Farming Monthly National August 2023

INSIDE: Preview to LAMMA 2024 - Pages 48 - 63

Farming MONTHLY National

December 2023

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PLUS: Arable| Grain | British Lifestyle | LAMMA 2024 | Potatoes and Root Crops|Innovation

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Baling without precision equipment and the best hay preservative

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Regular use of hay preservatives when harvesting and storing hay protects from devastating hay fires and protects your finances and livestock. Increasing the baling widow of opportunity without the risk of spoilt hay

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CONTENTS D e c e m b e r 2023

FEATURES

24 Arable

84 Farm Safety & Security

96 Muck & Slurry

32 Grain

88 Livestock

114 Winter Servicing

38 British Lifestyle 40 Potatoes & Root Crops 48 LAMMA 2024

FM REGULARS National

64 Silage 66 Education &Training

6 News

104 Machinery

68 Innovation

74 Energy

116 ATV

70 Mental Health

80 Buildings

120 Motors

72 Women in Farming

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Farming MONTHLY National

Agriculture. Covered.

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Slurry trials save farmer mucking about with grass growth Farming

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Government launches review to increase fairness in the fresh produce supply chain review to improve fairness in the fresh produce supply chain was launched by the Government today (14 December), supporting British farmers and growers to receive a fair price for their products and ensuring customers have access to high-quality fresh British products.

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The Fresh Produce Supply Chain Review delivers on a key commitment made by the Prime Minister at the Farm to Fork Summit in May and will seek the views of industry on issues including the fairness of contracts between producers and purchasers in the sector, and how supply chain data can be used to support transparency in the negotiation process.

The horticulture industry is a vital part of the UK’s food supply chain, contributing £3.3 billion to the British economy in 2022 and growing more than 3 million tonnes of over 300 different fruit and vegetable crops domestically.

Production of fruit and vegetables often occurs in rural areas and provides valuable income and jobs to these rural communities.

Supporting the growth of this sector is a key component of the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy.

The sector has faced a number of challenges in Farming

recent years including increased energy, fuel and labour costs which have raised concerns about the fairness of the UK supply chain.

Today’s review is the first step in addressing these concerns, providing support for fruit and vegetable growers across the UK and helping meet the government’s target to keep producing 60% of the food we consume here in the UK. It builds upon a series of reviews that have taken place, or are currently underway, to improve fairness in the pork, dairy and egg supply chains.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: •

“I’m committed to backing British farmers and growers, and it’s only right that producers should be paid a fair price.

•

“This review will help ensure that is the case, as well as delivering on our commitments from the Farm to Fork Summit to provide greater stability and resilience for the fresh produce sector.”

The review will gather evidence about how contractual arrangements in the fresh produce sector currently function, whether there is a need for further legislation to oversee the relationship between producers and purchasers,

and whether the supply chain can be made more transparent.

This is an open consultation, meaning that responses from all stakeholders with a link to the fresh produce sector will be welcomed. The review will open today (14 December) and will run for 10 weeks until 22 February.

Today’s announcement builds on a number of actions the Government has delivered since the Farm to Fork Summit in May. This includes investing £168 million in grants and competitions this year alone to support farmers foster innovation, boost productivity and improve animal welfare; boosting food and drink exports by hiring five new agricultural attaches to tackle barriers to markets; and backing industry-led action to support customers to “Buy British” when shopping online.

We have also announced that 45,000 visas will be available in both 2023 and 2024 to support the horticulture sector and will be providing financial support to the Controlled Environment Horticulture (CEH) by opening access to the Phase 3 Industrial Energy Transformation (IETF) Fund launching in January 2024.

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British Sugar and NFU Sugar agree contract for 2024/25 sugar beet crop

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ritish Sugar and NFU Sugar have concluded negotiations and agreed a deal for the 2024/25 sugar beet

contract.

Both parties recognise that growers’ appetites for risk vary and choice is important, therefore growers can select from a number of options: • • • •

a £40 per tonne fixed price (as per the 2023/24 price) a core price of £38 per tonne plus a market-linked bonus a Futures-linked option, for up to 35% of their contract yield protection at a £1 per tonne reduction on the core or fixed contract price

The cash advance option, late delivery allowance, local premium, and frost insurance are the same as last year.

This announcement comes after a lengthy negotiation, and both British

Sugar and NFU Sugar have agreed that the process has not served the industry well. As part of the continued modernisation of our industry we have therefore agreed a shortened negotiation timeline which will deliver a final price and contract earlier in the year.

Keith Packer, Managing Director, British Sugar, said: “I am pleased that we have reached a contract offer for the 2024/25 growing season with NFU Sugar.

We believe this offer represents great potential for growers and shows the long-term commitment British Sugar has to our homegrown sugar industry.

“This negotiation has been my first as Managing Director of British Sugar and I want to make sure that in the future we all do better for our growers. This is why it was important to agree a shorter timeline which will allow both ourselves and NFU Sugar to negotiate to a conclusion for an offer to be with

growers by 30th October. The changes we have made will ensure that this is in place for next year’s negotiations.

“We are now looking forward to moving on and working together on key projects around sustainability, our critical Virus Yellows Pathway and upholding a fair trade policy environment.”

Michael Sly, Chair, NFU Sugar Board, said: “I would like to thank growers for their overwhelming support of NFU Sugar in these very difficult negotiations. It should be clear to everyone that grower unity with NFU Sugar has delivered this deal.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our industry is modernised and growers always receive a fair share of the value of the sugar that comes from their beet.”

Farming

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Ready for 2024 season with CropSaver 023 season saw some interesting weather from very dry early on then to the rain in late June through the rest of 2023. CropSaver equipment is able to take the guess work out of moisture issues and allow you to management it. Firstly, the precision moisture sensor allows you to know in real time if there is a moisture issue with the wet bale marker highlighting the problematic bales or the applicator with preservative opening the baling window.

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CropSaver is available for all baler types with the precision moisture sensor being the key building block. CropSaver applicators begin the entry level digital manual system for the smaller user or fixed rate requirements. For full variable rate application the automatic system is the market leader in precision and quality.

In the near future a second-generation RFID bale tagging system will complement the wet bale marker that provides a simple low-cost option to highlight bales that exceed the operators defined moisture limit. Marking with a food grade colour of the high moisture bales allows the bales to be separated at the stacking point so that the number of waste or poor-quality bales are reduced.

The third component is the automatic variable rate applicator which is suitable for balers. CropSaver uses the balers onboard sensors such as the electronic bale length and weigh scale to monitors the balers performance, adjusting CropSaver pH 6.0 buffered acid application in real time.

The H2O precision moisture sensor and is the building block for additional 7 Series modules.

Accurate measurement of moisture is key to understanding further improvements in the management of your baling operation. The H2O moisture sensor with its 2 years of infield experience is built for the latest generation of high density large square balers.

The technology used to read moisture is market leading +/- 1% accuracy with zero calibration requirements in different crop types or density. The twin star wheels measure by pulsing an electrical signal through the entire bale flake profile. The CropSaver team is often asked ‘why we would pay more for your moisture sensor’, the simple answer is accuracy and reliability with ease of use whether it is integrated to the baler or as a smart device standalone system. Why should a baler operator accept data that is inaccurate from a rub pad or moisture probe? With the twin star wheel system, the operator can have full confidence in the data produced.

Farming

CropSaver pH6.0 animal safe buffered acid. This is an integral part to assist in the baling of high moisture hay and straw when the weather is fighting you all the way to the barn. We have all heard stories of straw baled too wet and turns out like cardboard or hay baled to wet and the usual comments of ‘leave it in the field for a few weeks to sweat’ or at worst selfcombust. Once you exceed 16% moisture just as with grain there is varying degrees of spoilage unless using our highquality bale preservative.

CropSaver is the most cost-effective tool to assist in your baling operation. Improving your understanding of moisture in crops and being able to manage high moisture bales with the wet bale marker or utilising the ultimate bale management applicator system. CropSaver is available from your local New Holland Dealer

Think you can bale hay with zero moisture issues – we are here to help Precision moisture and Application Solutions • • • • •

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Hay and Straw Preservative Market leader for strength and baler safety OFTEN IMATATED BUT NEVER BEATEN ON STRENGTH AND LOW APPLICATION RATES WITH A BALER SAFE pH6.0

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01805 603 363 Farming

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FUW urges members to engage with Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals he Farmers’ Union of Wales is urging its members to engage with the latest proposals of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, stating its the most important change to Welsh agricultural policy since the genesis of the Common Agricultural Policy in 1962.

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The Welsh Government has today (14 December 2023) launched the pivotal consultation on the future of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, the mechanism through which farmers will receive support in Wales from 2025 onwards.

Speaking in response to the announcement, FUW President Ian Rickman said:

are now at the most critical stage of its development.

“We have repeatedly consulted with our members on several versions of this scheme since 2018 and

“While we have been successful in lobbying for certain crucial changes to the scheme since its inception, including the provision of a baseline payment, a number of significant barriers and questions around certain details remain.”

tel: 01724 850224 fax: 01724 289317

In response to the initial Brexit and Our Land Consultation, the FUW maintained that any future payment scheme based on environmental and public goods outcomes must also protect family farms, support rural communities and Welsh Jobs and ensure that agriculture is both sustainable and rewarding. To fail to do so would most likely lead to serious damage to Wales’ family farms and the role they play in Wales’ economy, society, culture and landscape.

“These policy priorities continue to underpin our key asks in relation to the Sustainable Farming Scheme - this scheme must be practical for all farmers in Wales and deliver on our economic, environmental and social sustainability.

www.neilvessey.com sales@neilvessey.com

Farming

“We will be thoroughly dissecting the consultation document and will consult with members in detail on the proposals. This consultation outlines the most important change to Welsh agricultural policy since the genesis of the Common Agricultural Policy in 1962 and I therefore urge every member to engage and contribute to the Union’s response,” said the FUW President.

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Woodland Trust announces appointment of Tony Hall – Lord Hall of Birkenhead as charity’s new chair he Woodland Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Hall – Lord Hall of Birkenhead as the charity’s new chair. He will take up the role in June 2024 when current Chair, Barbara Young – Baroness Young of Old Scone, steps down after eight years as Chair.

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All at the Woodland Trust wish to thank Baroness Young for her unwavering commitment to the cause of woods and trees, for her expert guidance, governance, and counsel over the past eight years.

2020, and Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House from April 2001 until April 2013.

His many career achievements included the launch of Radio 5 live, BBC News 24, BBC News Online and BBC Parliament.

A devotee to the improvement of skills and education in cultural industries, he founded and was Chair of Creative & Cultural Skills, Chairman of the Musical and Dance Scheme, Chair of Stratford East Theatre, and he was Chair of the Cultural Olympiad Committee and a member of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games.

way too. I believe strongly that whoever you are and wherever you live that is something you should be able to enjoy. We are also at a defining moment in the fight to tackle global warming and the crisis in nature. The Woodland Trust is at the forefront of offering solutions to what needs to be done. I am excited to be working for a cause that will leave our environment - our landscapes and wildlife - better than we found it.”

Darren Moorcroft, Woodland Trust Chief Executive said: “We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have had such excellent leadership from Baroness Young and to have someone with such high calibre as Lord Hall as a worthy successor.

“Throughout the process to recruit a new chair Tony demonstrated a deep commitment to the cause and the purpose of the Woodland Trust, broad experience of chairing and governance, sensitivity and humility in manner, intelligence and curiosity of mind, and a genuine interest in advancing inclusivity.

Lord Hall, appointed a CBE in 2005 and created a life peer with the title Baron Hall of Birkenhead in 2010, brings a wealth of experience gained from an extensive career as the 16th Director-General of the BBC between April 2013 and August

Lord Tony Hall said: “I love trees.

I am a member of the Woodland Trust because I believe the benefits to us all of being amongst trees or in woodland is huge and brings real joy. And I know millions of others feel that

“The Woodland Trust will be protecting, creating and restoring more trees and woods than ever before in our history, contributing to resilient landscapes for the health of people, wildlife, and the planet. We hope to inspire people up and down the country to visit woods, plant trees, treasure wildlife, and enjoy the overwhelming benefits that woods and trees offer to our lives, at a time when they face unprecedented threats from inappropriate development, climate change and pests and diseases. We are very excited for the positive impact we will have in the years ahead with Tony’s support and leadership.”

Farming

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Climate: Changes to Welsh government farming tree plans

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ould farmers in Wales become world leaders in sustainability?

That is the aim of the Welsh government, as it announces changes to its farming funding

plans.

The controversial proposals will now see farmers have more time to comply with tree planting requirements of 10% of farmland.

But union leaders said the plans still presented a "barrier" to entering the scheme for many.

A requirement to plant 10% of farmland with trees has proved to be one of the most contentious aspects of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

•

Drakeford Farmers in Wales must plant trees to get cash

Reducing the minimum amount of land which needs to be farmed to claim subsidies has also been proposed, which the government said made it more likely small-scale horticulturalists as well as traditional farmers would apply.

But details of payment rates will not be revealed until summer 2024, just months before the scheme begins.\ The Sustainable Farming Scheme is set to take effect in 2025, replacing European Union payments that had been worth over £300m a year to Welsh farms.

The latest proposal gives farms until 2030 to comply and stipulates the 10% figure only applies to land where conditions allow.

Farmers would be given a top-up payment for the first five years to allow them to work towards the new requirements without losing money.

The plans - one of the Welsh government's flagship proposals to fight climate change were thrown into crisis in July, when NFU Cymru leaders announced they would not take part in the scheme as it was proposed, mainly due to the tree-planting requirement.

There will be three levels of funding farmers can apply for.

•

The first is payable to anyone who applies and

'Puzzle' that farmers can't grow trees Farming

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has 17 requirements, including developing hedgerows for wildlife habitats and managing peatlands.

farmers to take a view on the plans.

However, he urged members to make their voices heard.

The next two levels cover farmers who want to go further in their nature work, but the new plans suggest delaying the introduction of that funding.

Alexander Phillips of the environmental body WWF Cymru said the delay risked farmers "going out of business or being forced to abandon existing nature-friendly regenerative practices".

"This is our final chance to influence the scheme which will in effect shape the future of agriculture here in Wales," he said.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said it was "difficult to see how the scheme will be able to deliver the same level of stability for farm businesses, the supply chain and our rural communities as the current arrangements do".

The plans will be open to consultation until March.

"That's a potential gap of three or four years before we actually get that dedicated support for more advanced nature-friendly farmers," he said.

Lesley Griffiths, minister for rural affairs, said: "We have seen first-hand the impact of extreme weather patterns such as drought and floods on farming.

"We've had farmers contact us... in tears suggesting that they're going to lose a lot of money, that decades of investment and hard work is being ignored by government at the time when they are doing the very thing that Welsh government say they want to incentivise."

"These events will only increase in frequency and are the biggest threat to sustainable food production. That is why we must ensure future support for the industry addresses this issue."

Gareth Parry, deputy head of policy at the Farmers' Union of Wales, said the Welsh government had "listened in certain areas" but the lack of payment details made it hard for

Red tr caption: Farms in Wales will need to commit to planting trees on 10% of suitable land to qualify for the funding scheme Lady caption: Lesley Griffiths says the Welsh government has already spoken extensively to interested parties about the new proposals

Farming

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Ruling the roost: Next generation to take the top perch at Farmlay

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ne of the best-known faces in Scottish and UK egg production has announced he is handing over the reins to his son.

Robert Chapman will not be flying the Farmlay nest completely; staying on as executive chair while his son Iain, 40, takes the top perch as managing director.

The 67-year-old says now is the perfect time - having recently come through a very busy couple of years which has included securing lucrative long-term contracts with supermarkets Aldi and Lidl. Farmlay also supplies Spar and all Morrisons' supermarkets in Scotland.

"It's just natural succession," says Robert, who left school at 15 with the dream of owning 100,000 hens and 1,000 acres of farmland. He steps down as MD with the business owning 450,000 hens and a further 550,000 owned by contract producers - and 2,500 acres of land - a nearly 20-fold increase from the 130 acres he started out with.

"My father let me get on with making my mark on the farm and it's only right that I do the same for Iain. I love everything about Farmlay; especially all the people who have been on this amazing journey with us. But I owe it to my wife Ethel - who has worked alongside me growing the business and been the most marvellous support - to finally spend some more time with her and the grandchildren."

It is not only more family time Robert, who puts his boundless energy and enthusiasm down to always starting the day with two softly boiled eggs for breakfast, has booked into his diary. In January, he

has been invited to be a speaker on the panel reflecting on the keynote Oxford Farming Conference 2024 Report, which this year centres on the food supply chain.

"Eggs are nature's convenience food," smiles Robert. "Cheap, wonderful tasting and full of vitamins."

Iain, who has worked for Aberdeenshire-based Farmlay ever since he was old enough to help collect the eggs - apart from studies at SRUC and travels in Australia - has played a key role in the growth of the business.

One area he is keen to expand yet further is the 500,000 additional hens kept by other farmers on a contract basis under the Farmlay wing. While it was no joke at the time, he believes the 2022 images of supermarket shelves empty of eggs - the result of a combination of factors including high energy and feed prices along with the risk of avian flu - has inadvertently resulted in a "golden age" for egg producers.

"Nobody wants to see that happen again - least of all the supermarkets - and the five-year rolling contracts we now have in place are providing an exciting opportunity to other farmers," explains Iain.

"There is a good return to be had from hens; ideal for a member of the family wanting to come home to the farm or for those looking for diversification.

These new long-term contracts mean our market is more profitable than ever, with full costs tracking for feed, energy and labour leaving a good margin.

Farming

| News planned for 2024 to increase efficiency.

Sunny side up: 10 Farmlay Facts

"We work with farmers every step of the way, from planning permission for sheds, through to building work, lighting, supplying the birds, feeding, audits and support with all the paperwork. As farmers ourselves we understand what we need to offer help and support with."

Iain's wife, Debbie, will be joining the board and working alongside him in the Farmlay office.

"Like dad who has had mum by his side, I am lucky that Debbie works within the business," says Iain, who is father to six-year-old Megan, three-year-old Molly and seven-month-old Emma.

"She's had her hands full recently with the girls, but the time's right for us now and we're excited about following in mum and dad's footsteps."

In addition to 1,700 acres of cereals made up of winter and spring barley, winter oilseed rape and winter wheat, the Chapman family run 230 commercial suckler cows at their 2,500-acre Cockmuir Farm, near Strichen, Aberdeenshire.

They try to grow as much wheat as possible in the rotation to feed the birds, with the remaining acreage grass and woodland.

Working closely with surrounding farmers when it comes to joint business deals such as buying in cereals for the 400-tons-a-week needed for the feed milling operation or providing poultry manure as fertiliser is at the very heart of the Farmlay enterprise. The family has invested heavily in both environment and welfare planting more than 10,000 trees to enhance the hens' habitat - as well as solar, biomass and wind-powered renewable energy. £3.5million was recently invested in the packing centre which included another robot adding to the existing six used in the grading facility and another

The Chapman family - under Robert's father Peter and his wife Elizabeth - started rearing poultry back in 1946, going on to market their own in eggs in the 1970s.

Farmlay now packs almost five million eggs a week and the Chapman's put the secret of their success down to happy hens and long daylight hours in their part of the country 70% of Farmlay's hens kept free range, 20% colony and 10% barn housed.

In addition to Lidl, Aldi, Morrisons and Spar supermarkets Farmlay also delivers to local retailers.

Farmlay rears all its own hens, from day old chicks through to point-of-lay.

Robert and Iain Chapman credit developments in vaccination for vastly reducing the amount of antibiotics now used within the flock.

Farmlay manages has its own transport fleet, including game changing 'double-decker' trailers which fit onboard an extra 100,000 eggs per load reducing carbon footprint.

In 2010 Farmlay invested £1.2m in an 800kWh wind turbine. On a windy day it powers the entire egg production facility with green electricity. A further 330kw turbine was added in partnership with a local farmer in 2016.

Five biomass fired boilers have replaced the old oil and gas-fired systems to keep the Farmlay chicks as well as the packing centre - warm. They produce 2500kWh renewable heat.

1000kWh of solar energy provides electricity to Farmlay's laying and rearing farms.

Farming

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Taking the farming story to Westminster FUW holds successful Montgomeryshire Day

he Montgomeryshire team of the Farmers’ Union of Wales has taken the farming story to Westminster in a bid to showcase the importance of agriculture and food production, as well as providing an opportunity to showcase Montgomeryshire demonstrating the sheer quality and diversity of its produce, producers and organisations.

Working jointly with Craig Williams, Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire, the Union and exhibitors had a successful ‘Montgomeryshire Day', which was hosted in the Jubilee Room in the House of Commons on Wednesday 6 December 2023.

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Joining the FUW for the event were The British Wool Marketing Board, Montgomeryshire YFC, Cakes and Bakes, Craig Farm Organics, Vintage

Farming

Land Rover Tours, Get Jerky, LunchLocker and Mid Wales Tourism.

The delegation enjoyed an evening at the Wales Office (Tuesday 5 December 2023), meeting with Minister of State forthe Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Mark Spencer MP, Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Barclay MP, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Wales Office Fay Jones MP. FUW President Ian Rickman said: “I would like to thank Craig Williams for the excellent opportunity to bring not just the story of farming and Montgomeryshire right into the heart of London, but also providing members with an opportunity to speak to Ministers about the farming

| News

matters that are of concern to them.”

Union officials also met with Steve Reed MP, Shadow Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the Wednesday morning, discussing funding commitments, the importance of farming to the rural economy and wider manifesto commitments including the need for food security, and Jo Stevens MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales to discuss the Unions key asks looking ahead to a possible General Election.

In the afternoon, following Prime Minister's Questions, Montgomeryshire Day welcomed guests to taste Montgomeryshire produce and speak to producers and Union officials about wider farming matters. Union President Ian Rickman also welcomed the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, highlighting the concerns farmers have in Wales.

Speaking after the event, The Rt Ho. Craig Williams MP said: “It was a pleasure to welcome all of our exhibitors and guests to Westminster. Our aim was to

showcase Montgomeryshire and promote a county that is filled with wondrous landscapes and blessed with so many successful businesses, from small to large scale.

“I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has been involved in Montgomeryshire Day, and in particular to everyone who has travelled to London. Finally, a massive thank you to the Farmers’ Union of Wales, who have been instrumental in pulling the event together.”

FUW Montgomeryshire CEO, Emyr Wyn Davies, said: “Montgomeryshire Day provided an excellent opportunity to showcase our agricultural and rural talents in the House of Commons, whilst also showing those MP’s not representing a Welsh constituency what we have to offer.

“As a Union we know that family farms in particular are at the heart of our rural economy, caring for our landscapes and of course our culture, and they make innumerable other contributions to the wellbeing of Wales and the UK. That was clearly visible at Montgomeryshire Day and members across the Union will be pleased to know that their Union stressed the importance of a thriving, sustainable, farming sector in Wales with everyone they spoke to during the course of the event.”

Farming

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Hot potato! Brits dream of a traditional Christmas, as new poll finds roasties most essential item on dinner plate he British public are dreaming of a traditional Christmas, opting for classics such as roast potatoes, farmreared turkey and gravy over more unusual dinner choices.

The new poll by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual will come as a boost to the nation's farmers and independent rural businesses providing Christmas fodder for people up and down the country

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essential item for a Christmas dinner, closely followed by gravy and that festive favourite, pigs in blankets.

"Turkey was predictably the most popular centrepiece while Brussels sprouts were voted the most essential vegetable.

"Even though Brits still strive to put on the perfect Christmas roast, a third believed Yorkshire Puddings belonged on the plate, which will no doubt spark debate with traditionalists.

"The good news for British farmers and growers and other rural businesses is that they are perfectly placed to provide people's dream food throughout the festivities and into the new year."

Sixty-four percent of people said tradition was the most important factor when planning their Christmas dinner, and a whopping 74% stated roast potatoes were essential to the plate. This was closely followed by gravy (58%), pigs-in-blankets (45%), and farm-reared turkey (37%), with 37% plumping for the humble brussels sprout.

Emma Mosey, Farm Retail Association Chair, adds: "It's the busiest time of year for our farm retailers and many host additional events and extended opening hours to increase footfall.

"Customers may be watching their pennies in these difficult times but consumers are more mindful than ever of where there food comes from and supporting local producers and independent retailers – for which we are very grateful."

The results suggest the traditional Christmas dinner is sacrosanct, but shockingly, over a third of those surveyed said non-traditional Yorkshire Puddings were essential.

When it comes to the centrepiece, turkey still rules the roost with 37% saying it is essential to the Christmas dinner, while 14% opted for beef. Four in every hundred say a nutroast is essential while 3% want fish and 2% selected goose.

In addition to tradition, Brits want something easy to cook (31%) and nearly a quarter had their eye on getting good leftovers when planning their Christmas dinner.

More than one in five sought special ingredients while over 20% said good food and wine pairings were essential.

Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, said: "British farmers and rural businesses have their own long-standing tradition of providing the nation with high-quality, nutritious, and affordable food, especially at Christmas.

"Our research shows roast potatoes are the most Farming

CASE STUDY: Emma Mosey – Yolk Farm and Minskip Farm Shop For Emma Mosey, co-owner of Yolk Farm and Minskip Farm Shop, the diversification of farm businesses, not just at Christmas but all throughout the year, is a crucial aspect moving forward to stay relevant with the public.

Emma and her husband, Ben, decided to "close the gap" between their upbringings in 2017 when they took over a small, independent farm shop in Boroughbridge.

While Ben was from a farming family, Emma grew up in Manchester away from a rural life and was an

| News CASE STUDY: Mary Quicke - Quicke's Cheese, Devon

author, but bringing their worlds together six years ago is something they've never looked back on.

Now running Yolk Farm and Minskip Farm Shop, in Boroughbridge, the couple are heading into their seventh Christmas with the shop having doubled in size since their acquisition.

"It's a really busy time of year," said Emma. "But it all really starts around the summer-time for planning and orders.

"Entering December, though, is when it is really exciting to see all the work that has been put in come to fruition. Everyone in the shop gets excited around this time – it's always a great atmosphere among the staff.

"A lot of our staff have dual roles so, for example, one of our delivery drivers is Santa Claus when we have our annual Santa's Grotto – it's just amazing experience to watch as he's so good with all the kids and parents."

Yolk Farm is hosting its Santa's Grotto, a wreath-making workshop, a charity drag show, has its Christmas tree barn open and, as Emma says, has "everything in store you can imagine for Christmas dinner".

The 38-year-old, who couples her role with being Chair of the Farm Retail Association, says the diversification of farm shops is a crucial aspect moving forward.

"We have been really positive in trying to drive the business forward," Emma said. "We are a modern farm shop and have drawn in a lot of young families.

"The great thing about the farm shop is that we have diversified at lot – and a lot of farm shops are doing this but all in different ways which is positive.

"What makes us unique is it's all about the freerange hens and having the first-ever egg restaurant here. I know I will be biased, but they are amazing.

We have eaten them every morning since 2017 and still love them just as much."

Mary Quicke of Devon-based Quicke's Cheeses, makers of award-winning traditional cloth-wrapped cheddar, has been a champion of local produce for decades, not just at Christmas but all through the year.

But she said buying local no longer required customers to make a personal visit to the producer or retailer. Online sales now make up a substantial part of her and other food and drink businesses where quality, provenance and authenticity are major sales drivers.

For Quicke's, however, that doesn't mean they cannot continue to support other local businesses.

"Online sales have taken off so much that we have outsourced our fulfilment to Littledart at Witheridge, another thriving local business," she said.

Christmas is a time for gift giving and Quicke's has developed a product that suits the growing trend for gifts that can be easily and quickly delivered. "The big thing that has really taken off is letter-box cheese," Mary said. "It's three pieces of cheese packed in a cardboard box that fits through the letterbox."

The market for traditional cheese has always been seen as primarily aimed at older customers. But it is the 25 to 45 age group who are the biggest customers of cheese delivered as a gift and posted through the letter box.

"Younger people like presents that go away!" Mary joked. "You get the gift, eat the cheese, and its gone." She said packaging developments meant the product stayed fresh and faster delivery times ensured it arrived in perfect condition.

"We've realised we are essentially a gifting website and, since Covid, our business has shifted online substantially," Mary said. The other big development has been a growth in celebration cakes made from cheese. "There's a limited number of people who like fruit cake," she said.

"More people like cheese."

NFU Mutal Agent Jeremy Atkins from Crediton has been working with Quicke's for 12 years. He said over that time he had seen the business evolve to include online sales and global exports. "Quicke's is a great example of a local farmer and food producer where you can see the production.

Devon cows, fed on Devon grass with a wonderful product at the end of it. We are really proud to represent them and work with them on a business that is not just local, but also global".

Farming

| News

A FAMILY-OWNED manufacturing company celebrating more than two decades in business is planning for expansion and creating new jobs

nd news of further growth at Corwen-based Neatcrown comes after the firm won the prestigious Co-Manufacturer and Packer of the Year title at the UK Packaging Awards, held in London.

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Business Development Manager Karen Jones attended the event, and said the group’s commitment to customer service, quality, and the performance of its “incredible team” have led to sustained success.

With a 39,000 sq ft warehouse, laboratory and headquarters sited on 2.5 acres in the picturesque Denbighshire town, Farming

Neatcrown – which employs up to 40 staff and is accredited to ISO 9001:2015 – has big plans for the future.

“We are probably one of the best kept secrets in the region and have grown significantly over recent years,” said Karen.

“As a contract manufacturer we work with a lot of distributors and companies that have their own brands, helping them to develop products via our onsite laboratory and ultimately manufacturing them, before they are sent out for sale across the UK and internationally.

“For that and the hard work of the incredible team we have here to be

| News

Colin added: “Neatcrown is growing, and not just in terms of revenue and reputation but also the jobs we are creating for skilled, passionate workers in what is a remote, rural area.

