October 2014 Farming Monthly National by Farming Monthly Ltd

Farming

MONTHLY National

October 2014

Inside this issue... Feature

| Smithfield Festival partnered by Farming Monthly National

Renewables

Sheep All grass wintering |

| Energy news with a focus on solar News

| CAP reform: Dual use will continue to be allowed in 2015

Buildings Concrete panels for separation |

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Contents

October 2014

14 70

FMN

Features

FMN

Regulars

10 24 27 29 32 37 40 54

Feature

06 12 14 44 56 60

News

Smithfield Festival partnered with Farming Monthly

Security Fighting rural crime

Arable Selenium deficiencies in grass, aphids & disease

Grain On-farm grain sampling and more

Buildings Concrete panels for agricultural buildings

Sheep Reduce costs through All Grass Wintering

Fuels Secure your winter fuel now, plus storage

Catch up on the news that matters

On Topic Elanco helps dairy producers combat ketosis

Renewables Focus on solar plus AD & wind news

Machinery New Kubota M7, new foragers from Claas & JD

ATV Cabs for new Polaris Ranger diesels, new Can-Am

Motors Preview of the 2015 Jeep Renegade and more

NEXT MONTH Livestock

Tyres New tyre line-up from BKT 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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Win a waterproof phone case Keeping you up-to-date with all the latest farming and agriculture news.

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Apprenticeship success for Jessica

Finalnormally stage almost complete FMN recruit. The case retails at £17.49 and isfor available from Overboard.com but we are giving you the chance to win one llinofthis usmonth's at Farming Monthly National would like to take this competiion. opportunity to congratulate a valued member of our team, Jessica Hopper, who celebrates her onebelow. year anniversary To enter, simply answer the question Remember this month since joining as an apprentice from North Warwickshire you can enter online too us at www.farmingmonthly.co.uk/competitions and Hinckley College. or send us an email to competitions@farmingmonthly.com SInce the beginning, Jessica has demonstrated her potential to achieve within her sales account management role and has excelled in this demanding position.officially supply kit to? Q: Who do Overboard Jessica her final examinations this month and we all A: RNLI will B: complete RAF C: RABDF expect her to pass without any trouble - as she has in all previous examinations related to her apprecticeship course. Of course, this is just the beginning for Jessica as she embarks on her career proper - she intends to remain with us here at Farming Monthly National for the foreseeable future. When asked what she likes best about her role, Jessica commented, “Having the opportunity to speak to and meet new people on a day-to-day basis is one of the areas that I enjoy the most, in addition to getting out and about at the various agricultural Send your completed answer form to: Competitions, shows that we attend which adds further variety. I’m especially Farming Monthly National, 15-17 Dugdale Street, looking forward to working with5QJ the Smithfield Festival for this year’s Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 show Goodtaking Luck! place 4th-5th December - another first, not only for me but for the Farming Monthly team.” “Working as part of a close knit team is something different to what I have experienced before and really helps in terms of motivation to get the job done!” “Everyone here is like my family and I am so grateful for the ............................................................................ opportunity to contribute to the success of the Farming Monthly National brand.” Name: “I can................................................................................................... wholeheartedly recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone considering this as an option. With no prior experience in Address: ............................................................................................... sales, I never thought that this position would be so perfect for me.” “The scheme allows people to obtain both practical........................ experience .....................................................................Postcode: and a valuable qualification which can really help to build a career in ............................................................................................ Telephone: your own area of interest.” Well Jessica - here’s to the future and a very successful one it will Email: ................................................................................................... be, I’m sure! Congratulations again from all of us here at Farming Monthly National! ............................................................ Farm Type: Andrew Poulton, Editor Acreage: ................................................................

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| News

CAP Reform: Dual use will continue to be allowed in 2015 Farmers and landowners in England with Environmental Stewardship agreements will be able to maintain their existing dual use arrangements in 2015. he Rural Payments Agency’s (RPA) External Relations Director Arik Dondi, said: “This decision, announced this week, covers all existing Environmental Stewardship agreements, including those remaining to be signed up this year, and means the continuation of two different beneficiaries receiving support under two separate CAP schemes for the same piece of land at the same time, provided the different parties can each meet the rules of the different schemes.

Further information about how dual use will work for the new environmental land management scheme will be released at a later date. “We are committed to making information available to help people understand how the new CAP will affect them as soon as decisions have been taken and I am sure our Basic Payment Scheme customers will welcome this latest detail. “We are determined to implement the CAP in a way that is as simple, affordable, and effective

06 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

as possible and to ensure that the countdown to the new scheme is as smooth as possible for farmers and landowners.” Tenants or landlords whose land will be in dual use in 2015 should be aware that with the introduction of greening requirements, where land is let out under a tenancy agreement (Agricultural Holdings Act or Farm Business Tenancy), the tenant will need to include that land when working out their greening requirement. The landlord would not include that land as part of their greening requirement. It is important that anyone planning to claim a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payment next year for land that someone else is claiming for under another scheme has a written record they have the land at their disposal and that they are eligible for the scheme. They will also need to read the leaflet called Extra guidance on dual use of land. Further information about how dual use will work for the new environmental land management scheme will be released at a later date. Up-to-date information about CAP Reform is available through the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/cap-reform

New logo for Meatup exhibition The biennial Meatup exhibition has launched a new logo for its 2015 presentation. he exhibition takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on June 30th and July 1st next year. The new logo is a progression of the previous Meatup logo used since the show was first announced in 2010 and then subsequently staged in 2011 and 2013. Show director Graham Yandell explains: “The Meatup show is changing and evolving and we are introducing various new developments for 2015, having taken on-board feedback from both visitors and exhibitors. The new logo is itself an evolution from the previous branding and we hope it reflects the modern face of an event designed to bring the UK meat industry together for an information packed two days of networking and inspiration at Stoneleigh Park”.

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| News

‘Who picks up pieces if Agri.Cycle collection fracking causes damage’ points expanding The CLA said the recent consultation response from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) on fracking fails to properly tackle the issue of long-term liability leaving landowners at risk long after drilling has stopped. he organisation said DECC’s response to the Underground Drilling Access Consultation makes clear that the Government plans to progress with changes that allow the shale gas and geothermal industries to drill deep underneath property without the owner’s permission, but it does not make clear who is liable if things go wrong. CLA President Henry Robinson said: “It is greatly concerning that there continues to be a lack of information from the Government regarding long term liability. No assurances have been given to land and property owners that they are fully protected from losses or claims for damages should issues arise. “Oil and gas operator interest in the land is relatively short term and there seems to be little protection

for landowners should problems occur when operators become insolvent or are no longer in business decades down the line. “This is a vitally important issue that must be addressed before development continues further. The Government may believe that the risks posed are low and that regulation is robust, but this is a new sector in the UK which is expected to expand rapidly, and worryingly significant unknowns remain. “The number of responses to this consultation shows the high level of interest in the development of the shale gas industry in the UK and we are deeply disappointed that the Government isn’t prepared to take a more balanced approach, better recognising existing property rights.”

Farming is all about the environment, and Agri.Cycle was set up by a family of farmers with the goal of ensuring that the plastics used by farmers are recycled here in the UK. atharine Buchanan at 4 Counties Farm Services tells us the story of how she found Agri.Cycle and why she decided she wanted to be a part of their growing business. "Whilst looking at another agri contractor's web site one rainy day, we noticed that they were also a collection point for Agri.Cycle Ltd. Once reading a bit about it we decided to do further research into the company." "Upon studying the map of collection points that were currently with them we noticed a gap in our area. This then sowed the seed with us as to whether this was something that would be also of benefit to our own business. After some consideration and research into the recycling sector we also decided that, as a business

already working in the industry, it would potentially be of benefit to our existing customers as well." "Being able to offer a complete service to a customer whilst already on the farm seemed a logical option! Working with Agri.Cycle Ltd was then the only option for us. As a company that prides itself on offering a fantastic, professional service and guaranteeing the outcome of the recycling rather than being shipped abroad or going to landfill, it was definitely something that we wanted to associate ourselves with."

Defra’s Sustainable Intensification Research A series of projects to investigate ways to increase farm productivity while reducing negative environmental impacts (sustainable intensification) will receive £4.5 million from Defra. Three interlinked research projects will establish the Sustainable Intensification Research Platform (SIP). he University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research and BBSRC Rothamsted Research will lead a consortium of 22 organisations to deliver one of the SIP projects. The £2M project will develop ways to understand the actions that are needed to ensure that landscapes can, at the same time, deliver profitable farming and food production alongside a wide range of environmental benefits such as biodiversity, alleviating flood risk and carbon storage. This will involve developing an understanding of how different components of landscapes - water, grassland, arable and, woodland, etc - interact. It will also focus on the need for farmers within particular landscapes to collaborate so as to enhance agricultural and environmental outcomes. For example, farmers might benefit from sharing specialist labour or machinery. Landscapes might benefit from farmers working together on a range of challenges– from

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improving wildlife habitats to manure management. Professor Michael Winter, Dr Matt Lobley and Dr Rob Fish of the Centre for Rural Policy Research and Dr Adrian Collins of BBSRC Rothamsted Research will also be working closely with a core project team drawn from the universities of Nottingham and Bangor, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, ADAS, FERA and NIAB. Speaking before the Defra Sustainable Intensification Research Platform workshop, Professor Winter said: “We’ll be doing surveys of farmers, workshops, events, learning from farmers and stakeholders – it will be an interactive programme. We’ll be looking at how to best implement the findings of agricultural and environmental scientists. What do we understand of farmers’ knowledge and perceptions on these issues? Are farmers in a position to implement research findings and how do we finance the changes?” Dr Lobley went on to explain that: "A lot of people think

sustainable intensification is impossible! Our project will take these doubts seriously and examine whether it is possible and how to implement it at a landscape scale.” Farming Minister George Eustice said: “Supporting our farmers to become more productive whilst also protecting and improving the UK countryside is one of this government’s priorities. “The £4.5 million we are giving these research organisations will help open up new opportunities for intensive, sustainable farming; boosting our farmers output in a way that safeguards the future of our environment.”

The other SIP projects are led by NIAB which will investigate ways of improving economic, environmental and social performance though integrated whole farm management practices. These will be tested on study farms, covering a range of locations, environments and farming types within the major crop and livestock sectors. The third project being led by ADAS is a 6-month scoping study to examine the influence of external drivers on the sustainability and productivity of English and Welsh farming.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Public perception of farming is increasingly positive in survey results More of the British public think positively about farmers and farming than last year according to a recent OnePoll survey commissioned by the NFU. ollowing the launch of the Back British Farming campaign, the latest survey results reveal 67 per cent of people think favourably about farmers, a five per cent increase continuing an upward trend from 20121. The survey also questioned people’s understanding of farming’s impact on the economy and the countryside. Results show that 90 per cent believe farming is fairly or very important to the economy and almost three quarters2 of people think farmers have a beneficial effect on the countryside.

“Many of our farmers work in very rural areas in an isolated way but the work they do effects the everyday lives of British people.” Results also reveal that 79 per cent of people consider the farming industry to be a professional one with this statistic rising to 92 per cent for the over 65s age group. NFU president Meurig Raymond

said: “Seeing that more and more members of the public are thinking positive things about farming is fantastic. Maintaining and enhancing a positive image of farmers and farming is hugely important. “We were particularly pleased to see that 90 per cent of people think that farming is important to the economy. Agriculture’s contribution to the economy increased by 67 per cent between 2007 and 2013 and it’s great that the public have noticed this3. “Many of our farmers work in very rural areas in an isolated way but the work they do effects the everyday lives of British people. It’s heartening that shoppers are not only aware of the farming sector but are consciously making the right decisions to back British farming.” The focal point of the NFU’s campaign work is explaining to consumers not only why they should Back British Farming, but also how they can do so. Farmers proudly produce high-quality and delicious British food, have worldleading animal welfare standards, contribute to the economy and are custodians of the countryside.

08 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

Sir

This week we have shared the results from an NFU-commissioned survey with OnePoll, a national market researcher, into the public’s perception of farmers and the farming industry. And after a year which has seen multiple challenges, not least a vociferous campaign against crop protection products and the second year of the badger cull pilot areas, I am extremely pleased to say people still remain really supportive of farmers and the role we play – and moreover this view is growing.

It demonstrates that during some incredibly tough and challenging times, the British public understand and value the work we do, from providing the nation with a supply of fresh, quality food, to well-managed landscapes and our innate care for our animals. This is incredibly important in a world where politicians and opinion formers base many of their decisions on public perception. We owe it to ourselves and the next generation of farmers to galvanise this support to help influence and persuade government, both now and in the future, as well as retailers and food service to back British farming.

Up and down the country I meet some great examples of farmers going the extra mile to reach out to the public and share their great work. From opening up their farms for Open Farm Sunday, to holding school visits, or simply taking advantage of social media to tell their story direct to the world. And this is making all the difference. We have seen time after time when people turn on the TV or radio, open their newspaper, or log-on and hear direct from a farmer about the impact of an issue, they listen. Today’s favourable public perception is down to each and every one of you that has opened up and done something to talk to people about all of the things we take for granted, encouraging them to Back British Farming. So, thank you. I am enormously proud of the work we do; next time you have the chance, shout it from the hilltops and the valleys. The great British public are listening. NFU President Meurig Raymond Agriculture House | Stoneleigh Park | Warwickshire | CV8 2TZ 02476 858 686

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€€ | News

Single Payment exchange rate a further blow for Welsh farmers

The fall in the Euro-Sterling exchange rate for Single Payment calculations to its lowest level in seven years could not have come at a worse time, says the Farmers’ Union of Wales. he exchange rate, set by the European Central Bank at £0.7773/€1 on Tuesday (September 30), is the lowest since 2007, and comes against a background of falls in farmgate prices, a reduced Welsh CAP budget, and a 15% transfer to the Rural Development Programme (RDP) agreed by the Welsh Government – the highest rate in Europe.

The only area where there is flexibility to act is in terms of ensuring Rural Development Funds are directed at bringing farm incomes back up, and not squandered.” Responding to the announcement, FUW President Emyr Jones said: “The Single Payment makes up a large proportion of Welsh farm incomes,

and the poor exchange rate could not have come at a worse time given the collapse in what farmers are receiving for milk, lamb and beef.” The combined impact of the Welsh Government’s 15% RDP transfer, a reduction in the Welsh budget of around 10%, and an exchange rate of £0.7773/€1 means a farmer who received a Single Payment of £10,000 in 2013 will see their payment slashed by more than 20% in 2014, to around £7879. “The industry remains angry at the Welsh Government’s decision to reduce Welsh payments by the highest rate in the EU to fund the RDP, and with those who advised the government on this course of action. “The poor exchange rate will add to this anger at a time when lamb, beef and milk prices have fallen dramatically. There will clearly be a knock-on impact on our rural economies.” Mr Jones said the imminent fall

in farm incomes should further focus the Welsh Government’s attention on ensuring the RDP is used to increase farm incomes. “We cannot control the exchange rate, and despite our fierce lobbying against it, the decision to transfer 15% has been made. The only area where there is flexibility to act is in terms of ensuring Rural Development Funds are directed at bringing farm incomes back up, and not squandered.”

BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) to stay until 2015 It has been confirmed that the BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) will be operating in abattoirs until summer 2015. However, the review of the carcase data reporting system is ongoing and work is progressing on a transition to an alternative system. mma Bailey-Beech, BPEX Health information and Food Safety Coordinator, explains there are currently two carcase data collection methods in operation, BPHS which is run by BPEX, and the Collection and Communication of Inspection Results Scheme (CCIR) provided by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). “The plan is to incorporate key elements of the current BPHS, into a single, costeffective CCIR system which provides high quality post mortem data feedback to all producers.” In order to appreciate the implications of these changes and to get an understanding of how the BPHS and CCIR systems are perceived and, more importantly, how CCIR could be improved, BPEX hosted a survey. “Surprisingly, only 76% of respondents were aware of the data reports available from the FSA through CCIR, whilst 100% were aware of the BPHS scheme,” acknowledges Emma. Results highlighted that there are some areas of work required on the current CCIR scheme. “For example, only 25% of respondents who received CCIR

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Mr Jones said he was bitterly disappointed at the recent confirmation that the Welsh Government did not intend to use those funds to implement an Area of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme. “The FUW’s policy remains clear on this; without an ANC scheme we are at a competitive disadvantage to farmers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire, and the rest of the EU, where such schemes are universally in place.”

said that they always, or often, discussed data with vets on routine farm visits, compared to the 76% who discuss BPHS results.” Also, only a very low proportion of respondents said that they used the CCIR data to make decisions on herd treatments or management changes. Producers highlighted that the presentation of results needs to be improved so that the information is easier to work with. Emma says: “The feedback from the survey has presented us with some specific work areas to address, particularly the perception of accuracy. “Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely with the FSA, taking on board these comments in order to make the CCIR scheme as efficient as possible, as quickly as possible, for those involved. “For this reason, BPHS will remain in place for at least the next 12 months, until a transition to a single, effective CCIR system which meets the needs of all key stakeholders has been achieved.” BPHS abattoir assessment dates are available online at: www.bpex.org.uk/2TS/health/Bp hs/AssessmentDays.aspx

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 09

| Feature

Livestock entries now open for East of England Smithfield Festival This year’s East of England Smithfield Festival takes place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 December at the East of England Showground, Peterborough. rimestock showing enthusiasts from across the UK will descend on the East of England Smithfield Festival this December, with some of the most prized silverware in the livestock industry up for grabs. With livestock schedules for the event now available and entries being accepted event manager Kerry Buttriss says the organisers are once again expecting a bumper entry from the country's top showmen. This year’s East of England Smithfield Fesitval, which once again has Newark Livestock Market as the major cattle sponsor will once again see top drawer cattle and sheep on show in the primestock classes as well as the ever expanding pedigree calf shows. "Primestock classes are once again at the core of the show, but there is no doubting the increasing popularity of the calf classes as breeders look to showcase the latest genetics available from their herds," she added. “This year’s show will feature pedigree calf classes for Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn, Charolais, Limousin, Lincoln Red, Red Poll, Simmental, South Devon and Sussex cattle.” In the primestock section it will be the turn of well known Welsh primestock and baby beef exhibitor Wendy Morgan of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, to place the entries. Mrs Morgan is a well known face on the commercial show cattle circuit having judged at Beef Expo last year and has also bred many show winners, including last year’s Countryside Live champion, the carcass champion at the English Winter Fair in 2012 and the steer champion at Brecon in 2012. Across in the sheep rings Derbyshire-based farmer and butcher Matthew Prince is this year's judge. Mr Prince runs a successful family butchers from his base at Highfield House Farm, Chesterfield, as well as breeding

10 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

pedigree Texels, Beltex and Suffolks. Both judges will be looking for animals suited to the modern butchers trade with that added extra showring sparkle. Mrs Buttriss said she expected entries to be strong in all sections, with enquiries already being received from new exhibitors keen to showcase their stock at the UK's most prestigious primestock event. "There is no doubting the Smithfield titles are still the ones every primestock enthusiast wants to win." Alongside the live classes the event will once again host lamb carcass and beef ribs competitions to showcase the very best stock on the hook. "These classes continue to prove popular and are a great way for producers to demonstrate the quality of their livestock without the need to prepare them for the showring.” Also returning again this year are the popular Young Stockpersons competition and the College Challenge, both of which are deigned to allow the next generation of farmers and stock people to showcase their skills, explained Mrs Buttriss. “This year’s judge for the Stockpersons Challenge is well known British Blue and Simmental breeder Boomer Birch, while the beef section of the College Challenge will be judged by Hereford and Aberdeen-Angus breeder William Haire, while former Texel and Beltex breeder Neil Pamplin will judge the sheep section of the College Challenge,” she added. “We are looking forward to building on the success of previous events and the early indications are that both livestock and trade stand numbers will increase again this year. “We’ve already received confirmed bookings from a number of major trade exhibitors and have had many other enquiries too, including

from potential sponsors.” All enquiries about the event, including applications for trade stands, should be made through the East of England Agricultural Society’s Livestock office. Visit www.eastofengland.org.uk or call 01733 234 451

