AF Feb Cover TR EP _Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:07 Page 1
ARABLE
FARMING
February 2015
LAMMA 2015 A special report including the pick of the latest arable kit
UAVs
US farmers feeling left behind by the FAA’s no-fly policy
Nematicides
New stewardship programme launched
Talking Arable Jim Bullock, Iain Green and Andrew Robinson Pages 8-13 www.arablefarming.com
Spring weed control
Keeping spring crops clean
Precision farming
Improving nutrient application accuracy in practice
Innovation in action for progressive arable farmers
AF_02_IFC_AF_02_IFC 23/01/2015 14:26 Page 1
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DAIRY CONFERENCE HANDLEY’S THREAT TO QUIT p16 108 PAGES OF NEWS AND CLASSIFIEDS NEWS
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Sheep EID mart problems BUSINESS
12
Retail contract change hopes ARABLE
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New hybrid barley varieties First Milk took drastic action last week by deferring its members’ scheduled January 12 payment for two weeks and raising its capital investment from 0.5ppl to 2ppl.
First Milk turmoil exposes dairy sector’s uphill battle rJanuary 12 milk cheque missed rDairy’s ‘toughest year ever’ warning By Ben Briggs FIRST Milk was facing a fight for survival as the realities of the UK dairy industry crisis hit home. The cash-strapped co-operative was forced to ‘defer’ its members’ scheduled January 12 payment for two weeks and raise its capital investment from 0.5ppl to 2ppl in a bid to plug a huge financial black hole.
Last week’s drastic action, which was expected to raise about £20 million, exposed the stark reality of a milk market battling against plummeting commodity prices and dire global demand. With a lot of the milk it sold through Westbury only realising about 17-18ppl at times, First Milk was accruing losses as it paid farmers upward of 22ppl. Company bosses said this caused it to lose 1ppl on each of the one billion litres-a-year it processed, leading to £10m losses in the first half of the financial year. Industry leaders at this week’s Semex dairy conference in Glasgow were hopeful the action would secure First Milk’s short-term
future and ensure its 1,500 farmers still had a milk buyer at a time when most processors were not recruiting. First Milk farmer director and Ayrshire dairyman Willie Campbell reacted strongly to jibes from Farmers For Action leader David Handley who used his Semex speech to claim the co-operative’s board had failed its members.
Tackling the issue Mr Campbell said: “We took the steps to market every litre of milk our farmers produce. We are tackling the issues which are there and have control of our own business. “I am proud of what we have done. I know we are washing our
dirty linen in public but at least we are doing something.” UK farming unions met with First Milk bosses over the past week and encouraged them to be open with farmers about the money-raising exercise. They also urged major banks to work with affected businesses hit hard by the missing payment, with assurances coming from bank chiefs they would show leniency. However, Farmers Guardian understands some already struggling farm businesses, which have ant on credit potentially been reliant re facing faacing an for some time, were re any more uphill battle to secure ovver.. bank funding to tide them over. The turmoil at Firstt Milk, which
has wider implications for the rural economy, particularly feed merchants which might see bills unpaid, emerged at the start of a year many believed could be the toughest on record for the dairy sector. NFU president Meurig Raymond said: “It [First Milk’s situation] shows the difficulties the whole sector is experiencing, but the most important thing is its financial health is secured.” About 400 farmers left the dairy industry last year and some industry analysts believed up to 11,000 000 cou d exit this ye year.. could MORE ON THIS STORY Y See pages 2, 9 and 16. 6.
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AF Feb p1 Leader TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:23 Page 1
a word from the
EDITOR
am writing this month’s leader on day one of the Lamma show. The eastern counties have been in the grip of a cold snap in the week running up to the event, but the crowds are undeterred and as ever there is plenty to see. If you weren’t able to make it to Peterborough don’t miss our report in this issue or online at www.arablefarming.com. When I asked Arable Farming machinery editor James Rickard for a quick, early summary of what was on show, his response was ‘plenty of tractor developments, signs of a trend towards greater versatility in cultivators and drills and lots of high-end trailer developments’. Quite a bit to catch up with then. All remains quiet on the fieldwork front. Talking with agronomists after the Christmas break, the feedback I’ve been getting is spray programmes are now more or less up-to-date and there has even been a little bit of opportunistic drilling done on some of the lightest land. I see too there has also been some ploughing done locally on the frost. Spring drilling is drawing closer, although it will be a while before some of the heavy land will travel. On the spraying job list, light leaf spot control in oilseed rape will be a priority for many as the disease continues to make its presence felt outside its traditional northern stronghold. This is the time of year for conferences and training and as usual there is plenty of information to be had on the latest developments across
I
Contacts
the sector. Crop protection and nutrition of course feature strongly, but I have also heard some excellent talks recently on topics as diverse as cover cropping, energy crops, precision farming and the role of resistance elicitors – compounds which boost the crop’s inherent immunity to pests and disease. If you haven’t yet signed up for a winter workshop, whether it is one run by your agronomist or distributor, or perhaps one of the HGCA or SRUC winter agronomy meetings, I would urge you do so. In Europe the consultation on the definition of endocrine disrupters has closed and we await a decision which potentially could lead to the loss of key triazole fungicides. Meanwhile, attention has turned to another consultation, this time on the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive. Before you all roll your eyes in despair and run for the fields bear in mind this legislation could significantly affect UK farmers’ ability to trade grain forward. As ever we will be keeping a close eye on developments.
Editor Teresa Rush 01787 282 822 teresa.rush@arablefarming.com
Reporter Georgina Haigh 07787 241 929 georgina.haigh@arablefarming.com
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Arable Farming, Briefing Media Ltd, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Origination by Farmers Guardian, Briefing Media Ltd, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Preston, Lancashire PR2 9NZ. Printed by Headley Brothers, Invicta Press, Queen’s Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8HH. No responsibility can be accepted by Arable Farming for the opinions expressed by contributors.
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p2 3 Contents TR EP _Layout 1 22/01/2015 13:53 Page 1
THIS MONTH
CONTENTS february Volume 37 Issue 2
Working soils
Precision farming The latest developments in variable depth cultivations
44-46
Comment
4-6 8-13 22-28
Latest news Talking Arable Talking Agronomy
18-20
Novel crops
Business feature Do the groundwork before giving a novel crop the nod
2
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
Regulars 14-15 54-55 60
Market analysis Research in Action BASIS news
Mike Hambly
Talking Policy
EU proposals threaten grain futures trade
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THIS MONTH
34-40
Event
Lamma 2015 Highlights from the UK’s leading machinery show
Weed control
Spring cropping
AD plants
Experts give their views on weed control in key spring crops
Renewables
Is the growth in farm AD plants set to stall?
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29-32
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p4 5 6 News TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 10:46 Page 1
NEWS
Europe warned crop protection approach must be ‘risk-based’
ital crop protection products may be lost as a result of the EU’s attempt to redefine how hazardous they are. Following the end of a European Commission consultation to help determine criteria for endocrine disruption, farm chiefs have reiterated the importance of ‘science-based’ policy-making. It comes after a report commissioned by AHDB estimated tighter legislation around pesticide regulations and the definition of endocrine disruptors could cost UK agriculture more than £905 million. Jean-Charles Bocquet, director general of the European Crop Protection Association (CPA), said: “The EU’s criteria should evaluate substances based on risk assessment, considering both hazard and
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exposure, and the final criteria should clearly distinguish those substances which are of high regulatory concern from those which are not.”
Impact of loss A recent report by farm consultants Andersons, on behalf of the CPA, NFU and the Agricultural Industries Confederation, looked at the impact of the loss or restriction of crop protection products through European regulation during the next five to seven years. The analysis showed 40 substances at high risk of being lost which would mean up to 50% falls in yield, depending on the crop. In this scenario, total UK income from farming would drop by £1.73 billion. CLA president Henry Robinson added: “Seventeen active substances in herbicides, fungi-
Tighter legislation around pesticide regulations could cost the UK £905m.
cides and insecticides could be lost as a result of the endocrine disruptor classification. “Instead of drawing an arbitrary line between hazardous and non-hazardous substances, the Commission should classify the substances based on a proportionate sense of risk.” NFU vice-president Guy
EU seed law UK must improve efficiency proposal dropped JUK farming is lagging behind the report: “The efficiency of
JA proposal for the introduction of a new seed law in Europe has been dropped by the European Commission. The new EU regulation on Plant Reproductive Material was intended to modernise and replace the current rules, consisting of more than a dozen directives, regulations and further related acts, and formed part of the ‘Smarter Rules for Safer Foods’ package presented to Council and Parliament in mid-2013. However, in a statement, the Commission said it sees no political agreement on the approach between Parliament and Council and consequently will withdraw its proposal.
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other countries and must work to improve efficiency, a report has suggested. The Oxford Farming Conference’s annual report, compiled by consultants Andersons, identified key issues within UK agriculture which have seen it fall behind several other countries’ farm sectors. According to the report, ‘The Best British Farmers: What gives them the edge’, the UK is hampered by a loss of technology. It claimed while the UK had world-class farmers it had not improved as quickly as needed. The author, Graham Redman, partner and research economist at Andersons, said in
FEbRUARy 2015 ARABLE FARMING
UK farming has only progressed by an average of 1.4% per year since the 1960s. This is considerably lower than other comparable countries. “The return on some resources like labour is good, but on others it is poorer.” It also explores the gap between the most efficient and least efficient farmers within the UK and highlights the opportunities in cost saving. “Within the UK, the main reason the best farmers make more money than the worst is because they spend less per unit of output. Higher output accounts for only about 10%30% higher profits, lower costs contributing 65%-90%.”
Smith said a more ‘precautionary approach’ could limit the ability of UK farmers ‘to grow affordable wholesome food’. “Such regulation plays straight into the hands of our competitors abroad who would take advantage from working in a more farmer-friendly regulatory regime.”
OSR hedgecutting JScottish farming leaders are asking the Scottish Government for an exemption to allow growers to cut hedges during August in fields planted with oilseed rape. Under the new Scottish CAP scheme, the date on which Scottish farmers can start to cut hedges around their fields has moved back a month to August 31. NFU Scotland president, Nigel Miller said: “Scotland grows more than 30,000 hectares of oilseed rape each year, What we are asking for is a sensible derogation, approved by local Scottish Government offices on a caseby-case basis if necessary.”
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Nematode link with potato scab?
JScientists are questioning the possibility of a link between nematodes and the incidence of scab in potatoes, after studies in Norway linked the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans to common scab. Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) nematologist Tom Prior said it is not yet known if the presence of these nematodes can be linked to the incidence of scab in UK crops. “The nematodes can cause scab-like symptoms. Pratylenchus penetrans is native to the UK and has more than 350 recorded host crops, including potatoes. This nematode penetrates, lives and feeds in the root and the damage thresholds on potato are reported as low as 1-2 nematodes/g soil.” Host potatoes typically develop patches of dying tissue, often leading to secondary rots. Heavily infested root systems appear smaller and root abnormalities are commonly found.
CAP online system roll out
JSufficient resources will be available to handle the roll out of the new Common Agricultural Policy online application system in England, the head of the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has pledged. Addressing the NFU council, Mark Grimshaw sought to allay concerns about the new system, including the increasingly tight timetable and problems with the online verification process. The RPA’s chief executive gave a ‘personal and clear commitment’ to provide resources to ensure ‘all our customers have the support needed to submit their Basic Payment Scheme applications by May 15’.
NEWS
Levy sector boards to be rebranded with AHDB name
he Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) six sector operating divisions will be rebranded later this year to emphasise the way AHDB operates as a single organisation. From summer, the names of all six sector brands will be changed to include AHDB. HGCA will change to AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds, the Potato Council will become AHDB Potatoes, HDC will be AHDB Horticulture, Bpex will become AHDB Pigs, DairyCo will be known as AHDB Dairy, and Eblex will become AHDB Beef and Lamb.
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The move follows a recommendation from an AHDB sector board member conference in November 2013, and a commitment in last year’s Corporate Plan to ‘look at creating a simplified family of brands’. The AHDB board has agreed it is now time to progress this commitment. Closer relationships AHDB chairman Peter Kendall spoke of his desire to encourage closer working relations between the sector bodies when he took his role in April last year. He said: “This is an important step forward for AHDB as we
move towards our aim of looking, feeling and behaving as one organisation. “Coming together under one simplified brand can help AHDB increase our influence on behalf of our levy payers. This will ensure we are in a better position to make the most of future industry opportunities.” AHDB said a detailed roll out plan was now being worked up, with the intention of using up existing stocks of sector-branded materials to ensure any rebranding is achieved at minimal cost. AHDB recently announced the appointment of Jane King as its new chief executive.
Potato market slump requires action
JAction is needed to increase consumer demand for potatoes, Scottish growers have warned. Consumption statistics suggest households are buying fewer fresh potatoes. Growers at a recent meeting took the view more promotion was needed and also retailers could improve the way they sell potatoes to make buying potatoes more attractive to consumers. While supermarkets are selling potatoes for a retail price equivalent of between £500 and £1,500 per tonne, many farmers are currently receiving an average of just £50/t. With the true cost of production estimated at being more than £150/t, these trading conditions are unsustainable in the long-term, come after a difficult year in 2013 and, as a result, many growers may be questioning whether growing ware is justifiable in future.
Many growers are receiving an average of just £50/t for their potatoes.
The Potato Council is currently consulting on a draft Business Plan which includes plans for promotion and an increase in levy rates. Compounding the problem of low market prices, it is reported some packers of fresh potatoes have been reducing both the volume and price of potatoes which they are contracted to buy, potentially leaving many tonnes of potatoes without a home.
NFUS potatoes working group chairman Russell Brown said: “There is a clear need for action to get potato supply and demand into better balance. Potato growers have been caught out by the yearon-year drop in potato consumption. “Looking forward, potato growers need to know they have a market for their potatoes and are not growing speculatively.”
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p4 5 6 News TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 10:47 Page 3
NEWS
New CAP rules leading to increase in barley production
hanges to CAP requirements from January 1 have led farmers to increase planting of spring and winter barley by more than 10%. AHDB/HGCA analyst Brenda Mullan said results from the HGCA Early Bird Survey showed a reduction in the area of wheat, oats and oilseeds for 2015, compared with 2014. Experts said spring pulse crops were also inevitably proving a popular option, enabling compliance with not only the three crop rule, but also the Ecological Focus
C
Renewable energy waste development
JScientists are developing a sustainable fertiliser from renewable energy waste which they claim could provide a sustainable alternative to existing fertilisers produced using fossil fuels and reduce costs to farmers. It could also make these forms of renewable energy more appealing to investors, as ash is currently expensively dumped in landfill. Aqua Enviro will be working together with Lancaster University on the project in collaboration with Stopford Energy and Environment Limited and the James Hutton Institute. The research builds upon studies originally conducted by Stopford, which looked at using a mixture of nutrient-rich material left over from anaerobic digestion and ash from burnt biomass as an alternative to existing crop fertilisers.
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Areas required under new greening requirements. Ms Mullan said: “The areas for both winter and spring barley are expected to be up on last year’s levels by 12% and 9% respectively. “It is likely the area sown to barley, particularly the spring varieties, will increase as a result of the three crop rule.”
Production increase It comes after Scotland’s chief’s revealed barley production in Scotland had increased tenfold over the past 100 years. Production has risen from about 190,000 tonnes in 1914
to more than two million tonnes in 2014. The figures indicate the total area of barley planted has quadrupled over the last century – going from 80,000 hectares to more than 325,000ha. Yields per hectare have also increased – more than doubling from 2.4t/ha to 6.3t/ha. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see barley production is continuing to increase. Barley is a strong crop in Scotland, favoured by the brewing and distilling industries, with a substantial amount – 600,000t –
being used by them last year. That is 30% of the overall amount of barley produced in 2013. “Over the last 20 years, the barley area has represented about 70% of the area of all cereals grown in Scotland, and around half of all crops.” In contrast, the malting barley crop in the western United States has seen its worst year for production. Growers fought to save a large portion of the crop after it was hit by heavy rains in August. Two of the largest barley growing states in the US – Montana and Idaho – were hit hardest.
