August 2020 Farming Monthly

INSIDE: Midland Machinery Show cancels November event page 80

Farming

MONTHLY National

August 2020

Also in this issue...

Arable

| Effective natural potato sprout control page 25

Factors affecting sheep flock productivity Also inside this month..

Certain management strategies and technologies may have the potential to improve flock productivity towards increasing sector profitability page 12

7R Series leaps ahead p79

PFC increases product portfolio p40

Poultry layer productivity p94

PLUS: Arable | Silage| Buildings | Livestock | Climate | Machinery | Energy | ATV | Motors

CONTENTS August 2020

FEATURES 20

26

10 Feature Smart technology and farming

11 Security Thieves emerge from lockdown

52

56 Livestock

62

70 Buildings

Genomic testing of female dairy cattle

High quality & value for money buildings

62 Climate Managing water scarcity on farm

18 Arable Procedures to prevent blackgrass spread

28 Cereals & Grain

REGULARS

Climbing the highest mountain

36 Grass & Silage Careful feed management required

44 Pig & Poultry Poultry layer productivity

52 Muck & Slurry Slurry and dirty water management

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06 News Pollinator pit stops

12 On Topic Factors affecting sheep flock productivity

43 Energy Latest energy news

74 Machinery Latest machinery news

82 ATV ATV news...covered.

85 Motors Latest motors news

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82

Agriculture. Covered.

EDITOR Andrew Poulton editor@farmingmonthly.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@farmingmonthly.com

Factors affecting sheep flock productivity

p12

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ISSN 2044-0190 (print) ISSN 2044-0200 (digital)

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 05

| News

Arla Farmers' grand plan for Pollinator Pit Stops begins to blossom So much of the food we enjoy every day depends on pollinators (87 out of 115 of the world's most consumed food crops needs pollinators, including just about all of the fruit and veg we enjoy in the UK) so it's important that action is taken to halt and reverse the decline in some of their species. s their habitats have been under increasing pressure over the years The Government's National Pollinator Strategy was created to provide a framework to help protect and encourage pollinators around the UK. While the Strategy has been in place for a few years now, practical support to help turn it into a reality has been slight, but as we enter Bees Needs Week, farmers from Arla, the UK's biggest dairy cooperative, reveal the results of an initiative they have been working on with the support of a leading agronomist, Marek Nowakowski that could provide a valuable resource for pollinators and the wildlife they also attract.

Research has shown that five small, equallyspaced flower patches per square kilometre would mean all bees could reach a fuelling station.

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Knowing that pollinators need to stop frequently and for short bursts to 'top up' their energy/feed, for the last two years a group of Arla farmers joined Marek to look at the best ways to create these 'pollinator pit stops' with the overall intention of creating a nationwide chain of pollinator patches to serve as 'rest and refuel' places for bees and other wildlife. The trial sought to explore ways to serve the bees needs in a long term and affordable way for farmers.

Now, armed with the findings from this research, they have enough information to inspire and support the rest of Arla's 2,400 UK farmer-owners to plant pollinator pit stops on their properties. With each farmer in the trial dedicating half a hectare of land to their pollinator patches, that's potentially 1,200 hectares – or 1,680 football pitches' worth of space – that could be used to support this

important wildlife.

The Arla Project Pollinator programme, part of Arla UK 360 Programme, means that the cooperative's farmers are being given practical advice and guidance on actively supporting pollinators on their land with these pollinator patches for the first time since the launch of the National Pollinator Strategy.

Through the trial, made possible through the support of Morrisons and Aldi UK, the farmers involved have experimented with different methods for growing their pollinator patches.

Some have given over whole fields, using the cut from the wild flower meadows to feed their cows, others have created meadow strips around grass fields that aren't grazed and some have focused on unused land around the farm.

As the wildflower meadows now come into their second year, more than half of the farmers are seeing improved growth on year one and

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| News

Government to cut red tape for farmers as they plan for 2021 Farmers in England are set to benefit from a reduced administrative burden next year, as the government plans to end the need to comply with the EU-delivered so-called greening requirements and begin the move towards our new Environmental Land Management scheme, which will deliver greater benefits for the environment. he European Commission’s socalled greening requirements for Direct Payments have required farmers to carry out specified practices in order to qualify for additional payments.

These requirements have historically delivered little for the environment, as was documented in the European Court of Auditors 2017 Special Report on greening.

Under government plans to simplify the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and cut red tape faced by farmers during the agricultural transition period, farmers will have a reduced administrative burden and will no longer have to comply with the so called greening requirements with effect from the 2021 scheme year.

These changes will not affect the overall payment received by each farmer as the money will instead be added to farmers’ entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme.

The agricultural transition period will last for

seven years and see Direct Payments to farmers in England phased out and replaced with a new system that rewards farmers for delivering public goods, such as tree or hedge planting, river management to mitigate flooding, and creating or restoring habitats for wildlife. The new Environmental Land Management scheme, expected to be rolled out in late 2024, will introduce new ways of working together with farmers to deliver better environmental outcomes and reverse the decline of some of our most cherished species.

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: “The so-called greening requirements have added little to our environmental efforts. We believe that farmers will benefit from this reduced bureaucratic burden next year as we begin the move towards our new Environmental Land Management scheme which will deliver greater benefits for the environment.

“We will be setting out more detail in the autumn on how we will ensure a smooth

reporting an increased number of pollinators and small wildlife.

Graham Wilkinson, Director of Agriculture at Arla Foods comments, "Collectively, Arla's 2,400 UK farmers have the size and influence to make significant changes that will increase wildlife across the UK. When it comes to habitats it's about quality not quantity, which is why Arla's environmental protocol encourages and assists farmers in increasing the number of essential wildlife habitats on UK dairy farms."

The Arla trial findings take the risk away from farmers.

A key part of the trial was to establish whether the costs of running initiatives like this on farm were prohibitive to a broader roll out.

Trial farms used a premium seed mix for 3 different grasses and 23 different wildflowers. Research suggests the greatest wildlife rewards come from sowing such a mixture of wildflowers. While cheaper options can also provide some wildlife benefits Agronomist Marek Nowakowski, suggests that more complex mixes will help the biggest array of pollinators. The mix used by farmers in the Arla UK 360 Programme trial contained 20% wildflower mix and 80% grass mix.

• Grass and flower mixes: The best mix for pollinators generally comes from sowing a grass and wildflower mix. Such a rich mix delivers some of the greatest variety for solitary bees, the champion of pollinators in the bee world. A narrower alternative is Pollen and Nectar mixes which will also provide good flower cover for pollinators with about half of the investment of a more complex mix.

Essential to the care of both types of mix is regular cutting in year one to reduce the prevalence of annual weeds.

• Addition to flower mixes is Tussocky grass: Tussocky grasses provide nesting opportunities for bumblebees and is an important habitat for

beetles, spiders, and birds of prey as this habitat contains many small mammals.

Tussocky grass is a very cost-effective option, and long lasting. Management might require one cut in the first year and after that a cut every few years to reduce scrub. Tussocky margins act as a good buffer for water and other sensitive sites.

Arla farmer Chris Jerman comments, "Switching between dairy farming and farming wildlife for pollinators is like asking a maths teacher to start teaching English as well. While many skills are similar, a completely different type of information is needed, so learning from the Agronomist Marek was vital in truly appreciating how much difference farmers can make. Initially it was daunting, thinking we would potentially loose land, and therefore money, but now I often look around my farm and think that area of grassland is not profitable or could be better used for wildlife. It takes extra time and effort from farmers, but when you see wildlife buzzing round the patch, it's very rewarding. I hope every dairy farmer will at least consider if they can give pollinator patches a try on farm."

Independent Agronomist Marek Nowakowski adds, "This has been a really interesting project to work on with Arla, made even more so by the fact the land on dairy farms is so incredibly fertile, sometimes too fertile for the wild flowers due to the natural fertilisers from the grazing cows. This means we've really had to think about where we can get the best results with the seed mixes and which mixes yield the best results per location. It's great to see the impact the trial patches are having though and hopefully being able to share the findings and guidance with the rest of the farmers within the Arla cooperative we'll soon have a buzzing network of pollinator patches across the country!"

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transition for our farmers, as they move towards our new, fairer agricultural system, which will reward them for the hard work that they do to protect our environment.”

The planned phasing out of Direct Payments will take place gradually to give farmers the time to adapt to the changes. In the majority of cases, the gradual reduction in these payments will be offset by alternative support being made available to help farmers improve their productivity and aid their transition into the new Environmental Land Management scheme.

Farmers will also continue to be able to apply to Countryside Stewardship schemes until the future scheme is rolled out.

The national conversation around the future Environmental Land Management scheme is open until July 31, with farmers warmly invited to share their views on a policy discussion document available on CitizenSpace.

Further details on plans for the agricultural transition period will be set out in Autumn 2020.

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 07

| News

£1.25 million in funding announced for Digital Innovation Farm at Hartpury Hartpury has been allocated £1.25 million in Government funding to help create a Digital Innovation Farm, to further enhance Gloucestershire’s position as a leader in agri-tech. t follows a successful bid by Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, GFirst LEP, to the Government’s nationwide Getting Building Fund.

The Digital Innovation Farm will

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include the National Centre for Agricultural Data Management and Interpretation, to assist the industry in its advancement of agricultural technology, data and security, from Hartpury’s 360hectare campus near Gloucester.

It will create new innovation and demonstration workspace for high-

8 | Farming Monthly | August 2020

growth SMEs in the growth phase already operating within the agritech sector, to explore, test, trial, research and develop products, or enhance existing ones.

The Digital Innovation Farm forms part of an exciting 10-year vision at Hartpury, which is already under way with the construction of

a £2 million Agri-Tech Centre.

Officially opened earlier this year by NFU President Minette Batters, the Agri-Tech Centre provides farmers, students and organisations with access to the latest commercial technology.

Russell Marchant, ViceChancellor and CEO of Hartpury

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| News

University and Principal of Hartpury College, said: “Our plans highlight the scale of our commitment and our ambition to be leaders in shaping the future of digital farming in the UK and beyond.

“Our aim is that, by 2030, the Digital Innovation Farm will have expanded and grown into a stateof-the-art complex at Hartpury attracting leading agri-tech companies and contributing to increased productivity in Gloucestershire and the UK.” GFirst LEP worked closely with public, private and voluntary sectors to submit bids to the Getting Building Fund that were ‘shovel ready’, would create jobs,

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aid recovery and support the green agenda.

The Digital Innovation Farm at Hartpury, for which initial plans were announced in August, was identified by GFirst LEP as among five key infrastructure projects to receive funding within Gloucestershire.

GFirst LEP’s Chief Executive David Owen said: “In these challenging times, this is welcome news for the county’s economy.

“The LEP team have worked hard with partners to ensure our pipeline of creative and innovative infrastructure projects is always up to date.

“The list of projects that we are now able to fund focus heavily on

the cyber, digital and agri-tech sectors, sectors that were identified in our Local Industrial Strategy as the top growth opportunities in the county.”

GFirst LEP’s Chair Dr Diane Savory OBE said: “During this time of economic uncertainty I am really pleased that these projects have

been given the green light to get shovels in the ground.

“These projects will give Gloucestershire’s businesses and young people greater opportunities to access the very best type of tailored support that is needed now more than ever.”

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 9

| Feature

How will smart technology shape the future of farming?

Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, farmers were braced for change as a result of the end of the UK’s membership of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). These concerns have been compounded by COVID-19.

However, the industry is known for being resourceful, and many farmers have met the challenge and are looking at new ways to future-proof their businesses. mart farming and precision agriculture have long been buzzwords in the industry, with numerous reports discussing the Internet of Things’ impact in agriculture under the headings of ‘AgIOT’ or ‘AIOT’. And this thinking, once fanciful, has been fast-tracked to become a fundamental component of this new age of agriculture – set to transform an industry and work towards food security to meet our everexpanding needs. As with any disruptor, smart technology has the potential to empower widespread change and improvement through easily-integrable solutions.

What will the future of farming look like?

Data-led – with higher yields and profits off the back of precision processes, is what Matthew Margetts, Director of Sales and Marketing at Smarter Technologies predicts.

“Data insights will empower a granular view of operations – no matter how staggered or spread out they are,” he explains. And with this in mind, he shares some key considerations for farmers as we look to the future.

FARM LABOUR With the UK’s strong reliance on migrant labour from Europe, labour shortages as a result of COVID-19 have highlighted the vulnerabilities of the supply chain on a grand scale. Many farmers around the world are looking to automation and robotics as a solution. The advancements have allowed farmers to work to full capacity with fewer labourers. On top of this, data-streamlined systems tend to require fewer people to achieve the same results (with lower overheads and reduced chance of human error), which could well be the trend going forward.

Further trends such as autonomous vehicles will only add to the opportunities for farmers to benefit from the cost savings technology provides.

FARM SECURITY Farms have always been a target for criminals. Remoteness, high-value assets, and the easy resale of items such as quad bikes all play into their hands. Moreover, with the government incentivising access to public lands and a limited understanding of country code amongst consumers, farm security becomes even more important to prevent perimeter breaches, stock theft, or gates being left open because of basic ignorance.

A system of sensors and tags can connect farmers to the minutiae of their operations via a secure data network. This low-cost solution can send notifications on everything from perimeter breaches and unauthorised access to altered storage tank levels, movement of assets, and, in some cases, be linked directly to rural crime officers who can then act on the information.

FOOD SECURITY The UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) have predicted that food production will need to increase by 70% by 2050 to feed our

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growing global population. Farmers face a range of challenges to grow food production in a context of shrinking arable land, climate change, and limited natural resources. Here, a revolution in farming practice may be our only hope in meeting quotas for survival. As never before, farmers of the future will have to look at all opportunities to maximise yields, reduce costs, and meet their deliverables like never before.

Smart technology linked to livestock monitoring and precision farming looking at water retention across all parts of a field are acting to highlight some of the savings and present the first steps towards rethinking the yield equation.

Data-driven crop farming What can be monitored can be more effectively managed. Sensors can monitor temperature, humidity, fertiliser levels, pesticides, disease, soil, irrigation, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and plant growth (and just about everything else). This means the immediate power to react – even in large-scale operations – without the need for slow, costly manual checks. Real-time data reporting also allows for precision adjustments which will increase yields and improve profitability.

Dairy and livestock – herd management made smarter For cattle and dairy farmers, smart technologies will remove the time and guesswork regarding livestock well-being for cattle and dairy farmers. Real-time herd management means immediate detection of illness, which can lower spread and mortality rates. Instant notifications of high temperatures also have fertility and calving benefits for breeders. Through an ingestible bolus, together with pressure pads, sensors, and cattle collars, stress factors can be quickly addressed while location, weight-gain, feed quality, and overall health are closely monitored.

The only way is up On the extreme end of this, vertical farming and greenhouse cropping can be perfected to almost superhuman standards. Gauging optimal conditions and being able to

manipulate and adapt conditions for premium growth is the space-saving, resourceconserving, yield-enhancing method which may well define farming of the future.

Smarter – from gate to plate Smart technologies can be used throughout the supply chain to ensure produce is more sustainably farmed to reach consumers faster and fresher. Smart sensors give insights into atmospheric and storage conditions at every stage of the supply chain, with actionable alerts along the way, to reduce waste.

Traceability becomes automatic ensuring that, at every stage of the process, reports can be generated to meet compliance and regulatory checks.

Insights to analyse, adapt, and act The agricultural technologies available today have been designed to be powerful, accessible solutions for farmers. Multi-faceted, real-time reporting over trusted data networks creates a detailed overview of entire operations – no matter how remote or dispersed. Through these unique insights, farmers are empowered to analyse, adapt, and act to preserve resources, deal with diminishing workforces and achieve total efficiency.

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| Security

Farmers urged to be vigilant as thieves emerge from lockdown A police boss is warning farmers in North Wales to be vigilant as criminals take advantage of an easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. he end of the ban on non-essential journeys of more than five miles added to the opening up of the border to tourists is expected to provide cover for the thieves who prey on the countryside, according to the region’s Police and Crime

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Commissioner, Arfon Jones.

North Wales Police already has a crack Rural Crime Team which is acknowledged as one of the best in the UK and they have an enviable record in fighting countryside crime including reducing wildlife offences by 90 per cent over the past 12 years.

Commissioner Jones, a former

police inspector who was brought up on a farm near Harlech, has been a champion of the team and last year increased its numbers to 11.

But he sees an increased threat as travel restrictions ease and he said: “Just like everyone else the criminals have been under lockdown but they can’t apply to be furloughed.

“They will be keen to get back to work now that the roads are busier again and the increased number of people moving about in the countryside provides cover for them.

“Our Rural Crime Team does a fantastic job and is the envy of the UK countryside and I know they’ll remain vigilant but we all need to help them and ourselves by being aware and being careful.

“North Wales is a huge rural area and we have been successful in fighting crimes ranging from rustling and the theft of vehicles and machinery to wildlife crime like badger-baiting and egg-stealing but we can’t and won’t relax and neither must people living in the countryside.”

Mr Jones boosted the numbers of the Rural Crime Team to 11 last year and it is headed by Team Manager and former Police Sergeant Rob Taylor who also runs the Dyfed-Powys team.

Rob Taylor said: “From day one of lockdown our team have been out patrolling our rural areas seven days a week.

“We did see an initial drop in reported rural offences and that was mainly due to less traffic on our roads and less opportunities for criminals to travel.

“We are now seeing a slight increase in reported offences so we are reminding the public to remain vigilant and to stay on top of your security.

“If you have alarms or CCTV then check them over and make sure they are working correctly and in the meantime we will continue to be out and about providing rural patrols and reassurance.”

The Team use a mix of oldfashioned policing and modern technology such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, DNA profiling and intelligence-led targeting rural crime hotspots.

They use go-anywhere fourwheel drive vehicles fitted with dash-cams and team members are equipped with laptops so they can write up reports on the road and have instant access to information.

They also work closely with organisations like the Farmers’ Union of Wales, National Farmers’ Union, British Association of Shooting and Conservation and the Country Landowners’ Association.

Arfon Jones added: “We have been very successful in targeting the criminals committing a range of crimes from badger baiting to stealing tractors, quad bikes and livestock.

“North Wales is leading the way and the team led by Rob Taylor is doing a fantastic job and being recognised for the way they are dealing with rural crime and wildlife issues but it is vital to continue to support them.

“They have also been integral to the formation of similar teams in Dyfed-Powys, with whom we work very closely, and in Gwent.”

"It's important that we are not just reactive but that we are also proactive so that we can stop rural crime taking place before it happens.

"Our rural areas are geographically very large so we need technology to help us in our fight against countryside crime and to catch to offenders.”

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 11

| On Topic

Factors affecting sheep flock productivity Dr David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University. heep farming is an important industry for the production of red meat, as well as wool and milk products. In the UK approximately 34 million sheep are present within the sector producing 288,600 tons of meat, with around 63,000 tons of this coming directly from the ~10 million sheep present within Wales.

Globally the number of sheep is around 1.2 billion with China, Australia and India representing the three highest international inputs with 164 million, 70 million and 61 million sheep stocks respectively (FAO 2018). As such the sheep industry provides a small but essential percentage of meat (3 - 4% global total) and other resources for an ever-growing

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population. Furthermore, sheep have far greater adaptability to varied climates and can utilise land unfavourable to many other agricultural activities and thus, could prove increasingly vital in the future considerations of climate change and optimal land use. For the UK and many other countries, the sheep sector acts as a major economic asset through both produce yields and the careers associated.

However, the cost-efficiency of sheep farming can be very low, achieving minimal returns on investments, with average cull ewe prices of ÂŁ61 per head, store lamb prices of ÂŁ56 per head and finished lamb prices of 193 pence/kg (based on 5-year averages from 2019).

Alongside lower sale prices, (due to public demand for value and competition from

intensive rearing systems such as India and China) the costs of raising sheep (including feed, pasture management and housing) and farm labour costs have led to generally negative net margins, with reliance on other contributions such as the basic payment scheme. Despite this, the top UK producers can achieve far greater profits than the lowestachieving producers suggesting that higher production efficiencies can be achieved to improve sheep farming profitability on the whole, whilst concurrently improving long term sustainability. Some factors which are associated with improved revenue efficiency include; stocking rates, pasture quality, pasture management, reproductive performance/management and disease

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| On Topic

k management to name just a few.

Reproduction High mortality during pregnancy and lambing is a key issue with the average UK mortality rates estimated to be between 15 20%. This represents huge production losses across the industry with previous suggestions that during pregnancy alone (disregarding high losses following lambing) these cost ÂŁ20 -25 per lamb and as such, this is an area where large cost efficiency gains could be made.

Factors which affect lamb mortality include pregnant ewe nutrition or bodyweight, trauma at birth, bonding of ewe and lamb, diseases and external factors such as predation. Whilst the previous factors are known to be involved, the true representation of individual factor

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effects on farms is difficult to assess, as accurate recordings of deaths (post mortem information) and treatments made by farmers during the busy lambing period (which often coincides with a busy time of year generally) can be hard to achieve, though Welsh programmes have gained insights in the past.

