Agri News - March 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

■ ALWAYS AVAILABLE

■ INCREASED COW COMFORT

■ CLEANER COWS

■ NO DUST

“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

“Having an unlimited supply of material means you can use more of it.”

Page 4

Protect herds from spring butterfat depression

Page 6

Guide to supplementing colostrum at calving

Page 14

When is the right time to change a tractor?

Page 22

Lack of energy price support for farmers in Hunt’s budget

Page 5

JCB wins its biggest ever UK order

Page 12

Power-up disease control to protect cereal returns

Page 16

Bobcat unveils world’s first all electric skid-steer loader

Page 37

Game Fair winner picks up award winning Isuzu D-Max

PROTECT HERDS FROM SPRING BUTTERFAT DEPRESSION

Protect herds from spring butterfat depression and improve fertility with strategic fat supplementation

Protect herds from spring butterfat depression and improve fertility with strategic fat supplementation

Rumen function and energy supply are paramount to protecting butterfats and fertility during spring grazing.

As dairy herds are turned out for spring grazing, producers must balance rumen function and energy demands to avoid butterfat depression and fertility issues, says Dr Richard Kirkland, ruminant nutritionist for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients.

“Rumen function is put under a lot of pressure at turnout as cows go from having a controlled ration that is balanced in fibre and starch to a more variable forage base of grazed grass,” explains Dr Kirkland. “While the diet transition alone is enough to cause challenges to the rumen that can have an immediate impact on milk production, early grass growth may be akin to rocket fuel and is expected to be rapidly fermentable.”

High in energy, more rapidlyfermentable forage can cause disruptions in rumen pH and pass more quickly through the digestive system. These conditions lead to an increased risk of acidosis and along with the high oil

loads pose a significant threat for milk fat depression, making supplement choice of paramount importance.

Fat supplementation in buffer rations help meet energy needs

Variable spring grazing conditions make it harder for energy supply to be maximised with a drop in fertility as a consequence. In perfect grazing conditions it is possible to support 25+ litres of milk per day, but dry matter and energy intakes can be significantly reduced in wet, overcast conditions.

“Especially for spring calvers, maximising energy intake is essential during the early part of the grazing season as cows’ have a greater nutrient demand to support milk production and body condition ahead of breeding within a short window of time,” says Dr Kirkland.

During early lactation, cows cannot eat enough to meet the high energy demands of milk production and enter a state of ‘negative energy balance’, using energy from body fat stores to support the genetic drive for milk production, and lose condition. Research indicates a fall-off in conception rate of around 10% for each 0.5-unit loss in condition through this period.

To minimise this effect, composition of buffer feed needs to be carefully considered says Dr Kirkland. High-fibre supplements such as citrus pulp and soya hulls will provide a better balance in the rumen and in conjunction with a rumen-protected fat supplement can provide the greatest response in milk fat as observed in research studies at the University of Nottingham.

While it may work out on paper, supplementation with rapidly-fermentable carbohydrates such as wheat or barley as energy sources offer greater challenges and increase risk of acidosis and making the fall in milk fat worse.

“Rumen-protected fat supplements have around 2.5-times the energy content of cereals, making them ideal to help maintain energy supply through variable springtime grazing conditions without the undesirable rumen effects we see from starchy cereals through the transition from the winter diet to the spring grazing scenario,” he says.

Using strategic fat supplementation to optimise milk contracts

JCB WINS ITS BIGGEST EVER UK ORDER AS PERTHSHIRE FARMER INVESTS

JCB has won its biggest ever deal in the UK after a Perthshire farmer placed an order for £87.5 million worth of machines

JCB has won its biggest ever deal in the UK after a Perthshire farmer placed an order for £87.5 million worth of machines – including a big fleet of iconic 3CX backhoe loaders.

The huge order has been placed by Perth-based Morris Leslie Plant Hire almost 50 years after Founder Morris Leslie started the company on his parents’ farm in the Carse of Gowrie, near Perth, where he began buying and selling construction equipment. Today his company operates across the UK – with many of his firm’s customers working in the agricultural sector, particularly in Scotland.

Morris Leslie Plant Hire’s new machines include a bumper deal for 50 JCB backhoe loaders, at a time when new figures show a resurgence in demand for backhoes in the UK, with the market growing by more than 12 per cent in 2022. The investment will also see the company take delivery of Loadall telescopic handlers, excavators, site dumpers, and compaction equipment, underlining its commitment to provide

customers with the most up-to-date machines possible.

