Agri News - February 2023

UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN GREEN BEDDING

With more Separators and Green Bedding systems installed UK and Worldwide, Bauer is uniquely qualified to provide advice, products and support for your Green Bedding System

■ ECONOMICAL

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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.”

Defra permit the use of RMS (Recycled Manure Solids) as bedding for dairy cattle. Farms using RMS must notify APHA and Red Tractor

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THREE NEW APPOINTMENTS AT LEADING AGRONOMY FIRM

Leading agronomy and crop firm, ProCam, has appointed three new member of staff to its agronomy and research teams

Leadingagronomy and crop production firm, ProCam, has appointed three new members of staff to its agronomy and research teams: Eilish Johnston and Stephen Acott join the company’s Scottish team as trainee agronomists, while James Bromwich joins as the company’s new trials assistant.

James Bromwich, who grew up on his family’s farm in Leicestershire, joins ProCam as a Trials Assistant. After studying for a business management degree at De Montfort University, James joined the MDS graduate scheme where he completed placements within companies in the food and fresh produce sector. In his new role he will work alongside ProCam’s Trials Officer, Rebecca Tunnicliffe, to assist in coordinating the company’s in-house research and knowledge exchange, enabling growers and agronomists to make better decisions to improve cropping performance.

Stephen Acott has joined

ProCam as a trainee agronomist based at the company’s Cuminestown depot in Aberdeenshire. Stephen relocated to Scotland with his wife, Jayne, in 2004 and joined Agrii in 2008 where he spent 12 years running the company’s Turriff-based seed analysis laboratory and working as a cereal crop inspector throughout Scotland.

Stephen has subsequently joined ProCam’s Robertson Crop Services team as a trainee agronomist and will be working alongside colleagues to provide practical agronomic advice to growers throughout Aberdeenshire.

Eilish Johnston also joins ProCam’s Scottish team as a trainee agronomist and is based at the company’s Kildary office in Easter Ross. Eilish grew up in Edinburgh and studied for a degree in agriculture at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). During her time as a student she gained practical, onfarm experience through various roles in the sheep and dairy sectors, working

as a lambing assistant for the Ashcraig Farming Partnership in Selkirk and as a dairyman for R&A Wilson in Berwickshire.

Eilish joins ProCam from Agrii where she gained a BASIS foundation qualification. Having relocated to the Highlands, she is currently training for her BASIS IPM exams and FACTS qualification so that she can provide specialist crop nutrition to help growers maximise the quality and yield of their arable and potato crops.

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome James, Stephen and Eilish to ProCam and look forward to helping all three progress their careers,” says Diane Heath, ProCam’s UK Managing Director. “They join us at a challenging but exciting time for food production in the UK and I’m sure they’ll all prove to be invaluable by offering farmer-focused, practical crop protection and nutrition advice and solutions to safeguard and enhance the margins of the farms they work with.”

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NEW SURVEY REVEALS MULTI-CUT GRASS SILAGE BENEFITS

A new soil test can identify, measure and compare the organic carbon content in a soil sample.

High feed, fertiliser and fuel costs are driving UK dairy farmers to want to produce better silage in 2023. And those who made multi-cut grass silage during the droughted 2022 season tended to be better off.

Those were conclusions from a new Ecosyl grass silage survey conducted among more than 700 UK dairy farmers ahead of the 2023 season – threequarters of whom made silage conventionally (cutting up to three times a year) and a quarter of whom made multicut silage (cutting four times or more).

The vast majority in both groups (74% and 70% respectively) reported that growth of their grass silage crops had suffered from drought in 2022. But as well as making better progress with cutting, more of those making multi-cut tended to see higher silage yields and better quality, says Ecosyl silage expert Ken Stroud of the survey organiser, Volac.

“Getting on for half (45%) of farmers in the multi-cut group had already taken two cuts by the end of May,” says Mr Stroud, “compared with only 17% that had taken two cuts by the end of May in the conventional group. And this trend continued when the dry

weather had hit at the end of July.

“By then, nearly three times more farmers in the multi-cut group than in the conventional group had already progressed to three cuts – at 44% versus 15%. More interesting still were the differences in silage yields and quality between the two groups.”

Compared with 63% of conventional silage-makers who felt yields were less than normal by the end of July, Mr Stroud says just 53% said this in the multi-cut group.

Quality-wise, over the season as a whole, 35% of conventional silage makers also rated their 2022 grass silage quality as poorer than normal, compared with only 28% saying this in the multicut group.

“At the other end of the scale, nearly twice as many multi-cut makers as conventional silage producers felt their quality was actually better than normal in 2022 – at 20% versus 12%,” says Mr Stroud. “Indeed, higher quality was the most popular advantage of multi-cut silage identified by users of the system in the survey, with 60% saying this, followed by 50% naming more yield over the season as an advantage.

“Clearly, multi-cut isn’t

immune to the effects of drought, and it isn’t possible to make it on all farms, but the survey results repeatedly pointed to those who made multi-cut in 2022 being in a stronger position. Another advantage of a multi-cut system is that it puts some silage in the clamp early in case the weather turns too wet or dry later. This was named by 36% of users,” he adds.

Also rated highly among multi-cut’s advantages was the opportunity it provides for more slurry applications – which can be useful for farmers cutting back on granular fertiliser, Mr Stroud notes.