Where recordings have been performed and assessed it has been shown that farmers which actively and regularly engaged tended to gain an increased understanding of the specific factors which required management changes on their farms, and this could help to negate the trend of underestimating the true level of production losses associated with lamb mortality. Improving lambing management and

understanding factors with true beneficial effects has repeatedly been demonstrated to be hampered by a lack of data collection as such one tool which could act to improve this is the regular use of recording software (for example Sheep Manager) which could benefit from further integration of precision livestock technologies to achieve automation reducing the labour and time burdens involved.

In systems where ewe health and nutrition are high and farm environment and feed availability are not a concern (largely lowland systems which are less common in Wales) there has been a clear productivity gain to be found in having higher litter sizes. Research has suggested pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB)

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 13

| On Topic

commercial kits have potential as a low-cost method of screening ewes for twins and triplets, facilitating optimised management with increased feeds for the successful weaning of increased lamb numbers even in lower nutritionally efficient extensive grazing systems.

Despite evidence that litter sizes of triplets or higher decreases lamb survival (due to mismothering and starvation), increasing lamb litters towards increased twins rather than singles has been suggested to be achievable given optimal pasture/nutritional management and demonstrated significant increases in profits relating to higher total lamb ouputs.

When considering hill and upland systems decreasing lambing intervals has been demonstrated to have benefits, with a study in the Swiss alps using an accelerated breeding programme model demonstrating 57% improvements in income per hectare despite the increased labour costs associated with multiple lamb rearing periods. This study also noted that in a traditional once per year breeding system increasing litter sizes could be economically beneficial in upland/hill systems.

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Whilst sheep are usually seasonal breeders, accelerated breeding and ewe lamb breeding, can both increase the pool of reproductively available ewes and total lamb output.

Other cost benefits achieved through yearround breeding include the spread of income through the year, spreading any poor productivity risks and also tapping into high price markets (such as Jan-Feb high sale prices when spring lambing misses this timescale). However, accelerated breeding is not without challenges, with difficulties in effectively achieving breeding during the anoestrus periods. The current practices for achieving this include hormone treatments (melatonin, progesterone and equine chorionic gonadotrophin), photoperiod control and more recently studies are looking at specific genes controlling this process. Despite accelerated breeding leading to reduced pregnancy rates the increased number of opportunities to breed throughout the year leads to an increase in lambs born overall and thus higher production rates within a system.

Breeding and genomics

The goal other than improved production and profitability within livestock, and sheep sectors generally, is to move towards increased sustainability. It is interesting to note, that the last 40 years of selective breeding towards improving sheep breed genetic merits in the UK has recently been demonstrated to have increased the net energy intake requirements across Texel, Highlander, Belclare and Lleyn crossbreeds by around 40%. This suggests a clash between traditional breeding methods for improved flock performance and reducing feed inputs for a sustainable future. If such trends are continued this could be detrimental to overall cost efficiency unless subsequent gains are made in optimising nutrient input efficiency.

Conversely there has also been a shift in recent breeding regimes towards lower maintenance easy-care sheep breeds which have multiple benefits including reduced lamb mortality and increased ratio of twin to single lambs born in order to increase overall productivity.

Within the sheep industry selecting for traits which could improve reproductive efficiency in any form could have major production

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| On Topic

efficiency effects, however, these traits have demonstrated low heritabilities to date. Genetic selection using estimated breeding values (EBVs) is common but can be slow and fraught with difficulties due to multiple variables which can influence the same production response, as well as both dam and sire influences requiring consideration. Due to interest in increasing flock output and performance quantitative trait loci (QTL) technologies were initially utilised to map gene regions of interest to animal performance traits in livestock such as bodyweight or reproductive performance.

More recently, however, improvements in speed and cost of whole-genome technologies in the form of Genome-wide associated study (GWAS) are helping to fill the gaps in gene functionality. Several genes are being identified for their roles in sheep growth and bodyweight (including LIM Homeobox (LHX) 3 and 4 and ovine Calpain) as well as genes involved in meat and carcass quality (including myostatin variants and the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 gene) and genes associated with reproduction traits including ovulation rate, litter

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size, percentage of stillbirth and age at first lambing (including bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB and growth differentiation factor-9). Whilst these provide little direct utilisation to farmers, they could hold huge potential in genetic improvement programmes utilising breeding tools such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and direct genetic modification in the future.

Stocking Increased stocking appears to be a simple way to increase productivity, however, this leads to increasing labour, associated increases in infectious diseases and potentially insufficient nutrition unless combined with pasture improvements or higher input costs and environmental impacts associated with non-forage feeds. Therefore, stocking levels require careful balancing dependent on the resource availability of each farm scenario.

Higher stocking rates have been demonstrated to have negative impacts on the already high lamb mortality levels in certain studies, with a recent Australian study (across 88 producers) finding decreased lamb survival per extra 100

ewes in a mob. In a recent comprehensive economic model based on data from a 20 ha plot in Ireland with increasing stocking rates and increasing litter sizes, it was demonstrated that input costs of concentrate feed, labour and veterinary inputs increased, as would be expected due to higher sheep numbers.

Increasing input costs and lower profits per lamb (due to higher stocking and higher litter sizes leading to smaller slower growing lambs) were detrimental to net profits but only when pasture management remained static. If grass grown or grass utilised was increased (between 15 - 40% and 22 - 60% respectively) the increase in lambs weaned per hectare increased net profits across all scenarios, with more than double the profits achievable when the highest pasture improvement and stocking rates were combined. This demonstrates the complexity and scenario specificity surrounding stocking rates as well as the importance of pasture management on flock output.

Pasture management and nutrition Correct nutrition is vital for a healthy high performing sheep flock. Nutrition influences

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 15

| On Topic effective breeding, reproductive success and productivity, health, immunity, disease occurrence, weight gain and specific product quality factors (meat, milk, wool). Where nutrition is concerned the production system applied is key, with extensive grazing or intensive systems having entirely different nutritional considerations. Intensive systems are more reliant on non-forage feed, these feeds have the benefit of being able to be analysed for exact nutritional value (either in labs or via handheld technologies on-farm) but often have associated higher costs. Also when considering climate impact and sustainability non-forage feeds which are partly grain-based are in direct competition for their potential application in human nutrition, though this only accounts for around 13% of the global livestock feed input. As such improving nutritional gain with reduced costs and environmental impacts including the use of antibiotics is key and has previously been targeted by A European Innovation Partnership project in Wales.

Genetic improvements in livestock themselves is not the only route, as genetic improvement of pasture forages have also demonstrated gains towards improved production, providing increasing dry matter and improved feed availability during previously low forage availability periods. This enables reductions in supplementary feeds and associated costs over winter and allows potentially increased stocking rates.

Furthermore, specific breeding has enabled targeted nutritional benefits such as high Proanthocyanidin expressing white clover, lucerne or alfalfa species (to enhance ruminant protein utilisation and reduce bloat) and improved digestibility/increased lipid content ryegrasses (to improve energy intakes and

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productions gains). Such enhanced species could further be incorporated into mixedspecies leys to provide multiple environmental, animal nutrition and animal health benefits.

Specific dietary supplementations can also play a role in improving flock productivity.

Dietary undigestible proteins/rumen undegradable proteins (DUP/RUP) such as treated soya products have been researched for their role in increasing nutrient utilisation in ruminants. Studies have suggested increases in feed intake, growth rate, feed efficiencies and survival in lambs as well as higher birth weights of lambs and colostrum IgG yields and concentrations from ewes supplemented with DUP in feed. Nutrition, particularly in the transition period during late pregnancy, can also play a key role in the productivity of a sheep system. In this period (pre-lambing) there is time to tweak nutritional inputs to maximise health and survival of both ewes and lambs born with metabolic profiling acting as an important management tool. This is one of the methods being utilised by Farming Connect demonstration farm, Glanmynys to ensure their sheep flocks maintain a healthy body condition score which is linked to improved reproductive success, improved lamb survival and improved lamb productivity (such as daily weight gain) towards a more profitable enterprise.

Other tools for improving pastures include stock management tools improving utilisation of dry matter yields for facilitating livestock grazing and nutrition (such as Precision Grazing Ltd and PastureBase). Grazing management systems utilise data input by farmers relating to pasture cover across farms and can estimate livestock numbers individual paddocks can support, assisting in optimal productive management. Other precision

technologies including soil mapping and variable-rate nutrient application can further improve pasture performance to facilitate improved livestock dry matter availability and nutrition. With tools such as automated weighing having been demonstrated to act as a low labour opportunity to manage nutrition in a more targeted controlled way and even act as a disease indication tool. In an analysis of 648 UK sheep farms surveyed, farms which weighed lambs during lactation had increased productivity and sheep flock performance compared to those who failed to do this, suggesting further potential for automated weighing as a key productivity tool.

Disease Disease losses are a key area of flock performance loss in the UK with the major endemic sheep diseases being gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, scab, footrot, various types of abortions and toxoplasmosis. Previous estimations of the annual costs of these diseases are £84 million, £8 million, £24 million, £20 million and £12 million respectively, therefore, any strategies to reduce disease can improve industry profitability massively.

Furthermore, multiple studies have highlighted the increased prevalence of livestock diseases concerning climate change, as such the control of diseases plays an increasingly important role in flock performance. An increasing concern is also present regarding sub-clinical disease impacts on the productivity of sheep enterprises. These lower-level sustained conditions often referred to as iceberg diseases, have yet to be comprehensively assessed for their full impact on flock performance and productivity but have been linked with reduced productivity, increased costs and the following impacts:

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| On Topic Control strategies in the UK have been developed for endoparasites (including GI parasites) in the form of the “Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep� initiative (SCOPS). SCOPS provides farmers with strategies to assist in treating for GI parasites and reducing increased anthelmintic resistance which is known to be occurring. Farms utilising SCOPS have demonstrated reductions in anthelmintic use and associated costs without negative effects on productivity, thus helping to improve net profits of systems. SCOPS also provides advice regarding sheep scab infection with the effective quarantine of incoming sheep and utilising organophosphate dips or endectocide injections correctly, to avoid increased resistance, being the main advice.

Whilst quarantine is often key to prevent outbreaks it can be difficult to achieve logistically, however, the recent development of an ELISA test for sheep scab could offer increased detections to facilitate quarantine of infected animals only. For many of these diseases, an overarching consideration (including sheep scab and to some degree GI parasites) is the improvement of biosecurity strategies on farms. Many causes of footrot involve poor hygiene and are transmissive, with the majority of iceberg diseases also being easily transmissible. Biosecurity is often cited as the major strategy towards reducing the national prevalence of many diseases with suggestions that veterinarians and farmers need to work together and be trained and informed to understand the benefits of investing in biosecurity measures long term.

Other novel strategies towards reduced disease impacts on flock output include both the indirect traditional breeding of sheep with hardiness and increased resistance towards

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various diseases as well as direct genomic evaluations for key resistant genes (including genes for paratuberculosis and parasite resistance). The inclusion of such breeding regimes alongside biosecurity increases could go a long way towards minimising disease prevalence or even eradicating certain diseases.

Summary Sheep farming is a relatively small but vital element of the global food supply chain, representing a large component of Welsh farming specifically. Sheep farming has potentially increasing importance due to the increased ability for sheep to adapt to unfavourable lands and climates. Currently, there are several areas were major production losses still occur, both globally and within the UK, which could be alleviated through various means. Evidence suggests that the top producers in the UK achieve proportionally far higher profits than the lower producers who are more reliant on subsidies. If management practices of the highest performing producers could be achieved across the nation sheep farming could become far more profitable, and likely sustainable too. Whilst this article discusses many key factors this is by no means exhaustive, particularly as extensive hill farming considerations (which are a common system in Wales) involve far higher complexities in achieving increased flock performances and profits. For more in-depth information on various topics see our previous sheep sector technical articles.

Improving lamb survival, Ewe metabolic profiling, Dietary Undegradable Protein, Pregnant ewe nutrition, Alternative sheep bedding and Rotational grazing and parasite burdens

Background information: This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer Programme and Advisory Service is delivered

by Menter a Busnes on behalf of Welsh Government. Lantra Wales leads on the delivery of the Farming Connect Lifelong Learning and Development Programme.

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 17

| Arable

Procedures prevent black-grass spread Cleaning machinery at harvest can, understandably, fall by the wayside as pressure mounts. But failing to find the time to blow-down the combine, bailer, trailer and other machinery can spread black-grass between fields and increase production costs for years to come.

ASF spoke with Philip Wright, independent crop consult, and Ed Ford, a cereal grower in Essex about making the process practical when the pressure is on.

"For me it's about having a procedure that becomes second nature," says Philip.

"Attention to detail is massively important. It's hard when there's too much to do and not enough time, but in the long-term preventing the spread of black-grass at harvest will save tens, if not, hundreds of man- and machineryhours."

'Being thorough' is the number one piece of

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advice from Ed. "Allow time at the end of the day to blowdown the combine; there are two benefits. One, it stops dew from sticking the dust and debris to the machinery overnight, making the job harder come the morning. And two, having showered and dressed for the day, getting covered in dust first thing and having to sit in it is miserable."

"Take off all the guards, start at the top and spend a good ten minutes getting the majority of the debris off. Then go back to the top and take the time to thoroughly blow-down."

"It's a good idea to have someone else double check your work. For health and safety

reasons there should be two people anyway, but a second pair of eyes is really useful, especially when you're a wearing mask and ear defenders. If either of you are not satisfied that all the combine is free from dust and debris go over it again until it is. Attention to detail is key."

Philip emphasises the need to check all the nooks and crannies. "Dust can build up in all sorts of places. Some are obvious; on top mud guards and the body of the combine, for example, others less so – any tool boxes, chassis members, anywhere there's a ledge or an edge."

"Where you choose to clean machinery is important too," says Philip. "Do it in the field that

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| Arable

you're working in and try to choose a spot that is confined. Wherever you choose, there's a good chance it will become a problem area.

Remember farm tracks are not ideal– seed from resulting plants can be picked up by other vehicles in subsequent years and brought into your fields."

Ed cleans machinery in gateways where soils are so compact that there's little chance of weeds growing. He asks contractors to ensure their machinery is clean and asks them to start in the same place each year. Ed recommends using a compressor rather than a leaf blower

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and leaving fields with the highest populations of black-grass until last. "It further reduces the risk of spreading seed," he explains.

With shallow cultivation work taking place soon after harvest, Philip points out how rollers, in particular can be a vector for spreading black-grass.

"Some of these weed seeds are very light.

Anything that disturbs the soil surface can make them airborne. If you're working first thing in the morning or late on into the evening when there's moisture, you can find seed settling on kit and 'sticking' to the steel. A film of what

looks to be dust soon builds up – that 'dust' can actually contain a lot of weed seeds."

"Soil-to-soil rollers are specifically designed to pick up soil, though any roller will develop a coating around the peripheries. That soil often contains black-grass seed and if not cleaned, when the kit is parked up or worse when you're using it another field, it'll drop off."

"You really shouldn't be going to a new field really without power washing cultivation equipment, certainly not a new block, and definitely not a new farm if you're a contractor."

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 19

| Arable

Burgundy broccoli commences second UK harvest season Following the successful launch of Burgundy Broccoli to the UK market in 2019, Lincolnshire-based seed developers Elsoms Seeds and growers Staples Vegetables Ltd, are entering the UK’s second season of production. urgundy Broccoli is named for its deep purple hue and is so tender that the whole head can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Elsoms developed the seed for Burgundy Broccoli to bring a unique, whole-head variant to UK shelves, which was launched to consumers last year.

Production and harvest have been undertaken in conjunction with Staples Vegetables Ltd, one of the largest vegetable producers in the UK. Over the next three months, 100 hectares of land - equivalent to around 187 football fields – of Burgundy Broccoli crops will be sown, grown and harvested on the Lincolnshire Fens. This land provides the ideal location for brassica production, home to alkaline soil and nutrientrich earth.

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Burgundy Broccoli’s seed producers, growers and harvesters are well prepared for the UK season ahead, working strenuously to ensure crop production is maximised and the UK’s first no-waste whole-head brassica is in abundant supply across the country.

To maximise crop levels and production, Burgundy Broccoli goes through different phases of growing and harvesting, split between production plants in both Spain and the UK. Aligned with the temperate seasons and UK’s rising climes, growers begin sowing seeds in the UK from April – in time for peak season which falls in mid-August until September. The UK’s harvest period begins in June, continuing through until December.

Dave Clay, Brassica Crop Manager at Elsoms Seeds, said: “Broccoli products are

consistently some of the most widely-enjoyed vegetables in the UK and we’re thrilled to have celebrated a successful launch to the market for Burgundy Broccoli. Feedback from the retailers has been fantastic, which is testament to the hard work and determination of the product development team, to create a quality product grown right here in Lincolnshire, the perfect setting for brassica production.

“Embarking on our second year is a welcome opportunity for the team and we hope to build on the success of our first 12 months!”

For more information about Burgundy Broccoli, please visit www.burgundybroccoli.com

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| Arable

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| Arable

Late season round-up: herbicides and winter wheat Every cloud has a silver lining. If there's a positive to be found in those clouds that brought chaos to drilling last autumn, it's been their impact on weed control. alking with BASF's agronomy managers around the country it's clear, where pre-ems were applied, they performed well.

Where drilling was delayed, growers took the opportunity to spray off chitted weeds and gain further control.

Only those that drilled but did not get to apply pre-ems have struggled to hold the line with grass-weeds.

Post-ems are a different story, with weather severely distributing applications and some products facing some robust weeds, performance has been more varied.

Despite the challenges, most crops are looking relatively clean, giving growers an opportunity to maintain or further reduce populations heading into the 2020-2021 season.

WHEAT South Harvest has started in Kent and Essex and though there have been reports of some big yields, I think that's a special case. We'll know more next week," says Jonnie Dennis, BASF agronomy manager based in Kent "Herbicide performance in cereals crops was really good. Black-grass and rye-grass populations are noticeably down on previous years, with fewer seed heads above the crop in June."

"Many growers didn't want to start drilling until mid-October for black- and rye-grass control but this proved impossible in many cases," he says. "Anything established from October onwards was put into poor, waterlogged seedbeds. These crops didn't tiller well and head counts are lower as a result."

"Anyone with a bad black-grass problem was waiting to drill, which didn't happen, forcing them into sowing spring crops. While this is frustrating, it has meant better control," acknowledges Mr Dennis.

"Many chose spring barley or spring wheat and both look ok. The rain late April saved a lot of these crops. But because of the dry weather, most growers didn't put a pre-em on; the weed burden is higher than you'd expect in a spring crop."

North West & Yorkshire Further north, winter wheat has improved as the season's progressed. "More rain late spring/early summer has helped crops green up and given a bit of hope for reasonable yields," says Mathew Barnes, BASF agronomy manager for the North West and Yorkshire. "Most are on the turn now, though there was huge variance in drilling date so harvest is likely to be prolonged."

"In general, weed control has been adequate in many cereal crops lucky enough to see a whiff of chemistry". The major issue has been a result of the wet laying soil overwinter. While it improved herbicide performance in some circumstances, it's given crops a hard time.

We've had late germinating wild oats, and reports of groundsel and shepherds purse coming now, which is nuisance as it's too late to treat them."

"With all post-emergence applications going on in spring applications – there's variable performance to say least. We've at lot of blackgrass hiding below the canopy."

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East "Another week or so and growers will be starting to combine," says BASF's Matthew Keane. "One or two have already started on those early drilled, early varieties sown on lighter land."

"In parts of Norfolk and Suffolk, the rain in spring came just in time, saving yields. It's a bit early to start predicting t/ha but they are certainly looking better than we thought they might earlier in the season."

Considering last autumn, crops are generally looking quite clean in the east of England.

"Where growers managed to get preemergence and early post-emergence herbicides on, they have done a good a job."

"The season has certainly focused minds regarding drilling; where crops have been muddled in less than ideal conditions with rain preventing timely herbicide applications, it's put too much pressure on the later post-emergence applications. The lesson has been clear: if you're not going to be able to apply pre-em in good time, don't drill."

"Black-grass hasn't liked the conditions this year either," notes Mr Keane. "It's noticeably less vigourous and in some cases, short. It's hiding beneath the canopy. Currently it's midway through shedding and there's still an opportunity to gather seed for resistance testing."

Rye-grass is becoming an increasing issue in some places in Norfolk. "Germinating throughout the season, in some ways it's harder to deal with than black-grass," says Mr Keane.

"At home we've applied a pre-em stack of Crystal (flufenacet and pendimethalin) with diflufenican and Defy (prosulfocarb), together with the post-ems, have performed well. There are some populations showing signs of resistence which means we're thinking about rotations, introducing spring cropping, as well as other cultural controls."

