Crop Production August 2020

In this issue...

Beetle bites back page 10

Beneficials explored in IPM special

Soil-saving drills page 46

Stewarding solutions page 65

Rural payments turned to climate care

Bug-beating beet page 69

Volume 22 Number 9

August 2020

Opinion

Talking Tilth- A word from the editor.

Smith’s Soapbox - Views and opinions from an Essex peasant…..

Tech Respect - CPM ’s machinery editor surveys the search for UK Ag’s next step.

Last Word - A view from the field from CPM’s technical editor.

Technical

IPM special - Fending for the natural foe

17-page focus starting with the role of the natural predator.

CSFB management - The variety factor

A multipronged strategy will give the crop its best chance.

Slug management - Trap and map

Given the right conditions slugs can be dangerous during establishment.

Theory to Field - Following the slime trail

A new insight into the behaviour and movement of slugs.

Tech Talk - Avoiding a slugfest

Editor

Tom Allen-Stevens

Technical editor

Lucy de la Pasture

Machinery editor

Charlotte Cunningham

Writers

Tom Allen-Stevens

Charlotte Cunninghan

Design and production

Brooks Design

Advertisement co-ordinator

Peter Walker

Publisher

Angus McKirdy

Business development manager

Charlotte Alexander

To claim two crop protection BASIS points, send an email to linda@basis-reg.co.uk, quoting reference CP/100659/2021/g.

To claim two NRoSO CPD points, please send your name, NRoSO member number, date of birth and postcode to angus@cpm-magazine.co.uk

*the claim ‘best read specialist arable journal’ is based on independent reader research conducted by Research Engine (Mar 2018)

Editorial & advertising sales

PO Box 4856, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 9NX

Tel: (01743) 861122 E-mail: angus@cpm-magazine.co.uk

Reader registration hotline 01743 861122

Advertising copy

Brooks Design, 24 Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1RD

Tel: (01743) 244403 E-mail: fred@brooksdesign.co.uk

CPM Volume 22 No 9. Editorial, adver tising and sales offices are at PO Box 4856, Shrewsbur y, SY1 9NX England.

Tel: (01743) 861122. CPM is published eleven times a year by CPM Ltd and is available free of charge to qualifying farmers and far m managers in the United Kingdom.

In no way does CPM Ltd endorse, notarise or concur with any of the advice, recommendations or prescriptions reported in the magazine.

If you are unsure about which recommendations to follow, please consult a professional agronomist. Always read the label. Use pesticides safely.

CPM Ltd is not responsible for loss or damage to any unsolicited material, including photographs.

It pays to think about lowering risk before the next crop goes into the ground.

Weed control - Way to Kerb water woes?

Water companies are working with farmers to reduce herbicide use.

Weed control - Don’t step back in blackgrass battle

Fears are growing over the rush to get the drill out this autumn.

Agri-Intelligence - To be the perfect wheat

Agrii draws together its trials-based knowledge and experience on varieties.

Purchasing partners - Coping with COVID

How the supply chain managed the pressure it came under

Machinery

Machinery News - Combines roll

Highlights of some of the machinery news you may have missed this month.

Drills - Save our soils

How could the drill play a role in improving them?

Tyres - Efficiencies to be found

The right tyre has the power to make a huge difference in the field.

New solutions - Powr,precision,performance

John Deere’s latest launches look set to increase power and precision options.

On Farm Opinion - Perfect establishment in a testing year

One farmer in Berks managed to establish crops single-handedly.

Innovation

Environmental management - Build back greener

Plans and proposals for Defra’s flagship ELM scheme.

Climate Change Champions - Steward of the catchment

Dorset grower’s plan to deliver bold goals through Countryside Stewardship.

Roots

Sugar beet - Is the future yellow?

Aphids have put the sugar beet crop under intense pressure.

Potato precision - Precision set to boost potato profits

A webinar during Potato Showcase week looked at some of the options.

Rob Jones Lucy de la Pasture

Farmers at the ELM?

By the time this month’s CPM reaches you,I will have submitted my Countryside Stewardship renewal application.

I’ve spent the best part of the past month putting a plan together and filling in the for ms. Doing the forms themselves was actually quite a doddle there’s clearly a computing whizz at Defra who’s mastered the wizardr y of MS Excel and has created marvellous spreadsheets that prepopulate themselves with all your field sizes and calculate the totals. That person deserves a medal, because they’ve saved us from four-decimal-point purgatory, checking your figures 20 times over then lying awake for the next six months wondering whether you added up your AB9 correctly.

But I’m still completely paranoid the wheels will fall off this five-year plan I’m committing myself to. We’ve had two inspections over the past five years, and both times, despite my best efforts, they’ve discovered a few patches that are smaller than I thought they were and I’ve suffered swingeing penalties (although I can’t think that our resident

grey partridge actually give a damn that they’re feasting in 0.3879ha of bumblebird mix rather than 0.4000ha).

So the plan has sat on my desk and I’ve redrawn it 100 times.

I’ve played around with every arable option available. But the reason I’ve done that is not to create a marvellous mosaic of wildlife-friendly habitats. I haven’t been motivated to provide places where pollinators buzz and feed on flowers festooning south-facing slopes, then nestle in the tussocky grass of the sheltered margins. Nor have I focused on opening up wildlife corridors to link woodland and give small mammals safe passage.

That’s the planning I’d like to have devoted most of the past month to. Instead I’ve been more concerned that these patches of land I’m juggling around and drawing onto maps with crayons fit the scheme’s tight prescriptions and that the next time the inspector calls there isn’t one small bureaucratic detail I’ve missed that costs me another £1000. And that’s just wrong.

So it really does fill you with hope when you hear Defra civil servants who are putting together the new Environmental Land Management scheme talk about a “lighter-touch approach” (see article on p62). Anyone who’s attended the recent policy discussion webinars will have noticed a different language coming from Whitehall these days –– the aim is that the ELM Scheme will be

farmer-led, guided by local priorities with the support of advisers we trust. And if, despite our best intentions, we don’t deliver the plan we’d set out to achieve, we’ll be encouraged to adjust our ambition, rather than being penalised.

It all sounds too good to be true. We’ve been let down by schemes that haven’t delivered on their promises too many times before, and every gut instinct you have is urging caution. Equally, there’s a lot that’s different now –– for those of us for whom nature-friendly farming matters, the ELM Scheme could just have the breadth, depth and flexibility to meet our requirements.

And Defra’s just taken a somewhat surprising step that may give an indication of the direction of travel. From 2021, farmers will no longer have to comply with greening requirements. Ecological focus areas (EFAs) and crop diversification (the three-crop rule) will be consigned to histor y

It’s a surprise because it appears a bit of a backward step for a gover nment that’s pledged to leave the environment in a better state than it found it. But the greening rules have always been seen, at least by the majority of farmers in the UK, as a set of bureaucratic requirements that don’t actually achieve much for a greener world. They were introduced in 2015 as rules designed to tie farmers, through CAP payments, to measures that would bring positive

environmental outcomes.

The European Court of Auditors, however, delivered a report just two years later concluding they’d only actually achieve that on about 5% of all EU farmland. There are measures, such as IPM and no-till, that farmers across the UK are adopting as part of good arable practice that will likely make far more of a positive impact than greening ever will.

So scrapping these rules could be the start of a new relationship farmers have with Defra. the ELM Scheme could herald a new era in which we’re trusted to deliver the positive environmental outcomes, because (to quote Defra) “farmers are best placed to decide how to provide public goods”.

Of course, there’s a lot that can happen to the ELM Scheme between now and 2024 when it’s actually rolled out. There are a great many unanswered questions and the detail isn’t even close enough to see if the Devil’s in it. But I think Defra’s made a good start –– ELM is a good scheme and given farmers good reason to help take it forward.

Tom Allen-Stevens has a 170ha farm in Oxon, and wonders whether there’s a computing whizz at Defra who can save us having to colour maps in with crayons.

tom@cpm-magazine.co.uk

@tomallenstevens

Grim expectations

In a year where there is no normal,I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised to start harvesting wheat on the mind-bendingly early date of 19 July.

I’d wandered into the crops the previous evening expecting to rub out some greasy unfit samples that would be days if not weeks away from ripening

only to find some glassy grains in the palm of my hand that you could break your teeth on. The moisture meter reading of 13% provided the evidence that my incisors were still fit for purpose when it came to biting wheat.

This was Crusoe drilled in good conditions after oilseed rape on heavy land in mid-Sept that had looked good all year until it ran out of steam in June due to prolonged drought causing it to prematurely rush to ripen rather than put weight on in the ear in July. The yield was a little under 8t/ha which, in the words of my late father ‘was more than we were expecting but we weren’t expecting much’.

We sold it off the combine at £185/t. The good news was that given we only spent £350/ha on

inputs growing the crop then it will show a positive margin. The bad news is this was as good as harvest 2020 got, after this mediocre start things got appreciably worse. The later drilled Crusoe on light land in a third wheat position yielded so badly I cannot bring myself to write the figure down here suffice to say even when I recalibrated the yield meter kilo-weight setting to the density of lead shot and halved the header cut width, it still didn’t push the t/ha figure into two digits.

The good thing about early harvests is they give you extra time in August to prepare for the next campaign. The big debate for many is how much OSR to grow, if at all. Listening to the grapevine you suspect the average UK OSR yield will fall below the landmark 2.5t/ha, especially if you include the area that was drilled but wasn’t taken to harvest. It’s also likely that this could be the worst average yield since UK farmers started growing the crop in the 1970s.

The usual thought process on this farm is to slam the combine door as the last of the OSR is cut bellowing ‘never again’ but then as the dust has settled and the red mist has cleared we find ourselves giving it another go. With prices where they are it is too much temptation. There is also the delusory hope that for some reason 2020-21 will be a benign CSFB year and the weather patterns will be more helpful than the kick in the balls we got this year. We do have 40ha on this farm that hasn’t seen OSR for over ten years so the hope is the land isn’t going to be under siege from the shiny little cotyledon-munching, egg-laying blighters.

The concern is if the UK OSR crop loses critical mass then there might be a question mark over the UK crushing industry. The dilemma for growers may be

Guy Smith grows 500ha of combinable crops on the north east Essex coast, namely St. Osyth Marsh –– officially the driest spot in the British Isles. Despite spurious claims from others that their farms are actually drier, he points out that his farm is in the Guinness Book of Records, whereas others aren’t. End of.

that we will need imports to keep the crusher infrastructure we need for our own benefit. The bitter irony being that those imports are grown using neonics which as we know only too well are denied to UK growers. The current calls to ban agricultural imports that would be illegal to grow in the UK might be more complex than we think.

As we know with GM, for years now we’ve had to put up with the unfairness of having to compete with cheap-to-grow imports that we aren’t allowed to grow. If the EU didn’t give us that protection it’s unlikely we will get it under Brexit. The even more bitter irony is that it’s fellow farmers who buy GM protein to feed to livestock while their arable neighbours look on with a keen sense of injustice.

‘More than we were expecting but we weren’t expecting much’ came out of the combine from this field of wheat.

Fending for the natural foe

Technical IPM special

Oilseed rape is a crop that still has a lot to offer if the CSFB problem can be overcome,but many of the growers sticking with the crop this autumn will be hoping fortune favours the brave. CPM investigates the role of natural predators.

By Lucy de la Pasture

With the realisation that chemistry no longer cuts it as far as reliable cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) control is concerned,all eyes are on the scientific community to help come up with an alternative strategy to keep oilseed rape in the rotation.

Understanding the behaviour of the pest is an important step in developing ways to manage it and in this 17-page special, CPM explores IPM in practice and some of the new research into the ecology of CSFB and slugs (page 20), which may help lead to improved IPM practices in the future.

There’s still a lot that isn’t understood

about CSFB, explains Dr Sam Cook, insect behavioural ecologist at Rothamsted Research.

“We know the basic lifecycle for CSFB but not the mechanisms behind each stage. For instance, we don’t know how they locate the OSR crop –– whether it’s visual or an olfactory (by smell) mechanism. We don’t know the signals that cue female egg-laying and we don’t know where the pest goes to aestivate (a summer diapause) after OSR harvest. Impor tantly, we also don’t know how far CSFB can fly to migrate into crops in the autumn.”

Disrupt lifecycle

Once all these things are understood then it’ll be possible to work out the most effective ways to disrupt the pest’s lifecycle. “There’s a big gap in our knowledge at the moment but there’s also a big opportunity to develop biocontrol measures,” she adds.

Re-establishing OSR as a viable crop to grow is desirable because, as well as a big loss to the rotation, a decline in OSR area is a blow to far mland biodiversity, says Sam. “We’ve found more than 150 different species make their home in the OSR crop. Insects love it and that’s good for farmland birds.”

The explosion of CSFB in recent years has been due to a number of factors, which together have created a perfect storm for the pest, believes Sam. “We’ve now lost control of CSFB, but we were

already on the verge of losing control before the neonicotinoids were revoked –– even then, adult numbers were already increasing rapidly.

“This rise in the adult population combined with three mild winters, which facilitated prolonged periods of egg laying and larval development, has caused a problem on the scale we currently face,” she adds.

Ironically, work was underway in the late 1990s to seek answers to precisely the questions that still remain over CSFB, but

There’s a big opportunity to develop biocontrol measures.

“ ”

Sam Cook says we need to learn a lot more about the phenology of CSFB so that ways can be found to disrupt its lifecycle.

the introduction of the neonicotinoids shifted research focus away from the pest and onto pollen beetle, which was deemed a greater threat at the time. Researchers are now playing catch up and, in spite of the importance of the pest, funding for these empirical studies is hard to come by in the UK, explains Sam.

The good news is that some work is now underway and AHDB has recently put out a call for research into the fundamental phenology of the pest. Sam is also co-supervising a research student at the University of Göttingen in Germany, who is researching how CSFB locate crops for his PhD.

But Sam believes a study on the

population genetics is also badly needed to find answers to some of the other pressing questions about the pest, which will influence the scale of controls needed to bring its population back under control.

“For instance, dropping OSR temporarily in the rotation in whole areas is being proposed by some but in order for this to be successful, we’d need to know how far they can fly to find crops.”

Likely candidates

There’s some excitement about the potential for natural predators to assist with CSFB control and recent work at Rothamsted Research and John Innes Centre (JIC) has discovered some likely candidates for the job.

“We already know big carabids eat the eggs laid by CSFB adults in early autumn. A main focus of the Ecostack project is using camera traps to see what’s eating the eggs so we can rank the relative importance of different carabid species,” she says.

But it’s not just ground beetles that may prove a useful ally. “There’s a species of parasitic wasp, Tersilochus microgaster , that attacks the larval stages. Unfor tunately this parasitoid isn’t of much use to the grower as it attacks the larvae and pupates in the soil, so when the parasitized larvae drop off the plant onto the soil the damage has already been done to the crop. But they could have a role in decreasing the CSFB population on the far m in the following year,” she says,

Battering with a blunt instrument?

Pyrethroid resistance in the CSFB population has now reached the level where these insecticides are potentially doing more harm than good if repeatedly applied to OSR crops.

Rothamsted PhD student Caitlin Willis is looking at the resistance levels in CSFB adults collected by growers under the tutelage of resistance expert,Dr Steve Foster.She detected 100% resistance at eight sites in England in 2019, which is the first time a population has been discovered to have complete resistance to pyrethroid chemistr y.

“We found 100% resistance at sites in the East,South East and another in Yorkshire.On average,55% of the adult CSFB tested had pyrethroid resistance, which is an increase from 33% in 2018,” explains Caitlin.

Pyrethroid resistance used to be confined to the areas where pressure from CSFB has

traditionally been highest but Caitlin’s analysis shows that it’s a problem that has now crept into the North and West of the country.

“We found resistance on some farms that hadn’t sprayed pyrethroids at all.Because we don’t know how far the adults migrate,it’s impossible to predict the degree of resistance present in the CSFB population on any one farm from year to year.”

Caitlin is also looking at the resistance mechanisms present in CSFB.“In Europe it’s known that there is target site pyrethroid resistance (knockdown resistance (kdr) and super kdr),which is due to a mutation in the sodium channel.While the incidence of this mechanism hasn’t changed in the UK population in 2018 and 2019,the degree of resistance in CSFB has, indicating another resistance mechanism is present.

adding that to establish the significance of this, it’ll again be necessar y to understand the distances adults can migrate.

Another parasitic wasp, Microctonus brassicae, was first identified by Rothamsted’s Andrew Ferguson in 1996 but was recently ‘rediscovered’ and described by Anna Jordan at JIC, says Sam.

“

M. brassicae lays an egg inside the adult CSFB and, when the larva hatches, it basically eats the beetle from the inside out –– eventually leaving its host via its backside once it has completed its final instar, killing the CSFB.”

Researchers at JIC believe that once ‘infected’, the CSFB host is quickly rendered sterile, even though the adult beetle’s feeding is unlikely to be affected in the early stages. Potentially

Caitlin Willis has been testing CSFB for pyrethroid resistance and last season she found 100% resistance for the first time and the average level of resistance at 55%.

“We’re looking for metabolic resistance in UK populations of the CSFB which involves the upregulation of an enzyme. By looking at the genes we can determine if this is happening.”

Cabbage stem flea beetle migrate into newly planted OSR crops in the autumn,but it’s not known how far they can fly to find the crop.

Ground beetles eat the eggs laid by cabbage stem flea beetle in the soil and are harmed by pyrethroids,particularly when sprayed at night.

M. brassicae could offer a biological control for CSFB but very little is known about its prevalence or levels of parasitism in the field. Rothamsted PhD student, Patricia Ortega-Ramos, is seeking to establish this missing information and has been analysing more than 250 CSFB samples sent in by farmers across the UK last harvest.

“Patry’s analysis has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic but she’s found M. brassicae present in 70% of sites and with a parasitisation rate of around 7%. To be an effective biological control this needs to be higher, at around 40-80%.”

That’s not to say M. brassicae’s potential to assist with CSFB management should be dismissed, believes Sam. “If

we can understand how to support parasitoids on the farm then it should be possible to increase their prevalence and efficacy. Patry will also be looking at the agronomy at different sites to see if any particular practices benefit or adversely affect the parasitoids,” she says.

Field margins, beetle banks, conservation and wildflower strips may provide a habitat that will support and protect M. brassicae and further understanding of its phenology will help determine exactly which measures are most beneficial, adds Sam.

“We’re also looking at the resistance of natural enemies to insecticides. One of |the biggest worries is that growers are resorting to repeated sprays of pyrethroids at night, which is when carabids are most

No insecticide policy for OSR

Julian Gold describes his own farming experience as constantly playing golf in the dark –– “you hit the ball but are never really sure where it’s landed.”But even though it’s not always easy to get empirical results in his farm trials,that hasn’t stopped him from trying new approaches on the 750ha Hendred Estate he manages near Wantage in Oxfordshire.

Like many growers,Julian experienced some failed OSR crops last autumn but doesn’t consider CSFB was the sole reason.He believes the pest gets the blame for every crop failure but usually it’s a combination of factors working against the crop,with slugs and snails often underestimated and doing their fair share of damage on his farm.

“Last year the crop failure was down to the week it was drilled.Half the OSR went in between 13-20 Aug and was mostly fine,the other half was drilled in the first week of Sept

Wildflower strips through the middle of fields have been planted on the Hendred Estate as part of the ASSIST project with the aim of helping to nurture natural predators.

and all failed.It was due to the lack of soil moisture as much as the CSFB pressure at the time.”

Julian is abandoning spraying pyrethroids on the farm,with the possible exception of BYDV control in cereals.He firmly believes that it’s pointless trying to target CSFB with pyrethroids because more benefit can be had from helping predator numbers build up on the farm in the longer term.When that happens,the pests aren’t likely to be as much of a problem as they currently are, he says.

Getting off the hamster wheel is one of the phrases many farmers with a regenerative approach often use.Julian had his ‘aha’ moment when he first got his own beehive and fully realised the connection between farming and the environment.He describes industrial agriculture as concentrating on the production line without thinking about maintaining the factory. A scenario which means eventually the whole thing will at first leak and eventually come crashing down.

So instead of reaching for the can,he’s aiming to safeguard his OSR crops by ensuring good seed to soil contact at drilling,something which isn’t always easy on his high calcareous soils.

“It’s the nail in the coffin if soil to seed contact isn’t good enough,so multiple rolling is likely to be a key part of our strategy.I’ve been aiming for two passes with the Cambridge rolls for the past couple of seasons but I’m planning on trying to find the time for at least three or four passes this autumn because it also stops CSFB and slug movement.”

The farm chops all straw behind the combine and has impressive soil organic matter levels of 5-7%.He’s found the quality of straw chop has a huge bearing on the success of OSR establishment,which mostly follows winter

active. I’m not sure there is an awareness yet of just how much harm growers are doing to beneficial insects with these practices.” ■

Julian Gold sees no benefit from using pyrethroid on his OSR crops and will be concentrating on planting conditions to give his crop the best possible chance this autumn.

barley in a six-year rotation on the farm.

“As soon as it gets damp in the evening then the few mm’s difference that makes to the quality of the straw chop is noticeable in the following OSR crop.”

The Hendred Estate is one of twenty farms taking part in the ASSIST project,led by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, with Rothamsted Research and the British Geological Sur vey as partners.The aim is to assess the impact of wildflower strips down the middle of fields on natural predators over five years.

Although it’s too early to make any conclusions from the work, anecdotally there are already positive signs,with the OSR in the no-insecticide ASSIST trial achieving 100% establishment last autumn.

“Drilling into the data when it’s collected will provide a fascinating insight into the measures that could encourage natural predators and bring the farming ecosystem back into balance,” he believes.

Larva of the parasitic wasp Microtonus brassicae larva exiting the anus of a CSFB.

The variety factor

prime consideration in getting the crop from germination to two true leaves, speed of autumn development is what really counts because it reflects the crop’s ability to grow away from autumn challenges, like flea beetles and slugs, before winter,” says Richard.

Technical CSFB management

With just over 60% of the national oilseed rape crop making it to harvest, a multipronged strategy will give the crop its best chance and varietal choice is just one part of the puzzle. CPM talks to Dekalb about the characteristics of hybrids and how these may help combat CSFB attack.

