September 2012 Farming Monthly National

Farming

MONTHLY National

September 2012

Inside this issue...

Diet Feeders 5 pages of the latest machines

Security A look at on farm security measures

Buildings Ventilation is key

SsangYong Korando Sports We preview the upcoming Pick-Up Also Inside: Arable | Education | Energy | Machinery | On Topic | Fencing | ATVs | Motors

Contents

31

33

September 2012

59 66

Features

Regulars

26 29 30 33 40 42 44 57

06 16 19 21 62 66

Buildings Building industry news

Buildings RIDBA launches FAB award

Fencing Fencing industry news

Security On farm security feature

Tillage Tillage news

Animal Health Schmallenberg news

Machinery A look at the latest developments

News All the latest need to know commentary.

On Topic The future for farming

Energy What’s new in on farm energy?

EBEC We put the spotlight on the EBEC show

ATV The essential workhorse round-up.

Motors What’s new on the road?

NEXT MONTH Livestock review...

Diet Feeders Five page focus We welcome feedback and encourage readers to air their views. Have an opinion on a story or agriculture in general? Write to us at the address below or email letters@farmingmonthly.com

Andrew Poulton EDITOR

Whilst every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, the opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. The Editor also reserves the right to alter or edit material as necessary and no responsibility is accepted for inaccuracies. Full copyright applies. All rights reserved 2012.

Connect with us:

Published in the UK by Farming Monthly Ltd, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 Fax: +44 (0) 2476 353571 Editor Andrew Poulton Editorial Assistant editorial@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Director Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com Senior Advertising Sales Jenny Tranter j.tranter@farmingmonthly.com Advertising Sales Edward Hickinbottom e.hickinbottom@farmingmonthly.com Accounts Manager Cheryl Arnold c.arnold@farmingmonthly.com Production Team Andrew Poulton studio@farmingmonthly.com For editorial and general enquiries or to advertise please call Tel: 02476 353537 or email sales@farmingmonthly.com

04 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

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Competition Subscribe Win a Skout infrared camera courtesy of Bushwear he Skout game camera from Stealth Cam gives you great bang for your buck. With TRIAD technology, this camera offers still images, video with audio and time lapse mode.

Customize your settings for the season with adjustable image intervals that range from 0-59 minutes. This compact 7MP camera runs on 8 AA batteries for long life in the woods and minimal impact on your wallet. With time, date, moon phase and temperatures stamps, find out when big bucks are moving in your area. Take some of the guesswork out of hunting. You can also use it to check out what’s going on around the farm in those dark winter nights. An excellent security tool!

Also up for grabs is a fantastic T-shirt sure to put a smile on your face!

Visit www.bushwear.co.uk for more great products.

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To enter the competition to win this fantastic prize, all you have to do is answer the question below. You can also enter online at www.farmingmonthly.co.uk/competitions

Q: How many megapixels does the the Skout camera boast?

A: 3MP B: 4MP C: 5MP D: 7MP

Send your completed answer form to: Competitions, Farming Monthly National, 15-17 Dugdale Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5QJ Good Luck!

Closing date for entries: 28th September 2012

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September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Kirkby Tyres at Saltex Offering their widest range of turf tyres. irkby Tyres Ltd, from Speke, Liverpool will be showing a comprehensive display of Alliance and BKT tyres at Saltex 2012 (Stand No. KO5).

The combined ranges of tyres and wheels for the turf and amenity markets makes Kirkby Tyres one of the largest suppliers of specialist tyres to the industry and one of the most competitive in the marketplace.

Kirkby Tyres have been the sole UK & Ireland agents for the extensive range of Alliance tyres for many years and have a proven record of performance and reliability in the amenity, agricultural and earthmover markets. A wide representative sample of amenity and turf tyres from Alliance will be exhibited at Saltex including the A329, A330 and the

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new 381 Flotmaster - a steel belted radial developed to serve the needs of specific niche applications on sensitive surfaces which require optimised soil and plant protection.

Also on show will be the A328 tubeless flotation tyre with good self cleaning characteristics suitable for on and off the road use for trailers, tractors, and large implements. The A328 has a high load capacity at low inflation pressures preventing damage to turf and crops.

Also from Alliance is the Farm PRO series – initially eight new radial tyres with new modern patterns. The Farm PRO traction tyre has a multi–angle lug with a steep central angle for a smooth ride, long wear and mud clearing properties and a shallow angle at the shoulder for exceptional traction and hillside stability. The Farm PRO Imp high flotation tyre has a strong Bias ply with a new pattern, central rib and shoulder lug design. It has excellent self cleaning properties, good sideways stability and offers a comfortable ride.

The latest tyre to be introduced

by Alliance is the 885 – a budget

06 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

priced, all fabric, flotation radial tyre for light duty applications.

With a strong nylon and polyester casing the 388 has a directional tread pattern, rounded shoulders and robust lugs – giving good grip and self cleaning characteristics.

BKT is one of the premier manufacturers of ‘Off Highway’ tyres, offering a wide range which covers turf care, ATV, agricultural, industrial and earthmover applications. A wide selection of BKT tyres for ATV’s and turf care can be seen on the Kirkby stand the W207, AT108, AT109, AT112 and TR390 patterned tyres are for tough ‘all terrain’ use and have 2, 4 or 6 ply rating nylon casing for increased puncture resistance.

They have a proven deep tread design and the natural rubber compound increases puncture resistance and extends tread life.

All BKT tyres have a low rolling resistance, give an enhanced ride and have good handling characteristics.

BKT tyres are available in all the popular sizes and some tyres are also available with heavy duty construction for severe applications.

BKT can supply ‘Armaturf’ tyres with “ARAMID” belts which are puncture resistant. Armaturf tyres allow a flatter tyre tread with a wider tread contact area giving a long life and reduced turf damage.

Kirkby Tyres also offer a full

range of tyres, wheels and wheel assemblies for any fitment in the truck, rowcrop, trailer, wideflotation, hi-speed, low ground pressure, agricultural, amenity, earthmover and industrial markets.

GKN one of the World’s leading manufacturers of off highway and agricultural wheels has chosen Kirkby Tyres as one of their UK partners for the O/E and replacement market in the UK and Ireland. GKN is well known as a supplier to major OEM’s including JCB and many other market leading trailer and implement manufacturers worldwide.

Tony Rosenthal Head of Kirkby Tyres O/E wheel division commented: “We are pleased to be working with a wheel manufacturer that shares the same core quality and exacting standards as ourselves. GKN wheels use advanced designs allowing for easy fitment and overall durability and now we are pleased to offer the range to our O/E and replacement customers.

Combining this with the range of agricultural tyres in Alliance, BKT and Michelin that we stock, we are able to supply a built up unit for almost every application” For more information or any general sales enquiries please contact the Sales Team on: 0870 242 8800 email sales@kirkbytyres.co.uk or visit www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

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| News

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September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Arrival of new talent at JCB Signals investment in the company’s future.

CB is creating more than 100 jobs for young people with the recruitment of apprentices, graduates and undergraduates as the company develops its next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent.

This week sees a total of 55 higher, advanced and craft apprentices join the business. And in a milestone development, 15 of those apprentices include the first intake from the JCB Academy, which was set up in 2010 to create the engineers and business leaders of the future.

Next week 30 graduates covering manufacturing, powertrain, business and purchasing disciplines start work. These are in addition to 18 engineering undergraduates, sponsored by JCB, who joined the company last week for their year in industry.

The apprentices, graduates and undergraduates have been recruited as part of a £3.5 million investment in a ‘Young Talent’ programme.

JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, the inspiration behind the setting up of the JCB Academy, said: “Investing in new talent is vital for the future success of any business. I’m particularly pleased to welcome JCB’s first recruits from the JCB Academy where they have benefited from working on real-life engineering projects to prepare them for the world of work.”

Miles Pixley, JCB’s HR Manager for Technical Excellence and Core Skills said: “The graduate

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and apprenticeship places were very highly sought after and we received hundreds of applications from across the UK to be part of the programme. JCB places huge importance on developing workforce skills and the recruitment and development of young talent will ensure we are well placed to grow our business in the future.”

Graduate training programmes will focus on developing expertise in powertrains, manufacturing, engineering, business and finance. The apprenticeship programme includes a brand new Higher Apprenticeship Scheme which offers the opportunity for 14 youngsters to study to degree level while working in design, technical service support and manufacturing roles. The craft and advanced apprenticeships will develop skills in mechanical and electrical maintenance, tool making and welding.

JCB Academy Principal Jim Wade said: “The JCB Academy was established to develop employability skills amongst young people and to enable them to achieve great academic and technical qualifications. We are really pleased that many of our young people are moving on to apprenticeships with many of the key employers across the region, such as RollsRoyce, JCB, Nestle, Bentley Motors as well as KMF, WD Tankers and B&B Tractors to name just a few. These young people are leaving The Academy with the core skills they need to have successful and fulfilling careers within the engineering industry.”

08 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

Holly Broadhurst, 18, Leek, Staffordshire, has joined JCB as a Higher Apprentice from The JCB Academy, where she was Head Girl, after successfully completing her A Levels and will work in the Design Office at JCB Compact Products, Cheadle.

She said: “The JCB Academy has prepared me well for the world of work because there was a big focus not just on text book learning but problem solving and projects. I was offered a place at Sheffield Hallam University but chose to become a Higher Apprentice with JCB because it offers the opportunity to study for a foundation degree and later a bachelor’s degree while working and earning a salary.”

Josh Machin, 16, of Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, has also joined JCB from The JCB Academy and is Advanced Apprentice specialising in Electrical Engineering at JCB’s World HQ. He said: “I originally came to JCB on work experience and thoroughly enjoyed it as the work I was involved in was really interesting. I then applied for an apprenticeship and I’m delighted get this opportunity to work with the same team who looked after me on work experience.”

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| News

Obtain the most competitive rates Get the best deal on your insurances. here used to be little choice as to where to go for alternate quotes as many direct insurers were not interested in farm vehicles or in providing adequate cover for these vehicles.

Nowadays there are a number of brokers nationwide who specialise in farm insurance , both farm, motor and household cover.

They deal with many farmers, if not predominantly with farmers. They are likely to be fully conversant with the cover provided with the various insurers in this market and are able to provide both initial and ongoing advice, no offshore call centres, no having to key your policy number into the phone everytime you ring with a query!

You will generally know who you are dealing with and usually deal with the same people for many years to come.

Home insurance is often best included with your farm cover as apart form usually resulting in lower premiums you know you

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have adequate cover.

Furthermore a broker has the ability to research the market, able therefore to change insurers at future renewals if it is felt beneficial to so do as well as obtaining competitive premiums at inception.

Brett Hannon, Managing Director, Belmont Regency Insurance Services and Independent Financial Advisers.

Top speakers to attend first North West Potato Day on September 18 Engage with the experts and discuss practical topics. otato growers are invited to the first North West Potato Day to be held at Aston Grange, Aston, Runcorn, Cheshire on September 18 to discuss with the experts some of the challenges they have faced this year.

At the event, Graham Finn of McCain Foods Ltd will talk about the supply chain and Martyn Silgram (ADAS) will be examining the benefits of green manures. The event will also feature a panel discussion on crop nutrition considering various soil types typical of the region, with the members taking questions and debating practical options for growers.

In-field presentations are also expected to be highly popular with growers as Eric Anderson (Senior agronomist, Scottish Agronomy) and Barry Baker

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(Sales director, Grimme) will be exploring ways to minimise bruising whilst Selwyn Richardson (ex ADAS) will be offering an assessment of soil structure and compaction and options for remedial action.

Potato Council technical executive Phil Bradshaw, who is organising the event, says: “We are delighted to offer growers in the North West the opportunity to engage with the experts and discuss practical topics of concern without having to travel long distances. Don’t miss it! �

The North West Potato Day is organised by Potato Council in conjunction with NFU North West. The programme will start at 4.00 pm and conclude with supper at 8.00 pm.

For information on Potato Council events go to www.potato.org.uk/events

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 09

| News

New designs mean even better Tomahawks Teagle transforms Feeder Bedder performance with new line up for 2012. s Teagle enter their 30th season manufacturing Feeder Bedders they are launching an exciting new range of Tomahawks.

New and updated designs draw on a vast experience of operating conditions, both in the UK and around 35 countries worldwide to which the machines are now regularly shipped.

Whilst the Tomahawk range has developed steadily over the years, for 2012 Teagle have drawn together two successful design projects which offer unprecedented performance.

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The first is a five year design project based in the USA and Eastern Europe which focused on creating a new benchmark in capacity and output, whilst remaining compact and manoeuvrable. The resulting Tomahawk 8500

model has a wider body and crossbeater for easier loading and greater throughput, a larger fan for increased blow distance, up to 25m, as well as Hardox as standard in the fan housing for outstanding durability. This exciting model is now available for the UK market.

A second 3 year project based in the UK focused on producing a consistently high and controlled flow of material from the discharge chute, that can be reliably repeated with all fodder materials, even at low fan speeds. The resulting FlowPlus design is based on controlled transition of material through the crossbeater, fan and chute and includes; modified bed conveyor slats and a high flow hydraulic valve to improve tumbling of material in the bale chamber for a consistent feed rate, a simplified bale restraint to effectively meter material flow, as well as improved delivery chute design. All of these FlowPlus upgrades can now be found in the mounted 808 and trailed 8100 (superseding the popular 8080), 8500, 9090 and 1010 models.

The unique ‘Dual Chop’ system which is available as an option in the 808, 8100 and 8500 models has been substantially upgraded following extended trials in North America and the UK. In addition to the FlowPlus updates, maintainability has been improved with the crossbeater now being fitted with replaceable Hardox ripper teeth, and a reversible blade beam.

The range will be launched at the Livestock and Dairy Event on 4th September 2012. Come and visit us to find out how quickly a Tomahawk can pay for itself. “Tomahawk - Built in Britain, making an impression worldwide.”

Visit www.teagle.co.uk for more details.

Alternatively, please contact Teagle on 01872 560592.

Next Auctions on 10th September 2012 & 8th October 2012 commencing at 10.30am

10 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

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| News

Growers warned of tuber vulnerability This season’s slug problems are the worst for many years - probably due to the wet conditions.

ith main crop harvest preparations underway and haulm destruction programmes commencing across many potato fields, Agrii’s Douglas Bain is warning growers of the risk of significant slug attack to this season’s tubers and the need for robust, sustained control until lifting begins.

“Growers this season have got to get involved with using a mix of slug control actives and treatments and adopt an approach that minimises water related concerns,” he is urging.

“Fields are currently crawling with every kind of slug. They are sitting on the surface and even on lighter land there is already extensive feeding damage visible on leaves, plants are just littered with holes,” he says. “Already this

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season populations have far exceeded what we have seen for a number of years now.”

He adds that whilst the current level of vegetation is keeping the pest above the drill line, once the haulm is removed and all green leaf material destroyed, they will head directly for the tubers.

“Maris Piper, King Edward and Desiree are particularly susceptible,” adds Douglas.

“While slugs won’t be reaching tubers just yet as they are still too small, they will likely make a bee line, once burn down begins and the tubers mature, becoming more succulent and appealing.

Continued treatments after burn down will be critical this year, especially on heavier soils,” he explains.

This season Douglas is

advocating the use ferric phosphate (Sluxx) and methiocarb as the foundation of his control strategies. Alternated as a sequence throughout the season.

“There is no way, potato growers especially, can succeed with metaldehyde as the only source of active ingredient this season,” he believes, highlighting the 700g a.i. of metaldehyde/ha statutory maximum total dose is per calendar year rather than per crop. “Particularly in situations where wheat will follow and slug pellets will more-often-than not been need to be applied,” he says.

“The environmental profile of Sluxx is very strong, and the packers like it. There are a good number of baiting points (66/m2)

and there are also not the issues associated with the likes of metaldehyde or methiocarb.

“It’s a viable solution to maintain slug control across the entire potato crop, even in higher risk, vulnerable areas,” he believes. “And with a nil harvest interval requirement, it can be used right up until harvest starts, which could be crucial this season.”

Douglas notes that for new users of Sluxx, even once the colour is lost from the pellet under severe wet weather like that of late, the pellet is still viable and doing its job. “Growers need to be looking for signs of damage and slug activity as the measure of whether it’s working.”

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 11

| News

USED

John Deere 5090 PowerShuttle, only 197 hours, air conditioned.

John Deere 5620 F/Linkage & PTO,P/quad, 1430 hours, used for grass care.

MF 275 c/w Tanco loader, Roll bar, 16.9 x 30 tyres, only 1552 hours.

MF 372 4wd. Turf tyres, 12x12 Shuttle, 3950 hours, ex Council.

MF 4455 4wd. 12x12 Shuttle, 2894 hours, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 98hp.

MF 6455 Dyna 6, F/Linkage, 823 hours, Air cond.cab, 16.9 x 34 tyres.

MF 6490 Dyna 6, Suspension, 2696 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 3 speed pto.

MF 6499 Dyna 6, Suspension, 3330 hours, 650/65 x 42 tyres, trailer air brakes.

MF 8480 Dyna VT, F/Linkage, 2154 hours, 800/70 x 38 tyres.

New Holland TSA115 24x24 Powershift, ‘56’ reg. 2880 hours.

New Holland TD90 c/w Chillton loader, Only 228 hours.

New Holland TD5050 4wd. 12x12 – 40kph.

2009, 1135 hours, 540/1000 pto. 95hp.

New Holland TL90 4wd. 2003, 5260 hours, P/Shuttle, air cond cab.

New Holland TM140 R/Command ‘56’ reg.

2644 hours, weights.

New Holland T5060 P/Shuttle 24x24, 360 hours, air cond.cab, 2011.

New Holland T6010 PowerShuttle 4wd.

1845 hours, 2008, air cond.cab.

New Holland T7040 P/Command, 50kph Suspension, 2008.

New Holland T8040 Terraglide, 2007, 3800 hours, 40kph.

Claas Ares 826RZ, 2006, F/Linkage, Weight block, 2347 hours.

Deutz Agrotron M620 Suspension, 50kph. Creep, trailer air brakes, 2010, 1150 hours.

Fendt 820 Vario TMS F/Linkage + PTO. Trailer air brakes, 1720 hours, 55kph.

710/70 x 38 Michelin.

Kubota ME9000 on Turf tyres, only 193 hours lawn cutting. Air cond.cab, shuttle gearbox.

Valtra T152 Versu 50kph. 870 hours, Creep gears, trailer air brakes,18.4 x 38 tyres.

CaseIH Mx135, Suspension, 2002, 600/65 x 38 Michelin 60% Front Linkage, 7378 hours.

CaseIH 895XL Duo two wheel drive, Only 1938 hours, 16.9 x 34 Michelin.

CaseIH 4230 + Quicke loader, 1997, 16.9 x 34 tyres, 3rd service.

CaseIH JXU 75 two wheel drive, 24x24 P/Shuttle ‘12’ reg. only 3 hours, Case Subsidised finance subject to terms & conditions . CaseIH Warranty.

CaseIH JXU 75 4wd. 1155 hours,

TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT

16.9 x 34 tyres, 3 spd.pto. weights.

CaseIH JXU105 4wd. Only 44 hours, 24x24 P/Shuttle, air cond.cab. 3 spd.pto. weights, 16.9 x 34 tyres, Just like new.

CaseIH JXU1100 + Quicke Q40 loader, P/Shuttle, air cond.cab, 3 spd.pto. 16.9 x 34 tyres.

CaseIH MXM140 c/w Quicke loader, 2005, 3800 hours.

NEW CaseIH CVX 150 Suspension 50kph.

Weights, 5 hyd.valves, 4 spd.pto.

CaseIH CVX 160 F/Linkage, 5200 hours, 650/65 x 38 tyres, trailer air brakes.

CaseIH CVX 195 Suspension, 3350 hours, 710/70 x 38 tyres, trailer air brakes.

CaseIH Maxxum 100 + Case loader, 2010, 2774 hours, cab suspension, air cond.

Cab, 40kph. 540/1000 pto.

CaseIH Maxxum 140 MC + Quicke loader, 2009, 2550 hours, suspension.

CaseIH Maxxum 140 MC , 2007, 3990 hours, Suspension, 50kph. 600/65 x 38 tyres.

NEW CaseIH Maxxum 140 tier3 PowerShift.

CaseIH Maxxum 115 cab suspension, 2012, 207 hours, 3 spd.pto. 600/65 x 38 tyres.

CaseIH Maxxum 140 Suspension 50kph.

Trailer air brakes, 3 spd.pto. 5868 hrs.

CaseIH MX135 Suspension, 2002, 5900 hrs. Air cond.cab, weights, fenders.

CaseIH Puma 140 MC. 2010, 553 hours, Suspension.

CaseIH Puma 140 Suspension, 2011, 569 hours, 40kph.

CaseIH Puma 155 Suspension, 2010, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 1200 hours, 50kph.

CaseIH Puma 155 Suspension, 2009, 650/65 x 38 tyres, 2600 hours, 50kph.

CaseIH Puma 165 Suspension, 2010, 520/85 x 42 tyres, 2600 hours, 50kph.

CaseIH Puma 165 Suspension, 2010, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 418 hours, 50kph.

CaseIH Puma 195 Suspension, 2008, 710/60 x 42 tyres, 976 hours, 50kph.

CaseIH Puma 210 Suspension, 2010, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 585 hours, 50kph.

CaseIH Puma 225 CVX Suspension, 2010, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 785 hours, 50kph.

CaseIH Puma 225 CVX Suspension, 2009, 650/65 x 42 tyres, 2334 hours, 50kph.

CaseIH Magnum 225 Suspension, 2360 hrs. 50kph. 710/70 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 310 Suspension, 1747 hrs. 50kph. 800/70 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 310 Suspension, 3416 hrs. 40kph. 710/70 x 42 tyres, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 335, 2773 hrs. 40kph.

710/70 x 42 tyres, AFS Screen, weights.

CaseIH Magnum 340, 436 hrs. 50kph.

710/70 x 42 tyres, Accuguide, weights.

Trailer air brakes, cab suspension.

CaseIH STX Quadtrac 480, Linkage + pto.

2006, 5030 hours, 30” tracks.

CaseIH STX Quadtrac 500, Linkage + pto.

2005, 5312 hours, 36” tracks.

NEW Puma 140 tier3 Powershift 40kph.

NEW Puma 170 Suspension 50kph.

NEW Puma 215 Suspension 50kph.

NEW Quantum 65c 2 wheel drive.

NEW Quantum 65c 4wd.

NEW Quantum 75c 4wd.

NEW JXU85 4wd Synchro Shuttle.

NEW JX95 4wd PowerShuttle.

NEW JX90 4wd.

NEW JX90 4wd + NEW Chillton loader.

CONSTRUCTION JCB JS130, 4300 hours, buckets, cab guards.

JCB 8045 ZTS, 1590 hours, quick attach.

Takuchi TB125, 2007, 2146 hours, buckets.

JCB 2cx Streetmaster, 1997, Extradig.

JCB 3cx 4wd. 1994, manual gearbox.

JCB 3cx Turbo Sitemaster, 2005, 4900 hours.

Case 580 SLE, 2001, 4544 hours, a/cond.cab.

Case 580 Super R, 2007, 998 hours, air cond.

Case 580K Turbo, PowerShuttle, 4467 hours.

Hitachi ZX Zaxis 210LC-3, 2010, 938 hours.

TELESCOPICS JCB 535-95 PowerShift ‘60’ reg. 280 hours.

JCB 540-40 Compact, 2007, 1043 hours.

JCB 520-50 Compact, 1997, 4950 hours.

JCB 528-70, 2156 hrs. ex water Authority.

JCB 310s, 2010, pallet forks,hyd.latching.