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| On Topic

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October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 11

| On Topic

On Topic Profit margins, for dairy farmers especially, are always under continuous pressure, therefore maximum herd productivity is vital

Elanco helps dairy producers combat ketosis by getting practical As some of the country’s leading producers and their vets congregated in front of a group of ‘close-up’ cows on one of the leading production units in sunny Cheshire, the enthusiasm for being on farm for a practical approach to learning was clearly evident. This was just one of a selection of farm visits which took place across the UK recently as part of Elanco Animal Health’s latest initiative to support dairy producers. The exclusive events saw two internationally-renowned herd health experts visit some of the country’s top dairy farms, where they took a hands-on approach to helping producers boost production, with emphasis on how to combat ketosis. ith profit margins under continuous pressure, producers are searching for more ways to streamline their operation and maximise the productivity of their herd. However, with the plethora of information readily available it can be increasingly difficult to decide what is actually going to make a difference and how to apply it practically. By bravely and generously opening their gates to the groups, the host farmers provided the perfect surroundings for dairy producers from all over the country to learn how to do just that. Steering the Cheshire-based sessions was Canadian dairy specialist, Dr. Wayne Shewfelt, who shared his wealth of practical experience during the farm walks by focussing on how producers can apply proactive monitoring and control strategies for ketosis at every level of their farm management on an everyday basis. He explained why ketosis is such a big concern for dairy producers, “Of all of the problems that we see with dairy cows, ketosis is one of the most costly with serious consequences for cow health and productivity. Not only does it act as a gateway for a multitude of other diseases, such as

12 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

displaced abomasum and mastitis, it also reduces fertility and milk production, effects which are often overlooked. Fortunately ketosis is also a condition where taking a proactive approach to monitoring and prevention can make a huge difference - it’s just about knowing how to look for the disease, what to do about it and when.” As delegates made their way around the host farm observing cows at each stage of production, details of their environmental conditions and general management were delved into and discussed, with emphasis on how to manage the transition cow to avoid ketosis. The importance of cow comfort was the first focus, with producers even sharing their own experiences of how something as simple as raising a neck rail or increasing bunk space for dry cows has made all the difference to maximising dry matter intake (DMI) in their herd. Wayne reflected on the partitioning of resources, “There are places where money can be saved and those where you just have to bite the bullet and invest; housing and bunk space are not areas to skimp on. This is especially true when it comes to minimising ketosis, as maintaining DMI through the transition period is crucial. Luckily air, water and light are cheap and all are very important

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| On Topic

On Topic BASF's Jonathan Ball

for dairy cows – the challenge is designing housing and management strategies to make the most of them.” When it came to evaluating body condition score (BCS), Wayne explained, “Averages just don’t work here. These cows are individuals so you need to look at the range of BCS within the group and ask yourself, ‘are they an evenly balanced group?’ If the answer is ‘no’ or the cows are too fat or too thin in general, then you need to find out what the issue is or your cows could be at risk of developing ketosis.” Talk then turned to how to catch ketosis, “If you want to find disease on a farm, your first port of call has to be the fresh cows,” Wayne emphasised. “It’s all about attention to detail and catching those problem cows early before they even have a chance to tell us there is something wrong – if you wait for disease to show, then you’re too late.” To put this all into context, Wayne demonstrated how Keto-Test™ milk strips can be used to easily and quickly identify cows with clinical or subclinical ketosis. One producer was surprised how simple it was to get an instant, visible result, “I’ve been a bit guilty of burying my head in the sand and maintaining that I don’t have a problem with ketosis but actually there’s no way of knowing until you test for it. It was great to actually have a go and see the colour change on the strip for yourself - and you only have to wait one minute!” Wayne described one way producers can make testing both stress-free and successful, “Keto-TestTM should be carried out every two to three weeks on all cows that calved between two to 21 days previously. By picking just one day in the week to test you can catch all of the appropriate cows and make it easy to slot it into your schedule.” Dave Hastings, a local producer who currently milks a herd of 400, thought the practical approach on the farm walks was refreshing, “Discussing these complex issues in a real-world setting and relating them to the cows in front of you has been really useful and the chance to share experiences with other

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producers and vets was a rare treat – it’s always good to hear that others face the same challenges as you and get tips on how to tackle them.” Nial Roberts, who also manages a dairy unit in the area, added, “The opportunity to learn from a leading expert who not only has extensive practical experience in the field and is at the heart of current research but is also willing to give you an honest opinion is rather unique. The sandwiches and chips at the local pub afterwards were a bonus too!” “Of all of the problems that we see with dairy cows, ketosis is one of the most costly with serious consequences for cow health and productivity. Not only does it act as a gateway for a multitude of other diseases, such as displaced abomasum and mastitis, it also reduces fertility and milk production, effects which are often

Further information For further information contact Elanco Animal Health, Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 9NL Tel 01256 353131 Email elancouk@lilly.com

overlooked.” One key message that resonated with producers from all participating regions was that making a difference to their bottom line can be simple if they think practically about how to identify ketosis and implement changes at cow level. Producers should ask themselves what they could be doing differently to help the combat the disease and boost their herd’s productivity.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Renewables

UK Solar PV Market – where are we heading? By Reza Shaybani: Chairman of the British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA).

he UK is now the largest solar PV market in Europe and one of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world! This fantastic achievement has been made in a relatively short period of time. However, the solar boom in UK is still young. So, what has been the reason for the huge success so far? The introduction of subsidies in 2010 was a game changer. Economic return still drives the solar industry globally and the UK is no exception. FiT and ROC financial mechanisms played a pivotal role in the growth of the UK solar industry. Other factors like being seen as “Green”, lowering energy bills and cutting carbon emission were additional reasons of course.

“The solar industry is now at a tipping point where greater certainty for investors will reap enormous rewards.” The rapid cost decrease of photovoltaic modules and systems in the last few years has opened new perspectives for using solar energy as a major source of electricity in the coming years and decades. This will make solar more popular, which will result in more deployment, protecting us against rising energy prices, climate change, cutting our dependency on fossil fuels from sometimes hostile foreign governments and will put the UK back in charge of our energy. Solar photovoltaic constitutes the fastestgrowing renewable energy technology in the world since 2000. Solar PV could generate up to 16% of the world’s electricity by 2050, although solar is still less than 1% of energy capacity worldwide. Solar PV today is contributing to the UK energy mix and has created around 20,000 jobs. We are now seeing local manufacturing of solar coming back to the UK which is an indication of confidence in the market. Since 2010, we have managed to create a strong home market, attracting a massive amount of investment in to the UK economy from both the UK and overseas companies and we have also created export opportunities for British companies in other markets. In fact, the latest figures on the job market show that the UK now has the lowest level of unemployment in the past 25 years. The BPVA has been at the forefront of all these activities in both a political

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and commercial sense. The solar industry is now at a tipping point where greater certainty for investors will reap enormous rewards. We now have around 5.5GW of solar which has been deployed in over 600,000 homes, schools, hospitals, public buildings and on suitable lands across the UK. This has resulted in infrastructure development , as well as regional and national growth. Community energy projects have started to emerge and people are now investing directly into solar energy projects through crowd funding initiatives. All of this has brought “Power to the People” which is the vision for the future of the UK. This is just the beginning! We need more solar on our commercial, industrial, retail and agricultural buildings. Solar is a mature technology and in the UK people have experienced the numerous benefits over the past 5 years. Solar energy is a very important part of the UK’s overall renewable energy generation mix. It is unique in its ability to be scaled to fit any size of application. In particular, it is a central keystone of the Government policy objectives to encourage increased deployment on commercial and industrial buildings. UK roofs are a great untapped resource for deployment of Solar PV, providing great benefit to the building user, including reduced cost of energy and security against electricity price changes. With the emergence of energy storage solutions in the coming years, solar will become even more interesting. The combination of energy generation, storage and electric vehicles is unbeatable! More and more energy storage solutions are becoming technically available and financially viable. The BPVA has been running a number of programmes to promote theses energy storage solutions. We have published white papers as well as networking with the energy storage industry to better understand the solutions we need for each market segment. The UK will also introduce the mandatory installation of smart meters which will take place between 2015 and 2020. The government views the smart meter roll-out as an important step in giving consumers more control over how much energy they use by providing accurate and timely information on domestic energy consumption. This will help consumers make more informed decisions to reduce domestic energy bills and carbon emissions. Smart metering is also an important step to improve the efficiency of the energy network by

balancing the energy supplies we have more accurately with our consumption patterns. This is a major undertaking for energy providers as the roll-out will see 50 million gas and electricity meters installed in 27 million homes by 2020. And the future? Well - changes are on the way! From April 1st 2015, large scale solar PV will see fundamental changes in financial mechanism. The industry has been aware of the ROC drop for a few years now and everyone has been working around that, however, what came as a surprise is the total withdrawal of ROC for projects over 5 MW from April 1st 2015. We recognise that no industry can or should be subsidised forever and it must be understood that subsidies are designed to kick start an industry and not to support it in perpetuity. In our view, changing from ROC to CfD for projects over 5MW will not totally kill the utility scale market for solar but will change the players. Some of the small to medium size developers will find it hard to compete. Our current deployment figure is around 5.5 GW. The UK is installing around 1.5 to 2 GW a year which means if we carry on as we are, we will reach around 17 GW by 2020. We are, of course, working hard to accelerate the growth of the market in commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, industrial and retails as well as the domestic market. We have just started a programme called “Powering Knowledge” which allows 22,000 schools across the country to deploy solar PV on their roof without having to pay for the upfront cost. This will enable schools to save millions of pounds in energy bills and use that money for education rather than making the utility companies richer and bigger! Our Rated Solar Installer portal allows customers to choose their solar products and installers with confidence and once the system is installed to rate their installer which will help others. At the end of the day, we are an island with a growing population and a growing economy which means we need more and more energy. Solar is an important part of the UK energy mix and has now passed the point of no return. The future for the solar industry as a whole is extremely bright!

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| Fencing

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October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Renewables

Solar Energy UK ready for lift off Solar Energy UK, 14 – 16 October 2014, The NEC, Birmingham, UK. ccording to a recent report released by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) commissioned by the Solar Trade Association, supporting the development of solar in the UK could add £25.5 billion in value to the UK economy by 2020 –particularly the deployment of large-scale solar The report cited on Solar Power Portal calculates that ground-mounted solar farms could potentially contribute more UK economic value than other low carbon rivals such as nuclear and offshore wind by 2030. In addition, solar farms could create nearly twice as many jobs as new nuclear per kWh generated, while also saving around £425 million in reduced energy bills for consumers. Speaking at the launch of the report, Ben Cosh, managing director of TGC Renewables, said that the document “spoke the language of the Treasury”, making it an important tool in the industry’s attempt to secure its fair share of the funding set aside for renewables in the future. In terms of jobs, the report finds that investment in solar PV could create as many as 49,400 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs through 2014-30. The report calculates that this equals an annual average of 8,800 FTEs employed by large-scale solar. The report also takes aim at a common criticism that is levelled at solar farm developers that the money flows abroad to foreign

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companies rather than staying in the UK. Contrary to this assertion, the report finds that the average UK content of a large-scale solar farm is 63% in 2014. “We’re trying to bust a myth here,” added Cosh. “Solar contributes to the British economy because British supply chains do most of the balance of plant.” CEBR estimates that the ratio will rise up to 71% by 2030. Paul Barwell, chief executive of the STA, explained why policy stability is crucial for the sector, he said: “The potential benefits of solar for the British economy are immense….However, the government risks bursting the bubble, damaging the industry and holding Britain back, because it keeps shifting the goal posts on support for solar. “We believe that government support for solar energy should come down gradually, in line with falling costs, until solar electricity is consistently the same price as the market price for electricity. Once we have reached that point – what we call solar independence – solar no longer needs any support and will, with time, bring down energy bills. But it will need stable, gradually declining, support to get there.” The controversial shift in government support towards rooftop solar means the industry requires an equal level playing field between the large-scale and rooftop sector. Opportunities for farmers and landowners to explore other alternative revenue streams are already available. Sponsors of upcoming event, Solar Energy UK, Belectric UK and Big60Million are offering investment in solar bonds to those living in and around Willersey from as little as £60 with a paid fixed return of 7% gross each year for five years.

A comprehensive session on ‘Solar Power & Land Use: taking the long-term view’ will be presented at the show’s Large-Scale Feature Area with participation from Dr. Jonathon Scurlock, Chief Advisor, Renewable Energy & Climate Change, National Farmers Union and David Maguire, Director, BNRG Renewables. Solar Energy UK, 14 – 16 October 2014, The “The potential benefits of solar for the British economy are immense….However, the government risks bursting the bubble, damaging the industry and holding Britain back, because it keeps shifting the goal posts on support for solar.” NEC, Birmingham, UK visit the website at: uk.solarenergyevents.com Full version of the article on the CEBR report by Peter Bennett can be read on Solar Power Portal: http://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/uk_sol ar_could_employ_50000_people_by_2020_wort h_25.5_billion_to_the_eco234

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| Feature

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October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Renewables

Solar park sees light of day thanks to midland law firm Rural experts at West Midlands law firm mfg Solicitors have advised on a major solar park scheme near Evesham which will provide clean, renewable energy to many local homes and businesses. enewables legal specialists at mfg Solicitors assisted the owner of Bypass Nurseries on the 25-year lease of the solar park and other legal agreements, including the specialist funding documents required to get the project off the ground in Aldington. The firm also had to work to a tight timescale to meet an exchange deadline of April 1 – the point at which incentives and government support for large scale solar power projects was dramatically reduced. The new solar park is spread across 19 acres of land and has been developed by Sunderland based Sun Spirit Ltd. The nursery grows a variety of plants and shrubs but is now also home to 16,000 ground-mounted

photovoltaic (PV) panels generating 3.6MW a year. It is expected the power from the solar park will meet around one per cent of local demand. Stewart Smith, an associate within with mfg’s agricultural and rural affairs team, said: “It was fantastic for our renewables team to be part of a such an important local project. “Wychavon District Council are to be commended for having a forward-thinking approach to renewable energy and for giving this development the green light when they did. Schemes like this are less likely to go ahead in the future as the Government continues to cut incentives for solar PV projects. “We had to be quick to get everything completed so that our client could make the

most of the opportunity while it was still there. The new solar park is spread across 19 acres of land and has been developed by Sunderland based Sun Spirit Ltd. “As a result many local homes and businesses will now be supplied by a safe, clean and renewable source of energy for many years to come. Our landowner client will also receive a strong, secure rental return for 25 years.”

Conergy to turn disused coal mine into solar farm Two new solar projects for Conergy: one in South Wales (13.5MW), the other in Cornwall (4.45MWp). onergy, one of the world’s largest solar downstream companies, announced today that it has acquired and will build two new solar farms, one on the site of a disused coal mine in the Welsh valleys and the other in Cornwall. The projects were developed by Solar Securities, an established developer of high quality solar farms, and are the latest in the nationwide built-out of new solar power capacity, which has doubled over the last twelve months, leading to a record 7.8% of Britain’s electricity demand being met by solar one sunny day in June. The world record is 50% of demand, set by Germany earlier this year. The larger of the two projects will be located at Hendai Farm in South Wales, on the boggy and unproductive slopes of a disused coal mine at the top of the Rhymney Valley. The mine was closed in the late 1970s and filled thirty to fifty metres deep with “tailings” – refuse from the coal mine – then covered over with a thin layer of topsoil. As part of efforts to regenerate the area, Caerphilly County Borough Council has granted planning permission for the 74-acre site to be used as a solar farm for thirty-five years. Once built and connected to the grid by Conergy, it will produce enough electricity to meet the needs of 2,400 homes. Labour MP for Caerphilly Wayne David said: “This is tremendous news for the local area. The solar farm will be in an ideal location and

18 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

will certainly capture plenty of sunlight. It will send out a positive message about the Rhymney Valley and the future of solar power.” The second site, at Winnards Perch, close to Newquay in Cornwall, boasts some of the highest solar energy potential in the UK, due to its southerly location, high altitude and position inland, away from coastal mists. Conergy will build a 4.5MWp solar power plant on the 20acre plot, capable of powering 800 homes, with 25 years’ planning permission from Cornwall County Council and a 35-year lease. The solar farms will be completed by the end of this year, part of 76MWp of new capacity that Conergy has under construction in the UK. Each will feature elevated panels to enable efficient use of the low-grade land, with farmers able to graze sheep underneath. Earlier this year Conergy built solar plants with a combined capacity of 68MWp, including a 7MWp plant close to Cardiff capable of powering 1,250 homes. Robert Goss, MD Conergy UK & Ireland, said: “Coal powered Britain for over a hundred years and whole communities grew up around it. Solar is a simple technology, lasts for decades and can be deployed wherever people live. No one needs to get their hands dirty or risk their life so that others can turn on the dishwasher, which is why solar will continue to grow in the UK.” Solar Securities consulted widely with local communities, councillors and MPs throughout the planning process. Miles of new and

reinforced hedgerows will protect sightlines and create new habitats for animals including hedgehogs, birds, dormice and bats. Local communities are also set to benefit from one-off payments linked to the plants’ generating capacities. Gelligaer Community Council in Caerphilly will receive £42,000 to support improvements to local amenities, while St Columb Major Parish Council in Cornwall will receive £13,000. Wayne David, Labour MP for Caerphilly: “This is tremendous news for the local area…It will send out a positive message about the Rhymney Valley and the future of solar power.” Nicholas Richardson, Solar Securities, said: “Each site is attractive for different reasons. The project in South Wales will turn unproductive acreage into an integral part of the local grid, while aesthetics and biodiversity will be greatly improved. The site in Cornwall is simply one of the best in the country for generating power from the sun, and hidden away from public view. We’re delighted the projects are going ahead with Conergy, one of the most experienced and best builders of large solar projects in the world.” The plants are expected to avoid 200,000 tonnes of climate-changing carbon dioxide emissions over the next twenty-five years.

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| Renewables

10% of farmers utilise wind energy Survey results reveal that nearly 10% of UK farmers have installed a wind turbine on their land.1 Clearly, the benefits of on-site wind power are being experienced by a significant proportion of the agricultural community. educed electricity overheads and protection against future electricity hikes provide a sense of security against rising costs, and additional earnings through the Feedin Tariff and export payments help to diversify farm income.