By Rob Jones

Varietal choice is central to most IPM strategies,maintains leading oilseed rape breeder Dekalb,and it’s becoming evident that some varieties seem to cope better with the burden of cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) larvae in the spring than others. But for all varieties the first hurdle is to survive during establishment and it’s finding a variety that has an edge in both of these scenarios that isn’t an easy task. There are two strategies when it comes to choosing OSR varieties –– go cheap and plentiful or go hybrid. Understandably with the crop under so much pressure from CSFB the cost of seed is a big consideration, but with many hybrid breeders now underwriting the establishment risk, hybrids look more attractive and could give the crop its best shot, believes Bayer OSR specialist, Richard Phillips.

Speed of OSR development in the autumn

is at least as important as establishment vigour in the battle against cabbage stem flea beetle, he says. Varietal development is a factor that has been found in trials across the country, to play a role in combatting the damage from CSFB larvae later in the season. That means both the earliness that growth resumes in spring and the speed of spring growth are things to consider which may help the crop survive damage from larvae.

“Too often speed of development is confused with vigour. But we know they are quite separate characteristics and ones that vary widely between both hybrid and conventionally-bred varieties. So it’s vital not to confuse them if we want to make the best use of genetics to counter the CSFB threat.

“In general, it’s fair to say that hybrids are more vigorous than conventional varieties in their autumn and spring growth, making them better able to cope with challenging conditions. While establishment vigour is the

The same is true in early spring, he notes. “The earliness and speed the crop grows away from winter is equally important to the extent it can tolerate damage from flea beetle larvae or pigeon grazing. The right plant populations have a major part to play here, as does well-managed spring fertilisation and plant growth regulation. But all the agronomic factors fundamentally depend upon the underlying genetics,” he says.

“As well as earliness of flowering, we measure two key developmental characters in our Dekalb breeding programme ––development before winter and spring development after winter. Together these allow us to characterise the growth habits of varieties very effectively.”

Over the years, this approach has identified clear developmental differences between varieties. Hybrids have proved to be more vigorous in both their autumn and spring growth than conventionally-bred varieties, he says, but as much variation has been recorded between different hybrids in their autumn and spring development characteristics.

“Regardless of how they are bred, some varieties grow noticeably more rapidly in the autumn and are earlier or faster to re-grow in the spring. What’s more, these characters appear to be separate. So, varieties that are faster to develop in the autumn are not

Main stem losses in Dekalb breeding trials

“ ” ▲

CSFB management

necessarily either earlier or faster to grow in the spring, and vice versa.

“Studies in one of our breeding trials badly affected by flea beetle have shown that varieties which develop more rapidly before winter branch better, lose fewer main stems to flea beetle larvae and suffer less stunting than those developing less rapidly. These studies also demonstrated lower main stem losses and less stunting in varieties growing away earlier or more rapidly in the spring.

“The more rapidly-developing varieties in the autumn have similar larval infestation as the other hybrids and the pure line control, but their extra biomass and better branching appeared to enable them to cope more effectively with the damage caused.”

The particular value of rapidly-developing varieties in combatting flea beetle has further

Dekalb variety development characteristics

been highlighted this season in the first-ever national study of flea beetle management practices, highlights Richard. Alongside sowing at the right time, using vigorous, fast-developing hybrids stood out as the technique considered most successful in practice by the 220-plus growers involved. And the only other technique rated more successful than average was using varieties that develop earlier or faster in the spring.

To enable growers to take the greatest advantage of varietal development to help manage CSFB, Dekalb varieties are clearly identified for both their autumn and spring development characteristics. No less than 12 of the breeder’s 18-strong 2020 portfolio of mainstream double low, Clearfield, HOLL and clubroot-resistant hybrids are known to have faster-than-average autumn development, with a further four classified as ultra-rapid developers. Four varieties are also characterised for their notably early spring re-growth, explains Richard.

“I have no doubt that choosing a variety as much for its speed of development as for its vigour will be especially important for growers this autumn. Not only in helping in the fight against flea beetle, but in giving the greatest tolerance to the slug and pigeon problems that are a fact of life for many.

“A rapid autumn developer is almost essential in my mind these days, whenever you are sowing. Ultra-rapid development is most valuable for later-sowing or where seedbed conditions are challenging.

“Varieties that get away earlier in the spring offer particular benefits where CSFB larval levels are likely to be high, as occurs with earlier drilling. For drilling in good conditions in the first half of August, I’d combine this with rapid rather than ultra-rapid autumn development, unless I were happy to rely more heavily on PGRs in my management, if necessary.” ■

Varieties shown in red have rapid growth in both autumn and spring. Source:Dekalb,2020.

Richard Phillips explains that vigour is different to speed of growth and that there are significant differences in autumn and spring between hybrids in trials.

Varieties with Ultra-Rapid Autumn Development DK Excited (TuYV) DK Expedient DK Extrovert DK Exsteel

Varieties with Early Spring Growth DK Extremus DK Expedient DK Extrovert DK Exalte

▲ DK Extremus DK Exstar DK Expectation (TuYV) DK Exalte DK Imprint CL DK Impressario CL DK Imperial CL DK Impression CL V3670L V353OL DK Plastic DK Platinum

Trap and map

Standard versus mini pellets

Technical Slug management

If recent rainfall patterns continue, despite the dry spring I think we’ll end up with a relatively ‘normal’ year in terms of slug pressure. However the only real test is to go out and trap,” he says.

Time constraints

achieved once drilled. To aid his risk assessment, Stephen also uses precision farming data, such as soil electroconductivity maps, to identify potential issues and to target applications of pellets straight after drilling to protect crops.

In the more moderate or low risk areas where it’s easy to drop your guard and be caught out, Stephen says he sets up slug traps to pick up any unexpected infestations and treats only where necessary.

“Nobody wants prophylactic applications of molluscicides, but the trouble we have in high risk areas is that by the time you’ve put traps out and counted slugs per trap, if you are a day late, an OSR crop can be gone overnight.

By Lucy de la Pasture and Rob Jones

Researchers at Harper Adams University and in a collaboration between CHAP and the Small Robot company envisage a future where slugs are targeted by precision-applied control agents,but until their work bears fruit,bait trapping and soil mapping remain the IPM essentials.

Slugs would not have enjoyed the extremely dry spring in 2020, with unfavourable conditions seeing the pest retreat down the soil profile. Newcastle University’s slug expert Gordon Port says a regular input of rain in most regions during late June and into July has seen slug activity increase again ahead of oilseed rape drilling –– a crop that is particularly vulnerable to damage early on.

“Unfortunately, slugs never go away.

The biggest barrier for growers using slug traps as part of an IPM strategy is time constraints, particularly ahead of OSR where there is often little time to set and monitor numbers. But with the crop under significant threat from cabbage stem flea beetle across England, including in his Avon area, AICC agronomist Stephen Harrison says you can’t afford to overlook slugs.

In his experience OSR growers broadly split into two camps when it comes to drill date, either very early in August to get plants up and away ahead of peak CSFB activity, or late August and into September to try and avoid the peak. Some evidence suggests drilling later also reduces larvae pressure later in the season, he says.

“I tend to err towards a later drilling philosophy now and we’re moving back to hybrids for their quicker establishment. But if you are down at seed rates of 50 seeds/m2 or less, it doesn’t give you much leeway for plant loss and slug control is even more crucial,” explains Stephen.

In these high-risk crops, he calculates risk based on three factors: weather, trash levels and soil type, which will have a significant bearing on the quality of seedbed

“I think a good policy is that where we’re anticipating problems (based on the risk assessment) a dose of slug pellets straight after drilling is a sensible one, particularly where there’s a lot of trash in a non-inversion system,” he says.

Having switched to ferric phosphatebased pellets across the board, last season Stephen utilised a mini pellet in these early, high-risk situations to increase bait points to just above 60/m2. Certis brought a new mini pellet, Menorexx, to the market last year which has the identical 100% durum pasta-based formulation as the company’s standard pellet Sluxx HP

While oilseed rape crops are more than likely to be besieged by ‘the beetle’, given the right conditions slugs can be just as dangerous during establishment. CPM looks at balancing risk with IPM.

Stephen Harrison reminds that slugs can devastate young OSR crops,especially when drilling hybrids at lower seed rates.

Nobody wants prophylactic applications of molluscicides

Plan early where grain hollowing is a risk

Cereal crops could be at increased risk of seed hollowing caused by slugs this autumn due to the loss of Deter (clothiadin) seed treatment,especially if the weather turns wet,says independent gronomist for Velcourt,Ben Frost.

Even though there are fewer oilseed rape stubbles around to harbour the pest,this shouldn’t lull growers into a false sense of security as cereal and bean stubbles can be just as problematic when wet,he says.

“With Deter now gone and metaldehyde on the way out,the only effective chemical option left is ferric phosphate,but there isn’t a label recommendation for applying it down the spout at drilling with the seed,”he explains.

“The De Sangosse ferric phosphate pellet is the only one that can be legally applied seven days prior to drilling,so slugs can still be controlled on the soil surface.”

Ben highlights cultural control measures

Certis northern technical specialist Harry Raley says that while you get an adequate number of baiting points with a product like Sluxx HP, Menorexx can boost protection by providing the highest bait point density of any ferric phosphate pellet (see table).

remain the key to achieving good slug control. Autumn stubble raking can reduce slug damage by exposing and desiccating slug eggs.He also believes moving seedbed cultivations closer to the drilling date is good management practice, he says.

“I don’t know many fields that were rolled last autumn because of the wet weather,so they are already at a disadvantage.Consolidation of the seedbed is pivotal to preventing slugs moving in the soil profile and then hollowing the unprotected seed.

“We’ve used ferric phosphate effectively in the past and it gives at least the same level of control as metaldehyde,but with none of the environmental disadvantages.The only difference is you don’t see any dead slugs,as they move back into the soil profile to die.”

Ben believes product selection is critical because but the quality variability in the range of

This is ideal in OSR drilled late, where conditions may be damper, slug pressure higher and there’s a very narrow window soon after emergence where the pest has the potential to wipe the crop out completely, he says.

Slug management

pellets now available is huge.“It must be possible to spread the ferric phosphate pellet accurately over 24m,so pellet ballistics is very important. Inaccurate application is a serious issue and will have an impact on the recommended number of bating points.The minimum number of pellets is 30/m2 at 5kg/ha but in high pressure situations the rate should be increased to 42 pellets/m2 (7kg/ha),”he says.

“It’s in that critical period you need the greatest number of pellets and Menorexx fits in that spot perfectly. Slugs are random feeders and there will be more chance of them bumping into a pellet and not a cotyledon OSR plant,” he explains. ■

Ben Frost says IPM measures remain at the heart of slug control strategies.

You could say changes to management practices to control slugs have been about as sluggish as the pest itself ––with very little in the way of innovative applied research for decades. An AHDB-funded project underway at Harper Adams University has bucked that trend and is investigating the basis for a much more targeted approach.

The foundation for the project was a PhD which confirmed that sluggy patches in fields were stable, explains Charlotte Rowley, who manages pest research at AHDB. “The initial work opened up the possibility of a more precise approach to

Following the slime trail

slug control which would help safeguard ferric phosphate and increase the viability of options associated with higher treatment costs, such as biological control.”

Author of the PhD, Dr Emily Forbes is ver y much a par t of the follow-on work at Harper Adams University, with colleague and principle investigator Prof Keith Walters. She explains that the aim of her original research was to investigate the potential for targeting the specific areas with high densities of slugs using a reduced overall amount of molluscicide, while still maintaining control.

Practical system

Keith stresses that right from the outset, the aim was to produce a practical system that will be useful to far mers which means it has to take any commercial constraints and practices into account. “Our work has been guided by industr y rather than the just biological interest. That’s fine-tuned the directions the research has taken in order to find workable and acceptable solutions that fit into normal farm practice.”

To test the feasibility of a precision approach to slug control, the first big question to answer was whether the patches are stable in time and space, he explains. “This is impor tant because if the

patches where the slugs congregated weren’t stable then the area that needed treating would have to be redefined for ever y molluscicide application ––this would be unfeasible.”

Emily explains that a lot of the literature says that the slug population isn’t uniformly distributed within a field, yet there’s little research evidence to show this. “To look at this scientifically, we under took repeat sampling of refuge traps set up at 10m intervals on a 10 x 10m grid across the field. We found that in different fields and

Keith Walters says the use of RFID tags has revolutionised the understanding of slug behaviour

A new insight into the behaviour and movement of slugs begs the question whether overall molluscicide treatments are sometimes more than what’s actually needed to suppress pest numbers. CPM explores where this research may lead in practice.

By Lucy de la Pasture

80% of slugs stayed very close to their release point.

Theory to Field

in different seasons that slug patches within fields had the same pattern of stability,” she says.

Keith highlights that the design of the grid was critical to the success of the work. “If the traps were too far apart then hotspots would be missed but if they’re too close, then more monitoring would be undertaken than needed for the research. Mathematical modelling, in association

with the Universities of Leicester and Birmingham, has helped speed up the project by assisting with the design.”

The second question to address was whether the patches of slugs were large enough to target with treatments. “Many growers already patch treat but we wanted to establish whether treating the large patches gave sufficient suppression of the slug population or if there were other, smaller patches which collectively also require treatment,” he explains.

Mapping technology

This is where working with industry has proved invaluable, adds Emily. “Mapping technology has been used to identify the sizes of patches to be treated and we’ve found that it’s feasible to treat the smaller ones using a conventional pelleter.”

Slug damage is known to often occur in patches within the fields,but this study is the first time that research has sought to understand why this is.

Slug management techniques haven’t evolved much over the past few decades but this new research hopes to deliver a more precise approach.

Our extensive field work has shown that slug patches within fields come and go –– they’re not detectable all of the time, so the third aim was to find why this is, explains Keith.

Emily explains slug behaviour explains this observation because slugs aren’t

Revolutionar y study will challenge thinking

Clive Blacker has been a champion of precision farming for the past 20 years,first introducing practices on his own farm in 1998 before setting up the speciality company,Precision Decisions in 2004.

He describes current methods of slug pellet application as a bit ‘hit and miss’ so he’s enthusiastically supporting the work at Harper Adams to develop a more accurate method for defining areas in the field where there’s high slug density and help engineer the treatment solution.

Even though the trend is for farm machinery to get larger and many pelleters now have the capacity to achieve a 24m spread,accuracy is often wanting, he notes. Targeting smaller areas where there are slug patches will require a little more finesse and this is where Clive’s expertise in using data to manage variability on the farm comes to the fore.

“It’s not beyond the wit of man to put section control or enable smaller spread widths to treat certain areas of the field,” he comments. “This new slug work is putting some science into how we approach slug treatments and as we understand the findings, it will help us improve the efficiency of molluscicide application and farm profitability.

One of the most fascinating areas of the study is the insight into slug movements that the RFID tagging has brought to light,says Clive.“It’s incredible to have this better understanding of slug

movement,especially when they’re beneath the soil surface.It turns out that they’re not as nomadic as we thought they were.”

Precision Decisions specialises in remote sensing and precision soil mapping to generate the data to help growers manage variability on the farm. This is then interpreted into usable and easily deployable solutions,such as variable seed or fertiliser rates. The company’s collaboration in the project means that it’s possible to deal with practical problems as they arise and Clive sees it as a big opportunity to find a better solution to slug control and challenge the current thinking.

“It’s still early days in trying to understand the relationship between soil characteristics and slug population. We’ve supplied Emily with Electroconductivity (EC) data which is providing an insight into the textural variation within fields and we’re able to look at this at different depths ––the soil surface and the sub-surface layers.It will be interesting to see how this correlates with slug populations,” he comments.

In time,Clive believes the findings of the project will enable growers to map fields specifically for the risk so that high risk areas will be known before planting,when the slug problem is often unseen.

“There are many contributory factors we’ll want to assess before a system is in place. These will include the effect of local conditions such as soil moisture, tillage, compaction and

always present on the soil surface. “Slug activity is dependent on weather, with mild and wet conditions favouring activity. When it’s very cold, hot or dry then slugs are less likely to be found on the soil surface. This isn’t an issue for patch treatments as they can be targeted at times when slugs are actively feeding, so patches don’t really come and go, they’re just not always active. The important thing is when they are detectable, they are always in the same places.”

seedbed condition,”he adds.

“Growers have shown immense support for this project and have helped by providing trials sites.We’re all finding it exciting to work with a bright,young scientific mind and the enthusiasm Emily has brought with her in using new techniques to study slug populations.

“By helping us understand where the biggest risk and scale of slug damage is going to be in a field before it happens will allow us to monitor better and to be more proactive about treating slugs –– allowing us to get on top of the problem before it becomes one.”

Clive Blacker says EC data gives an insight into the textural variation in the soil at different depths which may correlate with slug populations.

adventurous after all. “After initial lab work to make sure the tagging didn’t change the slug’s behaviour, we moved into the field to track tagged slugs over two five-week periods, in autumn and spring. This involved using a RFID scanner, with which we swept the ground in a very similar way to a metal detector, and we found 80% of slugs stayed very close to their release point,” she says.

This 80:20 rule has been noticed in a range of animal species, adds Keith. “In a semi-discrete population, there has to be some mixing with other populations to maintain genetic diversity –– so this may be why 20% of slugs wander further than the others.”

Up until this point in the research, the science applied by the researchers provided explanations for phenomena which have been anecdotally noted in fields by farmers and agronomists for years. But the researchers had a real eureka moment when they started to ask why patches were stable in fields for long periods of time. New technology was to provide an insight into the behaviour of slugs that’s never been possible before.

“We needed to understand the behavioural mechanisms that caused slugs to congregate in one area without dispersing. Following slug movement is tricky because they go underground, but we were able to utilise radio frequency identification (RFID) for the first time and tag individuals to follow them,” explains Emily.

Although RFID has been used in lar ger species, this sort of work hasn’t been possible in species the size of the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum) until very recently, when tags the size of a grain of rice have become available.

It tur ned out that slugs weren’t ver y

Theory to Field

RFID

The tagging work has since been followed by some modelling to dig into the detail of why patches are stable and has involved releasing slugs singly and in groups.

Shorter distances

“We found that those released in groups moved more slowly and shorter distances, and with a strongly biased distribution of turning angles. This was due to their interaction with other slugs and helps makes a patch in the field cohesive,” he explains.

“There are a number of such interactions that may contribute. We know from another study, many years ago, that slugs will follow a fresh slime trail. Grey field slugs only seem to do this ver y infrequently, less than 10% of the time. Where slugs exist in a higher density then this happens more often and can make a difference to the rate a patch spreads in the field.

“These conspecific (between same species) reactions increase our confidence by suggesting biological reasons for why patches are stable,” comments Keith. The next impor tant step was to find out whether sufficient economic savings were possible to make patch treatment worth considering. Through collaboration with

Research roundup

To get further insight on how to ‘plug the slug’, visit ahdb.org.uk/slugs

AHDB Project No. 21120078 ‘Development of a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable approach to slug control’ is led by Harper Adams University and runs from Aug 2019 to April 2021 at a cost of £120,000.

AHDB Student Report 42 (PhD) ‘Utilising slug distribution to develop precision

industry, the researchers found that in some fields a 30-40% reduction in pesticide, labour and fuel was possible. They also found that monitoring the slug population using refuge traps (much as is done currently) would be an effective way of triggering a threshold for treatment, if the new system were able to target exactly where the patches are likely to occur in fields.

“And that remains the $64,000 question and it’s the final stage of the project to work out how to determine where the patches are in fields and, critically, where the edges are to these patches,” adds Keith.

Emily explains she started to look at various soil characteristics during her PhD and found some may be linked to slug location. The AHDB project is expanding on this early work to determine which of these characteristics can provide a precise way of locating potential problem areas in fields.

“We’re currently analysing samples from last year and looking at EC scans, as well as other soil characteristics that are commonly mapped. In the coming season we’ll be using soil characteristics to predict where slug patches will occur within fields,” she says. ■

application’ ran from Oct 2015 to Sept 18 and was funded by a contract from AHDB for £34,000.

From Theor y to Field is part of AHDB’s delivery of knowledge exchange on grower-funded research projects. CPM would like to thank AHDB for its support and in providing privileged access to staff and others involved in helping put these articles together

Refuge traps were placed at 10m intervals on a 10m x 10m grid across fields to monitor slug populations.

The aim of the research is to develop criteria which can be used to produce GPS maps of areas within fields that are at risk of slug damage.

Slugs were tagged with tiny

tags and their movement was monitored day and night to discover where they moved, both above and below the ground.

Effective slug control

Slugs left unchecked can have a devastating impact on crops,affecting both yield and quality. With current pesticide control options under ever increasing environmental scrutiny, growers must continue to demonstrate best practice as well as follow current IPM protocols.

Avoiding a slugfest

The danger from slugs is ever present so it pays to think about lowering risk before the next crop goes into the ground. CPM picks up the slime trail to find how to defend crops this autumn.

By Lucy de la Pasture

In spite of the threat posed by cabbage stem flea beetle to the oilseed rape crop,slugs remain the number one pest in the UK by virtue of the fact that they’re not fussy feeders so for most crops they can pose a risk.

Much will depend on the weather during autumn establishment, but integrated pest management considerations begin before an autumn crop is planted. By the time a problem develops in the field it’s a case of playing catch up.

CPM catches up with De Sangosse’s Phil Carpenter to take a look at the season ahead and key pointers for keeping slug numbers at levels that won’t cause a problem.

What’s different this year?

An early start to harvest and some ground left in fallow or planted with cover crops will mean ground will be available for first wheats. In these situations the risk of slugs is likely to be higher than in a second wheat situation. The forced change in rotation in the 2019-2020 season will have an impact on slug risk as drilling wheat after peas and beans can be as high risk as drilling after OSR.

damage done by the heavy rainfall over winter and where crops were hurried in this spring.

Has label advice changed?

Phil Carpenter explains that nauseous slugs retreat below the soil surface once they’ve consumed a lethal dose of ferric phosphate.