Manitou MLT 634-120 LSU Turbo, 2008.

Manitou 420 Buggiescopic, 4200 hours.

Manitou M26-4 forklift, 3022 hours.

Merlo P25.9, axle sideshift, hyd.latching.

Caterpiller TH330 PowerShift, 2006, 5430 hrs.

HEDGECUTTERS NEW PA6570 Revolution, linkage.

NEW PA5455 XTC. 1.2m head.

NEW PA55 XTC, 1.2m head.

Used PA93e Hi Power, 1.2m head.

Used PA95 switchbox, 1.2m head.

Used PA35 switchbox, 1.2m head.

TRAILERS Weeks 3 ton dropside, very clean.

Marston 4 ton drop side.

Henton 10 ton Sileage.

Marston 14 ton grain, 2010, hyd.door, Air & hyd.brakes, super singles.

COMBINES Demo CASEIH 5088, 2011, 35 hours, 20’ vario + trolly, side knives, ready to go.

CASEIH Warranty. CASEIH Subsidised Finance.

NEW CASEIH 7088, 2012, 25’ Vario + trolly, side knives, ready to go. CASEIH Warranty. CASEIH Subsidised Finance.

NEW CASEIH 9120 AFS, 2012, 35’ Vario + trolly, side knives, ready to go. CASEIH Warranty. CASEIH Subsidised Finance.

CASEIH 9230 AFS, 2012, 35’ Vario + trolly, side knives, ready to go. CASEIH Warranty. CASEIH Subsidised Finance.

Finance offered subject to terms & conditions.

John Deere 1177 c/w 816 header, Chopper, Spreader, trolly.

John Deere 9780 CTS Hillmaster, 22’ header & trolly, 1560 hours, 2002.

Claas Dominator 76, 13’ header.

CULTIVATION EQUIPMENT Knoche 938 cultivator, tines,discs, crumble roller, 2002.

FarmForce 4 metre trailed press, Tines, cast rings & L/ board, Hyd. Fold.

Vicon 6.6m air drill, Suffolk coulters, Electric controls.

Simba Horsch 6m drill, 2003, hyd.fold, Tram lining, pre emergence.

Vaderstad 600P drill, rigid tine, hyd. Fan, 1997.

McConnel 7 leg Shakerator, flexicoil, Wide depth wheels.

McConnel 3m Discearator, 7 legs, Demonstrator.

Lemken 5 furrow vari width plough.

Gregoire Besson 12 furrow semi-mounted Plough, reversible, 2003.

Gregoire Besson 6+1 semi-mounted Plough, reversible.

Amazone 3 metre Power harrow/drill Combination, levelling board, drill stand.

Vaderstad Carrier CR300, 2004, weights, 3 point linkage mounted.

DEMO McConnel PT270 topper, Last one for this season.

NEW McConnel PA6570 hedgecutter, 1.5m head, telescopic, linkage mtd. Revolution controls, EDS, Hyd.roller.

NEW McConnel PA5455 hedgecutter, 1.2m head, linkage mtd. XTC controls.

NEW PA55 XTC controls, 1.2m head, Linkage mounted, 5.4m reach.

A.S. Marston 14 ton + capacity, 2010, Air brakes, hyd.door, fast axles, Grain door, excellent condition.

Website with photographs : www.startintractors.co.uk

12 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

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| News

Invest in Alcon to handle winter water With autumn leaves falling and winter approaching, investing in the right water pump can ensure that farmers can manage their water supplies more efficiently throughout the difficult months.

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CAN PUMP • Clean water • Dirty Water • Muddy Water • Slurry • Sewage • Farm Effluent

artin Dickson, business development manager for pumps at ArcGen Hilta, one of the UK’s biggest suppliers and manufacturers of water pumps to the agricultural industry, says: “It is essential for farmers to invest in the right machinery to handle water movement and displacement during the winter months. Farmers can face a lot of water related issues at this time of year, especially if we have a lot of rainfall as we have over the past few winters.”

One of the main issues farmers face throughout autumn and winter is blocked water courses with twigs, leaves and other debris causing blockages and flooding.

To solve this issue, Martin suggests using one of the longstanding machines of choice for the agricultural industry, the Alcon Chopper pump, a 3” centrifugal self-priming pump with a maximum solids handling capacity of 20mm, making it ideal for clearing dirty water.

It is available both as a bareshaft unit for customers to fit the prime mover, or as a long coupled unit with electric motor, as well as being available with a gearbox for PTO driven applications.

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With a rich and robust heritage, the Alcon range is currently celebrating more than 60 years in the marketplace. Martin Dickson said: "With the Alcon pumps, the big benefits are their flexibility and reliability which, in times of austerity, has got some real value.

They really are built to last, which is why they are long-standing favourites in the agricultural industry."

The Alcon range is used all over the UK and in Ireland. Also available from ArcGen Hilta are the Hilta range of pumps, consisting of submersible, residue, centrifugal, diaphragm and automatic priming pumps available from 1inch to 12inches.

“It is essential for farmers to invest in the right machinery to handle water movement and displacement during the winter months.”

For more information about ArcGen Hilta’s range of pumps, call 0845 409 0280, visit www.arcgenhilta.com or email info@arcgenhilta.com.

• Liquid Feed • Animal Feed • Crop Spray • Irrigation • Light Oil • Fuel Transfer

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0845 4090272 email sales@arcgenhilta.com www.arcgenhilta.com

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 13

| News

In a hurry to slurry?

Michelin’s flotation tyres are “worth their weight in gold”. n Ascot-based agricultural contractor is seeing the benefits of getting out in the field earlier to do slurry work without damaging subsoil, thanks to Michelin’s XeoBib and CargoXBib flotation tyres.

Shorts Agricultural Division Manager James Winfield says his clients, which include the Royal Farms at Windsor, are pleased after Shorts employees were able to start their slurry injection work as early as January this year.

“When it comes to slurry injection, Michelin’s flotation tyres can save time and money,” says Winfield. “Spreading slurry has gone from an abstract art to a precise science over the years, but it means our clients are getting ever more demanding. Along with new injection methods to reduce odours and run-off, we’ve had clients keen to get started with their slurry work as early as January. And thanks to Michelin’s agricultural tyres, we’ve been able to do it for them this year without damaging the subsoil.”

Winfield endeavours to order only the best equipment. His team pull a 20,000 litre Joskin Quadra

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slurry injector with a John Deere 6190R tractor and both machines use Michelin’s flotation tyres.

The John Deere tractor is fitted with Michelin’s VF 600/60 R 30 and VF 710/60 R 42 XeoBib tyres, which offer increased ground protection as they are designed to carry heavy loads at lower pressures, minimising rutting and soil damage. They can also be operated at a pressure of just 1 bar in the field and on the road, meaning pressure adjustments are not needed between jobs.

“We were buying the best machines, so I went for the best tyres on both and you can’t touch them for quality,” Winfield says.

“The XeoBib tyres, in particular, have been worth their weight in gold because the Ultraflex Technology ensures the footprint in the field is unbeatable.”

At the loads being carried, Shorts Agricultural has the front tyres inflated to just 8psi and the rears at 12psi, both on the road and in the field.

The Joskin slurry injector is fitted with Michelin’s 750/60 R 30.5 CargoXBib tyres, running at 26psi.

These offer a significantly larger

14 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

footprint than remould truck tyres commonly used on farm trailers, which are often inflated to 90+ psi; thereby helping to reduce subsoil damage without compromising grip.

“Our Michelin account manager showed us that the XeoBib and CargoXBib tyres were just the way to go for this application,” Winfield says. “Once you have the pressures set correctly, they’re the best tyres for the job, and our clients have been pleased with the results.”

The John Deere 6190R spends

approximately 70 per cent of its time operating with the slurry tanker. Together, the combination operates within a 35 mile radius of the company’s base in Lyndhurst Road, Ascot.

Shorts Agricultural buys its tyres from Farol Tyres, which is a specialist agricultural tyre dealer and part of the Michelin Exelagri network. Farol Tyres offers expert advice on the best tyres for a customer's application – essential for securing maximum value and performance.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| News

Forward purchasing saves fuel costs Atlas Fram members save 10% on Red Diesel n innovative purchasing initiative which enabled Members of the AtlasFram Group farmers’ cooperative to forwardorder red diesel (gas oil) for delivery during the harvest period has saved those who participated almost 10% on their fuel costs.

Graham Aldrich, Energy Specialist for the AtlasFram Group, which purchases 45 million litres of fuel annually on behalf of its 1250 Members throughout the UK, states: “Previously, farmers have had very few opportunities to purchase fuel on a forward, fixed-price basis. Therefore they have had to purchase fuel as and when they have needed it at the prevailing ‘spot’ market price, whatever that might be on the day of ordering. However, the recent high levels of fuel price volatility have

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From the AIC new requirement on glucosinolate levels, set

by European oilseed crushers, takes full effect for the 2013 crop and growers should pay careful attention to seed choice, especially if hoping to save home-grown seed, warns the Agricultural Industries Confederation.

The requirement on

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created a surge of interest from Members looking to forward-purchase their expected requirements at a known cost and with guaranteed delivery.

“AtlasFram evaluated a range of innovative options involving a number of large national and regional fuel suppliers before contracting with one of the UK’s leading fuel distributors.

The agreement allowed Members to order a specific volume of fuel, at a specific price 63.79 pence per litre (ppl) - for delivery in July, August and September.

“Prices on the spot market have subsequently increased by 6ppl due to a number of factors. Outages at refineries in the United States, measures to boost China’s economy and increased speculation have all

glucosinolates was introduced in 2010 and is designed to ensure oilseed rape oil and rapemeal continue to meet market place demands, especially contributing to the gap on protein requirements for EU livestock production.

Oilseed rape from the 2013 harvest crop must have been grown from a variety which meets testing requirements for glucosinolate levels of 18

contributed to a tightening of the balance between potential supply and demand, which has driven the market higher. The late start to this year’s harvest further increased the pressure on fuel distributors during an already very busy time. Members who participated in this initiative therefore benefited from a significant saving on their fuel costs and guaranteed delivery during a critical period in the farming year.

“Members rely on us to provide them with totally-impartial advice, save money on farm inputs and reduce their administrative burden.

AtlasFram believes that this method of purchasing fuel will be increasingly popular and will shortly offer a similar scheme for heating oil ahead of the winter period.”

micromoles or lower. Seed can either be sown from certified seed or, for open pollinated varieties, from first generation farm-saved seed.

“Meeting this requirement will ensure glucosinolate levels remain low enough to not limit rapemeal use in animal feed rations,” explains AIC’s Paul Rooke.

It is illegal to save seed from hybrid varieties as segregation in

the second generation means seed quality can never be assured.

“The good news is that all varieties on the 2012/13 HGCA Recommended List meet the Oil Crushers requirements,” says Mr Rooke. “However, varieties should be chosen with care, especially if using farm saved seed to prevent subsequent crop marketing issues."

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 15

| On Topic

On Topic The future of farming: looking ahead

About PepsiCo PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales. Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world. PepsiCo’s people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo. We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo’s promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages for local tastes; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate. For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

16 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

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| On Topic

More crop per drop as PepsiCo and Cambridge University reveal the future of farming Revolutionary smartphone app will help PepsiCo’s farmers predict future harvests. Trials of ‘i-crop’ technology are already reducing water usage epsiCo and Cambridge University have joined forces to introduce mobile technology to crop planning with a new smartphone app that could revolutionise UK farming.

The app is being trialled across 46 UK potato fields that supply PepsiCo, and works by photographing and analysing the ground coverage of the potato leaf canopy to accurately predict crop development.

The app is the latest breakthrough achieved through PepsiCo’s collaboration with Cambridge University. Last year, the company co-developed i-crop ™ - a system that helps farmers to measure and reduce their overall water usage by collecting and calculating information about crops, such as soil moisture levels.

The new app will improve the ease, speed and quality of the canopy data fed into i-crop ™, making it easier for PepsiCo and

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farmers to track the development of its potato crops in the UK. Initial trials of i-crop ™ across 46 of PepsiCo’s UK potato farms have already seen a 13% increase in crop yield and 8% reduction in water usage.

Dr David Firman, who led the development of the app at Cambridge University in collaboration with Landmark, said: “Before now, to predict their crop yields, farmers had to rely on manual measurements which were cumbersome and subject to error.

This app enables farmers to more accurately forecast crop yield using digital images and modelling techniques. We are enthusiastic about this technology, which has a real potential to improve the management of potato crops.”

PepsiCo has also been one of the first companies to use Cool Farm Tool - a carbon calculator developed by the University of Aberdeen – which has enabled

farmers to readily assess their carbon emissions, and to model different scenarios and strategies for reducing their footprints further.

The company is also currently trialling a number of other sustainability initiatives with its UK farmers, such as identifying and using low carbon fertilisers.

David Wilkinson, Senior Director, European Agriculture for PepsiCo Europe said: “British farming is the engine of our business, from the potatoes we use for Walkers crisps to the oats for Quaker porridge and the apples for Copella juices. This year British farmers have faced some of most challenging conditions in recent memory and investing in new farming technology that will grow crops more resource efficiently is vital for the future of farming.”

“With new innovations, such as the smartphone app and i-crop, we are not only reducing the

company’s environmental footprint, but are helping our farmers save money every day and grow more crop per drop.”

Robin Griffiths, PepsiCo farmer “This investment by PepsiCo is helping me to transform the way I farm. Previously, my harvest estimates were based on manual measurements and a fair amount of guesswork, but now we can get an accurate calculation simply by taking a phone into the field.

Similarly, i-crop gives me the information I need to judge exactly how much water to use on my crops, reducing my wastage and saving me money."

Today’s news marks an important step in the company’s journey towards achieving ‘50 in 5’, PepsiCo UK’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions and water usage in water stressed areas by 50% in 5 years.

Harvest 2012 – A Curate's Egg? The wheat harvest in 2012 will be remembered by much of the industry as the most varied, confused and unpredictable for many years says Nick Tapp, Head of Agri-Business at Bidwells. dry spring, record wet second quarter and generally gloomy summer set the stage for a modest harvest. The outturn to date, with widely varying yields and specific weights, has confounded many. Seeking some sort of correlation or explanation for the variation rumours, supposition and suggestion have abounded.

There seems to be little definite about the performance from one farm to another to clarify the situation, and indeed to inform future decision making.

In the midst of speculation, which has unkindly included suggestions about the performance of farms looked after by certain agronomists, a few factors seem to stand out: Variety – some varieties, as with Moulin in 1987, have performed poorly, producing low yields and low specific weights,

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almost independently of soil type, drilling date or fungicide treatment. In the end some varieties just do not cope with the extremes of wet, cold and gloomy weather, particularly if that weather coincides with flowering.

Drilling date – optimal drilling date is only ever known after the event but rarely varies very markedly year on year. For the 2012 harvest early drilled, well established, well nourished crops seemed to have thrown up a superfluity of tillers, which were kept alive by endless moisture and in some cases, more than enough N, but whose prospects were always poor. Large amounts of vegetative growth need even more sunshine to turn them into starch. The sun just did not shine. Later drilled crops, perhaps into marginally poorer seedbeds, with what would normally be considered poorer initial yield potential, did not have

the opportunity to grow as much vegetation or as many tillers. The results may prove that later drilling in 2011 was right after all.

Fungicide treatment – one side effect of relentless early summer rain is the reduction in the number of spraying days.

Coming off the back of a dry winter farmers were initially relaxed – missing T0 and thinking they would catch up at T1. And then T1 drifted. Some never caught up and, although late year fusarium is not controlled early on, the build up of disease on unprotected leaf will have left a door open. And then failure with a robust ear wash just added insult to injury, and the ear disease complex was free to cause much damage.

Soil type – light land farmers, particularly those on the thinnest of sands, have not had a good couple of harvests. No rain really does mean no grain. Early April

rains in 2012 lifted their hearts as the drought was washed away. In general light land produces fewer tillers, grows less vegetation, is less disease prone and lies drier around the roots. In a very wet year all are positive attributes.

While a lack of sunshine will hold them back from a bumper crop they do seem to be doing okay.

So the recipe for success in 2012 – farm in an area that did not get the very worst of the rain, on light land, drilled later than would normally be the case, with a robust fungicide programme from the outset, with slightly less N than planned, advised by the right agronomist, and holding on to crop in spite of all the sell signals in the spring. Not too much to ask?

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Forestry

Play your part for our woodlands Act now: Public's chance to help shape future of England's forests. efra has published the first of what it says will be a series of short public surveys designed to help it develop its response to the Independent Panel on Forestry's (IPF) report, published last month.

The Woodland Trust is encouraging people to respond as soon as possible given that the survey, which marks the next step in the process of Government making decisions around the future of England's forests, woods and trees, does not have a deadline.

Woodland Trust Chief Executive, Sue Holden, said: "Following the Independent Panel on Forestry's report, which clearly documented the enormous potential of forests, woods and trees and highlighted a real need to increase woodland cover in England, the Government is now offering everyone the chance to shape its plan for the sustainable management of our forests. I would encourage all who care about

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the future of England's woodland, including the woods and trees in their neighbourhood, to respond to this survey as a matter of priority. It is vital that we all play our part, keeping pressure on Government to deliver a plan for our woodland that works."

Defra asks in the survey: 1. Do you want to see more woodland created in or near to your local community?

2. If yes, what single thing would make the biggest difference to increasing the amount of woodland in or near your community?

3. What would encourage you to visit local woodland more?

Woodland Trust position: The Woodland Trust strongly supports the IPF's call for a major expansion of woodland across England and wants those new woods to be well-positioned and accessible to deliver real benefits for people and the environment.

WTPL/ Julie Skelton

Currently, less that 15% of people in England have a wood they can walk in close to where they live, as defined by Woodland Access Standard (WASt)1. The Woodland Trust would like to see a bold national target to increase this percentage significantly within a defined timescale. In line with such a target, the Government should continue to target grant aid to prioritise the creation of new publicly accessible woodland close to large centres of population.

The future of England's forest's woods and trees is still in question. Play your part in ensuring its future by filling in the survey at http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/forestry/survey/

New Forestry Commissioner appointed Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of Amanda Bryan as a Forestry Commissioner for Scotland. s Bryan is a self-employed rural development consultant working across the Highlands and Islands, with a background in sustainable marine, rural and community development.

She specialises in community consultation and engagement on projects and initiatives championing woodland and biodiversity management, forestry, tourism and recreation.

She has been a non-executive member of the board of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) for six years, and has served as Deputy Chair of SNH North Areas, working at an advisory level. She has served as the Chair of the BBC Scottish Rural Affairs and Agriculture Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Highlands and Islands Forestry Forum and BBC's Audience Council for

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Scotland.

She has a keen interest in forestry, both practically, being a local community forest volunteer, and academically.

Ms Bryan has been appointed for an initial term of three years from July 2012, and will also serve on the Forestry Commission's National Committee for Scotland.

Welcoming her appointment, Pam Warhurst, Chair of the Board of Forestry Commissioners, said, "I'm very pleased that Amanda Bryan is joining the Board of Forestry Commissioners. I am confident that her enthusiastic advocacy of the many benefits of trees, woods and forests, and her considerable experience of community engagement in particular, will prove invaluable to us in guiding the work of the Forestry Commission during a

18 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

period of unprecedented public interest in Britain's forests."

For further information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/commissioners

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Energy

The energy drain Energy efficiency is the answer to rising fuel bills. our of the Big Six UK energy providers are expected to increase energy prices by the end of this year after Scottish and Southern Electric (SSE) announced plans to increase domestic gas and electricity prices by an average of 9 percent from October 15.

The price rise, set to affect 5 million electricity customers and 3.4 million gas customers, means SSE’s average standard dual-fuel bill will increase by more than £100 a year from £1,172 to £1,274.

Rising bill payments are becoming an increasing concern for many UK consumers according to industry experts, especially with winter just around the corner and a recession underway.

Yet Government believes it has an answer to the problem of rising fuel bills as it prepares to launch its flagship energy policy, the Green Deal, in October this year, coinciding with the UK’s largest renewable energy show, Solar Power UK 2012.

“The Green Deal will play a huge role in improving the energy efficiency of our homes and businesses, with ECO making sure that the most vulnerable homes benefit too,” explained Energy Secretary and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey.

“I am determined to make sure that, in addition to creating huge opportunities for Green Deal providers and businesses along with thousands of new jobs, this new market in energy efficiency will deliver the very best deal for consumers.”

The policy will work by offering UK homeowners and businesses the opportunity to retrofit buildings with energy saving measures at no upfront cost, with repayments made through energy bill savings.

These measures, which will include wall and loft insulation, boiler upgrades, energy efficient lighting, and renewable energy installations, will help to bring bill costs down by reducing reliance on fuel providers.

Richard Gould, Director of Inspection Services at NAPIT, who will be speaking in the Solar Power UK 2012 ,Green Solutions Seminar at the NEC in Birmingham, suggests that the Green Deal will offer an assurance to consumers while, at the same time, working towards Government’s own

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carbon emissions targets.

“The Green Deal offers an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and reduce bills, all without the need to invest large sums of money or increase personal debt. I have yet to meet someone that, once introduced to these facts, doesn’t want to ask more questions. Suddenly opportunities to be involved with energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies become a necessity as opposed to a matter of personal conscience.

Taking control of ever increasing fuel bills will not only help consumers today but will also guard against the inevitability of rising fuel costs.”

Government’s aim is to make energy efficiency available to all, provided by trusted companies in order to offer consumer protection. This includes ensuring that robust standards are met; creating a market that balances consumer protection and burdens on businesses.

Restrictions will be placed on ‘cold calling’, while protection such as 25-year warranties for wall insulation will be implemented.

“The construction services industries should be very excited about this scheme. Although it won’t mean that every customer is suddenly going to have lots of work done straight away, it will provide a key incentive that is certain to catalyse a much greater demand for energy efficiency measures,” Gould continued.

“The Green Deal is predicted to revolutionise the energy efficiency of over 15 million homes by 2020. With the prospect of over 200k+ boilers fitted each year under Green Deal and ECO, along with all the additional potential measures, this opportunity alone should be giving the consumer reason enough to learn more about how to get involved.”

Solar Power UK 2012, which will be held from October 2-4 at the NEC, Birmingham, will be running a three-day Green Solutions Seminar Programme offering SMEs the chance to discover how they can get involved in this flagship energy policy and begin providing customers with a whole house solution to their energy worries.

Tickets can be booked at www.solarpowerukevents.org.

Consumer entry to the exhibition is free.

Farmers across the UK invest in small turbines The potential to slash energy costs are a big attraction. armers throughout the UK are using small wind turbines to capture energy to power lighting, cereal dryers and milking parlours. The Evance R9000 small wind turbine designed, developed & manufactured in the UK - is proving to be an increasingly sound investment for many farmers, as they can enjoy substantial savings on their electricity bill.

“During the last few years farmers have had to look seriously at the overheads of running a farm, and like many, reducing energy costs was top of the list for me, “ commented Steven Fox, dairy farmer and owner of two Evance R9000 turbines. “Overall we are really pleased with the results and from a business perspective we are excited about the prospect of the turbines reducing our energy costs by nearly 50%.”

Also, an Evance small wind turbine will enable Geraint Hamer, a cattle and sheep farmer, to

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become virtually energy selfsufficient. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the Evance turbine.

It’s amazing that so much energy can be created from a table top size piece of grassland!”

The Roberts family took the decision to explore renewable energy to see how it could help to reduce the running costs of their 300 acre organic farm in the Snowdonia National Park. “We are now using mainly green energy the Evance turbine will enable us to be almost energy selfsufficient,” stated Alwyn Roberts.