“When survey respondents were asked what was likely to make them want to make better silage in 2023, averaged across both groups, 79% said high feed costs, 63% said high fertiliser costs and 49% said high fuel costs. Clearly there was good understanding among producers that making better silage can improve business efficiency and make better use of their fertiliser investment. These are key reasons why minimising losses in silage dry matter and quality has become increasingly important,” he adds.

STIHL ENHANCES CARE AND CLEAN KIT RANGE

Stihl has extended its range of care and clean kits with the launch of the MS and MS PLUS

STIHL has extended its range of care and clean kits with the launch of the MS and MS PLUS, suitable for all petrol, cordless and electric STIHL chainsaws.

Both MS and MS PLUS care and clean kits feature the new VarioClean Eco, a universal cleaning agent made from natural raw materials, which are compatible with all chainsaw surfaces such as polymer, metal, rubber and aluminium.

The ECO-Cert certified cleaning agent is suitable for removing oil, resin, and grease from all parts of the chainsaw, including HD2 air filters. Users simply spray on VarioClean Eco to the relevant chainsaw area and leave for five minutes before wiping it down with

a damp cloth or brush.

In addition, both kits also boast a wooden handled cleaning brush, which features plastic bristles and a metal blade. This ensures the brush is suitable for removing dirt from the guide bar groove, cleaning the oil bores, loosening stubborn dirt from the sprocket cover, as well as loosening dust build up on cylinder fins.

The MS Plus care and clean kit features a wash bag that can be used as a microfibre cloth or alternatively a cleaning glove, which offers more effective cleaning of HD2 filters. Once the HD2 filter has been sprayed with VarioClean Eco and left for five minutes, simply put the filter in the wash bag and wash at 600C as users would their PPE.

The launch of the MS and MS Plus care and clean kits follows STIHL’s recent launch of service kits for petrol handheld tools that enable professional and domestic owners to carry out simple routine engine maintenance themselves, increasing their tool’s reliability and longevity.

For more information on STIHL's new MS and MS PLUS care and clean kits, please visit www.stihl. co.uk.

BOBCAT INTRODUCES NEW COMPACT TRACTOR LINE-UP

The company is targeting ground maintenance, landscaping, lifting and handling, agriculture and snow removal applications.

The company is targeting ground maintenance, landscaping, lifting and handling, agriculture and snow removal applications -

A new line of Bobcat Compact Tractors has been launched for the Europe region.* Bobcat Compact Tractors are part of the ground maintenance equipment (GME) range announced by the company last October.

Building on the company’s success in the North American market, Bobcat aims to rank within the top-three GME players in Europe and to double growth in global GME market by 2027. Together with the Compact Tractors, the GME range in EMEA includes mowers and turf equipment, as well as Bobcat’s existing mini track and small articulated loaders.

Daniele Paciotti, GME Product Line Director for Bobcat, said: “Bobcat is offering three Compact Tractor platforms – the 1000, 2000 and 4000 series – which feature nine new models from 25 to 58 HP designed to meet the varying needs of customers in EMEA.

First deliveries of compact tractors to our dealers are planned for February with the initial focus on Italy, UK, Poland and Benelux, where our dealers have showed a

great deal of interest.”

Compact Tractors to Suit Every Requirement

Bobcat Compact Tractors are designed to increase productivity, versatility and reliability. Whatever the application, these machines help to get the job done efficiently thanks to their robust construction,smooth operation, flexible configuration and full compatibility with a wide range of Bobcat attachments.

Each of the nine models in the Bobcat compact tractor range varies in size and engine horsepower, with the option to choose between manual and hydrostatic transmissions: 3-point hitch with telescopic or quick lower links and open canopies (ROPS) and cabs. All the models offer all-day comfort in the cleverly designed and generously appointed workspace. With air conditioning (cab models), a suspended seat, an adjustable steering wheel, linked pedal and intuitive ergonomic controls.

Built to the same high manufacturing standards expected of all Bobcat equipment, the performance and reliability of the new Compact Tractors has been ably demonstrated in the US market for several

years. And when it comes to maintenance, Bobcat's extensive service network gives customers the support their businesses need.

Truly Multi-Purpose and Customisable

Together the nine models offer a wide choice of clever application solutions and can be equipped with front, mid and rear connections and power take-offs. Features include an independent PTO, auto-PTO; PTO Cruise, HST Cruise or Draft control ensuring optimum productivity and uptime.

The proven Bob-Tach system comes as standard on all machines with the front-end loader option, enabling users to switch easily between different Bobcat attachments to carry out multiple jobs easily, delivering greater value and versatility for customers’ businesses. Fuel consumption is kept to a minimum thanks to the Eco PTO feature, while the linked pedal ensures optimum driving performance from the efficient 3-cylinder engine.

Every Bobcat tractor model comes standard with 4-wheel drive. Customers can easily engage it whenever the work demands it – enjoying superior power and traction in even the toughest working conditions.

KVERNELAND GROUP ACQUIRES PHENIX AGROSYSTEM

Kverneland Group has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the share in French company BC Technique SAS

Kverneland Group has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in French company BC Technique SAS, which produces the Phenix Agrosystem brand of inter-row cultivators, rotary hoes, guidance interfaces and tine harrows.

This latest acquisition is a move that provides access to range of sustainable farming solutions, enabling growers to achieve efficient, accurate and consistent mechanical weed control.

