Agri News - February 2021 by Victoria Smith

AGRINEWS AGRI NEWS February 2021 | Issue 112

UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN SEPARATION & PUMPING TECHNOLOGY

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Rob Jackson T 07939 410 417 E r.jackson@bauer-at.com

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February 2021 | AgriNews | 1

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GREEN BEDDING FROM At FAN Separator we have more experience with Green Bedding than anyone else, having the right machine to achieve the desired dry matter is crucial and with FAN Separator you get exactly that. “Swollen hocks on older cows, even ones in their eighth and ninth lactaon, have gone down””

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Manage slurry solids and liquid individually. Solve slurry storage capacity issues. More flexible application options. Utilise nutrients and organic matter more effectively. Produce a limitless low-cost supply of comfortable bedding for dairy cow cubicles. WITH MORE SEPARATORS AND GREEN BEDDING SYSTEMS INSTALLED UK AND WORLDWIDE, BAUER IS UNIQUELY QUALIFIED TO PROVIDE ADVICE, PRODUCTS AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR SLURRY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

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“Cows have cleaned up no end definitely as clean as cows on sand and the number of mastitis cases has dropped dramatically.” “Having an unlimited supply of material means you can use more of it.”

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Contact your local FAN SEPARATOR dealer or Adrian Tindall / Sales Manager UK & Ireland, 07708 919597, a.tindall@bauer-at.com, www.fan-separator.de

February 2021 | AgriNews | 3

SKIPPY SCOUT V2.5 SPEEDS UP CROP WALKING A new version of a pionneering mobile app has been launched by agricultural software specialist Drone Ag

new version of a pioneering mobile app has been launched by agricultural software specialist Drone Ag.

“Skippy Scout, version 2.5, is a big step forward. The original Skippy app could fly a drone to scout points in a field five times faster than traditional crop walking. The new 2.5 version has more functionality and is ten times faster, enabling users to cover up to 25 acres in just five minutes,” says Drone Ag founder Jack Wrangham. Skippy Scout 2.5 offers field overview, automated scouting and PDF field reports using maps uploaded by the user, and images taken by the drone. “Our image analysis takes only minutes 4 | AgriNews | February 2021

to provide an easy-tounderstand report of the whole field,” he says. These reports are

generated using unique artificial intelligence (AI) interpretation to flag up potential crop issues and can also be compared to satellite and yield maps to find

correlations in field performance. “It also provides a breakdown with indicators

for green area index (GAI), healthy and unhealthy crop cover percentage, weed percentage, and it gives an insect damage measurement,” he says. Users can therefore identify crop issues such as weeds or pests more quickly by subsequently viewing the leaf level images on their phone or tablet. “Long term, the reports will also benchmark fields of the same crop to provide a picture of changes and crop progress over time,” he adds. Existing users can update their app to version 2.5 for free now, and new users will benefit from all of the additional features when they register. “It is easy to start using Skippy. Anyone who owns a drone can sign up online with monthly subscriptions starting from just £30. In February and March, we will be streaming live demonstrations so anyone who wants to see Skippy in action can tune in and see how it works,” says Mr Wrangham.

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VOLAC: INVEST NOW FOR LAMBING

Now there’s a Brexit deal, UK sheep producers are being urged to invest some of the better than expected returns from the autumn sales

ow there’s a Brexit deal, UK sheep producers are being urged to invest some of the better than expected returns from the autumn lamb and prime sheep sales into preparing for a successful 2021 lambing season.

your nutritionist for advice. Consider asking your vet to take blood samples from ewes 4-6 weeks pre-lambing just to make sure their diet is delivering the required energy and protein status.

To help producers focus their minds, Volac has drawn up an eight-point plan to make sure UK sheep units are ready for the 2021 lambing season:

Prepare your sheep housing. If you lamb indoors, sheds should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before ewes are brought inside (at least two weeks before lambing). Use plenty of clean, dry bedding to reduce the risk of spreading lameness and other infections such as watery mouth, joint ill and coccidiosis. Good lighting is important too because it makes it so much easier to check stock without disturbing them too much. Avoid overcrowding otherwise stress and disease issues can spiral out of control: a typical 70kg ewe needs 1.2m2 to 1.4m2 of floor space and 45cm of trough space.