Slim prospects for GM crops in UK
JThe prospects of genetically modified (GM) crops being grown in the UK in the near future remain distant despite the European Parliament voting through a key change to legislation. MEPs voted overwhelmingly, by 480 votes to 159, to make it easier for member states to ban GM crops. The new rules, expected to come into force this spring, allow member states to ban GM crops on grounds other than the risks to health and the environment as already assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). New grounds for a national ban include concerns over environmental impact, the risk of GM contamination in conventional crops, farm policy objectives, planning requirements and socio-economic impact. The approval process for new GM crops will still have to be agreed at EU level, rather
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
GM supporters hope the EU will reduce its resistance to the technology.
than member state level. But supporters of the technology hope the move will reduce resistance to approvals at EU level, potentially making it easier for companies to get new products through for member states which want them.
Deadlock The legislative change, initiated in 2010, was largely driven by the deadlock in the EU regulatory system, which has seen no
new GM approvals since the 1990s. This was because member states intrinsically opposed to the technology continually blocked applications, despite positive assessments from EFSA. A Defra spokesman said: “We are supportive of the opportunities GM could bring for British businesses and our environment and want our farmers to have access to the best technology available.”
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AF Feb p8 9 Robinson TR EP _Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:08 Page 1
TALKING ARABLE
ANDREW Robinson
Andrew Robinson is farms manager at Heathcote Farms, Bedfordshire. He is a former winner of the nabim/HGCA Milling Wheat Challenge.
Bare patches in the oilseed rape from autumn flea beetle damage have attracted the attention of pigeons
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appy New Year everyone, let’s hope for 2014 harvest yields with higher prices for all farming sectors. Grain marketing is continuing, albeit steadily, where rises in the market are presenting a selling opportunity and although still not huge prices they do represent a £30+ increase in feed wheat since September, something which I certainly did not foresee but which is gratefully received. Where it will end up is anyone’s guess, but Russia yet again seems to be pivotal. New legislation regarding the increase in tandem axle tractor and trailer combination weight to 31 tonnes is a welcome move forward, and although it still doesn’t go far enough, it is at least a step in the right direction. The real fly
H
An eye will be kept on the mildew in the Glacier barley.
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
in the ointment is the maximum permissible trailer weight is 18.29t, which when allowing for a 16t trailer weighing 5t still only leaves a 13.29t payload. Crops on the whole look well, with not too much disease in the wheats. They all have low levels of septoria in the lower canopy and the Leeds has mildew present. However, the Galmano (fluquinconazole) seed dressing seems to be keeping any yellow rust at bay. Grass-weed control at present is really pleasing, with only certain areas at the moment requiring spring Atlantis (iodosufluron + mesosulfuron). The Glacier barley has some mildew present, which we shall keep an eye on; however, it is grassweed free and isn’t looking yellow, which for barley is always a positive. The bare patches in the oilseed rape from the autumn flea beetle damage have now attracted the unwanted attention of the pigeons, so we are taking time to chase these away. The herbicide AstroKerb (aminopyralid + propyzamide) seems to be working really well, with some black-grass plants dead and the others looking very sick with their swollen roots. The shepherd’s purse has also taken a hit from the aminopyalid in the AstroKerb which is an unexpected bonus. I have spent time over the Christmas period poring over our combine maps and correlating the areas where we variable-rated the nitrogen in the spring. Unfortunately, I cannot find a single instance of a yield increase, even though in most of the areas we trialled there was an increase in nitrogen applied rather than a decrease – so very disappointing. We are not giving up and will do 25 different trial areas again next year, trying
AF Feb p8 9 Robinson TR EP _Layout 1 20/01/2015 14:29 Page 2
TALKING ARABLE Farm facts rHeathcote Farms, Dunstable, Bedfordshire rTwo farms, eight miles apart r930ha on heavy Hanslope Clays r218ha on Greensand rCropping: Winter wheat, winter barley, oilseed rape and spring beans rFarms manager Andrew Robinson plus two full-time employees
some different things as it still feels the right thing to be doing, especially as we are really happy with our variable seed rate. There has been much talk in the press regarding fungicides and budgets. This time of year sees me looking at what fungicides we might use according to variety and farm history (we always have to treat for eyespot and fusarium) and what the cost may be for simple budgeting purposes. Different seasons dictate different programmes and looking at our forward crops, we are unlikely to get away with a sub-£100 per hectare programme. But what is the alternative as we now know how poor our fungicides are at curative control and most of us rely on the preventative elements of these chemicals, so I am sure chlorothananil will again be the base of our
Good control of black-grass has been achieved in the oilseed rape.
fungicide programme this year in the fight against septoria. Time was also spent over the festive period filling in the EU endocrine disruptors consultation survey online. It was not a straightforward survey but thanks to some helpful advice from the NFU
the job was done; only time will tell if it will help. I read a quote from a Christmas calendar which I thought I would share; it reads: ‘Farming looks easy when your plough is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from a wheat field’. Brilliant!
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p10 11 Bullock TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 18:18 Page 1
TALKING ARABLE
JIM Bullock
Jim Bullock farms in a family partnership at Guarlford, near Malvern, Worcestershire. He is a keen proponent of conservation tillage techniques and is a founder member of the conservation agriculture group BASE-UK.
There really is no such thing as average weather any more, it seems to be just a string of extremes
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would not be a proper farmer if I did not complain about the weather, but last year, our rainfall was 30% above average and although the Met Office claimed it was warmer than normal, I obviously missed the hot days. It just goes to show that when it comes to our climate, there really is no such thing as average weather any more, it seems to be just a string of extremes. Back in autumn, I thought I knew what our spring cropping plan was going to look like. It included spring beans, oats and wheat. However, I think we will be adding another ‘crop’ and this will be fallow. It is not an option I had even considered in the past, but a number of factors make it look more attractive. Obviously, commodity prices are top of the list, and when you look at break-even yields, we have to be growing well in excess of two tonnes per hectare with spring beans. This is with a sale price of £200/t, which is probably very optimistic for harvest 2015. We will be putting about 15% of what would
I
The effects of an extra 25% rainfall on the land.
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
have been spring beans into fallow, choosing areas which are known to be poor yielding and difficult to get onto in spring. The plan is for the better areas of fields concerned to be drilled earlier. As far as I can see, it should not cause us too many problems when it comes to applying for the new Basic Payment Scheme payment. We will not be using these areas as part of greening requirement as this would restrict how we manage the fallow. Cover crops I want to use this as an opportunity to grow some cover crops to improve soil structure and increase organic matter with a view of putting it in good shape for an early sown ‘black-grassfree’ winter wheat crop. Wishful thinking. Like most growers, we are yet to order any spring fertiliser. One hopes the reduction in crude oil prices will, if nothing else, put a lid on fertiliser costs. Farming soils with high levels of magnesium (up to index 7) not only makes them difficult to work, but ties up soil nutrients, especially potash. This then has the knock-on effect of reducing our nitrogen efficiency. Some farmers in the area have been using compound grassland fertilisers (N22:P4:K14:S7.5) throughout spring with some success. As the crop is drip-fed potash and a small amount of sulphur, it seems to help with nitrogen uptake and overall plant health. It is a more expensive option, but if it improves yields and is simple to apply, without needing multiple applications of different products, it is worth trying. On our spring wheat 22:4:14:7.5 would tick
AF Feb p10 11 Bullock TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 18:18 Page 2
19/1/15
11:35
TALKING ARABLE
This land would be better suited to fallow than spring cropping.
most of the boxes with some DAP applied in the seedbed. For the winter BASE bash, we were fortunate to be able to get Dr Dwayne Beck to come and talk to us about his no-till experiences as director of the Pierre research station in South Dakota. He told a packed audience of BASE members no-till was just one of the pieces in the conservation agriculture jigsaw and at the South Dakota facility, the aim was to be carbon neutral by 2026. This is a tall order when you look at the amount of fossil fuel going into arable crop production (the diesel oil we use pales into insignificance when you look at the amount of energy going into producing a kg of nitrogen).
Dr Dwayne Beck
Dr Beck likened present farming systems to fracking. All we are doing is speeding up the natural cycle so we will end up with degraded resources sooner rather than later. About 150 years ago, we were producing wheat without fossil fuel and we are going have to do the same again in 100 years’ time. We do not need to waste too much time, especially as we are going to have a lot more people to feed.
Farm facts rMember of a family farming partnership r292 hectares part owned, part share farmed, part tenanted rCropping over the last five years includes: wheat (winter and spring), oilseed rape (winter and spring), oats and beans, along with an area of temporary grass and permanent pasture rSoils predominantly: silty-clay-loams (up 45% clay) rAll crops established either by direct drilling or min-till rAverage field size 6ha rRainfall five-year average 700mm (865mm – 2014, 950mm – 2012)
Proven performance for your barley • Fandango is still the proven, cost-effective way of driving your crop health and yield. • The tried and tested benchmark for ‘one-pack’ disease control. • Great all-rounder against Rhynchosporium, net blotch, rusts, eyespot and take-all. • Ideal partner to alternate with SiltraXpro in programmes.
Fandango contains prothioconazole and fluoxastrobin. SiltraXpro contains prothioconazole and bixafen. Both are registered trademarks of Bayer. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. For further information, please visit www.bayercropscience.co.uk or call Bayer Assist 0845 6092266 / 01223 226644. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2015.
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AF Feb p12 13 Green TR EP_Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:32 Page 1
TALKING ARABLE
IAIN Green
Iain Green farms in partnership with his parents Jimmy and Nan Green at Garmouth, Morayshire. He is currently president of the council of the British Simmental Cattle Society and is a past president of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society.
No field work has been carried out since we were stopped by the continuing rain at the end of October
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o field work has been carried out since I wrote my last article, in fact no field work has been carried out since we were stopped by the continuing rain at the end of October. We have had another 126mm over the last eight weeks and some of the worst gales I can remember recently. On one night my weather station recorded a 90mph gust. We suffered a lot of structural damage, including a large roller door shredded like a piece of paper and extensive damage to the roof on one of our grain stores; this would have been bad enough but the debris was deposited over other buildings causing damage to them too. We have been busy with the usual winter
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Field work has been impossible since the end of October, but winter stock duties are keeping everyone busy.
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
stock duties. I have decided to start transporting straw from the buildings next to our arable land, taking it to our livestock units. This means this straw will have to sit outside until it is used, but as soon as the land dries out it will be all hands on deck in order to catch up with the ploughing and other spring work. The ground conditions at harvest meant the large square baler struggled to travel and more straw had to be baled using the round balers, which in turn will lead to more work moving the straw. Our pedigree stockman has been busy washing and training our entry of 12 Simmental bulls for the February bull sales at Stirling. Hopefully the trade will reward us well for all the cost and hard work bringing out these bulls. I cannot believe within days of writing my last Talking Arable article about sowing our silage grass mixtures into our fallow Ecological Focus Area (EFA) (new name for set-aside) the Scottish Government has had to change the rules for EFA. At least with having a mixed farming enterprise I am fortunate to be able to satisfy the new three crop rule. My job over the next few days will be to make the final decision on what I am going to do to make up my total area of EFA. As it looks at present I will use all my wild bird seed areas and the remainder will be made up of temporary grass left fallow until after July 15, but I will update you in my next article what my final planning has been. It is an absolute disgrace we were not given the full regulations and rules at least a full year in advance. At this time of year I usually review our
AF Feb p12 13 Green TR EP_Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:33 Page 2
TALKING ARABLE tractors and machinery to determine if I think there would be an advantage to updating any of our equipment, but having replaced the main tractors and telescopic loaders over the last two years it will be a year with little expenditure required on machinery. Combine I have decided to keep the second combine which was purchased at harvest time. With them having different cutting widths this makes it more difficult to run them one behind the other which would make grain tank emptying on the move much easier for the tractor driver with both combines close together. However, because of the RTK guidance system and the fact the grain trailer would struggle to stay off the bouts of straw this is not possible. In the longer term I feel we may have to change one of them in order to have everything running at the same width. I will be paying particular attention to the straw from both combines
Farm facts rW.J and J. Green is a family partnership based at Corskie, Morayshire, in the north east of Scotland r1,234 hectares of owned and contract farmed arable land and grass for livestock enterprises, which include a pedigree Simmental herd and indoor pigs rSoils: Light sandy loam through to clay loam rCropping includes 107ha winter wheat (distilling/feed), 72ha winter barley (own use for pig feed), 411ha spring barley (malting) and 10ha spring oats (own use for feed) rOne farm has been in continuous barley since the 1960s rW.J and J. Green also runs a UK-wide haulage business during harvest because I may reduce our cutting width in the future, giving us smaller bouts of straw and allowing it to dry quicker when we get wet weather. This year we had to spread and rake all the bouts from the 30ft header.
When you need that little more ‘oomph’ • Siltra delivers that extra performance when your barley demands it. • All the benefits of Fandango plus extra net blotch, Rhynchosporium and Ramularia support when needed. • Suits higher pressure net blotch and Ramularia situations with underlying Rhynchosporium risk. • Ideal partner to alternate with Fandango in programmes.
It is time to start transporting straw to the livestock units on-farm.
SiltraXpro contains prothioconazole and bixafen. Fandango contains prothioconazole and fluoxastrobin. Both are registered trademarks of Bayer. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. For further information, please visit www.bayercropscience.co.uk or call Bayer Assist 0845 6092266 / 01223 226644. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2015.
AF Feb p14 15 Market Analysis EP TR _Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:59 Page 1
BUSINESS MARKET ANALYSIS
With volatility now a constant characteristic of the agricultural commodity markets producers must monitor each of the various sectors carefully, say independent consultants ODA UK.
Caution still required as markets remain volatile Wheat
he USDA market report, published on January 12, noted an increase in both US and global stocks of wheat from the 2014/15 crop. It is a completely different scenario for 2015/16 crop, however; the USDA’s 5% reduction in US winter wheat sowings – when compared to last year – went largely unnoticed. This is leading us to reduce total US wheat production by 1.2 million tonnes to 58.5m tonnes. In the Black Sea, there has been a sudden arrival of frosts and some regions had no snow cover. In Ukraine, this has led to losses in the south of Kherson province and the eastern half of Crimea, with the same in the west of Krasnodar province, Russia. These losses are likely to amount to almost 1.1m tonnes across both countries. We are therefore revising our global production estimate down by 2.3m tonnes, to 714m tonnes. The difference
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Consultant details rOffre et Demande Agricole (ODA) is a private, independent consulting firm which helps buyers and sellers of agricultural commodities manage market volatility and price risk. More information, at www.oda-groupe.com/en
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A 1.3-tonne per hectare reduction in maize yield estimate was a surprise in the USDA’s January 12 report.
between production and consumption is up to 6m tonnes. Ending stocks are therefore down to 188m tonnes; this is an average level, which will make the market highly sensitive to spring risks. Lastly, and a little nearer home, French wheat is increasing in competitiveness against the Black Sea. Our calculations show French wheat is €21/t (£16/t) cheaper than the Black Sea for delivered Egypt. We think the reductions in US and Black Sea production have not been taken into account by the market, although this could happen later – no doubt at the end of
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
winter. In the short-term, strong competitiveness and the strength of the dollar are supporting factors for Euronext, and French availability will limit any movements.
Rapeseed A downturn is expected in the rapeseed sector. In France, the increase in blending mandate has led to an increase in demand from crushers on nearby expiry. Euronext rapeseed prices therefore registered a healthy rise between mid-December and early January. Incidentally, the falls on the euro helped with this movement.
