INSIDE: AHDB pledges to reform in response to Request for Views page 07
Farming
MONTHLY National
September 2020
Also in this issue... ATV
| Polaris unveils a new generation of ATV page 64
Farmers take over town centre retail Also inside this month..
The move will create some 60 full and part time jobs and hopes to drive a radical change in how food and drink is retailed and served. page 12
Cereal choice & weeds p29
Light: Adding value to a steel frame p54
Hidden causes of CHP shutdown p38
PLUS: Arable | Sheep| Buildings | Livestock | Pests| Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors
CONTENTS September 2020
FEATURES 22
11 Security
35
38
54 Buildings
Quad bike thieves foiled
42
62 Tyres
Importance of light in steel frames
BKT & Firestone developments
14 Arable Choice for 2021 beet
27 Cereals & Grain Don’t stifle wheat potential
35 Pests
REGULARS
Rodenticide resistance
06 News 41 Sheep Replacing sheep farming with forests?
Training for tastier eggs
12 On Topic
44 Muck & Slurry Poultry layer productivity
Farmers take over town centre
43 Energy
48 Livestock
Causes of CHP shutdown
74 Machinery Latest machinery news
82 ATV ATV news...covered.
85 Motors Latest motors news
Delving deeper into forage
04 | Farming Monthly | September 2020
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Farmers take over town centre in bid to reverse retail demise
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September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 05
| News
Eggs-ercise! Morrisons trains hens to produce the tastiest eggs Morrisons is investing in British farming by teaming up with the ‘British Egg Academy’ to create a hen training programme. The tailored “training” plan aims to produce the fittest chickens and the best eggs. ens lay more eggs when they are active. Students of the academy will learn how to develop exercise routines to create the healthiest environment possible to keep their hens happy. Students will learn everything there is to know about producing elite hens and the best eggs; including the right amounts of feed and water needed, the amount of necessary light exposure and even how to create calming environments to give them time to relax and put their claws up. The hens will be given all the exercises that they need to produce the best eggs. They will be given access to trees - that they use to play hide and seek in, footballs and other toys - that they are encouraged to play with, and perches at various levels within in their houses - so they are able to jump, climb and fly on a daily basis. For the hens that need downtime after their
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training, dust baths will be available out in the range. Young people have consumed more eggs in recent years, making the egg industry the fastest growing protein industry in the UK. Last year, Brits consumed over 13 billion eggs, that’s a whopping 36 million eggs a day, and 197 eggs per year per person. As well as creating tastier eggs, the academy will increase awareness about the job opportunities available in an industry worth over £1 billion to the UK economy, and improve training opportunities for those who are looking to help feed Britain with the best British eggs. Sophie Throup, Head of Agriculture at Morrisons said: “We want to produce some of the healthiest, fittest and happiest hens in the UK. We are always looking at ways to continually improve our egg quality and this Academy will help achieve that goal, whilst giving our students
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insights into how to crack the industry for generations to come.” Bill Meredith, Principal at Bishop Burton College’s Principal said: “The college is delighted to be working with Morrisons and poultry farmers to provide opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in the egg industry. Our commitment is to provide the skills needed to maintain the highest possible welfare standards – happy hens are us!” The British Egg Academy will be based at Bishop Burton College and the course will start in January 2021 however for those looking to try their cluck in the egg industry and find out more, there is a virtual open day on Thursday 27th August. Applications to the course will close in December 2020. For more information, visit: https://www.morrisons-farming.com/backingbritish/british-egg-academy/
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| News
AHDB pledges to reform in response to Request for Views A new strategy and improved communication with levy payers on how their money is spent are just two of the significant changes AHDB has pledged to make.
his follows the Government’s response to the Request for Views, published earlier this year. Also included are a commitment to a regular ballot on the AHDB levy and how it is spent, a review of the levy system for potatoes and horticulture, and a review of AHDB’s board and committee structure. “We have listened carefully to the views expressed by levy payers in response to the Government-led Request for Views, and we are now committed to some key reforms to ensure we are fit for purpose in the changing times British agriculture is facing,” said AHDB Chair Nicholas Saphir. “As a new chair, I felt it was essential that we took time to consider fully the feedback from the exercise and its implications, and make clear commitments on how we will move forward, as well as ensuring this work is aligned to the new strategy that is being developed.” Nicholas, who was appointed in April 2020, underlined the importance of AHDB’s new fiveyear strategy, which is being published for feedback this autumn. This will focus in two key areas of market development and farm performance. “Our fantastic work during Covid 19 showed AHDB is at its very best in responding quickly to the needs of farmers, growers and the supply chain at a time of crisis, and we were able to clearly demonstrate the value we add for our levy payers. “This built on the excellent progress we are making with key AHDB programmes, such as our network of hugely popular Monitor and Strategic farms, our work opening up new export markets, promotion of our products at home and overseas, our research work and our highly-regarded market insight, evidence and
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Nicholas Saphir
analysis,” he said. “Our industry is about to undergo significant change driven by a new direction in trade and agriculture policies, as well as shifting consumer demands. Farming and supply chain businesses will need to compete with the best in the world, drawing on the latest insight to improve farm performance, grow market
opportunities and meet environmental goals. “That is what we will provide in our new strategy – and we will commit to telling our levy payers on a regular basis how we are spending their money and the benefits it brings,” he added. AHDB has committed to a regular ballot on the sector levies and how they are spent. The timings and format of any ballot will need to be worked out in detail with Defra, and the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Governments before being incorporated into the statutory legislation which covers AHDB. Alongside this, AHDB will be reviewing and updating the levy calculations for horticulture and potatoes, which are based on
business turnover in horticulture, and hectares planted in potatoes. These levy systems predate AHDB’s formation in 2008. Nicholas said: “This is a piece of work which has been in train for some time, and we are very aware of the current strength of feeling in these sectors. We are working with growers to see how we can design a more modern system.” The final part of AHDB’s reforms will focus on the current structure of AHDB boards and committees, which has been in place since the organisation was founded in 2008. An independent review of governance has already been put in place and will produce recommendations for change by the end of 2020.
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 07
| News
PFC Agri Solutions increases product portfolio 2020 has been a strange year, not just for the coronavirus pandemic, but for weather too. There have been floods and PFC Forage Solutions has become well respected with the Balers Choice hay preservative and Harvest Tec moisture sensors and application systems, but it didn’t reflect the new product lines so after lockdown videos calls the name PFC Agri Solutions was settled upon.long dry spells which have had a huge effect on silage making for the season. FC Agri Solutions has increased its product portfolio during 2020 with the addition of 2 new product lines. The Elkaer Saw systems and Awemak cultivation machinery are now fully available with some products available form stock. As harvest progresses it leads into one of our products allowing our end users to store a valuable livestock product - straw, for many years we have been importing the Performa series tarpaulin from Inland Tarp, these have proved time and again their ability to withstand the elements due to the rigorous quality control during production. The tarpaulins are available for all bale types, round and conventional stacks utilise under ropes or webbing, while steel “J-Hooks” are used to anchor into the twine on large square bales, then utilising the “SuperCinch” 200 kg’s of force anchors the tarpaulin to the stack. The ability to secure the tarpaulin massively improves lifespan, the tarpaulin is made by bonding 3 layers together, with a white outer side to reflect heat, the outer layer features a special 7-8 year UV protection layer, provides years of reliable service Moving to one of our new line we have been appointed by the Danish manufacturer Elkaer Maskiner to represent them in both the UK and
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ROI. The Elkaer range is built to tackle the tough stuff be that a small reciprocating bar mounted to a Stiga style lawn mower to a 3.8m 5 disc cutting head mounted to either a fore end loader or rear linkage tool carrier capable of supporting a 2.5m heavy duty flail style mulcher. The HS2300 and HKL Fox headstock offer the balance of capability with 3 x 800mm cutting discs able to cut a maximum diameter of 250mm giving a 2.3 meter cut, the blades are belt driven by the tractor or telehandlers hydraulics, worth noteing is the slight blade offset to reduce the risk of pinching or stalling a blade. Working speeds of up to 8km/h are possible in real world conditions. The HKL Fox headstock can be supplied with a range of headstock mounting brackets, and is supplied with a weight frame carrier on its left hand side, the HKL Fox allows for a maximum of 1.5m offset alowing the tractor to remain clear of falling debris, this syetem is ideally suited to tractors with front linkage allowing the opperator to puch the brush into piles for disposal. Our cultivation range is designed and built by the Polish company Awemak, with over 30 years experience building high quality reliable machines for the European market. Focusing on one machine the Ares HD come in 5 sizes to suit farm size and power
requirements from 3 meters to 6 meters. The Aries HD series uses 120mm x 120mm x 8mm box frame, providing industry leading strength ang longevity. The Ares comes as standard with 2 rows of reinforced legs carrying 560mm x 6mm discs with German built NSK reinforced maintenance free hubs. This allows the Ares to work in the harshest of conditions from heavy clay, flint and shale soil types. Straw tines aid levelling and spreading of large amounts of trash in the first pass to create a chit for stale seed beds. Breaker boards as another standard feature break down clods, consolidate and level the soil allowing the discs to work more efficiently to create a final seedbed. Breaker boards passively move soils to provide levelling and cultivation. The consolidated soil presented to the discs enables them to do a better job of cutting and slicing clods before the roller option consolidates. Active side screens are a standard feature. Optional front Depth wheels providing stability to enhances the consistency of seedbed. Lager 610mm discs are also an option to high trash conditions. The Ares BTHX range is available from £8,950 – £26,000 PFC Ltd - 01805 603 363 – www.pfc-eu.com – info@pfc-eu.com
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September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 9
| News
AB Agri ‘Chicken Run’ and ‘Drink for Dairy’ delivers for the industry and people in need Teams across AB Agri, Britain’s leading manufacturer of ruminant, pig and poultry animal feed have come together to help the agricultural industry and vulnerable people during the COVID-19 crisis, in a novel way. Employees took up the challenge of a 5,000-mile chicken run to deliver 5,000 chickens and 10,000 litres of milk to charity. orking in conjunction with the charity FareShare, a national network of charitable food redistributors, AB Agri colleagues initially joined together to walk, run and hop a combined total of 5,000 miles. On completion of the challenge AB Agri donated 5,000 whole chickens supplied by initiative partners, Chesterfield Poultry and 2 Sisters Food Group. Simon Heath, Managing Director of AB Agri’s Compound Feed business explains, “As the effects of COVID-19 continue to impact on all aspects of daily life, not least to the British farming sector, this is part of our effort to support our industry and help provide a nutritious, home-grown product to those who need it most.” Colleagues literally made a dash to help, all of course following social distancing guidelines along the way. The challenge started with AB Agri colleagues from around the country all individually contributing to reach the 5,000 mile target. Heath continued, “We approached our partners to purchase the 5,000 chickens and
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were delighted that Chesterfield Poultry contributed a further 2,000 chickens to the charity. This means that as a combined activity we are able to donate 7,000 fresh chickens or the equivalent of over 40,000 meals.” Nadeem Iqbal, Managing Director at Chesterfield Poultry said, “When we heard about the challenge, we were delighted to be involved, supporting our industry and families in the UK that need help through these difficult times.” And the challenge didn’t stop with chickens. Spurred on by the efforts, colleagues then took up the next challenge of drinking 10,000 litres of water in exchange for a donation of 10,000 litres of milk to FareShare. While fun was had along the way, the chickens and milk will have a very real benefit for the end recipients. FareShare food reaches charities across the UK, including school breakfast clubs, older people’s lunch clubs, homeless shelters and community cafes. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, it continues its full national operation to get food to vulnerable people. As the leading British manufacturer of
10 | Farming Monthly | September 2020
ruminant, pig and poultry animal feeds and services to the industry, AB Agri is proud of its commitment to bringing knowledge, partnership and innovation to the sector. Heath concludes, “We are looking forward to continuing to develop ideas to support our industry and FareShare over the forthcoming months and developing a longer-term partnership. With that in mind we are now launching our third initiative and this time we are asking for help not only from our colleagues but from our customers and the wider industry too. Stoke up the BBQs, we’re looking for a combined effort of eating 20,000 sausages and we’ll donate the same to FareShare.” AB Agri is delighted to be able to represent the industry in this great initiative, playing its part in the nation’s efforts through the challenges of COVID-19. Further details of how to get involved in the challenge and help deliver the new challenge can be found by visiting @ABNFeed on Facebook or via LinkedIn.
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| Security
Quad bike thieves foiled after stolen vehicle found in fog This stolen quad bike will be returned to its rightful owner, after police tracked it down before it could be taken out of North Yorkshire. ust before 1am on Thursday 20 August 2020, a member of the public reported a quad bike being driven in suspicious circumstances through Helmsley market place. Quads are frequently targeted by thieves in rural areas as they are small, expensive and easy to transport. Their loss can have a big economic impact on farms and other rural businesses. North Yorkshire Police officers immediately headed to the area, cutting off nearby roads to stop the quad getting away.
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Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate those responsible for the theft. Despite the darkness and fog, officers managed to find the quad at 1.40am. It had been abandoned down a track off the A170, west of Helmsley. Although no suspects were immediately located, the quad – a red Honda TRX – was recovered and enquiries begun to locate its rightful owner. The following morning, police received a call from the quad bike's owner. The quad had been stolen from a locked building at a premises in Helmsley. A tractor had been parked up against the building, but thieves had forced it back and managed to get inside. Officers were able to share the good news that the stolen quad
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had already been found. A crime scene investigator has carried out forensic enquiries at the scene of the burglary. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate those responsible for the theft. The quad's owner had followed good crime prevention advice, by parking in a locked building with a large farm vehicle blocking access. Police are reminding all quad bike owners in North Yorkshire to take similar precautions: • Fit a GPS tracking device. • Park as close to your premises as possible, ideally in a locked outbuilding with CCTV and security lighting, preferably out of sight from nearby roads. • Remove keys when not in use, and do not leave them near the quad. • Secure with wheel clamps and/or locking posts. • Mark or customise your quad so it is easily identifiable, and keep a record, including photographs and serial numbers. Residents can help put a stop to criminals who target North Yorkshire's rural and farming communities. If you see or hear a quad bike being driven in suspicious circumstances – for example, in an unusual place, late at night, or without lights – contact the police. Call 101 to pass information, or 999 if a crime is in progress. Anyone with information about the theft of the Helmsley quad should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12200144631
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 11
| On Topic
Farmers take over town cen to reverse retail demise Recently, in the former BHS store in Banbury, close to where the M&S and many other retailers have recently shut down, and despite Covid restrictions, UK farmers opened up a brand new butchers; a fishmongers; a deli; a farm shop; a bakery; a cheese counter; an off license; three take-aways; a restaurant and a large bar. hey have created some 60 full and part time jobs and hope to drive a radical change in how food and drink is retailed and served. Called Happerley England, a project supported by BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, it marks the launch of England's
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very first national centre of food and drink provenance in an interactive mixed retail, street food and entertainment environment. Consumers are able to use QR technology on a smartphone to better understand the journey of the food they buy, to allow for educated and conscious purchasing decisions. Happerley was founded by farmers and has
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already won the support of hundreds of producers around the UK who allow them to validate and publish their ingredient supply chain, to empower consumers to instantly know the journey of their food and drink. All produce at Happerley England must be Happerley Gold or on a journey to become Happerley Gold, meaning that consumers can
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| On Topic
ntre in bid trace the ingredients in their purchases right back to the farms and boats, allowing the producers to tell the story of the very journey of their products. Happerley founder, Matthew Rymer, explains: "We hope to blaze a new future for retail by re-engaging town centres with their hinterland and delivering truth instead of spin. It
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Food and drinks producers with Farmer and TV presenter Adam Henson
is not rocket science – this is about delivering transparency and truth for the benefit of all. It about telling the story of field to fork, creating community space, a platform for genuine interaction and a sustainable business model for all. We want to lay a path for hope through these difficult times and to focus on the glory of what
we as a nation produce. We very much hope to set up a Happerley Scotland and Happerley Wales in due course." For more information go to https://happerley.co.uk/ Watch the Happerley England journey here https://youtu.be/tfqyHUYAxVk
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 13
| Arable
Conviso is a smart choice for 2021 beet With the 2021 sugar beet contracting and seed ordering window about to open, leading agronomy firm Hutchinsons is recommending growers consider including the new Conviso herbicide tolerant variety Janninka in their planting list for next season. he conventionally-bred hybrid, available through Hutchinsons, has been developed as part of a joint initiative between KWS and Bayer that also includes a post-emergence ALS herbicide (Conviso One) designed for exclusive use on tolerant Conviso varieties. “Two varieties are available, Janninka and Rivetta, but we dismissed Rivetta on its bolting risk which is the highest of all varieties on the Recommended List” say Darryl Shailes, Hutchinsons crop technical manager. The main point of difference of the Conviso Smart system is that it can control weedy beet. This is the first time growers are able to control weedy beet chemically in a sugar beet crop that would otherwise need to be hoed and pulled or weed wiped. However, the system also promises to give growers greater flexibility around early spray timings and help mitigate the impact of losing vital chemistry, notably desmedipham, the loss of which could make weed control much more challenging next season
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“It’s not just the loss of desmedipham that’s an issue, but the fact that we’ve also lost modern formulations, which means weed control is going back to basic formulations of older active ingredients that don’t give the same efficacy,” says Mr Shailes. This is especially true for controlling larger weeds in cool, dry conditions, often experienced early in spring, where desmedipham performed well, but alternative herbicides may need to be applied at higher rates or in more complex mixes/sequences to achieve comparable results, increasing the risk of crop damage. “We estimate herbicide cost will increase around £40-£50/ ha, with growers having to rely much more on residuals, but also to go across the field on a more regular basis,” comments Mr Shailes. The Conviso system could help overcome many of these agronomic and crop safety issues, while delivering other management and timeliness benefits, he says. Smart solution Conviso One is a single product based on
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two ALS herbicides, foramsulfuron and thiencarbazone-methyl, which offer contact and residual activity against a range of weeds, including fat hen, cleavers, volunteer potatoes and sensitive grassweeds, including blackgrass. The product will kill any non-Conviso beet, so should only be used on tolerant varieties and in whole fields where it can effectively control weed beet. “Conviso will control virtually all weeds at the 2-4 true leaf stage of the target weed, and is even effective against cranesbill, Amaranthus, and annual mercury, which can be very challenging to control. The only real weakness is common speedwell,” says Mr Shailes. “Furthermore, because Conviso beet varieties are completely unaffected by the herbicide, there is a much wider application window from a crop safety perspective. This spring we struggled due to the weather, often very hot with bright sunshine and with frosts early in the morning, which makes the timing of sugar beet herbicides very difficult to manage. The crop safety of the Conviso Smart system eliminates many of these issues.”
