Farming Scotland Magazine (Sept-October 2011)

£1.95

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Current to the end of OCTOBER 2011

AGRISCOT 2011 PREVIEW PLOUGHS • MUCK SPREADERS • POTATO HARVESTERS plus Product Focus on POLARIS ATV’s FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND with RANNOCH SMOKERY FLAVOUR plus new o f SCOTLAND HOMEGROWN ‘self sufficiency’ adventure Reader Compet ition ARABLE • RENEWABLE ENERGY • LIVESTOCK page 21 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY • GADGETS • FINANCE FUTURE FARMER • MACHINERY • BOOK REVIEW

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!

The Good?

That was me beginning to learn about growing my own vegetables and making great plans for the future usage of my little bit of garden space that I have been allowed by the family.

All things point towards next March of course, but I do enjoy making plans!

The Bad? The weather!! After a winter of snow, we have had a summer of rain. I have bailed out my garage, kitchen and conservatory and as for my little ‘beginner’ steps in learning how to grow veg, well, not a lot has grown at all with all the damp and very low temperatures – we put our central heating back on in August!

The Ugly?

My wee tiny carrots! I also got some very small onions from my ‘starter’ growbags – too many planted in the same bag, and as for my tomato plants, great flowers, but that has been about it.

And the rest?

Well, it is all in the learning and that is certainly what I plan to do later on this year for 2012 and my veg garden. I certainly aint no farmer!!

Athole

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Athole Murray Fleming E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com Email: athole@atholedesign.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Athole Murray Fleming Tel. 01738 639747 ADVERTISING SALES Barry Tweed Tel. 01738 563025 PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Fleming Email: christina@atholedesign.com PUBLISHER’S NOTES COPYRIGHT This publication has been produced and published by ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD who are the copyright owners. No reproduction, copying, image scanning, storing or recording of any part of this publication without the permission of ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD. SUPPLIED MATERIAL ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD does not accept any liability for loss or damage to supplied film transparencies, photographs or other such promotional material.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is designed, produced and published by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd.

Tolastadh, 18 Corsie Drive, Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland PH2 7BU. Tel. 01738 639747 E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com Website: www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

October 2011

CONTENTS

publisher TALK

Main Features Ploughs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 Potato Harvesters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16 Agriscot 2011 Preview . . . . . . . . . 25-37 Muck Spreaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-48 Product Focus Polaris ATV’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Flavour of Scotland The Rannoch Smokery . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Homegrown Self sufficiency in a micro garden . . . 17 Readers Competition & Taster Rannoch Smokery’s “Smoked Duck” . 21

Regular Columns NFU of Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Crofting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Farming for the Climate . . . . . . . . . . 19 Scottish Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Vet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Financing Farming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 People on the Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

News Section Arable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Potatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16 Renewable Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-20 Science & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Livestock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-42 Future Farmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51 Gadgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53-58

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ARABLE Well booted!

Amongst all country footwear brands Buckler is probably unique in using the same robust anti-slip soles from their

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renowned Buckler leather boot ranges on their Buckbootz neoprene/rubber wellington boots.

Like their leather stable mates, Buckbootz come in safety and non-safety specifications.

Next time you visit your Buckler dealer try them, but be warned, they are a little more expensive than ordinary wells and you’ll never wear anything else in the future - ever!

This autumn sees the arrival of three new Buckler leather safety boot models plus one new non-safety dealer boot, and don’t forget that Buckler’s expertise extends to hand protection. Their HandGuardz HG1 is specially designed for general agricultural use and features the latest tough, lightweight and durable materials providing great all weather protection, whilst retaining exceptional touch and grip sensitivity.

Positive progress on Scotland’s shop shelves

NFU Scotland’s campaign to encourage shoppers to look at the promotion and branding of Scottish produce on shop shelves has brought positive results.

Since the launch of the ‘Shelf Watch’ Campaign, the Union has been encouraging consumers to take a closer look at the produce they pick up from supermarket shelves to make sure that Scottish promotional material really means Scottish produce.

The campaign looks to identify good practice around Scottish products in supermarket stores but also to tackle instances where imported produce could be bought believing it was Scottish or Scottish produce is found sharing shelf space or comingling with imports.

The first month of the campaign has highlighted

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that, in the main, the retailers are doing a very good job for Scottish food.

Consumers have been sending in pictures of where they have seen good examples of Scottish promotional materials in supermarkets, and also examples of where they feel more could be done to accurately promote the fantastic quality and variety of Scottish produce that can be found in stores.

Allan Bowie, Vice-President of NFU Scotland, said: “Over the years, we have received a few complaints where members have found that Scottish point of sale materials in supermarkets were not matched with Scottish produce on the shelves. Our Shelf Watch Campaign has been taking a closer look at what is happening now in stores.

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Angus cereals vision

NFU Scotland has congratulated the innovative farming cooperative, Angus Cereals, on the official opening of Scotland’s first portside purpose-built grain storage and processing facility.

The Union believes the facility will provide muchneeded flexible storage for co-op members and has the potential to help them add value to their crop.

The first phase of the Angus Cereal’s facility at Montrose will provide members with storage facilities for more than 25,000 tonnes of feed barley, malting barley and oilseed rape with plans to eventually provide storage capacity for 43,000 tonnes.

As well as providing storage, it opens up opportunities for members in the way they market their grain, working exclusively with the established grain trader Openfield.

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, opened the co-op’s new grain and storage facility this

afternoon (Wednesday, 3 August).

Speaking from the opening, NFU Scotland’s Combinable Crops Committee Chairman, Andrew Moir said: “Growers from Tayside, Angus and South Aberdeenshire have shown genuine vision with their commitment to Angus Cereals and the creation of the storage and processing facilities and I wish them every success with this important venture.

“It not only marks a fresh take on collective co-operation between farmers but, by outsourcing the management and marketing to an established commercial partner like Openfield, it also marks a new chapter in collaboration between farmers and their merchant.

“The new approach of farmers and their co-op taking up storage capacity and having that storage capacity on the dockside could prove to be a real benefit when it comes to finding the right marketing outlet for grain.

Tote bags save £10 per tonne

Farmers can save £10 per tonne on supplements delivered in onetonne tote bags from Ufac-UK. The company has invested over £90,000 in handling equipment at its Woolfox Mill, near Oakham, Rutland. This includes two new forklifts which accurately weigh material as the bags are filled.

“The tote bags make life easier for larger farmers as all handling is mechanical and can be streamlined,” commented Robert Jones, managing director

of Ufac-UK. “Apart from the financial saving at a time of high feed prices, bulk handling avoids the laborious job of opening 50 individual 25 kg packs and disposing of their packaging.”

The bulk bags are proving popular. They are being delivered to farms all over the UK — and overseas — and their use now accounts for over 10 per cent of Ufac’s mainline products. The company predicts that this growth trend will continue.

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NFUS

ARABLE

A call for more production

By Charles Adam, Braeside, Cushnie Chairman of NFU Scotland’s North East Region I hope those ambitious politicians and policy-makers looking to drive forward Scotland’s food and farming industries have taken the time to read the new research produced by SAC’s Rural Policy Centre Food security has never been higher on the political agenda and meeting the rising demand for food across the UK, Europe and the World presents huge opportunities for food and farming to play a greater role in reinvigorating Scotland’s economy.

Growing the output from our farms is already central to the vision that Scotland’s landmark food and drink strategy has, aiming to boost the value of our industry from £10 billion to £12.5 billion by 2017.

However, the SAC report: “Raising the Competitiveness of Scotland’s Agri-food Industry”, released last month, clearly shows that much more needs to be done if the potential to produce food profitably from Scottish farmland and then add value to it is to be fully realised.

The SAC study states that Scotland’s agricultural productivity still compares well against other UK nations, but that productivity is not rising as fast as it was. It is a concern that our productivity looks positively pedestrian when compared with other nations such as Brazil and China where they are embracing many new technologies, some of which were developed here.

The report’s authors describe this as ‘worrying’ because of its possible impact on the Scottish industry’s ability to capitalise on growing export markets coupled to the risk of losing market share at home to imported produce.

Were that allowed to happen, then our blossoming agri-food

sector would be snatching ‘defeat’ from the jaws of ‘victory’.

More worrying is that our productivity is improving at pedestrian rate The report suggests some solutions. It recommends that to tackle the reduction in productivity, more needs to be done to remove the barriers to farmers’ adoption of cost-saving, efficiency-boosting new technologies. It also adds that efficiency on farms – in terms of output per worker or output per hectare – is, at best, stable or in decline and that must be addressed if improved productivity is to be achieved.

The fact that productivity on Scottish farms is stalling will come as little surprise to producers but it may, justifiably, set alarm bells ringing with politicians. A prompt and immediate review of the constraints on the ability to produce food here in Scotland would seem to be in order.

That could include issues such as addressing the legislative and bureaucratic burden on producers, their access to new technology and working with all stakeholders to ensure speedy transfer of technological or scientific advances from the science lab out to the field.

It is also important that Scottish and UK politicians ensure that the forthcoming reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) recognises that sustaining food production should be the over-riding priority. For that to happen, any support delivered by the CAP is best targeted towards those actively contributing to our food and farming sectors. To encourage production, we need a well managed and targeted support scheme backed by an inspection regime where any breaches discovered upon inspection are treated in a more proportionate manner than is currently the case.

ARABLE

The search for woodland fit for The Queen

The Woodland Trust is encouraging landowners to create a lasting legacy for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland creation and conservation charity, is offering landowners the gem of a chance to be at the heart of The Queen’s 2012

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Diamond Jubilee celebrations, by planting an exclusive ‘Diamond Wood’ on their land. In one of the most prestigious programmes ever undertaken by the Trust, each Diamond Wood will be one of 60 flagship woods in the UK - representing each year of Her Majesty’s reign. The project

has The Queen’s support - and HRH The Princess Royal as patron. It will commemorate the 2012 Diamond Jubilee, marking Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year as monarch.

To enquire about Diamond Woods, contact the dedicated Woodland Creation team on 08452 935 689 or visit www. moretreesmoregood.org.uk/ jubilee

Chickweed can quickly smother young seedling grass in autumn sown leys and should be sprayed to maximise the returns from investing in a new re-seed.

“It is almost inevitable that common chickweed will germinate alongside grass as both establish easily in the warm, moist soils at this time of year,” explains David Roberts, grassland technical specialist for Dow AgroSciences.

“But chickweed will soon out-compete the spindly young grass as it has much bigger leaves and grows more vigorously. Left too long, it will kill the grass leaving large gaps in the sward. I have seen new leys where chickweed has covered 50% of the field.”

Chickweed is the most common annual weed in the UK. It seeds continually from spring to autumn, with each plant capable of producing 15,000 seeds. When the population of mature chickweed reaches ten plants/m2, the amount of

ryegrass left can be as low as 50% - dramatically reducing productivity (Figure 1).

Mr Roberts advises farmers to spray with a herbicide such as Doxstar at 1.5 litres/ha in 200 litres of water/ha, once the number of chickweed seedling reaches 5-10/m2.

For best effect, the chickweed should have at least two true leaves and be up to 50mm in diameter when treated.

“Translocated products like Doxstar are particularly useful for spraying new sown leys as they do not adversely affect grass growth, unlike herbicides based on older chemistry such as MCPA and 2,4-DB,” says Mr Roberts. “The sward can be sprayed once the grass has three true leaves.

“An added advantage of using Doxstar is that any seedling docks that have germinated from seeds brought to the surface by ploughing and cultivations, will also be knocked out before they can gain a foothold.”

Stop chickweed smothering new sown leys this autumn

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FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND “Scotland’s specialist meat and game smokehouse” Overlooking Loch Rannoch in the heart of Highland Perthshire, Rannoch Smokery is surrounded by rugged and unforgiving hill landscapes, the natural habitat of red deer which gives origin to the business. Rannoch Smokery has grown and developed on the strength of the Barclay family’s passion and creative thinking.

Leo Barclay started the company in the 1980s following a bad winter which prevented him getting his deer cull to market. A natural entrepreneur, he brined the meat in a bath tub before slowly smoking it in a home-

made smoker in the back garden, creating the first ever Rannoch Smokery Smoked Venison.

Rannoch Smokery is Scotland’s dedicated meat and game smoker passionate about quality and producing the best smoked meats from where possible, sustainable Scottish sources.

Very traditional smoking methods using whisky-infused oak chips along with “secret” brining recipes, give long natural shelf life to a wide and evolving range of products from cold and roast smoked Venison, smoked

Duck, smoked Chicken and smoked Carpaccio of Scottish Beef. A Pressed Game Terrine of wild Venison and Pheasant also joined the range in 2008 and makes for an impressive and convenient starter on any dining occasion.

Rannoch Smokery have accumulated over 27 Great Taste Awards to date which is testament to the quality of their produce.

Rannoch Smokery Telephone : 01796 472194 Enquires via email : enquiries@ rannochsmokery.co.uk More information available at www.rannochsmokery.co.uk

Richard and Biscuit the lab with the magnificent Munro Schiehallion overlooking.

Peppered smoked venison.

Smoked duck Waldorf salad. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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PLOUGHS

SIX OF THE BEST

A Look at some the latest plough models available right now

Pottinger Servo 35S 5F Nova

Pottinger Servo ploughs Pรถttinger a name more readily associated with grassland equipment has been a plough manufacturer for 36 years,

having acquired the German plough manufacturer Landsberg am Lech in 1975. The Landsberg name is synonymous across continental Europe with a high

quality robust plough that could handle large amounts of post harvest trash with ease.

Today the Pรถttinger Servo plough range is manufactured at the companies Grieskirchen, Austrian headquarters. The Landsberg factory now houses the companies steel hardening facility allowing Pรถttinger to produce its own plough wearing parts ensuring operating costs are kept competitive.

All larger mounted Servo models on offer in the UK feature unique inner beam strengthening supports. These supports are hidden from view but allow the plough beam to tolerate high loads and forces without the need for external

strengthening gussets being welded to the beam. These strengthening struts are bolted in place and are not subject to fatigue as often found with welded joints.

All models can be specified with either shearbolt or auto reset (Nova) protection systems.

The Nova models feature a unique individual hydraulic furrow protection system that ensures break away pressure is maintained on all furrows whilst one or more furrows may be tripping. This does away with phantom tripping often encountered with mechanically sprung systems available.

Breakaway pressure can also be adjusted to suit conditions by

W & A Geddes Ltd

Main Dealers for ploughs

W & A Geddes Ltd

7 River St, Wick, Caithness.

Tel: 01955 602207 Unit 14 A1/A2, Ormlie Ind. Est., Thurso.