"In recent years there have increased reports of groundsel and this year is no different. As we're changing our cultivation approaches and timings, we're bound to select for different weed species. Min-till is likely to be favouring weeds like groundsel."

Midlands Though badly affected by the wet weather, the story in the Midlands is broadly similar to that elsewhere. "Because of the enforced delayed drilling, black-grass populations aren't looking too bad," observes Aliona Jones, BASF agronomy manager for Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derby.

"Though some found themselves in the nightmare situation of having drilled early, not being able to get the pre-ems on and having to spray off crops."

"Crops are well into senescence, but it'll be a couple of weeks before growers are truly into the harvest."

Scotland "We're still someway from harvest, but on the whole crops are looking well and have the potential for good yields," says BASF's agronomy manager for Scotland, Scott Milne.

"Herbicides in the main, have done their job.

They've performed well on our main weed, annual meadow grass, and tidied up bromes and rye-grass – though these are becoming

more of an issue."

"Many crops went in and established well.

Though, there are some which didn't get a preem, only a late post-em which has been harder on crops, knocking them back."

LEARNINGS While this year has been extremely challenging to say the least, it's highlighted the impact of delayed drilling and timely pre-ems on black-grass control. Both are essential where populations are high.

"Going too early can prove costly in the amount of herbicides needed to regain control," says Ali Richards, BASF Cereal Herbicides Campaign Manager.

She points to a recent webinar on the Real Results Virtual Farm, where NIAB weed biology specialist, John Cussans, drew on data from a joint NIAB and BASF trial at Hardwick. He observed how many active ingredients were needed to compensate for early drilling: "You can drill mid-September and apply Crystal (flufenacet and pendimethalin), Hurricane (diflufenican), Lexus (flupyrsulfuron) and Avadex (tri-allate), or wait 3 or 4 weeks until mid-October and just apply Crystal (flufenacet and pendimethalin), and get the same outcome."

"You can't spend your way out of early drilling," John concluded.

It's a point well-worth remembering as we start thinking about next year.

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| Feature

Contact your nearest dealer: Agratech NW Ltd Unit 8 Dale Mill Burnley Road East Lancashire BB4 9HU 01706 211399 www.agratech.co.uk

Michael Tait

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August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 23

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| Arable

Biox-M: Effective natural sprout control Biox-M is a well-established and highly effective treatment for the control of sprouting of potatoes in store, in widespread use in the UK and on the continent on crops destined for both fresh and processing markets. ith the withdrawal of CIPC for the 2020 harvest, many growers will be using Biox-M for the first time this season; and for many processors this will be the first season in which they will handle Biox-M treated crops at scale in the UK. Lessons have been learned from crops treated over the last few months, and it is important that growers and store managers pick up best practice and gain familiarity with the product. Biox-M is a relatively new product, which requires particular attention to detail in store management.

Biox-M has been approved for use as a sprout suppressant in the UK since 2012 and has been used on a wide range of British potato varieties with excellent sprout control.

For crops destined for fresh and organic markets, Biox-M is well understood and in

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general use; it is part of the normal toolbox.

Many of the lessons from use in the fresh sector have been reinforced in a processing stores treated in the season just complete: Store integrity is paramount. Biox-M is a volatile compound and should not be allowed to escape from store. Leaks should be sealed.

For optimum control of sprouting, the first treatment should be as eyes first ‘blink’; do NOT wait for sprouts to develop Air circulation during and following treatment must be adequate to ensure an even distribution of Biox-M through the crop.

Stores should be kept closed for at least 48 hours following treatment. Closed means closed. There should be no air exchange during the closed period.

Part-filled stores or stores with substantial headroom should be closed for more than 48 hours following treatment.

Biox-M: • is 100% naturally occurring spearmint oil, extracted from leaves of spearmint (mentha spicata) by steam distillation • suppresses sprouting in potatoes by causing local necrosis of the bud meri-stem with no visible damage to the skin of the tuber • is approved for use on organic potato crops, and can be used in multi-use stores • is widely used on crops grown for the fresh market, with longevity of control well in excess of normal commercial requirements • can be used on processing crops stored at up to 10oC, thus allowing store managers to address concerns about the development of acrylamide • has no harvest interval and no MRL • is applied to stores as a hot fog using existing technology • leaves no residue in buildings or boxes

All systems go at New Tong Factory Tong Engineering is pleased to announce the completion and operation of its new manufacturing facility in Spilsby.

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he £3.6 million first phase building is part of a two-phase project on the seven-acre site and marks a new milestone in the company’s continuing growth and development

programme.

“At the beginning of the year, we knew that 2020 was set to be a landmark year for Tong.

Opening a new factory after 90 years of business and what seems like 90 extensions to our existing factory, was always going to be very exciting,” says Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering. “However, we simply couldn’t have imagined how 2020 has actually unfolded. Whilst the last few months have been somewhat challenging, as we have adapted our working procedures to ensure a safe and sustainable manufacturing environment, we feel very fortunate that we have been able to continue our business operations and expansion plans throughout such unprecedented times. We are delighted that operation has commenced at our new factory, even if the grand opening we had planned has had to been postponed slightly!”

The new purpose-built first phase manufacturing facility, which stands at over 126 metres long, 24 metres wide and 11 metres high, boasts significantly more production capacity than both of the company’s existing factories. Amongst the new site’s state-of-theart facilities are two 5-ton overhead cranes, new shot-blasting and powder coating chambers, and the most advanced stock control system with fully automated storage lift. The new factory also features expanded office space, a new staff canteen and flexible meeting space for internal and client meetings.

“Space has been at the highest premium within our production process for quite some time at our primary factory,” explains Edward.

“As our business has grown, so too has the equipment that we manufacture. The new

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factory is dedicated to our assembly process, and with the significant increase in height, this has allowed us to dramatically advance our lifting capacity and assembly capabilities with the installation of the heavy duty overhead cranes,” says Edward. “They are already playing a vital part in creating very safe and streamlined production flow and are one of the most prominent and widely-popular assets at the new factory,” says Edward.

“Another new and very notable system which has transformed our stores department is our investment in a highly intelligent parts storage lift. The compact and clever design of the lift means that that we are really maximising the height of the factory; with a height of 9 metres and a footprint of only 4 metres by 3 metres, we can store over 55 square metres of stock items and parts. It is staggering to think of the storage space this has saved, whilst removing the need for access equipment and simplifying the parts picking process,” explains Edward.

“At the touch of a screen, the storage system presents the correct ‘shelf’ to user level for quick and easy access to thousands of parts which can be stored by machine type or

project, for very efficient retrieval of parts.”

The company is now able to increase production capacity further by adding shot blasting and powder coating processes at the new facility, ensuring increased flexibility as well as quick turnarounds and the highest quality finish on all Tong equipment.

“We are already enjoying the considerable advancements and efficiencies that our new facility is bringing to our production, assembly and quality control processes; it has transformed these aspects of our business and will ensure the continued development of our advanced and innovative range of vegetable handling equipment. The support of a £500,000 grant from the Greater Lincolnshire Growth Fund and East Lindsey District Council has been invaluable in making our growth ambitions a reality. As we continue with our expansion plans, we are looking forward to finalising the design of the second phase building, which is scheduled to follow soon,” confirmed Edward.

For more information on Tong's latest range of handling equipment visit www.tongengineering.com

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 25

| Arable

Early Sowing – The swings and roundabouts

By Andrew Gilchrist, Managing Director of Scottish Agronomy. he new season will soon be kicking off with oilseed rape sowings from early August onwards. Most Scottish growers tend to crack on as soon as previous crops are cleared, seedbeds and weather allowing. It is relatively rare (in Scotland) that purposely delaying sowing is used as a tactical tool: the length of the sowing window is shorter than our English neighbours, who commonly sow into the late autumn and early winter to alleviate the blackgrass burden. So, how early is too early and what are the benefits and risks?

Sowing oilseed rape from early August Oilseed rape (OSR) establishment is typically following a winter barley crop, so in earlier areas it should be feasible to start sowing in early August – assuming seed is available. The process can be speeded up if non-inversion

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tillage is utilised. This also has the benefit of leaving shed seed from the previous crop on, or near, the surface, and not burying them to reappear in subsequent cereal crops down the line, where they are either difficult or impossible to control.

The benefit of sowing early lies in the speed of development of the plants. The cotyledons can be appearing within four days in fine, moist seedbeds if sown in the first week in August (this compares with 7-10 days in early September).

This hopefully allows them to grow through the danger period for cabbage stem flea beetle attack and slugs before they can do serious damage. This differs from the historical English technique of delaying sowing into September, when flea beetle activity is theoretically declining. The problem is that nobody told the flea beetle. In recent times there has been

serious damage even in the later sown crops, and without any reliable insecticides to control them.

To support and maintain rapid OSR growth, ideally nitrogen should be applied at the early establishment phase (20 kg/ha N is usually enough if allowable under NVZ guidance).

There is unlikely to be any major downside with the establishment of large oilseed rape plants in the autumn.

The risk of the crop being buried under snow for any length of time and potential damage to the growing point has to be weighed against the positives. This includes lower seed rates; the bounce back from pigeon damage in a deep-rooted crop; the greater tolerance to light leafspot infection; and the ability to compensate for winter stem weevil and CSFB larvae damage.

The risk and reward balance of sowing

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| Arable

cereals early In cereals there is more of a balance to be struck when looking at early sowing. The downsides can sometimes outweigh the positives. In winter wheat, one of the most commonly asked questions is 'which varieties are suitable for early sowing?' One of the criteria in choosing varieties is their speed of ear development in the spring.

Varieties that are fast developing have a greater risk of floret infertility (sterility), where late frost can damage the developing grain sites. It is sensible therefore not to choose one of these varieties and instead look to the slow developers. These include LG Sundance, RGT Saki, KWS Barrel, KWS Jackal and Revelation.

Older varieties that also suit this slot include Claire.

By choosing one of the above listed varieties you will reduce your risk of ear damage, but you also increase your risk in other areas – disease for example. Sowing varieties early will lead to higher disease pressure. So, choose a variety with good disease resistance?

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Unfortunately this instantly reduces your choices by 50%. KWS Barrel, KWS Jackal and Claire are all highly prone to septoria (and yellow rust in the case of Claire). LG Sundance and RGT Saki are significantly cleaner, but early sowing also raises the ante in terms of growth regulation, and these two varieties need watching – they are not the stiffest (LG Sundance in particular).

The advantages of early sowing are in spreading the sowing workload (and the risk), potentially staggering the harvest period, and (perhaps) increasing yield potential. Seed rates will also be lower and the crop is usually more competitive against spring emerging weeds.

The downsides are the potential increase in fungicide and PGR spend, increased pest risk from aphids spread virus (BYDV) and increased risk from yellow cereal fly larvae damage.

Other winter cereals also experience the same risk/reward balancing act if considering earlier than average sowing dates, although it is relatively rare to see winter barley established before 10th September due to its typical

rotational position.

Research in the field It would be useful to have more research data to confirm some of the guidance given above, but the fact is there is next to nothing we can refer to where we have genuinely early replicated variety trials data. Our key limiting factor when comparing multiple varieties in trials is the arrival date of the final variety.

There is always a straggler, and it is rare we are in a position to sow before the 3rd week in September. Field-scale strip trials would offer the opportunity to increase our knowledge base.

Taking a selected smaller number of varieties and using yearling seed stock to allow a genuine early sowing date, then comparing this with a 'late' sowing date would generate useful data on relative variety performance and highlight potential issues with ear fertility.

This type of trial will not provide the same statistically rigorous data asGeorgina a small plot trial Wood but would expand our knowledge – especially if repeated on multiple sites. Any volunteers?

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 27

| Cereals & Grain

Climbing the highest Mountain Limited early harvest information from the AHDB Harvest results report (22 July) is showing that LG Mountain has once again shown its high yield potential in a very testing season, sitting as the highest yielding 2-row for this harvest so far at 106% of control. These results can be seen on the AHDB website under 2020 Harvest Results.

G Mountain has consistently produced these high yields, since it was brought to the market in 2016 right through to 2020 – which is recognised to be one of the most challenging growing seasons for many years.

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“This is a really important attribute in a variety, as growers know that whatever the season throws at them, it is able to cope,” says Ron Granger, arable technical manager for breeders Limagrain UK. “Over this time, LG Mountain has also demonstrated its ability to produce high yields

in both light and heavy soils, showing its flexibility within the rotation.”

“This excellent yield resilience can be attributed to the variety’s good agronomic characteristics of short straw, great disease resistance and good grain quality,” he adds.

Agronomically, LG Mountain is an earlier

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| Cereals & Grain

maturing variety at -1 and benefits from a good all round disease resistance profile, including BaYMV resistance.

Limagrain Agronomy trials Agronomy work carried out by Limagrain looking at seed rate vs PGR vs fungicide performance confirms that there is little difference in yield when LG Mountain is sown at seed rates of 300 seeds/m2 or 400 seeds/m2, yielding around 11.5t/ha in each scenario.

LG Mountain is a shorter variety, and the Limagrain trials data suggests that yield potential can be compromised if high rate PGR programmes are used, compared to the taller strawed varieties. Limagrain still recommends that a good PGR programme is used to ensure

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David Waite, regional seed manager with Frontier sees one the key attributes of LG Mountain being its consistent set of yield scores over the past four years through to this year’s harvest maintaining the top yield for the for the AHDB North region with one of the better specific weight scores. “Along with these consistent yields a strong (7) for standing with average straw length provides growers with a sound agronomic package.�

straw strength and reduce brackling, and especially in a high yield situation such as on heavier, fertile soil types.

LG Mountain responds very well to both low and high input fungicide programmes and again programmes should be targeted

regarding the situation in hand.

The variety has good grain quality attributes with a very good specific weight of 69.1 combined with good grain screening %, similar to KWS Glacier; an important feature in a 2 row winter barley.

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| Cereals & Grain

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| Cereals | Arable & Grain

Crimping solves challenge of unevenly ripened cereals Secondary tillering and the uneven ripening of cereal crops this summer is presenting challenges to growers as harvest approaches. However, these issues can be overcome by switching from dry harvest to crimping, according to feed preservation specialists, Kelvin Cave Ltd. rimping is the perfect solution for unevenly ripened cereals which are widespread this summer,” says David Warner, Kelvin Cave’s area manager for Somerset and West Dorset.

“The problem stems from a combination of the drought in spring which prompted early maturity, particularly in spring sown crops, and the subsequent period of rain.

“The rain caused many crops to put up secondary tillers at a time when the remainder of the crop was almost mature,” he says. “This presents problems for crops being harvested for dry storage, as they will be difficult and expensive to get sufficiently dry.”

The answer many growers are turning to this year is to harvest their cereals at a higher moisture content, ideally from 25% to 45%.

These come in from the field around two to three weeks earlier than usual and are then rolled and crimped with a suitable preservative and stored in a clamp or tube in a similar way to silage.

“Crimping makes a massive difference to many producers as it widens the window for harvest, preserves the crop at a more favourable stage and brings autumn cultivations forward,” says Mr Warner. “Crimp also has the bonus of being a higher quality and safer feed for livestock than dried grain and it maximises biogas yield per hectare when used for anaerobic digestion.”

Arable and dairy producer, Jonathan Osborne says he has been crimping all of the wheat he grows on his 600-acre Somerset farm for at least 14 years.

He says: “We switched to crimping after having a tremendous bill for drying and handling grain and have carried on doing it ever since.

“We didn’t have any dry grain storage and I couldn’t see the logic in drying grain to sell it off the farm, only to buy in concentrates to feed the stock at a later date.”

Now choosing to crimp all of the wheat he grows at Whitchurch Farm in Ston Easton to feed to his herd of 200 Holstein Friesians and says he notices the health benefits which come with the product.

“It’s better for the cows than dried grain, maintains a more stable rumen, can be fed in higher quantities and is much less likely to cause acidosis or problems with their feet,” he says.

Also choosing to clamp in the simplest possible set-up, he says the wheat comes in from the field and is immediately run through a Korte roller with the preservative, CrimpSafe 300, by his contractors, Tim and Jack Stevens.

It then goes straight into the clamp where it is compacted and sheeted, and netted to keep off the birds.

“It takes less than two days to combine our 70-80 acres of wheat and get it into the pit,” he says. “It’s simple and straightforward and we need no certification – the only thing now going up the track on this farm is milk and meat.”

Harvesting this year on 24 July, he says he

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will start autumn cultivations before the end of the month.

“Crimped cereals are so much more convenient and easier to grow than maize whose harvest can drag on into the winter,” he adds. “Its finances also look more favourable and we’ve calculated our growing, rolling and preservation costs total £112 per tonne.”

However, he says he has learnt through experience the importance of choosing the right preservative and has used products in the past which have not prevented the grain from heating.

“I have stuck with Kelvin Cave’s product for around 12 years and have always had perfectly preserved feed which stays cold to the touch right through the year,” he says.

He says a further benefit of crimping comes through the straw which is much less brittle than from dry-harvested wheat.

“The only difference is that we leave it for three days, probably turn it once, and it makes a fantastic product which we feed to the calves,” he says.

For more information about crimping, please contact Kelvin Cave Ltd on 01458 252281.

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| Cereals & Grain

Continuous Mixed Flow Grain Driers from Perry of Oakley Ltd With harvest in full swing for most of the UK, it’s very nearly time to start considering that grain dying and storage upgrade you keep putting off. erry of Oakley Ltd. are the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of grain handling, drying & storage equipment. Perry’s range of driers consists of two continuous mixed flow grain driers; the top spec Savannah and the entry level Mistral.

The Savannah Series driers have Perry’s own advanced PLC panel, which is designed and programmed in house, and the auto control, which uses both the exhaust air temperature and hot grain temperature to give advanced control of the drier, to maintain a consistent moisture content of the discharged grain. The Mistral series drier is controlled via a hard-wired control panel, though this is easily upgradable to the Perry PLC touch screen control panel.

The fans on both driers are controlled by an inverter, so there is the potential to save power

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and crop lift off by running the fans at reduced speed. The unique crop set up page within the control panel, automatically selects the initial fan speed best suited to the crop.

To promote consistent movement of the grain down the grain column, even in very wet conditions, all Savannah Series Driers are fitted with our pneumatically controlled Shutter discharge. As standard, the Mistral range of driers are fitted with Perry’s proven roller discharge (shutter discharge is optional).

The key features of the Savannah & Mistral range, provide an excellent specification grain drier with 2 price ranges making them ideal for use on farms and commercial grain stores.

Perry also supply an extensive range of SiloMasters silos that include flat bottom silos, with 3m to 32m diameter, and storage capacities ranging from 27m³ to 26,000m³.

Hopper bottom silos range from 3m to 13m diameter with either 45° or 60° cones. The

hopper silo ranges can be manufactured with either a heavy-duty hip ring or with an internal light weight hip ring ensuring we can supply the most cost-effective solution for you.

All of the silos within our range come with Z600 galvanising and S450 steel construction.

A wide corrugation profile of 106 mm pitch for only 13 mm profile depth is our standard, helping to reduce product hang-up ensuring a cleaner bin.

Perry of Oakley Ltd. also manufacture a full range of 8tph – 1000tph handling equipment including chain & flight conveyors, belt & bucket elevators, augers & screw conveyors, aspirator pre-cleaners, belt conveyors & much more.

If you require any information on how Perry of Oakley Ltd. can support your grain handling, drying, and storage needs please contact Perry on 01404 890300 or sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

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| Cereals & Grain

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| Cereals & Grain

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| Cereals & Grain

Get Ready for Harvest!

Here at Gibbons Agricultural, we have all the stock you need for harvest. ith Cereals postponed this year but now a live event, we are showcasing our Plug&Cool pedestals in time for your harvest. Whilst some of you may have seen them at LAMMA and our exhibitions previously, we are taking this opportunity to show you the benefits of our range of Plug&Cool pedestals. The plastic ducting, for example, results in a durable pedestal that can withstand inevitable knocks.

The pedestal we’ve produced is constructed from two types of twin-wall, food-grade polymer for durability and has the optimal air flow for our Plug&Cool fan to function with the correct resistance – giving the fastest and most energyefficient results.

Our Plug&Cool pedestals come with an optimised polymer base, adaptor and piping, and our coupler features a specially designed dual-adaptor sleeve – giving users the ability to connect different sizes of fans.

They come in either 1.2m or 2m length to

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suit your barns needs.

Our pedestals are just one product in the Plug&Cool range, featuring everything from best-selling grain fans, control panels, extension leads, airspears and a packaged solution to grain storage – the Plug&Cool Barn System.

We’re sure you’ve heard about these before, but if you have any enquiries, call 01621 868138 or email agricultural@gibbonsgroup.co.uk today. We will also be at the Cereals LIVE event, virtual stand 920.