However, we believe this information has now been fully taken on-board by the market. European fundamentals are still sluggish for the 2014/15 campaign, so falls in the soya complex are likely to take European rapeseed prices along with them. However, these are likely to retain their current €50/t (£38/t) premium over soya. In Canada, the recent slowdown in demand – both for crushing and exports – and the reversal on the Winnipeg market has encouraged farmers to sell. Canola prices have therefore fallen slightly. In Australia, prices are still very firm. In general terms,
AF Feb p14 15 Market Analysis EP TR _Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:59 Page 2
MARKET ANALYSIS BUSINESS
The sudden frosts and lack of snow cover in the Black Sea region is likely to amount to wheat losses of almost 1.1 million tonnes, says ODA.
the marketing of Australian canola is now over and the remaining volume is low. The international market is therefore leaving local prices behind. Going forward, key factors to monitor are the level of crushing in Europe, as well as Canada’s crushing and export levels, together with a range of economic factors including the euro/dollar exchange rates, pressure from soya, support from oils and crude oil prices.
Maize One surprise in the USDA report was the organisation has reduced its yield estimate to 11.4t/ha – a drop of more than 1.3t/ha. This reduces the country’s production by 5m tonnes to 361m tonnes. We are using these figures and our ending stock estimate is down to 43m tonnes – which is still comfortable. European imports are still high – a further 213,000t last week. If imports continue at this rate we shall have to increase our import target – currently 7m tonnes – which would weigh down the Euro-
pean report a little further, and it is already sluggish. Our ending stock figure as at June 30, 2015, is up by 20% on the previous campaign as at June 30, 2014. We are still waiting for the EU decree lifting customs duties in the EU; the US market has risen, so these duties are no longer justified. The competitiveness of French maize has also increased this week. It is €4/t (£3.05/t) cheaper than Ukrainian maize for delivered Lerida in Spain, if customs duties are lifted. Looking ahead, the key factors to monitor will be EU competitiveness, EU imports and the level of US exports.
Soybeans The sluggishness of the USDA soya report is putting soya prices under pressure. The USDA’s monthly report reminded the market of the US market’s abundance of soya and the forecasts of record production levels in South America. The US harvest has been increased to 108m tonnes and, despite an increase in consumption of US beans,
soya stocks remain unchanged at a little more than 11m tonnes. For South America the report confirmed government production figures of 55m tonnes for Argentina and 95.5m tonnes for Brazil. Furthermore, crops in these countries are still in good condition, which also confirms the production forecasts. In the short-term, the market is likely to remain sensitive to commercial figures for beans and meal in the
Overview
rWheat: The key factors to monitor in the wheat market at present are the level of EU/US exports, French competitiveness and weather conditions in the northern hemisphere rRapeseed: Demand from crushers is now well covered. Recent support is therefore likely to fade away and rapeseed prices could well fall in the wake of those for soya rMaize: The competitiveness of French maize is a
USA, but also in China and South America. In China, December’s record imports of more than 8.5m tonnes could restrict Chinese demand over the next few months. In South America, exports will undoubtedly serve as indicators of progress with harvests, marketing and logistical fluidity, which is expected to be good but still at risk. The key factors to monitor will be weather, crop rotation and harvests in South America, together with consumption figures in the US.
supporting factor for Euronext maize. The high rate at which European maize import certificates are being issued is likely to limit this support, however rSoybeans: Soya prices are likely to continue falling because of good production forecasts for South America and the unchanged stock levels in the US. The market is likely to remain sensitive to consumption figures from the US
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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Bayer Aviator XPro DPS_Bayer Aviator XPro DPS 23/01/2015 13:23 Page 1
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Aviator235Xp ro contains prothioconazole and bixafen. Aviator and Xpro are registered trademarks of Bayer. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. For further information, please visit www.bayercropscience.co.uk or call Bayer Assist on 0845 6092266 / 01223 226644. Š Bayer CropScience Limited 2015. www.bayercropscience.co.uk
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AF Feb p18 19 20 Biz TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 18:26 Page 1
BUSINESS FEATURE
Lower cereal prices, new EU rules demanding the growing of three crops, concerns over disease burden and developing markets could prompt interest in the production of novel crops. But any grower thinking of planting something a little unusual needs to do their homework first, writes Cedric Porter.
Time for a more novel approach to cropping? K arable production is dominated by a handful of crops. Latest Defra figures for June 1, 2014, survey estimate the total arable area at 4.559 million hectares. Just three crops made up 82% of that total, with wheat 42% of the overall total, barley 23% and oilseed rape 14%. The remaining area is largely devoted to potatoes, sugar beet, other root crops and maize. Defra lists just 30,000ha to ‘other’ non-named arable crops or just 0.6% of the total. It could be argued such a small area means novel crops are largely irrelevant, but it could also be argued their potential is undeveloped. Growers are likely to be looking for alternatives following recent pressure on cereal crop prices and also growing concern over the control of weeds such as black-grass and of disease. Another spur to the planting of novel crops comes from
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Brussels. As part of the latest round of changes to the Common Agricultural Policy any growers with more than 30ha of arable land have to grow at least three crops, with the largest of those crops not taking up more than 75% of the planted area and the smallest taking up at least 5%. Many growers will opt for crops from the big three to increase diversity. But some may want to study the list of crops listed by the EU as meeting the requirements of the three crop rule. As well as the usual suspects, there are dozens of more exotic alternatives (see panel, page 19). But there is some advice for anyone thinking of planting sage or any other crop on the list – determine your market first. One reason why the area of novel crops is so small is there is limited demand. Secure a market Dr Lydia Smith, of NIAB, who specialises in novel crops and is also leader of the institute’s Innovation Farm project, which is designed to increase the understanding of crop genetics throughout the industry, says: “If there is one take-home message for anyone thinking of planting a novel crop, it is to be tied into an industry partnership where there is a contract to produce with a production protocol to follow. “There is a lot of potential for novel crops and some of that
There is a lot of potential for novel crops and some of that potential is already being realised Dr Lydia Smith 18 ARABLE FEBRUARY 2015
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FARMING
Novel crops can deliver rotational and economic value, but make sure you have a market first as some opportunities are still some way off, say experts.
potential is already being realised, but for some crops commercial opportunities are still some way off.” Work NIAB is conducting includes using plant material to replace oils and lubricants made with petrochemicals, including using rosemary to replace synthetic antioxidant stabilisers. Pharma crops are also being studied at the insti-
tute, including the development of morphine and Artemisia annua (also known as sweet wormwood) as a malaria treatment. This includes working with McFarlan Smith which is part of the international Johnson Matthey pharmaceutical group. It has a number of specialist poppy growers in Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and
AF Feb p18 19 20 Biz TR EP_Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:34 Page 2
FEATURE BUSINESS
The human body benefits from the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, but it cannot produce them itself Nigel Padbury
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Lincolnshire who grow under contract and to a strict protocol with the company responsible for agronomy and harvesting. McFarlan Smith says that, as well as being a valuable crop in itself, spring-sown morphine poppies are also an ideal entry into a first wheat. NIAB is also involved in a project funded by the EU and charity Marie Curie to develop the nutritional and pharmaceutical properties of sainfoin. “Many of these crops are high value but very small volume. Other innovative crops which we are working on may have a more mass market appeal, including improved feed wheats for monogastrics and a range of bioenergy crops where we work closely with the Ibers research institute,” says Dr Smith. Commercial development One project which is now coming to commercial fruition from a partnership with NIAB is the development of ahiflower as a
crop. Working with Technology Crops International, the crop has been developed from the buglossoides or corn gromwell plant to produce an oil which is rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. The company’s technical sales and marketing manager Nigel Padbury explains the development of the crop: “The human body benefits from the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, but it cannot produce them itself so they have to be externally sourced in food, usually as an oil. Fish are a good source of omega-3, but concerns about over-fishing, high fish prices and toxins in fish meant there was a need for a plant-based alternative. Flaxseed does contain a form of omega-3 fatty acid, but it is inefficient to convert. “What we did with NIAB was to take a plant which at one point was a common weed in the UK and, through breeding, allowed it to deliver higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids which were easier for the body to convert. “We are now at the stage of planting limited commercial acreages with a group of dedicated UK growers.” The US Food and Drug Administration has also just
Crops included in the three crop diversification rule ELIGIBLE crops are split into two main categories – ‘a’ crops and ‘b’ crops (which include sub categories Brassicaceae, Solanaceae and Cucurbitacae). r‘a’ crops Barley, basil, beet, borage, buckwheat, canary seed, carrot, celery, chicory, daffodil, dill, evening primrose, fennel, fenugreek, field beans, green beans, hemp, lentils, lettuce, linseeds, maize, ,millet, oats, onions, oregano, parsley, peas, poppy, quinoa, rye, sage, soya, spinach, strawberry, sunflower, sweet potato, confirmed ahiflower’s ‘Generally Regarded As Safe’ status, meaning the oil can be sold in America. Technology Crops is expecting ahiflower to be used in omega-3, -6 and -9 dietary supplements; dairy and alternative dairy beverages – including omega-enhanced smoothies and omega-rich oils and spreads. At the moment crops such as ahiflower may offer opportunities to a limited number of
thyme, triticale, tulip, wheat, yam r‘b’ crops Brassicaceae Brown mustard, cabbage, horseradish, mustard, radish, rapeseed, rocket, turnip, watercress Solanaceae Tobacco potato, tomato, aubergine, pepper, chilli, tree chilli Cucurbitacae Squash, Japanese pie squash, siam, pumpkin, banana squash, butternut squash, watermelon, cucumber melon growers, but Mr Padbury believes over time the increasing number of niche crops plus demand for new uses will see greater planted areas. “We see this with high erucic acid rape which now accounts for about 5% of the rape area and commands a premium of about £50/tonne,” he says. Growing novel crops does mean changes, according to Mr Padbury. For one, growers will often need to sacrifice yield X
Naked oats may only deliver 80% of the yield of a conventional oat variety, but can command 150% of the price.
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p18 19 20 Biz TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:23 Page 3
BUSINESS FEATURE for value. He gives the example of naked oats which may only deliver 80% of the yield of a conventional oat variety, but can command 150% of the price. Rotations may also be affected, with some similar conventional crops banned or restricted for fear of contaminating the novel crop. Time and money may also be needed to segregate fields growing novel crops and stores storing them. But in addition to the extra costs of growing novel crops, there may also be some knock-on agronomic benefits. Reduce burden Many novel crops are spring planted, which can reduce the autumn planting burden and allow growers to tackle weeds or disease. Some crops have a direct agronomic benefit too. Ahiflower is not attractive to flea beetles or slugs, while a growing number of farmers are looking at planting borage as an alternative oil crop to give ground a break to help control black-grass. The borage area may increase by 30% this year. There is also a growing trend to plant novel crops for their agronomic rather than their commercial benefits. Specialist plant breeder Senova is working with Cygnet Potato Breeders to develop a range of biofumigants, largely based on brassicas such as oil radish and white mustard. These contain high levels of glucosinolates, which when the plant is ploughed and bro-
ken down in the soil produce phytochemicals which can control soil-borne pests and diseases. The economics of commercial novel crops depend on having an end market. But how do the costings of some more unusual crops stack up? What better place to look than the 2015 John Nix Farm Management Pocketbook? Using Nix’s costings, a range of novel crops do compare favourably with winter feed wheat, which averages a gross margin of £636/ha. Borage and poppies top the gross margin list, while naked oats, hemp and durum wheat also perform well. However, millet does not reach the same margin as feed wheat, neither do lupins (£369/ha) or linseed (winter at £347/ha and spring at £272/ha) which are not in the table (see below). However, many speciality crops do stack up against other spring crops as spring wheat has a gross margin of £497/ha, spring barley £526/ha and spring oilseed rape is £237/ha. Nix quotes a winter oilseed rape gross margin of £462/ha. What is noticeable is while seed costs are higher than for wheat (not surprising given the much greater availability of wheat seed) fertiliser and spray costs are markedly lower. These figures will not prompt a wholesale move away from wheat and oilseed rape to the growing of novel crops, but they may give
Key considerations when growing novel crops rAlways have a secured end use, either a contract, a commitment to buy or your own processing use rMost novel crops come with strict growing protocols. Understand them and explore whether they will work on your farm rExplore the knock-on agronomic benefits a crop
Ahiflower produces an oil rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
growers who are looking to diversify their crop production some food for thought.
Costings for novel crops from 2015 John Nix Farm Management Pocketbook
Feed wheat
Yield t/ha 8.4 Output £/ha 1,134 Seed £/ha 58 Fertiliser £/ha 207 Sprays £/ha 233 Total variable cost 498 Gross margin £/ha 636 Source: www.thepocketbook.biz
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
Naked oats 5.5 1,007 60 126 100 286 721
may have as well as its commercial benefits rEnsure your soil types and systems are suitable for the crop rEnsure the crop can be segregated in the field and the store rUnderstand the restrictions or benefits the crop may have on your rotations
Borage 0.4 1,320 153 98 40 291 1,029
Durum wheat 6.2 1,147 95 176 145 350 797
Hemp 7.5 1,200 135 175 20 443 757
We could see the countryside becoming a more colourful and interesting place.
Millet 3 705 100 110 60 270 435
Poppy N/A 1,180 0 169 170 339 841
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Proline275 - proven disease control at T1 Proline275 is a registered trademark of Bayer and contains prothioconazole. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. Pay attention to the risk indications and follow the safety precautions on the label. For further information, please visit www.bayercropscience.co.uk or call Bayer Assist on 0845 6092266 / 01223 226644. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2015. *Average of four independent trials in 2014.
AF Feb p22 Symes TR EP _Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:00 Page 1
TALKING AGRONOMY
SARAH Symes
Reassessing and replanning There is extremely high light leaf spot pressure forecast, so fungicide protection will need to be considered this month
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e have now had several months of no field activity on many farms with heavier ground as it has been too wet to travel. These long, wet autumns and winters seem to be a frequent occurrence and in future some farms may need to plan allowing for every operation to be completed by mid-October. We have begun to reassess and plan new recommendations for those farms with outstanding work left over from the autumn. Fortunately, most crops are looking well despite sitting in wet conditions for so long, and I guess the mild conditions have allowed good growth. Black-grass and brome control in cereals will be carried out when the soils have warmed up, crops and weeds begin to grow away and we will wait for warm, sunny weather to aid uptake and efficacy. However, we are aware Atlantis (iodosulfuron + mesosulfuron) applications have been working less well in recent years due to resistance and we did increase the cultural control and residual load back in autumn, so at least we have much lower populations to deal with now. We will be monitoring even more closely the results this season. Any broadleaf weeds which have come through this application will be mopped later in spring. Oilseed rape crops have been opened up by frosts and some loss of leaves over winter. Propyzamide (Kerb/Cohort) applications are working well and the swelling of the stem bases is now easy to see. Where propyzamide has not been able to be applied, recommendations will switch to carbetamide (Crawler), which must go on by the end of February. Please be careful with this active as it is more water soluble than propyzamide and drains are flowing, so ideally you require at least 48 hours of dry weather after application to allow the herbicide to bind to soil. Winter beans crops which did not get a pre-emergence herbicide will also receive a recommendation for Crawler now. Returning to OSR; there is extremely high
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
light leaf spot pressure forecast, so fungicide protection will need to be considered this month. The wet and cool winter weather will have been ideal for its development, so a prothioconazole or tebuconazole application will be required. Application rates of tebuconazole may be increased to give additional growth regulation if necessary. Charlock populations are yet to succumb to frost kill so Fox (bifenox) applications (under EAMU approvals) could also be needed. Fertiliser applications to OSR crops will begin from now onwards and we will be taking green leaf area measurements to assess crop needs. Sowings Spring barley sowings will begin shortly on the chalk and lighter soils as soon as good seedbeds can be made; there is no point trying to force drilling for spring crops as they need to be able to get up and going straight away. If black-grass is an issue a pre-em half-rate Liberator (diflufenican + flufenacet) or Crystal (flufenacet + pendimethalin) will be planned under EAMU approvals. Winter barley crops have turned their usual winter yellow colour and so when growing conditions arrive, some early spring nitrogen would help them to grow away. There will be similar recommendations for any wheat crops where tillering needs some encouragement. We are into the season of conferences and technical briefings which are highlighting, as we expected, the issues of weed and disease resistance problems we will be facing this spring. The changes in septoria susceptibility will give us the most challenges in our wetter part of the country. Therefore, our plans for the coming season are likely to include more frequent applications and an even greater use of chlorothalonil-based products. A dry spell in early spring would be welcome to reduce disease pressure.
