September 2018 Farming Monthly National

INSIDE: Create a unique atmosphere at The Glamping Show ‘18 page 44

Farming

MONTHLY National

September 2018

Also in this issue...

Root Crops

| Potato storage preparation tips page 21

Hands Free Hectare project Also inside this month..

World first HFH project completes second harvest page 10

Inspired Meadows p09

Saving costs and carbon p36

Buidings ready to house cows? p28

PLUS: Arable | Grain | Shows | Education | Buildings | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS September 2018

FEATURES 09

23

12 Arable

46 Forestry

Sky high yields in Lincolnshire Wolds...and more

21 Root Crops

28

36

50 Wheels and Tyres

APF Show preview

GKN Wheels’ Profi-Grip solution

48 Education Latest education news

Potato planting tips, Smart irrigation, New grading & sorting line at TH Clements

24 UK Dairy Day Show preview

28 Buildings Are your buildings ready to house cows again?

30 Grain

REGULARS 06 News Weetabix: 2018 earliest harvest

10 On Topic

Latest grain news

44 Glamping Show

Hands Free Hectare project

34 Energy

Get ready for Glamping Show 2018

04 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

Latest energy news

46 Machinery Latest machinery news

52 ATV ATV news...covered.

54 Motors Latest motors news

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

46

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com

World-first Hands Free Hectare project completes second harvest

p10

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +44 (0) 2476 353537 ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shona Beedham s.beedham@farmingmonthly.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julie Smith j.smith@farmingmonthly.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION studio@farmingmonthly.com SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@farmingmonthly.com ON THE COVER Getting ready to harvest LG Skyscraper on the Wolds

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

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Harvest 2018 the earliest on record for Weetabix Nation’s favourite breakfast once again 100% British grown despite scorching summer eetabix is pleased to confirm that following the earliest Northamptonshire harvest in its 85year history, it will once again be able to meet its commitment to sourcing all of its Weetabix wheat from British farms within 50 miles of its Burton Latimer mill.

A record-breaking hot dry summer, following a wet start and extended cold spell in April, created challenging growing conditions for the local farmers on which Weetabix relies. Since 2010, weather permitting, Weetabix’s Growers Group of approximately 160 local farmers have provided all of the high quality British wheat that makes it into each and every bowl of Weetabix.

Hitesh Bhatia, Strategic Sourcing Manager at Weetabix said: “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our farmers, I can confirm that once again every single one of the 365 grains found in each Weetabix biscuit will come from local farms.

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We work closely with our Growers Group to secure the highest quality British wheat produced to the most responsible standards.”

Instead of buying wheat on the open market, Weetabix exclusively buys wheat for Weetabix biscuits from two local wheat merchants, Gleadell and Fengrain. Each sources grain from farms committed to the Weetabix Growers Group protocol which governs quality, consistency, traceability, environmental sustainability. All 160 farms must also lie within 50 miles of the Weetabix factory in Burton Latimer.

Farmer James Wheeler, whose farm in Northamptonshire supplies wheat through Gleadell to Weetabix, said: “Being part of the Growers Group means we operate to strict protocols and work closely with Weetabix. This makes sure the very best British wheat makes it to breakfast tables. In return, we get information to continuously improve our output. For example, for every truck of harvested wheat tipped at Weetabix’s manufacturing plant in

06 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

Burton Latimer, we receive a text back that tells us key information about the quality of our grain. This helps us monitor our harvest output in real time.”

Jonathan Lane, Trading Director at grain merchants Gleadell, said: “It’s terrific to see British farmers delivering such a good quality harvest under challenging conditions. They are not alone in facing weather related challenges.

Farmers right across Northern

Europe and Scandinavia have had to deal with difficult growing conditions.”

Weetabix has proudly produced Britain’s favourite breakfast cereal from its Burton Latimer factory in Northamptonshire for over 80 years.

Made from 100 per cent wholegrain, a serving of Weetabix is high in fibre as well as being low in fat, sugar and salt; making it the perfect way to start the day.

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| News

New Zealand’s Resilient Farmer tours Scotland New Zealand farmer and motivational speaker, Doug Avery, who published his award-winning book, The Resilient Farmer, last year, will be giving a series of talks across Scotland in September and October 2018. The tour, Drought, Adversity and Breaking New Ground, is organised by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) and farming charity RSABI, with the support of Ross-shire farmer John Scott, star of This Farming Life, and the talks will be free to attend. he South Island farmer, who has overcome severe drought and earthquakes which debilitated his business and triggered mental health challenges, will be visiting key rural events and areas in his first-ever formal tour of Scotland. Highlights include a talk prior to the Border Union Ram Sales in Kelso, as well as at the Thainstone, Lanark and Orkney Marts.

Mr Avery will also visit the Scottish Parliament and attend the Helping It Happen Awards, organised by Scottish Land and Estates, in Edinburgh.

Alan Laidlaw, CEO of RHASS, said: “In a time of unprecedented change and challenge, this is a great opportunity to hear from someone who has made changes and come through the other side, and for us all to think differently about our own businesses and our sector. We are delighted to secure such a comprehensive tour from a great speaker.”

Mr Avery, who has been awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to agriculture and mental health, and his wife, Wendy, were driven to the edge of despair in the wake of several years of drought and two severe earthquakes. Forced to look at

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alternatives for their 2400-hectare farming business in South Malborough, he attended a seminar in Christchurch by a senior plant science professor of Lincoln University, Dr Derrick Moot, which inspired them to adapt their farm-management systems to take advantage of the now very dry conditions. They started growing lucerne, or alfafa, for grazing their livestock, and despite the initial cynicism from their neighbours, they have transformedtheir business. The farm has increased its income tenfold in the last 10 years, and it is now one of the top performing beef and sheep enterprises in New Zealand.

Chief Executive of RSABI, Nina Clancy, said: “Doug has been through it all and shown how a change of approach and mindset can turn a negative into an extraordinary positive, showing there is always a way forward. As we face the uncertainty of what comes post-Brexit and the challenges of poor weather, the timing of Doug’s visit couldn’t be better. His insights will give inspiration to anyone looking or needing to change their approach to business and/or life. His story is inspiring, and he is an entertaining speaker, combining humour with deeper messages, well worth a listen.”

The Averys set up Resilient Farmer as a

result of their own experience, an enterprise which works collaboratively with innovative businesses to promote and assist other farmers to make a similar journey to a more resilient future. This includes the recently launched “Woolshed Workshops” which focus on personal life and business skills for farmers. Mr Avery’s book, The Resilient Farmer, followed in 2017 and was New Zealand’s largest publishers’ second best-selling book that year.

Since launching his book he has spoken to over 11,000 people in New Zealand and Australia, not only in farming circles but also in urban organisations, schools and rugby circles.

Doug Avery will be giving his talk, Drought, Adversity and Breaking New Ground, in Kelso, Perth, Forfar, Thainstone, Cairngorms, Thurso, Orkney, Lanark, Dumfries, Ayr, Oban, Mull, Stirling and Edinburgh. For a full list of dates see www.dougaveryscotland.co.uk.

The talks are free and open to anyone interested in his story and changing mindset to address challenges. Most events are ticketed due to venue restrictions, so must be prebooked. Tickets can be booked on the website.

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

Lean in for sustainable farming Ideas used by the worlds of management and manufacturing could be the magic formula to planet-friendly global world food production, shows fresh research into fruit farming. o keep up with soaring food demand from the exploding population, experts straddling several fields widely agree that the global food system must become more sustainable.

‘Lean thinking’, originally Toyota’s recipe to cut waste in car manufacturing, has been thoughta potential formula for sustainable global food supply chains for about 10 years.

But this is the first time researchers factor in the larger landscape, looking from field level up at forward integrated supply chains for fruit, rather than muchstudied red meat.

“One key finding is that growers need to talk to their stakeholders more,” said Dr Manoj Dora atBrunel University London.

“In the past, these farmers just kept producing endlessly, which caused a lot of waste and led to considerable losses of money. But now, incorporating lean

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management methods into their day-to-day operations, suppliers are starting to respond to demand.”

Lean thinking can help farmers simplify the farming process, eliminate waste and improve productivity. The added benefit of that is that it can also be green.

“When you use fewer resources,” said Dora, “you use less energy, less water – those are the extra advantages of applying lean.”

The international research team tracked four large South African apple and pear growers trading as two separate co-ops in the Western Cape’s Ceres and Elgin districts. Researchers wanted to see how growers modify practices to bolster productivity and sustainability as international and local fresh fruit suppliers. The two co-ops run forward integrated supply chains spanning cold storage, packing packaging, transport, marketing and sales.

This means they prioritise customer needs when they control and talk to the supply chain.

08 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

All four growers aimed to bring in new practices and technologies to maximise yield, reduce food waste and use resources more efficiently. Tending to be risk averse, they introduced innovations on an informal ‘try it first, see if it works’ basis. This created in a system highly integrated with traditional farming and neat at reducing waste.

“Only six or seven years ago we were exporting to sixty-four countries,” said one of the growers. “Now we export to more than one hundred countries. Yes, this can be complex, but it is also beneficial. Some clients might order less than planned for, whilst others may order more, the diversity of the portfolio helps to balance things out in the end.”

Marrying up production with consumer demand – or using pull, rather than push production – was a key challenge. Growers tackled this with a forward contracting process with buyers putting in initial orders a year ahead, then cementing the final figures a few

weeks before the delivery date.

Adjusting the shape, height and widths of rows of trees is another innovation that cut waste and tractor use and made picking more productive.

“One key finding is that growers need to talk to their stakeholders more” “The study highlights how we adjust lean to the particular agricultural sector,” Dora adds, “where we see variations in seasonality, weather conditions, soil, moisture – how do we adjust for all those contingency factors.

“If a car company can use it, then why can’t it help farmers become more efficient too?”

However, this is about “growing apples, not cars”. Applying lean to agriculture, he warns, is not straightforward, and needs continuous adjustment and improvement.

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| Feature

Inspired Meadows is a company dedicated to addressing the ever-increasing burial space crisis in the UK Since the BBC reported on the crisis in 2013, this has become a growing public concern. n the report, it was discovered that by 2020 there would be no burial space left in the UK. The situation is escalating to the point that, in many cemeteries, people are literally being buried on top of each other, while others are being removed from their final resting places to make space for others. Five hundred thousand people a year pass away in the UK and that means the situation is only going to get worse. This is why more and more people are looking for alternative burial and cremation options.

Natural and ecological burial sites are growing in popularity, but we have seen that the gap between the traditional church burials and the ecological ones is huge. For the person who either wishes to be buried in a church, or be cremated and their ashes spread, the gulf between traditional and ecological makes it too much of a leap. What we plan to do at Inspired Meadows is bridge the gap and make this new option the option of choice.

We are creating some of the most beautiful and environmentally responsible resting places in the UK, offering serene, picturesque and

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tranquil places for friends and family to come and remember their loved ones. Unlike crowded cemeteries, our locations are made up of large individual memorial gardens. Each garden presents the opportunity to lay a natural stone memorial, plant a tree and sow wild flower seeds. Over time each individual garden will combine and join with the landscape to form a natural legacy of stunning meadows and woodland glades.

Our beautiful 23-acre site in the Lake District will soon be opening and to follow this we are looking to roll out our project across the UK. To enable rapid growth, Inspired Meadows is currently looking to form partnerships with landowners across the UK to commercialise hard-to-sell or low-value land and convert them into significant income streams.

To drive sales forward, we are putting a huge amount of resources into the sales and marketing of these sites in order to encourage people to organise their end-of-life plans by pre-purchasing their plots. This national advertising campaign will be multifaceted to include: digital and social media; a television advert; traditional marketing methods which will include regional telemarketing campaigns. We

can also offer full merchant and finance facilities to facilitate plot purchases.

Inspired Meadows cover all costs of the entire planning process, as well as managing all sales, marketing and operational aspects of day-to-day running. We estimate the planning process to take no longer than six to eight months, dependent on local planning authority waiting time.

For the land to be considered suitable, there needs to be good road access, a minimum of 5 acres and no ground water issues. Land would need to be vetted, but we will manage the entire process. The initial development of the land would very much depend on the current condition. However, once planning is granted, the use of 3D virtual reality programming will enable us to commence sales and marketing with immediate effect.

This is a gateway opportunity into the highly lucrative, funeral-care market that is currently worth ÂŁ2 billion annually in the UK alone. This can only increase when you consider by 2035 UK population is set to rise to 73.2 million.

If you are a landowner looking for new opportunities we would love to hear from you.

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 09

| On Topic

World-first Hands Free Hectare project completes second harvest The Hands Free Hectare (HFHa) team has successfully harvested their second crop using their autonomous combine harvester and achieved unloading on the move for the first time with their ISEKI tractor. he world-first project, run by Harper Adams University and Precision Decisions, returned in November of last year after receiving funding from the AHDB to grow a crop of winter wheat, with the aim to improve the machinery’s accuracy and so improve field coverage, ultimately leading to a more competitive yield.

Drilling misses fell from 2.82 per cent in the first year of the project to 0.35 percent this year, helping the team achieve a respectable overall yield of 6.5 tonnes, despite a late drilling and busy schedules.

Mechatronics Engineer for Precision Decisions Martin Abell said: “We’re pleased with our harvest, but our key achievement this year was completing a rolling team. Last year, we tried an unload on the move, but we weren’t able to get out tractor close enough to the Sampo combine because of the accuracy issues we were experiencing with the control systems at the time.

“We have continued to make improvements

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to our system on the tractor, including adding an auto-start so we can start it remotely if required. We enhanced the auto-pilot in time for drilling which led to improved driving accuracy and therefore an increased field coverage.

“Thanks to these improvements, this year, we were also able to run the rolling team; unloading grain from the combine into a trailer behind our tractor which was running alongside it, which makes the harvest process far more efficient and quicker to complete. This was something we’d talked about doing before the project had even begun; we’d laughed and joked and said it would be the icing on the cake and it was great it worked this year.

“We still had a little involvement with the tractor through the remote control, just to ensure it got onto the right line, but once it was there, it drove itself to within a 5cm accuracy.

Our combine ran autonomously throughout the cutting, and yet again it completed the headland turns without a problem.”

Alongside harvest, the team invited Caroline Dawson from local catering company Fodder in

10 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

the Field to cook fresh pizzas at the side of the hectare, using ‘hands free’ wheat from the field itself.

Jonathan Gill, Mechatronics Researcher at Harper Adams University, said: “It was brilliant to have Caroline with us, milling the flour and making fresh pizzas throughout the day. It really demonstrated the field-to-fork food chain in operation; you can’t beat eating a fresh pizza while watching our autonomous combine continuing to harvest the crop in the hectare.”

But what’s next for the team that has exceeded all expectations? Jonathan added: “We’ve been working on this project for the past two years to really tight deadlines. We’re really pleased with what we’ve achieved; starting out with nothing in October 2016 to being able to drill with the tractor in May 2017, harvesting in the September, and then turning everything round ready to plant the wheat for a second growing season in November.

“For the next year we’re putting a cover crop into the hectare, this will protect the land as we use it as a test space while we continue to

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| On Topic

improve our technology, which we haven’t been able to do while growing cereal crops in the field.

“During the past two years we’ve come across a number of technological challenges that we simply haven’t had the time to overcome. This next year is a great opportunity to address them.

“We’ll also be taking on new and exciting challenges, including working on our tractor so that it can drive itself from the shed to the field.