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 35

| Grass & Silage

Bob Kendal

Careful feed management needed to get the most out of this year's first cut silage Analysis by ForFarmers of 2020 first cut grass silage paints a promising picture for dairy farmers, with greater milk potential in this year's crop compared to 2019. ollowing nationwide analysis of ForFarmers customers' first cut grass silage, we can see that average ME values currently stand at 11.24 MJ/kg, which is slightly down on last year's values of 11.29," explains ForFarmers' Product Manager, Bruce Forshaw. "However, due to higher D values, a lower rumination index (RI) and higher levels of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates (RFC), the energy available for milk production – which is represented by the MELK value – is considerably higher this year and highlights that there is good potential to gain more milk from this year's first cut."

Whilst this year's first cut has good milk potential, complimentary feeding will have to be carefully managed in order to maximise cow performance and maintain overall rumen health.

"The acidosis index (AI) value of this year's first cut is higher

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compared to the last, in part due to raised levels of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates (RFC)," explains Bruce. "Higher level of RFC result in increased microbial protein, which is good for milk production, but too much and cows can start to experience acidosis. Farmers should therefore consider feeding slower fermenting carbohydrates, such as maize or caustic wheat to help balance their base silage ration.

Higher values of true digestible protein (TDP) in this year's first cut silage mean that the increased energy for milk production (MELK) is balanced with protein available for milk production (TDP).

Average Dry Matter values are 34g/kg DM higher this year compared to 2019 and this may have made the crop harder for producers to ensile and made silage more susceptible to aerobic fermentation, once the clamp is opened.

"The lower pH levels, as well as lower lactic acid and higher butyric acid values, give us an insight into

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the fermentation characteristics of this year's first cut silage crops and many will not have been the easiest to make," concludes Bruce. "Those farmers who used a suitable additive will have helped to reduce any potential silage losses once the clamp has been

opened. Our analysis also highlights that those farmers who opted to treat silage with an additive this year have considerably improved the key nutrient and fermentation characteristics of their first cut crops."

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| Grass & Silage

Can maize silage make up the shortfall?

2020 has been a strange year, not just for the coronavirus pandemic, but for weather too. There have been floods and long dry spells which have had a huge effect on silage making for the season. rass has not grown as well with reports of very light yields from the first cut, with growth rates shown by the AHDB as significantly lower than the previous two years. It has also been widely reported that during the dry spell, earlier this year, a lot of silage reserves were used up.

However, in contrast, maize crops have

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made a very good start. With its high nutrient content, it may go a long way to help with the shortfall of grass. To make the most of this harvest, it is recommended that following best practice will help minimise losses in the clamp and enhance the nutritive content of the crop.

Maize forage offers a high nutritional content to both dairy and beef herds, however it needs to be harvested and ensiled correctly to get the most nutritional content and reduce spoilage in

the clamp. Even when the maize is harvested at the right time, the DM losses between harvest and feed out can be as high as 20-25%. This means that up to a quarter of the dry matter in your clamp could be lost due to spoilage.

Good consolidation of the clamp during ensiling is crucial. Start by using side sheets to reduce air ingress from the side walls, and fill the clamp in even layers of 10 - 15cm deep.

Compact each layer as filling takes place, and

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| Grass & Silage

aim for a target density of 250kg DM/m3. When the clamp is full, roll for ½ to 1 hour to get good compaction and then start sheeting the clamp. To get the best results, use a vacuum sheet such as Clingseal.

Clingseal is a thinner, more flexible sheet that is designed to sit directly beneath a top sheet, such as Visqueen Agri-S. This vacuum sheet clings to the clamp’s surface and tucks in better at the sides to form a highly efficient oxygen barrier. This closer fit minimises air pockets to help prevent the formation of white mould, creating the right environment for a faster, more efficient fermentation process for producing high quality maize silage. Although Clingseal is thin and flexible, it has a high resistance to punctures and tears making it easier to apply.

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The side sheets should be folded over the top of the vacuum sheet to protect the top and shoulders, where spoilage is most likely to occur. Visqueen Agri-S top sheet should then be applied by rolling it down the centre of the clamp and folding it out towards the edges.

Once the black sheeting reaches the edges, it should be tucked in to give extra protection from spoilage.

Using a Visqueen Agri-S top sheet gives a higher level of protection, with its tear and puncture resistance, it can withstand the high demands of the farm environment, and has UV protection to ensure the best conditions for the ensiling process.

Together, these sheets are especially good for ensiling high value, moist crops such as

brewer’s grains and crimped maize. These types of crops are more likely to have higher levels of spoilage that lead to lower feed intakes, and reduced conversion rates.

Once the sheeting process has been completed, the clamp should be weighted down with a mesh cover, bales or mats. These should be added to give a constant pressure to the whole of the clamp’s surface.

Using this process for maize silage can result in less losses in the clamp, higher nutritional values and increased returns from home grown forage. For more hints and tips for silage making, search Visqueen silage sheeting on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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| Grass & Silage

PFC Agri Solutions increases product portfolio 2020 has been a strange year, not just for the coronavirus pandemic, but for weather too. There have been floods and PFC Forage Solutions has become well respected with the Balers Choice hay preservative and Harvest Tec moisture sensors and application systems, but it didn’t reflect the new product lines so after lockdown videos calls the name PFC Agri Solutions was settled upon.long dry spells which have had a huge effect on silage making for the season.

FC Agri Solutions has increased its product portfolio during 2020 with the addition of 2 new product lines. The Elkaer Saw systems and Awemak cultivation machinery are now fully available with some products available form stock.

As harvest progresses it leads into one of our products allowing our end users to store a valuable livestock product - straw, for many years we have been importing the Performa series tarpaulin from Inland Tarp, these have proved time and again their ability to withstand the elements due to the rigorous quality control during production.

The tarpaulins are available for all bale types, round and conventional stacks utilise under ropes or webbing, while steel “J-Hooks” are used to anchor into the twine on large square bales, then utilising the “SuperCinch” 200 kg’s of force anchors the tarpaulin to the stack.

The ability to secure the tarpaulin massively improves lifespan, the tarpaulin is made by bonding 3 layers together, with a white outer side to reflect heat, the outer layer features a special 7-8 year UV protection layer, provides years of reliable service Moving to one of our new line we have been appointed by the Danish manufacturer Elkaer Maskiner to represent them in both the UK and

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ROI. The Elkaer range is built to tackle the tough stuff be that a small reciprocating bar mounted to a Stiga style lawn mower to a 3.8m 5 disc cutting head mounted to either a fore end loader or rear linkage tool carrier capable of supporting a 2.5m heavy duty flail style mulcher.

The HS2300 and HKL Fox headstock offer the balance of capability with 3 x 800mm cutting discs able to cut a maximum diameter of 250mm giving a 2.3 meter cut, the blades are belt driven by the tractor or telehandlers hydraulics, worth noteing is the slight blade offset to reduce the risk of pinching or stalling a blade. Working speeds of up to 8km/h are possible in real world conditions.

The HKL Fox headstock can be supplied with a range of headstock mounting brackets, and is supplied with a weight frame carrier on its left hand side, the HKL Fox allows for a maximum of 1.5m offset alowing the tractor to remain clear of falling debris, this syetem is ideally suited to tractors with front linkage allowing the opperator to puch the brush into piles for disposal.

Our cultivation range is designed and built by the Polish company Awemak, with over 30 years experience building high quality reliable machines for the European market.

Focusing on one machine the Ares HD come in 5 sizes to suit farm size and power

requirements from 3 meters to 6 meters. The Aries HD series uses 120mm x 120mm x 8mm box frame, providing industry leading strength ang longevity.

The Ares comes as standard with 2 rows of reinforced legs carrying 560mm x 6mm discs with German built NSK reinforced maintenance free hubs. This allows the Ares to work in the harshest of conditions from heavy clay, flint and shale soil types.

Straw tines aid levelling and spreading of large amounts of trash in the first pass to create a chit for stale seed beds.

Breaker boards as another standard feature break down clods, consolidate and level the soil allowing the discs to work more efficiently to create a final seedbed. Breaker boards passively move soils to provide levelling and cultivation. The consolidated soil presented to the discs enables them to do a better job of cutting and slicing clods before the roller option consolidates.

Active side screens are a standard feature.

Optional front Depth wheels providing stability to enhances the consistency of seedbed. Lager 610mm discs are also an option to high trash conditions.

The Ares BTHX range is available from £8,950 – £26,000 PFC Ltd - 01805 603 363 – www.pfc-eu.com – info@pfc-eu.com

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| Energy

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| Energy

ETW Energietechnik expands biogas plant to regenerative storage power plant Flex operation secures surcharge and option for longer compensation. n Wehrbleck in Lower Saxony, the company ETW Energietechnik from Moers expanded an agricultural biogas plant into a regenerative storage power plant in 2019.

The CHP experts were supported by the planning company Energethik from Osnabrück.

In addition to the new Flex CHP with the TCG 2020 V20 biogas engine from MWM with 2 megawatts, electric and 2.3 megawatts, thermally, ETW also installed a combined gas storage tank with 8,490 and a heat storage tank with 1,000 cubic metres. The total investment amounts to 1.6 million euros.

Heat ensures rapid start-up Since 2001, farmer Andreas Rohlfs has been operating a biogas plant with an area of around 235 hectares. Based on the input materials maize, dung and liquid manure, the operator generated around 5.4 million kilowatt hours of electrical energy and 4.1 million kilowatt hours of thermal energy before the expansion. Since its expansion into a storage power plant, the plant now produces 5.7 million kilowatt hours of electrical energy and almost 5.8 million kilowatt hours of heat per year. The electricity is fed into the grid; the waste heat is fed into a district heating network for heating private and municipal buildings and is used to dry wood chips. Part of the heat is diverted to keep the engine warm when it is not running. This allows the direct marketer to quickly restart the engine if necessary and immediately access the full output of the CHP.

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“In order to be prepared for future NOx limits, ETW has already reserved the necessary space on the CHP container for an SCR catalytic converter. The plans also take into account a reserve for exhaust back pressure“ Flex operation ensures profitability In addition to the increase in output, the plant now operates flexibly. In return, Rohlfs will earn an additional flexibility surcharge of 40 euros per kilowatt over the next five years.

Afterwards, the farmer can optionally apply for a further ten-year EEG payment by means of a tender. His main advantage: thanks to the Flex CHP, his plant is now operated in such a way that electricity and heat can always be fed in at the most productive time of day. For this purpose, the biogas plant is controlled by a direct marketer in such a way that the storage tanks are always optimally filled when prices are at their highest and that the largest possible quantities of electricity and heat are available for this purpose.

Safety alarm stops gas supply preventively The plant is powered by desulphurised biogas. For this purpose, the sulphur content is conditioned down from around 5,000 parts per million (ppm) to around 2 ppm. A safety alarm with integrated stop of the gas supply to the storage protects the CHP at a sulphur content

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above 2 ppm. This is particularly necessary because the sulphur content can rise faster in flex operation. After the preventive shutdown, operation of the engine is maintained with the gas from the storage tank.

Space available for SCR catalytic converter „In order to be prepared for future NOx limits, ETW has already reserved the necessary space on the CHP container for an SCR catalytic converter. The plans also take into account a reserve for exhaust back pressure,“ explains Alexander Szabo, the responsible sales manager at ETW Energietechnik.

Flexible substrate input The variation of the substrate quantities also contributes to the flexibility of the CHP

operation. This makes it possible to reduce biogas production at low electricity prices so that the CHP unit can be shut down for up to two days if necessary without overloading the gas storage tank. The heat storage tank can store 40,600 kilowatt hours of thermal energy and thus supply the heating network for around 50 hours without the CHP unit having to be put into operation. The bottom line is that the CO2 savings achieved by the regenerative storage power plant in electricity production can be estimated at 2,683 tonnes per year and in heat production, including process heat, at around 1,300 tonnes.

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| Pig & Poultry

Technological pr poultry layer pro Dr David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University The poultry industry is currently the fastest-growing meat production sector globally.

Whilst egg production is a vital source of nutrition, broiler systems have seen far more targeted innovation and development than layer systems. Several technologies exist which could play a significant role in improving layer productivity, however, there is a lack of commercialisation of systems and evidence of their practical benefits.

s of 2018, poultry meat production was determined to be 127.31 million tonnes globally (increasing around 64% since 2005) representing the highest demand of any single animal product. In 2005 global demand for poultry eggs specifically was 62 million tonnes, this was predicted to rise by around 40% by 2050. Currently, the growth of the poultry sector as a whole, across the world, was the single highest of all meat sectors at >16% growth observerd over the past decade.

As such poultry production requires continual innovation to meet increasing demands.

Whilst initial innovation was achieved, through intensification of systems, genetic

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manipulations, nutritional improvements and environment controls an increasing focus is being placed on animal health and welfare and individual animal level controls. Technologies are aiming to improve key aspects of the poultry industry, including layer hen welfare/productivity. This article aims to highlight key technologies that are in commercial use or could be adapted from broiler applications, and those which are in the research and development stages in this sector.

Layer and poultry systems Recently, there has been a significant shift towards the improvement of layer hen welfare, with a ban implemented from 2012 in the EU, which eliminated non-enriched conventional cage rearing systems. Interestingly since the

ban, the distribution of cage systems, in general, has decreased (figure 1), with higher uptake in free-range and barn-based system.

Other practices such as beak trimming (to reduce feather pecking) have also advanced, for example, Infra-red beak trimming is now common with ongoing discussion towards banning such practice altogether. Despite advances, many regions lag behind the EU and continue to farm in lower welfare conventional cage systems. Equally, research struggles to catch up with the new norm, with the majority of precision technology development having been performed in conventional cage system settings, however, much of this information could be transferable.

Figure 1. Distribution of EU layer housing

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| Pig & Poultry

ospects for oductivity

systems 2009 and 2014 Improving animal welfare and health can both, directly and indirectly, increase animal productivity in farming systems. A recent review noted a higher number of studies specifically focused on welfare, rather than improving productivity as the main goal. This review also noted, across the 266 studies included, that >40% were dedicated specifically to broiler farming whilst only 25% focused on layers and only 5% were commercially available products rather than prototypes. This suggests despite the need for innovation that current technologies are in their infancy and further development is required. Additionally, whilst systems like large-area aviaries may appear to have the highest welfare for birds, they

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demonstrate lower productivity in general and have been associated with increased mortality and cannibalism tendencies in some studies.

Technologies in poultry Automation systems Automation systems have been implemented in the poultry sector fairly significantly, with commercially available layer management systems providing; feed, egg removal, waste removal and temperature/humidity control automatically. Whilst, these are considered automated, in the sense that they are performed without human labour, many of these systems are based on arbitrary or whole flock analysis values and as such can, and are, being developed further to improve productivity. Systems such as FLOCKMAN have been introduced commercially integrating

multiple variables into one controller.

FLOCKMAN optimises control of feed levels and lighting with programmes tailored to improve profit margins in broilers. Fancom offers commercial automated layer systems which integrate ventilation control, feed weighing/blending, automatic egg counting, animal weighing and water monitoring along with software feedback to suggest management optimisations and improvements to achieve higher productivity.

Whilst currently not automated, the commercial systems offered by Prognostix can evaluate the conditions across a shed, or multiple sheds, including; water use, localised temperature, humidity, airflow, light intensity and carbon dioxide levels. These systems

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| Pig & Poultry provide alerts of health or productivity losses improving farmer intervention, and in future, could be incorporated to allow automated responses.

Automation is also highly prominent in the “back end� of egg production with several commercial systems available to automate egg collecting, sorting, processing and packaging, therefore, improving the productivity and efficiency of the sector.

Precision livestock sensors Precision sensor technologies offer a unique opportunity in poultry towards monitoring, often individual-level, animals in various ways. Whilst technologies are less evidently commercialised than in cattle, research suggests that the average growth in technology publications in the last five years has been highest in the poultry sector.

There is, however, likely a lag between research development levels and active commercialisation.

Accelerometer/movement sensors have been assessed for use in poultry, with the suggested ability to detect abnormal behaviour and illness, detecting avian influenza 2 x earlier than using body temperature. Early detection can reduce infection spread, facilitate treatment and improve productivity. Sensors can also determine activity profiles with 98% accuracy across different laying hen breed profiles. In future, this could allow the reduction of injury levels in laying hens improving welfare and productivity. Within poultry, over other livestock such as cattle, initial issues in development were linked with requiring small enough technology to mount onto the animal, without causing detrimental effects. Technology can now be made smaller, even allowing the development of injectable capsules to detect movement as well as temperature and heart rate in chickens, offering a holistic monitoring approach of individual animals.

Acoustic sensors have seen significant development in the pig sector offering a useful tool to detect stress and make amendments to remove stressors. The benefit of acoustics is that monitoring is non-invasive, therefore, does not itself cause additional stress. In a study on Hyline brown layers in a conventional cage system, acoustic detection along with computer algorithms were able to detect stress and classify it between physical (temperature etc.) and mental (fear) with 96.2% accuracy. Further studies have demonstrated acoustic data can be used to detect pulmonary diseases in poultry and even to detect detrimental feather pecking in layers. The ability to detect and alert to stress and health issues within a laying system would help improve layer health and egg production.

Image analysis also offers a method of constant non-invasive monitoring. There are already commercial systems (though focused on broilers) which utilise image analysis, as well as robotic systems, including; Tibot, Octopus Robotics and Poultrybot (see below) which are all reliant on imaging sensors. Fancoms eYeNamic system allows spatial distribution of broilers to be visualised to detect abnormalities and assists in creating improved environments for productivity, this could easily be adapted to non-caged layers. Development has also been performed in using infra-red thermography to assess temperature changes in hens, towards alerting to illness and detecting feather coverage/damage. Optical flow image analysis techniques can predict flocks which will commence damaging feather pecking activities several weeks in advance, allowing controls to be put in place. In cage systems image

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analysis demonstrated potential in counting hens and particularly noting hen mortalities, as well as being able to detect blockages in egg belts, with removal of deceased hens being vital for welfare and hygiene. Another unique application of image-based sensors is near infra-red (NIR) reflectance which has been developed for cattle to assess contents of feeds via a handheld device. Based on previous work this could be adapted for poultry feed, improving productivity and animal health. In poultry, NIR is also a vital tool in assessing carcass quality/contamination, and has seen development in early egg sexing facilitating increased eggs entering processing. Sexing eggs is a concern due to lost time spent incubating male eggs, only to have to cull these on hatching (with ethical and welfare implications). Other sexing methods include developing genetic modifications to link male chromosomes to fluorescence. This could be performed when eggs undergo the increasingly common practice of ovo vaccinations.

Notably, the poultry sector demonstrates a high uptake of robotics. There are several commercialised poultry robotic systems available with varying functions. A driver for robotic use within poultry could be the risk of cross-species infections, as with avian influenza H5N1, which underwent significant global spread in the mid to late 2000s. Robot automation can reduce human labour and thus interaction required within hen houses, reducing infection risks both ways and improving biosecurity. Octopus robots produce autonomous robots for poultry which aerate litter and apply liquid disinfectants to reduce ammonia build-up and disease occurrence.

Systems also have onboard sensors to provide information on the local temperature, humidity, ammonia levels and can record sound and brightness. The additional data can facilitate management changes to improve overall hen productivity and health. Tibot

Technologies offer robotic systems for broilers, layers and breeders which act as patrol units to activate birds. Spoutnic, the unit aimed at layers, promotes nest training, therefore, lowering floor eggs by up to 26% which otherwise reduces the productivity of layer systems, and reduces farmer walkthroughs required by up to 3 times. Poultrybot is a system in current development for automated floor-egg collection. The move away from cage systems makes floor eggs an increasing area of farm labour and reduces productivity, therefore, autonomous robotic collection is of interest. Poultrybot uses image sensors and object recognition software to identify eggs and collect these autonomously whilst manoeuvring around animals and obstacles in poultry houses, currently, efficiency of this collection is 40% with small changes suggested to improve collection to 80%, in future.

Radio-frequency identification RFID is a requirement in cattle and sheep production as an identification method, however, it could have

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| Pig & Poultry

substantive roles in the poultry sector. Due to defined boundaries within hen houses, it is suggested that RFID could act as a localisation/monitoring tool, whereby communication of a passive RFID tag on the ankle of a hen with a fixed active RFID receiver could, for example, provide data that a hen had visited a feed or water station. System designs include those which could detect avian influenza, via observing reduced feed visits and movement in general. RFID could be utilised in weighing birds in nesting situations or at feeders to look at growth patterns and alert individual health concerns. Furthermore, RFID has been incorporated into a nest box system allowing for accurate detection of individual bird egg-laying statistics, offering opportunities to improve productivity by managing specific birds, or culling unproductive animals. RFID is a useful identification tool, however, lost tags could cause issues in identification. Another process of hen identification trialled was the laser printing of barcodes onto hen beaks.

Whilst this was effective short term, it was

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shown that barcode readability dropped off significantly after 10 days suggesting this specific route to be unfeasible.