An exhibition of over 200 companies and dedicated farm wind conference sessions are all free to attend. These benefits help ensure wind generation is the primary technology that farmers are considering investing in in the

future.2 And with the Feed-in Tariff steadily decreasing, now is the time to install a wind turbine. The market offers an extensive range of British turbine manufacturers such as Ampair, Evance, Harbon, Kingspan and Gaia. These manufacturers offer a range of size and class of turbine to suit the specific needs of different sites, whether it’s a high wind speed coastal farmstead, or a lower wind speed inland arable farm. Installing a British built turbine ensures customer confidence in quality and offers a nearby support network if any maintenance is needed on the turbine. The upfront investment cost needn’t be a barrier to installing your own wind turbine. There are many different routes to funding a

wind turbine project, with manufacturers offering land rental agreements or joint ventures with the local community. Siemens Financial Services are also offering easily assessable loans for renewable energy installations, and online auction platforms such as ‘e-POWER’ are offering beneficial electricity trading initiatives. To provide more information on these opportunities, RenewableUK is hosting a free public day for farmers and landowners during the RenewableUK Annual Conference on the 13th of November in Manchester. An exhibition of over 200 companies and dedicated farm-wind conference sessions are all free to attend. Whether you’re at the very start of researching wind power, or whether you’re looking for the latest industry updates on aviation or grid connection. Register now to attend free of charge, or visit the

Debbie and Neil McGowan installed an 11kW Gaia wind turbine on their Perthshire farm in 2010

Self-sufficient on Rousay thanks to wind power

RenewableUK website for more information on generating your own power. www.renewableuk.com

10 % 1 Survey shows great potential for on-farm renewables, Farmers Weekly, Nottingham Trent University & Forum for the Future, 2013. Available at: www.fwi.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/139757/survey-shows-greatpotential-for-on-farm-renewables.htm2

Survey shows great potential for on-farm renewables, Farmers Weekly, Nottingham Trent University & Forum for the Future, 2013. Available at: www.fwi.co.uk/articles/26/06/2013/139757/survey-shows-greatpotential-for-on-farm-renewables.htm

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October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Renewables

Where there’s muck there’s money! Qila Energy announces opportunity to view the country’s first new generation of 2-stage anaerobic digesters. ila Energy is offering farmers 100% funding to invest in the latest digester technology which cuts costs and increases profits compared to single stage plants. The 2-stage system based on a proven German design speeds up the process of converting farm waste and feeds into green energy. Unlike single stage plants, Qila’s solution can handle a far greater volume and range of material including up to 80% animal waste. It’s twice as quick and cheap to run promising rich rewards for farmers who cash in before the Government change the incentives next summer. Qila’s Ruby Jones says “farmers who want to take advantage of the current generous feed-in tariff need to act now.” The company is offering 100% finance subject to suitability with the option to buy after 3 years – or

to buy outright from the outset. For those choosing to get full funding, they get paid market rates for the feed material, as well as an operator’s fee and ground rent. “It’s a win win situation,” says Ruby Jones who is offering on-site visits to inspect the country’s first new 2-stage plant in Lincolnshire. Farmer James Woolliams says he was convinced by the plant’s impressive credentials and versatility which will produce enough energy from a range of waste including duck manure to power around 1,200 homes. Qila Energy builds the proven Snow Leopard 2-stage AD system as either a 499kWe or 1MWe plant – both of which qualify for full funding as long as the farm is at least 500 acres and has a sufficient sustainable feed source. Qila takes care of getting planning permission and a grid connection. The plants can digest an impressive range of feed material including grass silage, rape straw, beet, mustard, cattle manure,

20 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

slurry, chicken litter, horse and pig manure and in the case of the Lincolnshire plant – duck manure. The key to the Snow Leopard technology lies in its optimised hydrolysis stage which gives it some major advantages over single stage plants. These include: • Greater biogas yields (15-30% more) • Speed – 4 weeks to convert to energy against 3-6 months • Up to 80% straw-based manure or grass silage feed materials can be used • Greater range of cheaper and widely available feed materials • Robust mixing and heating control system Although the 2-stage plant costs slightly more than a single stage system, Ruby Jones points out that the feedstock flexibility is immense and the payback time is much quicker - between 4 and 5 years against around 8 years. With lower running costs, greater flexibility and improved

efficiency the new 2-stage option is hard to beat. There’s the added advantage of using the nutrient rich digestate as organic and odourless fertiliser. Qila Energy is proving to be a market leader in AD with 2 operating plants, 8 in construction and 30 in development across England, Wales and Scotland Unlike single stage plants, Qila’s solution can handle a far greater volume and range of material including up to 80% animal waste. For further information including details of the invitation to visit the UK’s first 2-stage AD plant in Lincolnshire please contact Qila Energy on 020 3603 3016 or via the website at www.qilaenergy.com

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| Renewables

Sparks, Heat and Positive Dialogue in the Big Bioenergy Debate? Opening this week (8 – 9 October), Nextgen, incorporating ebec, will host in its main Nextgen Theatre, the ‘Big Bioenergy Debate’, bringing together some of the leading stakeholders and viewpoints in the area of bioenergy including; biopower, biofuels, bio-heat and AD, and sustainability. he debate will see several prominent activists and critics of biopower and biofuels come together - Kenneth Richter, Campaigner - Food, Land and Water Security Programme, Friends of the Earth and Harry Huyton Head of Climate Change Policy and Campaigns, RSPB – alongside Dr Jonathan Scurlock, Chief Adviser, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, NFU and Stewart Boyle Environmentalist and Energy Consultant and author of ‘The Sleeping Giant Awakens’ book on bioenergy, Dr. Ben Allen Senior Policy Analyst, Agriculture and Land Management Programme, from the Institute for European Environmental Policy, who have carried our research into bioenergy land use issues, will chair the session.

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It promises to be a lively debate. Stewart Boyle is a former green activist and has accused some NGOs of “losing the plot on bioenergy”; at the same time Friends of the Earth and RSPB have concluded that burning wood in larger power plants is “worse than coal” as far as carbon emissions are concerned. Nextgen are hosting the debate to encourage positive dialogue among all parties to the use of bioenergy, given its potential importance in the UK and across Europe. Nextgen Conference Programme Director, Andre Burgess said, “The debate will cover questions on carbon debt and Land Use Change, as well as conservation, sustainability, and the benefits of local energy systems for communities and economies. With the advent of the UK Biomass and Biogas Carbon

Calculator (issued by DECC), the true GHG emissions of different Biomass plant and technology is now under greater scrutiny than ever.” “The debate will cover questions on carbon debt and Land Use Change, as well as conservation, sustainability, and the benefits of local energy systems for communities and economies.” Nextgen is free to attend – for more show information and to register visit www.nextgenexpo.co.uk/bigbio

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Renewables

Vital role of bioenergy Biomass power and biofuels make record contributions to UK energy. he Government’s quarterly Energy Trends publication reveals a record contribution from bioenergy for keeping the lights on and our cars moving whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2014 Q2, bioenergy accounted for a record 5.6TWh (7%) of electricity generation. This is an increase of 8.8% compared with a year earlier, due mainly to the conversions at Drax and Ironbridge, which have started burning sustainable biomass fuel instead of coal. REA Chief Executive Dr Nina Skorupska said: “Today’s figures highlight the vital role of biomass in the UK electricity mix. With wind speeds below average, wind generation has actually decreased, so it’s vital that we get more flexible biomass generation into our low carbon power supply as well as more wind. Biomass has reached a new record today, but this valuable growth won’t continue unless the Government puts supportive policies in place.” Over the same period, sustainable biofuels such as

biodiesel and bioethanol accounted for 4% of vehicle fuel used in the UK. However, the growth in biofuel consumption is much less consistent than the growth in renewable electricity. Sustainable bioethanol has already reached 4.5% against an overall legal cap of 4.75%. This is holding back UK sales of our own home-grown bioethanol. To achieve more stable and sustainable growth, the Government must urgently increase this cap under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, support the introduction of higher biofuel blends (such as E10 – 10% bioethanol in petrol) and set a trajectory to achieving the 2020 10% renewable transport target. Energy Trends does not cover renewable heat data. The annual Digest of UK Energy Statistics, published in July [2], found that 2.8% of UK heating was renewable in 2013. Given this figure needs to increase to 12% by 2020 to keep the UK on track for its target of 15% renewable energy, the next government must make it a priority to provide certainty on the funding of the Renewable Heat Incentive beyond 2016.

Advances in AD embraced by Shropshire farmers Shropshire and the Borders has embraced the concept of anaerobic digestion with a raft of plants being built over the last few years. An integral part of its popularity is the AD technology provided by Marches Biogas. Simon Gittins of Wykey Farm

Wykey Farm

arches Biogas offer various options depending on size of operation, available feedstock and outcome desired, whether to maximise electrical export or treat digestate for subsequent use. Based on their experience, Marches have patented a Semi Plug Flow (SPF) system and this was implemented for the first time at Wykey Farm. Simon Gittins who is farm manager at Wykey, has made a considerable contribution to the AD industry by sharing his experiences, welcoming visitors and speaking at events such as ADBA conferences. Wykey Farm uses a mix of poultry and cattle manure in excess of 40%, beet, grass, maize potatoes and wholecrop. The SPF system is a ring within a ring and brings all the AD processes into one digester. The plug flow design maximises retention times which Marches combine with gas-mixing technology and other SPF

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efficiencies and claim a higher biogas yield over Conventional Stirred Tank Reactors. The power generation comes from two MWM engines, a 500 kWe unit, the TCG 2016 V12, with design, containerisation, installation and service provided by Edina, then the 800 kWe TCG 2016 V16 model. Both Combined Heat and Power units are supported by Edina from their engineer in Leominster and with 24 hour remote diagnostics. To comply with PAS 110, a pasteurisation unit has recently been added by Simon at Wykey Farm which will make possible the marketing of digestate as a certified Biofertiliser. It also enables the input of a wider variety of feedstock. The plant has benefitted the farm significantly through the Feed in Tariff, use of fertiliser, waste management and in a broader sense, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

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| Cereals

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October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 23

| Security

Check farm security before winter nights close in With daylight hours shortening as winter approaches it’s a good time to check farm security measures are up to scratch advises leading rural insurer NFU Mutual. he Mutual’s warning comes after its annual Rural Crime Survey revealed the cost of crime to the rural economy totalled £44.5m in 2013 – up 5.2% on 2012 figures. And that doesn’t include the knock-on costs of crime, such as the time spent replacing stolen fencer batteries, rounding up straying stock, and repairing damage to doors, gates and fences. High-value tractors stolen for export and rising thefts of livestock from farms have helped push up the cost of rural crime, reversing the previous year’s fall. The East Midlands, Northern Ireland, East Anglia and the North East experienced the largest yearon-year increases (38%, 15%, 12% and 12% respectively). Thefts of high-value tractors led to arable counties in the East of England showing significant rises in their rural theft figures. Cambridgeshire bore the greatest cost of any UK county. While theft of expensive tractors for export to Eastern Europe and across the globe is continuing, a new trend identified this year, thieves are also targeting lowervalue tractors not fitted with hi-tech systems which are then exported to developing countries. Quad bikes were once again heavily targeted by rural thieves, with the cost of theft up 14% in 2013. The cost of livestock theft rose 25% across the UK, making 2013 one on the worst years on records. Northern Ireland, currently suffering a spate of cattle and sheep rustling was the most seriously-affected part of the UK. Large-scale sheep rustling in the North West and North East of England led to theft claims increases of 68% and 52%

respectively. While theft from farms takes place during every season, dark nights present opportunities for would-be thieves to operate unseen under the cover of darkness. “There is no doubt that both opportunist criminals and members of international criminal gangs are targeting farms, said Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist . ““There is a lot farmers can do to keep thieves at bay. Basic security measures such as decent locks on home, office and outbuilding doors and ground floor windows are the first step. Alarms, CCTV and infra red detection systems can play their part, depending on the design and layout of individual properties. Then it's well worth going to the nearest road to your farm entrance and seeing what impression it would give to a would-be thief by asking yourself: • Does it look as though good security is in place? • Are vehicles, trailers and other machinery left in the open? • Are access gates kept closed and padlocked? • Are warning signs and security lighting clearly visible?” NFU Mutual supports national and regional rural crime initiatives and liaising with police and local farm, countryside and horse watch groups. It also runs the annual Country Crime Fighters Awards to promote examples of good security initiatives from individuals, groups and the police. It also offers a range of premium discounts of up to 27.5% to farmers who fit approved security measures, including CESAR registration, immobilisers and tracking devices.

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There is a lot farmers can do to keep thieves at bay – Tim Price, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual.

NFU Mutual farm security checklist: • • Remove keys and secure cars, tractors, and other vehicles when unattended • Keep gates to farm yards closed whenever possible • Fit CESAR marking systems and immobilizers to tractors • Use security lighting in yards and drives • Have the Vehicle Identification Number etched on vehicle windows • Consider tracking devices for more expensive machines/cars • Physically secure ATVs using suitable locking devices or heavy duty security chain and padlocks • Record machinery serial numbers • Mark livestock clearly and count them regularly • Mark valuable tools and equipment with unique identification • Ensure computers are kept in well-secured buildings • Lock up tools, equipment and vehicles out of sight For more information visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime

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| Security

Day of action to tackle rural crime Officers from Hampshire Constabulary teamed up with colleagues from Wiltshire, Thames Valley and Gloucestershire to take part in Operation Festive a day of action to tackle rural crime. he operation, which ran from 9am until 11pm on Wednesday, September 17, involved 25 officers from the force’s neighbourhood and Country Watch teams conducting checks and searches in Basingstoke, Winchester, Alton, Hook and Aldershot.

“These operations are vital in helping us send a strong message to those who travel to rural communities to commit crime.” Throughout the operation, a number of stop checks were completed on vehicles and people. The checks provided useful intelligence for the forces and restricted travelling criminals using the road networks. In Hampshire, six vehicles were served with prohibition notices and one was seized for containing red diesel.

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Four people were arrested in connection with other offences - all from out of county addresses. Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant Shaun Stinson, who led the operation for Hampshire, said: “These operations are vital in helping us send a strong message to those who travel to rural communities to commit crime. We know that those responsible for this activity pay no attention to county borders and our approach to policing is the same. “This operation once again enabled us to gain information about vehicles used to commit criminal damage and trespass on land and we also gathered useful intelligence about people linked to distraction offences. “We are committed to making Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a hostile place for criminals. Our message is simple – you are not welcome here and we will continue to work with other forces to make the region a no go area for criminals.”

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 25

||Security LAMMA

TRAAKiT fights machinery theft Help is at hand to aid the fight against machinery theft in the form of the affordable TRAAKiT GPS tracking device, which is hidden on machines enabling users to monitor the location and movement by mobile phone and computer. RAAKiT is particularly popular with the farming community and the company's devices are currently being used to protect and monitor everything from tractors, trailers, horse boxes, and pumps, to telehandlers, ATV's, 4 wheel drives and even electric fences. "TRAAKiT is designed primarily as a security device,” says TRAAKiT's MD, Tim Young. “We have designed the system to be simple and easy to use with secure access via any internet enabled PC anywhere in the world. The user can set an electronic boundary around the machine or we can do this automatically at set times. If the machine leaves the boundary, users are instantly sent a text message and email and the location of the machine is shown on the online interactive mapping system, which automatically

updates, meaning users can coordinate the capture of the thieves and recovery of the equipment with the Police. Our devices are set to work anywhere in the world, so if the machine does leave the country, it can still continue to be tracked." Protect and monitor everything from tractors, trailers, horse boxes, and pumps, to telehandlers, ATV's, 4 wheel drives and even electric fences “We fit our TRAAKiT devices to almost any machinery and equipment. GPS devices are very sensitive to the environment in which they are installed but we have yet to find any machine that stops the TRAAKiT’s GPS from reporting its location.”

26 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| Arable

Trials show selenium deficiencies can be addressed in grass UK Soils in common with most agricultural land across the EU are deficient in selenium, a vital mineral for a healthy immune system. rials conducted across the UK in 2014 have shown that the guideline selenium content is consistently not met in the production of grass and forage, in fact many control groups contained less than half the recommended level of 0.1ppm of selenium (Se). The trials conducted by fertilizer company, Yara UK, across the UK and IRE looked into the application of Se through fertilizer. The results have shown that where fertilizer with added Se was applied, it consistently increased Se availability in the grass to above the guideline level. It is well-known amongst dairy farmers that cows with Se deficiencies are likely to present with higher mastitis outbreaks and lower fertility. Less commonly known is that it can also cause: • White muscle disease • Higher cell counts • Unthriftiness, growth depression and diarrhoea • Retained placenta, cystic ovarian disease and anaemia “Based on the Se deficiencies seen across all the trials we have conducted this year, it is essential to consider the level of all nutrients readily available in forage, in particular Se, as most herds will not be gaining the Se concentrations required from forage alone,” explains Jez Wardman, Agronomist at Yara UK. At the Grasstech event near Elgin, Scotland 8 trial plots were plots were set up on various seed mixes including; Plot 1 2 year silage mix Plot 2 3 year silage mix Plot 3 5 year silage mix Plot 4 Multipurpose mix Plot 5 Multipurpose mix Plot 6 Long Term Grazing Mix Plot 7 Long Term Grazing Mix Plot 8 Red Clover Mix All plots showed a significant increase in Se availability after fertilization with added Se, with

the long term grazing mixes and red clover showing the greatest benefit climbing from 0.06ppm and 0.14ppm respectively to 1.16ppm and 1.17ppm. Graph – Selenium levels in samples collected during Grass Tech demonstration

*YaraBela Nutri-Booster 25-0-0 is a straight nitrogen product also containing Sulphur and Sodium Selenate. **YaraMila Top Stock 25-5-5 is a compound NPK product also containing Sodium Selenate. “There are various ways in which you can add Se to the diet,” explains Mr Wardman. “Either by increasing the concentration in food through feed supplementation, increasing the concentration in forage through fertilizer supplementation or a combination of both.” Mr Wardman advises that some farms will need to reconsider the way they approach adding Se into the diet. “Some options from inorganic sources do not allow efficient transfer of Se and thus the Se content in the blood remains below critical levels.” “Grass takes up Se during its normal growth pattern and incorporates it into its proteins. This is an important aspect as in this form the Se is more available than when in the inorganic salt forms associated with mineral licks and supplements.” In addition to the trials, samples were

Jez Wardman

collected from ten leading farms involved in the Yara Grass Prix competition; a competition run throughout 2014 to reach the highest energy yield (ME per hectare) across two cuts of silage. All farms out performed the national average for fresh weight, ME and DM value however analysis of the samples highlighted that among these leading farmers the average Se level across first and second cut silages was only 0.04ppm significantly below recommended levels. Graph - Selenium levels in all samples collected during Yara Grass Prix competition.