Tel: 01847 891651 Croftbank Garage, Victoria Road, Brora.

Tel: 01408 621220 8

Castle Douglas Dalbeattie Road, Castle Douglas, DG7 1HZ Tel: 01556 502338 Dumfries Heathhall Ind Estate, Dumfries, DG1 3PH Tel: 01387 261024

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Whauphill Old Station Yard, Whauphill, DG8 9QB Tel: 01988 840201

Strathaven Unit 8, Hamilton Road Ind Estate, Strathaven, ML10 6UB Tel: 01357 522234

Castle Kennedy Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8RZ Tel: 01776 702160 Berryhill Berryhill, Moscow, Galston, Ayrshire, KA4 8PR Tel: 01560 324400

PLOUGHS

Overum

the operator ensuring that ground penetration can be maintained in the hardest of conditions.

The Overum brand Founded in 1655, Overum have been manufacturing ploughs since 1850, and have remained at the forefront of ploughing technology ever since. Having been purchased

by Kongskilde in 1998 the company has a current line-up of ploughs from 2 to 10 furrows, designed to cope with some of the most demanding global markets and soil conditions.

Available in fully mounted versions up to 6 furrows, with semi-mounted models covering 6 to 8 furrows, and then wagon ploughs from 6 to 10 furrows.

‘Plough sales have steadily increased over the past 6 or 7 years and now represent a substantial proportion of our annual turnover’ comments Kongskilde UK Sales Manager James Garrod. ‘In general we find that the majority of demonstrations result in a sale, with operators seriously impressed by the low draft requirement, low fuel usage and low running costs of the Overum plough. Whilst the bulk of our sales are in the 4 to 6 furrow fully mounted bracket, our range of semi-mounted models has seen a recent surge in sales.’

Overum are one of the few manufacturers to offer front-

mounted ploughs, and these have attracted plenty of attention at Shows and working events over recent years. ‘Whilst it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, the front plough can offer farmers a substantial increase in capacity when used with a 5 or 6 furrow plough on the back, without necessarily having to change to a higher horsepower tractor,’ Adds James. ‘At a recent dealer working day in Scotland, we ran a 3-furrow Overum front plough with a 5-furrow Overum plough on the back of a 133hp 4 cylinder tractor.

New ploughs from Gregoire Besson Gregoire Besson has recently launched two new ploughs: the RW8 fully mounted plough and the HRPC7 new fully mounted on-land or in-furrow lightweight plough.

The RW8 is suitable for mid to high horsepower tractors from 160hp to 340hp and is available as 5 or 6 furrows. It has hydraulically controlled variable furrow width from 12 to 20”. It has a 160 x 160mm frame. Its principal selling points are its versatility, ease of use and excellent ploughing results.

Robin Immink, MD of Gregoire Besson comments, “The RW8 has been designed to suit a wide range of tractors and soil conditions. It features control of ploughing depth and

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PLOUGHS available. The RW8 is available from £27,000.

The HRPC7 is suitable for tractors from 180hp to 360hp and is available with 5 to 7 furrows. It has manually variable width from 12 to 20”.

Gregoire Besson

inclination via an in cab hydraulic control box. It can also control the width of the front furrow and the transport lock can also be engaged. The RW8 will be particularly useful for farmers working on slopes.”

For precise depth control stability and even weight distribution, the RW8 features a tandem bogie wheel as well as twin wheels for stability and even weight distribution. This also improves lifting capacity and the

ability to switch between road and field work quickly and easily.

The patented system means that it is able to plough out wheel marks allowing closer plough to hedges.

A choice of safety systems, mouldboards and skimmers are

Kuhn semi-mounted plough range New to Kuhn’s semi-mounted reversible plough range is the single wheel Multi-Leader, positioned as a high output machine for medium to high power tractors. Available in 6, 7 and 8 furrow formats, the MultiLeader covers the 135 – 300 hp tractor power range, and – with a 110 degree turning radius – has great manoeuvrability on headlands. All models are available with multiple working widths (35, 40, 45 and 50 cm per body). The Z-frame design means there is very little wheel overhang during work at field edges and also allows the

J & W Tait Ltd Agricultural Merchants Main Dealers for Kverneland Ploughs

FOR PLOUGH OFFERS CALL YOUR LOCAL BRANCH Forfar Tel: 01307 462281 Perth Tel: 01738 583249 Laurencekirk Tel: 01561 378888 Dundonald Tel: 01563 851900 Doune Tel: 01786 842921 www.agricar.co.uk 10

SALES • SERVICE • BACK-UP Demonstrations available on Ploughs, Telehandlers & CLAAS Balers Haston Industrial Estate, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1RE

Tel: 01856 873003

Fax: 01856 876133

www.taitorkney.co.uk

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PLOUGHS range includes the Multi-Master and Vari-Master models, suitable for tractors from 60 to 280 hp, from 3 to 7 bodies.

Kuhn Multi-Leader

potential to fit wide tyres of up to 1200mm diameter, thereby offering good carrying capacity.

The Multi-Leader has a large offset range, with the adjustment made by sliding the drawbar to change the wheel spacing between 1.15m and 1.6m.

Working depth adjustment is set

simply by using spacers on the lift cylinder at the wheel. Underbeam clearance is 80cm and point-topoint clearance 102cm.

All models of the Multi-Leader are available with a choice of either Traction Bolt (T) or NonStop Hydraulic (NSH) safety system.

The Multi-Leader extends a semi-mounted plough range that already includes the VariTimer, Manager, Vari-Manager and Challenger models, suitable for tractors from 80 to 420 hp, with the Challenger available at up to 12 bodies. Kuhn’s fully mounted reversible plough

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Juwel proves its worth in Scotland The Juwel plough range was first seen at Agritechnica 2009, and launched at Tillage Scotland in 2010. The first retailed machines entered the UK later that year. Since its introduction, the new plough range has become a popular choice for Scottish customers.

Juwel is a mounted plough range initially running alongside the Opal ‘8’ series ploughs.

Juwel ‘8’ is available in 3 to 7 furrows, with shear-bolt or autoreset stone protection, and with mechanical or hydraulic furrow width adjustment. It retains many of the proven features of the Opal series, together with a number of important new ones.

HydroMatic auto-reset is a major benefit to Scottish growers

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PLOUGHS

Lemken Juwel Hydromatic

due the high level of stone in the soil, and it is this feature which has been most appreciated. This new system, first seen on the VariTansanit, provides 38cm upward and 20cm sideways movement of the bodies.

Pivoting is via a square block to ensure the body remains firmly fitted to the plough when moving.

DuraMaxx bodies are fitted as standard to the Juwel range.

Made of extra hard steel, they have been proven to offer up to 50% increased life, compared to standard plough bodies.

Operationally, the DuraMaxx bodies mean less time changing parts. They will need to be replaced less often, and when

Kverneland

they do need changing the process takes 80% less time to do, as the parts clip on and off without the need for any tools.

KV Lightweight 150 plough now with auto reset Following last year’s introduction of the 150B lightweight reversible plough, the 2011 season sees the development of an auto-reset version for stony soils, called the 150S. A lightweight, fully mounted reversible plough, the 150S is available in three- and fourfurrow builds, offering a low lift requirement and being easy to pull, intended for tractors up to 150hp.

“Based on the lightweight concept of the 150B, our new 150S version will be just as easy to handle and should prove to be an economical machine to run but with the addition of our proven auto-reset system,” says Kverneland product specialist Adam Burt.

Similarly, the plough doesn’t need vast amounts of horsepower to be handled, nor lifted. Typically, the 150S is suitable for tractors up to a maximum of 150hp.

The plough frame includes a new headstock design and a parallelogram linkage with a new turnbuckle for easy front furrow width adjustment and optimum plough alignment.

As an option, the plough can be fitted with hydraulic front furrow adjustment.

The 150S also has the ability to vary furrow widths, manually, from 30cm to 50cm (12in to 20in) in 5cm intervals. Adjustment is achieved by repositioning a bolt in each leg assembly, which makes a significant contribution to maintaining a low lift requirement.

Like the shearbolt-equipped 150B, the S version uses an allnew frame design measuring 100x150mm, with 70/75cm underbeam clearance and 85/100cm interbody clearance for optimum performance in various soil and surface conditions.

DEALERS KEY (Participating Dealers in the feature) GREGOIRE BESSON Norman F Ogg Kirriemuir : 01575 540234

Dumfries : 01387 261024 Strathaven : 01357 522234 Berryhill : 01560 324400

MLM Engineering www.mlmengineering.co.uk Orphir : 01856 811282

KVERNELAND A & W Geddes Wick : 01955 602207 Brora : 01408 621220

LEMKEN James Gordon www.jgordon.co.uk Castle Douglas : 01556 502338 Whauphill : 01988 840201 Castle Kennedy : 01776 702160

KONGSKILDE Agricar www.agricar.co.uk Forfar : 01307 462281 Perth : 01738 583249 Laurencekirk : 01561 378888 Dundonald : 01563 851900 Doune : 01786 842921

KUHN Ravenhill www.ravenill.co.uk Aberdeen : 01224 772577 Dingwall : 01349 863555 Elgin : 01343 541121 Maud : 01771 613246 Turriff : 01888 563561

J W Tait www.jandwtaitltd.co.uk Kirkwall : 01856 873003

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Lothian Tractors www.lothiantractors.com Macmerry : 01875 614444 Broxburn : 01506 857111

POTATO HARVESTERS

A look at some the best known machines out there working in the potato fields of Scotland and the UK

Grimme Varitron 200

High output gentle giant is a soft touch at potato harvest Switching from a trailed potato harvester to a self-propelled machine has allowed Scottish farming business RH and DH Allan to expand its potato crop

by 60% in the course of just three seasons and has improved in crop quality in more extreme lifting conditions.

Pete Allan farms just over 600 hectares with his father, David, at East Reston, near Eyemouth in

the Borders, including 180ha of main crop potatoes for packers Albert Bartlett, in addition to a smaller area of seed crop.

Up until the 2008 lifting season, the farm used a 2-row, trailed Grimme GT170 harvester on 100ha of potatoes, but in order to increase output, particularly if conditions were difficult, a self-propelled harvester was considered as an alternative.

Grimme dealer Lloyds of Kelso initially supplied the business with a pre-owned selfpropelled SF DLS machine in 2008, to help with workloads that season, with the plan for the farm to purchase a new Grimme Varitron 200 in readiness for the following season.

Two seasons on and the 326hp, 2-row Varitron has enabled the business to expand its potato growing area from 100ha to 180ha. “We can lift that much faster with the Varitron,” says Mr Allan. “Compared with the trailed harvester, which could lift up to 4.5ha in a day, the Varitron can lift as many as 7ha in the same time, at speeds of 6km/hr in comparison to 3.5km/hr with the trailed GT harvester.

Important to the Varitron’s success on the farm is its ability to deliver higher outputs in variable conditions, while maintaining crop quality. It’s in these conditions where the self-propelled harvester’s combination of large wheels, offering traction at the

Main Dealers for GRIMME POTATO EQUIPMENT

For all your service requirements this season contact John Craig on 07977 280737

www.agricar.co.uk www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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POTATOES front and rear, and rubber track unit (on the left-hand side), have the advantage over a trailed machine, he says.

Harvesting to a higher standard STANDEN-PEARSON potato harvesters continue to be refined and offer an increasing range of grower options. T2, 2-row customers are reporting

excellent performance, lifting up to 300 tonnes a day. T2 is now available with an extra wide (1300mm) discharge elevator option; ideal for harvesting windrowed crops at a fast rate.

Further development of the user friendly in-cab Touch Screen system brings more control of the harvester’s allhydraulic drives. Performance profiles (3) can be created

by the operator; within each profile, speeds of all functions can be adjusted; for ‘normal’, ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ soil conditions for instance, with web and cleaner speeds set accordingly.

Both the T2 and T3 3-row feature ‘VariSep’, a variable step separation point between digging and sieving webs.

Controlled in-cab, it is clearly visible to the operator. Clever geometry maintains a constant gap between the webs.

Large web areas with low digging angles contribute to the harvester’s high output with the digging web starting the sieving process, the 2nd or sieving web continues the process and a has a flatter top section profile to further reduce the transfer onto its OMEGA fluted roller separator.

OMEGA is at the heart of T2 and T3’s outstanding performance with effective yet gentle separation; OMEGA has been designed with a much greater range of adjustment

Standen-Pearson T2

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than competitive systems, with the added benefit of enhanced durability from new Ebonite clod rollers and ease of servicing. Removal, servicing and replacement of an OMEGA fluted roller can be achieved in as little as 20 minutes.

T2’s hydraulic sliding axles achieve a compact 2.9 metre transport width, making the harvester ready for the road in seconds. T2 and T3 have powered axles as standard, offering ‘Power-Assist’, ‘PowerConstant’, and ‘Power-Boost’ functions selectable from the tractor.

Royal Highland Show results in interesting contacts and sales leads for Niagri and Dewulf In June, Niagri took part at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh for the first time.

Together with Dewulf they presented the latest technologies for potato and carrot harvesting.

There was great interest shown

POTATOES

Niagri and Dewulf working together

in the RCE3060 which was exhibited at the Scottish show.

For Niagri, the Royal Highland

Show turned out to be a success, with several new contacts and sales leads.

Niagri has recently closed a successful sale of an RA3060 2-row self-propelled bunker

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harvester for a Scottish customer who will deploy its new machine for potato and carrot harvesting.

The R3060 self-propelled harvester series was launched in 2007 and has since proven its excellence all over the world.

Niagri sold its first R3060 machine for Scotland in 2009.

Dewulf and Niagri continue to develop machines with the end user in mind by offering an alternative to the popular RA3060 self propelled two row harvester. The RCE model offers an alternate cleaning system to the popular RA3060. The machine is still fitted with the proven chassis and running gear of the RA3060, the fundamental change comes after the 2nd web where there is an 18 roller Easyclean system. The system comprises of spiral and steel plain rollers which can be easily adjusted for both rotation speed and direction from inside the Claas cab. From the cleaner the crop is gently transported by the

15

Attracting new crofters

POTATOES

www.crofting.org

By Patrick Krause Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation

Reekie Dominant 3000

full width ‘C’ elevator. As the crop is transported up to the top of the machine it is turned over ready to meet the top Easyclean. This system comprises of 12 full width rollers. From the top cleaner the crop is transported gently into the 7 tonne holding bunker.

Bespoke Specification Harvester Delivered Reekie Potato Equipment Ltd is in a unique position to offer their customers freedom of choice in machine specification, not only from an extensive options sheet, but the opportunity to apply their own innovations.