Where animal illness is concerned, several biosensors style pen-side technologies have seen development towards rapid identification and treatment of diseased birds. Lateral flow systems, which use embedded antibodies (similar to traditional pregnancy tests), have been improved using quantum dot technologies making tests more sensitive and able to work with crude samples such as faecal swabs, detecting key diseases like avian influenza. Furthermore, DNA amplification advances such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are providing possibilities to test for other infections including Eimeria (a serious poultry threat) with results in 30 minutes or less.

Probiotics have been discussed as an area to improve broiler growth, layer egg output and quality, as well as general welfare in both systems. Whilst this is not a new route to improve production, increases in our

understanding and ability to assess gut microbiomes could allow for improved applications of probiotics. Furthermore, probiotics could help to alleviate the antibiotic resistances associated with using antibiotics in poultry to improve productivity having a doubled effect. It is interesting to note that poultry nutrition in general has tended to focus on flock level assessments. Poultry nutrition tools are only just beginning to catch up to allow individual-bird assessments, which could, improve productivity further and reduce negative outputs as evident in other livestock systems.

A key aspect of the commercial sale of poultry eggs is the size and quality of the eggs produced. Current systems use multiple sensors to weigh, size and check eggs for defects following initial collection. It has been noted that computer vision could be used to improve systems by providing predicted weight separation based on egg. Development of this system showed high potential in separating eggs into classes from small to extra-large

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| Pig & Poultry

using non-invasive, non-physical approaches, this could, in future, be incorporated at the initial egg transportation stages within layer houses to pre-sort eggs based on size improving system productivity. Imperfections such as blood spots (of particular sizes) reduce quality criteria and thus sale prices of eggs.

Technology using fibre optic spectrometry (5 wavelengths) could incorporate into conveyor belt lines, and demonstrated 95% accuracy in detecting blood spots.Pre-sorting of these less valuable eggs real-time would improve system productivity.

Farming Connect demonstration farm Wern is utilising precision monitoring systems to get a practical insight into their benefits on animal health.They are also trialing cutting edge technology towards assesing areas, post egg laying, which could be improved to reduce egg damage and further bolster productivity.

Summary Where technologies have been employed within the poultry sector they appear to demonstrate significant benefits, however, more

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long term use is required to determine true effects. As the poultry industry is the fastestgrowing meat sector, particularly in developing countries, innovation, chiefly affordable innovation is key. Within this article, unless specifically stated, all technologies are in research and development. Precision tools have difficulty in transitioning from prototypes to commercial systems, a key factor may be that research fails to include manufacturing companies and involves controlled, rather than commercial trials. Despite all this, technologies which allow individual animal level analysis to be performed, as well as providing automation, could provide a more lucrative, safer environment, for both the animals and farmers involved. Currently, with changes occurring revolving around welfare practices within the layer sector, it may be prudent to aim innovation at likely future system models, or to wait to determine what effects changes may have on the sector, to gain the best overall picture.

Background information: This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer Programme and Advisory Service is delivered

by Menter a Busnes on behalf of Welsh Government. Lantra Wales leads on the delivery of the Farming Connect Lifelong Learning and Development Programme.

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| Pig & Poultry

New life-saving products for young pigs Two new products – QuickStart and Electro FA (First Aid) – to help pig producers rear more pigs, especially from ultra-large litters, have been introduced to the UK industry by Agritech International Solutions Ltd. uickStart, containing mediumchain fatty acids, vitamins and probiotics is given to new-born piglets and poor doers. A 2ml dose, administered orally during the first two days, provides a high-level energy boost and can also inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria to improve the balance of gut microflora and the immune system.

Electro FA, a complementary feed contains electrolytes – potassium and sodium – as well as flavouring compounds, made from sweet chestnut and mint, known to have intestinal binding effects. Given to young pigs to aid recovery from diarrhoea it combats dehydration and encourages the return of appetite. The 2 ml oral dose, delivered via a dosing pump, can be repeated (daily) for up to seven days.

“Over 60 per cent of all losses in pig-rearing occur in the first few days of life. As piglets are

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born without any fat reserves, they have no stored energy so have to rely on their intake of colostrum from the sow. However, with today’s highly-prolific sows, often producing more piglets than they have teats to feed them, some piglets inevitably miss out,” said Adam Goddard, managing director of Agritech Solutions.

“Scouring and dehydration are frequently a problem, too, and these products aim to overcome such challenges, enabling pig producers to rear more of the pigs born from these large litters.”

Both products, which have proved to be highly successful on continental farms, are produced by a specialist manufacturer in Europe, where they have approval under the GMP+ and FAMI-QS assurance schemes.

Supplied in 250 ml bottles providing 125 doses, QuickStart and Electro FA cost 46p and 32p per dose, respectively.

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| Pig & Poultry

Adaptability of bird flu poses threat to poultry Insight into avian virus highlights its potential to infect commercial flocks. ommercial poultry should be protected from the risk of contracting harmful bird flu from migrating flocks, research suggests.

New insights from a study of the 2016/17 bird flu outbreak show how highly pathogenic bird flu viruses – which are likely to cause deadly disease in chickens – can be transmitted from wild migrating bird populations to domestic flocks and back again.

These viruses can readily exchange genetic material with other low pathogenic viruses – which are less harmful – during migration, raising the likelihood of serious outbreaks in domestic poultry and wild birds, scientists have found.

Research led by a team including the Roslin Institute, representing the Global Consortium for H5N8 and Related Influenza Viruses, studied the genetic makeup of the 2016/17 bird flu virus in various birds at key stages during the flu season.

Their study offers insights into the outbreak strains, which originated in domestic birds in

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Asia before spreading via wild migratory flocks to create the largest bird flu epidemic in Europe to date.

Genetic analyses The team interpreted genetic sequence data from virus samples collected during the outbreak together with details of where, when and in which bird species they originated.

Researchers used a computational technique, known as phylogenetic inference, to estimate when and where the virus exchanged genetic material with other viruses in wild or domestic birds.

The virus could easily exchange genetic material with other, less harmful viruses, at times and locations corresponding to bird migratory cycles, results showed. These included viruses carried by wild birds on intersecting migratory routes, and by farmed ducks in China and central Europe.

Migrating birds harbouring weaker viruses are more likely to survive their journey and potentially pass disease to domestic birds.

The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was carried

out in collaboration with the Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Germany, the Erasmus University Medical Center, Netherlands, and the University of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute and Roslin Institute.

It was supported by funding from EU Horizon 2020, EPIC and BBSRC. Dr Sam Lycett, Roslin Institute: “Bird flu viruses can readily exchange genetic material with other influenza viruses and this, in combination with repeated transmission of viruses between domestic and wild birds, means that a viral strain can emerge and persist in wild bird populations, which carries a high risk of disease for poultry. This aids our understanding of how a pathogenic avian flu virus could become established in wild bird populations." ** The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and it is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. **

UK Agricultural Finance completes £3m loan for Poultry Business UK Agricultural Finance (UKAF) has continued lending throughout the Covid-19 crisis and recently completed a £3m loan to help a poultry farmer develop and invest in their business. he £3m loan was provided to borrowers who run a highly professional and substantial business. This was a complex loan to assess, as there were numerous different assets related to the core poultry business, with the acreage and security split across multiple plots. The separate plant being funded should

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result in the removal of all of their commercial heating needs, while also enabling rainwater harvesting to reduce water charges.

While the borrower has several existing high street lender relationships, they were unable to provide the necessary finance in the time required, given the complexity of the loan and their Covid-19 limitations. UKAF is a specialist agricultural lender, which operates across

England, Scotland and Wales. The team prides themselves on helping the rural and agricultural communities to diversify, sustain, grow and improve their business. Their team worked with the broker and the borrower to structure a loan that met their needs, without compromising their existing high street borrowing.

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| Muck & Slurry

Slurry & Dirty Water Management from Greencrop Greencrop offers a range of dirty water and slurry spreading solutions; to spread slurry/ waste/dirty water from livestock farms, washing plants and AD Plants. ith legislation to start in 2025, where slurry cannot be applied to the land above ground, slurry spreading will have to change to shallow injectors, trailing shoe or dribble bars.

Greencrop can supply a range of all the above equipment; including a full range of vacuum tankers and a great budget range of dribble bars, up to 9m spreading width, able to mount on existing vacuum tankers from the rear door without having to weld on any mounting brackets, with the ability to still use the splash plate if needed.

We supply a new galvanized rear door, which has the mounting brackets welded to it. Allowing the mounting the existing gate vale to this door. Using the forklift lifting points mounted on the machine, offer the Dribble Bar up to the back door and bolt on at the correct height.

The machines are very close coupled to the tanker, thus preventing weight being too far back from the tanker. The machines are fitted with lights and the 7m wide and upward machines have boom brake backs, for added boom protection.

The units are fitted with an easy

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access single or twin, horizontal macerator which is self-sharpening and reversable. 50mm outlets and pipes (less blockage) at 250mm spacings. A manual gate valve before the inlet to the macerator, controls the flow rate you require.

Our range of dribble bars start at 6m up to 12m with single macerator on tanker models, with twin macerators on umbilical machines from 9m plus. However, we can make a range of dribble bars that can mount onto a tanker.

These machines can also be removed and used as an umbilical machine.

Trailing shoes start at 6m up to 12m tanker mounted up to 9m umbilical mounted, or up to 9m as both tanker/umbilical. Shallow injectors start from 3m up to 6m.

We can offer a range of other umbilical equipment, including pumps, layflat hose reelers, Oroflex layflat hose, splash plates, flow meters and monitoring systems.

Greencrop has also introduced a full range of vacuum tankers from 900 to 5000 gallon, with auto fill arms, dual pumps, single, tandem and tri self-steer axles etc. we can also offer a full range of dirty water spreading equipment.

For more information go to www.greencrop.co.uk or email enquiries@greencrop.co.uk

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| Muck & Slurry

NFU responds to EFRA air quality inquiry Farmers can help improve air quality by further reducing ammonia emissions, but the government must work with the industry to deliver a holistic strategy that gathers better data, removes barriers to change, and finds alternatives to regulation, the NFU has told the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee. he EFRA Committee, which scrutinises the administration, spending and policy of the government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is looking at whether the Clean Air Strategy and Environment Bill will deliver a ‘step change’ in how the UK tackles air pollution.

The Clean Air Strategy, published in January 2019, promises further regulation to reduce ammonia emissions from agriculture, targeting specific emissions-reducing practices, minimising pollution from fertiliser use, and the extension of environmental permitting to dairy and intensive beef farms by 2025.

As part of its written submissions to the EFRA Committee, the NFU said the regulatory approach taken in the Clean Air Strategy represents a departure from the voluntary approach that has proven so effective at reducing ammonia emissions in recent years, but the industry stands ready to help Defra minimise the impact of future regulation on farm businesses and ensure it delivers the right outcomes.

Putting adequate financial support in place will be key to helping farmers adjust to the new regulatory requirements, be it through the Countryside Stewardship/Environmental Land

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Management schemes, government grants, an expanded Catchment Sensitive Farming programme, or new approaches in the private sector.

Time is of the essence too; farmers need clarity on funding as soon as possible in order to give them the confidence needed to make investment decisions. There is also an

opportunity to put funding in place now as part of the green recovery from COVID-19.

Of course, these funding opportunities must be placed in the context of the ensuing farm transition and wider financial support promised by the government to help farmers meet the demands of the Agriculture Bill.

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| Muck & Slurry

Bauer slurry management and application solutions With a range of slurry handling and management solutions from pumps to the largest land application tankers, Bauer is well-placed to meet the needs of livestock farms and contractors alike. t one end of the scale, the Bauer S300 screw-type separator is now available in both fixed installation and mobile ‘plug and play’ formats, both capable of separating up to 15cu m of slurry an hour into liquid and solid fractions, with dry matter content of the solids at about 32%.

“Separation in this way can have a significant impact on storage capacity requirements and management of slurry as a resource,” said Adrian Tindall, Area Manager at Bauer UK & Ireland.

“The liquid fraction can be applied from a lagoon through a dirty water irrigator and the solids stored and spread separately to grazing or conservation grass, or to crop stubbles as and when required.

“Either way, like all our separators, the S300 enables producers to manage their storage requirements more effectively and make best use of the nutrients and other beneficial characteristics in the solid and liquid fractions.”

Slurry in-flow to the S300 separator is regulated by an automatic pressure control system to ensure consistent results and, as with all Bauer slurry separators, adjustable weighted discharge doors provide resistance to help the wear-resistant stainless steel screw squeeze liquid through long-life screens

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available in a choice of sizes.

The S300 Plug & Play version is a selfcontained mobile package that incorporates a pump, an automatic control panel and a compact steel frame with pallet tines slots so that it can easily be used across two or more locations on one farm or shared by two individual farms.

At the other end of the slurry management scale, Bauer UK & Ireland has been the official sales and service support operation for Bauer specialist slurry application systems designed for Claas Xerion tractors.

Previously sold under the SGT name but now fully incorporated into the Bauer slurry and digestate tanker range, the products include an innovative slurry loading system carried on the front of the Xerion, a 16cu m capacity deckmounted tank, and semi-mounted tanks up to 30,000-litres capacity towed from a deckmounted coupling that results in favourable weight transfer to the powerful four-wheel drive tractor.

Soon after acquiring SGT, Bauer applied its expertise in poly-tank production – a hand-laid polyester laminate manufacturing process used for its range of tractor-towed tankers up to 26,000-litre capacity – to produce the 16cu m unit for the forward control Xerion S-Trac.

This lighter-weight solution allowed an increase in capacity over the previous steel

version, while producing a direct-mounting frame for the front-mounted pump unit enables operators to save 1000kg by replacing the tractor’s front three-point linkage.

The Bauer filling pump unit is available with a 10in remote docking system to take a load on board from a nurse tank, a 10in stone-trap box and a 9000- or 12,000-litres/min pump – the larger capacity option is offered for 24m to 36m slurry dribble booms.

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| Livestock

It takes two to tango - genomic testing of female dairy cattle Dr Cate Williams: IBERS, Aberystwyth University.

he recent, strategic use of genomic testing in young dairy bulls has revolutionised the way dairy farmers select sires.

Where previously, a bull must be daughter proven, which may take up to 6 years, young bulls can now be genetically tested as calves (<1 year old), which alongside dam and sire information gives a detailed report of that animal’s genetic potential without the need for progeny. This has accelerated the rate of genetic gain, reduced

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the generation interval and hugely improved accuracy of selection in dairy herds in developed countries around the world.

However, this represents just one side of the coin, what about the cow or heifer? Breeding a bull with “excellent” or “very good” genetic potential to a cow with poor or only fair genetic potential means that it’s unlikely that the offspring will ever reach similar potentials to the sire.

In the long term, the use of genomic testing on cows and heifers could offer similar benefits

to testing bulls, enabling highly accurate selection of replacements. Selecting for only the best replacement heifers and those that best suit the farming system can have a positive effect on farm profitability.

How does it work?

Genetic testing is an umbrella term for any test that analyses changes in the DNA sequence or chromosome structure, it may target DNA regions or a single gene. Genomic testing, on the other hand, refers to the analysis of the whole genome (that is all of the DNA of

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| Livestock

an organism) enabled by new, rapid, high throughput sequencing technologies. Fully sequenced in 2009, the bovine genome comprises 22,000 individual genes so the need for advanced technology – both hardware and software – becomes evident.

The test requires a sample from the animal, usually in the form of tissue or hair accompanied by as much pedigree information as is available (from both the sire and dam’s sides). DNA is extracted from the sample, prepared and then sequenced, this sequencing

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data is then transferred onto a computer where it must be assembled in the correct order and then interpreted – the average size of the bovine genome is the same size as a human one at approx. 3 Gb (gigabases) or 3 billion base pairs. The sequence data should now be organised into genes and chromosomes and so a picture of the animal’s genetic makeup begins to emerge. Key to any kind of genetic sequencing is the construction of a reference population. To organise the sample data into genes and chromosomes, it is compared to

other known, correct sequences, a bit like using the picture on the front of the box to correctly assemble a jigsaw puzzle.

To this end, DNA from a wide variety of breeds and animals of different genetic merit must be collected to allow for accurate annotation of subsequent samples. To generate a large enough pool of reference data, information is shared between countries – currently, the UK shares genomic information for Holstein, Guernsey, Jersey and Ayrshire cattle with much of Europe, Canada & the USA.

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| Livestock

To draw comparisons between the reference population and the target animal, markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) for traits of interest are identified and compared between the sample and the reference population (Figure 1). For example, are the SNPs in our target animal that are responsible for foot angle similar to those with very good foot angles in the reference population, or are they more comparable to those with a poor foot angle (Figure 1)? This systematic comparison spans the entire genome and addresses a plethora of traits (or indices) which come together to give Genomic Estimated Breeding Values (GEBVs) - an incredibly detailed picture of the animal’s genetic potential.

Pros and cons The benefits of genomic selection are numerous and far-reaching. The identification of cows with the highest genetic potential accelerates genetic gain by facilitating accurate identification of cull, sale or replacement animals. Retaining only those with good genetic potential can have a range of knock-on effects on fertility, calving, milk production and quality, animal health, feed costs, longevity and overall profitability, to name a few. This information is particularly useful when used more than once in the animal’s lifetime, i.e. in replacement heifers when the decision is made to retain them and also which bull to put them to. The most benefit is seen in traits with low heritability rates and those that can only be measured later in life after the farmer has already committed a great deal of time and money to the animal. Examples include lifespan temperament and fertility – traits that may only become apparent after several years in the

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herd.

Over the past 20 years, genomic selection has become more and more accurate as technology has developed and as more information has been gathered. The accuracy of testing depends on several factors: the size of the reference population, the heritability of the trait in question and the number of SNPs relating to the trait. For example, comparing 20 Holstein heifers from Wales to 1,000 Jersey cows from Canada for a trait with very few markers is not going to give very accurate information. On the other hand, comparing those same 20 Welsh Holsteins to records from 100,000 other Holsteins from the UK, Canada and the USA for a trait with 100 related SNPs will likely give very accurate results.

At present, the reliability of GEBVs for production traits is often 70% or greater, which is twice that of traditional parent averages computed from pedigrees. There is a large range of traits that can be tested which cover reproduction, health/longevity and productivity.

A key example of this is the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) developed in Ireland, designed to help farmers select the most profitable bulls for breeding and heifers for herd replacements. A recent study comparing ‘elite’ and ‘national average’ Holstein Friesian cows revealed that cows performing at a national average produced a higher volume of milk than those in the elite group, however, milk from the elite group contained higher levels of milk fat and protein, resulting in similar yields of solidscorrected milk. When offered different diets (e.g. forage-based, supplemented with concentrates or high concentrate diets) these differences were maintained, with elite cows

showing relatively little difference in milk volume and solids regardless of diet.

The study highlights the success of the Irish EBI system in reducing milk volume whilst increasing milk solid yields. Another benefit of genomic testing is the prevention or slowing of inbreeding and eradication of genetic diseases - these reasons may be insufficient justification in isolation, but when coupled with other factors make genomic testing a more attractive prospect.

One of the key drawbacks of GEBVs is the cost, which has been a central issue for all producers since the technology became available. However, as technology has developed, it has become more and more affordable, especially when weighed against the potential for more profitable animals. One key, in-depth study modelled the potential outcomes stemming from the use of genomic testing in heifers.

Results consistently suggested that genetic gains and increases in farm profitability would more than compensate for the initial cost of the test. It is also important to remember that GEBVs are reporting genetic potential, i.e. what the animal could achieve under perfect conditions. This is not a guarantee that the animal will achieve its potential as many other environmental factors will also play a role in an animal’s performance.

The impact of genomic testing There is a body of scientific evidence to support the use of genomic testing in cows/heifers, however, such studies are based on modelling. The concept of genomic testing in females is relatively new when compared to testing bulls and as such, it will likely be a little

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| Livestock

more time before case studies become available. An example of such work may be found in the Farming Connect demonstration farm at Mountjoy, where genomic testing is being used to select their replacement heifers, with a particular interest in the TB advantage and milk solids (protein and fat) indices. The project aims to use genomic screening to select heifers that best suit their farm whilst also investigating the use of satellite grass mapping and herbal leys with the end goal of reducing the farm’s environmental footprint but improving animal performance and profitability.

Indeed, preliminary results from the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) Wales project applying genomic testing to Welsh dairy herds have been promising. The project is using genomic screening to decide which animals to breed to a beef bull (those with lower genetic merit) and which to breed to a dairy bull (those with higher genetic merit). The project focuses on the genomic Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI, £) which includes both health and production traits. Thus far, significant differences between PLI scores generated through genomic testing and those from parent averages have been identified.

Without the additional information and clarity provided by genomic testing, around 76 animals would have been incorrectly categorised and put to the wrong bull. This could contribute to slower genetic gain, reduce the longevity of the heifer/cow and negatively affect future generations.