Agronomist facts
rSarah Symes is an independent agronomist working with the Hampshire Arable Systems partnership. Based in Hampshire, she advises clients growing cereals, oilseed rape and pulses
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AF Feb p24 Buchanan TR EP _Layout 1 20/01/2015 18:29 Page 1
TALKING AGRONOMY
NEIL Buchanan Time for strategy and planning
The benefits of good timeliness and correct application must never be undervalued
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nother new year always seems to bring a fresh set of challenges. The Single Farm Payment is no more and we now have to understand and comply with a raft of new measures which underpin the new Basic Payment Scheme. Online registration issues are already causing concern and adherence to crop diversification and Ecological Focus Area requirements will provide many pitfalls for the unwary. Check and double check, as unnecessary fines will be most unwelcome, particularly in our current economic climate. In an industry already beleaguered with weak worldwide commodity prices, I was somewhat dismayed to read we need to up our game. The recent OFC report suggests we are starting to lag behind some of our overseas competitors. I have always believed we in the UK are good farmers and I still hold that view. But maybe we have lost our edge in the management of our businesses. Increased competition will drive us all to seek improvements, but it is only the correct use of appropriate management tools which will tell us where to concentrate our efforts. For agronomy to become more effective, integration with this crucial side of our industry must be a key aim. Knowledge transfer has also been highlighted as an area with scope for improvement and I have to agree, and accept, some of the blame lies within my sector. We have some cracking scientific brains in this country and the work they do is world class, but key findings are not always communicated to the grower in plain, practical English. Highly relevant conclusions of good research are getting lost or diluted before they reach
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
the growers who need to put them into practice. It is an area in which all agronomists should become more proactive. The long-term contentious issue of genetically modified crops looks set to return centre stage this month. By the time you read this, it is likely the EU will have ratified a proposal to allow member states to implement their own decisions on this topic. Those which oppose will effect a ban, but will no longer stand in the way of those who wish to proceed, and it seems probable Westminster will embrace this technology. The debates will resume, but I suspect they will become more sophisticated and the stance from many environmentalists will perhaps be more conciliatory. I am sure 20 years of deadlock and bitter wrangling has stimulated conventional plant breeding to progress and develop much faster than might otherwise have been expected. Meetings Fieldwork at this time of year does not take up too much of my time, which is allocated more towards strategy and planning for the forthcoming spring. Meetings galore help me keep upto-speed with the latest thinking on new developments and technology. NRoSO topical updates are also under way, primarily for sprayer operators. These key people are a vitally important part of the agronomy chain. The benefits of good timeliness and correct application must never be undervalued. We also need to remember grandfather rights on PA1/PA2 cease to be legal this November. There are plenty of first class operators out there working under this exemption, but without that all important piece of paper protocol compliance will cease abruptly. I think I need to get some courses organised before spring kicks off.
Agronomist facts
rNeil Buchanan is an Agrovista agronomist based in Shropshire. He advises clients across the West Midlands, growing cereals, oilseed rape, pulses and potatoes
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AF Feb p26 Patchett TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 18:31 Page 1
TALKING AGRONOMY
SAM Patchett
As soon as we can travel, our first job in the wheats will be a good grass-weed tidy up
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Planning to be flexible
t is only mid-January and there is plenty enough winter still to come. However, this season is already bearing an uncanny resemblance to last time around. For the most part, our crops are well established and forward after another especially ‘growy’ autumn and early winter. The bulk of our ground remains so wet the prospect of much in the way of early fieldwork remains decidedly remote. And we’re seeing a clear build up of the septoria which caused us so many problems last year. Thankfully, December brought us some muchneeded cold. The latest Met Office figures for northern England show 11 days of air frost in the month against just three in 2013. Even so, every time we look like getting a decent cold snap, the mild weather seems to roll back in to nip it in the bud. Unlike last year, we have yet to see much in the way of rust development. January scoring of the Bishop Burton wheat plots in our National Cereal Disease Survey shows 26 of our 39 monitored varieties carrying worrying levels of septoria and 22 with significant mildew. Early action again looks like being critical to prevent the former, in particular, doing some serious damage. Having said that, the vagaries of the weather these days mean our main plan for the coming season is to stay flexible. With the marked differences we’ve seen in disease development and recorded in fungicide responses between varieties in recent years, we’ll be doing this very much on an individual variety basis too. We’ll be basing most of our T0s on the multi-site activity of folpet, using chlorothalonil as an alternative
I
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
in some cases and adding a low dose of triazole where particular rust protection is required. It all depends on the level of risk. Although the variety mix my clients have is stronger in the standing department than it was last year, we’ll be taking advantage of the T0 to go in with an early PGR in a split regime. Early PGRs have been particularly valuable for us in encouraging more backward crops to root and tiller. As soon as we can travel, our first job in the wheats will be a good grass-weed tidy up. We’ve been pleased with our autumn weed control in general, but the early winter weather really got in the way of post-em spraying. Fertiliser dressing Then we’ll be looking to kick-off our fertiliser dressing with an N:S compound from early March, before starting the fungicide programme later in the month. Alongside this, of course, we’ll be moving rapidly into our OSR fieldwork. If we don’t get enough cold to knock them back, once again early nitrogen certainly won’t be a priority for most of our crops, although we’ll be keen to get enough sulphur applied ahead of stem extension. High levels of phoma resistance in most of our OSR varieties allowed us to delay their autumn fungicides so we could better target light leaf spot. This has proved very effective in keeping both diseases at bay. Again, as well as the weather, we’ll be finetuning the precise mix and timing to the variety and crop condition. Just like the wheat, we’ll be using the spring fungicide to keep on top of micro-nutrition, with big plants likely to have a high demand for boron and molybdenum, in particular.
Agronomist facts
rSam Patchett is an Agrii agronomist based in Yorkshire. He provides agronomy, crop nutrition and seed services to clients growing cereals, oilseed rape, maize and fodder beet across West and South Yorkshire and also helps run Agrii’s Brotherton R&D site near Selby
Kuhn WP_Kuhn WP 23/01/2015 15:28 Page 1
AF Feb p28 Talking Roots TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 18:33 Page 1
TALKING AGRONOMY ROOTS
DARRYL Shailes
Time to catch up with new developments
If the skills of breeders can increase dormancy in new varieties, the stored crop will then have less reliance on in-store treatments
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erhaps a little belated, but may I wish you all a happy New Year. As I write, the milder autumn conditions have been replaced with a January wintry blast, some snow and heavy rain, so perhaps being involved with meetings at this time of year is the best place to be. This is the conference and training season and it is important everyone in the industry puts time aside to get fully familiar with new developments, especially those regarding stewardship issues which could affect the continued viability of potato production in the UK. We have just held our annual Hutchinsons internal potato conference, where we had a mix of internal and external speakers and about 50 agronomists in attendance. The speakers covered a broad range of topics and addressed subjects of significance to all of us involved with the production of quality potatoes. Peter Hewett and Bill Lankford, from KWS, spoke about the company’s potato breeding programme. They had some good data about their new varieties in terms of effective potato cyst nematode (PCN) control. Two varieties stood out as they showed excellent resistance and tolerance to pallida and rostochiensis, these being Eurostar, a white variety for pre-packing and processing, and Camel, an attractive red pre-pack variety. Mr Lankford stressed the need to maintain nematicide use to protect genetic resistance when growing these new varieties. Those who remember Maris Piper’s introduction in the 1970s will recall it was the failure to protect the inherent genetic resistance which led to the explosion of pallida a few years later. As an industry, we cannot afford this lesson to be ignored. One of the
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
biggest hurdles for getting these new varieties widely grown is acceptance by packers and processors and KWS is working hard on this. All of the PCN experts agreed resistant varieties were an essential part of long-term PCN management, so we must all work to ensure these and other resistant varieties can be grown and sold. Dormancy A further goal for the KWS breeding programme is increased dormancy, which is an important trait. If the skills of breeders can increase dormancy in new varieties, the stored crop will then have less reliance on in-store treatments so should require fewer inputs. In the meantime, CIPC must be managed effectively to both preserve efficacy and minimise any residues in the stored tubers. Adrian Briddon from the Potato Council said most issues with CIPC had arisen in box stores with overhead throw fan systems. He advised growers and store managers to be careful when assessing airflow in stores prior to gassing potatoes with CIPC to ensure there are no underor over-dosed areas. Laurence Power, of DuPont, covered the Nematicide Stewardship Programme. DuPont and the other nematicide manufacturers have worked together to ensure industry manages these important crop protection materials effectively, to preserve performance and minimise environmental impact. Simon Leak, of Belchim, spoke about the company’s new potato herbicide metobromuron, which has just gained approval as Praxim (MAPP 16871). Through the Hutchinsons trials and research programme, we have conducted a lot of work looking at this new material and I expect it will be a useful addition to our weed control armoury in potatoes.
Agronomist facts
rDarryl Shailes is root crop technical manager for Hutchinsons, with a nationwide remit. He has been working in potato agronomy for more than 20 years
AF Feb p29 30 31 32 Spring Weed TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:20 Page 1
SPRING WEED CONTROL FEATURE
With a significant increase in the spring cropping acreage expected for harvest this year, Teresa Rush asked the experts for their views on weed control in the key spring crops.
Seedbed conditions vital to spring weed control
his spring will see an increase in the acreage of spring crops drilled, with the HGCA early bird survey forecasting a 9% increase in spring barley plantings and trade sources putting the spring pulse area up by as much as 30% on 2014, as growers adjust rotations to comply with the three crop rule or take action against black-grass. Spring beans, barley and wheat are proving to be the most popular spring crop options among ProCam technical manager Nick Myers’ clients. But while spring crops are a key component in a black-grass control strategy, at least two consecutive years of spring cropping will be needed before there is any significant impact on black-grass levels. “A single spring crop won’t reduce the seedbank but spring-emerging black-grass does tend to be less fit.� Commenting on spring cropping and the three crop rule, he adds: “There is no doubt in terms of competitiveness, if you are looking for optimum effect on black-grass, then spring barley is the best option. But in terms of rotation, having a small area of spring wheat keeps it a lot simpler.�
T
Any over-winter flushes of black-grass should be sprayed off before spring crops are drilled, as thereafter herbicide options are relatively limited, he adds. “In spring barley, where there are grass-weed issues, there are some – but limited – residual options, including Avadex, prosulfocarb and pendimethalin.�
Broad-leaved weeds For broad-leaved weed control there is fluroxypyr plus the sulfonylureas, although there are some issues with developing resistance and advice, as ever, is to use a mix of herbicide active ingredients. “We have had a few questions over some of the SU herbicides. Have people been cutting the rates too much? In 2011 for example, when we had very dry conditions, weeds were waxy and tough and were difficult to control. “We’ve got enough flexibility with the products available and the timings, but in particular if you are delayed, make sure you are putting on the right dose; there may be an need to re-evaluate.� The weather may well have an influence on broad-leaved weed populations. X
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p29 30 31 32 Spring Weed TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:20 Page 2
FEATURE SPRING WEED CONTROL “As a rule of thumb, if we have a cold winter, we will have a higher flush of polygonums,” says Mr Myers. But whether it has been cold enough to prompt a flush remains to be seen. In spring beans, the important thing is to take advantage of pre-emergence residual herbicide options, he adds. “In cereals the pre-em decision is largely going to be driven by the grass-weed risk, but I would say a pre-emergence herbicide is definitely needed in spring beans.” Options include prosulfocarb (Defy), pendimethalin, imazamox + pendimethalin (Nirvana) linuron or linuron + clomazone (Linzone). “Post-em options for broadleaved weed control in spring beans are very limited – essentially to bentazone.” Zantra technical manager Chris Bean says as the spring drilling season gets under way, one of the key considerations is to try and ensure there is not a big flush of black-grass after the crop has emerged. Cultivations ahead of spring crops may have started back in autumn and early flushes of black-grass may have already been sprayed off with glyphosate. But it is worth considering, ahead of drilling a spring crop, whether the absence of grass-weeds is the result of control or the fact they have not yet germinated, he says. “One of the problems with
Chris Bean
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Spring barley is the most competitive among spring crops against black-grass, says ProCam’s Nick Myers.
spring crops is the lack of options for black-grass control. The emphasis must be on producing a good seedbed and getting a flush of black-grass and burning it off,” he says. “The soil types where we have bad black-grass problems and left to spring cropping tend to be the heavier, stickier ones, which are not best suited to spring seedbeds. Some growers have cultivated in the autumn hoping to get a frost tilth and at the moment they’ve got a slurry. “It is concerning that as a result some spring crops may not be as challenging to weed populations as they could be.” Good seedbeds and availability of moisture are essential to the success of weed control in spring crops, he says. In spring beans pre-emergence residual materials underpin herbicide programmes. Options include straight pendimethalin (PDM), PDM + clomazone or PDM + imazamox for a little more grass-weed activity plus activity on volunteer oilseed rape and other brassica weeds. “There are no cheap options in terms of weed control in spring beans,” says Mr Bean.
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
“The only broad-leaved weed option you’ve got post-emergence is bentazone, which is expensive, very weather dependent, very weed species dependent and very much operator dependent. Some can make it work, others struggle.”
Seedbed conditions There are, in theory at least, a few more agchem options for use in spring barley and spring wheat, but once again seedbed conditions will be very much the driver. “Any sort of residual activity will depend on the availability of moisture, lack of which can be a bugbear with spring cropping.” Pre-emergence residual options in spring wheat and barley include Avadex (triallate) and pendimethalin either straight or in mixture, some of which can be applied early postemergence – Picona (PDM + picolinafen) being an example. “Another option is PDM + Hurricane [diflufenican/DFF], pre or early post-emergence. Again you will drag in broadleaved weeds and some additional effect on blackgrass,” says Mr Bean. “If you are chasing blackgrass you are quite dependent
on control with residuals, largely because the contact materials we’ve got – Axial and Foxtrot for example – are okay, but they are not particularly good on the populations of black-grass we’ve got. “In spring barley, keep the seed rate up to about 400 seeds/sq.m and aim for a good smothering effect.” Crystal (PDM + flufenacet) and Liberator (DFF + flufenacet) have EAMUs for use in spring barley. “But in a drying spring cereal seedbed, flufenacet will be on the edge of its potential for good activity,” says Mr Bean. For those unaccustomed to growing spring crops, there are some weed species of which to be particularly aware. “Polygonums can be a nightmare in spring cereals; a dose of PDM early will make a world of difference or a DuPont-type sulfonylurea before they get too big,” he adds. For Frontier technical manager Stuart Hill, successful weed control in spring crops depends largely on getting it right with a pre-emergence residual herbicide – and that means getting seedbed conditions right.