Visit www.evancewind.com

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Energy

Outlook is bright for Lower Backshaw Dairy Farm Largest Suntech PV installation in Dorset to date. olar Power Intl Ltd have recently commissioned a stunning 50 kWp solar PV system at Lower Backshaw Dairy Farm near Sherborne in Dorset. In doing so the Dorset PV Centre can claim the largest Suntech PV installation in Dorset to date.

The farm specialises in milk production and locally sourced food produce.

The site itself is largely dedicated to housing the farms prized cows and their offspring.

After just 8 working days on site, a gleaming array of 178 Suntech STP280 PV modules were fully installed, together with SMA SMC inverters to complete the system. The system, rated at 50 kWp is equipped to deliver an average 49,000 kWh of power to the farm per year, earning about £7000 in FiT generation payment as well as on-site electricity savings

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of more than £5000 per year in todays prices, plus an export payment on every unit sent back to the grid. The farm has importantly largely protected itself from future electricity price rises and the system is estimated to save an incredible 26 tonnes of Co2 emissions per year.

With installation prices going further down there has never been a better time to invest in a green energy generation technology that improves your profitability from day one.

To learn more about the technology, your returns and the new FIT’s system Call Solar Power Intl Ltd today to find out how you too can enjoy the incredible financial and

20 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

environmental benefits on offer from Solar PV, on 0844 504 13 17 or visit us at www.solarpowerintl.co.uk.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| EBEC

nextgen: renewable energy showcase for farmers nextgen, the UK’s fastest growing event showcasing emerging renewable energy technologies, will take place from 10th -11th October at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. ollowing a successful debut in 2011 which attracted over 3,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors, the event also encompasses ebec, the UK’s largest bioenergy show, and microgen, a show serving smallscale (sub-50kW) power producers.

With the trio of events combined at one location, nextgen makes it easier for visitors to retrieve relevant information and to establish business connections.

Farmers and land owners, will mingle alongside renewable energy producers, managers in the public sector dealing with energy efficiency, or supervisors managing food processing and waste.

Besides hosting a major international exhibition, the show also features a free to attend multistream conference delivering a range of topical and ‘how –to’ presentations and panel discussions. ebec treats farmers to the best in bioenergy The show took a major leap forward last year by almost doubling in size and increasing its

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attendance of decision makers by over 142%. Farmers from across the UK are one of the key audience groups which have travelled to the show to discover the latest insights and innovations in green technology.

In 2012, ebec has teamed up with the National Farmers Union (NFU) to deliver energy consultancy seminars at the event.

Lucy Pitt, group marketing manager of nextgen media, commented: “When we learnt the NFU were rolling out an energy service to their members, we knew it would be a great fit for the show being the leading voice for the UK’s farming sector. I look forward to providing an outstanding event that delivers for farmers and land owners who have already implemented renewable energy solutions, as well as those who have not yet decided which technology they want to work with.”

Jonathan Scurlock, NFU Chief Policy Adviser on Renewable Energy and Climate Change, will be chairing and speaking in farm related bioenergy sessions at the show.

Positive reactions from farmers Tom Kite, a mixed farmer from East Sussex, said of the show: “ebec is a fantastic event. I have a dairy and arable farm and have been looking at new income streams for many years. Three years ago, I invested in a wind turbine and my interest in renewable energy has grown since then. I came to the event to see if anaerobic digestion is for me.”

Farmer Paul Spoke, an arable farmer from Warwickshire, said he was using the event to browse for new opportunities, saying: “I have considered growing energy crops and firing up my own boiler. One of my neighbours started growing miscanthus recently and tells me he makes money from it. I didn’t believe him so I visited ebec.”

Must-attend event “We are confident that farmers visiting ebec will be able to capitalise from the highly relevant

information and advice they receive. Twinned with the networking opportunities and the opportunity to get a first look at new and exciting renewable energy technologies and techniques, ebec is clearly a mustattend event,” added Lucy Pitt.

“Bringing all the renewable energy solutions in one place at one time is a unique advantage for the show. For those undecided about which renewable energy source to select, nextgen provides essential information, guidance and support. For those ready to make an investment in a specific renewable energy project, nextgen is the perfect place to compare all of the options available from different suppliers, side by side.”

To attend nextgen for free, visit www.nextgenexpo.co.uk or call 0845 130 7753. Conference places are limited so register now to avoid disappointment!

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Livestock

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| EBEC

500kW biogas plant unveiled at Melrose Pigs A 500kW biogas plant is set to come online at Yorkshire producer Melrose Pigs this month. ommissioning has started on the EnviTec Biogas anaerobic digestion project, which will be fed partly with slurry from Melbourne-based Melrose’s finisher pigs.

Maize silage and grass silage from sister company Northern Crop Driers will also be fed into the system, which will produce electricity to be used on site and sold into the grid.

Pam Dear, one of the Directors at Melrose, said: “We’re looking at payback on the investment within five years.

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“All EnviTec Biogas UK specialists are based in the UK, leading to quick response times from initial enquiry, through planning and construction, to service.”

“Drying grass to produce feed for horses is pretty energy-intensive, so we’ll be using some of the electricity for that, while some of it will go to the grid.

“The Feed in Tariffs will help with revenues, and because they’re set for the long term it helps with business planning.

“Pork prices have always fluctuated, so the

more predictability we can build in the easier it is to make sensible investment decisions.”

The process will help simplify slurry storage, while the digestate produced by the plant will reduce fertiliser costs.

Pam said: “The EnviTec facility means we don’t have to use the lagoon for slurry storage.

It’s processed and cleaned before it ever needs to be stored and it turns the pig slurry into a product with more readily-available nutrients for uptake by the crops.

“It helps with odours, and at the end of the process you end up with a product that is better than the one that went in.

“The beauty is that biogas production will help both our businesses grow.”

Initially, the plant will only produce electricity, but Melrose is considering using the heat generated as well it to generate heat as well – again, to help with crop drying and possibly to take advantage of the Renewable Heat Incentive.

John Day, UK Sales Manager at EnviTec, said: “Anaerobic digestion can be ideal for pig producers.

“It opens up revenue streams, it transforms slurry management, and it demonstrates to the surrounding community that you have a commitment to sustainability.

Latest biogas analyser at EBEC he latest fixed biogas analyser from Geotech, the GA3000 PLUS, can now optionally monitor up to three sample points and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) ranging from 0-50 to 0-10,000 ppm. As before, it analyses methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen (O2). The new developments, as options, enhance the already widely used ATEX Zone 2 certified GA3000 for landfill gas and AD biogas analysis.

With three sample points, AD operators can measure gas quality from more than one digester to check output from each before the gas is mixed and then check mixed gas before it goes to the CHP engine. Tracking production at source

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can help improve output and spot problems early. By measuring the gas going to CHP and to flare, operators can control both. Thus with multipoint sampling, operators achieve more analysis from one fixed analyser giving even better value.

A 4-20mA output for each gas is standard, as is Modbus digital output, allowing communication with SCADA systems. Alarm relays are user configurable.

The unit offers the advantage of high and lowrange H2S measurement in the same system but from different sample points - usually for biogas monitoring before and after desulphurisation.

This scrutinises clean-up equipment performance and checks if filter material needs replacing or

John Day, UK Sales Manager at EnviTec

“Payback periods are relatively short, and in this case we were able to keep investment costs down by planning existing infrastructure into the design.”

EnviTec Biogas UK plans, builds and services anaerobic digestion biogas plants on farms across the country.

It is part of EnviTec Biogas AG, which is listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange and which operates worldwide through subsidiaries, joint ventures and sales offices.

All EnviTec Biogas UK specialists are based in the UK, leading to quick response times from initial enquiry, through planning and construction, to service.

Visit us at www.envitec-biogas.com

regenerating. By having two sensors set to high and low ranges, each can react quickly to appropriate H2S levels without reaction time delays or purging between high-level and lowlevel readings.

For AD and landfill, H2S measurement preand post-treatment shows the effectiveness of H2S removal and maintaining H2S below acceptable CHP thresholds and compliance with CHP manufacturer warranty contracts. Vital for CHP restart and protection against sudden gas level changes, the GA3000 PLUS fixed biogas analyser can pay back in weeks or even days.

The Geotech GA3000 PLUS can also measure carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2) and has a heater option which enables optimum analyser performance in cold climates.

Find more information by visiting www.geotechuk.com

ENGINEERED TO WORK

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01270 216600 0RELOH 0RELOH 07817 986561

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September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 23

| EBEC

WELTEC client wins “Best AD Project� award Presented by The British Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Assosiation, winning company Fernbrook Bio expressed their satisfaction with the partnership that they have developed with Weltec. n July, WELTEC BIOPOWER client Fernbrook Bio won the 2012 UK AD & Biogas Associations (ADBA) industry award for “Best Biogas Project�.

The 1.5 MW biogas plant impressed the jurors with its efficient operation and overall concept, which provides for use of a biogas facility as a waste utilisation plant.

The facility near Kettering, Northamptonshire supplies approx. 3,000 households with power by utilising approximately 30,000 tonnes per annum of biowaste and food waste and converting it into electricity. For this purpose, WELTEC had equipped the biogas plant for the operator to include food unpacking, separation and pasteurisation systems.

Fernbrook Bio is very happy about the award. Following the award ceremony, Director Shaun Cherry commented: “We have been cooperating with WELTEC BIOPOWER for almost four years, and we are pleased with this partnership, which has now won

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due and deserved recognition in the form of the “Best AD Project� award. WELTEC has truly deserved this award because it offers, not only top-edge premium plants, but also efficient service.�

ADBA’s decision to award Fernbrook Bio with the title also included the operators’ community work through visits to and from local schools and systematic publicity activities.

Another biogas plant of WELTEC BIOPOWER also made it onto the shortlist of nominations: the 1.3 MW “Lower Reule Bioenergy� installation in Gnossall, Staffordshire, which also processes food waste. This biogas plant‘s electricity is also supplied to approx 2,600 homes. The operator uses the heat generated from the plant to heat their farm buildings and to dry the digestate, which is spread out over agricultural areas as a fertiliser.

Lower Reule Bioenergy was nominated in the “Best integration of AD into a farming business“ and “Best AD Project“ categories.

For WELTEC, the awards represent a stimulus to continue to

focus on high quality, efficient technology, which the company from Lower Saxony has already been doing for 11 years. This is also one of the key reasons why the Vechta-based company has been successful in the field of biogas plant construction in the United Kingdom from the outset and has developed into one of the country‘s leading plant manufacturers.

Weltec Biopower UK Sales Manager, Chris Jellett commented. “We are delighted that Fernbrook Bio has been awarded the Best AD

project category in the ADBA industry awards. This achievement is truly deserved by all of the team at Rothwell Lodge Farm and acts as recognition of Weltec Biopowers position as a leading biogas technology supplier in the UK market.�

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| AD & Biogas

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September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Buildings

Increase cow comfort and health – invest in the right solution Galebreaker believe that their solutions are all you will ever need to ensure optimal herd comfort and health. aving adequate ventilation in your building should be a top priority to make sure your herd benefits from the optimum environment to improve health and wellbeing. It is important to maintain circulation of fresh, clean air in your buildings, minimising the risk of disease and heat stress for your cows.

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“The roof panels of the light ridge are made from toughened PVC that allows high levels of light into the building the ridge can be fitted to new or existing buildings and come in widths of 1m, 2m and 3m.”

A Galebreaker Ventilation Solution can provide this ideal environment, allowing fresh air into the building using one of our side wall solutions, and providing sufficient exhaust for stale air through the Galebreaker Light Ridge. A Combination of side wall system and light ridge will provide you with a healthy and light environment for you and your cows.

Galebreaker side systems start with the simple clip on Bayscreen to take the place of traditional cladding materials and work up to the Variable Ventilation System (VVS), which can span the entire length of a building and be opened and closed as the weather conditions dictate. For complete peace of mind, the VVS can be fully automated using a weather

26 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

station so that, no matter where you are or what time it is, you know that your livestock are in the best environment possible.

The Galebreaker Light Ridge adds the finishing touch to the Total Ventilation Solution, providing a covered air outlet to remove the stale air from your building. Designed to be an “active system”, the light ridge uses its wind walls to help draw air out of the building, maintaining the flow of fresh air through the building.

The roof panels of the light ridge are made from toughened PVC that allows high levels of light into the building the ridge can be

fitted to new or existing buildings and come in multiple widths including 1m, 2m and 3m.

For full details of your ventilation solution options, please contact Galebreaker on 01531 637900

“Having adequate ventilation in your building should be a top priority”

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| Buildings

Farmers receive expert advice on ventilating livestock buildings Members of the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA) hear how they can help farmers optimise livestock buildings Concern has been expressed about the extent to which farmers understand the importance and value of providing adequate and appropriate ventilation in livestock buildings.

It was mooted to more than 50 members of the Rural and Industrial Design and Building Association (RIDBA), most of whom are agricultural building contractors, by Jim Loynes, former ADAS buildings design specialist and now assistant head of engineering at Harper Adams University College.

Mr Loynes, BSc (Hons), CEng, MIAgrE, was talking about the natural ventilation of livestock housing to RIDBA’s quarterly council meeting, held at Patshull Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club in Pattingham, in the college’s home county of Shropshire, on July 4th.

In his presentation Mr Loynes said that a “general purpose” building was invariably what a

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farmer paid for when what he really required could only be provided by good design.

He said the design process needed to start by calculating the outlet area at the ridge of a building (the gap required to allow stale air out) and then considering how this area can be replicated at the inlet (openings below the eaves to allow fresh air in).

The size of the inlet gaps or open ridge needed to be based on the building’s dimensions and expected stocking densities, with a main concern being that rain could enter the building through an open ridge. However, this had been solved with the development of a protected open ridge.

“The open ridge and protected open ridge have both been available for some time now.

However, either farmers don’t know about the benefits of good ventilation or don’t want to pay for an open ridge or protected open ridge to be installed. Or is it a question of ease of installation?”

he asked the RIDBA members.

In his opinion, alternatives to the open and protected open ridges, such as “crown-cranked” or “twopiece” ridges, did not provide adequate outlet area for most livestock housing densities even though sufficient inlet area could be formed using spaced (often referred to as Yorkshire) boarding.

Suppliers such as RIDBA members needed to know exactly how the farmer intended to use the building and what animals he intended to house in it (in terms of numbers, breed, housing period, feeding, bedding, slurry system and so on), and perhaps more importantly, which QA scheme (such as Red Tractor) the farmer aimed to satisfy.

“Unless you know exactly this, in my opinion there is no way you can provide a building with even adequate natural ventilation openings in it,” said Mr Loynes.

“Furthermore, when considering stock housing, a general purpose building, which is one the

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purchaser can adapt to meet his needs, will not satisfy the needs of the stock. Over-design may be a better solution as it is easier to close up a building than to open it up to ventilation.”

A well-designed ventilation system (natural or mechanical) helped to remove dust, excess moisture and bacteria from a livestock building while providing a minimum air flow rate and a draught-free lying area for stock.

He referred to RIDBA’s Farm Buildings Handbook which includes an updated version of the SFBIU’s design guide which caters for larger livestock, and is available to farmers through www.ridba.org.uk.

Farmers requiring more advice about ventilating their livestock buildings can contact Mr Loynes on jloynes@harper-adams.ac.uk or RIDBA on secretary@ridba.org.uk.

Cemsix, the traditional UK 6" corrugated sheet for agricultural buildings. Guaranteed durability, matching accessories and a range of colours, all manufactured by Cembrit.

57 Kellner Road London SE28 0AX t: +44 (0)20 8301 8900 f: +44 (0)20 8301 8901 e: sales@cembrit.co.uk w: www.cembrit.co.uk CEMBRIT 6SS½RK WPEXIW | Building boards | Corrugated sheet | Claddings

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September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Buildings

Moisture control is key Cembrit urges agricultural industry to take this important consideration into account when selecting exterior coverings for buildings and animal shelters. embrit, the fibre cement corrugated sheeting specialist, is advising the agricultural industry to consider moisture control when specifying the exterior covering for livestock buildings.

Damp promotes the growth of mould, bacteria and other mammalian pathogens. Growth of these organisms tends to be more rapid with the addition of warmth.

Livestock is best kept protected from excessive heat and precipitation, which at certain times of the year will mean a partially enclosed environment. In these circumstances however the livestock themselves will generate heat and moisture.

For that reason, livestock, especially cattle, need enclosures from which moisture can be cost effectively removed and heat buildup can be regulated. Moisture within livestock buildings is generated by the animals themselves through respiration, digestion by-products in the form of corrosive urea and of course evaporated drinking water, bedding and feed.

Fibre cement corrugated sheet, such as Cembrit’s Cemsix, has become the roofing and cladding material of choice for livestock buildings as its material composition and range of accessories satisfies all of these requirements. Fibre cement is a porous, non-metal. It absorbs moisture, without suffering corrosion, and releases it into the atmosphere. Even coloured corrugated sheets (growing in popularity in the countryside) are coated with micro porous paint thereby retaining fibre cement sheet’s moisture transferring properties.

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A wide range of ventilation accessories, as well as specially cut sheets for spaced “open” ventilated roofs are designed to take advantage of the stack effect, whereby moisture laden warm air inside rises causing a pressure differential such that cooler air from the outside is drawn into the building. Often combined with spaced vertical timber “Yorkshire boarding” on the external walls good ventilation can be achieved without recourse to costly mechanical vents.

Fibre cement is a poor conductor of heat and will help regulate the internal temperature avoiding overheating of the building through the transmission of heat in the long sunlight hours in the summer and inhibiting heat loss in wintertime.

Livestock buildings do not need to be complicated double skinned, insulated constructions with powered ventilation. As fibre cement does not corrode it is ideal for single skinned buildings sheltering the interior from the weather whilst resisting the corrosion resulting from the damaging chemicals produced by animal waste. Fibre cement is not high tech, but decades of successful use has shown fibre cement works!

Cembrit’s Cemsix is available in natural grey, matt black and ten attractive pre-coloured options in a standard imperial 6 inch profile. It is strengthened with strategically placed polypropylene reinforcement strips which are incorporated within the fibrecement sheet to comply with BS and H&S requirements for site safety and fragility.

For further information visit www.cembrit.co.uk, or email

28 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

sales@cembrit.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Buildings

Optimum crop storage ‘Snow joke: improve calf health with an Igloo A New information brochure proves pick of the crop.

Better health means optimal performance. off and Emma Roberts of Uphampton Farm Herefordshire have been using the Holm and Laue igloo system to rear calves since 2008 with huge success. “We were first introduced to the system in

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2004 when we bought our first H&L 100 milk machine and fell in love with the concept of offering our calves a choice of environment” The concept was born in Germany for dairy farmers to

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provide a calf friendly environment that was also user friendly. It had been proven that the hutches worked but they were labour intensive so the igloo was developed which provides a well ventilated but draught free microclimate for up to 15 calves. The igloo along with a covered area, provide the calf with plenty of space to eat, rest and play and as the area can be easily mucked out the environment can stay clean. The building with the igloos around it is designed to be open, this allows for plenty of fresh air and reduces bacterial load but the roof keeps the bedded area dry.

Farmers who are rearing their calves in the Holm and Laue igloos have seen their calves reaching their target weights sooner due to reduced health challenges.

For more information please contact us on 01568 708380 or see www.calfigloo.co.uk

gricultural ventilation specialist Hydor has published a new brochure demonstrating its particular expertise in creating the optimum conditions for crop storage.

The heat generated in storing crops, coupled with excess humidity, can lead to premature germination and rodent infestation.

The 20 page brochure demonstrates how to control these environmental factors, illustrating the wide range of fans and systems developed by Hydor specifically to meet these challenges.

It features a number of applications to highlight the different issues faced in crop storage, from temperature drying in a stirrer store to pedestal drying and cooling, roof extract, and drying in crop stores. Recognising the benefit of real life examples to illustrate how the technology can be applied, the brochure also includes a two page case study on Clavering Place Farm in Saffron Walden. Here, Hydor HV belt drives were installed to prevent moisture build up on the store roof from dropping onto the grain below. When the fans were left

switched off overnight as an experiment, condensation occurred again but within 20 minutes of the fans being reactivated, it was completely cleared.

The brochure provides details on the range of different ventilation options and accessories available, from wall mounted belt drive and high efficiency fans, to wall cowls, weather louvres, light baffles, roof mounted fans and controllers available to optimise conditions.

Duncan Burl, Managing Director of Hydor, said “The brochure sets out the options that are available in crop storage ventilation and highlights the relative advantages of each so that the technology can be best matched to the needs of the specific environment. We have over 47 years of experience in designing and manufacturing bespoke products to customer designs, so if the solution does not feature in the brochure, that does not mean that it is not possible!”

For a free copy of the Crop Storage Ventilation brochure, customers can contact Hydor on tel: 01725 511422; e-mail: info@hydor.co.uk or download a copy from www.hydor.co.uk

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Fencing

Hampton’s head for APF 2012 XNET™ proves it’s worth again by being chosen to secure a bear enclosure see this and other superior products on the Hampton stand. s the UK’s largest forestry, woodland and arboricultural exhibition, APF 2012 on 13/14/15 September will see Hampton Steel once again showcasing their UK manufactured product range to an estimated 20000 visitors.

Following their success at the recent Driffield show and the English National Sheepdog Trials, Hampton’s will have many of their traditional favourites on show including hinge joint fencing, staples, line wires and barbed wire. Hampton’s XNET™ will also be available with all of its additional features and benefits of strength and versatility. This superior fencing system was recently put under the most extreme of tests, when UK Manufacturer, Hampton Steel Ltd, were approached to design a bespoke fencing system suitable to enclose bears; they had no hesitation in the suitability of Hampton’s XNET™.

Rescued from a circus in Belgium and being re-homed at Five Sister’s Zoo in West Lothian, this particular fence needed to fulfil on all counts; strength and resilience but also aesthetics. “We knew this would be a real test for any steel wire fence. Fortunately we knew from our own tests that Hampton ‘s XNET™ is no ordinary steel wire fencing solution. It could more than fulfil on the criteria set by Five Sisters in terms of strength, resilience, height and be empathetic with the environment to provide a more natural enclosureâ€? Peter

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Matten, Sales Director of Hampton Steel Ltd. “We chose Hampton’s XNET™ for the bear enclosure over the traditionally used welded mesh following discussions with the Highland Wildlife Park. We wanted a more natural barrier but with the same security of strength; we more than achieved this with Hampton’s XNET™â€?

Lynn McCuchie, Head Zookeeper, Five Sisters Zoo. The smooth, animal friendly, knotted joint not only helps maintain rigidity and form, locking horizontal and vertical wires tight but also adds to Hampton XNET™’s unobtrusive appearance, providing for a more aesthetically pleasing barrier. “The Government affiliated vet commented during his recent visit to the Zoo that the new Hampton XNET™ enclosure rates as a world class exhibitâ€? Lynn McCuchie, Head Zookeeper, Five Sisters Zoo. With fence heights available up to an incredible 2.6 metres, Hampton’s XNET™ easily met the 2.4 metre specification required for the Five Sisters Bears.

Visit the Hampton Steel stand at the APF show to be held at the Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire on the 13/14/15th September 2012.

Alternatively visit www.hamptonsteel.co.uk to view all their product range.

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30 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Fencing

Fencing: DIY or Contractor?

Charlie Hubbard of J. Hubbard and Son Ltd offers some sage advice for that fencing dilemma. s the saying goes “good fences make good neighbours” and if you have some fencing to do then you need to weight up the pros and cons of doing the work yourself or getting in a contractor.