“Analysis of soil is recommended as deficiencies can vary on a field by field basis, this will allow decisions to be made based on all macro and micro nutrient availability that can impact upon animal health and production,” concludes Mr Wardman. For further information please log on to www.yara.co.uk

Emergency use of insecticide granted - too late? Emergency use of the crop protection product Insyst has been authorised to protect winter oilseed rape from further damage by cabbage stem flea beetle following growing pressure from farmers who have seen significant damage to their crops - but it may be too late for some. he approval was eventually granted for 120 days on Friday 26 September following the completion of technical evaluations. NFU vice president Guy Smith said: “We have pushed hard for this approval over the last few weeks and while we are pleased to see it finally come through, we are frustrated by the time it has taken. “For many farmers currently trying to combat the flea beetle menace, this approval will give them a new vital tool in their tool box when it comes to establishing good crops of oilseed rape. But for those who have already seen their crops significantly compromised by

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flea beetle, the response is bound to be, ‘if only we had had these products sooner’. “The challenge of growing oilseed rape this autumn without a key crop protection tool demonstrates well the points we have raised in our Healthy Harvest campaign. Farmers need crop protection materials to grow healthy crops, benefitting our economy and for our bio-diversity. “We need regulators to properly understand the impacts their decisions can have on the ability of farmers to produce a reliable supply of affordable, healthy, food to meet a growing demand.” The second most planted crop in England,

oilseed rape is an extremely important crop for pollinators including bees, providing an abundant, early supply of nectar and pollen. These bees are in turn valuable to rapeseed growers and essential to other farmers in helping pollinate their crops. The NFU is also aware that an extension of use for the Bayer product Biscaya has also been approved. This extension will relieve pressure on farmers to control aphids and the destructive Turnips Yellow virus that they spread, in the absence of control by neonicotinoid seed treatments.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Arable

Aphids on the wing spread virus risk Myzus persicae aphids trapped in all arable areas – winged aphids on the move from other crops – higher risk of oilseed rape yield loss from early TuYV infection. phids that are the primary transmitters of Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) to oilseed rape plants have been caught in traps in all key arable growing areas for the first time last week. Monitoring of pest populations at the Syngenta Innovation Centers across the UK highlighted that Myzus persicae aphids have taken wing and are on the move. Further monitoring of brassica vegetable crops by Syngenta Field Technical Managers has identified a huge increase in these aphid populations in warmer weather last week, along with greater numbers of winged adults that now pose the greatest risk of virus spread at the most vulnerable early stages of oilseed rape growth. Oilseed rape growers should take heed of the early warnings from aphid monitoring to visually inspect their own crops, and be

ready to spray with Plenum when infestations are found, advised Simon Roberts of Syngenta. “It is important to get the application timing as precise as possible,” he said. “The aim is to prevent foci of virus developing in the crop from the feeding activity of infected aphids, which could then spread further as the season progresses.” Research has shown the earlyseason infection of oilseed rape plants has the greatest impact on plant health, yield and oil production. Plenum treatment can give up to two weeks control of aphids feeding on treated plants. Trials by Dr Alan Dewar have indicated the best results may be achieved from Plenum applications in conjunction with a high-quality methylated rapeseed oil adjuvant. Mr Roberts highlighted that with pyrethroid resistance now so

Myzus persicae

prevalent among Myzus persicae aphid populations, Plenum is the only foliar insecticide option currently available with a full label approval to control all aphids and minimize the risk of virus spread. “Aphids stop feeding almost immediately after ingesting Plenum; although they may remain alive on the plant for up to four days, they pose no further risk of virus spread,” he added. HGCA-funded monitoring work, carried out by Rothamsted Research, has shown up to 70% of Myzus persicae (Peach-potato aphids) could be carrying the virus - which is far higher than most aphid transmitted viruses. Without treatment, the work has calculated annual yield losses from TuYV could be over 200,000 tonnes, costing the industry approximately £50m* a year, equating to nearly 10% of the total crop value.

Black-grass: The magic number Black-grass populations of more than 30 black-grass plants/m2 are unlikely to be adequately controlled by herbicide programmes alone, Bayer CropScience has warned growers. eta-analysis of three years of fully replicated independent trials has revealed the ‘sweet spot’ above which cultural controls must be introduced to maintain a typical population and, crucially, preserve yield. “Resistance isn’t the main factor here,” notes Miles Taylor, Crop Agronomy Coordinator at Bayer CropScience. “It’s the sheer number of plants that overwhelms the control mechanism. Once you start to get above 30 plants/m2 the high seed return means that black-grass begins to fight back.”

“More than 25 black-grass plants/m2 can reduce yield by as much as 10 per cent.” Mr Taylor points to the results graph and its exponential growth curve. “Growers can quickly find themselves at the black-grass control ‘cliff edge’ - and once there, it’s no surprise that the problem is much harder to control. “For example, if your herbicide programme controls 97 per cent of a population of 100 plants/m2 you’re left with three plants/m2. If the same programme is applied to a starting population of 1,000 plants/m2, 30 plants will remain. Bearing in mind each single plant can

28 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

easily bear 10 tillers, by summer there could be 300 tillers all producing seed. That’s above the point at which population growth can be controlled.” Yield, of course, is also adversely influenced, stresses Mr Taylor. “More than 25 black-grass plants/m2 can reduce yield by as much as 10 per cent.” He says the key to winning the black-grass battle is a balanced programme that features both cultural controls and effective herbicide treatments. “Finding the balance is crucial, but it’s important to realise that cultural controls always have a place in grass-weed control programmes. “If you have less than 30 plants/m2 then I would still advise the use of cultural controls to reduce the population. It’s good practice and helps prevent build up of resistance. “If you’re seeing more than 30 plants/m2 then it’s even more crucial to use all available tools. Pre-em herbicides such as Liberator (flufenacet + diflufenican) are very effective, but when populations are high, you can’t rely on them alone and will need to consider combining one or more cultural techniques. “Many people are returning to the plough, while others find repeated stale seedbeds the best option.”

Simon Roberts with aphid water trap

“It is important to get the application timing as precise as possible,” Results of the Syngenta Innovation Site aphid traps are published within hours of identification on the company’s website, along with latest results of the national aphid monitoring scheme in a dedicated Plenum insect pest management area.

*Recalculated to Sept 2014 crop value (£240/t); actual report £69m (£345/t)

Crop debate Managing crop pests & diseases in a changing environment. eading sustainable farming organisation LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) and the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) held an industry debate on 22nd September to explore new thinking on managing crops and diseases. It examined how this can be achieved in a changing economic, environment and social world. Key findings from the workshop included: • Crops are vulnerable to pests and diseases and fragility is compounded by new species arriving via trade and climate change. • These risks needs to be communicated better to consumers and politicians. • Integration is key – new techniques such as biocontrol and satellite remote sensing all have a role to play, but there is no ‘silver bullet’. • We need to adapt faster than the pests around us. • Innovation is often crisis driven, but there is an opportunity to be more pro-active. • An understanding of the multidimensional situation is very important. • Collaboration within the industry is required. The event was supported by Syngenta who hosted the event at the Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre.

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| Grain

Introducing the new One stop grain solutions Master Kwik-Kleen Grain Cleaner O Dan-Corn Ltd are suppliers of grain storage, drying and handling systems.

Master Farm Services the Mobile Drier and Grain Handling Specialists have introduced a new cleaning system for all types of crops. asters are always looking at equipment that will benefit the farmer and the KwikKleen Grain Cleaner offers benefits for all arable farmers. Designed for ease of operation and with the knowledge clean grain dries better, stores better and ensures the best bushel weight giving maximum financial return on the crop. Cleaning is achieved with a set of perforated patented tab agitator augers for 360Â° cleaning. The Cleaner is compact in design and is hydraulic or electric driven. It has a large cleaning area with capacities up to 100 ton per hour incorporating a grain feed rate adjustment with loading by a conveyor, trailer, bucket or from a drier. Mounted on single axle with removable draw bar attachment

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ensures easy mobility. It has a long two section screening auger to ensure discharge is taken away from the cleaned grain and can be folded for transport. Designed for ease of operation and with the knowledge clean grain dries better, stores better and ensures the best bushel weight giving maximum financial return on the crop. For more information please call 01787 228450/229083 e-mail enquiries@masterfarm.co.uk or visit www.masterfarm.co.uk

ur stirrer silos are an effective, efficient and economical system for storing and drying grain and they can be supplied in many sizes from 47 tonnes up to a 1000 tonnes and our storage and aeration silos have capacities up to 19000 tonnes. We are increasingly seeing our customers specifying the option of having their silo supplied in the colour of their choice. The hot galvanized silo sheets are degreased whereupon they are painted with a durable powder coating and you may choose between 1688 different RAL colours. This does not only enhance the appearance of the silo but it also gives an added layer of protection to the galvanized steel for an even longer life span. This enables customers to match the silo colour to the cladding on new or existing buildings and it can also soften the appearance of the silo by choosing a colour that blends into its surroundings and background area. This is particularly useful

when siting a silo in a sensitive area and it can help reduce the impact of it greatly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are increasingly seeing our customers specifying the option of having their silo supplied in the colour of their choice.â&#x20AC;? We also supply stirring systems, silo unloading systems, mobile and static grain dryers, Skandia conveying equipment and Westfield mobile augers. For further information contact Dan-Corn Ltd; Tel 01223 837279 or visit our website at www.dancorn.co.uk

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Grain

On-farm grain sampling With harvest across the UK nearly complete, now is the time to remember the value of grain sampling.

30 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| Grain or growers, sampling can sometimes seem like an extra job when things are already busy on farm. So, it is important to remember why you are sampling and how to do it effectively, this will give the reliable information to store and market grain. Accurate sampling tells you about the quality and condition of your grain. It is important at each stage of the supply chain because it can help reduce waste and ensure grain goes to the most appropriate end uses. Measuring key quality characteristics such as Hagberg Falling Number, nitrogen content and specific weight have been standard requirements for many years but recently, other challenges including mycotoxins have emerged. This serves to underpin the need to continually demonstrate due diligence. For growers, keeping an eye on the quality coming off the combine is second nature but sampling in store and at dispatch allows growers to know more about the crop so it can be stored, sold and processed as efficiently as possible. HGCA’s Grain sampling guide lays out the basics of good sampling practice across the supply chain. The guide takes into account the latest industry protocols and puts them into a

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clear and concise format which explains not only how to sample but when to do it and why. This includes on-farm sampling and standard practice at commercial intake. Sampling basics Grain is a variable commodity; the sources of variation are numerous including where it is grown, when it is harvested and how it is handled on farm. The aim of sampling on farm is to give a representative picture of a specific lot of grain such as a 30 tonne lorry or 100 tonne grain bin. A sampling programme needs to take a number of small incremental samples from across the lot. This reduces variability and gives a more representative picture of the grain. The more samples taken, the closer the average will be to accurately reflecting any quality characteristic. To make a representative sample, a number of small incremental samples are taken from different points in the lot of grain. These incremental samples are thoroughly mixed together to form an aggregate sample. The final representative sample is taken from the aggregate sample. Typically, two 1kg representative samples are taken from the aggregate sample; one is sent for analysis while the other is kept on farm as a record and a

back-up. The flow chart below outlines this process. When following this method, the aggregate sample will usually weigh more than 2kg. Once you have all the representative samples you need, return the rest of the grain to the load. HGCA has identified three key stages for sampling on farm; at harvest, during storage and at outtake from the farm. Know the harvested quality At harvest, sampling grain for moisture and temperature is essential to ensure it is dried and cooled to the right level for storage. Today, most farms use highly accurate sensors to do this, the only note of caution is to make sure sensors are annually calibrated and checked for accuracy. For quality tests such as Hagberg falling number, specific weight or protein quality, samples taken as the grain goes into the store will be more representative than those taken from the bulk once the grain is in store. The only exception is for any contaminant produced during storage such as insects or storage mycotoxins. Taking samples at harvest is done either directly from the trailer or, for grain with high moisture levels, after it has passed through a drier. Page 9 of the HGCA Grain sampling guide explains how to take samples of grain as it comes into stores. If you use a sampling spear to sample large bulks of grain, it is important to remember that it cannot reach more than 2m into the bulk so it is less likely to be representative. Protect the harvested quality During storage, grain is still a living crop and, if not stored correctly, is susceptible to infection by moulds and infestation by pests. Keeping an eye on the temperature and moisture as well as checking for moulds and insects will make sure you can take action before your grain is damaged. Full details of how to do this can be found in the Grain Sampling Guide and HGCA’s

Grain Storage Guide. Provided the grain is stored well, key quality parameters should not change significantly in store. Therefore, effective monitoring of your stored grain allows you to market your grain with confidence. Know what leaves the farm Dispatching grain to the processor, merchant or other enduser represents the last stage of a year’s hard work. Taking a representative sample of the grain as it is loaded onto lorries prior to dispatch helps ensure you get the best return for your work. The sample is a record of what is on the lorry and greatly reduces the possibility of disagreements between grower and buyer over the delivered quality. In addition, a number of farm assurance schemes require this sample to be available. Accurate sampling tells you about the quality and condition of your grain. HGCA’s Cereal sellers’ checklist and Oilseed sellers’ checklist have useful additional information to help you when marketing and selling grain. When loading, there are a number of ways to sample depending on the equipment available on farm. With loading buckets you can take an incremental sample by hand from every bucket before it is put on the lorry, however, this does require the presence of a second person. Automatic bucket samplers are a safe and convenient way to sample and mean you do not need a second person, so they are particularly useful for people working alone – see page 13 of the HGCA Grain sampling guide for more details. If grain is loaded using a conveying system, locate a safe place to draw off samples close to the final loading location. A full range of information on grain sampling and storage is available at hgca.com/grainstorage

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Buildings

Concrete panels are perfect for protecting & securing your essential agricultural assets Concrete panels are an incredibly effective tool when it comes to marking out and separating your agricultural assets whether they are livestock or grain. oncrete panels provide great solidity, without compromising flexibility or mobility. Should the need arise, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy enough to move concrete panels from one place to another, allowing your protection methods to develop in-line with the growth of your crops. Concrete panels in addition to protecting your grain and machinery from bad weather; can also be considered an effective means of preventing unwanted pests and visitors from accessing your facilities when you are not onsite to keep an eye on them. Panels can be quickly jet washed down to ensure that your site remains clean and tidy.

Concrete panels are widely used because they offer a unique way of solving security and protection requirements. Compared to a traditional brick wall, concrete panels can be erected or moved quickly. Panels are also stronger than brick and are CE rated. Wild animals can be carriers for disease and these can do a great deal of harm to livestock

32 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

and any grain stores that you may have. Deterring these vermin should always be a top priority for farmers and with concrete panels you are taking steps towards making it harder for pests to gain entry to your livestock or grain stores. A number of farming businesses have security issues that need a robust physical deterrent. These often relate to entry and exit points but they also apply across large-scale perimeter areas also. Concrete panels not only create a formidable physical barrier but also can work very well as a visual barrier and deterrent. Keeping equipment and stock out of sight from prying eyes is half the battle. Versatility and durability are important when it comes to choosing a system to protect and secure your farm. Selecting the right combination of building materials when planning a construction project is essential. Concrete panels are widely used because they offer a unique way of solving security and protection requirements. Compared to a traditional brick wall, concrete panels can be erected or moved quickly. Panels are also stronger than brick and are CE rated. Concrete Panel Systems has a solid track record of supplying concrete panel and block systems to

businesses covering a range of different industries throughout the UK. Pre-stressed concrete walling presents a cost effective and efficient solution for a range of industries including agricultural, equestrian and industrial. Today, more businesses than ever are looking at concrete structures as an alternative to traditional building methods because of the speedier construction process, reduced overall costs and easy maintenance.

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| Buildings

Cemsix provides for renewable energy building An anaerobic digestion unit has recently been constructed at Ebbsfleet Farm, in Ramsgate Kent. The renewable energy project has been built using 4000 square metres of Cemsix corrugated sheeting from Cembrit.

he new facility transforms farm and food waste into electricity by using crop residue, along with food and animal waste, which is ‘digested’ through a natural process to create energy. The waste is stored in sealed tanks inside the unit where naturally occurring organisms release a biogas which is used to generate electricity gas or heat. The storage buildings at the project required a strong and durable building skin. Cemsix was the ideal solution as it not affected by destructive fungi, vermin or insects so will not rot or decay during the lifetime of the building.

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Finished in natural grey, the Cemsix corrugated sheeting was installed by Robinson Structures Limited: “Cemsix was the ideal material for this project,” says Edward Gregory, Sales Director at Robinsons. “It is strong, requires no maintenance and is cost effective. It is also extremely easy to install so it allowed us to carry out the work in a quick and efficient manner.” Incorporating the latest technological advances, Cemsix allows designers to clad agricultural or industrial buildings in a Class 0 fire rated, rust and rot-proof material that will last for decades. Manufactured using Portland

Cemsix was the ideal solution as it not affected by destructive fungi, vermin or insects so will not rot or decay during the lifetime of the building.

cement, together with a formulation of superior blended synthetic and cellulose fibres and reinforced with strengthening strips and available with superior colouration systems, Cemsix is produced to the highest European standard.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Buildings

The value of good grain storage Safe and effective grain storage is key to assuring crop quality & helping prevent loss of premiums through claims and rejections. Good storage practice minimises risk throughout the supply chain and safeguards food safety for consumers. he key economic benefit of grain storage is not having to sell grain for harvest movement, as later delivery usually attracts a higher price. Typically, selling feed wheat for November movement will attract a £4/tonne premium over the harvest price, with May movement giving a further £7/tonne. Understanding the costs involved is important. Consider build and rental costs and the opportunity/finance costs of capital tied up in stored grain and crop conditioning costs. With volatile markets, the risk is that unpriced grain could be worth less when it comes out of the store than it was going in, when associated costs are taken into account. Store hygiene is important for eliminating sources of contamination from storage fungi, insects and mites. Stored product insets and mites are most likely to be introduced from the store structure and equipment. Primary insect pests can be present in empty stores – even small quantities of grain from previously stored crops can provide a food source. Stores should be thoroughly cleaned prior to intake, so ensure that rubbish, including vacuum cleaner contents, is removed immediately after cleaning and is disposed of well away from the store. Conveyor

systems have been shown to harbour appreciable amounts of the storage fungus, Penicillium verrucosum, in comparison to other areas of the store. This fungus can produce the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) under appropriate conditions. To minimise the risk, particular attention is needed to remove debris and thoroughly clean machinery including combine harvesters, conveyor systems and harder-to-reach areas of the store, while maintaining safe working practices. With current grain prices at a four-year low, newly-harvested grain may need to be stored temporarily prior to drying, and the grain could become contaminated if not handled correctly. Insect traps should be used in this area both prior to and during the temporary holding.Temperatures above 15°C increase the risk of insect and mite populations developing, so this is also key to temporary but also permanent holding. Grain will be relatively warm post-harvest and is a good insulator, so heat will be lost very slowly. Cooling permits grain to be stored at slightly higher moisture contents and effectively increases the safe storage time. Differential controls have been shown to result in more efficient grain cooling. A differential controller will only switch the

34 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

cooling fan on when the air temperature is lower than the grain temperature. This method ensures that cooling systems have the potential to run whenever air of a temperature to permit cooling is available and are automatically switched off once the grain reaches ambient temperature. This results in a reduction in the number of fan hours to reach the target temperature in comparison with manual control of the fans leading to a reduction in energy costs. The ambient sensor should be placed close to the fan inlet but in a position where it is not affected by any heat generated from the fan. The grain probe should be placed in the region of

Stores should be thoroughly cleaned prior to intake, so ensure that rubbish, including vacuum cleaner contents, is removed immediately after cleaning and is disposed of well away from the store.

the grain bulk that is the slowest to cool and should not be placed too close to the surface to avoid tracking of the ambient temperature.

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| Buildings

Surge in demand for piggery environmental health checks

Farm building health & safety

Huge interest in the regular servicing of piggery heating and ventilation controls has been reported by Tim Miller, ARM Building’s environment specialist.