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| Arable
Norfolk-based Hutchinsons agronomist Edmund Stevens has 130 ha of Conviso beet in the ground across three of his clients’ farms this season, and is impressed with how it has performed so far. The technology has transformed beet production on some land that was previously so badly affected by weed beet it made sugar beet growing questionable, he says. “Fields that were terrible have suddenly become viable again. “Conviso has also worked well on volunteer potatoes, in situations where we would have otherwise used full rate clopyralid, which is quite an expensive option. “The Conviso herbicide seems reliable, especially compared to conventional beet chemistry which can be more affected by the conditions, particularly when it’s cool and dry. It could simplify weed control in the future.” Mr Stevens acknowledges there is a slight yield penalty associated with the herbicide tolerance trait, 11% for Janninka, but insists this is more than compensated for by the yield benefits from improved weed control. “With a severe infestation of weed beet, you could be looking at anything up to a 20-30% yield loss in the worst cases. Yes, there is a few percent yield drag in tolerant varieties, but that’s virtually irrelevant when you consider the alternative situation of not growing a Conviso variety in that situation.” Mr Shailes also points out that RL trial results are based on a standard herbicide programme, even on the Conviso Smart varieties, so official
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yield figures do not reflect any crop safety benefits associated with the Conviso system. “Trials by KWS and Bayer show that yield uplift in the Conviso system could easily take both varieties back up to 100% of the control yield, if not more depending on the season. All herbicide programmes, even the safest, will have some yield penalty and we saw a lot in this past season and it’s likely to increase with the change in chemistry available going forward.” Stewardship caution While Conviso offers many benefits, some caution is needed and it should not be regarded as a single solution for every situation. All farms face different challenges and weed spectrums, so varieties, product selection and timing must always be tailored accordingly, says Mr Stevens. “For example, this year we saw a lot of fat hen emerging early on, which was sprayed with a conventional herbicide. That allowed us to wait and use the one application of Conviso to control later emerging weed beet, broadleaf weeds and grassweeds.” Because the Conviso system is based on ALS herbicides, it may not suit situations where there are large populations of weeds, such as black-grass or mayweed, with known resistance to this chemistry - the same applies to Clearfield oilseed rape volunteers. In these situations, other modes of action are needed to tackle resistant weeds to avoid exacerbating problems, notes Mr Shailes.
As always, growers should never rely on one chemical class, so it remains important to use integrated programmes that incorporate cultural controls and a range of chemistry with different modes of action. Effective bolter management is also essential to prevent ALS-resistant weed beet emerging in following crops. This requires careful variety selection, optimal drilling timing and vigilance through the season to rogue out bolters before they set seed, although Janninka has zero bolters at the normal drilling timing, comments Mr Shailes. Also, crown regrowth post-harvest has to be managed, so reducing this as much as possible by correct harvester setting and ideally ploughing post-harvest is the best policy. “Whist we would always recommend ploughing after a Conviso beet crop, we have done work looking at crown management in crops in noplough situations, he adds. Looking ahead, Mr Shailes says more Conviso varieties are being developed and the commercial applications of the system are likely to expand beyond regular weed control. For example, work is underway to investigate how Conviso varieties can be grown alongside companion crops, using the Conviso One herbicide to take out the companion crop when required, which may benefit virus control. There may also be benefits for terminating cover crops where they are grown to prevent soil erosion on light land, he notes.
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 15
| Arable
Are you getting paid for reducing your metaldehyde use? Farmers in the Severn Trent region have until 15 September to sign up for the Farm to Tap scheme, which pays out up to £5/ha for protecting water quality through the responsible use of metaldehyde slug pellets on winter wheat and oilseed rape.
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na McBride, Severn Trent agricultural adviser, is urging farmers to make sensible decisions when it comes to slug control this year, with pellets as a last resort, after all
cultural controls have been explored. “Using an IPM approach to manage slugs this season will not only help to protect water quality and earn farmers money through the Farm to Tap scheme, but it can also help to support a more regenerative and resilient
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cropping system,” she says. “In my experience, the best cultural technique you can use is making a consolidated seedbed, as this helps reduce movement of slugs through the soil while helping crops get away quickly. But there’s a
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| Arable
raft of other options you can use as part of an integrated programme to help tackle the pests. “If you do need to step in with chemical control as a last resort, the Farm to Tap payments and our team of advisers will support you in making the switch from metaldehyde to ferric phosphate, if you haven’t already,” says Una. David Cameron, chairman of the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG), explains that the organisation does not believe there are any companies selling metaldehyde slug pellets, due to the incoming ban on their use next December. “Though farmers are unlikely to be able to purchase metaldehyde, many will still have it
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stored on farm, so I’d remind those that do and plan on continuing to use it, to do so following the MSG guidelines detailed on getpelletwise.co.uk to protect water,” says David. On top of the per-hectare payments for producing water that meets or exceeds the drinking water standards, Severn Trent is offering those in catchments with no exceedances over 0.1ppb during the testing period, a £100 bonus to each farm signed up. To find out if you’re eligible or to sign up to the scheme, please visit www.stwater.co.uk/farmtotap/ or contact your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser.
Sign up today Applications close: 15 September 2019 Payments of up to £5/ha available for reducing metaldehyde levels in watercourses £100 bonus payments for farms in catchments with no metaldehyde exceedances Find out if you’re eligible by visiting https://www.stwater.co.uk/aboutus/environment/catchmentmanagement/farm-to-tap/
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 17
| Arable
Delayed drilling still essential for blackgrass control After the sodden conditions last autumn, some arable farmers may consider drilling wheat earlier to guarantee a decent area next harvest. But threats such as grass weeds and virus carrying aphids are both more of an issue in early drilled crops. Bayer's Darren Adkins gives his thoughts on how farmers can balance the need for wheat area with pest and weed threats. High black-grass levels can also wipe out crops "On land with a history of black-grass, early drilling is likely to be recipe for trouble. High blackgrass populations in the crop are difficult and costly to put right with herbicides. We know from experience that sometimes the only solution is to spray off the whole lot and start again," he says. Delaying into mid/late October, after the main flush of black-grass greatly reduces weed levels in the crop. 2. Pick clean fields for early drilling. "There is likely to be a reaction by some growers with an earlier start to drilling winter cereals. In this situation, it is important to start with cleaner fields then drill the worst fields later in the autumn."
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3. Make sure you can drill and spray. Whenever you drill, being able to spray within 48 hours of drilling is essential to get the best results from the herbicide programme. "Liberator (flufenacet + diflufenican) performs better and more consistently at the true pre-em timing. If bad weather is forecast, it's easy to push on with the drill but not leave time to spray which makes things easy for black-grass and other weeds to get established in the crop. 4. Later drilling dates helps herbicide performance. Soil moisture is important for the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides, particularly those that act on the roots including flufenacet. In mid-October, there is typically sufficient soil moisture due to cooler weather and shorter days. A 2016 study led by Dr Stephen Moss (Sustaining winter cropping under threat from herbicide-resistant black-
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grass) showed a 25% increase in black-grass control from pre-emergence herbicides in October drilled wheat compared to September. 5. BYDV risk is also managed by delayed drilling. Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) transmitted by aphids is also a bigger challenge in early drilled wheat crops. In warmer weather, the second generation, which tends to spread the disease, emerges more quickly. Consequently, farmers may have to spray for aphids sooner and more times during the season to prevent BYDV problems. "Make sure any aphid sprays are targeted at the correct timing by using the T-sum calculator," says Mr Adkins. "The big danger is trying to force herbicide and insecticides together and missing the optimum timing for both."
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| Arable
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September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 19
| Arable
Early drilled oilseed rape needs tailored herbicide programme Farmers who drilled oilseed rape in July and August without applying a pre-emergence herbicide will need a tailored approach to weed control this autumn.
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orteva Agriscience says earlier drilling is one strategy being employed on UK and Irish farms in a bid to use the warmer temperatures and moisture to aid rapid
establishment. The tactic is one of a range of measures arable farmers are using to help crops to grow away from pests such as cabbage stem flea beetle and slugs, and making them more resilient against the challenges of a cold, wet
winter. Another change is to move away from preemergence herbicides which have been a mainstay of broad-leaved weed control for many years. The switch to post-emergence applications allows farmers to see the crop establish, assess the weed spectrum and tailor a reactive programme accordingly. John Sellars, Corteva's Oilseed Rape Herbicide Product Manager, said; "The past few growing seasons have posed a number of
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challenges for growers. "They have been competing with a drought one year and a deluge of rain the next, on top of the usual pest and disease pressures that need to be managed. "Reducing the up-front investment in crop protection is one way of managing risk. It allows farmers the time to see the crop establish before deciding on the appropriate herbicide programme." Key problem weeds to get on top of in autumn oilseed rape include cleavers, poppy,
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| Arable
shepherd's purse, fumitory and cranesbill. John advises farmers use Belkar – the ground-breaking post-emergence herbicide launched by Corteva in 2019. It contains Arylex Active – the same robust, reliable molecule which can also be found in the spring-applied oilseed herbicide Korvetto. Belkar also contains picloram, known to many arable farmers who use Galera. Now in its second year of use in UK and Irish fields, John says Belkar has demonstrated excellent control of key weeds and is already becoming an important tool in the box for growing oilseed rape successfully. "The way we grow the crop is changing and that means farmers and agronomists are looking at weed control from a new angle," he said. "If you can delay your herbicide investment until you can judge the quality of the crop and the weeds present, you are reducing risk." How to get the best results?
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The spray period for Belkar is from 1 September right up to the end of December, and there are three treatment options which Corteva says will deliver the best results. From two-to-three leaves, an application at 0.25l/ha will take out the weeds which have germinated alongside the crop and, in some circumstances, that may be enough broadleaved control before an application of Astrokerb (propyzamide + aminopyralid) or Kerb Flo 500 later on. In high weed pressure situations where there is a further weed have flush, crops can have a second dose at 0.25l/ha two to four weeks after the first. A third option to be used is to wait until six true leaves of the crop and all the weeds have emerged and apply 0.5l/ha which will take care of the weeds going in to the autumn. Belkar has an extensive tank mix list including some graminicides used for controlling cereal volunteers
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| Arable
OSR surprises on Lincolnshire Wolds A crop of oilseed rape has produced a gross output of 7. 04t/ha despite battling against flea beetle damage as it established in the autumn. im Lamyman of Worlaby Farms, near Louth in Lincolnshire, harvested the 9ha of the conventional variety, Acacia on 16th August. He was optimistic when he started combining as the crop stood at just under 5ft tall and was brimming full of pods. “The crop combined exceptionally well for such a thick crop of rape with tree trunk type stems that were up to 2 inches wide. For a conventional variety, the seed looked exceptionally bold,” he says. Acacia is the highest yielding variety on the 2020-2021 AHDB Recommended List (RL), and
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set a new benchmark for oilseed rape yields when it joined the RL. The open pollinated variety is an Anastasia cross, inheriting key agronomic characteristics of strong autumn and spring vigour, solid disease resistance and short, stiff straw, combined with high oil content. “The field hasn’t had a rape crop on it for the last 20 years,” explains Tim. “Previously the field had continuous spring barley. I chose Acacia for its short straw, fantastic standing power, vigour and being the highest yielding variety on the AHDB list – if we were going to beat the previous best of 7.01 t/ha on the farm it had to be this variety.”
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The Acacia was drilled into soils that had been worked with a Lemken Terra-Disc, a Vaardestad Carrier and drilled at 5kg/ha and then rolled. “As the crop established, the cabbage stem flea beetle moved in, but through a combination of its genetic vigour and an application of Bionature Delta fertiliser, that went on with the insecticide spray (lambdacyhalothrin) it seemed to give it that extra boost, explains Tim. Delta is a stabilised nitrogen fertiliser with potassium for improved rooting, stress tolerance, crop quality and yield production. “This combination of insecticide for the flea
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| Arable
beetle and the fertiliser for promoting rooting and combatting stress saved the crop. No system is fool proof, particularly with oilseed rape, and especially if you are drilling into a dry seed bed with no prospect of rain, so it’s important to give it every possible chance.” Tim believes his approach has paid off – and it has been more than worthwhile investing in the crop all the way through. Autumn programme: • To mop up a few remaining barley volunteers, Tim went on with 0.75 l/ha Fusillade Max (125 g/l fluazifop-p -butyl) and also included a second application of 2.5 l/ha DeltaK.
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• The final autumn spray focussed on light leaf spot control with 0.5 l/ha tebuconazole and a further application of insecticide (lambdacyhalothrin). “By this stage it had started raining, and it felt like it would never stop- but in Jan we had a break from the weather and went on with 1.7 l/ha Astrokerb (500 g/litre propyzamide + 5.3 g/litre aminopyralid) plus 2.5 l/ha Delta K.” Spring programme • A March application of prothioconazole and Hallmark were combined with a final application of Delta, to encourage extra branching. • At stem extension 0.35 l/ha Toprex (250 g/l difenoconazole 125 g/l Paclobutrazol) for
canopy and light leaf spot control • 2.5 l/ha TipTop (20N20P20K) and 0.5 l/ha Rainbow wave (boron & molybdenum) • Early flowering 1 l/ha Azoxystar & 0.5 l/ha tebuconazole was applied. 1 l/ha Xstress and 0.5 l/ha Calflux were applied again to increase biomass and pod survival to maximise seed size and numbers. • Programme was finished off with a midflowering application of 0.4 l/ha proline and 1 l/ha X stress and 0.5 l/ha Calflux to keep the crop growing through the extreme drought pressure!
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| Arable
Potato growers target clean finish to season as blight pressure resurfaces Mixed weather patterns across many regions of the UK and Ireland is leading to localised outbreaks of late blight in potatoes. ain crop varieties are closing in on the burndown phase but much of the planted area has up to three weeks left and growers need to ensure they take clean crops into store. The Blightwatch alert system, hosted by the AHDB and the MET Office, is displaying red warnings – indicating the highest level of blight threat – for the next 48 hours in key potatogrowing regions. The counties with Blightwatch red alerts in England include Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire. Forfar and Ayr in Scotland have a similar level of threat indicated for the coming days, as does Wales. Corteva Agriscience's Field Technical Manager for potatoes, Craig Chisholm, says the crop protection and seed company has
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Craig Chisholm
received a flurry of calls from growers and advisors on how to protect crops late in the season. "The risk is that tuber blight could be carried into store, caused by temperatures falling and rain washing zoospores into the soil," he said. "Catchy weather may well extend the intervals between spraying blight fungicides, so we are advising growers to use a product that will protect the canopy for 10 days. "Some growers have the added complication of managing a stop-start cereal harvest at the same time as carrying out preventative blight sprays. Because of this, a product with some curative activity on blight will prove useful." Craig says Corteva's blight fungicide coformulation Zorvec Endavia – launched this year – can play an important role in providing late protection. "Zorvec has very good activity on the leaf
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surface and within the plant so acts to prevent the production of zoospores that cause late blight," he said. "The Zorvec AgPack containing Zorvec Enicade + amisulbrom will add additional activity, as amisulbrom is generally used to prevent zoospores in the latter part of the programme." Rainfastness is another concern as showers appear hugely localised, making it difficult for sprayer operators to plan applications. Craig added: "Zorvec is as rainfast as any active ingredient available to UK growers. There will be some variability with different levels of leaf wetness, canopy structure and leaf surface, but growers will favour a robust fungicide that will protect their investment so close to the end of the season."