Charlie Hubbard from J Hubbard and Son Ltd is first to admit he a bit of a fencing anorak with him and his team-mate Rory Baylis coming third in the Tornado fencing championship and first place in the fencing news UK fencing championships this year. It’s great to see so many contractors’ at the competitions that are passionate about doing the job properly. We have been contractors for 15 years and It’s easy to think you can save some money by doing the job yourself but with most good contractors being able to erect between 200-500m of stock netting a day with their modern machinery, if you don’t

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have the labour or kit you can find it taking yourself a good while longer if you have to fit it around an already busy farming schedule.

Whether you opt for doing it yourself or getting a contractor in, always make sure that you are using good quality materials It is false economy to use cheap, badly treated posts for instance. Spending an extra 80p per post might sound a lot but over 100m of stock fencing, it’s only an extra £25/£30 which is very little compared to replacing it all in a few years time!

The recent EU change to the new timber treatments mean that we stock both standard pressure treated posts and long life UC4 Class Kiln dried redwood posts, giving our customers the choice on what option to take.

We are also looking into a new supplier for pressure treated creosote posts.

EXPERTS IN EXPERTS OUR FIELD

We found that more people were popping into our yard wanting to buy materials so we have now opened a trade counter at our yard in Balsall Common where you can get everything you need to carry out your fencing - whether it is timber, metal or wooden gates, electric fencing, fittings and fixings. We are always happy to give advice on what would be best for you requirements and are happy to quote you for just the materials or to fit them as well.

For more information contact J.Hubbard & Son Ltd on 01676 535269 email enquiries@jhubbardandson.co.uk or visit www.jhubbardandson.co.uk

GUARANTEED GU ARANTEED QUALITY QU ALITY IN YOURS YOURS

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September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Fuels

Prepared for winter fuel storage problems?

Remember the problems the winter weather brought us last year? Would you be able to get deliveries of oil and fuel or not because of snow? It may be prudent to take a hard look at your fuel and oil storage facilities now before winter descends. uestions that you should consider asking yourself include: Are my oil storage and diesel dispensing facilities legal? To be sure that you are fully compliant and prevent pollution, best practice is to now use bunded tanks (tanks within tanks) for all oil and fuel storage. Old rusty steel tanks raised up on blocks and dispensing fuel are definitely a big NO! They are a pollution accident waiting to happen.

Are my tanks big enough?

Not such a silly question, as buying a larger tank could help see you through periods when deliveries are not possible because of weather issues. The cost per litre of oil and /or diesel can be cheaper too if you can accept larger deliveries. Check with your fuel supplier, as even an extra 0.5 pence per litre will add up over time!

Should I fit a filter? A very sensible question. There are two main problems associated with diesel dispensing: 1) water in the

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diesel and 2) Debris / Detritus.

Without filtration, water and solid matter can pass through the dispensing pump and into your vehicle and machinery fuel tanks.

Damage or erratic running can be experienced and often, dispensing pumps start to cause problems.

The latest water block and particulate cartridge-type filters usually called combination or combi filters are a real boon. They are usually available as an extra on basic dispensing tanks and usually fitted as standard on fully specified models. They are also available for retro-fitting. For oil dispensing to you boiler, a filter should always be included in the line and most will have this already.

Are my tanks secure? Fuel and oil tank security is a big issue at present with so many thefts, particularly in rural and remote areas. The ultimate deterrent, of course, would be to install bunded heavy duty steel tanks with sophisticated locking facilities.

This is not always possible or practical and very often simple security measures on tanks

32 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

(plastic or steel) can be effective. A thief likes to take the easy route and if you’ve installed security devices they may still act as a deterrent or, at least, buy time!

There are many security devices available now and the range offered by Bundedtanks.com is no exception. Their range includes fill point locks, inspection cover locks, 100 decibel alarm locks and the ever popular Apollo remote reading electronic contents gauges. Having a gauge such as an Apollo in your home or office constantly

monitoring the tank level, helps you keep an eye on the tank contents. With a price of only ÂŁ45.95 plus VAT delivered, the basic Apollo from Bundedtanks.com is a very worthwhile investment. It is easy to retro-fit to almost any tank and the receiver (plugs into a 13 amp socket) operates up to 200 metres away from the tank! More sophisticated alarms are available that alert you audibly as well as visually to any sudden drop in tank contents.

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| Security

Tractor Theft the fight back begins.......

NFU Mutual provide some of their best Insurance discounts to clients who use Thatcham approved after theft recovery systems.

ractors and Farming equipment are highly desirable objects, something that professional criminals would consider a legitimate target, but despite owner’s best efforts to secure and deter a theft, a determined thieve will always find a way of stealing them.

Delegates at Dorset Rural Crime Conference held in April this year seemed shocked when Mark Timbell, staff engineer from NFU Mutual detailed that tractor theft alone had cost the company over £10 million in 2010.

Insurance companies from their own experiences have identified that the most effective security device that can be purchased is a ‘Thatcham approved tracking system’. Insurance companies therefore encourage this security approach by providing their best discounts to owners who select Thatcham approved systems. On the other hand unmonitored DIY type tracking systems are not accepted by any of the main insurance companies.

The Farming community will have likely paid significant sums on their equipment, so it makes sense to consider an appropriate security tracking system to protect their investment. However, with an abundance of tracking service providers in the UK, and many offering differing services and technologies, where does one find suitable guidance on tracking equipment?

Farmers Monthly magazine have approached theft recovery equipment specialist Richard Taylor from Automatrics to help identify to readers ... what he believes makes for a reliable selection process when it comes to sourcing an approved tracking device for their valuable high risk equipment.

Automatrics have recently celebrated their 5th anniversary in the theft recovery and asset tracking business, a company well positioned in the industry and

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respected by competitors.

Automatrics have presented several national and international seminars on tracking technology best practice. These locations include Dubrovnik, Birmingham University, HSE London, Stockholm and Tokyo. Automatrics have been invited specifically to exhibit their Mtrack recovery service by Police authorities across the country including the ACPO Rural Crime Seminar at Kettering in November 2011, the Dorset Rural Crime Conference in May 2012, North Yorkshire Rural watch and Horse watch meetings in 2011 and 2012. The company have also won several awards, including The Business and Industry Tracking Company of the Year in 2009, and Government Business Magazine Innovation award winners 2010.

Automatrics deliver services across the globe to clients as far away as Tasmania, Florida and Vladivostok Russia. Readers may have seen Automatrics in action on the BBC Panorama episode “Track my Trash” aired in May 2011 where an mtrack unit was placed inside TV sets that were successfully tracked from London to West Africa’s Ghana and Nigeria.

Richard explains ‘Tracking systems generally fall into two main installation types, the majority of systems are wired to the vehicle electrical system by approved fitting agents (such as TRI) Thatcham Recognised Installer. There are a few specialist units that are self powered and as such these can be self installed.

As Farm machinery can often be stored for lengthy periods or not have onboard power (such as trailers) self powered systems are better suited rather than the wiredin car tracking type designs which could run vehicle batteries flat if stored for long periods.

Self powered systems are regarded as being more covert as they have no external wiring for criminals to trace, and cannot be

disabled by criminals passing high voltages through the vehicle chassis, they are also considered more flexible to self install and transfer, although owners will need to consider battery changes’.

The fitment of wired tracking systems would need to be carried out by a professional Auto Electrician to ensure systems do not interfere with other vehicle loom electrics.

Virtually all insurance

company’s now look to Thatcham as the quality standard for tracking certification as Thatcham is internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading accreditation providers for tracking systems and their website would be an excellent starting point for anyone searching for an insurance approved tracking device. Systems are tested to comply with strict criteria and are listed for review on their website www.thatcham.org

Thatcham Tracker categories Thatcham CAT 5 Multi-wired units most listed will have GPS only location technology, GPS receivers will need to see the sky and location signals could be jammed locally. These systems have additional wiring to remotely immobilise the vehicle although strict usage rules apply.

Thatcham CAT 6 All units are GPS only location based systems with the exclusion of Tracker Locate which additionally uses VHF radio, in this category all devices are wired in systems.

Thatcham CAT 7 Use Radio Location which is immune to GPS jammers. Systems can be wired or self powered. The Mtrack battery system also has a remote control to arm the device for illegal movement detection and this gives the mtrack a ‘proactive’ tracker status. Self powered battery units are suited for any nonpowered equipment, they can also be more effective when hidden in tractors and ATV’s. The Mtrack system additionally has a GPS and GSM cell mapping which users can access via the internet.

Mtrack was the first system to be successful located from an underground car park in a recovery test conducted by Thatcham’s Mr Alan Bignel Monitored’ systems: Where any alarm is alerted to a monitoring centre, they then contact the owner and / or the police.

Unmonitored’ systems: Usually alerts the owner directly, often by mobile phone text messages. Forces may respond to reports alerted via a legitimate, accredited monitoring centre, but are far less likely to respond to an alert made directly to the owner.

Proactive’ tracker: A system that will alert the monitoring centre for illegal movement In summary approved Tracking systems are building a reputation for themselves as being an effective way of recovering stolen vehicles. Often recovery is rapid, and before any significant harm has been done to the vehicle.

For further information contact Automatrics Limited at www.mtrackonline.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1329 663812

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Security

Agri-crime’ costs rise but farmers fight back as thieves target countryside Theft from farms has reached new levels, warns leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, as the estimated cost of theft to UK agriculture tipped £52.7 million in 2011. he 6% rise in the cost of ‘agri-crime’ came despite a fall in tractor thefts in England & Wales. Instead, thieves have shifted focus to livestock, diesel and metal.

The figures, based on claims data, have been released to coincide with the publication of the annual NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey, a nationwide survey of branch offices located throughout the UK’s countryside. Unlike other crime reports, NFU Mutual’s includes claims for crimes against homes, farms, commercial premises and vehicles.

While power tools and ATVs remain firm favourites with rural criminals, emerging trends such as metal theft are being carried out on such a large scale that even an 11% drop in the theft of tractors has been engulfed by the cost of replacing items that can be scrapped or resold for a fraction of their worth.

Although tractor thefts have fallen in England and Wales, they remain a major problem for farmers in many parts of the country and are continuing to rise in Scotland and Northern Ireland with tractors being stolen and exported from channel ports to final destinations across the globe.

A new trend highlighted by the survey was theft of agrochemicals. Branch staff in arable farming areas noted thieves are now targeting

farm chemical stores to steal pesticides and herbicides which can cost over £600 for 10 litres.

The survey suggests poor economic conditions and rising commodity prices are the two main factors behind the steady rise in rural crime over the last twelve months.

Although over three quarters (76%) of Agents believe members are more concerned about rural crime in their area compared to 12 months ago, it appears farmers are refusing to take this blight lying down.

The survey reveals that high-tech security measures like CCTV and tracker devices, as well as physical security measures such as locks and alarms are more effective than a greater police presence or tougher sentencing for criminals.

As a mutual organisation with a vested interest in the farming community, NFU Mutual is committed to cutting claims costs where possible. To combat the problem of tractor thefts the company sponsors a police unit to coordinate national and international operations to catch thieves.

The company is also helping farmers fight rural crime by sponsoring national and regional rural crime conferences; liaising with police and local farm Watch groups. It also recently

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launched the Country Crimefighters Awards to promote examples of good security initiatives from individuals, groups and the police.

Commenting on rural crime and the Survey results, Lindsay Sinclair, Group Chief Executive of NFU Mutual, said: “It is a sad fact but the countryside has long been seen as an easy target for criminals. Encouragingly, country folk are not taking the blight lying down, fighting back with both high-tech security measures as well as more innovative schemes.

“As the UK’s leading rural insurer, we are committed to keeping our members up-to-date with emerging trends and promoting great examples of crime prevention. Working together we can make it much more difficult for criminals to succeed in the countryside.”

To help promote good security practice, deter thieves and reduce claims, the Mutual is offering a range of premium discounts of up to 27.5% to farmers who fit approved security measures, including CESAR registration, immobilisers and tracker devices.

Bespoke technical advice and guidance for farmers and growers is available from NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Ltd. A wholly-owned subsidiary of NFU Mutual, it has a network of surveyors who help farmers manage their businesses safely and securely.

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34 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Security

Fuel alarm innovation Developed using proven technology and expertise. n innovative new gauge and alarm system to help protect and manage kerosene, gas oil and diesel has been devised by a fuel industry expert.

Steve Richardson, director of Fuel and LPG Services in Worcester, has launched the SmartGuard, which can be used in tanks up to three metres in diameter.

“During my 20 years in the fuel business, I’ve used various forms of gauging but was keen to find a reliable and flexible stand-alone device that had accurate alarm functions,” said Mr Richardson, who has spent 12 months working on the product with its UK-based designer/manufacturer.

“The system, which will operate for at least five years before any intervention is needed, has been developed using proven technology and expertise used in other industries.

Following trials, I’m confident that actual battery

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life will exceed this time scale, depending on location.”

Mr Richardson explained that unlike ultrasonic devices, the SmartGuard is a probe which is immersed in the fuel which means it is more accurate and can recognise small changes in product volume.

“It constantly monitors the fuel level and that information is used to calculate average daily consumption and how many days’ supply remains. This information can be read online using the Fuel and LPG Services website ” he said.

The alarm system works by detecting any unusual drops in the fuel level with the SmartGuard immediately sending out a text and email to alert the owner.

“Fuel theft is an increasing concern in rural areas so this is an

excellent method of identifying irregular activity,” said Mr Richardson.

“There are three specific models of the SmartGuard. A number of customers also wanted an audible alarm as well as the text and email alert. Therefore we have developed a unit that has both these options, and a unit that does offer just the audible alarm. ” The SmartGuard offers many

benefits to those who use fuel either for running machinery or heating premises. The customer can use the data to help manage stock and supply, purchasing when it is actually needed or when prices are more favourable.

For more information on the SmartGuard, call Steve Richardson on 01905 642810 or visit www.fuelandlpgservices.co.uk

It’s plain to see why you should use Trailer Vision When another pair of eyes is required, look no further. railer Vision Ltd, the UK market leader, specialises in supplying a range of unique, interference free, digital wireless camera systems that can be used for any agricultural vehicle, or machinery application.

Trailer Vision™ camera systems are designed to ensure maximum safety and visibility when reversing agricultural vehicles. Additionally, they can provide remote viewing of a load, loading, machinery, or they can even be utilised to keep a check of hopper levels etc.

Latest digital technology ensures that there is no interference from other wireless systems such as Bluetooth devices, 2-way radios, hands free phone kits, analogue wireless security cameras, or other digital wireless cameras.

These high performance systems can be fitted in less than 15 minutes, with no special tools or training, in any normally equipped garage/workshop.

Each system incorporates night vision and can be used with up to 4 cameras at any one time, ensuring maximum flexibility.

Additionally, the water proof (IP65) cameras are now available with a rechargeable battery pack, which can provide

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power for more than 12 hours.

(Alternatively the cameras can be powered from any available 12V/24V source e.g. a lighting circuit. Systems can also be supplied with mains adapters, for security applications, or when operating in buildings etc).

Trailer Vision™ camera systems not only provide peace of mind for drivers of vehicles with limited visibility, but also prevent injuries, or expensive accidents from occurring.

Additionally, they can save time and avoid the need for an ‘extra pair of eyes’.

As well as supplying a range of cutting-edge digital wireless, camera systems, Trailer Vision™ also offer several low-cost, nonsubscription, stand-alone, GPS trackers. These proven systems help to protect/recover expensive farm equipment, which may often be operated/stored in remote or unsecured areas. Additionally, they can easily be moved between equipment, as and when required. Simple and effective products, which provide operators with cost-effective peace of mind.

Further information can be found at: www.trailervision.co.uk or please call 01775 640775.

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Arable

Bring an end to the complexities of agricultural data Sue Davies, Commercial Director at Patchwork Technology Ltd, looks at the latest trends in agricultural data management. The article highlights the need for greater openness and greater compatibility between different systems and software – making technology simpler for the end user to use and the benefits it brings more accessible to all. o start, we take a look at a few issues highlighted by customers and associates we have worked with. Do any resonate with your experiences?

Every agricultural business has many stakeholders including: the grower, the advisor and the contractor. However, the transfer of data between each of the stakeholders is often complex. Files arrive in different formats, maps are sent as email attachments that may be blocked, lost or too large to download. Not all farm management programmes can incorporate all map types and this does not even take into account the varying levels of computer literacy for different users.

Each stakeholder may also wish to control who sees which information. For example, a grower may wish to share all their map data with their advisor but only want to share their lime variable rate maps with their lime contractor.

Another of the challenges that has faced agriculture in the past has been the complexity of cleaning data recorded with yield monitors.

How many farmers have yield monitor data sitting on their data cards but no affordable way of cleansing, viewing or most importantly utilising that data to make informed business decisions on best practice for the future?

Finally, the very nature of an agriculture business means that many of the company’s assets are spread over a wide geographic area.

Keeping track of assets – whether a tractor, trailer, combine or other vehicle - is one of the challenges facing many farm and fleet managers today. Loan worker protection, health and safety at work, maintaining service intervals, theft and security are just some of the further issues faced. This can be compounded if complicated by a mixed vehicle fleet – be it difficulties in comparing data produced from different GPS systems or the inability track your assets effectively as different manufacturers’ systems will not communicate with one another effectively.

Many of our customers face some or all of these problems on a regular basis and from these few examples alone, there is clearly a common theme in our industry. With all the different service providers and equipment

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manufacturers now operating and developing products independently; the sharing, converting and successful implementation of meaningful data has become a technical minefield.

However, we believe that instead of being tied to specific suppliers, or being forced to pay extortionate prices, it should not matter which firm provides your recommendations, manufacturers your combine, supplies your GPS guidance system or which farm management software you use. Each agricultural business should have the opportunity to take ownership and make the most of all the data relating to its business.

To help tackle these issues, Patchwork has launched WebTrack 3 – a new generation of data management and field mapping technology. Designed to simplify the whole process for users, it brings together different pools of data into one central store. It is web based, so accessible from anywhere, and makes it easy to manage and share records relating to any field or job and view them in an easy to interpret visual format using Google Maps.

For data sharing, a rule-based system can be set up to deliver and route new data to the

36 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

correct stakeholder when it arrives, ensuring the most up-to date information is at hand at all times. This provides total control as nothing is shared without permission. Once the rules are configured, data sharing just happens – every time.

For yield mapping, Patchwork has developed an automated cleaning process based on PhD research - that provides high quality yield maps with very little user effort or the need for expensive outside consultancy.

The visual nature of these maps allows businesses to plan spatially rather than using quantitative data and can form the basis for many management decisions, and what is more, it works with most of the leading yield monitor manufacturers’ systems.

Finally, on asset management, the ability to track many different manufacturers’ vehicles is what sets WebTrack 3 apart from other agricultural tracking systems. Geo fences can be placed around vehicles to trigger an alarm if moved outside the dedicated area and the system allows the viewing of selected assets and jobs being done for verification and measurement against Key Performance Indicators.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Arable

Precision for Combines Yield monitor can improve your operation. ith data recording for precision farming applications increasingly in demand, RDS Technology is pleased to present the Ceres 8000i yield monitor, suitable for all types of combine harvester.

Using precise optical sensing technology, the RDS Ceres 8000i monitors, displays and records grain yield as well as moisture content, speed, area, work rate and harvest rate. It features an integrated SD card port for easy transfer of field data to office PC. Simply by adding a GPS receiver key data can be logged and transferred to third party farm management softwares, enabling maps to be produced.

Furthermore, the addition of a secondary software module allows the single display unit to have multiple functions, meaning it can also be used outside of harvest time e.g. Delta 34i automatic regulation system for all types of sprayer.

Using the same moisture sensor technology as the RDS Ceres system, the Combine Moisture Meter 100 is an easy to use indicator installed in the

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combine cab giving the operator a continuous and dynamic display of grain moisture and temperature.

It eliminates the need to make regular stops during harvesting to test grain moisture content and helps to quickly identify if conditions are, or are becoming, unsuitable for combining.

Monitoring the moisture content of the crop helps to indicate its ripeness, enabling more timely harvesting decisions to be made in the field. Knowing the grain moisture content also allows it to be stored in the optimum location according to drying or cooling requirements.

To ensure the accuracy of moisture readings, the Combine Moisture Meter 100 offers a ‘nudge’ function to manually finetune the moisture calibration to match a reference measurement, for example at the grain store. The grain temperature display is also available at the touch of a button.

For more information on how RDS can help improve your farming operations - visit www.rdstec.com or call 00 44 (0)1453 733300.

Unseasonal wet weather prompts drying solutions offer Dan-Corn can offer two alternative solutions. an-Corn, appreciating the season has produced difficult conditions for cereals drying and storage, can offer two alternative solutions to overcome this issue for the coming seasons.

For those requiring additional or updated storage as well as drying, Dan-Corn silo stirrer systems are a very cost effective method of drying and storing grain offering a positive, and with their low energy consumption, economical solution to wet or variable harvests. The financial advantages of selecting a stirrer silo system are matched by the ease of managing the drying and storage system.

If storage is not an issue DanCorn can provide a versatile range of batch and continuous flow grain dryers which, with the exception of the smallest batch

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dryer, come with their unique heat reclaim system. By utilising a system of internal channels, heat energy recovered from the cooling section normally exhausted to atmosphere is used to pre-heat the drying air saving fuel.

The Dan-Corn dryers are very versatile being able to operate in static or mobile applications.

With low noise levels and low dust emissions they are clean burning with L.P.G. modulating burners and incorporate the patented “QUAD METERING” discharge system and the excellent “QUADRATOUCH™” user interface.

For further information contact please call Barry Scott 01223 837279/07725 039250 – bsc@dancorn.com or Stuart Tobin 07703 608014 – sjt@dancorn.com.

New opportunities for arable farmers International assurance agreement means reduced paperwork and business risks. rable farmers will gain critical access to biofuel export markets after the Red Tractor and Scottish Quality Crops (SQC) schemes gained commercial recognition on a European level.

It follows an agreement between International Sustainability and Carbon Certification scheme (ISCC), Red Tractor (RT) and SQC where ISCC will now accept deliveries from members of both RT and SQC for its operations in the UK. This will mean reduced paperwork and business risks for those farmers who are already audited to farm assurance standards.

NFU chief combinable crops adviser Guy Gagen said: “A share of the UK surplus oilseed and grain crop is traded so this means we need to show our exports meet standards in use in international target markets, for example Germany.

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“Growers under the UK assurance schemes will welcome the co-operation as it will remove the duplication of auditing and paperwork on-farm for Renewable Energy Directive RED compliant crops. Official recognition of the robust and comprehensive standards in place, including those existing for sustainability, gives the necessary comfort to the European Commission, Member State authorities and commercial operators that our crops’ compliance with EU standards is assured.

“There will also be significant benefits to trade as the ISCC acceptance of UK schemes enables participating growers and trading partners to operate in the chain without unnecessary barriers.”

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Red Tractor

Celebrate great farming and great food RED TRACTOR WEEK 2012 (24th – 30th September) aunching 24th September, Red Tractor Week will be showcasing what the logo means to consumers and explaining how it provides the shopper with a shortcut to affordable, quality food and drink, covering everything from food safety, environmental protection, animal welfare as well as origin.

Richard Cattell, Red Tractor Head of Marketing said: “Red Tractor Week will celebrate 12 years of great farming and great food under the logo. This year, Red Tractor has been an integral part of the Olympics, delivering quality British food in the biggest sporting event and the biggest peace-time catering operation in the world. Red Tractor Week will help to further raise awareness and understanding of the good standards our 78,000 farmers and 700 food manufacturers operate to, and will ask consumers to buy, cook and eat quality products available under the logo.”

The week is backed by exCoronation Street and Bad Girls actress, Lorraine show-star, and celebrity mum of two Debra

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Stephenson, who through fun and engaging activity will show shoppers how broad and versatile the logo is, and just how easy is it to buy, cook and eat Red Tractor foods.