We plan to integrate technology from selfdriving cars and will need to get the tractor interacting with its surroundings, including, for example, the gate so that it opens and closes when the tractor enters the hectare.”

Kit Franklin, Agricultural Engineering Lecturer added: “We’ve had an amazing couple of years, and we’d like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters for all of their help; we couldn’t have done it without them.

“From the first year of the project, we gained worldwide attention, with articles, blogs and broadcast items appearing in 85 countries.

Following this, we were invited to talk at conferences and events in various countries,

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including me speaking at the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference at the start of this year, which to achieve at only 27-years-old was amazing.

“Then in June we held live demonstrations of the combine harvester at Cereals, which was the first time it had been operated outside of the plot at the university. Although the first demonstration didn’t go to plan the second went incredibly smoothly, but that’s what we’re all about. We want to share the bumps along the road; the warts and all. This is the first time it's ever been done in the world, so we always knew it wouldn’t be easy.

“The successful demonstration was then followed by a rush to get from Cambridge to Bristol for the BBC Food and Farming Awards, where we were extremely pleased to be awarded their Future Food Award.

“We’ve also been to Buckingham Palace this year, where the University was awarded its Queen’s Anniversary Prize, and we’ve received the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) Team Achievement Award.

“The HFHa has been a life-changing project that we’re all so pleased to have had a part in.”

The Hands Free Hectare is a project, run by Harper Adams University, based in Shropshire, England and Precision Decisions in York, England, that set out in October 2016 to be the first in the world to plant, tend and harvest a crop remotely, using automated machines.

The first crop of spring barley was successfully harvested in September 2017 and the second crop, which this press releases relates to, was winter wheat.

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 11

| Arable

Sky high yields in the Lincolnshire Wolds Despite one of the wettest springs and driest summers on record, Lincs farmer Tim Lamyman, has managed to harvest 15.38t/ha from his crop of LG Skyscraper wheat. n what has been a really challenging season to get yields like this from a variety the first time we have grown it is tremendous. It’s one of the boldest samples I have seen in a wheat since we grew Oakley back in 2008 producing a specific weight of 84.”

Mr Lamyman chose to grow LG Skyscraper for its very high yield potential and the combination of plant characteristics offered by the variety . “It’s the highest yielding candidate in the 2018 AHDB Recommended List trials at 109% of control, so we had the right mix of good soils offering the potential to develop well-structured root systems enabling easier nutrient uptake and a high yielding variety from the start.”

The very same 8ha field in which the LG Skyscraper was grown, grew a record breaking crop of LG Stallion peas last year.

The crop was drilled on 24th September at a seed rate of

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175kg/ha into a field which is a grade 2 chalky loam, that had been pressed followed by two passes with a Lemkin Terradisc and then finished with a Vaaderstat carrier (discs and crumble roller).

Once satisfied with the seed bed, LG Skyscraper was drilled by a Vaaderstat Rapid with the coulters set at a 4 inch row width, and finally rolled.

Mr Lamyman puts down his high yields, which includes this year’s OSR record yield of 7.01t/ha, to a good foliar feed programme, which he says helps to encourage deeper rooting in the winter relieving heat stress in the summer.

“Little and often is my philosophy to meet the crop’s growing needs; a healthy well-fed crop will be better at resisting debilitating disease,” he says.

“Between sowing and midNovember the crop had 3 applications of Delta K which went on with an insecticide, a herbicide and then on its own. After that the weather closed in, and it was very

12 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

cold and wet, so we didn’t do much more with the crop until the spring.”

With regards to nitrogen applications, the crop received a total of 360kg/ha spread over several applications between February and May, he says.

“I can’t say enough how pleased I am with the way that the

crop has performed in what has been a really challenging season. I will definitely be growing the variety again next year - there are always learnings to be had when growing a new variety. I say it takes four years of growing a variety to really get to know it and to grow it to its full potential.”

Fungicide inputs • Seed treatment Redigo Deter +GPA +FC • T0 – Cherokee + Modus (50ml) + Chlormequot (1 litre) + Delta K • T1 – Same as T0 + Growth regulator + Ascara X Pro (1.2litre) + Delta K + 1-4-ALL • T1.5 – Folicur (0.5litre) + Cerone (0.5 litre) + Tip Top (2.5 litre) + Magnesium (0.5 litre) • T2 – Elatus Era (1 litre) + Cerone (0.25 litre) + Tip Top (2.5 litre) + Magnesium (0.5 litre) + Boron (1 litre) + Bravo (1 litre) • T3 – Folicur (0.25 litre) + Proline (0.55 litre) + Amistar Opti (1 litre) + X-Stress (1 litre) + ToPPit (2 litre) + Calflux (0.5 litre) • T4 – Folicur (0.5 litre) + X-Stress (1 litre) + ToPPit (3 litre) + Calflux (0.5 litre)

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| Arable

Harvest and storage of pulses PGRO offer insight and recommendations... ombining pea and field bean desiccation If the crop is infested with green weedy material or has a few late set pods that are still green, application of a desiccant will aid combining. As well as increasing production costs there may also be loss of crop from the passage of the sprayer when desiccating. Desiccation will not advance seed maturity and has a slow effect on green stems. It is important to apply the desiccant at the correct stage of maturity.

Application before this stage may result in reduced yield or loss of seed quality.

The most widely used material is diquat. A non-ionic surfactant can be added (but before spraying consult the processor in the case of crops grown for human consumption).

Moisture content of combining peas seed should have fallen to 40-45%. At this stage the seed is mature, and the crop yellow, lowest pods nearly brown and at the dry, ‘parchment’ stage, those higher up being yellow. The seed within the pods should easily detach from their stalks and feel rubbery. If the desiccant is used too early, yields may be reduced and quality affected.

Apply when 90% of field bean pods are dry and black and most of the seed is dry. At this stage, most of the leaves have senesced and fallen but the stems are still green. The contact action is fast, and harvesting can be carried out 4-7 days later.

Glyphosate is not a true desiccant but can be used as a pre-harvest treatment to control perennial weeds. It must not be used on crops destined for seed.

Combining pea harvest Care should be taken in harvesting peas, and if destined for the packet trade, chip shop or export, value is reduced if pea seed is ‘bleached’ by the sun.

Quality can be affected by wet weather at harvest causing staining in a lodged crop. If moisture content is low (~12%, or if they are over-dried), the crop may be unsuitable for human consumption, the percentage of 'non-soakers' increases and the seed may split and crack. Peas for micronising for pet food must also have a good blue/green colour.

Yield is lost if peas are left too long in the field and shelling out and pod shatter occurs.

Tips for combining: >Combine in the opposite direction or at an angle to the

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direction of lodging. >Lifting fingers are essential at least one every fourth position. >Adjustments may be necessary to lower the cutter bar close to the soil surface. >The reel is positioned slightly forward of the cutter bar and speed adjusted to lift the crop onto it. >Combine settings - peas are easy to thresh so drum speed should be set to a low setting as per manufacturers recommendation. >The concave should be opened up to reduce time the crop is in contact with the drum. Use high fan setting. >The appropriate screen size for peas must be used. >Quality is reduced by soil contamination. Do not combine when there is surface moisture on the haulm, or when the soil is wet, and make sure the combine is clean.

Peas can be combined when moisture content of the mature seed is 18% MC, and higher quality seed and human consumption is often achieved by early combining at 18-20% MC, followed by careful drying. This avoids damage to the seed coat, and a higher percentage of nonsoakers. Do not leave peas in the field until 12% MC. If peas are required for animal feed, they can be combined at moisture content lower than 18% and drying costs are reduced. At low moistures the seed may split, but split peas are still acceptable for animal feed. However, harvesting at such low moisture content may well significantly reduce the recoverable yield due to pod shatter and shelling out.

Where possible, crops should be direct combined without preharvest desiccation, only practical in a dry harvest, in a weed-free crop that is dying back evenly.

Field bean harvest Beans are often perceived as being able to withstand harvest delays long after other crops such as cereals have been harvested.

Other operations, including seedbed preparations and oilseed rape sowing, can often take priority over bean harvest.

However, once beans are ready to harvest the quality will begin to deteriorate. If pods split and beans are exposed to light this will cause the seed coat to darken and increase the amount of crop loss during harvesting. When mature, cycles of wet and dry weather increase the chances of staining if they are not harvested. Quality is key to achieve the human

consumption premium.

Drying and storage for combining peas and field beans The quality standard for peas and beans is usually 14% moisture content (MC) with 2% impurities, or a combination of the two that should not exceed 16%. Drying can be more difficult with peas and beans than with cereals due to seed size, and while damaged produce is acceptable for compounding, mouldy produce is not. Peas and beans should not be over-dried and at higher temperatures texture may be affected and peas may split.

The large size of bean seeds makes drying difficult as they have a low resistance to air flow. It takes time to move moisture from the inside to the outside hence slow, gentle drying with ambient air is best.

There are several types of dryer that may be used for peas and beans, but those operating at low temperatures are safer. * Floor-ventilated bins are easy and relatively safe to operate.

When the initial moisture content is high, the transfer of the produce from bin to bin and the use of warmed air together with adequate ventilation may be necessary to avoid mould developing in the upper layers. * Radially-ventilated bins allow faster drying than floor-ventilated bins, but care must be taken not to overheat peas and beans. * On-floor drying using ambient or warmed air can be used, and provided there is

sufficient volume of air and adequate ventilation, peas of relatively high moisture content can be dried using this method.

Care must be taken not to load beans too deep if moisture content is high and if lateral ducts are spaced wider than 1m. * Continuous flow driers designed to work on a short period/high temperature basis need more careful operation than other systems for peas. Use of continuous flow driers should be avoided where quality is important since they may cause cracking.

For safe storage, the maximum moisture content of peas depends upon the method and the length of time they are to be stored. Peas may be safely stored for up to 4 weeks at 17% MC, but if they are to be stored until the following spring, the moisture content should not be above 15%. If the peas are in bulk with forced ventilation or frequently moved, the moisture content can be 1% higher.

Storage in dark areas is recommended for beans destined for the human consumption market to delay the development of tannins which cause beans to discolour. Beans must be dried down to 14% MC for long-term storage in bulk - this is important since beans are often stored for some time before they are sold.

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 13

| Arable

Groundwork for playing with the architecture of plants Growing tomatoes to the same height so that they can be easily picked by a harvesting robot or growing deeper roots where the soil is dry: scientists from Wageningen University & Research have shown how to stimulate stem cells in a specific spot, enabling such adaptations of plant architecture possible in the future. “We’re talking about proving a simple model for organising stem cells at a precise location in the plant,” says Ben Scheres, professor in Development Biology. The research was recently published in Genes & Development. rofessor Scheres has been studying the Arabidopsis plant for many years in order to understand how plants program their stem cells in the seeds and reprogram them in the lateral roots: “Stem cells produce new plant tissue and continue to make new leaves, flowers and roots throughout the plant’s life span. Our research shows that two very different systems collaborate in the plant root to determine to a very precise level where those stem cells should be.”

Flexible systems Both systems are extremely flexible: one constantly reacts to the quantity of the plant hormone auxin, which is always in flux, while the other responds to the changing movement of a protein in

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different locations such as the root tips, in recently developed lateral roots and during the regeneration (recovery) of damaged roots,” says Scheres. “This knowledge will ultimately help us adapt the architecture of the plant, generating a variety of new applications for agriculture and horticulture.”

Three lines of research This work brings together three lines of years-long fundamental research. The first involves the hormone auxin and stem cells (via the PLT genes); a system for position determination that works from top to bottom and affects development of the stem cells.

“We now combined this knowledge to the results of a study into the role of the vascular bundle in stem cell development (via the SCR gene),” explains Scheres.

“This position determination

14 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

system works from the inside out.”

The two systems appear to work together in switching on one of the best described stem cell genes in roots – an ‘organizer’ gene (WOX5) – which has a key role in the preservation of stem cells.

Stem cells in root tips The agricultural sector is constantly looking for ways to develop crops with a higher yield and production. “Deeper insight into the growth and development of the plant are essential in this framework,” Scheres continues.

“When you cut off a root tip, you can actually see the stem cells under the microscope. The new research enables us to understand how new stem cells are programmed. This knowledge can also help accurately steer the regeneration (recovery) of plants from proliferating cells – an important process in horticulture –

“We now combined this knowledge to the results of a study into the role of the vascular bundle in stem cell development (via the SCR gene),” explains Scheres. “This position determination system works from the inside out.” through the genes.”

The next step for the research team is to actually adapt the architecture of a crop. “We already have a few ideas in this regard, although I cannot reveal concrete examples at this point. In the future we may be able to predict from the drawing board: ‘this is how to make more and thicker roots’ or ‘this allows us to align all the leaves’.”

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| Arable

From tea leaves to fertiliser… Nestlé EVERYDAY is looking for partners to create a sustainable solution that enhances agricultural productivity New initiative aims to create a zero-waste and cost-effective tea based fertiliser solution in Pakistan, enabling farmers to do the right thing for the planet without making commercial compromises ENRi@Nestlé, Nestlé’s open innovation platform, and Nestlé EVERYDAY the biggest tea creamer in Pakistan, are looking for partners to reduce tea waste and increase agricultural yields by creating an environmentally friendly, economical and natural fertiliser for Pakistani farmers.

100 billion cups of tea are consumed every year in Pakistan alone, producing approximately 200,000 tonnes of used tea leaves.

Tea leaves contain nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium: the three major nutrients that qualify any compost as a quality fertiliser.

Together, these nutrients improve soil quality – maintain moisture and increase oxygen levels.

With this in mind, Nestlé

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EVERYDAY is looking for partners – whether start-ups, innovators, waste management companies, or other corporate partners – to harness the potential of used tea leaves and create a potentially game-changing product.

The project consists of three phases. The first phase of the project involves finding a way to procure wasted tea. In the second phase, Nestlé EVERYDAY will collaborate with a partner to convert collected tea into a fertiliser – ideally through a composting process to further enhance its impact. Finally, the product will be commercialised and sold to local farmers as a costeffective and environmentallyfriendly solution.

This project will be piloted in Pakistan, where agriculture is the largest economic sector, with 47%

of the land (30,440,000ha.) used for arable farming. The project will then be expanded into other major tea producing markets like India and China.

Muhammad Fahad, Marketing Manager Tea Enhancement and Open Innovation Lead for Nestlé Pakistan said: “As a company, our ambition isn’t limited to how consumers experience our products, it’s also about the impact we have on the communities we operate in and the world around us. We know that there’s a huge opportunity to positively affect the lives and livelihoods of millions by creating a compost product out of used tea.

That’s why we’re looking for partners to collaborate with us.

The right product could offer an environmentally friendly, zerowaste solution to enhance

agricultural productivity around the world.”

Gerardo Mazzeo, Global Innovation Director at Nestlé, said: “We’re looking for effective and creative partners to bring this initiative to fruition. This is a sustainable solution that could safeguard the environment and contribute to cleaner, greener practice for years to come. It will also help farmers to access a costeffective fertiliser solution, so they can do the right thing for the planet without making commercial compromises. Initiatives like this are a good example of HENRi’s overarching purpose - to positively impacting individuals, society and the planet.”

More information can be found here: https://henri.nestle.com/liveprojects/everyday-evergreenutilising-wasted-tea-fertiliser

Gibbons Agricultural confirms Midlands Machinery Show appearance Amid a successful harvest season supplying its high-performance steel and aluminium grain store fans and providing on-site farm services, Gibbons Agricultural has also been busy preparing for its appearance at the Midlands Machinery Show in November. rganised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural society, The Midlands Machinery Show features the latest innovations in agricultural machinery on display to thousands of visitors – a perfect platform for Gibbons to showcase its range of crop-cooling fans and grain store temperature control systems.