“We want to continue supporting the local economy as a key employer in the area, building our name and raising standards, for ourselves and the industry.”

recognised with such an amazing award is a great privilege, so we thank the judges for this accolade.”

Established by the Griffiths family in 2002, Neatcrown Corwen Ltd began to diversify prepandemic to focus primarily on growth within the agriculture sector, notably crop nutrition, biostimulants, and innovative methods to drive sustainability in farming, having been manufacturing horticultural products at the site for more than four decades.

While expansion continues, the company is renowned for its flexible and reactive approach – switching to disinfectant manufacturing during the first wave of Covid19 kept the business operational – and partnerships across a wide range of sectors.

CEO Colin Roberts said innovation and forging new relationships centred on advances in technology and sustainability are vital moving forward.

“Given the changing environment, climate change and other global factors, collaboration is pivotal to our continued success,” he said.

“We work with a wide range of organisations, co-manufacturing their products, packaging them and helping to develop them – it’s an end-to-end journey and experience for us, and for the customer.”

They had an opportunity to showcase the business at this year’s CropTec Show, held over two days in Warwickshire. The event has been delivering and showcasing technical knowledge, products, services and practical advice to the country’s progressive growers and agronomists for more than 10 years.

“We are delighted to have exhibited at the show for the first time, it was a chance for us to meet with leading names in the agriculture and horticulture arenas and demonstrate what we do,” said Karen.

“These are fast-growing markets, and we want to get the message out there that we are an expanding, evolving business with a clear vision for further growth that will have a positive impact on our partners, customers and the sector, for many years to come.”

For more information and to see the latest job vacancies at Neatcrown, visit the website www.neatcrown.co.uk or follow Neatcrown on LinkedIn. Alternatively, call 01490 413121 or email customer.support@neatcrown.co.uk Farming

| News

BETTER COMMUNICATION WITH FARMERS KEY TO SUCCESS OF NEW AGRICULTURE BILL

ommunicating the benefits of nature and habitat restoration to farming and crofting businesses will be key to the success of the new agriculture legislation, Scottish Land & Estates said today.

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The rural business organisation today provided evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs and Islands Committee as MSPs examined the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill.

SLE said it was imperative that more detail was provided to farming businesses for long-term planning and that the sector was allowed to make a meaningful contribution when secondary legislation, plans and codes of practice are being drafted.

Eleanor Kay, Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture & Climate Change) at Scottish Land & Estates, said: "As a framework bill to enable new

support systems to be introduced, we believe the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill strikes the right balance between what Scotland needs to achieve in food production, mitigating climate change, and restoring biodiversity.

"However, it will be farmers, crofters and land managers who will be responsible for achieving our ambitions on the ground and that's why communication is key to the future success of this legislation.

"We are already seeing the effects of climate change in Scotland, particularly through extreme weather events, and farming businesses are often bearing the brunt of this. Working to mitigate climate change will benefit both wider society and farming businesses, increasing resilience to these events, but communication is vital in bringing farmers on board and not making these policies seem like a topdown imposition.

"The Bill clearly shows where secondary legislation will be required to provide the details that will deliver the Vision for Agriculture and the Agricultural Reform Programme. More must be done by government to ensure true co-design of policy with the sector so that farmers and land managers can provide substantial input when secondary legislation, plans and codes of practice are being drafted.

"Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for those in the sector is also a key provision in the Bill. We support the broad principle of CPD as a tool to help the transition to new farming practices, but we need to make sure it is valuable to those on the ground and is not viewed as a hassle or simply a tick-box exercise. We must also ensure there are enough high-quality and effective advisors to deliver the necessary knowledge for the sector to transition to the new policy."

AHDB secures the support of industry bodies to increase levy rates he Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has secured the support of major industry stakeholders to increase the levy in all four sectors it supports – pork, beef and lamb in England, dairy in Great Britain, and cereals and oilseeds in the United Kingdom.

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This comes ahead of the application to Ministers in Defra and the Devolved Administrations for approval.

Will Jackson, Divisional Director for Engagement commented: “Today (Friday 15 Farming

Dec 23), we have recommended to Ministers to approve levy increases in the four sectors we serve. We are delighted to be doing this with the support of so many industry stakeholders who recognise the value that AHDB demonstrates through the levy and want us to do more.

“The levy rate has not increased for over 20 years in some sectors and our spending power has greatly deteriorated over that time due to inflation and the loss of our VAT status. If a levy increase is approved, AHDB can continue to deliver the valuable things that levy payers have told us are important to them and increase our activities where levy payers have

asked us to do more in order to meet their expectations.”

Since October this year, AHDB have been sharing plans to increase the levy through its Funding your Future campaign.

Discussions with industry and levy payers have taken place widely and culminated in a livestream event where levy payers could ask their questions about the levy increase.

The proposals, which were published by the Sector Councils in October, have now been put to Government Ministers and Devolved Administrations for them to make a decision, expected in the first quarter of 2024.

| News

South West AgriTech Showcase returns SAVE THE DATE

uilding on the success of last year’s event, the South West AgriTech Showcase will be returning with a packed agenda and at a new venue, on Thursday 21 March 2024.

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The event will focus on innovation and technology within agriculture, its commercialisation and adoption and how this can improve farming businesses and profitability.

“We will look at livestock, arable and dairy farming with a specialist in each session, alongside a farmer who has used technology to enable greater productivity, sustainability, and profitability,” explains Joanna Rufus, chair of South West AgriTech.

Sustainable farming practices will be one of the themes of the day.

“Technology and innovation will enable land managers to become more efficient, productive, and thereby profitable; resilient and sustainable, and better able to protect and enhance the environment,” says Dr Robin Jackson, director of the Rural Business School at Duchy College.

The other themes of the day will include: Financial drivers for farmers, assisting an easier and more resilient transition to profitability, sustainable food production systems, and the use of technology and innovation to improve productivity.

“This fits with our definition of agri-tech – any technology on the farm, or that crosses the threshold of the farm, for use in

agriculture, horticulture, or aquaculture which increases productivity and sustainability,” says Ms Rufus.

The South West AgriTech Showcase will feature the latest innovations, with the agenda promising high-profile speakers, the latest research, and an indoor marketplace dedicated to networking.

Following the success of the previous showcase, the event has scaled up to a new location – Westpoint Arena, to allow for further networking within an expanded marketplace. “We were extremely pleased with the number of attendees at our very first showcase,” adds Ms Rufus.

“The feedback we received from both the programme and marketplace has been very rewarding, so we are really looking forward to building on this for next year.”

Farming

| Arable

Emergency onion seed treatment collaborative effort to allow a vital seed treatment for 2024 sowing has succeeded.

Emergency authorisation of the Force seed treatment for bulb onions was passed on 1st December 2023 and will enable its use until 15th April 2024.

Rae Cook, chair of the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) seed treatment forum explains:

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“The combined efforts of the British Onion Producers Association (BOPA), Horticulture Crop Protection UK Ltd (HCP), BSPB and Syngenta UK Ltd has secured this essential seed treatment. The threat of bean seed fly can be too great without it and all those involved are appreciative of the prompt response and support of the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).”

Whilst authorisation has been passed to use the seed treatment, the CRD expects farmers and growers to follow the conditions of use carefully and diligently.

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“Seed treatments represent a highly accurate and targeted application of plant protection products that deliver the product exactly where it is needed.

Growers need to hold a copy of the approval and stewardship form, which can be found on the pesticide database of the HSE website, www.pesticides.gov. uk/search/offlabels,” adds Mrs Cook.

She also suggests there is the potential for further emergency authorisations for other crops that could be made available.

“We need users to comply with the details of all stewardship instructions to demonstrate best practice and encourage the authorisation of more seed treatments to aid seedling establishment in the future,” she concludes.

| Arable

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| Arable

he government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will provide an income of £45 per hectare to farmers and growers taking an integrated pest management (IPM) approach and relinquishing the use of chemicals in favour of biological solutions.

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“We welcome these incentives that will help growers in England rely less on chemical insecticides. Using biostimulants, especially those containing silicon, has repeatedly produced plants that are more resilient to stresses by using crop protection products is that silicon acts to improve overall plant and soil health.

The accumulation of silicon also increases puncture resistance and leaf hair density, fortifying the plant’s natural defences,” explains Mr Kennedy.

The SFI will apply to arable, leguminous and nitrogen fixing crops, along with horticultural and non-horticultural permanent crops such as soft,

improving cell strength, cell adhesion, and increasing cuticle thickness,” says biostimulant specialist James Kennedy from Orion FT. UK farm data has shown that applying silicon biostimulants to crops from strawberries to wheat has a similar effect and improves plant heath, making the crop stronger. Stronger plants are subsequently healthier and better protected against pests such as aphids, slugs and flea beetle.

“The fundamental difference to Farming

stone, and top fruits. Mr Kennedy also suggests that using silicon biostimulants on these crops will help mitigate against climate extremes.

“Crops treated with silicon establish deeper-searching root structures capable of finding more nutrients and water. The UK is experiencing ever higher temperatures and longer drought periods so it makes sense to incentivise growers to use products that can counteract this,” he concludes.

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Christmas tale from the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

"On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me... a partridge in a pear tree!"

We all know the words to one of our most beloved Christmas songs, and many of us also know that finding a partridge in a pear tree is extremely unlikely.

These little plump birds – an iconic part of our farmed arable landscape – are much more at home on the ground. During the winter months, they are mostly hiding in the winter stubbles, rape fields and wildbird seed mixes, or along the hedgerows.

Grey partridges are found in open farmland and pasture, from Scotland to the south-west of England, and along the moorland fringes of northern England. During this time of year, they live in tight groups, or 'coveys' of up to 20 birds. With their little orange faces and round grey-brown bodies they are both distinctive, and quite comical, in appearance.

small-scale mixed farming to large-scale winter cropping, and increases in pesticide use reducing insect food for partridge chicks.

Widely regarded as a 'barometer' of the countryside, the grey partridge is also an umbrella species: If the partridge is struggling, other farmland species are suffering too.

But, in the words of Francis Buner, GWCT Head of Wildlife recovery and international grey partridge expert: "If we turn the tide and do what is right for the grey partridge, we will also do what is right for farmland biodiversity.

"Where grey partridges thrive, bees, birds, mammals and anything that's crawling on the ground typically also thrives.

Since the early 1980s, numbers have dropped by 94%, data from the GWCT has shown. Back in 1911 there were more than a million breeding pairs in the UK – today we have fewer than 37,000 pairs. It is the steepest and most dramatic decline of any bird species in the UK, after the turtle dove.

The decline has been attributed to a number of factors including the intensification of agriculture, especially the shift from

Fast forward 250 years and this is now one of our most beloved carols sung by young and old this time of year.

In another 250 years we will probably still be singing ... "and a partridge in a pear tree!"

But by then the sight and sound of real grey partridges in the fields and along the hedgerows might just be a memory of bygone days – unless we act now!

What you might not know is that time is fast running out for our native grey partridge!

When the lyrics of 12 Days of Christmas were penned more than 250 years ago, farmers' fields across Britain were brimming with grey partridges. It was once one of the most prolific farmland birds, the mainstay of small game shoots, and part of the staple diet of country folk, who typically would poach them at night.

a rhyme that was sung as part of a game. The leader would kick things off by singing 'On the first day of Christmas...' which was then repeated by the next player who added another verse.

Here is how you can help grey partridges thrive on your land! https://www.gwct.org.uk/ advisory/guides/conserving-thegrey-partridge/ "I have never met anyone who doesn't like the humble grey partridge. They are therefore the perfect flagship species to work with and can unite any stakeholder around the table to draw up a conservation plan.

"We therefore believe that conservation action directed towards the grey partridge is the best and most efficient way to restore farmland biodiversity generally."

From children's game to Christmas carol

The GWCT also runs the voluntary Partridge Count Scheme which farmers, gamekeepers and landowners can join to help collect information on the annual abundance and breeding success of grey partridges across the UK. This also helps them see the effects of their own conservation efforts.

You can also follow the story on Facebook and Twitter over the festive season with our 12 Days of Christmas – Partridge Fact of the Day. Help the Game & Wildlife Trust make 2024 the Year of the Partridge!

First published in 1780 in the children's book Mirth without Mischief, 12 Days of Christmas was Farming

| Arable

n the eve of both Oxford Farming Conference and the Oxford Real Farming Conference, the "Wild LIVE" debate will be discussing what barriers remain to achieving a food system with nature at its core.

It will look to build on the Consensus on Food, Farming and Nature – a vision for nature-friendly food production set out by farming and environment groups that was agreed at year ago at the 2023 conferences.

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Chaired by The Wildlife Trusts Chief Executive Craig Bennett, the session will be led by a panel of author and farmer Sarah Langford, Vice Chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network James Robinson, Marks and Spencer Head of Sustainability Lucinda Langton, and Steve Proud, Land Management Director at Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.

The "Wild LIVE: Is it time to put the food vs. nature debate to bed?" event will run from 6 - 7.30pm on Wednesday 3 January at Modern Art Oxford, Pembroke Street, with doors opening at 5pm for networking and drinks.

The Consensus on Food, Farming and Nature will also feature in an Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) session the following day, which will be chaired by Soil Association Head of Farming Policy Gareth Morgan exploring the barriers to achieving the vision in the consensus.

Morgan said: "With government policies moving to incentivise nature-friendly farming and public concern rising about environmental issues, there is widespread agreement that farming needs change to be more sustainable and economically resilient. What we need to work out now is how we get to that end goal, and how we can break down the barriers to achieving it. Everyone across the farming and environmental sectors will need to work together to create a food system that is truly sustainable for people, planet and wildlife, and this debate on the eve of both Oxford conferences is the perfect place to do just that."

For more information about the debate and to book a place, visit The Wildlife Trusts' website.

Tillage, fertilisers, government farming policy, AsianAfro Caribbean crops, and farm trials covering net zero, winter grazing and revival of the Scottish flax industry will all feature in Soil Association sessions at ORFC. For the full conference programme and for more information, visit: www.orfc.org.uk.

SOIL ASSOCIATION ORFC SESSIONS THURSDAY 6 JANUARY

11am-12.30pm - Oxford Town Hall, Assembly Room Hear from Riverford founder Guy Singh-Watson on what's caught his attention about the potential of perennials, expert perennial grower and founder of Incredible Vegetables, Mandy Barber, and get a debrief on micropropagation as a possible means to increase production from Tom Hartley from Soil Association Certification.

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4-5.30pm –St Aldates Tavern, the Blue Room Hear from seasoned journalists, the Innovative Farmers network, and producers on how a good story builds connection and mobilises the democratic voice of farmers, growers, and landworkers. Speakers with expertise in podcasting, broadcast journalism and magazine publishing will share their success stories of how they overcame obstacles and built inspiring stories that brought alternative farming practices to a wider audience. The panel discussion will be followed by an interactive workshop.

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Perennial veg: promise and propagation Farming

Joining forces to shift the narrative for food and farming

4-5.30pm – Cheng Building, Digital Hub Soil Association Head of Policy Gareth Morgan will chair a session on what more is needed to shift the narrative around agroecology, and support truly transformative change in our food and farming systems. Using the Consensus on Food, Farming and Nature as an example, this session will explore the opportunities for building momentum within the agroecological movement, and identify the more fundamental changes that still need to happen.

Panellists will examine the barriers to agroecology being embraced by a much wider range of organisations and interests.

FRIDAY 5 JANUARY • Managing reduced tillage in horticulture 9-10.30am - Oxford Town Hall, Council Chamber Soil Association Horticulture Advisor Carolyn Coxe will chair a session looking at the rise in popularity of no-till alongside the struggle for growers to adopt the practice and remain chemical-free. The session will hear from growers who are trialling nature-friendly techniques to solve this issue. It will cover how, through the Innovative Farmers network, growers are pioneering new machinery and strip till techniques to find ways of maximising the benefits to soil health.

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Media storytelling for food systems change

Growing without borders: launching an Asian-Afro Caribbean crops network

| Arable 11am-12.30pm – Oxford Town Hall, Assembly Room Growing and Sharing Without Borders is a project in partnership with Kushinga Community Garden about growing Afro-Caribbean veg in gardens. Building on an existing collaboration between Food for Life, My Food Community and Back to Our Roots, it launched in March 2023 aiming to upskill people in the community interested in growing any veg, but with an interest in Asian-Afro-Caribbean crops. Join innovative chefs and growers, including Soil Association horticulture advisor Hugh Blogg, for the discussion.

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Rediscovering the flax fibre industry in Scotland

stability, social cohesion, and national security and sovereignty.

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Bale grazing as an effective livestock outwintering strategy

2-3.30pm – Oxford Town Hall, Assembly Room Members of the Pasture for Life-led, four-year, Innovative Farmers field lab on bale grazing will come together to share their insights into this outwintering strategy, including costs, benefits, impacts, and lessons learned after several years of testing the approach. The session will provide in depth information on the subject for any farmer trialling or interested in this approach.

11am-12.30pm - Parish Centre, Conference Room

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The Scottish flax fibre industry was a victim of globalisation in the 19th century. Flax once flourished in the damp soils, but its seeds and supply chain have been lost. Join this session to hear from farmers, researchers, and citizens, who have teamed up via the Innovative Farmers programme on a mission to find out which modern flax varieties can be scaled up across the country. But this research is more than just a field trial. Come along to hear about the shared dream of reseeding local and sustainable cloth production in Scotland, and to join the discussion about how you can get involved in developing a UK regenerative textile supply chain.

2-3.30pm – Oxford Town Hall, Council Chamber

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Fertilisers in the Landscape

Soil Association Farming Advisor Jerry Alford will chair a discussion on using a whole-landscape approach to soil fertility. The session will cover how harnessing the relationships and interactions between trees and crops can help manage organic nitrogen more efficiently, while also supporting biodiversity.

Capturing carbon: joining the dots between policy and practice

11am-12.30pm – Cheng Building, Digital Hub The Climate Change Committee has been clear that carbon dioxide removal will be key to reaching net zero. Join the RSPB, Soil Association, Green Alliance, and Farm Carbon Toolkit to look at how the way we approach this will have significant implications for our society – including for farmers, who are fundamentally important in helping to achieve our climate targets. This session's experts will cover carbon removal options, covering unbiased information about both the challenges and opportunities these present.

They'll also explore the wider policy context and untangle the question of how these approaches can be reconciled with a transition to agroecology.

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The Welsh policy perspective on transforming our food systems

11am-12.30pm – Cheng Building, Seminar Room Soil Association Head of Policy Cymru Andrew Tuddenham will be speaking on the panel about how food is a basic need, but seldom a basic policy area.

The session will explore how drawing on agroecology for cohesive national food strategies can provide benefits across all these sectors: supporting public health, environmental sustainability, economic

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It takes a farm community to be net zero: a case study from Cornwall

2-3.30pm - Oxford Town Hall St Aldate's Room This session focuses on the innovations of three farmers as part of a 43-strong community in Cornwall funded by the Climate Action Fund, part of the National Lottery Community Fund and supported by Innovative Farmers. The Farm Net Zero project is driven by farmers to improve farm resilience by reducing emissions from feed, fuel, and fertiliser, but at the same time increase soil health and ecosystem services. The speakers are part of an extensive range of farmer-led field walks, events and on-farm trials which drive community learning. This session will have a 20-minute commissioned film which focuses on farm communities.

Farming

| Arable

J Riley announces working demonstration and new lifter frame

he celebrated biennial J Riley working demonstration will return in January 2024. The event will showcase the latest Vervaet beet harvester range at work, including turbine and rollerbed models, as well as the Riley beet chaser conversion. As part of the company’s 30th anniversary celebrations an older Vervaet harvester will be running alongside its younger cousins.

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The comprehensive Vervaet range offers solutions for all soil types and demands. The fourwheel Q-616, the most popular beet harvester on the market, will be shown with both the rollerbed and turbine primary cleaning system options, along with a sixwheel Beet Eater 625 which remains the contractor’s favourite for maximum performance Farming

in arduous conditions. Combined with the option of Riley refurbished machines there is a Vervaet harvester to suit every scenario, from a farm lifting its own fodder beet through to the largest sugar beet harvesting contractor.

A new share lifting system for turbine-type machines will be shown in public for the first time at the demo. The new share design is already fitted to rollerbed-type harvesters, and is now combined with a new modular frame for turbine-type machines. The new frame affords the operator exceptional visibility across the shares, and the system has been found to provide improved lifting performance.

Demand for selfpropelled beet chasers has been steadily increasing during recent campaigns. The Riley beet chaser conversion,

| Arable

based on a refurbished Vervaet Beet Eater 625 or 925 harvester, has proven to be a very capable machine with numerous units now running in the UK. The most recent Beet Chaser 25 will be in action at the demonstration.

In 2024 J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Jeremy Riley founded the company in 1994 to become the UK importer for Vervaet. The right machines, combined with Rileys’ excellent backup, made Vervaet the UK market leader, a position which has been retained for well over two decades. In recent years Jeremy retired and sold the business, which is now co-owned by Vervaet and managing director Matt Carse. The extraordinarily successful Vervaet 17-tonner

was pivotal to this success, and an example will be working at the event to mark the occasion and demonstrate how harvesters have changed over the past 20 years.

The Riley demonstration is an unmissable event for those with an involvement in sugar beet harvesting and the wider industry, as well as an enjoyable day out. Refreshments will include the highly-regarded hog roast prepared

by North-Norfolk butchers H.V. Graves.

The event will take place on Wednesday 31 January 2024 near Little Witchingham, Norwich, Norfolk by kind permission of H. Jones (Farms) Ltd. The postcode is NR9 5NB, and What3words address is ///furniture.slips. beanbag. Signs will be in place on the day

Farming

| Grain

Challenging weather during harvest 23 meant ‘baptism of fire’ for new Mecmar drier Supplied and installed by McArthur Agriculture, the Mecmar ran for 24 hours a day for two weeks – drying milling wheat and oats Hind and Son’s, Dunmore Hind, who with his father Alan, farms 800ha at Elm Tree Farm, near Grantham, Lincs, needs to combine his milling wheat as quickly as possible, despite its moisture content (mc), to retain its quality. The challenging weather during last year’s harvest meant that the Hinds’ new Mecmar S 40 T mobile drier, had a baptism of fire.

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“We probably cut the first 2,000t of our milling wheat at between 18-20% mc, and before that we had cut 400t of oats at 19%. So for 14 days the Mecmar ran constantly!” explained Dunmore Hind.

The new drier, supplied by Sharmans of Stamford and installed by McArthur Agriculture, was the second phase of the Hinds’ upgrade of their grain processing

Farming

capabilities.

“Tom Barker from Sharmans knew that we were looking to make changes to our grain drying and storage facilities and suggested that we talk to the McArthur Agriculture team to work with us on Phase 1 of the development,” said Hind.

Following a site visit, McArthur Agriculture designed a system, incorporating the Hinds’ old drier, fed by a 12m long Skandia Elevator 60tph ILine trench intake conveyor housed in an existing building to utilise existing space. The intake is designed with prefabricated component parts, concrete trough sections and pre-fabricated grids make the installation an easy process.

An existing hopper was retained to provide the flexibility of tipping large amounts of grain into the

intake or to tip smaller quantities of seed into the drier. From the drier, grain is transported via 3 x 120tph Skandia I-Line conveyors to a purpose-built 3000t grain store.

The design also included a small building, located next to the intake, which enabled the housing of the existing drier but was future proofed to allow for further development.

Phase 1 was up and running and performed well during harvest 2022 but, for harvest 2023 the Hinds were looking at increasing the amount of milling wheat grown so timely harvesting was even more important.

“We realised that we needed to invest in a bigger drier.

Following further discussions with McArthur around Phase 2, we purchased a Mecmar S 40 T which was installed

| Grain

together with an additional conveyor giving us additional flexibility to store grain in another shed, in time for harvest 2023,” continued Hind.

The Hinds opted to install the latest Mecmar automation control system which features a touchscreen interface with remote access via smartphone or laptop. The control panel now interfaces with a new Mecmar grain moisture probe which automatically tests the grain to ensure unloading can only

happen when grain is dry and cool.

If the reading is outside of the predefined settings, then an alert is sent to the operator who is able to control whether the grain should be discharged or if it needs further drying.

Most driers have just one option around the discharge of grain. It is discharged when the right temperature has been reached or, a moisture probe is used to test the mc at the end of drying. Neither option is perfect.

“The new grain moisture probe is a double-check as it uses the temperature of the grain which is then validated by the measurement of the mc. This helps to ensure that grain continuously goes into storage at the optimum mc,” said Hind.

“Apart from having to stop the drier to check belt tensions, receiving an alert on my phone or seeing a flashing light on the control panel telling me that the bearings need greasing, the Mecmar just keeps working!” concluded Hind.

Farming

| Grain

Continued price stability for AN prices in November € €

€

€

itrogen fertiliser prices continue to be relatively stable following the latest GB fertiliser prices, released this week. Imported ammonium nitrate (AN) for November was quoted at £359/t, near unchanged (down £2/t) from October, staying relatively in line with values since August. While UK produced AN was quoted

N

Farming

for November at £384/t. This is the first published price since August, and up £14/t since August.

In comparison to last year, the price for imported AN has fallen 52%, with Nov-22 prices quoted at £741/t, following natural gas prices down. Also feeling a little supported by the recent strengthening of the pound making imports relatively cheaper.

However, despite this, AN fertiliser is yet to return to prices before the European energy crisis in 2021 and outbreak of war in Ukraine at the start of 2022.

Prior to Europe’s natural gas crisis from mid-2021 to late 2022, imported AN for November 2017

| Grain

– 2020 averaged £239/t, £120/t (33%) less than November 2023.

Natural gas price stability in recent months The stability of nitrogen fertiliser prices in recent months is strongly linked with the recent stability of UK natural gas futures too, with natural gas accounting for approximately 60% of nitrogen fertiliser production. Since the previous fertiliser update in October, Nearby, May-24 and Nov24 natural gas futures are continuing to remain stable. While the Nov-24 contract is priced marginally higher than the Nearby and May-24 contracts, since late-October, all contracts are falling in price at a near similar rate.

Ample natural gas stocks in Europe have helped to support the stability of natural gas prices. As of 18 December, gas stocks for the EU were 88%, up 5% from last year and 20% over the three-year average (20202022) (Gas Infrastructure Europe). One key reason for high stocks is the warmer European autumn which has reduced

industrial gas use on the continent, helping to reduce demand on natural gas inventories.

Furthermore, ample liquid natural gas (LNG) stocks for Europe and North Asia are offsetting LNG supply concerns following reports that a ship was attacked on the Suez Canal linked to conflict in the Middle East.

Future outlook Europe’s natural gas market has been drifting lower, as current natural gas supplies are at historically high levels. Gas inventories are said to be ample enough such that they will not reach critically low levels regardless of the weather over the winter period (LSEG). Though with Nov-24 natural gas futures higher than spot, this does provide some support in the outlook for natural gas markets going forward.

So, while nitrogen fertilisers will continue to react to natural gas prices, ample natural gas supplies on the continent look to keep some price stability in fertiliser markets short term.

Farming

| Grain

How do winter wheat varieties p W ith large areas of winter wheat yet to be drilled, many farmers are considering their options.

Paul Gosling, who leads the Recommended Lists (RL) project at AHDB, explains what we know about the latest safe-sowing dates for varieties, as well as the potential yield impacts associated with very late sowing.

Long spells of wet weather have hampered winter wheat drilling in many areas. In such

Farming

seasons, more attention is paid to the ‘latest safe-sowing date’ line in the winter wheat recommended list.

The late-sown trial series

Each year, a small set of RL trials is deliberately drilled ‘late’ – between 1 November and 31 January – with yields recorded. Most are drilled in late November, although some have been drilled into January.

| Grain

perform when sown very late?

After January, winter wheat is only tested in non-yielded vernalisation plots to provide latest safe-sowing date information.

The yield data from the late-sown series is usually added into the main trial dataset.

However, because so much wheat potentially still needs drilling, the RL team has extracted and analysed the late-sown RL data (2019–23) to assess the impact on variety performance (for crops drilled in January).

What do the trials show?

Although the yield data is limited or very limited (for the newest varieties), the verylate-sown trial report can help growers decide whether to drill winter wheat late (if conditions allow) or to switch to a spring crop.

The good news is that all winter wheat varieties on the current RL (2024/25) can still produce respectable yields when sown in January.

Some varieties show better relative performance in this late-sown slot, such as KWS Cranium, RGT Bairstow and KWS Brium. High-yielding feed wheat Champion also continues to perform well. These varieties (among others) have latest safesowing dates that run into February.

On the flipside, some other varieties show a relative drop in performance, such as Gleam and SY Insitor.

Based on RL vernalisation data, the safest RL 2024/25 varieties for drilling until the end of February are: •

Skyfall

•

KWS Brium

•

RGT Bairstow

•

Swallow

Without speculating on yield-potential impacts, these varieties have shown good (high to full) levels of vernalisation, even in plots sown into late March.

However, to minimise risk, we recommend that you stick to the latest safe-sowing dates published in the RL. At the other end of the spectrum, the varieties at greatest risk of vernalisation issues after January include Crusoe, KWS Dawsum, Costello and RGT Wilkinson, with KWS Extase following close behind.

If you are considering drilling a variety after the latest safe-sowing date, check with the breeder/agent first, as they may have more information about the risks.

Farming

| British Lifestyle

Icons of coastal life

W

hen we think of farming, we don’t necessarily immediately think of fishing. The fishing industry employs more than 5 million people worldwide and is synonymous with the heritage of Great Yarmouth.

Great Yarmouth is a historic fishing port located in the county of Norfolk, England. The town has a long-standing history of fishing, and the South Quay was once considered “the finest quay in England, if not Europe”. The port was at the centre of the world’s largest herring fishery in the early 20th century, with over 1,000 vessels landing more than 120,000 tonnes of fish. Although the fishing industry has declined, Great Yarmouth remains a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with several charter boats offering full-time sea fishing.