Get pregnant ewe nutrition right. Ewes must be in the best condition possible for the last six weeks of pregnancy when 70% of foetal growth takes place. Get it wrong and you may have to cope with poor lamb survival rates, low birth weights and inferior quality ewe colostrum. Group and feed ewes according to your scanning results and their condition score. Getting the mineral balance right is important too, so ask

Check your flock health plan. Talk to your vet about the essential disease management interventions pre and post lambing. For example, don’t forget to boost your ewes’ clostridial disease and pasteurellosis cover 4-6 weeks pre-lambing. Make sure any lame sheep are separated and treated well before housing. Check, too, the protocols for dealing with any abortion problems, scours or joint ill. Decide on the staffing levels

“On the back of recent prices, there’s a fair amount of optimism about despite concerns about the implications of the Brexit deal. But the best thing UK sheep producers can do at the moment is make sure they prepare well to be able to rear as many healthy lambs as possible this spring,” says Volac’s GB National Sales Manager, Phil Brookes.

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you’ll need. Lambing is a time of year when an extra pair of hands can be invaluable. Have you got enough labour cover? Many flocks rely on students to help out, but it’s important to evaluate the level of help you will need – particularly against a backdrop of any local coronavirus restrictions and necessary workplace safety measures. Students vary in their experience and knowledge, so be clear when advertising for staff what level of skills and experience you are looking for. Any new staff recruited need to know what is expected from them from the start and should be given clear management protocols so that they know exactly what to do in any given situation. Make sure you have a system in place for rearing surplus lambs. New trial work has clearly shown that surplus lambs can be reared successfully away from the ewe. Ad lib ewe milk replacer feeding systems will help you save labour and secure better lamb growth rates. Why spend hours a day bottle-feeding when you could be prioritising your time elsewhere during a hectic lambing period? Stock up with the equipment and supplies you’ll need. Lambing is always hectic and once the season starts you won’t have the time to keeping dashing out for essential kit.

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JCB LAUNCHES RECRUITMENT DRIVE AS PRODUCTION SET TO SURGE JCB is recruiting more than 400 addition UK shop floor employees as the company gears up for a surge in production

CB is recruiting more than 400 additional UK shop floor employees as the company gears up for a surge in production, the company announced today. The market for construction equipment has rebounded sharply after the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Spring 2020, which halted production at JCB factories around the world.

variety of jobs including assembly, welding and fork lift truck drivers. In addition, JCB is giving permanent JCB contracts to up to 300 existing agency employees, including welders, fabricators and CNC machinists.

JCB Chief Operating Officer Mark Turner said: “In March 2020 our orders dramatically disappeared overnight when the Covid-19 pandemic took hold and while we were able to protect our shop floor workforce, Today the company confirmed it was recruiting regrettably many staff positions were impacted. more than 400 additional It took more than six agency employees in a 8 | AgriNews | February 2021

months for the business to recover to production levels we last saw in March 2020. “This year has started strongly and our forecasts predict a continued solid recovery, with strong demand from mainland Europe and North America. This means we are now in a position to recruit many more shop floor colleagues and offer permanent JCB contracts to a large number of existing agency employees. After a tumultuous 12 months, this really is good news.”

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Contact your local BAUER dealer or Adrian Tindall / Sales Manager - UK & Ireland 07708 919597, a.tindall@bauer-at.com, www.bauer-at.com February 2021 | AgriNews