What you need to know....

ince the company introduced an annual environmental ‘MOT’ for pig housing earlier this year, he has been called in to check piggeries all over the country and many farmers now want yearly visits. “Frequently, controls have been set up by an electrician who doesn’t fully understand the calibrations needed to regulate fans and heaters to meet the needs of the pigs — sometimes very young pigs at a critical stage of their lives,” he said. In addition, stockmen may alter the controls without realising the full implications of the effects it may have, which may mean the building is not running at optimum efficiency. “We’ve seen farmers being told to get more air into a weaner building and this can result in the heating being on for long periods of time, without the building ever reaching the set temperature — which can be both inefficient and expensive,” he said. When Tim is called in, he checks the set-up and equipment and also offers specialist training to the stockmen and women. Sometimes a problem is simply due to a change in stocking rate, but more often there’s an underlying cause, he says. The relatively new system of remote

ost farms carry out some building work, from dismantling and reerecting entire buildings to dealing with asbestos. All such work involves risks and you must put proper controls into place. Farmers are very resourceful and can often turn their hand to most things. Start by asking yourself if it is a construction job or a maintenance job and, in either case, if you can do it yourself. If in doubt, consult a professional builder for advice. What you need to do... The law requires that health and safety is managed throughout all stages of a building project, from conception, design and planning through to site work and subsequent maintenance and repair of the structure. The law applies to all work building projects and refurbishments. It does not apply to work on your domestic dwelling (farmhouse) but will apply to refurbishment on any domestic premises you provide to employees. For more information visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/bu ilding.htm

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monitoring is playing an increasingly important role on many farms as it records what is actually happening. However, there is no replacement for physically going into the building and seeing what is happening. “You can tell when settings appear strange and cause anomalies and it is also possible to find fans that are faulty or not working,” he said. It’s been calculated that farmers are losing thousands of pounds annually through poorer growth rates, feed conversion and health in their pigs simply due to incorrect ventilation control.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Education

College Staff to do Campus to Campus Challenge Two members of staff at Walford and North Shropshire College (WNSC) are planning on doing the WNSC ‘Campus to Campus Challenge’ this October. irector of Finance, Andy Pugh, and Independent Living Co-ordinator, Matt Lewis, will be cycling from WNSC’s Aspire Centre near Tenbury Wells to the Oswestry Campus via the Shipley and Walford Campuses on 24th October. The trip will be around 90 miles and money raised will go to support Independent Living Students with specialist equipment for their Duke of Edinburgh Award and also to local charity, The Harry Johnson Trust. Harry Johnson a young boy from Shrewsbury was just seven years old when he was diagnosed with Double Hit Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on 24th October 2013. This form of cancer is exceptionally rare in children, and therefore difficult to treat. Harry passed away in July this year, after

nine months of intensive chemotherapy and surgery. He faced his illness with laughter and positivity, his spirit and zest for life were an inspiration to everyone who met him. On choosing the selected charity, Matt Lewis said ‘Once we sorted the route and agreed the date we then looked at who else we could support locally and we were told about The Harry Johnson Trust, the story behind the charity immediately inspired both of us. I myself have a two year old girl and thought how I would feel and cope if I were Harry's parents, I cannot imagine the journey they went through and I am proud to be associated with raising money in memory of this truly amazing young man. His bravery during his illness will continue to motivate me through

Farms required to help students learn about real-life businesses

training and the Campus to Campus challenge.’ The challenge will take place on 24th October, one year to the date that Harry was first diagnosed. Andy Pugh said ‘Why Campus to Campus? I wanted to set a challenge based around WNSC, so cycling around our four main campuses seemed ideal. At this point, Matt and I hadn’t calculated a mileage but agreed to the challenge, when we worked out it would be around 90 miles it became a lot more serious.’ Andy added ‘We hope to raise around £1000 to £2000 for The Harry Johnson Trust.’ Founder of The Harry Johnson Trust, Sally Johnson, commented ‘The Harry Johnson Trust, set up to honour and treasure the memory of Harry, aims to offer support to other families living in Shropshire whose children are diagnosed with cancer. This wonderful event on the 24th October will help raise the funds for us to give families of children who are newly diagnosed with cancer a little kit of hospital essentials on their first night in hospital. The money raised will

also help the trust to pay for short breaks in Shropshire for Shropshire children and their family who, like Harry, face the devastating reality that their treatment has been unsuccessful. Finally, for those parents who wish to, we will pay for a patchwork quilt or memory bear to be made from their child's favourite clothing as a precious keepsake following the loss of their child.’ Matt and Andy are busy preparing for the challenge with regular practise cycles around the county. The College would like to thank local company Fortissport for donating the t-shirts to this fabulous challenge. Matt went on to say, ‘We really hope the staff and students at the College and the local community will support us with this challenge.’ You can donate today by visiting http://mydonate.bt.com/events/ca mpustocampus/186614. For more information on The Harry Johnson Trust, please visit www.theharryjohnsontrust.co.uk. For more information about WNSC, please visit www.wnsc.ac.uk or ring 01691 688000.

Examples of ‘real-life’ farm businesses are required to help the next generation of agricultural business experts to complete their assignments at Harper Adams University. y hosting groups of agriculture students, farmers can have their business analysed for development, with copies of recommendations and reports available once the assignment has been completed. Examples of previous work include a rent tendering exercise, a diversification plan and producing a strategy for business development. Senior Lecturer in Farm Business Management, Tony Asson, said: “The academic staff here at Harper Adams like to use real businesses for assignments as it gives the students access to the different scenarios that they will face as they progress through their careers. “The main requirement is a willingness to host a group of students for around two hours and allow them to walk the farm to assess the buildings, land and other resources. “The host doesn’t always need to talk to the students as

it’s often more about the facilities and ‘what could be done’ that we want to harness.” Ideally, farms need to be located within an hour of the university in Newport, Shropshire, although this is flexible dependent on the assignment given. Group sizes vary from 20 to 120, with the larger classes divided into two visits, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Mr Asson added: “We often find that the hosts are keen to see what the students have come up with, although we do respect any confidentiality issues. “In terms of types of farm, we are fairly flexible, but I know that one colleague is looking for a 400acre+ arable farm with livestock potential, so we are keen to secure that. For more information, contact the university Press Office – 01952 815428 press@harperadams.ac.uk

36 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| Sheep

Retailers snubbing UK producers and denying consumers quality, seasonal food, say NSA Food imports are an important tool to provide shoppers with choice all year around, but there is no doubt that a British strawberry in summer is better than an imported one at Christmas. herries, asparagus and other home-produced foods are equally lauded when they come into season, so why not lamb, asks the National Sheep Association? “Most sheep in the UK lamb over a four-month period in the spring and many come to the market between July and December – this is our seasonal harvest where availability and quality come together,” explains Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive. “The British weather, our range of land types and diversity of farms allow our supply of high quality lambs to run throughout the year – but the fact is that the peak of production is during the autumn and early winter months and the trough runs from late winter to late Spring. This is why New Zealand lamb has for many, many years complemented our market. They lamb at the opposite time of the year to us and their peak should, in theory, complement our trough. “But as with strawberries and

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other foods, new techniques are used to extend seasons. We are therefore seeing New Zealand lamb appear on our shelves throughout the year and sadly, for profit reasons alone, some of our main retailers are choosing to sell products they can make a bigger margin on. Once one big retailer does this the others follow like sheep. It is very disappointing to see this lack of interest in quality and such a short-sighted approach to supply chains. “The inaccurate information given to consumers is also appalling, including customers being told they cannot source British lamb at this time of year. With the quantity of UK lamb available, the quality at this time of year and new lamb cuts that suit modern recipes, there is little excuse for not seeking out British lamb and celebrating the quality of what has been an almost perfect harvest this year.” Mr Stocker has just returned from a trip to China and seen for himself just one example of a

growing demand for red meat. Global population growth and climate change will affect buyers and sellers in every nation, including the UK. NSA warns supermarkets to think more about their supply chains and support their domestic market for quality lamb. Mr Stocker explains: “China’s population is growing fast, and so is their consumption of lamb. From importing virtually no lamb five years ago, they have quickly become the world’s largest

importer of lamb. Their population continues to grow and the scale of movement from a rural (production) to urban (consumption) society is something that has never been seen in human history. If we want to ensure UK consumers retain confidence in our retail structure then our retailers should do more to establish dedicated and committed supply from our farmers. This really could be a matter of ‘use it or lose it’.”

Creosote vs alternatives This is a debate we have had for many years with our agricultural and equestrian customers. he answer is always the same, is it “cost to buy “or “cost to use”, we have seen many different claims over the years of how modern water based treatments are the future and also claims of 1015years service life with in ground contact, however time and time again customers complain of the product failing these timelines. Here at Wooden Supplies we are firm believers that a pressure creosoted stake will outlast any of the modern day water based products. We have been pressure treating with traditional creosote here on site, in the heart of Harlestone Firs on Northampton’s Althorp Estate, for over 100 years so have some experience in the science of treatment of timber. Our current staff have well over 25 years’ experience of treatments and certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to the benefits of creosote. The testimonials from our customers speak for themselves. When we sell any wire products, our sales people will always ask if the client requires any creosoted timber only to be told that the posts we sold to them 20 years ago are still solid but the wire has rusted off of them. More and more of our fencing contractors are specifying creosote as the treatment of choice as they are revisiting fences erected 3-5 years ago that had been guaranteed as 15 year service life and finding they have failed. In fact, some of them are now finding themselves in costly disputes due to the failure of modern treatments at ground level and will now only

work with pressure creosote treated timber. Creosote has been around for 100s of years and the combination of Naptolene and Coal tar have changed very little in that time. It is still highly resistant to burrowing insect infestation and fungal growth as well as resistant to water penetration. The method of drying the timber to less than 25% moisture is critical to our process hence the need for our large drying sheds. The Creosote then has to be heated to ensure its viscosity is thin enough to penetrate deep into the timber within the pressure vessel. The timber once treated is generally black when it first comes out of the tank but once exposed to the sunlight turns to the deep aesthetically pleasing chocolate brown that was once visible in many fields across the land. As creosoted timber is non salt bearing your livestock won’t chew through it as they will with other types of treated timber. Of course labour rates for erecting fences are a huge factor when considering the overall cost of your job, so if you want a treatment that is a “fit and forget” our advice is do it once rather than have to revisit in the next 3-5 years. With a fleet of delivery vehicles from 7.5t to 18t self-sufficient forklift lorry vehicle we are able to deliver nationwide. So if you are fed up of revisiting your fences and would like to talk to one of our customer service team then please call 01604 581444 or check us out at www.woodensupplies.co.uk

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Sheep

Reduce costs through All Grass Wintering The method of All Grass Wintering (AGW) is based on cell grazing, where sheep are managed at high stocking densities and moved frequently through fenced paddocks. They eat grass that has been stockpiled for the winter plus the winter-grown grass. inter grass growth varies with location, and will determine if grazed grass can be used through the entire winter, as in the South West of England, or for only part of the winter, as in the North East of England. There are other advantages to intensive grazing followed by a long rest period. The quantity and quality of grass improves, and it provides a good opportunity for the sward to be ‘re-set’ before spring. Grazing swards tightly in the winter, which removes or disturbs any dead material, maximises spring growth. Dung and urine is distributed evenly, and weed populations can be reduced due to the grazing pressure. AGW rations grass to give the ewes just what they need, at a time when grass feed availability is tight, and the alternatives are expensive. The available feed in the fields is assessed in kg dry matter (DM) per ha, which can be measured using a calibrated sward stick or a plate meter. The feed is then

rationed and allocated to the group based on ewe requirements. Without rationing there is risk of over- or under-estimating what grazing provides. Under-estimation represents an inefficient use of a cost-effective feed resource, and can lead to over-fat ewes at lambing. Over-estimating will result in loss of ewe condition, compromising ewe health and performance. Under set stocking, sheep may utilise 50-60% of the grass due to rejected and trampled material. AGW gives stock less opportunity to do this, so less is wasted and utilisation can be increased to around 80%, producing significant savings in feed costs. Fencing is usually the largest capital expenditure on a sheep farm. In many cases, existing fences can be modified for sheepraising or improved for difference circumstances. There is another key reason for fencing in the winter, as the perimiter fencing installed around the grazing area is the first line of defence against

predators. It is intended to last for a long period of time and should be constructed of high quality materials, as during this prolonged period where sheep are grazed intesively, it runs a higher risk of predators moving towards farms as the months get colder and potentially spreading disease to the herd. Interior fences are also usefull for this method as they can subdivide fields into smaller paddocks for a more controlled grazing, and can be either permanent, semi-permanent or temporary materials. Monitoring ewe health and body condition is essential when wintering at grass, as some ewes may not cope as well as others. Typically 5-10% of the flock will lose too much condition and have to be removed and managed differently. Regular monitoring is actually quite easy, as all the ewes have to pass the farmer when moving into the next paddock – although they are not easy to catch on daily shifts. However, they are significantly quieter when they are handled due to the

regular closer human interaction. Without rationing there is risk of over- or under-estimating what grazing provides. Under estimation represents an inefficient use of a cost effective feed resource, and can lead to over-fat ewes at lambing. Over-estimating will result in loss of ewe condition, compromising ewe health and performance. Vigilance in this instance is key, as health issues such as internal and external parasites might pass between ewes quicker than when they are less densley stocked. Faecal egg counts (FEC) are usfeul for minotoring worm burdens. Ewes should only be treated when necessary to avoid the build up of anthelmintic resistant worm populations.

Strip Grazing, Winter Grazing, Movable Sheep Fencing? Need to keep your livestock contained temporarily...? ww.electricfencing.co.uk is the largest specialist online supplier of electric fencing in the UK. We have the most extensive and comprehensive range of Hotline Electric Fencing products to cover all of your electric fencing needs. From three reel systems to solar powered electric poultry netting systems and many different energisers for different systems and applications.

We have the most extensive and comprehensive range of Hotline Electric Fencing products. Available Now! We have an amazing Autumn deal on our Premium Three Reel System which covers 500m... It was £471.80…. It’s now £342.77! Our Three Reel System Autumn Offer is available

from 1st - 23rd December 2014! What do you get in this kit? 3 x 3:1 Geared Reels 3 x 500m 9 strand polywire 5 x 10 pack posts 2 x End system post with insulators 1 x Reel fixing post 3 x Reel fixing bracket 1 x 2 pack hart clip double line connector You will require a source of power and an appropriate energiser to power this system: mains, battery or perhaps a nifty solar powered energiser? You may need some extra plastic posts if your ground is undulating or exposed to the elements. It’s also worth investing in a fence tester. If you are not sure what you need - contact us - we love talking electric fencing! www.electricfencing.co.uk info@electricfencing.co.uk 01620 860058

38 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| Sheep

Fencing off temporary areas can be long and tedious work for sheep farmers Managing grass effectively in sheep farming isn’t always easy, particularly if it’s grass keep away on another farm, or closely monitored rotational or cellular grazing. appa’s range of winding machines enable one person to erect or dismantle a temporary electric fence quickly and easily. A typical 600m three-line fence, for example, can take just 20 minutes to install, and under ten to take down again – saving several hours compared to tackling the job manually. The product of over 30 years of development, all Rappa machines feature a patented slip clutch mechanism allowing users to lay out or reel in up to four lines of electric fencing at one go. Available in hand barrow, ATV, RTV and trailer versions, each Rappa can carry a large supply of stakes, and will work with any combination of polywire or steel wire, while maintaining an even wire tension throughout. To accompany our machines, Rappa provides everything you need to erect durable, sheep-proof fencing in a range of different

packs. Each tried-and-tested kit contains the correct number of steel or polystakes, a reel post, anchor post, adjustable insulators and a choice of galvanised stranded steel wire or polywire, pre-wound onto reels. Packs are available for two, three or four lines, in lengths of 400m or 600m. Joining systems together for bigger applications is simple, allowing easy

expansion to fit the job in hand. Whether it’s modern cell grazing disciplines, traditional break fencing, or field and paddock boundaries – temporary or semi-permanent our Rappa team can advise on the most cost effective and suitable solution for your needs.

Ease flock handling stress with the Ritchie Combi Clamp system A family who started sheep farming 8 years ago with eighty acres of land, eight sheep & a lot of sweat and effort have expanded the flock to over 750 breeding ewes. Now, farming a total of 220 acres spread over 5 different locations, a Lleyn pedigree/commercial flock forms the backbone of this busy farming enterprise. xperienced in providing solutions to business challenges, flock numbers were expanded as suitable farmland became available, but with the farm spread across a six mile radius, reliable, economical and easily moved-and-used machinery has been selected to help the family business operate efficiently and profitably. One product that has satisfied all the demands made on it is the Ritchie Combi Clamp sheep handling system. In fact, the system has been so impressive that two units are in regular operation to ease flock handling stress both for operator and stock. A static

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sheep race set-up provides a base for all sheep husbandry needs at the home farm, whilst a mobile unit travels between field sites behind either the farm pick-up or tractor. Self contained with all essential sheep hurdles, shedding gates and a Combi Clamp, that lowers into position off of the back of the trailer, a ready to go sheep handling system is quickly assembled. The unit includes a digital weigh platform so lambs weight can be readily monitored at 8, 12 and 21 weeks with the three way shedding gate separating lambs for special attention. Likewise pregnant ewes are regularly weighed to monitor health and pregnancy development.

The electronic monitoring system, like the shearing unit, is battery operated so no mains feed is required in the field. The Combi Clamp system relies only on the weight of the operator using a spring loaded pressure plate to securely hold sheep within the soft padded sides of the sheep race. Once securely held the ewe stands peacefully still, realising that it’s futile to jump or rear up, enabling several husbandry operations to be completed in one visit. It is this benefit of 2 or 3 operations being carried out simultaneously that enables sheep handling to be without fuss or stress for operator and sheep.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Fuels

FPS joins forces with Government and Consumer Agencies to urge consumers to buy oil early Heating oil trade association The FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) has joined forces with the Government and consumer bodies ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), Citizens Advice Bureau and Consumer Futures to urge heating oil consumers across the UK to change their energy habits and order heating oil early before winter weather arrives. he FPS recently launched their ‘buy oil early’ campaign along with consumer groups and with the support of the Energy Minister Matt Hancock, “The nights are drawing in and Winter is just around the corner so we are encouraging people to stock up on oil sooner not later. “It’s better to order early when demand is low and prices are low and to make sure no household is caught out, especially in remote and rural areas, where roads can be disrupted and delivery times only increase as the weather gets worse. Please do also be sure to check that you are receiving all the help that you are entitled to with your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau.” The campaign has been launched now as oil prices have over the last two quarters dropped

and the FPS is urging consumers to take advantage of the good prices on offer at the moment. Chief Executive of the FPS, Mark Askew comments: “We have launched a buy oil early campaign now in association with the Government and Consumer agencies and we hope people will heed our combined advice. We are urging people not to leave it to the last minute when the bad weather has taken hold and tanker drivers struggle to get through on roads covered in snow or ice. In addition, compared to how much it cost the 1.5 million off-grid energy users to heat their homes using oil last year, it’s now a lot cheaper – which is obviously great news for households who use oil. Our members remind customers that they should order early, but people have got into a pattern of ordering the minimum quantity. Customers have had a

40 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

trend of ordering 500 litres and then run out in the middle of the worst weather, when tanker drivers just can’t get to them. We are trying to educate people to think ahead and be prepared. In winter, the UK can also experience shortages of heating oil at terminals. Demand is obviously governed by the weather and a prolonged cold snap like that of previous winters, means that the terminals are unable to provide product quickly enough and consumers can run out whilst waiting for deliveries as distributors have to go further afield to get supplies.” The FPS also advises customers to set up a regularly monthly payment with their local oil supplier in order to offset higher bills during the winter months. By paying for oil in the summer months when oil is cheaper, customers can end up paying

significantly less over the course of the year. There’s also the added advantage of not having to contend with much bigger fuel bills during the winter months. “In an economic climate when energy prices are in the news daily we are trying to educate consumers on ordering early and therefore pay less and manage their fuel budget better throughout the year,” adds Mark Askew. The FPS has also developed a host of money-saving tips and useful advice on managing energy needs on their website www.oilsave.org.uk. For detailed information on how installing a more efficient condenser boiler could save you hundreds over the year, to easy tips on making your existing system more efficient without spending a penny, www.oilsave.org.uk has been designed to help every consumer get more from oil-fuelled energy.