AF Feb p29 30 31 32 Spring Weed TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:24 Page 3
SPRING WEED CONTROL FEATURE He urges growers to take the opportunity to control blackgrass, bromes and wild oats with glyphosate before drilling. “As black-grass breaks dormancy there may be a flush to burn off before you start cultivating in spring.” Looking to the agchem toolbox for spring beans, which with plant populations of 35-45 plants/sq.m are not a particularly competitive crop, there is the potential to use Avadex for pre-emergence, residual black-grass control. “After that we are into pendimethalin, with clomazone in Nirvana; linuron in Afalon or linuron + clomazone in Linzone. Light land “If there are high levels of cleavers or shepherd’s purse you will need to include Cirrus and perhaps a half dose of Nirvana,” says Mr Hill. “On lighter land, where mayweed, chickweed, nettle and annual meadow-grass may be the target, Nirvana + Afalon would be an option. “Pendimethalin is good on its own right on annual meadowgrass, chickweed and poppies. Cranesbill seems to be becoming more of a problem but there is an opportunity to use Defy mixes, which will give some additional activity against it. ‘We need to get the pre-em right because the only real option post-em is Basagran, which is high cost and needs the right conditions,” says Mr Hill. It may be worth considering use of adjuvant C-Cure, which
As black-grass breaks dormancy there may be a flush to spray off Stuart Hill
“
Key messages rSpring barley most competitive against blackgrass rAim to spray off any emerged black-grass before drilling rPre-emergence, residual herbicides underpin chemical control approaches in spring beans and cereals rPost-emergence herbicide options in beans very limited can help to lock residual herbicides onto soil surface layers, he adds. The principles are similar for weed control in spring barley, with soil conditions once again critical to the success of weed control approaches. There is a wider range of chemical control options than found in spring beans, but a good pre-em or early post-em is ‘something to aim for’. A half dose (two litres/ha) of Crystal or Liberator pre-em or early post-em (1-2 leaf of the crop) will cover annual meadow-grass and broadleaved weeds and straight pendimethalin can be added in (600-800g/ha Anthem or Most Micro). Avadex is an option where there are difficult-to-control grass-weeds. “I think residual activity is going to be important. “You can use Axial but we probably want to do anything we can before that stage – get some Avadex, flufenacet and pendimethalin on – again it all comes down to seedbed quality.” According to Hutchinson’s technical manager Dick Neale, spring barley is one of the best crops for tackling even the worst herbicide-resistant blackgrass, but crop agronomy must be tailored to weed control X
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AF Feb p29 30 31 32 Spring Weed TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 09:24 Page 4
FEATURE SPRING WEED CONTROL from the outset. The crop can make a real difference to weed burden if managed correctly, says Mr Neale. Up to 98% black-grass control was achieved from growing spring barley in one commercial field at the firm’s blackgrass centre of excellence near Brampton, Cambridgeshire, last season. “Any spring crop gives you the option for extra stale seedbed control in the autumn and allows black-grass to germinate over the winter, but spring barley has the added advantage of being highly competitive and will have a massive competitive effect on springgerminating black-grass.” But any grower opting for spring cropping primarily to control black-grass must do all they can to get the best results, even if that means compromising on yield, he says. “It’s
worth taking a bit of short-term pain for the long-term benefits of reducing black-grass populations. “Spring barley is traditionally a light land crop, so growing it on heavier, moisture-retentive soils where black-grass is more of an issue means there has to be a change in agronomy if we’re to optimise weed control and deliver a commercial crop. Restricting soil disturbance to the top 50mm is key to controlling black-grass in any situation and spring barley is no exception, says Mr Neale. “Some people prefer to plough heavy land and leave it exposed to frosts over winter, but that can create significant challenges when trying to get on in the spring to create a seedbed. Minimum tillage does give a better chance of establishing a seedbed, but it is still not an ideal solution.”
Dick Neale
Black-grass flush If weather and soil conditions allow it can be useful to establish a flush of black-grass which is sprayed off prior to drilling barley in the spring. A single shallow pass with a stubble rake in early to mid-March will stimulate black-grass germination, and can be done quickly with a relatively light tractor. “If you do opt to do this
Cranesbill is becoming a difficult-to-control weed, says Stuart Hill.
though, you have to allow at least a month to ensure everything has germinated before spraying off with glyphosate. Drill too soon and you could end up with a lot of black-grass emerging within the crop, which has effectively been given a head start.” It may be more practical to go straight in with the drill as the first cultivation in the spring. “At least the black-grass and barley will start growing at the same time and the crop should be able to out-compete it.” Drilling should still be delayed until April, he advises, when warmer soil and air temperatures will favour more rapid establishment and growth. “If you’re on heavier land, droughting-out later in
Weather conditions may influence broad-leaved weed levels so be prepared to re-evaluate plans if necessary.
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
the spring is likely to be less of an issue.” Seed rates should be kept high where weed control is the priority, although exact rates will vary depending on seedbed conditions and timing. As a rough guide, he recommends rates of about 400 seeds/sq.m for mid-April sown crops, while earlier sowings (mid-March) may be nearer 325 seeds/sq.m. There are a number of preemergence herbicide options available in spring barley, but Mr Neale says flufenacet should form the backbone of any programme. “If you can present the chemistry with a low, stifled black-grass population, it’s possible to get good levels of control.” Lodging is one of the biggest challenges when growing spring barley for weed suppression and, says Mr Neale, extra care must be taken to manage this risk from the start. “Spring barley grown on light, sandy soil wouldn’t normally require a high PGR input. But if you’re growing it on heavier, moisture-retentive land don’t be frightened to commit to decent growth regulators, such as products based on trinexapacethyl or prohexadione calcium + mepiquat chloride at earlier growth stages with ethephon applied around flag leaf emergence.”
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AF Feb p34 36 37 38 39 40 Lamma TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:07 Page 1
MACHINERY LAMMA 2015
There were plenty of tractor developments to attract attention at Lamma, and among drills and cultivators, there were signs of a trend towards increasing flexibility and versatility. James Rickard, Jane Carley and Geoff Ashcroft report. Pictures by Marcello Garbagnoli and John Eveson.
Arable innovations on show at Lamma 2015 Kubota M7001 Series set to impress
Case IH Magnum Rowtrac
JSpeculation of a tracked Magnum has been rife for a long time, ever since Case IH showed a concept Magnum on West Track-made treads at Agritechnica 2007. Plans have now come to fruition as the firm showed what the finished article will look like. Of note is the half-track design. Many track configurations were looked into, says the manufacturer, including twin track designs, similar to Challenger and John Deere machines; four-track systems
which are steered by the two at the front; and also four-track concepts with a pivot point on the tractor between the cab and the engine. In the end, the firm settled on a half-track design with two tracks at the rear and two wheels at the front, giving the Magnum Rowtrac optimum traction and soil protection, says Case IH. Other updates to the Magnum series include cleaner and more powerful engines, as well as changes to styling and a few operator-friendly cab tweaks.
JTaking on the mantle of the firm’s flagship tractors, Kubota showed a new threemodel series, ranging from 130-170hp. Pitched as a versatile all-rounder, the new M7 Series includes the M7131, M7151 and the M7171, with power ratings relating to the last three figures of the model number. Power comes from the firm’s own 6.1-litre, four-cylinder
engines, meeting Stage 4 emissions regulations via a combination of selective catalytic reduction and exhaust gas recirculation. Courtesy of ZF, the M7 has a choice of two transmissions; its KVT continuously variable transmission or a 24 by 24 speed powershift, which has six ranges and four powershifts in each, allowing manual and automatic operation.
T-Series given a complete makeover in major Valtra launch
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JIn the most significant launch for the firm in 25 years, Valtra has given its T-Series a complete overhaul. This is the first Valtra tractor designed to meet the needs of people outside Scandinavia. With seven models ranging from 155-250hp, customers can
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
choose from four main variants; Direct, Versu, Active or HiTech. Direct is the top-spec machine with a continuously variable transmission and electrically operated hydraulics. While Versu and Active models share the same 20 by 20 (30 by 30 with creeper), five-
step powershift transmission, Versu machines get top-spec electrically operated hydraulics along with improved tractor set-up via a terminal. The Valtra T Series is available now with prices starting from £85,341 for the T144 Active model.
AF_02_P35_Layout 1 20/01/2015 19:23 Page 2
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AF Feb p34 36 37 38 39 40 Lamma TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:09 Page 2
MACHINERY LAMMA 2015
New Holland T8 updated
JMainly due to engine emission compliance, New Holland has updated models in its T8 tractor range. Meeting Stage 4 emission standards using the firm’s Hi-eSCR technology, the entire five-model range now gets more power, ranging from 320-435hp (maximum ratings). The upgrade includes a host of improvements to comfort and convenience, such as the Intelliview IV monitor, which is now standard and features
improved and easier set-up of tractor functions. A new multi-function handle has also been made more responsive, with less effort required to press the keys, now backlit for nighttime work. Also for night operation, there is the option of two LED lighting packages, increasing the intensity of lighting around the tractor, and with greater projected distance, says the manufacturer.
Scaip Warrior STX350 unveiled
JThis Scaip Warrior STX350 is the latest steel-tracked crawler available through Boston-based Robert Crawford and Son. The Italian-built machine is one of a four-model range which extends from 150-350hp. Power for the range-topping STX350 comes from a Caterpillar C9 Acert engine, and it is put to use by a twin-range hydrostatic transmission using
Rexroth hydraulic components. Running gear includes a Berco track system, offering low maintenance through its sealed, lubricated design. Chamfered track edges are said to keep surface disturbance to a minimum, while a Cat IV three-point linkage and 1,000rpm pto are said to offer versatility with a variety of implements.
McCormick reveals VT Drive – its first CVT tractor JMcCormick used Lamma to reveal its first continuously variable transmission tractor. Called VT Drive, the transmission was shown fitted
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to an X7.460 tractor, but can be specified on four- and six-cylinder X7 tractors with the exception of the X7.680 model.
The Terramatic transmission, developed by ZF, offers stepless drive from 50 metres per hour to 50kph. Operated using software
and a control mechanism developed by McCormick manufacturer Argo Tractors, the transmission offers modes for field and transport duties.
of telehandlers with the 560-80 Agri Plus, aimed at the rehandling market. The company says customers who may previously have used a loading shovel, such as AD site operators moving maize, can take advantage of the telehandler’s eight-metre reach and six-tonne capacity. A Z-bar linkage gives a high break-out force for fast
dump angle, says JCB. Powered by a 145hp JCB Ecomax engine, the 560-80 Agri Plus can be specified with a 5cu.m bucket. A low profile variant of the mid-range 536-70 has also been introduced, joining an expanding choice of low roof models, but offering extra capacity, with 3.6 tonnes lift and a reach of 7m.
JImproved performance and simpler tractor set-up is promised by McCormick for its new Data Screen Manager terminal. The terminal, available as an option for X7 Pro Drive tractors, is a control and information centre. It provides operation of IsoBus equipped implements, tractor functions and displays steering guidance.
JCB showcases 560-80 Agri Plus McCormick data screen manager bucket filling and improved JJCB has extended its range
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
AF Feb p34 36 37 38 39 40 Lamma TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 11:11 Page 3
LAMMA 2015 MACHINERY Powerful Manitou telehandler
JThe new MLT 1040, as the name suggests, has a lifting capacity of four tonnes and a 10-metre reach via a three-stage boom. Aimed squarely at the bulk handling market, power comes from a 137hp John Deere engine. Its five-speed, powershift transmission can be operated in both manual and automatic mode.
9R Series tweaked by John Deere
JComprising five wheeled machines and three tracked versions, John Deere has given its 9R tractor series a few tweaks. Along with cleaner engines, now using a combination of exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction to meet Stage 4 emissions levels,
Auto mode In auto mode, speed can be limited by pre-selecting the top gear, not allowing the transmission to go above that gear. Also in auto, you get torque lock-up in gears four and five, with a top speed of 40kph.
NEW
all models get 10hp extra to play with. Articulated wheeled machines range from 462-670hp (maximum power), while the twin track offering is from 517hp to 628hp (maximum power). For the 9570R, 9570RT and 9620R, these now get Cummins power.
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
37
AF Feb p34 36 37 38 39 40 Lamma TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 15:38 Page 4
MACHINERY LAMMA 2015
Deutz Agrovector 33.7 telehandler
Massey Ferguson MF7700
JMassey Ferguson offered a surprise preview of its MF7700 tractor range, to be officially launched at SIMA. Powered by Stage 4 engines, the models will supercede the MF7600, and offer several new features. With engines from 185-255hp (max) in the initial â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;large chassisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; release, power boost is available across the range, with engine power management on Dyna-4, Dyna-6 and
Dyna-VT transmission options. Recognising the popularity of continually variable transmissions in powerful tractors, the flagship MF7726 can now be specified with a Dyna-VT box for the first time. Other developments include a front-axle suspension and a dash with a larger screen taken from the MF8700 range. Small frame versions will be added later in the year.
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JDeutz has filled out its Agrovector telehandler range with the 33.7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a machine viewed as an entry-level seven-metre telehandler. Sitting below the range-topping 37.7, the new model offers a 3.3-tonne lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 7m. Powered by a Deutz TCD 3.6-litre engine, using a diesel oxidation catalyst, the Agrovec-
tor 33.7 is available in two power ratings. The 100hp version comes with a four-speed powershift transmission, and the 120hp model gets a six-speed powershift. Banked grease nipples simplify maintenance requirements, while features such as hydraulic coupler depressurisation, auto-reversing fan, boom float and security code add to the functionality. The Agrovector 33.7 is priced from ÂŁ63,000.
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
tion
AF Feb p34 36 37 38 39 40 Lamma TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 15:39 Page 5
LAMMA 2015 MACHINERY
Claydon Drills adds front press option to its Hybrid T range
JClaydon Drills introduced a new front press option for its Hybrid T trailed drill, available for both the six- and eightmetre versions. This, says the manufacturer, further increase the capabilities and versatility of the drill, which can sow directly into stubble, in min-till situations or on ploughed/cultivated land. Spencer Claydon, commercial director, says: “The front press option will be popular with large farmers who operate across a wide range of soils,
conditions and crops, because it means they can handle any situation with just one drill, significantly reducing their overall capital investment.” A key feature of the front press design is each wheel runs in front of a seeding tine and when operating on uncultivated land, the drill is able to accurately follow contours. On cultivated land, the wheels press the soil firmly ahead of drilling tines, rather than compacting and/or capping the surface as can happen
JFeaturing variable row width settings of between 450-750mm (18-30in), Maschio Gaspardo UK launched its
Maga eight-row precision drill. Price for the eight-row Maga with 900-litre fertiliser tank is £41,046 plus VAT.
on drills where press wheels are mounted at the rear and
follow the tines, says the manufacturer.
JClaydon has made a number of updates to the Trailed Hybrid drill, which is in full production for 2015. A new front press wheel section improves performance on cultivated or min-till seedbeds, but with the wheels lining up with the seeding units, still works in a strip-till system. Hydraulic depth control means working depth across the machine can all be adjusted from the front.
The electronics are now IsoBus compatible, allowing four different products to be controlled via individual channels when using the company’s Iso terminal, with variable rate capability and integrated cameras. Claydon Drills was also gauging customer reaction to new tool options – a low disturbance tine for blackgrass control and a front disc for use when spring drilling into cover crops.
Maschio Gaspardo Maga drill Claydon Drills Hybrid updates
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p34 36 37 38 39 40 Lamma TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 15:39 Page 6
MACHINERY LAMMA 2015 TWB Engineering OSR seeder
JDeveloped from TWB’s soil working components, the OSR seeder is purpose-designed for sowing rape. A front disc is followed by a low drift soil loosening leg which can work to 250mm, with a choice of disc or tine coulter with individual steel press wheel. A packer at the rear firms the seedbed.
Seed hoppers of the customer’s choice can be fitted, such as the Techneat Terracast shown, with the addition of liquid fertiliser and slug pellet applicators if required. As well as the 4.5-metre model, TWB has 3m and 4m rigid machines up to 6m, 12-leg versions. Working at 9-10kph, the 4.5m model is well matched
JA grain and fertiliser version of the AD-P Super has been developed by Amazone. Available with 2,000- and 2,500-litre hopper capacities, and in three- and four-metre
working widths, the power harrow drill combination gets a 50:50 split for its hopper. A grain and fertiliser AD-P Super adds about £9,000 to the cost of the grain-only version.