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| Arable
Research identifies potential desiccation blind spots for growers Potato growers are at risk of virus and disease threat if they do not follow an integrated approach to new desiccation regimes, say experts working on the third year of desiccation trials taking place across AHDB Farm Excellence sites. esults and observations at AHDB trial sites have shown that the slower ‘kill’ achieved by the chemical and mechanical alternatives to diquat means that green stems and leaves can still be present up to three weeks after desiccation sprays. Even very small amounts of ‘green material’ remain a viable target for viruscarrying aphids and diseases, such as blight and gangrene. In a recent AHDB webinar, seed growers were asked when they would apply their last insecticide to the crop – with 59 per cent responding it would be over two weeks before a T1 desiccation spray. Eric Anderson, Senior Agronomist for Scottish Agronomy, and leading the trials at Milton of Mathers Farm near Montrose, the AHDB Strategic Potato (SPot) Farm in Scotland, said “Not all growers will be thinking about virus threat when desiccating, but you can find aphids on green regrowth up to three weeks after your T1 spray. Systemic insecticides
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generally remain effective for 14 – 21 days, with pyrethroids only lasting seven days – so if your last insecticide was applied two weeks before desiccation, you’ve got a problem. “Even for ware and processing growers, the presence of green leaves and stems means the threat of foliar and tuber blight, which needs to be managed.” Practical tips for growers The main challenge for ware growers is achieving adequate skinset, and research to date has shown this is possible without diquat, though there are some factors to take into account: • Skinset is slower in wet soils – stop irrigation seven days before desiccation • There will be between a one and four-day delay to skinset with chemical desiccation, so adjust your schedule • Aim for an early-mid morning application of desiccants, ideally on a sunny day. Dr Mark Stalham, Head of NIAB CUF is leading AHDB trials south of the border across AHDB SPot Farms. He said: “We found big
differences in the rate that different options killed off the canopy, but interestingly far fewer differences in skinset than you might have expected by looking at the canopies. Rapid canopy death does not always mean rapid Michael Tait skinset.” Eric Anderson added: “The key to good desiccation is attention to detail. It’s all about application, application, application. The product is only half of your end result, the other half will come from the timing, nozzle choice, water volume and the skill of the operator.” AHDB field-based research and demonstrations on desiccation without diquat started in 2018 and has taken place on eight trial sites across Britain, giving growers a chance to see alternative methods on real crops and discuss results with researchers, agronomists and their peers. This year an August webinar will be followed by another digital meeting in September, and growers can review all results and observations Georgina Wood at: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledgelibrary/desiccation-of-potato-crops
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| Arable
Contact your nearest dealer: Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk
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| Cereals & Grain
Don’t let phosphate deficiency stifle wheat potential Lack of phosphate could be limiting yield potential in many wheat crops, even some of the best. Hutchinsons crop nutrition manager Tim Kerr examines what can be done about it this autumn. nalysis of more than 900 grain samples collected over four years (2016-2019) through the Yield Enhancement Network shows three-quarters were deficient in at least one nutrient, the most common being phosphate. The situation is not entirely surprising though, considering Defra’s survey of fertiliser practice shows a long-term decline in phosphate use, with just 42% of winter wheat fields receiving P fertiliser in the most recent crop year (2018), at an average rate of 26kg/ha; less than half the offtake for a typical 8t/ha crop. “Phosphate use has been falling for 25 years, driven by cost savings, and it could be one of the biggest factors holding back wheat yields,” says Tim. “We are depleting P reserves by removing more than is put back. Even if soils have a reasonable P supply, it may not be available when and where crops need it, as only a small proportion of plant-available P is held in the soil solution and that has to be replenished regularly.” Understand variability Soil phosphate is inherently very variable, so standard soil tests only provide a guideline when assessing nutrient status and crop needs, says Mr Kerr. Soil type, structure, moisture, and bacterial activity all influence how much soluble phosphorus from fertiliser or natural processes (e.g. weathering of rocks or breakdown of organic materials) is available to plants. Furthermore, soluble P can easily react with clay particles, calcium and metals such as iron and aluminium in the soil, and convert to less available inorganic forms through phosphorus fixation. pH influences this process, so high (alkaline) or low (acidic) pH soils will be more likely to show low levels of available-P, potentially putting crops at greater deficiency risk. Early demand “The first 60 days after drilling is crucial, as wheat requires about 15% of total phosphate during this time to develop new roots,” explains Mr Kerr. “The germ inside seed can only keep plants going for a week or so, therefore roots must establish quickly to take up what they need from soil.” Starter fertilisers applied with seed at drilling could therefore make a difference, he continues. “If an excellent seedbed can be created and you get sufficient moisture, then seedlings may be able to access all they need from the soil, but that is never guaranteed, so starter fertiliser is a good risk management technique to overcome any potential shortfall during establishment and help manage in-field variability.” Starter fertiliser and soil health tackle low P Starter fertilisers are an important part of the strategy to address low phosphate on one Cambridgeshire County Council farm. Phosphate indices on the deep-bodied, organic clay loam (10-12% organic matter), are typically one or below, yet detailed Healthy Soils analysis shows a relatively large soil P
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Tim Kerr of Hutchinsons
George Baxter
reserve that is unavailable to crops. “The soil is naturally high in iron and aluminium which is locking-up phosphate,” explains Hutchinsons agronomist George Baxter. “There’s an estimated 5t/ha of P in the soil, with less than 0.1 t/ha (100kg/ha) available.” The farm started using Primary-P starter fertiliser on wheat, spring barley and peas, four years ago to “kick-start” early root growth. “It’s much more efficient than broadcasting TSP fertiliser and we’ve seen a real benefit for establishment and crop growth.” This year, all 40ha of winter wheat and a similar area of spring barley received Primary-P, which is applied with seed using a Stocks applicator mounted on a Weaving GD drill. This is part of a wider strategy to improve soil nutrition and health, Mr Baxter continues. Five years ago the farm moved to shallower tillage, cultivating the top 5-7.5cm (2-3”), and also uses multi-species catch and cover cropping. “Stopping deep tillage was originally for black-grass control, but we’ve seen big improvements in soil biology, which is key to a healthy, productive soil, and for converting phosphate into available forms.”
Furthermore, catch crops before autumn drilling, and winter cover crops ahead of spring drilling provide an effective way of scavenging phosphate from the available pool at a time when no other crop is growing, preventing it becoming locked up. Both are in the ground for eight weeks before being terminated, when phosphate is then released slowly in a plantavailable organic form as residues breakdown. “A healthy soil that works for us is vital to promote phosphate cycling, plus the many other benefits.” TSP is still applied on a rotational basis, targeted at areas and crops where it is less likely to become locked-up quickly.
Phosphorus benefits to plants: Stronger establishment Boosts root development (particularly lateral and fibrous roots) Improved yield - used in flowering Even crop maturation - counters effects of excess N Straw strength - reduces lodging by strengthening cell walls Improved resilience to stress and disease.
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| Cereals & Grain
Alternative options for grain advised in wet harvest Wet and difficult conditions continue to challenge harvest this week and many growers are still struggling to bring cereals in from the field. Even where harvest is possible, moisture contents generally remain high, leaving farmers facing high drying costs which can seriously cut their margins. owever, feed preservation specialists, Kelvin Cave Ltd, say there are numerous options for safely storing high moisture grain, at moisture contents from 16 to as much as 45 per cent. Some of these options make use of exactly the same storage facilities required for dry grain, while others require no more than a clamp or plastic tube. “By choosing one of these alternative storage and preservation options, growers can harvest their cereals in much more difficult conditions, and avoid the continued losses associated with a late harvest,” says Michael Carpenter from Kelvin Cave Ltd. “Every day that passes increases dry matter losses as grains become shrivelled, are infected with black moulds, and more are shed from the ear,” he says. “Chitting may also start to occur, which can seriously compromise the success of a traditional dry cereal harvest.” He says that rather than worry about how to dry a crop, it is far better to combine at the earliest opportunity and find an alternative approach to preservation.
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“As a rule of thumb, as long as your combine is capable of handling the straw, we can find you an option for grain preservation,” he says. “For instance, if the ear is covered in black or sooty mould and the grain moisture is between 16 and 45 per cent, crimping the crop may be the best option, using a preservative from our CrimpSafe range. “This will kill yeasts and moulds and allow the grain to be stored in airtight conditions such as a clamp, similar to one used for silage,” he says. “All that’s needed is a grain roller and applicator which many contractors will have if it’s not available on the farm. “Alternatively, some contractors have machines which bag into tubes, creating cheap extra storage space on almost any flat area.” Other preservation options allow the grain to be stored in a heap in a shed, if that type of storage is preferred. “It is basically horses for courses and once we know the moisture of your crop, its potential end use, and the storage facilities at your disposal, we can always make a recommendation,” he says. “We have dealt with these situations on
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many occasions and been able to salvage crops at a far higher yield and quality than would be achieved by waiting,” he says. “These are tried- and-tested procedures, developed in Northern Europe, which many farmers across the world are using successfully. “They are far more reliable than many alternative options, including desiccating a crop with glyphosate, which limits the harvest window, is fraught with difficulties and raises environmental questions. “They are also perfect for the many farmers who have secondary tillering in their crops and are faced with harvesting grain at variable maturity. “We also know from AHDB data that around 80 per cent of the large spring barley area growing this year is yet to be harvested, and moist preservation will be perfect in this situation. “Furthermore, moist harvested grain can be used in livestock feed, in anaerobic digestion and is suitable for farm-to-farm trading,” he says.
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| Cereals | Arable & Grain
Research shows cereal choice can cut grass weed levels down to size New trial results from 2020 show the choice of winter cereal crop grown can reduce ryegrass levels by nearly 90%. onducted by Syngenta at its Staffordshire Innovation Centre, the work recorded the numbers of ryegrass heads surviving in four winter crops – conventional winter wheat, conventional two-row winter barley, conventional six-row winter barley, and hybrid barley. Two varieties of each conventional cereal were grown and one hybrid barley. Compared with an average of 69 ryegrass heads per metre squared surviving in the winter wheat, conventional two-row winter barley reduced the number to 53, while conventional six-row winter barley reduced the number further, down to 30. But by far the biggest reduction occurred in hybrid barley – where ryegrass numbers were cut by nearly 90%, leaving just 8 ryegrass heads per metre squared. These figures were in the absence of herbicide applications, and with hybrid barley drilled at its standard rate of 200 seeds per metre squared, compared with 350 seeds for winter wheat and 325 seeds per metre squared for the two-row and six-row conventional barleys.
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“This new set of results mirrors other findings we have seen on grass weed suppression with hybrid barley,” explains Syngenta seeds technical manager, Paul Roche, “not just against ryegrass but also against black-grass and brome. “Results from an earlier high pressure brome trial, for instance, showed that while winter wheat gave a 10% reduction in brome and conventional two-row and six-row winter barleys averaged 20% and 25% respectively, hybrid barley reduced brome levels by 69%. “We believe hybrid barley’s particular ability to suppress grass weeds is due to its vigorous spring growth, its large root mass, its height, and its dense canopy. Greater suppression doesn’t just benefit the current crop, it also reduces grass weed seed return to the soil for subsequent crops.” Adding to this, Mr Roche says previous trial work not only showed fewer black-grass heads surviving in hybrid barley, but those black-grass heads that did survive in the hybrid produced fewer seeds. Similarly, ryegrass work in 2019 showed that, of those ryegrass heads surviving in hybrid barley, more were below the crop canopy, where they were found to have fewer
florets and therefore fewer seeds. Mr Roche adds: “Achieving good crop establishment across the whole field is also important for the best grass weed suppression. Where hybrid barley was planted at 100 seeds per metre squared in the 2020 trial work to simulate poor establishment, it still maintained similar ryegrass suppression to conventional six-row winter barley. However, when its seed rate was increased to 250 seeds per metre squared, this reduced ryegrass levels even further than was achieved at 200 seeds – reducing ryegrass from 8 to just 2 heads per metre squared. In situations such as headlands where soil compaction threatens establishment of any crop, there is a strong argument for planting hybrid barley at this higher seed rate,” he says. “Hybrid barley competition should also be used in combination with herbicides to minimise weed populations and seed return. The combination of hybrid barley with the herbicide Axial Pro offers a reliable option in ryegrass situations. Hybrid barley is the crop of choice if having to drill early in grass weed scenarios,” Mr Roche adds.
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 29
| Cereals & Grain
Grain handling, drying & storage solutions from Perry of Oakley Ltd With over 70 years experience in manufacturing of handling, drying & storage equipment, Perry of Oakley Ltd. provide high quality machinery to a wide variety of industries, including farms, commercial grain stores, waste & aggregate industries, feed & pet food, pharmaceutical & biomass industries, and many others. Perry have supplied machines to over 25 different countries across 4 continents. longside the handling range, Perry specialise in manufacturing continuous mixed flow grain driers. Two models are available: the entry level “Mistral” and the top specification “Savannah” series. The two drier ranges provide driers to fit requirements and budgets from commercial grain stores to farms. Savannah Series driers have Perry’s own advanced touch screen PLC panel, which can be linked to any smart phone for full control of the drier from any location. This technology is designed and programmed in house allowing UK engineers remote access for diagnostics and adjustments. The auto control uses both the exhaust air temperature and hot grain temperature to give advanced control of the drier, to maintain a consistent moisture content of the discharged grain. The Mistral series drier is controlled via a hard-wired control panel, though this is easily upgradable to the Perry PLC touch screen control panel.
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To promote consistent movement of grain down the grain column, even in very wet conditions, all Savannah Series Driers are fitted with pneumatically controlled shutter discharge. This ensures precise and even movement across the whole bed. The Mistral range of driers are fitted with Perry’s proven roller discharge as standard (shutter discharge is optional). In 2019, Perry of Oakley Ltd. announced a new partnership with SiloMasters. In keeping with Perry’s motto of “Engineering Excellence” the silo range has been designed using high grade S450 steel protected by galvanising to Z600 standard, giving superior strength to weight characteristics and extremely long service life. A unique new single piece roof design is used on silos up to 16m diameter simplifying installation and enhancing service life. “We insist on the highest quality in all aspects” says David Perry, Managing Director of Perry of Oakley Ltd., “this starts with
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assessment of a customer’s needs and carries through to designing a scheme, manufacturing the silos, packing, shipping and final installation along with after sales support”. The newly designed range of silos boast metric silos up to 32 metre diameter with a capacity of approximately 20,000 tonnes, 45° hopper bottom silos up to 13 metre diameter containing almost 3,000 tonnes and 60° hopper bottom silos up 11 metre diameter holding 1,900 tonnes. The SiloMasters range can be specified to either EUROCODE or ANSI standards dependant on market needs and significantly can be made in a wide range of diameters both metric and imperial thus allowing an existing base to be reused in the event of replacing an end of life silo. To find out more about the new SiloMasters & Perry range of products and services contact Perry of Oakley Ltd. on +44 (0)1404 890300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk
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| Cereals & Grain
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| Cereals & Grain
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| Cereals & Grain
Get Ready for Harvest! Here at Gibbons Agricultural, we have all the stock you need for harvest. ith Cereals postponed this year but now a live event, we are showcasing our Plug&Cool pedestals in time for your harvest. Whilst some of you may have seen them at LAMMA and our exhibitions previously, we are taking this opportunity to show you the benefits of our range of Plug&Cool pedestals. The plastic ducting, for example, results in a durable pedestal that can withstand inevitable knocks. The pedestal we’ve produced is constructed from two types of twin-wall, food-grade polymer for durability and has the optimal air flow for our Plug&Cool fan to function with the correct resistance – giving the fastest and most energyefficient results. Our Plug&Cool pedestals come with an optimised polymer base, adaptor and piping, and our coupler features a specially designed dual-adaptor sleeve – giving users the ability to connect different sizes of fans. They come in either 1.2m or 2m length to
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suit your barns needs. Our pedestals are just one product in the Plug&Cool range, featuring everything from best-selling grain fans, control panels, extension leads, airspears and a packaged solution to grain storage – the Plug&Cool Barn System. We’re sure you’ve heard about these before, but if you have any enquiries, call 01621 868138 or email agricultural@gibbonsgroup.co.uk today. We will also be at the Cereals LIVE event, virtual stand 920.
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 33
| Cereals & Grain
Boosting crop and soil health help reduce fungicide inputs for Wiltshire farmer An on-farm trial conducted by an AHDB Monitor Farmer looks to support the claim that prevention is better than the cure when it comes to long-term disease management. ereals grower Rob Waterston has managed to grow a robust crop of winter wheat using minimal fungicide inputs, relying on a sophisticated programme of targeted nutrition whilst boosting soil health. The crop is a result of a trial on his farm near Newbury in Wiltshire. Rob was encouraged to do the trial by his agronomist Ben Harrington, who was guided by his belief that a healthy and robust crop is best able to withstand disease and reduce reliance on inputs. Ben’s strategy comprised microbial and nutritional products. He started using microbial inoculants to improve soil health and take advantage of the symbiotic relationship
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between the soil and the plant. A targeted nutritional programme was then used to keep the crop health up. Straw strength was maintained using a combination of silicon, potassium and copper. Ben made routine sap and tissue analyses throughout the season, as well as regular visual assessments to ensure the crop received the right nutrients when required. While Ben and Rob’s original aim was to omit fungicides entirely, yellow rust proved a challenge throughout the season. Although the pair were able to suppress it for a while they were left with no choice but to step in with a fungicide at the flag leaf emergence stage, knowing how aggressive the disease can become. A herbicide was also used following some black-grass pressure.
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With harvest just around the corner, Rob is keen to see whether their efforts will translate into decent yields. Having recently joined the AHDB Monitor Farm programme, Rob will use his meetings with fellow growers this winter to discuss the results and how he can apply what he’s learned to future seasons. If successful, he will have made significant progress in his mission to change his farm management and open the door to how he can adopt more sustainable farming methods. Meetings of the Newbury Monitor Farm will resume this winter. Keep checking the Newbury Monitor Farm webpage and the events page on the AHDB website for details of meetings in the coming months.