The interim report highlights the common misconception that an animal sold with a genomic test has poor genetic merit. Each farm needs slightly different qualities in their stock – whilst one may wish to increase milk yield another may want to focus on disease resistance. So, a genomic test can offer a buyer an additional level of confidence when making a purchase. Throughout the project, the group will aim to collect even further data (e.g. milk yield and quality, mastitis, level, fertility data and lameness issues) to present a robust evaluation of genomic screening and it’s impact on each dairy enterprise.

As more data is collected and added to reference populations and SNPs are discovered and validated, a look at the heritability of target traits may help to give an idea of how quickly genomic testing will improve a certain trait (Table 1). A high heritability score indicates that a gene(s) is more likely to be passed on to offspring

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meaning that improvements in the related trait would likely emerge quicker than one with a low heritability score. For example, the TB Advantage index created by AHDB has a relatively low heritability score of ~0.1, similar to that of somatic cell counts which average 0.16 (Table 1). Traits related to feed efficiency (DMI and RFI) and milk fat and protein content, on the other hand, are moderately heritable ranging between 0.30 and 0.43 (Table 1).

There is also the added complexity of interactions and linkages between genes responsible for these traits, for example, it is well established that fertility is negatively impacted when milk yield is selected for in dairy cattle. The mapping of such interactions is ongoing and will likely play an important role in selections decisions in the future.

Summary Genomic testing of dairy bulls has revolutionised the selection of sires across the globe, resulting in younger sires, a shorter generation interval and rapid genetic gains.

This in-depth genomic information is also more accurate and reliable than ‘daughter-based’ evaluation and has allowed farmers to make more informed and confident decisions when selecting sires. Additional benefits include a reduction in inbreeding and the potential for eradication of genetic diseases. A key barrier to the use of genomic testing, in general, has historically been the cost, but as technologies mature and become more efficient the cost of screening is also decreasing. When weighed against the potential for genetic gains and increases in farm profitability the initial cost of the test is recouped several times over.

Genomic screening has the potential to deliver a very large amount of data, so the farmer must decide on areas for focus according to each individual farm.

The most benefit is predicted to be in screening for traits with low heritability rates or that can only be measured later in life after the farmer has already committed a great deal of time and money to the animal. Whilst not the only deciding factor, heritability plays an integral role in genomic evaluations – as traits with low heritability scores will likely take longer to affect a noticeable difference in the herd.

Ongoing research to refine and validate these heritability values and their interactions with one another is paramount to provide the industry with the most accurate information possible.

Background information: This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer Programme and Advisory Service is delivered

by Menter a Busnes on behalf of Welsh Government. Lantra Wales leads on the delivery of the Farming Connect Lifelong Learning and Development Programme.

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| Livestock

New BvL V-CONNECT Mixer Control for a better overview during feeding Consistency is the key to a good ration mix and ultimately herd performance. To help achieve this Bernard van Lengerich Maschinenfabrik (BvL) has introduced a low-cost control unit that allows both the mixing time and mixing speed to be displayed. he new BvL V-Connect Mixer Control is available across the complete range of BvL diet feeders and can also be retrofitted to current machines in the field. The Mixer Control is designed to provide the operator with a simple system by which they can display both the mixing auger speed and total revolutions, in

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addition to displaying and controlling the mixing time, plus it includes an integrated hours counter. Typically, this functionality is only found on diet feeders fitted with higher specification control systems often incorporating a weighing system and automated shut-off.

Instead of having to just rely on the PTO speed setting, by being able to accurately

monitor and so adjust the mixing auger speed relative to load density, this gives the operator far more repeatable control of the eventual ration mix consistency, so helping boost and maintain herd performance.

More information on BvL’s V-Mix diet feeder range and all other products manufactured by the company can be found at https://www.bvlfarmtechnology.com/en/

How to mitigate heat stress in cattle With temperatures forecast to rise above 25°C, cattle producers should be prepared to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on their beef and dairy animals. attle are fairly comfortable when the ambient temperature is between 15°C and 25°C over the summer months but if the thermometer rises significantly, production performance will start to suffer,” warns Jacob Lakin from Azelis Animal Nutrition.

“This is because both a milk production and growing beef animal will start to divert energy away from production performance towards keeping cool. You’ll notice if a cow is struggling during a summer heatwave because she will start to salivate heavily and pant. These are both mechanisms to increase the amount of body heat lost via evaporation.”

Mr Lakin adds that rumination may slow too, which will depress feed intake. “Rumen function and the process of fermentation generates a lot of heat, so limiting rumination is an innate response to heat stress. As a result, a cow’s dry matter intake will fall.”

He says that acidosis is an associated risk too. “This is because the cow will have a preference for less fibrous feed materials and concentrates, to decrease its rumination.

Consequently, rumen buffering capacity falls and acidosis can be triggered.”

Mr Lakin says two of the most effective, practical mitigation measures during a hot spell are to make sure both housed and grazing cattle have access to a constant supply of fresh water. You can also introduce a rumen buffer such as sodium bicarbonate to the available ration.

Sodium bicarbonate is a simple, well known and cost effective rumen buffer which is helping to counter the loss of CO2 in the lungs and bicarbonate in the blood caused by this increased breathing, and also the loss of sodium, potassium and bicarbonate due to increased sweating.

It is recommended therefore to add additional sodium bicarbonate to the ration up to around 250-300g/head/day for lactating dairy cows which equates to a cost of around 8-

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9pence/head/day.

“Cows can easily drink 100 litres of water daily during warm periods of weather, so make sure plenty is available to them – ideally located to allow them access to it in the shade.

“Recognise too that the cow may alter her feeding routine – preferring to eat during the evening or at night when temperatures are cooler. Either way, making sure the ration is well buffered will help to boost intakes and offset any drop off in performance,” he advises.

If the UK starts to experience longer, hotter

summers, Mr Lakin says cattle farmers may need to consider installing more fans and sprinklers to keep housed animals cool during the day.

“Boosting ventilation and spraying cattle with water can help; as can using fibre cement for shed rooves rather than metal sheeting because it will reduce solar radiation into the building. However, these are practical steps for a climate warming trend perhaps rather than simple mitigation measures to be implemented during periodic heatwaves,” he suggests.

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| Climate

Managing chang availability and w on-farm Dr William Stiles: IBERS, Aberystwyth University

s a consequence of population increase in the coming decades, and the need to meet an expected rise in the future demand for food, agricultural production will need to increase. This will occur either by expansion of the amount of land used for agriculture, or through gains in efficiency using existing

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resources.

One factor which has the potential to affect future food production and the expansion of output is water availability. Globally, agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater, using up to 70% of freshwater supplies. Water use in agriculture can be extremely variable subject to geographic region and prevailing agricultural practice. A large proportion of demand is driven

by the need for irrigation of horticultural crops in more arid regions. Nevertheless, the demand for water use in agriculture is ubiquitously high and livestock production accounts for 30% of agricultural water usage.

95% of agricultural land is currently rain fed.

In the future as rainfall patterns become more unpredictable and shift towards a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;feast and famineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; regime in terms of rainfall intensity, the

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| Grassland | Climate & Muck

ing freshwater water scarcity

potential for declining water availability and potential water scarcity is like to have a negative effect on agricultural (crop or pasture) production.

The amount of water that exists on Planet Earth is a stable concept and is not itself reducing. However as a consequence of factors such as climate change and usage of existing reserves, freshwater availabilities may become

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increasingly unpredictable. In Wales, future forecasts suggest that summers will be hotter and drier and winters warmer and wetter.

Model-based predictions from the MET office indicate that precipitation changes in Wales by 2070 will range from between 39% drier to 3% wetter in summer and 3% drier to 22% wetter in winter (for their most conservative scenarios).

Some of these effects are already being

observed, with spring 2020 breaking records as one of the sunniest and driest on record. This follows a pattern of now noticeable change over recent years, with weather extremes increasingly commonplace and with events such as the temporary drying-out of local river systems, formerly unheard of, now no longer surprising.

These effects have the potential to affect or

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| Climate disrupt agricultural activities as agriculture is entirely reliant on freshwater availability, and in the case of Wales where livestock agriculture dominates, heavily reliant on freshwater delivered in the form of rainfall.

Water use on-farm Water foot printing is a technique used to quantify the water demand for a given product, such as a unit of lamb or beef meat, in order to determine relative dependence on freshwater reserves. This approach can also be used as a proxy to determine the relative sustainability potential of farming systems or approaches.

On-farm water is categorised as either blue, green, or grey water depending on its source.

Green water is the product of rainfall and blue water is captured from ground or surface water.

Grey water is less straight forward as it refers to the water needed in order to dilute pollutants to a concentration level which would be considered acceptable. Most analysis

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concentrates on green and blue water sources, as these are considered most direct and quantifiable.

For grassland-livestock systems the main drivers of water usage are crop cultivation (for direct forage or silage), drinking water supply for livestock, and water for cleaning. Water will also be used to produce feed rations or concentrate, which are often produced off-farm.

This embedded or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;virtualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; water is consumed at the point of production, so when imported as part of an animal feed, a portion of the product is the water reserves from the country of origin.

Grassland-ruminant systems rely primarily on green water resources (i.e. from 84% to 98% for beef, and 97% to 99% for sheep), which is primarily evapotranspiration of rainfall from crop or grassland. Estimates vary significantly depending on assessment methodology and farming approach for the amount of water needed per cow or sheep, but studies reviewed

here suggest these are somewhere in the region of 3 - 221 litres of water per kg of beef, and up to 58 litres of water per kg for lamb/sheep (when calculated using Life Cycle Analysis). The range and variation here reflects the great heterogeneity of beef or sheep production systems across varying geographies. Volumetric water consumption figures are useful to understand the demand or burden of agricultural practice on freshwater resources, however such a figure gives an incomplete picture with regard to the impact of extraction on the local freshwater system.

Changes in freshwater availability as a consequence of extraction also need to be quantified in order to understand overall effect.

Water scarcity can result in production output reductions. This has already been observed in certain circumstances for some horticultural crops, but as yet has not been widely reported in grassland-livestock systems.

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| Climate Nevertheless, under increasingly variable rainfall regimes, as a result of climate change, it is highly likely this will be the case.

Furthermore, potential disruption to water supplies is a growing challenge for all farming systems in the UK. Even farms which are within traditionally high rainfall areas, such as here in Wales, may suffer from short-term disruption due to increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns. Technological interventions therefore may become necessary in order to manage any adverse impact of short-term fluctuations in supply.

On-farm water management Water scarcity can be managed on-farm to some degree through the application of technology, or through investment in appropriate infrastructure. In order to reduce reliance on blue water reserves, rainwater collection technologies may prove an important future component of farm design. Rainwater

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captured from yard or barn roofs over winter could be stored in tanks for deployment during summer months, reducing the pressure on freshwater resources.

The importance for managing rainwater in order to avoid dirty water contamination and reduce slurry storage burden has been discussed in an earlier technical article. In situations where infrastructure for rainwater harvesting helps to reduce contact with slurry/dirty water then this could be a method for futureproofing farmyards with infrastructure that achieves multiple goals simultaneously. In addition to rainwater harvesting technologies, condensation technologies could be deployed in-field to capture moisture from the air.

Condensation irrigation works by using a differential between above and below ground temperatures. Warm moist air is funnelled by fans into a cooler condensing chamber below the ground level. The moisture then condenses

and collects in a storage reservoir. This can be used as a direct way to get water into soil for plant uptake.

Recycling and water re-capture technologies may complement the above capture approaches. Much water is currently wasted on farm, through inappropriate use or as part of existing waste streams. Certain waste outputs such as water for cleaning, or wastes such as slurry and manure have a water content which can be recaptured. Organic wastes can be dewatered through mechanical action, and, depending on purpose, can be made as clean as needed through filtration. Even a pure water state can be achieved through the application of precision technologies such as microfiltration. Currently it is likely that this action would prove uneconomic, but in a future context where water is a more potentially valuable component of food products, then such interventions may well be justified.

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| Climate

IoT (internet of things) technology can be used to capture the information needed for advanced or precision agricultural approaches related to water management. For instance, sensors that detect soil moisture can be used to inform irrigation systems when the optimum amount of water has been administered, allowing the system to reduce over-watering and waste. Such data capture approaches may also be applied to inform grazing management, in order to avoid overuse of grass or fields suffering from heat stress.

Remote sensing technologies may play a similar informative role, allowing the identification of patchy-dry areas within fields, or crop plants suffering water stress, for targeted watering. In extreme circumstances advanced understanding of underlying field hydrology, achieved through remote sensing approaches, may allow informed decision making with regard to which fields can be considered productive. This could allow a system of usage intensity to be determined, maximising use within the constraints of water-

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use potential.

As well as the physical interventions above, a shift in current management philosophy may also prove necessary. For instance, future farm system design will need to focus on allowing concentrate or animal feed production to be undertaken purely through green water provision, rather than through blue water extraction, as feed production which relies on blue water reserves will have an adverse environmental impact. As the impact of water stress becomes more pronounced in the years to come, blue water usage in such circumstances could be considered unsustainable. A shift towards home-grown feeds, rotational field management, or grassland swards which are more diverse and species-rich may also make farm production systems more resilient. In the case of multispecies grassland, the mix of diverse organisms in community, each with individual characteristics (i.e. species with deep-rooting tendency able to access water from deeper layers in the soil), or different strategies for

water acquisition, strengthens grassland resilience to environmental perturbation, such as from drought.

Lastly, in times of extreme drought, interventions may become necessary at a national scale in order to ensure sufficient water is available for food production. Desalination, the process of converting saltwater to freshwater, is an approach which uses a range of technologies such as reverse osmosis or microfiltration to remove the salt content from seawater. This offers a huge potential resource in terms of future water availability, as the vast majority of water globally is contained in the oceans. Of the many challenges associated with this approach, the cost of energy consumption is a key issue. However, advances in recent years with regard to technology efficiency now mean that this approach is increasingly considered as a viable option for the production of freshwater.

The virtual water concept Where products require water for production, trade in those products could be considered

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| Climate

trade in the underlying water resources. In some regions where agricultural production is undertaken primarily for the purposes of export, this can equate to de facto export of water resources.

The import of water in agricultural commodities needs to be considered as part of any water footprint, as this activity may lead to water stress elsewhere in the world (and potentially in developing regions where water stress is already high). This may lead to an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;offshoringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attitude towards water conservation, where the environmental or societal impacts of water extraction are obscured by virtue of geography.

Conversely, this concept may present a future opportunity for water-rich nations such as Wales, where rainfall is high, to export water in the form of products (particularly those that are water intensive to produce) to nations with more arid or dry climates. Such trade potential may help to justify the investment needed to modify farms in terms of technology or infrastructure for enhanced freshwater management.

Summary Future challenges associated with the

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supply of freshwater is a key area for consideration in the design of farming systems that will be able to endure the pressure exerted by climate change. As rainfall patterns becoming increasingly erratic, and annual rainfall may be delivered in shorter, more intense events, then planning may be required to ensure there is sufficient water provision for on-farm activities during drier periods of the year.

Farm adaptation is possible by introducing infrastructure or technology which can capture rainwater or reuse existing water resources.

Certain technological approaches can also help to manage resources through increased precision or enhanced observation and predictive insight. This will help to reduce the environmental impact of freshwater extraction, reducing any negative image of farming as an excessive water user. Furthermore, by improving farm system resilience to the issues surrounding freshwater provision, such as by increasing grassland species richness which increases soil carbon sequestration, some of the on-farm effects of climate change will simultaneously be reduced.

Background information: This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The Farming Connect Knowledge Transfer Programme and Advisory Service is delivered

by Menter a Busnes on behalf of Welsh Government. Lantra Wales leads on the delivery of the Farming Connect Lifelong Learning and Development Programme.

August 2020 | Farming Monthly | 67

| Climate

Tech that turns CO2 into animal feed gets funding boost An innovative project in Nottingham that converts carbon dioxide into clean animal feed is one of nine pioneering agricultural technology projects set to benefit from £24 million of government funding. ottingham-based consortium REACT-FIRST will receive over £2 million to generate clean, sustainable food for fish and poultry with an up to 75% smaller carbon footprint. Led by Nottingham company Deep Branch Biotechnology, the project will use its unique technology to turn carbon dioxide from Drax Power's Selby power station into animal food with minimal water usage and without the need for arable farmland.

The funding will allow the consortium to provide a greener alternative to soy and fishmeal for the animal industry, enabling industries that traditionally create higher levels of waste, such as agriculture, to contribute to a cleaner environment.

The project will work with leading retailer Sainsbury's as well as the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre to integrate into the fish and poultry supply chain, helping to ensure that industry demand is met.

It is one of nine projects benefitting from a £24 million package from the UK Government, which are applying big data, artificial intelligence and robotics to UK farming, with the aim of establishing a more efficient system of food production that cuts costs and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: "From robotics assisting our farmers in fruit picking, to technology that converts CO2-to clean animal feed, the incredible projects we are backing today represent the future of farming.

"Working with the best of British science, we are turning our most creative ideas into pioneering projects that will accelerate our transition to net zero food production, boost jobs and drive forward the UK's economic recovery."

Other projects receiving funding include the world's first Autonomous Growing System (AGS), led by Optimal Labs in London, which will receive over £2 million to provide autonomous technology that controls climate, irrigation and lighting, enabling any crop variety to be grown in any location. This will significantly increase production levels and resource-efficiency in existing UK greenhouses, helping to protect the UK's food system against climate change and population growth.

A further project led by Saga Robotics in Lincoln will receive nearly £2.5 million to perform the largest known global demonstration of robotics and autonomous technologies on a farm. The robots will assist farmers by carrying out essential, energy intensive physical farm processes such as picking and packing fruit and treating crops to reduce critical pests and diseases. This will help provide a more efficient food supply at a cheaper cost, allowing farmers to commit more time to the wider running of their farms.

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said:

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"It's great to see investment in these outstanding ideas which will help us tackle the faming industry's greatest challenges, from achieving net zero emissions to investing in sustainable alternative protein for animal feed.

Farming has never before been at the centre of such exciting and forward looking innovations."

Projects receiving funding include: • REACT-FIRST (Nottingham), led by Deep Branch Biotechnology, will receive over £2 million to use carbon dioxide from Drax Power's Selby power station and apply its unique CO2to-protein process to generate food for fish and poultry with up to 75% smaller carbon footprints, no requirements for arable land and minimal water usage.

• Autonomous Growing System (London), led by Optimal Labs, will receive over £2 million to provide autonomous technology that controls climate, irrigation and lighting, enabling any crop variety to be grown in any location. This will significantly increase production levels and resource-efficiency in existing UK greenhouses, helping to protect the UK's food system against climate change and population growth.

• Robot Highways (Lincoln) led by Saga Robotics, will receive nearly £2.5 million to perform the largest known global demonstration of robotics and autonomous technologies on a farm. The robots will assist farmers by carrying out essential, energy intensive physical farm processes such as picking and packing fruit and treating crops to reduce critical pests and diseases.

• Production at the Point of Consumption (Maidstone) led by Evogro, will receive nearly £850,000 to research and develop the next generation of autonomous growing systems, to ensure they are affordable for new consumer markets, and to make it an economic method to produce mainstream crops.

• InFarm2.x (London) led by vertical farming business InFarm will receive over £3 million to develop a farming system that can grow a wider variety of fruit and vegetables than is currently possible by growing their crops in vertically stacked levels, rather than on a single level surface, such as a field. It will also use technology including gas sensors and monitoring cameras to observe the growth patterns of their crops, helping to identify the optimal growing conditions, increasing productivity.

• AGRI-SATT (London) led by Feed Algae, will receive over £4 million for its project which is based around an algae growing system that exploits natural seawater to produce food in

deserts. This project aims to combine data from the growing system with satellite data to automate production and increase the nutritional quality of the food produced.

• GelPonic (Manchester), led by AEH Innovative Hydrogel, has developed a new growth material that will improve crop yields on farms worldwide. It will receive over £1 million to develop a material that conserves water and protects plants by filtering pathogens and includes a new graphene-based IoT device that allows remote-monitoring of conditions in vertical farms.

• REMEDY (Bath), led by Quality Milk Management Services, will receive over £1.7 million to provide precision technologies to dairy farmers enabling them to access real time data to ensure their farm is as productive, efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. This includes technology such as wearable devices for cows that tracks their behaviour and nutrition, ensuring farmers can make more informed decisions when managing their farm.

• TUBERSCAN-DEMO (Lincoln), led by Bhive, will receive nearly £2 million to develop and test an innovative demonstrator system to measure average potato sizes and yield throughout potato fields, providing insights that will enable selective harvesting to take place, optimising crop yield and resource use. It is anticipated that this technology could generate an estimated 5 - 10% increase in UK marketable potato production.

Melanie Welham, Executive Director, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UKRI, said: "The projects we have announced funding for today, show that the food production sector is a beacon of innovation. These brilliant ideas have the potential to make food production more resilient, efficient and less resource intensive".

"UKRI's funding programme for this sector is ongoing. In this funding round, we've awarded funding to 9 innovative companies. In the future, we encourage businesses to come forward with fresh ideas to help UK agriculture."