Next month
by a 360hp tracklayer and is priced at £32,000.
rSee next month's Arable Farming for more from Lamma 2015
Amazone AD-P Super showcased Edwards Farm Machinery drills JEdwards Farm Machinery has supplied precision vegetable seed drills from Agricola Italiana since 1998, but with an expanding range of seeding systems from the Padua-based manufacturer, it is gauging interest from growers of other crops. The six-row PK drill has 450mm spacings along the 2.55m toolbar, so is suitable for precision seeding of oilseed rape. It is fitted with fertiliser hoppers as standard. In a neat turnaround, the maize version with 750mm row spacing has recently been sold to a customer in the Vale of Evesham with special discs for sowing green beans. A new development for
vegetable growers is the SN2D1-200 drill, fitted with a soil loosening leg and twin disc to work in mulch seedbeds.
Spraying technology on top in Lamma Awards JThe Lamma 15 Innovation Awards, sponsored by Swedish Steel and organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association, were announced at the end of the first day of the show. Among the winners in the arable machinery categories were: rBest new product or innovation at Lamma 15: Winner, Horsch UK’s Leeb BoomControl Pro
40
Horsch UK’s Leeb BoomControl Pro won two of the awards this year.
rBest new product or innovation (mechanical, crop production equipment): Winner, Horsch UK’s Leeb BoomControl Pro; Certificate
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
of merit, Shanks Engineering’s Farmhitch automatic hitching system rBest new product or innovation (technological):
Certificate of merit, Cultivating Solution’s touchscreen controller for Titan cultivator rBest new product or innovation (environmental, The IAgrE Ivel Award): Winner, Trelleborg Wheel Systems Progressive traction technology agricultural tyres; Certificate of merit, Vicon Kverneland Group’s iXclean Pro automatic rinsing system for Vicon Sprayers D. and H. Group’s biobeds and biofilters.
AF Feb p41 42 43 UAVs TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 16:16 Page 1
TECHNOLOGY FEATURE
Like their counterparts in Europe, farmers in the US see potential for the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in their businesses. But a ban on the use of drones for commercial purposes is stopping any further development of the technology in agriculture from quite literally, getting off the ground. John Wilkes reports.
UAVs awaiting take-off in US agricultural sector he agricultural sector featured strongly at the UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Commercialisation Industry Conference held in Washington, DC, at the end of last year. As of June 13, 2014, crop research with UAVs at American universities became more complicated. Research must now have an aviation X
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Strict rules govern the use of UAVs in the United States, but some exemptions for commercial use have been granted.
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p41 42 43 UAVs TR EP_Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:35 Page 2
FEATURE TECHNOLOGY Current US FAA rules require drones must:
rBe kept below 121.92 metres (400ft) rRemain within half a mile of the pilot and always in visual line of sight
sector focus to be legal. On June 18, 2014, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) also stopped all UAV flights over agricultural land for economic purposes without operators first obtaining a ‘333 Exemption’ (Special Rules for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems). Prohibited Anyone can fly a UAV in the US as a ‘hobby’ but they are prohibited from using machines for the purposes of making management decisions. So, ‘viewing a field to determine whether crops need water when they are grown for personal enjoyment’ is permitted, but ‘determining whether crops grown as part of a commercial farming operation need to be irrigated’ is
rWeigh under 55lbs (25kg) rNot be flown within five miles of an airport rBe flown for no more than 30 minutes at a time
not permitted. If a UAV has gathered the data, decisions around agchem, fertiliser and pesticide applications are completely off the radar. Any commercial use qualifies UAVs as aircraft, subjecting those who employ them to more onerous caveats, via the FAA’s 333 Exemption, than hobbyist fliers. A qualified pilot, aided by a spotter, must fly the UAV, which itself must pass stringent Airworthiness Certification. Otherwise, both hobbyist and industry must respect other criteria set out for UAVs (see panel, above). Potential providers of equipment, services and software across a raft of sectors, including the oil industry, public services, meteorology, journalism, logistics and photography, gathered at the
conference to discuss the latest aerial observational technology. Overshadowing the discussions were the FAA rulings, which directly affect the development of UAVs in the commercial world. Penalties for regulation violations start with a US$10,000 (£6,600) fine and can lead to prison. Jim Williams, of the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, could give the conference few answers and little hope of any imminent regulatory movement by the FAA. The US Government’s lack of funding for the FAA might go some way to explaining its limited ability to research areas of concern associated with the safe use of American airspace by this new and rapidly expanding technology. The FAA will publish rules for comment this year, followed by implementation. Until then crop scouting and use of Near Infra Red (NIR) technology on some of the 66 million hectares of US soybean and wheat will have to wait, if it is to be performed by UAVs.
The feeling at the conference was implementation might not happen until 2016, so too late for the 2015 cropping year. In fact, 2017 would now seem a more realistic target for all concerned. For those companies keen to develop and apply technology to large swathes of America’s farming acreage, which comprises 40% of all US land, the sense of disquiet at the conference was palpable. Factoring in currently only 5% of American crop farmers are using technology to make management decisions illustrates the size of the potential market. Much of the frustration in the room was voiced by fourth generation Idaho grain farmer and precision agriculture and UAV pioneer Robert Blair, who spoke plainly and with purpose about his industry and its challenges. Strides He highlighted the strides in precision farming taking place on large-scale South American and Australian arable operations as well as in the UK, all unhindered by
US farmers are concerned Federal Aviation Authority rules limiting the commercial use of drones could damage their competitiveness in global markets.
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
AF Feb p41 42 43 UAVs TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 13:05 Page 3
TeCHNoLoGY FeATURe excessive bureaucracy. There was a need for the US to up its game and maximise resources to keep parity and compete globally, he said. The US did not even rank in the UAV ‘friendly skies’ statistics – Brazil gets a 5/5 rating, Australia 4/5 and it is 3/5 in the UK, according to Mr Blair. Yet despite the inertia, some companies are forging ahead, but with focus now shifting onto the gathered data – rather than its sourcing solely via UAVs. Phil Ellerbroek, global sales director with RoboFlight, based in Greenwood, Colorado, told the conference following this legislative setback, his company was now looking at manned flights in small light aircraft to gather images and data. Fewer constraints are placed on flight times and altitude, which may lower the cost per hectare for scouting and remote sensing for farm co-ops and neighbouring farmers using an aircraft for a few hours. Figures of about US$4-$10/acre (£6£16/ha) for mapping/scouting were bandied around, although price would depend on individual locations and likely yields, he said. Gathered imaging and data was turned round quickly, normally within 24 hours, into the shape files which formed the basis of field prescriptions for
The more technology and software analysis which develops, the more time we will save exponentially Mike Hopke
“
Case study: Robert Blair, Three Canyons Ranch, Idaho
RobeRT blair started down the precision agriculture route at the 526ha Three Canyons Ranch in Kendrick, Idaho, in 2003. This led to his pioneering UAV experimentation in 2006, and to him becoming International Precision Farmer of the Year in 2009. Scholarships followed, allowing for studies across the world. A passionate advocate of the technology, he says: “In 2004, I took a flight over my land, and it just all made sense – the ability to actually see the crop and areas of stress in real-time – it was a no-brainer.” Use of UAVs took precision agriculture to a new level on the farm. being able to stitch multiple-imagery together and then overlay yield mapping with NIR imagery opened up many agronomist’s crop recommendations. These files were fully compatible with most US farm management solutions, including Trimble’s Farm Works, Ag Leader’s SMS and SST’s Summit software. Mr Ellerbroek cited an early piece of work: “We had two fields of 17ha side by side. On the first field we used a traditional agronomist prescription for flat rate application, on the second we used remote sensing and created a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index map and cross-referenced that, to 12 soil samples and generated a prescription from that leading to a 30% nitrogen reduction and an $18/acre saving.” Up in Madison, Wisconsin, Mike Hopke is an agronomy territory account manager with Landmark Services, a 15,000-member farmer cooperative servicing Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. He is one of 30 agronomists responsible for about 364,000ha of corn, soybean, wheat and
more possibilities. on a purely practical level, while deep canyons split the farm, fields an hour’s tractor ride away are actually very close – in a straight line. “Using UAVs, the journey to start scouting those crops takes me a couple of minutes,” says Mr blair.
Tight controls This all contributes to tight controls on inputs. Three Canyon’s three-year rotation of hard and soft winter/spring wheat, followed by malting barley or spring wheat with a legume break crop – marrowfat peas, lentils or garbanzo beans (chick peas) – afford a rolling yield average for wheat of 100 bushels/acre (6.7t/ha). alfalfa. Harvest year 2014 was a good one in Wisconsin: corn yielded to 18t/ha; the wheat crop also came in better than expected at 5.3–6.7t/ha and soybean was up to 3.7t/ha. Landmark has been employing UAVs for the past couple of years, on a no-charge basis to its customers, as part of their agronomy service. It credits a good growing season and assistance from this new technology for improved yields. Visual image It does not use software for data analysis, but relies on visual image assessment to assess crops before following up with inspection conventionally on the ground. Even so, weed outbreaks, crop emergence patterns, insect attack and drought stress can be flagged up and responded to more quickly than before. The clarity obtainable from low-flying UAV imagery post-crop emergence enabled weeds species
Weed control has been a significant beneficiary from aerial surveillance. Identification of wild oats and goat grass allows hand rogueing, while perennials such as Canadian thistle and morning glory can be spot treated with herbicide. The impact of crop damage from the local elk population can also be monitored easily during the growing season. Issues with claims under the federal farm crop insurance scheme are greatly simplified, with relevant evidence obtained from the air when, for example, severe weather conditions make on-land assessment difficult. Federal crop insurance is now applicable for 89% of all insurable farmland in the US. identification and assisted herbicide selection, Mr Hopke said. Landmark is just one of many US agronomy businesses looking to expand its services, but will not do so until there is more clarity from the authorities. “The more technology and software analysis which develops, the more time we will save exponentially, but for now we are not investing.” As the range of potential benefits for America’s farmers from UAV technology continues to grow, the agricultural industry needs someone with a seat at the administrative high table, such as Robert Blair, for farming’s voice to be heard loud and clear. UAV use needs expediting, unhindered by unrealistic, onerous regulation; otherwise America is going to be left trailing behind crop-producing powerhouse nations which have embraced this new and innovative technology.
FebRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p44 45 46 Precision Farming TR EP _Layout 1 20/01/2015 13:12 Page 1
FEATURE PRECISION FARMING
Automatic depth control for implements could be the next big step in precision farming. The Titan T600 is currently the only cultivator to offer this innovative technology. Geoff Ashcroft takes a closer look.
Precision approach to working soils at depth he Titan T600 cultivator, equipped with Soyl’s automatic depth control, suggests precision farming technology is about to make its next step forward. By matching tine depth to soil type, sub-surface cultivations can be automatically adjusted to allow treatment of those areas of a field which need it most. The key is to control the cultivator’s depth using GPS, while following a cultivation treatment plan loaded into the control box. David Whattoff, Soyl’s technical manager, says: “Why carry out sub-surface cultivations to the entire field, when only areas of it might need the full depth of tines? “For example, dry clay soils
T
are naturally strong and often require working to a shallower depth than weaker, sandy soils. So cultivating both types at the same depth is inefficient and expensive. “Experience has shown many growers work deeper than necessary to cultivate soils, which simply drives up the cost of cultivation and in many cases can reduce the effectiveness of deep loosening. Quite simply, you could be paying to re-compact your own soils. And going too shallow is simply wasting resources.” Electro-conductivity Cultivation treatment plans are developed from electroconductivity (EC) scans. For existing Soyl customers who have already had fields EC scanned for variable rate seeding plans, this saves on
the cost of field scanning. Importantly, it provides a base map onto which a cultivation treatment plan can be developed. “The map and its values simply enable a cultivation plan to be developed, using electro-conductivity figures as the upper and lower depth control points for the cultivator,” explains Mr Whattoff. While the same map could be used each season, he recommends growers revisit each field map on a seasonby-season basis. By assessing its values in relation to compacted areas the working depth of the cultivator can be fine-tuned on the plan, according to the depth of compaction found. As the Titan’s legs will only extend to a depth of 300mm, he suggests using a spade and
Soyl’s automatic depth control process system is available on Cultivating Solutions’ Titan T600 cultivator.
44
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
The cultivator is capable of delivering a far better result across the entire field, as soil types vary David Whattoff
“
digging to 400mm to assess the soil profile. “Measure the depth of the compacted upper layer to where any crumb starts and you will have determined a maximum working depth for the legs in that particular soil type. “Then repeat the dig in an area where the soil type differs – you will soon notice a pattern which corresponds with the EC scan. “Then you can adjust the values on the treatment plan to vary the depth control before you load the plan into the control box.” Purpose-built Soyl and Cultivating Solutions have been working together to help bring Soyl’s auto depth control process to the market with a purposebuilt implement. It may be recalled the process was pioneered by Soyl using a simple sub-soiler to establish the working principle.
AF Feb p44 45 46 Precision Farming TR EP _Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:09 Page 2
PRECISION FARMING FEATURE Auto depth control engineering JWith an operating weight of 10.3 tonnes, the trailed Titan T600 comes as standard with hydraulically-operated brakes. With its rear axle steered from a spool valve, the trailed implement needs no more space to manoeuvre than a small trailer, says its maker. Up front, land wheels on either side hold the machine’s frame at a constant height above the soil, while the implement can run on its 520mm pegged packer roller or transport wheels when making headland turns. Potentiometers located on Now available as an option on the Titan cultivator range, auto depth control has the ability to automatically vary the working depth of the cultivator’s low disturbance legs.
pins for the parallelogram frames are used to measure and monitor working depth, with a sophisticated in-cab control box using touch-screen technology taking care of auto depth management. Importantly, there is full manual override if needed. Cleverly, the touch-screen controller offers one-touch keys to move the Titan from transport to field mode, and vice versa. While the automatic depth control is currently operational only on the low disturbance legs, there is potential for
greater automatic control of cultivation elements throughout the implement. This could create endless possibilities in a controlled traffic environment, allowing the cultivator to follow a cultivation map which leaves permanent tramlines untouched but has the ability to remove combine wheelings, for example.
Importantly, the Soyl auto depth controller package has been developed to offer a progressive change in working depth, rather than an instant variation in depth as soil
types vary, Mr Whattoff says. “We wanted to avoid putting sudden and huge draft loads on the cultivator and tractor. So any changes in
Headland management Auto depth control also allows the Titan to benefit from a sophisticated headland management system. While the cultivator already offers a
headland management function to sequentially lift and lower the elements of the machine from one command, the auto depth system affords the inclusion of a false headland and auto raise/lower to avoid overlaps. While removing some of the guesswork on when to lift and lower, this could also save an extra pass around the headland of a field. Cultivating Solutions expects to offer auto depth control as an option on the other Titan models, including 3m, 4m, 8m and 10m models. working depth are progressive.” Field trials at Stamford, Lincolnshire, using an STX535 on the six-metre T600 cultivator found variable depth X
AF Feb p44 45 46 Precision Farming TR EP _Layout 1 20/01/2015 13:13 Page 3
FEATURE PRECISION FARMING
The Titan cultivator uses 500mm notched front discs followed by low disturbance legs, then two rows of 430mm discs.
The 6m T600 is the first in the range to feature automatic depth control.
A touch-screen in-cab control box allows for manual override.
trol delivered fuel savings of up to 20% in areas where the system automatically raised the legs from 200mm to just 160mm working depth. “It only takes an increase in cultivation depth of 50mm to almost double the draft forces, taking fuel consumption with it,” he adds. “This technology means cultivation strategies are no longer a blanket treatment, so fuel savings will come into play when auto depth control
Titan T600
rWorking width: 6m rPower requirement: From 60hp/metre rFrame: 200mm rolled box section rElements: 500mm
46
enables a shallower working depth for the loosening legs. But perhaps just as importantly, the cultivator is capable of delivering a far better result across the entire field, as soil types vary.” Sloping ground According to Mr Whattoff, the system offers considerable appeal to those working on sloping or undulating ground where the depth of soil cover frequently varies.
notched front opening discs; low disturbance legs; two rows of 430mm discs; 520mm pegged packer roller rWeight: 10,300kg rPrice: £72,000
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
David Whattoff suggests using a spade and digging to 400mm to assess the soil profile, as the Titan’s legs only extend to 300mm.