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| Pests
Rodenticide resistance survey appeal to farmers Rats resistant to rodenticides are breeding in the UK and more information from farmers is needed to reduce their numbers. new survey will compile data to establish the extent to which resistance is understood and what methods farmers are using to control rodent infestations. Research published by the University of Reading Vertebrate Pests Unit (VPU) suggests that resistance is spreading due to the use of anticoagulants containing the actives bromadiolone and difenacoum. By using products that are ineffective on resistant rodents, farmers are only killing rodents that have no resistance. This is leaving resistant rodents to breed with each other,
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which is causing numbers to increase rapidly. The survey is being supported by BASF to raise awareness of resistance and compile fresh data about the use of rodenticides on farms throughout the UK. “We believe it is important that the issue of resistance is kept fresh in the minds of farmers. Using some rodenticides in certain areas of the country could be increasing the number of resistant rodents and causing farmers to use rodenticides that are ineffective and potentially harmful to non-target species,” says pest control specialist Helen Ainsworth, from BASF. The survey is available to complete online until 30 September 2020 and aims to establish
how often farmers are using rodenticides, which products are being used and which regions of the UK are reporting the most problems with resistance. This has been welcomed by the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) that promotes best practice in the use of all rodenticide products. “This will help to reduce the use of products that rodents have become resistant to and minimise the threat to non-target species,” says CRRU Chairman Dr Alan Buckle. First 100 entries receive a free beanie hat: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Rodentsurvey
Rodenticide alert prompts reminder of permitted target species No UK products authorised for control of wood mice. arm users of rodenticides covered by the UK stewardship regime are reminded that no product is authorised for control of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), also known as long tailed field mice. This arises from an alert to the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use complaints procedure. On grounds that the label had said 'for the control of rats and mice', a service
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company was found to be using a product specifically to control wood mice. The product label in question carried neither common nor scientific names of target species. The service company had taken this to mean the product could be used against wood mice, which it halted immediately the error was identified. As a result, CRRU has also reminded all authorisation holders that target species, for example Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), Black
rat (Rattus rattus) or house mouse (Mus musculus), should be shown prominently on the outer package of all UK professional rodenticide products. This is additional to a statement on leaflets inside the pack. For the avoidance of doubt, CRRU confirms that marketing statements saying a product may be used 'against mice' does not imply permission to use it against wood mice.
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| Pests
British farms becoming breeding grounds for ‘super’ rodents Recent research published by the University of Reading Vertebrate Pests Unit (VPU) suggests that resistance is spreading as a result of two rodenticide actives. Bromadiolone and difenacoum are the active ingredients in a number of common and widely available rodenticide baits. However, a growing number of rodents are showing signs of resistance. It is also now believed that the use of these rodenticide baits by farmers is compounding the problem and increasing the population of resistant rodents throughout Britain. nticoagulant rodenticides have long been considered the most effective way to control rodent infestations. However, since the use of the first anticoagulants such as warfarin in the 1950s there have been increasing reports of resistance. “Following the first generation anticoagulants (FGARs) second generation (SGARs) alternatives were produced in the 1970s that addressed the growing resistance problem. These included bromadiolone and difenacoum. In the 1980s and 1990s resistance was once again identified and furthermore potent SGARs were made available including brodifacoum, flocoumafen and difethialone. However, until 2016 these were limited to indoor use, meaning many farmers were using baits with actives that rodents had developed a resistance to,” says Clare Jones VPU research officer at the University of Reading.
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It is now widely understood that in addition to the FGARs, rodents are also showing resistance to two of the five SGARs available in Britain. Bromadiolone and difenacoum have both been identified as actives that rodents have shown a resistance to. These resistant rodents have been selected over decades of exposure to the first two SGARs and some are now able to consume both with little, or no, lifethreatening effects. Ms Jones explains: “Anticoagulants work by interrupting the vitamin K cycle in the liver. Vitamin K is essential for the clotting process in the blood of mammals and without it blood cannot coagulate, causing spontaneous haemorrhaging and death. Resistant animals have a mutation in their genetic code which allows the vitamin K cycle to continue uninterrupted making them tolerant of the anticoagulant. The University of Reading has reported multiple mutations from test samples.
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There are nine mutations in rats and two in mice. Against the most resistant rats, those with the L120Q mutation, bromadiolone and difenacoum are completely ineffective.” Field trials of bromadiolone and difenacoum were conducted by the University of Reading recently on farms near Newbury (Berkshire) and Winchester (Hampshire), where the rats had a resistance mutation. Very large quantities of bromadiolone and difenacoum baits were used at these sites but poor levels of control were achieved. There are three anticoagulant rodenticide actives that rodents have not developed resistance to. These are flocoumafen, brodifacoum and difethialone. “Farmers can help to reduce the spread of resistance by using these actives. By continuing to use bromadiolone and difenacoum in areas with resistance farmers may unknowingly be increasing the population size of resistant
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| Pests
rodents. Using a bait that some rodents are resistant to only reduces the number of nonresistant rodents. Removing non-resistant rodents leaves a higher proportion of resistant rodents that subsequently breed. This compounds the problem in one location and subsequently spreads the resistance gene when rodents choose to move to new areas. By using resistance breakers with actives that rodents have not developed resistance to, farmers can effectively manage these rodents and reduce the spread of resistance,” says Ms Jones. The palatability of rodenticide baits is also proving a problem on farms. Baits only work if a lethal dose is consumed. If the rodent is not resistant to the active, the efficacy of the bait depends on how likely the rodent is to consume a lethal dose. The challenge of making more palatable baits has also coincided with regulations that have demanded a reduction in the amount of active ingredient used in products for untrained, or so called ‘amateur’ users. In 2018 the use of rodenticides with more than 30 parts per million (ppm) was restricted to professional users, qualified farmers and other users with recognised accreditations. This has reduced the products available to many farmers. However, it has also created new products that are below the 30 ppm threshold. Some of these new rodenticides have been developed to be more palatable so rodents consume higher volumes. This higher palatability coupled with either flocoumafen, brodifacoum or difethialone offers all farmers
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rodenticides that rodents have no resistance to and that can be used both inside and outside. BASF carried out numerous laboratory tests when developing Storm Ultra Secure, a new 25 ppm rodenticide. In these tests rats were offered normal food sources at the same time as the bait and chose to eat significantly more of the bait even though nontoxic food was available. There is no known resistance to the active ingredient in Storm Ultra, flocoumafen, and because the rats chose to readily eat a lethal dose, 100% control was achieved. Sharon Hughes, BASF Global Technical Marketing Manager explains: “In our laboratory tests, rats were offered the choice between a controlled nontoxic food source and Storm Ultra Secure. The results showed that the rats chose to consume high quantities of the product even when nontoxic food was available. This is due to the high palatability of the product. Palatability is measured by the amount of the rodenticide consumed, divided by the amount of the nontoxic diet consumed. The average for most block baits ranges between 0.5 and 1.5. However, in our tests we recorded palatabilities as high as 11.3 being consumed by individual rats, with an average of 3.1. This shows that the rats found the bait to be extremely palatable, in fact significantly more palatable than many of the he traditional block wax baits.” When baiting, farmers are being encouraged to take and send tail samples to Clare Jones and the team at the University of Reading for analysis. The tails can be tested to establish whether the rats carry resistance genes, and
this is helping to build a UK wide resistance map. If resistance is a problem, farmers should check the rodenticide active being used and change to one of the three actives known to be effective. A map of the UK that shows the areas where concentrations of resistant rodents are thriving is available on the Rodent Resistance Action Committee (RRAC) website1. The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) has expressed concerns about the overuse of anticoagulants due to resistance. CRRU suggest there is a misconception that a bait is not controlling rodent populations because a higher volume is needed. However, it is more likely that resistance is preventing effective rodent control from being achieved. In rural areas, especially farms, this higher volume poses higher risks to non-target species such as birds of prey and even farm animals. The levels of anticoagulants that can build up in resistant rodents are high enough to harm nontarget species that would see the rodent as prey. Resistance to anticoagulants is growing and whilst three actives remain effective there are plans to develop a rodenticide bait that does not rely on SGARs. “It is important that we stay one step ahead and introduce alternatives to anticoagulants that are effective at controlling all anticoagulant resistant rodents. When we have this alternative bait for rats, we will have a valuable tool to tackle the issue of any anticoagulant resistance. However, rodents have consistently evolved and adapted their behaviour, so controlling infestations will always be a challenge,” concludes Sharon.
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 37
| Energy
Safeguard your A the 5 hidden caus shutdown
James Thompson, Managing Director of Gen-C, an indepe live monitoring system can protect your engine from the shutdown… Combined heat and power (CHP) gas engines are one of the most expensive pieces of equipment on an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. They are also one of the most important, as a CHP engine unable to generate electricity means an immediate loss of income for the operator. Despite this, many AD operators take a handsoff approach to maintaining their CHP; either relying on expensive locked-in service contracts that only cover mechanical issues or waiting for a problem to occur before taking action. nowledge is power Today’s latest CHP engines are finely tuned, sophisticated pieces of kit that operate with precise tolerances. Correctly maintained, they will perform reliably for years to come; but leave them unchecked and you run the risk of underperformance, hard shutdowns and even catastrophic failure – all of which will reduce the volume of electricity being generated and, ultimately, an operator’s bottom line. Compare it to the airline industry: would you trust an airline that only repairs its planes after they’ve broken? Or would you choose to fly with the carrier that constantly monitors its aircraft and takes pre-emptive action to protect its planes and passengers? Operators that can monitor their engine’s performance in real time,
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and review and compare data across a range of parameters, will be in the best position to prevent issues from happening, ensuring their CHP operates as intended and continues to generate income for them for years to come. A false sense of security This is equally important for those with an engine service contract. Despite costing thousands of pounds each month, such contracts only extend to the mechanical function of the engine itself. If an engine shutdown is attributed to an external factor, such as a gas issue, the contract is invalid. Not only will the operator then be forced to pay for the issue to be rectified by a third party, they can also find themselves being billed by their service provider for an out-of-warranty call out. To identify and correct issues before they start affecting your engine’s performance, we
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recommend that operators install live engine monitoring. The IGS-LOG software, which comes as standard with the Motortech open access control panel favoured by today’s operators, enables owners to understand what constitutes normal operation for their engine and spot any downward trends or anomalies before they affect its smooth operation. Giving operators full control over their engine and ensuring the highest levels of performance, it monitors up to 25 parameters, including the following five common hidden causes of engine shutdown. Gas pressure Momentary drops in gas pressure, or waning gas pressure over time, can result in a hard shutdown. Many operators become used to their engine cutting out as often as 10 or 12 times a day and simply restart it and carry on.
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| Energy
AD plant from ses of CHP
endent CHP parts and service provider, explains how a five most common hidden causes of engine
But the long-term damage this causes to the engine can be irreparable – the effect of a hard shutdown on a sophisticated, modern CHP engine is akin to a Formula 1 car travelling at 100mph hitting a brick. Potential causes of drops in gas pressure include flaring or a blockage in the gas line or filter. By monitoring the gas pressure and noting any drops, operators can better identify the cause of any unexpected shutdown and take preventative action to protect their CHP. Gas quality AD feedstocks are notoriously variable; inputs can differ both regionally and seasonally, producing biogas of varying quality. Such changes will affect an engine’s performance, particularly if harmful contaminants such as H2S are allowed to build up. By monitoring the gas composition, operators can spot any corresponding trends in engine performance and alter their feedstock as necessary before their CHP becomes adversely affected. Emissions Monitoring emissions is not just a case of meeting the relevant criteria, it’s also a sure-fire way of determining the overall health of an AD
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plant and spotting any issues that have the potential to damage your CHP engine. The ComAp IGS-LOG provides 24/7 emission analysis, enabling an operator to fine-tune their engine. Operating without this vital piece of information is like a chef not tasting their food. It allows the operator to see if their engine is running rich or lean – a rich engine will be running hot and wasting energy, while a lean engine runs the risk of misfiring – and take the necessary steps to address any issues before they present a serious risk. Water pressure Another common cause of a hard engine shutdown is a change in water pressure. While an operator would certainly notice the resulting interruption to their CHP’s performance, they would be unable to prove it was caused by water pressure and stop it from recurring unless the pressure was being monitored. Constant analysis of water pressure therefore helps an operator to avoid the peaks and troughs that can result in performance issues and promotes smooth and reliable operation. Kilovolts Finally, live kilovolt monitoring can protect
your CHP from long-term damage caused by ignition. An increase in kilovolts indicates a deterioration in spark plug performance, as the spark has to work harder to ‘jump’ the gap to create the initial spark. While it’s common for operators to gap and clean their spark plugs when they change the oil, this could be too late. An operator will often become used to hearing a tiny jump when their engine starts and dismiss it as a quirk of their engine, without realising that this noise is actually the sound of the engine misfiring. Every time this misfire occurs, it sends a shudder throughout the whole cylinder, placing additional stress on every part of the CHP. Live monitoring will highlight a rise in kilovolts or erratic KV readings, warning the operator of a potential issue with their ignition system or spark plugs and prompting them to take pre-emptive action to protect their CHP. To find out how live engine monitoring can improve the performance and longevity of your CHP engine, contact james.thompson@genc.co.uk
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 39
| Energy
Hinowa gives biogas plant maintenance the perfect lift A Hinowa spider platform supplied by Access Platform Sales has proved to be the perfect working at height solution for maintaining biogas plants. Todd Plant Services has selected a Hinowa Lightlift 17.75 Performance IIIS tracked spider lift to fulfil a contract to provide maintenance at three biogas plants in Fife, in East Scotland. "Our Hinowa is proving to be the perfect choice," says company owner Jamie Todd. "It can get anywhere on the biogas plant sites we work on, is quick to set up and easy to smooth to operate. It can't be faulted." The Hinowa LL 17.75 has a maximum working height of 17.06m and a maximum outreach of 7.5m. It has an unrestricted basket capacity of 230kg, a valued feature when there is a need to carry heavy tools and parts. APS Northern Sales Director Shane Paver said: "Anaerobic digestion plants are of growing importance to provide sustainable energy and products for other industrial uses. Being able to maintain them sustainably and effectively is equally important. Hinowa's range of spider platforms can clearly contribute to that process." Biogas fact: the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association estimates that UK farming generates 90 million tonnes of waste that could be processed to create biogas and support decarbonisation of agriculture. To process all that waste the number of anaerobic digestion plants needs to increase from around 400 currently to 3,200. J Todd Plant Services, based in Glenrothes, Fife, uses the Hinowa LL 17.75 to carry out inspections and maintenance on a wide range of equipment on anaerobic digestion biogas plants, including pipes, valves, mixers and pumping
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systems. Jamie explained: "The Hinowa is an ideal machine for manoeuvring around these plants. Its two-speed tracking system gets us to lift locations quickly, so we make most productive use of our time. "Its tracks and compact size (minimum tracking width: 798mm) means it can get into the tightest spaces. The one touch set-up and stow function makes it quick to get to height and safe to use. "I can also tow the spider platform easily to all three sites, which is important because biogas plants can be located on quite out of the way places on farms. "I used to hire platforms when I needed them. But now I have the Hinowa, there's no waiting for a machine to become available. I can just hitch up and get going. It's making a massive difference to my business." The platform also provides bi-energy performance. J Todd Plant Services has taken a diesel engine version. It can also be supplied with a petrol engine. Both can also be operated with a cable-powered 110v electric motor. Jamie is not just impressed with the Hinowa LL 17.75. The service delivered by APS, including the fast delivery of the platform has helped Jamie to seamlessly fulfil his new contact. He conducted detailed research to find the right spider platform, looking at online reviews and talking to other spider platform users. The positive feedback about Hinowa platforms gave him confidence he was making the right choice. J Todd Plant Services will also use the Hinowa 17.75 for delivering other maintenance services, including tree surgery. At other times, it will hire
out the platform to other companies and organisations such as building contractors and local authority maintenance departments. Jamie said: "I wanted a bi-energy platform because it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Operating equipment with zeroemissions and low-noise is increasingly valued and stipulated by our clients as well. "I have no doubt that our new Hinowa LL 17.75 will prove to be a good financial investment. There is a lot of demand for spider platforms in our area, and hire rates are healthy. It's great to have it." The Hinowa LL 17.75 is one of a range of Performance IIIS spider platforms, which share the same industry-leading operating system, and provider maximum working heights ranging from 13.3m to 32.5m. All can be supplied with the thermal/110v power or all-electric power lithium batteries. The 25.7m LL 26.14 and 32.5m LL 33.17 can also be supplied in another bi-energy format, with diesel engines and an electric motor powered by lithium batteries. www.accessplatforms.co.uk
Woodsure welcomes new law on safer and cleaner solid fuels Woodsure, the non-profit organisation striving to raise the quality of woodfuel in the industry, has welcomed the government’s publication of draft regulations for the Air Quality Domestic Solid Fuels Standards in England. he draft legislation, which now passes to the Houses of Parliament for debate and amendment, will phase out the supply of smaller volumes of wet wood, in measures designed to reduce the environmental impact of domestic burning associated with the use of wood burning stoves. Bruce Allen, Chief Executive of Woodsure, said: “This legislation marks a really significant step in supporting cleaner and safer choices for the use of biomass and other solid fuels. By phasing out wet wood which is known to emit high levels of particulates damaging to health and the environment, in favour of safer and cleaner woodfuel with no more than 20% moisture content, the industry can help customers to reduce pollution and maximise heat efficiency. This is something that Woodsure has been working towards for many years.” Once approved, the new legislation - which sets out measures to prevent harmful pollution from the domestic burning of all solid fuels - will come into force from 1 May 2021. The full remit of the regulations will phase out the supply of: • traditional house coal for domestic combustion • wet wood sold in units of up to 2m3, and
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• introduce sulphur and smoke emission limits for manufactured solid fuels. It is proposed that these changes will be phased in between 2021 and 2023, with all sales of small volumes of wet wood being phased out by 2022 and sales of traditional house coal by 2023. “The government is clear that it is not banning wood burning stoves. Instead, these new regulations mean that customers purchasing smaller quantities of wood - whether for their stoves as supplementary heating in winter, or for outdoor cooking and dining in summer - will only be sold dry wood with no more than than 20% moisture content, clearly labelled as ‘Ready to Burn’. Those purchasing woodfuel in larger volumes will receive guidance on how to dry the wood before burning,” explains Bruce Allen. For the past four years, the Woodsure certification scheme has been making it easier for people to find less polluting dry wood from retailers. Labelled Woodsure Ready to Burn, the wood is verified by the non-profit organisation’s independent inspectors as having a moisture content of up to 20%, which means it burns with less smoke than wetter wood. Helen Bentley-Fox, Director of Woodsure, said of the proposed legislation: “Since starting Woodsure 10 years ago, my colleagues and I have been campaigning for the right fuel for the
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right appliance to reduce pollution and to maximise heat efficiency. Wood burning stoves are designed to work on wood with a moisture content between 12 and 20%, which means they maximise the heat at these moisture contents. Burning dry wood can reduce the particulates emitted by up to 80% making a significant contribution to clean air. I am so pleased that next year burning dry wood can be enforceable. “Part of our role in certifying dry wood under the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme has always been to support and guide suppliers as a critical part of the industry’s supply chain. Over the last decade I have seen many ways that suppliers can consistently meet less than 20% moisture content with and without a kiln. There are ways and means that can speed up natural drying to attain that 20%. “The long lead-in time for this legislation allows producers to prepare for winter 21/22 and the smaller suppliers will have an extra year, which allows for the areas where longer seasoning is required, and for them to adapt their processes and experiment with new and different ways to improve their product. Our team remains committed to helping all suppliers of firewood, whether large or small producers, supplier, kiln drier or seasoner, to feel supported over the next 18 months as we prepare for these changes.”