Debra says; “Since I’ve become aware of the Red Tractor logo, it’s great to see the breadth of food and drink products that the logo covers. Red Tractor products are available at your local supermarket, covering everything from meat to fruit and veg, cereals to dairy and even beer, everything I need to feed my family for a week at an affordable cost, and I’m safe in the knowledge that the food has been produced to good standards.”

Red Tractor Week has received whole hearted support from retailers, food service operators and the whole of the food supply chain. The week will involve a number of exciting activities designed to educate shoppers on the availability and accessibility of Red Tractor products and the values behind the logo. There will be fun cook along videos with Deborah, an exclusive look ‘Behind the Logo’, a nationwide cookery competition and a regional schools initiative which will help to educate future shoppers about where food comes from.

To join in the fun and take the Red Tractor challenge to buy, cook and eat Red Tractor, you can go online to www.redtractor.org.uk/RTW2012 and cook along with Debra, download a week long nutritional meal plan for the family, or if you’re a budding chef and fancy you’re chances you can enter the Red Tractor cooking competition.

You can also follow the activity online at Red Tractor’s Facebook page and via the Twitter feed (@RedTractorFood #buycookeat)and just simply buy, cook and eat.

38 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

#HonestDairyLabels campaign launched Aims to address consumer concern regarding the product source of origin. new consumer awareness campaign, #HonestDairyLabels, designed to stem continuing imports of cheese and other dairy products and help consumers to make better informed buying decisions, was launched by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers at Livestock 2012 today, Tuesday 4 September.

“Consumer concern over dairy product source of origin is reflected in a recent survey conducted by Which? magazine,” RABDF chairman, David Cotton told a media briefing at the event. “In fact dairy topped the list of staple foods; 73% of consumers surveyed indicated they wanted to see provenance labelling on dairy, followed by meat, 72%, and milk used in dairy products, 68%.

“Confusion continues on the cheese shelves despite a recent improvement in labelling with the use of the Assured Food Standards’ Red Tractor Union Jack logo, he said. “Strong brands such as Pilgrims Choice are perceived to be British but are in fact produced and processed in Ireland; Cheddar labelled ‘produced in the UK’, is made from Irish milk, and exported to England for packaging. There are many others.

“Market leading Muller yogurts assumed to be made at Market Drayton from British milk carry no AFS Red Tractor Union Jack logo. In fact the majority of yoghurt on supermarket shelves is imported. Last week, Arla announced it is commencing making Anchor block butter at Westbury, traditionally a New Zealand brand to be made with 100% British milk and offering a great opportunity for AFS Red Tractor to be used.”

RABDF was at the forefront of #SOS Dairy’s consumer fronting success with it four pint poly visual to clearly demonstrate the breakdown of distorted price share between farmer, processor and retailer.

“We made it crystal clear that the nub of the issue is the supermarket margin which has grown from 5.2% in 1996 to a

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current 29%. We confirmed the massive power of social media in the #SOSDairy campaign.

The four pint poly was reTweeted and seen by more than 3.5 million people in two weeks, including Jamie Oliver, Jimmy Doherty and Jake Humphrey. During the same period, the RABDF Facebook page reached over 695,000 people. We attribute our success to being open and honest and providing consumers with clear factual data and simple to understand information,” he said. “We plan to adopt a similar strategy for #HonestDairyLabels.

“The campaign is scheduled to fill the hiatus prior to EU legislation to be implemented in December 2014 which will require complete country of origin labelling on all food products. Cheese imports continue to amount to over 400,000 tonnes, a volume the equivalent of over four billion litres of liquid milk and representing approximately one third of total GB annual production. In addition, improved dairy product labelling will enable consumers to make better informed choices and ultimately to empower them to decide where they shop.”

He added: “#HonestDairyLabels is one of our contributions to the coalition’s 10 point plan and we intend to make sure our coalition partners are kept fully up to speed as it develops.”

“designed to stem continuing imports of cheese and other dairy products and help consumers to make better informed buying decisions”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Education

Sheep investment plan

Agriculture on the up

Walford investing in the future of sheep farming.

Signs of increased confidence in the industry.

alford and North Shropshire College has demonstrated its commitment to the future of sheep farming as it commits to an ambitious investment plan focussed on transforming its sheep flock. The investment at Walford Farm is part of a very ambitious development that includes new and improved facilities across the Walford campus to meet the demands of our ever increasing number of learners.

The detailed business development plan for Walford Farm includes significant investment the College sheep flock, taking it from 300 ewes to over 600. The College has recently appointed a new shepherd to lead this ambitious development. Oliver Coombs joined Walford Farm as Shepherd following a very successful job on an organic sheep farm in Cumbria, having previously completed an Agricultural degree at Aberystwyth University.

Oliver has had to work very hard to realise his ambition of managing a sheep flock, as growing up in the East end of

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London, his was an unusual schools careers interview. Oliver, not surprisingly, is the first pupil from his school to ever study agriculture.

The Walford farm investment plan focuses on developing the flock by increasing ewe numbers and improving the value of our lambs. Oliver commented, “The flock is in good heart already with a really solid breeding base, so my key task is to ensure we maintain the current levels of productivity whilst expanding to 600 ewes” As the sheep numbers expand the learning opportunities also improve, Jon Parry Director of Walford said “Put simply the more sheep Walford has the more opportunity there are for students to get involved. The College attracts large numbers of students from sheep farms across Shropshire and the Marches, so we need to ensure our farm is demonstrating best practice at all times, I am confident that Oliver will prove a superb asset to Walford” For further information on our courses please visit www.wnsc.ac.uk or call admissions 01691688080

ith the increased emphasis on food security and the importance of maintaining domestic agricultural production, it is encouraging for the industry to see an increase in the number of students who choose to study agriculture and related landbased subjects.

At Moulton College, student numbers have significantly increased over the last 5 years.

This academic year agriculture recruitment has seen a further 23% increase, suggesting that students and parents alike are viewing agriculture as a viable career option.

The College’s internal progression data indicates that 100% of last year’s cohort opted for further study or gained meaningful employment related to the field in which they studied, a sure sign that students are being prepared to meet industry requirements.

It helps that landbased students are provided with a much enriched learning experience at Moulton College. Not only do they work towards a main, nationally recognised qualification, but they also have the opportunity to

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achieve industry recognised competency certification such as pesticide application, forklift truck operation or quad bike certification at little or no extra cost. In addition they can improve their numeracy and literacy levels and also gain invaluable commercial experience and employability skills on the College’s commercially run dairy, arable, beef, sheep and youngstock units.

Coupled with an extensive enrichment programme, including opportunities to undertake fund raising for local and national charities, inter-college clay pigeon shooting competitions, educational visits and study tours, the outcome is a much rounded individual with many life skills in addition to the all important main qualification.

All of the above, which is by no means an exhaustive list, means that Moulton students maximise their chances of employment or progression to further study, this being all too important in the current climate. All in all it is good to be able to report a positive picture for the agriculture industry in a time of change.

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Tillage

Cultivating new ideas at Tillage-Live Put Wednesday 3rd October in your diary and visit the show - there are also NRoSO and BASIS points to be had. illage-Live, the National Cultivations Event, which celebrates its 20th year in 2012 is heading north to East Lothian where visitors will find a wide array of leading cultivation equipment at work plus the popular ‘Knowledge Trail’ where a

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wealth of other relevant and topical information on key aspects of arable farming can be discovered.

Tillage-Live will be held at Westfield, Haddington, East Lothian on Wednesday 3rd October, by kind permission of Hamilton Farming Enterprises Ltd.

McCormick X70 Series New model makes public working appearance at NORMAC and Tillage-Live. s sales of McCormick XTX and TTX sixcylinder tractor ranges draw to a close after a successful run, their replacement in the 150hp to 230hp sector – the new McCormick X70 Series – is set to make its public working debut at two high profile events.

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At the NORMAC event on Thursday, September 6, two McCormick dealers based in Norfolk will each have a McCormick X70.70 working on their demo plots.

Johnson Bros of Fakenham and Stalham Engineering near Norwich will put the new machines through their paces at the practical demonstration of cultivations and sowing equipment being held at Brettenham Manor near Thetford.

In early October, the McCormick X70.70 will make its Scottish debut in the hands of newly-appointed Borders dealer G Marshall (Tractors) Ltd, St Boswells.

Working with Simba Great Plains equipment to show the power, traction and easy control of the design, George Marshall plans to demonstrate a number of McCormick tractors at TillageLive on Wednesday, October 3 at Westfield near Haddington, West Lothian.

The five models that make up the McCormick X70 series are all

powered by a ‘leaner and greener’ version of the 6.7-litre McCormick BetaPower engine, which uses proven exhaust treatment technology to regulate harmful emissions while also delivering the prospect of lower fuel costs.

“The core features that make the current XTX and TTX tractors an increasingly popular choice for farmers and contractors are still at the heart of the X70 Series,” emphasises McCormick product specialist Paul Wade.

“These include an upgraded version of the XtraSpeed 32x24 transmission with its eight powershift steps, the high-output pressure and flow response hydraulics system; and the spacious four-post cabin with its excellent all-round visibility.”

Further improvements have been made to the cab for the X70 Series tractors, including a roof window that lets even more light into a cabin that already provides a comfortable working environment.

There are five models in the series; the X70.70 and the X70.80 are equivalent to the large-frame TTX while the other three replace the smaller, nimbler XTX models.

At the top of the range, the X70.80 lifts performance over the TTX230 with 214hp for draft work and up to 232hp when driving pto-powered implements. At 188hp, the X70.70 has an 8hp advantage over the TTX190 for draft work and transport duties, and a 19hp gain thanks to the 199hp output for pto-driven implements.

The X70 Series replacements for the XTX tractors step up even more in the performance stakes with ‘boost power’ increases of up to 20hp over current models for pto and transport work.

40 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

Almost 50 leading companies have taken trade stands to date including 26 working demonstrations where the latest machinery will be put through its paces.

“Technology continues apace when it comes to soil management and cultivation,” says event organiser Duncan Russell of the Agricultural Engineers Association.

“Tillage-Live provides anyone considering changing or upgrading their tackle with opportunity to compare the options in the field.”

However, there is much more to Tillage-Live than a trade exhibition.

The Knowledge Trail delivers timely information, and enables participants to gain CPD points for NRoSO and BASIS. For 2012, the Knowledge Trail will include: The ever popular soil pit helping visitors understand what is happening beneath the surface of fields as a result of cultivations.

Soil expert Ian Dickson will show how to spot the warning signs in soil structure and discuss remedial options.

Event sponsors BASF will provide visitors with an insight into effective and efficient weed control, with a focus on the headache weeds that farmers in Scotland and Northern Britain face. In addition, the company will provide advice on keeping the

spreading menace of blackgrass at bay. Finally, application guru Professor Paul Miller, NIAB-TAG will be on hand to talk about options for Stomp Aqua, the nonstaining formulation of pendimethalin.

Sprayer and container cleaning plays a critical part in keeping pesticides out of water. Expert advice will be on hand and visitors can test how they rinse equipment against proven best practice.

Effective use of slug pellets is vital to protect the products as well as the environment. The specialist team from Spreader and Sprayer Testing, will be guide visitors through how to set up and calibrate spreaders to get precision application of slug pellets.

Uptake of Controlled traffic farming continues across arable farms. Tim Chamen of CTF Europe will share his knowledge on the benefits of keeping to fixed wheelways across fields for crops and soils alike. In addition, a number of exhibitors will have the latest autosteer and guidance traffic options on display, including spatial control options for sprayers and spreaders.

Full details of the event can be found at www.tillage-live.uk.com including details of pre-booking (£7.50/car, compared to £10.00 on the day.) For group rates contact Fusion Events.

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| Tillage

Maize Strip-Till system makes UK debut at Tillage The benefits of strip-tillage crop establishment, including reduced fuel use, improved soil structure, greater rain retention and better traffic travel, are now available to maize growers, with the UK launch at Tillage Live 2012 of the Vogelsang XTill. esigned specifically to allow the injection of slurry into tilled soil strips, and the subsequent drilling of maize into those same cultivated bands, the XTill has been developed by German slurry equipment specialist Vogelsang to create not only a method of min-tilling maize, but also a muchimproved way of applying slurry to land so that its odour is contained, risk of any run-off is minimised, and its nutrients are made available exactly where required by crop rooting systems.

The 6m folding XTill weighs just 2.5t, and can be easily handled by most tanker-mounted external linkage systems with category 3, 3N or 4N ends. It comprises eight width-adjustable units on parallelogram linkages, each of which is pressured hydraulically and depth-controlled individually.

These units consist firstly of a cutting disc with a centre base for accurate depth control, each followed up with an angled star wheel which clears stubble and other trash. Slurry is then fed from the tanker down a pipe and coulter running in each opening, with angled pairs of notched discs then following to refill the slot with loose soil. Finally, pairs of angled steel or rubber press wheels firm loose soil back into the slot. In addition to the S-spec slurry version Vogelsang is also offering a B-spec version of the XTill without slurry injection equipment for

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use with liquid fertiliser systems.

“Slurry can be applied at depths from 1525cm, and it is retained within the pore spaces of the tilled band of soil,” explains Sion Williams, Vogelsang UK agricultural sales manager.

“Using the placing precision made possible

by GPS-guided steering systems, maize can then be drilled along the same rows, at 3.755.0cm depth. Where slurry injection has been carried out, this can be done as little as four to five days later, or as much as six weeks.

“In this way there’s no risk of scorch to the germinating seed, and roots can grow straight downwards towards moisture and nutrients contained within the tilled strip. In dry conditions, water evaporation is prevented by the previous plant matter on the surface, and the non-inversion of the soil, while in heavy rain the movement of water is aided by the tilled soil rows.”

Mr Williams points out that further benefits of minimum tillage maize establishment include reduced potential for weed establishment, courtesy of reduced soil/weed seed disturbance, and improved soil water storage capacity, as the process eliminates the need for multiple cultivations, which can reduce numbers of soil pore spaces.

“In addition, travel conditions at harvest for the forage harvester and trailers are improved,

as the untilled soil strips help support their weight, while because fewer passes are made and less soil is moved, to establish the crop, fuel costs for maize establishment are lower under the XTill system, and the structure of the soil is improved because none is inverted and far less is moved.”

An online cost reckoner at http://www.vogelsang.info/xtill/en/kostenrechne r.php allows potential users to calculate how much the system could save them in establishment costs. More on the XTill concept can be found at www.vogelsang.info/xtill/en/index.php.

New weigh cell spreader launch from Ryetec See it at Tillage 2012. yetec will introduce the Agrex range of linkage mounted high capacity fertiliser spreaders to visitors at Tillage 2012.

Built in Italy by Agrex, a company with 20 years experience of agricultural fertiliser spreader production they are Italy’s largest manufacturer producing over 18,000 units last year alone and exporting all over the world with significant sales in France and Germany, they have never sold their larger agricultural machines

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in the UK until now.

The Ryetec Agrex DDI3000 KYLO offers a high quality machine with a tested and proven spreading accuracy up to 32 metres combined with KYLO technology which continuously weighs the fertiliser load in the spreaders hopper (6 times a second) and uses this information to adjust the flow of material to the spreading discs to give accurate application rates irrespective of forward speed.

Ryetec have been testing one of

these machine in the UK this spring with impressive results, the 3 ton capacity machine holds 5 x 600kg bags easily even with 200kg still in the hopper and extensive use of stainless steel on all control surfaces and even including the hopper bottom means the machines are built to last. Simple and easy adjustment of the fertiliser drop point and vane adjustment without tools, hydraulically controlled headland boarder deflector, ultra slow speed horizontal agitation system and a

robust double three point linkage incorporating a 7.5 ton weigh cell are all standard equipment.

The user friendly KYLO computer developed specifically for the Agrex spreaders records all the necessary information of area covered and quantity spread etc in a 50 job memory.

For more information visit www.ryetec.net or contact Ryetec on 01944 768232 or email info@ryetec.co.uk

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Animal Health

Schmallenberg threat Scientists confirm that Schmallenberg is still circulating. esearchers at the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with colleagues at Pirbright, have confirmed that Schmallenberg virus is still circulating in the UK as the current midge season approaches its peak. Tests were carried out on around 150 cattle and over 1000 sheep belonging to the Royal Veterinary College, where MSc student Corin Jack is studying Schmallenberg epidemiology. The tests looking for antibodies to the Schmallenberg virus were done using a commercially available testing kit.

Professor Peter Mertens, who leads the Pirbright team, which receives strategic funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), said “Animals that had originally been negative for antibodies against the virus became positive between March and June 2012, indicating that the virus has survived the winter and is circulating here during the current midge season. We had hoped that it might simply burn itself out and fail to make reappearance this year but this has not been the case.”

“Thankfully there are unlikely to have been many animals at the critical stage of pregnancy during the midge season so far but as the year goes on that will obviously change. It appears unlikely that a vaccine will be available and licensed for use in the UK for this season, so it is very important to consider what other control measures might be supported by the results of scientific research.”

Professor Joe Brownlie, from the Royal Veterinary College said “In the spring we had three cases of deformities caused by Schmallenberg in lambs from our flock, so we wanted to see what the prevalence of infection might be in our animals.”

“We took samples from every animal in our dairy herd and sheep flock and worked with our colleagues at Pirbright to test them for the presence of antibodies that indicate a previous infection with Schmallenberg. The results indicated that approximately 3% of the animals had been infected.

Then we tested the same animals again and found that although all of the positive animals still tested positive, a small number of previously negative animals are now testing positive as well.

“We also tested our very small flock of Alpacas and detected antibodies in two of the animals.

This is an interesting result as Alpacas are more closely related to camels than to sheep and hadn’t been shown to be susceptible to

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42 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

SBV before.”

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said “So far we have seen a relatively limited impact from the disease on English farms and those in the rest of Europe, but we understand that it can be distressing for individual farmers.

“The knowledge that Schmallenberg virus has overwintered in the UK and is circulating again this year is important to be aware of. Studies so far have shown there is a good level of immunity in animals that have already been infected, so it means that the disease is infecting animals and building immunity at a time of year when the symptoms of the disease in most animals are not serious.

“As the disease is circulating, it also means that the offspring of livestock in areas that have remained uninfected until the time that animals are becoming mated are most at risk. We are monitoring which areas have had infection and which haven’t, to help farmers consider and plan for the likely impact.”

A lot remains unclear - it is not known exactly how or where the virus has survived the winter and the Entomology Group at Pirbright (led by Dr Simon Carpenter) are still to announce results of their work to confirm biting midges as a major route of transmission – but this new information provides an important impetus for future research and a basis for the development of policy and advice for farmers and vets.

The teams involved intend to continue studying the emerging threat from Schmallenberg virus and anticipate further testing during the late autumn, after the autumn calving season and during the early pregnancy period. The results of this study will be indicative of a number of other farms in the UK in which there was a low level of SBV infection last year which now appears to have overwintered and re-emerged in the current midge season.

This work, carried out as collaboration between the RVC and Pirbright, is part of a Defra-funded project to develop an inexpensive diagnostic ‘ELISA’ antibody test.

Professor Mertens’ team will use samples from the RVC animals to test the procedure they are developing. The test will be produced using antibodies generated from viral proteins that have been grown in tobacco plants

by Ludmila Schellenberg, a student of Professor George Lomonossof at the John Innes Centre in Norwich – another Institute with strategic funding from the BBSRC.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Animal Health

Red Mite X concentrate An effective control for Red Mite and other insect pests in poultry housing. arrier Red Mite X Concentrate is a totally different approach to the control and eradication of Red Mite in Poultry Housing, with a high dilution rate of 1:20 parts water.

The product gives excellent cleaning, anti-bacterial results in Poultry/Animal Housing and also disinfects. The unique formulation has added benefits in controlling Red Mite and other Blood sucking / Biting pests. It controls Red Mite using a physical mode of action.

The formulation has a slightly sticky consistency which when applied directly to insect pests, breaks down the wax coating causing dehydration and death. A similar reaction is caused when applying to Red Mite eggs.

Red Mite blood suck from birds and if they are not controlled with a suitable insecticide, they can cause anaemia and even death in poultry.

Shake container thoroughly and dilute the whole contents of the 500ml bottle into 10L of water, ensuring the mixture is stirred well.

Red Mites live in the poultry housing 95 per cent of the time.

After they have had their fill of blood from the birds, they travel upwards into the poultry house and live and breed in the crevices and roof structure of the hut.

Where infestation exists, felt roofs should be lifted and the whole area thoroughly treated.

Continue treating the rest of the hut – thoroughly wetting the entire infested/affected area.

Do Not Rinse, allow the product to dry naturally.

Quick Turnaround: Poultry can be returned to the treated area once dry.

Barrier Red Mite X Concentrate is non-toxic and safe to use around feed areas, egg layers and foodstuffs.

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Liver fluke prevalence at very high levels this year, says NADIS Wet conditions lead to more bad news for farmers. armers are being warned about a “very high” prevalence of liver fluke disease across the UK in the latest National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS) Parasite Forecast.

It advises that the risk of the disease is particularly high in western England, Wales, the Midlands and most of Scotland, thanks to wet conditions.

Fiona MacGillivray, Merial Animal Health’s Veterinary Adviser, says that even when fluke is present and affecting performance, there may not be any obvious signs of fluke infection in cattle.

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Organic Farming Systems: This product falls into the exempt category of products which use only plant oils as active ingredients, as listed in Annexe IIB (Pesticides) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (as amended) and is therefore suitable for use in organic farming systems.

Our poultry range of products also includes Red Mite Concentrate, Red Mite Powder, Scaly Leg Spray and Anti-Pecking Spray for direct application to birds and poultry. Barrier V1 Concentrate Disinfectant (High Dilution 1:40 parts water). Fast turnaround where immediate access and re-stocking is necessary. Apply to all internal structures, walls, ceilings, floors and posts, manually through a knapsack sprayer or through a pressure washer, orchard sprayer or similar. Independently tested at 1:40 parts water against a wide range of organisms and has an effective kill rate against a wide range of bacteria including all types of Salmonella, E Coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Aspergillus.

Available from all Poultry Suppliers & Agricultrual Merchants.

“Local farm conditions may vary so consult your veterinary surgeon.

Parasite control should be part of your veterinary health plan.”

“Calves that aren’t growing well or are sick should be examined by a vet. Unless acute disease is suspected or diagnosed in cattle, a flukicide that acts against late immature and adult fluke stages should be selected, such as closantel, clorsulon or nitroxynil, for treatment in the autumn and winter months.

“There have been increasing levels of suspected resistance to triclabendazole in some areas of the country. Using alternative flukicide treatments in cattle, who tend to suffer from a more chronic form of fluke infection, should help to reduce the possibility of resistance development,” says Fiona.

Fluke control programs should be devised on an individual farm basis as part of a veterinary health plan. These programmes need to consider farm, field and animal history along with farm topography and location.

September is usually the peak month for diagnoses of cattle lungworm and there have been several reports of cases already.

Thunderstorms break up faecal pats and release larvae, which

causes a rapid increase in pasture infectivity. This in turn can lead to disease and production losses.

Calves in their first grazing season and, in the case of spring-born suckled calves, those from the second grazing season may be at risk. Adult cattle that have not built up immunity through natural challenge in previous years are also susceptible to lungworm.

Fiona says: “If cattle are coughing at rest and have an increased breathing rate they should be examined for the presence of lungworm.

Detecting the presence of larvae in faeces can be easily done by your veterinary practice with results available within 24 hours.

As soon as disease is confirmed it is important to treat all animals in the group, even those who do not appear to have any symptoms, as they too will have been exposed to the parasite and may be suffering damage to the lung tissue.”