While the Phenix brand will continue to be available in those markets where it currently exists, these premium products and solutions will be introduced as Kverneland products, available through the Kverneland dealer network. The portfolio includes the

Helios star-wheel equipped rotary hoe; Lynx guidance interface with colour scanning self-steering camera for use with any existing hoe; and the high-tech X-Green guidance interface solution that can be equipped with up to two colour scanning selfsteering cameras.

In addition, the product range includes the Onyx series of row-specific tined hoes offering working widths from 3-12m. When equipped with ISOBUS and the X-Control parallelogram, the Onyx offers section control through automatic raise and lower of individual weeding assemblies at headlands.

This high precision capability also enables the inter-row Onyx hoe to be used in conventionally spaced cereal crops at 12.5cm row widths, boosting output and productivity.

TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY SAFETYIMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE

Transport and machinery are the biggest contributor to the high fatality rate the agriculture endures

Transport and machinery are the biggest contributor to the high fatality rate that agriculture endures. Here are some simple ways you can reduce the risk and keep you, and others, safe.

One of the easiest ways of keeping yourself safe is by ensuring all the equipment you require is properly maintained and therefore suitable for the intended tasks. This can apply to any piece of equipment you run, for instance tractors, trailers, ATVs, towed appliances, farm vehicles, handheld machines etc.

Daily and regular checks

By completing daily checks before commencing use of the machine or vehicle, you are more likely to notice any possible defects that could prevent the task being carried out safely.

In addition to this, regular maintenance checks completed by a dealership are also recommended to ensure any defects that are not highlighted on daily checks are addressed. This can ensure that small issues are repaired before they escalate and have a bigger financial and safety impact.

Maintenance. Why you should care.

Ensuring your machines and transport are well maintained will also ensure it is running efficiently and therefore likely to reduce long term costs associated with the machine, while also having the potential to increase its longevity.

A well-maintained vehicle or machine is more likely to be complaint with what is considered roadworthy. As such, if an incident should occur (that is not your fault), you are likely to be in a more favourable position if your vehicle or machine is well maintained.

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Smithfield Tractors, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, Ls2 3SR

t: 01982 553221 | www.smithfieldtractors.co.uk

Trebor Jones & Son Ltd, Llanfyllin, SY22 5LE

t: 01691 648411

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POWER-UP DISEASE CONTROL TO PROTECT CEREAL RETURNS

Despite a recent dip in cereal prices, the value of 2023’s harvest is predicted to remain relatively buoyant compared to previous years

Despite a recent dip in cereal prices, the value of 2023’s harvest is predicted to remain relatively buoyant compared to previous years. It will therefore pay to ensure crops are properly protected against diseases this spring. That’s the advice from ADAMA’s fungicide technical specialist, Andy Bailey, who believes growers can powerup their disease programmes cheaply and effectively with the addition of folpet.

“The ongoing effects of the war in Ukraine and global factors including exchange rate fluctuations and volatile weather patterns means many in the industry are expecting cereal prices to remain relatively buoyant, at least for the short-term,” Mr Bailey explains. “Growers should therefore ensure their crops are properly protected this spring, not only to safeguard yields, but also to ensure they achieve the quality needed for milling bonuses and malting premiums.”

Mr Bailey recommends a balanced approach to crop protection, with the use of cultural and integrated disease control tactics used alongside chemical measures: “Key cereal diseases such as septoria and rusts in wheat and ramularia and rhynchosporium in barley can be difficult and costly

to control,” he explains, “especially as the erosion of the efficacy of many single site active ingredients means these fungicides will struggle to provide effective curative action once diseases have taken hold.

“It’s therefore essential to stay ahead of infection by using cultural controls to reduce the spread of diseases and by applying a mix of alternating active ingredients and modes of action throughout the season. The addition of the multi-site fungicide, folpet, provides a cost-effective way of powering-up programmes to ensure crops are protected from the outset.”

Folpet has historically been used to provide protection against rhynchosporium in barley and septoria in wheat and gives useful added protection against rusts. For 2023, it is also approved for use against ramularia and net blotch in barley.

“The latest data from 54 trials conducted over a period of four years suggests that, based on a wheat price of £220 per tonne, the inclusion of folpet in spring fungicide programmes will deliver a five to six-fold return on investment by increasing yields by an average of 0.265t/ ha,” Mr Bailey claims. “That’s as a result of prolonged green

leaf retention which results in better grain quality and yield improvements of up to 0.6t/ha.

“With the recent addition of net blotch and ramularia to its label, folpet’s scope of advantage is now even more wide-ranging, making it a key component in barley crops being grown for the malting market.”

Application timings

To control septoria in wheat, Mr Bailey explains that the key time to include folpet is at T1 when it will boost protection and help crops to stay ahead of the disease. “Using folpet at T1 will help in all scenarios to avoid the need for curative activity,” he explains. “A subsequent application at T2 will maintain protection and help to keep the upper canopy greener for longer, thereby enabling the crop to capture more available sunlight and translate this through to yield benefits.

“In high risk septoria situations, such as where a susceptible variety has been drilled early, protection should be brought forward by applying folpet at the T0 timing, with subsequent applications made at T1 and T2 to power up the programme and provide season-long protection.”

WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT TO CHANGE A TRACTOR

Landini: When the time is right to change a tractor - choices for renewing your fleet

Tractors have a rather long working life, the duration of which depends on many factors, primarily the level of maintenance and the hours the machine has been in the field. We have talked about the great value of maintenance in several articles. It is essential to take good care of your vehicle, both for better quality and safety of work and so that you do not end up changing parts or having to buy a new model much sooner than expected. That’s why Landini has created Scheduled Maintenance Programmes, designed for the well-being of the machine, the farmer and the business, with a dedicated Landini team

and guaranteed service, for a tractor that always works at high performance.