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“The Midlands Machinery Show offers us a great chance to show farmers not only our best-selling steel and aluminium pedestal fans but also our comprehensive range of agricultural products and services” Sized from 0.13kW to 2.2kW, Gibbons’ robust, reliable fans include single phase and three phase pedestal fans as well as Airspear® fans for the elimination of hotspots. All fans are fitted with a 3-pin UK connection and the entire range comes with a five-year manufacturer’s

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warranty for complete peace of mind.

At the event, held from November 21-22 at Newark Showground, Lincolnshire, Gibbons will have an expert agricultural team on hand at its eye-catching stand, helping farmers receive the most energy-efficient system for their needs.

Farmers will also have the opportunity to find out about the Gibbons Plug&Cool™ Barn System – a packaged solution of grain fans, pedestals, starters and extension cables that allows users to automatically manage crop temperature from a single control panel.

Once the desired temperature is set, wireless probes placed in the grain pile communicate continuously with the fully-equipped panel to ensure consistent and accurate temperature control.

Every Plug&Cool™ Barn System is bespoke designed, with the capacity for multiple fans within crop stores of all sizes.

In addition, Gibbons will be promoting its range of electrical and mechanical products for agricultural processes, including electric motors, gearboxes, pumps and control panels.

The team will also be chatting to farmers about

Gibbons’ extensive electrical services for farm buildings, such as wiring, mains power, socket outlets and lighting.

Gibbons Agricultural Manager Josie Pickard is excited about the company’s debut appearance at the annual show: “We can’t wait to meet farmers from across the UK to chat about the challenges of this year’s harvest and to see how we can help them going into 2019 and beyond.

“The Midlands Machinery Show offers us a great chance to show farmers not only our best-selling steel and aluminium pedestal fans but also our comprehensive range of agricultural products and services that can save them money and make their lives easier during one of their busiest periods.”

For all enquiries, call Gibbons Agricultural Manager Josie Pickard on 01621 868 138 or email fans@gibbonsgroup.co.uk

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 15

| Arable

William Nicholl

Underinsurance warning for farmers, after hot summer pushes up crop values Farmers are being warned that they are running the risk of being underinsured, after the sustained hot summer sparked a hike in crop values. he value of wheat, hay, straw, cereals, and other arable crops has soared following months of hot, dry weather, prompting Lycetts to urge farmers to check their insurance cover is adequate, particularly when it comes to crop storage.

For example, average hay and straw prices have almost doubled in some parts of the UK, yet many

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policies only insure stacks up to the value of £30,000.

Farmers can take steps, such as splitting up stacks and ensuring they are kept at least 20 metres apart, but they also advised to contact their insurance provider to check they have the correct level of cover.

William Nicholl, head of rural at Lycetts, said: “This summer has been a challenging one. The adverse weather resulted in low

16 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

crop yields, which has inevitably pushed up prices and affected market values.

“With so much to deal with, insurance may be the last thing on farmers’ minds but it is even more imperative that farmers are adequately covered, given the trying times.

“Some farmers may not be aware that the increase in wheat values, for example, means that their grain store is holding a higher

value of wheat than in previous years, which would have an impact on the policy limit.

“And if a fire ripped through underinsured hay stacks farmers could face losing thousands of pounds on a claim – with an even keener blow being felt if the farmer had to buy in or supplement the crop in question, due to poor harvests.”

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| Arable

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

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September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Arable

Trailblazing Tomatoes Fruitful partnership for graduate. n award-winning high-yield farming system developed by young entrepreneur is currently being trialled in Wales.

Entrepreneur Adam Dixon, a Cardiff University School of Engineering graduate, has teamed up with Aberystwyth University to grow two tonnes of tomatoes in a small greenhouse this summer, using his patented Phytoponics system.

Phytoponics is an agricultural start-up cofounded with Luke Parkin and born out of Adam’s hydroponic hobby.

The trial is designed to show investors the potential of the system, which produces high yields and uses 10 times less land and water than other agricultural processes, with no use of pesticides and herbicides.

Harvesting will continue into November with plans to upscale to a commercial-size pilot farm following completion.

Described as a ‘Jacuzzi in a bag’, the Phytoponics system rolls out and inflates to provide a safe haven for a range of commercial

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plants, from salads to vines, growing plants very fast.

The sealed unit delivers nutrient-rich water to roots through an integrated aerator whilst keeping moisture in, and pests out.

Adam said, “Taking a small 50m2 greenhouse to grow two tonnes of tomatoes in 6 months is a great accomplishment, but I think in Wales and the UK we need to produce much more if we are to become self-sufficient in growing our own fruits and vegetables as a country.

“Wales has many agricultural challenges due to its difficult geography of mountains and saline soils. I believe there is a great opportunity for Wales to implement new advanced technologies including Phytoponics to tackle food security sustainably and become less reliant on imports.”

Phytoponics and Adam have already clinched a string of awards including Innovative Start-Up of the Year at the Wales Start Up Awards 2017, UN Young Champion of The Earth for Europe 2017, and the Shell LiveWIRE

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Smarter Future Award 2017.

This year, Adam is one of three UN Young Champions of the Earth to be selected as a Climate Trailblazer in the run-up to the Global Climate Action Summit, which takes place in San Francisco later this month.

The Climate Trailblazers have been chosen from around the world and reflect the global nature of the Global Climate Action Summit, which aims to bring together the best in international climate change activity.

Adam, who has proved himself as an emerging voice with a passion for climate issues, has been chosen to represent Europe and is spreading awareness of the Summit’s ambitious goals in the lead up to the event; showing that passionate, everyday people can do extraordinary things if they choose to act.

The first harvest of tomatoes (Roma Returno) from the trial has been sold to local customers including Chef Matteo Monacelli, from the Royal Pier, Aberystwyth.

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| Arable

New cases of lettuce Fusarium wilt confirmed New outbreaks of lettuce Fusarium wilt have been confirmed at sites in Lancashire and Ireland, with a further case identified in Cambridgeshire this summer. o prevent further spread of the disease, growers are reminded to implement good crop hygiene and seek early diagnosis where cases are suspected.

First identified in the UK in October 2017, these latest cases confirm the spread of the potentially devastating disease. All have been identified in protected lettuce crops, which are grown in greenhouses.

Trials are currently underway at University of Warwick as part of AHDB Horticulture’s SCEPTREplus project to test the impact of plant protection products on the disease. New AHDB-funded work will start this autumn to find out more about the biology of lettuce Fusarium wilt.

Lettuce and baby leaf salad production was valued at £171 million in the UK in 2017.

Kim Parker, Crop Protection Scientist, AHDB, said: “The effective use of techniques to detect

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the strain of the disease identified in the UK – lettuce Fusarium wilt race 4 – in samples has provided the opportunity for prompt disease diagnosis. This has enabled affected growers to implement measures to minimise disease spread.”

The University of Warwick has used conventional and molecular techniques as part of work to detect presence of the disease.

Dr John Clarkson, who leads the AHDBfunded research on the disease, explained: “Lettuce Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne disease that can survive in soil for several years, so rigorous hygiene is essential to prevent disease spread between crops, glasshouses, nurseries and plant propagators.”

Guidelines and recommendations • Review hygiene procedures across your business • Where possible restrict access to cropping areas • Seek prompt diagnosis

• Cut plants in half to check for red / brown staining in the root • Free diagnosis is available from University of Warwick • Soil should not be rotovated or spread to other areas of the nursery if disease is confirmed • Infected plant material should be uprooted and burned. Do not bury the material in soil or add to discard piles or compost areas • Consider leaving affected areas uncropped or plant a non-host crop • For protected cropping, Basamid (dazomet) is approved for disinfestation of soil before planting (one application in every third year) • A technical review, summarising the current information on the disease and potential management strategies, as well as hygiene guidance can be found at horticulture.ahdb.org.uk/lettuce-fusarium-wiltand-root-rot.

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Arable

Tillage live 2018 Unique event offers visitors the chance to get up close to the latest tillage machinery, sprayers and guidance equipment. ow in its 27th year Tillage-Live returns to Scotland this autumn, organised by the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) on behalf of the industry, the event takes place on Wednesday 26th September 2018 at Dunbar, East Lothian.

The AEA have once again assembled leading machinery manufacturers for demonstrations of cultivation equipment including ploughs, cultivators, conventional, strip tillage and direct drills.

In the live demonstration area there will be an opportunity to see the new Amazone Centaya airdrill together with the Ceus cultivator, alongside Amazone's range of min-till

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cultivators, ploughs and trailed drills.

Other working demonstrations will include, the Vaderstad Carrier CrossCutter and Ferox Cultivator, the Lemken Diamant 16 VT semi mounted reversible plough which has many updated features including, wider offset for onland ploughing and a new hydraulic depth system for the depth wheel and Dale Drills new banded-coulter for seed and fertilizer, together with their new cover crop cutting disc system.

Other exhibitors showcasing a full range of arable machinery and tractors include John Deere, Horsch, Kuhn, Kverneland, New Holland, Pottinger, Vicon and Vogelsang.

The technical-trade static exhibition area also provides an opportunity to discuss new ideas with industry-leading experts. This year’s

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knowledge trails include a look at soils and cover crops as well as tyres and soil protection.

Kayleigh Holden, Event Organiser, explained, "The AEA are delighted to return to Scotland which we last visited in 2012. The site in Dunbar offers excellent facilities for manufacturers to showcase their machinery to potential customers and visitors alike and we would like to thank Eweford Farm for hosting the 2018 event."

This year’s Tillage-Live takes place on Wednesday 26th September 2018 at Dunbar, East Lothian. The site is directly off the A1 at Spott Roundabout; please follow the road signs to the visitor's entrance to the event. More information can be found at http://tillagelive.uk.com

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| Root Crops

Potato storage preparation tips Given the dry summer many have experienced, growers may be tempted to leave crops to grow out to maximise yield this season. owever, we would advise to balance this with the need to get crops of the right quality into store in best condition, especially if long-term contracts need to be met.

Achieving adequate skin set is a crucial element of storage preparation. This may be difficult in some varieties but remains important if disease is to be kept at bay and weight loss minimised.

Use an effective desiccation strategy to prepare the crop for storage and plan its use around an efficient store loading plan to minimise down time and periods where stores are left waiting for loading to be completed.

Recent rain will hopefully have eased the risk of bruising, but the hot growing conditions have tended to encourage early dormancy break and sprout growth in short-dormant varieties; these will need cooling quickly or treating with CIPC early to maximise control.

The accumulated heat of the summer means that some crops

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have physiologically aged more than usual this summer. This has shown with both early sprout growth in the ridge (right) and dormancy break immediately after lifting (in early crops). It is logical therefore to expect an increased risk of senescent sweetening problems later in store.

With this in mind, it is worth taking steps to conserve physiological age (i.e. exposure to degreedays) wherever possible during storage.

For example, this might be achieved by using a quicker pulldown than usual or by storing at a lower temperature. The key is to monitor crops closely to ensure that there is regular assessment of quality in relation to market needs.

Some crops that have extensive sprout growth in the field will also need to be watched closely as stores are loaded. Many sprouts will break off during the harvesting process but this potentially provides a point for disease ingress. There are several reports of pink rot (below left) in the field and the risk from fungal infection will be high even if temperatures

Pink rot (left) and late blight (right) infection in tubers

adjust to more seasonal levels, close to 15°C. Late blight (below right, with characteristic rust coloured lesions) also remains a threat in places especially in those crops which may have been infected early in the season.

Disease risk from pink rot could be greatest in crops grown in fields which were waterlogged last year.

If either disease is encountered, reduce temperature as quickly as possible and maintain ventilation until the crop can be assessed fully and, if necessary, moved.

See https://potatoes.ahdb.org.uk/ gallery/potato-diseases for further guidance.

Speaking at a recent AHDB Stategic Potato Farm Field Walk at Somerby Top, near Brigg, Adrian Cunnington from SBCSR reminded delegates to minimise risk by ventilating crops when they first come in store to remove field heat and aerate the stack to aid curing. He said: “Don’t overfill boxes as this constrains airflow at the most critical time for the crop.

If tuber size is below average it also provides additional resistance to air penetration through the

potatoes.”

Mr Cunnington went on to remind growers of the need to minimise temperature differences in storage to manage the risk of condensation. “This can be especially important when field conditions are warm at harvest and a lot of field heat is having to be removed quickly. Humidity can rise quickly as the crop is cooled and it then only needs a small temperature difference to result in free moisture being deposited within the crop” he warned.

You can help by alerting us to cases of sprouting-in-the-ridge, performance of desiccants, rates of skin set etc. by calling the Storage Advice Line.

While we can’t respond to all short messages on the day they arrive, you'll get free initial advice, and keeping us posted will allow us to point the team at specific issues as and when they arise” Storage advice is available from the SBCSR team on 0800 02 82 111

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 21

| Root Crops ''Even those who usually have lots of water have been worried''

“Even farmers that have never needed irrigation before are considering it”

Andrew Howseman with the Lincolnshire Show award

Smart irrigation becoming more attractive option for spuds A sustained dry period, changes in water licences and shortage of labour are making smart irrigation systems more attractive to potato farmers, according to Andrew Howseman of Howseman Agriculture. He will be speaking at the next Agri-Tech East Pollinator event, which is looking at smart irrigation, on 13th September 2018. ven farmers that have never needed irrigation before are considering it after this June,” says Andrew. “We've got people who've

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been irrigating for at least 50-60 days non-stop, which is completely unheard of.

“The season was slow to get started with all of the potato crops and root crops planted late in wet and cold conditions – which

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weren't conducive to good growing –and then the temperatures that we've seen and the prolonged dry hot weather will have had an impact. In my opinion, yield will be affected by both ends of the spectrum.

“Usually, people would irrigate for a couple of weeks and then we would have three quarters of an inch of rain and they'd have a week or ten days off before they started irrigating again. It's normally a bit of an up and down rollercoaster really.

“But this year people started and haven't stopped, to the extent that reservoirs are running out of water and growers have had to prioritise specific crops, such as potatoes over onions and carrots.

That's been the juggling act and it continues to be so.

“A season like this is stretching labour, machinery and resources such as water to breaking point, really.”

This is where the drip system developed by Howseman Agriculture comes into its own. It puts the water where it is need and uses 25-30% less water than a traditional hose and reel system and is much less labour intensive.

Its six row drip-tape layer recently gained an ‘Innovation for Water’ award at the Lincolnshire Show.

Andrew continues: “Although this is an unusual year, even those who usually have lots of water have been worried and these dry spells could become more frequent and licensing stricter.

With our system and a reservoir farmers have some insurance.”

Drip systems are perceived as expensive, but there is so much money riding on a crop of

potatoes that the benefit of controlled water is becoming easier to justify. To help support the business case, Howseman Agriculture has started to offer a six-hectare package of drip tape irrigation together with installation and training so that growers can trial it without a big capital investment.

Andrew says: “We're really pleased to work with Agri-Tech East to help people evaluate new technology. We've got an open door for people to come and have a look around, open days, and if people want to see what we're doing on some of the farms where we operate we are more than happy to extend an invitation for them to come and have a look.”