An increase in parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) in growing cattle is also to be expected this year, according to NADIS, if strategic worming control measures have not been taken.

Fiona says: “Unless strategic anthelmintic regimes are in place, susceptible calves like autumn-born suckled beef calves or dairy calves at grass for the first time on contaminated fields will pass eggs from infections picked up in the spring.

“The use of some wormers which have a narrower spectrum of persistent activity against gutworms, such as moxidectinbased products, may result in a build-up of those parasites on pastures as the season progresses.”

Local farm conditions may vary so consult your veterinary surgeon. Parasite control should be part of your veterinary health plan.

Visit www.nadis.org.uk to see the full NADIS Parasite Forecast, sponsored by Merial Animal Health.

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Fuels

Morris Corfield & Co Limited Benthall Works, Shropshire TF12 5BB Tel: 01757 249799

Oliver Landpower Limited Home Park Works, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8LW Tel: 01923 265211

Newton Street, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9PJ Tel: 01588 673325

A14 Telford Road, Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4LD Tel: 01869 329988

Westington Works, Docklow, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0SJ Tel: 01885 488884

Wandon End, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8NY Tel: 01582 727111

Bellard Court, Platts Lane, Duddon, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0EU 44Tel: | Farming Monthly | September 2012 01829 749391

Brian Robinson Machinery Ltd East Cowton, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 0DX Tel: 01325 378552

Nigel Quinn (AMS) Limited 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston Lancashire PR4 6JR Tel/Fax: 01704 822272 Mobile: 07973 519491 Wilfred Scruton Limited Maxwell House, Riccall Grange, King Rudding Lane, Riccall, York YO19 6QL Tel: 01757 249799 Providence Foundry, Foxholes, Driffield, E. Yorkshire YO25 3QQ Tel: 01262 470221 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

New slurry mixers from Tramspread German slurry mixer manufacturer RECK appoints Tramspread sole UK importer. ramspread the slurry handling and storage specialists based in Mendlesham, Suffolk, have recently been appointed sole UK importer for RECK slurry mixers. Manufactured in Germany, the RECK company was established over 50 years ago and remains a family run business now employing over 200 people in Betzenweiler, Southern Germany. The extensive range extends to over 1000 mixer variations so there is a mixer for every application explained Terry Baker of Tramspread.

The range includes pto and electrically driven models. The pto driven, 3 point linkage mounted models are either folding or rigid and can be used for covered and open slurry pits.

The folding versions (with designated names Tiger, Leopard and Jaguar) are available in 4m to 7m lengths. The longer rigid pto driven mixers (Typhoon and Typhoon ‘More’) can be used in open slurry tanks and lagoons and have 4.4m to 11.3m mixer shafts. A frame extension (the Ocelot) can be connected to Jaguar and Typhoon mixers and permits mixing over 3m high slurry tank walls.

The frame also extends the mixing lengths up to 12.4m.

Mixers are also available for slurry towers from 1.5m to 6m high with lengths of 7m, 8m & 9m and for slatted floors for cow sheds and pigsties.

Hydraulically operated

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swivelling up to 170degrees and telescopic height control are also available. Mixers can also be mounted on fore end loaders, telehandlers and excavator jibs.

All RECK mixers are supplied with high efficiency pushing or pulling propellers which vary in size from 350mm to 650mm depending on the application required. Other attachments available include shredders, propeller stays and propeller protection rings for use in plastic lined stores.

Speaking about their recent appointment as sole UK importer of the RECK range of slurry mixers Terry Baker of Tramspread said – “Mixing is a very important part of slurry management as it puts slurry in the best condition for separation, pumping and applying through modern application equipment of dribble bars, trailing shoes and disc injectors.

The very comprehensive range from RECK will be attractive to all livestock farmers whether they have a simple lagoon or one of the latest anaerobic digesters. The RECK mixer can be used in many slurry storage applications and we are looking forward to further developing this side of our business”.

Further details on the Tramspread RECK slurry mixer range and the complete range of Tramspread slurry equipment and storage systems are available by calling 01449 766133 e mail: info@tramspread.co.uk or visit www.tramspread.co.uk

“The range includes pto and electrically driven models. The pto driven, 3 point linkage mounted models are either folding or rigid and can be used for covered and open slurry pits. The folding versions (with designated names Tiger, Leopard and Jaguar) are available in 4m to 7m lengths.”

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 45

| Machinery

New Holland begins large fleet delivery Company completes first delivery of a fleet of over 100 machines in Georgia. ew Holland Agriculture - a global manufacturer and seller of agricultural equipment and part of CNH - with its distributor GT Group Ltd., recently delivered 12 combine harvesters to the Georgian Ministry of Agriculture as part of a larger purchase program. The company will ultimately supply the Ministry with a total of 92 tractors and 25 combine harvesters, complemented by 50 grain and maize headers, 25 sunflower header kits and 22 dozer blades.

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“We are dedicated to supporting Georgia’s requests and their efforts to mechanize the country’s agriculture by introducing advanced farming practices,” commented Stuart Campbell, New Holland Business Director Central Asia & Caucasus.”

The first twelve TC5070 combine harvesters fitted with 17foot grain headers were handed over to Meqanizatori LLC, the Ministry of Agriculture’s farming mechanization service provider.

The machines, built at New Holland’s manufacturing plant in Plock, Poland, are the first units of the entire program to be delivered and are ready to start harvesting around the country.

These first units will be joined by thirteen more combines and sixty-seven T6000 Series units

from the New Holland plant in Basildon, UK, which will supply the majority of the tractors. Twenty-two TK4060 crawler tractors built in New Holland’s specialty tractor plant in Jesi, Italy, and three high horsepower T8.390 tractors made in Racine, USA will also be provided.

As part of CNH, each New Holland plant is dedicated to specific product families.

This means that each facility has developed specialized technical and manufacturing expertise to achieve the highest levels of quality in its products in order to fully meet each of its customer's requirements.

These 117 machines will be used by Meqanizatori to provide service to farmers in all regions of Georgia with ready-to-use equipment featuring the most advanced technology.

The wide selection of models and attachments in this new fleet will enable Meqanizatori to deliver a broader range of services in order to efficiently cover a large variety of farming applications. The 101-horsepower TK4060 crawler tractors - the first to be sold in Georgia - are ideal for working on slopes too steep for wheeled tractors and, with 88 PTO hp, rise to the challenge of big tillage and PTO applications. The long wheelbase 340-horsepower T8.390s are built to perform in heavy applications and are very well suited to secondary cultivation, drilling, top dressing and transport. The T6000 Series, which ranges between 112 and 165 horsepower, is a natural

46 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

choice for livestock, arable applications or for contractors.

New Holland, with GT Group’s service technicians, has started training for over 230 operators in the country on product use and maintenance to ensure the farmers will get the best performance from these machines.

New Holland has been present in Georgia for more than a decade. The company has developed extensive experience and know-how regarding local farming needs and, along with its distributor GT Group, has supported the Georgian government since the delivery of its first large fleet of 122 tractors and 25 combine harvesters to Meqanizatori in 2010.

“We are dedicated to supporting Georgia’s requests and their efforts to mechanize the

country’s agriculture by introducing advanced farming practices,” commented Stuart Campbell, New Holland Business Director Central Asia & Caucasus.

“That is why when we undertake to supply such a large fleet of equipment, this includes much more than the provision of advanced and reliable agricultural machinery, but also top-notch support, from parts availability, technical assistance and training for operators and technicians to tailored financing packages.”

New Holland offered Meqanizatori a competitive 6-year financing package at attractive rates. This was made possible through the support of ECGD, the UK Export Credit Agency, which saw the significance of this project for New Holland’s UK-based manufacturing plant.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Farmstar Limited - Marr, Doncaster DN5 7AU T: 01302 786786 Market Weighton, York YO43 3GA T: 01430 875900 Brigg, North Lincs DN2 8NF T: 01652 654944 www.farmstar.co.uk Sharnford Tractors Ltd - Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH www.farmingmonthly.co.uk T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

Anker of Coates - Peterborough PE7 2DD T: 01733 840777 Huntingdon PE28 0AE T: 01480 890990 www.ankerofcoates.co.uk Ravenhill - Hereford HR4 9QJ T: 01432 352333 www.ravenhill.co.uk September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Machinery

Kubota UTV: now with Kubota B series is fruit additional accessories farm pick of the crop Order yours before 31st October to benefit.

Popular model is ideal for narrow work and has the power and weight distribution of a ‘proper’ tractor. fter a four year search to find the perfect tractor for the top fruit growing operation at Kelsey Farms in Kent, Jon Holt-Rix has been so impressed with the Kubota B2420 that he purchased a second unit within a couple of months and plans to add a third this winter.

“We grow strawberries on table tops in a 6.5m polytunnel and although the central aisle is 2.1m wide to accommodate the spraying tractor, the gaps between the outer rows are just 1.07-1.1m apart,” he explains. “We need to mow the grass underneath the table tops and as a progressive grower that is looking to increase volume it is not practical to use four operators with strimmers!”

Jon had trialled a number of tractors over the years, but comments that if they were small enough to fit down the rows they lacked the power and lift capacity to handle the specialist Kirkland mower, which not only cuts behind the tractor but also uses side

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he Kubota 22hp RTV900 and 25hp RTV1140 hydrostatic drive diesel utility vehicles deliver unrivalled comfort, safety and economy. And now Kubota are going to give you even more. Order either model from 1st August to Oct 31st 2012 and they will give you free additional accessories: A plastic roof, windscreen, wipers and security device worth £1,029.00 + VAT (RTV900) or

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£705.50 + VAT (RTV1140).

Don’t forget that Kubota is the only utility vehicle that has Variable HST transmission as standard, giving outstanding climbing ability, as well as dynamic braking for safer descent.

Take a test drive today at your local dealer, and feel the Kubota difference.

48 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

cutters to trim around the table legs.

“Most small tractors that we looked at were more like ride-on mowers. But when David Guy from Lister Wilder brought the B2420 on demonstration, I was so impressed that I wouldn’t let him take it away!”

The Kubota B2420 provides plenty of power and torque with its 24hp E-TVCS engine, and this, plus the 615kg rear linkage lift capacity really came into its own with the mowers.

“The Kubota lifted the mower like it was a piece of paper, and despite its compact size is a proper tractor with excellent weight distribution,” Jon comments, “Yet it is very manoeuverable around the tight access to the tunnels and on narrow tyres fits comfortably down the rows.”

As well as the 15 hectares of Jubilee strawberries, Kelsey Farms also grows 32 hectares of raspberries in pots, so the Kubota

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| Machinery

STIHL gets technical at APF 2012 13-15 September : Ragley Estate, Warwickshire oresters, woodland and land owners, indeed anyone with an interest in trees is likely to head to the Ragley Estate in Warwickshire this month for the biennial APF international forestry show. Headlined as ‘The UK's largest forestry, woodland and arboricultural exhibition', APF 2012 is set to attract some 20,000 visitors over three days and we hope to see many of them there!

The world's largest manufacturer of chain saws, STIHL has a long association with the APF Exhibition, and this year our aim is to help ensure foresters, land owners and arboricultural professionals are getting the very best experience and the most from our tools.

The STIHL Technical Centre invites visitors to learn more about the technology behind our advanced product range, and ask questions direct to our in-house technical team.

Visit one of the technical stations and get to grips with a STIHL 2-MIX engine for example, to learn more about the technologies hidden within. Ask about our latest M-Tronic engine management system and discover how it not only ensures top engine performance, but also improves the operator's experience throughout a tool's task. Or simply talk to our experts about chain selection and care, and try some of the easy maintenance tools available in our range.

Of course we will also be showing a selection of key products, aimed specifically at professional visitors to the APF Show. See the latest power tools and our comprehensive PPE

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B2420 also does duty mowing and weedkilling for this crop and Jon expects that each tractor will put in 700-1,000 hours per year.

“We had a lot of issues with downtime from our previous tractors but a neighbouring fruit grower has a fleet of Kubota tractors and has used them for several years with no problems, so I was already confident of the reliability of this brand,” he

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comments. “They are so simple there is very little to go wrong, which is crucial as it allows us to focus on developing our business rather than worrying about machinery.”

Kelsey Farms certainly is a busy enterprise, with all produce packed and stored on site and as owner Paul Kelsey is Chairman of supplier group Berry Gardens, also maintains a high profile which requires the most exacting of standards.

“The Kubota B2420 is a universal, useful tractor which has been a successful purchase for us, so I bought a second one this summer and am looking for a third over the winter,” Jon confirms.

range, plus the hand tools and accessories used in tree and ground care. You will also have a chance to preview exciting new products like the AR 900 backpack battery arriving next year, and you can be one of the first to get your hands on the new MS 150 C-E chain saw – the lightest ever model in our world-leading chain saw range.

If you're visiting this year's APF, do visit the STIHL Technical Centre : Stand C5+6 – opposite the main arenas on the Static Site. We look forward to meeting you there!

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Royal Welsh

Reliability Investibility Functionality Come as standard with a Valtra The other 500,000 options are up to you David Henderson Tractors Ltd

Short & Abbott

Unit 12, Acomb Industrial Estate, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4SA Tel: 01434 601966 Fax: 01434 605855

Mill Road, Bridgerule, Holsworthy, Nr Bude, Devon, EX22 7EL Tel: 01288 381485

LJ and CA Cannings

Sovereign Agricultural Services

Challow House Farm, Main St. East Challow, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 9SR Tel: 01235 763103

Victoria Yard, Hepworth, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, HD9 1TP Tel: 01484 689986

Lower Quinton Garages Ltd

TRP Ltd

Goose Lane, Upper Quinton, Stratford Upon Avon, Warks, CV37 8SX Tel: 01789 720265

Pride Parkway, Enterprise Park, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 300111 Fax: 01529 300310

50 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

Go to www.valtra.co.uk or contact your local Valtra dealer www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

ADF Milking automated dipping and flushing system Post milking hygiene and care are essential for optimal productivity.

DF Milking Limited ’s automatic dipping and flushing system is a proven, cost effective and complete solution to the postmilking routine. It is innovative, patented, simple and unrivalled.

The system addresses two critical post-milking hygiene and care issues.

The first is to ensure that there is a consistent and immediate application of teat dip the moment every milking finishes.

The whole length of the teat is dipped and the resultant coverage prevents the normally

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HULL Robert D Webster Ltd 01964 670224 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

present droplet of milk and bacteria on the tip of the teat being drawn up the teat canal by negative pressure in the udder immediately after milking.

The second point is that ADF properly sanitises every teat cup ready for the next milking, thus ensuring the very best practice is followed. If it is unacceptable for us to pass a licked teaspoon to another person and expect them to use it, why should it be acceptable to put teat cups from an infected cow straight on to a prize milker? The answer is that it is not acceptable, and common

OXFORDSHIRE LJ + CA Cannings 01235 763103

practice should not make it acceptable.

Studies carried out by Ian Ohnstad of The Dairy Group have demonstrated significant savings in labour costs, while the health benefits of ADF include fewer cases of mastitis and lower somatic cell counts. Precise and timely delivery of teat dip leads to more effective use of teat dip chemicals, and because the throughput of the dairy parlour is increased, labour and energy consumption is reduced.

For further information visit www.adfmilking.com

MONMOUTHSHIRE Harold R Johns 01291 689278 September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 51

| Machinery

John Deere tops innovations medal table Most innovative agricultural equipment manufacturer crowned. ccording to research conducted by Eichberg Consulting, a German market strategy consultant for agribusiness and trade shows, John Deere leads the list of Europe’s most innovative agricultural equipment manufacturers.

The findings are based on a survey of medals and other innovation awards made to individual brands at Europe’s nine most important agricultural equipment trade fairs since 2010.

The list ranking John Deere as number one is laid out like the Olympics medal table, with a sliding scale of points awarded for gold, silver and bronze awards (see below).

“This list recognises our ongoing worldwide investment in research and development, which reached a record level of more than US$1.2 billion in 2011,” said Chris Wigger, Deere & Company’s vice president, sales & marketing.

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“The assessment also reflects the R&D commitment of our European factories and of the European Technology Innovation Center in Kaiserslautern.”

The Eichberg Consulting medal table recognises the innovation awards of the following European trade shows: Agritechnica 2011 (Germany), SIMA 2011 (France), EIMA 2010 (Italy), Agromek 2010 (Denmark), Agribex 2011 (Belgium), FIMA Agricola 2012 (Spain), Agro-Mashexpo 2012 (Hungary), Agrosalon 2010 (Russia) and Techagro 2012 (Czech Republic).

For further information, visit the Eichberg Consulting website.

52 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

Rank

Brand

Points

1

Joh Deere

58

2

CNH/New Holland

57

3

Lemken

39

4

Claas

38

5

Krone

28

6

Amazone

26

7

AGCO Fendt

25

8

Kverneland Group

24

9

CNH/Case IH

18

10

Same Deutz-Fahr

16

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Education

P & D Engineering Fleet Lane, Bredon, Tewkesbury, Gloucester Gloucestershire, GL20 7EF Tel: 01684 772912

Cooks Midlands Limited Horsepool Grange, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicester LE67 9TW Tel: 01530 249191 Fax: 01530 249199

Day & Coles (Agricultural) Limited Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6UW Tel: 01933 673900 Fax: 01933 675858

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

E.A. Clayton Limited Willow Bridge Works, Carlton, Stockton On Tees, Cleveland TS21 1EB Tel: 01740 630254 Fax: 01740 631097

Hayward United Farmers Limited Heliport Site, Ellough, Beccles, Suffolk NR24 7XD Tel: 01502 475111

Keith Davies Agricultural Hem Manor Farm, Hem Lane, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9PT Tel: 01952 463840

Romsey Agricultural Machinery Limited Shorts Farm,Romsey, Hampshire SO51 6DX Tel: 01794 323159

TRP Pride Parkway, Enterprise Park, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 8GL Tel: 01529 300111 Fax: 01529 300310

Yorkshire Handlers Limited Unit 4-5, Fryors Close, Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UY Tel: 01904 489988

Craggs of Conder Green Thurnham Mill Buildings Conder Green, Lancaster Lancashire LA2 0BD Tel: 01524 751405 Cranworth Farm Services High Common, Cranworth, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7SX Tel: 01362 820391

Fax: 01362 820077

Andrew Curtis Tractors Limited Pensford, Nr Bristol BS39 4DB Tel: 01761 490372 Fax: 01761 490004

Fax: 01904 489061

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Machinery

New LEXION raises the output standard Even more production oportunity with Claas. ver since its launch, the CLAAS LEXION has set the standard for high capacity, efficient combine harvesting. This was further confirmed last year when a LEXION 770TT working in Lincolnshire set a new 8 hour harvesting World Record of 675.84 tonnes, averaging 85.5 tonnes an hour.

However the output bar is set to be raised even further with the addition of a new top-of-the-range model, the LEXION 780, for 2013, the output from which is about 1012% higher than that of the current LEXION 770.

At the same time the output potential of the rest of the Hybrid LEXION 700 and straw-walker LEXION 600 series combines has been increased.

Central to the changes to the LEXION combine range for 2013 is the use of new, more powerful, Stage IIIb (TIER 4i) compliant engines. At the same time, CLAAS has also looked at achieving greater overall efficiency, and has developed a new DYNAMIC COOLING package for the LEXION 780/770/760 models, which apart from enhancing engine performance also has a reduced power requirement.

All the new LEXION range also feature a constant pressure, loadsensing hydraulic system which provides a 50% increase in

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hydraulic reaction time, especially for functions such as AUTOCONTOUR and lateral levelling, which is some 200% faster. With a working pressure of 500 bar and a pump volume of 120 litres/minute, less load is placed on the engine, so releasing engine power.

More powerful threshing and cleaning systems In common with all other LEXION 700 series combines, the new LEXION 780 uses the CLAAS APS HYBRID system. This combines the benefits of the tangential APS threshing system to increase crop flow and removes the easily threshed grains, leaving the twin ROTO PLUS rotors to handle the remaining harder to thresh grains.

To provide a greater separation area in order to handle its greater output performance, each of the ROTO PLUS rotors on the LEXION 780 is fitted with six concaves, all of which are fully adjustable from the cab using CEBIS. The rotor speed is also fully adjustable over a range from 450rpm up to 1250rpm for maximum separation efficiency, especially in wet conditions or when harvesting green-strawed crops.

To ensure a consistent and plentiful supply of air for more efficient cleaning of the greater crop flow passing through the threshing system, all LEXION 700

54 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

series combines are now fitted with the well proven JET STREAM cleaning system.

In order to comfortably accommodate the increased capacity of the new LEXION range, the tank capacity across all machines has been increased. The new LEXION 780 comes with a 12,500 litre capacity tank, and it is expected that the new LEXION 770 will also boast as tank this size, but currently accommodates a 11,500 litre tank, whilst the LEXION 760, 670 and 660 come with an 11,000 litre tank. All these tanks feature the ‘Hopper Top’ lids as used on the current LEXION 770.

In line with the higher capacity tanks, the discharge speed on the unloading augers has also been increased and new extra long 8.81m 4XL auger is now available which has a discharge height of 4.98m.

New narrow body LEXION 760 The current LEXION 750 TERRA TRAC has proven particularly popular with farmers and contractors faced with a lot of road work due to its narrow body width of just 3.30m and the availability of a 40kph transmission when fitted with TERRA TRACs, making this the fastest combine on the road.

The LEXION 760 when specified with TERRA TRACs will be available with 40kph transmission.

For hill side work, the LEXION 760, 670 and 630 are all available with the MONTANA self levelling system, which enables the chassis to compensate for cross slopes up to 17% and longitudinal inclines up to 6%. These models also feature a new reinforced feeder housing that will allow the larger machines to be used with VARIO cutterbars up to 9.0m wide.

To comfortably accommodate their increased capacity and loading, all LEXION 700 series combines are now fitted with

reinforced ground drives and the all-wheel drive system used currently on JAGUAR forage harvesters.

The system also incorporates two nitrogen dampers and automatic levelling. As the load is increased on a track unit, for instance when turning or travelling at high road speeds, this is monitored and if necessary more oil is pumped into the suspension on the TRAC unit under load in order to accommodate that load and keep the combine level.

Operator control As on current models, all the new LEXION range are controlled using the latest CMOTION control unit which with the large colour CEBIS screen is attached to and moves with the operator’s seat.

Specific to all LEXION 700 series and 6-straw walker LEXION 600 models (670/660/650) is the new CRUISE PILOT II system. In addition to monitoring the volume of crop entering the combine and engine load, CRUISE PILOT II also monitors grain loss to ensure that the required throughput is maintained for greater overall efficiency.

A complete range od steering options is also available for use with LEXION combines. Using CLAAS GPS PILOT and automatic steering using an RTK signal either from a mobile BASELINE transmitter or a signal from the expanding CLAAS RTK network, the combine can be steered to an accuracy of up to 2cm. The system also enables the field to be divided into equal sized sections for optimum efficiency and the automatic guidance linked into CRUISE PILOT ensures that maximum output can be consistently maintained with minimal operator fatigue, especially over long combining days or in difficult conditions.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

Andrew Marwood Ltd

Cranworth Farm Services

Wharfedale Tractors Ltd

Unit 2, Full Sutton Ind. Estate, Full Sutton, Yorkshire YO41 1HS Tel 01759 372888

Cranworth Common, Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7SX Tel 01362 820077

Unit 1, Riffa Business Park, Harrogate Road, Pool-in-Wharfedale, North Yorkshire LS21 2XB Tel 01132 841117

Lyndon Tucker

Stewart Morley

Oldwalls Garage, Llanrhidian, Swansea SA1 1HA Tel 01792 391007

The Workshop, Bonds Farm Morley Lane, Pilling, Preston PR3 6BY Tel 01253 799124 Mob 07802 638385

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 55

| Machinery

Farmall from Case IH The economical all-rounders in the 55-115hp segment. hree new series mark the return of a legend With the launch of new Farmall U, Farmall C and Farmall A series tractors, the Farmall name, deeply rooted in the history of Case IH returns to the forefront of farming. Ninety years after the launch of the first Farmalls, a success around the globe on account of their reliability and versatility, Case IH is relaunching the famous name on a line of tractors that have those exact same qualities. The new tractors received their worldwide launch in Switzerland at the end of July.