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| Sheep
NSA challenges short sighted research on replacing sheep farming with forests The National Sheep Association (NSA) has hit back at claims from new research that suggest traditional farming methods should be halted, with trees planted where sheep now graze. he suggestions come from a new report by the University of Sheffield that claims British sheep farmers would profit from allowing their grasslands to regenerate into forest. Recommendations that the NSA strongly disagree with. NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: "There are a number of fundamental flaws in the suggestions thinking that sheep farmers would be better off by planting forests. The report assumes all sheep farmers are still receiving the old style of subsidy but the reality is that farmers don't get subsidies anymore. They were withdrawn over 10 years ago with the transition to the basic payment scheme from previous production support. Since then farming businesses have received Government income, but in recognition for keeping land in good environmental and agricultural condition, and for doing specific environmental works through schemes such as Countryside Stewardship. This became a public investment in incentivising and rewarding good environmental land management. "We are now on the verge of another step in the evolution of farm support and are moving more clearly towards reward for 'public goods', things that farmers deliver and that society value but that can't be recouped from the
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normal marketplace. So sheep farming is not subsidised, farmers are increasingly simply being rewarded to deliver wider goods that the public value." NSA is also still concerned over the lack of unity over the subject of food and farming, with ideas being proposed without the thought of our national food strategy. Mr Stocker continues: "To expect sheep farmers to give up farming sheep and plant forests ignores two basic facts; firstly sheep farming is more than just a business, it is part of our culture and heritage and farmers get huge pride and satisfaction from farming sheep; secondly, it's really easy for scientists to justify the planting of forests through a carbon calculation alone because it is easy to measure how much carbon is in a tree and then apply an offset value. What these scientists ignore is that we have to look at land management on a multifunctional basis, not just one metric of carbon. "Our sheep farmers are managing one of our most precious resources – grassland – while also producing fantastic and nutritious food from it. Grassland builds and stores soil carbon (recent research from Rothamstead showed that soil quality was equally as good beneath grassland as it was beneath woodland), it creates wildlife habitats (the curlew, lapwing, skylark and barn owl are just a few rare birds that don't live in forests), it enables people to
improve their mental and physical wellbeing, and it avoids wildfires with their huge environmental consequences. In addition, sheep farming is at the core of many rural communities and economies, most of which the public benefit from and enjoy when they come to the countryside. "I appreciate trees as much as anyone but sheep farming and our grasslands are some of our most benign land uses, with so many positive attributes, and to think that we should create policies to destroy these by creating forests is short sighted in the least."
Optimise fertility in your flock by managing worms pre-tupping Sheep farmers are being encouraged to conduct faecal egg count (FEC) tests in their ewes and rams prior to tupping to identify and manage any worm burdens that could impact fertility & conception rates. he warm and wet weather has provided perfect breeding conditions for worms with egg count data from the Zoetis Parasite Watch scheme reporting medium and high egg counts across the UK. Rams are more susceptible to worms as ewes as they often have less exposure to parasites. Failure to manage parasites prior to mating can lead to sub-optimal fertility, warns vet Dr Ami Sawran from Westpoint Farm Vets. "The sperm cycle takes 7-8 weeks, so you have got to be thinking about the health of that animal two months before they are being mated. "If you have a significant worm burden at any point in the sperm cycle you will end up with sub-optimal fertility," she warned. Any ewes suffering from worms likely will not be in optimal body condition which can limit their ability to get pregnant. Dr Sawran added: "A compromised animal
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will physiologically be more focused on staying alive themselves rather than becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy. If you can get on top of worms now you can then focus on getting ewes in the correct body condition before breeding." The blood-sucking worm Haemonchus contortus may be a concern in some areas of the country where there have been high temperatures. Unlike gut worms, where older ewes may have built up some tolerance, the same cannot be said about Haemonchus. "Sheep cannot overcome Haemonchus. If you have any suspicion it may be present speak with your vet." Signs of Haemonchus include poor body condition, weight loss, wool loss, pale mucous membranes around the eyes, pale gums, ill thrift, and possible scouring. Treatment "Treatment choices will depend on the burden and it is important you speak with your vet or Registered Animal Medicines Advisor (RAMA) to advise," said Dr Sawran.
Farmers should also consider the risk posed by fluke in late summer and early autumn, says Zoetis vet Ally Anderson. "Acute fluke is a risk in late summer caused by the migration of large numbers of immature fluke and is something farmers must be aware of. "If you are known to be in a fluke risk area, then you need to be aware of the risk and discuss possible treatment plans with your health care provider." Ms Anderson added: "Where a mixed burden of fluke and worms has been confirmed, you may wish to consider a product such as CYDECTIN TriclaMox Sheep Drench which can tackle both immature and mature fluke as well as offering up to 35 days protection against worms." Real time Parasite Watch data can be accessed by either signing up to receive monthly updates or visiting the website www.parasitewatch.co.uk
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 41
| Sheep
£5m precision technology project to focus on sheep welfare management A £5 million research project involving nine countries – from Scandinavia to the Middle East – is aiming to revolutionise the use of precision technology in sheep and goat farming. ed by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), TechCare will be the biggest study of its kind for small ruminants and will focus on improving management of welfare as well as performance. The four-year project, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, will assess the usefulness of different Precision
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Livestock Farming (PLF) approaches for sheep and goat welfare management by, as a first step, running workshops and discussion groups with members of the industry. This will include farmers, transporters and abattoirs, as well as consumers and welfare associations. Animal welfare experts and economists from SRUC will also be involved in the project. A selection of innovative technologies, which could include wearable sensors and virtual
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fencing, will be tested on demonstration farms in Scotland – including SRUC’s Hill and Mountain Research Centre near Loch Lomond – and in other partner countries before being deployed on commercial farms, to ultimately create welfare alerting systems for sheep and goat farmers. Dr Claire Morgan-Davies, who is leading the project, said: “Many of the challenges to the welfare of sheep and goats in Scotland and
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| Sheep
Europe – including a lack of supervision, provision of feed, risk of predation, and longdistance transport to slaughter – arise from the constraints imposed by the harsh climatic and geographic conditions in which they are often reared. “However, a PLF approach could help to improve welfare management and so mitigate the impact of these welfare risks for the benefit of sheep and goat farmers around the world.”
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In addition to SRUC, Moredun Research Institute and Breedr Ltd in the UK, 16 other partners from eight other countries – Ireland, Norway, Spain, Italy, France, Romania, Greece and Israel – are involved, covering meat sheep, dairy sheep and dairy goat production. The small ruminant population (sheep and goats) of the EU in 2015 was approximately 98 million animals, of which 87 per cent were sheep, while there are approximately 2.4 million
and 670,000 additional animals in Norway and Israel respectively. Small ruminants represent 30% of all livestock reared in Europe. The first workshops in the project are scheduled to take place this winter. To find out more about the project, email Claire.morgan-davies@sruc.ac.uk
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| Muck & Slurry
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| Muck & Slurry
Easing slurry storage issues with Bauer separation solutions When dairy farms set out to address a shortage of slurry storage capacity, installing a separator is one of the most positive and effective solutions, because with the liquid fraction extracted and pumped to a lagoon, only fibrous material remains to store in bulk. dairy unit with an existing storage problem or looking to increase herd size will gain 2030% more capacity by installing a separator,” points out Adrian Tindall of Bauer. “Separation also allows these different materials to be stored and applied to the land in the most appropriate way.” Separated materials also provide more consistent nutrient analyses than slurry, so they can be applied at the appropriate rate to reduce reliance on bagged fertiliser, while conforming to Nitrate Vulnerable Zone restrictions where necessary. Unlike slurry, no pre-application mixing is needed so the liquid fraction is easily applied by dirty water irrigator, or by tanker or field injector, while solids with 30% or higher dry matter can be stockpiled in field heaps – where nitrogen losses will be lower than from slurry – in readiness for application ahead of ploughing for maize, cereals and other spring crops.
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“That’s got to be a better approach than scraping or pumping whole slurry to an above ground store or lagoon where it settles out and has to be mixed before being spread,” Mr Tindall adds. “In fact, the cost of installing mixers in a new slurry store is about the same as a separator, so it makes more sense to go the separation route and reap the additional benefits.” Bauer is a long-established specialist in the manufacture of screw type separators for both agricultural and industrial applications, with an emphasis on performance, durability, low running costs and easy servicing. “All our separators are built with a cast iron housing that contains a heavy-duty stainless steel screw and stainless steel screens,” Mr Tindall points out. “They have few moving parts and components are hard-wearing for a long and low-cost service life.” Screens with a choice of slot sizes suit different materials and the weighted discharge flaps are adjustable to create sufficient
resistance in the raw material for liquid to be extracted efficiently at good throughputs. Bauer’s agricultural separator range includes the 2.2kW S300 Compact, 5.5kW S655 and S855 (the former able to operate on a threephase electricity supply), a 7.5kW Green Bedding version of the S855 capable of achieving the higher dry matter levels needed to create a soft cubicle bedding material from the fibrous fraction. There is also the unique Plug & Play mobile solution with any of the full-size separators installed. Motor size apart, the principle difference between these machines is the length of the separation chamber, which influences throughout; the S300 Compact is rated at up to 16cu m/hr, the S655 at 20cu m/hr and the S855 at 30cu m/hr – in all cases, output on the day is greatly influenced by the consistency and make-up of the material.
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| Muck & Slurry
Five-figure £-cost savings and good contractor relations About £10,000 a year, or £110 a cow, is being saved through careful and planned use of slurry at Paul Cashmore’s Rowley Park Farm near Rugely, Staffordshire. Mr Cashmore is also on his contractor’s short list of favourite customers because the slurry pipeline up to a kilometre long and tanker’s trailing shoe hoses hardly ever block up. he farm’s 56 all grass hectares (138 acres) support 80 cows plus followers. Production is 8,000 litres a cow at 4.6% butterfat and 3.6% protein. Winter forage is multi-cut big bale grass silage. Weather permitting, cows graze February to October. Bagged fertiliser use is zero, hence the cost savings, and maximum concentrate use is 1,800kg per cow. The herd was established in 2015 with Holstein Friesians. Since then, Paul follows a Procross programme to breed a three-way hybrid using Montbeliarde and Swedish Red genetics. He says this is for strong health traits, big appetites for forage, good feet and low maintenance. The cornerstone of Rowley Park’s slurrybased grassland productivity is once a week dosing of the lagoon with SlurryBugs to enrich plant nutrient content, minimise crusting and reduce smell. From time to time, Paul sends a sample to EnviroSystems for analysis, enabling accurate applications of nitrogen, phosphate
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and potash. Getting ready for spreading, the lagoon only needs a couple of hours for stirring. Before SlurryBugs, this would take a day or more. Apart from briefly when stirring begins, there is little or no smell. In addition to slurry enrichment, cow comfort is another of Paul Cashmore’s priorities. Cubicle beds are Pasturemats with 30mm foam topper, dressed with a good covering of EnviroBed Premium. At 95% dry matter, this is a comfortable and high welfare bedding option that encourages longer lying down times. Usage on mats and mattresses is around 1-2 kilos per cubicle per day. It can also be used in loose housing and deep bed cubicles. Twice a day, soiling is scraped off the beds then disperses immediately into slurry. Hygienic cubicles and clean cows help achieve a herd average somatic cell count of 148, and total bacteria count, 15. Moreover, cows coming into the parlour with clean udders and teats makes milking routine much easier
and more hygienic. SlurryBugs and EnviroBed are UK-made by EnviroSystems. To find out more, please call 01772 860085. EnviroBed Premium is available all year round and delivered on eight- wheelers, tippers or walking floor artics, as well as in palletised 30-litre sacks or tote bags.
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 47
| Livestock
Delving deeper into forage New forage analysis technology that will help farmers and nutritionists make better use of homegrown fodder through more accurate and reliable evaluation is now available in the UK. urofins Agro UK, an agricultural materials analysis specialist, is launching a combination of laboratory testing and SCiO, a handheld device, which will enable farmers to draw on global data index figures and benchmark values to measure forage more accurately than ever before. Eurofins has developed the most comprehensive database of forage samples to
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analyse and benchmark forage. The global benchmark values and rumen character charts are being made available to farmers in the UK for the first time. “Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) we dry and grind forage samples before analysing them. This removes any inconsistencies in the shape and density of the sample to provide the most accurate result,” says Daniel Robinson, Eurofins Agro UK, Managing Director. “The properties of the forage sample are then fed into our unique
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rumen character charts that show the nutritional value of the sample against a number of parameters,” he adds. Adjusting the TMR can be achieved more accurately and consistently by using regular testing. “Understanding the make up of forage enables farmers and their nutritionists to judge what additional supplements may be required. Our tests show the nutritional value of forage to the rumen, which is a fundamental part of creating the correct TMR,” explains Mr
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| Livestock
Robinson. By using the tests, farmers will receive the most accurate forage measurement to enable them to maximise profit and yield by adjusting the ration to the optimum level. “Weighing a ration is one thing but understanding the exact make up of that ration is a new level of precision,” says Mr Robinson. Data from the samples provided is analysed for dry matter content, pH levels, ME and 23 other parameters. “By removing the moisture in the sample, we are essentially removing the ‘fog’ that other tests cannot see through. Drying the sample leaves only the solid content which once ground to a consistent 1mm thickness is exposed to the infrared light to provide greater detail than any other test on the market,” explains Mr Robinson. Uniquely, Eurofins can identify and test samples using only data
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generated about that forage type. “We are the only company that can test against specific forage types. This means we can identify that a sample is made up of grass or maize, or beans, and benchmark it against datasets that only include other like for like samples. The accuracy is unparalleled,” he says. All samples sent to Eurofins are saved into the company’s global database to be used for future benchmarking. The farmer receives a report that draws on this database to offer more detailed and accurate forage insight. “We have developed an unrivalled database for dried and ground analysis containing thousands of NIRspectra generated samples. The number of data-points is far greater than those contained within the conventional databases used in the UK. By means of a mathematical model, based
on a local calibration, we are able to derive a greater number of parameters for a wider range of forage types, raw materials and TMR,” says Mr Robinson. In conjunction with laboratory testing, Eurofins has also launched a new handheld testing device called SCiO. “SciO enables farmers to test forage as often as is needed. It is best used to measure forage between lab tests to help farmers adjust to climatic changes or heating in the clamp,” says Mr Robinson. The device is cloud based and is constantly updated with new data from Eurofins’ central database. It costs £400 and carries a subscription of £50 per month which includes unlimited testing and an initial laboratory test to start the process.