Steve Thorley from Reekie considers, “As a sensibly sized company, we are in the position to meet exact customer requirements through our machines. We take time over each machine and if a customer wants to adapt, change or build upon the Reekie design, we’re more than happy to accommodate. After all, the customer will be using our

machine for many years to come, so it has to be right for their crop, soils and drivers. Everyone goes about the job slightly differently, why not have a machine that suits you perfectly, no compromise.”

Shown here is a Reekie ’11 3170 CFF, a Wheeldriven 2 Row Harvester without Picking Table. Operating in the Norfolk / Suffolk area, features required by the customer include: Fixed End Cleanflow Table, Spreader Unit, Hydraulically Driven Spinning Agitators, Combination Integrated Side Wall Elevator with Extra Support Panels to Ensure Absolute Minimal Crop Loss, Machine Strengthening in High Stress Areas and Off Spec Main Web. This spring will see Reekie completing the entire range of field equipment with planters being built at their Boston, South Lincolnshire workshop. See these at Lamma 2012 along with information on all our other equipment.

The 2007 crofting Act allows for the creation of new crofts and one of the drivers behind the 2010 Act is the freeing-up of existing unused crofts. It is therefore envisaged that crofts will become available to aspiring crofters.

One of the main stumbling blocks to new entrants is whether crofting is viable. The market can and should provide an income above costs, particularly ‘niche markets’ such as that which the Scottish Crofting Produce mark aims for. But there will always be a place for payment of public funds towards the costs incurred by crofting delivering public goods. For example, cattle keep our hills in good environmental condition and encourage biodiversity. Because the market isn’t paying enough to even make cattle keeping break even, public money is needed to support this public good. The SCF won the Scottish Beef Calf Scheme in the 2004 CAP negotiations for just this purpose and recently ran a successful campaign for the new Scottish Beef Scheme which specifically targets the small producer.

Many new entrants to crofting find it a transition that can seem daunting due to the variety of skills required and

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the changing legislative requirements. To help overcome this, the SCF runs a 2 stranded training programme.

The long established Entry Level Crofting Induction course is an evening class run over the autumn or winter, looking at a different element of modern crofting each week. Each session is led by a local expert in a range of important topics such as animal health and welfare, the grants system and keeping livestock records. It is popular with aspiring, new and established crofters.

A residential version will be run for the first time in Inverness during November this year.

The SCF are also arranging a series of 1 and 2 day practical skills courses across the Crofting Counties. These practical courses are run by approved trainers and geared towards people new to the skills or who would like a bit more confidence.

Courses are arranged in response to demand, so the list is being updated continually. Upcoming courses include sheep husbandry, basic vet skills, dry stone walling and small-scale horticulture.

The SCF is creating a database of those looking for a croft in order to connect them with crofts that become available – contact Karen at hq@crofting.org and further information on training courses can be obtained from Su at training@crofting.org.

The “self sufficiency” journey continues Tom and Barbara did it on TV in the “Good Life”, but can a complete gardening novice like me learn to grow our own food for the family too?

A mission chosen by Athole Murray Fleming, Publisher of Farming Scotland Magazine Water, water everywhere!

Using the opening line from a well known poem just about sums up this first summer in my back garden….”and not a drop to drink?”…. well yes, but far too much!

Although my main aim is really to build and plan for next March onwards, the little growing plans that I did have, have been hit hard with all of this terrible weather, and I know that it has been the same from the North of Scotland right down to my friends in Devon and Cornwall.

So here is my first report on stuff that we have actually eaten.

Tomatoes Lots of flowers but due to the cold air, these have never

came to much at all. I have two plants at the moment and between them I have harvested no more than a couple of handfuls.

A few more young toms are on their way, but nothing like what I had hoped for. My plan for next year will be to grow sixe different varieties with some indoors.

Onions These were grown in a single grow bag and I now know that they need more space to grow larger. Mine were more like shallots than onions.

It is interesting to note however, that the advise I given when I bought my 3 little grow bags, seems to have been wrong – more space next time.

Perhaps my raised bed will be better value for the next time.

Potatoes Great big green leaves are my speciality already!

My first batch was of an unknown variety to me, white and tasteless was the result alas.

And again, next season I will select chosen well-proven names, and will plant out in the new raised bed when built.

Carrots Well brilliant foliage again, and we had to laugh when I pulled them up. Tiny wee things they were and all rather funny shapes too. Again, the advice I got was way off the mark and they were too closely packed together for growing on.

My second little crop showed much better promise with good thing tops, but again small in actual length – another simple lesson learned here too.

In the pipeline A couple of broad bean plants were planted out. One using an old wrought iron door and climbing frame, the other beside my rhubarb patch using a tepee made from large trigs – looks great, so we will see if the current growth of red flowers actually become something.

I also have a two little chilli plants growing away and a pepper plant has a few green peppers beginning to look not too bad.

So we would starve so far!!

Anyway this is all about me learning as I go along.

Next plans To build a raised bed, two planting areas for berries and peas, and to read all the seed catalogues in due course.

The planned area for raised bed

Potting Sheds & Garden Sheds

by Gillies and Mackay Ltd. Tel. 01821 642713 Planned raised bed area

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17

RENEWABLEENERGY

UKFM Renewable Technologies UKFM Renewable Technologies Limited was established in May 2010 by David Chapman and Darren Abernethy and forms part of the UKFM Group of company’s.

Passionate about the environment and with increasing concerns over fuel poverty, they recognised the huge potential to help make a real difference in the ever-growing Renewables market place.

UKFM recognised that a more hands-on, customerfriendly approach was needed to help guide people through the whole process from initial surveying right the way through the install process to the comfort in the final service back up.

The business has been established to take the fear out of Renewables by offering a handin-hand approach with all their customers.

At UKFM Renewable Technologies Ltd the focus is on delivering the most practical and proven renewable energy solutions that would best suit each individual’s unique

requirements and needs.

UKFM strongly believes that the correct solution is best matched to each person’s individual needs and that products are never forced into a building just to tick the “green” box. They work under the philosophy of matching the appropriate product to the building type as this is the best way to maximise the efficiency of the product and in turn get the best pay back for each customer.

UKFM feel that by taking a full turnkey approach to each project, they can help guide each customer through the important decision process and in turn deliver exactly what they are looking for.

UKFM specialize in the following technologies; Ground Source Heat Pumps Air Source Heat Pumps Solar P.V Solar Thermal UKFM are fully MCS accredited for all the above technologies They are also certified with ISO 9001-2008 and ISO14001

along with being members of REAL and Scottish Renewables.

The management team have over five years experience working in the energy efficiency sector and have worked on some of the largest partnership contracts involving CERT, LCP2, CARES and EST funding throughout the UK. The company is involved in some of the largest renewable

contracts in Scotland with many Local Authorities and Housing Associations and is the preferred renewables installation partner for British Gas in Scotland which assists us with accessing the relevant grants such as CERT, CESP, FIT and RHI that allows us to truly make a difference in targeting fuel poverty on a high scale with our existing and future partners.

Planning a priority as NFUS welcomes Agri-Energy Strategy NFU Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that it will develop an Agri-Renewables Strategy, with planning and grid connections identified as key challenges for farmers and land managers.

The Scottish Government’s announcement comes just two weeks after NFUS wrote to Cabinet Secretary, John Swinney calling for an independent expert group on renewables, highlighting the troubles NFUS members are facing with planning applications for renewable projects and 18

connection to the national grid.

NFUS is prepared to help wherever necessary in providing information and support to all those involved in drafting the Agri-Renewables Strategy, believing firmly that agriculture has a crucial role to play in helping the Scottish Government achieve its very ambitious targets for carbon reduction, climate change and renewable energy provision.

NFU Scotland’s President, Nigel Miller said: “The Scottish Government’s announcement that it will draw

up an Agri-Renewables Strategy, with the assistance of industry representatives, is welcome and could be valuable for all farmers wanting to make the most of the opportunities for producing green energy on their land.

“The Scottish Government’s manifesto commitment to develop this strategy and, in particular, to simplify the planning process, were spot on.

Scottish farmers and crofters have already contributed a great deal in terms of cutting carbon emissions and installing the means of producing renewable

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energy on their land, however, inconsistencies and constraints in the planning system mean that many farmers are struggling to get energy projects off the ground.

“The ambitious target to be able to produce 100% of our electricity demand equivalent from renewable sources by 2020 could be attainable, but we need a clear steer from the Scottish Government in setting out nationwide planning guidance and priorities for those applying for and approving renewable projects

RENEWABLEENERGY

Small Turbine planning

UK Farmers, small business and home owners with plans to install small wind turbines have been left in limbo as the scheme which determines which systems attract Feed in Tariffs (FIT), slashed the number of eligible machines. Appeals will not be considered.

Potential customers whose chosen small wind turbine was on the so called Transition List – performance and safety not yet certified – will now have to either abandon their plans, switch to a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified small wind turbine or go ahead without the vital FIT subsidies.

The MCS Steering Group confirmed that Transition Products removed on 31st December 2010 are no longer eligible to be registered with the MCS Installation Database after 30th June 2011.

The Steering Group made clear that this decision is: “Vitally important and fundamental to the credibility and integrity of the Scheme.

Appeals against this decision and applications for extensions are therefore not possible and will not be considered.

“The MCS Steering Group is of the opinion that, while the Transition Arrangements were necessary during 2010, there is now insufficient justification to continue listing products for whose performance and safety MCS cannot vouch. It is therefore in the interests of the

consumer making an informed choice between products that, with the exception of micro hydro, bespoke building integrated photovoltaic, and hybrid technologies, MCS is moving to allowing the registration of installations with only those products that have completed certification.

“Having what was effectively a ‘two-tier’ process for achieving listings is not supporting consumer choice, as Transition products have not been subjected to the same rigorous scrutiny as MCS certificated products” Gaia-Wind CEO Johnnie Andringa said; “The MCS Steering Group acknowledges that in the case of small wind turbines in particular, the over-riding concern is for quality and consumer protection.

Companies like Gaia-Wind have invested very substantial sums in R&D of our small wind turbine, and in particular in the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.

“MCS recognises that our unique, two blade small wind turbine has been rigorously tested, that Gaia-Wind is at the cutting edge of small wind generator technology and that our products and systems are spot on. For our customers this is the guarantee that they can not only attract Feed in Tariffs with our products but can have peace of mind that they have been very rigorously checked out.”

The Renewable Heat Incentive – why you need to know about it!

By Kate Hutchinson, SAC Biomass Energy Consultant.

Are you concerned about ever increasing heating bills? Are you looking for diversification opportunities for your farm? Then you need to know about the Renewable Heat Incentive!

What is the RHI? The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is an exciting new scheme that has recently been launched by the Government to encourage the installation of renewable heat technologies.

If you install an eligible renewable heating system (or have already done so since the 15th July 2009), the RHI will pay you for every kWh of heat you generate, and these payments are for 20 years and are index linked.

There will be two different RHI schemes; one for nondomestic properties from October 2011, to be followed by an RHI for individual domestic properties in autumn 2012. However, between this August and March 2012, individual domestic properties may be eligible for a one-off Renewable Heat Premium Payment of up to £1250.

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The technologies which are eligible include woodfired boilers, solar thermal and heat pumps. It’s important to do your research, or bring in expert advice, in order to select the best technology for your situation.

Opportunities on Farms A farmhouse on its own will be classed as domestic unless it has been substantially altered for business use (e.g. a B&B).

A renewable heat installation will generate income from the domestic RHI, and depending on the technology, also generate significant fuel bill savings.

If you have a cluster of buildings which need heat (think about tenanted and privately owned too), a mini-district heating system could be a great diversification opportunity. A district heating network serving domestic properties will be eligible under the non-domestic scheme, for example if you installed a boiler which served the farmhouse and an adjacent cottage.

With the current, generous tariff levels and Renewable Heat Premium Payment on offer – the time to act is now!

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RENEWABLEENERGY

Wind energy leader welcomes establishment of £50 million fund for renewable energy in the agriculture sector

Fast-growing wind energy specialist SIAC Wind Energy has welcomed a new initiative by two of the UK’s leading banks which will see £50 million made available to agricultural businesses seeking to install renewable energy systems including wind turbines.

The initiative by RBS and NatWest follows research which indicated that while 33 per cent of agricultural businesses were keen to invest in renewable energy systems, more than half of them would need funding to actually do so.

The £50 million fund establishment has been accompanied by the set-up of a dedicated renewable energy team to assist investors with the issues surrounding planning and so minimise the time between initial application and actual installation.

Patrick Dormon, Managing Director of SIAC Wind Energy, commented: “At a time when investment and loans are hard to come by in many sectors, this initiative is excellent news for both farmers and the renewable energy sector – and indeed the country as a whole - as it goes a long way towards removing one of the potential barriers to the installation of small and medium wind turbines.

“Once installed and commissioned, these products can meet some or all of the energy needs of the farm, and even generate additional income for any surplus power generated through the Government Feed In Tariff.

“We look forward to working closely with RBS and NatWest to help the agricultural sector make the most of the opportunities available to make their businesses

more efficient and sustainable by harnessing the almost limitless free energy created by wind.”

Ian Burrow, Head of Agriculture & Renewable Energy at RBS, added: “As energy prices rise and the agricultural sector seeks to reduce its carbon footprint, our establishment of a sizeable fund and dedicated team, with representatives throughout the UK and access to an extended team of relevant experts, all the necessary knowledge and support is available to make agricultural wind energy projects successful.

“We will work with farmers from initial feasibility studies through to advice on siting, sizing, equipment, costs and revenue, as well as ongoing to support to ensure optimum return on investment for each farmer.”

SIAC Wind Energy is the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for US-based Bergey,

Specialising in AIR SOURCE, GROUND SOURCE & GEO-THERMAL heat pumps SOLAR, PV and THERMAL specialists PV Systems from 1.5KW’s to 50KW’s Find out how you can benefit from the Government’s financial incentives Renewable Heat incentives and Feed-in tariffs CALL TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR ENERGY ADVISORS FOR HONEST AND ETHICAL ADVICE

0870 241 6697 20

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the world’s longest established small wind turbine manufacturer, whose products are renowned for their robust, durable build quality and reliable performance in applications worldwide.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Another of our new sections where we will explore the very latest advances in farming related learning and technology. All news for this section should be emailed in to our usual address.

COWS’ STOMACHS COULD HOLD KEY TO GREEN FUELS Scottish scientists are investigating how tiny organisms found in the stomachs of cows could be used to create valuable industrial products including biofuels and pharmaceutical building blocks from waste plant materials.