Manufactured at JCB’s factories in Rocester and Cheadle, Staffordshire, all the new machines are powered by the latest Stage V engines which deliver low emissions. They are also fitted with the JCB LiveLink telematics system which enables Morris Leslie Plant Hire and its rental customers to monitor the safety, productivity and emissions of the machines. The order will be supplied by dealer Scot JCB to Morris Leslie’s 14 nationwide depots throughout 2023.

Morris Leslie, Chairman of the Group, attended Elmwood Agricultural College, Cupar and today he owns and operates four arable farms in Perthshire and Angus covering a total of 2,000 acres.

Morris Leslie said: “Our business was founded on a farm in 1974 and I am proud that farmers and the wider agricultural community continue to be vitally important to the success of the company today . This order ensures we can continue to support them

with the very latest and best equipment.

“We are delighted to have agreed our largest ever order with our long-term partner JCB to support our 2023 growth plans and by the end of the year our entire JCB fleet will be operating with the latest Stage V engines.

“The backhoe loader part of the order is particularly pleasing, and we look forward to seeing ongoing growth of our JCB 3CX fleet. The backhoe continues to be hugely popular with our customers thanks to its excellent loading and excavating capabilities and the ability to travel directly to the site, cutting the need for costly transportation. Scot JCB and other JCB dealers around the UK continue to provide firstclass service to our depots and our customers.”

JCB Sales MD Marco

Bersellini said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Morris Leslie Plant Hire. This deal confirms that JCB has exactly the right products to meet the needs of hirers and end users.”

A GUIDE TO SUPPLEMENTING COLOSTRUM AT CALVING

Here’s how and when to supplement calves with colostrum to ensure a good start to life

A guide to supplementing colostrum at calving

Here’s how and when to supplement calves with colostrum to ensure a good start to life

Industry research has found 61 percent of dairy calves and 20 percent of suckler calves left to suckle the dam for colostrum did not receive enough IgG antibodies for successful passive transfer.

This data outlines opportunities both dairy and beef farmers can take to improve the short and long-term health and performance of their herds, says Emily Hall, livestock farmer and product manager for Nettex.

“Passive transfer of diseasefighting antibodies from the dam is reliant on feeding enough high quality of maternal colostrum as quickly as possible after birth,” says Ms Hall. “Simple management measures can be taken to ensure more passive transfer success rates to give calves a stronger start to life.”

For successful passive transfer of IgG antibodies, colostrum quality needs to be a minimum of 50g/l IgG, which equates to 22 Brix when measured with a refractometer.

In new guidelines, it is now recommended calves receive a minimum of 3 litres within the first two hours of life and additional 3 to 4 litres within six to 12 hours of birth – for a total of 6 to 7 litres of high quality colostrum within

its first 12 hours of life.

“To be delivered to the blood supply, IgG molecules are absorbed by the small intestine, and rapidly decline after 12 hours of life. This makes timing critical to maternal colostrum absorption,” adds Ms Hall.

Improved management options

To meet the recommended benchmarks for passive transfer, Ms Hall recommends producers stop relying on calves to suckle unsupervised and to test colostrum quality with a refractometer.

“Studies have found 20-25 percent of calves don’t feed from the dam within the first 8 hours of life and few consume enough colostrum within the peak absorption window,” says Ms Hall. “Feeding colostrum via a bottle is preferable since the sucking reflex allows milk to go straight into the abomasum for fast absorption by the small intestine. While tubing is preferable to leaving the calf to suckle the dam, it will delay absorption by 2 to 4 hours due to being delivered into the rumen.”

When colostrum quality is below the recommended 22 Brix or below the minimum 6 litres, supplementation is required to boost antibody availability and energy supply to the calf.

Supplementing colostrum

To capture the benefit of passive immunity from on-farm pathogens, Ms Hall recommends

maternal dam colostrum from a cow on the same farm as the best option.

When it is not available or is going to take too long to thaw out for the first feed, she recommends supplementing with a full fat colostrum powder sourced from UK herds like Nettex’s Calf Colostrum Double Strength.

“Calf Colostrum Double Strength can support calf performance when calves are not receiving sufficient good quality maternal colostrum. It also contains growth factors, hormones, vitamins and minerals,” she explains.

Collected from Scottish farms specifically for UK herds, Nettex’s colostrum range is free from TB, Johnes and EBL. It is also of known quality and has been tested for safety and efficacy – giving producers a quick and convenient colostrum supplement that will support the health of calves.

“Whether calves can get all of their colostrum from the dam or if you are needing to supplement, it is essential for the short and long-term health of the calf to ensure it is receiving adequate amounts of the right quality, at the right time” concludes Ms Hall. “Calf Colostrum Double Strength is a great option to deliver high quality bovine colostrum to calves in a short amount of time.”

UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN SEPARATION & PUMPING TECHNOLOGY

MSXH Submersible motor mixer

SEPARATOR PLUG & PLAY Portable pump and separator unit for multi-site operation

MTXH-L Tractor mixer

MAGNUM CSPH Submersible pump

MAGNUM Centrifugal pump

HELIX DRIVE Eccentric screw pump

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.

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.

Multi Industrial Doors Ltd is a family owned company founded back in 1985.

We pride ourselves on providing a top quality service at an affordable price.

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.

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.

BAUER POLYESTER TANKERS

YOUR ADVANTAGES:

• Low ground pressure

• Minimum compaction

• High capacity pumps

• Heavy duty galvanised chassis

• Strong non corrosive tanks

• Wide range of distribution systems

MOST EFFICIENCE AND COST EFFECTIVE

Polyester tankers with trailing shoe applicator, from 10.500 up to 24.000 liters

SEPARATOR

Eccentric screw pump HELIXDRIVE

Submersible pump MAGNUM CSPH

Submersible motor mixer MSXH

Tractor mixer MTXH-L

Centrifugal pumps MAGNUM

ECKART Mixers for Biogas

PLUG & PLAY portable pump and separator unit for multi-site operation

BOBCAT UNVEILS WORLD’S FIRST ALL ELECTRIC SKID-STEER LOADER

Bobcat has taken innovation to the next level with the introduction of two new concept machines

Bobcat Unveils World’s First All-Electric SkidSteer Loader and New, All-Electric and Autonomous Concept Machine at CONEXPO

Bobcat has taken innovation to the next level with the introduction of two, new concept machines unveiled during the first day of CONEXPO 2023.

Following the 2022 release of the Bobcat T7X, the world’s first allelectric compact track loader, Bobcat has now unveiled the world’s first all-electric skidsteer loader, the Bobcat S7X. Bobcat has also stepped beyond industry expectations with the unveiling of its new concept track loader, the Bobcat RogueX. This next-generation concept machine explores the capabilities of electric power, autonomous operation and dual lift-arm geometry.

“At Bobcat, we are always pushing the boundaries to explore the next leading advancements that help our customers accomplish more and propel the industry forward,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO and Vice Chairman. “As an organization, we are committed to innovating for our customers’ needs first and foremost, so that they can become more efficient, more productive and more successful.”

About the S7X All-Electric SkidSteer Loader

Like the T7X, the S7X is all electric, as it is powered by a 60.5-kWh, lithium-ion battery,

features electric drive motors and utilizes ball screw actuators for lift and tilt functions.

Together, the battery and electrical powertrain generate incredible performance characteristics, with instantaneous torque that is as much as three times greater than traditional loaders. The powerful loader balances sustainability and performance with zero emissions and is equipped to outperform its diesel-powered equivalent.

This skid-steer loader offers operators a smooth and comfortable experience with minimal vibration and nearly silent operation.

The S7X can operate for up to 8 hours on a single charge depending on the application, giving most operators more than a full day’s work when breaks and downtime are considered. A full charge takes approximately 10 hours.

“As the inventor of the original skid-steer loader, we are excited to take the machine that created the industry and reinvent it all over again,” said Joel Honeyman, Doosan Bobcat Vice President of Global Innovation. “The S7X is an incredible product with real-world application that can support operators on environmentally sensitive sites, in noise-restricted areas and for indoor operation.”

At this time, the S7X skid-steer loader is being debuted as a prototype machine.

RogueX: concept machine that

breaks all the rules

The Bobcat RogueX combines technologically advanced features to make it a one-of-akind conceptual machine. While most closely resembling a track loader, the machine is in a league of its own.

As a research and development project, the machine was built as a proving ground to advance the Bobcat innovation roadmap, evaluate customer perceptions and test the limits of machine functionality.

“RogueX was concepted with consideration for the worksite of the future and how a customer’s needs mayevolve— with a focus on ease of use, remote operations, autonomous functionality, sustainable operations and features that allow operators to accomplish more with one machine,” said Honeyman.

As jobsites change and operators turn to remote operation, Bobcat took its concept further by fully eliminating an operator station. The machine explores the idea of operating where humans cannot go to tackle more work in more places than ever from a remote position.

By building the loader without a cab and using advanced kinematics, RogueX features next-generation unique functionality including both vertical-path and radial-path lift capabilities in one machine.

ZERO UPFRONT COSTS WITH SUBSCRIPTION-BASED MONITORING

The latest round of farm equipment and technology grants has made herd monitoring systems more affordable in England

The latest round of farm equipment and technology grants has made herd monitoring systems such as SenseHub® and Dataflow II from MSD Animal Health UK Limited (a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK)) more affordable in England. The option to use SenseHub and Dataflow II on a subscription basis further increases the affordability of the company’s class-leading fertility and health monitoring systems.