DISCOVER THE LANDINI SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

Added to this is a statistic that is extremely variable depending on the history of the company using the tractor: the hours the tractor has actually worked in the field. As an example, a modern tractor has an average life of 15,000 hours, which is supposed to be completed in 10-15 years. This has changed a lot in the last 20 years, which is why today you can see very different machines

within the same fleet, modern tractors and vehicles that are 30 to 40 years old but still operate well.

This is because for a long time the agricultural sector has been characterised by a high ageing rate and only in recent years has it caught up with other sectors by innovating technology on machines and halving their weight. The target audience has also changed, seeing fewer and fewer small companies in favour of more structured agricultural businesses, with greater demands for state-of-the-art machinery fleets.

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KUHN LAUNCHES NEW LIGHT-WEIGHT DRILL

Kuhn has unveiled an updated, lightweight Megant drill featuring new tine coulters and more

capable of holding 1200 kilos of wheat and drilling 60 hectares a day replaces a riveted hopper on the previous model. The new hopper also includes internal steps to improve access to the distribution head.

KUHN has unveiled an updated, lightweight Megant drill featuring new tine coulters, an updated terminal, and the option to add a second hopper. The Megant 602R shares functionality with the previous 600 model, but features half width shut off and can be specified with an additional SH 1120, 110 litre hopper to drill two crops in the same pass.

Due to its lightweight design, the Megant can be operated by tractors with as little as 150 horsepower. Three types of tines can be specified on the Megant, including reversible forward action, straight, and a new narrow 12mm straight tine coulter which reduces soil displacement through improved penetration and also reduces wear on the tine thanks to the addition of carbide plated points.

A new VT 30 terminal makes the Megant suitable for tractors with and without ISOBUS. Large buttons, a shock proof casing and ergonomic design make the terminal easier to operate and more durable. Compatibility with both KUHN CC1 8001200 and other ISOBUS terminals will make the Megant more accessible to all users and will offer the economy of not needing to purchase a second control terminal for tractors already fitted with a compatible model.

The 602R has inherited some features from the larger ESPRO drill including spring loaded nonstop track eradicators and side markers that are better suited to dry conditions. A new welded 1800 litre hopper

The improved hopper features a shut off door enabling operators to isolate the two compartments. This makes it possible to adjust the metering unit when the hopper is full and helps to prevent seed settling in the metering unit when the Megant is in transit.

The Megant has been fitted with KUHN’s VISTAFLOW valves which can be configured and controlled from the terminal. This enables operators to program the flow of seed with the option to save settings for future use. VISTAFLOW also records tramlining configurations such as the working width and wheel track to enable more accurate use of sprayers and fertiliser spreaders which will help to reduce input costs.

The Megant 602R is available to order in the UK with RRP’s starting at £42,760.

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t: 01926 813426

www.southamagri.co.uk

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JOHN DEERE WILL NOT ATTEND THE SIMA SHOW IN 2024

John Deere will not be attending the SIMA show in November 2024 in Paris

John Deere will not attend the SIMA show in November 2024 John Deere would like to take this opportunity to inform dealers and customers that they will not be attending the next SIMA show in November 2024 in Paris. One of the main reasons for this decision is to allow greater focus on country specific dealer and customer events throughout 2024.

“COVID 19 has changed the event landscape and the way customers want to interact with us is also evolving,” said Andreas Jess, John Deere Marketing Director for Region 2. “Ag and Turf trade shows are a long-established way of engaging with farmers and

contractors, but we are also exploring alternative communication channels that combine both digital and face-to-face activities. These will allow us to better demonstrate our innovative technologies and production systembased solutions and, at the same time, reach a wider audience.” He added, “customers are increasingly interested in how Precision Ag can support their operations across the entire agricultural production cycle, and this requires a different approach to share ideas and demonstrate solutions.”

The increased focus on in country customer

events will also support John Deere’s transition to a more streamlined business that puts the customer at the centre. It is also a question of utilising resources in the most efficient way over the mid- to long-term. Tilmann Köller, responsible for John Deere Public Relations and Shows & Events for Region 2 adds, “we are currently planning our European dealer and customer events for 2024 which require synchronisation with our markets in North America. The first announcements will be in March 2024, and we are very excited about the news we will share.”

John Deere still sees an important role for trade shows in the future but would welcome international trade fair organisations to review their current timetables to allow greater flexibility for other promotional activities.

IAN FORMAN - NSTS MANAGER

Ian Forman, NSTS manager

Fertiliser prices continue to remain high, which makes it ever more important to ensure accurate application of fertilisers again this season. Think about all of the factors that affect spreading, weather and field conditions, operator training and making best use of the technology available all have an impact on accuracy, but with time constraints some of these aspects may get overlooked.

Advice from AHDB last year suggested in some cases a 20% reduction from RB209 recommended rates for machines not set up accurately. With prevailing high prices this year, and perhaps without the benefit of having some fertiliser left in the shed from 2021 when prices were much cheaper, this should be considered if you don’t know how

accurately your machine is set up.

Knowing your machine is in good condition and set up correctly is a good starting point and something that can be easily managed both before and during spreading operations.