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| Livestock
Reducing infection pressure while staying in compliance with restricted drying off protocols As more milk buyers are advising against blanket dry cow therapy, dairy farmers are turning to teat sealants to reduce infection pressure against mastitis. he restrictions in the use of blanket dry cow therapy at drying off has resulted in many dairy farmers taking a selective approach to treating cows in the drying off period,” explains Alison Clark, Progiene Business Unit Manager. Depending on the contract, administering
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antibiotic treatment as part of selective dry cow therapy may require veterinary support to stay in compliance. Anything deemed unsuitable for treatment will instead receive internal teat sealants only. However, some milk contracts do not allow the use of internal teat sealants. “Rather than being inserted into the teat canal and potentially introducing new
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infections, T-HEXX DRY is administered as a dip, forming a physical barrier film on the teat and in the teat canal. This allows the sealant to act as the keratin plug, working as the cow’s first line of defence against pathogens. This is especially important in the first two weeks of the dry period when cows are most susceptible to mastitis,” says Ms Clark. “In addition to using T-
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| Livestock
HEXX DRY as part of a full drying off protocol in addition to antibiotic and internal teat sealants, if a milk contract does allow the use of an internal teat sealant, external teat sealants help to further prevent environmental pathogen infection and also act as fly control.” Mitigating mastitis with best practice When it comes to drying off protocols to prevent infection, Ms Clark recommends abrupt drying off once cows are producing 21kg of milk or less per day as it has been proven to reduce intramammary infections. Regardless of which drying off products or methods a dairy farm plans to implement, hygiene should be made a top priority with teats being disinfected thoroughly before the drying off process is performed and that clean
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gloves are used for each animal to prevent the inadvertent spread or introduction of pathogens. Seven days prior to calving, Ms Clark recommends cows are again dipped with an external teat sealant to help prevent any new infections from being picked up at that critical time. The need for preventative practice Along with compromising animal welfare, costs associated with mastitis carry a huge financial burden. Reports show mastitis costs the UK dairy industry £144 million each year, with the average case costing £200. Currently, the national average is 40 cases of mastitis per 100 cows – that’s a total cost of £8,000 per year.
“Mastitis has a huge economic impact on dairy farms. Associated costs are due to a decrease in milk yields and fertility, extra labour, treatments, penalties for high somatic cell counts and the dumping of milk due to antibiotic usage. It can also increase replacement and culling costs since infection will affect yield for future lactations,” explains Ms Clark. “However, by taking a preventative approach and adopting best drying off practice, dairy producers can reduce infection pressure to help mitigate these issues on their farms.”
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| Livestock
Fatty acids yield benefits in early lactation dairy cows New research from Michigan State University, USA, demonstrates significant improvements in cow productivity with specific fatty acid supplementation through early lactation. he concept of feeding fat in dairy rations is nothing new – the energy-dense nutrient is hugely beneficial to meeting increased nutritional requirements as cows simultaneously produce milk while maintaining body condition ahead of breeding. Something that is new however is the developing science which continues to improve our knowledge on the roles of different fatty acids, the building blocks of fat, on animal performance. According to Dr Richard Kirkland, Global Technical Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, research findings present dairy producers with opportunities to target specific fatty acid blends according to requirements on individual farms. “Data indicate key roles for palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1) fatty acids at different stages of lactation and depending on requirements at farm level,” says Dr Kirkland. “C16:0 is very beneficial in improving milk fat production and yield, but it is now clear that this may be at the expense of body condition and weight loss in early lactation, the knock-on effects of which may include poor fertility. In contrast, delivering C18:1 to the small intestine, achieved by supplementing with rumen-protected calcium salts, improves total fat digestibility and can enhance fertility through improved egg and embryo development. Unlike C16:0, C18:1 helps partition nutrients toward body fat stores, reducing body condition loss in the critical early lactation period.” The importance of C16:0 to C18:1 ratio In a recent study presented at the American Dairy Science Conference in June 2020, Professor Adam Lock’s group from the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University evaluated the response to MegaMax, a rumen-protected fat supplement containing a 60:30 ratio of C16:0 to C18:1 on cow performance from calving through early
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lactation. “There’s a long-standing industry dogma that fat shouldn’t be fed to fresh cows as body fat is also being mobilised to provide energy. However, findings from our previous research indicated this needs to be challenged and something that needed to be analysed further,” explains Professor Lock. During the study, dairy cows were offered a control ration with or without supplementation with the Mega-Max calcium salt formulation from calving until 24 days in milk. From days 25-67 in milk each group was further subdivided into control or Mega-Maxsupplemented rations. “Throughout the fresh period (days 1-24 in milk), control and fat supplemented cows maintained similar body condition. However, the fat supplemented group saw notable increases in milk fat percentage and yield, resulting in 3.1 kg more energy corrected milk than the control group,” explains Professor Lock. “Supplementing cows in the fresh period and then throughout the peak period (days 2567 in milk), had no effect on dry matter intake but increased milk yield by 5.1 kg per day and milk fat content by 0.2%. This led to a significant increase in milk fat yield from 1.76 kg to 2.07 kg per day in control and fatsupplemented treatments, respectively. Crucially, this was achieved without increased loss of body weight or condition score.” Managing the C16:0 to C18:1 ratio through lactation Data from this new study support the concept that fatty acid profile through early lactation is crucial to ensuring production responses resulting from supplementation with fat do not push the cow into further negative energy balance. These findings highlight the opportunity to manage the C16:0 to C18:1 ratio through lactation, says John Newbold, Professor of Dairy Nutrition at Scotland’s Rural College.
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“It is clear that when considering fat supplements for dairy cows, lower C16:0, with higher C18:1, supplements are most appropriate through early lactation to help partition nutrients toward body reserves and prevent excessive body condition loss. Furthermore, providing more C18:1 to the ovary is beneficial for development of embryos and the improved digestibility provides an additional boost in megajoules,” explains Professor Newbold. Calcium salts remain the only effective method of supplying C18:1 to the small intestine without disrupting rumen fibre digestion and reducing milk fat production, with the data from Michigan State indicating that a 60:30 ratio of C16:0 to C18:1 in calcium salt form is especially beneficial. Moving into mid-lactation, target body condition score should be met so a higher C16:0 supplement can be considered to fuel milk and milk fat production, says Professor Newbold. For some farms, the supplementation of a high-C16:0 supplement at 80-90% C16:0, may be beneficial in late lactation to prevent cows from gaining excess body condition ahead of calving. Sourcing the right fat supplement When it comes to fat supplements, Dr Kirkland stresses the importance of rumenprotection. Rumen-protected fatty acids, such as calcium salt supplements, allow fat to be increased in the diet without negative effects on fibre digestion as is the case with liquid oils or high-fat ingredients such as brewer’s grains. “Rumen-protection is also essential to deliver the unsaturated fatty acids, such as C18:1, to the small intestine for digestion and utilisation by the cow,” concludes Dr Kirkland. “Working in tandem with sufficient dietary fat supply and most-appropriate fatty acid profiles, rumen-protected fat supplements offer producers the ability to meet specific nutritional requirements at varying stages of lactation to optimise herd performance.”
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| Livestock
Low cost changes make big financial impact on dairy farm
Andrew Linscott
A 150 cow dairy farm in Staffordshire has seen milk yield increase by 225 litres a day following the implementation of key recommendations from an Alltech® Navigate™ feed efficiency assessment. airy farmer, Stuart Barrow, explains the changes made since the visit, and the subsequent benefits he has witnessed. “The Alltech Navigate assessment identified that increasing water trough space per cow could help boost water intake, which in turn would improve feed intake, efficiency and utilisation. “We’ve since increased the number of water troughs within our sheds meaning trough space per cow has risen from 6cm to the recommended 10cm, and also moved cows around to achieve a lighter stocking density. “I’m impressed by the difference we’ve seen. The suggested changes were all relatively lowcost to implement and milk yields have increased by an average of 1.5 litres per cow per day. “Milk solids have also increased, which was an unexpected benefit, as often an increase in yield can be associated with a reduction in solids. This will only help with future plans we have for the farm business.” Since Alltech® Navigate™ was launched less than a year ago, more than 20,200 cows have benefited from the pioneering advice service. Andrew Linscott, Alltech technical sales manager, explains that the assessment is a simple three-step process which firstly looks at the critical pinch points across the whole feed process, before analysing the financial
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opportunities behind these pinch points, and providing actionable recommendations to better utilise invested inputs. “We recognise that every farm business is different with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. We therefore spend at least two hours on-farm carrying out the initial farm assessment, which we can do so unaccompanied so farmers can continue with their day, and we will then take farmers through
our findings and recommended course of action. “At Stuart’s farm, the increase in milk production to 1.5 litres scales up to £21,352 per year when milk prices are at 26 pence per litre, which is significant. Seeing results like this not only assures on-farm production profitability, but also plays a wider role in helping to reduce carbon footprint intensity and improve sustainability.”
ADF Milking Ltd wins second Queen’s Award Her Majesty the Queen has acknowledged ADF Milking for a second time – on this occasion for the proficient distribution of British technology around the world. ADF Milking has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2020: International Trade. DF Milking’s unique Automatic Dipping and Flushing system has been successfully helping dairy farmers in the UK and internationally to improve the health of their herds for over 15 years. Used by dairy farmers in more than 30 countries every single day, the ADF System is proven to improve the health of herds while increasing profitability for farmers. The innovative technology of the ADF System automates a crucial part of the milking routine. Teats are dipped and protected at the optimum time before exposure to harmful bacteria in the environment. After removal, liners are then flushed with a sanitising solution to prevent the spread of mastitis from one cow to the next. The ADF System also saves time in the milking parlour due to reducing the need for
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manual labour, and saves money by reducing vet bills. ADF Milking received this royal accolade in International Trade due to the outstanding growth achieved in overseas earnings and the substantial year-on-year growth accomplished internationally over the last 6 years. ADF Milking founder and inventor James Duke is delighted to be given this award by the Queen. “We take great pleasure in helping dairy farmers in the UK and overseas,” says James. “We want to do our bit to keep them in business and protect our essential food supply chain, both locally and internationally.” Director and CEO Angus Buchanan says it a great pleasure to be honoured by Her Majesty the Queen for their British technology. “Through receiving this prestigious achievement we have proven that it is possible to succeed on the
international stage against much larger competitors by innovating and challenging the status quo. We are very proud of our team who have combined together to achieve international recognition for our innovative product.” Now in its 54th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the UK, celebrating British businesses who excel at international trade, innovation or sustainable development. ADF Milking is proud to be one of 220 organisations to be recognised with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise this year. ADF Milking previously won a Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2013. For more information, visit www.adfmilking.com
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 53
| Buildings
Light: Adding value to a steel frame Design guidance on lighting for livestock buildings has remained rudimentary for years. BS5502: part 40, (1990) states that natural lighting should be provided for cattle where possible, with supplementary artificial lighting where appropriate. arget light levels recommend 50 lux as standard service illumination and 300 lux for inspection. Similar guidance is given for sheep and pig buildings but with the comment that reproduction efficiency in sows is particularly sensitive to changes in day length (photoperiod). Knowledge of lighting requirements for poultry is more advanced than for other species, but even so the gap between was is required and what is delivered inside a building can be miles apart. Lighting is an area where it is possible to add value to building design, but sales will only come if the added cost of added natural or artificial light can be justified by clear welfare/health/production benefits. The potential for getting better lighting control into livestock buildings is good because the baseline of knowledge is low, and the tools to
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provide on-site awareness are now very low cost. The RIDBA Farm Buildings Handbook suggests 10-15% of the roof area as rooflights and mentions that whilst there are commercial pressures that support more rooflights, attention needs to be paid to solar gain. There was a trend in animal welfare dialogue 20 years ago that suggested that more natural light equalled more welfare benefits, and therefore that more rooflights equates to an improvement, but the facts are different. There are considerable benefits to be gained by “adequate lighting” but the negative impact of >10% rooflights on adult cattle kept inside in the summer months in the UK can have a negative influence on feed intakes and therefore yield, on the prevalence of environmental mastitis, and on financial returns. The design requirements are to take what is known, not opinion, and apply it to new and
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existing buildings. The value of a controllable lighting system for cattle is based on clear scientific data that has shown that dairy cow fertility and milk yields are improved by a regime of 16 hours light, minimum 6 hours dark, per day. Furthermore, ‘light’ is >200 lux and ‘dark’ is <20 lux. Light meters cost £20-£30 and are simple to use, but I have never been on a farm where they are used by either the farmer or vets to solve problems. The facts are simple; incident light has biological impacts; light has quality and duration and can be measured; and nowhere in the UK has 16 hours of daylight 365 days a year. We need better lighting systems. A lighting system that delivers minimum and maximum light levels across all the relevant floor area of a livestock building, automatically (remove human interference), will undoubtably cost more than a typical minimum farm building lighting system. But consider the benefits: if
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| Buildings
milk yields increase by 3% as a result of a 16 h >200lux: 6 h <20 lux lighting regime, a 300 cow herd producing 10,000 l per year would increase income by £22,500 p.a. The automation of lighting is essential, because dry cows, those resting in the last 60 days of pregnancy, benefit from a reduced photoperiod of 8 h light, 16 dark which sees an improvement in immune function, a positive health benefit, and improved milk yield in the following lactation. An efficient livestock unit will have different light regimes according to the physiological needs of the different classes of animals. Natural light might have a good cost benefit ratio, but nowhere in the UK can natural light provide 16 hours at 200 lux inside a building. We need to sell the benefits of control. Scientific studies looking at light regimes and young cattle are few, but unsurprisingly the results are similar to those seen in adult cattle. One study recorded a significant increase in growth rates from birth to 56 days, associated with increased dry feed intake in calves exposed to 600 lux on an 18 h light, 6 h dark photoperiod per day compared with calves on a 10h light, 14h dark photoperiod. A further study has shown a similar increase in calf feed intakes and a reduction in diarrhoea compared to calves on a shorter light period, with a
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system of 12 hours natural light supplemented with timed artificial light giving approximately 415 lumens at calf eye level. Calves on the longer lighting regime reached weaning weight quicker than those on the other treatments with no significant difference in total concentrate intakes and gave a 20% reduction in costs to weaning as a result of reduced labour, milk and medication costs. A study of calf facilities on 38 commercial farms reported an average 805 lux at the feeder, with a range of 9 to 20,000, and slightly higher at the calf resting area. There is profit for everyone in improving poor lighting systems. The poultry industry has led the way on improved lighting systems for health and productivity gains, although application of knowledge on light quality and automated regimes still has market opportunity in the commercial sector. LED lighting systems may cost more to install than conventional fluorescent systems, but the ability to provide good light distribution produces an optimal distribution of birds across the floor, which minimises vice and health issues caused when birds congregate in preferred light areas. Equal light distribution minimises shadow formation which can impact on bird behaviour. LEDs are easy to dim and therefore provide a gradual change from ‘light’ to ‘dark’, and also
provide high-frequency lighting. Poultry perceive light frequency below 160 hertz as a series of flashes; conventional fluorescent lighting may have a frequency of 50 hertz and will not provide a stable light environment. There is a good future in light for livestock. Recent work has shown significant increases in Vitamin D3 content of milk from cows exposed to 30 min/d of UV for 12 weeks, which suggests that the wavelength of light is an area that should be investigated with regard to animal health. The impact of natural light on hygiene issues is mildly understood, for example with reference to the survival rate of airborne viruses and bacteria, and our ability to artificially provide lighting benefits will continue to increase. We do however need to keep an eye on potential negative issues. Light pollution in rural areas can and should be addressed at the design stage, not at a planning enquiry. Light fittings and maintenance should always acknowledge health and safety issues in an industry that has a poor record and attitude to such areas. And don’t forget solar gain; rooflights are excellent for the winter period but can be destructive in the summer. Hot cows don’t work. Keep cows cool, buy a light meter, and use it to create better buildings. Jamie Robertson – RIDBA Livestock Consultant
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 55
| Buildings
The benefits of galvanised steelwork for your farm building Graham Heath Construction has been designing, fabricating and supplying steel framed buildings for the agricultural, industrial and equestrian industries for over 15 years. his experience combined with a strong farming heritage makes them ideally suited to advise on the benefits of galvanised steelwork. Longevity and maintenance free - Hot dipped galvanised steelwork will last well in most environments. It protects the steelwork for up to 70 years and is the most economic and versatile way of protecting steel for long periods of time. Competitive initial cost – Initially, galvanising steelwork is more expensive than steelwork being painted. However, as a lifetime costing for the paint and labour, it works out cheaper as it is maintenance free. Speed – Graham Heath Construction has a close relationship with its 3rd party supplier of galvanised steel meaning they can request a 24-hour turnaround where needed. The coating weathers at a very slow rate. Scratches are sealed by weather products from the zinc and the sacrificial protection prevents the sideways creep of rust. Complete coverage means all areas of the steel are coated. Therefore, no on site touch up is required! All galvanising is to British Standard BS EN ISO 1461 Graham Heath Construction’s estimators can
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offer the option of galvanising on your quote as an extra over cost, you’ll be surprised at how competitive it is! If you would like a free quote, get in touch
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with them today on 01270 781158, info@ghconstruction.co.uk or complete the online quote form: https://www.ghconstruction.co.uk/quotation/
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| Buildings
Agricultural contractor receives Made Smarter support for smart tech investment A fifth-generation manufacturer and contractor of steel framed agricultural buildings has secured funding to digitise its operations, becoming one of the first in its industry to take up a suite of state-of-the-art technology. areing Buildings worked with Made Smarter to support its adoption of Tekla PowerFab, a suite of software which enables more efficient management of the steel fabrication environment, providing a flow of information throughout the project lifecycle. Lancashire-headquartered Wareing Buildings submitted its proposal via specialists, Westley Consulting Ltd, working with Rick Patterson to develop a comprehensive digital strategy which demonstrated how embracing digitisation would enable the manufacturing and construction business to achieve an almost 10 per cent productivity gain – equivalent to £3,774 per staff member versus existing productivity levels and a return on investment of more than 220%. The support marks the first phase in Wareing Buildings’ smart digitisation project, which forms part of a wider business investment and development programme to be completed in the next three years. It is predicted that investment into additional buildings, equipment and technology will total c.£1.8m once the programme is complete. The Tekla PowerFab suite from Trimble will
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enable Wareing Buildings to provide customers with real time information on the design, manufacture and dispatch of products via a single online system, which will eradicate the use of paper drawings. By introducing drone surveying and mapping systems, Wareing Buildings will significantly reduce the time spent on site during the initial planning stages of its projects, using digitally captured information which allows for greater precision in measurement and land analysis. Matt Hastwell, senior draughtsman at Wareing Buildings, said: “Though we already employ digital technology and BIM at the design stage of every project, the majority of our everyday activity – including the processing, tracking and delivery of steel fabrication jobs – has remained a largely manual process. This has created an inefficient environment which we have been keen to step away from for several years. “We knew that an information management system, through which all of our daily activity – including material ordering, fabrication schedules and deliveries – could be easily processed, managed and accessed would turn our outdated processes on their head. “Since implementing Tekla PowerFab, the
benefits have been clear to see. We are projected to make significant savings in time and money as a result, and we will be reinvesting that freed up resource back into our client relationships, ensuring every single customer is receiving an improved, modern day service from Wareing. “This type of investment is unique for our industry and we are delighted to be ahead of the curve.” Rick Patterson from Westly Consulting said: “Its wonderful news to see investment going into a key Lancashire construction firm and enabling a major step forward with this new technology. Many other manufacturing firms could benefit from this exciting new fund and embrace digitisation within their company.” Wareing Buildings is a family business in Lancashire which designs, manufactures, installs and maintains steel framed buildings for commercial and agriculture sectors. To find out more, visit www.wareingbuildings.co.uk
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| Machinery
Largest ever order leaves Scotts for Canada A UK manufacturer of vegetable harvesting and handling machinery has this month exported its largest-ever order. cotts Precision Manufacturing sent 14 Evolution Separators to Allan Potato Equipment Manufacturing Ltd., Canada's largest designer and manufacturer of potato harvesting equipment. Before this shipment, the most Evolutions Scotts had supplied in one order was seven. Coincidentally, that order was also placed by Allan. The Evolutions will be incorporated into Allan's three and four-row electrically-driven harvesters. The Allan Four Row electric drive, and the company's two row drive, were the first of their kind on the market. Allan chose electric drive as it is incredibly efficient, using a lot less power than traditional harvesters. Transmission components have been reduced by almost 80% resulting in a very easy to maintain harvester. By featuring the Evolution within it, the Allan Harvester sends very little dirt to the warehouse and can load a truck within four minutes, whereas other machines can take up to 12 minutes to perform the same task. The harvesters are also available with a 6000lbs holding hopper and full width separator at the rear. Scotts manufactured its first Evolution at its factory in Boston, Lincolnshire, in 2005. Since then, more than 700 separators have been sold to farmers and food processors across the UK and around the world.
