner where FPS President Mark Nolan of Nolan Fuel Oils addressed a packed audience of industry professionals and saw Alex Longman of NWF Fuels, Bangor in Wales win the coveted Driver of the Year Award sponsored by FPS Insurance Manager, OAMPS Petrochemical. The Depot of The Year Award was won by Kinmel Bay a Certas Energy UK Ltd depot.

Mark Nolan commented: “The FPS is proud to have organised another successful EXPO, which is regarded as the highlight of the year for the oil distribution industry.

It comes alongside all the other exciting work we are doing at the moment, for example, we have been working more closely with the Government, including the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), and consumer groups on a range of initiatives, from the Buy Oil Early campaign through to supporting best practice for buying groups. We are also pleased with the response we have received from both

consumers and the Government, especially Energy Minister Michael Fallon on the new FPS Members Code of Practice. This has been favourably accepted by everyone involved and we hope that it strengthens the industry as a whole.

It is important that all members of the FPS feel the federation is addressing the issues which affect them – and we are taking steps to help achieve this, including giving all members the opportunity to share and contribute to the relevant issues at a local level.

In 2014/15 the FPS also hopes to work more closely with oil distributors in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and I am pleased to see the appointment of Nick Hayes, our new FPS Ireland representative.”

Planning has now begun for the 35th FPS EXPO which will again be held at the Harrogate International Centre on 22nd and 23rd April 2015.

For 2016, FPS EXPO is moving to the newly extended ACC, Liverpool and will take place on 20th and 21st April 2016.

Anyone wanting to book a stand for FPS EXPO 2015 or 2016 can contact the FPS on Tel: +44 (0) 1565 631313 or Fax +44 (0) 1565 631314 or e-mail: ds@fpsonline.co.uk or visit the exhibition website www.fpsshow.co.uk

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| Tyres

BKT Row Crop tyre range A selection of tyres with outstanding features as standard.

KT, a major global player amoung the Off-Highway tire manufacturers, offers a complete tire line for row crop applications: Agrimax RT 855, Agrimax RT 945, and Agrimax RT 955. These three products have several outstanding features in common, i.e. high loading capcity, excellent traction and self-cleaning properties, a long tire life as well as remarkable performance on the road when moving from one to another field.

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Agrimax RT 855 is a radial tire designed to ensure high loading capacity and excellent floatation, an essential condition to decrease soil compaction and to preserve soil fertility.

The tread design and the resistant structure guarantee outstanding traction and selfcleaning features in addition to a comfortable drive.

This tire is available in as many as 15 different sizes: 210/95 R 20, 250/85 R 20, R 24 and R 28, 280/85 R 20, R 24 and R 28, 300/85 R 42, 320/85 R 20, R 28, R 32, R 34, R 36 and R 38 and at last 380/85 R 34.

In particular the 85’ series of Agrimax RT 855 has recently come out with a new-generation compound enabling BKT to place an improved product, in terms of cut resistance and product life cycle, on the market.

Agrimax RT 945 has been particularly developed very heavy harvesters and other cultivation machinery. Designed with a narrow tread, the tire allows for moving through the row crops in-line without damaging the roots and reducing soil compaction at the same time. By this way, the yield of the soil is preserved and hence profits of farmimg businesses.

Besides, the structure of the RT 945 tire has been designed to support high speeds during frequent transits on the road. This results in time savings on the one hand maintaining the delicate approach to the soil on the other hand. The following sizes are available: 320/90 R 42, 380/90 R 46, 380/90 R 46, 320/90 R 50, 380/90 R 50 and 320/90 R54.

Also Agrimax RT 955 has been designed for heavy harvesting and tillage machinery. The tire guarantees optimum stability, excellent traction and self-cleaning features, which enable the equipment to pass through the land in shorter times resulting in time and fuel savings. Developed for premium performances and an extended life cycle, Agrimax RT 955 is available on the market in as many as 19 sizes to meet any specific need: 210/95 R 24, R 28, R 32 and R 44, 230/95 R 32, R 36, R 42, R 44 and R 48, 270/95 R 32, R 36, R 38, R 44, R 48 and R 54, 300/85 R 42, 300/95 R 46 and R 52 and not least 340/85 R 48.

More information about this range of tyres can be found at bkt-tyres.com

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Tractors & Tyres

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| Tyres

Trelleborg launches new TPC dealer programme in the UK Trelleborg has officially launched its Trelleborg Professional Centre (TPC) programme in the UK and Ireland. omprising 28 key agricultural tyre specialists, the TPC programme will provide a specialised network of dealers supplying the agricultural tyre market Trelleborg’s complete range of agricultural tyres, as well as exclusive training and comprehensive sales support.

Bruce Lauder, Marketing Manager at Trelleborg Wheel Systems in the UK, says: “Following a stringent process, we selected 28 of our strong UK customer base to become official TPC partners, based on their technical and service capabilities and commitment to providing the agricultural industry with solutions which truly add value for the customer.”

Trelleborg’s new TPC programme ensures customers have access to dedicated services, from advice on tyre size and type, to free

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customised load pressure charts. In addition, the new TPC partners will not only provide free tyre pressure assessments, but promises to extend customers’ tyre warranties by up to seven years in return for operating data records to aid research and development.

“We are delighted that so many of our valued customers have opted to take up the challenge of becoming a TPC partner. We want to help our customers run their farming operations more efficiently and productively. We believe the launch of the TPC programme will further strengthen our ability to do just that,” Lauder continued.

In addition to the launch of the TPC programme, Trelleborg has extended its digital offering with the launch of its new Dealer Locator app. Available for download from the Apple store, Google Play and the Trelleborg

Wheel Systems website, the new app allows tyre customers to find their nearest Trelleborg tyre dealer: http://www.trelleborg.com/en/wheelsystems/UK /Technical-area/Trelleborg-Dealer-Locator/ “We are delighted that so many of our valued customers have opted to take up the challenge of becoming a TPC partner.”

For more information on Trelleborg’s new Trelleborg Professional Centre programme, visit: http://www.trelleborg.com/en/wheelsystems/UK /Products-and-Solutions/TrelleborgProfessional-Centre/

Contact a local operator:

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Cambridge: 01223 835222 Swansea: 01792 310031 Penrith: 01768 210055 May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Sheep

Left to Right: NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker, Secretary of State Owen Paterson amd NSA Chairman John Geldard on Mr Geldard’s farm in the Lyth Valley, Cumbria

CAP issues discussed as NSA spends useful and stimulating day with Secretary of State Owen Paterson

Secretary of State Owen Paterson addresses NSA and industry representatives during a question and answer session at Kendal Auction Market

Moving CAP money up the hill was a major focus for the National Sheep Association (NSA) and Owen Paterson, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Minister spent the day (Thursday 1st May) visiting NSA members and rural businesses near Kendal, Cumbria.