The Titan comprises 500mm notched front discs, followed by low disturbance legs at 50cm centres, with each carrying a 50mm wing. Wider 75mm and 100mm wings are available. The machine’s 12 legs are mounted on a sub-frame which is raised and lowered using a parallelogram linkage. The legs are followed by two rows of 430mm discs, and both gangs are carried – like the low disturbance legs – on a sub-frame which is
raised and lowered using a parallelogram linkage. Importantly, the parallel linkage allows the working depth of the legs to be varied without affecting the angle of the wings and points. And this means there is no change in their effectiveness at restructuring soil at any working depth. The use of sub-frames also allows the legs and discs to be independently adjusted beneath the Titan’s main frame.
AF Feb p47 48 50 soil mapping TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 13:15 Page 1
PRECISION FARMING FEATURE
Using a more accurate and detailed soil mapping system is helping one Worcestershire farm improve input application accuracy through the subsequent use of variable rate technology. Martin Rickatson reports.
Precision soil mapping pays its way
tagnant wheat yields, and the subsequent identification of soil phosphate and potash deficiencies as a key likely cause, were a big driver behind family partnership T. and R. Wood’s decision six years ago to invest in precision farming services.
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Father and son Tom and Richard Wood specialise in growing milling varieties alongside oilseed rape and peas on their 400 hectares near Bromsgrove. With yields of Crusoe and Gallant – currently grown in rotation with OSR and peas – having levelled off in recent seasons, the Woods and their
Richard Wood initially used Agrii’s SoilQuest scanning system to try and identify problem areas for P and K on his family farm in Bromsgrove.
Agrii agronomist David Vine began to look for possible causes and solutions. Straw With a lot of livestock in the surrounding region, pretty
much all straw is baled and removed, and P and K offtake was known to be high as a result. But mapping technology helped to identify where the problem lay, not just in terms of fields as a whole X
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p47 48 50 soil mapping TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 13:16 Page 2
FEATURE PRECISION FARMING but the areas within them. Richard Wood says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The farm was on an all-liquid fertiliser application system, using an NPK liquid applied up to five times during the growing season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was delivering very acceptable yields of 10-12 tonnes/ha for first wheats and 7.9-8.4t/ha for seconds, with good grain quality, but we had reached a yield plateau. To try and eliminate anything which could compromise overall field yields, in 2009-10 we went on a hunt with Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help to try to identify factors which could impact upon yield.â&#x20AC;? Standard soil sampling revealed P and K indices had begun to drop, and the fact the liquid NPK formulation does not allow for high inclusion rates of P and K to be applied in combination with N meant, despite five fertiliser passes with the sprayer, soils and the crops
grown on them were still not receiving sufficient P and K to replace the large offtakes from good crop yields and straw removal. While the businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; land is spread over a wide area, accounting for some of the variation in soil type and therefore yields and responses to inputs, many fields also have a wide spread of types within them, from peaty soil to medium loams and heavy clays. Technique Soil analysis carried out on a regular basis using the accepted W-shaped pattern technique to provide an amalgamated sample for each field showed many were at index 2 for P and 2+ for K. But to try to identify whether this was sufficiently precise, on Mr Vineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice Richard decided to invest in a survey using Agriiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SoilQuest scanning system.
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
YEARS
19
7 5-2 015
In nutrient terms, the farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Challenger RoGator sprayer now applies only nitrogen and sulphur, an Amazone spreader is now looking after P and K.
This uses a vehicle-towed Veris 3100 EC scanner, which has direct contact with the soil and measures electrical conductivity to two depths â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30cm and 90cm. The raw data is processed and used to create a soil map showing the variation in the field. Management zones are then created according to the differing soil conductivity, and each zone is sampled to provide a representative sample of each area which is then sent to an independent lab for analysis. Soil map results for each management zone are interpreted to create soil analysis maps, and, based on these results, recommendations and application files are created. It is then possible to use those files for variable application of nutrients. Mr Vine says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It overcomes the key problem of creating a map from grid-based sampling â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that each zone in which a sample is taken could contain peat, loam and clay in the same square. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2009 we identified four fields into which we decided to dip our toes with precision soil sampling, and the first results
were encouraging. We knew the fields varied in soil type, but now had a way of creating management zones around those types. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we discovered was in many cases we had fields where large areas were at index 1 for P, while others were at 3. The same held true for K. Where we were previously using a standard amalgamated soil sample, we were therefore getting an average result in the middle, while large parts of fields with low indices went undetected, with an obvious effect on yield. This was particularly noticeable in second wheats, where the low P levels had a direct correlation to high incidences of take-all.â&#x20AC;? Investment In response to the findings of the scanning process and the possibility it offered for variable-rate application, Mr Wood decided to make a further investment in the technology necessary to apply phosphate and potash using variable-rate maps, with the aim of focusing on P in the autumn and K in the spring, to match peak plant demands. X
AF_02_P49_Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:49 Page 2
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AF Feb p47 48 50 soil mapping TR EP_Layout 1 22/01/2015 11:53 Page 3
FEATURE PRECISION FARMING While the farm’s Challenger RoGator RG655C 30m sprayer continues to apply liquid nitrogen and sulphur, Mr Wood has now switched to solid material for phosphate and potash, to allow amounts spread to be altered automatically on the move according to the soil maps. A new Amazone ZA-M twin-disc fertiliser spreader is linked to a Patchwork BlackBox for GPS control, with soil/ application maps uploaded via USB stick to the spreader’s Amatron+ controller. The mapping and soil sampling costs are fairly quickly paid for through P and K savings. While this may take a little longer to pay off, the investment in soil mapping has been quickly returned through P and K savings, Mr Wood calculates. Having sampled and mapped all the farm’s fields at the beginning of the venture into precision farming in 200910, sampling according to the map areas again took place last year to compare the results since variable rate P and K application began. Rises in phosphate index have been particularly notable, with zones
where index 1 had previously been recorded now showing indices of 2 and 3, while some high-index potash zones are now down at the ideal index 2+. “In this time we have seen some healthy yields of milling wheat, with gains averaging 0.5t/ha over what we were getting before variable P and K application,” says Mr Wood. Milling spec “This year all made Group 1 milling spec in what was a challenging season, and first and second wheats together averaged 10.1t/ha. Second wheat performance in particular has improved, and take-all incidences have been limited.” Having been pleased with the results of the soil mapping and his first foray into variablerate technology, he and his agronomist are now into the next stage along the path of variable application, varying seed rate according to soil type. “Because the zones are all type-related, we can use them for other precision purposes, and variable seed rates is a logical next step,” says Mr Vine.
In his sprayer, Richard uses an X30 TopCon controller alongside an Apple iPad to run the GateKeeper web app, to which David can send plans.
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
“The maps have enabled us to pinpoint patches of difficult marl where good seedbed creation is difficult and high slug activity is the result. Using GateKeeper mapping and the SoilQuest management zones, I have created base seed rates of usually 350 seeds/sq.m, taking into account variety and drilling date, with each zone’s rate increased or decreased in stepped increments depending on the soil type.” To enable Mr Wood’s Vaderstad Rapid to vary seed rates on the move, a Patchwork BlackBox has been linked to the drill’s control box using a patch cable. “When we set this up, we had some annoying issues with updating the software in the drill’s control box, but they were resolved, and during the second season, 2014-15, the whole package worked without a problem.” Mr Wood has also been instrumental in overlaying some other zones onto the maps, particularly to mark areas of black-grass. In these, the principle has been to increase seed rates to try and help contain and control the weed where it currently only exists on patches. “We are now in year two of varying seed rates, but we both see this as perhaps equal to variable-rate nutrition in terms of importance. In year one we saw very even plant stands on marl outcrops which had previously tended to be patchy in establishment after slug attacks. They clearly benefited from the targeted increased seed rate. Raising rates on headlands is something we are also considering.” Mr Vine acknowledges handling this amount of data can result in more than the usual head-scratching computer issues. He has installed GateKeeper software onto the desktop computer in Mr Wood’s office to handle both
The maps have enabled us to pinpoint patches of difficult marl where good seedbed creation is difficult David Vine
“
the mapping and the tailored recommendations which he makes from it. Linked to this is an Apple iPad, which Mr Wood uses in his sprayer/tractor cab to run the GateKeeper web app, an X30 TopCon box being his GPS controller. Mr Vine can send plans and recommendations directly to this, and if activities need to be changed according to the weather, growth stages etc, then the plans can be updated remotely by email. At hand The latest plan is therefore always at hand without the need to chase paper, or to worry about ensuring the man in the sprayer seat – Mr Wood does all his own spraying – has the right recommendations to hand. “Both Richard and Tom are keen to keep trying to improve on-field and farm performance, and precision soil mapping and variable application are continuing to play a big part in that. They recognise the value of precision tools like these lies not necessarily in cutting inputs back, but using them more efficiently to improve yields and cut production costs,” says Mr Vine. “The cost of the technology is falling and the compatibility of software is improving,” he adds.
AF_02_P51_DF_12_P43 23/01/2015 13:10 Page 2
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AF Feb p52 53 Isaria EP TR_Layout 1 23/01/2015 15:45 Page 1
TECHNICAL AGRONOMY
A consortium of UK businesses and research organisations has joined forces to develop precision farming techniques for the application of key agronomic inputs. Teresa Rush reports.
Developing variable rate applications for N and PGRs project to develop an automated system for the precision application of nitrogen fertiliser and plant growth regulators gets under way in earnest this season. A consortium of UK businesses, led by GrowHow UK, has been awarded funding to develop the new precision farming technology. The other partners are ADAS, Precise Crop Nutrition, Patchwork, Syngenta, Chris Harry-Thomas Consultancy and Hill Court
A ISARIA is an intelligent tractor-mounted crop sensor for the variable application of N fertiliser, with potential to be used on other crop inputs.
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
Farm Research. Half of the ÂŁ1 million plus required to fund the project is being funded by Innovate UK. Part of the research will involve further development and testing of the ISARIA precision input system, which has been developed by the German company Fritzmeier Umwelttechnik. ISARIA is an intelligent tractor-mounted crop sensor for the variable application of nitrogen fertiliser, with potential to be used on other crop inputs such as plant growth regulators.
AF Feb p52 53 Isaria EP TR_Layout 1 26/01/2015 09:13 Page 2
AGRONOMY TECHNICAL The technology has been proven under German climatic conditions and was shown at Cereals in 2012, but extensive field scale trials and small plot experiments are required to create software appropriate to UK agriculture. Over three years, the project will work on developing automated systems to measure N fertiliser requirements for cereals and oilseed rape and PGR requirements in OSR. Specific algorithms and software will be created to integrate historic yield and soil map information, soil mineral nitrogen and additionally available nitrogen measurements with ISARIA real-time crop sensor data, to provide the most accurate predictions of N fertiliser and PGR requirement. Confident GrowHow agronomist Allison Grundy says: “The consortium is thrilled to have won the opportunity to develop this new precision farming technology for UK farmers. I am confident the technology has the potential to improve nutrient use efficiency and therefore improvements in yield and quality for growers.” Chris Harry-Thomas, a farmer and precision agriculture specialist, welcomes the
ISARIA rIs an optical sensor using
sensor heads fitted on a carrier frame mounted on the tractor’s front linkage at a defined distance from the crop rAutomatically determines the nitrogen/PGR requirement of the crop as the tractor drives along, irrespective of crop type and variety rMeasures, calculates and regulates in one operation (in real-time so the optimum fertiliser/PGR application rate is calculated almost simultaneously) rMeasurements are taken under the sensor head to calculate a vegetation index, which reflects the current nitrogen supply to the crop opportunity to test and prove ISARIA under UK conditions and adapt it to the UK’s maritime climate, soils and crops. According to ADAS crop physiologists Sarah Kendall and Pete Berry, the project will provide an opportunity to better understand how to predict nitrogen fertiliser and PGR requirements, so these crop inputs can be targeted more accurately on both a field-byfield and metre-by-metre basis.
Get involved THE consortium is looking for growers to get involved in the trials. Requirements in year one are: r20-hectare field or larger preferable growing first wheat r24-metre tramlines rYield mapping capabilities rHistoric yield data (must be able to provide raw data,) ideally at least three years’ rGrass and manure history (five years’)
rSoil texture maps rField with variability along
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the tramline rRobust PGR programme rIdeally pneumatic spreader or liquid, but can work with spinning disc rCertification certificate for sprayer/spreader rInterested growers should contact Allison Grundy, GrowHow UK, on 0151 357 5611, or allison.grundy@ growhow.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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T: 01264 321 595 | www.openfield.co.uk
AF Feb p54 55 R in A TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 14:34 Page 1
TECHNICAL RESEARCH IN ACTION
Increasing yields and use of alternative fertiliser sources has once more prompted questions on appropriate sulphur nutrition for oilseed rape. Andrew Blake finds out more.
RB209 sulphur figures backed by fresh findings
odern, high yielding oilseed rape varieties need sulphur to crop well, but first results from new HGCA research* suggest they may need no more than the current RB209 Fertiliser Manual recommendations of 50-75kg/hectare SO3. The latest work running from August 2013 to autumn 2016 was deemed necessary partly because RB209 advice was developed in the 1990s and based on relatively few experiments, explains project leader Lizzie Sagoo, of ADAS. “Since then atmospheric sulphur deposition has
M
Dr Lizzie Sagoo
decreased significantly, while average rape yields have increased,” says Dr Sagoo, who is working jointly with Rothamsted Research on the project. “We need to understand whether current sulphur recommendations are appropriate for modern, high yielding varieties and under the current low levels of atmospheric deposition.” Requirement There is also a need to determine how much of the crop’s sulphur requirement may be provided by organic materials. “Until recently there has been little guidance on the crop availability of sulphur from applications of such materials. “Our previous work on winter wheat showed the ‘extractable’ sulphur in organic materials was a better indicator of what is actually available to the crop than the total sulphur content. “Extractable sulphur isn’t routinely measured, so this project also includes sampling and analysis of a range of
Adding sulphur (left) increased pod number and size during HGCA research.
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FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
Apply sulphur fertiliser to all oilseed rape crops unless there is a clear good reason for not doing so, growers are being advised.
organic materials to produce some ‘typical’ figures to help growers.” Last season’s trials, using the variety DK Expower, were on sandy sulphur-deficient sites at Frostenden, Suffolk, and Woburn, Bedfordshire. Sulphur, as ammonium sulphate fertiliser, was applied at six rates (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg/ha SO3), and nitrogen as ammonium nitrate at two rates. The latter accounted for the nitrogen in the ammonium sulphate and were enough to achieve target yields of 3.5t/ha and 5t/ha respectively. “Our aim was to find the economic optimum sulphur rates and see whether increasing the nitrogen rate raised the sulphur requirement.” Each site also received various organic material treatments. The results from
Research projects *HGCA Opti-S Project 2160007 rTotal cost: £146,000 rFunded by consortium including HGCA, Eblex, DairyCo, GrowHow, Monsanto, Severn Trent Water, Anglian Water, Wessex Water, Yorkshire Water and United Utilities these were compared to responses from the fertiliser sulphate treatments to determine the organic material’s sulphur replacement value. The 10 organic treatments included autumn-applied cattle farmyard manure, broiler litter, and four biosolids products. There were also spring applications of pig slurry, broiler litter and two biosolids products.