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The Evolutions heading to Allans will be used on potato crops, but the Evolution is capable of gently separating clod, stones, haulm and loose soil from a wide range of vegetables, fruit and alliums, including gourmet potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions and bell peppers amongst others. At the heart of the Evolution is the patented roller design. The two contract rotating rollers work together to gently move the crop across the separator. The movement of the rollers loosens the dirt, which is worked into a valley, where, if soft enough, the debris is crushed and ejected down below the separator. The latest version of the Evolution features maintenance-free direct-drive motor and gearbox units on each extracting shaft. A new generation of Polyurethane spiral roller has been developed and integrated into the system. This latest design features large air chambers and a "foam pocket" section that improves the grip on root clusters to reduce blockages. Protection to the lips from potential stone damage is maintained with the benefit of improved self-cleaning. Instead of the standard main crop spiral rollers with a 10mm tread pattern, less aggressive spiral rollers with a 6mm tread pattern are now an option. The 6mm tread is designed for customers looking to clean small potatoes or where high volumes of haulm and/or leafy material is an issue. The 10mm option continues to be the best option for farmers faced with significant clod problems.
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Allan Machinery, which is based in Prince Edward Island, has been working with Scotts for six years, in which time it has purchased 38 Evolutions. "There are several reasons why we choose to work with Scotts and incorporate the Evolution into our machines," says Trent Cousins, Partner, Allan Potato Equipment Manufacturing Ltd. "The Evolution has a simple design and is easy to maintain. It also offers gentle crop handling, high capacity and reliability. We also receive excellent service from Derek and his team, which makes a big difference to us and our customers." Derek Scott, managing director of Scotts Precision Manufacturing adds: "2020 is looking like it is going to be one of best ever years, if not our best year! We have seen interest in the Evolution go through the roof in recent months, and we were delighted to receive an order for 14 separators from Trent. It is very much appreciated, and we hope that the Evolutions will help his customers operate more efficiently." Established in 1994, Scotts Precision Manufacturing specialises in the design and manufacturing of highly efficient vegetable handling equipment. Its products, such as the Evolution separator, often feature in full handling line solutions supplied by leading manufacturers but can also be retrofitted by farmers looking to upgrade. For more information about Scotts Precision Manufacturing and the Evolution, please visit http://www.scottsuk.com/ or https://www.allanequipment.com/
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| LAMMA
Andrew Symons South Molton, Devon EX36 3L T: 01769 574455
Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040
Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430
Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk
www.andrewsymons.co.uk
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| Machinery
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| Machinery
Data transfer for mixed fleets Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farmers have to collect a large amount of data to manage their farm and for documentation requirements. With the ISOXML standard itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible to transfer field data from machine displays of the most popular manufacturers to the John Deere Operations Centre. In this way, John Deere is able to support customers that work with mixed equipment fleets. ata commonly recorded by farm machinery includes field borders, application rates and crop yields, with the information helping farmers to operate more efficiently, cost-effectively and sustainably. However, customers with mixed fleets have often failed to successfully transfer and merge such data into as few software solutions as possible in the office. The John Deere Operations Centre enables farmers and contractors to exchange different data formats, and there are several ways to transfer data from the machine to the Operations Centre: John Deere machines are connected directly and wirelessly with the Operations Centre via JDLink Connect, without any additional costs. Depending on the application, the data can be viewed in the Operations Centre in almost real time and work progress can be measured.
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Alternatively, the operator can use a USB stick. Field data from machine displays that use the ISOXML format can be transferred to the Operations Centre from the beginning of August, but a USB stick is needed for the exchange. Historical machine data can also be included if still present, for example when stored on a computer. Proprietary data from other machine displays can be sent to the Operations Centre via a USB stick. In addition, data can be exchanged via a smartphone using a dedicated memory stick. The data can be forwarded from the phone to the Operations Centre using the John Deere MyTransfer app. Manual documentation of field work is also possible. This helps for example when collecting information from machines without a documentation function, or if the driver has forgotten to start the documentation process. In this case, all data can be typed into the
MyOperations app on the smartphone. Manual documentation via the app is currently available for soil preparation, drilling and crop care applications such as fertilising and spraying, with harvesting data to follow shortly. In addition to seasonal machine documentation, the Operations Centre user receives a comprehensive digital field book. Customers can view and manage all data from any location using a computer browser or smartphone. The John Deere Operations Centre and MyOperations smartphone app are free of charge. In addition, the exchange of data from various sources does not involve any fees for farmers or contractors. John Deere dealers can provide further information on compatible displays plus the various data formats and transmission options available.
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| Tyres
“In this job, with good tyres, you’re already half way there” So says Luca Gabaldo, owner of the Italian agricultural business of the same name, a BKT user and above all spokesperson for the everyday needs of the sector: from reducing fuel consumption to investment in technology. Helping in the pursuit of productivity is AGRIMAX V-FLECTO. his is the story of Luca Gabaldo, the sole owner of Azienda Agricola Gabaldo Luca and a third-generation farmer from Bologna who is keeping up the work started by his grandfather. Luca firmly maintains the tradition and around 10 years ago set up his own company, specializing in crops and seeds, cereals and vineyards. His farm is in the
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province of Bologna, in Italy. Despite Azienda Agricola Gabaldo Luca being a small company, the machines used are cutting-edge: "There is always room for improvement because the technology is racing ahead" - Luca states - "we are using GPS guidance and power-steering. At first sight that might see a significant cost for the company to bear, but later it means real savings. In just a few years even a small company has a return
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on their investment in terms of optimizing their work. If the item of machinery works flat out and correctly, all the work is optimized, making it more productive." Luca uses a 250 HP New Holland tractor and a 110 HP Same tractor. The former has been fitted out with BKT tires AGRIMAX V-FLECTO: with VF 600/60 R 30 NRO on the front and VF 710/60 R 42 NRO at the rear.
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| Tyres
Firestone launches the Performer Extra for 20% longer tyre life Synonymous with strength and reliability in the agriculture tyre market for more than 100 years, Firestone has marked another milestone on its journey to offer superior performance and high quality products to European farmers with its new, long-lasting Performer Extra tyre. ased on the popular Firestone Performer 85 and 70 tyres, the Performer Extra is the result of an enhanced wear resistance compound that extends the tyre’s life by 20 per cent when compared with its predecessors.[1] The extended life of the tyre helps to reduce its environmental footprint, as well as cutting down on long-term operational costs and improving business efficiency. The Firestone Performer Extra isn’t only designed to go for longer. The tyre’s dual-angel lug brings great traction, while the extra load option allows a higher loading capacity than many competitor products. Like its predecessors, the Firestone Performer Extra has been designed with reliability as a priority. The tyre has a self-cleaning tread for excellent traction and improved fuel efficiency, while the flexible casing of the tyre reduces soil compaction and improves road handling and comfort. The Firestone Performer Extra will progressively be released to the European market in 43 different sizes, ranging from 20 to 42 inches, from July 2020. The tyre was
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developed in Bridgestone’s European R&D centre in Italy and is produced in the Bridgestone plant in Puente San Miguel, Spain. As the Performer and Performer Extra tyre ranges maintain the same dimensions they are inter-compatible both on the same vehicle and on the same axle. Like the Firestone Performer 85 and 70, the Performer Extra can be fit to most tractors used for agriculture. “Helping farmers has been at the heart of Firestone since this business was founded – Harvey Firestone himself was born on a farm,” says Mark Sanders, Head of Sales Agriculture, Bridgestone EMIA. “This is why, to this day, we have maintained our commitment to solving common farmer needs through strong and reliable products. The Firestone Performer Extra, the latest addition to our popular Performer range, offers all the benefits of its predecessors but now with a significantly longer tyre life. 20 per cent1 is a huge difference and will be a real cost-saver for the farmers that will choose to make their operations more efficient and sustainable with the Firestone Performer Extra.”
September 2020 | Farming Monthly | 63
| ATV
Polaris
Polaris unveils a new generation of ATV
Trusted by over 1.6 million riders and counting, Polaris Sportsman is now taking its bestselling ATV line-up to the next level. he new generation of Sportsman features a bold, modern design with new features and product improvements, all while featuring the same legendary ride and handling, unrivalled versatility and reliable performance that the Polaris Sportsman is renowned for. Arriving in dealers this Autumn, the fully upgraded 2021 platform offers a variety of trims and special editions to meet every rider's need and style, along with a range of new accessories that take customisation to the next level. "ATVs are often the initial spark that ignites a passion for off-roading and pulls in new riders, and Sportsman is the icon that established the industry. As a result, it occupies a significant place within our storied brand history," said Steven Menneto, President of Polaris Off Road.
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"We're thrilled to push Sportsman into the future with the all-new 570 platform, taking our bestselling ATV lineup to the next level." The new Sportsman 570 is available with or without electronic power steering (EPS) and is also offered in a premium SP trim with upgraded 14-inch alloy wheels, painted bodywork and dual A-arm suspension on the front. Polaris also presents an additional four special edition models for added versatility for either work or play. Riders that need even more out of their ATV can choose from the new Sportsman 570 Hunter Edition, Black Edition, Agri Pro Edition or Ă&#x2013;hlins Edition, all with unique features to suit the job at hand. Modern look and features The all-new Sportsman 570 platform features significant upgrades throughout, delivering even more consumer value. In other words, the best just got better. The full list of improvements is impressive with a new, bold design from
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front-to-back â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the new handlebarmounted pod with an integrated LED work light and built-in battery charging port. There are LED headlights with integrated turn signals, and all-new body shape with sharper, more aggressive lines. The modern features of the Sportsman 570 run much deeper than style with intuitive and easy-to-use operation; one-touch, True OnDemand all-wheel drive, in-line shifting, and single-lever braking allow for simple and effective user control. Product improvements The new Sportsman 570 has a larger, more powerful 18AH battery that delivers 78% more cold cranking amps for a confident start every time. The battery has been relocated underneath the front rack for easy access for maintenance, and there's a convenient battery charging port located on the pod. There have also been some major
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| ATV
improvements to the engine braking system (EBS) on applicable 2021 models, now delivering a smoother and more controlled riding experience regardless of the terrain type. EBS-equipped models also receive a new clutch for smooth engagement at low speeds – especially useful when precision is needed, like when navigating tight trails or backing up to a trailer. Enhanced quality The new Sportsman 570 platform has a premium look and feel with enhanced durability, all while providing unbeatable value. With new and sealed suspension bushings, new and improved brake lines and A-Arms, as well as a fully sealed ignition switch, the Sportsman 570 boasts ultimate resilience. All new 570 models include steel front rack extenders as standard, increasing strength and including updated tie-downs for more versatility when hauling heavy loads.
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The Sportsman 570 now features larger, more durable 25-inch Carlisle tyres on all standard models, providing increased ground clearance and puncture resistance for a smoother ride and peace of mind in tough terrain. Advanced capabilities Giving riders the confidence to go further and do more, the Sportsman 570 base model boasts an increased towing capacity of 680kg, 29.6cm of ground clearance and a total payload capacity of up to 232kg. Endless customisation Providing more versatility than ever before, the launch of the new Sportsman 570 platform is coupled with all-new accessories which offer riders limitless opportunities to customise their ATV. Introducing Rockford Fosgate® factory audio solutions for the first time within the Sportsman line-up, the 2021 accessory
collection will feature a Rockford Fosgate® audio box add-on with 6-inch speakers that connect via Bluetooth® and mounts seamlessly to the rear rack using Polaris Lock & Ride technology. Pre-wired for easy winch, plow, and hand and thumb warmer upgrades, the Sportsman 570 accessory line-up also includes an expanded line of storage via the Polaris Lock & Ride solution, including an open cargo box, rear cooler box or rear cargo box, all compatible with the rear rack extenders and improved rear utility rack. There are also updated windshield options specifically designed to complement the new pod design. Not only that, but riders can also expect superior integration with an easy-to-install PRO HD winch and plow system, aggressively angled bumpers and brushguards and an optimised tyre and wheel offering to suit any terrain.
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| ATV
Honda ATV
Versatile Honda Pioneer proving a sound investment
Honda Pioneer brings a new edge to Scottish sheep farmers vehicle fleet. shepherding family looking after 4,000 Scottish Blackface ewes and 180 tups on challenging Scottish Borders terrain has improved working efficiency by adding a Honda Pioneer 700-M2 side x side UTV to its fleet of conventional ATVs. Trading as Messrs R Colley Fencing and Shepherding, Richard Colley with his son, also called Richard, and daughter Hannah provide a contract shepherding service for Queensbury Farming. The sheep, part of the estate’s 9,000head flock, reside on more than 6,500ha of mountainous grassland spread across seven different hill farms. If that wasn’t enough, steep slopes and rugged rocky terrain, strong winds and heavy winter snow add to the challenges for the shepherds and their outdoor sheep. Dependable brand Richard worked as an employed shepherd for many years before setting up his own business 15 years ago. “I couldn’t do my job without an ATV and I have always used Honda,” he explained, “so when I set up my fencing and shepherding business, I didn’t even consider other brands. I knew that Honda ATVs were reliable and ideally suited to the work, so I bought my own.” Larger Honda Foreman models were preferred for their power, stability and carrying capability, and Richard’s fleet grew to four machines including one used solely for transporting fencing materials and equipment to remote work areas. Later he and his son Richard gave up fencing to concentrate on shepherding and reduced their fleet to three ATVs. Frequent tasks for the ATVs include checking and gathering sheep, taking mineral supplement blocks out to the flocks, and transporting feed and equipment in all types of weather. Earlier this year, two new Honda Foreman FM2 ATVs were purchased from local dealer JMT Manufacturing Ltd, replacing three older machines. “We like the Foreman FM2 for its rugged suspension and find these machines extremely stable on steep slopes,” explained Richard. “It’s amazing where they will travel, especially with the front differential locked, and the latest models have superior hill climbing ability compared to earlier machines.” Potential advantages Soon after the two new ATVs were delivered, Richard was asked to try a competitor brand side-by-side UTV. “We hadn’t really thought about using UTVs; but my two daughters are also becoming more involved in the business
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and there are times when being able to carry an additional person would be useful, especially working a long way from home, so we decided to give it a try. However, the diesel-powered UTV we borrowed was noisy and vibrated making it uncomfortable, and its lack of power meant it was slow, so we quickly decided it was unsuitable. However, because we get on so well with our Honda ATVs and the local dealer, we arranged to borrow a demonstration Pioneer. It really was chalk and cheese compared to the other machine, and even comparing it to our Foreman ATVs we were impressed by its performance and comfort. As well as allowing us to carry an additional person it can also carry and tow heavier loads, so we placed an order and our own Pioneer 700-M2 arrived in mid-May.” All-year comfort Pioneers are available with weather protection from simple front screens to a full cab with a heater. Richard selected a half-cab which protects the user from the worst of the rain or snow but allows an almost unrestricted view all around for stock checking. “Since it arrived, we’ve had some very heavy showers, but it’s kept me almost completely dry apart from a damp arm when strong winds blew the rain in over the half doors. We specified an electric windscreen wiper which has also proved a good investment. I believe we chose the right level of weather protection as it remains cool on hot summer days but, with heat from the engine, it will be a little warmer than conventional ATVs in the winter,” commented Richard. Since the Pioneer arrived, its work has included livestock checking and delivering mineral blocks to sheep on the hills. Its ability to carry more than the conventional ATVs has also allowed it to replace the farm pick-up, including to work sites a long distance from the base, and Richard says its versatility means the team keeps finding additional tasks for it. “Its pulling ability is incredible,” he continued. “Even on slopes that would challenge the ATVs it keeps going and feels stable and secure. Slowing down as we approach steep downhill gradients allows a low gear to be selected for effective engine braking and reduces reliance on the brakes. The Foreman 500 ATVs probably have the edge for the most extreme off-road situations, especially in confined working areas, but the Pioneer isn’t far behind and, although I have many years’ experience using ATVs in challenging terrain, the Pioneer keeps going when I have reached my limits.”