With the nightmare of last autumn still fresh in the memory, many growers are feeling reluctant to delay drilling crops this autumn, with getting an autumn cereal crop in the ground this year likely to be a priority

This autumn there’s likely to be a mix in slug populations –– with slugs at different stages in their lifecycle. The dry weather through spring and summer doesn’t mean the slug threat has gone away. A lot will depend on the weather between now and harvest and the green bridge that develops. But slug risk is also likely to be affected by the degree of soil

Label advice for ferric phosphate hasn’t changed, though more brands are available to growers this autumn. Metaldehyde will remain available for sale until the end of the year (2020), when it’s premature revocation by the Secretary of State in Dec 2019 will be finally enacted, with a use-up period until 31 Dec 2021.

All the lessons learned during the decade-long campaign by the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group are key to the stewardship of ferric phosphate, which will become the only molluscide registered for use in the UK. Adopting an IPM approach to slug control, with slug

Soil and stubble management are the start of cultural controls.”

pellets as the final option is just as important with ferric phosphate as it was with metaldehyde.

Monitoring slug populations using refuge traps, correctly calibrating machinery for the brand of pellet being applied and applying them at the right time are all measures that will help keep ferric phosphate available to growers.

How does ferric phosphate work?

Both active ingredients prevent damage to crops by quickly stopping the slug from feeding on crops by interfering with the slug’s metabolic processes, ultimately causing their death. But the way the slug behaves once it has taken a lethal dose is very different for both active ingredients.

Metaldehyde works by targeting the mucus-producing cells in the

Slugs are likely to be at mixed growth stages as crops are planted this autumn,with plenty of eggs poised to hatch.

skin, footsole and digestive tract of the slug, resulting in the excessive slime production and slime trails which is characteristic where slugs have ingested metaldehyde pellets.

Ferric phosphate has a completely different mode of action. When a slug eats a proportion of a ferric phosphate pellet, the overload of iron impacts calcium metabolism which affects the slug’s digestive system and stops the slug from feeding. Affected slugs become sensitive to light and hide out of sight, so they aren’t visible on the soil surface. It’s a bit like having too much beer and wanting to hide away the next day.

A lethal dose of ferric phosphate occurs when as little as one third to one half of a pellet is eaten, so often pellets can still be seen lying on the soil surface, so this isn’t an indication that slugs haven’t been feeding on the bait.

What’s best practice pre-drilling?

This autumn is the second without Deter (clothianidin) seed treatment, which had a deterrent effect on slugs and reduced establishment losses through seed hollowing. For those drilling in an earlier autumn window, crops can be at particular risk as slug eggs are more resilient and will hatch as seeds chit.

The De Sangosse products have a seven-day pre-drilling recommendation on the label which provides growers with an extra tool if the crop due to be planted is deemed to be at risk. This can be determined using in-crop trapping before harvest in slug prone areas of the field to help understand the slug population present and the likely pressure points, which can then help in developing the best IPM strategy for the following crop. The weather at drilling also needs to be taken into account –– if dry then there will be a low risk of slug activity.

Cultivations can be used to reduce slug populations pre-drilling by exposing them to predation and from an IPM perspective this is a better course of action than applying a pellet. But in no-till situations this isn’t an option and where risk justifies the application before drilling, pellets can help prevent seed hollowing wheat and OSR establishment.

Where pellets have been applied before drilling, cultivating after application isn’t advisable as it will break up the pellets and the

Refuge traps provide the best way of monitoring for slug activity and triggering a pellet application if thresholds are reached.

soil movement will reduce the slug population anyway, therefore negating the need for the molluscicide.

How should the seedbed be prepared?

Soil and stubble management are the start of cultural controls for the next crop. Where ploughing is practiced this has a useful effect disrupting the slugs’ habitat by burying trash and inflicting mechanical damage. But secondary cultivations are as important, with care needed to avoid open seed channels and cloddy seedbeds which allow slugs to thrive.

Where min till is preferred, moving the surface trash around helps by disturbing the slugs’ habitat and exposing slug eggs to UV light. The biggest weapon in

Effective slug control: top tips

● Consider slug risk and timing of pellet application – match monitoring information with soil conditions,tillage and weather forecast to make decisions.

● Match expectation of application to the pellet chosen – formulation plays an important part in efficacy and durability,as well as the number of applications needed.

● Don’t overlook machinery calibration – every brand of pellet has different ballistics, so machinery needs to be calibrated for each type.

Every brand of slug pellet has different ballistic properties and application equipment should be recalibrated for each type.

under rain and submergent studies, De Sangosse pellets have been shown to maintain their integrity under high pressure. If conditions are sub-optimal then it makes sense to match the pellet formulation to the conditions they will encounter in the field.

cultivations, minimising insecticides and planning rotations provide the best foundation for controlling slugs and receiving a helping hand from beneficials. ■

What about beneficials?

the cultural armoury is a set of Cambridge rolls, which help make sure the seed is well covered in all types of tillage regimes and consolidate the seedbed to help reduce ese of slug movement.

The biggest weapon in the cultural armoury is a set of rolls. reflected away, maintaining an area of moisture under the trap which is attractive to slugs. The traps are baited in the same way as any other refuge trap, with chicken mash a firm favourite on the slug’s menu.

In a direct-drilling scenario, slugs are generally lower risk because they’re less able to travel through the soil surface. Stubble management is crucial to minimise trash that provides refuge for slugs and any green bridge that may develop.

What about follow-up treatment?

De Sangosse have silver reflective traps available for slug monitoring that offer advantages over standard types placed in the field, which are reliant on soil moisture alone to provide a slug haven. The traps are first soaked in water and when placed in the field the UV is

Trapping is the key to monitoring the slug population and any follow-up treatment can be decided taking this information in conjunction with weather conditions –– with mild, wet conditions favouring slug activity.

The conditions which favour slugs don’t always favour the longevity of pellets. Pellet formulation has an impact on the efficacy of pellets under adverse conditions and number of applications that may be required so is a consideration in an IPM approach.

Wet-process, durum wheat pellets are the most resilient and

Timing is of the essence

A wet and warm winter coupled with shallow and cloddy seedbeds plus the loss of Deter seed treatment,could seriously exacerbate a potential slug problem this autumn,says Harlow Agricultural Merchants (HAM) senior agronomist Andrew Rhodes.

“Autumn 2019 presented the perfect conditions for slugs to flourish so there are lessons to be learnt to keep ahead of a potential problem this autumn.As soon as there is any evidence of activity in crops, action must be taken to eliminate it,”he says.

His Harlow district experienced 96mm of rain during Oct, a large percentage of the 500mm total annual rainfall.“The rainfall shifted to the last four months of the year,which coincided with the slug breeding time and the key drilling period.”

He advises looking at slug control options as soon as autumn drilling

starts.The loss of Deter seed treatment compounded the slug problem this spring and most growers won’t remember a year when there hasn’t been a seed treatment that offers some slug control,he adds.This is going to be new territory and therefore a challenge for arable farmers this autumn.

Slug control trials carried out by HAM have deduced that Ferrimax Pro is the most effective form of slug control available on the market currently.“It’s the durability,efficacy and excellent ballistics that makes this pellet stand out above the others.Farmers like to see slug baiting points because the historical understanding was that the more pellets on the ground in a given area meant a higher chance of killing slugs,”says Andrew.

“Actually,that isn’t the case.We’ve seen data from ferric phosphate

Conserving the natural predator population can favour increased predation of slugs and their eggs by natural enemies, such as Carabid beetles, but these need to be allowed to build up before any slug explosion. Managing

Sponsor message

Cost-effective slug control isn’t complicated,but it does rely on pellet quality.De Sangosse recognises that palatability, persistency, attractiveness and ballistics are essential criteria to ensure maximum performance and efficacy.

Delivering all four of these characteristics is determined by using only the finest quality durum wheat flour,rather than ground wheat, and this goes through an advanced wet manufacturing

Stubble management can play an important role in managing slug populations before drilling.

process to form a high-quality pellet.The addition of water during pellet formation and the extrusion process minimises dust and makes it better able to resist varying climatic conditions.

Pellet size and density is critical to enabling accurate and uniform spreading at the distances required today.De Sangosse slug pellets are more consistent and durable and with a high level of persistency, pellet integrity is assured.

manufacturer De Sangosse that show that its durum-based pellets provide better durability and longevity,so require far fewer baiting points to achieve at least the same level of control as a wheat-based pellet.

“Larger pellets generally take longer to breakdown due to weathering and they can be spread more accurately over wider distances.Degradation of a smaller,low quality pellet will only increase the opportunity for slug damage.

“Ferrimax Pro stays on the surface for up to three weeks after application, even in high rainfall situations,while many other ferric phosphate pellets simply dissolve in the wet,rendering them ineffective.”

Andrew recommends applying Ferrimax Pro at 7kg/ha straight after drilling to minimise risk of seed hollowing and then again four weeks

The danger of grain hollowing has become greater since the loss of Deter seed treatment and slug populations need close monitoring to avoid early damage,says Andrew Rhodes.

later to stop leaf shredding,where risk of damage is present.

“We’ll start monitoring for slugs as soon as we see damage before applying the ferric phosphate pellet. Incidence of seed hollowing is likely to increase in severity (without Deter), so once an attack has been identified, time is of the essence.”

Way to Kerb water woes?

Technical Weed control

Water companies are working with farmers to reduce the amount of oilseed rape herbicides that find their way into drinking water supplies. CPM reports on a new study involving clethodim.

By Tom Allen-Stevens

New research suggests field rates of residual oilseed rape herbicides may be cut without loss of overall efficacy on blackgrass when used in sequence with clethodim (as in Centurion Max). The study,led by independent specialist Dr Stephen Moss,has shown good results from the sequences,even in resistant blackgrass situations.

Targeted rate reductions could significantly reduce the amount of OSR herbicides found in ground and surface water, says Danny Coffey, catchment officer for Affinity Water, that commissioned the research.

“Carbetamide and propyzamide cause us serious problems as we have a stringent drinking water quality standard for pesticides we must meet.”

The study focused on two water supply catchments in South Herts, an area where Affinity Water relies heavily on groundwater supplies and where detections of carbetamide and propyzamide above the permitted level of 0.1 parts per billion are

frequently exceeded. “It’s an area where clay straddles chalk and there are direct pathways from surface to groundwater which pose a risk to our abstractions,” explains Danny.

Higher concentrations

“The challenge differs from metaldehyde. We can treat the OSR herbicides from raw water we abstract up to a certain concentration, but they can be detected in some instances at significantly higher concentrations than treatment can manage. At this point we have to cease our abstraction and source water from elsewhere at a significant cost, so we’d much rather work with growers to find ways to prevent the chemicals from entering the system in the first place.”

On farms in these catchments, herbicide-resistant blackgrass has become a major problem, reports Stephen, resulting in growers abandoning ACCase inhibitors, which include clethodim and cycloxydim, relying more on residual herbicides that have retained their efficacy. “Propyzamide use rose nationally by 23% between 2016-18,” he says. “Clethodim is much less affected by resistance than other ‘dim’ herbicides, however. It can’t totally replace propyzamide and carbetamide, but there should be potential for reducing the use or dose of follow-up herbicides, at least on fields with a high risk of leaching.”

Stephen explains the most common ACCase target-site resistance (TSR) mutation, known as Isoleucine-1781-Leucine, is the one usually identified in a standard petri-dish resistance test in which cycloxydim is the herbicide used. But

previous studies have shown clethodim efficacy is affected much more by the Aspartate-2078-Glycine mutation, which is still relatively rare in the UK. “Although it’s been in widespread use for many years in some parts of the world, such as Australia, clethodim is a relatively new herbicide for UK growers,” he points out.

So Stephen set up some petri-dish assays with Agherba Consultants to test levels of resistance of 20 blackgrass populations to cycloxydim, clethodim and pendimethalin. “These were mainly collected from wheat crops in summer 2019. Four older, well characterised populations were also included as resistance reference samples.”

The 16 test samples were mainly from fields in the South Herts catchments, includingfour from a field later used for an in-field study, while three from Warwicks were used to put the local results in a broader context. The four reference populations were: a susceptible population from an area of Broadbalk at Rothamsted that has never received any herbicides;

New research suggests clethodim offers good control of blackgrass, even in resistant situations.

Farmers are the guardians of the catchment.

As long as they’re fully aware of the risks, they’ll take good care of it.

Efficacy of clethodim compared with cycloxydim on blackgrass populations

there was very poor control of the resistant Notts sample with cycloxydim and the Yorks sample was intermediate.”

For all 20 samples tested,clethodim (mean of 0.4 and 1ppm) was found to give better control than cycloxydim (5ppm).Coloured dots are reference samples.

Source:S Moss and C Riches,2020.

one from Notts known to have the 1781 ACCase mutation; one from Peldon in Essex, known to have high enhanced metabolic resistance (EMR) and high ALS TSR, but no ACCase TSR; and one from Yorks characterised in previous studies as being an average, representative UK population. Clethodim was tested at 0.4 and 1 parts per million,

with cycloxydim and PDM tested at 5 ppm.

“We used two doses of clethodim as the higher dose may mask levels of resistance you’d identify at the lower dose,” explains Stephen. “The reference samples performed as you’d expect –– 100% control of the Broadbalk sample with both clethodim and cycloxydim, while

Clethodim was much more effective on the resistant reference samples, especially at the 1 ppm dose. “On the test samples, the lower dose gave an overall mean control of 45.4% –– very similar to cycloxydim (43.9%) –– and some degree of insensitivity to clethodim was recorded with all test populations. But clethodim at 1 ppm gave much better control than cycloxydim –– a mean value of 85.2%. The results show clethodim is relatively much more active on blackgrass that has some degree of resistance to cycloxydim.” (see chart left)

Direct correlation

So how would this translate into the field? Stephen notes you can’t make a direct correlation, although cycloxydim is applied at 150-200g/ha and clethodim at 120g/ha. “So clethodim’s used in the field at a slightly lower dose,

The mutation that confers resistance to clethodim is relatively rare in the UK,explains Stephen Moss,and is not the one included in routine resistance test assays.

but the petri-dish results suggest equivalent control at 8% of the cycloxydim concentration and much better control at 20%. The results show it’s worth getting your blackgrass tested for clethodim resistance, even if you know it has ACCase TSR.”

A trial was set up in one of the fields in the catchment from where four samples of blackgrass had been tested in the petri-dish assays. Averaging results from the two clethodim

▲

Control of blackgrass in oilseed rape

Source:S Moss and A Dewar,2020

Treatments:

1. Propyzamide at 500g/ha (1 l/ha AstroKerb – also contains aminopyralid)

2. Propyzamide at 750g/ha (1.5 l/ha Astrokerb)

3.Propyzamide at 850g/ha (1.7 l/ha AstroKerb)

4.Clethodim at 120g/ha (1 l/ha Centurion Max)

5.Clethodim + X Change water conditioner (0.25%)

6.Clethodim + X Change followed by propyzamide at 500g/ha (Astrokerb as above)

7. Clethodim + X Change fb propyzamide at 750g/ha

8. Clethodim + X Change fb propyzamide at 850g/ha

9 Clethodim + X Change fb carbetamide at 1800g/ha (3kg/ha Crawler)

10. Clethodim + X Change fb propyzamide at 500g/ha + carbetamide at 900g/ha (1.5kg/ha Crawler)

Good stewardship vital for OSR herbicides

Whether clethodim works for you is largely down to the type of TSR you have,notes Rob Adamson of UPL,manufacturer of Centurion Max.

“The mutation we worry about with clethodim is 2078 –– the one that confers resistance to it,” he says.“Other ‘dim’ herbicides, including cycloxydim, will fail if the blackgrass has the more common 1781 mutation.But we believe 2078 affects around just 3% of UK blackgrass.”

Efficacy is dose responsive and varies with water hardness.

“We find most problems growers experience with control are less to do with resistance and more down to application procedure. It’s therefore critical to not drop the dose below 1 l/ha and to always follow up with another mode of action,especially where resistance is suspected,”he adds.

Rob advises growers follow the stewardship guidance on clethodim:

● It shouldn’t be tank-mixed with other products,including adjuvants, herbicides, fungicides or nutrients although an insecticide is allowed.

● A non-wetted water conditioner will improve efficacy in hard water areas.

● Use from four true leaves of the OSR crop, but not after 15 Oct.

● Do not spray the crop 10 days before treatment or 14 days after.

● Do not apply at temperatures below 7°C, when crop is stressed or suffering pest damage.

Dr Alison Hall,herbicides product manager at Adama, that manufactures Cohort (propyzamide) and Crawler, notes that all herbicides should be used responsibly and always in accordance with the relevant stewardship guidelines.

“For maximum efficacy,we’d always recommended sticking to recommended (label) rates. Whilst we take on board the sentiment of the trial work and the need to protect water quality, real world cropping conditions means we can’t endorse the simplified usage of reduced rates,” she adds.

Good stewardship is essential, adds Kerb (propyzamide) and AstroKerb manufacturer Corteva. “It protects the environment, ensures robust efficacy on target pests and weeds and is an important component in any anti-resistance strategy,”says a spokesman.

Weed control

Erratum

In the July issue on p32,a chart showing the effect of Newton on winter wheat was reproduced incorrectly.The correct version is shown below. CPM would like to apologise for any confusion caused.

Effect on winter wheat seed germination

“The OSR had established well by the time the herbicide was applied, to the extent we were worried the crop would shield the blackgrass,” reports Stephen. “When the assessments were made on 9 Jan the population in the untreated plots averaged 21 plants/m2, which is a relatively low density –– we’d have preferred 50-100 plants/m2, although the findings are still relevant. Good control was carried right through to harvest and would still have been perfectly acceptable with a higher weed infestation.”

Particularly impressive

doses, these had shown between 42-66% control –– at the more challenging end of the spectrum. The OSR crop had been drilled in mid Aug and then 10 herbicide programmes

were applied plus two untreated across four replicates. The clethodim was applied in mid Oct and the propyzamide and carbetamide applied mid Nov.

Contr Control with either the propyzamide (blue columns in chart on p29 or clethodim (yellow columns) used alone wouldn’t have been good enough, especially at higher weed populations, he notes, “Although control from clethodim with a water conditioner was particularly impressive.”

But it was the sequences that gave by far the best results (purple and red columns), with reduced rates of propyzamide performing as well as higher doses. “These support the view that it might be possible to use lower rates of propyzamide following good control by clethodim. Alternatively, carbetamide or a reduced dose mixture of carbetamide and propyzamide might be used.”

Stephen stresses that reducing rates of propyzamide wouldn’t be appropriate where there are high populations of blackgrass. But it could make a real difference to the amount of the herbicides that end up in groundwater, notes Danny “If a reduced rate strategy was targeted in the right areas, it would significantly cut the risk for certain pathways.

“What we’re aiming to do is work with growers and use this in combination with other strategies to reduce herbicide exceedances. Farmers are the guardians of the catchment. We’ve found that as long a s they’re fully aware of the risks and the different approaches available to mitigate these, they’ll take good care of it.” ■

It’s possible to treat OSR herbicides from raw water,but they can be detected at significantly higher concentrations than treatment can manage.

Siskin

Source:University of Nottingham,2019.

Don’t step back in blackgrass battle

Technical Weed control

this rises to 80% and 26% respectively on medium weed risk fields (see chart on p32).

By Tom Allen-Stevens

Jones

Growers are set to sacrifice grassweed control for early establishment of wheat crops this autumn,a nationwide survey has revealed. Even in fields infested with blackgrass,a significant proportion will be drilling in September

The data has come from the latest in a 20-year series of Roundup national grassweed management studies run independently for Bayer this spring and early summer. Fears are now growing that, raw from the experience of the past season, too many farmers are abandoning one of the most important cultural grassweed control fundamentals to make sure they get their wheat drilled this autumn.

“Delayed drilling stands out as one of the most widely valued cultural grassweed control techniques on farm,” notes Bayer specialist, Tom Scanlon. “Our latest study shows it being actively employed by more than 60% of growers overall and over 90% of those with the most extensive grassweed problems.

“Despite this, however, almost half the growers in our study are looking to sow winter wheat on high weed-risk fields before mid-Oct this season, with more than one in 10 planning to do so in Sept. What’s more,

The 2020 study involved a total of 187 growers spread across England, Scotland and Wales with an average arable area of around 250ha. As with parallel studies conducted with CPM in 2000 and 2016, it spanned a range of tillage regimes and intensities of challenge from all the main grassweeds.

“After last autumn it isn’t surprising to find people anxious not to leave their drilling too late this time around,” continues Tom. “But, on high grassweed risk fields, in particular, all the evidence points to sowing before mid-October being a recipe for disaster.

Disastrous level

“If the coming winter proves as unrelenting as the last one, it’s true you’re more likely to get your crop established. However, regardless of the weather, you are also far more likely to have a crop that’s full of blackgrass, brome or ryegrass –– a crop that will probably yield less than most later-drilled ones, even with a more costly herbicide programme; and one which may need complete or partial spraying-off in the early summer to avoid a disastrous level of weed seed return.”

Drilling medium risk fields too early is equally inadvisable in most cases for the extra weed pressure it puts on the rotation Tom points out. “The experience of many growers shows it’s a seriously false economy to let problem grassweeds off the hook at any time, and it’s all too easily done. It not only results in lower future yields, it increases costs and restricts cropping options, not to mention encouraging resistance development.”

Tom advocates an approach starting with

two glyphosate applications ahead of drilling. A 2016 ADAS study for AHDB, for instance, shows overall control rising from just over 70% with one application to almost 95% with two.

Adding to the voices urging growers to delay drilling until mid-Oct, NIAB’s John Cussans notes that every week drilling is delayed in autumn there’s a 15% decrease in blackgrass. “We’ve not yet had a year when delaying drilling from Sept to Oct hasn’t reduced blackgrass plants. Even in those years with low rainfall,” he observes.

Speaking at BASF’s first live event on its new virtual farm, he presented recent NIAB field trials data that show on average a two thirds reduction in blackgrass where drilling was delayed for a month. A further reduction in blackgrass can be obtained from delaying until spring. The number of plants reduce from nearly 700/m2 with a Sept/Oct drilled crop to less than 100/m2 with a crop drilled in Feb.

All the evidence points to sowing before mid-October being a recipe for disaster.

“ ”

Delayed drilling stands out as one of the most widely valued cultural grassweed control techniques on farm, says Tom Scanlon.