Farmall U – The 100 hp bracket all-rounder The Farmall U Series is a completely new development and has been designed as a premium package, all-round performer that is equally at home on livestock or arable farms. In addition to a new design, the Farmall U series features a completely new 3.4 litre common rail engine, incorporating a wastegate turbocharger, intercooler and an external EGR system. There is a choice of 95, 105 and 115hp models.

Transmissions can be tailored according to the intended use of the tractor. Standard transmission for UK and Ireland is a 24 x 24 powershuttle with two step powershift. As an aid to driving comfort, the driver can select the response speed of shuttle by three-stage rocker switch located on cab ‘B’ pillar. On loader related activity, the fastest response setting enables quicker direction changes for short cycle times and more productivity. In addition, a 20

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x 20 powershuttle with creep speed is an option.

Powerful back end There are further improvements and performance enhancements at the rear. Maximum lift capacity of the electronically controlled linkage is 5,400 kg, with fingertip operation of all key functions, including float, transport lock and maximum hitch height. External raise and lower buttons are positioned on both rear fenders to enable easy hitch up of implements. An external pto start / stop switch extends versatility in static pumping or slurry mixing operations.

New cab concept Farmall U benefits from the same premium cab concept as Farmall C, and brings significant advances compared to the outgoing JXU. To limit overall vehicle height, heating and ventilation components are packaged under the cab with outlets incorporated into the dashboard allowing cooling air to be directed to the body in summer and hot air to the feet in winter.

Standard equipment includes a passenger seat and factory fitted radio with many storage pouches located around the interior.

Electrical power outlets and an optional ISO 11786 socket enable Farmall U to power the most demanding of implements.

In front loader operations, an integrated roof visibility window maximises operator convenience.

Farmall C – Compact and versatile The Farmall C is a completely new series spanning the 55 to 75 hp range, designed for use in livestock farming,

56 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

specialist crop work such as vegetable production or wide spaced fruit orchards as well as municipal and ground care tasks where compactness and light weight are a bonus. Farmall C features impressive manoeuvrability, an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and strong hydraulic performance, plus superb all-round vision to the key working areas.

Agile modern engines The new Farmall C replaces the former Quantum C series in the 55-75 hp band, with three models of 55, 65 and 75hp. Power is provided by a 3.2 litre four-cylinder engine from FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies), which combines with the tractors’ compact form to produce a favourable power to weight ratio and a turning circle of only 3.80 metres.

Standard transmission in UK and Ireland is a 12 x 12 synchromesh with optional 20 x 20 creep speed transmission. Whilst mechanical shuttle is standard, the powershuttle is proving to be a very popular option. Top speed is 40 km/hr, while a creep option allows speeds down to 123 metres/hr.

New cab concept In the development of the new Farmall C series, Case IH engineers focused on maximum driver comfort and ergonomics.

Farmall C has a flat-deck cab with heating & ventilation components located under the cab and outlets incorporated into the dashboard.

The result is improved comfort from a completely flat floor, good air distribution and exceptional visibility without negative impact on vehicle height. For loader usage, the integrated roof visibility window permits optimum vision of the front loader & the optional loader joystick incorporated into the design delivers best ergonomics.

Farmall A – More power, improved ergonomics, With the new 65-113hp sixmodel Farmall A series, Case IH offers greater flexibility and with two new higher powered models at 105 and 113hp offering a wider choice in this popular power sector.

Farmall A is about economy and efficiency, with tractors that feature powerful engines and simplicity of operation.

At the heart of the Farmall A Series are modern, three and four cylinder turbocharged FPT engines. Robust and compact, their characteristics include a high torque rise, meaning fewer gear shifts and high efficiency, plus a low specific fuel consumption.

A wide range of transmissions are available, including an economical 12 x 4 constant mesh, a 12 x 12 synchromesh, a 20 x 12 creep speed transmission or a 12 x 12 powershuttle, the latter particularly suited to loader work.

For powered implements, a 540rpm and a 540rpm Eco PTO are provided, plus a 1000rpm PTO for bigger implements.

The new comfort zone Driver comfort has been at the core of the design of the new Farmall A series, and while these are relatively small tractors, their operator accommodation is anything but. Spacious cabins with convenient access, they also offer improved comfort through the grouping of important controls to the operator’s right.

In comparison to the outgoing JX, the heating and ventilation components of Farmall A are mounted externally to the rear of the cab increasing internal space and enabling a loader visibility panel option. A new engine hood with headlight cluster completes the family appearance.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Diet Feeders

Conor expands range of vertical feeders Designed to handle all types of feed efficiently. he Conor vertical feeder is the result of extensive field testing and its unique design ensures that even the toughest of bales are mixed quickly and efficiently.

The auger design along with the shape of the tub ensures a consistent and even mix. Its simple robust design is well suited to the tough Northern European conditions. The tub is mounted on a four point weighing system and it is supported by an independent double chassis on twin wheels to give optimum support during loading and transport. Its robust simplistic design promotes a problem free lifespan and its design ensures a consistent mix which leads to improved yield and high nutritional value. It is designed to handle all types of feed efficiently to produce a top quality mix. The end result for the farmer being improved live weight gain, improved ration quality and control, enhanced animal health, fertility and longevity, improved milk quality, higher milk yields and reduced labour.

The Conor diet feeder has a specially shaped mixing auger and tub which can handle large round or square bales of silage, hay and straw. The auger performs the chopping and mixing functions in a very simple cycle. The feed is drawn up towards the top of the auger and then is pulled down to the outside of the auger in a fast and efficient cycle. This important cycle ensures the feed is thoroughly mixed and chopped to the desirable length in a short period of time. The heavy duty auger contains 14 hard wearing serrated blades

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which combined with its special shape ensure an extensive mixing and chopping of the feed and an even blend of all the ingredients. The long serrated blades made from specially prepared steel are mounted on backing plates

for extra support during loading and mixing.

The positioning of the doors on the corner of the tub ensures the feed is distributed evenly and that the tub is emptied completely.

Conor vertical mixers are fitted with an accurate 4-point weighing system to ensure consistency of the feed ration. This user friendly system ensures that the feed ration is easily managed and the diet closely controlled. The auger is mounted directly onto the heavy duty SOM gearbox which ensures maximum use of power easy maintenance and it prevents foreign bodies entering the auger driveline which ensures a trouble free long life. 12m3 – 20m3 models are available with many different door and conveyor options.

For further information contact Conor Engineering Ltd direct on +353 (0)91 633197 or visit www.conereng.com for details of UK suppliers.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 57

| Diet Feeders

Winter feeding solutions with iKeenan Reduce your feed cost per litre without buying cheaper feeds! xpensive feed costs are the main talking point on all dairy and beef farms.

Everybody is looking for cheap feed that will get them through this year’s winter without too much pain.

Keenan Mech-fiber is a scientifically proven mix which improves feed efficiency by an average of 10% within the first year. Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) Measures Dry Matter IN against Milk Yield OUT. Every Dairy farm is looking at Feed costs/tonne of DM being anywhere from £170 – over £200/ tonne this winter – that means every KG you feed will cost you 17– 20p Recent research from the University of Illinois showed that compared to another mixer wagon cows that were fed the same ration with a Keenan mixer had the same production from 1.9kgs less feed.

Michael Metcalfe of Crossfell House Farm has seen the benefits since he purchased his new

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iKeenan 360.

Michael farms at Crossfell with his wife Anne and son John along with three full time workers. They farm 700 acres of which 200 are sown down to arable and all of the crops are used for feeding the dairy herd. Michael has a herd of 300 dairy cows plus followers.

The simplicity and reliability of the Keenan along with the back-up is key to my business. The iKeenan has given myself and my nutritionist – Martin Halliwell BOCM PAULS the ultimate control when feeding my cows.

“The FCE began at 1.08 and has now increased to 1.38. In theory every kg dry matter gave originally 1.08 litres of milk, the cows now are more productive and producing 1.38 litres of milk/kgDM to date with no extra cost.”

“The biggest bill on the farm is the feed therefore I have taken major inroads to ensure I am getting the most from it, The consistent mix from one day to the

58 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

next has benefited herd health no end with lower vet bills - meaning higher yields and more profit” “There are lots of different recording feed manage systems in the market, but none can control

mixing revolutions. Without optimising the ration revolutions you will never get ration consistency – this is unique to iKeenan.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Diet Feeders

Rekord combi-feeder Hurley farmer (and co-creator) Chris Wathes explains why this machine is so good. hris Wathes is a farmer who knows what he wants – and if it's not available, he's not above making it.

Farming around 550 acres out of Hurley, Warwickshire – Chris's operation is predominantly beef, around 100 head – though this was 200 head before he went into “semi-retirement” as he puts it (though I don't think he's near ready to put his feet up yet!)

Having modified other bits of kit to suit his particular needs, Chris is no stranger to the “A-Team” school of thought. A self adapted silage pusher built from an old snow plough and other bits and bobs is testament to that. Having single

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cattle sheds rather than an “ally” meant he needed something unavailable to buy – and this attachment now meets his needs perfectly. Make a note Hareland!

So when Chris decided that his Parmiter silage feeder wasn't exactly fitting the bill (even though he had tinkered with this too)...he got to thinking. What improvements could be made to meet his needs?

Enter Ray Green at Rekord Machinery, a friend and willing accomplice in the creation of what is now the Rekord Combi-Feeder, a machine so good and built so well that Chris still uses the first machine that was made today!

Two new volumes in the Spirmix® Jet range!

Lucas G offers complete vertical mixer range. s announced last year, Lucas G continues the development of its vertical auger mixer range, Spirmix®. Indeed, the French manufacturer offers two new volumes for combined straw bedding and diet feeder: 12m3 and 14m3.

On these models, breeders will find again the famous Castor®+ feeding and strawbedding unit: • A universal chute with cut-off plate, • A mechanical beater-bar with large trap, • An electrical control for all functions of the machine.

With this range, breeders can feed and bed without unhooking their machines.

These models benefit from the essential of the Spirmix® range:

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

Choice of the auger : • optimized for mixing (6 knives) or for cutting (11 knives), • Reversible knives for a longer lifetime, • Anti-overflow ring, • Reinforced tank base, • Planetary gearboxes independently secured for a better resistance, • Weighing units.

A front right feeding trap door is now available on the whole range in order to answer farmers’ needs. Like this, breeders will benefit from an important flexibility during the distribution (distribution from 0 to 2m).

With these new volumes, Lucas G offers to breeders a complete vertical auger mixers range. For more information please visit www.lucasg.fr

Chris described his dilemma, “The Parmiter was doing the job but I felt it could have been done better. When it comes to silage feeders you've got ones that handle round bales, some square – other machines chop it and blow it...I didn't want that. I wanted a solid, reliable machine that would handle round or square bales and clamp silage with no chopping and no fuss”.

“I also wanted the machine to be able to handle the misshapen or collapsed bales at the bottom of the stack – not just the perfectly round ones from the top – the Combi-Feeder does it all”.

Chris offered to put a bale in and demonstrate and with that, jumped into the Tele (a Merlo hydrostatic model) and shot off to grab a bale.

As if by design, it turned out to be a bit of a turkey once the netting came off – perfect for a demonstration of this machine's ability. Once loaded, Chris positioned his trusty Fiat ready for a feed run along the nearest shed.

“I want to show you the extension mechanism – if it grabs a bale and doesn't hold it, it sends it back down and tries again. You can feed into a trough/manger as well as onto the floor, dispense feed from the left or right or out of the back (courtesy of the separate frame) – it's ideal”.

The machine is so versatile that

it will not only feed out silage but hay, straw, roots, meal and by products.

As far as maintenance goes, Chris just washes it down once a year and sprays it with waste oil.

The only attention that the machine has needed was when a pin came out of the main feed chain – a quick one to fix and a minor niggle after 12 years of service.

As far as construction goes, the machine is bulletproof and built like a tank from good quality steel.

You could drive into the thing and not leave a scratch on it – which Chris admits he's done in the past, quite by accident of course.

For more information on the Combi-Feeder contact Ray at Rekord on 01827 712424 or email ray@rekord.com

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 59

| Diet Feeders

Redrock adds to its Fiber-Tech Mixer Feeder New cutting system is a highlighted standard feature. he Redrock Machinery Fiber-Tech Mixer feeders have been designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of dairy cows, beef cattle and sheep. At the very heart of the new machines is the new Fiber-Tech cutting system.

“This new cutting system ensures that all the components of the diet, including straw, are cut to the precise length in order to encourage encourage optimal rumen function,” explained Redrock’s Frank Flynn.

“The Fiber Tech system will be offered as standard in the new feeder range.”

But Fiber Tech is only part of the good news story associated with the new Redrock feeding systems.

Frank Flynn again: “We are also offering our clients customised nutritional advice in terms of diet formulation, in tandem with a TMR Tracker system. This provides farmers with a total solution in terms of managing feed costs and ensuring optimal performance from the various animals within

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specific groups.”

He added: “The tracker system is fully compatible with all herd or farm record systems. At its most basic level it will serve to check the programmed ration against that which is actually fed out. The system will also calculate and register daily feed costs, dry matter intakes and daily refusals.

“The new system also provides an integrated tracker function for online data exchange with nutritionists and advisors.

“In essence, the TMR Tracker is an integrated management system, allowing complete on-line data exchange between the farmer and his Redrock nutritionist.

“It can also be used to monitor all aspects of the feeding operation.”

And, of course, the new feeding systems also come with the renowned Redrock reputation for reliability and robustness. Key technical features on the new Fiber Tech feeders include: a high feed discharge rate; easy attachment to the tractor and an automatic

lubrication system; Frank Flynn continued: “Our new feeders provide individual clients with the bespoke feeding systems they require for their businesses.

“The TMR approach to feeding provides livestock producers with a number of important advantages. All forages, grains and other feed ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Therefore, animals are not able to search for individual ingredients and must eat all the roughage component as well as the more palatable concentrate component.

“Completely blended feeds, coupled with carefully grouped cows allow greater flexibility and accuracy, feeding exactly the recommended amounts of nutrients to animals at their particular stage of growth or, in the case of dairy cows, individual milk yields.

“The end result is the more efficient use of feed, thereby allowing farmers to both improve performance while, at the same time, saving money on expensive inputs.”

Frank Flynn also indicated that extensive, on-farm trial results with the new Fiber-Tech feeders have confirmed the benefits of the new system. He concluded: “Our new feeders offer livestock farmers a precise nutritional solution in all respects. They combine the

highest standards of engineering with bespoke nutrition and a uniquely effective record keeping, or tracker system.

“The key to successful cow feeding is not just raising energy levels. Of equal importance is the need to match each megajoule with an exact proportion of roughage. The main source of roughage on most farms is straw.

“Research has shown that the intake is maximised when it is cut to precise length for full absorption and utilisation.

The exact ratio of roughage per unit of energy can be achieved from the mixed ration with the Fiber-Tech cutting system. This is the most effective cutting system available in a mixer-feeder.”

For further information, contact Redrock Machinery Ltd on (028) 37552390 or e mail: info@redrockmachinery.com: www.redrockmachinery.com

Designed to perform, built to last.

Feeding Solutions from Redrock

www.redrockmachinery.com

Twin Auger Mixer Feeders

Single Auger Feeders

Vari-cut Mixer Feeders

Redrock vari-cut and Vertical Mixer Feeders together with Digi-star weighing systems can now offer the TMR Tracker. This is a feed management system that provides livestock farmers a total solution to manage feed costs, promote efficiency and improve production.

TMR Tracker also offers livestock farmers valuable management functions including operator control, stock management, online data exchange with the feed advisor and various helpful management reports. With the “TMR Tracker Mobile” on the PDA, feeding and animal data can be managed anywhere on the farm.

Alligator

All Round

No1 Blockcutter

Call Today: Redrock Machinery Ltd, Tel: 028 37552390 Fax: 028 37552399 60 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| DIet Feeders

The Shelbourne Reynolds Powermix range Designed specifically for the UK farmer. helbourne Reynolds has been manufacturing Diet feeders since 1995. The Powermix range has been designed and manufactured in the UK specifically for the UK farmer incorporating such innovative features such as the Express elevating webbing conveyor.

The current Powermix Pro range is split into 3, the basic configuration side door equipped Powermix popular models are the entry level machines. This model is available in 4 single auger sizes, 9m , 11m, 13m and 15m and incorporates either one or two doors. The doors are mounted on the corners of the tub for fast consistent feed discharge. The feed is unloaded down a simple fold down tray to the side of the machine.

The single auger Express machine is also available in 9, 11, 13 and 15 cubic metre sizes and is fitted with a front mounted conveyor. This webbing conveyor is either fixed for discharge to either side or is able to elevate and shuttle to each side hydraulically.

The 13 cubic metre model has a capacity of approximately 6000kg depending upon feed

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dry matter. The Powermix Pro Express is also available in twin auger configuration in sizes of 16, 19, 22 and 25 cubic metres. The 22 cubic metre model has a capacity of approximately 10000kg depending upon feed dry matter.

All machines are fitted with Digi Star scale systems and are available with a large number of wheel and tyre options.

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 61

| ATV

Kawasaki offer 0% finance on selected models Contact your local dealer today to find out more. awasaki ATVs are designed for durability,ease of maintenance and all day comfort.

Great for tending sheep in the hills, carrying equipment on the farm, towing, spraying; the number of tasks a Kawasaki ATV can undertake is virtually endless!

The Kawasaki range has a hunger for hard work, delivering a plush ride all day via high specifi cation suspension, smooth and powerful engine performance and features

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designed to make light work of most tasks.

The machines are designed and built for hard work and now, with 0% finance on the KVF360 4x4, KVF650 4x4 with independent rear suspension and the new for 2012 Electronic Power Steering (EPS) assisted KVF750 4x4 you can be sure that they are an even more affordable solution that gets the job done.

To find out more, visit www.kawasaki.co.uk/utility or call us on 01628 856750.

Top mowers Available with or without flail for ATV. essex has an enviable reputation for building quality mowers and these two confirm their place as top sellers. The Wessex AR series rotary mower is the first choice for regularly mown areas, with high work rate and lower maintenance costs than a flail mower. On the other hand, the Wessex AF/AFC flail mowers come into their own when there’s a need for controlling dense vegetation.

Taking the AR rotary mower first, you have a versatile topper, good for pasture topping or fine turf work. No wonder then it’s popular with private estates, farms and studs. The range is large with 1.2m, 1.5m and 1.8m working widths and a number of different wheel configurations. In standard format the AR has the wheels on the end of the deck for fine

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balance, creating minimal weight on the drawbar and making it easy to hitch to an ATV, UTV or 4x4.

With the wheels directly in line with the rotors it follows ground contours accurately for a close cut without scalping. Alternatively there is a rear wheel option for cutting close to fences and borders. The cutting height range is 25mm to 140mm and the engine options are Honda or Briggs & Stratton.

The Wessex AF flail mowers have been developed to meet the needs of contractors, farmers and estate owners for swiftly dealing with brambles, bracken and long grass as well as meeting the need for maintenance in forestry and woodland areas.

Further details from Broadwood International 01420 478111 www.broadwoodintl.co.uk

Day & Coles Agricultural Ltd

Southam Agricultural Services

Oakes Bros Ltd

Oakes Bros Ltd

Newton Close, Park Farm, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6UW Telephone: 01933 673900

Fields Farm, Station Road, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 2DH Telephone: 01926 813426 www.southamagriservices.co.uk

Micheldever Depot, Cowdown Farm, Micheldever Winchester SO21 3DN Telephone: 01962 794100 www.oakesbros.co.uk

East Ilsley Depot, Ridgeway Works, East Ilsley, Newbury, Berks RG20 7DJ Telephone: 01635 281222 www.oakesbros.co.uk

62 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

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| ATV

Suzuki launches Free Workwear Kit and Courtesy ATV initiatives More added value makes owning a Suzuki ATV a serious proposition when it comes to selecting your next vehicle. s part of their latest campaign called 'The Comfort Zone', Suzuki has announced two exciting new offers for their customers to take advantage of, including a free branded workwear kit and a new courtesy ATV scheme.

Any customers that buy a new Suzuki utility ATV* between now and the end of March 2013 will automatically qualify for an exclusive free workwear kit**. The kit consists of a set of high-quality Suzuki branded overalls and bodywarmer, perfect for wearing around the farm, estate or stables.

The other pioneering initiative from Suzuki is their new courtesy ATV scheme. This offers customers the use of a new Suzuki ATV when any utility ATV is taken to an authorised dealer for service or repair work, regardless of the make and model. The courtesy ATV scheme has been introduced to help minimise down time and to keep businesses operating smoothly while their ATV is serviced.

Gareth Lumsdaine, Sales and Marketing Manager ATV & Marine, Suzuki GB PLC, commented, "The free workwear kit and courtesy ATV initiatives are designed with our customers in mind and demonstrate that we understand the nature of their businesses. The new offers are in addition to the 2 year warranty and free EASI rider training that comes with every new Suzuki ATV." To find out more about the latest offers, find your local dealer at or call 0500 011 959

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Festival Essential: A Suzuki KingQuad Selected again proving reliability and comfort. or the fourth year running, a Suzuki ATV has been used around the V Festival site in Hylands Park, Chelmsford.

The KingQuad 400 Auto was used by the East of England Ambulance Service to provide support throughout the event, including set-up and breakdown, from Thursday 16th August to Monday 20th August.

The ATV was primarily used by the Ambulance Service to assist with logistics around the site, but was also employed as a quick response vehicle, as the ATV was able to easily manoeuvre through the crowded festival grounds.

Jon Moore, General Manager, East of England Ambulance Service, stated that, "the KingQuad 400 Auto was used from 10am until 2am on each day of the festival and the exceptional

F

comfort let us focus on the job in hand. We've used Suzuki ATVs for four years now, and they've never let us down".

Suzuki's current 'Comfort Zone' campaign focuses on how the KingQuad ATVs provide unbeatable rider comfort, which proved ideal for use at the weekend-long festival. In addition to this, the efficient fuel injection ensures consistent starting and reliability, meaning that the Ambulance Service could rely on the KingQuad to get them to any emergencies that arose.

To find out more about the Comfort Zone and to find your local dealer visit www.suzukiatv.co.uk or call 0500 011 959

*KingQuad and Ozark models only, does not include sports or junior models. **The workwear kit does not substitute appropriate riding gear for use on an ATV and Suzuki recommends that suitable safety equipment is worn at all times whilst operating an ATV. Full terms and conditions apply, visit www.suzuki-atv.co.uk for details.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 63

| ATV

So Farr so good...

Rural crime partnership

Almost 60 dealers supply the range.

Honda works with police to tackle criminals in the country. onda (UK) has recently loaned East Herts Rural Special Team one of TRX420 ATV and accessories with the aim of helping the force tackle and reduce rural crime in the area.

The ATV has been used daily in patrols in rural locations by Specials and regular officers, having a very positive effect - both in responding to incidents, and acting as a deterrent. Would-be criminals are put off by seeing the ATV and knowing what it’s capable of.

Since starting patrols in a particular area on the ATV, for example, complaints about crime and anti-social behaviour in that area have dropped significantly.

Additionally, at this year’s Sawbridgeworth Fayre the ATV enabled an officer to reach all areas of the park quickly and as a result assisted in the arrest of a wanted man.