Additionally, the port continues to support the offshore exploration for oil and gas and is the UK’s number one offshore support port to the Southern North Sea. The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point, firing British manufacturing into prominence. The reputation for quality craftsmanship spread far and wide, establishing British-made goods as synonymous with excellence. Today, the UK is home to a diverse range of manufacturers, from small-scale artisanal producers to large-scale industrial manufacturers. Yarmouth Oilskins is a British company with a rich history in producing

high-quality oilskin garments. The company was established in 1898 in the coastal town of Great Yarmouth, located in Norfolk, England. The founders, recognized the need for durable and weatherproof clothing for fishermen and sailors who faced harsh conditions at sea.

Initially, Yarmouth Oilskins focused on manufacturing traditional oilskin jackets, trousers, and hats, using a specialized technique that involved treating heavy cotton fabric with linseed oil. This treatment rendered the garments waterproof, windproof, and highly resistant to the elements. The company quickly gained a reputation for its superior craftsmanship and the exceptional protection offered by its oilskin products.

As the demand for their oilskins grew, Yarmouth Oilskins to expand its product range to include a variety of waterproof outerwear suitable for both maritime and land-based activities. Their collection came to include coats, capes, smocks, and accessories, all designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions.

Throughout the years, Yarmouth Oilskins remained dedicated to preserving the traditional manufacturing methods that had made their products renowned. The garments continued to be handcrafted by skilled artisans, who meticulously applied the oil treatment and ensured every piece met the brand’s stringent quality standards.

Farming

| British Lifestyle traditional manufacturing techniques with a modern twist that without compromise will still stand the test of time. I love the ethos of this company because it strives to maintain local heritage which is important because it is a part of who we are and what we identify with, as individuals and communities. It is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations.

Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.

By understanding our heritage, we can learn from the past and shape the future for ourselves and those that follow.

In addition to their commitment to quality, Yarmouth Oilskins placed a strong emphasis on sustainability. They source their materials from reputable suppliers and embrace environmentally responsible practices. The company aimed to create long-lasting garments that could withstand years of wear, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.

A wonderful example of this is in their smocks.

Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, these knee-length working garments, made from linen, cotton, hemp or wool, were commonly worn by agricultural workers across England and Wales. The term ‘smock’ comes from the technique of smocking, a gathering together of fabric at the neck, shoulders and cuffs, held in place by surface embroidery that allowed it to stretch for ease of movement.

Yarmouth Oilskins’ reputation continues to grow, attracting a diverse range of customers, including sailors, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals seeking reliable and durable clothing. Their garments became synonymous with durability, protection, and timeless style.

Despite evolving fashion trends and technological advancements in textiles, Yarmouth Oilskins have indeed stayed true to their traditional craftsmanship and remained a staple in the world of outdoor apparel. Their dedication to quality and their unwavering commitment to their heritage has made them a respected and trusted brand.

Today, Yarmouth Oilskins strives to combine With its infinite versatility and the foresight of Yarmouth Oilskins, I’ve no doubt that this is the reason why they’ve manufactured successfully for over 120 years and stood the test of time just like their stylish garments making them sustainable and durable which is the epitome of British Manufacturing. The attention to detail is second to none and will withstand and if cherished serve you a lifetime. https://yarmouthoilskins.com Instagram: Yarmouth_oilskins Facebook: Yarmouthoilskins

Written by Olivia Shave Instagram: @ecoewe Farming

| Potatoes & Root Crops

UPL invites potato growers to try an in-store sprout control product for free

U

PL is giving 20 potato growers enough of their new potato sprout suppressant, Argos (orange oil), to treat 200 tonnes of potatoes in-store.

Growers can enter by applying on the UPL website by the 31st of January.

Storage experts, application contractors and growers have been piecing together the best storage control programme since the revocation of CIPC (chlorpropham). The sprout control challenge is an opportunity to see how Argos fits in the programme if it is not already being used.

Argos is a natural product containing pure foodgrade orange oil. It provides a physical mode of action on contact, drying and disrupting the soft tissues on which it is applied. Even sprouts that the naked eye cannot see are removed.

Like other sprout suppressants, Argos is applied using a fogging machine operated by specialist

Farming

contractors. “The fog that is produced tends to be lighter and drier than mint oil alternatives, which means coverage across the store can be better,” explains Geoff Hailstone, UPL’s potato technical expert. “As well as supplying Argos to the winner, we will provide application and overall potato storage advice.

“Argos has proven itself to be a very effective and flexible product. Once the crop has been treated, there is no withholding period, meaning potatoes can be moved out of the store 48 hours after treatment. The fact that Argos is derived from a natural source is also an excellent sustainability story for the food chain.”

Potato growers can apply by visiting the UPL website or through this link: https://www.upl-ltd. com/uk/news-details/are-you-a-professionalgrower-or-merchant-who-stores-ware-potatoesjoin-the-argos-sprout-control-challenge

| Potatoes & Root Crops

BIOSTIMULANT FIELD TRIAL RESULTS IMPRESS BRITISH POTATO VISITORS

A

biostimulant brand that made its debut at this year's British Potato impressed show visitors with the results of three recent field trials.

The trials, which were conducted this year, supported Algifol's claims that it helps crops cope with stress and extreme weather and increases and improves potato yields.

Produced by Neomed Pharma GmbH in Germany, Algifol is a concentrated brown algae gathered from the North Atlantic, dried and refined to maximise its wealth of trace elements, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, polyuronides and growth-regulating plant hormones.

A field trial on Melody undertaken in Cheshire by 3 Shires Ltd found that three one-litre applications of Algifol throughout the season produced a 29.6% increase in the number of tubers. In the sweet spot for packing potatoes of 40-64mm, there were 27.3% more tubers. The tubers treated with Algifol were also 22% heavier than those grown under standard farm practice.

A second trial on Accord by 3 Shires Ltd showed that Algifol increased the uniformity of the crop and produced an 18% increase in weight compared to standard farm practice.

The third trial was undertaken on Accord and Lady Rosetta by Whole Crop Marketing at South Cave farm near Hull. Two test fields were utilised, with Algifol increasing tuber numbers by 13% and 7% compared to standard farm practices.

"All three trials were undertaken in very challenging growing conditions, which is a real positive for Algifol as it makes the results even more impressive," says Marcus Palmer, director of MJP Supplies, Algifol's UK distributor. "Algifol is growing in popularity, and our sales have increased every year since I first started marketing Algifol to UK growers back in 2005. Whilst it is anecdotal feedback, every farmer who has used Algifol this year has said they're really pleased with how it has helped their crop, and we're receiving lots of repeat orders, which is fantastic."

One grower who has been exceptionally pleased with the results Algifol has delivered this year is Andrew Megginson of J K B Megginson & Sons Ltd in Driffield. "We've had a really good result with Algifol this year. The canopy stayed lovely and green throughout the season despite some very challenging weather, which I'm sure was causing stress to potatoes not treated with Algifol. The yield was up, and we were delighted with the uniformity of size and the overall quality of the crop when it was lifted. We will be using Algifol again for sure!"

As well as increasing yields, Algifol can help lower the carbon footprint of the crop by improving fertiliser uptake through better rooting and improved photosynthesis, which reduces leaching and losses to the atmosphere.

Applied by knapsack, trailed or mounted sprayers or planes, Algifol is used worldwide on various crops, including bananas, grapes, tea, peas and cereals. In the UK, the majority of Marcus' customers are growing potatoes, oilseed rape and sugar beet, with the manufacturer NeoMedPharma recommending four applications of one litre of Algifol diluted at a ratio of up to 1:1,000.

For more information about Algifol and its recent field trials, visit www.mjpsupplies.co.uk Farming

| Potatoes | Potatoes & Root Crops

Attention to detail

Biox-M is the only 100% natural and sustainable sprout control for potatoes.

2023 Harvest – a nightmare for some he 2023 harvest has turned into something of a nightmare for some growers, with extreme rainfall events from mid-October and up to 25% of the crop still in the ground in some areas. Crops coming out of wet ground are likely to go into store with higher levels of moisture and (wet) soil than is ideal, and care should be taken to ensure that crops are fully dry

T

before treating with Biox-M. Crops with significant wet soil attaching can be expected to take longer to dry than crops harvested in better conditions.

and made more challenging still if dormancy has broken in the field due to harvest delay, patience is even more important.

The advice to ensure that crops are dry and cured in store before treatment is very straight- forward. Crops which are not cured or are treated when moist, are more likely to suffer damage if treated too early. However, in challenging harvest situations, such as those facing growers in 2023,

Crops must be cured and dry before the initial treatment. A delay to allow crops to dry completely is unlikely to result in uncontrollable sprouting. A well-timed Biox-M treatment to a crop allowed to dry would be expected to deliver good control.

•

Is a naturally occurring and truly sustainable product, in widespread use in the food industry,

•

Is approved for use on organic potato crops,

•

Has no harvest interval or MRL beyond the one-day mandatory withholding period after treatment,

•

Has flexibility of timing of application,

•

Results in minimal weight loss in store,

•

Does not leave persistent residues in the fabric of stores and boxes used for storage,

•

And is therefore suitable for use in stores, which may subsequently be used for the storage of other crops or seed potatoes,

•

Is effective at higher storage temperatures, reducing the risk of acrylamide development when crop is processed,

•

Sequesters carbon during growth, removing 1t of CO2 for every 1,000t of potatoes treated,

•

And should be a component of the sustainability plan for every farm and every customer; effectively carbon neutral.

Farming

| Potatoes 10 Y

EA R

UK A

N

NI

V E R S A RY

Natural.

Effective.

Powerful.

100% Spearmint Oil sprout inhibitor for use on ware potatoes in store.

Peter Hall peter@junopp.com 07973 172 722

Nick Tapp nick@junopp.com 07775 785 748

MAPP 16021 www.junopp.com Farming

| Potatoes & Root Crops

DIAMOND CELEBRATIONS FO T

he UK's leading designer and manufacturer of vegetable handling equipment is celebrating the diamond anniversary of its mobile grader.

Introduced by Haith Group in December 1963, the mobile grader has become one of the company's best-selling machines, with more than 300 produced in the last six decades.

The technology found in today's graders is significantly more advanced than that

utilised in the 1960s. However, the focus on customisation and meeting the customers' bespoke needs remains to this day.

Today's grader features a heavy-duty hopper, auto crop flow control, a choice of cleaning systems, touchscreen HMI control and shaft-mounted drives. Haith also provides a range of optional features, including soil extractors, optical sorter integration and stainless or mild steel construction.

The latest mobile grader to leave Haith's South Yorkshire factory was bought by BH Savidge & Son, which opted for Haith's flagship model - the PRO SF 2400s.

gentle crop handling. Despite being 14m long, Haith's unique road kit and rear steering axle ensure the machine handles like a standard farm trailer.

Capable of handling over 100 tonnes per hour either in a yard or in a field, the PRO SF 2400 features all of the standard options plus a galvanised gantry with antislip treatment for operator safety and

Ben Savidge is delighted with the grader's performance so far. "We worked with Rob Highfield in early 2023 to design the grader, having seen a similar one in Norfolk. We had previously had a high-

Farming

| Potatoes & Root Crops

OR HAITH'S MOBILE GRADER capacity grader made by another firm, which we could not move and required very high power to run.

"We've known for a few years that we needed a mobile grader. This year, we needed to grade 2,000 tonnes more than last year and knew we would be working at our main base and another farm. As we wanted to invest in one machine to work at both sites and futureproof ourselves, the Haith mobile grader made perfect sense.

"I think there's definitely been a resurgence in interest in mobile machinery, whether that be grading or sorting. Mechanisation and automation are increasingly important to growers and packers of all sizes, and the ability to move their machinery around is very popular now. We have a very healthy order book at the moment. Hopefully, when we come to celebrate the mobile grader's

"By working with Haith, we have been able to build something exactly to our requirements. We are also confident in the quality of Haith's work as we operate their bagging trailers. Everything is overengineered, and we hope that this machine will last us for years to come; so far, it is doing the job of two machines on many other farms."

Haith's mobile machines have always been popular with growers and packers looking for both performance and flexibility, but the company has been exceptionally pleased with sales and enquiries in the last four years.

Blue Sapphire anniversary in five years, we will be marking the 350th mobile grader leaving the factory," says Duane Hill, Haith's managing director.

To find out more about Haith and its range of vegetable handling equipment, please visit www.haith.co.uk, email sales@haith. co.uk or call 01302 831 911 Farming

| Potatoes & Root Crops

GRIMME UK INTRODUCES THE

G

RIMME UK is to introduce a new German-made three-bed folding haulm topper in time for 2024's potato harvest.

The Toppa 600 is the first-ever folding haulm topper to be built in Germany with two, tworow toppers at the rear and a two-row topper at the front to span six rows in total.

Designed for the UK's 90cm rows, the Toppa 600 offers hydraulic depth control, a floating frame so that the chassis follows the contours of the row, and a specially designed blade configuration which chops and blows the cut haulm into the bottom of the row placing it well out of the way from the lifting Farming

process.

With the ability to lift the left or right arm for transportation and single-sided haulm topping, the Toppa 600 has an incredibly low power consumption, needing just a 140hp tractor, significantly reducing soil compaction.

GRIMME is also offering optional automatic rowfinding feeler arms that run in the rows, sensing its sides and moving the cutting blades left and right to keep them central, thereby eliminating scalping.

A pre-production model tested by J Haig Hamilton & Sons in East Lothian, Scotland, was displayed at British Potato 2023.

| Potatoes & Root Crops

E GERMAN-MADE TOPPA 600

As the Toppa 600 will be available with 0% finance and a five-year warranty, GRIMME UK's potato specialist, Ed Hodson, expects 2024's stock of the Toppa 600 to sell quickly.

"Our UK range of haulm toppers have always been a popular choice and have performed exceptionally well, but by having our German factory oversee production, we are now better placed to take advantage of the incredible amount of research and development that is undertaken in Damme," says Ed. "We have several pre-production Toppa 600s for order, and as this particular model offers several unique features, we expect them to sell quickly as growers seek the ideal combination of features, performance and price. GRIMME has

also taken into account the pressures currently faced by growers and is offering the Toppa 600 with interest-free payment options.

"The Toppa 600 took pride of place at the British Potato Show in November, and everyone who saw it was impressed with what it has to offer."

The Toppa 600 will be joined by two other models later in the year: the Toppa 400 with four-row capability and the eight-row Toppa 800.

To find out more about the Toppa 600, visit www. grimme.co.uk, email sales@grimme.co.uk or call 01205 822300.

Farming

| LAMMA

Urea alternatives on show at LAMMA to meet new scheme rigin Fertilisers will be discussing how farmers can navigate DEFRA’s Option 4 for spreading urea-based fertilisers when new requirements come into force in England in April 2024. The stand at LAMMA 24 will focus on protected urea options and the financial and environmental benefits when compared with applying straight urea.

O

Option 4 means growers wishing to spread urea fertilisers beyond 1 April 2024 need to apply urea products coated with urease inhibitors to reduce ammonia emissions. The primary aim of Option 4 is to keep access to urea for market competition but minimise the ammonia losses from volatilisation. Mandy McAulay, marketing manager at Origin Fertilisers, says understanding the requirements before buying will be essential for nutrition plans.

“Although the change may be seen by some as further red tape, growers should be looking at it as a chance to explore different fertiliser options, and applying a protected urea, that is treated with a urease inhibitor, can increase fertiliser efficiency over urea, spread accurately to 32m,

Farming

•

Bomford Hawk 7T

•

Proportional Controls

•

Power Slew

•

Telescopic Oil Cooler

•

4 Point Linkage Mouting

•

Electric Rotor Reverse

•

1.5m Pro Cut Head

and offer comparable returns to ammonium nitrate (AN).”

Origin’s team of six in-house nutrition agronomists will be on stand offering expert advice on Origin Enhanced Nitrogen that is treated with Nutrisphere, a dual-acting inhibitor that differs from other urease inhibitors on the market. It is a highly water-soluble compound primarily created from fermentation of maize, and, as well as reducing volatilisation, Nutrisphere also acts as a nitrification inhibitor and reduces the risk of nitrates leaching into water. “Adopting this type of nutrient technology will see growers make more from any fertiliser they are willing to apply,” says Mandy.

A further part of the display will focus on improving the quality of grassland using Origin’s Sweetgrass fertiliser, which includes sodium to increase the palatability. It has shown increases in meat and milk production from homegrown forage when compared with a typical AN grassland application. Furthermore, a two-year trial reduced nitrogen input by 15% and still registered a 26% increase in total weight gain for lambs.

Origin Fertilisers will be on stand 11.210.

Bomford Kestrel 5.7 Power Plus

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Bomford Kestrel 5.7 VFA

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Variable Forward Reach

Proportional Electric Controls Power Slew 1.2m Head

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Power Slew, Oil Cooler

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3 Point Linkage Mounted

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Electric Rotor Reverse

•

1.2m Pro Trim Head

Oil Cooler, 3 Point Linkage Mounted

| LAMMA

Why Quality Matters in Britain ndustrial steel frame buildings are the most common type of structures in the UK’s industrial and commercial sectors, accounting for over 60% of all steelwork activities1. These buildings are designed to provide spacious, durable, and costeffective solutions for various purposes, such as factories, warehouses, offices, retail units, workshops, garages, and more. However, not all steel buildings are created equal, and the quality of the materials, design, and construction can have a significant impact on the performance, safety, and longevity of the structures.

I

One of the main advantages of steel frame buildings is their strength and stability, which enable them to withstand harsh weather conditions, fire, and seismic events. Steel is also a flexible and versatile material, which allows for customisation and adaptation to different site requirements and architectural styles. Moreover, steel is a sustainable and recyclable material, which reduces the environmental impact of the buildings and contributes to the circular economy2.

However, these benefits can only be realised if the steel frame buildings are manufactured and installed with high standards of quality and professionalism. Poor quality steel can compromise the structural integrity and durability of the buildings, leading to corrosion, deformation, cracking, and failure. Likewise, inadequate design and construction can result in inefficiencies, errors, defects, and delays, which can increase the costs and risks of the projects.

Therefore, it is essential to choose a reputable and

experienced steel building supplier, who can provide quality assurance and guidance throughout the entire process of designing and constructing the steel frame buildings. Some of the factors to consider when selecting a steel building supplier are: •

The accreditation and certification of the supplier, such as CE marking, ISO 9001, and BS EN 109034, which indicate compliance with the relevant standards and regulations for steel products and services.

•

The expertise and reputation of the supplier, based on their portfolio, testimonials, and reviews from previous customers, as well as their involvement in industry associations and networks.

•

The customer service and support of the supplier, including their availability, responsiveness, and communication skills, as well as their ability to provide tailored solutions and advice for each project.

•

The range and quality of the products and services offered by the supplier, such as the types, sizes, and specifications of the steel buildings, the cladding and insulation options, the accessories and fittings, and the installation and maintenance services.

By choosing a quality steel building supplier, customers can ensure that their industrial steel frame buildings are built to last, and that they meet their expectations and requirements. Quality steel buildings can also provide a competitive edge and a return on investment, as they can enhance the productivity, efficiency, and profitability of the businesses that operate within them.

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| LAMMA

LAMMA Innovation Award finalists revealed The shortlist for the LAMMA Innovation Awards 2024 has been announced, which recognise and reward innovation and celebrate cutting-edge technology and equipment.

O

Spanning five categories - Arable, Digital, Future Farming, Livestock, and Environmental - the shortlist for the LAMMA Innovation Awards 2024 is: Arable Innovation •

Knight Farm Machinery MAXImizer PRO

The MAXImizer PRO sprayer aims to increase operator safety and reduce chemical wastage. With 21% less pipework than previous sprayers, the SRV (sprayer retained volume) is reduced which increases sprayer hygiene, operator safety and clean out time.

•

Grange Machinery 6m Strip-Till Preparator

Designed by listening to farmers who wanted to perfect the establishment of maize, OSR and Sugar Beet, the machine is the only of its kind to offer 'on the move' hydraulic adjustment.

With several unique features, the Preparator gives growers choice and flexibility on when they want to drill and establish in the best field conditions.

•

Väderstad TopDown with EServices

Designed for farmers using Väderstad TopDown cultivators, the E-Control is an iPad-based system which streamlines workflow and makes operations more efficient. Operators can use the system to adjust individual working depths, fine-tune the intensity of the discs, tines, levellers and packers, and store machinery configurations tailored to specific field requirements.

Digital Innovation •

KRONE SmartBale App

The SmartBale app is aimed at farmers, contractors and hauliers for use during the bale collection process within their forage and cereal harvest operations. The app aims to simplify the baling process by making it easier to locate bales when collecting them from the field and by sorting bales using their moisture level to prevent storage of crops that are too moist.

•

TIAH (The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture) Online Membership

Farming

TIAH's innovative new online service is a digital skills and careers platform which has been designed for farmers and growers. The purpose of the online service is to make training and professional development opportunities quicker and easier for individuals to find, access and record, and to support new talent in joining the industry.

models, allowing a discharge of straw to either the left or right with minimal dust. Specifically designed for buildings with narrow access, The ST can reduce labour by up to 75% and straw by up to 50%.

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A cladding system which can be used on all types of livestock building, Heatguard Evolution Sheeting has numerous innovative advantages. The material reduces heat build-up within the building and creates a light, airy space, reducing the need for lights.

Livestock housed under the Heatguard Evolution has increased production, as well as reduced fertility and health problems.

Herdwatch Grass & Crops

Grass & Crops is designed to streamline and enhance farm operations, and integrates seamlessly into the Herdwatch app. Some of the key features include Digital Field Records, Soil Health Data, NPK Tracking, Seeding Events, HighResolution Maps, Spray and Fertilizer Records, and Task Management and Reminders.

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Future Farming Innovation •

Polaris Ranger Kinetic

The world's first fully connected, truly capable Farm UTV. The Polaris Ranger Kinetic is the first battery utility vehicle on the market with capability beyond that of its internal combustion engine counterparts. With an equivalent 110hp drive train and over 60mph speed, the Ranger Kinetic is a powerful Utility Vehicle which can be fully charged from 0-100% in as little as three hours.

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New Holland T7.270 Methane Power

The New Holland T7.270 Methane Power is the world's first production intent high horsepower Methane Powered Tractor. It is the culmination of a multiyear development project to create and bring to market a tractor over 250hp. The tractor is specifically aimed at Bio digester businesses and large farms that need greater power alongside the most advanced technology and comfort available.

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SpreadPoint SX-A Auger

SpreadPoint's SX-A Auger system is a new lime and powder material applicator which applies fine particle materials to land with zero dust and waste, and excellent precision. The revolutionary system has transformed how lime and powder materials are spread, giving the user the ability to apply materials in any weather conditions.

Livestock Innovation •

Spread-a-bale The ST (Side Throw)

The ST is a new option for Spread-aBale's M Range of straw spreading machines. The system can be used on narrow front mounted material handler

Greenhill Systems Heatguard Evolution Sheeting

Teemore Engineering Magellan Flooring

A high-quality rubber flooring option, Magellan Flooring offer numerous benefits for cow housing. It can reduce ammonia emissions by up to 40%, to improve air quality and create a healthier environment for both animals and workers. The flooring is also designed with animal comfort and safety in mind, with the thick but flexible dry rubber material featuring groves to reduce slipping.

IAgrE Ivel Best Environmental Award •

Kverneland PUDAMA

PUDAMA ensures high yields in row crops with both reduced input and environmental impact. Using the system, both the amount and location of fertiliser application can be precisely defined. This specific application means that both fertiliser loss and leaching can be avoided.

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Manitou MLT 625e

The Manitou MLT 625e is the first electric telehandler dedicated to the agricultural market. As a compact telehandler with no exhaust emissions, it can easily work inside farm buildings, around animals or in greenhouses. The MLT 625e can also be charged using both mains power and using electricity produced by on-farm solar panels.

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SpreadPoint SX-A Auger

SpreadPoint's SX-A Auger system is a new lime and powder material applicator which applies fine particle materials to land with zero dust and waste, and excellent precision. The environmental benefits of using the SXA Auger System are long-term, with the more precise application of lime reducing pollution and increasing efficiency.

WIN A POLARIS POWERHOUSE ATV To enter, register for LAMMA show by midnight on Tuesday 16th January 2024 to be entered into the prize draw to win a Polaris Powerhouse ATV. Entrants must be aged over 17 years and hold a full UK driving licence.

BE PART OF THE ACTION!

LAMMAShow.com

Read the LAMMA ATV full terms & conditions at www.lammashow.com/polaris-atv-competition-terms-conditions

Farming

| LAMMA

JCB Set to Illuminate LAMMA Show with Innovative New Range of Work Lights

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CB Work Lights, located in Hall 8, Stand 650, announces its participation at the upcoming LAMMA Show, where it will officially launch and showcase its innovative new range of Work Lights.

Set to unfold between the 17th and 18th of January 2024 at the NEC, the LAMMA Show is the UK’s premier agricultural machinery and technology show, drawing professionals and enthusiasts from every corner of the industry.

The JCB Work Lights range of strong, durable, and rechargeable portable work lights, incorporates cuttingedge battery and LED technology, delivering a neardaylight high-output light with cable-free long runtimes.

The entire range is meticulously designed and constructed for strength and durability, ensuring they can withstand even the most challenging work environments.

One of the standouts in the range are the Konnect 4500 and 6500 work lights, giving versatility through being “Powered Your Way” using your existing 18V power tool batteries. 5 connectors are included in the box (JCB, Makita, Bosch, DeWalt / Milwaukee, and Metabo / CAS).

In addition, the Konnect 6500 can also be powered using the supplied 5m mains cable. Both work lights have exceptionally bright lights, up to 6,500 lumens, strong diecast aluminium bodies, built-in USB power banks, long runtimes and an IP65 water and dustproof rating. They can be tripod mounted, and using the strong magnetic mount accessory, they can be securely fixed to any metal surface.

Key features of the JCB Work Lights range include: 1. Energy-Efficient LED Technology: Committed to sustainability, JCB Work Lights integrates energyefficient LED technology into the range, delivering powerful illumination while minimizing energy consumption.

2. Powered Your Way: Certain models in the range

offer users the flexibility to use their own 18V power tool batteries from leading brands such as JCB, Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Metabo.

3. Robust Construction: Built to withstand the toughest environments, the range has been designed with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. Whether in the field or in the lamming shed, these lights are designed to endure the challenges of heavy-duty use.

4. Versatility: Built-in USB power banks, mounting magnets, clamps, hooks, and belt clips provide a range of usage options and hands-free operation.

"We are excited to once again be a part of this prestigious event. Following the incredible feedback we received last year, when we presented early models at the show, we are looking forward to officially launching the entire range at LAMMA 2024”, said Stuart Ward, Head of Marketing at JCB Work Lights. "The range signifies a substantial advancement in work light technology, designed to meet the rigorous demands of the agricultural sector, ensuring enhanced visibility and safety in all conditions."

For more information about the JCB Work Lights range and the Konnect work lights, visit www.jcbworklights. com or stop by Stand 650 in Hall 8 at the LAMMA Show.

JCB Work Lights – MADE FOR HARD WORK.

Farming

| LAMMA

Save Up To 35% On Your Grain Drying Costs

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rain drying consumes a high amount of energy unless you use one that is fully optimised to save you money.

A Perry of Oakley Savannah Continuous Flow Grain Drier can save you up to 35% of your drier running costs when used with the standard drier options such as Hot Air Recirculation, insulation, automatic grain moisture monitoring and drier control.

also saves fuel due to minimising the temperature loss and therefore minimises the fuel required to achieve the necessary temperatures.

The Savannah range of driers come with a touch screen PLC control interface as standard. This can be accessed remotely via Wi-Fi enabling the drier to be monitored and controlled from anywhere with mobile coverage. This will save you labour costs as you no longer need to have your drier staffed while it is running and also give you peace of mind while you spend your time on other activities. The Perry Drier Fire Detection system can be added too, to give you vital early warning of a fire in the drier plus the system will automatically shut the drier down if fire is detected.

The Perry Savannah Series Driers have a capacity range from 5tph upwards and with all of the options listed above there is a powerful argument to purchase a Savannah drier for the upcoming season.

Full Integration To compliment the grain drying Perrys offer a full range of storage solutions with square hopper-bottom bins, hopperbottom and flat-bottom silos. The bins can store from 1 to 100 tonnes (based on wheat at 750kg/m3). They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can be manufactured with forklift channels.

So how does it work?

The silos range from 35 up to 20,000 tonnes of storage dependent on silo type, diameter & height. Perrys also provide a full range of silo accessories include catwalks, aeration systems, discharge auger systems, sweep augers, and several systems for monitoring stored grain.

The Hot Air Recirculation takes the unsaturated but warm air from the exhaust side of the column and recirculates it into the ambient air heated air stream to reduce the volume of air that has to be heated from ambient temperatures. The less air you have to heat, the more money you save.

To integrate the drying and storage Perrys have an excellent track record in the design & manufacturing of handling. Everything from a single machine through to your whole plant - Perrys can supply it all, removing all your integration challenges.

The automatic drier moisture monitoring takes samples from the grain entering and leaving the drier and feeds it into one of the most accurate Near Infra Red moisture meters available on the market. This information is then used to control the discharge speed of the drier. This prevents the quite large financial losses associated with overdrying grain such as decrease in weight, extra fuel usage, labour and electricity, for example. This means big savings and peace of mind can be achieved.

A British Manufacturer

35% saving adds up quickly

Insulation of the hot and heated area of the drier Farming

Perrys have been a key part of the British agricultural sector for over 75 years. Perry design & manufacturer their entire product range in the UK which means that all the support you need is rapidly available, including a large stock of spares.