Included as part of an NSTS spreader test is a check over the whole machine, paying close attention to the condition of the vanes and agitators. Each product is tested for weight, size and hardness to allow an accurate comparison against manufacturers recommendations for setting up a machine, and adjusted accordingly.

Trays are then laid out across the full width of spread to gain a figure for coefficient of variation (CV). A result of a CV less than 10% is aimed for and in most

cases is achievable.

Having a correctly set up machine will also help you meet obligations to protect the environment. NVZ rules and Farming Rules for Water requires farmers to apply fertiliser as accurately as possible to reduce the risk of pollution. Including a border spreading check when having a spreader tested will help meet these requirements, especially when spreading near watercourses.

For further information, contact NSTS, 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.

SCIENTISTS RAISE FEARS OF UK’s BIRD FLU CRISIS SPILLING OVER TO MAMMALS

Over the last two year, the UK has faced its largest ever bid flu outbreak with over 300 cases confirmed since last October 2021

that will be opportunistic and predate on dead or sick birds will be exposed to very large quantities of virus.

"That gives a possibility for the virus to enter a host population that it doesn't normally maintain in."

Over the last two years, the UK has faced its largest ever bird flu outbreak with over 300 cases confirmed since late October 2021.

Over the last two years, the UK has faced its largest ever bird flu outbreak with over 300 cases confirmed since late October 2021

Scientists have raised fears that the UK's largest and worst ever outbreak of avian influenza is spilling over into other species.

According to a report by the BBC, APHA has tested 66 mammals and discovered that nine otters and foxes were positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

More targeted surveillance and testing of animals

exposed to the virus will now be rolled out across the country following the findings.

Over the last two years, the UK has faced its largest ever bird flu outbreak with over 300 cases confirmed since late October 2021, of which over 270 have been in England. There is currently a mandatory poultry housing order in place in England, Wales and Scotland.

Prof Ian Brown, APHA's director of scientific services, spoke to the BBC and said the UK's bird flu taskforce was now increasing its surveillance of cases in mammals.

"A sick or a dead wild bird contains an awful lot of virus," he said, "Scavenging mammals

The UK's avian flu taskforce will also look at the genome of the virus itself, while looking at its spread in wild bird populations across the world.

"The virus is absolutely on the march. And it's almost remarkable - it's a single strain," Prof Brown told the broadcaster, adding that he was "acutely aware of the risks" of the virus becoming a pandemic.

"This global spread is a concern," he warned, "We do need globally to look at new strategies, those international partnerships, to get on top of this disease.

"If we don't solve the problem across the globe, we're going to continue to have that risk."

NEW BARN EGG LABELLING CONCESSION INTRODUCED

Eggs originating from free range flocks must be labelled as “barn eggs” to comply with labelling requirements

New barn egg labelling concession introduced as derogation ends

Eggs originating from free range flocks must be labelled as ‘barn eggs’ to comply with labelling requirements

The government has introduced egg labelling changes for free range poultry that have had to be housed inside due to the ongoing bird flu crisis.

From today, eggs originating from free range flocks in the east of England - Norfolk, Suffolk and parts of Essex - will need to be labelled as barn eggs.

The concession will apply to the rest of England from 27 February, which is in line with egg marketing standards regulations.

The commencement date for the east of England marks the end of the 16week grace period given after the introduction of a regional housing order, on 12 October 2022.

A subsequent Englandwide mandatory housing order was issued on 7 November 2022 as a result of a growing number of avian influenza cases.

In recognition of the sector's heightened input costs and the impacts of bird flu, Defra said it would allow the same packaging concessions that were granted last year.

The UK

The UK's mandatory housing orders

Where other options are not feasible, such as overstickering or marketing eggs in “barn reared” egg boxes, industry will be allowed the use of direct print to pack or an affixed label on free-range boxes to communicate to consumers that the eggs have come from hens that are now barn reared.

The labelling will remain in place until the mandatory housing order is lifted, Defra confirmed.

It follows support for the poultry sector announced last October, allowing

compensation to be paid to farmers from the outset of planned culling rather than at the end.

Over the last two years, the UK has faced its largest ever bird flu outbreak with over 300 cases confirmed since late October 2021, of which over 270 have been in England.

Announcing today's egg labelling changes, Farming Minister Mark Spencer said he hoped the concessions would help ease the burden the sector was facing.

“Farmers and poultry producers are facing real pressures as a result of this avian influenza outbreak," the Defra minister added.

“We are very mindful of the need to maintain consumer confidence in the freerange brand long-term and appreciate the continued cooperation from the sector as we battle this insidious disease “

WHERE WILL OUR EGGS COME FROM IN 2023?

Producers who once saw steady growth and expansion have taken a hit from issues such as the bird flu crsis and soaring inflation

Producers who once saw steady growth and expansion have taken a hit from issues such as the bird flu crisis and soaring inflation

As egg producers pull out of production and planning applications to build new or extend existing units become few and far between, the sector is increasingly pondering its own future.

Specialist agricultural and rural planning consultants Ian Pick Associates has seen a drastic decline in the number of planning applications submitted.

“At the start of this year, I have seen the lowest number of applications for free-range egg housing than I have seen during 17 years of being in this business," Ian Pick said.

“From what we might call its peak in 2010, where we were running up to 50 applications at any one time, by contrast, we currently only have 2 live planning applications going through and one appeal."

Ian puts this down to the fact that egg production is just not making the margins required - some contracts are paying less than the cost of production. "We have seen many farmers get their fingers burned”.