SA facilitated an interesting and stimulating day for Mr Paterson at the gateway to the Lake District, one of the areas of England that will directly benefit from the recent Defra announcement that Pillar One payments on moorland will rise to £56 per hectare from next year, an increase of 90%.

Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says:“NSA is very pleased that Defra has decided to increase the payment to moorland areas and it was a great pleasure to host the Secretary of State in Cumbria so he could meet farmers who will directly benefit from this higher payment. It is all part of moving direct farm payments up the hill, which is something NSA has supported for a long time.

“The shift in this direction provides recognition that farms in less favoured areas provide a whole raft of public goods alongside the core activity of food production. We would have liked to see more progress in this area, with payments being targeted to land where active grazing and farming activity is being

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carried out, but it is definitely a step in the right direction.”

The lift in moorland payments cannot detract from the general downward pressure on direct payments (Pillar One) and so NSA also saw the day with Mr Paterson as opportunity to talk about Pillar Two and the Rural Development Progamme for England (RDPE). The emphasis was on ensuring this pot of money is targeted at farmers to increase productivity and competitiveness, while also improving resource efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. NSA has developed the concept of an animal health scheme under Pillar Two that does just that, by financially incentivising sheep farmers to tackle endemic disease relevant to their individual farming business, therefore reducing losses and producing more food with less inputs.

Mr Stocker explains: “We acknowledge the animal health budget within RDPE is insufficient to fund this scheme on a major scale, but we strongly believe it is justifiable to talk about reassessment of priorities within Pillar Two and

a more equal balance between environmental projects and resource efficiency within food production systems. After all, it’s still a Common Agricultural Policy not a Common Environmental Policy.

We think 5% tolerance is entirely appropriate when you look at the level of risk and the capability of the equipment and systems we have.

“I think Mr Paterson appreciates NSA’s stance on this issue and the importance of not forgetting the vital role livestock farms play in economic activity and feeding the nation as well as further improving our iconic landscapes and environments. There is a lot of common ground between us when we talk about production, profitability and environmental enhancement running hand in hand.”

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| Sheep farmer for Mr Paterson’s trip, says: “The Secretary of State must be congratulated for his strong convictions and clear vision that agriculture is a vital part of our country’s economy. But for us to continue to grow our export market we must see a relaxation of the TSEs rules that devalue British lamb by giving the impression that we split carcases in the UK because of disease presence. There is no evidence of risk and the continuing need to split carcases of old season lambs adds unnecessary cost and reduces export potential.

“With the world population growing we also need to increase output. We have seen some recovery of the UK breeding flock but long-term

sustainability or growth will only be possible if common sense is introduced into our burdensome sheep identification rules. Mr Paterson picked this up very strongly and even asked us what tolerance we would like introduced. We think 5% tolerance is entirely appropriate when you look at the level of risk and the capability of the equipment and systems we have.

“Now is a time of opportunity and it was very heartening to meet with the Secretary of State and find common ground when discussing the huge potential within the sheep sector.”

Don’t get careless over liver fluke

to develop into adults in the bile ducts. Heavy infections can lead to sheep deaths after 4-8 weeks, due to haemorrhage and destruction of the liver. Ingestion of smaller numbers means fewer deaths but sheep that are unhealthy and fail to thrive.

Heather warns that the bad memories may have faded but if we get another wet summer we could find ourselves in another battle.

“If it rains a lot this summer fluke eggs passed in dung at this time of year will end up as infectious cysts on the autumn grazing,” she says. “Since the weather can’t be accurately predicted it is better to be safe than sorry and the May/June period is a good time to treat sheep in order to break the fluke cycle.”

It is recommended that dung samples are collected and checked for fluke eggs to find out if treatment is required. Treatment should be targeted at killing adult fluke so products aimed at juvenile flukes, like those containing triclabendazole, are not recommended at this time of year. The exception to this rule is when testing is being carried out to find out if triclabendazole is working properly on your farm. This is valuable information to have as it will guide product choice in the autumn.

For more information contact Heather Stevenson on 01387 267260 or email heather.stevenson@sac.co.uk

Other topics discussed The Secretary of State spoke very passionately about the role of agriculture and rural businesses in strengthening the UK economy and, in order to reward good practice, he wanted the Government to be able to step away from bureaucracy and allow businesses to move forward. This view dovetails perfectly with two issues that are very important to NSA – driving supply chain efficiencies and ensuring burdensome regulation does not force farmers out of sheep production – two issues that Mr Paterson picked up strongly during his visit.

John Geldard, NSA Chairman and host

SRUC urges farmers to treat now to reduce disease threat. ets from Scotland’s Rural College warn sheep farmers that while liver fluke epidemics may have failed to hit the headlines during this recent winter, they have not disappeared and should not be forgotten. The disaster of the wet summer and winter of 2012/13 and the devastation the parasites caused for sheep health in both traditional fluke areas and others previously untouched may not have been repeated this year, but there is no cause for flockmasters to lower their guard.

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“If it rains a lot this summer fluke eggs passed in dung at this time of year will end up as infectious cysts on the autumn grazing,” According to Dumfries-based Vet Heather Stevenson from the SAC Consulting arm of SRUC there are two reasons why liver fluke was less reported:

“The very welcome drier summer of 2013 put the brakes on fluke development. There were fewer wet areas for the mud snail that hosts the fluke during part of its life cycle and this in turn meant there were fewer numbers of infectious cysts on the autumn grass for sheep to ingest.

In addition the increased awareness of fluke encouraged farmers to treat their stock for fluke and reduced losses.”

Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) is a parasite of sheep and cattle, but can also infect other mammals including horses, deer, goats, camels and llamas. Adult fluke in the liver produce large numbers of eggs which are excreted in faeces. The hatching fluke then penetrate a mud snail (Galba truncatula) where they develop and multiply for several weeks. On leaving the snail they form the infectious cysts which are found stuck to vegetation in greatest numbers during autumn.