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| Fuels

Be vigilant when it comes to old storage tanks... Pollution prevention and legislative compliance concerns everyone in farming and here we focus on fuel dispensing and oil storage. ost know what to do comply with the law but forget or simply not bother to replace old illegal diesel tanks! You’ll be familiar with the type: years old, single skin, probably steel and going rusty, up on a frame, with dispensing by a gravity fed hose! Many have complied with UK law, for example The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 and The Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 yet, there are some who need reminding. The regulations cover all types of oil: petrol, diesel, vegetable, synthetic and mineral oils affecting those storing more than 200 litres of oil above ground; and that’s every farm! Requirements are: • Tanks, drums, etc. should be strong enough to hold oil without leaking or bursting. • Secondary containment (bund or drip tray), must be provided to catch oil leaks from the container or its ancillary pipework and equipment. • The secondary containment must contain at least 110% of the maximum contents of an oil tank, mobile bowser or IBC. • Where more than one container is stored, the secondary containment should be capable of storing 110% of the largest tank or 25% of the total storage capacity, whichever is the greater. • The secondary containment base and walls must be impermeable to water and oil.

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• Any valve, filter, sight gauge, vent pipe or other equipment must be kept within the secondary containment when not in use. • No drainage valve may be fitted to the secondary containment for draining out rainwater. • Above-ground pipework should be properly supported. Oil drums, cans, barrels, etc., should be on a Sump Pallet to contain all spills and drips. Diesel tanks may be single skin and gravity fed if located within an open bund, capable of holding 110% of the tank contents and provided that all dispensing apparatus was within the bund. “So far, so good” you may say, “I’ll put the tank on a concrete slab and build a block wall around”. It’s not that simple as bunds must be impermeable to water and oil and the inside properly coated and sealed. Costs are now adding up! Think where rainwater and fuel spills inside the bund are going, there can’t be a drain hole! This means pumping out hazardous liquid for expensive disposal. Why not dispense diesel fuel with a compliant bunded fuel point? Sizes from 1300 to 10,000 litres are available. Bundedtanks.com supplies these with prices from £900 plus VAT for a plastic tank with pump, hose and nozzle! For extra security, steel dispensing tanks are ideal and bespoke built if required. Check DEFRA’s publication: Protecting our Water, Soil and Air - A Code of Good Agricultural Practice for farmers, growers and

land managers. Don’t delay, act now to bring your oil storage up to legal standards and prevent pollution before you are inspected; it’s the polluter who pays! For information on fuel, oil and water tanks (static or portable) please visit: www.bundedtanks.com, e-mail: info@bundedtanks.com or call +44 845 600 3572.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Diet Feeders

Blaney Agri shred feeding & bedding costs Farmers everywhere must save time and money at every opportunity. With cattle soon to be indoors for at least 6 months, now is the time to make changes that could give you huge savings. t Blaney Agri, tractor machinery manufacturer (based in Co Antrim), engineers were given the design brief to ensure their feeding and bedding machinery would save any livestock farmer precious time and money, commodities that most farmers claim are scarce. With Ireland proven to be the ideal testing ground for silage equipment, the Blaney Agri range is more than capable of working with the wettest, heaviest bales you can throw at it. Are you looking for a machine that can chop silage and straw to a length that suits your livestock requirements? Would you benefit from a one tractor operation to unroll big baled silage or a machine to load and shred bales for feeding and bedding? Look no further than the Blaney Agri Forager X10 Bale Unroller and the Bale Shredder, now with an optional self loading system. This ForagerX10 bale unroller system system has a unique selfcontained loading system to handle round bales. Simply disengage the bale bed to reveal

the spring tines. Reverse up to the bale and the ‘Forager X10’ lifts it and loads it, all at the push of a lever. Pick up the loaded bale bed with the tines and you’re all set and ready to feed. This is such a handy system with only one tractor needed. The only time you need to leave the tractor is to cut the bale plastic. The Forager X10L is a special version of the Bale Unroller to use with a front loader or telehandler. Fitted to any front loader or telescopic, it means that high stacked bales are no longer a problem The Blaney Agri Bale Unroller works faster than any diet feeder and you can easily control the amount of silage dispensed with the adjustable output function as standard. By only feeding the required amount of silage needed on a daily basis the silage is fresher and more palatable to livestock, to give improved intake and more liveweight gain per day making you money. With less selective eating, less silage is wasted - saving you money. Hereford farmer, John Barbour has been using a Forager X10 since November 2012. He feeds around

42 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

750 bales a year. He says, “I used to spend 2 hours a day manually forking silage, but with the Forager X10 I can get the feeding done in 15 minutes.” The Blaney Agri Bale Shredder has been designed to save you time and money involved in feeding and bedding livestock, typically labour intensive jobs. The large diameter rotor serves for faster bale throughput to get each task done as quickly and efficiently as possible, shredding a bale for feeding or bedding in as little as 2 ½ minutes, making it the fastest

round bale shredder available. The Blaney Bale Shredder can chop bales up to 5 times faster than a diet feeder. This has been achieved by maximising material flow within the drum and rotor, through extensive computer-aided simulation and on-farm testing. For more information on the Blaney Agri product range, designed and manufactured in N Ireland, contact the team on 028 2587 2801 to request a brochure or DVD or visit www.blaneyagri.com

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| Diet Feeders

Tomahawk Feeder Bedders find specialist feeding applications Teagle Machinery Ltd have over 30 years of experience in manufacturing their market leading range of Tomahawk Feeder Bedders, with machines from Tomahawk range already finding homes in over 35 countries worldwide in 2014. eagle currently employ 150 people at their manufacturing plant in Cornwall, with their focus on meeting the needs of the latest practices in livestock husbandry clearly emphasised by 10% of employees being engaged in Research and Development of new products. Tom Teagle, Sales Director at the company, says “although on-farm investment in a Feeder Bedder is often justified through convenience, time and straw savings, and safety benefits when laying comfortable straw bedding areas for livestock, they are increasingly finding use, as the name suggests, for feeding applications.” Dispensing feed has traditionally centred around delivering baled silage along a feed barrier, improving palatability by lightly chopping and ‘fluffing up’ the silage. However, Teagle have found in recent years that incorporation of weigh cell and specialist straw chopping systems to the range can also offer the following benefits in modern feed systems: Processing straw for TMR systems in dairy rations Straw is a very useful feed on dairy units if

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prepared in the right way. • In dry cows it can be used to control energy intake and reduce the risk of milk fever • In milking cows it can be very useful as physically effective fibre to improve rumen function. For either group the key is incorporation of the straw to create a homogenous mix. Poorly processed straw will not blend which can encourage cows to sort the ration, making the problem worse rather than better. A recent study conducted in partnership with Three Counties feeds focussed on the benefit of processing straw to a consistently short chop length prior to addition to TMR for dry cows. The results were very positive and found total intake increased by around 20%, without changing the diet proportions. Jeremy Hamilton of Three Counties Feeds concluded “with improved and more consistent intakes we are better equipped to control metabolic stress in dry cows. Getting off to a better start these cows have less negative energy balance and sub-clinical ketosis. Straw rations can also help prevent milk fever”. Feeding basic rations Where a simple ration is being fed, involving

Pictured (left to right) Jeremy Hamilton and Andy Hawken, both of Three Counties Feeds

Jeff Gibson, Canterbury

perhaps only three components, the cost of a mixer wagon can be hard to justify. A Tomahawk Feeder Bedder equipped with twin crossbeaters and fitted with weigh cells can produce a reasonable ‘mix’, as well as the precision required to effectively manage both loading of ration components and amount dispensed to livestock. Geoff Gibson who runs a Tomahawk 1010 says “To maximise returns, ration control and straw use are significant factors in keeping costs in check – and the Tomahawk Feeder Bedder is helping in both respects”. For more information please contact the Teagle Sales Desk on 01872 560592, or visit www.teagle.co.uk

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Machinery

Kubota reveals their next evolution of Agriculture Tractors Kubota Corporation (Head Office: Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan, President and Representative Director: Masatoshi Kimata) is pleased to announce that the next evolution of Agriculture Tractors is set to begin production in April 2015. ubota completed the development of this new higher horsepower tractor with the goal of competing in large scale upland farming. Mass production of the new tractor series will begin this coming April (2015) at the new state of the art Kubota Farm Machinery Europe S.A.S., manufacturing company in France. Kubota recognizes the significance of the European and North American agriculture markets and this factory will satisfy the demands of these markets in addition to other agricultural regions throughout the world.

Productions is set to begin in April 2015 with a target to produce 3,000 tractors by 2017. Ease of Operation At present the operation of equipment is becoming more difficult, as technologies become sophisticated to meet precision farming needs. Therefore Kubota took great measures to ensure the display of information for both the tractor and implements were easily accessible. A unique touch screen enables the operator to control multiple functions such as implement operation and hydraulic flow, at the same time. A new

ergonomic multi-function hand controller further enables control of speed, direction and three point hitch operation. Benefit of Co-engineering To ensure optimal performance and productivity Kubota developed efficiencies in the engine, transmission, hydraulic functions and how the implements would operate together, all while economizing on fuel. Comfort and design The exterior design of the tractor is strong and powerful with bold clean lines. Inside the spacious suspension cab the operator is treated to comfortable seating while the main operation system controls are well positioned to prevent fatigue – even after long days in the field. M7 Development background: Kubota Corporation’s global position is to support the world by contributing to the development of “food, water and the environment” which are essential for human existence. In agricultural machinery in particular, Kubota has steadily expanded business in Japan and Asia through rice cultivation while in Europe and the Americas with vegetable and fruit, livestock as well as grain, forage and corn production. As part of Kubota’s commitment to “food, water and the environment” it was essential that Kubota expanded the current

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equipment line to satisfy the diverse and changing global needs of agriculture. Therefore Kubota is committed to medium and long-term investments making large scale upland farming a strategic priority around the world. Furthering a commitment to large scale upland farming, Kubota finalized the acquisition of Kverneland ASA in 2012, an agricultural implement manufacturer headquartered in Europe, with special expertise in precision farming technologies. The design and function of the

new M7 Series tractor has benefited greatly from this newly acquired knowledge base and our technology developed in Japan. In 2013, Kubota established a company in France to manufacture the M7 Series farm tractors. Future Plans Productions is set to begin in April 2015 with a target to produce 3,000 tractors by 2017 In addition to Western Europe, North America, Australia and Japan, Kubota also plans to extend sales to Eastern Europe in the future.

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| Machinery

Knight high-output sprayers to the fore at Tillage High output and high-tech features were very much to the fore in Knight Farm Machinery’s sprayer line-up at TillageLive in September. he company showed two models that particularly meet these requirements – increasingly important for many farmers and contractors -- in different ways: self-propelled machines and Trailblazer trailed models. Knight is already fitting 2000 series self-propelled models with EU Stage 4 (US EPA Tier 4) Final engines, which produce extremely low emission levels, and the same type of engine will shortly be fitted

to 1800 series models as well. The engines, which are superior to the interim Stage 3B/Tier4i units, have an advanced exhaust gas after-treatment system as well as running with Adblue diesel exhaust fluid. All the self-propelled machines are now fitted with Claas-designed premium Vista cabs, which provide a very comfortable environment for operators, including airsuspension and excellent all-round visibility. A new option is Category 4 cab filtration, giving increased

protection against hazardous substances. Knight is the only UK sprayer manufacturer offering this feature. With a choice of tank sizes from 3600 to 6000 litres and booms up to 36 metres wide, Knight’s Trailblazer sprayers provide highoutput performance at considerably lower cost than a self-propelled machine. Plenty of high-tech features can be included to meet customers’ requirements, such as Maximizer boom circulation system to simplify and

speed up tank filling. Like the self-propelled models, Knight offers Trailblazer machines with various advanced application control systems, including Hypro Duo React twin-outlet nozzles and single nozzle switching instead of boom section control. ISObus control via a wide variety of compatible terminals is also available, allowing customers to integrate their sprayers seamlessly with their existing control system.

New Holland T6 AutoCommand™ named Best Farmer’s Tractor 2014 at Agrotechniek, NL During the Agrotechniek fair held at ATH in the Netherlands (from 10 to 13 September 2014), New Holland’s T6 AutoCommand™ tractor won the ‘Boerentrekker of the Year Award 2014’. his prestigious award, which goes to the best famers’ tractor of the year, was presented by Boerderij’, a Dutch farmers magazine, and is conferred every two years. The vote was made by a jury of selected trade agriculture journalists and about 1,000 farmers and contractors who had expressed their preference through the magazine’s website. In total, 19 brands were shortlisted, with tractors ranging from 70hp to 150hp, and launched

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in 2013 or 2014. Comfort, power, affordability and maneuverability were the most important selection criteria. The jury said the T6 Auto Command™ was the winner because it guarantees the ultimate in ergonomic, intuitive operation and high level of comfort, thanks to the multi award-winning SideWinder™ II armrest, that hosts the most frequently used controls, and the Horizon™ Cab, that offers high levels of operator comfort and outstanding visibility in all

applications. Moreover, the T6 Auto Command™ features ECOBlue™ SCR technology for Tier 4A compliance to improve the productivity and profitability of the customer, which was fully appreciated by the jury. Finally, maneuverability is provided by the front axle (SuperSteer™) which features a super-tight 65-degree turning angle for efficient headland turns in row crop applications, and the Terraglide™ front axle which has

fully integrated front suspension for a silky smooth ride in the field and on the road. Comfort, power, affordability and maneuverability were the most important selection criteria. The T6 range is the tractor of choice for future-focused mixed farmers, as well as contractors and specialist agribusinesses.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Machinery

46 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| Machinery

Greater productivity from 2015 JAGUAR 900 With a total of 10 models and a wide number of variants within the two JAGUAR 900 and 800 models, CLAAS offers the widest range of self-propelled forage harvesters in the world and consistently account for half of all foragers sold. ollowing the launch of the new JAGUAR 800 for this foraging season, it is now the turn of the JAGUAR 900 range for which there will be a number of new features and updates for the 2015 foraging season. One of the main changes is under the bonnet. While all JAGUAR 930 to JAGUAR 960 models will be powered by straight 6 or V8 Mercedes-Benz engines, using SCR AdBlue technology in order to meet TIER 4i emissions regulations, the top-of-the-range JAGUAR 980 and 970 are powered by V12 and V8 MAN engines respectively. However power isn’t everything, it’s how you use that power. To keep the engine cool, a new optional feature on the CLAAS 900 range is DYNAMIC COOLING, which uses a variator and belt drive that automatically adjusts the fan speed depending on the temperature of the coolant, hydraulic oil and intercooler. This

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results in more efficient use of the fan, which in turn reduces power requirement by over 20hp, which can be used for chopping power instead. A unique feature available on JAGUAR 980-940 forage harvesters, which can help to considerably reduce fuel use, is DYNAMIC POWER. Using DYNAMIC POWER, as the load on the engine varies, for instance when working in lighter crops or lower yielding parts of the field, this is automatically recognised by the engine management system, which will alter the engine power output accordingly over 10 power steps from just 272hp up to 510hp on the JAGUAR 940 or 884hp on the JAGUAR 980. In trials conducted by the DLG, by using DYNAMIC POWER to match engine power to crop load this resulted in fuel savings of 12.3%, but not at the expense of output. Taking this a stage further, new for 2015 on the JAGUAR 980 and 970 will be DYNAMIC POWER

PRO which enables the operator to use CEBIS in order to adjust the power steps dependent on the conditions they are working in. A key feature of the JAGUAR range and key to its continued worldwide popularity is its powerful and efficient direct drive system, where all the main components are directly driven by the engine, without the need for a right angle gearbox, therefore reducing power loss. 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. A new feature within the JAGUAR 900’s chopping system for 2015 is a hydraulic tensioning system that acts upon the rear precompression roller. Unlike a spring based system, this has the benefit of ensuring that a constant pressure is maintained on the material flowing into the forager regardless of crop density, with the result that a consistent chop quality is maintained and output increased, especially in thick or lumpy conditions. In other updates to the chopping system, the V-MAX chopping cylinder also now features a new segmented mounting system for the blades. This not only makes it quicker and easier to change and set the

blades, but also means it is simpler to change blade configuration. The new JAGUAR 900 series also comes with new front and rear tyre options that are much taller, which helps to increase the ground clearance of the machine. In the cab, a combination of the quieter feed roller drive system and the use of new noise reducing glass in the front and rear windscreen, in addition to changes to the cab floor, means that the cab is far quieter. Another new feature on the JAGUAR 900 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 monitoring, a reminder can also be set after a set yield quantity has been harvested. Other updates for the 2015 JAGUAR 900 range include the provision of larger fuel tanks for greater daily output, a new 375 litre capacity additive tank with a higher capacity pump with application rate determined by either throughput, moisture content or dry matter content.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Machinery

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

48 | Farming Monthly | October 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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| Machinery

John Deere introduces next generation of self-propelled foragers John Deere’s all-new 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvesters represent an entirely new generation of machines.

uilding on the best features of the popular 7000 Series, these new models integrate cutting-edge crop analysis and documentation with innovative machine design, paired with reliability, traction and comfort. As a result, these machines take power efficiency, forage quality and cost efficiency to the next level. The new range includes five models, four with standard crop channels and an additional machine with a wide crop channel: • 8100, 380hp, John Deere 9-litre engine • 8200, 430hp, John Deere 9-litre engine • 8400, 540hp, John Deere 13.5-litre engine • 8500, 585hp, John Deere 13.5-litre engine • 8600, 625hp, John Deere 13.5-litre engine (wide body) All models are available in an ‘i’ specification, including HarvestLab constituent sensing and yield monitoring software as standard. The ProDrive hydrostatic transmission with engine speed management is also now optionally available on all models in the range. John Deere’s FarmSight service packages take the harvest operations of large farms and contractors to a new level of efficiency. Using JDLink wireless technology and with the permission of the owner, dealer product support specialists can remotely monitor machine performance in real time for a fixed monthly fee, to suggest utilisation and efficiency improvements. The longitudinal position of the Stage IV compliant John Deere PowerTech PSX engines has been maintained to enhance rear visibility for trailer filling and safer manoeuvring. With its air intake behind the cab, this engine layout ensures an efficient air flow to the rear of the machine, resulting in lower cooling requirements. Furthermore, a significant weight reduction due to lighter components, reduced crop flow resistance and dry sump gearboxes leads to further fuel savings. So does the engine speed management system, which automatically matches engine rpm to the harvester’s power requirements under varying field and road conditions. Because of their longitudinal layout, the engines are also positioned lower within the forager’s chassis. This in turn lowers the machines’ overall centre of gravity and improves their working stability on steep slopes

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or while travelling at high speeds on the road. Thanks to the new dry sump greasing technology, the angular gearbox transfers power to the drive systems with minimal power loss. This design also means that all hydraulics and the fan are driven directly from the engine without the need for complex couplings or additional belts and pulleys. New header solutions including grass pickups from 3 to 4.5m and Kemper rotary headers from 6 to 9m wide provide customers with cutting edge productivity. Kemper maize headers are optionally available with automatic steering and/or automatic header control. For wholecrop harvesting, John Deere also offers the Zürn ProfiCut 620, a highly efficient header solution for silage that leaves clean, low-cut stubble. The new universal cutterhead has been designed to perform equally well for the very different requirements of both biogas producers and livestock farmers. Depending on their specific requirements, customers can choose between 40, 48, 56 and 64-knife configurations. John Deere’s rigid DuraDrum cutterheads not only deliver the best possible forage quality and the flexibility of a very wide length of cut range, they have also been redesigned to provide an even better crop flow and require less adjustment, to further reduce wear. The AutoLOC (automatic length of cut) feature allows the operator to pre-select the precise cutting length based on actual forage conditions. John Deere has also completely redesigned the entire processor on the 8000 Series, for even better kernel cracking and excellent maize silage processing. The bevelled discs of the KernelStar2 multi-crop processor produce a more aggressive tearing action, which smashes every kernel for maximum starch release and higher silage nutrient value. The kernel processor can be removed in just five minutes for rapid changeover during overlapping harvest seasons. The ‘swing out, swing in’ design makes it easy to lift out the kernel processor and replace it with the grass chute when required. Mounted on the crop spout, HarvestLab measures both dry matter and crop constituents in real time. Developed and patented with Carl Zeiss, HarvestLab uses near

infrared technology to measure the harvested crop 17 times a second. Independently certified by the DLG (Deutsche LandwirtschaftsGesellschaft), HarvestLab takes the guesswork out of producing high quality silage. Complemented by John Deere’s real-time constituent measurement, HarvestLab also has the power to transform the way livestock farmers and biogas plant owners manage their feedstocks and plan their future choice of crop varieties. Another added value feature of the new 8000 Series is the fully integrated advanced dosing system, ADS Twin Line, for silage additive application. Featuring two separate tanks, a 30litre concentrate tank positioned alongside the cab and a second 300-litre tank located at the rear of the machine, ADS Twin Line serves as a highly versatile management tool. All models are available in an ‘i’ specification, including HarvestLab constituent sensing and yield monitoring software as standard. Operator comfort has also been improved, with excellent visibility from the cab due to the anti-glare screen, Bluetooth connectivity, plenty of storage room and automatic air conditioning, adjustable from the CommandARM. Other advanced features include a GreenStar 2630 with touchscreen display and all functions conveniently located in the CommandARM, plus Remote Display Access and AutoTrac with RowSense. The new 8000 Series forage harvesters require minimal maintenance to maximise chopping time. The automatic greasing system removes the need for daily greasing, and the engine radiator screen slides out for easy cleaning with the integrated high-pressure air hose. Extra thick tungsten carbide coatings on the knives and ultra-hard DuraLine components significantly extend the service life of key components, while many of the heavy-duty bearings are sealed for life. In addition, by using only genuine components, lubricants and coolants, John Deere’s PowerGard maintenance and protection plans help to control operating costs as well as maximise uptime and resale value.