MANITOU GROUP IS LAUNCHING A LIMITED SERIES OF 2 NEW MODELS

Manitou Group, a worldwide reference in handling, personnel lifting and earth moving solutions, is launching a limited series of 2 New/Ag models

anitou Group, a worldwide reference in handling, personnel lifting, and earth moving solutions, is launching a limited series of two NewAg models, the MLT 737 and MLT 741. Available in Europe, this unique version has the latest innovations and has one of the widest ranges ofequipment on the market. For farmers seeking a customized machine that offers even more comfort, Manitou Group developed two agricultural models, MLT 737-130 PS+ and MLT 741-140 V+, within the NewAg range. With two available transmission types (Powershift and M-Vario Plus), users will be able to choose the model that is most suitable for their needs. These exclusive telehandlers have a unique design that uses a gray color called Volcano, which symbolizes performance and efficiency, contrasting with red and black to highlight its dynamics and suggest constant movement. For the first time since its launch on the market, this series has a 3D logo with the NewAg signature on the door, extending each user a personalized welcome. Camille Rouvrais, Product Manager for the MLTs, says: “With this limited edition, we would like to give our customers who are seeking an exclusive machine an even more customized solution. These two models are among the best equipped on the market. The design is also unique, with many new developments. We are convinced

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that our customers will appreciate this limited series!” The extensive equipment available for this limited edition can be divided into three categories. The first is equipment designed for user comfort. Telehandlers MLT 737130 PS+ and MLT 741-140 V+ have a leather low frequency suspension seat that provides excellent seating comfort and a significant reduction invibrations to protect the operator's back. The steering wheel and armrest are also trimmed in leather,giving the interior of the cabin a higherend look. Two SafeView cameras on the right and back of the machine offer enhanced security and more convenience for the operator. Other equipment in the cabin includes a USB bluetooth car radio with microphone (100W) and a “Vision” screen for greater visibility of the information shown on the dashboard. The second category of equipment relates to performance. Both models have Active CRC boom suspension in order to limit shocks when moving with a load while protecting the structural components of the boom. The Intelligent Hydraulics triptych (bucket shaking, return to load position, and combined movements of the boom and telescope at the same time) designed for greater productivity is available on the limitedseries MLT 741-140 V+. The last category of equipment represented in this limited

edition is profitability. Hydraulic locking of attachments, available standard, saves time for the operator. Available on the MLT 741-140 V+, the Regenerative Hydraulics function offers gravitycontrolled boom lowering, which increases the speed of hydraulic movements and reduces the use of fuel. This function also reduces noise, especially noise associated with the use of the hydraulics. LED work lights are installed in the cabin, and the work lights on the boom and main beam headlights are also LED. Representing 15% to 30% of total use time, idling speed costs the user approximately €10 per hour. This estimate takes into account the three main components of TCO, namely fuel consumption, machine depreciation, and maintenance. To limit these costs, Manitou Group has equipped this limited series with the Ecostop feature. This feature automatically stops the engine and the associated hour meter when the machine is idling without a conductor in the cabin. Of course, the entire range of Manitou Group services are available on these two connected models, to include extended warranties, maintenance contracts, and financing solutions. With 133 available machines, this limited series reflects Manitou Group's capacity to offer models that are always more innovative and truly customized. This collection will be delivered all over Europe starting in the first quarter 2021.

February 2021 | AgriNews | 11

KUHN TILLER DEVELOPED FOR COVER CROP INCORPORATION

Kuhn Farm Machinery has launched a shallow soil cultivator designed specifically for the mechanical breakdown and incorporation into soils

UHN Farm Machinery has launched a shallow soil cultivator designed specifically for the mechanical breakdown and incorporation into soils of cover crops, other plant residues and organic manures. The EL Biomulch is a development within KUHN’s established EL Cultitiller range and is aimed at farms seeking to improve soil organic matter levels through the increased use of cover crops and organic fertilisers. It has the potential to reduce the need for plant desiccating agrochemicals and can aid incorporation for biofumigation and have a role in cultivating grassland for renewal or following crops. The EL Biomulch is currently available in a 3 metre working width format, designed to work at up to 10km/hr and is suitable for tractors up to 160hp. It can be particularly effective in combination with a front mounted shredder when working in tall and dense cover crops. The rotor on the EL Biomulch is fitted with

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72 angled blades that ensure the machine fulfils

can be made from either side of the machine and depth gauges are fitted to ensure the machine is always set level. The EL Biomulch’s hydraulically adjustable hood allows close control of the finish and can be operated from the tractor cab. The machine can be used with the hood fully closed for increased safety when working near public spaces.

a complete mulching operation across the full working width. These blades have a 95 degree angle to maximise the effectiveness of root and plant residue destruction whilst avoiding soil smearing and crust formation.