Contact Perrys today for all your handling, storage & drier requirements on (0)1404 890 300 or email sales@perryofoakley.co.uk and receive a free, no obligation quotation.

Grain Drying, Handling & Storage

From Individual Machines & Bins to Full Grain Stores with Silos British Designed, Manufactured & Supported

Join us at the NEC, Birmingham

January 17th & 18th 2024 Stands 8 720 & 8 930 Talk to the team for details on our full range!

Visit us online at www.perryofoakley.co.uk

sales@perryofoakley.co.uk

+44 (0)1404 890300

The UK’s Most Experienced Manufacturer of Grain Farming Drying, Handling & Storage Equipment

| LAMMA

Part of the farming landscape for over 40 years – Suzuki ATVs

uzuki has been an innovator in engineering since Michio Suzuki created the company in 1909. But it was the early 1980s that saw Suzuki launch into the ATV market, with the creation of the first ever fourwheel ATV in 1983, sparking a movement away from controversial three-wheelers and leading the way for the industry. Now, for over 40 years, Suzuki has remained part of the global farming landscape.

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suggested, this four-wheeler featured all-wheel drive. Plus, it offered a front differential lock so the QuadRunner AWD could get out of just about any situation.

With the introduction of a new manufacturing plant in Rome, Georgia, Suzuki revised some of its ATV models in 2002. The air-oil cooled 400cm3 model, in both 2WD and 4WD

Being the first ever production 4-wheel ATV on the market, the 1983 QuadRunner 125 started the industry we know now. With a friendly design that was easy to use, automatic clutch,

versions was named the Eiger (per the famous mountain in Bernese Alps) and the larger, liquid-cooled 500cm3 4WD model was dubbed the Vinson (per the large mountain in the

five forward speeds and reverse, it offered an outstanding cost to performance ratio.

4 years later in 1987, the QuadRunner AWD brought off-road capabilities never before available from an ATV. As its designation

Antarctic).

The KINGQUAD name returned to the Suzuki ATV line up with the 2005 KINGQUAD 700.

Along with its revived name, this new ATV brought a new liquid-cooled, four-stroke Farming

| LAMMA

steering). Each model accumulates the years of innovation and technology that made its predecessors so popular into a refined, modern package.

And until the 31st March 2024, every Suzuki ATV customer can benefit from a fantastic trade-in offer, with 10% off the RRP of a new KingQuad when trading in any brand of quad bike in part exchange.

For more information, T&Cs and to discover the range, visit: https://atv.suzuki.co.uk

engine, fed by a first and modern electronic fuel injection system.

For 2012, Suzuki added both a KINGQUAD 750AXi 4x4 and KINGQUAD 500AXi 4x4 model with standard electronic power steering.

A novel feature at the time, this system used a version of the proven technology featured on Suzuki’s cars and SUVs. Finally, launched in 2019, the latest generation of Suzuki’s ATV range currently comprises of three versatile models; the KingQuad 500 and 500XP as well as the KingQuad 750XP (XP denotes independent suspension and power

SUZUKI KINGQUAD

PART OF YOUR LANDSCAPE

From forest to field, a Suzuki ATV goes wherever you need it to. Over 40 years of experience powers every model, with all-day comfort, practical usability and proven technology as standard. Whatever your landscape, you can rely on the King of Quads.

To explore the range or find out more visit: atv.suzuki.co.uk

@SUZUKIATVSUK

Farming

| LAMMA

Unleashing Power a ATV and UTV Lineup FMOTO’s exciting new-generation 2024 performance range of ATV’s and UTV’s will be on display at LAMMA 24 in Hall 6, stand 6.930. The ATV range includes the CFORCE 450/520 as well as the new design CFORCE 625. The Utility vehicle (UTV) range includes the UFORCE 600, the UFORCE 1000, and the exciting new UFORCE 1000 XL 6-seater utility vehicle, all bursting with standard features.

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All vehicles come with an impressive 2-year parts and labour warranty. As an added bonus, all 2024 agricultural models will come with a free ATVTrac security system fitted by your dealer + 1 year’s subscription worth £399.

Last year saw the launch of the upgraded CFORCE 450/520 ATV, that was an absolute best-seller in the agricultural market. This model is packed with performance and comfort upgrades. These include a 25% tighter turning circle, upgraded racks with more load capacity (30kg front and 60kg rear,) more storage space with the rear compartment being 2.5l bigger and improved rider ergonomics with a new seat that’s 40% thicker providing better support and comfort. There’s reduced noise and vibration, a bigger fuel tank and the chassis is 10% lighter and 30% stronger compared to the previous model. The new suspension provides 26% more-wheel travel and increased ground clearance, and a tuned EPS Electronic Power Steering System.

The next step up in power in the ATV range is the CFORCE 625 that’s was launched last year following years of R&D with a new independent dual A-arm suspension, adjustable power modes and a class Farming

| LAMMA

and Adventure: CFMOTO’s 2024 p Takes Center Stage at LAMMA 24 minimum ground clearance. The only thing that isn’t big about the UFORCE 1000 XL is the price.

There is an option to upgrade all UTV’s to the full cab options from DFK Cabs to include certified windscreen glass, heaters and wipers.

leading turning circle.

The new 2024 colourways will be released throughout the range including the CFORCE 450 Basic in Red, the CFORCE 1000 Overland in Desert Tan. We’ve also got an exciting new ATV model for 2024 – the CFORCE 625 Touring Overland - a factory, adventure-ready platform that will take you and your best friend wherever the trail leads.

With regard to the UTV’s, CFMOTO has launched the 2024 models of the UFORCE 600, UFORCE 1000, and UFORCE 1000 XL 6-seater UTV. All models feature progressive EPS for lightweight handling, 4×4 capability and a gas-assisted cargo box.

Finally, 2024 brings two more exciting SSV models – The ZFORCE 950 Sport, and the ZFORCE 950 Sport 4. The ZFORCE 950 SPORT is the ultimate 2-seater fusion of performance, versatility, and agility. Packed with more power, longer suspension and boosted capacities. The ZFORCE 950 Sport 4 brings all this excitement, but with four adult seats to take more people for the ride of their life.

All ATV, UTV and SSV models come with Canadian built CVTech automatic drive system and selectable 2- and 4-wheel drive with diff lock and electric front winch for guaranteed confidence to power through any terrain.

The new 2024 CFMOTO range puts power, capability and versatility in your hands to forge your path, whether it is toward work, fun, or the balance in between. For further specs, and to find your nearest dealer, visit cfmoto.co.uk.

The UFORCE 1000 our most powerful V-Twin liquid-cooled engine and comes fully loaded as standard, boasting a 3person bench seat, large capacity tipping cargo bed a brand-new Drive by Wire Electronic throttle for a smooth ride.

The UFORCE 1000 XL, features a redesigned cab for 6 seats, an improved frame, suspension and braking, plus an updated dashboard, this beast packs 53kw (71hp) and 74N.m torque, a 790kg Towing Capacity, 660kg Payload Capacity and 280mm Farming

| LAMMA

Safer, higher capacity pump units debut at LAMMA S lurry management specialists Tramspread will debut a range of uprated and improved engine driven pump units (EDPU) at LAMMA in January 2024.

The EDPUs feature a new chassis that is 200mm wider and 400mm longer than previous models.

This will enable extra pipework and valves specified by users to be accommodated, and larger fuel tanks with capacity increased from 375 litres to 500 litres which will reduce the need for daily refilling.

The trailed EDPU models also benefit from uprated sprung axles and larger 355/60 R18 tyres and wheels. This makes the units safer when travelling at higher road speeds.

A further new option of air or hydraulic brakes and LED lights on the class leading contractor units have been incorporated to improve safety for both operators and the public when the units are in transport.

New, upgraded remote control systems offer further safety measures. Operators can choose from ultra high frequency (UHF) or GSM remote systems which feature improved screen graphics,

repeater stations and automatic sponge launchers.

Customers will be able to choose the colour of their pump unit and there are also changes beneath the surface, with new profiles and preformed brackets that will make assembly a simpler process regardless of whether Bauer, Doda, or Criman pumps are fitted.

Visitors to LAMMA will find the new EDPUs and a range of Tramspread’s slurry handling equipment on stand 350 in Hall 12.

Farming

| LAMMA

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UK LIMITED • Bio oil fired heaters • Oil and gas fired cabinet heaters

• Portable and mobile heaters • Electric heaters

• Suspended oil and gas fired unit heaters

THERMOBILE offers probably the most complete selection of space heaters available to the UK Agricultural Trade. The full range of heaters from THERMOBILE now comprises over 300 models varying in heat output from 3Kw up to 450Kw (10,000 to 1,500,000 BTU/HR).

For more information call us TODAY! THERMOBILE UK LIMITED 12 Buckingham Close, Bermuda industrial Estate, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7JT, UK SALES CONTACTS: Andy Wallis 07850 988382 andy@thermobile.co.uk 02476 357960 John Hall 07775 635527 john@thermobile.co.uk

www.thermobile.co.uk Farming

| LAMMA

Massey Ferguson previews flagship 9S range at LAMMA 2024

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assey Ferguson will launch its brandnew flagship MF 9S large frame tractor to the UK market when it returns to LAMMA 2024.

After over five years away from the show, Massey Ferguson will showcase its new sixmodel MF 9S range at LAMMA, which tops out at 425hp. Key features include an updated sixcylinder, 8.4-litre AGCO Power engine, with Engine Power Management (EPM) offering up to 30hp extra for all models, apart from the flagship MF 9S.425, which gets a constant 425hp. The new MF 9S range has the innovative Protec-U design featuring an 18cm gap between the bonnet and the cab to improve operator comfort and allow best-inclass visibility.

William Judge, MF brand manager, UK, EIRE and Middle East, says previewing the new MF flagship tractor at the premiere machinery event in the UK was one of the key reasons for returning. “There has been a high number of requests from both

customers and dealers for Massey Ferguson to go back to LAMMA and, with the launch of our new MF 9S range, it was a perfect time to return. There has been a lot of speculation around the new tractor, and we are incredibly excited to bring it to market in 2024 to further cement our position in the high HP sector.”

All models feature a Dyna-VT transmission as standard and are only available in Exclusive spec featuring a Datatronic 5 screen, Multipad joystick and vDisplay A-pillar readout. For the first time, MF will offer a central trye inflation system, which uses twin 650-litre/min compressors to adjust tyre pressures, helping to reduce soil compaction.

Other technology options include MF AutoTurn and Auto Headland.

The stand will feature a 30-year celebration of MF’s iconic sloping bonnet design. Originally introduced on the MF 3000 series in 1993, it set new standards for forward visibility for loader and livestock work, with the latest MF 5S range continuing the class leading vision and manoeuvrability offering views to 4m ahead of the tractor and a 4m turning radius.

To mark the occasion, buyers of MF 5S.125 and MF 5S.145 tractors can choose a new 30th Edition spec, which comes as standard with many features including a Visio Roof, FL.4121 self-levelling front loader with Softdrive and third service, and eight LED work lights. Driver comfort extras such as a plastic floor mat, a B-pillar phone holder, and 30th Edition decals are included as standard.

On the stand will also be an MF 6S.165 featuring a special spec package, alongside a full range of green and gold harvest products, including MF DM Series mowers and MF 7370 BETA combine with MF 680 Powerflow header.

Visit CEMO at Hall 18.500 Farming

Massey Ferguson will be in hall 12 on stand 470.

| LAMMA

Celebrate Our 10th Anniversary With a Special Price Reduction!

o mark the 10th anniversary of the innovative EstateGuard hinging gates, Wellington Security have reduced prices by 10% and refined the five bar design range for 2024 with 6 standard sizes from a 3.8M single leaf opening to a 6.0 M double leaf set.

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The benefits of the Estateguard hinging gates include: •

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Underground steel cross bar which links the two posts ensuring strength and rigidity The gate is fully assembled and tested in our workshop before delivery.

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The one-piece design makes groundworks installation swift and simple.

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Made to a standard design to mirror the classic timber five bar gate with all the strength and benefit of steel.

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Galvanised and powdercoated to give long lasting durability.

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Heavy duty bronze bushed hinges with grease nipples.

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Central automatic electro mechanical locking with 2000kg holding force.

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2 years parts warranty.

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NICE automation with built in obstacle detection and 2 pairs of photocell beams.

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Beacon to warn of vehicle movement.

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Mains 240V power or optional solar.

The company is also open to trade enquiries In service from Cornwall to Scotland and looking for regional installer, visit our stand or enquire at mail@wellingtonsecurity.co.uk

Farming

| Silage

Five lessons from 2023 that could help improve grass silage in 2024

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ith challenges in the dairy sector creating a strong case for maximising milk production from homegrown forage, UK dairy farmers are being urged to heed key lessons from 2023 silage making.

According to Ecosyl silage specialist, Peter Smith of Volac, many farmers either have a very wet silage cut or a low energy, fibrous cut in clamps, or both – resulting in milk yield depressions of upwards of 1.5 litres/cow/day. Clamp slippage is also an increasing issue, he notes.

“Learning from these and other issues offers an opportunity to respond to them in 2024,” Mr Smith points out. He offers the following tips: 1. Consider an early first-cut Farmers who took an early first-cut gained a head start in 2023, says Mr Smith. “Taking first-cut early, for example during April, may not produce much bulk, but it clears out old, overwintered grass leaving fresher growth for a better second-cut.

Farmers who did this often had two cuts ‘banked’ by the time a normal first-cut was taken by the end of May.”

Farming

2. Think about cutting more often Linked to the above, Mr Smith says farmers who cut more often, while grass was younger and leafier, continued to benefit. “Younger grass is more digestible, which means it’s higher in metabolisable energy (ME), a key driver for milk production. It also tends to be higher in protein.

“Our research has also shown a silage yield improvement of 0.92 t/ha more total dry matter (DM) over a season by cutting more often and taking more cuts. More frequent cutting also reduces weather risks because lighter cuts are easier to wilt. It may simply be a case of moving from three to four cuts, or four to five. If one cut is compromised by the weather, it also represents a smaller proportion of the total tonnage ensiled.”

3. Fine-tune cutting to the weather Although grass grew well during the early and latter parts of the season, the hot, dry June caused growth to nosedive, says Mr Smith. During midsummer, grass naturally becomes stemmier and more lignified, which reduces digestibility, he says.

But June 2023 exacerbated this, which may explain the poorer silages made during this period,

| Silage

he believes, and the resulting dips in milk yields.

“Consider cutting a bit earlier during prolonged sunny weather as grass is at risk of becoming excessively stemmy and lignified.

“At the opposite end of the weather scale, we also saw fairly wet silages made during rainier months.

Although not ideal, provided effluent isn’t going to be a problem, you might be better off ensiling cut grass slightly wetter than normal if rain isn’t abating, rather than leaving it in the field and risking losing more quality. The proviso is that the more water there is in silage, the bigger the fermentation that is required.”

4. Manage clamp slippage at source The increasingly common problem of clamp slippage often occurs in grass cut while still young and tender and when ensiled at less than 30% DM, says Mr Smith, and in clamps loaded too high and possibly over-rolled.

“To counter this, action needs taking at the point of making silage. Wilt to at least 30% DM, possibly 35% with very leafy material. Equally, don’t load clamps too high as this increases pressure on the

lower part of the clamp. Some farmers also place a row of bales in the middle of the clamp when filling it, for extra grip against silage moving forward, which seems to help.”

5. Remember what an additive can bring Mr Smith says although a proven additive, such as Ecosyl 100, is recognised for improving silage fermentation and preservation of quality and DM, there are scenarios where the case for ensiling with a proven additive becomes even stronger.

“Grass cut younger is a prime example because it tends to be lower in sugar for the fermentation. It can also be higher in unused nitrogen, which buffers the fermentation. Shorter cutting intervals also increase the case for improving the fermentation with an additive because there’s less time for slurry bacteria to dissipate if applying slurry between cuts.

“Silage made wetter is another good case for an additive, as it requires a more extensive fermentation, and is at greater risk from clostridia bacteria from soil,” he concludes.

Farming

| Education & Training

SRUC robot horse is p S

cotland's Rural College (SRUC) has unveiled a new £100k state-of-the-art robot horse – the first of its kind in Scotland.

The Equestrian Eventing Simulator – named RoboCob by students - allows the rider to experience everything from true-to-life Grand Prix dressage movements, such as Piaffe and Passage, to jumping grid work or negotiating technical combinations on the cross-country course.

Thanks to its motion control technology, it can replicate jumps of up to 1.20m high and comes with three screens which provide real-time and printable feedback.

The simulator, which can be used by novices and technical riders alike, is the latest addition to a suite of technological innovations being used in the teaching of Horse Care and Equine Studies at SRUC. The institution was shortlisted for a Times Higher Education Award in the Technical or Digital Innovation of the Year category and for a Herald Higher Education Innovative Use of Technology Award for its use of robotic cameras to track and record riders' movements and biomechanical jackets to measure their posture.

Mary Thomson, Vice Principal of Skills and Lifelong Learning at SRUC, said: "This is part of our innovative approach to teaching and learning, finding modern digital solutions to deliver active blended learning."

Programme Leader Louise Bulmer said: "We are delighted with our new Racewood Eventing Simulator, the first of its kind in Scotland.

"It's a fantastic learning resource for our students and a great addition to our outstanding equestrian facilities. The simulator will help improve rider performance and safety and thereby contribute to improving horse welfare.

"We also look forward to the simulator being used by equine industry groups and as a way to increase access to the equestrian industry."

HND Equine Studies Student Eilidh Simmons said: "It's really realistic but it's probably a lot more forgiving. It doesn't move unless you've got your balance right so it's good for improving your accuracy."

For more information about studying at SRUC, please visit: Study With Us | SRUC.

Farming

| Education & Training

put through its paces

HND Equine Studies Student Eilidh Simmons practises jumping with RoboCob Farming

5 AgTech Trends

n 2023 the agricultural industry faced challenges from extreme weather to supply chain issues. To address these issues and meet the goal of feeding a growing population, researchers and engineering teams developed smart AgTech tools, improving efficiency and yields. Ron Baruchi, CEO of Agmatix, outlines the key trends anticipated in the agricultural industry over the coming year. #1: Generative Artificial Intelligence in AgTech Of all the 2024 trends in digital agriculture, the role played by Gen AI, or generative AI, is likely to be one of the most significant. The potential of Gen AI on the global economy is already being calculated in trillions of dollars. There is a historic opportunity to optimize processes, cut costs, and importantly, fuel innovations through improved modelling to fuel decision-making.

Companies are already using Gen AI through Digital Crop Advisors, allowing agronomists to distill agronomic data into actionable recommendations for farmers.

These tools enhance crop management by analyzing big agronomic data, providing AI-supported insights to optimize production practices. This helps farmers understand patterns affecting the performance of crop varieties and production on their specific farms, and tracks climate trends to help farmers become more resilient to the changing climate. #2: Using Digital Twins to Optimize Field Trials An interesting 2024 trend is increased Farming

integration of digital twins into field tests and field test planning. A digital twin is a digital model or a virtual representation of an actual physical product, system, or process. These allow researchers and designers to experiment as though they were handling its physical counterpart, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming field trials.

Generating real-world data is a costly and time-consuming process, averaging more than 150 studies and over 11 years to register a new active ingredienthttps:// croplife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ Phillips-McDougall-Evolution-of-the-CropProtection-Industry-since-1960-FINAL. pdf1. From 2010-14, developing a new crop protection product cost around $286 million, of which, $47 million (approximately 16%) was budgeted for field trials.

Synthetic data can enhance the performance of digital twins. Based on real-world data, synthetic data can supplement data gaps, significantly reducing the time, cost, and effort in bringing new agricultural products to market. These tools provide a competitive edge for agricultural input suppliers seeking regulatory approval, or seed companies that rely heavily on experimentation to improve their seed genetics. #3 Technical Innovation in Regenerative Agriculture Greater technical innovation and research into regenerative agriculture will continue over the coming year.

Essentially mimicking natural process and biodiversity on agricultural land, the

to Watch in 2024 ultimate aim of regenerative agriculture is to improve soil health in order to boost yield.

To address the challenges of climate change and feed a global population of over 8 billion, regenerative agriculture is vital. Digital tools use accurate, up-todate data to create tailored regenerative agriculture solutions. These consider soil conditions, weather conditions, microclimates, and current crop growth or land use, as well as individual budgets and local regulations.

Platforms offering site specific data will likely reign supreme in 2024. A view of sustainability that extends beyond simple carbon metrics and one-size-fits-all solutions is necessary and will enable the establishment of realistic, actionable objectives for growers, promoting sustainability and formulating strategies tailored to local environments. #4 Managing Data with Advanced Cloud Solutions Innovation in agriculture is often datadependent and the cloud gives researchers the ability to collate, manage, and extrapolate information from data in a way that was previously unimaginable.

Anticipated exponential growth in farm data emphasizes the transformative impact - IDC has estimated that by 2036 the amount of data collected on the farm will increase by more than 800%https:// blogs.idc.com/2022/10/12/the-problempotential-and-promise-of-a-datarevolution-in-agriculture/1. Cloud tools enabling real-time access to field trial data reduces trial duration and cost, and the volume and scope of trials can be increased.

Cloud applications span every aspect of agriculture, optimizing crop management, soil insights, multi-season crop monitoring and analysis, and leveraging local knowledge for decision-making.

Cloud-based solutions foster collaboration between researchers, agronomists, and farmers, providing R&D companies with an efficient, cost-effective and scalable solution. #5 Innovation Across the Agricultural Spectrum Agriculture’s innovative history is turning towards sustainability and environmental protection, marking a transformative era.

The new year will see progress in climate-resilient crop development.

At the farm level, digital technologies empower farmers to process and use the data they collect. AgTech solutions can help farmers and agronomists measure and demonstrate the return on investment of agricultural technologies.

Amidst global challenges, stakeholders using AI and machine learning will drive unprecedented innovation in food production.

A Pivotal Year for AgTech In 2024, the rise of Gen AI, impact of digital twins on field trials, and the evolution of cloud-based technologies will revolutionize the AgTech landscape.

Various entities, including my own company, are using these cutting-edge technologies, crafting advanced software solutions to reshape the field of agronomy.

Farming

| Mental Health

Farming

Farming can be tough.

RABI is always here for you

Call our free, confidential 24/7 helpline:

0800 1884444 Farming

he famous last words of my friend, Jean, who had no idea what she was getting herself into.

My name is Victoria and I have been a contract lamber since my third year at Aberystwyth University. I’ve worked for farms ranging from 200 mules to 1500 Beltex. I’ve done nights on my own where the power went out leaving me in the dark at 2am, and days alongside a team that taught me far more about animal husbandry than my degree ever did.

So, when I off handedly mentioned to my friends - and owners of the land I graze my horses at - that I would love to have my own flock of sheep, I never expected the adventure that we have all been on.

In 2019, Jean’s sister Liz and I, embarked on what is definitely the most stressful but most rewarding journey of my life. We started a flock of sheep. With me, semi experienced, at the helm and Liz, complete novice, working it out as she went along, it was a destined to be a steep learning curve for us both.

We each had our different requirements and wants for our breeds, which is how we have now come to

have a ragtag mixture of rare breed whitefaced woodlands, native and hardy Shetland sheep, adorable teddy-like Hampshire Downs, and a motley crew of bottle raised crossbreeds. For me, a rare breed was top of the list. I had worked at our local rare breed survival trust farm park, and the rare breed bug had well and truly bitten me. After careful deliberation of the watchlist, and endless googling, the whitefaced woodland came out top for my needs - friendly, large, hardy, productive. On the other hand, Liz wanted conservation grazers. And Shetlands could not be further from the large, food motivated, friendly lumps that whitefaced woodlands are. Wily, intelligent, suspicious, but just as hardy, the Shetlands were ideal for grazing down the overgrown, drained fish farm that is our grazing. But they are also a good test of our determination and patience!

Our first few years of sheep keeping were a real baptism of fire.

From the wild, hill raised Shetland matriarch, Maura, leading the entire flock to a neighbours field two miles away, to a bottle raised sheep swimming across a river to get tupped by a texel, our sheep are definitely not for the faint hearted.

Walking Peggy, the aberfield/BFL ewe back home, on a dog lead,

Farming

with a bright blue bum, was (in retrospect) the funniest moment of my shepherding life.

Crossing over a main road bridge, with all of our neighbours watching and coming out to ask what had happened, you had to have a sense of humour.

We learned to joke, even if it was dark humour, but there have been times when even laughter couldn’t stop the tears. Nursing a poorly gimmer one-to-one for 6 months, only for it to end in euthanasia and vets drawing a complete blank as to what was wrong, was definitely the lowest point.

Had my other ewes not been pregnant at the time, I would have come close to giving up at that point.

Despite what people say, sheep are individuals who have personalities and attitude, and working and bonding with one sheep so closely, the loss was immense.

Some people have said women don’t suit agriculture because of our emotions, but I think emotion can be a strength and not a weakness.

Female shepherds seem more in tune with their stock, better at spotting problems before they’re obvious, better at having the extra patience a lambing ewe needs to keep her calm or get her bonding with her lamb. The rise in the presence of the female farmer online makes me proud and excited for the future.

And the male farmers supporting women, the husbands supporting wives. We, at the Whitadder flock, are a team of women supporting women - Liz, myself, Jean, and my best friend, Sophie, who willingly plods through the mud and rain with us in all seasons - making my former dream a reality. Through the ups and the downs, we support, rant, celebrate, and try our best to laugh even when we want to cry. Sheep farming, especially as first generation farmers working around full time jobs and on borrowed land, is a real emotional rollercoaster. But it is so worth it when you really put your heart into it.

Instagram - @whitadderwoodlands Facebook - Whitadder Rare & Native Breeds

Farming

| Energy

orthern Ireland’s Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) has made a significant breakthrough with its research into on-farm biogas production by introducing a new digester mixing system.

Dr Gary Lyons from the AgriEnvironment Branch at AFBI, said: “The original mixing system, installed when the plant was built, worked well for a number of years, but eventually a build-up of sludge in the bottom of the primary and secondary digestion tanks meant that we were getting poor digestate mixing. This impacted biogas production and the level of methane in the biogas. We decided that we needed to shut the system down, clear the sludge from the tanks, and retrofit a new mixing system on to the main digestion tank, which would not give us issues with sludge build-up in the future.”

‘A robust mixing system is critical’

At Hillsborough, one of seven AFBI sites that provide scientific research and services to government, non-governmental and commercial organisations, the retrofit of the AD plant’s main digester has improved biogas yields by 15-25%.

At what was the first biogas plant of its type in Northern Ireland, the cow slurry from the site’s 300-strong dairy herd is codigested with grass silage produced on the research farm, to produce biogas which is combusted in a CHP engine providing heat and electricity for the site.

The new mixing system ensured that fresh feedstock was being better mixed in the main digestion tank and was not discharged too early, as witnessed by higher discharge temperature than that observed from the old mixing system.

Farming

He added: “At AFBI, we understand that busy farmers have more than enough to do, without having to constantly repair and maintain their biogas plant, so we’ve been able to see first-hand that a robust mixing system is critical. One that doesn’t have any wear parts on the inside of the tank will prevent the big headache of downtime.

The new mixing system in question is a simple, but highly effective one. Externally-

mounted, a Chopper Pump (invented by Landia in 1950) with venturi nozzles. No working at height. No working in the gas zone. And no costly downtime for servicing.

“There’s more to it than that of course,” continued Gary.

The Landia GasMix provides the dual benefit of both hydraulic and biogas mixing in one system, which was appealing to the AFBI team.

We’re not a commercial plant, but our role is to explore all of the possible benefits for farmers.

This means not only maximising the amount of clean energy that can be produced, but how to achieve that with the minimum amount of energy that goes in.

‘More gas and also better quality gas’ “When we were just using slurry as a feedstock, the Landia mixers increased our output from 300 cubic metres of biogas per day of dry solids to typically 360, and as high as 400. I’m a sceptic by nature, but the results were there right in front of us with our readings; more gas and also better quality gas, with the Landia GasMix system working away without any problems, continuously reducing the particle size of the feedstock.

“Over time, only two of the 18 lines on the old mixing system hadn’t blocked. We knew we had to look for a lower maintenance alternative.”

Gary and his team’s search saw them consult with the first biogas plant of its type in the Republic

| Energy also looked hard at the Danish Biogas Association’s advice on the use of venturi nozzles for digester mixing at AD plants.

This led to us working with DPS (part of the EPS Group) of Bangor (who supply Landia equipment in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) to help with their knowledge and experience

of Ireland, where in County Limerick, impressive performance numbers were being reported at the site owned and operated by Greengas.

I spoke with David McDonnell at Greengas,” said Gary. “He told me that his plant was benefiting from having Landia mixers. I

GASMIX

Process benefits

Higher biogas production compared to traditional mixing.

“In this situation, throwing more power at the process isn’t the answer. We’ve also understood that dwell times are very important, which takes convincing for some, but through careful fine-tuning, we don’t have to run the Landia mixers flat out to optimise biogas yields; just in 10-minute cycles, so only 30 minutes each hour. We need to experiment more with dwell times to hit the sweet spot of minimal mixing for maximum plant performance.

“We have had no problems with digestate mixing whatsoever since installing the Landia digester mixing system. By

increasing the surface area of the feed with truly comprehensive mixing of the tank, the bacteria get to work much quicker. I do like the fact that the system incorporates biogas recirculation, and we do not appear to have solids settlement issues.

“As a scientific research centre, we’ve experienced the good, the bad and the ugly of AD, which should help farmers avoid the downside of those mixing systems that can only be retrieved by having to laboriously drain down the tank and then have to start the whole process from scratch. We won’t be doing that again.

“Following the increase in biogas production and methane content that we saw with mono-digestion of slurry as the feedstock, it will be very interesting in time to collate the data from the codigestion of slurry and grass silage.” www.landiaworld.com

a unique externally mounted mixing system for anaerobic digesters – offering nothing but benefits.