A three-way collaboration between life sciences company Ingenza, leading researcher Professor John Wallace, of the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen, and the ARK-Genomics facility in Edinburgh’s world-famous Roslin Institute, is examining how enzymes from the microbes that live in the stomachs of cattle and other ruminants – animals which chew the cud – could be used industrially to break down the tough internal structures of plant and tree matter.

The resulting chemical reactions could be used to create sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-derived products such as fuel, commodity chemicals and fine chemicals.

Humans are unable to digest this tough and complex plant material, which could only provide roughage in the diet. However, Ingenza and Prof Wallace expect to identify enzymes found in ruminants which allow them to digest these complex structures.

The discovery and application of these enzymes

could help scientists to release untapped energy in waste plant and tree products and use it to manufacture renewable alternatives to products such as petrol and diesel fuels.

If the project is successful, Ingenza would use its own production systems, such as yeast, to mass produce the enzymes for industrial use.

Dr Ian Fotheringham, President of Ingenza, said: “People have been trying to unlock the energy in plant and tree matter for years, but our approach recognises how nature has already successfully done it.

“If we can identify novel enzymes that allow ruminants to break down these tough structures, and then replicate them on a large scale, the possibilities for more sustainable and renewable industrial practices are enormous.

“Society is starting to look towards how greener practices can contribute to economic growth and more sustainable living in a meaningful way – this project could be a real step towards that.”

For more details about the event and the Rumens and Ruminants Interest Group, see the Biosciences KTN website: www.innovateuk. org/biosciencesktn

“Flavour of Scotland” TASTER & COMPETITION By Athole Murray Fleming

Smoked Duck With coriander, garlic and thyme

Rannoch Smokery After the first morning of production of this very edition, lunchtime offered Christina and I a welcome break, just in time to watch Bargain Hunt and the News on TV. As rather unusually the sun was shining – we opted to open our packet of Smoked Duck from our “Flavour of Scotland” featured business, the Perthshire based Rannoch Smokery.

Accompanied by a light salad, I ‘dressed’ our plates in restaurant style and we sat down for a well-earned thirtyminute break.

The first sensation of this very fine product was the smooth texture of the meat, soft and almost ‘melt in the mouth’ tender.

Then came the ever so subtle smokiness, just nicely in the background – not too overpowering, just perfectly light on the palate.

The garlic and thyme is there too, but none of the additional ingredients take anything away from the taste of duck, which is in itself rather light in flavour and not too strong.

Overall, it was agreed that today’s lunch was a step up from our usual fare. Another triumph from Rannoch Smokery.

Now 3 lucky readers can each win a pack of Smoked Duck by simply emailing in the correct answer to the question below.

The first 3 correct entries drawn on Friday 14th October will get a chance to try this excellent product for themselves.

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND READER COMPETITION Q. What is the name of the very famous Munro overlooking the Rannoch Smokery?

Hint: Read page 7.

EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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21

The new CREW now in diesel

The new Polaris Ranger CREW diesel shares the same proven 904cc, three-cylinder YANMAR® diesel engine as the Ranger Diesel, coupled with the ability to carry six adults.

The engine is rubber-mounted to transfer minimal vibration to the operator, and provides lowspeed torque to work harder.

The fully-sealed, fixed centre distance clutch drivetrain keeps water out of the clutches and provides better performance than competitive models.

Inside the cab, the vehicle has the ability to carry six adults comfortably due to its superior comfort and ergonomics, including a slide-through cab design for easy entrance and exit that also provides lots of legroom. Sloping seat backs provide extra comfort during travel and 10-inches/25.4 cm of tilt steering travel offers plenty of steering wheel position options for the driver.

The Ranger CREW Diesel’s work ethic also includes a 55 amp alternator that gives theoperator the ability to run many hard working, higher electrical load accessories, such as ploughs, extra lights, cab heaters and fans at the same time. It boasts a monstrous one-ton towing ability to 22

tackle the toughest jobs and comes standard with a 2-inch hitch to tow accessories with ease. Its 1,000 lb/454.5 kg capacity rear dump box has gas-assist dumping operation and accommodates many hardworking PURE Polaris accessories that can be fitted on and off in seconds. Ranger Side-by-Sides are known to be the smoothest riding vehicles on the market and the Ranger CREW Diesel is no exception. Its

long wheelbase combined with its fully-adjustable suspension creates a very smooth ride, even when fully-loaded.

The vehicle’s suspension is the only four-corner adjustable suspension system that features Dual A-Arms with exclusive topmounting-point adjustability.

For recreational riding, the user can adjust to a softer setting or adjust stiffer for heavyduty work. With a suspension travel of 9.6 in/24.4 cm up

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front, 9 in/22.9 cm in the rear and a ground clearance of 11.5 in/29.2 cm, the Ranger CREW Diesel provides a very comfortable ride. To complement the suspension and travel, it also features On-Demand True AllWheel Drive with VersaTrac that keeps you moving, automatically engaging all four wheels when you need more forward traction and reverting back to two-wheel drive when you don’t. When in two-wheel drive, the VersaTrac Turf Mode switch unlocks the rear differential for easier, tighter turns that won’t tear up the grass The Ranger CREW Diesel will be available in Sage Green. 0800 915 6720 www. polaris-britain.com Loan Ranger on the estate Blenheim Palace evokes a unique experience for visitors.

The ancestral home of the Dukes of Marlborough is host to a wide variety of activities in addition to the splendour of the Palace, from trout and coarse fishing, a conference venue, team building activities, weddings and other private events through to property and a bottling plant for Blenheim

Palace Natural Mineral Water.

Behind these scenes the major commercial decisions involved in running such a large and diverse estate have to be considered in detail. Not least then the vehicles chosen for use around the parkland, gardens and grounds for day-to-day tasks. The difficulty in choosing was compounded by the variety of tasks to be performed daily, especially with the house and grounds open daily to the public.

They trialled a Polaris Ranger 400 on loan for a week, with three operators taking it in turns to put it through its paces. Daily work feeding game, managing deer, vermin control and the ability to generally get around the estate quietly, economically and with minimal disturbance soon became apparent.

The decision was reached to buy two Polaris Ranger 400’s and their off-road ability was quickly found to be invaluable in the extremely harsh winter

conditions at the beginning of 2011, when the Rangers were the only vehicles moving around the estate. As the year progressed other benefits became apparent.

The estate managers have found the Rangers are more economical than previous ATVs, are totally reliable, have minimal service costs and offer real performance

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in everyday use. See the Polaris range at www.polaris-britain. com or call Polaris on 0800 915 6720 for your nearest dealer in Scotland.

23

Going around the coutry

By Richard Lochhead Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary The Scottish Government Throughout the summer many Scots have attended agricultural shows taking place the length and breadth of the country. From Ingliston to Turiff, from the Black Isle to Orkney, I have been taking the opportunity to get out and about to see for myself the very best of what Scottish farming has to offer. As well as presenting the opportunity to meet stakeholders from across the industry and listen to their priorities, these visits offered the chance to outline a number of measures to help the industry over the coming months.

I recently announced a new Scottish Beef Scheme will be introduced next year to ensure support payments to the beef sector continue until new CAP regulations come into force. This scheme will help some of Scotland’s most vulnerable beef producers by targeting payments towards small farms in hills and other less favoured areas. Despite strong demand, I know many beef producers struggle to make a profit so the scheme will allow us to target funding towards smaller herds through reweighted payment levels, benefitting the majority of claimants.

I have unveiled plans for a new Agri-Renewables Strategy which aims to ensure farmers, crofters and land managers grasp the opportunities of the renewables revolution for their businesses, local communities and the nation.

Working with the industry I 24

am keen to deliver a strategy that ensures our renewables potential is met, boosts rural development, and delivers a more profitable agriculture sector, building on existing activity and innovation in the agricultural sector.

I also opened Angus Cereals’ new farmer-owned grain handling facility in Montrose. This is exactly the type of co-operative project we are delighted to support through substantial grant assistance, boosting the local economy and bringing quality Scottish grain to markets at home and abroad. Arable farming will not be forgotten when it comes to negotiating CAP reform this Autumn - I want to see a flexible implementation of the CAP which takes account of every sector.

Finally, I’d like to remind all farmers to double check they have only claimed eligible land for support on their Single Application Form (SAF) 2011. It is vital information used for calculating payments is accurate and up-to-date as there is very little margin for error and farmers could be responsible for severe penalties from the EC. Particular attention should be paid to any change of eligibility, for example land now being used for the many road building or utility projects around Scotland. If farmers wish to make changes to their SAF they must apply in writing to their local area office.

DAIRY

New calf feeding trial highlights significant benefits of once-a-day milk feeding

A new Harper Adams University College trial has shown that beef calves on the right once-a-day milk feeding regime will grow faster and can be weaned earlier compared with pen mates on a twice-a-day system.

“In our study the calves fed once-a-day recorded significantly higher daily liveweight gains from start to three weeks. They were also weaned 1.9 days earlier having gained an extra 3.6kg in liveweight,” reports trial project co-ordinator Simon Marsh, senior lecturer and beef specialist from Harper Adams.

The independent feeding trial, commissioned by Bonanza Calf Nutrition, examined the rearing performance of 40 purchased Holstein and Continental cross Holstein bull calves.

They were, on average, 20.5 days old at the start of the trial and were split into two groups. The calves were individually penned and bucket fed 600g of milk replacer either once or twice a day. The Once-a-Day calves were fed a skim-based milk replacer containing whey and butter oil (Shine Once-a-Day), mixed at 200g per 800ml of water and fed at the rate of three litres per day. The Twice-a-Day calves were fed a whey-based milk replacer containing skim and butter oil (Shine Flying Start) mixed at 120g per

880ml of water and fed at the rate of 2.5 litres, twice per day. The calves were also offered ad lib early weaning concentrates, with their performance monitored to 12 weeks of age.

“Overall the performance of both groups of calves was very good, exceeding the recognised target for rearing calves to 12 weeks of 115kg (see table 1),” Simon Marsh says. “But the Once-a-Day calves did do that little bit better. And, interestingly, the contentment of the calves fed once-a-day was also noticeable. They drank their three litres in a single feed then rested and weren’t at all hungry later in the day.

They were also free from nutritional scours, unlike some of the twice-a-day fed calves, and had increased rumen girth measurements; an indication of improved rumen development, potentially because of their higher (11.5kg) concentrate intake.”

Feed costs per calf were increased by £4.35 on the once-a-day system, but the feed cost per kg of liveweight gain was actually 4.7p lower based on costs prevailing at the time of the study. “In any case, the saving in labour charges – estimated at around £10 per calf in a study we conducted in 2007 – would negate the increase in overall calf feeding costs,” Simon Marsh notes.

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Y AGRISCOT 2011 ON THE HORIZON

By Andrew Arbuckle AgriScot, one of the premier events in UK agriculture, takes place this year on Wednesday 16th November at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Looking forward to this year’s event, Kincardine based farmer, Andrew Moir, chairman of the organizing committee said AgriScot 2011 would be building on past success with a number of new ideas and themes for visitors “Large numbers of farmers and others in the agricultural industry from all over the UK now see AgriScot as a key place to do business and we look forward to welcoming both well known and new faces to Ingliston.”

Moir is hopeful that last year’s record number of visitors will be broken and said the organizers would be continuing their policy of having both free entry and free car parking at the event.

Dairy competition AgriScot started life as a purely dairy event and even if it has now broadened its scope into all aspects of the farming industry, the dairy competition is still one of the main attractions. This year more than 130 of the top dairy cattle in the country will compete for the honour of being crowned Interbreed Champion.

Apart from the honour of such an award, there is a considerable amount of prize

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money on offer with more than £17,000 going to the various winners.

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Redefining Mineral Nutrition Davidsons, in conjunction with Alltech, are the first feed manufacturer in Scotland to offer a unique new solution across their dairy, beef and sheep feeds.

Total Replacement is a new, scientifically proven, concept shown to support the health and performance of animals whilst reducing mineral pollution.

What is Total Replacement?

Total replacement is a new way of feeding minerals.

Extensive trails worldwide (including at our own Edinburgh University and Harper Adams University College) have shown that dairy cows do not have a requirement for inorganic minerals.

This is revolutionary and an innovation proving itself effectively on farm.

Telephone : 01501 820473

www.davidsonsfeeds.co.uk

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Judge, Ashley Fleming, Co Down has the difficult task of placing all the classes and breed champions before choosing both the SuperHeifer and SuperCow interbreed champions.

At AgriScot in addition to Holsteins, Ayrshires, and Jerseys, there will again be classes of Red and Whites.

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Trade Stands With more than 200 trade stands the machinery hall is the country’s largest winter display of machinery where visitors can view the latest tractors and equipment for both arable and livestock farms. AgriScot has also built up a reputation as a show where new products are launched.

A record amount of business was carried out at last year’s event and as a result trade stand space has been fully taken up.

John MacInnes who is the Trade Stand Manager said, “I am extremely pleased with the fact that exhibitors, both old and new, find AgriScot such a great place to do business. It not only works for them but also means that AgriScot is able to offer visitors the very best choice.

“We have experienced enormous growth in demand in recent years and I find that wherever I travel in the UK, all those I meet who work within the agricultural supply trade are fully aware of AgriScot and what it offers and are keen to exhibit.

compete in the Business Skills competition which will be decided at this year’s AgriScot. The competition was one of the innovations brought forward by AgriScot chair, Andrew Moir, who was determined to attract the younger generation to the event.

The incentive for entrants is not only the cash prize of £1,000 but also the knowledge that there can be other rewards as last year’s

Seminars One of the big draws at AgriScot in recent years has been the debates which take in the big political issues of the day. The topics under discussion this year will no doubt include the latest news on the reform of the European Union Common Agricultural Policy and how it will affect farmers in this country.

Beef Demonstration One popular and profitable feature of AgriScot has been the practical demonstrations carried out by beef consultant, Dr Basil Lowman. These concentrate on how farmers can improve their profitability in their beef enterprises.

This year’s demonstration has been masterminded by John Elliot, AgriScot board member and leading Scottish beef farmer with the help from students at Oatridge College, the demonstration will look at how to evaluate a carcase with emphasis on where the various prime cuts of meat come from.

There will be spectator involvement with prizes to those who correctly identify the animal with the biggest amount of sellable beef.

Business skills Students and young people from all parts of Scotland will again this year have the opportunity to www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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onlookers. The demonstrator will talk through the process in detail, demonstrating ideal length and depth of the foot.

winner, Ian Christie, Alford has just taken the tenancy of a farm in Aberdeenshire.