Designed to the same mechanical specification as KUHN’s established EL Cultitillers, the EL Biomulch has a heavy duty Duplex gearbox and adjustable rotor speeds to allow adaption for different applications.

The EL Biomulch is designed to operate within the top 3 to 5cm of the soil, with the working depth controlled by four adjustable Southam Agricultural Fields Farm, Station Road wheels at Southam, Warwickshire the front of CV47 2DH the machine. t: 01926 813 426 www.southamagri.co.uk Adjustments

WATER RESOURCES: WHY THEY ARE FUNDAMENTAL FOR THE FUTURE Water resources: Why they are fundamental for the future of agriculture

isorse idriche agricoltura Phenomena such as waves of drought and rising temperatures will become increasingly frequent in the coming years due to climate change. In different areas of the world they are already a current reality and make it increasingly challenging to engage in agricultural activities at the levels of the past. Moreover, phenomena such as population growth, urbanisation and pollution do not make the situation any easier.

In this panorama, water resources become a particularly precious commodity, to be exploited carefully and more and more efficiently in order to satisfy all the uses that are made of them. Water is in fact necessary for alimentary uses, but also for industry, tourism and agriculture. Agriculture in Europe is the sector that uses the most water resources, accounting for about 40% of the resources used each year (as detailed in this article on the use of European water resources). With the everincreasing demand for water, it is necessary to find solutions to meet the needs of people, the economy and nature. In some regions, especially during the summer months, there is not enough water to meet the demand of everyone. This is why organisations such as the European Union encourage a range of actions for the careful

and sustainable use of water resources. Let us look at this in greater detail. How agriculture affects the use of water resources The European Environment Agency estimates that approximately one third of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s territory is exposed to water stress conditions, which can become particularly severe during the summer. The greatest risk concerns the Mediterranean countries, but the problem of water scarcity is beginning to affect some regions of Great Britain and Germany. Despite significant improvements in the efficiency of water use in recent years, agriculture continues to be primarily responsible for water use. In spring, the incidence rate of this sector can reach up to 60% of European water consumption, due to the large amount of water needed to support fruit and vegetable production. For this reason, it is expected that the cost of irrigation could increase in the coming years, especially if the forecast of reduced rainfall due to climate change should become a reality. Not to be underestimated is the fact that during the summer months another key sector such as tourism competes with agriculture for water demand. February 2021 | AgriNews | 13

OPERATIONS CENTRE BECOMES SMARTER AND MORE COMPATIBLE

With the John Deere Operations Centre, farmers and contractors can manage their farm data at any time.

ith the John Deere Operations Centre, farmers and contractors can manage their farm data anywhere at any time. The app is user-friendly and customers can be linked to their machines, fields and operators on their smartphone or farm computer. John Deere is constantly developing the Operations Centre, in particular to simplify its use and to enable troublefree data entry from mixed fleet equipment. The latest updates are designed to make the system even smarter and more compatible. Thanks to a new function, with just a few clicks all processes can be adjusted in the Operations Centre even after fieldwork is finished. This allows farmers to manage operations just as flexibly as with a field book, which is usually kept in the tractor. If the tractor driver has accidentally documented the wrong crop variety during drilling, for example, this can easily be corrected later on. Further adjustments are also possible for worked area, plant protection products, tank mixtures, harvest year and crop calibration on the combine, among others. By using the free-of-charge MyOperations app, operators can also add data if they

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have forgotten to start the documentation or if the machine is not able to record data.