Wet summers suit the mud snail host and lead to higher numbers of infectious cysts on the autumn grass. After ingestion the fluke migrate through the liver, taking 10 -12 weeks

Sheep shearing history at Royal Bath & West Show Sheep shearing history will be made at this year’s Royal Bath & West Show, with the winner of the inaugural event returning to cheer on the 50th Golden Shears Open champion. an (Scotty) Stewart, who won the first Golden Shears Open event at the show in 1964, has competed all over the globe, and says that competition shearing has done much to raise the overall standard of sheep shearing.

“Good clean shearing, without damage to sheep or wool, remains the first and overriding priority,” he says. “Speed is only a bonus when the quality is there.”

Around 150 shearers will compete for the top prize, with the show featuring shearing and wool spinning demonstrations, all grades of shearing and the professional pinnacle - the Golden Shears Open and the English National Competitions. Each year around 1500 sheep are shorn at the show, with many professionals taking less than 45 seconds per animal.

When Ian first won the competition, the prize money was an astonishing £100; 10 times the average weekly wage. But while the prize fund may have diminished in real terms over the past 50 years, the prestige of winning the Golden Shears championship remains as great as ever.

Today, many shearers follow in the same

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footsteps as Ian, travelling between New Zealand and the UK to meet the seasonal demand. Born in Scotland in 1937, Ian emigrated to New Zealand with his family at the age of 16. First working as a shepherd and woolhandler, he turned to shearing in 1960.

Returning to the UK in 1961 – the year of the first Golden Shears competition in New Zealand - he worked in shearing across the UK, and won the inaugural Golden Shears competition at the Bath & West Show in Swindon in 1964, when it was still a travelling show.

“The wet weather was my most vivid memory, with the judges in white coats and wellington boots,” he says. Taffy Evans was placed in second, with 1965 winner Les Ramsdon in third. Bob Chamberlain, then president of the Golden Shears in Masterton, New Zealand, also attended, and remembers: “A very successful venture dampened only by the atrocious weather just prior to and during the show.”

During his shearing life in New Zealand, Ian has been a tireless worker for Golden Shears, Masterton since it began. He was chief referee

at Golden Shears NZ for over 20 years – during which time the event became a national sensation, eventually leading to the second World Championships in 1980, following the inaugural World Championship at the Bath & West Show in 1977. He was also vice-president of Golden Shears in the early 1990s, and was clerk of works in charge of transforming two historic woolsheds into the Shear Discovery Museum in Masterton.

Ian returned to Royal Bath & West Show as a judge in 1984 and 1992 for the Golden Shears World Championships, held at Shepton Mallet, and is once again looking forward to his return this year. “Shearing standards have improved so much over the past 50 years, and the competition is a lot more difficult to win now,” he says. “Competition shearing has improved the standard of general shearing worldwide, which ultimately benefits the fleece and sheep, which is what it’s really all about.”

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Machinery

Eight new Landini tractors in one go for major south-east England fruit grower A move by fruit machinery specialist Horsepower UK to more spacious and better equipped premises coincided with the hand-over of eight new Landini tractors to one of the country’s leading top- and soft-fruit growers. t’s the fifth order in seven years that F W Mansfield & Son has placed with Horsepower as it has expanded operations in Kent. Landini Mistral and Rex models now make up a quarter of the fruit grower’s 100strong tractor fleet.

“We’re growing top-quality fruit on 3500 acres across 17 sites from Ash to Rainham and need reliable tractors to the right specification,” notes Craig Rook, farms manager.

“The Landini Rex and Mistral tractors match the power requirements of the machinery we operate, and they fit our growing structures and systems in terms of height and width.

“We also need good service back-up to maintain them,” he adds. “Our association with Landini and Horsepower ensures we get that in a way that helps us manage the fleet effectively.”

Fruit is a major enterprise for Mansfields – the company grows apples, pears, plums, cherries and strawberries, and recently

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established a new apricot orchard.

“It will be interesting to see how we get on growing apricots, because they flower in February/March, when it can be frosty here, of course,” says Craig Rook. “But the prospects look good for high yields of good quality fruit, which will give us another line to supply our supermarket customers.”

The new Landini tractors that joined the existing fleet this spring will play a major role: the 92hp Rex 100F and 110hp 120F cab tractors will handle spraying work to protect fruit crops from pest and disease attacks, while the half dozen 47hp Mistral tractors will join the harvesting teams.

They will haul ‘fruit trains’ through the orchards from September to November before being put to lighter duties such as mowing and spraying for weed control.

The Rex and Mistral tractors are worked hard, clocking up more than 1200 hours a year, so they have to be durable and capable of

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putting down their power effectively.

“Four-wheel drive is essential for pulling the four-trailer fruit trains without causing any damage but the tractors must also be comfortable and easy to drive,” notes Craig Rook. “I don’t get any complaints or adverse comments from drivers about either the Rex or the Mistral, just compliments really.”

Mansfields mainly operate the Rex ‘F’ orchard version – including the 110hp Rex 120F which is the most powerful mechanical transmission fruit tractor available.

But the extra-narrow Rex ‘V’ also has a place because at just 1m wide it can work in table-top strawberry polytunnels without coming into contact with the overhanging fruit.

All running costs, including repairs and routine servicing, are recorded individually to ensure the fleet as a whole operates costeffectively, and the Landini tractors come with an extended three-year warranty and fixed price servicing package.

That allows accurate cost forecasting, with Horsepower providing emailed reports on any additional work needed plus updates on service schedules to help Craig Rook keep his finger on the pulse.

“The Landini Rex and Mistral tractors match the power requirements of the machinery we operate” “The regular communication and attention to detail we get from Horsepower is a big help in managing the fleet, which is widely dispersed across our units,” he says. “Together with the response we get to a call for urgent repairs, that level of service is essential for a large-scale operation like ours.

“We’re delighted with the Landini product,” Mr Rook adds.

“It’s a well-built tractor that’s tough for its size, and we’re delighted with the people at Horsepower who look after them.”

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| Buildings

Contact your local representative: Cambridge Derby Luton

(01223) 835222 (01332) 205000 (01582) 597050

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Penrith Preston Swansea

(01768) 210055 (01772) 620111 (01792) 310031

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Machinery

Hire fleet operator Hawk to run new McCormick X7 Pro Drive tractors Farmers and contractors using a nationwide hire service will be among the first to drive the latest McCormick tractor design. awk Tractors – part of the £70 million Hawk Group based at Prees Green, near Whitchurch, Shropshire – will run 10 of the all-new McCormick X7 Pro Drive tractors in its fleet this year.