Fears are growing that the rush to get the drill out this autumn will festoon the UK’s fields in grassweeds. CPM rounds up the latest advice.

and Rob

Autumn 2020 winter wheat sowing intentions

Reduce cultivations to lower seedling recruitment

Seed-bank analysis from Bayer’s Blackgrass Task Force in Action Project shows cultivation strategy has a marked effect on how blackgrass germinates.Carried out by NIAB,the research compared two farms as well as NIAB’s trial site at Hardwick.

“The farm site in Cambs has been using non-inversion tillage ––deep repeated cultivation down to a significant depth but not ploughing. Most of weed seeds are actually stored at depth in a persistent seed-bank which can be brought up again with cultivation,”says NIAB’s John Cussans who led the research.

“At the other farm in Shrops, blackgrass is less abundant.The system is much shallower and more superficial with a focus on improving soil health and reducing disturbance.We can see from the distribution of seeds in the vertical profile that they’re very much towards the surface.”

The results verified that the visible blackgrass population represents only about 5–10% of what’s present in the seed-bank,the remainder staying dormant in the soil.However,John saw clear differences in germination between the sites.

At the Cambs site,13% of the total seed-bank germinated resulting in over 150 blackgrass plants/m2 without any herbicides.While in Shrops,only 5% of the seed-bank germinated giving a population of around 10 plants/m2.“This suggests that a lower disturbance system is better overall for blackgrass control, but it’s important to look in detail at what happens in the surface layer,” he notes.

In Cambs, the higher disturbance system caused 24% of the surface seeds to germinate.In Shrops,after the lower disturbance drill, 13% of the surface layer seeds germinated. “There’s a significant difference in seedling recruitment –– the proportion of seeds that germinate from the seed-bank during one germination cycle,”says John.

“The work we’ve done at Hardwick indicates a similar trend of 2–3 times more recruitment in a higher disturbance system compared with no-till. But this doesn’t necessarily mean less blackgrass in the crop when using a low disturbance system because more blackgrass seed stays on the surface rather than being mixed down to depth with cultivation.”

Irrespective of cultivation approach,reducing disturbance at drilling, thereby reducing recruitment of blackgrass seeds is an important step for blackgrass control.

“Reducing the overall seed-bank, and critically the quantity of seeds in the surface layer,is a long-term project but essential to prevent blackgrass dictating so many on-farm decisions,”concludes John.

John Cussans has found 2–3 times more blackgrass seeds germinate from the seed-bank in a higher disturbance system compared with no-till.

Long-term trials reinforce delayed drilling message

Experience from Agrii’s long term cultivations trials at Stow Longa in Cambs bear out the benefits of Oct against Sept drilling in high blackgrass situations.In 2013/14,the year after the last wet winter,the highest performing plot was drilled on 31 Oct with a cultivation history over four years of strip-till, plough,deep one-pass,plough.

The Crusoe winter wheat yielded 12.77t/ha with a blackgrass seed return of 1.6 ears/m2

By contrast,the worst plot yielded just 4.54t/ha,with a seed return

of 40.8 ears/m2,drilled on 26 Sept following a four-year regime of shallow pass with discs,followed by three years of strip-tilling.

Agrii’s Colin Lloyd notes much of the difference comes down to soil structure.“If you planted a spring crop,this will have given you an indication of the state your soils are in.Get the spade out to decide your cultivation and drilling policy.If you must drill early, hybrid winter barley delivers the best results,”he advises.

Weed control

The number of blackgrass plants reduce from nearly 700/m2 with a Sept/Oct drilled crop to less than 100/m2with a crop drilled in Feb.

The cost of drilling early can also be prohibitive. A joint BASF and NIAB trial at Hardwick showed the same level of blackgrass control was achieved by drilling in mid-Sept and applying Crystal (flufenacet+ pendimethalin), Hurricane (diflufenican), Lexus (flupyrsulfuron) and Avadex (tri-allate), compared with waiting until mid-Oct and just applying Crystal.

“70% control is relatively cost-effective to achieve with herbicides. It’s getting that 97-98% control, where you’re sustaining or reducing populations, that becomes disproportionality expensive with herbicides alone,” John notes. To achieve 97% can require a programme costing £300/ha, relying predominantly on pre-ems with an autumn applied contact herbicide.

“Keep your eye on other grassweed populations too,” he warns. In a study conducted jointly with BASF, Bayer and Syngenta, a sample of “problematic” Italian ryegrass showed variable sensitivity to flufenacet and pendimethalin. 50% of the sample had resistance to Axial (pinoxaden) and Atlantis (mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron). ALS resistance cases are starting to appear in meadow and rye bromes too, he notes. ■

To be the perfect wheat

Technical Agri-Intelligence

with an overall sustainable score of 30,” he reports. “It’s not the highest performing wheat on yield but has good consistency. It scores as one of the best on grassweed competitiveness, though, you can sow it as late as end of Feb with confidence and it has OWBM resistance.

By Tom Allen-Stevens

37. That’s the score of perfection, according to Agrii –– no cereal variety available to UK growers could currently score higher in its sustainability rankings. Although wouldn’t you like to know which ones come close?

Agrii’s Advisory Lists are like a little black book of privileged information each of the company’s agronomists carries around with them. They’ll share the information with their farmers to gauge how a wheat or barley variety will or won’t perform in a particular situation, but the lists themselves remain tightly under wraps.

Not even CPM got to feast fully on the figures. A carefully redacted version was used as the basis of a detailed discussion about the sustainability of the UK’s leading cereal varieties with one of the main architects of the lists, Colin Lloyd. But there were a few gems he revealed you won’t find on AHDB’s Recommended Lists.

“Skyfall scores highest on our wheat list,

“We put its yellow rust score at 3.4, while it’s on the RL at 5.2. That’s not good, but it’s been the same for the past three years, so as long as the grower and agronomist are working together, it’s a score that can be managed.”

Grassweed competitiveness

KWS Extase may perform better on paper, but doesn’t quite match Skyfall, says Colin. “The disease scores are good, and ours are largely in line with the RL for Extase. But we’ve found it doesn’t compete quite as well against grassweeds and there’s no OWBM resistance. However, on lighter land the variety’s one of my favourites.”

KWS Lili comes in at a sustainable score of 22, which is a shade above the average of 21 over the 34 leading winter wheat varieties on the Agrii list (which includes 32 of the 35 on the 2020/21 RL). “Latest safe sowing date is where Lili falls down –– the RL suggests mid Feb, but we’ve found the variety stops performing relative to some others at the end of Dec.”

Then there’s KWS Zyatt. “There’s a load of good things to say about Zyatt –– its treated and untreated yield, grassweed competitiveness is decent, performance as a second wheat is good. But we’ve pegged the yellow rust score at 3.7, almost half the

RL value. It’s crucial growers don’t fall foul here.”

This is where Colin believes the Agrii lists have a particular strength. The aim of the lists is to provide Agrii agronomists and their growers with the extra intelligence needed to make an informed choice, not only on which wheat and barley varieties to grow, but how to manage them. They complement, but don’t replace the RL, Colin insists. “We make assessments of yield consistency and resilience under disease pressure, from the RL data alongside our own assessments of grassweed competitiveness, soil type and drilling date suitability. What we’ve done is to draw thisintelligence together to give growers a measure of variety sustainability.”

Agrii draws together its trials-based knowledge and experience on managing and monitoring the UK’s cereals varieties into Advisory Lists. CPM gets exclusive insight into what they reveal.

We’re doing a different job to AHDB, working with real-time data and stretching varieties to expose their weaknesses.

“ ”

Colin Lloyd is one of the main architects of the Advisor y Lists and uses them to provide a unique insight into variety strengths and weaknesses.

Agrii yellow rust diversification group 2020

What the Advisory Lists show

“Many of the varieties in the tussocks are parental lines and this indicates which specific varieties may be at risk,” explains Colin. “We know quickly if something appears that shouldn’t be there and this gives us real-time data to confirm that what we’re seeing in the field is statistically robust. That allows us to steer agronomists to varieties that warrant vigilance.”

Crucial role

Current variety sustainability ratings

Source: Agrii,2020.Bands indicate proportion of varieties rated.21 wheat varieties are rated at or above the initial Agrii minimum wheat target of 21 (range 14-30),while 14 barley varieties score above the minimum of 17 (range 9-25).

The disease monitoring is carried out across Agrii’s network of trial sites, 12 of which have unique tussock plots. Each of these contains 35 varieties specially selected to gauge how the yellow rust population

is evolving and pulling on the genetics of the UK commercial wheat varieties. The work is overseen by independent specialist and one the UK’s foremost experts on the disease Dr Rosemary Bayles.

This early warning system has played a crucial role in calling out the Achilles heel in a wheat variety’s defence, he maintains. “The stability of our genetics in the UK is a strength, but we mustn’t take it for granted. JB Diego, for instance, was on the RL for 11 years and with good reason –– it has good grain characteristics and stiff straw. Its yellow rust score held at around 8, but we spotted the breakdown in year 8 and gave it a score of 3.1. As long as you were aware, you could do something about it, but those who weren’t were let down by a variety they’d come to rely on.”

It’s been the same with Torch and then Reflection and now there’s a new threat moving through the UK wheats. “We first saw instances of the breakdown of Hereford crosses in 2017 and issued an amber alert,” notes Colin. “The concern is that a lot of the varieties on the RL have Hereford in their parentage. In 2018, half the sites were expressing instances of breakdown and we changed from amber to red alert for

Agrii issued an amber alert on Hereford crosses in 2017 following instances of breakdown to yellow rust.

those crosses.”

The Hereford race, as it’s become known, was first spotted in Sweden in 2015 and was flagged by the Global Rust Reference Centre at Aarhus University, Denmark. In the following year, 11 new winter wheat varieties with Hereford in their parentage joined the RL, including Zyatt, Dunston, Shabras and LG Sundance.

“Sundance hasn’t shown signs of breaking, but others have,

On lighter land KWS Extase is one of Colin’s favourites,but it’s not such a good performer against grassweeds.

Source: Agrii, 2020.Scores indicate proportion of 34 wheat varieties rated (including 32 of the 35 on the 2020/21 RL) and 23 barley varieties (including 19 of the 24 on the 2020/21 RL).

Many of the varieties in the tussock plots are parental lines and offer an early warning on specific varieties which may be at risk.

and that now includes Gleam and newcomer SY Insitor,” reports Colin.

As well as forming the basis for issuing in-season alerts to Agrii agronomists (and samples are sent in to the UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey), the information the company compiles is used to update a rust diversification group (see table on p35)

“There are plenty of good reasons for growing Gleam, for example, and although it’s expressing yellow rust, that’s not at every site and in every season. But think about the other varieties grown close to it, and how they are related in terms of pathology or pedigree group. The diversification groupings are rarely talked about these days, but they still have an important role to play.”

Lodging is another area that receives special attention in Agrii’s trial plots. “Standing power is one of the most important traits and the numbers on the RL don’t really tell you how the varieties differ. So we take the wheats and push them hard, almost to the point of harshness, with two different seed rates and five PGR programmes to get a true picture of how they perform,” says Colin.

The result is that over half the varieties on Agrii’s Advisory Lists have an untreated lodging score one full point or more below

that shown on the RL. The divergence is greater on disease, with 88% of wheats a point or more below on at least one of the three main diseases. “The main problem is with the rusts –– we score 63% of varieties at least a point below on brown rust and almost half are more than one point lower on yellow rust.”

Colin doesn’t believe this devalues theRL, though. “We’re doing a different job to AHDB, working with real-time data and stretching varieties to expose their weaknesses. It’s little wonder our sustainability scores differ from the resilience rating you’ll find on the RL.”

Similar work on winter barley has resulted in a list of 23 varieties. Here the average sustainability ranking is 17, with the best scoring 25 and the worst 9. “The differences between the varieties can be quite large, and these don’t always stand out from the RL,” Colin notes.

“One factor we take into consideration is BYDV tolerance, that will have an increasingly significant role with the loss of neonicotinoid seed dressings. We also put the varieties through their paces in punishing lodging trials at our trials site near Wisbech.”

Widely grown

Agrii gives KWS Cassia a score of 17, for example, against KWS Tower’s sustainability ranking of 10, which Colin says explains why the older variety is still so widely grown. There are also varieties on the list you won’t see on the RL, such as Memento, the company’s biggest-selling two-row barley A fungicide-treated yield of 103% of controls and a consistently high specific weight of 69.6kg/hl nudge it up the rankings and make it an attractive variety, he explains.

“It doesn’t score so well on grassweed competitiveness as with other two-row varieties, while there are several that do, especially the six-row hybrids. As a species for cultural control of blackgrass, barley certainly

Varieties are put through their paces in punishing lodging trials.

has a role.”

Taken as a whole, the sustainability ratings offer a technically robust way to identify varieties with the greatest agronomic strength, least production risk and lowest environmental impact, he says. “It’s about the reliability of their performance and flexibility in how you manage them ––you don’t want to have to spray your entire cereal area on the same day.”

And across the board, there are plenty of current wheat and barley varieties in every group that have ratings at or above where Agrii has set the minimum targets. “Within the industry

there’s still a fixation on yield –– it’s the main criteria to get on the RL, for example. We believe the sustainability of a variety will become a far more reliable way to gauge on-farm performance, providing you have robust metrics to measure it.

“It will also be a better way to judge a variety as breeding improvements introduce new traits and a greater role for genetics in commercial cereal production –– BYDV resistance in RGT Wolverine, for example, is a good indication of where wheats will go in the future.”

What’s more, unlike the RL, the sustainability ratings give a good indication of how varietal performance as a whole progresses –– a variety will keep the same score, which will only change if one of its attributes changes, such as breakdown of yellow rust resistance.

“Every year breeders are raising the bar, so 37 is the current perfect score for winter wheat today, but technologies such as gene-editing could offer opportunities tosignificantly raise the genetic profile of varieties available to growers. As this happens, the sustainability score offers an objective way to value the contribution these exciting developments could bring,” Colin concludes. ■

Agri-Intelligence update

Through the countr y’s most extensive agronomy research and development network,Agrii is focussed on delivering the extra value growers need in a fast-changing and increasingly challenging crop production world; value which keeps them firmly ahead in a future where overall cropping sustainability is at least as important as individual crop performance.

Following on from the series of articles developed from 2013, the company’s R&D team have provided CPM with exclusive insights into findings from some of today’s most practical crop improvement work.

This includes taking advantage of the best available variety intelligence; tailoring nutrition for winter and spring crops; employing new technologies and approaches to sustainable agronomy; and making the most ofmodern spring cropping.

We hope you find these insights valuable in helping you optimise your production costs; minimise your risk; take advantage of your best new opportunities; maximise your performance; simplify your management; and,above all, secure a more sustainable farming future.

Coping with COVID

go wrong at the start of spring, just as arable farmers enter their busiest period.

“We did get a bit of panic-buying to begin with –– one or two growers putting in orders of over £100,000 of product to ensure they had everything they needed for the season in case the supply chain fell apart. But I think it’s sometimes overlooked that it’s our role as a buying group to be strategic and have a plan in place for every eventuality –– we see ourselves very much as partners in the supply chain, not just providers.”

Martyn calls this a collaborative approach to buying that AF Group exercises on behalf of its members. It’s not a supplier itself, has no storage or warehouse facilities nor does the group deal directly with manufacturers. But the collective strength it has allows it to procure attractive deals on goods and services, saving members anywhere between 5-25% on crop protection inputs.

Technical Purchasing partners

business manager for crop production Martyn Rogers. “It’s the AF team’s role to ensure the 4000+ farmers in the group’s membership have all the supplies they need, when they need them, to bring a crop from seed to harvest. And COVID-19 bowled us something of a curved ball,” he says.

Deliveries fulfilled

By Tom Allen-Stevens

The nation may take for granted the people who look after its health and ensure a plentiful supply of food. But the many tributes paid to the NHS and #FoodHeroes during the coronavirus pandemic suggest that everyone’s nonetheless grateful that the system is coping.

For AF Group, it’s been the ultimate stress test in what was already proving to be a difficult season, according to

“Just keeping the office open was a challenge. Once lockdown started, we had to ensure orders were taken and deliveries fulfilled in exactly the same way as our members had come to expect from a normal service. We quickly kitted up for working from home, ensuring IT systems were adapted and secure, but also kept on a skeleton staff at the office –– no one was furloughed.”

And there was much at stake –– AF Group is the largest farmer-owned buying group in the UK with a turnover of crop protection inputs in excess of £100M. That puts it as the leading provider of products into the UK food chain. Martyn’s acutely aware that’s a system that can ill afford to

So how is this achieved? “As far as the member is concer ned, they simply place the order with us and we’ll buy on their behalf from the supplier offering the best deals on that product. If the member orders a number of products, we’ll aim to order the whole deliver y from the same supplier.”

Lying behind this is a detailed plan and a strategic relationship AF Group has built up with all its key suppliers and with manufacturers. This strategic approach was implemented by AF’s previous head of crop production Lindy Blanchard and has transformed how the group operates, says Mar tyn. The team has a pretty good idea how much of a par ticular product will be required through the season from

Rarely has the supply chain come under as much pressure as it has over the past nine months,but a global pandemic was just part of it. CPM gets some insight from Britain’s biggest buying group on what lessons can be learned.

Martyn Rogers sees the role of AF Group as strategic,with a plan in place for every eventuality.

It’s a system that can ill afford to go wrong at the start of spring,just as arable farmers enter their busiest period.

Don’t lose your head when a product loses its approval

Managing use-up periods and winding down stocks when a product loses its approval is becoming an increasingly important role for the supply chain,notes Martyn.“The experience of chlorothalonil has been a real wake-up lesson.”

Product had to be on farm by 20 Nov last year,with a use-up period up to 19 May 2020.

“Manufacturers clamoured for forward sales and there was appetite for these from farmers.We kept up regular communications with members to ensure they were aware of the best deals. Syngenta in particular were very sharp,placing a good volume of their products with attractive payment terms.

“But some generic companies came to the

market with tens of thousands of litres as little as two weeks before the October deadline ––it wasn’t a helpful way to ease planning.”

Members with CTL left on farm should get in touch with the AF Group team to arrange safe and legal disposal,notes Martyn.Meanwhile, epoxiconazole sales end on 31 Oct this year, with a use-up period to 31 Oct 2021.

“There are deals available,and BASF in particular is being very responsible in how it’s managing its products.Our advice to members is they don’t know what the weather will bring next year and there are alternatives available.So while there’s the opportunity to save money,don’t run the risk of buying more than you’ll use.”

Once lockdown started, a skeleton staff kept the office open,but most of the team worked from home to ensure business as usual.

previous years, regular surveys of its members and pre-orders. This infor mation is relayed to suppliers who pass back updates on availability and price, which allows AF to place the orders appropriately.

Negotiate rebates

“We have to be sure our members have received the right price. So at the end of the season we negotiate rebates based on the actual quantities purchased, and these are passed directly back to members.”

While the system works well with widely purchased products such as Roundup (glyphosate), Liberator (flufenacet+ diflufenican) and Adexar (fluxapyroxad+ epoxiconazole), a good knowledge of the market –– what’s new and what’s falling out of favour –– is essential, notes Mar tyn.

“We work closely with independent agronomists, and quite a lot of our member base now are far mers and far m managers who are BASIS-qualified. We spend a lot of our time gathering infor mation to ensure we can anticipate member needs –– what the favoured T1

The experience of chlorothalonil has been a real wake-up lesson for how to manage products that have lost their approval.

Purchasing partners

–– maintaining trust is absolutely critical.”

What’s more, three buying groups in the north of Britain have recently joined AF Group, and the requirements of these members have had to be factored in. But some changes in the marketplace are much harder to predict. No amount of knowledge or understanding could have prepared the supply chain for the consequences of the weather events that have taken place over the past nine months, Martyn maintains.

out the window as the weather closed in. We’ve seen it before, in 2012, so had a fairly good idea what to expect once this happened. Orders of Avadex (triallate) and Crystal (flufenacet+ pendimethalin), for example, are returned while you have to gear up for a large requirement for sulfonylurea herbicides and Siltra (bixafen+ prothioconazole) as growers switch into spring barley.

With the switch into spring barley,AF worked with suppliers to help members who wanted to return unwanted product,although much of it remained on farm.

fungicide option is, or how Arylex is fitting into herbicide regimes, for example. We tend to stick with the main brands or key generics rather than niche brands as these are the ones growers can rely on

Anticipated changes

“We had anticipated changes on oilseed rape –– the area grown has been reducing and growers have cut back considerably on pre-emergence herbicides, spending more on the likes of Astrokerb (aminopyralid+ propyazamide) and Belkar (halauxifen-methyl+ picloram).

“But autumn plans on cereals just went

A three-way partnership ensures security of supply

When Elveden Farms first joined AF Group 30 years ago it was to address an administrative need. But the relationship has developed with the business and adapted to the very different marketplace that exists today,says farms director Andrew Francis.

“We used to spend a lot of time bench-marking suppliers,so much of the attraction of joining a buying group was to reduce the six phone calls we’d make to source a product down to one. We knew we’d still benefit from the sharp pricing, but the there was an additional admin advantage of processing invoices from just one source,” he says.

The Elveden Estate lays claim to being the largest ring-fenced arable farm in lowland Britain. From its base near Thetford in Norfolk,Elveden Farms operates across a total of 7700ha, with arable operations in Cambs, Lincs and East Riding of Yorks.Cropping includes potatoes,onions, carrots, parsnips, vining peas, sugar beet,rye,

wheat,winter and spring barley,oilseed rape and oats.6% of the UK’s onions are grown at Elveden, and with an 800ha crop, along with 730ha of potatoes,just keeping up with crop protection requirements for these crops alone can be time-consuming, expensive and a logistical headache.

“The market’s changed,though,”notes Andrew. “The six different suppliers who’d meet our needs have consolidated to just two or three and the pricing doesn’t vary as much as it used to.But we benefit from the good relationship AF Group has with manufacturers.

“It’s absolutely critical to our business that we have security of supply,that the right product arrives on farm when we need it. With many of these products losing their approval almost on a monthly basis, we need to work with suppliers who can anticipate our needs –– plan a use-up period and exit strategy from a product and source alternative options. AF provides that three-way partnership.”