It seems likely that drier periods will become more frequent in future, which is creating more interest in smart irrigation. This is why Agri-Tech East is featuring this subject in its next Pollinator on 13 September 2018.

The event offers the opportunity to hear, in addition to Andrew: Paul Hammett, National Specialist, Water Resources, National Farmers’ Union; Prof Jerry Knox, Professor of Agricultural Water Management, Cranfield Water Science Institute (CWSI); Steve Moncaster, Supply Demand Strategy Manager, Anglian Water; Ed Bramham-Jones, Farm Advisor, Norfolk Rivers’ Trust; and Nigel Jupe, Chief Executive, Verdesian Ltd. Venue: Easton Campus, Easton and Otley College, Norwich NR9 5DX For more information visit www.agritech-east.co.uk/events

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| Root Crops

New grading and digital sorting line at TH Clements sprouts increased throughput With a passion for producing the freshest vegetables of the very best quality, TH Clements & Son Ltd based in Boston, Lincolnshire, chose Tong Engineering to design a new Brussels sprouts grading and sorting facility, to increase the throughput and efficiency of its Brussels sprouts handling operations.

H Clements harvest over 20 different varieties of Brussels sprouts over 1000 acres across Lincolnshire. Harvesting takes placed between August and March, reaching a peak throughout the festive season.

Supplying to some the UK’s major supermarkets, the company produces high quality Brussels sprouts ranging from whole loose product to bagged, peeled and sliced, distributing them across the UK. In line with the company’s ongoing programme of growth and investment, TH Clements looked to Tong Engineering when the time came to update their existing Brussels sprouts processing operations in order to significantly expand their capabilities.

“Our original Brussels sprouts grading system involved a great deal of manual sorting, and subsequently labour requirements,” explains Graham Neal, Project Manager at TH Clements. “Our throughput capabilities were increasingly limited, and as new and existing contracts developed, we were finding it difficult to achieve the wide range of grading sizes that were demanded by our customers.

Not only that, as the original

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system had been updated over the years, the layout was becoming increasingly inefficient, making equipment difficult to clean and maintain effectively.”

“With this in mind, the decision was made to replace the original system with a new custom-built grading and sorting line from Tong, which incorporated the latest technology for maximum efficiency and productivity,” said Graham. “We needed a new facility that would improve the quality of the grading process, increase throughput capacity and reduce labour requirements. Tong designed a complete Brussels sprout intake and grading system that meets all our grade size requirements and incorporates the new Veryx digital sorter from Key Technology for exceptionally fast and consistent defect sorting.”

The new handling facility gently handles TH Clements’ Brussels Sprouts from receiving the harvested sprouts in boxes to cleaning, drying, grading and defect sorting crop prior to reaching the packing area. The new stainless steel line starts with a Tong box rotator at the infeed, which gently tips crop into a Tong hopper that ensures an even flow of crop over a debris removing screen and overhead crop drying unit. A new Tong Lift Roller Grader size grades the Brussels sprouts to a variety of pre-set grade bands

to suit customer requirements, which can be easily adjusted at the touch of a button with Tong’s advanced Auto-Touch HMI controls.

Defect sorting with the new Veryx sorter from Key Technology means that TH Clements Brussels sprout crop is sorted with increased accuracy and consistency. The innovative sensor technology of the Veryx means that it is the first sorter to deliver total product inspection, ensuring sustained 360 degree vision of crop as it passes through the sorting unit. The Veryx, which works upon a simple accept and reject system, operates upon a range smart features such as autolearning, self-adjustment algorithms, predictive system diagnostics and smart alarms which allow the sorter to operate virtually unattended during normal production.

“Our new Brussels sprouts facility has exceeded our expectations,” said Graham. “It is

so much more productive. We no longer have to perform screen changes to meet all the grade sizes required. Now we simply make our grade selections on the touch screen and the machine adjusts automatically. The diagnostics features on the line mean that any downtime is minimal, and the whole line is much easier to maintain and clean.

The consistency, performance and capacity of the Veryx has transformed our throughput capabilities.”

Nick Woodcock, Sales Manager at Tong Engineering added “The new Tong line has fully integrated the latest sorting technologies to ensure TH Clements has the capacity to be very flexible and responsive to their customer demand. Throughput and consistency has significantly increased, and with much easier and proactive maintenance, they can be sure their new investment will bring maximum performance for many years to come.”

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 23

| UK Dairy Day

Less than one month to go to UK Dairy Day 2018!

Its less than one month to go until UK Dairy Day 2018 – the UK’s must-attend day of dairy discovery. Join the dairy buzz on Wednesday 12th September at the International Centre, Telford for the 5th annual dairy trade event. Go online now to view the businesses attending, cattle show classes, practical demonstrations and seminars. pen from 8am to 5.30pm the event brings together all facets of the dairy industry; farmers, students, breeders, geneticists, vets, feed merchants, dairy equipment suppliers and milk buyers - plus professional service providers, charities, and colleges.

Here are just 5 top reasons to attend this year…

1. Over 300 trade stands across internal and external exhibition areas 2. A chance to learn about new products, services and technologies on the market to enhance your dairy business performance and efficiency 3. Meet with a variety of suppliers, all under one roof – do vital business, planning and

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decision making 4. The Cattle Show featuring The National Holstein Show, National Ayrshire Show and National Brown Swiss Show plus classes for Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Montbeliarde breed 5. Listen to seminars and view practical demonstrations, innovation zone, breed village and calf rearing zone So far 70 cattle exhibitors have booked stalls, and this is expected to reach over 200 before event day. Coming from as far as Scotland (Dumfries, Lanarkshire), the South (Cornwall and Devon), East (Northants and Leicestershire) West (Dyfed) and even Ireland, the Cattle Show at UK Dairy Day is always a spectacular display of some of the country’s most admired dairy cows and this year includes

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National Shows for Holstein, Ayrshire and Brown Swiss breeds.

New Product Competition Entries for innovative new products to excite the dairy sector have been scrutinised and selected and now we’re thrilled to announce the 10 finalists – which can be viewed online at: http://www.ukdairyday.co.uk/sharingknowledge/new-products The products will be displayed in a dedicated area located in the concourse, after Costa Coffee, outside the press office. Judging will take place at the counter stand in the concourse between 9.30am and 10.30am with the Winner and Highly Commended being presented at around 1.30pm on the relevant trade stand. Judges for the competition this year include Rachael Fawkes and Paul Coyne

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| UK Dairy Day from IDEXX, who are sponsors of the competition, and Euryn Jones from HSBC. Practical Demonstrations Do not miss the array of practical demonstrations taking place throughout the day in the External Area. The breed village will feature type classification and linear scoring demonstrations and in the external trade stand area there will be foot trimming, blocking and knife sharpening demonstrations.

Calf Rearing Zone The calf rearing zone, covered with a polytunnel, will feature suppliers and experts focussed on calf rearing who will offer advice throughout the day on calving, rearing, health, hygiene, feeding and housing. Volac will be offering insight and demonstrations on calf rearing hygiene, colostrum management and providing insight into their product portfolio.

Scarsdale Vets will return with their ‘Beneath the Black and White’ cow and calf anatomy painting and calf demonstrations with ropes.

Seminars The first floor of the International Centre will be home to topical and relevant debate and this year we have a fantastic line up of speakers.

The seminar timetable is now published on the UK Dairy Day website (http://www.ukdairyday.co.uk/seminars) but to spark your intrigue, why not plan to attend…

‘Maximising profit per pregnancy’ presented by Mark Roach from Cogent ‘Feeding cows this winter with low forage availability’ presented by Adam Clay from NWF Agriculture ‘Taking responsibility for TB - whose job is it anyway?’ presented by Sarah Tomlinson from TB Advisory Service ‘Farm Labour Post Brexit’ presented by Wyn Morgan from Harper Adams

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Industry Panel Chaired by Dan Humphries, Partner of Dairy Insight & Horizon Dairy Vets, BVSc (Hons) MRCVS an industry panel will discuss an important subject, "Working with and improving the public's perception of the dairy industry".

This will take place at 1.00pm in seminar zone 2 on the first floor.

Sue Cope, Event Director, commented; “For anyone connected to the dairy industry, UK Dairy Day is the ultimate event to attend this year; an opportunity to network, share knowledge, learn and most importantly, do business at a time of year when important decisions need to be made ahead of Winter housing.”

She adds: “UK Dairy Day is delighted to be

able to offer FREE entry, so no need to preregister – just arrive, receive a wristband and enter the venue. There is also FREE car parking on site and around Telford town centre multi storey car parks and this year a newly constructed car park opposite the venue is offering an additional 300 parking spaces.”

“If you are looking to invest in your business, adopt new methods and equipment or need advice from industry experts on anything from ration planning, parlour upkeep, business performance to cow bedding, UK Dairy Day offers a platform to speak to all those connected to your dairy business to help you improve your efficiency, production output and make the right decisions for your business.”

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 25

| UK Dairy Day

DeLaval Launches new Rotary E100 in UK and Ireland The DeLaval Rotary E100 has been launched in the UK and Ireland. The new DeLaval E100 rotary is focused around the four customer challenges: Animal welfare, milk quality, farm profitability and work efficiency. s a market leader in rotary systems, DeLaval has gained years of experience to design the next generation of rotary parlours.

Understanding modern dairy farmer’s everyday challenges, the new E100 rotary has focused on the key areas of performance; • DeLaval Cockpit™ - Puts the operator in control of the whole milking process and allows for a one manoperation rotary.

• DeLaval Fastlane™ Designed to increase cow throughput on the exit and entry of the parlour, increasing efficiency.

• DeLaval Comfort Bail™ Unique low profile bail provides a calmer milking and increases cow throughput.

• DeLaval Topflow™ - Provides

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a gentle milking cluster giving stable and lower vacuum during milking.

Gary Edwards CMS Solutions manager states: “The DeLaval E100 Rotary has been designed around the customer’s and the animal’s needs. It has been designed as a complete milking system focussing on cow flow, cow comfort, efficiency and comfort for the milker. Combined with DelPro™ herd management software it really offers the farmer complete control of his herd making it easier for him to make management decisions. When working in conjunction with the unique DeLaval teat spray robot (TSR™), it is incredibly labour efficient when labour is becoming increasingly challenging for dairy farmers.”

26 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

Feed management a hot topic at UK Dairy Day Visitors to this year’s UK Dairy Day will have the opportunity to find out how careful feed management can help increase control of business performance. s part of the event’s technical seminar line-up, Ian Leach, supply chain programme director at Alltech, will present on-farm strategies to improve the level of feed efficiency, focusing on increasing digestibility and reducing contamination and wastage.

“Feed is the biggest single cost of production for most dairy units, regardless of farm size or type and therefore even small improvements in efficiency can have a dramatic impact on business profitability,” said Mr Leach.

“Rising feed costs, coupled with uncertainty regarding the impact of Brexit and the shape of future support payments, means it’s becoming more important for producers to examine how they can improve herd digestibility and reduce feed waste on farm,” he explained.

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Ian Leach

“The use of new feed technologies gives producers the opportunity to achieve greater levels of feed consistency, efficiency and ultimately certainty within their businesses.”

The ‘Focussing on feed management in times of uncertainty’ seminar will take place at 2pm in the Sharing Knowledge Zone at UK Dairy Day being held on 12 September at the International Centre in Telford, Shropshire.

Alltech and KEENAN’s team of skilled specialists will also be available on stand number H151 to discuss tailored nutritional solutions to suit individual dairy systems and business goals.

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| UK Dairy Day

Wynnstay talks new approach to protein at UK Dairy Day 2018 A pioneering new nutritional approach to protein formulation within dairy diets will be presented by Wynnstay at this year’s UK Dairy Day, being held on 12 September at the International Centre in Telford, Shropshire. s part of the technical seminar line up, Iwan Vaughan, head of dairy technical services at Wynnstay, will discuss the Wynnstay AminoMatch nutrition approach.

“AminoMatch offers an alternative way to supplying protein purely in the form of crude protein (CP), by accurately balancing rations to provide optimum levels of amino acids,” says Iwan.

He says this new approach offers the potential to reduce the total protein fed and therefore the cost of the ration.

“While it’s often the most expensive component in dairy diets, protein is essential for milk production. However, there’s a misconception that it needs to be provided entirely in the form of CP

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to be utilised by the cow. This often results in excessive levels of dietary CP within rations, which aside from increasing costs, can actually reduce performance, in particular fertility.”

Iwan says amino acids are actually what the cow requires for milk production and this has led to the development of AminoMatch.

During the seminar, he will outline how the silage analysis service routinely conducted by Wynnstay for customers has formed the foundations for the new approach, ensuring the correct amino acid levels are provided in the diet to complement homegrown forage and maximise feed efficiency.

“At a time where forage shortages and rising feed costs are a concern, there’s a requirement to maximise every available mouthful, and producers who have implemented this new

Iwan Vaughan, Wynnnstay

approach have seen very good results,” concludes Iwan.

The seminar will take place at 3pm in zone 2 of the sharing knowledge zone. The team of

Wynnstay dairy specialists will be available at stand L6 throughout the day to answer any l questions on AminoMatch.

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Buildings

Are your buildings ready to house cows again?

Before bringing cows indoors this autumn there are a few areas to think about to ensure cow comfort. here are things you can do now that don't cost a huge amount and don't involve major remodelling of your buildings but can make a real difference to the cows' environment," says DairyCo extension officer and housing specialist, Richard Davies.

Temperature and ventilation Dairy cows need to maintain a constant body temperature of 38.8ÂşC (+/- 0.5ÂşC) and are sensitive to air temperature, radiant temperature, air velocity and relative humidity.

Richard explains: "When a cow becomes heat stressed her feed intake declines dramatically and effects milk yield. Fertility also suffers and studies have shown heat stress can increase embryonic losses. Often cases of clinical mastitis increase as well.

Richard continues: "As humidity increases animals become heat stressed more quickly, which is why cows become heat stressed during the housing period. It is crucial appropriate ventilation is in

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place to reduce the risk of heat stress and its associated production and health problems."

Farmers may be aware of ventilation issues in some buildings after last year's warm, wet winter, suggests Richard. "But to test ventilation and humidity cattle need to be living in buildings as their dynamics change once cattle are inside."

Your extension officer can tell you about a calculation that will work out if a building has ventilation problems, based on its dimensions and cattle numbers.

"Natural ventilation is the least troublesome, most efficient and least expensive system to provide the best environment within buildings," continues Richard.

"You're aiming to provide a continuous stream of fresh air to every animal at all times of the day and night. But perhaps even more important is adequate provision for hot, stale air to leave: as this air exits it allows fresh air to be drawn in.

"Hot air rises and builds up in the apex of the roof where it grows stale and condenses. The

28 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

water then drips down onto bedding, increasing moisture content and creating a suitable environment for bacteria to flourish."

Richard continues: "There are a few basic rules when looking at humidity and outlets for this air.

The flatter the roof, the harder it is to ventilate. It's often odd-shaped buildings, lean-tos or buildings, whose use has been changed to housing, where problems are found.

"Often the solution to poor ventilation is cheap and there's no need to invest in fans that can end up blowing stale air around the building. If you follow the correct safety procedures, creating more outlets for stale air to leave is a cheap and effective way to improve ventilation.

"As a useful rule of thumb there should be 5cm of ridge opening for every 3m of building width."

But Richard adds: "Fans can have a place in the ventilation of large, multi-span or unusual shaped buildings.

"It's also important to ensure there's adequate inlet ventilation.