“We run several makes within our fleet of more than 270 tractors to suit different customer needs but our longest working relationship by far is with the McCormick range,” says Hawk director, John Smith. “Over the years, they have provided our regular customers with reliable, easy-to-use machines, so I’m delighted that Hawk will have the new McCormick X7 Pro Drive available for hire.”

The first McCormick X7 Pro Drive tractors in Britain have just been delivered as dealer demonstrators. They will be followed by the Hawk consignment of 10 six-cylinder tractors powered by a fuel-efficient 6.7-litre engine from leading

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agricultural diesel maker FPT Industrial.

The ‘unstressed’ engine is housed in a heavy cast chassis and is tuned for the X7.660 Pro Drive being operated by Hawk with rated power output of 151hp and 165hp maximum for draft work, such as cultivating and ploughing.

Up to 175hp is available when the Power Plus ‘boost’ feature automatically engages for ptodriven implements and road travel.

The top model in the X7 Pro Drive range is rated at 175hp, with 188hp draft work output and 212hp for pto and transport. There are also four-cylinder versions with rated speed outputs starting at 131hp, climbing to 175hp max.

Using Hawk’s hire service for seasonal workloads is an economical way of getting a modern, up-to-date tractor for key periods onto arable and livestock farms, says John Smith. It avoids a big capital outlay and routine servicing is included in the rental

52 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

charge, which qualifies as a taxefficient business expense.

The tractors are prepared, supplied and serviced locally by established McCormick dealers who treat Hawk customers as their own, he adds.

“That’s crucial to the success of our nationwide hire operation, which places tractors on farms for a few weeks – for silage-making or autumn cultivations and drilling – or for several months to expand a fleet for high seasonal workloads, such as the potato harvest.

“The McCormick tractors suit us and our customers – some of them

won’t have anything except a McCormick!” adds John Smith.

“The McCormick X7 Pro Drive ticks all the boxes as a tractor with the modern controls and features that most drivers expect these days but without being too complicated to put a seasonal employee or someone relatively inexperienced in the seat.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

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May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 53

| ATV

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| Machinery

Hi-Lift® Jacks: Trusted in Lifting, Winching and Spreading With an over 100 year history and dozens of jacks and accessories making up the range; Hi-Lift® is arguably the most trusted, tried and tested brand of jacking equipment on the market. nly Hi-Lift Jacks® are made with a two-piece handle and socket design that is built for extended life. Cheaper imitations use a one-piece design that bends easily if lateral pressure is applied while lifting a load.

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Arbil will be exhibiting at this year Cereals event. See them on stand I-9329 Three types of jack, available in 36, 42, 48 & 60 inch variations from the UK exclusive distributor Arbil, have dominated the jacking market place due to their quality

and durability for over 100 years.

The jacking options include: the All Cast Jack, which is the only jack in the world which is manufactured to be all cast. This jack has a rated load capacity of 2113kg, with its popular 48 inch version retailing for around £80 Inc Vat. Identical in capacities to the All-Cast Jack, is the Cast & Steel Jack.

The only difference with this jack is it is part forged with steel, offering a more economical version of the All-Cast. The 48 inch version of this jack retails for around £75 Inc VAT. Finally is the Xtreme range of Jacks; these boast all the same

qualities as the other two, but also have the added feature of an enhanced winch clamp spreader attachment, which is rated to 2267kg, making this jack ideal for moving and winching heavy loads.

The Xtreme Jack retails for £120 Inc VAT. Along with the Hi-Lift® jacking range, also comes a line of accessories. These include: the Lift Mate, an attachment to the jack to lift directly from steel or alloy wheels (ideal for use with Tractor tyres), the Off-Road base, which is designed for use when jacking on uneven ground and then the SlideN-Lock, which is the official HiLift® mounting bracket for

There’s no stopping the Scrubmaster Where dense brush & scrub need clearing the Wessex Scrubmaster rotary slasher has been described as unstoppable. our heavy duty reversible blades mounted on a hardened steel plate do the slashing with over two thousand one ton impact cuts per minute. Dense vegetation stands no chance while the heavy gauge steel tailgates contain debris beneath the machine to give it a thorough mulching and for manoeuvring without lifting there is an optional rear castoring wheel.

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The Scrubmaster has adjustable side skids positioned so that the working width is only marginally less than the overall width, allowing the machine to cut close to trees in plantations. A fully floating headstock allows it to be dragged across rough ground with minimal stress to the frame and a heavy galvanized chain takes the strain of lifting.

Tough is a mild description for

this machine which is even tougher now than when it was first introduced over fifty years ago. A testimony to its durability, say Wessex, is the fact that spares for thirty year old Scrubmasters are still being ordered today. It comes then as no surprise that more and more of these machines can be found at work in woodlands and forests throughout the UK and across Europe.

attaching any size or type of Hi-Lift® Jack to a vehicle.

Arbil will be exhibiting at this year Cereals event, where the full range of Hi-Lift® products will be on display, along with show offers on both the HiLift® range and WARN® line of winches. Visit Arbil on stand I-932-9.

For more information on the Arbil product ranges, simply visit: www. arbil.co.uk/4x4/ or call 0845 600 4556.

The Scrubmaster can be ordered with either blade or chain cutters. Blades are ideal for cutting wood material, grass and weed growth. Chains are recommended where there is a likelihood of tree stumps and large stones which could damage blades. The drive is transmitted via a friction plate clutch to the heavy-duty gearbox which has hardened bevel gears running in an oil bath for smooth operation. To round it off, the cutter assembly is welded on a tapered hub which locks onto the gearbox output shaft.

More info: Wessex International: 01264 345870 www.wessexintl.com

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 55

| Security

FUW helps tackle farm crime in Gwent Gwent's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Ian Johnston has met farmers and Gwent Police’s Farm Watch coordinator to hear first-hand how an online messaging system he supports has helped reduce farm crime by over 27 per cent in just five months. r Johnston met Farmers' Union of Wales member Howard Vicary and other local farmers on Mr Vicary’s farm in Crumlin that has been repeatedly targeted by thieves - to find out more about the Online Watch Link (OWL) system helping to combat farm crime.

OWL sends out targeted messages via email, phone or

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SMS alerts about crimes and problems to members like Mr Vicary who have signed up in communities throughout Gwent.