The latest round of the Rural Payments Agency’s (RPA) Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) offers grant funding for a range of equipment and is divided into two main categories: Productivity and Slurry items (Annex 3), and Animal Health and Welfare items (Annex 4).

Within Annex 3, heat detection systems (FETF90*) and their associated ear tags and neck collars (FETF91*) are eligible for grant funding to the amounts of £740 and £29 (per tag or collar) respectively. Similar grants are also available in Wales as part of the Welsh Government’s existing small grants efficiency scheme.

Alternatively, the costs of investing in a herd monitoring system can be spread with MSD Animal Health’s simple and affordable ‘GO’

subscription model. With zero upfront costs, GO gives users access to all the necessary equipment, installation, tags and applications for a single monthly fee and allows full flexibility to change or add to their system as their needs evolve. Subscriptions are available as multi-year contracts, with silent renewals giving customers the peace of mind that they will have automatic access to new features, continuous service and no unexpected costs.

The subscription service is available for all SenseHub and Dataflow II application plans (Starter, Advanced and Premium) and can be used to monitor multiple populations or groups of animals including cows, heifers and youngstock. GO also enables users to use a mixture of MSD Animal Health’s intelligent ear tags and/or neck collars.

Crucially, the subscriptionbased service gives users access to priority-level service support, with customers also benefitting from a full programme of onsite and online training modules including regular webinars and on-farm support to ensure they are able to get the most from their system. All equipment is also covered by a continuous warranty which lasts for the full duration of the subscription.

Commenting on the new package, Paul Mitcham, Nationals Sales Manager (Monitoring) MSD Animla Health, said: “The GO package highlights MSD Animal Health’s commitment to provide a fully supported, service-based solution to herd improvement by offering dairy and beef farmers an affordable, simple and flexible route into the use of herd monitoring technologies.

“With no upfront costs, GO gives farmers access to the full suite of MSD Animal Health monitoring hardware – including our intelligent ear tags and/or neck collars plus the necessary antennas, controllers and any applicable training and support – for one affordable monthly payment which is calculated according to the number of tags or collars being used and the application plan on which they are registered.”

The new subscription package offers complete flexibility, with customers able to increase the number of tags/collars and to upgrade their application plan at any time. Coverage can also be expanded as and when the herd grows to ensure all groups of cows, heifers and youngstock are monitored.

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.

POULTRY

LACK OF ENERGY PRICE SUPPORT FOR FARMERS IN HUNT’S BUDGET

Lack of energy price support for farmers in Hunt’s budget ‘deeply disappointing’

Lack of energy price support for farmers in Hunt’s budget ‘deeply disappointing’

Poultry farmers have expressed their disappointment over the lack of continued support in the Spring budget in the face of high energy prices.

The four farming unions had lobbied for the government to extend the highest level of energy relief available under the Energy and Trade Intensive Energy Scheme (ETII) to key agricultural sectors after 31 March 2023.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt extended support for domestic households but not farms in Wednesday’s budget. Farmers such as south west broiler grower Jamie Hatch will experience a huge increase in energy costs from 1 April, when the existing scheme lapses. Hatch told PB his energy bills will increase from £68,000 to £250,000 a year.

John McLenaghan is deputy president of the Ulster Farmers Union. He said he was “deeply disappointed” with the government’s decision.

“The UFU has been lobbying for horticulture, poultry and pig production to be included in the ETII Scheme,” he said.

“Energy is a critical source within food production. When the Energy Bill Relief Scheme changes at the end of March, higher energy costs will be a major challenge for all farmers. Many food producing businesses will struggle to absorb the huge hikes in energy prices, leaving them to face an energy cost cliff edge. This poses a longerterm risk of food price inflation for consumers and could also negatively impact the thousands of supply chain businesses that are sustained by the farming sector.

“From April 2023, the ETII scheme will provide high level energy relief to

several sectors including food processing and manufacturing. However, it currently excludes primary agricultural production such as horticulture, poultry and pigs, sectors that rely heavily on energy. Failing to address that in the budget is a failure to address growing food security concerns and raises the prospect of more empty shelves appearing in shops across the UK.”

HOW FATTY ACIDS CAN ENHANCE ANIMAL RESILIENCE

A healthy gut status in the intestines depends on three pillars: gut mucosa, the immune system and the gut microbiota.