As a guide the inlet should be twice the area of the outlet. It's a capital expense, but to allow the amount of air admitted through the inlets to be varied according to weather conditions, consider installing curtains to the sides of cubicle buildings."

Food and water "On average cows drink about 61 litres of water a day but high yielding cows may require more," says Richard. "Demand for water peaks with the completion of milking and around sunset when up to 50% of cows' daily requirements can be consumed.

"You need to ensure there is adequate trough capacity, bearing in mind the flow rate of your water supply. And you need to provide adequate trough space to allow 10% of the herd to drink at any one time. A single animal drinking will require about 700mm of trough space. The surface area of the trough should be 1m² for every 60 cows in the group.

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| Buildings

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September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 29

| Grain

Five-point plan offers guidance for delaying autumn wheat drilling Think before rushing in to drill winter wheat after the early harvest and now we’ve had rainfall, farmers are being urged. ith large areas of land harvested much earlier than normal, and soil moisture levels improved, growers will be itching to drill empty fields, says Nick Myers, head of crop production for agronomy firm, ProCam. But on farms suffering from blackgrass, there’s a compelling argument for holding back, he stresses.

“Low blackgrass seed dormancy after the hot, dry summer might increase the temptation to bring drilling dates forward – because a bigger proportion of this year’s shed blackgrass seed is predicted to germinate earlier. But resist that temptation,” Mr Myers urges.

“The later you can safely delay drilling, the less blackgrass you’ll have emerging in the crop, and the less blackgrass seed will potentially be shed back to the soil next summer.

“Instead of viewing this as an opportunity to drill earlier, think of it as an opportunity to make worthwhile inroads into reducing blackgrass populations for the long-term.”

On farms where delayed drilling has already been practiced for a few years, and blackgrass levels have already started to decline, Mr Myers acknowledges it might be particularly tempting to edge drilling earlier again this year. But, he says, this could undo some of that good work.

“Some blackgrass will inevitably germinate later anyway,” he adds.

“Obviously, you have to assess how late you can drill based on your farm situation. If you can’t delay all fields, at least delay those with the highest weed burdens.”

To help growers navigate through delayed autumn wheat drilling in blackgrass fields, Mr Myers suggests a five-point plan: 1 Leave stubbles undisturbed as long as possible. That way you’ll allow longer for blackgrass seed on the surface to germinate, but also longer for it to be eaten by predators.

Only disturb the soil at the point of having to prepare the seedbed.

2 Avoid using inversion tillage (ploughing) if possible. The longer you can leave buried blackgrass seed underground, the more of it will rot away.

3 Prepare high quality seedbeds. These will stimulate the maximum amount of blackgrass to germinate before planting the crop. That way, even more blackgrass can be killed off in a stale seedbed. Good seedbeds will also produce better performance from soil-acting herbicides, he notes.

4 Depending on farm situation, consider delaying drilling until well into October.

October-drilled wheat generally contains much less blackgrass than September-drilled. Also, information from ProCam’s 4Cast crop database showed winter wheat yield hadn’t declined despite average drilling date being delayed from 2 October to 12 October between

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The less blackgrass you have emerging in the crop, the less blackgrass seed will potentially be returned back to the soil next summer, says Nick Myers of ProCam

the harvest seasons of 2011 and 2017. Most likely this was because any yield penalty from later drilling was offset by crops containing less blackgrass.

5 Adapt agronomy according to later drilling.

Select wheat varieties that can compensate for later drilling through greater tillering, and that are flexible with regard to drilling date. The variety might be 1 or 2% lower yielding on paper, but you could end up with a better crop.

Also, take steps to maximise establishment, for example by using a seed treatment shown to produce rapid establishment.

“As well as helping against blackgrass, delaying drilling can also help against ryegrass, and help to reduce take-all, eyespot and

30 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

lodging pressures in winter wheat,” says Mr Myers. “It can also help reduce the risk of BYDV because there are likely to be fewer aphids about.

“Moister soils with later drilling will also improve the uptake of residual herbicides by weeds, while colder soils will mean residual herbicides are broken down more slowly, so they last longer.

“That said, do balance delayed drilling with allowing enough time to prepare the land and enough time for post-planting activities, such as spraying,” he adds, “before the weather closes in.”

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Grain

Perry’s Savannah Series Driers The Perry of Oakley Ltd Savannah series driers are capable of capacities from 5tph to 150tph. he driers come with Perry’s own advanced PLC panel, which is designed and programmed in house, and the auto control, which uses both the exhaust air temperature and hot grain temperature to give advanced control of the drier with feedback, to maintain a consistent moisture content of the discharged grain. If connected to the internet, the panel can send you email and text alerts including drier status updates and it will alert you to any issues that may have occurred while drying.

The PLC panel can also be connected to an app (available free on Google Play & iStore).

While connected to the app, you can see your

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control panel and control it from the app. It provides a direct link to your control panel, meaning you can control your drier from anywhere you have a mobile phone signal or a WiFi connection.

To ensure drier longevity the Savannah Series driers are built with a 2mm thick grain column for additional strength, and 3mm thick top ducts in the grain column to help prevent deformation and wear. To promote consistent movement of the grain down the grain column, even in very wet conditions, all Savannah Series Driers are fitted with pneumatically controlled Shutter discharge. This year this has been upgraded to phosphor bronze bushes on all wearing parts. These improvements, and the

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

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

To find out more about Perry of Oakley & their range of drying and handling equipment call +44 (0)1404 890300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk. You can also find a full list of products & services at www.perryofoakley.co.uk

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 31

| Grain

Flow Weigher DC3 – Compact weighing system for recording of quantities and flow rate of grain The company FRIEDRICH electronic developed the new weighing system Flow Weigher DC3. It is applied to continuously measure flow capacity and total weight of flowable bulk. he Flow Weigher DC3 is the successor model for the longstanding model type Vertical Pipe Weigher DCG. Several advantages and developments have been implemented, which are introduced below.

By an optimized product conveyance inside the weighing unit, the bulk is lead into the sensing pipe more accurately and carefully. The system has a wider tolerance against different product types, so the effort to calibrate is reduced. Weighing results and reproducibility with varying product specifications are improved.

Furthermore the suspension of the deflection plate has a new design, which strongly stabilizes the zero point behavior. It increases the robustness against exterior influences.

Additionally the device was constructed maintenance-friendly, e.g. exchange of load cell is substantially simplified.

Another advantage of the new construction is the enhanced grade purity. The product flows unresistedly out of the housing, avoiding any product residues.

Due to its low installation height, the system can easily be integrated under narrow spatial conditions. The installation is simple, since the connections can be assembled with regular clamping rings. Standard feed is with 45° inclination, but it can also be implemented under 0° alignment using special feed deflectors. Through this arrangement, system can be installed in vertical conveying pipes.

In case of abrasive bulk or high throughput

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rates, product conveying parts can easily be equipped with low-wear protection sheets, which stretch life cycle time.

The new DC3 weighing system is also integrated in the Automatic Dampening System NC8, providing highly reliable measuring results to calculate water dosing amounts.

All common cereals, animal feed, granules, pellets, but also bruised grains and various grinded products can be applied for weighing.

The system is also suited for the application with seeds and can optionally be supplied in stainless steel qualities (AISI 304 / AISI 316).

In summary, the Flow Weigher DC3 – being considered as successor model to the Vertical Pipe Weigher – comes with many improvements which derive from practical field experiences of recent years. These improvements enhance the system to provide practicable, accurate, reliable, robust and easy-to-handle services. The Flow Weigher DC3 marks an important milestone for the weighing equipment of the company FRIEDRICH electronic and comes as an essential element of product modernization in the company portfolio. Further innovations will follow in the near future.

For further information please visit our website www.friedrich-electronic.com

Pests in grain stores Martin Cobbald of Dealey Fumigation and Step Pest Control (Suffolk). s soon as you start to accumulate large amounts of food in one place, pests will always become a problem.

As one client recently remarked to me when I arrived on his site after harvest- "I hope you know what you're doing, I'm storing 2000 tonnes of rat food!" and he was right!

Pest controllers who 'take on' farms are very different to a pest controllers who do your day to day rat and mouse work in houses and offices. They have to really know their onions.

With so many food alternatives to bait, you have to think like a rat to win the rodent war.

As always, excluding pests from the grain store is the first line of defence. A good professional won't just bait up around the farm, he/she will also do some 'proofing' work to keep grain stores pest proof. This might be a simple as sticking a bit of wire wool in a gap or applying some mouse-proof mastic (rather inventively called Mouse-Stop). Some people might think this a big task but doing a little improvement on every visit, you soon end up

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with rodent-hostile surroundings.

Then there is the question of visit frequency.

Different companies follow different procedures.

Some still follow the traditional agricultural pest calendar: Eight visits in the year, clustering around the cold months and you won't see them much in the summer. This is a little archaic now. In 2011 The Environment Agency successfully argued in the law courts that this 'traditional' schedule of visits is environmentally irresponsible Some will visit every six weeks and throw in extra visits if there is a problem, but even this is becoming dated. The new CRRU (Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use) rules stipulate that if bait is put down then it should only be in response to a live infestation and if you have to resort to bait, it should only stay down for 28 days. Anything more and you are causing undue risk of harm to the surrounding environment.

Naturally this pushes us towards monthly visits as a minimum and, especially, a heavy focus on proofing and habitat management.

32 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

After the introduction of the Biocides Products Regulation (BPR) in Europe, rodenticides were one of the first groups of chemicals to be analysed for safety. The result was clear, rodenticides do harm the environment when misused and we are only allowed to hang onto them because there is no viable alternative. But levels of bait residue in the wild food chain are being closely monitored and it won't take much to change the minds of the regulators.

It is up to us to ensure pest control is being carried out professionally on our farms and that includes hiring audited professionals trained to a high standard and belonging to a professional association such as the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

The world is changing around us, LEAF, Red Tractor, CRRU and BPR are all pulling in the same direction. Environmental responsibility is key in the modern landscape. The days of gamekeepers and farm hands doing the rat baiting are moving into history. Be warned.

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| Grain

Effective approach needed to control rodents in grain stores Rodent numbers will be high this autumn after the unusually hot, dry summer which encouraged them to breed and enabled a high proportion of their offspring to survive. David Reece, Technical Adviser, Lodi UK, highlights how to control them under new European legislation which came into effect on 1 March 2018. ith harvest completed the amount of food available to rodents in fields, hedgerows and ditches has fallen dramatically. With temperatures beginning to decline they are seeking shelter, warmth and nourishment in grain stores and farm buildings.

Preventing the potentially devastating consequences of infestation requires careful planning, close monitoring, early action and modern, highly-effective rodenticides within an integrated management strategy.

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To control rodents effectively you must kill a very high percentage, but many cheap block-type baits are in-effective, so choose one of the latest products to ensure they consume a lethal dose Don’t wait until there’s an obvious problem be proactive. Minimise the site’s attractiveness to rodents, reduce its ability to support large populations, monitor frequently for early signs

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of activity and take effective action. If you don’t have the time or knowledge employ a specialist rural pest controller.

To control rodents effectively you must kill a very high percentage, but many cheap blocktype baits are in-effective, so choose one of the latest products to ensure they consume a lethal dose. A grain-style Bromadiolone-type bait, such as Lodi Jade, contains mulched cereals and peanut butter oils to encourage consumption, while Lodi Ruby, which is Difenacoum-based and contains peanut oils, is proven in the most difficult environments. Lodi Sapphire, a Brodifacoum-based bait formulated from premium grade cereals and peanut butter oil, can kill rodents in a single feed.

Here are some key pointers: • Make it as difficult as possible for rodents to get in by repairing gaps in walls/doors, gutters/downpipes and blocking potential entry points. Effectively control those that do get in.

• The most rodent-proof grain store will have three concrete walls and a roller-shutter door, which is only effective when closed. That’s difficult when tractors and trailers are tipping throughout the day during harvest but shut it securely when work finishes.

• On-floor drying systems make it easy for rodents to enter where air is drawn in, so seal fans from the outside when not in use.

• Keep surrounding areas clean and tidy to create a clear buffer zone. Clean up clutter, keep grass short and clear vegetation.

• Continually monitor for signs of activity, such as droppings, urine, rub/tail marks, tracks and damage.

• Position bait containers adjacent to outside walls before baiting begins so they become familiar. Inside, secure bait boxes should be located where there are signs of activity, or rodents are likely to track. Check, and re-fill active bait stations until fresh activity ceases.

• Burrow baiting is very effective against rats and reduces the risk to non-target species.

Follow the ‘little and often’ principle and retrieve unconsumed bait. Check, and re-fill bait containers if necessary until signs of fresh activity cease.

Further information from Lodi UK on 01384 404242 or www.lodi-uk.com

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 33

| Energy

Harry Edwards (left), of Fisher German, joins Dave Holling (right) and family at Twin Yard Farm

Farm diversifies into gas energy generation An enterprising farm in Derbyshire is expanding its business to include a gas generator scheme - as sustainable energy experts advise that there are still opportunities for those looking to diversify. gas generator scheme is being installed at Twin Yard Farm, outside Alfreton, that will produce and supply electricity to the grid at peak times, adding a further income stream to the farm business.

The farm had a wind turbine installed in 2016 and then a 25 acre solar park in 2017, with the generator marking its third energy project.

The mixed arable and livestock farm is run by Dave Holling and family, who purchased the business 52 years ago.

Specialist property agency and sustainable energy expert Fisher German has been acting for the farm for 20 years, providing advice and support to the family on diversification opportunities, farm management and telecoms projects on their land.

Building work is underway on the gas generator scheme, which will see a modern new building replace an old hay and straw barn on the farm which was coming to the end of its life.

Dave said: “Diversifying our farm with renewables projects has transformed our income and means that we no longer have to rely solely on farming to bring in revenue.

“Our agents have expertise in a wide field, and we have been able to work with them on the wind,

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solar and gas generator projects.”

Harry Edwards, of Fisher German, said that there are still sustainable energy opportunities for those looking to diversify.

He said: “Many people assume that with the retraction of subsidies sustainable energy opportunities are no longer an option for diversification projects, however this is not the case.

“There are projects such as gas gen-set schemes and battery storage facilities, as well as large scale solar PV now able to stand up without subsidies, that can provide healthy additional incomes to farms.

“As farming faces uncertain times, with the market growing increasingly cautious because of Brexit, these kinds of projects can provide important revenue streams for farms. Deals can see farmers not only receiving a base rent but also a percentage of the revenue when there are particularly sunny or windy years, or the price of electricity rises.

“Twin Yard Farm has seen huge benefits from renewable energy projects, receiving a rent for each project from separate tenants.

“Building work is currently underway on the gas generator scheme which will not only produce energy and further income, but see a modern new building constructed on the farm, for the benefit of the Holling family when the lease comes to an end.”

34 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

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| Security

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September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Energy

How can the farming industry save cost and carbon?

Creating sustainable supply chains is the new buzzword in business with large retailers increasingly choosing suppliers who can match their own green credentials and actively demonstrate a commitment to lowering their own carbon footprint. That combined with the UK’s renewed drive towards a low carbon future means there’s a clear business advantage for farmers and growers who choose to go green. eing seen as a supplier who can boost a sustainable supply chain can help to improve a farmer’s ability to sell into large scale, national retailers which may expect their supply chain to adhere to standards like the World Resource Institute’s Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Good Energy work with farmers around the UK, both to supply and buy renewable power. They work closely with their customers to understand the unique needs of the farming business and create supply packages to match.