AF Group’s speciality crops lead Amber Hewitt manages Elveden’s crop protection requirements. “Operating across a number of different sites, with a variety of winter and spring cropping,it’s crucial that products arrive at the correct time and location ahead of when required. A key part of my role is to stay ahead of the market and help plan and monitor their requirements,” she says.

That involves regular contact with manufacturers and suppliers,communicating updates back to Elveden. “We have a technical specialist on the team at AF who keeps us informed of any changes in the crop protection market,so we can adapt plans as soon as these are known.

“What we didn’t get in 2012, though, was the spring drought. When these changes occur, we work with suppliers to help members who want to return unwanted product, although much of it remains on farm. Themain thing is to ensure none of our members suffer a bad deal as a result, and the rebate scheme provides that reassurance,” Martyn points out.

The regular surveys AF Group carries out with its members provide crucial feedback here, and allow the team to

“But this season’s been a challenge,”she admits. “Fortunately,Elveden were able to plant most of what they had already planned for the season,with some additional spring cropping.We had to move fast to adapt plans,and then when coronavirus hit,make sure we worked closely with our distribution partners to ensure supplies weren’t delayed or disrupted and a high level of service was maintained. Working with Andrew and the team is the most rewarding aspect of my role within the AF crop production team”

While Andrew’s not anticipating a fantastic harvest this year,all the crops have received the products he needed,despite the applications being quite different to what was originally planned.“As with any business,what makes life easier are the relationships you have with those you work with,” he says. “You have to be able to trust each other,especially with something as complex as crop protection inputs.The fact we’ve been with AF Group for 30 years is proof that relationship is working.”

Producing 6% of the nation’s onions,security of supply across its crop protection inputs is critical for Elveden Farms.

Amber Hewitt aims to keep ahead of the game and plan the season with Elveden carefully well in advance.

prepare for the upcoming season. Around 40% of members’ autumn herbicide requirement is still sitting in spray stores across the UK, for example, and this knowledge allows the team to plan this autumn’s campaign with suppliers.

But isn’t that valuable information in itself? “We’re very aware there’s a value to the data we hold on behalf of our members, in terms of their spend, the products they buy and when they buy them. Protecting that data is paramount, so at no point do we share members’ details with anyone, and have security systems in place to maintain this protection,” says Martyn.

Leverage in negotiations

“But aggregated data is very revealing in showing trends in SDHI use, for example ––we know how much of the market individual manufacturers are likely to take. We can use that information as leverage to negotiate the best terms and secure the volumes we require. The focus is to ensure members benefit from the use of that data.”

But that benefit stops short of actually selling the aggregated data, for marketing purposes, for example. “We currently don’t have our members’ permission to do that, and it would have to be a positive decision by a majority before that changed,” he notes.

Purchasing Partners

Coronavirus has brought to the fore the benefits of a supply chain that has integrity and reliability.Key to the success of an arable business is knowing who to trust and when price should give way to convenience.

In this series of articles CPM has teamed up with AF Group to provide some insight into how crop protection,fertiliser and other key inputs travel through the supply chain to the farm and looks at how some of the UK’s leading arable businesses ensure their inputs deliver exactly what they need to meet the challenges of agriculture today.

As the leading farmer-owned buying group,AF Group operates nationwide entirely for the benefit of its 4000+ members.Its small but experienced team have the expertise,not just to plan strategically and administer the purchasing choices of its members. It gives market insight to enable the best decisions to be made and works collaboratively to achieve maximum value –– true purchasing partners.

“It comes back to trust –– farmers join AF Group because we’re impartial, independent and transparent. We’re not a commercial company looking to profit from farmers. But above all we work hard to understand their requirements and deliver on these.”

That comes from face-to-face contact with members –– farm visits, meetings and the open days AF Group organises, says Martyn. “As a result of COVID-19 we’ve discovered new ways of working and meeting suppliers through Zoom, as well as taking part in virtual events. But the physical contact is one aspect I’ve missed and is really important, especially with new members. It’s the part of the service I hope we’ll resume shortly.” ■

The AF team use the considerable amount of information they accrue to help forward planning and secure the best deals for members.

Are we marketing farming wrong?

A few Sundays ago,I finally got back on farm for the first time since lockdown. It was such a treat,and though I’ve enjoyed the accessibility that comes with this new virtual way of working,there’s some things that can’t be replaced.

Now, I have to admit that my visit was for pleasure, not work, and with the lovely weather we enjoyed in July, we decided to go strawberr y picking at a local farm ––something that I used to do regularly with my mother as a child, but haven’t done for years.

When we arrived, we were kindly ushered towards the car park field where I was slightly shocked to see so many cars. The farm had only been open for business for about half an hour –– surely there weren’t that many people wanting to go fruit picking on a Sunday mor ning?

But boy, was I wrong. As we made our way into the strawberr y fields with our PYO basket in tow, I was absolutely flabbergasted to see so many people –– of all ages ––getting hands on with soft fruit picking.

It’s fair to say that attracting

and retaining staff has long been a challenge faced by the farming industry. Particularly for the fruit and vegetable sector the lack of interest in a career in the field has meant many farms and businesses have relied heavily on foreign labour to fill the opportunities –– the future of which seems to be in jeopardy while the creases of Brexit negotiations continue to be ironed out.

If you cast your minds back to the start of lockdown, many key bodies across UK ag issued pleas for furloughed workers to consider making the most of their unexpected time at home by coming to help out on a UK far m.

According to one report in on the BBC, Totaljobs saw an 83% increase in applications for agricultural roles during April as a result of coronavirus, but the problem still remains that around 70,000 workers are needed to fill these seasonal roles.

So where are we going wrong?

If being paid to do a job is unattractive but paying to do it yourself is, we must be marketing far ming wrong.

I understand there’s somewhat an element of novelty when it comes to heading out to pick strawberries with your family on a sunny Sunday mor ning, but if the sense of pleasure is there, I can’t see what is it about fruit and vegetable picking as a career that suddenly removes that enjoyment.

This is one of those challenges that we talk about year after year, and there seems to be some hurdle we just can’t get over –– so what do we do?

I don’t think this a problem the industr y will resolve easily, but there is one simple step all

arable farmers can take.

With the NFU recently launching its 2020 #YourHarvest campaign, it’s a great time for the industry to collaborate to showcase just exactly what goes on at arable farms up and down the country at this particularly busy time of year, so I hope we can all get behind the movement where possible.

On a more positive note, after such a turbulent few months, and in light of the topic mentioned in my column this month, it was really pleasing to see that the NFU-commissioned Farmer Favourability Survey revealed that 75% of people voiced a positive view of UK far ming –– the highest figure since

OnePoll started carrying out the annual survey in 2012.

So, though we’re not quite there yet, we are making some great progress which no doubt helps to boost morale in a difficult time.

charlie@cpm-magazine.co.uk

Originally hailing from Devon, Charlotte Cunningham is now based in Warwicks and when not busy filling the pages of CPM, can be found exploring the countr yside with two crazy spaniels in tow.

PYO fields across the country have enjoyed an abundance of visitors while the industry struggles to recruit seasonal fruit and vegetable pickers.

Machinery News

Combines roll

change how our industry works and we need to make sure our voices are heard,” says Matt Culley, NFU combinable crops board chairman.

products that are illegal here. And if this is replicated in future trade deals, it could have a significant impact on the competitiveness of British growers.

By Charlotte Cunningham

The NFU has launched its 2020 #YourHarvest campaign and this year arable farmers are being asked to reach out to the public and MPs through social media to highlight the importance of a thriving crops sector in Britain.

According to the NFU, growers can get involved by taking a short video to explain what they do and where their produce goes, showing the public how the cereals sector delivers for both food production and the environment.

Farmers can also ask their MP to back British arable farming through the development of the Trade and Agriculture Commission, the Agriculture Bill and a fit for purpose Environmental Land Management (ELM) policy, which is currently out for consultation.

“This year’s #YourHarvest campaign could not come at a more critical time for British farming. Our government is in the process of developing a number of key policies that will

“While many of our farms remain closed to the public and MPs due to coronavirus, we can still show them what we deliver for the economy, the environment and the nation, and how they can support a thriving crops sector into the future.

“Over the past couple of months, we’ve seen the strength of public feeling on the food standards issue, but the conversation is often focused on chlorinated chicken and hormone-fed beef. Many people don’t realise that the UK is already importing crops that have been grown using pesticides and other

“We need to show the public and MPs why we deserve their support, and the #YourHarvest campaign is a fantastic opportunity to get out there and tell the story of the British arable sector.”

The NFU has also provided numerous infographics, an animation, a video and other resources that members can use to show the value of British arable farming.

Robot swarms

Small Robot Company and SpaceTime Labs have announced an agreement to co-develop swarms of fourth generation autonomous aerial and terrestrial robots to transform Latin American Agriculture with Per Plant Farming Solutions.

SpaceTime Labs is a Brazilian artificial intelligence company founded in 2014 that develops and operates automated platforms for planning, optimisation and risk management of resource-intensive sectors exposed to climate and water risk.

The strategic partnership with Small Robot Company will focus on co-developing an on the ground, end-to-end “per plant” planting, weeds, pests and disease management and nutrition management services. These Farming as a Service value ▲

As harvest gets into full swing, CPM highlights some of the machinery news you may have missed this month.

The opportunity is immense. ” “

The NFU is asking arable farmers to reach out through social media to highlight the importance of a thriving crops sector in Britain.

Case IH and Bednar FMT have announced a distribution agreement that sees Bednar FMT supply its range of farm machinery exclusively through the Case IH dealer network.

propositions will be delivered through an integrated delivery “sense-predict-act” value chain for all key commercial crops in Latin America.

The companies will work with leading Brazilian and Argentinian farmers to prototype, test and scale Per Plant Farming ––maximising yields while reducing the impact on the environment.

The first intended outcome of Per Plant farming is a dramatic uplift in yields. Per Plant

farming exists today on a small scale in research institutes and in trial farms, where scientists are able to achieve yields which are 235% higher than the in-field commercial average for wheat and 150% higher than the in-field commercial average for corn. In addition to increasing yields, “per plant” farming will increase farmer profitability and dramatically reduce the negative impacts of industrial farming on the environment.

Small Robot Company believes this Per Plant Farming model will become the dominant agricultural system by 2040. “The opportunity is immense,” says Sam Watson-Jones, co-founder of SRC. “Latin America is ahead of the curve for agritech innovation. Our strategic partnership with SpaceTime Labs means that we can now enter this market with confidence.

“Now is the time for us to work together to create a more sustainable farming model in Latin America, starting with Brazil and Argentina. The recent huge advances in agtech finally make this possible and farmers are integral to the environmental solution.”

The UK International Trade Secretary Liz Truss also expressed her delight regarding the partnership. “The UK is a world leader in technology and is at the forefront of the Agri-Tech industry. We have pioneering scientists and expert farmers, so it’s fantastic to see British businesses like the Small Robot Company reach international markets and develop new innovative technology for Latin American farmers.

“This is just one great example of the global trading opportunities out there for UK Agri-Tech industry.”

Online assessment

BASIS is offering candidates the option to complete courses and exams online, to ensure standards are maintained in the industry and training can continue.

Having worked with the HSE Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) and accreditation partner Harper Adams University throughout the process, a number of our BASIS exams are now fully digital. Written exams are completed using online exam and invigilation software, followed by viva examinations via video call.

Sue Mason, BASIS exams and training manager, explains that the new invigilation software, QMark, enables BASIS to deliver examinations under stringent conditions, akin to being held in traditional exam format without the need to meet face-to-face or in groups.

“We’re pleased this is now in place,”

BASIS is offering candidates the option to complete courses and exams online, to ensure standards are maintained in the industry and training can continue.

Small Robot Company and SpaceTime Labs and have announced an agreement to co-develop swarms of fourth generation autonomous aerial and terrestrial robots.

Case IH forms exclusive distribution alliance with Bednar FMT

Case IH and Bednar FMT have announced a distribution agreement that sees Bednar FMT supply its range of farm machinery exclusively through the Case IH dealer network.

With a strong focus on innovation,Bednar FMT currently exports its wide range of cultivation,drilling and fertilising equipment to 39 countries worldwide from its base in the Czech Republic.

From 1 Aug 2020,in the UK and ROI markets,Bednar FMT will only distribute its range of farm equipment through Case IH dealers.

“We have entered into this relationship with one aim:to secure a well-respected,forwardthinking brand for our Case IH dealer network,

says Sue. “We know a number of candidates have either completed their training, or were near finishing earlier in the year, so this gives everyone the opportunity to finalise training and undertake the exams to gain the qualification.

“The online exams will mirror the format of a formal written test. We’ve worked closely with Harper Adams to ensure the software is quality assured so we’re delivering exams in the same conditions,” she adds.

Should candidates have halted training mid-way through the course due to lockdown, BASIS is still offering this online alternative, with the new exam format taking place once the course has been completed.

Stephen Jacob, BASIS CEO, says this online offering means important training and certification can still go ahead, despite the current restrictions, to maintain industry standards and customer or employer expectations.

“We want to ensure all those looking to complete exams and become accredited members of the Professional Register in 2020 can do so. The process hasn’t altered, we’ve just gone digital.

“I would advise those looking to take their exams to speak to their BASIS approved trainer to discuss the next steps to undertake their exams,” concludes Stephen. ● For all the latest news and developments in the arable sector, go to www.cpm-magazine.co.uk. It’s free, smartphone-friendly, relevant, and there are no restrictions, logins, or infuriating sign-up procedures to get to all the content you want –– perfect catch-up opportunity while you’re waiting for the combine. You’ll also find downloadable copies of every issue published since 2008. ■

enhancing the product offering they are able take to their customers,”says Paul Harrison, business director Case IH UK and ROI.“From a 2m topper to an 18.4m disc cultivator,Bednar offers a full range of agronomic solutions for mixed and arable farmers alike.”

In the UK and ROI division of Bednar, managing director Warren Rivers-Scott and his team will continue to be responsible for the sales,demonstrations,and support of the Bednar equipment.

However,Case IH and Bednar will work together at dealer,regional and national events, supporting the growth of both businesses through the Case IH dealer network.

“Despite being a well-known brand in Europe,

Bednar is a new name on the lips of many farmers in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland,”he says.“Bednar is a family business that prides itself on its close relationships with farmers,and we’re sure that with the cooperation of Paul and his Case IH team, Bednar machines will quickly become a favourite in many fields around the countryside. This is a fantastic opportunity for Bednar,Case IH and its dealers.But most of all,it offers a progressive range of products to British and Irish growers.”

Paul adds:“We look forward to working with Bednar FMT and firmly believe this relationship will bring both opportunity and franchise security to the Case IH dealer network.”

Machinery Drills

Save our soils

“Soil carbon is vital for the proper functioning of soil, but it’s absolute value alone is not always a true reflection of a soil’s health due to the very varied nature of different soils,” says lead author and PhD student, Jonah Prout.

“By analysing a wide range of soils from across England and Wales, we were able to test this index as an indicator of soil structure –– of key importance to soil functioning –– and a measure of whether a soil needs improving.”

True indication

By Charlotte Cunningham

For some time now,the industry has struggled with a way of benchmarking soils based on carbon-clay ratio,but last month,Rothamsted Research announced that it’s finally been able to develop an easy to use index.

Based on the findings of a number of European studies, the new index classifies soils by the proportion of organic matter vs clay that they contain, giving a good idea of how much carbon they can take up and store –– vital in the fight against climate change –– as well as a general indicator of how well they are functioning.

The ratings are largely independent of climate, soil type or the type and amount of vegetation growing on it. This provides a true indication of the status of the soil, he adds.

But while this is seemingly good news for the industry, the index was subsequently able to calculate that 38% of arable soils in England and Wales are degraded –– compared with 6.6% of grassland and 5.6% of woodland sites –– suggesting there’s serious room for improvement.

With this in mind, and combined with the increasing pressure from a legislation point of view to do more to protect soils, it’s worth considering what kind of influence your choice of drill has on soil

health, according to Harry Henderson, knowledge exchange technical manager at AHDB.

“In terms of cultivations, and specifically drilling, the trend is still towards reduced soil movement, and it’s all a bit of a waiting game at the moment to see if, and how, this is reflected within ELM policies going forward. The truth is, we just don’t know yet.

“However, what we can start to think

▲

It’s worth considering what kind of influence your choice of drill has on soil health, says Harry Henderson.

A recent study by Rothamsted Research has shown that 38% of arable soils in England and Wales are degraded, so how could the drill play a role in improving this? CPM speaks to the experts and takes a look at what’s new on the market.

Reducing soil movement should lead to reduced fixed costs in the longer term.”

Drills

Horsch

A new mounted disc drill has been launched by Horsch to provide a manoeuvrable seeding system that’s ideal for smaller and irregular fields.

The new Taro HD and Taro SL drills have a 6m working width that enables them to cover the ground efficiently and are combined with a front-mounted Horsch Partner hopper for a compact design.

The Taro 6 HD is equipped with a tyre packer and PowerDisc seed coulters,with the packer levelling and creating consistent sowing conditions in front of each coulter,according to the manufacturer.

The Horsch Partner front tank is available with either 1600-litre or 2200-litre capacities and optimises the weight distribution of the tractor and seeding rig.An offset method enables separate passes for tillage and sowing and offers greater sowing flexibility,especially in years with high rainfall.

At 3000kg deadweight,it’s light for a 6m machine and is also available with 12.5cm and 15cm row spacings,says the firm.

Also new from Horsch is an AirSpeed overpressure metering system for the 2021 Maestro drill to complement the AirVac vacuum metering system it unveiled at Agritechnica last year.

The firm announced its new generation of Maestro precision drills with the launch of the Maestro CV and

RV at last year’s Agritechnica –– which feature the AirVac system.But the new AirSpeed system gives farmers a choice of metering technologies that allows the machine to be adapted to the individual requirements of the farm.

The updates increase the Maestro range to five models (CV and CX,SV and SX,RV) with 6 to 36 rows making it the largest range of precision single-seed drills on the UK market,claims Horsch.

In addition to the new metering systems,features such as a new clamping profile for easy row adjustment make the new Maestro even more effective.

So how exactly does the AirSpeed system work and how does it compare to AirVac?

“AirVac uses a vacuum for reliable singulation and high precision for sowing speeds up to 12km/h,” explains Stephen Burcham,general manager at Horsch UK.

“AirSpeed uses overpressure for precise singulation giving optimum plant spacings at high operational speeds.It offers consistent embedding of the grain by means of a shot system and a catching roller for maximum power and efficiency.”

Both systems can be used for precise grain singulation in a wide variety of crops including maize, sugar beet,sunflower,soya and OSR with further crop

types,such as beans and peas,possible in the future.

The scraper doesn’t need to be adjusted or changed between crops,requiring only the correct metering disc,and therefore reduces seed considerably.“A grain sensor provides information about the singulation accuracy and as both systems are driven electrically,technologies like SectionControl and VariableRate for every individual row can still be used.

The seed body has also been revised for higher stability and a high hydraulic coulter pressure, adds Stephen.“It’s connected to the main frame with a new clamping profile that makes it easy to alter the number of rows from 12 to 8, a key requirement for customers.

“The fertiliser is applied via a single disc fertiliser coulter and its depth can be controlled separately,which is particularly helpful on heavy, sticky soils.It’s attached to the row unit and the row spacings can be modified easily.”

Also new from Horsch is an AirSpeed overpressure metering system for the 2021 Maestro drill.

about in the meantime is the type of system growers may choose to adopt in light of any legislative changes. And when it comes to your choice of drill, it’s going to be the soil type that dictates this.

“For example, those with sandy or silt types will always want a scratch, so some slight movement is often necessary. Whereas growers with clay soils could sway more towards a no-till system with a disc.”

Harry reckons that ultimately the choice for many will boil down to picking between a tine-based or disc system. But what about those with mixed soil types?

Good depth control

“There will be growers that farm over a wide range of soil types, and where this is the case, I recommend opting for a disc system with very good depth control options.”

When it comes to the specific drill for the job, Harry says it’s important to think of the long-term usage, as well as the immediate. “It’s crucial to consider what type of future you see for the farm and the crops,” he says. “For example, will you include cover crops over the years to come? If there’s a reduction in OSR area,

cover crops may take that late Aug/early Sept slot, and it’s important the drill you invest in has the capacity to cater for that.”

While reducing cultivations is critical when it comes to protecting the future of UK soils, it’s just one element of working towards easier working soils, believes Harry. “Any farmer worth their salt will be thinking strategically about the next 5-10 years as a whole and this will include

Rothamsted Research has developed an index to benchmark soils based on a carbon-clay ration

A new mounted disc drill has been launched by Horsch to provide a manoeuvrable seeding system that’s ideal for smaller and irregular fields.

both reduced cultivations and soil enhancement measures –– such as more crop residue and cover crops –– to ensure soils are more workable going forward.”

Another important factor in this will be rethinking cropping options and optimising longer rotations where possible, he adds. “Historically, rotations were just two wheats followed by OSR, but now the need for

increased grass weed control coupled with reduced herbicide options could mean four, five or six crops with a significant proportion of spring crops are drilled.”

Longer rotations

To make the most out of these longer rotations, Harry advises that it’s worth considering crops that don’t always look profitable on paper. “To make it work, growers may want to look at crops such as linseed, beans and peas. From a financial point of view, while the commodity price itself is unlikely to increase, where growers can make a difference is by targeting fixed costs.

“Adopt a lighter touch machinery wise, and use cover crops that are established with as much care as the cash crops. Reducing soil movement should lead to reduced fixed costs in the longer term.”

For those thinking about something new, while the LEADER funding grants have now come to an end, Harry believes there could be new opportunity around the corner. “If you’re in the mood for

Supplementary seeders help progressive practices

Kuhn has introduced a range of supplementary seeders that can be fitted to its Venta, Espro and Aurock pneumatic drills to facilitate progressive practices such as companion cropping or to apply fertilisers,granular herbicides or slug pellets while drilling.

The smallest model in the SH seeder range is the SH 1120,with a 110-litre hopper.In this case,air from the drill’s main fan is used to direct product into the venturi to enable it to be applied with seed from the main tank.

The larger SH 1540,SH 2560,and SH 4080 models,with 150,250 and 400-litre hopper capacities respectively,are equipped with their own electrically driven fans and apply product via splash plates behind the main seeding lines, says Kuhn.