The event has again been organised by Bill Dingwall of the Scottish Agricultural College and has the support of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, as well as the land based colleges.

The early rounds of the country wide competition will be

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held in the east, west and north regions of Scotland with the winners from these heats then going forward to the overall final at AgriScot.

Live Foot Trimming Demonstration With lameness in dairy cattle affecting profitability, this live demonstration always attracts a large number of interested

Silage Competition Farmers know there is money in grass but there may also be a financial bonus in silage. This year, the silage competition at AgriScot has prizes valued at £1,700.

The best three samples in both the Big Bale and Clamp classes will walk away with both the knowledge they have made some of the best silage in the country and also a financial reward.

This years Dairy Judge Bringing a wealth of experience and a top reputation as a dairy judge, Ashley Fleming, Potterswalls, Co Down will this year judge all the breed classes and the dairy championships at AgriScot which will be held at Ingliston on 16th November.

Ashley whose family owns the award winning Potterswalls

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Judge, Ashley Fleming

Jersey herd was the youngest person in the UK to be elevated to be a panel judge in both the Jersey and Holstein Breeds.

Over recent years, he has judged at all the key shows in the United Kingdom including a previous stint at AgriScot and has an international reputation for his Holstein judging appointments.

Ashley said he was looking forward to judging at AgriScot which attracts entries from top herds across the country. “Dairy cows in the UK are now the match

of anywhere in the world and to be asked to place these top cows and heifers is a great honour.�

He has had a lifelong interest in dairy cattle since the early 1970s when the Potterswalls herd was established by his father and when he was given a heifer to look after.

Today the Potterswalls Jersey Herd comprises of 80 milkers with followers. All the cows are either classified Excellent or VG with 80% of the heifers also VG. The herd has just won the bi-annual National UK Herds Competition for the third time.

Ashley has been National UK Chairman of the Jersey Society, chairman of Judges and served on the Breed Improvement Committee.

He is married to Lynda and they have three children with the two older teenage boys, Lindsay and Lyndon now also involved in the family business.

This year the judge is a lady with outstanding practical knowledge of the dairy industry.

Sue Cope was born and brought up in one of UK’s leading dairy herds learning the practical skills of rearing calves and showing cattle before she went to school.

She is currently the Executive Director of the Cattle Information Service and she has been a driving force in the development of modern technology which is now essential in the successful running of a dairy herd.

Scottish Dairy Farmer of the Year The AgriScot awards for Scottish Dairy Farm of the Year will once again be one of the highlights of AgriScot 2011 to be held at Ingliston on Wednesday 16th.

November.

Aponsored by World Wide Sires the top awards have captured the attention of the whole dairy industry from producers to major milk buyers. They set the standard for top class management and outstanding animal welfare; both issues which are very much in the public eye.

The competition involves every dairy farm in Scotland.

Initially the performance details of all these farms are fed anonymously into a computer. It selects all those that are above average in ten different criteria for each breed.

From this selection (long leet) and still without knowledge of the names of owners the judge selects the top twenty herds; looking in particular at calving index, somatic cell count, percent of the herd in their fifth and over lactation and age at first calving.

From this rigorous process the top four herds are chosen for an on-farm inspection. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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Largely through her efforts the company has quadrupled in size and it was recently given the Queen’s Award for Innovation.

The initial herd screening on computer has already been carried out and the clock is now ticking to select the top twenty herds. This list will be published in September, prior to the top four being announced in October with the overall award being presented at AgriScot.

A look at some of this years exhibitors…

Agrimin Agrimin Ltd specialise in developing and marketing sustained release trace element, vitamin and mineral boluses for ruminants. The company has gained a reputation for technically advanced, innovative products. Our bolus range encompasses different technologies, all of

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which are designed to deliver a controlled quantity of nutrients to an individual animal over a certain period of time. All of our boluses are designed to dissolve completely, leaving the reticulum free of any bolus residue. Agrimin 24•7 bolus technology has been the subject of a detailed R&D programme both at Glasgow Veterinary School and in New Zealand.

The bolus technology has been successfully launched in NZ and Agrimin Ltd are pleased to now offer this technology to UK livestock farmers. The initial products in the Agrimin 24•7 range are iodine, selenium and cobalt boluses for cattle and sheep.

Ayrshire Cattle Society

The Ayrshire Breed originated some 200 years ago in the

south west of Scotland in the county of Ayrshire from where it takes its name. Through an ability to produce high yields of quality milk from grazed grass it quickly established itself as a major dairy breed not only throughout the UK but also globally where, Ayrshire populations are now well established on all five continents.

Definitely the breed for today – the Ayrshire is currently enjoying renewed popularity, long productive lives with regular calving and minimum management problems are the hallmark of this breed and the attributes that more and more dairy farmers require in their cows. Herd averages in excess of 8,000 litres, with butterfat percentages above 4% and protein of 3.4%, are common-place with instances of individual performances in excess of 10 lactations and lifetime yields over 100 tonnes.

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Perhaps, more importantly, with an Ayrshire herd visits from the vet and foot trimmer need only be occasional, certainly not routine.

BOCM Pauls BOCM Pauls has introduced a revolutionary new package of nutritional tools and services that enables a bulk milk sample to be analysed to determine the efficiency with which the diet is being converted into milk, as well as providing the means to measure and adjust the levels of saturated fat and Omega 3 fat in the milk, and the herd’s overall methane output. The new service, called Visiolac, is the first and only service that can cost-effectively determine the levels of all of the above elements en-mass, at farm level.

“We cannot talk to the cows, and they can’t talk to us, but through their milk we know exactly what they need

to eat in order for them to be nutritionally fit, for them to produce healthier milk with the minimal amount of methane emitted, and with maximum nutritional efficiency,” says Wyn Morris, Head of Ruminant Development at BOCM Pauls.

Bomford Turners range of toppers extends from 1.5m right up to 6m on the TriWing “bat wing” models. This topper range has everything to suit orchard mowers too those cutting wide open spaces such as airports.

Bomford Turner Manufacturers for over 100 years, Bomford lead the world in the manufacture of quality vegetation control machinery, in particular tractor mounted Arm mowers for cutting hedge and verge, with reach options from 3.2m to 9.2m.

Incorporating features such as: Interchangeable flails: Forward arms that bring the head in-line with the tractor cab: parallel arm geometry: Front or rear mounting: Flail mowers to trail behind tractors with cutting widths from 1.3m to 2.8m, with front and rear mount options and hydraulic offset available.

Caltech - Crystalyx Crystalyx products continue to gain sales on a global scale wherever forages are an important part of agriculture.

Recent price volatility in the grain markets have made feed lick systems even more attractive as an effective economic and easy way to extract the most from grazing.

Rising meat and milk prices are most welcome to the farming industry but if these are offset by higher input costs, profit margins will remain tenuous. Around two thirds of the UK land area is grass (11m hectares) and there has never been a better time to get the most

out of this cheapest source of feed for ruminants. To enhance the rumination process in our climate, fermentable energy has to be provided to get the most out of the abundant protein growing on our pastures.

Trial after trial shows Crystalyx products increase forage digestibility and appetite (increase in DMI) to achieve significantly improved animal performance.

To see the difference, visit their website at Caltechcrystalyx.co.uk and click on “why use Crystalyx?” and come and talk to them at Agriscot.

Davidsons Animal Feeds

Agriscot see’s the launch of an innovative new product from Davidsons Animal feeds, becoming the first feed manufacturer in Scotland to offer a unique new solution.

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Total Replacement is a new, scientifically proven, concept shown to support the health and performance of animals. Total replacement is the culmination of significant research and development in redefining mineral requirements of the modern ruminant animal, replacing all the inorganic minerals and using only the Bioplex and Sel-Plex versions.

This is revolutionary and an innovation proving itself effectively on farm. The Total pack is available across the Davidsons dairy range . The minerals are included in the compound so there is no need to feed supplementary bagged minerals.

Many farmers are finding that switching from bagged minerals to Total actually costs less. With reduced cell counts, improved health, performance and fertility, the average return on investment is 7:1. Come see us on our stand to discuss getting Total in your herd.

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Ecosyl Products

The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne, presented the 2011 Queen’s Award for Innovation to Dr Andy Beardsmore, managing director of international bioscience group Ecosyl Products, at their headquarters in Stokesley last week. Dr Beardsmore also received a scroll, signed by the Queen and the Prime Minister David Cameron, recognising Ecosyl’s “outstanding achievement” and giving a Royal warrant to fly

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the Award flag and display the Award emblem.

Ecosyl produces friendly bacteria that help farmers increase milk production from home-grown forage and Lord Crathorne was impressed by the commitment to new product development. Following a tour of the company’s research, manufacturing and customer service facilities, he said: “There were more than 250 entries in the Innovation class of the award and ECOSYL was one of only a few to succeed.” He said this year’s Queen’s Award had been highly competitive and Ecosyl’s success was a major achievement.

EM Effectivemicro-organisms As feed costs continue to put the squeeze on dairy farmers’ margins EM focus on providing solutions to produce more milk from forage. EM technologies offer an integrated approach to improving the utilisation of on farm resources : soil-crops-

livestock-manure.

The EM system starts from the bottom up to build healthy fertile soils, capable of growing high quality forages that are conserved with EM-Silage .

Rations based on grass silage fermented with EM-Silage have been proven to increase milk yields by up to 1.5 litres per day compared to untreated silage.

EM close the loop with its unique N-Hance + slurry treatment system to return nutrients to the soil.

JF Stoll JF-Stoll Complete Diet Mixers, Grassland Conservation

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machinery and Belair straw shredding and silage feeding machines make up the product programme for JF-STOLL (UK) Ltd. With a stronger uptake of farmers now returning to clamp silage and to doing the operation themselves, JF-STOLL have the right range of mowers, tedders, rakes and forage harvesters to offer farmers and contractors alike.

This autumn, several new mower conditioners, rakes will be launched along with two new Forage Harvesters. In addition to this, 3 new models from the Belair stable are also released for sale. These are 2-rotor models aimed directly at farmers using

clamp silage and undertaking a large amount of straw bedding for livestock. Low cost finance schemes are available for most products and for 2012 grass harvesting machines, special out of season offers will be available from participating dealers.

Kuhn

The ability to chop and distribute straw or big bale silage of varying consistency and quality is enhanced in the latest model to be added to Kuhn’s Primor feeder/bedder range.

The trailed Primor 3570 has a 3 cubic metre capacity, so will carry two 1.5m diameter round bales, and is capable of feeding any long fibre forage and distributing bedding straw up to

a distance of 18 metres through a single top chute.

Like the 5.5 cubic metre capacity Primor 5570 model, the 3570 is fitted with a hydraulically-operated regulator at the entrance to the feed rotor.

This allows throughput to be adjusted according to material quality, therefore maintaining operating efficiency under varying conditions.

Key to the Primor’s ability to chop and distribute straw and silage is a robust twospeed gearbox. This is typically operated at its lower rate mainly for silage and at the faster rate when distributing straw.

Lely UK

The new Lely Splendimo 550P

mower requires only a 95hp tractor to cut 5.5 metre of grass.

The 550P consists of two 2.8 metre cutter beds mounted on a trailed swivel frame. Each bed independently follows ground contours precisely to ensure a smooth even cut. The low power requirement is due to the unique Lely mower bed design which does away with complex gear drives and their associated frictional losses. As you can imagine the fuel savings can be significant.

A swivel gearbox hitch allows tight headland turns and the ability to mow either side of the tractor. The ‘quick fit’ Splendimo blade design and cutting overlap encourages quick re-growth with minimal leaf damage. Variable cutting bed pressure adjustment maintains a constant even cut at faster forward speeds and this is further enhanced as the beds are individually adjustable.

All in all the 550P combines high capacity, low fuel usage,

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ease of use and brings with it Lely heritage, experience and innovation.

Platts Animal Bedding Mastitis is a costly disease in milk production. It presents a significant threat to animal welfare, resulting in discomfort, pain and premature culling.

The end result being significant financial losses.

Improving the health of the herd through efficient Mastitis control results in better animal welfare and improved production and financial performance – especially important in today’s tough times.

Treatment methods using antibiotics are not always effective as bacteria become resistant and on top of this, consumers are increasingly concerned about the presence of antibiotics in animal products.

It is clear that a more efficient method of control needs to be employed. Poor Cattle Bedding

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can exacerbate the Mastitis problem.

Straw usually has a relatively high total bacteria count; combine this with poor handling and storage methods and you have a recipe for elevated bacteria counts that will be detrimental to the health of your herd and productivity.

Scottish Agricultural College As Scotland moves to a mandatory phase of BVD eradication from 1st December 2011, most cattle producers will find it worthwhile to join a health scheme such as PCHS so that the stock can be declared as accredited or vaccinated monitored free at sale. In both categories it means sampling five calves, over nine months old per separate management group. Two clear tests on an annual basis will confer a status on your cattle which will aid marketing of the stock.

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With high prices for cattle it is imperative that you get as many calves on the ground as possible and freedom from BVD will aid this.

Sheep are also making high prices and it is vital to maximise the lamb crop.

Enzootic abortion is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion in the Scottish flock.

If selling breeding replacements it make sense to blood test a sample of ewes after lambing and be able to sell with a declaration of freedom from enzootic. Prices this autumn for EAE free stock show a substantial premium.

Yara “It is critical for farmers to choose the most effective products to maximize their return on investment. This deliberation should focus on the importance of fertilizer quality.

The results of the latest Yara

and its packaging audited against industry standards.

Competitor Blended Fertilizer Survey will help understand the aspects of fertilizer quality involved in choosing the right product.”

The survey was carried out on 20 commercially available blends of fertilizer by an independent third party, each product being sampled, weighed

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The key findings: • Underweight - 38% of bags • Incorrect nutrient content - 39% failed to meet the declaration of primary nutrients: of the 4 products declaring secondary nutrients, 2 were found to be illegal • Poor storability due to inadequate thin liners 82% particularly important for blends with angular components where punctures lead to poor storability • Poor traceability – 61% no identification to trace a bag to the bagging date and raw materials. Critical to building trust.

• Yara’s YaraMila™ range of compounds are granular or prilled complex compounds.

All are branded with the YaraMila™ logo, guaranteeing quality.

LIVESTOCK

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Extend grazing season to cut expensive straw costs

Beef producers could save at least £21 a head on expensive straw bedding costs this winter by delaying housing by six weeks and maximising the nutritional potential of late season grass.

With straw already costing upwards of £125/tonne in the west of the country, housed bedding costs will be running at more than 60p/head/day on some farms – and that’s before taking into account any feed costs, points out David Thornton from Rumenco.