An example of this is Growing Underground; a micro-grower that has built its entire business around sustainability.

Using LED lights and

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hydroponics, the grower produces microgreens 33 metres below the London streets. The entire site is powered by 100% renewable electricity and Growing Underground have found their enhanced carbon credentials are a key unique selling point when dealing with retailers like M&S and FarmDrop.

It’s well known that another way in which farmers can decarbonise their operations is to generate their own renewable electricity on site.

For farmers with grazing livestock, installing solar panels on their land can help to maximise the value of the estate, save costs and provide greater energy security; while still allowing for rotational grazing.

In 2012, cheesemaker and milk processor, Wyke Farms, a Good Energy PPA customer, made steps to minimise its environmental

36 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

impact, by investing £10m in five anaerobic digesters which use waste from the farm and the cheese-making process to generate 100% renewable electricity. This not only produces the power required for Wyke’s operations but also creates a new revenue stream by selling any excess to Good Energy.

Embracing renewable energy brings many benefits to farmers and growers not least increased competitive advantage, reporting a lower carbon footprint which enables businesses to procure goods as part of a sustainable supply chain model, boosting business reputation and ultimately, reducing business costs.

About Good Energy Good Energy is a pioneering clean energy company, supplying thousands of UK businesses with 100% renewable electricity and green gas from a community of over 1,400 UK generators.

So if you want to positively impact your business ‘environmental credentials, choose Clean Good Energy.

Switch today: www.goodenergy.co.uk/fm-sept18

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| Grain

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September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 37

| Machinery

Calling all farmers and agricultural contractors…

Register online today for a chance to win a complimentary hot drink at the show...

THE MIDLANDS MACHINERY SHOW, NEWARK SHOWGROUND, 21 & 22 NOVEMBER 2018, FREE ENTRY & PARKING uilding on its reputation as an event at which to do business in a friendly and informative atmosphere, this year the Midlands Machinery Show will celebrate its 5th year. Additional inside space is being made available to accommodate the increase in exhibitor interest this year, with 20% of the bookings coming from companies new to MMS. The organisers look forward to welcoming many returning dealerships and manufacturers who value the opportunity to meet new and existing customers in a relaxed environment as expressed in the testimonial above from Martin Lishman Ltd. The organisers are very pleased to see McHale, a leading international manufacturer of specialist agricultural farm machinery, back again. This year McHale will be showing a full range of machinery giving new and existing customers the chance to see their high output machines.

This family-run business from County Mayo manufacture a range of fixed and variable chamber round balers, square and round bale wrappers, the Fusion integrated or combination baler wrapper and a range of round bale handling, bale splitting and silage & maize block cutting equipment.

Show Manager, George Taylor, said “We are delighted with bookings so far, and welcome returning companies as well as the many exhibitors who are NEW for 2018. This is testament to the popularity of the show that prides itself on being a platform for small to medium-sized agricultural businesses to showcase their diverse range of machinery and innovation to those who work and have an interest in agriculture and its future. Exhibitors and visitors benefit from meeting others within their community, seeing new technology and discussing what advantages are available from

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investment in new products and services”.

The Midlands Machinery Show is a great opportunity to discover all that’s best in agricultural machinery and products available in the Midlands, and beyond.

Visitors are encouraged to register online at www.midlandsmachineryshow.co m with the chance to win one of 50 hot drinks that will be given away each week.

Exhibitors are invited to take advantage of the FREE media package being offered by the organisers which includes a login to enable companies to upload their own press releases and product updates. Show Admin Manager, Una-Marie Palin, said ‘We are proud to be able to offer this new facility to our exhibitors, along with the usual website listing, email footers and inclusion in our social media marketing.

Helping our exhibitors to promote their attendance at MMS can only be positive in attracting visitors from all sectors of the agricultural market to ensure the continued success of the Show for everyone.”

The Show team are pleased to announce a new dedicated outdoors ‘Demo Area’ for this year’s show where new machinery will be demonstrated throughout both days. Mr Taylor commented, “With the creation of additional indoor space came the opportunity to make use of the flat, grassed surface outside for demonstrations. We aim to announce the latest technology launches throughout the summer and early autumn via our website and social media.” Follow MMS on Twitter and check out the show’s Facebook page for the very latest information on what to expect at MMS 2018. A list of exhibitors is available to view on www.midlandsmachineryshow.co m and is constantly being updated.

The organisers are delighted that two key sponsors, Flach & Le

38 | Farming Monthly | September 2018

Roy and Woldmarsh have confirmed their sponsorship for 2018. A spokesman for Woldmarsh said, “There are a very small number of shows where you can virtually guarantee that all those attending are genuinely interested in what you are offering. That’s why we like MMS. … you can also be sure that those attending have the time to speak to you in some depth; a combination that is a win-win for all concerned”.

NRoSO (National Register of Sprayer Operators) and BASIS (independent standards setting

and auditing organisation for the pesticide, fertiliser and allied industries) points will be available again this year. Details of the timings and topics for the technical seminar programme will be available on the website as soon as they are confirmed.

For exhibitor bookings contact Rebecca.knight@newarkshowgro und.com, for sponsorship opportunities contact una-marie.palin@newarkshowground.com

Follow us on twitter @midsmachinery #MMS18 Like us on Facebook

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| Pests

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September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 39

| Machinery

CommandPRO for all 6R Series tractors ohn Deere’s CommandPRO joystick is now available for all small and mid-range 6R Series tractors. These models also feature the new CommandCentre 4200 display, which provides all six AEF* certified ISObus functions (*Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation). In addition, all 6R Series models above 130hp now meet Stage V emission standards. aunched at the end of 2016, Mannheim’s flagship 6230R and 6250R with CommandPRO set new standards for John Deere tractors, with the joystick introducing a new dimension in ergonomics and versatility. Top speed can be reached with just one push, and 11 programmable buttons are available for the hitch, PTO, SCVs, AutoTrac controls etc.

The functionality of CommandPRO allows the tractor to be controlled from top speed to zero with a simple push or pull of the joystick, and lower speeds from 0 to 2kph can be achieved with the creeper control function.

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Both the joystick and pedals can be operated at the same time, and there is no need for an external ISObus joystick as the driver can also operate the tractor and ISObus functions simultaneously.

CommandPRO will be available on the wider 6R Series range in combination with John Deere’s AutoPowr transmission, and both features are standard on the 6R Ultimate Edition models.

CommandPRO can be ordered in combination with either the 4600 or the new 4200 CommandCentre display.

The 4200 replaces the 7in 4100 unit and features a larger 8.4in screen. This terminal controls AutoTrac, Section Control, data documentation and other

applications. It is also ready for all AEF certified ISObus functions such as joystick control and data transfer between tractor and implements.

Furthermore, all 6R Series tractors can be equipped with variable ratio steering (VRS). This requires less arm movement and significantly less steering effort, allowing quick and smooth headland turns. The system can be activated and deactivated from the tractor’s CommandCentre control console. Additional operator comfort is provided by the leather steering wheel as well as a self-cancelling turn signal.

Equipped with a larger hydraulic pump, the 6145R and 6155R models now deliver a powerful

maximum flow of 155 litres/min.

This is an increase of 23 per cent compared to the previous pump.

With the larger 6R Series models above 130hp featuring Stage V compliant engines, John Deere is already achieving the stringent emission values that will apply from 1 January 2019 for tractors above 170hp.

The latest PowerMix test in Germany clearly shows that there is no conflict between low emission values and engine efficiency. The 6250R has set a new fluid efficiency benchmark at the DLG test centre in GroßUmstadt, achieving the best result in this horsepower segment with a total fluid consumption of only 364g/kWh in transport mode.

New tracks and higher performance for John Deere combines John Deere is expanding its range of innovative, advanced technology combine harvesters for 2019. n addition to the all-new W330 and W440 compact machines, the Wand T-Series are being updated with higher performance features, and completely new tracks are being introduced, with numerous options and benefits.

The next generation of John Deere track systems sets a new standard in the combine industry, offering 20 per cent more comfort, a 30 per cent larger footprint and 50 per cent more uptime.

Manufactured by Soucy, the new rubber tracks are available for all

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S-Series combines plus the T560, T660 and T670 models.

On average the footprint is now 30 per cent larger compared to existing systems on the market.

Due to a significantly longer track belt design, the 24in (609mm) track option for the S700 and TSeries combines has the same footprint as competitive 30in (762mm) versions, while transport width remains below 3.5m and is only 3.29m on the five-walker TSeries model.

Top speed is up to 40kph on all models, while ride comfort has been improved by an undercarriage with five pivot

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points. Measurements taken at the axles and the cab floor have confirmed a 20 per cent more comfortable ride compared to a competitive make.

Increased uptime is achieved by using four instead of three steel cord layers on the new tracks, while the track profile has also been improved, with the lugs now deeper and angled at 55 degrees.

In addition, track durability has been road tested using a frontmounted eight-row maize header.

With the combine running at a test speed of 40kph for seven hours a day over 20 days, the result was 50 per cent more durability than

the previous design.

The tracks can be replaced by wheels if required for field work or to enable easier resale of the combine.

More details from the John Deere website.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Diversification

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September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 41

| Machinery

New Holland Intelligent DISCO MOVE – a new front with optimised ground Trailer Braking System mower contour following delivers best-in-class safety and stability on T7 and T6 AutoCommand tractors

With the DISCO 3200 MOVE, available in versions both with and without conditioner, CLAAS has expanded the popular DISCO series to include two new additional front mower models.

he innovative new design allows a freedom of movement of 1,000 mm independent from the tractor front linkage, assuring optimum ground contour following of the mower bed. The new mower is available with a mowing width of 3.0 m, either without conditioner (F), or with the option of a tine conditioner (FC).

Highly manoeuvrable headstock with integrated suspension At the heart of the DISCO MOVE mower design is the completely new headstock with integrated kinematics. It is capable of following ground contours giving up to 600 mm of travel up and 400 mm down. Very uneven fields are safely accommodated for. The mower unit is also able to pivot laterally from the central pivot point, which is set at a 30-degree angle. As a result, the mowing unit can swing backwards at a slight diagonal angle to avoid obstacles.

In addition, the ground contour following has been further improved.

The mower bed itself can respond very quickly to finer ground contours thanks to the tried and proven lower pivot point from the current PROFIL range.

The new headstock combined with the low pivot point assures excellent contour following, especially for larger tractors and at higher speeds. The tractors front linkage remains in a fixed position and has no effect on the ground contour following. The hydraulics

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New Holland introduces a patented Intelligent Trailer Brake System onto its T7 AutoCommand™ and T6 AutoCommand™ tractors.

his innovation, winner of an Agritechnica Silver Medal, enhances stability under deceleration with a trailer, particularly on low friction surfaces, resulting in greater safety for transport and field work. The system ensures that the deceleration rate of the tractor and its trailer are aligned when the driver reduces the tractor’s speed by using just the transmission, without applying the service brakes.

Typically when a tractor and trailer are slowed by just the transmission and engine braking alone the momentum of the trailer will push against the tractor. This pushing force can cause instability which may increase the potential risk of a jack knife situation, especially on steep gradients or low friction surfaces such as icy roads or grassland.

The Intelligent Trailer Braking System senses the reduction in the tractor’s speed and calculates the deceleration force using a torque sensor within the

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transmission. An electronically controlled trailer brake valve then automatically applies the trailer brakes to reduce the trailer’s speed at the same rate as the tractor. This automated braking prevents the tractor from being pushed by the trailer, greatly improving its stability and avoiding the risk of jack knifing. No modifications are required to the trailed equipment.

The controlled and harmonised braking force, between the tractor and the trailer, delivered by the Intelligent Trailer Braking system also means that the stopping distance of the tractor and trailer is virtually the same as that of the tractor alone, even though the driver’s only input has been to reduce the speed using the transmission.

This new option compliments the list of brake features already available on New Holland tractors, including the award winning enhanced exhaust brake and ABS system, to deliver the most comprehensive brake package available in the Agricultural business.

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integrated in the headstock also take over the function of raising the mower bed at the headland using a single acting hydraulic service from the tractor.

Also, the headstock includes integrated ACTIVE FLOAT hydraulic suspension as standard, eliminating the need for suspension spring coupling points on the tractor. The suspension pressure can be adjusted at any time during operation again using a single-acting hydraulic service.

On request, the DISCO MOVE control mechanism can be incorporated into the control unit of large-scale triple mowers. The mower is then controlled centrally via the operating terminal, and the rear mower takes over the function of regulating the ACTIVE FLOAT suspension.

Equipment that really works – with and without conditioner The new DISCO 3200 MOVE also impresses with its features.

The mower comes both without a conditioner, or with the option of a tine conditioner. The headstock can be coupled either directly to the tractor front linkage or using an A-Frame. The hydraulic connections are fitted as standard with convenient Kennfixx couplings. These can run either to the left or right of the headstock, for optimum adjustment to your tractor.The new mowers don’t need a park support. When the mower is uncoupled, a parking latch on the headstock locks the kinematics so that the mower can stand securely without additional support.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Machinery

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

Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040

Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430

www.andrewsymons.co.uk

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

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 43

| Glamping Show

Rural Tourism: Farmers are perfectly placed to make the most of it As farm owners consider their options for diversification, tourism keeps cropping up at the top of the list. ust earlier this summer CLA President Tim Breitmeyer identified rural tourism as a key opportunity for land-based businesses to remain profitable after Brexit.

Is there really a market for farm based tourism?

Branching into farm attractions or farm stays are the most obvious choices if you are looking to diversify into rural tourism. Purely from the numbers perspective these are good options.

The numbers of UK families choosing staycations rather than going abroad are increasing. In particular, glamping is increasing in popularity year on year.

If you’re wondering what might make a farm an attractive proposition for a family holiday, remember it is more than just a place to sleep.

Holiday makers are looking to reconnect with the natural world and create cherished

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memories with loved ones. A farmstay can offer a ground up view of how a farm supplies the food we eat as well as a chance to be immersed in the sights and sounds of rural life.

It’s not as hard as you think to get started The popular appeal and unstoppable growth of the glamping industry gives you excellent potential to generate revenue. In terms of making sense of what you need, a little expert advice on topics like planning, regulations, insurance and sanitation will take you a long way. Seeing the accommodation for yourself will really help you to visualise what you can create and what will work on your farm.

The Glamping Show this September is designed to gather everything you need and is free to attend so your research is easy to do all in one hit. See the latest in shepherd huts, tents and aerodynamic domes from over 100 exhibitors. Farm Stay UK will be on hand at Stand 42 for advice and support specific to

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your needs.

If you are looking for case studies and knowledge the free Seminar Programme provides the opportunity to learn everything you need to. You’ll find a dedicated seminar on rural tourism (Thurs 20/9); glamping and farm attractions (Thurs 20/9); and equine tourism for glamping (Fri 21/9). There are also seminars covering all the basics like planning permission, legal implications, where to look for finance and how to get those customer bookings.

Register now for free tickets to The Glamping Show at NAEC Stoneleigh, Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 September. Visit the website for tickets and more information www.theglampingshow.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Glamping Show

Wigwam® Holidays: A different perspective It has been a very tough year for the farming industry; an uncertain winter lies ahead, and with the Brexit deadline looming, attending the Glamping Show might be one of the best things you do. his prestigious show takes place 20th to 22nd September at the NAEC at Stoneleigh, Birmingham.

For any farmer or landowner looking to diversify, this is the event for you, and Wigwam® Holidays will be showcasing their top-of-the-range en-suite Running Water Deluxe cabin at Stand 70.