All models use Kuhn’s Helica volumetric seed metering system to maximise the accuracy of output and application rates are controlled through the ISOBUS system in relation to the forward speed of the tractor.

“The SH seeders are an effective way of adding great versatility to Kuhn pneumatic drills,”says Kuhn UK product specialist Ed Worts.“With the main drill sowing seed in the usual way,the SH seeder can be used to sow a secondary seed,such as a companion crop used to suppress weeds,add soil fertility or act as a pest deterrent,for example.

“The SH seeder can also be used to apply

starter fertiliser,slug pellets or a granular herbicide such as Avadex,such is its versatility and adaptability.

“In the case of the Espro RC and Aurock RC, which have split hoppers as standard,the SH seeder adds a third application possibility.This allows a variety of applications to suit individual requirements and reduces the need for expensive seed mixtures.”

On the larger SH 1540,SH 2560 and SH 4080 models,application rates between 2.2kg/ha and 130kg/ha can be accurately achieved alongside the application from the main drill,he adds.

At the start of the year,Kuhn also announced that row by row seed rate variation was now possible in electrically driven models of the Maxima 3 precision drill range.

Available on machines from 6 to 12 rows, and with row spacings from 37.5cm up to 80cm,electric-drive technology allows variation of seed rate row by row.This can be carried out manually from the tractor cab or as determined by a variable rate map,says the firm.

Work carried out by Kuhn in the development of the technology has shown that varying the seed rate in response to soil conditions can lead to seed savings of 2-3% when used in conjunction with section control (automated row shut-off).In addition to seed savings,variable seed rate also optimises plant populations

something new, I would be very tempted to keep an ear to the ground over the next 12 months. There will be a great impetus to get us off the blocks following Brexit, and now COVID, so I’d advise sitting tight for the next year or so if grant funding is something you’d be looking for.” ■

At the start of the year,Kuhn also announced that row by row seed rate variation was now possible in electrically driven models of the Maxima 3 precision drill range.

according to available water and soil nutrients, with this resulting in an overall potential yield gain of between 5 and 8%.

Kuhn has introduced a range of supplementary seeders to facilitate progressive practices such as companion cropping or to apply fertilisers, granular herbicides or slug pellets while drilling.

When it comes to the specific drill for the job, Harry says it’s important to think of the long-term usage,as well as the immediate.

The new index from Rothamsted has shown that 38% of arable soils in England and Wales are degraded.

Efficiencies to be found

agricultural tyre specialist at Continental.

“Let’s face it, tyres aren’t the prettiest part of a machine, and people do tend to neglect them, but having the right tyres –– set at the correct pressure –– can lead to huge savings in terms of fuel, time and soil damage.

“At a time when farmers are looking for greater efficiencies, making better tyre decisions is an easy place to start.”

Machinery Tyres

So what are the options for growers?

By Charlotte Cunningham

Tyres –– an essential but often overlooked part of the machine. While aesthetically tyres are realms away from the glitz and glamour of a shiny new tractor or combine,they are arguably one of the most important components.

CPM takes a look at what’s new on the market.

BKT

As the industry moves towards more sustainable practices, BKT’s Agrimax range of radial tyres are claimed to be part of the solution.

“The key to yielding as much as possible from the land and maximising sustainability is avoiding damage to the soils,” says Lucia Salmaso, CEO of BKT Europe. “This means specific tyres are needed, which have different characteristics depending on the ground and work carried out, to ensure the risk of compaction is minimised.”

To meet this growing demand, the firm’s Agrimax range of tyres have been created, featuring the latest flexion (IF) and very high flexion (VF) technologies.

The Agrimax V-Flecto tyre is the latest addition to BKT’s offering, featuring innovative technology to improve the performance of new generation tractors, with a higher load capacity (+40%) at the same pressure as a standard tyre of the same size, explains Lucia. “It’s a product which guarantees increased longevity by at least 10% compared with its standard equivalent, guaranteeing a marked reduction in operating and maintenance costs.”

The Agrimax Force range is specifically designed for high-power tractors. Thanks to IF technology, this tyre boasts greater load capacity at lower inflation pressures, compared with a standard tyre of the same size, to the benefit of the land which is in turn subjected to less compaction, adds Lucia.

BKT’s Agrimax Teris tyres are aimed for usage on high-power combines and spreaders, boasting top-end flotation capacity to guarantee the best possible protection of the land and maximum harvest performance due to their ability to handle heavy loads, he explains.

“In addition, the Agrimax Teris range is exceptionally resistant to cuts and impacts due, for example, to the presence of stubble on the ground, therefore guaranteeing a long-life cycle and reducing downtime.”

Continental

While tyres are arguably the less glamourous par t of machinery purchases, they can be one of the most important decisions, says Richard Hutchins,

In vogue for the firm at the moment are the TractorMaster tyres which have been judged the most efficient in a European tyre-performance review. The review was carried out by the German agricultural society, Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft (DLG), and included a number of practical tractor tests to establish which agricultural tyres are the most efficient for tractor use.

According to Richard, the TractorMaster tyre was the most fuel efficient of all premium brand tyres tested. It also delivered the most efficient transmission of engine power offering the best ratio of tractive output to PTO of the brands on test. “This review shows our tyres, when set to the same pressure for load, are 3% faster over the same distance and use less fuel to complete the same task.”

The tyres are uniquely manufactured using new technology that Continental has applied to an agricultural tyre for the first time, he adds. “N-Flex Technology is a patent-pending, heat-treated nylon that sits beneath the rubber

“It enables the tyre to keep its shape which reduces rolling resistance on the road and lowers fuel consumption.

As the industry moves towards more sustainable practices,BKT’s Agrimax range of radial tyres are claimed to be part of the solution.

The right tyre has the power to make a huge difference in the field –– benefiting everything from fuel savings to soil health. CPM rounds up what’s new.

At a time

when farmers are looking for greater efficiencies, making better tyre decisions is an easy place to start. ”

New shoes for forklifts

BKT has also recently launched two new models of its Maglift tyres –– a range specifically designed for forklifts and suitable for packhouses,stores and around the yard.

Maglift Eco comprises two layers of rubber compound and has a unique shape and very wide lugs to guarantee outstanding stability and excellent load distribution,explains Lucia. “Among its distinctive features there’s also the particular rim guard designed to protect it against damage and denting. Low rolling resistance and high resistance to overheating guarantee maximum efficiency.

“Completing the picture are the steel wires incorporated into the hitch which offer ver y secure grip and prevent any risk of slippage.”

“Tractor tyres reach high temperatures during road use. With the standard nylon used in the manufacture of tyres, after a long run when parked overnight, the tyres cool to the shape of the parked position creating so called ‘flat spots’.

“When the tractor is used again, the operator will experience ride disturbance because the tyres are not a perfect circle. N-Flex Technology reduces the occurrence of flat spots and provides a more comfortable ride.”

Technological developments

BKT tyres have recently launched two new models of its Maglift tyres –– a range specifically designed for forklifts.

The Maglift Premium range has been designed for forklifts used for the toughest operations and comes with an extra deep tread to guarantee longevity.The design of the tread is both robust and aggressive,enabling reliable steering control and great forward and lateral traction, adds Lucia.

in the construction of the tyre’s bead and lug design also increase fuel and operational efficiencies, adds Richard.

“Our research showed a more flexible tyre with a stronger single bead filament construction is safer and allows the tyre to be fitted to the rim with greater ease, the bead also holds the rim better and transfers torque more efficiently which reduces fuel consumption. Our d-fine lug design has a 5% larger surface area which extends the life of the tyre and offers the operator

a more comfortable ride on-road and more traction in the field.”

Looking to the future, Continental are currently working on a new hybrid option that uses pressure sensor monitoring chips to ensure machines aren’t running overloaded at any point. Watch this space for more information…

CEAT

Designed for use on high power tractors and combines, CEAT launched two new ranges of tyres at the end of last year: The Torquemax and the YieldMax.

According to the firm the Torquemax range has been engineered to ensure constant and smooth transfer of torque from the tractor to the ground –– particularly during fieldwork. As well as this, it also boasts low rolling resistance and longevity, helping drivers to boost productivity while also keeping a lid on costs, adds the firm.

When it comes to the design, the Torquemax features new casing with stepped lug design and lower lug angle at the shoulder and an extra-wide footprint along with a rounded shoulder, in a bid to keep soil compaction to a minimum. Incorporated within the range is the IF (Increased Flexion) models which have been designed to give 20% higher load carrying capacity at the same pressure, compared with conventional radial tyres.

For those looking to update their combine wheels, the YieldMax range boasts a flexible radial carcass and deep tractive lugs that help provide high traction, designed to work as part of modern sustainable and precision far ming by minimising harvesting’s impact on the soil. Available in 650/75 R 32 and 620/75 R 26, the firm believes this offers the potential for tyre technology to increase load capacity without the need to move to a wide tyre.

Key design features include interlug terracing at the base of the lugs, which helps to maximise the tyre’s self-cleaning capability, while durability is enhanced by a rounded lug base, designed to make the tyre more robust and resistant to stubble and sharp stones, says CEAT. ■

Designed for use on high power tractors and combines,CEAT launched two new ranges of tyres at the end of last year.

In vogue for Continental at the moment are its TiractorMaster tyres which have been judged the most efficient in a European tyre performance review.

Powr, precision, performance

Machinery New solutions

John Deere’s latest launches look set to increase power and precision options for growers. CPM finds out more about the hottest new additions.

By Charlotte Cunningham

Though the continued impact of COVID-19 meant a physical press trip to Europe was off the cards,John Deere still managed to launch a whole host of new products and solutions recently through a rather impressive live stream from Deere HQ in Germany.

CPM joined the virtual launch broadcast to find out what’s new in the world of green machines.

Trailed sprayers

In ter ms of completely new products, Deere announced the development of two new mid-range trailed sprayers, as par t of the R700i Series.

Looking at the nuts and bolts, the new R732i and R740i are available with tank capacities of 3200 litres and 4000 litres, respectively, and boom widths ranging from 18m-30m.

A particularly neat feature is the inclusion of Deere’s PowrSpray –– a dual circuit solution system, featuring two hydraulically driven pumps on separate circuits.

According to the firm, the technology reduces filling times, improves spray application, and increases accuracy –– something that both farmers and contractors are increasingly looking to achieve, explains James Child, product marketing manager. “From an environmental perspective, customers are looking to improve the quality of their spray application, while reducing the amount of crop protection products they’re using.

“Intelligent spraying technology is not just for big kit and we believe these latest launches offer the ultimate choice for

growers looking to maximise productivity, minimise downtime, and deliver the lowest possible cost of production.”

The self-priming filling pump fills the solution tank at up to 600-litres/min within seven minutes, while the 750-litre/min spraying pump delivers high output and excellent spray accuracy, adds James.

“With this system, the spray pressure regulator has been eliminated. Instead, direct rate control reacts to changes in spraying speed or target application rate by adjusting the speed of the pump. The fast response time is enabled by a load-sensing hydraulic pump drive.”

To increase this accuracy further, individual nozzle control will now also be available as an optional extra. “This electronic solution allows customers to save up to 5% of the cost of plant

In terms of completely new products, Deere announced the development of two new mid-range trailed sprayers, as part of the R700i Series.

Our ambition is to offer customers a tractor that is unmatched in uptime,performance, comfort and cost of ownership. ”

New solutions

protection products –– about £6/ha.” Other features include a new multi-functional control lever and the

Solution Command operator station, which enables users to control the sprayer more easily and comfortably, says James.

“In addition to the standard integrated displays, the R700i Series sprayers are ISOBUS-ready and can be operated with the tractor’s GreenStar 4240 and 4640 displays. As a result, all precision ag applications such as Section Control, AutoTrac automatic steering and AutoTrac Vision can be used.”

The new sprayers are also available with a closed transfer system ready option. “This makes it easier to connect the sprayer’s filling station to any closed transfer system and avoid any contact with plant protection liquids, for maximum operator safety.”

On the data transfer side of things, application data can be exchanged between machines and the farm office, or even shared with third parties, explains James. “Using this cloud-based platform, farmers can access and manage all the data and files related to their spraying applications, even more so since ISOXML data files can now be used in the MyJohnDeere.com Operations Centre. In addition, with the related MyOperations app customers can manage their data from any internet-enabled device no matter where they are.

New addition to the 7R Series

Just eight months after launching its new generation 7R Series tractors at Agritechnica 2019, John Deere used the launch to unveil another significant update to the range. “Our ambition is to offer customers a tractor that is unmatched in uptime, per for mance, comfor t and cost of ownership –– as well as leading in precision technology,” says Heiner Ehmer, manager, John Deere Forum.

Featuring the stepless AutoPowr transmission as standard, the new top of the range 7R 350 tractor completes the 7R Series and can be ordered now from John Deere’s European dealer network.

The latest addition packs a lot into a rather light package. Developing up to 388hp with Intelligent Power Management, with a minimum shipping weight of only 11.4t, the 7R 350 boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of just 29kg/hp, adds Heiner

At the same time, on all 7R Series tractors equipped with a 40km/h transmission and front axle brakes, payload has been increased by 2t to match the maximum per missible weight of 18t. “More flotation is also offered with the new availability of IF650/60R34 front tyres and up to IF900/60R42 rear tyres.”

Better steering capability is also

Featuring the stepless AutoPowr transmission as standard,the new top of the range 7R 350 tractor completes the 7R Series.

Just eight months after launching its new generation 7R Series tractors at Agritechnica 2019,John Deere used the launch to unveil another significant update to the range.

provided via the enhanced ActiveCommand Steering 2, adds Heiner. “This is an electronic system that uses a gyroscope to sense any tractor yaw and automatically compensates drift to stay perfectly on track. Operators are now able to adopt various settings in the CommandCentre display to match personal preferences.

“Variable Ratio Steering can be turned on and off, steering sensitivity can be adjusted, and steering wheel resistance can be tuned, all individually. The field-proven and popular automatic reduction to 3.1 lock-to-lock steering remains available to allow quick and convenient headland manoeuvres.”

Of par ticular interest to contractors, the newly enhanced functionality of the MyJohnDeere.com Operations Centre now allows ISOXML boundary and

A holistic approach…

During the live stream, the firm also called upon Mark Von Pentz,president of the ag and turf division, to explain the restructuring process that is currently taking place within John Deere, in a bid to move away from a product-only approach.

“We’re no longer going to sell machines only That might sound strange, and of course, machines are very important and will continue to be of the highest innovation and quality.But on top of that, we believe we have a lot of opportunity to look at the whole production system –– from har vest to har vest.”

According to Mark, this move will mean that Deere no longer sell just stand-alone solutions, but instead, will work better with customers to provide mechanical options and choices to cover the whole season.

“When you look at the costings for a grower

Connectivity comes as standard

On the data side of things,Deere also revealed that from early July,all new 6R Series tractors will be equipped with JDLink telematics as standard.

For those who aren’t familiar with how the system works,JDLink enables wireless data transfer between the tractor and the Operations Centre in MyJohnDeere,as well as providing Connected Support tools to ensure machine uptime.

And while social interaction continues to be limited,the technology also includes remote monitoring and exclusive “Expert Alerts”,to help identify and solve potential issues before they happen.

With the industry hungry for better two-way connectivity,Gatekeeper has also recently announced an update that delivers integration with John Deere Gen 4 yield data.The John Deere Gen 4 integration will be released in phases,starting with Yield data.This new functionality will enable users to import yield maps,and therefore view the variation in performance across the field.This information can then be used to make more informed management decisions.

Phase 2 –– planned next –– will support the import of As Applied data from Gen 4

documentation data to be imported from other displays and portals. This enables seamless data transfer and collaboration within mixed fleets and with different customers, adds Heiner.

For those interested in the gadgets and gizmos on board, the 7R Series also

On the data side of things,Deere also revealed that from early July,all new 6R Series tractors will be equipped with JDLink telematics as standard.

devices,for example seed,fertiliser,and pesticide data.

The new update will allow data to be imported after being downloaded from the in-cab device or John Deere Operations Centre, or by using the Cloud connection from Gatekeeper to MyJohnDeere.com.

“We appreciate that many farmers in the UK have been waiting a while for this update,” says Chris Wiltshire,marketing manager at John Deere. “We’ve heard you.This is a substantial upgrade and has taken a great deal of time and hard work to build.Farmplan have worked closely with us to make this a reality.”

feature a new luxury cab design, the CommandPRO joystick, a higher-quality seat design with massage function, DAB+ touchscreen radio with Apple CarPlay compatibility and a 6.1 speaker system and enhanced Precision Ag technology features.

who produces a small crop of wheat, the machine depreciation is only 10-20% of the cost.Sometimes there’s a misconception that depreciation is one of the biggest costs,but actually,it’s not,”says Mark.

“That means 80-90% of costs are coming from other factors such as labour and diesel, and of course the biggest proportion,which is seed,fertiliser and other chemical expenditure.

“It’s this 80-90% that we now want to tap into with our new holistic approach,because if you can take out 10% in the form of economic headroom –– and ecological,such as reduced spraying –– then there’s the potential to produce some real cost saving benefits for the customer.

“Growers produce crops by looking at the system as a whole,so it’s important that our company is structured in a way to support that.”

Other pillars of this new move include looking at how new technology –– such as artificial intelligence –– can help produce crops more efficiently,as well as a focus on lifecycle solutions,meaning customers get the best support right the way through the machine’s lifespan –– not just when the upfront purchasing takes place.

“The world is changing and so are customers, meaning dealers and businesses need to adapt too.This is one of the biggest changes and restructuring at John Deere in the 183 years of our histor y,”adds Mark.

“Farmers have huge challenges in front of them,so digitalisation will play an important role in overcoming these and we believe changing the firm to a smart industrial concept will help with this.”

Major updates to the 6M Series

Also receiving some major updates since its Agritechnica launch is the 6M Series.

Headline changes include Deere’s AutoPowr transmission on the four-cylinder models, as well as a brand-new guidance solution –– AutoTrac on Corner Post Display.

“While we’ve had some great feedback on the first 6M tractors, we didn’t want that to hold us back, and so we’ve been working hard to bring new updates to the series,” says Philippe Steinmann, product manager for mid-size tractors in Europe.

In addition to the 6M range’s existing gearbox options, the availability of AutoPowr now offers customers the largest choice of transmissions in this tractor segment. Together with the full Auto mode and its automatic engine/transmission management, AutoClutch enables the operator to stop the tractor by simply using the brake pedal, which makes a huge difference when carrying out a lot of shuttle work, for example, he adds.

So what’s the driving force behind the latest updates? “In this horsepower and customer segment, there’s a natural trend towards more comfort,” explains Philippe. “We’ve got customers thinking about purchasing a new tractor but aren’t convinced about going for stepless transmission as there’s often the perception that they’re locked into something they don’t need.

“It became clear that customers were seeking the comfort of stepless, but also wanted to keep the flexibility in terms of configuration, and so now we’ve been able to deliver this through AutoPowr.”

The aggressiveness of AutoPowr’s forward/reverse operation can be adjusted via the corner post display, he adds. “Customers looking for a more affordable solution can choose AutoPowr on the right-hand console with either mechanical or electrohydraulic SCVs. For more comfort, the Premium Edition option features AutoPowr on the compact CommandArm.

Alongside the now well-established AutoTrac system, Deere also announced the introduction of a new entry level guidance solution on all 6M Series models. With the AutoTrac on Corner Post Display, there is no longer any need for an extra cab display –– all the new system needs to operate AutoTrac is a StarFire satellite receiver and it’s ready to go, making a it a cost-effective solution, adds Philippe.

“Customers can save up to 30% of the cost of a separate display but maintain full flexibility of choice as an upgrade is possible at any time. ■

New solutions

Headline changes to the 6M series include Deere’s AutoPowr transmission on the four-cylinder models, as well as a brand-new guidance solution –– AutoTrac on Corner Post Display..

Perfect establishment in a testing year

Machinery On Farm Opinion

Despite the extremely wet autumn, one farmer in Berks has managed to establish over 400ha of combinable crops single-handedly by optimising Claydon’s strip seeding system. CPM finds out more.

By Rob Jones

For many reasons,2020 will be one that leaves a lasting memory in many minds. And for UK agriculture,no doubt one of those reasons will be the challenging weather that’s inflicted difficultly and hardship right across the UK.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, and despite the adversity, Berks farmer, Jonathan Holland, has successfully established over 400ha of combinable crop single-handedly by optimising the Claydon Opti-Till strip seeding system.

Autumn 2019 was the wettest since national records began in 1910, yet during a period when many farms using conventional or min-till methods had an agonising wait for more favourable weather, Jonathan was able to get to work with strip seeding his crop using a 7.5m

Claydon Straw Harrow and 4.8m Claydon Hybrid mounted drill.

“The rain started on 23 Sept and it didn’t stop for weeks, so those with lar ge areas of cultivated land ready to be drilled were in real trouble,” he recalls. “Soils that had been cultivated never had the chance to dr y out between the frequent downpours, so from mid-Sept onwards many farmers were unable to drill in reasonable conditions, if at all.”

Persistent rain

Fortunately, Jonathan had established a significant area of linseed in early Sept, and when his Weather Pro forecast indicated persistent rain from the third week of that month onwards, he decided to go “flat out” and drill as much winter wheat as he could. “In just four 18-hour sessions I established 138ha by myself.

It was only possible because the Claydon Hybrid drilled directly into the stubbles, which dried out sufficiently after only a day without rain, rather than two to four days for cultivated land. That made a huge difference, because it allowed me to sneak 16-20ha in here and there between the bouts of rain.”

Initially, the plan was to have 113ha of winter wheat in the rotation, but because of the wet weather Jonathan actually drilled 165ha.

Together with winter beans, linseed, and

winter oats, by early Dec 385ha had been drilled –– which left just 32ha, he explains. “With ever yone talking about the area of spring crops that would end up being planted in the UK, and the detrimental impact that could potentially have on spring barley prices, I decided to keep drilling winter wheat right up to 8 Dec.

“The 32ha which were left to drill in the spring went in by the first week of March, establishing well before the weather tur ned ver y dr y in late March.

“I was pleased not to have ended up with a large area of spring barley and had

I’ve kept a close eye on every new drill that has come onto the market but been unable to find anything else better or more versatile.