The investment in new resource efficient, low-emission production systems is part of the Government's commitment to boost spending on research and development to £22 billion by 2024/25. It follows the publication earlier this month of the government's ambitious R&D Roadmap, announced by the Business Secretary, setting out plans to establish the UK as a science superpower.

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| Climate

The UN Climate Panel (IPCC) may have neglected the photosynthesis in agriculture Is agriculture a climate villain or in fact a climate hero? New research findings point at the second. ackground: In 2014, the UN "Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" (IPCC) stated that agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) accounted for 24 percent of world emissions. Only the sector "energy and heat production", accounted for larger emissions (25 percent) according to the UN. This perspective on agriculture as a climate villain has since 2014 become established. The consequence of this is that politicians have taken initiatives to "change the climate-negative agriculture".

New research published in the renowned Agronomy Journal (July-August 2020) challenge the accepted view. According to the article "A proposal to rethink agriculture in the climate calculations" the IPCC strangely

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enough, has not taken into account the photosynthesis. The author Per Frankelius, Associate Professor at Linköping University, comments: – Agriculture in contrast to many other sectors bounds carbon and produces oxygen to the atmosphere. World's crops are estimated to 9.2 billion tonnes in total. About 40% of it is water, resulting in 5.5 billion tonnes of dry matter. 45% of this dry matter is carbon, which corresponds to about 9.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. This is substantial but not included in the IPCC calculations, says Per Frankelius.

The bottom line is that agriculture may be a climate neutral sector already, or even a climate contributor. This contrasts the common view based on the IPCC assumptions.

But we can do more to make agriculture still

more climate-positive, says Frankelius. In the article 7 pathways for expanded agriculture are presented. One of them is "agrosolary" – solar trackers in tree avenues on the fields invented by the farmer Kurt Hansson. Another is reducing soil compaction by means of new tire innovations.

Link to the article "A proposal to rethink agriculture in the climate calculations": https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ep df/10.1002/agj2.20286 Reference: Per Frankelius, "A proposal to rethink agriculture in the climate calculations", Agronomy Journal (published by American Society of Agronomy), vol. 112, issue 4, 2020, pp. 3216-3221. DOI 10.1002/agj2.20286

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| Buildings

High quality, value for money agricultural buildings Graham Heath Construction is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of steel framed buildings for the agricultural, industrial and equestrian industries and since its opening in 2003, has grown significantly. he team can design, supply and fit a steel framed building for a customer as an off the shelf design or a fully bespoke build and will beat any genuine like for like quotation (T&C’s apply).

Graham Heath Construction is proud to supply British farmers with their CE marked steel framed buildings and to be a UK manufacturer, with all steelwork and concrete panels (by sister company Concrete Panel

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Systems) being fabricated on site in South Cheshire. They have a trusted fleet of drivers for nationwide delivery.

With a strong farming heritage, Graham Heath Construction understands the agricultural industry inside out and always strives to provide its customers with the highest quality, value for money solution. From grain stores and livestock sheds to workshops and straw stores, they currently have several promotional offers running on a range of farm buildings.

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Livestock Building - 100 x 40 x 15ft + 4ft 6” Cantilever with all steelwork and timber purlins, concrete panels to 2m, roof cladding, roof lights and rainwater goods, end cladding and side cladding on one side = £18,000* 1,500T Grain Store - 120 x 60 x 23ft with all steelwork, concrete panels to 3.5m, roof, end and side cladding, purlins and rainwater goods = £55,500* Optional extras: 100ft partition = £4,800 + VAT 20 x 20ft Fan House = £6,000 + VAT 1,000T Grain Store - 80 x 60 x

20ft with all steelwork, concrete panels to 3m, roof, end and side cladding, purlins and rainwater goods = £36,000* Workshop - 60 x 30 x 12ft with all steelwork, roof, side and end cladding and rainwater goods = £11,995* Straw Shed - 100 x 50 x 20ft with all steelwork, roof and end cladding and rainwater goods = £19,250* *all offers exclude works, doors, VAT and delivery

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| Buildings

Reform of planning system must be flexible and support rural businesses The NFU says a major overhaul of the planning system must be flexible and support the agricultural transition to a new farming economy to ensure rural businesses and communities can thrive. he government has published its Planning for the Future White Paper, which aims to speed up and modernise the planning system and get the country building.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said that, “valued green spaces and green belt will continue to be protected for future generations, with the reforms allowing for more building on brownfield land.”

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“Reform of the planning system needs to help deliver zero carbon targets for farming for 2040” The white paper, published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) says.

• The planning process to be overhauled and replaced with a clearer, rules-based system.

Currently around a third of planning cases that go to appeal are overturned at appeal; • A new simpler national levy to

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replace the current system of developer contributions which often causes delay.

NFU senior planning and rural affairs adviser Suzanne Clear said: “Without doubt, we need a flexible and enabling planning system to support the agricultural transition to a new farming economy and ensure rural businesses and communities can thrive.

“Any new zonal system will only work it if can efficiently deliver what farming and rural communities need; that includes the development of new farm buildings and operations, diversified businesses, affordable homes and digital services.

“Reform of the planning system needs to help deliver zero carbon targets for farming for 2040; to help farmers deliver climate friendly, profitable and sustainable food production and to work to complement farm schemes to deliver wider public goods and ecosystem services.

“The NFU is inviting members to give us their views on the planning system. It is essential the farm voice is heard in this debate.”

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| Buildings

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| Buildings

Farmplus: Building it right Farmplus has thirty yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the design and supply of timber framed farm buildings and animal shelters.

riven by the simple principle of creating a healthy environment and that ventilation is not the volume of air in a building, but critically it is the rate of air exchange, simply clean air in and stale air out - Farmplus design and build to these principles.

Animals left to nature always try to find shelter in the basic form, they use hedges, walls & natural hollows to get out of or reduce the impact of the winds. Likewise, they will use trees for shade from the sun and shelter from rain.

When we look at buildings we should aim to replicate these basic principles of nature wherever possible. Remembering that animals want in the basic form shelter from the wind, rain, shade from the sun, and plenty of fresh air.

Ideally giving animals a shelter wall to be able

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to lie behind with a decent gap above for air to pass over. All air movements need to be above animal height so as not to create a draft.

Depending on the height of the wall, the gap above will often need some form of wind break material to reduce wind speed on bad days.

The best and cheapest form of ventilation is and always will be natural ventilation using the stack effect with sufficient gaps at the low eaves and open ridges. No fans using electricity, no moving parts & nothing to breakdown, so no ongoing expense.

In very high rainfall areas, special ventilated ridge cappingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can be supplied. For most situations, the best ridge treatment is still, simple upturned flashing, for these will make the outside air lift over the ridge of the roof. The base of any upstand should always be at a minimum 50mm (2â&#x20AC;? inch) back from the top edge of the

roof sheet, so any water/rainfall that hits the inside of the upright flashing can then drip of the heal and drain away down the roof sheet.

Animals left to nature always try to find shelter in the basic form, they use hedges, walls & natural hollows to get out of or reduce the impact of the winds. Likewise, they will use trees for shade from the sun and shelter from rain.

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| Machinery

Scotts send itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Evolution to South Africa following Canadian recommendation A UK manufacturer of vegetable harvesting and handling machinery has supplied its first to order to South Africa thanks to a recommendation from a Canadian company. cotts Precision Manufacturing has sent one of its Evolution separators to Bestbier South Africa after Allan Equipment in Canada recommended the unique machine.

Designed in Boston, Lincolnshire, the Evolution gently separates vegetables from soil and clod and haulm.

The machine that is heading to South Africa will be used by Louis Classen, who farms 200 acres of potatoes in Hartswater in South Africa's Northern Cape.

Louis purchased the machine from Gouws Prinsloo, Sales Manager for Bestbier South Africa. The Canadian connection comes from Gouws' brother in law, Danie van Schalkwyk, who is part owner of Allan Equipment in Canada, another of Scott's customers.

"It really is a small world," says Derek Scott, managing director of Scotts Precision Manufacturing. "We have been supplying our Evolution separator to Allan Equipment for several years, and it is very popular over there due to the excellent way in which it handles heavy soils. It was very surprising though to get a call from Gouws and to find out that he was involved in farming in South Africa. We've sent

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Evolutions around the globe. They're in use in France, the United States and Australia, but this is the first time we've sent one to South Africa.

Hopefully, it will be the first of many as awareness of the Evolution's capabilities grows."

Scotts introduced the Evolution 2005 and has since sold over 650 of the separators. The Evolution gently separates clod, stones, haulm and loose soil from a wide range of vegetables, fruit and alliums, including potatoes, gourmet potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions and bell peppers amongst others.

"My brother in law has been very impressed with the Evolution and says there's nothing else like it," says Gouws. "When we were approached

by Louis, who said he was struggling to remove the soil from his crop, the Evolution immediately came to mind. I contacted Danie, who put me in touch with Scotts Precision Manufacturing.

Derek was really helpful and has designed a bespoke machine for Louis, which is now in use and doing a great job."

At the heart of the Evolution is the patented roller design. The two contract rotating rollers work together to gently move the crop across the separator. The movement of the rollers loosens the dirt, which is worked into a valley, where, if soft enough, the debris is crushed and

ejected down below the separator.

The latest version of the Evolution features maintenance-free direct-drive motor and gearbox units on each extracting shaft.

A new generation of Polyurethane spiral roller has been developed and integrated into the system. This latest design features large air chambers and a "foam pocket" section that improves the grip on root clusters to reduce blockages.

Protection to the lips from potential stone damage is maintained with the benefit of improved self-cleaning. Instead of the standard main crop spiral rollers with a 10mm tread pattern, less aggressive spiral rollers with a 6mm tread pattern are now an option. The 6mm tread is designed for customers looking to clean small potatoes or where high volumes of haulm and/or leafy material is an issue. The 10mm option continues to be the best option for farmers faced with significant clod problems.

The 1.5m wide Evolution in use at Louis' farm features six rollers with electric drive.

For more information about Scotts Precision Manufacturing and the Evolution, please visit http://www.scottsuk.com email sales@scottsuk.com or phone 01205 270128

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| LAMMA

Andrew Symons South Molton, Devon EX36 3L T: 01769 574455

Holsworthy, Devon EX22 6HL T: 01409 254040

Crediton, Devon EX17 1FB T: 01363 720430

Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5EH T: 01455 209300 www.manitou.co.uk

www.andrewsymons.co.uk

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| Machinery

Ktwo build trailer over 3 meters wide for North America Ktwo, one of the biggest British manufacturers of farming machinery, have built a 3.2 metre wide machine based on their popular Roadeo Curve Trailers to fulfil the export market needs in North America. he Ktwo range of Roadeo Curve Tipping Trailers are well known across the UK for their high-quality build and heavyduty design capacity.

Ktwo saw an opportunity in the North American market for a strong high-

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quality agriculture trailer after being approached by several companies across America and Canada this year alone. They needed a manufacturer with the capacity and experience to fulfil their need for strong, large silage trailers to hold volumes of over 52m3 (1,850 cubic ft).

Ktwo purchased Warwick Trailers last year to increase the size of their production facilities to nearly 80,000 square foot, giving them the space to produce more for their export markets. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;With our larger facilities we can focus on our export market growth. We already have machines around the world, but we are now

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| Machinery

able to develop our range more so for the export needs across different countries.’’ explains Robbie Polson, Ktwo Managing Director.

Ktwo already has examples of their UK leading Roadeo Compact and Push trailers operating in Canada and enquiries for more, along with spreaders and now tipping trailers.

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‘’Specifically for North America, we have taken our Ktwo Roadeo Curve Trailers and increased the width from 2.5m to 3.2m wide.

The bigger machines are all tri axles with steering axles and 800 tyres to cope with the large size and capacity. It has been a good challenge and we’re excited for our future growth in export worldwide.’’

The first trailer has been shipped, along with a tandem Ktwo Duo muck spreader, and is due to arrive into America by the end of this July.

The next four trailers and a further three spreaders will be shipped in the coming weeks.

For more information on the Ktwo export range visit: www.ktwo.co.uk/export/

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| Machinery

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| Machinery

7R Series leaps ahead Just eight months after launching its new generation 7R Series tractors at Agritechnica 2019, John Deere has announced another significant update to the range. The new flagship 7R 350 model offers an ideal power to weight ratio to deliver unmatched acceleration and transport efficiency. he 7R Series models introduced in Hanover last November received a major upgrade with a brand new luxury cab, the CommandPRO joystick, a top-quality seat with massage function, DAB+ touchscreen radio with Apple CarPlay compatibility and a 6.1 speaker system, enhanced Precision Ag technology features and much more.

Featuring the stepless AutoPowr transmission as standard, the new top of the range 7R 350 tractor completes the 7R Series and can be ordered now from John Deereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s European dealer network. Developing up to 388hp with Intelligent Power Management and with a minimum shipping weight of only 11.4 tonnes, this latest model boasts an impressive power to weight ratio of just 29kg/hp.

At the same time, on all 7R Series tractors equipped with a 40kph transmission and front axle brakes, payload has been increased by two tonnes to match the maximum permissible weight of 18 tonnes. More flotation is also offered with the new availability of IF650/60R34 front tyres and up to IF900/60R42 rear tyres.

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First-class steering capability is provided by the enhanced ActiveCommand Steering 2. This is an electronic system that uses a gyroscope to sense any tractor yaw and automatically compensates drift to stay perfectly on track.

Operators are now able to adopt various settings in the CommandCentre display to match personal preferences.

Variable Ratio Steering can be turned on and off, steering sensitivity can be adjusted and steering wheel resistance can be tuned, all individually. The field proven and popular automatic reduction to 3.1 lock-to-lock steering remains available to allow quick and convenient headland manoeuvres.

John Deere has also expanded its digital offering. Complementary to the established Wireless Data Transfer between the tractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CommandCentre display and the remote computerised Operations Centre, the latest MyOperations app can now serve as a digital field record. Using the app, operators can document any task and know that the data will be safely stored in their personal Operations Centre account.

Of particular interest to contractors, the

newly enhanced functionality of the MyJohnDeere.com Operations Centre now allows ISOXML boundary and documentation data to be imported from other displays and portals. This enables seamless data transfer and collaboration within mixed fleets and with different customers.

Lower costs per hour are also guaranteed with more favourable warranty terms, which are being introduced based on the proven reliability of these tractors in recent years. The standard factory warranty has doubled to two years or 2000 hours, the same as on John Deere 8R and 9R Series tractors. In addition, the optional PowerGard Protection/Plus warranty extension terms are now even more cost-effective, with terms reaching up to eight years or 8000 hours.

John Deere Connected Support also continues to provide major customer benefits, with a range of remote tools allowing dealer specialists to proactively support operators in getting the best from their machines. Expert Alerts in particular have proved to be key in reducing potential downtime to the absolute minimum.

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Covid-19 thwarts Midlands Machinery Show The Midlands Machinery Show has sadly decided to cancel its November event as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, but is continuing to support the sector through its Agricultural Engineering Apprentice Awards. he event, which was scheduled to take place on 18-19 November at Newark Showground, is the latest in a string of agricultural shows to be cancelled due to the pandemic. “Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak we have been monitoring Government guidance and were initially

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optimistic that we could safely deliver the event in November,” explains Bob Sheldon, chairman of the MMS advisory committee.

“However, there is still ongoing uncertainty, with changing guidance and restrictions affecting exhibitors and visitors alike. Given how long many of our exhibitors require to prepare for the show, we felt we needed to make a decision,” he adds. “Our prime concern

is the wellbeing of all our supporters and rather than risk delivering a subdued and more limited experience than normal, we felt it was better to decide now and find a different way to support the industry.”

To this end, the show will continue to promote the agricultural engineering sector and will be awarding its Agricultural Engineering Apprentice Awards in November. Launched in

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| Machinery

2017, the awards celebrate the valuable contribution of apprentices and trainees in the agricultural industry and recognise their commitment and hard work in colleges and workplaces across the UK. The awards form part of the Midlands Agricultural Engineering Traineeship and Apprenticeship Education Scheme, kindly supported by Geoffrey Bond OBE DL. Each winner - chosen by a panel of Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society judges – receives £500 to help fund their career development.

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“These awards provide valuable promotion of agricultural engineering as a career and help to bring fresh blood into this important and fastmoving sector,” says Mr Sheldon. “We are so pleased to be able to continue to run them this year, with the support of our local colleges and manufacturers.

“We would also like to thank our exhibitors and visitors for their ongoing support. Next year’s event has been booked for 9-10 November, and we are all looking forward to a more positive year in 2021.”

About the show

Now in its 7th year, the Midlands Machinery Show is organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society and is a specialised agricultural machinery show with a range of national, regional and local agricultural businesses showcasing their product ranges to those who work and have an interest in agriculture. Last year around 300 exhibitors and 6,000 visitors attended over two days.

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Honda ATV

Contractor remains loyal to leading ATV brand after more than 30 years

More than 30 years ago Gary Walton set up his ATV-based agricultural contracting business and invested in his first Honda. Demand for his specialist services remains strong, and he continues to rely on the world’s leading ATV brand. rading as GR Walton Contract Applications, the Suffolk-based contractor began agricultural contracting to complement his Legend Services paddock fencing and equine coursebuilding business in the late 1980s. With course construction closely linked to equine eventing in the summer, and most demand for ATVcentred field operations in the wetter winter months, the two activities spread the workload through the year and made efficient use of the machinery.

Gary’s first Honda was a 4wd TRX350DJ bought in 1988, and he quickly built up his business applying slug pellets, and spraying using a 12m trailed sprayer along with a smaller rack-mounted version for field borders and smaller areas. For farmers, advantages of using Gary and his ATV-based equipment included the ability to apply fertiliser and crop protection products at optimal times, even when wet winter conditions made it difficult for tractors to travel. The ATV’s light footprint was also ideal for Gary’s course-building and pasture maintenance work, and the Honda worked throughout the summer transporting tools and materials, and harrowing and rolling courses and around jumps.

Loyal to brand In the mid 1990s, the TRX350DJ was replaced by a TRX400 Foreman. Theft of the TRX400 led to the purchase of an identical replacement and, in 2005, this was upgraded to a Foreman TRX500FA with fully automatic stepless hydrostatic transmission and selectable two- or four-wheel drive. “Apart from a few minor issues, reliability has always been excellent and, although in recent years the hours worked have reduced, I still need a dependable machine to ensure an efficient service for customers,” Gary explained.

Continuing demand Despite typical farm sprayer widths more than doubling since the contracting business was started, demand for his services continues.

“Sugar beet spraying is a speciality,” he explained. “ATVs are ideal for both pre- and post-emergence applications until the leaves meet across the rows, as the trailed sprayer’s wheels can be set to suit the row spacing, and the ATV treads so lightly that its narrower track width isn’t an issue. I wear all the recommended protective clothing and am fully

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engine One of Gary’s 12m trailed sprayers. The pump is driven by a Honda petrol the tank making it suitable for use behind a variety of vehicles. Used behind the ATV, capacity. isn’t filled completely as this would exceed the 599kg recommended towing

qualified, and have regular customers who rely on me and my ATV for their early applications every year. Then later in the spring, when ground conditions are drier, they continue with their own tractors and sprayers.”

In the past, Gary also offered Avadex application using his ATV and a trailed low ground pressure applicator, and with demand for this service increasing again for black-grass control, he is planning investment in a new distributor complete with GPS guidance for precise application.

Gary said ATVs continue to offer advantages for slug pellet application too. “Using my Honda and a mounted pellet applicator, I can usually achieve much higher work rates than a tractor or self-propelled sprayer; at less cost and causing less soil structure and crop damage,” he continued. “Applications can be more flexible, allowing lower application rates to be used initially, in the knowledge that further treatments can be applied cheaply and easily later, if needed.”

Gary’s services are also called upon when wet weather makes conditions unsuitable for conventional machinery. “Last winter I applied crop protection products on a large arable farm, when none of the usual machines could travel. Although the crop was dry conditions under-foot were very boggy, but the ATV with its 12m trailed sprayer completed the task while a much larger self-propelled sprayer operated as a bowser keeping my sprayer supplied.”

Updated models In 2018, Gary considered upgrading to the latest version of the TRX500FA, which came with power steering and additional user-friendly features. However, instead of the stepless hydrostatic drive he had been used to, the new model had a conventional mechanical gearbox with electronic automatic shifting. He tried it pulling a heavy trailer but preferred the smoothness of his existing machine, and decided not to change. Last year, range

updates announced by Honda included a new Foreman TRX520FA model with a larger 518cc engine and an improved automatic transmission. It also offered increased load carrying capacity and came with power steering. Gary tried it and was immediately impressed by its performance and ease of use and placed an order.