system can be included in fleet management by using the optional location sharing function within the MyOperations app. This For customers with mixed function can be activated fleets, the Operations Centre by the driver and uses the offers several options to import smartphone’s position to external data. For example, determine the machine’s most common third-party location. displays can be connected using the respective ‘in-house’ In addition, the Operations format. Centre offers functions for better yield analysis. Crop Alternatively, data from yields of winter wheat for machines with displays example can be displayed in a documenting the fieldwork bar chart in which each field is in ISOXML format can be shown individually, one above imported into the Operations another. A dotted line through Centre via a USB stick. This all the bars indicates the also works with historic average yield, which makes machine data if it is still differences easier to identify available somewhere else, for and analyse. example saved on a computer hard drive. At Agritechnica 2019, John Deere announced a solution to For fleet management, the reduce machine set-up times cloud-to-cloud solution Data for farmers and contractors CLAAS, 365FarmNet and John in the field. This new function Deere is now fully available. will be available shortly, and guidance lines, seed rates, Currently the following application maps and many machine data can be viewed other fieldwork operations can in the user’s preferred web be defined on a smartphone or portal: current and historic in the Operations Centre. machine positions, fuel tank levels, the machine’s work With this system, the driver status and speeds. gets the information sent to DataConnect can also be used the tractor display. for harvesting logistics and to organise logistic chains. Even machines without a telematics

MCHALE: V6750 VARIABLE CHAMBER ROUND BALER

The McHale V6750 is a semi-automatic variable chamber baler which allows the machine to operate in the toughest conditions Features Include: 2.1m High-Intake Pick-Up with Galvanised Bands 15 Knife Heavy Duty Rotor 15 Knife Chopper Unit Double Drive System Expert Plus Control System Centralised Greasing Blocks Optional Camless Pick-Up

he McHale V6750 is a semi-automatic variable chamber baler which allows the machine to operate in the toughest conditions. Built to last and developed on some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most rugged terrain, the McHale range of round balers and round and square bale wrappers is known throughout the world for durability, reliability, innovation and value for money. As with all McHale machines, the V6 Variable Chamber Round Baler Range has been designed

with the demands of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farmer and contractor in mind. The McHale V6750 is fitted with a 15 knife chopper unit and heavy-duty rotor. It is equipped with a double drive system which allows the machine to operate in the toughest of conditions. The double drive system aids belt rotation and bale formation. The machine comes with centralized grease blocks as standard. Automatic greasing is available as an option on all V6750 machines. Net and bale density can be adjusted from the cab through the Expert Plus control console. The machine is fitted with 500/50-22.5 tyres as standard.

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THE KIOTI MECHRON WITH A NEW LOOK AND NEW CAPABILITIES! • 3 cylinder 24 hp economical diesel engine • Room for 3 persons to sit comfortably. • Various options cabin sun canopy etc • High ground clearance 31 cm • Urethane coated load space • Homologated for road use

QUALITY, STRENGTH, 2 YEAR WARRANTY AND VALUE FOR MONEY! DEALERSHIPS ARE STILL AVAILABLE

FOR MORE INFORMATIONS CONTACT WWW.KIOTI-UK.COM 01480 401512 SALES@KIOTI-UK.COM Celtic Mowers Limited, Celtic House, Fabian Way, Swansea, SA1 8QB | t: 01792 641517 www.celticmowers.com DG Buscombe, Retallack Business Park, Winnards Perch, St. Columb Major, TR9 6DE | t: 01637 880119 www.dgbuscombe.co.uk GB Farm Services Ltd, Unit 1, Frating Hall Farm, Church Road, Frating, CO7 7HD | t: 01206 250990 www.gbfarmservices.co.uk GJR Machinery, Catbrook, Botony Bay, Nr. Chepstow, NP16 6NJ t: 01291 689278 | www.gjrmachineryltd.co.uk John Drysdale Agricultural Engineers, Parkhouse Farm, Main St, Kinnesswood, KY13 9HN | t: 01592 840686 www.drysdaletractors.co.uk 16 | AgriNews | February 2021