Cost benefits

No need for hatches, platforms, ladders & structural support for mixers.

Maintenance benefits

All equipment is external and easily accessible.

Tel. 01948 661 200 . landia.co.uk . info@landia.co.uk Farming

| Energy

Creation of local energy market lowers bills at farm estate he manager of Rhug Estate Organic Farm has urged everyone to utilise peer-to-peer energy trading.

Describing UrbanChain's energy trading model as 'the next iteration in renewable energy generation', Philip Hughes says the Welsh estate is saving significant money having increased energy efficiency.

As meat processors, retailers, farmers, landlords and generators of power, Rhug Estate Organic Farm covers 5,018 hectares across central and coastal areas in north Wales.

The business signed up to UrbanChain's Peer-toPeer (P2P) energy exchange in April 2023 and has now renewed.

"We share the difference between our two companies which is a total of 10p per kWh, five pence goes to the generator and five pence to the retail consumer. Everyone's a winner," he said.

"With the distance between the wind turbines and the farm shop, we could not have done this without UrbanChain.

"We are making the most of these assets and anything we don't use is sold through a conventional PPA." He added: "We believe we are net zero on both scope one and scope two. As it stands we are moving towards understanding our cope three emissions.

"Having now signed up for another renewal with UrbanChain, we intend to do this for longer as it works very well.

"It is financially positive without question. A new model that works and it's also great that we can say to our customers that we are 100% renewable.

"I would encourage everyone to do this as it is the next iteration in renewable energy generation."

Manchester-based UrbanChain, an energy market disruptor, currently manages +200GWh of renewable energy exchange and has +3.3TWh (terawatt hours) in its pipeline.

Using integrated blockchain and AI, UrbanChain matches generators of renewable energy and consumers on a half hourly basis.

Philip Hughes, Estate Manager, Rhug Estate Organic Farm, said: "We have been part of UrbanChain's peer-to-peer exchange since April 1 2023 and we have created our own energy market.

"We now have flexibility due to being part of the energy exchange as UrbanChain helps us deal with the intermittency of renewables in a sophisticated way.

"The two coastal wind turbines we have power the air ambulance and search and rescue. The spare energy goes to Rhug Estate Organic Farm Shop approximately 50 miles away through UrbanChain's sleeving process and powers all the fridges, our restaurant, cafe, the shop and our drive-through."

Philip says Rhug Estate consists of an energy generation company and a retail operation that buys in the power generated.

Farming

The capacity of the renewable energy schemes on Rhug Estate ranges from 4KW to 5MW and includes; solar ranging from 4KW to 1,235KW on the main estate; a 5MW solar scheme on the coast; two 225KW wind turbines by the coast at Caernarfon Airport; a 7.5KW Francis water turbine and heat pump by the lake in front of Rug Hall and a 90KW Archimedes screw, that drives another hydro-electric power scheme.

Earlier this year UrbanChain closed a £5.25m Series A round led by leading global investment firm Eurazeo earlier this year and has previously received significant investment from Innovate UK and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.

Those active in UrbanChain's renewable energy trading market across the UK are generators of renewable energy, private companies from multiple sectors, local authorities, social housing associations, manufacturers, households and energy suppliers.

Founder and CEO Somayeh Taheri said: "Rhug Estate, like many who are part of our P2P energy exchange across the UK, is benefitting greatly from a model which isn't just the future of electricity markets, but the now.

"We are delighted that Rhug Estate has renewed with UrbanChain and we look forward to what will hopefully be a long and successful working relationship."

| Energy

Turtle launches UK’s first wind and solar powered defibrillator and bleed control cabinet urtle Defib Cabinets – an innovative manufacturer of defibrillator and bleed control cabinets, bleed control kits and supplier of medical equipment – has designed and engineered the first solar and wind powered defibrillator cabinet in the UK.

The launch of the product creates an opportunity to set higher standards when it comes to saving lives in environments where an electricity supply may be restricted or cost-prohibitive to install; for example, construction sites, leisure providers like golf courses and public parks, and the agricultural sector. Defib cabinets must maintain a temperature above 0 degrees, but above 10 degrees is recommended.

While solar powered cabinets are widely available, Turtle’s innovative design negates the issues that current models present; the location and angle of the solar panel must be optimal to ensure a continuous supply of electricity, which guarantees the defibrillator equipment can function correctly at all times. Turtle’s product addresses the dangers of an electrical supply failure with inclined solar panels and with wind power combined, Turtle’s product is failsafe. It satisfies a gap in the market for shaded locations and is ideal for blustery environments, and a remote monitoring option is available.

Turtle worked with The University of Warwick to conduct academic feasibility studies, which allowed them to engineer a product that successfully captures solar and wind power. The two-year research and development period was aided with funding from medical innovation support network Medilink UK. Mike Dowson, founder and Managing Director of Turtle Defib Cabinets, said: “We not only identified that there was a gap in the market for a wind powered defib cabinet, but also that the solar products that were available are not designed in the most optimal way to harness solar energy. Our research and development with support from Medilink UK and The University of Warwick over the last two years has facilitated Turtle to design, engineer and manufacture a failsafe defib cabinet that will help to save lives in places where people were previously vulnerable.”

Defibrillator equipment is battery powered, but power is required to keep outdoor cabinets at the correct temperature, maintaining the life of the battery and efficacy of the equipment, including the defib pads. Cabinets are usually wired to an electrical source, but in remote areas or places where installation of an electric feed is cost prohibitive, solar has been used as an alternative. It is, however, fraught with issues, not least because of the UK’s limited winter sunlight and limitations on where the panel can be placed on a vertical cabinet.

Dowson continued: “Our design angles the solar panel in a way that maximises power from the sun’s rays, but also comprises a wind turbine to ensure the cabinet works when the UK weather is at its worst. We also offer a remote monitoring option provides a daily cabinet status, such as updates on environmental conditions, charge status, when the cabinet has been accessed or if there are any faults. The unit is compatible with every type of public access defibrillator on the market so if a wi-fi-enabled model is selected, peace of mind can be gained without manual cabinet checks.”

Turtle worked with pre-launch partners who assisted with additional research and have adopted the product; these include Kington Golf Club in Hereford, the highest 18-hole golf course in England and Northamptonshire Sport who installed a unit in Northampton Bike Park. Other early adopters of the product are a construction company and a farmland-based rehabilitation centre in Aberdeenshire. Turtle specialises in bespoke cabinet designs and is developing options for a portable wind and solar powered product that can be moved as required.

Bleed control kits do not need to be kept at a specific temperature. However, since Turtle engineered the first public accessible cabinet for these lifesaving packs – working with the Daniel Baird Foundation, West Midlands Ambulance and The National Trauma Network – the majority of defib cabinet customers choose to put a bleed control kit in the unit too.

For more information about Turtle’s defib cabinets, bleed control cabinets and the equipment to place inside, please visit www.turtledefibcabinets.co.uk Farming

| Energy

RES listens, responds and submits

ES, a British renewable energy company, has submitted a planning application for its 49.9 MW Chimmens Solar Farm, located on land between Horton Kirby and Fawkham, Sevenoaks. The plans were submitted following a period where RES invited feedback from the local community, which included a public exhibition held on the 10th July in Fawkham, on the design of the proposed solar farm. The feedback received from the community as well as input from the technical and environmental site assessments resulted in several changes that have enhanced the final design.

The changes made by RES, a company employing more than 700 people in the UK

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alone, includes new native woodland planting on the northern boundary, and a change to the inverter and energy storage locations to use existing mature hedgerows as immediate screening. Additionally, RES has said it has achieved increased buffers from residential properties to the northwest of the site and has included over 35 acres of habitat creation for Skylark. Overall, RES predicts that there will be a biodiversity net gain of 45% in habitat areas and a 39% net gain in hedgerow habitats, as a result of the proposed development.

Pauric McCloskey, Development Project Manager at RES, commented: "We're pleased to have worked with the local community in Horton Kirby and Fawkham

| Energy

s plans for Chimmens Solar Farm to listen to their feedback, reflect on the changes we could make and then incorporate these into the plans that we have now submitted.

"Building new solar farms like Chimmens is absolutely essential to helping tackle climate change, but more than that, we need more projects like this because they generate cheap electricity, create a more secure supply of energy for Britian and support skilled jobs in the green economy."

If consented, Chimmens Solar Farm would be capable of generating enough clean, green renewable electricity to power approximately 22,500 homes each year, saving up to 15,0002 tonnes of CO2 compared to electricity from fossil

fuels like gas. Large-scale solar, alongside onshore and offshore wind are now the cheapest forms of new electricity generation, making developments like the proposed Chimmens Solar Farm not just good for the environment but also the consumer.

RES is active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, transmission and distribution. In its 40-year history, RES has delivered more than 23GW of renewable energy projects and exported the skills and knowledge it has developed as a British business across the globe.

For further information about the project, visit www.chimmens-solarfarm.co.uk

Farming

| Buildings

Ensuring Safety and Environmental Friendliness in British Farm Buildings

n the picturesque landscapes of the British countryside, farm buildings stand as silent sentinels, playing a crucial role in the agricultural sector.

Ensuring the safety and environmental friendliness of these structures is paramount for sustainable farming practices. This article explores the key considerations in maintaining the safety and ecoconsciousness of British farm buildings.

1. Structural Integrity and Safety Measures:

•

Fire Safety Measures: •

Implementing fire safety protocols, such as fireresistant materials and adequate escape routes, safeguards both livestock and human occupants.

•

Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency response plans contribute to a comprehensive fire safety strategy.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance: • •

Farm building safety begins with routine inspections to identify structural weaknesses.

2. Environmental Friendliness:

Employing qualified professionals for periodic assessments ensures timely detection and rectification of potential hazards.

•

Opting for eco-friendly building materials minimizes the environmental impact of farm structures.

•

Recycled and locally sourced materials reduce carbon footprints associated with transportation.

Compliance with Building Codes: •

These codes are designed to uphold structural integrity, fire safety, and overall occupant wellbeing.

Stringent adherence to building codes is essential for constructing and maintaining farm buildings.

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Sustainable Construction Materials:

Energy-Efficient Design:

| Buildings •

•

Integrating energy-efficient designs, such as proper insulation and natural lighting, reduces the reliance on external energy sources.

4. Community and Industry Collaboration:

Renewable energy solutions, like solar panels or wind turbines, contribute to sustainable energy practices.

•

Establishing networks for knowledge exchange among farmers and industry experts fosters a culture of safety awareness.

•

Collaborative initiatives can provide resources and support for implementing best practices in farm building safety.

Water Conservation: •

•

Implementing water-efficient systems, including rainwater harvesting and irrigation management, promotes responsible water usage.

Government Incentives: •

Encouraging participation in safety and sustainability programs through government incentives promotes responsible farm management.

•

Grants and subsidies for adopting eco-friendly practices incentivize farmers to invest in safer and more sustainable infrastructure.

Proper drainage systems prevent soil erosion, maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area.

3. Technological Advancements for Safety and Efficiency: Smart Farming Technologies: •

Incorporating IoT devices and sensors enhances farm building safety by providing real-time data on structural conditions and potential risks.

•

Automated systems can monitor environmental factors, ensuring optimal conditions for both crops and livestock.

Drone Technology for Inspections: •

Knowledge Sharing:

Drones equipped with cameras and sensors offer a non-intrusive means of inspecting farm buildings.

As the backbone of agricultural operations, British farm buildings must prioritize safety and environmental considerations. Through a combination of structural diligence, sustainable practices, technological integration, and collaborative efforts, the farming community can ensure that these structures stand resilient against time while minimizing their impact on the environment. By embracing a holistic approach to safety and eco-consciousness, British farm buildings can continue to thrive as integral components of a sustainable and prosperous agricultural landscape.

- This technology enables swift identification of structural issues, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Farming

| Buildings

Prepare now for Winter s we are all too aware, there has been an exceptionally wet summer and autumn with storms Agnes, Badet and Debi making their presence felt. On the farm the flooding meant moving livestock to higher ground, slurry tanks filling up, as well as taking care while driving through floods.

With the present cold snap, this should act as a reminder that now is a good time to plan for all eventualities in weather conditions. This includes freezing conditions resulting in frozen and burst pipes; snow and ice can result in problems in getting deliveries in or collections out and feeding stock outdoors and wind has the potential for causing damage to farm buildings. For each of these risks you should Farming

think how you would deal with the severe weather and your ability to provide water, food, and shelter.

It is good practice to ensure any pipes within buildings are insulated and protected from livestock. Turn off water to fields that have no livestock and keep a supply of relevant water fittings to repair any leakages. Check that antifreeze

is in all vehicles. Clear all spouting’s and ensure clean water drains are free from debris. You should also have a supply of grit /salt.

If wind is forecast, secure all loose objects that may be blown around the farmyard, close and secure all doors and windows. Keep away from the sheltered side of walls, buildings, and trees in case they collapse. Do not go and repair damage while the storm

is in progress. Do not drive unless your journey is necessary and if you must drive, be aware of side winds.

Do not touch any electrical / telephone cables that have blown down.

If snow and frost are forecast, plan how you would get food and water to your stock. If milk collections are suspended, have you extra storage capacity in place? If feed deliveries can’t get through, have you sufficient feed stored to cover your requirements.

Minimise air flow by sealing doors and preventing drafts, drain out the milking machine and protect pipes/pumps from freezing. Keep tractors, handlers, and quads in a shed when not in use. Check and test backup generators and equipment, never use stand by generators indoors as the fumes from the engine can be lethal. Before going out onto the land always tell someone where you are going, how long you will be and wear suitable layers of cloths and high visibility clothing when searching for animals.

Keep a close eye on the weather forecast so that you can take appropriate action.

Check websites to see if there is interruption to water and electricity supplies in your area.

Some time spent now, preparing your farm for the unexpected, could save you a lot of problems in the future.

Have a list and/or store the numbers on the phone of those you may need to contact.

These could include electricity company, electrician, NI water, plumber, milk collection and meal supplier and keep your phone and a torch fully charged. The main priority is that you stay safe.

| Buildings

Three new faces join RIDBA board

he experience and expertise available on the RIDBA board is increasing thanks to three new

Matthew Hastwell of Wareing Buildings (right) are all joining.

"It's a really good piece of news to end the year with."

RIDBA chairman Neil Fox said: "It's always good to see people becoming more involved with RIDBA.

The winter edition of the RIDBA Journal sees Stephen Jaques take part in the Steeling the Limelight feature.

That's because Oliver Janes of Briarwood (centre), Stephen Jaques of Jaques (left) and

"They have a wealth of experience and expertise, and that's only be a good thing for RIDBA and its members.

Do you want information on joining the RIDBA board?

Email admin@ridba.org.uk

n partnership with Trimble, RIDBA is bringing back its Industry Day and you can book your free place now!

"It's always a popular event and we know members find it reward from both learning and networking points of view.

industry day in the spring.

members!

With a theme of embracing technology and automation, suppliers will showcase their tech-based products and services.

There will also be live demonstrations, presentations and industry updates, plus opportunities to network.

RIDBA general manager Joe Chalk said: "It's great to be bringing back RIDBA's Industry Day.

"Our thanks to Trimble for hosting the day."

Craig Johnson, business manager at Trimble, said: "We’re really looking forward to welcoming our fellow RIDBA members for the association’s

"It’ll be the first time RIDBA holds the event in partnership with a member and we’re thrilled that that member is us!

“We’re sure it’ll add a brilliant new dynamic to what is always a fantastic event, and we can’t wait to see everyone in April.”

Supplier member Trimble will host the event at its base in Leeds on Thursday, April 18.

RIDBA's AGM will take place at the end of the day.

Register: https://www. tickettailor.com/events/ ridbaltd/1065389 Farming

| Farm Safety & Security

Revolutionary RAPID check and ultra RFID tag set to transform asset security Datatag and CESAR Security Scheme unveil groundbreaking technology for Police and Security Agencies n a significant advancement in the field of asset security, Datatag, the delivery partner of the Construction Equipment Association's (CEA) CESAR Security Scheme, has unveiled its latest innovation of a RAPID check (Registered Assets Police Information Database) and a cutting-edge 'Ultra Tag' RFID transponder. This breakthrough is expected to considerably enhance the security of construction and agricultural machinery across the globe by equipping every police officer with the means to quickly check a machine's 'status' on the secure database and significantly extend the read range of the CESAR system's RFID transponders to assist police further.

I

The 'Ultra Tag', an ultra-secure RFID chip, is impervious to interrogation and compromise. Its enhanced reading distance, when used with a Datatag scanner, marks a substantial improvement in identification technology. This development is poised to significantly bolster the resilience of tagged assets against theft and tampering.

RAPID, a web-based application, represents a year of dedicated development by the team at Datatag and consolidates data of approximately 625,000 construction and agricultural machines into a single, accessible platform. The database is a huge benefit for law enforcement agencies, allowing all 142,000 police officers in the UK, and countless others globally, to access comprehensive data with just a smartphone. From South End to South Africa, the reach of a RAPID check is truly global.

The system offers a secure amalgamation of police, manufacturer, and insurance data and by simply entering a part of a vehicle identification number (VIN) or any related number, officers can rapidly determine the status of a machine. This feature is particularly crucial in identifying stolen machinery quickly thereby securing recovery and assisting in prosecutions.

CESAR, fast approaching a registration of 625,000 systems, has seen its most significant enhancement in 16 years with the advent of the RAPID check application. This tool not only promises a transformation in asset security but also symbolises a giant leap in the capabilities of law Farming

enforcement agencies in safeguarding machinery and equipment assets.

Kevin Howells, Managing Director of Datatag: "The launch of the RAPID check service and the Ultra Tag represents a monumental stride in our commitment to advancing security technology. These innovations are not just about protecting assets; they're about empowering all law enforcement with the tools they need to combat theft and secure vital machinery. Our Ultra Tag is a game-changer in RFID technology, offering unparalleled security features that are virtually tamper-proof. We believe that our new RAPID check will revolutionise the way police officers across the globe interact with and safeguard construction and agricultural machinery."

Suneeta Johal, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA): "The introduction of the RAPID check, in collaboration with Datatag, marks a new era in asset protection and data accessibility. This innovative tool is a significant leap forward for the CESAR Scheme, enhancing our capability to safeguard over 600,000 registered machines. It's a proud moment for us to see how far we've come since the inception of CESAR. With RAPID, we are not just providing a database; we are offering a comprehensive security solution that will redefine industry standards and offer peace of mind to equipment owners worldwide."

As the CESAR Scheme continues to expand, RAPID stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution and sophistication of asset protection technology. This development heralds a new era in security, offering unparalleled protection and peace of mind for asset owners and law enforcement agencies alike.

| Farm Safety & Security

New Protection for Your Farm Equipment in the Fight Against Theft ehicle security specialist HH Driveright is ready to assist the fight against rural crime in the UK, having adapted its GM 2020 vehicle immobilisation and tracking device to increase the protection of tractors, quad bikes and other engine-driven agricultural machinery.

V

The GM 2020 has had dramatic and positive impacts in reducing van thefts, and can be equally effective in protecting agricultural machinery. Once fitted to a tractor, it can firstly prevent an operator leaving the keys in the ignition. If they do, it will emit a warning signal within ten seconds. If the operator does not respond, the device will immobilise the vehicle. That can be a vital way of stopping any thieves, monitoring the farm, from quickly and easily stealing equipment.

If immobilised merely due to operator forgetfulness and failure to remove the keys, the equipment can be mobilised again within minutes, once a call is made to the control centre.

The device also comes as a trackeronly option, which is useful for the

protection of quad bikes.

With serious organised crime gangs behind rural theft – with the majority of stolen items being stolen to order and seemingly heading to undersanction Russia[i] – parking vehicles in a barn is no deterrent. Barn side panels are simply removed, to enable thieves to get what they want.

If they manage to steal the equipment, it is quickly loaded inside a vehicle and driven away. If a tractor is fitted with the GM 2020 hardwire device, however, it can be remotely immobilised, the minute the theft is detected, leaving the vehicle to be of little use to the thieves. Simultaneous tracking of its location at that time of immobilisation might enable police to locate it before any decisions can be made to strip it down into parts.

If a quad bike is fitted with the GM2020 track device, the farmer should be able to pinpoint its location.

This is yet another layer of protection for farmers to use in the fight against rural crime, which cost the UK £49.5m in 2022, up £40.5m from the previous year. Since then, there has been a 300% increase in rural crime in the first quarter of 2023.

The GM 2020 could be particularly useful for farmers who have been repeat victims of rural crime and are seeking another way to deter thieves who are cashing in on the scarcity of agricultural equipment in Eastern Europe. Around 70% of farmers are repeat victims, according to NFU.[ii] Quad bikes and ATVs were top targets in 2022 and their theft figures alone rose by 34%, costing NFU Mutual £3m in claims.

HH Driveright’s managing director, Rebecca Hall, says, “Farmers need easy and effective solutions and the GM 2020 provides that. For a very low cost, they can have a device fitted that will prevent the thieves from operating a tractor, which could lead to thieves moving on or abandoning it, if already stolen.

With the ability to also track where the machinery is, there is a double means of trying to secure the return of the stolen items. That can be crucial for livelihoods, as equipment cannot be replaced overnight and a shortage in supply could lead to considerable farm downtime, until new equipment can be secured.”

The cost of using the GM 2020 on a quad bike, ATV or tractor, would be from £4.50 per month, per vehicle. With winter nights giving thieves more opportunities than ever to work under cover and steal farm equipment, it could be time to find out more. Call HH Driveright on 01937 830 144 [i] https://www.politico.eu/article/ farm-machinery-gps-theft-uk-ruralcrime-ukraine-russia-war-sanctions/ [ii] https://www.nfuonline.com/ updates-and-information/cost-ofrural-crime-up-by-9m-amid-hugerise-in-machinery-theft/

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Farming

| Farm Safety & Security

Think one step ahead to reduce farm security risks

Simple steps to help reduce risk of loss, theft, damage or injury can also help insurance premiums

ith pressure on margins and continued volatility of input costs, twinned with shorter, darker days in mid-winter, the farming industry’s exposure to risk has never been higher, and farmers are being urged to take a proactive approach to farm security.

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With latest rural crime figures suggesting that farmers are now not only facing the threat of opportunists, but also organised criminals targeting high value goods and equipment, measures need to be implemented to reduce risks and limit opportunities, according to agriculture insurance specialists, Acres Insurance Brokers.

“Farm security is sometimes treated with a relaxed approach, but even if only adding a further layer of deterrent, simple measures can have a huge impact, particularly for putting off the opportunist criminal looking for a quick gain,” says director Georgie Spencer.

“As an industry, we are open to a wide range of risks and threats, but there are some simple precautions we can take to help reduce the risk of losses and theft.”

Of course, the best form of defence is to stop any unwanted visitors at the farm gate. An open and inviting driveway up to unsecured farm buildings, Farming

workshops and machinery is an open invite to the opportunist thief.

Where possible, Ms Spencer advises installing security gates, barrier gates or sliding gates, ideally with number plate recognition and recording.

However, if the determined criminal does get past the farm gate, the insurance specialists are reminding the industry of a number of measures that can be implemented.

“Consider the use of alarm systems as part of a series of defences to put off potential thefts or attacks,” she says.

“Measures inside buildings, for example tamper alarms on diesel tanks, or lockable cabinets for high value tools, plus CCTV and security cameras are an additional security and deterrent.”

Machinery and technology High value equipment and machinery have always been a target for criminals, and latest crime figures show this to be a trend that continues to rise.

Alarms, immobilisers and trackers can all play their part in reducing that threat.

“There are simple management practices that should always be adopted. For example, remove GPS receivers from vehicles and machinery,” says

| Farm Safety & Security Ms Spencer.

“An even more simple one - don’t leave vehicles and machinery such as trucks and gators unlocked or leave keys in the ignition. It is obvious I know, but we see examples far too frequently,” she adds.

Insurance implications While the implementation of new security features and additional precautions will involve some level of investment, it will certainly bring peace of mind. And while installing additional measures may not directly link to reduced insurance premiums, it will have a benefit, according to Acres Insurance Brokers.

“Insurers will look more favourably at a willingness to deter criminals, and if higher sums are insured, and suitable theft measures are in place, premiums are unlikely to rise,” says Ms Spencer.

“On the flip side, if multiple claims for theft are made, the insurer will likely insist on security features being installed, so the farmer ends up with a higher premium anyway, and will still have to pay for the security measures,” she adds.

Although insurers may not give a direct discount straight away for implementation of security measures, they will help keep insurance premiums

down in the long term.

“The less claims for theft you make, the more negotiating power we, as the broker, have with insurers, to keep premiums down. Nobody benefits from an insurance claim, and therefore avoiding them happening is in the interest of the farmer,” explains Ms Spencer.

Replacement costs With the continued appreciation of farm equipment and machinery values, alongside increased costs of repair, it is important to consider sums insured, with an eye on replacement costs.

If faced with the loss or damage of machinery, vehicles or equipment by intruders, unless policies have been reviewed and sufficient replacement sums insured, farmers can face significant downtime and potentially catastrophic losses. The same applies with livestock.

“Ensure all stock is insured for reinstatement, whether for breeding stock, or for finished or sale value, and always ensure fields, fences, pens and gates are secured to deter theft,” says Ms Spencer.

Farming

| Livestock

Judges Announced for NBA Beef Expo he National Commercial Cattle show held as part of the National Beef Association's bi-annual spring flagship event attracts the highest quality cattle from across the UK, and it is for many one of the day's highlights. Today, the NBA is delighted to announce that two expert judges have accepted the daunting challenge of separating the best from the very best in this fiercely contested competition being held at the North West Auctions Rural Auction Centre on Saturday, 27th April 2024.

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Northamptonshire's Frank Page has kindly agreed to judge the Native and Continental classes

and the Supreme Championships, while Lincolnshire's Jonathan Lyon will judge the Baby Beef classes, the Baby Championship and Young Handler classes.

The National Commercial Cattle Show will see in the region of 120 head of cattle compete in the 10 cattle classes for steers and heifers with the overall winner taking home the Supreme Championship title. To support, encourage and highlight the next generation of commercial breeders and farmers, this year the NBA is also inviting the stars of the future aged between 14- 21 to take part in the Young Handlers classes as part of the livestock section.

Frank Page farms a total of 830 acres near Elkington in Northamptonshire in partnership with his brother Dan and nephew Chris, who look after the arable side of the business. Frank, his wife Caroline and children George and Gabriella look after the livestock side.

The family's cattle enterprise comprises 140 beef suckler cows, with Limousin x British Blue or British Blue x Limousin cows put to British Blue and Limousin Bulls. Heifers are kept to breed, and what is fattened regularly tops the prices at Rugby Farmers Mart. The farm also runs 320 ewes, all Suffolk x mules which go to Texel rams.

Frank showed his first homebred animal when he was 12 and has been showing and winning ever since and earlier this month he won his 20th championship at Rugby Christmas Primestock Show with a homebred heifer.

On the showing circuit with homebred cattle, he has scooped Smithfield champion, a baby beef champion at the Welsh Winter Fair and a pedigree champion and 6 carcass champions at the English Winter Fair.

Numerous invitations to judge at the highest level have included the Welsh Winter Fair, the English Winter Fair and the National Limousin Show, and on being asked to judge at this year's NBA Beef Expo, Frank commented: "It is a real honour to be invited to judge such a prestigious event and being a national show I am expecting to see some very high quality cattle. We have tremendous livestock here in the UK and I am looking forward to seeing the cream of the crop. In terms of what I will be looking for, it will be well fleshed, stylish, correct cattle with good conformation."

Jonathan Lyon knows exactly what it takes to compete and win at Beef Expo, having won at

Farming

| Livestock

Malvern in 2013 with a home bred heifer and again at Shrewsbury in 2016, and coming one step away from the ultimate prize with a Reserve Champion at York.

Jonathan farms 320 acres near Bourne in Lincolnshire, first started by his father Trevor, alongside this they operate a landscape gardening business, Greatford Garden Services. The farm is home to 70 suckler cows and a flock of 140 ewes. The Limousin x and Belgium Blue x run with three pedigree Limousin and one Belgium Blue bulls, and the Lyons' main aim is to produce show calves and top quality bulls. Bulls are sold both on farm and throughout live auctions at Carlisle and breeding heifers sold through Kirkby Stephen and Hexham Auction Marts.

Like Frank Page, Jonathan has been showing cattle since a very young age and he has scooped several major awards in addition to his Beef Expo successes at NBA Beef Expo, winning with mostly homebred stock at the Royal Welsh, the Great Yorkshire three times, and at the

English Winter Fair at Stafford on several occasions.

In judging the Baby Beef classes and the Baby Championship in April, he will be looking for, "An animal which catches your eye when it comes into the ring, with a wide, square stance and a very good top line, I'll be looking for good depth in the hind quarter and whether it's a calf or a bigger animal it needs to have a good, full loin."

And although no stranger to the judging circuit, Jonathan is acutely aware of the standards expected from both entries and judges in this ultimate test of quality. "Beef Expo is a very, very good event and the National Commercial Cattle show is as difficult as it gets to win, so it's an absolute honour to be asked to judge. I have been coming since the event was initiated, and it will be a real pleasure to be on the other side of the competition fence this time. There is always a very high quality of stock and it is a challenge for anyone to get anywhere near winning it, so I will be taking my responsibilities very seriously indeed. "

NBA Chief Executive, Neil Shand, believes that such highly respected judges underline the national credibility of the Beef Expo event and its importance to the industry. "British Beef is renowned throughout the globe and this event is a celebration of our wonderful industry and the people who are taking it forward into the future. The whole event provides a vital platform for discussion and debate through its seminars and trade show, and it gives farmers the opportunity to see first-hand the attributes of numerous breeds of cattle.