Between September 2013 and January 2014, Gwent Police Farm Watch coordinator CSO Allan Mills has helped increase Farm Watch membership using OWL from 300 to nearly 800 members.

Intelligence gained from the public via Farm watch has helped Gwent

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Police catch a series of criminals involved in farm and rural-related crime ranging from firearm crimes, crimes against animals to the theft of farm machinery, fuel and metal.

The system enables local policing unit commanders to have a joined up approach regarding suspects across Gwent.

FUW's Gwent county branch has played a pivotal role in this success story, with county administrative assistant Helen Thomas actively involved by registering new members and keeping records on OWL up-todate.

FUW county executive officer Glyn Davies and county chairman Chris Lewis are proud of the fact that the union has been able to assist in achieving such tremendous results and feel OWL gives farmers and other rural people a system to help police reduce crime further and give a greater sense of security.

Since September 2013, CSO Mills has worked full time as the Gwent Farm Watch coordinator.

He said: “Farmers are a special group as they are a bit isolated and hard to reach, but OWL helps break down those barriers and helps us coordinate policing with them.

“It’s the way I communicate with all farmers quickly and I receive regular intelligence about suspicious activity which I wouldn’t have otherwise. The system has enabled us to have a more coordinated approach to tackling farm crime in rural Gwent and allows us to gather vital information to share with the local policing unit commanders.

"The increase in membership means that we’ve got hundreds of extra pairs of eyes and ears out there in the farming community and the farmers now feel they are getting a better service by having instant access to us.”

Mr Johnston said: “The passion of Allan Mills and the other police officers working to enhance relationships with the farming community can’t be denied and I would like to thank all those people making this work because it’s making a big difference.

"Gwent utilises OWL brilliantly as a whole and we now have over 37,000 members registered across all the watches. It’s a great example of police working with partners and members of the community to achieve common goal - to make Gwent a safer place.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

Second FAB awards launched RIDBA has kicked off the second Farm and Agricultural (FAB) awards. ollowing the success of the first-ever Farm and Agricultural Buildings (FAB) awards last year, RIDBA (the Rural and Industrial Design and Buildings Association) is holding a second event in 2015.

Entries are now being invited in an enhanced scheme which sees the potential for award wins being extended to farm buildings of different sizes and for non-agricultural use as well as to light industrial buildings.

As well as an overall first, second and third prize there will now also be awards for working farm buildings below and above 250m2, buildings changed for diversification, equestrian buildings and the most unusual building.

The FAB awards aim to recognise and rewards contractors and clients who have taken the time and effort to ensure their new farm buildings are sympathetic to and even complement the local landscape, while ensuring they are fit for purpose and have been designed with sustainability in mind.

Entries in all categories are judged on three criteria, with 50% of the marks being allocated for aesthetics/design, 30% for functionality/fit for purpose, and 20% for sustainability.

Supplied by a RIDBA corporate member, typically a contractor or fabricator of steel or timber framed buildings, the building must be a working one and completed between April 2013 and December 2014.

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Cross Lanes organic farm shop – winner of the inaugural FAB awards

Winners will be announced at a gala presentation dinner, attended last year by Kate Humble, at the Royal York Hotel in York on Friday 24th April 2015 following the organisation’s AGM. Sponsorships are available to supplement last year’s sponsors who are supporting again this year - Marley Eternit, Wedge Galvanising,

Kingspan Insulated Panels, Brett Martin Daylight Systems and Steadman’s.

RIDBA’s 200+ members comprise contractors, designers, colleges, surveyors, land agents, planners, manufacturers and clients. The organisation campaigns on their behalf in the fields of good practice, health and safety and new legislation.

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Motors

Contact your nearest participating dealer...

Balmer Lawn Suzuki 2-4 Sea Road Burton on Sea New Milton Hampshire BH25 7NE 01425 610641 www.balmerlawngroup.co.uk

D.H. Wadsworth & Sons 28 Derwent Road, York Road Industrial Estate, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6YB 01653 692244 www.wadsworthquads.co.uk

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D.H. Wadsworth & Sons 204 Barnsley Road, Flockton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4AB 01924 840319 www.wadsworthquads.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Suzuki continues support Polaris delivers for NFU for Worker of the Year President Suzuki GB is delighted to announce its continued support of the Dickies UK Worker of the Year competition, with this year's winner given the choice of a new KingQuad 750, a V-Strom 1000 adventure motorcycle or the SX4 S-Cross car, as the prize. he UK Worker of the Year competition is run to recognise and reward the hardest workers of the UK for their drive, ambition and commitment to their job.

Last year's winner, Judi James, won after being selected for her outstanding work in the agricultural industry.

George Cheeseman, Suzuki GB ATV Sales and Marketing Manager, comments, "We're very excited to be co-sponsoring UK Worker of the Year for a second year running. It was fantastic to see a worker from the agricultural industry win the competition last year, and we're looking forward to seeing many more entries from the industry again this year."

Maurice Morton, Sales and Marketing Director at Dickies,

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adds, "With Suzuki's involvement with UK Worker of the Year, it worked ideally for everyone concerned. Given the on-going uncertainty that the country faces economically, a feel-good initiative of this type is more important than ever to remind our nation's workforce that they have much to be proud of and look forward to.

Our exciting changes to this year's competition keep the UK WOTY competition's on-going wow factor firmly in place."

The winner will be announced on 18th October 2014 at the final round of the British Superbike on the Brands Hatch GP circuit.

The competition is now live with entry available via the website until 5th September 2014 at www.ukworkeroftheyear.com

Yamaha Viking invades Ernest Doe in Albourne have supplied a Yamaha Viking to a local farmer and contractor after superior performance and practicality defeated the competition. he latest side by side utility vehicle from Yamaha proved too strong for the overweight diesel competition with performance being cited as a primary reason for the customer switching to Yamaha. The practicality of being able to load a Euro pallet into the rear bed is also a great benefit for commercial operators.

Phil Bush of Ernest Doe’s in Albourne was delighted with the sale which was also the first retail Viking sale for Yamaha: “The Viking has been impressing our customers since we received delivery earlier this year. The performance of the 700cc single cylinder engine and the huge rear load bed are exactly what people want from a utility vehicle, so we knew it wouldn’t be long before we got a sale. We are delighted that this is the first in the UK and we are sure it won’t be the last.”

Phil’s local customer manages a farm an equine

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business and an equestrian contracting business which includes a shoot. With some difficult terrain to get across and plenty of shooting equipment to move around, the Viking is the perfect off road tool to help with the smooth running of the site.