So what’s different about Wigwam® Holidays to the rest of the glamping accommodation providers out there?

As well as helping spearhead the glamping revolution over 20 years ago, Wigwam® Holidays now has over 80 sites across the British Isles.

Our tried and tested Franchise Business Model covers all aspects of a glamping diversification project: from Planning to PR, we’ve got it covered.

While there’s been many similar products on the market, our Wigwam® Cabins have been at the forefront of the glamping industry with the quality of craftsmanship and durability.

Wigwam® Holidays has attended the Glamping Show for several years and during that time has caught the attention of would-be glamping business owners.

This year, Wigwam® Holidays has opened five new sites in Yorkshire, Wales and Cornwall, with hopes of opening another new site in the Midlands later this year.

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So what’s the future of glamping?

Now a widely accepted aspect of the ‘staycation’ holiday, glamping has caught the imagination of holiday makers and accommodation providers across the UK and beyond.

Yet there are a few factors helping keep Wigwam® Holidays ahead of the competition. · Year round occupancy – depending on your local authority, our fully heated and insulated Wigwam® Cabins can be occupied throughout the year · A recognised brand – with the assurance of great customer service and a fabulous product · Innovation – from the simple yet elegant Wee Brave Cabin, the Running Water Deluxe Cabin includes toilet, shower, kitchen area, dining facilities and beds for a family of four · Wigwam® Holidays commitment – as well as our annual conference, we host seminars and attend a number of shows, such as the Glamping Show, throughout the year, and provide first class training in all aspects of marketing to get your business off the ground · Spreading the word – with a number of carefully curated local, regional and national advertising and PR campaigns Case in point And one of our successful Franchisees is Wigwam® Holidays Brampton, near Carlisle, Cumbria.

Based on a trout farm and in one of the most beautiful locations in the UK, the site has seven cabins and recently introduced a hot tub with one of its Running Water Deluxe models.

With several successful seasons under their belts, Wigwam® Holidays Brampton has never looked back.

What to do next With most of the harvest gathered in, head to The Glamping Show for a well-earned break and a chance to find your inspiration for your future.

Find out more about Wigwam® Holidays on www.wigwamholidays.com

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 45

| ATV

World of Power Buxton, Derbyshire T: 01298 213101 www.worldofpower.co.uk

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www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Forestry

Trees & Woodland Show offers local schools £300 each for educational visit APF 2018, the UK’s largest forestry, woodland, trees and timber show is offering £6000 funding to schools to encourage them to visit the show and learn about everything that happens in a modern working woodland. xhibition Secretary, Ian Millward, explained “This is the 22nd staging of the show and we have always been very keen to attract schools to come along, be given a guided tour by experienced foresters and learn about everything that happens in a modern working woodland and possible careers in the industry.

The children can see everything from traditional woodland crafts such as charcoal burning, basket making and pole lathe turning to horse logging and high-tech automatic tree harvesters in operation and learn about bio fuel and wood energy. They can follow the whole life cycle of a tree from seed to sawmill.

We recognise that school budgets are tight

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and educational visits are often something that has to be cut so we are offering the first 20 schools that apply £300 to cover their transport costs to and from the show. Already 7 schools and over 250 children are booked to attend and we hope this figure will reach 800.

We are keen to show that forestry has come a long way from check shirts and axes and that new high-tech machinery needs highly skilled operators. The children will be able to try out a simulator of a £300 000 harvesting machine and try their hand at felling a virtual tree.”

APF 2018 is taking place at Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire on the 20/21/22nd September, the event attracts around 320 exhibitors and 23 000 visitors. It features over 2 ½ miles and £50 million of working machinery

as well as world class competitions like the World 25m poleclimbing championships, the European Chainsaw Carving championships and Stihl Timbersports.

Ian urged schools to make contact as soon as possible as funding is limited to the first 20 who apply although others will be welcome to attend at their own cost.

For further information please see our website www.apfexhibition.co.uk, email: info@apfexhibition.co.uk Tel: 01428 723545

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 47

| Education

from left to right - John Farmer, Commercial Manager for Horticulture, MEP Anthea McIntyre, Pershore College Director, Sharon Bell and Prof Roy Kennedy

Pershore College hosts MEP visit Conservative MEP for the West Midlands Anthea McIntyre, recently enjoyed a tour of Pershore College and its state-ofthe-art agri-tech facilities. n Thursday 2 August, Pershore College hosted the visit to discuss the benefits of agri-tech and how it is responding to the skills shortage within the agriculture and horticulture sectors within Worcestershire.

Anthea was given a tour of the facility by Pershore College Director Sharon Bell and Roy Kennedy, professor in agri-tech research and development, which showcased the dedicated agri-tech laboratories that are used to educate students and businesses on the modern applications of this innovative sector.

Pershore College’s Agri-Tech Centre was completed in 2017 with the support of funding from Worcestershire LEP. The investment has enabled the college to develop and deliver a programme of support for schools to raise awareness of agriculture and horticulture as high-tech, highly-skilled industries, in order to encourage more young people to consider a career within these sectors.

Sharon Bell said: “We were delighted to host Anthea at Pershore College, and explain that not only are we are able to offer superb training facilities, but also talk about the work we do

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with local growers on pioneering research trials to tackle key industry challenges facing the sector.”

MEP for the West Midlands, Anthea McIntyre, said: “I am passionate about advances in agricultural technology to boost food security, productivity and sustainability, so it was wonderful to see the superb work being done in this direction by Prof Roy Kennedy, his academic team and the students at Pershore College.

"Their activity is at the cutting edge and the facilities provided in the new Agri-Tech Centre are exciting. I was particularly impressed by the facilities and research covering hydroponics, but the whole set-up is excellent and this is exactly the kind of advanced application of technology that should be embraced by governments across the EU.” The Pershore College Agri-tech Centre houses electronic, robotic and computer-based technologies that are used to educate and train students and local employers on modern applications of agri-tech.These technologies are deployed across the centre’s growing areas to experiment, test and demonstrate innovation and automation across a wide variety of

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settings.

The Agri-technology (Food Production and Plant Science) course is designed to address current and pressing skills shortages in agriculture and horticulture that act as a barrier to innovation and growth for this important sector in Worcestershire.

“We were delighted to host Anthea at Pershore College, and explain that not only are we are able to offer superb training facilities, but also talk about the work we do with local growers on pioneering research trials to tackle key industry challenges facing the sector” The laboratory, live field-based experimentation and demonstration facility enable the college, local horticultural businesses and students to work together to meet the challenges of food and plant production with the latest agricultural technologies.

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| Education

UK’s leading drone training professionals award first NVQ diplomas Employees at a digital consultancy firm are flying high after receiving their NVQ diplomas from the UK’s leading drone training experts.

USTA awarded Amy Cheeseman and Sophie Harwood, of Waldeck Consulting, with ProQual NVQ Level 4 diplomas on Friday. The pair were the ambassadors for Waldeck completing their original UAV course in April 2017.

Amy, a UAV and digital capture leader, and Sophie, a UAV and digital capture specialist at Waldeck Consulting, completed three of the NVQ course’s mandatory units, demonstrating knowledge of regulations, safety issues, pre-flight processes and procedures, flight manoeuvres and emergency procedures.

Sion Roberts, managing director of RUSTA, said: “Congratulations to Amy and Sophie for achieving their ProQual NVQ Level 4 diploma. This is not to be confused with the

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Permission for Commercial Operation (PFCO) awarded by the CAA which allows them to operate UAV’s in the UK airspace. The NVQs are a separate award and further recognises that they have the expertise of flying drones professionally for commercial purposes.

“As one of only three training academies in the UK to administer NVQ qualifications, we’re extremely proud to be able to offer both an NVQ Level 3 certificate and NVQ Level 4 diploma in the remote piloting of unmanned aircraft systems for commercial operations.”

Established in 2014, RUSTA were one of the original drone and UAV academies in the UK, training operators to be able to use their drones for commercial purposes.

All instructors have a Royal Air Force or Army Air Corps background, with thousands of hours flying experience on both

Sion, Sophie & Amy

manned and unmanned platforms.

No UAV training academy in the UK has more experience and is better qualified in training operators.

Being measured within the National Qualification Framework, which is regulated by Ofqual, RUSTA’S NVQ courses are recognised both nationally and internationally.

Sion added: “We recommend

anyone looking to gain their NVQ accreditation to take up one of our courses, as they run in conjunction with, and complement, our existing Permission for Commercial Operation qualification. In short, this means that only a small amount of further work is required in preparing your NVQ portfolio for submission.”

Looking into Hadlow College’s futuristic prototype The launch of Hadlow College’s prototype is set to take the farming industry by storm. With the device recently unveiled to the public at this year’s Kent County Show, what exactly are its capabilities and how will it change the future of farming? adlow College worked with leading architects, Studio Evans Lane, to develop the device, which is designed to create an immersive learning environment for Hadlow’s students. Combining sophisticated graphics and state-of-the-art engineering, the bespoke device features a completely custommade computer simulation to educate Hadlow’s students. Such revolutionary technology is set to inspire the next generation of farmers.

The introduction of Hadlow’s prototype demonstrates the college’s progressive approach to farming and food production, putting the college at the forefront of integrating agricultural education with this prototype technology.

To develop the prototype, representatives from Hadlow and Studio Evans Lane explored what digitisation means in the farming industry, especially in a broad,

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long-term sense. With climate change, population growth and the degradation of the eco-system all playing a role in the struggle to meet global food demands, automation is the modern and efficient alternative to ensure people on this planet will never be at the point of starvation.

Hadlow College and Studio Evans Lane also worked collaboratively to develop the prototype’s software; which draws on current computer-gaming simulation technology and takes into account numerous variable relating to current legislation, the crop selection and soil types in order to create real-world farming scenarios for students to solve.

Taking students through a yearly cycle of arable farming, students must make quick, effective decisions to maximise crop yield and profit on a budget.

Made from laser-cut, lightweight aluminium, this demountable prototype features a highresolution projector which casts the computer programme onto a

lightweight screen Made from sharkstooth scrim, the type of translucent and transparent screen used in theatres, the screen ensures the icons and graphics are visible from the front and the reverse. Lecturers and students may operate from one side of the screen, where the screen is then flipped so students on the other side can follow the process without any awkward head-turning.

For students, this gauze-like screen gives the remarkable illusion that they are flying a drone in a farming space. Not only is it an asset to Hadlow’s education, it will truly make a difference to a student’s sense of fulfilment on the agriculture course.

We are living in an age where an entire generation of young people have developed a complete skill-set from playing computer games. Hadlow’s innovative approach to agricultural education signifies how these skills can be applied to real-world situations and vocations, particularly for young people to

flourish in an exciting and relevant career path.

The introduction of Hadlow’s prototype demonstrates the college’s progressive approach to farming and food production, putting the college at the forefront of integrating agricultural education with this prototype technology The prototype exemplifies a concerted move towards virtualreality learning as an alternative to a traditional lecture format.

Available for a variety of levels from 3-6; there is never a dull moment in this educational environment. Whether students are driving a real tractor or responding to a multitude of serious variables, it is not a prescriptive learning environment.

It’s fast-paced, risky and completely relevant to the current, and future, farming climate.

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 49

| Wheels & Tyres

GKN Wheels’ Profi-Grip solution eliminates tyre-torim slippage in the heat GKN Wheels Profi-Grip wheel is proving its value in the heatwave that is currently sweeping through large parts of Europe, with the extremely dry ground requiring much higher traction for soil tillage. eaturing a unique profile designed to eliminate tyre-torim slippage, Profi-Grip was launched last year specifically to meet the growing demand from ever-larger and morepowerful tractors.

The new design of the wheel rim features a strong flange which both minimises rimshrinkage and serves to protect the tyre when used at low pressure. The Profi-Grip wheel also incorporates GKN Wheel’s unique Profi-Fit TW design, which allows high-load capacity tyres, with very stiff sidewalls, to be mounted easily and with no risk of tyre damage.

Commenting on the product’s success, Michael Weissbach, GKN Wheel’s Product Manager, said: “Tyre slippage has become increasingly problematic over recent years. The combination of larger tractors, increased horse

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power, larger implement machinery, low inflation pressure with Central Tyre Inflation systems (CTIS), and heavy loads is causing tyre slippage.

“We saw the benefits of Profi-Grip in wet and heavy conditions during the winter, but now it is increasingly proving its value in the extremely dry conditions we are now seeing, where the issues of traction and tyre slippage are equally problematic.”

“With manufacturers developing tyres to run at low inflation pressures to maximise the footprint, an inevitable consequence of this is that the interaction between the tyre and rim is being compromised, particular when operating in extremely wet or dry soil conditions, with tyre slippage often being the result. The new ProfiGrip rim profile has been developed specifically to address this problem.

“Other solutions either use stronger

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materials, which significantly increases the weight of the wheel, or weld a reinforced ring to the flange, which results in uncontrollable shrinkage of the ring in this critical area of the wheel. Although the ring may be strengthened, the contact of tyre and wheel is no longer optimal.”

Designed to ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) standards, the ProfiGrip wheel has been developed to deliver significantly improved contact pressure between the tyre and rim - which not only eliminates slippage, but also makes the fitting of high-load capacity tyres faster and more straightforward and provides enhanced durability. Extensive tests, both on-track and infield, have confirmed that the rim design completely eliminates tyre slippage.

For more details, visit www.gknwheelsandstructures.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

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| ATV

Polaris

Polaris and the Horned Beef Company

Polaris has provided The Horned Beef Company with the loan of a Polaris Ranger EV 4X4 electric utility vehicle. he Horned Beef Company is a pioneering farming scheme set up in Cumbria by young married couple David and Bekka Corrie-Close, with the support of local people, the National Trust, the Prince’s Countryside Fund, the RSPB and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The aim of the project was to create an innovative business approach to sustainable, ecologically sound farming, land management and nature conservation. This ‘farming with nature’ is part of a broader ambition to produce food while being involved in the drive to find the right future for farming.

The couple began with bits of

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rented land scattered here and there in the Cumbrian countryside, grazing beef in areas where no crops will grow. Three years on and they have taken it to the next level with a National Trust tenancy of a hundred and fifty acres near Kendal and a number of other sites in five locations where cattle are grazed periodically through the year. In all, they are caring for around 1000 acres of National Trust land.

“We have a mixed bag of cattle,” says David, “from the Longhorn, probably the most majestic, to Highland, Shetland and Dexters.

The native breeds are quite rare and we have to travel far to acquire them and now we have a colourful herd of very calm, naturally well-behaved animals.”

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The Polaris Ranger EV, launched as the world’s first true 4X4 electric vehicle fits perfectly with the Horned Beef Company aims and ethos. The advantages of electric power coupled with its off-road abilities make it the ideal vehicle for managing the areas around David and Bekka’s base, moving feed and generally tending the cattle. It’s an ecological blend with the countryside, non-polluting, silent, and requiring the absolute minimum servicing.

“It’s an absolutely wonderful vehicle,” says David, “covering the exposed and rough terrain without putting a foot wrong and it’s appropriate to be moving around the landscape without noise. It lives at the farm and for day-to-day work

it’s far better than a tractor or big 4X4. We want to explore solar power next for charging the Ranger EV, we already use solar well pumps and we’re keen to expand it as a power source.” Before the arrival of the Ranger EV the couple were moving hay bales on foot, it being the only way they could get the food across the hilly terrain.