”

The Claydon is a complete system,not just a get-out-of-jail-free card, says Jonathan Holland.

it not been for the Claydon System, I could never have established anything like the full area of winter cereals, which would have had a significant adverse effect on profitability this season.”

One of Jonathan’s investments this season was a bean kit for the Claydon Hybrid. “I normally grow only spring beans, which can be drilled 5-7.5cm deep using the standard seeding tine and A Share, but winter beans need to go in 12.5-15cm deep and the single tungsten tine in the bean kit makes that possible.

“The additional investment more than paid for itself as three neighbouring farmers asked me to drill 65ha of winter beans for them, with more to come next season.”

When it comes to giving seed the best chance, it’s essential to think about the conditions that seed needs to thrive in, adds Jonathan. “My approach to crop establishment in adverse conditions is to think that if I were a seed, what environment would I be most happy in?

“Having drilled 2630ha in the last five years using the Claydon System I believe that it provides exactly the right growing environment. During that time, I’ve kept a close eye on every new drill that has come

onto the market but been unable to find anything else better or more versatile. The Claydon Hybrid really is the one drill that can establish any crop and withstand the stony soils and operating conditions in this area.

Complete system

“Last autumn, a number of farmers who were unable to drill crops because of the weather came to look at it working, but I emphasised that they must avoid thinking ‘I’ll buy a Claydon in case it rains, and I can’t operate my normal system’. The Claydon is a complete system, not just a get-out-of-jail-free card.”

Until six years ago Jonathan used a min-till approach, running a stubble cultivator ahead of a seedbed maker to produce the final tilth. From a conventional viewpoint, the seedbeds looked good, but blackgrass was becoming an increasing problem because the tines on the stubble cultivator mixed the seeds throughout the soil profile.

With the efficacy of ag-chem products decreasing he felt this was not the way to contain the problem at manageable levels.

“Despite being ‘min-till’ the old system was time consuming, involved lots of

Since adopting the Claydon System yields have improved,fixed costs are much lower,the labour bill is zero,the annual cost for wearing metal is £380 across the total hectarage.

labour, burned huge amounts of diesel and tore through wearing metal at a rate of knots on the flinty soils, which made it expensive, albeit still cheaper than ploughing.

“Our rotation was focused on winter wheat, winter barley and winter oilseed rape, with a little spring barley. There was so much work to get through in the autumn that we had to start drilling earlier than the optimum time to maximise blackgrass control, oilseed rape was grown too often ▲

On Farm Opinion

another manufacturer, but after seeing the results a neighbour was achieving with the Claydon System, he decided to rethink his rethink. “I went to see Jeff Claydon and when he explained how its tine system avoids mixing weeds and volunteers throughout soil layers, providing an opportunity to control them using a Claydon Straw Harrow, the whole system made sense.

Practical solution

As well as saving £60,000/year (£148/ha) by using the Claydon System,Jonathan says his crops have never looked or performed better.

in the rotation and producing winter barley didn’t help.

“Even though yields were good and the business was profitable, I had to reassess how I did things to help future-proof my operation, which meant simplifying the system and significantly reducing costs whilst maintaining yields and gross margins.”

Jonathan initially ordered a drill from

“It seemed a much more practical solution than the one I was using, as well as being far less complicated and adaptable than anything else I had seen. After thinking it over carefully I cancelled the order and purchased a 3m mounted Claydon Hybrid, but then decided that a 4m version would provide reserve capacity in the event of adverse weather or taking on more land.”

Fast forward to today and since adopting the Claydon System yields have improved, fixed costs are much lower, the labour bill is zero, the annual cost for wearing metal is £380 across the total area and diesel use is a fraction of what it was before, says Jonathan. “The structure of the soils has also improved significantly, but it took two or three years

for that to begin to happen and it gets better each season.

“Some will just buy a Claydon Hybrid drill and expect immediate results, but to do so would be a mistake. The Hybrid is certainly a very versatile all-rounder and can sow a wide range of crops, but it is part of a complete system and getting the full benefits takes time.

“Since I bought my Claydon Hybrid a lot of new drills have come onto the market and I have looked at them all in detail, but still can’t find another that is as versatile. It is ideal for my situation, highly manoeuvrable and allows me to drill 44-48ha/day on my own, with no support. Not once in six years have I needed or

Farm facts

Oakhouse Farm,Hungerford,Berks

● Arable area: 405ha

● Cropping: Winter wheat,winter oats, winter beans,winter linseed,spring barley.

● Soil type: Light loam,flinty chalk, clay cap

● Mainline tractors: John Deere 6215R

● Cultivations: 7.5m Claydon straw harrow; 4.8m Claydon Hybrid mounted drill, trailed 24m 3400-litre sprayer.

Jonathan initially purchased a 3m mounted Claydon Hybrid,but then decided that a 4m version would provide reserve capacity in the event of adverse weather or taking on more land.

wanted a cultivator, because the Straw Harrow and Hybrid drill cover all conditions and situations.”

Despite the very abrasive, stony soils in his area, Jonathan has also had no structural issues and reckons the operating costs have been insignificant compared with others. “Had I bought a drill with rubber-covered closing rollers they would have shredded very quickly on the flints and would constantly need replacing.”

With all the changes and uncertainties in farming it’s his belief that it’s crucial to keep fixed costs as low as possible whilst maintaining yields and profitability “I’m glad that I decided to invest in the Claydon System when I did because it has given me time to adjust to a new way of doing things, rather than being forced into it.

“Having sold all of my other equipment when I committed to the Claydon System I don’t even have a cultivator now, so there’s no chance to cover up any mistakes. The system allows me to do everything myself, with just a 215hp John Deere 6215R, 7.5m Claydon Straw Harrow, 4.8m Claydon Hybrid drill and a trailed 24m 3400-litre sprayer, which is also used to apply liquid fertilisers.

“To drill, roll, fertilise and spray costs just £6.20 - £7.40/ha in diesel, making the system cheap and highly effective system. As

well as saving £60,000/year (£148/ha) by using the Claydon System, my crops have never looked or performed better.”

Productive headlands

Jonathan credits part of this to the fact the that the headlands are now just as productive as the rest of the field. “Because I only work in ideal conditions, the number of passes is greatly reduced and the Claydon’s leading tine removes any compaction before the seed goes in.

“The Straw Harrow is a key component of the system, but its importance is often misunderstood. This fast, low-cost operation evens out crop residues, shaking out the seeds and heads missed by the harvester, and creates a micro-tilth in the top 10-15mm of soil to germinate volunteers and weeds, at the same time killing slugs and destroying their eggs. The brushing action also kills cotyledon weeds and grasses by breaking off the growing shoots.”

“I am often asked how it is possible to produce highly-productive crops, so consistently using just a Claydon Straw Harrow and Claydon Hybrid drill, but the system works superbly. Others are now seeing that the Claydon System offers a viable and reliable way to significantly reduce costs, maintain or improve yields and maximise profit margins.” ■

Build back greener

technical guidance Gavin Ross. “Farmers are not currently adequately rewarded for the contribution they make, but are best placed to decide how to provide public goods.”

The priorities here are: clean and plentiful water; clean air; protection from and mitigation of environmental hazards; mitigation of and adaptation to climate change; thriving plants and wildlife; beauty, heritage and engagement. The plan is to deliver these through three tiers (see table on p63).

Innovation Environmental management

Farmers have had the opportunity to scrutinise Defra’s flagship Environmental Land Management Scheme as plans and proposals begin to come together. CPM joins the discussions.

By Tom Allen-Stevens and Rob Jones

A scheme that will build back greener, reward farmers for the true environmental good they do,one that’s farmer-led and flexible in its approach. Sounds too good to be true?

Scratch beneath the glosy veneer of Government plans for the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) Scheme and there’s a heap of unanswered questions and reservations. Nevertheless, this will become the main public funding delivery mechanism for farmers across the UK, and England in particular, as the transition from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) gets underway. Whether it will complement or replace farming and food production is one of the fundamental questions, along with just how much you’ll be paid, and how this will be decided. Where you’ll go for advice and how you’ll be inspected and monitored are also key concerns.

“This Government’s pledge is not only to stem the tide of loss [in our natural environment], but to turn it around –– to leave the environment in a better state than we found it,” stated Defra secretary of state George Eustice, setting out his vision for a green recovery last month. “We need policies that will not only protect but that will build back –– with more diverse habitats that lead to a greater abundance of those species currently in decline.”

Game-changing opportunity

The £3bn budget currently spent on agriculture across the UK (£2bn for England) is a “game-changing” opportunity to do just that, he said. “ELM will put around 10-15 times more public funds into environmental projects than we’ve ever seen before. Biodiversity and water quality are moving in the right direction and the rest of the world will be coming to the UK to see how it’s done.”

So just how will it be done? A series of policy discussion webinars has shed light on current plans. The ELM Scheme is set to be launched in 2024, with a National Pilot due to start next year. It will build as BPS payments are phased out from 2021-27 and will take over from Countryside Stewardship as the main form of rural funding for farmers and land managers.

The aim is to pay public money for the provision of public goods, moving away from the current system of direct, area-based payments, explains deputy director for ELM National Pilot, Test and Trials, advice and

There are a number of key areas in which the ELM Scheme will be better than current agri-environment schemes, says Gavin. “They’ll be less prescriptive and bureaucratic –– we’re aiming for a lighter-touch approach. We want to give land managers more flexibility to create their own land management plans, both at a farm-scale and across a local area. And we want it to deliver the 25-year Environment Plan and achieve net zero by 2050.”

Exactly what the ELM Scheme will pay for still hasn’t been decided. “We’re compiling a long list and are gradually refining this,” he notes. Feeding into this are the Tests and Trials currently underway that are taking forward 62 proposals, two of which have already completed. These pave the way to the National Pilot that starts next year.

“We want to test three main aspects: how best to construct different types of ELM agreement at different scales; how to target ELM incentives to deliver specific environmental outcomes in specific areas; and the underlying scheme mechanics,” says Gavin.

George Eustice wants policies that will create diverse habitats that lead to a greater abundance of those species currently in decline.

Farmers are not currently adequately rewarded for the contribution they make,but are best placed to decide how to provide public goods. ”

The three tiers of ELM

Source:Defra ELM policy discussion,2020.

The ELM Scheme won’t be the only support available –– there’ll be animal welfare grants, investment support and funding for farm-based R&D projects.

The NFU has some key concerns, however. “ELM should have farming and food production at its core,” states NFU vice president Tom Bradshaw. “The best delivery of environmental services is where these go hand-in-hand with farming and shouldn’t favour land-use change. We need to know the money will still be coming to farmers and

have concerns over reference to land managers –– this is not about funding for country parks and urban spaces.

“We’re also nervous that it won’t reward farmers for those assets already on farm. There’s a danger the baseline creeps up –– arable farmers have already lost the option under Countryside Stewardship to be paid for field corners to be taken out of production, for example.

“But most of all, Defra has to make this attractive to farmers. It must reward above

just income forgone and take into account the considerable management time farmers invest. To excite farmers they should be able to profit from delivering for the environment, but it must also withstand the scrutiny of a Treasury spending review, and that’s a challenge.”

This last point is a key consideration ––Defra wants high levels of uptake for ELM, while there are currently 85,000 BPS recipients. There’s also the barrier of bureaucracy, the sense of dread at petty penalties and the need for clarity on exactly what scheme requirements will entail. Queries have revolved around some key areas.

▲

Gavin Ross promises the ELM Scheme will be less prescriptive and bureaucratic giving land managers more flexibility.

Environmental management

we understand delivery of environmental benefits is not a simple measure.”

The scheme is also designed to be stackable and build in elements not specifically funded by Defra. So a farmer might start off with a Tier 1 scheme on their farm, then join a collaborative scheme in Tier 2 with other farmers in the local catchment, part-funded by a water company, then join a carbon-offsetting Tier 3 venture, set up as a national scheme.

credible and cost effective. An important aspect is that farmers should be able to choose who they deal with,” says Gavin.

Defra’s looking at a number of options, he adds, including an accreditation scheme, but it’s likely to involve existing advisors whom farmers already work with, such as an agronomist, rather than introducing a new band of professionals.

Inspections

The best delivery of environmental services is where these go hand-in-hand with farming says Tom Bradshaw.

Payments

“Getting this right will be critical,” notes Gavin. “It needs to be financially attractive for farmers but deliver value for money for the taxpayer –– we’ll be doing a fair amount of testing on payment rates during the pilot.”

Initially it’s envisaged farmers will be paid for the work they carry out, but Defra is investigating a system of payment by results. “We don’t want this to be complex, although

Don’t ‘dumb down’ ELM

The ELM Scheme is in danger of achieving little in the way of lasting wildlife benefits,warns farmed wildlife specialist,Marek Nowakowski.

He’s worked with growers for almost 40 years to bring increases in farmland wildlife within profitable,modern farming systems and has been involved in scientific studies with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) and others that have helped shape environmental policy.

“2024 will be here in no time and there’s huge political pressure to do things as broadly as possible. This means Tier 1 of the ELM Scheme, in particular, is in serious danger of being dumbed down so it turns out to be no better than former schemes in actually increasing farmland wildlife. We must not let this happen.”

Studies such as the CEH-run Hillesden experiment, for instance, have shown a more targeted approach delivers significant increases in a whole range of environmental indicators, he says, including wildflower,invertebrate and pollinator populations and winter seed provision for birds.

Marek underlines the importance of both vegetation succession and heterogeneity for the best results.With natural vegetation succession, habitats are managed so the aggressiveness of annual weeds under the relatively high fertility

Maintaining existing environmental assets will be included, says Gavin. “It’s essential we look to pay where there’s a benefit, whether that’s already in place or not. But there’s an expectation that farmers should pay to comply with legislation, so the ELM Scheme shouldn’t fund slurry storage, for example.”

Trusted advisors

Defra is keen that farmers can access professional advice to address queries when applying and also to facilitate and co-ordinate Tier 2 and 3 schemes. Their role may also involve a level of monitoring and assuring compliance. “These people must have the relevant skills and knowledge, but must be trusted, give consistent advice, be

Expect to see a move away from the prescriptive, bureaucratic approach. “We think there’ll be a role for self-assessment, and record keeping will remain a key part of monitoring, especially keeping photos,” says Gavin.

“But we want a proportionate approach, with the emphasis on assistance and guidance to improve a plan, rather than imposing penalties. We’re keen to support farmers into the scheme and ensure everyone understands its aims. So rather than penalise someone for not delivering, we’d encourage them to be less ambitious ––that’s a seed change from current schemes.”

The deadline for submitting a response to the policy discussion was 31 July, with an update expected later this year. ■

conditions of most arable land doesn’t result in poor habitats for wildlife and being overcome by weeds.

Equally,the different needs of insects and birds mean that sufficient heterogeneity is vital if habitats are to be the most productive and stable in providing wildlife homes as well as food sources and mating opportunities.

Marek has a number of tips for the successful creation of wildlife habitats:

● Wildflowers thrive better and support much more insect life on the warmest,south-facing sites.

● Put tussocky grasses on the coolest north-facing field edges to provide insect hibernation sites.

● Longer-lived wildflower and tussocky grass margins are important alongside watercourses and across slopes vulnerable to erosion

● Annual and other short-lived mixtures are best located elsewhere for the greatest soil and water protection.

● Broadcasting wildflower seed onto a fine firm seedbed followed by ring-rolling is the best approach rather than drilling.

● Regular cutting in the first year and occasionally thereafter is vital to restrict annual weeds and encourage the most resilient and diverse perennial swards.

● Create a range of different habitats,ensuring the right distance between them,and cut them at different times of the year to ensure continuity of resources.

● Appropriate management of hedgerows and uncultivated ground will help fill the early spring ‘hungry gap’,as will supplementary bird feeding.

● To maintain the greatest habitat diversity, manage hedges to different heights,keeping those running north-south taller than those running east-west.

● Manage quality habitats like a crop and get their agronomy right.

Marek Nowakowski believes Tier 1 of the ELM Scheme,in particular,is in serious danger of being dumbed down.

Innovation Climate Change Champions

Steward of the catchment

approached by Wessex Water as part of a plan to improve the quality of the water feeding towards Poole Harbour

By Tom Allen-Stevens

Butterflies and grasshoppers scatter as John Hawkins strides into his two-year sown legume fallow to inspect what to some growers would be a tangled muddle of biomass. To John, however, it’s a valuable resource for pollinators,has improved his soils, soaked up nutrients and importantly captured carbon.

“I hope what we’re doing here goes beyond mere conservation,” he says. “Regenerative agriculture is the aim. It’s not just about improving our own soils and sequestering carbon, but about making a difference for how agriculture impacts across the catchment.”

Bagber Farm comprises 239ha set into the clay loam soils over chalk that rise over 60m from rich valley bottom to thin hill top on slopes of up to 30°near Blandford Forum, Dorset. As such, it became one of many farms across a 200,000ha catchment

“Initially my involvement in the scheme was purely financially driven,” explains John. “As a tenanted farm, our opportunities to expand are limited and I can’t see there are many ways to significantly increase yield or price in arable commodities. Equally, we’re constantly reminded of the polluter pays principle. So when a water company offers financial assistance and an alternative solution to reduce agriculture’s impact on water quality, you look on your role in a different light.”

Arable reversion

The scheme rewarded John for putting land close to Wessex Water’s boreholes into arable reversion and cover crops. It proved an attractive use of fields that had relatively poor agricultural value and prompted John to look critically at the arable enterprise across the rest of the farm.

“We’re relatively good at growing malting barley, but wheat only makes £10/t profit and we’re propped up by subsidy,” he says. “I did a lot of background reading into the measures available through Countryside Stewardship (CS) and came up with a plan that was not only economically sound, it would deliver real improvements to the farm’s soils and environmental value.”

The agreement started in 2017 and resulted in 95% of the land going into CS –– a bold step-up from the 5% previously in

Entry-Level Stewardship. Around 200ha of the farm has been split into two blocks ––one has been sown with a two-year legume fallow (AB15), while the other is cropped with cover crops and a low input cereal (AB14), bringing in a top-up payment of £266/ha. Smaller areas have also been sown with pollen and nectar mix (AB8) and wild bird cover (AB9), while John is also paid £632/t for supplementary winter feeding of farmland birds.

“We’re now in year three, getting the full value from the AB15, and this autumn this block flips into low-input cereal while the rest of the farm goes into the legume fallow,” he explains.

The difference that’s made is what John’s come to the field to explore. Although mid-summer, his trowel easily frees a clod of soil, complete with its mesh of fibrous roots. “It’s been completely unaffected by this season’s rain and drought,” he says. “The

I’m probably contributing more than my fair share,but then I’m well placed to do so. ”

Various stewardship schemes across the steep slopes of Bagber Farm are harnessed to help lock up carbon and nutrients and provide rich resources for wildlife.

A drive by his local water company to improve water quality prompted a Dorset grower to embark on a plan through Countryside Stewardship to deliver bold environmental goals. CPM visits to find out more.

Climate Change Champions

What makes John Hawkins a Climate Change Champion?

Innovative ideas

There’s a carefully thought-through and bold plan in place at Bagber Farm that’s combined long term stewardship goals for the farm with delivery of a wider objective for the catchment it’s in.

Cultivation care

John Hawkins (left) and agronomist John Virgin have found initial concerns of the potential downsides of a low-input system haven’t materialised.

mix is around 60% ryegrass, and we’ve sown Westerwolds Italian ryegrass that behaves like an annual and is great for mopping up N. The vetch and clover in the mix have well nodulated roots that must be doing wonders for the soil.

“We kept it regularly topped in year one to suppress annual weeds, although we found the best way to control thistles was to roll, and if you top vetch too tight you kill it. The cover was left uncut this year and the wildlife value has been exceptional.

“I’m not worried about the grass seed as this will stay on the surface in our low-disturbance system. We can then destroy the cover any time between 15 Aug and when we establish the low-input cereal in March. The trick is to do so in a way that captures as many of the benefits we’ve now built in as we can into the following crop.”

While spring barley has provided most of the cereal area, John’s also been growing canary seed. There’s no wheat or oilseed rape in the rotation, so the choice of over-winter cover crop hasn’t been restricted, and that’s allowed them in the mix along with linseed and mustard.

Productivity push

Through maximising the value the legume fallow brings to the soil,inputs to the following cereal crop can be cut to a fraction of what was used previously.Precision-application of fertiliser to the crop rows further enhances resource efficiency.

One of the primary purposes of the legume fallows is to build soil carbon,while the move to strip-till drilling should ensure this is locked in place.The agroforestry venture complements tree-planting with productive agriculture.

Bio-based boldness

The farm’s biomass boiler displaces fossil fuel for energy use,and ensures the farm makes a healthy contribution towards reducing net emissions.

“I was worried the low-input restrictions would tie my hands too much, but actually I’m quite pleased with the result –– we’re producing quality and quantity from a very low-carbon input. The low-herbicide policy has also drawn me into relay cropping –– I’ve broadcast the clover into the standing crop to kickstart this autumn’s legume fallow.”

Perhaps the biggest savings and environmental benefits, however, are coming from John’s new approach to cultivations. Since he returned to the farm in 2006, he’s pursued a min-till policy. Then in spring 2018, a 3m Simtech T-Sem strip-till drill was purchased to establish the first crop in the new regime.

“It’s about accuracy,” John explains. “We

Innovation married with rich heritage can point the way on climate change

If there’s one thing farmers have mastered with their stewardship of the land it’s preserving the rich heritage of its traditions,believes Arvind Poddar,chairman and managing director of Balkrishna Industries (BKT).

“For BKT,our values represent the rich heritage of our traditions and today’s challenge is that of preserving continuity and transforming them into a lifestyle,”he states.“We know this cannot be achieved in the short term.However, it’s certainly important not to lose sight of this intent,creating an environment where these values are really oriented towards the common good.”

This is the purpose behind BKT’s own “Green Revolution” –– a determination to decrease the company’s environmental impact and to set an

example of how to pursue a more sustainable future.

So wind power and renewable resources contribute 40% of the energy that BKT uses,and 50,000 trees were planted at the Bhuj production site,in the Indian state of Gujarat.