Rupert Archer Smith, National Product Manager for Yamaha explains some of the benefits the Viking offers over the competition: “The Viking has redefined the side by side category, offering superior performance, practicality and quality to farmers, commercial operators and leisure users. Fully loaded with switchable two wheel drive, four wheel drive and diff lock, as well as the strongest CVT drive in the industry, the Viking offers functionality and durability that the competition can’t match.”

The Yamaha Viking is available in Green, Red and Camo from your local Yamaha dealer.

Recently elected NFU President Meurig Raymond has taken delivery of a new Polaris Ranger 400, replacing the one he has been working with for the past three years. he UTV is being used on the family farm in Pembrokeshire. Meurig and his twin brother Mansel took control of the business when they were 18 and have grown it from about 300 acres to today’s 3,400 acres in total, running it with their wives, Meurig’s eldest son Paul, nephew Nigel and sixteen full time staff.

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Any NFU member purchasing a new Polaris can take advantage of the special Polaris 5% discount scheme run in conjunction with the NFU. The farm comprises around 2,200 acres of combinable crops including winter wheat, winter barley and oilseed rape and 320 acres of potatoes. The livestock side of the business is where the Ranger is primarily used. They buy in 2,000 store lambs from Sennybridge market around November time and fatten them on green crops grown in rotation with arable crops. They milk 620 cows in two dairy herds and have a year-round calving pattern with 300 dairy followers.

“The Polaris is part of our family scene,” Meurig says, “it’s in constant use by my son and the stockmen for checking on the animals, moving feed around and

doing repair work to fences across the farm. The previous Ranger was highly reliable and the new one is proving to be very fuel-efficient. I can’t speak too highly of the Polaris and the service we’ve received. It delivers in every way on the farm.”

He describes the Ranger as a great carrier and particularly likes the suspension and on-demand all-wheel drive, the way it doesn’t track or sink travelling across the fields, its light weight minimising any damage on the land. They had previously used a quad or fork lift for moving feed around but find working with the side by side much more versatile. The new Ranger 400 was supplied by Polaris dealers Dalton’s ATVs of Lampeter who, says Meurig, provide a great service with people always in the area to regularly update on the hours of use as part of the service contract.

To help keep the driver and machine cleaner, Daltons fitted the Ranger with a front and rear infill mud protection kit, which is also a benefit for servicing. Any NFU member purchasing a new Polaris can take advantage of the special Polaris 5% discount scheme run in conjunction with the NFU. For more information contact Polaris Britain on 0800 915 6720 or visit www.polaris-britain.com

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Motors

The limited edition Amarok Canyon.

Virtually unlimited extras.

Our new limited edition Amarok Canyon comes packed with extra spec including, 19-inch ‘Cantera’ alloys, RNS 510 satellite navigation with Bluetooth and a 6-inch colour touchscreen, heated leather seats, front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass, load area with protective coating and high-gloss black side styling bars and rear bumper. There’s also an optional light bar with four round headlamps. Drive away a Amarok Canyon for just £29,855,* powered by a top of the range 2.0 litre BiTDI 180 PS engine, and in a distinctive choice of copper orange, reflex silver or deep black.

So to see the Amarok Canyon and its load of extras, drop by our showroom. But make it soon as there are only 350 models available in the UK.

anyon C k o r a m The new A now. available

*On the road price excluding VAT.

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| Motors

Alan Day Van Centre Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London.

Telephone: 020 8920 4000.

South Hereford Van Centre Centurion Way, Roman Road, Hereford, Herefordshire.

Telephone: 01432 509 223.

Find us on your sat-nav using N11 3UT.

Find us on your sat-nav using HR1 1LQ.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/alandaynewsouthgate

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/southhereford

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston)

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Telephone: 01743 600 031.

Find us on your sat-nav using SY1 3TL.

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton.

Telephone: 01902 546 561.

JCT600 Van Centre (York) Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York.

Telephone: 01904 848 302.

Find us on your sat-nav using WV14 7EF.

Find us on your sat-nav using YO30 4WW.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/bilston

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600York

Listers (Coventry) Van Centre

Listers (Worcester) Van Centre

347-367 Bedworth Road, Longford, Coventry, West Midlands.

Telephone: 02476 644 747.

157 Bromyard Road, St Johns, Worcester, Worcestershire.

Telephone: 08433 208 285.

Find us on your sat-nav using HU13 9PB.

Find us on your sat-nav using CV6 6BN.

Find us on your sat-nav using WR2 5EA.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600Hull

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/listerscoventry

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/listersworcester

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/greenhous

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull) Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, Hull, East Yorkshire.

Telephone: 01482 908 520.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Motors

New Jeep Cherokee prices announced Pricing for the new Jeep Cherokee has just been announced by Fiat Group Automobiles UK as order books for the midsize SUV open this week.

nd with a starting price of just £25,495 OTR for the front-wheel drive 2.0-litre Longitude 140 6-speed, the new car, which goes on sale in the UK in June, represents outstanding value for money.

At the top end of the completely revised Cherokee range, the highly specified 2.0-litre Limited 170 Automatic 4x4 version costs £35,695 OTR, and features BiXenon headlamps, power tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, eight-way power driver’s seat, front and rear park assist with back-up camera, automatic headlights and rain sensors, Wireless Phone Charging pad, and keyless Enter ‘n’ Go, among other equipment, as standard.

Available initially with a choice of two 2.0-litre MultiJet 2 diesel engines – with 140bhp or 170bhp

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power outputs – the Cherokee range will be expanded to include a 3.2-litre V6 petrol Trailhawk variant later in the year.

The new SUV comes in a simplified line-up of Longitude, Longitude+ and Limited specifications. Standard equipment in the well-equipped entry-level Longitude includes body-coloured door mirrors, LED tail lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth, DAB radio, leatherwrapped steering wheel and rear park assist.

Longitude+ adds a Uconnect media centre with 8.4-inch touch screen, satellite navigation with Bluetooth voice recognition, and nine speakers with Alpine subwoofer.

A trail-rated Trailhawk version will also be available in late 2014, offering best-in-class off-road capability, with a distinctive look,

suspension lift and special off-road equipment including Jeep’s Active Drive Lock system, along with a host of other standard equipment.