“Housed cattle require about 5kg/head/day of bedding straw, so if you are able to delay bringing your stock inside for six weeks you’ll need 210kg/head less straw this winter, saving a minimum of £21/animal,” he says.

David Thornton says it is perfectly feasible on many

farms to leave youngstock or suckler cows outside for longer, particularly when underfoot conditions are relatively dry.

“If you are able to feed the silage you would have fed inside in ring feeders outside at grass, and then supplement this forage and what grazing is still available with Rumevite High Energy and Protein blocks you will be better off financially,” he claims.

“The feed blocks will only cost you around £10.92/head for the six week grazing period.

It’s much less work and half the cost of the straw you would have used inside. What’s more, you are ensuring the stock make the most of the forage nutrition available. And with a feed block system, rather than trough feeding, there will be no poaching either.”

SAC launches New Maedi Visna Test Package for Commercial Sheep Farmers

SAC has launched a new Maedi Visna (MV) test package for commercial flock owners as part of its ongoing efforts to encourage the commercial sector to act against disease.

SAC Consulting Veterinary Centre Manager Catriona Ritchie says that while many terminal sire flocks regularly test for MV and have good biosecurity in place to prevent infection occurring, the commercial sector has ‘largely ignored’ the risk. In response, the new SAC package aims to encourage more commercial flock owners to test for MV by providing a simple and affordable means of doing so. It involves testing only 12 of a flock’s thinner ewes and costs just £35.

Catriona said: “We are hearing more and more reports about how MV affects the productivity and profitability of 38

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flocks. MV infection has a long incubation period and it can spread unnoticed within, and between, flocks for many years before the effects of infection are seen. By this time it is likely that at least half of the flock is infected, when the economic losses incurred are so great that culling of the entire flock and restocking is often the only option.

“The aim of our new diagnostic package is to offer an affordable way for flock owners to pick up MV’s presence before the clinical signs are evident. Early detection makes eradication easier and much less expensive.”

Further information about the MV Diagnostic Test and the MV accreditation scheme can be obtained from the Premium Sheep & Goat Health Scheme on 01463 226995 or from www. sac.co.uk/sghs.

Fat Cows May Mean Difficult Autumn Calving, Warns SAC

While this year’s early Spring and the summer’s abundant grass growth have been good news for stock performance overall, SAC is warning farmers that the extra weight this may have added to their autumn calving cows could lead to calving difficulties down the line.

SAC is urging producers with autumn calving herds to immediately assess the condition of their cows. If they are much fitter than normal, producers should discuss the options with their SAC adviser or vet for immediate steps to reduce their condition.

SAC beef specialist Gavin Hill explained: “Many areas of Scotland have had a tremendous summer for grass growth with silage pits now overflowing.

Stock have also had a good summer with the early spring and ample supplies of grass supporting high levels of performance.

“While for most stock high levels of performance is good news, for autumn calving cows it can cause major problems if they become too fat, with a much greater risk of calving difficulties.”

SAC has issued the following advice: • Stock dry cows heavily on bare grass fields or even cereal stubbles and provide protection against magnesium tetany • Where facilities are available house the fattest animals and put them on ad-lib straw supplemented with 1 litre/ head/day of a high protein (around 35% CP) liquid pouron. The animals will also need a mineral/vitamin mix designed for feeding with straw rations • Housing will make it easier to assist cows should they need help at calving • Weaning can be delayed but cows will need three weeks dry prior to calving if they are to produce adequate colostrum • If the first animals calving have severe calving difficulties then discuss with your vet the possibility of routinely inducing calving for the remainder • Particular attention should be paid to in-calf heifers which are likely to be very fat and usually have more difficulties than cows

A product used to treat sheep infested with ticks has had its status upgraded, meaning one treatment will now treat ticks for up to 10 weeks.

Crovect®, which is produced

by Novartis Animal Health, also works in the treatment and control of headflies, the treatment of biting lice, and the prevention and treatment of blowfly strike in sheep.

With the extended claim, Crovect® is now a good choice for long lasting tick treatment with the shortest meat withhold period available; this will prove useful for farmers taking lambs to market at this time of year.

Thomas Tiley, a vet with Novartis Animal Health, said: “Previously Crovect was available as an immediate treatment only.

Anecdotally we have had reports of it working for longer, but there

was no specified length of cover.

This announcement confirms Crovect’s status as a ten week lasting treatment. It is also the only long lasting tick control product on the market with such a short meat withhold period of just eight days.”

“There is evidence that ticks are spreading in the UK, both in terms of numbers and geographical areas; this has been demonstrated in recent studies*. The perceived distribution of ticks in Great Britain has expanded in recent years and abundances of ticks have increased at about threequarters of locations surveyed*.

In the most recent study done on dogs**, tick distribution was also shown to not just be present on moorland areas, but throughout the UK. Ticks are more prevalent than people think,” he said.

Treating sheep ticks

THE VET

LIVESTOCK

Polly Put the Kettle On

By Andy Cant Northvet Veterinary Group I had an unusual “while you’re here “request when out on one of our more remote north isles the other week. Could I remove the kettle from a cow’s foot?!

The unfortunate lady had “put her foot in it” a few weeks earlier. And sure enough here was the bizarre sight of the cow happily grazing with a kettle on its front foot like a very shiny and cumbersome overreach boot. The challenge as it happened was catching the rather indignant Dexter and avoiding her horns!

However a well-aimed lasso helped persuade her into a crush and her well-fitting silver slipper was removed no bother.

Apart from sorting out Orkney’s bovine foot fetishes this is a quieter time of year at the practice and allows time to review health plans. Neonatal deaths account for the bulk of losses on the beef side. This is not only disappointing but costly. The causes are

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not always obvious. Once infectious disease and dystocia have been ruled out we’re left with the more vague mix of mineral vitamin and management issues. Ensuring a healthy and robust immune system in the cow and therefore calf is essential and nutrition is very much part of that.

Mineral and vitamin profiles on bloods from half a dozen cows can shed light on the status of your herd. Time it so you have the chance to supplement any deficiencies if present well before calving.

Vitamin A and E are both needed for good immune systems and are often found to be on the low side in our practice. It’s finding easy ways to boost those levels that can be tricky and the kettle on the foot method is unproven as yet! … and did I say , that Dexter herd all had pet names and the one with the kettle on her foot was called Polly – honest! We all had tea.

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Semen from nine Limousin bulls in exports to the island of St. Helena, and New Zealand Semenstore.co.uk the on-line semen company, has announced the conclusion of two Limousin semen export orders, from nine Limousin bulls in all, to the island of St. Helena, and New Zealand respectively.

The export, of semen from five Limousin bulls, Ironstone Brandy, Ampertaine Abracadabra, Milbrook Tanko, Woodhouse Prince and Winnington Trumps, is believed to be one of the first beef semen exports from the UK to the South Atlantic island of St. Helena.

St. Helena is approximately 47 square miles and is located 1700 miles North West of Cape Town, South Africa, and 1200 miles West of Walvis Bay, Namibia. Its nearest land mass is the Island of Ascension, which is 700 miles to the North West. The island has a population of approximately 3900 people known as ‘Saints’.

With no air access all of the island’s supplies are brought in by the Royal Mail Ship, the RMS St Helena, which travels between Cape Town and Ascension Island.

A trip from Cape Town to the island usually takes 5 days, 3 days from Ascension Island and 14 days from the United Kingdom!

The delivery of the Semenstore order is being facilitated by Cogent Breeding Ltd.

Check for VAT on wool sales

Sheep farmers should check for any tax implications when selling wool to Irish merchants, the NFU has advised.

It has emerged that livestock keepers may be liable to a VAT charge on a sale unless it can be proved that the wool has left the UK within three months of the sale.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) says farmers must ensure that they have both the correct documentation and, more importantly, whether the wool is actually dispatched to Ireland rather than used within the UK. If the wool does not leave the UK at all, farmers must charge and account for VAT on the sale as it is a solely domestic UK transaction.

However, when the wool is shipped to Ireland within three months the sale is zero rated for VAT but farmers should be aware of the rules that apply to ensure they are protected.

NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh said: “By taking a few simple steps farmers can avoid hassle and potential fines, including interest payments later on.

“They should obtain the merchant’s Irish VAT number and quote this on the VAT invoice raised for the wool supplied. They should also keep copies of any correspondence that shows that the wool has left the UK within three months of it being sold.” www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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LIVESTOCK

Lamb vigour a priority on Kintyre Monitor Farm

A lamb’s natural ability to survive and thrive is a priority in the sheep enterprise of Kintyre Monitor Farmer, Duncan Macalister, who farms the 1,730 acres of Glenbarr Farms, a few miles north of Campbeltown.

At the recent well-attended meeting, the community group, which included farmers from the Isle of Arran, travelled around the farm by tractor and trailer, providing the opportunity to view ewes and lambs at grass.

All lambs from the total flock of 550 ewes, other than retained female replacements, are finished.

The ewes run in two separate groups – one group of approximately 300 which start lambing indoors on 21st March and a second of around 250 which start lambing outdoors a month later.

“Labour is one of the most expensive inputs on any farm,” said Duncan Macalister. “So I am keen to build ease of

management along with fertility, natural hardiness, liveability and ‘thriveability’ into my sheep.”

This policy has resulted in a change of emphasis in

the breeds at Glenbarr, along with the decision to only buy Performance Recorded tups.

“I have also bought Performance Recorded bulls for

several years and believe that the figures give reliable information on crucial commercial traits which the eye cannot see,” said Mr Macalister

ARM to distribute Big Wheel feeders

Staffordshire-based ARM Buildings have taken over the sole UK distributorship for the popular Osborne Big Wheel range of pig feeders, following the retirement of Terry Cross, who previously distributed these feeders.

The American-made feeders are of rugged construction and well proven on farms. A particular feature, as the name suggests, is a multi-spoke wheel attached to the trough, which dispenses feed only when operated by the pigs, helping to eliminate waste and keep the troughs clean.

Feed flow-rate is controlled by an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism which raises or lowers an internal cone. A major advantage with the circular trough system is that there are no corners where feed 42

can build up and become stale, say the manufacturers.

Hoppers are made from reinforced glass-fibre while the metal parts are of galvanised or stainless steel. Available in a variety of sizes for weaners through to finishers with capacities ranging from 35 to 529 litres, which will feed up to 60 pigs. The feeders can be free-standing or fitted within pen partitions. They are available direct to farmers or through the trade.

In addition, ARM is distributing the Stanfield range of easy-to-clean heat pads for piglets in both farrowing and weaner accommodation, also from Osborne Industries.

Available in a range of shapes and sizes to fit different sized pens, they provide a uniform surface temperature 16º-20ºC above air temperature.

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LIVESTOCK

NFU Scotland welcomes Beef Calf Scheme extension

NFU Scotland has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that an interim replacement for the Scottish Beef Calf Scheme (SBCS) will be in place for the start of 2012.

This welcome piece of forward thinking allows for the SBCS replacement scheme to come into force, irrespective of the timing of the outcome from forthcoming discussions around reform of the CAP regime.

The benefits to the beef sector generated by the scheme are broadly preserved in the new version, although rates have been altered to the benefit of those with smaller herds such as crofters, small farmers and new entrants.

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Speaking from the annual agricultural show at Turriff, Aberdeenshire, NFU Scotland’s President Nigel Miller said: “Without taking this action, there was the risk that delays in securing a CAP reform agreement could have left us without any direct support for our beef industry. This interim announcement guarantees that the principles of the scheme will be preserved from 2012 until such times as a new CAP package is in place.

“That removes any uncertainty that beef producers may have had on the immediate future and crucially buys some time for Scotland and

stakeholders to continue to develop their thinking on how best to support extensive livestock under any new CAP regime. A solution is important as more than 422,000 beef calves born in Scotland last year qualified for the SBCS payment, underpinning Scotland’s important beef industry.

“The pot of money in the scheme remains the same at just under 30 million euros. However, the decision to increasingly target that money towards the most vulnerable producers by increasing the rates paid on the first 10 calves will make a huge difference to crofters, small farmers and new entrants

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alike. For them, the economics of keeping cows, particularly in more remote areas, is dependent on ongoing support.

“For larger beef farmers, where returns from the SBCS are a smaller part of their overall turnover, it is important that any dip in support is more than compensated for by more meaningful returns being generated from the marketplace for their cattle.

These producers are the engine room of Scotland’s world-renowned beef industry and it is important that consumers, retailers and processors give them suitable encouragement to continue to grow their beef enterprises.”

MUCK SPREADERS

FIVE BRANDS TO CONSIDER There are quite a few makers of Muck spreaders, and here we take a brief look at five of them

Harry West Dual range

Dual spreaders from Harry West West Dual Spreaders are a firm favourite with farmers and contractors alike. The advanced feature of the Dual were recognised as far back as 1982 when it was awarded the Royal Agricultural Society of England GOLD Medal at the Royal Show.

Since then many thousands have been sold in the UK. The design of the Dual, bringing the material forward and weight onto the rear of the tractor, ensures confidence and safety in hilly conditions.

All types of materials can be handled, from Solid Dung, Slurry, Poultry Manure, Compost and Long Straw Box Manure.

The robust build quality and low power requirements have made the West Dual Spreader the market leader with over 50% share in the UK for the last few years.

bearings, structural components, electric floor control, weigh cell equipment and tyres. General wear and tear and items damaged by foreign objects are not covered.

The Bunning family have been manufacturing manure spreaders at their Norfolk, UK site since 1986 and have been building and repairing machinery for farmers and contractors since 1906. This background has enabled the company to design and manufacture equipment to meet the demanding needs of today’s farmers and contractors.

Strength, reliability and long life are features that contribute towards the company’s ability to offer a 3 year warranty.

A two chain floor system incorporating a full width socket on floor slat has proved to be one of the Lowlanders most outstanding features as both

3 Year Warranty from Bunnings GT Bunning & Son’s Ltd are pleased to be offering a 3 year warranty for their complete range of Lowlander rear discharge manure spreaders.

The comprehensive cover (for failures which occur due to faulty components or workmanship) includes floor chains, drive sprockets, gear boxes, hydraulic motors, pto shafts (not guards),

GT Bunnings

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MUCK SPREADERS

NC Engineering

chains, placed tight against the sides of the body, are under even load and always pull straight as the slat is not fixed to the chain.

Easy adjustment of the chains ensures operators are able to keep them at their optimum setting. Each chain on the Mk 4 range of Lowlanders has a 32 tonne breaking strain certificate and on the 150

Heavy duty and Widebody models a 50 tonne chain is used. The extremely robust and reliable one piece auger drive gearbox from Berma in Italy has now been in use on the Lowlander range since January 2005, approximately 1500 machines in markets from Aberdeen to Australia are benefitting from this advance in specification.