"The cattle classes are right at the heart of the event, showcasing the best of beef livestock and their breeders and handlers, and our two judges have the exceptional combination of expertise, knowledge and personal showing success that commands absolute respect for their decisions."

National Beef Expo 2024 will be held at North West Auctions, J36, Rural Auction Centre, Kendal, on Saturday, 27th April 2024.

Farming

| Livestock

East Coast Viners expands its livestock nutrition team L

eading animal nutrition specialists and feed mill, East Coast Viners is pleased to welcome trainee ruminant nutritionist Rebecca Bennett as it expands its team.

A recent graduate of Harper Adams University, Rebecca brings with her broad practical on-farm experience working with dairy, beef cattle and sheep, as well as completing her placement year with a well-known nutrition company focusing on dairy cow transition management.

Ryan Daly of East Coat Viners said, "Good nutrition is becoming increasingly important for livestock producers as they focus on productivity and efficiency, managing input costs and environmental challenges to achieve the best return for their businesses. We are delighted to be expanding the team by bringing Rebecca on board, furthering our ability to provide continued support our customers. We look forward to getting her out on the road with our team to build her experience and meet our customers."

Rebecca, who is originally from Lancashire, has a keen interest in agriculture, particularly cattle nutrition. Having completed her placement year through Harper Adams, working for a feed company gaining knowledge in optimising transition management on dairy farms in the North and Midlands of England. This included improving production, cow comfort, and looking at the best nutrition from pre-calving to post-calving while also assessing the cows' metabolic health, body condition score, environment, and milk data to identify issues and provide practical solutions.

"I'm really enjoying being part of the East Coast Viners team and learning more about nutrition and how different approaches can improve the health and performance of livestock. It's an area I've always been interested in and it's amazing to have this opportunity to be learning handson with such an experienced team."

When at home Rebecca enjoys walking, training her sheep dog and helping on the farm. She has also been an active member of Slaidburn Young Farmers Club for 10 years, taking part in many competitions including sport, stock judging, cooking, and public speaking.

Farming

| Livestock

FUW Welcomes Outcome of Bovine TB Policy Discussions T he Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed the decision by the Welsh Government to change a policy proposal which would have prohibited the feeding of unpasteurised milk to livestock on Officially TB Withdrawn (OFTW)

premises.

The proposal, which was put forward in the government’s 2021 Refreshed TB Programme consultation, was opposed by FUW members due to factors such as cost, the impracticalities of attempting to pasteurise individual mothers milk for each calf and the welfare benefits of colostrum in the first few days of life.

Following the consultation, the FUW repeatedly met with Welsh Government staff and officials to highlight members' concerns and to discuss the relative costbenefit of introducing this measure.

Dr Hazel Wright, FUW Acting Head of Policy said: “We have spent a great deal of time and effort presenting our concerns to the Welsh Government over

successive meetings on this issue. We are therefore extremely pleased that our concerns have been heard and that this has resulted in a positive policy change”.

“It is important for calf welfare that calves are provided with their mothers colostrum and milk for the first few days of life. Given the immense impracticalities of attempting to pasteurise individual mothers milk for each calf, this proposal could have detrimentally affected calf welfare” As part of its consultation response the FUW highlighted that while there may be significant risk in individual cases, the overall importance of milk borne transmission in the epidemic is probably low or negligible. Given the relative risk, the union did not believe that this was a priority issue and believed resources would be better spent elsewhere.

“Whilst this proposal will not now be taken forward, we are encouraging cattle keepers to speak to their vet to understand the risk posed by milk borne transmission on their own individual premises” added Dr Wright.

Farming

| Livestock

£500k project explores use of seaweed in chicken feed cotland's Rural College (SRUC) is involved in a pioneering initiative to revolutionise poultry feed production by exploring the viability of a highly coveted red seaweed as a sustainable substitute for soybean meal in UK chicken feed.

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The Novel Seaweed Chicken Feed Feasibility (NSCFF) project, led by Seaweed Generation in collaboration with SRUC, University of West London, CIEL (Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock) and Microgrow Systems Limited, will explore the feasibility of using tank or sea cultivated dulse - a protein-rich red seaweed - as a practical and cost-efficient alternative chicken feed.

automated macroalgal protein cultivation system, harnessing the nutritional benefits of seaweed to create an environmentallyconscious protein source for poultry.

Trials will be conducted at SRUC's state-ofthe-art poultry facility near Edinburgh to assess the impact of dulse inclusion on nutrient digestibility, growth, carcass quality and gut health, offering essential insights into its potential as a sustainable and efficient alternative protein source for chicken feed.

Dr Farina Khattak, who will lead the SRUC trials with Professor Jos Houdijk, said: "Dulse possesses significant potential due to its higher bioavailable protein content.

"However, the current challenge lies in the prohibitively expensive and intricate nature of dulse cultivation. Although it can be grown at sea, its complex life cycle adds a layer of difficulty to the process.

"In contrast to terrestrial crops, the rapid growth capacity of dulse holds promise for providing a sustainable supply of biomass suitable for integration into poultry diets as a valuable protein source.

Trials will be conducted at SRUC's poultry facility to assess the potential of using dulse in chicken feed "This project represents a It is one of 32 projects awarded funding from Innovate UK and the BBSRC to drive transformation across the food industry to meet the demands of a growing population while promoting health and sustainability.

The £500k project will develop an Farming

significant leap towards locally-sourced and eco-friendly poultry nutrition, envisioning a reshaped industry by introducing a cost-effective alternative to soybean meal, thus mitigating the ecological impact of poultry production."

| Livestock

Highly respected sheep vet honoured for her contribution to the UK sheep sector he National Sheep Association (NSA) is pleased to announce highly respected sheep vet Fiona Lovatt as the deserving recipient of the NSA George Hedley Memorial Award for 2023 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the UK sheep industry.

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award – it will be a huge honour to receive it".

The formal presentation of the NSA George Hedley Memorial Award will be at next summer's NSA Sheep Event dinner taking place on the evening of Monday 29th July, ahead of the NSA's flagship event, NSA Sheep Event on Tuesday 30th July at the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire.

Fiona Lovatt is well known for her passion for enthusing farm vets to actively engage with sheep farmers through good practice principles that embrace preventative measures and responsible medicine use. She can also be credited as a founder of the Flock Health Club concept, now running the sheep veterinary consultancy business, Flock Health Ltd, which works with vets, sheep farmers, processors, retailers and pharmaceutical companies in UK and abroad.

NSA South East Region Chair Yann Le Du, who was a nominator of Fiona for the award, says: "The Flock Health club concept has revolutionised sheep farmer and vet engagement. For this reason, amongst many others, Fiona is held in high esteem in the sheep industry and is fully justified in being awarded with this prestigious title."

As the Clinical Lead for Medicines for the charity RCVS Knowledge, Fiona established and now leads the widely collaborative antimicrobial stewardship project, Farm Vet Champions. She is also a clinical associate professor at the University of Nottingham, a past president of the Sheep Veterinary Society, Chair of the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group, Trustee of the Veterinary Christian Fellowship and she has represented the UK sheep industry as a member of the RUMA Target Task Force since 2016.

Fiona comments: "I was completely overwhelmed to hear that I had been nominated for this Farming

| Livestock

Support cow recovery post-calving with Nettex Fresh Calver airy and suckler cows struggling to recover postcalving will benefit from Nettex Fresh Calver, a highly palatable supplement that provides energy, hydration and nutrient boosts, says Emily Hall, livestock farmer and Product Manager for Nettex.

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Limited liquid intake during the calving process paired with heightened hormonal, dietary and environmental challenges exposes cows to more stress than they can handle.

“Any cow in her second lactation plus, but especially high yielders averaging more than 30 litres and older cows, are at an increased risk of post-calving problems such as a displaced abomasum, retained placenta, milk fever and ketosis,” explains Ms Hall.

These post-calving health incidents come with costs associated with labour, treatment and loss of performance, adds Ms Hall. Per case, the average post-calving illness costs £220/cow for milk fever, £208/cow for displaced abomasum and £100/cow for ketosis.

However, risk can be mitigated by providing a balanced rehydration supplement immediately post-calving. Formulated to include calcium, glucose and electrolytes, Nettex Fresh Calver is a highly palatable, water-soluble drink supplement to aid in rapid recovery. It also includes vitamin E and selenium to support afterbirth delivery.

Available in 1kg packs, one sachet of Nettex Fresh Calver should be mixed with 15-20 litres of warm water and given to cows immediately post-calving.

This will supply them with a highly palatable drink they are likely to accept during the initial period when they need to eat and drink.

According to Ms Hall, the formulation of Nettex Fresh Calver has been developed with insight from cattle farmers and on-farm experience to improve palatability and optimise nutrient inclusion.

“Rapidly rehydrating post-calving cows while supplying the correct balance of glucose, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals will help mitigate the risk of post-calving problems,” concludes Ms Hall.

To learn more about Nettex Fresh Calver, visit Nettex (nettex.co.uk)

Farming

| Livestock

VIRTUAL FENCING HELPS CATTLE UNDERPIN LAND RESTORATION

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he vital role of cattle in conservation is being highlighted in an ambitious project to transform a landscape and boost local ecology in south west Scotland.

Furthermore, there is early evidence that significant environmental gains are happening alongside effective herd management, showing that it is possible for these often-conflicting objectives to be achieved alongside one another.

One key element is the use of virtual fencing technology that has enabled the creation of an open and interconnected landscape, with self-contained public access, whilst allowing a herd of suckler cows and calves to both thrive and simultaneously drive the land regeneration.

The project is taking place within the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Estate, near Castle Douglas in Dumfries and Galloway, and is part-funded by the Galloway Glens Land Partnership. It is focused on an area of 85ha designated as a nature reserve but – until relatively recently – has been largely under the influence of conventional tenanted dairy farming. Threave Estate head ranger David Thompson explains the background.

“Many years of intensive grazing and silage making by a series of tenants, with all the associated inputs, had left the 55ha of grassland within the nature reserve quite depleted,” he says. “With land restoration as the main priority, agreement was reached to set about creating a continuous natural landscape, with the indigenous grassland, woodland and wetlands all interconnected. This has involved the removal of all the old fencing that existed for 31 separate paddocks. It has also required the reintroduction of livestock, but in a way that is complementary to the regeneration objectives and – equally importantly – compatible with public access.

“We describe this approach as holistic planned grazing, whereby mainly cattle, but also some sheep, are given access to specified areas at designated times, thereby creating the optimum conditions for land regeneration and the most conducive environment for wildlife.

“This has only been possible using the Nofence virtual fencing system. In just four years since the project started, we are already seeing a transformation in the landscape, with all parties – including the landowner, the graziers and the public – benefitting from the progress.”

The Nofence system, developed in Norway, works from a mobile phone app that uses GPS to set a

virtual boundary for the livestock. The animals wear collars that allow the app to track their live location, with a series of audio warnings used to alert them if they are too close to the boundary, with the warnings increasing in pitch if the animal continues forward.

Training cattle to use their hearing rather than eyes for fencing boundaries has proven to be very effective on the Threave Estate, with very few escapes happening and very few pulses administered. If an animal does escape, the app sends a notification to the user with the live location.

The project is being overseen by the environmental consultancy Connicks, who began in 2019 by carrying out a basic survey of the area to assess what was there and – more importantly – the potential. Huw Connick, leading the project, recognised the importance of cattle in this context, but also understood the need to marry the needs of the tenant farmer, the ecology and the visiting public.

“Cattle are the flagship species for this project, and, we have an agreement with our grazing partners, Colin and Nicola Davidson, to manage their herd of pedigree Belted Galloways on the land,” he explains. “For most of the year, the cattle are moved around the open grassland area, having access to designated areas for periods of about seven days at a time. The grazing strategy is holistic, so takes account of all the ecological factors important for regeneration and – using technology like grazing heat maps – also ensures the cattle always have what they require.

The cattle are only fenced in when they are running with the bull and when calving, for the safety of the visiting public.”

Apart from protecting Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI), holistic planned grazing using virtual fencing is facilitating natural regeneration, with remarkable results.

“Without sowing a single seed, we’re seeing the emergence of species like yellow rattle, cuckoo flower and scabious in the more marginal areas, and even oak saplings in areas of open grassland,” says Huw. “The herbage is typically knee-length for grazing, and the more diverse flora means deeper and more varied rooting, so soils are healthier, and the wildlife is thriving. Flocks of swallows and swifts flying above are indicative of the insect life below, so we are already creating a rich and diverse ecosystem.

“The Belted Galloway cattle are integral to the success, with their ability to do well on the mixed and varied swards, and controlling their movements without physical fencing means we have restored a totally natural landscape.”

Farming

| Muck & Slurry

FAN optimizes separation with its biggest separator PSS 8 ith the new press screw separator PSS 8, FAN, the technology leader in the field of separation technology, is expanding its portfolio and taking a further step towards sustainability.

The remarkable throughput of the new PSS 8 makes it predestined for larger farms, such as biogas production or dairy farming, but also for industrial applications. Thanks to the increased impact of a single machine, energy, space usage, costs and labour related to peripheral devices are saved and the ecological footprint is reduced.

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A solid-liquid separator stands for sustainability par excellence and is a pivotal equipment on modern farms. Separation opens up effective and lucrative options for further processing and reuse. The solid

material can be turned into compost or valuable bedding. The liquid phase can be spread on the field as fertiliser and ensures reliable growth of the plants in every vegetation phase.

Designed for continuous use on large farms With its impressive dimensions of 3.6 x 0.9 and a height of 1.3 m up to the inlet, the PSS 8 separator, developed for continuous operation on large farms, is an extremely robust machine. The proven FAN press screw concept has been retained while the components have been enlarged: The 2200 mm long and 350 kg heavy auger is additionally supported by a head bearing. With a diameter of 400mm, the sieve is also generously sized. The built-in auger is driven by a 30 kW electric motor running at 400V/50Hz. This ensures worldwide use for different applications.

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Excellent separation results and constant output With cattle manure with a dry matter content of 7 to 9%, the PSS 8 achieves a throughput of up to 65 m³ per hour for bedding and around 100m3 per hour in raw slurry separation.. The dryness of the solid obtained can be varied by the number and position of counterweights using a patented output regulator. The user can trust on constant output and a high-quality pressing result: the dry matter content, once set, remains unchanged throughout the entire period of use. Up to 40% dry matter content in the solids can be achieved consistently with the PSS 8. It is possible to use sieve baskets with five different gap widths from 0.25 to 1.00 mm.

Long service life, simple maintenance Like the entire FAN product range, the PSS 8 is also built from carefully selected materials. The screw features wear-resistant reinforcement, and

all parts that come into contact with the medium are made of stainless steel. This ensures an exceptionally long lifespan for the machine. Thanks to the floating sieve bearing and the associated continuous cleaning of the sieve by the screw, the PSS 8 remains almost wear-free even over long operating periods. A swivelling press head on the sieve housing makes maintenance easy.

For a green tomorrow With its large dimensions and increased throughput, a single PSS 8 can replace two or more smaller machines. Energy costs, space usage and labour in connection with operating the necessary peripheral equipment, such as pump stations, are all reduced. This saves time and money, decreases the environmental footprint and makes the PSS 8 an important ambassador for a green future.

Farming

| Muck & Slurry

Vogelsang UK celebrates 20 years of trading A

griculture machinery manufacturer, Vogelsang Ltd, is celebrating 20 years of trading in the UK.

The business was established in the UK in 2003 after the farming industry showed significant interest in its dribble bars and distributors.

Since then it has grown to an 18-strong team located across the UK, from Scotland to the South Coast and is headquartered in Crewe, Cheshire. It remains wholly-owned by its parent company, German-based and familyrun Vogelsang GmbH which has a global annual turnover of over €170 million, and was founded in 1929.

Vogelsang is a leading provider of dribble bars with working widths of 7.5m to 36m, and distributors which have an unbeatable distribution accuracy of 99%, and liquid manure pumps.

Jonathan Gutteridge, Managing Director, said, "We are pleased to have reached this milestone in Vogelsang's story. When it was founded two decades ago we had a tiny customer-base and were almost unheard of as a farming brand. Now

we have a turnover of over £10 million and have developed a reputation for making high quality machinery for the agriculture sector."

The company has ambitious plans to grow further in the upcoming years, and is on-track to increase its turnover as it branches out into more industrial sectors with its new pump and machinery designs.

It has launched several new products recently, including the BlackBird trailing shoe with larger working widths of 21m, 24m, 27m and 30m. It also launched the XSplit slurry separator which can achieve a dry matter content of up to 40%.

"We are not a company that likes to sit still," Jonathan added. "We are heavily invested in the industries in which we work and support.

Agriculture is a hugely important area for us and we continue to work closely with our customers to ensure our dribble bars and machines produce the best results possible."

Farming

EFFECTIVE SPREADING SYSTEMS Flexible, reliable and easy to maintain: As a pioneer in agricultural technology, Vogelsang leads the way in environmental friendly spreading equipment.

The dribble bar systems combined with the ExaCut distributor give the highest application of liquid manure nutrients.

Dribble bars are available in working widths of 7.5m right up to 36m and are retrofit-friendly.

For more information visit www.vogelsang.info/en-uk/dribble-bar-systems

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Contact us at: 01270 216 600 | sales.uk@vogelsang.info vogelsang.co.uk Farming

| Muck & Slurry

Specialised Slurry Inoculants Cuts Crust Formation by Third, Easing Storage Capacity new slurry inoculant containing specialised strains of bacteria and fungi has been found to reduce crust formation on slurry stores by almost a third, helping farmers to improve slurry management and reduce the need for bought-in fertilisers.

"Crust mitigation is directly linked to DEFRA's good agricultural practice guide, which recommends covering slurry and digestate stores to reduce ammonia emissions and to ensure farms have enough storage to be able to spread slurry only when crops will use the nutrients," explained Dr Townsend.

SlurryBugs and SlurryBugs Maintenance have been redeveloped by bedding and inoculants specialists EnviroSystems following one of the most comprehensive and robust studies on slurry additives. They first created SlurryBugs 20 years ago, continually improving it throughout the years.

"Without farmers managing the crust, they will have no idea what is happening underneath the cover, and by the time a crust becomes noticeable, it might be too late to intervene.

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However, the latest research has resulted in the production of an entirely new product thanks to the development and fine-tuning of specialist bacteria and fungi.

A two-year study, funded by Innovate UK and conducted in collaboration with Myerscough College, Preston, shortlisted almost 30 strains of bacteria and fungi and narrowed it down to a final five, which were tested under laboratory-controlled conditions.

"By using the SlurryBugs and SlurryBugs Maintenance, we can confidently offer farmers peace of mind that the crust formation will be minimised and slurry storage maximised.

"In addition, by improving the nutrient value of slurry by releasing trapped nitrogen, carbon, phosphate and potassium materials into the slurry, farmers have the potential to reduce the use of synthetic fertiliser," he said.

Using the products

1.

29% reduction in Crust Formation by using SlurryBugs and 23% reduction when using SlurryBugs Maintenance

SlurryBugs and SlurryBugs Maintenance should be applied in a two-step process. New customers and those with a crusting issue are advised to use SlurryBugs to break down any existing crust and prevent any fibrous material added to the store from accumulating. Each sachet (1.5kg) will treat 500m3 of slurry for the duration of its storage. Customers are advised to treat for the duration of the storage at the beginning following spreading.

2.

10-15% increase in each of the following nutrientsin the treated slurry (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur). This is because organic materials are released into the slurry when the crust is broken down. New studies are currently in progress to look at this further.

Once a homogeneous slurry has been achieved and the crust is under control, SlurryBugs Maintenance is a lowerconcentration product that can help prevent further problems. It can also be used over the summer to top up the bacteria content and prevent dry crusts from forming ahead of the next storage season.

These microorganisms were found to work most effectively on maximising the complex lignocellulosic biochemical pathways within slurry stores. The results showed:

To help validate the work of SlurryBugs and SlurryBugs Maintenance, the company ran specialist trials at Myerscough College's dairy farm to ensure the study could be completed with reliable and accurate outcomes.

Dr David Townsend, Head of Research at EnviroSystems, explained: "Trialling slurry additives on full-scale farm systems presents difficulties due to the huge volumes of slurry involved and the inability to run controls or duplicates within a controlled setting.

"As a result, we mimicked a slurry lagoon using 20L drums, which allowed us to increase our scrutiny over the experiments and the accuracy of the data we collected."

The control and treated drums were dosed with the relevant additives and maintained under closely monitored conditions for three months. Each treatment was repeated four times to ensure the results were reliable.

After treatment, the slurry in the drums was weighed, with the crust removed and weighed separately.

Preventing crust formation Reducing crust formation is becoming more critical as the 2027 date for mandatory slurry store covers nears.

Farming

Dr Townsend added: "Slurry is a valuable product, and you must make it work for you. Not only have we refined our products through this rigorous testing and utilising specialist strains of bacteria, but we have also made it easier for farmers to treat their slurry and prevent any unforeseen crust crisis from occurring."

Apply for a free year supply of SlurryBugs worth £1,000 Farmers can find out more about these new innovative inoculants on stand E30 at Dairy-Tech on 7 February at Stoneleigh Park.

Visitors can also speak with EnviroSystems' Managing Director, Liz Russell, who has dedicated her career to developing a portfolio of products to help farmers and has been at the forefront of slurry additive research.

There is also a unique opportunity for farmers to apply for a free year's supply of SlurryBugs in exchange for data collection. Spaces are limited and terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit the stand at Dairy-Tech or email the team at info@envirosystems.co.uk. The closing date for applications is 28 February 2024.

More information on this and other products can be found at envirosystems.co.uk

| Muck & Slurry

Farming

| Muck & Slurry

Slurry trials save farmer mucking about with grass growth South-West dairy farmer has been trialling different rates of slurry and artificial fertiliser in silage fields to see how he can optimise yields and reduce costs. With input prices remaining high, John Kerr at Woodhead Farm in Ayrshire wanted to see if he could maximise use of the slurry from his 180-head dairy herd to improve soil health and grass growth, which would at the same time help reduce his carbon footprint.

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so we can tweak what we are doing at different stages to get the most out of both.

Slurry may have traditionally been regarded as a waste product that we needed to get rid of, but we are now seeing it as a very valuable nutrient-dense asset."

It's a virtuous circle, he added: "If the slurry is used properly, the soil thrives, the grass grows well and we can make best use of our biggest asset, grass. We are also conscious of the pressure to produce with less impact on

its phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content, which is a high requirement for silage growth, but silage also needs nitrogen to yield.

Although slurry contains Nitrogen, in a conventional system, much of the yield of grass is driven by applications of artificial fertiliser.

Like most dairy farms, Woodhead Farm applies slurry prior to each cut of silage using manufactured fertiliser to balance the N, P and K required. Running the trials with Farming for a Better Climate (FFBC), an initiative run by SAC Consulting (part of Scotland's Rural College, SRUC), John has created four trial plots on the farm applying each with 2,500 gallons per acre plus differing amounts of artificial fertiliser as well as one with no fertiliser.

Woodhead Farm's slurry and soil was analysed at the start of the project and fertiliser was bought to rectify any deficiency.

John, who farms 141 hectares of predominantly grass in partnership with his mother Anne, said: "Grass and slurry are our cheapest and easiest resources to produce on the farm and we wanted to make sure we have the basics right Farming

the environment, which all this also helps us to do."

Silage yield is affected by the pH and nutrient balance in the soil as well as the soil's structure, the weather and fertiliser application. The majority of the value of applying slurry comes from

As well as adding nitrogen to the soil through artificial fertiliser, the application method and timing influences nitrogen availability to the grass. By using a dribble bar with a flow meter and a tractor with autosteer (all part funded through a previous Scottish Government Sustainable Agriculture Capital Grant Scheme) accuracy of

| Muck & Slurry

application is the key to success in terms of soil health.

"Where before accuracy was a challenge for slurry and fertiliser applications, it can now be done with ease with the system also keeping a record of applications, which is useful both for compliance but also for farm management purposes," explains SAC Consultant Robert Ramsay, who is working with John on the project. "By using the best application method at the correct time, nitrogen uptake is maximised, applications in the Spring achieve best utilisation of slurry nutrients. When it is applied between February and April, which coincides with the natural grass growth pattern, there is good nitrogen efficiency."

the spend."

As a farmer himself, Robert says, the FFBC trials are deliberately farmer-friendly and can be replicated on any farm: "We are often guilty of not challenging our systems or ourselves, but it's something we could all be doing. By checking whether the soil is limiting the yield potential or using data to inform nutrient applications, we can be savvier with where we spend

biology and the retention of nitrogen but the offsetting of synthetic inputs keeps emissions down.

The project has also raised other questions on where financial and environmental gains could be made. For example, could increasing yield save money on contractor costs and farm carbon emissions by cutting less acres? Could cutting less acres reduce pressure on grazing land allowing a stock increase or free up

In the trials, the more artificial nitrogen that was applied, the silage yield was inevitably higher.

However, that it's important to see costs and returns in the round rather than in silos, says Robert: "These trials have given some valuable insights to help John make management decisions around his silage crops and allowed him to do a cost analysis per tonne of fresh grass for each scenario. It's important to look at it holistically. If you can reduce fertiliser applications by even a small amount, when multiplied over many acres and several cuts, a significant saving can be achieved in your total fertiliser bill. Conversely, that extra load could fill the pit for much needed organic fertiliser which makes it worth

and save. It is not about making major changes but small shifts: getting the soil analysed, asking some basic questions and trying out different rates across one field. The benefits for the environment will naturally come with these changes."

FFBC supports farmers to integrate pragmatic changes to reduce their environmental footprint as well as improve financial margins. This project at Woodhead Farm has highlighted the advantages of using more slurry to not only boost soil

acres for another crop or reseeding? Would cutting less acres in later cuts help reduce the risk of soil damage from harvesting crops in variable weather conditions? Should we be collating information for nutrient management on a field basis rather than treating every field the same?

For more information see www. farmingforabetterclimate. org or follow the project on Facebook or Twitter @SACFarm4Climate Farming

| Machinery

Kubota and Chouette partner to drive autonomous vineyard innovation ollowing Kubota Corporation’s investment in Chouette in November 2022, the two businesses are to further strengthen their partnership to develop joint solutions for vineyard automation.

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With a focus on advanced equipment and artificial intelligence (AI), Kubota and Chouette aim to support wine producers to overcome some of the current challenges facing the sector, which include labour shortages and issues related to sustainable development.

Chouette, a French-based start-up specialising in precision vineyard management technology, uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse images captured by cameras to detect diseases, tree vigour and specific Farming

tree problems, such as frost damage or water stress. Based on data analysis, Chouette’s algorithms can create variable rate application maps and spray volume advice for chemical applications or other necessary treatment.

Kubota is accelerating open innovation through its established Innovation Centers across the World. Innovation Center Europe’s focus is to build new business innovations in orchard and vineyard production through emerging technologies such as digitalisation, AI, robotics and autonomous equipment, and advanced sensor technologies.

Since its initial investment, Kubota has been verifying Chouette’s technology with partners, plus growers in Italy and France, and now aims for commercialisation. Both organisations are working together to

| Machinery

demonstrate precision farming solutions for vineyards through the Kubota dealership network.

The European Union is the world’s largest wine producer, comprising some 2.5 million wine growers and 3.2 million hectares of vineyards. As the environment changes and the supply of labour diminishes, attention turns to managing vine health and grape yield, which are becoming increasingly costly, challenging and time consuming to execute.

“Through this partnership we aim to provide effective solutions for vineyard customers, for disease intensity detection and the adoption of sustainable farming practices,” said Hervé Gérard-Biard, vice president of business development at Kubota Holdings Europe. “Our approach combines embedded, tractor mounted sensors, mapping and AI-based vine analysis, bringing precise vine care and

prescriptive vine treatment possibilities to EU wine producers.”

Embedded sensing enables mapping, disease diagnosis and prescriptive treatment throughout the whole season.

And Kubota’s vision for healthy vineyards includes a number of areas of application to be developed in the future, for example vigour mapping and yield prediction.

“Innovation in precision agriculture tools is essential for vineyards as it enhances productivity, optimises resource usage, and improves grape quality,” said Charles Nespoulous, co-founder and chief executive officer of Chouette. “With our intelligent solutions working with Kubota’s tractors and machinery, we look forward to providing sustainable wine production solutions, and cost savings, in vineyard operations.”

Farming

| Machinery

CASE IH U SERIES MID-RANGE LOADERS UPDATED FOR 2024 T

wo new models join range, taking total choice to 16 versions / New boom design enhances visibility and strength / Improvements to lifting arms, crossbeam and hose routing / The mid-range U MY24 series Case IH loaders for the brand’s Vestrum, Maxxum and short wheelbase Puma tractors, as well as Farmall A, Farmall C and Luxxum models, have been updated for 2024, with more model choice and improved features for enhanced visibility, robustness and performance.

The first new model is the L4215U, a nonself-levelling loader which lifts 1.5t to 4.2m, and suits Vestrum, Maxxum and shortwheelbase Puma tractors. There is also a new

https://www.claas.co.uk The ARION 600 and 500 range - the new mid-range standard Assisting you, wherever it is needed.

One of our most popular tractors has just got even better thanks to a host of new functions developed by our engineers in consultation with ARION drivers.

After all, they work in the field every day, so they know exactly what they want.

For more information contact:

Sharnford Tractors Ltd Lodge Farm, Broughton Road, Frolesworth, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 5EH Telephone: 01455 209300 https://www.sharnfordtractors.co.uk

L4525U, which lifts 2.5t to 4.5m, and features mechanical self-levelling. It matches shortwheelbase Puma models, and is now the highest capacity option for these tractors. The additions take the total model choice of U MY24 series loaders for Case IH tractors to 16 versions, to match a full variety of requirements and tractor models.