“Cherokee has always been – and still is – an important car in the Jeep line-up, and we’re delighted now to be able to reveal the highly competitive prices of this stunning latest version,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. “It is up against some tough competition in its sector but Jeep

On sale in the UK in June, and representing outstanding value for money. is the original ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ brand, and we are confident that we can offer an attractive package at exceptional value-for-money prices to keep it at the front of our potential customers’ minds.”

On the road pricing (OTR) for the range is as follows: Cherokee 2.0 Longitude 140 6 Speed Manual FWD Cherokee 2.0 Longitude 140 6 Speed Manual 4X4 Cherokee 2.0 Longitude 170 Automatic 4X4 Cherokee 2.0 Longitude Plus 140 6 Speed Manual FWD Cherokee 2.0 Longitude Plus 140 6 Speed 4X4 Cherokee 2.0 Longitude Plus 170 Automatic 4X4 Cherokee 2.0 Limited 140 6 Speed Manual FWD Cherokee 2.0 Limited 140 6 Speed Manual 4X4 Cherokee 2.0 Limited 170 Automatic 4X4

£25,495 £27,495 £29,995 £27,695 £29,695 £32,195 £31,195 £33,195 £35,695

Lexus’s new compact crossover: Lexus NX Lexus has issued the first pictures and further details of the new NX, a sharply styled compact premium crossover which made its world debut at the Beijing motor show. he NX will mark Lexus’s entry into the mid-size crossover/SUV market and targets customers new to the brand with sharp, edgy styling. Both in terms of its striking design and its use of high-end technologies, it will stand as a hero model, setting new standards for future Lexus models.

Three powertrains will feature in the NX range: a highly efficient petrol-electric hybrid in the NX 300h; a Lexus-first 2.0-litre petrol turbo in the NX 200t; and a naturally aspirated petrol unit in the NX 200. Each will offer the choice of front and all-wheel drive. UK powertrain line-up will be confirmed in the near future.

The vehicle will be going on sale towards the end of this year.

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| Motors

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| Motors

MRG Chippenham Wiltshire Tel: 01249 443300 www.mgrcars.co.uk

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GMD Subaru County Durham 0191 3841925

www.gmdcarsales.co.uk

S & S Services South Ayrshire Tel: 01292 880080/880440 www.sandsservices.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Nissan announces prices for all new X-Trail Nissan has announced full pricing and specifications for the all-new X-Trail – the stylish and dynamic model that will reaffirm the brand’s command of the crossover segment when it arrives in UK showrooms this July. porting sleek and modern looks and incorporating a suite of in-class technology firsts, the all-new X-Trail builds on the dependable and accomplished reputation of its predecessor while redefining the compact SUV and further strengthening the Nissan crossover family.

A highly competitive and flexible pricing structure has been developed to ensure the latest iteration appeals in equal measure to both the loyal army of X-Trail devotees and conquest customers.

Prices start from just £22,995 for the entrylevel five-seat 2WD Visia, which is £2,600 less than its predecessor, making all-new X-Trail and high-end crossover ownership more accessible than ever. Meanwhile, the five-seat 2WD Acenta, expected to be the most popular model in the range, costs just £24,795 - £800 less than the outgoing entry level Acenta.

Four equipment-packed grades: exceptional flexibility From launch, the all-new X-Trail will be available in four familiar grades – Visia, Acenta, n-tec and Tekna – giving buyers exceptional flexibility to choose a model that best suits their lifestyle and their budget.

But Nissan’s relentless drive for quality ensures the whole range is without compromise. The use of premium materials throughout means each variant has a high quality, luxurious feel and generous equipment levels enhance this further.

Priced from £22,995, Visia models sport stylish 17” alloy wheels and are given further kerb appeal with an eye-catching signature strip of LED daytime running lights.

Inside, an array of technological features including Bluetooth connectivity and an MP3 compatible sound system with AUX-IN, air conditioning, heated door mirrors, follow-mehome lighting and an electric parking brake are also among the equipment included as standard.

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The all-new X-Trail features one of the most advanced meter displays yet seen, with 5 inch TFT colour display incorporating 12 graphic displays accessible on rotation offering advice and warnings including average and actual speeds, navigation turn-by-turn instructions, audio content, traffic sign recognition, eco driving advice and torque distribution settings in 4WD mode.

Moving up through the range the Acenta, priced from £24,795, adds privacy glass, dual zone climate control, electric folding mirrors, a power sunroof, automatic lights and wipers and front and rear parking sensors to the lengthy equipment list.

Both the Visia and Acenta models come with the option of a Smart Vision Pack that adds many of the most desirable driver aids and safety enhancements in one convenient and affordable package. Priced at £495, the Visia Smart Vision Pack adds automatic lights, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition and front and rear parking sensors to the standard equipment. Meanwhile, the Acenta Smart Vision Pack, which costs £450, adds High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking and Traffic Sign Recognition to the standard specs.

Buyers choosing the n-tec, which starts at £27,295, get everything included on the Acenta with Smart Vision Pack plus a wealth of additional goodies including 19” alloys, intelligent i-Key locking with push-button ignition, DAB radio, roof rails, power tailgate, Around View Monitor giving 360-degree view around the car and the latest generation NissanConnect system with smartphone integration and built-in apps.

Meanwhile, the range-topping Tekna, which is priced from £29,295, adds even more luxury and technology, including Bi-LED headlamps, heated leather seats and an electric driver’s seat with lumbar support. A number of additional safety features such as a Blind Spot

Warning and Driver Attention Alert are also included, as is Nissan’s ingenious Park Assist automatic parking feature.

Powerful and Refined. Comfortable and Capable Beneath the bonnet Nissan’s powerful yet frugal 1.6dCi 131PS engine delivers an abundance of torque (320 Nm) and excellent refinement at all speeds, making the all-new XTrail equally at home on and off the beaten path – dual qualities that contributed to the outstanding success of its predecessor.

Nissan’s relentless drive for quality ensures the whole range is without compromise.

Acenta, n-tec and Tekna variants are available in a choice of two and four-wheeldrive forms, and are available with Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT transmission. The 4WD variants gain the latest generation of the ALL MODE 4x4-i system.

In 2WD manual guise, all-new X-Trail offers emissions of 129g/km CO2 and impressive economy returns of up to 57.6 mpg (combined cycle).

Intelligent interior offers ultimate flexibility: Taking flexibility to the next level, every variant of the all-new X-Trail is available with a choice of five or seven seats. The added convenience that comes with a third row of seats adds just £700 to the price of the five-seat equivalent.