But within farming,there’s a key role for innovation,that sits side-by-side with preserving heritage,and that too lies within BKT’s Green Revolution.Such as its joint research agreement with leading US biotechnology company Kultevat to cultivate and process a renewable and sustainable alternative for natural rubber.Then there’s the development of tyres that respect and avoid compacting the soil,like the IF and VF products working at low pressures from BKT’s Agrimax line for tractors or the

Flotation line for trailers.And finally there is the use of new nanomaterials to improve tyre performance such as thermal or mechanical stability.

“John Hawkins has taken that same quest for innovation and married it with the rich traditions of stewardship farmers have always provided. What he’s forged is not only a system that improves on its own integrity and sustainability, but one that benefits others in his catchment, and provide an example for others to follow That’s why BKT is pleased to support John’s quest to be Climate Change Champion 2020,” says Mr Poddar.

A 370kW biomass boiler (left) is fed with round linseed-straw bales,primarily for drying grain,but also providing heat for the main farmhouse and cottages.There are plans to crop sections of land between the trees in the farm’s cherr y orchard (right) where the combine can get through, as part of an agroforestry venture.

Climate Change Champions

The move is going hand-in-hand with a step down on tractor size. Previously, a New Holland TG285 was the minimum requirement to carry out the grunt work on the farm’s steep slopes. Nowadays, a 160hp model is all that’s needed, and even that’s only for a relatively short time of the year. “I’m planning to switch to leasing a new tractor from next Feb. This offers the opportunity to equip it with the latest technology to increase efficiencies, and better tyre design is a good place to start,” notes John.

aim to place everything in a 10cm channel at 18.5cm spacings and use RTK with sub one-inch accuracy. This goes for the seed that’s placed by the T-Sem shoe with minimum surface disturbance. Then we also precision-apply fertiliser to the drill lines ––a typical field rate of 50kgN/ha delivers around twice that to the crop.”

Crucially, very little soil is disturbed, and that’s dramatically reduced horsepower requirement and diesel use, while the ground is much easier to travel. “We’re finding there’s much less compaction and wheel slip. This reduces erosion risk and run-off on our steep slopes. The other benefit is that fewer flints are brought to the surface which is making us rethink tyre design.”

The soil’s high flint content has always taken its toll on tyres, prompting John to head to the budget end of the market. But with less damage, he’s now looking to invest in tyre technology that will help reduce ground pressure.

“My focus has shifted to reducing compaction. There’s greater potential in early spring to damage soils, so we’re planning to equip the tractor with low ground-pressure tyres. An important aspect here is the need for precision on our sub-inch system. Wider tyres should allow more stability, but the tyre-wall design must be such that there’s minimal roll and yaw on our steep slopes. New flexion tyres, such as BKT’s Agrimax V-Flecto range, should offer that reassurance.”

Three years into the new system, the benefits are building, while the potential downsides of a low-input system haven’t materialised, according to independent agronomist John Virgin, who’s been with the farm since 1984.

Smothered the weeds

“The AB15 did worry me, but I’m amazed at how it’s smothered the weeds,” he remarks. “We’ve kept to a very tight budget on the low-input cereals, which means you let things through, such as wild oats. That would be a worry in a conventional rotation, but the land comes out of production before any weed population has the chance to build.”

Yield on the spring barley has knocked back slightly to 6-6.5t/ha, while on high inputs it would be nearer 7-7.5t/ha. But the farm uses a third of its previous fertiliser requirement with a budget of just £100/ha for cereal chemistry

Meanwhile, the wildlife flourishes, reports John Hawkins. “There’s a local falconer who’s been logging red list bird sightings –– we have the maximum nesting and stocking density of skylarks and corn bunting which are spreading into our neighbours fields for nesting. Matt Heard, director of Natural England, came out and actually saw the pair of nesting hen harriers we’ve managed to attract to the farm. I’ve also run a comparison with our previous system through the Farm

Climate Change Champions

UK Farming has set itself the challenging target of Net Zero emissions by 2040. Although led by the NFU,it will take the entire industry,working together in a partnership approach to meet this ambitious goal.

But there are individual growers,thought leaders who have already started on this journey. They have the ideas, the progressive outlook and the determination to shape positive change.

CPM has teamed up with leading agricultural suppliers who have a credible Net Zero aspiration to identify these individuals and bring them into the top-level discussion about how

Carbon Toolkit, which reveals we’re now sequestering more than ten times the CO2 we were previously, making the farm a considerable net sink for carbon emissions.”

It’s the same with nutrient capture ––monitoring by Wessex Water has revealed the average leaching over the farm sits at 10kgN/ha and as low as 2.5kgN/ha, against an Environment Agency target of 24kgN/ha. Standard figures for a conventional late-drilled wheat crop after oilseed rape show it leaches around 60-100kgN/ha.

The farm sits in the Poole Harbour water quality ELM trial, so John reckons he’s well placed to benefit from the opportunities this will bring. “I’m probably contributing more than my fair share, but then I’m well placed to do so, while there a lot of large dairy farms in the catchment that would suffer more if they locked down their production,” he reasons.

“In terms of building carbon, we’re already at 6-8% soil organic matter, which is high for these soils. My aim is for 10%, and it’s in years 6-10 that the current system should really start to lock in the carbon, so these benefits will only carry on building as we refine the system.” ■

farming can position itself as the solution to climate change. CPM readers will get the chance later this year to decide who will be awarded the accolade of Climate Change Champion 2020.

CPM would like to thank our sponsors:

Fertiliser is precision-applied to the drill lines, typically doubling what the field rate actually delivers to the crop.

The clod of soil comes up complete with its mesh of fibrous roots,and organic matter of 6-8%.

Horsepower requirement has dropped and there are plans to spec a new leased tractor with the latest technology,including flexion tyres.

Is the future yellow?

Roots Sugar beet

Aphids have had a bonanza year,putting the sugar beet crop under intense pressure from virus yellows. CPM gets the breeder’s view on addressing the virus yellows challenge having left the EU.

By Lucy de la Pasture

Ver y few sugar beet crops will have escaped a touch of virus yellows this season. According to BBRO, aphid numbers reached unprecedented numbers this spring, with as many as 50 winged and 200 wingless aphids/plant recorded on plants at their peak.

“Aphids began migrating in the third week of March and reached high levels in April and May, when some crops were

still at the cotyledon or first leaf stage. Other crops had staggered emergence, so plants were at multiple growth stages and some plants were susceptible for a long period of time,” explains Prof Mark Stevens speaking at the BBRO’s vir tual BeetField20 Live last month.

Supply problems

The forecast for virus yellows infection for the national crop this season was for 70-90% without any aphid control measures. Legally this season it has been possible to apply up to five applications of insecticides, though there have been supply problems and most growers have applied three sprays, he adds.

“Even though the numbers of aphids actually infected with virus is low, the ver y high numbers present this season have meant there’s been a ver y high virus pressure. The extent of the yield loss will depend on when the virus came into the crop and which type of

A single gene solution isn’t desirable because it’s unlikely to be durable. ”

“

yellowing virus it is,” adds Mark.

While the industry crosses its fingers that winter will do its worst and reduce the virus potential for next season, there’s an uneasy awareness that virus levels in the current crop aren’t as bad as they might have been. For tuitously the infection rate in aphids is still low in the second season of growing beet without neonicotinoid seed treatments, but another mild winter and it could be a different story.

“Farming is a constant battle against weeds, pests and diseases. As breeders we’re constantly tr ying to anticipate needs and breed solutions but with fewer chemicals, more pest threats and diverging

approaches in many countries, it’s getting increasingly challenging,” suggests SESVanderHave UK managing director, Ian Munnery.

“The impact of virus yellows on sugar beet and fodder beet is a case in point and we presented this to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in May via Zoom.”

Neonicotinoid ban

Virus yellows infections were widely predicted following the neonicotinoid seed treatment ban in 2018, says Ian.

“Following a mild winter and, despite emergency approvals and timely application of three foliar insecticides, the volume of virus-carrying aphids swamped many crops. For 2020 harvest it’s hoped yield losses will be checked at 5-10% on infected fields, but with the probability that even more insecticides may be needed in 2021 to control the vector, we need to reflect on the sustainability of this approach.”

As plant breeders, SESVanderHave identified the threat from the loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments over 10 years ago and have been working on a number of research projects to accelerate the introduction of virus yellow tolerant genetics into varieties using conventional breeding, he explains.

Over the past four years, an Innovate UK-funded study involving the BBRO, ADAS and sugar beet breeders Maribo-Hilleshög and SESVanderHave, has identified a number of promising sources of genetic resistance to virus yellows.

“There’s currently no single, major resistance gene identified to provide a quick fix. And with the diversity and high fecundity of aphids, a single-gene solution isn’t desirable because it’s unlikely to be durable. Similarly, we’re dealing with a cocktail of three or more

Ian Munnery says NPBTs would enable breeders to bring forward virus tolerant varieties more quickly but is frustrated by a lack of clarity on government policy post-Brexit.

Aphid numbers soared to unprecedented numbers this spring and insecticide programmes haven’t been wholly effective at preventing virus infection.

‘yellowing’ viruses in the UK and multiple vectors, so relying on tolerance to a single virus may just allow another one of the ‘virus cocktail’ to dominate.

“Instead we need to look more holistically and integrate multiple traits alongside the tolerance to virus yellows which we’ve already identified from our research projects.”

Regulator y divergence

With finite resources to spend on conventional breeding for a range of resurgent and new threats, there’s a requirement for clarity on UK regulatory divergence from the EU, stresses Ian. “It’s clear that even before Brexit, many EU states voted to ban neonicotinoid seed treatments, yet continued to issue derogations, providing a competitive advantage to their growers. Equally in the UK, if serial derogations are going to be the new normal, then is there a need to breed for virus yellow tolerance?”

Ian believes that the simple answer is yes. “To have durability we need to disrupt resistance by not focusing on a single product –– be that chemistry or genetic –– and as demonstrated this year, even three foliar insecticides don’t provide a wholly effective strategy.”

Breeding to contain virus yellows is the biggest challenge to date, he adds. “The urgency now is to transfer these sources of genetic resistance we’ve identified into commercial solutions. We have the opportunity to accelerate delivery of new traits, widen our breeding targets and reduce costs and chemistry use through the use of New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs).

“Techniques such as gene editing could accelerate the introgression of beneficial traits into elite ger mplasm, potentially producing market-ready varieties within 2-3 years rather than 10-12 years. It remains uncertain when, or if, the UK gover nment will provide some clarity on their vision for regulatory divergence,” comments Ian.

“What is clear from looking at the fields pockmarked with virus yellows is that our ability to protect our crops is at increasing risk. For sugar beet, it’s particularly poignant given the yield improvements we’ve delivered in the UK. If sugar beet production become unviable then the alter native is to see super market shelves filled with imports from countries which have been able to har ness the full ar mour y to produce their sugar beet crops more efficiently.” ■

Ian Munner y talking to Tom Heap of BBC Countryfile in July,who were filming on the impact of virus yellows and the increased demand for British-produced sugar during COVID-19.

Precision set to boost potato profits

Roots

Potato precision

Precision technology could help growers optimise the potential of potato crops.

AHDB held a webinar in July as part of its Potato Showcase week to look at some of the options available. CPM reports.

By Lucy de la Pasture

Online polls are becoming a normal part of attending virtual events this season and at a recent AHDB presentation,95% of growers pressed the button to affirm their belief that precision technologies will help them with their potato-growing businesses. A similar amount polled that they were already using them in one form or another.

Dr Mike Storey, chairing the session for AHDB, says precision is about collecting data and then making use of that information by linking it with crop biology.

He describes data as easy to collect but not so easy to interpret, using potato seed as an example. “Seed influences the performance of the crop currently in the

ground –– its chronological age influences stem numbers, which affects decision making on seed rates to achieve the tar get size for the market you’re growing for.

“Development of the crop during the season is influenced by growing conditions and management practices, such as irrigation. Growers often face difficult decisions about defoliation which are critical to maximise both yield and profitability, particularly for high value crops,” he says.

Full picture

That means to get a full picture of all the factors affecting the crop, it’s necessary to collect data over an 18-month period ––from tuber initiation in the mother (seed) crop through to harvest of the crop in the ground. If a storage period is involved then it can be over a period of 24 months and that’s a lot of data for one crop, he comments.

Several companies have risen to meet this challenge and precision tools are now available to do just this. One of those is Crop4Sight which was developed using commercial and AHDB data, explains Paul Coleman, managing director of the company.

“Traditionally seed rates have been based on a 50kg tuber count. It’s a one size fits all approach,” he says.

Crops4Sight has been designed to take

into account the emergence date of the seed stock last year. “This date for the seed, when combined with the intended planting date, enables the platform to take into account the chronological age of the seed at planting and calculate the spacing and seed rate required to achieve the target stem and tuber numbers/ha for the target market specification.”

Demonstrating the system Paul showed that Crop4Sight allows you to input the target size of tubers and date for harvest and it then calculates the row spacing, seed rate and gives a target plant

Crop4Sight can help growers achieve optimal target size but can also predict the optimum time for maleic hydrazide application and burn down, says Paul Coleman.

The seed rate for a variety is dynamic. ”

population, as well as the expected stem population and target tuber population.

“Crop4Sight makes it very easy to develop new seed rates for a change in planting date so that the target number of stems/ha is achieved, explains Paul. “Some varieties are more responsive to chronological age than others. For instance Maris Piper isn’t very responsive to seed age but Jelly is very responsive. With a sensitive variety, the seed rate increases more than for an insensitive variety if the planting date is earlier in the season.

“This year we’re seeing the impact of late emergence in the seed crop last season and stem numbers and tuber numbers are down in quite a lot of crops. Crop4Sight really illustrates that the seed rate for a variety is dynamic rather than just being one rate for a specific area.”

Greenvale has been working with Agrico to develop crop management criteria for the company’s new salad variety, Jacky. Maximising the number of tubers in the 25-45mm range is cr ucial for a salad variety so the Crop4Sight system can help growers to achieve this, says Paul.

“Jacky is a potential game changer because it doesn’t suffer from shading, so with high stem densities it maintains tuber number,” he adds.

Crop emergence data can also be used to forecast dormancy break which is of par ticular value in varieties which are stored. It can also be used to forecast the optimum timing for maleic hydrazide (MH) application to the growing crop, taking into account crop growth and forecast harvest date.

“Last year a grower saved 80 tonnes of

potatoes by not applying MH on the date he’d been advised to because Crop4Sight picked up that it was too early and he’d have lost yield.”

Appropriate number

Paul highlights that the aim is to improve uniformity within the crop. “Variability across the field is very difficult to practically manage withinthe season. It’s all about getting the appropriate number of stems and tubers to achieve market goals and taking the crop out at the right time to achieve optimum value,” he says.

Jim Wilson, of precision farming specialists Soil Essentials based in Scotland, says the problem with potato crops is that they’re variable across time and within fields. For potatoes there’s the additional problem that different size bands have different values, so there’s a need to optimise size to maximise value, he points out.

“This means that crop value is extremely variable across crops and over the growing season and it’s entirely normal for crop value to peak and drop as the crops grow out of their target size bands. To manage this, it’s key that a crop model produces an accurate estimate of crop yield and size distribution.

“In order to estimate size in the growing crop it’s necessar y to make trial digs, but these really need to be done every few days to capture variability. Traditionally, digs have been W-shaped in the field so to do this involves more time and energy than most potato growers have available.”

maximum value.”

Tuberzone was originally developed at James Hutton Institute over a 20-year period and was known as MAPP. In 2015 a consortium was granted Innovate UK funding for three years to update and improve the model to run at a large scale in the cloud, using satelliteimagery and global weather data to make yield and size distribution predictions.

The model targets field digs to crop zones (that represent the variation in the crop) to ensure an accurate result while minimising the number of crop digs. It’s able to do this for two weeks in advance using local weather data to give yield and size forecasts.

“The other big problem historically was

Maximising tubers in the 25-45mm range is crucial in high-value salad crops and Crop4Sight can take into account the age of seed to calculate seed rates which will meet target stem numbers.

That’s where technology can play a role by forecasting exactly where and when to take the digs for a best estimate for the field, explains Jim. “Tuberzone is a spatial crop model that accurately forecasts potato yield and size distribution two weeks into the future throughout the growing season, allowing burndown to be scheduled for when the crop reaches its

The HarvestEye device can be fitted on harvesters or graders from new or as a retrofit and B-Hive has partnered with Grimme to carry this out on any make of machinery.

You can model size and yield across the field so that burndown can be timed for when the crop reaches its peak value.

Tuberzone is able to direct growers to exact locations within the field to make representative digs and also zone areas to avoid.

weather data –– it wasn’t going to be feasible for every grower to need to have their own weather station for each crop. We’ve successfully adapted a global weather model to give local weather info for each crop anywhere in the world.

“Knowing where not to dig is as important as knowing where to dig. The platform provides zones which include where to sample and where not to sample and a mobile app guides you to precise points in the field to make representative digs.”

Two versions are available. The all-singing, all-dancing version is Tuberzone which includes satellite imagery, historical productivity data (HPI) maps, the Tuberzone

model, drone stitching, weather data, targeted digs, BlightRisk and virtual yield maps. A more compact version is available as Tuberzone cropcast, which includes satellite imagery, the Tuberzone model, weekly yield and size distribution maps, weather data and targeted digs.

Validation tool

Complementing these predictive advances is a new real-time technology from B-hive Innovations, based in Lincoln. HarvestEye was launched in Nov 2019 and works as a validation tool that gives real time info on yield and tuber size variation over the field, in a similar way to a yield

map on the combine.

“HarvestEye started as a project five years ago, and was a paradigm effort to measure the crop at the time of harvest so that everyone in the food chain has an insight into what has been harvested, enabling the crop to be marketed better,” explains Vee Gururajan of B-hive.

Traditionally digs were the best way to assess size fraction but HarvestEye employs a 3-D camera which can be mounted to existing machinery and sits above the grading bed to map crop variability across the field using a real-time GPS link, he explains.

“The camera uses machine learning algorithms to detect potatoes and takes this data during harvesting and sends it to the cloud. On its own, data collection is meaningless unless we have an insight into what it means. HarvestEye provides these insights, showing each size fraction across the field. The grower or packer can use this information to help market the crop better but also to look back on the variation and the agronomic efficiency in growing the crop,” comments Vee.

The device can be fitted on harvesters or graders from new or as a retrofit and B-Hive has partnered with Grimme to carry this out on any make of machinery

Grimme’s Ed Hudson believes HarvestEye is very valuable. “There’s a hardware cost and annual licence fee for the technology but if you’re producing 60t/ha over 200ha of potatoes then it works out at £0.59/tonne, which is a very realistic cost. As a grower it’s a question of deciding whether the knowledge HarvestEye gives you will add value to the business.” ■

HarvestEye uses a 3-D camera and GPS to provide maps of tuber size distribution in fields and records the relative size fractions harvested.

The canary in the coal mine?

That’s the phrase often used to describe the insect population. They make up 70% of all animal species and there are somewhere between 5-10 million species of these creepy crawlies. Only about a million of these have been catalogued but the vast majority remain unknown –– 1.5 million of these are beetles.

On a global scale there are 1.4 billion insects per human being, but insect numbers are widely repor ted to be declining worldwide. No one can put a figure on just how much because the most rapid rates of decline are taking place in regions of the world where there is least monitoring.

It could be said the canary in the coal mine is beginning to gasp for breath. At the same time agriculture is experiencing increases in problem pests and for the past 70 years the answer has been to spray insecticides. The problem is that now the drugs aren’t always working. In fact it can be argued that they’re doing a lot more harm than good when looking at the bigger picture because of the effect they may have on non-target species and

beneficials.

It’s an all too familiar picture this season, with oilseed rape crops succumbing to cabbage stem flea beetle and record numbers of aphids happily passing viruses around as they feed on sugar beet and potato crops. Cereals aren’t immune either, with BYDV set to become a much greater problem than it’s been for many years. All of these pest problems lead us back to the neonicotinoids, or lack of them. But in all probability, the neonics may have contributed to the current state of the nation by masking a problem that was developing anyway and has undoubtedly accelerated in the wake of their ban through the desperate (over) use of pyrethroids.

So where do we go from here? Like medicine, our industr y has developed along the lines of treating symptoms –– there’s a pest eating the crop so spray it. Seldom do we look for causes –– why is the pest eating the crop? Why has it become a pest? What do I know about it? Seldom do we consider the consequences to other insect species –– many of which have a function in a healthy ecosystem that isn’t even known.

But perhaps it’s time to take notice of the canary and take a long, hard look at how we can manage pests in the future. Cabbage stem flea beetle is an interesting case-in-point and it was a surprise to me that we actually know so little about it. One of the suggestions often raised as a means of making OSR viable again is to zone production –– if OSR growing was ceased in an entire area for a season or two then would CSFB numbers subside to a

manageable level?

As it turns out, it’s not known how far a CSFB will fly when it migrates into crops in the autumn. It could be 5 miles, 50 miles or 500 miles –– so without this very crucial piece of the puzzle there’s no way of predicting whether such measures could work.

We don’t know where CSFB go to have a bit of a snooze between crops. Is it to a nearby hedge or do they find another crop to shelter peacefully in? Then there’s the question, why has CSFB become such a big pest? They were around before the neonic seed treatments but admittedly controllable using insecticides. Then along came the neonics and CSFB were mostly a problem of the past.

But if neonics were so effective, why was it that numbers were building up anyway during the two decades they were widely used? Is that due to climate change or the loss of other potent insecticides which may have had an inadver tent effect on CSFB numbers? Or could it be changes in the rotation such as the introduction of cover crops?

Understanding exactly what’s gone wrong in our farming system is part of finding a sustainable solution moving forward because it’s a system that is fundamentally broken –– the canary is telling us that much.

More and more UK growers are stepping off the industrial treadmill –– looking for solutions to these problems from the soil up, looking at ways they can support plant health and bring some balance back into their farming system. It’s very much a science-based ‘alternative therapy’ rather than the ‘prescribed medicine’ approach that, just maybe, can help get the canary singing once again.

Based in Ludlow, Shrops, Lucy de la Pasture has worked as an agronomist, while among the Twitterati, she’s @Lucy_delaP.

lucy@cpm-magazine.co.uk