He noted that the other aspects that are seriously curtailing applications, is the cost of building, which has increased well above inflation.

“Brexit, the war in Ukraine and inflation have led to phenomenal increases,” Ian added.

“Hefty increases in the cost of steel, wood, equipment and concrete have huge impacts on build costs.

"Whereas say a year ago he cost to build a 32k poultry shed would be around £1.2 million for example, that is now more like £1.7 million now”.

The other factor is the cost of borrowing, with fixed rates increased from around 2% to 5%.

“The margins are not there," Ian said, "Unfortunately these issues are not unique to the poultry sector either.

"We have seen a lack of expansion in other livestock housing applications too. They have gone down substantially, especially pig housing.

"We have seen a few new planning applications in the broiler sector, but not many."

He added that many farmers

are restructuring, repurposing buildings for other non agricultural uses.

"We have just changed the use of a poultry unit built in 2019 to commercial storage."

In the free range sector, there are a number of live but unimplemented planning permissions across the country, where permission has been granted, but not progressed.

They have three years from consent to start construction. "I do not see much confidence in the free-range sector at the moment," Ian added.

"Even if there was a big upturn and more farmers wanted to expand, there are limiting factors and hoops they have to go through which can be a further barrier to entry”.

Natural England legislation

In March 2022, Natural England issued guidance to local planning authorities with new ammonia threshold levels to protected ecological sites such as SSSIs.

The threshold levels are so low that in a large proportion of cases they are virtually impossible to comply with in a large number of cases.

STEVE BIRCHALL: KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Testimonial: This testimonial is supplied by P.R Starkie, Farm Manager at P.M. Ashburner Ltd

Being a small family run Poultry unit we need to have good reliable contractors to ensure our site has a good state of cleanliness and biosecurity.In order to achieve this we use another family run business, Steve Birchall Poultry Services Ltd.

As a business we have worked in relationship with Steve Birchall and his team for a long number of years and will continue to do so for many more. His team do a first class job washing and disinfecting our site. Nothing is too much trouble and they can accomodate our needs at the drop of a hat.

I can honestly say Steve and his team are excellent, reliable, thorough, tidy and hard working. They leave our site ready for action! I would recommend Steve Birchall Poultry Services without hesitation.

P.R Starkie

Farm Manager

P.M Ashburner Ltd

Testimonial from W. Bateman & Co

I would highly recommend Steve Birchall Poultry Cleaning Services, having knowing him for over 25 years and it has been an absolute pleasure to have him as my loyal customer and I look forward to many more years in business and wish Steve Birchall the continued success with his business and the good reputation he has gained over the years. We look forward to many more years in business with Steve Birchall.

All the best - All at W Bateman & Co

AGRI NEWS - VALENTINES COMPETITION

To enter, simple complete the crossword below and forward to vicky@ agrinewsmedia.co.uk to be in with a chance of winning a love2shop voucher! GOOD LUCK!!

The complete management system for the Gemini milking robot!

Cow Performance

Robot Performance

Management Tools

Data Interface

Herd Performance

Gemini OneView is a complete management system for the Gemini milking robot that transforms all your herd information into easy-to-use decision-making tools. While entering the main dashboard, you are given the ability to instantly monitor all your important production and cow information, in real time.

Let the data talk !

DATA INTERFACE

It all starts with the OneView dashboard, which is a powerful and visually easy tool to interpret for monitoring your dairy farm! Stay connected and monitor your milking system continuously, on any device.

Accurate data are always available, customized to your needs Also, the OneView management system can connect to third party management systems. This means you have all possible information centralized into one convenient system.

As if your robot could talk !

ROBOT PERFORMANCE

Receive alerts in real time, so all stakeholders have insight to resolve critical alerts when necessary.

The analyses enables you to adapt and optimize the system to your management goals!

• Milking analyses

• Feeding analyses: to help you to implement the ideal herd feeding performance

As if your herd could talk !

HERD PERFORMANCE

All herd information translated into easy to take decision tools.

• Herd production indicators,

• Herd health indicators,

• Activity measurement,

• Herd traffic indicators,

• Herd lifetime indicators,

• Herd routines,

• Herd feeding indicators.

Run your farm the way you want !

MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Numerous management tools combined to run your farm according to your needs and goals. Set up the system based on your preferences and optimize where needed.

•Sorting engine: flexible and smart selection with almost endeless possibilities.

•Feeding: tune your feeding system the way you want. Input all your feeding rations and tables, according to the feeding management you wish to apply.

•Sensorics tools: as if milk could talk!

The sensors transfer any information you need, such as milk flow, somatic cell count, colour and conductivity.

Davison & Axup

Dairy Supplies, Swiss Cottage, Bardney Road, Wragby, Market Rasen, LN8 5QZ

As if your cow could talk !

COW PERFORMANCE

A large range of cow performance indicators help you manage your dairy farm to your preference.

• Cow production indicators;

• Cow health indicators,

• Conductivity,

• Cow lifetime indicators,

David Johnson (Lutt) Ltd, Upper Bruntingthrope Ind Est.