QUALITY, STRENGTH, 2 YEAR WARRANTY AND VALUE FOR MONEY! DEALERSHIPS ARE STILL AVAILABLE

FOR MORE INFORMATIONS CONTACT WWW.KIOTI-UK.COM 01480 401512 SALES@KIOTI-UK.COM

Kearsley Tractors, Streetlam, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 0AR | t: 01325 378042 www.kearsleytractors.co.uk Martin Pears Engineering Ltd, Three Corners, Halwell, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7JE | t: 01548 521429 www.mpearsengineering.co.uk Mike Pryce Agricultural & Son, Greenfield Farm, Four Crosses, Llanymynech, SY22 6RF | t: 01691 830308 www.mikeprycemachinery.com Sovereign Agricultural Services Ltd, Woolrow Lane, Huddersfield, HD8 8LW | t: 01484 603682 www.sovereignagriculturalservices.com

February 2021 | AgriNews | 17

POWELL’S FARM AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT

owell’s Forest & Garden Ltd, specialise in:

Supplying garden, estate, agricultural and woodland machinery (chainsaws, strimmers, hedgetrimmers, mowers, ATVs, wood chippers etc.) Offering a prompt maintenance and repair service (several thousand spare parts in stock) Providing many of the accessories needed by gardeners, foresters and tree surgeons (safety clothing, hand tools, climbing equipment, etc.) Our suppliers are wellestablished companies who provide good quality products, which we sell at sensible prices. As a family-run business, established over 45 years, we pride ourselves in giving useful technical advice so that customers, from householders with a large garden to professional foresters, can make informed decisions about what equipment they need. Our aim is to provide “onestop” shopping for cutting requirements, and we have a greater stock of spare parts than most of our competitors. All our machines are backed up by an extensive stock of spare parts and repairs are carried out by a Husqvarna and Stihlapproved mechanic. Replacement chains and simple repairs can often be done while customers wait.

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UK importer for Palax firewood and accessories. New & used machines. C1000 now available with x-aim see palax youtube channel

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With well over 100,000 followers and growing across the key social media platforms and with links to rural policing initiatives we’re committed to alerting the rural community to ongoing crimes to help stop the criminals in their tracks. Rural crime costs in excess of £49M per year! Join thousands of farmers, landowners and others living in rural areas to help us stamp out rural crime.

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The UK’s No.1 Rural Crime Alert Network February 2021 | AgriNews | 19

IAN FORMAN - NSTS MANAGER Crop assurance scheme requirements for pesticide application equipment (PAE) are overall very straightforward with the annual testing of the main farm sprayer and, for those growing root crops, nematicide applicators and fogging machines too. For some of the other machines working and those that are also working in other sectors it is not always quite so clear. As you will be aware, annual testing relates to PAE used in food production, but you may also be using a weed wiper, or even a small sprayer only used for jobs such as spraying grass or game cover plots, where the sprayer would not need to be tested annually. Other sectors which include livestock assurance schemes and also amenity and horticulture, are required to follow the legal requirements of the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD). The SUD states that for sprayers over 3 metres, air blast sprayers, train and aircraft sprayers, the first test isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t due until it is 5 years old, and then must be tested every 3 years. Booms 3 metres and under need to be tested every 6 years, but again

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not until they are 5 years old. Other equipment that also falls into this last category include micro-granular applicators applying Avadex, slug pellet applicators, weed wipers, seed treating equipment, along with a range of other specialised application machinery. Operator check sheets are available for some of this equipment on the NSTS website and we would recommend using these if you are not having the machines tested annually. All handheld equipment, including knapsacks, do not need to be tested, but must be inspected on a regular basis, repaired if required, and a record kept of the inspection. With this in mind, NSTS have a knapsack check sheet available on the website. NSTS also promotes the accurate application of fertiliser for a variety of reasons. These include the need to protect the environment and waterways around the UK, along with field margins and hedgerows, which all help towards a more sustainable future for land managers and could become even more important as the new ELM Scheme is rolled out over

the next few years. The second factor is an economical one, most farms will spend as much on fertiliser as they do on pesticides and so accurate application is key. The NSTS spreader tray test will show precisely how evenly a product is being spread across the full working width of the machine. Thecoefficient of variation (CV) is calculated, with the purpose of achieving a CV below 10%, a very good spread pattern. With a CV of 20%, you may start to see striping in the crop, and the financial impact could be as much as ÂŁ17/ha. The cost of the test can be recouped very quickly if the spreader is found to be spreading unevenly and then adjusted to give a much more even spread pattern. If you would like further information on any of the test procedures, contact NSTS at info@nsts.org.uk, or go to the website, www.nsts.org. uk where you can search for a Test Centre near you and arrange a test on your machine to ensure it is applying all your fertiliser products on target and evenly across the field.