NC rear discharge spreaders In fresh farmyard manures about 20% of the nitrogen is in readily available form, which after three months storage, drops to about 10% ; 6% dry matter slurry is worth about £95 per hectare, while 25% dry matter manures are worth £280 per hectare.

Solid manure spreaders provide a real challenge in terms of accuracy of nutrient spreading.

With years of experience and a reputation for quality NC have produced an extensive range of solid manure spreaders to include 7m³, 9m³, 11m³, 13m³, 15m³ and 20m³ models – suitable for small farmers to large contractors. Build quality ensure low running costs, a consistent and even discharge, with the ability to handle virtually all types of waste, ie semi-solid, poultry litter, industrial sludges, waste products etc. The unique rotor design and blade pattern

allows you to spread all types of manures without the trouble and fuss of changing spreader decks and the large ‘cubic capacities’ available are particularly suited to low density manures.

During the recent Grassland and Muck event held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire the NC Rear Discharge Manure Spreader consistently out performed all in their class with a wide, accurate, even spread. The machine is capable of spreading 16 metres wide, using twin rotors with reversible and replaceable hardox bolt on tips.

KTwo Duo & Evo Muck Spreaders Farmers looking to make better use of farm-produced manures need look no further than KTwo’s Duo spreader.

Available in a range of capacities from 6–14 tonnes, the KTwo’s Duo success is its

D-K-R

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. “When it comes to MUCK SPREADERS your first port of call is?”

3 HINTS...

“Select any one of three to suit your own particular needs” HARRY WEST NC ENGINEERING RICHARD WESTERN D-K-R AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Westfield, Coulter, Biggar, Lanarkshire ML12 6HN Tel. 01899 220897 • FAX. 01899 221413 E-Mail: dkrcoulter@hotmail-com 46

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MUCK SPREADERS

KTwo Duo and Evo

two heavy-duty vertical rotors, dynamically balanced and fitted with long life reversible teeth.

These spreading rotors now rotate at 417rpm providing a wider, finer more evenly spread pattern of manure across the field.

The new high tensile open flight rotors permit alternative

spreading of high water content manures, whilst maintaining KTwo’s reputation for efficiently handling and quickly spreading heavier straw by-products.

In addition to the Duo, KTwo’s Evo muck spreader has been developed to meet the high output, consistent accurate spreading requirement, which

is achieved with oversized vertical rotors and multi toothed flights operating at speed.

The Evo achieves this with two dynamically balanced vertical rotors, with 950 mm diameter flights and large spreading paddles.

The high tensile thick rotors reach a tip speed in excess of

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40mph from 1000rpm input.

These are driven by a 180hp heavy-duty one-piece gearbox, protected by a shear-bolt and automatic torque limiting clutch.

Four ‘marine’ floor chains provide 120 tons of breaking strain, hydraulically driven by a large rear drive shaft, combined with high tensile drive sprockets. The speed of these is electronically controlled from within the tractor cab.

The flared body sidewalls give extra carrying capacity within a compact ‘foot print’, with an impressive 2.4m loading width. Bolt-on floor slats effectively convey the load along the 1.6m wide floor.

The full height slurry door regulates the flow of material to the rotors to achieve a consistent spread pattern of between 12 and 20m.

Evo models are built on 150mm square commercial axles with 420x180 S-cam

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MUCK SPREADERS

Western

brakes, fitted with 35mm brake rams and slack adjusters.

KTwo Sales are confident that their reliable and durable muck spreader range will continue to set the standard for years to come.

Spinning disc kit with beaters is for Delilah spreaders With increasing

spreading horizontal available and FBS demand for

accurate spreading of high nutrient manures Richard Western Ltd has introduced the latest version of their spinning disc spreading kit. Replacing the standard twin vertical beaters with horizontal beaters and a canopy, a constant flow of material is delivered onto the large diameter spinning discs. Spreading widths of over 24m can be achieved and spreading widths are controlled by disc speed and

an adjustable rear panel. The spinning disc spreader can be operated between 540 and 1000 PTO speeds and comes standard with harden wear parts and a hydraulically operated boundary limiter.

The spinning disc spreading kit is available on the Delilah D10,D12 and D18t models and on all FBS tandem axle spreaders.

A quick attach system allows you to have two spreader units on your Delilah or FBS spreader and allows you to choose the right spreading unit for the job in hand, twin vertical beaters for high application rates and spinning discs for low application rates.

With increased fertiliser costs and customers wanting to get the best value from organic manures the ability to select the right spreader unit for the job in hand offers more possibilities to maximise on

farm resources and changing spreader units is a simple task.

The standard variable floor speed control allows you to choose your application rate and with the option of radar ground speed control, weighing and monitoring equipment you can be sure your application rates are exactly as you expect.

All Delilah and FBS spreader models are constructed with 6mm floor and 4mm side panels. The floor chain uses 4 calibrated floor chains with individual tensioning, floor slats are held in by lugs and a breakaway floor slat system to protect the floor drive. Wide angled PTO is standard on all machines and the drive line is protected by an slip clutch and shear bolt. Delilah models are 8 – 18 tonnes and FBS models are 12 – 20 tonnes. Prices start at £21,125.

Dual Spreader Range 1300, 1600, 2000 & New 3000 Dual

• Award winning range of spreaders, RASE Gold Medal • Low power requirement • Handles everything from slurry to solids • 21m (70ft) spread width • Hydraulically controlled feed rate • Stone trap

Only the Best from Harry West Harry West (Prees) Ltd

Lower Heath, Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 2BT Tel: 01948 840 465

www.harrywest.co.uk 48

Dealers for Richard Western Muck Spreaders Forfar Tel: 01307 462281 Perth Tel: 01738 583249 Laurencekirk Tel: 01561 378888 Dundonald Tel: 01563 851900 Doune Tel: 01786 842921 www.agricar.co.uk

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FUTUREfarmer New CLAAS Apprentice Graduates

The latest group of students to complete the CLAAS Apprenticeship received their awards in a Graduation Ceremony held recently at the CLAAS UK headquarters at Saxham, Suffolk.

The five graduates, who have all qualified with an Advanced Apprenticeship in Landbased Service Engineering (NVQ Level 3), in addition

to qualifying for LTA2 status, received their graduation certificates from Clive Last, Chairman of CLAAS UK. The successful students are: Tom Gutteridge (Manns, Saxham); Ben Munford (Manns, Saxham); Lee Clarke (Manns, Halesworth); Tom Joyce (Vaughan Agri, Dorchester) and Tom Laird (March, Ulceby Cross).

Bacon, eggs & energy a winning combination in future farmer award

Two enterprising and determined young farmers have been named as winner and runner-up in the 2011 Future Farmer Award. Andrew Rennie of Gask Farm, Turriff and Alan Blackwood of Auldhouseburn Farm, Muirkirk were announced today as winner and runner-up respectively, for their entrepreneurial spirit in the production of cereals, pigs and energy (Andrew Rennie) and free-range eggs and blackface sheep (Alan Blackwood).

The Future Farmer Award aims to showcase ways in which Scotland can produce food, fibre and wood products

from farms and crofts in a commercially viable way while maintaining the natural capital of the land and minimizing the ecological footprint of farming activities. The Award is funded by the Elizabeth Murray Trust.

Both Andrew and Alan will receive a cash prize and a package of support so that they can share their farming vision with their fellow farmers.

For more information about the Future Farmer Award and this year’s winners please contact Sarah Anderson, email sarah.anderson@nfus.org.uk, tel. 0131 472 4108.

Review needed to bring new era to education provision NFU Scotland believes a review of the nation’s agricultural education system is needed now if Scotland is to bring in a new era in land-based research, skills and training provision.

The challenges and opportunities currently facing agriculture and food production show that this is an exciting time for the Scottish rural economy. The Union is keen that the system that traditionally delivers the necessary skills, knowledge and research to capitalise on these opportunities is fit for purpose.

Recognising present funding constraints, the Union believes any review could refocus the existing available spend to create a more dynamic support for the industry.

NFU Scotland’s President Nigel Miller has put his suggestion of an educational review in a letter to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead. Mr Miller said: “Scotland can be rightly proud of the education, support and research effort that still underpins our land based industries and it is hugely positive for our future that interest in agricultural careers is now growing.

“That increase in interest is set against a historical backdrop of low levels of profitability on farm, high age profile of farmers and issues around succession which have previously threatened the future skill base. Attracting

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the best of our new generation to the industry is vital to drive Scottish farming forward and a review of our system would be timely.

“In the future, we face the challenge of producing more food of a higher quality from less land and using less resource. For that to happen, we need a new level of technical support and a fresh look at how we deliver skills, education and knowledge.

“The difficulty is that those looking for training opportunities here are increasingly faced with an established set up which has struggled with funding cuts and contraction. It is a sad fact that our Scottish system, which was once viewed as world leading, is probably no longer the best.

“To drive things forward, we need to examine how we make the most of our existing education sites and set out how they can deliver relevant training and education. We must ensure they continue to deliver knowledge to the industry and still perform an essential research role.

“There is a real opportunity to get more value from the considerable talents and assets that Scotland possesses. We urge the Scottish Government to put in place a strategy to review, revitalise and appropriately support skills development and education. We will need to break down outdated barriers and inject a new energy so that Scotland’s agricultural education provision regains its world-leading status.”

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FINANCE

Flexible finance offers arable farmers options on drills

Arable farmers seeking new drilling equipment for the coming sowing season now have finance options available to them on a range of Kuhn machines.

The latest Kuhn Finance offers include schemes on 50% of the retail price on the company’s Combiliner power harrow drill combinations as well as the Moduliner and Megant integrated seed drills and the Speedliner minimum tillage range.

On Combiliner, Moduliner and Megant models, the scheme is for 18 monthly instalments at 0% interest following the initial down payment, whilst the Speedliner can be financed through three annual instalments following an initial down payment, again at 0%.

Kuhn Finance is a partnership between Kuhn Farm Machinery and De Lage Landen, a fully owned subsidiary of Rabobank Group.

The latest tranche of finance schemes also includes flexible finance schemes on Kuhn’s ploughs, disc harrows and sprayers.

Further details on Kuhn Finance are available by calling 0845 366KUHN or 0845 3665846, or by visiting the finance section at www. kuhn.co.uk On-farm energy gets major boost in Scotland RENEWABLE projects in Scotland’s agriculture sector have been given a major boost with the announcement of a new Agri-Renewables Strategy.

Announcing the strategy at the Black Isle Show, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said it will ‘ensure land managers can benefit from the renewables revolution 50

Overdrafts – beware the pitfalls of asking for more By Andrew Turnbull

and unlock the green energy potential of their land’.

Welcoming the announcement, NFU Scotland’s president, Nigel Miller said the Scottish Government’s commitment to develop the strategy and, in particular, to simplify the planning process, were ‘spot on’.

Mr Lochhead said: “Scotland is currently experiencing a renewables revolution and I want to see farmers, crofters and land managers working with local communities to ensure they grasp the benefits for their businesses and the nation.

“However, we are all on a steep learning curve, and need to quickly learn to take advantage of the industry’s increasing enthusiasm. We need to get our heads around the various challenges as well as the opportunities.”

He said the strategy, which he hoped would be in place by summer 2012 ‘at the latest’, will be developed in co-operation with industry representatives and will build on the Scottish Government’s existing renewables activity in the agricultural sector.

“In a few years’ time, I hope every farm in Scotland is benefiting from renewable energy in some shape or form.

If we can make that vision reality, then that will be truly transformational.”

Mr Miller said Scottish farmers and crofters have already contributed a great deal in terms of cutting carbon emissions and installing the means of producing renewable energy on their land, however, inconsistencies and constraints in the planning system mean many farmers are struggling to get energy projects off the ground.

“We need a clear steer from the Scottish Government in setting out nationwide planning guidance and priorities for those applying for and approving renewable projects.

“We have already got the ball rolling in tackling the planning issue and, in addition to our contact with the Scottish Government, we are meeting Scotland’s chief planner next week with a view to addressing the obstacles and anomalies that exist within the planning system and between Scotland’s local authorities.”

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The financial squeeze has thrown up very real problems for many Scottish farmers. But why should this be the case given that the value of farmland has continued to rise through the recession?

In the past the banks placed great emphasis on the security aspect of their lending which meant that if they were comfortable with the ratio of borrowings to capital value it was fairly straightforward to phone up your branch manager and arrange an extension to the overdraft to cover that fertilizer bill or pay for a new plough.

Not so nowadays, partly because your local manager is likely to have less input to the decision whether to allow the extra lending. Your case may be referred to an underwriter who has never met you (and you are unlikely to be granted an audience if you request one!). He does not know you personally and he will never have visited your farm.

The underwriter will look much more closely at your profits and your ability to service the extra borrowings than he has in the past and so it is essential that you put up a good case; back up your application with a business plan and involve your accountant if the increase you need is substantial.

Finally, bear in mind that overdrafts are repayable on demand - it has never been more important to ensure you do not have all your eggs in one basket.

Consider alternative sources of finance such as HP, leasing and contract hire, for example.

Andrew Turnbull is a CA and an Area Director, based in Perth, with First Independent Finance where he specialises in agricultural and industrial loans and mortgages.

His contact details are: Mobile: 07720 886272, Phone 01738 624671, email aturnbull@f-I-f.co.uk

FINANCE

Suzuki KingQuad ATVs, now with 6 months free fuel*

Suzuki GB has announced a new offer which provides customers with an incredible 6 months free fuel* with every new KingQuad ATV, giving them one less mountain to climb this year.

The innovative range of KingQuad ATVs include the economical KingQuad 400, which comes with a manual or automatic transmission, the mid-capacity KingQuad 500 with fully independent suspension and optional power steering and the rangetopping KingQuad 750 Power Steering model.

All of the KingQuad models are fuel injected for impressive performance and economy and they all feature 4-wheel drive, with differential lock on the KingQuad 500s and the KingQuad 750. They all feature Suzuki’s specially designed T-shaped seat for

all-day rider comfort, and the range of engine capacities mean you can find the right tool for every job.

Suzuki’s latest offer aims to give customers something that is relevant and useful to them, Gareth Lumsdaine, Sales and Marketing Manager ATV & Marine, Suzuki GB commented “With input costs ever increasing, we know that our customers are facing challenging times, our offer of 6 months free fuel* is designed to relieve some of the pressure and make the choice of a new ATV that little bit easier”.