David Johnson (Lutt) Ltd - Upper Bruntington Ind Est, Leicester, LE17 5QZ | t: 01162 478349

Davison & Axup - Swiss Cottage, Market Rasen, LN8 5QZ | t: 01673 858567

Electro-Mech Agri Ltd, 7 Tulnagall Road, Donaghmore, Dungannon

Milkflo Dairy Systems Ltd, Trengove Farm Cot Road, Redruth

Electro-mech Agri - Tulnagall Rd, Dungannon, BT70 3LR | t: 02887 767376

BT70 3LR

Leicester, LE17 5QZ

Cornwall, TR16 4PS

Milkflo - Trengove Farm, Redruth, TR16 4PU | t: 08450 944 815

Wessex Farm - Mill Road, Somerset, TA10 9DJ | t: 01458 252566

t: 01673 858567

t: 01162 478349

t: 02827767376

www.electromech. com

t: 08450 944815

www.milkflouk.com

• Cow routines. BouMatic.com

In the end the milk quality analysis informs you on your management performance and helps you to adjust when needed.

Bob Gerard Ltd

22 London Road, Great Glen, Leicester, LE8 9GF t: 01162592224

www.bobgerard.co.uk

Machinery

DJ Leigh

Near Daventry, Northants, NN11 6DP t: 07502 661861

CM Barber Plant Hire The Depot, Steam Mills, Cinderford, GL14 3JD t: 07774 249580

www.cmbarberplanthire.co.uk

David Taylor (Garages) Ltd

David Taylor Garages Granada Park Motors, Crickhowell, NP8 1HW t: 01873 564016 | www.davidtaylorgarages-isuzu.co.uk

Steve Birchall Chorley, Lancashire, PR6 3TQ t: 07850 838172

roosterman1@btinternet.com

Mikes Graphics

5 Wall St, Hereford, HR4 9HP t: 07855 985649

www.mikesgraphics.co.uk

Southam Agri Fields Farm, Station Rd, Southam, CV47 2DH t: 01926 813426

www.southamagri.co.uk

W Bateman & Co Garstang Rd, Barton Nr Preston, PR3 5AA t: 01772 862948

www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk

Wharfedale Tractors Unit 1 Riffa Bus. Park Harrogate Rd, Otley, LS21 2XB t: 01132 841117

Advertise your company here, please contact us to discuss your requirements:

vicky@agrinewsmedia.co.uk

DJ Leigh

DJ LEIGH USED

DAVID BROWN 1490 ECON HML £POA

DAVID BROWN 1490 2WD TRACTOR Y REG NEEDS TLC £2375

1968/69 DAVID BROWN 990 LOADER ROLL BAR £2500

IH 144 TRACTOR AND LOADER FORK CAB £1895

1988 KRAMER 312 SE LOADRAD SHOVEL £4500

MUIR HILL 2WD LOADING SHOVEL NEEDS TLC £745

MF 3303 DIGGER LOADER H REG £2750

KUBOTA KH 51 ME £4775

PETTIET TIPPING TRAILER £990

TRAILER SMALL 3 TON WOOD SIDES FLOOR £875

EX ARMY BOMB TRAILER £685

LELY POWER HARROW 3.5M 1000 RPM £845

LELY POWER HARROW 4M 1000 RPM £895

LELY POWER HARROW 4M 540 RPM £2450

VICON CHISEL PLOUGH HEAVY £525

BOMFORD CHISEL PLOUGH £675

MF CHISEL PLOUGH £695

TASKER TILL TRAINDISC/TINES DISK £2890

BOMFORD HEDGE TRIMMER T,P,L £4775

BOMFORD HYDRO MOWER BRACKETS £685

BOMFORD BUSHWALKER TRIMMER NEEDS TLC £520

SPEARHEAD MK6 HEDGE CUTTER T,P,L £POA

ECON HM2 HEDGE TRIMMER BRACKET £1645

BAMFORD 4 FURROW PLOUGH DISC SKIMS £475

DOWDESWELL 4 FURROW REV DP7 £995

DOWDESWELL 4 FURROW REV DP 7D £1690

FERGUSON EARTH SCOOP £245

MF DITCHING BUSKET PLUS DIGGING BUCKET £350

McCONNEL HEDGE CUTTER HEAD £585

BARTON MUCK FORK TO FIT SMALL LOADER £370

BOBCAT MUCK FORKS TO FIT 4FT MACHINES £385

IH 2 FURROW REV PLOUGH NEEDS ONE BOARD £285

BUCKETS TO FIT MF 203/205/ MF50B,50D FROM £220

BUCKETS TO FIT NH MINI DIGGER SMALL/DITCHING £375

USED MACHINERY

BUCKETS HEAVY DUTY LARGE MACHINE FROM £325

TYRES AND RIMS TO FIT MF/FORD ETC., SIZE 14.0-16 10 PLT £POA

12.5/80-18. 11.00/16 10-00-16SL 8 PLY15.0/70-18 PRICES START AT £170 TO £250

16.5/85-28 ON FORD RIMS 10 PLY £275

MANITOU FORKLIFT MB 26C SERIES 1 NEEDS TLC £1975

SANDERSON 50 FORKLIFT NEEDS TLC £1975

BOBCAT SKID LOADER 533 NEEDS TLC £1025

BOBCAT SKID LOADER 313 NEEDS TLC £2475

TEAGLE 510 TOPPER OFF SET MACHINE £1385

TOYOTA TOP TO FIT SINGLE CAB PICKUP £165

IFOR WILLIAMS 12FT TRAILER WITH SIDES £1745

WOOD BURNER £325

ELDIS 2 BERTH CARAVAN NEEDS TLC £750

SMALL CAMPING TRAILER NEEDS TLC £25

SHELBOURNE REYNOLDS RAPE MACHINE £1790

BOUNCE SNOW PLOUGH £935

TEAGLE FLAIR SHAFT FOR TOPPER £375

GRAYS 3,P,L SNOW PLOUGH £665

TORO GROUNDMASTER MOWER DIESEL £4790

JOHN DEERE RIDE ON MOWER £1380

PARMITER POOST KNOCKER ROPE LIFT £1725

SUTON MUCK FORK NEEDS TLC £225

FOUR DOWEDSWELL SKIMS TO FIT DPI PLOUGH £225

RANSOME SKIMS AND DISCS FROM £70 TO £125

FUEL TANK £155

FOLDING ROLLS 6.3M £2750

OLD STEEL SAW BENCH ON WHEELS NEEDS TLC £138

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL DAVID ON 07876 770545 OR 07502 661861