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Practicality Asked about fuel consumption - Richard said there seems little difference between the Pioneer 700 and the Foreman 500 machines. “For the work they do, it’s very reasonable. It’s not unusual for us to be out from 6am until 9pm travelling 100km or more, and during the busy lambing period the Foremans use just over a tank of fuel each day, so we return to base to refuel. The Pioneer arrived just after lambing this year, but with its larger fuel tank holding more than enough for a full day’s work and its greater load carrying capacity, it will be brilliant for next year.” Richard says the back-up from JMT Manufacturing is excellent, and he has no reason to look at brands other than Honda. “Over my many years operating Honda Foremans they have got better and better,” he said. “Power steering is standard now reducing rider fatigue, and the latest models with their locking front differentials are almost unstoppable when climbing steep slopes. The build quality has also improved and where we used to replace the suspension bushes periodically due to wear by mud and dust, now they are better sealed and last longer.” Sound investment “If I hadn’t previously used Honda Foreman ATVs, I would probably be saying that the Pioneer UTV does everything we need,” continued Richard. “There are just a few jobs, such as gathering in, for which the Foreman is better suited. Apart from that, the Pioneer’s greater load capacity and its ability to carry a passenger make it more versatile. The dogs prefer the Pioneer too and after years riding on the ATVs, they quickly got used to the larger load bed instead. However, they have also learned that the cab is a more comfortable option, so try to get in there with us.” Honda Foreman TRX500FM2 Engine- 475cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, longitudinally mounted with electronic fuel injection Transmission- Manual, 5fwd/1rev. Drive- Direct mechanical shafts. Electronically selected Traxlok 2/4wd. Front differential lock- push-button activated. Fuel capacity- 14.7 litres. Load capacity- front rack 40kg/rear rack 80kg/trailer 385kg. Front suspension- Independent double wishbones. Adjustable pre-load - 185mm travel. Rear suspension- Swingarm with single shock absorber. Adjustable pre-load - 185mm travel.
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| ATV
Ground clearance- 190mm Tyres- front 25-8-12/rear 25-10-12 Honda Pioneer 700-M2 Engine- 675cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, electronic fuel injection Transmission- automatic, 3fwd/1rev. Torque converter mechanical drive.
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Drive- Direct mechanical shafts. Drive modes- 2wd/4wd/4wd with locked front differential. Fuel capacity- 30.0 litres. Seats- 2 (driver plus passenger). Load capacity- Tipping load bed 386kg. Trailer 680kg. Front suspension- Double wishbones 7.9in
travel. Rear suspension- Independent dual arm 9.1in travel. Ground clearance- 270mm. Tyres- front 25-8-12/rear 25-10-12
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| ATV
Suzuki ATV
New era for Suzuki ATV
Suzuki GB is pleased to announce that Mark Beeley is the new Head of its ATV and Marine Divisions, along with several other new roles within the department. ark has been with Suzuki for 13 years and his role has changed from that of National Sales Manager for Marine, to now encompass responsibility for the ATV product range as well. A former member of the Royal Air Force Regiment, Mark joined Suzuki in 2006 and has previously looked after some of Suzuki Marine’s key Dealer and Boat Builder accounts throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland as well as successfully increasing Suzuki’s sales and market share within the marine market. Neil Disbrey will continue to support the team as Marine & ATV Coordinator and Charlotte Dyson fills a new role as Sales Operations Administrator focusing on specialist
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Marine and ATV knowledge. Neil says “Harvey and Mark make a great team and are a pleasure to work with. The 500 and 750 KingQuads are fantastic machines and an essential workhorse for farmers and landowners. I’m looking forward to working closely with Harvey, Mark and the team and helping to support our dealer network.” Suzuki see their dealer network as key to their future success. This restructure allows Harvey Day, now ATV Sales Manager, to focus on Sales and Dealer Support. Suzuki’s awardwinning King Quad 500XP is the flagship ATV in the range, and alongside the other models Suzuki want to build on this success to continue to grow market share. Paul de Lusignan, Director for Motorcycle, Marine and ATV at Suzuki GB, said, “Mark has
past experience with ATVs and we feel that ATV & Marine have worked well together so this change will keep the continuity to help us grow sales over the coming years. Mark has worked closely with Harvey over the past 15 months, so we see this as a seamless transition for both. Our network will see very little change as Harvey will remain the primary contact for our Dealers and will continue to support them as he has done in his previous role.” On his promotion Mark said, “I am excited about this new opportunity and can’t wait to reacquaint myself with the agricultural sector and our utility ATV customers. I am looking forward to supporting Harvey and helping him continue the fantastic work that he has already done.”
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| Motors
New Jeep® Wrangler 4xe Joins Renegade and Compass 4xe Models in Brand’s Global Electric Vehicle Lineup Advanced, Eco-friendly, Premium Technology Delivers Absolute and Quiet Open-air Freedom, an Even More Fun-todrive On-road Experience and a New Level of Benchmark Jeep® Off-road Capability . he Jeep® brand has introduced its new Wrangler 4xe, marking the arrival of the most capable, technically advanced and ecofriendly Wrangler ever. Jeep Wrangler 4xe models will be available in Europe, China and the United States by early 2021. The Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe models – introduced last year in Geneva – began arriving in Europe this summer. The new Jeep 4xe models follow the introduction of the Jeep Grand Commander PHEV in China last year. The Wrangler 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of up to 25 miles of nearly silent, zeroemission, electric-only propulsion, making it commuter friendly as an all-electric daily driver without range anxiety and the most capable and eco-friendly Jeep vehicle off-road – combined with the open-air freedom that only Jeep Wrangler offers. Jeep will offer electrification options on each nameplate in the next few years as it strives to
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become the leader in eco-friendly premium technology. Electrified Jeep vehicles will carry the 4xe badge. Jeep electric vehicles will be the most efficient and responsible Jeep vehicles ever, taking performance, 4x4 capability and driver confidence to the next level. “Our Jeep 4xe vehicles will be the most efficient, responsible and capable that the brand has ever created,” said Christian Meunier, Global President of Jeep Brand - FCA. “We are committed to make Jeep the greenest SUV brand. The electrification of the Jeep lineup will allow commuters to travel solely on electric power, delivering an efficient and fun on-road experience and offering an ability to enjoy even more Jeep capability off-road in nearly complete silence.” The Wrangler 4xe’s advanced powertrain provides a unique on- and off-road experience through the combination of two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack, a high-tech 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4 engine and robust TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The most
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advanced powertrain ever developed for a Jeep Wrangler maximises efficiency with an estimated 50 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) while eliminating range anxiety, delivering pure-electric operation for most daily commutes. Torque from the electric motors in the Wrangler 4xe’s hybrid powertrain arrives instantly on demand from the driver. The powertrain also delivers fuel-saving, seamless, start-stop operation of the engine. Jeep has demonstrated 4x4 capability leadership for nearly 80 years. Jeep vehicles were the first to feature an automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system, first 4:1 transfer case and first electronic front sway-bar disconnect system. Merging electrification into the product lineup is a natural evolution. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe will be sold globally, with electric vehicle (EV) charge port plugs tailored to specific regions. It is assembled at FCA’s Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, Ohio. Wrangler 4xe Advanced Powertrain Combines
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| Motors
Electric Motors, Turbo Engine The Jeep Wrangler 4xe powertrain integrates two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack with a fuel-efficient, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This configuration maximises the efficiency of the hybrid propulsion components and mates them with the Wrangler’s worldrenowned and proven driveline. Key elements of the Wrangler 4xe powertrain include 375 horsepower (280 kW), 470 lb.-ft. (637 N•m) of torque and an estimated 50 MPGe from the following components: • 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4 • Engine-mounted motor generator unit • Transmission-mounted motor generator unit integrated into eight-speed automatic transmission (ZF 8P75PH) • 400-volt, 17-kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion, nickel manganese cobalt battery pack The 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4 engine is part of FCA’s Global Medium Engine family. The hightech, direct-injection engine uses a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head, along with a dedicated cooling circuit for the turbocharger, intake air and throttle body for exceptional responsiveness, performance and fuel efficiency. A high-voltage, liquid-cooled motor generator unit mounts at the front of the engine, replacing the conventional alternator. A robust belt connects the motor generator to the engine crankshaft pulley. The motor generator spins the
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engine for nearly seamless, fuel-saving, startstop operation and generates electricity for the battery pack. The Wrangler 4xe does not use a conventional 12-volt starter motor. The Wrangler 4xe is equipped with a 12-volt battery to run accessories. The second high-voltage motor generator is mounted at the front of the transmission case, replacing the conventional torque converter of an automatic transmission. Two clutches work to manage power and torque from the e-motor and engine. A binary clutch (on/off) is mounted between the engine and the motor. When this clutch is open there is no mechanical linkage between the engine and the e-motor, which enables it to propel the Wrangler 4xe in electric-only mode. When the binary clutch is closed, torque from the 2.0-litre engine and the e-motor flow combine through the automatic transmission. A variable clutch mounted behind the e-motor manages engagement with the transmission to improve drivability and efficiency. Battery Pack Preserves Interior Room The Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s 400-volt, 17-kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack uses nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite chemistry. The pack and controls mount underneath the second-row seat, where it is protected from outside elements. The Wrangler 4xe’s secondrow seat is redesigned, allowing the bottom cushion to flip forward for access to the battery. Encased in an aluminium housing, the pack is
fitted with a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature for best performance. The temperature control circuit includes a dedicated heater unit and a chiller that uses the Wrangler air-conditioning refrigerant to reduce coolant temperature when needed. The Wrangler 4xe hybrid system includes an Integrated Dual Charging Module (ICDM), which combines a battery charger and a DC/DC converter in a single unit that is more compact than two separate components, and a nextgeneration Power Inverter Module (PIM) that is reduced in size. These components are housed and protected from damage in a steel structure mounted below the battery pack. All high-voltage electronics, including the wiring between the battery pack and the electric motors, are sealed and waterproof. Like all Trail Rated Jeep Wranglers, the Wrangler 4xe is capable of water fording up to 30 inches (76 cm). The electric charge port features a pushopen/push-close cover and is located on the left front cowl of the Wrangler 4xe for convenient nose-in parking at charging locations. The charge port includes LED indicators of charging status. An LED battery level monitor is mounted on top of the instrument panel, making it easy to check battery state of charge at a glance during charging.
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| Motors
INEOS Grenadier prototype takes a bow to
The all-new vehicle takes a break from its Tour De France duties to salute some of its predecess he first INEOS Grenadier prototype was on display at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, London, over the weekend of 4 to 6 September, playing a supporting role to INEOS Automotive’s collection of legendary off-road vehicles. INEOS Automotive’s Concours display featured a number of historic 4x4s, most notably the first ever production Land-Rover (registration JUE 477), a full and sympathetic restoration of which has recently been completed. Also being shown are a fully restored Toyota FJ40 (1980), a Willys Jeep (1944) that was used by the US Navy in WWII, and a
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classic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen (1988 “At the outset of the Grenadier proje of the past into the studio to look close said Toby Ecuyer, Head of Design at IN fantastic to see Grenadier in the compa common design traits and proportions, purpose. I think the Grenadier sits very if others agree, then we’ve achieved ou “We received some great feedback f Grenadier, and this is now the first time
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| Motors
o its inspirations at Concours of Elegance
sors, including the first ever production Land-Rover.
8). ect, we brought some of the great 4x4s ely at what made them so enduring,” NEOS Automotive. “And now, it’s any of these legends. You can see , and certainly the same clarity of y naturally among these 4x4 icons, and ur design objective.” following our recent reveal of the new e we’ve shown the vehicle at a public
event in the UK,” said Dirk Heilmann, CEO at INEOS Automotive. “It’s very fitting that the vehicle was being showcased alongside a collection of off-road icons. They have served as the inspiration for the Grenadier project and represent the uncompromising go-anywhere spirit that the new vehicle will deliver for customers around the world.” Prototype testing of the Grenadier is now fully underway, with the aim of accumulating 1.8 million kilometres on- and off-road over the coming year. Sales are planned to start in markets worldwide from the end of 2021.
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| Motors
All-new Hyundai Tucson adds revolutionary redesign Hyundai Motor has revealed the first images of its all-new Tucson. New design highlights include the latest evolution of Hyundai’s signature headlamp architecture called ‘Parametric Hidden Lights’ and a dual cockpit layout that offers personalized space intuitively optimized for a high-tech user experience. he mission of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ is to elevate the emotional qualities of automotive design. We want our customers to feel moved. With the all-new Tucson, we are introducing its ultimate evolution and a definitive statement about Hyundai’s unstoppable forward momentum,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design
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Center. “Tucson’s advanced, experimental design is true to its pioneering spirit and raises the game in the industry’s most competitive segment.” Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity, first introduced on the new Elantra, brings an emotional punch to Tucson’s avantgarde ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design theme. The ‘Parametric Dynamics’ that makes a strong first impression
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The all-new Tucson’s advanced exterior styling expresses what Hyundai designers call ‘Parametric Dynamics’ that utilises lines, faces, angles and shapes to create kinetic jewel-like surface details through digital data to offer unprecedented, bold design aesthetics. Parametric Hidden Lights provide a strong first impression. These signature Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are seamlessly integrated into the jewel-like grille, and only revealed when
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switched on by the driver. Overall, the new Tucson’s body is bigger and wider than previous generation models, offering a long hood and short overhangs on a stretched wheelbase that give it a slinky coupé-like character. From the side, angular body panels offer yet another interpretation of this parametric design. Chiseled surfaces create a striking contrast between a sleek silhouette and masculine wedge, suggesting forward motion even when standing still. Taut athletic shapes
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seamlessly merge into angular wheel arches, where alloy wheels provide a powerful and dynamic stance. An ‘INTERSPACE’ with an integrated interface Getting into the all-new Tucson’s spacious interior, or INTERSPACE, is like entering a neatly organised room where everyday concerns disappear. Here, space, technology and information intersect harmoniously. The evolution of Tucson’s interior layout led to a lower instrument display and removal of the
gauge cluster housing for a decluttered surface. Layered, sensuous forms reinforce the feeling of openness. The broad ridge of the dashboard blends seamlessly with the doors, wrapping around front occupants like a deep gorge. The vertically oriented, sensuous forms of the fully integrated centre fascia was inspired by waterfalls. Twin silver garnish lines streaming from the centre fascia to the rear doors harmonise neatly layered premium surface materials in complementary neutral tones.
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| Motors
More equipment and more value for money with the new Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian+ Award-winning Mitsubishi L200 range gains new Barbarian + variant. itsubishi Motors in the UK has expanded its L200 Series 6 pick-up truck range with the addition of the new Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian + variant. Based on the high specification of the Barbarian version, the Barbarian+ also offers customers the following premium load area package: • GST PLUS II Hardtop (pop-out side windows and sliding bulkhead window) • Tailgate central locking integrated with vehicle central locking/alarm
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• Load-bay lighting • Hardtop roof rails • Protective under-rail load bay liner Available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the Barbarian+ is priced from £30,350 CVOTR* - just £750 (+VAT) more than a standard Barbarian but offering £1,900 (+VAT) worth of added value for consumers. As with all Mitsubishi L200s, the new Barbarian + is fitted as standard with Mitsubishi Motors’ renowned Super Select 4WD system with off-road modes, 18inch alloy wheels, leather
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upholstery with heated front seats, illuminated door Barbarian door entry guards and LED mood lighting. Safety equipment includes Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and automatic lights and wipers, along with Active
Stability and Traction Control, seven airbags, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Stability Control systems that are standard across the L200 range.
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