Police teams also used the ATV at the GM crop protest in Rothamsted, Harpenden. The bike was used to patrol large areas of land which were

H

ARR All-Terrain Vehicles are renowned throughout the UK for providing uncompromising quality at industry leading prices. With almost 60 dealers currently stretching the country from Cornwall to the Orkney Islands, our dealers are well placed to offer FARR’s industry leading after sales service.

Our current fleet of Quad bikes and Farm Utility Vehicles are supplied AS STANDARD with an integrated road legal kit, electric winch, tow bar and switchable 2 and 4 wheel drive system. Select

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machines also come with front differential lock and a high/low gearbox.

Graham Joll, Sales Director for FARR stated that ‘over the past few years the price for Quad Bikes and Farm Utility Vehicles has increased dramatically, we at FARR believe in offering a reliable and strong product for an exceptionally competitive price’.

If you have never heard of FARR then please contact us on 01392 444887 or have a look at our detailed website www.farruk.com and find your local dealer.

64 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

cordoned off, and as a result, helped to prevent protestors from entering prohibited areas.

The partnership came about as the result of a discussion between East Herts farmers and rural crime officers at a Barn Meet earlier in the year where the idea of using an ATV to help patrol some of the areas of land which are inaccessible to normal 4x4 vehicles was debated.

Honda Authorised Dealer, Taylors Tools (based in Herts) has also donated the Rural Special Team a trailer for the ATV and will also look after servicing and maintenance.

“Rural crime is a big problem and we are very happy to support Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Rural Specials,” said Phil Webb – Head of Honda (UK) Power Equipment.

“These officers face many challenges in the course of their work, but despite everything that’s thrown at them, they do a fantastic job - all in their own time – and provide an essential service to rural communities.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Polaris 0% finance. There’s nothing to it.

If you are in the market for an ATV or UTV look no further. olaris has announced a new interest-free finance scheme for all Polaris ATV’s and UTV’s that will run until 31st December 2012.

Business users can arrange 0% finance on all new Polaris ATVs and Rangers from the 1st September through Polaris’ finance partners Rural Finance.

Nothing could be easier. The scheme offers payments over 24 months at 0% up to a maximum 80% of the Recommended Retail Price and will include an accessory subsidy of up to £1000.00, excluding VAT, on genuine Polaris accessories.

Polaris is a world leader in ATV’s and Side x Side utility vehicles with the widest choice of proven AllTerrain options and accessories.

The legendary Sportsman

P

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

quads promise the hardest working, smoothest riding, most powerful and rugged ATVs for all types of work, with Value, Premium and 2-up models available.

The Ranger Side x Side utility vehicles with the Midsize, Full-Size and CREW offer versatility and muscle, in petrol, diesel and electric 4x4 versions. A ProSteel™ Cab for the Ranger, Polaris Winch and Lock and Ride accessories complement the hallmark Polaris features of ondemand true All-Wheel Drive and smooth ride.

As this is a limited period offer Polaris recommends contacting your nearest Polaris dealer as soon as possible for full details and any special deals available.

NFU members also benefit from a special 5% discount.

The availability of the 0% finance is subject to status and terms and conditions.

Further information from Polaris Britain on 0800 915 6720 or visit www.polaris-britain.com

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 65

| Motors

SsangYong Korando Sports Quite simply - it can.

K – let's address the elephant in the room. If you thought that the New SsangYong Korando Sports was another model in the Korando small SUV line-up boasting bigger wheels, sculptured seats, aluminium pedals and a rev counter...you'd be wrong. No, this is the name given to the upcoming pickup truck aimed at the working and leisure markets that the company hopes will attract value conscious would-be owners to the much improved Korean brand.

And there's much to be attracted to.

More princess than frog, the good looking Korando Sports is also a pretty good drive for a pick-up too, boasting rear coil suspension and enjoying SsangYong's excellent 5 year unlimited-mileage warranty (which is fully transferable).

Already well-received, the Korando SUV is a decent (and decently priced) foray into the small “soft road” sector and

O

SsangYong would do well to emulate this aggressive pricing policy on the upcoming Sports model introduction as I'm sure that an attractive price point will be a major factor in any purchasing decision. We'll find out in October if this is the case.

What's it like to drive?

The first thing you'll notice on road is that it's really quite refined – quiet even when compared to the likes of L200 and Hilux. There's enough power from the 153hp 2.0L turbo diesel unit to get you up to cruising speed in a decent nip and the 6 speed auto box that we tested seemed pretty smooth-shifting (a standard 6 speed manual 'box is also available). With 360Nm of torque on tap, the Sports is quoted to pull 2.3t – so no worries with the horsebox or trailer.

Worth pointing out here is the very low ratio first gear

66 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

which could come in handy should you be caught on a hill pulling a decent load.

Let's talk about those coil springs propping up the back-end. Certainly offering a less crashy, more car like ride in comparison to other pick-ups they also have a couple of downsides.

Firstly, we found that the Sports was a bit “jiggly” over the rippled surface of the country roads we were testing on though having a load in the back would probably help with this. And that's the second possible downside – because of the that rear suspension set-up, the Sports will carry less than 650kg in the back where others can manage around the 1t mark. This might not be a problem for some but it's worth noting.

While we're at the back, the bed itself looks like it will take a pallet (we didn't have a measure) has a load liner, rope hooks, ladder stops and a guard for the rear window. Two factory hardtops, one box and one cover type, will be available as options.

One of the biggest disappointments when driving the Korando Sports is the steering. It's just not responsive enough on the road.

Yes, the vagueness might stop your arms being pulled out of their sockets when traversing a bumpy, rugged offroad excursion but we'd rather have a more positive feel and more feedback for what would be the

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors felt a little 'cheap' along with the mock carbon fibre detailing. Robust rather than luxurious leather comes with the EX model (not a bad thing for this type of vehicle and will probably prove harder wearing) and there is a decent amount of room for rear passengers so long as you don't play for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Aircon is standard along with steering wheel mounted controls for audio etc. The electrically operated drivers seat offers a decent range of adjustment which is needed to offer further visibility over the high front and shoulders of the vehicle.

Overall, not bad – but let's be realistic - it was never going to be

Audi quality.

Conclusion Farmers looking to update or replace their current pick-up have another contender to add to the list.

On the positive side, you have a good looking, comfortable, refined and capable workhorse with the addition of a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty.

Negatives include the choppy ride (and reduced load capacity) and light and vague steering.

Price could be the deciding factor.

We drove pre-production vehicles, and so much of what has been mentioned in this preview may well be addressed when the Sports arrives here in October. The final UK spec is yet to be decided.

Andrew Poulton

Images: Andrew Pearce

majority of the time.

Part-time 4WD, selectable via a rotory switch, locks front and rear prop-shafts together and offers decent traction, even on the standard road tyres fitted to the test vehicle proving that sometimes, it's best to just to keep things simple.

No rear differential lock here though.

Combined fuel consumption is a moderately good 31.4mpg.

Off road, the Sports was in its element and proved that it could rough it with the best of them.

Whether climbing, descending, hitting the muddy ruts or wading – nothing fazed SsangYong's workhorse.

Inside Fit and finish of the cabin is quite convincing, although we did feel that certain plastics

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Motors www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Drive away an Amarok * from ÂŁ299 a month.

Pop into your local van centre today.

*Plus VAT and initial rental. Alloy wheels and metallic paint shown are not standard at advertised price point. Available on contract hire or finance lease terms. Business users only. Contract hire quotation based on an Amarok A32 DPK Startline 2.0 TDI 4MTN select. 6p per mile (plus VAT) charged for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Offer based on a ÂŁ1340.59 + 35 monthly rentals and 10,000 miles per

68 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Abridge Van Centre.

Cooks Van Centre.

Pentraeth Van Centre.

Apple Yard, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ. Tel: 0844 412 8201 Search online for Volkswagen vans Abridge.

Storeys Bar Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5YS. Tel: 0844 412 8240 Search online for Volkswagen vans Cooks.

Henffordd Garage, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5RW. Tel: 0844 412 8312 Search online for Volkswagen vans Pentraeth.

Gilder Van Centre.

Heigham Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4LX. Tel: 0844 412 8327 Search online for Volkswagen vans Robinsons.

Alan Day Van Centre.

Pinkham Way, North Circular Road, New Southgate, London N11 3UT. Tel: 0845 260 5848 Search online for Volkswagen vans Alan Day.

Anthony Motors Van Centre.

Llanbadarn Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3QP. Tel: 0844 412 8207 Search online for Volkswagen vans Anthony Motors.

Breeze Van Centre (Poole).

Yarrow Road, Tower Park, Poole, Dorset BH12 4QY. Tel: 0844 412 8224 Search online for Volkswagen vans Breeze Poole.

Bridgwater Van Centre.

191-193 Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4BJ. Tel: 0844 412 8333 Search online for Volkswagen vans Bridgwater.

Carrs Van Centre.

Lodge Way, Indian Queens, Truro, Cornwall TR9 6TF. Tel: 0172 686 2350 Search online for Volkswagen vans Carrs.

Carrs Van Centre (Exeter).

Unit G1 Denbury Court, Marsh Barton Trading Estate, Exeter, Devon EX2 8NB. Tel: 0844 412 8228 Search online for Volkswagen vans Carrs Exeter.

Europa Close, Europa Link, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 1XS. Tel: 0844 412 8264 Search online for Volkswagen vans Gilder.

Gilder Van Centre Newark.

Robinsons Van Centre.

Vindis Van Centre.

2 Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2ET. Tel: 0844 811 2417 Search online for Volkswagen vans Gilder Newark.

Low Road, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE27 5EL. Tel: 0844 873 4683 Search online for Volkswagen vans Vindis.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre.

Volkswagen Van Centre (Barnstaple).

Ennerdale Road, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 3TL. Tel: 0174 345 3950 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous.

Taw Trading Park, Braunton Road, Barnstaple, North Devon EX31 1JZ. Tel: 0127 137 3373 Search online for Volkswagen vans Barnstaple.

Greenhous Volkswagen Van Centre (Bilston).

Trinity Road, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7EF. Tel: 0190 235 7230 Search online for Volkswagen vans Greenhous Bilston.

JCT600 Van Centre (Hull).

Saxon Way, Priory Park West, Hessle, East Yorkshire HU13 9PB. Tel: 0844 412 8904 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 Hull.

JCT600 Van Centre (York).

Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York, North Yorkshire YO30 4WW. Tel: 0844 412 8292 Search online for Volkswagen vans JCT600 York.

Commercial Vehicles

annum. Finance lease is also available. Further charges may be payable when the vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Available to over 18s in the UK only. Available for Amarok registrations before 30th September 2012, subject to availability from participating Van Centres. This offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance, Freepost VWFS.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 69

| Motors

Drive away a new Great Wall Steed with a deposit of just £1 Plan is available to business users only and lasts until the end of September 2012. uying a brand-new Great Wall Steed, already the UK’s most affordable 4x4 double-cab pick-up, has become much easier for businesses thanks to the launch of a new finance offer that makes it possible to secure one with a deposit of just £1.

For the entry-level Steed S model (£13,998 CVOTR), the finance offer consists of a deposit of £1 followed by 59 monthly payments of £285.06, and a final payment of £424.06 (8.8 per cent representative APR). The plan is available for business users only, through all 45 dealerships in the Great Wall dealer network, and continues until 30 September 2012.

The generously equipped new Steed is attracting interest from buyers of both new and used pickups across the UK, thanks to its combination of robustness, practicality and unrivalled value.

Not only is it the most affordable 4x4 double-cab pick-up to buy, but it is also the most economical to run. Powered by a newlydeveloped 2.0-litre, 16-valve turbocharged diesel engine, the

B

Steed delivers class leading fuel economy of 34.0 mpg (combined). It also has best-in-class insurance ratings – 7A for the Steed S and 8A for the range-topping Steed SE. “In the current economic climate, paying out thousands for a deposit on a new vehicle sometimes just isn’t possible, particularly for small businesses,” comments Great Wall Managing Director, Paul Hegarty. “Our £1 deposit finance offer allows businesses who don’t want to make a large initial investment to still drive away in a brand new Steed.”

Affordable ownership without compromise As well as being affordable, the Great Wall Steed is an extremely capable working tool. Carrying capacity compares very well with established rivals – the maximum payload is 1,050kg – and towing capability is an impressive 2,000kg with a ‘braked’ trailer and 750kg unbraked. Meanwhile, the vehicle’s high ground clearance and ‘on demand’ four wheel drive system make it a capable load-

70 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

lugger off-road, as well as a comfortable on-road companion.

So that the buying and ownership experience of a Steed is as rewarding and trouble-free as possible, all dealers for the new brand have committed to the ‘Great Wall Promise’ which includes inflation-proof servicing plans and free service pick-up and

drop-off. All Steeds come with a comprehensive threeyear / 60,000-mile mechanical warranty, a six-year anti-perforation warranty, three-year paint warranty and three-year roadside assistance.

The Steed is on sale through a newly-appointed network of handpicked Great Wall dealers. For showroom locations and full finance terms, visit www.greatwallmotor.co.uk.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Four star safety rating on all-new Isuzu D-Max dent vehicle assessment organisation, Euro NCAP. The all-new Isuzu D-Max has been awarded safety rating by indepen he all-new Isuzu D-Max has been awarded a fourstar safety rating by independent vehicle assessment organisation, Euro NCAP. The results of the recently-introduced, tougher test process mark the new pick-up from Isuzu as one of the safest vehicles in its segment.

The Isuzu D-Max received a strong 83% in the ‘adult occupant’ category, scoring maximum points for the protection it provides in the side-barrier test, thanks to its new, stronger, longer and wider chassis (compared to its predecessor).

Euro NCAP also praised the front and rear head restraints for providing good protection against whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.

The Electronic Stability Programme, and front seatbelt reminder system – both standard across the range – contributed to the pick-up’s joint-class-leading score of 71% in the ‘safety assist’ category. In the ‘child occupant’ category, the new pick-up scored 67%.

William Brown, General Manager at Isuzu UK commented: “These positive results demonstrate the quality of the new

T

Isuzu D-Max, and especially so given that it has been subjected to the new, tougher Euro NCAP testing criteria. Customers can now add an impressive independent safety score to the list of attributes that makes the Isuzu D-Max a highly appealing ownership proposition.”

The Isuzu D-Max is one of the most cost effective pick-ups on the market today, with ultra-low insurance groups (8A to 10A), class-leading residual values and fuel economy, industry-leading fleet packages (available from £185 per month), all backed-up by the company’s unique-in-sector, five-year, 120,000-mile warranty.

The all-new Isuzu D-Max is available in three body styles – single, extended and double cab – with prices starting from £14,499 (CVOTR) for the entry-level single cab 4x2, rising to £21,499 (CVOTR) for the top-of-the-range Utah double cab 4x4 Automatic.

The Isuzu D-Max is fitted with a completely re-engineered, 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

al dealer Contact your loc

72 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

Ashburton Motor Works Ltd Devon - 01364 652302 devon-isuzu.co.uk

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

B & B Tractors Staffordshire - 01283 521522 www.bandbtractors.co.uk

Newcastle Isuzu Tyne & Wear - 01912 573309 www.newcastleisuzu.co.uk

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

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

Bulldog Twyford Berkshire - 0118 9321 331 bulldogtwyford.com

Unity Automotive Cambridgeshire - 01733 893704 www.unityisuzu.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Boston - 01205 725700 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Sheaf Motors Derbyshire - 01246 296969 isuzusales@sheafmotors.co.uk

Duckworth Isuzu Market Rasen - 01673 841410 www.duckworthisuzu.co.uk

Alexander & Duncan Herefordshire - 01568 613434 www.herefordshireisuzu.co.uk

Hammonds of Halesworth Suffolk - 01986 834090 www.hammondgroup.co.uk

Shukers Isuzu (Shrewsbury) Shropshire - 01743 873900 www.shukersisuzu.co.uk

Holdcroft Isuzu Staffordshire - 0800 881 5546 holdcroftisuzu.com

Culverwells East Sussex - 01580 880567 www.culverwells.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Unity Automotive Newark Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 5QJ Tel: 01733 893704 www.unitysubaru.co.uk

Holdcroft Subaru Leek Road, Hanley Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Tel: 0800 881 5546 holdcroftsubaru.com

74 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

Culverwell Cars Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5DG Tel: 01580 880567 www.culverwells.co.uk

Newcastle Subaru 53 Queen Alexandra Road -West, North Sheilds, Tyne & Wear NE29 9AA Tel: 0191 257 3309 www.newcastlesubaru.co.uk

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Motors

Fiat Panda 4x4 world preview at Paris Motor Show The new Fiat Panda 4x4 – the only four-wheel drive model in the A segment – will make its debut at the forthcoming international Paris Motor Show. he successor to a bestseller which first appeared almost 30 years ago, today’s third-generation fourwheel drive Panda is a perfect interpretation of the spirit of the times, uniting consolidated offroad capabilities with a refined design and compact, efficient architecture. The Panda 4x4 is the superlative expression of the model’s great versatility, a genuine Super Panda, ready to tackle mountain mule tracks and the urban jungle in the same assured manner.

In addition to standard equipment capable of satisfying the most demanding of customers, from a technical point of view the new Panda 4x4 has been further improved to reassert its capacity to compete with off-road vehicles of much greater dimensions and higher prices.

The 5-door Panda is 368 centimetres long, 167 centimetres wide and 160 centimetres high.

The wheelbase is 230 centimetres and it has a front and rear track of 141 and 140 centimetres respectively.

The Panda 4x4 is equipped with a torque-on-demand transmission system with two differentials and an electronically controlled coupling. This is a permanent four-wheel drive system managed by an

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electronic control unit which, by analysing vehicle signals, distributes traction on the front and rear axle homogenously and proportionally according to road grip conditions. The advantages of this system are that it is entirely automatic in operation and requires no maintenance.

The Panda 4x4 features an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system with an ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function as standard. This system provides additional assistance while driving and setting-off uphill on slippery terrain (snow, ice, mud etc.). More specifically, the ELD acts by braking the wheels with poor grip (or those slipping more than the others), thereby transferring the drive force to those which have more grip on the ground. This function can be activated manually by pressing a button behind the gear lever and operates below 30mph.

Two engine versions of the Fiat Panda 4x4 will become available, both with Start&Stop: the new 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo and the 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II diesel.

Compared with the 1.2 Fire of the previous generation, the TwinAir Turbo has 40% more torque. In combination with a special sixspeed gearbox with low-range first gear, it ensures better uphill starts,

flexibility and pick-up. A similar improvement is found on the MultiJet II engine.

The new car’s rear suspension is lighter than its predecessor and provides better ride and acoustic comfort, with the same off-road performance as before.

Elegant looks are combined with impressive off-road credentials. New Panda 4x4 is destined to be the benchmark in this particular market segment thanks to its refined style, attention to detail and comprehensive equipment. This is demonstrated by a complete and unique range of standard equipment: ESC with ELD, manual climate control system, CD/MP3 radio, 15" burnished alloy rims, 175/65 R15 M+S tyres, electric rear view mirrors, central locking system with remote control and rear head restraints. A vast range of optional equipment and accessories is available, to further enhance either its urban or off-road use, as required.

The Panda has the most extensive, versatile range in its category, and to confirm this, two important new Panda family

members will be making their debut in Paris: the Trekking and Natural Power versions. The first provides the link between 4x2 and 4x4 versions; combining off-road looks with smart front-wheel drive by implementing Traction+ technology. This is an innovative traction control system, which improves handling on slippery terrain, guaranteeing excellent performance when setting-off.

There is also the new Panda Natural Power equipped with a dual fuel (methane and petrol) 80 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo engine to combine all the low running costs and eco-friendly advantages of methane with Turbo TwinAir technology for excellent fuel consumption, low emissions and optimum performance values.

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 75

Barretts - Ashford

Guy Salmon – Knutsford

Rocar Moore

01233 506 070 www.barretts.ashford.landrover.co.uk

01565 632 525 www.guysalmon.knutsford.landrover.co.uk

01484 516016 www.rocarmoo

Barretts - Canterbury

Lancaster – Reading

Hunters - De

01227 475 475 www.barretts.canterbury.landrover.co.uk

0118 404 0077 www.lancaster.reading.landrover.co.uk

08451 276 506 www.hunters.d

Chipperfield – Hertfordshire

Colliers – Erdington, West Midlands

Hunters – No

01923 263 030 www.chipperfield.landrover.co.uk

08430 225 688 www.colliers.landrover.co.uk

08451 236 726 www.hunters.n

FREELANDER 2 Drive responsibly on and off-road. *£22,700 refers to Freelander 2 2.2 eD4 S 6-Speed Manual

OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE FREELANDER 2 RAN COMBINED 40.4 (7.0) – 47.1 (6.0) CO2 EMISSIONS: 185 – 158 G/KM. 76 | Farming Monthly | September 2012 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY. SMART CHOICE

FREELANDER 2 FROM £22,700* With Freelander 2 you don’t have to choose between refinement and rugged capability. You can enjoy advanced technologies such as Terrain Response® and Dynamic Stability Control in luxury and comfort. r 2WD derivative: 150hp eD4 – 47.2mpg combined r Intelligent 4WD derivatives: 150hp TD4 and 190hp SD4 r CommandShift Sport mode for all 6-speed Automatic models r GS, XS and HSE feature Bluetooth® phone system and DAB radio r HSE Lux Pack option – Windsor leather, Grand Black Lacquer and 19" Diamond-turned alloy wheels r From £22,700 OTR for eD4 S 6-speed Manual Call us today to book a test drive.

es – Huddersfield

Armstrong Massey – York

Duckworth - Market Rasen

ores.landrover.co.uk

01937 531 531 www.armstrongmassey.landrover.co.uk

01673 842 101 www.duckworthlandrover.co.uk

erby

Hartwell - Oxford

Copley – Halifax

derby.landrover.co.uk

0844 324 1720 www.hartwell.oxford.landrover.co.uk

01422 363 340 www.copley.landrover.co.uk

orwich

Duckworth – Boston

Kentdale – Kendal

norwich.landrover.co.uk

01205 722 110 www.duckworth.boston.landrover.co.uk

08433 833530 www.kentdale.landrover.co.uk

NGE IN MPG (L/100KM): URBAN 32.5 (8.7) – 39.8 (7.1) EXTRA URBAN 48.7 (5.8) – 52.3 (5.4) www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

September 2012 | Farming Monthly | 77

| Motors

78 | Farming Monthly | September 2012

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

THE NEW ISUZU D-MAX EIGER £17,500

+ VAT + RFL

SAVE £1,630!

Electronic Stability Control System

CD / MP3 System with Bluetooth Keyless Entry

Traction Control System Anti-lock Braking System

16” Alloy Wheels

Electronic Shift-on-the-fly

Heated Mirrors with Indicators

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Projector Headlamps

LOAD LINER TOW BAR FLOOR MATS SEAT COVERS

WARRANTY

01892 510 005 www.lifestyleeurope.co.uk

Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8AG

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/100km) for the D-Max range is: urban 28.0 – 31.7 (8.9 – 10.1), extra urban 38.7 – 45.5 (7.3 – 6.5), combined 33.6 – 38.2 (7.4 – 8.4). Official CO2 emission figure: 194 – 220 g/km.

The new Isuzu D-Max’s five-year / 120,000-mile warranty comprises of a standard 36-month / 60,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty and an extended warranty provided by the importer, Isuzu UK, for up to a total of 60 months and 120,000 miles. The Price shown excludes Road Fund License, First Registration Fee and VAT charged at 20%. Model shown for illustration purposes only. Metallic paint option charged at £400 plus 20% VAT. Information correct at time of going to press.