A new boom design on all new U MY24 series loaders features a sloping mid-section, creating a three-section boom design that enhances forward vision from the driver’s seat, complemented by a crossbar that has been lowered by 12cm. The new shape enhances strength and durability, and matches the hood profile of the tractors to which the loaders are fitted. A new painting procedure also helps maximise durability and differentiates moving and non-moving parts.

Elevated lift arms minimise any chance of interference with front wheels and mudguards, while the hydraulic hoses have been reoriented to minimise any risk of contact with tractor components and possibility of obscuring worklights. The headstock arm mounting points on the beam elbows that articulate the headstock have been redesigned to increase their surface bearing, with a forged pivot point on self-levelling models. Hydraulic hoses are now better protected thanks to a new shielding design.

The revised U MY24 series loaders are available to order now.

Farming

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SALES | PARTS | SERVICE www.chandlers.co.uk Farming

| Machinery

Tilt correction system central A

tilt correction system that aligns the working angle of the plough to maximise the available tractor power and increase work rates is part of several updated features on KUHN Farm Machinery’s MULTILEADER XT plough range.

Originally introduced in 2012, the range is available in seven, eight or nine furrows and features a 180mm x 180mm beam and ability to plough from 350mm (14in) to 500mm (20in) widths. The plough is a semi-mounted single wheel unit, offering both on-land and in-furrow options for large scale arable units and contractors running tractors up to 405hp.

Farming

The patented KUHN tilt correction system helps to reduce fuel use, lower slippage, and reduce wear on the plough. The system is compatible with GPS to streamline the relationship between tractor and machine and constantly adjusts to maintain optimum working width while maximising the tractors power in both on-land and in-furrow formats.

Edd Fanshawe, KUHN’s arable product specialist, says the tilt correction system will increase working efficiency. “Tilt correction is standard on the full range of MULTI-LEADER XT models and allows ploughs up to 9 furrows to align with the tractor’s pull line. The system will help users achieve the most efficient ploughing operation, especially when

| Machinery

l to MULTI-LEADER XT updates combined with GPS.” On-land users can operate tracked or twin tracked machines up to 4.5m wide. This setup helps to reduce fuel consumption and increase comfort, while lowering compaction of the furrow base. Tool-free adjustment of levelling, tilt and offset save users time when setting up and making changes during work to suit conditions.

Other new features include a Z-beam to accommodate the single 1,200mm x 500mm wheel position within the main beam to allow a streamlined and compact design. A bevelled rear extension helps operators plough tightly to fences and hedges, while a press arm is available for both on-land and in-furrow setups. The new

design lets trailed presses work up to the edge of the field but maintain a safe road transport position when folded.

Edd concludes: “The plough is still a vital tool in the cultivation strategy for many farms and even growers who previously turned away from ploughing are now using one in a targeted way.

These updates to the MULTI-LEADER XT increase the options for operators after high output ploughs.”

Farming

| Machinery

Full marks for Fendt 728 Vario year on from its launch and the flagship Fendt 728 Vario (Gen7) has come out top in an independent DLG PowerMix test which measured the performance, efficiency and fuel consumption of the 303 hp tractor.

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“The 728 now stands out as the tractor for leaders in farming. It has the best combination of power and economy, enabling operators to work more efficiently on the road and in the field. It is the ultimate allrounder,” says Fendt’s Richard Miller.

When results were compared with previously tested tractors in the 240 to 305 hp sector, the Fendt 728 Vario proved to be the most economical. With a consumption of 242 g/ kWh (+ 24.2 g/kWh AdBlue) in the field, it Farming

consumed 15 g/kWh less than the comparable competitor machine at 257 g/ kWh (+16 g/kWh).

During transport work at a speed of 40 km/h, the 728 achieved a peak value of 332 g/kWh (+ 33 g/kWh AdBlue), a significant saving of 16 g/kWh when compared to other brands in the segment.

Moving at 50 km/h, it only consumed 336 g/ kWh (+ 33 g/kWh AdBlue), just 4g more than at 40 km/h. And at a maximum road speed of 60 km/h, this only increased by 2g to 338 g/ kWh (+ 33 g/kWh AdBlue).

“For operators covering high road miles the fuel efficiency of the 728 Vario will mount up and, with fuel prices rising, this will provide significant savings. For contractors harvesting and transporting crop long

| Machinery

distances it represents a sound investment,” adds Mr Miller.

A mixture of new engineering and technology, such as the Fendt iD low-speed concept, which enables the full torque of the engine to be realised at lower revs, and the VarioDrive drive train with pull-in turn effect that reduces the turning circle by up to 10%, the 728 makes full use of the new AGCO Power CORE75 engine.

To test a tractor the DLG evaluates fuel and Adblue consumption under typical workloads on a rolling test bench to demonstrate energy efficiency. It also uses 12 field-based

load cycles, including draft work with a plough or cultivator, PTO and mixed work.

This, combined with two load cycles during transport work on the road, provides an aggregated total score.

“Fendt occupies five of the top six tractors in the overall history of the DLG PowerMix. Prior to the 728 Vario achieving this accolade, the Fendt 942 Vario with exhaust emission level V offered best value with 237 g/kWh when tested in 2019. Our mission is to provide the power needed to complete challenging farm tasks with the operational efficiency to reduce time and fuel consumption,” concludes Mr Miller.

Farming

| Machinery

Counting the cos A

wet autumn has hampered planting and left some farmers using min and zero tillage establishment systems concerned about soil compaction.

Waterlogging caused by soil compaction has been attributed to plateauing crop yields by the Potash Development Association, with some losses likely to reach 80%.

The PDA suggests that whilst little can be done to change the higher than average rainfalls experienced in many areas of the UK, farmers can take measures to reduce compaction.

Machinery and tyre specialists, such as Continental’s Tom Godwin, have been working with farmers to explain the technology available to help

Farming

reduce the impact of heavy machinery on soils.

“Managing tyre pressures using pressure monitoring systems and choosing VF tyres to operate at 40% less pressure than standard radial tyres will make a significant difference to soil health. This will be particularly prevalent in min-till and zero tillage systems when operators are not turning over land to alleviate or remove compaction,” says Mr Godwin.

In a November report the PDA suggests that yield losses due to waterlogging may vary between 15% and 80% in 2023/24, depending on the crop species and growth stage, soil type and duration of the stress, which will result in severe economic penalties. The report says:

| Machinery

st of compactio “Establishment is the most critical period in any annual crop’s life-cycle, as it is the time when the yield potential is set…and that…any management decisions taken from this point onwards only helps limit the reduction in this yield potential.”

Mr Godwin echoes this, saying: “Continental has been working with farms for five years, as part of our Stamp Out Soil Compaction initiative, to help improve land management decisions through the use of more efficient tyres.

Our TractorMaster tyres have been specifically designed to reduce compaction by operating at lower pressures and we are always looking for ways to explain these benefits to operators who want to improve soil health.”

It is widely accepted that compacted and waterlogged soils block oxygen supply to roots, restrict root growth and reduce nutrient uptake. As the wet weather has taken its toll again in 2023, it is hoped that with investments in tyre technology the severity of the problem can be reduced in the future.

“It is easy to say that waterlogging is just the effect of heavy rainfall and gloss over the real issue.

Farms that have understood the threat and changed their tyres to minimise the impact of heavy machinery on soil will suffer less now, and in the future, with soil compaction and waterlogging,” he concludes.

Farming

| Winter Servicing

Thorough winter maintenance key to

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s busy forage harvest seasons are left behind, it is time for farms to turn their attention to winter servicing, to extend the life of machinery, and avoid downtime or costly repairs next season.

With many farms relying on one large high-output machine working at full capacity, often in tight weather windows, it is more important than ever for kit to run without a hitch.

According to Krone UK product manager, Ben Davies, maize harvest can be particularly tough on machines, this year especially, with the wet weather recently experienced.

Farming

“The last thing you need before your first silage cut is to be spending time fixing issues that were neglected the winter before,” he says.

Booking machinery in for a winter service is often the most cost-effective way of addressing issues before the start of the spring silaging season.

Mr Davies says servicing in the off-season will allow more time to complete the work and source parts, which can be obtained via a regular stock order, without the time pressure associated with repairs required as the season gets underway.

“Post maize harvest, one easy win is to do a walk around your forager, baler or mower before washing to spot signs of gearbox or hydraulic oil

| Winter Servicing

extending forage machinery life span leaks – you’ll wash away any evidence of these leaks or other issues,” he says.

According to Mr Davies, an experienced professional looking at the machinery will identify any damage caused over the previous season.

He says: “They can pick up any minor problems, such as parts which have not been greased or adjusted properly and might otherwise fail when the machine is first used in the spring.

“There are also some checks the farmer can do themselves, such as inspecting or changing oils and ensuring the PTO shaft and guards are in good condition, as well as other items as described in the operator’s manual.

“I’d advise farmers and contractors to protect their equipment from the elements by making sure it’s well lubricated, particularly if they’re unable to store kit under a roof.

“Refer to the operator’s instruction book and lubricate as recommended, grease unpainted metal parts, such as hydraulic cylinder rods, to avoid rust forming.”

He notes that carrying out these jobs during quieter periods rather than waiting until the spring means greater care can be taken while not under time pressure.

“It’s far better to get the job done safely and thoroughly, than make avoidable mistakes later down the line.”

Mr Davies concludes: “Getting on with the odd jobs you might be putting off now, may mean you’re able to get out in the field that bit earlier come the spring, with the confidence that the machines are fit and ready to go.”

For more information on winter servicing, please contact your local Krone territory manager or dealer.

Farming

| ATV

Take on any terrain with Kawasaki’s proven Mule Pro MX

hether it is working on the farm or transporting materials across construction sites, having the right equipment is essential.

The Kawasaki Mule Pro MX delivers the rugged, reliable and adaptable attributes that will help you take on any terrain.

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Designed to work hard, the robust Mule Pro MX. Powered by a torqueladen 700cc CVT singlecylinder engine, the Pro MX offers 32.8 kW {45 PS} / 6,000 rpm, guaranteeing a fun-to-drive vehicle that can easily hail cargo for work or weekend fun. The spacious cargo bed is able to carry up to 317 kgs 700 lbs, making chores or hauling gear a breeze.

Measuring 2795mm long and For more information

Farming

1525mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2005mmthe Mule Pro MX is the perfect mid-sized vehicle, offering superb manoeuvrability and mobility that ensures it can negotiate the tightest of trails.

To maximise comfort, the all-

terrain vehicle features double-wishbone suspension at the front and rear, enabling the Kawasaki to easily traverse obstacles and elevations with minimum Southam Agri. Services

•

effect on the chassis.

Of course, these workhorses are designed to be used throughout the year in all conditions. That is why the Pro MX is equipped with 25” tyres on 12” rims, guaranteeing fantastic off-road traction and ground clearance. Strong and reliable front and rear disc brakes provide effective braking, especially when combined with the Mule pro MX’s proven engine braking.

While its performance is unmatched, Kawasaki has also focused on making the Mule pro MX model as accessible and user-friendly as possible.

Coming equipped with doors as standard, users will be protected from mud and puddles, while a 5.3 litre

| ATV

storage bin underneath the passenger seat ensures that there is plenty of space to securely store all of your belongings.

Bright digital instrumentation ensures you can always see essential information at a glance and the console also comes prepped for an accessory audio system. The multi-function display is built directly into the dash and features an array of insight, including: •

Driving mode (2WD/ 4WD) indicator

•

Digital speedometer

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Digital fuel gauge

•

Clock odometer

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Dual trip meters

•

Hour meter

•

Differential indicator lamp

•

Check engine lamp

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Electric Power Steering warning lamp

•

Water temperature warning lamp

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Seatbelt warning lamp

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Parking indicator lamp

•

Reverse indicator lamp

•

Neutral indicator lamp

The contoured bench seat complements the body and provides ample space and comfort for two adults at a time. Kawasaki’s high-grade Electric Power Steering (EPS) is speed-sensitive, providing users with light steering at low speeds and tightened steering at higher

speeds. It can also work to enhance rider comfort by acting as a damping system, reducing the bumps and kickbacks created as you go along bumpy terrain. Drivers are also able to set the position of the steering wheel to not only suit their preference but also to lift it out of the way when getting in and out of the vehicle. An electrically selectable 2WD/ 4WD and dual mode rear differential system ensures quick and simple changing to suit the changing terrain.

Since its launch, the Kawasaki Mule Pro MX has established itself as one of the leaders in utility vehicles, used by farm workers, gamekeepers, construction workers and event workers across the globe. More information on the MULE pro MX can be found at www. kawasaki.co.uk

Delivering all the rugged, reliable and adaptable attributes that Kawasaki’s MULE utility vehicle brand is justifiably famous for, the Kawasaki MULE PRO-MX range relies not only on a torque laden 700cc CVT single-cylinder equipped engine but also benefits from the Shinari design philosophy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO FIND YOUR LOCAL KAWASAKI DEALER, VISIT WWW.KAWASAKI.CO.UK

Farming

| ATV

What’s on your UTV ‘wants’ list? alancing loads on front and rear racks, sitting astride a saddle, having no room for a passenger and being fully exposed to the elements – while the ordinary ATV also has its benefits, there are plenty of downsides to the ‘quad bike’ design. So the side-by-side utility vehicle (UTV) alternative, with its full load bed, conventional seating for more than just the driver, and either cab frame or full cab, offers many advantages. But with a number of machines on the market from which to choose, selecting the right UTV for farm use can be a difficult task. Separating out the models with design features clearly built to withstand the rigours of agriculture is a worthwhile exercise.

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A diesel engine that offers both power and economy is a given on most lists of ‘wants’, saving trips to the fuel station for petrol and providing the torque needed to climb hills and clamber over tough going. With Kioti’s K9, the successor to the popular Mechron, a three-cylinder powerplant, built by the same manufacturer as the machine itself, provides efficiency and energy in equal measure, along with the reliability for which South Korean engineering has become synonymous. Minimal fuel stops are another prerequisite for any agricultural vehicle, and with 37 litres of diesel capacity, the K9 is capable of long days without refuelling.

Surefooted traction and a decent turn of speed with a comfortable ride are also on the agricultural ‘wants’ list, and the K9 meets the bill here with a twin-range CVT transmission that provides smooth take-off and slow-down. There is also quickly-selectable 2/4wd and a locking rear diff, plus a helical spring/stabiliser arm suspension arrangement that cushions the driver/passengers and the load in rough going. And for smoother terrain, the K9’s top speed is a rapid 40km/hr (25mph).

A UTV engine also needs to provide the guts to shift a full payload with ease,

and the K9 doesn’t disappoint here.

The 1.0-litre powerplant produces 24hp, more than enough to shift the machine’s 0.5-tonne load capacity with ease, meaning it is competent and capable of handling typical agricultural loads of fencing stakes, spare parts, slug pellet bags and more. A urethane coating ensures long-term bed protection, while options include hydraulic tipping – mechanical tipping is standard. For additional items there’s an optional storage box under the hood.

Of course, one of the most important features of a UTV is its ability to carry more than one person legally, safely and in comfort. The Kioti K9 features two full seats with an optional smaller mid-seat, all with safety belts. A full rollover frame with roof is standard, while options include a windscreen, halfdoors and, for maximum weather protection, a full cab package with heating. Full road lighting and mirrors are standard, as is front bull-bar protection to guard against the knocks and scrapes that are unavoidable in agriculture.

A vehicle aimed at satisfying the demands of agricultural buyers needs to be universal in what it can carry, and to this end the K9 is available with a

• 3 cylinder 24 hp economical diesel engine • Room for 3 persons to sit comfortably • Various options cabin sun canopy etc • High ground clearance 31cm • Urethane coated load space for long lasting protection • Homologated for road use

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| ATV wide range of rear fitments, such as a galvanised livestock canopy ideal for transporting lambs.

There are also hitch hooks at both the rear and the front of the machine, making it possible to not only pull a variety of trailed implements, but also manoeuvre equipment around the yard.

Meanwhile, on the options list is an external hydraulic outlet, for even greater versatility – powering a tipping trailer, for example.

The K9 has a maximum towing load of 590kg, helping to more than double its carrying capacity.

Stability and manoeuvrability are also essential factors for an agriculturallytargeted UTV. With a width of 1,590mm, the K9 can squeeze through tight door-, passage- and gateways, while ground clearance of 304mm ensures it rides over rough terrain with ease.

For all their uses off-road, UTVs are often also called upon to travel on the

Think carefully about what’s on your ‘wants’ list before choosing a UTV, suggests Kioti. road between tasks in different fields, and for this, of course, road homologation is a must. With the Kioti K9, that’s not an issue, as the machine is fully homologated for road use. And like every machine on the farm, reliability is critical to ensure uninterrupted work. Kioti UK, which recently moved to brand new premises

in a central and accessible location close to Huntingdon, and has a dealer network of more than 80 outlets, now provides a full two years’ warranty for the K9, with unlimited hours. Along with a specification that more than matches agricultural needs, that’s another factor in favour of the K9 on many farmers’ UTV ‘wants’ lists.

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BUILDING SUCCESS WITH ISUZU D-MAX

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he UK construction industry is booming, with a projected market revenue of nearly £400 billion in 2023. In this dynamic landscape, the Isuzu D-Max emerges as the go-to vehicle for construction businesses.

With exceptional 1-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and advanced safety features, it epitomises strength and reliability.

Isuzu's support for excellence in the industry through different awards like the FMB Master Builder and National Building & Construction Awards further underscores their commitment to this thriving market.

The construction industry in the United Kingdom is experiencing unprecedented growth, with forecasted market revenue of £381.74 billion in 2023, nearly doubling the figure from a decade ago (which stood at £198.29 billion in 2013). Moreover, the UK construction market is projected to reach a remarkable £476.6 billion by 2027, reflecting a staggering 25% growth in market revenue in just four years.1 This remarkable growth is driven by investments in various sectors, Farming

including transport, renewable energy, housing, industrial, and telecommunications infrastructure projects.

Construction companies have recognised significant cost savings when utilising pick-up trucks. The versatility and efficiency of these vehicles streamline operations, improving cost-effectiveness. Equally important is safety and compliance with industry regulations on UK construction sites. Modern pick-up trucks, equipped with advanced safety features, meet the highest industry standards. In this realm, the Isuzu D-Max stands out, boasting state-of-the-art Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) and an impressive 5-star Euro NCAP rating, reaffirming its commitment to safety. With its 1-tonne payload capacity, remarkable 3.5tonne towing capability, and 4x4 shift-on-thefly capabilities, the Isuzu D-Max sets a new industry standard for strength and versatility, making it the ultimate workhorse for construction businesses, excelling in heavy load transportation, material handling, and navigating challenging terrains.

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Isuzu is deeply committed to the success and growth of the UK construction industry.

As part of this commitment, they proudly sponsor the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Master Builder Awards. The winner of this prestigious award receives the latest Isuzu D-Max pick-up, an acknowledgement of excellence in the construction field. In 2023, the deserving winner, Vantage & Co Group, received their brand new Isuzu DMax at the winning construction project located in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.

Additionally, Isuzu sponsors the National Building & Construction Awards (NBCA). The 2023 event, which took place on 16th November, celebrated outstanding contributions to the industry. The gold winner of the Isuzu-sponsored Innovation of the Year category at the NBCA is Exigere, London-based independent construction cost advisors, showcasing their exceptional innovation in the construction sector.

Alan Able, Isuzu UK Managing Director, shared his thoughts on Isuzu's commitment to the construction industry, saying, "At Isuzu, we understand the critical role that

pick-up trucks play in the success of construction businesses. Our Isuzu D-Max is designed with industry demands in mind, offering strength, safety, and versatility. Our sponsorship of the FMB Master Builder Awards and the National Building & Construction Awards reflects our dedication to supporting and celebrating excellence in this dynamic industry."

The growth and potential of the UK construction market are clear, and pick-up trucks, particularly the Isuzu D-Max, are poised to play a vital role in the industry's continued success. With advanced safety features, cost-saving capabilities, and a proven track record of durability, coupled with the incredible 1-tonne payload, 3.5tonne towing capacity, and 4x4 shift-on-thefly capabilities, the Isuzu D-Max is the ultimate choice for construction businesses looking to thrive in this booming market.

1) Statista (2023) Forecast of the construction market revenue in the United Kingdom from 2012 to 2027, by segment https://www.statista.com/forecasts/1328878/ construction-market-revenue-united-kingdom

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Ford Teams Up with Industry Innovators Octopus Energy and Tibber for Next-Gen Smart Charging to Save Drivers Money

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ord announced that maximising the convenience and cost-savings of the company’s expanding range of electric vehicles (EVs) – as well as optimising the use of electricity from renewable sources 1 – is about to get even easier.

New energy experiences delivered in partnership with industry innovators Octopus Energy in Great Britain and Tibber in Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, will enable Ford customers to charge their EVs using energy tariffs specifically designed to enhance the ownership experience.

Developed to support Ford’s expanding EV line-up, the opportunities will initially be available from early 2024 to drivers of Ford Mustang Mach-E, 2,3 followed by the new Ford Explorer 4 when it arrives later in the year.

A newly developed Dynamic Charging feature is designed to enable Ford EVs to communicate with the energy providers’ intelligent supply networks.

As a result, owners of compatible models will be able to plug in their vehicle, input their desired state-of-charge and departure time using a smartphone app and simply get on with their day – safe in the knowledge that their battery will be automatically charged using tariffs designed to maximise cost savings and the use of renewable energy. 1 “Our new energy initiative is another milestone on our journey to offer a new generation of all-electric vehicles built for a connected world while providing truly outstanding customer experiences,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e, Europe. “We’ve specifically chosen to work with energy providers that share our disruptor mindset and that customers can rely on to deliver leading rates for charging with renewable electricity, so that their EV will be ready to go when they are.”

Ford research indicates up to 87 per cent of Mustang Mach-E drivers charge their vehicle at home, and that the cost of energy used is the most significant consideration when charging.

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Depending on market, Ford’s new energy services have the potential to benefit EV owners whether charging during day or night. The connected technology can automatically optimise charging to make use of cheaper off-peak electricity at night, and lower energy prices created by peak supply of renewable energy including solar during the day. 1 In Great Britain, Octopus Energy’s energy services business, Octopus Energy Services, will be the preferred installer of Ford customers’ home charge points.

“With every electric car that takes the road, we’re getting closer to zero emissions transport – but to reach the finish line, we need to make green driving cheap and accessible,” said Michael Cottrell, partnerships director at Octopus Energy.

“Our smart tariffs allow drivers to tap into cheap renewable power, potentially saving drivers hundreds of pounds a year while doing their bit for the planet.”

Ford customers in Great Britain who are interested in a home charger installation can visit www.ford. co.uk/hybrid-electric/charging/home-charging to learn more.

According to Tibber, more than one million users have already actively used the company’s platform to change their energy behaviour.

“As the pioneers of smart charging in Norway and Germany, we are excited about this new partnership with Ford,” said Børge Dvergsdal, manager, Smart Charging, Tibber. “We are impressed with Ford’s ambitions and have a shared mission to empower consumers to use energy more smartly. To do so, consumers need the best tools available to take control of their energy consumption effectively, and our collaboration will offer consumers a seamless charging experience to the benefit of their wallet and the planet. We look forward to welcoming Ford customers to the Tibber universe.”

Ford will offer ten electric vehicles in Europe by 2025, including Explorer, Mustang Mach-E,

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F-150 Lightning, 4 Puma, 4 E-Transit, 5 E-Transit Custom, 6 E-Transit Courier, 4 E-Tourneo Custom, 7 E-Tourneo Courier 4 and a further mid-size crossover, and plans to roll out its energy services to further electric products through 2024 and beyond.

The company last year announced that it will shift its entire line-up of passenger and commercial vehicles in Europe to 100 per cent electric by 2035.

Ford is also targeting carbon neutrality across its European footprint of facilities, logistics and direct suppliers by 2035; plans for more than half its global production to be EVs by 2030; and is targeting carbon neutrality globally no later than 2050.

Earlier this year, Ford opened the Ford Cologne Electric Vehicle Center (CEVC), Germany. The facility will produce a new generation of electric passenger vehicles for European markets, starting with the new Ford Explorer. CEVC will be Ford’s first carbon neutral vehicle assembly plant globally, an important milestone on the Road to Better.

1) Octopus Energy blog - Where does our 100% green electricity come from?

2) In accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). A range of

up to 600 km (intended target value according to WLTP) can be achieved with a fully charged battery - depending on the existing series and battery configuration.

3) The actual range may vary due to various factors (e.g. weather conditions, driving style, route profile, vehicle condition, age and condition of the lithium-ion battery).

4) Officially homologated driving range will be published closer to on-sale date.

5) In accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). A range of up to 317 km (intended target value according to WLTP) can be achieved with a fully charged battery - depending on the existing series and battery configuration.

6) In accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). A range of up to 337 km can be achieved with a fully charged battery - depending on the existing series and battery configuration.

7) In accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). A range of up to 325 km can be achieved with a fully charged battery - depending on the existing series and battery configuration.

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he Nissan Juke has been named ‘Used Small Car of the Year’ by respected motor trade title Car Dealer Magazine.

The accolade was given to the iconic compact crossover at the 2023 Used Car Awards, organised by the magazine and held each year at The Brewery in East London.

Juke won praise for its eye-catching, individual styling, great levels of technology plus generous cargo space and roomy interior. Judges also highlighted its versatility, comfort and safety, making it a go-to option for thousands of used car dealers and buyers across the UK. James Baggott, editor-in-chief of Car Dealer Magazine, said: ‘‘Used car dealers love the Juke as there’s always a customer for one. Although a small car, it has a certain X-factor that buyers love. ‘‘The second-generation model added a lot more substance to the original car’s daring design, such as a more spacious interior, thereby making it easier to sell. ‘‘Making a small car desirable is an easy thing to do, but making one that appeals to the used car buyer is tough. The Juke succeeds at both – and that’s impressive.’’

TV presenter Mike Brewer, Used Car Awards host, said: ‘‘The Nissan Juke broke new ground when it

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launched – it looked like nothing else on the road, and you can still say the same! Some funky designs age badly, but not the Juke’s. ‘‘Not only do I like the way the car looks but, as a used car dealer myself, I love the variety that’s available – there are loads of trim levels and special editions. It’s easy to park, cost-efficient to run and looks good on any used car dealer’s forecourt. It’s a real winner in my book.’

Helen Marshall, Passenger Car Category Manager at Nissan said: ‘‘Naturally, we’re delighted to win this award – we’re tremendously proud of Juke.

Quite simply, it’s a great car and has been a key member of our line-up for over a decade now. ‘‘It’s very pleasing to note that it’s so popular with used car dealers and buyers. Long may its success continue!’’

The Car Dealer Magazine Used Car Awards have been celebrating the top operators in the UK’s used car industry since 2012, rewarding manufacturers, car dealerships, workshops, and exceptional people working in the sector.

Thousands of car retailers, plus MOT testing stations and workshops, enter the awards each year – and a rigorous judging process and mystery shopping exercise takes place before the gongs are handed out to the deserving winners.

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he Renault Austral E-Tech full hybrid has been crowned ‘Best Family SUV’ at the Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Awards 2023, underlining its strong appeal to today’s households who need a highly usable and connected family car.

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Scotland’s motoring writers and industry experts named the electrified model as the best SUV for families after being won over by the space and technology of its interior, plus the efficiency of its hybrid drivetrain.

On their reasons for naming the Austral E-Tech full hybrid as the best family SUV available, judges, said: “The family SUV category is always a fiercely competitive one. Space and practicality are a must in this segment and the Renault Austral delivered on both. However, what really caught our judges’ attention were the Austral’s user-friendly high-tech interior and impressively frugal drivetrains that deliver some of the best running costs in its class.”

Guillaume Sicard, Country Head UK & Managing Director Renault Brand UK, added: “SUVs have never been so popular with families and it’s very pleasing that the Austral E-Tech full hybrid has been judged to be the best for their needs.

Particularly rewarding is that the expert judges have not only praised it for having the versatility

and frugal running costs that have always been traditionally so crucial for drivers, but also for the onboard technology and connectivity that is becoming increasingly important to modern families.”

The annual Scottish Car of the Year (SCOTY) Awards have been held since 1997. They celebrate the best new cars that have been launched in the preceding 12 months of the awards, with the judging panel evaluating eligible vehicles on factors such as style, comfort, practicality, performance and value for money.

The Austral E-Tech full hybrid is available in three trim levels – techno, techno esprit Alpine, and iconic esprit Alpine. It is powered by a 200hp petrol/electric hybrid drivetrain that emits as little as 105g/km CO2 and can achieve up to 60.1mpg (WLTP), enabling it to travel up to 683 miles between stops. Its many attributes include a Google-powered digital experience, including the availability of up to 35 apps* and even the ability to operate home devices via voice control, and up to 30 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The Austral E-Tech full hybrid is priced from £34,695 OTR. For further details, please visit: https://www.renault. co.uk/cars/austral.html Farming

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wo prestigious awards within just two weeks have confirmed the Volvo XC90’s classleading qualities – as both a new and pre-owned purchase.

Last night, Volvo’s rangetopping seven-seat SUV was crowned Used Large Car of the Year at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards, fresh from having been honoured – in plug-in hybrid form – as the Luxury SUV of the Year by Professional Driver.

Announcing the model’s latest accolade, James Baggott, Car Farming

Dealer Editor in Chief, said: “The Volvo XC90 hugely deserves this award. It’s a true all-rounder in the family car market – it has room for seven adults, and the interior can both live up to the abuse of family life and be as plush as a limo’s. It’s also packed with tech and has top-notch safety credentials.”

Car Dealer magazine’s annual awards have been highlighting the best used car models and traders for more than a decade. Used car market expert Mike Brewer, who hosted the awards, added: “The XC90 was a trailblazer when it arrived 20

years ago, and it’s as good now as it was then. It ticks all the boxes and is a cracking used car.”