By Florence Rudeaux, regional category manager, Adisseo

A healthy gut status in the small and large intestine depends on three pillars: the gut mucosa, the (local) immune system and the gut microbiota. However, these three foundations of gut health are very susceptible to imbalances, especially during early life. The villi, for example, can show signs of atrophy. Furthermore, disruption to the integrity of the epithelial lining can cause a ‘leaky gut’, and the composition of the gut microbiota labile and sensitive to the opportunistic overgrowth of potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli or Enterococcus cecorum.

In this context, organic acids, such as short- and medium-chain fatty are a family of feed supplements that have been studied extensively as a way of mitigating the negative flora intestinal imbalance. They can have distinct effects, depending on the exact nature of the molecule.

Butyric acid plays a specific role as a signalling molecule, it is one of the SCFA that is produced endogenously in the hindgut of monogastrics, where they instigate mechanisms that are key to gut health. Butyrate, in the intestine of poultry, has been shown to dampen inflammation, to increase tight junction formation and to upregulate the expression of antimicrobial peptides. However, its effect depends to a great extent on where it is delivered in the gastrointestinal tract. Commercial products, such as fatembedded butyrates or butyric glycerides, have a distinct butyrate release profile and trigger different physiological responses. For example, precision delivery coated butyrate in a strong E. coli challenge model has proven to be more effective in improving the morphology and performance of the gut than unprotected butyrate.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), however, are best known for their antimicrobial activity, these characteristics

can be attributed to their molecular structure, which can interfere with the membranes of bacteria. To use MCFA optimally, two considerations should be made. The first is the length of the side chain: for activity against Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Clostridium perfringens) lauric acid (C12) has typically emerged as the ‘best in the class’ in in vitro screening assays when comparing the antibacterial effect of SCFA and MCFA. On the other hand, certain Gramnegative bacteria (e.g. E. coli or Salmonella) are more sensitive to shorter MCFA and SCFA (C3-C10). The second consideration is the choice between free MCFA or MCFA-glycerides: free MCFA are rapidly absorbed in the first part of the GIT, and are pH-dependent, while MCFA-glycerides are pH-independent and can be enterically delivered. In addition, the antimicrobial effect of glycerides (especially alphamonoglycerides) is much more pronounced than that of free fatty acids.

SUPPLY CHAINS ARE NOT FRAGILE, THE CURRENT TRADING ENVIRONMENT IS

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

By Kerry Maxwell, communications manager, British Poultry Council

Commentary on the ‘fragility of food supply chains’ is circulating in response to the threat of food shortages. The photos of empty shelves of fruit and vegetables might suggest otherwise but it is vitally important to remember that our supply chains are not fragile. If they were they would not work. It is the environment in which they are operating in that is fragile, if not downright unstable, what with rising production costs and an imbalanced trading relationship with the European Union.

As producers of half the meat the nation eats, valued for its affordability, our biggest concern is that without strong social protection measures and the right economic stimulus more people are going to fall outside the system. That undermines what poultry meat supply chains are designed to do. Since our food security, facilitating

trade, business viability and food affordability are all interconnected, Government must get a grip on the SPS issues making their way onto people’s dinner tables, solving them under an agreement with our largest and most vital trading partner.

As exciting as it was to hear pledges to remove export barriers under a Labour government from party leader, Keir Starmer, at NFU’s 2023 Conference, it is tough not to feel downtrodden at the thought of the opposition’s long-awaited, pro-farming pitch simply being the promise of the bare minimum. As important a promise it is, with the need for fairness in EU trade underpinning most issues plaguing the industry that is feeding the nation, it truly reinforces just how much damage has been done since we departed the EU two years ago. Now it’s likely that it will be another couple of years before we can even begin to address said-damages. Meanwhile, 10 million people couldn’t access

food on a regular basis at the end of 2022. With the way things are going, with rising production costs threatening to export British businesses in favour of cheaper imports, there may not be much of an industry left to fix before the next general election.

Today it’s a shortage of tomatoes, tomorrow it could be British poultry. A bit dramatic, maybe, but not entirely out of the realms of possibility given the state of British food production right now. BPC members will continue to do everything they can to mitigate any impact to people’s plates but the clash between Brexit rhetoric and the commercial realities of UKEU trade is real, disruptive, and only 56 miles long. There is a single food chain that encompasses Dover to Calais. In refusing to fix SPS issues between the UK and EU and live up to their commitment that “farmers will have what they need,” Government continue to expose food frameworks, and consumers, to more volatility.

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

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

Mikes Graphics

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

www.mikesgraphics.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

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

www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk

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

www.southamagri.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 - PROVEN 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

THE CHOICE OF PROFESSIONALS

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

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

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.