The offer runs from 23rd June to 30th September 2011, to find out more or to take a test ride, find your local dealer at www.suzukiatv.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply, visit www.suzukiatv. co.uk for details. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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AGRI GADGETS

Here we look at the very latest agricultural gadgets on the market.

We want to hear about your new tech, your latest life changing gadgets.

Send in your stories to: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

Bauer solutions to slurry storage pressures

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Jules Carter GKN Wheels & Structures has appointed Jules Carter as Global Engineering Director.

He will have responsibility for engineering at the company’s manufacturing sites worldwide, with a focus on quality, innovation and best practice to meet customer needs.

He brings 16 years’ experience in senior management roles and the development and delivery of complex, time sensitive engineering projects within the automotive sector, working at Rover, BMW and more recently Tata Motors European Technical Centre.

Jules Carter is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the IMechE professional review committee. He graduated from Loughborough University with a B.Tech (Hons) degree in automotive engineering.

Allan Murray The new Chairman Designate of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland is Allan Murray, Redden, Kelso.

It is the first time in the Society’s history that a previous Chairman has been reelected for a full second term. Mr Murray served in the position in 2006-2008.

Currently the Society’s Honorary Treasurer, he is also the Convener of the Project Committee which has been driving the Society’s 20-year masterplan for the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston, Edinburgh, and which recently gained planning permission.

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When addressing slurry storage issues, minimising the volume of ‘dirty’ liquid is a good place to start. Drainage systems can be modified to collect dirty water, such as yard run-off and parlour washings, which can then be stored separately from slurry and applied during the NVZ closed period when conditions allow.

But to really have an impact on the problems created by slurry, installing a separator is the most positive step to take. With the liquid fraction extracted and pumped to a lagoon, only fibrous material remains to store in bulk.

“Separating allows these different materials to be stored and applied to the land in the most appropriate way – and with minimal smell,” emphasises Adrian Tindall of Bauer. “They will also provide more consistent nutrient analyses than slurry, so they can be applied at the appropriate rate to reduce reliance on bagged fertiliser, while conforming to Nitrate Vulnerable Zone restrictions where necessary.”

Traditional methods of bulk slurry storage do not make it easy to properly utilise what a growing number of producers now recognise as a valuable commodity rather than mere ‘waste’ – especially

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as mineral fertiliser prices continue to rise.

“Unlike slurry, no preapplication mixing is needed so the liquid fraction is easily applied by dirty water irrigator, or by tanker or field injector,” he adds. “Extracted solids with 30% or higher dry matter can be stockpiled in field heaps where nitrogen losses will be lower than from slurry, in readiness for application ahead of ploughing for maize, cereals and other spring crops.”

Applied by spreader to fields where its nutrient content and organic matter will do most good, the switch over also eliminates the ‘slop factor’ that comes with loading, transporting and spreading slurry.

“That’s got to be a better approach than scraping or pumping whole slurry to an above ground store or lagoon where it settles out and has to be mixed before being spread,” Mr Tindall adds.

“In fact, the cost of installing mixers in a new slurry store is about the same as a separator, so it makes more sense to go the separation route and reap the additional benefits.”

McCaskie Farm Supplies will handle slurry equipment sales and service in central, southern Scotland and Cumbria

MACHINERY

Opico takes on distribution of Maschio products in the UK OPICO and Italian machinery manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo are pleased to announce that the distribution of Maschio products in the UK has been taken on by OPICO. OPICO will initially focus on supplying the Maschio range of power harrows, drills, rotary cultivators and flail mowers to farmers, and intends to set up a dedicated distribution network for the Maschio products. Further integrations to the product line-up are expected in the future.

OPICO’s MD James Woolway says: “Maschio Gaspardo is a major player in the agricultural machinery market and has one of the most efficient production facilities I have ever seen. “The Maschio range fits in very well with products that OPICO already sells in the UK and completes OPICO’s line-up of quality machinery for the arable farmer.”

David Day, OPICO’s Maschio product specialist, points out that: “Taking on Maschio gives OPICO a cracking range of drills with models that fit UK farmers’ requirements very well.”

Two new Maschio drills will be in action at this year’s Tillage event near Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 14 September the Primavera tine seeder and the Alitalia pneumatic drill.

Francesco Voltan, Maschio’s sales manager for Europe, who brokered the deal with OPICO, adds: “This move is in line with our growing UK activities and OPICO with its good name in the UK and an excellent distribution network,

will give Maschio good market coverage and provide customers with the product and technical support they need.”

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MACHINERY

Horsch announces UK parts centre

Horsch UK has announced it will support its UK customers from a centralised parts centre in Bourne, Lincolnshire, which opened in June. Horsch UK will share the purpose-built premises with Gregoire Besson, although the two businesses will be run completely independently.

“We’ve received very positive feedback from our customers when we became an independent UK company.

We’re now building on that by developing our own UK parts distribution service,” explained Horsch UK manager, Stephen Burcham.

Under the agreement with Gregoire Besson, Horsch UK will share office and warehouse space but will have dedicated service staff and will use its own shipping agents to supply customers. Horsch UK will hold more than £450,000 worth of stock at Bourne, which will be available seven days a week during the harvest and postharvest season.

“Our Bourne parts centre will hold a comprehensive

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stock of emergency parts and this will be backed up

by Horsch’s new central parts distribution service in Germany. This means any part will be available within 24 hours,” said Mr Burcham.

“As we look to introduce a wider range of products in the future, it is essential that our customers and dealers have support that they can rely on.”

Kubota help Jimmie’s Farm

Kubota Tractor and Groundcare has loaned the famous farm a B2530 compact tractor with power harrow and conventional plough, an

M9540 agricultural tractor with loader and an RTV900 all-terrain utility vehicle for its new masterclass programme.

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The Suffolk-based farm run by Jimmy Doherty comprises 150 acres of land and specialises rare breed pork, sheep, cattle and poultry.

It has recently joined forces with specialist seed producers Thompson and Morgan to grow heritage vegetables and fruit.

The farm, which is open to the public, also features woodland, a nature trail, petting farm, restaurant, butchery and shop.

Farm manager, Dave Finkle, says that the very nature of the farm with its diverse landscape and wide variety of activities is a logistical nightmare when it comes to choosing equipment.

“There are so many different elements to the farm, not just in our produce, but also in terms of slopes, tight turns and restricted space. With many manufacturers you’d need a whole fleet of equipment to cope, but Kubota has managed to cater for all our needs with just three machines.”

Jimmy’s Farm has now launched a whole range of masterclasses designed to teach pupils the skills they need to manage a farm.

Courses include tractor driving, implement operation and set-up, vegetable growing, grassland management and husbandry.

MACHINERY

New sprayer heads John Deere’s trailed range Designed specifically for larger arable farms, John Deere’s new R962i 6200-litre sprayer is now the biggest model in the company’s trailed range, with the highest ever pump capacity.

Designed and manufactured at the Horst sprayer factory in the Netherlands, this high specification machine is equipped as standard with a number of intelligent and automated features designed to make spraying easier, more accurate, more efficient and more profitable.

The R962i has been engineered for maximum stability under all spraying conditions. The main solution tank has a low-profile design with compact dimensions, despite its high capacity. An optional wheel steering system

provides accurate tracking on the headlands to reduce wheeling damage, and the new proportional steering

control provides smoother operation and easier set-up in the field. Combined with the sprayer’s low centre of gravity,

this hydraulic control system offers optimum stability and manoeuvrability, both in the field and on the road.

...More than just rollers!

Dal-Bo UK, Unit 12A Shepherds Close, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6SZ Tel: 01263 732683 Fax: 01263 732632 e-mail: sa@dal-bo.dk

www.dal-bo.com

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MACHINERY

New Mitas AGRITERRA trailer tyre delivers cost and performance benefits

Designed specifically for use on trailers, the new AGRITERRA flotation tyre from MITAS delivers significantly better on- and off-road performance than any other premium trailer tyre, combined with greater reliability, reduced downtime, a 15% longer working life and a significant improvement in overall operating economy, according to CGS Tyres which has just launched it in the UK. Available in 600/55R26.5, 650/65R30.5 and 710/50R26.5 sizes, the new tyre combines high load capacity with excellent performance. Its radial construction incorporates a steel impact ply which makes the tyre much more durable, provides significantly greater resistance

to punctures and makes for quieter running on the road.

Providing a much larger contact area than competitor products, the tyre has a load capacity rating of up to 12,780 kg and a maximum operating speed of up to 65 km/h.

“The new AGRITERRA tyre reflects the trend for UK farmers to use everlarger trailers over much longer distances, including a significant increase in on-road mileage. Development work started in 2009 and has resulted in a product which offers

significant practical benefit for UK farmers,” explains Ron Wood, Automotive Engineering Manager for CGS Tyres UK Ltd. He adds: “The new tyre incorporates a reinforced shoulder area which increases durability by seven per cent. It also has a unique, easily identifiable tread pattern that incorporates a nine per cent larger contact area than other premium tyres, which reduces wear and tear. The MITAS AGRITERRA tyre can be used on trailers which are capable of carrying up to 12 tonnes per axle and tests by CGS Tyres have demonstrated that it has a significantly longer operating life than competing premium brands, representing approximately six months of additional use under typical operating conditions.”

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ND A L T O SC N I S THOMAS MURRAY R DUNDONALD : 01563 850592 DEALE JMS EQUIPMENT

THOMAS CAIRNIE DUMFRIES : 01387 710285 JT CORMACK CAITHNESS : 01955 611498

TURRIFF : 01888 563188 MARRS OF METHLICK METHLICK : 01651 806910 STUART COOK GIRVAN : 01465 715093

info@dieci-telehandlers.co.uk Tel: 01258 817997 Fax:01258 817908 www.dieci.com 56

A range of Rotary Slashers and Super Scrubcutters suitable for tractors 45HP to 125 HP+ Available in 3 sizes with 5 models there is a machine to suit almost every requirement.

From cutting woodland rides to destroying heavy gorse and rushes Foster's has the machine for you.

Available with chains or blades on the same rotor mountings

Machine fitted with blades cutting rushes

Machine fitted with chains destroying gorse

Annie Reed Road, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0LF Office Tel: 01482 868800 email: sales@fostersalescompany.co.uk website: www.fostersalescompany.co.uk

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MACHINERY

Expansion of Landini compact utility tractor range

Livestock farmers wanting a light-weight tractor with plenty of performance for routine yard and field duties have a new option in the top-end models from the Landini 1 Series.

The 54hp Landini 1-55M and the heavier-duty 1-75M and 1-90M at 74hp and 91hp, respectively, are from an extensive range supplied to the ARGO Tractors operation by leading compact tractor maker Daedong.

The full line-up, comprising nine models with transmission and platform/cab options providing 17 variants in total, starts at 22hp and gives plenty of power options up to the range-leading 91hp machine.

“A key feature for all security-conscious owners is

that we fit the CESAR Datatag theft-deterrence system as standard on all tractors we supply,” notes Eamon Howden, product specialist at Landini distributor AgriArgo UK. “Also, the 1 Series models are

covered by a generous twoyear warranty and supported by an extensive parts stock held at our Harworth base near Doncaster, the ARGO Tractors headquarters factory in Italy, and Daedong’s own European

parts operation in Holland.”

While the smallest models in the range will doubtless prove popular for their light weight and small size, the 54hp Landini 1-55M fits the bill where a bit more substance is needed.

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS SCHOOLBRAE GARAGE, METHLICK, ELLON, AB41 7DS

Ness Plant, Forfar Road, Brechin DD9 6RJ Tel 01356 626113 Fax 01356 625577 Unit D, Kinross Business Park Tel 01577 862543 Fax 01577 865183 Email: info@nessplant.co.uk Visit us online today at www.nessplant.co.uk

Main Dealers for DIECI TELEHANDLERS

www.marrsofmethlick.com TELEPHONE: 01651 806910

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57

MACHINERY

Bryce HD180 gets updated

Page Turner’s

BOOK REVIEW The Man Who Gave Away His Island: A Life of John Lorne Campbell of Canna

By Ray Perman

Duncan Fisher, based at Amulree, does a lot of his fencing in the highlands. This involves work under extreme conditions.

Often on steep ground. A lot of Duncan’s contracts are five to six thousand metres, involving the erection of stock and deer fencing to forestry commission ground. The updated Bryce HD180 is his main weapon of choice, used in all this fencing work.

“We are delighted with the machine, it is strong, lightweight, very manoeuvrable, has great hitting power and its ability to rotate one hundred and eighty degrees is a very major plus”, said Duncan.

“We can go to a lot of places we would never get near with a tractor”, he concluded.

For more information about the Bryce HD180 call Jock Bryce on 07970 730567

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE NEXT ISSUE 1st NOVEMBER 2011 INCLUDES ROYAL HIGHLAND WINTER FAIR PREVIEW TEXEL SHEEP SOCIETY PROFILE ATV’s • DIET FEEDERS WINTER FEEDS • RENEWABLE ENERGY plus YEAR PLANNER 2012 WALL POSTER

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As in any industry, innovation and modern technology are at the heart of making farming more efficient and, therefore, as profitable as it can be. This has, naturally, seen the demise of many traditional ways of farming, but it’s unlikely many people would mourn their loss when faced with mounting costs and shrinking markets.

However, there are still those who try to preserve traditional ways as far as possible. John Lorne Campbell was one of these people, and his ‘farm’ was the island of Canna – the ‘jewel of the Hebrides’.

In the 1930s it wasn’t that unusual for wealthy men to buy up whole islands, but John Lorne Campbell was an unusual young man. Although born into Edwardian privilege he didn’t want the island for a rich man’s playground, but rather to prove that the population could proper with efficient farming methods which were also compatible with wildlife conservation and sustainability, and to preserve its traditional Gaelic culture. In his battle to do this he would triumph over adversity, bank managers and bureaucrats but

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would also be burdened with crippling debt and come close to despair even after he gave Canna to the National Trust for Scotland.

Ray Perman first met John Lorne Campbell, and his wife Margaret Fay Shaw, in 1977 and corresponded with him until John’s death in 1996. To write The Man Who Gave Away His Island he was given exclusive access by the National Trust for Scotland to the Canna House Archive and the private notebooks and letters of John and Margaret.

The book is the only biography of John, an angular portrait of a complex man but one whose love for Canna is at once inspirational and harrowing, deeply moving and full of warmth and wit.

The Man Who Gave Away His Island: A Life of John Lorne Campbell Birlinn 978 184158 9 299 £12.99 pbk Order online at www.birlinn. co.uk or call 0845 370 0067 or order by phone. You can also follow Birlinn on Facebook and Twitter.