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Machinery

50 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| Buildings

Farmall tractors for sale

FARMALL 95A POWERSHUTTLE 40kph. 2014, 16.9 x34 tyres, 540/750 pto. Hydraulic trailer brakes, Air Conditioned Hi Vision cab, telescopic mirrors, extra rear work lights & wiper.

FAMALL 95A POWERSHUTTLE 40kph c/w Quicke Q31 loader, 2014, Air Conditioned Hi Vision cab with extra rear work lights, telescopic mirrors, 2 x double acting hydraulic valves & hyd. trailer brakes.

FARMALL 105A 4WD. POWERSHUTTLE 2014, Air Conditioned Hi Vision cab with passenger seat, 2 x double acting hydraulic valves & hyd. trailer brakes, 540/1000 pto. 18.4 x 34 tyres, quick attach link arm ends.

FARMALL 105A POWERSHUTTLE 40kph c/w Quicke Q41 loader, Air Conditioned, Hi Vision cab, 540/1000 pto. Passenger seat, extra rear work lights. Hyd. trailer brakes, 18.4 x 34 tyres.

FARMALL 115A POWERSHUTTLE c/w Quicke Q46 loader, 2014, Air Conditioned Hi Vision cab with passenger seat, 18.4 x 34 tyres, hydraulic valves & hyd. trailer brakes.

FROM £27250 + VAT CaseIH Warranty, CaseIH Finance subject to terms & conditions.

FROM £33500 + VAT CaseIH Warranty, CaseIH Finance subject to terms & conditions

FROM £29000 + VAT CaseIH Warranty, CaseIH Finance subject to terms & conditions

FROM £34750 + VAT CaseIH Warranty, CaseIH Finance subject to terms & conditions

FROM £36250 + VAT CaseIH Warranty, CaseIH Finance subject to terms & conditions

Finace offered subject to terms & conditions

Startin Tractors Limited Twycross CV9 3PW Telephone : 01827 880088 Website with photographs: www.startintractors.co.uk email: sales@startintractors.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Forestry

Forest and Woodland Certification Scheme tops 200,000 hectares UPM Tilhill is celebrating reaching a major milestone since launching its own Forest and Woodland Certification scheme. ith the certification of the historic Woburn Estate, UPM Tilhill’s total UKWAS certified area now exceeds 200,000 hectares. UPM Tilhill already carries out tree condition surveys, woodland creation work and harvesting for Woburn Estate, part of which is now to be certified. Certification Manager for UPM Tilhill Ewan McIntosh said: “We’re very proud of how the scheme has grown in a short space of time and to have been involved in certifying so much of the UK’s woodland. Working with the Woburn Estate continues to be a huge privilege and we were delighted to celebrate a major certification milestone with this customer.” UPM Tilhill has been providing a

certification service to woodland owners since 1999 and now runs the largest FSC and PEFC Certification Scheme in the UK with 40% of the privately owned, certified woodland within the company’s scheme. Led by Ewan McIntosh, UPM

52 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

Tilhill’s team of experienced forest managers across the country helps woodland owners maintain compliance to the UKWAS ensuring access to timber markets and the price premium often paid for certified timber. Ewan added: “Certification provides woodland owners with improved access to timber markets and often a favourable price premium for certified timber. Certification also provides land owners with an internationally and independently verified standard that demonstrates sustainable forest management - which many of forest owners see as a key part of their corporate social responsibility.” Certification is available to any woodland owners, regardless of whether they are a UPM Tilhill customer. Details about the process and costs associated with joining UPM Tilhill’s scheme are available from are available from Ewan McIntosh, Certification

“Certification provides woodland owners with improved access to timber markets and often a favourable price premium for certified timber.” Manager, UPM Tilhill. Tel: 01653 696 083 or email: ewan.mcintosh@upm.com The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) has enabled 1.4 million hectares of woodland in the UK to gain certification under two internationally recognised schemes. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification) both recognise UKWAS as the standard for forest certification in the UK. More information on UKWAS can be found on www.ukwas.org.uk

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| Groundcare

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October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Tillage

54 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| Tyres

BKT show extensive agriculture tyre line-up at EIMA 2014 BKT and its Italian distributor Univergomma jointly display agriculture tyres designed for high-power tractors, reaping and harvesting equipment, sprayers and trailers. t EIMA 2014, BKT will stage along with its Italian distributor for agriculture tyres, Univergomma, showcasing the tyre ranges AGRIMAX FORCE, AGRIMAX TERIS, AGRIMAX RT 945, AGRIMAX SPARGO, the new lines RIDEMAX FL 693 M and RIDEMAX FL 698, and not least MULTIMAX MP 522. BKT takes the opportunity to present top-ofthe-range products to the EIMA visitors, including some remarkable novelties within the tire lineup for trailers. The two new entries are: the RIDEMAX FL 693 M and RIDEMAX FL 698. Displayed in the size 650/55 R 26.5, RIDEMAX FL 693 M is the ideal radial tyre for those who frequently travel on the road with trailers/tank trucks. Actually designed for 70% on-the-road use, RIDEMAX FL 693 M provides excellent road handling prioritizing comfort and self-cleaning properties. The D/E speed indices of the range stand for higher speeds when travelling on the road leading to significant savings in time. The low rolling resistance contributes to lower fuel consumption. RIDEMAX FL 698 is the new All Steel radial tyre designed for mainly road usage on trailers for dumpers at pits/construction sites, tank trucks/manure spreaders. The All Steel structure provides increased load capacity, an essential condition for the intended application. The possibility to travel at a speed of up to 80 km/h ensures quick movements and major productivity.

Designed with a reinforced bead and a steel-belted casing, MULTIMAX MP 522 ensures optimum resistance against punctures. For high-power tractors (over 250 HP), BKT showcases the radial tire AGRIMAX FORCE in the IF 900/60 R 38 version at EIMA. As a further development of the IF technology, AGRIMAX FORCE combines major load capacity at a lower inflation pressure compared to a standard tyre of the same size. Low pressure

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means a large footprint area on the ground providing perfect flotation and soil protection, whilst a larger number of lugs coming into contact with the ground ensures major traction. In order to offer the user an actual time saving during agricultural operations, AGRIMAX FORCE enables travel at a maximum speed of 65 km/h without changing the inflation pressure when moving from road to field usage and vice versa. AGRIMAX TERIS is the specialist for reaping and harvesting operations. The radial tyre, which will be displayed at EIMA in the version 800/65 R 32, has been specially designed for cuttingedge heavy harvesters. Excellent flotation and high load capacity are essential tire features for this type of operations. AGRIMAX TERIS shows excellent performance, considerably reducing soil compaction and ensuring the possibility of high loads in full safety. AGRIMAX TERIS also features a special sidewall protection for increased resistance – and hence a longer tyre life – even under difficult circumstances, such as the presence of very resistant stems and scrub. For reaping and harvesting applications that need narrow/row crop tyres, BKT displays at EIMA the AGRIMAX RT 945 tire in the size 320/90 R 50. Specially designed for row crops, AGRIMAX RT 945 does not damage crops preserving yield. In addition, excellent selfcleaning features allow for a quick change from field operations to road usage, where AGRIMAX RT 945 shows brilliant performance. BKT and Univergomma display Agrimax Spargo, the radial tyre specially designed for sprayer and row crop applications, in the size 380/90 R 46. Thanks to the decreased tread width, Agrimax Spargo enables tractors passing easily between rows without damaging crops, preserving hence the harvest. Thanks to the special VF technology, BKT has developed a tyre that allows for heavier loads at the same inflation pressure compared to a standard tire. Not least, the agro-industrial radial tyre

Multimax MP 522 will be showcased at the BKT stand in the size 460/70 R 24 for the EIMA audience. Designed with a reinforced bead and a steel-belted casing, MULTIMAX MP 522 ensures optimum resistance against punctures. The result is a longer tyre life and an extraordinary loading capacity, providing maximum stability at the same time. The special tread design makes MULTIMAX MP 522 perfect for all situations requiring major grip. Again, the Off-Highway tyre manufacturer and major global player BKT is going to set a trend at EIMA 2014 – The International Agricultural and Gardening Exhibition – scheduled at Bologna from 12 to 16 November. See BKT in Hall 16 Stand A1 For more information visit www.bkt-tires.com

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 55

| ATV

56 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| ATV

New Polaris Ranger Diesels with handsome cab Polaris Ranger UTVs have built a solid reputation as solid, hard working and the smoothest riding of utility vehicles available with two passenger, full size and multi-passenger versions for farm, amenity and recreational use. or 2015, seventy-five percent of the Ranger lineup receives performance upgrades and restyling, based on the lineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship the Ranger XP900. The first Rangers to receive the new treatment are the full-size Ranger Diesel and Ranger Diesel Crew. The Ranger Diesel is a favourite hard-working vehicle amongst

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farmers and anyone who uses diesel as a fuel source. The Ranger Diesel Crew has proved extremely popular with gamekeepers and shooting grounds as a very capable, goanywher, six-seater 4x4. These new vehicles receive a new 3 cylinder, Tier 4 compliant Diesel engine and a double alternator output, with a massive 110 amps

to power more accessories. One of the main features of the new Diesels is the LOCK & RIDEÂŽ Pro-Fit cab system which ensures an impeccable quality fit and finish, rugged durability and modularity, with ease of installation. Premium upgrades like interior liners, power windows, and tip out glass windshields give you the comfort you demand. This latest generation of Ranger Diesels shares the same attributes that made the Ranger XP 900 a premium choice in the Ranger line. Innovations such as a restyled cockpit, Dual A-Arm front suspension, new flip-up seat storage, larger 10 gal/37.6 L fuel tank, easier serviceability and a quieter ride due to engine

The Ranger Diesel is a favourite hard-working vehicle amongst farmers and anyone who uses diesel as a fuel source. repositioning will make the Ranger Diesel and Ranger Diesel Crew even harder working and smoother riding work horses. For 2015, all Full-Size vehicles will receive new intake openings, on the pillars behind the driver and passenger, allowing for improved airflow for the engine and clutch air intake systems. The Ranger Diesel and Ranger Diesel Crew will be available in Sage Green. Polaris Britain 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 57

| ATV

New Can-Am Outlander L revs up the ATV scene The Can-Am Outlander L is the newest addition to Bombardier Recreational Products’ (BRP) extensive All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) line-up for 2015. he Outlander L’s rugged design gives the user a workhorse ATV that handles effectively on rough terrain and narrow trails and is powerful enough to be able haul heavy cargo. To launch the new Can-Am Outlander L, BRP are offering recreational customers only, a promotion of two years standard warranty + three years extra warranty if purchased between 1st October 2014 to 31st January 2015. The standard two years warranty will be applied for all other users. There will be an opportunity to test ride the Outlander L range at local dealerships at the Off-Road Days running between 7th – 30th November. Paul Wood, Cam-Am Commercial Representative UK and Ireland, says: “The Outlander

L’s versatility adds another string to the bow of the Can-Am Outlander range. Its rugged design allows it to handle any job that is put in front of it at an affordable price.” The model’s Surrounding Spar Technology (SST) frame, exclusive to BRP, contributes to the Outlander L’s low centre of gravity and has been designed to reduce weight while offering increased durability. In addition, the Double TTI rear suspension and the SACHS fiveway pre-loaded adjustable shocks provide the Outlander L with the precision engineered handling, comfort and control that users have come to expect from the Can-Am Outlander ATV range. The new unit utilises a similar G2 frame that is used on the larger Outlander ATV model and delivers reliable and efficient performance from a new single cylinder 38hp

58 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

Rotax four-stroke engine available with Outlander L 450 or the 46hp Rotax 500 V-Twin available with the Outlander L 500. Both engines offer the right mix of power and torque, underlined by a new signature exhaust note, thanks to its new rear mounted silencer. Riders will benefit from the Outlander L’s steel tubular racks that have a combined capacity of 163kg, with the front rack able to hold 54kg and the rear able to handle 109kg. The rack comes with a LinQ quick attach accessory system that offers adaptable cargo hauling options and works with numerous Can-Am rack accessories. In addition, there is a 10.9 litre water-resistant storage compartment located on the rear rack. The Can-Am Outlander L comes with a Visco-Lok front differential, which intelligently transfers power from a slipping wheel to the

opposing wheel that has traction. “The Outlander L’s versatility adds another string to the bow of the Can-Am Outlander range.” Additional features include towing capacity of 590kg, an easy to read multifunctional gauge providing the user with everything they need to know when they are using the ATV, two 35 watt front headlights with selectable high and low beams, a 20.5 litre fuel tank and 2 years warranty.

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| ATV

New Forest Garden Machinery 316-318 Salisbury Road Totton, Southampton Hampshire SO40 3ND Tel: 023 8087 1764 www.nfgmltd.co.uk

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Greenlow ATV Greenlow House Royston Road, Melbourne Hertfordshire SG8 6DG Tel: 01763 260239 www.greenlow.co.uk

LRS (Lincs) Ltd Unit 9-10 Belton Lane Ind Est Belton Lane, Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 9HN Tel: 01476 565999 www.lrs-uk.com

Off Highway Plant Solutions Tel: 01305 858623 Mob: 07899 848569 www.Sphere24.com

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Motors

Working with you to bring you more style and better performance. Rugged it may be, but the Amarok pick-up offers car-like driving and a refined interior with premium styling and functional design. The comfortable interior and convenience of an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox mean it’s as comfortable in town as it is off-road. With its powerful 2.0-litre TDI engines and the dynamic all-terrain benefits of the intelligent 4MOTION® four-wheeldrive, it will take you anywhere you need to go. Offering maximum payload of 1,145kg and towing capacity of up to 3,200kg, it boasts the widest load area in its class so you can fit in a Euro pallet sideways. Call us today to book a test drive or pop in to ask for more details.

7KH $PD

PRQWK D Ɇ Ɇ ȫ Ƀ URN IURP

Business users only. Plus VAT and initial rental. *Contract hire quotation based on Amarok Startline 2.0 TDI 140PS. Offer based on a 3 + 35 payment profile and 10,000 miles per annum. Available for Amarok registrations before September 30th, 2014, subject to availability. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any

60 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

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| Motors

Alan Day Van Centre Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London. Telephone: 020 8045 3483.

Volkswagen Van Centre (Birmingham) St Stephens Street, Birmingham, West Midlands. Telephone: 0121 546 0069.

JCT600 Van Centre (Sheffield) Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield. Telephone: 01144 040 023.

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

Find us on your sat-nav using B6 4RG.

Find us on your sat-nav using S9 1XS.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/alandaynewsouthgate

www.vw4vans.co.uk

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/jct600sheffield

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston)

JCT600 Van Centre (York)

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Telephone: 01743 600 031. Find us on your sat-nav using SY1 3TL. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/greenhous

Listers (Worcester) Van Centre 157 Bromyard Road, St Johns, Worcester, Worcestershire. Telephone: 01905 412 191.

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton. Telephone: 01902 546 561. Find us on your sat-nav using WV14 7EF.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600York

Listers (Coventry) Van Centre

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull)

347-367 Bedworth Road, Longford, Coventry, West Midlands. Telephone: 02477 670 054. Find us on your sat-nav using CV6 6BN.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/listersworcester

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/listerscoventry

78 Capitol Way, Colindale, London. Telephone: 020 8045 6162. Find us on your sat-nav using NW9 0EW. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/colindale

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

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/bilston

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

Citygate Van Centre (Colindale)

Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York. Telephone: 01904 848 302.

Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, Hull, East Yorkshire. Telephone: 01482 908 520. Find us on your sat-nav using HU13 9PB. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/JCT600Hull

Citygate Van Centre (Wooburn Green) Holtspur Lane, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, Bucks. Telephone: 01494 256 064. Find us on your sat-nav using HP10 0AU. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/wooburngreen

6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. Available to over 18s in the UK only. time. Finance providers may pay us for introducing you to them. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.

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October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 61

| Motors

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

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

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

Isuzu North London Middlesex 0208 8046135 www.isuzunorthlondon.com

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

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

Riverside Eastern Ltd North Yorkshire 01723 862242 www.riversidemotors.co.uk

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

Maple Garage Ltd East Yorkshire 01964 670392 www.maplegarage.co.uk

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

62 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

Archie Moss Leicestershire 01530 553504 www.archiemoss.co.uk

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| Motors

D-Max: Top for towing

A Label to be seen in

Award-winning pick-up, the Isuzu D-Max, is to appear as the tow vehicle of choice throughout the third series of cult motoring TV series, Car SOS. Filming started at the beginning of September.