Customers wanting to purchase a pre-owned XC90, or any other car from Volvo’s multi-award-winning range, can be assured of the best quality and service from the Volvo Selekt approved used car scheme. Operated across Volvo’s UK retailer network, this provides complete peace of mind, offering cars that have undergone a rigorous 150-point checking process.

Every aspect of quality, safety and performance is scrutinised, including full

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software updates. Cars less than 10 years old and which have covered fewer than 100,000 miles have the guarantee of a comprehensive 12-month Volvo Selekt warranty. The package also includes 12 months’ Volvo roadside assistance and cover for the car’s next MoT test.

Full information can be found at www.volvocars. co.uk/used Professional Driver magazine’s awards focus on the best vehicles for the UK’s private hire, chauffeur and taxi industry. The Volvo XC90 T8 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid proved the top choice in a fiercely competitive luxury SUV field. It demonstrated its strength in depth when evaluated by a panel of more

than 100 expert industry and media judges.

Professional Driver Editor, Mark Bursa, said: “Executive chauffeurs are increasingly taking on longer journeys,

such as inter-city trips or airport runs, so the ability to refuel quickly at a filling station still carries a lot of value. Our readers perhaps don’t yet believe the recharging networks are up to

the task, and this may be why the plug-in hybrid XC90 triumphed over a number of electric SUVs. Of course, it also offers an outstanding combination of space, with the ability to carry seven people, great build quality and a strong focus on safety.”

Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “These awards are an independent validation of the lasting quality that’s designed into the XC90 and all of our current models. Whether buying new or a pre-owned car, consumers can be assured that they are making the right choice.”

For more information on the XC90, please go to www. volvocars.co.uk

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ith temperatures set to drop as we enter the winter months, Subaru (UK) Ltd has launched a Winter Check programme to ensure its customer's vehicles are prepared for the unpredictable winter weather ahead.

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windscreen washer fluid is checked and topped up, and all quantities and conditions are measured and recorded. Hoses and pipework are checked for fit and function, with the battery also receiving a health check and ensuring it is securely fitted with good connections.

The comprehensive 38-point check, with an advertised cost to the customer of just £19.99, ensures that vehicles are safe and ready, covering every aspect of the safety and performance of the vehicle. The check also provides the customer with a full condition report, along with a free chamois leather, 300ml screen wash, 100ml Rain Gard, and additional peace of mind.

Tyre safety is imperative, so as part of the check, tyre tread depths are checked and recorded along with overall tyre condition.

Wheel nuts are also tightened to the manufacturer recommended setting, with tyre pressures also checked and replenished as required.

Along with an exterior bodywork inspection, the operation of safety-critical items such as lights, windscreen, horn, and seat belts are checked and thoroughly evaluated to ensure they are in optimum condition.

Under the bonnet, the air cleaner element is inspected, as are clutch and brake fluid levels,

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Darren James, Resources Director, Subaru (UK) Ltd said, "Our Winter Check programme is an opportunity for Subaru owners to prepare for the winter months proactively. With the expertise of our dealership network and professional technicians, the Winter Check will ensure their Subaru is in the best condition to tackle the wintry weather and any unpredictable travelling conditions."

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he Motor Ombudsman is pleased to announce that smart UK Automotive Ltd has been awarded accreditation to its Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Codes of Practice for New Cars. The latest addition to the Ombudsman’s growing portfolio, which complements the existing and long-standing smart Europe GmbH accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman, brings the total number of carmakers adhering to the Code to 42 – an all-time high for the Code of Practice.

Owned by smart Europe GmbH, which continues to fulfill its warranty obligations in respect to the sales of previous generation smart models, smart UK Automotive Ltd is the legal entity selling new electric vehicles in the premium segment, starting with the current and acclaimed smart #1 SUV model line-up.

Adhering to the guidelines laid down by the comprehensive New Car Code reinforces the all-electric brand’s commitment to delivering high standards of service, beyond those stipulated by the law, in relation to the supply of its new cars to consumers, and the cover offered to vehicle owners by its three-year warranty.

Obligations laid down for businesses by the Code of Practice include, providing vehicles to motorists that are of the expected standard, using honest and accurate advertising at all times, presenting warranty documents in clear and plain English, and adopting swift and cost-effective customer complaints handling procedures.

One of the significant benefits of smart UK Automotive Ltd gaining accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman, is the ability to access The Motor Ombudsman’s dedicated in-house team of automotive experts for help and guidance to assist with the swift and fair resolution of disputes.

Furthermore, if a dispute has not been resolved to the satisfaction of a customer via smart UK Automotive Ltd’s own internal complaints handing processes, the brand is able to refer the vehicle owner to The Motor Ombudsman as an

automotive-specific and independent third party, to investigate their dispute in an impartial environment, all at no cost to the consumer.

Accreditation also gives smart UK Automotive privileged use of The Motor Ombudsman’s New Car Code insignia, and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Approved Code logo on customer-facing literature and online assets, and the opportunity to enjoy amplified brand exposure through The Motor Ombudsman’s website (TheMotorOmbudsman.org), and the body’s marketing initiatives, such as the Customer Service Star Awards.

Andrew Brown, Subscriber Operations Manager at The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We are delighted to welcome smart UK Automotive Ltd to the New Car Code, and to close the year with our largest ever portfolio of accredited vehicle manufacturers. This highlights the importance that carmakers place in being aligned with the guidelines stipulated by the Code of Practice to help ensure that the delivery of high standards of service is at the forefront of the customer journey.

We look forward to working closely with the business, and seeing the team at future Code of Practice forums.”

David Browne, CEO at smart UK, added: “As we pursue our journey as an all-electric premium brand in the UK, accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman puts the spotlight on our customercentric philosophy and brand ethos, where we set out to exceed expectations both in terms of our product range, and the associated services that we offer. Being a part of The Motor Ombudsman equally provides a valuable resource and guide of best practice to further shape and refine our internal processes, as well as the reassurance that we have a third party to consult if we were to ever have any unresolved customer disputes.”

To view The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars, visit www.

TheMotorOmbudsman.org/consumers/our-codesof-practice/new-car-code Farming

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G’s best-selling SUV, the MG HS, has been awarded the Motability Car of The Year at the 2023 Scottish Car of The Year (SCOTY) Awards.

The annual awards, organised by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) and hosted at Edinburgh’s Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, recognise the most highly rated vehicles of the year, as well as outstanding automotive achievements.

A new category introduced for 2023, the Motability Award assesses the comfort, efficiency, and practicality of cars for drivers with unique mobility challenges, highlighting the bestsuited vehicles for drivers looking to use their mobility allowance through the Motability scheme.

Available on Motability at both the SE and Trophy specifications, the MG HS is equipped with a comprehensive package of safety features such

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as Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System and Blind Spot Detection.

Additionally, both specifications offer a generous suite of technology features including bifunction LED headlights, air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear parking camera with sensors and rain sensing wipers.

A manual gearbox is available as standard, with an optional dualclutch DCT gearbox offered on both specifications, complemented by a 7-year manufacturer warranty.

The SCOTY judges said: "MG has come up with a brilliantly cost-effective and practical option for anyone with unique mobility challenges.

Comfortable, efficient and good to drive, the MG HS is also superbly equipped and looks great into the bargain. A thoroughly deserved winner in this very important category."

A wide range of MG models are

available on the Motability Scheme including MG4 EV, MG5 EV, MG ZS, MG ZS EV, MG HS and MG3, and the benefits of a Motability vehicle can be accessed from a Nil Advance Payment, with weekly rental costs starting at just £71.00.

Geraint Isaac, Head of Fleet Sales at MG Motor UK, commented: “At MG, we have long been supporters of the excellent work done by the Motability scheme, and are delighted that the MG HS has been recognised in this category by the judges.

“Our Dealer network has specially trained Motability experts on hand to deliver essential advice to customers and the expansive range of MG models available on the scheme further proves that MG are committed to aiding those with limited mobility.”

For more information about the Motability Scheme, or to book a test drive, visit: www.mg.co.uk/ motability/

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ia’s all-new EV9 has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating following extensive testing by Euro NCAP, Europe’s leading independent safety testing organisation. The all-electric seven-seat SUV achieved the highest possible rating, further demonstrating the vehicle’s impressive safety credentials.

The EV9 was assessed in four categories and performed to a high standard throughout the test process. It achieved 84 per cent for adult occupant protection, 88 per cent for child occupant protection, 76 per cent for vulnerable road users including pedestrians, and 83 per cent in the ‘safety assist’ category, which rates a vehicle based on the availability of a comprehensive suite of crash avoidance technologies.

Euro NCAP praised the EV9’s passenger compartment for

remaining stable in the frontal impact test and providing good protection of the knees and femur of all occupants – regardless of their size and sitting positions. Tests revealed that the EV9 would be a moderately benign impact partner in a frontal collision. In the side barrier test the EV9 scored maximum points, providing strong protection of all critical body areas of driver and passengers. The SUV was also praised for its advanced eCall system which alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash.

The EV9 scored even higher in the child occupant tests, with the vehicle protecting all critical body areas of dummies representing six- and ten-year old passengers. The organisation took note of the EV9’s airbag flexibility as well as its intelligent child presence detection system.

When testing the EV9’s safety assist technologies, Euro NCAP

highlighted the performance of the vehicle’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, which responded well to other vehicles and avoided impacts in most test scenarios.

Other safety features highlighted

by Euro NCAP were the EV9’s Lane Keep Assist (LKA) that gently corrects the vehicle’s path if it is drifting out of lane and also intervenes in more critical situations. The speed assistance system was also found to do well in identifying the local speed limit, with the driver able to choose to allow the limiter to be set automatically by the system.

The EV9’s safety rating was reinforced by the vehicle’s highstrength Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP) and rigid body structure. Combined with a variety of active driver-assist and safety features, this reaffirms the EV9’s qualities of maximum convenience and safety on the road.

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onda is helping people to ‘Go electric’ by offering its all new e:Ny1 SUV electric vehicle in Elegance grade for the same monthly payment* as it’s HR-V Hybrid Advance for finance customers.

Recognising that price is one of the main barriers to entry for people who are looking to go electric, Honda is giving customers the choice between powertrains.

Honda is offering £8,000 deposit contribution towards e:Ny1 which means that for £346 per month* (5.9% APR), customers can opt for the e:Ny1 Elegance, or the similarly specified HR-V Hybrid Advance for the exact same monthly payment*. The offer is valid from 1st December 2023 until the 31st January 2024.

For peace of mind, e:Ny1 also come with a 5-year care package which includes fiveyear service plan, five-year warranty and five-year Farming

roadside assistance.

Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK, commented: “We want to make it easier for consumers to make the transition to electric vehicles and we know that the price point of EVs is one of the main concerns people have.

We have decided to make our e:Ny1 Electric

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Elegance the same monthly payment as our HR-V Hybrid Advance equivalent, allowing customers to choose the powertrain that suits them best.”

Honda e:Ny1 is a stylish family SUV with smooth electric power. It has a range of up to 256 miles (WLTP) and can be charged 10-80% in approx. 45 mins with a 100kW charger. e:Ny1 models also include Honda SENSING as standard – an intelligent suite of advanced safety features like

Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control and more.

The e:Ny1 is priced from £44,995 OTR. To find out more about the e:Ny1, visit: https://www.honda. co.uk/cars/new/e-ny1-electric-suv/overview.html The HR-V is priced from £30,695 OTR. To find out more about the HR-V, visit: https://www.honda. co.uk/cars/new/hr-v-hybrid/overview.html

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ustomers of the Dacia Jogger can rest assured that they’re buying wisely after the innovative seven-seater scooped the ‘Smart Spender’ title at the Carwow Car of the Year Awards.

The Jogger once again proved itself to be a smart buy after impressing the Carwow editorial team with the way it complements value with space and distinctive style. In addition, the Jogger was also ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Family Values’ category, underlining its suitability for households that want an affordable car that is also robust, versatile and perfect for fun-filled journeys.

It wasn’t the only Dacia that Carwow singled out for a ‘Highly Commended’ award either, the Farming

popular car buying website and YouTube channel bestowing the accolade on the rugged Sandero Stepway in the ‘Adventurer’s Choice’ category.

On the online car marketplace’s decision to award the Jogger, Mat Watson, Chief Content Officer at Carwow, said: “Dacia is always near the top of the list for anyone buying on a budget, but that doesn’t mean they’re not great cars. The Jogger is as cost-effective as it gets in terms of a new car that can carry seven people, but it’s also comfortable and massively practical. Plus, it looks good in an old-school estate car sort of way, so it stands out from the crowd of samey SUVs.” Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, said: “The ‘Smart Spender’ award is a great addition to our trophy cabinet. It

recognises exactly how Dacia complements unrivalled affordability with versatility, wrapping it all up in a very distinctive and attractive package. Coupled with its ‘Highly Commended’ award in the ‘Family Values’ category, and it’s clear that the Jogger is a great buy for families, regardless of their budget.”

The Carwow ‘Car of The Year’ awards shine a spotlight on the very best cars available. To determine its winners, the Carwow team reviewed hundreds of cars across 12 categories, evaluating them on the things that really matter to car buyers, such as price, performance, efficiency, comfort and practicality. The judges also picked out the cars that lead the field and offer something different, innovative and valuable to car buyers.

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t the London EV Show, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a leading business in fueling and convenience store technologies under Vontier Corporation (NYSE: VNT), announced the integration of the Driivz software platform with over 50,000 electric vehicle (EV) charge points globally. This collaboration highlights the synergy between Vontier Corporation's businesses, including independent entities like Driivz, in advancing eMobility solutions.

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This significant milestone is a major achievement for both Driivz and Gilbarco Veeder-Root, as the latter leverages more than 150 years of experience in the supply of energy to the global mobility sector to accelerate the growth of public charging infrastructure and decarbonisation of forecourts,

contributing to reductions in emissions and air pollution.

Driivz enables major EV charging providers to run their networks at optimum efficiency by seamlessly taking care of all EV charging and energy management aspects. The system’s cloud-enabled, alwayson diagnostics will quickly resolve any potential issues

without the need for an engineering site visit – more than 80 per cent of issues are successfully resolved proactively and remotely. Gilbarco VeederRoot’s expert field service technicians respond rapidly if a site visit is required.

By making charging an EV as simple and convenient as putting petrol or diesel in the tank, Driivz has enabled hundreds of millions of charging events around the globe, which during the last year put together amount to 345GWh of energy delivered.

That’s enough to drive an EV for more than 1.8 billion kilometres – or more than 2,000 journeys to the moon and back – and, in the process, save more than 242,000 tonnes of C02 from entering the atmosphere.

"Whatever the size of your charging network, making it run efficiently, reliably, and profitably is key – and that’s what Gilbarco Veeder-Root delivers," said James Gale, Head of e-Mobility

for Europe. “With the Driivz software platform at its core, we have developed, optimised, and stress-tested the very best endto-end EV charging system in the industry.”

Driivz is an intelligent, scalable, and flexible software platform that integrates into charging networks of any size, whether it’s just one charger, or one of tens of thousands. The cuttingedge system is behind the efficient, effortless, and reliable charging experience enjoyed by more than million EV drivers in more than 30 countries worldwide, across more than 50,000 charge points.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root is exhibiting at the London EV Show from 28-30 November, at Stand S27. From 14:25, 30th November in Auditorium 2, Andy Bennett, CEO of Evolve – sister entity to Gilbarco Veeder-Root – is giving a keynote speech at the event. Bennett will explore how changes in customer charging habits are driving where new public charging stations need to be rolled out, and how Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s end-to-end charging solutions, built around Driivz, are supporting the transition from combustion engine vehicles to clean, sustainable electromobility.

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n November 30th, 2023, NIO reached a total of 30 Power Swap Stations (PSS)across 5 European markets and over 2,200 worldwide. Today. NIO continued its European expansion of the Charging and Battery Swapping services with the opening of two new PSSs in Malmö and Arlandastad, Sweden. Both PSS belong to the third generation, which can perform up to 408 swaps per day and store up to 21 batteries.

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NIO now has a total of 2,217 Power Swap Stations spread across 6 markets which have provided nearly 33 million battery swaps to NIO Users.

The Battery Swap Technology continues to see an increased adoption rate in all the markets with NIO providing an average of over 60,000 battery swaps per day. In the last two weeks, NIO welcomed two new major partners to its Battery Swap technology, Geely Holding and Changan Auto.

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NIO's extensive European PSS facilities have already demonstrated how extensive journeys can be completed quickly and extremely easily, with drives from Hamburg to Oslo and Amsterdam to Munich relying solely on NIO's strategically positioned swap stations for the entire trips.

NIO has already established its first European factory in Biatorbágy, Hungary in 2022, which covers the assembly and after-sales service of battery swapping stations, training for power operations in Europe, and the research and development of NIO Power products.

In May 2023, NIO announced the expansion of the 3rd party charging network to 6 new European countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland and the UK. With this addition, NIO reached a total of 500,000 charging points from main operators spread by 11 European countries providing an even better charging experience to all the European Users.

NIO and Geely Yesterday, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely), China’s leading privatelycontrolled automotive technology group and NIO Holding (NIO) have signed a strategic partnership agreement on battery

| Motors swapping in Hangzhou. Both parties agreed to carry out comprehensive cooperation on battery standards, battery swapping technology, battery swapping network expansion and operation, swappable model development, and battery asset management.

With preferential policies and an expanding network, battery swapping is being embraced by more EV users. NIO’s "chargeable, swappable, upgradeable" service system provides private car users with the best recharging solution in the industry. With years of experience in providing battery swapping for commercial vehicles, Yiyi Power is now looking to expand its presence in more cities.

Based on the principles of strategic recognition, sharing, and openness,

both parties will complement each other's advantages on the basis of their existing businesses and strategically cooperate in the area of battery swapping. In accordance with the agreement and through a "co-investment, co- construction, shared, co-operative" model, both parties will co-develop two battery swapping standards for private cars and commercial vehicles, accelerate the development and promotion of battery swapping technology on the vehicle end, and expand the operational scale of battery swapping to provide more convenient, comprehensive and safe services for users with different needs. Both parties will establish an efficient battery asset management mechanism, build a unified battery swap operation, and develop battery swappable vehicles compatible with each other’s battery swap systems.

The partnership, in line with China’s development direction of new infrastructure and new energy, will further standardize battery swapping technology, increase the scale of the battery swap network, and accelerate the low-carbon transformation of the automotive industry.

"NIO and Geely share a profound understanding of battery swapping and have been dedicated to the investment in battery swapping technology and network for private cars and commercial vehicles with rich experience in swapping service and operations," said William Li, Founder, Chairman and CEO of NIO. "As a leading company in the Chinese automotive market, Geely Holding's rapid development in the new energy field is impressive. This strategic partnership will further popularize battery swapping, bring quality and convenient battery swapping experience to more users and contribute to the steady development of the smart EV industry. We will continue to advance the construction of battery swapping network for NIO users and improve the users’ experience, while collaborating with partners to launch the construction of a shared battery swapping network."

Founder and Chairman of Geely Holding. "As one of the most innovative methods for recharging electric vehicles, the future development of battery swapping technology requires the joint efforts of all parties in the industry to advance it. Geely’s Yiyi Power has already achieved good results in many cities and continues to expand across the country. Through this strategic cooperation in battery swapping, the two parties will strengthen their cooperation in the battery swapping industry chain, accelerate the adoption of unified standards, expand the ecosystem for battery swapping and charging, support the low-carbon transformation and high-quality development of the automotive industry, and offer a better electric mobility experience for users.”

NIO and Changan Auto The partnership agreement represents the second company joining NIO's Battery Swap technology after the signing of Changan Auto and NIO on November 21st, 2023. Changan Automobile is one of the top four automobile groups in China with a domestic and global manufacturing presence which achieved cumulative sales as of October 2023 of 25.6 million units.

The two parties will jointly facilitate the formulation of standards for swappable batteries, build and share the battery swapping network, develop swappable vehicles, and establish an efficient battery asset management mechanism.

"Green sustainable development and carbon neutrality have become a global consensus," said Eric Li, Farming

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EV, the e-fleet solutions provider backed by Vitol – a world leader in energy – says the change from traditional fuel cards to datapowered fleet dashboards is as significant for the fleet sector as the shift from cash to contactless was for the payments industry.

The company is highlighting that having real-time fleet and energy data management technology is the critical component to run a successful EV fleet. They are encouraging fleets to embrace this operational shift to reap the rewards of fleet decarbonisation.

Moving from the tried-and-trusted fuel card to an integrated software solution encompassing energy, vehicles, chargers and operations, and potentially micro-grid solutions, is significant. It’s a radical change in the role of a fleet manager who will still be managing vehicles, drivers and journeys, but now doing so within the parameters of energy supply and charging schedules.

VEV CEO Mike Nakrani said: “Fleet emissions make up 10% of the UK’s total carbon emissions, so electrifying your fleet is nonnegotiable. As a brand new and complex undertaking, bringing in expertise to anticipate and resolve the inevitable challenges will prove to be a good investment. Done right, electrification can reduce costs while bolstering sustainability credentials and providing access to low-carbon contracts. Fleet owners need to start planning now, upskilling teams, and approaching this as a major business transformation. The fleets that act early will gain a competitive edge.”

To help fleet managers planning to electrify, VEV has outlined its top five factors to plan a smooth transition.

1. ADOPT A NEW DATA-DRIVEN MINDSET Real-time energy monitoring, charging schedules, and new Farming

efficiency metrics require a new data-centred approach. Data insights are needed at the very start of the planning stage to assess current telematics and energy consumption and design the EV fleet. Every EV fleet is bespoke in its configuration and there isn’t a one-size fits all solution.

2. OUTSOURCE EXPERTISE By working with an e-fleet expert, fleets will access a team

that has managed this process multiple times before. This means anticipating challenges and avoiding mistakes, which will reap the benefits of the energy transition faster and more cost-effectively. VEV has put together a free eBook with advice for fleet managers looking to electrify their fleets here.

3. IT’S A TRANSITION, NOT A QUICK FIX

| Motors It’s important to look at the transition to electrification as exactly that – a transition – it’s not an on or off switch. It’s crucial to analyse your data to assess your electrification readiness at the outset and then design the implementation plan around the right mix of vehicles and chargers for each fleet operation.

4. MANAGE YOUR ENERGY SUPPLY Determining the likely impact on your grid connection upgrade is arguably the critical success factor in every transition.

Upfront energy analysis and developing alternative energy sources such as solar and

battery, can help avoid or reduce grid upgrades which is one of the most expensive and time-consuming parts of the electrification transition.

5. NAVIGATE MULTIPLE STAKEHOLDERS Due to the complexity of transition, many more stakeholders need to become part of the process, from finance through to facilities and the drivers themselves. The transition is seen as the fleet manager’s obligation when it is not solely their responsibility, but it is usually their problem.

VEV’s sister company VGMobility, designed, built and financed the electrification of 400+ buses for Transmilenio, a network of 10,000 public buses in Bogotá, Colombia.

Mike Nakrani said, “This included building a state-of-the-art depot facility, supplying over 400 electric buses and 21 super chargers of 360kW. By fully financing the project over 15 years, VGM enabled Transmilenio to electrify without a heavy upfront capital burden. At VEV, we’re currently getting a lot of interest in our managed service offering which transfers the financial commitment from capex to opex.”

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he all-new, fully electric Volvo EX30 continues to enjoy an exceptional debut awards season, achieving all-round acclaim as the Carwow Car of the Year 2024.

The small SUV triumphed from among the hundreds of cars reviewed by Carwow in the past year for its hugely popular and influential consumer online channels. Carwow operates YouTube’s largest automotive channel, with more than eight million subscribers, and a website that helps thousands of motorists choose the right car every year.

Mat Watson, Carwow Chief Content Officer, declared: “Volvo has smashed it out of the park.

The little EX30 is the best allround electric car – and the best car all-round – that I’ve driven all year, and it’s priced to appeal to the head as much as its design and driving experience appeal to the heart.

“It has bags of character, drives really nicely, is efficient and is one of the most affordable small electric SUVs you can buy.

There’s loads of space in the front, and it is really good at soaking up bumps for a relaxing and comfortable drive. It is a persuasive argument for anyone thinking about going electric.”

In addition to the EX30’s overall success, the model was highly commended in the awards’ Outstanding EV category, while

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its much-anticipated sister model, the forthcoming EX90 fully electric large SUV, was likewise highly commended in the Most Anticipated New Car class. To seal the brand’s allround success, Volvo Cars collected a further high commendation in the Brand of the Year category.

The awards were determined by the Carwow content team, applying their decades of experience in assessing cars to help buyers make the best choice. Their judgement considers the full spectrum of buying and owning, including price, performance, efficiency, comfort and practicality, together with special qualities and innovations that make the best models stand out from the crowd.

Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said:

“Once again, the EX30 has proved its strength in depth, demonstrating how it goes further than being an exceptional, practical and – importantly – keenly priced fully electric car to offer qualities that make it an all-round winner.

Carwow’s prestigious award is a wonderful affirmation of our efforts to ensure Volvo Cars leads the premium market into this exciting new era of electrified motoring.”

The EX30 and EX90 are key players in Volvo Cars’ ambition for 50% of its worldwide new car sales to be fully electric by the mid-2020s and to be a fully electric car maker by 2030.

For more information on the Volvo EX30, and to use the online configurator, please go to www.volvocars.co.uk

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By Stuart Cottrell, Head of Energy Services and Government Partnerships at Tevva OP 28 kicked off last week, and we were honoured to participate in one of the first speaker briefings, ‘Accelerating the Transition Through Road Transport’. It was a privilege for a startup from Tilbury to be invited to share the stage with several heads of state and CEOs of the world's largest companies to discuss how collaboration can accelerate the adoption of zeroemission vehicles. It shows that we’re doing important work and how seriously many political and business leaders are taking transport decarbonisation.

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Yet, it’s no secret that Tevva has had its challenges this year similar to many startups in the electric vehicle (EV) space who have faced and continue to face several obstacles to mass production. Volta Trucks filed for bankruptcy due to supply chain issues, although there is hope for them on the horizon. North American startups are burning through cash reserves as they struggle to ramp up production in the face of dwindling funding options.

Tevva continues along its road, producing battery-electric trucks at our London facility and delivering them to eagerly awaiting customers. But we need help to scale up and carve a pathway towards greater adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Simply put, we believe that further government action is required to ensure that the UK achieves its net zero goals in the best and fastest possible way for the good of the environment, economy and British people.

We certainly do appreciate the British government’s support to date, but for this country to

accelerate EV adoption and meet its net zero goals, more is needed. Brexit put us in a position where we were theoretically free from the ‘shackles’ of the European Union (EU) and free to pass our own legislation and create our own targets.

Take the European Parliament’s recent vote to adopt new CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles (-45% by 2030, -65% by 2035 and -90% by 2040). In the UK we have more ambitious goals of 100% zero-emission by 2035 for commercial vehicles below 26 tonnes (where Tevva is currently operating), and 2040 for 26 tonnes and over.

This looks good on paper, but the adoption of clean trucks won’t play out on paper - rather in company boardrooms and at the desks of procurement and fleet decision-makers.

What good are ambitious targets if you don’t have the policies or appropriate measures in place to see them achieved. As the UK has the most ambitious targets for battery-electric truck adoption, you’d think that the most attractive incentives would also be in place to stimulate demand, especially as we’re no longer bound by EU state aid rules limiting the amount of support governments can give specific industries.

Yet the financial incentives on offer for truck adoption in the UK

are paltry compared to those found on the continent. As a vehicle manufacturer, Tevva can offer customers a maximum discount of £16,000 for one of our 7.5 tonne battery electric trucks. Yet, if you compare this support to what’s on offer in other European countries, you’re left feeling that the UK could do more. In Germany, for example, the government provides 80% of the price differential between diesel and battery-electric trucks; in the Netherlands, it’s 45%. That’s potentially between £50,000-£90,000 per truck more than the UK offers.

A second area in which we severely lag behind mainland Europe is the available charging infrastructure. In Germany right now they’re building Europe’s first public charging corridor for electric trucks along major logistics routes. In the UK you’d struggle to find a single dedicated electric truck charging facility en route to any delivery.

At last week’s Motor Transport Decarbonisation Summit in the UK, infrastructure was highlighted as the industry’s number one concern. To say a lot rests on the success of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration programme and other schemes is putting it mildly.

No one said the electrification of trucks was going to be easy, but it is inevitable, and the technology has developed to a point where an electric truck is a viable proposition for many fleet operators. Yet our ambitious targets in the UK are not backed up by the right actions to enable, incentivise and de-risk the shift.

It’s imperative that these actions and policies are put in place to facilitate the journey to net zero, by this government or the next.

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STARTIN TRACTORS

CULVERWELL CARS

DUCKWORTH ISUZU

Stowmarket, Suffolk JEFFRIESOFBACTON-ISUZU.CO.UK 01449 781 131

Robertsbridge, East Sussex CULVERWELL-ISUZU.CO.UK 01580 880 567

Ashby Road, Twycross STARTINTRACTORS-ISUZU.CO.UK 01827 880 088

YORK VAN CENTRE

Station Lane, York YORKVANCENTRE-ISUZU.CO.UK 01904 470 170

London Road, Boston DUCKWORTH.CO.UK/ISUZU 01205 725 700

All fuel consumption and emission values are based on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle which uses real-world driving data. Official fuel economy for the standard Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Low 25.1–27.6 (10.2–11.2). Mid 31.4–36.4 (7.8–9.0). High 36.0–39.4 (7.2–7.8). Extra-High 29.0–30.8 (9.2–9.7). Combined 30.7–33.6 (8.4–9.2). CO2 emissions 220–241 g/km.

Visit Isuzu.co.uk or contact your local Isuzu dealership for more information.