February 2021 | AgriNews | 21

Sole importers for FarmGem.

Unit 5, Beechings Way, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9JE t: 01507 466011 www.sprayerservices.co.uk

Sole importers for FarmGem. Acare Svcs Ltd, Bunkers Hill, Walsingham, Norfolk, NR22 6AZ t: 07909 997590 | www.acareservices.co.uk Anglia Sprayers, 60 Lancaster Way, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 3NW t: 01353 666615 | www.angliasprayers.co.uk CMC Cropsprayers, Frogmary Green Farm, West St, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5DJ t: David: 07834 667660 | www.cmccropsprayers.co.uk Nigel Quinn (AMS) Ltd, 89 The Marshes Lane, Mere Brow, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 6JR t: Nigel: 07973 519491 | nigelq@btconnect.com For a full list of dealers please visit: www.farmgem.co.uk

Unit 5, Beechings Way, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9JE t: 01507 466011 www.sprayerservices.co.uk 22 | AgriNews | February 2021

AGRI NEWS

VALENTINES COMPETITION To take part in our Valentines Day Competition, simply fill out the wordsearch below and send your answers to: vicky@agrinewsmedia.co.uk

February 2021 | AgriNews | 23

ZETOR

CRYSTAL HD 6-Cylinder Engine

ECO 40 transmission 30/30

24 22 || AgriNews AgriNews || February November2021 2020

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www.zetor.co.uk February 2020 2021 || AgriNews AgriNews || 25 November 23

MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT FOR BANHAM POULTRY’S NORFOLK PLANT Banham Poultry is to start the next phase of a multi-million-pound programme of improvements at its norfolk based processing plant

anham Poultry is to start the next phase of a multi-million-pound programme of improvements at its Norfolk-based processing plant.

is due to start shortly, will see a £500,000 overhaul and increase in capacity of the plant’s outdated and dilapidated odour abatement system.

the sector.

Over the past 18-months, Chesterfield Poultry, who purchased Banham Poultry in 2018, have invested £11m at the 12-acre Attleborough site.

Work will include replacing existing ventilation infrastructure and additional odour scrubbing capacity to ensure that discharge thresholds are achieved. It is due to be completed in the late spring and will help minimise odours associated with the processing of the birds.

Following a fire at the factory on the outskirts of the town two decades ago, Banham’s moved to their current location, which was only meant to be a temporary stop gap whilst the building was replaced.

Most recently the business – which processes nearly one million chickens a week – spent £160,000 updating its materials handling and product despatch areas, including the installation of new automated racking facilities. The next phase of this major investment, which 26 | AgriNews | February 2021

Banham Poultry Managing Director Blaine Van Rensburg said: “This significant programme of improvements to totally transform our Attleborough plant will make it one of the most modern in

“The work will also benefit those living in close proximity to our site by reducing both noise and odour emissions.”

Van Rensburg added: “We are fully committed to reducing our impact as much as possible and, over the coming months, this work will help is achieve this.”

AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN PHEASANTS ON PREMISES IN ANGLESEY

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has confirmed Avian Influenza H5N8 in pheasants on Anglesey

temporary control zone (TCZ) has been imposed around the infected premises, to limit the risk of the disease spreading and as part of the wider surveillance and disease control measures. Further laboratory results to determine if virus is a Highly Pathogenic type are expected in the next 48 hours. If so, the TCZ will be replaced by 3 km protection and 10 km surveillance zones. Mortality of birds on the premises is high and all those surviving in the affected group will be culled immediately. This is the first confirmation of the disease in Wales in the winter of 2020/21. But

follows confirmation of several outbreaks of Avian Influenza in other parts of the UK this winter. In addition, there have been many findings of the virus in wild birds, mainly waterfowl, including in Wales. The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, said: “This case of Avian Influenza in pheasants on Anglesey serves to reinforce the need for all keepers of poultry and other captive birds to practice the very highest levels of biosecurity. This is why in November the Minister for Rural Affairs declared an all Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. “The Prevention Zone, which requires keepers of poultry

and other captive birds to apply strict biosecurity measures and to keep their birds indoors, or otherwise separate them from wild birds, remains in place, as does the temporary suspension on gatherings of poultry. “Even when birds are housed, there remains a risk of infection originating in wild birds, particularly waterfowl, entering sheds and buildings indirectly. There must be a strict biosecurity barrier around housed poultry to prevent infection entering through machinery, feed, clothing and equipment. “Bird keepers should remain vigilant for signs of disease and report any suspicions to their veterinary surgeon.” February 2021 | AgriNews | 27

BUDGET FOR FARMERS TO IMPROVE FARMS DOUBLED IN NOTHERN IRELAND

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has welcomed news that funding for the third tranche of tier one will be doubled creating a £15m total

he Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has welcomed the news that funding for the third tranche of tier one of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital (FBIS-C), will be doubled creating a total of £15m. The significant increase was announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) minister Edwin Poots, on 27 January. The new budget will enable more farmers to make smaller scale investments including the purchase of equipment and machinery

28 | AgriNews | February 2021

to improve the sustainability of their farm business. The investments will have substantial benefits for the environment, animal health and welfare, farm health and safety and the wider rural economy in Northern Ireland (NI), the UFU said, “We are pleased that Minister Poots has boosted the funding for tier one of the FBIS-C so substantially, supporting farm families to deliver onfarm developments and efficiencies. The impact of this extra funding will have positive benefits for our environment, rural economy

and the sustainability of NI’s agriculture industry,” said UFU deputy president David Brown, From early February 2021, letters of offer will begin to be issued for eligible applications for tier one of the FBIS-C. “We encourage farmers who receive a letter of offer for the FBIS-C, to read the conditions carefully and ensure they can meet all the requirements to avail of funding. If they are in any doubt, they should contact Countryside Services for advice,” said Brown.

STEVE BIRCHALL FOUNDER AND OWNER OF STEVE BIRCHALL POULTRY SERVICES

“It’s not the most glamourous job, but we take price in what we do and the end result is rewarding” WHAT IS YOUR JOB IN A NUTSHELL? I am the founder and owner of Steve Birchall Poultry Services and I have three teams who travel the country cleaning all types of poultry houses. We even strip wash and rebuild traditional free range units, sell second hand diesel washers and supply a range of government approved soaps and disinfectants to your customers. HOW DID YOU END UP WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

At a young age I was always on my grandad’s allotment, after school and at weekends helping out, or as he would call it “being a pain”. I had a fascination with the fancy fowl he kept; he taught me the basics, taught me to care.

at christmas. Working with Shaver breeds and broilers for Moy Park, I was farm manager for the last 8 years of my employment there.

So, in 1970 aged 15 and much to my dad’s disapproval, I left secondary school and went to start my working life at Maple Leaf Hatcheries in Lancashire, I attended Hutton Agricultural College on day release. Maple Leaf was local and to this day I still live in the area. I started work on one of their breeder sites and continued with the same company for the next 15 years.

During my time at Maple Leaf, I got to know many poultry farmers and one asked me if I fancied washing his poultry house for him. And so it began. I invested in a small van and with a 1500psi electric washer, off I went. As i got busier, I started to employ people to help. In the beginning it was mainly broiler sites but the expansion of traditional free-range and now multi-tier systems means those now make up most of our customer base.

I worked on caged sites, broiler sites, rearing farms and even did turkeys

In 1985, Maple Leaf closed and I was made redundant.

We travel all over the country keeping the poultry industry clean.

February 2021 | AgriNews | 29

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