Worthwhile upgrade The new TRX520FA was supplied by MKM Agriculture at Ixworth Thorpe, Suffolk and was used the same day applying slug pellets on a local farm. “I’m very pleased with it and all the new features,” explained Gary. “The front differential can be locked at the touch of a button, which will be handy when working in slippery conditions. The power steering is fantastic and makes it less tiring to ride during long working days. I also like the new reverse gear selector which can be operated without moving my hand from the handlebar. The uprated load capacity includes trailers up to 599kg, so I can carry and tow more while remaining within the recommendations.

“It’s quieter than my previous machine, and the seat and riding position are more comfortable. The transmission hasn’t quite got the smoothness of my previous Honda’s stepless hydrostatic gearbox, but it’s not far off and retains the ability to select gears manually which is essential for maintaining constant working speeds. The new mudguards are a good size and the ATV exterior remains clean even when travelling at higher speeds in muddy conditions. I was slightly concerned moving from my previous rear swing-arm suspension to the new independent double wishbone design, but it feels just as stable, gives a smoother ride and provides increased ground clearance which will reduce damage in growing crops. I was also pleased to have the option of green body panels this time, as they are less conspicuous than red, and should reduce the risk of theft.”

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| ATV

Trading as GR Walton Contract Applications and Legend Services, Gary Walton provides an ATV-based agricultural and equestrian contracting service to customers across Suffolk.

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Suzuki ATV

Trade up with Suzuki

Suzuki has announced an exciting new initiative for customers that are in the market for a new utility quad bike.

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he inventor of 4-wheel ATVs is offering farmers, land owners and all ATV users the chance to trade in their existing quad bike to qualify for 10% off the RRP net price of a new KingQuad

500X. Under the new ‘Trade Up’ promotion customers will receive a discount of 10% off the net value of a new KingQuad 500X when trading in any midrange quad of any brand with an engine capacity between 325cc to 425cc.

The KingQuad 500X benefits from a whole host of innovative features that make it a delight to ride and the ideal ATV for a variety of applications.

The front suspension, independent rear suspension, rear stabiliser, and the chassis

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frame all combine to deliver excellent straightline stability as well as sure-footed handling when cornering and improved manoeuvrability.

These features also make the machine easier to ride as shock levels are reduced and less rider effort is required when travelling over diverse terrain. Couple this with an ergonomic riding position and Suzuki’s famous T-shaped seat the KingQuad 500X is comfortable to ride all day long.

With a towing capacity of 600kg the KingQuad 500X can help ATV users improve operational efficiency by enabling them to safely move heavier loads. Based on a proven power unit, the engine performance has been refined to continue Suzuki’s reputation for high levels of performance and reliability during all types of riding but also to enhance its

performance characteristics to deliver a smooth and strong acceleration from standstill.

Additional updates to the CVT and clutch system have been implemented to alter the acceleration and deceleration behaviour so that it is smoother and stronger as well as improving engine braking.

National Sales Manager for Suzuki’s ATV Division, Harvey Day, said, “We are very proud of our KingQuad ATVs and believe that they are class-leading. We hope that this promotion will support our Dealer network in targeting a wider audience and help them secure even more long-term customer relationships moving forward.”

Visit the Trade Up page for more information and terms and conditions.

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| Motors

Glendale give green light to the dependable Izuzu D-Max National grounds management, arboriculture and estate management specialist Glendale has placed an order for a further 19 ‘Utility’ versions of the award-winning Isuzu D-Max. Glendale has been running Isuzus since 2015 and has cited the vehicle’s rugged reliability and off-road capabilities as the primary reasons for the latest order. ounded in 1985, Lancashirebased Glendale has grown from a small forestry business into the UK’s leading service provider for grounds management, arboriculture and estate management services. The hardwearing nature of its work means that it requires durable

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and capable vehicles to transport its crew and equipment through slippery and challenging terrain.

For this reason, Glendale has chosen to place further orders for single and double cab variants of the Isuzu D-Max, which has earned its reputation as a tough and reliable workhorse since the first models joined the fleet in

2015. Thanks to its shift-on-the-fly 4WD and traction control system, the Isuzu D-Max can handle even the most unforgiving terrain while its one-tonne payload and 3.5t towing capacity are put to good use carrying large machinery and equipment.

Isuzu Fleet Services offer a one-stop-shop for conversions and they prepare the trucks

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| Motors

according to Glendale’s high specification requirements. At its Sheerness facility, the Isuzu Fleet Services team wraps the vehicles in Glendale’s signature ‘lime green’ colours. As some of Glendale’s work takes place on public highways, Chapter 8 chevrons are added along with a double rotating beacon.

At the rear of the truck, Isuzu Fleet Services source and fit a ladder rack, a tow bar with a 13pin wiring connection and a Truckman RS canopy for extra security. A rear load liner and rear window guard are also added to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Inside, front and rear waterproof seat covers protect the D-Max’s upholstery from the elements as plenty of Glendale’s work is carried out on wet and muddy worksites. Plus, a tracker

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device is installed to help with fleet management.

Stuart Darbyshire, Commercial Director for Glendale, commented: “Reliability is one of the key attributes that we look for in a vehicle and the D-Max has proved itself to be a trusty asset since joining our fleet. It’s capable off-road, it’s able to carry and tow a lot of equipment and there’s no AdBlue requirement. In addition, the Isuzu Fleet Service team have always provided a professional package from start to finish, and they’re able to source the extra kit and adapt the vehicles to our requirements with very short lead times”.

William Brown, Managing Director for Isuzu UK, added: “Glendale is a well-respected company so we’re delighted that it has

recognised the capability and strength of the Isuzu D-Max. Landscaping and ground management are physically demanding jobs and require a vehicle to match, and I think it speaks volumes that after five years of running the Isuzu D-Max, they’ve chosen us to supply their latest order of vehicles”.

The Isuzu D-Max is available in single, extended and double-cab variants as is powered by a 164PS/360Nm engine, which achieves the Euro-6 emission standard without the need of AdBlue. The Utility trim level is priced from £17,414 CVOTR and is backed by a comprehensive 5-year, 125,000-mile warranty.

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Range Rover Sport enhanced with special edition models and powerful new straight-six mild-hybrid diesels The Range Rover Sport – Land Rover’s most dynamic model ever – has gained a suite of upgrades to enhance its appeal as the ultimate luxury performance SUV.

ew special-edition models join the existing line-up with the HSE Silver, HSE Dynamic Black and SVR Carbon Edition giving Range Rover Sport buyers more choice than ever. The existing HST gains another powerful engine option with a new D350 diesel.

The D350 is just one of the latest generation of Land Rover’s new six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engines. They bring 48V Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) diesel technology to the Range Rover Sport for the first time and are RDE2-certified. Developed in-house, the new in-line engine is available in D300 and D350 variants, with power outputs ranging from 300PS (221kW) to 350PS (258kW). They replace the V6 and V8 diesels.

The SV Premium Palette paint colour range, which makes lustrous colours and Satin finishes available to all Range Rover Sport customers, has been refreshed with eight new colours including Tourmaline Brown, Amethyst Grey-Purple and Petrolix Blue.

Inside, the purposeful cabin design and elegant details provide an undeniable sense of sporting luxury, while the seamlessly integrated Touch Pro Duo infotainment features enhance connectivity.

Prof Gerry McGovern OBE, Land Rover Chief Creative Officer, said: “The Range Rover Sport is a unique statement of performance with an assertive and powerful design. Its refined appearance speaks to the modernity of the Range Rover family, while a series of unique aesthetic touches mark out its sporting nature.”

Key to the Range Rover Sport’s appeal is its sophisticated design, all-round capability and luxurious interior. The HSE Silver edition builds on the generous specification of HSE with a suite of sophisticated Shadow Atlas exterior trim finishes, Privacy Glass and 21-inch Gloss Black and contrast diamond-turned alloy wheels fitted as standard.

Available with seven exterior colour options, including new Lantau Bronze and Hakuba Silver, and two interior choices, the HSE Silver also benefits from a fixed panoramic roof, Privacy Glass, front centre console cooler compartment and Meridian Surround Sound System. The HSE Silver is available with the D300 diesel and the P400e PHEV powertrains.

The new HSE Dynamic Black is based on the HSE Dynamic and features an exterior Black Pack, giving the Range Rover Sport extra road presence with matching 21-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels, Privacy Glass and an allblack interior on the P400e and 22” wheels as standard on the D300 Finished in Santorini Black or Carpathian Grey with contrast roof, the HSE Dynamic Black also benefits from a fixed panoramic roof, Ebony Premium Headlining and Meridian

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Surround Sound System as standard.

For high-performance customers, the 575PS (423kW) SVR Carbon Edition provides a stealthy take on the flagship of the Range Rover Sport family with extensive Carbon Fibre detailing.

The Carbon Edition features an exposed Carbon Fibre bonnet centre section, front bumper insert surrounds, main grille and vent surrounds, as well as a range of other Carbon Fibre exterior design details, Carbon Fibre interior trim finishers, Exclusive SVR Carbon Edition treadplates, a Carbon Fibre Engine Cover and 22-inch Gloss Black alloy wheels.

Power and efficiency Alongside the existing range of powerful and refined petrol engines are the latest six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engines that are smoother, more refined and more efficient than the engines they replace.

The new in-line designs meet Real Driving Emissions Step 2 (RDE2) standards and Euro 6d-final real-world driving compliance with 48V Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology boosting responses and fuel economy. As a result, the new Ingenium unit is one of the world’s leading clean diesel engines.

All the engines available play to the Range Rover Sport’s high-performance character, with the new D350 diesel powering the luxury performance SUV from 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds (0-100km/h 6.9 seconds). With an impressive torque output of 700Nm, strong responses remain at the core of the Range Rover Sport experience and, with CO2 emissions of just 237g/km for the most powerful D350, customers gain traditional V8 diesel performance with six-cylinder efficiency.

Strong performance is backed up by an engaging drive that strikes a fine balance between dynamism and comfort. The Range Rover Sport’s advanced all-wheel drive and air suspension both constantly adapt and respond to road conditions, providing driver feedback and involvement, while retaining the superior refinement that customers expect. Lightweight aluminium construction is a key factor behind the Range Rover Sport’s agile handling and dynamic responses.

The latest Range Rover Sport engine range comprises: Diesel: • D300 – 300PS (221kW), 3.0-litre sixcylinder MHEV, 650Nm of torque at 1,500rpm to 2,500rpm • D350 – 350PS (258kW), 3.0-litre sixcylinder MHEV, 700Nm of torque at 1,500rpm to 3,000rpm Petrol: • P300 – 300PS (221kW), 2.0-litre fourcylinder, 400Nm of torque at 1,500rpm to 4,000rpm

• P400 – 400PS (294kW), 3.0-litre sixcylinder, 550Nm of torque at 2,000rpm to 5,000rpm • P400e – 404PS (297kW), 2.0-litre fourcylinder PHEV, 640Nm of torque at 1,500rpm to 4,000rpm • P525 – 525PS (386kW), 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged, 625Nm of torque at 2,500rpm to 5,500rpm • P575 – 575PS (423kW), 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged, 700Nm of torque at 3,500rpm to 5,000rpm The plug-in hybrid electric P400e is the most fuel-efficient Range Rover Sport and can drive up to 25 miles (41km) in full electric mode with zero tailpipe emissions.

The powerful 300PS (221kW) Ingenium petrol engine combines with an 105kW electric motor for a combined 404PS (297kW), so performance is uncompromised.

The PHEV powertrain accelerates the Range Rover Sport from 060mph in 5.9-seconds (0-100km in 6.3 seconds) while returning up to 88.3mpg (3.2l/100km) in WLTP tests.

The standard-fit Mode 3 cable means a full charge takes less than three hours from a wall box or public charging point, compared to 7.5 hours via a regular Mode 2 cable.

Enhancements to connectivity and security are also available for 21 Model Year Range Rover Sport models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered as standard across all models, while up to eight 4G Wi-Fi connections can be made, keeping the driver and passengers connected at all times.

The new embedded Spotify app also gives Spotify Premium subscribers instant access to millions of tracks and podcasts directly through Touch Pro Duo without the need to synchronise a smartphone with the vehicle.

Driver and passenger wellbeing has been enhanced with the Range Rover Sport’s Cabin Air Ionisation system, now with PM2.5 filtration.

Simply controlled via a ‘Purify’ button within the touchscreen infotainment, the state-of-the-art set-up filters out fine dust particles and allergens, and neutralises odours, to provide a calm, relaxing, refined and healthy environment.

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New Bentayga enhanced further Four new collections of Bentley accessories are now available for customers of the new Bentley Bentayga to enhance the specification and capability of their extraordinary luxury SUV even further. he four-strong portfolio Exterior, Interior, Touring and Protection - allow customers to increase the individualism, luxury and utility of their Bentayga. The Bentley accessories range is developed by the same engineers at Crewe as the cars themselves and are tested with the same level of scrutiny, guaranteeing immaculate quality.

A highlight of the accessories range is the sports exhaust, created in conjunction with renowned manufacturer Akrapovič, and which creates a more exciting exhaust note. The lightweight system is made from high-grade titanium, and consists of a set of link pipes, a muffler, and two sets of oval tailpipes, which are engraved with the Bentley and Akrapovič logos and specially coated for increased durability and protection. The central silencer is replaced with straight pipes, which channel the exhaust gases into the customer rear muffler where they are swirled through internal baffles to create a more

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characterful voice. Through close cooperation between Bentley and Akrapovič engineers, the system has been specifically designed for the Bentayga and uses complex parts cast in Akrapovič’s in-house foundry, including the housings of the exhaust valves, which offer added control over the sound of the exhaust for discerning users.

The system is inspired by the special exhaust system made by Akrapovič for Bentley’s Pikes Peak Bentayga, which set a new record for production SUVs on the infamous Pikes Peak hillclimb in 2018. It is available now for the Bentayga V8 in Bentley’s North American and Middle East markets, while a version of the exhaust for the first generation Bentayga W12 is available globally as an aftersales accessory.

Exterior Range for Performance and Style The Exterior range is designed for customers looking to accentuate the look and sound of their Bentayga. Along with the Akrapovič exhaust system, another performance-inspired option is specially-developed high-gloss carbon fibre

mirror cowls, which add a particularly eyecatching detail when paired with Bentley’s Blackline Specification, which replaces all exterior bright chrome with gloss black versions.

A fixed side step option provides customers with a practical solution aiding entry and exit of the new Bentayga, as well as helping access to roof-mounted accessories. A rubber tread features diamond quilting along the full length of the vehicle between the wheel arches and provides grip under-foot. The fixed sill step can be ordered with either a Black Gloss, Carbon or Moonbeam painted finish.

Interior Range for Even Greater Luxury For a Bentayga more focused on luxury lifestyle, the interior range offers a selection of additional content beyond the normal specification options.

A relaxation pack includes leather-trimmed scatter cushions and additional footrests upholstered in luxurious deep pile carpet, both personalised to the car by matching the main hide and interior carpet colour.

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Bespoke luggage offers a combination of a traditional luggage case and a casual weekender. The cases can open fully flat, while retaining a casual soft look when closed and featuring a unique ‘V’ shape inspired by design language of the Bentayga. Standard luggage is also available as an option in Beluga calf leather.

Characterised by the same criteria of luxury and performance as the Bentayga, the Bentley range of golf bags are water resistant and exceptionally detailed. Taking their design influence from the interior cabin space, Cart Bag and Stand Bag feature diamond quilted details for understated luxury both on and off the course.

Touring Range - Increased Stowage and Utility The touring range expands the Bentayga’s sizeable 484 litre boot capacity with further stowage space and luggage management options including a Bentley roof box, capability to carry up to three bikes or six sets of skis, and storage for valuables.

Branded cross bars are the base of Bentayga’s roof mounted storage system, and secure the roof box or ski and snowboard carrier to the car. Designed to support aerodynamic performance, they lock securely to the roof rails to ensure safe transit in all conditions. Similarly, the ski and snowboard carrier holds up to four snowboards or six sets of skis, and is the perfect option for winter sports enthusiasts – making the Bentayga the perfect car for a grand tour to the

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Alps.

Elegantly styled to complement the vehicle’s shape, the lockable roof box offers secure storage. With a load capacity of 75 kilograms and a volume of 320 litres, the additional space is ideal for an active lifestyle.

A multi-functional boot stowage box option fits securely to the boot floor and allows an internal drawer to slide out, allowing convenient access to contents. The drawer can be divided into two separate sections and offers secure storage for valuables. The interior walls and floor are also covered with a durable and waterproof thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and an integrated drain plug enables any water or dirt to be removed easily. With a capacity of up to 100 litres, it has been designed with an active lifestyle in mind and is an ideal way to transport wet sporting equipment or clothing. The stowage box is finished in beautiful anodised satin finish matching the boot load rails.

Providing an effective method to reach the back of the boot, the load assist tray option is integrated into the boot runners and slides out effortlessly, allowing easy access to stored items. The tray has a load capacity of 300 kilograms and is manufactured from lightweight aluminium.

Two versions of the Bentley Cycle Carrier are available, to carry two or three bikes mounted to the car via the tow bar. The boot is still accessible when the carrier is in use and when

not, it can be folded away for easy stowage.

Protection Range – for Peace of Mind The protection range consists of car covers, heavy duty interior mats and mud flaps.

Two different exterior covers are available, both shaped to match the contours of the new Bentayga with precision. The indoor cover offers an extra barrier against the effects of moisture and dust, even when stored inside, while the outdoor cover offers additional waterproofing and ensures the paint finish and brightware is protected from extreme weather and pollution.

Specifically designed for Bentayga, the mud flaps have been developed to protect the car’s paintwork and help maintain its exterior condition. Made from a durable TPE and secured to the body of the car, they have been styled by the design team in Crewe to compliment the styling cues of the Bentayga while still providing an extra barrier from road debris.

For adverse conditions, heavy duty floor mats provide high quality protection and excellent grip, even when wet. Tailored to fit perfectly within each individual footwell, the branded floor mats have raised edges to protect the existing carpets. At the rear of the vehicle the durable bumper protector will help to keep the upper surface of the rear bumper free from scratches and or damage, in addition to the heavy duty boot mat to protect the boot floor.

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The first-ever BMW iX3 The first fully electric-powered BMW X model has broken cover. he BMW iX3 (WLTP combined test cycle: 0.0 l/100 km; electric power consumption combined: 19.5 – 18.5 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) combines emissions-free travel, dynamic handling and performance with the comfort, functionality and spaciousness that customers would expect of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The iX3 sees the BMW Group pressing ahead with its electrified model offensive set out in its NUMBER ONE > NEXT corporate strategy. The technological expertise amassed in the development of BMW i models is now coming to the fore in a fullyelectric model from the core BMW brand.

The BMW X3 will be the brand’s first model to be available with a pure-electric drive system, a plug-in hybrid system or highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. This embodies the BMW Group “Power of Choice” strategic approach, with the company supporting the broad spread of customer requirements and statutory regulations around the world.

The new BMW iX3 is the result of many years of development work in the electric mobility field. The

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advances achieved since the market launch of the BMW i3 in 2013 now culminate in the company’s fifth-generation eDrive technology which comprises of a highly efficient electric motor, optimised energy density highvoltage battery and a high charging capacity. Thanks to the BMW Group’s longstanding investment in electric mobility, the use of disproportionately large batteries, which have a negative effect on vehicle weight, driving dynamics and electric power consumption, has been avoided in the development of this vehicle.

UK Launch in 2021.

The new BMW iX3 will launch with an exclusive Premier edition for the UK market in summer next year.

Pricing and standard specification details will be revealed in autumn 2020, with pre-ordering opening at the same time.

The iX3 will be launched in some worldwide markets later this year. It will be the brand’s first model to be built for export at the Shenyang plant in China, which is operated by the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

The premiere of the new iX3 marks the introduction of BMW Group’s fifth generation eDrive

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technology. Combining the latest electric motor, power electronics, charging technology and highvoltage battery, the fifth-generation system demonstrates clear progress in its performance characteristics, electric power consumption and range. These components, developed in-house

by BMW Group, will also be fitted in the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4 models from 2021.

The new BMW iX3 has been designed for the current requirements of the electric vehicle market and with future advances in mind. BMW eDrive technology provides an outstanding basis for economically sustainable applications in volume production models.

The introduction of iX3 is well timed, with the enduring appeal of SAV models and rising worldwide demand for all-electric premium cars.

Cutting-edge battery-cell technology plays a headline role in the latest development stage of high-voltage batteries. The storage capacity of the battery has been substantially increased, relative to the installation space required and its weight. The gravimetric energy density of the 188 prismatic cells in the new BMW iX3 is around 20 per cent higher than that of the battery cells used by the BMW Group in its fully-electric vehicles up to now. A gross energy content of 80 kWh – of which 74 kWh is utilised – and the high efficiency of the drive systems allow the new BMW iX3 to offer a range of up to 285 miles (WLTP test cycle).

Full UK specification and pricing will be announced in autumn 2020.

For the latest updates in the meantime, please visit www.bmw.co.uk/ix3

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