*All prices are not inclusive of VAT*

ATVTRAC -

IN THE FIGHT AGAINST RURAL CRIME

As farmers and landowners continue to fight the threat of rural crime, ATVTrac offers a line of defence

As farmers and landowners continue to fight the threat of rural crime, ATVTrac offers a proven and effective line of defence.

With multi-tier technology, ATVTrac offers real-time location information, using GPS, GPRS, GSM and RF technology to not only pinpoint vehicle location, but to inform owners of unauthorised movement via text, email and phone call.

With a 98% recovery rate and an

average recovery time of three hours, ATVTrac’s results speak for themselves, with additional features too.

ATVTrac’s extra features are designed to make life easier and safer, with live tracking and machine over, assisting with safety and duty of care, covering lone worker polices in the process.

On top of great safety features, ATVTrac offers other useful functions such as live battery information, with adjustable low-

Revolutionising ATV & Asset Security

level notifications and an all-new service notification facility, helping to keep track of oil changes and routine maintenance.

And if the unthinkable happens, the true benefit of ATVTrac’s service becomes apparent, thanks to the 24hr manned call centre, which tracks the device, directly liaising with police or Securitas for recovery, to recover the asset.

Preferential insurance rates available too. Find out more at www.atvtrac.co.uk

BUILT STRONG WORK HARD TO

D. H. Wadsworth & Sons Flockton Tel: 01924 840319

D. H. Wadsworth & Sons Malton Tel: 01653 692244

THE CHOICE OF PROFESSIONALS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER:

DAY & COLES AGRICULTURAL

Wellingboro ugh, NN8 6UW Tel 01933 673900

www.dayandcoles.co.uk

JIM P RICE M ACHINE RY LTD

Craven Arms SY7 9QG Tel 01588 673 746

www.jimpricemachinery.com

MARTIN PEARS ENGINEERING LTD

Totnes TQ9 7JE

Tel 01548 521 429

www.mpearsengineering.co.uk

SOUTHAM A GRI SE RVICES

➢ Powerful 993cc Diesel engine

➢ 2WD or 4WD modes

➢ Largest cargo bed in class

➢ Gas-assisted tilting cargo bed

➢ Stable, wide-body chassis

➢ 907kg towing capacity

Southam CV47 2DH Tel 01926 813 425

www.southamagri.co.uk

The MULE PRO-DX offers a class-leading 453kg capacity low tipping cargo bed and 907kg towing potential.

High torque diesel power moves cargo and crew quickly with the safety assurance of the Roll-Over Protection Systems (ROPS).

ISUZU UK HAS CONTINUED TO INCREASE PICK-UP REGISTRATIONS

January 2023 registrations over 100% up from January 2022 despite the ongoign market issues leading to strains on vehicle supply

Isuzu UK has continued to increase pick-up registrations, with January 2023 registrations over 100% up from January 2022 despite the ongoing market issues leading to strains on vehicle supply.

With the LCV market slowly picking back up amidst global supply troubles, Isuzu UK remains in an exceptionally positive position, with overall registrations for January increasing by 102% compared to January 2022. This two-fold increase in registrations is largely thanks to Isuzu UK’s double cab automatic pick-ups, which alone witnessed an astounding 319% increase in registration for January 2023 compared to January 2022. Additionally, a registration increase of 385% for single cab 4x4 manuals this January

compared to last also massively contributed to Isuzu UK’s overall registrations for the month.

Alan Able, Managing Director of Isuzu UK, said: “We are thrilled to see a significant increase in vehicle registrations in January, which is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our dedicated dealer network. Their tireless efforts to provide exceptional service to our customers have not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for their continued support. It is so encouraging to see demand for Isuzu’s vehicles continue to grow, and I am sure this will be a record-breaking year for the brand.”

Earning multiple awards for 2023, the Isuzu D-Max’s exceptional capability combined with refined

levels of comfort are key contributing factors to the persistent increase in registrations. Kicking off the year with three awards, the D-Max was awarded the title of Pick-Up of the Year by Company Car & Van, 4x4, and What Van? Magazines. Increased demand for the Award-Winning Isuzu D-Max range can be attributed to the vehicle’s outstanding overall performance, which is reflected with each award.

The Award-Winning Isuzu D-Max range offers a variety of body styles (single, extended, doublecab) to cater to all needs. The Utility specification is aimed at businesses with features like vinyl flooring, cloth upholstery and automatic lights & wipers. The All-Purpose and Adventure models offer more SUV-like features, like keyless entry, climate control, leather interior, reversing camera, and multimedia systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A five-year / 125,000mile warranty and five-year roadside assistance are also provided, with the vehicle range boasting a 3.5-tonne maximum towing capacity and 1-tonne payload.