AF Feb p54 55 R in A TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 15:35 Page 2
RESEARCH IN ACTION TECHNICAL Research into contribution of organic fertiliser is important JThe trials confirm sulphur is essential for rape yields above 3.5t/ha, says GrowHow’s Allison Grundy. “However, the optimum rate didn’t need to increase, suggesting sulphur was improving the crop’s ability to use applied nitrogen – something well proven in other crops. “An important aspect of this work is the industry needs to be sure of the contribution organic materials bring to the crop so fertiliser sulphur can be adjusted accordingly. “I do think some assume organic materials and manures can supply all
the sulphur the crop needs, but there’s evidence which contradicts this from the Netherlands and Denmark, where they rely heavily on manures to supply most, if not all, crop’s nutrient requirement.” Although about 70% of growers routinely apply sulphur to oilseed rape Ms Grundy says she is ‘amazed’ the rest do not, given trials as long ago as the late-1990s showed doing so could give yield responses of more than 80%. “This trial indicates on sulphur-hungry ground the difference in applying and not is actually a crop.”
GrowHow has always recommended about 100kg SO3/ha, she notes. “In previous trials with ADAS we found the optimum rate to be slightly higher than that found in these trials; but as long as growers apply between 60kg and 100kg, they are in the right ballpark. “Sulphur is cheap and it doesn’t present issues in the environment, so it’s worthwhile applying to that level.” However, applications of 150kg SO3/ha and above can raise glucosinolate levels close to unacceptable levels, she warns.
“Applying sulphur fertiliser lifted the yields at Frostenden from about 1t/ha to 5t/ha and up to a similar level from about 1.5t/ha at Woburn. The optimum rates, 71kg/ha and 57kg/ha respectively, with the rape price of £240/t and the sulphur fertiliser costing 9.5p/kg SO3, were within the recommended RB209 range,” she says. The lowest sulphur rate (30kg/ha) raised the oil content from 39% to 45% at Frostenden, and from 42% to 45% at Woburn, but higher rates gave no further boost. Available sulphur The organic applications clearly supplied readily-available sulphur – 15-20% of the total sulphur in autumn-applied broiler litter became available to the crop, that figure rising to 45-55% for spring applications. “The field work showed biosolids can be effective in supplying crop-available sulphur,” says Dr Sagoo. “However, there were differences between the biosolids types which we’ll consider further this year. “One of our hypotheses at the outset was modern, high yielding varieties might require more sulphur fertiliser. Our 2014 field sites were both high yielding at 5t/ha and very sulphur-deficient; despite this, at both the deficiency was rectified by applying just 60-70 kg/ha SO3. “So we would recommend applying sulphur to all oilseed rape crops unless there is a clear reason for not doing so, and last year’s trials support the RB209 recommendation of 50-75kg/ha SO3. “This should be applied in late-February to early March, usually with the first nitrogen application, but it can be delayed until late-green bud where the sulphur deficiency is only slight to moderate.”
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p56 Tech Stewardship TR EP_Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:10 Page 1
TECHNICAL STEWARDSHIP
Three nematicide manufacturers have joined forces to form a stewardship group which aims to set an industry standard for the application of granular nematicides. Georgina Haigh reports.
Promoting best practice he newly-formed Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP), which has been developed by Certis, DuPont and Syngenta, will work alongside farmers and operators to ensure best practice for application of all granular nematicides. The NSP comprises a user protocol for applying granular nematicides, which will cover application of all products used in the UK potato industry. A Food and Environment Research Agency survey on pesticide usage shows a combined area of 26,960 hectares was treated with Vydate (oxamyl), Nemathorin (fosthiazate) or Mocap (ethoprophos) nematicide granules in 2012. DuPont marketing manager Neil Beadle explains the new guidelines were formed after operators expressed confusion over which manufacturer guidelines to follow when multiple products were used on-farm. The NSP has received cross-
T
industry support from a number of organisations, including the Potato Council and NFU. Alongside constant pressure on active ingredients used in the agricultural industry, nematicides face scrutiny by European legislators. The NSP hopes the guidelines will help granular nematicides remain available to growers by ensuring best practice at all times. Best practice Mr Beadle says: “We are coming together to pro-actively work within the industry to demonstrate best practice. There is no doubt we need to reach out to all operators, be they farmers, contractors or farmworkers, to ensure they are fully up-to-speed with the correct way to handle and apply these chemicals.” The NSP will be running a series of industry stewardship training modules this spring and autumn, to share the new guidelines with operators. Dr Mike Storey, head of
The NSP was formed to set a standard for applying nematicides.
research at the Potato Council, says: “The Potato Council endorses the NSP and is actively involved because of the importance of PCN control and the sustainability of the industry.” By March 2017, NSP guidelines require all applicators to be equipped with an in-cab device allowing operators to shut off nematicide flow at least three metres from the end of each row. This is to ensure no granules
Key messages JBy March 2017, all applicators must be fitted with an in-cab device which allows the operator to shut off nematicide flow at least three metres from the end of each row. Growers must demonstrate advice has been sought from a BASIS-qualified agronomist prior to the purchase and use of a nematicide. Recommendation sheets should be available for each treated field. Operators must be quali-
56
fied to apply granular nematicides (certified at NPTC PA4 or PA4G level). By March 2017, staff applying nematicides must have completed the industry stewardship training module. Growers must demonstrate the granule applicator has been calibrated and checked by a qualified engineer within the last two years. Cassettes and cartridges (including appropriate rotors) must be appropriate for the
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
accurate application of nematicides. When applying nematicides, growers should keep records to demonstrate: rThe applicator is checked prior to each working day, ensuring all pipework is correctly fitted, the hopper bungs are in place and hopper lids are secure rThe applicator is calibrated each week rThe area treated matches the product volume used for each field
are left on the soil surface as the machine is lifted and turned. Mr Beadle says: “For applicators fitted with a hydraulic or electric motor, this should already be possible. “For those driven by a land or spider wheel, an electronic clutch can be fitted to the applicator drive shaft to enable remote shut off.” NSP guidelines state nematicides should be applied and incorporated within a single pass. The half-day training modules will include a classroom session covering the basic stewardship aspects of handling and applying nematicides, along with the NSP guidelines. Operators will be shown how to calibrate machines and at the end of the course will receive a record of attendance. The NSP protocol will be included in the new Red Tractor potato protocol, due to be issued this spring. As of January 15, the group adopted the new name of Nematicide Stewardship Programme, replacing the previous title of Soil Pest Management Initiative.
AF Feb p57 New Products TR EP _Layout 1 23/01/2015 12:28 Page 1
NEW
ARABLE MARKETPLACE
products
Biopesticide a viable alternative for nematode control
JAt a Certis technical briefing to mark the launch of a new formulation of nematicide NEMguard, agronomists were warned the risk of nematode damage to a wide range of crops was increasing. Dr Colin Fleming, senior lecturer in parasitology at Queen’s University Belfast, said several factors were significant in the increase of nematode populations. He said: “The climate is changing and we are seeing warmer, wetter weather which favours nematodes and encourages ‘new’ species. The
Dr Colin Fleming
reduced number of active substances in agriculture is also having an effect – there is less pressure on nematodes so they are not as suppressed.”
Dr Fleming predicted root knot nematode meloidogyne minor would be the number one nematode problem in the UK within the next decade. “Only discovered in 2004, it has probably always been in UK soils but numbers have increased dramatically with changing conditions,” he said. The active substance in NEMguard is garlic extract. Certis’ Robert Lidstone told the meeting the product’s mode of action was fully understood through extensive research and its efficacy had been confirmed in field trials.
He said: “Growers of carrots and parsnips have been turning to NEMguard as an alternative to carbamate chemistry since it gained EU approval. It has no maximum residue level, meaning there is no applicable harvest interval.” Dr Chris Hamilton, of the University of East Anglia, said: “When garlic cells are ruptured and heated, a breakdown substance is produced, containing diallyl polysulfides. “These molecules are able to elicit a cascade of different changes in the metabolism of nematodes, killing them.”
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p58 Renewables TR EP_Layout 1 23/01/2015 16:01 Page 1
ENVIRONMENT RENEWABLES
Experts have predicted the number of newly-commissioned on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) plants will fall without a change in Government policy by 2017, but what needs to change? Olivia Midgley reports.
Government must not allow AD surge to stall
target of 1,000 AD plants by 2020 was always an ambitious one, but progress over the last two years has made that aspiration seem possible. Thanks to an increase in funding from banks who have finally woken up to the opportunities the technology can
A
58
bring to farmers and the wider environment, and an influx of farmers who believe the technology can not only benefit their businesses and surrounding communities, but also provide security for the future, AD is finally having its moment. The latest figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) show an
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
A lack of certainty around tariffs and the resulting subsidies for AD technology could stall the growth of the UK industry, experts believe.
increase in the number of developers who made preaccreditation applications in September in order to avoid the full force of Feed-in Tariff (FiT) cuts, brought about by the degression policy. DECC’s data shows 18 AD plants under 250kWe were preaccredited to the FIT scheme in November, twice the number approved in the previous record month for sub-250kW pre-accreditations (February 2014). However, a lack of certainty around tariffs and the resulting subsidies for the technology is a factor which experts believe could stall the growth of the UK industry. ADBA policy manager Matt Hindle is calling for a ‘firm political commitment’ to AD from all UK parties which will in turn address the uncertainty circling the industry. Measures to secure the shortterm future of the industry will need to be put in place quickly after May’s General Election. Mr Hindle says: “If a longterm policy structure is put in place which recognises the various tangible benefits of AD, then the number of newly-commissioned plants would outstrip even this year’s record growth.
“While long-term certainty over incentives is essential if the AD industry is to maintain its current rate of growth, the industry itself must also demonstrate the high performance which will deliver the returns investors expect to see through improved operational performance, environmental risk management, and energy and fertiliser outputs.”
Opportunity According to Evergreen Gas director and AD expert Michael Chesshire, AD gives farmers a good diversification opportunity, as well as a fertiliser in the form of digestate, crop rotational benefits which could help in black-grass control, index linked income via the Renewable Heat Incentive and FiT and energy self-sufficiency. Government policy tends to favour use of crop feedstocks to supplement manures, discards, outgrades and residues, rather than as the principal input to AD plants. However, banks and investors often require an initially assured supply of ‘starter’ crop feedstocks, such as maize, rye and beet, which may be gradually replaced with discards and residues later in the project lifetime.
AF Feb p59 Hambly TR EP_Layout 1 22/01/2015 14:04 Page 1
TALKING POLICY
MIKE Hambly
Mike Hambly farms in a family farming partnership near Callington in south east Cornwall. He is currently the chair of the NFU Combinable Crops Board and is the first Cornishman to hold the position.
We are anxious tools currently available to manage volatility will be put out of reach to both crop and livestock farmers
“
Farm facts rFamily farming partnership, farming 200ha in south east Cornwall rArable and beef enterprises rArable cropping includes wheat, oilseed rape, barley, oats rFive year average rainfall is 1,407mm
ne of my farming cousins recently returned from a holiday to Las Vegas. The allure of Vegas gripped him, like many other first-time visitors, and he admitted to enjoying ‘small’ flutters on the tables. Gambling or, as those of us who market our crops prefer to call it, ‘risk management’ is an activity we farmers are well versed in. As cereal producers we follow the movements of prices on the futures markets and use this to influence our decision of what to plant and when to sell. Prices ex-farm are inextricably linked to futures markets and the transparency this delivers puts us in a much better position than our dairy farming friends who have no such mechanisms to protect their milk price. In many ways it is little different to my cousin playing blackjack in Vegas and deciding whether to twist or stick. However, the foundation of our ability to trade grain forward or enter into contracts in any way related to futures markets such as LIFFE wheat is under threat due to changes being proposed in the EU consultation on Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID). MiFID was introduced in 2008 in response to the financial market events and commodity price rises during 2007-08. However, the changes being proposed under the current MiFID II consultation could have a serious impact on our ability as growers to trade grain forward and for the whole industry; merchants, co-operatives and end users, to use futures markets and contracts to protect our position, manage risk and agree contract prices. The NFU, together with other grain and trade organisations, are in discussion with the UK regulators, the Financial Conduct Authority and
O
EU regulators in Paris and Brussels. We’re working to establish where the changes proposed may limit our access to forward pricing mechanisms as an unintended consequence of regulation aimed at reducing the risks from banks and speculators involved and driving private trades out of the market or on to regulated exchanges. Forward pricing Regulators are examining physical and derivative market mechanisms which facilitate forward pricing, a fundamental element of our grain marketing systems. Consequently, we are anxious tools currently available to manage volatility will not be put out of reach to both crop and livestock farmers through administrative and financial burdens imposed as a result of changes to the regulation. If the EU Commission takes the framework used to control financial markets and applies this to commodity markets without careful interpretation, it could limit our ability to enter into forward contracts or those linked to a futures market, without registering and working through a regulated exchange (e.g. LIFFE, MATIF or indeed contracts not yet developed). We need to establish in the consultation grain and other agricultural commodities may be traded in physical and forward contracts for ‘commercial purpose’ and to ensure the definition of such does not disadvantage us, or allow loopholes for those who would normally use regulated exchanges. If you are attending this year’s NFU Annual Conference in Birmingham on February 24-25, there will be an opportunity to hear more about what the NFU is doing in response to this and other issues.
FEBRUARY 2015 ARABLE FARMING
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AF Feb p60 Basis News TR EP_Layout 1 20/01/2015 13:25 Page 1
BASIS NEWS
BASIS news
The latest news for BASIS and FACTS-qualified farmers and advisers.
BASIS launches agricultural drone pilot accreditation course ASIS is launching an accreditation for pilots of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones in response to the increasing use of this technology in agriculture. The new BASIS Agricultural Awareness for Unmanned Aerial Systems Operators module is a stand-alone course which will provide drone pilots with appropriate agricultural knowledge and understanding to ensure best practice and safe operation. Dr Richard Green, senior lecturer and academic lead with the National Centre for Precision Farming’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Interest Group, says: “UAS or drones, combined with developments in sensors, image processing, and management software are rapidly changing the science of farm and land
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management. While this technology offers exciting new opportunities for land and farm management, they need to be used effectively and in a safe manner. “Users need to understand how they can get the most out of these systems in order to get the best financial returns on investments in this technology. They also need to be aware of the rapidly developing legislation regarding their use and safe operation, as insurers are unlikely to cover the cost of damage or injuries caused by untrained operators.” Training courses BASIS is working in conjunction with the Harper Adams University-run National Centre for Precision Farming and leading members of the UAS industry to develop a range of
suitable training courses to address this new accreditation requirement. Stephen Jacob, business development manager for BASIS, says: “The number of drones being used in agriculture has increased rapidly in recent years and some companies and UAS pilots who offer data collection services will not have come from an agricultural background. As a member of the Unmanned Aerial Systems Special Interest Group, BASIS was asked to put together a form of accreditation for UAV pilots working within the agricultural industry. “The new Agricultural Awareness training course has been developed for UAS pilots and professionals who work in related areas, such as machinery manufacturers, employees of sensors manufacturer and dis-
The BASIS Agricultural Awareness for Unmanned Aerial Systems Operators course will provide drone pilots with the agricultural knowledge required to ensure best practice and safe operation. PICTURE: Harper Adams University
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tributors. Successful completion of the course and exam will be a step towards accreditation. The one-day course will cover topics such as farming and farm practices, agricultural supply chain, crops and crop management and legislation (agricultural legislation, data protection and health and safety). Additionally, a voluntary Professional Register for UAS Operators for the Agricultural Industry will be launched for those who work, or intend to work, within the agricultural industry in field and crop scouting (plant research, crop production, crop protection); livestock monitoring; flood, fire and other natural disaster impact recording and any other types of topographic or photographic data-collecting activities relevant to the agricultural industry. The register will establish, develop and promote a standard of conduct which members will adhere to in order to ensure the safety, security and privacy of operators, customers, bystanders and general public in the agro-environment and to prevent any risks of damaging crops, natural vegetation, fields, animals and structures present on farms and adjacent areas. Members of the register will also be required to hold the correct Civil Aviation Authority Licence and appropriate insurance.
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