We’re pleased we can help with the growth of this exciting business,” says Ben Murray, Polaris’ National Sales Manager, “and we’re confident in the Polaris EV being the most suitable and ecologically sound alternative for their farm.”

Polaris Britain: 0800 915 6720 www.polaris-britain.com

www.farmingmonthly.co.uk

| ATV

Honda ATV Make light work of the busy autumn season The pheasant shooting season starts at a busy time for many farms and estates, soon after the cereals and grass harvests when many are trying to make the most of suitable weather windows for establishing next year’s crops. aving the right machinery available for an efficient shoot is essential and one of Honda’s bestselling ATVs or UTVs will almost certainly save time and improve working efficiency.

Honda’s new Pioneer utility vehicles were launched last year, complementing the highly respected Fourtrax, Foreman and Rincon conventional ATVs, but with extra load and towing capacity and able to transport up to four people in comfort.

The Pioneer’s compact dimensions allow use in confined areas such as farm woodland where alternative machines are often too wide, and generous 270mm ground clearance, superb suspension and 4wd with diff-locks allow travel over uneven and soft or slippery ground.

All Honda’s ATVs have efficient, low-revving petrol engines and the Pioneer has a similar power unit to the range-topping Rincon 680 ATV. Fully automatic, three-speed torque converter transmission and shafts to the front and rear axles maximise power available at the wheels and the Pioneer offers exceptional performance and the ability to climb steep slopes easily,

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even with a full load.

Since its launch the Pioneer has proved very popular with professional users. One of the biggest attractions is its petrol engine which provides quiet operation and much less vibration than diesel-powered alternatives.

For users this means long working hours at busy times of the year remain comfortable and less tiring, and for gamekeepers a particular advantage is discreet operation at night for tasks such as vermin control.

A large range of approved accessories is available, including various levels of operator protection from canopies and screens to full cabs with effective heaters.

The Pioneer has a durable, tipping rear load bed capable of carrying up to 386kg, and with an optional tow hitch trailers up to 680kg can be attached. Two seats are standard in the 700-2 model but for those needing to carry additional people the 700-4 includes two more seats at the rear. When not required the ‘QuickFlip’ seats fold away cleverly under the load bed so the full platform is available for transport but when they are needed, one or both seats can be folded out for use. No tools are required and

changing the format between load carrying and passenger seats takes just a few seconds. This means the versatile design is ideal for shoot days when the Pioneer’s role might alternate frequently between people and goods transport.

Like Honda’s ATVs the Pioneer boasts superb fuel economy. Its durable design and excellent reliability means demand for used machines is likely to be high, protecting resale values and reducing ownership costs, an important consideration for many shoots.

Ideally timed for the start of the shooting season, Honda’s low-rate

finance offer allows those investing in a new Pioneer to spread the cost. Only available through main dealers until September 30th, this allows the cost to be spread over 24, 36 or 48 months at an interest rate of just 2.9 per cent APR with only 10 per cent deposit up-front.

Alternative payment schedules allow balance payment by regular monthly instalments or by reduced monthly amounts followed by a final balloon payment. Full details are available from Honda UK’s website or your local dealer who will also be delighted to help you identify the ideal Honda machine for your farm or shoot.

September 2018 | Farming Monthly | 53

| Motors

The new Mercedes-Benz EQC The Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles. t was at the 2016 Paris Motor Show that Mercedes‑Benz first presented its new product and technology brand for electromobility. In mid-2019 the time has now come: The EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures)1 is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to be launched under the EQ brand.

With its seamless, clear design and colour highlights typical of the brand, it is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look while representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. With respect to quality, safety and comfort the EQC is the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles, and highly convincing in the sum of its attributes. These are accompanied by dynamic performance, thanks to two electric motors at the front and rear axles with a combined output of 300 kW. A sophisticated operating strategy enables an electric range of more than 450 km according to NEDC (provisional figure)1. EQ also offers comprehensive services with

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Mercedes me, and makes electromobility convenient and suitable for day-to-day motoring. The EQC also symbolises the start of a new mobility era at Daimler.

As the first Mercedes-Benz model under the new product and technology brand EQ, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has many trailblazing design details and colour highlights typical of the brand. Both inside and out, the EQC embodies the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. This arises from the combination of beauty, the conscious clash of digital and analogue elements as well as the seamless merging of intuitive and physical design.

By virtue of its muscular proportions, the EQC is classed as a crossover SUV. The extended roofline and window layout with a low waistline and the coupé-like roof recess at the rear visually position it between an SUV and an SUV coupé.

A striking feature at the front is the large black-panel surface enclosing the headlamps and grille. The black panel is bordered at the top by an optical fibre as a visual link between

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the torch-like daytime running lamps as a typical Mercedes-Benz feature. At night this creates an almost uninterrupted, horizontal light band. The inner housings and tubes of the standard MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are in high-gloss black. Contrasting colour highlights discreetly confirm the model’s membership of the new EQ family: blue stripes on a black background, and MULTIBEAM lettering also in blue.

The high-quality interior of the EQC also pioneers an avant-garde electro-look. One example is the ribbed edge of the instrument panel, which resembles the cooling ribs of a hifi amplifier. The instrument panel is designed as a driver-oriented cockpit. The typical MercedesBenz wing profile is asymmetrical, with a “cutout” in the driver area. This is where one of the visual highlights of the cockpit is located - a high-tech, high gloss cassette housing flat air vents with key-shaped, rosé-gold coloured louvres.

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Powertrain: Dynamic performance meets efficiency As the first Mercedes-Benz model to be launched under the new product and technology brand EQ, the EQC features an allnew drive system development with compact electric drivetrains at each axle. These give the EQC the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive.

To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimised for best possible efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear one determines dynamism. Together, they generate an output of 300 kW and a maximum torque of 765 Nm. Mercedes-Benz engineers have enhanced noise comfort with a number of measures. In the EQC the powerpacks are isolated by rubber mounts at two points: where the powerpack

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connects to its subframe and where the subframe connects to the body. This effective isolation is supplemented with insulation measures. As a result, the interior of the EQC is extremely quiet.

The lithium-ion battery, which has an energy content of 80 kWh (NEDC) supplies the vehicle with power. The power consumption and range of electric vehicles depend very much on the driving style. The EQC supports its driver with five driving programs, each with different characteristics: COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program.

In the more economical driving modes, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power plays an important role. The driver is also able to influence the recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel.

The ECO Assist system gives the driver comprehensive support when driving predictively: by prompting the driver when it is

appropriate to come off the accelerator, e.g. because the vehicle is approaching a speed limit, and by functions such as coasting and specific control of recuperation. For this purpose, navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety assistants (radar and stereo camera) are linked and processed.

Production: Preparations in full swing in the Bremen plant Series production of the EQC will start in 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen.

The preparations for this are already fully under way. The new EQC will be integrated into ongoing series production as a fully electric vehicle. The very latest production technologies will be employed.

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New Nissan Navara N-Guard special version now on sale The Nissan Navara N-Guard is a tough and stylish new special version of the brand’s award-winning pickup, and it’s on sale now. Available as Double Cab with 2.3 dCi 190 PS engine, the model is priced starting from £28,075.00 Basic Retail exc. VAT with the Manual gearbox, and £29,525.00 Basic Retail exc. VAT for the Automatic gearbox. he Navara is the versatile ‘goanywhere’ pickup that’s perfect for a tough week at work followed by an adventurous weekend in the wilderness. The N-Guard special version makes it even more desirable, thanks to a contemporary design upgrade, plus extra standard equipment.

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A former winner of the International Pickup Award, the Navara is Nissan’s most popular pickup globally. It is manufactured at facilities in Spain, China, Mexico, Thailand and – since July 2018 – Argentina Based on the flagship Tekna grade, the front grille, fog lamp surrounds, mirror covers, door

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handles and rear bumper are all finished in black. Matching side steps and roof rails have been added, along with unique black 18inch alloy wheels. The interior of the headlamps has been darkened, and a sunroof with tinted glass is standard.

Customers can order the Navara N-Guard in one of three exterior colours – Twilight Grey, Metallic Black and Storm White. The makeover is completed with unique decals at the base of the front doors, extending on to the load bed behind the rear wheel.

Inside, the themes of refinement and sophistication continue with restyled leather and cloth seats.

The base and back inserts have been upgraded with a smart new dark grey and yellow design, complemented by yellow double stitching. This feature is replicated on the door trim and on the new signature floor mats, which feature a geometric design to match the exterior decals.

Metallic or Pearlescent paint are

included in the On the Road Price of the Navara N-Guard. In addition, headlamp washers are fitted as standard equipment which are currently not even available as an option. The one item still on the options list is a rear differential locker to provide enhanced traction on every type of surface.

The N-Guard’s new features complement the Navara’s existing suite of advanced technologies.

Standard equipment includes Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Intelligent Around View Monitor. As with every Nissan LCV, the Navara N-Guard comes with a five-year /

100,000 mile warranty.

The Nissan Navara N-Guard takes its name and ‘tough and stylish’ attitude from the Nissan EnGuard concept, first seen at the Hannover Motor Show 2016. The Navara N-Guard will make its public debut at the Hannover Motor Show 2018 later this month.

A former winner of the International Pickup Award, the Navara is Nissan’s most popular pickup globally. It is manufactured at facilities in Spain, China, Mexico, Thailand and – since July 2018 – Argentina.

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Subaru supports Project EDWARD to raise awareness of road safety As a pioneer and passionate advocate of automotive safety, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Subaru is supporting the Project EDWARD road safety initiative created by TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network). EDWARD is an acronym for ‘European Day Without a Road Death’ and it makes its aims as clear as any mission statement ever could.

ISPOL’s vision is to make Europe’s roads safer and more secure, with the overall key focus on reducing road deaths and serious injuries. The aim of Project EDWARD is to highlight a singular day where everybody heightens their awareness, skill and driving style in an attempt to eliminate all fatalities from road accidents on Europe’s roads. This year, that day is Wednesday 19th September. Encouraging all road users to reflect on their driving behaviours and attitudes, Project EDWARD promotes heightened awareness of road safety all year round.

Road users often create many of the circumstances that can lead to accidents themselves; through inconsiderate parking, poor observation, choosing to ignore rules or speed limits, or by taking risky short cuts. The idea behind Project EDWARD is to get drivers to pause and reflect on how they use the roads – to see if collectively we can make a significant contribution towards further sizeable and sustained reductions in road death and serious injury. As part of an industry wide push to halve all road fatalities by the year 2020, Project EDWARD is supported by all 30 TISPOL members and a growing number of well-known brands and road safety organisations.

Road safety, in both active and passive forms, has been a huge part of Subaru’s brand DNA from the outset, with Subaru being one of

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the world’s first manufacturers to crash test its vehicles – as far back as 1965 – when there was no requirement for manufacturers to do so.

Fast forward to the present day, via a plethora of exceptional safety innovations, and you’ll find the Subaru XV top of the class, with the crash test experts at Euro NCAP naming it the safest small family car in Europe. Quite the accolade in a market characterised by continual innovation in safety technology.

At Subaru, we not only strive to push the boundaries of technology and safety in our vehicles, but we’re committed to making these innovations available as standard equipment, rather than an expensive option. Safety for the many, if you will. We develop safety features to go beyond the highest European standards, giving you peace of mind for every journey.

Subaru’s mantra of ‘Better Where It Matters’ couldn’t be more relevant to our safety protocols – and our unique Symmetrical AllWheel Drive technology is where it all begins.

Offering exceptional road-holding, this balanced platform means better traction, and therefore control, on slippery road surfaces.

After all, the best way to avoid an accident is to stay out of harm’s way in the first place.

Subaru’s SUV range, plus the Impreza and Levorg, are fitted with EyeSight*, Subaru’s advanced driver assist technology. EyeSight comprises a pair of high-resolution cameras that constantly monitor the road ahead, interpreting the environment and scanning for

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potential hazards – whether that’s other cars, motorbikes, cyclists or pedestrians. Using six core safety systems, EyeSight can not only provide warnings of any impending hazards, but help you to avoid them, too.

Extra ‘eyes’ around the car come in the form of Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD), which features Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

SRVD continually assesses rear blind spots for danger and can give warnings of an impending collision when you’re changing lane or reversing out of a parking space into a busy street. Add on top of these features LED steering responsive headlights, which allow you to effectively peek around the corner, whilst High Beam Assist helps you to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

With the 19th of September fast approaching, Project EDWARD reminds us that, collectively, we can all make a difference to road safety, just by changing a few small aspects of our driving style. Avoiding a collision in the first place is the best way to stay safe. By utilising your Subaru’s safety features, you can also help yourself and others around you avoid collisions out on the roads every single day of the year. *EyeSight is not available on Forester 2.0i XE, 2.0i XE Premium and 2.0i XT Lineartronic models

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2019 Mitsubish Outlander range grows with addition of new petrol-powered model The Mitsubishi Outlander range is now available with a third powertrain option: Complementing the best-selling plug-in hybrid and turbo diesel models in the range, a new seven-seat Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol is now available to UK customers priced from £27,680 OTR. owered by a 2.0litre MIVEC* petrol engine, which produces 150ps and 195Nm of torque, the new Outlander Petrol is equipped with an advanced CVT automatic transmission that offers the stepped shifting of a conventional automatic under acceleration while automatically striking an ideal balance between performance, refinement and economy under normal driving conditions. For additional control and driving pleasure, there are also paddle shifters for a more manual control.

As with all Mitsubishi Outlanders, the new Outlander Petrol is also equipped with electronically-controlled 4WD as standard which combines with Active Stability Control to offer excellent traction and stability even in the most challenging of conditions. The standard Drive Mode Selector lets you easily select the most appropriate drive mode when desired: 4WD ECO mode for maximum economy, 4WD AUTO mode for normal driving

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conditions or 4WD LOCK mode for rough terrain or low-grip conditions.

All Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol versions feature seven seats as standard, with the simple ‘fold & stow’ operation allowing the rearmost two seats to be independently folded into the boot floor for maximum versatility. The second row seats also feature a tilting backrest and offer a sliding function allowing owners to adjust rear passenger leg room as required. When all five rear seats are folded, up to 1,608 litres of boot space is available making the Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol a true all-purpose, utility vehicle.

In line with the rest of the Mitsubishi Outlander range, the petrol-powered model features the same ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design language updated for 2019, with a new honeycomb mesh front grille, new front lower extension and new headlamp design. The rear bumper design has also been revised, complimented by new two-tone 18” alloy wheels, while the cabin benefits from numerous enhancements including reduced

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engine noise, more supportive front seats, one-touch electric windows on all four windows (driver operated), a heated windscreen and Mitsubishi’s new SDA (Smartphone Link Display Audio) system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility with DAB and Bluetooth connectivity. Other features offered as standard across the range include heated front seats, automatic lights and wipers, rear view camera and keyless operation.

Enhancements to the driving dynamics have been accomplished with developments in structural rigidity with additional structural adhesive welding having been applied between the body panels.

Enhancements to the front strut and rear shock absorbers have also been made to increase the damping force at low speed, and therefore providing a smoother ride.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Petrol is available now with the Juro version priced from £27,680 OTR and the range-topping Outlander 4 adds leather seats with electric driver’s seat adjustment, a 360° camera, heated steering wheel, power tailgate, blind-spot warning with rear cross traffic alert along with LED headlamps with LED high beam and LED front fog lamps.

The Outlander 4 is priced from £29,680 OTR.

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