Volkswagen launches limited edition Amarok Dark Label.

he third-series of the hugely-popular TV show sees bargain-finding petrolhead Tim Shaw and master mechanic Fuzz Townshend back on the road restoring much loved, but neglected, motors to their original glory for truly deserving owners. In previous series of the show, Tim and Fuzz have restored such varied classics as a Ford Anglia, a Lotus Elan and a Phoenix Jeep. The D-Max, in range-topping Utah specification, fitted with the Vision audio and navigation pack was chosen as the perfect load lugger because of its class-leading 3.5-tonne towing capacity and high levels of spec and refinement when moving the team – and its quarries – around. Fuzz Townshend says of the new series, “A working day on Car SOS often means spending a long time in the Isuzu D-Max – filming sequences when collecting or returning classic cars means that Tim and I can often spend the whole day in the cab. With the DMax, this isn't a problem, there's

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plenty of room for us to stretch out. The wide, load-swallowing rear easily accepts the most bulky car components we need to carry and the D-Max's towing capabilities are outstanding. It's also stylish, which means that we can arrive at the most upmarket locations and not look out of place.” Car SOS is National Geographic Channel’s number one programme across Europe, attracting a 200% increase in average viewership for the broadcaster. The series will air in over 80 territories, including Japan and South Africa. In the UK, the first episode of Car SOS will air on National Geographic Channel in 2015, before being repeated on Channel 4’s More4 channel. Isuzu has sold more than 3,000 units of its D-Max pick-up in the UK since the start of 2014; a 26% uplift in year-on-year sales.

olkswagen Commercial Vehicles is set to give its pick-up range a dramatic new edge with the introduction of the new special edition Amarok Dark Label model. Designed to showcase the Amarok’s striking solid design, a limited number of 300 vehicles will be available to UK customers when the Dark Label goes on sale 22 September 2014. The Amarok Dark Label comes with Volkswagen’s top of the range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS engine, offering up to 420 Nm of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg. Customers can choose between the six-speed manual selectable 4MOTION® (50 vehicles available) or the eightspeed auto-permanent 4MOTION® (250 vehicles available). The automatic version boasts BlueMotion Technology, which includes low rollingresistance tyres, Start/stop and regenerative braking to provide greater economy and lower emissions. Both models include a host of unique styling features that make the Amarok Dark Label one of the most striking pick-ups on the road. They include 18-inch Durban alloy wheels finished in black, extended wheel arches and a distinctive underride guard below the front bumper. The exterior design package also includes dark tinted rear/side windows, darkened tail lights, matt black side bars and

footstep, along with a black rear bumper, black grained door handles and black foil on the Bpillars. Inside, the Amarok Dark Label is equally dramatic with premium anthracite Alcantara upholstery and velour floor mats featuring exclusive Dark Label branding. Equipment highlights include a multi-functional steering wheel, leather gear knob and gaiter, satellite navigation with a six-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, a multi-function display and heated seats. Customers also benefit from heated wing mirrors, electric windows and additional door dust seals as standard. A special anthracite-coloured UV-resistant special coating applied to load area completes the striking look. Customers can choose from three colours: Deep Black, Reflex Silver and Natural Grey. Customers wanting an even more individual appearance can take advantage of a range of specially selected Amarok Dark Label accessories. These include practical items such as a hard tonneau cover, Dark Label branded seat covers and bonnet protection, and styling items including chrome door handles and roof-mounted styling bar lights. More info from your nearest VW Van Centre or by calling 0800 717131

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Volvo cars reveals the all-new Volvo XC90 R-Design Volvo Cars has released the first images of the R-Design version of the all new XC90, aimed at buyers looking for a head-turner that radiates a truly sporty and dynamic look.

-Design is created for people with a passion for things that add spice to life,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service of Volvo Car Group. “It appeals to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design. Every single R-Design detail is designed to contribute to the individualistic and refined expression these customers desire.” The visual promise of a dynamic ride is confirmed by the driver-centric interior featuring R-Design Contour sports seats in Nubuck and perforated leather. A choice of Drive-E powertrains offering up to 400 hp and the completely new XC90 chassis ensure an agile driving experience. The release of the R-Design follows Volvo’s release of 1,927 individually numbered black First Edition XC90’s which were offered for sale

exclusively online and sold out in 47 hours. Distinctive R-Design detailing The R-Design exterior includes a number of distinguishing details, such as grille, front spoiler, silk metal window surround, integrated dual exhausts, integrated silver roof rails and silver matt mirror covers. 20-inch R-Design alloy wheels complete the stylish, dynamic look. Inside, gearshift paddles, plus the Contour sports seats and perforated leather steering wheel and gearshift knob are accompanied by special R-Design details, such as sports seats, pedals, floor mats and illuminated tread plates. The driver also gets an exclusive R-Design leather key remote control. Tablet-like touch screen The tablet-like touch screen in the centre and a 12.3-inch fully graphical driver display are of course included in the R-Design. The driver display also features a unique R-Design theme.

The heart of the all-new in-car control is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to operate their car and access a range of Internet and cloud based products and services. New trim level strategy The core of the new XC90 range will be the Momentum model. Above this sits two separate branches – for a sports-inspired look and feel, the R-Design offers exclusive features and design detailing. Meanwhile, for an elegant look and an even more luxurious experience, customers can opt for the richly equipped Inscription model. “In principle, we have replaced the previous top level with the Inscription and R-Design versions. Both of them feature an elevated content, carefully chosen to emphasise each of their distinctive individual personalities,” said Alain Visser.

AWD powertrain upgrade for V40 Cross Country All-Wheel Drive option provides rugged all-road capability whilst reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. he successful Drive-E powertrain with a 245 hp petrol turbo T5 engine that was made available earlier this year for the V40 is now being introduced for the V40 Cross Country – with the added capability of AWD. “Volvo Cars is continuing to evolve the V40 Cross Country with this powertrain upgrade. The combination of the Drive-E T5 engine with AWD will give adventurous customers the power to explore, and all the control they need to be confident in all road conditions,” says Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Cars. With 245 hp and 350 Nm of torque, the V40 Cross Country delivers all the power that drivers have come to expect from a Volvo. Adding to the refinement and fuel-efficient driveability is the 8-speed automatic gearbox

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with optional paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear shifting. UK customers can place orders from January. Impressive CO2 reductions Since they were introduced last year, Volvo Cars’ ground-breaking four-cylinder Drive-E engines have been widely hailed for their unique ability to combine power and efficiency with a small footprint. Compared to the V40 Cross Country’s previous T5 engine, the new powertrain reduces emissions to an impressive 149 g/km – a level unmatched by the Audi Q3 TFSI Quattro (179 g/km), the BMW X1 xDrive20i xLine auto (170 g/km) or the Mercedes-Benz B-class (SUV) 220 Sport 4MATIC DCT (156 g/km). Refinement This powertrain upgrade continues the series of enhancements that have been made

to the V40 Cross Country this year. Other new additions have been a 19” Damara alloy wheel with grey diamond-cut rims, delivering not only extra comfort and off-road capability, but also less noise and added rim protection; plus a new exterior colour, Power Blue, as well as the updated on-board infotainment and navigation system, Sensus Connect, providing customers with a fully connected car.

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Europa Subaru South Yorkshire Tel: 0114 208 6198

Perkins Garages Ltd Essex Tel: 01376 550899

GMD Car Sales County Durham Tel: 0191 384 1925

Pinkstones Subaru Staffordshire 01782 711661

Colin Appleyard Manchester Tel: 0161 3305148

Colin Appleyard West Yorkshire Tel: 01484 514954

Cambridge Subaru Cambridgeshire Tel: 01223 554055

MRG Chippenham Wiltshire 01249 443300

www.Europa-Subaru.co.uk

www.colinappleyard.com

66 | Farming Monthly | October 2014

www.perkinsgarages.co.uk

www.colinappleyard.com

www.gmdcarsales.co.uk

www.cambridgesubaru.co.uk

www.pinkstones.subaru.co.uk

www.mrgcars.co.uk

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More polish (but no price increase) for the new Duster Styling and trim upgrades with no increase in prices for UK’s most affordable SUV. he ever-popular Dacia Duster benefits from a package of styling and trim upgrades for the 2015 Model Year, but with no increase in the brand’s nononsense, “shockingly affordable” pricing. The line-up continues to consist of two- and four-wheel-drive models based on three trim levels and two engines. The entrylevel Access is powered by a 105 hp 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol engine, while the mid-range Ambiance and top-grade Lauréate versions have a 107 hp (109 hp on 4x4 versions) 1.5-litre dCi 110 turbodiesel power unit. Prices start at less than £9,500 for the two-wheel-drive Access model and under £11,500 for the four-wheeldrive version. New for 2015 is a more stylish chrome front grille made up of two layers of four small intakes surrounding the Dacia logo. All versions now have ‘Duster’ branded roof bars – chromed on Lauréate models. At the rear, a black tailgate trim with ‘Duster’ branding sits above the number plate. Lauréate versions have smart new Tyrol 16-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and dark metal door mirror casings. Five new metallic colours – Mercury, Khaki, Pearl Black, Slate Grey and Cinnamon – replace the previous choices as alternatives to solid Glacier White on the Ambiance and Lauréate. There is new upholstery and seats for every model. Access versions are finished in Hassium cloth, Ambiance in Osmium cloth and Lauréate in Rhodium cloth with ‘Duster’ lettering. An Emergency Spare Wheel now becomes a £150 option on all 4x2 versions and remains standard on 4x4 models. The range structure is the same as before. Highlights on Access models are 16-inch Eiger steel wheels, remote locking, a Thatchamapproved engine immobiliser, electric front windows, anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control and

Traction Control, a Tyre Pressure Monitor, four airbags, an ECO driving mode and gearshift indicator and a four-speed heating and ventilation system. Body-coloured bumpers, black door handles and Duster-branded roof bars and bumpers are all standard. Glacier White is the sole colour. The 4x4 version has a centre differential lock with 2WD, Auto and Lock modes. Ambiance versions add Matterhorn 16-inch steel wheels, satin chrome door handles, a chrome gearlever insert and instrument surrounds, a radio/CD player with AUX and USB sockets and Bluetooth, front foglights, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a 60:40 split rear seat. Topping the range are the Lauréate models with 16-inch Tyrol alloys, manual air conditioning, electric mirrors and rear windows, cruise control with a speed limiter, a sevenfunction trip computer, a glovebox light, a passenger vanity mirror and body coloured door handles, satin chrome Duster-branded roof bars, scuff plates and side sills. Also standard are piano black interior door handles, door and steering wheel inserts and centre console surround, a leather-covered steering

wheel and map pockets in the front seat backs. Dacia has been Europe’s fastest-growing automotive brand for eight years in a row. The Duster is the most affordable SUV on the UK market – and has been since it came to the UK in mid-2012. Production of Right Hand Drive UK-bound Dusters was originally at the Chennai plant in India and, with the advent of New Duster, has moved closer to its British end customers to Dacia’s home plant of Pitesti in Romania. The line-up continues to consist of two- and four-wheel-drive models based on three trim levels and two engines. The model has claimed a stack of awards in the UK, Europe and India and has established an immensely loyal following, not least because of pricing and specification which is more in tune with that for a car from the class below. The Duster is covered by Dacia’s standard three-year/60,000 mile mechanical warranty plus two-year paint and six-year anti-corrosion guarantees.

Andy wins a new car thanks to his dog Bruce A dog-owner from Middlewich has won a new car for a year thanks to his four-legged friend, Bruce. ndy Latham, 53, scooped the Mitsubishi Outlander after winning the Gun Dog of the Year Competition with his five-year-old Labrador, at the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. Andy, who collected his prize from Crewe Mitsubishi dealer Grenson Motor Company in Marshfield Bank Employment Park, Middlewich Road, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won the competition. Bruce is a very special dog and I’m really looking forward to driving to competitions with him in the Outlander. It’s a lovely vehicle and it’s ideal for driving up and down the country.” England Gun Dog Team member and grandfather-of-two, Andy enters around 25 competitions a year with his dog and the pair

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beat 200 fellow competitors to win the car. Andy, a joiner, has been taking part in competitions for 25 years and he has won the CLA International three times and the European Championship once. Grenson Motor Company have also fitted the vehicle with a dog cage so that Andy can travel to competitions with Bruce safely in the back. Jim Lewis, marketing manager at the dealership, said: “We’re delighted to see Andy win the Outlander for a year. The vehicle is economical, luxurious and it’s packed with clever technological features so I’m sure he’ll enjoy driving it. The Outlander has achieved a five-star Euro-NCAP safety rating, boasts bestin-class fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, and is lighter, quieter and more refined than

ever. We wish Andy and Bruce all the best for their future competitions.”

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DISCOVERY OVER 200 INTERNATIONAL AWARDS AND COUNTING

Landrover Discovery pulls more awards Discovery HSE Luxury model claims a brace of class wins in The Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards.

and Rover Discovery is celebrating its second tow car honour within three months thanks to recognition in The Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards. The club’s judging panel voted the Discovery HSE Luxury the top model in two hard-fought classes – for all-wheel-drive vehicles over 1800kg and for vehicles priced in excess of £40,000. In June, Land Rover Discovery claimed its fifth consecutive victory and seventh class win in eight years in the Tow Car Awards, a record unmatched by any rival. At the Caravan Club’s London awards ceremony, the judges’ citation reported: “Towing is effortless with Land Rover Discovery. The V6 3-litre TD engine, mated to an impressive eight-speed auto gearbox, propels you up, down and round at speeds that a large

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outfit such as this would initially appear incapable of reaching. Greenhouse-sized windows give excellent rear visibility too.” The Caravan Club tested 39 cars for this year’s competition, with five expert drivers assessing each car’s towing abilities including acceleration, braking and coping with hill starts. Two judges assessed the vehicles’ usability, and two further experts performed acceleration tests. Land Rover Discovery boasts several intelligent technologies which help to enhance the towing experience. Trailer Stability Assist detects the presence of a trailer and, above 37mph, it monitors the behaviour of the trailer and uses selective braking of the appropriate wheels to help correct any problems. Towing Assist, a next-generation reversing aid, is also included with the optional Surround Camera

“Towing is effortless with Land Rover Discovery. The V6 3-litre TD engine, mated to an impressive eight-speed auto gearbox, propels you up, down and round at speeds that a large outfit such as this would initially appear incapable of reaching. Greenhouse sized windows give excellent rear visibility too.” System. The Towing Assist technology predicts the trajectory of both vehicle and trailer, guiding when coupling a trailer and providing a predicted path for the vehicle when reversing by superimposing coloured lines over the image on the touch-screen.

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STABILISE YOUR TRAILER Call us today to book a test drive.

To improve stability when towing, Trailer Stability Assist detects sway and corrects by adjusting brakes and throttle.

Armstong Massey - York 01937 531531 armstrongmassey.landrover.co.uk

Carrs - Truro 01872 263377 carrs.truro.landrover.co.uk

Kentdale - Kendal 08433 833530 kentdale.landrover.co.uk

Matford - Exeter 01392 825825 matford.exeter.landrover.co.uk

Hunters - Southampton 02380 215800 hunters.southampton.landrover.co.uk

Rocar Moores - Huddersfield 01484 582817 rocarmoores.landrover.co.uk

Guy Salmon - Knutsford 01565 632525 guysalmon.knutsford.landrover.co.uk

Hunters - Norwich 01603 944836 hunters.norwich.landrover.co.uk

Barretts - Ashford 01233 506070 barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk

Copley - Halifax 01422 520528 copley.landrover.co.uk

Barretts - Canterbury 01227 475475 barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk

Lloyds - Kelso 01573 224345 lloyd.kelso.landrover.co.uk

Ripon Landrover - North Yorkshire 01765 646464 ripon.landrover.co.uk www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

October 2014 | Farming Monthly | 69

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Preview: Jeep Renegade oes young sir require something a little different for his duties today? To stand out from the crowd in something truly unique...something that will get the job done in style...at home on the road...excelling off the beaten track...delivering true 4 wheel drive, comfort, safety and a pinch of adventure...Jeep Renegade anyone? Young farmers will soon be able to benefit from true Jeep heritage with a package that delivers in many important areas and with a unique sense of style to boot. Designed and tested in America but 'born' at the Melfi factory in Italy, Jeep Renegade is set to take the compact SUV market by storm with its best in class 'walk on the wild-side'. Taking style cues from the original and iconic Jeep, Renegade - with its round headlamps and 7 bar grille, adds additional flourishes in the form of the X motif from the famous 'Jerry Can', which is used to great effect throughout the vehicle. From the X style rear lamps, X roof branding and subtle X touches inside the cabin, there is more to the Renegade than off-the-wall style that makes it every bit a Jeep - despite its more compact dimensions. I like the unique look - others may not - but styling is always divisive and you can't argue that it offers something different from the run of the mill. Sort of a Lada Niva / Kia Soul love child with more than a pinch of 'Jeepness'?..if only in looks. Especially in Trailhawk trim and riding high on its impressively articulated suspension, Renegade is masterful off-road and more than capable on it. The top line 168bhp 2.0-litre turbo-diesel produces 258lb ft at 1750rpm which, when transferred though the new ninespeed automatic gearbox, offers a decent amount of punch and a refined drive on the tarmac. Selectable four-wheel drive with a lowrange setting ensures that the Trailhawk won't give up easily, even over the roughest terrain. Additional off-road gadgetry, including Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud and Rock settings plus fourwheel drive lock for non-low range

{

noun: ren-e-gade One who defies convention and breaks with established customs. An outlaw; a rebel.

moments and speed adjustable hill descent control reinforce the Renegade's off-roading credentials. Commendable approach and departure angles of 30 and 34 degrees respectively, and a 24 degree break-over angle put the Renegade in a similar bracket with the best off-roaders out there - and, dare I say it - you could even compare it to a Freelander. Of course, there's the usual skid plates to protect the underside in the event that this is put to the test. You'll also be able to climb a 1:20 gradient should circumstances dictate. So what about on-road performance, I hear you ask? Well – I have to say that I wasn't prepared for how good this Renegade was on the black stuff. During the press presentation, we heard about how this Jeep had been designed from the ground up to be strong & rigid yet refined and quiet – and I have to say that they weren't lying. All the vibration & sound reduction techniques have worked, making the Renegade a pleasure on-road. There's no clattery diesel noises here and you can hold a comfortable conversation with ease. Don't get me wrong, it's no library – but it's surprisingly quiet with less wind noise than you’d expect. The cabin too is a step up in quality for the Jeep brand. The leather clad steering wheel is chunky and the plastics in general are of a higher quality than anticipated. Door handles too, are pretty good (for anyone that recognises my obsession with this area!). Instruments and screen are of equally good quality, with solid switch-gear and comfortable seats (we’d choose leather here). There's a decent size square boot and plenty of adult size room in the back. Seats down, carrying capacity is excellent, whatever you decide to stuff in it. Road manners are good, with the suspension set-up soaking up the more 'unkept' Italian village roads and surprising little lean into corners, considering the ride height.

The most powerful Trailhawk version only comes with the new 9 speed auto (though we'd take this option anyway) but the manual 6 speed gearbox in lower models is equally good. The less powerful engines will be cheaper to run too – all come with stop-start making them cheaper to run. More info on towing abilities and such in due course...I know we’ll be covering the Renegade again in due course. Already launched in Italy in recent weeks, Renegade is due to hit British shores around February/March time. If Jeep can get the pricing right then they will be onto a winner. Especially in Trailhawk trim and riding high on its impressively articulated suspension, Renegade is masterful off-road and more than capable on it. First thoughts though, are that they inevitably won’t. No UK prices confirmed yet but we expect an estimated starting price of around £18,000 moving up to around £27,000 for the range topping and truly capable Trailhawk version, though brace yourselves for the brace of extras available. It won't be the cheapest vehicle out there – but it might be the most unique and versatile! We like it. Andrew Poulton, Editor

Trailhawk model

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