Either way, Nissan’s intelligent interior design makes the most of the new X-Trail’s increased dimensions and incorporates a raked theatre seating layout to ensure every passenger has a great view out and class-leading legroom.

A clever sliding and reclining function allows owners to adapt the luggage space and comfort to their needs. The optional third row seats have a double fold function that allows them to be folded completely flat.

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Motors

SsangYong launches PCPs & guarantees final values SsangYong Motor UK is introducing a new PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) programme for private customers, and guaranteeing the final values of cars after three years. he programme, which is being administered by SsangYong’s finance provider GMAC, offers purchasers realistic deposits and highly competitive monthly payments, and is available on the Korando crossover, Rexton W 4x4 and seven-seat Turismo MPV. Welcoming the initiative, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, Paul Williams said: “We already have a considerable price advantage over the competition for each and every car in our range, and now with guaranteed final values, we can introduce a PCP scheme that knocks spots off competitors’ finance programmes, too!”

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Example PCP rates, based on 36 months/10,000 miles per year for the 3 models are as follows:

Value for money prices, an industry leading 5 year limitless mileage warranty and now guaranteed final values after three years.

Customers also have the opportunity to select from a menu of servicing and accessory packages and include the cost as part of their chosen monthly rate to provide an even more comprehensive programme of financing.“With value for money prices, an industry leading 5 year limitless mileage warranty and now guaranteed final values after three years, SsangYong really is the motorist’s consumer champion,” added Williams.The guaranteed

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final values (GFV) are underwritten by SsangYong Motor UK with GMAC, and the PCP programme is available through participating dealers.

Visit www.ssangyonggb.co.uk for further details.

Edit ors Note: The Korando Sport review which appeared last month quoted road tax in ‘the late £200’s’. We have been asked to point out that road tax for this model is actually £225.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Isuzu Salisbury Wiltshire 01722 412222 www.isuzu.co.uk

MRG Chippenham Wiltshire 01249 443300 www.mrgcars.co.uk

Jeffries of Bacton Suffolk 01449 781087 www.jeffriesofbacton.co.uk

Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire 01733 893704 unityautomotive.co.uk

R. Hunt Isuzu Hampshire 01264 860532 www.rhunt.co.uk

Tallis Amos Group Leominster Herefordshire 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Bob Gerard Limited Leicestershire 01162 592224 www.bobgerard.co.uk

Garland Motors Ltd Hampshire 01252 367373 www.garlandskoda.co.uk/isuzu

York Van Centre North Yorkshire 01904 470170 www.yorkvancentre.co.uk

Tallis Amos Group Bibury Gloucestershire 01285 740115 tallisamosgroup.co.uk

Isuzu North London Middlesex 0208 804 6135 www.isuzunorthlondon.com

S & S Services South Ayrshire 01292 880080/880440 www.sandsservices.co.uk

Mark Weatherhead Ltd Cambridgeshire 01954 210355 www.markweatherhead.co.uk

David Taylor Garages Ltd Powys 01873 810304 www.davidtaylorgarages.co.uk

Warners Motor Group Tewkesbury Gloucestershire 01684 2977575 www.warnerscars.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Motors

68 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

May 2014 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

World debut for new Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase in China Land Rover unveils the new Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase in Beijing and will be the first diesel hybrid on sale in China. and Rover has further progressed the development of its acclaimed Range Rover with the global debut of the Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase at the Beijing motor show. The derivative brings together two of the most recent innovations in the Range Rover line-up in a vehicle that offers an unprecedented combination of premium luxury, interior space, exceptional fuel and emissions performance and no compromise in Land Rover’s renowned breadth of capability.

Together with the Range Rover Sport Hybrid, it will be the first diesel hybrid model from any manufacturer to be offered in China. China is recognised by Land Rover as a potentially strong market for its new premium hybrids, whilst the long wheelbase design is identified as best suiting Chinese customers’ preferences for luxury and spaciousness.

Global order books will open this month and first deliveries to customers in China are expected from the end of the year. This new derivative strengthens the status of the Range Rover as one of the world’s most successful premium vehicle ranges, witnessed in more than 100 awards amassed by the new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport in the past 18 months.

The production vehicles benefit from valuable insights Land Rover gained from its Silk Trail expedition in 2013. A fleet of Range

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70 | Farming Monthly | May 2014

Rover Hybrids proved their durability and allterrain capability on a gruelling 16,000km route from the Land Rover factory in Solihull, across central Asia to the Mumbai headquarters of Tata, Land Rover’s parent company. After the journey, the vehicles were stripped down and scrutinised by Land Rover engineers to improve understanding of how the designs and technologies can be fine-tuned.

The Range Rover Hybrid powertrain combines Land Rover’s 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor, integrated with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The system allows the driver to select from three different drive modes to maximise performance or efficiency, and is capable of delivering 26 per cent lower CO2 emissions (169g/km) and 6.4 l/100 km (44.1mpg). Installing the hybrid diesel-electric powertrain in the Range Rover Long Wheelbase has not compromised space, or the driving experience. The long wheelbase offers the benefits of an additional 186mm of legroom for rear seat passengers and, with the option of the executive seating package, an impressive increase in the rear seat angle of recline to 17 degrees.

The hybrid system uses the same proven Terrain Response® system and all-wheel drive technology deployed in the petrol and dieselpowered models. Wading depth capability is undiminished at a class-leading 900mm.

The complete system, including a lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor, weighs less than 120kg. The electric motor produces 170Nm torque and operates to boost acceleration when required, and to drive the vehicle in EV (electric vehicle) Mode. The motor also acts as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking, charging the battery when the vehicle is slowing. In EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30mph (48km/h) for a range of up to one mile (1.6km) before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts.

Together with the Range Rover Sport Hybrid, it will be the first diesel hybrid model from any manufacturer to be offered in China.

Together, output of the diesel engine and electric motor is 340PS at 4,000rpm and a class-leading 700Nm torque between 1,5003,000rpm, delivering performance on a par with the SDV8 engine. The version to be marketed in China is technically identical to that sold elsewhere, except for a change to the exhaust system to take into account the different local emissions standards.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Contact your local participating dealer PMS Greens Ltd Pembrokeshire Tel: 01437 767767 www.pmscars.com

Ryedale Garages Ltd North Yorkshire Tel: 01751 431343 www.ryedalegarages.co.uk

David Cook Motors Lancashire Tel: 0161 624 1441 www.davidcookmotors.co.uk